NOVEMBER 17, 2024

We are rapidly approaching the end of the liturgical year on the Solemnity of Jesus Christ the King (November 24). The following week begins a brand-new liturgical year with the first Sunday of Advent (December 1). With new beginnings, come great opportunity. Also, with new beginnings, it’s important to look back to see where we’re coming from.

In the coming weeks I am going to release a detailed report on the Together We Build Campaign. This will provide you with clarity and closure on a program that has left some of you distressed, confused, and quite possibly angry. For months, our Director of Operations David Sullivan and I have talked with many parishioners about your questions and concerns. And, we have done a lot of digging and research to address your concerns and ultimately provide you with answers.

We have compiled a report to clearly detail how much money was raised and how it was spent - every dollar of it. Our hope is that in releasing this report, we can bring closure and clarity to a part of our parish history that has been weighing heavily on us all.

I am also going to release a redesigned detailed Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024. Many thanks to David Sullivan, our Director of Operations, for doing extensive research to confirm that every dollar given to this parish has been accounted for in its proper place. And, just as importantly, we want to show you that every dollar spent has been accounted for. The new Annual Report design will provide greater detail for information pertinent to you, the parishioners.

Lastly, I want to assure you that my role as pastor is to be a good steward of your generosity for the greater glory of this parish and the greater glory of God. I love St. Christina Parish and School. Since I began in July, our parish has reinstituted a Finance Council to allow for greater transparency, accountability, and oversight of our spending. We are also nearing completion of forming a Parish Council to develop a unified vision for our parish as we approach our 100th anniversary.

As we begin a new liturgical year, I can assure you things are changing. And, I don’t merely mean the weather! We’re looking forward to Advent and preparing ourselves for Christmas. And we’re also looking forward to better practices in the way our office communicates our finances, our news, and our plans to share Jesus with you.

Being the pastor of St. Christina Parish is, and always has been, my dream job. Be careful what you wish for, as they say! It’s a lot of work. And a lot of stress. But I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else! Honestly, I’ve never been happier! In our nearly five months together, I’ve seen amazing things take shape. With new beginnings, come great opportunity. With God’s grace, our opportunities are endless together! Being your pastor is the greatest privilege of my life. I can’t wait for many more incredible moments together. Please pray for me. And be assured of my daily prayers for you.

Let us pray for each other – Oremus pro invicem!

Fr. Ryan P. Brady
Pastor of St. Christina Parish