Finances

A Message from Fr. Scott:

I am pleased to present the parish’s Annual Report (AR) for July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026 (FY26 – See link below.)

The AR provides you with an overview of parish finances by presenting the Statement of Operating Activity and a review of parish life for this time and the budget for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027 (FY27). Since the Parish Finance Council (PFC) ceased to exist upon Fr. Mark’s death, their names are not included with this report. I am in the process of establishing the new Parish Finance Council. If you have skills in finance, accounting, development, fundraising, facilities, or human resources and would like to join the PFC, please contact me.

Parish Finances: Due to your generosity to the offertory and grand annual collection, good budgeting, and careful control of expenses, the parish’s financial outlook is good.

Fr. Mark’s Illness and Death; A Time of Transition: Fr. Mark Mahoney’s brief illness leading to his death on November 10, 2025, impacted the parish community as it entered a time of remembering, honoring, and celebrating his life and 8+ years as Pastor of the parish, grieving his death, and waiting for the appointment of the next Pastor. During the six-month transitional period that followed Fr. Mark’s death, many parishioners, staff members, and priests stepped up to ensure that fundamental aspects of parish life would continue until the appointment of a new Pastor. I am grateful to all who assisted in maintaining parish life during this time, especially Fr. Kevin Toomey and Bishop Robert Reed, who served as Temporary Administrators of the parish.

A New Pastor with Two Assignments: Near the end of FY26, you learned that Archbishop Henning had appointed me as Pastor of Saint Julia Parish and Episcopal Vicar for the West Region of the Archdiocese of Boston. You know what a Pastor is, but what is an Episcopal Vicar?

What is an Episcopal Vicar? The term “vicar” indicates that the priest acts on behalf of the “episcopus” (Bishop) of the Diocese. An Episcopal Vicar serves as the Bishop’s representative in the area or function assigned to him, effectively acting on behalf of the Bishop in pastoral oversight. In my appointment, the specific part of the Archdiocese which I serve is the West Region, which includes 60 parishes in 40 cities and towns. I report to Archbishop Henning on significant matters, follow his directives, and strive to know his pastoral mind and heart.

Second Priest Assigned: Archbishop Henning also appointed Fr. Giris Azize (Fr. G), whom he ordained a priest on May 16, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, to serve as Parochial Vicar at Saint Julia Parish.

What is a Parochial Vicar? A Parochial Vicar, sometimes known as an Associate Pastor in the past, is a priest assigned to assist the Pastor in the day-to-day ministry of a parish. The term “vicar” indicates that the priest acts on behalf of the Pastor, while “parochial” relates to the parish itself. Typically, newly ordained priests begin their parish ministry as Parochial Vicars to gain experience under the guidance of an experienced Pastor. According to the Code of Canon Law, Parochial Vicars are co-workers with the Pastor, sharing in pastoral ministry under his authority. Given my additional responsibilities as Episcopal Vicar, I am grateful to Archbishop Henning for assigning Fr. G to serve with me.

A Priest in Residence: You also learned that Fr. Paul Soper, Vicar for Clergy in the Archdiocese of Boston, is in residence with Fr. G and me at the rectory. Fr. Paul’s many, varied responsibilities limit his availability to assist the parish, but he may help from time-to-time.