Tullamore Parish

Financial Report 2005

Our financial Report for 2005 highlights a big improvement from the year 2004. Our deficit for the past year was
€9,231.00, compared with a figure of €96,697 for 2004.  Overall Income increased to €691, 411, compared with a sum of €656,411 for 2004.  Expenditure for 2005 was  €700,642, compared with €722,718 for 2004.  The higher figure for 2004 was due to exceptional costs arising from renovations and improvements to the Parochial House, and a once-off contribution to the building of Ballinamere new School.  In 2005 there was also an exceptional cost involved in the painting of Tullamore Church and the installation of a new amplification system.  These costs were partly offset by a grant from the Parish Trust Fund which is dedicated exclusively to the upkeep of the Church. The details of collections and other income are given in the report which is being made available this weekend. Any queries about details in the report should be addressed to Fr. Heaney, who will be available to deal with all queries.

The year 2006 will see the launch of our New Parish Centre Project. Plans for the new Centre on the site of St. Mary’s Hall will be available for inspection shortly, and it is hoped to hold an open Parish meeting to outline the plans.  Clearly this project will place extra demands on Parish Finances for a few years, but we are confident that the support for the project will be generous.

During the year, members of the Parish Pastoral Council spoke at all Masses on the finances of the Parish.  The response to their appeal was very positive, and is reflected in increased contributions to the plate collection, and a large increase in the numbers contributing by Direct Debit.  At the beginning of 2006, we discontinued the practice of collecting envelopes, and invited parishioners to bring their envelopes to Mass.  So far, the collection has not declined, an indication that most people have responded well to the change in the system.

We take this opportunity to thank all parishioners for their support throughout the year.  A special word of thanks to our Envelope Collectors who gave such faithful service over many years.  The fact that we have changed the system does not lessen in any the value of their contribution to the Parish, and we thank them most sincerely