Now that's not true. As of last weekend, our parish's mortgage total is only $4,684,000.

That's not pocket change, and to describe it by using the word "only" may be a stretch. But progress is progress.

This progress originated in two main sources: special debt reduction donations and the use by many parishioners of the regular debt reduction envelopes. The two have generated over $90,000.

In addition to debt reduction, our overall parish budgetary picture is also rather positive. We are ahead of our projected offertory collection totals, our cash position is much improved, we are controlling our expenses, and have made considerable progress in paying off old/overdue bills.

This improvement in our parish financial picture is all the more striking against the background of the national/global financial crisis which is impacting so many folks right here at OLG.

Much, much gratitude is due all those who have gone the extra mile in their financial support for the parish. This includes not only those who have increased their giving in the past 10 months or so, but also those whose household income has decreased but who are still making their financial support of the parish a priority. Thanks to all!

Of course, I wouldn't be a pastor if I didn't worry about money. We're not out of the woods by any means. Summer is here, and summer traditionally brings a drop in income. So as I offer my gratitude, I also offer an invitation (or a challenge, depending on how you look at it): Please make a conscious effort to support the parish financially this summer. Even when you are not here, we still have bills to pay. (If you want to interpret this as a plug for the Faith Direct program, be my guest! And see the Faith Direct notice elsewhere in this bulletin.)

Now, to completely shift gears: One of our young parishioners, Charlie Cummings, has embarked upon his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project. I am very impressed with the plan that Charlie has put together, and the work that he is doing. On another page in today's bulletin, you'll see a description of Charlie's project and an appeal for various kinds of support. I invite OLG parishioners to support Charlie's project. You'll be part of something really good.