Accountability Report
Accountability Report
Bishop's Message
Realizing our blessings, looking ahead in faith
My Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I am pleased to present
in this special supplement
to the Catholic Spirit the
annual accountability report,
which covers the fi scal year
ending June 30, 2008, for the
Diocese of Austin. This report
includes fi nancial information
for the central administrative
offices of the diocese, as
well as summaries of our 127
parishes’ finances and the
special collections that we use
to support the work of the
church locally, nationally and
universally.
For many of us, the Our Faith
~ Our Legacy campaign and
renewal program became an
opportunity to realize how
much God has blessed us in
our lives and to refl ect on how
we are responding to those
gifts from God. The campaign
has allowed our local church,
the diocese and our parishes, to
strengthen existing programs
and provide more services
and benefi ts for our Catholic
families in Central Texas. We
have included a summary of
the activities to date in this report.
In 2008, hundreds of Catholics in Central Texas were involved in developing a new pastoral plan to lead
us for the next fi ve years. The plan is grounded in the call to conversion to Christ and to see ourselves
not as individuals but as members of something larger –– the Catholic Church in Central Texas. The
plan begins with a vision that calls us to strengthen our Christ-centered parishes by focusing on the
call to conversion and the creation of welcoming parishes and ministries that strengthen families,
invite young adults and youth and develop leaders for our local church. All of our planning, however,
would bear little fruit without the generosity and true charity of so many people in our diocese.
As a result of our planning efforts, we are called to be holy families, not just today but throughout our
lives. So I have proclaimed 2009 the “Year of the Family” in our diocese. This is a time of celebration,
refl ection and formation as we prepare ourselves to meet the challenges of Catholic family life in
the 21st century.
Finally, I have received many inquiries from Catholics throughout our diocese about the impact of the
current economic situation on our diocese and parishes and schools. We are taking steps to respond
to these conditions. I pledge to you that I will be a good steward of the resources you entrust to my
care as the bishop of this diocese. For example, funds collected for the Our Faith ~ Our Legacy
campaign and renewal program were invested wisely and will be available for uses as outlined in the
campaign case statement.
It is important to remember that the Catholic Church has flourished for hundreds of years, even
through some very diffi cult times. Some of the greatest churches were built at times when economic
situations were not as favorable. No one knows what the economy will do in the months ahead;
however, the Catholic faithful seem to always respond in times of great need.
The challenges are daunting at times, but I am constantly reminded that God is faithful. He promises
to walk with us and to provide what we need to continue his work. I am thankful for all who have
heeded that promise and listen to God’s call to use their gifts and talents to foster his kingdom in
Central Texas. Our faith is a precious gift from God, and what we do in response to that gift is the
legacy by which each one of us will be remembered.
In thanksgiving for your generosity and faithfulness,
I remain
Gratefully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond
Bishop of Austin