The Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, weathering the aftermath of the sexual abuse crisis, as well as a devastating national recession, reported yesterday that one-third of its parishes were operating at a deficit and that its pension account for priests remained seriously underfunded at the end of the last fiscal year. But archdiocesan officials say the church's long-term financial situation has improved dramatically since Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley arrived in 2003, when the archdiocese was staring at a $15 million annual operating deficit.
The archdiocese cut that gap to $2.3 million in fiscal 2009 and is on track to have a balanced budget by the end of this month, according to the report.
"The challenges are substantial,'' James P. McDonough, the chancellor of the archdiocese, said in a statement.
"The parishes have to increase revenues to fund staffing in order to provide adequate services for parishioners. Our schools must raise tuitions to cover operating expenses and also seek additional financial support to subsidize students from low-income families. Central ministries must achieve a balanced budget and also increase financial support for Cardinal Seán's mission and vision.''
SIC: CTHUSA