A message from Father Edlefsen, Pastor


October 1, 2019  

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am happy to send you our parish’s Annual Report for the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 (July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019).  This report is about our mission, which is rooted in Mary’s “yes” to God.  ”And the Word was made flesh” (John 1:14).  Our mission is Jesus Christ.

This report summarizes our work in faith formation, outreach, community building, service and improving our parish’s campus.  No single issue or line-item stands alone.  Everything works together, as the Body of Christ, for the salvation of souls.  As you look through these pages, you will see the story of a flourishing parish.  St. Agnes is a Catholic community growing in the holiness received in the sacraments starting with Baptism.  This holiness must bear fruit on earth and in heaven.  

St. Agnes is home to 2,047 registered households, totaling 5,350 parishioners.  Faith formation, community building, celebrating feast days, evangelization, sacramental preparation and celebrating the sacraments – that is, the life of the Church – are all rooted in parish life.  For example, through six Sodality of Celebrations feast day events, we hosted over 1,200 parishioners and neighbors.  Our Welcome Dinners extended open arms to new parishioners.  Our Parish Picnic, Fish Fry, Hospitality Dinner, Youth Ministry, Pro-Life and Refugee Outreaches have brought people together and touched many lives.  Weekly, our Brother Dennis donations support missions throughout the U.S. and the world.  The story goes on and on. 

I am sincerely grateful to all who contributed to our Capital Campaign, entitled “Restoring our Legacy: A Shining City on a Hill.”  We exceeded $5.2 million in pledges—over three times the previous year’s offertory—and succeeded at a time when many parishes experienced severe financial downturns.  The successful Capital Campaign allowed us to hire Whitener & Jackson General Contractors in July to begin the construction phase of our parish Master Plan. 

St. Agnes is a financially sound parish.  However, we have identified some areas that need improvement.   For example, our total collections were about 3.7% below what we budgeted.  Given the issues in the broader Church and our Capital Campaign, this was not too severe.  However, we need to increase collections to maintain parish operations at current levels.  We kindly ask for your help to increase offertory going forward.  Please know that your contributions help keep our parish mission fruitful, supporting the many ministries and events, as well as outreach to the community.

After reading this report, please reflect on your level of offertory giving to St. Agnes. Prayerfully consider increasing your support. Your offertory commitment supports the daily works of the parish and allows us to effectively allocate resources for our mission. Please consider using our easy and secure online giving program, Faith Direct, found at saintagnes.org under “Online Giving.”

I am grateful for your sacrifices supporting Christ’s mission at St. Agnes!  “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

Yours in Christ and His Mother,

Fr. Frederick Edlefsen