The Archdiocese of Chicago released its Annual Report in this issue of the Catholic New World. (2009 Annual Report Insert) The report outlines the financial position of the archdiocese in 2009. “In difficult times, the numbers disclose good management of limited resources and continuous review of parishes and programs,” Cardinal George writes in his letter with the report. “The archdiocesan financial situation remains basically strong and steady because donations continue, and those numbers tell a story of great generosity on the part of the Catholics in Cook and Lake counties.” In an effort of transparency, the archdiocese publishes on its Web site (See www.archchicago.org “News and Events”) the full finance audit completed by Deloitte & Touche LLP along with the summary in the Catholic New World, Catolico and Katolik. Audits and reports from the past three years are available online. One of the highlights of this past year’s financial position was a generous response from the faithful through the Annual Appeal. The appeal saw a $2.2 million gross increase over the previous year. At the same time, as a result of the financial crisis, parishes needed more support from the archdiocese. “On the outflow side, although Pastoral Center spending on regular ministerial and pastoral services increased as budgeted, the more than doubling of support to parishes to $33.3 million accounted for the majority of the increase in Pastoral Center expenses,” writes Finance Director Kevin Marzalik in the financial report. “Additional operating and non-cash grants to parishes became necessary as parishes incurred increased operating deficits.” To counter the revenue and expense changes, the archdiocese has developed several initiatives “encouraging good stewardship and financial management” for parishes and agencies, Marzalik writes.