As our pastorate continues to evolve and grow, there have been changes, and with that, many questions. In this Pastorate Transparency series, we will aim to provide information and clarity for these questions over the next several weeks. For additional questions regarding finances, please contact Business Manager Tonya Meaney at 605-996-3639 ext 9 or
Why are we asking for an increase in giving?
- Offertory shortfall last year: Offertory collections were below budget by $50,000 for Holy Family and $20,000 for Holy Spirit.
- Overall increase in goods & services: As we are seeing a general increase in the cost of goods and services year-to-year, we haven’t seen the same increase reflected in regular giving.
Are there major projects in the budget?
Due to the offertory shortfall last year, no major projects or improvements (above $10,000) were included in this year’s budget. The staff and finance councils were mindful in keeping expenses and budget requests to a minimum.
What are the major expenses?
2025-2026 fiscal year
What percentage of parishioners give?
Holy Family: 61% & Holy Spirit: 72% of registered households had a recorded gift last fiscal year (2024-2025).
Do we rely on the generosity of a few families?
A small percentage of families are extremely generous to our parishes. However, we do rely on and need the gifts of all parishioners to meet our financial needs.
Will my small gift even make a difference?
Yes! Even a small gift makes an impact.
If only 25% of households increased their weekly gift by $10, our offering income would increase by nearly $50,000 for Holy Spirit and $125,000 for Holy Family.
As our pastorate continues to evolve and grow, there have been changes, and with that, many valid questions. In this Pastorate Transparency series, we will aim to provide information and clarity for many of these questions over the next several weeks!
How many staff members do we have?
Have we hired more staff recently?
Why have we added these positions?
- Organizational Structure: Previously, the pastor directly oversaw all 10-15 employees of the parishes. This simply wasn’t feasible for the pastor to provide oversight, support, and guidance to each of these individuals and all the councils, as well as perform his pastoral ministry. Now with a Business Manager, Facilities Manager, and Discipleship & Evangelization team, there are managers in place to support the employees in their department, providing greater support and morale among staff, as well as serve as liaison to the pastorate councils.
- Diocesan Directive: This was a directive of Set Ablaze in order to support our priests and create thriving parishes among a priest shortage.
- Growth: Our pastorate has seen fruitful growth in several areas:
- New parishioners, which increases sacraments needed
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New ministries such as Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Semper, Spanish OCIA, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Men/Women’s groups, Sacristans/Liturgical leads and more (while many ministries are led by volunteers, staff still need to be available to provide the administrative & facility support)
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Record enrollment in OCIA & “special Sacrament groups” (children who need baptism/first communion/confirmation outside of the traditional timeframe)
The 2025 Pastorate Annual Report for Holy Family Catholic Church, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and St. John Paul II Elementary School in Mitchell, SD is now available!
We encourage all parishioners to read through the report for information on the Set Ablaze process, financial reports, ministry updates, and events highlights.
All parshioners are invited to the State of the Pastorate Presentation on Sunday, September 21 at 2 PM at Holy Family to hear more and for an opportunity to ask questions about the report or presentation.
Mrs. Valerie Johnson will again be offering beginner piano lessons for Holy Family and Holy Spirit parishioners and students/families of St. John Paul II school.
There is no set fee for lessons, but we ask families to consider a donation to the church for piano and equipment maintenance.
Note: Second and third grade students at St. John Paul II school will receive lessons as part of their daily curriculum and do not need to register.
To register, fill out the attached form, and email to
Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, two sisters from the Pro Ecclesia Sancta order will join the Faith Formation team at Sacred Heart Pastorate in Mitchell.
Sr. Lynn and Sr. Maria Fe will spend approximately four days a week in Mitchell assisting the PES brothers with grades 7-12 Faith Formation, St. John Paul II School, Semper, and other discipleship and evangelism efforts.
During their days in Mitchell, the sisters will reside at the Holy Family rectory. Fr. Yamato, who is currently at the Holy Family rectory, will move permanently into the PES Formation House on Ash Avenue with the brothers and Fr. Juan Carlos. When the sisters are not in Mitchell, they will be back in Sioux Falls.
Please continue to pray for our pastorate and the Pro Ecclesia Sancta order during this time of growth and transition.
For more information about the Sisters of Pro Ecclesia Sancta, visit https://www.pes-usa.org/sisters.
Photo courtesy of Pro Ecclesia Sancta.