2009 Financial Statement

February 6, 2009

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ: 

As has been my custom at the end of every fiscal year, I report to you, the faithful of Brooklyn and Queens, on the finances of the Central Funds of the Diocese of Brooklyn. The report for the fiscal year which ended August 31, 2009 was prepared by our accounting office under the supervision of the Diocesan Comptroller. The financial report was audited by the firm of Grant Thornton LLP in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America as established by the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants. The report was reviewed and accepted by the Diocesan Finance Council.

In the spirit of Gospel Stewardship, it is my pledge to be fully transparent in the reporting of our income and expenses. Your past and continued generosity permits the Diocese to provide pastoral programs and services beyond the boundaries of individual parishes in Brooklyn and Queens. We are committed to the highest ethical, legal and fiscal standards in the administration of the Diocese.

Please take some time to review the report. Under New York State law, the Diocese of Brooklyn is a corporation separate and distinct from parishes, which are their own separate corporations. The assets and liabilities
of the parishes, and other religious corporations operating within the territory of the Diocese, are not included in this report.

During the year, we allocated $15.2 million to our pastoral services including Faith Formation, Migration services and Seminary education. Diocesan Assistance includes funding for Catholic Charities, scholarships
and direct support to parishes in need. Our administrative costs include the operations of buildings such as the Immaculate Conception Center and our administrative offices. As a result of our most successful Annual Catholic Appeal to date, parishes received nearly $3 million to assist with their local initiatives. The generosity shared with the appeal personifies solidarity and is a testament to the generous ways of the faithful in this great Diocese.

Despite this news, with operational expenses of $36 million, we experienced a loss of $10.2 million. Allow me to assure you that I am endeavoring to do everything possible to cut the deficit during this current year and going forward we have already introduced significant cuts and are exploring other viable options.

The states of the national and local economies have only highlighted the importance of our mission and work. While all face hardship and are affected by this major economic downturn, it is the neediest and most marginalized of our communities that suffer the most. No one is untouched by the effect of this major economic recession. And yet, I know that I can count on the generosity of the faithful as we together face today’s challenges with faith.

With an assurance of my continued remembrance of you and your families in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist, and asking you to remember the Diocese of Brooklyn in yours, I am

Sincerely in Christ, 


Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Ph.D., D.D.
Bishop of Brooklyn