As we begin the new calendar year, please accept my best wishes for a prayerful and peaceful 2007 for you and your loved ones.

At this time, I encourage you to read this four-page supplement to The Tablet. It contains the financial report of the Central Funds of the Diocese of Brooklyn for the fiscal year that ended August 31, 2006. The auditing firm of Grant Thornton LLP prepared the report, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States as established by the Auditing Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

The publication of an annual financial report is an important practice, one that is longstanding in our Diocese. Providing the information that appears here enables us to continue our commitment to apprise the faithful of the efforts made to ensure proper stewardship of the funds so generously contributed by you, and those who came before you over many generations, for the works of the Church here in Brooklyn and Queens.

You will see in the report that the Diocese of Brooklyn is encountering fiscal pressures as we respond to serious needs---parishes with operating deficits and diocesan programs and services that range from faith formation and elementary education to social services and training of future clergy. In the recent fiscal year, the change in net assets showed a decrease of more than $8 million, or a deficit of that amount. We are making efforts in the coming year to maintain a balanced budget.

I am most appreciative of the support you give to our Annual Catholic Appeal, enabling the Diocese to underwrite many of the costs of vital programs that we deem necessary if we are to proclaim God’s Word in this portion of His Kingdom. In partnership with you, we can accomplish much.

As we continue to strive to serve the Church in Brooklyn and Queens, please accept my gratitude for all you do to ease our financial burden. I pray that you will continue your tradition of generosity.

Asking our Lord to sustain us as we follow the Gospel mandate to serve His people who seek our assistance, and with an assurance of my constant remembrance of you and your families in my prayers, I am 

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Ph.D., D.D.

Bishop of Brooklyn