Dear Parishioners and Partners in Mission,

It is with a deep sense of gratitude to you and to God that I present the financial report for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year.

As many of you know, last academic year was a difficult time of transition in our community. In accordance with our mission expressed by the Diocese of San Jose and the Stanford Office of Religious and Spiritual Life to be focused on the needs of the Stanford students, faculty and staff, last year CC@S renewed its focus on university ministry – in particular, the spiritual care of Stanford students. This reorientation and renewal was tough for many Permanent Community members who had been a part of the Catholic Community for many years, and led to many of them sadly leaving the community. Many of those leaving had been very generous in their support of the Catholic Community in the past, which translated to a 25% decrease in donations last year from the year prior. Thankfully, our investment performed extraordinarily well last year so we were able to weather the storm.

The Good news is, we have seen a remarkable response from our students to our renewed Campus Ministry focus. Here’s how we see God’s hand:

There has been a beautiful renewal of our liturgical life as students continue to find a vibrant Catholic worshipping community at Memorial Church. On-campus outreach and community building have been the focus of our student and staff leadership efforts. It has been noted by long-term members of the Catholic Community that there is more student participation and enthusiasm than at any other time in recent years. Sunday Mass attendance is substantially the same as last year, but this year a greater percentage of the congregation is students. Daily Mass attendance has increased as has participation in our daily holy hour and twice-weekly opportunities for adoration and confession. Student leadership has enthusiastically planned for more fellowship opportunities, prayer opportunities and this coming year, we will offer two spring break trip opportunities. This is what the students have been asking for.

Here’s how you can be a part of it:

The increase in student programming of course presents an increase in expenses – resources well-spent. While we encourage our students to contribute as a spiritual discipline of their faith, we are aware that they do not have the resources of traditional parishioners. We hope we can count on you, our Stanford alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends who wish to partner with us in this unique mission. The Stanford Catholic ministry exists because faithful partners choose to sustain it.

We are extremely grateful for those who are long term donors, especially for those who have increased their giving to help us persevere through last year. Be assured that the students are also grateful for your partnership in creating a growing and exciting campus ministry at Stanford. I don’t have to underscore with you how vital tomorrow’s leaders are to the health and wellness of our world. YOU are helping raise the next leaders.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out at frbart@stanford.edu.

Peace and Blessings,

Fr. Bart Hutcherson, OP