Financial Reports

August 29, 2025

Dear Parishioners,

The finances of St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church and St. Mary's School are managed under the direction and policies of the Diocese of Charleston. All entities within the Diocese are expected to strictly adhere to Diocesan requirements, including the preparation of financial reports. All required reports are then provided for review to the Diocese of Charleston Chief Financial Officer, monthly. At St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church and St. Mary's School, these reports are reviewed by the Parish Business Manager Richard Yarshen, School Principal Mr. Carlos Overstreet, and finally the Pastor, Father Richard Wilson.

In addition, each entity is expected to establish a Finance Council to support the Pastor in managing the entity's finances, provide oversight for compliance on Diocesan financial requirements, and review of the entity's financial statements and reports. The Finance Council is formed by the Pastor from among qualified, experienced members of the parish, and serves for one three-year term, with an optional second term. The Finance Council is a strictly advisory body, serving to support and advise the Pastor; consistent with Canon Law and diocesan policy, the pastor retains ultimate authority over all financial matters affecting both the parish and the school.

At least semi-annually, each entity within the diocese of Charleston is expected to report on its financial condition to its community. Accordingly, St. Mary's publishes the Diocesan financial reports for both the Parish and the School on this website (Giving tab =>Financial Reports). The Pastor or Principal of the School may elect to provide an additional written summary to update the St. Mary's community on significant events, challenges, or accomplishments completed during the reporting period, if necessary. Consistent with Diocesan guidelines, members of the parish community who wish to receive copies or review these reports may do so by contacting the parish business manager, Richard Yarshen at 803.649.4777 Ext. 2.

We thank all members of the St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church and St. Mary's School community for their generous contributions of time, talents, and tithing. These contributions make every ministry within our Catholic community possible.

All the best...in Christ,

Father Wilson
Pastor