A Message From John Tweddle

Finance Address to the Parish – 28 June 2026

Good morning, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m John Tweddle, and for the past
few years I have chaired the St Joseph’s Parish Finance Committee. Now that this year’s accounts are complete, I would like to share some significant news and outline the challenges facing St Joseph’s.

I first became involved with St Joseph’s finances over 20 years ago, shortly after Fr Neil joined us as Parish Priest. At that time, it is fair to say St Joseph’s was facing a crisis—and so was Fr Neil. Following the recent extension, the parish had a debt of £500,000 and very little money in the bank. I am pleased to report that, thanks to the efforts of parishioners past and present, that debt has now been cleared. We still have a debt of around £30,000, but we hold more than that on deposit with the Diocese. Thanks to the support of current parishioners, we
now have a healthy bank balance.

Our parish hall is a popular venue and, thanks to the small team who manage it, generates a
healthy income of around £1,000 per month. 

However, there are risks. Analysis of offertory income shows that the top 10 donors contribute almost half of the total collection. 

St Joseph’s also needs a dedicated team of parishioners to support Fr Ben, especially as key people are retiring.

Twelve months ago, I gave notice that I would be stepping down as Chair of the Finance
Committee. I am very pleased that John Gibson, who has worked with me on the parish
accounts for several years, has agreed to take over. However, he will need additional support.
You do not need to be a financial expert—just someone with the time, willingness, and
common sense to serve the parish.

St Joseph’s also requires ongoing care and maintenance. During my time, we have spent
more than £120,000 on repair and restoration projects, most recently the Centenary Project to restore, refurbish, and conserve our beautiful stained glass.

There is still much to do. The roof needs attention, and, as you can see, the carpets need replacing. I am no longer able to lead this work, so we need volunteers to manage these
projects and secure the necessary permissions from the Diocese.

Elaine Flanagan has recently announced that she hopes to move later this year or early next
year to be closer to her family in Essex. She will be greatly missed, having served as Parish
Health and Safety Coordinator and Hall Manager, where she manages lettings and liaises with regular users to keep everything running smoothly.

As you know, Bishop Marcus is consulting on the future of our Diocese, together with the
Dioceses of Hallam and Middlesbrough. I do not know what the outcome will be, but one
thing is clear: as the number of Diocesan priests declines, lay people will need to take on a greater role in running parishes. In a few years, there may be only one diocesan priest for every five existing parishes. Keeping St Joseph’s open for Sunday Mass will therefore require a committed team of lay volunteers.

St Joseph’s is well placed to serve the Catholic community in north Harrogate, but it needs
your support and active involvement. If you can help secure its future, please speak with Fr Ben.

Thank you,

John