2022-23 Parish Annual Report : simplebooklet.com

Our Lady of Grace 2022-23 Parish Annual Report | 32FIRST SACRAMENTS 142 First Holy Communions & First Reconciliations“Our Lady of Grace is vibrantly alive, and it is one of my favorite places to be! Through ministry with young families, I get to witness others grow in relationship with the Lord and each other. In my 11+ years in ministry here, it has been spiritually edifying to walk with children who have intentionally decided to grow their relationship with Jesus by preparing to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Each year looks dierent because the needs of our kids and families change, yet the common thread I have seen over the years is their depth of reverence that I can only describe as awe and wonder. What a blessing it is to witness this growth rsthand! I give thanks and praise to God for the fruit we see in the commitment we share, to make Jesus Christ known and loved.” - Stephanie Lloyd, Director of Faith Formation“Our Lady of Grace has lled our lives with so much joy! We are grateful for the guidance our children have received preparing for their First Sacraments from the leadership, sta, volunteers and fellow parishioners of OLG. Through ministry, our children have strengthened their relationship with Jesus and know the great gift of God’s love. We are truly blessed!” - Kirsten and Brent Frederick, Parents"First Sacraments preparation brought me closer to my faith and a deeper connection to Jesus." - Hank, 2nd GraderDear Our Lady of Grace Parish Community,I’m excited to present to you the Our Lady of Grace 2022-23 Parish Annual Report. I trust it will bring you great memories of our year together, reminding us of the endless ways Jesus acts in our lives, continually inspiring us to expand upon our eorts of making Jesus Christ known and loved. Thank you for taking the time to review this year’s Annual Report.Throughout its history, OLG has not been afraid to lean into its mission, regardless of the seemingly increasing distractions of our world as time goes on. Staying within that proud tradition, Our Lady of Grace expanded its campus this last September with the dedication by Archbishop Hebda of a beautiful addition, resulting from the Advancing Our Mission campaign. As we continue to celebrate OLG School’s 75th year, I’ve been blessed and amazed to witness how our new and remodeled space more fully facilitates and encourages learning, serving, and knowing and loving God and everyone.Thanks to God, our diligent sta and you, our dedicated parishioners, so much happens at OLG! This parish strives to oer opportunities for faith formation and fellowship to everyone—I’m so appreciative of the good work of the Men’s Club, Moms of Grace, Building Amazing Marriages, Young Professionals, Liturgy and Pastoral Care Ministries, and so many other amazing groups here at OLG. Our Lady of Grace has the vibrancy of a big city and the personal touch of a small town, and I feel so incredibly blessed to be a part of it.I hear the Catholic community speak of how OLG positively impacts people beyond its community, and this past year proved to be no dierent. I thoroughly appreciate growing in faith with our sister parishes/schools of Saint Joseph and Our Lady of Grace High School in Ghana and San Maximiliano Kolbe in Honduras, as well as St. John Paul II Catholic School in Minneapolis. Furthermore, in cooperation with the OLG Men’s Club, OLG participates in the Cristo Rey High School Corporate Partner Program. I remain in awe of the constant outpouring of selessness from OLG parishioners in the forms of service, tithing, and prayer, and I pray this cornerstone of OLG continues forever.This year, a primary focus will be to develop and participate in small groups to carry out Archbishop Hebda’s vision to renew the local Church. As he has stated, “I hope every Catholic in our Archdiocese participates in a small group.”Know of my prayers of gratitude for your presence and faith expressed here at Our Lady of Grace.God bless,Father Kevin FinneganPastorWho We AreGrowing in our Catholic Faith10,000+ Parishioners3,500+ HouseholdsSchool Families - 17%Non-School Families - 83%Our Parishioners by AgeSilent Generation (78+)Boomers (59-77)Generation X (43-58)Milennial (27-42)Generation Z (19-26) High School (15-18)Generation A Middle School (11-14) Elementary School (5-10) Preschool & Younger (0-4)UnreportedNew Parishioners3% Increase from FY 21-22CATHOLIC CHURCH & SCHOOLwww.olgparish.org 5071 Eden Ave., Edina, MN 55436 952-929-3317158 Baptisms6%9%5%5%10%21%18%13%5%8%

Page 3

Page 4

Our Lady of Grace 2022-23 Parish Annual Report | 54CONFIRMATION89 Conrmations “It has been truly a blessing and a joy to walk all these years with our middle schoolers at OLG through their preparation for Conrmation and to help them grow in their faith life. As a convert, it deeply moves my heart to witness their commitment at such a young age, follow Jesus as His disciples, and see them participate in the life of the Church. What I enjoy the most about Conrmation is that it involves everyone in our community, showing that the Church is one body (1 Corinthians 12:12). I would like to thank our priests for their leadership, parents for their unconditional support, small group leaders, peer ministers, and volunteers for their prayers and generous commitment. Your “yes” to Jesus has a huge impact in the lives of all our conrmands. We are grateful to the Lord for all of you; may God bless you abundantly!” - Sr. Julieta Del Carpio, PES, Conrmation Coordinator“Throughout my years at OLG, I looked forward to being an 8th grader because of all the special moments such as Conrmation. I am a recent graduate, and I can say that the Sacrament of Conrmation is an exciting and life-changing experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. Ever since getting conrmed, I have been both praying and talking to God more, and my sponsor has been there to guide me through it all. The PES sisters have helped each of us complete our Conrmation, and the process has been awesome because of them. My biggest piece of advice to anyone who is going to be conrmed would be to give their all, because it is worth it!” - Declan, OLG AlumnusPREPARING FOR MARRIAGE33 Couples Married at OLG45 Couples in our Marriage Prep MinistryOLG assists couples preparing to be married by guiding them from the start of the process all the way through their wedding day. The Marriage Preparation Ministry at OLG aims to equip engaged couples with the tools to experience the most enjoyable marriage that God desires for them.“Little did we know that getting married at OLG would only further strengthen the strong sense of community we already felt at OLG! We couldn’t have chosen a better place to get married. Not only is it a beautiful space, but the sta, clergy, and community of OLG were so overwhelmingly generous and kind with all their time, support, and prayers that we felt so calm and stress-free (a true miracle!) about the planning of our wedding! The marriage prep was so thoughtfully and intentionally put together, from connecting with other engaged couples through retreat to forming a friendship with our marriage Mentor Couple. Getting married at OLG meant so much more than just the wedding day—it helped us create a foundation for the rest of our lives, connected us with other faith-lled married couples, and allowed us to more fully embrace this community in Christ.” – Megan and Cole Olson“The Catechism in a Year Small Groups created a vibrant community of over 100 individuals representing 14 parishes, with ages ranging from their 20s to their 90s. Every day, we listen to the Catechism and the teachings of Father Mike Schmitz through his podcast. And then each Monday, we come together to explore the podcast’s content more deeply. To foster a strong sense of community, we start by congregating as a large group before breaking into smaller discussion groups. The Catechism serves as our guide in what we believe, how we worship, and how to live and pray as Catholic Christians. Bonds among our participants have blossomed rapidly, with members expressing their aection for their small groups, and they enjoy the opportunity to connect with others they may have never met otherwise in our larger community. It’s heartwarming to attend Mass and nd friendly, familiar faces from our CIY community.” - Rachel Goetzman, CIY SG Ministry Lead 22 adults, teens and children participated in the Rites of Christian Initiation, or RCIA, this year. RCIA oers a way in which we welcome new members to explore the Catholic faith. Over a series of sessions involving talks and group discussion, those in the process take time to properly discern the exciting possibility of coming into full communion with the Catholic Church through two or more of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Conrmation, and Eucharist.)“As a new family to OLG this past year, it was a beautiful moment to see our son walk into his Catholic faith through Baptism, First Reconciliation and First Communion. The OLG community welcomed us with love and guidance through the preparation of First Sacraments and for that, we will be forever grateful. It was pretty special for us to learn and grow alongside him every step of the way.” - Maren and Sean Homan, Parents of an RCIA ParticipantCATECHISM IN A YEAR (CIY) SMALL GROUPS RITES OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS, TEENS AND CHILDREN

Page 5

Page 6

Our Lady of Grace 2022-23 Parish Annual Report | 76LiturgyA special thank you to the numerous liturgical ministers who served regularly during this scal year. Their dedication to the Mass has brought others closer to Christ in both ways seen and unseen through proclaiming the Scriptures, distributing Holy Communion, ushering and greeting, serving and acting as sacristans, decorating, setting up before Mass and cleaning afterwards, cleaning the vessels, and so much more. They all are what keep things running smoothly!A particular area of growth over this past year has been in the Altar Server Program. It has nearly doubled in size and now has altar server leads. These lead servers have shown a dedication and an understanding of the Mass that allows them to be leaders.We had a 20.6% increase in Mass attendance from the 2021-2022 scal year. We look forward to continuing to grow in attendance this 2023-2024 scal year!Average Weekend Total Mass Attendance: 1,818 Total Attendance at Christmas Masses: 4,004 Total Attendance at Easter Masses: 4,870 Largest Attendance at One Mass: 1,507 (at the Easter 10:15 AM Mass) Number of Active Liturgical Volunteers: 164 • Altar Servers: 42 • Adult Altar Servers: 7 • Sacristans: 18• Lectors: 43 • Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: 54 • Ushers: 28 • Greeters: 18Led by Livestream Coordinator David Kolar, the OLG Livestream Team for parish Masses consisted of a regular roster of six volunteers handling audio, camera operation, video directing, and graphics. Besides the regular Sunday parish Masses (rebroadcast at 12:00 PM on Fox 9+ throughout Minnesota) and school Masses, other highlights included streaming the Dedication Mass (September, 2022), providing a stream of the Je Cavins-led School of Discipleship for the Archdiocesan-wide Synod process (February through March, 2023), and streaming the Widows’ Day of Reection (June, 2023).OLG School Technology Specialist Jackie Gartland directed the school Mass livestreams, run by the 7th Grade class. All 72 of our 7th graders participated and learned the equipment. Students served 306 hours throughout the year.MUSIC MINISTRYWith weekly rehearsals from early September through the end of May, weekly singing at Mass—with some cantors serving double duty at multiple Masses on a weekend—and singing for multiple holiday Masses and feast days, the devotion and commitment of an OLG musician is staggering!Our Lady of Grace oers 12 rotating cantors, Schola Cantorum of 20 voices, a 20-voice Men’s Choir, and smaller ensembles. Noah Quam, Assistant Director of Sacred Music, faithfully leads the Sunday 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM Mass musicians, and, with Christopher Wallace, co-leads and participates in special vocal ensembles throughout the year. Christopher and Noah are also blessed to have many collaborations throughout the year with the school music groups led by the wonderful Deb Skinner, who has served OLG for over 30 years!At the center of all these faithful musicians are two spectacular instruments that provide the color and beauty of accompaniment for every Mass. OLG is fortunate to have one of the nest pipe organs in the Midwest, a 70-rank Austin Organ as well as a coveted Steinway “D” concert grand piano.“Since February of 2006, it has been a privilege to serve with so many gifted cantors-singers-choristers and to foster a love of music making to the Glory of God. I am immensely grateful for this whole community for uplifting, honoring, and valuing the sacred music of the Church.” - Christopher Wallace, Director of Sacred Music and Organist“As a new priest, celebrating Mass at OLG gives me so much hope for the future of the Church. When I look out at our congregation on Sunday and see so many people worshiping God and coming together as a community to participate in the liturgy, it makes me so grateful to be the Parochial Vicar at OLG.” – Father John Utecht, Parochial Vicar“I like to greet and help out at church because I like to welcome all of the people that I have known over the years. I especially like to greet new people, people who might be visiting OLG for the rst time, and I want to make them feel welcome when they come to church.” - Andy Tanghe, OLG Greeter and Usher since 1992Andy arrives at 10:15 AM every Sunday to greet people as they leave the 9:30 AM Mass and those arriving for the 11:30 AM Mass. Thank you for all you do, Andy! You are such an amazing inspiration to us all!GREETER SPOTLIGHT: ANDY TANGHE56 Parish Masses | 34 School Masses | 20 Funerals | 6 Weddings | 13 Ministry-Specic EventsLIVESTREAM

Page 7

Page 8

Our Lady of Grace 2022-23 Parish Annual Report | 98DONUT SUNDAYSDonuts continued to be oered following the 7:30 AM Mass on the second Sunday of each month! OLG served nine dozen donuts each month (that’s 1,296 donuts each year!) through the assistance of six volunteers per event, each serving two hours (144 total volunteer hours per year).The Parish Pastoral Council helped re-launch Donut Sunday following the 9:30 AM Mass as well in April, 2023. OLG served 35 dozen donuts each month to parishioners as they enjoy fellowship and community.“My family enjoys Donut Sundays because it is a beautiful way to come together as a churchcommunity and enjoy each other’s presence. As parents of young children, Sundays can be a bit chaotic and getting that toddler to sit through Mass can feel like a marathon. Donut Sunday provides us the opportunity to slow down after Mass, connect with other families, listen to and encourage one another, and allows our children to build relationships within their church community as well. Our family always looks forward to the second Sunday each month, to fresh donuts and hot coee, and to fellowship with our OLG community.” – Claire Wallin, 9:30 AM Donut Sunday MinistrySUNDAY SCHOOL (age 3 - Kindergarten) during 9:30 AM Sunday MassMIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP – ENCOUNTER6th Grade: 32 Students | 7th Grade: 48 Students | 8th Grade: 40 StudentsMIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP – EXTREMEHIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRYHigh School Students Who Participated: 40 | Volunteers: 7FAITH FORMATION (1st - 5th Grade, including on-site classes and home study)Students Enrolled: 151 | Volunteers: 23 | Number of Classrooms: 12OLG oers an additional middle school youth group called EXTREME! Meeting monthly on Friday evenings in the Frasatti Room, EXTREME provides evenings full of fellowship, games, food, and Jesus.“We have been very blessed each year with the gift of witnessing God’s work in the lives of our OLG middle schoolers at Encounter. Especially this year we have seen the kids come to a place of integration within their small groups. This is the fruit of opening their hearts to God’s transforming and innite love. This is very hopeful as we continue to walk with them in their faith journey, because integration builds community, and community fosters perseverance in the faith. Please keep all the kids and their families at Encounter in your prayers!” - Sister Julieta Del Carpio, PES, Encounter Coordinator“This rst year of having youth ministry back at Our Lady of Grace has been quite fruitful and hopeful. After emerging from the pandemic, we saw a signicant need to reengage our teens in the parish. Not only has there been an overwhelming support from our teens of the parish, but we have also had a handful of teens from other parishes and denominations reach out and ask if they could get involved in the program as they have heard about it. We have a lot of new and exciting opportunities that will be rolling out this year, so stay tuned. Please know that this ability to grow and add more opportunities for our teens would not be possible without your support and prayers!” - Jeremy Bodenschatz, Director of High School Youth Ministry“Prior to attending Edina High School, I attended Our Lady of Grace Catholic School for nine years. Transitioning from an environment where God was the center of everything we did, to an atmosphere where I had to intentionally search for God was a shift. Although I have been able to nd fellow friends of virtue in my new community, OLG Youth Group has given me a home base; a community I know will always be there for me to talk and to pray. Not only are our weekly, Wednesday night Youth Group meetings an absolute BLAST, but they are also a time when I no longer need to search for God, for I always feel and know His presence among my peers. The home base that is OLG Youth Group supports my faith in such a way that I can take my full spiritual cup with me into other areas of my life—and share the love of Jesus with others who may yearn to know Him.” - Maisy James, Junior at Edina High School“I love starting my Sunday mornings with kids who are eager to learn about Jesus, and it lls me with joy to see our Sunday School Leaders engaging kids in Gospel-themed lessons that include hearing stories, play-acting, coloring, and singing songs! A favorite tradition in Sunday School (for kids, parents, and priests alike) are the four Sundays throughout the year when we host ‘Donuts and Fun’. These are joy-inducing days when we invite parents to Cassidy Hall after Mass to hear their children sing songs they’ve learned while enjoying donuts and fellowship with other young families!” - Stephanie Lloyd, Director of Faith FormationChildren Enrolled: 75 | Number of Classrooms: 5 | Catechists: 11 | Music Leader: 1On Wednesday evenings, Our Lady of Grace hallways ll with joy, energy, and excitement as a community within a community gathers to create a place of love and warmth, where kids come together with caring adult leaders to learn about our faith. It is always a blessing to see young people recognize each other, but it is especially gratifying to observe the moment when parents who don’t really know each other realize their kids are in the same local schools! Yes, Wednesday evenings provide a great way for families to connect in a place where we are blessed to share our faith and our lives.Middle School Students Who Participated: 65Volunteers: 3 | High School Student Assistants: 9

Page 9

Page 10

Our Lady of Grace 2022-23 Parish Annual Report | 1110YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (YP) Parishioners Ages 21 - 35Largest Attendance at Holy Hour: 104 Estimated Average Attendance at Holy Hour: 70-80Largest Online Registration for Live at OLG: 130 (consisting of all ages)Attendance at Summer and Fall Kickos: Over 100Fall 2022 Retreat Attendance: 31 (15 men and 16 women)Spring 2023 Retreat Attendance: 27 (11 men and 16 women, including six outside the ages of 21-35)“I have been going to OLG YP events for almost two years now. I remember the very rst event I attended and being truly taken aback by how genuine, welcoming, and kind everyone was to me. Since that rst encounter, I continue to be blessed by the encouragement, strength, and JOY this community brings to my spiritual life. Along with many social meet-ups, there are also several ongoing opportunities to encounter the Lord: the monthly Holy Hour, dynamic speakers, small groups, retreats, service events, and more! At the core, I think what makes the YP community so special is that the mission and those carrying it out are so deeply rooted in a shared love of Jesus, and they truly desire this for everyone. If you come to an event, I promise you will meet people who genuinely want to get to know you. I do!” - Allison Schuth, OLG Parishioner and Young ProfessionalTHE POWER OF SMALL GROUPSOLG is in the implementation stage of the Archdiocesan Synod process. This initiative is here because of the generosity and dedication of many parishioners and sta, as well as many others throughout the diocese, who participated in the Synod Consultation process or represented the parish at the Synod Assembly. This process culminated in the writing of the pastoral letter, You Will Be My Witnesses, by Archbishop Hebda. This letter gives a clear vision to grow the local church through focusing on small groups. This vision can be related to the signicant “upper room” experiences of the apostles: the washing of the feet, the institution of the Eucharist, and Pentecost. These were three life changing experiences for the apostles themselves, and they continue to be three experiences of being called into mission by Jesus Christ.Father Kevin and Father John have called together a group of missionary disciples that form the OLG Synod Evangelization Team (SET). This servant leadership team has received formation through the Catechetical Institute’s School of Discipleship and has been commissioned this summer with bringing the good news of small groups to this community. This rst year, we will be forming small group leaders and growing and expanding adult small group oerings here at OLG. Through this ever-new way of living parish life, smaller communities will comprise the larger parish body. Together, we will gather around the Word of God, learn to pray with and for one another, and encourage one another as we follow Christ together amid our daily lives. When men and women live in authentic community, it is easier to live in faith, and lives are transformed and made new. We pray you will renew your personal relationship with Christ by participating in a small group at OLG, allowing the Holy Spirit to propel you to make Jesus Christ known and loved.Small Group Testimonies: “I’m not a big morning person… But for the past eight months, I’ve been meeting with a group of men after the 6:15 AM Mass at OLG. And it’s been so worth it. During our time we check in on how prayer is going. We connect in our brotherhood. And hold each other accountable to our personal commitments… For example, limiting to two alcoholic drinks at social gatherings or no social media. We also share life updates and prayer requests. Each week, my cup is lled. These men know me. I know them. We’ve seen extreme hurt and abounding joy... I’ve seen a greater intentionality in my life and better prioritize the things most important to me: faith and relationships… If you desire this type of communion, consider becoming part of a smaller community within the OLG family.” - Anonymous“Whatever stage of life you’re in, it is immensely helpful to have people walk alongside you who are experiencing similar milestones, excitements, and challenges. I am very grateful that the women in my small group each bring their authentic selves and are open to sharing about what is going on in their lives and faith journey. Whether by words or simple attendance it is incredibly encouraging to be continuously reminded that there are others out there who prioritize their faith. My time in an OLG small group has opened me up to new resources to fuel my prayer life and oered much needed perspective to stay rooted in what is important.” – Anna Alleven, Young Professionals Small Group LeaderIf you would like to join a small group, please contact Jessica Balzarini, Associate for Discipleship, in the Parish Oce (x9308).BUILDING AMAZING MARRIAGES (BAM)Marriage Enrichment MinistryBAM strives to create a strong culture supporting marriage at OLG with two focuses: marriage enrichment is what couples do in a strong marriage; and marriage isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it. In the 2022-23 scal year, BAM ministered to 263 couples, held ve date night events, one day-long retreat, and four formation series. Plus, BAM hosted 68 couples who attended formation to strengthen their marriages and family life.OLG is proud to partner with the Cana Family Institute, whose mission is to renew culture by forming strong Catholic marriages and families. Consider joining a Cana Small Group today!“Cana provides what I would say is a place of freedom, where families can grow, in what it means to be disciples as Jesus—as individuals, as a couple, as a family. It is a holistic approach to the formation of the human person—mind, body, soul, in the context of fraternity. These are the men that help me be a better man, better husband, and a better father.” – Kory LaCroix, OLG Associate for Mission“We’re made for community. We’re made for relationships, and especially if we look at Jesus as our model during His ministry, He had His friends, He had the apostles to walk with and share in life together. And so, if He had that in His life, I think it’s even more important that we have that. We don’t have to be isolated. We don’t have to be alone.” - Kalley Colling, Cana Small Group Facilitator

Page 11

Page 12

Our Lady of Grace 2022-23 Parish Annual Report | 1312FOOD MINISTRIESOur Lady of Grace feeds those in need with a variety of partners, including Sharing & Caring Hands, Meals on Wheels, Loaves and Fishes, and VEAP. This past scal year, we had: 12 volunteers driving once a month for Meals on Wheels; about 150 pounds of food donated per week to VEAP; between 5 - 8 volunteers preparing and distributing about 300 meals for Loaves and Fishes each month; and about 6 - 8 volunteers serving lunch monthly atSharing & Caring Hands, in addition to the OLG 8th graders who serve there monthly. And let’s not forget the homemade desserts that parishioners bring for funerals!VEAP and Sharing & Caring Hands have both contacted OLG seeking even more help to meet the growing needs of their guests. Thank you for helping us make a sizable impact on hunger in the Twin Cities!SISTER RELATIONSHIPSReaching Out• Abria Pregnancy Resources• American Red Cross• Aurora on France• Cradle of Hope• The Crisis Nursery• Cristo Rey Jesuit High School• English Rose Suites• Every Third Saturday • Feed My Starving Children (through OLG School)• Loaves and Fishes• Mary’s Place• Meals on Wheels• Mount Olivet• Parkshore• Salvation Army• Sharing & Caring Hands• Southwest Options for Women• STEP• VEAP• Vernon Terrace• The WatersOLG’s Giving Trees supported 4 local charity partners and 3 of our sister parishes and schools.In the last scal year, 276 people donated blood at quarterly OLG hosted drives with American Red Cross.“And he said to them, ‘I assure you that as long as you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.’” - Matthew 25:40OUTREACH PARTNERS OF OUR LADY OF GRACE:VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: ANN HAMESOLG’s Sister Schools:• Cristo Rey Jesuit High School (CRJHS) – Minneapolis• St. John Paul II Catholic School (JPII) – Minneapolis• Our Lady of Grace Senior High School (OLAG) – Mamponteng, GhanaBright young minds—in Minneapolis and Ghana—seek out a focused and targeted education that is essential for unlocking a better future. Our faithful support in providing partnership through prayer, scholarships, tutoring, and connection, which breathes life into communities and actively breaks cycles of poverty.Held annually in September, the RISE & SHINE Breakfast supports the educational mission of Our Lady of Grace Senior High School and associated schools in Ghana, Africa. Over the years, the RISE & SHINE Breakfasts have raised almost $3 million in 7 years of this ministry and outreach. It has assisted over 975 students in accessing a world-class education that empowers them to rise into the world and shine brightly. “Caring, focused and targeted education releases all the potentials and talents of individuals and turns the dreams of the young into realities.” - Dr. Agnes Aidoo, Former Vice-Chairperson of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, Visionary and Leader of OLAG“My time at OLG has been incredible, I’ve had the chance to learn new things here as well as being able to help sta with projects and small tasks.” – Brandon, OLG Intern and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Student“There is no shortage of good causes in this world. God put us physically here in Edina and made many of us nancially successful for a reason. It is our responsibility to respond however we can to those in need wherever they are, whether it’s Minneapolis, Ghana, or elsewhere. The children in Minneapolis need our help, and John Paul II and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School are two great examples of this need. These children, whether 10 miles away from OLG or 6000 miles away, deserve our love and support. It is by responding to these causes, wherever they are, we are doing God’s will by sharing the abundance we have received from Him.” - John McNeill, OLG Parishioner“The blessing of this sister relationship ows in both directions. JPII students are as excited about going to visit OLG and connecting with their OLG friends as they are to host them at JPII. Through connection we grow in our love of Jesus Christ and experience opportunities to serve one another, and the greater community, while being His hands & heart in this world. This sisterhood, consisting of relationships, prayer, time, talent and treasure, has blessed all involved in many ways. We are forever thankful for OLG’s expansion of care beyond their walls to help us form future SAINTs at JPII.” - Tricia Menzhuber, Principal of JPII Catholic SchoolOLG’s Sister Parishes: • San Maximiliano Kolbe – Honduras • St. Joseph’s Parish – Mamponteng, Ghana“My primary reason for volunteering is to help make the world a better place. When others are struggling, I try to give them a hand to guide them forward. In the 60’s, my father and mother traveled to several countries and cities and chartered new service clubs. My husband, Richard P. Hames, and I wanted to carry on the Lowell Schmidt family tradition of service to mankind. I hope to continue my outreach in the community for as long as I can.“ – Ann Hames, OLG Parishioner and Servant to the Poor for over 45 Years

Page 13

Page 14

Our Lady of Grace 2022-23 Parish Annual Report | 1514Each week, OLG averages 35 people on its Living Rosary Prayer Network list, with over 65 parishioners regularly praying for those on the list.“It is an honor to be part of the Living Rosary Network. Whenever someone in need contacts the Parish Oce, Beryl Schewe and Jennifer Beutz can oer the comfort and support of daily prayers. More than 65 volunteers pray a decade or more of the Rosary each day for specic prayer needs of our parish community. Our most recent list is typical, having 7 new requests, 3 updates, and 28 people still in need of healing prayer.” - Sue Anderson, Living Rosary Network30 volunteers on average attend the quarterly Pro-Life Ministry meetings.“We are inspired by how our priests and parishioners have responded to OLG’s recharged Pro-Life Ministry! This ministry has brought us into deeper and more frequent prayer for life in all stages, and has strengthened the connection to our parish and other local pro-life organizations. Considering that Minnesota now permits abortion during all nine months of pregnancy, there is great hope yet much work to be done. We invite you to join us in this ministry!” - Judy Hallett and Susan Kleven, Pro-Life MinistryFUNERALSAn average of one funeral per week took place at Our Lady of Grace in the 2022-23 scal year. With those funerals, OLG directly ministered to 135 next-of-kin family members, including children in elementary school, parents who lost a child, and widows from their 40s to their 90s.WIDOWS OF GRACEOver a decade ago, Our Lady of Grace parishioner Cheryl Broich, working with Beryl Schewe, embarked on a journey to support widows. As a result, monthly widow support groups are held at OLG, and women have gathered from over ve states and two continents for OLG’s annual Widows’ Day of Reection, normally held on the third Saturday in June. The annual Widows’ Day brings together widows to support one another in faith to follow the will of God, even through deep loss and grief, come together to be spiritually fed, and bring that grace into our communities. Widows share sorrows, strategies, and support, and they oer the empathy that only they can give to one another, providing a level of understanding that many lost when they lost their spouse.“I appreciate you having this retreat day just for us. I’ve been alone for a few years now and no one understands how hard it is to lose your husband, except other widows.” – Anonymous Widow at OLGAt the 2023 Widows’ Day of Reection, OLG hosted 130 widows and was graciously helped by 10 volunteers. The next Widows’ Day of Reection will be held on June 15, 2024.Each week, 180 adorers spend time with the Holy Eucharist in the beautiful and peaceful Most Holy Trinity Chapel. The Adoration Chapel is open for Adoration over 80 hours a week. Come spend a few minutes quieting your soul before the Eucharistic Lord.Thank you to everyone who prayed for those in the Book of the Sick, provided OLG with special intentions to oer our Masses, and participated in First Saturday Devotions and the Our Lady of Grace Prayer Group.STEPHEN MINISTRYEach week, Stephen Minsters meet and pray with their care receiver, one-on-one, for about an hour. They listen. They encourage. They love. Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide condential Christian support to individuals who are experiencing diculties.“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” - Philippians 4:6Supporting However We CanOLG proudly honors 20 military service members and 1 military academy member in its Military Tribute Book.OLG also oers the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick throughout the year, including at the Anointing Masses.PRO-LIFE MINISTRYLIVING ROSARY PRAYER NETWORKANOINTING OF THE SICKADORATION

Page 15

Page 16

Our Lady of Grace 2022-23 Parish Annual Report | 1716MOMS OF GRACE Over the last year, Moms of Grace has continued to create a more positive, supportive, and welcoming environment for all school and parish moms at OLG who share this time, place, and journey. Together, they attend monthly gatherings and participate in social and service-related activities. With a core membership of over 100 women, but open to all, Moms of Grace is stronger than ever.Fiscal Year 2022-23 Impact Highlights:• Hundreds of sandwiches made for our friends at Sharing & Caring Hands;• Thousands of dollars in donations of new winter gear via Amazon wish list for OLG’s Sister School, St. John Paul II Catholic School, over the Christmas holiday and created an opportunity to advance our sister school scholars at JPII by organizing another successful Book Fair and Read-A-Thon;• $3,000 raised to wine and dine our amazing OLG teachers and recognize their eorts over fall conferences;• Hundreds of cakes baked and donated to support FUNdraising at the OLG School Carnival!MEN’S CLUB The OLG Men’s Club unites the men of Our Lady of Grace to promote spiritual and social interest, and to aid in the charitable work of the parish, school and community. The objectives of the Men’s Club over Fiscal Year 2022-23 have been centered on bringing the parish and surrounding community together. Their objectives were: to create spiritual, social and service opportunities for all men of the parish (if men are engaged at a parish, statistics show the whole family is more likely to be, too); to provide ad-hoc support for the parish and school; to support the growth of our key fundraisers (including the Christmas Tree Lot through marketing, stang, and procurement of additional trees, and the Annual Gala through marketing, sponsorships, and an auction); and nally to increase new member engagement, beginning with Young Professionals and new school dads. The Men’s Club has had several other projects and campaigns over the past scal year aimed at raising funds and providing improvements for both the parish and school as well as our sister relationships. These projects include “Rock the Quad” during Dedication Weekend, being a School Carnival sponsor, providing eld maintenance, a donation to the RISE & SHINE Fund as well as sponsoring one Ghana student’s education for eight semesters, and doing landscaping service projects for the Sisters of Pro Ecclesia Sancta. Fiscal Year 2022-23 Fundraising Highlights:• 381 men paid dues• 2,073 Christmas trees sold plus accessories• Gala fundraising allowed for the completion of the A/V system in the Parish Activity CenterSome of the 2022-23 OLGMC Events:• Summer Social (125 attendees)• Family Fun Night (over 600 hot dogs served)• New School Dad Night (25 new dads attended)• Dedication (300 tickets sold)• MC Fall Kicko (125 attendees)• PES Sisters Service (Irrigation installation)• MC/YP Men’s Faith Night Fireside Chat (65 attendees)• Mini-Retreat (120 attendees)• Gala (390 attendees + 60 virtual)All men of the parish are welcome to become active members!Did you know OLG has a Garden Ministry? We have a group of dedicated folks that truly enjoy the fruits of our labor every single growing season. We could use some help, though! As you walk through the grounds of this very large campus consider where you could add some renewed energy and time. We have some grand plans with planning beginning this winter. It’s a fantastic ministry for all ages—Visit the link on the back cover to volunteer!Thank you to our many other OLG Ministries, including the Arts and Environment Committee, Baptism Liturgy, Hospitality, Knights of Columbus, Knitters Prayer Shawl Circle, Liturgical Linens, Scouts, and Serra Club, for all you do!GARDENING CLUB

Page 17

Page 18

Our Lady of Grace 2022-23 Parish Annual Report | 1918 | Learn more about OLG School at www.olgschool.netOLG SchoolA three-time National Blue-Ribbon School of Excellence, Our Lady of Grace Catholic School has proudly served students since 1949. Thank you to so many of you for choosing to enroll your child at OLG School! OLG prays that your child’s experience is fueled by faith and steeped in academic achievement—OLG’s tradition from the start.The 2022-2023 school year was notable for OLG School. We opened our faith-lled, nurturing preschool program, and our beautiful addition included state-of-the-art middle school classrooms and educational spaces. Under the new administration and with the support of amazing teachers and sta, OLG School better meets the needs of current students while welcoming new children and their families.OLG Parish prayerfully and nancially supports OLG School, so it can further boost its mission of making Jesus Christ known and loved. OLG School oers a faith-based education that fosters a strong sense of community, Catholic values, a commitment to service, and strong 2022-23: 2023-24: Total Students: 815 Total Students: 863 Preschool Students: 110 Preschool Students: 130 K-8 Students: 705 K-8 Students: 733 New Families: 74Strengths of OLG School: 1. Dedicated and highly educated sta 2. The number and quality of resources to support students (Learning Specialists, Literacy Coach, Campus Minister, School Counselor, Math Instructional Coach, Nursing Sta) 3. Highly functioning community support of the schoolOpportunities for Growth: 1. Methods of organizing and documenting as the school grows 2. Care and keeping of large facility with many users3. Desire to establish a culture of virtue and consistent behavior expectationsOLG School was voted the “Best Private School” of the West Metro by Edina Magazine in 2023. ACCREDITATION WITHOUT RESERVATIONOur Lady of Grace Catholic School was awarded “accreditation without reservation” by the Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association (MNSAA) in the spring of 2023. This is the feedback our school received from the accreditation process:character development. The school focuses on academic excellence and personal growth in a supportive, faith-based environment. Students benet from dedicated teachers who integrate faith into the curriculum as well as school activities. OLG School is a beautiful and safe place for children and families to grow closer to Jesus!Dear Friends,Since December of 2002, I have been walking the halls of Our Lady of Grace as Business Administrator, and on December 31, 2023, I will retire from the most rewarding job of my professional career. First, and most importantly, I want to thank God for the grace and the guidance I have received. The last 21 years have been an incredible blessing, and I consider myself very fortunate to have met so many wonderful priests, parishioners, sta, and committed volunteers along the way.Beyond the normal responsibilities of running the business of church and school, I have seen the hand of God in so many ways, very ordinary people doing extraordinary things to make Jesus Christ known and loved. This beautiful community has been available to parishioners who have suered unbelievable personal tragedies and rallied around families to make them aware of a deep and personal love that is mirrored in the love of Jesus.My friends, you are members of an amazing “spiritual home”. This is the place where the most important events in your life will occur. Remember that every one of you has a unique role to play in advancing the mission of this wonderful church, and I am so grateful for the respect and kindness you have shown me over the years. I encourage all of you to continue in your faith journeys. Draw closer to Jesus, the work of the church is far from over, and I have no doubt that Our Lady of Grace will continue to be “the light of the world. A city set on a hill which cannot be hidden”.In closing, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Father Kevin, Father Bob, and to each and every one of you for your love, support, and understandingthroughout my years of service. I am deeply grateful for the privilege of walking this path with you. May God continue to bless Our Lady of Grace, its parishioners, and our community as we move forward in faith.Thank you and may the grace of our Lord be with you all.Deacon Bob Durham Business AdministratorA LETTER FROM OUR BUSINESS ADMINISTRATORServing Our Community for 21 Years

Page 19

Page 20

Our Lady of Grace 2022-23 Parish Annual Report | 2120Financial Report, FY 22-23Ordinary Income - General Operations FY 23-24 Budget FY 22-23 Actual** FY 21-22 Actual Total General Operations $ 3,284,671.95 3,363,651.56 3,341,612.65 Total Hospitality (Food Service) $ 402,053.04 - - Total Rectory $ 21,500.00 21,250.00 19,500.00 Total Parish Outreach $ 30,240.00 26,793.41 23,860.00 Total Youth Formation $ 43,850.42 26,177.94 22,536.47 Total Sacramental Preparation $ 25,035.00 14,829.41 14,654.45 Total Elementary School $ 5,833,289.04 5,679,796.39 4,864,823.20 Total Preschool $ 1,730,201.98 1,226,733.50 - Total Childcare $ 430,997.21 442,990.48 317,213.05 Total Athletics $ 64,999.93 65,790.00 53,044.60 Total “ORDINARY” Income $ 11,866,838.57 10,868,012.69 8,657,244.42 Ordinary Expense - General Operations FY 23-24 Budget FY 22-23 Actual FY 21-22 Actual Total General Operations $ 5,500.00 4,617.67 317.33 Total Business Oce $ 1,529,644.51 1,239,901.47 1,187,433.61 Total Hospitality (Food Service) $ 289,340.01 - - Total Grounds/Plant $ 1,176,153.27 1,074,826.21 751,953.13 Total Rectory Building $ 29,360.02 28,698.78 26,663.79 Total Liturgy $ 178,601.76 154,012.16 129,308.88 Total Music $ 129,478.25 119,063.16 120,839.10 Total Clergy Services $ 188,933.98 199,680.41 183,511.63 Total Pastoral Care $ 182,214.13 179,075.08 149,570.08 Total Parish Outreach $ 85,707.86 102,393.13 50,386.14 Total Social Justice $ 207,269.52 66,970.74 41,860.94 Total Youth Formation $ 316,580.53 298,060.39 273,192.26 Total Youth Ministry $ 121,463.00 118,900.63 51,650.35 Total Sacramental Prep $ 41,869.99 31,747.15 28,892.48 Total Adult Formation $ 235,309.30 226,184.75 186,630.43 Total Elementary School $ 5,723,690.52 5,605,787.02 4,767,903.85 Total Preschool $ 1,012,442.02 811,098.93 64,710.48 Total Childcare $ 273,545.02 261,639.20 210,308.83 Total Athletics $ 45,000.01 29,968.71 19,283.74 Total “ORDINARY” Expense $ 11,772,103.70 10,552,625.59 8,244,417.05 NET: ORDINARY Income / (Loss) $ 94,734.87 315,387.10 412,827.37 OTHER Income / Expense FY 23-24 Budget FY 22-23 Actual FY 21-22 Actual Total Other Income $ - 2,854,250.80 4,149,486.29 Total Other Expense $ - 6,137,235.03 14,114,168.31 TOTAL OTHER Income / (Loss) $ - (3,282,984.23) (9,964,682.02) NET Income / Loss $ 94,734.87 (2,967,597.13) (9,551,854.64) ** FY 22-23 Results are preliminary as Our Lady of Grace is performing a Agreed Upon Procedures review through Clifton Larson Allen. We do not believe there will be any signicant changes to these numbers as a result of this review. Dear Friends,The nancial results for Our Lady of Grace for scal year 2022-23, which ended June 30, 2023, as well as the results for scal year 2021-22 and the budget for scal year 2023-24 are on the following pages. In September of 2022, Our Lady of Grace formally dedicated a beautiful new building to our campus that contains additional middle school classrooms, school administration oces, the rst gymnasium and performing arts center ever built for the parish and school, a state-of-the-art preschool, and the construction of a new professional commercial kitchen and a remodel of the old gymnasium into a cafeteria. Dedication Weekend was very well attended by parishioners and the larger community, and the most common comments were how beautiful the new building complimented the existing campus. As a result of the hard work of so many people, our school has been very successful in terms of enrollment with our new preschool near capacity and our K-8 school having strong enrollment, with our Kindergarten class having a fourth section for the second straight year in 2023-24. Finally, we are seeing more parishioners returning to Mass and getting involved in many of our ministries. Our mission of making Jesus Christ known and loved is truly being felt across the metro area, the country, and the world.Financially, scal year 2023 was a good year for the parish, ending with a net “Ordinary Income” surplus of $315K. This was better than our budget but down slightly from the previous scal year’s results. The “Ordinary Income” results reect how we manage our day-to-day operations. At a summary level, the revenues collected from all ministries were 25.5% better than the previous year’s results. This improvement came primarily through increased K through 8th Grade school enrollment, the opening of the new preschool, and an increase in collections revenues. Collections experienced a 4.1% increase over budgeted collections and 1.0% increase over the previous year’s collections. Collection revenue is critical to the funding of our ministries and pays for the day-to-day operating expenses of the parish. We are blessed by your generosity.In addition to a surplus in the day-to-day, “Ordinary” nancial performance of the parish and school, we experienced a “Net Loss” after “Other Income and Expenses”, and this shortfall was expected. “Other Income and Expense” includes gains and losses on our parish investment accounts held at Catholic Community Foundation (see Endowment Page for additional details), any special gifts we received over the course of the scal year, and the costs associated with the Advancing Our Mission (AOM) building campaign. In previous years, we reported a “surplus” in our “Other Income and Expense” accounts as we collected campaign pledges prior to spending the funds for the construction of the new building(s). In scal year 2023, we completed the construction of our new building and new kitchen and cafeteria, paying just under $6 million towards these projects.We continue to spend considerable time and energy growing our three endowments (Parish, School, and Cassidy). The endowments are very important to the long-term nancial future of our parish and school. We were blessed to receive nancial gifts that went directly into the endowment funds at Catholic Community Foundation (CCF), and the investment markets performed well, contributing to the growth of our endowment account balances.In closing, we remain committed to operating the nances of our parish in a balanced way to maintain your trust. We ask you to recommit yourselves to this beautiful faith community as well. Please prayerfully consider making a new nancial commitment or increasing your nancial commitment to allow us to continue building a bright, Christ-lled future for Our Lady of Grace and for all those we serve. Please help us continue to live our parish mission: “Making Jesus Christ Known and Loved.” We depend on your committed nancial support. Your brother in Christ, In Christ’s Love, Je Hansen Deacon Bob Durham Finance Council Chair Business Administrator

Page 21

Page 22

Our Lady of Grace 2022-23 Parish Annual Report | 2322Stewardship as a Way of LifePlease know of our sincerest gratitude for your seless tithing to Our Lady of Grace. With your continued generosity, we can do even more extraordinary work in our community and beyond to fulll the mission of making Jesus Christ known and loved.ENSURING OUR TRADITIONSFOR FUTURE GENERATIONSWe have three permanent endowment options for ensuring our mission will continue to benet from all we have created throughout the history of our great parish. The combined market value on June 30, 2023, was $6,689,788. The parish endowments are “beneciary,” and permanently held and invested with the Catholic Community Foundation (CCF) in the United States. Created in 1992 as a legal entity, the Foundation operates independently. Our endowment funds are professionally invested and protected from any liabilities of the parish, the Archdiocese, and all other Catholic entities.Advancing Our Mission (AOM) UpdateWe are grateful to our parish community for all the generosity and support to our Advancing Our Mission campaign. As we enter the wind down phase of our redemption process, we currently are less than 1% short of our pledge goal of $27,500,000. These pledges are represented by 1,095 households. Regarding our actual pledge redemption, we’ve received pledge payments of 99.5% from those who made a pledge. Our current redemption is at $25,406,107 or 92.4%. We are condent that we will continue to receive pledge payment gifts to successfully complete this awesome work as we make Jesus Christ known and loved. “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” - Matthew 25:23Society members are those who have made a signicant gift to the Our Lady of Grace (OLG) Endowment Funds at or above $5,000. Members may also be those who have made a written disclosure of a planned or estate gift to the endowments (i.e. cash, stock, real estate, life insurance proceeds, gift annuities, personal endowment or foundation distribution.) There are currently 96 members in our Endowment Heritage Society and more than 700 contributors to one or more of the OLG Endowment Funds.For more information on becoming a member of the OLG Endowment Heritage Society, contact Director of Advancement Jon Cassady, joncassady@olgparish.org or 952-999-9054. Any personal information shared is condential.THE OUR LADY OF GRACE ENDOWMENT HERITAGE SOCIETY FY 2022-23 FY 2021-22Beginning Balance $ 1,412,692.75 1,534,792.01 Transfers $ - - Deposits $ 65,460.10 41,330.54 Grants $ (49,400.00) (43,800.00)Fees $ (5,933.79) (5,989.90)Gain/(Loss)-Market $ 136,808.81 (113,639.90)Ending Balance $ 1,559,627.87 1,412,692.75 Beginning Balance $ 4,167,801.55 4,607,159.97 Transfers $ - - Deposits $ 59,141.48 60,056.18 Grants $ (156,600.00) (144,200.00)Fees $ (17,331.38) (17,919.93)Gain/(Loss)-Market $ 400,479.72 (337,194.59)Ending Balance $ 4,453,491.37 4,167,901.63 Beginning Balance $ 594,257.77 614,345.78 Transfers $ - - Deposits $ 47,612.05 46,074.87 Grants $ (20,000.00) (18,100.00)Fees $ (2,506.12) (2,398.84)Gain/(Loss)-Market $ 57,304.67 (45,663.04)Ending Balance $ 676,668.37 594,258.77 The Our Lady of Grace Parish Endowment FundThis fund exclusively benets the parish and its religious, charitable, and educational programsThe Our Lady of Grace Catholic School Endowment FundCreated exclusively to benet the school’s mission, programs, and operation, this fund ensures the school will remain viable for future generationsThe Father Robert C. Cassidy Scholarship Endowment FundFor those in need of nancial aid to attend Our Lady of Grace School, this fund is available.$1 - $99.00 $100.00 – $250.00 – $500.00 – $750.00 – $1,000.00 – $2,500.00 - $5,000.00 - $10,000.00 $249.99 $499.99 $749.99 $999.99 $2,499.99 $4,999.99 $9,999.99 and aboveFY 2020-2021 (1,748 Donors)FY 2021-2022 (1,849 Donors)FY 2022-2023 (1,968 Donors)We were very grateful to the 62 unsolicited donations/gifts during the 2022-2023 scal year given through livestream. This contributed $11,095 towards our Stewardship Sunday collections.“A key part of stewardship is recognizing our accountability for making Jesus known and loved in our community. I’ve beneted greatly from the stewardship of others and those opportunities that have been created in this parish and the future of it. It’s inspired me to lean into a few areas myself and with my family to return some of our gifts and blessings back to God. It’s a sacrice I see as a way to gift the future of our parish and the future of our kids here as well.” - Meghan and Thomas Hodgdon, Parishioners and OLG Endowment Heritage Society MembersSTEWARDSHIP COLLECTIONSby number of donors in each range of gift30528223530125427523524723722720221988 9086502477444170166142918575494635

Page 23

2022-23 Parish Annual Report

Page 1

Page 2