Why Do We Give?

Why Do We Give?

 

In my column for Christmas week, we reflected on several aspects of our call to be “good stewards” of all that God has given us. Like the gift of Emanuel, God with us, everything we have – even life itself – is a gift from God! The Giver of all good things entrusts these many blessings to us, and the Bible calls us to be good stewards (care takers) – both personally and as parishes – because God’s gifts are meant to benefit others as well as ourselves. That column spoke of being good stewards of our time and of creation, as well as the stewardship of hospitality and sharing the light of Christ – a theme we hear runs through the Epiphany and Baptism of the Lord.

 

Throughout the lives of our parishes, our parishioners also have practiced good stewardship of treasure, even if it hasn’t been called by that name – sharing our food, clothing, and financial resources with our parishes, the wider church, and especially those most in need in our communities and around the world. What a blessing that now both of our parishes can start this new calendar year debt-free and still enjoy our beautiful churches and properties! Now is the time to rededicate ourselves to making bold commitments to the stability of your parish so these gifts can be maintained and multiplied for the next generation. Now that the burden of the St. Mary Parish debt is lifted, we need to refocus our efforts on deferred maintenance, preservation of our properties, and expansion of our ministries to better fulfill our primary mission to make disciples by sharing and celebrating the Good News of Jesus Christ. People pledging their support throughout the year will allow the parish to continue to be a good steward without having to hold special funding drives every time a project arises.

 

For this to happen, your committed, regular parish support is crucial! For almost ten years now, a central way we have encouraged our intentional stewardship of treasure is through our Offertory Pledge Program. Please join other loyal parishioners in completing an Offertory Pledge card for 2025. Spontaneous weekly contributions in the basket at Mass are subject to major fluctuations. Intentional planning of how each of us will support our parish in this new year is the backbone of a robust Offertory Pledge Program, which is among the best practices for parishes today. Offertory Pledge packets provide more guidance – they are available by the church doors.

 

In addition to sharing our time and talents, good financial stewardship should reflect how you live and be proportionate to your current financial ability. As you prayerfully consider your Offertory Pledge commitment, perhaps St. Mary parishioners can afford to add your prior building fund contributions to your Parish Offertory. Like with other charitable pledge programs, you will receive occasional thank you letters that show your progress in fulfilling this pledge. If circumstances change during the year, just contact the parish to change your pledge - we are a compassionate, understanding community.

 

As your pastor, I take seriously my role in making sure our people and our properties are cared for and strengthened during our time together. Thank you for the many ways you help with our shared responsibility to be good stewards of our parishes – for our own sake, and for future generations!