The Joy of Stewardship: Sharing Your Financial Resources with your Parish

by Fr. Robert Aliunzi  |  09/21/2024  |  Weekly Reflection

Dear Friends,

Over the past three weeks, we have emphasized in different ways that, as Christians, we are all called to be good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, which include our time, talent, and treasure. One of the most significant ways we can demonstrate our faith and commitment to our parish, which I want to focus on this week, is specifically by sharing our financial resources. In this article, I want to emphasize three points: the importance of generosity, the benefits of giving, and the practical ways you can share your financial resources with your parish.

But let me begin by asking you, why should you financially give to Your Parish in the first place? First, because our parishes are run like corporations and have bills to pay. To operate, therefore, it needs money, and it has no other sources of income apart from its parishioners. So, your financial support is needed to support, among others, the following four functions:

  1. Our Mission: Your financial contributions enable the parish to fulfill its core mission of spreading the Gospel, of making disciples, and of serving our community.
  2. Our Ministries: Your giving supports our various ministries, such as youth programs, outreach initiatives, and faith formation programs.
  3. Our Staff: Our staff do an incredible job serving you. They need to be paid so that they too can support their families.
  4. Maintaining our Facilities: Your contributions help maintain and improve parish facilities, ensuring a welcoming environment for worship and community activities.

As we generously give our financial support to our parish, be sure you will also receive generous benefits from the Lord, such as:

  1. Spiritual Growth: Generosity fosters a deeper relationship with God, cultivating gratitude, trust, and faith.
  2. Community Building: Sharing resources strengthens bonds within the parish, promoting unity and a sense of belonging.
  3. Joy and Sense of Fulfillment: Giving brings joy and fulfillment.

Knowing you're making a positive impact in the lives of others brings tremendous gratification.

Now, there are practical ways you can give to your parish, which include through:

  1. Regular Offerings: Apart from dropping your offertory in the basket, you can also set up a recurring online donation through your bank or parish online giving platform.
  2. Tithing: Commit to giving a percentage (10%) of your income to your parish, trusting God's provision and guidance.
  3. Special Collections: Contribute to designated collections, such as capital campaigns, our perpetual adoration chapel project, or charitable appeals.
  4. Planned Giving: Consider legacy gifts, like bequests or charitable trusts, to support the parish's long-term mission.

In conclusion, dear friends, sharing your financial resources with your parish as a good steward is an act of worship, trust, and love. By embracing generosity and sharing your resources, you'll experience spiritual growth, contribute to the parish's mission, and foster a sense of community. Remember, giving is a joyful response to God's blessings, and every contribution makes a difference. Soon, we are going to ask you to commit in written, the amount of money you are going to give to the parish on commitment Sunday. Please, prayerfully consider how much you would like to give to your parish. As you do this, may you be inspired to give freely and lovingly, trusting in God's abundance and provision, as we work together to build a vibrant and thriving parish community.

I love you!

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