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STEWARDSHIP  “Each of you has received a special grace, so, like good stewards responsible for all these varied graces from God, put it at the service of others” Sacrificial Living “Sacrificial Living” aptly describes the commitments we have made to be followers of Christ by sharing Time, Talent and Treasure. It is a lifestyle that places God in the middle of our lives, living as God intended for us as Disciples and Stewards. It is also a conversion of faith that changes the way we live when we recognize and truly believe that all we have is a gift from God. In this spirit, we use our gifts to build up the Body of Christ here in our community and in the world. “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me...” (John 14:21) How the Program Works When parishioners first join the parish, and once a year thereafter, our pastor calls the parish family to a new or renewed commitment to planned and proportionate giving for the support of the parish and for the world’s poor. We make a prayerful decision when we commit to support our parish by sharing Time, Talent and Treasure. This is reinforced weekly when we use our Sacrificial Giving Envelope but it is meant to be more than simply filling the collection plate. “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.” (Hebrews 13:16) Time We become involved where and when we can by assisting with liturgical ministries, social and recreational events, religious education, community building and social outreach ministries of our parish. Time is a gift as precious as any other and just as essential to building the Body of Christ. The commitment of time need not be open ended, but, may be for a fixed period to assist in a specific project. What is important is that we realize the Lord asks us to give graciously of ourselves for the good of others and that we seek opportunities to do so. If there’s a ministry we don’t have, we invite you to start it. Talent Our talents are based on the Spiritual Gifts, which are given to our community in abundance. Through our many parish ministries, we share our gifts in serving and helping, or in hospitality, music, prayer and teaching, or as administrators and organizers. We take time to discover the talents we have, develop those talents, and use them for the benefit of others. Treasure We share treasure through our participation in the Sacrificial Giving Program. Sacrificial Giving is based on these principles: - In thanksgiving to the Lord we return a portion of everything He has given to us; - Our return gift to the Lord should entail some sacrifice; - Our gift should be planned and proportionate-a fixed percentage of our income and the first fruits of our labor-not the last. The Old Testament proportion was the tithe 10%. In the Sacrificial Giving Program, the guideline is 5% to the parish and 5% to the poor. - Our offering should be made cheerfully and in faith, knowing God cannot be outdone in His generosity and will take care of our needs. The emphasis is not on “how much” to give back but rather on making a prayerful decision. Giving a percentage of our income ensures a consistent way of providing support of church and charity as incomes increase or decrease. Sacrificial Giving is based on our need to give, as Jesus taught, in response to the many blessings we have received from our Heavenly Father. |