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 September 16, 2007 The Joy of StewardshipFor four years now we have been developing the theme of Stewardship. Through stewardship, we thank God for all our blessings by returning a portion of the time, talent and treasure given to us. In the end everything we have belongs to God and we are simply caretakers who are expected to use these gifts in service to one another. However, our primary focus is on our relationship with God and on our need to give back out of gratitude.This weekend represents a historic moment for our parish ~ our First Annual Stewardship Commitment Process ~ modeled on ones used successfully in other parishes around our diocese and across the country. This will be done in conjunction with homilies and witness talks at our Masses over the next three weeks and a Ministry Fair which will be held in the Parish Center after all Masses on the weekend of September 22 & 23. At the end of the process, each of our 2425 registered households will be asked to complete and return a commitment card reflecting the choices they have made. The timing of this Process has intentionally been made to coincide with that of the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA). Our stewardship is not only about our parish, but must consider the greater church as well as community needs. Shortly you will be receiving materials from Bishop Clark regarding the CMA. Our goal this year is $97,000. As we have outlined in our Parish Vision, Stewardship is a key pillar for our parish. It’s not a gimmick or a campaign. Stewardship is a lifelong process for each one of us. Many other projects of the parish are helpful, but I am absolutely convinced that nothing else we do means as much to our continued health and growth over the years. We are a Stewardship Parish – please join with me in taking a step up in gratitude for all God’s gifts. Peace, Fr. Chuck
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