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September 16, 2007
The Joy of Stewardship
For 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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