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 Dear Parishioners:
All the important things in life need
to be revitalized on a regular basis. Easter gives us the
opportunity to renew our baptismal vows. Wedding
anniversaries give us the opportunity to renew our
commitments to our spouse and to our families. Birthdays
give us the opportunity to celebrate another year. During
the Christmas season we can renew the birth of Christ in our
lives. These renewals are times of celebration.
Stewardship is nothing new to this
parish and yet it too requires constant renewal. We are
called to be stewards of this world, to take care of it,
preserve it and pass it on to our children. In the same way,
God has entrusted St. Mary’s to all of us to take care of
it, nurture it and pass it on to our children as it was
passed on to all of us for almost 150 years. Moreover, we
are called along the way to help one another to grow,
nurture and support each other.
We are all blessed by God in different
ways. All that we have is a gift from God. Stewardship is a
process by which I make a planned gift to my community—not
from what is left over—but from my first fruits as the Bible
says. We don’t want to give our leftovers—but the best to
God and each other. God only asks that we return a grateful
portion of our time, talent and treasure to those around us.
Let us always remember that God is never out done in
generosity.
All I ask is that you prayerfully
consider our stewardship drive and ask yourself—“What can I
do to help?” Remember stewardship is not just sharing our
treasure (which is important) but also sharing our talents
and time with our brothers and sisters. Imagine Midnight
Mass on Christmas Eve, it is cold outside, but nice and warm
inside as you enjoy the beautiful music from the choir and
the beautiful decorations. All of this is possible because
people shared their time and voices with us. Imagine an
elderly person who cannot leave their home, but a smile
comes to his/her face because a friend from church has
stopped by for a visit to bring Communion and a smile.
Imagine a family who has just laid a loved one to rest then
gathers with friends to share a meal prepared for them by
their parish family. All these things are possible because
people have stepped forward and said “I want to help—I have
something to share!” I am asking that you make or renew your
commitment to daily live out your relationship with God in a
specific way of prayer or service to our Parish family.
Please read over your
Stewardship card and prayerfully ask yourself in what
ways you would like to help. Bring your signed card to
church and drop it in the offertory basket or by the parish
office during the week.
Blessings to all of you for your
continued generosity.
Fr. James A. Walther, OMV
Pastor
Click here for a list of
stewardship possibilities.
Download
Stewardship Card PDF
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