Money, no matter how much one has there doesn’t seem to be enough to meet the needs of ourselves, family, church and world. Jesus teaches, “Do not be anxious for your life, what you are to eat or drink . . . our heavenly father knows our needs.” It can be a challenge to trust that our needs will be met and that each of us no matter our circumstance has something significant to share. Stewardship of treasure involves reflecting on our financial resources and making a decision to give a portion of what we have received for the work of the parish, the diocese and other charities. We are asked to give from our abundance, in the biblical sense to make a sacrificial gift from the “first fruits of our labor” rather than from what is leftover after our needs our met. Such a gift is an act of faith that can strengthen our understanding that God provides for all our needs.

Reflect On The Question
“How is God inviting me to share my treasure for the work of
the parish, diocese, and personal charities?”

How Much Should I Give?
The Church teaches that giving should be planned, proportional to income, sacrificial, and an expression of thanksgiving. The average cost of operating the parish is $25 per week per active member household. The chart below gives an idea of what the community is giving as a whole for the work of the parish and diocese.