From Dr. Charles E. Zech, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics Villanova University
Author of Why Catholics Don’t Give

Dear Don,

When we first began working together, shortly after the publication of Why Catholics Don’t Give, I recall being amazed that a company existed that was already helping parishes to implement almost everything that I suggested in my book.

As you know, my research has overwhelmingly shown that emphasizing stewardship on the parish level is by far the most effective way to increase contributions. Indeed, that was the major conclusion of several years of research into religious giving habits. I believe that your firm, Catholic Stewardship Consultants, provides the most comprehensive package of services to put my research into action.

As you and I told attendees at your workshops in Atlanta, Miami, and Boston, the best approach to building stewardship is to offer a blend of high-quality communication, such as your parish newsletters and other printed materials, coupled with from-the-pulpit teaching about time, talent, and treasure. My research generated solid data about the efficacy of such year-round communication efforts. A consistent message definitely works best.

I realize you sometimes encounter objections from pastor show find your services to be costly. As an economist, I know that over time, stewardship more than pays for itself. Moreover, as a Catholic, I don’t think the stewardship message is optional for parishes. It’s taken straight from the pages of Scripture, and is critical, indeed essential, to the mission of the Church. It bears incredible spiritual fruit in the lives of Catholics, and keeps parishes fiscally viable.

Looking at the Church’s future from an economic standpoint, more parishes need to adopt your firm’s approach to stewardship, especially the practice of making an annual pledge of time, talent, and treasure. As a Church, we are headed for hard times, financially speaking, and parishes that have not established a substantial “stewardship culture” may well be left behind.

I wish you all the best in spreading the Gospel-based stewardship message across the country. I have enjoyed working with you, and would be happy to contribute to any future engagements.

Sincerely,
Charles E. Zech, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics