God is always calling us forward as stewards. Periodically, we need to re-examine the ways in which we’ll answer this call, which is the reason for our Stewardship Renewal. You will be receiving in the mail your Stewardship Renewal packet. Enclosed in this packet is a brochure that will lead you through that self-examination. It is a time to ask how we can better use our time, talent, and treasure.
• Do I make time for prayer? By myself and with my family?
• Is my talent at work in our parish actively building the Church?
• Do I give a proportionate amount of my treasure to the weekly offertory?
Is your prayer life in need of a tune-up?
Honestly ask yourself, “How much time do I spend in prayer each week?” The answer is probably a bit embarrassing. Everyone wants to spend more time in prayer, but there’s just never enough time to do everything we want to do. Good intentions are just that: intentions. This year, as you’re discerning how you will offer your time to God, resolve to follow through with your commitments. Consider each moment you spend in prayer as nourishment for your soul. The spiritual health of our parish is only as strong as the sum of its parts (individual parishioners).
Is your level of parish involvement in need of a boost?
With a host of ministries to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Sure, ministries give parishioners opportunities to serve others in the community, but they also benefit those in the ministry itself. Ask anyone who actively participates in a ministry at St. Timothy, “Why do you enjoy serving in this way?” They’ll probably say, “I get more out of the ministry than the people I serve.” This year, as you’re discerning how you will offer your talents to God, consider signing up for a ministry that may benefit you, like a Bible study, prayer group, or retreat. Or contribute to an outreach ministry, where your good deeds not only help others in the community but also give you feelings of satisfaction and thankfulness.
Do you give a percentage of your income to the offertory?
It may be hard to see offertory giving as a way to “help yourself,” but when we approach the subject from a spiritual viewpoint, it can lead to individual spiritual growth and an increase in faith. Even the savviest businessperson worries about his or her personal finances from time to time. Adding a weekly offertory check to the list of monthly bills may seem crazy but, ultimately, sacrificial giving forces us to cut unnecessary spending, create a budget, and have faith that God will help us make it through the month. All of these are good things for each of us, individually. After faithfully giving to the offertory for a few months, many Catholics find that it’s not only possible to give a weekly offering, but that the fruits of their gift far outweigh the expense.
Commitment Weekend is November 4-5. Don’t forget to bring your Commitment Card to Mass!