Message from Dcn Tom

07-02-2023Weekly ReflectionDeacon Tom Henrich

Building a community of faith is one of the most important aspects of parish life. The mission of Jesus Christ unites us. As parishioners, we share in the celebration of the Eucharist as well as the many programs, ministries and services provided by our parish.

Each and every parishioner, when asked, can point to one or more ministries that they are involved in and hold in high regard. They have been either active in a number of ministries or they have benefited or been touched directly by a ministry. That is when both parish and parishioners are joined in Christian stewardship. Stewardship is not a strategy to just raise money. It is deeply spiritual and personal.

We pride ourselves, in a good way, by taking care of loved ones, children, grandchildren, dependents, the ill, elderly as well as neighbors. We visit people. We comfort them and see to their needs.

We work hard year-round to provide for family, children, church and charity. Vacation time is that special time of the year when we are rewarded for sacrifice, endurance and hard work. It can also be a time to enjoy family, relax and travel.

When we prepare for our summer travel, typically we work up a “to do” list to help with the process of getting away that may include the following: mail, newspapers, home, lawn, security, house sitting, bills and bill paying.

But what about our spiritual stewardship as summer approaches? Our stewardship contributions of treasure throughout the year support the parish financially. Your gifts enable the parish to carry out its Gospel-based mission by providing worship, education, the sacraments, service to the poor and countless blessings to those in need.

A parish runs 52 weeks a year, 7 days a week. The parish serves our community of faith in fall, winter, spring and summer. That is why your continued Summer Stewardship IS SO VERY IMPORTANT.

Services and ministries continue throughout the summer. Our parish budget, in reality, is the funding of ministry. They could not be offered without the ongoing financial stewardship of parishioners. The parish has come to rely on your giving week in and week out.

The parish budget never goes on vacation and, therefore, it is important that financial stewardship to the parish continue throughout the summer months. Expenses are just as constant throughout the summer.

Many parishes and pastors would say that the summer months present a hard paradox: as people prepare to enjoy a restful and relaxing summer, the summer months can actually be the most stress filled, financially, for parishes. The bills keep coming, many people go away and giving goes down. Payroll must be met and utility bills can be even higher in the summer season.

It is tempting to think, “We’re just one household, they won’t miss our giving,” or “we’ll make it up when we get back.” Multiply that a dozen or even hundreds of times over the course of a summer and you can see why Summer Stewardship is vital.

Enjoy this summer. Use the time well. Sharing your blessings will make this world just a little bit better. Take a step in faith. Remember, God is never outdone in generosity to each and every one of us.