Stewardship begins with gratitude. We thank God for all the gifts He has given to us: our lives, our loved ones, all that we have and all that we are. How would we respond if asked to name some specific areas of our lives for which we are truly grateful?

Jesus often went apart to pray. In prayer, Jesus received His identity as well as the courage to carry out His Father’s will. Stewardship is rooted in giving time to a faith-filled prayer life. Only in this way are we prepared to make an offering of our whole selves to God. Please consider committing to one or more of the following opportunities. This commitment can be used by an individual or by the whole family unit.

• Attend Mass each Sunday and Holy Day.

• Attend weekday Mass at least once a week.

• Invite a friend or acquaintance to Mass.

• Pray together with my family.

• Discuss the Catholic Faith with my family.

• Read the Bible for one hour each week.

• Spend 15 minutes a day in personal prayer.

• Pray the rosary at least once a week.

• Go to confession during Advent and Lent.

• Attend Bible Study/Adult Education

God created each of us beautifully different, with individual gifts for building up His Kingdom. In Baptism, God called us to use these gifts within the home, the work-place, the parish, and the community. But what are our own distinctive gifts and talents? Perhaps we can better identify them by (1) recalling some successful project, (2) reflecting upon what we are good at doing, and (3) remembering times when others have recognized talents in us. Review the explanation of each ministry in the Parish Ministries section of this site, focusing upon what talents we have and will commit to sharing with our parish.  Contact the Parish Office for a further explanation and to volunteer for one or more of the following ministries:

to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”   (Eph. 4:11-12)

• Charismatic Prayer Group

• Eucharistic Adoration (1 hour a week)

• Young Adult Prayer/Bible Study

• All Saints School Fundraising

• All Saints School Volunteers

• Coffee and Donut Volunteers

• Prime Timers

WHAT ARE YOUR GIFTS? Do you have talents that you can offer?

OTHER IDEAS? Do you have ideas for other ministries that could be added to build up the parish Community?

In the Old Testament, the Jewish people offered a tithe or 10% of their labor to support worship and those in need. The early Christians lived out this teaching by sharing their treasure with the Church and the poor. Although not possible for all, a tithe (5% to parish and diocese, and 5% to other charities) is our goal. On the chart below we can determine our level of sacrificial giving to the parish, review our income and responsibilities, and consider what we shall commit for next year. Taking a step in grateful giving helps us to know that God comes first in our lives, to distinguish between our wants and our needs, and to receive a sense of inner peace regarding our contributions.