“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
~ 1 Pt 4:10
Christian stewardship is a way of life. We are committed to our common goal that all members of our family of faith are called to share their gifts of time, talent and treasure in proportion to the blessings they have received from God.
Christian stewardship is living out a commitment to be centered on Jesus Christ, rather than one’s self. It involves an ongoing conversion of the heart. For each of us, no matter where we are on our personal path of faith, stewardship is a lifelong journey. Stewardship is, therefore, much more than a program or a fund-raising effort, although it can include a focused effort within parish life.
Who is a Christian steward?
A Christian steward is one who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cultivates them responsibly, shares them lovingly in justice with others, and returns them with an increase to the Lord.
Central to our human and Christian vocations, as well as to the unique vocation each one of us receives from God, is that we be good stewards of the gifts we possess. God gives us this divine-human workshop, this world, the Church, and the Spirit shows us the way. Stewardship is a part of that journey.
At Immaculate Conception, we have several opportunities for stewardship.
Weekly Offertory
How Much Should I Give? Although everyone’s contribution will be different, the Church uses the tithe (10%) as a benchmark by which all of us can gauge our gifts.
It is not optional to support one’s parish financially; this has long been one of the six precepts of the Church. What is voluntary is how much one gives, even though the tithe is a scriptural benchmark. An example of a tithe can be as follows:
- 5% to the weekly offertory
- 1% to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal
- 4% to Faith-Based Charities
For some, this goal may be hard to reach, others may decide to give more. Everyone’s weekly gift should adequately reflect God’s generosity.
Diocesan Lenten Appeal (DLA)
The Diocesan Lenten Appeal helps the sustainability of the parishes while supporting the various programs of the diocese. It provides financial support for needed renovations and repairs in the parishes as well as supports the renewal of parishes’ ministers and parishioners.
Giving Tree
Each year a Giving Tree, decorated with gift card requests, is placed in the narthex of the church. The Giving Tree is a reminder that there are many people in our community who struggle for the basic necessities. We are encouraged to support this effort, and in doing so, we love our neighbors as Jesus commanded. Gift cards are requested in various denominations. Please be generous.
Donations of Pop and Bottled Water
Several times throughout the year, we need to restock our supply of pop and bottled water used during fundraising events for the parish. Please keep an eye out for sales, and when you are at the store, please grab a cube or two for the parish. Donations of pop and water can be brought to the garage doors in the main parking lot or inside the administration building.