2010-11 Renewal Time - Holy Cross Church

Christian Stewardship is a biblically based part of our Catholic spirituality – an entire way of life. We are called to use the abundant blessings God has given us to follow Jesus Christ as his disciple.

At least once each year it is wise to review how we have been using our many gifts and to make a conscious plan for how we will be more grateful stewards in the coming year.

Please consider becoming a regular giver. If 200 families who do not give regularly would commit to $5.00 a week we could increase our yearly income from our Offertory Program by $51,000. It may seem like a leap of faith to plan to give regularly in today’s unpredictable financial climate, but when we are open-handed in our giving, as thanks to God, He pours out His blessings on us, much more than we can ever imagine or contain!

We ask you to develop a plan to use your gifts for the good of the Church. In doing so, you not only help us with our annual budget process, but you also begin giving in a mindful way, returning to God a portion of all that He provides you, and assuring His continued blessings. Consider giving, in thanksgiving for the ability to work, an offering each week that equals one hour of your pay. We also ask you to consider “wrapping” your financial gift in a weekly (or monthly) parish envelope.

Please consider enrolling in our EFT option. Your contributions to Holy Cross can be automatically debited from your checking account enabling you to stay current on your Sunday offerings throughout the year. Those who have a mortgage debited, know how easy it is. Please call the Parish Office at 663-2244 to enroll.

If we approach our giving of Time, Talent, and Treasure from the point of view of giving back to God what he has given to us, our gift will always be the right gift. We pray that all will be open to deepening their commitment to the church through Stewardship.

We ask you pray for guidance and to develop a plan for the use of your gifts for the building of God's kingdom on earth. Look at your finances and decide what you should give back to God in thanksgiving. Consider your income and then commit to sharing a percentage of it. Perhaps you can make a weekly offering that equals one hour of your pay. Learning to be a concious giver is the first step. If you are new at planning this way, select a percentage that you're comfortable with and continue to seek God's guidance for what you should commit to in the future.

We ask also that you consider giving some priority to work in ministry, using your time and talents. You can explore all the ministries described in this website and take note of those you're curious about or of those for which you know you have a talent. You can also begin immediately by just going to our Volunteers Opportunities page. Another approach is to let us know what talants you have and what time you have available.

*The Old Testament instructed the people to give 10% of the first fruits of their labor.

Eternal God,
from the very moment of
creation you revealed that
every good gift has its
source in you.
You shower your people
with abundant blessings
and provide for us with
your provident care.
When you brought forth
humankind in your image,
you instructed us to be
stewards of your creation.
Help us to use wisely the
gifts of the earth that you
have bestowed on us.
Give us wisdom to use
prudently our talents that
come from your hand.
Afford us the insight to
recognize opportunities to
serve in the time you have
given us.
May the talent, time, and
treasure we possess be
placed in service of you
for the common good.
Amen.