The promotion of the practice of stewardship is important for the mission of the Church and for the spiritual well-being of each individual Christian.

Fifth Sunday in Easter May 6th, 2012 Diocesan Stewardship Appeal

As Jesus says, His is the vine and we are the branches. We remain attached to the vine by drinking of it’s sap; the life giving grace of Jesus' love which comes to us from a faithful, full, and active participation in the Sacraments of the Church, especially the Eucharist and Confession. The sap of God’s love nourishes us, keep us alive if we cooperated with it by struggling to live lives of friendship with Christ by remaining faithful to His commands; and by remaining faithful to His Mystical Body the Church by living our lives in union with Her and with her teachings which are the teachings of Christ.

But another way we are able to remain attached to the vine is by our good works; And one of the most important of our good works is directed to the work of the Holy Church. And so one of our most important good works is our faithful practice of stewardship. Stewardship is then in fact a way of life, Christian life. We give freely, generously and so sacrificially of our time, talent and treasure for the work of the Church which is the work of the Body of Christ in glorify God and working for the sanctification and salvation of souls. Our support is primarily on the parish level, but must also include the diocese Church as well.

Our Faithful stewardship truly has eternal consequences because by it we help the Save souls for an eternity of infinite Joy and happiness immersed in the Love of our Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Our stewardship way of life literally and mystically impacts every Christian, and even every human person on the planet. The loving sacrificial gift of our time, talent and treasure is like a splash in a pond which radiates in all directions—The greater the sacrifice the greater the splash and so the greater the impact for good.

Quote on Stewardship from Pope Benedict:
"The promotion of the practice of stewardship is important for the mission of the Church and for the spiritual well-being of each individual Christian. Everyone benefits from the sacrificial gift one makes of his time, talent and treasure. Therefore, please accept my encouragement for your efforts and my prayers that your upcoming conference will be a stimulus to the practice of stewardship in the Church." 
 

This Sunday is Diocesan Appeal Sunday throughout the Diocese of Rockford. It’s that important time where Jesus asks each one of us to support the vital work of our Diocese Church family, vital work that each one of us depends for our spiritual well-being. (Show the Video)

*I want to begin this years appeal by thanking all of those who have supported our past appeals. I Recognize many have truly made sacrifices in support of last year and previous appeals: God will bless you for it, I am sure He already has..

*The bad news regarding last years appeal is that we fell short of reaching the amount that was targeted for our fair share of the diocese budget. So in our already tough economic year for our parish family, we will have to pay $2,245.00 out of our ordinary income; using monies which we need to provide our parish family with vital services. Its like having to pay into the IRS when you are already strapped with bills.

*These are truly very tough economic times and so many of you are hurting. I know some of you are doing all you can…know that the Lord knows this as well. God bless.

*The good news is that this years Diocesan appeal is $2,000 less that last year so this will help us reach our goal for this year.

*We truly need everyone’s help to reach our goal. And so I am appealing to all of you in the name of Jesus Christ to help us by doing what you can so our parish can reach our financial and moral obligation to our diocese family.
As your spiritual Father in Christ, I am asking everyone one to participate this year even if you can only give a little. If every one gave a little we would have a lot. If before the Lord, you truly can’t give, then pray for the success of this years appeal; offer rosaries or Holy Hours for its success.

Maybe you can’t give financially right now but you may be able to give in the future if circumstances change. If you are financially blessed, maybe you could consider giving more this year in order to help out others who are struggling. Whatever the case we truly need everyone’s participation in this years appeal so we don’t repeat this years short fall. Again, remember, If we fall short of the goal, the parish must make up the difference between the peoples' gifts and the amount of our parish tax. If any of us can still give to last years appeal to help make our shortfall so I don’t have to write a two thousand dollar check that would be awesome.

Our goal this year is $57390.00_ Again, if we all participate together, I know, even in these trouble times, we can make our goal and even surpass it as we have done in the past.

Remember with regards to this year’s appeal, 100% of any money that we collect over and above the amount we are accessed comes right back to us and it is not part of our taxed income for next year. This would be a great help in making up for our current budget deficient.

Again if you are a tithing family, we ask you today to pledge 1% of the biblical tithe of Ten percent of your annual income to this appeal. If that is too much of a stretch, try at least ½ of 1% for this year as a start toward the 1%. Some can do more, others less, and that is fine—we just ask you to do what you can; Think of how much God has blessed each one of us. Our faithful stewardship, to the diocese, as well as to the parish, is one essential way we show Him our thankfulness. God always, always rewards our generosity ten fold, He can never be outdone in generosity. Let’s us show Him now that we trust Him!