Dear Friends,

It was just two years ago that we began our stewardship journey. At that time we introduced the basic message that we are merely the managers of the things around us. Everything we have—our life, our family, our health, our worldly goods—are gifts from God. God is allowing us to use and benefit from all of these gifts while we are here on earth.

This journey in giving and sharing has now led us to the next challenge of looking at stewardship as an ongoing commitment or, better yet, as a way of life. This way of life calls us all to a special involvement not just within our parish, but also within our own families and within our community.

Living the role of a Christian Steward brings about a sense of joy, peace and thanksgiving. It brings us all to a closer awareness that God loves us for who we are. In return for His love, we give of ourselves, and we do this freely and joyfully. Therefore, when we renew our stewardship commitment, we take the opportunity to thank God once again for all the wonderful gifts He has given us, and that He continues to give us, so generously.

Following the path of stewardship strengthens and enriches our lives. By placing God first in our lives and sharing with Him the first fruits of our labor, we not only profess our faith, but we also live it through our actions. In addition, when we commit ourselves to a meaningful and joyful habit of giving and sharing by tithing with our treasures as well as our time and talent, we further demonstrate to God in a tangible way that we appreciate all He has done for us. Again, I am inviting you to begin or renew your stewardship commitment by filling out the enclosed card and placing it in the Offertory basket this weekend or next. Thank you for all that you have done in the past. I pray for your continued support and involvement. Remember, we can never outdo our Lord’s generosity. I thank you and I invite you to make stewardship a way of life, your way of life. You can do this by renewing your commitment to stewardship through this program. Sincerely yours, Rev. James L. Colopy, Pastor