How Do I Figure Out My Treasure Contribution?
Stewardship of Treasure
Let me speak to all of us about "Sacrificial Offering," the
sharing of one's treasure. Although discerning time and talent is
important, it seems that discerning an intentional commitment of
one's treasure really grabs my attention. "Parting with money"
touches me and my sense of ownership. Income generally comes as a
just remuneration for my energies expended in work. Stewardship is
an act of faith based on the conviction that God truly is the owner
of all that I have--even my financial income, and God that, who has
been generous, will "repay me" (bless me) as I share my financial
resources. The challenge is to try sacrificial offering and discover
how this blessing happens. Somehow God does provide.
How do I begin stewardship of treasure? First, look at what
my annual income is. Am I grateful for this? Then let me consider
setting aside a portion of this income for the Lord for this year. A
maximum amount is a tithe, 10% (still leaving my household with a
minimum of 90%). I may decide to commit a lesser percent--like 7% or
5% or 3%. Whatever amount I agree upon as my sacrificial offering is
my affair with God. It is no one else's business. Most importantly,
I am participating. Am I daring? Am I trusting God? Am I grateful?
Now how do I apportion this sacrificial offering? I suggest
that half of it be given to St. Paul Catholic Center over the course
of this year (fiscal July 1, 2005-June 30, 2006). My offering, along
with all other members, makes St. Paul Catholic Center thrive and
fulfill its ministries to the university, to all members, and in
charitable works in Bloomington. The parish Staff and the Finance
Council are quite careful in how we use our financial resources. We
are committed to communicate more about the financial status of the
parish throughout the year. We don't want to repeat the surprise of
last year. And we can be fiscally responsible together.
What about the second half of my sacrificial offering? This
is yours to employ toward other charitable works. First consider how
you apportion this toward the special collections in the course of
the year (e.g., Mission Sunday, Campaign for Human Development,
Seminarian support). Then there is the United Catholic Appeal of the
Archdiocese each year. Finally, there are charities such as St.
Vincent de Paul or the Food Banks or missionaries who make appeals
here.
Finally, let me share a dream. If 100% of St. Paul members
participate in sacrificial offering we will have enough finances for
all of our ministry activities. We could effectively eliminate any
fees or fundraising. I hate "fee for services," nickel-and-dime for
every activity or constant talking about money. Do you? Well,
stewardship could eliminate fees. And when we desire, we can do
"funraising," not "fundraising." Or we can do limited fundraising,
like for a parish-wide response to a charity or emergency. Yes,
stewardship can change that!
I am personally doing sacrificial offering. I also do not know and
do not wish to know what any parishioner or household is giving to
St. Paul. That is your matter with God. Let's make this step in
active faith together...and see God's blessings abound.
