October 15, 2007

It’s a constant challenge – finding time in our hectic lives: time to get together with friends, time to help our neighbors, time to really talk with our families, time to pray, time to reflect on the many gifts God has given each of us and how we can give back to God and others in the coming year. This past weekend you heard fellow parishioners speak about stewardship in their lives. I ask you to reflect on what being a Christian steward means to you and each person in your home. How is the soft voice of God asking you to share your gifts of time, talent and treasure?

We are called to be active participants in our parish, community, nation, and world. The “Time and Talent Opportunities” booklet distributed at Mass describes some of the ways available to participate in doing God’s work in the St. Francis of Assisi parish and the larger community. You may already be active in these ministries. Are you willing to continue in these ministries? Are you ready to take on a leadership role? Are you looking for new opportunities to serve using your interests, skills, energies and strengths? Are you willing to actively join in parish ministry for the first time? The booklet includes a return form; please complete it, indicating in which areas you are willing to serve in the coming year, and return it this weekend (if possible) at Mass or by mail.

Treasure is the third element of stewardship. The costs of providing our parish services and maintaining our buildings and grounds grows, as does the cost of services through our many outreach programs. Balancing the budget is only a small part of the Christian equation; becoming a Christian steward asks us to see all our resources – whether time, talent or treasure – as gifts from God to be shared for the good of God’s kingdom on earth. Enclosed is your Stewardship 2008 – The Gift of Our Treasure form. Prayerfully consider how God has blessed you, and decide how you will share those gifts with others through St. Francis of Assisi parish. Are you prepared to give the first portion to God? Can you give at least 1% of your annual income? Or, can you increase your 2006-2007 giving by 1%? Please consider an increase in your gift this year. After completing the form, place it in the collection basket this week or mail it to the Parish Office.

There are many requests, even demands, for our time, talent, and treasure. Thank you for prayerfully considering the ways you will support our parish in the coming year. Your gifts of time, talent and treasure will reap benefits for you and the parish. May your relationship to Christ and the Church be strengthened and may God continue to bless you!

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Timothy T. Reker

Pastor