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February 10, 2023
Lent is almost upon us, so this week I want to encourage you to start thinking about the three spiritual pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. I’ll start with almsgiving.
As one of the three pillars of Lenten practice, almsgiving is "a witness to fraternal charity" and "a work of justice pleasing to God." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462). Lent offers several special opportunities for almsgiving through donations to Church ministries:
St. Michael Catholic Church
Charity begins at home. The only time I’ve worried about Church finances in my thirty years as a pastor was my first year at St. Mary on the Hill in Augusta. It was such a huge operation with such a large payroll, but it was a stewardship parish and I soon learned to trust that the parishioners were serious about putting God first in their finances.
Many folks are concerned about inflation and the possibility of a recession. I think this concern is reflected in our offertory. Am I worried that we might not make our budget this year? Yes, a little. Unlike our government, deficit spending doesn’t work for a faith community. Fortunately, we have a good reserve and I trust that you are serious about putting God first in your finances.
Annual Catholic Appeal
When we come together in support of the Annual Catholic Appeal, we as a Diocesan family are participating in the Church’s evangelization efforts, advancing Catholic Education, and providing for the formation of our future priests. If you haven’t already given to the appeal, there’s no better time to do so than in Lent, and I know Bishop Parkes would be most grateful for your support.
Rice Bowl
CRS Rice Bowl is the Lenten program of Catholic Relief Services, the official relief and development agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. It is a Lenten long-standing tradition in our faith community. Rice Bowls will be distributed at Mass next weekend before Ash Wednesday, and all are encouraged to use it as a means of almsgiving, prayer, and reflection. After the 11am Mass next Sunday we will have a special “Rice Bowl” awareness ceremony. All are welcome.
Pontifical Good Friday Collection
Every Good Friday, the Catholic Church throughout the world takes up a very special collection - the "Collection for the Holy Land." This special collection originated from the Popes' wishes to maintain a strong bond between the Holy Places of the Holy Land and all Christians of the world. It supports the work of the Franciscans who for centuries have had who the unique responsibility of maintaining the Holy Places and preserving the Christian presence in the Holy Land where Jesus lived.
Earthquake Relief
Catholic Relief Services, the overseas aid agency of the Catholic Church in the United States, was collecting funds to assist its local partners, Caritas Turkey and Caritas Syria, where extensive
damage has been reported. Donate now at https://www.crs.org/
Stewardship means giving back to God in gratitude for all He has given us. Giving from our treasure, our money, is a pillar of our faith – just like attending Sunday Mass or participating in parish ministries.- When I give money, do I share my “first fruits” or merely what is “left over”?
- Can I increase my offering to my faith community by 1% or more this year?
- Can I commit to tithing to build up the Church (5% to support my parish, 5% to the Church and other charities)?
