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Hi everyone,
I'm pinch hitting for Fr. Jeff today as the author of the opening article. While gathering my thoughts on this April Fool's Day, I just heard on the local news that a recent study found that if you make your bed every day, you are 206% more likely to become a millionaire. Results show that people who make their bed everyday have more productivity, well-being and budgeting skills. So now you are probably asking what does this have to do with the article and church?
This study inspired me to write about our Increased Offertory Program and how behaviors impact generosity. According to Pushpay, our online giving provider, here is a quick definition of church engagement: "It is simply getting people involved.” “A churchgoer becomes engaged when they move beyond a spectator mode and begin playing a part in the mission. It doesn’t necessarily mean they volunteer. What qualifies as engaging your church depends on where the mission of your church converges with discipleship.”“
We know that everything we have is a gift from God. Your choice to give to the church is a reflection of your love, your love for Him, one another and for your community. We talk about and write about supporting the mission, especially when it comes to stewardship and generosity. Here is the full St. Patrick mission statement:
We are the welcoming Catholic Community of St. Patrick a beacon of Christ's love, where all ages support each other as we journey to a more intimate relationship with God. We grow in Christ by:
- Praising the Lord joyfully in our Eucharistic celebrations
- Embracing lifelong education and spiritual growth
- Building a vibrant and caring parish family
- Reaching out generously to those in need
We are committed to stewardship as a way of life, gratefully giving our first fruits of time, talent and treasure to serve the Lord.
When Fr. Jeff arrived as pastor in 2014, he chose to use a shorter version of the mission statement, "a beacon of Christ's love". When times are good and when times are not so good, it helps to refer back to the mission. St. Patrick was founded in 1988 and 37 years later, the mission continues to shine brightly. Generosity at St. Patrick has come from behaviors of belief, trust, kindness, and unselfishness, to name a few, that has fostered a sense of belonging here. The investment made in our facilities 5 years ago was a result of mission; preparing for future growth (building); meeting the needs of those who are choosing to be a part of our parish-school (caring); amazing outreach support through social ministry partnerships (reaching out); and at the heart of Catholic faith, attending mass (celebrating Eucharist) and growing as a disciple (lifelong formation).
Take the next step, trust and be a cheerful giver!
Have a great week!
Lynne
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