Saint Mary's Church
"As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace" (1 Pt 4:10)
What identifies a steward? Safeguarding material and human resources and using them responsibly are one answer; so is generous giving of time, talent, and treasure. But being a Christian steward means more. As Christian stewards, we receive God's gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice with others, and return them with increase to the Lord.
The life of a Christian steward models the life of Jesus. It is challenging and even difficult, in many respects, yet intense joy comes to those who take the risk to live as Christian stewards. Women and men who seek to live as stewards learn that
"all things work for good for those who love God" (Rom 8:28).
As disciples of Christ, we recognize God as the origin of life, giver of freedom, and source of all things. We are grateful for the gifts we have received and are eager to use them to show our love for God and for one another. We look to the life and teaching of Jesus for guidance in living as Christian stewards.
Stewards of the Church
We are obliged to be stewards of the Church—collaborators and cooperators in continuing the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, which is the Church's essential mission. This mission—proclaiming and teaching, serving and sanctifying—is our task. It is the personal responsibility of each one of us as stewards of the Church. All members of the Church have their own roles to play in carrying out its mission:
- Parents, who nurture their children in the light of faith;
- Parishioners, who work in concrete ways to make their parishes true communities of faith and vibrant sources of service to the larger community;
- All Catholics, who give generous support—time, money, prayers, and personal service according to their circumstances—to parish and diocesan programs
- and to the universal Church
Stewards of Creation
The Bible contains a profound message about the stewardship of material creation: God created the world, but entrusts it to human beings. Caring for and cultivating the world involves the following:
- Joyful appreciation for the God-given beauty and wonder of nature;
- Protection and preservation of the environment, which would be the stewardship of ecological concern;
- Respect for human life—shielding life from threat and assault, doing everything that can be done to enhance this gift and make life flourish; and
- Development of this world through noble human effort—physical labor, the trades and professions, the arts and sciences. We call such effort "work." Work is a fulfilling human vocation.
Financial Stewardship at St. Mary's
Throughout the past year we have faced many uncertainties due to the Corona virus. But one thing remains the same: the love and protection of God for each of us. The Church remains a constant, no matter where we worship- from home or from the pews- as individuals or together. We are working hard at St. Mary's to maintain a safe, dependable space where comfort and peace can be a sought through daily Mass and Faith Formation classes. However, our financial needs have increased during this time due to extra precautions for sanitation and a decline in contributions from fewer attendees to Mass. The need for your monetary donations is ever more present.
As in the past, donations can be brought to Mass or mailed directly to the Parish Office.
More recently, St. Mary's has established a safe and secure method for making financial contributions online through Parish Giving Inc. You may choose the date and frequency of your contribution, through credit card or bank transfers. Please use the link below to create an account or make adjustments to a previously established account. We appreciate your continued support of our parish.
Thank you and God Bless You.
