Dear People of Saint Anne,
In November of every year, we present an Annual Stewardship Report to the parish for the fiscal year ending in June. This weekend, our Finance Chairperson, David Wirt, will speak to the report which will be available after all the Masses. It is also onthis weekend that we ask all of you to reflect onyour financial commitment to the parish.
Saint Anne is a warm and welcoming community,and a very generous one. That will be obvious inour report. Beyond that, I would like you to thinkabout some of the very basic principles ofStewardship in a parish.
First, the spirit of giving is something thathappens throughout the year. Weekly offertory isthe main source of financial stabilization in anyparish. It makes up the lion’s share of how wesupport the many ministries and events that areunique to Saint Anne. It is one reason that weencourage electronic giving. Being consistent with donations helps to us stay on track no matter the season … whether it is summer vacations or extended stays in a warmer climate!!
There are also many opportunities at the end of a calendar year to share resources with the parish. Your financial advisor can help you determinehow you might help by using resources fromstock and IRA programs. Year-end giving, along with our Fall Catch-up Collection, help to bring us back on track financially as a parish every year. In this season of Thanksgiving, it is so importantto remember all the wonderful gifts with whichwe have been blessed. As I approach this holidayseason, I am especially thankful for my family.
This will be my first Christmas without my father, and yet, I know in my heart that he will walk with me always. The spirit of giving back to thecommunity that he instilled in me at a very youngage will be a part of his legacy. It is the passionatefaith and generosity to the Catholic Church thatmy parents showed me throughout my life thatmakes me realize it is important to give as muchor more than you receive. We can all do thisthrough our volunteer work and our financialsupport to our community. Most importantly, weneed to show this commitment to those aroundus, especially our children, for they are our future.
Finally, I want to thank you for your support in somany ways over my ten years at Saint Anne.
What a gift you have been to me! My good friendand our pastor, Father Bernie, has brought a freshstyle of leadership and collaboration to SaintAnne over that time. Our Parish Finance Councilhas helped us continue on a strong financialcourse. I pray that you know that the Parish Staff, who are animators for all of our wonderful and faith-filled ministries, strive each and every day to bring Jesus into our lives. Today’s STAGG Community Café is a great example. It is one more way to bring fellowship to all of us presented by volunteers within our parish.”…giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.”Colossians 1:12.
Throughout the year, my prayer is that we try toput God first in all things. Let us all ask how Hewants us to use the gifts we have been given!