Q & A Why must we give money to St. Nick's?
I could start out by quoting the many, many bible passages regarding why we must give to our parish, give our first fruits to the Lord. Instead, I am going to give you my own take on the whole giving to church thing for what it's worth.
My family was welcomed into the family of St. Nicholas Catholic Church and it seemed like (in the same breath) we were asked how we wanted to start supporting our new parish financially. What? Wait a minute!
Why do we have to give to St. Nick's already? Can't we just get used to the idea of attending a new church?
My wife and I both grumbled at this for a while. Sure, we attended Mass but did not support St. Nicholas financially for some time and when we finally did, it was a very small amount, pocket change you might say - not at all close to the 5% as is often suggested for our parish and 5% to other worthwhile organizations.
We understood St. Nicholas has bills just like everyone else does but we were more interested in obtaining bigger and better things for our family than supporting our parish.
St. Nick's total 2014 expenses for electric, gas, telephone, water and building insurance was over $23,000. Total parish expenses were approximately $475,000.
I always thought that if our parish is not collecting enough to cover the expenses, somehow the Archdiocese would help and give St. Nick's some money to pay the bills. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. Each church is responsible for its own sustainability. You, me, your family, my family, we are the church and it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to contribute generously on a regular basis so that our parish may flourish and not flounder.
Our Lord has blessed my family abundantly with beautiful, healthy children, a nice home and good jobs. Looking back at our own contributions, we are ashamed of the small amount we have contributed to our parish. This is no way to thank our Lord for all that He has given us.
Forgive us, Lord, for not supporting our beautiful St. Nicholas as we should have, as you have asked us to do. We will make a better effort from this day forward.
Won't you join our family in helping to grow St. Nicholas Catholic Church as our beautiful beacon on the hill?
Anonymous St. Nicholas Family
How Can We Be Good Stewards of Our Financial Resources?
“The Fifth precept (“You shall help provide for the needs of the Church”) means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability.” (CCC 2043) Hence we would ask you to seriously and prayerfully discern what percentage of your income you are being called by God to give to the parish and to be intentional in making this a part of your weekly budget.
Stewardship is . . .
Stewardship of Treasure
Making a Consistent Offertory Gift
In thanksgiving for our blessings, each household is asked to work toward giving a planned percentage of income and assets to St. Nicholas Catholic Church. We understand that you have your own set of circumstances that you must personally consider. Below is a guide based on percentages that may be helpful to you as you consider your commitment of treasure. This is not a legally binding contract but will help us in our budget planning for our parish and help you to be consistent in your weekly giving.
If you are not currently giving, would you consider a gift of $7/week to the collection plate?