Stewardship Thoughts

The visit by Fr. Bonaventure reminded me of the importance of a continuing missionary spirit. One or two times a year we host missionaries with appeals. The response is always very generous. We gave Fr. Bonaventure $1400 for his work.

It has been suggested we tithe as a parish part of the Offertory for mission work. There are home missions in Ohio, in the US, as well as in underdeveloped countries overseas. There are parishes with financial burdens greater than ours.

To take a step in that direction we have to think beyond "giving to need". Catholics have a history of generous "giving to need" but that only brings you up to the minimum. I have never been in a parish that has taken stewardship serious and the families gave a generous percent of their income in thanksgiving. If every family gave 5% of their income, we'd have a surplus that could be used in mission work.

Building Updates

New Stained Glass windows have been installed in the vestibule of the Parish Activity Center. The windows were designed and crafted by Rob Loula, a parishioner. If we find benefactors, he has designs for the windows in Carpenter Hall. If you are interested in stained glass windows for your house or office, he is available and reasonable.

Blacktop parking lots at Parish Activity Center and Church are complete. Please remember we had not budgeted for the $50,000 and appreciate any extra you can give in the Offertory.

New (to us) deep fryers have been donated by David Harris and installed in the kitchen.

David Harig is beginning work to create pantry space in the storeroom. We will be changing the doors and putting in shelves.