A noted professor thanked his family for a healthy perspective concerning his possessions: “My parents consistently taught us that everything we had must be held in an open hand,” he wrote. “When we close our fingers tightly over anything placed in our trust, we lose the joy and the blessing they offer. Those things acquired as ends in themselves … Continued

We’re now in the fourth quarter of 2019. Did you owe money with your 2018 tax return in April?  Are you included in that group? One way to do a “paycheck checkup” is to go to the IRS Withholding Calculator found at: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-withholding-calculator This step may give you enough advanced notice to begin either increasing your withholdings per … Continued

Any parishioner, at any church, would like to know that they are valued, that their opinion counts. Fr. McCarthy, parish staff and Parish Council have all made a commitment to make sure that you have a platform for your suggestions, concerns, needed prayers and to be informed about the plans for the parish as we move forward. We … Continued

Summer’s end brings with it nostalgia for carefree days, long nights, lazy weekend afternoons, reunions with families, and summer road trips. But in our parishes, autumn brings a burst of new life that makes September feel almost like spring. Why? For the Christian steward, fall brings a renewed sense of commitment. Literally, many of us make our commitment of … Continued

Last week we put out an open invitation to join our Implementation Teams. These 4 Teams worked together to solve the challenges that were identified at our last Parish Convocation. The current teams have been instrumental in addressing many areas of our Parish. There will be a meeting for current and prospective new members on September 25 at … Continued

Many ingredients of the spirituality of stewardship are counterintuitive. None more so than this: “Stewardship is based on the need of the giver to give more than on the need of the receiver to receive.”   Most of us have been conditioned to be need-based givers. If someone has a need they should present their case and, if … Continued

For many individuals and families alike, summer means travel. And summer travel may mean new visitors to our parish for weekend liturgies. Providing hospitality to strangers is a hallmark of Christian stewardship. In the Gospel of Matthew good stewards were commended for their hospitality: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). Saint Benedict directed his … Continued

Last week, we wrote about your Generosity. On that Sunday, we dedicated the Legacy Garden. The Garden only has two plaques in it right now. That is because we wanted to show examples of what it would look like and the fact that these two individuals left a Legacy Gift. Millie Barhorst gave us many special … Continued

Over the last several weekends we have heard about the Holy Spirit in the readings and weekend homilies. Every day, enter the Classroom of Silence for 5 minutes and control your imagination and close your eyes to all the noises of the world in order to enter into yourself. Pray to the Holy Spirit; your life will flow … Continued

Take it Easy With Each Other Each spouse brings with them several factors that influence how they approach finances: family history, personality type, education, etc. Here are some easy ways to make sure you are taking it easy on your spouse. 1) Remember that budgeting is not a tool to rein in your spouse. It is not a way … Continued