Dear OLMC Parishioner,

Jesus said that the greatest commandment was to love God with all your heart, mind, and soul, and to love your neighbor as yourself.  When I was a boy, a priest named Fr. Emery Tang was preaching a mission at our parish.  He asked us to think about different meanings of the word love.  And then he offered his own: “To love means to give.”

Jesus showed his love for us by giving himself completely, exhausting himself during his public ministry, and ultimately giving his life.  “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13).   

Jesus tells many parables in which stewards are featured characters.  A steward was a servant entrusted by a master with responsibility, authority, and material goods.  A good steward was one who used what he was given to grow his master’s wealth and advance his master’s interest. 

Good stewardship is the wise and generous care, development, and sharing of our God-given time, talent, and treasure to further God’s kingdom.  Our faith teaches us that all we have is a gift from God, and that God asks us to make a return by contributing to the Church and the poor.

How much of my treasure should I give?  In the Old Testament, the Lord’s portion was considered the first 10% of one’s income.  Many Protestant Christians follow that today.  The Catholic Church does not teach that you have to give a certain portion.  But Jesus praises the poor widow who gives all that she had.  I don’t think he was expecting that everyone give everything they have away (some are called to that radical generosity).  The point is that if we give only from our surplus it is not a real sacrifice, and a real sacrifice is what pleases God.  Mother Theresa would say, “give till it hurts.” 

In general, I think the tithe (10%) is a good rule to follow, with 5% being given to the parish and 5% to other charities.  But I also understand that each person’s situation is different.  On average, Catholics give away only 1-2% of their income.  If that is you, make a commitment to give an additional percent going forward for a period of time.  See if you really miss it that much.  Perhaps you will find the joy of giving more is worth it.  Then you can increase it another percent, and so on. 

In terms of how to give, we recommend that you use our secure online giving platform.  We ask that you give to both the Offertory and Building Fund.  The Offertory covers all of the expenses to operate the parish:  pay for clergy, lay ministry coordinators, musicians, administrative and facilities staff, landscaping, cleaning, supplies, furniture, etc.  While we have many volunteers, employment of trained professionals is necessary to provide high quality ministry.  The Building Fund is designated for (1) any repair or replacement of parish property in excess of $10 thousand; (2) any renovation of parish property; or (3) new construction. If you prefer to give by check, please use the envelopes provided to you, regular and building fund, and drop them off in the offertory boxes in the church when you come to Mass.

The Parish Finance Council, comprised of committed parish members with various expertise, ensures that your money is well spent.  To see the latest financial report, click here.  We are also audited by the Diocese every three years and received the highest marks on our last audit. 

There are other ways to make gift of treasure to the parish, including stocks, bequests, and employer matching gifts.  For more information on that, click here.

I am hopeful that you will consider joining the many generous parish members who make it possible for us to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ in this portion of the Lord’s vineyard.  “My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19). 

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Anthony