Frequently Asked Questions about our Annual Stewardship Ministry Invitation Weekend
Our Annual Stewardship Ministry Invitation Weekend is an occasion as a parish community to remember how abundantly God blesses us. We, as recipients or “Stewards” of God’s gifts, have a special opportunity to respond to God’s blessings. We do this by choosing to commit or recommit a worthy portion of our time, talent and treasure in ministry service to God through our parish.
Our present Church Sanctuary was dedicated on May 2, 2004. In celebration of that wonderful event, each year on the first weekend of May we remember the dedication of our Church by our dedication to our Church through our commitment to participate in the life of our parish. This year we celebrate the seventh anniversary of the dedication of our Church on April 30-May 1, 2011.
April 2-3, 2011, parishioners will receive a Commitment Card which lists many opportunities to be involved in ministries and service in our parish. Along with the Commitment Card, there will be a letter from Fr. Kulma and a pamphlet providing more information on the topic of Christian Stewardship. Each member of our parish is asked to use the two weeks prior to April 30-May 1, 2011 to prayerfully consider how God has blessed us with capabilities and desires to serve God in our community of faith. Each parishioner is asked to fill out their Commitment Card and bring it to Mass on April 30 or May 1 as part of their offering to God.
Filling out a card every year, even if you are continuing to serve in the same ministry, has two purposes. One is Spiritual and one is Physical. Spiritually, filling out a card and prayerfully offering it at Mass is a special way to offer thanks to God. When we love people we often give them gifts. When we give ourselves to God in a special way at Mass – we are giving Him the one thing He does not have – our free will choice to love and serve Him. The offering of our time and talent in a Commitment Card is a special way to say “I love you” to God. Physically, the offering of a Commitment Card provides a simple, but powerful way for parishioners to become involved if they have not yet made a commitment to service ministry. If you are already serving and wish to continue, the offering of your Time and Talent Card is a practical way for the parish office staff and ministry coordinators be informed of your recommitment and keep a current list of active ministers. With over 1,500 families we need to periodically keep our ministry records updated! This also applies if you are leaving or changing your ministry involvement.
The person who coordinates the ministry you select will contact you by phone and mail. They will let you know when training sessions are available for you to attend so you can become familiar with why we serve and how we serve in your chosen area of ministry.