Stewardship
What is Expected of St. Joan of Arc Parishioners?
St. Joan of Arc is a stewardship parish. Stewardship, by definition, promotes pride and ownership in caring for God's earthly church. It encourages a spirit of sacrificial giving, and ultimately instills ownership of the life and soul of the Parish. Giving of one's time, talent, and treasure exemplifies true stewardship of the many gifts God has provided us in our earthly existence. The rewards, as God promised, would be tenfold. In addition to financial support, all members are expected to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days and offer your time and talent to a ministry in the church.
Why Stewardship?
- Because the first fruits of our labor belong to the Lord. If we fail to return to God a portion of what we have been given, we must ask ourselves "What am I doing with God's gifts?"
- Because a church like any business requires the support of its membership in order to function! Realizing that not all persons are able to support God's work in the same manner, we always gratefully accept gifts of time and talent.
- Because we have an outstanding mortgage for our new church. Like any of us who have a mortgage or rent payment, we must continue to faithfully meet our debt obligations. If we continue to meet our current, monthly mortgage payment of $28,000, we will retire this debt in 2012.
- We ask that all parishioners tithe 5% of their income back to the Lord. Realizing that this is a gradual process, we ask all new parishioners to commit 1% of their income to the parish and increase it gradually. A minimum tithe of $10 per week per family is expected. Please complete and return your tithing commitment card as soon as possible so we can be responsible stewards of the financial resources to support parish operations. This information is kept in the strictest confidence.