Five Principles of Planned Giving
Giving funds to the parish in a manner consistent with the principles of stewardship is a much more thoughtful process than reaching into your pocket for something to put in the donation box after mass is over (thank you, COVID19). Follow these principles as you decide how to tithe to the parish. Make sure that your gift is:
- Planned: You have spent time in thought and prayer when deciding what to give, rather than merely giving what we happen to have left at the end of the week.
- Proportionate: You give in proportion to the gifts you have received.
- Sacrificial: You give back to God from your substance, rather than your abundance.
- Grateful: Your offering is a grateful response to the immense love God has for us.
- A Gift: What we give is a gift, given without reservation or condition.
St. John the Baptist Parish Stewardship Prayer
Loving God, we are grateful for the abundant gifts you have given the community of St. John the Baptist. We hear Your call to be good stewards of Your gifts of time, talent and treasure. We hear Your call to share our talents to build a community worthy of Your love. We thank You for the opportunity to share with all whose lives we touch on our faith journey.
Lord Jesus, give us the courage to follow your example and reach out to those in need. As a caring family of faith, may we strive to be compassionate to those among us and in the wider community who need what each of us has to offer.
Holy Spirit, give us the insight to recognize the special gifts given to each of us by our Heavenly Father. Inspire in each of us the generosity to share with our community a just measure of our time, talents and treasure. For with Your guidance we are confident that each commitment to share will lead to fulfilling the vision of St. John the Baptist parish family. Amen
“Let me say this much: He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully. Everyone must give according to what he has decided; not sadly, not grudgingly, for God loves a cheerful giver. God can multiply His favors among you so that you may always have enough of everything and even a surplus for good works.” II Cor 9:6-8
Faith Direct is the vendor we use to offer online giving through your bank account or credit card. When you set up an account with Faith Direct, they automatically withdraw the amount from the account you designate at the times you specify. You are in control, but you do not have to remember to write a check, you can give even when you are unable to come in to Mass, and you know your information is perfectly secure. Faith Direct also allows you to give to the various funds, including St. Vincent de Paul, that directly serve people in need. Click on the Faith direct button to set up your account.
Your giving funds parish staff, building utilities and maintenance, our liturgies and ministries, and social justice and outreach to those in need. As staff, we are mindful that we are stewards of the gifts you give us, and offer this annual report of your "Stewardship in Action."
