Stewardship of Treasure

My Dear Parishioners and Friends:
 
As we enjoy fall and move closer to the Advent season, I’ve been reflecting upon the passing of time. In the past few years, we have all faced unprecedented challenges in the midst of a pandemic. Through God’s grace, we experienced the world’s return to a new normal. 

Here in our parish, which is comprised of all Colts Neck Township 07722, there have been some who experienced hardship; others who have rebounded; and yet others who are experiencing growth in their business or career endeavors. I have spoken to a broad cross-section these past few years.  Much to my personal surprise, recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau confirms an increase in the median household income when compared with the previous five years.  This report also indicates that 46% of the households within our parish earn more than $200,000.00 per year. Indeed, we are so very blessed by God. 

We can take solace as Catholics that facing hardships can strengthen us and our faith. Romans 5:3-5 teaches us that hard times such as these help us build endurance, character, and hope if we accept God’s love through the Holy Spirit – and hope does not disappoint.  We have been extending hope to our community without interruption through our many outreach programs with the support of our parishioners.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to be stewards of the Church. Stewardship calls upon us to share our time, talent and treasure. As stewards of the Parish, we share our blessings by consistently engaging our resources to further the ministry and mission of the Church as well as other charitable endeavors.

I am asking you to take part in our program aptly named “Hope Does Not Disappoint,” which aims to support our Parish as we strive to fulfill our mission during this new normal.  To that end, we ask active parishioners to share your blessings by prayerfully considering an increase to your weekly offertory. For those who have not been actively contributing, we hope you will begin to regularly give to support our mission. This enables the parish to compensate our personnel, fund our ministries, further our mission and provide for our future.  Thank you for your generosity, prayers and commitment to The Parish of Saint Mary!

Click here to submit your commitment to the Parish of Saint Mary. 

Peace,  
Father Jeff
Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee
Pastor