Parish campaign: Increase Offertory

Today, an increased offertory campaign being instituted throughout the Diocese is asking this generation to take its turn in supporting those parishes.

The "Here I am Lord...I'll Take a Step for You" campaign hopes to increase what each household gives to the offertory collection by $3 to $5 per week. The money raised will stay in parishes to meet such needs as repairing buildings, or training personnel and religious educators.

Stewardship effort

The entire stewardship program will include six parts: the annual Bishop's Appeal, the increased offertory drive, a major gifts campaign, a diocesan-wide capital campaign, work by the Foundation of the Albany Diocese for major gifts from individual donors, and intensified stewardship at the parish level.

The offertory drive itself will begin with presentations during Mass in parishes around the Diocese, explaining why an increase in offertory collections is needed. Then Catholics will receive pamphlets explaining how to "take a step" by increasing their donation to the offertory by a certain amount.

Later, parishes will follow up to remind parishioners of their commitment and keep track of how much parish funds have increased.

Keeping parishes up

However, he noted, parishes can't last a half-century or more without building upkeep, technological advancements and staff training. Between 1955 and 1965, the Diocese spent $100 million on its parishes, but now "roofs have to be repaired, things have to be updated."

Catholics typically give about one percent of their income to their churches, while Protestants give two percent and other religious groups three or four percent.

Scriptural basis

In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, new Christians are also told "to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share."

Mr. Green added that the offertory drive won't just apply to regular churchgoers. In an age when people are searching more than ever for spiritual fulfillment, he said, the message of stewardship calls people to come back to the Church and be active in their parishes.

Jesus, he said, "was the perfect steward. He gave 100 percent. We're His eyes, His hands, collaborators in His ministry. Everything we have is a gift from God, and we should give back in gratitude."

(10-21-99) [[In-content Ad]]