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As we continue into 2013 with our current Fruitful Harvest campaign, please continue your prayers that our efforts will bare great fruit for our Church and parish so that we may honor our Heavenly Father and share the love He has placed in our hearts.
At this time in the campaign, we have made much movement in our journey toward our goal; however, there is still time to grow. Currently, our parish families have pledged $369,182. With great appreciation, the parish is moving closer to its dovetail goal of $754,191. Thank you for your love, support and prayers.
Remember that giving begins with prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Whether Fruitful Harvest, weekly contributions or other charitable causes ... the best way to know how to use the gifts we have received is to pray to God - the source of all our blessings. We invite all parish families to participate in Fruitful Harvest and to share in the blessings they have received to make a difference for our parish, diocese, families and those touched by the Church's ministry. No matter what size gifts may be, the greatest part is when they come from all and are given with true love.
Submitting a pledge: Please join us on this journey as part of the St. Alphonsus family and a legacy of the many stewards throughout time who have shared in love and faith.
How to submit pledge card Cannot locate your pledge card?
Below is a special reflection for your enjoyment. It is based on this weekend's readings and shares about how even communities are called to respond in stewardship as a whole.
Today’s second reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians in particular could not make a stronger statement about faith and how it is closely tied to the concept of community. “For in one spirit we were all baptized into one body.” (1 Cor 12:13) Paul goes on to explain that the body — the Church, our faith community — cannot function or survive without each member playing an active part.
That, of course, is the essence of stewardship. Each member, each part of the body, has been granted certain gifts and a specific purpose. If we fail to acknowledge those gifts, or if we fail to seek and find and carry out our purpose, our vocation, in relation to the body, the whole community may suffer. “As it is God has placed the parts, each member, of the body into the place he wanted it to be.” (1 Cor 12:18)
Paul tied each of us to Jesus’ ministry in the second reading. He indicated how important each of us was to the Body of Christ, to the Church, to our own faith communities. Stewardship is represented by a desire to share through gratitude, a sense that we are in communion with the Lord and with one another. Paul states it eloquently when he says, “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.” (1 Cor 12:26)
Reflection from TheCatholicSteward.com