Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

News and Notes:  Here is an update on our 2017 Catholic Appeal:  as of October 6, OLA parishioners had pledged $68,044, which 115% of their goal of $59,211.  SMG had pledged $32,655, which is 95% of their goal of $34,347.  Please remember that both parishes will receive 65% of all paid pledges over their respective fair share assessments, so I encourage all those who have not yet made a Catholic Appeal pledge to do so before December 31.

As you prepare to make your annual financial commitment to your respective parish for 2018, consider these comments by layman and benefactor Ben Scott: “Tithing is a sensitive issue and for some, it will require time and a change of heart.  I suggest asking the Holy Spirit for the strength and guidance to be open to His message and the courage to do God’s will.  (The biblical principle of) Tithing means giving ten percent of your income to Christ’s Church and the poor.  God gave Moses the commandment of tithing in 1300 B.C.: ‘All tithes of the land, whether in grain from the field or in fruit from the trees, belong to the Lord, as sacred to Him’ [Leviticus27:30].  He gave this commandment for the purpose of supporting the priests of that time and their mission work.  The practice of tithing has a strong precedent in the Bible and Church history and is still relevant today.”

Perhaps a good way to plan for your annual financial commitment is to think about all that God has done for you and will do for you, and then consider a tithe of some percentage of your treasure to your parish as a way of expressing your gratitude for the Lord’s countless blessings in your life…may you experience more of his blessings in the week ahead!