The Tree Planted in 1732 still Grows

Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received…. Whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belongs the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

~ 1 Peter 4.10-11

What Does Stewardship Mean for Me?

Stewardship is living the Christian life as fully and abundantly as possible. This is done by receiving God’s gifts gratefully, cherishing and tending them in a responsible and accountable manner, sharing them in justice and love with others and returning them with increase to the Lord.

Being On God’s Team

Stewardship is the way to play an active part in bringing to fulfillment God’s plan for the salvation of the world. You can play an active part by sharing your time and talents through our ministries, programs and groups, and offering what treasure you can spare for the care of others and God’s house.

Trust

Throughout the Scriptures, God tells us: “Trust me, I will give you all you need.” Not all you want perhaps, but all you need. The steward takes God’s Word to heart, pondering on it and living it out so that worry may be replaced with peace of mind.

Joy

Time and again, individuals who have embraced stewardship give witness to a deep feeling of joy. Their love of the Lord deepens, they become more aware of the spiritual dimension of life, and they free themselves from dependency on material things. They draw closer to family and friends.

Salvation

Jesus promises eternal salvation to those who answer his call to discipleship. It is not enough to say, “I believe,” and go on with life in the same old way. Stewards live for God, and they will earn the final greatest reward when Jesus announces to them: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter the joy of your Master!” (Matthew 25.21).

Stewardship & Generosity

Saint Francis of Assisi prayed that “It is better to give, than to receive.” Stewardship is generosity in action. It is recognizing our responsibility to care for one another and to respond as best we can to the needs in our community. The following are a few of the many ways that you can share in our Parishes:

[accordion][accordion_section title=”St. Anthony Food Box & Poor Fund”]

During his lifetime, Saint Anthony of Padua was committed to helping those who were most in need. At St. Mary’s and Our Lady of Lourdes, our parishioners have continued to carry on his ministry to the poor by generously contributing to the food boxes in the entrances of our church buildings, as well as to the St. Anthony’s Poor Fund.

These donations are used to financially assist families in need and charitable initiatives in our district. Contributions can be made by dropping your donation in the offering box or in the collection basket with your envelope marked “St. Anthony’s Poor Fund.”

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Our Parish Communities welcome all visitors who wish to gather with us for our times of worship. At times, some ask for the ability to contribute and support our Parishes. To this end, visitor envelopes may be found in the narthex.

For parishioners, these visitor envelopes may also be used if you happen to forget your envelope at home. Please indicate your envelope number in the appropriate section on the envelope.

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[accordion][accordion_section title=”Memorial Envelopes”]

After a loved one has been called home by the Lord, we wish to remember their lives, the time we had to share with them, and to cherish their memory into the future. One way to do this, is to offer a memorial envelope in their name to the Parish.

Memorial envelopes can be designated for specific purposes, for example the building fund, youth ministry, the beautification of church grounds, etc.

For your convenience, memorial envelopes are available in the narthex of St. Mary’s and Our Lady of Lourdes Parishes.

To learn more on how you can Remember Someone Special, please contact the Parish Office.

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St. Mary’s Parish has created a Tree of Life. It is located on the south wall of the narthex. It is a visual celebration of love.

The memorial leaves of the tree are a legacy, a lasting way to remember loved ones who have passed away. It is a reminder that as they now experience eternal life, they remain an important part of our Parish Community.

To learn more about how to remember a loved one on the Tree of Life, please click here.

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[accordion][accordion_section title=”Leaving a Legacy in Your Community”]

As a Faith Community, many rely upon us for spiritual nourishment, to teach children, give guidance to youth, preserve our history, console the grieving, visit the sick, welcome new members, reconcile the sinner, instill hope, joy and love. Yet none of this can happen without you.

As a Church, we rely solely upon parishioners like you who give generously of their time, talent and treasure throughout their lives. Yet did you know that by including a charitable gift in your will, you will help to continue our work well into the future? You can continue to make a difference in the lives that follow.

For more information about planned giving and leaving a legacy, please click here.

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[accordion][accordion_section title=”Bishop’s Diocesan Ministry Campaign”]

This annual campaign exists to meet the immediate needs of the Church in northwestern Ontario: to feed the hungry, promote the Faith, educate future clergy, support families, prepare children for the Sacraments, heal and comfort the sick in body, mind and spirit, and so much more….

To learn more about how you can help build up the Church by contributing to the Bishop’s Diocesan Ministry Campaign, please click here.

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