A Season of Generosity

Do you know the first children’s toy that cost over $30?  It was a few years ago.  Tickle Me Elmo broke the cost barrier.  Now many children’s gifts cost much more than that.  We have no trouble spending much more than that on a toy for the child we love so much.  Yet, many people continue to give to the church as the same rate they did 10 or more years ago.  Nearly 10 years ago our parish embraced Commitment to Parish Life as a way to reduce the number of second collections and a capital campaign by rolling them all into one consistent gift to the parish.  We have only increased our giving by less than 15% in the last 10 years. If we added 15% to an Elmo doll now, it would be about $35.  It is hard to find a child’s gift for that price.  As we get ready to celebrate Christmas and the New Year I ask that you seriously look at your giving towards the parish and God.  If our giving has not kept pace with the rest of our spending, maybe God deserves a raise.  
Fr. Mike