10/22/07

Dear St Ignatius Family

First, I'd like to say thank you for your support in the year and a half since I joined the St. Ignatius family. I am encouraged by the enthusiasm I see and feel throughout the Parish and am excited about the possibilities that are ahead of us. This month, we are celebrating the gifts God has blessed us with by making our commitments of Time, Talent and Treasure. All of the good things that happen in our parish are possible only because of your generosity. We must all remember that everything we have is a gift from God and we are called to be good stewards of the things he has given us: Our time, talent and treasure.

During the weekend of October 20^th and 21^st, we will be asking you to make your commitment of treasure. There is a temptation to reduce our stewardship of treasure to just bill paying and avoid talking about money for fear of making everything “all about the money”. The reality is that Jesus knows how personal the issue of money is for us. About half of the parables of Jesus have to do with money or material possessions. Remember the lost coin, the widow's mite, the buried treasure in the field, the Good Samaritan, and so on. These parables remind us that the size of the gift is not the issue, rather the love with which it is given. Stewardship of treasure is not about giving to a need; rather a need to give. The results of this need to give allow us to build up the Body of Christ at our parish.

I ask that you prayerfully consider making your commitment of treasure out of love and your personal need to give. We use the standard tithe as a guideline for giving, but I am asking you to make a decision based on your circumstances and ability to give for the greater glory of God, and the betterment of our St. Ignatius community.

I would like to invite you to join me in the Frassati Center following Mass during our treasure commitment weekend to learn more about how we are using your gifts. I encourage you to come and learn about future plans for our Parish and ask questions. It is an opportunity for fellowship and information gathering and I sincerely hope to see you there.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. Stephen E. Martin

Pastor