St Charles Church .org
This is a summary of a Fr. Gerry Creedon homily delivered at St. Charles on October 12, 2003
"EVERYTHING IS NAKED and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account." Heb. 4, 13
These lines from St Paul speak to the need of transparency for our church today. On Stewardship Sunday our Parish Finance Committee provides you an account of the gifts you entrust to the mission of St Charles.
"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God" MK 10, 30.
This statement of Jesus immediately calls for clarification. How do we define rich; 50,000; 200,000 or a millionaire? Is it the wealth itself or its use that he is concerned for? The church comes to the rescue "Give all your money to the church, then you will be poor!" Then the church itself will need to worry about the question of wealth!
It is clear from the context of the gospel that the focus of Jesus' teaching is on the necessity of sharing our resources with the needs of others, especially the poor.
My mother used to add new prayers from time to time to the trimmings of the rosary. Her latest addition ended with, "Thanks and thanks and forever thanks". I can use the words of her prayer to you, the members of St Charles. Your stewardship of time, treasure and talent has been extraordinary. A few weekends ago about 150 of you offered your selves as volunteers in our various ministries.
In the area of finance you have been exceptionally generous over the past three years. Through the Build the Spirit Campaign you pledged $3.2 million to initiate the construction of our new Parish Community Center. Recently you pledged $2.2 million dollars to Rooted in Faith ~ Forward in Hope, a project that will assist the Diocese and the parish. Half of these pledges are dedicated to the completion of our Center. While you have responded to these campaigns generously, you have not cut back on your offertory support to the parish's programs. In fact each year has shown a significant increase in giving. We have recently initiated a Building Fund for new parishioners. New members are asked to join others in pledging support to the 50-year-old facilities of the parish. Those who have completed their current pledges are invited to continue their planned support through this means. School families, friends and alumni of St Charles School are welcome to join in school projects that support the needs of our outstanding educational program. For more information on the activities of our School Development Committee call the school office. Sr. Benedict continues to be an inspiration to me and all who know her. I want to strengthen every effort to provide the support she needs in insuring the continuity and growth of St Charles School, despite the increased costs of education and our commitment to provide a more equitable salary to our teachers. Thank you for your fidelity to your pledges. Thank you for increasing your offertory giving each year. Thank you for your support to our school.
During the next few years, while we await the redemption of your pledges, we will benefit from a loan from the diocese to take care of construction costs. We will need to repay this loan in the years ahead. Some have suggested that we cut back on our tithing program while we repay the loan. We have resisted that temptation. While the parish calls you to be generous, the parish itself must set the example of generosity. Our commitment to our sister parishes in Haiti and to our social responsibility at home will continue in a sacrificial way.
The rich man went way sad because he had many possessions. In sharing our resources we find that a burden shared is a burden lightened. Our hearts rejoice in gratitude and hope.