McKenna Tithing Newsletter

JANUARY  2002

BISHOP FRANK RODIMER CELEBRATES MASS FOR OUR DAY OF RECOLLECTION. . .

Members of the McKenna Tithing Ministry recently enjoyed another beautiful Day of Recollection. The annual affair was held at Seton Hall University and Bishop Frank Rodimer, Ordinary of the Paterson Diocese, kindly included us in his formidable schedule and celebrated a lovely private Mass in the Seminary Chapel.

 Despite a severe case of laryngitis, the Bishop warmly lauded the work of the program which originated in the Paterson Diocese, and was most encouraging to all who devote their time and effort to its success. His consideration in saying Mass and joining us for the subsequent dinner was in itself a most welcome validation of our work. It gave us all good reason to renew our dedication to this lovely, rewarding ministry.

The Day of Recollection has a dual purpose. Witnesses, as well as Tithing, and Time and Talent Coordinators join to discuss the program as a whole and to determine how and in what areas we can make it better for everyone involved. Early in the day we are joined by a pastor who tells of his experience with the process, and what happened as a consequence of its introduction. Rev. Jude Salus, O.S.B., pastor of Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel in Cedar Knolls, NJ was our guest pastor this year, and he did not disappoint. Father Jude is passionate about things he cares about and tithing is high on that list.  Members of the group who had not had the pleasure of hearing Father Jude before were swept up and admitted to a feeling of renewed commitment to the idea of tithing itself. (Examples of his eloquence and enthusiasm can be found elsewhere in this newsletter.)

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Merci!   Danke!  Grazie!

There are lots of ways to say Thank You, and we see many different languages in your bulletins. I suspect, however, that most people would agree that the language of the heart is the one that counts when one is trying to show appreciation.   And we note that many of you are remarkably fluent in that language.

And so this issue will be devoted largely to Thank You. We’ll be sharing expressions of appreciation and gratitude from pastors and parishioners . . .to one another and to God.

We feel confident that you’ll be as moved and edified as we have been.

(Please feel free to use these comments in  your bulletins. . . )

“The heroes of the attacks on September 11 were ordinary men and women who did their duty in spite of great danger. For many it meant sacrificing their lives. The sacrifices we are called upon to make are minor in comparison. One of the these is the tithe we make each week. Thank you for your sacrifice to your parish and all those whom it will assist.”

Rev. Msgr. Leo N. Bierster - St. Joan of Arc, Hershey, PA

“A feisty little old lady was part of a group touring an exhibition of modern art at a newly opened gallery. One of the contemporary paintings caught her eye. She asked the tour guide, ‘What on earth is that?’ The tour guide smiled condescendingly saying ‘That, dear lady, is supposed to be a mother and child.’ ‘Well, then,’ snapped the old lady, ‘why isn’t it?’ 

“Our parish thanks our loyal parishioners for being who you are suppose to be. Your generous support makes our parish a place where Christ will always be King.”

Rev. James E. Devlin - Our Lady of the Angels  Brooklyn, NY

“Our parish has discovered something. . .very simple, very important. . .God cannot be outdone in generosity! We have a small parish with generous giving parishioners. As our parish tithing program began four weeks ago, we asked our people to be more generous with God, and they did it! - and sure enough - God outdid them all!!”

Rev. Louis Mazza - Immaculate Conception, Sleepy Hollow, NY

“Last Sunday we had the second best collection the Pastor remembers! And then, to top it off, a wonderful amount was given to Operation Rice Bowl! What a wonderful return to a God Who has given us everything we have! Thank you for being good tithers.”

(Ed. Note: An expressive comment was added next to the amount: a great big YOWZA!!!)

Rev. Alexander Masluk - Our Mother of Sorrows, Philadelphia, PA

“The other day someone asked me how a relatively small parish like ours can maintain our parish facilities so beautifully and foster so many ministries [Ed. Note - 43!]. The answer - here and now - is tithing! Many generous people are sacrificing to benefit our parish and themselves, too. They realize that our Lord will  not be outdone in generosity. With gratitude. . .”

Rev. Jude Salus, O.S.B. -  Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel, Cedar Knolls, NJ.

“As we complete the first month of Tithing, I am full of joy and gratitude because of your response to God’s call for additional funds when we needed them most. Now we have to pray for consistency.

“As your Pastor, honestly I was greatly worried about the future of our school with expenses increasing every year and the maintenance of our large buildings and complex. Faith in God removes fear as He fills us  with gratitude to so many people.”

Rev. Joseph P. Denny - St. Bartholomew, Philadelphia, PA 

“Please take notice of the very short comment from one of our parishioners about Tithing. (‘It’s about time!’) This person is saying in others words, it’s necessary; it should have been done a long time ago; it is spiritual; I agree with it all. It is giving back to God for all that He has given us. May God bless this parishioner for saying so much in just a few words. We do thank everyone who, through ‘God’s Plan for Giving’, supports St. Ambrose Parish.”

Rev. James Catagnus - St. Ambrose,  Philadelphia, PA

“Why do we not have Bingo, Bazaars, Booster Club, etc? Because with the style of tithing we adopted, we trust that each person will respond with honestly and confidence in God’s promises to those who tithe, sufficient to support their parish. Thanks to all who are trying God’s Plan.”

Rev. James T. Smith - St. Kevin, Flushing, NY

“I am deeply moved by your Christmas generosity to your parish. Despite the state of the economy, our proceeds for the month of December are 30% above what they were at this time last year. Your faith and trust in God allow us to maintain and enhance our many parish ministries. May God bless all of you abundantly.”

Rev. Edward R. Scott - St. Thomas More and St. Mary, Lake Ariel, PA

“TITHING THE TITHE at St. Maurice Parish has made us the talk of the town. Some think we’re crazy but I know that God doesn’t agree with them. THANK YOU for your tithe.”

Rev. Gerald T. Devore - St. Maurice, Stamford, CT

“We need to be aware that the act of giving is an act of life. Selfish living is really an indication of the poverty of our souls. More people refuse to give because of inadequate spiritual resources than because of inadequate material resources. Your money has life in it! If you use it for God, it spreads and grows and brings dead souls to life. If you keep it for yourself, there is no life.

“Therefore, when the offering plate is passed, we can look upon that act as a joyous opportunity to affirm the life that is within us. And to share that power of life with others.”

Rev. Msgr. Richard Behl - Cathedral of St. Francis,  Metuchen, NJ

“We began our tithing efforts this past year. It has been financially successful; I hope many have found out that putting the Lord first in all aspects of our lives has also led to a spiritual success. On the financial side, we can be proud of the progress we’ve made. Except for one very snowy and cold Sunday last winter, we have never had a collection less than $4,000 which is remarkable. A little over a year ago such a collection was only taken on Palm Sunday or Easter. For those who have made this effort such a wonderful success for the future of our church, we are grateful. . .”

Rev. John Pfannenstiel, OFM Cap. - St. Ambrose, Baltimore, MD

“As we reflect on the simple beauty and serenity of the Holy Family, we are reminded to give thanks that through our baptism . . .we are made part of the family of God. Our particular parish family has been blessed abundantly by God. As we welcome new families to our parish family and see [it] growing, we are grateful for all who have put their trust in the Lord and have made the tithing commitment. We commend their willing generosity in responding to the Lord’s invitation. With the decision to put God first comes spiritual peace and joy. We pray that our new families and all of us will continue to grow closer to the Lord and each other.”

Rev. Msgr. James Mc Coy - St. Jude, Chalfont, PA

“Tithing is really turning our parish around. If you haven’t tried it, it will turn your life around. Just look at the collection to see the amazing results that come from parishioners who really sacrifice. Blessings are also coming to our school as we are one of the fortunate schools to have all teaching positions filled by the first full day of school. We are also blessed with 129 students attending our school. We are building on the good works of the late Father Francis R. Scherer, S.J. who oversaw construction of our church which was completed in 1962. Father Scherer was called home by God this past week. . .We are also grateful to all the volunteers who are turning out today and this past week to share their TIME and TALENT with our guests from all over the Archdiocese.

Rev. Msgr. John B. Brady - Holy Angels, Avenue, MD

PARISHIONERS’ THANK YOU’S. .  .

“John and I both think tithing is a great way of giving back to God everything He has given to us. Especially enjoyed the four speakers who came to our parish.”

A parishioner
Rev. Thomas F. Doyle - Sacred Heart, Royersford, PA

“They say Buffalo has really been snowed in this year. People are confused and discouraged. I get like that a lot, but I know God is watching over me because I watch over Him when I tithe. Smart, eh?”

A parishioner
Rev. Patrick J. Berkery, Adm.  - St. Anthony, Ansonia, CT.

“I think it is a great plan and that it has been too long in taking place. “

A parishioner
Rev. Edward H. Bell - St. Joan of Arc, Philadelphia, PA

“Since I  began tithing, I have had a greater understanding of how much I am loved by God. He loves me as I am and I find that I am much happier with myself now.”

A parishioner
Rev. Philip G. Burger - St. Patrick, Treverton, PA

“Giving a present to my church was not part of my Christmas list last year, Father, and yet, after much hesitation, I gave in my bonus gift from my job to the parish. I can’t tell you what I received in love and peace that Christmas week and all this past year. I truly learned that His generosity cannot be outdone. I will give my bonus every year from now on!”

A parishioner
Rev. Jude S. Salus, OSB -  Notre Dame of Mount Carmel, Cedar Knolls, NJ

“Here’s the parish part of my tithe for my ‘buy-out’ retirement: two-thirds for St. Frances Cabrini and one-third for my favorite charity.”

A parishioner
Rev. Msgr. John Miller - St. Frances Cabrini, Fairless Hills, PA

“At some Masses when I see people throwing a loose dollar, or even change, into the basket, I feel sorry for them. They must not feel like they really belong to our parish. They haven’t made any commitment to give or tithe in a serious way.”

A parishioner
Rev. Msgr. Peter V. Kain, - St. Ephrem, Brooklyn, NY

“The more I help the church or someone in need, the more generous God is to me.”

A parishioner
Rev. Francis Xavier Russo, OFM Cap. - Shrine of the Sacred Heart  Washington, DC

“Each week I look at the figures for Sunday of 2001 and the same Sunday in 2000. There is always a difference and most Sundays it’s a positive difference. We started to tithe about two years ago. We thought we would give it a try. We are happy we did. Now we don’t just ‘put money in the basket’ but we give to the Lord. Print my letter if you wish to. Maybe others will ‘give it a try.’ They won’t be sorry either.”

A parishioner
Rev. Msgr. Francis Carbine - St. Charles Borromeo, Bensalem, PA

“Several months ago I came to Notre Dame for the 10:30 Mass. I felt such spirit and love that I filled out a registration form that day. I came a couple of months later to the New Parishioners’ Welcome and heard the tithing message for the first time. I always believed in tithing, believed in the joy of giving and that God takes care of all. But being a divorced Mother supporting two children, I excused myself. My decision is this: I am now a tithing, supporting member of this loving parish! I’ve a long way to go. Pray for me.”

A parishioner
Rev. Jude Salus, OSB - Notre Dame of Mount Carmel, Cedar Knolls, NJ

“Over the last couple of years we began steadily increasing our weekly contributions. I suppose this was out of a growing sense of stewardship for our parish. We became more involved in parish activities and truly wanted to see the parish succeed in its service to the people. Though we were still giving less than the prescribed “tithe,” we felt it was sufficient. When St. Patrick’s became a tithing parish, we decided to participate. Much to our surprise, the Lord has given back to us in abundance! We just refinanced our mortgage to a much lower rate, allowing us to pay off our credit cards and halve the term of our mortgage!. . . All of a sudden we are becoming better able to organize our finances as well. We believe this is a direct result of tithing. It’s too much at once to consider these events a coincidence! . . .”

A parishioner
Rev. Louis C. Bier - St. Patrick, Norristown, PA

 AND IN A LIGHTER VEIN:

“A little girl became restless as the preacher’s sermon dragged on and on. Finally she leaned over and whispered to her Mother, “Mommy, if we give him the money now, will he let us go?”

Rev. Ross M. Syracuse, OFM Conv. - St. Casimir, Baltimore, MD

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