Mckenna Stewardship Newsletter
July 2004

# 38 - JULY 2004

A SPECIAL "THANK YOU" FROM REV. LEO P. OSWALD, 
PASTOR OF HOLY CROSS AND ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE, PHILADELPHIA, PA

"I am very happy to share extremely good news today. As you may remember, when our two parishes were 'twinned' in June of 2000, written into the Cluster Plan was [a recommended] evaluation after two years. We completed this evaluation in October of 2002. At that time, the recommendations of the Twinning Evaluation Committee were to make some adjustments to the Mass Schedule, explore opportunities for sharing some staff positions, and to re-evaluate [again] in two years. We were scheduled to embark on this second evaluation this coming October, and frankly, I was dreading it. In preparation for this process I requested a meeting with Msgr. Beach, our Regional Vicar; Mr. Peter Davis, Director of the Office for Financial Services; Mr. Robert Miller, Director of the Offices for Research and Planning and Sr. Kathleen Anderson, facilitator of the previous evaluation. We pored over the last five years' Financial Reports, Spiritual Reports, census information; we looked at sacramental activity, number of new registrations, Mass attendance, collection returns and every imaginable statistic. We reviewed the Pastoral Councils' reflections on the Characteristics of Vital Parishes. The result: their recommendation, based on the very positive information, was that there was NO NEED TO REEVALUATE our status at this time. (Everyone now breathe a quiet sigh of relief). In short, both parishes are healthy, alive and GROWING! It was very encouraging to hear from people who are responsible for major decision making in the Archdiocese that we are doing well.

"I attribute our success to the faith filled response of our parishioners to their Baptismal call. Our worship nourishes and strengthens us to be a vibrant presence of Christ in the community. Thank you for embracing tithing. The financial benefits are rivaled by the spiritual. [Editor's note: my emphasis.] We have seen not only an  in revenue, but also a noticeable increase in people involved in ministry. The generous sharing of time, talent and treasure has born fruit. I am particularly grateful to the staffs and the Pastoral and Finance Councils of both parishes for their dedicated work, service and encouragement. As of this writing, we do not anticipate any clergy transfers.

"While we can breathe a little more easily, this does NOT mean that we can become complacent. If anything, we need to redouble our efforts in evangelization, hospitality and witness. We still have many challenges to face. Both parishes are struggling with serious expenses - our aging buildings continue to require serious work. The finance councils of both parishes will be working to help us deal with our deficits. This is a time to capitalize on our strengths and not be fearful of sharing resources. So, if we decide to do some things together - DON'T PANIC! One way we can help insure our independence is to support each other in our various activities.
"Congratulate each other on work well done, encourage each other for the tasks ahead, pray for each other. May we all grow more and more in the likeness of Christ.

"Please know of my prayerful gratitude as I ask God's blessing on each and every member of our two wonderful parishes."

The McKenna Tithing Ministry is thrilled to feature this lovely, eloquent "thank you" from a marvelous Steward to his people who obviously share his philosophy and faith.

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

""We are very pleased to find out that you are associated with Gerry McKenna Ministries to create a 'Tithing Parish.' Our former parish tithed and God has blessed that parish. We have tithed for a number of years and have been blessed both spiritually and financially."
A parishioner
Rev. Patrick T. O'Connor, St. Brendan the Navigator, Shallotte, NC 

"When I first heard of tithing, I really didn't like it. I guess it was all new to me, and I don't adapt to change well. Then I thought I would give it a try. Then you announced in church you were not going to have a collection for utilities. I really started to worry. I told God I was really worried about you and especially St. William's. I didn't want to lose the church. I happened to come across some extra money which I really didn't expect. Then after I received it, I decided to give half of it to St. William, ($133.81). After this, I learned of extra nice things that started to happen to my husband and me. We will be getting more money in our income [tax] check this year than ever; someone owed us money and we received it. My husband got called in for overtime; and I got extra hours at work. God is truly amazing. I couldn't believe it. I would not expect God to do this all the time, but I feel He helped us. I was kind of scared to give St. William the check, but I feel I should do this. Thank you for taking care of St. William's." 
A parishioner
Rev. Msgr. Nelson J. Perez, M.A., M.Div., St. William, Phila., PA

"I used to think that I should give to the Lord what I could afford. Tithing has opened my eyes to how stingy I was with my view of things. No matter how much I made, I never could afford to give much to the Lord! I don't know what I was thinking! Now, as I tithe, I am beginning to learn what 'a heart of generosity' feels like."
A parishioner
Rev. Richard Rusk, St. Patrick's, Belvidere, NJ

"Times have been hard the past 8 years, but you're right. God has blessed us with 2 wonderful girls, a home, jobs, etc. I will try my best to give back to God for everything He's given to me."
A parishioner
Rev. Boguslaw Augustyn, C.Ss.R., Sacred Heart, Manville, NJ

"With tithing, I try to do my best. I pray that more parishioners would do the same. God bless you for working so hard for the parish."
A parishioner
Rev. Daniel S. Kearney, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, New York, NY 

"I worked at Merrill Lynch for 20 years. The first eight were as a consultant without health benefits or a retirement plan. During those years I would put money each pay period into a special account which I considered my 'retirement' money. My tithing at that point was very sporadic. One January while praying I felt convinced to tithe, but had no idea how I would handle it financially. After more prayer, I said to the Lord, 'I could use the money I put aside for my retirement. But if I do that, you will have to take care of me when I retire as I will have nothing. My tithe will be my retirement. I put this into your hands, Lord, and trust you.' That week, I prepared my monthly budget with 10% allocated to tithing. Two weeks later I was offered a full time position at Merrill Lynch with benefits and a pension. God honors tithing. He will not be outdone."
A parishioner
Rev. Msgr. Joachim Beaumont, Sacred Heart of Jesus, New York, NY

"I have always been aware of God's goodness and blessings in my life. If I can make a financial commitment to a bank for a mortgage or the purchase of a car, how can I not commit myself to God for all that He has done for my family and me? That would be like going to a restaurant and not tipping the server. I am more than willing to 'tip' God for all that He has done for me!"
A parishioner
Rev. Edward T. Kearns, St. Cyril of Alexandria, East Lansdowne, PA

"Every once in a while people need to be reminded that everything else goes up in price. People pay their bills and maybe they think of the church last with what money is left. The church must live on a budget just like our homes do. You certainly have to know how much money is coming in so you can plan for the future. P.S. I would like to pay once a month. It must be a 'job' counting money every week."
A parishioner
Rev. Msgr. Seamus F. Brennan, Immaculate Conception, Sommerville, NJ

"The tithe seems the fairest and most equitable way to spread the expense of a functioning parish - since it is between God and me, it by-passes the usual - 'who did what and who didn't'; to whom much is given, much is required."
A parishioner
Rev. James J. Foley, S.T.L., S.S.L., SS. Peter and Paul, West Chester, PA

"When I first heard the witnesses talk about tithing, I kind of snickered. Then I received the testimonials in the mail and, for some reason, my eyes were opened and I realized for the first time that all that I have is because God gave me the desire to achieve."
A parishioner
Rev. Louis Petruha, OFM Cap., St. Joseph, York, PA

PASTORS' COMMENTS. . . (from their parish bulletins)

"It is clear that our appeal to you to consider tithing has made an impression. Thank you to all who have been tithing and especially to all who have just begun to tithe. The generosity with which you give to Him will be returned in even greater abundance."
Rev. Charles J. McElroy, St. Mary, Schwenksville, PA

"Here is a quotation from St. Leo the Great: 'The works of charity are innumerable. Their very variety brings this advantage to those who are true Christians: that in the matter of almsgiving not only the rich and affluent, but those of average means and even the poor, are able to play their part. Those who are unequal in their capacity to give can be equal in the love within their hearts." 
Rev. Msgr. William M. Richardson, St. Theresa, New Cumberland, PA

"As we complete the first 6 months of Tithing, I am full of joy and gratitude because of your response to God's call. Not only has the parish been able to improve our weekly income, but over the past 6 months, we have been able to reach out to others financially and assist them. A full report will be included in the bulletin next week. This is the 'tithing the tithe' and it is, I feel, part of the miracle of tithing. God has enabled us not only to help ourselves, but to reach out and help others as well. Thank you so much for your generosity."
Rev. John Bateman, St. Jude Thaddeus, Mifflintown, PA

"Your overwhelming response to tithing is a witness to your willingness to place your trust and faith in God. Thank you for your generous response to His call! As you have seen, tithing can be very successful when people respond with faith. Nearly all of the comment cards have been very positive. I do, however, want to clear one thing up. Tithing is not only for those who can afford it. Fiscally, tithing really makes no sense! But it's much more than finances and money; it's about trust in God, not ourselves. To place God first by giving Him His share regardless of our personal or local economic situation is indeed scary - it is an act of faith. Tithing is not buying God's love, but thanking Him for His over- whelming goodness to us. The only witness I can give you is that those who 'try' God on this (Malachi 3:10) are astounded at how God responds in generosity. Does this require sacrifice? YES! But trust in God is what we say by making this sacrifice. If tithing does not seem to be right for you . . . keep praying about it and ask God what He desires for you."
Rev. John Bateman, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Lewistown, PA

"God says, 'Bring the full tithe into the storehouse . . .' He has a reason for wanting his people to give 10% back to Him. It is to prove that we are serious about loving Him, calling Him our Father and going about His business on earth. What if God has an important purpose in mind for our tithe, intending it to bring 'overflowing blessings' upon us? As I observe parishioners of our cathedral parish, I see so many who have been blessed abundantly. I thank you for your ongoing generosity to Our Lord and His Church."
Rev. Msgr. Richard A. Behl, D.Min., Cathedral of St. Francis, Metuchen, NJ

"Thomas Indoe left his job as an executive for Del Monte Food and RJR Nabisco to work with Paul Newman who gives away 100% of the profits of his food company. 'I was reviewing where I was in life. I'll never get rich here - there aren't any stock options - but that's fine with me. My kids look at my job and say, "What a neat thing you're doing, Dad!" versus working for a big corporation, putting money on the bottom'."
Rev. Louis P. Ogden, Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Middletown, PA

"Last Sunday the Lord gave us His new commandment and told us all that we know we are disciples if we have love for one another. We show this love in our sacrificial giving which enables the church to reach our in love to all."
Rev. Leo P. Oswald, Holy Cross, Philadelphia, PA

"The person who tithes is saying "thank you" to God for health, food, family, love and life. Tithing teaches that the love of God is the creative factor in every person's life."
Rev. Richard Veras, St. Joseph -St. Thomas, Staten Island, NY

"PENNY-NICKLE - DIME - QUARTER . . .
which coin has the head facing right? Answer: PENNY! All other coins look left! We should look carefully at our money . . . both for what we receive . . . and for what we give. If I am aware of my weekly income, I should also be aware of my weekly outflow. I should be attentive to what I give back to the Lord 

CHECK YOUR GENEROSITY!"

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


"During my many years as a priest and a friar, I have so often been amazed at God's generosity to me. Every time I give something away, it comes back to me! Once I was waiting in line for a bus to Pittsburgh at the Port Authority in New York when a man approached me - the Roman collar is a marvelous magnet - for help 'to buy a ticket.' I gave him a few dollars, and moments later another man, sensing that I had 'been taken,' came up to me and gave me double what I had given! No wonder the Lord tells us to 'try' Him! He's always surprising us with his goodness."
Friar Francis X. Russo, OFM Cap., St John the Evangelist, Philadelphia, PA 

"We have been in two other tithing parishes and support the program 100%. We must admit we are slightly below the tithing level since we both retired. We will commit to increasing . . . God has provided and surpassed us on many occasions in the past . . ."
Rev. John Gallagher, OFM, St. Anne/St. Augustin, Manchester, NH