ABOUT THE MC KENNA MINISTRY

Tithing, of course, is as old as Moses, but the Gerry McKenna Stewardship Ministry differs significantly from other tithing practices in several ways:

• It's a grass roots movement of lay people.
• It has no hierarchical affiliation, but has received frequent ecclesiastical approbation.
• It involves no pledge card, no visits or phone calls, and no written or verbal promises.
• ANY COMMITMENT IS ENTIRELY PRIVATE.

The first presentation of the McKenna Stewardship Ministry was made by five men in 1977. The group had no name at that time and was not formally organized.

Today the Ministry has an Advisory Board, a newsletter, more than 60 witnesses, and an Annual Day of Recollection. People in more than 900 parishes in 21 States in 44 Dioceses have adopted this plan for making a gesture of humility and homage to God.

Thousands of lives have been changed...

While a tithe means 10 percent, the practice has been updated to suggest giving 5 percent to one's parish and 5 percent to other personal charities.

Why would anyone tithe?

Tithing of course meets occasional resistance since it does involve one of our most sensitive areas: the "wallet nerve". But, as strange as it sounds, tithing really isn't about money. It's about surrender, maybe. Or acceptance. It's about humility and an acknowledgement of one's total dependence on God. It's a gift of self or a prayer. It's whatever you want it to be. It's saying Thank you, Lord, for letting me use the other 9/10 of my income.

Most of all, it's about love. Just ask any tither...