Prayer Time

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The Roman Rite parish to which I belong is $60,000 short this year for its budget.  The prediction for next year is much greater than that, so the Pastor is asking for people to commit to more tithing.  That is probably one of the hardest jobs to do, "beg" people for money, that is.  I do not envy him.

He put out what he calls The Challenge of Generosity, which touched upon and called for the broader idea of giving.  It was mailed home to each family.  Here is an excerpt.

I pray that you will be able to respond to our increased offertory program.  This will help us sustain and increase our efforts to enrich the lives of any people.  Your simple act of giving is a start, but there are many other ways as well, such as volunteering at a hospital, working on a parish committee, doing some babysitting, or teaching a child to read.  When we support and participate in the work of the Church, we are helping to build God's Kingdom.

Please join me in praying that we will meet the Lord's challenge.

Teach us, O Lord, to understand that

generosity is shown not only by sharing with

others from what you have given to us

but also by every act of helpfulness

toward those who are in need,

and that very human being stands in need

of friendship and kindness,

understanding and encouragement.

Teach us to be generous in what we

think and say as well as in what we do.

Teach us to realize that in the

measure we give, we also receive,

and that every good thing we do brings 

a reward from you,

our most generous Lord.  Amen. 

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image - http://community412.typepad.com/uniting_to_transform_comm/2008/04/index.html

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