From the Desk of Fr. James Waite

Here at St. John's we are ever conscious of our call to stewardship.  Many of us give our time, talents and treasures in different ways and I want to thank all of you who have given so freely of your resources.  Your gifts enable us to maintain our buildings and grounds, provide youth and adult education and ministry programs, and support many parish endeavors.  Your offerings allow us to have a fitting place for worship, ministry and fellowship.

Usually, when we talk about stewardship, it's about generosity.  But this letter instead addresses the way in which we give.

Despite our best intentions and commitment to sustaining the parish, sometimes we miss mass.  Maybe because of illness, vacation, or seasons in Florida or elsewhere.  But every week our parish operating costs remain constant.  Sometimes folks don't have much cash with them, forget their envelopes or checkbooks, or make some other honest mistakes in their giving pattern.  These fluctuations affect our monthly income and make it difficult for the Temporalities Committee to project our annual budget and provide for various expenses.

To address some of these problems and to respond to parishioner requests, we have introduced a new, automated giving program where gifts can electronically and automatically be transferred to our parish.  This program is ideal for our parish.  It allows each family to make a prayerful gift that we can be proud of, one of reflection and faith.  It also helps us to be stewards and take care of St. John's even when we are away or ill.

This is an important endeavor for our parish and I hope every family seriously considers enrolling in this program.  Please click here for more information and you can even sign up online today.

Thanks and God's Blessings,

Fr. James Waite