The Giver’s Joy …

The joy of sacrificial giving is love.  In spite of trials, love emerges as the factor in an individual’s happiness.  It is the light that distinguishes those people who become good stewards of their time, talent and treasure from others.  It is the joy of sacrificial giving.  —Stewardship

 

Ministry and Discipleship

“Ministry is an integral part of Christian life that flows from our being baptized and confirmed into a life dedicated to ministry and discipleship.

Our sacramental initiation into ministry establishes our lifelong task as one of discernment:  learning where and how our talents and abilities can best be used to build up God’s people.” . . - Stewardship

 

 

Saint Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be .
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the
love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence sett le into your bones, and allow your soul the
freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

 

Here's a story about Prayer  submitted by a parishioner:

A poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store.   She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries.   She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food.  John, the grocer, told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store.  Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation.

The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family.

 

The grocer said in an incredulous voice, 'Do you have a grocery list?'   She replied, 'Yes sir.'   'O.K'  the grocer said, 'put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries.'

She hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed. 

The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down.  The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and exclaimed, 'I can't believe it.' 

The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not move as he continued to put more and more groceries on the scale until they fell from being stacked so high.. 

The grocer stood there in amazement. He grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement.
It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said:
'Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands.' 
The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence.
She thanked him and left the store. 
The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said;
'It was worth every penny of it. Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs.'

That is THE POWER OF PRAYER:  When you need help, say a prayer. That's all you have to do. 
But, also, say a prayer of thanks whenever you realize your own good fortune.

Then please tell this story to all your friends and relatives.
If you will send this testimony out with prayer in faith,

you will receive what you need from God for yours and your family's lifetime .