Grateful, Thankful, Blessed

Stewardship in Action
— Beth Mongeau, Business Manager

What is a picture of a stewardship parish? Look around our pews. As a staff member here, I am privileged and blessed to have the opportunity to see the fruits of your discipleship flourish on a regular basis. During this time of Thanksgiving, we pause, reflect, and recognize the self-sacrificing discipleship of all those who serve in each of our ministries. We all are so grateful for all that you do.

So what does a steward look like?  Each and every day people work within our ministries, welcome and engage new members and volunteers, care for one another, and nurture our faith in one another. 

It is the volunteers from the Knights of Columbus and building and grounds who are repairing the storm damage on the trailers, helping to reduce costs to the parish, and making the way for faith formation classes and Christmas outreach to community members in need.  They are using their gifts and talents to ensure that others have the opportunity to nurture and grow in their faith and to serve others. 

It is the prayer teams, meeting together and alone, who are holding up our urgent and longterm intentions in steadfast prayer.

It is the cantors and choir members who are using their musical talents to glorify God.

It is the office volunteers, both new and seasoned, who are putting in extra hours to welcome visitors, prepare Christmas mailings, answer phone calls, and help things run smoothly during this busy time of year. They are using their gifts and talents to ensure that daily parish life, liturgy planning, faith formation, and outreach all run smoothly. 

It is the Catechists and Bible study members who are helping each other and every generation to grow in faith and relationship with Christ.

It is the Catholic mom’s group, the prayer shawl team, and the Respect Life ministry, the nursing home ministry, and all of you who serve at Mass.

It is ALL OF YOU – who are donating food, gift cards, and toys and serving as gracious hosts to the area churches as we work together in outreach for our community.  It is you who are volunteering throughout the county, mucking out houses and helping those displaced.  It is you, who despite all the competition to your donations, continue to donate generously to the church to help us nurture the faith our community and for all the need in this community. All are welcome.  All can serve.

All Saints is so blessed to have each and every one of you as a parishioner, and for the many ways we bring Jesus to others.  Gratefully, your parish family