What Does It Mean to Be a Tithing Parish?

To be a Tithing Parish is a form of Stewardship that invites parishioners to a very
special spirit of giving.

Indeed, one could call it a not only a spirit of giving, but a total spirituality of mind
and heart. It implies two simple movements, thanksgiving and offering. That is, in an explicit prayerful way of discernment, we thank God for all that we have. We recognize that everything we have, talents, job, home, family – all these are gifts of God. Then
we resolve to offer to God what the Scriptures call the “First Fruits” of our labor. That
is, we offer to God a “Tithe” of our income. Tithing is mentioned over 40 times in the Scripture, and has even been called “God’s Way of Giving. Many Catholic churches
have begun to now embrace this vision of our weekly offering to God.

A tithe is an old English translation of over 40 biblical texts. It simply means a “tenth.” Tithing parishes and Synagogues our country usually break this tenth down by
inviting that parishioners donate 5% to their parish, and 5% to their other charities.
These other charities could include the classic charities that are often for church 2nd collections such as International and National and Local helps for the poor. They could include charities solicited at work, for helping an elderly parent, even a Catholic school tuition.

It is especially liberating that no one will be asked to sign “Cards of Intent” or any pledge—nothing! What each one decides is between them and the Lord. The important thing is to give with a thankful heart – thankful for all God has given us.

Regarding all our parish income received from Tithing: The parish too must walk in
faith as it too commits to tithing our own income as a way of helping poorer parishes.
A committee will be set up to monitor this; it will report to our Finance and Pastoral Councils, and the parish will be kept abreast in the bulletin. All our reporting as a parish
will be absolutely transparent. May the Lord bless your prayer and your discernment!
Be at peace with whatever you can do.

Stewardship is a term that includes tithing. But stewardship in a parish does not stop there. It includes, wherever possible, the willingness to give of our Time and our Talent
in the many works of the parish, -- ways of helping, such as coaching, hospitality, participation on committees, in our liturgy, and in our many organizations. Through our stewardship we become involved and personally committed to our parish both physically and spiritually.

Our total Tithing and Stewardship involvement is a way of participating in our Church
and its mission. It is the giving of Time, Talent, and Treasure in a committed way to support that mission. Practicing Stewardship and tithing means returning some of the
gifts that God has so generously given to each of us. It becomes a whole way of life,
a true spirituality of thankfulness and offering.