Last weekend I spoke briefly about our parish stewardship status. Here are some key thoughts I hope you will keep in mind: Thank you! That’s the first and most important. Thank you to everyone who gives of themselves to make Saint George a strong and vibrant parish. Second, remember the basic principles of stewardship which are: constantly being aware of God’s blessings, living in a sense of gratitude, and out of that gratitude, we grow in generosity. Third, it takes all of us working together. Each of us has a role to play in the stewardship of our parish. Fourth, the numbers on the parish report (which are available on the parish website by looking at last week’s bulletin) are symbolic of our ability to carry on the good work of Saint George. Fifth, let your support of the parish be a representation of your own personal awareness of your blessings and your gratitude for them.

The Biblical standard is ten percent of our income goes to charity. Many of us (including me) live by that standard. Not everyone feels ready for that. So I ask you to look at what you give and calculate what percentage of your income your gift is. It might be surprising how much you give! Or it might be disturbing on the other side. The best way to know is to pray over it. God will guide you.

Our giving is more than a transaction that merely pays the bills (although it certainly does that!). Authentic stewardship is a spiritual exercise. It is a response in love to God’s blessings, and a desire to respond in thanksgiving. And for all of you who support Saint George to the best of your ability, I thank you for all the good you make possible!

One of the concerns raised is the anticipated deficit of the school. Every year, we budget conservatively. Our school principal, Mrs. Pratl, and our excellent School Board work hard to bridge that gap. One way you can help is by buying a raffle ticket for the Taylor Swift concert in Indianapolis on November 2. The raffle tickets are $100 each. The value of the concert tickets plus travel money is $10,000! The drawing is on October 27, so buy your tickets and support our Saint George Dragons!

Next Sunday, we will be blessing expectant mothers at all the Masses. If you know of women who are preparing to give birth, please invite them to this Mass. This is a beautiful way for us to extend our love and support. The value and beauty of motherhood seems to have been so frivolously diminished, particularly in the last several years. We raise up, honor and cherish all our mothers. May these expectant mothers be truly blest!

Also next Sunday, following the 11:30 AM Mass, we will be offering the Sacrament of the Sick to anyone in need. This sacrament reminds us of God’s caring concern for each of us. Whatever healing you may need — in body, mind or spirit — please join us for this gift. Following the sacrament, a meal will be served in the Parish life Center for those who wish to join us. Please, ANYTIME you are suffering, anticipate going to the hospital or most definitely going in for surgery, please ask one of us priests for the Sacrament of the Sick. This is a powerful prayer for healing. The old idea of waiting until a person is at death’s door is a misunderstanding of the sacrament and it might not be possible for a priest to respond at busy times. Never delay receiving this beautiful gift when you are in nee20.