30 September 2018 - 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time -Cycle B - Stewardship Campaign - James 5:1-6

      We come to the conclusion of the our readings from the letter of St James this weekend, which we have been hearing from for 5 weekends in a row. James gives us a lot of practical advice as to how we can live out our faith each day.  As James calls us to be doers of the word, not just hearers, to put our faith into action, we hear today of how the earthy riches are temporary, how they will not last forever.  James laments not only how some of those who are blessed with riches and treasures misuse them or hoard them, but also how they have earned them through oppression and mistreatment of the workers and the poor.  

      Our reading from James of how we approach our treasures and the gifts we receive from God is very relevant to our parish’s stewardship campaign, of how we use some of riches, talents, and treasures to support our parish community.  St Jude has always had a well-deserved reputation of being welcoming and generous in our community and in our Diocese, of sharing our gifts, talents and treasures with others.  We had mentioned that over one major expense we have had recently is the repairs on our parking lot.  Over the course of the last three fiscal years, we have had to spend $432,000 on the parking lot alone.  When I came here to St Jude last summer, I presented with this situation with our parking lot, one we had to address immediately.  With discipline, resolve, and commitment, we will keep going forward.  But, to fund these repairs, we are taking out a $200,000 loan from the Diocese, which we will pay off over 3 years.  This stewardship drive comes at a great time, since it will help all of us meet our parish’s financial commitment.  Rhea Vincent, a member of our parish financial council, & an advisor who has greatly helped us in our parking lot repairs will help explain the process we went through.  
        Hopefully today better explains the reasons why were are needing an increased stewardship commitment from our parishioners.  Next week, we will make a commitment as to our parish’s stewardship and as to supporting our parish financially.  We thank you so much for your understanding during this process.  We will conclude our stewardship campaign next weekend.