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Q. Isn't "Stewardship" just a gimmick for raising funds
in the Church?
No! Biblically, God has directed believers to return the first
10% of the gifts they have received from the Lord as a sign of gratitude
for God's gifts and to continue God's work here on earth. This is
called the biblical tithe. The following are verses from the Bible
referring to tithing:
 Leviticus,
Chapter 27
Numbers, Chapter 18
Deuteronomy, Chapters 12, 14 and 26
2 Chronicles, Chapter 31
Nehemiah, Chapters 10, 12 and 13
Amos, Chapter 4
Sirach, Chapter 35
Malachi, Chapter 3
Q. I give to my Parish already. What does giving the "first
and best portion" mean?
Giving of the "first ten percent" means letting God be
the top priority in your life and gratefully returning to God your
tithe "off the top" even before rendering "to Caesar"
through taxes. Tithing comes before taxes. God should never receive
your leftovers to continue God's work in the Church.
Q. Did Jesus teach or mandate tithing?
Jesus said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law
and the prophets. I have come not to abolish them, but to fulfill
them." (Matthew 5:17). The noted scripture scholar, Fr. John
F. O'Grady, STD, SSD, has emphasized that Jesus clearly stressed
that his followers were to thank their heavenly Father, care for
the needy, and generously share their possessions. In the New Testament
the words and example of Jesus and his first followers urge Christ's
followers to offer even more than the 10% prescribed in the Old
Testament.
Q. Did the Catholic Church ever teach about tithing before?
Yes! The Catholic Church has always taught about tithing. St.
Thomas Aquinas taught in #87 of his Summa that "men are bound
to the payment of tithes". The Council of Trent decreed in
chapter 12 that "the payment of tithes is due to God...those
who do not comply or prevent others from doing so are to be excommunicated".
Number 297 of the Baltimore Catechism taught that Catholics were
to contribute to the support of the Church and specifically mentioned
tithes. Chapter 3, number 10 of Vatican II's Decree on the Laity
taught that "it is a duty and honor for Christians to return
to God a part of the good things they receive from him." The
Church's most recent emphasis on biblical tithing appeared in chapter
4 of the U.S. Bishop's 1992 Pastoral Letter on Stewardship.
Q. Why should I use a card to express my stewardship commitment
to God?
The Stewardship of Treasure Commitment card expresses your faith
decision and commitment to gratefully return to God a consecrated
gift to continue God's work in your parish. Throughout the year
this card reminds you of your promise, it helps you step closer
to tithing and aids in planning how God's work will be accomplished
in your parish this year.
Q. What if my income increases?
If your circumstances change, so should your return to the Lord.
Give only in proportion to the Lord's gifts to you.
Q. What about other charities?
Give to them, but remember it is clear that the biblical tithe is
to be directed to one's faith community, not a secular charity.
Christ established the Church to continue and accomplish God's works.
Some people give 5% to their parish, 1% to the Bishop's Faith Appeal,
1% to the second collections in Church, and 3% to other Catholic
agencies, religious communities or charities. Of course one's parish
comes first, especially if it is in need of money to accomplish
God's work.
Q. I am sending my child to a Catholic school and paying tuition.
Does God also expect me to tithe?
It would seem so! Sending children to private Catholic schools gives
them high quality education, discipline and religious instruction.
All parents are expected to provide their children with the best
moral and educational formation. Paying tuition can not be equated
with one's obligation to gratefully return to God the first and
best portion of what one has received from God.
Stewardship
of Treasures Commitment 
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