Children's Stewardship

Do you have a favorite charity you would like to see the Children's Collection go to? Email acarey@ida.net . We will need the name of the charity, their address, and a paragraph on what the charity does.

The Children's Stewardship Collection is going great! The children have really enjoyed the opportunity to learn to be good stewards of the gifts they have been given by God!

What is the children's offering? At each mass when the children are invited to the altar for their offering we ask that they put their donation in the children's stewardship envelope. The envelopes have spaces on the back where they are invited to write how they gave of their time, talent OR treasure. Although they may give money, they do not have to. It is our hope that parents will help their children to be creative in their donations. For instance: a child's visit to their elderly grandparents could be listed as a donation of time. Or a young person could bake cookies for a housebound neighbor and write that donation of time and talent into the appropriate space the envelope. We hope that this special time where the children are called forward before the community will help them feel a sense of inclusiveness and unique importance - that they too are an integral part of our total stewardship.

You may pick up children's envelopes at the church office or in the back of the church. Please actively use these envelopes each week as your children participate in the stewardship collection.

Where will the money go?

Each month we have designated where the money from the youth collection will be distributed. You can encourage your child to participate by telling them each month who their donation will help, and saying a prayer for them.

How can YOU help to make the children's collection a success?

1. TALK with your child about stewardship and their collection process BEFORE you use the envelopes. Show them the children's envelopes, and discuss how their participation in this procession is an important aspect of being part of our parish family.

2. Discuss with them the kinds of things they could be doing that would be examples of giving of their time, talent and treasure. If they need help, write down what they have done with their time and talent, or what they pledge to do in the coming week.

Some of the things children have given for their TIME are: "Pray to God" "Helped with new baby," "Helping the poor," "Being Nice," and "Made dinner for my grandparents."Some of the areas where they are using their TALENT include: "Singing in Church," "Altar Serving," "Helping my brother," "Cleaned off neighbors walk," "Love my family," and "Helping dad unload grapefruits and oranges."

3. If possible, try to sit as close to an aisle as you can. Hopefully, this will allow your children to leave and reenter your aisle with a minimum of difficulty.

4. We hope that this practice is perceived by your child as a great privilege and ask that you encourage your child to behave accordingly.

5. We would like to recommend that all children who bring an envelope up to the alter bow as they are ready to return to their seats (just as the families bow after they have presented the gifts at the altar). If necessary, take a little time after Mass to practice with your child.

6. Finally, take every opportunity to let your children know how special they are. They are immeasurably precious in God's eyes, so their gifts are also special. We value their presence in our church and we enjoy sharing in their joy as they learn to be good stewards of God's gifts.

Thank You!!!