Yesterday's Gospel reading is a parable about how the Kingdom of God grows like a tiny seed, slow, but surely, if nurtured, cared for and properly tended.

Recently, we had the annual talk by parishioners on their practice of Stewardship.

As you know, we use 10% of all of our collections for aiding people most in need through our Community OutReach (COR) committee. We send a lot of our money out to people who really need it to just stay in their homes, or on the meds their doctors have prescribed.

You should know that our practice of Stewardship and our use of 10% of our collections is considered quite "UNIQUE" by the folks in the Chancery (Bishop's Office) and by our neighboring clergy.

But, truth be told, I would not have it any other way!

I take a certain evil "pride" in announcing to the deanery clergy that we do not CHARGE people for Weddings, Funerals or for Masses. We do not charge for the sacraments. We are a stewardship parish. and we seek to treat parishioners with all of their baptismal dignity.

When couples call up seeking to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage at the community of St. Anselm, they often ask, "What is the fee?" I always answer: "There is no fee. We do not charge for the celebration of the sacraments. Whatever you would like to give to help us to continue the mission of the parish is much apprectiated and valued. We want to thank you for helping us to continue to be the unique faith community that we are at St. Anselm."

I'm always amazed at the reactions of the couples....Apparently at neighboring churches there are all sorts of fees....like if the bride is late....she's fined $500....if the groom is late....it's a fine of $40......and so on.....ALL SUCH NONSENSE!

My friends the Funeral Directors also have to deal with such nonsense.

They ask me how we at St. Anselm are able to "stay afloat" without taking fees and taking up collections, or having BINGO, or doing all of the "other stuff" that "other" parishes do all of the time.

I answer: "We are a prayerful community. We pray, and we celebrate, and we do what we can when we can." We are not about making money, we are about inviting people to join us in being disciples.


Challenging times to be a Pastor in a Catholic Parish. Let's pray for each other. Give comments!