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Growth Through Connection
Apr 22, 2024

Giving An Offering To God Enables Growth

Something was brought to my attention that blew my mind.

About 3% of the registered people of Saint Peter Claver are supporting the whole parish financially through their weekly offering.

That means that only about 100 people out of over 3000 are giving an offering at Mass.

My heart feels sad. 

To me it is such a beautiful honor to give an offering each week.

Each morning after I wake up, I make the Sign of the Cross, praying, “Thank You God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” I think of the day before and take a minute to thank God for blessings that came, for being with me through any challenges, and for guiding me.

By the time Sunday comes, my mind is full of thoughts of God’s presence in my week, and I am so grateful. At the point in Mass when we give our offering to God and His Church as the baskets are passed, I am honored to give.   

 

I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in them will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. John 15:5

 

Jesus reminds us in that verse from this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading that we are connected to Him like branches are connected to a vine.

If we grow in that connection, or relationship with God, our lives produce much fruit – love, patience, endurance, faith, joy, and so much more. 

Being able to be part of giving an offering to God at Mass together only enables us to grow even more in blessings.

This week I am praying that we become a community of 100% of us supporting our parish through our offerings at Mass, growing in our connections with each other and with our God.

 

Be blessed through the connection! 

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Sunday I worked from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. then came home, got in warm fleece pants and a sweat shirt, and under a blanket on my couch. I was cold and tired. I thought I’d fall right asleep even though it was so early. Nope.My mind would not quiet down. I am a person who battles stress daily – always have been this way.Today, as I stress that I didn’t get this written earlier and out to you yesterday, I sat and read this coming Sunday’s Mass readings. Look at the sentence the Second Reading from Saint Paul starts with: Brothers and sisters: I should like you to be free of anxieties. 1 Corinthians 7:32 Saint Paul is wanting us to be free of anxieties and stress, free to grow in God’s love.Free.Being free from stress and anxiety sounds so good to me!I will keep this as a prayer for me and each of you every day this week.   Blessings of freedom to you!

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By Laura Diaz • 14 Jan, 2024
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By Laura Diaz • 10 Jan, 2024
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Your Holy Family

By Laura Diaz • 05 Jan, 2024
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