Chapter 6

WHY DO WE GIVE? Because that is what God tells us to do in the Bible In biblical times tithing was an explicit expectation: 10 percent of specific agricultural products and newborn livestock, based on the recognition that all possessions came from God. According to Deuteronomy 14, the tithing family was to have a merry feast with God’s share of the year’s bounty. Every third year, instead of a family feast, the tithed portion became a local banquet for “the Levite,...the alien, the orphan, and the widow” (Deut. 14:29). The call to give is itself a gift from God that helps us grow in our love for Him and our fellow man. Growth in our relationship with the Lord Growth in our relationship with fellow men and women.

HOW DO WE GIVE? What model do we follow in tithing? Avoid legalistic tithing (because I have to) The Church and Church Fathers provide a long history of tithing (St. Thomas Aquinas, the Saints, Scripture) 10% Tithing Protestant Model – (Today Catholics only give less than 1.5% of their income on average to charitable purposes) Have a Generous Heart He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. 9: 6-7

TITHING PRINCIPLES God owns all and everything comes from Him (Dt. 10:14) Placing our trust in God’s providence as He has promised to provide for all our needs (Mt. 6:30-34) Be a cheerful giver (Acts 20:35; 2 Cor. 9:6-7) Tithe voluntarily (Mt. 6:2-4; 2 Cor. 8:1-5)

HOW TO BEGIN Pay your tithe as your first bill to follow the principle of giving from your “first fruits” (Proverbs 3:9-10) Review your financial situation routinely Attempt to increase your tithing from month to month Keep praying about your tithing – know that y0u must trust in Him and His Providence

Trusting in God’s Providence The key to being a good steward is to achieve a balance between trusting in God’s providence as our Father and being prudent in our planning.

Whom to Give To Look to Scripture and Church Teachings Scripture Shows preference for the poor and teachers of the faith Church (Canon Law) Canon 222 Need to give to divine worship, the decent sustenance of priests, the support of apostolic works (promote social justice), and to help the poor. Parishes that have adopted this Canon embrace the dual focus, encouraging a gift of 5 percent of gross income to the parish and an additional 5 percent to charitable causes

Panelists on Giving and Growing Kathie Gautille VP, Marketing at CCA Brian Tierney St. Ann Finance Council Tony Gonzales St. Ann Ministries