“God loves a cheerful giver” –The Second Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians
The people we are drawn to, the people we ad- mire, the people we most want to imitate are cheerful givers.
It was that teacher in school that went the extra mile (our school is filled with them). It is the par- ent who makes sure that everyone in the class got a cupcake on your birthday. (our school is filled with them as well). It is the coach who in- spires you to give your best. It is that total stranger who is willing to help you in a time of crisis.
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, several of my parishioners from St. Joseph’s Neier loaded up a semi and headed down to the gulf to do what they could. They were not expecting great press or a photo op, they just went. A parishioner from Immaculate Conception in Union started a tractor rally to raise dollars and get canned goods for the food pantries in the area. It has become a yearly event. We have parishioners here at Holy that give me money for anyone in need.
All these individuals do it because it is simply what we do as Christians and we do it joyfully.
With that in mind, we have several things that need attention around Holy Redeemer.
We are looking for people who are willing to help with our Parish Council and our Finance Councils. Both groups advise me on parish matters and, in a sense, are leaders of this place. Both councils are thankless, but vital jobs. They are perfect examples of what it means to be a cheerful giver.
As was mentioned in pulpit talks last Sunday, we are always looking for new people to help with our St. Vincent de Paul Society, as well as our Haiti group.
We are looking for individuals who are good in decorating to eventually take over our Christmas decorations. Jenny Fagan, a cheerful giver, has been leading that for 20 years – through 4 pas- tors.
In other words, it is not that hard to be a cheerful giver at Holy Redeemer!
Father Kevin