Nativity of the Lord in Alma, shared a note from the deacon on the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time. 

“Many should have received a Christ’s Mission Appeal pamphlet in the mail this week,” Deacon Rick wrote in the bulletin. “Christ’s Mission Appeal helps fund many of the services and ministries that the diocese offers.”

Migrant workers who come to the community for work are aided through the funds programs by being welcomed into the faith formation and sacraments of the church. There are a number of other uses for the funds, making them a much-needed ministry. 

Deacon Rick reminded parishioners that checks for the appeal should be made to “The Diocese of Saginaw” as the money is being sent in lump sum to the diocese. 

“This removes one of the administrative steps in the process,” Deacon Rick wrote. “No worries if you make your check to Nativity of The Lord, as we will make sure that it is properly sent to the diocese. Also, if you pay by cash and place it in the weekly collection basket, we will also make sure this makes its way to the diocese as well.”

When asked by his youngest son what the Church’s teaching on giving. 

“The foundation of all Christian giving comes from the Old Testament teachings on tithing. The Bible would say that we should give 10% of our first fruits back to God,” Deacon Rick wrote. “The Catholic position on the 10% proportion would then be 5% is given to your parish, 1% to the diocese and then 4% given to other charities that support the poor and vulnerable in our communities and in the world.” 

While these are guidelines that are recommended by the Church, there is no hard and fast rule about what limits are for giving. 

“The right answer for what we should give is always, we should return to God in a proportion of the gifts and blessings he has already given to us,” Deacon Rick wrote.