Parish Support

The membership of our parish is the primary source of support for our parish life and our parish facilities. Through gifts of time, talent, and treasure we are able to sustain the operation of our parish as well as provide for the programs and activities so important to our community. It is always easier to invest in what is personally important to you. Therefore, you are encouraged to get involved in our parish life, to experience what is being offered here, and to make your commitment. Our challenge is to continue the work of the past, to attend to the needs of the present, and to build for the future.

The Pastor and Parish Finance Council share responsibility for developing and managing the revenues and expenses of the parish, and report to the parish concerning our financial situation on a regular basis.


Stewardship Program

Within the past few years, our parish began an on-going effort to educate ourselves about stewardship in the Catholic Church. This effort promises to be an important means of spiritual growth for our parish members, and should help us plan for the future more effectively.

Though new for many Catholics, stewardship is based on a Biblical view of God as Creator and ourselves as servants. From this perspective we are encouraged to develop or renew the practice of regularly reflecting on God’s love for us and the goodness of our lives. With a sure sense of our blessings in mind we are encouraged to make gratitude the fundamental motive for our giving. The Bible also reminds us that as servants we are accountable to God for our use (stewardship) of the gifts of time, talent, and treasure that we have received.

While our parish has many particular needs for which funds must be raised, we must continue to reflect on the fact that stewardship is much different than fund-raising. Stewardship is rooted in one indisputable need - the personal, Gospel based need for each one of us to give. Our gratitude can so easily become a matter of words only, unless we are returning to the Lord , the giver of all gifts, a truly grateful share of our time, talent, and treasure.

With such an attitude, your families and all our parish’s present needs will be met, and there will be a surplus for the future. Such an attitude is a faith decision rooted in trust that what is left over after we have first given to God will be enough. Over time few practices deepen faith more effectively than this decision to really put God first in our lives.

All parish members are encouraged to pray for each other that we might receive the grace of understanding to know how God is calling each of us to be stewards, the grace of wisdom to know what we have to give, and the grace of courage to trust that we will be blessed in our giving.


Special Gifts

Often parish members request information on making special gifts to the parish. Frequently they wish to do so for a specific parish project or need such as the debt reduction fund. Recent gifts have also been designated for tuition assistance in support of the students of our school. Most often special gifts are made in one of the following ways:

Gifts of Remembrance
Gifts made in memory of a beloved family member, friend, or colleague.

Gifts of Honor
Gifts celebrating special occasions made in honor of a family member, friend, or colleague.

Gifts of Friendship
Gifts from alumni of our school and former parish members who continue to have special interest and concern for
St. Cletus.

Gifts by Bequest
Gifts to the parish by bequest, trust, or other planned giving commitment.

For further information about specific parish needs and the ways in which you might make a special gift to the parish please contact Father Benz.


A Guide for making Your Stewardship Intention

While your commitment to giving is important for a vital parish life, First spend some time experiencing our parish activities, sharing our Sunday worship, reviewing our Time and Talent Directory, and talking with other members.

Secondly, think about what you expect from your parish, and the gift of your time and talent as an investment in St. Cletus.

Finally, think about what’s really possible, listen to your heart, and challenge yourself to grow.

Many find little or no time left at the end of the day. That is why it is so important for you to plan when and how you can share your time and talent with your Parish and those in need.

Your gift of treasure should also fully express your gratitude to God for all you have received.