Thank you to Russ Kamp for being such a good steward this past weekend. As you know Russ is one of our trustees and is chair of the finance council. He was present at all the Masses this past weekend to keep everyone updated on the ‘State of the Parish’. He delivered the Power Point presentation on the financials for this year. He gave us a very transparent and honest picture of what we have and what we need.

“STEWARDSHIP IS OWNERSHIP,” if we own NATIVITY then we MUST realize that we own all that goes along with it. I spoke to all who were at Mass about filling out the green Stewardship Opportunities Form. I stated that it was my goal to have everyone, who want to be counted as a member of the parish, complete one of these forms.

I speak often about the fact that we are a ‘Stewardship Parish.’

Do you believe that we are a Stewardship Parish?
And do you know what it means to commit to a Stewardship Parish?

Well by committing yourself as a member, first, you are committing yourselves as a member to worship and pray at Nativity each week. Second, you are committing to share whatever you can of your time, talent and treasure. I received so many comments about how beautiful the church looked at Christmas and it was all of your contributions that made it so. The campus of our parish constantly needs upkeep and that can only continue to be done through your donations. Our Church is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Again—you make it so. This weekend’s Gospel tells us how Jesus healed Peter’s Mother-in-law. And when she was healed, she got up, and began to serve them.

The Stewardship of Treasure provides our community with a safe place to pray, a safe place to gather, and a community of priests and stewards to whom you can bring your needs. I invite you once more, Please, become a Steward of the Church of the Nativity.

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Thoughts on the Scripture:(taken from the Living Liturgy)

Jesus’ healing of Peter’s Mother-in-law was very personal: he approached her, he grasped her hand, and helped her up. Further, in reaching out to the “the whole of Galilee” Jesus responds to the universal human condition of misery and hopelessness. But he always does so in a very personal way. The ministry of Jesus is truly about all humanity’s experiencing the transformation of human hopelessness through personal encounter with Jesus.

A sick child instinctively seeks the touch of a loving parent; he or she wants the parent to sit by the bed, to be near. Even as adults, when we are ill or down-and-out, we seek comfort from a trusted and caring other who grasps our hand. As the gospel illustrates, in times of trouble we need the personal touch and presence of another.

Peace,

Fr. Peter