Good Morning. I know what many of you may be thinking. I’ve been somewhat “guarded” myself when topics of sacrificial giving come up and then a parishioner stands up to talk. For me, this hour of church is usually one of the few in the week that I’m NOT thinking about money. I like it that way.

    So Father Ryan calls me a month ago and asks me to do this. I was honored. And then, honestly, that honor gave way to sheer panic over making a cataclysmic failure out of this. SO, please, try and bear with me. Hopefully at the end, you won’t be thinking, “Well, great, there’s another 5 minutes of my life I’m not going to get back!”

    5 years ago, I walked into that west vestibule for the first time, meeting the engaging Father Ryan, and seeing this beautiful venue, and I knew I was home. That’s what this place is to me: Home. Welcoming. A Family.

    I say “family”, because this place is like a really big family to me. It’s a part of each and every one of us. Sometimes we need it. Sometimes it needs us. You may need it during a struggle or a time of thanks--maybe for a wedding, a funeral, or a baptism. And sometimes IT needs YOU. To help with the Family Kitchen, RCIA, the Winter Shelter … Just like a family, we are there for each other. Often, it’s all wrapped up in what we call “sacrificial giving”. Giving our resources, our money, and our time.

    The Bible makes the purpose of Sacrificial Giving very straightforward and clear—to put God FIRST in our lives--to encourage our inward attitudes, AND outward actions. To give the FIRST and BEST of what we earn to God, because day to day, what we do FIRST with our money shows what we value MOST.

    For me, it was simple. Years ago, a series of events resulted in a changed approach towards my life and the things in it. Money being one of those things. Choosing to treat money as just ONE of many of God’s gifts. Then, I just had to ask myself how much of God’s money I was going to keep! Not only does proper giving keep God at the top of our priority list, reminding us that all we have belongs to HIM, it also gives us a proper perspective on everything else we have in our lives.

    Now, folks, that’s not to say that I STILL don’t struggle every single day with what God and Christ wants for me in my day-to-day life. On any given day, I lack patience, peace, joy, love, understanding, compassion, you name it!! Just ask my wife. With Sacrificial Giving though, it’s different. It’s actually pretty simple.

    There’s a formula—many of us know it—10%--the Church recommends 5% to your parish, 5% to other charities. You follow it, you solve it. It’s done. That easy. With my current record of daily shortcomings with the way Christ wants me to lead my life, I’ll take an easy win with Him whenever I can get one. Not many things in life end up being that simple. This is. It’s just a matter of doing it.

    Did you know that only about 50% of the people in this parish currently support the parish financially and only 35% make an annual, sacrificial giving pledge? Sometimes I wonder if that’s possible? I know this “family” of St. James can do better than that. Back in 1975 my grandmother used to throw a dollar in the offering basket every week. That seemed like a LOT of money to a 6-year old kid back then. Now, I’m a little older, maybe a little wiser… (well, questionably!) The value of our dollar vs. my grandmother’s dollar today, is pennies. And yet every week, some people still throw that same dollar in these baskets. Is that really our best? And I’m not just talking about money. The Winter Shelter still needs help with volunteers as of this week! Is that really our best?

    Giving is a personal topic and I understand that. Our accountability is to the Holy Spirit within each one of us. We need to search our hearts, but ALSO, our minds. Logically, I believe that Christ expects his followers to support the community of faith. It’s been that way since the beginning of time. Paul teaches us in Corinthians that our willingness to give CHEERFULLY is more important than the amount we give. God wants our gifts to be given with gratitude.

    But you know what? Let’s be honest. So often it is easy to take care of other financial responsibilities while letting our gifts to God slide. I think that’s where the true meaning of Sacrificial Giving starts. Giving to God FIRST out of the gifts he has given us to demonstrate that He has that priority in our life.

    If you will allow me, I’m going to leave you with a small bit of homework, AND a reminder. Sometime THIS WEEK, whether at dinner with your family or on your ride home in the car today, discuss your approach to Sacrificial Giving with your family. Are we REALLY giving enough? Some are; some aren’t; maybe some can’t. How about your time? Time is part of our giving, too. There are so many needs in this parish. They’re in this bulletin every week!

    AND, a reminder: It’s above us. A challenge each one of us should reflect on every time we walk in here. Are we LIVING those words of Jesus: “I am in your midst as One who Serves.” You know, if it was good enough for Him, it’s good enough for us.

    Luke 6:38 reminds us to, “Give, and it will be given to you.”

    It’s true. I stand before you as a living testament to God’s grace and generosity. Without question, the more I have given, the more I have received. And rewardingly, my giving has developed a deeper relationship with God that evolves and grows every day. (Hopefully for the better in His eyes—there have been days, believe me). It’s a truly amazing process that has brought the words of Jesus to life for me, “Freely you have received, freely give.” With the daily gifts we receive, we owe God that much and more.

    Thanks everyone. Enjoy the rest of mass.

Andre DuBois

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If you would like more information about making a Sacrificial Giving pledge to St. James Cathedral, contact Maria Laughlin, Office Manager.
For information about remembering the Cathedral in your will, contact Joe McGavick, Director of Development, 206-382-4284.
Download a PDF of the Annual Report of the Parish 2004-2005
Sacrificial Giving isn't just about money! Read our Portraits of Ministry 2005