God wants to be first in every aspect of our lives—including our finances. Tithing isn’t about our money, it’s about our relationship with God. By bringing him our first 10%, we’re demonstrating that we trust that he will provide for us. Malachi 3:10 tells us that when we tithe and bring back to God what is already his, he will bless us.
Malachi 3:10-
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!
Because our members give we can provide programs to make a difference in the lives of the hundreds of children who participate in babysitting, SLAM, Kids Ministry and our Middle School and High School Ministries. Because our members give we can provide for all our liturgical ministries to make sure our worship is inviting, engaging, and uplifting. Giving enables us to form small groups for adults, to share the faith with those becoming Catholic and those already Catholic through bible study and our parish retreat program. Because our members give we can support S.O.M.E. a soup kitchen in DC and Assumption Outreach in Anacostia, and our Sharing Pantry, our SVDP Society, our Honduras Mission, Warm Nights, the Gabriel Network and the Bowie Interfaith Pantry. With giving we can go beyond these walls to reach out and welcome back Bowie Bob and Bowie Barb- all the de-churched and unchurched in our neighborhoods. And I haven't even mentioned all the other things we can easily take for granted like lighting, air conditioning, candles, hosts, wine, maintenance and grounds. ~ Fr. Mike Jones, Pastor
Our giving should not be spare change that we happen to have on hand. And we shouldn't be giving out of guilt. Instead, we want our giving to be part of our budget set aside from the beginning. It should be an intentional choice to give that part of your income.
When the bible talks about giving it uses the standard "tithe" of 10%. But the percentage part is more important then the 10 part. We want you to pick a percentage and start giving to the church using a percentage, any percentage.
Our giving should come first in our budgeting process. Before you do anything else with your money, you should decide on your giving.
If our giving is a percentage, then we should continue raising it each year as our income grows- if we get a raise or cost of living adjustment we pass that on in our offering to God. You should also reevaluate regularly if you're able to give a higher percentage.
Begin with prayer
Thank God for your blessings and ask for guidance and discernment.
Evaluate your income & giving
Determine your current giving as a percentage of your income.
Commit to your giving goal
If you are not currently giving, start. Pick a percentage to start with and then plan to increase the percentage each year, growing toward 10%.
The important thing is to begin the spiritual disciple of regular, consistent giving.
If you are currently giving, thank you for your generosity. Prayerfully consider increasing your commitment to 10% or more as you are able.
Determine your giving method
Take a look at the ways you can give and select the option that is best for both you and the church.
Online giving helps the church to plan better and be better stewards of your generosity. Schedule ongoing donations using your checking account, debit or credit card.