The Impact of Your Offertory
“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.” — John 15:5
A healthy vine needs care to grow and bear fruit. Its branches depend on the vine for nourishment, strength, and life. In much the same way, the mission of St. Mary Catholic Church depends on the faithful generosity of the people who make up our parish family.
Every week, your offertory gift supports the everyday life of our parish. It helps provide for our priests and staff, maintain our church and school buildings, celebrate the sacraments, form children and adults in the faith, and sustain the ministries and outreach that serve our community. These are not simply operating expenses. They are the practical means through which we carry out our mission and help people encounter Christ.
Your Generosity Is Bearing Fruit
Over the past year, we have seen the fruit of our parish family's generosity in many ways. Increased offertory support has helped us strengthen our parish staff, maintain our facilities, support the ongoing needs of our school, and continue investing in the long-term care of our buildings.
Your giving has also helped us address important financial responsibilities. We have set aside funding for our maintenance needs, helping to fund new HVAC systems for both the church and school, and continued paying down the $190,000 debt owed to the Diocese that helped cover the school's deficit in 2023.
These accomplishments reflect more than financial progress. They represent a parish family taking responsibility for the Church entrusted to us and making it possible for future generations to worship, learn, and grow in faith here.
The Mission Continues
While we are grateful for this progress, the costs of operating a parish continue to rise. Caring for our buildings, supporting our clergy and employees, providing faith formation, and sustaining our ministries all require consistent, dependable support.
As St. Mary continues to welcome new families and grow in its mission, we must ensure that our resources grow alongside that mission. Our goal is not simply to maintain what we have, but to faithfully steward it so that St. Mary can continue bearing fruit for years to come.
Consider Growing Your Gift by 8%
This year, we invite every household to prayerfully consider increasing its regular offertory gift by 8%.
For many households, an 8% increase may be a manageable adjustment. Whether you give weekly, monthly, or annually, every gift matters. Consistent participation allows us to plan responsibly and meet the needs of our parish with greater confidence.
What does an 8% increase look like?
Current Monthly Gift | → | New Monthly Gift |
$50 | +$4 | $55.00 |
$100 | +$8 | $108.00 |
$200 | +$16 | $216.00 |
$300 | +$24 | $324.00 |
Please prayerfully consider what is right for your household.
We also encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the Gratitude and Growth giving worksheet. It is designed to help you reflect on your household's generosity and consider how you would like to support the Church and charitable needs. The suggested percentages are simply a guide for personal reflection, not a requirement.
You can make or update your offertory gift online at delawarestmary.org/offertory, establish a recurring gift, or contact the parish office at 740-363-4641 if you need assistance.
Thank You for Helping St. Mary Grow
The Church is not sustained by buildings, budgets, or programs alone. It is sustained by people who remain in Christ and generously offer their time, talent, and treasure in service of His Church.
Thank you for the sacrifices you make, the prayers you offer, and the generosity you show to St. Mary. Your offertory gift makes our shared mission possible. Together, may we remain with Christ, continue growing in faith, and bear abundant fruit for the glory of God.
Comments