MARCH 15, 2005

THE VISION

We view St. Peter as a parish at which stewardship is practiced by all parishioners and in all activities.

THE MISSION

The Stewardship Commission strives to build a community of parishioners who understand stewardship fully and integrate that understanding into their daily lives. The Stewardship Commission advises the Pastor and Parish Council on stewardship issues, educates and informs parishioners about stewardship, and encourages parishioners to practice Christian stewardship through example and commitment.

Over 30 parish leaders met in August with the Stewardship Commision to learn about Pathways.

Parishioners received a Pathways brochure, a special edition of the Parchment filled with articles on Pathways and stewardship, a Guide to Parish Life, and Offertory and Volunteer pledge cards.

Between October 16 and November 7, parishioners listened to Fr. John's sermon on Pathways and to Commission members on "Our Need to Thank God," "Stewardship as a Way of Life," and "Pathways — The Future."

In November, Pathways 2004 concluded with over 30 volunteers personally contacting over 800 parishioners encouraging participation in Pathways.

“I enjoyed reading the Pathways booklet.”

Written comment of parishioner.

� Over 850 responses were received and reviewed by staff and Commission members.

� Although 2100 mailings were sent, the process lead to the conclusion that our census is closer to 1700-1800 families which would result in a 50% rate of participation.

� Participation at St. Peter exceeded what other parishes typically experience during the first year of a stewardship program.

“Pathways is a great idea!”

Written comment of parishioner.

Stewardship is founded on giving of our time, talent and treasure. As part of treasure, we are called to provide financial support for St. Peter and its ministries and the community at large.

Pathways offered parishioners alternative ways to contribute financially to St. Peter. We must take advantage of modern technology and permit each parishioner to choose a means of giving that suits his or her personal situation.

In addition to the traditional weekly envelope, parishioners can make contributions by:

�Credit card �EFT (electronic funds transfer, i.e., account debits) �Monthly invoice

St. Peter now has 58 parishioners using credit cards, 68 parishioners using EFT, and 127 parishioners using monthly invoice.

Other parishes that have implemented alternative giving methods have experienced similar responses in their first year and have seen increases in succeeding years. We expect the same to occur at St. Peter.

FIRST, AN APOLOGY

By oversight, the Bible Study groups coordinated by Angela Burdge and the Play and Pray organization coordinated by Jennifer Hughes were omitted from the Pathways materials. We apologize for this error which will be corrected. Please let us know if other organizations should be listed.

THE EXTRAORDINARY STORY

Parish ministries, committees, and organizations saw an overwhelming increase in the number of volunteers. The results exceeded any possible expectations. Here are a few examples.

� The Greeter Ministry was organized last August with two coordinators and a handful of volunteers. Membership has increased to over 50 volunteers.

� The Communications Committee had not yet formed during Pathways. Its first meeting was held in January, and its membership is now over 20 volunteers.

� The Facilities, Buildings and Grounds Committee generally operated with a handful of volunteers. Over 38 parishioners expressed an interest in this Committee.

� Over 39 persons have expressed an interest in assisting RICA in its important ministry of educating and welcoming new members to our Catholic faith.

“You are doing a tremendous job. Congratulations.”

Written comment of parishioner.

� Parishioners have an overwhelming interest in helping those in need outside of our parish community. Over 100 volunteers have signed up for the Community Service Committee which serves the following organizations:

Open Shelter Homeless Families Foundation Holy Rosary - St. John's Meals on Wheels Pregnancy Decisions St. Stephen's Community House St. John's Food Pantry Spirituality Network Christmas Adopt-A-Child St. Francis Center at McArthur Appalachian Mission of St. Francis Respect Life

� The list continues. The Lazarus Group had 60 volunteers and St. Vincent de Paul Society had 40 volunteers.

“The Pathways programs seems like a great project. Best wishes.”

Written comment of parishioner.

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The Commission thanks all parishioners for making Pathways 2004 such a big success!