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September 22, 2022Dear Parishioners,
A number of you have informed me that you have received unusual requests from me, via email or text, asking for your assistance or for gift cards. Unequivocally, these are scams. In my communications with you, I will only reach out to you from known email addresses. And, as a rule, I do not use texting from my personal phone for parish ministry.
We will soon be using Flocknote. Flocknote is a communications service that is designed to improve the content and capabilities of parish communications. Emails sent from the parish through Flocknote are clearly branded as such. And, texts from the parish (from me or from a member of the staff) come from a known number from Flocknote. Again, a text from me would come in this way.
Another reason that I will not text/email you asking for gift cards is because I want to encourage a stewardship culture at our parish. I want us to grow in the recognition of our need to give, as a response to God's gifts to us. This is different from a culture that primarily gives to a need, e.g. a special project or request--no matter how urgent (as the phony messages might make it seem). I would rather see an increase in our regular giving to the parish than to ask you to buy gift cards in the way that those fake requests make.
The stewardship of treasure is one part of the Christian disciple's response of stewardship of time, talent, and treasure. At Mass, at the preparation of the gifts, we put money in a basket. It is the regular opportunity to give back to God part of what He has given us. (For the record, I give online, which is why you do not see me put an envelope in the basket.)
The preparation of the gifts is a moment at Mass that also invites us to consider our stewardship of time and talent. We are reminded that the Church serves us and the rest of God’s People through the generous contribution of all of our gifts. The bread and wine, the work of human hands, represent all of our efforts, prayers, and experiences of the past week. We are reminded to offer our whole selves in our worship, as that part of our selves are brought to the Altar. We present our gifts to God in order that He may transform them into Christ's Body and Blood. We are reminded that the Mass, firstly, is about a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Once again, do not pay attention to those fake requests from me. A most urgent need for me in my pastoral care is for you to grow in a stewardship culture borne out of your relationship with God.
God bless you,
Fr. Conoboy
