Stewardship!

There are so many aspects to being Catholic.  Being Catholic doesn't just mean going to Mass on Sunday or eating fish on Good Friday.  While these are certainly part of our faith there is so much more.  When we go to Mass on Sunday and we hear the Word of God and join in the Body of Christ we are to go forth from there and live the Word.  A large part of Living the Word is preserving and respecting the dignity of all God's people. 

To support families in their endeavor to live as Jesus did, Saint Patrick's Whole Parish Catechesis program offers many opportunities for adults and children alike to get involved in stewardship by offering time, talent and treasure.  Some of the ways that we do this are through our monthly Family Nights, the Parish Lenten Project,  Stewardship Expressions, the Primary Stewardship Calendar and the mandatory curricula stewardship requirements.

Saint Patrick's WPC Family Stewardship of Time, Talent and Treasure Makes a Difference!

Holy Childhood Association

The Holy Childhood Association (HCA) offers young Catholics an opportunity to grow in faith though mission education, sacrifice and service for others.  The HCA focuses entirely on "children helping children" throughout the world.  Additional information about how your child may participate in the Mission effort is available on the web at www.hcakids.org Children can also read stories about the children they help through their efforts.  Adults may want to visit www.worldmissions-catholicchurch.org (select Holy Childhood Association then, parents/adults click here.)

Saint Patrick's Whole Parish Catechesis is proud to announce that for the second year in a row we rank in the top 3 parishes in the Diocese of Metuchen that support the World Missions.  These donations are solely supported by the offertory envelopes that our children place in the collection basket at Mass each Sunday.  Congratulations to the children of Saint Patrick's Church helping children in need around the world..

Disciples In Service

A new ministry has begun at Saint Patrick's.  A group of parishioners have come together, meeting on a regular basis, with the intent to serve others.  Their first project is to make rosaries to be sent to men and women  serving our  country overseas in areas of conflict.

Some of the other projects on their list are: making baby hats for newborns, making hats and scarves for the homeless, visiting the homebound, praying together for special intentions, organizing household supplies for those in need. 

If you are interested in joining Disciples In Service call 908-4919  or email mspagnola@parishmail.com or mbeha@parishmail.com to find out when the next meeting is being held.

Family Night

Each month during the academic year WPC sponsors a stewardship evening for families to participate in.  The evening begins in the church with Evening Prayer at 5pm.  Following Evening Prayer families gather in the Parish Center for the specific stewardship activity and then share in food and fellowship with a covered dish supper.  FAMILY NIGHT SCHEDULE 2008-2009

Stewardship Expressions

Every month this website will offer activities for families to engage in at home.  These activities are meant to help families foster a home environment that is a continual source of support, comfort, memories, faith and service to others.  When we think back our best childhood memories are usually of events that took place in our home or in the home of a family member.  There is no stronger feeling of safety, comfort and love than when we are together with family at home.  Therefore, whenever we are home we are at home with God. To see the current Stewardship Expressions (from the International Catholic Stewardship Council). click here.

Primary Stewardship Calendar

During the months of January through April WPC provides a calendar of stewardship activities targeted for very young children.  This calendar contains daily activities any young child could accomplish independently at home.  It is intended to teach young children the joy and benefits of using your gifts and talents for the good of others.  To view the Primary Stewardship Calendar for 2009 click here.

Curriculum Stewardship Hour Requirements

The curriculum requirements for every grade level include mandatory stewardship hours to be completed by the young learner.  These hours can be achieved independently or with family members.  The following is a list of the stewardship hour requirements:

Pre Kindergarten/Kindergarten - 2 hours, including Stewardship Expressions and choosing from the Primary Stewardship Calendar activities.

Grade One - 3 hours, including Family Nights, Stewardship Expressions and choosing from the Primary Stewardship Calendar activities.

Grade Two - 4 hours, including Family Night, Stewardship Expressions and choosing from the Primary Stewardship Calendar activities.

Grade Three - 5 hours within the family, including Family Night and Stewardship Expressions. For Service log click here.

Grade Four - 6 hours, including service from Family Night and Stewardship Expressions.  For Service log click here.

Grade Five - 7 hours, including service from Family Night and Stewardship Expressions. For Service log click here.

Grade Six - 8 hours, including service from Family Night and Stewardship Expressions. For Service log click here.

Grade Seven - 15 hours of organized service, including service from Family Night and Stewardship Expressions.  For 7th grade service journal click here.

Grade Eight - 20 hours of organized service, including service from Family Night and Stewardship Expressions..  For 8th grade service journal click here.