WHAT SHOULD WE GIVE THE CHURCH FOR THE FUNERAL?

     St. Regis Parish offers you our sincerest condolences at this time of death.  We want to help in anyway we can.

    Frequently, families ask us what gift is appropriate to return to the church for the funeral services. It's a difficult question to answer.  We hope this helps.

     St. Regis Parish does not charge a fee for funerals.  Caring for the grieving and praying for the gift of eternal life is part of our ministry.  We offer these services freely to our members.

     We also believe that giving is good, and that those who contribute to the work of the church experience the spiritual benefits which come to those who practice generosity.

     St. Regis relies on just such generosity, given freely in contributions by our members.  A contribution from you would help us continue our ministry to others who grieve, and allow you to experience the good feelings that come from charitable giving.

     We make these recommendations:

     1) Give regularly.  If you pledge to a parish and contribute regularly, you'll develop a spirit of charity which will benefit your life, your family, and all you meet. Parishes can also better budget for our work and carry it out if we know we can count on your gift.

     2) Make a special contribution in memory of the one you've lost.  We have several important funds which our members frequently choose from. 

     * The building fund works toward the construction of our new church.       * The school endowment fund will provide Catholic education for future generations of students.      * The memorial fund helps enhance our regular worship.      * The Stella Hunter fund, in memory of an outstanding parish secretary, supports seminarians on their way to priesthood.      * The emergency assistance fund helps parish members in need of emergency financial assistance.

     Families who want to extend their gratitude to the parish for assistance in the funeral arrangements frequently give us from $50 to $100.  Those who want to contribute to one of our funds often give much more.  We realize that not everyone can make a special gift to us, and we appreciate whatever they can do.      Just so you know, the priests of St. Regis do not keep the money people give them for these services.  Priests are salaried by the parish.  When families offer money to these priests after the funeral, they give it back to the parish.  Rather than make a gift to the priest, please consider making a substantial gift to the parish.

     Finally, please remember, our care for the dying and the grieving is part of our ministry.  We'd do it for nothing.  But this may be an occasion when you wish to return a gift to your parish and community.

     May faith in the resurrection give you hope in this time of grief.

[Fr. Paul Turner, Pastor and the Stewardship Council of St. John Francis Regis Church June, 1994]