On the feast of All Saints, November 1, 1986, St. John Vianney became a tithing parish. It began when Deacon Len Stauffer and his wife Anne, attended Mass at St. Paul’s Parish in Ramsey, NJ. That parish had gone through a financial crisis similar to the one facing St. John Vianney parish. In two years, St. Paul’s had increased their income 150% through the Gerry McKenna Tithing Program.
The program was adopted by St. John Vianney and four witnesses were sent to our parish to explain the program. The Parishioners, after learning of the blessings of tithing, were asked to work towards a goal of donating 10% of their after tax income from all sources to God’s work. Five percent was to be given to their own parish and five percent to other causes, such as the annual Cardinal’s Appeal and other national collections, children’s education, the care of one’s parents, and other charities such as the local United Way, Rescue Squad, Fire Department, Scouting and hospitals.
The response from the parishioners was overwhelming. The debt on the Vianney Room was soon eliminated and subsequently money was accrued toward the next building project.
The parish could not ask the parishioners to tithe their income unless it in turn tithed its own income. The parish began by giving 10% of the offertory collection to charities, such as Catholic Charities of Southern Maryland, ECHO, Birthright, etc.
The next step in the Time, Talent, and Treasure Tithing Program is to give the parishioners the opportunity to use their time and talent, as well as treasure, in the Lord’s service. A questionnaire is distributed to all parishioners to assist with some special service or ministry to the parish.
Truly, tithing has been a great blessing to St. John Vianney Parish.