Giving

“Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share, thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for the future, so as to win the life that is true Life.”

1 Timothy 6:18-19

What identifies a steward? Safeguarding material and human resources and using them responsibly are one answer; so is generous giving of time, talent, and treasure.  But being a Christian steward means more. As Christian stewards, we receive God’s gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice with others, and return them with increase to the Lord.

The life of a Christian steward models the life of Jesus.  It is challenging and even difficult, in many respects, yet intense joy comes to those who take the risk to live as Christian stewards. Women and men who seek to live as stewards learn that “all things work for good for those who love God” (Rom 8:28).

After Jesus, we look to Mary as an ideal steward. As the Mother of Christ, she lived her ministry in a spirit of fidelity and service; she responded generously to the call. We must ask ourselves: Do we also wish to be disciples of Jesus Christ and Christian stewards of our world and our Church? The Spirit shows us the way. Stewardship is a part of that journey.

Did you know?

Retirement Account Required Minimum Distribution Donations are Tax Exempt

Did you know that you can make a donation of all or a portion of the Required Minimum Distribution from your retirement account to tax exempt charities such as  St. Patrick and your donation will be tax exempt?

Here’s how it works. If a person is at least age 72, they must take at least a minimum distribution from their IRA or incur a penalty equal to one-half of the otherwise required minimum distribution amount. They may take more than the minimum at their discretion. These individuals may instruct their IRA account manager to distribute any amount of their choosing to one or more tax exempt charities such as St. Patrick.

When that is done, it is considered to be a tax exempt contribution. St. Patrick would acknowledge to the giver the receipt of that contribution from their IRA. Also, this contribution is tax exempt even if the individual does not itemize deductions for income tax purposes because the IRA account manager would not identify this to the IRS as reportable income in accordance with the tax code. 

For more information about Qualified Charitable Distributions, check out the Internal Revenue Service Publication 590-B, “Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)” or speak with your tax advisor.