October 23, 2022

Dear Friends in Christ,

Some stories simply bear repeating, so let me share the story of Elizabeth and Walter again. I met them in 1992 when I was pastor of St. George Parish on Beacon Hill. Elizabeth was raised a Southern Baptist but converted to Catholicism in her late 40s. She carried a couple of traditions from her Baptist past, however. One was wearing her “Sunday best” outfit to church which was usually a dress with flowers on it and a big, brimmed hat that was impossible to miss. She also would offer a verbal affirmation at the end of my homily. If she liked it she would fill the church with a loud and spirited “Amen” for all to hear. If she was not particularly impressed with the homily her amen was barely a whisper. I knew where I stood with Elizabeth.

During our fall Stewardship Program that year, I learned that Elizabeth and Walter gave $98.70 to the parish every month, which was 10% of their monthly income of $987.00. Walter had been on disability for many years, and Elizabeth was a homemaker, so their means were small, but their generosity was huge. One Sunday after Mass, I came upon Elizabeth helping herself to some canned goods from the large bin where people donated food for the nearby Georgetown Service Center. Her face turned red with embarrassment as she admitted that it was the end of the month, and they didn’t have money for groceries. I quickly assured Elizabeth that she was welcome to the food, and also encouraged her to keep her monthly tithe to the church. I will never forget her response to that suggestion. “O Father, the Lord has been so good to us, we have to show our gratitude in this way.” I was humbled at that moment to admit that my stewardship giving was maybe 1-2% of my overall income. From then on I’ve tried to grow in my giving to the Lord for all he has done for me.

Elizabeth and Walter smile at us from Heaven as we begin our 2022 Fall Stewardship Campaign which we are calling a “Season of Thanks.” We show our thanks to God and our faith in his continued providence by pledging a monthly gift to support the mission of St. Bridget Parish in the coming 2023 new year. Please join me in making a pledge and increasing your gift if possible. Using the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) option makes your giving convenient.

Thanks be to God for all good gifts, and thanks to all of you for your support of our beloved parish.

Gratefully in the Lord,   


Fr. William Heric, Pastor