Every parent wants to raise children who share and give generously.  When our children someday meet God face to face, we want to know that they will hear Jesus say to them the same words the master said to those who used their talents wisely:

“Well done, my good and faithful servant…Come, share your master’s joy.”

(Matt 25:21)

However, raising a generous child is a challenge in a society that constantly teaches children to want more and more things for themselves.  One of the key factors in teaching children to be generous is to let them see you give.  After all, children mimic what they see, not what they hear.

Today many donations to the parish Offertory may be made electronically, monthly, quarterly, or via mail. Thus, children may never actually see their parents give.  A child who never sees a parent place an envelope in the Offertory could grow up thinking, “My parents never gave any support to the Church. Why should I?”

One strategy you might consider if you give electronically is to pick up one of the ELECTRONIC GIVING slips at the doors when you come into the parish.  Find time to talk with your children what that paper means, and about the charitable gifts your family makes.

If you would like to increase your giving you might even ask your kids about ways the family budget could be adjusted so that there is more to share with God. Their suggestions might surprise you!

With thanks to the Archdiocese of St. Louis for their suggestions about Children’s Stewardship.