The Joy of Giving 2026

WEEK 1: November 1-7 — Gratitude For Where We Have Been

What Has God Entrusted to Us?

There is a joy the world cannot manufacture and money cannot buy — the joy of a heart rooted in God, one that recognizes His blessings, trusts His providence, and gives generously in return.

Over the next three weeks, we begin a journey called The Joy of Giving — an invitation to reflect on how we steward the financial blessings God has entrusted to us and how our giving supports the mission of St. Mary and St. John Vianney.

Before looking forward, we must first look honestly at where we are. What has God already provided for our parish? How have our financial resources been used to sustain worship, form disciples, and serve those in need? What is bearing fruit — and where might God be calling us to grow?

Do we see our money as something to protect, or as a gift entrusted to us for a greater purpose?

Gospel Insight

The Beatitudes & All Saints Day- The saints understood that their resources — including their finances — could become a means of serving God and loving others. True blessedness is not measured by wealth, but by faithfulness. They did not simply ask what they could keep; they asked how their gifts could become a blessing.

As we consider Fr. William's vision for 2027, the same question is before us: Are our financial gifts aligned with the mission God has entrusted to us?

The Joy of Giving begins when we stop seeing money as a possession to hold onto — and start seeing it as a blessing to steward for His Kingdom.

This week, ask the Lord: What have You entrusted to me, how have I used these financial gifts, and what might You be inviting me to see differently?

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us Your children and inviting us to share in Your Kingdom. On this All Saints Day, we remember the holy men and women who trusted Your plan and followed Jesus with faith, courage, and love. Through their example, teach us to recognize the gifts You have entrusted to us and to use them in service of others. Holy Spirit, open our hearts to Your vision for our parish. Help us trust where You are leading us, welcome those who are searching for You, and share Your love through our words and actions.

May this journey deepen our faith and inspire us to build a community where everyone is welcomed, known, loved, and invited to grow as a disciple of Christ. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

FATHER'S HOMILY FROM 11/1 will be posted on Monday 11/2

This Week's Readings

First Reading — Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14: John sees a great multitude from every nation standing before God, celebrating His salvation. God is gathering His people into one family, united in His love.

Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6: The earth belongs to the Lord, and those who seek Him with clean hearts are invited into His presence.

Second Reading — 1 John 3:1-3: We are already God's beloved children. Our identity and hope in Him shape who we are becoming.

Gospel — Matthew 5:1-12a: In the Beatitudes, Jesus describes the blessings of those who live according to God's Kingdom, including the poor in spirit, the merciful, the peacemakers, and those who hunger for righteousness.

Questions for Reflection and Dialog

Take some time to reflect on this week’s message and discuss with your group:

Who has been a saintly example in your life? What have you learned from their faith or generosity?
Which of the Beatitudes speaks to you most today, and how might it shape the way you live?
How do we currently view generosity—as an obligation, a sacrifice, or a joyful response to God's blessings?
What gifts has God entrusted to you that you could share with your family, parish, or community?
Where do you see God working through St. Mary and St. John Vianney, and where do you hope to see growth?
Who would you like to see sitting beside you at Mass who is not currently there? How might you help that person feel welcomed?

PRAY

Pray for our parish family of St. Mary and St. John Vianney, that God will guide our parish communities according to His plan.
Pray for the grace to recognize and share the gifts God has entrusted to you.
Pray for those who feel disconnected from the Church, that they may encounter Christ through a welcoming community.
Begin praying about your Commitment Card and how you can support the mission of the Church through your time, talent, and treasure.

ACT

Write down one hope or dream you have for the future of our community.
Identify one gift, talent, or resource you can share with others.
Reach out to someone who may need encouragement, friendship, or an invitation to Mass.
Write a note of gratitude to someone who serves in your parish community.

INSPIRE

Share your story. Tell someone about a person whose faith has inspired you.
Be welcoming. Introduce yourself to someone you do not know at Mass or a parish gathering.
Invite someone. Extend a personal invitation to Mass or a parish event.
Dream together. Share your hopes for our parish and encourage others to consider how God might be calling them to contribute.

Intercessions

Invite members to share their prayer intentions. Pray especially for those facing fear or uncertainty, for wisdom in how we use the gifts God has given us, and for our parish as we grow together in trust, gratitude, and joyful generosity.

Closing Prayer

Loving Father, thank You for gathering us together and reminding us that we are Your beloved children. Through the witness of the saints, help us see that holiness is possible when we trust You and follow Jesus with faithful hearts.

Open our eyes to Your vision for our parish and show us how to use our gifts to build Your Kingdom. Give us the courage to welcome others, the generosity to serve, and the faith to follow where You lead.

May St. Mary and St. John Vianney become communities where everyone can encounter Christ, grow in faith, and discover the joy of giving. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK'S GATHERING GUIDE