Why do we Tithe?

Everything we have is a gift from God. Our lives, our families, our talents, our work—none of these come from us alone. They are entrusted to us by a loving and generous Father. When we begin to see our lives in this way, as a gift rather than a possession, it changes how we respond. Gratitude becomes the foundation of everything we do. 

At every Mass, we are reminded of this truth. The priest invites us: “Let us give thanks to the Lord our God,” and we respond, “It is right and just.” These words are not simply a ritual response; they express a way of life. We are a people who give thanks—not only with our lips, but with our actions. One of the most meaningful ways we live out this gratitude is through tithing. 

Tithing is the practice of giving back to God a portion of what He has given to us—traditionally, ten percent of our income. This is not a modern invention or a fundraising strategy. It is a biblical principle rooted in trust and love. In the Book of Malachi (3:10), God speaks clearly to His people, inviting them to bring their full tithe and to trust in His providence. Remarkably, He promises that those who do so will experience His abundant blessings. But tithing is not ultimately about obligation—it is about relationship. 

It asks us an important question: Do I trust God? Do I believe that He will provide for me? Do I place Him first in my life, or do I give Him only what is left over? Tithing challenges us to put God at the center. It invites us to give not from our excess, but from our “first fruits”—the first and best portion of what we receive. In doing so, we acknowledge that everything belongs to Him, and we place our trust in His continued care. 

For many, this can feel like a difficult step. It requires faith. It requires sacrifice. But it is also deeply freeing. When we give generously, we loosen our attachment to material things and grow in our dependence on God. We begin to experience the joy that comes living with generosity, rather than holding tightly to what we have. Tithing also strengthens our parish family. Your gifts make possible the celebration of the sacraments, the formation of our children, outreach to those in need, and the daily life of our parish community. Every ministry, every act of service, every moment of encounter with Christ is supported by the generosity of parishioners like you. 

In this way, your tithe is not just a personal act of gratitude—it is participation in the mission of the Church. It helps bring others to Christ. It builds up the Body of Christ right here in our parish and beyond.  If you are new to tithing, I encourage you to begin with a simple step. Consider offering the first hour of your weekly income to God. From there, grow gradually toward a fuller tithe. What matters most is not the amount, but the spirit in which it is given—with trust, gratitude, and love. 

I want you to know that I, too, share in this commitment. As your pastor, I tithe as an expression of my own gratitude to God and my belief in the mission of our parish. 

In the end, tithing is a way of saying, “Lord, everything I have is from You, and I trust You with all that I am.” It is a concrete way to live out our faith. Let us be a parish marked by generosity, by trust, and by gratitude. And in all that we do, may we confidently say: “Here I am, Lord. You can count on me.” 

God Bless you,

Fr. Francisco Rodriguez III
Pastor