Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC

Does anyone remember the coin cards and cardboard boxes given to children to collect nickels, dimes, and quarters as a discipline for Lent? Or tucking a coin in a glove or coat pocket as a young child to drop in the Sunday School offering plate? These were my first introductions to stewardship. These early practices have served me well, and I believe they have served the faith communities where I have been a member. The earlier we begin to help our children identify the responsibilities tied to being a part of the parish family and the importance of their individual contributions, the better they and we will be!

Unless a parent calls the parish office before October 1 requesting that their kindergarten through 12th grader not be included, a letter and pledge card will be sent to each child and youth from kindergarten age through high school. The pledge card will provide them with the opportunity to pledge a financial contribution but will also list many ways they can pledge their time and treasures. There will be no accounting and no follow up with the children and youth as a reminder of their pledge. This is simply a way for our children/youth to indicate ways they can serve and share that with which they have been blessed.

Send items for inclusion in future "Cross Roads."
The deadline is the first Thursday of the preceeding month.