Spiritual Revival

With great joy we announce our new “capital campaign” called Turn Up the Flame! It won’t cost you a nickel, but it may save your life!

This campaign is an urgent request for an immediate increase in the amount of time and energy you devote to your spiritual life. Now is the time to grow closer to God, increase in virtue, and learn more about your faith and practice it better.

Pledging

We invite you to participate in this three-year spiritual revival which is modeled after capital campaigns, with pledges playing a key role. The pledge will be a declaration of the extra things you intend to do to grow spiritually. This is a one-year pledge, with an opportunity to pledge anew in year two and year three.

This campaign has three age-appropriate pledge forms:

• Young Children (PreK - 5th grade)
• Older Children and Teens (6th - 12th grade)
• Adults

Instructions on pledging:

1. Choose your Pledge Form to make your commitment. Each person should fill out their own form based on their personal commitments.

2. Print off 2 copies of the pledge form; one copy for the church and one for yourself.

3. Your name is optional. If you would like a monthly E-Flame (a spiritual reminder for reflection and encouragement sent via email) be sure to print your email address clearly.

4. Choose a few spiritual growth options – or create your own and add them in the space provided on the form. Quality is more important than quantity.

5. Return one Pledge form to the Parish

• Bring your pledge to Commitment Sunday, February 23-24. Be prepared to file forward and place your pledge in the baskets.
• Leave in a drop-off box at the church entrances or parish office or send by mail.
  
• Pledges can be returned any time.

Be creative in thinking of a good place to keep your pledge where you will be reminded and encouraged throughout the year!

Scriptural Significance

The Parable of the Ten Maidens (Mt 25:1-13)
“Trim your lamps” (Mt 25:7)

An oil lamp had a wick which burned brightly when it was clean,
but over time char or soot, a dark black residue, accumulated.
When a lamp was relit, the wick was trimmed,
the soot was cut away with a knife or a scissors,
so the flame would burn more brightly

The wick is a symbol for each person
the char is a symbol for the person’s sins
the cleaning of the wick is a symbol of spiritual reform
the brighter flame is a symbol of spiritual revitalization

It takes time, attention, and the proper tools to cut off the residue so the flame will burn brightly again. The wise know that this needs to be done, and act accordingly. The foolish invest no time and effort.

Choosing to do a few things well will trim the wick and turn up the flame:

• Be fearless and full of energy when making your pledge. Be courageous. Look beyond the values of this world to the values of the next.
  
  
• When fulfilling your pledge, be attentive. Plan time in your day or week to fulfill your pledge. Keep the fervor alive. Do not be distracted.
  
  
• Make use of the monthly E-Flame spiritual reminder to keep you moving forward. If you stray from your plan, use prayer time to focus on renewing your pledge.
  
  
• Share your excitement and joy with friends and family. Let your flame burn bright for all to see!