Giving when we can, trusting in God's provision.

Radical generosity begins with radical gratitude. When we truly recognize that everything we have is a gift from God, we begin to respond with a desire to give back. That response sets us on a journey—a generosity journey—that leads us closer to God and to a deeper freedom in living as His stewards.

For many of us, this journey begins with occasional giving. It might start with a desire to feel connected to the parish, or simply from a sense of wanting to give when there’s something to spare. This first step is both humble and significant. Many parishioners begin their journey here: giving when they can, trusting that their contributions—however small—will be used for the good of the community.

That trust matters. Every offering, no matter the size or frequency, helps Mary, Queen of Peace fulfill its mission to foster life-changing encounters with Jesus. Occasional giving plays a vital role in sustaining our parish, and it is deeply appreciated.

While generosity certainly includes time and talent, financial giving often remains the hardest to surrender fully to God. That’s why we spend time prayerfully reflecting on its role in our lives. Our giving shapes our hearts. It strengthens our parish. And it allows us to serve those beyond our church walls.

If you find yourself in this stage of occasional giving, know that you are a valued part of our mission. As you continue growing in gratitude and trust, consider what it might look like to take a more intentional step—one that involves planning, prayer, and purpose. That’s where the next part of the journey begins: Intentional Giving.

Planning and committing to regular giving.

As we continue the generosity journey, each step brings us closer to the kind of fearless giving that reflects God's own generosity—a love that holds nothing back. After beginning with occasional giving, many take the next important step: Intentional Giving.

Intentional giving means making a conscious commitment to support your parish regularly. Whether it’s through recurring online gifts or weekly envelopes, this step signifies more than consistency—it’s a sign of belonging. It says, “I’m part of this family of faith, and I want to contribute to its mission.”

At this stage, the focus isn’t necessarily on how much you give. Instead, it’s about your mindset. Is giving something you plan for and prioritize? Is it near the bottom of the budget as something extra, or is it woven into the foundation of how you approach your finances?

We all have financial responsibilities, and it’s natural to think in terms of “my” money, time, and resources. But intentional giving begins to shift that perspective. It invites us to see everything we have as coming from God and belonging to Him. It opens the door to deeper stewardship—where we no longer ask, “What am I willing to give?” but instead, “What does God want me to do with what He’s given me?”

If you are at this stage of the journey, you are helping MQP grow, thrive, and serve. You are on the path toward radical generosity. As you reflect and pray, consider what it might look like to change your lens completely—to view giving not just as a commitment, but as a calling. That’s where the next step of the journey begins: Inspired Giving.

Moving generosity toward the center of your life.

As the generosity journey continues, the commitment becomes deeper and more personal. After stepping into intentional giving, many find themselves drawn to something even greater: Inspired Giving.

Inspired giving comes from a heart that’s growing in trust and gratitude. It’s not just about being consistent anymore—it’s about recognizing that everything you have truly belongs to God. Giving becomes an act of worship, not just a line in the budget.

At this stage, the question shifts from “How much of my money should I give?” to “How much of God’s money am I called to give?” It’s a change in perspective—and one that can feel bold. Giving starts to move from the margins of your life toward the center. It becomes a priority that reflects your faith, even when it might seem countercultural or even impractical.

Some might not understand this kind of giving. And yet, it’s in this space where generosity becomes a true witness to God’s goodness. One friend shared the story of her father, a Catholic businessman who refused to cut parish giving even during a difficult year. “God has given me everything I have,” he said. “He deserves everything we can give.” That kind of trust is what inspired giving is all about.

Inspired givers are helping to build up God’s kingdom in real and lasting ways. They don’t give because they have extra—they give because they believe it all belongs to Him. “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it” (Psalm 24:1).

If you’re at this stage of the journey, thank you. Your witness helps shape the mission of Mary, Queen of Peace. And if you feel a prompting to go further, the next step deepens that trust even more. That’s where the road leads to Faithful Giving.

Prioritizing God with our first fruits,

Faithful giving reflects a heart that serves God above all else. At this stage of the generosity journey, giving is no longer something you do out of habit or even inspiration—it flows from a life centered on gratitude and sacrifice.

This is where generosity becomes a true act of worship. It’s about offering God your first fruits, not what’s left over. Faithful giving happens when you’ve taken a serious look at your life and asked: How much of God’s money is He calling me to give? The lens has shifted again—now, you see your resources, time, and gifts fully through God’s eyes.

Faithful givers live differently. They make sacrifices to place God near the top of their budgets. Giving is shaped by prayer and discernment. It’s no longer just about meeting a need—it’s about responding to a relationship. It’s about recognizing that, just as God has given everything—even His Son—we are called to give in return, freely and fully.

This level of stewardship echoes the words of Moses when he instructs the Israelites to bring their first fruits before the Lord, acknowledging all they have received. And it reflects the heart of Jesus, who resisted temptation and served the Father without hesitation.

If you're a faithful giver, you give with intention, prayer, and purpose. You view generosity as a spiritual discipline—something that forms you and draws you closer to Christ. Your giving is no longer about what you can spare, but about what God deserves.

This is not always easy. It requires courage, trust, and a willingness to say no to the world’s empty promises of power, pleasure, and prestige. But faithful giving opens your heart to something greater: the joy of living God's will.

At this point in the journey, many begin to wonder what more God might be asking. The next step moves beyond consistency and sacrifice—it leads into full surrender. That’s the heart of Fearless Giving.

Living with open hands and bold trust.

Fearless giving is the final step on the generosity journey—and it’s where true freedom begins.

Along the way, we’ve reflected on how our lens changes. We begin by asking, How much of my money can I spare? But over time, that question is transformed. The radical question becomes: How much of God’s money does He want me to keep?

That shift isn’t just about numbers. It’s about trust. It’s about gratitude. It’s about surrendering everything we are and everything we have to the One who has given us all.

Fearless giving springs from a heart rooted in radical gratitude. It is the fruit of knowing that God sees us, walks with us, and loves us without limit. Just as He spoke to Moses from the burning bush and came down to rescue His people, so too has He come to be with us in Jesus Christ. He knows our needs. He knows our hearts. And He invites us to live with open hands.

This kind of generosity is not easy. It requires courage. It asks us to take a leap of faith. And yet, throughout history—among the saints and even among those in our own lives—we’ve seen this boldness in action. People who choose to give not just from abundance, but from trust. People like Millard Fuller, who walked away from wealth to serve the poor through Habitat for Humanity, saying, “When you have little or no equity in the things of this world, you experience an immense liberty for kingdom righteousness.”

That’s the freedom fearless giving brings. A freedom to live generously. A freedom to invest not in earthly security, but in building God’s kingdom here and now. At this stage, your budget is no longer your own—it belongs to God. And your only question is: How much does He want me to keep?

If you find yourself here, know that your faith is a powerful witness. And if you’re still walking toward this kind of surrender, know that every step counts. The journey of generosity is not a race—it’s a lifelong transformation. Thank you for being on this path with us. No matter where you are on the road, your openness, trust, and faith help bring our mission to life.