“The choicest of the first
fruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the LORD your
God.” Ex: 23:19
First Fruits Background
St. Theresa’s First Fruits was established in August 2000 to enable all
parishioners to contribute to special works of charity and justice in a
personal, direct way. Since its
inception, St. Theresa parishioners have contributed over $250,000 that has
been directly channeled to designated, time-critical needs in our local and
global community.
First Fruits Philosophy
The spirit of First Fruits allows St. Theresa Church to respond to
urgent needs that are not covered by agency operating budgets, bypassing normal
bureaucratic processing channels. 100%
of what is contributed goes directly to address immediate needs of the
categories each donor requests.
How First Fruits works
Parishioners receive First Fruits envelopes in their tithing packets
(lavender envelope). Donations to St.
Theresa First Fruits are tax deductible.
Most donations are monthly, but one-time donations are welcome! If you do automatic tithing, you can also
make your First Fruits donation by EFT.
Beginning in June 2008, there are now eight categories that a
parishioner can “check off” to designate their donations: Utility assistance, Refugee Assistance,
Pro-Life, Emergency Shelter Needs, Peace and Justice Needs, St. Theresa
Transitional House, Hispanic Ministry needs and Current Needs*.
*Current Need receives the largest amount of donations. This high level of support gives us the
ability to respond to emergent needs to families both inside and outside
our parish, to boost local agency outreach and to foster support of global
justice issues.
FF Disbursement Reports:
For more information, contact