Radical generosity starts with an honest self-evaluation

By Ty Salvant
NOLA Catholic Parenting

If you had to rank your level of generosity in your parish, are you closer to a 5 or a 9? Does the mode of giving matter? Are you more or less generous with time, knowledge, resources, or money?

According to a 2023 CARA study, 10% of Catholics are involved in their parish other than by attending Mass. Some 24% are “somewhat” involved, 24% are involved “a little” and 42% are “not engaged at all.”

Imagine what would happen in parishes if each category improved by 5%? What is one need in your parish you can fill?

What would radical generosity look like in your household? Would it include actively participating in a ministry, increasing your weekly donation or attending more parish events? What gifts and talents do you have to offer to your parish?

Joining the choir or singing in Mass both enhance the experience within a parish. Attending events, including the parish fair or a talk by a guest speaker, are ways to be generous with your time. Is there a ministry that would benefit from your areas of expertise or passion? Everything from financial acumen, time management and event-planning skills and public speaking to graphic design experience can all benefit your parish. If you’re unsure how to help, contact the parish office. They keenly know the parish’s needs and can point you in the right direction.

Currently, living a culture of radical generosity means that Derrick and I serve on the board for Catholic Engaged Encounter. We present on weekends together, and I seek opportunities to serve that align with my current actions or activities. It means managing a communications role, homeschooling and using my leadership skills in several parish ministries. It also means attending weekly Mass and adoration.

Be best version of yourself

Radical generosity means taking the necessary steps to care for myself to be the best version of myself to better care for my husband, family, friends and community.

How I can give will change when life changes, and that’s OK. While the level and mode of giving fluctuate, the attitude of generosity remains.

Just as we do not all have the same gifts, we are not called to provide identically.

Identify your season of life and your available resources of time, talent, and treasure, and then consider what you can say yes to. What does radical generosity mean to you?

Ty Salvant is an advisor, wife of more than 20 years, homeschooling mom of six, avid volunteer and author who helps women achieve a whole, balanced and fulfilled family, marriage and self through workshops, retreats and events. In her weekly blog, Time with Ty, she shares information and resources to help women invest in themselves, their marriages, families and communities by offering relevant, succinct blogs to encourage, inspire and motivate readers to live their best life while not neglecting themselves. She enjoys movies, reading, games and spending time with friends and family.