Spirituality of the Annual Contribution

29 Oct Spirituality of the Annual Contribution

As a couple journeying together in Teams — and as a treasurer couple — we have come to appreciate deeply what it means to contribute. Over the years, we have discovered that contribution has two inseparable dimensions: the material and the spiritual. Both are essential and both are valuable.

We still remember the early days of our journey in Teams, when our Responsible Couple asked for contributions. At the time, we did not fully understand the importance of this request. It seemed like a simple administrative matter — but later, as we grew in the movement, we realised it was much more than that.

The Material Aspect

As treasurers, we became part of the Regional Team, which helped us to see the bigger picture. We learned that contributions are always voluntary, yet absolutely vital. Without our constant generosity, the movement simply could not continue its mission — to support married couples and help them grow in love and faith.

We often asked ourselves: “How much should we give?” Thankfully, Father Henri Caffarel, the founder of Teams, offers us guidance in the Charter: each couple should contribute the equivalent of one day’s income each year.

While any donation is always welcome, it is especially helpful to give during May or June, when our Responsible Couples invite us to contribute. This timing allows the Regional Team to plan the activities and resources for the year ahead.

And what about Providence? We firmly believe that the Lord provides for all our needs. Yet, we also recognise that Divine Providence often works through us. Our giving is one of the ways God’s love reaches others.

The Spiritual Aspect

Reflecting on our journey, we realise how richly we have been blessed through Teams. When we first moved to Dublin, Teams became our spiritual home. Through it, we found friendship, support, and communion. As foreigners, we were welcomed into the homes — and hearts — of people who made us feel we truly belonged.

Teams has also helped us experience the universality of love. We have met couples from all over the world who share the same faith, the same joy, and the same mission. Just a few recent examples, below.

We have recently been invited to a wedding in Italy from one of the young couples of the new TANDEM team. We rejoiced when we realised that the wedding was celebrated by a priest who was chaplain of Teams UK. Our joy doubled when, during the wedding reception, we met a young Italian couple enthusiastic of been embraced by Teams France two years ago, when they moved there for professional reasons.

God surprised us once again when, during an info night in St. Raphaela’s convent in September, we met a Teams couple from Dubai. They were staying there with their daughter who just started college in Dublin. We felt instantly connected, as if we had known each other forever.

This deep sense of communion fills us with gratitude. Teams has nourished our spirituality, enriched our marriage, and helped us grow in love. Giving, therefore, becomes not a duty but a response — an act of responsibility, an act of communion, an act of love, and an act of gratitude.

We praise the Lord for His infinite generosity

Paola & Paolo