Question of the Month

What Is Catholic Stewardship?

Stewardship is not simply making donations or taking care of the building and grounds.
It is a spirituality—hence a way of life—made of four parts:

• Receiving the gifts of God with gratitude
• Cultivating them responsibly
• Sharing them lovingly in justice with others
• Standing before the Lord in a spirit of accountability

It is up to you to determine how you will live out this stewardship way of life.

What resources, talents, and abilities has God given me? Do I use them in service to others? How might I take the next step to become a more effective steward?

The Gifts of God
Think of God's gifts in broader terms, not simply the material goods or security you may enjoy. These are gifts, too:

• Your faith, hope, love, and joy
• Your family love and relationships with others
• Your intelligence, talents, and skills
• Your imagination, compassion, and vision
• Creation in all its splendor

Our Catholic tradition teaches us that with so many blessings come great challenges. At all times in our lives, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to share what we have been given.

(Derived from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops document “Stewardship: An Invitation to Help Change the World” at http://www.usccb.org/stewardship/disciplesresponse.pdf.)

Click here for Adult Stewardship Volunteer Form

Click here for Youth Stewardship Volunteer Form

Click here to learn about Stewardship Volunteer Opportunities 

Volunteer forms can be returned in the collection plate, baskets in the Narthex·or church office. See above for online forms. 

Each of us has unique talents in our lives. Some of us are athletic, or good cooks, wise, mediators, having business savvy, compassionate, hospitable, funny, detail-oriented, teachers, caretakers, entertainers, great friends…the list goes on. Not all receive the same number or types of talents, but God expects us to use the abilities and talents He has given us for His glory.

We are to make investments with the skills and talents we have been given, so that when the time comes, we can give a report of how we have multiplied what the Lord has given us. Each of our skills and abilities can grow as we work on them and put them into practice. It is when we get lazy and stop using the abilities that the Lord has given us that we fall behind, run out of steam, and start to wonder how we really can make a difference. It is the people who invest their talents and abilities that will be rewarded in the end. For some, this means taking a step back and assessing how God has created and designed us so we can move forward in our lives, investing our talents and not simply burying them in the sand. For others, and perhaps you as well, it may mean refining, building and keeping in shape whatever God has given you to build His kingdom.

Our annual Stewardship Fair will be held the weekend of April 28-29 after all the Masses. Help us spread the mission of Jesus Christ by offering the gifts you have been given back to God. It is a great way to meet new people and get involved in our ever-growing Parish Community.

Stewardship Prayer

·Generous and loving God, You call us to be disciples of your Son Jesus and good stewards of all your many gifts.· Open our minds and hearts to a greater awareness and deeper appreciation of your countless blessings.· Transform us through the power of Your Spirit to nurture a stewardship way of life marked by faith-filled prayer, service to our neighbor and generous sharing.· Teach us to be faithful servants of your gifts.· We pray through Christ, our Lord, Amen.