Without God, we forget that all is gift and we begin to think ourselves as owners, instead of stewards, masters of the universe instead of servants of the one Lord who has called us to nurture and develop His gifts wisely and well for the good of all.
- Pope Benedict XVI
As Catholics we are challenged to choose stewardship as a lifestyle based on our baptismal call. A stewardship lifestyle is counter-cultural in today’s world of consumerism, materialism and individualism. However, Christian stewards do not reject money or material things. Rather, we develop and share them for our own good and for the benefit of others.
As good stewards, we thank God for all of His blessings by returning a portion of the Time, Talents and Treasure allotted to us. Conscious that what we have been given by God belongs to Him, we are only giving back what He already owns. We feel the need to give back in thanksgiving, regardless of the needs of the Church or the parish. Stewardship is a spiritual way of life that leads to conversion and a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Stewardship of Treasure
We ask each family to prayerfully review their financial situation and commit to a weekly financial donation to the parish.
In keeping with the biblical meaning of stewardship, we give proportionately from our first fruits – our substance, not just what is left over. As Catholics, we consider the minimum 10% biblical tithe to be: 5% to your parish, 1% to the diocese, and 4% to other charitable causes. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, these financial gifts are multiplied to accomplish countless good works in our parish and community.
Your gift of treasure can be made weekly in your parish envelope or by using Online Giving, our electronic contribution provider.
Stewardship of Time and Talent
Just as important to our parish is the stewardship of time and talent. Recognizing the busy lives that our parishioners lead, we are especially grateful to those who give generously of their time and talents to further the work of the church.
Grow in the Spirit of Stewardship
Stewardship is a commitment of mind and heart to the Lord; a way of life that touches all aspects of our lives. All we have has been entrusted to us. Take some time throughout the year to reflect on the ways you can become the good steward God intended you to be.
Stewardship of Prayer: Commit to strengthen your relationship with the Lord. Notice how often you pray and what hinders you from praying. Commit to ten minutes of daily prayer.
Stewardship of Family: Set aside more time to stay connected with your family. Eat dinner together, schedule dates with your spouse, plan family outings and go to Mass together.
Stewardship of Health: Schedule medical and dental checkups. Adopt healthier eating habits. Add exercise to your daily routine.
Stewardship of Possessions: Consider how to possess less. Consider ways to reduce the amount of stuff you own. Consider donating to local organizations or churches that provide services for those in need.
Stewardship of the Parish Family: Commit to serve your faith community in some new way. For example, make sandwiches for the shelters, greet visitors or teach your faith. Visit the Ministry section of the website to find new possibilities for service.
Stewardship of Money: Review your annual budget. Reprioritize your goals to ensure the Lord comes first in your spending. Take positive steps to improve your financial health.
Stewardship of Work: Be faithful to your daily work and offer it up to the Lord. Cultivate your skills. Deepen your knowledge. Be mindful of how you are building the Kingdom of God.
Stewardship of Mind: Keep your mind active. Be more informed about the issues of the day. Find a good book and read it. Focus on the true, lovely and admirable.
Stewardship of Neighbor: Be a person of hospitality. Make time and space for others who enter your life. Be more aware of those times when a neighbor, co-worker, fellow parishioner or stranger needs a word of kindness, an attentive ear or an affirming gesture.
"As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace."
1 Peter 4:10