Stewardship: a way of life for disciples & parishes

Stewardship: a way of life for
disciples & parishes

What identifies a steward? Safeguarding material and human resources and using them responsibly are one answer; so is generous giving of time, talent, and treasure. But being a Christian steward means more. As Christian stewards, we receive God's gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice with others, and return them with increase to the Lord.

Let’s begin with being a disciple - a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ. As members of the Church, Jesus calls us all to be disciples. This has astonishing implications: Jesus' disciples and Christian stewards recognize God as the origin of life, giver of freedom, and source of all things. We are grateful for the gifts of time, talent, and treasure we have received and are eager to use them to show our love for God and for one another. We look to the life and teaching of Jesus for guidance in living as Christian stewards.*

"So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?' All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides." (Matt. 6:31-32)

"Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. Whoever preach-es, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:9-11)

Christian communities like our parishes are also called to be good stewards in how we care for parishion-ers and neighbors, treat the environment, maintain our property, and allocate our income. While we have our financial challenges, our parishes are in better shape than many other communities. This is why we can do pro-grams like ChristLife, and our church “Picnic Party” this weekend with only a nominal ticket price. Your support also of our parishes’ St. Vincent de Paul conferences is a more substantial sharing of our blessings with those who are in need in our area.In the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus made it clear that our neighbor is not just the person next door. Stewardship calls us to trust in the abundance of God’s gifts. Thank you for sharing your time, talents, and treasure with our parishes, arch-diocese and beyond! -

Fr. Joe

"My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:19)

* Adapted from U.S. Bishops’ Pastoral Letter, “To Be a Chris-tian Steward.”