Stewardship

"A Disciple's Response"

Stewardship

Hearing and Responding to the Call

Everyone has a calling, which is another way of saying that your walk with God is personal. When you hear the call to gratitude and responsibility—in your friendships and family, in your work, wherever you go—then taking the next step to answer that call is where Catholic stewardship may be clearly seen. 

Stewardship is not simply making donations or taking care of the building and grounds.  It is 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 "Stewardship as a Way of Life."  You will not be alone. Millions of fellow Catholics are traveling together with you.

Jesus Is the Steward

It begins with remembering our Baptism, when we became followers of Jesus Christ. From this call flows the commitment to Christ that makes stewardship possible—and deeply rewarding. However, this is a commitment to a lifetime of action, and it requires sacrifice. Through following Christ, we have the benefit of the role model of sacrifice for the greater good, a model of self-giving and loving service.

Catholic stewards take care of the world around us, including embracing the social teaching of the church.

• We work as partners with God in the redemption of the world.
• We respect human life and dignity.
• We protect the natural environment.
• We share our gifts (prayer, service and financial sharing) with others.
• We communicate our enthusiasm.

For your own development as a Catholic steward, it helps to spend time in prayer and reflection to recognize your gifts from God. Then discover how best to use those gifts for the benefit of others—and of course, invite others to discern and share their gifts, too.

The Challenges and Rewards of Stewardship

It is an incredible challenge to live in imitation of the life of Christ. We all face obstacles, opportunities, and challenges, living in a fast-paced environment with many responsibilities. Our spiritual hunger does not always get a chance to be nourished through prayer and action.  However, a clear sense of purpose—nourished by the Eucharist and our rich Catholic tradition—opens the door for us to actively commit to a life of gratitude and responsibility; to thank God for his endless gifts, and then to decide what we can do to help the world. The rewards include:

• Making a difference in people's lives
• Becoming an active member of a fulfilling Catholic community
• Discovering talents inside you, waiting to be used
• Letting go of your worries and setting realistic goals in both your spiritual and secular life
• Experiencing the amazing increase in God's presence that comes with a partnership with the Lord

As each has received a gift, use it to serve another

 as good stewards of God's varied graces"   1 Peter 4:10     

From more information please refer to the U.S. Bishop’s Pastoral Letter

“A Disciples Response” - ©1992