We are all unique and have many things that we do well. How can we use these gifts to grow our parish and to serve others?

“I have given you a model to follow, So that as I have done for you, You should also do.” -John 13:15

Stewardship is a way of life for the Christian who wishes to follow Jesus and walk in His footsteps.

According to the pastoral letter Stewardship: A Disiple's Response, stewards do four things:

• Receive God’s gifts gratefully
• Nurture God’s gifts responsibly
• Share God’s gifts justly and charitably
• Return those gifts to God abundantly

Gratitude is the cornerstone of stewardship and everything is a gift to those who see life with the eyes of faith.  God gives us our existence, talents, time, treasure, family and friends.  Stewards express their gratitude by a life of generosity.

Stewardship of Time – Stewardship of Prayer

Prayer is about our relationship with God.  We are called to pray at all times – to be aware of God’s presence at every moment.  We have many examples of Jesus praying.  He prayed in the desert, on the mountain, in the boat, and with the sick   He prayed over the bread and wine, He prayed in the Garden, and He prayed on the Cross.  Jesus taught His followers how to pray.  We can pray for ten seconds, ten minutes or ten hours a day, listening and responding to God in our daily lives.  Our prayers may be in thanksgiving, praise, and petition or for forgiveness.  The purpose of prayer is to stay connected to God.  The most important prayer is the Eucharist in which we offer ourselves with Jesus to the Father, hear God’s Word, and receive Jesus in the Eucharist.

Stewardship of Talent – Stewardship of Service

Ministry is about gifts and needs.  We name and nurture the gifts (talents) God has given us and we place these gifts at the service of those in need.  It is not so much that we do things for others but rather that Jesus is doing something for others through us.  Jesus came not to be served, but to serve.  Through Baptism and Confirmation, we are called to a life of commitment to the wounded of the world. 

Above sections were paraphrased from the Theology of Stewardship by Bishop Robert Morneau

Some Ideas on how to participate: 

• Attend a weekday Mass
• Have daily prayer time
• Read the Bible weekly
• Go to weekly Adoration (8am Wednesday -8am Thursday)
• Say the Rosary frequently
• Go to Confession Monthly
• Listen to Tapes/TV Religious Programs (local Spirit Catholic Radio station 106.5FM)
• Sign up for FORMED 
• Schedule a retreat, Bible Study, Adult Religious Education
• Spend quality time with family/friends for prayer, rest, and recreation.