Stewardship Ministry
"Time, Talent and Treasure"
Gracious Lord, you have given me so much, I have time, health, talent and resources. I have more than is necessary. Broaden my thankfulness with the freedom to give. Allow me to trust that if I give out of my abundance, you will not neglect my needs in the future. Motivate me to share with those who have less. Help me to realize that when I give to others, I mirror your generosity in giving to me. Amen.
(The Faith Connection; August 1, 2010)
Stewardship is a way of life. It is a way of living each day in gratitude for all the blessings that God has given to us. The roots of stewardship can be found in the Bible, which tells us over and over that God is the Creator and Giver of all gifts. It is our responsibility to show our gratitude to God for these gifts, by giving back to Him the "first fruits."
We do not own the gifts God gives to us. We are only here on earth to use those gifts to do God's work.
In 1992 the U.S. Catholic Bishops released a pastoral letter on stewardship entitled: Stewardship: A Disciple's Response. The Bishops described a Christian steward as one who:
- Receives God's gifts gratefully
- Cherishes and tends them responsibly
- Shares them in justice and love
- Returns them to God
Sharing our gifts and returning them to God means giving generously of our time, talent and treasure. We give to God by sharing with our faith community and with those in need. Time and talent can be shared by becoming involved in parish life, volunteering and offering a helping hand. Treasure can be shared by making a conscious effort to make a financial gift to the Church and other charities.
Pastor: Fr. Jeff Poirot
Coordinator of Stewardship: Monica Molina,
Thoughts on Giving
By Archdiocese of St. Louis
May 5, 2013
6thSunday of Easter
“…do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)
When we let the daily pressures of life trouble us, we begin to believe that we are responsible for taking care of everything. This causes us to frantically cling to our time and treasure. Yet, Jesus tells us not to be troubled or afraid. Take a deep breath, pray and place your trust in God. When you do, you will be a better steward of all that God has placed in your care.
May 12, 2013
7th Sunday of Easter
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (Revelations 22:13)
These words from the last chapter of the Bible are a final reminder for us to put God first in our lives, in all that we do. Putting God first doesn’t mean giving until it hurts. It means giving until we are filled with joy and contentment. This usually means giving more generously, not less.
May 19, 2013
Pentecost Sunday
“The Counselor, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” (John 14:26)
The materialism of our society lures us to concentrate more on what we want than on what God wants for us and from us. It is good to know that when we are confused by our stewardship responsibilities, we can call on the Holy Spirit to show us the way.
May 26, 2013
Trinity Sunday
“But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth...” (John 16:13)
Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help us know the truth. So why not talk to the Holy Spirit about your stewardship? Are you sharing your time and talent with God and others? Do you give a fair amount of your treasure to do the work of the Lord? Can you hear the Holy Spirit’s answer to those questions in your heart now? What more is He calling you to do?
June 2, 2013
Feast of Corpus Christi
“They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.” (Luke
9:17)
The story of the Loaves and Fishes shows us that when we share what we have - even if it doesn’t seem like that much - miracles can happen! Do not think that your gift is too small or insignificant! God blesses all the gifts we offer and makes them wondrous.
June 9, 2013
10th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’” (Luke 7:13)
This verse is a great reminder that the Stewardship lifestyle is one of service, putting God first and to “love one another.” Unfortunately today, many people have “passion” for activities they enjoy - their job and off-work activities. Many times our “passion” to excel is at the expense of someone else. Maybe we need to focus on a little less passion for our individual concerns and a lot more compassion for others.
June 16, 2013
11th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet…” (Luke 7:44)
Today’s Gospel calls us to consider how we serve God. Do we consume like the Pharisee who simply reclines at the table and expects to be served? Or do we contribute like the woman who kneels before Jesus and washes His feet? Every day we must make a choice. Take or give? Consume or contribute? Recline or serve?
June 23, 2013
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
We are not very good at “denying ourselves” in our society. Our current economic situation is evidence of what happens when people think they can have everything they want. Jesus calls us to set our own personal “wants” aside so that we have the resources to follow Him instead.
June 30, 2013
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather serve one another through love.” (Galatians 5:13)
We like to celebrate the fact that we are free to “live the good life.” But Jesus calls us to a different kind of freedom. St. Paul reminds us that Jesus sets us free so that we can serve one another, share our gifts and promote God’s work here on earth to glorify His name and not honor ourselves.