The word "Stewardship" refers to the Catholic approach to the gifts that God has bestowed upon us. Stewardship is living out a commitment to be Christ-centered rather than self-centered. Profound gratitude, justice and love become the fundamental motives for giving back to God. Everything that God has given to us is intended to serve the divine plan. Therefore, our life is to be lived in gratitude toward God. In a variety of ways, we as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, share out time, talent and treasure to build up the Church and make our world a better place. The Church needs you and God has chosen you to go out into the entire world. Every Christian is to take an active part in the life of the Church and to share the gifts of salvation. Three convictions in particular underlie our understanding of stewardship. 

1. Mature disciples make a conscious, firm decision, carried out in action, to be followers of Jesus Christ no matter the cost to themselves.
2. Beginning in conversion, change of mind and heart, this commitment is expressed not in a single action, nor even in a number of actions over a period of time, but in an entire way of life. It means committing one's very self to the Lord.
3. Stewardship is an expression of discipleship, with the power to change how we understand and live out our lives. Disciples who practice stewardship recognize God as the origin of life, the giver of freedom, the source of all they have and are and will be. They are deeply aware of the truth that "The Lord's are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it" (Psalm 24:1) They know themselves to be recipients and caretakers of God's many gifts. They are grateful for what they have received and eager to cultivate their gifts out of love for God and one another.

What is Christian Stewardship?

A steward is someone who takes care of what belongs to someone else, like an administrator or trustee, not an owner. Christian stewards recognize that everything really belongs to God - everything we are and everything we have - and that God will hold us accountable for how we use the many gifts He entrusted to our care. If we truly believe this and experience a conversion of heart, we can't help but respond with profound gratitude. This gratitude is expressed in our celebration of the Eucharist (the very word means thanks) and in the way we live our everyday lives.

What does it mean to live the Stewardship way of life? 

The Stewardship way of life is a biblically based Catholic spirituality. Living each day as a good steward means answering our own personal call from Jesus Christ to be his disciple; following his example of loving service to others. In their Pastoral Letter "Stewardship: A Disciples Response", the American Bishops describe a Christian steward as:

"One who receives God's gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord." 

Gifts from God are not meant to be hoarded or kept only for our own use, but to be shared with others so everyone has a share in God's abundant graces. 

Stewardship Prayer

God my creator, You made me all that I am and gave me all that I have.
Help me show my gratitude by using these gifts to serve others in your name.

Jesus my Redeemer, you taught me the way to eternal life by your example of loving service to others, Grant me the courage to respond to your call to Discipleship by following in your footsteps.

Holy Spirit of God, be with me as I choose each day to put you first in my life.
Let me be a model of Christian Stewardship so others will come to know you through my actions.

I pray, dear Lord, that you open the minds and hearts of all the men, women and young people of our parishes, that we may joyfully accept your challenge to be good stewards.

Amen