Prologue: 

    This is the first in a series of articles that will be appearing in the Sunday bulletin over the next several weeks. These articles are designed to help our parishioners understand what stewardship is all about and to guide our parishioners in supporting our parish through prayer, service, and sharing.

Chapter One: Theology of Stewardship

    Stewardship is a way of life.  For Christians who follow the way of the Lord Jesus, stewardship is an expression of discipleship.  When we recognize that God is the origin of all life, the giver of everything that we have and are, the source of our freedom and giftedness, we as Christians should respond by thanking God through prayer, by serving God and God’s people through ministry, and by sharing our financial resources with those in need.  Stewardship is a way of life based upon the conversion of the heart.

    Why Conversion?  Too often our hearts lack the vision and compassion that makes us true followers of Jesus Christ.  In Ezekiel 36:26, God says “A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”  Our God is a promise maker; our God is a promise keeper.  When the Holy Spirit breaks into our lives, our hearts become prayerful, our ministry joyful, and our generosity extravagant.

    The theology of stewardship looks to the future.  Our lives here on earth are relatively short.  One day we will return to the Lord from whom we came.  If we have lived in Christ and in the Spirit, then we will bear fruit, abundant fruit.  Stewards yield a rich harvest.  Stewardship as a way of life based upon the conversion of the heart is broad in its range and demanding in its claim.  Stewardship embraces all of life and challenges us to be faithful to our calling.

 (Taken from “Theology of Stewardship” by Bishop Robert Morneau) 

    As we begin a new year, we are invited to prayerfully reflect on our commitment to stewardship as an expression of our discipleship.  On Saturday January 27 and Sunday, January 28 after each Mass except 6:00PM, our parish will host a Ministry Fair in the MFC.  Many parish organizations and ministries will be represented.  1 Peter 4: 10 says “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve another as good stewards of God’s varied graces.”  Consider sharing the gifts God has given you with our St. Matthew community.  (To be continued next week….)  [Top]