Prologue:

    This is the second 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 Two: Four Steps to Stewardship

    Stewardship is a way of life, an expression of discipleship.  There are four steps that one can take to become a good and faithful steward: 1) receive God’s gifts gratefully, 2) nurture God’s gifts responsibly, 3) share God’s gifts justly and charitably, and 4) return those gifts to God abundantly.

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

    Stewards are serious about identifying and developing the gifts and talents given to them for the sake of the community.  As one poet asks: “What have you done with the garden entrusted to you?” (Antonio Machado) Responsibility and accountability are part of our call as disciples.

    Stewards share.  What has been given to us is not simply for our own use.  Recipients are to become benefactors.  So we return to the Lord and our needy sisters and brothers a just and sacrificial portion of all that comes our way.

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

   We are invited to prayerfully reflect on our commitment to stewardship as an expression of discipleship.  On Saturday January 27 and Sunday, January 28 after each Mass except 6:00PM, a Ministry Fair will be held 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 your gifts with our St. Matthew community.  (To be continued next week….) [Top]