Stewardship, a Way of Life

How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? -Psalm 116:12

Stewardship is acknowledging God as Creator and Giver of all gifts. Stewardship is living each day in gratitude for all the blessings that God has given to us. As Catholics, we are called to understand and recognize that we do not own the gifts God gives to us but rather we are only the earthly stewards of those gifts. We receive them so that we can do God's work here on earth. Stewardship is the responsible management of our God-given resources of time, talent, and treasure.

Stewardship is being a disciple of Jesus 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." As true disciples of the Lord, we are motivated to share our time, talent and treasure with the Church and with other worthy causes from a deep sense of gratitude and in a planned, proportionate and sacrificial manner.

Stewardship is not a new parish initiative or program that will soon be replaced with something else. Stewardship is a way of life that enhances our relationship with God and with one another.