Stewardship
"As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace." - 1 Peter 4:10
What Identifies a Steward?
Safeguarding material and human resources and using them responsibly are one answer; so is generous giving of time, talent, and treasure. But being a Christian steward means more. As Christian stewards, we receive God's gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice with others, and return them with increase to the Lord.
We plant seeds, knowing they hold hope for the future. We lay foundations, knowing much building must follow. There is a sense of liberation, however, in realizing this. We can do something, and we can do it very well. We can take the first step in making a difference, knowing that we may never see the end of the road, the results of our actions, the recipients of our giving. We receive and offer the gift of hope. The harvest will come.
Many of our days are spent "growing dirt," preparing the soil for future plantings. That is an act of hope. We know we are only workers, not the Master Gardner. Accepting the gifts of silence, light, the guiding Spirit and hope, we are co-creators of the future, which is in God's hands.
Pillars of Stewardship
The four pillars of stewardship are Hospitality, Prayer, Formation and Service. These pillars invite parishioners to experience, witness and live the stewardship way of life in response to their baptismal call to discipleship. Each baptized person is called to give of time, talent and treasure to strengthen these four pillars that support the parish community – your parish community.
Becoming a Steward at Our Lady of Lourdes:
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Prays, attends Mass on weekends and observes Holy Days of Obligation.
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Participates by offering their time and talent to the parish to support its ministries and fellowship.
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Sacrificially gives by offering the first fruits of their material goods to the parish on an ongoing basis to support the work and ministry of the Church through a recorded and current pledge to the parish.
The fact we are Catholic is not only manifested in the beauty of our churches; it is in our daily living as generous stewards.
I invite you to consider the ways in which you make room for God in your life through your personal, ongoing faith formation; by your active charitable works; and by personal prayer and active participation in Mass.
Be not afraid to give yourself to Christ by being a generous steward. You will not regret it.
Most Rev. W. Shawn McKnight, S.TD.
Bishop of the Diocese of Jefferson City
