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Time, Talent, and Treasure
Stewardship as a way of life: For a number of years now, our community
has embraced "stewardship as a way of life." By this phrase
we hope to express the truth that stewardship is a fundamental attitude/spirituality
for us as followers of Jesus Christ, not just another fad or the latest
jargon. Our understanding of stewardship is that everything we possess
- our time, our mind & body, our relationships, nature itself, even
our faith comes to us as a gift from God, to be used wisely and shared
for the common good. We make ours the definition offered by the U.S.
bishops: The Christian steward is 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.
Sacrificial Giving
Our parish community has embraced the notion of Sacrificial Giving as
a way to remain faithful to God's call, both as individuals and as a
parish. Some years ago, we made a decision to tithe a portion of our
Sunday offertory. We feel that sharing part of our treasure is at the
heart of discipleship and that in doing so, we respond to the biblical
challenge of first giving a portion back to God before attending to
our own needs.
The Sacrificial Giving Committee is charged with the responsibility
of deciding which organization will receive our weekly tithe and these
decisions are based on a set of criteria that address global, national
and local needs regarding poverty, health, housing, food, respect for
life, advocacy and disaster relief. Selection is made after a thoughtful
review of each organization's work, budget and how the funds will be
used. Meetings are conducted according to a schedule determined by the
membership.
Use our Opportunity Knocks
booklet as a resourse to help you discern how the Lord is calling you
to share your blessings with others, make commitments of time, talent
and treasure that are truly sacrificial, yet that represent the kind
of wise stewardship that the Lord commands in the Gospel. We invite
everyone to come forward and participate. You'll find throughout the
Opportunity Knocks
booklet you can find a variety of different ministries that need your
help.