Stewardship
Stewardship is…
Not a program
Not a fundraising campaign
Not an empty buzzword
A Way of Life!
Stewardship is using our Time, Talent, and Treasure to build God's Kingdom. All three elements are equally important.
Stewardship entails a process of continually renewing and recommitting oneself to God. The practice of stewardship is: returning a portion of one’s time, talent and treasure back to God in gratitude for the gifts He has given us, assists us in living out the call of the New Evangelization -- which “invites each Catholic to renew their relationship with Jesus and His Church” (USCCB).
Catholics from around the world, inspired by the spiritual rewards of stewardship, are growing in their faith and living it out more fully on a daily basis. Our parish community has adapted A Stewardship Way of Life. There are three phases of stewardship which are: Stewardship of Time, Stewardship of Talent, and Stewardship of Treasure.
Living a Stewardship Way of Life, requires us to put Jesus Christ first in our lives and to live every aspect for the glory of Him. It requires us to give of our Time, Talent and Treasure. Only giving one or two aspects makes us incomplete. It is only in giving of our entire self does one come to realize the graciousness and mercy of our Lord.
We walk by faith as we share in Jesus’ vision. Stewardship is seeing things and living as Jesus intends. What you are is God’s gift to you… what you become is your gift to God! We are a vibrant parish, where believers are actively living as Disciples of Jesus Christ. So, let us honor Jesus, and continue His mission in making disciples, by living: A Stewardship Way of Life.
Stewardship is…
not a program . . . it is a way of life.
not an activity . . . it is the way we live our life every day.
not the latest fad . . . it is biblically based.
not a way to raise money . . . it is a way to attain holiness.
not just a decision of the head . . . it requires a conversion of the heart.
not an option . . . integral to our Catholic faith.
not another thing to do . . . why and how we do what we do.
not about our generosity . . . about our response to God’s generosity.
what you do after you say, “I believe”.
Stewardship of Time
Spending Time with God in Prayer: We, as a community of faith, must remember that we cannot give what we do not have. In order for us to welcome others into the life of the Church, we first need to make sure that our spiritual lives are properly in order. To become a more prayerful person, take inventory of how you spend the 168 hours in the week. Are you taking time to talk to God in prayer, to speak with Him as you would a friend? Are you seeking His truth through reading the scriptures? Will you make Him first on your priority list so that you are able to give to others from the graces He has given you?
COMMUNITY PRAYER
The Mass is the highest prayer of the Church, and should also be the high point of our week. Consider making it your top priority to never miss a Sunday liturgy.
PERSONAL PRAYER
Each person needs to spend time with God one-on-one. A daily heart-to-heart conversation with Christ is the key to personal spiritual growth. Pope Francis encourages Catholics to spend 10 minutes each day reflecting on the Gospel for each day, which can be found at usccb.org/bible/readings or on Catholic phone and tablet apps, such as iBreviary, Magnificat or Divine Office.
FAMILY PRAYER
“The family that prays together stays together.” Choose times each day to pray with your spouse and children: bedtime prayers, a scripture verse at mealtimes, or a decade of the Rosary on the way to school, sporting events, or work.
Stewardship of Talent
Serving in Ministry: Following the example Christ set for us, we strive to offer ourselves in service to others. Every day, we have the choice to serve or to sit back; to get involved or be self-involved. This year, is God calling you to do more for others through service? As our parish ministries can attest, there are dozens of opportunities throughout the year to serve others, educate our children, reach out to the needy, and much more. Your participation is welcome. Let’s work together to build a welcoming community as we serve God and one another.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Our children learn about God and prepare for the sacraments, thanks to the hard work of our Religious Education Catechists. Will you use your gifts to help our young people grow in their relationship with Christ?
PARISH LIFE
Our parish has a lot of ministries and means by which you can serve others, from ushering to cooking to community outreach. What means of service are you most attracted to? Where is your conscience stirring, inviting you to get involved in our parish ministries to serve God and His people?
Stewardship of Treasure
Generous Financial Support: Christian discipleship requires that we put Christ first in every aspect of our lives, including our finances. Are you grateful to God that you are employed? Do you recognize the blessings the Lord has bestowed on you financially? How will you commit to giving back to the Lord a portion of your income? As you discern the amount of your gift, remember that God calls us to give from our “first fruits,” not from our leftovers. Ask for the grace to put God first in your finances.
At Sacred Heart, we give to God according to the scriptural “tithe”, which literally means 10% of one’s harvest or income. Each family is encouraged to break up the tithe as follows: 5% to Sacred Heart Parish and 5% to a charity of your choice.
If you’re unable to give the full biblical tithe right now, assess what percentage you can give, and then move up by 1% or 2% increments each year until you can reach the full biblical tithe of 10%.
CHALLENGE YOURSELF
If you know you should increase your level of giving, but find it difficult to do so, challenge yourself: “How much do I spend every month on entertainment and eating out? Does my spending reflect the priority of God in my life?”
GIVING PERCENTAGE
Why should we determine the amount of our gift based on a percentage of income?
We give the tithe (which means 10% of one’s harvest or income) because it is a Scriptural benchmark that has been honored since the early Church (see Malachi 3:10).
Automated Giving
Many of our parishioners choose to automatically direct their financial gift to the church. You may use your bank or credit union’s bill pay service to automate your gifts. Simply set up Sacred Heart Parish as you would any other payee to pay according to the schedule you establish. Often times this flexible service is free of charge to you and is always free of charge to the parish.
Using Your Bank or Credit Union
Online Giving:
Thank you for your dedicated support of the St. Peter community. If you have any questions about automated giving options, please contact the parish office: 636-946-6641.