What is Stewardship?

A Christian Steward is defined by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops as: 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.

Stewardship is a response to Christ's call for us to be his disciples. It begins with gratefulness and acceptance of everything that we are and everything that we have as gifts from God. Then comes an intentional, planed and proportionate giving of our gifts of time, talent and treasure back to God as a way of life.

Why have a Parish Renewal?

The most evident way of returning a portion of our gifts to God is by contributing ourselves to the church. The practice of Christian Stewardship results in an active, vibrant parish where parishioners share their time, talents and treasure for one another. Sacred Heart of North Quincy has a rich history of parishioners who actively devote themselves to the parish. Part of the purpose of a parish renewal is to honor their efforts and rejuvenate their devotion. Another goal is to invite and encourage parishioners to become more giving with their time, talent and treasure. Finally, an annual renewal sets a standard that this will be an annual pledge where the parish commits to the Christian Stewardship way of life.

How do I become a Christian Steward?

Here are a few suggestions:

Recognize your gifts are from God:

• Take an invetory of talents and treasures that you have
• Come to an understanding that they are all gifts that come from God.

Show appreciation for God's gifts by nourishing and cultivating them responsibily.:

• Take time to develop new skills and talents
• Make effort to stay healthy
• Make effort to increase the value of your treasures

Intentionally plan to return a portion of God's gifts to you by asking yourself:

• When can I give my time back to God?
• How can I give my talent back to God?
• What treasure can I give back to God?

Put to action your plans, not as separate incidences of selflessness, but as a way of life:

• Spend time praying to God
• Volunteer your talents for your parish and you community
• Share your treasures with those in need

What is the result of Stewardship?

For the steward, stewardship builds a deeper personal relationship with God and with the parish. For the parish, stewardship will create a more vibrant environment that encourages membership participation while attracting and welcoming new comers.