Stewardship of Time, Talent & Treasure
“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (Peter 4:10)
Stewardship is not some special program or fundraising effort. In fact, stewardship is about much more than money and contributions. Instead, stewardship focuses on living a life of gratitude for all of the blessings given to us by God. As Christians, we understand that all blessings come from God and we should be grateful each day for what we have received. To demonstrate that gratitude and to be good stewards, we must choose to live as caretakers of God’s gifts and make a continuous effort to share these gifts with the church and the world around us.
The U.S. Bishops wrote in their Pastoral Letter, “Stewardship: A Disciples Response,” that if we are followers of Jesus we must “Receive God’s gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice with others, and return them with increase to the Lord.” These gifts are not merely financial, but include the gifts of time and talent as well. To be true stewards, we cannot share just one or two of these gifts and exclude the others. Instead, we must generously share ALL of the gifts we have been given.
Stewardship of Treasure
Once each year, we are asked to plan our level of giving as a percentage of our income, prayerfully considering the amount we will share with God. Sharing of our treasure is not about giving God what is leftover, but rather giving God our “first fruits.” Committing to a specific amount each month is a powerful expression of God’s place in our lives, and reaffirms our commitment to live each day in gratitude for the gifts we have been given and to return a portion of those gifts to God.
With your regular financial contributions, Holy Name of Jesus will ensure that: We are able to maintain our worship space that gives glory to God during our liturgy each week. Faith formation programs available to ALL who seek spiritual growth and education. A Catholic education is affordable and available for all families regardless of their financial situation. Our parish community will be open and welcoming to all who are seeking a spiritual home. Our outreach ministries will remain part of our parish mission, and will allow us to serve the needs of both our parishioners, as well as those in the broader community.
