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2010 Stewardship Video STEWARDSHIP
ALL THAT WE HAVE ARE GIFTS FROM GOD. Our family, our friends, our environment, our intellect, our health, our time, our talents, our treasure, our faith … everything we have achieved and all we will become is made possible by God. For all that God has given us, God only asks that we dedicate a portion of these gifts to serve those in need, to strengthen our own faith community and to be a faithful steward to help fulfill God’s plan. Stewardship at Saint Rita Parish is not just a passing theme. In order for our faith community to grow and prosper for generations to come, we need to embrace stewardship – giving a portion of our time, talent and treasure to our God – as a way of life. Today we are faced with the demands of an increasing parish population, and an ever-increasing ministry and fiscal responsibility. Through stewardship, we will leverage the unique strengths of each Saint Rita parishioner of every age, to rise up and meet the challenges that lie ahead.
Christian Stewardship is a biblically based Catholic spirituality which becomes an entire way of life. We are called to use the abundant blessings God has given us to follow Jesus Christ as his disciple. At least once each year it is wise to review how we have been using our many gifts and to make a conscious plan for how we will be more grateful stewards in the coming year.
Our time on this earth is one of the most precious gifts God has given us. We don't know how many days each of us will be given to live out our earthly lives so we must choose to use our time wisely each day. We cannot save time for the future nor can we relive a day in the past. We are good stewards of the gift of time when we make right priorities in our busy lives, remembering that "time is love." Making Time for God Good stewards put spending time with God in prayer and worship high on their list of priorities, so God doesn't just get "leftover" time. Making Time for Loved Ones Good stewards also make time for family and friends, nurturing relationships and caring for each other as they follow the commandment: "Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15: 12) Annual Reflection This is an opportunity to reflect on how you have been using your time over the past year, comparing how you spent your time to what you value most. A review of your planning calendar for the year is a good place to start. Another way is to record how you spend your time for one week - sleeping, eating, working, watching TV, reading, sports, socializing, etc. - you may be surprised! Annual Plan Making a conscious decision to more wisely steward the time God has bestowed on you requires prayerfully deciding what changes you will make in your life. For example, by watching TV one hour less per day you might find more time for prayer, exercise or calling a member of your extended family.
What are my Talents? God made each of us in his own image and likeness, and yet unique in all the world! We each have a special combination of aptitudes and abilities, interests and passions, skills and experiences that make us who we are and equip us to do what God needs us to do. Whether you are a good listener, a computer programmer, a good cook, a concert pianist, a warm hugger or a motivational speaker - God gave you a valuable talent to be cultivated and shared. How do I/can I use my Talents? Opportunities abound in our day-to-day lives to use our talents to serve others. We use them to take care of our families, help our friends and neighbors, contribute to society through our work and civic activities, assist at the school, participate in parish life and do community service. Annual Reflection Take this opportunity to identify the particular gifts with which God has blessed you. If you do this with your family or friends, you can share your insights and also identify some of the gifts you see in them that they may not notice in themselves - and they in you! Annual Plan As a good steward of your gifts, make a conscious decision to develop one of your gifts (take a class?) and to purposefully use some of your gifts to serve others. If you are already involved in a parish ministry, this may be the time to try a new ministry - to use some of your other gifts and give others the opportunity to develop theirs. Your stewardship plan may include not only one or two ministries in the parish, but also giving your time and using your talents in the school, neighborhood, a civic group or local charity. 2009 Ministry Directory
Proportionate Giving - "When much has been given a man, much will be required of him.” (Luke 12:48) Sacrificial Giving - Giving that is "sacred" since it makes a difference in the life of the giver as well as the recipient. Annual Reflection This is a good time to gratefully reflect on how generous God has been to you and your family. When we recall earlier times, almost everyone can see that they are better off now than before, or better off financially than their parents were. Our lifestyle is a reflection of God's generosity to us. Annual Plan Making an annual plan to wisely steward the money and possessions God has entrusted to you can be done as part of the family budgeting process for the year. To keep your giving proportionate, your financial stewardship plan may change from year to year as your circumstances change, such as a raise in pay or a layoff, receiving an inheritance or increased family medical expenses. The Planning Worksheet and Proportionate Giving Chart on the back of this sheet are offered to help you formulate a charitable giving plan that reflects the blessings in your life. 2009 Financial Letter & 2009 Financial Report Automatic Contribution Transfer Treasure Planning Worksheet 2009 Expectations
Links and other information about Stewardship: Diocese of Rochester Stewardship & Communication International Catholic Stewardship Council Please contact the Parish Office (671-1100) if you are interested in additional information regarding Stewardship Ministry at Saint Rita Church.
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