We are called to be good stewards of the gifts God has given us. The Bible reminds of this, most notably in 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Using our gifts in service in God is a resolution that each of us can do and that we should do. Stewardship can be broken down into gifts of time, talent, and treasure. We all have these gifts to give and using the following examples we can share them with others.
TIME Time is always tricky; we do not have enough of it and it is easy to waste. Some examples of how your time can be shared are as follows: ATTEND MASS ON A WEEKLY BASIS Make a conscious effort to attend one additional daily Mass each week. ENHANCE YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE THROUGH DEVOTION, REFLECTION, AND PRAYER. Prayer changes lives in so many ways. Make time each day for scriptural readings and prayer in order to give you focus throughout the day. SAY THE ROSARY OR DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET ON A DAILY OR WEEKLY BASIS. Combine this with a walk so that you are spending time in prayer and improving your physical wellbeing. GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR PARISH MINISTRIES. Find out ways that you can serve others whether it is through OCIA (RCIA), bible study groups, teaching PSR classes, or volunteering at events.You will have fun and make new friends all while helping other people in your parish.
TALENT We all have talents that can help others. Whether it is reading, teaching, helping, or serving, our God-given talents help us, our church, and our community. BECOME AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT IN THE MASS. You can sing in the choir, serve as a lector, or distribute holy communion as a Eucharistic minister.
CONTACT YOUR CHURCH OFFICE AND INQUIRE ABOUT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES. Whether it is answering the phone, helping with mailings, or assisting with events, your talents can be put to good use in service of others. If you enjoy working with crafts, teaching lessons, or assisting with music, Vacation Bible School is always looking for eager volunteers of all ages. Every parish needs talented people and that means you!
TREASURE Treasure is what most people think of when it comes to stewardship, but it is just as important as time and talent. GIVE TO YOUR PARISH Give to your church on a regular basis. The amount of the gift is not what matters, it is just the fact that you do give. The majority of any parish budget comes from donations made by parishioners, so it is important that we all do our part. GIVE TO THE DIOCESE The annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal should be supported by all of us. Again, it does not matter the size of the gift, but just that you do give. The Appeal supports many programs that benefit all Catholics in North Louisiana. Our seminarians, Catholic schools, publications such as The Catholic Connection, Hispanic ministries, retired and infirmed priests, faith formation programs, and St. Vincent de Paul chapters all receive support from the Diocesan Stewardship Appeal. If you have never contributed to the Appeal, make a gift in 2022. If you already donate to the Appeal, think about increasing your gift of support. GIVE TO OUR COMMUNITY Matthew 25:35-40 encourages all of us to support those who are less fortunate than us. We all know this passage that begins with “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink.” Jesus is calling us to see him in the faces of those who need help. Support the local organizations in our community who are doing God’s work – they truly need our help. Stewardship is not only a way of life, it is also life-changing. By using our gifts in service to God, we are answering his call to serve him and to serve others. Take it slowly and implement simple steps to incorporate stewardship into your daily life. LUCY MEDVEC is the Director of Parish Stewardship at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Shreveport. APRIL 2022
11
