Reflections snoitcelfeR Stewardship Bulletin for the RC Diocese of Bridgetown
August 2013
“In this period of crisis today, it is important not to turn in on ourselves, burying on our own talent, spiritual, intellectual and material riches, everything that the Lord has given us; but rather to open ourselves, to be supportive, to be attentive to others. Set your stakes on great ideals, the ideals that enlarge the heart, the ideals of service that make your talents fruitful. Life is not given to us to be jealously guarded for ourselves, but is given to us so that we may give it in turn.” Pope Francis, to an audience on April 24, 2013
Why is stewardship important?
DIOCESE STEWARDSHIP PRAYER
As Christians, we are challenged to choose stewardship as a lifestyle from the moment we are baptized. Every thing we have has been given to us by God…our time, or work and leisure, our talents and skills, our family and friends, our financial and material resources and assets. We have also been entrusted with the natural resources of the earth.
Generous God, I give thanks to you for the gifts you have given to me –my life, my family, my time, talents and treasure. As stewards, we receive Your gifts gratefully, cherish and tend them in a responsible manner, share them in practice and love with others, and return them with increase to the Lord.
Stewardship recognizes that all we have are gifts from God. As good stewards we thank God for all of his blessings or gifts by returning a portion of our Time, Talent and Treasure with gratitude. Our gratitude for these gifts is usually expressed in prayer, worship, offering and through the act of sharing these gifts out of love for God and for one another. Stewardship, in its simplest terms, asks us to put God’s priorities before our own.
Is a steward a disciple? Once you become a disciple of Jesus Christ this naturally leads to the practice of stewardship. Stewardship plays an important role in the lives of people who seek to follow Christ.
Is there a Biblical basis for stewardship? There are many references to stewardship in the Bible. The parable of the talents is probably the best known. Matthew 25:14- 30
How do I begin my stewardship journey? Prayer is an excellent way to begin sharing your time – first with God, and then with others. Here is the Diocese Stewardship prayer. Do you have a personal copy of the Diocese Stewardship prayer card? If not please ask your stewardship parish representative.
Walk with me my God. Give me the strength and courage to become a better follower of Jesus, to be a disciple. Give me the courage and generosity to respond to your love, to your call. I give glory to you, my God, As I make stewardship a way of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen
Who are the stewardship representatives for my parish and the Diocese? The parish stewardship representatives are: Deborah Smith Our Lady of the Rosary Simon Charles-Dolcy Our Lady Queen of the Universe Lena Norville-Williams Our Lady of Sorrows Sheildvan Lewis-Marshall Sacred Heart Heather Tull St. Dominic’s Steve Blazevic St. Francis of Assisi Nel BREtney St. Patrick’s Cathedral The Diocese stewardship team comprises: Glenda Medford Coordinator Father Michael Spiritual Advisor Lena Norville-Williams You should make contact with your parish stewardship representative to discuss how you can get involved in the Ministries in your parish, or even start a new Ministry.
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