Stewardship

Being a Christian Steward

Guiding Thoughts on Elements of Christian Stewardship

Being good stewards of our faith is not easy especially for those of us who are far from saintliness. On this page are some articles and thoughts provided by the Seattle Archdiocese and USCCB that can serve as a guide in discerning the meaning of stewardship. Click the links in the "Stewardship Menu" to read about the different topics offered.

Who is a Christian disciple? One who responds to Christ's call, follows Jesus, and shapes his or her life in imitation of Christ's. Who is a Christian steward? 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.

Genesis tells us that God placed the first human beings in a garden to practice stewardship there - 'to cultivate and care for it' (Gn. 2:15) The world remains a kind of garden (or workshop, as some would prefer to say) entrusted to the care of men and women for God's glory and the service of humankind. In its simplest yet deepest sense, this is Christian stewardship...

from Stewardship: A Disciple's Response

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1993

Gratitude

All temporal and spiritual goods are created by and come from God.

“All temporal and spiritual goods are created by and come from God. That is true of everything human beings have: spiritual gifts like faith, hope, and love, talents of body and brain, cherished relationships with family and friends, material goods; the achievements of human genius and skill; the world itself.”

From the USCCB Pastoral Letter: "Stewardship, A Disciple's Response"

For Adults

It’s so easy for us to go throughout most of our lives without being consciously grateful for everything God gives to us. We easily acknowledge the big blessings, such as a new job or a new child. But we should also be aware of the small, daily blessings in the background of our lives, because these too are gifts from God.

Gratitude is the foundation of lasting Stewardship.

Be aware of thanking God for all the little things that happen during the day – arriving at a destination safely, seeing a beautiful sunset, having a great meal. Parents can teach gratitude to their children by thanking God out loud for these daily blessings.

For Children

Did something make you happy today? Maybe you got to play with a special friend or eat a special treat. Maybe someone read you a story or you got to go to the park. Good things such as these are gifts from God and we make God happy when we thank Him.

We can say ‘thank you’ to God anytime we want to, even many times in the same day! One good time to say ‘thank you’ to God is when we say grace before our meals. Another good time to say ‘thank you’ to God is when we say our prayers at bedtime.

What would you like to say ‘thank you’ to God for right now?

Discerning Our Vocation

Jesus calls us individually, by name.

"Jesus calls us individually, by name. Each one of us has a personal vocation. God intends each one of us to play a unique role in carrying out the divine plan. The challenge then is to understand our role – our vocation – and to respond generously to this call from God. Christian vocation entails the practice of stewardship, . . .Christ calls each of us to be stewards of our personal vocations."

From the USCCB Pastoral Letter: "Stewardship, A Disciple's Response"

For Adults

When we hear the word ‘vocation,’ we usually think about the life of a religious, such as priests, deacons and sisters - and not about other ways that God calls His people to live. However, as baptized Catholics, we are called to be Disciples of Jesus – to live our lives according to His Word. This is the vocation we all have in common, as members of the body of Christ. Yet, God’s call to us is also deeply personal. We each have our own, distinct vocation. Do you ever give thought to your personal vocation? What has God called you to do? Do you see His hand in your life – leading you to where you are and who you are today? How do you live out your Discipleship?

Parents, share with your children how you perceive your own, personal vocation and how God leads your life. Help them understand that they, too are called to live their lives as Disciples of Christ.

For Children

Do you know that Jesus wants you to have a special kind of life that is just for you? He wants all of His people to love each other and to always be kind and do what is right. But He also has a plan just especially for you and nobody else! If you talk to Jesus and ask Him to show you what to do, He will! And if you keep talking to Him and keep doing what He wants you to do, then when you grow up, your life will be just like God wants it to be, and that is the best thing in the whole world!

Returning Our Gifts to the Lord

All members of the Church have their own role to play in carrying out its mission.

“All members of the Church have their own role to play in carrying out its mission: parents, who nurture their children in the light of faith; parishioners, who work in concrete ways to make their parishes true communities of faith and vibrant sources of service to the larger community; all Catholics, who give generous support – time, money prayers, and personal service according to their circumstances – to parish and diocesan programs and to the universal Church.”

From the USCCB Pastoral Letter: "Stewardship, A Disciple's Response"

For Adults

It’s our example that is most important in teaching our children to be good stewards of their gifts. Let your children know how you make decisions regarding your gifts of time, talent and treasure. Help your children understand that they also have gifts from God, to give to the service of others.

Finding ways to minister at church together as a family can be wonderfully gratifying! Consider serving together by bringing the gifts to the altar, or volunteering together for your parish coffee and donut hour. These are the kinds of family experiences that children will remember and cherish, as well as help teach them that there are many ways to return their gifts to the Lord.

For Children

Do you know that everything you have is a gift from God? Your friends and all of your favorite things are really gifts from God. The love you have from your family, your home, your food and even the hours during the day are all gifts! God wants us to share our gifts in order to help others. You know how to share your things with others, but do you know how to share your time? By being kind and doing things to help other people, we are sharing our time with God.