Stewardship
“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace (1 Peter 4: 10)
We are all called to be good Christian stewards. What is a steward? Merriam-Webster defines stewardship as the activity or job of protecting and being responsible for something. So what does being a Christian steward include? A Christian steward gives generously of time, talent, and treasure. They recognize that everything comes from God – the earth, our talents, our very lives – everything. Christian stewards appreciate the God-given beauty of nature, protect the environment, and respect and protect all human life. They see Jesus Christ as a model and make a conscious decision to follow Him. The Summary of the U.S. Bishops’ Pastoral Letter on Stewardship states that “As Christian stewards, we receive God’s gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice with others, and return them with increase to the Lord.”
Some things to reflect upon:
- Does God get the “best portion,” or what’s “left over?”
- Do I spend quality time nurturing relationships?
- How much time each month do I contribute to a church or community ministry?
- Do I pray for others?
- Do I share my God-given talents with others?
- Are there talents that I have not nurtured yet?
- What new talent could I offer to share with St. Regis or our local community?
- Am I being called to a vocation?
- Is there a ministry or group that needs my help?
- Am I able to give St. Regis a gift through stock, wills and bequests, immediate gifts (cash, securities, real estate or tangible personal property), charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder trusts, or gifts of life insurance?
It can be challenging and maybe even sometimes difficult to live the life of a Christian steward. We at St. Regis are very blessed to have so many talented parishioners who so generously give of themselves to build up the kingdom of God. May we always invite the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and parish as we seek to care for God’s creation, use our God-given gifts to the fullest, and joyfully proclaim the Gospel to all.
