Stewardship and the Parish Stewardship Council

To many, the term stewardship is misunderstood. All too often, due to the manner and context in which we use and communicate the term stewardship, there has resulted a fear and negative connotation as to what it implies. The frequent use of the term outside of and absent its fundamental and foundational understanding of and connection to the Christian call to discipleship tends to suggest and form, in the minds of many, that it is simply a process to enhance development and / or fundraising efforts.

The U. S. Bishops‟ pastoral letter, “Stewardship – A Disciple’s Response,” first published in 1992, states, “Stewardship is an expression of discipleship, with the power to change how we understand and live out our lives. Good stewards live with joy and gratitude for the blessings they have received–including those that have multiplied through diligence and hard work. Indeed, good stewards live in communion with Christ and through Christ and the Spirit strive to return all gifts to the Father „with an increase’.”

Under the direction of the parish pastor, it is the role of a parish stewardship council to witness, invite, encourage and provide the opportunity and facilitate the spiritual and practical “Formation of Christian Stewards” within each of their respective parish communities.
In order to effectively fulfill the role and duties entailed in serving as a parish stewardship council, those selected to serve must, as a pre-requisite, be formed in the spirituality of stewardship, witnessing to such in their own Christian way of life and actively involved in the process of forming Christian stewards within their parish community.

From: The Catholic Diocese of Wichita