Stewardship in the Diocese of Colorado Springs
What does it mean to be a steward?
"God wishes human beings to be his collaborators in the work of creation, redemption, and sanctification; and such collaboration involves stewardship in its most profound sense." (Stewardship: A Disciple's Response, Pastoral Letter on Stewardship United State Conference of Catholic Bishops)
Because we are created in God's image we have the ability to collaborate in the work of creation, redemption and sanctification. This collaboration first took place in the Garden of Eden when God asked Adam to name the animals, tend the Garden, and to partner with Eve. This collaboration continues to this day through Christian Stewardship. Just as Adam and Eve stewarded God's gifts to humanity, we are called to do the same.
As Catholics we are stewards of our Christian Faith. This is a rich and vibrant faith, the deposit of which has been passed down through hundreds of generations and spread throughout the world. Martyrs died for our faith and billions have flocked to it. Through the Eucharist we are united in our call to love and serve.
As men and women, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, we are stewards of the relationships God has given us. Fathers and mothers are stewards of their children who rely upon them for love, education, food, shelter, and faith formation. Husbands and wives are stewards of each other, responsible for each other's salvation. Being a good spouse is being a good steward of God's gift.
As workers we are stewards of the talents God has given to us. Whether you are a computer engineer or a doctor, a lawyer or gas station attendant, God has gifted humanity with the dignity of work. Our daily work contributes to His work of creation and is an echo of his command to Adam to name the animals in the Garden.
As wage earners we are stewards of the treasure God gives us. Responsibility with money is good stewardship, because "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21) This is especially important for the times in which we live. We are locked into cell phone contracts, cable bills, and internet service, encumbrances unknown a generation ago. Do we spend more on cell phone contracts than we give back to God?
As members of the community, we are stewards of God's creation. Are we using natural resources responsibly? Are we making our planet a more desirable place for future generations? A responsible sense of the environment is stewardship of God's creation. Are we taking care of each other? Improvement of the community starts with involvement.
What is Stewardship in the Diocese of Colorado Springs? The Diocese of Colorado Springs is a unique place. We are the smallest Diocese in the state but we are very diverse. There are rural and urban communities, rich and poor, young and old, and mountains and plains parishes. Our brothers and sisters speak Vietnamese, Korean, and Spanish, among other languages.
Stewardship in Colorado Springs means that we are united in our call to love and serve. It means that the northern parishes in Douglas County, the rural parishes in Stratton, Kiowa, or Leadville and the diverse parishes in Colorado Springs are united through the Eucharist and share a common mission to love and serve.What opportunities are there for Stewardship within the Diocese?Within the Diocese of Colorado Springs, there are many opportunities to grow as stewards:
Enjoy a vibrant and faith-filled life at your parish
Be a good steward of the relationships God has given to you.
Demonstrate good Stewardship in the workplace
Plant a tree, turn out a light, clean up trash on a hiking trail
Volunteer at your local parish, a local nonprofit, or the Marian House Soup Kitchen
Parish Offertory: There is no better way to support your local parish community than by participating in its offertory. The offertory provides the basic resources needed to operate and serve those within the parish boundaries
Returning God's Gifts Appeal: There is no better way to support the Diocese's mission than participating in the Annual Returning God's Gifts Appeal
Copyright © Diocese of Colorado Springs, All rights reserved.
Question for reflection: What might you do to promote a broader view of stewardship at your parish and the diocese?
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