Stewardship Bulletin Announcements

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
Thursday, June 2 or Weekend of June 4/5, 2011
In today’s gospel Jesus charges his followers to "make disciples of all nations." What exactly is going on here? What is this Great Commission anyway? Good stewards know they are directed to share what they exercise stewardship over: their life of faith in Christ Jesus. They know Jesus didn’t direct them to go to church but to keep quiet about it; or to go out into the neighborhood, workplace or marketplace and just be nice. Christ’s Good News is meant to be shared. Many people in our communities don’t know about Jesus Christ. Does that bother us? Do we care? Do we realize we are supposed to do something about it?

Seventh Sunday of Easter
(If Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension is celebrated Thursday, June 2)
Weekend of June 4/5, 2011
In today’s second reading, we hear it proclaimed that we are blessed if we share in the sufferings of Christ. What then does it mean to "share in His sufferings" in this context? Most of us do not live in a part of the world where we could be killed for being a follower of Jesus. But we could face or "suffer" mockery, ridicule and disapproval from others. Far too often, and for various reasons, those who profess faith in Christ act as though they are ashamed of him. But to act ashamed is the same as a denial. Stewards of the Good News are never ashamed to reveal their love for the Lord.

Pentecost SundayJune 12, 2011
This weekend we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit among the believers of the early Church. Saint Paul reminds us of the special power the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon us and how that power gives us the potential to live extraordinary lives of faith. Good stewards recognize this power and use their gifts, through God’s channel of grace, to transform their lives and the lives of others, and thus hasten God’s Kingdom. Good stewards know that it is through the Holy Spirit that they can proclaim: "Jesus is Lord."

Weekend of June 18/19, 2011The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
In today’s second reading Saint Paul’s final appeal is a call for unity. God created that unity. Good stewards who share Christ’s life in the Eucharist belong to each other, just as God in the three persons of Father, Son and Holy Spirit enjoy unity. We are an intimate part of God’s divine bond, God’s "family." Saint Paul maintains that we ought to act that way. In the Church there is a bond of family, yet plenty room for variety. Christian stewards use their uniquely varied gifts to live a Trinitarian faith, in unity, promoting Christ’s peace and justice. How do we promote unity in our parish?

June 26, 2011Solemnity of the Most Holy Bodyand Blood of Christ
Among the compelling Eucharistic themes proclaimed in today’s readings is the notion of "participation" as found in Saint Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Good stewards are part of a Eucharistic family: loving, welcoming, serving. An important part of living as a steward comes about in the many ways we can participate in the life of the Church. No matter how much time we have to give, no matter what our skills or interests, no matter what our level of commitment, there is a way to participate as a good steward to enrich our lives, and build up the Body of Christ.

Source: June 2011 ICSC Parish-enews