Second Sunday of Easter/Divine Mercy Sunday Weekend of April 30 / May 1, 2011
In today’s first reading, the four activities of the earliest church are introduced to us as priorities of the church: devotion to the teachings of the apostles, communal fellowship, the Eucharist and prayer. The early members of the church saw themselves as devoted stewards of these activities. These were not options. They were the fruits of a genuine conversion to a life in Christ. Sharing in the Eucharist was the most intimate expression of fellowship while the most common expression of fellowship in the New Testament was that of sharing financial resources – giving. It was not a perfect community, but one that gave evidence of God’s active presence in its midst. This early community offers us an excellent example of how to better exercise stewardship in our own parish families.
Third Sunday of Easter • Weekend of May 7 / 8, 2011
As today’s gospel reveals, the first meal shared with the risen Lord happened in a place called Emmaus. Perhaps there is no better time to reflect on this story than in those prayerful moments at mass when we return to our place after receiving Holy Communion. Those few moments give us an opportunity to reflect on our stewardship of Christ’s presence within us. We have a chance to practice hospitality by inviting Jesus into our hearts to walk and talk with us about our own Emmaus journey. We can relive once again the time when he broke bread for the disciples. And just as they did, we too can recognize Christ in this meal we have just shared with others.
Fourth Sunday of Easter • Weekend of May 14 / 15, 2011
In today’s first reading Peter tells his listeners that if they want to follow Jesus they must go against the world, to become what Christian stewards would consider "countercultural." For stewards, being countercultural can consist of surprisingly small decisions—small acts of reorientation to remind them daily that in spite of their life situation, their citizenship, financial status, or color of their skin, they belong, through their baptism, to a new world order in Jesus Christ. Stewards understand that their daily choices should witness to his gospel, not to the trends, attitudes or spending practices of their culture. Stewardship requires us to ask of our daily habits: "In the light of the Gospel, is this important?"
Fifth Sunday of Easter • Weekend of May 21 / 22, 2011
In the first letter of Peter, we are taught that God made us and chose us to reveal to the world who he is. Christian stewards understand that they do not live for themselves. They live to be stewards of Christ’s presence within them, and to make his presence known to others. They do it at mass. They do it in faith-sharing groups. They do it at work. And they do it daily in a thousand different ways; and where they express their love for God and others in a manner that suits their situation and personality. Name for yourself some of the ways this week you will make Christ’s presence known to others.
Sixth Sunday of Easter • Weekend of May 28 / 29, 2011
In today’s gospel we go back in time to listen to Jesus as he gives instructions at the Last Supper. His words speak to all of us as he is preparing us to be sent out into the world to proclaim his Good News. The gift of the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the entire community of faith to do this work, not just a few. No one is to be excluded. Are we inclusive of everyone in our community? Are there those we choose to exclude because we don’t like them?
Source: ICSC May Newsletter
Friday, April 29, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Stewardship Reflection for April 24, 2011
The Resurrection of the Lord - Easter Sunday April 24, 2011 The reading from the Acts of the Apostles reminds us that we, too, bear witness to the risen Lord. The presence of Christ is within us, making us new, transforming us, turning us into stewards of the Good News. There is no more time for holding grudges, disliking others, seeking vengeance, maintaining old prejudices, tolerating bias. We are Christ’s joy and instruments of his peace. Our world is reordered. Reflect on how we are called to let Christ’s forgiveness, reconciliation and love permeate our lives. We are Easter people. Rejoice! He is risen! Alleluia! Source: ICSC April Newsletter
Stewardship Reflection for April 23, 2011
The Resurrection of the Lord – Easter Vigil April 23, 2011 In tonight’s reading from Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans, we are reminded that we are alive in Christ. And it is not merely once a year that we remember what Jesus did to give us this new life, forgiveness and peace. Every day good stewards remember their baptism. They remember that they are united with Jesus in his death; that daily they drown the old sinful nature, and that daily they rise to their new life in Christ. Let us be mindful every day, especially when we are troubled by life or tempted by sin, that our lives are no longer about us, but about Christ’s active, loving presence within us. That is our baptism. Alleluia! He is risen! Source: ICSC April Newsletter
Stewardship Reflection for April 17, 2011
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion Weekend of April 16/17, 2011 In Saint Paul’s letter to the Philippians he makes clear that Christ “emptied himself.” He was not “full of himself.” Jesus embraced the characteristics of humility, service and obedience to carry out the will of the Father. Christian stewards know that there is no room for the Lord in a life that is full of oneself. Christian stewards follow Christ’s example by taking on the characteristics of humility, servanthood and obedience. Our culture does not reward this attitude. But God exalts those stewards who for His sake, empty themselves. It is only when we empty ourselves that there is room for God to work within us. Source: ICSC April Newsletter
Stewardship Reflection for April 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Lent Weekend of April 9/10, 2011 In today’s reading, Martha, a close friend of Jesus, professes her faith in him even in her grief: “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” Good stewards are friends of Jesus and profess their belief in him regularly, even when they are on the very brink of their faith. They know that death is not the last word; that Jesus is an agent of change; that faithful stewards never die. Are we friends of Jesus? Do we actually believe the Creed we profess? Do we believe Christ has the power to transform our lives? To give us eternal life? Source: ICSC April Newsletter
Stewardship Reflections for April 3, 2011
Fourth Sunday of Lent Weekend of April 2/3, 2011 Saint Paul gives us a wake up call. As stewards of the light of Christ, we are to reflect that light with the help of the Holy Spirit. If Christ’s work has transformed and illuminated our lives, there should be a change. The light of Christ’s active presence should be at work in us. And as the light shines within us, we take on the properties of that light and we shine too. We are used by God to shine the light of Christ in the lives of others. A challenging Lenten reflection: Is the light of Christ shining in our hearts? Is the light of Christ reflecting out from us to others? Source: ICSC April Newsletter
Friday, March 4, 2011
Almsgiving: An Expression of Gratitude
Adapted from an article by Jim Lamm,
Director of Stewardship
St. Louis Catholic Church, Austin, Texas
When we look at the three traditional “disciplines”
of Lent, prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we know that
almsgiving gets the least attention. Yet, the Bible places
emphasis firmly on almsgiving: “Prayer and fasting are
good, but better than either is almsgiving accompanied
by righteousness … It is better to give alms than to
store up gold; for almsgiving saves one from death and
expiates every sin. Those who regularly give alms shall
enjoy a full life” (Tobit 12:8-9).
Almsgiving is simply an expression of our gratitude for
all that God has given us, and a realization that as a
member of a community of faith, it is never just “me
and God.” For disciples of the Lord, almsgiving means
much more than simply throwing a little change in the
poor box. It is an attitude of generosity. It challenges us
to examine how we are using our time, abilities, and
money to better the lives of those around us. It urges us
to share what we have been given by God with others
in love and justice. It reminds us that Jesus blesses those
who seek to be “poor in spirit” (Matt. 5:3).
Almsgiving opens our hearts to the realization that God
blesses us through those we serve. It is here that we find the
great mystery of Christian service. We see God in the life
of Jesus, and we see Jesus in all those who are in need of
our care. Look around, see those who are in need, and ask
God to take away those obstacles and distractions that keep
us from being generous with them. In turn, we will receive
Christ’s blessing, a blessing we need to receive.
Almsgiving Ideas for Lent
• Show an act of kindness to someone you don’t
speak to often.
• Visit an elderly person who may be lonely.
• Reflect on the regular contributions you make to
the parish. Could you do more?
• Do an extra chore for your parents one day each
week during Lent.
• Go through your closet and find some clothes in
good shape to give away to other children who
are in need of clothes.
• Write a letter or create a card for someone who
is sick or might be lonely.
• Buy some cans of food to give to a food bank or
soup kitchen.
• Talk with your family about eating one simple
meal each week of Lent and putting the money
you save in the Operation Rice Bowl box.
• Donate personal possessions, such as clothes,
books, or shoes to people in need.
• Volunteer to clean the yard or wash windows for
an elderly person in your neighborhood.
• Prepare a meal or baked goods for the soup
kitchen or homeless shelter.
• Gather some friends to help volunteer at a local
soup kitchen.
• Make a gift to the diocesan annual appeal.
• Volunteer to read books and magazines to
the elderly.
• Volunteer to tutor children.
• Donate diapers, formula, baby clothing, baby
furniture, and maternity clothing to a local crisis
pregnancy center.
Director of Stewardship
St. Louis Catholic Church, Austin, Texas
When we look at the three traditional “disciplines”
of Lent, prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we know that
almsgiving gets the least attention. Yet, the Bible places
emphasis firmly on almsgiving: “Prayer and fasting are
good, but better than either is almsgiving accompanied
by righteousness … It is better to give alms than to
store up gold; for almsgiving saves one from death and
expiates every sin. Those who regularly give alms shall
enjoy a full life” (Tobit 12:8-9).
Almsgiving is simply an expression of our gratitude for
all that God has given us, and a realization that as a
member of a community of faith, it is never just “me
and God.” For disciples of the Lord, almsgiving means
much more than simply throwing a little change in the
poor box. It is an attitude of generosity. It challenges us
to examine how we are using our time, abilities, and
money to better the lives of those around us. It urges us
to share what we have been given by God with others
in love and justice. It reminds us that Jesus blesses those
who seek to be “poor in spirit” (Matt. 5:3).
Almsgiving opens our hearts to the realization that God
blesses us through those we serve. It is here that we find the
great mystery of Christian service. We see God in the life
of Jesus, and we see Jesus in all those who are in need of
our care. Look around, see those who are in need, and ask
God to take away those obstacles and distractions that keep
us from being generous with them. In turn, we will receive
Christ’s blessing, a blessing we need to receive.
Almsgiving Ideas for Lent
• Show an act of kindness to someone you don’t
speak to often.
• Visit an elderly person who may be lonely.
• Reflect on the regular contributions you make to
the parish. Could you do more?
• Do an extra chore for your parents one day each
week during Lent.
• Go through your closet and find some clothes in
good shape to give away to other children who
are in need of clothes.
• Write a letter or create a card for someone who
is sick or might be lonely.
• Buy some cans of food to give to a food bank or
soup kitchen.
• Talk with your family about eating one simple
meal each week of Lent and putting the money
you save in the Operation Rice Bowl box.
• Donate personal possessions, such as clothes,
books, or shoes to people in need.
• Volunteer to clean the yard or wash windows for
an elderly person in your neighborhood.
• Prepare a meal or baked goods for the soup
kitchen or homeless shelter.
• Gather some friends to help volunteer at a local
soup kitchen.
• Make a gift to the diocesan annual appeal.
• Volunteer to read books and magazines to
the elderly.
• Volunteer to tutor children.
• Donate diapers, formula, baby clothing, baby
furniture, and maternity clothing to a local crisis
pregnancy center.
Stewardship Reflections for the Sunday Readings
Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Weekend of March 5/6
In today’s gospel Jesus states emphatically that only those who
do the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of heaven. But
what does it mean to do the will of God? To Christian stewards
it means that they have surrendered their hearts and minds to
the teaching of Christ; and even if they cannot deliver a perfect
or flawless performance, they truly desire to love the Lord and
allow him to direct their lives. Do we wish to honor the Lord
in everything we do, or is the price more than we want to pay?
First Sunday of Lent
Weekend of March 12/13
At the beginning of this Lenten season we hear proclaimed
the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. He responds to the
first temptation by saying that one does not live by bread alone
but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
The season of Lent invites us to consider how we nourish our
hearts, how we act as stewards of the Word of God entrusted to
us. A good reflection for the week: What do we live on? What
keeps us going? Could it be possessions, prestige, the need to
be in control, the need for security, addictions? Or the fervent
desire to listen to God’s word?
Second Sunday of Lent
Weekend of March 19/20
Saint Matthew’s account of Jesus’ transfiguration is a preview of
the Resurrection and puts into perspective Jesus’ sayings about
his suffering, rejection and death, and his role as the light of
salvation. With the additional command “Listen to him” from
the voice in the heavens the transfiguration is also about the
disciples’ resurrection, and sheds light on Jesus’ previous sayings
about the cost of discipleship. Are we willing to “listen to
him?” Do we believe Christ’s claims for our salvation? Are we
willing to accept this cost even if it means rejection by others?
Third Sunday in Lent
Weekend of March 26/27
Jesus’ longest-recorded conversation with anyone is the one he
has with the Samaritan woman at the well. She discovers she
can be honest with Jesus and goes and tells others about him.
She gives witness. She’s not the most certain, thorough or even
convincing witness. But her witness is enough. It is inviting,
humble, non-judgmental and sincere. What is the quality of our
witness? How do our words and actions give daily testimony on
behalf of Christ? During this season of Lent, how might we do
a better job at proclaiming the risen Lord in word and deed?
Source: International Catholic Stewardship Council March Newsletter
Weekend of March 5/6
In today’s gospel Jesus states emphatically that only those who
do the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of heaven. But
what does it mean to do the will of God? To Christian stewards
it means that they have surrendered their hearts and minds to
the teaching of Christ; and even if they cannot deliver a perfect
or flawless performance, they truly desire to love the Lord and
allow him to direct their lives. Do we wish to honor the Lord
in everything we do, or is the price more than we want to pay?
First Sunday of Lent
Weekend of March 12/13
At the beginning of this Lenten season we hear proclaimed
the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. He responds to the
first temptation by saying that one does not live by bread alone
but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
The season of Lent invites us to consider how we nourish our
hearts, how we act as stewards of the Word of God entrusted to
us. A good reflection for the week: What do we live on? What
keeps us going? Could it be possessions, prestige, the need to
be in control, the need for security, addictions? Or the fervent
desire to listen to God’s word?
Second Sunday of Lent
Weekend of March 19/20
Saint Matthew’s account of Jesus’ transfiguration is a preview of
the Resurrection and puts into perspective Jesus’ sayings about
his suffering, rejection and death, and his role as the light of
salvation. With the additional command “Listen to him” from
the voice in the heavens the transfiguration is also about the
disciples’ resurrection, and sheds light on Jesus’ previous sayings
about the cost of discipleship. Are we willing to “listen to
him?” Do we believe Christ’s claims for our salvation? Are we
willing to accept this cost even if it means rejection by others?
Third Sunday in Lent
Weekend of March 26/27
Jesus’ longest-recorded conversation with anyone is the one he
has with the Samaritan woman at the well. She discovers she
can be honest with Jesus and goes and tells others about him.
She gives witness. She’s not the most certain, thorough or even
convincing witness. But her witness is enough. It is inviting,
humble, non-judgmental and sincere. What is the quality of our
witness? How do our words and actions give daily testimony on
behalf of Christ? During this season of Lent, how might we do
a better job at proclaiming the risen Lord in word and deed?
Source: International Catholic Stewardship Council March Newsletter
Monday, January 31, 2011
Jesus is our Model
Jesus is our Model - Adapted from an article by Rick Jeric,
Director of Stewardship and Development, Diocese of Columbus, Ohio -
Source: International Catholic Stewardship Council Newsletter
Did you take an accounting of your stewardship of
time, talent, and treasure at the beginning of this
New Year? I hope this accounting, which is both
practical and spiritual, is something which we will
do periodically. This personal effort is even more
important than regular visits to the doctor or dentist.
Our physical health is a top priority. Our spiritual
health determines eternal life. So, what is more
important? Our journey to heaven and eternal life with
God is guided by our good and faithful stewardship.
How we spend our time, how we use our talent, and
where we spend our treasure are all efforts by which
we maintain the life of a Christian. Jesus is our model.
As Christian stewards, it goes without saying that we
have a responsibility to follow the life and teachings
of Jesus Christ.
The Gospels are filled with examples of our Lord’s
prayer life, his relationship with family and friends,
his teachings and his ministry. Jesus was obedient
to his Father in heaven. But he also obeyed and
respected his earthly parents. Jesus bowed his head
and was baptized by John the Baptist. He preached
the Sermon on the Mount, he served those in need.
He confronted the rich and powerful. He cured,
consoled, healed, and forgave.
As Christian stewards we must also be people of
prayer; and like Jesus, we must be willing to bow our
heads, serve, cure, heal, forgive and proclaim the
Gospel in creative ways. We too must be people of
action. Let our practical challenge in the month of
February be to bravely take steps to model the life
and ministry of Jesus, and act in a way pleasing to
the Father. No rationalizing. No exceptions. No age
limits. We must live an authentic Christian life each
and every day. Pray, act, live, and love. Do all to the
fullest, as Jesus did.
Director of Stewardship and Development, Diocese of Columbus, Ohio -
Source: International Catholic Stewardship Council Newsletter
Did you take an accounting of your stewardship of
time, talent, and treasure at the beginning of this
New Year? I hope this accounting, which is both
practical and spiritual, is something which we will
do periodically. This personal effort is even more
important than regular visits to the doctor or dentist.
Our physical health is a top priority. Our spiritual
health determines eternal life. So, what is more
important? Our journey to heaven and eternal life with
God is guided by our good and faithful stewardship.
How we spend our time, how we use our talent, and
where we spend our treasure are all efforts by which
we maintain the life of a Christian. Jesus is our model.
As Christian stewards, it goes without saying that we
have a responsibility to follow the life and teachings
of Jesus Christ.
The Gospels are filled with examples of our Lord’s
prayer life, his relationship with family and friends,
his teachings and his ministry. Jesus was obedient
to his Father in heaven. But he also obeyed and
respected his earthly parents. Jesus bowed his head
and was baptized by John the Baptist. He preached
the Sermon on the Mount, he served those in need.
He confronted the rich and powerful. He cured,
consoled, healed, and forgave.
As Christian stewards we must also be people of
prayer; and like Jesus, we must be willing to bow our
heads, serve, cure, heal, forgive and proclaim the
Gospel in creative ways. We too must be people of
action. Let our practical challenge in the month of
February be to bravely take steps to model the life
and ministry of Jesus, and act in a way pleasing to
the Father. No rationalizing. No exceptions. No age
limits. We must live an authentic Christian life each
and every day. Pray, act, live, and love. Do all to the
fullest, as Jesus did.
Stewardship Reflections for February 2011
Fifth Week in Ordinary Time, Weekend of February 5/6
Jesus said to his followers “You are the light of the world…
your light must shine before others, that they may see your
good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Christian stewards
allow the light of Christ to shine through them to reach
others. A good reflection question for the week: In what ways
do we allow the light of Christ to shine through us?
Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Weekend of February 12/13
In today’s Gospel, part of his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus
does not speak of replacing the law of the Old Testament.
He goes beyond it. He obliges his followers to work at being
holier than even the strictest of Pharisees. But the work
is not accomplished by following a religious “law”, it requires
growing in love for other human beings. Followers of
Jesus know they are required to be good stewards of others.
In what way will you exercise good stewardship over other
people this week?
Seventh Week in Ordinary Time, Weekend of February 19/20
In another passage from his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus
continues to turn his disciples’ way of thinking upsidedown.
One of the lessons for the Christian steward in today’s
Gospel is that if we have a chance to help someone
in need, we should be generous and give more than is expected
of us. Jesus went “the extra mile” for us. Can we be
more like Jesus and “go the extra mile” for others?
Eighth Week in Ordinary Time, Weekend of February 26/27
Saint Paul reminds us as baptized Christians, as those who
have shared the Eucharist with one another, that we are
“servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.”
We are not to define ourselves by our age, ethnicity, gender,
social status, work, vocation or avocation. Our primary
self-understanding should be that of servants and stewards
of the Lord and all that has been entrusted to us. Can we
accept this self-understanding? Do we find it encouraging?
Jesus said to his followers “You are the light of the world…
your light must shine before others, that they may see your
good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Christian stewards
allow the light of Christ to shine through them to reach
others. A good reflection question for the week: In what ways
do we allow the light of Christ to shine through us?
Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Weekend of February 12/13
In today’s Gospel, part of his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus
does not speak of replacing the law of the Old Testament.
He goes beyond it. He obliges his followers to work at being
holier than even the strictest of Pharisees. But the work
is not accomplished by following a religious “law”, it requires
growing in love for other human beings. Followers of
Jesus know they are required to be good stewards of others.
In what way will you exercise good stewardship over other
people this week?
Seventh Week in Ordinary Time, Weekend of February 19/20
In another passage from his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus
continues to turn his disciples’ way of thinking upsidedown.
One of the lessons for the Christian steward in today’s
Gospel is that if we have a chance to help someone
in need, we should be generous and give more than is expected
of us. Jesus went “the extra mile” for us. Can we be
more like Jesus and “go the extra mile” for others?
Eighth Week in Ordinary Time, Weekend of February 26/27
Saint Paul reminds us as baptized Christians, as those who
have shared the Eucharist with one another, that we are
“servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.”
We are not to define ourselves by our age, ethnicity, gender,
social status, work, vocation or avocation. Our primary
self-understanding should be that of servants and stewards
of the Lord and all that has been entrusted to us. Can we
accept this self-understanding? Do we find it encouraging?
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