|
St. Stephen the Martyr: "A
Call to the Cross"
Stewardship
demonstrates that we are responsible and committed to the way we share and use
our gifts (spiritual, human, financial) in service to family, church and
community. The purpose of stewardship at St. Stephen is to encourage
parishioners to respond to God gratefully and generously by placing Him at the
center of their lives.
Stewardship of Spiritual Resources
Stewardship at St. Stephen is based upon faith.
We are called to a life of prayer and holiness. It is our responsibility
to nurture our faith by sharing it with and teaching it to others, especially
children. In other words, we are entrusted to spread the Word of God.
Stewardship of Human Resources
One of the many elements that make St. Stephen such a
unique and faith-filled parish is its diversity of parishioners. The time,
skills and knowledge we receive from God and nurture through worship, work,
family, education and community are ways to express our faith by placing
ourselves in service to others, especially our spiritual family.
Stewardship of Financial Resources
As Christians, the stewardship of our financial
resources is a matter of faith. Scripture speaks a powerful truth as
Matthew proclaims, "Wherever your treasure is, there you heart will be also."
In many respects, our attitude about money mirrors our relationship with God and
neighbor. Generously giving our money to our church is a powerful symbol
of our trust in God.
How much should I
give to Sunday Stewardship?
Charitable giving is an individual, personal and/or family decision.
In order for St. Stephen to meet the many and varied needs of its parishioners,
sacrificial and stewardship level gifts are essential. Examine your
heart. When you are at peace about the size of your gift, when you believe
it is a true sign of your commitment to Jesus Christ, and when it satisfies your
conscience and meets your ability, then your gift is the proper amount.
The use of
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to make stewardship payments is popular with
many parish households because of its convenience and it benefits St. Stephen's
for the purposes of budgeting and cash flow. If you have not already
authorized automatic withdrawal and want to pay electronically, please contact
the parish business office, 861-4503, for further information.
As we make a
decision to become Christian stewards, we are answering the call of Jesus.
We are saying "YES" to following Him and participating in building a Kingdom of
love, justice and peace. That Kingdom begins in our hearts as we turn to
the Lord and unleash the generosity that springs from within us. Praise
God for all the gifts He has generously given us!
|
School Office: (402) 896-0754