CATHOLIC CHURCH

Stewardship is a both a lifestyle and a journey, a hopeful expression of discipleship that involves shouldering responsibility for all the gifts that have been entrusted to us.  Stewardship is rooted in the trust of God’s providence, the loving care that God has for all creation.  God is the One who will provide for all our needs. As a result, this form of discipleship often requires disciples to take risks to prepare for the future and resist the fear that often prompts them to “play if safe.” Stewardship presupposes and builds community.  No disciple can undertake such responsibilities without the support and encouragement of others engaged in the same mission and struggle. Stewardship as a way of life involves the ultimate act of faith and surrender.   Following the example of Jesus who came to serve and to do the Father’s will, disciples, as stewards, use all of their gifts in service to others, glorifying God and surrendering to the will of the Father. We similarly follow in the footsteps of the first disciples who were sent out two by two “as lambs amidst wolves” to carry on the work of the Lord relying largely upon the providence of God to complete their task.

Who is a Steward?

A steward as a disciple, is one who receives gifts gratefully, cherishes gifts responsibly, shares gifts in justice and love, and returns gifts with increase to the Lord.
The gifts and blessings which the steward manages are time to be used wisely, talents to be developed and shared, relationships to be treasured, God’s Word to make disciples of others, the earth’s resources to be cared for properly, and finances to be given generously and cheerfully.

Stewards often are able to live more peacefully ever more aware and appreciative of the Lord’s care for them.

Why is Stewardship important?

Our society and culture is often characterized by materialism, consumerism, individualism and hedonism leaving modern disciples confused, hurried and frequently distracted from ultimate values. The recent terrorist attack on the United States has prompted many to reassess their lifestyle, their priorities and their ultimate values.

Stewardship involves a spiritual transformation in rediscovering God as a priority and connecting God’s priorities with our own. It is a call to conversion, that is, a change in our vision and our way of life.

 

 

Why here at Seton Parish?  Why now?

 

 

The brief answer is there is an abundance of  grace of the Holy Spirit and a need for people to respond in proportion to the measure they possess it. The grace of the Spirit is manifest in the high degree of community spirit, the youthful enthusiasm, the dreams and visions for our future, the pattern of generosity and outreach, the willingness to work together and the positive flow of energy reflected in so many parish activities

However, at Seton Parish the priest to parishioner ratio is 1 to 8,000. There is an ever increasing need for more disciples to shoulder the responsibility for the life and mission of the parish; to make possible the dreams and visions for a bright future.

Seton Parish also has a need to examine its financial situation and part of the effort of stewardship will involve a financial appeal. However,  the call to stewardship is a broad invitation to a transformation of spiritual outlook and a  change of lifestyle in view of ultimate values.

The stewardship effort at Seton will involve a prayerful recommitment to the mission of the parish, efforts at building community, a ministries marketplace, a financial appeal and a parish mission or retreat.