WHAT IS STEWARDSHIP?

Stewardship is a way of life

“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one
another as good stewards of God's varied grace.”

• One who receives God's gifts gratefully
  
  
• Cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner
  
  
• Shares them in justice and love with others
  
  
• And returns them with increase to the Lord

Giving of Our Time

Sharing Our Talents

Giving of Our Treasure

LEADERSHIP 

The Role of the Pastor

• Recognize and understand that prayer is central to stewardship.
• Share his own personal commitment to stewardship and be able to show tangible signs of his commitment.
• Promote hospitality.
• Support and encourage the Parish Stewardship Council.
• Embrace Scripture passages that affirm the principles of stewardship.
• Thank people for all they do to serve God by serving others.

The Role of the Parish Stewardship Council

Forming a Parish Stewardship Council

Members

• People of prayer. Look for people who have a deep personal relationship with God, are grateful for their relationship and act out of gratitude. It is important that members are concerned about parishioners' relationship with God, not exclusively about the needs of the Church.

• Personally committed to stewardship as their way of life. They may not define their life as stewards, but they live it.

• Diversity. Look for people who are not the few who always volunteer.

Responsibilities

• Same understanding of stewardship. It is important for all members of the Council to have the same understanding of stewardship. To achieve this understanding, it is recommended that time is taken with each new member to study the Bishops' Pastoral Letter on Stewardship, Stewardship: A Disciples Response.

• Parish Assessment. An annual or periodic review of the parish ministries to ensure they are meeting the needs of the parishioners. (See Chapter 4)

• Stewardship Plan. (See Chapter 5)

• Time and Talent List. Prepare and regularly update a list of ministries offered in the parish.

• Assist ministry leaders with developing a stewardship component/curriculum for their area.

• Conduct the annual Stewardship Renewal month. This process is done over a four-week time frame and concludes the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving.

• Year-round stewardship awareness and education. Reflections in the parish bulletin can include Scripture quotes regarding stewardship. Develop Prayers of the Faithful with a stewardship message throughout the year.

Sample Bylaws

MISSION
To provide stewardship awareness, education and year-round opportunities for parishioners to live a stewardship way of life as outlined in the USCCB's Pastoral Letter on Stewardship, Stewardship a Disciple's Response.

PURPOSE Assists the Pastor/Administrator in overseeing and coordinating the on-going parish stewardship formation.

MEMBERSHIP

1. Appointed by the Pastor/Administrator
2. Must be registered, active members of {Parish}
3. The council is comprised of __ members {Use number of Parish Council members as a guide}.
4. Ex-Officio Members

a) Pastor/Administrator

b) Parish Staff Representative

c) Parish Council President

d) Each member serves a three-year term

OFFICERS

1. Chairperson and Co-Chairperson appointed by the Pastor/Administrator
2. Officers serve for one-year terms
3. Responsibilities of the Officers
   a) Chairperson: Conducts meetings, oversees/coordinates the council and committees. Serves as a liaison to the Diocese.
   b) Co-Chairperson: Serves as the Chairperson elect, reports to the Chairperson, acts as the Chairperson in his/her absence, records and distributes minutes from meetings.

MEETINGS

1. The Parish Stewardship Council will meet monthly on the {Same day each month} from {time}.
2. Members are expected to attend all meetings.
3. Each member should attend all available diocesan stewardship formation events.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conduct an assessment of how stewardship is emulated in the parish.
2. Bring parish results of assessment to Pastor/Administrator for review.
3. Create and submit a Stewardship Plan to Pastor/Administrator for review and approval.
4. Assist parish ministry leaders in bringing awareness of stewardship in their mission.
5. Conduct annual Stewardship Renewal in October/November.

Parish Stewardship Calendar

January

• Pastor appoints a Parish Stewardship Council (PSC)
• Pastor and PSC study “Stewardship A Disciple’s Response, A Pastoral Letter on Stewardship”

February

• PSC conducts Parish Stewardship Assessment
• Determine ways to engage parishioners in Stewardship

April

• PSC Begins implementation of Stewardship Plan

September

• Pastors and PSC encouraged to attend ICSC and Utah Catholic Conference

October

• Pastor and PSC prepares for Renewal Month

November

• Pastors and PSC conduct four Sundays of Stewardship Renewal

December

• Pastor and PSC thank Parishioners and acknowledge commitment form
• Give volunteer information to ministry leaders
• Contact those who have not responded

Renewal Phase

November

Follow-up Phase

December

• Thank you letters should be sent from the pastor acknowledging those who responded.
• It is important to send the thank you letters before the end of the calendar year to ensure that commitments are not forgotten.

• It is necessary to follow up with those who have not responded.
• A follow-up letter should be sent soon after the Stewardship Renewal Month concludes.
• Stewardship materials and an invitation to make a stewardship commitment should be included in a “welcome packet” for new parishioners.

YEAR-ROUND STEWARDSHIP
AWARENESS AND FORMATION

Parish Assessment

Mass

• Do homilies carry a stewardship message during various times of the year?
• Does the music liturgy carry a stewardship message?
• Is stewardship included in the Prayers of the Faithful?

Welcoming/Hospitality

• How welcoming are we as a community?
• How are current parishioners welcomed into our parish?
• Do we have a system for updating our parishioners' information on a routine basis?
• How are visitors welcomed into our parish?
• Do we have a "Welcome Packet" for new parishioners?

Ministries

• What are our current ministries?
• How are people invited to join the ministries?
• What other ministries are needed in our parish?
• How do we promote the needs and opportunities for ministries?
• Are all ministries receiving the support they need?
• Who are the current leaders of ministries in our parish?

Committee/Council Meetings

• How is stewardship practiced in our committee/council meetings?
• Does each member of our committees/councils understand stewardship as it is stated in the Bishops' Pastoral Letter on Stewardship?

Staff

• Do staff members of the parish understand stewardship as it is stated in the Bishops' Pastoral Letter on Stewardship?
• How do staff members greet guests and parishioners who arrive at the parish center?

General

• What are the specific needs of our parish?
• How are we all connected to the parish and to each other?
• How can the parish help parishioners use their talents/gifts to help others?
• What opportunities do we give parishioners to communicate new ideas for the parish?
• What is our parish's understanding of stewardship as a way of life?
• What are we doing to promote stewardship?
• What are the obstacles that must be overcome before stewardship becomes a way of life in our parish?
• Are we using publications (bulletins, etc.) to get the stewardship message out?

Ways to Engage Parishes in Stewardship

Mass

• Homilies carry a stewardship message at least once a quarter.
• Music carries a stewardship message.
• Prayers of the Faithful focused on stewardship to be included during each Mass.

Welcoming/Hospitality

• Create welcome packets for newcomers and place them in a section of the vestibule where they can easily be seen.
• Invite newcomers to speak to a ministry leader after Mass.

Ministries

• Engage ministry leaders in stewardship through retreats and pastor support.
• Create a stewardship element in each of the parish ministries.

Committee/Council Meetings

• Invite a speaker to present on stewardship at a parish meeting.
• Make sure a stewardship report is always an item on the parish council meeting agenda.

Staff

• Provide staff with a list of ministry opportunities and the needs of each ministry.

General

• Place stewardship information, ideas, Bible verses in the bulletin on a weekly basis.
• Most parishes publish a financial report at least once a year. Along with this report, include a brief report on each ministry in the parish.

Parish Stewardship Plan

How to Conduct the Weekends

First Sunday: “What is Stewardship?”

• The focus of this first Sunday should be explaining what the Gospel meaning of stewardship is. The Diocese of Salt Lake City has adopted the Bishops' Pastoral Letter, Stewardship: A Disciple's Response as the definition for stewardship.
• Visual presence of Stewardship Renewal around the church, such as the vestibule or parish hall. Stewardship posters and brochures, along with information on bulletin boards can be effective. Parishioners need to have a feeling that this is something special.
  
  
• A member from the Parish Stewardship Council or Pastor speaks to parishioners at each Mass about the exciting Stewardship Journey, we, as members of the Diocese of Salt Lake City are embracing.
• Stewardship Brochures passed out after Mass or mailed to each family prior to this first Sunday. Brochure templates can be obtained through the Office of Stewardship and Development.
• A letter from the pastor can be included with the Stewardship Brochures.
• Stewardship Announcement placed in the Parish Bulletin.
• Hymns sung during this Mass have a stewardship theme.
• Prayers of the Faithful include at least one prayer regarding stewardship.

Second Sunday: Ministries in our Parish

• A representative ministry leader speaks at all Masses to explain the overall mission of the ministries in the parish and how parishioners can become involved.
• This would be a good Sunday to have Ministry Leaders represent their ministry by bringing up the Gifts during Mass.
• Stewardship Announcement in the Parish Bulletin.
• Hymns sung during this Mass have a stewardship theme.
• Prayers of the Faithful include at least one prayer regarding stewardship.

Third Sunday: Commitment Sunday

• Stewardship Commitment Forms are passed out after Mass or mailed to each family prior to this weekend. Commitment Form templates can be obtained through the Office of Stewardship and Development.
• A letter from the pastor can be included with the Stewardship Commitment Forms.
• Lay Witnesses speak at each Mass on how stewardship is a blessing in their life.
• Stewardship Announcement placed in the Parish Bulletin.
• Hymns sung during this Mass have a stewardship theme.
• Prayers of the Faithful include at least one prayer regarding stewardship.

Fourth Sunday: Thanksgiving Sunday

Pulpit Announcements

First Sunday: "What is Stewardship?”

Second Sunday: Ministries in our Parish

Third Sunday: Commitment Sunday

Fourth Sunday: Thanksgiving Sunday

Bulletin Announcements

First Sunday: “What is Stewardship?”

Second Sunday: Ministries in our Parish

Third Sunday: Commitment Sunday

Fourth Sunday: Thanksgiving Sunday

A Guide for the Lay Witness

• The person(s) must already be practicing stewardship in their own life through time, talent, and treasure.
  
  
• They should be a person of prayer.
• They must be someone who shares his or her talents with the parish.
• The lay witness must support the church financially.
• The lay witness must be able to articulate about his or her faith and is comfortable speaking to a group.

Dos and Don’ts of the Lay Witness Talks

• Make sure the pastor sees a copy of the remarks and offers suggestions.
• Emphasize that Christian stewardship begins with gratitude to God for all His gifts.
• Explain that Christian stewardship means giving of the "first fruits," not what is left over.
• Talk about the personal need of each person to give of their time, talent, and treasure. Talk about the joy and fulfillment that comes to those who give God the first share of their time, talent, and treasure as a way of expressing gratitude and trust in God.
  
  • Emphasize that it is time and talent and treasure, not just one or another.
  
  • Explain that Christian stewardship involves not only your parish, but also the diocese and community.

Stewardship Renewal Month

How to Conduct the Weekends

• Visual presence of Stewardship Renewal around the church, such as the vestibule or parish hall. Stewardship posters and brochures, along with information on bulletin boards can be effective. Parishioners need to have a feeling that this is something special.
  
  
• A member from the Parish Stewardship Council or Pastor speaks to parishioners at each Mass about the exciting Stewardship Journey, we, as members of the Diocese of Salt Lake City are embracing.
  
  
• Stewardship Brochures passed out after Mass or mailed to each family prior to this first Sunday. Brochure templates can be obtained through the Office of Stewardship and Development.
  
  
• A letter from the pastor can be included with the Stewardship Brochures.
  
  
• Stewardship Announcement placed in the Parish Bulletin.
  
  
• Hymns sung during this Mass have a stewardship theme.
  
  
• Prayers of the Faithful include at least one prayer regarding stewardship.

• A representative ministry leader speaks at all Masses to explain the overall mission of the ministries in the parish and how parishioners can become involved.
  
  
• This would be a good Sunday to have Ministry Leaders represent their ministry by bringing up the Gifts during Mass.
  
  
• Stewardship Announcement in the Parish Bulletin.
  
  
• Hymns sung during this Mass have a stewardship theme.
  
  
• Prayers of the Faithful include at least one prayer regarding stewardship.

Third Sunday: Commitment Sunday

It is important that the Pastor makes the invitation to each parishioner to live a life of stewardship through the giving of time, talent, and treasure.

• Stewardship Commitment Forms are passed out after Mass or mailed to each family prior to this weekend. Commitment Form templates can be obtained through the Office of Stewardship and Development.

• A letter from the pastor can be included with the Stewardship Commitment Forms.

• Lay Witnesses speak at each Mass on how stewardship is a blessing in their life.

• Stewardship Announcement placed in the Parish Bulletin.

• Hymns sung during this Mass have a stewardship theme.

• Prayers of the Faithful include at least one prayer regarding stewardship.

Fourth Sunday: Thanksgiving Sunday

This is the day families will return their Commitment Forms to the pastor. Parishioners need to understand this is a special day as they are giving thanks to God for the many blessings they receive each and every day. The Commitment Forms are presented to the Pastor in a way that reflects this special day.

• Ideas for returning the Commitment Forms:

• Invite a member of each family to come forward at the Offertory or other time during the Mass, as if they were going to receive Communion, and present their forms to the Pastor.

• Ushers gather the forms during a special collection.

• Make available extra Commitment Forms to parishioners as they enter the Sanctuary if they did not bring theirs with them.

• Stewardship Announcement placed in the Parish Bulletin.

• Hymns sung during this Mass have a stewardship theme.

• Prayers of the Faithful include at least one prayer regarding stewardship.

Pulpit Announcements

A member of the Parish Stewardship Council and/or the Pastor should address the parishioners at each Mass during the Stewardship Renewal Month. The following are suggestions:

First Sunday: What is Stewardship?

The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City is committed to a stewardship journey as one community of faith. Beginning this Sunday, we will spend the next four weekends reflecting on the Gospel meaning of stewardship. Stewardship is a way of thanking God through our prayers for all the blessings He has given us, and by returning to Him a portion of our many gifts through the sharing of our time, talent, and treasure with our parish community.

Second Sunday: Ministries in our Parish

This week, after all Masses, the Parish Stewardship Council is hosting a ministry fair. You are invited to join us in the {place} and learn about our various parish ministries and the many volunteer opportunities that we have available to you. Please reflect this week on what you can do for the parish to share your love for the Lord.

Third Sunday: Commitment Sunday

Christian stewardship is the outward expression of Christian discipleship that fundamentally involves prayer, nurturing our families, and sharing our time, talent, and treasure with others. This weekend we thank {Name of Lay Witness} for speaking with us about their personal experiences as a Christian steward and what it has meant in their lives.

Fourth Sunday: Thanksgiving Sunday

God has given us many gifts. Today we are asked to commit ourselves to being good stewards of those gifts God has entrusted to us; to share our time, talent and treasure as a sign of the love and gratitude we have for Him. To the many parishioners who returned their Commitment Forms today, a heartfelt thank you. If you did not bring your Commitment Forms to Mass today, it is not too late. There are forms available for you in the pews. The ushers will be collecting the Commitment Forms at this time, or you may drop them off in the gathering space as you leave today or mail them to the parish office this week. Again, thank you for your participation in this important event for our parish family. (Place Commitment Forms in each pew prior to Mass)

Bulletin Announcements

The following are suggested bulletin announcements for use during the Christian Stewardship Renewal month. You can adapt them to your parish circumstances:

First Sunday: “What is Stewardship?”

Starting this weekend, our parish will begin reflecting on Christian stewardship as our way of life. Christian stewardship is biblically based and is a way of thanking God for all the blessings He has given us by returning a portion of our many gifts through the sharing of time, talent, and treasure with our parish community. Christian stewardship can change the spiritual lives of individuals and our parish as a whole.

Second Sunday: Ministries in our Parish

Where Christian stewardship has been implemented, it has changed the lives of both givers and receivers. Our parish depends on the generosity of our people, especially when it comes to the sharing of both time and talent. One of the fundamental principles of Christian stewardship is sharing our God-given gifts of time and talent with our parish community. This week, after all Masses, the Parish Stewardship Council is hosting a ministry fair. Please join us in the {place} and learn about our various parish ministries and the many volunteer opportunities we have available to you. Then, please reflect this week on what you can do for the parish to share your love for the Lord.

Third Sunday: Commitment Sunday

God has given us many gifts. How do you use them? How do you put them at the service of our Lord at {Parish}? Today {Father} is asking each parishioner to commit to being good stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to us; to share our time, talent, and treasure as a sign of the love and gratitude we have for our Lord. Please take your Commitment Forms home and prayerfully decide what your gift to God will be through the sharing of your time, talent, and treasure at {Parish}.

Fourth Sunday: Thanksgiving Sunday

A sincere and heartfelt thank you to the many parishioners who returned their Commitment Forms today. If you did not bring your Commitment Forms to Mass today, it is not too late. Please drop your forms in the mail to the parish office this week or bring it to Mass next week. Thank you for your participation in this important event for our parish family.

A Guide for the Lay Witness

Stories - we are all captivated by stories. Media of all types, newspapers, magazines, internet, social media are always looking for good human-interest stories. Every good homilist or preacher includes a story. Jesus used stories to teach others, and the Gospel writers, through their own stories that witness to their lives with Jesus, still bring about life-changing conversion to millions of people. Everyone can identify with some moment when the life-story of another brought about a change for the better in their own life.

One of the most effective means of presenting the stewardship message is through the Lay Witness talk. This talk can be given either before Mass begins or at the completion of Communion. The lay witness talk has two purposes: to inspire people to accept the invitation to Christian stewardship, and to share real life examples of how stewardship is a way of life for them. People are motivated by hearing that Christian stewardship is a source of joy and peace. Hearing personal stories can lead to changes of heart and conversion.

Careful consideration should be given when selecting your lay witness. The talk may be given by an individual or a couple. Keep the following points in mind when selecting lay witnesses:

• The person(s) must already be practicing stewardship in their own life through time, talent, and treasure.

• They should be a person of prayer.

• They must be someone who shares his or her talents with the parish.

• The lay witness must support the church financially.

• The lay witness must be able to articulate about his or her faith and is comfortable speaking to a group.

Sample Outline for Composing Lay Witness Talk

• Introduce yourself: Give a brief description of your family, the number of years in the parish, etc.

• Define Christian Stewardship: It is our response we make in gratitude to God for what He has given to us.

• Discuss how you began practicing stewardship: When did you first become aware of the concept? Did you have reservations? Be honest about your first reactions. People will relate to any feelings of "discomfort."

• When did you begin experiencing the benefits? Speak of the effect living a life of stewardship has had on your faith life. Use anecdotes from your own family life.

• Urge your fellow parishioners to get involved: Invite parishioners to join you and your family in making your parish a stewardship parish and living your life as a steward.

Dos and Don’ts of the Lay Witness Talks

Do:

• Make sure the pastor sees a copy of the remarks and offers suggestions.

• Emphasize that Christian stewardship begins with gratitude to God for all His gifts.

• Explain that Christian stewardship means giving of the "first fruits," not what is left over.

• Talk about the personal need of each person to give of their time, talent, and treasure.

• Talk about the joy and fulfillment that comes to those who give God the first share of their time, talent, and treasure as a way of expressing gratitude and trust in God.

• Emphasize that it is time and talent and treasure, not just one or another.

• Explain that Christian stewardship involves not only your parish, but also the diocese and community.

Don't:

• Talk in bargaining terms: "I gave this much time or treasure, and God gave me this in return."

• Talk in dollar or time amounts: "If everyone could give $10 a week" ... "If everyone could give three hours a week."

• Use threats of possible consequences due to failure to give: "We won't be able to heat the church this winter."

• Suggest that Christian stewardship is an obligation.

Lay Witness Sample Presentation

The following is an actual presentation given by a lay witness. While this presentation is individualized and obviously cannot be used, it serves as a model for how lay witness presenters can express their thoughts.

My first encounter with stewardship was in 1987. I sat in my parish church in Columbus, Georgia and listened to two people from Jacksonville, Florida tell us their story and ask us to consider giving a percentage of our income and more of our time to the church and community.

Until then, I thought I was doing pretty well. I had always given what I thought was generous to the church, especially in terms of money. I had been taught to “contribute to support the church,” both in the parochial school I attended in Philadelphia, and by my parents. When we were growing up, there was no Sunday Vigil Mass. Saturday night was the time to get ready for Sunday. Baths, polishing shoes, washing and curling hair and getting our church envelopes ready were all part of the ritual. My dad put $5.00 in his envelope in the 1950’s and each of us four kids put $.10 in ours. They were placed on the mantle behind my mom and dad’s wedding picture, ready to be picked up on our way to church on Sunday. When I grew up and got a job, I put $5.00 in my envelope. I figured that was what grownups did.

We never consciously thought about the giving of time. It was sort of expected that we would run errands for our neighbor who was in a wheelchair, or cut the grass of the elderly lady across the street. It was just part of what you did when you took food to a family who had a death or someone in the hospital. These were the things I continued to do as an adult without giving much thought as to how much time was involved or why I was doing it. It was only after listening to the people from Jacksonville that I began to realize I wasn’t even close to giving in proportion to what I had. My dad’s $5.00 in the 1950’s and mine in the 1980’s were entirely two different things. The little “good deeds” for other people were nice, but kind of sporadic.

My life has been richly blessed. I had a family who I loved deeply, parents who sacrificed to bring up four children and instilled in each of us a strong sense of church and morality. I was well educated, had a job, a home, friends and reasonably good health. God had given me many blessings, and I had to give serious thought as to how I was responding to His gifts. It took a while for me to do something, because I didn’t think I could raise my level of monetary giving, and I was pretty sure I didn’t have any “spare time” to volunteer. I eventually decided to “take the plunge,” but only on a trial basis of three months. I would give 10% to my church and other charities, and I would find two more hours each week to volunteer for something. I fully expected to be able to say at the end of three months, “Ok, Lord. I tried, but it doesn’t work.” That way, I figured I would be “off the hook.”

Well, at the end of three months, I found that all the bills had been paid, I wasn’t suffering from malnutrition, and I saved some money, bought clothes and went to the movies a few times. I also found out that I wasn’t worrying about money nearly as much as I had been. I had become a reading tutor in our county literacy program and loved it. I obviously wasn’t “off the hook,” but was hooked. 

Since that summer in 1987 the one overwhelming change in life has been a deepening of my faith. I really trust that God loves me and will take care of me. He has done it even when I wasn’t sure it could be done. I guess my response to those who question the concepts of stewardship, or who are hesitant, is this: At least give it a try. Give God the opportunity to show you that He is a loving and generous God. He can only do that when we give up control and take that step in faith.

Sample Pastor Letter to Accompany Brochure and Commitment Forms

{Date}
{Family Name}
{Address}
{City, State Zip}

Dear {Parishioner}:

Often times, when parishioners hear the word “stewardship,” they think, “Uh-oh, Father is talking about money again.” It’s a common misconception. In reality the most important part of stewardship is thankful prayer, along with the sharing of our time, talent, and treasure. We, as Catholics must remember that everything we have is a gift from God, and is for us to use wisely in His service. He asks us to share it with our family and friends, with our parish family, and with those less fortunate in our community.

I invite you to read the enclosed brochure reflecting on the fundamental principles of Christian stewardship. Each of us is blessed in different ways. This year I am asking each of the members of {Parish} to look at our blessings, our talents, and our financial resources to reflect on whether what we are returning to the Lord is appropriate in return for the great gifts He has given to us.

Also enclosed are the Parish Commitment Forms. Please reflect on them and indicate which current ministries you wish to continue and any new ones you would like to begin during the coming year. Also, please commit to put aside more time for prayer and spending more quality time with your family. Finally, I ask you to renew your financial commitment to the parish and encourage you to pray about what is an appropriate sacrificial gift in your family’s circumstances. This will allow us to better budget our parish finances and human resources this next year.

I am touched by the continued generosity of our parishioners at {Parish} and I am confident of your annual commitment to our stewardship journey as a way of life.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Reverend {Name}
Pastor

Prayers of the Faithful

The following are Prayers of the Faithful which can be used during the Stewardship Renewal Month. At least one stewardship prayer should be used during each weekend. The following may be adapted to better fit your parish:

First Sunday: "What is Stewardship?

All that we have, and all that we are able to do are gifts from God. May Christians everywhere recognize the need to respond with gratitude to God's many gifts ... we pray to the Lord.

God created the world and everything in it. As stewards of this world, may we work toward a deep appreciation of all creation, respect for all human life, preservation of the environment, and development of this world through noble human effort ... we pray to the Lord.

Second Sunday: Ministries in our Parish

0, God, our loving Creator and Giver of all good gifts, bless our parish, strengthen our faith and grant us the spirit of Christian stewardship so that we may give generously of our time, talent, and treasure to proclaim the good news here in our church and throughout the world ... we pray to the Lord.

That the Spirit of love and compassion breathe the life of God into every ministry in our parish and diocese ... we pray to the Lord.

Third Sunday: Commitment Sunday

That we have the openness to be good stewards of God's many blessings ... we pray to the Lord.

Lord, as our parish family begins its journey of making Christian stewardship a way of life, may we be open to share our time, talent, and treasure with one another, our parish and our diocese ... we pray to the Lord.

Fourth Sunday: Thanksgiving Sunday

Lord, God, Creator of the universe, we thank you for the gifts and talents You have given to each of us. These are represented by the treasure we are about to collect and offer at the altar, and by the personal commitments of time and talent that are being made. May these gifts enable us more effectively to carry out the mission of the parish and the mission of the church in the world ... we pray to the Lord.

In gratitude for all those who generously demonstrated their commitment to our parish by returning the parish stewardship commitment forms ... we pray to the Lord.

Music Liturgy

Sacred music and the dedicated musicians of our Church are vital to its worship and the Christian formation of its people. Music connects us to the prayers of the Liturgy while musicians guide the assembly to be united as the body of Christ in praying and singing the Mass.

In choosing music for the celebration of the Eucharist, priority should be given to music that is in accord with the scripture readings and the general season. However, topics of faith, discipleship, and the call to serve are strong in the readings of Ordinary Time. The following list of hymns may be considered during the Stewardship Renewal Month

English

All Creatures of Our God and King
Be Thou My Vision
Christ Has No Body Now But Yours
City of God
For the Beauty of the Earth
Go Make a Difference (Angrisano)
Go, Be Justice
God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
In The Lord I'll Be Ever Thankful
Lord of all Hopefulness
Lord, Make Us Servants of Your Peace (Janco)
Lord, You Give the Great Commission
Make Us True Servants
See My Hands and Feet (Bringle)
Sent Forth by God's Blessing Servant Song (McMargill)
Take My Life and Let it Be
The Calling (Combong)
The Servant Song (Gillard)
The Spirit Sends Us Forth
The Summons
We are Many Parts
We Bring God's Holy Love
Whatsoever You Do
Whenever You Serve Me/Psalm 146 (Janco)

Spanish

Como Busca la Cierva (Gonzales Tescuano)
Creo en Jesus (Erdozain)
Cristo Está Conmigo (Espinosa)
Cristo No Tiene Pies en el Mundo (Lopez)
Entre Tus Manos
Es Mi Cuerpo
Oración de San Francisco
Que Alegría Cuando Me Dijeron (Manzano)
Somos Una Iglesia (Eleazar Cortes)
Vamos Cantando al Señor (Espinosa)

All Are Welcome/ Todos Bienvenidos Son
Blessed and Beloved/ Bienaventurados
Bring Forth the Kingdom/ Venga el Reino
Go Out to the World/ Vayan al Mundo
Grita Profeta (Montgomery)
Here I am Lord/ Aquí Estoy, Señor
Holy People, Chosen People/ Pueblo Santo y Elegido (Pedro Martins)
Jesus Needs You/ Cristo te Necesita Para Amar
Lord, Let My Prayer Arise/ Suba Mi Oración (Hurd)
Seek ye First/ Busca Primero
We are the Body of Christ/ Somos el Cuerpo de Cristo: (J. Cortez)
Song of the Body of Christ/ Canción del Cuerpo de Cristo (Peña)
'Tis the Gift to Be Simple/ Es un Don Ser Sencillo
We Plow the Fields and Scatter/Aramos Nuestros Campos

Hosting A Ministry Fair

Purpose of a Ministry Fair

A Time and Talent Ministry Fair is a well-planned parish event in which your ministries, programs, and services are showcased at one time in a festive and social atmosphere.

A Ministry Fair serves many purposes

• It is a celebration of all the work you do in your Church.

• It is an excellent opportunity to educate your parishioners on your ministries, programs, and services.

• It is a social time to gather together as a parish family to meet and invite newcomers to participate in parish ministries.

This annual celebration can be very effective during the Stewardship Renewal Month. It is during this renewal time that parishioners are invited to prayerfully and consciously discern how they are recognizing, receiving, and sharing their many gifts and talents within their parish community.

Plan your Ministry Fair well in advance

• Present your plan to your Pastor. Discuss the date and place your Ministry Fair will be held. Discuss a budget.

• Meet with your Parish Stewardship Council. Discuss and develop plans by setting a general theme, table decorations, what refreshments will be served, and how to keep parishioners interested in visiting the ministry leaders.

Prepare a timeline and delegate responsibilities

• It takes a lot of time and preparation to host a Ministry Fair: therefore, it is very important to set a timeline early in your preparation stage to coordinate projects such as: signage, flyers, posters, bulletin and church announcements.

• Plan to make a presentation to your Parish Council and ministry leaders asking for their help in presenting the Ministry Fair. For everyone to have the same understanding of your plan – a suggestion is to distribute a handout with information on your theme, table set-up time, follow-up phase, and other expectations.

• To ensure all ministries are progressing in a timely manner, another suggestion is to assign a member of your council to each ministry. The purpose is to offer assistance and encouragement in planning, preparing, set-up and dismantling of tables. Have members report back on the progress of their assigned ministry

Two or three weeks before the Ministry Fair

• Post announcements in your bulletins and/or on your website and social media.

• Hang posters in visible areas to advertise this upcoming, exciting event.

• One week before the Ministry Fair:

• Have homilies or lay-witness talks reflecting on the blessings of time and talent opportunities.

• Place inserts in bulletins.

• Post on social media and website

Day of the Ministry Fair

• Prepare a map of the area with assigned tables for each ministry.

• Make a list of representatives' names and phone numbers for all tables - at least two representatives at each table. Suggest one representative stands in front of table to easily invite and encourage conversation with attendees.

• Have name tags for all representatives.

• Prepare ministry sign-up sheets for all tables. They are easily identified if they all look the same.

• Make announcements at all Masses.

• Have your clean-up team available immediately after the Fair.

Post fair follow-up phase

• Timeliness of the follow-up phase is very important to the success of your Ministry Fair.

• Parishioners need and should expect to receive prompt acknowledgement and thanks for their volunteer commitment of time and talent.

• Encourage ministry leaders to make every effort to reach new volunteers in a timely manner.

• If one ministry is filled with volunteers, please encourage that volunteer to consider another ministry and then notify that ministry with the new volunteer's name.

• It is a good idea to touch base with ministry leaders to assure all new volunteers have been notified.

• One cannot say "thank you" enough. Take the time to publicly thank all parishioners who have volunteered and also ministry leaders for generously giving of their time and service to their parish.

Helpful hints

• On your tables: colorful tablecloths, poster boards of photo collages, videos of activities, informational fliers and brochures, balloons, candy and baskets.

• Uniform signs for each ministry table look more professional and visible at a glance. A suggestion is table tents - small bi-fold 9"x12" poster boards work nicely.

• Some creative ideas to consider are:

• A contest or prizes for the best table.

• A drawing is always fun. An idea – parishioners can pick up a ticket at each table they visit and place the ticket in a basket for the drawing.

• Hand out balloons or prizes to children.

• Face painting.

• Refreshments.

• Food is a common language.

• Keep it festive.

Follow-up

Parish Stewardship Commitment Forms

The follow-up phase to the Stewardship Invitation Month is a very important component. You have now received the Parish Stewardship Commitment Forms from your parishioners and there are several steps that need to be taken.

Commitment Forms

• Separate the Commitment Forms into Time, Talent and Treasure.

Time Commitment Forms

• These forms only need to be entered into the ParishSoft database if it affects the parish, e.g. Adoration.

• If it does not, this form can be returned back to the parishioner with the Pastor’s thank you letter. A parishioner may want to place the form in an area of their home to remind them of their commitment.

Talent Commitment Forms

• The Talent Forms are to be entered into the ParishSoft database in the Ministry Scheduler Module. Instructions for this module are included in Chapter 8 of this manual.

• A report is then generated of the volunteers and should be given to the appropriate ministry leaders.

• As soon as the ministry leaders have received their lists of continuing and new volunteers, they should contact the parishioners, thank them for their stewardship gift and invite them to the next meeting of their ministry.

• If a ministry is unable to accept additional volunteers, the commitment form should be given to a ministry who does have a need for help. Every effort should be made to find a well-matched ministry.

Treasure Commitment Forms

• The Treasure Forms are turned over to the appropriate person as designated by the pastor: the Finance Council Chair, the parish bookkeeper or the staff member responsible for recording parishioner financial commitments.

• A summary of the commitments should be prepared for the pastor, Parish Stewardship Council and the Finance Council as appropriate.

Acknowledge Time, Talent, and Treasure Commitment Forms

• Thank you letters should be sent from the pastor acknowledging those who responded.

• It is important to send the thank you letters before the end of the calendar year to ensure that commitments are not forgotten.

• Example of a thank you letter is included in this chapter.

No Response Contact

• It is necessary to follow up with those who have not responded, as well as those who join the parish later in the year.

• A follow-up letter is included in this chapter.

• Stewardship materials and an invitation to make a stewardship commitment should be included in a “welcome packet” for new parishioners.

Thank You Letter to Those Who Responded

{Date}
{Family Name}
{Address} 
{City, State Zip}

Dear {Parishioner}:

{Parish} has been truly blessed with a community who has accepted the invitation to Christian stewardship as a way of life as Disciples of Christ. Thank you for reflecting on your own life with our Lord and for returning your Stewardship Commitment Forms.

I am very grateful that you have committed to spending time in {prayer and quality time with your family}. I sincerely thank you for the commitment you have made to share your God-given gifts of time and talent to the following ministries and activities at {Parish}: {Ministry and Service}.

I also thank you for your commitment to give back to God through the offertory collection in the amount of {dollar amount or percentage} for the {Year} calendar year

Your stewardship commitment of time talent and treasure will help us to preserve and expand our work in spreading the Good News. May God continue to bless you in the days to come and may the joy of giving be yours.

Sincerely yours in Christ,


Reverend {Name}
Pastor

As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one

another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

Follow-up Letter to Those Who Have Not Responded

{Date} 
{Family Name} 
{Address} 
{City, State Zip} 

Dear {Parishioner}:

Recently, {Parish} has been discussing Christian stewardship and our need to enter into a more prayerful life, to spend more time with our families, to share our time and talent with our parish and community, and to give a portion of our financial blessings back to God. The response to this invitation has been very inspiring. More than {number} individuals and families have made a commitment to live a life of stewardship. 

The invitation to Christian stewardship is very important to our parish family. I want to be sure that everyone has an opportunity to take part in the process of deepening our relationship with the Lord. We have not yet received your response and would very much like to invite you to participate in our parish stewardship journey. 

I have enclosed the Stewardship Commitment Form and Stewardship Brochure. Please take time to prayerfully consider your gift to God for the many blessings He gives you each and every day. Then mail your Commitment Forms to the parish office or drop them in the collection basket.

God has blessed us in abundant fashion. We show our gratitude by being good stewards of His abundant gifts. May God continue to bless you in the days to come and may the joy of giving be yours. 

Sincerely yours in Christ,


Reverend {Name}
Pastor

As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one

another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

Thank You Bulletin Announcements

• A sincere thank you to the many parishioners who returned their Stewardship Commitment Forms. If you have not returned your forms, it is not too late. Please drop them in the Collection Basket or mail them to the parish office this week.

• Taking good care of our parish family is like taking good care of our immediate family. We nurture and bless our parish family when we join in prayer and song at Mass, and when we offer to work in a ministry. We also help our parish family when we make a sacrifice and place our offering in the weekend offertory collection. If you have not returned your Stewardship Commitment Forms, it is not too late. Please drop them in the Collection Basket or mail them to the parish office this week.

• God has given us many gifts. I truly thank those of you who have committed yourself to being good stewards of those gifts by promising to share your time, talent, and treasure as a sign of the love and gratitude you have for Him. If you have not returned your Stewardship Commitment Forms, it is not too late. Please drop them in the Collection Basket or mail them to the parish office this week.

Annual Stewardship Report

Many parishes submit an annual report to their parishioners that is focused entirely on the financial structure of the parish. It is suggested that a Stewardship Report which includes time, talent, and treasure be submitted at the end of the year, in addition to your regular Financial Report of the Parish. The following is an example of a stewardship report.

Saint Michael Catholic Church
Salt Lake City, Utah

STEWARDSHIP REPORT

824 Households

103 | Under 5 years 
150 | 5 – 12 years
149 | 13 – 19 years
746 | 20 – 29 years

1,934 Individuals

289 | 30 - 39 years

145 | 40 – 49 years

188 | 50 – 59 years

164 | 60 years and older

57 New Households
934 Average Sunday Mass Attendance
22 Average Weekday Mass Attendance

Sacraments Celebrated

32 Anointing of the Sick 
25 Baptisms (includes adults) 
73 Confirmations (includes adults) 
41 Funeral Masses
15 First Communions
10 Marriages

Christian Service

57 Ladies Guild

25 People Visited by Ministers of the Sick

89 Families Adopted - Christmas Program

Prayer and Worship 

46 Altar Servers 
10 Cantors, Choir 
109 Eucharistic Ministers 
62 Lectors
64 Ushers
339 Youth Group Participants

Council Members

6 Parish Council

4 Parish Stewardship Council

4 Finance Council

Christian Formation and Education 

5 Adult Faith Formation 
10 Baptismal Preparation Class 
29 Bible Study Participants
5 Marriage Preparation Couples
35 Religious Education Students
28 RCIA Participants

Gift of Treasure

$220,580 Offertory Pledge

390 Offertory Participants

Parish Stewardship Evaluation

The effectiveness of the stewardship effort cannot be based on financial results and volunteer commitments only. Because it is spiritually based, the results will be in the hearts of those who have responded to the stewardship message. While it is difficult to see the evidence in quantitative terms, we can see it in qualitative terms, e.g., more enthusiasm, increased joy, deeper individual commitment, and increased attendance at Mass and special liturgies.

Commitments of time, talent and treasure, however, can be measured. The results should compare the number of volunteers participating from year to year, particularly with the year prior to the first stewardship effort. Offertory giving should be analyzed by looking at comparable periods in previous years.

It is important that several members of the parish leadership meet with the pastor to formally evaluate the results of the stewardship effort. This should include the Parish Stewardship Council, Parish Council, and Finance Council. The following Parish Stewardship Evaluation form is offered to serve as an example of what can be done with a year-round stewardship effort. Each parish will want to insert their own areas for evaluation depending on their community.

What is a Stewardship Parish?

Definitions of Characteristics of a Stewardship Parish

Commitment to Leadership. It is essential for the pastor and lay leadership to express their commitment to a stewardship way of life. An environment of collaborative leadership needs to be expressed. All gifts must be valued.

Parish Stewardship Council. The Pastor creates a parish stewardship council. The council should be formed by the teachings of the Bishop’s Pastoral Letter of 1992, Stewardship: A disciple’s Response.

Prayer. The Christian steward must be rooted in the sanctifying presence of Christ through prayer that gives spiritual nourishment and a bond of unity. The parish should provide opportunities for both community and individual prayer.

Hospitality. Parishes need to warmly welcome members and visitors. Everyone has something to contribute. Everyone is needed. Communities known for their hospitality and for the depth of their service to people in need consistently inspire others to participate in ministry and to be generous in financial support.

Lay Witnesses. The personal witness of parishioner couples, families and individuals who have experienced the conversion to a stewardship way of life, is essential in building a parish foundation of stewardship.

Renewal. Stewardship is expressed not in a single process, but in a constant reminder and invitation to commit one's very self to the Lord. Annual renewals help to transform individual lives and the life of the parish.

Communication and Education. All aspects of media should be used to educate and communicate the stewardship message. This can be done through printed materials, letters, bulletins, websites, social media, videos, etc.

Outreach. The parish as a whole needs to set aside a portion of its resources to serve people in need in the parish, the diocese, and the community. The more human interaction which results from our outreach to the less fortunate, the greater God's grace is for all.

Goal Setting/Planning. Vibrant parishes have a shared vision and goals that support the vision. Goals should be set for all ministries. They should be challenging yet realistic and, when possible, measurable. Goals should be communicated clearly to the people of the parish.

Stewardship of Treasure. Within the context of theology of stewardship and ethical fundraising, leaders should not hesitate to ask for financial support of its membership. Members should reflect and give in a manner that is sacrificial, planned and proportionate to their means.

Resources

Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City

https://64e80a.sites.ecatholic.com/stewardship

The diocesan website's stewardship page includes resources and information you may find helpful. The site contains videos of Bishop Oscar Solis’ monthly stewardship messages. It also includes the stewardship brochure, and time, talent and treasure commitment forms. Another resource is the Catholic Giving Form, which is a fillable, interactive pdf to assist parishioners with determining their stewardship of treasure for their parish, diocese and community.

International Catholic Stewardship Council 

catholicstewardship.com

The mission of the International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC) is to foster an environment in which stewardship is understood, accepted and practiced throughout the Catholic Church. The ICSC is a professional organization recognized internationally as a source of education, networking and information to advance the ministry of Christian stewardship as a way of life in the Roman Catholic Church, and to promote the cause of Catholic philanthropy in dioceses and parishes worldwide. ICSC is the only organization dedicated exclusively to advancing Christian stewardship, Catholic philanthropy and resource development in North America as well as overseas. Founded in 1962, ICSC has over 1,200 members representing over 800 dioceses and archdioceses, parish communities, Catholic organizations and professional firms internationally.

Each Fall the ICSC hosts their annual conference in cities across the United States. Hundreds of pastors, diocesan directors of development and stewardship, parish leaders, professional firms, Catholic associations, and religious congregations from around the world come together for four days of presentations, workshops, liturgies and major addresses. Participants experience the Catholic vision of Christian stewardship as a way of life. Timely topics by knowledgeable and experienced speakers fill a comprehensive program. Experts share practical information and experiences that have proven successful. Inspiring liturgies, annual award presentations, "table talk" luncheons, engaging receptions and specialized exhibits supplement the worthwhile and valuable program.

ParishSoft Ministry Scheduler Module

Each parish and mission uses the ParishSoft software program to track census, sacraments, and financial contributions. ParishSoft also has the ability to create and manage ministry groups, volunteers and liturgical schedules through the Ministry Scheduler Module. An online instructional manual is available at: https://support.parishsoft.com/hc/en-us/sections/14629978687643-Ministry-Scheduler .  You will want to click on "Ministry Scheduler".

Parish IQ

After you have entered your stewardship information in the Ministry Scheduler Module, you can extract this information through the use of Parish IQ. This module is available through Family Directory. Parish IQ is a user-friendly query tool that can extract the name, address, interested ministry and offertory pledge a family has made. This information can then be exported to a Word document to enable you to create your stewardship thank you letters easily.

Stewardship Scriptures – Old Testament

Deuteronomy 16:10
You shall then keep the feast of Weeks for the LORD, your God, and the measure of your own voluntary offering which you will give shall be in proportion to the blessing the LORD, your God, has given you.

Deuteronomy 26:1-4
When you have come into the land which the LORD, your God, is giving you as a heritage, and have taken possession and settled in it, you shall take some first fruits of the various products of the soil which you harvest from the land the LORD, your God, is giving you; put them in a basket and go to the place which the LORD, your God, will choose as the dwelling place for his name. There you shall go to the priest in office at that time and say to him, “Today I acknowledge to the LORD, my God, that I have indeed come into the land which the LORD swore to our ancestors to give us.” The priest shall then take the basket from your hands and set it in front of the altar of the LORD, your God.

1 Chronicles 29:14-16
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should have the means to contribute so freely? For everything is from you, and what we give is what we have from you. For before you we are strangers and travelers, like all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without a future. LORD our God, all this wealth that we have brought together to build you a house for your holy name comes from you and is entirely yours.

Proverbs 3:9
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with first fruits of all your produce;

Proverbs 11:24
One person is lavish yet grows still richer; another is too sparing, yet is the poorer.

Psalm 116:12
How can I repay the LORD for all the great good done for me?

Sirach 35:6-10
Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts. The offering of the just enriches the altar: a sweet odor before the Most High. The sacrifice of the just is accepted, never to be forgotten. With a generous spirit pay homage to the Lord, and do not spare your freewill gifts.

Stewardship Scriptures – New Testament

Matthew 5:1-12
When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] be-cause of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 25:14-30
“It will be as when a man who was going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one—to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one who received two made another two. But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money. After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ [Then] the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.’ His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’

Luke 6:38
Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.

Luke 10:25-37
There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Luke 12:32-48
Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute [the] food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.

Luke 19:1-10
He came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvationc has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

Acts 20:35
In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Romans 12:6-8
Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.

Galatians 5:13
For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love.

1 Timothy 6:7-9
For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that. Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction.

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Tell the rich in the present age not to be proud and not to rely on so uncertain a thing as wealth but rather on God, who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share, thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for the future, so as to win the life that is true life.

Titus 3:14
But let our people, too, learn to devote themselves to good works to supply urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.

Hebrews 13:16
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.

James 2:14-17
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

1 Peter 4:8-10
Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

1 John 3:17-18
If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.

Stewardship Prayers

Our Way of Life
Oh Lord, giver of life and source of our freedom, we are reminded by the Psalmist that Yours is "the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it." We know that it is from Your hand that we have received all we have and are and will be. Gracious and loving God, we understand that You call us to be the stewards of Your abundance, the caretakers of all You have entrusted to us. Help us always to use Your gifts wisely and teach us to share them generously. May our faithful stewardship bear witness to the love of Christ in our lives. We pray with grateful hearts, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Blessings Prayer
Generous and loving God, You call us to be disciples of your son Jesus and good stewards of all your many gifts. Open our minds and hearts to a greater awareness and deeper appreciation of your countless blessings. Transform us through the power of your Spirit to nurture a stewardship way of life marked by faith-filled prayer, service to our neighbor and generous sharing. Teach us to be faithful servants of your gifts. With Mary's help, may we return tenfold the gifts entrusted to us. Bless our Parish with a deepening devotion to prayer, a growing commitment for service, and increasing levels of generosity as we work to advance the mission of both our parish and diocese. We pray through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Countless Blessings Prayer
Generous God, You have blessed us immeasurably. We are eternally grateful for your many blessings. The beauty of the world we live in, the wonder of creation, and the miraculous gift of life itself. The loving support of family and friends, their caring sympathy during troubles, and their sharing happiness during our joys. The challenge of the tasks we work at, the satisfaction of our accomplishments, the enjoyment of our hobbies and diversions and the meaningfulness of our volunteering. The gift of shelter, the nourishment of food and sustenance, and the warmth and comfort of our clothes. The trials and tribulations that each one of us faces, that cause us to acknowledge our dependence on You. The 'little things' — a good book or great movie, chocolate chip cookies, arriving home safely, and all those other things we take for granted. The love of a God who cares for each one of us, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the continuing presence of the Holy Spirit, may we always remember to live as grateful stewards of Your countless blessings. We share our gratitude to You now and forever. Amen.

Meal Blessing
Good and gracious God, as we gather for this meal, we pause from the normal routine of our lives to give thanks and praise for the abundant blessings you have bestowed upon us. You have entrusted us with the wonders of your creation and given us the freedoms and opportunities to creatively collaborate in your divine plan. Bless all of us who gather here in your name. Give us the grace to be good stewards of your bounty, the courage to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed; and the wisdom to claim nothing for ourselves, but return all to You with increase. Bless this food we are about to share and all those who brought it to our table. Bless our loved ones, family and friends who are not with us this day; and on those who travel, that they may reach their destinations safely. And in a special way, bless those who are less fortunate than we are. Grant that we who are filled with Your abundance never close our hearts to those most in need of Your mercy, particularly the hungry, the homeless and the poor. We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Gathering Prayer
Good and loving God source of every grace and blessing, we bring you thanks as we gather today for the many gifts you have given us. We seek to be good stewards, Lord! Bless us as we gather here to share Your gifts. Send us Your Spirit and be present among us — in the mouth of all who speak, in the ears of all who listen, at the heart of all we say and do. We ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

Prayers for Parish Council, Commission and Committee Meetings
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Bless us Oh Lord as we, thy humble servants, come before you this day in our Stewardship journey to grow in Your likeness. May we be ever mindful of the blessings that You have bestowed upon us on a daily basis. Help us to understand that as we grow in Stewardship together as individuals, faith communities and as a nation, we grow only because of Your benevolence. May we use this time on earth that You have given us to make a difference, to open our eyes to the little things of life, to not be overwhelmed to the point that we delay our journey. When we accept the challenge of Stewardship and see Your face in the downtrodden, in the sick, in the dying, in the unborn, may we know it is only because of Your grace that we are able to accept that challenge. Dear Lord, thank You for e0arthly sustenance that gives us the strength of body to do Your work. But, more so, thank You for Your spiritual food that fills us with the grace and knowledge that we are indeed Your people. Be with us, touch our hearts, invigorate our minds and give us the energy to go forth. Amen.

Finance Meeting Prayer
God, our heavenly Father, You provide and sustain us in life. You gave us Jesus, our priceless treasure. May our counting and recording procedures promote good stewardship. Help us to fairly share our resources with others. May we respect all matters of confidentiality and do all in Your spirit of generosity. Bless us with wise discretion both now and forever. Amen.

Parish Council or Finance Council
O' God, the giver of all good gifts, our desire to praise You is itself a blessing You have bestowed upon us. We can offer You nothing that You do not already have except our love, which we render to You in worship and in service to all those whom You redeem in Jesus Christ. Be with us now during our gathering that You may guide our deliberations and help us to know Your will in our lives and the lives of those we serve. Help us with Your gifts of grace to allow us to love one another as You love us and to show this love in our thoughtful comments, respectful listening, faithful stewardship and visionary planning of all the actions we undertake in Your name in service to the _________________. We ask this all through Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.

Leadership Meeting Prayer
Good and Loving God, You refresh us with Your life-saving power. You have entrusted us with a share in leadership. Help us to share ideas and plans with each other. Keep us kind and courteous to one another. Give us insight to the work at hand that we may further Your causes and benefit many people. Help us to resist any temptation to dominate, control or forget the needs of all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Professional Activity Day Opening Prayer
God, our heavenly Father, You provide and sustain us in life. You gave us Jesus, our priceless treasure. May our counting and recording procedures promote good stewardship. Help us to fairly share our resources with others. May we respect all matters of confidentiality and do all in Your spirit of generosity. Bless us with wise discretion both now and forever. Amen.

Prayer of Generosity
Lord Jesus, You came to tell us that the meaning of life consists in giving. You told us that those who cling too tightly to what they have, without thought for You or others, end up losing everything. You gave us new values by which to measure the worth of a person's life. Help us to realize it is not temporal success or riches or fame that gives life meaning. Rather it is the service rendered to You and others that brings fulfillment and makes our lives worthwhile. May all of our activity help to build God's kingdom; our obedience to bring true freedom, our generosity to increase love, our sacrifices to bear generous fruit, our deaths to lead to eternal life. Amen.

Prayer of Gratitude
Jesus, Our hearts are deeply moved when we pause and think of how greatly You have blessed us. You have given us many gifts, large and small, tangible and intangible, of this world and of the next. Remind us frequently to be grateful for these gifts. We know You call us to be generous. Help us to not be overcome by fear of the unknown, but rather give us the faith to respond to Your call of generosity with joyful trust in You. Amen.

Abundance Prayer
Gracious and Loving God, You call us to be stewards of Your abundance, the caretakers of all You have entrusted to us. Help us to always use Your gifts wisely and teach us to share them generously. Send your Holy Spirit to work through us, bringing Your message to those we serve. May our faithful stewardship bear witness to your enduring love of all creation. We pray with grateful hearts, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Giving Prayer
Good and gracious God, We thank you for all we are, and all we have. Everything is a gift from your infinite generosity. We marvel how bountiful is your kindness. We rest in appreciation of your enduring mercy. As we explore our responsibility to be good stewards, fill us with the compassion of Jesus, your Son. Give us eyes to see the needs of those around us, in the faces of our neighbors near and far. Give us hearts that are moved by the pleas of those who cry out; on behalf of the children, the refugees, the sick, and the suffering. Give us hands that are eager to share what has been entrusted to us; for the homeless and those alone in their homes. Give us feet to venture wherever the Spirit leads; for the mission to bring your good news to all. As we resolve to be mindful of the needs of others, we pray that You instill in us your generosity, your kindness, and your mercy. Free us from all attachments to the things of this world. Keep us focused in our mission of good stewardship. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Gift Prayer
Lord, you alone are the source of every good gift, of the vast array of our universe, and the mystery of each human life, We praise you and we thank you for your great power and your tender, faithful love. Everything we are and everything we have is your gift, and after having created us, You have given us the greatest of all gifts, your son, Jesus Christ. Fill our minds with His truth and our hearts with His love, that in His Spirit we may be bonded together into a community of faithful, caring people. In the name and spirit of Jesus, we commit ourselves to be good stewards of the gifts entrusted to us, to share our time, our talent and our material gifts as an outward sign of the treasure we hold in Jesus. Amen.

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow charity; where there is injury, pardon; where there is error, the truth; where there is doubt, the faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying to ourselves that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Prayer of Saint Ignatius
God, Take and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will — all that I have and call my own. You have given it all to me; To you, God, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace. That is enough for me. Amen.

Saint Paul Prayer
Gracious God, You sent us Saint Paul. To preach the Gospel, inspire us in faith, and show us the way to be good stewards of Your grace. In our time together, show us how to be fervent ambassadors of Christ, Your Son. Grant us the wisdom to recognize that through His gift of the Eucharist there is one bread, and we are one body. Give us the courage to proclaim the Good News in word and deed. And in the spirit of Saint Paul, teach us to live, no longer for ourselves, but in Christ Jesus who lives and reigns with You, and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for the New Year
Gracious and Loving God, the old year has passed and a new year begun. We thank you for Your active presence in our busy lives, for the opportunities given, and for blessings received. As we embrace a new year, breathe freely through us and renew our spirits with fresh resolve and purpose. Give us the grace to be good stewards of all that You have entrusted to us and to serve You with generous, compassionate and loving hearts. Bless our days ahead. Give us the courage to be faithful. And show us how to proclaim the good News of Your Son, Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.

Lent
Heavenly Father, Thank you for this new day and another opportunity to give the traditions of Lent genuine meaning in my life. Help me to be a good steward of this day; to use it wisely to reflect on my words and deeds, review my habits, and correct my faults. Inspire me to live as Jesus did, to embrace his cross, and live the great Paschal mystery in a way that gives hope to others. Be merciful to me this day. Forgive me my failings and weaknesses. Cultivate in me a humble and repentant heart. Prepare me for the renewal of my baptismal vows, today and throughout the season of Lent; so that at Easter I may truly rejoice in Christ Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen

Lenten Prayer
God of mercy, You have given us this special time to reflect on our lives, believe in the Good News and draw closer to You. May this season of Lent help us use this time to fast and pray, be more generous and show others how to live in Christ. Let us see each day of this season as a new opportunity to renew our lives and gain a deeper appreciation of Your active presence in us and our community of faith. Give us the grace to see Your face in others, especially the poor and those who suffer. And through your Spirit, spark in us the fire of Your love so that we may be better stewards of Your redeeming work throughout the world. We ask this through Jesus, Your Son. Amen.

Easter Prayer
Christ is risen and with him all creation! Light replaces darkness, joy replaces sadness, live replaces death. There is no failure the Lord's love cannot reverse, no humiliation he cannot exchange with blessing, no anger he cannot dissolve, no routine he cannot transform. All is embraced by the victory of his cross and resurrection. May we always be good stewards of Easter's light, see Resurrection as a daily event, and yearn for Jesus' love as intensely as he yearns for ours. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Advent Prayer
Dear God, help us to be good stewards of these Advent days. In this precious time of hope-filled waiting, help us to seek you more intentionally and more often. Teach us to look for you in the faces of the needy we will be invited to help and the lonely ones we may be called to accompany in new and unexpected ways. Help us to be still now and then, even in the midst of our business, and see you in the beauty of your creation — in the shimmer of sunlight on snow or the crystal blue of the desert sky. Each morning, may we wake, knowing that you love us, and rejoice that you have given us another day in which to share our lives and our blessings. And each night, before we close our eyes, may we remember to thank you for the gifts and graces of the day. Make us mindful of your presence, Lord, as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of your Son. In his Holy Name, we pray, Amen.

Gift of Life in Service to Others
Dear Lord, You have given us life. Through Baptism, You invite us to share the gift of our lives in service to others. Be with us as we choose each day to show Your Presence in our world. Give us the courage and generosity to respond to Your life, to Your call. We pray especially for those who serve You in ministry throughout our parish. May we bear the "Good News" to those in need. Keep us close to You. Open the minds and hearts of many other men, women and young people, that they may accept Your challenge to build the Kingdom in our parishes. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Service Prayer
Gracious and loving Father, we rejoice in the gifts of love we have received from the heart of Jesus your Son. Teach us to see Christ in the lives we touch, to offer Him living worship by love filled service to our brothers and sisters. Help us to always use Your gifts wisely and teach us to share them generously. Send your Holy Spirit to work through us, bringing Your message to those we serve. May our faithful stewardship bear witness to the love of Jesus Christ in our lives. We pray with grateful hearts, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Prayer for Deacons and other Ministers
Heavenly Father, since the time of the Apostles You have inspired the Church to commission certain members to assist in a special way in the pastoral mission of Christ. Bless the deacons and all other ordained and nonordained ministers that they may be humble and faith-inspired in their service. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Act of Faith
Loving God, I come to you in thanksgiving, knowing that all I am and all that I have is gift from you. In faith and love, help me to do your will. I am listening, Lord God. Speak your words into the depth of my soul, that I may hear you clearly. I offer to you this day all the facets of my life, whether it be at home, at work, or at school - to be patient, to be merciful, to be generous, to be

holy. Give me the wisdom and insight to understand your will for me and the fervor to carry out my good intentions. I offer my gifts of time, talent and possessions to you as a true act of faith, to reflect my love for you and my neighbor. Help me to reach out to others as you my God have reached out to me. Amen

Good Stewards of Our Gifts
Lord, hear our prayer as we seek to be good stewards of the many gifts You have bestowed on us. Give us wisdom to discern Your will for us. Strength to meet the challenge, and the grace to be steadfast in our commitment to You. Let us use our Time, Talent, and Treasure for Your greater honor and glory. In your name we pray. Amen.

Christian Stewardship
Heavenly Father, Creator and Giver of all that I am and all that I possess, bless our parish and strengthen our faith. Grant us the spirit of Christian Stewardship, so that we may give generously of our time, talent and treasure to spread Your Kingdom here at our parish and throughout the world. Amen.

Renewal
Christ is risen and with him all creation! Light replaces darkness, joy replaces sadness, live replaces death. There is no failure the Lord's love cannot reverse, no humiliation he cannot exchange with blessing, no anger he cannot dissolve, no routine he cannot transform. All is embraced by the victory of his cross and resurrection. May we always be good stewards of Easter's light, see Resurrection as a daily event, and yearn for Jesus' love as intensely as he yearns for ours. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Prayer for Wise Use of Talents
Almighty God, You have blessed each of us with unique gifts, and have called us into specific occupations, relationships, and activities using those gifts. Enable us to use our talents to witness to our faith in You and to communicate Your love to the people we meet each day. Empower us to be ministers of reconciliation, love, hope, and justice. Keep us steadfast in our commitment to serve actively in Your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Social Justice
Heavenly Father, eternally kind and gracious, we thank You for all we are and all we possess. This is all fruit of Your unlimited generosity and benevolence. We thank You because we do not possess anything, not even our lives, that has not been a gift from You. Enlighten our minds so that we can use wisely all the gifts that we receive from You daily. Help us understand that it is better to give than to receive, because giving helps our soul give up the material and temporal in order to ally it with a spirit of altruism and charity. Help us comprehend more each day that by means of

giving, we can adjust the inequalities of the human race. This is the only way the strong and powerful can help the weak, so that social peace can reign among us. We place this in the name of Your beloved Son, Jesus, who lives and reigns in unity with the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen

Trust Prayer
Almighty and ever faithful Lord, gratefully acknowledging Your mercy and humbly admitting our need, we pledge our trust in You and each other. Filled with desire, we respond to Your call for discipleship by shaping our lives in imitation of Christ. We profess that the call requires us to be stewards of Your gifts. As stewards, we receive Your gifts gratefully, cherish and tend them in a responsible manner, share them in practice and love with others, and return them with increase to you. We pledge to our ongoing formation as stewards and our responsibility to call others to that same endeavor. Almighty and ever faithful God, it is our fervent hope and prayer that You who have begun this good work in us will bring it to fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Growth Prayer
Bless us Lord as we, your humble servants, come before you on our Stewardship journey to grow in your likeness. May we be ever mindful of the blessings that you have bestowed upon us on a daily basis. Help us to understand that as we grow in Stewardship together as individuals, faith communities and as a nation, we grow only because of your benevolence. May we use this time on earth that you have given us to make a difference, to open our eyes to the little things of life, to not be overwhelmed to the point that we delay our journey. When we accept the challenge of Stewardship and see your face in the downtrodden, in the sick, in the dying, in the unborn, may we know it is only because of your grace that we are able to accept that challenge. Dear Lord, thank You for earthly sustenance that gives us the strength of body to do our work. But, more so, thank you for Your spiritual food that fills us with the grace and knowledge that we are indeed Your people. Be with us, touch our hearts, invigorate our minds and give us the energy to go forth and grow in your image. Amen.

Creation Prayer
All powerful and ever living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks. All things are of your making. All times and seasons obey you. You chose to create us in your own image, and set us over the whole world in all its wonder. You made us the stewards of creation, to praise you every day for your wisdom and power. May we imitate your Son, Jesus in his life of service. May we be faithful stewards of all your gifts among the people of God. Amen.

Prayers for Children & Youth

Sharing of Gifts
Dear God, I thank You for everything You have given me. My gifts of time and talents are precious; help me use them to do Your will. Please help me realize that I need to share all of my gifts with the Church and others. Help me be generous, forgiving, and holy. I offer You this day all I think, and do, and say. With the help of Jesus, your Son, I will try to love everyone. Amen.

Thank you, God Prayer
Thank You, God, for each new day and for the time to work and play. Please be with me all day long through every story, game and song. Teach me how to give and share the gifts You've given to my care. May all the happy things I do make You, our Father, happy too. Amen.

Bless Us as We Give
Leader: Bless us this day. Fill our hearts with Your Love. Guide us in all we do and think and say,

All: Bless our hearts and help us to enjoy the gifts of your creation.

Leader: For the sun and moon,

All: We praise You, O God.

Leader: For green valleys and life-giving water,

All: We praise You, O God.

Leader: For flowers and fruit trees,

All: We praise You, O God.

Leader: For stars in the sky and mountains to climb,

All: We Praise You, O God.

Leader: For birds that sing and creatures that crawl,

All: We praise You, O God.

Leader: For the many wonders of life, but especially the gift of our family,

All: We praise You, O God.

Leader: For the special gifts You have given each of us,

All: We praise You, O God.

Leader: Be with us, God, as we follow Your example,

All: and rejoice in sharing all that is ours to give. Amen.

Prayers for Teens

A Reflection on the Spirit
The Spirit is the part of us that responds to beauty and goodness, that inspires us to give of ourselves, that calls us to worship, and draws us away for peaceful reflection. The Spirit calls us to a quiet place where we can be alone with our loving God. The Spirit calls us to a place of compassion where we can reach out to others as a response to our beliefs. The Spirit joins us together even when we are strangers and gives us the words to speak to each other. The Spirit lifts us above the ordinary and opens our eyes to even the smallest wonders. The Spirit gives us faith in our future and guides us as we let our gifts flow out to nourish our community and our world. The Spirit is the painter, the dancer, the teacher, the healer, the dreamer that each of us carries within. Lord, grant us the grace to always live by and in...Your Spirit. Amen.

Generous God
Generous God, we give thanks to You for the gifts You have given us: life, family, friends, time, talents, and material possessions. All that we have comes from You. Help us to remember this and rejoice in your goodness. Walk with us, Lord. Help us on our spiritual journey, so that we may constantly renew our relationship with You and all the good people in our families, our parish, our community, our country and our world. Renew in us your Spirit. Give us strength and courage to become better followers of Jesus; to become His disciples. Help us hear the call to "Come, Follow Me." Amen.

Lord and Source of All Gifts
Lord and Source of all gifts, with faith in our future we, Your children rejoice in the fullness of Your generosity. We thank You for those whose lives are visible signs of Your love and blessings to others: our parents, our teachers, our Church. Make us good stewards of all we have received, generously sharing our unique gifts with others in a spirit of gratitude to You. Guide us today, tomorrow and everyday as we grow in our faith. Amen.