What Is Stewardship? 

It is with gratitude and thanksgiving to God that We, his children, utilize a portion of our gifts as blessings: Time, Talent, and Treasure, to enable the Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth...


What is a Steward?

Safeguarding material and human resources and using them responsibly is one answer. So is generous giving of time, talent and treasure. But being a Christian Steward means more. As Christian Stewards we receive God’s gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice with others and return them with increase to the Lord.

The wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God. (1Cor 3:19)


Disciples as Stewards

A disciple is a follower of Jesus, one who answers His call. Disciples make a conscious decision to follow Jesus, no matter the cost. Disciples experience life-shaping changes of mind and heart and commit their very selves to the Lord.

"Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
At once they left their nets and followed him. (Mk 1:17-18)

Disciples recognize God as the origin of life and giver of freedom and source of all things. Disciples are grateful for gifts received. Disciples are eager to use them to show love for God and one another.

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. (Lk 10:27)

The Bible contains a profound message about the Stewardship of material creation: God created the world but entrusts it to human beings.

We are to:

• Have joyful appreciation of the beauty and wonder of nature.
• Protect and preserve the environment.
• Respect human life – working to enhance the gift of life and make it flourish.

God looked at everything He made and He found it very good. (Gn 1:31)


Stewards of Vocation

Work is a fulfilling human vocation. Through work – physical labor, the trades and professions, the arts and sciences -- we build up the kingdom of God. Work is a partnership with God – our share of the divine human collaboration in creation. Work occupies a central place in our lives as Christian Stewards.

You are God’s field, God’s building. (1 Cor 3:9)

Jesus calls us as his disciples to a new way of life – the Christian way. He calls us each by name, each of us receives a personal call, a personal vocation. God intends each of us to play a unique role carrying out the divine plan. Our challenge is to discover and understand our role, our vocation and to respond generously to the call from God.

Only, everyone should live as the Lord has assigned, just as God called each one. (1 Cor 7:17)


Stewards of The Church

As Stewards of God’s gifts we cooperate with God in our own redemption and in the redemption of others. The New Covenant in and through Christ forms a community – the Body of Christ. The Unity of this people is itself a precious good to be cherished, preserved and built up by the livers of love. We are obliged to be Stewards of the Church – to be collaborators and cooperators in continuing the redemptive work of Jesus Christ – which is the mission of the Church.

Thus should one regard us; as servants of Christ and Stewards of the mysteries of God. (1 Cor 4:1)

The Church is built up by personal participation in and support of the Church’s mission. Stewardship leads people to share in the work of the Church.

• Evangelizing.
• Proclaiming the good news.
• Strengthening the faith.
• Works of Justice and mercy on behalf of persons in need.

For we are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works
that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them. (Eph. 2:10)

Parents have work of great importance to do in the domestic church, the home. They must pray with their children, teach their children truths of the faith, share Christian values in the face of a secularized culture and model for them the practice of Stewardship. Parents are to be models of stewardship, by their selfless service to one another, to their children and to church and community needs.

Take these works of mine into your heart and soul. Teach them to your children,
speaking of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest. (Dt 11:18)

The model for the life of a Christian Steward is the life of Jesus. It is challenging and even difficult, in many respects, yet intense joy comes to those who take the risk to live as Christian Stewards. Women and men who seek to live as stewards lean that "all things work for good for those who love God." Romans 8:28

And you became imitators of us and the Lord, receiving the word in great affliction,
with joy from the Holy Spirit. (Th 1:16)

After Jesus we look to Mary as an ideal steward. As the Mother of Christ, she lived her ministry in a spirit of fidelity and service. She responded generously to the call. We must ask ourselves, do we wish to be disciples of Jesus Christ and Christian stewards of our world and our Church?

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word." (Lk 1:38)

Central to our human and Christian vocations, as well as to the unique vocation each of us receives from God, is that we be good stewards of the gifts we possess. God gives us this divine-human workshop, this world and Church of ours.

The spirit shows the way. Stewardship is part of that journey.

For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is
Messiah and Lord. (Lk 2:11)

How do I get involved:

Individually or within a Ministry or Organization?

It always begin with prayer.

God is the creator and giver of all gifts. We, his children, receive his gifts of time, talent, and treasure during our journey here on Earth. Many of these gifts we find as we perform day to day living, learning who we are and what we are capable of achieving, and through prayer and praise for that he has given. Pray the you will grow to understand God's will and purpose for your life.

Determine what your talents are.

This required reflection with both prayer and thought for each one of us. Make a list of abilities that you are good at doing. Identify those things which you enjoy to do. While you will probably be utilize several, be flexible and open to how God will call you to use them.

Determine what time can be set aside for God's tasks.

Again prayer is another good first step as you determine how much time is God really asking of me. Can I place my trust in him to help me manage my daily tasks as well as those for which he is calling me to perform? Determine the amount of time you will offer to answer his call.

Determine if and how much material resources can be set aside for God.

Prayer is continued as you determine how much treasure can be taken as first fruit in thanksgiving to God for all which he has given you and your family. While using your time and talents can be a major way to live out being a Steward, we should always remember that God want you to utilize a portion of all that he has given so that His Kingdom here on Earth can be built.

Identify opportunities to serve or to give as God wills.

As you review the many opportunities posted within the Ministries and/or Organizations of the St. Anne Catholic Community, please pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you. While these groups provide structure and various commitment levels, again review your list of talents against each group's needs. If it is not clear, call the leader of the ministry or organization to find out how you can get involved.

If after review and reflection, you are still unsure. Please contact the Stewardship Council and submit a request below for help to discern.

This is Stewardship As A Way Of Life.

May God Bless you on this journey forward...