What is Stewardship?

Stewardship is embedded in the New Commandment of Jesus Christ,

“Just as I have loved you, you also must love one another.  By this love you have for one another, everyone will know you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35)

Guidance from the Diocese of Saginaw tells us:

Stewardship is based upon 4 Pillars:

Hospitality – Every parish should ensure that all parishioners of the parish sense and recognize that they are invited, encouraged, and provided with the opportunity to be involved in the parish, thus feeling welcomed, served, and appreciated. Hospitality flows from awareness of the fundamental value of each person and the privilege to serve another.

Prayer – In connection with other commissions and committees of the parish, provide and facilitate a variety of personal and communal prayer opportunities and related education within the parish since it is through prayer and living the Mass that we recognize, receive, accept, and share God’s grace and giftedness in love of God and neighbor. Stewardship is an invitation to a change of heart, to transform what is my gift to our spiritual legacy. This conversion can only occur through prayer.

Formation – Ongoing prayer, education, and communication are necessary to foster and strengthen the stewardship conversion process. This formation process should seek to weave the language and practice of stewardship into every fabric of the parish.

Service – Parishioners are invited and have the opportunity to serve and be served, giving, receiving, and sharing their God-given giftedness. It is through service at the parish or broader community level that a Christian steward is provided the opportunity to respond, in action, to his/her call to discipleship individually and/or collectively as a parish community  In service, each realizes that charity is not an option; rather charity is God’s love poured out for the sake of others.