AChristian Steward is defined as a disciple of Jesus who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cultivates them responsibly, shares them lovingly in justice with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord. Stewardship is a way of life that comes from seeing everything as a gift from God, changing the way we see things. The disciple is motivated by faith and a deep sense of gratitude to a life of greater prayer, service, and sharing. The disciple’s time, talent, and treasure are all shared as a gift in a planned, proportionate, thankful, and sacrificial manner.
Today, more than ever, there is a great need to strengthen our parishes as they, in turn, serve as a vital source of support to the community. The heartbeat of our Church can be found in our parishes. The parish is the single most important unit of the Church.
It is in the parish that people and families become part of a worshipping and serving community. The parish is where they find faith, are formed, and then encouraged to live out their faith in their daily life.
The purpose of the Spirituality of Stewardship within the parish is to form parish members in an understanding and practice of true Scriptural Discipleship. Stewardship is the fruit of authentic discipleship, and for most people, this is a lifelong step-by-step journey.