“Your commitment to stewardship as a way of life is an expression
of your care for the People of God and for all God’s creation.”
~ Fr. Bill
The Five Principles of Christian Stewardship
As we begin our annual parish stewardship campaign, it is good to keep in mind the five principles of Christian stewardship.
1. Stewardship is PLANNED. It is a decision that requires some thought and planning. Our gift giving is part of our financial planning, not just what is left over after all the other bills. This year, in my letter to you, we included a worksheet that helps you look at your charitable giving throughout the year. We cannot respond to every request that fills our mailboxes, so it is good to decide what charities we want to support and feel good about what we can do, not guilty at what we cannot do.
2. Stewardship is PROPORTIONAL. It reflects a certain percentage of our income. The goal could be the biblical tithe of ten percent: 5% to the parish and 5% to other charities. It most likely will take a while to reach that goal. If you are new to stewardship, you could consider starting at two percent, increasing a half a percentage point each year if your situation allows.
3. Stewardship is SACRIFICIAL. It is a gift united with the sacrifice of Christ and given in the context of the sacrifice of the Mass. Whether you bring the Sunday envelope to the altar or use electronic fund transfer or credit card payment, what you share with the community is intrinsically united with Jesus’ gift of himself in the Eucharist. Your charitable giving represents the gift of yourself.
4. Stewardship is THANKFUL. It is offered as a grateful response for what God has done for us.
5. Stewardship is a GIFT. Like any gift to a loved one, what is donated is given without condition and without reservation, and given in appreciation and care. CARE is our parish theme this year. Your commitment to stewardship as a way of life is an expression of your care for the People of God and for all God’s creation.