Stewardship

-What is Stewardship?
Stewardship is a way of life. A way of thanking God for all blessings by returning a portion of the time, talent, and treasure allotted to us. Stewardship engenders a spirituality that deepens our relationships with the Lord. Stewardship involves intentional, planned and proportionate giving of our time, talent, and treasure.

-What difference will stewardship make in our lives?
The difference can be seen in several areas of our lives. First, the difference is in the focus of giving. Instead of focusing on the needs of the group to whom we’re giving financial support or helping with our time and talent, the focus is primarily on God and our relationship with God – and also our need to give.

Second, the difference is in the motivation for giving. Stewardship is an integral part of our spiritual life and we give in that context because we are grateful to God for what we have received.

Third, the difference is in the result of the giving. As we practice stewardship, we find that we grow spiritually and that our faith is deepened. In fact, we find that our lives are changed for the better.

-How do our needs or the needs of a family fit into the concept of stewardship?
Our first responsibility is to take care of our own needs and the needs of our families – not necessarily all our wants. In looking very carefully at what we need versus what we want, we end up making choices that place material things and money in their proper perspective.

-To what is St. Emily Parish asking me to commit?
In the Spirit of Jesus Christ…
We encourage you to a life of prayer – prayer for your family, our community and Archdiocese – for the global Catholic Christian community.
We encourage you to talk and pray with your family and then make a decision to be stewards.
We encourage you to have a visible and active presence at worship.
We encourage you to join one of our ministries and organizations.
We encourage you to give from your want and not your excess – financial support that is seriously considered and generously offered.

-Please remember,
Stewardship is based on the individual’s need to give, not on the Church’s need to receive.

Stewardship is based on the spiritual principles of the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Stewardship is not limited to the Church. Many people give some of their time and talent as volunteers to community agencies in addition to volunteering in their parish.

Stewardship is a way of life based on spiritual principles