Stewardship

Theology of the Gifts

In his Pastoral Letter on Stewardship to the Archdiocese of Miami, Archbishop Thomas Wenski exemplified the real essences of Stewardship. He emphasized that Stewardship is not just a way to increase the Sunday offertory, it is not about fundraising. Stewardship is not a program; it is a way of life; it is the way of life of those who have opened wide the doors of their hearts to Christ. To say that we are “stewards” is to say that we are not the “owners” of our time, talent or our treasure. The only things we can rightly claim to own are our sins. Everything else belongs to God. But God does make us “managers” or “administrators” of what is his to act on his behalf.

The Second Vatican Council, identifies what being a steward is, when the Council Fathers say that one can only realize himself or herself through the sincere gift of oneself. In other words, the secret to a fulfilled and fulfilling life is found not through self-seeking or self-assertion, but through self-giving. I think we could call this the Theology of the Gift.

The Archdiocese of Miami Stewardship efforts are targeted directly at assisting at the parishioners build their relationship with God and their parish by using their personal “gifts” of time, talent and treasure received by the Spirit to grow spiritually and strengthen their love and commitment to the Church.

Please click here for more information on Stewardship Overview.