Stewardship -- God's Way of Life

    We as a parish community will be venturing into the concept of Stewardship during the Fall of 2000.  Father Bob made some recent introductory comments in the bulletin during the month of May, and it is our intent to continue to educate ourselves about Stewardship throughout the summer weeks and months.  As Father Bob mentioned in May, we will focus on  the concept of TIME during 2000 - 2001.  TIME is one of three components of stewardship, the others being TALENT and TREASURE.

    Within the bulletin and our website we will be discussing ideas of stewardship and also giving scripture references for your reflection.  Stewardship is a complete lifestyle, a life of total accountability and responsibility acknowledging God as Creator and Owner of all.  Stewards as disciples of Jesus Christ see themselves as caretakers of all God's gifts.  Gratitude for these gifts is expressed in prayer, worship, offering and action by eagerly sharing these gifts out of love of God and one another.

    Stewardship is based on the spiritual principles of the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus.  And, where it has been implemented both givers' and receivers' lives have been changed.  Stewardship is a way of life, a way of thanking God for all His blessings by returning a portion of the time, talent and treasure allotted to us.  In addition, stewardship builds happy, healthy families.  Stewardship renews Christ's church and provides a spirituality that a lay person can take home from church, exercise at work, express through personal involvement in both community, church and one's family.

    Regarding time, many already practice this aspect of stewardship.  In the care you give to your families, the time you spend with your spouse, children and parents.  The amount of lay involvement at St. John Neumann is inspirational.  So many have made this parish community what it is through the giving back of the time allotted them.

    Perhaps as we enter into the time concept of stewardship, we are drawn to statistics that tell us that the average child will spend 10-12 hours a week watching television and talk with one's parent only 20 - 25 minutes a week. What is the amount of time we spend with our children and spouses where we share life -- God's life?

    The following are two scripture references for your reflection.  We ask that you take time to consider God's word and how it pertains to time that God has given to you to share with others.

1.     "The word of the Lord came to me thus:  'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.'  'Ah, Lord God!' I said, 'I know not how to speak; I am too young.'  But the Lord answered me, 'say not I am too young.  To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak.  Have no fear before them because I am with you to deliver you says the Lord'."  (Jeremiah 1:4-8)

2.     "As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10).

Fr. Bob Kraig, and Stewardship Committee

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