To Be A Christian Steward

A Summary of the U.S. Bishops' Pastoral Letter on Stewardship

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

Being a Christian steward means we receive God's gifts gratefully, nurture them responsibly, share them lovingly and charitably in justice with others, and return them them abundantly to the Lord. Good stewards give the first portion of the their treasure, time, talent in gratitude for the Lord's work and many blessings. 

• We can be stewards of Creation whether it be nature through ecological concerns or a respect for human life.

• We can be stewards of Vocation. Each one of us is called to a personal vocation because God intends we use the unique gifts we have been given for the greater good; to respond generously to His call.

• We can also be stewards of the Church, sowing the seeds to carry out the mission of proclaiming, teaching, serving and sanctifying. Parents, nurture their children in faith, parishioners who work to make their communities of faith grow and to be of service to the broader community.

• We can be stewards of Spirituality, living out a commitment to be Christ-centered rather than self-centered. It helps us become aware that God is the ultimate giver of all gifts we have been given, we will be given. This is a way of life for a lifetime that gives joy. 

 The Spirit shows us the steward's way. Stewardship is a part of that journey.