My brothers and sisters in Christ: God has blessed each of us with a unique set of gifts, skills, talents and resources so we can play a special role in building up His kingdom here on earth. Stewardship assists us in more fully embracing our call to discipleship and brings us closer to Our Lord and to each other. It helps us discern a call to more active participation in our parish.
At Saint Brigid, we have more than eighty ministries that serve our parish community. Hopefully, you can participate in at least one of them. Maybe you are being called to be a guardian at Eucharistic Adoration. Maybe you are being called to volunteer to assist our children in our special needs ministry. Maybe you are being called to a caseworker for our Saint Vincent de Paul Conference. Maybe you are being called to be a sponsor in our RCIA program. Maybe you are being called to be a good steward by sharing your gifts and talents in some other way.
The following prayer, provided by the publication “Our Sunday Visitor” reflects the essence of stewardship.
GENEROUS AND LOVING GOD,
YOU GIVE US ALL GOOD GIFTS, MORE THAN WE CAN IMAGINE,
TEACH US TO EMBRACE YOUR WAY OF CARING AND SHARING,
SHOW US THAT TO BE ONE WITH YOU IS TO BE ONE WITH EACH OTHER, ESPECIALLY THE POOR AND THE VULNERABLE.
HELP US TO BE GOOD STEWARDS OF ALL WE ARE AND HAVE AND WILL BE.
GIVE US WISDOM TO PERCEIVE YOUR CALL, SO THAT OUR STEWARDSHIP MAY BE WITNESSES TO YOUR LOVE FOR ALL.
WE ASK THIS IN THE NAME OF THE ONE WHO SHOWS US YOUR WAY AND WHO IS THE WAY, TRUTH AND LIFE, JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD,
WHO IS ONE WITH YOU AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, ONE GOD FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN.
As we reflect on this prayer, the publication also reminds us that at the heart of stewardship is our relationship with Christ. It states, “When we share our presence, our prayers, our gifts, and our service, we continue Christ’s mission, transforming the world one person at a time.” ……..
Our priests and deacons invite you to attend our Ministry Fair, which will take place in Corbett Hall after each of our Masses next weekend. Your attendance may help you discern how you may more fully participate in the parish experience. We believe that God will give our parish what we need through your active involvement. Please ask God what He is calling you to do to enrich and strengthen our faith community.
As always, I thank God for you and all the ways that you give so generously.