What is stewardship?

According to the Archdiocesan Office of Stewardship, stewardship is, quite simply, a way of life that acknowledges God as the Creator and Giver of all gifts. It is a way of living each day in gratitude for all the blessings that God has given to us. Moreover, it is important for us, as Catholics, to understand that we do not own the gifts God gives to us but rather that we are only here on earth to use those gifts to do God's work.

Whether we view them as words that God says to us or whether we, in turn, are able to say them to God, the five simple words, "Everything I have is yours," are at the heart of the stewardship. Unfortunately, much like the Prodigal Son, we are lured by a "world out there" that offers all kinds of ways to consume our time, our talents and our treasure. The US Catholic Bishops recognized this challenge in their pastoral letter on stewardship, Stewardship: A Disciple's Response. They tell us, "Following Jesus is the work of a lifetime. At every step forward, one is challenged to go further in accepting and loving God's will. Being a disciple is not just something else to do, alongside many other things suitable for Christians, it is a total way of life and requires continuing conversion." - www.usccb.org/stewardship

Are you ready to "take a step forward", to challenge yourself to further accept the gifts of God? In terms of time and talent, there are many opportunities here at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis to express gratitude and share in the many blessings bestowed upon us.