Stewardship

STEWARDSHIP is a way of life. It is a way of living each day in gratitude for all the blessings that God has given to us.

The roots of stewardship can be found in the Bible, which tells us over and over that God is the Creator and Giver of all gifts.

It is our responsibility to show our gratitude to God for these gifts, by giving back to Him the “first fruits.”

We do not own the gifts God gives to us. We are only here on earth to use those gifts to do God’s work.

Small Steps to Stewardship

• Put a crucifix in your house – in a place where it is visible to guests.
• Visit with an elderly neighbour or relative, either in person if close by or by phone.
• Commit to doing one good act each week that will benefit someone without his/her knowing it. At the end of the week, share what you did with your family.
• Build a habit of thanking people whose work usually goes unnoticed-those who clean our business office, those who serve the food in fast food restaurants, cashiers at the supermarket.
• Send hand-written notes to senior members of the parish, thanking them for all they have done in their lives for the church community.
• Invite a person who is not able to get out of the house easily to go grocery shopping with our family.
• Make arrangements to pick up a homebound person for Mass each week.
• Take a can of food or another non-perishable item to the local food bank each week.

Far More Radical than Fund Raising

As a Parish

St. Patrick's Parish continues to grow in faith as we journey 'on purpose' as faithful servants.  In September 2008 we began the initiative To Be Faithful Servants Walking God's Talk.  All parish ministries have been grouped into one of four Purpose Teams, depending upon their area of ministry.  This provides a synergy between groups and fosters an environment which enables greater focus on our mission as people of faith. 

If you are interested in participating in one of the parish ministries, please contact Silvana Amantea at 905-294-5955, extension 226 or silvana.amantea@stpatrick.on.ca.

Parish Survey: A Way to Better Understand Our Parish

In January 2009 St. Patrick's Parish asked parishioners to complete a survey so that we could come to understand the needs of our faith community.  Click here for a survey summary.  A more complete analysis will be provided in October. 

To Learn More About Stewardship

The following links will help you grow in your understanding of stewardship and better equip you to live your lives as a faithful servant of God.

Archbishop Collins letter, Stewardship: "Well done, good and faithful servant,' written during his tenure in the Archdiocese of Edmonton.  This letter is 11 pages long. 

The US Bishops' document, Stewardship: A Disciple's Response has been used by numerous study groups, including St. Patrick's Parish.  Please note that this document is 82 pages long.

Lectio Devina with Archbishop Collins.

An excellent little book clearly explaining the spirituality of stewardship is What Do I Own and What Owns Me? by Daniel Conway.  Click here if you would like to order it online.  

The book The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren has provided St. Patrick's with purposeful direction as we move toward a spirituality of stewardship.  Click here is you would like to order it online.