2014 Orlando, Florida October 5-8

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1 2014 Orlando, Florida October 5-8 International Catholic Stewardship Council CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP June 2014 e-bulletin A STEWARDSHIP PRAYER for June Gracious God, So often you attempt to offer us a peaceful awareness of your presence. It is always there, but we do not slow down enough to become aware of it. Help us to slow down and appreciate this gift, and come to a deeper understanding of the movement of your Spirit in our lives. Help us recognize those moments when you rescued us, healed us, and reconciled us. Increase our trust in you, show us how to reach beyond ourselves to minister to others, and give us the wisdom to be better stewards and sacraments of your presence each day. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen. The Marriage Covenant: Stewardship of the Domestic Church Few occasions in life are as abundant with celebration as a wedding. It s a universal time of festivity. Jesus himself, with a little prompting from his mother, contributed to the wedding gala at Cana by ensuring a good supply of wine. Whether lavish or modest, weddings exude optimism for the future and gratitude for the past. They bring together far-flung families, long-lost cousins, old and new friends. And all of this happens to celebrate two people willing to commit themselves in love to a covenant for life. That s something to celebrate. For the Christian steward, this covenant relationship is one that will bear witness to Christ in the world. The Catholic Church teaches that marriage between two baptized persons is a sacrament, a sign of Christ s active presence; and each couple s relationship expresses in a unique way the unbreakable bond of love between Christ and his people. For the Christian steward, this covenant relationship is one that will bear witness to Christ in the world. The Second Vatican Council s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church states that the family is the domestic church. (Lumen Gentium #11) This beautiful phrase tells us that this family created by marriage will be where husbands, wives and their children encounter Christ together in a deeply personal way. This domestic church is the bedrock from which flows a commitment to community, a life of stewardship, and union with the Church. Pope Francis has called an extraordinary Synod of Bishops in October to examine the pastoral challenges to the family in the context of evangelization. Clearly, the importance of the domestic church is uppermost in his mind. In a letter to families around the world, Pope Francis wrote that this special synod would be dedicated to the challenges of marriage, of family life, of the education of children; and the role of the family in the life of the church. Whether or not you have a wedding or an anniversary in June, take time to celebrate a good marriage this institution which establishes a new domestic church. Take time to pray together, play together, and reflect on how being good stewards of the marriage covenant reveals the unbreakable bond of love between Christ and his people.

2 STEWARDSHIP SAINT FOR JUNE Saint Justin Martyr Justin was considered a great steward of Christian teachings a century after the apostles, and is regarded as the first significant Christian philosopher. Some even consider him to be the most prominent person in Christianity between Saint Paul (death ca. 67) and Saint Irenaeus (death ca. 200). Born of Greek parents in the ancient city of Shechem (now, Nablus, in the West Bank), he was well educated in rhetoric, poetry, history and philosophy. After studying and teaching philosophy, Justin converted to Christianity around 130, having been impressed with the connection between Christ and the Old Testament prophecies as well as with those who suffered martyrdom for their faith. Justin was attracted to the writings of the Greek philosopher, Plato, and how they complemented Christian teaching. But it was the teachings of Jesus Christ that became for him what he called the only sure and useful philosophy. After his conversion, Justin continued teaching philosophy, but now as a Christian, teaching first at Ephesus and eventually in Rome. He publicly debated others, including Jewish scholars, and those who embraced other religions and worshiped Roman gods. Around 150, he founded a school of philosophy, taught the Christian faith, and wrote his major works. His writings disclose important information about the contemporary rites of Baptism and Eucharist. He wanted to show that they were not magical rites as pagans said they were. It is also important to note that Justin taught from the lived tradition of the Christian community and not from the New Testament, since that portion of Sacred Scripture had not yet been developed into what we know it to be today. Justin s writings strengthened the morale of Christians at the time. Justin was arrested in Rome and at his trial he openly confessed his faith and refused to worship Roman gods. He was severely beaten and beheaded. Justin Martyr is the patron saint of philosophers and his feast day is June October 5-8 Orlando, Florida Stewarding Our Families at Home and in the Church REGISTER TODAY! ICSC MEMBER EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION $499 visit

3 Ten Commandments for Welcoming Visitors at Mass 7. Avoid parish business. Avoid conducting parish business with others immediately before or after Mass. Focus on visitors. 8. Give visitors information about the parish. Ensure that a visitor has a bulletin and other information about the parish before they leave. If there is a social gathering after Mass, invite them. 9. Be part of a greeting ministry team Parishes are always in need of greeters to serve regularly, and provide ongoing formation to new greeters. Help out, be a greeter. If your parish doesn t have greeters, now is a good time to start! 10. Greet those who already minister in the area of hospitality. It isn t necessary to neglect the people who are already ministers of hospitality in order to make visitors feel at home. A simple wave and a smile go a long way. Welcoming newcomers to your parish is not just the job of the pastoral staff, ushers, ministers of hospitality or greeters. It is everyone s responsibility. Here are ten things you can do to provide better hospitality in your parish. 1. Cultivate the virtue of hospitality at Mass. Many Mass attendees tend to gather into little cliques and ignore those who are not members of their particular clique. They are not really inhospitable, just heedless of the need for hospitality. Make hospitality a new habit when you go to Mass. 2. Come early, leave late. Instead of rushing to Mass to be there on time, and then rushing out at its conclusion, make time to come a little early and linger just a bit later. Make room in your busy life to greet and spend time with others at Mass. 3. Go in peace to greet someone! Seek out someone you ve not met before. Shake their hand, introduce yourself, and take a few moments to welcome them to your parish home, God s house. 4. Welcome everyone. Not only do visitors need your warm welcome, regular Mass attendees also need a friendly greeting. Develop a good handshake and be enthusiastic about your parish. You are greeting others in the name of Christ. 5. Help newcomers connect. While you are getting to know visitors, introduce them to other parishioners as the opportunity presents itself. Feel free to invite visitors to sit next to you. 6. Say goodbye with genuine warmth. After Mass, bid farewell to visitors, inviting them to return next week. Introduce them to the pastor if the opportunity arises.

4 The Fruits of the Ten Virtues Because I have experienced it personally, I believe that as people come to own the ten virtues in their lives they experience a deeper falling in love with God in Christ, which naturally brings them to develop a burning desire to share that love with others. With their faith on fire by the power of the Holy Spirit, they strive to be the best disciples and stewards they can be. People s lives are transformed. Cultivating the ten virtues of prayer, humility, trust, patience, responsibility, gratitude, generosity, simplicity, mercy and perseverance will naturally lead the Christian Disciple to live a life of stewardship. Prayer: if we are to grow in holiness and in our relationship with God, prayer is absolutely essential. Humility: total dependence on God is the hallmark of humility. A Christian steward is filled with humility, not pride. Trust: the Christian steward seeks to trust God more and to trust themselves much less. Patience: Love is patient 1 Cor. 13:14. The Christian steward is patient with God, with others, and with themselves. Responsibility: Well done good and faithful servant Matthew 25:19. To be responsible is to first understand that we are not our own masters, or the owners of all that we possess. We belong to God, and all that we have has been given to us from our good and gracious God. It is all a gift that is to be used and shared responsibly. Gratitude: Being a steward means living each day in gratitude, not envy. The secret to happiness is not found in having more but in wanting less. Generosity: for the steward, authentic generosity is born out of an attitude of gratitude. For the Christian steward, giving is motivated by a need to give more than giving to a need. Simplicity: Live simply so that others may simply live, Blessed Mother Teresa. Adopting a simpler lifestyle enables you to appreciate the abundance you enjoy compared to millions around the world. It also opens the door to living more generously. Mercy: one of the greatest measures of mercy is the ability to forgive. Christian stewards are willing to forgive others and themselves. Perseverance: the stewardship way of life is both joyful and rewarding, while at the same time being challenging and sometimes difficult so the virtue of perseverance is a vital one in the journey. Mature disciples make a conscious, firm decision, carried out in action, to be followers of Jesus Christ no matter the cost to themselves. (Stewardship A Disciple s Response, 1992 USCCB) It s important to remember in all of this that this is not a quick fix; the transformation does not happen all at once, but over a lifetime. It s a journey, and to quote that great steward, the late Archbishop Thomas Murphy, It s a journey that is well worth the taking! This article is part 12 in a series of 12 reflections on stewardship virtues by ICSC member, Dan Potvin, Director of Stewardship for the Archdiocese of Winnipeg, Canada.

5 Called. Transformed. Sent to serve. BECOME AN ICSC MEMBER TODAY It will enhance your stewardship efforts tremendously! International Catholic Stewardship Council Who is ICSC? The International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC) is a professional organization recognized internationally as a source of education, networking and information to advance the ministry of Christian stewardship as a way of life in the Roman Catholic Church in dioceses and parishes worldwide. ICSC is the only organization dedicated exclusively to advancing Christian stewardship in North America as well as overseas. Founded in 1962, ICSC has over 1,200 members representing over 800 dioceses and archdioceses, parish communities, Catholic organizations and professional firms. ICSC Provides Expert advice for introducing Christian stewardship to your parish community Techniques proven to revitalize parish life Practical stewardship ideas Support for teaching stewardship to children Reflections for preaching stewardship A network of speakers for parishes and diocesan gatherings Conferences that offer the wisdom and experience of those committed to stewardship as a way of life Retreats that offer in-depth reflection and study on Christian stewardship Publications that inform and enhance our understanding of stewardship Access to stewardship resources, models and samples online Opportunities to exchange ideas and information with stewardship parishes in North America and beyond Best practices for promoting stewardship in the parish Membership Includes Discounts for conferences, institutes and publications Membership directory Access to past conference presentations Monthly parish e-bulletins offering weekly reflections, prayers, bulletin inserts and much more Web site section for members only with the latest parish stewardship resources Access to parish leadership planning tools Opportunities to exchange ideas, network, share best practices and grow in faith The promotion of the practice of stewardship is important for the mission of the Church and for the spiritual well-being of each individual Christian. Everyone benefits from the sacrificial gift one makes of his time, talent, and treasure. -Pope Benedict XVI

6 A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT The Ascension of the Lord Weekend of May 31/June 1, 2014 In today s Gospel Jesus charges his followers to make disciples of all nations. What exactly is going on here? What is this Great Commission anyway? Good stewards know they are directed to share what they exercise stewardship over: their life of faith in Christ Jesus. They know Jesus didn t direct them to go to church and to keep quiet about it; or to go out into the neighborhood, workplace or marketplace and just be nice. Christ s Good News is meant to be shared. Many people in our communities don t know about Jesus Christ. Does that bother us? Do we care? Do we realize we are supposed to do something about it? Seventh Sunday of Easter (If the Solemnity of the Lord s Ascension is celebrated by your Diocese on Thursday, May 29) Weekend of May 31/June 1, 2014 In today s second reading, we hear it proclaimed that we are blessed if we share in the sufferings of Christ. What then does it mean to share in His sufferings in this context? Most of us do not live in a part of the world where we could be killed for being a follower of Jesus. But we could face or suffer mockery, ridicule and disapproval from others. Far too often, and for various reasons, those who profess faith in Christ act as though they are ashamed of him. But to act ashamed is the same as a denial. Stewards of the Good News are never ashamed to reveal their love for the Lord. Pentecost Sunday June 8, 2014 Mass during the Day This weekend we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit among the believers of the early Church. Saint Paul reminds us of the special power the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon us and how that power gives us the potential to live extraordinary lives of faith. Good stewards recognize this power and use their gifts, through God s channel of grace, to transform their lives and the lives of others, and thus hasten God s Kingdom. Good stewards know that it is through the Holy Spirit that they can proclaim: Jesus is Lord. The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Weekend of June 14/15, 2014 In today s second reading Saint Paul s final appeal is a call for unity. God created that unity. Good stewards who share Christ s life in the Eucharist belong to each other, just as God in the three persons of Father, Son and Holy Spirit enjoy unity. We are an intimate part of God s divine bond, God s family. Saint Paul maintains that we ought to act that way. In the Church there is a bond of family, yet plenty room for variety. Christian stewards use their uniquely varied gifts to live a Trinitarian faith, in unity, promoting Christ s peace and justice. How do we promote unity in our parish? Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Weekend of June 21/22, 2014 Among the compelling Eucharistic themes proclaimed in today s readings is the notion of participation as found in Saint Paul s letter to the Corinthians. Good stewards are part of a Eucharistic family: loving, welcoming, serving. An important part of living as a steward comes about in the many ways we can participate in the life of the Church. No matter how much time we have to give, no matter what our skills or interests, no matter what our level of commitment, there is a way to participate as a good steward to enrich our lives and the lives of others to build up the Body of Christ. Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles Weekend of June 28/29, 2014 In today s Gospel we hear Peter proclaim who his friend and teacher really is when he says to Jesus: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Peter experienced many ups and downs as a follower of Jesus. He could be impetuous, impatient, fearful and even unfaithful. After Peter had boasted of his fidelity to the Lord, he adamantly denied him three times. It seemed that Peter had burned his bridges, but Jesus lovingly rebuilt them and restored Peter to service. Peter would become the chief steward of the Gospel in the early church. Peter had failed Jesus, but with Jesus, failure is not the end. Reflect this week on the times you have failed Jesus. Were you open to Jesus forgiveness? Did it make you a better steward of the Gospel?