Save these 2010 dates!

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2 ARCHDIOCESE OF VANCOUVER STEWARDSHIP ALIVE! Save these 2010 dates! Website: rcav.org/stewardship February, 2010 Saturday, March 13, 2010 Parish Stewardship Day Good Shepherd Church th Street, South Surrey 8:00 am Mass Presentations until 3:00 pm. Everyone is invited to Father Galvon and his parishioners for a unique opportunity to hear Father Daniel Mahan, Executive Director of the Marian University Center for Catholic Stewardship in Indianapolis. He has recently authored More than Silver or Gold: Homilies of a Stewardship Priest and has actively pursued a ministry of stewardship education for many years making numerous presentations. Cost $40 per registrant. Phone the parish to register: ***************************** Friday, April 16, 2010 First Diocesan Stewardship Gathering St. Clare of Assisi Parish, 7: Johnson St., Coquitlam 7:00 pm All parishioners are invited to attend this Stewardship gathering. Especially good for the novice or anyone looking for basic information about Stewardship what works, the successes and the challenges. There will be presentations and time for interaction followed by a Wine and Cheese reception details will be forthcoming. ***************************** Sunday, September 19 Wednesday, September 22, 2010 International Catholic Stewardship Conference San Diego, California. Whether you have a stewardship committee or not, this conference promises to be invaluable for any and all stewardship efforts. Participants will find it extremely worthwhile in their personal and spiritual lives and in their service to the Church. For more information call Barbara Dowding at the Stewardship Office or visit the conference website: Book early to save $$$$

3 Lenten thoughts from f the Stewardship Director s Desk As we focus on prayer, fasting and almsgiving for the next weeks of Lent, let us also think in terms of Stewardship. Prayer is one of the three pillars of the Lenten practice, but is also the foundation for parish stewardship initiatives. Prayer opens our hearts and minds and it allows us to draw closer to the Lord. We pray for the grace to live out our baptismal call, for the elect to be baptized at Easter, and for all who will be renewed by the sacrament of reconciliation during this time. In praying for one another, we embrace brothers and sisters alike for the sake of the Gospel. Through prayer, in the name of Jesus, we engage and welcome our neighbor. Stewardship involves spending time with God. Recognizing that every day is a gift from God, we strive to spend some of each day with God, through prayer, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, scripture reading, quiet, meditation and other spiritual activities. Fasting should remind us that we are responsible for showing Christ s face to the world, especially those in need. In going without, we show our concern for those who fast because of poverty and those who suffer because of injustices. We fast to put the pain and suffering of others into perspective. By going without, we can see more clearly the need to do whatever we can to alleviate that suffering. Stewardship is counter-cultural. While society encourages us to continually strive for more and more, stewardship helps us to recognize that we already have more than enough. Fasting is not fashionable, especially when we fast from luxuries, excesses and pleasure. God has provided us with everything we need. Almsgiving is also tied to our baptismal commitment in the same way as prayer and fasting. It is a sign of our care for those in need and an expression of our gratitude for all that God has given to us. Works of charity and the promotion of justice are integral elements of the Christian way of life that we began at our baptism. Stewardship calls us to realize that each of us is called to give as God has given to us. We no longer base our giving on what others are giving. We no longer excuse ourselves from giving because we do not see others giving. Rather we give in proportion to all that God has given to us in order to help those who cannot help themselves. Stewardship is a conversion of heart, an attitude of gratitude and a way of life. Pray with gratitude. Put gratitude into action. Make gratitude a habit. Barbara Dowding Vice Chancellor/Director of Stewardship Archdiocese of Vancouver 150 Robson Street Vancouver, BC V6B 2A7 T: (direct) F: E: bdowding@rcav.bc.ca

4 Parish Stewardship Survey Please take a moment to consider the following: 1. Is your parish actively engaged in a Stewardship program or activity? 2. Are you interested in finding our more about Stewardship? 3. Is there anyone in your parish who has a passion for Stewardship that would be a good candidate to sit on the Archdiocesan Stewardship Advisory Board? 4. Do you know anyone who might like to volunteer at, or for, the Stewardship Office to assist with the Stewardship website? 5. Are you interested in having a parish stewardship representative that would be a liaison between you and the Stewardship Office? Thank you in advance for taking the time to review this survey and for returning this form to me. Barbara Dowding Fax: bdowding@rcav.bc.ca Phone: CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Address: Phone: Recommended for: Advisory Board Website Volunteer Parish Rep

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