PARISH STEWARDSHIP. Stewardship and the Cross. Alleluia! He is Risen! International Catholic Stewardship Council. for April

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1 Alleluia! He is Risen! International Catholic Stewardship Council PARISH STEWARDSHIP A Stewardship Prayer for April Christ Our Savior, As our Lenten journey brings us closer to Easter, we see with a deeper awareness our world s desperate need to experience the healing power of your justice and peace. Make us sacraments of your mercy and instruments of your compassion. Show us how to be better stewards of your people; through our families, our brothers and sisters with whom we share your Eucharist, our neighbors, and the stranger. Show us how to carry the cross so that by dying to ourselves, we may give new life to others. And strengthen our faith, so that we may proclaim your Easter triumph more confidently, every day, in word and deed. Amen. Education and Services Committee e-bulletin April 2011 Stewardship and the Cross Do you ever think about how you experience the cross of Jesus Christ? Do you ever think about the power of that cross in your daily life? Is the cross even relevant to your life? It is to stewards of the Lord, who recognize the hope Christ brings through the gift of his cross. They acknowledge that for them, the cross is their only hope. Being good stewards of our life in Christ is not easy, but to embrace the cross is not only countercultural, it seems absurd. Then again, we cannot avoid what Jesus said to his disciples: If you wish to come after me you must deny yourself and take up your cross daily and follow me. For if you wish to save your life, you will lose it; but if you lose your life for my sake you will save it (Luke 9:23-24). The cross is more readily embraced by people of faith who suffer, are poor, broken, or are the victims of such things as violence, oppression or natural disasters. They see the cross as the hope that no matter what has happened to them, God will see them through. The Father did it for Jesus who hung on the cross, so surely their sufferings will be redeemed by Jesus sufferings. Where people possess much material abundance, comfort and leisure, however, there is a tendency to de-emphasize the cross, to draw away from it. They can t touch it or feel it so they wish to save their lives by looking to other things: power, wealth, fame, relevance, being the center of attention. What is preached about the cross from the pulpit sounds good, but in reality something more tangible is desired. Christ emptied himself completely in humble obedience, allowing himself to suffer and die out of compassion for the world (Philippians 2:6-11). Good stewards follow his example and work day-to-day to empty themselves and live compassionately; most noticeably by sharing their lives with others. As we approach the climax of our liturgical year, the Easter triduum, let us ask the Holy Spirit for an even deeper awareness of the cross in our lives. Let us find hope in the cross and pray that as we embrace it, we too will experience in a special way the joy of new life in the risen Lord.

2 Stewardship Saint for APRIL Saint Peter Chanel Peter Chanel was born in a small village near Lyons, France in Observing his simple piety and intelligence, his parish priest had him admitted to a church-sponsored school. Chanel eventually studied for the priesthood and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Belley in His mind was set on missionary work and after four years of parish ministry, he joined a recently formed religious community of missionary priests called the Society of Mary, the Marists. Father Chanel sought an assignment to a foreign mission, but instead was sent to teach in the local seminary where he soon became a spiritual director and the vice rector. In 1836, the Marist congregation was assigned a vast area in the South Pacific for its mission work. Very little was known of the New Hebrides, the colonial name for the island group that now forms the nation of Vanuatu. But a delighted Father Chanel was appointed superior of a small group of missionaries that travelled to the area. They split up and Father Chanel went to the Island of Fatuna, between Fiji and French Samoa, accompanied by a lay brother and an English layman. They were received by the island inhabitants with much hospitality and soon earned a great deal of respect for their care of the sick. Once the missionaries learned the local language and began preaching directly to the people, the king of the islanders became disturbed that Christianity would pose a threat to his sovereignty. When his son asked to be baptized, the angered king sent warriors to assassinate Father Chanel. On April 28, 1841, Father Chanel was killed with an axe and his body cut up with knives. Two weeks after the killing, a passing American trading ship took Father Chanel s companions and others to New Zealand and safety. The French landed the following year to make official inquiries and to take Father Chanel s remains with them. By the time of their arrival, however, the entire island nation had converted to Christianity. Father Chanel was declared a martyr and was canonized in His relics were returned to Futuna in Saint Peter Chanel s feast day is April 28. Prayer for the Victims of Japan s Earthquake and Tsunami Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has asked Catholics worldwide to continue praying for the victims of Japan s tragic earthquake and tsunami. One such prayer is set out below and may be adopted by families, parish meetings, prayer groups and others. Merciful and loving Father, We see the devastation wrought by Japan s recent earthquake and tsunami. We are overwhelmed by the enormity and destruction. We pray for the victims and their families, and for all who have suffered because of this terrible calamity; that they may feel your comfort and the healing power of your presence. We ask that your Spirit continue to strengthen the rescue workers and medical personnel; that their tireless efforts may yet be rewarded as they labor to assist the courageous Japanese people. We ask that this terrible event may be an occasion to open our own hearts to your compassion, and make us more generous instruments of your mercy. And through this tragedy, we pray that nations and people everywhere be moved toward a more global solidarity and peace. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen.

3 There is still time to give up something for Lent! Try one of the following: Give up complaining focus on gratitude. Give up cynicism become an optimist. Give up harsh judgments think kindly thoughts. Give up worry trust in the Lord. Give up discouragement become more hopeful. Give up bitterness turn to forgiveness. Give up resentment cultivate some humility. Give up negativism be more positive. Give up anger be more patient. Give up pettiness become mature. Give up gloom learn to smile. Give up jealousy adopt a generous attitude. Give up gossiping control your tongue. Give up tension find more humor. Give up giving up be persistent in prayer! 2O11 Annual Stewardship Conference Orlando, Florida October 23-26, 2011 International Catholic Stewardship Council Stewards of God s Grace Save the Date! Please join us for the 2011 annual conference of the International Catholic Stewardship Council Early Bird Special $499 Registration now through July 31, 2011 Register Today! Online at or call ICSC toll free at

4 Stewardship Expressions APRIL 2011 Inspired by the stewardship ministry of Suzanne Erpenbach, Knoxville, Tennessee A fresh opportunity to integrate stewardship practice into life at home, work, school, on-the-road, with friends and neighbors everywhere. Let us strive to rethink, recommit and rededicate our daily living with focus and determination to reflect caring discipleship and service throughout the year. Suzanne Erpenbach APRIL Observances Holy Week Christians worldwide celebrate the Church s remembrance of Christ s passion, beginning with his triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. Liturgically, the days of Holy Week are from Monday to Thursday and take precedence over all other liturgical celebrations. April 17 - Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion The Church celebrates Jesus entrance into Jerusalem to accomplish his paschal mystery. Palms are blessed and the gospel of the passion of the Lord is proclaimed. Palm Sunday is an occasion for reflecting on the final week of Jesus life. It is a time for Christians to prepare their hearts for the agony of His Passion and the joy of His Resurrection. Easter Triduum The Easter triduum of the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord is the highpoint of the entire liturgical year. It begins with the Holy Thursday evening Mass of the Lord s Supper, reaches its high point at the Easter vigil and closes with Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday. April 21 - Holy Thursday Before the feast of passover Jesus celebrates his last supper with his disciples. We unite with all those who gather in Jesus name to gratefully receive the Eucharist. April 22 - Good Friday Being obedient to his Father, Jesus bore the weight of our sins, was tortured, executed on a cross, died and was buried. As we follow his way of the cross, we too can empty ourselves compassionately for others. Our fasting becomes all the more significant today. April 23 - Holy Saturday We wait patiently, preparing ourselves for the Lord s resurrection. We lift up our prayers in quiet solitude and imagine the experience of being revealed with Christ in glory. April 23 - Holy Saturday Night: the Easter Vigil Alleluia! Christ is risen! If we have died with him, we too shall rise with him, passing from death to life. April 24 - Easter Sunday: the Resurrection of the Lord On this most sacred day of the year, we offer joyous praise to the Father for raising his son from the dead. Let us set our life s goal on living the life Christ has in store for us. Other Observances in the Month of April National Garden Month Every April communities, organizations, and individuals nationwide celebrate gardening during National Garden Month. Gardeners know, and research confirms, that nurturing plants is not only good for the environment, it is good for us: It reduces stress, changes attitudes toward improving health and nutrition, helps children perform better at school, and fosters community spirit. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month This month celebrates 145 years of efforts across the country to fight cruelty to animals. The ASPCA started this effort in 1866 and throughout the month of April will encourage continued public education of this fight to keep animals safe. April 2 - United Nations World Autism Awareness Day In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to adopt April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. Member states are encouraged to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. The day also celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and is a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe. April National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It is not only a moment in time to celebrate volunteers, but to enable people to share ideas, practices, and stories, wherever they happen, and shaping a movement to re-imagine the notion of citizenship for the 21st century. The week is endorsed by officials at all levels of government. April 22- Earth Day has been observed across the United States since April 22, The day highlights the growing public concern about ecological crises. Earth Day was the product of local grassroots action to increase environmental awareness but it also focuses the nation s political agenda on urgent environmental issues.

5 A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT Fourth Sunday of Lent Weekend of April 2/3, 2011 Saint Paul gives us a wake up call. As stewards of the light of Christ, we are to reflect that light with the help of the Holy Spirit. If Christ s work has transformed and illuminated our lives, there should be a change. The light of Christ s active presence should be at work in us. And as the light shines within us, we take on the properties of that light and we shine too. We are used by God to shine the light of Christ in the lives of others. A challenging Lenten reflection: Is the light of Christ shining in our hearts? Is the light of Christ reflecting out from us to others? Fifth Sunday of Lent Weekend of April 9/10, 2011 In today s reading, Martha, a close friend of Jesus, professes her faith in him even in her grief: Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world. Good stewards are friends of Jesus and profess their belief in him regularly, even when they are on the very brink of their faith. They know that death is not the last word; that Jesus is an agent of change; that faithful stewards never die. Are we friends of Jesus? Do we actually believe the Creed we profess? Do we believe Christ has the power to transform our lives? To give us eternal life? Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion Weekend of April 16/17, 2011 In Saint Paul s letter to the Philippians he makes clear that Christ emptied himself. He was not full of himself. Jesus embraced the characteristics of humility, service and obedience to carry out the will of the Father. Christian stewards know that there is no room for the Lord in a life that is full of oneself. Christian stewards follow Christ s example by taking on the characteristics of humility, servanthood and obedience. Our culture does not reward this attitude. But God exalts those stewards who for His sake, empty themselves. It is only when we empty ourselves that there is room for God to work within us. The Resurrection of the Lord Easter Vigil April 23, 2011 In tonight s reading from Saint Paul s letter to the Romans, we are reminded that we are alive in Christ. And it is not merely once a year that we remember what Jesus did to give us this new life, forgiveness and peace. Every day good stewards remember their baptism. They remember that they are united with Jesus in his death; that daily they drown the old sinful nature, and that daily they rise to their new life in Christ. Let us be mindful every day, especially when we are troubled by life or tempted by sin, that our lives are no longer about us, but about Christ s active, loving presence within us. That is our baptism. Alleluia! He is risen! The Resurrection of the Lord - Easter Sunday April 24, 2011 The reading from the Acts of the Apostles reminds us that we, too, bear witness to the risen Lord. The presence of Christ is within us, making us new, transforming us, turning us into stewards of the Good News. There is no more time for holding grudges, disliking others, seeking vengeance, maintaining old prejudices, tolerating bias. We are Christ s joy and instruments of his peace. Our world is reordered. Reflect on how we are called to let Christ s forgiveness, reconciliation and love permeate our lives. We are Easter people. Rejoice! He is risen! Alleluia! International Catholic Stewardship Council 1275 K Street, NW, Suite 880 Washington, DC T: (800) F: (202) We encourage you to check out the ICSC Forum at under members where members can share ideas and questions. The Parish Stewardship section is reviewed every day by members of the Parish Stewardship Education and Services Committee. parishstewardship@catholicstewardship.org