2014 Orlando, Florida October 5-8

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1 2014 Orlando, Florida October 5-8 International Catholic Stewardship Council CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP October 2014 e-bulletin Being Stewards of Hope: The Vital Importance of Evangelizing Young Adults Pope Francis said that young people call us to renewed and expansive hope (Evangelii Gaudium, 108), challenging all Catholics pastoral leaders and parishioners, friends and families to more intentionally engage and evangelize our young adults. There are indeed great moments of hope when it comes to the Church s evangelization of young people from Ash Wednesday to World Youth Day. The next step for each of us, then, is helping to transform those moments into milestones. Paul Jarzembowski, assistant director for the Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C., will help us understand those next steps at this year s International Catholic Stewardship Conference, to be held in Orlando, Florida, from October 5 to Annual Conference Stewarding Our Families at Home and in the Church k October 5-8 Orlando, Florida REGISTER TODAY AT catholicstewardship.org Mr. Jarzembowski, highlights a group of Catholic leaders whose collective expertise includes ministering to, and evangelizing, youth and young adults, especially those two generations commonly referred to as the Gen Xers and Gen Y, the Millennials. An underlying theme to be addressed by the presenters is how we avoid approaching these younger members of our communities as problems to be solved, and instead, discover how we connect them to the Gospel in creative ways that meet them on the road they are traveling. Evangelizing youth and young adults will be a recurring topic in future ICSC Stewardship e-bulletins.

2 A STEWARDSHIP PRAYER for October An Extraordinary Synod of Bishops is scheduled to take place from October 5 to 19, 2014, to address the topic: The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has asked us to pray for this extraordinary synod during the month of October. He has composed a number of prayers, including the following Prayer to the Holy Family for the Synod, which we offer as this month s stewardship prayer for October. Prayer to the Holy Family for the Synod Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendor of true love. To you we turn with trust. Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic Churches. Holy Family of Nazareth, may families never again experience violence, rejection and division: may all who have been hurt or scandalized find ready comfort and healing. Holy Family of Nazareth, may the prayerful deliberations of the Synod of Bishops make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family, and its beauty in God s plan. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. Amen. Leading Parishioners to Live as Disciples and Stewards Who Evangelize I have been greatly influenced by the wisdom of Bishop Sylvester Ryan, bishop emeritus of Monterey, California, who often reminds us that stewardship and evangelization are two sides of the same coin. That coin is discipleship. Forming people who are aware of their call to grow as disciples is a dynamic and life-giving process. It can also be challenging, as is the call itself. Jesus way is one that places demands upon us, and yet, as the United States bishops pastoral letter on stewardship notes, it is also a way of joy and a life filled with meaning. Let us briefly explore these three interrelated calls: Discipleship: While we are drawn into Christ s Body through the waters of baptism, many of us grow into a living relationship with Christ over many years. Once that relationship has been ignited, or re-ignited, people s lives are shaped by their faith and desire to grow in love of God and all that we believe as Christians. This process of ongoing conversion takes place within the community of faith. As leaders, we have the opportunity to create an environment in which those who are already on the journey of discipleship recognize their call to reach out to others, building bridges to living faith. Forming people who are aware of their call to grow as disciples is a dynamic and life-giving process. Stewardship: We are Christian stewards because we are followers of Jesus Christ. As the bishops pastoral indicates clearly, Stewardship is an expression of discipleship with the power to change how we understand and live out our lives. Through our lives as stewards, we embrace Christ s self-giving, sacrificial way of life. Evangelization: When we are in love, we cannot help but share that love with others. That is the essence of evangelization. We share the love of God as good stewards of our faith, and our sharing has the potential to draw others into a new or deeper relationship with God in Jesus Christ, as disciples and stewards. Keeping this interrelationship in mind as we develop stewardship processes and initiatives helps us lead the people we serve to a joy-filled, meaningful way of life. This is the fourth in a series of stewardship reflections by Leisa Anslinger for parish stewardship leaders. Leisa is an author and co-founder of Catholic Strengths and Engagement Community (CSEC).

3 Luke s New Testament work emphasizes the love and compassion of Jesus Christ and his concern for the poor. STEWARDSHIP SAINT FOR OCTOBER Saint Luke the Evangelist Saint Luke was a Greek physician who was from the Greek city of Antioch, the great commercial center whose ruins lie near the modern city of Antakya, Turkey. He is considered the author of both The Gospel According to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, which originally formed a single literary work, referred to as Luke-Acts. The beginning of Acts refers to the Gospel and is dedicated to the same individual, Theophilus. It is believed that he wrote his New Testament works in the ancient Greek city of Achaea for a relatively affluent Greek Christian community. Luke is also thought to have accompanied Saint Paul on his second missionary journey to Philippi, and his third missionary journey to Jerusalem. He also traveled to Rome with Paul and stayed with him during his captivity. Luke s New Testament work emphasizes the love and compassion of Jesus Christ and his concern for the poor. Parables such as the Prodigal Son, the Rich Man and Lazarus, the Good Samaritan and the Rich Fool, are unique to Luke s writings. Women were featured more prominently in Luke s portrayal of Jesus life than in any other. He dedicated the first two chapters of the Gospel to Mary in the nativity narrative, and other women included Elizabeth, Mary Magdalene, the widow of Nain, the women of Jerusalem and several others. He also places great emphasis on the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and the importance of being a good steward of one s prayer life. But Luke didn t limit his writings on stewardship to prayer. He also offers a sophisticated theology of stewardship and discipleship in his Gospel as they relate to wealth and sharing one s possessions. Luke has a specific interest in stewardship and his treatment of almsgiving was radical, with no parallel in the Greek society within which he was writing. Luke urged wealthy Christians in his community to be mindful of their stewardship responsibilities as it pertained to their spiritual lives, their community, and to the poor. According to tradition, Saint Luke the Evangelist lived until he was 84 years old and died in Beotia, Greece. He is the patron saint of physicians, surgeons, students, artists and butchers. His feast day is October 18. SAVE THE DATE! 2015 ICSC STEWARDSHIP INSTITUTE March 16-18, 2015 Franciscan Renewal Center Scottsdale, Arizona The Institute is perfect for those just beginning their efforts to teach stewardship, and those with experience seeking a great refresher. In a retreat-like setting, Mass is celebrated each day to complement the nine sessions which offer key spiritual and practical components of parish stewardship. There is ample time for networking with presenters and other attendees. Good for priests, deacons, parish staff, lay leaders and all interested in teaching stewardship!

4 STEWARDSHIP EXPRESSIONS October 2014 Every day gives new opportunities to show that we choose to live as one of Christ s disciples. Our expressions can show that we have listened to the Gospel messages, have received God s gifts gratefully, are nurturing our gifts responsibly, sharing them justly and generously and returning each with gratitude through our daily living. Reflect on how the following October events might inspire your own sense of stewardship. October 5 Respect Life Sunday Stewardship demonstrates respect for God s creation. Be aware of the many educational opportunities, prayer services, public witness events and programs to raise awareness that are hosted in your diocese throughout the month of October to help build a culture of respect and defense for every human life. Each person is called to demonstrate reverence for human life through his/ her own special and unique gifts of creation. October 19 World Mission Sunday Organized by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, World Mission Sunday is an important day in the life of the Church because it reminds Catholics worldwide about the importance of giving: as an offering made to God, in the Eucharistic celebration and for the missionary activity of the Church (see Redemptoris Missio 81). We are reminded, as stewards and disciples, that it is the Lord through His universal Church, who we are called to serve - with the same love that He gives to each of us. October 26 Priest Sunday This Sunday we celebrate the men who have exercised a unique stewardship of their lives by entrusting them to the Lord as priests. It is an opportunity for Catholics to thank, affirm and share their love and support for priests. Started by the Worldwide Marriage Encounter community, it is joined with the Serra Club s celebration of Priesthood Sunday today. Throughout this year, we can pray for vocations, and encourage those who might respond to this unique call. We can also respond to our own baptismal call by working collaboratively with our priests to build up the Kingdom of God. October 31 All Hallows Eve (the night before All Saints Day) In the annual rhythm of the Church s life of prayer and worship, the Solemnity of All Saints (Saturday, November 1) actually begins with Evening Prayer I in the Liturgy of the Hours on Friday, October 31. We rejoice in those who celebrate the heavenly banquet with Jesus Christ and we recall the Church s rich tradition of faith-filled stewards. Keep All Hallows Eve from becoming hollow by celebrating the Christian connection to Halloween and the positive messages that stem from the holiday for the benefit of ourselves and the spiritual formation of our children. Celebrate Friday, October 31, as a Catholic heritage of faith. October is a great month to share with family, friends and others. Activities, decorations, celebrations of autumn and the harvest season, special seasonal foods, prayer, serving efforts and other expressions can all reflect our desire and efforts to live as Christ s disciples.

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 Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Weekend of October 4/5, 2014 Today s Gospel reading poses some challenging stewardship questions. When Christ returns, will we be found working diligently in the Lord s vineyard; converting our own hearts into a rich harvest of love and compassion? Calling those outside our vineyard to enter into the joy of the Lord? Or will we just be living, taking advantage of what the Lord has given us, but not doing our part in return? Jesus parable suggests that if we aren t good stewards of the gifts we ve been given then the gifts will be taken away, and we will be called to give an account for our failures. We have all we need for a bountiful harvest. What will our Lord find when He returns? Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Weekend of October 11/12, 2014 There are certain Bible verses Christian stewards have memorized. One of them is in Saint Paul s letter to the Philippians found in today s second reading I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (4:13). Most people define themselves either by their problems or their possibilities. Fearful people wake up each morning ensnared by their problems. Christian stewards wake up reflecting on their possibilities with confidence and hope. Some stewardship reflection questions for the week: What challenges do you back away from because you doubt that you are up to them? What would you attempt tomorrow if you were sure God would help you? Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time Weekend of October 18/19, 2014 In today s Gospel we hear proclaimed a profound teaching by Jesus on stewardship. What belongs to Caesar? What belongs to God? Christian stewards recognize that everything they have belongs to God. God created them, and God has claims on every part of their existence. They also realize that the sovereign is an institution whose nature and purpose is to promote the common good and protect the welfare of its citizenry. As long as it accomplishes this mission while treating every single person with deep respect, justice and compassion, it merits the steward s support and cooperation. Christian stewards know what belongs to the Lord, and they are better citizens when they live their lives according to His Gospel. Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Weekend of October 25/26, 2014 There is one word or command that summarizes today s Gospel - love. For Jesus there is no distinction between these two commands of loving God and neighbor. One naturally flows from the other. In fact, for Jesus, these commands constitute a way of life for Christian stewards; a unique approach to life and to their relationship with others. Our neighbors include everyone with whom we come into contact: family members, friends, people we don t like, strangers and particularly those most in need of our love and compassion. Love is always for doing well and helping others grow closer to the Lord. What are ways in which we might do better at following Christ s love command? 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