Annual Report to the Parish

 

 

Now is a good time to start putting together an Annual Report to your Parish.  Make sure you include your financial statistics and information on the outreach programs in your parish.  Jazz it up a little with colorful graphs, pictures of folks doing ministry, photos of special events in your parish, etc.  To see how some other parishes in our Archdiocese have created informational and fun to read reports, go to http://www.seattlearchdiocese.org/Stewardship/PS/resources.aspx look under the heading Stewardship of Time/Talent and Treasure and scroll down to Annual Report Examples.

Catholic Stewardship in July

As a lead up to Stewardship of Treasure which takes place in November, it is not too early to begin putting Stewardship and Gratitude into the hearts and minds of your parishioners.  If you don't already have a Stewardship Column in your bulletin, now is a good time to start.  Your column should contain your weekly donations and how those donations relate to your budget; plus or minus.  We also have a stewardship logo and some bulletin notes which you can obtain by emailing parishstewardship@seattlearch.org.  Do you have pictures and stories about parishioners involved in ministries that you could include in the column (please seek permission from those in photos before publishing).  Here are some ideas to get you thinking:

• Any unsung heroes who quietly help in your parish
• A ministry such as pea patch, sandwiches for homeless, any outreach ministries
• Honoring those who volunteer in your office
• Stewardship ministries in which children volunteer
• Many others...

As time gets closer to November, reminding parishioners that their donations support these ministries can be done in your Annual Report to the parish.

If you have ideas to share with other parishes, please leave a comment to this post by clicking on 'no comments' below.  A window will pop up for you to type in your comment. 

Thank you, Western Washington parishes for the good work you do to support Stewardship in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

Catholic Stewardship of Peter's Pence

 

 

The Real Story

The Peter's Pence Collection derives its name from an ancient custom. In ninth-century England, King Alfred the Great collected money, a "pence," from landowners as financial support for the Pope. Today, the Peter's Pence Collection supports the Pope's philanthropy by giving the Holy Father the means to provide emergency assistance to those in need because of natural disaster, war, oppression, and disease.

By supporting this collection, our parishioners are standing next to Pope Francis as a witness of God's love to those most in need and participating in good stewardship through solidarity with the rest of the world.

 

Most of our parishioners are eager to partake of that solidarity by being generous stewards.  We, as parish leaders, need to make it as easy as possible for them to give.  One key aspect is to give parishioners the information needed to make a decision about how to support Peter's Pence.

 

Most effective is to do an announcement before Mass begins that includes information about the collection.  You might think it's important to include the history of Peter's Pence that is in the first paragraph of this blog.  In that same Mass do an announcement at collection time reminding parishioners that their Peter's Pence envelopes should be deposited in the collection basket as it gets passed around.

 

Thank you, Parish Leaders, for being good stewards of this special collection and for all the good stewardship you show in so many ways!

 



Catholic Stewardship End of Fiscal Year



As we approach the end of the fiscal year, think about doing a big 'Thank You' to your parishioners for their support of the parish. We suggest a bulletin announcement and perhaps a pulpit announcement.

You could include a recap of how the parish is finishing the fiscal year.  Maybe you could frame it in the context of Stewardship and how the parish has been a good Steward of the parish budget which includes the donation commitments of your parishioners... being sure to thank them for their generosity.  Please also thank them for volunteering in ministry and praying for the parish.  In so doing, you are reinforcing that Stewardship is not just about money, but Time and Talent as well.

This is also a good time to send out those 2nd quarterly letters of the year. We have been told by many that they appreciate the quarterly letters because it helps them stay on top of their commitment.  It also shows that you are practicing good Stewardship by being fiscally responsible.


The Office of Parish Stewardship wants to extend our thanks to all you parish staff members for the terrific job you do in promoting Stewardship throughout the Archdiocese of Seattle!



Any practices or suggestions you would like to make?  Leave us a comment by clicking on ironically, the words 'no comment' at the bottom of this post.  A text box will pop up that you can type your comment in.

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP CONFERENCES - WHAT'S HAPPENING...Sooner and Later!



For those of you that plan a little ahead...and for those of you that plan way or way, way ahead!

1.  A Little Ahead:

• The International Catholic Stewardship Council's Annual Conference is October 5 - 8, 2014 in Orlando, Florida.  For the brochure including Topics, 7 Speakers, and Registration Information click on:                                                               https://www.catholicstewardship.org/ISIC_2014/conference.aspx

2.  Way Ahead:

• The 11th Northwest Regional Stewardship Conference will take place June 26-27, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kennewick, Washington.  More information will be available this Fall - keep reading our blog.  This conference is affordable enough to send your Parish Stewardship Commission to as well.

3.  Way...Way...Ahead:

• The 2015 International Catholic Stewardship Conference will take place September 22-25, 2015.  For more information click on:                               http://catholicstewardship.com/programs-a-events/future-conferences

         Start Budgeting Now!! 
        

Stewardship of Time and Talent Follow Up

 

Many parishes did a Stewardship of Time & Talent Commitment Renewal in these weeks around Pentecost.  If your parish was one of them, congratulations & we hope all your hard work has yielded much interest in your parish's ministries.

 

Don't forget:

• Enter your data ASAP.  It can be easy to let the paperwork sit, if you are busy focusing on all of your regular responsibilities.
• Get the data to your ministry coordinators immediately for follow up.
• Remind them weekly for the next few weeks of the need to contact the folks who signed up for their ministry.
• In the Thank You letter you send to all those who returned a commitment card, make sure you include a line letting them know that if they don't get contacted by the ministry coordinator in the next couple of weeks, to let the parish office know.
• Consider having one of the parish staff, or a very trusted volunteer in the parish office, contact all those who are NEW volunteers (not repeat sign ups) so that these very crucial folks are contacted.

As we celebrate the birth of the church, it's fantastic to see some of the excitement in our own parish over people who are enthused enough about ministry to volunteer!



Catholic Stewardship of Summer

 

School will be out soon and as all parents know, that day is the real beginning of summer.  Because summer begins a new chapter of enjoying life, how can we be good Stewards of ourselves, our children, and our society during these months of new challenges?  Here are some helpful hints that you can include on your website, in your bulletin, or in your newsletter:

• Be good stewards of driving during these months when everyone is out and about.
• Keep close watch on children and elderly when weather is hot and keep everyone hydrated.
• Be very vigilant around water.  A close eye can prevent a tragedy.
• Yard work should be done in the cooler parts of the day so you don't become over-heated.  This is especially true of older folks.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and make sure your children do as well.
• Wearing sunscreen is an easy protection from skin cancer.  Use it on yourself and your children.
• Going camping?  Natural bodies of water, while looking clean, usually harbor bacteria that can make you sick.  Only drink clean water you bring with you, unless there is potable water in campground.
• Remember to be filled with gratitude to our Heavenly Father for these blessed days and for all the blessings that fill our lives.
• And....Very Important!  Take advantage of online giving and don't forget your parish during vacation time.

These are just a few hints that will help you be good stewards of this time of the year.  More safety tips abound on the internet.  Good stewards care about their environment and the people in it.  Be smart, be safe, be a good steward!

Stewardship of Prayer at a Catholic Church

Prayer Fair at St. Augustine Parish in Oak Harbor, Washington

A big thank you to St. Augustine Parish for sharing their excellent information about holding a Prayer Fair Weekend in the parish.  They had theirs on the weekend before Lent (this year that was February 22 and 23) and it was very successful.  It was sponsored by the Stewardship Commission to help parishioners explore ways to deepen their relationship with God.  Barb Dumit was kind enough to share a complete template on planning, holding, and follow up for a Prayer Fair.  If you would like a copy, just email parishstewardship@seattlearch.org.  For a sneak peek, see some of their suggestions below:

• Hold Mass in Parish Hall
• Set up identical booths on either side
• These booths include all prayer ministries, books including the Little Black Book for Lent, and some new ideas that involved interaction with the youth in the Parish (see below)
• After the Homily, Father had parishioners get up and 'shop' for new ways to Pray (he gave them 10 minutes)

This interactive approach was carried forward in the follow up steps with a big cross built by  the youth.  Parishioners were invited to write the 'burdens of their hearts' on sticky notes and attach them to the cross.  The youth, prayed for these 'burdens' throughout the following week.  Over 300 prayer notes were attached to the cross.  What a beautiful way to involve youth in sharing, caring and praying and being Stewardship of Time models for the whole community.  Congratulations, St. Augustine Parish for this inspirational and practical way to be good Stewards of Prayer.  For more ideas and a complete template don't forget to email parishstewardship@seattlearch.org. 

Comments welcome.  Click on the words 'no comments' and a text box will pop up for you to type in your response.

How to tell if someone is a visitor or newcomer to Mass

A tip from a Parish Staff member!

 

 

How can you tell if someone attending Mass is a newcomer or visitor?  Maybe you have many parishioners at your parish.  Enough, so that it is impossible to recognize everyone.  Especially if it is a Mass you don't normally attend.

 

Kathi Rowley of Mary, Queen of Peace recently gave us this tip.  "If they have to ask for or are looking for the bathroom, they probably haven't been there before."  She pays attention to those who pop out of Mass and are obviously hunting for something!  What a brilliant idea. So for all of you that are working on welcoming...give it a try.

(Thanks to Kathi for this tip!)

 

She also shared her parish's 3 step process to make contact with newcomers.  During the week in which they register, two senior parish volunteers with the 'gift of gab', call the newcomers and welcome them.  A month later, the pastor makes a phone call to welcome them again.  Finally, 6 months out, someone from the pastoral council calls them again.   This is working well for our Sammamish parish and we think it will work well for you.  If you try this, please let us know by emailing parishstewardship@seattlearch.org.  As always, we welcome your comments. 

A Great Year for a Ministry Fair!

 

This is a particularly good year for a Ministry Fair

 

 

Recently, our office has been advising parishes to have Ministry Fair's every couple of years.  They are large endeavors and doing them well periodically seems to be better than struggling with them every year. In fact, data we collected several years ago showed us that Ministry Fairs seem to yield a bigger response when they don't occur every year.

 

This year, there are some good opportunities because of the way the calendar cycles.

 

If you are doing Time & Talent renewal late this Spring to coordinate ministry sign-ups with Pentecost, the weekend before Pentecost would be a great time for a Ministry Fair.

 

If you are doing Time & Talent renewal after Labor Day, the weekend between Labor Day and Catechetical/Build Hope Sunday is a particularly good one to show off your ministries.

 

We have good information for putting on a Ministry Fair.  If you would like it, contact us at parishstewardship@seattlearch.org and we will be glad to send it to you. 



ME25 Impact Seminar Explained

Is your parish having an ME25 Impact Seminar?

 

 

Sometimes at ME25 Impact Seminars, the question about 'hierarchy' of Engagement is raised.  This is the idea that the Engagement Items are arranged from 'self' focused to 'outward' focused as seen on the above pyramid. 

 

These groups of questions are labeled:

• ‘What Do I Get’
• 'What Do I Give'
• 'Do I Belong'
• 'How Can We Grow'

These labels have raised some questions.  Al Winseman, of Gallup, whom many of you have heard speak has told us that on the Q12 Seminar, they have relabeled this hierarchy so that it reads:

• 'Basic Needs'
• 'Individual Contribution'
• 'Belonging or Teamwork'
• 'Growth'

To those of you involved with Impact Seminars, we ask,  "What do you think of these new labels?"  Please leave us a comment.

Region XI Stewardship Conference

At the region XI (California) Stewardship Conference recently (where Scott was speaking), a presentation by Matt Manion of Catholic Leadership Institute spoke of looking at Catholics in the following intriguing categories gained from recent survey data.

 

% of US Baptized Catholics not practicing - 50 - 60%

# of US Baptized Catholics not practicing  - 36 Million

 

% of US Baptized Catholics practicing - 23% Monthly

                                                                       10% Weekly

# of US Baptized Catholics practicing  - 15 Million Monthly

                                                             -   6 Million Weekly

 

% of US Baptized Catholics Intentional Disciples - 5 -7%

# of US Baptized Catholics Intentional Disciples  - 3 - 4 Million

 

% of US Baptized Catholics Disciple Makers - .04%

# of US Baptized Catholics Disciple Makers - 25,000

 

The data also showed the following responses from Catholics:

 

I consider myself Catholic, though faith is not a significant part of my life	4%
I practice my Catholic faith, but do not know Jesus personally like a friend	27%
I have personally encountered Jesus Christ and am growing as a disciple	38%
My relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important relationship in my life	31%

Expect to hear more about this as we learn from Good Leaders Good Shepherds and the Catholic Leadership Institute.

Stewardship of Parishioner Data

Because there is a constant stream of stories (and probably will be for a long time) about the theft of personal data on the internet, now is a good time to inform your parishioners about how your parish is a  good steward of the information they share with you.  In bulletin and perhaps pulpit announcements, remind them that you don’t collect social security numbers and that you don’t electronically store any credit card data on parish computers. 

Also, let parishioners know how you handle paper data – that it is kept under lock and key with very limited access and that when no longer needed it is cross-cut shredded. 

Tell them how you safeguard the electronic data that you do keep – that individual parish staff only have access to the data they need for their particular ministry.

Finally, reassure them that the parish does keep on top of the recommended changes for handling data as received from the Archdiocese and your IT experts.

 

Stewardship of Labor: Feast of St. Joseph the Worker

St. Joseph and the Child Jesus at work

Today is the Feast day of St. Joseph the Worker.  Pope Pius the XII instituted this day to honor labor and the serious role it plays in our lives as Christians.  Our work is glorified because sacred scripture places the role of work in our lives in such high esteem that Jesus, himself, was taught to work. St. Joseph whom scripture describes as a righteous man and whom God chose to be our Lord's foster father, taught Jesus the honorable trade of carpentry.  In this way, even our Lord took His place in society, using His gifts as a good Steward to build up the Kingdom of God through the labor of His hands.   In the below prayer, Pope Pius tells us how we are to be good stewards of our work:

 

Prayer to St. Joseph the Worker

Glorious St. Joseph,
model of all those who are devoted to labor,
obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously,
putting the call of duty above my many sins;
to work with thankfulness and joy,
considering it an honor to employ and develop,
by means of labor,
the gifts received from God;
to work with order,
peace, prudence and patience,
never surrendering to weariness or difficulties;
to work, above all, with purity of intention, and with detachment from self,
having always death before my eyes
and the account which I must render of time lost,
of talents wasted,
of good omitted,
of vain complacency in success
so fatal to the work of God.
All for Jesus,
all for Mary,
all after thy example, O Patriarch Joseph.
Such shall be my motto in life and death.

Annual Catholic Appeal and Parish Stewardship. What's the difference?

                                                                   

     Annual Catholic Appeal                  Parish Stewardship                                               

 

Hopefully all Catholics are aware that the Archdiocesan Annual Catholic Appeal is happening now!

 

Several parishes at this time of year – and in the Fall as well – share information with their parishioners reminding them of the difference between Parish Stewardship and the

Annual Catholic Appeal.  We all know that some confusion still exists. So what can you do as parish staff to make the difference clearer to your parishioners.

 

In your bulletin, announcements, and other means of communication...

Point out:

• The Annual Catholic Appeal supports the Archdiocese, as well as its ministries.
• Parish Stewardship of Treasure supports the income of the parish through weekly/monthly donations in the offering basket or electronically
• Annual Catholic Appeal giving/pledging occurs in the Spring of each year
• Parish Stewardship of Treasure commitment occurs in the Fall of each year
• The Annual Catholic Appeal is a one time gift or is a pledge that is spread over 10 monthly payments to the Archdiocese
• Parish Stewardship of Treasure is our giving to our Parish throughout the year, using our weekly/monthly offering envelopes
• The Annual Catholic Appeal is giving to the Archdiocese and is billed by mail from the Archdiocese
• Parish Stewardship of Treasure is our giving through the offertory at Mass to our parish

Please take this opportunity to educate your parishioners on the difference between the Annual Catholic Appeal and The Parish Stewardship Yearly Commitment Renewal.  Both Campaigns are important ways for parishioners to follow the Gospel Call to share their gifts with others and with our generous God from whom all gifts are received.

Easter Stewardship

The big day is almost here, and since we have so many folks join us this Sunday that aren't around on other weekends, it's important as good Stewards and Evangelists that we make them feel welcome. Here are some tips:

• Make sure it is clear where to park – especially if the usual church parking lot is full.  And it hopefully will be!  Is handicapped parking easily found?

• Make sure it is clear how to get from the parking lot into the church.   (Not always clear! And rarely as clear as we 'experienced' folks think it is.)

• Ask those good & faithful folks who attend every week to sit towards the front and scoot towards center to make it as easy  as possible for less regular attendees - especially since they might be last minute arrivals.

• You want to make everyone feel welcomed as they come in the church - in a subtle and stress free way.  Consider having the ushers/greeters hand out a worship aid or something else to worshippers as they come in.   For most of us, it is usually easy to say hello and welcome people if we have something to give them.  You might even ask kids to help out with this.   Non-regular attendees might be less suspicious of children handing something out.

• Make sure there is some ‘Welcome’ info in the pew envelope holders with the pew envelopes, and definitely make sure the pew envelopes are well-stocked – they DO make a difference.

• Consider handing out a gift after Mass as people leave, like a Prayer card, flower or some such item.  Make a special gift for the kids such as a bag of jelly beans or little plastic easter egg with candy inside.

We hope these ideas help you make your church an inviting, friendly place that says Welcome to all on Easter.

 

Catholic Community



Stewarding Community with Parishioners

 

Earlier this week, I listened to a Paulist Evangelization Ministries webinar on Families, Evangelization, and the New Catechesis.  Aside from the important topic of evangelization, which is so crucial to spreading the message of stewardship, it made some good points about how we steward community with our parishioners.
 

• A Faith Forming System should take into account that to a great extent there is Church Life and there is Daily Life that our parishioners experience.

 

• We are dealing with parishioners - and people who reside in our parish - that are greatly diverse in how they experience religion, from Vibrant Faith and Active Engagement to Not Affiliated.

 

• Parishes have the challenge of connecting Church Life and Daily Life. (And our culture makes it much more important that we make those connections.)

 

The good news is that Online/Electronic Communications can make that much easier than in the past.  A lot of good and practical ideas were shared.  To listen to this webinar go to:

 

http://eventcenter.commpartners.com/se/Meetings/Playback.aspx?meeting.id=248115

Catholic Stewardship of Social Media

Sherry Hayes-Pierce

Social Media is a big part of many people’s lives.  It, therefore, needs to be addressed by our parishes.  In the last couple of years, our parishes have been asked to include parishioner emailing as a way to communicate to their flock and where this is done, there has been much positive feedback.  Because we needed help to think more broadly about how to use social media beyond the email, the Stewardship and Development office brought in a speaker to help us.  Her name is Sherry Hayes-Pierce and we gained some very good knowledge from her that we would like to pass along to you:

·         As regards Social media – rather than any do’s or don’ts in the Church world, Sherry talked about  the what’s.  Because it is important for parishes to connect with their people, it should be important to do that in the most effective way possible. Social media is one of these effective ways

·         Does your parish have a facebook page?  What are some things that you post on your facebook page?  Is there anything important that you don’t post, but could?  What about the Prayers of the Faithful; Sunday readings; funeral dates and times; messages that drive folks back to your website?  If the sky was the limit, what other things could you think of?

·         What about youtube?  Could you post a message from your pastor?  What about videos of your youth, parish events, witness speakers.

What does your parish do already?  What new ideas do you have?  Please tell us in the comment box below (click on the line - no comment - and a comment box will appear) or send an email to parishstewardship@seattlearch.org.

 

Catholic Stewardship of Emotions during Tragedy and Disaster

 

When Natural Disaster Strikes

When a natural disaster strikes, there are no easy answers.  The pain is so horrible and so raw that the mind begins to shut down. One question those of us a step removed from disaster need to ask ourselves, is how do we as good stewards handle the emotional impact of tragedy?  There are many very human reactions.  As a young person, I tried to hide from tragedy, never listening to the news, plugging my ears so I didn’t have to hear about anything that was sad. As a youth and young adult, I told myself that it was someone else’s problem and not my worry.  I built a thick shell and only acknowledged the bright side of life.  I learned that hiding from the bad in this world, or making it someone else’s problem didn’t make it go away. Sooner or later, we all have to face sadness and tragedy in our own lives, those of our loved ones, even our community and we need to be good stewards of our emotions to do that in a healthy way.  After working in a parish for many years, listening to stories of sadness that inevitably come to a church, helping to prepare funerals for old and young alike and being part of a community where I was aware of the tragedy and the joy in people’s lives, I learned through my dear Pastor and parish staff friends that turning to God is the only light in the darkness.  It is only right that we pray our way through tragedy in our own lives and in the lives of others.  Whether we are first responders, collectors of needed items, listeners to others grief, or givers of money, we are good stewards of our own emotions and warriors to help those hardest hit, if we pray without ceasing for God’s peace and presence in the midst of disaster.  A better person than I said:

“Jesus did not come to explain away suffering or remove it.  He came to fill it with His presence.”  Paul Claudel     This is not a pat answer or just easy words to say.  We are challenged to believe those words. I have heard many say when they look back on terrible tragedies in their lives, that God must have carried them through because without Him life would have been impossible.  Let us ‘steward’ (take care of) all who are suffering by responding as best we can by holding them continually in prayer.

Catholic Stewardship of Time and Talent

Archdiocese of Seattle Stewardship of Time and Talent

The date is fast approaching when our parishes will be called upon to begin their Stewardship of Time and Talent campaign.  We are excited about this pairing and look forward to seeing how our parishes customize their materials to incorporate both.

Speaking of materials….we are rolling out our new artwork during this Time and Talent opportunity.  We hope all of you notice our new text drawn from John 3:16.  We welcome your comments. 

Click on hyperlink below image for more info and to order your Time and Talent materials.

 

http://clients.printwest.net/customers/seattlearchstewardship/

Choose Username from Drop Down Menu

Password is:  ps2014

 

 

LA Religious Ed Congress

St. Charles Borromeo

Patron Saint of Catechists

 

I recently was fortunate to attend (for the first time) the LA Religious Ed Congress.  I walked through what seemed like miles of booths in the exhibitors’ hall.  Many of those booths were full of materials from publishers offering resources to help catechists.   While I think a catechist who lives and understands stewardship as receiving gratefully, cultivating responsibly, sharing lovingly, and returning generously and communicates that through their catechesis is what is needed, often it is helpful to have additional resources.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Here are a few of the more popular resources:

      ·         Taking Care of Gods Gifts (OSV) – for younger kids

·         7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free (OSV) – for adults    
 

·         Stewardship, A Way of Life.  Four Faith Sharing Sessions (Liturgical Press) – for adults

·         Catholic Strengths and Engagement Community website

·         Stewardship Bulletin Inserts (Parish Publishing)

·         A Catholic Kids Guide to Stewardship (Twenty Third Publications)

·         The Bible Speaks of Stewardship – A Four Session Study (Twenty Third Publications)
 

If anyone has used any of these resources, or has other ideas for resources, please let us all know via the comment section below.  Thank You.  Scott Bader

 

 

 

Catholic Stewardship Gardens

 

 

Gardens for Good!

 

Holy Cross Potato Harvest

 

Gardening is a great idea to bolster up becoming a good Catholic Steward.  Growing our own food is helpful for mind, body and soul.  The smell of the warm earth, the anticipation of crops, the act of planting a seed, all these things remind us that the Lord has blest us with all that we need.  He even sends the rain to nourish our crops (especially here in the Pacific Northwest.)  And…if we do  have a dry spell, water is only a hose-length away.  At harvest time, we have the opportunity to cook, eat and freeze or can our own produce and most gardeners will tell you that it tastes that much better for having grown it themselves. 

As Catholics we are called to be good Stewards of all that we have.  To what else does Catholic Stewardship call us?  In the US Bishops Pastoral Letter on Stewardship, we are called to receive God’s gifts gratefully, cherish and tend them in a responsible manner, share them, and return them with increase to the Lord.  What??? Share them?  We planted them.  We watered them.  We weeded them.  We harvested them.  Aren’t they ours?  If we are trying to be good Catholic Stewards, the answer is no.  Who do they belong to? … God, of course.  In the Pastoral Letter, we are called to share a planned and proportionate amount of what we have with the rest of the Body of Christ.  As we write this blog, several parishes who do just that, come to mind.  Holy Cross, Lake Stevens grows potatoes in an otherwise unusable portion of their property, giving away to local food banks over 72,000 pounds of potatoes.  St. Thomas More, Lynnwood has a Community Garden and gives 90% of their harvest to the Lynnwood Food Bank.  St. Thomas, Tukwila provides the ground for local refugees to grow their own food.  St. Stephen the Martyr, Renton asks parishioners to tend a given portion of the parish grounds creating a chance for gardeners to garden and the parish to save financial resources. These are but a few of our local parishes following the call to be good stewards of their land.  Are you a gardener?  Do you reap a harvest that you can share in a planned, proportionate way?  Right now is the time to begin planning summer gardens.  Perhaps you can plan a garden where you share some of your crops with the less fortunate in your area.  Remember what our Lord said, ‘‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:40.  Gardening for Jesus!  A good Catholic Stewardship concept!  Please let us know of your good stewardship efforts.
Any material in this blog can be re posted or used in any publication.