St. Michael the Archangel

 In common language, “stewardship” simply means taking good care of one’s belongings. At St. Michael, when we talk about stewardship, we mean something more than that. As Christians, we believe that we don’t own anything, per se. God has created all things; everything we “own” is really “on loan” from God. From this perspective, stewardship means taking care of God’s gifts. Everything God has given us — unique skills, a warm smile, good income — is intended not only for us but for others, too. As strange as it seems, being a good steward of these gifts involves giving them away. As we learn from Jesus’ life, self-giving is the road to true happiness. Stewardship is using our prayer, service, and gifts to build God’s Kingdom. All three elements are equally important. Our Beyond the Hour stewardship renewal is an important event for our parish family. It is a time when we reassess the way we use God’s gifts by making commitments of prayer, service, and gifts. Renewing ourselves in these areas results in great spiritual benefits for us as individual parishioners, and for the community around us. This year, how will you use what God has given to you?

• Preparing Yourself Spiritually: The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “Prayer and Christian life are inseparable” (CCC, 2745). St. Paul tells us to “pray constantly.” But as anyone who has ever tried to pray regularly will tell you, prayer can be hard work. That is why we have to make a firm commitment to be persistent. Just as we learn to budget our money or schedule occasions for service, we also have to be very specific when we make time for prayer. Many people set aside 10 minutes in the morning to sip a cup of coffee and read the daily readings. Others pray a Rosary on the way to work. Still, others pray with their children before bedtime or pray with their spouse before retiring for the evening. However, we pray, the important thing is that we make a conscious effort to spend time with the One we love most.
  

• Becoming an Active Servant: Every week, our parish is buzzing with activity. Some groups pray together, groups that minister to other parishioners, and apostolates that reach out to the community. Christ Himself taught us that “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). When we lay down our wants and desires to serve each other, God blesses our efforts! Will you consider where God is calling you to serve Him?
  

• Consistent and Generous Giving: Our deepest reason for giving is not because our parish has needs, but because we have a spiritual need to give. We are called to give to God from our first fruits, and to recognize that everything comes from Him. Our gifts to God should be out of faith and gratitude for what God has done for us. Just like the apostles who laid down their nets the moment that Jesus called them, we too should lay down everything, even something as important to us as our finances, to follow Christ. God’s promise to us is a promise of life and security when we place all of our trust in Him. “The Lord will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).