Stewardship

At Saint Augustine’s we recognize that as followers of Christ, we are called not only to have faith—but to live our faith as well, whether we work in classrooms or on farm fields, at humble shops or expensive office buildings, with nails or microchips; we all have a common task. We are called to be stewards—managers of God’s gifts to us. Our challenge as Christians is to make good use of our gifts.

We try to do this by placing God first our lives. When we do so we become more prayerful, more focused on loving and caring for our families and our neighbors in need, and less preoccupied with material things. In our daily lives, we manage our family and work responsibilities. But to become pre-occupied with such matters to the exclusion of the needs of others is a mistake.

To practice Christian Stewardship, we must share with those in need, giving them our God-given gifts of time, talent and treasure as an act of thanks to God for the gifts received.

As good managers – good stewards – we should do the same as the apostles: put our faith into action. Our gifts of time, talent and treasure should not be given on impulse nor should they be made up of whatever’s left over. Everything should be given in gratitude for the many blessings bestowed upon us.

We should see giving as a joyful act, not a loss; an opportunity and not a burden; an act of love and not a law. Stewardship is an act of thanks giving and homage to God; a God who has given us everything we have, including the life of His own Son.

Stewards of treasure return the first portion of all God has given. Sharing their treasure is a way to thank God for the many blessings and gifts he has given. Offering financial resources to our parish helps ensure that God’s work continues to be done in our community. Saint Augustine’s needs and depends on financial resources from stewards to pay for expenses such as: building upkeep, electricity, staff salaries, school subsidy, adult education, faith formation, and social outreach activities.

Without the financial resources of stewards, Saint Augustine’s would cease to exist. Jesus tells us that he will take care of those stewards who share their first fruits. Parishioners are encouraged to consider seriously making a good effort at giving a significant and consistent weekly gift of their treasure to the parish. Parishioners are also encouraged to consider giving a proportionate share of their estate to the parish in their Will or by other means. Being generous in these ways benefits future generations in the ongoing building up of the Kingdom of God.

All parishioners of Saint Augustine’s Parish are invited to be good stewards. Actually, it shouldn’t be seen as much as an invitation, but more as an obligation of believers. Just as we see our duty to our families as an obligation, so we should see our duty to the parish as an obligation. God gave his own Son. In return, we are asked to contribute Time, Talent and Treasure. It’s a call of faith; a call to action.