Pastor Talk on Stewardship

Pastor Talk on Stewardship Commitment Weekend Guideline – Weekend #3 (October 10-11)

Pastor or presiding celebrant offers a stewardship homily, and then guides parishioners through their commitment forms.

1. Description of Commitment Weekend On Commitment Weekend parishioners will have already received a stewardship packet in the mail that contains a letter from the pastor and a stewardship commitment form. The goal is to collect as many commitment cards as possible. A recommended process is as follows:

Material Preparation: A) Prior to Commitment Weekend - Stewardship Commission members assemble commitment forms, pencils and envelopes. B) Commitment envelopes should be distributed by hand or place the commitment envelopes in the pews or pew racks. Be sure to replenish the pencils and commitment forms before each Mass. Have volunteers available to make sure that everyone who needs an envelope has one.

2. At the beginning of Mass, the celebrant announces that it is Commitment Weekend and offers a homily about stewardship. Then he guides parishioners as they fill out the commitment forms. The completed commitment forms are placed in the regular or special collection.

3. Integrate stewardship into the Sunday Readings Stewardship offers us a way to put first things first. Although stewardship includes sharing financially, God seeks trusting and faithful and grateful hearts.

Scriptural Topics: wisdom, discipleship, accountability, commitment, power of God, vocation • First Reading, Wisdom 7:7-11 “I deemed riches nothing in comparison to wisdom.” • Second Reading, Hebrews 4:12-13 “The word of God is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” • Gospel, Mark 10:17-30 “Go and sell all you possess, and come, follow me.”

During this last month, we have reflected on Christian Stewardship and how it can become a way of life in our lives, families, and parish.

Homily Reflection: The Book of Wisdom teaches us that the spirit of wisdom is more precious than gold or silver. Echoing this value in St. Mark’s Gospel, Jesus makes it clear to the rich man that if he wants to be Christ’s disciple, he must obey God’s commandments, as well as sell all that he has and give it to the poor. This is too much to ask of the rich man and he walks away sadly. The Letter to the Hebrews also reminds us that we must render an account to God of how we care His blessings. How would you respond to Christ’s challenge? Are you willing to sacrifice a portion of your income to the Lord through giving to the Church and those in need? 4. Explain what stewardship means at your parish I want to thank [insert name(s)] for sharing their personal witness over the past few weeks. I also want to thank each of you for the gifts you are to our community. Together we are the Church, and we will build up God’s kingdom on earth and answer His call to discipleship. Stewardship is using our God-given gifts wisely, for the good of ourselves and others, and for the glory of God. Stewardship impacts every part of our lives. When we speak of stewardship in our community, we are asking, “How are you using your gifts to enrich one another and those in need?” Our stewardship renewal is a time for each family to re-assess its role in our parish and make new commitments. It is a time to renew our dedication or get involved for the first time.

5. Pastor/Celebrant shares his personal commitment to stewardship It can be a great witness to share personal stewardship commitments with the parish. You may also want to share specific volunteer needs or financial goals, such as more catechists or paying down the parish debt.

6. Talk about the good things happening in the parish Share how you are encouraged by the many wonderful people and ministries that take place within the parish. You may want to give specific examples of stewardship in action. Share a vision where many more families or single individuals step forward to become active in the parish.

7. Invite parishioners to complete their commitment forms. Today is Commitment Sunday, the day when we decide how we will give our time, talent, and treasure to our parish. In a few moments, I’m going to ask you to fill out your stewardship commitment card. Today the Lord is inviting us to give Him our whole hearts. Making a commitment of time, talent, and treasure, is an expression of that love. You should have all received my letter and commitment form in the mail. If you did not bring your completed form with you today, there are extra forms in the pews. At this time, I ask our volunteers to pass out the stewardship commitment forms and pencils. Pause while the forms and envelopes are distributed. You can also share a brief reflection about stewardship. If you have not yet completed your commitment form, you are invited to do so now.

Step one: Your Household Record your household information.

Step two: Time in Prayer Make a commitment of your time to gather in prayer at Mass and pray for God’s work through our Church.

Step three: Talent Share your talent with your parish through the ministries chosen on the reverse side of the commitment form. Elect a ministry area where you are already involved or where you would like to become involved as a family.

Step four: Treasure Record the financial amount you are able to share with God and the Church for the next year – 2013 – and the frequency of your financial support. Please note the three convenient options to fulfill your treasure commitment. Now we’ll take a few minutes to fill out the forms together. (pause) Pleases place your commitment forms in the collection basket.

Alternative: The ushers will take a special collection just for your commitment forms. If you may want to pray and think more about your commitments, you can bring your completed form back next weekend. Thank you for sharing your gifts with God, this community, and beyond.