International Catholic Stewardship Council CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP February 2015 • e-Bulletin

A STEWARDSHIP PRAYER Metanoia: The Challenge of Lent for February As we prepare ourselves for the begin- Gracious God, ning of Lent (Ash Wednesday, February 18), we might consider a Greek word You sent us Your Spirit that resonates during the season: meta- to help us noia. Just the sound of it is challenging live the Gospel and commands our attention. Literally, according to the gifts the word means “to change one’s mind.” we have been given. In our Christian tradition it has come to Show us how to be be connected with repentance and more good stewards of importantly, to conversion. But perhaps your grace and the online Merriam Webster dictionary passionate followers defines it most beautifully: metanoia- a of Christ, Your Son. transformative change of heart. To Cath- Grant us the wisdom olic stewards, that phrase perfectly de- to recognize that fines our yearning during Lent. We yearn through His gift of the Eucharist to be transformed by a change of heart. there is one bread, and we are one body. Perhaps our Lenten resolve shouldn’t be limited to the usual Give us the strength small sacrifices or token pieties, but to a deep commitment to proclaim His Good News to a daily prayer that asks for the courage to be transformed in word and deed. And teach us to live, by a change of heart. no longer for ourselves, Actually, that kind of change can be a scary proposition. It sounds risky. It’s certainly but in Jesus Christ life-changing. If metanoia actually took place within us, if we allowed that kind of who lives and reigns with You heart-based transformation into our lives, would our lives be different? and the Holy Spirit, On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (January 11) the Gospel reading one God forever and ever. revealed to us that Jesus walked down to the Jordan River and asked John the Amen. Baptist to baptize him. There were two men, utterly transformed. John would call others to repentance in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus Continued on page 2

International 2O15 Conference See page 3 for a special January offer Continued from page 1 would be led by the Holy Spirit into the desert before Keeping a Prayer Journal embarking on a ministry that proclaimed the Kingdom of God. John would be beheaded for his ministry; Jesus During Lent would be crucified. Are we ready to be transformed during this Lenten sea- This February two events son? Yes, we want to be good during Lent, attend extra will take place within just Masses, lay off the chocolate, make sure the attends a few days of each other. Holy Week liturgies. But metanoia? Valentine’s Day falls on the 14th, and Ash Wednesday th Perhaps the online Merriam falls on the 18 . Valentine’s Day gives us an opportunity to offer written expressions of our love and affection in cards Webster dictionary defines and letters. Why not express our love for the Lord by keeping it most beautifully: a prayer journal during Lent? metanoia- a transformative The season of Lent can be a great time of spiritual change of heart. growth and keeping a prayer journal can help strengthen our prayer life. Journaling can help you listen more intently Transformation alters us, opens our hearts in radical to God’s voice, track your spiritual growth, and deepen your ways. We witness it in the doctor who travels to Sierra Le- relationship with the Lord. one to take care of Ebola patients during his vacation time; There are different ways to keep a prayer journal. You can in the couple who adopted, with very little time for dis- simply reflect on a passage from scripture, then write down cernment, three kids who had been orphaned and needed your thoughts and feelings. You can write what you feel you to be kept together; in the family that makes a decision hear during prayer. It’s important to commit to a specific time to tithe despite their financial worries. Transformation re- and place each day to pray and spend time in silence with quires courage. It is not a thing casually approached. God. Then, as part of your prayer experience, write a few Perhaps our Lenten resolve shouldn’t be limited to the lines. Whether you want to express your joys, challenges, usual small sacrifices or token pieties, but to a deep com- praises or laments, share them with the Lord in writing. mitment to a daily prayer that asks for the courage to be Valentine’s Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on transformed by a change of heart. Let this simple prayer and express ourselves to those we love. Prayer journals ac- suffuse our Lent: “Even if it takes time, Lord, make me complish the same thing in our relationship with the Lord. If smaller in the world, bigger in the kingdom.” Metanoia – you’re not already in the habit of keeping a prayer journal, let us rise to the challenge of the Christ who beckons us to try it. You’ll be surprised by the spiritual awareness you cul- follow him this Lent into the desert. tivate as you journey with Christ toward Easter.

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! SAVE THE DATE! SAVE

For more information and to register, visit catholicstewardship.com 2015 International Conference

World Day – A Day to Celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage A sage once wrote that a good marriage is like a fire around which others come to warm themselves. So, as we celebrate World Marriage Day on February 8, we real- STEWARDSHIP ize that no matter our station in life – married, single or in the Footsteps of Pope Francis religious – we have benefited from this sacred covenant relationship whether through the example of our parents, Chicago, Illinois | October 22-25, 2015 grandparents, and other role models, or through our own stewardship of the marriage covenant. For the Catholic steward, marriage goes far beyond the legal or societal agreement that our culture might define. For the Catholic steward, marriage is a sacrament that fos- ters a sacred covenant; establishing family and nurturing the domestic church which we understand is fundamental to our spiritual development. Marriage brings us countless blessings, but is met with many obstacles. Busy schedules, the challenges of parenthood, the strains of finances, mortgages, issues of health and aging – all of these test the bonds of even the Special January offer for ICSC members finest unions. World Marriage Day, observed on the second Sunday of each February, is sponsored by Worldwide Marriage Encounter, associated with Catholic Marriage Encounter. % Many Catholics have participated in a Marriage Encounter weekend, but no matter how we have endeavored to grow in and to support our , or the marriages of those 33 off close to us, we know that marriage does take effort, con- 2015 conference registration tinuing commitment, deep prayer, great communication, a when you register by January 31! good sense of humor and faithful love. Many parishes celebrate World Marriage Day by the renewal of vows, the celebration of special anniversaries, or even candlelit dinners in the parish hall. Take time this February to celebrate marriage, whether by setting aside a visit catholicstewardship.com special time to devote to your own spouse, or by honor- to register TODAY! ing the marriages that have warmed you and nurtured you throughout your life. � Inviting Newcomers into Ministry is Good Stewardship

Recently, I enjoyed a conversation istry for many seems to be increasing Reconnect old friends, and pair with a college campus minister who participation in outreach and ser- newcomers with returnees. It is awk- has touched the lives of many students vice, so that these vital experiences ward when it seems to newcomers through service retreats and alternative of Christian discipleship in action that everyone else knows each other. break experiences. As we talked about become opportunities for more than While encouraging old friends to re- the lifelong impact for students in such those already involved. connect, be intentional about the service experiences, John said, “I have I believe the answer is to reconsider ways new participants are integrated come to the realization that we build the ways in which we promote partici- into the experience. relationships through serving together. pation and welcome newcomers. Invite testimonials. Those who have As the young adults serve side-by-side, Personal invitation is fundamental. had powerful experiences of service they get to know each other. They talk So often parish leaders complain about are the best ambassadors for future in the evenings, and break open their lack of participation, yet when asked if participants. Testimonials at the end experiences, and by the time they they have invited new people to join of Mass and in the bulletin or news- get home, they have become friends. them, the response is “it has been in letters speak to the many ways people Through their friendship, they become the bulletin.” The bulletin is important, are touched, from the friendships they more committed disciples.” but personal invitation is key. People made to the ways in which serving One of the most profound ways we are more likely to respond to people! leads them to a deeper living faith in may bring the spirituality of steward- Follow-up is essential. How many Jesus Christ. ship to life is through ministry and times have we heard, “I signed up service. And as John noted, gathering once and no one called me.”? The This is the sixth in a series of people in shared ministry leads them prompt response to and warm wel- stewardship reflections by Leisa into relationship with one another, come of new participants insures that Anslinger for parish stewardship which leads them more deeply to they know their contributions will be leaders. Leisa is an author and co- Christ as disciples and good stewards. valued, and word spreads — they are founder of Catholic Strengths and However, one of the most chal- more likely to bring friends when they Community (CSEC). lenging aspects of stewardship min- know every person is welcome.

STEWARDSHIP for February Saint Miguel Febres Cordero, F.S.C. Saint Miguel Febres Cordero is ’s first canonized saint. He was born in 1854 in the city of Cuenca, which is located 8,000 feet high in the Andes mountains. His grandfather had been active in Ecuador’s struggle for independence in 1822. His father taught English and French in the seminary in Cuenca, and his mother was a devout woman who was active in many of the local works of charity. Francisco was crippled in both legs from birth and was unable to stand until he was five years old. His mother cared for him and educated him at home until he was nine. He then at- tended the De La Salle Brothers school in Cuenca where he became an outstanding student. He was chosen to give the address of welcome to President Garcia Moreno when he came to visit the school. He joined the Christian Brothers as a teenager and during his first years as a developed a Spanish gram- mar textbook that was published when he was 19 years old. Brother Miguel’s grammar book eventually became the standard text for all schools in Ecuador. He continued his work on similar educational publications and became recognized internationally as an educational writer. Brother Miguel also ministered extensively in the area of reli- gious education and made a lifelong commitment of preparing young people for the sacraments. He was a humble, dedicated religious who devoted himself to the stewardship of education, both in the Spanish language arts and in religious formation for youth. Besides his accomplishments in the areas of religious education, he was known as a man of prayer, and a person with a generous heart. He died in 1910 at the age of 56 and was canonized by Saint John Paul II in 1984. Although he is not on the , his feast day is February 9. Called. Transformed. Sent to serve.

BECOME AN ICSC MEMBER TODAY International Catholic It will enhance your stewardship efforts tremendously! 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 in dioceses and parishes worldwide. ICSC is the only organization dedicated exclusively to advancing Christian steward- ship 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. Membership Includes ICSC Provides • Discounts for conferences, institutes • Expert advice for introducing Christian stewardship to your parish community and publications • Techniques proven to revitalize parish life • Membership directory • Practical stewardship ideas • Access to past conference • Support for teaching stewardship to children presentations • Reflections for preaching stewardship • Monthly parish e-bulletins offering • A network of speakers for parishes and diocesan gatherings weekly reflections, prayers, bulletin • Conferences that offer the wisdom and experience of those committed to inserts and much more stewardship as a way of life • Web site section for members only • Retreats that offer in-depth reflection and study on Christian stewardship with the latest parish stewardship resources • Publications that inform and enhance our understanding of stewardship • Access to stewardship resources, models and samples online • Access to parish leadership planning tools • Opportunities to exchange ideas and information with stewardship parishes in North America and beyond • Opportunities to exchange ideas, • Best practices for promoting stewardship in the parish 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 A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time • January 31- February 1, 2015 no one is abandoned in Christ. Are there those in our society or in our personal lives for whom we ascribe no hope, who we A prominent theme in the Gospel of St. Mark is the divine au- have abandoned, treated like lepers? Or as Christ’s stewards of thority of Jesus of Nazareth. While Moses was a prophet who our sisters and brothers, do we risk reaching out and touching spoke from a personal experience of God, he promised a great those who may seem to us to be “unclean” or not worthy of prophet who would be Jesus himself. He is the one empowered our time or attention? by his Father to be the Messiah; whose teaching reached into people’s hearts and caused them to turn toward God. Even “un- clean spirits” responded to him. Stewards allow the teachings Ash Wednesday • February 18, 2015 of Jesus Christ to touch them and transform their lives. Do we The Gospel reading for Ash Wednesday concerns itself with recognize the authority of Jesus to touch us each day? Do we what has become a traditional three-part Lenten exercise: give Christ the opportunity to transform us? prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Jesus instructs his followers to turn to God, to turn from self interest and to deepen their re- Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time • February 7-8, 2015 lationship with the Lord in secret. He tells them in effect that a humble and quiet disposition toward prayer, self-denial and In today’s Gospel we hear of a great number of suffering people reaching out to others is transforming and leads to a favorable seeking the healing touch of Jesus. He could not respond to outcome. What is our plan to turn ever closer to God in this them all. But the Gospel also reveals Jesus, after praying in soli- Lenten season? Are we prepared to treat this season as a sacred tude, sensing an urgency to proclaim the Good News of his Fa- time, a time to deepen our own relationship with the one who ther’s redemptive love to those who suffer in the nearby villages redeemed us? and towns. Stewards are called to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, to respond to those who suffer with compassion. How are we responding to the suffering in our world? How are we using our First Sunday of Lent • Weekend of February 21-22, 2015 gifts to continue the works of Christ’s redemptive healing? In today’s Gospel, Jesus urges his listeners to do two things: to believe in the Good News and to repent. The steward is called Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time • February 14-15, 2015 to repent: to acquire an openness to begin anew, to change ex- isting attitudes and habits, and to act with faith in the Gospel. The fate of a leper is a great tragedy at any time and place. In this season of Lent, now is the time to ask ourselves whether In Jesus’ time, lepers were considered condemned, part of the or not we truly believe in the Gospel; and if we do, to what plagues God sent as punishment. They were cast out of society extent are we willing to change our prevailing habits and be and abandoned. St. Mark’s Gospel reveals the unthinkable. Je- more faithful to the Gospel? sus reaches out and touches a leper. He risks catching the con- tagious disease and heals the man. As the Gospel story teaches,

International Catholic We encourage you to check out the ICSC online community at Stewardship Council www.catholicstewardship.org under ‘members’ where members 1275 K Street, NW, Suite 880 can share ideas and questions. The Parish Stewardship section is Washington, DC 20005-4077 reviewed every day by members of the Parish Stewardship (800) 352-3452 Education and Services Committee.

www.catholicstewardship.org • [email protected]