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 family 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 Marriage 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 marriages, 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.