Dear Parishioners:
One of the lessons learned when delving deeper into the spirituality of stewardship is that mature adults fulfill their responsibilities and make careful use of their possessions. I sense these days that young and other adult Catholics who are growing in their faith also are becoming better stewards in living and caring for the special possession of their Catholic Faith.
We all value our possessions, which are measured in terms of stewardship as time, talent and treasure.
Time is precious since we have only so much of it. The way we use the gift of time significantly affects whether we have a worthwhile life. Using time for one's self exclusively can create such a small and limited view of life and even bring an early end to one's life…that‟s been scientifically proven.
Each of us is gifted with unique talents. We are frequently influenced in the choice of our career or vocation in life by the awareness of our talents and by our desire to use them well.
Treasure usually comes to us through hard work. But good fortune, a lucky break, shrewd judgment and family resources can also provide us some measure of wealth.
There is a growing effort for all of us Catholics to understand both the word and meaning of discipleship, essential for anyone really wanting and claiming to be a follower of Christ. It is fundamental to evangelization, which is the essential mission of the Church - the reason for the focal point for all discipleship.
Every baptized person must fulfill his or her role in carrying out the essential mission of the Church: to tell all people who Jesus Christ is and what values He gives us for life “to the full” (John 10:10).
All three of these concepts - discipleship, stewardship and evangelization - are closely related and mutually ennobling for every follower of Christ. Jesus told us to “go and make disciples of all nations.”
There is joy that comes from living life this way. It‟s the way we humans are made. We get fulfillment by reaching out and giving of ourselves to others.
So, let's get going and doing what Jesus enables and ennobles us to do!
God Bless,
Fr. Jan
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