It's our role to teach children about stewardship

Eight years ago I moved my oldest child into college. As we drove to Mass that weekend, one of my younger children asked me, “Mom, does she have to pay the bill to St. Michael (Parish) now that she is going to Mass in Auburn?” I was confused and asked what she was talking about. She continued and said, “you know, the bill you and dad put in the basket at Mass each week.” My heart sunk as I realized I had failed. I am the executive director of Stewardship and Development for our archdiocese and I had clearly failed to teach my own child about stewardship. 
Since that moment, we have had countless conversations about how everything we have is a gift from God and we are called to give back proportionally. We are called to give of our time in prayer, share our talents by volunteering and give a portion of the money we earn to the Church and charity.
Fast forward eight years and the very child who asked that questions is now a student at Auburn and I assure you she has a clear understanding of stewardship. I reminisce about this story because back to school is the best time to have a conversation with our children about stewardship. After all, stewardship calls our children to put their talents to work, do their best in school and use their time wisely. 
As parents, we are the primary educators of our children. It is our responsibility to make sure our children receive an excellent academic education. It is also our responsibility to teach our children about our faith, morals, how to be a good friend, and basic life skills, unfortunately stewardship is typically not on the list. Yet, it is also our responsibility to teach our children the meaning of stewardship. 
Some say the best way to teach is by example. I thought just by giving my children the envelope to put in the basket during the offertory, they would understand what was going on. Well, I was wrong. Our children pick up on everything. However, it is our responsibility as parents and grandparents to teach our children why we do the things we do in Mass, even in stewardship.  
This is a true story, and my hope is that it inspires you to have a conversation about stewardship with your children and grandchildren. 
“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace” – 1 Peter 4:10.
­­— Shannon Roh is the Executive Director of the Office of Development and Stewardship for the Archdiocese of Mobile.