Lent calls for sacrifice much like stewardship. What better time than Lent to focus on being a good Christian steward. During Lent we make sacrifices for 40 days through prayer, fasting and almsgiving to prepare for Easter. As faithful Catholic stewards, we are called to step out of our comfort zone to share the gifts of time, talent and treasure that God so generously gave us all the time. If we are not living the life of a Christian steward, Lent is the perfect time to start!
“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
When it comes to our prayer life, how often do we say, “I just don’t have time.” The question we should be asking ourselves is: how much time each day do we give to God in prayer? When we think we just don’t have time, we should take a look at what we do make time for. How many TV shows did we make time to watch this week? Our phones track our screen time with details down to the app. Don’t we wish our phone reported more time on the Hallow, Archangel Radio or Laudate apps? Unfortunately, social media is typically the big winner. There is no better way to start or end every day than with prayerful time with God.
Using our talents can require stepping out of our comfort zone too. If you play an instrument or have a beautiful voice, please join the choir. Thankfully, the pews are filling up and looking more like the Mass in pre-Covid days. Maybe you parish need ushers or greeters to welcome everyone as they enter. If you are physically able to serve in any way, ask your pastor what ministry needs your help.
It is uncomfortable to talk about the reality that fewer people make financial gifts to charities every year. In fact, less than 30 percent of the households in the Archdiocese of Mobile gave to the Catholic Charities Appeal in 2021. Unfortunately, 1,584 of the 7,141 people who gave a financial gift to Catholic Charities in 2021 have not yet made their pledge to the 2022 Catholic Charities Appeal. Thankfully, 1,144 new or lapsed contributors answered God’s call to stewardship this year with a gift to Catholic Charities. Unfortunately, that leaves us with a decline of 440 donors just this year. This steady trend has plagued many charitable organizations for many years. We can see stewardship in action at each ministry supported by the Catholic Charities Appeal, as they use every gift to serve the physical, mental and spiritual needs of tens of thousands within the Archdiocese of Mobile. Embracing stewardship as a way of life is the only way to reverse this trend.
“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with first fruits of all your produce; Then will your barns be filled with plenty, with new wine your vats will overflow.” – Proverbs 3:9-10.
If our gift doesn’t pull us out of our comfort zone, can we call it a sacrifice?
— Shannon Roh is the Executive Director of the Office of Development and Stewardship for the Archdiocese of Mobile.