Nov. 7, 2010 –Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14; Psalm 17; 2 Thessalonians 2:16 – 3:5; Luke 20:27-38 or 20:27, 34-38 It’s jokingly said that one of the most painful motions a man can make is to reach down to pull his wallet out of his pocket. That’s especially true when he’s […]
Eric McArdle: Stewardship Formation and Parish Leaders Part II
As a continuation of my last blog entry on stewardship education for parish leaders, there is another resource you may find useful. It is a four-session, workbook/video study session that is solid on the spirituality of stewardship. It is perfect for continuing stewardship education for you pastoral/parish council, staff, and finance council. The series was […]
Eric McArdle: Stewardship Formation and Parish Leaders
One of the key success factors in developing a stewardship parish is the spiritual formation of parish leaders. This is an area where many parishes receive a failing grade. If the “leaders” in a parish aren’t formed in a solid understanding of the spirituality of stewardship, how can we expect the rest of the parish […]
Fr. Michael Troha: Measuring the Success of the Stewardship Renewal
The Fall season is a time when many stewardship parishes conduct their Annual Stewardship Renewals. That is indeed the case here at my parish, Immaculate Conception in Willoughby, Ohio, as October is our Stewardship Renewal month. We mailed out our Stewardship packets to all parishioners asking them to make their commitments of Time, Talent and […]
Stewardship Bulletin Reflection for the Week of Oct. 31, 2010
Luke 19:1-10 The wealthy chief tax collector desired to see Jesus when he came to Jericho, but had to climb a tree to see over the crowd. Jesus invited himself to Zacchaeus’ house, even though tax collectors were despised for collaborating with the Romans. But as Wisdom says, God warns offenders and reminds “them of […]
Stewardship Reflections on Lectionary Readings – Oct. 31, 2010
Oct. 31, 2010 –Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Wisdom 11:22 – 12:2; Psalm 145; 2 Thessalonians 1:11 – 2:2; Luke 19:1-10 Conversion is more than just a dramatic emotional experience leaving behind lingering warm feelings, although that’s the concept held by many people. A conversion, rather, is a total change from one way of life […]
Eric McArdle: Defining Stewardship
What does stewardship really mean? The Diocese of Wichita came up with a good explanation with the following definition: “Stewardship is the grateful response of a Christian disciple who recognizes and receives God’s gifts and shares these gifts in love of God and neighbor.” While it may be a short and simple statement, it is […]
Deacon Don McArdle: Important Elements in a Successful Stewardship Renewal
How do you make your Stewardship Renewal as successful as possible? Does success hinge on beautiful displays at your Ministry Fair, or perfect color photos in your brochures? While these are important details, the most important elements during your Renewal are prayer and people. As with many endeavors, prayer is essential to your Stewardship Renewal. […]
Stewardship Bulletin Reflection for the Week of Oct. 24, 2010
2 Timothy 4:6-8 In Jesus’ Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, the Pharisee exhibits all the good respectable qualities. The Tax Collector is just the opposite, both a traitor to his people and a greedy cheat who takes more than he is due. But God accepts the prayer of the Tax Collector and […]
Stewardship Reflections on Lectionary Readings – Oct. 24, 2010
Oct. 24, 2010 –Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18; Psalm 34; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14 Is it a sin to be respectable? It almost sounds as though it is if you skim through the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18. After all, the Pharisee was respectable, […]
