Stewards of Time

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the three servants entrusted with several silver pieces to look after while the master is away. Like the three servants, we will be asked to account for the gifts we have been given in this lifetime.

These gifts can be summed up as the 3Ts - Time, Talent and Treasure. As good stewards we are expected to discern what our gifts are and then joyfully use our unique mix of gifts for the glory of God’s kingdom.

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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
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While he was still in Edmonton, Archbishop Thomas Collins in his 2004 document talked about the central role of stewardship in the life of faith.

“Each of us spends a brief time in this life, preparing for our eternal life with God. While we are here, we receive everything from God, even life itself, and are asked to make good use of what God has entrusted to us. We are invited by God to be good stewards of His gifts.”


As good stewards, we are to plan and share our time on earth with those around us. The question we need to ask ourselves is: What exactly do I spend my time on?

Am I so focused on personal success that I do not have time for family and community? Am I scheduling my children in so many activities that family life suffers? Do competitive sports activities take the family away from Sunday worship?

Time is one of the most precious gifts we have. We need to use it for the development of healthy minds and bodies, nurturing relationships and committed spiritual lives.

When we take the time to reach out to a friend, a colleague, a neighbour or a down-and-out stranger in a soup kitchen, we begin to see how much the time we share with others can nourish us all. Self-giving is good for our own spiritual well-being as well as for the health of the community.

The pastoral letter of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops tells us, “Parishioners must accept responsibility for their parishes and contribute generously – both money and personal service – to their programs and projects.

For baptized Christians, the call to follow Jesus makes it an obligation, not an option, to live by the principles of good stewardship.

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There are different kinds of
 spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are
different forms of service but the same Lord;
there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.
- 1Corinthians 12:4
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Stewards of the Church

Stewardship is a way of life which can be put into action in all aspects of our lives. As members of the Body of Christ, the health of that body depends on the individual contribution of each member. Our gifts of time, talent and treasure can be put to full use in a number of ministries in our parish. Please check areas of interest and return.


LITURGY

[ ] Altar Server            [ ] Choir Member

[ ] Lector                   [ ] Usher

[ ] Weekend Sacristan  [ ] Greeter

[ ] Extraordinary          [ ] Sunday Coffee
Minister of the Eucharist


BUILDING CARE

[ ] Sacristy Cleaner      [ ] Painting

[ ] Hall Cleaner            [ ] Electrical Work

[ ] Gardening              [ ] Plumbing

[ ] Carpentry              [ ] Grounds Maintenance

[ ] Masonry


OFFICE

[ ] Volunteer Receptionist [ ] Casual Volunteer


COMMUNITY

[ ] Visit the Sick & Shut-ins [ ] Pro-Life Volunteer

[ ] Visit the Bereaved         [ ] ESL Teacher

[ ] 1st Friday Food Prep      [ ] Driver

[ ] Rectory Kitchen Help      [ ] Sunday Baby-Sitter

[ ] Mother’s Morning Out     [ ] Outreach to Inactive
                                          Catholics


PARISH DEVELOPMENT

[ ] RCIA Volunteer         [ ] Stewardship Committee

[ ] Project Advance       [ ] Heritage Committee

[ ] Finance Committee

PARISH GROUPS

[ ] Catholic Women’s League [ ] Legion of Mary

[ ] Knights of Columbus [ ] Youth Ministry

SUGGESTIONS

____________________________________________
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Name: _____________________________________
Address:____________________________________
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Phone:_____________________________________
E-mail:_____________________________________

Print this page, fill it out and drop it off at the parish office or just send us an e-mail to indicate your area of interest.

Thank you for your commitment to our parish!

Stewardship Prayer
Overview
Time
Talent
Treasure