Stewardship

Contact Susan Clark 368.5862 click for email address

There are many areas where you can serve. Click on the Ministries button to see what you can do. Each year in the fall we sign up for ministries, but you can join at any time.

We don't give because we have an abundance of resources and can afford it.
We give because of a desire to share what we have with others
out of love and gratitude.

By baptism, each person is called to be a disciple and through Stewardship we give expression to who we are as disciples of Jesus and we can change how we understand and live out our lives. We know both from what scripture tells us and the examples of many, that those who choose to put their trust in God and live their lives as Christian stewards live life to the fullest. Through the practice of Stewardship, the Church is strengthened and built up. Through the Church, the world is transformed.

In a recent publication from the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) entitled “Stewardship: A Disciples Response”, the bishops communicate a vision and invite Christian people to grasp the fact that they are no less than ‘God’s co-workers’ (1Cor 3:9). The Bishops look at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. We are all to share in the creative, redemptive, and sanctifying work of Jesus Christ through the Church. You can read more about this vision for an understanding of the role of Stewardship that we are all called to live.

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

The St. Raphael Stewardship Committee’s mission is to promote the spirituality of stewardship in our parish. We are visiting the various parish ministries to promote stewardship in every aspect of parish life. In addition we create awareness of ministry opportunities at a Stewardship Showcase and we facilitate a parish wide Stewardship reflection and commitment process. During this time parishioners fill out Stewardship forms and identify how they want to serve God in the coming year.

What is a good Christian Steward?
A good Christian steward is one who
receives God's gifts gratefully
grows them in a responsible manner
shares them in love and justice with others and
returns them with an increase to the Lord.

You may also directly contact any leader of a ministry or group in which you wish to participate. See our Parish Ministry Page for contact information.

Your on-line record shows your involvement in Groups each year. When you click on 'Groups' you will see a list of your activities. The year will indicate the most recent date of your involvement. You will be listed as 'Member' or a 'Prospect' (if you recently indicated interest, but may not have been contacted, trained or come to a meeting yet). If you are no longer a member of a group, then your participation will show when you select the 'History' tag. Note that the data entry was begun in 2007, so years are not listed prior to 2007. Groups that involve so many parishioners, such as bringing goods for food baskets or volunteering at the Parish Fair, are not included on this list.

St Raphael Stewardship Prayer
Adapted from the Prayer For Generosity,
attributed to St. Ignatius of Loyola

Dearest Lord, teach us to be generous.
Teach us to serve you as you deserve;
Doing those deeds that You give us to do.
To give of our time and not to seek for rest;
To give from our treasure and not to count the cost;
To give of our talent and not to ask for reward;
Save that of knowing that we do your will.