A Letter From Father: What Are You Going to Do With Your Life?

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Join Us For Our Stewardship Retreat: An Opportunity to Draw Closer to Christ

Dear Family,

One of the greatest joys I have as parish priest is to celebrate the Baptisms of both adult converts in the great Easter Vigil and of infants. These are both unique and wonderful moments, yet both are also very different from each other. In the Baptism of adults, there is a great sense of rejoicing because they have finally come home — in the Baptism of infants, there is great joy because that infant now shares in the life of grace, is made a child of God and a member of the Church. There is one thing that is common to both, common to us all no matter how recently or long ago we were baptized — we are called to be students of the Lord Jesus, to live as He lived, so that we might share in His Death and Resurrection. This is a lifelong process, a work that God brings to completion day after day, month after month, year after year. God begins the work and we respond to His call, to His love and to His grace, this response is truly what stewardship is — a disciple’s response to the call of God in our lives.

Stewardship is not just a response but is the way we live our lives as disciples of the Lord, it is a response that matures into a lifestyle. Over the last month or so, I have had many happy reunions with families that I have not seen in many years, their children are now teenagers and young adults. More than ever, I found myself asking these young people, “what are you doing with yourself these days?” A question asked to find out their plans, hopes, goals and dreams. Let me tell you, the responses were varied! Some were very good and revealed a strong sense of direction and ambition, others not so much. In the course of these conversations, I had a chance to remind them that God has given them certain gifts, certain talents and abilities. I encouraged them to talk God about these things and offer them back to Him so they might be used for the greatest good and God’s glory. That is what stewardship is! Making a return of what God has given us, so that with Him greater things can do be done.

People ask why I am convinced stewardship is so important in our parish life and our lives as individuals, and the answer is easy — stewardship makes sense! As I live each day of my life, stewardship helps me ask, and answer, the important questions. Have I made time for God? Have I used my abilities to serve Him and His people?

It helps me remember that all I have God has given me, and increases the desire to give Him all that I am, to live fully as not only His priest, but His son. To be His son or daughter is the greatest gift we have been given — I am thankful that my parents and godparents brought me to the holy waters of Baptism.

In the rite of Baptism, when the new life of grace is poured into our souls, we are not asked, “what are you doing with your life?” but we are given a candle. We are told that we have been a new creature, given a new dignity and told to keep the light of Christ alive, with the help of our parents and godparents. In short, we are called to live as disciples of the Lord Jesus. Then, bringing the rite to a close, before the blessing and dismissal, clothed in the white garment, the light of Christ burning before us, we pray “Our Father…” And we begin living life as Christians, and disciples. A great gift is given to us, a gift beyond measure — to call God “our Father,” to live in His love. This gift of relationship and love is why stewardship guides the way I live my life and my vocation — it constantly asks, “what are you doing with your life?” What will you do with yours?

Your Father in Christ,

Fr. Estrella, Parochial Administrator