ST. ANTHONY of PADUA a letter from our pastor
Stewardship: A Way of Life, Or Just a Fad? Dear Parishioners,
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adly, there remain a number of people who still misunderstand stewardship. In spite of the fact that it is a biblical term found in the Old and New Testament, some believe it is only about raising funds and increased offertory giving. That limits and restricts its meaning. The misconception that stewardship is only a passing fad couldn’t be further from the truth. Many of us have lived through our share of fads. Think about some of the fashions that once hung in your closet during your younger days — painful reminders of previous times when fads began and ended as fast as the months passed by. The point is, stewardship should never be placed in that category. A “way of life” in the spiritual sense is not a passing fad. Jesus never introduced the call to discipleship as something fashionable for a time, and then having it considered out of date. However, I have known some who are very committed to their faith for a time and then say, “I got over it,” and returned to former ways that are not so good for one’s spiritual maturity. If one truly understands and embraces stewardship, they know it is not something you do for a brief moment in time and then “get over it.” It is life-changing — not for a moment, but for all time. I have confidence and trust in my faith that stewardship remains my way of life, and I pray for you that it is yours, as well. I know it continues to inspire countless numbers of people who want to live lives holy and pleasing to God. Stewardship is an expression of
that desire, and one does not get over it, outgrow it, or deny it once they truly “get it.” As stewards, it is important to continuously re-examine our commitment to our parish family, our own personal commitment to being Catholic, living the faith we profess, respecting and cherishing the sacraments we receive, and strengthening or renewing our relationship with God by accepting the call to be our Lord’s disciples. Just as discipleship has never been a fad introduced by Jesus Christ, stewardship as a way of life is not one, either. Understanding that stewardship is a way of life for you and your family confirms that you understand your discipleship, your importance in this parish family, and your baptismal call that began your life as a Christian possessing the potential to do God’s will. Fads will always come and go. They are momentary fascinations, like a short-term fashion statement. Our lives were intended to be more than a series of fads. God wanted more for His children than that. Jesus Christ would never have done that to us. He called us to a way of life, not a fad. Let’s celebrate that and pray that each of us will respond appropriately. Sincerely yours in Christ, Fr. Tom Donovan Pastor
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