Frequently Asked Questions about our Annual Stewardship of Ministry Weekend
What is the purpose of the Annual Stewardship of Ministry Weekend?
Our Stewardship of Ministry Weekend is an occasion as a parish community to remember how abundantly God blesses us. We as recipients or “Stewards” of God’s gifts have a special opportunity to respond to God’s blessings. We do this by choosing to commit or recommit a worthy portion of our time and talent in ministry service to God through our parish.
Why do we do this every year?
Ministry is at the heart of our Christian faith. St. James wrote: “Faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17). Because the godly use of our abilities (time and talent) is special, we set aside a special time to first reflect on how the Lord has called each of us to serve one another in love, and then second to provide the parish a special opportunity to dedicate or rededicate ourselves in service to the Lord. Think of it this way: Even though we are Catholics last week and will be this week and next, each Sunday at Mass we still rededicate ourselves to God and His Church in the Creed. In that same spirit: once a year we formally dedicate ourselves to serve God and His Church through our Stewardship of Ministry Weekend.
What Happens during our Annual Stewardship of Ministry Weekend?
Two weeks in advance parishioners will receive a Ministry Commitment (Time and Talent) Card. The Time and Talent Card contains a list of over 80 opportunities to be involved in ministries and services in our parish. Each member of our parish is asked to use the two weeks prior to prayerfully consider how God has blessed us with capabilities and desires to serve God in our community of faith. Each parishioner is asked to fill out their Time and Talent Card and bring it to Mass as part of their offering to God.
If I am already in a ministry and wish to continue, why fill out a Ministry (Time and Talent) Commitment Card every year?
Filling out a card every year, even if you are continuing to serve in the same ministry, has two purposes. One is Spiritual and one is Physical. Spiritually, filling out a card and prayerfully offering it at Mass is a special way to offer thanks to God. When we love people we often give them gifts. When we give ourselves to God in a special way at Mass – we are giving Him the one thing He does not have – our free will choice to love and serve Him. The offering of our Time and Talent Card It is a special way to say “I love you” to God. Physically, the offering of a Time and Talent Card provides a simple, but powerful way for parishioners to become involved if they have not yet made a commitment to service ministry. If you are already serving and wish to continue, the offering of your Time and Talent Card is a practical way for the parish office staff and ministry coordinators be informed of your recommitment and keep a current list of active ministers. With over 2,000 families we need to periodically keep our ministry records updated! This also applies if you are leaving or changing your ministry involvement.
How do I receive training if I sign up for a New Ministry?
The person who coordinates the ministry you select will contact you by phone and mail. They will let you know when training sessions are available for you to attend so you can become familiar with why we serve and how we serve in your chosen area of ministry. You may also find training information in our church bulletin.