Stewardship is a way of life. It is a way of living each day in gratitude for all the blessings that God has given to us. We do not own the gifts God gives to us. We are only here on earth to use those gifts to do God's work. The roots of stewardship can be found in the Bible, which tells us over and over that God is the Creator and Giver of all gifts. It is our responsibility to show our gratitude to God for these gifts, by giving back to Him a truly grateful share. At St. Thomas More we have a Stewardship Commission that guides the parish and its ministries in living the stewardship way of life.
- Contact Information
- Upcoming & Recent Events
- Catholic Teaching on Stewardship
- Helping Out With This Ministry
- Steve Kliman
Stewardship Commission Chair
steve@stmaustin.org
258-1161 ext 211 - Nancy Malak
Stewardship/Membership Secretary
nancy@stmaustin.org
258-1161 ext 229
The Stewardship Commission meets on the first Wednesday of each month. For times and locations, please check the parish bulletin or online parish schedule. ALL parishioners are invited to attend these meetings.
We host an annual Ministry Fair each August to promote the 75+ ministries that we have here at St. Thomas More. The Ministry Fair for 2010 will be on August 14th & 15th before and after all weekend Masses.
In August every year we ask parishioners to renew with commitment of Time, Talent and Treasure by filling out a Stewardship Commitment Card. This card is also one way of signing up for ministries throughout the entire year.
- Our 2010/2011 Stewardship Commitment Card is available in the ministry literature rack near the Family Centers. A PDF version of the card as available for download. If you are going to print it out, please note that it is formatted for legal-sized paper.
- The Commitment Card contains a place for a pledge of Treasure. Please take some time with your family to discern what your financial pledge will be and then fill out that portion of the Card.
- If you are interested in using St. Thomas More's e-steward program, where treasure is taken directly from your checking account, then view or download the e-steward form.
In 1992 the U.S. Catholic Bishops released a pastoral letter on stewardship entitled Stewardship: A Disciple's Response. The Bishops described a Christian steward as one who:
- Receives God's gifts gratefully
- Cherishes and tends them responsibly
- Shares them in justice and love
- Returns them with increase to the Lord
Discerning Your Gifts:
We may think that we don't have any gifts because we associate giftedness with the extraordinary. We think of a friend that sings in the choir like an angel and think they are gifted. Many of us may not have the gift of singing, but we ALL have extraordinary gifts to share. Our parish community is based upon a diversity of gifts and these gifts compliment one another.
There are different kinds of Spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit, there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. — 1Cor. 12:4
Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them, if ministry, in ministry. — Rm 12:6–7
Our gifts from God are to be used during our time in this life so that we might assist in the building of the Kingdom of God on earth. Not for our own personal use, but for the good of the community.
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? So also faith of itself; if it does not have works is dead. — James 2:14,17
We tend to think of our gifts as what we do, my skills, and my strengths. For example, a CPA might serve on the finance committee. Our gifts are a reflection of our entire being and all of our gifts are from God. My faith, my wife, my kids, my friends and my money are gifts from God. All of these gifts belong to God. I am to be the caretaker of my gifts during my time in this life. I can't take them with me, they are not mine.
How can you identify & share your gifts? Set aside some time, reflect on your gifts and the things you enjoy doing. Pray about how you can give gratefully back to God in gratitude for the gifts He has given you through service to your family, St. Thomas More Parish and our surrounding community. When we recognize our gifts and know where to use them, giving of our time & talent becomes easier and more rewarding. Our parish is renewed as we serve in ministry to others.
Putting God at the center of our lives so we can live…
Jesus' message to us in the Gospels is simple and clear — God must be at the center of our lives. This means that nothing is more important than loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves. All our efforts and energy to obtain wealth, prestige, and power are nothing more than folly. Jesus himself said, "Sell your possessions and give to charity… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." — Luke 12:33–34. Jesus is not asking us to give everything away. He only wants us to rid ourselves of those things that keep us from God. One of the things we treasure most in our society is money. We often put our money, or the pursuit of gaining more money, ahead of doing God's will. iPhones, iPads, and iPods are no replacement for the I AM.
What can I do to put God first? We must prayerfully and honestly examine our lives and God's place in it. Is God important enough in our lives to attend Mass weekly or just when it is convenient? Is God important enough to spend time with Him in daily prayer, alone or with our family, listening to the Holy Spirit guiding us, or do we allow our TVs, radios, iPods, and cell phones to keep us from hearing and listening to God's voice?
Isn't stewardship just about money? Stewardship is about recognizing all of God's gifts to us; receiving them gratefully; sharing them with others; and returning them with increase back to God. The gifts of stewardship are our time, our talents, and our possessions. These are the three things that make up our lives. All of them can be used selfishly, or for God's glory as Jesus taught us. We must use all aspects of our lives for the benefit of the less fortunate, for our faith community at St. Thomas More, and for all of humanity. Stewardship includes caring for all of God's gifts to us; our fellow humans, the environment, and all of creation.
To help us use our treasure in the service of God instead for ourselves, the Bible has given us a minimum benchmark, the tithe — 10% of our income. Consider taking a step by giving at the next level. For example, if you are presently giving 4% to the parish, consider committing 5%. You are encouraged to give at least 5% to your parish, 1% to our diocesan Catholic Services Appeal, and 4% to other charities.
Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you. — Luke 7:38
Our attitude of gratitude can grow to become one that brings us joy in loving and serving one another.
St. Thomas More is a 'Parish Community Committed to Stewardship.' Our goal is to encourage the spirit of stewardship on a year-round basis. We have over 75 ministries that serve our parish and our surrounding communities.
When you participate in ministries or activities that help our community like food, gift and blood drives you are practicing stewardship.