July 2006 Stewardship Tips

What is your Stewardship Committee doing this summer? 

Even if your regular meetings go on hiatus for a month or two, here are some things you could be doing during the summer months to invigorate your committee and enhance the stewardship climate at your parish:

Do a little active recruiting during your parish picnic.  People who value hospitality – who thrive on helping to create opportunities for fun and fellowship – would be good new members of the parish stewardship committee and wonderful people to help plan your next “time and talent” event.

Find a Lectionary and read the Scriptures -– especially the Gospel readings -– for the upcoming fall Sundays.  Every weekend is a good weekend for stewardship; the Scriptures are overflowing with references to God’s generosity, gifts, sacrifice, and the service of others.  Immersing yourself in the language and themes of the weekends preceding your fall stewardship appeal is guaranteed to fire your imagination and enhance your efforts, whenever it is scheduled.

Make plans to attend a stewardship conference or regional stewardship gathering.  “A little leaven leavens the whole lump,” St. Paul says, and having even one member attend such an event means an infusion of fresh ideas and enthusiasm.

If getting away is difficult or finding travel money is a problem, get your parish on a stewardship exchange list to see the materials developed by other parishes and dioceses.  Call the International Catholic Stewardship Council at (202) 289-1093 to find out how to get on that list.

Does your parish fiscal year end June 30^th?  Look over the parish year-end results – and recruit a member of the Finance Council for the stewardship committee.  It’s amazing what new understandings are born when members of the Finance Council and the stewardship committee mix and mingle!

And don’t forget to relax, recharge, and rejoice in God’s gift of these longer, brighter summer days.  That’s good stewardship, too!