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Stewardship Prayer
O Lord, giver of life and source of freedom,
I know that all I have received is from your hand.
Gracious and Loving Father,
You call us to be stewards of Your abundance,
the caretakers of all You have entrusted to us.
Help us to always use Your gifts wisely
and teach us to share them generously.
Send the Holy Spirit to work through us,
bringing Your message to those we serve.
May our faithful stewardship bear witness
to the love of Jesus Christ in our lives.
We pray with grateful hearts, in Jesus' name. Amen.
A Christian steward recognizes God as the source of all, and knows that we will be held accountable for how we used the gifts he entrusted to our care.
We acknowledge that everything comes from God and that returning a small amount of time, talent, and treasure (10%) is the best way to thank God for our gifts. The Stewardship Way of Life emphasizes the need to give more than anyone needs to receive.
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Who Is A Christian Steward?
He or she is a person who receives God's gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord. The first step in practicing the stewardship way of life is a realization that everything comes from God - our time, our talents, our treasures, our families, our friends, our lives, our faith, eternal life, Jesus, the sacraments, the world around us and everything else. The next step is a conversion of heart and mind where we thank God for all these gifts, accept the responsibility placed on us by them, and use them wisely and lovingly to serve God and others.
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"An Active Parishioner"
An active parishioner is one who is registered in the parish and actively participates in the life and mission of the Parish and the Church. By "actively participating," it is meant, among other things that:
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the person/family is registered in the parish ( included in the parish census)
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the person/family is attending Mass regularly
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the person/family helps the parish through their stewardship gift of talent, time and treasure (the family is receiving and using envelopes)
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the person/family is involved in the religious education programs, social activities, service projects, and fundraising activities of the parish.
The above understanding is used in determining readiness for the celebration of sacraments and enjoying the privileges and support of the Parish Community.
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Good Stewardship In Action
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Living Out The Beatitudes
Each year our PSR 6th grade holds a bake sale to benefit various organizations. Special thanks to the mothers and students who helped to make this fundraiser a huge success. Proceeds are typically split among St. Joseph Cares, Appalachian Experience, Catholic Charities, and Catholic Relief Services.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16
Sharing Our Abundance
Do you have an abundance of fresh foods from your garden—maybe more than you can use? For several weekends in late August and early September, you can share your abundance with other parishioners and the 4C’s Food Cupboard through our Produce Sharing Program. During WEEKEND MASSES ONLY, please bring your clean, fresh fruits and vegetables from your garden. Place them on the table provided in the alcove outside the church entrance. Parishioners are invited to take home what they would like from the sharing table. All produce left after the last Mass will be taken to our local 4C’s food cupboard, the Crestwood Coalition for Community Care. Thank you to St. Joseph Cares for coordinating.We Plant ~ We Grow ~ We Share
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Ox Roast Fair Donations
Members of several Girl Scout Troops of the Crestwood School District and other volunteers collected a vehicle full of canned goods to help stock the shelves of the 4C's, Mantua's food cupboard. Thanks to these young ladies, a very valuable community service project continues.
Our leftover food products that could not be returned to suppliers is donated each year. These items may include beef, produce, and bread products. Some beef and other items are sometimes reserved to be used for upcoming Free Community Meals. It’s wonderful to be able to reach out to those in need.
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