STEWARDSHIP FOR CHILDREN A guide to help parents and teachers present the importance of Stewardship

Our Environment Stock market losses Retirement portfolios lose value Real estate challenges Banking crisis Gas prices Unemployment

The cause is greed-human nature Our responsibilities as parents Focus on the earthly and not the heavenly Worried about keeping up with the neighbors In need of a bigger house – a bigger car Laying up treasures for earth – not for heaven Valuable lesson in Luke 10:38-42 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Your focus?

What we must give up – nothing compared to what God gave up No matter what happens-we will always have God watching over us 2 Corinthians 6:10 “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything” What we must give up – nothing compared to what God gave up What we must face – nothing compared to what Jesus faced What we do – nothing compared to what God has done

What we can do??? Stewardship should be a primary focus The Church is Jesus’ body on earth and we must support Jesus with our Time, Talents and Treasures Our children must learn the importance of supporting our Church

Time A portion of your time should be dedicated to the Church. As you plan your daily, weekly and monthly calendar, your Church should be included as well. Special projects with the children Community events Working with the less fortunate Almsgiving related to time

Talents As God said ‘ “who is given more, more is expected” If you have a special talent that could benefit your parish, let us know. This has a very positive impact upon our parish What special or unique skills do your children have What can you do as a family

Treasures When we face challenging times, the Church needs your Stewardship support even more. $800,000 annually to “turn on the lights” As allowances are monthly/weekly, Stewardship contribution should be monthly/weekly as our Church’s expenses are monthly/weekly Provide creative options Savings bank Coffee can/pocket change

Family Budget Each Steward or family should review their personal budget Look for opportunities where you can make changes Consider increasing your Stewardship Commitment based on these changes Small changes have a very large benefit