A Stewardship Case Study : St Thomas More, Centennial, Denver

It is easier to Act your way into a way of Thinking, than it is to Think your way into a way of Acting. + Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy

Stewardship at St. Thomas More Stewardship… of Prayer of Time and Talent of Faith of Treasure of Vocations of the Earth

The life of a Steward… is about… Thanksgiving for God’s blessings Making time for God Sharing our time and talent Nurturing our faith Giving of our treasure Promoting vocations Preserving the earth

The life of a Stewardship Community Becomes a … Praying and worshipping community Welcoming and hospitable place Serving community Giving Community Evangelizing Community

It’s a process: It’s ongoing Takes time; requires patience Requires planning and hard work Demands efforts; entails sacrifice Necessitates education

STM “How to’s” Stewardship education year-round -- Calendar -- Pastor’s bulletin and newsletter messages -- Articles in newsletter -- Newcomer’s Welcome Business or Courtesy Reply Envelope (BRE/CRE) vs. colourful offertory envelopes Tracking: use efficient and effective database Accountability: Financial statement published Stewardship Commission/Committee

Stewardship of Prayer Program Kicks off the Stewardship Program for the Year Pastor preaches on prayer at all Masses Prayer Commitment Cards Prayer resources made available Prayer Rally

Meals/Sleeping Hours Work Days/Holidays Hours Disposable Time Hours 365 Days = Hours Stewardship of Prayer Time

Stewardship of Time and Talent Program Lay Witness speakers: They give powerful testimony Ministry Fair: Don’t hide it! Take it outside of the parish hall Volunteer Appreciation Party: Make this an annual event Pastor’s Annual Award: Outstanding volunteers need to be recognized Program Directory: description, meetings and contacts Tracking: Ensure follow up after people sign up Keep an up to date list of committees and ministries

Stewardship of Faith Program Catechetical Sunday: A good time to remind parents that they are the primary teachers of the faith Presiding clergy gives homily on nourishing our faith Commitment Forms on nourishing faith

Stewardship of Treasure Five-Week Active Phase Week 1: Kick off Pastor preaches on Stewardship at all Masses Promotes it in bulletin and pulpit Prayers of the Faithful Thank-you letter is sent prior to weekend Week 2: Lay witness speakers Talk is printed in newsletter Week 3: Commitment Sunday Pastor preaches again Letter, pledge card, and return envelope is sent out prior to weekend Pledge Cards in pews

Stewardship of Treasure Five-Week Active Phase - Continued Week 4: Follow Up Sunday Bulletin and pulpit announcement Commitment Cards in pews Thank-you letters are sent confirming the pledges Week 5: Last week of Active Phase Results published and weekly thereafter through the end of December

Stewardship of Treasure Program 5-week Renewal Process Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal (ACA) Building Fund Raisers Tracking: Monthly statements IRS letters Monitor growth from year to year

Stewardship of Vocations Program “Called by Name” : a two-week Program in November Clergy and Religious Appreciation Last week before Ash Wednesday World Day of Prayer for Vocations National Priesthood Day Clergy and Religious special days

Stewardship of the Earth Program “U.S. Bishops Policies on preserving the earth Earth Day (April 22) Special Liturgy Homilies at all Masses Recycling Continuing education on caring for the earth and all creation

“…the practice of authentic Christian stewardship inevitably leads to evangelization.” Pastoral Letter of the U.S. Bishops

It is easier to Act your way into a way of Thinking, than it is to Think your way into a way of Acting. + Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy