WelCom December 2016:
Diocesan News and Views
‘Stewardship is a way of life, a life of accountability and responsibility acknowledging God as creator and giver of all. Stewardship involves responsible management of our God-given resources of time, talents, and treasures. It means respecting and sharing our resources as an expression of gratitude to God.’
‘…what good is it to profess faith without practicing it? How does it help, my brothers, when someone who has never done a single good act claims to have faith? Will that faith bring salvation? James 2:14
Stewardship Day at Otari Parish
Fr Ron Bennett
Stewardship days are very much part of the life of the Wellington Archdiocese. Introduced by Cardinal John Dew some years ago, stewardship days are gradually being presented in all Archdiocesan parishes and pastoral areas.
In late November well over 100 parishioners of the Otari Parish gathered at Cardinal McKeefry primary school, for our parish stewardship day presented by Cardinal John.
Although pouring with rain outside, inside the day was warm and inviting.
‘Stewardship is about embracing the future with hope and it is a practical way of putting the Gospel into action,’ Cardinal John said. ‘Stewardship begins with a spirituality that acknowledges everything is a gift from God and should be returned to God in the way we use our time, our talents and our treasures.
‘We are called to be intentional disciples of Jesus and we live that out by sharing our gifts with each other. Stewardship challenges us to recognise our gifts and use them for the building up of the Kingdom. Stewardship is for everyone as we have all being gifted by God in so many ways. The onus is on us to recognise what God is doing in our lives by making good use of the gifts he has given us.’
After Cardinal John’s presentation, parishioners discussed three set topics: journeying with respect – recognising and sharing our God-given gifts; standing on life-giving ground – recognising and enabling discipleship in our community; shaping a more human society – creating communities of solidarity and belonging within the whole of creation.
The intense conversation and sharing created a great ‘buzz’ around the room.
Prayer concluded the day and a group of leaders stayed on to summarise the session. It was hard to believe such a lot had happened in such a short time.
This was a wonderful day in the life of our Otari Parish – one could feel the ‘vibe’ the next day at Masses.
Fr Ron Bennett is parish priest, Catholic Parish of Otari.