Incarnate Word

Q: What is Stewardship?

In the simplest terms, Stewardship is a way of life that involves:

• Recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God.
• Recognizing that we must be grateful to God for the gifts we have.
• Recognizing that we show our gratitude to God by giving back a portion of our time, talent and treasure to do God's work here on earth.
• Recognizing that God has blessed us uniquely and specifically so that we can help with His work on earth.  

Q: Why Stewardship at Incarnate Word?

God has asked us all to live as stewards. Stewardship encourages individuals to a life-changing conversion that is based on faith. When enough people are moved to return to God a truly grateful share of the blessings He bestows upon us, the Church's present needs are met with a surplus for future expansion.

Far more important are the spiritual blessing bestowed on those who accept stewardship's message. Giving out of gratitude means giving God the first portion of the gifts He entrusts to us.

Q: What are the benefits of Stewardship at Incarnate Word?

• The faith of our parishioners is deepened as we learn to put God first in our lives.
• More parishioners take an active role in the parish and feel a sense of commitment to the mission of Incarnate Word.
• We as parishioners have more opportunities to work together, make friends and develop a deeper sense of parish family.
• The commitment of parishioners allows Incarnate Word to effectively plan for the future.
• We as parishioners experience the joys of giving back and living in harmony with God's call.

Q: How do I begin to live the life of a steward?

Adoration. The Eucharist is at the very core of everything that we are as a Church. When we take time to reflect on the Eucharist we are reminded of the ultimate gift that Jesus gave for our redemption. We realize that the gifts, which we are called upon to give, are small compared to the sacrifice Jesus made for us.

Q: How does Incarnate Word promote Stewardship in the parish?

Incarnate Word is involved in a year round stewardship education process. The stewardship committee oversees the Fall stewardship process and keeps alive the message of stewardship throughout the year by educating our parishioners to the blessings received by making stewardship a way of life.

Q: What is the Festival of Ministries?

The Festival of Ministries is an annual tradition at Incarnate Word that is held in the Kent Center after all Masses on a weekend in the Fall. This is a time we celebrate what we do in our parish by showcasing in a fun way the multitude of organizations and ministries we have here at Incarnate Word. We also use this opportunity to reach out and invite new volunteers to our organizations.

Q: What is a Stewardship intention card?

The intention card gives parishioners an opportunity to make a yearly commitment to our parish. The card list all the organizations, ministries and activities of Incarnate Word. It encourages a gift of time or talent and also a financial pledge of treasure.

Each family unit will be mailed an intention card in the Fall stewardship mailing and we hope parishioners will prayerfully reflect on the gifts God has given them and consider ways to show their gratitude for these gifts. Parishioners are asked to complete and return the forms to the Parish Office. You can download the stewardship card here: 2009 Volunteer Intention Card 

Q: What is a Time and Talent catalog?

The Fall stewardship mailing will include a time and talent catalog. This booklet will list the organizations and ministries of our parish. It will give descriptions of each group and a contact person for all ministries.  You can download the catalog here: Time & Talent Catalog 

Q: Is Stewardship just a trend?

Some Catholics think that stewardship is a new fad or a fancy word for fundraising. Nothing could be further from the truth. Stewardship is based on sacred scripture. Stewardship is based on biblical view of God as Creator and us as His servants, accountable to Him for our use of the gifts of time, talent and treasure that He gives us during our time on earth.

The Old Testament portrays men and women as caretakers of creation not owners. The Old Testament also teaches the offering of the first fruits. The New Testament gives us the greatest example of Stewardship-Jesus. In His parables, Jesus gives us constant reminders of our obligation to live as stewards. Over half of Jesus' parables deal with the use of possessions-time, talent and treasure.

Through Baptism and Confirmation we are also called to be stewards of God's gifts. If we are to truly live our faith then we must also live stewardship. Faith is much more than prayer. It is also action. By living as stewards we not only listen to God's words but we do His work

Q: Is Stewardship different than fundraising?

• Yes. Stewardship seeks to touch our hearts; fundraising only seeks to touch our pocketbook.  

Q: Where can I read more about Stewardship?

• Stewardship: A Disciple's Response 1992 U.S. Catholic Bishops' Meeting Pastoral Letter on Stewardship (available in the parish office)
• The Archdiocesan Stewardship web page at http://www.archstl.org/stewardship/