We promote stewardship as a way of life

Goals

Since 1985, the Rockford Diocese has asserted that Stewardship is a diocesan priority, and has promoted its teachings and practices through various means and programs. Since that time, many parishes, on a voluntary basis, have incorporated Stewardship as a significant element of their identity. With that in mind, the Stewardship Commission set some formal expectations or goals that all diocesan and parish leadership have agreed to achieve in order to accomplish a deeper and fuller acceptance of these teachings and practices throughout the Diocese.

Definition of Stewardship:
According to the 1992 U.S. Bishops' Pastoral Letter, Stewardship: A Disciple's Response, a steward is defined as a disciple of Jesus who "receives God's gifts gratefully, cultivates them responsibly, shares them lovingly in justice with others and returns them with increase to the Lord."

Goal 1

The Rockford Diocese leadership Bishop, Curia, Diocesan Department staff, Consultative and Advisory bodies will:

• affirm and promote Stewardship as a significant priority of this diocese;
• seek ways to integrate the teaching and practices within their areas of responsibilities;
• sponsor educational opportunities for diocesan and parish leaders and all membership;
• incorporate Stewardship teachings, principles and practices into fundraising, volunteer recruitment, budgetary decisions and statements of accountability.

Goal 2

Each parish of the Rockford Diocese will:

• establish a Stewardship Commission (or a leadership structure) that is committed to Steward­ship and is dedicated to educating and promoting the teachings and practices of Stewardship within the parish;
• foster year-around Stewardship education;
• conduct an annual parish appeal of time, talent and treasure with the goal of achieving full participation of its membership;
• educate about time and talent opportunities at the diocesan level;
• exceed its Diocesan Stewardship goal by striving to gain pledges for at least 110% of its goal from all of its membership;
• strive for contributions from all members to the Combined Collections for the Universal Church. 

Goal 3

All entities of the Rockford Diocese will:

• educate about Stewardship of Assets;
• promote planned gifts as a meaningful expression of stewardship;
• establish an account in the Catholic Foundation for the People of the Diocese of Rockford.

Approved by Bishop Thomas Doran on May 1, 1998
 

Stewardship Office Annual Goal Reviews

2010 Report (in pdf)
2009 Report (in pdf)
2008 Report (in pdf)
2007 Report (in pdf)
2006 Report (in pdf)
2005 Report (in pdf)
2004 Report (in pdf)
2003 Report (no report)
2002 Report (in pdf)
2001 Report (in pdf)
2000 Report (in pdf)
 

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