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."
Stewardship is a way of life and is best understood within the context of
conversion and evangelization. The disciple is motivated to share his/her
time, talent and treasure with the Church and other worthy
causes from a
deep sense of gratitude and in a planned, proportionate and sacrificial
manner.
