What is a Parish Stewardship Committee, Do I need One & How to Get Started

By Elizabeth Williams, Executive Director of Catholic Foundation of Southern MN.

What is Stewardship?

The Catholic Church defines stewardship as a way of life rooted in discipleship—a grateful response to God’s unconditional love. It’s not just about giving; it’s about how we live, recognizing that everything we have and everything we are is a gift from God.

Do We Need a Stewardship Committee?

Many parishes have a local stewardship committee to help create a culture of gratitude, generosity & active participation in the parish & community. A stewardship committee in a Catholic parish brings a host of spiritual, communal, and practical benefits. It’s not just a group—it’s a catalyst for transformation. Stewardship committees help with many things such as:

Spiritual Enrichment

• Deepens Discipleship: Encourages parishioners to live as grateful stewards, recognizing all gifts as coming from God.
• Fosters Conversion of Heart: Promotes a shift from obligation to joyful generosity.
• Integrates Faith and Action: Helps parishioners connect Sunday worship with everyday life through service and giving.

Community Engagement

• Builds Parish Vitality: Invites broader participation in ministries, events, and outreach.
• Strengthens Relationships: Creates opportunities for parishioners to connect through shared service.
• Welcomes New Members: Supports hospitality efforts that help newcomers feel at home and get involved.

Organizational Growth

• Supports Ministry Coordination: Maintains a catalog of parish ministries and helps match parishioners with opportunities.
• Improves Volunteer Management: Tracks involvement and ensures follow-up so volunteers feel valued and engaged.
• Provides Strategic Planning: Develops annual stewardship calendars aligned with liturgical seasons and parish goals.

Communication & Formation

• Educates on Stewardship Principles: Offers workshops, reflections, and lay witness talks to deepen understanding.
• Promotes Transparency: Shares annual reports and impact stories to build trust and accountability.
• Encourages Ongoing Formation: Helps parish leaders and members grow in their spiritual and practical understanding of stewardship.

Sustainability & Legacy

• Cultivates Long-Term Giving: Encourages planned giving, endowments, and legacy stewardship.
• Supports Financial Health: Coordinates time, talent, and treasure campaigns that sustain parish operations without reducing stewardship to fundraising.

 

Ideas for Stewardship Through The Seasons

Stewardship isn't easy to just turn on and off. It's not a water hose. It must be cultivated in a parish over time. If you're looking to start a committee at your parish, we've got a host of ideas to get you started in the coming year. Wherever you may be on your parish's stewardship journey, here's a place to start.

 

Summer: 

Theme: “Living Stewardship Daily”

Service & Sustainability Ideas:

• Parish Garden or Outdoor Project: Invite families to help beautify parish grounds or maintain a Marian grotto.
• Sunday Lunch Program Support: Coordinate volunteers or donations for outreach ministries.
• Stewardship Committee Retreat: Reflect on the past year, set goals, and pray together for guidance
• Bulletin Series: Everyday Stewardship: Share practical tips for living stewardship in daily life—health, relationships, finances, etc.

Fall

Theme: “Grateful Hearts, Generous Lives”

Gratitude & Renewal Ideas:

• Kickoff Reflection Series: Host short reflections after Mass or in bulletins on stewardship as a response to God’s gifts.
• Annual Commitment Weekend: Distribute time, talent, and treasure commitment cards. Include testimonials from parishioners.
• Ministry Fair: Showcase parish ministries with tables and sign-up sheets to encourage involvement.
• Thanksgiving Outreach: Organize a parish-wide service project or collection for local families in need.

Winter

Theme: “Stewards of Faith & Community”

Formation & Fellowship Ideas:

• Stewardship Speaker Series: Invite guest speakers or parish leaders to share on topics like spiritual stewardship, financial wellness, or Catholic social teaching.
• New Parishioner Welcome Event: Stewardship committee helps host a gathering to connect newcomers with parish life.
• Christmas Gratitude Campaign: Send handwritten notes or small tokens of appreciation to volunteers and donors.
• Annual Report & Reflection: Share a visual summary of stewardship impact—ministries supported, outreach accomplished, etc.

Spring

Theme: “Planting Seeds of Hope”

Growth & Evangelism Ideas:

• Youth Stewardship Spotlight: Collaborate with the Knights of Columbus or Catholic Daughters to highlight youth service and promote the Stewardship Award.
• Lenten Stewardship Challenge: Encourage parishioners to offer time or talent in new ways—volunteering, prayer, or acts of mercy.
• Volunteer Appreciation Event: Host a simple brunch or reception to honor those who serve.
• Easter Stewardship Reflection: Share a message on resurrection and renewal as a call to deeper discipleship.

 

In short, a stewardship committee helps a parish live its mission more fully—spiritually, communally, and operationally. What will you do with this information? How can you inspire more stewardship in your parish and community?