Stewardship: A Catholic Way of Life

Why Stewardship Matters — and How It Strengthens Our Parishes, Our Diocese, and Our Future

Stewardship is central to our Catholic life. It is the way we recognize that everything we have—our time, our abilities, our financial resources, and our relationships—is a gift from God. Because these gifts are entrusted to us, not owned by us, we are called to use them faithfully, generously, and with purpose.

The Church has long taught that stewardship is not simply a fundraising concept. The U.S. bishops describe stewardship as “an expression of discipleship” and remind us that “once one chooses to become a disciple of Jesus Christ, stewardship is not an option.” Their pastoral letter in Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response (1993) reminds us that Christian stewardship means we:

1. Receive God’s gifts gratefully

2. Cultivate them responsibly

3. Share them lovingly with others

4. Return them with increase to God

These four movements should shape how we live, how we give, and how we participate in the mission of the Church. It is the heart of stewardship!

Stewardship Is About More Than Money, But It Does Include Money

Many Catholics are comfortable talking about stewardship as time and talent. But somewhere along the way, money became the “quiet” part of stewardship: something we hesitate to mention, even though it is essential to the Church’s mission. Financial stewardship is also part of discipleship. It is part of how we express gratitude, how we invest in the Gospel, and how we strengthen the ministries we love.

The bishops write, “A Christian steward is one who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord.” That includes our financial resources.

When we talk about money honestly and joyfully, we help parishioners understand that:

• Giving makes a real difference.

• The Church’s mission depends on shared sacrifice.

• Financial gifts are just as spiritual as volunteering or prayer.

• Our generosity can change lives.

Instead of saying, “I hate to ask,” we can confidently say: “Imagine what our parish could do if we all embraced stewardship more fully.”

This should be an invitation, not about putting on pressure. Stewardship helps Catholics discover the joy of giving and the freedom that comes from placing our resources in God’s hands.

Stewardship Shapes Our Relationships

I'm sure you've heard Matthew 6:21, where Jesus says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Stewardship is not only about what we give: it’s about how we live. It calls us to nurture our relationships with:

• God

• Our families

• Our parishes

• Our workplaces

• Our neighbors

• Our environment

• Our wider community

The bishops remind us that stewardship is “a way of life” rooted in conversion of mind and heart. It is how we participate in Christ’s work of creation, redemption, and sanctification. Whatever we are and whatever we have is ultimately God’s gift. Stewardship helps us use those gifts in ways that reflect His love.

The Role of Parish Leadership

While it may not be easy, stewardship flourishes when parish leadership embraces it fully. Pastors, administrators, and parish councils set the tone for how stewardship is understood and practiced.

Parishes can strengthen stewardship by:

• Making prayer the foundation of every ministry

• Teaching stewardship throughout the year, not only during campaigns

• Forming a stewardship committee focused on spiritual development, not just budgets

• Encouraging parishioners to give of their time, talent, and financial resources

• Modeling generosity through parish giving and community service

• Thanking parishioners regularly for their service and support

Stewardship becomes part of parish culture when leaders speak about it confidently, consistently, and with joy.

The Role of a Parish Stewardship Committee

A strong stewardship committee helps parishioners understand stewardship as a spiritual practice, not a financial obligation. Committees should be:

• Spiritually motivated

• Comfortable talking about money and mission

• Good communicators

• Examples of time, talent, and financial generosity

Their work is not about fundraising; it is about forming disciples who understand that giving is part of living the Gospel. The Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota is proud to support parishes in this work through training, consulting, and stewardship education. For a full article on stewardship committees with 12 ideas to get started, click here. 

Stewardship and the Foundation’s Mission

Stewardship is directly connected to the Foundation’s mission of helping all Catholics to fulfill their divine stewardship calling. When Catholics embrace stewardship, they strengthen:

• Parish offertory

• Endowments

• Planned giving (article about planned giving; estate planning resources)

• Long‑term parish stability

• The ability to serve future generations

Endowments, planned gifts, and annual offertory gifts are all expressions of stewardship: ways Catholics return God’s gifts with increase so the Church can thrive long after we are gone.

The Foundation accompanies parishes, schools, and ministries in building this culture of stewardship, offering tools, education, and support to help communities grow in generosity and long‑term planning.

A Call to Renewal

Stewardship is not a one‑time activity. It is an ongoing conversion: a way of seeing our lives through the lens of gratitude and mission.

When Catholics embrace stewardship:

• Parishes grow stronger

• Ministries flourish

• Families deepen their faith

• The Church becomes more vibrant

• Future generations inherit a stable, thriving community

This is the life God invites us into. A life of grateful receiving, responsible tending, joyful sharing, and faithful returning.

If your parish would like support in strengthening stewardship, building an endowment, or exploring planned giving, the Catholic Foundation is here to help. Contact us today.

Together, we can build a culture of generosity that sustains the Church for generations.