Category: Uncategorized

What is Stewardship?

Stewardship is a way of life, a life of accountability and responsibility acknowledging God, the creator and giver of all. Stewardship involves responsible management of our God given resources of time, talent, and treasure. Stewards as disciples of Jesus Christ see themselves as care takers of all God’s gifts. Gratitude for these gifts is expressed in prayer, worship, offering and action by eagerly sharing our gifts out of love for God and one another.

           Stewardship is based on the spiritual principles of the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Stewardship is not a program, or a method of fundraising. It is a way of thanking God for all His blessings by returning a portion of time, talent, and treasure each of us has received.

Stewardship is a path to holiness. It makes us more like Christ who came not to be served, but to serve. It is a grateful awareness that all we have and all we are comes from God. When we offer our lives back to God in love, He blesses that generosity a thousand fold.

Love,
Deacon John

On Sunday, September 17th, St. Patrick Parish and parishes across the world will be celebrating Catechetical Sunday. This day is so important in the life of the Church because we recognize the ministry of catechesis and those who are called to this ministry as a catechist. We will recognize our catechists at the 11:00 AM Mass as they will be introduced and receive a special blessing in the commissioning service during the Liturgy of the Word. A catechist has the responsibility to teach the Catholic faith and to share the Church’s teachings on prayer, sacraments, liturgy, and the life of Christ. Catechists are called to hand on to others what they themselves have received from the Lord.

Parents are called to be the first educators of the faith for their children. It is by their example and practice of the faith that helps the family to be rooted and grow into the faith community. Parishioners as well, also have a responsibility to be a living witnesses in promoting discipleship and building up the Body of Christ. This is the mission of the Church.

I am asking you to step out of the boat and trust Jesus to help the young children of our Parish School of Religion. We need two Kindergarten teachers to complete our 2023-2024 PSR staff this year. Classes are held on Sundays, 9:30-10:45 AM in the school. All resources, assistance, and support will be provided. Please contact Karen Bartos for more information.
Blessings, Karen Bartos, CRE

Over the past several years we had so many of our parishioners write about what “stewardship” means to them and their families. We have heard from the teenagers in our parish as well as several people who have been parishioners for seventy plus years. Their reflection on stewardship was heartfelt and had a profound effect on so many people’s lives.

I would like to invite anyone who feels the call to share what “stewardship” means to them to feel free to do so by writing a 100-150 word reflection. You can talk to me after Mass or leave a message at the church office (330)534-1928 and I will return your call.

Our parish still has many challenges to face in the future and at the forefront of the rebuilding of our church. I believe that we are #StPatrickStrong and will continue to support our parish by continuing to give Jesus and Mother Church our time, talent and treasure with a joyful heart.

God bless,
Deacon John