Deacon John’s Stewardship Blog

Stewardship to me means not holding onto the gifts God has given me, but sharing them with others. Giving my time and talents to my parish family, my school, and my community has helped me appreciate how simple acts of kindness can impact so many people in a positive way. I have volunteered at numerous church festivals, Thanksgiving dinners, and fish fries. I am part of the Celebrate team and have been actively involved with St. Patrick church in other ways as well. Within school, I tutor students in math and Spanish, assist with the elementary school weekend food program, and am part of a new mentoring program to help make freshman feel welcomed as they enter high school. The more I give of myself through service to others, the more inspired I am to do even more. This is what Christ calls us to do, to be His hands and feet to all. 1Corinthians 10:24 sums it up well, “Let no one seek his own good but that of his neighbor.”

May God continue to bless our parish family,

Brianna Love

Hello, everyone! My name is Giavanna Hosack. I am a senior at Hubbard High School as well as a member of the senior celebrate team. I am grateful to be raised by such amazing parents that have allowed God to have an impact in my life. They have truly showed me the importance of stewardship and how to lead a life with kindness and gratitude. My sisters and I have learned to live life in Christ’s footsteps through their guidance. I admire my fellow parishioners for showing me what a loving community is.

God has always had a leading role in my life. In 2017, I had the privilege of going to Catholic Heart Work Camp to join other kids from different parishes in order to make a difference in other people’s lives. This particular camp was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and my group was assigned to a poverty-stricken woman who sought assistance repairing items around her house as well as her yard. At this moment in my journey of faith, I realized how fortunate I truly am in life. This elderly woman was thankful for all of the assistance, but most of all, she was appreciative of the company. I realized that the love and joy we displayed touched her more than the work we had completed. Through the kindness that we had shown, we had renewed her faith. It was in this moment that I realized that the world around us yearns for the kindness of others.

I have always been an active member in my community and church. Whether it’s spending time with the church youth group or assisting at the community food pantries, giving of my time and talents always leaves a positive impact on someone’s life and brings joy to mine.  During mass, I taught children more about the scripture during Children’s Liturgy of the Word.  Participating at Vacation Bible School was always something that gave me gratification. Stocking and separating food at various food pantries and participating in the delivery was touching as well.  Participating in my community and with church activities has taught me to be a difference maker.  By living a life of stewardship, my perspective on life has changed.

This week I would like to share a beautiful story with you. The following is a text message a friend received from her cousin concerning her eight-year old son, Dominic.

Dominic had a hard time falling asleep last night. I figured he was excited about the snow and was planning on a snow day. Finally, he came into my room and said, “Mom, can you write me a note to take to school so I can get a name from the tree. There is a tree at school with the names of the kids who won’t get anything for Christmas if we don’t help them. It’s so sad that some kids don’t get any gifts. I don’t want anything we talked about for Christmas so another kid could have stuff.”

Of course, I told him “Yes!” and he was so excited and went right to sleep. He melts my heart. He is such a good-hearted little boy.

There are hundreds of books and articles written about Stewardship, but I believe little Dominic already figured it out.

God bless, Deacon John

You Are Needed

• There is at least one useful and highly important task in this world which will not be done unless you do it.
• There is some face upon which there will be no smile of joy unless you put it there.
• There is someone with a breaking heart who will never have the courage to try again unless you give it to him.
• There is some honored and righteous cause which needs just the additional support you can give it.
• There is some hard-pressed soul who will not get through the day of doubt unless you pass along the simple word of encouragement.
• God has made you a necessity in this world—in some situation—and He has provided no substitute for you.

“Therefore, be ye steadfast.”