Having grown up as member of the church from a very young age, it is very easy sometimes to simply take my faith for granted. However, this is where I believe that stewardship has shined in my life. Don’t get me wrong; reading the Bible, praying, and coming to Mass have helped my faith grow substantially, but there is something inherently unique and special about being able to serve the other members of your church and your community.
Being a lector and an altar server amplify the sense of belonging and community that I feel here at St. Pat’s. Being a member of the Celebrate team and working at our Lenten Fish Fries feels as though I am really doing God’s work. I firmly believe that there is no better feeling, no greater satisfaction, than knowing you are helping to make someone’s life — even just their day — a little bit better, and seeing that smile of gratitude on their face.
To me, it is through stewardship — through these acts of kindness and generosity — that we can bring the Kingdom of God to our families, to our friends, to our communities, to earth. Not just to those around us, whose lives we have the opportunity to impact for the better, but for ourselves as well. Being a steward has brought me comfort, serenity, a sense of community, and it has also allowed me to grow in my faith, both in the church and as an individual. I would like to thank all of you for giving me that opportunity and being part of that experience. — Jonathan Feigert