Stewardship conference highlights the need to give

FLORIDA CATHOLIC STAFF REPORT

Published: 10.24.08

ST. PETERSBURG | People who can count their blessings can be counted on to give. That is why the diocese’s upcoming stewardship conference will try to help parishes help their parishioners develop an “attitude of gratitude” when it comes to stewardship.

“Grateful for Life,” the 2008 diocesan stewardship conference will take place Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the diocese’s Bethany Retreat Center in Lutz. About 300 people are expected to attend.

Joseph Citro, director of the Office of Stewardship and Development, said the focus is on giving parishes the practical tools they need to develop a solid stewardship program. Studies show that asking people to give is best done in the light of helping them recognize all they have received. If parishes can make people see and appreciate their gifts, they can spark a desire to say thanks by giving back.

“(Stewardship is) an essential part of building the church and parish community,” Citro said. “The whole point is realizing that you don’t give because there is a need, but that you have a need to give.”

Presenters at the conference this year include Michael Murphy, executive director of the International Catholic Stewardship Council, and Father Pat Sheedy, pastor of Blessed Trinity Parish in Ocala, where stewardship has so benefited the parish that families no longer pay to attend the parish early childhood, primary and high schools.

“We’re trying to show practical ways of how stewardship works,” Citro said. “(Father Sheedy) is going to give a plenary presentation and a special presentation for school personnel. ... He’s also going to have a special luncheon for our priests to show how he set up a full stewardship parish.”

Other presenters include local and regional speakers who have developed successful programs.

The diocese holds the annual stewardship conferences to help parishes re-energize their stewardship efforts through knowledge and spiritual support. While all pastors would love to have parishes where everyone gives their time, talent and treasure, getting the people in the church community involved at that level isn’t easy. It is not impossible.

“I think a lot of parishes try it and they struggle with it,” Citro said. “You have to use a number of stewardship practices and you have to use them together over a period of time. … It’s simply not an easy job.”

To make it easier for people with busy schedules to attend, the conference will be presented in two sessions this year. The first will take place 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the second is 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. As in the past, the event will include a vendor showcase and diocesan ministry fair. Bishop Robert N. Lynch will celebrate Mass in the St. James Chapel at 3 p.m.

Citro hopes people will come to the stewardship conference and leave with the tools for developing such programs. Stewardship is based on gratitude and giving back in one’s time, talent and treasure. If the church can get this message through to its people, oh how effective our parishes could be.

“When you think about it, Jesus Christ is all powerful, but he is not independent and never will be,” Citro said. “You are really teaching spirituality more than anything else. Stewardship is our response to Christ’s call to follow him.”

To register for the conference or for more information, call the Office of Stewardship and Development at 727-341-6825.

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