Stewardship: A Way of Life As the Diocese of Youngstown enters the third millennium of the birth of our Lord Jesus, it faces the ongoing challenge of encouraging Catholics to be good stewards of God’s gifts. In their 1992 Pastoral Letter on Stewardship, "Stewardship: A Disciples Response", the U.S. Bishops defined a Christian Steward as follows: 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. As the definition implies, Stewardship is a way of life. It challenges Catholics to be steward-disciples by using their gifts in service to God and others, while denying personal cravings for control and power. To be a good steward requires a disciplined life-style and an attitude of gratitude. The local parish continues to be the best source for inviting Catholics to be steward-disciples and "live life to the full." The Diocesan Office of Development & Stewardship has and continues to serve as a resource for parishes wanting to incorporate the Stewardship Way of Life in their local community. The Office of Development & Stewardship promotes the Stewardship Way of Life through the following: Sponsoring diocesan programs featuring nationally renowned speakers on stewardship. Providing parishes with weekly bulletin announcements on stewardship. Planning, coordinating and implementing an annual Parish Sacrificial Giving Stewardship Process each Fall. Convening the Diocesan Stewardship Commission Providing a Speaker Bureau on Stewardship. Promoting small group studies on the 1992 U.S. Bishops’ Pastoral Letter on Stewardship … Stewardship: A Disciples Response Representing the Diocese as a member of the National Catholic Stewardship Council. {http://www.catholicstewardship.org} Encouraging parish pastors and lay representatives to attend the International Catholic Stewardship Conference each year. Assisting parishes in the formation of Stewardship Committees. Providing printed materials and resources that promote the Stewardship Way of Life. For information on the Stewardship Education efforts in the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, please contact: Mr. Pat Palombo, CFRE 144 W. Wood St. Youngstown, OH 44503 (330) 744-8451 ext. 325 patpal@cboss.com Return to Office of Development & Stewardship