Stewardship of Time focuses on the time we spend in prayer; personal prayer and the prayer of the community experienced in the celebration of the Mass.
Prayer is the primary way we build our relationship with God. During this year of Mercy we ask God through our prayers that we become more merciful. We pray also for others that they are able to respond to God's mercy and, in turn, be merciful to others.
Jesus set aside time for prayer. He prayed for himself and he prayed for others. He listened to God's answers to his questions and concerns. It's difficult to find the quiet time to spend with God because other responsibilities often are a priority. Even so, try to challenge yourself to schedule prayer time even if it is only for two minutes!
Throughout his life Jesus responded to mercy and love and the sharing of his self to people in all walks of life. He was friends with the poor and the rich, tax collectors, prostitutes, and lepers. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind and fed the hungry. He accepted the human weaknesses of all.
By serving others we are continuing the work of Jesus here on earth. St. Catherine's offers many opportunities to share our gifts. There is a Ministry that needs the talents that only YOU can give. It takes ongoing efforts of all of us for St. Catherine's to continue to be the vibrant parish it is.
When Jesus saw a poor widow giving a small contribution to the temple treasury he said to his apostles...
This poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others."
From this passage Jesus is telling us that our gifts should be proportionate and consistent with our resources. If your income is low, your gift will be small. If you are blessed with much, more is appropriate. Giving of our core or substance and not from our surplus is what Stewardship is asking of us.
Our financial gift is a gift of ourselves to God. God accepts our money and transforms it through the workings of the parish.