Initiative urges Catholics to return gifts with increase to the Lord

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The Diocese of Salt Lake’s new stewardship initiative asks all Catholics to serve their Church, similar to the way that Boy Scouts serve God and country in various ways, such as these Scouts raising the flag during this year’s Memorial Day

SALT LAKE CITY — “What return shall I make to the Lord for all the good he has done for me?”

The answer to this question, asked in Psalm 116:12, is the focus of a new initiative in the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City that is taking place at the direction of Bishop John C. Wester.

The stewardship endeavor “is not simply a development concept but rather a way of life, a type of spirituality that sees all our existence as a gift from God,” Bishop Wester said. “We are challenged, as faithful stewards, to express our gratitude to God by giving of ourselves, our time, our abilities and our resources.”

A Christian steward is “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,” according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s 1992 pastoral letter, “Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response.”

To help Utah Catholics become faithful stewards, the diocese is offering a workshop featuring Leisa Anslinger, an expert on how to create stewardship in a parish, said Shannon Lee, director of the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development. Anslinger is an expert in “what makes a parish come alive once they start bringing stewardship into the mix,” Lee said.

Bishop Wester will give the opening remarks at the Oct. 9 workshop, then Anslinger will give a presentation, after which Lee will explain how stewardship relates to the Diocese of Salt Lake and the time line for the initiative.

The workshop is the second step in the stewardship initiative; the program was first brought up in the May clergy convocation. After the workshop, Lee’s office will inform parishioners throughout the state about stewardship, creating materials for parishes to use.

“Hopefully people will experience a change of heart, a conversion to living a life of stewardship,” Lee said. “Stewardship isn’t just something that we do. It’s not just about ushering on Sunday; it’s a way of life. It’s not a fundraising program, it’s not a fad, it’s not about building a new parish hall. We’re giving of our time, talent and treasure to our family, to our parish, to our diocese and to our community.”

Stewardship already exists in local parishes, she added. “All of the volunteers who help all the different ministries in our diocese are giving of their stewardship of their time and talent.”

In addition, the bishop has appointed a stewardship council, whose members will make recommendations to the bishop and help guide Lee’s office, similar to the board of the Catholic Foundation of Utah, Lee said.

“Stewardship has the potential to change the way we relate to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ and it can have an effect on every aspect of our lives,” Bishop Wester said. “While the program will not begin officially until the fall of 2011, I encourage all of the faithful to keep our stewardship efforts in their prayers as we lay the foundation for what I know will be an exciting new chapter in our local Church.”

WHAT: Diocesan Stewardship Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE: Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Benvegnu Center, 1375 E. Spring Lane, Salt Lake City