Office of Stewardship Development
Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Office of Stewardship Development do? The ministry of the Office of Stewardship Development (OSD) is to help parishes across the Archdiocese of Toronto encourage stewardship as a way of life. The fruits of stewardship are nurtured through parish training, ongoing support, and the development of appropriate materials and resources.

How can our parish implement a stewardship program? Stewardship as a way of life is something a parish should discuss first among the parish council, finance council, and other ministries within the parish. If the parish wishes to move ahead, please contact Mary Kelly at the Office of Stewardship Development, 416-934-3400, ext. 560.

Is there a specific protocol we should follow when people come forward to volunteer their time and talents? It is very important to do some ministry training with those people who have come forward and offered their time and talents to serve the community, to help them realize that this is not just volunteer effort but rather it is answering their baptismal call to service in gratitude to our good and gracious God. There are also some practical steps that need to be taken. Visit the OSD website to find information and resources to help guide you. As well, you are welcome to contact Mary Kelly at the Office of Stewardship Development, 416-934-3400, ext. 560.

Are donations eligible for a tax receipt? All donations made to ShareLife are eligible for a tax receipt. The receipt will be issued at the point where the donation was made. If the donation is made at the parish, it will be part of the annual receipt sent to you at the end of the year.

How do I leave a legacy gift to the Church (to my local parish, ShareLife, the Shepherds’ Trust, St. Augustine’s Seminary, or another Archdiocesan charity)? You can make a gift of life insurance, a bequest in a will, or a charitable annuity to your local parish or any archdiocesan agency. OSD provides support to assist in preparation of such gifts. Contact Paul Nazareth at 416-934-3400, ext. 561.

How can I order a Papal Blessing for a special occasion? Papal Blessings are available for special wedding anniversaries (25-60) or birthdays (65+). To learn more, contact your local parish or Roma Prudente, Coordinator, Stewardship Development, at 416-934-3400, ext. 516.

Our parish is considering a capital campaign. What is our next step? A capital campaign is a complicated and onerous exercise for a parish to undertake. The OSD assists parishes with the implementation of capital campaigns to raise funds for new construction, additions, or renovations to church buildings. Our office provides advice and direction to pastors and finance councils, including a list of approved firms to assist with large-scale campaigns.

What are the benefits of implementing a preauthorized giving program? The results speak for themselves. Parishes that implement a PAG program see a demonstrable increase in their offertory collections. As well, PAG donors provide the parish with a more stable and predictable budgeting. Materials, advice and staff assistance are available to parishes wishing to implement this program.

How can I learn more about making a Legacy gift? OSD offers personal consultations and parish presentations on leaving a gift now and in the future to parishes and Archdiocesan registered charities (ShareLife, the Shepherds’ Trust, St. Augustine’s Seminary)through:

• Charitable annuities;
• Legacy gifts in a will and estate;
• Gifts of life insurance; and/or
• Gifts of securities.

Contact Paul Nazareth at 416-934-3400, ext. 561.

How can we nurture stewardship in our parish? Regardless of how you choose to introduce stewardship to the parish community, there are some elements that are constant in the success of the process:

• The testimony of lay witnesses who practice stewardship as a way of life.
  
• Frequent reminders of the value of stewardship in our lives in the form of Prayer of the Faithful, bulletin blurbs, talks, announcements.
  
• Pastors and Pastoral team members who believe in, practice and preach that stewardship is integral to the Gospel of Jesus.
  
• An active stewardship committee who find ways to keep the message before the people on an on-going basis.
  
• Annual renewal opportunities to renew the stewardship commitment to serve and support. This is vital because it gives those who have not made the commitment to do so and those who are new to the parish to learn about stewardship and commit.