There are many ways for the stewardship committee to introduce Stewardship to the parish community. These are some ways that have been used successfully in the past.
A ministry fair can be held to involve and engage the parishioners while teaching stewardship in the parish. The main goal of a ministry fair is to increase levels of ministry and involvement. This will result in more people completing commitment forms and in parishioners learning about ministries, programs and services in their parish. This will help people to grow in their relationship with God, with each other, and thus help further God’s Kingdom.
Care must be taken, however, that people realize that they are called to service through their Baptism but they are gifted by God to serve in a particular way. That is stewardship. Only by parishioners living as generous stewards can parish programs be successful, can parish life have renewed vitality, and can needed services be rendered to all.
If you wish to hold a ministry fair, more information is available to assist you from the Office of Stewardship Development, (416) 934-3400 ext 560.
The parish bulletin can be used to teach stewardship. The pastor can review the existing ministries as examples of good stewardship. A different ministry is reviewed each week explaining the time and talents used by that ministry to serve the community. Example: In reviewing the music ministry it is appropriate to reflect on the talents of the people involved, on the commitment of time for practice and participation in the liturgies, and on the long term dedication invested in this particular ministry.
Pamphlets that explain stewardship can be inserted in bulletins and be taken home for review by the people. There are some examples available from the Office of Stewardship Development or the Parish Stewardship Committee could create their own.
It is important that the pastor preach one or two homilies on the topic. There are many times in the liturgical year with readings that have clear stewardship messages. It is also beneficial to the congregation to hear about the practice of stewardship from a lay person who has answered the call to live this way.
A letter from the pastor together with a stewardship brochure and a commitment form could be mailed to the home of every parishioner. This will get the stewardship message into every home including those of inactive Catholics. While they are unlikely to become active as a result of this one letter, they will know they are still counted as part of the parish and will have material in hand to prompt them to reconsider their position. Also include a list of parish ministries and other services, Mass times, location of parish church and office and other information that may be helpful, especially to those who might wish to rejoin the community.
In all cases where people are given an opportunity to commit to a ministry, it is important to follow up with a thank you note and information on when and who will be in touch to actually get those parishioners into the ministry in question.