Friday of week 17 of the year, or...
Stewardship of Gifts
All that we have and all that we are comes from God. That includes spiritual gifts as well as our interests, talents, skills and abilities. Each day that we live we gain experiences unique to us. Stewardship of Gifts refers to how we employ all of this richness to strengthen each other and our community.
This concept may be new to you. Here are suggested steps for further exploration and deepening your understanding of your unique “gift package."
Step one. Identify your spiritual gifts. The Basilica is pleased to offer an online Gifts Survey. You may discover gifts and strengths that you haven’t previously claimed as your own. Find a quiet, unhurried time and take the Gifts Survey
Step two. Explore opportunities to employ your gifts in the service of God and other by participating in Basilica ministries. Volunteer at The Basilica.
Step three. The Basilica maintains a database of specific skills and abilities represented among our members and friends. Let us know what Skills you have to Share with our community.
Resource Kit
Want to delve more deeply into this stewardship theme? Download and print the Stewardship of Our Gifts Resource Kit, or view online!
Join Us!
2010 Stewardship of our Gifts Reflection
Sunday, August 8 2010, 11:00am-12:15pm
Bernie Evans, Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology at St. John's University, will lead discussion and reflection on how we can live out stewardship of our gifts in our daily lives.
Ministry Fair at the Annual Parish Picnic
Sunday, September 12 2010, 10:00am-2:00pm
Held in conjunction with the annual parish picnic. Visit with parishioners who are currently involved in various ministries of The Basilica. Find out what they do and what motivates them to give of themselves.
Pledge Your Time and Talents
September 18 & 19, All Masses
We invite you to reflect on your intentions for the coming year. We want to hear from everyone, whether you plan to continue in your current volunteer role or just thinking about getting involved. We’re here to help with the discernment process. Pledge forms will be available in the pews September 11-19 and received during a special offering on September 18 & 19.
STEWARDSHIP OF OUR GIFTS PRAYER
For the gift of our souls, for the promise of our lives,
For all we are and all we might yet become,
For the creative seeds sown within our minds,
Whose nurturing can yield a grand harvest;
For all these gifts, we thank You, O God,
And pray that we prove ourselves worthy.
May our lives be ripe with the fruit of compassion,
Sweetly sustaining those in need.
My we use our gifts wisely and with love,
True messengers of blessing to the world.
Baruch atah, Adonai, hatov shimcha u’lcha na-eh l’hodot. Amen.