New Year's Resolutions...A Thought on Stewardship

Christmas blessings upon you!

We are right in the thick of the Christmas octave! And yet, our world continues to move forward at light speed with the New Year quickly approaching.

The New Year's holiday ushers in the month of January, also known to many as the month of resolutions. Each year millions of people make resolutions as a form of hope and planning for the coming year.

My challenge to you is to look at your resolutions from a Stewardship perspective. This year, don't set your resolutions based on what you think you need (a better job, a better body, a better use of your time), but set your resolutions based on your gratitude for the gifts God has given you.

God Gives you Life
Show your gratitude by caring for your body and your mind as His temple. Sustain your body with healthy food, regular exercise, and lots of water. Enrich your mind with scripture, learning, and meditation. Quiet yourself and create opportunities that relieve stress instead of create it.

God Gives you Resources
Remember that the financial resources you have or you do not have are gifts from God. Say thank you by sharing your resources with the less fortunate. Find a cause that feeds your own passions and interests and share the great gifts God has given you. God does not need our money, God is all-powerful after all, but He asks us to give because it is good for us and it can help to keep us from being enslaved by it.

Remember also that God gives us the earth and we are called to be good and responsible stewards of our environment. Pay close attention to your use of utilities and natural resources.

God Gives you Time
Your time comes from God. He has given us the free-will to decide what to do with it. Does working all those extra hours or sleeping the day away bring Him glory and show Him your gratitude? If it doesn't, what can you do with your time that will show Him how grateful you are for the gift?

God Gives you Love
Show your gratitude for God's love by loving others. Love your family. Love your spouse. Love your next-door neighbor. Love yourself.

Consider these things when you are making your New Year's resolutions. And remember, if you don't succeed at them right away, don't give up. Keep trying. God never gives up on us!!!

Five Stewards of Christmas

"Consider the Five Stewards: the three Magi, King Herod, and yourself. Consider these five people, given the gifts of life, love and material goods. The three Magi chose to pay homage and give their gifts to a King of whom they knew nothing. One-Herod-choose to be selfish, much like Ebenezer Scrooge. He promised homage, but in his deceit he knew he would pay none. (The only different between Herod and Scrooge is that through Jacob Marley's intervention Scrooge is eventually saved). The last? What has the fifth steward done? Only you can answer that."
Written by Deacon Stephen A. Venturini
Excerpt from "The Steward's Harvest" from the Office of Development and Planning, Catholic Diocese of Columbus

I found this excerpt quite interesting. Maybe it's because I grew up listening to my dad read "A Christmas Carol" each year, or maybe it is because I see such a significant lesson of Stewardship in Dicken's timeless classic. Either way, what a powerful thought for this blessed season of giving.

Holiday Stewardship - Part 7

7. Remember the True Meaning of Christmas

It may sound like a cliche, but remembering "the reason for the season" can help you put things in perspective. Christmas is about remembering God's greatest gift, His only Son, and helping to bring Christ's love into the world. When you're feeling overwhelmed by holiday task consider asking yourself: "Is this a fitting way to remember Jesus' birth?" or "Will this help to bring God's love into the world (or to my family, parish or community)?" Keeping this focus will help make Christmas both a giving experience and a deeply fulfilling one.

I think that speaks for itself.

From all the staff at Resurrection: May your holy day be very blessed by the greatest Gift of all. Merry Christmas!

Holiday Stewardship - Part 6

6. Include Nonmaterial Gifts When Giving to Family Members, Close Friends, and Children

Children can give their parents coupons for extra help with household tasks. You may wish to make a donation to charity in honor of the person rather than buying them a gift.

In addition to being good stewards of our financial gifts, this is a good way to be stewards of our time and creative gifts. Parents, this is not only a great way to check off some of the shopping items, but also can be a great way to kill an afternoon at home with the kids. Cardstock, stickers, and crayons can be a fun way to create cards and coupons for all members of the family.

If you are interested in different local opportunities to give, Resurrection's Human Concern committee is involved in many different outreach opportunities. A phone call or visit to the parish can provide you with an education in our different outreaches and contact information about how to help. Some of our projects include; St. John's Homeless Shelter, Ecumenical Partnership for Housing, St. Therese parish in Okolona, Mississippi, Friends of Haiti and many more.

Also, for those looking for a charity or more global outreach, there is a really neat project called the Heifer project. It is a giving program that supports sustainable living opportunties in other countries. You can purchase a flock of chicks, a goat, a trio of rabbits, or even shares of a heifer in order to help families in developing countries feed themselves and provide a sustainable source of income. It is very unique opportunity!

Their website is: www.heifer.org

Holiday Stewardship - Part 5

5. Donate Time or Talent to Your Parish

Consider volunteering to help with parish events, such as charitable outreaches or special decoration for Christmas. Are there family members with muscial talent who may want to partcipate in special music for Christmas Masses? Due to hectic holiday schedules and parishioners who are out of town, parishes are sometimes short of ministers during the holidays to serve as lectors, altar servers and Eucharistic Ministers.

How did they know? Here are Resurrection we are still looking for ministers for our holiday masses. For our needs, please call the parish! If you are interested in becoming a more regular part of our ministries ask for the Stewardship Coordinator and she can connect you!

Holiday Stewardship - Part 4

4. Plan family acts of charity

Take some time out as af amily to hlep those who are less fortunate. This may mean helping in a soup kitchen or collecting and sorting items for a local food or toy drive. Many parishes have "gift trees", where families can choose a needy child or family and pruchase a specific item that has been requested. You may wish to choose a child who is close in age to your child, and involve your child in shopping for the requested items. You can also sort through outgrown clothing and toys for items to donate to shelters or local drives.

Resurrection annually hosts the "Tree of Giving". This project was completed at last weekend's masses, but that doesn't mean that there aren't still opportunities to give. Paul's Pantry here in Green Bay is always looking for donations of food, especially during and after the holidays. Also, Resurrection's faith formation will be assisting St. John's Homeless Shelter during the month of January. Their needs include nuts, snack size treats, hand and foot warmers, bus tokens, decks of cards, gas cards, socks, reading materials and large ziplock bags to package all of these items in. This is another great option for family giving.

Holiday Stewardship - Part 3

3. Count Your Blessings

At a time of the year when budgets get tighter and wish lists get longer, it's tempting to focus on what you lack, rather than what you have. At the dinner table or in family prayer time, consider taking turns naming blessings God has given your family.

This is also great activity for riding in the car.

Here are some specific questions for you to reflect on:

1. What special new people or creatures has God blessed our lives with this year?
2. What new things have we learned about God or our faith this year?
3. What gifts of health has God given us this year?

4. What challenges has God allowed us to face that have made us stronger this year?

Holiday Stewardship - Part 2

2. Make Time for Family

We think of the holidays as family time, yet practical preparations can sometimes take a toll on quality family time. Consider changing some holiday "chores" (such as decorating or shopping) into family events, in which everyone shares int he task. Schedule some downtime to spend together. Prioritize family meals, making sure to sit around the table together at dinner time.

Holiday Stewardship - Part 1

For the next few days I will be posting excerpts from an article out of the Diocese of Columbus on holiday stewardship.

During the Christmas season we all think about giving gifts. But as Christians we are called to be stewards, and stewardship goes beyond giving objects. It entails giving gifts of the heart and mind and soul, as well as prayer, service, and sharing. This year help your children - and yourself - understand what it means to be wise stewards.

1. Emphasize the Spiritual.
Take some time out of the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations to prepare spiritually. Many parishes have special reconciliation services during Advent. Consider going as a family. Make it a point to do some spiritual reading. Take some time to pray together as a family, perhaps at the end of the day before everyone goes to bed.

Resurrection will be hosting a reconciliation service at 6:00 tonight in the church. We will also be participating in a joint reconciliation service at St. Matthew's parish on Tuesday, December 18th at 7:00.

Resurrection is also offering the Advent "Blue Books" that contains 6-minute daily reflections for the entire season.

Consider using these resources as well as many others to focus on your preparation for the birth of our Lord.

Before the Feast - A Thanksgiving Prayer

God, You satisfy the hungry heart.

We lift up to You the hollows and voids we feel.
A lack of food or the money to buy it.
A longing for security.
A yearning for a love we can trust.
An ache for a piece of our lives lost,
that stings like a wound that won't heal.
A sigh for an opportunity gone.
The need to belong somewhere, to someone.
A craving to know You, God.
We tell You of this hunger, God, and pray to be filled.

We know we can pray to You,
because we trust that You satisfy the hungry heart.

We have known emptiness before,
and now know the contrast of hearts brimming with blessings.
We have found that our needs have been met,
not just to satisfaction,
but You have filled us with delicacies.
The empty tomb of mourning has been filled,
not just with passing time,
but with peace and comfort.

The echo of loneliness has been muffled,
not just with busyness,
but with love and acceptance.

The yawning cavern of fear and uncertainty has been bridged,
not just by distraction,
but by confidence that You are near.

The hollow purposelessness of our lives have been crammed full,
not just with things
but with passion for You, and for Your ways, O God.

And so we approach You with gratitude,
immense gratitude,
for all that we have, and all that we are,
for everything from the air we breathe to sustain our bodies,
to the love we breathe to sustain our souls.

And we thank You, God,
for satisfying our hungry hearts.

Fill us again, from Your stores which are never depleted.

-- Rev. Karen Ebert in What I Tell My Heart

A Hymn for All Hallows Eve

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who you by faith before the world confessed,
Your name, O Jesus, be for ever blessed. Alleluia.

The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes your rest;
Sweet is the calm of Paradise the blest. Alleluia.

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day:
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on his way. Alleluia.

Life Insurance as an Act of Stewardship

The following reflection was offered by a member of the Resurrection staff.

When someone close to us (or even someone not so close to us) dies doesn't it seem that we naturally reflect on just how delicate life is? I suppose it has something to do with the fact that it forces us to take a step back and take a moment that we wouldn't have otherwise made time for.

My husband and I had to elect life insurance this week. We both receive a set amount as a benefit through our jobs, but we had to decide if we wanted more and how much. My husband was adament that we get life insurance on him because he is the primary source of income. He wanted to be sure that I was provided for in the event of his death. (NOTE: We are both fairly young and in good health. And yet, we are both aware that each new day is a gift, not an assurance.) He wanted me to be able to care for our children and myself in the most healthy way I could without him. I am very blessed by his thoughtfulness and provision. We filled out the election form, sealed the envelope, and placed it in my purse for the mail.

Then I got to thinking, "What if something ever happened to me? What legacy did I want to leave for my husband and my children?" I don't make a fortune, but I would not want my husband to worry about expenses or the budget upon the unlikely event of my death. I would want his complete attention to be on himself and our children and working through the greiving process. I want my children to have time with their dad. I want my children to have a good Catholic education. I don't want money to be an obstacle to the depth of their relationship in a time when they are so desperately going to need one another. I want to be sure that I leave my family in a state to successfully support one another without having to devote extra time to financial resources.

So, I ripped open the election form and changed the election over to family. What's an extra $4 a month when you consider the benefits? God has given us the resources and we have to discern with Him their best use. For $48 a year I can assure that if God calls me home before I see my children grown, they will be cared for in a fashion similar to that which I would have cared for them.

Certainly, it is not all about the money, but in this case the money is what will make the care, the mercy, and the love an easier focus in a time of great difficulty.

Isn't that what God calls us to? We are called to look beyond ourselves and be loving stewards of our time, our love, our fortune, and our future. Life is delicate. Embrace every opportunity. Love in every moment.

Prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving

We are so blessed as Catholics to have a daily source of prayer and worship in the Divine Office. This morning's intercessions struck me with particular interest.

Created and redeemed by the overflowing love of God, let us offer our praise and thanks:

Response: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker and ruler of the universe.

You have filled the universe with wonders; fill us with reverence and delight.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker and ruler of the universe.

You have called into being life of every kind: fill us with a desire to cherish life in all its forms.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker and ruler of the universe.

You have made us in your own image to be your praise; fill us with thanksgiving.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker and ruler of the universe.

You know all and see all; fill the needs we pray for in our world and in our hearts.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker and ruler of the universe.

Our Father...

O God, Creator and Redeemer, you are the author of being and life. Inspire in us aspirit of praise and a desire for obedience, that we may give you glory in everything we think and say and do, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Reflection for a Fall Weekend

This is a reflection from Robert Wicks in his book "Everyday Simplicity".

"I know the sunsets are for everyone. But as in observing other works of art, what each of us receives from them are personal gifts from God. They are uniquely ours." Michaele Aileen Wicks

Find the gift God is offering you in every encouter with people, your work, nature, everything. Although you may not see the grace every time, you will be more and more sensitive to what you are being given by God.

Youth Find Labyrinth Relaxing and Centering

As Generations of the Disciples at this month's "Pray It!" night we learned about and experienced the labyrinth prayer method. Here are some of the comments from our youth who participated! (Our favorite is the message "Go God!")

"It gave me a chance to relax and to forget about all of the stuff going on in my life. And it gave me a chance to sit down and talk with God."

"An awesome experience. It was a nice break from a hectic week."

"I like the sand and the message behind the station. Go God!"

"Very relaxing. I feel more connected with God."

"I felt that I was with Jesus."

"It was nice to think about and with God. It really refocused me."

"The experience was very soothing and cool because it was different than anything I've done before."

"This was a calming and humbling experience."

"I feel much more connected to God."

"I let my tensions go."

"It was very calming."

"Very emotional experience."

"I felt at peace with God."

"I got more into it than I thought and I felt a strong spiritual connection."

"It was amazing and interesting!"

"That was the most relaxing music I've ever listened to!"

Generations of Disciples "Pray It!" with a Labyrinth Experience

An important part of stewardship is being generous and always growing stewards of prayer.

This Wednesday night, October 3rd, all of our parishioners were invited to gather as Generations of Disciples to "Pray It!". This prayer learning experience focused on a method called the labyrinth. It is a method of prayer that involves meditation, repetition, and following a physical path as one prays. In our case, we had two large labyrinth paths that were laid out in our parish facilities for adults and children alike to walk through while listening to portable music devices or simply their own thoughts.

The Labyrinth can be completed in many fashions. It symbolizes a prayer journey and a conversation with God. Some labyrinths are mowed into the grass. Other churches and organizations use sheets of paper for finger labyrinths. One of the original labyrinths was built in a Cathedral in Chartres, France around 1200. It is actually laid into the stone floor!

Click here for a finger labyrinth you can print for your own prayer. We recommended to those our Generations of Disciples that they print a copy and keep in on their desk or in their locker!

http://www.lessons4living.com/Finger%20Labyrinth.PDF

In addition to being a physical path for the prayer process, it was also created as a way of recreated and representing a pilgrimage for those individuals who might not have the opportunity to pilgrimage to a designated holy site. It gives each of us the experience of a journey toward God and with God. We encourage each of you to try this experience if you haven't already and send us your feedback!

"Thank You" Teaches Children

This weekend I had the opportunity to sit down and speak with on of our regular ushers. We were discussing the passing of the collection basket. She said that sometimes it takes her a little bit longer to finish her section because she takes the time to thank individually each of the children who drop their offering in the basket.

I was so moved by this simple effort. She is an essential part of these children's formation. Stewardship is all about being grateful for what we are given. If we want to teach that to children we need to remember to thank them for all of their contributions. Sometimes it is just a dandelion out of the church shrubery, sometimes it is their off-pitch voice in the choir, and other times it is the portion of their allowance they have been given by their parents to contribute to church. All of these acts of service and gifts of self are stewardship and in an effort to reinforce it, we must regularly speak of it, affirm it, and be grateful for it.

And it's not just for kids...many adults can be touched and taught by a simple "thank you".

Autumnfest Thank You!!!

A special thank you to all those who volunteered to help with Autumnfest. It was a smashing success! We couldn't host this annual event with you!

We had several volunteers who offered to help after the beginning of the event. These last minute offers of help were much appreciated. If you were one of those individuals, please let the parish office know so that we can make a note of it! What a beautiful example of a random act of service!!!

We are already in preparation for next year. If you are willing to spearhead any of our events (food, games, auction), please let us know!!!

Prayer for a Generous Heart

Lord Jesus, you remind us that you honor a generous heart and one that lends freely. May we learn to give more and demand less. Enable us to do more letting go and less holding on. May we simply yield to your sweet spirit of generosity and in so doing relinquish that part of us that fears not being in control. Take the reins from our grasping grip and teach us to rest in that release.
Amen.

The Ten Commandments of Driving

The Vatican recently issued a few suggestions to help us be better stewards of our transportation.

I. You shall not kill.

II. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.

III. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.

IV. Be charitable and help your neighbour in need, especially victims of accidents.

V. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.

VI. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.

VII. Support the families of accident victims.

VIII. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.

IX. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.

X. Feel responsible towards others.

For the entire document:
http://www.zenit.org/article-19915?l=english

A Loose Grip

Professional say that most golfers grip the club too tightly. You have to loosen your grip.

What difference does the tightness of the grip make? Simple. It affects the rest of the body. The forearms will be stiff, and that tends to tighten the shoulders and the upper body, even the legs.

A loose grip results in a fluid swing. And a fluid swing is a powerful swing.

The analogy with stewardship is not subtle. To be tight-fisted with our gifts and talents tightens up everything else in our life.

To loosen our grip by freely and regularly giving a portion to the Lord brings a sense of freedom and peace.

Virtual Rosary and Cardinal O'Malley's Blog

We've added a few links to the righthand side of the page that we wanted to draw your attention to.

#1 The Virtual Rosary. This is a tool to improve your daily prayer life. When you download the program it allows you to view the mystery of the day, prayer reflections, as well as prayer requests. You can even add prayer requests to the list. There is an option to have portions of the Rosary e-mailed to you each day. It is a wonderful resource for all of us busy business people!!!

#2 Cardinal Sean O'Malley's Blog. Cardinal O'Malley is based in Boston, Mass. and uses his blog to reflect and comment on just about anything that crosses his mind. You can read his thoughts, link to other websites, and even make your own comments. Check it out!

Stewardship Prayer

Generous and loving God, you call us to be disciples of your Son Jesus and good stewards of all your many gifts.

Open our minds and hearts to a greater awareness and deeper appreciation of your countless blessings.

Transform us through the power of your Spirit to nurture a Stewardship way of life marked by faith-filled prayer, service to our neighbor and generous sharing.

Teach us to be faith servants of your gifts. With Mary's help, may we return ten-fold the gifts entrusted to us.

We pray through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Mission Statement

"This is what Yahweh asks of you: Only this,to act justly, to love tenderly,and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Resurrection Catholic Parish,in union with the universal Church,and empowered by the Holy Spirit,is a welcoming faith community,celebrating the sacraments,proclaiming the Good News of Jesus,and serving with compassion.Grateful for God's many gifts,we strive to be generous stewards of our blessings,to strengthen each others' faith,to share our Christian hopeand to love one another.