Parish Stewardship

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

During my time in the Diocese of Sacramento, I have been impressed by the generous sharing of time, talent and treasure from the faithful of our diocese.  This practice of stewardship is central to our call to be the Lord’s disciples.

Christian stewardship begins with a sense of who we are as disciples of the Lord Jesus.  A good steward recognizes that all blessings come from the Lord and these blessings are to be used to serve all of God’s children.

This concept of Stewardship as a way of living is not focused on our temporal or temporary needs such as facilities and debt.  It recognizes the innate spiritual desire to give.  This desire lies within all our hearts.  Our loving God created us in His image with the potential — and expectation — to share our gifts with the world around us.

My hope is to grow stewardship as a way of living within our homes, our parishes and throughout the twenty counties of the Diocese of Sacramento.

Essential to our success in accomplishing this vision will be the encouragement and formation of our clergy and laity in practicing and teaching stewardship as a way of fulfilling one’s ministry in the parish.

I trust that the enclosed resources for parishes, schools and agencies will prove helpful in teaching the principles of Christian Stewardship.

I thank each of you for your generous spirit.  Together we are living stones in the Temple built for the glory of God.  Christ is our capstone.  In union with Him we continue to build up that Temple so that all God’s children can seek His comfort and know His love.  May the intercession of Blessed Virgin Mary help us all to respond with joy to the Lord’s invitation.

Respectfully,

+Jaime Soto
Bishop of Sacramento