Take steps to become a 'stewardship parish'

The first step toward becoming a “stewardship parish” is to define it, according to Father John Lanzrath, a priest from the Diocese of Wichita, Kan., who conducts conferences on stewardship throughout the U.S.

“When you ask most people what stewardship is, the first thing they think of is an ‘S’ with two lines through it, . . . just another attempt to get our money. But no, this is the response to the gifts that God has given us — to share that which we have received,” Father Lanzrath said.

Last October, the priest spoke at the 2009 Archdiocesan Stewardship Conference in New Brighton, where he shared how his diocese became a “stewardship diocese” beginning in 1985.

In the Diocese of Wichita, parishioners are asked to tithe 8 percent of their income to their parishes and 2 percent to charity, he said in a phone interview with The Catholic Spirit. The results have been impressive: Catholic schools don’t charge tuition, Sunday collections cover parish and diocesan operating costs, and the number of seminarians is booming.

But it didn’t happen overnight, he added.

“Too often stewardship is seen as a program like so many other programs that come through the church,” Father Lanzrath said. “But this is really living our lives as disciples of Christ. There is no beginning or end as there is with a program. This is really an ongoing conversion of heart.”

Practical steps

Father Lanzrath offered this advice for parishes seeking to strengthen their commitment to stewardship:

• » Begin by cultivating an atmosphere of hospitality, prayer, formation and service — the “four pillars” that are essential to building a stewardship parish, Father Lanzrath said. Parishioners need to recognize that stewardship is integral to faith, not something separate, he said. It is a way of life to which all Christians are called.
• » If you want people to share their gifts, first help them understand the spirituality of stewardship. Jesus said: “If you wish to come after me, you must deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me,” Father Lanzrath pointed out. “That denial of self is sharing the gifts that God has given us. It is the first step as far as being a disciple of Christ.”
• » Be open with parishioners about how the parish is using their gifts. “If parishioners have an understanding of what’s happening in the life of the parish and they see that needs are being met, not only for the parishioners but also for the communities in which the parishes reside, then people will be more likely to contribute financially,” Father Lanzrath said.
• » On an annual basis, ask parishioners to make a formal commitment to stewardship. Ask them how they will give of their time and talent and to make a financial pledge for the coming year. Then follow up with them. “If you don’t do the follow-up, that is the worst mistake you can make,” Father Lanzrath said. “It reinforces in the minds of the parishioners: ‘See, all they’re really interested in is my money.’”

“These practices are bearing fruit in so many ways beyond just the financial component,” Father Lanzrath said, referring to the Diocese of Wichita. “It’s not just about treasure. It’s about deepening the spiritual heart of people in terms of their relationship with Christ.”

Father Lanzrath added, “As the U.S. bishops proclaimed in their 1992 pastoral letter ‘Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response’: ‘Once one chooses to become a disciple of Jesus Christ, stewardship is not an option.’”

Click here for more information about how to become a “stewardship parish”.

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