The Spirituality of Stewardship:Putting the Eucharist into Action

Michael MurphyExecutive Director

International Catholic Stewardship Councilmmurphy@catholicstewardship.org

“Practicing stewardship is important for the mission of the Church and for the spiritual well-being of each individual Christian.”

- Pope Benedict XVI

“Stewardship is truly a spirituality for the 21st century.”

- Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne

Archbishop of Lima, Peru

Embracing CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP and THE NEW EVANGELIZATION in the Catholic tradition means to:

• Put the EUCHARIST into action• Live out our TRINITARIAN FAITH

day-by-day• Offer PROPHETIC WITNESS to Christ

no matter what the personal cost• RESPOND DAILY to the psalmist’s

question posed in Psalm 116:12

What return shall I make to the Lord for all the good He has done for me?

Psalm 116:12

Jesus said to his disciples, "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.”

see Mark 16:15

Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

1 Corinthians 4:1

CovenantConversionCommunion

Covenant

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."

Luke 22:20

Covenant

“Pray always and do not lose heart.”

Luke 18:1

“They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.”

Acts 2:42

A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit.

Psalm 51:12

Conversion

Money and the Spiritual Life

“There are three conversions necessary: The conversion of the heart, the conversion of the mind, and the conversion of the purse.”

- Saint John Chrysostom

Communion

As generous distributors of God’s abundant grace, put

your gifts at the service of one another, each in the measure

he has received.

1 Peter 4:10

So we, being many are one body in Christ … we have gifts that differ according to the grace bestowed on each of us.

Romans 12:5-6

“With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the

Lord Jesus, and great favor was

accorded them all.”

Acts 4:33

What return shall I make to the Lord for all the good He has done for me?

Psalm 116:12

Thanks be to Thee, My Lord, Jesus ChristFor all the benefits Which Thou has given me;For all the pain and insults Thou has borne for me.Oh merciful Friend, Redeemer and Brother,May I see Thee More clearly,Love Thee more dearly,And follow Thee more nearly. Amen – St. Richard of Chichester (14th c)

The Spirituality of Stewardship:Putting the Eucharist into Action

Michael MurphyExecutive Director

International Catholic Stewardship Councilmmurphy@catholicstewardship.org