Stewardship
As Christian stewards we are aware that everything we have, including our financial resources, ultimately comes from God. As consumers, we are constantly tempted to use our financial resources in a way that is not consistent with the teachings of Sacred Scripture. While facing these challenges, it is our responsibility to examine our spending habits and prioritize giving back to God a planned, proportionate and sacrificial portion of our financial resources.
We encourage you to look at the various opportunities to serve as goods stewards of the church.
Mission Direct
Ministries within our Families are designed to firmly root parish pastoral ministry in Synod 16 and the Unleash the Gospel pastoral letter. The vision for parishes in the pastoral letter is clear:
- Parishes are to be founded upon prayer and a culture of encounter with Jesus. This will lead to parishes that are ready to welcome others and mobilized to evangelize: invite, connect, mentor and send families and individuals into mission. Every activity and resource of the parish must be in alignment with the fundamental commitment to evangelization. Parish leadership should manifest a healthy teamwork that is oriented to equip parishioners with the necessary training, formation, planning and resources to initiate and realize meaningful endeavors to extend the Gospel to every corner of the parish territory. (UTG Parish Vision)
At St Alfred, we look to our ministries to help provide for the needs of our parishioners and the greater community. Please explore ministries within the four areas, designed to directly help the mission of the church.
Encounter, Grow, Witness
Disciple Formation provides for the catechesis in the parish for all age groups (children, youth, young adult, and adult faith formation). Programs help to move individuals and families from the “encounter” stages of evangelization into the “grow” and “witness” phases of discipleship formation.
Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels” (Heb 13:1–2).
Engagement helps equip our parishioners for the service of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ministries help lead parish and Family efforts to reach out to unchurched Christians and people of other faiths. Additionally, ministries provide for radical hospitality for all parish events and programs.
"You, yourselves, have been taught by God to love one another” (1 Thess 4:9).
Ministries within Evangelical Charity provide a response to Catholic Social Teaching through charity in areas of human need, both in the parish and beyond, andworks for justice by the promotion and coordination of action to eliminate the causes of human need in our society.
“I look to you in the sanctuary to see your power and glory." (Ps 63:3)
Worship ministries work in the life of the community by coordinating and providing quality prayer and liturgical experiences which help people encounter Jesus, especially the Sunday experience. These ministries help liturgical celebrations and prayer services to ensure the integrity of the liturgical experience.
Stewardship of Prayer
A strong prayer life is central to the Catholic faith, as it fosters a deeper relationship with God and strengthens one's spiritual journey. Through prayer, Catholics seek to align their hearts and minds with God's will, find solace in times of need, and express gratitude for His blessings. The Church teaches that prayer is not only an individual act of devotion but also a communal one, bringing the faithful together in worship and intercession. Whether through formal prayers like the Mass, the Rosary, or personal conversations with God, prayer is a vital means of nurturing faith, growing in holiness, and remaining connected to the heart of the Church. In a world filled with distractions, a consistent prayer life offers peace, guidance, and the grace needed to live out one's vocation with love and purpose.
Please visit our prayer resources for inspiration in your prayer journey.
Mission Support
“Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance” (Col 3:23-24)
Part of our journey of faith involves making a planned, proportionate and sacrificial gift back to God through our community of faith. This Stewardship Commitment Card allows us to prayerfully reflect on exercising good stewardship over the money we offer back to God. Traditionally, Catholics have been asked to prayerfully consider giving 5% of their annual income back to God through their parish offertory, 1% to the Archdiocesan annual appeal (CSA) and 4% to a charity or worthy cause of their choosing.
Proportionate Parish Giving Chart
