"Once one chooses to become a disciple of Jesus
Christ, stewardship is not an option."
With these words, Bishop John J. McRaith, an original
member of the U.S. Catholic Bishops' Committee on Stewardship, summarized
succinctly the heart of the
1992 Bishops' Pastoral Letter on Stewardship,
Stewardship, A Disciple's Response.
Three convictions in particular underlie what is stated in
this Pastoral Letter.
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Firstly, mature disciples make a conscious, firm decision,
carried out in action, to be followers of Jesus Christ no matter the cost
to themselves.
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Secondly, beginning in conversion, change of mind and heart,
this commitment is expressed not in a single action, but in an entire way
of life. It means committing one's very self to the Lord.
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Thirdly, disciples who practice stewardship recognize God as
the origin of life, the giver of freedom, the source of all they have and
are, and of all that will be. They know themselves to be recipients and
caretakers of God's many gifts. They are grateful for what they have
received and eager to cultivate their gift out of love for God and one
another.
(taken in part from the Introduction of the
Bishops' Pastoral Letter, Stewardship, A Disciple's Response)
The contents of Stewardship, A Disciple's Response include "The
Call", "Jesus' Way", "Living as a Steward", "Stewards of the Church", and
"The Christian Steward". You may preview the Bishops' Pastoral Letter at
USCCB
Stewardship.
Copies may be ordered and
purchased from:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 Fourth Street NE
Washington, D.C. 20017-1194
Fax: 202-722-8709
Tel: 800-235-8722
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