STEWARDSHIP

Mission statement:

To permeate parish life and activity so that the faithful recognize the call to be Christian stewards and act on it.  A Christian Steward is one who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord.

           

Stewardship Committee Minutes

 

            The Stewardship Committee met on April 21, 7:00 p.m.            Present:  Barb Johnson, Elaine Bergan, Janet Fortman, Deanna Kabliska, Bridget Christopher, Dawn Milligan, Peg Seifried, Margaret Burkett, and Connie Frana.  Absent: Fr. Ament, Lavon Fye and David Gosch.    

            Barb Johnson called the meeting to order and led the group in prayer.

            The group reviewed the ministry fairs.  The weather was terrible for the weekend at Notre Dame which affected the fair.  St. Bridget’s first weekend was very well received.

            The closing of St. Bridget’s was discussed.  The group felt a letter inviting St. Bridget parishioners to Notre Dame Parish should be written and sent to all St. Bridget parishioners.  Barb will work on a draft of this letter to be reviewed by this committee.  It was also felt a member or members of the Notre Dame Parish Council should speak at one of St. Bridget’s masses and invite them to join Notre Dame Parish.

            Barb’s Rel. Ed. class will be making a banner for the May 7 Capital Campaign mass of thanksgiving.  A Pentecost theme was discussed.

            Deanna reviewed the Confirmation program and changes being considered for next year.

            The group discussed the Pope’s visit to the United States .

            The next Stewardship Committee meeting will be held on May 19.

           

           Notre Dame, Cresco and St. Bridget, Bluffton Parishes Stewardship Activities and Ideas:

 

ACTIVITIES:

Stewardship Committee member also on parish council to report to the council of activities.

 

March, 2004    Gratitude Banner for all to sign with caption:  “Jesus calls us all by name.  If you are grateful, sign your name”

 

April, 2004       Banner for all to sign with caption:  “Alleluia!  Alleluia!  With Joyful Heart Share What You are Grateful For. . .”

 

May, 2004       Incorporated items listed on banner in weekend prayers of the faithful.

 

June, 2004       Banner for all to sign with caption:  “Many of your prayers are answered each day.  Name the favors that came your way.”

 

June, 2004       Changing our Book of Petitions which is available for people to write their prayer requests to the Book of Petitions and Blessings and encouraging people to write their blessings as well as petitions.

 

Began July, 2004 and continues  Attitude of Gratitude to parish volunteers.  A box in the 

bulletin to recognize a different group of volunteers each week with the number of people participating in each activity.

 

Aug., 2004       Operation Crayon (see insert) Donations by parishioners of school

supplies and money to the children of Iraq .  Sent 326 lbs. of school supplies. 

 

Oct, 2004        Get Well cards and letters to our injured servicemen in Iraq . 

 

Dec., 2004       Giving Tree during Advent including items to be given to Community Action as well as items to the parish in relationship to Jesse Tree symbols (i.e.  Manna = altar breads)

 

Jan., 2005        Pop can tabs for Ronald McDonald House.

 

May, 2005       Shoes for children in Nicaragua  

July, 2005       Article/picture in "Witness" about pop tab collection project.  

Sept., 2005      Support community donations to Hurricane Katrina

 

Dec. 2005        Giving Tree during Advent including items given to Community Action in Howard and Winneshiek Counties  

 

March, 2006    Stewardship Prayer Cards distributed.  Banners for people to list items they are thankful for.

April, 2006    "Thoughts to ponder" column in bulletin sharing stories about stewardship and requesting responses to questions pertaining to the article

Dec. 2006    Giving Tree during Advent including items given to Community Action in Howard and Winneshiek Counties

2007            Emphasis on prayer in individual lives; committees; parish.

Dec. 2007     Giving Tree during Advent including items given to Community Action in Howard and Winneshiek Counties

Feb., 2008    Ministry Fair

May, 2008    Inviting St. Bridget Parishioners to Notre Dame Parish