"Stewardship, Our Way of Life"
The core of our Catholic Identity at Blessed Trinity Church and School is the Stewardship. As a Stewardship community, we show our faith, love and appreciation for God, and the many blessings he has bestowed upon us, by giving back to others. We give to God not only our treasure, but our time and talent as well. By living a stewardship way of life, we are each examples the presence of God in our daily lives. Stewardship has been a way of life in our parish for well over 15 years.
The United States Council of Catholic Bishops defined Stewardship as: "A Christian Steward is one who receives God's gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible manner, shares them in justice and love with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord (Stewardship: A Disciples Response).
Persons who annually commit to living the stewardship way of life at Blessed Trinity are entitled to take part in all the ministries that are offered by the parish.
Living the Stewardship Way of Life means making a commitment to put God first in your life. He is the one who has gifted you with all that you have and in gratitude and thanksgiving you return to him the first portion of your time, your talent, and your treasure.
Time
Is ALL of your time God-centered? Do you attend Mass weekly? Do you reserve time daily for meditation and prayer?
All members of the parish community are encouraged to give of their time to God through many means. These include, aiding the elderly in the Elder Care Day Care Center, preparing and serving meals in local soup kitchens, and collecting, sorting, and distributing clothing to the needy in the Brother's Keeper Thrift Shop and Furniture Store. In addition, our younger parishioners give their time working with the Parish Youth Group, altar serving, reading at mass, presenting the gifts at Masses, participating in the singing or bell choir, and going on mission trips to other countries.
Talent
Do you use the talents you have been given to serve others? Do you volunteer for any organizations? Do you spend time with your family in God centered activities?
We recognize our talents as gifts from God and actively look for a way to use them to serve God. Students have many opportunities to display their talents and put them to good use for the community. During Grandparents' Day, art shows, music classes, our newly formed bands, and the yearly school play, students use their talents to entertain and enliven the community. Our students also demonstrate their athletic skills, dedication, diligence, teamwork, and good sportsmanship through extra-curricular activities such as volleyball, cheerleading, basketball, soccer, and flag football. Through Peacemaking Peers, a group that promotes conflict resolution and peaceful relationships in our school, students can further demonstrate their talents, while student leaders in our school are active in Student Council and the National Junior Honor Society.
Treasure
Do you return the first portion of your earnings? Do you donate to: feed the hungry? Cloth the naked? Give drink to the thirsty?
Students, staff, and members of the parish are brought together as a community when we share our treasure with those in need. Our fundraisers include school dances, collections in the classroom, candy grams, the fall carnival, and the walk-a-thon. In recent years, monies raised through these means have benefited the homeless and impoverished, victims of natural disasters such as hurricanes and tsunamis, and mission parish in Uganda. Students are also asked to make an offering during weekly school masses. Student offerings include prayers, money or simply a pledge to be more helpful around the house. Through all of these methods and many more, students come to see that stewardship is more than just a donation on Sundays, it is a way of life.
Stewardship 101
Information seminars are offered throughout the year to assist in a person's journey to a closer relationship with God through living the stewardship way of life.An informative session which takes stewardship from a WORD to a PRACTICAL WAY OF LIFE. One hour sessions are offered periodically throughout the year. A great way for new parishioners to learn and ask questions to get them started on their journey!
Stewardship of Our Final Days
A three part seminar offered in February or March each year concerning medical, financial, and religious planning for the end of life. Experts from the medical field, financial planners, funeral planners and priests provide information and options available such as Living Wills, Trusts, and Catholic Funerals.