St. Anthony de Padua Parish at 2114 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46617 US - The Role of Parents in Stewardship Education for Children

 Observing our Christian example is just one of the ways children learn about Stewardship.  As the article on the Role of the Parents states, “Giving is one of those values that is caught rather than taught.”  We must walk the walk and talk the talk if we want to be good Stewards.  Do we have a special gifts that we can share with our family, our parish and our child’s school?  What can we do to foster our children’s gifts and talents, and how can we help them share those gifts?  What about parish and school participation?  Do we volunteer any time to either of them?  From this writer’s perspective, it seems that the same people volunteer for the majority of the events and activities.  We must say yes to the person who calls us for help. We have to take a chance and sign up for a ministry or two when Intention Sunday comes around this fall. 

Sometimes it seems like we are so busy that we can’t take on another obligation.  What most may not realize is that Stewardship is freely giving away our time, talent and treasure.  If we give it away, it comes back seven fold.  As a result of this giving away experience, we receive a conversion of heart and a faith experience.  There in lies the secret of Stewardship: give it away freely because it was God’s gift to you in the first place.  Share the wealth.

This article serves as a reminder about our responsibilities as a Catholic Stewards.  We must continue to attend mass regularly with our children and receive the sacraments.  When we received the sacrament of matrimony in the Church, we promised to raise our children in the Catholic faith.  This is stewardship to our Church and to our parish. It ensures that the universal Church will continue. We must be accountable to our God for our actions here on earth. Recycling is a perfect example of being accountable to our world.  A good steward will take care of the gifts God has shared with us.

Another way to teach Stewardship is by reading Bible stories to our children.  Many New Testament verses reflect the concept of Stewardship and can open avenues for discussion.  Putting an envelope in the basket on a regular basis shows a strong financial commitment to our parish and a non-verbal one to our kids.  If the school has envelopes, they can commit some of their weekly allowance and put it in the collection basket.  We give our first fruits back to God in thanksgiving.  That simple concept must be shared with our children.  If we start early, we will have grateful givers in the future.

For more information and resources about Stewardship, please log on to Our Sunday Visitor www.osv and the International Catholic Stewardship Council at www.catholicstewardship.org