What is Worth Giving?

As I began thinking about this blog on Catholic stewardship, I was drawn to the words of a Presbyterian minister and a favorite neighbor of my childhood - Fred Rogers. In a speech to Grantmakers for Children, Youth, and Families shortly before his death in 2002, Mister Rogers said, "every one of us -- no matter how much money we have -- needs to know that there's something about us that is worth giving. I think that the saddest person anywhere is the person who feels that he or she doesn't have anything of value (inside) to give."

What a powerful reminder of the different facets of stewardship. Whether we call it "time, talent, and treasure" or "prayer, service, and sharing," stewardship recognizes that every person is graced with gifts from God and that we are each called to share those gifts.

My parish, Christ the King in Missoula, Montana, is in the midst of a million dollar capital campaign. When faced with a large sum of money to raise, organizations often focus only on gifts of money and lose sight of the wider definition of stewardship. I am proud that our campaign invites participation not only from those with money to give, but also those with time to volunteer and with prayers to offer. In short, every member of our parish has something of value to give to our campaign. With the combined generosity, hard work, and prayers of our community, I am confident that our large financial goal will be reached, and that we will all be reminded of the power of true stewardship in the process.