By Catholic Stewardship Consultants
www.CatholicSteward.com
For Della and Charles Silva, parishioners at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo, Kauai, living in stewardship isn’t one of the boxes to be checked when the mood strikes. Stewardship is a way of life that not only enriches their parish but also allows them to deepen their faith and grow closer to Christ by emulating his character of serving others.
Both Della and Charles lead the parish’s youth ministry, and Charles also serves as music director. Della, also a member of the choir, serves as the Worship Commission secretary. Both have served in various parish ministries and councils for more than 40 years.
The couple’s life in stewardship harks back to Della’s earliest school days, when she attended Holy Cross School from kindergarten through eighth grade. The atmosphere she found there, of stability and safety with strong family involvement, compelled her to enroll the couple’s children there.
“There was an environment with a strong emphasis on discipline and a curriculum that integrates faith and values like respect and compassion,” Della said. “I wanted that for my children.”
When the Silvas’ oldest son began school at Holy Cross in 1977, the couple looked for ways they could get involved in which they could work together as a family.
“Therefore, when my son attended school, we began by participating and getting involved with functions and activities at the school,” Della said. “We also started going back to church as we had strayed away for a while. As my husband had an interest in music, he began to play the guitar and sing in the choir, and I joined him and started to sing in the choir also. We have been in the music ministry ever since and have gotten more involved in other ministries.”
According to Della, “stewardship is a way of living out one’s faith every day by giving of one’s time, talent and treasure to build God’s kingdom and to serve others. Giving of one’s time means dedicating one’s time to God through prayer, reading Scripture and regular church attendance. It also includes volunteering time to serve the church community in various ministries or helping others in need.”
Over the years, Della and Charles have found several areas that provide the most fulfilling in their stewardship life.
“Working with youth offers many joys and positive results for both the young people and the leaders involved,” Della said. “Being a member of our church choir helps to uplift the spirits of the congregation. And singing is a powerful form of praying.”
She also cited serving in the social ministry/food pantry.
“It provides service by helping the needy,” Della said. “We have a monthly food drive distribution, and everyone receives a full bag of groceries, produce and frozen meat. … Approximately 230 to 250 bags are distributed monthly.”
For all the good that stewardship provides, there are difficult areas to resolve.
“Challenges in stewardship are from spiritual issues, volunteer shortages and poor communication, which together weaken the church’s ability to fulfill its mission,” Della said. “The difficulties become evident through the declining giving, and in service, through a lack of participation in volunteer activities.”
Despite these drawbacks, the Silvas have witnessed other parishioners grow in their faith through stewardship.
“They set aside more time for prayer, Scripture reading and worship,” Della said. “They are using their skills, talents and abilities to serve the church.”
A life of stewardship is not one lived alone — the Silvas have formed friendships with others who share their faith.
“Volunteering my time and use of my abilities together for the church forms a strong bond. This shared work creates a connection with others,” Della said.
Above: Charles and Della Silva participate in multiple ways at Holy Cross Church, including youth ministry, the choir and the food pantry. (Courtesy Catholic Stewardship Consultants)