By Catholic Stewardship Consultants
www.CatholicSteward.com
As we usher in the new year, it’s common for people to make resolutions, setting goals and intentions for the year ahead. These resolutions often revolve around personal growth, health or career aspirations.
However, for Catholics, the new year can be an excellent opportunity to connect these resolutions to living stewardship as a way of life.
Stewardship is the practice of recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God and, in return, we are called to be responsible caretakers of those gifts by sharing our time, talent and treasure with God and our parish. By aligning our resolutions with this principle, we can live a more faithful and purposeful life.
One of the core tenets of stewardship is gratitude for the gifts we have received from God. It’s essential to recognize that our resolutions are, in themselves, opportunities to give thanks.
When setting goals related to personal health, for example, we can be grateful for our bodies and resolve to take better care of them. When it comes to finances, we can acknowledge the financial blessings we have and make resolutions to manage them wisely and generously.
Stewardship extends to our spiritual lives as well. Many resolutions center on personal growth and self-improvement, which can easily align with our faith.
Consider setting resolutions to deepen your spiritual life, such as attending Mass regularly, praying daily or volunteering at your parish. These actions not only enhance your own faith journey, but also contribute to the spiritual growth of your community.
Another vital aspect of stewardship is the call to be generous and charitable. In your New Year’s resolutions, consider how you can integrate acts of charity and service.
You might resolve to volunteer more, donate to charitable organizations or simply try to be more compassionate and understanding in your interactions with others. These small acts of kindness reflect God’s love and grace.
The stewardship way of life must begin at home with our family — our domestic church. Consider setting resolutions that prioritize spending quality time with your loved ones, committing to family prayer, nurturing your relationships with each other and Christ, and strengthening your community. Building and sustaining these connections is a powerful expression of stewardship, as they promote unity and mutual support.
Our financial well-being is another area where stewardship principles can be applied. Make resolutions to manage your finances responsibly, budget wisely, save for the future and share your treasure with God, the parish and your community. By doing so, you are acknowledging that your financial resources are a gift from God and that you are called to manage them prudently.
Stewardship calls for self-reflection and accountability for our actions. As you work toward your resolutions, periodically assess your progress, and reflect on how well you are honoring your stewardship commitment. Consider seeking spiritual guidance or accountability from a mentor, priest, deacon, or fellow parishioner, to help you stay on track.
Incorporating stewardship into your New Year’s resolutions is not just a way to set goals, but is a profound way to live out your faith. It transforms ordinary resolutions into sacred commitments that align with your core beliefs as a Catholic.
By being mindful of the gifts God has bestowed upon you and actively seeking to be a good steward of those gifts, you can approach the new year with a sense of purpose, gratitude and a stronger connection to your faith.