By Catholic Stewardship Consultants
www.CatholicSteward.com
In the Catholic tradition, the concept of stewardship goes beyond attending Mass and making donations to the church — it encompasses a way of life deeply rooted in sharing our time, talent and treasure for the greater good.
This way of life is not confined to the church walls but extends to our homes, where we cultivate the values of stewardship within our families. As parents, it is our sacred duty to instill these values in our children and foster a culture of giving, service and faith within the “domestic church.”
Sharing time: The first element of stewardship, sharing time, is a valuable lesson to teach children. Set aside regular family time for prayer, reflection and discussing the needs of your local community. Engage in volunteer activities together, whether it’s serving meals at a soup kitchen, participating in church events or helping a neighbor in need.
These experiences will show your children the importance of dedicating time to helping others and connecting with their faith.
Sharing talent: Encourage your children to discover and develop their talents, and then guide them in using these talents for the benefit of others. It could be as simple as teaching them how to play a musical instrument, create art or even cook.
In sharing their talents, children will learn the joy of giving, and they will find purpose in using their skills to make a difference in the world. Emphasize the idea that everyone has something unique to offer, and it is through these talents that they can help build a better world.
Sharing treasure: Stewardship also involves sharing one’s financial resources. Involve your children in the family’s budgeting and financial discussions to help them understand the importance of responsible money management. Teach them to set aside a portion of their allowance or earnings for charitable giving. Encourage them to support church programs, charities and those in need.
When children learn to give generously from a young age, it becomes a lifelong practice of sharing their treasure with those who need it most.
Teaching by example: The most powerful way to instill the principles of stewardship in your children is to lead by example. Be open about your own acts of giving and service. Let your children witness your involvement in church activities, your support of charitable organizations and your dedication to helping others.
When they see your commitment to stewardship, they are more likely to embrace it as a way of life in their own journey of faith.
Embracing stewardship in the domestic church: As parents, we have the opportunity and responsibility to shape our children’s understanding of faith, generosity and service.
By sharing time, talent and treasure within our homes, we create an environment where stewardship is not just a practice, but a fundamental aspect of our Catholic identity.
Through this, we pass on the richness of our faith to the next generation, ensuring that they continue to be the stewards of God’s gifts for years to come.
