be not afraid how to follow christ...be not afraid: exploring a life of discipleship small group...

A Six Session Small Group Process

The life of a Christian steward, lived in imitation of the life of Jesus

Christ, is challenging even difficult in many ways; but both here

and hereafter it is charged with intense joy.

Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response – The United States

Catholic Conference of Bishops

Be Not Afraid

How to Follow Christ

Be Not Afraid: Exploring a Life of Discipleship Small Group Process is meant to infuse

the life of your parish with the stewardship message and may be reproduced.

Many blessings in your efforts!

Mary Ann Otto, Stewardship and Special Projects Director, Diocese of Green Bay is the primary author and editor of

Be Not Afraid: Exploring a Life of Discipleship. Contact her at [email protected] or (920) -272-8301

© Diocese of Green Bay, 2011. All rights reserved.

NIHIL OBSTAT Rev. John F Doerfler Censor Liborum

IMPRIMATUR † Most Rev. David L Ricken Bishop of Green Bay

August 23, 2011

Author: Mary Ann Otto

Developed by the Department of Stewardship

& Pastoral Services & funded by the Bishops

Appeal.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES For Sessions One through Five

Session One: Joy-Filled Managers

By the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops: Stewardship a Disciple’s Response

By Bishop Robert F. Morneau: Embracing a Generous Life-The Joyful Spirituality of Stewardship

By Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel, Our Common Home,

By Tracy Earl Welliver: Everyday Stewardship: Reflections for the Journey

Session Two: Grateful Hearts-Generous Spirits

By Pope Francis: Walking in Praise with Pope Francis -30 Days on Care for Our Common Home

By Bishop Robert F. Morneau: The Color of Gratitude and Other Spiritual Surprises

By Brother David Steindl -Rast: Gratefulness-The Heart of Prayer, A Listening Heart, Deeper than Words

By Mary Jo Leddy: Radical Gratitude

Online Resources: www.gratefulness.org, Thanksgiving Prayers http://www.americancatholic.org/features/thanksgiving/prayers.aspx

Session Three: Constant Communication

By Pope Francis: What Pope Francis Says About Prayer-30 Days of Reflections and Prayers,

By Fr. Ronald Rolheiser: Prayer-Our Deepest Longing

By Mathew Kelly: A Call to Joy - Living In The Presence of God, Rediscover Jesus

By Fr. James Martin, SJ: Together on Retreat (Enhanced Edition), Jesus: A Pilgrimage

By Bishop Robert F. Morneau: Living Prayer, Pathways to God

Online Resources: Praying Sunday Scriptures www.wordforliving,org, Online Three Minute Retreats www.loyolapress.com, Online Daily Reflections, Weekly Prayer Guides, Retreats, www.onlineministries.creighton.edu

Diocese of Saginaw, MI: Little Burgundy Book: Six Minute Reflections on Stewardship

Session Four: Make Me a Servant

Pope Francis: What Pope Francis Says about Service-30 Days of Reflections and Prayers

Dr. Albert Winesman/Gallup: Living Your Strengths, Catholic Edition

Catherine of Siena Institute: Catholic Spiritual Gifts Program

Leisa Anslinger: Living Catholic Stewardship: A Call to Serve

Jim Forest: All is Grace: A Biography of Dorothy Day

Session Five: Investing in Heavenly Treasure

Daniel Conway: What Do I Own and What Owns Me? A Spirituality of Stewardship

Phil Lenahan: Seven Steps to Becoming Financially Free

Charles Zech: Why Catholics Don’t Give and What Can Be Done

St. Mark, Florida,. http://www.stmarktampa.org/documents/Q&A%20-%20Sharing%20Our%20Financial%20Resources.pdf

Gregory S. Jeffery: Why Enough is Never Enough—Overcoming Worries About Money—A Catholic Perspective Cover Photo By Stanislav Mikuš (sculptor) - cc-by-3.0 Peter Zelizňák (photo) (Own work) [Public domain, CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.gratefulness.org

http://www.americancatholic.org/features/thanksgiving/prayers.aspx

http://www.americancatholic.org/features/thanksgiving/prayers.aspx

http://www.wordforliving,org

http://www.loyolapress.com

http://www.onlineministries.creighton.edu

http://www.stmarktampa.org/documents/Q&A%20-%20Sharing%20Our%20Financial%20Resources.pdf

http://www.stmarktampa.org/documents/Q&A%20-%20Sharing%20Our%20Financial%20Resources.pdf

Additional Ideas and Resources Marketing the Event:

• Invitesmallgroupsincludingparishleadershiptopilottheresource• Encourageinvitationbywordofmouth• Sendannouncementselectronicallyaswellasthemoretraditionalmethods• Publishabriefparticipanttestimonyinthebulletin,websiteorparishnewsletter• Duplicateasamplesessionandhaveitavailableaftermassesformemberstopreview• Askneighborhoodstoformlocalgroups• Considerofferingtheopportunityfollowedbyascrapbookingsessionorothersocial• Formsmallgroupswithcouples(allages)girlfriends,grandparents,fathersandsons,etc

Bulletin Announcements: Therehasgottobeabetterway!!!!Inabusy,allconsumingworld,whenisenough,enough?WouldyoulikeanopportunitytoreflectuponyourprioritiesinlightofyourCatholicfaith?Haveyoubeenlookingforthepathwaytobecomingajoy‐filledfollowerofJesus?Areyouinterestedinjoiningothersinthisimportantconversation?Ifyouransweris“yes”toanyoftheabove,considergatheringyourfriendsandformingaBeNotAfraidsmallgroup.Groupswillmeetforsixsessionsof90minuteseachthatincludefellowship,prayer,information,conversationandencouragementintakingstepstobecomingmoreauthenticdisciplesofJesus.Formoreinformationcall_______________at_____________________.

Doyougetupeverymorningandthink“Ineedanewperspectiveorattitudeadjustment?”Ifyoudo,considerrefocusingbyformingorjoiningaBeNotAfraidsmallgroupanddiscoverwhatScriptureandtheCatholicTraditionhavetosayaboutgratitude,prayer,serviceandsharing.Formoreinformation,contact________________at___________________.WouldyouliketoenterintotheEasterSeasonwithanew“wayoflife?”CanyoumaketimetomeetwithothersforconversationandencouragementinbecomingauthenticdisciplesofJesus?Ifyes,considerspendingsomeofyourLentenjourneyBeNotAfraidinsmallgroup.Thissixweekprocesswillexploresuchtopicsastruegratitude,faith‐filledprayer,compassionateservice,andgeneroussharingfromtheperspectiveofScriptureandtheChurch.IfyouwouldliketogreetEastermorningwithanewresolvetoauthenticdiscipleship,contact_______________at_________________formoreinformation.

Prayers of the Faithful:

• Forallmembersparticipatingin aBeNotAfraidsmallgroup,thattheymaygrowintheirunderstandingofdiscipleshipinordertobecomejoy‐filledmanagersofallGodhasgiventhem.WepraytotheLord.

• ForallsmallgroupsparticipatinginBeNotAfraidforthenextsixweeksthatGodmaybless

theirtimetogetherinprayer,formation,reflectionandconversationandthattheygrowintheirunderstandingandpracticeofstewardship.WepraytotheLord.

Copyright©DioceseofGreenBay,2011.Revised2016.Allrightsreserved

Exploring a Life of Discipleship Facilitator’s Guide

DearFriendsinChrist,ThankyouforyourconsiderationinusingExploringaLifeofDiscipleship.Thesmallgroupmodelisapowerfulwayofengagingandformingparishionersthroughrelationshipbuildingandfaithsharing.Thehopeincreatingthisresourceisthatparticipantswillencounteracallto“holiness”throughstewardshipandthatitwillbeasteppingstonetolivingasjoy‐filleddisciplesofJesus.ManyblessingsasyoucontinuetoministerasamemberoftheBodyofChrist.DepartmentofStewardshipandPastoralServicesDioceseofGreenBay

Preparation and Strategies for Exploring a Life of Stewardship Theroleofthefacilitatoristo:

• Makeinitialcalltomemberswithdetailsoftimeandlocationofsession• Greetmembersastheyarrive• Makeweeklymaterialsavailable• Keeptimeeachsessionandthegroupmoving(keyrole)

• Encourageallmembersasactiveparticipantsinthegroup

• Assure room, CD player or tablet/computer for YouTube (if using for opening prayer), nametags and hospitality are ready

• Bethecontactformemberstocallforinformationorinanemergency• Contactmembersifthereisachangeinplans(weather,emergency,etc.)

Time Frame: Thissmallgroupsharingprocessismeanttobedoneinsix(preferablyweekly)sessionsof90minuteseach. Group Size: Theidealsizewouldbeeightmembers.Ifyourgroupislarger,breakingintotwosmallgroupsfor“QuestionsforReflection”willhelpyoustaywithinyour90minutetimeframe.Location: Yoursmallgroupcanbeheldattheparishorinprivatehomes.Providingawelcomingand“cozy”environmentaddstothefriendlynatureoftheevent.Hospitality: Beveragesshouldbeprovidedateachsession.Asimpletreatisaniceoptionwhichcouldberotatedbythemembersiftheyareinagreement.Materials: Reproducematerialsforparticipantseitherasacompletepacketoronesessionatatime.Thoughitisnotnecessary,encouragememberstoprepareforthesessionpriortomeetingtoenhancetheefficiencyanddepthofyourdiscussion.The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Mt 23:11-12

Suggestions for Facilitating a Small Group Discussion: Aneffectivefacilitatoraccomplishesthreetasks.Thefirstistoprovideasafeandconfidentialenvironmentforfaithsharing,thesecondistoencourageparticipationfromallmembersandthethirdistokeeptheconversationmovinginanefficientwaysoastocompletethesessioninitsentirety.Withthisinmind,considerthefollowing:

• Atthefirstsession,discusstheimportanceofconfidentialitywithinthegroup.• Ifyouhaveeightormoreparticipants,dividegroupintotwosmallgroupsfordiscussion.• Whenconsideringquestionsforreflection,goaroundinacircleforresponsesallowing

membersto“pass”iftheychoose.• Ifyouhaveextrovertswholovetoshare,considerusinga“twominute”perpersonoption.• Ifyouhaveanyintroverts,invitethemtoshare.• Beaffirmingwithallresponses.• Beawareofthetimeandgentlygiveatwominute“movingon”warning.

Components of the Process PRAYER Thefirst30minutesofthesmallgrouptimeisspentinwelcomeandprayer.Pleasebesuretousethistimeappropriately.Whengatheringanygroup,itisimportanttohelpthemputasidethebusynessandpressuresofthedayandtofocusonthetopicofthesession.Thecalltoprayerthroughscripture,musicandreflectionwillhelptoopenmindsandheartsfortherestofthesession.Prayer Environment: Aprayerareawithacandle,bible,cross,orclothoftheliturgicalseason,isawonderfulidea.Additionalsymbolsfortheprayerareawouldbe:

• (Session1)acopytheBishops’pastoralStewardship:ADisciple’sResponse• (Session2)gratitudejournal,smallglobe,flowers,bookonthesubjectofgratitude• (Session3)calendar,IPhone,prayerbook,rosary,copyofLord’sPrayer• (Session4)parishministryopportunities(booklet),articlesorpicturesofservice• (Session5)coins,checkbook,debitorcreditcard,budgetbooklet,churchenvelope• (Session6)copyofaquestionmark(?),repeatoneitemfromsessions3,4,and5

Songs: The“suggested”songsarefamiliartomostpeopleandarefoundinmanyparishliturgicalsongbooksifyouhavesomeonewhoiscomfortableleading.AninstrumentaloracontemporarysongonCDwouldalsobeanoption.theYouTubeselectionshavethelyricsincludedforbetterparticipationQuotation for Silent Reflection: Thiscomponentofprayerisanadditionalopportunitytoencouragethoughtandconversationonthetopicofstewardship.Useinawaythatbestsuitstheneedsofyourgroup. Scripture for Inspiration: BesuretohaveacopyoftheNewAmericanBibleavailablesothattheWordofGodcanbeproclaimedduringprayer.Perhapsassignthereadingtosomeoneattheendoftheprevioussessionsothattheycanprepare.Alltheparticipantscanbeinvitedtobringbiblesoryoucanprovideoneforeachiffeasible.

CONTENT AND FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS Consider This:

• Thecontentpiecesfoundonpages2and3ofeachsessioncanbereadaheadoftimeoratthetimeofthegathering

• Ifyouaregoingtoreadaloudatthesession,encouragethosecomfortablewithreadingtoalternateparagraphs.

• Completereadingthepiecesonbothpage2and3beforeconsideringtheQuestionsforRe lectionsothatallmaterialiscoveredduringtheappropriatetimeframe

• AsyourgroupgoesthroughtheQuestionsforRe lectionbesureeachpersonhasanopportunitytoanswereachquestionbeforemovingontothenext

• ThelastquestionofeachQuestionforRe lectiononpage3encouragestheparticipantstoconsideranactionstepbasedonwhattheyreadandtheirdiscussion.Alivelysharingofideas,ifpossible,wouldbenefittheentiregroup

LIVING LIKE JESUS Take Action and Commitment:

• Continuingthesamelineofthoughtfromthepreviouspage,gothroughanddiscusssomeofsuggestionsforactionfoundonpage4

• Usingideasfromthislistorfromthepriorgroupdiscussiononpage3,askmemberstoprayerfullycommittoanactionstepfortheupcomingweek

• Considerplayingsomeinstrumentalmusicwhilepeoplearediscerning• Theparticipantscanbeinvitedtosharetheircommitmentsaloudorwritethemonaslipof

papertoplaceinabasket FROM THE HEART OF POPE FRANCIS Take Action and Commitment:

• Iftimepermits,reflectuponthequotationsregardingthesessiontopic CLOSING PRAYER AND PREPARATION FOR NEXT WEEK Wrap Up:

• Setthedateandtimeforthenextsessionanddistributenextsessionhandouts • Takecareofanyannouncementsandreminders • AssigntheGospelReadingforthenextsession • PointouttheAdditionalScripturePassagesandResourcesforeachsessionfoundintheinside

cover • Affirmthegoodworktheydidduringthesession andexpressyourgratitude

Closing Prayer: • Besuretotaketimetocloseeachsessionwiththeprovidedprayer • Ifthereisextratime,allowmemberstoexpresswhattheywereparticularlygratefulfor

aboutthesession Following Session Six:

• Thankeveryoneforsharing540minutesoftheirliveswithyouinthepastsixsessions• Encouragethemtokeeptheirmaterialsnearasanongoingreminderandinspiration• Askiftheywouldliketocometogetherasasmallgrouponanothersubject

LIVING LIKE JESUS: (21minutes)

Take Action

Considerhowyourprayer,reflectionandsharinginSession1mighthaveinspiredyoutostepoutinfaiththisweek.Shareideasandreflectyourpersonalsituationorconsideroneofthesimpleideasbelow.

• Readthroughthe“AdditionalScripturePassages”foundbelowandwriteapersonaldefinitionofstewardship.

• Reflectuponafavoritesaintorpersoninyourlifewhoyouthinkisamodelofstewardship.HowdotheyliveinadmirationandimitationofJesus?

• Generatea“doable”listwithmonthlyideasforexpressingyourjoy‐filledgratitudeasahousehold.Followthroughwiththeseideas.

• IdentifythreeareasofyourlifewhereyoutendGod’sgiftinaresponsibleandaccountablewayandthreeareasthatyoumightliketoimprove.Selectoneofyour“needsimprovement”areastoworkonthisweek.

• DiscernareasofyourlifeinwhichyoushareofGod’sgiftsinjusticeandlove.Celebrateyourefforts.

Commitment: • Inlightofthis,whatcommitmentwillImakefor

theweek(s)ahead?

Wrap Up: (1minute)

Date for Session 2

Closing Prayer (Together)WonderfulCreator,AwesomeRedeemer,EnergizingAdvocate,youarethesourceofouradmirationandlove.Youhavebreathedlifeintoourbeings,andsavedusfromalifewithoutyou.Forthis,wearegrateful.Asweworktobecomestewards,inspireusthatwemaynotremainpassive,butthatouradmirationexpressedinprayerandworshipwillbringustoourfeetasjoy‐filledmanagersofallthatisputinourcare.WewanttobeauthenticdisciplesandaskthisinthenameofJesus,ourSavior.Amen.

Stewardshiphasthepowertoshapeandmoldourunderstandingofourlivesandthewayinwhichwelive.(Stewardship:ADisciple’sResponse,UnitedStatesCatholicConferenceofBishops)

Additional Scripture Passages:

Genesis2:15 1Corinthians4:1‐2Leviticus25:23 Psalms24:11Chronicles29:11‐12 Matthew10:8Matthew13:44‐50 Luke6:38Romans8:32 James1:16‐17

FROM THE HEART OF POPE FRANCIS

• WecanbringtheGospeltoothersonlyifithashadadeepimpactinourlives.(April10,2015)

• Mylife,myattitude,thewayofgoingthroughlife,mustreallybeaconcretesignofthefactthatGodisclosetous.(tweetedMarch7,2016)

• IfyouknowJesuswiththesethreelanguages:ofmind,heartandaction,thanyoucansaythatyouknowJesus.(homilySept.26,2013)

• Weareallsinners.Wearecalledtoaconversionofheart.(tweetedFeb.3,2015)• Amongthepoorbeingtreatedworstisourplanet.Wecannotpretendallisfine

inthefaceofthegreatenvironmentalcrisis.(tweetedFeb.15,2016)• WithJesus,thereistruejoy.(tweetedDec.25,2014)• Come,HolySpirit!Helpusovercomeourselfishness.(tweetedMay20,2014)• Let’sseektoliveinawaythatisworthyofourChristianvocation.(tweetedNov.20,2014)• InJesus,Ihavemettheonewhoisabletobringoutthebestinme.(tweetedFeb.16,2016)

Photo By Benhur Arcayan (Malacañang Photo Bureau) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Copyright © Diocese of Green Bay, 2011. Revised 2016. All rights reserved

GATHERING: (15minutes) Welcome and Greeting • Onewordthatdescribesmetodayis…• Whataremyhopesforoursmallgroup?

PRAYING: (15minutes)Songs Traditionalsongstosing/playorselectacontemporarypersonalfavorite• PraiseGodFromWhomAllBlessingsFlow‐

OldHundreth• GloryandPraisetoOurGod‐DanSchutte

YouTubeselections:• PowerofYourLove–GoeffBullock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga6Qtxzd6vk• AmazingGrace(MyChainsAreGone—JohnNewton/

ChrisTomlinhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I

Session 1 Exploring a Life of Discipleship

JOY-FILLED MANAGERS ChristianstewardsreceiveGod’sgiftsgratefully,cherishandtendtheminaresponsibleandaccountablemanner,sharetheminjusticeandlovewithall,andreturnthemwithincreasetotheLord.

(Stewardship:ADisciple’sResponse,UnitedStatesCatholicConferenceofBishops)

Quotation for Silent Reflection Consider a word or phrase for possible sharing “IntheOldTestamenttheprophetEzekiel,speaking,forGodmakesthisstatement:“AnewheartIwillgiveyou,andanewspiritIwillputwithinyou;andIwillremovefromyourbodytheheartofstoneandgiveyouaheartofflesh.”(Ezekiel36:26)OurGodisapromise‐maker;ourGodisapromise‐keeper.WhentheHolySpiritbreaksintoourlivesourheartsbecomemoreprayerful,ourministryjoyful,andourgenerosityextravagant.”

BishopRobertF.Morneau(AuxiliaryBishopEmeritus,DioceseofGreenBay)

Scripture for Inspiration Matthew 25:14-30

QuestionforGroupReflection• Wordsorversesfromthepassagespoketo

meare?

“ThepromotionofthepracticeofstewardshipisimportantforthemissionoftheChurchandforthespiritualwell‐beingofeachindividualChristian.Everyonebenefitsfromthesacrificialgiftonemakesofhistime,talentandtreasure.”

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (letter dated June 20, 1997)

Prayer Conclusion (Together)LordandMasterofall,wethankandpraiseyouforallthegiftsthatyouhaveplacedinourcare.Youhaveentrusteduswiththisworldandallitsblessingsandgivenusthefreedomtochoosehowweusethem.InfuseuswithyourSpiritthatwemaynotbeafraidintoday’sworldtobeassertiveinnurturingyourmanygiftsandreturntheminabundancetoyou.Helpustobe“holy”risk‐takersasweworktoimitateJesus.Weaskthisinthenameofthe“ultimatesteward,”yourSonandourSavior.Amen.

Photo above by Hendrick ter Brugghen, 1621 Public Domain, Central Museum Utrecht

Stewardship A Way of Life – Believing and Doing Areyouasteward?Itiscertainlyaninterestingquestiontobeaskedinourday.Thewordhasallkindsofdefinitionsforavarietyofpeople.Asonemightanticipate,theChurchapproachesthetermfromabiblicalconceptandaswithmanythings,wheneverfaithentersintotheconversation,itbecomesachallengingandlife‐givingopportunity.Thus,ourquestionbecomes,“AreyouaChristiansteward?”

In1992,theU.S.Bishopsissuedthepastoral,StewardshipaDisciple’sResponseasawayofbringingthebiblicalrealityofstewardshiptoCatholicsinourcountry.ThisdocumentnotonlyhasguidedusinunderstandingwhatatrueChristiansteward“believes”butalsowhathe/shedoes.

Therearethreekeytruthsthatapersonbringstothepracticeofstewardship.OneisthatJesusisourSaviorandasbaptizedChristians,itisourcalltoliveinadmiration,butalsoinimitationofhim.Thepastoralstates“StewardshipalwaysstartswiththepersonalexperienceoftheRisenChristinourmidstandinourhearts.Itisavocationtodiscipleship.”RonRolheiser,inTheHolyLonging,suggeststhatadmirationofJesusistheeasypart.ItislivinglikeJesusthatbecomesthechallengeaswellastheopportunity.Doyoubelieve?

Thesecondfactiseverythingintheuniverseincludingourselves,wascreatedbyGodforGod.Thereality(perhapsharshormaybefreeing)isthatweownnothing.LiketheservantsintheParableoftheTalents,weareonlycaretakersormanagersofeverythingaroundusfromourenvironment,bodies,relationships,time,talents,financialresources,etc.Andyes,somedaythe“RightfulOwner”willreturnforanaccountingofeverything.Doyoubelieve?

Thethirdrealityisonceweunderstand“Who”webelongtoandwhywearehere,wehavetheopportunitytolivejoy‐filledgenerouslivesandbuildGod’skingdom.Ourbishopsinthepastoraltellus,“Wheneverweacceptourlivesassheergifts,theSpiritcanuseusasinstrumentsforspreadingtheGospel.WherevertheSpiritworksthereisjoy.GoodstewardsarealwaysthejoyfulbearersoftheGoodNewsofSalvation.”PopeFrancissays:Ifwelivefaithinourdailylife,thenourworktoobecomesachancetospreadthejoyofbeingaChristian(tweetedJan.21,2014).ThetestimonytothistruthisaglobalCatholicChurchofoverabillionmembers.Ourancestorsunderstoodandbelieved.Doyoubelieve?

Thosewhobelieve,act.ThebishopsinStewardship:ADisciple’sResponsehavegivenusatemplatetohowweliveinimitationofJesusasChristianStewards.SowhatdoChristianstewardsdo?

Quotation for Reflection

DiscipleswhopracticestewardshiprecognizeGodastheoriginoflife,thegiveroffreedom,thesourceofalltheyhaveandareandwillbe...TheyknowthemselvestoberecipientsandcaretakersofGod’smanygifts.Theyaregratefulforwhattheyhavereceived.


TheLord’saretheearthanditsfullness;theworldandthosewhodwellinit. (Psalm24:1)

CONSIDER THIS: (38minutes‐Ifparticipantshavenotreadcontentpriortogathering,pleasetakeamomenttoreadaloud, rotatingwillingmembers.)

Above Photo: Creative Commons Public Domain by stokpic

Pathway to Christian Stewardship

ReceiveGod’sgiftsgratefullyGratitudeisfoundationaltothelifeofstewardship.(Itissoimportantthatthenextsessionofthisprocessisdedicatedtoit.)WhenweareauthenticallygratefulforthemanyblessingsGodhasprovided,wefindgenerosityaneasyresponse.Conversely,ingratitudeisafertilegroundforenvy,greedandunhappiness.EvenifweunderstandandbelievethateverythingbelongstoGod,choosingtobegratefulforwhathasbeenputinourcareisintentional.Aswetakeinventoryofourownstewardshipefforts,consideringtoheavilyinvestintheareaofgratitudecanpayjoyfuldividendsinstrivingtobecomeageneroussteward.CherishandtendGod’sgiftsinaresponsibleandaccountablemannerOnceweareabletostandinaweandexpressappreciationforwhatGodhasgiven,aChristianstewardacknowledgestheHandlewithFaithandCaredirectivethatcomeswithallthatGodhasfashioned.TheParableoftheTalentsisonewayofunderstandingthisconcept.BishopRobertF.Morneauhaseloquentlyusedanadditionalimageofgardens(suchasthespiritual,economic,ecological,intellectualandtalentgardens),tomakethisimportantpointcometolife.Heasksthequestion:“Howwellhaveweorarewetendingthegardensinourlife?”Withlimitedtimeandresources,therearealwaysimportantchoicesforaChristianstewardtomakeifwewantanabundantharvest.ShareGod’sgiftsinjusticeandlovewithallGenerouslysharingwhatGodhasloanedusisfrequentlyoneofthebiggestchallengestotheChristiansteward.Jesuswascertainlyclearaboutusingourlivestoprayandserveothers.Hewasequallytransparentaboutsharingourresourceswiththoseinneed.TodayourChurchteachesaboutsupportingthe“commongood.”Yet,inourcurrentcultureitispersonallydifficulttodeterminewhen“enoughisenough”bothinuseofourtimeandourresources.Thebiblicaltitheof10%canserveasaguide,astheChristianstewardstrivestobeledbytheHolySpiritingivingone’stimeforprayerandservice,aswellasone’sincome.AfruitoftheHolySpiritisgenerosity.Scriptureencouragesusnottogiveofwhatisleftofourtimeandresourcesbutour“firstfruits.”ReturnGod’sgiftswithincreaseImagineoneday,liketheservantsintheParableoftheTalents,wewillbestandingbeforetheMastertoprovideanaccountofour“management”endeavors.AsagratefulChristianandjoyfulsteward,wewillbeabletoprovideareportthatrevealsourgreatcarefortheenvironmentandalllife,liberalamountsoftimespentinfaith‐filledprayerandcompassionateserviceaswellasthesharingofagenerousportionofmaterialandfinancialresources.OurabundantreturnwillpromoteandaffirmGod’slovefortheworldandgiveotherstheopportunitytoknowChristmoreintimately.Onthatday,wewillbeinvitedto“Come,sharetheMaster’sjoy.”QuestionsforRe lectionWhatresonateswithyouthemostaboutstewardship?*Consideringthethreetruths,whatistheeasiesttobelieve?*Whatisthemostdif icult?*CurrentlywhatdoyoudowellintheareasofChristianstewardship?*Whatmightbeanareaofweakness?*WhatmightyouconsiderdoingintakingastepforwardinbecomingaChristiansteward?

Notes:

LIVING LIKE JESUS: (21minutes)Take Action Considerhowyourprayer,reflectionandsharinginSession2mighthaveinspiredyoutostepoutinfaiththisweek.Shareideasthatreflectyourpersonalsituationorconsideroneofthesimpleideasbelow.

• Ponderpeopleinyourlifewhoyoubelievelivealifeofgratitude.Seektheirwisdom.• Prayerfullybeginandendeachdaywithagratefulheart.• UsetheAdditionalScripturePassagesfoundbelowforreflection.• Createfamilygratitudenotesandmakeanefforttosendseveralouteachweek.• Sharewithafamilymember,colleagueorfriendonethingyouaregratefulforeachday.• Beginayearlygratitudecalendar.Usingablankcalendar,writeseveralitemsinthesquaresattheendof

theday.Takeamomenttocontactpeopletowhomyouaregrateful.• Reflectuponyourpersonalhistoryandmakealistofthings/peopleyouaretrulygratefulfor.• Asahousehold,createagratitudecollageorfamilytagline.• Invitefriendsandfamilyoverforan“off‐season”Thanksgivingdinner.

Commitment: • Inlightofthis,whatcommitmentwillImake

fortheweek(s)ahead?

Wrap Up: (1minute)

Date for Session 3

Closing Prayer (Together)

Father,wethankyouforthistimetogethertoshareourfaithandfriendship.Placedeepwithinourheartsthespiritofgratitude,onethatwilltakeourbreathawaywheneverweconsiderhowblessedweare.EncourageusandhelpustosupporteachotherinourjourneytoliveoutourgratefulnessingenerosityandloveaswestrivetoimitateourLordandSavior.Amen.

Theoptimistsays,thecupishalffull.Thepessimistsays,thecupishalfempty.ThechildofGodsays;Mycuprunnethover.Anonymous


Psalms50:23 Psalms106:1‐2 Psalms107:1Psalms30:12‐13 Psalms100:1‐5 Psalms92:1‐2Psalms118:1‐24 Hebrews12:28 1Timothy4:4‐5Ephesians5:19‐20 2Corinthians9:11‐15Colossians3:17 Ephesians1:16

FROM THE HEART OF POPE FRANCIS: • InunionwithJesus,weseekwhatheseeksandwelovewhatherloves,Inthe

end,whatweareseekingisthegloryoftheFather;weliveandact“forthepraiseofhisgloriousgrace”(Eph1:6)(EG267)

• Maywelearntosay“thankyou”toGodandtooneanother.Weteachchildrentodoit,andthenweforgettodoitourselves!(tweetedMarch20,2014)

• Forifwehavereceivedthelovewhichrestoresmeaningtoourlives,howcanwefailtosharethatlovewithothers.(EG8)

• ThebestincentiveforsharingtheGospelcomesfromcontemplatingitwithlove,lingeringoveritspagesandreadingitwiththeheart.Ifweapproachitinthisway,itsbeautywillamazeandconstantlyexciteus.(EG264)



GATHERING: (15minutes) Welcome and Greeting

GroupMembersShare:• Onewordthatdescribesmetodayis…• WhatdidIcommittoinSession1?• HowdidIfollowthroughwithmycommitment?

PRAYING: (15minutes)Songs Traditionalsongstosing/playorselectacontemporarypersonalfavorite• PraisetotheLord‐LohyeDenHerren• HolyGodWePraiseThyName‐GrosserGott

YouTubeselections:• ThankYouLord—DonMoen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K44trVhtZX4• GiveThanks—DonMoen

htpps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk_7wUR2Wdg

Session 2 Exploring a Life of Discipleship - A Foundation of Gratitude

GRATEFUL HEARTS-GENEROUS SPIRITS SuchgenerosityflowsfromheartsgratefultoGodforhisgenerosityincreatingandsavingus.

(UnitedStatesCatholicCatechismforAdults,p.455)

Quotation for Silent Reflection Consider a word or phrase for possible sharing

TobegratefulistorecognizetheloveofGodineverythingGodhasgivenus‐andGodhasgivenuseverything.EverybreathwedrawisagiftofGod’slove,everymomentofexistenceisagrace…Gratitudethereforetakesnothingforgranted,isneverunresponsive,isconstantlyawakeningtonewwonderandtopraiseforthegoodnessofGod.ForthegratefulpersonknowsthatGodisgoodnotbyhearsaybutbyexperience.Andthatiswhatmakesallthedifference.

ThomasMerton,(TwentiethCenturyTrappistMonk)

Scripture for Inspiration Luke 17:11-19

QuestionforGroupReflection• Wordsorversesthatspoketomeare?

Goodstewardslivewithjoyandgratitudefortheblessingstheyhavereceived‐includingthosethathavemulti‐pliedthroughdiligenceandhardwork.


Prayer Conclusion (Together)GoodandgraciousGod,weareyourchildrenandthebeneficiariesofyourgreatloveandgenerosity.WewanttobeimitatorsofyourSonJesus.LeadustobeginourpersonalconversiontoalifeofstewardshipbytrulyunderstandingallyouhavegivenusandallthatyouhavedoneforusthroughJesus.HelpustobetheoneswhogratefullyfalltoourkneesinfrontoftheLordeachday.WeaskthiswithhopeandgratitudeinthenameofJesusourbrotherandSavior.Amen.

Above Photo by History2007 at en.wikipedia [Public domain or Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons

Jesus, His World and Gratitude “ItisgoodtogivethankstotheLord,tosingpraisetoyourname,MostHigh”(Ps92:2).

ThethankfulvoicesoftheHebrewPsalmistsflowedeasilyintoJesus’world.TheHolySpiritembracedmostnoticeablythosewhowereintimatelyinvolvedinhisbirth.Mary,Jesus’mother,offeredherownpsalmofoverwhelminggratitudeaboutherpregnancyduringherencounterwithElizabeth:“MysoulproclaimsthegreatnessoftheLord;myspiritrejoicesinGodmysavior”(Lk1:68).Zechariah,thefatherofJohntheBaptist,shareshisgladnessinasaviorfromthehouseofDavid:“BlessedbetheLord,theGodofIsrael,forhehasvisitedandbroughtredemptiontohispeople”(Lk1:46-47).Theshepherds,afterencounteringJesusinthemangerproclaimed:“Thentheshepherdsreturned,glorifyingandpraisingGodforalltheyhadheardandseen”(Lk2:20).TheProphetessAnna,atthepresentationofJesus,expressesherdelightintherealizationofwhoJesustrulyis:“shegavethankstoGodandspokeaboutthechildtoallwhowereawaitingtheredemptionofJerusalem”(Lk2:38).Therewasnodoubt,whenpeoplecouldclearlyseethepresenceofGod,theirfearleftthemandtheirheartswerefilledwithgratitudeandjoy.Inessence,likemanyofthedisciplestocome,theyweretransformed.

Duringhispublicministry,theGospelsdisclosenotonlyJesus’intimaterelationshipwithhisFatherbutalsohisgratitudeforallthatwasbeingaccomplished.Ashepreparestofeedthefourthousand,Jesus“tookthesevenloavesandthefish,gavethanks…”(Mt15:36).Onanotheroccasion,JesusthankfullypraisesGodforallowingthepureofheartto“see”him.Hestates:“Igivepraisetoyou,Father,Lordofheavenandearthforalthoughyouhavehiddenthesethingsfromthelearned,youhaverevealedthemtothechildlike”(Mt11:25).Inanotherprofoundinstance,asaddenedJesusraiseshisdearfriendLazarusfromthedeadandliftshiseyesandsays:“Father,Ithankyouforhearingme”(Jn11:41).

Jesus,ourmodelof“holiness,”acknowledgedthepresenceofhisFatherinhislife,demonstratedtrustindoinghiswill,anddidbothwithprofoundgratitude.AsJesus’disciplesheardhiswordsandwitnessedhisactions,theywerebeingformedinawaythatwouldhelpthemtocarryonthemessageofthePsalmistsastheyspreadtheGoodNews.Inthisgeneration,however,thejoyandgratitudewillbeforapromisedSaviorwhohasredeemedus.Christhasdied!Christhasrisen!Christwillcomeagain!


“Gratitude…goesbeyondthe“mine”and“thine”andclaimsthetruththatalloflifeisapuregift.InthepastIalwaysthoughtofgratitudeasaspontaneousresponsetotheawarenessofgiftsreceived,butnowIrealizethatgratitudecanalsobelivedasdiscipline.ThedisciplineofgratitudeistheexplicitefforttoacknowledgethatallIamandhaveisgiventomeasagiftoflove,agifttobecelebratedwithjoy.”

HenriJ.M.Nouwen(PriestandSpiritualGuide)

“Letnothingtroubleyou/Letnothingfrightenyou/Everythingpasses/Godneverchanges/Patience/Obtainsall/WhoeverhasGod/Wantsfornothing/Godaloneisenough.”

(St.TeresaofAvilaquotedintheCatechismoftheCatholicChurchno,227)


By JFXie (Flickr: O Praise Him) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Authentic Gratitude - True Joy - Unending Generosity FollowingtheascensionofJesus,hisfollowers“didhimhomageandthenreturnedtoJerusalemwithgreatjoy,andtheywerecontinuallyinthetemplepraisingGod”(Lk24:52-53).Theearlydisciples,throughfearlesstrustandunyieldingacceptance,(ofteninverydifficultcircumstances)understoodallthatGodhadgivenandwereabletoexpresstheirjubilantappreciation.AfterPentecost,theyunceasinglysharedtheirjoythatsprangfromgratefulheartsandwereabletoevangelizeandbuildtheearlyChristiancommunity.Theybecamegreatstewardsofallthatwasgiventothembecausetheyactedoutofauthenticgratitude.Paulwasespeciallyconsistentinframingmanylettersingratitude.Considerthesamplingbelow:

• “Whatthanksgiving,thencanwerendertoGodforyouforallthejoywefeelonyouraccountbeforeourGod?”(1Thes3:9).

• “…butbefilledwiththeSpirit”addressingoneanother[in]psalmsandhymnsandspiritualsongs,singingandplayingtotheLordinyourhearts,givingthanksalwaysandforeverythinginthenameoftheLordJesusChristtoGodtheFather”(Eph5:19-20).

Paul’sconversiontoChristblessedhimwithanunderstandingthatallgoodthingscomefromGodandalsowitha“gratefulenergy”thatwearecalledtoimitate.Today,theCatechismoftheCatholicChurchtellsusthathavingfaithinGod“meanslivinginthanksgiving”(CCC,no224).Similarly,theU.S.CatechismforAdultsindiscussingtheSundayEucharist,states“Everyhumanperson,havingbeencreatedbyGod,oweshimworshipandthanksgivingforwhattheLordhasdoneandwhathecontinuestodo”(U.S.CatholicCatechismforAdults,p.363).PopeFrancisstates:ThesalvationwhichGodoffersusistheworkofhismercy.Nohumanefforts,howevergoodtheymaybe,canenableustomeritsogreatagift.Godbyhissheergrace,drawsustohimselfandmakesusonewithhim(EG112).ThemessageforustodayisifwearetobegenerousstewardsofourrelationshipwithGodinprayer,ofourtalentsinserviceandofourtreasureinsharing,weneedtobegratefulforthelastinggiftsthatGodhasgivenus.Livinginaculturethatoftenplacesavalueonhowhappyweshouldbebyourmaterialpossessionsandouraccomplishments,makesitdifficulttotrustinGodandexperienceauthenticgratitude.Manytimeswearechasingthingswhichleadtoenvyorgreed.Truegratefulnessbringstruejoyandoutofthatjoyagenerosityflowsthatassistsusinlivinginimitationofthe“Master.”QuestionsforRe lection:Whatarethethingsthatyouaremostgratefulforinyourlife?*Whathasbeenthesourceofyourmostjoyfulmoments?*Whathasbeenyouractionorreactioninthosemoments?*HowarepeopletodayliketheTenLepersinscripture?*Whyisitdif iculttoplaceourlivesinGod’shands?*Whatroledoyouthinktrustplaysinyourefforttobeagoodstewardofprayer,serviceandsharing?*Whatmightbesomewaysoropportunitiesforyoutobecomeamoregrateful,joyfulperson?

Notes:

“Sanctityhastodowithgratitude.Tobeasaintistobefueledbygratitude,nothingmoreandnothingless.”(Fr.RonaldRolheiserinTheHolyLonging)

LIVING LIKE JESUS: (21minutes)Take Action

Considerhowyourprayer,reflectionandsharinginSession3mighthaveinspiredyoutostepoutinfaiththisweek.Shareideasthatreflectyourpersonalsituationorconsideroneofthesimpleideasbelow.

• Spendsometimewithyourcalendarreflectingonyourpriorities.ConsiderhowyoumightbeabetterstewardofyourrelationshipwithGodbyincreasingyourprayertime.Makeacommitmentusingsomeoftheideasbeloworideasthatmighttouchyourheartandplaceitonyourcalendar.

• BeginandendeachdaywithfiveminutesofspontaneousconversationwithGod.• AttendweekdayMassandorEucharisticAdoration,oneormoretimesaweek.• Praytherosaryseveraltimesaweek.• Consideraretreatatoneofourlocalretreatcenters.• Ponderanonlinedailyquotation,reflectionormini‐retreat.


theweek(s)ahead?

WRAP UP: (1minute) DateforSession4

Closing Prayer (Together) God,youarethesourceofourhopeandwellbeing.Webelongtoyouanddrawstrengthandencouragementfromyouthroughprayerandreflection.JustastheearlydisciplesrecognizedthegiftthatprayerisbywatchingyourSoninconversationwithyou,helpustobegoodstewardsofourtimebymakingprayerapriority.AssistyourchildreninmakingstridestoimitateJesusthroughincreasedprayer.WeaskthisinthenameofyourSonandourSavior.Amen

“Foodforthebodyisnotenough.Theremustbefoodforthesoul.Whenwehavespiritualreadingatmeals,whenwehavetherosaryatnight,whenwehavestudygroups…Christistherewithus.”DorothyDay

Additional Scripture Passages

2Chronicles7:14‐15 Psalms25:1‐2Psalms145:18 Isaiah55:6 1John5:14‐15 1ThessaloniansPhilippians4:6‐7 5:16‐18James5:16 James4:3Ephesians6:18 Romans8:26


FROM THE HEART OF POPE FRANCIS: (optional)• Thefirsttaskinlifeisthis:prayer.Butnottheprayerofwordslikeaparrotbut

oftheheart;gazingonthelord,hearingtheLord,askingtheLord.(Oct.8,2013homily)

• WhenwepraycourageouslytheLordnotonlygivesusgrace;hegivesushisveryselfinthegrace,fortheLordneversendsorgiveshisgracebypost:hebringsithimself,heisgrace!(Oct10,2013homily)

• Goodtheologiansdotheologyontheirknees.Studywithoutprayerisuseless.(April10,2014GregorianUniversity)

• InourChristianlifetoo,dearbrothersandsisters,mayprayerandactionalwaysbedeeplyunited.Aprayerthatdoesnotleadyoutopracticalactionforyourbrother‐thepoor,thesick,thoseinneedofhelp,abrotherindifficulty‐isasterileandincompleteprayer.(July21,2013Angelus)

• Thisishowitis:thereisabattletobewagedeachday,butGodisourally,faithinhimisourstrengthandprayeristheexpressionofthisfaith.(Oct20,2013Angelus)

• TolistentotheLord,wemustlearntocontemplate,feelhisconstantpresenceinourlivesandwemuststopandconversewithhim,givehimspaceinprayer.(May1,2013Audience)




PRAYING: (15minutes)Songs Traditionalsongstosing/playorselectacontemporarypersonalfavorite• OpenMyEyes–JesseManibusan• YouAreNear–DanSchutte

YouTubeselections:• AwesomeGod‐RichMullens

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx3st6YjQBs • LordILiftYourNameonHigh‐RickFounds

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3iB30gCqAc

Session 3 Exploring a Life of Discipleship - Faith Filled Prayer

CONSTANT COMMUNICATION “StewardsnurturetheirrelationshipwithGodbyhavingaprayerlife.Whetherthatistwominutesortwohoursaday,listeningandrespondingtoGodisatthecoreofthedisciple’slife.”

BishopRobertF.Morneau,(AuxiliaryBishop,DioceseofGreenBay)


“Forme,prayerisanupliftingoftheheart,aglancetowardheaven,acryofgratitudeandloveintimesofsorrowaswellasjoy.Itisnoble,somethingsupernatural,thatexpandsthesoulandunitesittoGod.”

St.ThereseofLisieux

Scripture for Inspiration Luke 11:1-13


Inabusysocietylikeours,timeisoneofthemostpreciouspossessionswehave.Howwespendourtimeisper‐hapstheclearestindicationofourprogressinthelifeofChristiandiscipleship.


Prayer Conclusion (Together)EverpresentGod,weofferyouourgratitudeforyourpatienceasweworktobuildandstrengthenourrelationshipwithyou.MayyourSpiritfillourlivesaswestrivetobegoodstewardsofeachday.Assistusinofferingyoutheday’sfirstfruitssowemaygrowclosertoyouthroughprayerandlivemoreauthenticallylikeJesus.WeaskthisinthenameofyourSon.Amen

Above Photo: James Tissot, The Lord’s Prayer, Brooklyn Museum, Public Domain


Letusnotbeconsumedwithhaste,asiftimededicatedtoChristinsilentprayerweretimewasted.Onthecontrary,itispreciselythenthatthemostwonderfulfruits...Cometobirth.Thereisnoneedtobediscouragedonaccountofthefactthatprayerrequireseffort,orbecauseoftheimpressionthatJesusremainssilent.Heisindeedsilent,butheisatwork.

PopeBenedictXVIMeetingwithclergyinPolandMay25,2006

Silenceofoureyes.Silenceofourears.Silenceofourminds.InthesilenceoftheheartGodwillspeak.

MotherTeresa


IftheobjectiveofeveryChristianistoliveinimitationofJesus,unearthingexamplesofhimin“constantconversation”withhisFatheriseffortless.TheGospelofLukeisespeciallyfilledwithexamplesofhowJesusprayedinallcircumstances,atalltimesofthedayandinavarietyoflocations.HeprayedthathewouldaccomplishhisFather’swillandheprayedforothers.HisdiscipleswerewitnessingauniqueandpowerfulrelationshipbetweentheFatherandtheSonandprayerwasthecatalyst.ThereisnodoubtthatifwewereeyewitnessestotheMaster,wewouldhaveaskedJesustoteachustopray.Jesusprayedatallthemomentoustimesofhislife.HisofficialministryintheGospelofLukebeginswithJesusprayingasheisbaptizedbyJohn(Lk3:21).Soonthereafter,followingtheperformingofmanymiracles,he“withdrewtodesertedplacestopray.”(Lk5:16)Theimportanceofselecting“thetwelve”whowouldbelivingwitnessestotheRedeemerwasprefacedinprayer(Lk6:12-13).Likewise,prayerwasevidentpriortothefirstpredictionofhisdeath(Lk9:18-22),atthetimeofthetransfiguration(Lk9:28),followingthereturnoftheseventydisciples(Lk10:21),andpriortoteachingthecrowdhowtopray(Lk11:1).Ofcourse,twoofthemostmemorableaccountsofJesusinprayertookplaceintheGardenofGethsemanewhereheaskedforthe“cup”tobetakenifitwashisFather’swill(Lk22:30-49),andduringhisdeathonthecrosswhenheprayedthathisperpetratorsbeforgiven(Lk23:24).IfyouweretoreadtheabovementionedpassagesinLuke,youwouldencountertheprayingJesusinthedesert,onthemountain,inthemorning,duringtheeveningattimesofgreatjoyandinhisdarkesthours.Therewereprayersofpetitionaswellaspraiseandthanksgiving.Itisallthere.HowcanwefollowJesus’lead?

Jesus and Prayer - the Testimony of Luke

Above Photo: Josef Untersberger [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Stewardship of Prayer in a Busy World SincethedeathandresurrectionofJesus2000yearsago,theleadersoftheChristiancommunityexpressedtheimportanceofprayerintheirteachings.ConsiderPaul’sencouragementtotheThessalonians,to“Rejoicealways.Praywithoutceasing”(1Thes5:16-18),toPopeBenedictwhostates“TrueprayerconsistspreciselyinunitingourwillwiththatofGod”(Angelus,2007).ThesignificanceofbeinginrelationshipwithGodasastewardofprayerisundeniableintheCatholicTraditionyet,todayweoftenfinditdifficulttomakeprayerapriority.Inaworldwhereourcalendarsdefineourlives,thereisawaytoevaluateourowncommitmenttobeingin“constantcommunication”withtheOnewhocreatedandredeemedus.Ofthe168hoursthateachofushasbeenblessedwitheachweek,wheredoweplaceour“firstfruits?”Howmuchtimedowespendworking,watchingT.V.,usingcurrenttechnology,involvedinsports,meetings,shopping,childrearing,sleeping,eating,cleaning,etc.HowmuchtimedowegratefullyreturntoGodinprayer?RecallingtheParableoftheTalents(Mt25:14-30),inSession1,theMasterwillreturnonedayandaskuswhatwehavedonewiththepreciousgiftoftime.Howwillwerespond?ThelongtraditionofprayerinourChurchoffersavarietyofwaystobuildarelationshipwithGod.PopeFrancissays,“Prayingtogetherunitesusinsomanyways.Wecanholdeachotherupasbrothersandsisters.”(WorldMeetingofFamilies)ThesourceandsummitofprayeristheEucharist,thecommunalprayerinwhichwesharetheWordofGodandtheBodyandBloodofJesus.Thereareopportunitiesforprivateandgroupreflectionusingthescriptures,retreats,shortcoursebiblestudies,prayingwiththesaintsaswellastherosaryandEucharisticAdoration.PopeFrancisalsoremindsus:“Throughprayer,charityandhumilitybeforeGod,peoplereceiveaheart‘whichis irmandmerciful,attentiveandgenerous’.”(LentenMessage,Feb.,2015).Thequestionis:ifwewanttoliveinimitationofJesus,whatarewewillingto“maketime”for?Questions for Re lection: How does Jesus’ prayer life parallel your own? * Without time and prayer, how do we know our lives re lect God’s will? *What does it mean to you to be in relationship with Jesus? What is the most joyful aspect of your current calendar? * What is the most frustrating? * What are some of the obstacles to a solid relationship with God in prayer? * Where in your calendar might you see an opportunity to increase your prayer life even by a small step? *

ThedesireforGodiswritteninthehumanheart,becausemaniscreatedbyGodandforGod.(CatechismoftheCatholicChurchno.27)

Notes:

LIVING LIKE JESUS: (21minutes)Take Action

Considerhowyourprayer,reflectionandsharinginSession4mighthaveinspiredyoutostepoutinfaiththisweek.Shareideasthatreflectyourpersonalsituationorconsideroneofthesimpleideasbelow.

• ReflectuponthegiftsGodhasgivenyou(thosethingsthatyouarepassionateaboutandgiveyoulife).MakealistofthewaysinwhichyoucanorareusingyourgiftstoserveyourChurchorcommunity.

• Prayerfullyreviewyourcalendarandthehoursyoucurrentlygivetoservingothers.Considerincreasingyourgiftofservice.

• PurchaseacopyofLivingYourStrengths(CatholicEdition)fromGallupandtaketheonlinesurveywhichdeterminesyourstrength‐themes.Locateinthetextideasforusingyourspecificthemestoserveyourparish.

• Contactyourparishofficetoexplorewhatopportunitiestherearetoserve.• Ponderinitiatingalife‐giving,relevantnewministryinyourparish.• ContactyourlocalSt.VincentDePaul,HomelessShelter,etc.foropportunitiestoserve.

Commitment: • Inlightofthis,whatcommitmentwill

Imakefortheweek(s)ahead?Wrap Up: (1minute)

Date for Session 5

Closing Prayer (Together)ClosingPrayerFather,wethankyouandpraiseyouforthegiftofyourSon.HelpustobecomeJesusimitatorsasweworktowashthefeetofothers.Assistusinidentifyingourgiftsthatwecantrulybethe“saltoftheearth”andthelightoftheworld.”GiveustheheartofMaryandthesaintsandfilluswithcourageandwisdomtomakeservingaprioritythatcomesfromthe“firstfruits”ofourcalendar.WalkwithusaswediscernwaystobecomeamorecommittedstewardofservicesothatwecangiveyougloryandbuildupyourChurch.InJesus’name,wepray.Amen.

Additional Scripture Passages

Jeremiah1:4‐5,7‐8 Matthew25:14‐30Mark10:43‐45 Matthew5:13‐16Luke10:25‐37 John15:16‐17Hebrews13:16 James2:14‐17Romans12:4‐8 1Peter4:10

FROM THE HEART OF POPE FRANCIS (op onal) • Jesus washes the feet of the Apostles. Are we ready to serve like this?

(tweetedApril2,2015) • Prac cing charity is the best way to evangelize. (tweetedJan.24,2015) • Love is the measure of faith. (tweetedNov.27,2014) • Chris ans know how to give. Their lives filled with generous acts-o en

towards their neighbor. (tweetedAug.23,2014) • To change the world we must be good to those who cannot repay us.

(tweeted Oct. 18, 2014) • Indifference towards those in need is not acceptable for a Chris an.

(tweetedNov.6,2014) • At mes we can be so self-absorbed. Lord, help us to open our hearts to others

and to serve those who are most vulnerable. (tweetedJune2,2014) • Like the Good Samaritan, may we not be ashamed of touching the wounds of those who suffer. But try to heal

them with concrete acts of love. (tweetedJune2,2014) Photo By Benhur Arcayan (Malacañang Photo Bureau) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Copyright © Diocese of Green Bay, 2011. Revised 2016 All rights reserved



PRAYING: (15minutes)Songs Traditionalsongstosing/playorselectacontemporarypersonalfavorite:• TheSummons–KelvinGrove• GoMakeofAllDisciples‐EllaCombe

YouTubeselections:• ServantSong–DonnaMarieMcGargill,OSMhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSG1gm5KT1c• HereIAmLord‐DanSchuttehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GINNh15cT08

Session 4 Exploring a Life of Discipleship - Compassionate Service

MAKE ME A SERVANT Jesusnotonlycallspeopletohimbutalsoformsthemandsendsthemoutinhisservice.Beingsentonamissionisaconsequenceofbeingadisciple.WhoeverwantstofollowChristwillhavemuchworktodoonhisbehalf‐announcingtheGoodNewsandservingothersasJesusdid.



Serving Teachus,goodLord,toserveyouasyoudeserve:togive,andnotcountthecost,tofight,andnotheedthewounds,totoilandnottoseekforrest,tolabor,andnottoaskforanyrewards,savethatofknowingthatwedoyourwill.

IgnatiusofLoyola

Scripture for Inspiration John 13: 1-15


Prayer Conclusion (Together)LordGod,wearetheworkofyourhandscreatedforyourjoyandyourservice.SendyourSpirituponusthatwemayimitatethelessontaughtbyJesuswhenhewashedthefeetofthefirstdisciples.Giveusagenerousheartthatwemaybeenergeticandjoy‐filledservantsnotonlyoutofobligationbutoutoffaithandlove.Maytheworldknowthatweareyourdisciplesbyourpassionforservice.WeaskthisinthenameofourprimaryServantLeaderandourSavior.Amen.

“Behold,IamthehandmaidoftheLord.Mayitbedonetomeaccordingtoyourword.”Thentheangeldepartedfromher.

(Mary,MotherofGod,Lk1:38)

Above Photo: By txnetstars [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons


“ThetheologyofministryandserviceemphasizesthatitisnotsomuchthatwedothingsforothersbutratherJesusisdoingsomethingforothersthroughus.Beingawareofthedifferencebetween“for”and“through”changesourwholemannerofservice.Thatiswhyprayerissoimportant:itkeepsremindingusthatallstewardshipisultimatelytheworkoftheLordtakingplacethroughtheactionsoffaithfuldisciples.”

BishopRobertF.Morneau(AuxiliaryBishopEmeritus,DioceseofGreenBay)


Thepertinentquestionforthisfourthstewardshipsessionisthis:WhyisservicesofundamentaltotheCatholicChurch?”Theanswerissimple:“WearedisciplesofaGodwhoserved.”PriortoJesus’finalandultimateactofserviceonthecross,weobservehimwashingthefeetofhisdisciplesintheGospelofJohn(Jn13:1-15).EachtimeweencounterthisepisodewearewitnessestooneofJesus’mostprofoundly“teachableanddemonstrativemoments”withhisfollowers.Inthispassagewealsoareinvitedtorecallwhathesaidanddidduringhisthreeyearsofministryonearth.ThewordministrymeansserviceandasJesusstepsintofullviewfollowinghisbaptismineachoftheGospels,itisclearthatheisonamissiontoserve.HowdidJesusserve?Heservedbyteachinginthesynagogues,proclaimingthegospelofthekingdom,andcuringeverydiseaseandillnessamongthepeople(Mt4:23).JesusinstructedothersaboutthekingdomthroughhisSermonontheMountandPlain(Mt5:1-12,Lk6:20-49);andstoriesliketheParablesoftheTalentsandLostSon(Mk12:1-12,Lk15:13-32).Heservedthroughencouragementandprovidingforpeople’sbasicneeds.WehaveinsightintoJesus’compassionasheisabouttofeedfourthousandpeople:“Myheartismovedwithpityforthecrowd.”(Mk8:2);orasheisabouttoraisethewidow’sson“whentheLordsawher,hewasmovedwithpity”(Lk7:13).WhodidJesusserve?Hecametoservethe“HouseofIsrael”buttirelesslyofferedhimselftoanyonewhowouldlisten,hearandbelieve.JesusservedtherichbyencouragingthemtomakeGodcentralintheirlivesandchallengedthemtoactwithjustice(Mt19:16-22).Hetendedtothepoor,consideringthosewhoweresickandrackedwithpain,thosewhowerepossessed,aswellaslunaticsandparalytics(Mt4:24).JesusrespondedtothemarginalizedsuchastheSyrophoenicianwoman(Mk7:24-30);andthewomancaughtinadultery(Jn8:1-11).HeservedallthattheymightbegreatrecipientsofGod’sloveandmercy.Powerfully,intheendandonthecross,Jesusmakeshisearliertestimonytoserviceareality“FortheSonofMandidnotcometobeservedbuttoserveandtogivehislifeasaransomforthemany”(Mk10:45).

Jesus and Service– His Life Was a Template

St. Paul Writing His Epistles

Artwork Attributed to Valentin de Boulogne - AHBpCifHgxB7g at Google Cultural Institute

Stewardship of Service - Called Out of Our Giftedness PriortoJesus’deathandresurrection,thediscipleshadtheopportunitytointernwiththeMasterintheareaofservice(Mt10:7-8,Mk6:7-13,Lk9:1-6).Heempoweredandcoachedthemintoimitatingwhattheyhadwitnessed.WeknowtodaythatoncetheMessiahhadrisenandsenthisSpiritthathisministrywouldneedtobeduplicatedandexpanded.

WiththehelpoftheHolySpirit,thedisciplesformedtheearlyChurchintoacommunityofChrist’sservants(1Cor4:1).PeopleknewtheywereChristiansbytheirgreatloveandbecameeffectiveevangelizersthroughtheircompassionateservice.

AstheChurchgrew,Paulforexample,broughtanewdimensiontoservingothers.HeremindedmembersinplacessuchasRomeandCorinthtoconsiderhowuniquelytheyhadbeencreatedandcalledthemtoblesstheChurchwiththeirgifts.Consider:“Sincewehavegiftsthatdifferaccordingtothegracegiventous,letusexercisethem”(Romans12:6).“Indeed,IwisheveryonetobeasIam,buteachhasaparticulargiftfromGod,oneofonekindandoneofanother”(1Cor7:7).Whenyouconsiderthelivesofsaints,manyheardandacteduponPaul’smessage.

AsmembersoftheChurchinthethirdmillennium,thecallisthesameforus.TheUnitedStatesBishopsquotePopeJohnPaulIIinStewardship:ADisciple’sResponse:“Participationtakesdifferentformsaccordingtopeople’sdifferentgiftsandoffices,butthereisafundamentalobligationarisingfromthesacramentofBaptismthatpeopleplacetheirgifts,theirresources‐their‐selvesatGod’sserviceinandthroughtheChurch.”

PopeFrancisexpressesitverysimplywhenhestates:“We who are Chris ans, members of God’s family, are called to go out to the needy and serve them” (tweetedJan.17,2015).Thoughthemessageisclear,thechallengeforustodayisidentifyingourgiftsandthenmakingserviceapriorityinourbusylives.Ourfreewillalwaysmakescommitmenttodiscipleshipachoice,butour“yes”promisesalifeofjoyforusandforourChurch.QuestionsforRe lection:Nexttohisdeathonthecross,whatelementofJesus’lifeasservantspeaksmostpowerfullytoyou?*Considerasaintanddescribehowhe/sheservedasJesusdidusinghis/herspeci icgifts.*Whatspecialgiftshaveyoubeengiventhatprovideyouwithjoy?*HowmightyouusethesegiftstoservetheChurchand/ortheworld.*Whataresomeofthechallengestobecomingagoodstewardofyourgiftsinservice?*Whatwouldyoubewillingtodotoincreasetheamountoftimeyouspendservingothers?

“Thereisalightinthisworld,ahealingspiritmorepowerfulthananydarknesswemayencounter.Wesome‐timeslosesightofthisforcewhenthereissomuchsufferingandpain.Thensuddenly,thespiritwillemergethroughthelivesofordinarypeoplewhohearacallandanswerinextraordinaryways.”

MotherTeresa

Notes: ____

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LIVING LIKE JESUS: (21minutes)

Take Action Considerhowyourprayer,reflectionandsharinginSession5mighthaveinspiredyoutostepoutinfaiththisweek.Shareideasthatreflectyourpersonalsituationorconsideroneofthesimpleideasbelow.

• Beawareofyourfinancesbyprayerfullyreflectingwhereyourtreasureisbeingspenteachmonth.• Calculatewhatyourcharitablegivingactuallyis.Contemplateincreasingyourcharitablegiving.• Reflectuponthosethingsthatyoukeepinstorage.Couldsomeoneelsebenefitfromthem?• Makealistofwhatyouthinkmightkeepyoufrombeingmoregenerous.• Ifyouneedhelpinbecomingabetterstewardofyourfinances,seekhelpwithalocalagency.• GoonlineandviewTheStoryofStuff(www.thestoryofstuff.com)Discusswithfamily/friends.


theweek(s)ahead?

Wrap Up: (1minute)

Date for Session 6

Closing Prayer (Together) CreatorGodandGenerousMaster,youhaveblessedyourpeoplewithresourcesneededforoursurvivalandhappiness.Yourgenerosityisbeyondourimaginationandwearegrateful.CreatorGod,yousentyourSontomodelstewardshipandtoguideusinsharingthemanymaterialgiftsplacedinourcare.HelpustostayclosetoHimandhismessageofgeneroussharingaswestrivetorejectacultureofconsumerismandabundantlyreturnwhatyouhavegivenus.Lord,wewanttobeyourdisciples.Weaskthisnotonlythisday,buteachdayofourlives.Amen.

Thetenthcommandmentforbidsgreed…itrequiresthatenvybebanishedfromthehumanheart.(CatechismoftheCatholicChurch,nos.2536and2538)


Leviticus27:30‐32 Mark12:41‐44Deuteronomy14:22,29 Acts20:35Deuteronomy16:16‐17 1Timothy6:7‐10Malachi3:8‐10 1John3:17‐18

FROM THE HEART OF POPE FRANCIS (Op onal) • LordHelpustolivethevirtueofgenerosity,tolovewithoutlimits.(tweetedApril

6,2015)• TheLordputitclearly;youcannotservetomasters.Youhavetochoosebetween

Godandmoney.(tweetedDec.18,2014)• Themartyrsteachusthatwealth,prestigeandhonorhavelittleimportance:

Christistheonlytruetreasure,(tweetedAug.15,2014)• TheLordlovesacheerfulgiver.Maywelearntobegenerousingiving,freefrom

theloveofmaterialpossessions.(tweetedJuly19,2014)• Christianloveislovingwithoutcountingthecost.ThisisthelessonoftheGood

Samaritan,thisisthelessonofJesus.(tweetedMarch18,2014)• ThetimehascomefornewmessengersofChristtobeevenmoregenerous,morejoyful,moreholy.(tweeted

Nov.30,2015)• AChristianwhoistooattachedtoricheshaslosthisway.(tweetedAug.25,2015)



Session 5 Exploring a Life of Discipleship - Generous Sharing

INVESTING IN HEAVENLY TREASURES “Howweearnandspendourmoneyisbothahighlypersonalissueaswellasasocialconcern.Havingaccesstosomeone’scheckbookisalsohavingaccesstothatperson’svaluesystem.‘Forwhereyourtreasureis,therealsowillbeyourheart.’” (Mt6:21)

BishopRobertF.Morneau,(AuxiliaryBishopEmeritus,DioceseofGreenBay)


Desirefortruehappinessfreesmanfromhisimmoderateattachmenttothegoodsofthisworldsothathecanfindhisfulfillmentinthevisionandbeatitude(happiness)ofGod.“ThepromiseofseeingGodsurpassesallbeatitude...InScripturetoseeistopossess...WhoeverseesGodhasobtainedallthegoodsofwhichhecanconceive.”

(CCC,no.2548citingSt.GregoryofNyssa)

Scripture for Inspiration Matthew 19:16-22


GroupMembersShare:• Onewordthatdescribesmetodayis…• WhatdidIcommittoinSession4?• HowdidIfollowthroughonmycommitment?

PRAYING: (15minutes)Songs Traditionalsongstosing/playorselectacontemporarypersonalfavorite.• OnlyaShadow‐CareyLandry• SeekYeFirst‐KarenLafferty

YouTubeselections:• IOfferyouMyLife—DonMoen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTLGBfv4xaM• TheGiftofGenerosity‐MinistrySpotlight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhmmeFuzGRk


Prayer Conclusion (Together)Godoflife,wepraiseyouandthankyoufortheongoinginspirationfoundinyourHolyWord.Jesus,helpustohearandbetransformedbythemessageintheParableoftheRichYoungManasifwewerepresentinyourfirsttelling.Spirit,infuseuswiththetruththatweshouldnotlookforsecurityandhappinessinourmoneyandpossessionsbutfirstandforemostinourrelationshipwithyouandothers.WeaskthisinthenameofJesus.Amen.

Letusmasterthisgreatandsimpletruth”,CardinalNewmanoncesaid,“thatallrichmaterialsandproductionsofthisworld,beingGod’sproperty,areintendedforGod’sservice;...


Above Image By Heinrich Hofmann [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Jesus on Money and Possessions: Direct & to the Point Jesus’verylifespeaksvolumestothevalueofwealthandprestigeinrelationshiptothekingdomandsalvation.TheKingofKingswasbornintoafamilyofmeagermeansandthroughouthisshortlife,acquirednoknownpossessionsexcepttheverygarmentswhichweredividedathiscrucifixion(Mt.27:35).Needlesstosay,itwasanunexpectedsettingandlifestylefortheanticipatedMessiah.Jesusistheperfectmodelofstewardship.HismissionwastorestorethebrokenrelationshipbetweenhisFatherandhumankind.Hegavehislifetoaccomplishit.Duringhisthreeyearministry,histeachingsonmoneywereverydirectandtothepoint.Jesus’concernforpeoples’attachmenttowealthandhisresponsesaresomeofourmostquotableandchallengingscripturepassages.Considerthefollowing:“Noonecanservetwomasters…YoucannotserveGodandmammon”(Mt6:24).“Withoutcostyouhavereceived;withoutcostyouaretogive”(Mt10:8).“ItiseasierforacameltopassthroughtheeyeofaneedlethanforonewhoisrichtoenterthekingdomofGod”(Mk10:25).“Muchwillberequiredofthepersonentrustedwithmuch,andstillmorewillbedemandedofthepersonentrustedwithmore”(Lk12:48).“Thereisstillonethingleftforyou:sellallyouhaveanddistributeittothepoor,andyouwillhavetreasureinheaven”(Lk18:22).ThoughJesusstressedhisFather’spromiseofloveandcareforthem(Mt6:25-34),thepreviouswords,nodoubtweredifficulttohear.ManypeopleofJesus’day,especiallythoseoffinancialmeans,weresaddenedandconfusedbyhisinstructionsbecausetheyunderstoodwealthasasignofGod’sfavor.Jesusapproachedtheissueofmoneyfromavarietyofperspectivesandinmanyinstancespointedtothejoyof“heavenlytreasures.”TheParableoftheRichFool(Lk12:16-21),challengedtheirneedtohoardwealthandputtheirprimarytrustinearthlythings.ThestoryofthePoorWoman’sContribution(Mk12:41-44),inthetempleshooktheirconscienceontheverymotivationforandleveloftheirgenerosity.Jesus’parablesonthe“treasureburiedinthefield”orthe“pearlofgreatprice”(Mt13:44-49),reinforcedhisteachingsthatthekingdomisthemostimportantinvestmentforhumankind.Jesus’wisdomongenerosityandaccountabilityforthepoorisreflectedintheParableoftheRichManandLazarus(Lk16:19-31),andhiswarningagainstgreedinthestoryofabrothersharinghisinheritance(Lk12:13-15).WrappedaroundalltheseimportantstatementsisJesus’stewardshipmessageinTheParableoftheTenGoldCoins(Lk19:11-26),andTheParableoftheTalents(Mt25:45-51).EverythingtheyhavebelongstoGod.OnedaytheMasterwillreturnandaskeachindividualforanaccountingoftheuseofwhathasbeenonloantothem.Whatwilltheyhavedonewiththetreasureintheircare?


Quotation for Reflection “Stewardsaregenerouspeople.TheyfeelanobligationtoreturnaportiontotheChurchandothercharities.Theyrefusetobeco‐optedbyacultureofgreedandlivealifeofhoarding.Atoughquestionhastobeasked:CanapersonclaimtobeadiscipleoftheLordiftheyarenotsharinggenerouslyoftheirfinancialresources?

BishopRobertF.Morneau,(AuxiliaryBishopEmeritus,DioceseofGreenBay)

By Edmund Leighton, Charity of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, 1895, [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Stewardship of Sharing in a Culture of Consumerism Jesus’hopeanddirectionforhisfollowersbecamearealityfollowingthePentecostevent.WiththehelpoftheHolySpirit,theearlydiscipleswereidentifiedbytheircommitmenttoandtrustinJesusandeachother.Theyplacedapriorityonthebreakingofbread,prayers,teachingsoftheapostlesandsharingofmaterialwealth.Outoftheirjoyandgenerositycameanincreaseinmembership(Acts2:44-47).AstheChurchgrew,theearlydisciplescontinuallywarnedofanextraordinaryattachmenttomoneyandtheeffectithadondiscipleship.WerememberPaul’sfamouswordstoTimothy:“Forwebroughtnothingintotheworld,justaswewillnotbeabletotakeanythingoutofit.Fortheloveofmoneyistherootofallevils,andsomepeopleindesireofithavestrayedfromthefaith...”(1Tim6:7-10).Ourworldcertainlyhaschangedoverthepast2000years.Wearebombardedwithmessagesofmaterialismandconsumerismthatpointto“things”beingthesourceofourjoy.Yet,thevoiceofJesuscontinuestobeheardthroughscriptureandourChurchTeachings.Inourgeneration,wehearfromtheUnitedStatesCatholicConferenceofBishops:“ThelifeofaChristiansteward,livedinimitationofthelifeofChrist,ischallenging,evendifficultinmanyways;butbothhereandhereafteritischargedwithintensejoy.”OurBishopschallengeandencouragesharingwithneedyindividuals,families,theChurchandcharitableorganizationsasawayofexpressingourjoyfulgratitudetoGodandtendingtooursouls.(Stewardship:ADisciple’sResponse)Inatimeandculturewhereweareoftendefinedbyourpossessionsandoverallnetworth,itisespeciallychallengingtoplaceourfulltrustinGodwhenconsideringgeneroussharing.PopeFrancisstates:MaytheLordhelpusovercomethetemptationsofwealth,vanityandpridewhichseektodestroythetruthoftheGospel,(tweetedFeb.14,2016).HowisitpossiblefordisciplesofJesusnottobesweptawayinthiscurrentclimateofconsumerism?Howcanwedaretogivethefirst3%,5%,10%orevenmoreofourincomebacktoGod?Notunliketheearlyfollowers,theanswerisanintentionaldecisionthatchoosesChristasthesourceofourcontentmentandhappiness.ItisjoyfulgenerositythatreflectsanunderstandingthatourmaterialwealthistemporarilyonloantousandistobeusedinservicetoGod.Theanswerisbountifulsharingcalculatedbyunderstandingourblessingsnotincomparisonwithothers,butbyoverwhelminghumilityandappreciation.Weareindebtedandgratefulforlife,forsalvationthroughJesus,andforothers.Workingtointegratetheanswersintoourlivesisimportant.Forintheend,thequestionwillbethesameforus.Whatwillwehavedonewiththetreasuresplacedinourcare?

QuestionsforRe lection:Whatwasakeyingredientleadingtothegenerosityoftheearlydisciples?*Howmightourstewardshipofsharingre lectourrelationshipwithGod?*Whataresomehumantraitsthathinderusfrombeinggenerousstewards...offering irstfruitsbacktoGod?*Whatisthejoythatcouldcomefrombeinginanciallygenerous?*Whatwouldbeonethingyouwouldbewillingtodotobecomeabetterstewardof

yourmaterialwealth?

Notes:

IwouldneverhavebeenabletotithethefirstmilliondollarsIevermadeifIhadnottithedmyfirstsalarywhichwas$1.50perweek.

JohnD.Rockefeller,Sr.(1839-1937)(AmericanIndustrialistandPhilanthropist)

Closing Blessing: (Together) AllKnowingCreator,wearegratefulforallyouhavegivenusespeciallythegiftofeachotherandtimetogetherinprayeranddiscussion.Youhaveblessedourfriendshipandstrengthenedourlives.AwesomeRedeemer,itisbyyourexamplethatwecanknowandbelieveintheimportanceofdoingGod’swill.Weoweourlivestoyou.HolyInspiration,wefeelyourongoingpresenceaswestrivenottodostewardshipbuttobecomestewards.Itiswithyourhelpthatourjourneytotruediscipleshipwillbefruitful.Continuetosurrounduswithyourloveandencouragement.WeaskthisinthenameofourbrotherandSavior,Jesus.Amen.

Stewardship – A Lifestyle Change

GrowingclosertolivingasaChristianStewardisajourney.Ourliveslivedwithopeneyesandopenheartsprovideustheopportunitytogrowinfaithandwisdom.ThisisbothGod’sgiftandGod’schallenge.ThissixweeksmallgroupopportunityonstewardshipisawonderfulavenuewheretheHolySpiritcancertainlylighttheflameandlayafoundation.However,atruechangeofheartcallsforalifestylechange.Lifestylechangesareintentionalandprogresscanbemeasuredbyongoingreviewandreflection.

Itisnotunlikemanyotherareasofourlives.Today,wearecalledtobegoodstewardsofourbodiesbymanagingourweightthroughdietandexercise.Thisisalifestylechangeformostofusthatwillcallustobeattentivetoourrelationshipwithfood,basicnutritionandourtimegiventoexercise.Wemonitorourprogressbyweighingourselvesandroutinecheck‐upswithourphysicians.Similarlyitwillbenecessary,justaswetallythetimewededicatetoprayerandserviceandamountofourtreasureweshare,weknowthenumbersarerealandtellourstory.

ConversiontoalifeofChristianstewardshipisnotaonemonth,oneyearorfiveyearcommitment.Ittrulyislikestrivingforormaintainingourphysicalwell‐being.Thereisnotafadoraneasyfix.Itisalife‐longcommitmentthatcallsustoreviewourprogresstoavoidbecomingstagnantorhittingaplateauinaculturethatoftenpullsusfromlivesofholiness.Difficultasitmayappear,weknowthebenefitstomanagingourphysicalorspiritualwell‐beingishappiness,plusthereis“GoodNews!”

OurmodelandmentorisJesusandour“supportgroup”isthosemembersofourChurchwhoarestrivingtobehistruedisciples(likethoseinthissmallgroup).Wecangatheroftenas“CompanionsontheJourney”forstrengthandguidanceinEucharistandtheSacramentallifeofourChurch.WecanusetheliturgicalseasonsofAdvent,Lent,EasterandPentecosttoseriouslyassessourprogressandstrivetoattainthenextleveloffaith‐filledprayer,compassionateserviceandgeneroussharing.Wecanlooktoourparishforwaystobuildthekingdominourdayandsecurehopeforthenextgeneration.Indeed,wearetrulyblessedandthepossibilitiesareendlessandnowthatwehave“exploredalifeofstewardship,”thechoiceisours.

Take Action • Markyourcalendartoretaketheassessmentonpage3infourorsixmonthstocheckonyourprogress.• Periodicallyrereadthefirstfivesessionsforreview.• Setadatetomeetasasmallgroupinsixoreightmonthsforsharingandsupportinyourstewardship

efforts.

Hismastersaidtohim,‘Welldone,mygoodandfaithfulservant.Sinceyouwerefaithfulinsmallmatters,Iwillgiveyougreatresponsibilities.Comeshareyourmaster’sjoy.’

Matthew25:23


Session 6 Exploring a Life of Discipleship - What Now?

THE WORK OF A LIFETIME FollowingJesusistheworkofalifetime.Ateverystepforward,oneischallengedtogofurtherinacceptingandlovingGod’swill.Beingadiscipleisnotjustsomethingelsetodo,alongsidemanyotherthingssuitableforChristians;itisatotalwayoflifeandrequirescontinuingconversion.

(Stewardship:ADisciple’sResponse-TheUnitedStatesCatholicConferenceofBishops)


“TurnnowtoconsiderhowthesewordsofourLordimplyatestforyourselvesalso.Askyourselveswhetheryoubelongtohisflock,whetheryouknowhim,whetherthelightofhistruthshinesinyourminds.Iassureyouthatitisnotbyfaiththatyouwillcometoknowhim,butbylove;notbymereconviction,butbyaction.”

PopeSt.GregorytheGreat

Scripture for Inspiration Acts 1:6-11



PRAYING: (15minutes)Songs Traditionalsongstosing/playorselectacontemporarypersonalfavorite.

• CompanionsontheJourney–CareyLandry• WeareManyParts–MartyHaugen

YouTubeselections:• They’llKnowWeareChristians–PeterScholtes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoENAD7OCiI• InChristAlone—StuartTownsend

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENtL_li4GbE


Prayer Conclusion (Together)Godofhope,wecanonlyimaginethethoughtsandfeelingsinthemindsandheartsofthefirstdisciplesattheascensionofyourSon.Weretheyinaweofalltheylearnedfromhim?Didtheyfullyunderstand?Didtheyaskwhatnow?Lord,sometimesthesamequestionsencompassuseventwothousandyearslater.Wehavespentthelastfiveweeksencounteringyouasasmallgroupinprayer,instudyandinconversationonthetopicofstewardship.Youhavechallengedustomakestewardshipourwayoflife.EmbraceuswithyourSpiritthatwemaymakeanongoingcommitmenttobeyourtruedisciplesthroughstewardship.WeaskthisinyourSon’sname.Amen.

AboveImage:ByVassil(Ownwork)[Publicdomain],RosaryBasilica,Lourdes,viaWikimediaCommons

Stewardship: An Urgent Call both Yesterday and Today Intheascensionpassage(Acts1:6-11),thewitnesseswerenotgivenmuchtimetostareattheskyinamazement.Twospecialguestsinwhitegarmentsarrivedtoshakethemfromtheirintentgazetowardheaven.Jesushadaspecialmissionforhisbeloveddiscipleswhichwastospreadthe“GoodNews”locallyaswellasto“theendsoftheearth.”Aseyewitnessestotheministry,deathandresurrectionofJesus,theypossessedaveryspecialgiftandashortlife‐spaninwhichtohonorGodanddotheirparttobuildtheKingdom.Onecanonlywonderiftheywantedtotaketimetoevaluatetheirlivesandreflectupontheirchoicespriortoselectingapath.Didtheyseetheircallasurgent?Whatabouttheirworkandtheirfamilies?Howdifficultwasitto“maketime”intheirlivestotakethisimportant“News”ontheroad?Didanyonechoosenottomakethecommitment?Thoughwedonotknowthedetails,wedoknowthatJesussenthisAdvocatetostrengthenandguidethosewhochosetobeadiscipleandtheearlyChristianChurchwasborn.Wasiteasy?Weknowthatformanyitwasnot,theylosttheirlives.Weretheyeverfrustratedordisillusioned?Mostlikely,theywerehuman.Weretheycalledtoliveinawaythattheyhadneverlivedbefore?Yes.Asstatedinanearliersession,lifeintheChristianCommunityisdescribedasbelievershavingoneheartandsharingpossessionsincommon(Acts4:32-35).Theydevotedthemselvestotheteachingoftheapostles,thebreakingofthebreadandtotheprayers(Acts2:42).Itwasnolongereveryman,woman,child,widow,etc“forthemselves.”Intheend,theircommitmentwasbothpersonalandcommunal.Muchofthesamecouldbesaidofthegenerationsoffaithfulfollowers,manywhosenamesarefoundontherolloftheCommunionofSaints.Menandwomeninthepast2000yearshavechosentobloomwheretheywereplantedasdisciplesoftheirSavior.AstheBodyofChrist,theybecamethehandsandfeetofJesusdemonstratingwhattruelovemeantandbuildingaChurchthatwouldbeChrist’sbeaconofhopeandsalvation.NotallheardtheGoodNewsofJesusearlyonintheirlives,butoncetheytruly“heard”it,theymadeacommitmenttoliveinawaythathonoredit.ForusitmightseemimpossibletoimaginethelivesofourChristianforefathersandforemothers.Livinginahighlytechnicalandglobalworld,thelivesofthosewhowerefirstcalledtodiscipleshipthroughstewardshipmayseemprimitive.Whatcouldwepossiblyhaveincommonwiththepeopleoftwothousandyearsago?Arewenotmoreself‐sufficientandindependent?Theanswerissimple,itisJesus.PopeFrancisstates:OurdeepestjoycomesfromChrist:remainingwithhim,walkingwithhim,beinghisdisciples(March7,2014).PerhapsweonlyneedtoregainthewondermentofoursalvationtoigniteourpassionandbegintheprocessofselfevaluationandreflectionthatwillleadustoalifeofChristianstewardship.Istodaythatdayofwondermentforme?QuestionsforRe lection: Whatintheabovepassageresonateswithyouthemost?*Take iveminutesto illouttheAssessmentonthefollowingpage.Wheneveryoneiscomplete,considerthefollowingquestions:Whatisyouroverallimpressionofyourself-assessment?*Whatdoyouthinkareyourareasofstrength?*Whatareaswouldyouliketoimprove?*Whatotherwaysmightyou indguidanceonyourpathtoalifeofstewardshipthroughfaith- illedprayer,compassionateserviceandgeneroussharing?


InsomewaysitmaybehardertobeaChristianstewardtodaythanattimesinthepast.AlthoughreligiousfaithisastrongforceinthelivesofmanyAmericans,ourcountry’sdominantsecularcultureoftencontradictsthevaluesoftheJudaeo‐Christiantradition.

(Stewardship:ADisciple’sResponse-TheUnitedStatesCatholicConferenceofBishops)

Assess Your “Life as a Christian Steward” Journey Prayerfully circle the words that best describe you.

1. I trustthatGodlovesmeandwillprovideformyneeds.Idonotworry,needlessly.

Always Most Times Sometimes Just Beginning Not Yet

2. IunderstandthatGodistherightfulownerofallthings.Always Most Times Sometimes Just Beginning Not Yet

3. IhaveahospitableattitudeandunderstandthatGod’sgiftsaretobesharedwithallpeople.Always Most Times Sometimes Just Beginning Not Yet

4. Ilivemylifeandmakemydecisionsoutagratefulheart. Always Most Times Sometimes Just Beginning Not Yet

5. IbelievethattobeanauthenticdiscipleofJesus,Ineedtobeagoodsteward. Always Most Times Sometimes Just Beginning Not Yet

6. IcarefullymanagewhatGodhasplacedinmycarei.e.theenvironment,mybody,mind,relationships,etc.Always Most Times Sometimes Just Beginning Not Yet

7. Igivethe irstfruitsofmytimeinprayer,mytalentinserviceandmytreasureinsharingtoGodasopposedtowhatisleft.Always Most Times Sometimes Just Beginning Not Yet

8. I intentionallymanagemycalendartoreflectwhatGodasksofme.Always Most Times Sometimes Just Beginning Not Yet

9. Consideringthe24hoursineachday,Iamgenerouswithmytimeinprayer. Always Most Times Sometimes Just Beginning Not Yet

10. I returntoGodtimeinbothpersonalandcommunalprayer. Always Most Times Sometimes Just Beginning Not Yet

11. IknowwhatuniquetalentsGodhasgiftedmewith.Always Most Times Sometimes Just Beginning Not Yet

12. IcannamewaysinwhichIhave enjoyedservinginmyparishandcommunityusingmyuniquegifts.Always Most Times Sometimes Just Beginning Not Yet

13. Iknowmypersonalbudgetisa“moraldocument”andmakeprayerfuldecisionstoavoidexcessiveconsumerism.Always Most Times Sometimes Just Beginning Not Yet

14. Iamastewardwithmymaterialand inancialresourcesandgivetosupportthemissionofmyChurchandassistthoseinneedthroughthecharitablegivingofagenerouspercentageofmyincome.Always Most Times Sometimes Just Beginning Not Yet

15. IampleasedwithmyprogressandfeelconfidentupontheMaster’sreturn,Iwillhavean abundantreturnontheinvestmentmadeinme.Always Most Times Sometimes Just Beginning Not Yet

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