St. Thomas More Catholic Church Weekly Bulletin 2014-04-20 Easter Sunday | Page 8

STEWARDSHIP Stewardship One who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them with justice and love with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord. Stewardship • is not about giving because the church has needs • is not about getting people to fill our ministries • is not about fulfilling some obligation to avoid guilt • is not about keeping up with our neighbors Stewardship • is about understanding everything is a gift from God • is about knowing that God has given us these gifts for which to care • is about being aware that God expects us to share generously these gifts out of gratitude! Get involved in stewardship at St. Thomas More Parish -- contact Jim Selinski, Director of Operations & Stewardship at 941-923-1691 or [email protected]. A Stewardship Moment Reflecting on the Readings The Resurrection of the Lord – Easter Vigil In tonight’s reading from Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans, we are reminded that we are alive in Christ. And it is not merely once a year that we remember what Jesus did to give us this new life, forgiveness and peace. Every day good stewards remember their baptism. They remember that they are united with Jesus in his death; that daily they drown the old sinful nature, and that daily they rise to their new life in Christ. Let us be mindful every day, especially when we are troubled by life or tempted by sin, that our lives are no longer about us, but about Christ’s active, loving presence within us. That is our baptism. Alleluia! He is risen! The Resurrection of the Lord - Easter Sunday The reading from the Acts of the Apostles reminds us that we, too, bear witness to the risen Lord. The presence of Christ is within us, making us new, transforming us, turning us into stewards of the Good News. There is no time for holding grudges, disliking others, seeking vengeance, maintaining old prejudices, tolerating bias. We are Christ’s joy and instruments of his peace. Our world is reordered. Reflect on how we are called to let Christ’s forgiveness, reconciliation and love permeate our lives. We are Easter people. Rejoice! He is risen! Memorial Opportunities Over the past few years, St. Thomas More Parish has made d