2019 Stewardship of Prayer Renewal
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2019 Stewardship of Prayer Witness Talk
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November 22, 2019
Dear Parishioner,
As the days grow shorter and turn colder, we celebrate the season of Advent: four weeks of waiting, stillness, reflection, and expectation. On Sunday, December 1, Advent begins. This season calls us to wait for something very important in the coldest and darkest days of the year.
It is a challenge for us as Christians to live the Advent season, which is in conflict with the secular “holiday season.” However, Advent is much more than decorating, shopping, and gathering with friends and family. It is about longing and desire, not for material gifts, but for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the realization that His coming signifies the start (advent) of God’s kingdom on earth. The beauty of the season of Advent is that we look to the past, to make present once more the Incarnation of Jesus, while also looking forward with joyful anticipation to Christ’s second coming.
Advent also marks the beginning of a new liturgical year for the Catholic Church. This is why we have decided to move the parish renewal of stewardship of prayer to this time. Recognizing that prayer is the foundation of stewardship as a way of life, this season sets aside time to thoughtfully reflect on our commitment to be good stewards, especially in our life of prayer.
I encourage you to read the materials mailed to your home (documents also available to the right), and to listen to the witness of parishioner Stephanie Rucano who shared her prayer story at Masses on November 30 & December 1 (video also to the right). These resources will help you enter more deeply into a spirit of prayer during Advent and help you prepare to embrace a commitment to prayer throughout the year.
I’m sure many of you will be making lists over the next month - shopping lists, to do lists, maybe even a naughty and nice list. I hope that one item you will try to include on every list you make is to give your time to God in prayer. The season of Advent is a gift to our Church, allowing us to be still and encounter God anew. I hope that this Advent, we will all be moved to be better stewards, giving back generously in gratitude for all that God has given to us.
Gratefully Yours in Christ,
Rev. William C. Schooler
Pastor