One-day diocesan retreats focus on embracing gratitude

“Stewardship is perhaps one of the most misunderstood words in the Church today,” said Tom Dowdall, director of stewardship and development for the diocese. “Some people think it is all about giving money. Others think it means only time, talent and treasure. Some wonder if it is just another word for fundraising. In reality, stewardship is the word that describes our entire relationship with God.”
 
Tom hopes that the one-day workshops being hosted by the diocese will help change participants’ understanding.
 
“Simply put, stewardship follows conversion,” said Tom. “Our goal is to create a paradigm shift in the understanding and proactive behavior of Christian stewardship throughout the diocese by promoting the spirituality of stewardship as a way of life that fosters ongoing conversion and motivates the giving of time, talent, and treasure.”
 
The retreats, entitled “Encountering Christ: Joyfully Unleashing Your Gifts,” begin with the first offering on Sept. 14 at St. Mary Parish, Marshall, Additional retreats will be offered in each of the remaining four deaneries.
 
Designed for Catholics, RCIA catechumens and candidates, clergy, parish staff and lay faithful, these retreats will focus on how embracing stewardship is a central component of being a missionary disciple.
 
“We see stewardship as synonymous with discipleship,” explains Tom. “We are the Church and we are asked to carry on Jesus’ work: to evangelize, to care for ourselves, each other and all that God has given us. We are stewards of all he has created.”
 
Tom hopes those participating in the retreat will begin to live their lives differently. “The long-term success will hopefully manifest in people living different lives, seeing stewardship and discipleship as a longing to share our gifts and our resources flowing out of Christ’s love.”
 
The retreats begins with registration at 8 a.m., followed by Mass at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. The day will consist of featured presentations, group discussions, reflections and time for silent prayer. The retreat content will be the same at each deanery and is free of charge. Registration is now open and available at: imdisciple.com/encounteringchrist.
 
• Eastern – Sept. 14, St. Mary Parish, Marshall
• Northern – Dec. 7, St. Mary’s Visitation Parish, Byron Center
• Southern – Jan. 18, St. Joseph Parish, White Pigeon
• Western – March 14, St. Joseph Parish, St. Joseph
• Central – May 9, St. Mary Parish, Kalamazoo