Stewardship

We have been called through our Baptism to carry out the work of God in our lives.  Stewardship is our response to this call; it is the way that we nurture and share the gifts that God has bestowed upon each of us.  The practice of stewardship acknowledges God as Creator and Source of everything and encourages us to live generous lives in response to our gifting God.

Our stewardship efforts are based on the letter that was written by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:  Stewardship:  A Disciple’s Response.  This letter defines a Christian steward as a person who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends God’s gifts responsibly, shares one’s gifts in love and justice, returning what one has received.  The letter also asks that we help each other recognize the gifts and talents with which God has blessed us to find creative ways to share these gifts.  The letter challenges us to place our time, talent and treasure at the service of the reign of God in our midst.  Stewardship is about “giving back”.  Our stewardship work is supported and guided by Laura Ramírez and Barbara Steinpas: 847-623-2655.

WAYS TO GIVE BACK TO GOD

Treasure:   Even though we probably do not count ourselves among the wealthy, we are probably all in a position to share some of our financial resources.   

Time and Talent:  When one embraces a stewardship lifestyle, he/she cannot help but give back to God of the generous gifts He has given us.  

GIVING BACK TO OUR SHARING PARISHES

Sharing Parish Ministry:  Most Blessed Trinity has been blessed by six local parishes that help us to carry out our mission.  Church of St. Mary (Lake Forest), St. Patrick Church (Lake Forest), Prince of Peace Catholic Church (Lake Villa), St. Mary of the Annunciation (Mundelein), St. Paul the Apostle (Gurnee) and St. Dismas Parish (Waukegan) each support the work that we do.  The Sharing Parish Ministry meets with, schedules and carries out shared events to strengthen relationships, remain in communication with and find ways to give back to our Sharing Parishes.  These events have historically included shared masses, choir exchanges, service projects, food/clothing/school supply drives and guest speakers at Masses. This group also ensures that relevant information is provided to our sharing parishes on a regular basis to ensure that their parishioners understand how their support helps, and assures that our sharing parishes’ events are announced in our bulletin.

PREFERENTIAL OPTION FOR THE POOR

Another stewardship initiative is to expand our parishioners’ focus beyond Most Blessed Trinity.  This takes place through educating our parishioners on St. Martin de Porres, the Cristo Rey School that Most Blessed Trinity helps to support. St. Martin de Porres High School is a Catholic, coeducational college preparatory school located in Waukegan, Illinois.  St. Martin de Porres is committed to academic excellence made affordable through each student’s participation in the Corporate Internship Program. The school strives to develop the full potential of each student in an atmosphere of mutual respect for the religious and cultural heritage of every individual.