What is Stewardship?

"The promotion of the practice of stewardship is important for the mission of the Church and for the spiritual well-being of each individual Christian.  Everyone benefits from the sacrificial gift one makes of his time, talent and treasure."

- Pope Benedict XVI

June 29, 2025 - Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles
 Acts 12:1-11; Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 2 Tim 4:6-8, 17-18; Mt 16:13-19

During June, we have celebrated key moments in the life of the Church — Pentecost, the Most Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi — culminating today with the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. Though very different men, they are united in faith, mission, and martyrdom, and the Church has honored them together since the third century.
 
 St. Peter, the first Pope, was chosen by Christ as the rock on which the Church would be built. The Catechism tells us that because of the faith he professed, Peter remains the “unshakeable rock of the Church.” Despite his human weaknesses, Peter's loyalty, repentance, and leadership make him a powerful model of stewardship.
 
 St. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became one of the Church’s greatest evangelists. In today’s second reading, Paul reflects on his mission, saying, “I have finished the race… the crown of righteousness awaits me.” The Greek word he used for “crown” — stephanos — refers to a victor’s crown, not a royal one, showing his view of faith as a race well-run for the sake of Christ.
 
 Though they were martyred separately, tradition holds that Peter and Paul were in Rome at the same time, and their shared witness and sacrifice tie them closely together in Church history. They embody two vital aspects of stewardship — Peter in his faith and leadership, and Paul in his zeal and wisdom.
 
 As stewards, we are called to follow their example — to build the Church through our commitment, to overcome our failures through God’s mercy, and to proclaim the Gospel with courage. Like Peter and Paul, we are invited to give all we have for the sake of Christ and His Church.

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