Continuing the stewardship that built the Church

Father Orrin Halepeska, pastor of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and school at Rosenberg and St. Wenceslaus Mission in Beasley, said that building a stewardship mindset is essential to the survival of the Catholic faith. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Development and Stewardship)

HOUSTON — Nearly every pastor today is concerned with the need to fund their parish, given the challenging financial environment of recent years. 

Father Orrin Halepeska, pastor of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and school at Rosenberg and St. Wenceslaus Mission in Beasley, was faced with having to do major renovations at his Rosenberg church. He worked closely with the maintenance office and the development and stewardship office all the way through the process. 

“Money is a stressor that I never knew I would have to worry about as a pastor,” he said. “The choices that we made, keeping up our church, raising money and building up volunteers to fill the church, are choices that will affect my parish for generations to come.”

Father Halepeska said that building a stewardship mindset is essential to the survival of the Catholic faith and all the needs that make that possible. 

“We are blessed to have so many old campuses that have served the local Church for generations and many need repairs,” he said. “Active folks in the work of the parish understand the needs because they are living and working in the space. Therefore, stewardship enables us to be disciples on a mission to care for the whole community’s needs and hopes that bring all closer to Jesus Christ.”

Rhonda Bean, associate director of Development – Stewardship and Planned Giving at the Archdiocese, said the development and stewardship team is available to serve pastors, parishes and Catholic schools. 

“We offer resources and ideas on virtually every aspect of stewardship — from increasing offertory generosity and meeting annual giving goals to encouraging legacy gifts and explaining best practices for hosting a 5K or a capital campaign,” she said.

Bean said their resources integrate a practical concern for the “dollar and cents” reality of parish life with an appreciation for the spiritual dimensions of generosity and faithful stewardship.

“Stewardship and fundraising can be intimidating for pastors, church administrators and volunteers new to the field,” she said. “We are here to help guide you through the process of securing funds for your parish and ministry needs.” 

Why Stewardship
Bean said stewardship is important for three reasons. First, because the faithful are disciples of Jesus. 

“We were made in His image and likeness. As Catholics, we are called to imitate His life,” she said. “We are to be His eyes, ears, and voice to build His kingdom on Earth. As disciples, we are responsible not only for our own lives, but for the lives of others as well.”

She said the faithful are called to be generous with the “first fruits” of all their gifts — to give the first and best of everything, not simply what is “leftover.”

Second, because “we are all stewards of our gifts.”

“Stewardship isn’t for a few, but for all to share. No gift is too small or insignificant. Stewardship is a lifestyle,” she said. “It is about putting God first in everything we do. Stewardship is the common thread that links all our parish ministries together for the good of all.”

Bean said the third reason is that stewardship is what built the Church, stressing that gratitude and generosity are fundamental to the Catholic faith. 

“It is the generosity of past generations that has built our Church. It is now our turn to continue the good stewardship of our gifts,” she said. “It is our responsibility to pass it on to future generations.” 

She said that everything the faithful are and have comes from God. 

“We are not really ‘owners’ of anything; we are merely ‘stewards’ of our God-given gifts,” she said. “For some, it is their time, for some, it is their talents, and for some, it is their money.”

The words “time, talent, and treasure” are used when describing stewardship, but the gift that God wants the most is the heart of all the faithful.

“The whole point of stewardship is to keep us on the path of discipleship, to grow in love with the Holy Trinity and with each other, and to ultimately help each other get to heaven,” she said.

Father Halepeska said his parishioners who are good stewards have become essential partners in the mission of the parish and empower others they encounter with the same enthusiasm. 

“Enthusiasm for what needs to be done, even if it’s scary and very overwhelming,” he said. “Stewardship is our ‘Yes’ and we make up the Church that is able to challenge and bless the world with the message of Jesus.”

For more information on starting a church capital campaign, a building project, preparing for an annual stewardship campaign, or just trying to grow a culture of generosity at the church, visit www.archgh.org/stewardship. ​