Office assistant, customer service, musician, singer, songwriter, painter, scientist, mathematician, athlete, doctor or nurse — and the list goes on and on. Each of us has been gifted in some unique way, and at the heart of stewardship is the belief that all of these gifts flow from God, the Source of all.

As Christian stewards, we receive God’s gifts gratefully, and cultivate them responsibly. It is our opportunity to share them lovingly in justice with others and return them with increase value to the Lord.

The grateful return of time and talent to God in an ecclesial setting is accomplished through each individual’s participation in the support of the Church’s mission of proclaiming and teaching, serving and sanctifying.

What Are My Gifts?

Being able to identify one’s own gifts is an essential step in the stewardship of talent.
Some find it a bit uncomfortable at first; after all, haven’t we been taught not to be boastful?
Yet Jesus tells us not to hide our light under a basket but to let it shine forth. (Matt. 5:15-16)

There are also those individuals who feel that their talents are limited. Remember how Jesus made the small gifts of the loaves and fishes enough to serve the multitude? Likewise, God will make every gift of time and talent offered with a generous heart “enough” to accomplish great things.

Matching Talent to Ministry

Abilities, skills and interests are unique to each person. Properly matching one’s gifts to a particular ministry can heighten the spiritual experience and prevent any uneasiness. The gift discernment process should take into account not only a person’s professional skills but also the areas of ministry he/she feels called to.

To help you determine the ministry best suited to you, consider:

• Your occupation/profession
• Your skills and talents
• Your hobbies and interests
• The amount of time you can commit. (Many ministries can be done in a small amount of time, especially if shared with others!)
• The gifts that other people say they recognize in you.
• The area of ministry you feel called to
  • Liturgical
  • Social Concerns
  • Teaching/formation
  • Administrative
  • Temporal needs of the parish

Prayerfully reflect on your answers and find the matching time and talent opportunity in your parish!

Volunteer with the Appeal

When people volunteer with the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, they leave feeling challenged, useful. Many of the people who share their time with this cause go on to share their faith and use their gifts to build both their church community and friendships with the people around them.

It is easy to see that you gain a lot of personal growth and faith development, just by taking part.

If you feel called to join us in building the faith community around the Saskatoon Diocese, or would like to know more information about volunteering, please contact us or Phone: 306-242-1500 or Toll-Free: 1-877-661-5005.

Questions for each of us:

• Do I want to help others learn more about the Catholic faith?
• Am I a good listener?
• Do people appreciate my energy and enthusiasm?
• Do I have a special concern for the needs of the poor?
• Am I able to give a few hours of my time?
• Do I enjoy meeting people?