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The phrase "Parish Family" is deliberately used, because in deed, as St. Paul has been describing to us in past week's epistles (letters) we are made "One Body" by the "One Spirit in Christ". We are the family of God and the CDA serves the needs of our family beyond the boundaries of any one parish. As a result, more people are served across the community as well as within our diocesan parishes.

At the end of January we appropriately placed our Stewardship (T-3: Time, Talent, and Treasure) Festival before the CDA campaign. Essentially, I would like to set a clear tone and direction for Stewardship here at Our Lady of Joy. Stewardship is more than giving money. It's a personal awareness to reach out from our person to meet another person... Christ in others. A true understanding of Stewardship begins with our understanding of the Christian vocation; that we are called and sent by Christ into the world. God calls each of us to be a disciple and a steward is simply one who is careful to give back to God that which has been given to us first. The good news is that God just asks for a tenth and to be first in line. The other 90% is for our needs.

As I mentioned two weeks ago, "Stewardship isn't just about giving in order to fill a need." It is about living grateful lives unto our Lord because as we know, our lives, our skills, and our resources are initially gifts given from the Lord to us. Stewardship is first and foremost, opening oneself to God's grace, presence and love. As One Family in Christ, the joy of returning that love increases over time. Our own logic may find it difficult to find "joy" in giving, but that is what life is about; surrendering ourselves endlessly to the end of our lives. Successful stewardship is achieving true discipleship. In the end, true disciples will certainly be met with the words, "Well done my faithful servant, come and share your Master's Joy."

In the end, as I see it, Stewardship is also a reflection of heaven. When we think about heaven, we have little idea about the immensity of size and wonder, but we could certainly imagine it a place/state in life where there is no want, no need; where there is no lack. Stewardship is at the heart of the mission of the Bride of Christ. The Charity and Development Appeal (CDA) is an opportunity for each of us, myself included; disciplining our hearts by making the mission of the Church real, vibrant and alive. Each of us is here for a purpose. Each of us is here to make a difference.

Yours in Christ,




Fr. Patrick Farley
Parochial Administrator

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