The promotion and 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."
Make a gift to a parish, to Diocesan Catholic schools, to specific ministries, to the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Florida, or to support the Catholic Compass.
Gifts to CSA support the Bishop and pastor in their three-fold mission of teaching, serving, and worshipping - giving you the opportunity to fulfill your baptismal call to discipleship. CSA provides funds at the diocesan level for ministries and operations that extend beyond the parish.
Your gift supports the mission of Catholic Charities: to answer Christ's call to help those in need through social services. Catholic Charities provides emergency assistance, adoption services, immigration services, pregnancy support and more.
Living the stewardship way of life is not easy. Dying to self and living for Christ and others requires sacrifice. It is the work of a lifetime. Yet it is also the only work that truly matters and the only life that ultimately satisfies.
In today's Gospel from Matthew, Jesus tells His disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me." At first, those words may sound difficult to accept. Why would anyone willingly embrace such a path?
Jesus immediately gives us the answer: "Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Everything comes down to love. Jesus loved us completely, giving Himself for us on the Cross. He continues to give Himself to us through His Word and, most especially, in the Eucharist.
Each day we are faced with a choice: to live for ourselves or to live for God and for others. The second path is more demanding, but it leads to lasting joy and the promise of eternal life. Christ assures us that He "will come with his angels in his Father's glory and then he will repay all according to his conduct."
May we choose each day to lose our lives for Christ's sake, offering them back to Him in grateful response to His immeasurable love. www.CatholicSteward.com
LUMEN CHRISTI LEGACY SOCIETY
Lumen Christi means the "Light of Christ," which is the light in all things, which gives light to all things. Through their gifts, members of the Lumen Christi Legacy Society share in this light, helping others encounter Christ and bearing witness to the Gospel throughout Northwest Florida. The Lumen Christi Legacy Society honors those who have named their parish, school, or the Foundation with a legacy gift.
JOin us!
Legacy isn't about being remembered. It's about remembering what matters and making sure it continues. Will you consider including the Church in your will or estate plan?
John is a certified financial planner with 35 years' experience in development and finance. He has organized successful development projects all over the United States and has been the director of development in our diocese since 2000. John became a CFP in April of 1994.
Andrea brings 25 years of local philanthropy work, capital campaign experience, and nonprofit leadership to the Diocese. She leads the new Lumen Christi Legacy Society, provides development support on the parish level, and supports overall Foundation efforts.
Celeste has served the Diocese for 10 years, bringing extensive experience in stewardship, gift processing and data management to the team. She prepares donor acknowledgements, oversees stock and IRA charitable contributions, ensures accuracy across diocesan records, and provides support to parishes.