Do you know the difference between charity and philanthropy?
We don’t talk about either one all that often, so the
terms can be confusing. Some people even use the words interchangeably, yet they
are not the same at all. Knowing the difference may affect how you approach
stewardship in your life or whether you practice good stewardship at all. The
difference is grounded in history and in faith, and the answer might just unlock
the potential to be a good steward of God’s many gifts.
The concept of charity finds its source in both Jewish and
Christian tradition. Charity springs from personal service and connecting with
others, performing direct and compassionate acts that relate to practicing our
faith. Philanthropy, on the other hand, seeks to repair the root causes of
society’s problems.
Philanthropy can be either religious or secular. Instead of
simply helping those in need, philanthropy tries to reform society. Some people
go so far as to claim that philanthropy can make charity unnecessary.
Charity and philanthropy, then, are polar opposites and yet
they also coexist well. How is that possible? Think of doctors who take the
Hippocratic Oath. They are committed to relieve pain and suffering, and also to
cure disease. Often they do both, yet sometimes doctors have to choose one over
the other. These dual humanitarian traditions of charity and philanthropy
sometimes come together, and sometimes do not. The reason is simple: One is
founded on faithful compassion and the other on technical competence.
So, are you charitable or merely a philanthropist? Either
way, if your generosity is a faith response to God’s gifts, then you are on a
path of good stewardship.
Did you know...
Holy Rosary Parish is going to have a Stewardship Fair in October.
Though we hear a lot of talk about the concept of stewardship, there is sometimes misunderstanding about this term. When we understand what stewardship is and how it applies to our lives it should change the way we make decisions each day.
The definition of stewardship is:
1: the office, duties, and obligations of a steward
2: the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially : the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care <stewardship of our natural resources>
Notice how it says “managing of something.” That implies that we have decisions to make and are responsible for that which we are stewards over. So what are we actually stewards over? It applies to everything we have been given from God; including our time, our money, our gifts and abilities, and our influence.
Paul told the Corinthians (2Cor. 9:9) that God will give us enough to allow us to be generous in every circumstance. This generosity involves not only our attitude toward money but also toward our time, energy, talents and hospitality.
The Stewardship Committee is looking for new members. Our goal is to help people to become more active and participate more fully in the activities of Holy Rosary Parish. If you have any ideas on how to help us accomplish our goal, we would love to hear what you have to say or to sign up to become a member of the stewardship committee.
There will be many activities to sign up for, so if the Stewardship Committee doesn’t sound like somewhere you belong, maybe you would like to be an Acolyte. They are the person up on the altar with Father Leo during Mass. If you were ever an alter boy and really enjoyed the experience, you would probably love being an acolyte. Please give some thought as to what you might be interested in doing for your parish, and during the Stewardship Fair, come in and sign up for something. Being an active, participating member of the church does help you feel a part of the church and makes you feel like you really belong. You will never be sorry that you said “Yes” to your parish community and to God. Thanking you in advance. The Stewardship Committee.
Our Parish Stewardship
June 22, 2008 June 28, 2009 June 27, 2010
$6,219.00 $6,818.00 $7,171.31
June 29, 2008 July 5, 2009 July 4, 2010
$6,557.50 $7,486.50 $8,780.88
July 6, 2008 July 12, 2009 July 11, 2010
$7,401.00 $8,053.50 $7,391.22
July 13, 2008 July 19, 2009 July 18, 2010$7,859.00 $6,160.00 $6,587.32
July 20, 2008 July 26, 2009 July 25, 2010
$6,621.50 $5,439.50 $6,527.50
CONTINUAL GIVING REQUESTS
Gallatin Valley Food Bank Wish List
Chili, Tuna Helper, Fruit Cocktail, Macaroni and Cheese, Peanut Butter, Pork N Beans, Canned Corn
Love INC Personal Care Pantry
diaper rash cream, baby wash, kid's toothpaste, dryer sheetsLibby Cameron has been out sick, so there is no update on the pantry. Watch next month for an update.