West Virginia Department of Catholic Schools

Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.

- 2 Corinthians 9:8

Teaching our children and youth to steward the gifts of God presents one our greatest challenges and an equally great reward. If parents and adults practice stewardship, not only are the words of the gospels fulfilled and provide meaning in our lives, we become living examples of Christ to children. We are called – adults and children – by Jesus to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, to practice hospitality, to clothe the naked, to care for the sick, to help people who are not free, and to be a blessing to others. Catholic schools can provide these and so many more stewardship opportunities.

Parents, Guardians and Foster Parents can witness stewardship, then, in a variety of ways. Accepting the enormous challenge of living and teaching stewardship takes time. Continuous improvement in changing the direction of values from internal and self-serving to external and giving focus can be accomplished in a multitude of ways, including:

Remember the parent’s role in God’s creation—life is God’s precious gift. Parents, Guardians and Foster Parents are accountable as God’s stewards for the development of their child.

Affirm that parents are the prime educators and role models for their children. They teach by example and by word. It is not only what they say but what they do that will instruct their children.

Confirm that the responsibility of parents to teach children is life long; it continues when a child leaves home for service, marriage, employment, college, etc.

Teach children how stewardship is practiced in every aspect of life, including contributions of time, talent and treasure to school, church, home and community in response to their faith.

Understand that children, youth and young adults are the hope of the present as well as the future.

Recognize that all parents do flows from the gifts that God has given them.

On the Diocesan level, if you have specific interests and talents in religious education, academics, technology, finance, marketing, governance, policy, and development, opportunities exist to provide your expertise. With capable leadership and

At the individual school level, several opportunities exist to contribute your time and talents as well. Some examples may be technology, finance, development, marketing, organizational skills for events and activities, classroom assistance, coaching, carpentry, plumbing, etc.