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Parish Stewardship and the Eucharistic Revival: Scott Whitaker shares next steps and thoughts about generosity

“The intent of the Eucharistic Congress is ‘to be sent’,” says Scott Whitaker, Secretariat Director of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of Austin. “There is a natural connection to stewardship. People who come out of the experience should be more connected to their faith. In order to give, people need to be in a relationship with the Church, which starts with the Eucharist. This enhances a personal connection to stewardship being a life of discipleship.”

Scott suggests that this is a good time for parish  leaders to review the Bishops’ pastoral letter on stewardship as a reminder that the parish should be a place of hospitality, outreach, and invitation. The energy from the Congress provides a great chance to welcome people back to the parish and connect everyone to opportunities in the parish. It is a time to emphasize that parish life means living as a disciple.

“Parishes should be in the habit of helping people to renew their connection to the Church annually and ongoing,” he says, “ask people to consider what in their life has changed or is constant. Invite people to think through how God has acted in their lives.”

As we welcome people back from the Eucharistic Congress and engage them in the parish, giving will be an outcome of this. Whitaker reminds us that we still need to invite them to give, and parishes need to make it very easy for people to contribute. “With technology such as electronic giving, there are many ways to make this easy for people.”

The most important thing is to invite people to join the parish’s mission. The Sunday Offertory is an important component of the liturgy, reflecting our own personal sacrifice. Our generosity is an act of gratitude. Watch the video to hear the full conversation!  

Terry Poplava 

Terry Poplava serves as General Manager, ACST Catholic. As a cradle Catholic, his faith was lukewarm until he was confronted by the intense challenge and commitment he heard in the message about Stewardship. “What do I own and what owns me?” which led him to executive roles at Our Sunday Visitor and Catholic Leadership Institute before his current focus on serving the Catholic Church at ACS Technologies. Terry has extensive experience working with churches across the U.S., supporting their planning, stewardship, and engagement efforts