How are you being Called, Gifted and Sent by God?

Hans Ur von Balthasar is quoted as saying: “Who you are is God's gift to you, what you make of yourself is your gift to God.”

During this year’s parish Annual Renewal, Fr. Tony has asked all of us to prayerfully answer the question, “How are you being Called, Gifted and Sent by God?” Called, Gifted, and Sent is also our school theme and it reminds us of what it means to live a Stewardship Way of Life, always looking to make something out of what we have been given to glorify God.

Here at SAL we see so many who exemplify a Stewardship Way of Life. The success of Mostaccioli Madness this past weekend is just one example. It is inspiring to see so many people step forward and make a return of the things they’ve been given - from the talent of organizing and carrying out the event, to the gift of contributing to an auction basket. Additionally, our 8th grade students did a great job of serving patrons on Saturday night and of modeling the weekly manners on which we focus.

Our students continually exemplify a Stewardship Way of Life in all they do. From their daily focus on being good stewards of our school building to planning and carrying out our weekly school mass plans, I witness firsthand their sharing of gifts.

The following outlines how the USCCB describes a Stewardship Way of Life:

Gratitude: Receiving God's gifts with gratitude 

Responsibility: Cultivating God's gifts responsibly 

Sharing: Sharing God's gifts with others in a just and loving manner 

Return: Returning God's gifts with increase 

Cooperation: Cooperating with God in the redemption of others and oneself 

Guidance: Looking to the life and teachings of Jesus for guidance

As we head toward Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to recognize the Stewardship Way of Life around us, and maybe be inspired to make a return to God in ways we hadn’t otherwise considered. Please enjoy this video from school parent, Charlotte Carlson, who shares how she has been Called, Gifted and Sent at St. Anthony.