We were treated to a relentless stream of stories about abuse, allegations, indictments, premature retirements of bishops accused of serious misdeeds, and even the resignation under fire of the Cardinal Archbishop of Boston.

These two issues of the church and the economy have been the subject of much speculation and conversation in recent months, and for those of us working in the area of stewardship, they are often linked together.

How, I am often asked, have the scandals which have rocked the church affected the financial health of the diocese? What has been the impact of bad publicity on contributions to the Bishop's Stewardship Appeal?

The answer is that contributions are down slightly, but this is not the point and it often leads to a conversation about the true message and meaning of stewardship.

Stewardship and Discipleship

Stewardship is not fund raising. It is an attitude and a way of life. Christian stewardship is about a spirituality of giving and sharing God's gifts. The U.S. Bishops' Pastoral on Christian stewardship calls on us to share God's gifts "lovingly in justice with others." But the gifts we are asked to share are not limited to our financial resources. We are asked to share our time and efforts, our talents and skills and, especially, our prayers with our brothers and sisters of the Body of Christ. In addition to the traditional emphasis on time, talent and treasure, a number of parishes in the Diocese of Charleston have begun "Stewardship of Prayer" programs during the seasons of Lent or Advent.

But this is not to diminish our responsibility to support financially the necessary works of the church. Stewardship is a call to discipleship and conversion, but once we accept the call to discipleship, stewardship is not an option but an obligation. Yet, the Bishops' Pastoral reminds us, "Christian stewards are generous out of love as well as duty." Moreover, while it is true that our financial contributions serve many important needs of the diocese, the essence of true Christian stewardship does not depend on the need of the church to receive. It is based on our need to give; to return to God a portion of those gifts he has given to us unconditionally. True Christian stewardship is proactive, not reactive. It is a call to discipleship and conversion. We are all called to be disciples and stewards of God's gifts.

Rejoicing in Hope

Writing of the crisis in the church in the latest issue of the Mepkin newsletter, Chapter and Verse, the Jesuit scholar Father Ladislas M. Orsy offers this insight:

Through the events, upsetting as they are, God is speaking and acting. Our task is to respond as only believers can. We must search for an understanding of his message, so that we may be grounded in hope, and be witnesses to his love.

This is very much the message that Bishop Baker has given us in his letter launching this year's Bishop's Stewardship Appeal.

At this time, when our Bishop comes to the faithful Catholics of South Carolina with his annual appeal to support the essential ministries and programs of the Diocese, it is important that we remain "grounded in hope" and witnesses to God's unfailing love.

Bishop Baker has asked all of us to consider giving one percent of our income to the needs of the Diocese through the Bishop's Stewardship Appeal. For some, such a gift might be too great a sacrifice; for others, it might hardly be noticed. The amount or percentage of the gift is less important than the decision and commitment to begin the journey to full stewardship.

We are a "people of great faith" in the Diocese of Charleston, a people ready and willing to answer the call to discipleship and conversion. Bishop Baker asks that you consider the appeal for support prayerfully and that you respond with loving generosity by sharing with those in need a portion of the gifts with which God has blessed you.