From the Desk of Father Jason - September 21, 2025

Dear St. Francis Xavier and St. Mary Parishioners,

What difference does faith in God make? Christianity is more than a belief in the mind, but a way of life.

Stewardship is a word we use for this way of life. A steward is someone who looks after another person’s property.

We are Christian stewards. The property we take care of is God’s. A Christian steward recognizes that everything they have is gift from God. What is gift? Our lives are a gift from God. The time that we have been given is a gift from God. The talent that we have is a gift from God. The treasures, the money and possessions, we have are gifts from God. We do not own anything. All if gift.

How do we use God’s gifts? Through stewardship of prayer, service, and sharing.

As Christian stewards, we must use some of our time for prayer. According to St. John Damascene, “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.”

A Christian steward give time to communal prayer each week. This is the worship of God in the Christian community. Jesus wants us to go to Holy Mass every weekend and Holy Day of Obligation. That is the bare minimum Jesus expects of us. That is one way we are a steward of time. If we are not in the habit of doing this, this autumn is a good time to start.

If we already go to weekend Mass, consider coming to an additional Mass during the week. There is daily Mass at St. Mary Tuesday-Thursday. There is daily Mass at St. Francis Xavier Tuesday-Friday. You will not regret giving that additional time to Jesus.

Sincerely through Jesus,

Fr. Jason