Recently, after consultation with the clergy, religious men and woman, laity, and diocesan staff, I made the decision to change the name of the Diocesan Development Fund to the Bishop's Stewardship Appeal. I feel that this new name best embodies the spirit of this annual effort. As our diocese collectively moves forward in our stewardship journey, the Bishop's Stewardship Appeal will help us translate the concept of stewardship into our everyday lives. Your past generosity enabled the Bishop's Stewardship Appeal to reach a new height last year.
Stewardship lies at the heart of our faith and moral life.
We must constantly remind ourselves that what we own is only on loan from the Lord, that all is a gift from God, and that we are held accountable for the gifts God has given us for our use. By baptism and confirmation each one of us is called to be a steward. The Lord invites us to live our lives in a journey to reach a level of stewardship that is pleasing to him. As we begin the Bishop's Stewardship Appeal for 2001, we have an opportunity as individuals or families to take an inventory of the many blessings and gifts that we have received from God and to evaluate how we have used these gifts and blessings to build up his kingdom. As Christian stewards in the Diocese of Charleston, we have a responsibility to use our many blessings and gifts to aid other people.