ATLANTA--Beginning in 1992, most parishes in the archdiocese of Atlanta made a commitment to a program of stewardship. Some were teaching stewardship for many years before that.

The program extends over four weeks in most parishes, beginning Sept. 17 and leading to Commitment Sunday, Oct. 8. Then a follow-up period continues as the parish reaches out to those members of the community who have not responded.

During the four weeks, the pastor speaks to the congregation, explaining the concept of stewardship, why it is so central to Christian lives and to the vitality of the parish.

An important part of the stewardship message is the stories and testimonials given by lay parishioners whose lives have changed as a result of their commitment of time and talent and treasure to the church and community.

Parishioners will receive letters from the pastor and a series of brochures explaining the central message of stewardship. The brochures will give each person the opportunity to serve the parish or the wider community by giving time and talent as a volunteer or prayer intercessor. One brochure will also provide guidance on the principle of stewardship of one’s finances and suggested tithe of 5 percent to the parish, 1 percent to the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal and 4 percent to other charities of one’s choice.

At the heart of the message is the recognition that stewardship is a gift given to God in gratitude for His love to us. As a true gift it is given freely, without an expectation of receiving something concrete in return.

The gift of time--the time to pray, alone and in community, the time to be with others in service.

The gift of talent--sharing with the church or wider community personal skills and knowledge without recompense.

The gift of treasure--making a planned, and proportionate, financial gift to the church and community, using the biblical tithe as the ideal.