By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
October 9, 2003

Parishes in Sioux City are taking a Gospel-based approach to their stewardship program this year. With this in mind, parishioners will receive the Little Burgundy Book - Six-minute Reflections: Stewardship in the Light of the Daily Gospels.

"They are building off an experience that a lot of the parishes had this last Lent," said Jim Wharton, director of stewardship and planned giving for the diocese.

He explained that some of the parishes had used the Little Black Book, a compilation of Lenten devotions, written by Bishop Ken Untener of the Diocese of Saginaw, Mich. The bishop has written reflection books for other seasons as well such as Advent/Christmas and Easter seasons.

"His books became so popular that a lot of parishes across the country started using them," said Wharton, who added that the Office of Stewardship for the diocese helped to coordinate this effort for the Sioux City parishes. This is the third year that the parishes in Sioux City have joined efforts to offer a stewardship program.

Through the Little Burgundy Book, he noted that it puts the Gospel message into play and relates it back to stewardship. The reflections start Oct. 12 and run through Nov. 9, Stewardship Sunday.

With this in mind, the citywide stewardship program titled Stewardship in the Light of the Daily Gospels will begin on Oct. 12. On Nov. 9, the day of the last reflection in the book, every parishioner will receive a commitment form.

While all of the Sioux City parishes will follow the same basic format, each of the commitment forms are unique, as they will list ministries offered by the individual parishes. Along with volunteering for various ministries from Eucharistic minister to catechist or choir member, parishioners will be asked about their proposed financial contributions for the coming year. The forms are to be turned in on Nov. 16, Commitment Sunday.

In the introduction to the book, Bishop Untener explained that the left-hand pages of the book provide information about Catholic traditions and customs, or the saint of the day or some historical fact. The right-hand pages features a passage from the Gospel of the day is quoted at the top, and below it are reflections.

"Stewardship campaigns usually focus on time, talent and treasure but this one focuses more closely on Scripture and how the words of the Gospel relate to the need to be good stewards," said Wharton.

Given that this campaign is centered on the Gospel message, he said that this added prayerful dimension might help send the message that there is more to being a good member of a parish than merely financial contributions. There is a need for active participation.

Father Craig Collison, pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Sioux City, agreed that this should provide an all-encompassing program.

"It doesn't just focus on financial issues, but also on other areas of stewardship in our lives - use of our talents and God-given gifts, also good use of our time in trying to set our priorities straight," he said.

Father Collison commented that the Little Burgundy Book should allow people to broaden their horizons as far as the area of stewardship is concerned. He added that it should give people a guide to go by and the priest believes that to always be helpful.

"I am becoming more aware, with each passing year, of the importance of stewardship," he said. "It's becoming a vital part of our ministry - not only to the priests but ministry to the entire Christian community. Stewardship is something that the Lord promoted in Scripture and the more we can learn about that as a Christian community, the better off we will be in every part."

Father Steven Brodersen, pastor at Immaculate Conception Church in Sioux City, agreed that a program such as this one should help parishioners understand the fullness of stewardship - not just financial, but also time and talent as people are asked to commit themselves to the total work of the church.

Use of the Little Burgundy Book should only enhance the message, he noted.

"We made the Little Black Book available last year during the Lenten season. That was very well received. I reviewed this new one and it looks like a wonderful way of giving some historical background as well as presenting stewardship in light of the Gospels and prayer responses to all of it on a daily basis."

He encouraged the involvement of the parishioners as this helps strengthen and enrich parish life. During this stewardship program, Father Brodersen said he plans on one Sunday to raise awareness about the various ministries in the parish that people may wish to become involved.

Father Gary Snyder, pastor at St. Joseph Church in Sioux City, said that as they near the end of another year it is appropriate to ask: "Where is my life going?" or better, "is my life moving toward God."

"We focus on these questions each time we take a personal inventory of our investment of time, talent and treasure. It is most encouraging to us pastors to find so many willing to share their time, talent and treasure with our parish organizations and ministries," he said.

Father Snyder said he was looking forward to a very successful campaign.

"I am excited about this," said Wharton. "I know the feedback the parishes received from the Little Black Book was very good. It helped people through their faith journey in Lent and I think this is a good companion to use for stewardship. I think people will appreciate the more spiritual approach to good stewardship in the church and that's what it is intended to do."

In the future, he could see where use of the Little Burgundy Book may spread to more parishes throughout the diocese.