Accountability and responsibility

The characteristics of a Christian steward, though, are connected and cannot be distinctly separated. I struggle to distinguish where the characteristics of gratitude, trust, and responsibility begin and end, for example. The thankful steward expresses his or her gratitude through responsible and meaningful service to God’s people, which in turn builds trust.

Each year the fiscal officers from around the country gather to pray, network, share and learn at an annual conference. The program attracts speakers and presenters who are committed men and women, priests and laity who exemplify lives as Christian stewards. These dedicated people seek to assist the attendees in gaining knowledge and information that they can take home to their ministry in their local Church. The theme for the convention this year was "Strengthening the Church through Accountability." I believe this theme dovetails well with the characteristic of responsibility and while the conference is geared primarily toward diocesan fiscal personnel, it also is an important stewardship experience that strives to bring each of us closer in our relationship with God.

The presenters this year addressed the need for authentic and honest communication at all levels of church leadership. Others spoke about their efforts to build trust and accountability through relationships, through information, and through transparency. As a fiscal officer working for the Church I am very aware of the some of the public’s perception about the accounting industry and feelings among some parishioners that our people don’t always feel they are as informed as they should be. More work in this area is needed and continues to be a priority for many of us.

The characteristic of responsibility is key to continuing to build trust among the people and the leaders of our faith communities and responsibility, though not dependent upon another’s actions, must be present at all levels. Responsible stewards can be counted on to fulfill their duties in spite of the many obstacles that may come before them. One of the presenters talked about the PIPS, the people in the pews, and suggested that it is imperative that Church leaders be accountable to the PIPS. While there are often obstacles in achieving this goal, I find that significant strides have been made over the past several years in the level of communication of parish and diocesan activities and that this communication must continue to evolve.

I’ve now attended the conference for 15 years and I have met many very capable and dedicated men and women who serve their dioceses as fiscal officers. My peers have taken seriously their roles as Christian stewards and exemplify the characteristic of responsibility. It is my belief that each of us understands the need for, and the benefit of, accountability and transparency in our ministry and strive to fulfill it in our daily activities.

It is my hope that if you are one of the people in the pews who feels you need more information about the mission and ministry of your parish or of the diocese, that you will take the responsibility to ask the questions needed to clarify your understanding. It is also my hope that each of us will continue to discern our charisms and gifts and that as responsible stewards, each of us will use those gifts to strengthen our ministry to God’s people by taking on leadership roles. Finally, it is my hope that each of us already in roles of leadership will continue our efforts to strengthen the Church through responsible communication and responsive accountability.