October 20, 2025

"Hope Does Not Disappoint" (Romans 5:5) This verse has been chosen as the theme for both the Jubilee celebration of our church and the 2025 Catholic Stewardship Renewal (CSR). It’s a powerful and timely message—one we all can reflect deeply upon. Some might ask, “What does this verse have to do with stewardship?” At first glance, the connection might not seem obvious. But let’s consider the full passage from Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” When we understand this verse in its full context, it becomes clear: stewardship is deeply rooted in the spiritual virtues of faith, hope, and love.In fact, these three theological virtues can be seen as the foundation of the stewardship way of life—symbolized through the three-legged stool of active stewardship – prayer, participation and sacrificial giving. The mission of the Church is the salvation of souls. As St. Paul reminds us, “We boast in hope of the glory of God.” Without hope, we cannot fully embrace faith or love. And that is why hope does not disappoint—because it is rooted in the love of God poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. As we prepare for our Catholic Stewardship Renewal, take time to prayerfully reflect on Romans 5:1-5. Let it deepen your understanding of what it means to live a life of stewardship—grounded in faith, driven by hope, and sustained by love.

SHARED FOLDER WITH RESOURCES

This link will take you to the shared CSR 2025 folder, which contains all the materials and resources we'll be using and updating throughout the campaign.

Theme Overview: You can use this in bulletins or as a pulpit announcement.

Reflections Document: This document contains reflections on how the CSR theme is reflected in the Gospels for all 3 CSR weekends.

Pulpit and Bulletin Info: Relevant content for bulletins and pulpit announcements can be found in the same folder.

Graphics: All graphics (available in English and Spanish, color and black & white).  You can use these for social media, bulletin, etc.

NEW this week!  Please listen and share with others this podcast.  A graphic has been added to the CSR shared folder to use in bulletins and social media.  Thank you.  If you have any questions about the CSR materials, please contact Trish Lutz at plutz@diojeffcity.org.

Please scan the QR Code or click the image to listen.