Are we obligated to give to others simply because they have needs? In this episode, Father Andrew explains that, in a well-formed spirituality of stewardship, Christians have have a need to give which will drive their giving. He points out that giving based on others' needs can leave us with feelings of guilt, not satisfaction. Instead, if we have embraced the stewardship values of identity, trust, gratitude, and love, we will find in ourselves a need to give, and our giving will then be fulfilling and rewarding because it acknowledges the blessings we have received.
Father Andrew Kemberling is a parochial vicar of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Northglenn, Colorado. For 14 years he was pastor at St. Thomas More Parish in Centennial, CO. With Mila Glodava, Director of Communications and Stewardship, he wrote the book "Making Stewardship a Way of Life: A Complete Guide for Catholic Parishes" (published by Our Sunday Visitor, 2009). The parish received many awards for its pioneering embrace of stewardship as a touchstone of parish life. Fr. Andrew was born in Tucson, Arizona, and joined the Benedictine order in 1985. He was ordained a priest in 1988.