In response to the budget challenges facing the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the two departments of Synod Implementation and Stewardship have consolidated as the Office of Synod Implementation and Stewardship.

Deacon David Estrada, director of the Office of Synod Implementation since 2003, began serving as director of both offices effective Nov. 1. Archdiocesan officials said there is a significant connection between the two departments.

"There is that natural affinity between the principles of Synod and the principles of stewardship," said Msgr. Royal Vadakin, moderator of the curia.

He referenced Cardinal Roger Mahony's Sept. 8 letter to parishioners introducing the pastoral letter on stewardship, "For This You Were Called: Be Thankful." The cardinal writes: "It is through the good stewardship of our time, talents, skills, abilities and material resources that we will be able to advance the pastoral initiatives of the Archdiocesan Synod."

In a release to archdiocesan employees announcing the consolidation of offices, Deacon Estrada noted that, "Stewardship is an integral part of our baptismal calling. It goes hand in hand with our call to mission by urging us to cultivate and develop our individual gifts and talents in service to one another as affirmed by the Synod."

The Growing Stewards initiative was started nearly a year ago with 18 parishes throughout the five pastoral regions of the archdiocese participating in a first wave.

"I'm looking forward to meeting with those parishes that are already utilizing this stewardship model," Deacon Estrada told The Tidings. "And I'm looking forward to working with remaining parishes as we begin to implement this stewardship model throughout the archdiocese."

Following the participation of churches in the first wave, Deacon Estrada will continue to provide those parishes with ongoing support "to keep the momentum going," said Msgr. Vadakin. "Those parishes need the nurture of the Synod and stewardship director to continue developing creative new ideas and new outreach."

The pastor emeritus pointed out that at his parish, St. Anastasia Church in Los Angeles, the Growing Stewards initiative led to one parishioner coming forward with the idea to write to women in prison, which is now a new parish-based ministry.

"There are so many needs out there," added Msgr. Vadakin. "By looking internally and looking outwardly we can address new needs and new realities."

In so doing, the archdiocese begins implementing the Synod pastoral initiative in the area of social justice as well as others, he said.

The archdiocese will continue utilizing the services of RSI Catholic Service Group to work with several dozen new parishes wanting to participate in a second wave of the Growing Stewards initiative. An invitation letter will be sent to archdiocesan parishes in December, and information meetings will begin early in 2008.

"What many parishes lack is an organized stewardship effort," said Art Ledesma, vice-president for RSI. "They want to move in the direction of stewardship, but they don't know how. So what the process has done for many of them is provided the structure."

It begins by acknowledging God's many blessings, he added. "I think that's where we need to start, helping people to recognize that they have been gifted by God," said Ledesma. "That leads to gratitude, and then people want to give back."