Intergenerational Stewardship

“Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.” — Barbara Bush (1925-), former American first lady

Why use Generational Commitment Programs? For 90% of us set our values by the time we are ten years old. By twenty years old our values have been 'locked in" unless there occurs a "significant emotional event" that changes our point of view.. For instance;the Depression, Pearl Harbor, Kennedy assassination, or 9/11.

Growing up in the in the 1950's until 1963, when I was twelve, was a very stable life, sort of the "Leave it to Beaver" life style, However, November 23, 1963 changed all that. After living through the Cuban Missile Crisis, then the Kennedy Assassination radically changed my generation, Suddenly, the stability of the 1950's became the instability of the 1960s. The assumptions of the 1950's, tested and challenged. Add in the Vietnam War, and I had concerns of even making it until the 1970's. My values at ten years old changed drastically by age twenty. I went from accepting what was told me, to questioning everything I was told to verify the accuracy of the statements. My values at twenty became locked in. many of those values I hold today.

Each generation has their own similar story, History shapes generations, common events and experiences create common values. Generations shape history, the leadership of a generation changes the course of events.

This is why using this type of commitment program can be quite effective. As it bring members of your parish community with similar common values together to discuss our relationship to God and what our group can do to help support our parish community.

Bill Monk, "Baby Boomer"

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