Why are We Here?

Why are we here? 

The Catholic Church teaches that we are here because God created us out of love. 

• The Catechism (CCC 1) says: "God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life." 

• Put simply: we are here to know God, to love Him, and to live with Him forever. Life is not an accident. Each of us is willed by God and has a purpose. 

What is our purpose? 

Our purpose is to love God and love others. 

• Jesus summed it up: "Love God with all your heart... and love your neighbor as yourself." (Mt 22:37-39) 

• That means: worship God, live in friendship with Him, and let that love flow into our families, communities, and the world. 

• The Church puts it this way: we are called to holiness and mission. Holiness is becoming like Christ. Mission is sharing His love with others. 

What is the mission of the Catholic Church? 

The Vatican and the Catechism both teach that the Church exists to continue Christ's mission: 

• To proclaim the Gospel (evangelization) 

• To celebrate the Sacraments (encountering Christ in worship) 

• To serve the poor and those in need (charity and justice) 

• To guide people to heaven (salvation) 

In simple words: the Church's mission is to help people meet Jesus, grow in Him, and bring His love into the world. 

How does stewardship connect to all of this? 

Stewardship is the Catholic way of living our purpose and mission. 

• If God created us, then our life, our time, our gifts, and our resources are not really ours-they are entrusted to us. 

• Stewardship means we take care of what God has given us: 

• Our faith → share it, live it. 

• Our time → use it wisely for God, family, prayer, and service. 

• Our talents → put them at the service of others. 

• Our treasure → support the Church and help the poor. 

• Creation → care for the world God made. 

So, stewardship is really the way we live out why we are here, our purpose, and the Church's mission. It's saying with our lives: "All I have is a gift from God, and I will use it to love Him and others." 

✓ In short: 

• Why are we here? God made us to know Him, love Him, and be with Him forever. 

• Our purpose? To love God and others, becoming holy and living like Christ. 

• Mission of the Church? To bring Christ to the world and lead people to heaven. 

• Connection to stewardship? Stewardship is how we live this out-by giving back to God with our lives, time, talents, and resources.