Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth

Portsmouth Diocese wins international stewardship award

L-R: Jim Kelley (President, ICSC Board of Directors), Nicky Stevens, Teresa Keogh, Bishop Paul G. Bootkowski (Bishop of Metuchen, ICSC Episcopal Moderator)

On September 19th 2010, the International Catholic Stewardship Council’s Award for Excellence in Total Diocesan Stewardship Effort was presented to Portsmouth Diocese.  It was accepted by Teresa Keogh (Advisor for Stewardship and Collaborative Ministry) and Nicky Stevens (Head of Department for Pastoral Formation) on behalf of Bishop Crispian, who was unable to attend the ICSC’s 48th Annual Conference in San Diego because of Pope Benedict’s visit.  Bishop Crispian’s message to the Conference, expressing his delight in winning the award and sending his support and prayer to the conference, was greatly appreciated by the 1100 participants, who came from 13 countries.

The ICSC has given awards to dioceses and parishes for the last 25 years, recognising good practice in various areas of stewardship.  The award won by Portsmouth Diocese is the most prestigious of the diocesan awards, and 2010 is the first time it has been awarded to a diocese outside the USA.

ICSC.

The diocesan application for the Award was supported by approximately 150 pieces of evidence illustrating a diverse range of stewardship activities, including prayer resources, reflection materials for Lent, materials from our schools, Diocesan days, bulletin announcements, Bishop Crispian’s pastoral letters, our Diocesan Pastoral Plan, ‘Go Out and Bear Fruit’ and materials from the Living our Faith campaign. All the supporting evidence showed the growing importance of stewardship in our Diocese over the last six years.

If you would like to know more about stewardship, contact Teresa Keogh tkeogh@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk or 01329 835583