Interview with Erin Mackey

Part One from our “The Call to Stewardship: What Offering Our Best Looks Like For Young Adults” Series

Crucifix, candles and bible sit open on a table.

Photo by Chelsey Shortman

Introduction

Stewardship has been a call on the human heart since the genesis of man: “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it” (Gen. 1:28). This is a call not only for our first parents, but for us as well. We are each called to build up the Kingdom through the particular gifts God has given us –– whether monetarily, ability, or circumstantially.

While there can often be the temptation to think that we are “doing our part” by offering one thing, either our time or our money, we are called rather to see everything as from God, and thus, all an opportunity to give back to Him and His Body. We must not be satisfied with offering only our leftovers. When we each bring our best to the table, the collective feast mirrors the abundance and goodness of heaven.

As in all things, learning the balance that Christ asks of us takes intention, discernment and openness. We hope these interviews inspire you to evaluate how to more intentionally live a life of stewardship, and so build up the kingdom of God through who He made you to be.

Interview with Erin

Photo of Chika

Erin Mackey is a Program Quality and Design Advisor for Catholic Relief Services. She has contributed to a variety of Catholic publications and podcasts where she shares her experience seeking a simple, sustainable, and intentional lifestyle. In addition to her role at CRS, she has the privilege to work with other faith-based organizations including Caritas Internationalis and the Sisters of Bon Secours.

Stewardship in general refers to taking care of something. How do you understand/define stewardship as a Catholic?

Stewardship is something I’m still learning and cultivating in my life. By no means do I know all the answers, but I hope my experiences and perspective help you to see the beauty God has entrusted to each of you as stewards of his work.

As a Catholic woman, God has granted me gifts and resources which He hopes I will care for and nurture. For a long time, I viewed these gifts and resources as normal elements of life—family, friendship, money and time doing things I enjoyed like being in nature. Only when I intentionally spent time in prayer and considered these gifts, did my perception about them change. Seeing them through the eyes of our Creator, I was able to recognize their uniqueness and understand for the first time that God had entrusted them to my care. It is a privilege to be a steward of these gifts and is something I work to cultivate every day.

How does stewardship apply to your personal charisms/gifts as well as your personal monetary gifts?

I remember the first time I learned about conscious consumerism. TOMS shoes had just been released and the notion of a one-for-one business model was revolutionary. As a student studying business, I was immediately intrigued by the idea that companies could make a positive impact on the world. Since then, I’ve immersed myself in learning how my purchases impact not only the people making the products I buy, but how they impact the environment.

Making ethical purchases is a huge part of my life and one that I view as stewardship. What does that look like? For me, it means purchasing clothes secondhand, shopping locally and integrating more sustainable products into my life. It looks like researching companies to learn about their production methods and how their workers are treated. Sometimes, it even means spending more, knowing that my money is going to an organization that shares my values.

How do you incorporate stewardship into the practices of your personal life (ie. your actions, involvements and choices)?

One of the gifts that has come to light since entering adulthood is that of friendship. I have been blessed with incredible friends over the course of my life. One way I incorporate stewardship into these relationships is intentionally scheduling time with them, whether that’s in the form of a phone call or in-person meet up. God has granted me these friendships knowing that when nurtured and cared for—grace springs forth. Though it’s not always easy, devoting time and energy to friendships is an act of stewardship I strive to foster.

Do you see a connection between stewardship and living simply and/or sustainably? If yes, in what way?

When I was in elementary school, I joined the Environmental Club. While it may not have been the coolest club in school, I learned so much about our nature, sustainability, and how to care for the Earth. Fast forward twenty years and simple living and sustainability are huge elements of my life. A few things I do to live out these values include keeping purchases to a minimum and focusing on needs rather than wants, maintaining a simple wardrobe, and walking or biking when I am able. Making lifestyle changes such as these are little ways I try to be a good steward of the Earth. God has intentionally placed me on this Earth and one of the most beautiful ways I can show Him love is by caring for the magnificent world placed before me.

Understanding stewardship as an offering back to God of what is his, how do you maintain detachment toward your gifts (personal, financial, etc) as ultimately his, while simultaneously nourishing/investing in them?

As a woman living in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, detachment is a hard concept to incorporate into my life, especially when it comes to things like money or possessions. Once I had a steady income and learned more about the importance of stewardship, I began to grapple with the idea that the things in my life were not in fact my own. It can feel almost jarring to consider—the money, car, family, that I “possess”, belong to someone else!

Detachment is hard and takes a lot of work but I find consolation in remembering that the things of this world are not permanent and that ultimately, that which I have received, originally came from God.

There are so many good organizations and causes to support financially. How do you discern which things to contribute to?

To be able to support organizations and causes financially is an incredible privilege. It wasn’t until I was in the workforce post-college that I began to understand the importance of supporting organizations financially and the impact I could make (yes, even small donations help!). When it comes to deciding where to send my money, there are a few things I consider. First, what cause or need am I desiring to support? Local hunger? International education? Both? The list is endless and what I support one year may be different from the next. Once I determine “what” God is calling me to support, I research organizations that align with my Catholic values. This doesn’t mean the organization has to be Catholic, but rather their actions are in alignment with the Church and her teachings. This method isn’t perfect or foolproof but at the end of the day, this process, combined with prayer, helps me to make contributions that support those most in need.

How have you seen your spiritual life change as you change your perspective on stewardship?

As a young woman, intentional stewardship has only been part of my life for a short period of time, but it has brought me an endless amount of joy. In my journey, I discovered that stewardship is so much more than donating. It’s an active piece of my relationship with God—one that has required an open heart and mind. The more I learn about stewardship and make intentional changes in my life, the more I find myself drawing closer to God and His plan for the gifts he bestows.

What are some first steps you would advise to cultivating a lifestyle of stewardship?

I would begin by asking God to show you your gifts and resources. Consider writing them down during prayer and reflecting on them. It might be hard, and you might feel like they aren’t “big enough” or “worthy enough” but don’t let that stop you. Your gifts are enough, and you are worthy. Once you’ve identified your gifts and resources, take some time to think about how you can be a steward of one in particular. Just start with one and see where it takes you. It brings God so much delight when our gifts are brought to light and even more when we care for and nurture them.

This interview was compiled and edited by Amelia Arth.