When Father Crowley asked me if I would speak today at mass, I felt very honored. He said that I should speak about what stewardship means to me. To be honest, I wasn't really sure exactly what the word meant. Then I remembered that my CCD book talked about stewardship so I reread that section to help me prepare. The book defines stewardship as "our responsibility to care for one another and for the world". I thought about this for a while and it suddenly made sense to me that even though I'm young, I can be a steward.

God has blessed me in many ways. I have a loving family, good and loyal friends and a nice home. He also has given me a talent to share with the world. I am an actor and a musician. Nothing makes me happier than to be on stage performing for an audience. It makes me feel good when people are entertained by my performance.

Sometimes I get paid to perform and that makes me feel even more blessed. I know how lucky I am to be able to make money doing something I love to do. One of the best parts about landing a paying job is that I can then give something back to God and my community that is truly mine to give.

When I heard about the Habitat house that was being built in Middleboro, I wanted to help but I was too young to do any of the construction work or to even be on the construction site. I was disappointed because I really wanted to be part of the project. Not long after that I got my first paying job and I realized that God was giving me a way to help. I could donate some of my income.

Now every time I get paid, so does Father Crowley! It makes me feel good to know that I have found a way to help those who aren't as lucky as I am. Even though the Middleboro Habitat house is finished, there are still lots of people in need here in Middleboro and hopefully I can continue to get work so I can continue to do my part to help them.

Thank you for listening.