'Good Steward' series explores what Catholic teaching says about wealth

Catholics interested in philanthropy, investment, estate planning or leaving a charitable legacy are being invited to join The Good Steward, a new series of free online seminars.

The programme will explore how Catholic Social Teaching can help people make thoughtful and faith-informed decisions about their money and assets, not only during their lifetime but also through their estate.

Catholic teaching offers a substantial moral framework for understanding wealth. It presents people not simply as owners of resources, but as stewards of gifts entrusted to them, with responsibilities towards their neighbour, the poor and vulnerable, and the common good.

Yet research recently published in the Catholic Generosity report found a significant gap between this teaching and current practice. Giving, investing and estate planning are often considered separately, while Catholic principles are rarely applied systematically to personal investments. The report concludes that the difficulty is not necessarily a lack of goodwill, but often a lack of awareness, formation and accessible practical guidance.

The Good Steward has been created to help close that gap.

The three-part programme will consider philanthropy, faith-aligned investment, and estate planning and legacy giving as connected expressions of Christian stewardship. It is intended for anyone who wants to understand what the Catholic tradition says about wealth and how that teaching might inform the choices they make.

John Green, Chairman of Catholics in Fundraising CIO, said: "Most Catholics have never had the opportunity to explore the depth of the Church's teaching on wealth. The Good Steward series is for anyone asking how their faith should shape the way they give, invest and ultimately hand on what has been entrusted to them. It will offer a reflective and practical introduction to a tradition that can help us use our wealth more intentionally in the service of our neighbour and the common good."

The series will comprise:

- Catholic Philanthropy, 13 October 2026: exploring generosity, impact and trust in Catholic giving, led by John Green and Matt Parkes.

- Investment and Wealth Management, 9 December 2026: considering how Catholic Social Teaching and Mensuram Bonam can inform investment decisions, with Tom Fitzgerald O'Connor and Fr Keith McMillan SJ.

- Legacy Giving and Estate Planning, 9 February 2027: exploring stewardship through wills, estate planning and charitable legacy giving, with Petra Gomersall and Suzanne Wheeler.

Each session will last one hour and will be presented twice online, at 8.00am and 6.00pm, allowing participants to choose the most convenient time. The seminars are designed as formation and reflection rather than personal financial, legal or investment advice.

Participation is free and open to anyone interested in bringing their financial decisions into closer alignment with their Catholic faith.

Book a free place: www.ticketsource.com/catholics-in-fundraising/t-dkgqdmy

The Good Steward is a programme of Catholics in Fundraising CIO, registered charity number 1217362

About Catholics in Fundraising

Catholics in Fundraising is the UK's leading network for Catholics working in fundraising. It aims to build a strong community of like-minded individuals, offer insights into best practices, and encourage innovative approaches to fundraising within the Catholic context.

Twitter @cathfundraising

email john@catholicsinfundraising.com