STEWARDSHIP Not a Program, Not Not a Tagline...
C orpushristi C
c at h o l i c pa r i s h
a Fundraising Campaign,
A Way of Life
BECOMING A
STEWARDSHIP PARISH In common language, “stewardship” simply means taking good care of one’s belongings. At Corpus Christi Catholic Parish, when we talk about stewardship, we mean something more than that. As Christians, we believe that we don’t really own anything, per se. God has created all things; everything we “own” is really “on loan” from God. From this perspective, stewardship means taking care of God’s gifts. Everything God has given us — special skills, a nice smile, a good income — is meant not only for us, but for others as well. As strange as it seems, being a good steward of these gifts involves giving
“Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” 2
— 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
them away. As we learn from Jesus’ life, self-giving is the road to true happiness. Stewardship is using our time, talent, and treasure to build God’s Kingdom. All three elements are equally important. Our annual Stewardship Renewal is an important event for the faith community of Corpus Christi Catholic Parish. It is a time when we reassess the way we use God’s gifts by making commitments of time, talent, and treasure. Renewing ourselves in these areas results in great spiritual benefits for us as individual parishioners, and for the community around us. This year, how will you use your gifts?
Action Steps to Improve Your Prayer Life • Spend 15 minutes every morning in quiet prayer by reading and reflecting on Sacred Scripture. A helpful place to start is the readings for each day, found at usccb.org/bible/readings or on Catholic phone and tablet apps, such as My Parish, iBreviary, Magnificat or Divine Office.
PREPARING YOURSELF
SPIRITUALLY The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “Prayer and Christian life are inseparable” (CCC, 2745). In fact, St. Paul tells us to “pray constantly.” But as anyone who has ever tried to pray on a regular basis will tell you, prayer can be hard work. That is why we have to make a firm commitment to be persistent. Just as we learn to budget our money or schedule occasions for service, we also have to be very specific when we make time for prayer. Many people set aside 10 minutes in the morning to sip a cup of coffee and read the daily readings. Others pray a Rosary on the way to work. Still others pray with their children before bedtime or pray with their spouse before retiring for the evening. Whatever the format, the important thing is that we make a conscious effort to spend time with the One we love most.
• Thank God for the good things He has given you that you might take for granted throughout the day. • Examine your conscience before going to sleep and say an Act of Contrition like we do at Mass. • Pray with your children each night before bed, giving each family member an opportunity to pray for something and concluding with an Our Father, Hail Mary and the Glory Be. 3
Action Steps to Become More Active in Service • Pray about how the gifts God has given you can best be used to serve others. • Use your Commitment Card to find a parish ministry that will help you grow personally in living out your faith. • Commit to being faithful to God through those you serve in word and deed.
BECOMING AN
“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” —1 Peter 4:10 4
ACTIVE SERVANT Every week, our parish is buzzing with activity. There are groups that pray together, groups that minister to other parishioners, and groups that reach out to the community. Christ Himself taught us that “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). When we lay down our wants and desires to serve each other, God blesses our efforts! Will you consider where God is calling you to serve Him?
CONSISTENT AND
GENEROUS GIVING Our deepest reason for giving is not because our parish has needs, but because we have a spiritual need to give. We are called to give to God from our first fruits, and to recognize that everything comes from Him. Our gifts to God should be out of faith and gratitude for what God has done for us. Just like the apostles who laid down their nets the moment that Jesus called them, we too should lay down everything, even something as important to us as our finances, to follow Christ. God’s promise to us is a promise of life and security when we place all of our trust in Him. “The Lord will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
offer Our Treasure in Prayer • Pray about the best use of your financial resources and ask God to show you where you need to give Him priority in them. • Evaluate your regular offertory gift and increase it based on what you think God is calling you to give until you reach the full tithe. • Make a commitment to give regularly to God through the parish offertory, and be faithful to your tithing commitment, even when you attend Mass elsewhere.
“Jesus said to them, ‘Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.” — Mark 1:17-18
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Hospitality Ministries (CONTINUED)
2021 Stewardship Ministry Catalog Hospitality Ministries Chat-n-Stitch
Opportunity for members to work on needlework projects. All baptismal garments are made by this group. Contact: Roz Willey, 314-604-8797, rozwilley@hotmail.com
Coffee & Donuts
Coffee and donuts are served in Fr. Jim Shaughnessy Hall following the 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. liturgies. Volunteers help set up, serve, and clean-up. Contact: Pat & Donna Myers, 785-218-3324, chucky@sunflower.com
Empty Nesters
The Empty Nesters ministry is for any parishioner who has an empty nest and would like to gather with others for fellowship, educational experiences, and social gatherings. It goes beyond having fun — we’ll be with you through all the changes life brings your way. Whether 6
married, single, divorced, widowed, or otherwise, these are good people sharing good times (and hard times)! It takes a village to grow old. Contact: Parish Office, 785-843-6286, church@cccparish.org
Friday Morning Coffee Group
Attend Friday daily Mass and then meet following in Shaughnessy Hall for fellowship, a light snack, lively conversation, and spiritual encouragement! Contact: Larry Rockers, 785-841-1811, lrockers@yahoo.com
Greeter at Mass
Welcome all those who come to the doors of Corpus Christi Church. Contact: Maureen Brogren, 785-843-6286, mbrogren@cccparish.org
Usher
Ministry of hospitality, ensuring people in the church feel welcomed, are comfortable, and feel a sense of belonging. Contact: Maureen Brogren, 785-843-6286, mbrogren@cccparish.org
Welcoming Committee
Offers a warm welcome by phone to new members of the parish and an explanation of parish ministries and services. New members receive follow-up calls within two weeks after being fully registered. This group will also coordinate “Welcome Weekend.” Contact: Henry Wertin, 785-760-7499, henrywertin@askmcgrew.com
PRAYER Ministries Acolytes
Open to young men and women 5th grade or older to assist the priest, deacon, and sacristans in serving at the Lord’s table during Mass. Contact: Maureen Brogren, 785-843-6286, mbrogren@cccparish.org
Cantors
The cantor serves to lead the responsorial singing with the congregation. Cantors should have some musical knowledge and be comfortable singing in front of the community. Contact: Shaun Whisler, 785-843-6286, shaunw@cccparish.org
PRAYER Ministries (CONTINUED) Choir
We are continually looking for talented choir members, cantors, and singers! Corpus Christi praise and worship would not be what it is without our talented musicians who help us pray. Contact: Shaun Whisler, 785-843-6286, shaunw@cccparish.org
Communion to Retirement Communities & Homebound Assist us in bringing Holy Communion to those who can’t make it to Mass each week. Contact: Kathleen Johnson, 785-843-6286, kbjohnson5331@gmail.com
PRAYER Ministries (CONTINUED) Eucharistic Adoration
This is an opportunity to spend some time alone in quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament; offer your spirituality the opportunity for growth. Contact: Margie & Doug Hinrichsen, 785-979-1894, mhinrichsen2017@gmail.com
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
Assist in administering the Eucharist during Mass. Open to all members of the parish 9th grade and older. Contact: Maureen Brogren, 785-843-6286, mbrogren@cccparish.org
Family Rosary
The Weekly Family Rosary meets every Monday at 3:45 p.m. in the Church to pray the Rosary. Contact: Henry Wertin, 785-760-7499, henrywertin@askmcgrew.com
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PRAYER Ministries (CONTINUED) Handbell Choir
A crucial element to our most meaningful Masses and prayer services, we’re always looking for talented Handbell Choir percussionists. Contact: Shaun Whisler, 785-843-6286, shaunw@cccparish.org
Instrumentalists
We are always looking for talented organists, pianists, guitarists, flutists, and all other instrumentalists to help us enhance our liturgies. Contact: Shaun Whisler, 785-550-6274, shaunw@cccparish.org
Lector
Proclaim the word of God at liturgies. Contact: John Rathbun, 785-766-8363, jrathbun@cutlerrepaving.com
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PRAYER Ministries (CONTINUED) Men’s Prayer Group
Encourages men to become better fathers and husbands by growing in knowledge and practicing their Catholic faith and seeking Christ through prayer, scripture, and the sacraments. Contact: Kevin Roush, 785-766-5220, kroush@sunflower.com; Jim Lock, 785-220-5436, jamesjlock@msn.com
Prayer Chain
Ministers of prayer are needed to keep the intentions of our loved ones in daily prayer. Contact: Margie Hinrichsen, 785-979-1894, mhinrichsen2017@gmail.com
FORMATION Ministries
FORMATION Ministries (CONTINUED)
Book Club
Stewardship Committee
Catholic Moms’ Group
Vocations Committee
This is a group of people who love to read and get together to discuss books and authors. Meeting times: 1:00 p.m., 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month. Contact: Judy Randolph, 785-550-1455, jrandolph@sunflower.com Women who meet monthly to deepen their spiritual and social life while growing in faith together. Contact: Jennifer Conrad, 785-766-6189, conradclan2011@gmail.com
Religious Education Volunteers
Volunteers help with our Parish Religious Education Programs, VBS, Confirmation, & RCIA. Mandatory VIRTUS training for all volunteers involved with minors. Contact: Laura Hulcher, 785-843-6286, lhulcher@cccparish.org
Social Concerns & Justice Committee
The Social Concerns and Justice Committee exists to encourage and support parish members in living out the Gospel’s social teachings through participation in charitable works, education, and advocacy. This ministry will coordinate all current and future service opportunities such as Just Food, Family Promise, Gift from the Heart, etc. Contact: Fr. Jerry Volz, 785-843-6286, frjerry@cccparish.org
This committee will be at the heart of what we do. Help coordinate our parish efforts, set up ministry fairs, help form and execute all elements of stewardship at Corpus Christi. Contact: Caleb Regan, 785-550-6328, calebr@cccparish.org Our Vocations Committee exists to foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life, to guide and encourage our parish community in prayer and also assist in giving information about vocations, support and encourage promising candidates, and work together with the Archdiocesan Office of Vocations. Contact: Fr. Jerry Volz, 785-843-6286, frjerry@cccparish.org
Young Adults Ministry
For faith-oriented young professionals, younger couples, college students, or anyone else looking to connect via social gatherings and happy hours, rosaries, Sunday brunches or otherwise. Contact: Satya Narayanan, 864-905-8086, satyan.brand@gmail.com
Youth Advisory Board
Group of interested adults would assist with planning and organizing various components of High School and Middle School Youth Ministry. Mandatory VIRTUS training for all volunteers involved with minors. Contact: Heather Pfannenstiel, 616-272-9467, heather.pfannenstiel@washburn.edu
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SERVICE Ministries Altar Society Ministry
Do you appreciate the sparkle of a clean house? Have you ever used a broom or dust rag around your house? Congratulations! You have all the experience necessary to join the Altar Society ministry! The mission of this new ministry is to give God’s house a humble touch of cleanliness and to help care for our beautiful worship space. Supplies will be provided. Contact: Shaun Whisler, 785-843-6286, shaunw@cccparish.org
Assist with Cemetery Care
Maintains grounds at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Lawrence. Work outside and keep our Catholic cemetery beautiful. Contact: John Chavez, 785-842-5602
Daughters of Isabella
Daughters of Isabella is a charitable organization of Catholic women founded on principles of its motto: unity, friendship, and charity. Contact: Sandy Hare, 518-573-3478, nursehare@yahoo.com
Donum Fidei Auction
The annual fundraiser benefits the parish school and the Parish Religious Education Program (PREP). “Donum Fidei” means gift of faith; this fundraiser impacts the faith education of every child in our parish. Contact: Angela Solomon, 913-220-1598, amsolomon@live.com
Family Promise
Provide a service to fellow parishioners in their time of need. You may be asked to write a note of sympathy and various other tasks to help a person going through loss. Contact: Pat Pfannenstiel, 785-766-5631, patpeg12@att.net
Family Promise is a nonprofit committed to helping low-income families achieve lasting independence by housing them quarterly at our facility. Volunteers minister in a variety of ways: engaging in conversation, preparing a meal, or reading a story to a toddler. Contact: Cathy Nelson, 785-832-8984, cschneid55@gmail.com
Collection Counters
Funeral Dinner Ministry
Bereavement Ministry
These ministers count the collection from the weekend Masses. If you are a banker or bookkeeper (10-key experience helpful) and can offer time after the 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, this is an invaluable ministry. Contact: Deborah Kurtz, 785-331-9359, debkurtz51@yahoo.com 10
SERVICE Ministries (CONTINUED)
Be a part of a ministry that touches someone in a time of great need: plan, prepare, help organize, serve food, or clean up following funeral luncheons. Contact: Cathy Nelson, 785-832-8984, cschneid55@gmail.com
SERVICE MINISTRIES (CONTINUED) Gift from the Heart
This ministry serves approximately 10 different organizations in the Lawrence community and more than 500 individuals are helped each year. Volunteers are needed to shop, wrap, and distribute gifts collected at the parish for those in need. Contact: Angela Loch, 785-424-3821, dwloch@yahoo.com
Just Food
Donations are always needed for the food pantries in our city. Last year alone, Corpus Christi donated 13,485 pounds of food to Just Food. Help organize the effort, encourage donations, and donate food. Contact: Emily Kyle & Kathleen Johnson, 785-843-6286, church@cccparish.org
SERVICE MINISTRIES (CONTINUED) Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is dedicated to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and Patriotism and open to all men of the parish. Knights recognize that their mission, and their faith in God, compels them into action to help our parish and those in need. Contact: John Moos, 785-550-7415, jdmoos@hotmail.com
LINK (The Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition of Kansas) Kitchen ministry helps in organizing, preparing, and serving meals on the fourth Sunday of each month for the Lawrence community. Contact: Debbie Smith, 785-813-3098, dlouises1960@gmail.com
Liturgical Commission
This ministry helps plan the Liturgical year and all special liturgies throughout the Church year. Contact: Maureen Brogren, 785-843-6286, mbrogren@cccparish.org
Meals for Priests
Sign up online and provide a meal for Fr. Jerry. Meals will be Tuesdays and Thursdays and dropped off at the rectory. Contact: Cristy Sullivan, 785-843-6286, cristys@cccparish.org
SERVICE MINISTRIES (CONTINUED) Parish Grounds Maintenance
Taking care of the physical facilities of our campus. We are in constant need of those who have skills or expertise in this area. Contact: Ken Clouse, 785-821-0691, kclouse50@live.com; Larry Libeer, 785-393-4735, ljlibeer@gmail.com
Parish Office Help
If you have good computer data entry and receptionist skills, please consider signing up for this ministry to help our parish office. Contact: Emily Kyle or Kathleen Johnson, 785-843-6286, church@cccparish.org
Parish School Volunteer
Help in the office, lunchroom, at various fundraisers, special events, or activities we hold throughout the year. Mandatory VIRTUS training for all volunteers. Contact: Brenda Gammill, 785-331-3374, school@cccparish.org
Parish Social Committee
SERVICE MINISTRIES (CONTINUED) will be held to choose new members to serve a three-year term as a pastoral council member. Contact: John Dahlstrand, 785-260-1570, jadahlstrand@gmail.com
Retired Guys Ministry
Group of retired gentlemen that help with minor maintenance issues for the church and school. If you are handy and would like to help, this is a ministry for you. Contact: Stan Ring, 785-550-1889, ring@sunflower.com
Sacristans
This ministry helps in the preparation and cleanup for Mass. Contact: Maureen Brogren, 785-843-6286, mbrogren@cccparish.org
Saint Veronica’s Ministry
Assists with laundering and prepping of all altar linens. Contact: Maureen Brogren, 785-843-6286, maureenb@cccparish.org
As the Body of Christ in west Lawrence, we have a variety of social functions throughout the year. This committee helps plan and execute all these community events! Contact: Debbie Vignatelli Konzem, 785-331-9111, debvig@att.net
Pastoral Council
Ministry that sees to the pastoral/spiritual needs of the parish, and serves as an advisory group to the pastor. Every year a discernment process 11
Please keep until Fall 2022 It’s difficult to give God any percentage of our time, talent or treasure if we do not first give Him 100 percent of our hearts. For this reason, our Stewardship Renewal is a time for growing closer to God above all else. It is a time to make God our top priority, and then express this growth through written commitments. How will you turn more readily to Him with your whole heart?
TIME
Several suggestions for regular prayer are listed on your Commitment Card. Will you set aside time each day to spend with God?
TALENT
Your Commitment Card lists numerous parish ministries available for your involvement. Will you offer yourself in service to God through others?
TREASURE
This year, will you make a specific financial pledge to contribute to the Sunday offertory?
C orpushristi C
Please bring your completed Commitment Card to Mass on August 28 or 29, mail it to the parish in the envelope provided, or fill it out online at cccparish.org.
c at h o l i c pa r i s h
6001 Bob Billings Pkwy• Lawrence, KS 66049 • (785) 843-6286 • www.cccparish.org