Dunn Family Embraces Opportunities for Stewardship and Fellowship at St. Alexius

Parents are our first teachers as we encounter the world, and they are deeply involved in teaching us about our Catholic faith. Parents teach by example, and when a family lives wholly in stewardship with the Church, the children learn what it means to give freely of our talents and gifts to God. Roger Dunn, 11, son of Levi and Darla Dunn, is fortunate to be growing in just such an environment.

When Levi sings in the St. Alexius Choir, Roger enjoys sitting nearby to hear his father sing. Roger also listens intently to the readings, especially when his mother is serving as lector that day. His favorite part of the Mass is listening to the homily after the readings, and hearing the explanations about the Gospel. Roger appreciates that his parents are sharing their love of God and their faith that they have shared with him, as they teach Faith Formation classes to third and fourth-graders.

The Dunn family found that when they joined St. Alexius three years ago, they were becoming part of a larger family that offered them a warm welcome, as well as fellowship that was rooted in faith and stewardship.

“When we joined St. Alexius, it was very welcoming, and we saw that a lot of the parishioners were involved in a small parish,” Levi says. “It takes everyone’s help to make it work. Previously, where we were before, with church, I was just going and not helping. There was always a different mindset of thinking about ‘what I’m getting out of church.’ Now, it’s changed to ‘what can I give to the Church.’ It’s made the whole experience better. Community is something Fr. Greg provides that made me take a second look at how it affects me.”

The couple decided to become Faith Formation teachers after Roger went through his first year here at St. Alexius. Roger thoroughly enjoys having his parents taking part as teachers, knowing they are together in the same location.

“We decided we would help out,” Levi says. “We both felt more comfortable having the two of us there. We gave each other support to do it together.”

Levi and Darla encourage anyone who might be hesitant about stepping forward to become more involved in parish life.

“Go for it,” Levi says. “It opens you to meeting others in church and it makes you feel like you are part of Mass instead of listening to the Mass.”

Anyone who is interested in joining a parish ministry or helping out in any way may call the parish office at 320-352-2196.

Levi and Darla Dunn and their son, Roger, joined St. Alexius Parish about three years ago and found they were warmly welcomed into a family of fellow parishioners. With this experience, they have been encouraged to assist in parish life while enabling Roger to grow in an atmosphere of stewardship.