by The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — For the honorary chairs of the 2020 Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal, Sam and Melissa Rockford, living stewardship is more than a way of life — it’s a way of parenting.
“We raise our children to be other-centered and Christ-centered, rather than self-centered,” said Sam.
The Rockfords are involved with many of the ministries supported by the annual Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal. Sam is a Catholic high school teacher and the couple volunteers with Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg and their parish, Good Shepherd, Shawnee.
Together, they are teaching three children to be “other-centered,” leading by example.
When they welcomed twin boys six years ago, they were overwhelmed by the generosity of family and friends, who helped their family prepare to bring the babies home. As the boys grew, they looked for a place to share the baby gear.
“That’s the thing — when you have twins, you end up with two of everything!” joked Sam.
“We have been so blessed in our lives, and a key part of our faith is sharing those blessings with others in our own community,” said Melissa.
The Rockfords were connected to the Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic through an acquaintance, where their baby clothes, blankets and toys were passed on to new families.
Pro-life pregnancy clinics in Wyandotte County and Olathe are supported, in part, by the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal and serve more than 5,000 women throughout the region.
Each center offers parenting classes, a new-mothers’ support community, one-on-one and group classes, breastfeeding support groups, pediatrician referrals and a “closet” of maternity and baby clothes for new families.
The Kansas City, Kansas, location also offers a peer-led support group for new fathers.
Gifts to the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal support more than 40 offices, agencies and ministries throughout northeast Kansas, including parishes like Good Shepherd and agencies like the Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic.
Please prayerfully consider renewing your commitment to the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal today.
