by Bill Maloney
It is with great joy that I begin my journey as the new director of stewardship and development for the archdiocese.
I am honored to be chosen by Archbishop Naumann to assist the faithful in northeast Kansas in discerning the use of their time, talent and treasure to help build up the parishes, schools and ministries through invitation and education.
Over the 32 years that I have lived in the archdiocese, I have experienced a community rooted in the four pillars of stewardship — prayer, hospitality, formation and service. I look forward to using this column to share stories with you of parishioners who say yes to living the stewardship way of life.
My first few months in this role have been humbling. The generosity of parishioners during these uncertain times is nothing short of amazing.
Catholic Charities, the Catholic Education Foundation and many parishes, schools and ministries throughout the archdiocese have received record- breaking donations at their virtual events.
Earlier this month, I sent an email inviting parishioners to share stories of how a simple invitation changed their lives. Again, I was humbled by the stories that were shared.
There was the story of the couple that has been foster parents for 46 children and raised seven of their own biological children. And the story of the young woman who, while in college, was invited by a friend to the Catholic campus center where she is now working after graduation. And the story of a senior citizen who says yes to wiping down the pews after Mass on Sunday.
Again and again, I witness great examples of people responding to the call they are receiving.
Great things are happening in our archdiocese. As Mother Teresa said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
There are plenty of opportunities for all of us to accept the Lord’s invitation to do something small with great love.
I would like to invite all of you to consider my invitation to make a gift to the Archbishop’s Call to Share. Giving to the appeal is an opportunity to do something with great love.
Through your support, you are loving the family who needs services from Catholic Charities. You are loving the family who is receiving assistance from the Catholic Education Foundation.
You are walking with the mother who is in a crisis pregnancy. You are sharing your love of Christ with our youth who attend camps at Prairie Star Ranch. You are supporting the young couple who is preparing for marriage. A gift to Archbishop’s Call to Share is a gift of love.
I look forward to getting to know more of you throughout the archdiocese and witnessing how the four pillars of stewardship are alive in our homes and parishes.
Thank you for answering the Lord’s call and bringing the light of Christ to others.
