by John Sorce
Special to The Leaven
LENEXA — It was fitting that the host of the 2026 Deo Gratias awards was also one of its award winners.
Holy Trinity, along with Casey Connealy, were honored at the Deo Gratias celebration at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa on March 26.
Deo Gratias means “Thanks be to God” in Latin.
Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Shawn McKnight at the church before dinner was held at the Father Quigley Faith Formation Center across the street.
“It is important that we reflect on why we do the work we do and take time to give thanks for our many, many blessings,” said Derek Lyssy, executive director of the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas, in his remarks. “It is with joy that we build up the financial resources for the church and her ministries to strengthen Christ’s church on earth.”
Lyssy then spoke about a few of the foundation’s highlights from the last year.
The foundation has continued to broaden its reach over the last fiscal year, now stewarding 262 funds totaling over $158 million in assets.
“This is a testament to the generosity and trust of our donors,” Lyssy said. “Thank you to each of you who make this mission possible.”
Casey Connealy was honored with the Deo Gratias Distinguished Catholic Individual Award.
An estate planning attorney, husband, father and devoted Catholic, Connealy has impacted the church community through his presentations on planned giving, serving on the finance council at Holy Trinity Parish and volunteering with the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults program there and at his children’s schools.
“Through the Catholic Foundation, Casey has helped hundreds of families understand how faith and finances can work hand in hand,” Lyssy said. “Those who attend his presentations often leave saying, ‘This is the first time it all made sense.’ Casey, in turn, says that it is that moment of clarity, the transformation from anxiety to peace, is what keeps him going.
“Through his faith, service and witness, Casey Connealy exemplifies the spirit of stewardship that sustains the church today and strengthens it for tomorrow.”
The next award was then presented to the event’s host as Holy Trinity was awarded with the Deo Gratias Distinguished Catholic Organization Award.
The parish’s foresight in legacy planning and stewardship has set them apart as a true model for the archdiocese.
With a forward-looking vision rooted in gratitude, the parish has made legacy giving a priority and, in doing so, they have helped parishioners see how their faith and values can endure far beyond their lifetimes.
The parish also regularly hosts gift-planning workshops, giving families a welcoming place to learn about wills, trusts, charitable gift annuities and other tools that align faith with financial planning.
“The story of Holy Trinity Parish is a story of gratitude — Deo Gratias, ‘Thanks be to God,’” Lyssy said. “It is a story of parishioners who understand that their lives and blessings are gifts meant to be shared. And it is a story of leadership that has inspired a community to look beyond the present and invest in the future of the church.
“Thank you to Holy Trinity Catholic Parish for the impact you make on your community and the archdiocese.”
