by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
OVERLAND PARK — In 1988, Archbishop Ignatius J. Strecker purchased 35 acres of land here with a vision to build a new Catholic church.
In the years since, Church of the Ascension has grown into one of the largest parishes in northeast Kansas with 3,300 families.
“It’s a powerhouse in the archdiocese, this parish,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.
And it’s thanks to the involvement of parishioners like Beth and Marty Krebs, who joined the parish in 1996, said the archbishop.
“Marty and Beth are a great example of living generous and faithful lives,” he said. “They exemplify how each of us can answer God’s call to serve.”
The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK) honored Church of the Ascension with this year’s Distinguished Catholic Organization Award and Beth and Marty with the Distinguished Family Award at the annual Deo Gratias dinner at Ascension on March 27.
Both honorees have been loyal supporters of CFNEK, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that ensures the continuation of archdiocesan parishes, schools and ministries by providing distributions and grants through endowments, donor-advised funds and scholarship funds.
It also offers a variety of workshops throughout the year and a St. Thomas More continuing education program in June.
This was the first time CFNEK’s Deo Gratias dinner wasn’t held in November or at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
The date was changed for multiple reasons, including weather. The location was moved to the site of the organization being honored in hopes of increasing turnout, particularly from those who have never attended Deo Gratias before.
Around 160 attended this year’s event compared to 120 last year.
Bill Maloney, executive director of CFNEK, said Deo Gratias is held to show gratitude to its supporters.
The evening began with Mass, with Archbishop Naumann as the main celebrant and homilist. Father Gary Pennings, pastor of Ascension, concelebrated. Father Brent Stull, associate pastor, was master of ceremonies, and Deacon John Stanley assisted.
Attendees were then treated to drinks, dinner and a presentation.
Maloney offered a “State of the Foundation” address, sharing how CFNEK is fulfilling its mission to facilitate Catholic giving.
Archbishop Naumann spoke about both honorees, explaining first how effective Ascension has been at utilizing CFNEK.
“The Church of the Ascension established an endowment fund in 2006 with an initial investment of $20,000,” he said. “The fund has grown through continued gifts and investment returns to over $1.8 million today.”
Father Pennings said it’s Ascension’s stewardship model, which asks every parishioner to give what they can, that’s made the parish so successful.
“We don’t have lots of fundraisers,” he said. “We don’t have all kinds of events where we’re trying to raise money, because we just rely on people to practice good stewardship.
“We’ve been able to do amazing things.”
Ascension has also participated in CFNEK’s Giving Tuesday initiative and hosted some of its workshops.
The Krebs have supported the work of CFNEK in multiple ways, said Archbishop Naumann. Marty is a former board member, and the couple has a donor-advised fund with the foundation.
Marty is also the chair of the Ignatian Spirituality Center in Kansas City, Missouri, and has served on the board of Ascension’s stewardship committee and St. James Academy in Lenexa.
Beth has served as a Catholic spiritual mentor and a hospice volunteer. Both have immersed themselves in life at Ascension.
“They live the faith,” said Father Pennings. “They don’t just talk it, but they walk the walk. They live it and breathe it. And that’s what stewardship is.”
The Krebs said Ascension has been a special place for their family.
“One of the greatest gifts we have received from our Ascension family is the love of this community,” said Marty. “The parish gave us our closest faith-filled friendships.”
When it comes to their stewardship, Beth said she and Marty “have learned that generosity in small, concrete ways has transformed and continues to transform both of our hearts.”
The couple was grateful to be recognized for their efforts.
“Marty and I look forward with great anticipation and hope to all the ways Our Lord will continue to multiply the efforts of the Ascension community and the important work of the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas,” said Beth.
To learn more about CFNEK, visit the website at: cfnek.org. To view upcoming events, go online to: cfnek.org/events.
