by Kara Hansen
Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — It’s a day that promises to be all things to all people.
The Region IX International Catholic Stewardship Conference will be held April 1 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., in Kansas City, Kan.
“Everyone who comes to the conference is at a different place on their stewardship journey,” said Lesle Knop, executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. “Some people have been involved in stewardship for years, and others will be newcomers. They will learn from experienced stewardship leaders from throughout the nation on how to make stewardship come to life in their own parishes and families. For each person who comes, they will gain something relevant to them at that point in their journey.”
The keynote address will be delivered by Father Jim Golka, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in the Diocese of Grand Island, Neb.
“The love of Jesus pours out from him, which is how we all should be,” said Knop about Father Golka. “He is so funny! I imagine people will come away feeling all the joy this priest brings to his own parish.”
Following the keynote, participants will attend three onehour breakout sessions of their choice. Topics include hospitality and prayer, formation and service, the pastoral letter on stewardship, and others.
Region IX includes Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska. Knop said people active in stewardship from all areas of the region were working together to put on the conference.
“There is a great team of leaders in Region IX who are working hard to make sure this is a hospitable and exciting conference,” said Knop. “We are delighted to be part of the region, and I’m grateful to my peers for their hard work.”
Parish booths will be available for viewing during breaks throughout the conference. The day concludes with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at 3 p.m.
The fee is $90 per person. For more information or to register, visit the Web site at: www.dcdiocese.org/steward ship.
