S T. A L E X I U S - O U R L A D Y O F T H E A N G E L S - S T. PA U L ’S
Parishes on the Prairie Community Members Attend Renowned Stewardship Conference An Inside Look at a Life-Changing Trip to Wichita
W
hen Fr. Greg Paffel invited the parish Stewardship Committee to attend the Msgr. Thomas McGread Stewardship Conference in Wichita, Kan., St. Paul’s Parishioner Sally Ross thought she had emailed to say she could not attend. But the email was in drafts and never sent. Sally took this as a sign she was meant to go, so she attended the conference in August along with Fr. Greg, Adam and Shari Saltmarsh, Charlotte Johnson, and Janet Zenzen, all from Sauk Centre. Several folks from other communities also rode in the two-van caravan. Sally enjoyed the speakers and time for reflection at the conference. In turn, she learned a lot about practical ways to promote stewardship. “The purpose of stewardship is to bring people closer to God,” says Sally, who has been on the Stewardship Committee for two years. “And it will become a way of life.” As Sally points out, we need to give time back to God, as we all have 24 hours in a day. She implores all parishioners to find a way to use their gifts to serve our parishes. “Be grateful and generous with the gifts God gave us,” she says. “Be who God meant you to be
Sally Ross with her husband, Randy, and their children and grandchildren
and you will set the world on fire.” Stewardship is personally important to Sally, and she’s thankful to have had the chance to learn more about integrating stewardship in our faith community. She learned about the Pillars of Parish Stewardship — Hospitality, Prayer, Formation, and Service. continued on page 5
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