A Letter from Our Pastor
“What’s in It For Us” May Surprise You Dear Parishioners,
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ou already know that our parish is also the way to holiness. Our relationship with committed to living as intentional Christ is what we get in return. disciples of Christ through the holistic Our efforts as a parish to promote the practice of stewardship. What you may not spiritual benefits of active stewardship are know is that one of our inspirations and designed to foster a deeper relationship with mentors is the late Msgr. Thomas McGread of God for all of us. Membership in a parish the Diocese of Wichita. family should encourage, support, and celebrate Who was Msgr. McGread? that relationship with the living God, first and Msgr. McGread was a humble, servant foremost. Everything else flows from that. priest who created a model for how If we are not focused on our relationship stewardship should be practiced — both with God, then what will define our here and in many Catholic parishes across spirituality? the country. What began simply with Msgr. If we have embraced the blessings of McGread applying his stewardship principles at St. Francis stewardship as a practical way of being the disciples we are called of Assisi Parish in Wichita — where he served as pastor for to be, we will in turn know a deeper relationship with Christ. 31 years — has become a way of life for our parish family We celebrate Thanksgiving this month, which truly is and for Catholics around the nation. a stewardship holiday since stewardship begins with an With such an incredible blueprint from this visionary attitude of gratitude. I am truly thankful for all that is priest, how could we go wrong? done here at Our Lady Star of the Sea, and for the many We have truly embraced stewardship here at Our Lady parishioners willing to do so much. Star of the Sea, and for that, I am blessed and grateful. In closing, let me share one final thought to help you From the beginning, however, the question “What’s in it realize the gift that our parish is to each and every one of us. for us?” had to be on our minds as our efforts to educate Be grateful for all you have. parishioners and promote the stewardship way of life were Be generous in giving something back to God. introduced. Be faithful stewards, and you will have done both. At first, “What’s in it for us?” seemed to center on what That is what’s in it for you, and in turn, that is what’s in people were willing to do to give back to God as part of it for us! practicing their faith and living as disciples of Jesus Christ. And don’t forget — God has been doing this for centuries. While this is important, there is so much more to it. We’re just the latest and most fortunate recipients. The truth is, “What’s in it for us?” is really about “What’s Happy Thanksgiving, and may God bless you and your in it for you?” family. “What’s in it for you?” perhaps is best explained as one simple principle — cultivating a deeper relationship with Sincerely yours in Christ, Jesus Christ. When Christ calls us to discipleship, He is also calling us to be faithful stewards of our time, talent and treasure. Our gratitude for these gifts is best expressed through giving a portion of each Msgr. Keith Brennan back to God. Thus, stewardship becomes a way of life that is Pastor
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