Stewardship Office

The mission of the Stewardship Office is to advance stewardship as a way of life. As stewards, we believe everything we have is a gift from God; we tend to these gifts gratefully and responsibly; we cultivate and share our gifts with others,and we return them to the Lord with increase.
(USCCB, Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response)

2% + 1% +2% + 2% = 7%

Your Generosity Makes the Lay Retirement Plan Work!

Beginning July 1, 2012, the new diocesan lay retirement fund will be in full swing with $9.93 million donated thus far from pledges to the Grateful Memories…Faithful Future campaign!  Here’s how it works: the local employer contributes 2% of the employee’s salary; the fund adds another 1%.  Further, the fund will match up to an additional 2% contribution made by the employee. Employees who contribute 2% of their salary will have an amount equal to 7% of their salary invested in their personal retirement plan annually.

Establishing a plan to ensure all employees of the diocese can take care of themselves in retirement was the highest priority of the Grateful Memories…Faithful Future campaign.  “Having a just wage and working environment for our employees fits our Gospel and Christ-centered values,” says Michael Berendzen, manager of human resources for the diocese, adding that a solid retirement plan also “creates an environment where people want to be employees of the Church.”

Father Michael Quinn, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Hannibal echoes that sentiment. “This retirement plan is important for our teachers and those who have labored long in our parishes and schools. Our employees,” he adds, “are people of faith and vision who make a tremendous difference in others’ lives and the least we can do is give back to them for all they have given to the Church.”

Looking back on the long road to meeting this goal, Deacon Joseph Braddock, diocesan CFO remarks, “Five years ago when this started we considered it a success if 80% of the employees participated.  What do we call it now that 93% are on board?  Fantastic!”
Braddock added that not only do employees benefit, but with the fund picking up 1/3rd of what the parishes have been paying, overstretched parish budgets will be eased.

“The intro of this new plan gives the employees a greater opportunity to establish a significant retirement fund,” says Donald F. Novotney, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, adding, “Hopefully this will be one important factor in retaining the dedicated administrators, teachers and employees we have in the Catholic schools of the diocese.”

As principal of St. Francis Xavier School in Taos, Donna Frazier appreciates the committee of volunteers who have worked with the diocese to structure the retirement plan, as well as the positive message the plan sends to those who work for the Church.  “Our principals, staff and teachers make a lot of sacrifices to work in our schools.  Knowing that they are valued by the community and church has a tremendous impact on their morale.”

Seeing the diocesan lay retirement fund come to fruition blesses everyone.  “I am personally grateful to the faithful people of our diocese who stayed with this long-term commitment to establish a just retirement program for all those who work in our ministries,” says Most Reverend John Gaydos, Bishop of Jefferson City.  “It is an amazing tribute to you that the goals we sought five years ago are being accomplished.  God bless you for your faithfulness.”

Annual stewardship retreats: Host diocesan stewardship retreat every other year and co-sponsor a retreat  with our regional stewardship peers the following year.

Night of Vocation Awareness (NOVA):  With the help of a volunteer steering committee, we coordinate an annual dinner and auction to raise awareness of and financial support for religious and priestly vocations. The Night of Vocation Awareness will be held April 5th, 2013 at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Giving Opportunities

Catholic Stewardship Appeal. The appeal is the primary funding source for diocesan ministries. To provide your support, please contact the Stewardship Office or make an on-line donation.

Memberships

The diocese is a member of the International Catholic Stewardship Council, whose primary goal is to promote the concept of Christian stewardship. To learn more about becoming a parish or individual member, please contact the Stewardship Office.

Parish Services

Provide parishes with and train teachers and catechists on stewardship curriculum; training and workshops to parish groups and leadership, and a myriad of services related to stewardship.

Planned Giving

Promote planned giving by hosting educational seminars, meeting with individual donors, and providing resource information regarding wills, trusts, IRAs and other estate planning vehicles.

Contact Information