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)

Grateful Memories…Faithful Future Pledges Being Fulfilled

87% of the Pledges to Grateful Memories…Faithful Future Fulfilled

Distributions of $20 million a tremendous testament to parishioners’ steadfastness!

by E. Jane Rutter

“Smooth sailing” is the phrase that was used to describe the status of pledges and distributions made to the Grateful Memories…Faithful Future campaign at the last meeting of the Jubilee Fund Board. 

Through June 30th of this year, over $20 million – or 87.3% - of the campaign goal has been distributed to the designated funds: priest and lay retirement, the Diocesan Excellence in Education Fund (DEEF) for parity of teachers’ salaries, and seed money to help construct the Father Tolton Regional Catholic High School (see chart below).

Despite the economic recession, these investments have performed well as “most are in fixed income securities.  Although the stock market has had a run of very bad days, the impact on the funds has been minimized,” says Deacon Joseph Braddock, diocesan chief financial officer.  As a matter of fact, he anticipates there will be an increase in this year’s DEEF distribution to Catholic schools.  “We’ll know more when the board meets in November,” concludes Deacon Braddock.

A very visible result of the success of the diocesan-wide and Columbia regional campaigns is the opening of the Tolton Catholic High School this fall.  Located on a breathtakingly beautiful campus south of Columbia, the well-designed and attractive building is a testament to the faith of our Catholic community and its commitment to a faith-based education for our youth.  

As pledge payments continue to be honored over the next twenty-four months, it is expected that the goals established for priest retirement, lay retirement and salary support for teachers will be fully funded.   Again, the unwavering commitment and follow-through of those pledging to the campaign is the real cause for thanksgiving.

Bishop John R. Gaydos, commending those who are responding to the needs addressed by the Grateful Memories…Faithful Future campaign notes that, “It is through your work that all this is coming to fruition.  May God bless you for your faithful and generous response.”

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

Evening With the Bishop:  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. Evening with the Bishop will be held April 29th, 2011 at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia 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.

Grateful Memories…Faithful Future Capital Campaign.  The first and only effort of this magnitude in the diocese, the GMFF campaign has raised $26 million to support priest and lay retirement, the Diocesan Excellence in Education Fund for teachers in our Catholic Schools, and seed money for a regional Catholic high school in Columbia.  For information or to provide your support for this 5-year effort, 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