Mike Wescott and Connor Meier are in the Diocese of Wichita’s Office of Development, which helped guide the recent One Family, Fully Alive in Christ! campaign. In this conversation, they share the history of Wichita’s stewardship way of life, how it shaped the campaign and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
HOW DID THE CONCEPT OF STEWARDSHIP AS A WAY OF LIFE BEGIN IN THE DIOCESE OF WICHITA?
The roots go back to the 1960s when Monsignor Thomas McGread at St. Francis of Assisi Parish began teaching that parishioners should give generously, sacrificially and proportionally of everything – time, talent and treasure – and the parish would work to meet their needs. He and Monsignor Charles Regan, pastor at Church of the Magdalen, piloted this approach. Bishop Eugene J. Gerber embraced the model in 1985 and emphasized the spirituality aspect of stewardship instead of the
fundraising. Over time, it became part of our Catholic culture.
HOW DOES THE STEWARDSHIP WAY OF LIFE PLAY OUT IN THE DIOCESE?
Stewardship means parishioners commit their time, talent and treasure in a way that is generous, sacrificial and proportional to what God has given them. This is why, for more than 40 years, Catholic schools in our diocese have been tuition-free for families who are active, practicing stewards in good standing with their parish. It’s also why we don’t take up second collections for national or international causes. Instead, parishes tithe 10% of their income to the diocese, and we in turn tithe
10% of our income to support those same needs. Some of our parishioners have never seen a second collection in their lifetime.
HOW DID THE DIOCESE DECIDE ON THE GOALS OF THE FULLY ALIVE! CAMPAIGN?
We began with six potential priorities, tested them with our priests and refined the list to five: enhancing teacher salaries, repairing the Cathedral’s domes and stained glass, establishing a family and youth camp, creating the In Love of God and Neighbor Fund and implementing a parish share program. The In Love of God and Neighbor Fund was added after Bishop Kemme, inspired by discussions with other bishops, felt strongly that the campaign needed to do something substantial for the poor. Our CFO at the time suggested tithing 10% of campaign funds – a stewardship practice at the heart of our diocese – to fund ministries that serve those in need. It was the perfect way to align the campaign’s vision with our stewardship values.
WHAT ROLE DID STEWARDSHIP PLAY IN THE CAMPAIGN’S SUCCESS?
Stewardship was central from day one. We didn’t just present dollar amounts – we told stories about how stewardship changes lives. Those stories helped people see their giving as part of something much bigger than a project – they were investing in faith formation and vocations. And even if someone couldn’t give financially, we invited them to commit to praying for the campaign. That spirit of generosity and prayer helped us exceed our goal.
