Mission

The Diocesan Stewardship Advisory Council provides a foundation for developing stewardship as a living expression of Christian discipleship within our Diocese, our Area Catholic Communities, and our Parishes.

Vision

By focusing on hospitality, prayer, formation and service we will assist pastors, councils, and committees to grow in faith, hope and love of Jesus Christ and increase the numbers of faithful who are praying, getting involved in Catholic life, and contributing resources to their communities.


Priorities:

1. As a council, we commit to ongoing study of the principles of stewardship as found in the Scriptures, Church documents, and other resources. We will:

  • pray together at each meeting;
  • study the U.S. bishops’ pastoral letter on stewardship and other books and articles;
  • annually attend a retreat, conference or workshop on stewardship.

2. The Bishop’s Annual Appeal will incorporate best practices in stewardship, including promoting an increase in prayer and involvement in Catholic life. We seek to: ◦ receive honest feedback regarding appeal efforts;

  • develop appropriate messaging for the bishop, priests, and other leaders;
  • create online and printed resource materials.

3. Acquire and develop spiritual and educational resources to enhance and support stewardship efforts throughout the diocese. We will: ◦ build collaborative relationships with church leaders as well as the faithful who want to grow in stewardship;

  • research what is working/not working in other places and what the needs are in our diocese;
  • provide resources for fostering stewardship in our diocese, ACCs, parishes, and homes.

4. Develop and sustain a team of presenters who can provide retreats, workshops, and talks on various topics of stewardship. We will: ◦ identify and train retreat leaders;

  • provide opportunities, including Stewardship Days, to learn best practices;
  • identify and train speakers on various topics of stewardship.

5. Equip leaders of stewardship throughout the diocese who can advocate for involvement in every level of ministry through prayer, participation, and/or contribution of resources.

Stewardship Advisory Council
MEMBERS

Deacon Jeffrey Winkelman
Serves as a deacon for the Haven of Mercy Area Catholic Community and the parishes of Our Lady of Lourdes (Little Falls), St. Mary’s (Little Falls) and Holy Family (Belle Prairie). He has been in the Little Falls area for 11 years and served as a deacon for the last two years. He is married with four grown children. His interest in Stewardship stems from his desire to grow discipleship in the Church.

Randy Meyer
Randy is a member of St. Mary’s Parish in Alexandria since 2002 and serves on their stewardship committee. He is Plant Manager for ITW Heartland, a precision manufacturing company in Alexandria. Randy is married and has two grown daughters.

Ione Koep
Ione is a member of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Fergus Falls. She has served multiple ministries and chaired a number of committees including stewardship and the annual fish fry. She enjoys living in the country and has four grown children along with grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Rev. Patrick Hoeft
Fr. Patrick is Parochial Vicar for Holy Family (Belle Prairie), Our Lady of Lourdes (Little Falls) and St. Mary’s (Little Falls). He was ordained in 2020.

Karen Renaud
Karen is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mora where she has lived since 1997. She is active in her parish supporting various ministries. Karen is the laboratory manager at Welia Health, is married and has three grown children.

Rev. Mitchell Bechtold
Fr. Mitchell is Pastor of Christ the King (Clarissa), St. Joseph (Clarissa) and Christ the King Catholic School (Clarissa).

Bob Leukam

Bob and His wife Jan have been married 40 years and have 4 children and 12 grandchildren. Bob works at Star Publications selling print and digital advertising. They are parishioners of St Mary’s in Melrose where they are involved in various ministries. Bob has been on numerous committees and is very passionate about bringing the stewardship way of life to parishes that want to become disciples of Christ.

Rev. Greg Paffel
Fr. Greg leads Parishes on the Prairie Area Catholic Community and is Pastor of St. Donatus (Brooten), St. Alexius (West Union), St. Francis DeSales (Belgrade), Sts. Peter and Paul, (Elrosa), Our Lady of Angels (Sauk Centre), St. Paul (Sauk Centre), and supports Holy Family School (Sauk Centre). Contributing to the work of Catholic Stewardship Consultants, he has given several retreats on “Stewardship” in a number of states.

Roy Undersander

Roy is a member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Waite Park, MN. He participates in musical ministry and supports various fundraisers through the year. Roy is a retired Naval Officer and now works for Coldspring as the Manager of Foundry Operations. Through his entire career he has strived to lead by example and practice good stewardship. He and his wife Pam have three adult children who are all happily married in the faith.

DIOCESAN STAFF

Anna Kampa

Director of the Office of Stewardship and Development of the Diocese of St. Cloud. She is a member of St. Anthony of Padua parish in St. Cloud. She is married and has two grown children.