As part of our ongoing engagement process, we have come to realize the importance of parishioners sharing their personal stories of how they have connected with Saint Clement as an important factor in their lives. As a feature twice a month, the Stewardship Council will share the stories and reflections of our engaged parishioners who are living a stewardship life of prayer, service, and giving.This week we hear from Craig Knapp.

 

"I've been involved at Saint Clement for many years, in a wide variety of activities, and continue to find interesting and important work here. If you get involved with missions that you enjoy and care about, you can both put your talents to work and enjoy the journey.

 

Initially I got involved at Saint Clement to meet people, as I was new to Chicago. That was fun for a while, but l needed to know I was making a difference and doing more than keeping busy and being social. I realized that in order to deepen my spirituality and have a more profound experience than just attending Mass, I needed to take ownership of my stewardship path. We're called to give of our first fruits from all our God-given gifts, and it's no coincidence that spending time on activities that align with those gifts is the most satisfying time I spend.

 

I believe stewardship is ownership -- Saint Clement thrives on the 

community's diverse opinions and still transcends our individual intentions. Our desire for Saint Clement to flourish and be a place we're proud of needs our influence and resources -- otherwise we're just spectators of an event orchestrated by others. Personally, I've always enjoyed being a participant more than a spectator.

 

My involvement in Parish Council and Finance Council makes me acutely aware of the parish's financial needs, and that Saint Clement is an effective and efficient steward of our contributions. My family participates in the Sunday Giving Commitment and I know first-hand how important these commitments are for the Parish to plan and budget.

 

There is no shortage of ways to get involved at Saint Clement if you're open to them. I encourage you to listen and find the ones that speak to you -- or create a new stewardship path and invite others.

 

My stewardship path has evolved over time and will continue to evolve. I look forward to stewardship activities that my family can participate in together that will bring us closer to God and each other. Saint Clement is great in so many ways, and one of the most important is our stewardship."