Students from the Newman Catholic Student Center in Iowa City give away plants as part of an event called “Be rooted in faith.”
By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger
Bishop Dennis Walsh talks a great deal about the need to connect, says Jennifer Praet, director of stewardship for the Diocese of Davenport. Sharing stories is a way to make that connection.
“Every Gift is a Story” is the theme for this year’s Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA), which kicked off last weekend. To promote the appeal, the diocese is asking people to share their stories of faith, service and community that make the diocese vibrant, Praet said.
Michelle Miller, stewardship coordinator for Sacred Heart Parish in Newton, shared her parish’s story of parishioners’ commitment to work together and support one another in the midst of some sad farewells.
“Saying goodbye is never easy. Over the past year and a half, Sacred Heart Parish has experienced several heartfelt farewells. I’ve had the privilege of being part of this community for nearly two years now and even before my arrival, Sacred Heart was going through difficult times,” Miller said.
“Not long before I joined the parish, we lost Kathy Hammerly — our beloved stewardship coordinator. Kathy was a guiding light who kept the parish focused on discipleship and truly understood what it meant to walk with Jesus. She was a woman of grace.”
Shortly after Hammerly died, parishioner Cassie Riney passed away. “Cassie was a dedicated parishioner and a true friend to many. She loved Sacred Heart deeply and was always finding ways to involve new people in parish life — especially the youth. Her energy and commitment to our church community was inspiring.”
The most recent farewell was for the parish’s beloved pastor, Father Marty Goetz, who has been battling cancer and retired Sept. 15. “He taught our parish the meaning of humility and what it truly means to follow Christ,” Miller said. “He treated Sacred Heart like family and found joy in simply spending time with parishioners — whether that meant sharing a meal or joining in a water fight with the kids and the fire department! His love for this community and his faith-filled leadership will be deeply missed.”
Despite having to deal with these losses, Sacred Heart Parish is “a parish that pulls together in times of need. It’s a community that supports one another, no matter who you are — and that is what makes a church family strong,” Miller said.
Kristie Wert, director of operations for Newman Catholic Student Center in Iowa City, also shared a story. Her work at the Newman Center “has been filled with so much hope and joy,” she said. “I have watched students arrive on campus intending only to attend Sunday Mass — and then, through friendships and opportunities here, they discover a deeper faith. They grow in their relationship with God and one another and they carry that faith into every part of their lives. Being part of their journey has not only inspired me but has deepened my own faith as I live out my vocation through this work.”
“At the heart of the Newman Center is a mission that is both timeless and urgent: to make disciples for the Church and the world,” said Wert. “Every program, liturgy, retreat and gathering is rooted in this call to draw students into a closer relationship with Christ and to send them forth as witnesses of the Gospel.”
Making this mission possible is “the generous spiritual and financial support of parishioners throughout the diocese,” Wert said. “I am deeply grateful for the prayers, encouragement and gifts that sustain this ministry. Your support provides the foundation for all we do — helping students encounter Christ, grow in faith and carry that faith into the world.” That generosity helps to ensure that the “Newman Center remains both spiritually vibrant and financially healthy…”
The ADA goal this year is $3.315 million, an increase over last year. Overall, the ADA goal has been relatively stable for more than a decade with minor increase, Praet said. ADA funds support vital ministries and services to all parishes in the diocese. Supporters’ generosity enables the diocese to:
- Form future priests, deacons and lay leaders while supporting lifelong faith formation.
- Provide resources for Catholic schools, principals and teachers.
- Empower parish life and youth ministers.
- Offer pastoral care and outreach to those in need.
- Strengthen evangelization efforts and keep the Catholic faith vibrant across southeast Iowa.
The diocese invites you to “Celebrate your faith. Lift your voice. Share your story,” Praet said. You can submit your story by email to stories@davenportdiocese.org or call 563-888-4252.
