Lay witness speakers begin sharing their faith with others
This past June at the Stewardship Summit, Bishop Robert Gruss commissioned our first set of lay witness speakers. They were sent out this fall to the parishes to give their testimony on how they have experienced hospitality and how they extended hospitality to others. Our lay witness speakers are scheduled to speak or have spoken in 39 parishes. They were well received by parishioners and pastors alike. Here are some of the comments we have received in regards to our lay witness ministry program which is part of our Stewardship Initiative.
“The witness talk about stewardship was excellent! She gave a very personal and wonderful witness at all the weekend Masses, both on Saturday and Sunday.”
“He is a good speaker, people enjoyed his message.”
“They did a clear, humorous and pointed message about the importance of continuing to invite. I had several say they enjoyed it.”
“Great talks! Lots of good feedback! Thank you for getting them to give witness talks!”
“They did an awesome job. They spoke of prayer and the need to visit with Jesus, as well as the importance of visiting with each other as we build stronger and more welcoming communities.”
“He did an excellent job and his talk was well received. Thank you for coordinating the details.”
“I had a great deal of positive feedback. It seems the more a person does this adventure, the easier it seems to become.”
“This has truly been a humble and rewarding time in my life.”
“I really enjoyed our time with their church families.”
Our plan is that every parish will experience a lay witness speaker at least three times a year. This year we will continue to focus the witness talks on generous hospitality. By the end of next year, we plan to move into lively faith — prayer, study and formation.
If you are interested in learning more about the lay witness ministry program in our diocese, are interested in becoming a lay witness speaker, or know someone you feel would be a good witness to others, please contact the Office of Stewardship at 605-716-5214, extension 233, or Fr. Mark McCormick at mmccormick@diorc.org.
Those who have been part of this new and exciting ministry come from parishes across the diocese:
Blessed Sacrament, Rapid City:
Julie Bernard
Dave Elkjer
Tom Hilt
Denise Maher
Cathedral, Rapid City:
Paula Clark
Maureen Yantes
St. Rose of Lima, Hill City:
Clare Ten Eyck
St. Anthony, Hot Springs:
Joyce Bussmus
St. Joseph, Spearfish:
Carol Athow
Mary Anne Herrboldt
Jan Carlson
St. Paul, Belle Fourche:
Carrie Donovan
Sacred Heart, Philip:
Marianne Frein
St. Mary, Milesville:
Nina Pekron
Our Lady of Victory, Kadoka:
Janet VanderMay
St. Joseph, Gregory:
Roxie Chocholousek
Andy and Patty Clark
Sacred Heart, Burke:
Mary Horn
St. Anthony, Fairfax:
Tony Koenig
St. John, Ft. Pierre:
Wade Pogany
Our Lady of the Rosary, Trail City:
Bill and Lynn Hahne
St. Joseph, Faith:
Josh Lee
Brad and Mandy Lemmel
St. Mary, Isabel:
LuAnn Lindskov
Holy Cross, Timber Lake:
Ray and Jean Tehle
One last note: Our priests are going to jump into the mix as well by swapping parishes from time to time to speak about “A Catholic Way of Life” through the three lenses of stewardship — hospitality, faith and discipleship. Look for one of them at your parish during the coming months.
