Stewardship Minutes

Stewardship Talk
Kimberlie Petrulis

Praise the Lord, are you thinking- oh no, another stewardship talk? Or, oh great, another stewardship talk! My name is Kimberlie Petrulis and this is my son David. As a cradle Catholic, I really believe stewardship is all about making a connection. First, how awesome it is to be able to share this stewardship moment with you. Being a connector for me is making a difference through simple acts. The other day my son and I were in the store where water fountains on display. As I turned around, I noticed he took his fingers dipped it into one of them, instantly and did this (make the sign of the cross). Well, that was a simple act, and I noticed the cashier laugh. I too chuckled and as a Catholic mom I thought that was pretty cool, the realization of what he did connected with the both of us. The easy mission of connecting is all a part of this. God wants us to make a connection especially with our talents and gifts. You got to be an active listener as well as a participant in preparing for Eucharist. As we leave Sunday Mass and enter the disciple workforce our Eucharistic connecting continues as we bring Christ to others. For me, I recall Michelle Rack speaking about her ministry and this is where the connection began. Well, I decided I could use all my vocational skills as a journalist and MK consultant with a slight twist. I thought, if she could do it as a mom, I could too. I had candy striped in high school in the 80s and visited senior living centers in the 90s as a young adult with the Legion of Mary. Another Sunday, (? barb, I got to out her name) talked about the M. E. Cox Center for Elder Day Care. Now, I pamper the M. E. Cox Elder Care folks nails while David passes out his preschool artwork or participates in their activities. My journalistic skills give me the ability to sort of casually interview the individual. You know, where are you from, what are your hobbies, how many children did you have, what did you do professionally… I connect with them. Again, just the simple act again is to make a connection. God does makes connections happen but you have to be open to them. During a Lenten program we were ask to share about ministry. At my table was my friend, Elaine Morgan. She took time off work to come to the workshop offered during the day. Elaine discovered I was visiting the center during the small group talk. From this, she suggested I visit her homebound mom, Corrine Schneider. Bingo, connection made! Since then we’ve visited Corrine. David enjoys playing fish, color games, darts while Corrine joins in or observes. With the visits to the Elder care center, as well as with Corrine, David has several adopted grandparents. When we are others focused that helps us grow immensely as an individual. It isn’t all about me, it is all about making a connection for the bigger picture and I really had to make time to do it. Since my time invested, it has given me a working sense of discipleship in this modern day world of busyness. When Barb Demarais got a phone call from me in sharing my stewardship moment she was elated. I really am passionate about sharing how vital stewardship is. Where will you make your connection? Thank you again, for your valued time and making a connection with me today.