Fr. Michael Edwards
Pastor of St. Helen in Vero Beach, FL


Dear Don,

After working with your company for 15 months, I am writing to say how pleased I am with your services. Catholic Stewardship Consultants was the first company I encountered that offered a concrete, tangible avenue to help me carry out my stewardship vision for St. Helen. When I first met you and Eric, I remember being very impressed with the basic thrust of your company. Since then, I have become convinced that both of you have an authentic desire to help parishes implement stewardship, not just run fundraising campaigns.

But the financial benefits at St. Helen have been tremendous. Since we began working with you, I estimate that we have realized a 33% increase in the offertory, about $8,000 a week. I can only attribute this to the consistent delivery of the basic stewardship message. The people in our parish of 5,000 are sharing their financial successes with the Church more generously than ever.

As you assured me would happen, we're also seeing a revival in parish volunteerism. I've noticed that our most active parishioners have become tremendously fired-up about the whole stewardship initiative, and they're spreading that vitality among people who were only marginally active. As I've already shared with you, the 2001 Stewardship Renewal generated 50 new volunteers for our annual Harvest Festival, which was by far the most successful festival we've ever hosted.

One remarkable aspect of the whole initiative is that it isn't labor intensive on our part. If I had to do this by myself, or even with my staff, it just wouldn't happen. Your team has the tools, abilities, and techniques to implement stewardship in the parish. I heartily recommend your services to any pastor who wants to begin a spiritually-based stewardship program. I value your guidance and your friendship, and I look forward to next year's Renewal.

Best regards,

Rev. Michael Edwards
Pastor