Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overland Park, Kansas, has embraced the spirituality of stewardship as a way of life for the past seven years — and the fruit has been a parish community that is more vibrant and mission-driven than they ever imagined.
With a deep desire to help his parishioners come to know Jesus Christ more intimately and to strengthen the overall faith life of the parish, Fr. Bill Bruning began intentionally forming his community in the spirituality of stewardship.
Like many pastors, Fr. Bill recognized that while his parish was active and faithful, stewardship would not become a true way of life without intentional formation, consistency, and long-term support. He knew that sustaining this vision could not rest on him alone, nor could it depend on short-term efforts or isolated initiatives.
The parish began by emphasizing hospitality — a foundational pillar that Fr. Bill believed would help parishioners feel seen, welcomed, and valued. Volunteers were trained to serve as Mass greeters, and a dedicated hospitality team was established. Before long, warmth and welcome became defining characteristics of parish life.
“I have parishioners who are now ministry members because of the hospitality they experienced when they were welcomed into the Church — especially when they were going through loss and difficulties,” Fr. Bill says.
As hospitality took root, Queen of the Holy Rosary continued strengthening the other pillars as well. Fr. Bill intentionally developed a robust adult faith formation program, including the creation of a dedicated faith formation center known as the Fiat Center. Today, the center hosts a wide range of opportunities that help parishioners grow in their understanding of the faith and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
The parish also offers several retreats throughout the year, giving parishioners space to pray, reflect, and reconnect with God beyond the demands and distractions of daily life.
“We are seeing people fall in love with Jesus Christ,” says Fr. Bill. “Once they are introduced to Christ, they desire to grow in a relationship with Him, and Mass becomes a priority for them.”
As this vision took hold, Fr. Bill and parish leadership recognized the need for ongoing guidance and support to help steward the work already underway — ensuring consistency, alignment, and intentional formation year after year. In 2018, Queen of the Holy Rosary partnered with Catholic Stewardship Consultants to support and strengthen this long-term formation.
Through that partnership, parish leadership has been supported in maintaining focus on stewardship as a way of life while continuing to form parishioners as disciples.
“I really like the beautiful model that Catholic Stewardship Consultants focuses on, built around the four pillars of stewardship: hospitality, prayer, formation, and service,” Fr. Bill says. “Developing these four pillars is the number one contributor to making stewardship a way of life.”
After seven years of intentionally fostering stewardship and inviting parishioners to make concrete commitments of faith through annual Stewardship Renewals, the results are evident. Parish life feels vibrant and familial, with parishioners engaged in prayer, ministry, and fellowship.
Even following a successful capital campaign to fund the construction of the Fiat Center, along with continued participation in the Archdiocesan Appeal, Queen of the Holy Rosary’s offertory has continued to increase year over year.
“I truly believe that once you develop the four pillars of stewardship, ministry, and treasure commitments follow naturally,” Fr. Bill says. “It is all about inspiration and mission. When we ask our parishioners for money, we are asking them to give to something more beautiful than what they could have spent that money on themselves.”
That shared mission has inspired parishioners to serve in remarkable ways. Queen of the Holy Rosary is home to the largest adaptive Mass in the area, creating a welcoming place for individuals with special needs to participate fully and serve alongside others in the life of the Church.
The parish also supports meaningful outreach efforts such as Walking with Moms in Need, a pro-life ministry that accompanies mothers who have chosen life, as well as families who are fostering children in need.
Through steady leadership, ongoing formation, and parishioners responding generously to God’s invitation, the spirituality of stewardship has transformed Queen of the Holy Rosary. Parishioners are growing in holiness, ministries are flourishing, and the parish’s mission continues to deepen and expand.
Fr. Bill believes this kind of renewal begins with well-formed leadership. “I attend and send my staff to the Msgr. McGread Stewardship Conference every year,” he says. “It helps us learn from other pastors and parish leaders, hear their stories, and continue growing together.”
With continued focus, consistency, and support, Queen of the Holy Rosary remains committed to forming disciples of Jesus Christ and living stewardship as a way of life.
What Is Possible When Stewardship Shapes Parish Life
Fr. Bill’s experience reflects what is possible when parish leadership is committed to stewardship and supported along the way. For pastors and parish leaders who are discerning similar next steps, Catholic Stewardship Consultants is available to walk alongside you and share what we have learned from parishes like Queen of the Holy Rosary.
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