Getting involved at the parish doesn’t have to involve a major transformation in your life — instead, every little bit truly goes a long way! It’s like the adage says, “many hands make light work.” If we all consider what we enjoy and what our talents are, and give that back to the parish, then St. Leo’s could be an even better and stronger community. Maybe you love to sing and have a beautiful voice, or perhaps you enjoy cleaning — no matter what, there’s a place for it!
St. Leo’s Stewardship Council was founded about 10 years ago to educate parishioners on the many ways they can give back to the parish. Giving treasure is an important aspect of stewardship, but it goes further — we also must give our time and talents. We also recognize the four pillars of parish stewardship — hospitality, prayer, formation, and service.
Stewardship Council Chair Lisa Esquivel really values hospitality at St. Leo’s. Having been a member of the council since 2016, she wants to make sure that St. Leo’s is as welcoming as possible, recognizing some parishioners have stopped attending Mass due to COVID, and she hopes to draw them back.
“The world is an ugly place for many people,” Lisa says. “I try to say ‘hi’ and give a smile to everyone I see.”
Lisa believes we have come leaps and bounds as a community of hospitality in the past few years.
“I think the greeters before every Mass have done a better job over the years,” she says. “All greeters have a smile and a welcome or ‘good morning’ that sets the tone for Mass.”
Now, as she leads the Stewardship Council, Lisa would like to plan social gatherings to help parishioners get to know each other. This is just another way to encourage and foster hospitality throughout the St. Leo’s community.
Lisa is thankful to all the people she has served with over the years. She is also grateful to the Stewardship Council members for their dedication to this important work. Members don’t just go to meetings — they foster stewardship through their interactions at Mass. Many are also involved in other ministries.
“All members are caring, loving people and want to share that with parishioners,” Lisa says.
In addition to her service with the Stewardship Council, Lisa serves as a greeter, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, lector, and commentator. Over the years, she has taught Religious Education and assisted with Confirmation Preparation.
All parishioners are invited to join Lisa and the Stewardship Council in spreading kindness through the parish and beyond.
“The world needs kindness and love,” Lisa says. “Stewardship, to me, is love and kindness.”