father-paul-mahan-bw.jpgCOLLINSVILLE - Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Parish will host a parish mission on stewardship Jan. 26-29 at the church, 207 Vandalia St. in Collinsville. The theme of the mission will be "More than Silver or Gold."

Father John Beveridge, pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul, has invited Father Daniel J. Mahan to preach at Masses on Saturday, Jan. 26 (4:30 p.m.) and on Sunday, Jan. 27 (8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.). Father Mahan will also preach one hour mission talks on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. that week. Each evening will end with a social gathering.

On Sunday evening the mission talk will focus on gratitude to God for all of the blessings those who are gathered have received, and will conclude with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Monday evening's talk will focus on responsibility in the care of God's gifts and will conclude the opportunity for the sacrament of penance and reconciliation.

Finally, Tuesday evening's talk will focus on the generous sharing of God's gifts with others and making a return to the Lord with increase. This final evening will conclude with an opportunity for those attending to come forward for an individual blessing.  

Father Mahan is currently the executive director of the Marian College Center for Catholic Stewardship in Indianapolis, and also serves as the director of formation for the International Catholic Stewardship Council. Ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in 1988, he has served as pastor of three different parishes in central and southern Indiana. He has had the opportunity to teach stewardship as a way of life throughout the United States and Canada, in Australia and most recently in the Philippines.

Speaking about stewardship Father Mahan said: "Stewardship is misunderstood in the church today. It's often seen as just secular fund-raising in sheep's clothing. But stewardship is much more than money - it's a way of life, deeply rooted in the person of Jesus Christ." He added that the true aim of stewardship is toward a more vibrant witness "out in the world" and said, "Stewardship is what we do after we say, ‘We believe.'

"My hope is that the parish mission will make clear not only the true meaning of stewardship, but also will inspire parishioners to live the spirituality more fully," said Father Mahan, who has recently authored a book entitled More than Silver or Gold:  Homilies of a Stewardship Priest. Copies of his book will be available for purchase at the Ss. Peter and Paul mission.  

All who live in the Collinsville area are invited to attend the mission. For more information, call the parish office at (618) 345-4343.