Bishop's Faith Appeal
Why You Should Help
“If our life in Christ means anything to you, if love can persuade at all ... then be united in your convictions and united in love with a common purpose and a common mind.”
– Kay and Lonnie Arrington
Although they have always been participants in the Bishop’s Faith Appeal, Kay and Lonnie Arrington’s new involvement as chairs for this year’s appeal has given them a deeper appreciation for the vital work of diocesan ministries and the scope of what those ministries accomplish.
Both are convinced that if they and others can just communicate the total impact these ministries have on the lives of thousands in Southeast Texas that would be motivation enough to bring about a surge of support.
“I am always amazed at how much is accomplished when people pull their gifts together – their talent and treasure. I have been convicted to use my gifts.” Though always involved with Church and a long-time parishioner of St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, Lonnie’s involvement deepened just prior to the renovation and restoration of the Cathedral. “I saw the deterioration. As an engineer, I knew what it had taken to build that church back then. Some people may not have realized how hard that must have been for those workers. But I did. We couldn’t leave it like that. We need to steward our resources for our children.”
As president of PFE Industries, which owns Bell Engineering and Fabricon International, Lonnie brought important gifts to the project. But that wasn’t the only gift of time and talent he’s contributed to his parish: Lonnie has also served on its finance council for 11 years.
A convert to Catholicism, Kay was attracted by the power and the beauty of the liturgy, especially the Mass. “I love the liturgical year. I always felt I was missing something. As a child, I would go to Mass sometimes with a little friend of mine. I had a million questions because this was pre-Vatican II and the liturgy was in Latin. She’d “shh” because you can’t talk in Church.”
Now no one can keep Kay quiet when she wants to talk about her faith. “We serve a powerful Creator. I am not sure any of us realize what Power we have access to.” Kay believes by supporting diocesan ministries she is being a witness to that Power. “I intend to speak to as many people as possible this year about these ministries. We need to steward this creation and this Church for our children, for their future.”
Kay’s love for His creation not only extends to their three daughters, Angie, Tammy and Kim, but also to some of His four-legged creatures – Arabian horses. The Arringtons own Rancho Alegre, an Arabian Show Horse Facility.
The Arringtons believe their blessings should be shared. “You just can’t wear catcher’s mitts on both hands,” said Kay. “You have to be able to throw something back.”
“This is my prayer… that you may discern what is of value.”
– George and Renee Wood
George and Renée Wood’s discerning process has brought them to greater involvement in the Church. George, a financial consultant with Merrill Lynch, has recently become an aspirant for the diaconate. Renée, who worked in the medical field for many years, is now RCIA and Adult Education Director for St. Anne Parish in Beaumont.
A convert to Catholicism, George believes strongly in living his life by one passage from scripture. “It’s that part where Jesus says that if we can be trusted with small matters, God will trust us with more important gifts. Whenever I give to others, God gives me more resources. Whenever I quit worrying about everything and concentrate on what God wants from me, everything improves including my business. When I concentrate on what is best for my clients and not for me, God concentrates on what is best for me. It’s all about getting my values and priorities straight.”
Faith, family and community are big priorities for the Woods. Parents to college freshman Allie, the Woods spent the last couple of years deeply involved with the Teen ACTS community at St. Anne. Knowing how ACTS had impacted both their lives, George and Renée wanted teens at St. Anne Parish, including Allie, to have a similar spiritual experience.
Both Renée and George are Eucharistic ministers. George is on the core committee for St. Anne’s ACTS community. He is a member of the Diocesan Stewardship Council and a member of his parish stewardship committee.
This year the Woods will serve as New Participation Chairs for the Bishop’s Faith Appeal encouraging those who have never given to the appeal in the past to participate for the first time this year.
Having discerned that God is continually calling them to a deeper commitment of their gifts, the Woods believe they can encourage others to do the same.
“I am confident that the one who has begun a good work in you will complete it…”
– Jennifer and Greg Thompson
Jennifer and Greg Thompson are two stewards who believe in completing good works that they have begun. The Thompsons, who served as chairs for last year’s campaign, are now returning as honorary chairs for the 2008 appeal.
In reality, Jennifer’s commitment to stewardship began long before she became involved with the Bishop’s Faith Appeal. “I grew up in the church. I was part of CYO. We sang in the choir. My daddy was an usher.”
Jennifer’s daddy was owner of Leo and Willy’s restaurant, a Port Arthur landmark. “We’d stop by the restaurant before Mass. Daddy would take care of payroll and billing, get some money for the offertory, and we’d head off to Church. That’s just the way it was.”
Greg brings a similar practical approach to the Gospel message. “I like the punch line from one of Bishop Guillory’s stories about a young couple about to be married. ‘Yes, I know you love me, honey, but will you help me do the dishes?’ I’m supporting the Appeal because I see what’s being accomplished through it. We’re evangelizing through action.”
The Thompsons’ faith has been strengthened through the Catholic education of their children: Taylor, Tyler, Trevor and Tristan. The couple has served on the Diocesan School Board, and Greg is past president of St. Anne’s school board. Greg is completing the good work he began with Catholic schools by now serving on the board of the National Catholic Educational Association.
Jennifer, a member of the Diocesan Stewardship Council, extends her stewardship into the community by helping with local Scouting. Greg, a lawyer with his own mediation firm, tithes some of his time to that same effort. Greg has served as president of Lamar University’s Foundation and serves as co-chair of its Capital Campaign. Both are quick to tell you that the ACTS community has played an important part in their faith life. They were members of the initial ACTS teams at St. Anne.
The religious atmosphere at home, school and in the parish nourished the faith life of Father Dan Malain as he grew up in Beaumont. That religious atmosphere and inspiration of others also led him to the priesthood – first in the Passionist Fathers community and then as a priest for the Diocese of Beaumont. And he carries that lifelong love of the Catholic faith with him today as he ministers to the parishioners at St. Charles Borromeo, Nederland, where he is pastor. Preaching and teaching are exciting and satisfying for him. But, Father Malain sees the importance of not just preaching the message of Jesus but living the message of Jesus. “We are on our way to being good stewards when our desire to share our gifts and faith exceeds our reach. And then we discover that our gifts can extend beyond our reach when we share them through the ministries of our Diocese made possible through our annual pledge to the Bishop’s Faith Appeal.”
