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**Diocesan writing contest winners announced

Category winners in stewardship contest from Fort Scott and Wichita

First Place, Grade 5

Michelle Buntain, St. Mary School, Fort Scott
Every day I try to give up my time, talent, and treasure.
I give up my time by helping elderly people with chores they need to do, but can’t do on their own. I also give up my time by being an altar server during daily Mass and by helping the fourth graders learn to serve.
I give up my talent by going to the church to sing at special masses with my class. I sing at funerals and at the Children’s Christmas Eve Mass. I like to sing and I am glad that I get to sing for other people.
I give up my treasure by giving clothes and toys to the Beacon. When my school has food drives, I give as much as I can because I know that a deserving person will receive it. I also give as much as I can when the Church gives us a chance to give to a specific person or group. I like knowing that I am helping people who need help the most.
Giving of my time, talent, and treasure makes me feel like I am a better Christian.

**First Place, Grade 8

Ashley Teter, St. Anne School, Wichita
Stewardship is a way for us to share our time, talent, and treasure with God. Some people choose to be involved with CYO, adoration, RCIA, or by doing simple things like helping out around the house, or participating in Mass. I choose to help with RCIA. It is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.
I wasn’t planning on being an RCIA sponsor, but when one of my best friends came to me and asked if I would be her RCIA sponsor, I said of course. My friend had been to a Catholic church a few times, but not many. She decided that she wanted to become a Catholic when she went to an RCIA class with her mom. She told me that she felt something missing and she knew that she needed God. I was very excited when she asked me to be her sponsor because we now go to church every Sunday at 8:30, and we get to be closer to God.
I think that helping with RCIA is a great way to show stewardship and meet new people. It also helps me to learn and teach the word of God. RCIA makes me feel really good because I know that I’m helping someone be closer to God.
In RCIA I pray with the catechumens. If they don’t know how to pray then I help teach them how. I also explain to them what things are if they don’t understand something about the Mass. I tell them about God and all that he has done for us. I like to be an RCIA sponsor because it makes me feel like I am doing something good with my time. I never realized how little some people knew about God, until now. I think that if I hadn’t done this I would never have gotten another experience like this.
RCIA is definitely a great way for children and adults to share their time, talent, and treasure. It’s also a great way to express my feelings about God. If I could go back I would definitely be an RCIA sponsor again, because it just makes me feel really good to share what I know about God and the faith. I think that everyone should practice stewardship, and RCIA is a great way to do that.
(6/09/06)

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