Planting Seeds of Faith That Will Endure

“A gift made today is invested, nurtured, and allowed to grow—providing resources year after year.”

In the quiet countryside of northeast Kansas, two rural Catholic communities are planting seeds that will bear fruit for generations to come. Under the leadership of their pastor, Fr. William Dun Dery, both Corpus Christi Parish in Mooney Creek and St. Mary Immaculate Conception Parish in Valley Falls have opened two new permanent endowments each—one for their parish and one for their cemetery.

For these close-knit rural parishes, the creation of endowments is more than a financial milestone—it is a profound act of faith. Endowments function like seeds sown into fertile soil. A gift made today is invested, nurtured, and allowed to grow, providing resources year after year. No matter the size of the initial contribution, the fruits are enduring: income that supports parish life and the care of sacred resting places forever.

Rural parishes like Corpus Christi and St. Mary often rely on the dedication of families whose roots run deep in the land and in their Catholic faith. These new endowments give parishioners a lasting way to express that commitment, whether through planned gifts, memorials, or ongoing contributions. Just as farmers trust in God’s providence when planting their crops, parishioners can trust that these investments will yield a harvest of blessings, sustaining the sacraments, ministries, and upkeep of their beloved cemeteries for all time.

By opening four new endowments, these faith communities are not only securing their financial future—they are also modeling the truth that small, steady acts of stewardship can have an eternal impact. A single seed, when planted in faith, can grow into a tree that shelters generations.