What Do I Own and What Owns Me?
By Daniel Conway

The question this book poses is key to understanding and practicing stewardship as a way of life. Author Dan Conway believes that when all is said and done we own nothing because we are possessed wholly and completely by “a good and gracious God.” Stewardship is one of the chief characteristics of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. This basic insight, among others, was essential to the stewardship message of Archbishop Thomas Murphy, to whom this book is dedicated. To clarify and exemplify his message, Conway offers insightful reflections, moving stories, and practical reflection questions for individual and group use. What Do I Own and What Owns Me? is invaluable for parish stewardship committees, parish counselors, pastoral ministers, and all who have a profound desire to live as disciples of Christ.

Available at www.danielconwayauthor.com

The Monks of Norcia continue to be signs of hope for all. Their monastery was totally destroyed a year ago, but they have built a new one. UIODG (That in all things God may be glorified).

I have written a new book, The Benedictine Way, which will be published soon. In it, I offer reflections on my 50 years' experience with men and women who follow The Rule of Benedict.

Monks seek God in community according to the spiritual principles and very practical guidelines of St. Benedict of Nursia, Patron Saint of Europe and Father of Western Monasticism. Benedict's home town (Norcia), and the Basilica that honors his birthplace, were devastated by earthquakes last year, but both are now being rebuilt as signs of hope and renewal.

Here is a brief selection from The Benedictine Way:

Once it is understood and lived authentically, The Benedictine Way  is truly a way of peace and joy. That never happens overnight. It takes time to absorb the principles and practices of Benedictine spirituality and to integrate them into our minds and hearts. This is true for vowed monks whose whole lives are dedicated to living the Rule of Benedict in a particular place and time. It’s also true for ordinary people who are not called to be monks but who are seeking ways to live the Gospel that can help us cope with the madness of everyday living “in the world.”

After nearly half a century of close association with men and women who follow the Rule of St. Benedict, I know that the Benedictine way of life has changed me—transformed me actually—from a confused, self-absorbed man into a man who sincerely seeks God’s will and who tries to live the Gospel faithfully, if imperfectly, one day at a time. I know that I have matured and grown as a disciple of Jesus Christ because of the influence of monks who were, and still are, my friends and mentors in the spiritual life. 

Of course, I’m not there yet. The spiritual journey that is The Benedictine Way lasts a lifetime. God willing, I’ll still be listening, learning and growing on my death bed.

"Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste...Whoever is not with me is against me; whoever does not gather, scatters" (Lk 11).

Prior to the 2016 election, I would have acknowledged that there are deep divisions among Americans.  "Liberal" and "conservative" are unhelpful labels for many reasons, but as generalizations go, they illustrate very different ways of seeing the same reality. Before and throughout the 2016 election season, reasonable people saw things differently, but there was at least a semblance of civility--an agreement to disagree. Or so I thought.

The Trump candidacy drove people (Republicans, Democrats and Independents) into the farthest  corners of the political ring. Donald Trump's victory froze everyone in place making unity extremely difficult if not impossible. I don't blame President Trump for this--although he certainly bears his share of  responsibility for it. He united (and expanded) his base by demonizing his opponent who was no great unifier herself (calling Trump supporters "deplorables"). But since the election it's become painfully clear that everyone is still clinging to their respective far corners--unwilling to dialog or compromise on anything.

Our present state of disunity is aided and abetted by the news and entertainment media who have cast off any pretense of "objectivity" or "neutrality" becoming mouthpieces for either the political left or right. It's a sad state of affairs, and it's hard to imagine a way out of this ideological morass.

Still, as my friend DBH reminds me, the glass is always half full. There is much to be grateful for as Americans, and hope remains a vibrant part of our national identity and spirit.

God bless America. And God help us during these terribly troubled times!

Dan Conway is a leader in the field of mission advancement who has helped redefine the meaning of stewardship in the US Catholic Church.

Since 1979, Dan has worked with dozens of Catholic dioceses, seminaries, religious communities, parishes, and schools in the areas of planning, communications, stewardship education, and fundraising. He has served as chief development officer for Marian University and three Roman Catholic archdioceses (Louisville, Indianapolis, and Chicago), and has provided consulting leadership for diocesan capital stewardship campaigns throughout the United States. Dan has facilitated strategic planning for more than a dozen Catholic dioceses, religious communities, seminaries, colleges, and universities in the Midwest and South.

Dan Conway currently serves as Senior Vice President of Collegium Holdings, Inc.  a groundbreaking partnership of diverse professional service firms redefining how to achieve the most important missions in the world. Four Collegium companies provide extraordinary professional services to Catholic dioceses, parishes, schools, healthcare institutions and social service organizations. These companies are:

Graham-Pelton Consulting
GP Catholic Services
Meitler
Ruotolo Associates Church Division

Although each company functions independently with its own leadership, staff and client services, together these four Collegium companies represent the very best in professional fundraising, communications and planning counsel provided to the Catholic Church today.

As a globally-recognized author, speaker, and consultant, Dan writes a monthly article, The Good Steward, that is widely distributed to Catholic and other faith-based organizations. Dan’s book Advancing the Mission of the Church: Best Practices in Stewardship and Development for Catholic Organizations offers reflections on the spirituality of stewardship and effective fundraising practice.

Dan is a graduate of Saint Meinrad College (BA), Indiana University (MA), and St. Meinrad School of Theology (MRE). He and his wife, Sharon, are members of Holy Trinity Parish in Louisville, Kentucky.

For more information about Dan's writing, visit www.danielconwayauthor.com.

Thursday, October 12

A very good friend, DBH, reminds me often that "the glass is half full, not half empty." It's a matter of perspective. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every failure brings with it the chance to learn, regroup and try again.

I believe that God has a plan for me even if I have no idea what it is. I do know with certainty that God wants me to take the gifts and talents he has so generously given me during the past six decades and to share them with others. I hope this blogspot--Dan Conway's The Good Steward--provides a forum for this kind of sharing.

Today (October 11, 2017), I begin my blog (an unlovely word that I will avoid wherever possible). Does my writing have a purpose? Yes. It is "to share my experience, strength and hope" with others.