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Donor Recognition Sunday
In one of his sermons, St. Gregory the Great drove home the point that we are only administrators of what we possess—a task, he says, that is to be undertaken with humility since the goods that are distributed do not belong to the one who distributes them.
His lucid understanding of stewardship rings true for all ages and in the self-serving world that surrounds us, his words are needed now more than ever. In order to say “thanks” to the people who remember Conception Abbey in their administration of God’s gifts, a donor recognition event is held every year, and this year’s event on October 28 marked the inaugural year of the St. Benedict Award. The award is given in appreciation and recognition of individuals, companies, and foundations, which have significantly contributed to the life and mission of Conception Abbey and Seminary College. Recipients for 2007 were the late Rose Teicher and Ed and Eleanor Ochylski.
Brother Mark and the late Rose Teicher. The two were close friends and would often visit over lunch, taking turns picking up the check. One time, as a joke, Br. Mark took Rose to McDonalds. She later admitted that it was the most fun she'd had in some years.
Rose Teicher was a dear friend of Conception Abbey. If she were alive today, she would probably not want the Abbey to make a big deal of her. The fact of the matter is that she was and remains a big deal to a long list of people. While her ownership and eventual sale of her father’s company American Beauty Macaroni entitled her to a substantial amount of wealth, you would never know it by talking to her. “She never felt she could give enough,” Br. Mark Kosiba said. He added, “She always wanted to give back to God for all she had received.” Br. Mark met her while he was director of major and planned gifts. Although she felt uncomfortable with acclaim and recognition and always downplayed the importance of her work, Br. Mark says she truly felt she was part of the mission of Conception Abbey. Rosalie O’Connell, a dear friend of Rose, accepted the award on her behalf.
Brother Mark stands with Ed Ochylski shortly after the completion of St. Raphael's Welcome Center. Ed is a decorated WWII vet, a successful businessman and philanthropist.
Like Rose, Ed and Eleanor Ochylski are extraordinary in their role as administrators of God’s gifts. Apart from their substantial gifts to Conception Abbey and Seminary College, they have paid the debts of religious communities, fulfilled the wish list of Catholic schools, assisted immigrants in finding work and pursuing education, and have even given a downtown office building to the Diocese of Des Moines to house its chancery. Upholding his own understanding as being simply an administrator of God’s gifts, Ed eschews praise. More deserving, he says, is the middle-class family or the elderly woman on a fixed income who gives what little they can afford. “They give of their sustenance, I give of my surplus.” He goes on to say, “Besides, it’s not my money, it’s God’s.” While they were unable to attend the event, Br. Mark accepted the award on the Ochylski’s behalf and hand delivered it to them on December 13.
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