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ICSC Origin and Growth

We know from the Bible that everything we have is a gift from God. We are stewards—managers of the many gifts God has given to us. As Christian stewards, we recognize that all that we are—all that we have—belongs to God, and we are accountable to Him for the use of all things. Therefore, we must live and give as Christians, generously sharing our God-given gifts of time, talent and treasure.

The primary goal of the International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC) is to promote this concept of Christian stewardship. This Council was founded in 1962 through the patronage of His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Ritter and under the direction of The Reverend Paul F. Kaletta of the Archdiocese of St. Louis in Missouri. As head of the Archdiocese's Expansion Fund, Father Kaletta saw the need for a Catholic theology and a philosophy of resource development which would lead to a sharing of information about financial problems in the Church. Cardinal Ritter invited various representatives around the country to share ideas about Church support.

The organization, which was originally named the National Council for Diocesan Support Programs, in 1968 was renamed the National Catholic Stewardship Council, Inc. At its annual conference in September 1999, the Board of Directors voted to change the organization’s name to the International Catholic Stewardship Council, Inc. (ICSC) to reflect its international mission. The name change became effective 28 November 1999, the first Sunday of Advent. Through the years, ICSC has evolved a theology of stewardship that is presented as a way of life.

In 1965, the Council began holding annual conferences in cities throughout the USA. Hundreds of pastors, diocesan directors of development and stewardship, parish leaders, professional firms, Catholic associations and religious congregations from around the world come together each year for four days of presentations, workshops, liturgies and major addresses. Participants experience the fully Catholic vision of stewardship as a way of life. Timely topics by knowledgeable and experienced speakers fill the comprehensive program. Experts share practical information and experiences which have proven successful. Inspiring liturgies, annual award presentations, "table talk" luncheons, engaging receptions and specialized exhibits supplement the worthwhile and valuable program.

Episcopal support has also been an essential part of ICSC's Board of Directors. In 1967, when the Board was formed, His Excellency, The Most Reverend Albert R. Zuroweste, D.D, Bishop of Belleville in Illinois, became the Council's Episcopal Moderator. Five years later, His Excellency, The Most Reverend Edward E. Swanstrom, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of New York in New York, then the Executive Director of Catholic Relief Services, accepted an invitation to serve as the Council's Associate Episcopal Moderator. Later (in 1974), Bishop Zuroweste, because of age and the pressure of other duties, asked to be relieved and he was replaced by His Excellency, The Most Reverend William G. Connare, D.D., Bishop of Greensburg in Pennsylvania, who became Co-Episcopal Moderator, along with Bishop Swanstrom. Bishop Connare served as ICSC's Episcopal Moderator for fifteen years, retiring in 1990. His Excellency, The Most Reverend James Patrick Keleher, S.T.D., Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas, currently serves as Episcopal Moderator.

Under the leadership of Father Kaletta, the Council's first Chairman, the International Catholic Stewardship Council continued to grow over the years. Father Kaletta died in 1974, but his vision continues to shape ICSC, which now serves the Church throughout the world. His dream of representatives from across the country sharing their ideas about Church support has been realized. The Council he founded now provides a ready network of members who are happy to share their expertise and opinions at any time with fellow members.

The Council promotes the concept that stewardship is not simply an appeal for funds; it is a way of life. Through its seminars, publications and annual conference, ICSC emphasizes the point that all members of our family of faith are called to be Christian stewards and share their gifts of time, talent and treasure in proportion to the blessings they have received from God.

ICSC has hosted three international Stewardship Seminars, held in Rome in 1973, 1998 and 2003. Representatives from all over the world attended and discussed matters of stewardship in their cultures. Presentations and panel discussions were heard simultaneously in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

The first Institute for Stewardship and Development, which provided a comprehensive introduction to the basic principles and techniques of stewardship and development, was held in Marriottsville, Maryland in 1993. The institutes continue to be an important way for stewardship professionals to join colleagues from around the world for an intensive experience of practical techniques and spiritual formation. Held over a period of four days, the institute is currently held twice a year. The winter session is held on the east coast (San Pedro Center in Winter Park, Florida) and the summer session is held on the west coast (San Damiano Center, Danville, California).

Through its programs, the International Catholic Stewardship Council offers practical steps—and an overall vision—that can lead to untold future benefits for the Church. ICSC offers blueprints for increasing diocesan and parish support with the goal of providing faith communities with a stable financial base for the future. But, more importantly, the Council's work is aimed at empowering Catholics to live their faith as Christian stewards who generously offer financial and volunteer support to their Church as a means of thanksgiving to God.

These Christian stewards come to know that their investments in their parishes, dioceses and other Church institutions pay untold benefits both to them and to those whom each group serves because their gifts are helping to build the Kingdom of God in the hearts of His people.