Advancing Our Church

Published: July 28, 2019 This week we focus on Catholic Stewardship and ways leaders can educate and engage the time, talent, and resources of the faithful. Our guest is David Baranowski, the Director of Stewardship Education in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Dave is a 30-year marketing executive recruited by the Archdiocese over seven years ago to develop educational and marketing materials to support the stewardship efforts of their 182 parishes. In David’s words, “Our goal is to help more people get to Heaven.” David Baranowski is a frequent speaker at the International Catholic Stewardship Conference. During our interview, David shares his unique conversion experience, which sparked his career change. In 2007, Baranowski attended a retreat where the director encouraged participants to listen to God’s guidance — something he said he hadn’t earnestly done before. The experience convinced him to deepen his faith and focus on Christ. While praying about God’s gifts in his life, “this wave of gratitude