This spring, Bishop Carl A. Kemme of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita announced new priest assignments for 2025, including the appointment of Fr. C. Jarrod Lies as vicar for evangelization, discipleship, and stewardship. In a recent interview, Fr. Lies discussed his role and the goals he aims to achieve in this position.

Fr. Lies explained that his primary responsibility is to support parish structures that promote the Stewardship Way of Life and create opportunities for evangelization and discipleship within the diocese. He stated, "I represent the bishop in encouraging parish structures that will allow for greater success at implementing the Stewardship Way of Life and evangelization opportunities to be able to bring people into discipleship."

He described stewardship as an essential part of living out one’s faith: "Stewardship is to discipleship what works are to faith. So discipleship is our connection to the person of Jesus Christ, where we receive our primary identity and stewardship is the way in which we live out our identity as disciples of Jesus Christ." According to Fr. Lies, these concepts are closely linked—evangelization brings people into discipleship, which then leads them to practice stewardship.

Fr. Lies acknowledged that combining evangelization, discipleship, and stewardship under one title creates a broad scope but emphasized their intentional connection: "You evangelize to bring people to discipleship. Disciples then live life in stewardship." He humorously referred to himself as “the vicar for the effective gospel.”

He also highlighted his concern about ensuring that stewardship does not become a routine or bureaucratic process: "One of my greatest concerns is rescuing the Stewardship Way of Life from seeming banal or monotonously repetitive." Instead, he views renewal as a spiritual discernment about recognizing personal gifts given by God and using them in service: "Renewal is in fact a deeply spiritual discernment... I call it the 'double dignity' of stewardship."

Fr. Lies pointed out how meaningful participation can help address feelings of loneliness and isolation common in society today by affirming each person's value through shared gifts: "Our Catholic culture really has to understand that stewardship cures the sense of loneliness by saying each person is gifted and other people need your gifts."

He stressed the importance of follow-up after parishioners complete paperwork related to stewardship commitments: "Without follow-up, the entire system is dead." Noticing individuals’ contributions fosters a sense of belonging.

Addressing misconceptions about stewardship being primarily financial or connected only with Catholic schools, Fr. Lies said: "The instinct of stewardship is care for the family... It’s bad formation that puts stewardship next to money."

Reflecting on his background, Fr. Lies shared experiences from his youth when discussions about diocesan-wide stewardship began at St. Francis Parish and later at Christ the King Parish where he grew up. He recalled winning a Knights of Columbus vocations poster contest in grade school—a formative experience tied closely with his understanding of giving back out of gratitude.

His pastoral assignments have included Our Lady of Lourdes in Pittsburg—where he observed vibrant parish life—and Bishop Carroll Catholic High School during which time he helped develop definitions and practices around stewardship education.

At St. John Parish in Clonmel and later at St. Francis Parish, Fr. Lies implemented structured approaches such as renewal paperwork and councils dedicated to promoting stewardship principles among parishioners.

He noted how both public speaking skills and organizational abilities serve him well in this new role: "God gave me words... I am very thankful for the beautiful gift of being a preacher and a teacher," while also enjoying synthesizing information into useful resources for parishes.

Moving from direct pastoral ministry into diocesan leadership has shifted his focus toward supporting pastors across Wichita’s parishes with clear objectives aimed at building communities rooted in worship.

Fr. Lies spoke positively about working alongside fellow vicars—including his brother—and participating on Bishop Kemme’s leadership team: "Being on the bishop’s leadership team means we have a lot more shared information... Having his wisdom and perspective...is very powerful."

He concluded by inviting priests and parishes throughout Wichita Diocese to reach out for guidance or support regarding leadership development or parish initiatives: "Reach out to me for clarity, conversation, parish missions, retreats... Use me. I am ready."