The 2015 Midwest Catholic Family Conference will be held Aug. 7-9 at Century II Convention Center in Wichita.
Kevin Regan, director of the event, emphasized that the conference is for families with programs for adults and young adults, middle and high school students, and for children and children with special needs.
“It covers all aspects of the family, from a single person to a grandparent,” he said.
One of the special guests will be Matt Maher, a well-known Christian artist who has been a part of international events such as World Youth Day. Maher will perform at 6:30 p.m. Friday evening, Aug. 7. The concert is covered by registration for the conference, but individual tickets will be sold online for those who are not registered for $15 before July 31, or for $20 at the door.
“Walk-ins are welcome! It’s a great opportunity for anyone looking for something to do on Friday,” Regan said.
Maher will also sing at the 2015 World Meeting of Families in September in Washington D.C.
The Matt Maher concert is sponsored by Catholic Charities. Several other diocesan entities are sponsoring parts of the conference.
The Office of Marriage and Family Life is sponsoring Simcha Fisher, blogger and author of The Sinner’s Guide to Natural Family Planning.
Dr. Pia De Solenni, a theologian, ethicist, and cultural analyst, and Dr. Elvira Parravicini, who works with infants who have been diagnosed with life-limiting conditions, are both sponsored by the Respect Life and Social Justice Office.
The Young Adult Program is sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation and the Persons with Disabilities Program is sponsored by the Ministry with Persons with Disabilities.

MCFC weekend highlights
• Matt Maher, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7
• Confessions Friday 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Outdoor Eucharistic Procession 3 p.m. Saturday
• Bishop Kemme celebrant for 11 a.m. Sunday Mass

Haven’t signed up yet for the MCFC?
The advance registration special rate ends July 31. Visit www.CatholicFamilyConference.org to register for the weekend, to view a schedule, or to learn more about the other presenters or vendors for the weekend.

Governor’s executive order designed to protect the church; but can be rescinded in the future
By Christopher M. Riggs
The threat to religious freedom became more tangible after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last month that all states must recognize same-sex marriage.
Michael Schuttloffel, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference, said as a result of the ruling, religious freedom will be one of the topics the four bishops of Kansas will discuss in the months leading up to the next session of the Kansas legislature.
Gov. Sam Brownback, however, may have ameliorated any immediate affects in the State of Kansas through his executive order 15-05 “Preservation and Protection of Religious Freedom.” Executive orders carry the weight of law but can be rescinded by subsequent administrations.
Looking to the future, however, Schuttloffel said religious freedom will be a concern because of the big difference between the way a legislature addresses an issue and the way a court does.
“One of the many issues with the marriage decision being handled this way is that, generally, when legislatures pass same-sex marriage, they include religious freedom protections of varying strengths for institutions and individuals,” he said. “But when courts do it, that is not there. They just strike down the existing marriage laws and that’s that.”
Bishop Carl A. Kemme said in light of the recent ruling, “the church and all men and women of good will, will need to redouble our efforts to safeguard our First Amendment rights, and among them the right to freedom of religion.
“This decision has unleashed a flood of realistic anxiety and fear that religious organizations and religious avowed business owners will not be allowed to exercise their religious beliefs, promote them, or teach them as freely as was guaranteed in the Constitution of the United States of America or to do so risking fines and in the case of religious organizations even perhaps their tax-exempt status,” he said. “It will be most important, as we navigate these turbulent societal waters, that we do all we can to elect local, state, and federal representatives who will work to protect our religious freedoms.”
Schuttloffel said in a telephone interview from his Topeka office that Chief Justice Roberts’ wrote in his dissent that, “Respect for sincere religious conviction has led voters and legislators in every State that has adopted same-sex marriage democratically to include accommodations for religious practice. The majority’s decision imposing same-sex marriage cannot, of course, create any such accommodations.”
Justice Roberts says the majority opinion states that religious believers may continue to “advocate” and “teach” their views of marriage, but Roberts said the majority “ominously” did not use the wording of the First Amendment which guarantees the freedom to “exercise” religion.
In his dissent, the chief justice asked about possible conflicts with the same-sex marriage law, such as: “[F]or example, a religious college provides married student housing only to opposite-sex married couples, or a religious adoption agency declines to place children with same-sex married couples.”
Roberts added that the Solicitor General has already acknowledged that the tax exemptions of some religious institutions would be in question if they opposed same-sex marriage.
“There is little doubt that these and similar questions will soon be before this Court. Unfortunately, people of faith can take no comfort in the treatment they receive from the majority today,” Roberts wrote.
Schuttloffel said in anticipation of what the U.S. Supreme Court has just done, a religious freedom bill was introduced in the Kansas Legislature in 2014.
“We wanted the state to be prepared. And unfortunately, I think a lot of people did not take it seriously at that time. The other side was able to successfully distort what we were trying to do, to put it mildly. It was really an extremely vicious misinformation campaign and it was successful. And so we lost.”
He said the invective would likely be more vicious if a new bill is introduced at the next Kansas legislative session in January.
“The hope would be that people recognize that we do have a problem now,” Schuttloffel said. “I think at that point (in 2014) it was still understood maybe by some people that it was a theoretical concern and maybe they hadn’t faced up to the fact that this day was coming. Well, now it’s here and you have Supreme Court justices warning that religious freedom is in danger. So, hopefully we’ll have a little more awareness of the big picture.”
The bishops will meet about the topic and will be in contact with each other by email and by phone before the next legislative session.
Schuttloffel said he hopes those who support freedom of religion will be better prepared for how the secular media will try to distort any effort to protect religious freedom. “It’s going to be a very, very challenging issue.”

Want to read the executive order?
Gov. Sam Brownback has signed executive order 15-05 “Preservation and Protection of Religious Freedom” in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision regarding same-sex marriage. To read the executive order, visit tinyurl.com/brownbackorder.

What the Catechism of the Catholic Church says about marriage:
¶ 1603 – God himself is the author of marriage. The vocation to marriage is written in the very nature of man and woman as they came from the hand of the Creator. Marriage is not a purely human institution despite the many variations it may have undergone through the centuries in different cultures, social structures, and spiritual attitudes.
¶ 1604 – For man is created in the image and likeness of God who is himself love. … And this love which God blesses is intended to be fruitful … “And God blessed them, and God said to them: ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it.’”
¶ 1605 – “Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

Rally for Religious Freedom July 24
The Diocese of Wichita sponsors a rosary for religious freedom at noon on every fourth Friday of the month at the U.S. Courthouse, 401 N. Market, in Wichita. The group meets at the southeast corner of the block.

We are grateful that Governor Sam Brownback has acted so swiftly to address some of the threats to religious freedom that have taken on new urgency since the United States Supreme Court’s misguided decision in Obergefell v. Hodges.
When five individuals on the Supreme Court redefined the institution of marriage for the entire country, the Kansas marriage amendment approved by 70 percent of the voters in 2005 was struck down. Since, however, no court can change the true nature of marriage, many Kansans continue to recognize that marriage can only be the union of a man and a woman. Those Kansans, and the religious institutions they belong to, should not be punished by the government for believing what almost all people everywhere believed until just a relatively short time ago.
No priest or minister should be forced by the state to perform a ceremony contrary to that priest or minister’s faith tradition. Yet religious freedom means much more than this. In America, religious freedom has not just meant the right to hold a religious ceremony in a private setting, confined to the four walls of a church. In this country, religious freedom has meant the right to live one’s faith in one’s daily life, at home and at work, in private and in public.
Given the far reaching effects that redefining marriage will have on the law, and the fact that this incredibly consequential change in national social policy was effected by judicial fiat rather than the democratic process, there is tremendous uncertainty as to what the Obergefell decision will mean for everyday people just trying to live their faith as they always have.
We urge Governor Brownback and members of the Legislature to make the protection of religious freedom for all Kansans a top priority in the coming months. Generations of Americans have taken freedom of conscience for granted. We, sadly, do not have that luxury anymore.
+ The Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas
+ The Most Rev. John B. Brungardt, Bishop of Dodge City
+ The Most Rev. Edward J. Weisenburger, Bishop of Salina
+ The Most Rev. Carl A. Kemme, Bishop of Wichita

Monthly Mass with Children May 22 at the SLC in Wichita
WICHITA – Caregivers and their small children are invited to the monthly “KidsPrayToo!; Mass with Children” at the the Spiritual Life Center May 22.
The Mass begins at 11:15 a.m., and at the Mass, Fr. Van Haverbeke will speak especially to the littlest among us.
The program gives parents and caregivers an opportunity to teach their children without worrying about disturbing other Mass goers around them.
All families are invited to pack a lunch to enjoy in the dining room or the courtyard. Families may wish to bring a picnic blanket to enjoy lunch on the grass. No registration is necessary.

KMC Paladin wins All-Kansas award
WICHITA – Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School’s 2014-2015 Paladin newsmagazine staff won an All-Kansas award by the Kansas Scholastic Press Association.
This year’s publication earned All-Kansas in each of the five categories: coverage, reporting, visuals, design and leadership. The editor-in-chief is Margo Coltrane.

Bishop Kemme’s calendar
Here is Bishop Carl A. Kemme’s calendar for the next month.
May 15: Newman University Baccalaureate Mass at the Cathedral
May 16: Home school graduation at Sacred Heart in Colwich; Trinity Catholic High School graduation in Hutchinson
May 17: Installation and blessing Mass for Kapaun Crucifix Sculpture at St. Mary in Derby; Bishop Carroll Catholic High School graduation at Bishop Carroll; Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School graduation at Century II
May 19-20: Ordination Retreat with those to be ordained
May 21: Ordination Retreat Mass; Evening with Seminarians at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral
May 22: Ordination Mass to the diaconate at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral in Wichita
May 23: Ordination to the priesthood at 10 a.m. Cathedral in Wichita
May 27: Confirmation Mass at 6:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Parish in Wichita
May 28: Rescheduled Confirmation Mass at 6:30 p.m. at St. Michael Parish in Mulvane
May 29: Evening with Seminarians in Southeast Kansas at Our Lady of Lourdes in Pittsburg
May 30: Ultreya Mass for Cursillo at St. Michael in Mulvane
May 30-31: Parish Pastoral visit to St. Andrew in Independence and St. Francis Xavier in Cherryvale
May 31: Confirmation Mass at 8 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier in Cherryvale
June 1: Serra Club social, steak dinner and silent auction
June 3:Confirmation Mass at 6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart in Halstead
June 4: Presbyteral Council
June 5: Pilgrim Mass for Kapaun Walk at 6:30 p.m. at Church of the Magdalen in Wichita
June 6-7: Parish Pastoral visit to St. Anthony in Garden Plain
June 7: Confirmation Mass at 1 p.m. at St. Anthony in Garden Plain with St. Mary Aleppo; Solemn Vespers with Corpus Christi Procession at 5 p.m. at the Cathedral in Wichita
June 8-12: United States Catholic Conference of Bishops Spring Assembly
June 13: Sisters of St. Joseph Jubilee Mass and lunch
June 13-14: Parish Pastoral visit to St. Michael in Mulvane
June 14: Scouting Mass and awards at 3 p.m. at the Cathedral in Wichita
June 15-19: Wichita priests retreat

Spanish translators needed by ministry
The Office of Hispanic Ministry needs several people to serve as English to Spanish translators. The office would like to have a pool of translators so as not to overburden anyone.
Those fluent in written Spanish are asked to contact Mrs. Danny T. Krug at the office at (316) 269-3919 for details.

Spanish readers needed by ministry
The diocesan Ministry with Persons with Disabilities has an immediate need for two volunteers who can read the Spanish edition of the Catholic Advance for the Air Capitol Telephone Reader Service.
The service provides an audio version of the Advance for those who are blind, visually impaired or have any other print disability such as dyslexia, or non-readers.
Volunteers can read from their homes on a once per month rotating basis. A one hour training is required. If interested, contact Tom Racunas, director of the ministry, at 269-3900 ext. 143 or racunast@CatholicDioceseOfWichita.org.

Sr. Marsha Wilson marks 50th jubilee
Sister Marsha Wilson celebrated 50 years as a vowed member of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ Saturday, April 18, at the Ruma, Ill., Center. Sister Marsha made her first vows on July 1, 1965, and her final profession on July 4, 1970, both in Wichita, Kan.
She marked the anniversary with a Mass at the Ruma Center chapel, followed by dinner, and was joined in the celebration by the ASC community. Father Jim Dougherty presided at the liturgy.
Sister Marsha is an adjunct instructor at Newman University where she teaches community leadership courses. She also works part time in pastoral ministry at Holy Spirit Parish in Goddard, and lives in Wichita.
Sister Marsha taught at elementary schools at St. Francis of Assisi in Wichita and St. Mary’s in David City, Neb. She was the director of parish ministry at Sacred Heart in Sedalia, Mo., and St. Francis Xavier in Kansas City, Mo., and was pastoral assistant at Christ the King in Kansas City, Kan.
She served her community as director of initial formation at the Wichita Center and as vowed commitment director. She was director of hospital ministry for the Johnson County Catholic parishes and coordinated campus ministry projects for Newman University.

The pope’s intentions
Here are Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for this month:
Care For The Suffering, that, rejecting the culture of indifference, we may care for our neighbors who suffer, especially the sick and the poor.
Openness To Mission, that Mary’s intercession may help Christians in secularized cultures be open to proclaiming Jesus.
Intentions provided by the Apostleship of Prayer, www.apostleshipofprayer.org.

Several activities related to the cause for the canonization of Father Emil J. Kapaun will be held the weekend of June 5-7.
Pilgrimage walk
A pilgrimage walk from Wichita to Pilsen, Father Kapaun’s home parish, will leave Friday, June 5, from Church of the Magdalen. Participants will arrive Sunday, June 7, in time for a 3 p.m. Mass at St. John Nepomucene Church in Pilsen. For details and to register, visit CatholicDioceseOfWichita.org/father-kapaun.
Kapaun Day Conference
A Kapaun Day Conference will be held from 4 p.m. Saturday, June 6, through 1 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at the Spiritual Life Center in Wichita. For more information or to register, visit CatholicDioceseOfWichita.org/slc, or call (316) 744-0167.
Pilsen Mass, bus
The annual Father Kapaun Day Mass will be celebrated at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at St. John Church in Pilsen. A bus for the Father Kapaun Mass in Pilsen will leave from the Spiritual Life Center at 1 p.m. A dinner will be served after Mass in the church hall. For reservations for the bus ride, call Ann Maley at (316) 440-1717.

Participants may walk all or part of the pilgrimage to St. John Church
The road to St. John Nepomucene Church in Pilsen is wide open for any pilgrim who wants to participate in the seventh annual Father Kapaun Pilgrimage Friday, June 5, to Sunday, June 7.
The pilgrimage in honor of Father Kapaun, Venerable Servant of God and Medal of Honor recipient, begins at Church of the Magdalen in Wichita is a way to raise awareness about the cause of beatification for the priest of the diocese of Wichita who died in 1951 in a North Korean prisoner of war camp.
Fr. Eric Weldon said the increasing numbers of participants is exciting but not without some anxiety.
Three men – Justin Thompson, Chris Stewart, and David Schlagel – joined him on the first pilgrimage in 2009 during which the trio reconnoitered the roads and found two campsites.
“We emptied ourselves on this journey with each step and arrived in Pilsen very tired and emotionally drained, which is OK,” he said.
As in years past, Fr. Weldon said, several priests will participate and there will be ample time for daily Mass and confessions.
Miracles attributed to Father Kapaun’s intercession have increased his popularity in the Church, he said, and Fr. Kapaun’s reception of the Medal of Honor has made him known throughout different branches of the military.
“We have a very earthy faith because of the Incarnation,” Fr. Weldon said. “So, we pray kneeling, standing, and sometimes walking. We know we need to pray, but often we don’t have the words to express our hearts to God. So, we walk the prayer. That, in essence, is a pilgrimage: walking toward the good which is greater than ourselves. The love of Christ urges us on.”
The walk begins after the 6 p.m. Mass June 5 at Church of the Magdalen. Those participating in the 60-mile trek walk during the day and camp at pre-designated sites at night. Pilgrims stop every two to three miles at “Fr. Kapaun Stations” to reflect on different aspects of Fr. Kapaun’s life. Those who wish may walk only one or two days. In addition to daily Mass and confessions, pilgrims also participate in rosaries and discussions along the route. Adoration will be held at St. John’s from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday to welcome the pilgrims.
Those unable to walk or who want to participate in another way may volunteer to assist in various capacities such as assisting with food, transportation, or the camps. Pilgrims are asked to make a small donation to cover food, gas, and other needs, about $10 per pilgrim.

Want to make the Kapaun pilgrimage?
To register, visit tinyurl.com/KapaunWalk. For more information, contact Fr. Eric Weldon at (316) 262-1821 or J.P. and Audrea Brunke at (620) 545-7058 (Wichita area callers do not need to dial 620).

If the state of Kansas chooses to expand Medicaid under the terms of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), over 130,000 low-income Kansans would become eligible for health insurance under the Medicaid program. We, the Catholic Bishops of Kansas, support expanding Medicaid to cover these individuals. Indeed, many of our brothers and sisters who cannot currently afford health insurance would gain access to it, bringing an end to the uncertainty and fear that the uninsured of our society must live with daily. However, our endorsement is with serious reservations as there are several aspects of the proposal to expand Medicaid that are very problematic.
Our endorsement flows from the influence of Scripture as well as our living faith tradition. From Scripture we call to mind Luke’s parable of the “Good Samaritan.” The Samaritan finds a man “half dead,” is “moved with compassion,” and “treats him with mercy” by caring for him. The parable reminds us that the measure of a culture is the manner in which it provides for its weakest and most vulnerable. Likewise, the living faith tradition of the Catholic Church has long inspired us to support the principle that all people should have access to health care. At this time we are particularly concerned about those among the working poor who are unable to afford health insurance. As no likely alternative is evident we therefore endorse the expansion of Medicaid. But as noted above, the expansion of Medicaid also raises serious concerns:
• We are deeply troubled that the Medicaid program in Kansas covers contraception, sterilization, drugs that may induce abortion, and even, in rare cases, a small number of abortion procedures. It is simply unacceptable that the federal government insists on linking access to health care with taxpayer financing of these morally objectionable products and procedures. At a time when the federal government is coercing people to violate their consciences and religious teachings in order to participate in religious or charitable endeavors, it is difficult to embrace it further as a partner in providing health care.
• While the federal government has promised to pay 90% of the expansion costs, it is unlikely that the federal government will continue for very long to fund those individuals covered by the expansion at that much higher rate than it funds Medicaid for current recipients (approximately 56 percent). Kansas legislators need to make this commitment with their eyes wide open about what may be required financially of the State in the future.
• Medicaid is a program in need of reform, fiscal and otherwise. Maintaining a separate and inferior system of health insurance for the poor is far from ideal. Instead, it would be better if low-income Americans were supported in joining the health insurance networks in which the rest of society participates.
In summary, we have grave concerns about these and other aspects of Medicaid expansion and we acknowledge that people of good will can and do disagree about the issue of Medicaid expansion. Nevertheless, we do not believe that a nation that has been blessed with such abundance should leave so many of its poor without health insurance. With this in mind it is our hope that our Legislature will expand Medicaid to cover the needy in the short term, and that in the longer term, Congress will substantially reform the ACA and Medicaid in order to make them financially and morally responsible.
+ Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas
+ Most Reverend John B. Brungardt, Bishop of Dodge City
+ Most Reverend Edward J. Weisenburger, Bishop of Salina
+ Most Reverend Carl A. Kemme, Bishop of Wichita

Bishop Carl A. Kemme has announced clergy assignments. All assignments are effective on July 1, 2015.

Bishop’s Leadership Team
Rev. David J. Lies – Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia and pastor of St. Michael in Mulvane
Rev. Michael M. Simone – Chancellor and remaining as Director of Office for Vocations
Mrs. Therese Seiler – Vice Chancellor, Victim’s Assistance Coordinator and remaining as Director of Office for Human Resources
Very Rev. John P. Lanzrath – Vicar for Priests
Rev. Kenneth S. Van Haverbeke – Vicar for Stewardship and Parish Life and remaining as Director of Office of Stewardship and Director of Spiritual Life Center
Mr. Bryan Coulter – Director of Finance and Administrative Services

Retirement
Rev. Dwight J. Birket – Return to Retired Priest Status and Associate Vicar for Retired Priests
Rev. John P. Sherlock – Retired Priest status
Rev. Stephen M. Thapwa – Retired Priest status

Rector
Rev. Adam J. Keiter – Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita

Pastors
Rev. Daryl Befort - St. Joseph Parish in Andale
Rev. Maximilian K. Biltz – St. Michael Parish in Girard and St. Joseph Parish in Arma
Rev. Joseph A. Eckberg – St. Mary Parish in Derby
Rev. David Michael Htun – St. Francis Parish in St. Paul and St. Ambrose Parish in Erie
Rev. Andrew H. Kuykendall – St. John in Clonmel/Viola
Rev. C. Jarrod Lies – St. Francis of Assisi in Wichita
Rev. David J. Lies – St. Michael in Mulvane
Rev. Roger S. Lumbre – Holy Cross Parish in Hutchinson
Rev. James S. Mainzer – St. Jude in Wichita
Rev. Michael J. Maybrier – St. Teresa in Hutchinson and Holy Trinity in Little River
Rev. W. Shawn McKnight – Church of the Magdalen in Wichita
Rev. Brian D. Nelson – St. Mark in Colwich and part-time service to Diocesan Tribunal
Rev. Benjamin N. Nguyen – St. Anthony in Wichita and Bishop’s delegate to Vietnamese Pastoral Council
Rev. Hung Quoc Pham – St. Anthony/St. Rose in Wellington and St. Martin of Tours in Caldwell
Rev. Daniel L. Vacca – Sacred Heart Parish in Fredonia and St. Ignatius Parish in Neodesha
Rev. Nicholas A. Voelker – St. Mary Parish in Newton and remaining in service to Latin Mass Community of Wichita

Parochial Vicar
Rev. David M. Voss – Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Pittsburg

Chaplains and Special Assignments
Rev. Benjamin F. Green – Chaplain Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, remaining in residence at St. Francis with weekend sacramental duties.
Rev. Thomas M. Hoisington – Chaplain to Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters of Wichita and Catholic Care Center in Wichita
Rev. Daniel S. Lorimer – Chaplain at Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School with sacramental service, as needed, to St. Patrick and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, both in Wichita.
Rev. Ruben Ortiz–Montelongo – On loan to the Diocese of Dallas
Rev. Benjamin S. Sawyer – Advanced studies in Theology in Rome, Italy
Rev. Patrick G. York – On loan for service in formation at Conception Abbey Seminary in Conception, Missouri

Six young men will lie prone in front of Bishop Carl A. Kemme next week in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita. Five will be ordained priests and one will be ordained to the transitional diaconate.

Gabriel Greer
Gabriel Greer, a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Pittsburg, will be ordained a deacon at 7 p.m. Friday, May 22. Although he – a third year theology student – makes up his entire ordination class, next year a large group of young men, God- and bishop-willing, will follow him to the altar to be ordained deacons.
In response to questions emailed to all the diocese’s ordinandi, the men to be ordained wrote about their upcoming reception of Holy Orders.
Greer said he is both excited and fearful as his ordination draws near. “The many different things learned throughout seminary are about to become a reality as I prepare to make a public commitment of my entire self to God and his ministry,” he said. “I am looking forward to proclaiming the Word of God and preaching, but at the same time there is quite a bit of nervousness around preaching.”
He quoted a recent church document that stated: “The homily in some sense parallels the distribution of the Lord’s Body and Blood to the faithful during the communion rite. In the homily God’s holy Word is ‘distributed’ for the nourishment of his people.”
Greer said the parallel between the two “makes me nervous knowing that the preaching of God’s Word in some way is compared to the nourishment that is received in the reception of Holy Communion.”
Seminary has been enjoyable, he said, years marked by prayer and an increase of self-knowledge. “All things I hope will help me give of myself in total gift to the people of God in the Diocese of Wichita.”
A perennial question the Catholic Advance asks men who are about to be ordained is: “What advice do you have for a young man considering the priesthood?”
Greer recommended that young men considering the priesthood should learn to pray daily and develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. “Christ desires to speak to each of us in a unique and particular way, and he can only do this if we open ourselves up to him. A more practical encouragement would be to frequently receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Confession.”
Five transitional deacons will be ordained to the priesthood at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23, in the Cathedral.

The Rev. Mr. Devin Burns
Deacon Devin Burns, member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Wichita, said he is taking the time before his upcoming ordination to thank God for the many gifts and graces that have led “him to approach the altar and to serve Him as a priest.”
He said he can’t wait to serve the many people – priests, teachers, parishioners, family and friends – who have helped him to keep seminary formation in perspective and inspire him to grow in holiness. “I would never have survived six years in seminary without all my brother seminarians throughout the years.”
Men interested in the priesthood might ask, “Can I really be happy without a wife and family?” Deacon Burns wrote.
“I never would have found that answer if I didn’t trust God enough to first enter seminary,” he said. “The question lingered at times during seminary, but during times of quiet prayer I always found God reassuring me with his peace and joy. You will never be able to follow God’s will if you do not believe that he will fulfill all your needs with a joy that is beyond understanding.”

The Rev. Mr. Josh Evans
Deacon Josh Evans, a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Pittsburg, said as his ordination approached he found himself thinking about what has to happen “before” May 23.
“At the Mount (St. Mary’s Seminary), we are still plugging away at school, wrapping up our final papers and projects,” he said. “First Mass plans are underway, invitations are almost complete. Thank goodness my mom, Nancy, has been so helpful.
“Between planning and organizing my younger sister’s wedding, my ordination, and then my little brother’s wedding all happening in three months, I am sure she’s ready to pull her hair out! I’m looking forward to coming home after being away for the last seven years.”
The time, though, has been thoroughly enjoyable, Deacon Evans said.
“These years in seminary have certainly been the most formative years of my life, he said. “I am most grateful to everyone who has made this possible. I have enjoyed the fraternity of my seminarian brothers and priests back in Wichita. I’ve enjoyed my studies and opportunities to pray and discover my vocation. I’ve enjoyed meeting the people of the Diocese of Wichita whom I will soon be serving.”
What he has enjoyed most about his studies is “discovering the goodness of God and how much he loves me,” he said. “Receiving the identity of a beloved son of God is a priceless gift from Our Father. Seminary was the place that God allowed me to discover this and my vocation.”
For those considering the seminary, Deacon Evans suggested they talk to Father Michael Simone, director of the diocesan Vocations Office.
“I went into seminary to try to prove to myself that I was not called. I had my own dreams and wanted to do other things. As it turns out, God had other plans,” he said. “ A man will always be wondering whether or not he was called to the priesthood if he doesn’t go and at least try seminary out. The seminary is the seedbed of a vocation: If you have one, it will grow there.”

The Rev. Mr. Curtis Hecker
Deacon Curtis Hecker said a couple of weeks ago, that he was focused on finishing the semester well and making sure that he is well-prepared to celebrate the sacraments once he is ordained. “Spiritually, I have been praying about the priesthood in order to be better prepared to receive this great sacrament.”
Although he enjoyed many aspects about the seminary, he said, the most important was “to come to know Jesus Christ in a much more intimate way than I ever thought possible.”
Deacon Hecker, a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Arkansas City, added that he will miss being surrounded by so many good men “who are all striving for holiness and who are willing to help one another out in times of need.”
He said he wishes someone would have told him in high school that you do not have to be 100 percent sure that God is calling you to enter a seminary.
“When I was in high school I thought that God might be calling me to the priesthood, but I was not sure, so I didn’t enter seminary until several years later. Obviously, before you go to seminary you should have some indication that that is what God wants for you and you should have some desire for the priesthood, but the seminary is a place of discernment. If you go there and are open to God’s will, then he will lead you on the right path.”

The Rev. Mr. Zachary Pinaire
Deacon Zachary Pinaire, a member of St. Mary Parish, Derby-Rose Hill, replied to the Catholic Advance questionnaire by starting with a countdown to his ordination, and added, “There are a number of things to organize and bring together logistically before ordination: invitations, Mass programs, dinners, etc. However, amongst all of those little ‘stresses,’ there is an over arching peace and excitement of finally stepping fully into the vocation that I have been called to live.”
He said seminary study provided a way to deepen and grow in his relationship with Jesus, and that two things came to mind when reflecting about his studies: First is growing in brotherhood with my classmates and fellow seminarians. They have held me up in times of struggle, held me down in times of doubt, and helped me grow closer to Christ.”
The second was the parish work he has been able to participate in over the last few years, Deacon Pinaire said, “Particularly at the parish where I did my pastoral internship and the parish where I served as a deacon. These parish experiences have affirmed me in my vocation in ways I never expected they would.”
Fear not and trust God, he said to young men considering the seminary.
“If Christ is calling you to be his priest, there is no better means to find true and uncompromising happiness. Take the step toward seminary, give 150 percent to seminary life, and Christ will either show you the door or show you the priesthood. If he shows you the priesthood, you will be grateful you took that first step.”

The Rev. Mr. P.J. Voegeli
Deacon Voegeli, a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Wichita, said he has been “thinking of everything and nothing,” adding that he is trying, “not to get worked up about the details, and try not to break down when I think of what a mystery it is as per why God chose me.”
He said he will remember the fraternity of the seminary after his ordination. The many good men – and sour ones, too – who have formed him and prepared him to be a priest.
Those considering the priesthood should pray, pray pray hard, and spend time with different priests at various parishes.
Most importantly anyone thinking about the priesthood should try the seminary, Deacon Voegeli said. “If he is not called to the priesthood, God will make that clear and he can continue with his life a better man. If he is called, God will open the path to him as he strives to live the life God has called him to live. Better to try and not be called than to be called and never try.”

What is Holy Orders?
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the church until the end of time.”
There are three degrees of holy orders: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate, more commonly understood as bishop, priest, and deacon. The diaconate can be broken down into two categories: permanent and transitional. Men studying for the priesthood are ordained transitional deacons. Permanent deacons can be married men, or single men who make a commitment to celibacy. Transitional deacons also make a commitment to celibacy.

ASC Sisters Maureen Farrar, Marita Rother and Catherine Shippen celebrated 60 years of vowed life with the Adorers of the Blood of Christ on May 3, at the Wichita Center. They marked the anniversary with a Mass and dinner and were joined in the celebration by sisters, family and friends. Father Tom Welk presided at the liturgy.
The women made first vows July 1, 1955, and final vows exactly five years later.

Sister Maureen
Sister Maureen, of Hobart, Okla., has a bachelor’s degree in education from Sacred Heart College, now Newman University, and a master’s degree in communication arts from the University of Notre Dame.
She taught school in Kansas – eight years in elementary schools and seven years in high schools. She did public relations at Sacred Heart College for several years before serving six years in leadership of the former Wichita Province.
For the past 33 years, Sister Maureen has done administration and pastoral ministry at St. Paul’s, a mission church on the Navajo Reservation in Crownpoint, N.M.

Sr. Marita
Sister Marita, of Okarche, Okla., has a bachelor’s degree in education from Sacred Heart College, and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Wichita, now Wichita State University.
She taught for more than 40 years at the elementary and secondary level, and also served as principal for half of those years.
She was director or assistant director of the department of elementary education at Kansas Newman, superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Dodge City, Kan., and associate superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
Sr. Marita directed women aspiring to become Adorers, and helped form them as a member of the novitiate community in Wichita.
She tutored and served as an aide at two elementary schools in Wichita and now volunteers at The Lord’s Diner in Wichita and the reception desk in the Wichita Center.

Sister Catherine
Sister Catherine (formerly Mary David) of Harper, Kan., has a bachelor’s degree in education from Sacred Heart College and a master’s degree in education from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. She was certified to teach elementary school in four states and was a certified catechist in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
She taught elementary school for almost 30 years in Stillwater, Bison and Guthrie, Okla.; Carlsbad and Hobbs, N.M.; Sedalia, Mo.; and Ellinwood, McPherson, Aleppo, Kinsley, Grinnell and Wichita, Kan.
She also served as parish organist and choir director, admissions office receptionist at Newman University, volunteer at the Wichita Center, and patient representative at Via Christi St. Joseph.
She volunteers at St. Joseph Hospital, St. Teresa Hospital, and at the ASC Center in Wichita.

Bishop Kemme’s calendar
Here is Bishop Carl A. Kemme’s calendar for the next month. Diocesan-wide events are bolded.
June 5: Pilgrim Mass for Kapaun Walk at 6:30 a.m. at Church of the Magdalen
June 6-7: Parish Pastoral visit to St. Anthony in Garden Plain
June 7: Confirmation Mass at 1 p.m. at St. Anthony in Garden Plain with St. Mary Aleppo; Solemn Vespers with Corpus Christi Procession at 5 p.m. at the Cathedral in Wichita
June 8-12: United States Catholic Conference of Bishops Spring Assembly
June 13: Sisters of St. Joseph Jubilee Mass and lunch
June 13-14: Parish pastoral visit to St. Michael in Mulvane
June 14: Scouting Mass and awards at 3 p.m. at the Cathedral in Wichita
June 19-21: Steubenville of the Rockies
June 24: Confirmation Mass at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Name Parish in Winfield
June 25: Harvest House Anniversary Mass and luncheon
June 27: Fiat Mass and lunch
June 27-28: Parish pastoral visit to St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Schulte

Knights provide two chalices to priests
In addition to providing honor guards for the two ordinations over the Memorial Day weekend, the Fourth Degree Columbia Assembly Knights of Columbus provides chalices to a few of the newly ordained priests.
The Knights, through their Memorial Chalice Program, also provide chalices engraved with the names of deceased Knights as a way to remember their brothers.
After their Memorial Mass in 2014, the Columbia Assembly had two chalices to be donated.
The 2013 Memorial Chalice was given to Fr. Devin Burns who has been assigned to St. Margaret Mary Parish in Wichita. The chalice has a special significance for Fr. Burns, one of his grandfather’s names is engraved on the bottom of the chalice.
The 2014 Memorial Chalice was given to Father P.J. Voegeli who has been assigned to St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Wichita. They are the 73rd and 74th chalices to be given away since 1940.

Legion of Mary meeting June 14
The 701st meeting of the Legion of Mary will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 302 N. Denver, in El Dorado.
For more information about the Legion of Mary, contact Fr. James Mainzer at (316) 282-0459 or Linda Shinogle at (316) 729-4401.

Daughters of Isabella award scholarship
The Daughters of Isabella recently awarded a $500 scholarship to Andrea Bolinger, the daughter of Mark and Marta Bolinger. Andrea is a senior at St. Mary’s Colgan in Pittsburg, and plans to study elementary education in college.
She was sponsored by St. Luke’s Circle 239 where her grandmother Loretta Hofer is a member.

MCFC choir, orchestra being formed
A volunteer choir and orchestra is being formed for the 16th annual Midwest Catholic Family Conference at Century II Convention Hall, Aug. 7-9.
The choir will sing for the 11 a.m. Masses on Saturday, Aug. 8, and Sunday, Aug. 9. Those available for only one of the Masses are still welcome to participate.
Choir rehearsals will be from 7:30 to 9:30 Thursday evenings, starting July 2 at Church of the Magdalen in Wichita. The final rehearsal for both the choir and the orchestra will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at Century II. Other than Aug. 6, all rehearsal dates are tentative.
The orchestra will accompany the choir only for the Sunday Mass. The instrumentation includes violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, french horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba and timpani.
Orchestra members who also sing are encouraged to sing in the choir for the Mass on Saturday. The orchestra will rehearse from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday, July 27, (tentative date), and with the choir from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 30, as well as the final rehearsal at Century II on Aug. 6 at 6:30 pm.
To volunteer or for more information, contact Mike Lawless at (316) 683-0123, 641-5730, or mclawless@cox.net.

Spanish readers needed by ministry
The diocesan Ministry with Persons with Disabilities has an immediate need for two volunteers who can read the Spanish edition of the Catholic Advance for the Air Capitol Telephone Reader Service.
The service provides an audio version of the Advance for those who are blind, visually impaired or have any other print disability such as dyslexia, or non-readers.
Volunteers can read from their homes on a once per month rotating basis. A one hour training is required. If interested, contact Tom Racunas, director of the ministry, at 269-3900 ext. 143 or racunast@catholicdioceseofwichita.org.

John the Baptist presentation June 23 at SLC
By Dusty Gates
Do you remember the old television commercials that featured Michael Jordan and the jingle “I wanna be like Mike?” The models our culture choose to promote as idols are strange and often concerning. I suppose if our goal in life is to be rich and famous, or to be able to dunk a basketball from the free throw line, wanting to be like Mike would be a satisfactory goal. For Catholics, such a model is insufficient.
But who are our models? We model ourselves after Jesus Christ, of course, and his mother Mary. But I might also offer an additional one: John the Baptist, whose feast day we celebrate on June 24. He is unique because he is truly just like us. Jesus Christ is God incarnate, the second person of the Trinity. His mother Mary was immaculately conceived and perpetually without sin. John the Baptist, however, was just a man, born a sinner just like us. Of him, Jesus said, “Among those born of women there has arisen no one greater” (Matthew 11:11). Jesus and Mary had very specific missions, which were unique to their individual identities.
The mission of the Baptist was the common mission of all followers of Christ: firstly to be holy, and secondly to change the world for the better. John, like us, encountered a culture which was antithetical to the Good News. He was martyred by a political system which was quasi-religious; going through the motions of religion but failing when it came to the tough questions of morality and social responsibility. Political leaders were interested in him, but only as a novelty to consider for the sake of their curiosity, at best, or their desire to exploit him, at worst. John knew that the world around him needed to be changed, even when he didn’t know for sure how to change it. He was unwavering in his obedience to God, even when he was confused about the path he was following.
What was the result of his faithfulness? Rejection, imprisonment, and death. The late Cardinal George once warned a group of priests about what lies in store for those who fight on behalf of the Church: “I will die in bed, my successor will die in prison, and his successor will die a martyr in the public square.”
What will our faithfulness cost us? Nothing short of our lives, which will most likely not be asked of us as “red martyrs,” but will certainly be asked of us as “white martyrs.” St. Jane Frances de Chantal wrote about this sort of martyrdom, which she called the “martyrdom of love,” and contended that it was equal to the martyrdom of death. It “cannot be relegated to a second place, for love is as strong as death,” said St. Jane, “for the martyrs of love suffer infinitely more in remaining in this life so as to serve God, than if they died a thousand times over in testimony to their faith and love and fidelity.” May we all strive to be as obedient and faithfully heroic as John the Baptist, no matter how we are called to lay down our lives in service of the Gospel.
Gates is director of adult education at the Spiritual Life Center in Wichita.
“A Man Named John,” will be presented at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, at the Spiritual Life Center. Attendance is free of charge. Visit www.SLCWichita.org to register or call (316) 744-0167.

Date Night Saturday, June 12, at the SLC
Married, engaged, and dating couples are invited to enjoy a date night at the Spiritual Life Center on the evening of Friday, June 12.
Participants will enjoy a banquet dinner with their significant other and a short conference with a local priest or speaker. There will be time for socializing with other couples as well. All participants are welcome to stay as long as they like for prayer.
Check in begins at 6:15 p.m. with dinner in the dining room at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $30 per couple. Register for date night program by visiting the Spiritual Life Center’s web page at www.slcwichita.org or by calling (316) 744-0167.

Video series featuring Father Robert Barron begins at the SLC in June
If you have ever lost your way on a trip, the first thing you need to do is to figure out where you are. The second is to consider where you are going. The third is to determine the best way to get from where you are to where you want to be.
The same can be said of the spiritual life. Many of our spiritual problems come from the fact that we are being pulled in so many directions. We become disoriented, we lose our spiritual balance. “Untold Blessing,” a video series produced by Fr. Robert Barron and Word on Fire ministries, is a spiritual formation program which leads participants towards a new understanding of the purpose of our lives, our need for God’s grace and forgiveness, and the meaning of our desires and ambitions.
This series combines DVD presentations by Fr. Robert Barron with workbook questions for group discussion and individual reflection. Join us at the Spiritual Life Center this series of study sessions to reflect with Fr. Barron on the questions of who are we?, where are we?, and where do we want to go? In doing so you will hopefully gain greater clarity about your own identity and destiny and become better able to recognize God’s “untold blessing” in your life.
The series occurs in two summer formats: Seven Thursday evenings beginning June 18 from 7-8:30 p.m., or three Saturday mornings beginning June 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration cost is $35 for either session. Please visit www.SLCWichita.org or call (316) 744-0167 to register. Pre-registration is requested but walkins are welcome.

Mini retreat for men at the SLC June 19-20
WICHITA – The Spiritual Life Center will host its annual men’s retreat Friday evening and Saturday morning June 19-20.
The mini-retreat for Christian men is designed to give them a time for prayer, renewal, and sharing with other like-minded men. Fr. Pat York and Fr. Ken Van Haverbeke will lead the Friday evening program, which includes discussion over brats and beer along with prayer time.
On Saturday morning the retreat will join the Forgiveness Retreat for a morning conference with Father William Meninger, a Trappist monk. He will discuss “The Process of Forgiveness.” The morning will conclude with another conference with Fr. Ken Van Haverbeke followed by Mass and lunch.
The cost of the retreat, which will include dinner on Friday, and lunch on Saturday, is $50 per commuter or $65 to stay overnight. As always, no one will be turned away due to finances. For reservations go to www.slcwichita.org or call (316) 744-0167.

Monthly Mass with Children at the SLC on June 19
Caregivers and their small children are invited to the monthly “KidsPrayToo!: Mass with Children” at the Spiritual Life Center Friday, June 19.
Mass begins at 11:15 a.m. when Fr. Ken Van Haverbeke will speak to the young children. The Mass gives parents and caregivers an opportunity to teach their children without worrying about disturbing other Mass goers around them.
All families are invited to pack a lunch to enjoy in the dining room, in the courtyard, or bring a picnic blanket to enjoy lunch on the grass. No registration necessary.

Fr. William Meninger to offer retreat on forgiveness June 20 at the SLC
WICHITA – Father William Meninger of St. Benedict’s Monastery in Snowmass, Colo., will present a one-day retreat Saturday, June 20, based on his best-selling book, “The Process of Forgiveness” at the Spiritual Life Center.
Christianity, he says, is not the only religion to command forgiveness. Forgiveness “is at the heart of every significant religious, philosophical, ethical, psychological or even political construct.”
Father Meninger will talk about how we have most likely forgiven many times, yet we often re-experience the hurt we have been trying to forget. He will also cover the topics of: How our lives and relationships are affected. How do we forgive? How do we move beyond the hurts and take them to God?
Father Meninger has worked on an Indian Reservation and with Mexican traveling workers for six years. In 1963 he entered the Trappists at St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts. In 1974 he was transferred to St. Benedict’s Monastery in Snowmass, Colo., where he served as prior, vocation director, novice master, and teacher of theology and scripture.
He has taught at the Center for Biblical Studies in Jerusalem and at the Trappist Monastery of Latroun. He also did graduate studies at Seattle University, Harvard Divinity School, and Boston University. He leaves the monastery only four times a year.
Registration for Fr. Meninger’s retreat is $100. To register, visit www.slcwichita.org. For more information, contact Sharon Gash, retreat moderator, at (316) 214-1971 or slgash53@gmail.com.

Wichita Adore Ministries sets it summer schedule of fun, adoration
Wichita Adore Ministries will kick off its “Summer of Joy 2015” Saturday, June 6, at St. Peter Parish, Schulte.
Activities such as kickball, a bonfire, a street dance along with food, Mass, and adoration will be held from 5 to 11:30 p.m.
Wichita Adore Ministries, which works with the diocesan Office of Faith Formation, is a ministry of the Eucharist.
According to a news release from the ministry, “What used to be a few people going to pray together has grown by God’s grace into large adoration events hosted at parishes all over the Diocese of Wichita and state of Kansas. After forming into a nonprofit organization last fall, Wichita Adore has continued to meet the needs of its growing outreach.”
Here is a calendar of WAM events for the summer.
June 6 – Summer Kick-Off, kickball, food, Mass adoration, bonfire, and street dance; St. Peter Schulte, 5-11:30 p.m.
June 9 – The Body and the Blood, adoration and pancake feed; St. Teresa of Avila, 7:30-10 p.m.
June 18 – Thy Kingdom Come, adoration and dance; St. Patrick’s Wichita, 7-10:30 p.m.
June 23 – The Narrow Gate, talk, adoration, and dessert bar; St. Mary’s Derby, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
July 1 – Adoration Under the Stars, outdoor adoration; St. Joseph Ost, 8:45-10:30 p.m.
July 10 – Grace Upon Grace, adoration; St. Anthony/St. Rose Wellington, 7:30-9 p.m.
July 24 – Faith on Fire, dinner, adoration, and dance; Christ the King, Wichita, 6-11 p.m.
Aug. 5 – “And the Greatest of These is Love,” Wichita Adore Ministries dinner theatre benefit event, formal dinner followed by musical review, “And the Greatest of These is Love.” Dinner 6:30 p.m., show 8 p.m.
Aug. 6 – Transformed in Christ, meditation, adoration, and dance; Sacred Heart, Colwich, 7:30-11:00 p.m.
Aug. 10 – The Beginning and the End, adoration and dance; St. Joseph’s Wichita, 7-10 p.m.
Aug. 13 – Jam for the Lamb, praise and worship, meditation, adoration; St. Francis of Assisi, Wichita, gymnasium, 7-9 p.m.

Cana Counseling offers Just for Girls group this summer
WICHITA – A Just for Girls group for middle school aged girls is planned this summer by Cana Counseling at Catholic Charities.
The group will focus on skill building around communication, problem solving, setting boundaries, and conflict resolution, all facilitated through fun group activities and personal reflection. Topics such as handling yourself on social media will also be addressed.
The group will be facilitated by Erin Connelly Marceau, a licensed master social worker, who also serves as a school counselor. Marceau said that a group experience over the summer can help a young girl have a great start to the next school year.
“A group like this can empower her to handle situations with friends, boys, social media and generally with teen issues better,” she said. “Our group will be uplifting, fun, and encouraging. The girls may not even realize all they are learning!”
The group costs $50 per participant for eight sessions and runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday during the weeks of July 13 and July 20 at the Cana Counseling offices at 437 N. Topeka.
To register or for more information, call (316) 263-6941 to register or visit www.CanaCounseling.org.

Homeschool graduates honored May 16
Bishop Carl A. Kemme celebrated a Mass for area Catholic homeschool graduates Saturday, May 16, at Sacred Heart Church in Colwich.
Concelebrating were Fathers Kenneth Schuckman, David Lies, Darrin May and Colin Boor.
Honored at the event were Holy Family Home Educators high school graduates and eighth grade students celebrating their promotion. A commencement exercise and reception honoring the students achievements was held after Mass.

Diocesan Catholic high schools graduate 554

The four Catholic high schools of the Diocese of Wichita graduated 554 students in ceremonies last month in Pittsburg, Hutchinson, and Wichita. Bishop Carl A. Kemme was the speaker at all four events.

St. Mary’s Colgan
St. Mary’s Colgan in Pittsburg graduated 34 students May 13 in St. Mary’s Fieldhouse. Ryan Higginbotham was named valedictorian and received the Bishop Maloney Award and Msgr. Barth Award. He is the son of Dennis and Joan Higginbotham.
Salutatorian was Stephanie Oyibo, the daughter of Alphonus and Edith Oyibo, who also received the Bishop’s Crest Award and Msgr. Barth Award. All are members of our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Other recipients of Msgr. Barth Awards were Alyssa Patterson and Emily Sanders.

Trinity Catholic High School
Trinity Catholic High School graduated 45 seniors May 16 at a ceremony in the school gymnasium.
Five students were named valedictorians: Konner Brening, the son of Kevin and Pat Brening and members of Holy Cross Parish; Thomas Fink, the son of Jerome and Teresa Fink, members of Holy Cross; Khoi Nguyen, the son of Quan Nguyen and Dao Mai; Hannah Yackley, the daughter of Mark and Laura Yackley, members of Holy Cross; and Kayla Mesh, the daughter of Paul and Mari Mesh, members of Holy Cross. Mesh also won the Bishop Maloney Award, and the Msgr. Barth Award.
The salutatorian was Jacinta Bergkamp, the daughter of Joe and Joann Bergkamp. They are members of Sacred Heart Parish, Halstead. Joseph Hale, the son of Steve and Amy Hale received the Bishop’s Crest Award. The Hales are members of Holy Cross Parish.

Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School
Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School in Wichita graduated 197 students May 17 at Century II Concert Hall. Matthew Wells, the son of Blake and Christine Wells, was named valedictorian. They are members of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Wichita.
Paul Patton, the son of Tim and Ann Patton, was named salutatorian. The Pattons are members of Blessed Sacrament, Wichita. Elizabeth “Libbi” Jessen, the daughter of J.R. and Kristin Jessen, received the Bishop’s Crest Award. They are members of Blessed Sacrament, Wichita.
Thomas Harrington, the son of Robert and Elaine Harrington, received the Bishop Maloney Award. They are members of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Receiving Msgr. Barth Awards were Wells, Patton, Harrington, Monica Davied, and Lynette Wolf.

Bishop Carroll Catholic High School
Bishop Carroll Catholic High School graduated 278 students May 17 at the school’s Activities Complex. Kellie Griffin was named valedictorian. She is the daughter of Lance and Theresa Griffin, members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Wichita. She also received the Bishop Maloney Award and Msgr. Barth Award.
Three students were named salutatorians: John DeGraffenreid, the son of Ronald and Mary DeGraffenreid, members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Wichita; William Lies, the son of Joe and Linda Lies, members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish; and Rachel Schwindt, the daughter of John and Jody Schwindt. They are members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.
Receiving the Bishop’s Crest Award was Jen Haung Chuang, the daughter of Kwun-Ming Jaung and Li-Fang Hung of Taiwan. Chaung is a foreign exchange student whose host parents are Nabil and Tammy Bacha, members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Receiving Msgr. Barth Awards were Lies, Schwindt, Seth Arnold, and Addison McGill.

Barth, McNeill awards announced
The Catholic School Office has announced the recipients of the Msgr. Barth Scholar Award and the Msgr. Leon McNeill Scholar award recipients.

Msgr. Arthur Barth Scholar Award
Kayla Mesh of Trinity Catholic High School, Hutchinson.
Ryan Higginbotham, Stephanie Oyibo, Alyssa Patterson and Emily Sanders of St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic High School, Pittsburg.
Seth Arnold, Kellie Griffin, William Lies, Addison McGill and Rachel Schwindt of Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, Wichita.
Monica Davied, Thomas Harrington, Paul Patton, Matthew Wells and Lynette Wolf of Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, Wichita.
Msgr.

Leon McNeil Scholar Award
Natalie Klosterman and Kadi Stithem, St. Mary Parish Catholic School, Derby; Joseph Robl Vinduska, Holy Spirit Catholic School, Goddard; Caeli Clennan, Jordan Galliher, Morgan Hammersmith and Katie Neal, Trinity Catholic Junior High School, Hutchinson; Alexis Clapp, St. Andrew Catholic School, Independence; Aidan Hill, Joseph Leland and Drew Leroux, St. Patrick Catholic School, Kingman; Cassidy Seiwert, St. Joseph Catholic School, Ost; Rebecca Bogner and Emma Feess, St. Patrick Catholic School, Parsons;
Ella Marie Battitori, Garrett Bolinger, Emily Dechant, Catherine Farmer, Amber Kratz, Aubri Piccini and Vanessa Yaghmour, St. Mary’s Colgan Junior High School, Pittsburg; Lily Nguyen, Natalie Oduor and Kathy Pham, All Saints Catholic School; Justin Real, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School; Josie Buresh, Christ the King Catholic School; Haley Dougherty, Holy Savior Catholic Academy; Catherine Gimino, Matthew Hogan, Emily Michaelis and Jared Welsby, Magdalen Catholic School;
Andrew Boeding, Resurrection Catholic School; McKenna Daugherty, Julia Iseman and Julia Johnson, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School; Cooper McGill, Calvin Morgan, Scotney Reichenberger, Lauren Steven and Kyle Tran, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School;
Abigail Dresher, St. Joseph Catholic School; Katherine Whittington, St. Jude Catholic School; Tuyen Hoang and Conrad Sissell, St. Patrick Catholic School; Chloe Allmond, Amanda Brand, Emily Brand, Jenna Dugan, Addison Duling, Rebecca Hageman and Mark Linnebur, St. Peter Catholic School; and Robert Ahern, Emme Bina, Kaegan Cowan, Jordan Ehrke, Mary Klausmeyer, Jack Niederee, Matthew Schrock, Caleb Stadler and Avery Urban of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, Wichita.

About the Msgr. McNeill Awards
The Msgr. Leon McNeill Eighth Grade Scholar Award recognizes eighth grade students who are generally A students and have no more than one grade of B, scored Exemplary rank on the most recent Diocesan Religion assessment and State Mathematics and Reading assessments, have an exemplary conduct record and received a rating of at least 15 on the Grade School Recommendation. These students have been approved by their Pastor as being active parish members.

About the Msgr. Barth Awards
The Msgr. Arthur Barth High School Scholar Award recognizes high school seniors who have all A’s, with the exception of one B in an honors class. These students have taken at least eight hours of honors courses, have a minimum ACT score of 30 (or an SAT score of 1340 on the 1600 point scale or 2000 on the 2400 point scale), and an exemplary discipline record. In addition, they are active in parish stewardship, have the recommendation of the Pastoral Care Director of their respective high school, been involved in at least two school activities, and demonstrated effective leadership in at least one organization.

The celebration of the Fortnight for Freedom in the Diocese of Wichita will take place from June 21 to July 4, a time when the church’s liturgical calendar celebrates a series of martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power – St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher, St. John the Baptist, SS. Peter and Paul, and the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome.
According to Vatican II’s “Dignitatis Humanae,” religious freedom includes freedom of worship, but it also includes the freedom for private individuals to live their faith in the workplace and to advocate in the public square those truths and values that flow from faith.
Moreover, authentic religious freedom includes the freedom of churches and church organizations to conduct their schools, social services and other activities in accordance with their beliefs and teachings.

Activities scheduled for this year’s ‘Fortnight For Freedom: Freedom to Bear Witness to the Gospel’

June 21: 6 p.m., Fortnight for Freedom begins, pray a rosary for the intention of religious freedom, and for all fathers. Ask God to guide them to be good and loving role models for their children.
June 22: 6 p.m., Patriotic Rosary Walk at Spiritual Life Center, Wichita.
June 23: Fast and pray on behalf of the fundamental right to religious freedom
June 24: Pray for the success of those organizations and companies in litigation fighting for Religious Freedom. Learn more at www.becketfund.org.
June 25: 6 p.m., Freedom Picnic Horseshoe Shelter Sedgwick County Park: Enjoy patriotic music, old fashioned games, food and fun. Bring lawn chairs and your own picnic dinner.
June 26: Noon, attend Fourth Friday Rally for Religious Freedom, Life and Defense of Marriage
June 27: Pray for an end to the challenges to religious liberty in countries where Christians are being persecuted or killed. Learn more at www.usccb.org
June 28: Holy Spirit, Goddard, Holy Hour for Religious Freedom and Defense of Marriage followed by Litany for Freedom and light reception
June 29: Celebrate Marriage Day: Suggested Reading: “The Defense of Marriage and the Right of Religious Freedom: Reaffirming a Shared Witness.” Can be found on USCCB website.
June 30: Pray a rosary or other prayer for those who have and are serving in the military protecting our freedom
July 1: 6 p.m., Diocesan Mass for Religious Freedom at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, celebrating Blessed Junipero Serra
July 2: Host a Catholic movie night at your house, invite friends and family
July 3: Meatless Friday, write to your legislators in support of religious freedom
July 4: 9 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Church followed by patriotic rosary and homemade cinnamon rolls, 311 S. 5th St., in Colwich.

Bishop Kemme declares celebration between June 7, 2015 - June 9, 2016, in priest’s honor
By Gemma Rajewski
The Most Rev. Carl A. Kemme, Bishop of Wichita, has declared a Year of Father Kapaun, beginning June 7, 2015, and concluding June 9, 2016.
Father Emil Kapaun was a priest of the Diocese of Wichita who died in 1951 in a North Korean prisoner of war camp. His cause for beatification is currently being considered by the Vatican.
“The reason behind this year is that there are a lot of significant events regarding Father Kapaun going on this year,” Father John Hotze said. “The most important is that the bishop will be presenting the positio to the Congregation for Saints. The positio is the story of Father Kapaun’s life. The postulator in Rome is currently working it and he should have it done for the bishop to present when the bishop is there on pilgrimage.” Bishop Kemme is traveling to Rome in November.
Other events that will be coming up are the 75th anniversary of his ordination on June 9; the centennial of his birth, April 20, 2016; and the 65th anniversary of his death, on May 23, 2016.
“All these things culminating prompted the bishop to choose this year as a time to honor Father Kapaun and designate as the Year of Father Kapaun,” Fr. Hotze said.
There will be several different events throughout the year including presentations in schools and parishes on Father Kapaun, monthly Masses at the Spiritual Life Center, and a visit from Dr. Ambrosi, the postulator for Father Kapaun’s cause. A postulator is an official who presents a plea for beatification or canonization.
A calendar of activities, which are still being planned, is available under the “About” menu at the Fr. Kapaun Cause page of www.FatherKapaun.org.

Year of Fr. Kapaun summer events
Summer events for the Year of Father Kapaun are as follows:
June 7 – Father Kapaun Day Mass at Pilsen
June 9 – 75th Anniversary of Father Kapaun’s Ordination
June 19 – Visit from Dr. Ambrosi, postulator
July 1 – Monthly Father Kapaun Mass at the Spiritual Life Center, 7 p.m.
Aug. 5 – Monthly Father Kapaun Mass at the Spiritual Life Center, 7 p.m.

Bishop Carl A. Kemme told the five men ordained to the priesthood that he could not propose a greater example and model for their priesthood – other than Christ – than Father Emil Kapaun.
“Just as Father Kapaun could not have known what awaited him after the day of his ordination, you cannot predict what lies ahead for your priestly service,” Bishop Kemme said Saturday, May 23, to the five young men sitting in front of him in the sanctuary of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita.
“If, whatever it is, you meet it with the same desire to serve, as Father Kapaun did, then you too will receive what he received, the grace to give it all. It is only when we give of ourselves, as Jesus did, as Father Kapaun did, that our priesthood has any real value, any real meaning.”
Bishop Kemme said he prays that the newly ordained priests will be so selfless and virtuous in service that they will be known as priests of the same caliber as Father Kapaun.
“If that is the legacy you leave behind, then after what we hope will be a long, fruitful, and joy-filled ministry as a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, God will bring to fulfillment what he has begun in each of you today.”
Bishop Kemme said the five – Fathers Devin Burns, Josh Evans, Curtis Hecker, Zach Pinaire, and P.J. Voegeli – were an indescribable gift to the Diocese of Wichita.
“These men come from the heart of our local church, born and raised here, and today raised to a dignity of which no one can ever claim to be worthy. They are chosen for a participation in a ministry that will have far reaching consequences which go well beyond the borders of our time and this place, a ministry that will find its completion in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Bishop Kemme thanked the Rev. Mr. Gabriel Greer at his ordination the evening before for his willingness to serve the church.
“As a deacon, Gabe, you will be a constant reminder to us of the sacramental presence of Christ the servant. We pray you will find great happiness in this ministry as you deepen it with the passing of the years.”
Although, God-willing Greer will be ordained a priest next year, Bishop Kemme said, “we nonetheless carry our call to diaconal service with us. In other words, we priests never really stop being deacons, though our priestly and in my case episcopal ministries occupy our attention and focus.
“But we nonetheless must always carry in our hearts the desire the church has for you today, to live as a servant, ordained as such, in imitation of the one who came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for the many.”
Bishop Kemme said Greer’s ordination demands a gift of total self. “That is why they promise lifelong celibacy consecrating themselves in the totality of their being as a living sign here on earth of the Kingdom of Heaven.”
The promise of obedience and respect deacons give to their bishop is always done in collaboration with the bishop and never apart from him, Bishop Kemme said. “Deacons receive their ministry from the bishop who is the visible sign of the fullness of ecclesial life and communion. The ministry of the deacon serves this communion. It is for this reason that the bishop alone imposes hands on the deacon and not the priests or deacons.”
Until he is ordained to the priesthood, Bishop Kemme said to Deacon Greer: “Be a faithful deacon, a holy deacon, a deacon whose heart beats with love and the desire to build up Christ’s Body, the church here on earth.”

Where are the new priests going?
Here are the Wichita parish assignments of the newly ordained: Fr. Devin Burns, St. Margaret Mary; Fr. Josh Evans, St. Francis of Assisi; Fr. Curtis Hecker, Blessed Sacrament; Fr. Zach Pinaire, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton; and Fr. P.J. Voegeli, St. Catherine of Sienna.

The diocesan Office of Faith Formation has developed a mobile device app that will make it easier for youth and adults to learn about and to register for OFF programs.

“The real purpose behind the app is to be able to allow – especially youth – to recognize the various Office of Faith Formation opportunities they have at the diocesan level for the formation of their faith,” according to Father Jarrod Lies, director of the office.

One of the biggest challenges the office has, he said, is the dissemination of information. “One of the biggest handicaps that the office has is simple knowledge. The OFF is supposed to be a service and support to the diocese, to parish priests, to youth ministers, catechists, and to youth themselves. And the only support that you can give is the support that is known.”

Father Lies said the app makes the office’s programs and events more accessible. “With a quick look they can see nearly 24 different events and programs that we are able to offer here.”

The app has two purposes, Father Lies said: for information and for registration.

“So, if a youth or a minister or pastor is interested, they can just push the button that goes straight to the website information on it, and there’s also various parts that can be registered through that particular app as well. And so in a world of apps, it’s probably one of the most efficient ways for people to learn at a quick glance what the office has to offer.”

The app took about four months of prayer and work to complete, he said.

Alyssa Standridge, the office’s secretary and receptionist, took the lead in coordinating its development.

“The app has been more work than what was originally understood and she has done a marvelous job working with the different app developers, with Google, and iPhone as well, to be able to bring it about,” Fr. Lies said.

DOWNLOADS FOR BOTH APPLE AND ANDROID DEVICES HERE.

Bishop Kemme makes three priest changes
Bishop Carl A. Kemme has announced three presbyteral appointments effective July 1:
The Rev. Bernard X. Gorges, pastor, St. John in Clonmel, in addition to his current assignment as pastor, St. Peter, Schulte.
The Rev. Thomas M. Hoisington, priest in service to the pastor of St. John in Clonmel and St. Peter in Schulte with residence at St. John in Clonmel in addition to his current assignment as chaplain of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters of Wichita; rescinding his previous appointment as chaplain of the Catholic Care Center, Wichita.
Rescind the appointment of the Rev. Andrew H. Kuykendall as pastor of St. John in Clonmel, who will remain as chaplain of the Catholic Care Center, Wichita.

Bishop Kemme’s calendar
Here is Bishop Carl A. Kemme’s calendar for the next month.
June 19-21: Steubenville of the Rockies, Denver
June 24: Confirmation Mass at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Name Parish in Winfield
June 25: Harvest House anniversary Mass and luncheon
June 27: Fiat Mass and lunch
June 27-28: Parish pastoral visit to St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Schulte
July: Limited meetings and public appearances
July 5: New rector installation Mass at Cathedral in Wichita
July 19: New pastor installation Mass at Church of the Magdalen in Wichita
July 23: Camp Totus Tuus, Lyons
July 25: New pastor installation Mass at St. Anthony in Wichita
July 26: New pastor installation Mass at St. Michael in Girard

St. Joseph nurses reunion Aug. 15
The St. Joseph Nursing Alumni will have a reunion Saturday, Aug. 15, in the McNamara Education Center at Via Christi Hospital St. Joseph in Wichita.
A luncheon will begin at 11 a.m. and a reception at 1 p.m.
Additional information is available after 5 p.m. by calling (316) 648-4338.

Salina Diocese Catholic Men’s Conference Aug. 8
The fourth annual Salina Diocesan Men’s Conference will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Parish in Russell. The conference is open to all men including high school juniors and seniors.
Tom Peterson from “Catholics Come Home” will speak about “Our World Needs Catholic Heroes” and “Confession Ignites the New Evangelization.”
Peter Herbeck from Revival Ministries and EWTN’s Crossing The Goal will speak about Freedom Found In Jesus Christ” and “Men on a Mission.”
The conference costs $35 for men and $15 for students, before the July 28 deadline. To register, visit www.salinadiocese.org.

Formation for marriage mentor couples June 27-28 at St. Joseph Pastoral Center
The diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life will offer Mentor Couple Formation weekends for married couples who wish to be part of the Marriage Preparation Process in their parishes.
Mentor couples, with their personal examples and life journey, assist the engaged and newly married, and play a key role within a comprehensive marriage preparation process. The purpose of this formation is to equip couples with a deeper understanding of the sacrament of marriage and improve their ability to convey to particular life skills essential for a healthy and happy marriage.
The first weekend is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at the St. Joseph Pastoral Center, 437 N. Topeka in Wichita.
To learn more about becoming a mentor couple, contact your local parish or call (316) 685-5240.

Calendar to pray for priests or seminarians available at website
Those who wish to pray for the priests of the Diocese of Wichita may visit the Vocations page of CatholicDioceseOfWichita.org.
At the lower right of the page is a small calendar with the name of a priest or a seminarian for which the visitor can pray. The window also contains a Google calendar link to place the calendar on a personal Google calendar, and a link to subscribe or download the calendar.

St. Dymphna meeting monthly in Hutchinson
The St. Dymphna Hope through Faith Group meets monthly at one of the three Catholic Churches in Hutchinson.
The group serves parishioners with mental disorders and helps members find support and acceptance in the church, helps them to become more engaged with the church, and supports them in getting to Mass and receiving the sacraments.
For more information or meetings times and location, contact Bea at (620) 665-5163.

Struggling with same sex attractions?
Have you had these feelings for so long…keeping them hidden, afraid to speak out? Where do you go now?
The Diocese of Wichita offers spiritual support and fellowship for men and women with same sex attractions who are striving to live chaste lives.
Contact iNeedHelpFather@gmail.com or the Office of Marriage and Family Life at (316) 685-5240.

Team coordinating youth stewardship
A group of seminarians and college students are spending much of their summer helping others give of their time and talent in the Diocese of Wichita.
A Prayer & Action team will spend the summer coordinating weeks of service projects for college age and high school youth throughout the diocese.
The team visited St. Patrick Parish, Wichita, June 7-12, and will visit St. Joseph, McPherson, and St. Andrew, Independence, later this month and through mid-July. About 250 in total will participate in the mission activity of prayer, community, and service.

St. Patrick School principal, students in Kingman part of TV game show
A spotlight will shine once again on St. Patrick Catholic School in Kingman. This time the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classes will be the stars.
Principal Bob Lyall was contacted by the show to participate as a “satellite” school for the FOX network’s “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader” game show hosted by comedian Jeff Foxworthy.
A film crew arrived Jan. 22 to tape Lyall, school representative Hayley Hughes, and the rest of the students. But, the only questions they had to answer were about St. Patrick School.
The students are a part of the June 30 airing of the game show because one of the contestants in the studio made it to the $10,000 level. St. Patrick School will win $10,000 if the contestant answers correctly. If not, the school wins $1,000.
Lyall said he believes St. Patrick’s was chosen to be a part of the game show because of the school’s National Blue Ribbon Award and his Terrell H. Bell Award, both from the U.S. Department of Education.
No photos were allowed to be taken during the taping.
Will St. Patrick School win $10,000?
The game show “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader” in which St. Patrick’s School in Kingman is featured will air at 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, on FOX, which broadcasts in the Wichita area on channel 24, and on channel 4 on Cox Communications cable.

Summer 2015 Totus Tuus teams
Here are photos of this year’s Totus Tuus catechetical teams who will be visiting parishes throughout the Diocese of Wichita along with the camp team. They are named front row, from left.