Our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has granted an indulgence to the Catholic Faithful who, during the Year for Priests, from 19 June 2009 to 11 June 2010, with proper disposition and under certain and clearly defined conditions, perform particular pious works on behalf of Priests.

Plenary indulgence
For a plenary indulgence, the proper disposition is freedom from the attachment to sin, even venial sin. The certain and clearly defined conditions are: performing the pious work at the time and the manner specified; making a confession of sins to a Priest either several days before or after performing the pious work; receiving Holy Communion either several days before or after performing the pious work; and praying the Our Father and the Hail Mary for the intentions of the Holy Father, again either several days before or after performing the pious work. It is fitting that these last two conditions be fulfilled on the same day that the pious work is performed.

Continue reading Pope Benedict grants indulgence during this Year for Priests

Seminarian Anthony D’Ambrosio hangs on as brother seminarian Ignacio Olvera Ortiz turns a corner at Wichita’s Calvary Cemetery, the site of their summer job. (Advance photos)

By Deacon Patrick Reilley
It’s summer, and all the seminarians are home from their studies.
For many, it means finding typical summer jobs: mowing lawns, maintenance or retail work.
However this summer seven seminarians from the Catholic Diocese of Wichita have been given the opportunity to work more directly with their studies.
Anthony D’Ambrosio, Isaac Dennis, Marco DeLoera, Daniel Duling, Jeremy Huser, Jason Knauf and Ignacio Olvera-Ortiz are working throughout the diocese doing what have been traditionally called the “corporal works of mercy”.
Originally enumerated by the medieval scholastics, there are seven corporal works of mercy: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead.

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By Heather Welch
KINGMAN – The St. Gianna Health Clinic at St. Patrick Parish has received a $20,000 grant from the state of Kansas. The clinic is scheduled to open Sept. 19.
The grant will be used to purchase prescription medication, to train volunteers and board members, and to buy other medical and office supplies, including software, to enter patient information and determine need.
“God is good and we are thrilled with the grant,” said clinic director, Melissa Riopel. “But it doesn’t go as far as we need. We have start-up costs that we can’t use this money for since it won’t pay for capital expenditures. We will rely on private donations as well.”

Continue reading New Kingman health clinic gets state grant

Diocesan office urging youth to plan early, save money for trip
Planning is underway for the next March for Life Jan. 19-24 in Washington, D.C.
It’s hot outside but Tama Dutton, director of the diocesan Respect Life and Social Justice Office, wants youth and their adult chaperones to start thinking about the cold.
“I would like to encourage the pro-life leadership in parishes to promote the March for Life pilgrimage to the youth of their parishes now. Many times I meet youth who truly want to participate, but cannot because of financial concerns. The summer months are a great time to organize fund raising efforts.”
The cost to attend the 2010 March for Life Pilgrimage is $300 per person for youth and adult chaperones and $200 per person for priests and religious. The fee includes three nights stay at Crowne Plaza Tyson’s Corner, special pilgrimage Masses – including one at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception – a Shorter Christian Prayer Book, a souvenir accessory and guide book, time for plenty of sight seeing, and round trip transportation provided by Prestige Charter buses. Buses will leave from Wichita and from Parsons after send-off Masses in those cities.
Continue reading Plans for March For Life 2010 in Washington, D.C., take big stride

The parents of the priests of the Diocese of Wichita have organized to stay in touch socially and to spiritually support their sons.
POPS is the brainchild of David and Patty Lies and Bob and Janet Hay, parents of Fr. David and Fr. Jarrod Lies, and Fr. John Hay. While attending the Totus Tuus Banquet in 2008 they approached Bishop Michael O. Jackels and jokingly said that they missed the social and spiritual opportunities that were available to them as parents of seminarians.
They told him that once their sons were ordained to the priesthood the occasions for parents to gather seemed to end. The Bishop empathized with their dilemma and told them that they should do something about it. So they did.
Continue reading Parents of Priests help their sons, others

By Heather Welch
Fr. Robert Barron, the “podcasting priest,” is the featured speaker for the 2009 Kansas Association of Religious Educators Conference Friday, July 24, at the Holiday Inn Holidome in Salina. The conference is sponsored by the four Kansas diocesan offices of religious education.
Fr. Barron is a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and is the main contributor to Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, which emphasizes the use of contemporary forms of media and innovative communication technologies to draw people into or back to the Catholic faith.
Continue reading ‘Podcasting Priest’ to speak at KARE conference July 24

WICHITA – During his first year of medical school at the University of Kansas, Paul Cleland listened to lectures about abortion procedures and artificial contraception, but heard very little about natural family planning.
After spending a summer working with Judith Leonard, director of the diocesan Family Life and Natural Family Planning Office, Cleland, a Bishop Carroll Catholic High School graduate, will be capable of educating his fellow medical students about the beauty and the advantages of natural family planning.
After their first year of medical school, students are given the option of working in a clinic, doing research, or other related work. Cleland chose to learn about how to improve awareness of natural family planning.

Continue reading Medical student getting a different perspective about family planning

The faithful of Sacred Heart Parish, Colwich, celebrated two special occasions Friday, June 19: the patronal feast of their parish, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the blessing and dedication of their new building addition.
“Gather Your people, Oh Lord,” they sang as Bishop Michael O. Jackels, Pastor Fr. Ken Schuckman, and 11 of their brother priests – seven of whom are native sons of Colwich – processed from the new gathering place into the church for the celebration of Mass. Bishop Jackels blessed the new facilities following Mass.
Continue reading Bishop blesses addition at Sacred Heart, Colwich

Monsignor Robert Hemberger blessed the new renovation at Catholic Care Center, assisted by residents Fern Lakey and John Landis.

Monsignor Robert Hemberger, vicar general of the Diocese of Wichita and chair of the Catholic Care Center board, officially blessed and dedicated the care center’s Sunflower Lane and The Meadows Wednesday, May 20.
The renovation features expanded dining and commons areas, a new door to the courtyard, a new bathing room, staff work areas and new food service center.
The remodeling of Sunflower Lane provides a new neighborhood setting for residents.  Completion of the $2.5 million expansion and remodeling project also opened up a new living room for the Meadows.

Continue reading Two areas blessed at Catholic Care Center in Wichita

TEC celebrates 25 years in diocese
The Teens Encounter Christ movement, introduced to the Diocese of Wichita in 1984, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in the diocese with a year-long celebration throughout 2009.
A 25th anniversary party will be held for the diocesan TEC community and their families on Sunday, July 19, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 853 N. Socora, Wichita. The day will start with a 1 p.m. Mass, followed by social time and games, a TEC picture slideshow, a special anniversary ceremony at 4:30, and a covered dish dinner at 5.
Continue reading Youth news

St. Margaret Nugent Scholarship taking applications; deadline July 24
Applications are now being accepted for the 2009 Sister Margaret Nugent Scholarship.
Sr. Margaret, a member of the Congregation of St. Joseph, has been in education for over 50 years.  She has been the principal at St. Anne School, Wichita, for the last 20 years.  
Sister has encouraged, mentored, and supported many teachers to complete their degrees. Many have gone on to receive prestigious awards for their service in education and many have also come back to teach in our diocese.
Continue reading Diocesan news

SEAS to host Marian mission from July 29 through Aug. 4
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Wichita, will host a Marian Mission from July 29 through Aug. 4.
The mission will be led by Madonna Tota Pulchra, a group of about 10 Catholic women from Madonna University in Livonia, Mich. The women will showcase an authentic Catholic approach to life which embraces the virtues of Mary.
Talks begin at 7 p.m. after a 6:30 p.m. rosary .“Catechism for Kids” (childcare) will be provided on July 29, 30, Aug. 1 and 3.
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Larry Dostert chosen for hall of fame
Bishop Carroll Catholic High School athletic director Larry Dostert has been voted into the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame, located at 4700 East Central.
Larry’s career at BCCHS started in the fall semester of 1984 as a physical science teacher and freshman/sophomore basketball coach. Later his duties expanded as chemistry teacher, cross country and track coach. In 1994 he was named athletic director.

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“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”
-Charles Dickins, A Tale of Two Cities.
By Tama Dutton
I read these words for the first time in a required Literature class at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School at the ripe old age of 16. In my youth I could not grasp the implications and wisdom of Dickins’ words. However, after being on God’s earth for 51 years, I can now relate to how one can truly live through the best and worst of times all at the same time!
As I compose these thoughts no abortions are being performed in my hometown so it is the best of times in my world. Since this point in time occurred because of the murder of a fellow human being I can also say it is the worst of times in my world. This dilemma I found myself suddenly in, has caused me to reexamine what it means to me to be a pro-life Catholic.
Continue reading Human life is sacred from conception to natural death

Editor’s note: Beginning Sunday, July 12, several experienced spiritual directors will be available for a special individually directed retreat opportunity at the Spiritual Life Center in Wichita that will last 5-8 days. This is a reflection from one of those directors.
Saint Augustine stated centuries ago, “Our hearts will not rest until they rest in thee, O Lord.” Perhaps today, more then in past generations, that restlessness is intensified due to the complexity of our secular society, cultural forces of alienation, materialism defeatism and demands placed upon our personal and professional lives.
By Sr. Marie Janousek
What is happening currently in your life? Do you have a felt need to integrate and make sense out of your life at a higher level of meaning? Do you desire and pursue with earnestness personal growth in your faith life to recognize God’s mysterious and loving presence with you in all levels of your being and your experiences? Do you long to rediscover a felt presence of God?
Continue reading Individually directed retreats available at SLC after July 12

Second program offers up to half-off tuition for area residents who are under- or unemployed

Newman offering vets low, no cost education
WICHITA – Newman University is participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs program that offers new G.I. Bill benefits to many post-9/11 military veterans – including a subsidy to access a high-quality private education at Newman at little or no cost.
The program, which goes into effect Aug. 1, is designed for veterans as well as active duty personnel and their family members who wish to attend a degree-granting, private college or university. It allows qualifying veterans or their designated family members to receive a subsidy for tuition and fees equal to the tuition and fees at the most expensive public institution in Kansas. In addition to this funding, Newman pledges to meet up to 50 percent of the difference between that subsidy and Newman’s costs, with the VA matching Newman’s contributions dollar-for-dollar. The result is little or no money out-of-pocket to the student.

Continue reading Newman participating in program to provide free tuition for military vets

WICHITA – The Catholic Family Federal Credit Union has purchased land for a new branch office near St. Francis of Assisi Church and Bishop Carroll Catholic High School.

Continue reading Catholic Family Credit Union to build new branch near St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Three Adorers of the Blood of Christ celebrated the 60th anniversary of their first profession Sunday, June 14, at the Wichita Center in Wichita.
Sisters Imelda Rose Hammeke, Mary Keven Rooney, and Florence Seib made their first profession as Adorers of the Blood of Christ on July 1, 1949, at the then Wichita Province.
Sr. Imelda Rose Hammeke was born in Ellinwood to John and Mary Schartz Hammeke. She entered the Adorers of the Blood of Christ in 1948 at Wichita and made her first profession in 1949. She received her bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart College in Wichita and an master’s in theology from Webster College in St. Louis.
Continue reading Adorers of the Blood of Christ Celebrate 60th anniversary of profession

On Sunday, May 24, several Adorers of the Blood of Christ celebrated the 65th, 70th and 75th anniversaries of their ?rst profession at the Wichita Center in Wichita, Kan. where they all currently reside.
65th Anniversary
Three women religious, Sr. Francella Bahr, Sr. Mary Ann Bahr and Sr. Mary Joseph Mies celebrated their 65th anniversary of ?rst profession.
Sr. Francella Bahr was born in Great Bend, Kan. Her ministry has been mainly in education spending most of her teaching career at St. Joseph School in Ellinwood, Kan. She continued there as a part-time paraprofessional and in ministry to the elderly. She also taught at schools in Offerle, Greenbush, and Spearville, Kan. Between 1963-1969, she served as Local Coordinator at the then Provincial house in Wichita, Kan.
Continue reading Adorers of the Blood of Christ celebrate anniversaries of profession