JULY 2015

Wichita, Kansas

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

THE V E R N A C U L A R

UPCOMING EVENTS

Midwest Catholic Family Conference Aug. 7-9, Century II Convention Center

SFA School Open House & Ice Cream Social Aug. 16, 2-4 p.m., SFA School & Cana Hall

First Day of School Aug. 19, SFA & BCCHS

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE PAID

WICHITA, KSPERMIT #152

Catholic Diocese of WichitaSt. Francis of Assisi861 N. SocoraWichita, KS 67212-3237

July brings changes to parish, diocese“Life is one big transition.” I

didn’t think I would be quoting the Pittsburgh Pirate slugger Willie Stargell this month, but it seemed to fit quite nicely. We are very blessed to welcome to our parish family Fathers Jarrod Lies and Josh Evans.

As we said goodbye last month to Fr. Daryl and Fr. Max, and watch Fr. Ben transition to Bishop Carroll, it seems like many changes are taking place all at once. Many changes did take place around our diocese with priests moving to new homes. What a wonderful opportunity for us as a church to learn and grow in our faith.

There is a sense of excitement and anticipation around the church as our new priests settle in over the next few months. Please pray for them. Hospitality has been at the root of our stewardship way of life here at

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Changes ... continued on page 2 Fr. Max and Fr. Daryl prepare to say goodbye to parishioners at a reception held in their honor. For more photos of the event, see p. 2. For photos of our two new priests, see p. 12.

July 2015 THE VERNACULAR

time to look ahead and also count our many blessings we have received. We start this fiscal year with a clean slate. There is no deficit to carry over from the previous year.

Thank you for sharing your gifts to make this possible. It did require us to spend some of our savings, which we hope to replenish very soon. A full financial report will be coming in August.

During any period of our lives

and especially in times of change or transition, it is good to look toward Jesus and his guidance.

In Luke, Chapter 12, Jesus says: “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid. ... Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs on your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

Jesus is here to guide us through any storm, every transition and in all our days. We are a people of faith and we are guided by the Holy Spirit. May we walk fearlessly as a parish family trusting in God that the Holy Spirit will guide us through any transition.

– Pat Burns, Director of Stewardship & Finance

St. Francis since its inception. Welcome them into your homes

and greet them after Mass. They are excited to get to know you and renew old friendships. The timing of the new parish directory could not have come at a better time. Putting faces and names together really helps in that process when you are trying to learn 8,000 parishioners’ names.

July is the start of a new fiscal year at the parish as well. A transition

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Parishioners gather at an open house reception to visit with Fr. Daryl and Fr. Max and wish them well at their next assignments. Cowboy boot centerpieces were inspired by Fr. Daryl’s favorite footwear.

July 2015THE VERNACULAR

Pastor’s first 5 weeks are ‘touchy landing’

Girls Club serves at Holy Family Camp

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Editor’s Note: This column was originally published in the July 5 Bulletin.

Greetings and God’s peace be with you!

After several weeks of anticipation and preparation, I am excited to finally be with you here at St. Francis of Assisi parish. What a blessing it is to be named as pastor of such a wonderful parish. I am grateful to the Holy Spirit who worked through Bishop Kemme to allow me to serve the people of St. Francis of Assisi.

While this is the first time that I have been assigned to St. Francis full time, this is not my first contact with this parish family. In fact, my connection to St. Francis goes back to my childhood. Having grown up in the neighboring parish of Christ the King, I was a member of the SFA Boy Scout troop since I was 11. I have fond memories of meeting in the basement under the gymnasium.

While I was a student at Bishop Carroll, I also had the habit of coming to the perpetual adoration chapel here, took advantage of the afternoon confession line and regularly went to the 5:30 daily Mass.

In fact, these three things (adoration, confession and daily Mass) played a major part in allowing me to hear the call to the priesthood, for which I will be forever grateful to SFA. I have also lived in residence

in the SFA rectory for five years while I served at Bishop Carroll as chaplain. It was during that time that Fr. Daryl lovingly referred to me as the “resident alien” in his basement. Well, Fr. Daryl, the “alien” has arisen.

For one of those five years, I was formally assigned as weekend help and celebrated many Masses with you. Finally, and perhaps my most extensive contact with the SFA parish family, I had the privilege of serving as the Chaplain at Bishop Carroll for eight years. During that time I estimate that I served more than 700 youth from St. Francis, of whom I have very fond memories, and many of whom still belong to the parish.

All of these connections to the SFA parish family make me elated to be your pastor, knowing that I have some history and familiarity with this blessed community.

But my first five weeks as your pastor will be somewhat of a “touchy landing.” As I am beginning my time here, I have the image of a plane landing on a runway. Sometimes when planes come in for a landing they bounce several times on the

pavement before finally resting on the ground. Well, that is sort of what is going to happen for the next five weeks.

Some of you may recall that I am undergoing studies for a higher degree (a Licentiate) in the New Evangelization. This summer I am beginning my second year of a four-year program at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, Mich. My first day of classes is July 6 and my last day is Aug. 7. However, my wheels will be “touching down” on some of the weekends because I will be flying back and forth while I am gone. This is why I call my start here “a touchy landing.”

Fr. Ben Green and Fr. Josh Evans will remain on campus to take care of the parish in my absence.

I want to thank Fr. Daryl for his 13 years of service as pastor at St. Francis. He made many improvements to parish life and fearlessly guided this community through a very challenging transition. His dedication to and love of the St. Francis parish family is a true example of a pastor’s heart; an example that I hope I can live up to.

Please pray for me. Without grace, nothing is possible. Your prayers will open the faucets of grace that will guide me as your pastor by the power of the Holy Spirit, in the person of Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father, unto the salvation of souls.

Sincerely in Christ, Fr. Jarrod

Because its individual members do collectively make up the Body of Christ, that body’s health and well-being are the responsibility of the members — the personal responsibility of each one of us. We all are stewards of the Church.

Stewardship Thought

Message From

THE PASTOR

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Members of the SFA St. Therese Girls Club serve biscuits and gravy with eggs to the campers and staff at the Holy Family camp on a Friday morning in June. The girls prepared 37 dozen eggs and 324 biscuits for the event.

July 2015 THE VERNACULAR

On May 18, 278 students graduated from Bishop Carroll Catholic High School.

Congratulations to the 72 BCCHS graduates from St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

Adam Bailey, Brittany Beeson, Bryce Bennett, Taylor Bevis, Aubrey Burgess, Janelle Carney, Nicholas Cerre, Chase Charles, Bolo Chavez, Michaela Cinotto, Taylor DeVore, Alan Dunmire, Kaitlyn Frangenberg, Elise Gallant, Ethan Graham, *Kellie Griffin, Brendan Hallacy, Danielle Hamilton.

Michael Hammer, Steven Harshberger, Caitlin Hawk, Megan Heng, Yolanda Hernandez, Kenny Ho, Samuel Honas, Elizabeth Hybl, Caleb Jurgensen, Ryan Kelly, Sarah Kotrba, Margaret Lallement, Makinna Lee, ***William Lies, Maggie Loibl, Trenton Lopez, Hannah Lyle, Courtnie Mainz, Keaten Mans, Sabrina Martinez, MacKenzie McElhiney, Robert McGee, Jaclyn Melillo.

Gabrielle Meyer, Jessica Minette, Jacob Morgan, Sierra Myers, Emma Navarro, Erik Nestor, Blake Newell, *Kevin Nguyen, Alan Nguyen, Madison Pascal, Dustin Poettker, Laura Quaney, Angelina Robledo, Claire Schauf, Kelsey Schippers, Braden Schnieders, Abbie Scott.

Derek Simon, Spencer Slane, Jordan Smith, Kyler Stalnaker, Jacob Streeter, Jonathan Thimesch, Victoria Thompson, Michael Timmermeyer, Lillian Tran, Michelle Tran, Anthony Trujillo, Maria Walden, Austin Weber, Madison Youngers.

Names marked with * received the Kansas State Scholar award, and those marked with ** received the Kansas Exceptional Academic Performance Award. Names marked with *** received both awards.

Some of the other awards won by SFA parishioners are as follows.

• Kellie Griffin – Valedictorian, Msgr. Arthur Barth Scholar Award

BCCHS graduates include 72 from SFA

CYM Monday

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CYM members enjoy a ‘Summer Monday’ in June. During the evening event, they played Ultimate Frisbee and kickball and watched an outdoor movie.

SFA’s William Lies (l) and Kellie Griffin (r) were salutatorian and valedictorian of BC’s Class of 2015.

BCCHS Graduates ... continued on next page

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CYM visits rectory for BBQ 5

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BAPTISMS

Haven Sue, daughter of Matt and Maddison Horsch, on June 6

David Hien, son of Daniel and Trinh Holth, on June 7

Chloe Thao-Anh, daughter of Nhan La and Suong Doan, on June 7

Xavier Tan Kalom, son of Vudom Vong and Tram Le, on June 7

Cooper Alexander, son of Santiago Munoz and Shelby Gallardo, on June 13

Braxton Ray, son of Branden and Rachel Eber, on June 14

Zeke Michael, son of Joel and Jacqueline Touchatt, on June 20

Allison Michelle, daughter of Duane and April Barkdull, on June 21

Rylie Renee, daughter of Candice Granger, on June 21

Luke Jerrod, son of Jerrod and Alison Schuster, on June 21

Gabriel Joseph, son of John and Kirsten Sponsel, on June 21

Archer William, son of Christopher and Allison Befort, on June 28

Braden August, son of Ben and Allison Langrehr, on June 28

Landon Michael, son of Michael and Julia Powell, on June 28

• William Lies – Salutatorian, Msgr. Arthur Barth Scholar Award, Kansas Governor’s Scholar, Business/Technology Award

• Aubrey Burgess – BC/KSHSAA Citizenship Award, Forensics Award, Newspaper Recognition

• Kaitlyn Frangenberg – Spirit of Song

• Angelina Robledo – Golden Eagle Choral Award

• Nicholas Cerre – Choral Director’s Award of Excellence

• Janelle Carney – Theatre Medal• Elizabeth Hybl – Newspaper

Recognition

BCCHS Graduates ... continued from page 4

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Cub Scouts from SFA Pack 762, along with parents and leaders, pose for a photo at Camp Kanza. At the camp, the boys had fun camping, fishing, canoeing, doing archery, shooting BB guns, and riding bikes.

Congrats, farewell to SFA 8th graders Parents, relatives and friends of

82 St. Francis of Assisi School eighth graders participated in a Farewell Mass at St. Francis on May 20 to celebrate and give thanks for the completion of the students’ grade school years. Our congratulations and prayers for the future go out to these students and their families.

Jack Aruskevicius, Brady Beal, Braden Becker, Connor Bennett, Brenna Bradley, *Chase Brouillette, Autumn Brown, Logan Carter, Zachary Cerre, Nolan Conrad, Elizabeth Cox, Isaac Elpers, Alec Esch, Gavin Evans, Madeline Floerchinger, *Dillon Frangenberg.

Alexander Fugarino, Madison Garcia, Marin Garcia, Steven Garcia, Alyssa Garrison, Tyler Gatley, Nathan Glover, Katelyn Graham, *Laila Haggar, Hunter Harris, *Brittyn Hipp, Britney Ho, Thomas Jimenez, Karly Johnson, *Hailey Kotrba, Emily Landon.

*Catherine Le, Carson Lee, Seth Lyle, Gunner Lynch, Rachel Mallory, *Marianna Martin, Alexis Marvin, Kody Marvin, †*Cooper McGill, Noah McPeak, *Katherine Melillo, Daniel Mies, Armond Morgan, †*Calvin Morgan, *Angela Nguyen, Vanessa Nguyen, Alexis Noblit.

Aaron Owen, Amanda Pearson, Anna Powell, *Talia Powers, *Carsen Pracht, †*Scotney Reichenberger, *Claire Sanburn, Haylie Schweitzer, Sophia Scott, Anthony Seiler, Ryan Setser, Madalyn Shoup, Duncan Smith, *Brayden Steven, Brittany Steven, †*Lauren Steven.

Shana Stuhlsatz, Leah Ternes, Katelyn Theis, Brandon Thomas, Dylan Thomas, Mark Towey, Brandon Tran, *Katelyn Tran, †*Kyle Tran, Tracy Tran, Jason Trower, *Rachel Unruh, Paola Vasquez, James Wall, Caleb Williams, *Macy Wineland, David Zarycki.

Names marked with † were recipients of the Msgr. Leon McNeill Eighth Grade Scholar Award. This diocesan award recognizes eighth graders who are generally A students and have no more than one B. Students must have exemplary conduct records and must have received a rating of at least 15 on the Grade School Recommendation. They also must be approved by their pastor as active parish members.

Names marked with * were recipients of the President’s Education Award, which honors students whose hard work and dedication have allowed them to meet very high standards of excellence for a number of years in elementary and middle school. This program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.

Names in bold are the last family members to attend SFA School.

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SFA Scouts take Camp Kanza

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excitement, but we were ready to experience the final day of the confer-ence. The morning session included music, a slideshow of pictures from the weekend, a selfie contest (SFA’s own Austin Mernagh won 1st place), and a strange talent contest.

Fr. Jarrod Lies gave a keynote presentation to prepare us for Mass. He began by having us stand up and sing the “Salve Regina” and “Ave Maria.” (It was awesome!) He spoke about how in America, we’re materially blessed, but have spiritual poverty. He told us we need to realize the gifts we’ve been given and to share our gifts.

He told us that God chose to package Himself in the form of food because food is “always utterly individual.” We must digest for ourselves and gain the nutrients for ourselves. This gift in the form of food shows that we are personally loved

The Vernacular

Ladies Auxiliary hosts painting party / paint class

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This monthly newsletter is published by and for the parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi Parish. It is mailed to each registered parish household by the end of each month.

To submit articles, photos or story ideas, send them via email to sfavernacular@gmail.com. Photos must be high-resolution print quality images.

Contacts for the Vernacular are news editor Lanette Belton, 722-3952, and copy editor Ann Walden, 249-2430.

Travis Kelly, 729-9445, is the Communications Commission coordinator.

Deadlines for submitting information are the beginning of each month.New volunteers – especially reporters, photographers and layout editors

– are always welcome.

SFA School Volcano Activity

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Students from all three fourth grade classes at SFA School finish out the school year with a bang by participating in a volcano activity on the last day of school.

Ladies of the parish enjoy a fun summer event – a painting party / painting class – hosted by Ladies Auxiliary at Absolute Vintage Boutique, owned by sisters Emily Lee of St. Francis and Amy Gilman of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. The next event for the SFA LA will be a September meeting where we will be making fleece blankets for charitable donations. If you’d like to be on the list to receive email invitations to future LA activities, contact Ann Walden at prmom3367@yahoo.com.

July 2015 THE VERNACULAR

SFA’s youth groups receive religious awards8

On June 14 in a Mass at the Church of the Resurrection, with Bishop Kemme presiding, the following members from Pack 762 Cub Scouts, Troop 762 Boy Scouts, and the St. Therese and Little Flowers Girls’ Clubs were presented the religious medals they earned during this past year.

Family of God

The purpose of this program is to help children explore a wide range of activities to discover the presence of God in their daily lives as members of their family and parish.

Lilly Belton, Rachel Plank, Natalia Stangler.

Light of Christ

The purpose is to help the Cub Scout develop a personal relationship with Jesus. With the parents’ active assistance and participation in this program, it is hoped that the Cub Scout will come to see Jesus as a real person and his friend.

Ian Adams, Collin Barry, Atticus Christinat, Liam McGilley, Logan Mitchell, Max Petersen, Nicholas Robben, John Tran, Logan Westphal.

I Live My Faith

This program is designed to help each youth appreciate more deeply the place that God and religion occupy in his or her daily life. The program activities focus on the developing awareness within the individual youth of their potential as a growing person, while being a friend, a member of their family, a citizen and a participant in the community of faith.

Cassidy Beal, Emma Benefiel, Kadence Brewster, Kiley Brewster, Rebecca DeLaTorre, Jadyn Exley, Jennifer Exley, Kendall Forbes, Paige Golden, Bryanna Hermann, Ryley Kirk, Brenna Mileham, Falynne Mohr, Halene Nguyen, Brooke Prichard, Grace Rogers, Hannah Saville, Grace Schuster, Natalie Smith, Lilly Taylor, Gracie Vopat.

Left to right are: Fr. Smeltzer, Catholic Committee on Scouting Chaplain, Matt Logan (SFA) – St. George Award, Becky Hawk (SFA) – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, Beth Hogan (Blessed Sacrament) – St. Anne Award, Kathy Petr (Resurrection) – St. George Award, and Jim Spiess (All Saints) – St. George Award.

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Parvuli Dei

The purpose of the Parvuli Dei (Children of God) program is to help young scouts explore a wide range of activities in order to discover the presence of God in their daily lives as members of their families and parishes, and also to develop a good, positive self image through the contributions they can make in the group community.

John Pearson, Graham Petersen, Vincent Poggi, Alex Shimon, Darren Thomas, Jack Weakland.

Marian Medal

This program provides an opportunity to look at personal values, approaches to life, relationships with God, and the opportunity to grow in faith.

Caralyn Bailey, Caly Bourbonnais, Alexandria Carter, Elizabeth Cox, Emma Fox, Savannah Frost, Rebekah Iseman, Alexis Marvin, Isabelle Mohr, Talia Powers, Claire Sanburn, Lauren Stallbaumer, Rose Stewart, Teresa Stewart, Ainsley Stump, Clare Timmermeyer, Tracy Tran, Ashley von Mosch, Amelia Vopat.

Pope Pius XII

Pope Pius XII is Catholic Scouting’s church-related ministries and vocation program. The program deals with different life choices (single, married, religious, ordained), occupations and ministries in the church as calls from God. It includes youth-led discussions on current issues facing the church and society.

Levi Brummer, Antonio Gonazles, Gerrit Halbleib, Logan Petersen, Zackary von Mosch.

Adult Leaders

Several adult leaders were also recognized at the Mass. Matt Logan received the St. George Award for adults who have made a significant contribution to the spiritual development of Catholic youth involved in boys’ organizations at the diocesan level. Becky Hawk received the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award that recognizes the meritorious contributions of adults who serve Catholic youth through girls’ organizations on a parish or unit level.

Religious Awards ... continued on next page

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Family of God, Light of Christ

Parvuli Dei, Marian Medal, Pope Pius XII

I Live My Faith

NEW PARISHIONERSMatthew and Rebecca Bye, 1 childNick and Jeannette Garcia, 5

childrenBrandon and Kelsi Hay, 4 childrenThomas KotrbaJerry and Karen Langer, 2 childrenRichard and Tracy Lara, 3 childrenJoel and Miranda Lomurno William and Erika McGreevy, 1

childJames and Dee RankinJeremy and Li-Ping Robinson, 2

children

FUNERALSBrandon K. Kasper, husband of

Sheila, father of Joni Kasper and Stephanie Kasper, son of Keith and Linda Kasper, on June 3

Betty J. Winderlin on June 4Inez V. Franklin on June 11Jennifer L. Vasquez, wife of John,

mother of Robert and John Martin, on June 12

Viola “Vi” McFeeters, mother of Dewey McFeeters, Donnette Montgomery and Duane McFeeters, on June 15

Joan R. Daniel, mother of Bob Daniel, Vonnie Peterson, John Daniel, Dixie Fogle, Gail Dreyer and Patrick Daniel, on June 18

Joyce A. Walker, mother of Teresa Craddock, Robert Walker and Daniel Walker, on June 19

Raymond C. Erker, brother of Fred Erker, on June 25

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If you’re on any of these social sites, please take a few minutes to follow or like us: • www.facebook.com/kssfachurch • www.instagram.com/kssfachurch • www.twitter.com/kssfachurch Youth Ministry • www.facebook.com/sfacym • www.twitter.com/sfacym

Spread the word!

SFA SOCIAL SITES

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Photos by Sean Beebe, Carissa Scott, Kathleen Timmermeyer, and Ann Walden

SFA parishioners enjoy annual parish picnic

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Photos by Sean Beebe, Carissa Scott, Kathleen Timmermeyer, and Ann Walden

July 2015 THE VERNACULAR

Fr. Devin Burns celebrates his 1st Mass

Parish welcomes 2 new priests at reception

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St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church • 861 N. Socora, Wichita, KS 67212 • (316) 722-4404 • www.stfranciswichita.com

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Parishioners turned out at the welcoming reception for new pastor Fr. Jarrod Lies (left) and new associate pastor Fr. Josh Evans (above).