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**Educating our seminarians -- one person’s journeyBy Mike Wescott, director, Development/Planned GivingSeveral weeks ago, Father Matt McGuinness, director of Vocations, gave me an envelope addressed to him. Enclosed in the envelope was a check made out to the Diocese of Wichita to be used for the benefit of the education of seminarians. Also enclosed was a letter, which truly touched me. I would like to share it with you: Dear Father, As I approach my 68th birthday, I continue to go through papers and came upon a letter dated Aug. 9, 1963, from Fr. Steinberger and another dated May 8, 1966, from Fr. Kerschen and I knew I had to write. In 1961 Fr. Steinberger helped me “try” my vocation, studying for the Wichita Diocese. My fond memories...of meeting the bishop for an interview are still very clear in my mind. I believe the bishop was Bishop Mark Carroll ... Since the time available to me was very limited, the bishop met me quite early on a Saturday morning, at his residence... I came away with his “adoption” of me and truly fond memories of a fine man and holy man. I pray for him and all priests, religious of the Diocese of Wichita. Although I only spent two years with you, Wichita will always be my “adopted” diocese. Some of you -- or rather your priests -- were my classmates and friends. Finding those old letters and the great memories of my association though only two actual years, fill me with great joy and gratitude to Bishop Carroll and those I came to know and call friends. These letters also reminded me that the diocese and her people financed my two-year trial of my vocation -- a vocation I always thought was mine, but God had other plans for me. (35 years teaching in Catholic schools, actually 30 in one school alone -- retired in June, 1996). One of those letters (1966) thanked me for some money I had sent, but that last money sent was so long ago. I have truly been remiss and it would seem ungrateful for the tremendous chance given me by the bishop, and the whole diocese. Though I do not have much now (though still single) I do want you to accept the enclosed check to help others, perhaps like me, from out of state, to try their vocation. My prayers for our present bishop and retired bishop, all priests...all religious and people of the Wichita Diocese, living and deceased, particularly those who helped me so much 1961-1963. May God bless you all and give eternal rest to those of us of our diocese who have died. -- Bill Schram What a tribute to the people of this diocese who afforded Mr. Schram this time of discernment towards his vocation. And what a testimony to him that he would think of the needs of our local church today and make a gift to the Education of Seminarians. (2/10/06) **Catholic Diocese of Wichita home page |