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Three deacons and one seminarian will be ordained by Bishop Michael O. Jackels on May 23-24

Sacred Heart Parish in Colwich will be especially thankful at the ordination of three men to the priesthood Saturday, May 24, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Wichita. Two of the deacons, the Rev. Mr. Michael J. Linnebur and the Rev. Mr. Aaron D. Spexarth, are from Colwich, and the parents of the third deacon being ordained, the Rev. Mr. Adam K. Keiter, a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, are both originally from Sacred Heart Parish.

Benjamin S. Sawyer

Benjamin S. Sawyer will be the only seminarian ordained to the diaconate this year for the diocese, so the entire beautiful ceremony Friday, May 23, is just for him.

Sawyer, the son of Amy Sawyer and the late Steve Sawyer, said he is looking forward to serving the church in the Diocese of Wichita “in a lifelong commitment in service of Christ and his church.”

In a telephone interview from Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., Sawyer said in the year leading up to his priestly ordination he would be “proclaiming the Gospel, serving at the altar, and leading the people in works of charity.”

He said those are the primary roles of a transitional deacon. “We are called to serve the people. Aiding them on the path of holiness towards salvation. That’s the essence of the service of the deacon.”

Sawyer, a member of Sacred Heart Parish, Arkansas City, said he’s heard a lot from other deacons at the Mount and has been motivated by their comments.

“They have really loved being deacons and look forward to serving the people as priests,” he said. “The diaconate has prepared them to go a step further to be conformed to Christ not only as a servant but as a priest.”

Sawyer’s mother, a member of the Church of the Resurrection, Wichita, said she feels blessed about her son’s ordination and added that it is totally truly a gift from God.

“What more could a mother ask for? I firmly believe that God had this in the works before Benjamin was born. As co-creators with God, parents have an obligation to plant the seed by teaching the faith to our children. Then that faith has to be nurtured so it can grow, trusting in God’s will, not ours,” she said.

She added that Benjamin’s father, before his death, was aware of Ben entering the seminary and was very proud and happy in him doing so.

The Rev. Mr. Adam Keiter

The Rev. Mr. Adam Keiter said he is trusting our heavenly Father as his ordination date draws near.

“The secret to life, taught to us by Christ and exemplified in the lives of the saints, is to trust in the Father’s love for us and to seek to do His will. Therein lies true happiness constituted by joy and peace that is centered in Jesus Christ.”

Deacon Keiter, who is studying at Mt. St. Mary’s, said we must experience the cross in our own lives in order to grow in holiness and to be configured to Christ.

“Christ himself said that whoever wishes to follow him must deny himself and take up his cross. This gives us comfort as we go through the trials of life because we know that Christ is with us in the trials of life, and that we need not go through them alone.”

One of the lessons Deacon Keiter learned in the seminary is that God ardently desires our love.

“God actively pursues us on account of His burning desire for us. God takes the first initiative with each and every one of us, in order to draw us into an intimate union with Him. This is exemplified by the fact that Christ, the Son of God, took on the sins of the world out of love for us.”

Deacon Keiter added that when he first entered the seminary he told Vocation Director Father Matt McGinness that he wanted to spend his life winning souls for Jesus Christ.

“I still wholeheartedly agree with that statement, and I have found that this desire has grown in intensity over the years. This desire to bring others to Jesus Christ was, and is, a fundamental aspect of my calling to the priesthood.

“So, I recognized the call of the Father in this desire that had been planted deep inside my heart, and has been for me a constant source of strength and perseverance.”

The Rev. Mr. Michael J. Linnebur

The Rev. Mr. Michael J. Linnebur didn’t have to look far for inspiration or examples of his vocation. From his parents who taught and lived the faith, to his uncle and great-uncle, both of whom also are priests, Deacon Linnebur saw the priesthood as a source of great joy and grace. He is the nephew of Father David Linnebur of Christ the King Parish in Wichita, and great-nephew of Father Leroy Linnebur, also of Wichita.

“Coming to finding a vocation is coming to find a way to serve God in a direction that he’s created us for. And it brings about a great joy,” he said.

“Throughout my time in the seminary, I’ve come to realize just how blessed I am to be studying for the Diocese of Wichita,” he said.

“It’s been a journey in my life coming to this point, starting off in college at Kansas State University, and finally being ordained a priest,” he continued. “I’ve learned a lot about the church, the priesthood and myself. I look forward to returning for good and serving as a priest in the Diocese of Wichita.”

Deacon Linnebur studied at Kenrick-Glennon seminary in St. Louis, Mo.

His mother, Dana, echoed his sentiments. “It is a blessing, a gift. We’re so thankful,” she said.

“As parents of four children, we tried to encourage our children to be open to God’s will in their lives and to pray to God for the strength, courage, and wisdom to do His will in whatever vocation they chose.

“In this discernment process, we have seen our son trusting God more and more with his life as he completed each year in the seminary. To have a son ordained as a priest is truly a gift which is shared by our family, our parish, and our diocese. It is by the grace of God that we have been a part of this gift,” she said.

The Rev. Mr. Aaron D. Spexarth

Deacon Aaron D. Spexarth is eager to get back to the Diocese of Wichita he said in a telephone interview from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, Mo.

“The people here are wonderful but you don’t find people like those in the Diocese of Wichita anywhere else,” he said. “I’m looking forward to coming back to the diocese.”

St. Louis is a great Catholic area, Spexarth said, but he is regularly asked about the Diocese of Wichita and how stewardship works in the diocese. “How do you pull this off?” they say.

The reputation of the diocese is known around the world, especially after the release a few weeks ago of a study regarding stewardship and education in the Diocese of Wichita by the Fordham Institute.

“So, I’m excited to come home,” Deacon Spexarth said, adding that he is looking forward to the ordination.

“It’s a matter of knowing that this is exactly what I want to do. I want to bring the sacraments to the people and be a good priest. And it’s truly a blessing to come back to a wonderful place to do exactly what I want to do with my life.”

He said as the date of his ordination draws near he understands better how unworthy he is of the priesthood. “But that helps me realize how much of a gift it is.”

He said as a deacon he has been an example to the other seminarians at Kenrick-Glennon.

“They see that if I can do it then anybody can! I provide hope for the future generations of seminarians!”

(This article was written by Fred Solis, Heather Welch and Christopher Riggs.)

Ordinations on May 23-24

Four ordinations are scheduled for May 23 and 24 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Wichita.

Benjamin S. Sawyer, a member of Sacred Heart Parish, Arkansas City, will be ordained a transitional deacon at a 7 p.m. Mass Friday, May 23.

Three deacons will be ordained priests at a 10 a.m. Mass Saturday, May 24. Those to be ordained are deacons Adam J. Keiter, a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Wichita; and Michael J. Linnebur and Aaron D. Spexarth, members of Sacred Heart, Colwich.

What is a transitional deacon?

A transitional deacon is a man who has been ordained a deacon and who intends to become a priest. Transitional deacons are usually ordained to the diaconate after their third year of seminary. After one year as a transitional deacon they are usually ordained to the priesthood.

Five seminarians installed

Three seminarians from the Diocese of Wichita, left photo, were installed as acolytes April 12 at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. From left are Maximilian Biltz of St. Michael Parish, Mulvane; Yancey Burgess of St. Cecilia, Haysville; and Jonathan Brotemarkle, of the Church of the Magdalen, Wichita. All three are in their second year of theology studies.

Two seminarians from the diocese were installed as lectors April 12 at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. From left, are Marco De Loera, a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral; Bishop George Lucas of Springfield, Ill; and John Fogliasso, Sacred Heart Parish, Frontenac.

Rosary Crusade in K.C. on May 25

A Rosary Crusade will be held on the Feast of Corpus Christi, Sunday, May 25, at Kansas City's Kauffmann Stadium.

The crusade will be an afternoon of Eucharistic adoration and a Global Living Rosary.

The event begins at 3 p.m. with music for 45 minutes. A procession will be held from 3:45 to 4 p.m. when adoration will start. A rosary will be prayed at 4:25 p.m.

There is no cost for parking or attending the services, which are being sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo. Details are posted at eucharisticfamilyrosary.com.

50 year reunion for Kapaun class set

The Chaplain Kapaun Memorial Class of 1958 will have a 50 year reunion  on Saturday and Sunday, May 31 and June 1.

For more information contact Bob Umscheid at kubu59@sbcglobal.net at (316) 634 - 1492, or 2319 Vinegate Ct., Wichita, KS 67226.

Letter carriers food drive Saturday, May 10

The Letter Carriers Annual Food Drive will be held Saturday, May 10. Nonperishable items may be left in a bag by your mailbox. The letter carrier will deliver it to the local food bank.

Tutoring program needs more tutors

The English as a Second Language tutoring program associated with the Diocese of Wichita needs volunteers.

The ESL program, which serves persons ages 5 to 65, operates in the old Cathedral School building at Central and Topeka. Persons in the program are tutored in English as a Second Language, reading, or math.

Training will be provided. All teaching is on a one-to-one basis and under the supervision of a teacher certified in language arts. Call Angela Burger at 250-8172 for more information

Fr. Benedict Groeschel and Father Frank Pavone are among the many speakers scheduled to appear at the annual Midwest Catholic Family Conference Aug. 1-3 at Century II, Wichita.

Annual Midwest Catholic Family Conference, Aug. 1-3

By Heather Welch

The 9th annual Midwest Catholic Family Conference, sponsored by Via Christi Health Network and the Catholic Resource Center will once again be the first weekend in August at Century II. This year’s theme is, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Fr. Benedict Groeschel, spiritual writer and popular EWTN television host, heads a distinguished program of international authors and educators, both clergy and lay persons including Brian Barcaro, new technology wiz; Alice von Hildebrand, celebrated philosophy professor and author; Fr. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life and frequent national news show guest; Tim Staples, Holy Scripture authority; Rebecca Dussault, Olympic skier; and many others.

“Our Holy Father recently spoke of the importance of the family to the bishops of the U.S. during his apostolic pilgrimage,” said Fr. Jason Borkenhagen, spiritual director for the conference. “The family is also the primary place for evangelization, for passing on the faith, for helping young people to appreciate the importance of religious practice and Sunday observance.”

Bishop Michael Jackels will celebrate Sunday Mass with full orchestra and chorus. An outdoor Eucharistic procession, daily Eucharistic Adoration, and an exhibit featuring the Eucharistic miracles of the world will provide opportunities for devotion.

“Strengthening the faith of the family will strengthen the family,” said Borkenhagen. “We aim to reach this goal each year by bringing in nationally known Catholic speakers, offering the opportunity to participate in the Holy Mass and Eucharistic devotions, to get to know other Catholics in the Midwest, and to grow in their knowledge and love of God and His Church.”

In addition to events, the Vendors Hall booths will offer Catholic-inspired art and gifts, books, devotionals, music, CD’s and DVD’s. A children’s program is also available on Saturday and Sunday.

Register early for discounts

Registration and additional information can be found online at www.catholicfamilyconference.org; by e-mail at midwconf@cox.net; or by calling (316) 618-9787. There is a discount for registration by July 21. On-site registration for the weekend or by the day is also available.

Annual Fr. Kapaun Day June 29 at Pilsen

PILSEN - The 6th annual Father Kapaun Day will be held on Sunday, June 29, at St. John Nepomucene Church.

The day begins with a Mass at 10 a.m. It will be followed at about 11 a.m. with the official opening of the Fr. Emil Kapaun cause for sainthood. A picnic lunch will be held at 11:30.

Congregation of Catholic sisters introduces new logo

WICHITA — The Congregation of St. Joseph, a community of Catholic sisters, has introduced a newly designed logo that represents the sisters’ mission of unity, inclusiveness and the belief in the interconnectedness of all creation.

The graphic is a spiral representing the emerging universe and the interconnectedness of all life. The cross, rising from the light that permeates the universe, symbolizes our awakening to the radiance of Christ’s resurrection reflected in all creation.

“We wanted a logo that clearly connects us to living the gospel in today’s world,” said Jeannie Masterson, a member of the congregation’s leadership team. “We have committed to networking with others worldwide to bring about a shift in the global culture from institutionalized power and privilege to equitable access for all people to basic resources. We also see the reality that our planet and its ecosystem are in peril and have committed to network with others around the world to heal and renew the face of Earth.”

The Congregation of St. Joseph was founded on March 19, 2007 – St. Joseph’s day – by seven formerly independent congregations of Sisters of St. Joseph. Today it has more than 800 sisters, most of whom are located at founding community sites in Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kalamazoo, Mich.; Crookston and St. Paul, Minn.; LaGrange Park, Ill.; New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La.; Tipton, Ind.; Wheeling, W. Va.; Wichita, Kan. and Kyoto, Japan.

Gina Sullivan, one of the congregation’s communicators and leader of the logo project said, “We chose Juan Quirarte, principal of QDesign in Cleveland, to design the logo. We couldn’t be more pleased with the result and are excited about the new public face that will represent us for years to come.”

Hall of fame inductees

Several Wichita area residents were recently inducted into the Newman University Athletics Hall of Fame. Inducted, from left, were basketball coach Dave Skinner; Laurie Bell, mother of football stars Mike and Mark Bell; Rick Nuckolls for his work in golf at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School and Newman U.; Karla Fowler, golf at BCCHS and Newman; and sports program supporter Bob Goebel of Star Lumber.

First Communion photo deadline May 23

The Catholic Advance will publish the First Communion photos from this spring in June. The deadline for submission is May 23.

Photos may be emailed to criggs@cdowk.org. They should be high-quality scans or high-quality digital photos.

Plantarow donations sought this season

Plantarow, a cooperative effort between the Sedgwick County Master Gardeners and The Kansas Food Bank is making it possible for the individual home gardener to address the widespread hunger problem in Kansas.

Gardeners may donate fruits and vegetables to the food bank at these locations:

Kansas Food Bank, 1919 E. Douglas; Augusta Ace Home Center, 316 W 7th Ave., Augusta; Brady Nursery, 11200 W. Kellogg; Hillside Nursery, 2200 S. Hillside; Hillside Feed and Seed, 1805 S. Hillside; Johnson’s Garden Centers, 802 N. Ridge Road, 21st and Woodlawn, and 2707 West 13th; and Valley Feed & Seed, 1903 S. Meridian.

Shea to speak on May 31 at Oklahoma shrine

PRAGUE, Okla. - Mark Shea will make four presentations May 31 as part of the Quarterly Speakers’ Bureau at The National Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague.

Shea is a popular Catholic speaker, blogger, and radio and TV personality. He is the author of three books: “This is My Body,” “By What Authority: An Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition,” and “Making Senses out of Scripture.” His forthcoming book is about the Blessed Virgin Mary in Catholic thought.

The day begins at 9 a.m. and will conclude around 4 p.m. There is no cost for this event; a free will offering will be taken up to defer costs. Lunch will be provided at no additional charge.

Pre-registration is requested. Contact Rhonda Bartos at 405-567-3080 shrine_iop@hotmail.com for more information.

Volunteers sought for Tiller’s on-site witness ministry

The Kansas Coalition for Life needs more on-site volunteers from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Tiller's abortion clinic. Volunteers witness in prayer or hand out literature and give sidewalk counseling.

KCFL volunteers have maintained a continuous presence on-site during all hours that Tiller was open for business, since Mother’s Day, 2004, putting in a total of over 33,500 hours of service in all kinds of weather. As a result, KCFL has 331 documented saves. On average, it takes about 105 hours of volunteer service to save one life.

Those able to devote one or two hours per week may consider a monthly schedule. To volunteer, visit www.KCFL.net or call Mark at (316) 522-8866.

CFFCU president honored

Marilyn Wells, front row, right, president of Catholic Family Federal Credit Union, Wichita, was awarded the 2007 Henry Peterson Professional of the Year at the 73rd Annual Meeting and Convention of the Kansas Credit Union Association. It was held April 26 at the Wichita Marriott. CFFCU won two other awards. Personnel and the awards, from left, are Board Treasurer Randy Thackery, Marketing Director Cindy Hand holding the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award, Accountant and Advocacy Coordinator Kelly Harker holding the Gold Capitol Club Award, Board Chair Greg Peter, Wells, and Member Service Specialist Jarod Patry.

Couples renew vows at Newman University chapel

Eighteen couples associated with “That Man is You” renewed their marriage vows at the 7 p.m. Mass Sunday, April 27, in St. John’s Chapel at Newman University, Wichita. The men are in their second year of the men’s spiritual leadership program that has been adopted by several parishes in the Diocese of Wichita. After the homily the couples renewed their marriage vows and consecrated their marriages to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Five people selected to share Sister Cecilia Bush Award

Five people representing a variety of ministries and locations across the state have been selected as recipients of the first Sister Cecilia Bush Award. Twenty people were nominated and recognized at a dinner Thursday night at Mount St. Mary’s Convent.

Sharing the award this year are five people, all which meet or exceed the criteria: Sister Margaret Nugent, Father Donal O’Hare, Sister Kathleen Regan, Charles Smith, and Deborah Snapp.

• Sister Margaret Nugent, the principal of St. Anne’s School in Wichita, was selected for 18 years of exceptional service to the school, parish and community at large.

• Fr. Donal O’Hare, a retired priest of the Wichita diocese, was chosen for his humble and kind way of caring for the poor while protecting each person’s dignity and self worth.

• Sister Kathleen Regan, a former teacher and principal and current director of development and stewardship of the Guadalupe Clinic in Wichita, was selected for her many years in education, administration and her successful second career bringing support to the clinic.

• Charles Smith, teacher and coach, was chosen for his long career in education and athletics at Colgan High School in Pittsburg.

•Deborah Snapp was selected for her role in starting many programs that benefit women and children and now as director of Catholic Social Services in Dodge City.

The award was established by Dear Neighbor Ministries in the fall of 2007 to recognize those who have lived a life of service similar to that of Sister Cecilia.

As an educator she is known for her years at Cathedral High School and St. Mary of the Plains College. She also served the Diocese of Wichita as editor of the Catholic Advance and as an advisor to many priests during their time in the seminary.