Saint John the Evangelist Eagle Volume 7 Number 2 June, 2015

From the Pastor's Desk:The publication of the present edition of our Parish Newsletter comes at a veryopportune time – a time when we are busy counting our blessings from the EasterSeason. Since after the last edition we have had 10 youths of our parish receive theSacrament of Confirmation and 10 of our children receive First Holy Communion.On Holy Saturday 3 adults received the sacraments of initiation and on EasterSunday 4 adults were received into full communion with the Catholic Church.Indeed it has been a bountiful harvest and we want to once more congratulate allthese our members who have taken these bold steps and joyfully responded to the

grace of God in their lives. Be assured of our continued prayers and support as a parish family. We also saythank you to all those who have so far accompanied these our brothers and sisters in their journey of faithespecially the DRE, RCIA Director and all our catechists and sponsors.

Yet there is still work to be done, for as Christ said, “The harvest is plenty but the laborers are few;pray the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers into the field”. We need more laborers in the field; weneed everybody involved in the work of evangelization. Look around you and see if there are no personswaiting to be invited to join the Church. Talk to others about Jesus and about joining the Church; there areso many who are unchurched today because no one has invited them yet. Could you be that voice they havebeen waiting for? Even as we move around during this summer we can share the word with others andmaybe we may have more people opting to join the Church when we resume RCIA next fall.

On another note, I thought I should remind us that we now have a very beautiful chapel in the ParishCenter where weekday Masses are offered. It is also a very nice environment and opportunity to visit theBlessed Sacrament and spend a few minutes with the Lord during the office hours when the center is open.I am encouraging parishioners to avail themselves of this wonderful opportunity for a quiet time with theLord.

Finally let me thank you all again for the support I received from the entire church during thepassing of my mom. I have just returned from Nigeria where I went to participate at the funeral services. Ibring you greetings from my family and be assured of my prayers for you and yours.

Sincerely yours in Christ,Rev. Anselm Kentus Eke, MSPYour Pastor

Social Committee ReportSubmitted by Jim & Celeste Meitner

Save the Date – Mark your calendars!Our parish picnic will be Sat. Sept. 26!!

“O God, let me know you and love you so that Imay find my joy in you; and if I cannot do so

fully in this life, let me at least make someprogress every day, until at last

I may know its fullness.”

- St. Anselm of Canterbury

R.C.I.A. Report“Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults”

Submitted by Judy Spangler

We rejoice in welcoming our newest members to St.John’s Parish family. Baptized at the Easter Vigilwere Merri Breit, John Crawford, and AliciaSteiner. They also celebrated the sacraments ofEucharist and Confirmation.

Those received into the Church on Easter Sundaywere Liana Colson, Randy Dumler, Montana Spires,and Becky Steiner. They received the sacraments ofEucharist and Confirmation.

Thanks to all those who helped in any way with theR.I.C.A. process as sponsors, hospitality, ordismissal leader. Also, thanks so much to Sr.Celeste from the Sisters of Peace in Great Bend forhelping with the process and Fr. Anselm forshepherding us well.

Have you or someone you know consideredbecoming Catholic? Are you Catholic, but haven’treceived Communion or Confirmation and wouldlike to? The R.C.I.A. process may be for you. Ifinterested or have questions, please contact Fr.Anselm or Judy Spangler at 620-786-0541.

Outreach Committee ReportSubmitted by Jan Morgenstern

We would like to thank Fr. Anselm for having Massat the cemetery on Memorial Day.

On Sat. July 4, there will be a Patriotic Rosaryprayed at the church at 9:00 am. During the rosaryprayers are prayed for our country, government,leaders, and people of each of the 50 states.Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

We have been challenged to donate personal itemsto the food bank this summer. It is wonderful tohave shampoos, deodorants, toothpaste, etc. forthose who need them. Thank you to the ladies ofour Altar Society for the very generous donations.Personal items may be dropped off at the parishoffice through the month of June. Thank you!!Thanks to the parishioners who donate food itemseach month on Food Bank Sunday (the first Sundayof each month).

At the May meeting we discussed a need forawareness of persecuted Christians around theworld and in our own country. Pope Francis asksthe faithful to pray for our brothers and sisters whosuffer persecution. He said, "In these times, thereare many Christians who suffer persecution, a greatmany, in many countries. Let us pray for them fromour hearts with love, that they might feel the livingand comforting presence of the Risen Lord."

Sacramental Celebrations

BAPTISM:

Arlis (A.J.) Thurman, son of Molly Thurman -March 21

Merri Breit - April 4

John Crawford - April 4

Alicia Steiner - April 4

Arielle Atem - April 4 (Father's friend from Texas)

MARRIAGE:

Joseph Doze and Calie Rous - May 23

Knights of Columbus ReportSubmitted by Dan Esfeld

“Knights of Columbus Happenings”

March: Knight of the Month: Mike Alyward Sr. Family of the Month: Jeff & Marcia Williams April: Knight of the Month: Mike Riedl Family of the Month: Dick & Nancy KirmerMay: Knight of the Month: Robert J. Brungardt Family of the Month: Keith & Loretta KinmanJune: Knight of the Month: Nick Lomas

Family of the Month: Scott & Robin RzihaJuly: Knight of the Month: Eric Schoendaler Family of the Month: Wayne & Delores Kaiser

Council 1521 Knight of the Year and District 39Knight of the Year 2014-2015: Jerry Morgenstern

Council 1521 Family of the Year: Dan & SherieEsfeld.

Upcoming Events: (At K of C hall unless noted) June 8: K of C Monthly Meeting - 7:30 pm July: NO MEEETING July 12: Texas Hold-em Poker Tournament - 7:30 Aug. 1: Texas Hold-em Poker Tournament - 7:30 Aug. 10: K of C Monthly Meeting - 7:30 pm Sept. 7: LABOR DAY - Hamburgers, Hot Dogs &

Sloppy Joes: 11 - 2 pm; Beer & Soda Identification Contests: 2 - 4 pm

We would like to thank the parishioners and thecommunity for their support in attendance of K of Cevents. For additional information please contactDan Esfeld, Grand Knight, by phone (620-282-1897) or email (dan.esfeld@gmail.com)

Grounds CommitteeSubmitted by Patty & Duane Polzin

The grounds committee would like to thank Boband Denise Schreiber for the purchase andplanting of three shumard oak trees to replace thetrees that were dying, and had to be removed forsafety reasons. One of the new trees is located infront of the rectory, one in front of the parishcenter, and one is on the east side of the parishcenter. These were donated as a memorial to Richand Mary Ann Schreiber. What a beautiful andlasting gift! Thank you Bob and Denise!

Pastoral Council ReportSubmitted by Becky Demel

The parish Pastoral Council met on May 26. Themeeting was opened with a prayer. Memberspresent included Father Anselm, Diane Batchman,Neil Ochs, Richard Neidhart, Pam Willis, CindyWilborn, Wayne Kaiser, Jim Meitner and BeckyDemel. Those absent included representativesfrom the K of C, Altar Society, GroundsCommittee, and Liturgical Committee.

The minutes from the February meeting wereaccepted and the parish financial balances wereshared.

We discussed options regarding the Golden BeltCommunity Foundation. It was suggested to havea representative from the GBCF make apresentation during a future meeting.

Reports were accepted from the CemeteryCommittee, Religious Ed. Committee, OutreachCommittee, and Social Committee.

Father Anselm closed with a prayer.

“GOOD NEWS CORNER”Ron and Chris Smith celebrated their 40thwedding anniversary on June 7. They hosted anopen house at their home after Mass on June 6.Family and friends were welcomed to stop by andcongratulate them.

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Mary Brown and her family attended theordination to the priesthood of Matthew MartinNagle on May 23 at St. Michael the ArchangelChurch in Leawood, Kansas. Matthew is thegrandson of Bernard “Red” and Rosemary Nagle.Bernard and Mary Brown’s parents, Bill andAgnes Nagle, were long-time members of ourparish. Agnes’ parents, Joseph and TheresiaPriesner Johnston settled in Barton County. JoeJohnston was a member of the first parish councilwhen our Church was built. Mary Brown’s familyattended the service and celebration along withBill and Carolyn Peschka Nagle and their family.

Fin ance Committee ReportSubmitted by Leonard Moeder

St. John Finance Council met on May 14. Themembers present were Fr. Anselm, LeonardMoeder, Mike Aylward, Jim Blackwell, JohnDebes, Loretta Kinman. Members absent wereJay Steinert and Lou Ann Morgenstern. Fatherled the group in prayer to begin the meeting. Thefinancial report was reviewed and approved.

Sanctuary Lighting: The light fixtures in thechurch sanctuary need to be replaced becausethey are obsolete and replacement parts are nolonger available. New LED lights would be acost savings to operate. We have received a bidfrom Silverado Electric of $8,182.76. We arewaiting for two additional bids before making adecision.

Railings at Parish Center: The railings at theparish center are in need of maintenance. Thefinance council approved a bid from SteinertPainting II to complete this work.

Concrete on West Side of Church: Theconcrete on the west side of the church has severepitting and cracks, which is a safety concern. Itwas agreed to replace the concrete in this area. Afinal decision will be made upon receipt of bidsfor this work.

Altar Society ReportSubmitted by Loretta Kinman

Funeral dinners continue to be cooked and servedby our wonderful Funeral Committee and coffeeand rolls have been served each month, as well asour great nurses taking blood pressures forparishioners.

On May 12, approximately 70 ladies from St.John and St. Ann parishes enjoyed a deliciousdinner of lasagna, salad, bread and dessert after awonderful program of singing by members of"Crossroads," a group from Hays. It was a greatevening of entertainment, good food, and goodcompany. Thanks to Brenda & Grace Unrein, andJeanne Steiner for cooking, decorating, andhosting.

“Saints Corner”Saint Rita of Cascia(Born 1381 - May 22,1457) was an Italianwidow and Augustiniannun. Rita was married atan early age. Themarriage lasted foreighteen years, during

which she is remembered for her Christian valuesas a model wife and mother who made efforts toconvert her husband from his abusive behavior.Upon the murder of her husband by anotherfeuding family, Rita's sons wished to revengetheir father's murder. Rita, fearing that her sonswould lose their souls, tried to persuade themfrom retaliating, but to no avail. Accordingly, sheprayed to God to take her sons rather than submitthem to possible mortal sin and murder. Her sonsdied of dysentery a year later, which piousCatholic beliefs claim was God's act to take themby natural death rather than risk them committinga mortal sin punishable by Hell.

She subsequently joined an Augustiniancommunity of religious sisters, where she wasknown both for practicing mortification of theflesh and for the efficacy of her prayers. St. Ritais venerated due to various miracles attributed toher intercession, and is often portrayed with ableeding wound on her forehead, as a partialstigmata.

The life story of Saint Rita was compiled by theAugustinian priest, Father Jacob Carelicci. Ritawas beatified under the Pontificate of Pope UrbanVIII in 1626. She was canonized on May 24,1900 by Pope Leo XIII, and her feast day wasinstituted on May 22.

She has acquired the reputation, together with St.Jude, as a saint of impossible cases. Her body,which has remained incorrupt over the centuries,is venerated today in the shrine at Cascia.

First Communion was celebrated on Sunday,April 19 at St. John the Evangelist.

Back row: Catechist Kelsey Brummer, BradyReif, Peyton Kinman, Rhen Galla, KaseyAndereck, A.J. Thurman

Front Row: Jason Robinson, Gabrielle Reif,Presley Brungardt, Victoria Riese. Father ChuckMazouch presided (not pictured).

Religious Ed. Committee ReportSubmitted by Pam Willis

High School Year End Trip – The weekend ofApril 25-26, twenty-eight high school youth andparent chaperones went to Omaha, Neb. with fundsearned from their poinsettia sales. They visited theOmaha Zoo, ate and played at The Amazing PizzaMachine, attended Mass, and toured Boys Town.Thank you for your support of this activity.

Closing Night Activities – Our regular sessionscame to a close with a prayer service and awardsceremony on April 29. The families enjoyed asocial time with light supper in the parish center.The K – 5th grade youth were treated with gamesand prizes ran by the high school youth, and the 6th

– 8th grade youth enjoyed an evening at the GreatBend skating rink.

Vacation Bible School – The week of May 18 – 22was our Vacation Bible School at the parish center.Our theme was “Camp Catholic”. During themorning the youth participated in singing songs,hearing bible stories, playing games, eating snacks,and having a faith focus time where we all learnedmore about our faith.

Summer Camps – During the first week of June,eleven 5th and 6th grade youth from our parishattended the Diocesan Summer Camp at “CampLakeside” at Scott Lake. The third week of June wehave eight 7th and 8th grade youth attending thecamp. Please keep these youth in your prayers asthey experience a camping adventure with otheryouth in our diocese.

Teens Encounter Christ – There will be twoopportunities for the high school junior and seniorsto attend a “Teens Encounter Christ” weekend thissummer. This is a three day retreat whereparticipants will grow in their relationship withChrist and learn more about themselves and theCatholic faith. Look for more information on theseand other youth activities in our parish bulletins.

N.C.Y.C. – Our Parish will be represented by 16youth and 6 adult parent chaperones in Indianapolisin November. The theme will be “Here I Am Lord”,and we will be attending with around 375 otheryouth from our Diocese. We had a very successfulbierocks fundraiser. The youth and their parentsworked together to make these delicioussandwiches. We also helped work the Knights ofColumbus Steak nights, Valentines Dinner, andFish Fry’s. Thank you for your continued supportin their fundraising to attend this pilgrimage.

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES

Hoisington High School

Kelsey Brummer Alexis Finger

Landon Harmon Mackenzie Kaiser

Alyson Klug Brennan Knapp

Nolan McCurry Bradley Reif

Lexi Sanders Jessica Schauf

Birthday Celebrations

JUNEJim Meitner...................1st

Amy Steiner..................1st

Krystal Cowan.............2nd

Breanna Baker.............3rd

Tristan Byers...............3rd

Daniel Klima...............3rd

Darci Poland................3rd

Bradley Reif.................3rd

Mary Schneider............3rd

Lorraine Schneweis.....3rd

Joe Baker......................4th

Dustin Lacey.................4th Ann Axman..................5th

Mary Brown.................5th

Lana Kephart...............6th

Betty Steiner................6th

Seth Colson.................7th

Jerry Schauf.................7th

Brad Boor....................8th

Matraca Ochs..............8th

Martin Rubio...............8th

Clara Steiner.................9th

Jim Blackwell............10th

Brody Brack...............11th

Evelyn Hoffman.........11th

Trey Byers..................12th

Audrey Koester..........14th

Eugene Shremmer......14th

Brenda Axman............15th

Daegan Davis.............15th

Rhen Galla..................15th

Donald Reif Jr.............15th

Milton Staudinger.......16th

Rita Hickel..................17th

Bill Radke...................17th

Raymond Larkin.........18th

Mason Haxton.............19th

Clementine Shives......19th

Krystal Rose..............20th

Judy Spangler.............20th

Carson Birzer.............21st

Alexis Finger..............21st

Jeff Williams..............21st

Rosella Farmer..........22nd

John Moshier.............22nd

Kimberly Schneweis..22nd

Anastacia Wright.......22nd

William Hickey..........23rd

Ricky McGinnis..........23rd

David Wondra.............23rd

John Luerman.............24th

Jan Morgenstern.........24th

Mary Rossman...........24th

Cecelia Conrad..........26th

Betty Schremmer.......26th

Krystle Bartonek........27th

Robert Brungardt........27th

Veronica Hoffman......27th

Michelle Moshier.......27th

Sally Brown................28th

Eric Schoendaler........28th

Jordyn Boxberger.......29th Neil Ochs....................29th

Kay Woydziak............29th

Dustin Wyant..............29th

Danielle Davis............30th

JULYKirby Linsner...............1st

Rosalyn Rome..............1st

Camille Dolechek........2nd

Dorthy Doonan............2nd

Pam Hickel..................2nd

Mark Demel................4th

Aurora Ingram..............4th

Bruce Cooper...............5th

Cheyanne Sanders.......6th

Austin Brack...............7th

Bradley Becker............8th

Dave Woydziak...........8th

Sandy Davis................9th

Alyson Klug...............9th

Anita Reif...................9th

John Balderston........10th

Gene Beck................10th.

Sandi Becker.............11th

Clarence Bieberle......11th

Terry Redetzke..........12th

Kevin Schneweis.......12th

Lois McLeland...........13th

Marla Mooney............13th

James Morris..............13th

Abbie Schremmer......13th

Diana Zecha...............13th

Wayne Kaiser.............14th

Benjamin Batt...........17th

Carl Hickel................17th

Angela Gonzalez........18th

Marge Ludwig...........19th

Lynn Meek................19th

Alesia Schneweis......19th

Dean Stout.................19th

Mike Kaiser...............20th

Hope Ney...................20th

Donna Bates..............21st

Patty Trapp................21st

Nathan Esfeld...........22nd

Becky Steiner............22nd

LeRoy Herrman........23rd

Tedi Lacey................23rd

Margaret Moore.......23rd

Larissa Donovan......24th

Danah Kaiser............24th

Janet Andereck..........25th

Tim Boxberger..........25th

Nancy Kirmer...........25th

Joan Luebbers...........25th

Anthony Moshier......25th

Randy Richards..........25th

Erica Schwager..........25th

Connie Seib................25th

Richard Kirmer..........26th

Cindy McQuade.........27th

Edna Mills.................27th

Chris Kinman............28th

Merle Klima...............28th

Richard Rubio............28th

Haley Schremmer......28th

Clayton Lincoln........29th

Kayla Schremmer.....29th

Aimee Wyant............30th

Alex Lomas...............31st Larry Steiner..............31st

AUGUSTAnthony Luerman......1st

Mike Davis................2nd

Jerry Renk.................2nd

Brynlee Schremmer...2nd

Mabel Adams............3rd

Heather Fall...............3rd

Dorothy Polzin..........3rd

Eugene Schneweis.....4th

Mark Spangler...........4th

Katherine Warnken....4th

Paul Zecha.................4th

Keith Reif..................5th

Bill Noblitt................6th

Linda Bieker..............7th

Rebecca Hickel..........7th

Ron Schwager............7th

Ray Seib.....................7th

Joan Schmidt..............9th

Gracie Aylward........10th Margaret Ann Ney....10th

Michelle Schwager...11th

Brennan Knapp........12th

Derrick Bartonek......14th

Pat Haberman...........14th

Mike Harmon...........14th

Melvin Kaiser...........14th

Katelyn Knapp.........14th

Kim Williams...........14th

Andrea Riese............15th

Bailey Sanders.........15th

Gabrielle Reif...........16th

Susan Rose...............16th

Ryan Hoffman..........17th

Anakyn Davis..........19th

Patsy Demel.............19th

Bryan Stacey............19th

Jason Rossman.........20th

Kris Schneweis........20th

Ryan Woydziak........20th

Kimberly Donovan...21st

Kasey Andereck.......22nd

Avery Riese..............22nd

Crista Robinson.......22nd

Teresa Dolecheck.....24th

Luke Warnken..........24th

Shawn Jonas............25th

Shirley Batt..............26th

Isabelle Gonzalez.....26th

Barbara Kephart.......26th

Roberta Prosser........26th

Kenton Donovan......28th

Reuben Flagor..........28th

Theresa Leiker..........28th

Scott Rziha...............28th

Anita Blackwell.......30th

Sienna Ludwig.........30th

Becky Demel............31st

Kreyton Demel.........31st

Mallory Mooney.......31st