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 ([email protected])
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