Wichita, Kansas

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

THE V E R N A C U L A R

AUGUST 2017

UPCOMING EVENTSSFA School Parent Walk-Through K-4, Sept. 5, 6 p.m. 5-8, Sept. 7, 6 p.m.

PSR Welcome Meeting Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m., Cana Hall (Classes start Sept. 13)

CYM Activities Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 – 8-9:30 p.m., CYM Room

CYM-Hosted Coffee & Rolls Sept. 10, 17, 24 – 9:30 a.m.-noon, walkway

Young Adult Gathering Sept. 28, 7-10 p.m., Rectory More on p. 8

Convocation focuses on evangelization in USAThis past July, I was blessed to attend

the “Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America.” This unprecedented gathering of the Church in the United States was a beautiful experience. It was led by all the bishops in America and brought together many priests and lay leaders from our parishes and dioceses.

The main sessions and breakout sessions provided thought-provoking discussions about evangelization.

The first night of the convocation included a dedication to Mary, Mother of Evangelization. It was a beautiful and unique experience. We were led in praying the rosary in 10 different languages. This experience helped me realize just how big our

Church is in America. The second day and throughout the

rest of the convocation, the discussions were focused on mission: the landscape and peripheries of the mission field, and our radical call to spirit-filled, excellent missionary discipleship.

We must declare ourselves in a permanent state of mission: have openness towards all, initiate an invitation, and follow up through our actions. We can’t wait around hoping someone else steps up and takes evangelization seriously; we must take responsibility for our faith and our Church.

However, we cannot give what we do not have. Before we can go out and give of ourselves to our neighbors

and proclaim the Gospel of Christ, we must first experience our own “metanoia,” our own change of heart, our own conversion.

Evangelization and living as missionary disciples begins in our own hearts. We have all been called to live a life of holiness, no matter what vocation we are living. We have all been called to encounter our Risen Lord.

I had a beautiful experience at the convocation, and my hope is that I can bring that call to be a missionary disciple to all those I meet here at St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

– Emily Savage, Youth & Young Adult Ministry Director

Our blessed Mother has been a messenger of peace, hope and love throughout the years, but first and foremost, she is the Mother of the Son of God. Come and learn more about the life of this precious woman who gave so much to mankind when she said “Yes” to God.

Generations of Faith is a mini 2½-hour retreat for ages kindergarten to adult. We begin with a light meal, continue with age-appropriate talks, and close with congregational prayer.

Our next GoF event is set for Sunday, Oct. 1, 5-7:30 p.m. in the gym. Registrations are required and will take place the weekends of Sept. 9 and 16.

Please watch the church bulletin for more information and mark your calendars for this unique experience.

– Vanessa Condreay

Generations of Faith presents ‘Mary our Mother’

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As Christians, we know the answer. The answer is it comes from God. God expects us to act on these gifts we have we received from our Heavenly Dad. It is a call to help those who were in need because the need was there. Jesus helped those who were in need because His love for His Father compelled Him to. He made the choice, just as we must make the choice.

Our Faith Forward efforts over the past year at St. Francis have spawned, among other things, a new group called CWB (Compassion Without Borders). I know that as a man I have limitations, that I can’t solve 100 percent of man’s problems everywhere. That’s beyond me as an individual, and even beyond our group, but with God’s help, we can make a difference.

Compassion Without Borders is targeting a need in the Diocese of Khammam, in Southeast India. There are a lot of needs everywhere, but CWB has decided to address this

It’s a hot afternoon in Wichita. You’re going to the store to get a few things for supper. As you’re walking in, you catch movement out of the corner of your eye. You turn to look and see an elderly man getting out of his car to do the same thing. Suddenly his shoe clips an uneven crack in the asphalt and he falls, catching himself on his hands and knees. What is your first response?

I have personally witnessed this type of thing on three distinct occasions in my life that I can recall as if it were yesterday. It made that kind of impression on me. As I’m running over, I notice four others coming from different directions, doing the same. We help him to his feet and ask him about his welfare, asking if he would like help getting into the store, and checking to make sure he is OK before we leave.

Strange, isn’t it? This compulsion for compassion toward those we’ve never met before. Where does it come from?

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New group forms at SFA; 1st project is supplying water for Indian village

need because the friendships are already there.

Fr. Kiran Kumar Medipalli will be here at St. Francis on Aug. 27 at 2 p.m. to share with us about the needs in his diocese. If there is a dire pressing need with his parishioners right now, it’s water. That makes it very doable for us. Our goal for CWB in the next year is to respond to a specific identified need and fill this need in one village.

Fr. Kiran will be preaching at the masses on the weekend of Aug. 26-27, and giving a PowerPoint presentation in the church after the 1 p.m. mass. All interested parties are invited.

Just as I can help that old man up off the ground because I was there and the need was there, we – as brothers and sisters in Christ, under the auspices of CWB at SFA – can come to the aid of our church family in India.

– Michael Pearson

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forming disciples to animate the church and to engage our culture.

In talking to some of the Orlando participants, including SFA’s own Emily Savage, it seems our church is also being called to a renewal.

The Convocation was a call to start anew, to go out into our parishes and our diocese to share our mission, to be Christ-Like, to find the forgotten, the lost and the spiritually poor.

Here at St. Francis, we have been on a similar journey. Over the past year, Faith Forward has called us to a renewal and a reawakening. We are to embrace our history as a pioneer in stewardship as a way of life, yet at the same time we are called to be more and to do more.

This summer has been a time of reflection for our Council leadership, a time to identify what we’ve done right and where we can improve. We’ve been challenged to realign our structure to the needs of our parish

I had a very nice, longer than normal summer vacation this year. There was time for learning and seeing things I had never seen before. There was also time to just be with my family, enjoying one another in life’s simple pleasures. We had time together laughing, having wonderful meals, and just hanging out by the pool. I came away refreshed and renewed.

Our church, here in the United States, also spent some time together over the July 4th weekend. “Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America” was called by our bishops in Orlando, Fla., July 1-4. The bishops, including our Bishop Kemme, gathered to listen, share and be renewed as a church.

The message from the convocation was to advance a next chapter in evangelization and the formation of missionary disciples. The convocation assembled leaders for conversation on

SFA Parish, parishioners called to reawakening– as defined by our Faith Forward process.

The councils and our parish will continue to work on this in the coming months. Faith Forward did not take the summer off! Our parish is committed to a new beginning. We have heard you in the listening sessions and in the parish surveys, and we are realigning to better serve your needs.

Summer is a time to refresh, count our blessings and be renewed. It is also a time to look ahead.

As we look at our new beginnings personally, as a member of the Catholic Church in America and as a member of St. Francis Parish, let us begin again. Let’s be inspired to listen to the Holy Spirit working in our lives and forming us to be missionary disciples. Like a dip in the pool on a hot summer day, let us be refreshed and renewed in the joy that we find in our lives in the Eucharist.

– Pat Burns, Director of Stewardship & Finance

FUNERALS

Sharon L. Veach, mother of Tracy Gardner, Christie Gottschalk, Bradley Wiesen, Stepchildren: Bruce Veach, Rick Veach and Pat Veach-Davis, on July 13

Ignacio Guerrero, father of Antonio Guerrero, Ruben Guerrero, Christopher Guerrero and Gregory Guerrero, on July 15

Harold Bluml, husband of Phyllis, father of Mike Bluml, Steve Bluml/Randy Bluml, Rex Bluml and Stanley Bluml, on July 26

Server Picnic

Fr. Jarrod, Fr. Walsh and kids get very muddy playing gaga ball at the annual altar server picnic.

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NEW PARISHIONERS

Clayton and Andrea Law, 4 children

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CYM Summer Fun

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CYM (continued)

September6• GUEST SPEAKER: MR. BITTING • 8:00 - 9:30 P.M.• CYM ROOM

10• COFFEE AND ROLLS• 9:30 AM - NOON• WALKWAY13• HOLY HOUR AND CONFESSION• 8:00 – 9:30 PM • CYM ROOM

17• COFFEE AND ROLLS• 9:30 AM - NOON• CLARE HALL20• GUEST SPEAKER: MR. GOERTZ• 8:00 - 9:30 PM• CYM ROOM

24• COFFEE AND ROLLS• 9:30 AM - NOON• WALKWAY27• SQUARE DANCING WITH THE WEST SIDE STEPPERS• 8:00 – 9:30 PM • CYM ROOM

October

November1• CYM• 8:00 – 9:30 PM• CYM ROOM

8• HOLY HOUR AND CONFESSION• 8:00 – 9:30 PM• CYM ROOM12• TURKEY BINGO• 2:00 PM• CANA HALL

15• CYM• 8:00 - 9:30 PM• CYM ROOM 19• COFFEE AND ROLLS• 9:30 AM - NOON• WALKWAY

19• DECORATE THE RECTORY AND PIZZA PARTY• 3:00 PM• RECTORY

22• NO CYM• HAPPY THANKSGIVING29• BE GRATEFUL, GIVE THANKS, EAT PIE• 8:00 - 9:30 PM• CYM ROOM

FALLF E S T I V I T I E S

1• COFFEE AND ROLLS • 9:30 AM - NOON • WALKWAY4• BUNCO TOURNAMENT• 8:30-9:30 PM• CYM ROOM

7-9• TEENS ENCOUNTER CHRIST (TEC) RETREAT• SPIRITUAL LIFE CENTER8• COFFEE AND ROLLS• 9:30 AM - NOON• WALKWAY

11• HOLY HOUR AND CONFESSIONS• 8:00-9:30 PM• CYM ROOM14• MISSIONARY DISCIPLES• 9:00 AM-7:30 PM• CLARE HALL

15• COFFEE AND ROLLS• 9:30 AM - NOON• WALKWAY18• LIVING YOUR MISSION• 8:00 – 9:30 PM• CYM ROOM21• L.E.A.D.• 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM• HOLY SPIRIT, GODDARD

22• COFFEE AND ROLLS• 9:30 - NOON• WALKWAY25• CYM• 8:00-9:30PM• CYM ROOM

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CYM vs. Councils softball game is summertime hitSFA CYM members; Fathers

Andy Walsh and Andrew Labenz; and the Pastoral, Stewardship and Finance Councils came together on a recent Sunday evening for a fun-filled game of softball. It was a

battle of youth vs. wisdom.Initially, there was a little

apprehension on the part of the councils, but that fell by the wayside as the game got under way.

The air was filled with the

crack of the bats, high fives, and cheering and clapping by the many spectators. It was a great evening!

– Phyllis Kuckelman

SFA to host square dance lessons this fallDo you want to get out of the house and have fun at the same time? The

Westside Steppers Square Dance Club will have square dance lessons in the basement of St. Clare Hall every Tuesday and Thursday nights from Sept. 21 through Nov. 14, 7-9 p.m.

Casual attire, couples, singles, families are welcome. No prior experience needed. Registration and social hour (including light snacks) will be on Sept. 21 from 6-7 p.m.

Participate in all classes for only $30 (cash or checks only), which is less than $1 per hour. For more information, email westsidesteppers@hotmail.com or visit www.westsidesteppers.com. The instructor will be Sheldon Lawrence (729-6920) and the club presidents are Rick and Cathy Frost (648-6772).

SFA CYM members; Fathers Andy Walsh and Andrew Labenz; and the Pastoral, Stewardship and Finance Councils pose for a group photo at their recent softball game.

CYM members Grace Rose, Erika Pearson, Cami Scott and Abagail Lyle take a break from the game for a photo.

Players warm up before the game between the SFA CYM and the Pastoral, Stewardship and Finance Councils.

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NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE PAID

WICHITA, KSPERMIT #152

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

YAG welcomes new members for eventsWhat is YAG? Young Adults

Gathering is an event for young adults, single or married, ages 22-35, to come together for an evening of faith and friendship. The gatherings, generally Thursday evenings from 7-10 in the Rectory, consist of a presentation,

discussion and social time. You are welcome to come for all or

part of the evening. Non-parishioners and spouses older than 35 are welcome. Feel free to bring non-alcoholic drinks or snacks.

Childcare is provided; please call or

text Sarah Steinert at 613-9507 or email steinertcs@gmail.com to sign up your children.

Upcoming meetings are Aug. 24 and Sept. 28. Watch the Bulletin for future YAG events.

BAPTISMS

Camden Christopher, son of Cory and Crystal Voyles, on July 8

Aikman Eugene, son of Jacob and Michelle LaMunyon, on July 9

Carson Callie, daughter of Michael and Tammy Cook, on July 16

Austin Wyatt, the son of Jonathan and Megan Rudisill, on July 22

Brenden Mateo, son of Omar and Kayla Del Rio, on July 29

Brysen Vicente, son of Jose and Karla Montelongo, on July 29

Rory Madeleine, daughter of Jeffrey and Vanessa Pollard, on July 29

Sydney Faye, daughter of Adam and Rachael Wiebe, on July 29

Evelyn Brooke, daughter of Anthony Sandoval and Mary Boyack, on July 30

Stewardship ThoughtLord, by your grace and with

the faith that you give to me, I am privileged to be your instrument through which others will hear the Good News. Help me to witness boldly and tell others of your unconditional love for them. Help me to be faithful to the tasks you give me. In Jesus’ name I pray.

Amen.

Discovering Christ

Participants take part in the Discovering Christ program during this past June and July. It was the first time that SFA hosted the six-week program, which found parishioners and guests gathering in Clare Hall on Thursday evenings for dinner, video lessons, and small group conversation to find a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Stay tuned for an opportunity to participate in future programs.

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