Mary Mirrione knew Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was succeeding in her parish when, after one Sunday Mass, a four-year-old girl walked up to the pastor, tugged on his chasuble, and told him that she didn't hear him pray the epiclesis during Mass. Of course, he did," Mirrione said, "But the funny thing was all the adults standing with him were looking at each other saying, What's the epiclesis?'" Because of her religious formation, she said, the child knew the term for the call- ing-down of the Holy Spirit, when the priest extends his hands over the bread and wine to become the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. One of the benefits of the catechesis for children is that parents who may not have a good foundation in the faith may be prompt- ed to begin a more in-depth study of their faith. We see, that while our focus is on the child, it (faith) blossoms and grows also in the family and in the parish and in the commu- Over 1,000 young teens and their parents were entertained, inspired, and evangelized Satur- day, Nov. 6, at Ascend 2021 in the Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School gym in Wichita. David Purcell, the diocesan program coordinator for Youth, Young Adult, and College Minis- try, said he was impressed by the standing-room-only turnout. It was fantastic," he said after the event. "There was more turn- out than expected and from what I heard everyone enjoyed it. I've heard good things from people." Those attending came from 44 parishes, Purcell said. "It really connected the parishes in the di- ocese and allowed the students to see their bishop and praise God." The youth attending, ages 12 to 14, are at a critical time in their spiritual lives, he said, because it is in that time frame many decided whether to remain in their faith or to leave. "What we're trying to do is bridge the gap and give a pos- Bishop Carl A. Kemme led Eucharistic Adoration at Ascend. (Photo courtesy Katie Gordon) Bishop Carl A. Kemme
Diocese begins plans for synod on synodality
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I suspect many of us are still experienc- ing the great joy and honor that was ours in celebrating the homecom- ing of the mor- tal remains of Servant of God, Father Emil Kapaun. There were so many high notes to this experience. One of them for me was the visible unity that we showed and witnessed all across our diocese. We came to- gether and were united in grateful prayer for bringing the remains of Father Kapaun back to us. In or- der to strengthen and advance that unity, it is now time to turn our at- tention to Pope Francis' invitation to participate in the universal syn- od on synodality. The word synod may not be very familiar to many, but it is a term that profoundly describes the church. We are a synodal church, which means we are a church The understanding of the role of St. Joseph and devotion to his intercession has bloomed in the Diocese of Wichita during the Year of St. Joseph. Bishop Carl A. Kemme said he is confident the year has resulted in many graces for the diocese. I have heard how many partic- ipated in one or another pilgrim- age, of the many who made the Consecration to St. Joseph, and of how so many have reflected on and were inspired by the virtuous life of this just man, being inspired by his courage, his obedience and his fidelity as the foster father of Jesus and the husband of Mary," he said. I pray that these graces will manifest themselves in the weeks, months, and years ahead as we move forward as missionary dis- ciples of Jesus, who considered Joseph as his earthly father. St. Jo- seph pray for us!" itive, tangible experience as kids journey from middle school to high school and ultimately to col- lege and that lifelong mission." Anthony Keiser, director of the Office of Faith Formation, said several young people attending the conference shared that they went to confession after years of avoid- ing the sacrament. Others truly enjoyed being there with the bishop in adoration, and others finally recognized they are loved by Jesus Christ and can have joy in their faith," he said, adding that it was a blessing that for many this was a family event with one or both parents experi- encing it together. I echo Bishop Kemme in be- ing so grateful that so many par- ishes made this experience avail- able to their middle schoolers and their families," Keiser said. Popple, the acoustic duo of Dan Harms and Kyle Heimann opened the event, provided music, and entertained throughout the day. Popple is based in Virginia. Chris Padgett, a convert, a musi- cian, and a theologian, entertained the crowd with humorous stories about himself in addition to evan- gelizing about the faith. He is from Constantia, New York, near Syra- cuse. After lunch and games, Dan Harm talked about confirmation, which was followed by music from Oklahoma-based Still Morning, a foursome made up of Julia Lopez, Austin Satrio, Megan Todd, and Blake Flynn. Bishop Carl A. Kemme then led adoration at the event, talked to those attending, and gave out Fred- dy's Frozen Custard sandwiches. The event closed with more music from Popple and Chris Padgett. My prayer going forward," Purcell said, "is that the Holy Spirit invigorates these kids so they may encounter God and draw closer to him. That's my mission and my work and I am happy to be a part of it." Many non-Catholics also took part in the event, Purcell said.
Over 1,000 attend Ascend 21 conference
Chris Padgett entertained and evangelized at Ascend 2021 Saturday, Nov. 6, at Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School in Wichita. (Advance photo) Continued on page 2. Continued on page 3
Closing Mass for Year of St. Joseph Tuesday, Dec. 7
Mary Mirrione trav- eled from Arizo- na to talk about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd during a visit to the diocese last month. (Advance photo)
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Laity, priests learn about establishing a religious foundation for children so that it grows with them
nity," Mirrione said from her home in Gilbert, Arizona. "CGS is a com- mon religious experience involving children and adults, in which the reli- gious values of childhood - primarily those values of contemplation and en- joyment of God - are predominant." The program uses Maria Montessori's vision and methods to catechize children using the scripture and liturgy of the church, she said. We're advocates for the religious life of children. In this world there is such a need for them to have a place prepared for them and for their relationship with God." Wichita has had CGS atriums for years that are growing, Mirrione said, adding that she flew to Wich- ita late last month to personally welcome the new regional group, called the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Heart- Continued on page 2.
The Official Newspaper
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Friday, November 19, 2021 vol. CLVI No. 22
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