Vocations

Wichita Diocesan Prayer for Priestly Vocations

O God, the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. We pray for young men with the heart of Jesus your son; for young men full of zeal for the good of all; for committed men who will bring the Word of your Salvation to a weary world; for fellow laborers with Christ to spend and consume themselves for souls. Give them generous hearts to respond to your challenging call and the strength to follow you wherever you lead them. Amen.

Episcopal Ordinations to Bishop

Most Rev. W. Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City, Missouri
– Ordained February 6, 2018
– Parents: Gary & Mary Schaffer, Point Ludlow, Wash.

Vocations to the Priesthood

Rev. Hayden Charles
– Ordained May 23, 2020
– Parents: David & Liz Charles, Wichita

Rev. Todd Shepherd
– Ordained May 26, 2018
– Parents: Tom & Sheila Shepherd, Wichita

Rev. Garett Burns
– Ordained May 26, 2018
– Parents: Pat & Jackie Burns, Wichita

Rev. Xavier Mariae Meiergerd (Franciscan)
– Ordained June 8, 2016
– Parents: Don & Judy Meiergerd, Wichita

Rev. Devin Burns
– Ordained May 23, 2015
– Parents: Pat & Jackie Burns, Wichita

Rev. Frederick Keiser, LC (Legionary of Christ)
– Ordained December 14, 2013
– Parents: Fred & Linda Keiser & the late Barb Keiser, Wichita

Rev. Rickey Kotrba
– Ordained May 25, 2013
– Parents: Scott & Mary Kotrba, Wichita

Rev. Adam Keiter
– Ordained May 24, 2008
– Parents: Leon & Janet Keiter, Wichita

Rev. Joseph Eckberg
– Ordained May 27, 2000
– Parents: Richard & Jannette Eckberg, Wichita

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
– Ordained May 31, 1997
– Parents: Mike & Carol Fasching, Shell Knob, Mo.

Rev. Stuart M. Smeltzer
– Ordained May 25, 1996
– Parents: Stan & Terry Smeltzer, Wichita

Rev. W. Shawn McKnight
– Ordained May 28, 1994
– Parents: Gary & Mary Schaffer, Point Ludlow, Wash.

Rev. Kenneth J. Schuckman
– Ordained May 23, 1992
– Parents: George & Vi Schuckman, Wichita

Rev. James S. Mainzer
– Ordained May 23, 1987
– Parents: Leonard & Shirley Mainzer, Wichita

Rev. Robert K. Spencer
– Ordained May 18, 1985
– Parents: James & Theresa Spencer, Wichita

Rev. Robert J. Hartmann
– Ordained May 18, 1985
– Parents: Charles & Marilyn Hartman, Bella Vista, Ark.

Rev. H. Michael Peltzer
– Ordained May 10, 1980
– Parents: Bill & Mary Kay Peltzer, Wichita

Rev. Gregory Tajchman (Franciscan)
– Ordained June 12, 1971
– Mother: Hazel Tajchman, Wichita

Prayer for Vocations

Lord Jesus, together with Mary your most holy mother, who stood beside you in the hour of your redeeming sacrifice, we pray that many youths may have the courage and the humility, the fidelity and the love to answer “Yes” to your invitation, just as Mary did when called to collaborate in the mission of redemption. Amen. — Pope John Paul II

Religious Orders Vocations

Sister Mary Agnes, I.H.M. (Jennifer Wasinger) (Immaculate Heart of Mary)
– Took vows June 21, 2008
– Parents: David & Marcia Wasinger, Wichita

Sister Mary Barbara Keiser, O.P. (Nashville Dominicans)
– Took vows August 8, 2005
– Parents: Fred & Linda Keiser & the late Barb Keiser, Wichita

Sister Cecilia Marie, I.H.M. (Christine Hammersley) (Immaculate Heart of Mary)
– Took vows June 8, 2002
– Mother: Marilyn Hammersley, Wichita

Sister Simeon Marie, S.V. (Sheila Duncan) (Sisters of Life)
– Took vows June 1, 1993
– Parents: Bob & Nan Duncan, Wichita

Sister Ann (Mary Kay Farran) (Discalced Carmelites)
– Took vows June 7, 1980
– Parents: Gene & Colleen Farran, Wichita

Brother Mark Snodgrass (Christian Brothers)
– Took vows June 19, 1976
– Parents: Howard & Phyllis Snodgrass, Salina