UPCOMING EVENTSBoy Scout Court of HonorCelebration of Troop 762’s 55th Anniversary May 6, 3 p.m., Stewardship Hall

Pentecost Vigil Service & Adoration May 19, 7 p.m., Church

Graduating H.S. Seniors Reception May 20, following 10 a.m. Mass, Cana Hall

20 New Catholics Enter Church at Easter VigilAPRIL 2018

Wichita, Kansas

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

THE V E R N A C U L A R

Congratulations and welcome to the 20 adults and children who entered the Church on Easter at St. Francis.

The adults were taught by Fr. Andy, and the kids by Scott Carter and Marcia McAnarney. They have been going to classes each week for the past six months.

Five children made their First Communion: Laynie Winfrey, Clara Lopez-Enriquez, Angelo Silva, Sebastian Castillo-Silva, and Anabela Perez-Silva.

Nine children experienced Baptism, Confirmation and their First Communion: Carter Jenson, Heidi Elledge, Lily Guzman, Josie Terronez,

Alivia Terronez, Nicholas Terronez, Adrian Saldana, Abriella Bond, and Elan Piper.

One adult experienced Baptism, Confirmation and their First Communion: Vanessa Guzman.

Five already baptized adults received Confirmation and the Eucharist: Jason Elledge, Tyler Martin, Robert Pepper, Shelley Bloomer, and Misty Hoopes.

See additional photo on p. 2

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April 2018 THE VERNACULAR2 Layout by Guy Gallant

Troop 762 hosts 55th anniversary celebrationThey say time flies when you are

having fun. That is certainly the case with SFA’s Boy Scout Troop 762! It has been 55 years since its founding in July 1962, hence the “762”).

It’s time to celebrate! We invite our 125 Eagle Scouts, anyone who has been a Scout, and all former Scoutmasters, families and friends of Scouts, to please join us at 3 p.m. on May 6 in Stewardship Hall as we hold a Court of Honor to celebrate this milestone and honor all those who made it possible.

We will also be dedicating a memorial in honor of Eagle Scout Michael Pracht, who passed away in 2017.

During the past 55 years, Troop 762 has gone on more than 650

campouts, with activities ranging from hiking, backpacking, fishing, rafting, swimming, cycling and much more – in sun, snow and rain. There have been hundreds of campfires, Dutch oven cobblers, and Scout vespers sung at the end of the day. We’ve posted the flags, retired flags, and played “Capture the Flag.”

All this was made possible by some amazing men we call “Scoutmaster” who set an example of what it means to be “trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent,” and to demonstrate what we pray to uphold as Catholic Scouts, to be physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight!

Without leaders, this troop would never have lasted. Without boys wanting to live the Scout motto, oath and law – and with spirits full of adventure – the troop wouldn’t be what it is today.

Please help us spread the word; if you know anyone who may like to attend, invite them. All from the parish are welcome. Bring your stories, memorabilia and anything you care to share that day.

Come shake the hand of the Scoutmaster who made a difference in the life of you or your son. We can’t wait to see you all again!

– Sandy Rongish

Easter Vigil (cont. from p. 1)

“Real power is found in service. Just like Jesus, who didn’t come to be served,but to serve. His service

was seen on the Cross. He humbled Himself unto death, He died on a

Cross for us, to serve us, to save us.”– Pope Francis, homily, May 21, 2013

Stewardship Thought

April 2018THE VERNACULAR 3

It seems all of St. Francis has caught puppy love for Fr. Jarrod’s adorable new puppy Seraphina (pronounced sarah-FEEN-a). Here’s the scoop to satisfy all your puppy curiosity.

Q & A with Fr. JarrodQ: How did you pick her

name?

A: Fr. Sam Brand helped me pick the name.When I brought her home on March 12, Fr. Sam looked up the saints of the day online; one of them was St. Seraphina. I liked that name for two reasons.

First, I have a huge devotion to the angels, and “Seraphina” is a derivative of “Seraphim.” Second, the name has a connection to St. Francis because he received his stigmata from a Seraphim. So, the name reminds me of both the angels and our patron St. Francis.

Q: Why did you decide to get a dog?

A: Well, not to sound like a teenager, but I did it because my brother got one! (Ha!) I have seen how important Bazinga has been to my brother, how my joy he brings him, and how much movement he brings to my brother’s life.

Seeing how much good Bazinga does for my brother I saw how good that would be for me too. I

am very much enjoying the lively presence of a puppy in my life. She is small enough for me to pet and she is a kind of breed that will not be bothersome to other people. She has been wonderful so far!

Q: How old is Seraphina?

A: She was born on Dec. 13, 2017, and will be five months old in May.

Q: What is her breed?

A: She is a Lhasa Apso, one of the oldest pure breeds. This breed traces its origins back to Tibetan monks who used them for companionship and for their keen

Introducing SFA’s newest (fluffy) parishionersense of smell and sound.

Q: If Pope Francis met this dog, what would he say? How many stars out of five would he give Seraphina?

A: If Pope Francis met this dog he would smile, pick it up, let her lick his cheek, and say, “This is a peaceful creature of God!” I think he would give her five stars – and, yes, I am totally biased about that.

Q: Any other fun or funny information you’d like to share?

A: Seraphina is very playful; she likes to chase balls and wrestle with chew toys. She is all puppy!

Associate Pastors RespondFr. Labenz: While Fr. Jarrod

may claim that the inspiration for the dog came from outside influences, I believe it all stems back to a homily I gave during Advent in which I hinted at how happy Fr. Andy and I would be if our pastor got us a dog for Christmas.

Seraphina came a few months late, but we’ll take it! Seraphina has been a great dog thus far for us two associates. Fr. Jarrod has all the responsibilities for caring for her and training her, while Fr. Andy and I get all the perks of playing catch with her for 15 minutes and then handing her right back to the pastor to do all the hard work. The way it should be, right?

Fr. Andy: On a scale of 1-10, I’d give her an 8. I am not responsible for her, so to me she seems lowmaintenance! She is pretty good at playing fetch with a tiny tennis ball about the size of a ping pong ball. I think she looks like a four-legged Ewok (from Star Wars). She has yet to find my room in the rectory, which I’m OK with!

– Kristin MartinThe Living Stations – performed by the youth of SFA every year on a Friday during Lent - feature original script and music by parishioner Robert Condreay.

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April 2018 THE VERNACULAR4

Atrium helps children grow closer to Good ShepherdThe Atrium at St. Francis is a

special place where children grow in love of the Good Shepherd through scripture and liturgy. Located in the basement under the old rectory, next door to the CYM room, the atrium is a place where SFA, PSR and homeschool preschoolers and kindergarteners of the parish pray as they work with prepared materials that express essential Christian truths.

As one catechist explains, “With Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, we first ask ‘Who’ and then ‘How?’ ‘What?’ and ‘Why?’ This structuring of faith formation helps children satisfy their needs as they experience them.

The following are testimonials from teachers, a catechistand a parent.

Kindergarten Teachers“Through my work with the

children in the St. Francis atrium, I find that they already know the truths we present. The presence of God and His love are ingrained in even the smallest children, and our meditations in the atrium bring that knowledge out in a very organic way, so that they become conscious of these realities, and are able to rejoice in them. This is truly the beginning of moral formation.”

“We have found a guiding presence in our weekly visits to the Atrium.Students have opportunities to work hands-on with materials, allowing for a deeper understanding of our faith.The children have grown in their spiritual life through making their work a prayer.”

“Each time we enter the Atrium, there is a sacred presence that each child and teacher feels and hungers for that only God can provide. We have found both students

and teachers grow deeper in their relationship and understanding of the Mass, miracles, parables and sacraments – leading to a stronger foundation with the Good Shepherd.”

Cheryl Rundle, catechist“Children in the atrium show

a great amount of joy and peace.This environment allows them to contemplate God’s unfailing love, and to place themselves in the context of the larger world in a way I haven’t seen anywhere else.”

Serena Barnard, parentI went to visit my son’s Catechesis

of the Good Shepherd class, and I was amazed! The children in the class were so engaged, and there were so many hands-on materials to help them relate to the scripture passages and the lessons.

Everything in the class centered on the most important thing, to help them fall in love with Jesus.

The Atrium at St. Francis is a place where children grow in love of the Good Shepherd through scripture and liturgy. They pray as they work with prepared materials that express essential Christian truths. Some of the artwork they created is above and on the next page.

April 2018THE VERNACULAR8 5

Meditation: One flock, one shepherdThe following meditation is in

honor of Good Shepherd Sunday, which was April 22; it is based on the themes developed in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

Who is Jesus Christ? Jesus reveals the mystery of Himself, and who we are in relation to Him, in the Parable of the Good Shepherd.

This parable invites us to contemplate His love for us, and as we see the fullness of God’s love, we are drawn more deeply to seek Him, to know Him, and to love Him.

Jesus announces that He is the shepherd of the sheep, and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them. The sheep follow Him because they recognize His voice.

He further proclaims that He came to give the sheep abundant life, and He lays down His life for the sheep. He desires that all hear His voice, even the sheep who do not yet belong to the fold.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, imparts that we will be gathered into one, so that there will be one flock, one shepherd.

This gospel is familiar as it is proclaimed each year on the Fourth Sunday of Easter. Although these words may seem proverbial, we must pause and reflect on the nature of the Shepherd’s love for His sheep. It is personal, protective, redemptive and total.

His love is personalHe calls us each by name and will

leave the 99 sheep in the desert to go and search forone lost sheep. He will look for us until we are found, and

when He finds us, He does not scold us.

Instead, He lovingly picks us up and places us on His shoulders and brings us back

to the fold. He calls his friends and neighbors to rejoice and to celebrate as He finds great joy in our return. (Luke 15)

His love is protectiveWhen a wolf attacks and scatters

the flock, the shepherd will lay down His life for the sheep. And the Shepherd’s Father loves Him because He lays down His life for the sheep. (John 10)

He leads us to green pastures, still waters, and along right paths. (Psalm 23)

His love is redemptiveJesus ardently desired tobe with all

people of all times forever. One day, the Good Shepherd proclaimed the words that are still professed during Mass today.

“Take and eat; this is my body … Drink from it all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.”

The next day, the Good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep.

His love is totalWe know that His light is stronger

than the darkness, and He is risen. We receive the light of the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd, at Baptism. We receive the Body and Blood of the Good Shepherd in the Eucharist.We receive the mercy of the Good Shepherd in Reconciliation.

The Good Shepherd anoints our heads with oil in Confirmation. We are in a covenant relationship with Him. Jesus is always with us, and will never abandon us.

We are called to listen to His voice, and to follow Him. Through His death and resurrection, He conquered evil. His love is total.

– Jenny Ostrom

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

– John 10:10

April 2018 THE VERNACULAR 56

SFA offers STEM curriculum to studentsAt St. Francis School, we use

“Project Lead the Way” for our STEM curriculum in kindergarten through eighth grade. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Our first graders have been investigating light and sound in their STEM class. We have discussed that God is the ultimate Engineer and that without Him, we would have no engineers or materials to use when designing. God gave us unique gifts and talents that we can use to solve real-world problems.

Through this class, they have begun to recognize that there are many ways to solve a problem, and that sometimes persistence, collaboration, grit, and “thinking outside the box” are keys to success.

The first graders have learned that vibration causes sound, and they experimented with tuning forks,

Slinky toys, rubber bands, cup-and-string phones, and stethoscopes.

Students also learned about light (including shadows, reflection and refraction) with flashlights, mirrors, colored lenses, diffraction lenses, and a laser pointer with prism.

The students used the engineering design process to design, build and test a long-distance communication

device. They were able to communicate using light, sound or both. Then they evaluated their design and identified its strengths and weaknesses. Student growth, creativity and collaboration were evident as the groups

worked to perfect their designs. What did students have to say

about STEM? “I learned that red, blue and green

light makes white light,” Kalem said. “My favorite part was exploring

the objects and making cool stuff,” Brooke B. said.

“I learned that sometimes our ideas don’t work out,” Keegan said. “My favorite part was building!”

“I liked testing with light and sound,” Cage said. “My favorite part was when my partner and I tested our design, and the group said, ‘I see light. I hear sound!’”

For the past three years, we have been blessed with the stewardship of parishioner Tom Lezniak, a retired space physicist and proud grandparent of SFA students. Tom has used his experiences in the physics field to enhance Light and Sound lessons in first grade, Properties of Matter in second, Structure and Formation in kindergarten, and Energy and Collisions in fourth.

He has created hands-on extension lessons, produced simulation videos, shared scientific articles and donated equipment to our STEM program. Tom has fostered a love of STEM in many of our young students and has been a great blessing to our STEM program at SFA school.

– Julie Riedlinger, first grade teacher

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Boy Scout Court of HonorCelebra� on of Troop 762’s 55th AnniversaryMay 6, 3 p.m., Stewardship Hall

Pentecost Vigil Service & Adora� on May 19, 7 p.m., Church

Gradua� ng Seniors Recep� onMay 20, following 10 a.m. Mass, Cana Hall

20 Enter Church at SFA’s Easter VigilAPRIL 2018

Wichita, Kansas

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

THE V E R N A C U L A R

Congratulations and welcome to the 20 adults and children who entered the Church on Easter at St. Francis.

The adults were taught by Fr. Andy, and the kids by Scott Carter and Marcia McAnarney. They have been going to classes each week for the past six months.

Five children made their First Communion: Laynie Winfrey, Clara Lopez-Enriquez, Angelo Silva, Sebastian Castillo-Silva, and Anabela Perez-Silva.

Nine children experienced

Baptism, Confi rmation and their First Communion: Carter Jenson, Heidi Elledge, Lily Guzman, Josie Terronez, Alivia Terronez, Nicholas Terronez, Adrian Saldana, Abriella Bond, and Elan Piper.

One adult experienced Baptism, Confi rmation and their First Communion: Vanessa Guzman.

Five already baptized adults received Confi rmation and the Eucharist: Jason Elledge, Tyler Martin, Robert Pepper, Shelley Bloomer, and Misty Hoopes.

April 2018THE VERNACULAR 7

CYM Easter Celebration

NEW PARISHIONERSDamon & Melissa Puetz, 1 childMarin & Karime Rosas, 3 childrenJames & Kristen Allen, 3 children

BAPTISMSJacob Thomas, son of John and

Stephanie May, on March 10Katelynn Kay, daughter of Jason

and Melanie Elledge, on March 18Charlie Lee, son of Jason and

Melanie Elledge, on March 18Harper Elizabeth Xaan, daughter

of Kevin and Jenn Vu, on March 25Benedict Joseph, son of Adam

and Kristal Bird, on March 24

Photos by Emily Savage

FINANCIAL REPORT - APRIL 2018

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE PAID

WICHITA, KSPERMIT #152

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