Wichita, Kansas

   The 6th Grade Vocations Rally at Newman University was just completed and all who were involved were excited about the event. Melissa Grelinger, was the chair for this years  event and did a great job organizing the committee and volunteers. 

     Over 700 6th graders attended Thursdays activities and 75 PSR students attended the Wednesday evening event.

     Cooper Ray from the Dallas area once again was the headliner. Cooper provided music and inspirational stores and activities to energize the sessions. A host of speakers throughout the 2 days including Fathers Garret Burns, Chad Arnold and Andrew Labenz and IHM Sisters each had their own relatable stories and interactive activities to hilight their presentations.

       The day ended with Mass celebrated by Fr. Garret Burns. Bishop Kemme was scheduled to preside but had to be out of town due to the death of his mother. 

    Pictures and other news about the event will be on the site in upcoming days.

                                                                by Long Pham- Knights Coach

          The Padres extended their win streak to seven in a row as they beat the Blue Knights of Council #4118 in the 36th Basketball Classic for Vocations. The Padres shooting was red hot and consistent throughout the game to secure the win with a final score of 57 to 42. The Padres now lead the series with 23 wins to the Knights 13 wins. The game was held at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School on February 2nd.

Leading all scorers was Fr. Andrew Labenz with 20points.  Fr. Hayden Charles with 12.  Fr. James Schibi with 10.  Fr. Ned Blick with 7 (and 14 fouls!).  Fr. Garett Burns with 6.  Seminarian Dominik Jirak had 2 to round out the Padres scoring.  Fr. Will Stuever, Fr. Curtis Hecker, Fr. Rick Kotrba, Fr. Matthew Cooke also participated with the Padres.  Leading scorers for the Knights were Lorenzo Barles & Tim Schweitzer III with 10 points each.  Lawrence Barles & Ryan Allen with 7 points each.  Lucas Schippers & Long Pham with 3 points each.  Zach Dowell with 2.  Also playing for the Knights were Brian Spexarth, Austin Dowell, & Daniel Mies.

         The event began with Presentation of the Colors by members of Columbia Assembly of the 4th Degree followed by the National Anthem by the Bishop Carroll Pep Band and Invocation by Fr. Will Stuever. The Bishop Carroll Pep Band and cheerleaders kept the raucous crowd of over 500 engaged. Volunteer officials for the game were Jay Frey, Tom Roth, and Brian Bergkamp.  Bishop Kemme & Fr. Garett Burns offered brief remarks at half time, thanking the Knights of Columbus for their support and encouraging those in attendance to continue praying for our priests and religious vocations.  

        Event Chairman Long Pham wishes to thank Bishop Carroll Catholic High School for their partnership in the Basketball Classic since its inception.  He also thanks the following sponsors:  Catholic Family Federal Credit Union, Damm Music Center, Apex Excavating, Prichard Animal Hospital, Mike Kuckelman CPA and several personal donors for their continued financial support.  Proceeds from this game are used to support the religious vocation programs of the Knights of Columbus, in particular direct financial support of young men while they are in the seminary.