Over the past year, several dedicated people have been working to update the St. Francis church and school websites. The sites are now more user-friendly and easier to navigate.

The decision to update the website was made by the Internet Committee in February 2014, but work didn’t begin until several months later.

“We wanted to change the way the site was used,” said Carissa Scott, communications director, “And it was important to us that it bec0me a source of information for parishioners that was easy to navigate, and offered fresh content and an updated look.”

By the time Fr. Jarrod arrived, the website was in the final stages of completion, but his input on content and layout was vital to the final result.

The new website features a completely new design, as well as new navigation. It is also very mobile friendly, which may be one of the most noticeable changes from the old

website. With more and more people viewing websites from a mobile device, this is an important improvement.

With the new mobile layout, viewers can easily navigate and read pages without having to zoom in or squint to read tiny print.

Another change is that it is now easy to access the Mass and confession schedule, as well as the bulletin, calendar, and Vernacular right from links on the home page!

The same goes for the school site. There are new pictures, links, calendars, as well as information and current events that will help parents stay more connected to the school.

Carissa was one of the key persons behind the new webpage design,

Parishioners create new, improved websiteheading up the new design and coming up with much of the layout. The goal behind the new website was much more than just giving it a pretty facelift; it was meant to make both websites a better reflection of our mission.

“The updated website makes it easy for parishioners and those visiting to get a glimpse into this amazing parish,” Carissa said. “Users can find information on upcoming events and SFA groups, confession times, church resources and so much more!

“We also place a focus on adding content that can help each one of us deepen our relationship with Christ.”

The new website should greatly assist in developing and nourishing our faith community by allowing us to more easily access information.

A special thanks goes to the team that worked on the project: Denise Walker, Joe Shobe, Michael McClure,

UPCOMING EVENTS

Totus Tuus Twilight Retreats Grades 7-12: July 10-15 7:30-9:45 p.m., CYM Room Totus Tuus Day Program Grades 1-6: July 11-15 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. See bulletin for details

JUNE 2016

Wichita, Kansas

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

THE V E R N A C U L A R

New Website … cont. on p. 3

June 2016 THE VERNACULAR2

June 2016THE VERNACULAR 3

The digital and industrial age has all but destroyed appreciation for original art because of mass-production. What I mean is this: we have gotten so used to reproductions of original masterpieces that we find it almost absurd to purchase original artwork. This is a tragedy of our modern age.

Original artwork is very expensive because it represents hundreds of hours of designing and production by a single individual. A true piece of art, an original statue or a masterpiece painting, demanded the “blood, sweat and tears” of a dedicated artist. But mass production has turned these pieces of art into molds for resin or digital images for screen savers.

Because of this it seems extreme to spend so much money on the original when one can get a replica for a fraction of the cost. Then, the artist goes unappreciated, and true art is undervalued.

Well, you are “God’s masterpiece” (Eph 2:10). You are the original handiwork of God. God is the potter, and you are the clay (cf. Jer 18). You are no cheap reproduction. You have been “bought at a price” (1 Cor 6:20) “with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Pet 1:19). You are not mass produced as if you are some replication of another piece of art. No, you were “knit together in your mother’s womb” (Ps 139:13) such that God knows “every hair on your head” (Luke 12:37).

There is no aspect of your entire person that God has not intentionally designed and knowingly shaped. When he was done individually shaping you, he “blew the breath of life” into you (Gen 2:7) and proclaimed, “You are ‘very good’!” (Gen 1:31). You have been “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps 139:14) and God declares, “You are precious in my eyes and I love you!” (Is 43:4).

If it takes an artist so much work

Cooperate with God in ‘forming’ yourself

to make and original masterpiece, how much more work does it take for you to be modeled into God’s “image and likeness” (Gen 1:27). Artists use lifeless mediums to produce their work. But you are not lifeless. Rather you are “generous contributors to God’s manifold grace” (1 Pet 4:10).

You see: the God who created you without your permission, will not FORM you without your cooperation. You are free! “It is for freedom that Christ has set you free” (Gal 5:1). For freedom you have been created, in freedom you are to be formed.

And all of us must be FORMED. This is even the mission statement of our school “to be FORMED, INFORMED and TRANSFORMED into the Mystical Body of Christ.” Like material in the hand of an artist, God has placed you in your own hands to be conformed into his image through grace.

As St. Paul says, “Do not be CONFORMED to this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the renewal of your mind” (Rom 12:2). It takes work to be FORMED into God’s original masterpiece. It takes “discipline” (Heb 12:7-11) to be FORMED into God’s

image. To this end, St. Paul says, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard or seen in me – put it into practice” (Phil 4:9).

So, as you enter into this summer season, do not hesitate to FORM yourself in the image of Christ. I don’t care how you do it: read a spiritual book, meditate on scripture, listen to homilies or talks, go to Adoration, read the Catechism, sign up for FORMED.org, etc. When you do this, you will show your Divine Artist true appreciation, and you will properly value the masterpiece he has FORMED you to be.

– Father Jarrod Lies

Message From

THE PASTOR

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there

are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who

produces all of them in everyone. (1 Cor. 12:4-6)

Stewardship Thought

New Website … cont. from p. 1

NEW PARISHIONERSRyan Avalos David and Sharon GoodwinIra and Afton Lopz, 4 children

Carissa Scott, and Ricardo Reitmeyer. Without these incredibly talented parishioners who gave of their time, this website would not have been possible.

If you haven’t already, be sure to visit www.stfranciswichita.com and check out the new site.

– Katie Kissling

Editor’s Note: Carissa and her husband, Garrett Scott, who played the organ and piano during Mass and taught 8th grade at SFA School, will be moving this summer to western Kansas, then later heading to Manhattan where Garrett plans to pursue an architecture degree from Kansas State University. They will be missed.

June 2016 THE VERNACULAR4

Many of us recently celebrated as loved ones walked across a stage and were handed a diploma. Each graduation season, I am reminded of my own college graduation. Sixteen years of school, and I was ready to tackle the world. I was done: D-O-N-E. Off to my first “real” job I went.

The first week was spent in orientation (another fancy word for learning.) This was followed by staff meetings, annual schools and research for particular job tasks, and on and on. I discovered that we are never finished learning, and this is a blessing.

Sadly, most of us don’t view our Catholic faith in the same way. For many of us, there is a magic moment: Confirmation or high school or college graduation when we’re done. We decide we’ve learned everything we need to know about our faith. Sunday Mass is good enough. This can allow our relationship with God to grow stagnant.

Fortunately for St. Francis parishioners, we have the opportunity to grow through Formed.org, a Catholic website with movies, audio, books and study programs offered free of charge to parishioners who sign up.

For my husband and me, Formed.

org is a great way to gain new insights into God. We’ve also been able to re-learn some of the things we have forgotten. As parents, we are able to share these programs with our teenagers and young adults. In this way, we carry on our positions as “the primary educators of our children” in the Faith.

Is this easy? No. We live in a busy, “noisy” culture that provides all sorts of distractions. Our family’s biggest challenge is finding a time that works for everyone. Sometimes not everyone can be there. Still those present can watch and learn together.

Based on our own experiences with Formed.org, here are a few suggestions you might want to try in your own family:

• Start small. Our friends, Ben and Dolhia Patterson, started with “Opening the Word.” They remarked, “This was as simple as viewing a six-minute video. We watched as the family gathered for a meal. We felt more prepared for Mass, and both kids and adults were able to remain focused during Mass.”

• Rather than always watching “popular” movies, choose one of the movies on Formed.org to watch as a family. The movies are well made and entertaining.

Learning, growing in faith is never-ending• Watch an episode while doing

chores. I like to exercise or fold laundry while watching.

• Take Formed.org on vacation with you. Turn off the radio and plug in to God. It’s a great way to pass long hours in the car.

• Grow with others. Choose a study program to watch with friends or extended family. If you prefer, watch in your own homes and later share what you learned. As a couple, the Pattersons suggest the “Beloved” program: “It is a very powerful and moving way to be reminded of the beautiful nature of man and woman, and of God’s plan for marriage.”

• The media offerings change with liturgical seasons, and new programs are being added. If you don’t find something that appeals to you, look again next month.

In academic learning, all of our hard work pays off with a paper diploma that grants us admission into the workforce. In the spiritual life, our hard work pays off with the best diploma, the diploma that grants us admission to eternal happiness in heaven.

Formed.org is a wonderful aid in learning to know, love and serve God better so that we are prepared for an eternity of happiness with Him.

– Lisa Martin

In preparation of our nation’s 240th birthday this July 4, Boy Scout Troop 762 would like to share with you what the United States of America flag means and the correct way to handle flags that are worn out.

The American Creed states, “It is my duty to my country to love it, to respect its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.”

The United States flag is more than just some brightly colored cloth. It is a symbol of our nation.

Together the seven red stripes and six white stripes represent the original 13 colonies that gained us liberty.

• The red stripes remind us of the blood that brave men and women have shed for our country.

• The white stripes remind us of purity and cleanliness of purpose, thought, word and deed.

• The blue is for truth and justice, like the eternal blue of the star-filled heavens.

• The stars represent the 50 sovereign states of our union.

Regardless of the physical

Scouts conduct annual U.S. flag retirementappearance or condition, the U.S. flag should always be treated with dignity and respect, when it’s flying or being retired, it should always be handled with reverence for those who have sacrificed everything for our freedoms.

The U.S. flag should be replaced when it becomes worn, torn, faded, stained or badly soiled. It should never be rolled up and thrown in the trash, regardless of its condition. The worn or damaged flag should be folded

Flag retirement … cont. on p. 5

June 2016THE VERNACULAR8 5

Formed website is new resource for SFAThis month’s article presented a

FORMidable challenge. Could I find a way to somehow subtly promote FORMED.org and help people remember the name?

FORMED.org is a free Catholic website that provides movies, CDs, books and study programs to all parishioners. All you need to do is sign up and your life can be transFORMED.

The inFORMation available through this website will help you grow closer to God and strengthen your knowledge of our Church. It is not like you need to perFORM some heroic task; just sign up with your name and email address.

This platFORM is designed to give you easy access to some of the best information available about our faith.

Summertime is a great time to relax with a book and no FORMalwear is required.

The FORMat is simple. Follow

the FORMula or steps listed in this issue of the Vernacular, and you are on your way.

Adult FORMation and education is an important part of our ongoing parish life. No one wants to be uninFORMed and miss out on a wonderful opportunity. Make the decision today to FORMulate a plan and go sign up. It is inFORMative, easy and a great way for the whole family to get involved.

FORMing ourselves and the entire family with a CD or movie is a great summer activity. Let me be the first to say that I’m not usually a conFORMist. A transFORMation has occurred within me. My FORMer concerns and fears have been removed.

Consider this your FORMal invitation to join FORMED.org. It is a transFORMative website packed with some amazing material. Go and check out this website that is a great way to stay inFORMed about our Church.

At this point, my closing is merely a FORMality. Go sign up for FORMED.org. FORMing Christians is what the stewardship way of life is all about.

– Pat Burns, Director of Stewardship & Finance

as best as possible and given to a collection site. Several places will accept worn-out flags for proper retirement, including the VFW, fire stations and Troop 762.

The U.S. flag only ceases to be a flag when it is cut (not torn), into pieces, separating red from white and the blue star field. The blue field is left intact because no one should ever let the union be broken.

St. Francis of Assisi Boy Scout Troop 762 conducts a flag retirement ceremony each year during our

Flag retirement … cont. from p. 4

Thanksgiving Campout. Flags that have been collected throughout the year from fellow parishioners, friends and neighbors, are prepared for retirement, cut into separate pieces, in the same way mentioned

above. A brief summary of our ceremony: “As in the Scout law, the first two

flags represent God and Country having served our country proudly.

Color Guard: Please place these two flags into our campfire. (Pause and wait for Flags to completely burn.)

“We invite members of our military, present and past to please come forward and retire a blue star

field. As you approach the fire, please announce your service for all to hear.

“Now, we ask each Scout to please come forward and place a

piece of the flag in the fire. “Now we ask all others

present to please come forward and place a piece of the flag in the fire.”

The Scouts maintain a vigil over the fire until no traces of the flag remain. Part of our tradition is to keep ashes from each ceremony, which are added to next year’s fire as a way to honor, respect and commemorate the ongoing sacrifices made by those who have served and defended our country on behalf of the freedoms we all enjoy.

Worn flags can be given to any member of

Troop 762, and we will ensure it is properly stored and prepared for retirement at our next Thanksgiving Campout.

– Mitch Miller

Senior patrol leaders Antonio Gonzalez and Ebben Miller lead the flag retirement ceremony during the 2015 Thanksgiving Campout.

June 2016 THE VERNACULAR 56

Congrats, farewell to SFA 8th gradersParents, relatives and friends of

81 St. Francis of Assisi School eighth graders participated in a Farewell Mass at St. Francis on May 25 to celebrate and give thanks for the completion of the students’ grade school years. Our congratulations and prayers for the future go out to these students and their families.

Aspen Antle, Caralyn Bailey, Haley Beugelsdyk*, Brett Bongartz, Caly Bourbonnais*, Lauren Brooks*, Libby Brooks*, Max Bullinger*, Michael Burns*, Alexandria Carter, Abigail Conley, Abigail Conrad, Drake Dugan, Farrah Evans.

Ashton Forbes, Emma Fox, Savannah Frost, Rochelle Gallant, Almarosa Garcia, Mateo Garcia, Jaidyn Goebel, Jackson Golden*, Noah Gorges, Benjamin Gregg, Tyler Griffin, Ava Hanna, Isabel Harmon, Thomas Harter, Seger Holman, John Honas, Colby Hudspeth, Rebekah Iseman.

Photo by Ann Walden

Noelle Jerman, Gabriel Jimenez, Emily Jones*, Meg Keahey, Nathan Koehler, Skyler Lance, Kennedee Lara, Luke Larkin, Dominik Lehmann, Tanner Mans, Lauryn Mauler, Preston Means*, Grace Mernagh, Nicholas Mileham, Isabelle Mohr, Audriana Navarro, Helen Nguyen†*, Jason Nguyen, Dalton Nichols, Dylan Nichols, Audrey Oxler*, Logan Patterson*, Layne Petersen, Rylea Peterson, Holly Price.

Sylvia Robben, Vanessa Rosales, Arianna Sanders, Brady Saville, Brian Simon, Reagan Smith, Lauren Stallbaumer*, Lainie Steven*, Levi Streit, Ainsley Stump, Logan Tajchman*, Ethan Taylor, Clare Timmermeyer, Carson Towey, Ashley von Mosch*, Amelia Vopat†*, Shelby Vu, George Walden, Levi Ward, Jenna Welsby*, Emily Werth, Daniel Willson, Nicholas Winegar, Coby Winters*.

Names marked with † were recipients of the Msgr. Leon McNeill Eighth Grade Scholar Award. This diocesan award recognizes eighth graders who are generally A students and have no more than one B. Students must have exemplary conduct records and must have received a rating of at least 15 on the Grade School Recommendation. They also must be approved by their pastor as active parish members.

Names marked with * were recipients of the President’s Education Award, which honors students whose hard work and dedication have allowed them to meet very high standards of excellence for a number of years in elementary and middle school. This program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.

Names in bold are the last family members to attend SFA School.

June 2016THE VERNACULAR 7

8th Grade Farewell reception

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Msgr. Ted Bertagni and SFA parishioner Dan Dillon were in the same class (1970) at Creighton Prep High School in Omaha, Neb. Their paths crossed after several years when Monsignor was at St. Francis recently speaking about his mission, Cross Catholic Outreach.

8th Grade Trip

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A thunderstorm moved the 8th grade bus trip from Worlds of Fun to Dave & Buster’s in KC. A tornado warning moved participants to the stairwell for a time. Everyone managed to enjoy themselves, despite the difficulties.

June 2016 THE VERNACULAR8

BCCHS graduates include 61 from SFA

Photo by Julie Stuckey

Congratulations to the 61 St. Francis of Assisi Parish parishioners who were part of the 2016 graduating class of Bishop Carroll Catholic High School on May 22.

Names marked with * earned a BC Honors Diploma (3.8 GPA and at least 26 semester credits of honors classes), and those marked with ** earned the Cum Honore Diploma (4.0 GPA and at least 28 semester credits of honors classes).

McCae Allen, Brynn Alloway, Dominic Bacha, Brooke Best, Rose Bogner, Samantha Bongartz, Joshua Burns**, Patrick Carney, Noah Carter, Patience Criswell, Emily Demel**, Kyle Demel**, Alecia Downing.

Allison Eaton, Jessica Exley, Elleana Finkeldei, Brendan Fox, Erica Freeman, Olivia Fugarino, Christian Girrens, Andreas Gunther, Shannon Hallacy, Andrew Hamel, Kathryn Hammer, Sophia Hanson, Aric Harlan, Meghan Hawk, Ericka Hiser, Will

Honas, Landon Horsch, Noah Johnson.Kylie Keahey, Samantha Knoblauch,

Craig Lang, Natalie Lubbers, Nicole Lubbers, Bailey McGee, Kylee Mernagh**, Anthony Miller, Aaron Moeder, Ashley Nguyen, Crystal Nguyen**, Evan Nichols, Madeline Petersen, Austin Pham, Sidney Potter, Whitney Riedel.

Jadyn Saunders, Levi Schoenberger, Sean Seiler, Andrew Skaggs, Chase Smith, Reed Spachek*, Shelbie Stuckey, Cameron Tasset, Geoffrey Tholstrup, Andrew Thome, William Thompson, Manuella Vasquez-Ringgold, Madison Weber, Morgan Werth, Colton Woodard.

Congratulations also to home school graduate Colin Keiser.

Some of the other distinguished awards won by SFA parishioners are as follows.

• Crystal Nguyen – Co-Salutatorian, Msgr. Arthur Barth Scholar Award

• Joshua Burns – Msgr. Arthur

Barth Scholar Award, National Merit Commended Student

• Kylee Mernagh – BC Citizenship Award, Scholar/Athlete Award, Kansas State Scholar, Leadership Team

• Kyle Demel – Kansas Exceptional Academic Performance Award

• Aaron Moeder – Kansas Exceptional Academic Performance Award

• Sidney Potter – R.J. Peck Memorial Scholarship

• Reed Spachek – BCPO/Thomas Seiler Memorial Scholarship

• Emily Demel – ROTC Scholarship, Newspaper Recognition

• Madeline Petersen – John Phillip Sousa Award

• Jessica Exley – Golden Eagle Choral Award

• Shelbie Stuckey – Family and Consumer Science Award

• Morgan Werth – Newspaper Recognition

June 2016THE VERNACULAR 9

BC Graduation Reception at SFA

Photos by Tammy Bacha

Photos by Julie Stuckey

BC award winners represent SFA

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Shelbie Stuckey celebrates with her grandparents, Sharon and Bill Sanders.

Emily Demel Crystal Nguyen Joshua Burns Reed Spachek Kyle Demel

June 2016 THE VERNACULAR10

The 2016 SFA Track & Field season officially ended May 7 at the CSAL League Championship Meet where SFA was able to win the overall team title over rival SEAS with a score of 459 to 422. The season included many new school and league records (see box).

There were many highlights to the season, but one thing I think will resonate with many of the kids as they look back at the year is the friendships they deepened and the

new ones they made. The students were able to do this while at the same time working hard and pushing each other to compete.

The theme this year was “Run so as To Win.” This did not mean if you didn’t win a gold medal you were a failure. But it did mean you were going to give your very best of the gifts God has given you.

I was very pleased with the effort put forth by the athletes over 43 practices and four meets. Every

SFA Track & Field Team: ‘Run so as To Win’athlete was able to see their time/distance/height improve every meet because of their dedication and effort at practice.

I want to thank all the parents and coaches for the considerable time and energy they spent making this a successful and rewarding experience for the kids. It is your dedicated stewardship that makes St. Francis of Assisi a great place to be.

– Mark Powell, Head Coach

New SFA/CSAL Records• 8th Grade Boys Pole Vault - Brian Simon (11’ 0”)• 8th Grade Boys 4x200 - Tommy Harter, John Honas, Max Bullinger, Luke Larkin (1:44.17)

New SFA Records• 6th Grade Girls Pole Vault - Brenna Mileham (8’8”)• 7th Grade Girls Pole Vault - Morgan Zogleman (9’8”)• 7th Grade Girls 200 Hurdles - Destry Klausmeyer (36.59)• 7th Grade Girls Shot Put - Aubrey Schneiders (30-11.5)• 7th Grade Girls 400M - Kadee Martinez (1:05.33)• 7th Grade Girls 200M - Ella Larkin (28.29)• 7th Grade Girls 4x400 - Ella Larkin, Cameron Pascal, Mackenzie Bahr, Kadee Martinez (4:44.70)• 7th Grade Boys 200 Hurdles - Joseph Poggi (35.89)• 8th Grade Girls 200 Hurdles - Destry Klausmeyer (36.59)• 8th Grade Boys 4x400 - Max Bullinger, George Walden, John Honas, Luke Larkin (4:10.55)

Photo by Anna Harter

June 2016THE VERNACULAR 11

SFA Track

SFA SOCIAL SITES

If you’re on any of these social sites, please take a few minutes to follow or like us:

• www.facebook.com/kssfachurch• www.instagram.com/kssfachurch• www.twitter.com/kssfachurchYouth Ministry• www.facebook.com/sfacym• www.twitter.com/sfacymFr. Jarrod Lies is online!• Follow him at twitter.com/FrJLies• Visit www.stfranciswichita.

com and click on “Fr. Jarrod’s Homilies” to listen to any of his past sermons.

Spread the word!

BAPTISMS

Dominic James, son of Stephen and Amanda Bachman, on May 1

Andrew James, son of Michael and Jean Aukofer, on May 11

Harper Elaine, daughter of Mason and Abigail Felter, on May 14

Carly Rose, daughter of Sean Piercy and Colby Dresher, on May 14

Mack Lewis, son of Blake and Kristina Blasi, on May 15

Joscelyn Lee, daughter of Julian Breeden and Charise Vasquez, on May 15

Kinsley Denae, daughter of Clint May and Amanda Orth, on May 15

Elizabeth Ann, daughter of Thomas and Kelly Anderson, on May 21

Makylah Ambri, daughter of Mike Mason and Ambria Malone, on May 22

Peyton Patrick, son of Mike Mason and Ambria Malone, on May 22

Gentry Carl, son of Stephen and Amber Symonds, on May 22

Koutarou James, son of Naoto and Emily Saga, on May 22

Brie Nicole, daughter of Mark and Andrea Bell, on May 29

Adalyn Ruth, daughter of Steven and Milissa Graham, on May 29

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NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE PAID

WICHITA, KSPERMIT #152

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