Diocese of Dodge City welcomes -elect John B. Brungardt On the occasion of his introduction to the people of the Diocese of Dodge City, Dec. 15, 2010

Bishop-elect John B. Brungardt ‘I hope to be a good shepherd to the people of SW ’ n the early morning hours of Dec. 15, Pope Benedict XVI Iannounced the appointment of the Reverend John B. Brun- gardt of Wichita as the sixth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City. He will succeed Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore, who has retired after having served the Dodge City diocese since July, 1998. Bishop-elect Brungardt is currently of St. Mark the Evangelist in St. Mark, Kan., and Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita. “I am humbled by Pope Benedict XVI’s appointment of me as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City,” Bish- op-elect Brungardt said Dec. 15 in a press conference at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dodge City. “With trust in God, I hope to be a good shepherd to the people of southwest Kansas, from Odin to Elkhart, from Tribune to Kiowa. “Building on the foundation of Bishop Gilmore and his pre- decessors, the priests, religious, and laity, I hope to carry on the mission of spreading the Gospel message of Jesus Christ to the people of the diocese.” Ordained to the priesthood on May 23, 1998 by Bishop Eu- gene J. Gerber at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita, Bishop-elect Brungardt has served the Wichita diocese for the past 12 years in a variety of pastoral assign- ments. He has served as pastor at seven parishes, chaplain and religion teacher at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School from 1998-2001, as director of the diocesan office of Respect Life and Social Justice from 1999-2004, moderator of the Bishop-elect John B. Brungardt greeted members of the diocesan office of Hispanic ministry since 2005, and chancel- chancery and cathedral staff prior to a press conference lor of the diocese since 2005. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 15. Following the press conference, he enjoyed lunch with Bishop-elect Brungardt was born July 10, 1958 in Salina to priests of the Diocese of Dodge City. the late Mr. and Mrs. Francis and Virginia (Burton) Brungardt. He received a bachelor’s degree in Physics with a minor in Send letters of congratulations to Mathematics in 1980 from Benedictine College; a master’s degree in Physics in 1983 from Iowa State University; and Bishop-elect John B. Brungardt a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in 1993 from Kansas Bishop-elect John B. Brungardt State University. He completed his seminary formation at the Catholic Chancery Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio in 1998 with a 424 N. Broadway master’s of Divinity and a master of arts in Moral Theology. Wichita, KS 67202 “The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has chosen one of the exemplary priests of the Diocese of Wichita to serve as Send your good wishes to Bishop Emeritus Bishop of the Diocese of Dodge City,” said the Most Rever- Ronald M. Gilmore end Michael O. Jackels, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita. Most Rev. Ronald M. Gilmore “We are happy to share with others God’s gifts to us, but Catholic Chancery we will still feel the loss; we will miss Father Brungardt and 910 Central, P.O. Box 137 his ministry. The people of southwestern Kansas are getting Dodge City, KS 67801 one of our best.” ‘Jesus loves us more than we can ask or imagine’ Bishop-elect Brungardt’s statement to the press

The Most Reverend John B. Brungardt Bishop Elect of Dodge City Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Good morning. I welcome you and thank you for being here today. I am humbled by Pope Benedict XVI’s appointment of me as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City. With trust in God, I hope to be a good shepherd to the people of southwest Kansas, from Odin to Elkhart, from Tribune to Kiowa. I was raised on a farm near Abilene, and I look forward to serving the farm and ranch lands, the towns and cities of the Dodge City diocese.

I want to express my gratitude to Bishop Ronald Gilmore, who has faithfully led the Church in this diocese for the past twelve years. Building on the foundation of Bishop Gilmore and his predeces- sors, the priests, religious, and laity, I hope to carry on the mission of spreading the Gospel message of Jesus Christ to the people of the diocese.

St. John of the Cross wrote: “My sole occupation is love.” My first priority is to get to know the good people of the diocese, that I may better love and serve them. I look forward to meeting my brother priests and , who cooperate and share in my ministry in the Church. I hope to work closely with the consecrated religious, who dedicate themselves to living the evangelical coun- sels. I wish to hear the hopes and dreams of the laity, as they “prepare the way of the Lord” (Matthew 3:3) this Advent season and beyond.

I would like to express my appreciation and affection for my family, students, parishioners, religious, and all who have helped me grow in my Catholic faith. With special gratitude I thank Bishop Jackels, Bishop Omsted, Bishop Gerber and the priests and deacons of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita for assisting me and being great inspirations to me.

Let us trust in our Gentle Jesus as He teaches, forgives, and saves us. Let us follow the example of the father of the prodigal son, and be “filled with compassion” (Luke 15:20) for all our brothers and sisters. Please pray for me as I strive to be a compassionate bishop, following the example of the Jesus the Good Shepherd. Be assured of my prayers. Remember, Jesus loves us more than we can ask or imagine.

Before questions, I would like to add a statement in Spanish:

Buenos días y bienvenidos. Soy el obispo nuevo a la diócesis de Dodge City. Con mucho cariño por la gente, comien- zo este ministerio. Quiero conocer, servir, y amar todos en imitación de El Buen Pastor Jesucristo. La gente Hispana tiene una fe devota y familias fuertes, y voy a ayudar todos a crecer en la fe Católica. Recuerden en las Escrituras, la historia del hijo pródigo. Su padre “sintió compasión” (Lucas 15:20). Queremos crecer en la virtud de compasión. Gracias a la Virgen de Guadalupe, nuestra patrona, por su intercesión a nosotros, por la misión de su Hijo. Mis oracio- nes están con todos Ustedes. Recuerden, Jesús nos ama más que nos imaginamos. Interview with Bishop-elect Brungardt

By CHRISTOPHER M. RIGGS He said it’s too early to think about plans for the The Catholic Advance Diocese of Dodge City. “I will be getting to know the wonderful people there, all the priests and the sisters Father John Brungardt was in his car Monday, Nov. and lay folks to assist me in this new ministry.” 22, when his phone rang with a call bearing a 202 pre- fix. The caller introduced himself as Archbishop Pietro Bishop-elect Brungardt said he welcomes working in Sambi. a largely rural diocese with a large Spanish-speaking population. “I grew up on a farm near Abilene, so “I had to pull over to talk to him,” Father Brungardt I’ll feel right at home,” he said. “I’m blessed with a said. When the papal nuncio to the United States was background to assist me in a diocese with many folks finished talking, Father Brungardt had become bishop- whose first language is Spanish – who have a unique elect of the Diocese of Dodge City. and beautiful culture. And at the same time a rural diocese with many traditions and roots of farming and “My first thoughts were – I was kind of over- ranching, so, I’m looking forward to my new home.” whelmed,” Bishop-elect Brungardt said in an inter- view last week. “Archbishop Sambi began by speak- In 2003, during his assignment as pastor of Sacred ing about Jesus walking along the shore of Galilee. Heart , Arkansas City, Bishop-elect Brungardt When he began that way I knew I was in for some- spent five months in Mexico, studying the Spanish thing! But, I guess, my initial reaction was just of language and culture. He later served as moderator of being overwhelmed.” the diocesan Hispanic ministry.

Not overwhelmed enough to courteously answer the His initial formation was through his very strongly papal nuncio. “I responded that I would be happy Catholic family, he said. He grew up in northeast to serve the Lord and the Holy Father and the good Kansas with five brothers and sisters, son of the late people of the Diocese of Dodge City as their bishop.” Francis and Virginia (Burton) Brungardt. He moved to Wichita in 1985 to teach at Wichita Collegiate School, Since then Bishop-elect Brungardt has been doing a then later at Kapaun Mount Carmel Catholic High lot of talking to the Lord. “It’s been a whirlwind few School. weeks as I have let this great gift ‘sink in.’ I’ve been asking the Lord to give me wisdom and strength, and “I used to be a science teacher in my old life,” he said, what does this call to bishop really mean.” adding that his life took a pivotal change in 1990 when his mother died. He has also has been reading about the ordination rite, he said, “trying to make some sense out of it all.” “I went through a spiritual re-awakening: more devo- tion to the Blessed Mother and the rosary, prayer and “It’s an extraordinary calling and an overwhelming daily Mass,” Bishop-elect Brungardt said. “That kind calling, yet the Lord gives us the strength we need no of started my new spiritual journey, looking at – not matter where he calls.” what I want for myself – rather, what does the Lord want for me, what does he have planned in my life?” Bishop-elect Brungardt said he has reflected a lot about the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15). “The He said his involvement in pro-life ministries also virtue of compassion has always been a great focus played a pivotal role in his life. and a personal vocation of mine. In the story of the Prodigal Son, the father was filled with compassion, so “That eventually led one priest to ask me: ‘John, what I asked my loving Lord to fill me with compassion to are you doing with the rest of your life?’ I thought a take on this new ministry.” moment and I really didn’t have an answer.” He said Bishop Gerber had been a wonderful example The priest told him he should think about the priest- of a good shepherd; that Bishop hood. “He saw something in me that I didn’t even taught him that truth is not a what, but a who, Jesus know was there. That began my intensive discernment Christ; how Bishop Michael O. Jackels expresses the and asking the Lord what he wanted of me,” Bishop- joy of the Good News; how Bishop Gilmore is so elect Brungardt said. “That led me to call Father Paul faith-filled; and how Bishop Coakley reinforced the Coakley, now Bishop Coakley. I told him I’d like to idea that the Lord speaks to us through Scripture. talk to him about my vocation.” “So if I can take a little bit of all the many other bish- Bishop Eugene J. Gerber, now bishop-emeritus of the ops and priests, religious, lay folks, and family mem- Diocese of Wichita, assigned John Brungardt to study bers who formed me in my Catholic faith – just take at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, a piece of all that – then, with the Lord’s help, I can Ohio. He was ordained in 1998 by Bishop Gerber in be a good shepherd to the people in the Dodge City the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Wichita. diocese. I give thanks to all. I trust that Jesus loves us more than we can ask or imagine.” Bishop-elect Brungardt said he has been pondering about all the wonderful he’s had in his life “and how in a small way I can glean some of their virtues.”

Bishop-elect John B. Brungardt greets members of the press, as well as the cathedral and chancery staff at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dodge City Dec. 15, 2010. Bishop Gilmore: A humble and holy man ‘I have done all I know how to do’

At the Dec. 15 press confer- lowed me to do. The good priests ence announcing his retirement and good people of this Diocese and the subsequent naming of deserve better from their Bishop Father John B. Brungardt as than what I was giving them. Bishop-elect of Dodge City, Accordingly, on the last day of Bishop Emeritus Ronald M. the last year, I asked Pope Bene- Gilmore offered a humble state- dict XVI if I might take early re- ment making clear the reason tirement. He granted that request for his retirement. He felt he some months later, and he asked had done all he could for the me to delay announcing it until a diocese, and that it was time for new bishop had been appointed. “fresh eyes, fresh hands, and a That day has now come. And fresh heart.” I welcome Bishop-elect John It was typical for the now Brungardt, a priest of the Diocese “bishop emeritus” to downplay of Wichita, who will become his many contributions to the in February the sixth Bishop of life of the Diocese of Dodge Dodge City. City. Following the press He was ordained a priest in conference, one person noted 1998, just two months before in passing, “I don’t think the I was ordained as your bishop. bishop could ever realize the In the years since, he has been tremendous impact he’s had on Bishop Emeritus Ronald M. Gilmore speaks associate pastor, chaplain and to members of the press, and to chancery and [southwest] Kansas.” teacher at a Catholic High School, cathedral staff Dec. 15. Amen to that. temporary administrator at differ- Following is the official state- to work with his people. Sarcina, he ent times of four parishes, Direc- ment that he made to the press and called it, a bundle to carry, a burden tor of the Respect Life and Social chancery and cathedral staff Dec. 15. to bear. Justice Office, Moderator of Hispanic A video of the press conference can It has been my privilege to have Ministry, Chancellor of the Diocese be found at dcdiocese.org. borne that sacred burden with exceed- of Wichita, and he has been a pastor ingly fine priests and exceedingly for seven years at three different par- ometimes being a bishop feels good people in these nearly 13 years ishes. He has been a priest of many Slike a blessing. Sometimes being I have been with you. I was doing parts. a bishop feels like a cursing. For me, something similar for nearly 17 years Bishop-elect Brungardt, I welcome being a bishop has always felt like a in the Diocese of Wichita before I you in the name of the priests and the burden. It has been the sarcina epis- came here. While I shall be forever people of the Diocese of Dodge City. copatus that St. Augustine, Bishop of grateful for both those experiences, All of us are grateful to you for hav- Hippo, frequently felt in his 5th cen- they have taken their toll. ing responded to the Holy Father, for tury North Africa. He would rather It became increasingly clear to me having said yes to this new call from have studied, but he had to preach over the last two years that the Dio- the Lord. and to teach. He would rather have cese needed fresh eyes, fresh hands, + Most Rev. Ronald M. Gilmore prayed, but he had to sanctify through and a fresh heart. I have done all I the sacraments. He would rather have know how to do, all my strength per- worked with his hands, but he had mitted me to do, all my weakness al- ‘Join with me in thanking God’ for our new bishop have seen only copies, never a real sustained gazing on the Incarnation. I Rouault painting. But since I was a And Christmas is not a bad time to boy in high school, I have been fascinat- begin. ed by the work of this gifted man who And that is exactly what we do with died in 1958. the sudden Incarnation, if you will, of a Whether the subject was the clown, or new bishop in our midst. Isaiah spoke the prostitute, or the workers of Paris, throughout Advent of freshness, and or the suffering Christ, his art was one newness, and re-creation. Bishop-elect long meditation on the Incarnation. His Brungardt will be about those things in Christ was the suffering servant who the years to come. carried the burdens of the poor and the Join with me this Christmas season marginalized of France in the last cen- in thanking God for him. Join with me tury. This is the reason for his darkness. in helping him get accustomed to our But, to look at the work closely is to see Diocese. And join with me always in his colors allowing the Resurrection to praying daily for him and his work. His + Most Rev. Ronald M. Gilmore shine through it all. work, the work of Redemption, will be His is not a bad plan for a life, that ever after linked with our own.

Hello, farewell, and thanks be to God By David Myers The Diocese of Dodge City is telling his staff how thankful he was Southwest Kansas Register relatively small but represents a large for their ideas and creativity. He There’s an episode of “Monty cross-section of America. We have wasn’t a micro-manager; instead he Python’s Flying Circus” in which it farmers, the cardiologists of the heart allowed his staff to find their own is announced at the beginning of the of America. We have the wealth of voices, to utilize their creativity. program that at some point during the Hispanic immigrants who struggle in And as those days loomed after he show the Queen would be tuning in. ways difficult for most people to imag- announced to his staff his resigna- The skits go on as usual – some very ine. We have populations of people tion, we all had placed in the back of amusing, others lost in translation from Africa, India, Vietnam, and Ko- our minds the question: What would – when suddenly, in the middle of a rea. We have families who have been the new bishop be like? Would he be sketch an urgent voice announces that here for generations. We have rich and another Bishop Gilmore? the Queen had tuned into the show. poor. The answer, of course, is no. He will Rather than go on with the sketch, Through the last nearly 13 years, be no more, and no less, than Bishop the actors instead stand nervously at two of Bishop Gilmore’s primary John B. Brungardt. At least two attention while the British national focuses have been on rural life issues members of his former staff informed anthem plays in the background. and on bridging the cultural divide. the Register at this writing that he is This is a bit how we here at the For several years he led the Catholic a deeply holy man, and one whom we Catholic chancery have felt over the Rural Life Conference, where he spoke are extremely lucky to welcome here. past days – straightening our ties, up for farmers not just in Kansas, but Both said they are very sad to be los- stacking neatly the pile of papers on across the country. ing a man of such kindness and strong our desks -- waiting to suddenly stand He often addressed the immigrant in faith. nervously at attention when “the new his columns, calling loudly for im- As we prepare to stand at atten- guy” would arrive at our prairie door. migration reform, asking people to tion – dressed in our Sunday best, our As we anxiously prepared, we did so remember another family of refugees desks straightened, anxiousness giving with an air of sadness. This new chap- who were forced to flee their homeland way to anticipation – we find hope in ter starting in the life of the Diocese of 2,000 years ago. knowing that although we are saying Dodge City meant the retirement of a He was friendly, he was encourag- farewell to a good and holy man, we great man, Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore. ing, and he was appreciative, often will be welcoming one and the same. ‘I have to trust gentle Jesus to lead me every step of the way’ -- Bishop-elect John B. Brungardt Bishop-elect Brungardt looks forward to knowing the people of southwest Kansas

By David Myers and Tim Wenzl “But in my adult life, I never really con- Southwest Kansas Register “As a boy, like most sidered it. When my mom died in 1990, magine stepping into the shoes of the Catholic boys, we’d it was a time of spiritual reawakening for Inew Bishop-elect of Dodge City last me -- a devotion to the Rosary, the Blessed Dec. 15, and suddenly finding yourself in play Mass and dress up Mother; I attended Mass daily. It kind of a brand new environment, far from fam- started the process.” ily and friends, with TV and still cameras as priests. We’d take After 13 years of teaching, he decided to pointing at you while reporters record your enter the seminary in 1993, and completed every move. white wonder bread and his seminary formation at the Pontifical And through it all, you try to stay com- smash it flat and use a College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio posed. in 1998. Which is exactly what Bishop-elect cookie cutter and make “Bishop [Michael] Jackels would al- John B. Brungardt did on that hectic day little hosts.” ways say that you cannot love who you do during which was combined a Vatican not know. My first step is to get to know announcement of his appointment, an the wonderful folks here in Southwest introductory brunch with the staff of the a big challenge discerning my vocation Kansas. I look forward to meeting all the chancery and cathedral, lunch with the because I couldn’t imagine ever being a priests and deacons, Religious and laity priests, and a press conference. physics teacher before. But my spiritual of the diocese. “It’s kind of overwhelming and kind of guide, then-Father Paul Coakley [Bishop “I’m sure there will be challenges from exciting,” Bishop-elect Brundgardt told of Salina, soon to be Archbishop of Okla- day one. I have to trust gentle Jesus to the Southwest Kansas Register just mo- homa City] said that maybe it’s not teach- help me every step of the way. It’s just too ments prior to the press conference. ing physics, but teaching in general. That overwhelming for anyone. But with the “It’s wonderful that the day is finally was a light bulb moment: Maybe the Lord Lord’s help, nothing is impossible.” here. The papal nuncio called me Nov. 22 wanted me to teach the rest of my life, but Bishop-elect Brungardt, who is bilin- and told me that the Holy Father would like not necessarily physics – to specifically gual, said he is eager to work with the me to serve as Bishop of Dodge City, but teach people about God, and learn more Spanish speaking population, as well that I couldn’t talk to anybody but Bishop about the Lord myself.” as working with the Catholic schools, Gilmore. So it’s kind of a relief that the Bishop-elect Brungardt was born in Sa- the PSR program, and with adult faith day’s finally here and it’s public.” lina, and delivered by his grandfather, Dr. formation. Was there any hint ahead of time that he B.A. Brungardt. They lived in Manhattan “I’m sure it will be these and many other had been given the new appointment? where his father was a coach and teacher things I will be involved in as bishop,” “Well, it was pretty much a surprise,” at a Catholic school. At age 10, the family he noted. Bishop-elect Brungardt said. “We’re al- moved to a farm near Abilene, where he In closing, the bishop-to-be said that ways open to the Lord’s call where ever enjoyed the farm life until he left at age 20. the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe it may be. He is the second oldest of six children. was “magnificent,” and that he is eager to “But it’s a pretty astounding, over- Although he didn’t considered the celebrate there soon. whelming and humbling call.” priesthood until later in life, that doesn’t Bishop-elect Brungardt’s mother had 10 This is the second vocation for the future mean the boy who would be bishop didn’t brothers and sisters, while his father had a bishop, who, barely 15 years ago, was occasionally don the priestly garb. stunning 17 siblings. With 33 nephews and teaching physics. “As a boy, like most Catholic boys, nieces and 88 first cousins, he said with a “In my old life I was a science teacher. we’d play Mass and dress up as priests,” laugh that they would fill half the cathedral I was really enamored with physics, with the Bishop-elect said. “We’d take white come Feb. 2, the day of his ordination as computers, with mathematics, and I taught wonder bread and smash it flat and use a sixth bishop of Dodge City. science for 13 years before seminary. It was cookie cutter and make little hosts. How is a bishop selected?

fficially know as the Congregation for Bishops, Rome, the congregation is free to nominate any one of Othis office of the Curia has the heavy responsibil- the three. For that matter, the congregation may nom- ity of naming the world’s bishops, the future leaders inate one whose name does not appear on the terna of the Church. Each year, hundreds of vacancies are yet who is known to them to be the most qualified for effected by death, retirement, illness, or expansion of that vacancy, given the needs and circumstances of the a diocese, as in the case of a need for auxiliary bish- local church. ops. The Congregation for Bishops, in conjunction with the papal representative of a country or region, After consultation and investigation within the con- makes inquiry into the suitability of one priest or gregation, the cardinal-prefect, during his weekly another and submits to the Holy Father nominees for meeting with the Holy Father, submits the name each post to be filled. deemed to be most suitable. Of course, the Holy Fa- ther can choose any priest* to fill the vacancy; he need It is not as simple a process as it seems. First of all, not choose from the terna at all. the congregation must gather information on the exact needs of the local churches so that any eminent ap- After the Holy Father has made his decision, the pointment would meet the need of the local church. candidate is notified. He is bound by secrecy until To do so, the congregation employs priests and reli- the announcement is made at noon on the following gious men and women who gather information from (usually a Tuesday). Once the hour of noon passes in local ordinaries, bishop’s conferences, presbyterates, Rome, he is free to break the news to family, friends, and laity so that, when a vacancy arises, the congrega- and the faithful of the local church. tion will be prepared for an appointment based upon the needs of the church in that locality. It is important to note that the Holy Father ordains new bishops in Rome only once each year, on the In seeking potential new bishops, ordinaries within feast of the Epiphany. Any bishop nominated at other each diocese canvass the priests of their diocese to see times throughout the year is traditionally ordained to if they believe one among them to be worthy of the the episcopacy at the cathedral of his home diocese or office of bishop. In addition, from time to time, lay the new diocese he is to govern. persons active in the Church are often consulted as well. * The pope is not bound by the nomination list of the congregation yet almost always trusts their compe- As soon as it becomes apparent that one or two per- tency in these matters sons within a jurisdiction are considered by his peers and by the laity to be worthy of consideration, the or- dinary consults with the metropolitan of the province, as well as with his brother bishops of the province, to ascertain their opinions on this or that candidate. Beyond this consultation, the name is submitted to the Nuncio of the place, who has also made separate inquiries on various candidates. From these consulta- tions, the nuncio begins to compile a list of suitable candidates.

Three names are eventually submitted to the Congre- gation for Bishops. This list is called a terna, Latin for “three.” The terna is ranked by preference of the nuncio from most likely to least likely for any given appointment. Once the terna has been submitted to The Diocese of Dodge City at a glance

HISTORY AND FACTS

The Catholic Diocese of Dodge City was established May 19, 1951, and is comprised of twenty-eight counties in the southwestern corner of Kansas. The Diocese covers an area of 23,000 square miles and has a total popu- lation of approximately 216,396. Of the total population, an estimated 44,000 are Catholic.

Former bishops of the Dodge City Diocese are: • 1951-1959 Most Reverend John B. Franz • 1960-1976 Most Reverend Marion F. Forst • 1976-1982 Most Reverend Eugene J. Gerber • 1983-1998 Most Reverend Stanley G. Schlarman • 1998-present Most Reverend Ronald M. Gilmore

DIOCESAN STATISTICS

Clergy • Incardinated priests (active and retired): 31 • Incardinated deacons (active and retired) : 9 • Religious priests ministering in the diocese: 4 • International priests ministering in the diocese: 5 • Priests from Wichita ministering in the diocese: 2

Women Religious • Total Sisters in the diocese: 71 • Religious institutes represented: 6 • Serving full-time in pastoral ministry 15

Laity • Serving full-time in pastoral ministry 17 • Parish and parish school employees 300 • Parish volunteers (PSR, school, youth ministry, etc.) 680 • Others who offer their time and talent countless

Parishes • Number of parishes 48 • Parishes with a resident priest 25 • Parishes without a resident priest 19 • Parishes administered by a Parish Life Coordinator 4 (canon 517, §2)

Catholic Social Services

Catholic Social Service was formed in 1965 by Bishop Marion F. Forst, second Bishop of Dodge City, as Catho- lic Charities for Southwest Kansas to engage in organized charitable welfare and social work of any kind for the promotion of physical, mental and moral betterment of all persons who come under the care of this society. The objective of Catholic Social Service is to provide quality services to people of all faiths, backgrounds, and ethnicities in a manner that best services the needs of the client.

Services offered include: adoption services, pregnancy counseling, Teen Moms, Marriage for Keeps, Rural Family Addiction and Behavioral Services, foster care and Benefit Bank. http://catholicsocialservices.org/services

Church in Partnership

The Diocese of Dodge City has a collaborative relationship with Newman University in Wichita, Kansas called Church in Partnership. Through this partnership, the faithful of the diocese have access to Catholic higher edu- cation and other formation opportunities the diocese provides.

Church in Partnership uses an Interactive Television Network (ITV) to facilitate communication across the 23,000 square mile territory of Southwest Kansas. The following ten sites are located throughout the diocese: Dodge City, Garden City, Great Bend, Liberal, Ness City, Pratt, Scott City, Sharon, Syracuse and Ulysses. The central network bridge is located at Newman University in Wichita. The ITV network provides state-of-the-art, two-way audio and video connectivity among the sites.

The Pastoral Ministry Formation Program uses the ITV network to offer students the opportunity to earn a degree in Pastoral Ministry from Newman University. Newman University Western Kansas uses the network to offer students to earn a B.S. in Elementary Education, M.S. in Curriculum Instruction, M.S. in Building Leader- ship and an MSW in Social Work. The diocese uses the ITV network to provide such programs as: Communi- dades de Aprendizaje, Catechist Formation, Financial Peace University, as well as various seminars and training sessions.

Catholic Health Care

St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City is licensed for 132 beds and is a JCAHO accredited regional health care center. Available services include: Heart Center, Surgery Center, Orthopedics, Wound Care Center, Cancer Cen- ter, Maternity Child Center and Rehabilitation.

Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend is a 99-bed regional acute care hospital. Available services in- clude: Acute Care, Surgical Care, Women’s Health Center, Child Care Center, Heartland Cancer Center, Ortho- paedic Center, Sleep Center, Support Groups and Vein Clinic.

Both health care centers are members of Catholic Health Initiatives, a faith based, nonprofit health organization with headquarters in Denver. Photo album

Bishop-elect John B. Brungardt greets the press Dec. 15, 2010 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dodge City, Kansas. Bishop Emeritus Ronald M. Gilmore reads his official letter announcing his resignation Dec. 15, 2010 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Above -- Bishop-elect John B. Brungardt greets Father Robert Schremmer, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, and Sister An- gela Erevia, MCDP, Dec. 15, 2010. At left, he speaks with Tim Wenzl, archivist for the diocese, as well as advertis- ing manager for the South- west Kansas Register. Above, Bishop Emeri- tus Ronald M. Gilmore prays with members of the cathedral and chancery staff prior to enjoying a brunch with Bishop-elect Brungardt Dec. 15, 2010. At right, he shares a laugh with his new executive secre- tary, Amy Seachris. At right -- Bishop-elect Brungardt prays with priest of the Diocese of Dodge City prior to sharing lunch with them Dec. 15, 2010. Below, the bishop-elect visits with Father Mat- thew Kumi. At top -- Bishop-elect Brungardt shares a laugh with Bishop Emeritus Gilmore at a breakfast with priests. At left, he greets Fa- ther Floyed McKinney. Above, he speaks with a Religious of the diocese.