FALL 2011 Father Tom Leaves an Indelible Mark t’s nearly impossible to overstate the positive impact Father Thomas Stroot had on Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and St. IMary’s-Colgan Schools during his 23 years as pastor. He played a significant role in the lives of thousands of parishioners. In fact, about half of all alumni who receive this newsletter passed through the halls of SMC during Fr. Tom’s tenure as pastor. And that doesn’t even take into account those he impacted during his four-year stint as associate pastor. Fr. Tom Stroot visits with alumni and Prior to his semi-retirement this past June, Fr. Tom was honored on guests at the SMC All School Reunion, campus with “A Celebration of Service” ceremony and picnic. More June 2011. than a few tears were shed and laughs were heard at the sharing of stories and reflections that helped put Fr. Tom’s contributions into their proper perspective. on to the associates he mentored. A native of Colwich in central , Fr. Tom is keeping his south- • When Eugene Gerber appointed him east Kansas roots intact and remains in the area, where he serves as as pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in 1989, Fr. administrator of Sacred Heart Church in Frontenac. Tom knew it would be a tough assignment. “Folks Following is a brief look back at key moments that reflect Fr. Tom’s thought I came here to close the school, which was dedication to Our Lady of Lourdes and SMC schools. in a tough financial position,” he recalled. “In fact, • As associate pastor under Fr. Edward Steinberger from 1977 to Bishop Gerber never said anything like that to me.” 1981, Fr. Tom was encouraged to visit the elementary school each To the contrary, Fr. Tom’s first major move was week, a practice from which he never deviated and one that he passed to bring together a group of parishioners to lead See Fr. Tom page 7 Success Through Struggles By John Kraus ~President of Schools/Director of Administration Down Home Hospitality 2 s St. Mary’s Colgan also reducing operating expenses. These pursues excellence decisions were made in order to grow our Grads Develop Sports A Technology 2 across faith, academic, and Memorial Fund and ensure a strong finan- co-curricular areas, we also cial future for the school’s next generation. Matthew Kelly 3 wrestle with operating in GOOD NEWS--the decisions, commit- ments, and sacrifices made are paying Class of 41 Reunion 3 difficult financial times. Before the end of the school year last off! We still have progress to make, but as this school year progresses we are real- Looking Back 4-5 May, our school families, administrators, izing a definite increase in giving. Thank Fr. Kapaun 6 finance council, and parishioners commit- you to everyone who has sacrificed, espe- ted to increasing giving to the parish while cially those who have taken on additional

See Success page 7 Down Home Hospitality Fr. Mike Baldwin became pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in July of 2011 after spending the last 24 years as pastor of St. Vincent de Paul in Andover, KS. honored Zacchaeus, another tax col- his very self. Hospitality is about self- It’s a joy to be back in Southeast lector, by going to his house for dinner. less self-giving. That’s what Jesus did Kansas! I grew up in the Girard area He went often to the home of Martha, at the Last Supper. That’s what he does and lived in Coffeyville for mid- Mary and Lazarus to put his for us at every celebration of the Mass. dle school/high school years. This feet up and be refreshed and Jesus welcomes us all to come to his is home territory for me and it’s renewed. table. He feeds us with himself, knits great to return, to feel “at home.” Jesus also taught about himself into our flesh, so that we can I have received a wonderful wel- hospitality. He told the story in turn welcome others. come from the OLL community. of the prodigal son who The St. Mary’s-Colgan family has The hospitality is overwhelming. returned and was welcomed been nourished at that table since the Folks have gone out of their way by his father with a feast. He school was established in 1895. I see to help me settle in. It’s really heart- spoke about the king who invited sur- the welcoming heart of Jesus in this warming. prised guests from the highways and place. He is enfleshed in this parish Hospitality is central to our byways for his son’s wedding when family. I have seen evidence of that Catholic heritage. It was a hallmark those first invited had refused to attend. in the welcome I have received. And of the Jewish faith as well. Jesus both These stories resonate strongly with in the welcome that is extended to all enjoyed the hospitality of others and us because they came from Jesus’ who come here. I give thanks for your was host at his own celebration of heart. He had a welcoming heart and welcoming hearts. It is a blessing to be the Last Supper. The scriptures tell he proved that on the night before he with you. † us about many times he accepted the died. He gathered his disciples and You are so good!!! hospitality of others. He went to the hosted a meal. On that special night, Fr. Mike wedding feast at Cana and offered a he modeled hospitality by washing his hand when the wine ran out. He had disciples’ feet and feeding them. He dinner at the house of Matthew the tax fed them with more than his example, collector, who became his follower. He he fed them with his body and blood, Three Colgan Grads Develop Sports Technology By Mark Schremmer Every so often, a new idea or tech- Patrick Moodie, with a Bachelor’s create software that would put the nology comes along that changes the Degree in Exercise Science and math into practice. Ryan obtained a world of sports. a Master’s in Biomechanics from Bachelor’s Degree from Notre Dame, Three St. Mary’s Colgan gradu- The University of Kansas, began to as well as a Juris Doctorate from ates may have found the latest game- develop a concept using 3D motion Washburn, Ryan created the proto- changer as they are on the ground capture to analyze the forces that are type software to put his brother’s floor of a technology that could rev- applied to an athlete during a par- ideas into motion. olutionize the sports and physical ticular movement. Doing so without Ryan Comeau, who also received therapy industries. force plates, was something he was his Juris Doctorate from Washburn, Patrick Moodie, a 2001 SMC told was impossible. takes care of the business aspects of graduate, devised a way to measure "I can remember when I thought of Dynamic Athletics, including mar- human kinetics without the use of the concepts for Dynamic Athletics," keting and investors. force plates, shoe inserts or any con- said Patrick Moodie, "I was in my So, almost eight years after Patrick tact-based equipment. Along with his lab at KU during the start of my mas- Moodie first developed the theory, brother Ryan Moodie, a 1998 SMC ter's program, and I told some people the science is being put into reality at graduate, and Ryan Comeau, also a and asked their opinion and I was their headquarters in Overland Park. 1998 Colgan grad, Patrick formed laughed at. Only one person actually Several athletes, including Kansas the company Dynamic Athletics with heard what I had to say, and thought I City Chief Dexter McCluster, have the goals of improving performance, should pursue this. That person is my used the service, and the technology injury prevention and improving wife Nicole. is going through a third-party verifi- rehab. Patrick had the mathematics down, cation process at KU. but he called on his brother Ryan to This all sounds good, but what See Colgan Grads Page 8

2 St. Mary's COLGAN Alumni Newsletter | Fall 2011 OLL Brings Matthew Kelly To Pittsburg! By Janice Wilbert Dellasega

Have you ever wondered if God ple, yet, deeply profound way. “He cases, lives were altered. For more was speaking to you or if it was just opened my eyes to see we really have information about Matthew Kelly and a voice in your head? Do you know everything we need to feed us right to receive a free copy of his book how to tell the difference? That is here in the . During Rediscovering Catholicism, visit his just one of the many things New York his talks a light went on for me website www.dynamiccatholic.com. † Times bestselling and I realized how author Matthew great our faith is… About Matthew Kelly: Kelly taught at we have all the Matthew Kelly was born in Sydney, the retreat that tools,” said Chad Australia, where he began his lay gathered over Mishmash, Our ministry in 1993. Since that time he 700 people in the Lady of Lourdes has travelled in more than fifty coun- SMC Fieldhouse parishioner. tries and spoken to over three million on August 27, As the event people. He has written thirteen books 2011. It was the reached the end which have appeared on the New York first ever Kansas and attendees Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Regional Event began thinking Today bestseller lists and been pub- held in Pittsburg of catching their lished in twenty-five languages. His and from its posi- flight or driving titles include: The Rhythm of Life, The tive reception, will 4 hours home, Seven Levels of Intimacy, The Dream not be the last. Matthew Kelly Manager, Building Better Families, People from far closed with a mov- and Rediscovering Catholicism. The and near gathered to Matthew Kelly ing story comparing an majority of his work today is here listen to Mr. Kelly talk actor who eloquently in the United States speaking to stu- about being a “Dynamic Catholic” depicted the 23rd Psalm and a retired dents from primary school through and living each day with passion and priest who merely stated the 23rd college, lay adults, priests and semi- purpose. Psalm, with passion and purpose. narians. He also leads numerous The morning started with a light “The difference between the two… retreats every year, both in the United breakfast sponsored by our own Via the actor was just portraying the States and abroad. Christi hospital, followed by musi- shepherd, the priest actually KNEW cian Eliot Morris. Mathew Kelly the shepherd.” then “held court” with his stories, Leaving every- humor and Australian accent keeping one with the the capacity crowd entertained and goal…know thy Class of 1941 inspired. Rotating between Morris shepherd. The and Kelly the audience took notes in Lord is my shep- a small book designed to help remem- herd; I shall not ber the important points of each talk. want…Psalm Also included in the retreat materials 23. was a Mass journal designed to take Ending with to Mass each Sunday. “One thing” a delicious box was Matthews’s advice for the Mass lunch spon- journal. “Ask God to show you one sored by the thing from this Mass to help you Altar Society become a better version of your- and provided by self this week.” A constant theme the Mall Deli, throughout the entire retreat… God all ate, visited wants you to ”Become the best ver- and shared their sion- of -yourself.” reflections of This message of becoming the- the day. New Tom O'Connell, Dorothy Spangler Hoff, Ethel best-version-of-yourself was inspired friends were Sullivan Brown, Betty Clements Dellasega, by Vatican II’s universal call to holi- made, people Lula Ogel Jouras, Rinaldo Geldhof ness and allows Matthew to present were energized, the genius of Catholicism in a sim- and in some

Our Lady of Lourdes, 3 MICAH EHLING Micah Ehling graduated from St. Mary’s Colgan in 2001. Following graduation, Jennifer are also expecting a baby girl in December. When he is not driving an Micah worked for a construction self contractor, then as a veterinary assistant in ambulance, Micah enjoys hunting and anything outdoors. He also video tapes hunts Hutchinson and Pittsburg. But Micah’s passion for helping people, lead him to the for an outdoors show. medical field. Micah has been an EMT for the Crawford County Emergency Services Micah says that the teachers at St. Mary’s Colgan provided a great atmo- since 2004. Micah began his college education at Pittsburg State University, where sphere. “They helped make each student the best individual they could be.” He he studied for 2 years. But it was Southern State University that provided also enjoyed the spirit at St Mary’s Colgan and the level of respect expected of the him further education in the medical field with a Paramedics degree in 2007. He is students. part of the Kansas Task Force 4 for the Pittsburg region . They specialize in confined Micah said he is often asked why he doesn’t relocate somewhere where he space rescues, structural collapse, trench rescue and high angle rescue as well. could make more money. Micah said, “I didn’t get all the training that I have to help They do anything that the local resources cannot handle. people that I don’t know! I enjoy having the opportunity to help the ones that helped Micah enjoys spending time with his 4 year old son Hunter. He and his wife shape me.”

KELLI GARIGLIETTI FARHA When Kelli (Gariglietti) Farha was going into 8th grade, she asked her par- the University of Kansas where she received her PhD. Kelli worked as a professor ents to let her go to St. Mary’s Colgan. “I noticed something special about the and Director of the Counseling Center at Baker University in Baldwin City, KS. SMC families in my neighborhood, and I was always drawn to them,” Kelli recalls. Kelli and her husband Darron returned to Pittsburg for seven years, where she Because she was not Catholic, Fr. Eck, interviewed Kelli prior to her enrollment. worked as a psychologist for Mt. Carmel. Kelli and Darron have been married 15 “I distinctly remember Fr. Eck asking me why I wanted to attend SMC and how years and have three children, Carlson, 9, Stevi, 7, and Samuel, 3. “Every day after the interview he told me never to forget those reasons. I never did and SMC I try to teach my children the Catholic values I learned while attending SMC. I was truly life changing for me.” believe that what I learned at SMC will benefit my family for generations to come.” During the five years Kelli attended SMC, she fell in love with the Catholic Two years ago, the Farha family moved to the Chicago area for Darron’s job. Church. During her senior year she became Catholic. “I am thankful for my par- Currently, Kelli is a part time graduate faculty member in the Valparaiso University ents and grandparents’ support of this decision. Becoming Catholic has strength- psychology department. ened my personal relationship with Jesus Christ and has given me a sanctuary “I want to say thank you to the people of the Diocese of Wichita for making throughout my life wherever I have lived.” Kelli graduated from SMC in 1991. my Catholic education available to me and also to my children while we lived in After graduation, Kelli attended Pittsburg State University, completing her Pittsburg. It truly was a gift beyond measure that continues to influence not only Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Psychology. She continued her education at my life, but my family’s life as well.”

JIM RADELL Jim Radell has spent the last 27 years as a fireman, emulating the positive Instructor and Fire Inspector, from the University of Kansas. Jim currently is the attitudes that he was taught at St. Mary’s Grade School and Colgan High School. Battalion Chief, overseeing 11 firefighters. “A winning attitude is what we do as “Through athletics we were taught to strive to be the best. As a fireman we have firemen.” to perform to the utmost, at all times. That is what I was taught.” Jim and his wife Deb have been married for 16 years. They have two daugh- A 1981 graduate of Colgan High School, Jim received a two-year electrical ters who attend St. Mary’s Colgan; Kate is in fifth grade and Gabi is in second degree from Pittsburg State University in 1983, but his education has really never grade. Jim’s oldest daughter Pam graduated from St Mary’s Colgan in 2002. Pam stopped. Since joining the Pittsburg Fire Department in 1985, Jim has received attended Pittsburg State University where she played volleyball. Pam currently countless hours in Fire Education, Training and Tactics and Strategies. These works for Pitsco, residing in Norfolk, NE. include Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Radio Active Technician, Fire

CHRIS PUMPHREY FOGLIASSO God has certainly taken good care of Chris (Pumphrey) Fogliasso and had His English education. While in college she married Dick Fogliasso, whom she met protective hand on her throughout her life. This was demonstrated by allowing her when the two of them had a car wreck (the nuns always told her that God works in to have 13 years of Catholic education, culminating with her graduation from Colgan mysterious ways). After finishing her Bachelor’s degree at PSU she taught language High School in 1971. arts in USD 247 for two years. After graduation, Chris attended Pittsburg State University and majored in Chris and Dick then moved to Lawrence, where she attended the University

4 St. Mary's COLGAN Alumni Newsletter | Fall 2011 of Kansas School of Law and earned a Juris Doctorate. The couple then returned and professionally. “When I was a student at Colgan, the rigorous academic stan- to southeast Kansas, where Chris spent a few years in private practice. While dards and demands seemed daunting. However, those high expectations and the practicing law she also taught a night class—business law—at PSU. She quickly work ethic I developed there was wonderful preparation for the future.” realized that combining her teaching degree/experience with her love of law was “But first and foremost, I am more grateful than I can possibly express for the the perfect fit. spiritual formation I received. At Colgan High I learned to see God’s hand in every- In 1984 she accepted a full-time position at PSU as a teacher of law and ethics. thing and everyone. It showed me how to develop a deep, personal relationship She has been at the university for 26 years, holding a variety of positions both as a with Jesus Christ, and challenged me to live as His disciple.” faculty member and as an administrator. She is currently a University Professor in Chris and Dick have two children—Maria, an attorney with a telecom company the Department of Management and Marketing. in Kansas City, and Fr. John Paul, a priest serving in the Diocese of Wichita. Chris reports that her Catholic education has served her well, both personally

AJ WACHTER It is a good thing that AJ Wachter surrounded himself with good friends and became a partner in 1973. This firm merged with the Towner Fleming law while at St. Mary’s, because several of them played important roles in decisions firm in the late 70’s and became Wilbert Towner, P.A. “I’ve been blessed that I that affected his life. As a senior in high school in 1961, AJ and classmates Bob have found the legal profession challenging and fulfilling and have never felt that Wilbert (1961) and Galen Cronister (1961) enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. the practice of law, though often requiring involvement exceeding the “normal” 40 They served six months active duty, followed by three years of active reserve and hour work week, was an imposition on my time,” AJ said. “Perhaps I should thank five years of inactive reserve. AJ attended Kansas State College of Pittsburg, with Bob Fleming for guiding my career!” a major in Physical Education and a minor in Chemistry. When he graduated in Perhaps so, as Bob Fleming, a judge himself, suggested that AJ toss his 1966, AJ intended to pursue a career as a college football coach. However, Bob hat in the ring to replace a retiring judge. AJ was appointed a judge of the 11th Fleming (1960) invited AJ to attend Washburn Law School and room with him. AJ Judicial District in 2002. He currently holds that position. then chose to pursue his law degree. He was a graduate assistant football coach AJ believes that what he received at St. Mary’s went far beyond his academic and received his Juris Doctorate in May, 1969. training. “Though Susie and I both received an outstanding academic education AJ says his “greatest claim to fame” came in June of 1967, when he and at St. Mary’s, we both grew to understand that the religious aspect of our St. Susie Witt (1963) were married. The celebrant of the Mass was also a St. Mary’s Mary’s education was more important to our growth into adulthood than the aca- graduate and Susie’s uncle, Father Massmann (1941). In May of 1968, AJ and demic; consequently, we decided to make every effort to see that any children we Susie were blessed with twin sons, Shawn (1986) and Pat (1986). Their third son, parented would attend Catholic schools. As it worked out, we ultimately chose to Brian (1994) was born in July of 1974. settle in Pittsburg and thus we were able to afford our three sons the privilege of AJ became an associate with the Pittsburg law firm Keller Wilbert in 1969 attending St. Mary’s Elementary School and Colgan High School.

RITA ZIGMUND AIN

Rita (Zigmund) Ain, graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1951 and career is very portable and Rita’s consisted of many locations, and many fields continued her education at the old Mt.Carmel School of Nursing. She graduated of medicine, including Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Operating Room and Surgical care. in May of 1954. The following year, she married, “Frontenac Raider” Harry Ain. Rita retired in 1996 from the Children and Teenagers Clinic in Pittsburg. Harry was serving in the U.S. Air Force at the time. Harry made the decision to In May of 2011, Harry and Rita celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. make the service a career, so the Ain family spent the next 21 years traveling in They have been blessed with two sons: Mike (1986) who is an attorney in the U.S. and overseas. They made their home in North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Nashville, TN and RJ (1987) who is a doctor of anesthesiology in Wichita, KS. Iowa and . Travel was not limited to the United States, as they were They also have three granddaughters, Sydney, Gaby and Riley who all attend stationed for three years in Japan and two years in Australia. Luckily, a nursing Catholic schools in Wichita.

LULA NOGEL JOURAS

Lula (Nogel) Jouras graduated from St. Mary’s in 1941. She helped in her have a son, Peter, who is also in Kansas City. parents' grocery store during the war years as her 3 brothers all went to serve Lu’s oldest two brothers, John and Frank, passed away in 1997 and 2001 our country. respectively. Her brother, Dutch Nogel, is still going strong at age 92. He moved In 1947, Lu married Jay Armstrong of Columbus, Kansas, and they were to Cheyenne, WY this past summer, to be near one of his daughters. Lu's sister married for 6 years. They had one daughter, Roxie, who resides in Corrales, NM. Clovene Morrissey, now 90, has lived in New York City for over 50 years, and Lu moved to Kansas City in 1951, where she continues to reside. She began before her retirement was a fashion design instructor for Parsons and F.I.T. a career as a secretary, working for Wilcox Electric, Lever Brothers, and Block For 83 years, Lu has led an active life. Unfortunately in 2007, she began & Co. In the late 1950's, while still working as a secretary, Lu began a nearly experiencing neurological issues which, among other things, started affecting her 40 year career as a professional model for various Kansas City stores. She did speech. Her memory, thankfully, has not been affected and although she was runway shows, in-store modeling, and print ads. unable to reminisce with her classmates due to her speech impairment, she very Lu has been married to her second husband, Jim Jouras, of Kansas City, much enjoyed attending her first reunion with 5 of her classmates at the SMC MO, since 1962 and they will celebrate their 50th anniversary next June. They reunion this past June.

Mother of the Church, 5 Fr. Kapaun's Cause For Sainthood For several years, Fr. Tom Stroot has minutes without a pulse. Even after the to promote the canonization of Fr. promoted the cause for sainthood of Fr. defibrillator shocked his heart, Nick Kapaun. Fr. Hotze felt compelled to and regularly encouraged still did not have a pulse. The ambu- include Nick’s story in the documents parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes lance arrived with two EMT’s who of “alleged miracles” that Rome will to pray for the intercession of Fr. were boyhood friends of Nick, Micah now investigate. Kapaun. Fr. Kapaun Ehling (2001) and Jordan So, as the cause for sainthood for was a priest from Garner. The EMT’s Fr. Kapaun is advanced to Rome, so is Pilsen, Kansas who loaded their friend into the story of Nick’s collapse and recov- spent seven months in the ambulance without ery and Jonah’s prayers to Fr. Kapaun. a Korean prisoner of much hope. They closed Please pray for the cause of Fr. war camp before he the ambulance doors Kapaun for sainthood. Follow its prog- died. Throughout his and miraculously, thirty ress at frkapaun.org/. If you would like time in Korea, includ- seconds after the shock, to read more go to: Kansas.com and ing the seven months for no apparent reason, search for Nick Dellasega. † in prison, Father Nick’s heart started to Kapaun spent himself beat. A couple of min- in heroic service to his Fr. Emil Kapaun utes later while on the Prayer for Intercession fellow prisoners with- short trip to the hospital, out regard for race, much to the EMT’s sur- Father Emil Kapaun gave glory to God by following his call to the color or creed. prise, Nick opened his eyes, called priesthood and thus serving the On July 1, 2011, a special Mass and Micah by name and asked what was people of Kansas and those in the ceremony was held at the Cathedral of going on. military. the Immaculate Conception in Wichita Aside from some cuts and bruises to officially close the diocesan investi- on his face and chest from the collapse Father Kapaun, I ask your intercession not only for these needs gation into the cause for sainthood. A onto the track, Nick was fine. He did which I mention now...but that I too 3 foot by 3 foot box containing over not even have any bruising or soreness may follow your example of service 8,000 documents telling the story of from the seven to eight minutes of to God and my neighbor. Fr. Kapaun and “alleged miracles” that CPR. Nick has since been diagnosed have occurred since his death, was tied with an electrical disturbance in his For the gifts of courage in battle and perseverance of faith, we give you with a red bow and has been shipped heart and has been implanted with a thanks O Lord. to Rome. defibrillator to shock his heart, should Included in these documents, is the it ever stop again. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, story of SMC alumnus Nick Dellasega So why is Nick’s story included and one Glory Be. (2003), son of Joe (1979) and Janice in the 3 by 3 box sent to the Vatican? PRAYER (1977) Dellasega. On May 7, 2011, Enter into the story Nick’s cousin, Nick was running in a charity 5K race Jonah Dellasega, son of Julie and Doug Lord Jesus, in the midst of the folly in Pittsburg that ended at Hutchinson Dellasega (1973). Jonah, a freshman at of war, your servant, Chaplain Emil field. Nick collapsed at the end of the SMC, had also been running in the 5K. Kapaun spent himself in total service race, just as he was about to enter the As his uncle Mark and others attended to you on the battlefields and in the prison camps of Korea, until his stadium. His heart stopped. Through to Nick’s physical condition, Jonah death at the hands of his captors. a series of events that a non-believer prayed. He dropped to his knees and may consider mere coincidences, Dr. prayed for Fr. Kapaun’s intercession We now ask you, Lord Jesus, if it Mark Dellasega (1968) was told by for Nick. Jonah had learned about Fr. be your will, to make known to all Caleb Dellasega (2011) that Nick had Kapaun two years earlier and devel- the world the holiness of Chaplain Kapaun and the glory of his complete collapsed. Initially, Mark thought Nick oped a devotion to his cause. Perhaps sacrifice for you by signs of miracles had just fainted, but as he ran toward Fr. Tom’s homilies had more impact and peace. Nick and saw the gray in Nick’s face, than he ever realized! Nick’s collapse immediately realized his nephew was and miraculous recovery as his cousin In your name, Lord, we ask, for you in cardiac arrest. Mark began CPR. prayed for Fr. Kapaun’s intercession are the source of peace, the strength of our service to others, and our final Someone called 911 and another per- were reported to Fr. Hotze in Wichita. hope. son was sent to find the defibrilla- Fr. Hotze is judicial vicar for the tor that was in the Middle School, Diocese of Wichita and the episcopal Amen just a few yards away. A Physician's delegate for the Office of Beatification Assistant stepped forward from the and Canonization for Fr. Kapaun. Fr. Chaplain Kapaun, pray for us. growing crowd and stuck the elec- Hotze has been working for several trodes to Nick. He had been nine years at the direction of Bishop Jackels

6 St. Mary's COLGAN Alumni Newsletter | Fall 2011 Fr. Tom continued from page 1 a fund-raising effort to renovate the their needs and to provide encourage- he had a vision for the parish.” church and build the Activity Center. ment. The second defining moment was in • Fr. Tom always saw the parishio- • One secret of Fr. Tom’s success at 2004, when a donor offered the parish ners as active partners in solving the Our Lady of Lourdes was his “can-do” funds to construct a badly needed ele- parish’s issues. He recalled the exact attitude. “He thinks he can do any- mentary school. Again, Fr. Tom worried spot in the parking lot where 20 years thing,” says Ray Ryan. “He approaches the parish wouldn’t be able to handle the earlier a member of the parish con- every task, every hurdle, with a positive new facility financially. He turned to a fronted him with the statement, “You’ve attitude.” group of parishioners to seek their input. got some big problems to solve here.” • Two particular defining moments He told the group, “If we accept this To which Fr. Tom replied, “No, we’ve for Fr. Tom involved the schools: gift, then we’re committing ourselves got some big problems to solve here.” The first moment was in 1990 when to making this work financially and to • Fr. Tom’s ability to connect with the parish was considering moving the creating a quality educational program elementary and high school students high school to a building two blocks that is worthy of this gift.” All agreed will be one of his lasting hallmarks at away. When a vote on the matter was that the parish should proceed, and the Our Lady of Lourdes. “He loves those to be taken, Fr. Tom stood up and new elementary school was built. kids,” says John Kraus, president of stopped the proceedings. He felt that a Fr. Tom, we thank you for your spiri- SMC schools. “He constantly talks to vote would divide the parish. His view tual leadership at Our Lady of Lourdes, the kids about being an ambassador and was, “either we have a Catholic school your ceaseless courage, your ever-pres- respecting people and property – lessons here near the parish and go for broke, ent optimism, and your unwavering that they might not hear otherwise.” or we don’t do it at all.” Ryan, who commitment to SMC schools. We are • He often reminded us that we’re all was present that night, recalls, “After forever in your debt. † poor, either spiritually, financially, emo- that moment, Fr. Tom tionally, intellectually, or in other ways. guided the parish and It is in addressing this poverty that Fr. school to where it is Tom touched the most lives as spiritual today – a school cam- leader of the parish. Hundreds, perhaps pus centered on the thousands, of parishioners received a church. He absolutely visit, phone call, or written note from said the right thing at Fr. Tom at just the right time to address the right time because

Success continued from page 1 responsibilities at the school. This 300th win as Football year’s pay freeze and the reduction of coach; we celebrate administrative personnel have added this milestone and additional duties to already full plates. are eager to see how Our professionals, though, make sure the remaining season every day that the sacrifices do not plays out. I know we affect our students’ education in faith will have much more to celebrate as or academics. the 2011-2012 school year continues. Our classrooms continue to thrive. Keep the SMC Panthers always in SMC’s scores on Kansas state tests your prayers. † continue to show the excellence of our By God’s Graces, students, teachers, and community. The continual successes of our Faith John C. Kraus Formation, Fine Arts, and Athletic pro- President of Schools/ grams generate excitement on campus Director of Administration as well as among alumni. Our seniors The Catholic Schools of are well prepared for success at the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish next level. This Fall we congratu- [email protected] lated Chuck Smith for achieving his 620-875-2850 cell

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Colgan Grads continued from page 2 exactly does this all mean in layman's terms? Basically, they have made it possible to study an ath- lete's motions in his or her natural element. Previously, using force plates was the only way to measure this. "A typical force plate is typically one square foot," explains Ryan Moodie. "They'll have you run and step across the plate, and they'll calculate all the forces on your body at that point - all the forces on your knees, hips and shoulders. With the advancement we've taken, we can make an entire motion capture zone into a gigantic force plate. That means we can give a pitcher all the data about the forces that are acting on his ankle, knee, hip, torso, arm, wrist and elbow throughout his entire pitch- ing motion. So we can take the science out of the lab and put you in your natural environment and tell you what's happening." The science can be more fully explained on their web- 2011 SMC site at www.darisports.com. Less than a year into the company's life, it already has All School Reunion been a great story for these three friends and former high school athletes from St. Mary’s Colgan. However, Patrick Moodie said things are just getting started. "There were highs and lows through all of this and the motivation from my wife and family were huge," he said. With the steps that have been made and the advancements we have developed, I just feel like the sky is the limit."†

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