Thursday, 31 May 2012 13:05

Danville’s new cross proclaims Jesus’ love across the wheat fields
By Tracy Winslow
Immaculate Conception Church in Danville has a new cross for its church steeple that will gleam across the surrounding acreage for many years.
The 100-year-old building originally had a copper cross that had been damaged by the elements, so long time parishioner and manufacturer Greg Blanchat offered his time and talent to make a new cross for the steeple.
He added an interesting twist, though. Inside the new electropolished cross would be just enough room for a time capsule. All of the families of the parish were invited to write about their connection to the parish along with photos.
The three parishes of St. Patrick in Harper, Immaculate Conception in Danville, and Sacred Heart in Anthony were consolidated to form St. Joan of Arc Parish of Harper County in Kansas in 1997. The three churches remain open and retain their names. All of the families were invited to be a part of the time capsule, which includes an explanation of the history of the cross.
“We don’t know if it will be five years or 500 years from now, but someday, someone will appreciate and hopefully be blessed by their efforts,” Blanchat said.

Craft fair booths available for St. Anne Festival July 29
WICHITA – St. Anne Parish will host its annual festival, Sunday, July 29, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
They are currently accepting vendors for a craft fair. For more information or to register for a booth, contact Janet at (316) 265-6050.
St. Anne Festival will include many other activities and is open to the public.

Knights selling PGA tourney tickets
DERBY – The St. Mary Knights of Columbus are selling $10 daily tickets for the June 18-24 Wichita Open PGA tournament through ChariTee.
Those interested in tickets may contact Tony Hug at (316) 788-2562 or call or the St. Mary parish office at 788-5525 to pick up tickets.

Holy Spirit’s Eucharistic Congress set for June 8-10
The Church of the Holy Spirit in Goddard will host a Eucharistic Congress, June 8-10.
The Congress opens at 7 p.m. Friday, June 8, and ends at 8:15. On Saturday the day begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 9 p.m. It closes at 7:30 p.m. Sunday with an Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, preaching, a Corpus Christi procession, and a Benediction.
The intent of a Eucharistic Congress is to:
• promote an awareness of the central place of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Catholic Church.
• help improve our understanding and celebration of liturgy.
• draw attention to the social dimension of the Eucharist.
The parish is hosting the Eucharistic Congress in anticipation of an international gathering. The 50th International Eucharistic Congress convenes on June 10 in Dublin. Parishes and dioceses throughout Ireland have been observing local and regional Eucharistic Congresses in anticipation of the event.
Diocesan Eucharistic Congresses are planned this year in several dioceses in the United States.
The Diocese of Wichita’s Eucharistic Congress is timed to coincide with the beginning of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress. It also comes just ahead of several important milestones: the 125th Year of our diocese, which was founded in 1887; the 15th year of the parish’s existence; and the Year of Faith proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI, which begins in October.
The theme of the Congress is “TOGETHER – We gather. We learn. We serve.” For two years the Most Rev. Michael O. Jackels has invited the faithful to reflect on the holy communion we have as Roman Catholics. His vision is a communion of disciples in Jesus Christ.
“Together we gather for worship, we learn and deepen our understanding of our faith, and we serve as church in the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.”
There is no cost to participate in the Eucharistic Congress. For more information, call (316) 794-3496 or email Debbie at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

SFA Boy Scouts to host 50th anniversary June 23-24 at the parish
WICHITA – Boy Scout Troop 762 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish will celebrate 50 years of scouting this summer.
Current and former scouts and scouters are invited to any or all of the activities June 23 and 24. Activities will be followed by a catered dinner Saturday night in Stewardship Hall after the 6:30 Mass.
To register or to get more information call (316) 285-9217, “like us” on Face Book at www.facebook/boyscout troop 762, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .