Apostle Build house blessed; keys handed to the owner

A house became a home Tuesday, Oct. 3, after Bishop Carl A. Kemme blessed the fruit of Apostle Build 2023 at an evening Dedication Ceremony.

Bishop Kemme said he was happy to represent the faithful of the Diocese of Wichita and its ministries that partnered with Habitat For Humanity for the project.

“On behalf of all of our volunteers and all of our staff and people of our diocese, I want to thank the many who contributed in any way to make this home a possibility,” he said.

After congratulating the Martinez family, the bishop said it was an honor to be a part of Apostle Build 2023.

“Families today need many things, but they especially need a home. And to watch a family enter into a home that’s more than just a shelter, more than four walls and a roof – it’s a place to live their family life and to flourish and to grow together in love and in self-respect.”

He closed his comments by thanking all involved for the opportunity to take part in the project.

Danielle Johnson, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity, welcomed those attending. Jarrod Jansen, Habitat’s Budget Coach, introduced the Martinez family. Bonnie Toombs, the director of the diocesan Respect Life and Social Justice Office, handed a bible and the mortgage to Amanda.

After Amanda thanked everyone for their help in acquiring the home, she was given a welcome Basket of Blessing.

After blessing the family, Bishop Kemme handed Amanda Martinez the keys to the home for her and her three children, along with a pair of scissors to cut a ribbon to the front door. The bishop then blessed the interior of the house.

Two hundred seventy-four volunteers worked to build the house located in the Holy Savior Parish neighborhood.

Toombs thanked all those who donated materially, physically, and financially to the Build.