Bishop consecrates altar, chapel and more at St. Mark Parish

In the homily he delivered during the vigil of Divine Mercy Sunday on Saturday, April 26, Bishop Carl A. Kemme noted that, if his memory and math were correct, then he would, in a few moments, be consecrating his 20th new altar for the churches and chapels in Diocese of Wichita. 

“I am not a betting man, but if I were, I would bet there isn’t a bishop in our conference who can boast of the same,” he said. “To me, this – among so many others – is a sign of the vitality of the faith in our diocese: That we are building new churches, renovating our churches and, as in your case, bringing about new altars and ambos and adoration chapels to invite our people into a greater living out of the mystery of Christ’s love for us in the Eucharist as well as in the entire sacramental life of the Church.”

Karl Freund, the artisan who designed, built, and decorated the new altar, ambo, and presider’s chair, said the undertaking was a labor of love. Although he now lives in Cheney, where he is a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freund notes that St. Mark has been part of his life since he was baptized in the church four days after his birth. That sacrament of initiation also initiated him into a long line of family members who have called the parish home for generations.

“When I was asked to contribute to the new altar of sacrifice and furnishings, it was both humbling and deeply meaningful,” said Freund, who also has done comparable work for other parishes throughout the diocese. “Inspired by the timeless beauty of the church that shaped my earliest memories – from creating my first piece for the church in the sixth grade, serving as an altar boy, to celebrating my wedding here – I hoped to create something that would honor the sacred space and serve the needs of future generations.”

Although he has always enjoyed his work, Freund acknowledges that the St. Mark projects carry significant personal meaning. 

“Every detail was prayed over and carefully considered, especially in conversations with my father, Arlen, who also built furnishings for St. Mark’s in years past,” he said. “In his final days, we spoke often about the carvings and symbols, and he passed peacefully as the project neared completion.”

Bishop Kemme attributed the timing of the dedications to providence and pointed to ways in which they would demonstrate divine mercy. He noted that would be upon the altar where Jesus would soon manifest himself sacramentally, and would continue to do so each day as long as it remained in use. Likewise, Bishop Kemme continued, God’s word of salvation, life, and mercy would be proclaimed from the new pulpit.

“And in your adoration chapel, people will come with their joys and sorrows, their trials and burdens and all their prayers for themselves and those who are dear to them and they will gaze upon the one who appeared to the apostles as we heard in today’s Gospel and spoke to them words of peace, a peace that destroyed their fear,” the bishop added. “There, in that beautiful and prayerful space, people will encounter him who, even today, comes to us as he did back then and speaks to us words of peace and merciful love. When this happens, I hope the many adorers will express – if not with their lips, with their minds, hearts and souls – the words of faith that filled the doubting apostle Thomas who said, ‘My Lord and My God.’”

Bishop Kemme also lauded the leadership of St. Mark Pastor Fr. Brian Nelson, his team, Freund, and the parishioners for providing the resources necessary for the parish’s newest features. 

Freund also expressed his appreciation for Fr. Nelson. “I am especially grateful to him for inviting me to be part of something so special,” Freund said. “His vision, leadership, and trust made this possible, and I am thankful beyond words.”