| Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary |
| Request: Pope Leo XIV stated, “As we begin October, the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary, I invite you to pray the Rosary every day for peace in our world.” Today is the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. Praying the rosary is a way of praying for peace amid the conflicts and wars worldwide. And it’s a great way to pray for peace in our families.“I have loved you”: This Thursday, October 9, our Holy Father will release his first Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te (“I have loved you”) with the focus on love for the poor. This document can be seen as a companion document to the final encyclical by Pope Francis titled Dilexit nos (“He loved us”), which focused on “the human and divine love of the heart of Jesus Christ.” While that encyclical called believers to focus on the love of Jesus, Pope Leo XIV’s document emphasizes the call to believers to love the poor as Jesus did. We recall that Pope Leo XIV spent twenty years working with the poor in Peru.Roma: I recently returned from Rome after attending my nephew’s diaconate ordination at St. Peter’s Basilica. He is a seminarian for the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan. It was wonderful to spend time with many family members. I also got to meet our Holy Father. Additionally, while the Holy Father was driving around the Vatican square he touched the head of my great nephew, Judah. I am impressed that they increased pathways for the popemobile to drive around so more people can get closer to him.In the Line of Duty: While I was in Rome, I was very sad to hear the news that Hays police officer Scott Heimann was killed while attending a domestic dispute. My heart goes out to his family. His children attend Holy Family Catholic School. Thank you to all who have supported his family.Life: On October 15 in Salina, I look forward to celebrating Mass with our high school juniors and seniors at the Respect Life Retreat. Together, they’ll reflect on the dignity of every human life, hear powerful testimonies from people across our Diocese, pray the Rosary for life, and share time in prayer, community, and joy.Results: I also want to celebrate some great news from our Catholic schools. The Spring 2025 Kansas State Assessments show our students once again scoring above the state average in English Language Arts, Math, and Science. I’m proud of our teachers and students who show that faith and academic excellence grow best together. Please keep our schools and young people in your prayers as we continue forming disciples who know, love, and serve Jesus.NCYC: Please continue to pray for our high school students as they prepare for their trip to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the National CYO convention in November. I know our youth are really excited about attending. Please pray for safe travels and that their hearts may be open to the Holy Spirit.Holy Fire: I’m really looking forward to Holy Fire, a retreat day for our middle school students to encounter Jesus in a powerful, personal way through dynamic speakers, music, prayer, and the Sacraments. This is a wonderful opportunity to help them see that their faith matters and that God is calling them to something real and exciting right now—not just later in life.The best of news: I would like to extend a big thank you to all our amazing DREs, youth ministers, and catechists across our diocese. I’m deeply grateful for the time, energy, and heart they pour into helping our young people grow closer to Jesus. They are doing exactly what we are called to do—bringing the Good News to others!Beloved: The Memorial Mass for the Parents of Deceased Children is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 19 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina. This Mass is open to all families who have lost a child. This Mass will count towards your Sunday obligation. There will be a reception following the Mass.Retreat: We had a very blessed retreat with those in the Ellsworth Correctional Facility during the summer. Now, we are having a retreat with the men at the Norton Correctional Facility in October. I am so thankful to all the volunteers throughout our diocese who will help with this retreat. As Jesus said, “when I was in prison you visited me.”Anniversaries: I am looking forward to celebrating the marriage anniversary Masses on October 12 at St. Mary Queen of the Universe in Salina and then at St. Nicholas in Hays on October 26 (both at 3 pm). Congratulations to all celebrating their marriage anniversaries!Importance: Pope Leo XIV’s recent words to the French National Pilgrimage of Altar Servers should inspire all of us: “The celebration of the Mass saves us today! It saves the world today! It is the most important event in the life of the Christian and in the life of the Church, because it is the meeting where God gives himself to us out of love, again and again. The Christian does not go to Mass out of duty, but because he needs it – absolutely – we need the life of God who gives himself without awaiting return!”With my love and prayers,Bishop Vincke |
| Some quotes on Life and the Rosary.“At the origin of every human being there is not something haphazard or chance, but a loving plan of God.” ~ Pope Benedict XVI“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I sanctified you.” ~ Jeremiah 1:5″The Rosary is the ‘weapon’ for these times.” ~ Saint Padre Pio“Give me an army saying the Rosary and I will conquer the world.” ~ Blessed Pope Pius IX |
E-News to the Faithful | October 7, 2025
Bishop's Office
