St. Charles Borromeo 75th Anniversary Book

St. Charles Borromeo Parish

75th Year Diamond Jubilee

1947-2022

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the resources and work of those who came before us in researching and preparing this 75th Anniversary commemorative book.

The 75th Anniversary Archives Team for their tireless work, sifting through boxes of memorabilia, documents, photographs, and numerous other source materials:

~ Jean Fitzpatrick, 75th Anniversary Book Team Chair

~ Pat Anthony

~ Mary Ann Glenski

~ Sondra Keefe

~ Deacon Frank Peak

~

Joan Smith

~ Mary Ann Stark

~ Cynthia Tomes

History of the Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph

~ Kevin Kelly, 2003

Further By Faith, Celebrating the Art and Architecture of the Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph

~ Father Michael Coleman, JCL, 2014

Personal Letters to the 75th Anniversary Committee from

~ Bernadette Tiedtka Deister

~ Mary Louise Tiedtka Carey

~ Deacon Joseph Whiston

The Spirit of Saint Charles Church, Celebrating 50 Years 1947-1997

~ Tom Marshall, 1997

~ Mrs. Frank Tiedtka’s papers on the history of the parish

~ Documents from Herbert J. Henke family, Pat Oakes Ellis, and other unidentified parish members

~ Documents preserved by Bill and Maureen Stone

~ Collection of Saint Charles Parish notes from Sharon Raab, parish secretary

~ Rita Dickerson, parish secretary and her husband, Charles

~ Eileen Marshall

~ Interviews with Father Michael Tierney, Father James Lyons, Father William Bauman, Father Norman Rotert, Father John Wolf, Jess Hernandez

~ John and Mary Ann Glenski

~ Rene Peak

~ Kathleen Coman, SCL

~ Helen Forge, SCL

~ Sister Mary Seraphine

~ Maureen Stone

~ David Stark, who supervised production of the booklet

Our Mission Statement

Saint Charles Borromeo is a Catholic faith community called by baptism to witness and live the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Gathered at Table, nourished by Eucharist, and guided by scripture, we share our gifts as we minister through worship, faith formation, education, and service.

75th Year Anniversary Prayer

Good and gracious God, Creator of all things and Architect of our lives, we have been entrusted with this magnificent parish, Saint Charles Borromeo.

From Your bountiful blessings of seventy-five years, we have created and expanded spaces and ministries of worship, education, and outreach.

We build upon the foundation of our forebears: the pillars of their faith and the vision of their hope.

You established Your Son as the cornerstone, and we are living stones of that same grace that we seek to pass along to those who follow us.

In this Year of our Diamond Jubilee, we look back with much gratitude and look forward with anticipation.

Open our hearts to always do Your will.

Amen

Forward

As one of us is transferred from Saint Charles Borromeo during this Diamond Jubilee Year and the other assumes spiritual duties, challenges, and responsibilities, we offer gratitude for the privilege of being part of the unfolding story of this blessed parish. We pay tribute to those who have walked the way before us, especially Monsignor Maurice Wogan whose initial leadership and sacrificial courage established the parish in 1947 along with a small community of founders.

We look back to all that has transpired during the past three-quarter century with a sense of awe and wonder for the many ups and downs that have taken place through the decades; and we look ahead to a future filled with hope. Enjoy the pages contained in this commemorative book as the words and images capture well our story. As history reveals, going forward is sometimes rough, as is life itself. We hope that you will find this book to be a “diamond in the rough” that shares in the story of salvation history. Let us pray for one another as the story continues to unfold and be shared.

Sincerely Yours in Christ Jesus,

Father Sunoj Thomas, OSB

Father Don Farnan Pastor July 2022 Pastor July 2016 – June 2022

Saint Charles Borromeo – Our Patron Saint

It is unclear why the new parish located in the Northland of Kansas City was named for Saint Charles Borromeo. Parish lore indicates that it was originally named in honor of Bishop Charles LeBlond, who encouraged Father Wogan to establish a new church in the Northland in 1947, and Carlo Borromeo was the bishop’s patron saint. In 1956, an authentic relic of Saint Charles Borromeo was carried in procession before the Mass and venerated at the altar, and the parish was formally named for our patron, Saint Charles Borromeo.

Carlo Borromeo 1538 – 1584

Carlo Borromeo was born into a distinguished noble family in Lombardy, northern Italy. His father was Gilbert, Count of Arona; his mother, Margaret, was a member of the House of Medici. He was the third son, born in the castle of Arona on Lake Maggiore, 36 miles from Milan, on October 2, 1538.

He received tonsure around age 12 and his uncle turned over the income from the wealthy Benedictine abbey of Saints Gratinian and Felin as required by the family. At the time, Carlo Borromeo required his family to use the funds only for preparation of his career in the church and not for any secular use. He attended the University of Pavia to study civil and canon law. On December 6, 1559, at age 21 years, he earned a doctorate in canon and civil law.

His mother’s brother was elected pope in 1559, taking the name Pius IV. The new pope soon appointed his 22-year-old nephew, Carlo, a cardinal and named him Secretary of State. While stationed in Rome, Carlo took on several other significant assignments including establishing the Academy of the Vatican Knights and organizing the third Council of Trent (1562-63). He founded and endowed the Almo Collegio Borromeo, the oldest such institution remaining in operation in Italy today, helped draft the Catechism (Catholic instruction for four-hundred years), and reformed liturgy and church music.

In 1560, Borromeo was appointed an administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan. He was ordained a priest and was consecrated bishop of the Milan Diocese in the Sistine Chapel in 1563. In 1565, he was allowed to leave Rome and formally returned to Milan as archbishop. He found the diocese in a deplorable state. He set about reforming the great diocese and started seminaries, insisted on proper performance of the liturgy, founded the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, and allowed secular priests to carry out reforms. He encouraged churches to be designed consistent with the decrees of the Council of Trent, requiring sacred art and architecture to have adequate spiritual foundation. His reforms faced opposition from several religious orders resulting in a failed attempt on his life in 1569. His survival of the wounds is considered a miracle.

In 1576, there was a famine due to crop failures and later an outbreak of the plague. Nobility fled the city, but the bishop remained, caring for the hungry, sick, and dying. Borromeo was feeding 60,000-70,000 people each day, using his own funds, and eventually falling into debt to pay for their care. He is often represented in art in his robes, barefoot, and carrying the cross as archbishop, as seen in the Saint Charles window in the Saint Charles Borromeo chapel, which commemorates these events.

Bishop Borromeo fell ill during his annual retreat in 1584 and upon returning to Milan received the Last Sacraments. He died quietly on November 4 at age 46. In 1602 Clement VIII beatified Borromeo and in 1604 his case was sent on to the Congregation of Rites. On November 1, 1610, he was canonized by Pope Paul V. In 1932, Pope Pius XI declared him patron saint of bishops, teachers of catechetics and their pupils, and seminarians. His feast day is celebrated annually on November 4.

Introduction

In the years immediately following the close of World War II, Clay and Platte counties, the area of Kansas City North of the River, were sparsely populated and mainly farmland. In 1947, as millions of veterans returned from the war, Harry Truman was president, the average income was $2,854, a new house cost $6,650, a loaf of bread was $.13, a gallon of milk $.78, a gallon of gas $.15, and the Dow Jones average was 177. This period saw the return of prosperity, fueling suburbanization of the Kansas City Northland and growth of the Church. With a low down-payment and guaranteed low-interest loans for housing available to returning veterans, the suburbs in Clay and Platte counties were poised for growth.

In 1947, there were two Catholic parishes in Kansas City’s Northland, Saint Patrick’s in North Kansas City and Saint James in Liberty, both within the Diocese of Saint Joseph. The next parish established was Saint Charles Borromeo in 1947, seven miles north of downtown as described by The Kansas City Star, with an area encompassing much of Clay and Platte Counties.

The Northland was becoming more developed, populated, and prosperous. With this growth,

and the success of Saint Charles, two additional parishes were added – Saint Therese in Parkville opened in 1950 and Saint Gabriel the Archangel (initially named Saint Michael the Archangel) in Kansas City North in 1956. In 1960, Saint Patrick’s parish was relocated from North Kansas City to NE 42nd Terrace. Saint Andrew the Apostle parish opened in 1961 and Holy Family in 1980. With the opening of each new parish, Saint Charles’ geographic area was reduced, and members were transferred to establish the new parishes. Today, the parish boundaries encompass four square miles.

Through years of growth and development, the Saint Charles Borromeo campus has grown to include a worship building and hall, rectory, school, and convent, recently demolished and replaced by the Mary Garden, parish office building and numerous additions and modifications to the school, sanctuary building, and rectory. In 2022 we celebrate the 75th year and Diamond Jubilee Anniversary of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish with a renewed commitment to the pillars of worship, education, and outreach that have defined the unique culture of our parish community throughout our 75-year history.

Chapter 1 :: 1947-1963

In 1947, the Saint Charles Borromeo Campus neighborhood looked very different than it does today. The bucolic farmland was dotted with a few farms and houses. Today’s bustling North Oak Street Trafficway was then highway 169, since relocated about a mile to the west, and was a road that connected downtown Kansas City and the little town of North Kansas City with the northern reaches of Clay County.

Together with Antioch Road, this was a main thoroughfare providing a road around which were a few businesses that supported the community of Linden, now Gladstone. Connecting Antioch Road and North Oak Trafficway was Shady Lane Drive, described in earlier lore about our neighborhood as a ‘path’ with seven or eight houses and pastureland (attributed to Lorraine Nixon, resident). The Second World War was finally over, and thousands of veterans were returning home to start their lives. The GI Bill provided low-interest home loans to returning soldiers and demand for new post-war goods and services fueled the economy. The area north of the river was ripe with opportunity and ready for development. At this time, this part of Missouri was within the Diocese of Saint Joseph, some years later to be combined with the Diocese of Kansas City to become what is today the Diocese of Kansas City–Saint Joseph.

Monsignor Maurice Wogan, Founding Pastor

Among those returning veterans was Maurice Wogan, born in Easton, Missouri in 1895. He earned a teaching certificate from the Northwest Missouri Normal School, now Northwest Missouri State University, in 1914 at age 19. After graduation he taught for four years in Buchanan County school system. He was in his early 20’s when World War I broke out and he joined the Navy as a radio electrician. After the war he went to Creighton University in Omaha, then to Kenrick Seminary in Saint Louis in 1921. He was ordained a priest in 1927 to serve in the Diocese of Saint Joseph, Missouri. As World War II was declared, he again enlisted, this time in the Army, where he was attached to the ground forces in the South Pacific for five years and discharged as a Major from the Army Chaplain Corps.

Monsignor Maurice Wogan

The seed landed on the clay soil

School children

“and yielded grain a hundred of sixty – or thirty-fold”

(Mat 13:8)

Map of Clay County

Returning from the war, Father Maurice Wogan, now in his early 50’s, was searching for his next challenge. He sought the counsel of his Bishop, Charles LeBlond of the Diocese of Saint Joseph, and was told there were no openings within the Diocese, but to consider starting a new parish in the area north of the Missouri River between Kansas City and Saint Joseph. There were already two Catholic parishes in the area, Saint Patrick in North Kansas City and Saint James in Liberty. He would need a census of Catholics in residence in the area to see if there were enough to support a new parish. Father Wogan was a determined individual, inclined to follow orders and moved to action. With his friend Harold Jones and Father Mallen, a priest from Liberty, he drove from Vivion Road north to Smithville and surveyed east and west to determine the number of Catholic residents. They found some 1,200 households, eighty-five were Catholic households (or 65 depending on the source) attending Mass in Liberty, North Kansas City, Weston and Kansas City, Kansas.

Building the Parish, Constructing the Church

Father Wogan had a clear vision for the future – to build a church with a school. With a newly secured bank loan, The Kansas City Star reported that he purchased 5 acres of pastureland in February 1947 on Shady Lane Drive from Michael F. and Margaret L. Lynch, followed by an additional 4 acres on June 16, 1950, resulting in the 9-acre site the parish occupies today. The first Mass was celebrated with a congregation of 40 in the Englewood Public School about a mile south of the new parish site, on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1947. Later Masses were held at Shady Lane Inn/Restaurant on Highway 169 (now North Oak Trafficway) in Linden (now Gladstone), Missouri.

The Chapel

In April of that year, Father Wogan, through his Army contacts, purchased a 2-story surplus Army chapel from Coffeyville, KS, disassembled and reassembled it on the new church property on Shady Lane. The 75’ x 50’ building was located on the site at the east end of what is now The Commons and school office. The final cost of the new church including furnishings was close to $40,000. At midnight Christmas Eve, December 24, 1947, the first Mass was celebrated in the white-frame chapel at 704 NE Shady Lane. The 17-voice choir directed by Byron Bales was accompanied by 12-yearold Bernadette Tiedtka, church organist. Miss Tiedtka was later recognized by the Pope. Due to the inclement weather, tons of gravel were brought in for the parking area, while horses still grazed in

When I came here, I saw a sign which said ‘Gashland, a good place to live’. Sure enough, it turned out that way.

Monsignor Wogan

Monsignor Wogan

the area now occupied by the rectory. Just a year after the land was purchased, on February 14, 1948, the chapel building was dedicated and named in honor of Bishop Charles LeBlond.

The Rectory

In those early days, Father Wogan lived above the meat market on the site of what is current day Vienna Square at North Oak Trafficway and Shady Lane Drive, and later in the south end of the first floor of the chapel. In April 1949, work began on the rectory, constructing what is now the center section of the building. Father moved into the new rectory in August of that year. That same summer, the first floor of the church was renovated into three classrooms. In September, three Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth moved into the pastor’s former quarters and opened the school with 45 students enrolled in 6 grades.

The Convent

With the additional 4-acres of land purchased in June 1950, on January 21, 1951, ground was broken for a new convent on the east side of the property. The building was completed in August of that year with five teaching Sisters of Charity moving into the new convent.

The School

Still only three and a half years old, the parish was growing and the vision of a church with a school was realized. That September of 1951 there were 120 children enrolled in the school. May 29, 1952, was the first graduation from the school, with 8 students completing the 8th grade. In June of that year, construction started on a new school building, what is now the first floor and basement of the current east wing of the Borromeo Academy. On March 22, 1953, the new school building was completed and dedicated. In March 1953 there were 300 families in the church and 170 children in the school. At 7:30 Mass on October 31, 1954, 65 parish children made their First Communion. Earlier that year the parish celebrated ten graduates from the school.

The Church

On September 4, 1955, ground was broken for the present-day church with the cornerstone laid on March 11, 1956. The Solemn Dedication of Saint Charles Church was celebrated on September 3, 1956. On October 28, 1956, at the Solemn Pontifical Mass and Benediction, an authentic relic of Saint Charles Borromeo was carried in procession before the Mass and venerated at the altar, and the parish was formally named for our patron, Saint Charles Borromeo. The new

Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth.

Army Chapel, the first Saint Charles Church, 1947.

church was constructed of colonial brick and Carthage limestone. By this time there were 650 parish families, 3 priests, 8 sisters, and 500 children in the school. New municipal boundaries had been established for the growing communities around the church. The boundary between the City of Gladstone on the north and the Village of Oakview on the south runs through the sanctuary. At this same time, additions were made to the convent and rectory.

The Parish Matures

The parish of Saint Charles Borromeo, now in the center of growth and development of the communities of the Oak Villages and Gladstone, was thriving. The parish continued to grow spiritually, physically, and socially and had matured through worship, education, and outreach.

Through this period, Saint Charles Borromeo was the center of community life for Northland Catholics. Activities included fundraising and social outreach for many causes, holiday events and parties, outings to Starlight Theater and Fairyland Park, support for the Saint Anthony’s Children’s home, bazaars, guest speakers, dances, and trips to see the Shrine Circus. A vibrant community, there was always something to do with and for the community of Saint Charles - luncheons, bake sales, doll sale, card and stationary sales, carnivals with Ferris wheel, politicians and their speeches, new car raffle fundraiser, and spaghetti dinners.

Many ministries, societies and guilds for adults and youth were established to support the new church including the Holy Name Society, Altar Society, School Building Society, Knights of Columbus Tri-County Council 3414, Catholic Youth Council, Girl Scouts and Campfire Girls. Under the leadership of Monsignor Wogan and Bill Spiegelhalter, Saint Charles Cub Scout Pack and Scout Troop 180 were established. The School Guild was established which provided a pantry shower for the Sisters, the hot lunch program, the book-rental system, the school health program, annual school picnic, and other money raising projects for school needs. Children who did not attend the parish school were supported by activities such as the 2-week Summer Vacation School.

The original wood-frame chapel relocated from Coffeyville, Kansas had become obsolete and on May 16, 1957, the Knights of Columbus of the Tri-County Council completed removal of the old Saint Charles Church. The building was given to the Knights for reconstruction on their ground on Old Pike Road.

On July 21, 1957, a $156,000 expansion to the school and convent was underway. The school included a new L-shaped main wing with annex to include 6 new classrooms to accommodate the 640-650 pupils that were anticipated to attend in the fall. The convent expansion included five 5 new bedrooms and bath facilities, a second floor, office, dining room, community room on first floor, chapel, sacristy, and storage on the garden level.

Another sign of the maturing parish was strong support for vocations to the priesthood. On April 6, 1957, Alfred O’Laughlin became the first parishioner to be ordained to the priesthood. He celebrated his first Mass on April 7, 1957, at Saint Charles.

In 1959 the western boundary of the parish was again modified. Everything west of the Clay-Platte County line went to Saint Therese Parish in Parkville and the southern boundary became Englewood Road with the area south of Englewood transferring to Saint Patrick’s parish.

In May 1960, school cafeteria service was discontinued so the space could be converted to classrooms. That summer, two school rooms were arranged on the east side of the school basement to accommodate growth.

The End of an Era

In recognition for his leadership and contributions, in December 1957, in an investiture ceremony at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Father Wogan became Monsignor Wogan. Monsignor Wogan, the parish founder, retired as pastor in 1963 but did not end his service to the community. He retired to the rectory, continued to say Mass, did baptisms, and worked alongside the new pastor, Father James Lyons. In 1972, Monsignor Wogan was honored by the City of Gladstone for his 25 years of service to the community. A proclamation and key to the city was presented to him by Kansas City Mayor Richard Davis. On October 24, 1972, Monsignor Wogan said Mass in the morning, laid down afterward to rest in the rectory and died. He was 77.

Monsignor Maurice Francis Wogan was described as a visionary, and by those who knew him as “kind to children; thoughtful of the large families; …and seemed to have a fatherly or grandfatherly way about

Dedication of the new Church, 1956.

Saint Charles Convent, 1956.

Saint Charles first graduating class.

Saint Charles School, 1952.

him”. He was a hands-on person, involved in all facets of the parish, knew all the families by name and was very supportive of the Sisters of Charity, always making sure that they were cared for. He was a life-long outdoorsman who like hunting and fishing, and golf.

At his death, Monsignor Wogan was described in The Kansas City Star as being “a man of great faith and perseverance, a humble man, a hardworking and true servant of the Lord, but most of all he was a friend to everyone. He had time for the slightest detail. He loved children and they loved him. He loved life and always had a pleasant word…” “One of his greatest pleasures was a round of golf, and since his retirement, you would always see him with his friends on the course about 10 each morning.” Father Lyons said that he played golf with Monsignor the day before he passed away and he is sure this is the way Monsignor wanted it.

Top: Laying of the Cornerstone with Bishop Cody, 1956.

Bottom: Church dedication, 1956.

Chapter 2 :: 1963-1978

In the socially turbulent years of the 1960’s, Pope John XXIII announced that he was “opening the windows of the church to let in fresh air” (The History of the Diocese of Kansas City–Saint Joseph). He called the Second Vatican Council into session on October 11, 1962, and it remained open through 1965. Bishop Charles Helmsing was installed as bishop for the Diocese of Kansas City–Saint Joseph in January of 1962 and attended every session of Vatican II in Rome on behalf of the diocese.

Vatican II brought landmark changes to the mid-twentieth century Catholic church. Those most immediately noticeable to parishioners were changes to how the Mass was celebratedpriests facing the people, speaking in the vernacular languages rather than Latin. The Council voted overwhelmingly in favor of the language change on November 22, 1963 – the same day the first U.S. Catholic President, John F. Kennedy, was assassinated. Other significant changes included a renewed mandate to bring the good news of the Gospel to all corners of the world; a new ecumenical approach through interfaith cooperation with all religions; renewed commitment to RCIA and the diaconate; broadening the offering of the sacrament of anointing of the sick; encouraging establishment of a lay pastoral council to assist pastors in the governing and finance issues of the parish; and expanding the role of

laity in worship and leadership. Bishop Helmsing returned from Rome ready to support pastors and parishes in the Diocese of Kansas City–Saint Joseph as they implemented the changes promulgated by the Second Vatican Council.

Father James Lyons, Innovator

In 1963, Father James Lyons became the second pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo parish and presided over the post-Vatican II era at Saint Charles Borromeo. He was a Doctor of Theology and capable educator who grew up in Cathedral Parish in Kansas City. Through his innovative approach and confident leadership, Saint Charles Borromeo became a leader among parishes in the diocese for implementing the concepts from the Second Vatican Council. On the first Sunday after Rome gave permission, Father Lyons presided facing the people in Mass, using a sacristy table as the

The parish didn’t belong to the pastor but to the people.

Father James Lyons

Father James Lyons.

Father James Lyons

altar. In 1964, the main altar was removed from the back wall. A new altar produced by the Giudici Brothers Marble Company was installed in the middle of the sanctuary. The architecture of the church now facilitated implementation of the liturgical reforms of Vatican II. This was the first of many innovations developed by Father Lyons, which included a focus on parishioner participation, education, women in leadership and ministry, marriage preparation, and counseling.

Parishioner Participation

Consistent with his belief that the parish belonged to the people, within a year of his arrival, 400 of the 900 families were actively involved in community life at Saint Charles. In 1965, he grouped parish families into 24 geographical areas with an area leader for each group and started having Mass in area homes. Early on he tapped into talented resources from the Northland business world, such as TWA and Farmland. He continued to build a structure of service with the Altar Society that included 20 circles, called parishioners to ongoing faith formation and adult education, and established the tradition of an annual Thanksgiving Mass with families standing with him in the sanctuary around the altar.

Building a strong infrastructure for the parish, involving many parishioners in leadership, and encouraging involvement in parish life were priorities for Father Lyons. He created four leadership teams, with each focused on one of the four key aspects of parish leadership: Management, Social Action, Spirituality, and Education. True to his philosophy, he empowered each team to plan its own programs. He also created a Parish Council whose membership included two elected members from each of the leadership teams as well as additional ex-officio members.

Management

The Management team included a finance committee (budgeting and future planning) and addressed issues as the church calendar, secretarial needs, and public relations issues. The parish had not employed an extensive pastoral staff, but in 1963, Rita Dickerson became the full-time secretary and administrator, a position she held until 1990. She had started at Saint Charles Borromeo as parttime secretary under Monsignor Wogan.

Social Action

The Social Action ministry included politics, ministry to the aged and sick, agreements which helped organize ways in which neighborhood clusters could become more aware and involved with inner-city parishes and ecumenism. Among the many programs established during this period, the “Our Bag” program was initiated at Saint Charles at Christmas 1972, designed to feed the poor through the holidays. This tradition continues in the parish today, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022.

Spirituality

The Spirituality Ministry team consisted of lay ministers, lectors, ushers, liturgists, sacristans, architecture, and the Christian Family Movement that consisted of couples who “observe, judge and act” for Christian growth.

Father Lyons celebrating Mass facing the people.

Education

Education included the Saint Charles Borromeo School, School of Religion, adult education, and sacramental records, as well as innovative marriage preparation and marriage encounter programs. The School of Religious Education was founded to provide religious education for Catholic children attending public school. It was started in the 1967-68 school year. Attending the first meeting were Marilyn Sampson, Jeri Marcel, Mary Shanabarger, Emma Stirlen, Arlen Kullman, Betty Beyer, Art Pfaff, and Charlie Dickerson. In that first year, Rita Dickerson taught the pre-school course. By 1976, it was serving more than 600 students. It was professionally organized by Charles Dickerson with four divisions, each with a principal-in-charge of teachers. Joyce England and Sondra Pryor Keefe were among the early principals. Teachers were given a stipend, a practice unheard of at the time. Father Lyons would say later that religious education had an annual budget of $67 when he first arrived in 1963 and grew to $35,000 when he departed in 1978.

In 1959-60 Bishop Cody issued a directive that all Catholic children should attend Catholic school. This, combined with suburban growth, caused the Saint Charles school to flourish. In August 1963, the first School Board was established, elected from parish members plus a school guidance counselor, president, principal, and pastor. The first board members were John Cassidy, Rosemary Carpenter, Sister Marie de Sales, Rita Dickerson, Mary Helen Glenski, Richard Grove, Marianne Kiechle, Robert Woolridge, and Father Lyons. Also in August, Rosemary Carpenter became the first full-time school secretary.

Renovations and additions were made to the school to accommodate the growth. In 1964, the second floor of the east wing of the school was finished, modular units were installed, and classrooms were created in the basement of the church to accommodate a peak enrollment of 960 students. As the parish grew, demand for meeting and ministry space also increased. In addition to the many school improvements, in November 1973, the basement of the rectory was remodeled into meeting and ministry space and dedicated as the Monsignor Wogan Room.

The cost of Catholic school education was on the rise, and by 1969, both public and private schools faced a financial crisis. The diocese anticipated a large drop in enrollment in Catholic schools because of a decrease in state funding. Saint Charles also lost four sisters to other Catholic schools. In 1968, the diocese advocated an annual tithing approach to cover school costs. The “Faith Planned Giving Plan” was developed, a guideline that each household would give the first 5% of their gross earnings to the parish, with no additional fund drives or soliciting campaigns. By 1970, enrollment in the Saint Charles Borromeo School had declined to 320 students. Facing continued financial difficulties, Father Lyons proposed to the Diocesan School Board to close the 7th and 8th grades due to the financial shortfall. The diocesan board rejected Father Lyon’s proposal. Public aid for private and Catholic schools had become a battleground. The Missouri Legislature was lobbied to provide funds for private and Catholic schools, but these efforts were rejected. In 1971, Saint Charles moved to an innovative “Reach Out” education model with ‘master’ teachers leading classroom education while non-certified lab assistants reinforced instruction, defraying the costs of a fully degreed instructional staff. This program was led by Pat Oakes Ellis and had 350 parishioners actively involved.

Top: Second floor addition to school completed,1964. Bottom: Father Lyons celebrating Mass in a parishioner’s home.

Facilities and Art

Further building improvements included commissioning artwork to enhance the spiritual experience in our sanctuary. During Lent 1975, The Resurrection, a painting of the risen Christ, was first presented in the sanctuary. The painting was commissioned by Father Lyons and Edna Blasco and painted by well-known local artist and parishioner Lou Marek in honor of Frank Blasco. The painting was retouched by the artist in 2001, during the renovation of the sanctuary. A further enhancement included the stained-glass windows on the east side of the sanctuary designed by another well-known artist and parishioner, Philomene Bennett, with her abstract interpretation of The Creation. These windows were funded by the Bob Sowerwine family. Five additional stained-glass windows were designed by Philomene Bennett for the south wall. Saint Charles was blessed to have two such renowned artists as members of our parish. Husband and wife, together they founded the Kansas City Artist Coalition to support local artists, an organization still active today. In 1966 a pewter wall relief sculpture of the Blessed Mother, artist unknown, was commissioned in memory of J. David Blasco. The sculpture was originally placed above the side altar, which was located west of the current baptismal font prior to the 2001 renovation. The sculpture is installed today in the Gathering Space.

Innovations

Father Lyons encouraged the role of women in ministry. Twenty circles emerged from the women’s Altar Society, with a coordinator and educational goals. The innovative “Women in Ministry” program emerged in 1975 – 77, requiring 2-years of in-depth study by each participant. Fifteen women took the 2-year program and then assumed leadership roles within the parish. The “Pastoral Ministry for Women” had these members in class of 1975: Stella Carson, Beatrice Cole, Mary Cottitta, Cecilia Dalton, Rita Dickerson, Joan Dixon, Pat Oakes Ellis, Joyce England, Mary Ann Glenski, Mary K. Johnson, Ann Judge, Mary Lavenburg, Pat McGuire, Mary Jo Park, Georgette Spencer.

In 1974, further innovations included implementation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), a faith formation program developed to prepare adults for membership in the Catholic Church and approved for use throughout the United States. In May of 1974, Father Lyons also initiated a marriage preparation program for

couples seeking the Sacrament of Marriage at Saint Charles Borromeo. Both programs are in place and active in our parish and many other US parishes today.

Father Lyons was instrumental in establishing the Knights of Columbus chapter north of the river. The organization thrives today, with members from Saint Charles Borromeo and Saint Gabriel the Archangel parishes. Representatives from the parent Tri-County Knights of Columbus were present when the cornerstone of the school was laid in 1952.

In 1964, the leadership of the newly formed Council for Youth Planning was established as an administrative group which oversaw Boy Scouts, Campfire Girls, Catholic Youth Organization, youth physical fitness and athletics, as well as a newly organized Young Adult Club. The leadership team included Dave Fricke, Ralph Lewis, James Eskew, Vernon Hoesley, James Nelles, Ellen Butler, Teresa Lispi, Betty Baldwin, and Kay Quinn.

Saint Charles has consistently supported and encouraged the vocations of those called to ordained ministry. In October 1975, Edward Spencer and John Blasco were ordained as permanent deacons. On May 21, 1977, Father Phillip Smith, C.PP.S., was the first Saint Charles graduate to be ordained as a priest. Father Smith has enjoyed a distinguished career including assignments at the Vatican. He is currently installed as the pastor of Saint Roch’s parish in Toronto, Canada, and we look forward to Father Phil’s annual holiday visits each year.

Throughout Father Lyon’s tenure from 1963 – 1978, the Northland population continued to grow, and Saint Charles remained at the center of expansion of new Catholic parishes. Good Shepard in Smithville was founded in 1972.

Father Lyons, the innovator, presided over Saint Charles Borromeo through years of robust growth that spanned the 25-year anniversary celebration in 1972. He recognized opportunities for enrichment and renewal in the changes that came from the Second Vatican Council and initiated important reforms that are the foundation of our parish today. He focused on greater involvement of all parishioners, ensured women were included in ministry and parish leadership and helped the parish look beyond itself in a spirit of outreach. In many ways, these are values that define the character of our parish in 2022, our Diamond Jubilee year.

Right: “Resurrection,” a painting by Lou Marak, husband of Philomene Bennett, is hung behind the altar, 1975.

Below: The Blessed Mother, a pewter wall relief sculpture. Artist unknown, 1966.

Below: Philomene Bennett, artist and parishioner, designs the stained-glass windows on the east and south walls of the church, 1975.

Chapter 3 :: 1978-1984

Father William Bauman, a nationally and internationally respected liturgical musician and accomplished pianist and organist, became the third pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo in 1978. He was born in Michigan in 1934, educated in Chicago and at seminaries in Kansas City and Saint Louis and ordained in the Diocese of Kanas City–Saint Joseph in 1960. In addition to his pastoral duties, Father Bauman founded the Northeast Cooperative Services which evolved into the Bishop Sullivan Center, which remains a vital center for serving the poor of our area today. He was a leader for the U.S. Catholic Bishops in designing changes to the liturgy and liturgical music in response to the direction established by the Second Vatican Council.

When Father Bauman arrived, there were 500-600 parishioners actively involved in the four councils (Management, Spirituality, Social Action and Education) established by Father Lyons. Father Bauman recalled, “it was like a dream opportunity, a great opportunity unfolding”. He formulated a 10-year plan consisting of nine “dreams” or actions that would build on the strength of our twentyfive-year foundation and enhance our community. Father Bauman felt that members of our community should be involved in the leadership of the parish and the implementation of each of the concepts. He proposed the nine concepts to the entire parish, asking them to prioritize those they felt were most impactful. The plan was then put in to action by the four parish councils

based on parishioner priorities. From the nine dreams, listed below, many ministries evolved that remain viable today.

~Revitalize Church Interior

~Hire a Marriage and Family Life Counselor

~Build a Multipurpose Building

~Hire a Religion Coordinator

~Provide 10% of the budget for Building

Upkeep/Renovation Construction

~Purchase Additional Land

~Renovate the School

~Provide Housing for the Elderly

~Hire a Social Worker

In 1980, Saint Charles boundaries were reduced to four square miles as territory north of 80th Street was given

Definition of Ministry

Ministry is service rendered out of love, and with a deep respect for the person served, after the model of Jesus.

Ministry is never self-sereving, ministry is giving, and it is the kind of giving inwhich one loves the person one gives to.

from The Ministry of Music by Fr. William Bauman

Father William Bauman

Father William Bauman

to establish Holy Family parish, with 300 families moving from Saint Charles to the new parish. As a result of the establishment of new parishes in the Northland Deanery, Saint Charles membership was reduced to 1320 families by 1983. The recession of 1982-83 caused financially difficult years for parish families and church finances. Tithing was reduced from 10% to 5% as many parishioners were out of work. The school returned to full capacity in 1983 with 445 students in 24 classrooms under Sister Kathleen Coman, SCL. To ensure the success of the school, class size was limited to 50 students per class and 40 in kindergarten.

Through the early years of Father Bauman’s time at Saint Charles, he established several practices and ministries that remain today. In 1978 he initiated Communal Penance Services which became a standard in the diocese. In 1979, two founding members of Saint Charles, Jo and Frank Tiedtka, together with associate pastor Father Murphy, established the Friendly Club for parishioners 50 years and older. In 1980, Borromeo Hall was renovated into dividable space and a new ground level entrance ramp was added at a cost of $90,000, making it handicapped accessible. The large space could be subdivided for classrooms and meeting rooms as needed.

In 1981, Father Bauman continued Father Lyons’ legacy of training leaders with the “Foundations in Ministry” program. This program and those initiated by Father Lyons involved over 600 parishioners in ministry roles. Father Bauman expanded the role of the laity in liturgical ministries with an emphasis on the Hospitality and Eucharistic Ministers. Liturgical music was his special interest and during his tenure, Father Bauman and parishioners created our own Saint Charles Borromeo hymnal. During this time Sister Claudette Schiratti was Director of Liturgy together with Mary Kay Murray as Music Director; Kay Campbell led sacristans, readers, Eucharistic ministers, servers, and the environment and art team. Sue Forrest led Special Sacraments, First Penance and Retreat Days of Prayer. Many other ministries flourished led by assistant pastors and lay personnel. A selection of these ministries is listed below.

Youth and Elderly Service, including Youth Group, Young Adults Vocation, Scouts, Sports, Friendly Club

– Father Tom Turner

~ Marriage and Family Life, including Marriage Preparation, Marriage Enrichment, Marriage Celebration, Young Marrieds, Parenting

– Frank and Renee Peak

~ Para-Professional Counseling, Support and Development

– Sister Esther Fangman, OSB, PhD

~School of Religion

– Charlie and Rita Dickerson

Pastoral Ministry, including Baptism Preparation, Shut-ins, Hospital Ministry, Morning Has Broken, Divorced and Separated, Hospitality, Emergency Assistance, Social Agencies, Volunteer Coordination, Home Health Services, Welcome Committee, Foundations in Ministry

– Sister Therese Randolph, RSM

~ Parish Community Development, including Pathways Home, Right to Life, Thanksgiving Clothing, Cooperative Services, Coffee and Donuts, Circles, Ushers Club, Parish Socials, Communications, Annual Fund Drive, Income Management

– Father William Bauman with a lay leader

Network of ministries.

~ Parish Administration, including Parish Census, Budget Management, Building and grounds, Rectory, Building Scheduling, Babysitting Co-op, Sunday Hospitality, Leadership Committee, Office Management

– Rita Dickerson

Continuing Father Lyons’ inclusion of women in ministry leadership, between 1981 and 1983, Father Bauman hired a staff of women religious who worked with trained lay leadership to coordinate a large network of ministries. These full-time staff coordinated Liturgy (1981), Counseling (1982), and Pastoral Ministry (1983).

Father Bauman also supported religious vocations. In 1981, six men entered the diaconal formation process: Ron Elliot, John Ernst, John Koch, Frank Peak, Jim Robey, Jerry Williams. In 1982, newly ordained Father Philip Egan celebrated his first Mass at Saint Charles.

With the leadership of Father Bauman, Saint Charles Borromeo parishioners developed greater awareness of diocesan, local, state, and national issues and connections.

Following the end of U.S. participation in the Vietnam war, in the summer of 1979, Saint Charles parish adopted two Vietnamese families – “boat people” who left Vietnam to survive. They came to Gladstone and Saint Charles to restart their lives. They now live in California and are thankful for the support and friendship provided by Saint Charles parish during their time of transition.

Under the leadership of the Saint Vincent DePaul Society, a food pantry was established in 1980. On a small scale, this pantry was operated until 2000 when the Saint Vincent de Paul chapter closed.

In 1984, Father Bauman left the parish unexpectedly due to an emergency that created an opening for a pastor at Christ the King parish. Father Bauman later said, “I had no plans for leaving. I thought I had two to four more years.” Several years later, at age 63 he said, “My observation was that Saint Charles parish had been a community with a fairly deep rift in it going back to Monsignor Wogan’s time. There was always the danger of any controversial issue that this split might redevelop and destroy the spirit of the people. During my six years, therefore, I was super careful to include many, many people in every decision and to use facilitators and the best group-process I could find to hold the community

together. The big issues included how many pupils to accept in the school, whether to compromise the strict policy on no fund-raisers, the construction of a gym, the building of an organ, expanding concern for the poor and the gradual development of post Vatican II worship”. The rift described by Father Bauman would become more apparent during the next pastorate.

Father Bauman initiates Communal Penance Services, 1978

St. Charles adopts two ‘boat’ families fleeing Vietnam, 1979.

Chapter 4 :: 1984-1986

Father Michael Tierney became the fourth pastor at Saint Charles Borromeo on July 1, 1984. At the time the parish had grown to 1650 families. Father Tierney loved working with people and his goal when he arrived was to meet each parish family in their home.

Though his tenure at Saint Charles was brief, there were multiple accomplishments. Construction began on the new multi-purpose building, later known as The Commons, with a cost of $812,000. The building would include a gymnasium, kitchen, and space for parish groups to meet. The construction included modifications to the school. In March 1985, a new organ was installed. Built by Fred Cool of Temple Organ Company, the 12-rank organ was dedicated on April 14, 1985, with a recital by Sister Claudette Schiratti, RSM. The cost of the organ was $40,000. Smaller changes included placement of tables and bulletin boards in the church vestibule to keep parishioners informed of ministry activities. In the school, the first computer program was established.

Other accomplishments through this period included the development of formal annulment process under the leadership of Deacon Jerry Williams and his wife, Jackie. The parish celebrated

the 30th anniversary of the scout troop at Saint Charles. In April of 1984, five parishioners completed the deaconate program and were ordained permanent deacons: Ron Elliott, John Ernst, John Koch, Frank Peak and Jerry Williams.

Unfortunately, throughout Father Tierney’s tenure, the parish experienced conflict and division. Issues that had begun to emerge during previous pastorates escalated to a level that made it hard to move forward with unity of purpose. Father Tierney created a task force to reorganize the existing councils to better deal with the issues at hand. At the task force’s organizational meeting in September 1985, Father Tierney proposed a set of guidelines for parishioner input to the various parish councils that would allow council members to receive parish input in advance of a meeting so they could consider the input during their discussion and decision process. The issues the pastor and the councils were

Father Michael Tierney

Father Michael Tierney

faced with were many and covered the breadth of parish and school life. Some of these issues included the number of students to accept in the school, parish and school staff responsibilities and accountability, how funds could be raised and distributed, and how worship liturgies were to be conducted in the post Vatican II era. Controversies that had begun with the decisions to build a gym for the school and install a pipe organ in the church continued as these projects came to fruition under Father Tierney. Concerns arose over variations in liturgical celebrations and who is authorized to approve variations. Even environmental decisions such as when and where papal and U.S. flags could be displayed caused division. Underlying the division was the impression that the parishioners’ concerns were not being heard and considered.

In September 1985, Deacon Ron Elliott was hired as principal for the 1985-86 school year. He resigned shortly thereafter due to controversies at the school. Joel Carr was hired as acting principal and became the first non-religious principal at Saint Charles School.

By January 1986, Father Tierney felt his gifts and talents were not meeting the needs of the parish. In an open letter to the parish, he noted that there was much to value at Saint Charles with so many good things happening in parish ministries, but he was pained by the conflict and division. He hoped his resignation would be “the first step to assist the parish regain its perspective”. He requested a transfer, which Bishop Sullivan granted him in April 1986.

Right: Fred Cool and his son Paul tune the newly installed 12-rank organ, 1985.

Middle and Bottom: Construction of the new Multi-Purpose building, 1985.

Jerry Williams, John Ernst, Frank Peak and John Koch complete the diaconate program, 1984.

Chapter 5 :: 1986-1991

In June of 1986, Father Norman Rotert, Diocesan Vicar General, was appointed as the fifth pastor at Saint Charles Borromeo parish. He inherited a parish in turmoil and made it his mission to help the parish find a way forward. “What I found when I arrived was a very wounded and hurt parish.” The parish had grown to a near all-time peak of 2100 registered families. Difficult decisions were made to disband the four-part Parish Leadership Council established by Father Lyons, and also disband some ministries because of the level of contention at those meetings.

To assist with resolution of the various conflicts that had erupted within the parish, KC Organization Project was brought in to conduct interviews with parishioners to the learn the hopes and dreams of the parish. These interviews resulted in the introduction of “Renew”, a structured program for small group faith-sharing. The parish council was reorganized, and council members attended communications workshops. Father Rotert set standards for meetings which required that in public meetings, as issues were discussed, no personal attacks would be tolerated.

The opening of the multi-purpose Commons building was celebrated in 1986 with Bishop Sullivan presiding and a parking lot celebration. The parish offices were moved to the convent from the rectory, with five Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth continuing to live in the convent.

Father Rotert understood that the parish needed to look beyond itself and hired staff to coordinate volunteers and services for outreach ministries.

As the reach of Saint Charles evolved and became more global, in 1987, the parish launched a sister parish project with Saint Ann in Chimaltenango, Guatemala. This relationship was led by parishioners John and Mary Ann Glenski. An annual pre-Thanksgiving dinner was established to celebrate the relationship and raise funds for the program. This relationship continues today as well as the tradition of the pre-Thanksgiving parish dinner.

Support for special needs parishioners was an important aspect of parish culture. Under the leadership of parishioner Jim Cleary, Saint Charles began the Special Religious Education Program (SPREd) which continues in our

What I found when I arrived was a very wounded and hurt parish.

Father Norman Rotert

Father Norman Rotert

Father Norman Rotert

parish today. In March 1991, Connie Speas began to sign the 11:00 Sunday Mass for the deaf.

A significant ministry change occurred in 1987 when girls were allowed to assume the role of altar server. Also in 1987, Vincent Edward Bertrand, Saint Charles School Class of 1974, was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.

In 1989, the convent officially closed as a Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth community. One hundred fourteen Sisters had served as teachers, administrators, and ministers to the Saint Charles community from its earliest days in the late 1940’s. Father Rotert hired David Woolwine as the permanent principle to succeed acting principal Joel Carr and lead the school into a new era with an entirely lay staff.

Father Rotert found the parish in a tumultuous state when he arrived in 1986. Through his thoughtful leadership, the parish returned to a peaceful path for growth. His term as pastor concluded in June 1991.

St. Charles Borromeo Guatemala Mission of Hope

Father Rotert’s call to grow the peace and justice ministry at St. Charles was met by John and Mary Ann Glenski. With the assistance of Tom Turner, associate pastor at St. Charles, Letty Baker and others, the Glenskis met Father Salvador Rojas from Guatemala. In 1987, a visit to Father Rojas in Chimaltenango, Guatemala was made and the call to serve was heard by all. A sister parish relationship with Santa Ana Catholic Church was formed and the Saint Charles Guatemala Mission of Hope continues today.

Top: Hospitality Ministry begins in 1989.

Bottom: Father Rotert celebrating at the deciation of the MultiPurpuse Building, 1986.

Fr. Salvador Rojas

Chapter 6 :: 1991-2003

In July 1991, Father John Wolf, C.PP.S., was assigned as the sixth pastor at Saint Charles Borromeo, opening the era of parish leadership provided by the priests from the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. A diocesan priest, Father Craig Maxim, was assigned as associate pastor. Later in Father Wolf’s tenure, associate pastors were assigned by C.PP.S. From his religious community, Father Wolf brought with him “a sense of community, concern for the poor, and the importance of good worship and liturgy.”

In 1992, under Father Wolf’s leadership, the first steps were taken to restructure the parish council. The new model moved away from a council of representatives from various ministries and staff to one with members selected from the entire parish via a discernment process. The council ministry evolved from concern over day-to-day administration to concern for the parish’s overall mission, direction, and vision. By 1994, the restructuring of the parish council evolved to become “Called to Be Church,” a leadership approach designed to form and educate the entire parish on ministry.

A new parish Mission Statement was developed in 1993 that included the following principles:

• Transformed by Eucharist, we embrace Jesus’ call to be sisters and brothers to each other.

• Our journey in faith and love calls us to walk with one another.

• We espouse a model of church in which laity are valued.

• We believe that education empowers us to be more fully human.

• Our journey calls us to risk becoming peaceful and justiceminded people.

Father Wolf, faced with aging structures on the Saint Charles campus in need of renovation and repair, as well as the need to place the parish on a path to sustain itself, initiated a program called “God’s Plan for Church Support” which renewed the focus for parish support on tithing commitments, resulting in a $5000 increase in tithing pledges.

In 1995-1996, the parish was able to renovate Borromeo Hall with a new kitchen and efficient heating, cooling,

Father John Wolf, C.PP.S.

Building our future, building our faith.

Father John Wolf, C.PP.S.

and lighting at a cost $296,825. In the church, the marble altar rail was removed. A bright sign was constructed in front of the rectory with the name of the parish and Mass times; one of many Eagle Scout projects that have enhanced the grounds and environment throughout the history of the parish. In 1998, new book racks were built by the Knights of Columbus and installed in the pews to accommodate new hymnals; an example of many projects that the Knights developed throughout the history of the parish. Other noticeable changes to the facilities in the early part of Father Wolf’s tenure included a portable building placed on the property to accommodate preschool students and construction of a new school playground. Technology was becoming a greater influence and the first parish website was created in 1999 to better communicate with parishioners.

In June of 1995, the parish was blessed by the ordination of another parishionier as Robert Kerr was ordained to the priesthood.

Midway through Father Wolf’s tenure, the parish reached its 50-year milestone. Entitled “In God We Glory, Year by Year”, the parish’s Fiftieth Anniversary was celebrated throughout 1997. Festivities kicked off with a parish picnic and publication of a parish cookbook in 1996. The highlight of the year was an anniversary celebration the weekend of April 5-6 including Mass with Bishop Boland and a banquet where tribute was paid to long-time sacristan Kay Campbell. A book, titled The Spirit of Saint Charles Borromeo Church: A Parish History, authored by Tom Marshall, was published to document the history of the parish from 1947-1997. This book was a wonderful resource for the materials developed to celebrate the 75th Anniversary in 2022.

Following the 50th anniversary year, additional facility needs were identified during a “Stirring the Spirit” project, and these needs could not be handled out of operating funds. In 2000, a Capital Campaign titled “Building Our Future/Building Our Faith” was launched to fund needed building improvements. The funds raised by this campaign, along with a loan obtained from the diocese, allowed the parish to embark on extensive church and school renovation with a construction cost of $1.8 million dollars.

During the renovation, Masses were held in the school gym for eight months and eighth grade classes were held in trailers behind the school. In the church, sanctuary renovations included a new altar, ambo, and presider chair with similar design features to highlight the

connection between the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The side altar on the west side of the church was removed to make room for a permanent baptismal font and enlarged choir area. A new Eucharistic Chapel replaced the cry room, and the Tabernacle was moved from the sanctuary to the Eucharistic Chapel. A new Marian Shrine was installed on the east side of the church. A new ceiling with skylights, along with new lighting and sound systems, completed the church renovation. The school renovation project included four new classrooms and renovation of the basement classroom. The parking lot was also reconstructed during this time. Removal of asbestos, found in both the school and church, complicated the renovation. On January 6, 2002, the renovated church was dedicated with Bishop Boland presiding, assisted by Father Wolf, several former pastors, and other clergy.

Father Wolf’s commitment to live out his order’s concern for the poor and vulnerable aligned well with the parish’s history of social outreach and concern for each other and led him to bring a full-time Social Services minister and a licensed family counselor to the parish staff. Four broad service ministries, including Social Outreach Services, Parish Pastoral Services, Counseling Services and Justice Ministries were vibrant during this time.

Social Outreach Services provided support for the greater community through year-round programs such as Food Pantry and Habitat for Humanity, as well as seasonal efforts such as Rice Bowl, Lenten Soup Suppers, Mitten Sock Masses, Saint Joseph’s Table, Advent Giving Tree, Jump for the Heart, and special collections for a variety of ministries throughout the Kansas City Metro area. Saint Charles parishioners had long supported the Cooperative Social Services of the Northeast since its opening in 1972 through volunteer efforts and donations and efforts such as “Our Bag”. This important city-wide outreach center, renamed The Bishop Sullivan Center in 1994, continues to operate today with significant support from Saint Charles parishioners.

The Saint Vincent de Paul food pantry closed in 2000 and the Saint Charles Food Pantry opened in 2002 in service of families in the Northland under the leadership of parishioners Mary Bulman-Griggs and Deacon Frank Peak. Monetary donations from individuals, community grants and the Knights of Columbus have continually supported operations. Harvester’s, the Regional Food Bank, is the primary source of food items, augmented by contributions from local

Clockwise from top right: 50th Anniversary Mass, 1997. Fr. Paul Sattler as St. Patrick, 1998. Parishioners assisting with the Food Pantry. Bishop Boland and Kay Campbell, 1997.

supermarkets, parishioners and the annual “Souper Bowl” soup drive. Under the leadership of Mary Bulman-Griggs, Deacon Jim and Mary Olshefski and Deacon Frank Peak, this ministry thrives, continuing to serve the Northland to this day. The food pantry has grown from serving 423 families in 2003, to a high of 2718 families in 2014, and 1625 families in 2021, indicating the fluctuation of needs over time.

Parish Pastoral Services, a social service team of volunteers, was developed by Brother Robert Herman, C.PP.S., to provide support within the parish. Services included support for the sick and homebound, RESPITE volunteers (helping those with aging parents), Adopt A Shut-in Program, hospital and nursing home visits, health care ministry, emergency assistance, Concerned Care/Connecting with Care program (transportation to Mass and assistance with household repairs), and parenting services including parenting classes and babysitting coop.

The Counseling Program ministry continued to provide programs and services such as Mourning Has Broken (bereavement support), Emotions Anonymous, Befriender Ministry, Divorced and Separated Support, annulment counseling. With the assignment of licensed family counselor Father Gary Richmeier, C.PP.S., to the parish in 1994, a counseling center was opened in the basement of the rectory with services provided on a sliding-scale payment basis.

The Justice Ministries included Respect Life, Prison Ministry, Peace and Justice Team (world justice issues), and the Guatemala Program of Hope.

Father Wolf’s desire to build community in the parish was supported by the Parish and Family Life Ministry which included a broad range of social ministries designed to provide social cohesion to the parish and promote family life for parishioners of all ages. These included Circles, Friendly Club, New Members Welcoming Team, Coffee and Donuts, Funeral Dinners, Adult Sports, Guess Who’s Coming for Dinner, Saint Charles Singles, Young Adult Group, Cana Group for young married couples, Youth Groups for Junior and Senior High students, Parish Picnics, as well as Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts.

Child and Adult Faith Formation ministries were an important part of the faith community with programs to bring new people of all ages

into the Church as well as programs supporting the faith journey of existing members. During this time a full-time religious education director was employed to serve along with the Adult Faith Formation Director and Youth Minister. Programs for children and youth included the Saint Charles School of Religion for those children not attending the Saint Charles School, Liturgy of the Word for children, Confirmation preparation for teens, Special Persons Religious Education with Disabilities (SPREd), Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC), Vacation Bible School among others. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for young children was introduced in the parish in 2001 and classes continued into 2003. This program was returned to the parish many years later under Father Don Farnan. An active youth group supported middle and high school youth. Adult faith formation opportunities included Small Christian Communities (SCC), Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), Bible study groups, parish retreats and missions, marriage preparations, among many others.

Saint Charles Borromeo School continued to be a central focus of parish ministry. Mary Omecene was hired as principal of the Saint Charles School in 1993 and continued to serve the school through the remainder of Father Wolf’s tenure and beyond, until 2013. Through leadership from the Diocese, the School Endowment Trust Fund was formed to provide long-term financial support for the school. The 50th Anniversary of Saint Charles School was celebrated in 2002 with an alumni Mass, display of school archives and activities for alumni.

In the area of Worship and Liturgy, the parish liturgist coordinated lay ministry leaders who were responsible for scheduling and communicating with lectors, eucharistic ministers, sacristans, altar servers, and hospitality ministers, as well as the art and environment and music liturgy teams. One environmental change was the purchase of a jeweled cross for the sanctuary. It was later determined that this decorative cross did not meet the requirement for the sanctuary cross to include the corpus of the crucified Christ. The jeweled cross was replaced by the processional crucifix which was designed to coordinate with the new altar, ambo and presider’s chair introduced in the 2001 renovation and remains in use today.

Father Wolf’s tenure, a period of renewal and growth, renovation and outreach, came to a close in July 2003.

Chapter 7 :: 2003-2007

Father Jack McClure, C.PP.S., became the seventh pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo in July 2003. Father McClure is the only priest to serve on the campus on two different occasions, first as associate pastor under Father Bauman and then from 2003-07 as Pastor of Saint Charles. He was to be the last priest from the Missionaries of Precious Blood to serve the parish, with the parish transitioning back to diocesan priests after he departed in 2007. Father McClure was responsible for preparing for this transition as well as addressing the debt incurred by the parish with the 2001 renovations and the repair of aging buildings on the campus.

To address the issue of retiring the debt and provide funding for much-needed campus building repairs, Father McClure established the “Together at Table / Together in Giving” campaign. This was led by the Opportunity Committee, formed with members from the Finance Council and Parish Council as well as other ministries, and guided by Pastoral Associate, Katherine DeBacker. This program included two components – the first component was to raise funds to retire the debt; the second was to increase stewardship, build up the endowment, reduce dependence on fundraisers, encourage planned giving, provide funding for maintenance projects for aging facilities, create a maintenance reserve and resources to sustain and develop parish ministries. Even with generous contributions from 600 parish families, the program raised about half the funds necessary to pay

off the debt. The diocese required the parish to establish a repayment plan and budget cuts were necessary to put the parish on a path toward paying off the debt.

While progress was made on debt reduction, repair and maintenance of aging facilities across the campus was again deferred, including the school roof ($80,000), replacement of school windows ($200,000), replacement of school exterior door ($20,000), school classroom carpet ($25,000), new stage floor ($2,500), school electricity upgrade ($40,000), school plumbing upgrade ($5,000), and parish office overhangs ($10,000). Many of these projects were completed in 2017-20; a few are on the schedule to be completed in 2022.

This was a period that saw a number of firsts. Scrip cards, prepaid grocery/retail

Father Jack McClure, C.PP.S.

Father Jack McClure, C.PP.S.

cards that paid a % back to the parish, were introduced as a means to raise money to support the school. The program was renamed “Stephanie Cards” in honor of Stephanie Whistler, parishioner, parent, and president of the PTO, who died in January 2006. The first Chili Cook-off and first Golf Tournament were held in 2004 and became annual fundraisers for a few years.

There were adjustments to the liturgy during this time including replacement of glass communion vessels with precious metal vessels in 2005, as directed by the Diocese. Personal assistive hearing devices were made available to parishioners in 2006. First Communion for children was celebrated at one of the regularly scheduled parish Masses during the Easter season, enabling the parish to participate in the celebrations more fully. Parents could choose the Mass that worked best for their family. The weekly Mass schedule was adjusted, eliminating the Saturday morning and Sunday evening Masses.

In the area of faith formation, “Together in Faith“ was established for intergenerational religious education, beginning in the fall of 2006, replacing the School of Religion and many Adult Faith Formation classes. This program involved monthly meetings which were offered at three different times each month to accommodate parishioners’ schedules. Each 3-hour session included a meal, opening prayer and introduction of the topic, age-appropriate discussion and activity breakouts, regathering to share insights across age groups, closing prayer, and take-home packets. These, as well as many other ministries and events flourished through this period.

During Father McClure’s pastorate, there were significant changes in diocesan leadership. In May 2005, Bishop Raymond Boland retired and Bishop Robert Finn, coadjutor bishop, became the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Kanas City-Saint Joseph. In 2004, the parish mourned the loss of two beloved leaders. Former Associate Pastor Father Paul Sattler, C.PP.S., died August 2, 2004, and Saint Charles’ second pastor, Father James Lyons, died December 24, 2004.

Father McClure provided open communication, structure, and leadership to address the debt, initiated a focus on financial stewardship necessary to build a strong parish, and strengthened worship and ministries based on the needs of parishioners. With his departure in 2007, the parish transitioned to the leadership of diocesan priests.

The first Chili Cook-off (top picture) and the first Golf Tournmaent (bottom picture) were held in 2004.

Chapter 8 :: 2007-2012

Father Ken Riley became pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo in July 2007, the eighth pastor of the parish. This marked the return of the pastorate from the Missionaries of the Precious Blood to the diocese. Father Riley held multiple diocesan positions in addition to his parish responsibilities. With his JCL and CUA degrees, Father Riley served on the diocesan tribunal and was frequently consulted on questions of church law. He also continued to serve as an ad hoc consultant and content reviewer for Liturgy Training Publications (LTP). One of his personal interests was support for tissue and organ donation as his father was a recipient of kidney and pancreas transplants. Father Riley was a stem cell donor.

Through this period there were concerns about continued deficits and declining school enrollment. The Northland School Study commissioned by the diocese identified unmet needs for Catholic elementary education in areas where population was growing and provided a feasibility study recommending the building of a new school at 108th and Woodland, the proposed site for the new Holy Family Parish church. This caused concern about the future of Saint Charles School as children from Holy Family Parish attended Saint Charles School. Ultimately, there was no action taken on building a new school and Holy Family proceeded with expansion of their current church facility rather than building a new church.

Early in his pastorate, Father Riley envisioned a parish synod, or gathering, to evaluate existing conditions and concerns and to look to the future for ways to resolve concerns and continue a renewed path of growth. He established a steering committee to prepare for the major event. Under the leadership of Father Riley and co-chairs parishioner Eileen Hutchinson and Pastoral Associate Maureen Poulin, the Synod Preparation Steering Committee worked for 18 months to get ready for the synod which convened in February 2010. Attendees were selected by nomination and invitation and committed to reading the advance packet of materials provided as well as to attending all three sessions –Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday. Six categories of parish life were explored – Faith Formation and Education,

Father Ken Riley

Parish Synod

Father Ken Riley

Facilities and Finance, Justice and Social Service, Marriage and Family, Pastoral Care, Prayer, and Worship. A final report was prepared identifying issues and concerns as well as ideas for how to address the concerns. Father Riley was reassigned before he could coordinate implementation of the Synod recommendations. The final report from the Synod is on file in the parish office and was used as preparation and background for the 2022 Synod.

Under Father Riley’s leadership, Saint Charles School established an all-day kindergarten in the fall of 2007. At the urging of parents in 2009, he restarted the School of Religion, which had ended with the implementation of the “Together in Faith” intergenerational faith formation program. A 20’s and 30’s ministry was established for young adults in 2008 and it remained active through Father Riley’s tenure. Father Riley had an interest in communications and in the connection between media and faith. He hosted multiple town halls and brown bag lunch discussions and hired the first Communications Coordinator for the parish staff. The bulletin format changed substantially to full color with lots of pictures of parish events.

Important changes to the liturgy occurred in November of 2011, with the adoption of the revised translation of the Roman Missal. Father Riley worked to prepare parishioners for this change by focusing the 2009/2010 sessions of “Together in Faith” on “Roman Missal Changes – reviewing the parts of the Mass”. He also was sensitive to the needs expressed for quiet prayer time, and in 2008, Father Riley requested parishioners maintain quiet inside the church before and after Mass, holding conversations in gathering areas outside the worship space. With limited space for gathering, especially during cold weather, this was a challenge for many parishioners who were used to greeting their friends in the pews before and after Mass, but after discussion at a town hall meeting, progress was made toward a quieter environment. A new Schimmel piano, donated in honor of Sister Gloria Solomon’s years of service, also enhanced the atmosphere within the church.

The parish was able to do some continued maintenance of parish and school facilities, including roofs, stairs, parking lots, new air conditioning for the Commons area and stained-glass reglazing. In January 2009, the first ‘Souper Bowl’ was established by Saint Charles Girl Scout Troop 1329 to stock the Saint Charles Food Pantry with soup. This tradition continues today under the direction of Team Rebuilt, collecting over 30,000 cans of soup in 2022.

Significant events related to ordained clergy occurred during Father Riley’s tenure. In February 2010, parishioner Joe Whiston was ordained a permanent deacon and was assigned to Saint Charles Borromeo Parish. Two former parishioners were ordained to the priesthood, Matthew Bartulica in 2010 and Benjamin Knieb in 2012. In 2011, the parish mourned the death of former pastor Father William Bauman.

In the spring of 2012, Father Riley was reassigned as Judicial Vicar, Vice-Chancellor for Canonical Affairs, and Moderator of the Curia of the Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph, ending his pastorate at Saint Charles Borromeo.

Top Left; Father Riley blessing the animals.

Top Right: Father Riley discussing media and faith.

Bottom: Parishioners gather at the annual Guatemala Thanksgiving Dinner.

Chapter 9 :: 2012-2016

Father Joseph Totton became the ninth pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo in July 2012. He arrived to find Saint Charles continuing with the financial struggles of the past, and facilities in need of repair. During his tenure, Father Totton focused on the importance of the priesthood and vocations as well as reverence during the liturgy, preferring a quiet church before and after Mass. He enjoyed distance running and playing hockey in his spare time.

Father Totton proposed and implemented liturgical changes throughout his time as pastor, including regular use of incense at one of the weekly Masses. Mass times were changed with the two earliest Sunday Masses combined to become the 8:30 mass and the 11:30 mass moving to 11:00 in July 2014. Funeral Masses were celebrated at the 9:00 daily Mass and Saturday evening Mass time was changed from 5:00 to 4:00 in November 2015. After attending Mass at another parish where the priest presided with his back to the people, Father Totton wrote a column in the parish bulletin extoling the benefits of this posture and suggesting that it was worth considering for Saint Charles parish liturgies. A couple of weeks later, in a follow-up column, Father Totton described the large negative response he had received to this suggestion, and it was not further pursued.

Under Father Totton’s leadership, changes to the facilities included the installation and dedication of the new Ten Commandments monument in the Prayer Garden in 2013. The “Paving the Way” brick campaign began in September 2013, under the leadership of Cynthia Tomes, raising money for the school and adding inscribed memorial bricks to the Prayer Garden. Former pastor Father Norman Rotert gifted the portrait of Saint Charles Borromeo to the parish in May 2013. He had received it as a gift from Bishop Helmsing in 1993. To accommodate the placement of this large painting in the Eucharistic Chapel to the east of the sanctuary, the Tabernacle was moved from the side altar where it had been residing since the 2001 renovation and was once again placed in the main sanctuary. The small Eucharistic Chapel was renamed The Saint Charles Chapel.

Reverence and Vocations

Father Joseph Totton

Father Joseph Totton

In the area of Faith Formation, the “Together in Faith” program was retired and an Adult Faith Formation team was formed. The members were trained by the diocese, and they coordinated a number of education opportunities for adults using film series from a variety of facilitators. “That Man Is You (TMIY)”, a very successful men’s ministry, was formed in 2012.

Throughout this brief period, there were changes in leadership at the Vatican and in the Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph that had an impact on the parish. Pope Benedict XVI retired in February 2013 and Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope, taking the name Francis, in March 2013. Retired Bishop Raymond Boland died in Ireland in March 2014. In September 2015, Bishop Robert Finn became the only U.S. bishop to be convicted of the crime of failure to report a priest suspected of child sex abuse to government authorities. Bishop Finn resigned and Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, was named Administrator of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph in April 2015. Pope Francis appointed Bishop James Vann Johnston, Jr. as the Bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph in September of 2015 and he was installed on November 4, 2015, the feast of Saint Charles Borromeo.

Locally, the parish experienced leadership challenges when Father Totton took a personal leave of absence from his duties at Saint Charles from September 2015 – January 2016. Masses through this period were covered by Father Egan, Father Fitzpatrick, Father Richmeier, Father Matt, Father Opoka, Father Rocha, Father Rogers, Father Rowe, Father Tobin, Father Waris, and Father Zupez. There was a welcome reception for Father Totton upon his return.

Leadership changes also occurred in the parish school. In 2013 Jeff Lynch was hired as principal of Saint Charles School, replacing Mary Omecene. Ann Lachowitzer replaced Jeff Lynch as principal in May 2015.

Saint Charles Borromeo Parish continued the strong tradition of the Permanent Deaconate. Dan Brink and Jim Olshefski were accepted into Diaconate formation, becoming Lectors in July 2012, Acolytes in June 2013, and finally being ordained as Permanent Deacons in June 2014. Jim Olshefski was assigned initially to Saint Charles Borromeo and later assigned to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Dan Brink was assigned to Saint Gabriel the Archangel. Jerry Williams and Frank Peak celebrated 30 years as ordained Permanent Deacons and retired from active ministry in June 2014. Continuing the tradition, Victor Quiason was accepted into candidacy for Permanent Deacon in June 2015. Other Saint Charles parishioners and former parishioners also pursued religious vocations. Natalie Stump entered the Postulancy of The Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecelia in 2012 and professed simple vows as Sister Mary Gemma, OP, in July 2014. In October 2014, Joshua Bartlett was ordained as a Transitional Deacon and then ordained a priest in May 2015, celebrating a Mass of Welcoming at Saint Charles in June of 2015. Matthew Bartlett was consecrated as Brother Juniper, Franciscan Brothers of Peace, in October 2014. Parishioners were saddened to learn of the passing of Father Salvador Rojas, pastor of Saint Charles‘ sister parish in Guatemala, and Saint Charles Borromeo parish held a memorial Mass in his honor in June 2014. The parish also mourned the loss of retired Deacon John Koch who died in December 2013.

The Ten Commandments monument is installed, 2013.

Participants in a 5K fundraiser, 2013.

Portrait of Saint Charles Borromeo gifted by Father Norman Rotert, 2013.

A highlight of these years was the completion of the debt retirement plan established under Father McClure. The remaining debt from the 2002 renovation was retired in February 2013, but there remained a long list of repairs and maintenance to be addressed for parish and school facilities, including school heating and cooling system, ADAcompliant restrooms, as well as a ‘rainy-day fund’ for unforeseen repairs. While acknowledging these concerns, but striving to avoid a return to debt, Father Totton asked parishioners for creative fundraising activities. The inaugural “Saint Charles Charger 5K Run and 1K Fun Run / Walk” was held in September of 2013 and it became an annual event for the next 2 years. A parish Garage Sale was held in June of 2014, reviving the tradition of parish garage sales from 19912003. The Garage Sale continues as an annual event, growing and each year and making major contributions to school finances.

Despite the balanced budget, financial challenges continued for the parish and school in the last year of Father Totton’s pastorate. Operations Manager Deacon Joe Whiston’s January 2016 column in the Bulletin announced the completion of an $800,000 renovation to the school, but there remained approximately $500,000 in necessary repairs. The financial report in the May 7/8 Bulletin indicated a $217,132 deficit fiscal year to date.

On May 9, 2016, there was a parish-wide call for an urgent town hall meeting to discuss the future of the school for the 2016-17 school year and beyond. 400 parishioners and school families attended the townhall, and many spoke in favor of keeping the school open. Fox4 News picked up the story, “65-year-old school given three days to raise money to remain open”, highlighting the need to raise $200,000 in three days to keep the school open. It also noted that since 2008, enrollment had dropped from 525 to 182 students and was expected to drop another 40 students in the coming year. During the week following the town hall, many came forward with one-time gifts amounting to $90,000. An anonymous donor pledged to underwrite the gap for 3-years, while a long-term plan was developed and implemented to place the future of the school on sturdier ground. These steps ensured the school doors would open in the fall of 2016, but much work remained to make the school viable for the future.

Father Totton was reassigned effective July 1, 2016, ending his pastorate at Saint Charles Borromeo.

Saint Charles School thanks the many generous donors who believe in the future of Catholic education,

Chapter 10 :: 2016-2022

On July 1, 2016, Father Don Farnan was assigned as the tenth pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo. Upon his arrival he faced many challenges. The parish was without debt but in an unsustainable financial condition. The aging buildings on campus needed significant repair; parish population was shrinking; and the school, after experiencing a 75% decrease in enrollment, was threatened with closure.

One of the buildings in need of major repairs was the rectory. In the summer of 2016, friends and former parishioners of Father Farnan from outside the parish donated funds and materials to begin the renovations. Saint Charles parishioners and Father Farnan’s friends furnished the labor to provide a beautiful, comfortable, safe place for parish priests to live. This project gave rise to the phrase “parish without borders” as Saint Charles gained new friends throughout the metro area. In the fall of 2016, Saint Charles parish hosted the first “Friendraiser” event, an evening of food, entertainment and fellowship for parishioners, supporters, and alumni.

In 2016, a three-year revitalization program began with goals to repopulate and rebrand the school, fund badly needed repairs, renovations and new construction, and reinvigorate the faith community to return and rejoice. Father

Farnan invited parishioners interested in parish revitalization to gather and study the book, “Rebuilt: Awakening the Faithful, Reaching the Lost, and Making Church Matter”. A new Saint Charles Borromeo ministry, “Team Rebuilt”, emerged with a mission “To support Saint Charles Borromeo Parish and Academy in building community spirt and to gain and grow disciples.” The team promotes, organizes, and aids with community events.

Father Farnan enjoyed writing, and in 2017 began sharing his thoughts and inviting comment about parish challenges and other matters in the form of a blog titled, “Charged with Saint Charles”. A link to the blog was on the parish website during his pastorate. In the spring of 2017, remodeling was done in the school guest lobby and entrance hall. This was followed by replacement of the east wing school

Father Don Farnan

Father Don Farnan

windows, construction of a new principal’s office and installation of additional security measures. In the summer of 2017, roofs and skylights were replaced on the sanctuary building, the Commons, and lower school.

In May 2017, Saint Charles Catholic School closed its doors for the last time. The school reopened in August of 2017 as Borromeo Academy, based on the classical model of education. The facelift to the school facilities that took place over the spring and summer made the school campus better able to support the new teaching model. Bishop Johnston attended the reopening and cut the ribbon on the rebranded facility along with members of the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce. In December, the first annual ‘Prayer Breakfast’ fundraiser was held in the school gym to pray for the success of the Academy and the future of Catholic education. Guests were introduced to the principles of the classical model through speakers and a special performance by the scholars.

In 2018, The Saint Charles Retreat House opened in the renovated rectory. In addition to housing clergy and providing space for spiritual direction, the rectory was now available to host retreats. Some of the early retreats facilitated by Father Farnan were the Busy Person’s Retreat, Six Days of Scriptural Reflection, Catholic Social Teachings and an RCIA pre-Easter retreat.

This year also saw the completion of two newly constructed buildings on the campus. A long-awaited Gathering Space, which included an outdoor terrace and fountain, was added on the front of the worship space. Parishioners now had a bright and welcoming space to connect with each other before and after Mass. The space could also be set up for meetings and visitation services prior to funerals. A new parish office building was constructed north of the rectory to replace the deteriorating office space in the old convent building.

In 2018, the convent, built in 1951 and home over the years to 114 Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, was determined to be in irreparable condition and was demolished in the summer of 2019. On the land where the convent had stood, Mary’s Garden emerged. This beautiful, peaceful garden was funded, designed, created, and is now tended by the Schneider and Ross families in honor of Karl and Mary Schneider and the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The garden was dedicated in the fall of 2020.

Eight new stained-glass windows honoring the Blessed Virgin and 6 female saints (from left to right, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Saint Elizabeth Seton, Saint Brigid, Saint Maria Faustina, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Saint Maria Goretti, Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and the Virgin Mary, Mother of God) were installed in 2019 on the west side of the worship space to complement the existing windows on the east side dedicated to male saints. These windows were provided through the generosity of parish families. In 2021, two additional stainedglass windows were installed – the Saint Charles Borromeo window adjacent to the Saint Charles Chapel and the Saint Joseph window in the confessional, dedicated on his feast day, March 19, 2021.

Several clergy changes occurred during the Farnan era. Victor Quiason was ordained as a Permanent Deacon in 2018 and was assigned to Saint Charles Borromeo. Deacon Jim Olshefski was reassigned to serve at the Cathedral, Father Garry Richmeier, C.PP.S., accepted the role of Provincial Director of the C.PP.S. community and ended his official relationship with Saint Charles Parish. Father Garry served Saint Charles from 1994 to 2019 in a variety of roles while maintaining a counseling office on the parish grounds. He was on staff as Director of Counseling for many years and remained in-residence for several more years. While in-residence, Father Garry presided at daily and weekend Masses and facilitated bible study sessions in addition to continuing to provide counseling services.

In 2020, along with the rest of world, Saint Charles was challenged to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. With public gatherings of more than 10 individuals prohibited, Saint Charles suspended public celebration of the Mass in March. The Sunday Mass liturgy, celebrated during the week with only the presider, cantor, organist, and lectors in attendance, was recorded and posted to the parish website by Saturday for weekend viewing by parishioners. During the COVID-19 shutdown of 2020, the parish organized a group of callers to check in on isolated parishioners.

Saint Charles Catholic School becomes Borromeo Academy, August 2017.

2016-2022

A new parish office was constructed in 2018.

Father Farnan blessing Mary’s Garden established on the site of the old convent, 2020.

Bishop Johnston and Father Farnan at the ribbon cutting and blessing ceremony of Borromeo Academy, 2017.

Team Rebuilt grilling hot dogs at a community event.

When larger gatherings were permitted, the church reopened with a limit to the number of individuals that could attend each Mass. Each week, parishioners who wished to attend in person were required to sign up in advance for a specific Mass and were required to provide contact tracing information upon arrival at the church. The masked parishioners were guided to seating that conformed to socialdistancing requirements by blue tape that blocked every other pew and segmented available pews into 3 sections. As communal singing had been identified by public health experts as a potential superspreader activity, hymnals were removed from the pews and only a single cantor was allowed to sing. To maintain social distancing and minimize contact, entrance, communion, and recessional processions were halted. The presider was assisted by a single deacon, no altar servers, and communion was distributed as the people remained in the pews and the masked presider and deacon moved through the assembly, using the empty pew rows to reach the faithful.

During this time the parish continued to upgrade technology and was soon able to provide livestreaming of one Mass each weekend and funeral Masses. The virtual Masses that were such a blessing to all parishioners during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic remain a welcome option for many shut-in parishioners and have reached a broader audience beyond the parish community.

As we entered our Diamond Jubilee year of 2022, we continued to emerge from the COVID-19 restrictions. Celebration of the Mass was slowly returning to normal with the return of the communion processions, altar servers, unrestricted seating, hymnals, a Christmas choir, and coffee and donuts in the Gathering Space.

Throughout this period, Borromeo Academy cycled through times of remote learning and on-site learning with precautions such as masks, social distancing, and in-classroom dining. Classes were quarantined and moved to virtual learning as new COVID-19 cases emerged in individual classrooms. The community of parents, scholars, teachers, and administrators banded together to maintain school operations as normally as possible during the most difficult of circumstances. Through government programs such as PPP and EANS, the full staff was maintained, and funding enabled facility improvements. The PPP program allowed the parish to maintain all the staff and faculty with full pay throughout the close-down period. Through EANS, school rooms were refurnished, replacing furniture that was in some

cases more than 40 years old. Most of the technology was updated/ upgraded throughout the facility and iPads were provided to all students from the 3rd – 8th grades.

Another significant change came to Borromeo Academy in 2020, with the resignation of its first principal, Ann Lachowitzer. Following an extensive search process, Karen Hopson, EdD, became the second principal.

In the fall of 2021, through Father Farman’s leadership and vision to build upon our three pillars of ministry (Worship, Education and Outreach), Saint Charles looked to the future with the “Diamond Jubilee Capital Campaign”. Listening sessions early in the campaign sought input from parishioners to prioritize the projects to be undertaken. In the spring of 2022, work began on several projects identified during the campaign. The Early Childhood Center improvements will include the addition of new doors directly to the playground from classrooms and the addition of a new activity deck. Parish operations will be improved by the long-awaited expansion and upgrade of the Borromeo Hall kitchen and the addition of a new storage facility on the north side of the gym.

The parish support for the permanent deaconate program continued with the acceptance of Mark Trujillo into deaconate formation in 2022.

Our 75th Anniversary Jubilee year brought our community out of a COVID-induced shutdown to the renewal of long-awaited community events. Anticipation for the upcoming jubilee built with distribution of the Saint Charles Parish 75th Anniversary Cookbook in the fall of 2021.

In December of 2021, a special “Lighting the Way to Our 75th Year” gathering kicked off the year-long celebration. During the 4 pm Mass, the community was surrounded by the 26 large archive panels depicting the history of the parish. Following the Mass, an outdoor lighting ceremony, complete with ringing of church bells, illuminated the campus for the Advent and Christmas seasons. Parishioners then moved inside to continue the celebration with wine and hors d’oeuvres in the Gathering Space for adults, a Saint Joseph’s Table Christmas Bazaar in the Commons, and activities such as gingerbread house decorating and inflatables for children in the gym.

Two Anniversary events were held in April of 2022 in honor of the first Mass celebrated by the new Saint Charles Parish on Easter Sunday 1947. The Girl Scouts, assisted by the 75th Anniversary Committee,

sponsored a special 75th Anniversary Easter Egg Hunt for children on Holy Saturday morning.

On April 30th, adults of the parish, along with former parishioners and former pastors and associate pastors, gathered at Saint Pius X High School for a Spring Gala celebration. A catered dinner with live music from a string trio was followed by entertainment from a magician and then dancing. Ticket price for the event was set at $19.47 in honor of the 1947 founding of the parish. Generous parishioners contributed additional funds in memory of deceased parishioners and in thanksgiving for many years of blessings.

With our 75th Anniversary came significant leadership changes. Karen Hopson, EdD, accepted a new position as an associate superintendent with the Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph schools and Candace Stracener was hired as the new principal for Borromeo Academy.

In July 2022, Father Don Farnan was reassigned to assume a new leadership role at Rockhurst University and to assist in sacramental ministry in inner-city parishes. His pastorate was marked by spiritual and physical revitalization within Saint Charles parish, positioning the parish to move forward with confidence and hope.

The female saint glass windows are installed on the west wall of the church, 2019.

Lighting the Way Winter Festival took place on December 4, 2021.

Activites at the Lighting the Way Winter Festival.

Spring Gala celebrating 75 years, 2022.

Easter egg hunt, 2022.

Chapter 11 :: July 1, 2022

Father Sunoj Thomas, OSB, assumed the mantle of leadership in July 2022 as the eleventh pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo parish. He was greeted with a large multi-lingual “Welcome” banner placed in the sanctuary behind the presider’s chair to honor the diverse gifts he brings to us. Father Thomas speaks Italian, Spanish, German, Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and English. He has studied five levels of Biblical Hebrew and Greek and enjoys reading the Bible in its original languages.

Each of the first ten pastors brought a unique background and a unique set of skills to his ministry at Saint Charles that helped meet the challenges of the era. The tradition continues with Father Thomas. The parish and school have been revitalized over the last several years, but leadership and energy are needed to sustain the positive trajectory and to complete the projects launched from the “Diamond Jubilee Capital Campaign”. The growing diversity of the Northland, reflected in the parish and school family, needs to be celebrated and nourished. A brief review of his biography indicates Father Thomas should be well-suited to lead the parish at this time.

Father Thomas was born and educated in India, and after high school joined the Benedictine Monastery, where he lived for 12 years. During this time, he completed college studies in Latin,

and religion, and earned Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and a Master’s degree in Theology. He was ordained a priest in 2002. A builder, he supervised the construction of several monastic structures at the Benedictine Monastery and was then asked to start a new Benedictine community in the mountains of Kerala. He once again was responsible for building new structures, as well as starting an agricultural farm to support the community. From 2002 to 2005 he served as the Superior of the Monastery.

He had an opportunity to visit the U.S. for the first time in 2005 and started his ministry with the Diocese of Kansas CitySaint Joseph in 2007 at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Saint Joseph, MO. During these early times he stayed with Father Mike Roach, then pastor of Saint Therese in Parkville, MO, while preparing to go to Rome for advanced studies.

Father Sunoj Thomas, OSB

Father Sunoj Thomas, OSB

Father Sunoj Thomas, OSB

In the fall of 2008, he continued his education in Rome to complete his Licentiate in the Pontifical Biblical Institute, returning to the Kansas City are in the summer to 2011 to continue serving as a priest of the Diocese of Kansas City- Saint Joseph, first as an associate pastor at Saint Thomas More and then, in 2016, as pastor to Saint Catherine of Siena parish where he served until his appointment as pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo.

In the early days of his pastorate, Father Thomas assumed oversight of the construction projects that had begun in the spring of 2022 – Early Childhood Center improvements, Borromeo Hall kitchen renovation and construction of the storage facility. He also continued the parish efforts to emerge from COVID-19 restrictions by reinstating offertory processions and the passing of offertory baskets.

Father Thomas was excited by the breadth of active ministries in the parish, meeting with ministry leaders and hosting a ministry fair in August of 2022. He was also pleased with the trajectory of Borromeo Academy as he welcomed the new principal, Candace Stracener. Using his favorite word, Father Thomas declared it all to be “awesome.”

In the fall of 2022, Father Thomas joined with the parish in continuing the celebration of the 75th Anniversary year. On September 24th, the Fall Festival, “A September to Remember – 75 Years in the Making”, began with a luncheon to honor former parish and school staff and teachers. Following the luncheon, the honorees took guided tours of the parish facilities and had an opportunity to “Meet and Greet” current and former parishioners and students. That evening the parish gathered for a Festival with food and activities for all ages, including inflatables and outdoor games for the children and a beer garden with corn hole, darts, and putt-putt golf for adults. An archive room displayed the 75th Anniversary Panels as well as many other pictures, documents and artifacts from the parish and school.

As we move beyond the 75th Jubilee year to embrace the next chapter of the story of our faith community, we are grateful for the gifts and sacrifices of all who have gone before us, shaping Saint Charles Borromeo into the parish community it is today. We are also appreciative of the wealth of education, global and local experience, enthusiasm, and energy, that our new pastor, Father Thomas, brings to Saint Charles Borromeo. With his leadership and fresh perspective, we go forward, as always, Together in Faith.

School enrollment climbs to 249 in 2022.

Early Childhood Center upgrades.

North entrance to Borromeo Academy.

Appendix 1

Clergy and Religious

Saint Charles Borromeo Parish has been blessed by the service and leadership of ordained clergy as well as the service of religious men and women. The following clergy and religious have served on staff at Saint Charles Borromeo Parish:

Pastors

Maurice Wogan (1947-1963)

James Lyons (1963-1978)

William Bauman (1978-1984)

Michael Tierney (1984-1986)

Norman Rotert (1986-1991)

John Wolf, C.PP.S. (1991-2003)

Jack McClure, C.PP.S. (2003-2007)

Ken Riley (2007-2012)

Joseph Totton (2012-2016)

Don Farnan (2016-2022)

Sunoj Thomas, OSB (2022-present)

Associate Pastors

Ralph Siebert (1952-1953)

Jerry W. Mahoney (1953-1958, 1972-1973)

Francis J. Russ (1958-1962)

John Stefanov (1956-1958)

Franklin J. Lackamp (1958-1962)

Patrick Gilgannon (1962-1964)

John J. McCormack (1962-1963,1968-1972)

Roger F. Miller (1964-1965)

Jim C. Farrow (1965-1967)

Vincent J. Lovett (1966-1967)

Wesley Erwin (1967-1972)

James Hart (1967-1968)

Thomas Hawkins (1972-1975)

Richard Ducate (1975-1976)

John Eldringhoff (1973-1976)

Frederick Schuele (1976)

Jack McClure C.P.P.S. (1977-1981)

Robert A. Murphy (1978)

Leo Boyle (1978-1979)

William Dineen, C.PP.S. (1979-1980)

Phillip Egan (1981)

Tom Turner (1982-1987)

Gary Jarvis, C.PP.S. (1982)

Ron Will, C.PP.S. (1982)

Tom Conway, C.PP.S. (1983)

Joe Miller, C.PP.S. (1983)

Reggie Webb (1985)

John Santner (1987-1990)

Gerald Schuster (1990-1991)

Jim Taranto (1991)

Craig Maxim (1991-1992)

Chris Ostmeyer, C.PP.S. (1992-1994)

Paul Sattler, C.PP.S. (1994-2000)

Garry Richmeier, C.PP.S. (1994-2007, maintained a counseling office at the parish until 2019)

Keith Branson, C.PP.S. (2000-2003)

Deacons

Ed Spencer

John Blasco

Ron Elliot

John Ernst

John Koch

Frank Peak

Jerry Williams

Joe Whiston

Dan Brink

Jim Olshefski

Victor Quiason

Religious

Esther Fangman, OSB

Therese Elias, OSB

Therese Randolph, RSM

Claudette Schiratti, RSM

Mary Kay Liston, CSJ

Karen Neuser, FSPA

Jane Falke, OSU

Diane Hurley, SCL

Irene Skeehan, SCL

Mary Cecile Breen (Jean Kevin Breen), SCL

Gloria Solomon (David Marie Solomon), SCL

Robert Hermann, C.PP.S.

Appendix 2

Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth

The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth have been an important part of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish for most of its 75-year history, primarily serving the school ministry, but also serving in other staff positions. The following Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth have served Saint Charles Borromeo Parish:

Principals

Joan Therese Cunningham, SCL (1949-1952)

Mary Brendan Boyle, SCL (1952-1956)

Mary Boniface Lynch, SCL (1956-1957)

Ellen Louise Burns, SCL (1957-1959)

Mary de Sales Forge (Helen Forge), SCL (1958-1964)

Mary Amadeus Hayes, SCL (1964-1967)

Catharine Sienna Lenherr (Mary Cecelia Lenherr), SCL (1967-1969)

Kathleen Coman, SCL (1969-1981)

Mary Siefken, SCL (1981-1985)

Non-SCL principals

Deacon Ron Elliott (1985)

F. Joel Carr, acting (1985-1989)

David Woolwine (1989-1993)

Mary M. Omecene (1993-2013)

Jeff Lynch (2013-2015)

Ann Lachowitzer (2015-2020)

Karen Hopson (2020-2022)

Candace Stracener (2022-present)

Teachers

Jean Michele Alarid, SCL (1960-1961)

Mary Wilma Anderson, SCL (1954-1957)

Mary Dorothy Anzicek, SCL (1957-1959)

Marian Leo Anzicek, SCL (1966-1968)

Mary Rosenda Arkfeld, SCL (1966-1968)

Stephen Louise Bartolac, SCL (1965-1966)

Mary Loretta Beier, SCL (1974-1977)

Mary Brendan Boyle, SCL (1952-1956)

Mary Suzanne Braun, SCL (1953-1954)

Jean Kevin Breen (Mary Cecile Breen), SCL (1959-1960)

Mary Letitia Burke, SCL (1954-1956)

Kathleen Burnes, SCL (1968-1968)

Ellen Louise Burns, SCL (1957-1958)

Ann Patrick Callahan, SCL (1960-1962)

Mary Arthel Cline, SCL (1969-1972)

Kathleen Coman, SCL (1969-1981)

Kathleen Marie Connelly, SCL (1980-1981)

Regina Catherine Costello, SCL (1959-1960)

John Francine Cross, SCL (1964-1966)

Joan Theresa Cunningham, SCL (1949-1952)

Rosalie Curtin, SCL (1957-1959)

Martin Marie Cushing (Marjorie Cushing), SCL (1967-1972)

Jean Martin Dawson, SCL (1962-1965)

Ruth Ann Desch, SCL (1955)

Angela Marie Doman, SCL (1964-1966)

Alice Therese Dorsey, SCL (1958-1959)

Mary Josetta Dosen, SCL (1962-1963)

Marie Dominic Driscoll, SCL (1966-1967)

Mary Pius Erskine, SCL (1955)

Marie de Lourdes Falk, SCL (1951-1953)

Leonard Mary Fick, SCL (1958-1959, 1961-1964)

Loretta Fick, SCL (1976-1983)

Margaret Finch, SCL (1969-1972)

Marie de Sales Forge (Helen Forge), SCL (1956-1958,1959-1964)

Clara Marie Gappa, SCL (1961-1965)

Julia Golkoski, SCL (1972-1982)

Edwin Marie Gordon, SCL (1961-1964)

Jean Louis Grattan, SCL (1963-1964)

Regina Ann Green, SCL (1972-1981)

Marie Helen Grieshaber, SCL (1977-1989)

Karen Guth, SCL (1972-1986)

Joseph Hafner, SCL (1950-1957)

Marie Florentine Hall, SCL (1951-1953)

Marie Paula Hardy, SCL (1960-1961)

Marie Elise Hayes, SCL (1949-1950)

Mary Amadeus Hayes, SCL (1964-1967)

Robert Hehn, SCL (1967-1968)

Mary Agnes Hogan, SCL (1964-1966)

Mariettina Holzhuter, SCL (1959-1962)

Charlotte Marie Howell, SCL (1950-1951)

Patricia Marie Johannsen, SCL (1982-1984)

Frances Juliano, SCL (1970-1976)

Laura Marie Kelly, SCL (1963-1965)

Mary Ann Kelly, SCL (1958-1960)

Ivan Marie Kushan, SCL (1964-1966)

Nicholas Marie Lawless, SCL (1968-1969)

Catharine Sienna Lenherr

(Mary Cecilia Lenherr), SCL (1967-1969)

Virginia Long, SCL (1956-1958)

Mary Boniface Lynch, SCL (1956-1957)

Mary Owenita McDevitt, SCL (1955-1956)

Mary Christella McDougal, SCL (1962-1964)

Sheila McGovern, SCL (1968-1969)

Perpetua McGrath, SCL (1964-1965)

Jane Albert Mehrens, SCL (1965-1966)

Mary Bridgett Mullen, SCL (1959-1960)

Julia Marie Mullins, SCL (1960-1962)

Alice Murphy, SCL (1968-1970)

Francis Dorothy Murry, SCL (1967-1969)

Mary Stephanie Nicely, SCL (1966-1967)

Jeanne Thomas O’Connor, SCL (1965-1966)

Mary Esther O’Connor, SCL (1949-1950)

Mary Sylvia O’Leary, SCL (1953-1954)

Rose Anthony Perko, SCL (1967-1969)

Alice Joseph Pettit, SCL (1965-1966)

Matthew Marie Podrebarac, SCL (1950)

Mary William Race, SCL (1956-1957)

Jean Rita Reed, SCL (1966-1967)

Joseph Angela Reichenbach, SCL (1959-1960)

Ann Lorraine Repp, SCL (1967-1968)

Suzanne Retherford, SCL (1986-1988)

Ann Vincent Roth, SCL (1957-1958)

Marjorie Rupp, SCL (1970-1971)

Mary Regina Schauf, SCL (1952-1957)

Andrew Mary Schindele, SCL (1957)

Mary Jane Schmitz, SCL (1969-1972)

Joella Serrano, SCL (1968-1969)

John Patrick Sherlock, SCL (1967-1968)

Mary Siefken, SCL (1981-1985)

Jo Anne Sistrunk, SCL (1978-1982)

Maurine Therese Smith, SCL (1954-1955)

Delora Ann Stockey, SCL (1966-1967)

Anita Sullivan, SCL (1960-1965)

Mary Lourdes Sullivan, SCL (1967-1968)

Marie Martin Townsend, SCL (1966-1967)

Paula Marie Tweet, SCL (1965-1966)

Amata Marie Van Berchelaer, SCL (1958-1959)

Rose Dorothy Waidele, SCL (1955-1963)

Lucy Walter, SCL (1967-1968)

Carol Wells, SCL (1968-1969)

Michael Mary Whalen, SCL (1968-1969)

Frances Louise Wilde, SCL (1959-1961)

John Kathleen Williams, SCL (1966-1968)

Rose Anita Young, SCL (1985)

Pastoral Work

Mary Cecile Breen (Jean Kevin Breen), SCL (1970-1971)

Diane Hurley, SCL (1979-1981)

Jo Anne Sistrunk, SCL (1979-1982)

Irene Skeehan, SCL (1970-1971)

Gloria Solomon (David Marie Solomon), SCL (1990-2007)

The Saint Joseph, the Worker, stained glass is installed in the confessional and dedicatted on his Feast (March 19, 2021).