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 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.