Catholic youth group camps at Pilsen church
Spiritual battles took on a whole new meaning for a group of young men this past weekend.
Thirty men from Wichita, ranging in age from freshmen in high school through 22 years of age, retreated to Pilsen for a three-day camp-out to pray, reflect, and renew their commitment to their faith.
Tony Brandt, a teacher at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita, is the director of Knights of the Holy Queen.
"We take on spiritual battles all of the time," said Brandt. "What better example than Father Kapaun."
Father Pat York, pastor of St. Peter's Parish in Wichita, is the chaplain for the group.
"We came to Pilsen (St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, Holy Family Parish) to talk about a man of God and a man of the church," said Fr. York, referring to Kapaun.
Father Emil Kapaun was a Marion County resident who served in the Korean War as an Army chaplain. Fr. Kapaun died in a prisoner of war camp and steps are being taken to have him canonized by the Catholic church.
The Catholic youth group started three years at Bishop Carroll High School by Brandt and Chris Stewart, also a Bishop Carroll teacher.
"We started three years ago with six guys," said Brandt. "We now have 58." Thirty were able to attend the weekend retreat.
The focus is not becoming a priest, said Brandt, but living the life of having a relationship with God. Brandt and Stewart both are married and have children.
Fr. York agreed and said the group consecrates life.
"It's not so much a push for priests, but opening ears to the possibilities," said York.
"We wanted more than a social club for young men," Brandt said.
The members consecrate or devote their lives to Jesus' mother, Mary, explained Brandt.
The young men attended mass, recited the rosary, and consecrated the day. There was time allotted for activities and recreation.
"We want the guys to see they can do the will of God and have fun doing it," said Brandt.
The Knights meet every Thursday evening for prayer, guidance, and recreation as Catholic men, said Brandt.
A female counterpart, Angels of the Holy Queen, also is active in Wichita, said Brandt.
Interest has been shown in Marion County to organize similar organizations. Some local leaders have stepped forward, said Brandt.
"It's a huge commitment but very rewarding," Brandt said.
