Fathers Maes, Kraus honored for 80 years combined service

By Tim Wenzl

Southwest Kansas Register

Two 40-year jubilarians were honored at the Chrism Mass March 29; Bishop Marion F. Forst ordained Father David H. Kraus on May 21, 1967, and Father John J. Maes, on May 24, 1967, in their home parishes.

Father Kraus is a vocation from St. Aloysius, Ransom. He attended St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City; Seward County Community College in Liberal; Conception Seminary College in Conception, Mo.; Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome where he earned his JCL.

He knew God was calling him to be a priest in grade school. “I think I sensed something special (then),” said Father Kraus. “Later during a summer school, I asked a Sister the difference between a brother and a priest. She recommended that I think more seriously about being a priest. I didn’t date much and not seriously – mainly to dance and go out to eat. When I was in college (SMPC), I asked Sister Christian (Rosner), CSJ, about some church politics and she recommended that I study for the priesthood and find out myself. Here I am!

“I think that Father Hubert Kremer, OFM Cap., and Father Richard Schinstock influenced me by their behaviors as priests. The Dominican professors at SMPC were important to me as well.”

Father Kraus has served the diocese as chancellor, moderator of the curia, and in several posts in the Tribunal. His pastorates included: St. Joseph, Greensburg; St. Patrick, Plains; St. John the Baptist, Meade; Sacred Heart, Larned; St. Anthony, Lakin; St. Andrew, Wright; Christ the King, Deerfield; St. Joan of Arc, Elkhart; and St. Joseph, Scott City, with St. Theresa, Dighton. He retired from active ministry in 2004.

“Not having to attend and plan a list of meetings is my favorite part of retirement,” Father Kraus stated. “And quarreling with some parishioners about ‘who’s in charge’ is another thing I don’t miss.”

Father Kraus is currently Defender of the Bond and the Promoter of Justice for the Tribunal Office. He resides in Ransom where he celebrates a Sunday Mass at the Long Term Care facility, and a Wednesday evening Mass at St. Aloysius Church.

Father Maes is a vocation from Immaculate Conception, Claflin. He attended Fort Hays State University and Conception Seminary in Conception, Mo.

He first heard God calling him to the priesthood “probably in the third grade.” He attended Maur Hill High School, a Catholic boarding school in Atchison. After his freshman year, he returned home to complete his high school education in Claflin. A month before leaving for St. Benedict’s College in Atchison he decided to attend Fort Hays instead. There he studied business administration and discerned his vocation for two years.

“At Fort Hays, I knew God had me in a corner, and it was time to respond,” Father Maes said.

Father Maes served the diocese as Vicar General for nearly 14 years, and was Director of Vocations and Chairman of the Liturgical Commission. His pastorates included: St. Joseph, Ashland; Sacred Heart Cathedral; St. John the Evangelist, Hoisington; St. Andrew, Wright; St. John the Baptist, Spearville; St. Joseph, Ellinwood, with Immaculate Conception, Claflin. He retired from active ministry in 2005 and moved to Spearville.

“I’ve grappled with the word, ‘retirement,’” stated Father Maes. “I don’t believe you can retire from priesthood. You don’t cease being a priest. ...

“I think if I could have a focus in this age of my life, it would be to help the diocese in any way possible to call forth priestly vocations. ... The need is to be open to hear and to know that it’s a wonderful life. If you feel the call, respond. And parents need to be supportive of their sons.”

Father Maes celebrates liturgies in Spearville when Father Ted Stoecklein is away from the parish for diocesan duties as associate director of youth ministry. He also assists the parish with First Reconciliation and interviews for Confirmation candidates. Residing in Ford County, he also covers at St. Andrew’s, Wright, and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe when needed.

Editor’s note: Some information in this article was previously published in articles about Fathers Kraus and Maes at the time their retirements were announced.