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Around the Diocese of Dodge
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A ‘Christmas’ concert at Windthorst The historic Immaculate Heart of Mary Church at Windthorst played host to a Christmas concert Jan. 13 that had been postponed in December due to inclement weather. Presented by the Dodge City Community College Vocal Music Department, the concert included performances by the Concert Choir, Choral Union, and College Singers. At far right is director, Dr. Charles Turley, who sang a haunting rendition of Silent Night.
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 At far right, Father Marvin Reif and parishioners at St. John Parish perform an Advent cantata. St. John Church hosts interfaith Advent celebration; performs cantata in Greensburg ST. JOHN -- Father Marvin Reif, pastor of St. John Parish, invited the other churches in St. John to come to the Catholic Church on Dec. 16 to celebrate Advent together. Father Reif put together an Advent cantata made up of the children and a few adults from the parish. Following the cantata there were cookies and drinks for those in attendance. Earlier that day, Father Reif and the crew packed lunches for St. Joseph parishioners in Greenburg. They travelled to Greensburg where they celebrated Mass together, performed the cantata and then had lunch.
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 Children from parishes in Rush County display all sorts of items they collected to be sent to Nigeria. The youth came up with the idea themselves after hearing two speakers who had recently returned from the African country. Young stewards reach out to Nigeria RUSH COUNTY -- Shortly before Christmas, nearly 60 young people gathered to listen to two former missionaries, Verlene Wilson of McCracken and Sister Martina Stegman, OP, of Liebenhaus of Contemplation. Arranged by DRE of St. Michael Parish, LaCrosse, Ruth Baalman, the speakers shared stores and photographs detailing their June visit to Nigeria. According to Sister Martina, the catechists and Baalman were hoping to "see how the youth found themselves able to reach out in stewardship to this far off land of Nigeria." Eventually, a small child, his heart going out to children who do not have any toys, asked, "How about sending these children some toys?" "What kind of toys?" came the response. "Well, like some athletic equipment?" Sister Martina told the children it would be difficult to get those sorts of gifts into the country, and instead suggested something flat -- like a Frisbee -- that could fit into a suitcase. Another child, who had noticed that the "children of the bush" wore second hand T-shirts, asked, "How about sharing one or two of our own T-shirts with these African children?" Baalman sent mailers to the parents, and the following week the children surrendered some of their favorite T-shirts, along with Frisbees, a deflated soccer ball, and school supplies. The items were packed into eight boxes and will be delivered to Nigeria upon a return trip.
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