K of C Fifth Annual Lenten Fish Feed

Friday, March 31; 5-7:30 p.m.

Great Bend, 723 Main

The menu will include fried pollack, scalloped potatoes, cole slaw, bread, vegetable and beverage.

The cost is $7 per person, $3 for children aged 5-9; children under 5 free.

All proceeds will be used to aid in the cost of replacing a damaged Irish Cross tombstone at the grave of Father Davern, a former pastor at St. Rose Church. In the last year, the tombstone, which is located at the Great Bend Cemetery, was knocked over and broken. It will cost several thousand dollars to replace.

From the Heartland Center:

To register for the following events or for more information, contact the Heartland Center, 3600 Broadway, Great Bend, KS 67530; (620) 792-1232.

When: April 30 - May 6 (Sunday 7 p.m. - Saturday noon)

Instructors: Patricia Benson OP, Sharon Zayac OP, Maurice Lange OMI

Cost: $185; Room and Board: $170

"This experience offers the opportunity to explore our understanding of an ecological spirituality through study, prayer, reflection, sharing, and ritual."

Engaged Encounter

Upcoming dates for Engaged Encounter at the Heartland Center for Spirituality in Great Bend are March 31-April 2; June 30-July 2; and Sept. 15-17. The weekends begin Friday evenings at 7:45 p.m. and conclude Sunday afternoons at about 3 p.m. The weekend offers couples (Catholic and non-Catholic) preparing for marriage the opportunity to examine their lives together through communication. This is a time for couples to be alone, to focus on their couple relationship away from the distractions and tensions of everyday life. For more information, call (620) 564-3095, or go to www.dcdiocese.org/Marriage/cathmarriage page.htm.

MS Walk April 15, Fort Dodge

The 3rd Annual MS Walk at Fort Dodge will be Saturday, April 15. Registration is at 9 a.m., with the walk starting at 10 a.m. The walkers will enjoy a live band, hamburger cookout, the Boot Hill Gunfighters, and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. To register or for more information, call Debbie Allen, (620) 227-7077, or Larry Durr, (620) 227-2121, Ext. 149. Entry forms can also be picked up at the Fort Dodge Sutler’s Store.

Newman U. to present annual Jet Open Charity Golf Tourny

WICHITA, Kan. – Newman University will host the 22nd Annual Jet Open Charity Golf Tournament Monday, May 1, at Rolling Hills Country Club, 223 South Westlink Street in Wichita. The tournament, presented by Suburban Landscape Management, is designed to benefit Newman student-athletes by raising funds for athletic scholarships, programs and facilities.

Tournament planners are currently seeking golf enthusiasts, donations for both a silent and live auction, and sponsors. Registration and lunch are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. The entry fee is $250 per person. Each four-member team that registers by the Early Bird deadline of April 1 will receive $100 off total registration fees ($25 per player). Fee includes lunch, driving range, green fees, golf cart, refreshments, and dinner with a guest following the tournament.

Weekend conference with nationally recognized speaker April 28-30

Nationally recognized Catholic author, speaker and "Culture of Life" activist Camille De Blasi is presenting a special weekend conference at the Spiritual Life Center in Wichita entitled "Moved By God’s Love." The conference is set for the weekend of April 28-30 and is sponsored by the Diocesan Office of Family Life.

"Amid the alluring and deceptive values of our culture, there is the challenge to recognize the unwavering voice of God who invites us to accept the gift of Love," said Sara Splichal, Director of the Office of Family Life for the Diocese of Wichita. "We need only heed the words of our Holy Father Pope Benedict who speaks so eloquently about the culture-changing power of love:

"‘Love is the light—and in the end, the only light—that can always illumine a world grown dim and give us the courage needed to keep living and working.’"

The presenters for this conference are De Blasi, president of Healing the Culture, and Father John Lanzrath, Director of the Spiritual Life Center in Wichita. 

Each talk during the conference will build upon the next: The Four Levels of Happiness; Love & Sexuality; Suffering; and Family in the Culture.  Father Lanzrath will conclude the conference with a reflection on Pope Benedict XVI’s new encyclical, "God is Love." In addition to Mass on Saturday and Sunday, there will be an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

"We want to extend a special invitation to our neighbors from the Diocese of Dodge City to attend this event," said Splichal. "While the burden of distance is great, I promise you will not be disappointed with this conference."

Registration for the conference can be made online at the Spiritual Life Center web site at www.slcwichita.org, and selecting "Calendar of Events. Those interested in attending can also call the Center in Wichita at (316) 744-0167. There is a discounted earlybird registration deadline of March 31. Contact the Center for details.