Diocese to open temporary worship space

Parish to offer use of modular structure to other denominations

By Tim Wenzl

Southwest Kansas Register

Across and the memorial bell stand as symbols of hope on the lot in Greensburg where St. Joseph Church once stood.

Plans are now underway to provide a structure that will serve the parishioners and the community as a church.

“We are committed to St. Joseph Parish and have made arrangements to purchase a modular building to serve as a temporary worship space until more permanent building plans are established,” stated Dan Stremel, director of finance for the Diocese of Dodge City.

“The time table for this is ‘as soon as possible,’” Stremel added. “This will be dependent upon utilities and other infrastructure issues that may take some months to reestablish. Having this time will allow us to attempt to address the real needs of the parish, that is, the people whose lives have been disrupted and where we will focus much of our attention in the weeks ahead.”

Father Robert Schremmer, vicar general for the diocese, has been in contact with leaders from other denominations in Greensburg and has offered the use of the modular structure for their congregations as well.

The Catholic Church Extension Society has offered to assist with the cost of the modular building. Individuals, parishes and dioceses from throughout the country have called with offers of money, manpower, equipment and vehicles.

Mark Andel, Catholic Extension communication director said of their donation, “That’s what we’re here for. We are just really concerned about the people there and are hoping they can pull together and take comfort in God and know that God is still with them.”

In 1962, the organization presented St. Joseph’s Parish with a grant for $3,000 for chapel repairs.

“We’re grieving for their loss and are hoping they can rebuild their faith community,” Andel said.

The rubble that was once St. Joseph Church was cleared from the lot May 11 by a work crew that included parishioners from Greensburg and Sacred Heart, Pratt, and members of the Knights of Columbus.

“I am overwhelmed by the response of stewardship,” stated Stremel. “We don’t always understand some of the jargon used in conveying this message and educating people about stewardship as a way of life. But people do in fact understand what stewardship is all about and have and will continue to respond generously.”