Diocese recognizes the need to accompany the grieving

The Diocese of Wichita has gained recognition from national grief ministry leaders for its support of programs that help people navigate the loss of a child.

During a Red Bird Ministry event in Lafayette, Louisiana, participants expressed appreciation for Bishop Carl A. Kemme and the diocese's involvement in grief support. The ministry, which guides individuals and couples through the trauma of miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, highlighted the work of Joe and Carolyn Spexarth from Sacred Heart Parish in Colwich. The Spexarths serve as retreat leaders for the Red Bird program.

Mary Johnson, a parishioner at Church of the Resurrection in Bel Aire, said the diocese connected her with the Red Bird Ministry's program, Finding The Passion Of Christ In Our Story. Johnson began her involvement in grief ministry following the death of her son, Chad, from ALS in 2019.