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On the Episcopal Ordination and Installation
of Bishop John Balthasar Brungardt
I grew up attending the Presbyterian Church. I often visited both the Catholic and the Episcopal Church with my girlfriends. I was always moved by watching the people bow and kneel. It seemed to me to show such reverence. I was married in the Episcopal Church in Alaska because this was my husband’s church and there was no Presbyterian Church in the community. I loved the rituals of the Episcopal Church and the liturgy had become a part of my life.
After moving to Great Bend KS, I began working for Catholic Social Service. I felt so humbled when I was able to attend the installation and ordination of Bishop Emeritus Ronald Gilmore. What a moving experience! I cried throughout the whole service. Eleven years later I made the decision to join the Catholic Church. Looking back, this decision had been building from my childhood and my years of service at Catholic Social Service. But after witnessing Bishop Gilmore's ordination, I knew I wanted to be a part of this church. For me, the Catholic Church seemed to represent all of humankind. People of all ethnic groups, economic levels seemed to be welcomed and treated the same. The Catholic Church advocates for those less fortunate. As a social worker, this was where I felt at home.
Yesterday, February 2nd, 2011, I again had the honor and humbling experience of attending the Episcopal Ordination and Installation of The Most Reverend John Balthasar Brungardt. What a moving experience and uplifting day! As I sat or kneeled, I had the overwhelming realization that all of the rituals and all of the symbolism brought forth in the service, had a meaning that dated over 2000 years. The rituals are part of the heritage of the Catholic Church and they all have meaning from the days of both the Old and New Testaments and are taken directly from the scriptures. What an awe inspiring feeling watching all the priests and bishops who have dedicated their life to God and to the church--a sacrifice most of the population is unable make. When the letter from His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI was read from Rome, it gave me goose bumps. The reality was crystal clear. My church was the first church and is worldwide. The leaders are sheparding not only the Dodge City Diocese, but the world. I again felt humbled and tearful by the magnitude.
As the Most Reverend John Balthasar Brungardt was ordained and installed, the symbolism and unity of all humankind seemed to come together. Part of the service was in English, part in Spanish, joining the majority of the southwest Kansas population and Dodge City Diocese. The music was absolutely beautiful. The gifts and processions were brought in by children of all races, colors and ethnic groups, the elderly, the disabled, the rich, those of less means. All were coming together as one body in praise and worship and gratitude to both Bishop Emeritus Gilmore and Bishop Brungardt.
For his motto, Bishop Brungardt has selected the phrase, “Filled With compassion,” from the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). Verse 20 states: "While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.” Bishop Brungardt appears to be a Bishop filled with compassion. His words at the end of the service were directed to all those present, but he used children in the 4th grade to share his teaching skills, humor and his ability to show God’s compassion for all of humankind and to bring unity.
I am thankful for the years Bishop Gilmore gave to the Dodge City Diocese and know that we are fortunate that he has decided to stay in Dodge City and continue to share his gifts of the mystery of God. Bishop Brungardt will bring many gifts to the Dodge City Diocese and will continue to help unite the people of southwest Kansas to do God’s work will a loving and compassionate heart.
Pattie McGurk
Great Bend KS
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