By Megan Erbacher
The Message editor
“Let’s keep doing good,” Pat Koch encouraged more than 125 faithful who gathered for the Diocese of Evansville’s 2026 North Deanery Wisdom Day Sept. 28 at St. Francis Xavier Parish Center in Vincennes.
“Even though we’re old,” Koch continued, “Even though sometimes they ignore us, sometimes we can’t hear … We should keep active. Fight for yourself, and tell people, ‘I would like to know what’s going on.’
“I think one of the good things about getting old is that we do have wisdom. I’ve learned so much … you learn that you’re not in control; God is in control.”
Wisdom Day is an annual event that celebrates adults aged 55 and older in the Diocese of Evansville to offer a space for faith, fellowship and enrichment. It includes prayer, speakers, food and entertainment, and it aims to recognize the gifts and wisdom of the senior community.
The annual event is coordinated with assistance from the Diocese of Evansville Office of Marriage, Family and Life.
Koch, along with her friend Donna, are founding members of Wisdom Day in Vincennes after they attended a similar event in the Diocese of Owensboro, Kentucky.
Retired Deacon Earl Ruppel served as master of ceremonies for North Deanery’s 2026 Wisdom Day. In addition to Koch, speakers for the event included Bishop Joseph M. Siegel, Father Tony Ernst, Diocesan Chancellor and COO Dean Happe; Diocesan Director of Marriage, Family and Life Megan Knies; and Vincennes Mayor Joe Yochum.
Koch has achieved many accomplishments in her lifetime, including being involved in the development of Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, with her husband Bill; being a nurse; earning a master’s degree in pastoral ministry at 70 years old; completing a history book of Santa Claus; and serving as chief elf, coordinating volunteers who answer children’s letters to Santa Claus.
Koch admitted she used to think she had to have all of the control.
“No, no, no,” she said, “It doesn’t work that way. Sometimes our best plans are changed, and maybe for the better. We’re not in control, but we can contribute. You have the wisdom. You have the knowledge. You have the memories. Share them, use them for good, because they are good.”
Koch recited one of her favorite quotes: “To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.”
“So, be a good world,” she encouraged everyone. “God bless you.”
Diocesan Director of Marriage, Family and Life Megan Knies spoke briefly and told everyone that she’s decided to use the term “seasoned disciples” for ministries associated with the population who is aged 55 and older.
“If you say over 55, that really just tells us an age,” Knies explained. “If you say senior, it really tells us what discount you qualify for, but seasoned disciples tells us something about who you are. It says that you’ve lived, you’ve learned, you’ve loved, you’ve lost, you’ve celebrated, you’ve struggled, and you’ve probably made a few mistakes along the way. But you’ve watched the world change, you’ve watched the church change, and you’ve watched your families change. Through all of that, you’ve continued walking with Christ, and that’s something worth celebrating.”
Bishop Siegel said he always enjoys being able to speak during Wisdom Day. He told everyone present that as we journey through the seasons of life, we often find ourselves facing a new kind of landscape, as the world around us changes rapidly. While our bodies may not move as quickly as they once did, he said, every day we know is a day that God has specifically designed for us to fulfill a purpose.
The enemy of our soul wants you to believe that your best days are behind you, Bishop Siegel said. However, he reminded them of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
He explained that the Holy Spirit says in Jeremiah: I know the plans I have for you, your future is still important. Placing our trust in God’s promises and leaning not on our own strength, he noted, but on the help and grace of the Holy Spirit.
As Christians, our ultimate future is not measured by the number of years we have remaining on this earth, Bishop Siegel said; your true future is eternal.