By Megan Erbacher
The Message editor
The gymnasium of the St. Joseph Parish Center in Jasper was filled with about 160 faithful who attended the Oct. 22 Wisdom Day event.
The theme of the East Deanery’s 22nd Wisdom Day was “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” taken from Psalm 119:105. The program for the day stated: “We are reminded that our path in life is illuminated by God’s word. Our way of following Jesus is sometimes hard, but we can see it clearly in God’s word.”
Wisdom Day is an over-55 fellowship including prayer, speakers, food and entertainment. Organizers explain that it’s aimed to help create fellowship and education regarding the need for mental, physical and spiritual health at all ages. The Diocese of Evansville Office of Marriage, Family and Life coordinates Wisdom Day events annually across the diocese.
In Jasper, the day began with Mass in St Joseph Church, followed by registration and a light breakfast. East Deanery Wisdom Day General Chairperson Clara Fromme welcomed attendees before introducing Pat Koch, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies. For several years, Koch has been involved in planning Wisdom Days in the diocese.
Speakers included Bishop Joseph M. Siegel, Deacon Mike Seibert of XX Parish in X, Diocesan Director of the Office of Marriage, Family and Life Megan Knies, Kathleen “Scotty” Munning and Sara Harris with chair exercises.
St. Joseph Pastor Father John Brosmer offered the opening prayer. Veteran Bernie Schaeffer then presented the colors as all recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Kathleen “Scotty” Munning focused on the health of the mind, body and spirit. She noted that we not only need to feed our bodies healthy foods, but it’s also important to feed our minds and spirits with healthy and positive messages.
Munning noted that people often scroll social media sites and get angry about posts that they aren’t even sure if they come from a real person or artificial intelligence. So it’s necessary to surround ourselves with positive people and put good things into our minds, bodies and spirits because they’re all connected.
Before lunch, Bishop Siegel told attendees that it was great to be with them. He noted that on Oct. 22, we celebrate the Feast of Pope John Paul II. Oct. 22, 1978, is the day Pope John Paul II was offered his pontificate, and he served as the third-longest Pope.
Bishop Siegel then offered a State of the Diocese. He said the State of the Diocese is blessed, and he feels blessed to serve as bishop for the past seven years. He noted that he’s seen some wonderful developments in our church even amidst the many challenges we’ve faced over the years.
Bishop Siegel offered some facts about the Diocese, including that there are about 70,000 Catholics in 45 parishes across about 5,000 square miles in 12 counties. We have 79 priests, 49 of whom are assigned to full-time ministry, and 64 permanent deacons. We also have 16 seminarians, as well as 16 men who are currently in formation for the permanent diaconate, with an anticipated ordination in 2026.
The Diocese has 26 Catholic schools, including four high schools, educating about 7,300 students.
The Diocese employs 1,400 lay people in the parishes, schools and institutions, as well as more than 6,000 volunteers.
Bishop Siegel said that as a Diocese, we work toward the salvation of souls, which we do by carrying out the great mission Christ gave us to teach the Gospel. He said we do it in many different ways, and each one of us — parishes, clergy and lay leaders — do our part to fulfill this mission.
With God’s help, Bishop Siegel believes we’re poised to make great strides in building up our Diocese and reaching out to more and more people in Southwest Indiana.
Following lunch, those in attendance listened to a presentation on Gentiva Hospice, participated in chair exercises, and enjoyed entertainment by the Patoka Valley Strummers with Lori Austin, before Father John offered a closing blessing.