By Megan Erbacher, The Message editor
After a several-year hiatus, Wisdom Day returned to Evansville for the South and West Deaneries April 29, hosted by St. John the Evangelist Parish in Daylight.
About 200 faithful from across the diocese gathered for a day of fun, food and fellowship, specifically celebrating individuals aged 55 and older.
According to the event’s program, Wisdom Days began in 2000 by Catholic Charities for senior citizens. The mission of Wisdom Day, as it was established, is “to honor and serve the Catholic senior citizens of the Diocese of Evansville. Through sharing and celebrating the memories, perspectives and gifts of the older generation, the lives of Catholics of all ages will be enriched. The program will further the understanding that seniors are an integral part of the successful future of the Catholic Church in Southwestern Indiana.”
The day began with Mass celebrated by Father Chris Forler, pastor of St. John in Daylight.
Doug Knies, planning committee chairman and Master of Ceremonies, reported that 214 people registered for the event from five counties and at least 21 parishes.
“We want to thank you for spending your day with us,” Knies said.
Bishop Siegel said it was great to be with everyone at Wisdom Day back in the South and West Deaneries of the diocese. He thanked the committee for their hard work in organizing and preparing for the event and expressed gratitude to them for bringing the celebration back to the Evansville area.
In light of Pope Francis’ death, Bishop Siegel spoke about his ministry and hope over the past 12 years leading the Catholic Church. As Cardinal Re said in his homily during the Requiem Mass for Pope Francis, Bishop Siegel reiterated that evangelization was the principal motivation for the late Pope Francis’s pontificate.
Pope Francis always encouraged the church not to be inward looking, Bishop Siegel said, but to always be on mission, intent on spreading the Gospel. Like the apostles, he noted that Pope Francis made clear that Jesus is the son of God.
In the power of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Siegel said Pope Francis brought the Good News to everyone wherever he traveled, but especially to the poor, the afflicted and the marginalized who are on the peripheries of society.
Evangelization is one of the key components of our pastoral priorities initiative, Becoming One with Christ, Bishop Siegel said. He explained it involves encountering Christ in a profound way, deepening our relationship with him and our Catholic faith and engaging intentionally as witnesses and missionary disciples in our community.
Diocesan Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Dean Happe gave an overview and updates on the diocese. Happe offered some statistics, including that we have about 70,000 Catholics in 45 parishes across about 5,000 square miles in 12 counties. We have 82 priests, 51 in active ministry, and 64 permanent deacons, he said. There are 16 seminarians, as well as 15 men who are currently in formation for the permanent diaconate, with an anticipated ordination in 2026.
The diocese employs about 1,400 people, making it one of the top 10 employers in Southwestern Indiana, Happe said, as well as more than 6,000 volunteers.
Happe 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.
Diocesan Director of Vocations Father Tyler Tenbarge spoke about the Eucharist and its importance in our lives. Father Tenbarge said he often gets asked: “How do I get more out of Mass?”
Father Tenbarge posed the questions: Do you want to be with Christ? Do you want to be like Christ? Do you want Christ to be with you? Do you want to understand him?
“Find him in the Eucharist,” he said. “Go to adoration. Make time for it.
“The biggest reason I hear for not going to daily Mass or not going to adoration is, I’m too busy. I’m busy. You’re busy. I am not too busy to make a daily holy hour … if I don’t spend that time in prayer, I can’t bring you anything. No priest can.”
Father Tenbarge said: “If you want to become more holy in spirit … if you want your soul to be nourished, to be larger, to look like Jesus’ … eat the Eucharist.”
After lunch and entertainment by Melanie Baker and Walt Lindsley, Dr. William J. Blanke discussed a physical-spiritual health relationship.
At the end of the event, Diocesan Director of Marriage, Family and Life Megan Knies awarded attendance prizes and closing remarks before Deacon Rocky Mattingly offered a closing blessing.
Planning committee members for the revived event in Evansville include Chairman Doug Knies, Brenda Epple, CG Epple, Jeannie Goedde, Karen Gries, Bernie Heitzman, Howard Kiefer, Jane Ann Kiefer, Kathy Knies, Megan Knies (ex officio member), Walt Lindsley, Tammy McDowell, Cecilia Reising, John Smith, Mary Ann Smith and Brenda Spindler.