The chaplains at the four Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Wichita serve as spiritual fathers to students and staff, providing guidance and examples of priestly life while collaborating with school staff to focus on eternal truths alongside academics.

Fr. Seth Arnold, chaplain of Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School in Wichita, acknowledges the challenges but also highlights the joys of his role. "One of the big challenges is the scope of the work," he said. "There are over 1,000 people I am trying to minister to between the students, faculty, staff, coaches, and parents."

He finds joy in accompanying high schoolers through their transition from adolescence to adulthood. "It’s a joy to be able to be there, to walk with them spiritually, and to see them grow." Fr. Arnold has been at KMC for about eight months and noted that forming relationships quickly has been a pleasant surprise.

Fr. James Billinger assists Fr. Arnold this year as a part-time chaplain at KMC. Fr. Billinger brings experience from his tenure as pastor of Holy Savior Parish in Wichita and will provide spiritual counseling in addition to celebrating Mass and hearing confessions.

At St. Mary’s Colgan High School in Pittsburg, Fr. Jonathan Tolberd began his chaplaincy in July. He expressed gratitude for the welcoming environment and support from staff and Fr. Mike Simone, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Pittsburg.

Fr. Tolberd discussed the differences between teaching in a school setting versus other forms of religious instruction he had experienced previously. He appreciates feedback from students and enjoys building relationships with them through various school activities.

Fr. Will Stuever faces cultural challenges as chaplain at Trinity Catholic High School in Hutchinson but sees these struggles as opportunities for spiritual growth among students. In his fourth year at Trinity, Fr. Stuever emphasizes forming meaningful relationships within the school's smaller community.

Reflecting on his vocation, Fr. Stuever said: "Our Lord is never outdone in generosity... He has given me this opportunity to be a father in this community to all these children."

Fr. Hayden Charles serves as chaplain at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita but was not available for comment in this article.