The annual diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass took place on October 20 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita, with 90 couples renewing their vows. Bishop Carl A. Kemme expressed gratitude to these couples for their dedication to sustaining and flourishing in marriage.

Bishop Kemme remarked on the nature of marriage as a long-term commitment, likening it to a marathon rather than a sprint. He stated, “When the honeymoon stage ends, then begins the daily work of growing in love...not as a sprint but as a marathon.”

Addressing the congregation from his cathedra, Bishop Kemme emphasized the importance of sacraments such as Eucharist and confession for strengthening marriages. He also highlighted the role of community support through good preaching and companionship from fellow believers.

He described married couples as foundational to the church's mission, saying they beget children who are future heirs to religious vocations. "So much of what happens or doesn’t in the church...depends on the health of Christian marriage," he said.

The bishop praised efforts within the diocese that support priestly and religious vocations but questioned if enough is done for promoting marriage. The diocese offers programs like wedding anniversary Masses and comprehensive marriage preparation courses.

He noted an increasing trend among young people to avoid lifelong commitments like marriage and urged more focus on encouraging Christian marriages. Bishop Kemme expressed his intention to prioritize this with help from diocesan ministries.

In closing, Bishop Kemme contrasted secular views on marriage with Christian beliefs centered around sacrificial love. “The Christian worldview of marriage...begs those who seek it to drink from the chalice of sacrificial love,” he said.

Following Mass, couples were invited to attend a reception at Good Shepherd Hall.