Fr. Michael J. Schemm, a dedicated priest of the Diocese of Wichita for over three decades, passed away on December 14 at the age of 59.

A Vigil is planned for December 22 at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on December 23 at 10 a.m. at the same location.

Born on June 23, 1965, in Lyons, Fr. Schemm pursued his studies at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. He was ordained on June 5, 1993, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita.

His initial role was as an assistant at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Wichita. On July 10, 1996, he became pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Parsons and served there for five years.

In June 2001, Fr. Schemm took up the position of pastor at Christ the King Parish in Wichita and remained there for six years before moving to St. James the Greater Parish in Augusta in July 2007 where he served for eleven years until June 2018 when he was appointed pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Wichita.

Additionally, Fr. Schemm contributed to various diocesan roles including serving as a moderator for Natural Family Planning Office and as chaplain for both Daughters of Isabella and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.