Bishop Carl A. Kemme delivered a farewell commendation at the funeral Mass for Fr. Michael J. Schemm, reflecting on their close relationship in recent years. Fr. Schemm's last parish assignment was at Church of the Resurrection in Wichita, near Bishop Kemme's residence, and later as chaplain of the Priest Retirement Center.

“His apartment was right next to my house, so I could see him through my bedroom window and he could see me through his living room window,” Bishop Kemme shared.

This proximity allowed many encounters during Fr. Schemm’s final years, which were marked by suffering. “I had the opportunity on numerous occasions to talk with him about this mystery that had been placed on his shoulders, the mystery of suffering that came in various forms,” Bishop Kemme stated. “He always met that with great courage and resiliency and hope.”

The funeral Mass took place on December 23 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita, led by Bishop Kemme alongside Bishop John B. Brungardt of Dodge City and numerous priests, honoring Fr. Schemm’s 31-year priesthood.

Fr. James Billinger delivered the homily, highlighting Fr. Schemm’s enthusiasm and devotion to faith. He described two types of waiting: one certain and requiring patience, the other uncertain and demanding trust.

“In one form of waiting, we wait for things that we are certain will take place,” Fr. Billinger explained. “In the second form of waiting, we are not certain what will happen.”

He noted scriptural figures who exhibited trust such as Zechariah and Mary, saying Fr. Schemm demonstrated similar trust throughout his ministry and battle with pancreatic cancer.

“Fr. Schemm practiced the second kind of trust in his experience of priestly ministry and in his struggle and complications with pancreatic cancer,” said Fr. Billinger.

Fr. Schemm passed away on December 14 at age 59 after being ordained in 1993 following studies at Pontifical College Josephinum in Ohio.

His first assignment was at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Wichita before serving as pastor at St. Patrick Parish in Parsons from 1996 to 2001; Christ the King Parish from 2001 to 2007; St. James the Greater Parish until 2018; then Church of the Resurrection.

He also contributed as moderator for diocesan Natural Family Planning Office, chaplain for Daughters of Isabella, and Faithful Friar for Knights of Columbus’ Fourth Degree.

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord...” concluded prayers offered for him.