Bishop Carl A. Kemme presided over the consecration of a new altar at St. Mark Parish during the Divine Mercy Sunday vigil on April 26. In his homily, Bishop Kemme shared, "I am not a betting man, but if I were, I would bet there isn’t a bishop in our conference who can boast of the same." He emphasized the significance of this event as a testament to the vitality of faith in the Diocese of Wichita.

The altar, ambo, and presider's chair were crafted by Karl Freund, an artisan who described the project as a "labor of love." Freund has deep ties to St. Mark Parish, having been baptized there and crafted his first church piece in sixth grade. "When I was asked to contribute to the new altar of sacrifice and furnishings, it was both humbling and deeply meaningful," Freund said.

The altar was anointed with chrism oil by Bishop Kemme during the ceremony, which also marked the dedication of a new ambo and adoration chapel. Freuding noted the personal significance of the project, including conversations with his father Arlen, saying, "In his final days, we spoke often about the carvings and symbols, and he passed peacefully as the project neared completion."

Bishop Kemme remarked on the providence of the dedications' timing and their connection to demonstrating divine mercy. He stated that the altar would continue to host sacramental manifestations of Jesus, while the new pulpit would proclaim God's word of salvation, life, and mercy. "And in your adoration chapel, people will come with their joys and sorrows, their trials and burdens and all their prayers for themselves and those who are dear to them," he said, highlighting the chapel's role in offering a space for reflective prayer.

Bishop Kemme expressed his appreciation for the leadership of Fr. Brian Nelson, who served alongside Bishop Kemme and Fr. Chris Rumback during the dedications. Freund acknowledged Fr. Nelson's influential role, saying, "I am especially grateful to him for inviting me to be part of something so special."

The event underscored a significant milestone for St. Mark Parish and its community, celebrating faith through new sacred spaces and spiritual opportunities.