Fr. David Lies, recently appointed as vicar for priests in the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, discussed his new responsibilities and approach in a recent interview. He succeeds Fr. John Jirak, who was named vicar general and moderator of the curia, while Fr. C. Jarrod Lies became vicar for evangelization, stewardship, and discipleship.

Describing his role, Fr. Lies said: "My role is to assist Bishop Kemme in providing care and support for his priests. As a vicar, I am an extension of Bishop’s presence throughout the diocese. The word, 'vicar' is rooted in the word 'vicarious' – so each vicar participates, vicariously in the governing authority of the bishop. Fr. Jarrod Lies, Fr. Brian Nelson and I each have a slice of that episcopal authority in a particular area. The vicar general, Fr. Jirak’s position, has general oversight."

He added that one of their main goals is supporting healthy priests: "Bishop Kemme and we vicars – his leadership team – defined 'healthy priests' as one of our strategic anchors, or goals. We seek to answer the question, 'How will what we do ensure the fruitful life and ministry of our priests?' So as leaders, we support them spiritually, emotionally, physically, and intellectually with ongoing formation and education opportunities. I have a role in providing the resources that will enable the priests to be fruitful in their lives and ministries."

Fr. Lies noted that while most dioceses have similar positions aimed at priestly support or troubleshooting issues among clergy members, approaches can vary based on local culture: "In my visits with vicars for clergy in other dioceses, I have learned that they fulfill this role a little differently according to the unique culture and environment of that diocese."

He highlighted The Chrism Project as an example of Wichita's commitment to priestly well-being: "One example would be our recent inauguration of The Chrism Project in the Diocese of Wichita... It is a nine-month program that organizes small groups... Each priest may also receive individual monthly guidance in any of those areas." He said about 20 priests completed the first cohort.

Discussing how he spends his time as vicar for priests, Fr. Lies said: "My hope has been...that being full-time in this position...I will have that capacity of time to go out and visit...The goal behind trying to spend probably half of my time just circulating among our priests is to be an extension of the bishop’s care and regard for them." However, he acknowledged unexpected demands had quickly filled his schedule.

Reflecting on previous experience preparing him for this work after serving ten years as vicar general and moderator of the curia, he stated: "Those previous roles brought me into contact with a lot of priests already...There are areas where the vicar for priests and the vicar general overlap in their support of priests."

On personal qualities important for this job he said: "As far as my personality goes, I’m naturally a mediator on the Myers-Briggs spectrum...Being a good listener seems to be beneficial..."

Addressing challenges inherent to his new responsibilities—particularly intervening when clergy struggle—Fr. Lies explained: "Some priests do struggle spiritually, personally, pastorally...The vicar for priests needs to intervene at times when the priest’s human personality and limitations might be affecting his success..."

He described moving from his prior post as both refreshing and demanding: "After 10 years as vicar general...I surrendered some things..." but added it was fulfilling to serve directly alongside fellow clergy.

Regarding challenges faced since taking on this new assignment he commented: "Supporting priests in those areas definitely has me turning more to prayer..."

Fr. Lies shared how he hopes to encourage other clergy by referencing St. Barnabas: "My hope is to be a Barnabas to our priests—a source of encouragement."

Looking ahead at involvement with new vocations preparation programs such as vocational synthesis for transitional deacons before ordination into priesthood (a process designed by St. Joseph House of Formation), Fr. Lies said participation would allow him “to get a head start on supporting newly ordained priests.”

Summarizing his mission he concluded: “Only to again summarize my role as helping facilitate healthy priests…to support the health of our priests so that they may be fruitful in their ministry…”