More than 1,100 people from over 50 parishes and ministries attended the Rescue Live event at Wichita’s Century II Exhibition Hall on October 18. The gathering focused on the mission of evangelization and the role of laypeople in spreading Christian faith.

Fr. John Riccardo drew a parallel between the Allied D-Day landing during World War II and Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. He stated, “Jesus has already defeated the power of death,” adding, “He’s already defeated the power of sin. He’s already defeated the power of Satan. He hasn’t destroyed them yet. We’re in the intermediate time. That makes our work all the more important.”

He emphasized that Christians are called to assist Christ in rescuing souls and cited C.S. Lewis: “Enemy-occupied territory – that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.” According to Fr. Riccardo, this “sabotage” should be carried out using spiritual tools such as love, truth, goodness, beauty, integrity, character, and forgiveness.

Fr. Riccardo described a twofold mission: an internal pursuit of personal holiness and an external effort to attract others to faith. He said laypeople are central to this task: “It’s you who are not in collars or veils... Many people will never cross the threshold of a church on their own, but they’ll come to your house because you cook well, you’re fun to be with, they like you, and then you will bring them to us eventually.”

Fr. Jarrod Lies from the Diocese of Wichita encouraged attendees by saying, “We are inviting you into this. Why? Because you are so good... The two words for today are ‘gratitude’ and ‘gift.’ You are not the receiver. You are the gift.”

Bishop Carl Kemme closed with a blessing: “My task is to send you forth, as we do at every Mass, to go back home, to where you work, to go where you live out the faith and grace that you have been given... I send you out now to discern and pray about what you have heard today and to begin to ask the Holy Spirit what you are called to do.”

Attendees expressed hopefulness after the event. Arlene Reekie noted it was “a celebration of community that helped get everyone on the same page.” Lisa Swayne appreciated being encouraged “about being a lamp,” stating she was ready for ministry.

College students also voiced enthusiasm about their future involvement in spreading their faith. Isabella Porter said she felt energized: “I am just on fire, ready to go... I feel the diocese is already moving forward.” Ellie Stewart added: “God is love; you are sent out; spread the gospel.”

Scott Canfield from Church of the Magdalen reflected on reaching those outside church circles: “When you hear the message expressed as profoundly as it was today... We’ve got to figure out how to get the message to more people.”

Practical suggestions were offered for participants wishing to continue their involvement:

- Spending time in Eucharistic adoration (information available at https://catholicdioceseofwichita.org/adoration/)

- Engaging with The Rescue Project by Fr. John Riccardo (https://rescueproject.us/)

- Reading Fr. Riccardo’s book Rescued

- Listening to podcasts such as "The Rescue Challenge Podcast" or "You Were Born for This Podcast" (more information at https://www.actsxxix.org/podcasts)

- Inviting others into conversations or activities centered around faith

Audrey Ronnfeldt summarized Fr. Riccardo’s call: “We were rescued for a reason.” She urged participants: “Let’s live that reason – together.”