THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 46, NO. 3 | AUGUST 9, 2024
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrates the closing Mass of the final Camp Tekakwitha session on July 28 at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg. At the Mass, the Echo of Kateri award was given to three couples and two priests.
KATERI AWARD WINNERS HONORED
Recipients have made ‘substantial contributions’ to youth ministry Ray and Paula Fushimi
By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
W
ILLIAMSBURG — Prairie Star Ranch and its associated camps here have been praised by many as something special. But as co-founders and co-directors Deacon Dana Nearmyer and Deborah Nearmyer often point out, it takes special people to make a special place and programs work. That’s why a few people were recognized with the Echo of Kateri award at a special Mass each year. “The Echo of Kateri award is given by Camp Tekakwitha to people who have made substantial contributions to the archdiocese in the areas of youth ministry, including the summer camps,” said Deacon Nearmyer. This year, the award was given to three couples and two priests just before the outdoor closing Mass of the final camp session on July 28 at the ranch. The main celebrant and homilist for the Mass was Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann; Father Dan Morris concelebrated.
The Nearmyers have a special connection to Ray and Paula Fushimi. The Fushimis are Deborah’s parents and Deacon Nearmyer’s in-laws. The Fushimis helped get the Church of the Nativity built and youth ministry started at their parish, said Deacon Nearmyer. They supported the archdiocesan summer camps from the start when the first camps were held at Kansas State Grange Center at Lake Perry. Paula, who died on Aug. 7, 2023, helped launch Camp Tekakwitha Family Camp. She also helped build a vacation Bible school program that her granddaughters help run. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Pablo Aguayo shakes hands with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann as his wife Elizabeth looks on as the couple receives the Echo of Kateri award. The couple has financially supported camp scholarships, participated in and volunteered for Family Camp and Spanish Family Camp, and has hosted nephews and nieces from Texas so they could attend the camps. Receiving the glass, flame-shaped award were Elizabeth and Pablo Aguayo from Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Shawnee; Ray and Paula (posthumously) Fushimi from the Church of the Nativity
in Leawood; Tom and Becki Racunas from the Church of the Nativity; Father Brian Schieber of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood; and archdiocesan vocation director Father Dan Morris.
Tom and Becki Racunas Tom and Becki Racunas, who have three grown daughters, helped bring Engaged Encounter to the Diocese of Wichita in 1977, and, professionally, >> See “HONOREES” on page 10