Father Victor Bieberle (second from right) greets parishioners and guests following his anniversary celebration mass along with (from left) Father Rossi, Father Elser and Msgr. Malone.

On Tuesday, September 20^th there was a special mass celebrated at Sacred Heart Church in recognition of Father Vic Bieberle.  Fr. Vic was congratulated on the 60^th anniversary of his 1951 ordination as a priest.  It was also an occasion to wish Father Vic a fond farewell. 

Born in Bushton, Kansas 85 years ago, he entered the priesthood in the Diocese of Wichita, Kansas.  After a career that included both being a pastor at various parishes as well as serving as a military chaplain, Fr. Vic retired in 1995 and moved to Hot Springs Village.  Over the past 15 years he has assisted in various capacities at Sacred Heart Church.  Now he has decided it is time to return to Wichita to be close to his family and truly retire.  The home in the Village is sold and Fr. Vic will be heading back to Kansas in a few weeks. 

Parishioners and guests gathered at the mass that was followed by a reception in the Lower Hall.  Father Bill Elser, Pastor of Sacred Heart, presided at the mass and at the conclusion he presented Father Vic with a portrait that had been made in his honor and that will be hung in the church narthex.  At the reception a variety of food was available for the more than 300 guests in attendance, all of which had been prepared by approximately 70 women of the Ladies of Sacred Heart Guild.  John McGrail, a Sacred Heart parishioner, presented a poem that he had prepared to honor Fr. Vic which was a very moving tribute to this long serving priest.  Monsignor Bernard Malone, who along with Father Raymond Rossi are past Pastors of Sacred Heart, were in attendance and thanked Fr. Vic for all of his years of service in assisting them to serve the parishioners of Sacred Heart.