Monks honor Msgr. Tank at the 12th annual Abbot’s Table

by Seth Galemore
Special to The Leaven

ATCHISON — For nearly 60 years, Msgr. Tom Tank has devoted his life to serving as a priest of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. His choice of vocation was clear. “I wanted my life to make a difference,” Msgr. Tank said. “The best way for me was by becoming a priest.”

The monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison agree; that’s why they have chosen to honor him with their annual Lumen Vitae award.

“In honoring Monsignor Tank,” explained Abbot James Albers, OSB, “the monks recognize a priest who has dedicated his life to forming men and young people in faith.” Msgr. Tank joins the ranks of such prominent former honorees as Bishop Robert Barron, apologist Scott Hahn and the Sisters of Life.

Given to those who radiate the “light of life” through their service to Christ and his church, the award recognizes Msgr. Tank’s extraordinary contributions. Amid his history of serving as chancellor, vicar general, youth director and rector of Savior of the World Seminary in Kansas City, Kansas, he has also been a mentor to countless priests across his decades of leadership.

The monks wish to highlight two accomplishments, in particular, that align with their own mission: his founding role in Men Under Construction, a Catholic men’s conference, and his instrumental work in establishing Camp Tekakwitha at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg, a transformative faith experience for young people.

For several decades, Men Under Construction has been a cornerstone of Catholic men’s formation in the archdiocese. Msgr. Tank is proud of the difference the conference makes.

“It has enriched the lives of many of our men,” he said. He is especially gratified by its generational impact: “It’s great to see fathers bringing their sons so that they’re really bonding spiritually on that level as well.”

The monks similarly value Camp Tekakwitha’s mission to form young hearts and minds in faith. Since opening in 2000, the camp has welcomed thousands of youth, blending outdoor adventure with profound spiritual growth. Before then, “an awful lot of our young people were going to Protestant camps during the summertime,” recalls Msgr. Tank. “I thought to myself, ‘We can certainly have a Catholic experience for our young people.’”

The fruits have been clear. Abbot James explained what he has witnessed himself in the abbey’s educational apostolates at Benedictine College and Maur Hill–Mount Academy, both in Atchison.

“So many of the students with the deepest love for Christ have had that passion fostered at Camp Tekakwitha,” he said.

Perhaps Father Gabriel Landis, OSB, formerly a pastoral associate for Msgr. Tank at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, sums up the legacy of Msgr. Tank best.

“He’s got a tireless work ethic, visionary leadership, and he really listens to the promptings of the Holy Spirit,” he said. “The name ‘Tank’ really fits him — he pushes forward and nothing can stop him!”

The monks invite local Catholics to join in celebrating the 12th annual Abbot’s Table banquet on April 5. (Details and registration are available online at: www.kansasmonks.org/abbots-table).