by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
OLATHE — Decades ago, Archbishop Ignatius J. Strecker sent Msgr. Ray Burger and Father Robert Pflumm on a mission.
Their assignment was to look at old convents that could be transformed into a residence for retired priests.
“The first complaint we had was, have you ever been in a convent closet?” said Msgr. Burger with a laugh. “It is about a foot deep, that’s all, because all [the Sisters] had is two habits.”
“That wouldn’t do for a priest,” he said. “The rooms were really sparse. There was no room for any kind of activity.
“Nothing came of that, but that was early in his years here as archbishop. And then Archbishop [James P.] Keleher did get very much interested in it and began meetings among the priests that eventually led to this.”
“This” is Vianney House — a home for retired priests of the archdiocese.
In July, it celebrated its third anniversary of opening.
“It means very much to every one of us,” said Msgr. Burger. “We’ve worked years to get this place.
“We’re very happy for what has happened over the last 10 years, but [also the forethought that] was taking place 40 years ago.”
Vianney House was decades in the making and a priority of Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann, who pushed its funding through the One Faith, One Family, One Future . . . in Christ capital campaign.
Msgr. Burger was one of the “trailblazers” who moved in first, followed by Father Harry Schneider and Father Bob Hasenkamp.
“They were the champions of getting the thing ironed out,” said Michael Tracy, chair of the building committee and a parishioner at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.
“I think in year three, we’re pretty good,” said Tracy. “The building’s in good shape.”
Father Ron Livojevich is the newest resident. He moved in on Aug. 3, joining the “trailblazers” and three others — Father Frank Burger, Father John Pilcher and Father Anthony Williams.
Vianney House has 10 apartments, and “we want them all filled,” said Tracy.
For Father Hasenkamp, the decision to move in was easy.
“I thought it’d be really good to be with other priests,” he said. “I had been living in an apartment by myself for many years.”
He liked the idea of continuing to have his own space, “but then to have this whole common area and to have other guys around and to live in a place where there’s a chapel — all of that attracted me.”
“For me, all of those reasons,” added Father Schneider. “Also security, and we can participate in all the amenities of Santa Marta.”
Although Vianney House is separate from the nearby Santa Marta senior living community, it contracts services like housekeeping, meals and significant maintenance, and the priests can take advantage of amenities like its library.
For other needs that arise, Ascension’s Knights of Columbus are on hand.
The priests appreciate many things about Vianney House, especially that it’s all one level. Its common area includes a lounge with an electric fireplace, TV area, dining area with a kitchenette and a chapel.
Each apartment is equipped with a kitchen, dining area, living room, laundry room, guest bathroom, bedroom, walk-in closet, private bathroom, garage and walkout patio.
“It’s quite spacious,” said Father Schneider, who said that priests from other dioceses who visit are amazed by the space.
“And other dioceses have heard about it and want to build retirement centers,” he added. “They’ve sent priests here to look at it and get the plans for them to consider.”
When the priests aren’t enjoying alone time or hanging out together, they stay active in the community, celebrating Masses where they’re needed.
“I really enjoy it,” said Father Schneider. “You can go and help and do ministry, and you don’t have to worry about any of the administrative stuff in the parishes.”
“These are the hardest working retirees you’re going to find,” said Tracy.
For him, giving back to the priests who have spent so much of their lives serving others has been gratifying.
“It’s been a lot of fun and an honor to be able to help create a nice place for our retired priests,” he said.
