Sisters bid farewell to Motherhouse chaplain

Sisters at the Motherhouse and from throughout Concordia and Salina spent an hour Thursday afternoon thanking Father Jack Schlaf for his five years of service as their chaplain.

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In particular, they cited his pastoral approach to the sisters, the depth and meaningfulness of his homilies, and his compassion and care for all the women of the congregation. Sisters also noted his service as a “fill-in” priest throughout the Concordia and Belleville areas.

And they joked with the man who in his five years at the Motherhouse became more than just a chaplain. “I’m ready to call you ‘Brother Father Jack Schlaf’ and welcome you as a member of our community,” said Sister Lucienne Savoy, drawing laughter and applause from the gathered sisters.

Father Schlaf’s last day as chaplain will be Aug. 15, and in retirement he plans to move to Colorado Spring, Colo. On Aug. 16, Father Jim Hoover, who has most recently been the parish priest in Wilson, Kan., will take over as Motherhouse chaplain.