To the editor:

Monsignor Vince Krische is going to Prairie Village, which is a loss for our entire community. He’s a well-balanced visionary with ageless, infectious, faith-filled exuberance. It’s impossible to count how many people he’s mentored here.

He’s been instrumental in the development of my family’s faith, and our understanding of it. “Father Vince” has celebrated our best times and supported us through the worst times, with genuine kindness and perspective to help us see the larger picture and the greater good. He’s been our counselor and father figure when my sons and I lost our own fathers. Without such a mentor, we wouldn’t have held it together when several tragedies (which are inevitable in this life) struck.

Someone in Prairie Village needs him as much as we have needed him. He may be moving, but his legacy isn’t. “What we do for ourselves alone dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” We can’t replace this gem. We can, however, honor him by honestly, humbly and seriously examining big questions about our faith and why we’re here, striving to be wiser, kinder and more patient with one another; and looking for even small ways to serve others.

Prairie Village, prepare to be blessed.

Toni Brou,

Lawrence