The Rev. Tom Kiefer is leading St. Mary Cathedral in prayers for religious liberty

The Rev. Tom Kiefer is a Southeast Missouri native. After growing up on a farm in New Hamburg, Mo., Kiefer decided to pursue a life in ministry as a Roman Catholic priest -- a vocation he has continued for more than 30 years.

Kiefer is currently leading his congregation in prayers for religious freedom. This is connected with Fortnight for Freedom, an effort he shares about in today's Ministry Focus.

Q) Tell us a little about yourself?

A) I was raised in New Hamburg, Mo. My life was working on the family farm, going to church, attending grade school at New Hamburg and then Kelly High School. After graduating from high school I left home for studies to become a Roman Catholic priest at Conception Seminary College in Northern Missouri. Then I attended Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., for the following four years. I enjoy numerous different activities, especially photography, technology and gardening.

Q) How long have you been a member of your faith and who or what inspired you to join the ministry?

A) I have been a Catholic all of my life, for 58 years. I became inspired to become a Catholic priest through the influence of my parents and brother, and growing up on a farm. The effect of these relationships and experiences resulted in an inner spiritual calling. I've been at St. Mary's for 10 years, and I celebrated my 32nd year as a Catholic priest on June 12.

Q) What upcoming events or sermon series do you have scheduled at St. Mary Cathedral?

A) Conclusion of the Fortnight for Freedom Masses at 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. on July 4. In conjunction with Columbia Construction, we are assisting in the 50th Habitat House in 50 days. We are preparing for: classes intended for those who are interested in joining the Catholic faith, vacation Bible school, a completion of the installation of solar panels on the church grounds and the study of a book by Michael White and Tom Corcoran entitled, "The Story of a Catholic Parish: REBUILT -- Awakening the Faithful, Reaching the Lost, Making Church Matter."

Q) What's your favorite Bible verse and why?

A) "The Word of God cannot be chained." St. Paul's letter to Timothy (II Timothy 2:9). This verse reminds me that our strength and guidance comes from God.

Q) St. Mary's is participating in Fortnight for Freedom. Can you give us a little background about this effort?

A) The U.S. bishops have called for a Fortnight for Freedom, a two-week period of prayer and action, June 21, 2013, through July 4, 2013, to address many current challenges to religious liberty, including the Aug. 1, 2013, deadline for religious organizations to comply with the HHS mandate, Supreme Court rulings that could attempt to redefine marriage in June, and religious liberty concerns in areas such as immigration and humanitarian services.

The threat to our rights and the rights and beliefs of all faith-based communities, terminating the freedom to do the corporal works of love and mercy, is at a decisive hour. It is our mission to freely demonstrate the love of God by organized works of education and charity.

Our food pantry, Catholic schools, Catholic charities and any activity of any faith community are being threatened with closure. We would be allowed to practice our belief and works inside our physical church walls but not outside of them. This began years ago when the terminology of "Freedom of Religion" was replaced by those who threaten charitable works with "Freedom of Worship." All believers of all faiths are being asked by those who are against our God-given and Constitutional rights to act contrary to our moral beliefs.

The government is telling us that institutions such as those that comprise faith communities aren't religious enough, that we don't deserve funding and facilitating those things which inspired churches to establish their institutions in the first place. www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/

Q) What specifically is St. Mary's doing in connection with Fortnight for Freedom?

A) We began and will end the Fortnight for Freedom with masses being offered at the St. Mary Cathedral and at St. Agnes Cathedral, the two main churches in our Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Catholic parishes in our diocese and our nation will also be joining in prayer before, during and after praying for the protection of our God-given and Constitutional rights, which are being threatened.

Q) What ongoing ministries does your church offer?

A) Ongoing ministries include: Sunday and weekday masses, the Sunday, 8:30 a.m. radio mass which is broadcast on 960 KZIM/1400 KSIM AM radio, Catholic Social Ministries food pantry by St. Mary's and Old St. Vincent's, St. Mary Cathedral Grade School, Parish School of Religion, tours at Old St. Vincent's, sacramental preparation for marriage, first communion, Bible study, assistance to those in need, daily availability of office staff Monday through Friday, vacation Bible school, Care/Grief Ministry, communion to the homebound, maintaining the parish's website, stmarycathedral.net, and addressing other needs as they arise.

Q) What's the greatest challenge you've experienced in the ministry?

A) The threat of our religious liberty to live out our faith for the sake of our children, our grandchildren and all who come after us -- that this great land will always be "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Q) What's the greatest blessing you've experienced in the ministry?

A) The ways in which God has guided me through the many wonderful people He has placed in my life.

Pertinent address: 615 William St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.