Msgr. Vincent E. Krische

The Mass will be livestreamed and can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgKz4b7CNow

Monsignor Vincent Krische, 84, of Lawrence, passed away on May 13, 2023.

He was born in Topeka, Kansas on May 24, 1938, the son of Frank Anthony and Pauline Marie (Melchior) Krische.  He was a graduate of Hayden High School in 1956 and graduated from St. Thomas Seminary in 1964.  His ordination as a Priest was held on May 23, 1964.

Msgr. Krische began his priesthood at St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park while also teaching religion at Bishop Miege High School.  From there, he was appointed an associate pastor at Queen of the Holy Rosary in Overland Park, followed by an assignment at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church in Topeka, while serving as part-time chaplain at Washburn University.  After later serving as full-time chaplain at Washburn, Archbishop Ignatius J. Strecker appointed Msgr. Krische as director of St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center.  He served in that capacity for 28 years.  He also served as chaplain to the KU football team for two years. 

His campus ministry program eventually became so well-known that he was invited by the U.S. Bishops to assist their editorial committee in writing their pastoral letter on campus ministries. 

Perhaps Msgr. Krische’s greatest legacy from his campus ministry days is not measured by programs and improvements, but by the many lives he touched and inspired.  His most cherished legacy is helping mentor the ordinations of around three dozen priests Jayhawk priests. 

Students at all different places in their faith journey were inspired by Msgr. Krische and drawn into a deeper faith, some at a critical time in their lives.  His legacy continues to influence others.

After Msgr. Krische left St. Lawrence in 2004, he went on to serve as pastor of St. Ann Church in Prairie Village from 2005-2009.  He celebrated his 50^th anniversary as a priest on May 23, 2014.  Msgr.’s last duty was serving as pastor emeritus at Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence which allowed him more time to celebrate the Eucharist with his Lawrence roots.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Pauline Krische, his brother Reverend Frank Krische, and his sister Joan Boos (Don-deceased).  He is survived by his sister Lois (Tom) Phillips of Olathe (who was commonly referred to as his shadow), and brothers Jim (Marilyn-deceased) Krische of Winnebago, Illinois, Larry (Sue-deceased) Krische of Topeka, Bob (Lynne-deceased) Krische of Topeka, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.  He will be deeply missed by his family and the numerous lives he touched through his friendship, ministry and mentorship.

Msgr. Vincent Krische will lie in state at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center, 1631 Crescent Road in Lawrence, Kansas on Thursday, May 18^th, after 2:00 p.m. where a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. and Vespers at 7:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 19^th, at 10:30 a.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 6001 Bob Billings Parkway, Lawrence, Kansas.  Graveside Services will follow on Friday at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 801 SW Westchester Road, Topeka, Kansas.  A reception for Msgr. Krische will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday at St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center, in Lawrence, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center, 1631 Crescent Road, Lawrence, Kansas 66044, or may be sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.

Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.