Area resident authors book

Marcel Normand, a retired social science instructor from Fort Scott Community College, recently published an informal biography of a priest who completely changed his life and that of his family.

The book, titled, "Father John Reinkemeyer: God's Humble Servant" tells the story of this uncommon priest who wanted to be a farmer, but God had other plans. He said, "It wasn't really a question of what I liked or wanted; it was what the Lord wanted me to do, and if that's what He wants, I'll do it."

Normand and his family met Reinkemeyer in 1964 while he was pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Arma, Kan., Normand's hometown. They took instructions and not only accepted the basic truths of his teaching but embraced them as a model for living. The friendship grew closer with frequent visits and correspondence. And now, 45 years later, Reinkemeyer, at age 88, continues to celebrate Holy Mass daily at St. Mary's Church near Garden Plain, Kan. where he remains as associate pastor.

"He had an unparalleled way of doing and speaking," In the book, Normand recounts. "He didn't just 'talk the talk', but followed up with meaningful action. He collected newspapers and cans to help the poor. He had bee hives that he worked year round with profits from the honey going to the missions. He oversaw, and sometimes drove, truckloads of food, clothing, and medicine to Mexico and our own Southwest to assist the poverty-stricken there. He had a great respect for life and fought abortion even before it was legalized!

He built a church, literally, except for steel girders, with a dedicated parish crew and saved the parish thousands of dollars. He took an urban parish, $250,000 in debt, and within a decade, turned them debt-free. He was 'going green' long before saving the environment was trendy. The book enlarges on all of his efforts."

"Writing his story has been a joy," Normand says, "for he affected my life greatly in many areas. I've woven my own personal life into this biography including my teaching career which he influenced immeasurably. I've also included educators whom I've worked with who knew Fr. John and who were touched by his deeds including Lucile James, Fort Scott; Margaret Raines, lola; Patrick Forbes, Pittsburg; and several others. The book closes with nearly three dozen photographs of Fr. John's life and career plus numerous testimonies from ordinary folks, his fellow priests, and several bishops."

Normand has taught at Liberal High School, Liberal, Mo.; Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College; and St. Mary's Colgan High School, Pittsburg, Kan.

He has continued to teach parttime since his retirement along with working at the Bedene Funeral Home at Arma. He and his wife, Helen, a retired elementary teacher, have three married children: Tim and Lisa Normand and Tyler and Caryn Normand, both in the Pittsburg area; and Teresa Normand Lobb and husband, Chris, of Lenexa, Kan., and their many grandchildren!

The book sells for $12 plus state tax of .88 cents. "We tried to keep the price as low as we could," Normand said, "in that way, Fr. John's story will be easier to access."

Many area residents are mentioned in the book. Normand said. Those who live in the local region may call (620) 347-8563 to arrange delivery.