8 April 2023

Gaila Demel made a profession of faith and was received into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, celebrated at Saint Joseph Parish in Ellinwood, Kansas. She was then confirmed by the pastor, Father Terrance Klein.

The Catholic Church recognizes all baptisms performed "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."  For this reason, she never rebaptizes those who have already been baptized in other denominations. As she does not recognize the sacred orders of non-Catholic ministers, she does confirm those who join the Catholic Church.  

Gaila is originally from Lyons, Kansas.  She is the daughter of A.L. and Arleen Branson.  She is one of three siblings, having an older brother and a younger sister.  She joked that, “I always played the ‘middle child’ card when applicable. 

Gaila married Daryle Nielson.  They and their son Shawn lived in Lyons for a couple of years before coming to Ellinwood along with their second child, a daughter Shelly. Daryle passed away in 2013.

Gaila then became the Executive Director position at ElderCare in Great Bend. This opened doors to the ED role at United Way of Central Kansas.

In March of 2017 Gayla and Maurice Demel were wed at Saint John's Lutheran Church.  This marriage was recognized by the Catholic church in February, 2018. 

Because Catholics see marriage between a man and a woman to be a human reality, ordained by God for the loving union of the couple and the bearing of children, even before the new covenant of Christ, she recognizes all such marriages, but a Catholic is bound by Church law to marry according to the laws of the Church.  If this does not happen, the marriage is later convalidated, or "blessed." 

Maurice has two married children, his son Lukas and his wife Jessi have two sons and daughter.  His daughter Marisa and her husband Ryan have two daughters. 

Gaila decided to retire from UWCK in December 2021, which didn't last long.  She currently works a few days weekly at Sunflower Bank as a Teller/Universal Banker. 

The RCIA catechists team reports that they have thoroughly enjoyed sharing the Catholic faith with Gaila.  Her depth of faith has deeply enriched their own. 

Gaila says, “I have learned so much about myself, my faith, my walk as a Christian, my weaknesses as a Child of Christ and the wonderful future I have as a Catholic.  I pray for my RCIA Team daily in their continued teaching and supporting roles as my guidance team.  I'm humbled by the outreach of love by many members of our church.  Thank You for accepting me as a new member of St Joseph Catholic Church.” 

What sort of Catholic will Gaila be?  Father Klein said that a partial answer to the question came when Maurice and Gaila represented the parish at the annual Chrism Mass in Dodge City.

Gaila was appalled to learn that the parish collected the holy hours of Sacred Chrism, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Oil of the sick in used jelly jars.  She quickly provided more suitable vessels, which are carried in a basket bearing the parish name.  At the luncheon, which followed the Mass, Gaila was deep in conversation with fellow Catholics, whom she had never met, from Ulysses.  They too had been converts to Catholicism.

 Welcome Gaila!

Below are scenes from the Rite of Election which took place in December. The candidate is sealed with the sign of the cross on the head, shoulders, hands, heart, and feet.

 

Gaila's contribution to the Chrism Mass oils.  The Oil of Chrism was used in her confirmation.