After 134 years of service, the Capuchin-Franciscan friars will return the ministry of a Hays parish to the Diocese of Salina.

The Mid-America Province of Capuchins will continue to serve St. Joseph’s Parish until new Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger appoints a new pastor.

The friars will continue serving parishes in Victoria, Catherine, Antonino, Schoenchen, Walker and Vincent. They also will continue to help with Catholic education at Thomas More Prep-Marian and rest home and retreat ministries.

The Capuchins arrived in western Kansas to serve German immigrants and eventually expanded into other ministries.