Editor of Salina, Kan., Catholic newspaper steps down at age 93

Published: 2006-04-18

SALINA, Kan. (CNS) -- At age 93, Msgr. R.M. Menard thought it was time to step down from full-time work as editor of the Northwestern Kansas Register, official newspaper of the Salina Diocese. But that doesn't mean he's ready to retire from his other full-time job of more than 60 years, as a priest in the Diocese of Salina, known as the Diocese of Concordia until 1944. He also hopes to continue assisting the Register staff when his expertise is needed. As a newspaper editor, Msgr. Menard has chronicled the changes in the Kansas landscape through the eyes of a Catholic priest. Growing up in New York state, he never thought he would spend most of his life in Kansas. "I came out here (to Kansas) for the priesthood, even though I was ordained in Syracuse, N.Y.," Msgr. Menard said. Bishop F.J. Tief of Concordia "adopted me into this diocese," he added. The move was a decision he never regretted.

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