Missouri Area: The Malta Ministries Van Takes to the Road

February 2021

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s restrictions, the Missouri Area has kept helping the sick. Its initiatives include both new projects and the continuance of long-standing commitments.

The Malta Mobile Ministry is the most recent initiative. The Western Association came up with the concept for this ministry and its organizational framework. Knights and Dames banded together to buy and outfit vans that may be used for a variety of purposes in reaction to wildfires and other calamities that demonstrated the need for transportation support that many charities have. The success of this endeavor encouraged the American Association to make an investment in the same venture, and the Association decided to locate its first mobile ministry unit in the Missouri Area. The work done in California, which resolved issues with van insurance and titling as well as driver training and liability coverage, has been expanded upon in Missouri.

Still, a lot of work needed to be done before a vehicle could be delivered to St. Louis, Missouri. Beyond the funds granted by the American Association, more funding had to be obtained. The van needed to be parked in a safe location. It was necessary to recruit volunteers. Additionally, local organizations in need of transportation needed to be convinced that the assistance would be reliable and that it was available.

All of that has been made possible by the leadership of Randy Weber, the Director of Mobile Ministry Missouri, and Greg and Kathy Gantz, the Area Co-Chairs. A stunning van arrived at its new location before the end of 2020, and several drivers received the necessary training and equipment. Mike Roth, who set up and maintains the online scheduling system for van drivers, and Genie and John Wilhelm, who keep the van in good condition and replenish its supplies, deserve special recognition.

When a new galley was launched during Jean de Vallette’s time, the Order of Malta must have been pleased. And if the Knights and Dames of today enjoy a new piece of equipment as much, they might be pardoned. However, much like in the past, we never forget that our mission is to serve Our Lords, the sick, and the impoverished while defending the religion. Thus, the van was used after God’s blessing was invoked for our new business.

Mitchell T. Rozanski, the Archbishop of St. Louis, who took over as the Archdiocese’s leader in August, administered the blessing. The Archbishop reminded members of the Order of the mission they have embraced as Knights and Dames during a Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. He blessed the vehicle and our new ministry following Mass, accompanied by our chaplain, Rev. Msgr. Vernon Gardin, and Rev. Msgr. Joseph Simon.