According to The Liturgy of the Hours, "When evening approaches and the day is already far spent, Evening Prayer is celebrated in order that we may give thanks for what has been given us, or what we have done well, during the day … ."

In his homily that evening Bishop-elect Kemme told those in the pews that he has chosen as his episcopal motto Humilitas (humility) which appears on the coat of arms of St. Charles Borromeo. "Humility should be lived," he said. "It is a self-emptying love. We empty ourselves so Christ can fill us up."

As he prepared to leave the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, Bishop-elect Kemme said, "I am unable to thank you enough for your faith, prayer and presence in my life." He acknowledged the people who had sent congratulations with cards, notes, texts and emails. "A few have offered me condolences," he said with a chuckle.

Looking forward, he said that because he has worked so closely with two bishops — both Bishop Thomas John Paprocki and now-Archbishop George J. Lucas of the Archdiocese of Omaha, who formerly led the Springfield diocese — he recognizes that sometimes "the life of a bishop can be lonely."  

"Leaving one's family, home and friends is hard," he said. "But it is also exciting. I've been assured that the Diocese of Wichita is a good one, but I also want to say I come from good bishops and priests and the best laity in the world. I feel greatly blessed and I'm deeply touched by the prayers."

Also during the prayer service, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki blessed Bishop-elect Kemme's miter and crosier that he will use in Wichita. His bishop's ring was to have been blessed but was not delivered in time for the prayer service. The miter was presented by Father Chuck Edwards, pastor of St. Paul Parish in Highland. The crosier was brought up by Carol Muller, a long-time employee of the Catholic Pastoral Center in Springfield and a parishioner at St. Peter Parish in Petersburg and by Aaron Fisher, a young parishioner at St. John Vianney Parish, Sherman. Bishop-elect Kemme served as a pastor at St. Peter Parish from 2002 to 2005 and at St. John Vianney from 2005 to 2012.

In blessing the items, Bishop Paprocki prayed: "Almighty, eternal God, bless these symbols of the pastoral office and the pontifical dignity. May Bishop-elect Carl, who will use them, receive the reward of his faithfulness and enter into eternal life with Christ the High Priest and Good Shepherd who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen."

Bishop-elect Kemme left the Catholic pastoral center on April 22, after concelebrating Mass and being honored at the annual staff employee recognition Mass and luncheon. He was to have been ordained bishop of the Diocese of Wichita on May 1 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (St. Mary's) in Wichita.