It is with a heavy heart we must announce that past KJZT State Chaplain, Msgr. Joseph M. Hybner, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2019. What a glorious spirit he had and shared with all of us at KJZT.

Msgr. Hybner served as KJZT State Chaplain from 1993 - 2017. During his time as State Chaplain he attended many events, including Conventions, Board Meetings and District Meetings. He worked with Junior members at Camp Guardian Angel and presided over Junior Awards Day for many years. Among his many duties as State Chaplain, Msgr. Hybner prayed for the Fraternal, its members and those enrolled in the Clerical Endowment Fund. Msgr. Hybner made it a point to personally sign almost every Perpetual Enrollment certificate that left the State Office. He gave religious and general advice on matters of the Fraternal. He also offered Mass during Board Meetings.

Msgr. Hybner was ordained in his hometown church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Shiner, Texas, on May 25, 1963. He served as parochial vicar and pastor at many parishes during his career. He retired May 27, 2012. Upon his retirement in the 49th year of his priesthood, Monsignor Hybner was bestowed the honor of being invested the title of Monsignor by Pope Benedict XVI, Supreme Pontiff on August 6, 2012. A Catholic priest is given the title of Monsignor by the Pope in recognition of outstanding service to the Catholic Church.

He had two adoration chapels dedicated to him and on February 28, 2016, had a building dedicated in his name at the Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum - Hoelscher Haus on the grounds of the Texas Czech Heritage Cultural Center in La Grange, Texas.

Monsignor traveled to Rome and the Czech Republic.

We can truly say, our time together, was terrific. May his soul rest in peace.