december 2024/January 2025
kcsjcatholic.org
ON THE WAY ‘Cheers’ to families Page 4
ANSWERING THE CALL TO SERVE Meet Gail Summers Page 10
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Building a culture of ‘saints in the making’ Page 28
CATHOLIC PILGRIMAGE
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The magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
December 2024/January 2025 VOL. 5 | ISSUE 1
Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. PUBLISHER
Ashlie Hand EDITOR
Janna Stellwag GRAPHIC DESIGNER
To submit story ideas and news, send emails to hand@diocesekcsj.org
Catholic Key (ISSN 2769-2353, USPS 024-190) is a membership publication of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, published bimonthly (Feb/ Mar, Apr/May, Jun/Jul, Aug/Sep, Oct/Nov, Dec/Jan) by the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, The Catholic Center, 20 W. Ninth St., Kansas City, MO 64105. Periodicals Postage Paid at Kansas City, MO and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Catholic Key, The Catholic Center, 20 W. Ninth St., Kansas City, MO 64105. ©2024 Catholic Key, Diocese of Kansas CitySt. Joseph.
ON THE COVER:
Jackie Clark, a lifelong Catholic and parishioner in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph says that a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2023 was “a true act of devotion.” Photo by Michael Hogan.
note in
COVER STORY
Catholic pilgrimage | A search for hope in a broken world | Ashlie Hand
For Christians and Jews, the ultimate pilgrimage journey is widely considered to be the Holy Land. It is the part of the world that God set aside for the Jewish people and is the birthplace of Christianity. It has long been a place of turmoil, war and brokenness going back to our earliest ancestors in faith. In April 2023, Jackie Clark went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where she experienced historic and spiritual sites of significance from the journey of the Holy Family in Nazareth, Bethlehem and Jerusalem, to Jesus’ public life and ministry in places like Capernaum, Cana and the Mediterranean.
4 On the Way | ‘Cheers’ to families | Bishop James Johnston
Family love and life is the arena in which all of us are not only introduced to our religion but the place we learn to live it out.
Ashlie Hand leads the Office of Communications for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
Karen Ridder is a Catholic journalist, wife and mother of four in Liberty, Missouri.
8 House of God | St. Mary Parish, St. Joseph | Ashlie Hand and Michael Hogan
St. Mary Parish in St. Joseph was established April 13, 1891, by Bishop John Hogan, and the current church has stood since 1913. Modeled after Conception Abbey, it is home to the only open dome in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
10
Answering the call to serve | Allison Vrooman
After years of seeking to fill a void she felt in her career, Gail Summers’ eyes were open to the many ways God had been pursuing her. She leaned into his call, trusting that he would guide her in a new chapter of her life.
18 Ministry Spotlight | Walking with Christ | Sara Kraft
A relationship spanning three decades has flourished between St. Peter Parish and San Francisco de Asis Parish (SFA) in El Salvador.
20 To Serve and Lift | Faith, hope, action: Catholic Charities’ big move | Jody Breuer
On Nov. 7, Catholic Charities cut the ribbon and officially moved into the former St. Matthew’s Parish in Ruskin Heights. For many volunteers and community members, it was a sweet homecoming.
Allison Vrooman is the communications specialist for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
Jody Breuer is the senior director of development for Catholic Charities KCSJ.
23
Catholics in the kitchen | Allison Vrooman
Father Kreidler has spent time in the kitchen since he was young “... always filled with gratitude when I am able to cook and share with others.”
28
Catholic schools build a culture of ‘saints in the making’ | Karen Ridder
The two dozen grade schools scattered throughout the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph are chosen by families for similar reasons, but the roles they fill in their surrounding communities can vary greatly.
30 Rural parish life | New Yorker called by the Holy Spirit to Western Missouri | Marty Denzer
A transplant from Long Island, New York, Father Bill Fox has served a number of rural parishes, including the three to which he is currently assigned in Carrollton, Richmond and Norborne.
En Español
25
Navegando la Navidad Un Cuento Familiar | Por Leyden Rovelo-Krull
26 En el Camino | ‘Salud’ a las familias | Por Obispo Johnston
Marty Denzer is a long-time writer in residence for the Catholic Key.
Sara Kraft is a freelance writer in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Please
the October/November issue of Catholic Key, there were errors in the House of God feature on St. Mary Parish in Nevada: The photo in the top left of page 9 is of Father Peter Savidge. The photo second from the bottom on page 9 is of Virginia Habjan.
‘Cheers’ to families ‘Cheers’ to families
on the way
From the Bishop Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. is the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
IIf you ever have the chance to visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., make sure to look for a unique bronze statue depicting the Holy Family. It is not in the church building proper but at the bottom of one of the main stairs at ground level. The statue depicts Jesus, Mary and Joseph as they are traveling, and Jesus is still quite young. Perhaps it is the journey back to Nazareth from Bethlehem, or the flight into Egypt. The scene is one of pure exhaustion. They are all sleeping — almost in a heap. Even the donkey which is traveling with them is conked out on the ground beside them. Most families can identify.
This is one of my favorite pieces of religious art at the shrine, because it shows one of the beautiful and underappreciated facets of family life in the Holy Family, and in every family. Family life by its very nature rests on sacrificial love. Little children do not know this, but they are the instigators of this love; in their innocence and vulnerability they call it forth from mom and dad. And while children are receivers of this love, perhaps the ones that are most transformed by it are the parents.
I have heard many parents remark to me that they did not realize how much they could love until they had children. This is not to diminish the nuptial love of marriage at all. In fact, the love of husband and wife takes on a deeper meaning when their love mirrors God’s
and is ordered to life, either through the conception of a child or the adoption of a child. The circle of love is made larger, and expands in a way that draws out generosity, patience, and other virtues. Children invite parents to the kind of charity that Christ models and calls his disciples to in the Gospels. With children, the priorities in life shift from oneself to the other.
The transition to sacrificial love is not always without challenges, and no parents get everything right. And yes, one can even see examples of bad parents. Nevertheless, family love and life possess a special beauty in the trials, messes and imperfections. It is the arena in which all of us are not only introduced to our religion but the place we learn to live it out.
Raising children is work that is not neat and tidy, especially
with little children. And this even before taking into account the duty of raising children in the Faith. Parents who take this duty seriously realize how important it is to have a community to help them. Ideally, the community of extended family is a great benefit — grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins all reinforce identity in one’s biological family, but they also can strengthen identity in the most important family: the family of God, the Church. The presence of extended family is not possible for many young parents, so the community of the parish takes on great importance. Families through their friendship and shared faith and culture help each other through a shared witness.
Pope Saint John Paul II famously said, “The future of humanity passes by way of the family.” (Familiaris Consortio 86) As we begin this 2025 Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church on the Feast of the Holy Family, let us thank God for the family. Let us pray for our families. Let us help our families in their essential role of raising their children. “Cheers” to families!
Mary, the Immaculate Conception
By Marty Denzer
CATHOLICS CELEBRATE THE FEAST OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS, EACH DEC. 8, NINE MONTHS BEFORE HER SEPT. 8 BIRTHDATE. WHY?
“Hail, Full of Grace.” The archangel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary at the Annunciation speaks volumes. When God decided to send his Son, Jesus, in human form to redeem the world, he chose Mary as Jesus’ mother. From the first moment of her conception, Mary was free from original sin and protected from it during her lifetime. (Lk 1:28)
The early Church generally accepted the Immaculate Conception. In fact, the Council of Ephesus in 43 AD, decided to title Mary as Theotokus, God-bearer, the Mother of God Himself.
in the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ the Savior of the human race, was preserved free of all stain of original sin, is a doctrine revealed by God and therefore to be believed firmly and constantly by all the faithful.”
The “feast of the Conception of Mary by St. Anne,” was instituted in the 7th century.
In his 1854 papal bull “Ineffabilis Deus,” Pope Pius IX proclaimed the Immaculate Conception: “We declare, pronounce and define the doctrine which holds that the Most Blessed Virgin Mary,
This particular feast day has special signifi cance for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph because one of our patron saints is Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, which is most evident in the name of our Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City.
In 2024, the feast of the Immaculate Conception falls on a Sunday, therefore the holy day of obligation will be celebrated on Dec. 9.
Portrayal of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City. Photo by Michael Hogan.
Why do we ask for Mary’s intercession?
By Marc Cardaronella
Why do Catholics ask Mary to pray for us? After all, Mary was just a human, right? She wasn’t divine. Do we ask other regular humans to pray for us? We do! We ask the saints to pray for us because it was apparent they had a special connection to Jesus during their earthly lives. Wouldn’t they have an even stronger connection to him in heaven?
But who had a stronger connection to Jesus than his mother? It goes back to this unique relationship. Mary isn’t just any woman; she’s the mother of Jesus, and that alone gives her a special place in his heart. We see this at the wedding feast of Cana in John 2:1-12. When the wine ran out, Mary noticed. She didn’t ignore the situation; she went straight to Jesus and made the need known. Her words, “They have no wine,” led Jesus to perform his first miracle despite initial hesitation. In that moment, Mary interceded, and Jesus listened. It wasn’t just about the wine; it was about Mary’s role, her place beside her son as an advocate for those in need.
This idea of Mary as an intercessor has deep roots in
Scripture. In ancient Israel, the Davidic king’s mother wasn’t merely a figurehead; she held a recognized role in the court.
The queen mother was known as “Gebira” or “Great Lady.”
The Gebira was an intercessor, a go-between, someone the people could turn to. In the Old Testament, Bathsheba, for example, was King Solomon’s mother, and people came to her when they needed help. In 1 Kings 2:13-25, Bathsheba went to her son on behalf of Adonijah, and Solomon didn’t turn her away. Quite the contrary. He said, “Make your request, my mother; for I will not refuse you.”
If we recognize Jesus as the New Davidic King, then Mary assumes the role of the queen mother in God’s kingdom. As
the queen mother, she intercedes for us, his followers. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes this role, describing Mary as an active part of Jesus’ mission, joining her prayers to ours. The Catechism highlights, “Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation.” (CCC 969)
Just as Bathsheba could approach Solomon on behalf of others, Mary approaches Jesus for us. And Jesus, like Solomon, listens to his mother. Asking Mary to intercede isn’t about bypassing God; it’s about seeking her support, just as we would ask a close friend or family member to pray for us.
Mary’s love for us mirrors her love for her son. She isn’t distant; she’s close, a mother who knows our needs and brings them before Jesus. Her intercession is a gift reflecting her unique bond with Jesus. In our moments of need, just like those guests at the wedding in Cana, we can trust that Mary notices, cares and gently brings our concerns to her son.
Marc Cardaronella is the director of the Office of Catechesis and Faith Formation.
House of God
St. Mary Parish, St. Joseph
By Ashlie Hand and Michael Hogan
The current St. Mary Parish church was dedicated on June 15, 1913, and was built in the Romanesque style. The three front entrances are reached by an impressive array of 20 steps in three tiers. The exterior is of red brick trimmed in white stone, patterned after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It is described as the diocese’s only total dedication to Neoclassicism.
SSt. Mary Parish in St. Joseph was established April 13, 1891, by Bishop John Hogan. The parish was under the management of the Benedictine Abbey at Conception, Missouri, until 1895, when it was given over to diocesan clergy. St. Mary served those of French extraction who lived in the French Bottoms along the Missouri River, and Mass was offered in both English and German.
The interior of the church is well lit by the large windows and accent lighting and features wide wooden cross beams. Alcoves on either side of the nave hold one of the original confessionals on one side and the baptistry on the other. The balcony is of dark cherry wood and was once matched by the original pews and communion rail.
Interstate 229.
A large dome extends over the sanctuary, said to be the only open dome in any church in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Transepts extend from both sides of the altar, forming the arms of the cruciform shape of the church.
Stained-glass windows, installed in the church in 1921, were designed and placed by the St. Joseph Art Glass Company.
Under the guidance of Father Adam Haake in 2014, the interior of the church was repainted with many new details. The center dome is inspired by Conception Abbey, and the stars were carefully mapped out with a laser pointer by Father Haake himself.
Historic details found in This Far by Faith, Vol. I and Vol. II. View more photos at catholickey.org.
The exterior of the center dome is said to be visible from
The parish altar features a stunning depiction of the Last Supper in relief and true-to-life painting.
Answering the call to serve
THE DIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY — ST. JOSEPH WELCOMES NEWEST
SENIOR EXECUTIVE
By Allison Vrooman
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Gail Summers completed her bachelor’s degree in New Orleans and moved to Southern California to earn her MBA and begin her career journey. She spent more than two decades working as an executive in the healthcare industry, serving in a variety of leadership roles in the medical device sector.
Though having achieved great success in the industry, she found herself unfulfilled and felt like there was more that she could do. In 2012, she transitioned to a fundraising career in academic medicine, where she contributed to the greater good with the UCLA Health Sciences Advancement team and raised significant funds for vision-science research, education and patient care.
“
I have always been very proud to be Catholic. I never thought it was a thing I could go to work for,” shared Gail Summers, the new executive director of stewardship and development for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. “When this opportunity with the diocese presented itself, I felt called to the role.
”Having also attained major accomplishments that she was proud of in that role, Summers again felt a desire for more meaningful work. She shifted to a career in Catholic healthcare, working in a community-based Catholic hospital system. There, she led a comprehensive fundraising program and helped make an impact on communitybased care.
During this time, Summers was drawn deeper into her Faith. She had the opportunity to meet Bishop Robert Barron when he visited to bless a new chapel at one of the hospitals. After meeting him, she dove into his interviews and reflections posted online and was eventually led to the Ascension Press Bible in a Year course. From this stemmed a revival of her Faith life.
As her devotion grew, the longing to be fulfilled was even more present. “I wasn’t conscious of it at the time, but that kept creating this yearning of ‘something is still missing’ professionally. ‘There’s got to be more,’” she recalled.
Gail Summers serves as executive director of the office of stewardship and development for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Photo by Michael Hogan.
“Over time, I felt called to fully integrate my professional life with my Faith,” she shared, adding that it seemed strange to be having such thoughts as she has always compartmentalized her work life from her private life.
As she was actively looking to move out of California and closer to family, the senior executive position at the Chancery opened up, looking for applicants with fundraising experience who have a desire to build relationships and serve the mission of the Church. Summers was intrigued by the idea of directly contributing to the work of the diocese and directly impacting people’s lives.
“Little things that God added to my life began to build up. Those experiences fed my heart and soul. Then suddenly I experienced a calling to serve. It was pulling me into a completely different direction than I’d ever imagined or anticipated, but maybe that’s just how the Spirit works.”
During the hiring process, Summers became excited about the mission of the diocese and the vision Bishop Johnston has for the future. “It is so rare in one’s career that you have an opportunity to work as part of a cabinet for a bishop and really help build something great.”
After years of seeking to fill a void she felt in her career, Summers’ eyes were open to the many ways God had been pursuing her. She leaned into his call to apply, trusting that he would guide her in the new chapter of her life.
She has experienced great hospitality from everyone she has met since stepping into the role in mid-August. “I felt very welcomed from the get-go. Everyone here has been very helpful,” she said.
In her role, Summers hopes “to enhance the stewardship and fundraising efforts through philanthropy best practices, to support Bishop Johnston’s vision by garnering major gift support to advance the important ministries, programs, and services the diocese provides.”
She is committed to helping Bishop Johnston shepherd the diocese well, deeming it “a privilege to be in this position and to work beside him.”
Grateful to have Summers onboard, Bishop Johnston shared, “Gail brings a diverse background of experience in development work to our diocese. I believe fresh insights and perspective, along with her enthusiasm, will greatly benefit our local Church.”
Gail Summers (r) and Theresa Schuman (l), director of the Annual Catholic Appeal, work closely together in stewarding the diocese’s resources. Photo by Allison Vrooman.
“It was truly an act of devotion for me.”
Jackie Clark, parishioner at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, seized the opportunity to fulfill a long held desire to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in April 2023.
Photo by Michael Hogan.
CATHOLIC PILGRIMAGE
A search for hope in a broken world
By Ashlie Hand
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the City of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.” (Lk 2:1-5)
Pilgrimage journeys are a common occurrence throughout Scripture, with maybe the most famous being the one we celebrate during the season of Advent — the pilgrimage of the Holy Family to Bethlehem.
Merriam-Webster defines pilgrimage as “a journey of a pilgrim; especially to a shrine or sacred place” and “the course of life on earth.”
Statistics on the number of people going on pilgrimage annually are tough to come by, but if you consider that nearly a half million people walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain in 2023 alone, it seems safe to assume it is a popular and significant practice.
For Christians and Jews, the ultimate pilgrimage journey is widely considered to be the Holy Land. It is the part of the world that God set aside for the Jewish people and is the birthplace of Christianity. It has long been a place of turmoil, war and brokenness going back to our earliest ancestors in faith. Since Oct. 7, 2023, tourism to the Holy Land has been paused, so for those who had the opportunity to make the journey just before the current war broke out, gratitude is abundant.
Jackie Clark is one of those pilgrims. In April 2023, she went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where she experienced historic and spiritual sites of significance from the journey of the Holy Family in Nazareth, Bethlehem and Jerusalem, to Jesus’ public life and ministry in places like Capernaum, Cana and the Mediterranean.
While this was Clark’s first pilgrimage, she has visited many Catholic landmarks and religious sites across the U.S., including basilicas and cathedrals in Washington, D.C., St. Louis, Missouri, New Orleans, Denver, St. Paul, Minnesota, and Hawaii. She will be the first to say, though, “Experiencing Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Nazareth are on a completely different level spiritually.”
A lifelong Catholic, Clark grew up attending St. Robert Bellarmine Parish in Blue Springs and is currently a registered parishioner of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City. Several things aligned for her that made this time of her life the best to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
“I have been blessed with many birthdays, it was the right time for me spiritually and emotionally. It's
not a taxing trip physically but I was blessed to be mobile and able to hear and see all of the landmarks of our Faith,” she explains.
Clark also was motivated by the opportunity to accompany one of her family’s favorite diocesan priests, Father John Bolderson, on what he has characterized as his last trip to the Holy Land. As a Dame Grand Cross in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, she also needed to complete a pilgrimage to earn her Pilgrim Shell.
“It was truly an act of devotion for me,” she said.
A pilgrimage is, at its heart, an opportunity to deepen your faith and your relationship with God. Many who have visited the Holy Land have described life-changing experiences visiting the places that we read about in Scripture, standing where Jesus stood and seeing
the sites of some of the world’s most well-known miracles. These experiences also often deliver powerful reminders of God’s presence.
When Clark’s group arrived at the River Jordan to renew their baptismal promises, she found herself dodging several birds flying overhead. It wasn’t until Father Bolderson reminded them of the dove of peace, and the symbol of their Confirmation, that she realized that the birds flying overhead were actually doves. She was determined to get a photo of one with its wings spread, and her prayers were answered.
“This photo will always be an important symbol of my pilgrimage,” she said.
Despite the challenges that have plagued the Holy Land, Clark says their group encountered so much love and kindness during their pilgrimage. Traveling with an experienced guide provided a level of comfort and safety,
“
The trip definitely brought to life the conflicts that have persisted and knowing this is where our Savior taught us about his forgiveness, really made me want to return and share my experience with others. I was simply inspired.”
This dove spread its wings at the banks of the River Jordan where Jackie Clark renewed her baptismal promises.
Jackie Clark was inspired by the Garden of Gethsemene where she could easily visualize Jesus and his disciples just before he entered into his Passion and death. Photo provided by Jackie Clark.
Many biblical symbols came to life during the trip, including this young boy carrying a lamb in Bethlehem. Photo provided by Jackie Clark.
and Father Bolderson’s familiarity with the area made every Mass meaningful at each stop.
“The trip definitely brought to life the conflicts that have persisted, and knowing this is where our Savior taught us about his forgiveness, really made me want to return and share my experience with others. I was simply inspired,” Clark said.
For those feeling a pull to visit the Holy Land, she offers some encouragement.
“Plan to go. I was so blessed to know I wanted to go and found the right spiritual leader for me. The war has made immediate visits difficult, but start saving now. Give yourself the Christmas gift of putting aside funds to visit. Our sisters and brothers in the Holy Land rely on our support,” she suggests.
Clark also recommends bringing along meaningful or sentimental religious items. She carried her Bible,
her maternal grandmother's Catholic Prayer Book, dating back to 1946, and the lace handkerchief she carried on her wedding day, which had belonged to her paternal grandmother. They were laid, along with other religious articles she carried, on the grotto of the Nativity.
Going on pilgrimage is an investment and a sacrifice, but Clark says, “The time you invest waiting to see the Nativity of our Lord, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Church of the Annunciation cannot be matched. Being there, thinking about Christ's life on earth [makes] the Gospel come alive. Every Mass now, I think about what place the Scripture occurred.”
The Advent season is a pilgrimage of faith, a journey we experience as the Body of Christ. With Christmas, comes the reminder that there is hope, even in a broken world.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO TO THE HOLY LAND in order to go on a Catholic pilgrimage. Consider these pilgrimage options a little closer to home:
• Divine Mer cy Park (Kansas City, Missouri)
• Our L ady of Guadalupe Shrine (Kansas City, Missouri)
• Conc eption Abbey [Conception, Missouri]
• Monas tery of Perpetual Adoration [Clyde, Missouri]
• Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne (St. Charles, Missouri)
• Na tional Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (Perryville, Missouri)
• Na tional Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church (Laurie, Missouri)
• The Na tional Shrine of Our Lady of Champion (Champion, Wisconsin)
• Bles sed Stanley Rother Shrine (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
As a Dame Grand Cross in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Clark had the opportunity to receive a special blessing as part of her pilgrimage. Photo provided by Jackie Clark.
Father John Bolderson celebrated Mass at several significant stops along the pilgrimage, including this small chapel in Bethlehem. Photo provided by Jackie Clark.
Family traditions old and new
FEASTING AND FASTING ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE WAY WE OBSERVE SOLEMNITIES LIKE CHRISTMAS AND EASTER.
Engaged couples are often prompted to discuss the merging of holiday traditions during marriage preparation, but some married people would benefit from a refresher of sorts to prompt discussion about how they want to celebrate the holidays as a family. With the Advent and Christmas seasons upon us, below is a sampling of many traditional celebrations directly and indirectly connected to the Catholic Faith along with some questions to prompt discussion between spouses. The goal of the discussion should be to intentionally celebrate the season with unity in order to grow closer to God, together.
ADVENT WREATH
The Advent wreath commonly includes greenery and four candles, three violet and one rose, each one lit to mark weeks of the season. Prayers may be included with the lighting of the candles which represent the expectation and hope of our Lord’s coming into the world at Christmas and the second coming of Christ at the end of time. Liturgical blessings of the Advent wreath and Christmas tree can both be led by a parent in the home.
FEAST OF ST. NICHOLAS
On Dec. 6, we observe the feast of Saint Nicholas of Myra, the real Catholic bishop also known as Santa Claus. Many cultures celebrate this by putting out their shoes which are filled by “Saint Nick” with sweets and small gifts in recognition of the dowry money secretly provided by this holy bishop. It is also the basis for our tradition of gift giving.
JESSE TREE
There is no “official” version of the Jesse tree. Great for kids, most versions of it include a daily reading of Scripture passages telling the story of salvation history through Old Testament events and prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah. The “tree” portion includes matching ornaments for each reading.
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Our Lady of Guadalupe is a universal feast that includes local Hispanic traditions like mañanitas (a morning birthday song) sung before the Mass at many parishes celebrating this feast on Dec. 12.
by Dino Durando is the Director of the Office of the Domestic Church and Discipleship
HOLIDAY MEALS AND GIFT EXCHANGE
Many cultures have special meals to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Stockings, gift giving, home decorations and the Christmas tree are all matters of family preference. And finally, opening presents can be a wonderful tradition, but it can also le ad to stress and conflict.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Will your family use these (or other) traditions in Advent? Will you set aside a time each day for prayer incorporating one or more of them? Will you fast in some way and give alms or actions in service to the poor? Will you have a Christmas tree? Live tree or artificial? Did your families of origin decorate differently? How will you incorporate different tree decorating styles?
Will your family celebrate with a special meal? Does one or both families of origin have cultural traditions to incorporate or even leave out? If you are able to visit with more than one side of the family, will you split your time between them? How?
Will your family exchange gifts? Will you open them on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Will you set limits on spending or leave it up to each individual to determine an amount to spend? Will you use credit card debt to pay for Christmas or limit your spending to what you can afford in your budget? Will you save to avoid going into debt for gift giving?
St. Benedict wrote: “As we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God’s commandments, our hearts overflowing with inexpressible delight of love.”
The Benedictine Monks of Conception Abbey gather six times a day for the common chanting of the Divine Office and celebration of the Eucharist, offering prayers for the Church and the world. This rhythm of our daily life gradually forms us into what Christ has called us to be, men seeking holiness and constant conversion towards God. We welcome you to explore our way of life and invite you to support us in our ministries of prayer and work.
Join us in our mission of ora et labora, work and prayer.
Become an oblate | Explore a monastic vocation
Make a retreat | Pray for us | Make a gift
www.conceptionabbey.org
Scan to Read
“The people of El Salvador were the most loving, faithful people I have ever been around,” said Kathy Kopach. “They were so joyful in their Masses.”
In 1979, civil war began in El Salvador. There were many martyrs, including Saint Oscar Romero. In August 1988, then- St. Peter Pastor Gerald Waris visited El Salvador with an international delegation to see how Catholics in the United States could help. It was dangerous, and a huge step forward in faith. “I left a tape on my desk for family and friends in case I didn’t come back,” recalled Father Waris.
of gangs. While financial gifts are one way to help, the real goal is to let people know that they are cared for by people outside El Salvador and that they are not invisible.
“I think they believed our walking with them was like an answer to a prayer,” explained Father Waris, “that someone cared and loved them for who they are.”
WALKING WITH CHRIST SISTER PARISH OUTREACH TEAM AT ST. PETER PARISH
By Sara Kraft
As a result of this trip, St. Peter Parish formed a sister parish relationship with San Francisco de Asis Parish (SFA) in El Salvador. The relationship continues until this day. El Salvador lacks a strong social safety net; therefore, the Church picks up the slack. Gang violence is prevalent, so SFA works to engage young people to keep them out
Over the years, more than 80 parishioners have gone on delegations to SFA. In return, El Salvadorans have visited St. Peter Parish. The relationship has had a tremendous impact on the St. Peter community. It has allowed parishioners to connect with the poverty of the world. Father Waris remembers visiting one home with twelve corn tamales on the table, and nothing else inside. “That was the only thing they had to eat that night,” he explained. And they offered the food to the delegation. “Where else would you experience such generosity?”
Team members were inspired by how SFA parishioners lived out their faith. While there were small liturgical differences in Masses, most notable was the joy and trust in God the El Salvadorans emulated with their very lives in the midst of tragedy and suffering.
“It’s hard to put into words. The Catholic faith is the center of everything,” explained Lynn Hire. “They had every reason to be bitter, but their faith anchored them. Actually, it buoyed them. It lifted them up and gave them hope.”
“Those involved grew in our Faith. I felt closer to Christ in El Salvador than anywhere else. We were with people who had suffered for generations and had enormous Faith. You felt like you were walking with Christ when you walked with them,” shared Kopach.
LEARN MORE
For more information, visit stpkc.org.
Members of the St. Peter Parish community visit friends at San Francisco de Asis Parish in El Salvador. Their sister parish relationship has spanned three decades.
Photo provided by St. Peter Parish.
Navigating Navidad: A CHRISTMAS STORY
“Santa Clo? Quien es Santa Clo?” My mother’s confusion was obvious, and I didn’t have any answers. This was our first Christmas in the U.S. and I’d just gotten home from grade school where I’d learned about Santa Claus. The jolly old man who brought Christmas gifts to the children in the U.S.
“Y como? Por cual chiminea?” she added. I was a little unclear about the logistics myself, since she had a point. We lived in a one-bedroom apartment in Queens, New York, with no fireplace and, therefore, no chimney.
“Maybe through the fire escape!” I reasoned. “No,” she declared, “El niño Jesus brings the gifts.”
Over time, we negotiated gifts from both Jesus and Santa Claus. Until I caught my mother eating the cookies I left out for both. But that’s another Christmas story.
Mami’s first compromise regarding Christmas marked the start of a balancing act in the face of my evolving faith.
By Leyden Rovelo-Krull is the director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry
Our family's beliefs varied from lapsed to faithful and anything in between. But we learned to navigate Navidad together.
My papa was a non-practicing Catholic, creating tension with Mom's Faith. Still, traditions matter in our family and culture, especially at Christmas.
I remember vividly the first Christmas after I told my mom about my struggles with our faith. That year, our usually joyous Nochebuena felt strained. We still gathered, of course. But midnight Mass, once the highlight of our Christmas Eve, became an event I politely declined. Prayers before meals? I stood stoic and silent. Yes, I was the fun daughter.
What I can say about those years is that Mami gave me space to struggle with my faith without compromising her own. I would bring up all manner of arguments and “proof” against the tenets of Catholicism. My mother is not an apologist, she didn’t know what to say to defend her faith. She just lived it. She couldn’t explain Catholicism to me, she witnessed it instead. That is its own kind of apologetics.
My journey back to faith was a gradual process, filled with questions, doubts and moments of painful struggle. Mami prayed and held onto the faith for both of us until I found my way back to Jesus, Christmas and home.
1. LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY:
Your faith should be a beacon of hope and acceptance, not a wall of judgment. Remember that God's love is infinite and unconditional; let your love for your children mirror that.
2. KEEP COMMUNICATION OPEN:
Create a safe space for honest discussions about faith. Listen more than you speak, and show genuine interest in your children's perspectives, even if they differ from yours.
3. LEAD BY EXAMPLE:
Let your faith shine through your actions. Show your children the joy, peace and strength your beliefs bring you. Sometimes, a lived example speaks louder than any words.
4. MAINTAIN TRADITIONS, BUT BE FLEXIBLE:
Continue your family's Christmas traditions, but be open to adapting them. Include elements that resonate with your children, even if they're not strictly religious. The goal is togetherness and shared experiences.
5.
PRAY, BUT DON'T PREACH:
Keep your children in your prayers, but avoid constantly preaching to them. Trust in the power of prayer and in God's timing. Sometimes, the journey back to the Faith is a long and personal one.
Remember, the story of Christmas is one of unexpected journeys. The Magi traveled far from home before they finally found Jesus. And, like me, they returned home by another road.
So, what did my mom do to navigate Navidad? Here, in her own words, are her top five tips:
Image by Leyden Rovelo-Krull
FAITH, HOPE, ACTION Catholic Charities’ big move
By Jody Breuer | Photos by Michael Hogan
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Home is where the heart is.” At Catholic Charities, we live by that motto. After nearly 145 years of serving those in need, we geared up for a big move toward the needs in our community. It wasn’t just about finding a new office — it was about coming home to a place that needed us most. On Nov. 7, 2024, we cut the ribbon and officially moved into the former St. Matthew’s Church in Ruskin Heights. For many of our volunteers and community members, it was a sweet homecoming.
Several years ago, St. Matthew’s Church closed leaving the space vacant with no clear plan for its future. The bishop wished the Catholic Faith to continue to be present in this community. In a fitting turn of events, Catholic Charities purchased the property, along with its 10 acres, from the diocesan Real Estate Trust. Our goal? To transform it into a vibrant social service hub, providing corporal acts of mercy. The site will offer a food pantry, emergency assistance, casework for pregnancy through birth and the child's first birthday, workforce development, veteran services, low-income housing, mental health ministry, adoption services and a deaf/disability ministry.
Why
here? Why now?
If you’ve spent any time in Ruskin Heights, you’ve seen this once-thriving community has been left behind — abandoned by government, by commerce and by community support. Over the past 30 years, the poverty rate here has ballooned to almost twice the state average. That’s right — twice. Nearly 30 percent of children in this area are living in poverty. While poverty has no boundaries, we’ve found that some areas of our city have become food deserts and void of most social services.
Bishop James Johnston cuts the proverbial ribbon at the grand opening of the new Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph Serve and Lift Center in Kansas City.
City Councilman Darrell Curls speaks to his experience attending the former St. Matthew Parish, now the home of the Catholic Charities Serve and Lift Center.
So, if we’re serious about tackling poverty, we should be among it, offering help and hope every single day. Being present, seeing what people face firsthand — that’s how we’ve always worked. We go where we’re needed most, and right now, that’s South Kansas City.
A legacy of adaptability
Catholic Charities isn’t new to flexing with pur pose. We started as an orphanage 145 years ago, but as the needs of the communi ty have changed, so have we. We are still incredibly proud of our adop tion program, but we don’t stay locked into one program or way of doing things. Instead, we constantly ask ourselves, “What’s the greatest need right now?” And then get to work addressing it.
Take last year for example. Through generous donations we opened food pantries that provided over 235,000 pounds of nourishing food to 2,030 families in need. We’re not talking about just canned goods and boxed meals — this is real, healthy food including protein and fresh produce that nourish bodies and minds. We also supported over 350 moms and their babies, helping maintain healthy pregnancies and a strong first year of life. Most people don’t know that 1,100 families — many of them veterans or people with disabilities — are no longer at risk of homelessness thanks to our permanent housing programs. We’re doing this work, day in and day out even if it doesn’t always make headlines.
The next chapter needs you
Moving into this new space is exciting for us, but it’s just the beginning. As we’ve been giving tours to community partners like the Ladies of Charity and the Knights of Columbus the stories started to roll in. “I was married here!” “I went to kindergarten here!” “My family lived down the street for 32 years and we would walk to Mass.” It’s been a sweet homecoming for so many people who love seeing this building being repurposed for God’s continued work. We are so blessed by the stories of faith and love that speak to a sense of holy ground on our campus.
My friends, that’s where you come in. No matter where life finds you — whether things are going smoothly or you're facing challenges — we believe everyone has the power to make a difference and we invite you to join us in this remarkable space where history and destiny collide. Maybe you’ve thought about getting involved with philanthropy or charity but haven’t yet made the leap? Well, now’s the time. Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or simply sharing our story — every bit helps.
This move is a big deal for us, but it’s an even bigger deal for the families who count on us every day.
They need more than just food and shelter; they need hope. Faith, hope and charity to be exact. So, while we’re busy unpacking boxes and getting settled into Ruskin Heights, we’re also preparing to face the challenges ahead. Catholic Charities has been actively helping for 145 years, and we’re not stopping now. We carry on undaunted by political changes, economic projections, or the pressures of secular voices. Instead, our mission is clear: To Serve and To Lift those in need to the dignity of self-reliance and call all people of goodwill to join us.
IT’S BEEN A SWEET HOMECOMING FOR SO MANY PEOPLE WHO LOVE SEEING THIS BUILDING BEING REPURPOSED FOR GOD’S CONTINUED WORK. WE ARE SO BLESSED BY THE STORIES OF FAITH AND LOVE THAT SPEAK TO A SENSE OF HOLY GROUND ON OUR CAMPUS.
As Saint Paul shared the word of the Lord with us, “Now these three remain: faith, hope and charity. But the greatest of these is charity.” At Catholic Charities, charity isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are.
Catholic Charities’ mission is clear: To Serve and To Lift those in need to the diginity of selfreliance and call all people of goodwill to join us.
In the last year, Catholic Charities has opened food pantries that have provided more than 235,000 pounds of food to 2,030 families.
Personal Best
Personal Best
HE WAS DONE. THE COURSE WAS HARD. EVERYONE KNOWS THIS COURSE IS HARD, BUT AT THE TOP OF A HILL NEAR THE END HE FLOUNDERED AND STEPPED OUT OF THE RACE.
“Oh! I thought … Why is he doing that? He’s almost there. Doesn’t he see?”
No, he didn’t see. The finish line was just around the bend, but he was definitely feeling that hill. This was an unusual circumstance for a cross country race. Mostly, kids who feel too exhausted simply start walking — or hobbling or something. Stepping completely off the course, without an obvious injury? — I’d never seen that before.
What I saw next is why I’m telling this tale. Two adults and another kid ran up to him. I couldn’t hear their words, but it was pretty obvious. Those were his parents — and probably a sibling — who went to see what was wrong. I watched. They circled around him. Put their hands on his back. Encouraged him. A few moments later, he stepped back into the race. It was beautiful to see. So much so, even though my own runner was done, I had to
watch the end of the kid’s story. He stumbled at first, but then quickened to a jog, and when he took the final stretch towards the finish line, he was running again.
THIS — I thought, is what we’re here to do as parents.
In the sport of cross country, every person has their own race to run. No one can do it for them, not even their parents. It is a team event, but it’s also different than any other team sport I’ve seen.
Spectators, like most of us as parents, have to stay pretty active. As the kids run their course — the parents, teammates and other supporters are also running. They aren’t running the race itself — that’s the burden of the athlete alone. Instead,
they are finding as many strategic spots as possible to see their runner pass by and encourage them as much as they can in the journey.
As a parent, I’m watching the time. Yelling it out to my kid as he comes around the bend. I’m doing math in my head, projecting out where I think he might be at the end if he keeps the pace. I’m telling him if he just holds in a little longer, or if he speeds up — gives it all he’s got — he can reach his goal.
And that goal isn’t actually the finish line. See, nearly everybody gets to the finish line. That’s why it was so unusual to just see a kid step out of the race. That finish line is only a part of the objective. The real goal is doing your personal best. YES, the kids would like to win, but winning most often looks like beating yourself — not others.
By Karen Ridder
… LET US RUN WITH ENDURANCE THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US.”
A kid can come in dead last, but if they finish a few seconds faster than the last time, it is cause for celebration.
This is our role. We can’t run the race for our kids. We can’t decide where and when they will finish. It’s not our journey. They are their own people, created by God for their own times with their own role to play in HIS great story of salvation. But our spectating shouldn’t be passive. It needs to be active and strategic. You may have to do some math in your head.
Hebrews 12:1 says, “(L)et us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
Teaching our kids to do that should be our number one goal. Aren’t they worth YOUR personal best?
Catholics in the kitchen
Father Alex Kreidler “I
By Allison Vrooman | Photos by Michael Hogan
“Iam always filled with gratitude when I am able to cook and share with others,” said Father Alex Kreidler, pastor of St. Gabriel the Apostle Catholic Church.
Father Kreidler has spent time in the kitchen since he was young. “I grew up watching my great-grandmother and grandmother cook Italian food. I’ve always liked cooking.”
He studied theology in Italy during his priest formation, which immersed him deeper into the foods of the culture. “I learned a lot more recipes. I learned different cooking techniques, from all over Europe. I saw a lot of new and different Italian foods I hadn’t seen before.”
In addition to his love of cooking, Father Kreidler finds enjoyment in preparing smoked meats. He began in high school and, through trial and error, has continued to perfect the craft.
Father Kreidler cooks for himself as often as he can. Beyond that, he hosts gatherings for people to be in community over a shared meal he has prepared. He also cooks for parish families in their homes.
Relating this hobby to the Faith, he said, “Cooking is about being with people that you love and giving of yourself. It reminds me of the love that God has for all of us. He wants to be with us, he wants to provide for us. Heaven is often described as a banquet, or as a wedding feast, so sharing and being with those we love is a foretaste of heaven.”
His favorite meal to make is his grandmother’s pasta scuddada.
PASTA SCUDDADA
Pasta of choice
2-4 cloves of garlic, chopped
Olive oil
Fresh basil
Crushed red pepper (optional)
Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Cook the pasta of your choice in salted water.
In a large skillet, fry chopped garlic in olive oil on medium-low heat. Use an ample amount of olive oil to be sure to not burn the garlic.
Once the pasta is nearly done and the garlic is becoming translucent, add 3-4 leaves of fresh basil, chopped. You may also add crushed red pepper for spice.
Reduce heat and wait until the pasta is al dente.
Reserve a cup of pasta water. Drain pasta, then add the pasta to the skillet with the olive oil. Cook for a minute on medium heat, add some of the pasta water to taste.
Serve in a bowl, topped with Parmesan cheese and pepper.
Enriching Parish Life A National Black Catholic Pastoral Plan
“TBy Deacon Ken Greene
he Office and Board of the National Black Catholic Congress offers a Plan of Pastoral Action in the very first month of 2024 ... 135 years to the date from the very first Colored Catholic Congress. That first Congress was held in Washington, D.C. at St. Augustine Church from January 1-4, 1889. Moving in the rhythms of our ancestors of faith, present day Black Catholics gathered from all over the United States from July 20-23, 2023 near Washington, D.C. for the thirteenth National Black Catholic Congress. We paused again to listen to God’s deep and transforming voice and to act in ways that say, ‘We know Jesus.’
“The old time spiritual, ‘Hush, Hush, somebody’s callin’ mah name ... Oh, mah Lawd, O mah Lord, what shall I do?’ crept into our hearts and in the rooms of the Congresses of our past and of today, beckoning us to ask the question: ‘What do people of faith do in such a time like this as we boast about being followers of Jesus?’”
These words constitute part of the introduction to the National Black Catholic Congress XIII Pastoral Plan of Action. Currently, delegates from the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, who attended the event in Baltimore are exploring the Pastoral Plan to discern a course of action that might enhance and encourage pastoral life within the Black Catholic community.
Since 1987, the local Black Catholic Implementation Team, an apostolate established by the late Bishop John J. Sullivan to address issues and concerns of Black Catholic life in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, has attempted to bring evangelization and education to this diocese regarding the Black Catholic experience.
Today, under the guidance of Father Charles Rowe, diocesan
Vicar General for Pastoral Affairs, the current members of the Black Catholic Implementation Team will attempt to expand its outreach to Black Catholics throughout the diocese. The purpose is to garner a full-throated response to the suggestions offered by Congress XIII. What shall we do? The question is best answered by reviewing the suggestions. Congress XIII offers us the opportunity to renew/ refresh ministry offerings, adopt innovative ideas for workshopping our need for a deeper spiritual expression, and adding vitality to our evangelization efforts within and outside of our individual parishes.
Actions might include:
• Form a Parish Book Club based on the US Catholic Magazine article: “Required reading: A Black Catholic Syllabus,” June 5, 2020.
• D evelop a “Pray, Petition, and Organize Effort” to promote the canonization of the Saintly Six African American candidates.
• Offer a Faith Formation Training process to enhance the team of Catechists at all three levels of ministry: children, adolescents, and adults; incorporate the research from Dr. Toinette Eugene, Archdiocese of Baltimore, “Keep on Teaching.”
• Consult with the eight National Black Catholic Organizations for speakers, workshop activities, and retreat/revival opportunities.
This is only a brief list of ideas and possibilities awaiting those Catholics interested and committed to changing the complacent ministry life of their parish. God gives us the Church, family life, faith, and forgiveness so we can participate actively, not passively in his divine plan.
The Pastoral Plan of Action is ready for our examination and consumption as a resource for responding to the Congress theme, “Write the Vision: A Prophetic Call to Thrive.”
Look for the establishment of a Black Catholic Pastoral Planning Commission soon within this diocese.
Navegando la Navidad
UN CUENTO FAMILIAR
“¿Santa Clo? ¿Quién es Santa Clo?” La confusión de mi madre era obvia y yo no tenía respuestas. Era nuestra primera Navidad en los EE. UU. y yo acababa de llegar a casa de la escuela primaria, donde había aprendido sobre Santa Claus. El anciano alegre que traía los regalos de Navidad a los niños en los EE. UU.
“¿Y cómo? ¿Por cuál chimenea?” agregó. Yo no estaba muy segura de la logística, ya que ella tenía razón. Vivíamos en un apartamento de una habitación en Queens, Nueva York, en el segundo piso y por lo tanto, sin chimenea.
“¡Tal vez por la escalera de incendios!” razoné. “No”, declaró, “El niño Jesús trae los regalos.” Con el tiempo, negociamos los regalos tanto de Jesús como de Santa Claus. Hasta que sorprendí a Mami comiendo las galletas que dejé para ambos. Pero ese es otro cuento para otra Navidad.
El primer compromiso de Mami con respecto a la Navidad marcó el comienzo de un acto de equilibrio ante la evolución de mi fe. Las creencias de nuestra familia variaban de los que habían abandonado la fe a los que eran fieles. Pero aprendimos a navegar la Navidad juntos.
Por Leyden Rovelo-Krull Directora, Oficina del Ministerio Hispano
Mi padre no era católico practicante, lo que generó tensiones con la fe de mi madre. Aun así, las tradiciones son importantes en nuestra familia y cultura, especialmente en Navidad.
Recuerdo vívidamente la primera Navidad después de que le conté a mi madre sobre mis luchas con nuestra fe. Ese año, nuestra Nochebuena, que por lo general era alegre, se sintió tensa. Seguimos reuniéndonos, por supuesto. Pero la Misa de medianoche, que alguna vez fue el momento más destacado de nuestra velada, se convirtió en un evento que rechacé cortésmente. ¿Oraciones antes de las comidas? Me quedé estoica y en silencio. Sí, yo era la hija divertida.
Lo que puedo decir de esos años es que mi madre me dio espacio para luchar con mi fe sin comprometer la suya. Yo presentaba todo tipo de argumentos y “pruebas” contra los principios del catolicismo. Mi madre no es apologista, no sabía qué decir para defender su fe. Simplemente la vivía. No podía explicarme el catolicismo, lo presenciaba. Esa es una forma particular de apologética.
Mi viaje de regreso a la fe fue un proceso gradual, lleno de preguntas, dudas y momentos de lucha dolorosa. Mami oró y se aferró a la fe por las dos hasta que encontré el camino de regreso a Jesús, a la Navidad y a nuestro hogar. Entonces, ¿qué hizo mi mamá para navegar la Navidad? Aquí, en sus propias palabras, están sus cinco consejos principales:
1. AMA INCONDICIONALMENTE:
Tu fe debe ser un faro de esperanza y aceptación, no un muro de juicio. Recuerda que el amor de Dios es infinito e incondicional; deja que tu amor por tus hijos refleje eso.
2. MANTENGA ABIER TA LA COMUNICACIÓN:
Cree un espacio seguro para conversaciones honestas sobre la fe. Escuche más de lo que habla y muestre interés genuino en las per spectivas de sus hijos, incluso si difieren de las suyas.
3. PREDICA C ON EL EJEMPLO:
Deja que tu fe brille a través de tus acciones. Muéstrales a tus hijos la alegría, la paz y la fortaleza que te brindan tus creencias. A veces, un ejemplo de vida habla más que cualquier palabra.
4. MANTENGA L AS TRADICIONES, PERO SEA FLEXIBLE:
Continúe con las tradiciones navideñas de su familia, pero esté abierto a adaptarlas. Incluya elementos que sean relevantes para sus hijos, incluso si no son estrictamente religiosos. El objetivo es la unión y las experiencias compartidas.
5. OREMOS, PERO NO PREDIQUEMOS:
Mantengamos a nuestros hijos en nuestras oraciones, pero evitemos predicarles constantemente. Confíemos en el poder de la oración y en el tiempo de Dios. A veces, el camino de regreso a la fe es largo y personal.
Recuerden que la historia de Navidad es una historia de viajes inesperados. Los Reyes Magos viajaron lejos de casa antes de encontrar finalmente a Jesús. Y, como yo, regresaron a casa por otro camino.
Image by Leyden Rovelo-Krull
‘Salud’ a las familias ‘Salud’ a las familias
Por Obispo Johnston
Del Obispo
El obispo James V. Johnston, Jr. es el séptimo obispode la Diócesis de Kansas City-St. Joseph
SSi alguna vez tiene la oportunidad de visitar el Santuario Nacional de la Inmaculada Concepción en Washington, D.C., asegúrese de buscar una inusual estatua de bronce que representa la Sagrada Familia. No esta propiamente en el edificio de la iglesia, sino al fondo de una de las escaleras principales a nivel del suelo. La estatua representa a Jesús, María y José mientras viajaban, y Jesús era todavía muy joven. Quizás es el viaje de regreso a Nazaret desde Belén, o la huida a Egipto. La escena los muestra exhaustos. Todos están durmiendo, casi amontonados. Hasta el burro que viaja con ellos esta tirado en el suelo junto a ellos. La mayoría de las familias pueden identificarse con esa imagen.
Esa es una mis piezas favoritas de arte religioso en el Santuario porque muestra una de las facetas más bellas y menos apreciadas de la vida familiar de la Sagrada Familia, y de cada familia. La propia naturaleza de la vida familiar se basa en el amor sacrificial. Los niños pequeños no saben eso, pero son los instigadores de ese amor; en su inocencia y vulnerabilidad lo invocan de mamá y papá. Y mientras los niños son los recipientes de ese amor, quizás los que más se transforman por él son los padres. He oído a muchos padres decir que ellos no se dieron cuenta de cuanto podían amar hasta que tuvieron hijos. Esto no disminuye en lo absoluto el amor nupcial del matrimonio. De hecho, el amor de esposos toma un significado más profundo cuando su amor es un reflejo del amor de Dios y se alinea con la vida, bien
sea a través de la concepción o de la adopción de un niño. El círculo del amor se hace más grande, y se expande en una manera que saca a relucir la generosidad, la paciencia y otras virtudes. Los niños invitan a los padres a la clase de caridad de la que Cristo da ejemplo y llama a sus discípulos a seguir en el Evangelio. Con los niños, las prioridades de la vida se desplazan de uno mismo a los demás.
La transición al amor de sacrificio no está siempre libre de desafíos, y ningún padre lo hace todo bien. Y sí, se pueden ver ejemplos de malos padres. Sin embargo, el amor y la vida familiar poseen una belleza especial en las pruebas, los problemas y las imperfecciones. Es la arena en la cual todos nosotros no solamente somos introducidos a nuestra religión sino el lugar en el cual aprendemos a vivirla.
Criar niños es un trabajo que no es limpio y ordenado, especialmente con los niños pequeños. Y esto es inclusive antes de tomar en cuenta el deber de educar a los niños en la Fe. Los padres que toman este deber seriamente se dan cuenta de cuán importante es tener una comunidad que los pueda ayudar. Idealmente, la comunidad de una familia extendida — abuelos, tías, tíos, y primos- es un gran beneficio para reforzar la identidad de nuestra familia biológica, pero también se puede fortalecer la identidad en la familia más importante: la Familia de Dios, la Iglesia. La presencia de la familia extendida no es posible para muchos padres jóvenes, es por eso por lo que la comunidad parroquial toma una gran importancia. Las familias por medio de la amistad, la fe y la cultura que comparten, se ayudan unos a otros a través del testimonio compartido.
El papa San Juan Pablo II dijo, “El futuro de la humanidad se fragua en la familia” (Familiaris Consortio, 86). Al comenzar el 2025, año Jubilar de la Iglesia Católica, en la Fiesta de la Sagrada Familia, démosle gracias a Dios por la familia. Recemos por nuestras familias. Ayudemos a nuestras familias en su papel esencial de la crianza de sus hijos. ‘Salud’ a las familias.
Catholic schools build a culture of ‘saints in the making’ “saints in the making”
The two dozen grade schools located throughout the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph are chosen by families for similar reasons. However, the role these schools play in their communities can vary greatly.
All offer an alternative to public school education, grounded in the mission to partner with parents in their role as the primary educators of their children. However, local public school options and community dynamics affect not only student populations drawn to Catholic grade schools, but also what these schools represent for their parish and neighborhoods.
Most parents who choose Holy Rosary Catholic School in Clinton (about 75 percent) are not Catholic. Principal Kim Wat-
son says while they serve parish families the majority of their parents are not looking not for a Catholic education specifically, but rather what they believe to be a stronger academic education with smaller class sizes for their children.
“We have the reputation that our students are always one to two years ahead of their peers by the time they get to high school,” said Watson.
Holy Rosary is small, serving 68 children in pre-k to grade 8. The school’s student to teacher
By Karen Ridder
ratio is 12 to 1. Those are numbers Watson says can give teachers time to work with each of the kids individually.
All of the children at the school learn about Catholic teachings and attend Mass. Watson says she has seen these exposures to Catholic tradition help the high number of non-Catholic children at her school understand their own churches better.
Watson believes parent involvement and the faith education all students receive at Holy Rosary helps them become well-rounded citizens for the community. Nearly 100 percent of her students go on to the public high school in Clinton. They often are able to start advanced classes as freshmen.
At St. Therese Catholic School in Parkville, Principal Amy Hogan believes they offer an academic rigor that rivals the many area public schools, but for parents the value of Catholic school is creating a space for greater involvement and control over their child’s education.
“Parents want to expose their kids to good values and higher expectations and virtues that are going to help them contribute positively in society in more than just getting a good
The 600 students at the school are primarily Catholic, but about 15 percent of the population is from outside the parish.
While the school has tangible ways to push kids academically, the education in values and virtues is central to what they do.
“We talk about how it is our goal to get to heaven. Yes, we educate the child, but our number one goal is to get them to heaven,” said Hogan.
Their approach is about giving kids a safer bubble to grow up in, where the conversations at home are mirrored more closely at school. They believe in Jesus and draw families, both Catholic and non-Catholic, who want their children taught at school along with like-minded people who also love Jesus. It builds a common community, making Parkville and the Northland a little smaller for families.
About 66 percent of students graduating from St. Therese
Catholic Schools Week Jan.
26-Feb. 1
continue to a metro area Catholic high school, including schools both north and south of the river.
At St. Elizabeth School in Kansas City, community is also key. Principal Michael Riley says the school is a true neighborhood school where many kids walk to school every day.
Riley says they don’t so much draw people simply seeking a public school alternative, instead they primarily serve their parish. About 95 percent of their 400 students are registered in the parish. People move to the neighborhood to tithe at the church and send their kids to the school. Families in their parish are often multi-generational. Parents who grew up at St. Elizabeth and moved to other parts of the country often move back to be near the school and send their children there.
It makes their role more traditional, and in some ways, more
unique among modern Catholic grade schools.
“We serve the Waldo community. There’s a real legacy and tradition of that. The school is just over 100 years old. That’s a testament to the parish, the school and the level of commitment of the families,” said Riley.
The school also offers the FIRE program to make sure children with special needs and disabilities have access to Catholic education. The program helps build an atmosphere of inclusion and compassion which Riley believes promotes the goal of Catholic education and faith formation for their students.
“Authentically respecting one another is central to educating the whole child. We address the different needs socially, emotionally, spiritually that our children are coming to us with. Faith, which binds us together, is interwoven to every aspect of the school day. It is how we interact and care for one another,” said Riley.
Almost all St Elizabeth graduating students continue a Catholic education into high school.
At the end of the day, the role of Catholic schools in the world today is to build a culture where children can thrive as “saints in the making.”
WHEN SPEAKING WITH FATHER
BILL FOX, PAROCHIAL ADMINISTRATOR
OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN PARISH, CARROLLTON,
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, RICHMOND AND SACRED HEART MISSION, NORBORNE, HE SOUNDS VERY BUSY BUT LOVING IT.
A transplant from Long Island, New York, he was ordained for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph in 2018, and served parishes in Kansas City, Smithville, Kearney, Princeton and Trenton before beginning his current assignment July 1, 2024. Father Fox also served several years as chaplain for the Kansas City Police Department. He admitted that the administration of three parishes in two farming counties is “a balancing act.” Currently, he celebrates five Masses on weekends, driving to all three churches. In addition to the weekend Masses, hearing confessions, scheduling meetings, faith formation and special events at three different parishes can be challenging, even overwhelming. During planting and harvest seasons especially, farming parishioners just aren’t as available. Priestly availability is also important to his parishioners.
Spirit Holy New Yorker called by the Holy Spirit to Western Missouri
By Marty Denzer | Photos by Michael Hogan
Along with “trying to meet all the needs of three parishes,” he has been learning about the parish histories and finding them fascinating. The brick church of St. Mary’s in Carrollton, for example, was built in 1872. Mary Quinn Tally, a cousin of U.S. Gen. James Shields, had prospered through some shrewd investments and contracted and paid for most of the church building. Father Fox learned that Tally was buried in New York, and on a recent trip to Long Island to visit family, he also visited Tally’s grave and said a prayer for her.
He said he’s learning more about his parishioners, too. “One of my altar servers at Sacred Heart made me a cross in shop class. He’s a middle schooler, I believe. I was really touched that he did that. The cross is sitting in my office, and I see it as a heartening sign of what I am called to be as a priest, a Father.”
Father Fox said that until the current priest shortage mediates itself, which could take a generation, collaboration between parishes administered by one priest is necessary to maintain the parishes and to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ, which is a priest’s most important work.
Father Bill Fox, pastor of parishes in rural communities of Carrollton, Richmond and Norborne, Missouri.
ONE OF MY ALTAR SERVERS AT SACRED HEART MADE ME A CROSS IN SHOP CLASS. I WAS REALLY TOUCHED THAT HE DID THAT. THE CROSS IS SITTING IN MY OFFICE, AND I SEE IT AS A HEARTENING SIGN OF WHAT I AM CALLED TO BE AS A PRIEST, A FATHER.
Agricultural communities present special challenges to a priest, as agribusiness is no longer labor-dependent, he said, which can cause church membership to drop. As of now, he estimated 130-140 families call St. Mary’s in Carrollton their parish home; about 60 families attend Immaculate Conception in Richmond; and about 30 families attend Sacred Heart in Norborne. Population density also impacts church membership. For example, in Kansas City, Missouri, there are about 1,614 people per square mile, but in Carroll County, there are 15 people per square mile. Father Fox estimates that of the county’s 2023 population of 8,391, the Carrollton and Norborne Catholic churches serve only about 8 percent of the population. Ray County, home of Immaculate Conception Parish in Richmond, has 16 people per square mile.
He has ideas and hopes to build improved collaboration between the three parishes he serves. Having parish and finance councils meet jointly to discuss making ministries more efficient and working collaboratively is one idea. Bringing together pastoral personalities and the distinct, individual personalities of each parish is another. He would like one website, one phone number and one unified bulletin for all three parishes.
“My city-boy-ness is easily recognized in rural communities,” Father Fox said with a chuckle.“I knew there’d be a learning curve, but Bishop (James) Johnston, through the Holy Spirit, sent me here to Western Missouri.”
Prayer and mindfulness
By Cody Hummer, LMSW
Have you ever been distracted in prayer and felt defeated, like you were unable to control your thoughts? If so, you’re not alone. In this article I aim to provide some reasons why we struggle with feeling distracted, how it relates to our Catholic Faith, and some practicals about what you can do about it.
Let’s start by understanding why our thoughts seem to be uncontrollable at times. Living in a society with constant stimuli and distraction, our minds are overwhelmed with a multitude of decisions surrounding the past and the future. This incessant pestering of thoughts can cause us to lose sight of what is in front of us. Mindfulness has risen to popularity over the last few decades as a solution to the lack of focus. Mindfulness, as defined by the American Psychological Association, is a moment to moment awareness of one’s personal experience without judgment. This skill allows for individuals to regulate their thoughts and be attentive to those thoughts without allowing them to take control. In our Catholic tradition, we are called to be open to Jesus’ care for us, attentive to the movements of the Holy Spirit, while embracing every moment as a gift from the Father. Practices like silent contemplative prayer, Lectio Divina and the Rosary have long been paths to drawing closer to
Cody Hummer is a licensed master of social work and counselor at the Center for Healing in Kansas City, Missouri. cody.hummer@centerforhealingkc.com
God, allowing us to listen and be still. Mindfulness complements prayer by helping us be more fully present, quieting the mental noise, and orienting ourselves to God. By integrating mindfulness into prayer, we can deepen our relationship with the Lord and cultivate a more serene and peaceful inner life. Mindfulness grounds us in the present and allows the worry of the past and distractions of the future to be surrendered to the Lord’s care.
Here are a few practical tips:
Start prayer by taking a few deep breaths while inviting in the Holy Spirit.
Spend a couple minutes observing your environment while focusing on a short prayer or scripture verse.
Journal thoughts, feelings and sensations down before prayer and ask where the Lord is working.
Read the book The Mindful Catholic by Dr. Gregory Bottaro if you’re interested in learning more.
In a world of distractions, adopting mindful practices within a Christ-centered framework can help us find the tranquility and stillness we seek in everyday life. Incorporate brief moments of mindfulness into your daily prayer life and see how it enhances your connection with God.
Growing God’s kingdom on earth
By Allison Vrooman
“SHARING THE FAITH WITH MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IS A PRIVILEGE, AND SERVING GOD THROUGH HIS COMMUNITY IS A WAY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE GROWTH OF GOD’S KINGDOM ON EARTH,” SAID SUSANA FIGUEROA.
Figueroa has been a parishioner at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Northeast Kansas City for 15 years. She values how united and service-oriented the community is. Throughout her time in the parish, her love for God has motivated her to serve his people.
Figueroa has contributed to St. Anthony’s service oriented community in many ways. She began by volunteering to educate and encourage parents and godparents as they prepared for their child’s Baptism. Later, she shifted her effort to walking alongside young women who were preparing to celebrate their quinceañera She helped them understand God’s plan
for their lives within their family, society, and the parish community.
Called again to use her time and knowledge to educate others, Figueroa is currently working towards a catechist certification through Equipados. Equipados is a program, offered by the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry, that trains and supports individuals to become catechists and serve in their communities. Figueroa is preparing to coordinate St. Anthony’s catechesis program starting in January 2025.
“My soul rejoices when I know that someone comes closer to Christ because of my service,” Figueroa said.
Topping off the list of services to her
parish, she has spent several years organizing the annual parish festival. Taking place each fall, the festival is a large event that draws participation from much of the community. Delicious food, fun games, memorable dances and a raffle are a few highlights of the event. The funds raised go directly toward restorations in the church. Figueroa reflected on the great improvements that have been made to St. Anthony in the past few years, sharing, “This is largely due to our pastor, Father Andrés Moreno, who has listened to and organized his community well.”
Prompted to share words of encouragement for others to give back to their community, Figueroa said, “I would tell them to think about how God has given each of us different gifts and talents. We should use them to serve others. Not everyone is meant to do the same thing, but we can all do something to serve the Lord.”
Photo by: Megan Marley
The POWER of PRAYER
By Sara Kraft
“Losing Gabriel was hard, because it was the abrupt heartache and grief and I had never been through it,” explained Amanda Buttig, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Kansas City parishioner. “I knew losing Isabella was an option, but deep down I thought we’d never have to.”
Amanda is the mother of five living and three miscarried children. Despite no complications in her first two pregnancies, she lost Gabriel to a miscarriage in 2014. Due to that loss, she was closely monitored during her fourth pregnancy. As she and husband Daniel watched her bloodwork numbers fall, they knew Isabella was miscarried.
“It was the first time in my whole life I really felt stoic resentment,” Amanda explained. “I knew I needed to pray, even though I was upset. For six months, I was just kind of sitting there during prayer, giving God the silent treatment. I didn’t have anything to say, so I just sat there. In hindsight, he was just sitting with me too.”
“I’d tell him I know you, love you and
trust you. I still understand you have what’s best for me.”
Finally, Amanda admitted to God her anger. She had a new understanding that being open to life also meant being open to miscarriage and the loss of her children.
“Losing Gabriel taught me trust. Losing Isabella taught me docility to trust if this is God’s will. These deaths could be what helps my soul go to heaven.”
Throughout this experience, Amanda grew in her understanding of prayer. “Prayer is resting in God’s presence. It is asking him for things. It is sitting with him in the fear, and knowing I am in his presence,” stated Amanda. “It’s like a best friend who sits with you while you cry. It also is asking and
sharing and being with him in the sorrow, the joy or the grief.”
After another miscarriage in February 2023, Amanda became pregnant again in June 2023. During one appointment, there were multiple indicators of a likely miscarriage.
“We really prayed for God’s will to be done, but we also prayed we keep the baby,” stated Amanda.
They readied for the practicalities of a miscarriage and prepared their children for another loss. “It was a real challenge not to limit God to my experiences and expectations. This was another step forward in prayer,” Amanda recalls. At a follow-up ultrasound, they had the shock of being told that everything looked fine. They now have a healthy daughter born February 2024.
“Prayer keeps us grounded, keeps us focused, and keeps our minds and hearts raised to him,” explained Amanda. “In the day-today moments, prayer helps us to remember what’s far more important: eternity.”
Paoletti
Photography
