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M A G A Z I N E
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T H E
C A T H O L I C
D I O C E S E
O F
K A N S A S
C I T Y - S T .
J O S E P H
kc sj cathol i c.org DECEMB ER 2021/ JA N UA RY 2022
FROM THE BISHOP What makes Catholic schools different? P. 4
STEWARDSHIP Our generosity blesses the world P. 10
PILGRIMAGE Visit the Holy Crib this Christmas season P. 24
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Catholic Key • December 2021/January 2022 • catholickey.org
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The magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
Is there a difference?
Bishop Johnston
DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022 VOL. 2 | ISSUE 1 Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. Publisher
City on a Hill young adult ministry reflects on its generational impact as
and successful, but also to be wise
it celebrates its 15th anniversary in
and good.” Let us celebrate the gift
the Kansas City area and a new chap-
that our Catholic schools are to so
ter as an independent organization.
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www.FAITHcatholic.com Catholic Key (ISSN 2769-2353, USPS 024-190) is a membership publication of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, published Bi-Monthly (Feb/Mar, Apr/May, Jun/Jul, Aug/Sep, Oct/Nov, Dec/ Jan) by the Diocese of Kansas CitySt. 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. ©2021 Catholic Key, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. ON THE COVER: Photo by Megan Marley CORRECTION: The Fall issue’s cover photo was courtesy of FIRE Foundation.
22
Healing Our Family | Rachel’s Vineyard offers
hope and healing after abortion
strengthened.
To submit story ideas and news, send emails to marley@diocesekcsj.org
Community, inspiration
want students to not only be smart
must be stewarded, cared for and
Jenny Pomicter Graphic designer
Growing God’s Family |
Many have heard my mantra: “We
Church and our world … a gift that
Megan Marley Assistant editor
20
and formation | Megan Marley
many students and families, to our
Ashlie Hand Editor
M e ga n M a rl e y
On the Way | Catholic schools:
Marty Denzer Catholic schools inspire
Abortion affects each person dif-
Marty Denzer
ferently; most don’t talk about it.
As our country looks ahead to Cele-
The majority suffer in silence, of-
brate Catholic Schools Week at the
ten for years, but Rachel’s Vineyard
end of January, a family, student
post-abortion ministry in the Diocese
and principal share their thoughts
of Kansas City-St. Joseph offers hope
on what makes Catholic schools so
and healing.
special. COVER STORY
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A home for life — St. Mary’s Home for
Mothers opens a door to hope
Using Our Resources Wisely | Generosity: the flow of
God’s blessings to the world
Ashlie Hand
Robert Sandford
The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Jo-
Read the witness of three individu-
seph now has its first maternity home
als whose stories of lives changed,
for pregnant, unwed and homeless
hearts healed and souls called and
mothers who wish to choose life for
equipped to make a difference have
their babies and need support for
come from the generosity of the An-
a fresh start. Nestled in a peaceful
nual Catholic Appeal.
rural landscape, the former monastery, once home to a group of Benedictine Sisters, now has a new life serving mothers in need. With
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EN ESPAÑOL
26 28 30
En Camino Obispo Johnston Las escuelas Católicas son inspiradoras | Marty Denzer Navidad: María, José y Jesús Sin Lugar
Padre Andrés Moreno
To serve and to lift Susan Walker
Catholic Charities introduces us to
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Summer Camp 2021 | Camps Savio and Bosco
the local Church, generous donors
Marie — a single mother fleeing do-
and expert resources, Deacons Doug
mestic violence who finds just one
Hemke and Kevin Cummings prepare
person, caring about and assisting
Learn what Camps Savio and Bosco
to welcome the very first residents of
another person — over and over
meant to one counselor and three
St. Mary’s Home for Mothers.
again, each hour, each day.
campers last summer.
Robert Sandf ord
Ashlie Hand
Ma rt y Denzer
Susan Wa l k e r leads the Outreach and
is a writer,
works for
leads the
is long-time writer
photographer,
St. Catherine
Office of
in residence for
Engagement team at
videographer and
of Siena Parish
Communications
the Catholic Key.
Catholic Charities KCSJ,
media geek for the
and St. Thomas
for the Diocese
Her many years of
working to Outpace
Diocese of Kansas
More Parish.
of Kansas City-
work can be found
Poverty throughout our
City-St. Joseph.
bobsandford.net
St. Joseph.
on catholickey.org.
27 counties.
Diocesan Youth Office
3
Is there a difference?
I
think often about our Catholic schools. In part,
Our schools also believe in, and are guided by, truth; not simply empirical “truths,” but that Truth which has been revealed by God as because so many of our resources go toward them a person, the eternal Son of God made flesh, Jesus Christ. It cannot be in terms of people and money. But I also have come overemphasized: Christ is the key to everything in life! He reveals all we need to know about God and about the ultimate meaning of our own to a deeper realization of how important they have lives. Essentially, He is why our Catholic schools are different. become in the times in which we live. Knowing Christ illuminates every other subject that a student is immersed in, along with all the other wonderful activities and athletic Before sharing why Catholic schools are different, pursuits that make up a school year. Ultimately, our Catholic schools I want to issue two disclaimers. First, this is not have the mission to help students to not simply know things, but to going to be a negative commentary on families who know who they are and to know God. Life is fundamentally defined by choose public school or homeschooling as the option relationships, and our Catholic schools’ mission is to cultivate the most for education. Parents are responsible for the best important relationships which lead to wise and good men and women choices for how their children will be educated, and who have hearts ready to love and serve. F r om the there are a lot of factors that go into that decision. This past year, the enrollment in our Catholic schools rose signifiB is h o p Also, there are many truly great leaders and teachers cantly across the diocese. My sense is only anecdotal, but I suspect that Bishop James involved in public schools and homeschooling, this was in part an unexpected result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With V. Johnston, Jr. including devout and dedicated Catholics, whose conditions as they were, some parents decided to give Catholic schools a is the seventh faith and love for God animate and inspire their try and transitioned their children into our schools. As one parent shared bishop of the teaching. I am grateful for them. We need strong after only a few weeks, “I had no idea that there was such a difference!” Diocese of public schools and strong homeschooling! Another, a non-Catholic Christian dad, whose child transitioned into Kansas CitySecond, Catholic schools are not perfect. They are a Catholic middle-school grade, shared with me that his entire family St. Joseph dependent upon the people, the communities and was so impacted by his child’s experience that they are beginning the the vision that make them up: students, families, process to enter into the full communion of the Catholic Church. My teachers, coaches, leaders and administrators. Problems, mistakes and sense is that these parents are also telling other parents that there is a difficulties arise in Catholic schools like anywhere else. To succeed, significant difference in a Catholic school. Catholic schools must never lose sight of their unique mission and must As we make the turn of the calendar year and enter January, we will be passionate about fulfilling it. soon approach Celebrate Catholic Schools Week. We That said, Catholic schools are different because their use this annual occasion to celebrate the gift that our mission is different. Many have heard my mantra: “We Catholic schools are to so many students and families, Catholic schools nationwide will want students to not only be smart and successful, but also to our Church and our world. We also are reminded recognize to be wise and good.” Academic success is one thing that that this is a gift that must be stewarded, cared for and Celebrate Catholic Catholic schools have in common with other schools — strengthened. Schools Week public and private. Both want to see students succeed I thank all who make our Catholic schools possible from January 31 in college-level studies or skilled trades in hopes of and whose generosity keeps them available. My desire is February 6. future achievements in a career which brings personal that any Catholic family who wants a Catholic education Visit ncea.org/csw satisfaction and economic well-being. But most know for a child should have that opportunity. If this is your to learn more. that happiness is not found in these things alone. This desire, please explore the options and opportunities is what sets our Catholic schools apart. with our schools. Catholic schools have the freedom and purpose to I recently read somewhere that when it comes to raisaccompany students in what might best be described as “formation.” ing children, there are no “do-overs.” The impressionable window of This formation of the child and young person is grounded in an accuchildhood and adolescence closes before you know it. Our diocesan rate vision of the human person, the gifted nature of our existence and Catholic schools stand ready to partner with parents in this amazing that our origin is in God’s love, along with the eternal destiny that God and important responsibility of forming and preparing children for this desires for each person. life and eternal life.
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Catholic Key • December 2021/January 2022 • catholickey.org
on the way
“Blessed are we, O Israel; for what pleases God is known to us!” - BARUCH 4:4
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“To equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ.” EPHESIANS 4:12
Each year, together, we are given the opportunity to continue God’s mission through the Annual Catholic Appeal. This year’s 2022 ACA theme, “To equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ,” reminds us of the journey of faith we make together as one community in Northern and Western Missouri. The Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) enables us to fund the ministries, services, and programs that are vital for the mission and work of our 87 parishes and 10 missions that no one parish or person could support alone. Through your generosity, your gift makes a difference in the lives of others.
To give a gift or make a pledge to the 2022 Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) go online and visit: www.kcsjcatholic.org. Also, while there, please take the opportunity to view the 2022 ACA Video. 6
Catholic Key • December 2021/January 2022 • catholickey.org
FAI TH AT W O R K
Q:
How is your Catholic faith expressed during the work day or in the professional setting?
My deep-rooted faith allows me to conduct myself as a leader in the way that God has taught us — to care about others, to be inclusive and to bring joy to those around me. My organization knows that I have a strong faith and how prayerful I am. Many will come to me with special intentions or prayer requests, and it brings me so much joy to be able to pray with them and support them in the way I was taught to do by my parents and through my strong Catholic faith. I use my 30-minute commute each day to talk to God, pray for his guidance in the day ahead and in the way I serve as the CEO of CommunityAmerica. Starting my day with prayer guides the way I interact with my organization and the community and keeps me grounded. The culture that has resulted from this approach is something I READ MORE am very proud of and undoubtedly played a role in from our conversation CommunityAmerica being named a “Best Place to with Lisa at Work” by the Kansas City Business Journal for three catholickey.org. consecutive years. I also feel convicted to pay forward my leadership role and experience by serving as a civic leader in our region, where I can exercise my voice to help impact positive change. My faith is reflected in the heart I have for giving back to the community through philanthropic support and meaningful charitable contributions. I make sure our employees receive paid time off to volunteer, and I offer multiple opportunities for employees to give back to the community in a variety of ways.
FAITH at WORK T
Courtesy of CommunityAmerica Credit Union
A
By Ashlie Hand
he vast majority of the more than 1.5 million people employed in the Kansas City and St. Joseph metropolitan areas work in secular industries. How is
faith expressed by devoted Catholics working in our area banks, law firms, doctor’s offices, restaurants, farms or auto plants? This is “faith at work.”
LISA GINTER, CEO CommunityAmerica Credit Union Lisa was born and raised in Kansas City, part of a large and devoted Irish Catholic family led in faith by her parents Gary and Connie Haggerty. Lisa attended elementary school at Nativity of Mary and St. John LaLande, then St. Mary’s High School before receiving her degree from Rockhurst University (where she currently serves on the Board of Trustees). Today, Lisa leads one of the largest credit unions in the country, headquartered in Lenexa, Kan. CommunityAmerica has more than doubled in growth since Lisa became CEO in 2015, and it now serves thousands of individuals, families and businesses, ranking as one of the Kansas City region’s top financial institutions.
Q:
Does your Catholic faith influence your interactions and decisions throughout the work day?
I’m unapologetic when it comes to my Catholic faith because it’s such an integral part of who I am. We get this one journey on earth, which leads me to build our organization and culture in a way that is authentic, people-focused and geared toward long-term success. There is no question that faith influences how I lead. I want to inspire people into the type of action that reflects what our heavenly Father wants us to do, which is to help all people in all walks of life. I’m so proud of what CommunityAmerica is doing in our community and the positive and lasting impact we’re making for everyone in our region — and we’re not slowing down any time soon!
A
Q:
Is there a Bible verse, Scripture story, prayer, spiritual item or quote that you carry with you?
I’ve prayed the rosary my entire life — it was a part of our family gatherings every Sunday, and it is still an important ritual and tradition for my family today. It is a beautiful demonstration of my faith and is so closely connected to my treasured family upbringing, so the rosary continues to be a prayer that brings me a lot of comfort and peace.
A
Lisa attends Mass at a variety of parishes due to a busy travel schedule.
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Cath o l i c S ch o o l s W e e k
Faith, values and pride help to build a tradition of Catholic education in Kansas City-St. Joseph By Marty Denzer | Photos by Megan Marley
F
or more than 150 years, Catholic schools have been educating children and young people in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
Diocesan Superintendent of Schools Karen
Kroh, Ph.D., said there are currently 32 diocesan academic facilities, including high schools, elementary schools and early child development centers. Catholic schools are uniquely special to the families, students and administrators who make up each school’s community.
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inspire Nieves Family
The Nieves family sends their daughters, Rosie, a third grader, and Luna, who attends pre-kindergarten, to Holy Cross School in Kansas City. Rosie has attended Holy Cross since pre-K and said, “I love it!” Their mom, Crystal Nieves, attended Catholic schools growing up and wanted her children to have the same experience: “I went to St. Stephen’s, then St. Mary’s High School. Both are closed now, but I loved them and won’t forget them.” She said the class sizes, caring teachers and staff made her comfortable and confident in her ability to succeed. “Here at Holy Cross, my daughters are having similar experiences. I really like and appreciate that the Spanish language and Hispanic culture are embraced and taught here. They’re getting a well-rounded education and learning about their culture, too.” Both Rosie and Luna wore khaki pants and polo shirts. When Rosie wasn’t speaking, she worked on a math worksheet. Luna played on her mom’s phone, occasionally jumping up to pet Addie, the principal’s and school’s comfort dog.
Catholic Key • December 2021/January 2022 • catholickey.org
The girls said they liked their uniforms, and Crystal agreed, “Wearing uniforms means no one is judged by appearance.” Rosie said she likes being kind to her fellow students. Crystal interjected, “That’s another plus of Catholic schools. The students treat each other with kindness and then they bring that behavior home. We have a three-year-old son, and mostly the girls are kind to him. Here, students get education plus values!” When asked what their classroom favorites were, Luna said, “I like to play with my friends. I like drawing and coloring. I like to read books. I like Minnie Mouse books best. And oh, magnet building shapes!” Rosie chimed in, “I like art class best! I like to read chapter books, especially Dog Man books. And I like growing up and learning more.” When Rosie was asked why she thinks Catholic schools are different from other schools, she said the teachers are patient and kind, and everybody pitches in to help if needed. Crystal added, “Having my kids at Holy Cross gives my husband and me peace of mind.”
L EARN MORE
about the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph Catholic schools at catholicschoolsystem.net.
Betsy A seventh grader at St. Elizabeth’s School in Kansas City, Betsy Underwood has a lot of pride in and affection for her school. She has attended “St. E’s” since kindergarten, her mother Jessica is an alumna and her five younger siblings also attend the school. Betsy noted “special” aspects of Catholic schools: learning about Jesus in religion class, how the Catholic faith grew over 2,000 years and about the sacraments that help keep that faith strong. “We go to Mass as a class (half in person, half virtually, because of COVID-19) on Wednesdays and our class goes on field trips. We also have service hours.”
100 YEARS OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION AT 75TH & MAIN In 1922, just five years after establishing the parish, St. Elizabeth welcomed the school’s first students. One hundred years later, the tradition of academic excellence and commitment to educating the next generation of Catholics, begun by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, is one of the largest ministries of the parish and educates 400 students per year. In 2020, it dedicated a new Early Childhood Center. It will kick off its centennial year on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, with a special Catholic Schools Week Mass at 10 a.m. and Open House from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Go to www.stekcschool.org for the full list of centennial activities.
Betsy has logged many service hours, helping the computer teacher move boxes, baby-sitting, helping in the food pantry and assisting “family or friends when they need help.” She said, “Math is my favorite subject; it’s important for so many things. It’s also necessary to learn to write properly. History? Knowing about our country’s past, our world’s past, where we came from, is also really important.” She is proud to say she goes to St. Elizabeth’s. “I have the opportunity to learn about my religion. Our classes and student body are very inclusive. I have awesome teachers and lots of friends. It’s fun to go here!” She added that she will always be Catholic, learning more about the Ten Commandments and sacraments. “Being Catholic teaches you to honor the Golden Rule.” Betsy believes that attending St. Elizabeth’s has strengthened her faith, “We are learning all the time about our faith, each time we go to Mass, receive the sacraments, or read about it. It’s easier to believe if you understand it and know you can rely on Jesus when you need him. Praying to Jesus helps us become better people by living in his way.” Betsy said that even if given the chance, she would change nothing about the school: “Changes could not make it any better.”
Ms. Huss Bishop LeBlond High School’s new principal, Kimberly Huss, began at the high school in St. Joseph in 2004 as a life sciences teacher and varsity volleyball and track and field coach. In 2016, she assumed the position of vice principal while still teaching. Huss finds that the same skills used in coaching are needed to lead a Catholic school. She said, “Both roles involve forming relationships with students and parents, envisioning possibilities, setting goals and managing daily tasks. It’s important to understand the gifts and talents of all involved and to bring it together to help the team. Those skills are necessary to lead a Catholic school.” She added, “At the heart of both leadership and coaching is being a great teacher; I think after my more than 20 years in Catholic education, that is the most important.” Ms. Huss said the wide range of responsibilities beyond teaching and learning can be challenging, but her favorite aspect of leadership is building connections with Bishop LeBlond’s 174 students and the teachers. “Catholic high school leaders have a variety of roles,” Huss said, “and often must shoulder more responsibilities because we have fewer employees. We are blessed to have the support of our families, faith communities and alumni continuing the tradition of Catholic education. It’s challenging because our focus is growing the faith of our students as well as growing in wisdom.”
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using our re s o u r ce s w i se ly
GENEROSITY:
the flow of God’s blessings into the world “To equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ.”
- Ephesians 4:12
By Robert Sandford
T
Father Andrew Kleine:
he Annual Catholic Appeal gathers, in one sweeping gesture of the body of Christ, the economy of God’s blessings: poured
generosity and the priesthood
out on God’s people and shared, blessings beget blessings. If
Father Andrew Kleine was ordained on May 25, 2019. He is parochial vicar at St. Thomas More Parish, chaplain at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High School and vocation promoter with the Vocation Office. He spoke to me by phone on his way back from a vocations retreat in St Joseph. I asked him how the generosity of God’s people shaped his path to the priesthood. He spoke with eloquence born of love and gratitude of those who were generous with their time, care, encouragement and prayers. As he spoke, I became convinced that the priesthood, all ministry and the very life of the Church rest on the generosity of her members. Recalling the Serra Club seminarian banquet, where the generosity of many is gathered into a gesture of charity, he offered this: Giving to the ACA is “more than checking off the box. It’s an intentional act in a context of support.”
we could, by some Herculean effort, gather all the stories of lives changed, hearts healed and souls called and equipped to make a difference in more than 30 ministries, we would have a portrait so beautiful that it would certainly change hearts. Here is but a glimpse of that portrait through the lens of generosity.
Kisha Thomas:
Fr. Andrew Kleine, right, assists Office of Vocations Director Fr. Adam Johnson in promoting vocations among youth.
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Catholic Key • December 2021/January 2022 • catholickey.org
Kisha Thomas, LMSW, a 16-year veteran of Catholic Charities, is currently the director of the Welcome Center at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in south Kansas City that offers assistance with food, hygiene items and food stamp applications. “So often, agencies lack funding, staff, or the services to meet the client’s request. Currently, Catholic Charities is in a position to provide financial and basic needs to those who were not only affected by the pandemic, but those affected by life.” It is a blessing “to see clients get their needs met and achieve their goals.” She offered this story: Steve, a man in his early 60s, came to them looking for gas. He was living
Getty Images/saemilee
being an agent of the generosity of God’s people
Finding freedom in
STEWARDSHIP
It is a blessing ‘to see clients get their needs met and achieve their goals.’”
in his truck and trying to start a lawn care business. With their assistance he was able to start his business, persevere through heart surgery, adapt and find “the best job I’ve ever had” allowing him to move into an apartment.
Jerry Haake:
responding to the call to be generous Jerry Haake is a lifetime involved Catholic. He attended Catholic schools through college. He and his wife, Mo, have been members at St. Thomas More Parish since 1978. Their three children went to school and received their sacraments there. If you ask him what inspires him to stay involved in the ministries of the Church, he will tell you about his parents: “My parents were life-forming for my faith. They encouraged us kids to be kind to others, to be tithers, to care about those who need a hand up, to reach out and make a difference.” They “led by their example, which I strive to do as well. Honoring their leadership has been nothing but gratifying.” He will also tell you he’s an optimist. “The saying, ‘if it’s to be, it’s up to me’ has been an influence to me all of my adult life.” He has learned that, with God’s help, he can make a difference. God gives him the graces, talents and the strength to act, and “I give him the freedom to let me know what di-
Getty Images/saemilee
- KISHA THOMAS
Stewardship puts your relationship with Christ at the center of everything you “have” and “do.” It allows you to focus your energy and gifts on what matters most and how you can help to build the Kingdom of God on Earth. Most importantly it has the potential to lead us to one of the most beautiful gifts that can transcend this earthly exJ e re my istence…freedom. Lillig As Pope Francis recently said, “There is no freeis director of dom without love. The selfish freedom of doing Stewardship and what I want is not freedom because it comes back Development to yourself, it isn’t fruitful.” If we aren’t using the gifts we’ve been given for the service of others, we can potentially become selfish, beholden to the material world, and isolated. Making this change is no easy task, nothing worth doing ever is, but by relinquishing our own ego, and in turn being more effective stewards, we can change not only our community but the world. The recent past of living with a pandemic has been tough. Some might say devastating. We need each other. But as Jesus has taught us we mustn’t lose hope. If we can harvest that hope, together with the grace of God, we can make it through this. We just have to want it. The possibilities are endless. We can build even stronger communities that are supportive, connected through prayer and in service to one another. Please prayerfully consider what the future has in store for the many gifts you’ve been asked to steward. How can you use them for others?
rection I must take.” This has led beyond his involvement at St. Thomas More to serving on numerous diocesan committees, helping with initiatives to address the needs of the underserved LE A R N M O R E and undereducated in Kansas about the 2022 Annual City and, since 1982, to particCatholic Appeal and ipating in the mission of Serra where your donations International, “a lay apostolate go by visiting kcsjcatholic.org/office/ for supporting the priesthood and stewardship-andreligious life.” development/annualThese experiences have opened Jerry’s catholic-appeal. heart to many of the needs in our community. He is grateful for what he is able to offer and recognizes that he can only do so much. So he gives to the ACA to help equip others to meet the needs of people in our community. He offered his story in the hope that he might lead by example and encourage others to join the effort.
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c atho l i c c har i ti es
TO SERVE and TO LIFT By Susan Walker
C
atholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph empowers
at-risk people to create a pathway out of poverty by alleviating their immediate crises to create stability; then providing robust support to lift them to dignity and self-reliance. Marie (not her real name) is a single mother. She and her husband had been doing OK, but there was definitely no money to spare at the end of the month. Conversations often turned tense when extra expenses showed up. The breaking point was a flat tire that couldn’t be repaired. It seems like a simple item — one that many people would just reach into their savings to take care of. However, Marie had no savings, and the cost of a replacement tire was more than the budget could bear. Frustration escalated between the couple. One harsh argument led to another; within weeks, the relationship deteriorated to the point of physical violence. Marie had joined the ranks of those who suffer domestic violence. Fearing for her safety, and the wellbeing of her children, she fled and wound up spending several nights in her car. She knew it was time to find help. Asking for help is harder than it might seem. Individuals, and particularly parents in poverty, already are in emotional distress about being unable
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Catholic Key • December 2021/January 2022 • catholickey.org
One person, caring about and assisting another person — over and over again, each hour, each day. That’s how Catholic Charities seeks to make a real and lasting difference for the at-risk individuals in our diocese.”
to provide life’s basic necessities. Public benefit and assistance websites are often confusing and hard to fill out — particularly if the only internet access available is a cell phone. State offices like the Department of Social Services often have lengthy lines and dozens of families seeking help, so there is a long, impersonal wait — sometimes made worse by discovering that you don’t have the right paperwork and will need to make your way back on another day with the correct documents. Men and women quickly feel marginalized, unseen and unheard. At Catholic Charities, however, staff works from a client-centric model. All who come seeking help are compassionately met “where they are” and engaged in a deeper conversation that begins with “how can we help you today” and leads seamlessly into “how can we help make things better next week, next month, next year.” Marie met with a Catholic Charities staff member who connected her with food and personal care items for her and her children — with the request to return and allow us to continue helping her find her way out of her situation. Marie did return — multiple times. She met with a housing specialist, who
enrolled her in our permanent supportive housing program. She attended employment services workshops and worked with a staff member to develop a resume, determine where to apply and practice interview questions. When she secured her job, she came back for more assistance in developing skills that would help her keep her job and find a career path. Each time she came to Catholic Charities, she found one person who was able to assist. There was a Welcome Center specialist, a housing specialist, a case manager, then an employment services specialist, a kind volunteer and a welcoming receptionist. Each took time to focus on her and the challenges she was facing. It’s the concept of one person, caring about and assisting another person, then connecting with yet another one person who helps in a different way, that is foundational to our efforts “to serve and to lift.” Everyone is treated with dignity and respect, seen and heard as a human being beloved by our God and deserving of our best efforts in their time of need. It’s time-consuming and intensive — but highly effective in breaking the cycle of poverty. This approach has many parallels
YO U C A N F O LLO W M O R E of Marie’s story via the Catholic Charities website, catholiccharities-kcsj.org or on any of our social media platforms.
with the familiar “starfish” story — a child is walking along the shore, throwing starfish that had washed up on the beach back into the ocean. When a bystander questions the futility of the child’s efforts, noting that there were hundreds of starfish and his meager efforts couldn’t possibly solve the problem, the child throws yet another starfish back into the ocean with the insight that “I made a difference for that one.” One person, caring about and assisting another person — over and over again, each hour, each day. That’s how Catholic Charities seeks to make a real and lasting difference for the at-risk individuals in our diocese. Susan Walker is the executive director of outreach and engagement at Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph. She has been with the agency for five years, and previously served as a pastoral associate at St. Mark Parish in Independence, Mo.
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c ov e r s to ry
A
home
By Ashlie Hand Photos by Megan Marley
FOR LIFE
St. Mary’s Home for Mothers opens a door to hope
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Catholic Key • December 2021/January 2022 • catholickey.org
A
young mother, just 25 years old, stares out the passenger
window of a modest but clean sedan, her hands resting on top of her swollen belly. A gentle snow falls, lightly coating the rolling, grassy hills of the rural landscape. The smooth, twolane country highway changes
Deacon Doug Hemke (L) and Deacon Kevin Cummings (R) are driven by an intense passion to make a difference in the lives of mothers and their unborn children.
to a bumpier, less maintained section of road lined by tall grasses and the occasional mailbox. Farther from the road, she can see a few large, newer homes that soon give way to smaller farmhouses that no longer hide their age. A small thump to the back of her seat, and she turns around to give her young toddler a reassuring look. She turns to face forward just as the driver, a Catholic nun who offered to give her a ride from the pregnancy resource center, turns onto a long driveway. She waves a small plastic card in front of the electronic gate and it slides open so the car can pull ahead. The young mother is instantly overwhelmed by the sprawling home with its impressive dual pillars, circle drive and clean white facade. Her driver pulls up to the front entrance, under the covered portico and gives her a kind, warm smile. “Welcome home,” she says and shifts the car into “park” as the front door of the home opens.
Welcome to St. Mary’s Home for Mothers. For Deacons Doug Hemke and Kevin Cummings, this is a scene that they are working day and night to make a reality for homeless and unwed pregnant mothers looking for hope and something to live for. With the support of Archbishop Naumann in Kansas City, Kan., and Bishop Johnston in Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo., Deacons Hemke and Cummings started Gabriel Project KC in 2019 as an independent 501c3 non-profit to fund respect life initiatives for pregnant mothers in need throughout the greater metropolitan area. It soon became obvious that the greatest need that Gabriel Project KC and other pregnancy resource centers can’t provide is a safe place for these women to live: a maternity home. According to the St. Mary’s Home for Mothers website, “At present, there is no residence for pregnant, homeless women in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area, even though social service agencies encounter more than 100 such women each year. St. Mary’s will go a long way Visit to fill this critical gap with a safe SMHFM.ORG and dignified place for at least some for more information of these women to each live safely on the home’s and create a path to a productive, residential and independent life for her family.” treatment programs, Deacons Hemke and Cummings and a list of needs. have an undeniable and overwhelming passion for assisting mothers in crisis and an impressive support system of benefactors, volunteers and staff. It was one of those benefactors who discovered the former monastery and saw its potential as a maternity home. “This was a house in the woods for four years, unoccupied. You can imagine how much stuff could have been in
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St. Mary's Home for Mothers can accommodate 15 residents over two floors, welcoming pregnant mothers and older children when needed.
here. The sisters had left, no one had been in it, no one had maintained it. All of the AC units had gone out. One of the heaters had lost its motor. The roofs had been hit by hail and hadn’t been replaced. Two out of five septic tanks had gone out,” Cummings describes. Today, the property hums with the activity of carpenters, electricians, landscapers, plumbers and painters. Hemke and Cummings were able to acquire the property for $10 due to the generosity of one of their donors. They have since raised more than $3 million to complete the renovations of the home and be ready to open its doors to its first residents in mid-December 2021. Relationships have been established with the area’s pregnancy resource centers and hospitals who will screen for potential residents based on a list of carefully considered criteria. This includes pregnant women who are unmarried and homeless, free of addiction and are not in an abusive relationship. The staff includes a licensed therapist who brings expertise in evidence-based psychological therapies, as well as social workers and three religious sisters, who will provide counseling and spiritual guidance for the home’s residents. St. Mary’s Home for Mothers will be able to house up to 15 people, including older children the pregnant mothers may need to bring with them. Safety is a significant priority for the home and there will be
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“We re–enact the Christmas story here every day.” a strict “no visitor” policy. The residents are free to come and go as they please, to meet with other support services, family members or therapists off site as needed. The rural location is also a safety measure, in addition to offering residents a place of retreat and a way to transition out of their current situation or lifestyle. St. Mary’s Home for Mothers is much more than a home. It’s also a place for its residents to learn healthy parenting skills, learn a trade, contribute to a community in a meaningful way through cooking, gardening and cleaning, receive psychiVis i t atric treatment and an education, and set CATHOLICKEY.ORG themselves on a path to a productive life for more on future with their children. plans for the 14-acre “It’s our job to empower women, to give St. Mary’s Home for them their lives back and to give them a real Mothers property, choice that ‘you can make it,’” says Deacon fundraising goals Cummings. “The people here are strateand a guided video gically positioned to love these people.” tour inside the home. “We’re saying, ‘It ends here.’ We’re giving you an opportunity to get back on track,” adds Deacon Hemke. In exchange for a connection to a support network, community and training, the residents will sign a contract in order to live at St. Mary’s Home for Mothers, holding themselves accountable for things like avoiding illegal activity and alcohol. Above all, St. Mary’s Home for Mothers gives the mothers, their older children and especially their unborn children the gift of life. “We re-enact the Christmas story here every day,” says Deacon Hemke. “It’s our mission to find room for them at the inn. A mission of Christmas … for the greater glory of God.”
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Retire in
yle
Dr. & Mrs. Molton toast to their spacious apartment with beautiful views of Brookside
Welcome home to St. Anthony’s Senior Living, a Catholic retirement community offering best-in-class independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Kansas City’s Brookside neighborhood. St. Anthony’s is a gated, resort-style community designed for residents of 62 years and better— perfect for those who wish to pursue an active, healthy, and spiritual way of life. Here you will find no shortage of things to do, with residents engaging in life enrichment programs and activities with friends and family. Our community offers tranquil courtyards, walking paths, and gardens with ornate fountains and sitting areas. Executive Director Connie Haworth says, “New residents often comment that they wish they would 18
Catholic Key • December 2021/January 2022 • catholickey.org
have moved in sooner!” She asks, “Why live alone when you can be surrounded by friendly neighbors, gaining peace of mind with a worry-free lifestyle in your own private residence?” There are many living options to choose from: independent living residents may select from five spacious floor plans to suit their unique needs. Apartments include modern kitchens with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances; dining and living areas with floor-to-ceiling windows; and either one or two bedrooms. Your monthly fee includes
Games and Activities Help Residents Connect
all utilities, cable, internet, and a washer/dryer unit. Also included is a continental breakfast Monday – Saturday, chefprepared meals for lunch and dinner, and a champagne brunch every Sunday. Plus, you’ll have 24/7 security, concierge services, covered parking, a fitness center, salon and spa, social activities and events, daily Mass in St. Anthony’s Chapel, happy hour, and much more. You can add additional amenities like housekeeping and linen services or customize your meal plan to meet your needs. Should you ever need to move from independent to assisted living or memory care, the dedicated staff at St. Anthony’s Senior Living will make the transition as smooth as possible for you. Regardless of your level of independence, all of our apartments are move-in ready and built to accommodate your personal belongings so you can feel right at home.
Ask us about our $3,000 move-in bonus** Call 816.846.2240 today to schedule your personal tour or visit StAnthonysKC.com to view our lifestyle video. **Limited time offer. Call for details.
Ready to learn more? Browse all resident floor plans, download our brochure, and view our lifestyle video at StAnthonysKC.com. Come stay, play, and pray with us at St. Anthony’s Senior Living, where we nourish mind, body, and soul.
1000 E. 68th Street Kansas City, MO 64131
Pet Friendly, Gated Campus with Gardens
StAnthonysKC LIC#048744
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g r ow i ng G od’s fa m ily
CO M M U N I T Y, INSPIRATION FORMATION Pursuing holiness in the Kansas City metro By Megan Marley
W
hat does it take to be a saint? It’s a fairly simple formula, according to the director of City on a Hill young adult
ministry, Father Andrew Mattingly.
COMMUNITY For Jonathan Payne, the experience of community through Catholic Challenge Sports (CCS) was a starting point for his conversion of life and eventually becoming a Catholic. “I wasn’t in a good place and just decided I wanted to make changes, and that’s what kind of led to me getting into CCS. And then I met a bunch of really cool people, started going to events, started going to Mass a little bit with people,” he said. “It was really easy for me to play sports and just assimilate that way … it was like, ‘Wow, these are really good people, and you know there’s something here.’ I didn’t know what it was yet, but I definitely felt something was really cool about City on a Hill that drew me in.” Four or so years after starting CCS, he felt called to become Catholic and started RCIA with St. John Paul II Parish in Olathe, studying and praying for another year. … and then the Covid-19 pandemic happened. “It’s been kind of a long journey,” Jonathan said. Jonathan eventually received baptism at Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner, and confirmation on Pentecost. Now he’s helping lead the youth group at Church of the Nativity in Leawood, in addition to his full-time job as a project estimator. Something he’d tell you is conversion doesn’t happen overnight, but through little steps and nudges of grace along the way.
Getty Images/Greens87
“If we are to become saints — which should be the overall purpose, directly or indirectly, of any Catholic organization or initiative — we need friends to help us (community), we need to be converted more and more every day to the Lord and his will (ongoing inspiration) and we need continual instruction on how exactly to go about pursuing his will in the different facets of our lives (formation),” he said. These three pillars — community, inspiration and formation — have become ever more apparent over the 15 years that City on a Hill has existed in the COMMUNITYKansas City metro area. Begun in 2006, the INSPIRATIONorganization has developed to include CathoFORMATION: lic Challenge Sports, large 200+ people social what do these mean events centered on the Mass and Eucharistic in the life of a young Adoration, small groups for men and women adult? Read more from the interview and spiritual direction and faith formation, with Fr. Mattingly on and has resulted in countless conversions, CatholicKey.org friendships, marriages and religious vocations along the way. Recently, City on a Hill evolved from a diocesan initiative to its own separate non-profit and is currently seeking a faithful layperson to serve as executive director so Father Mattingly can focus on supporting the community spiritually. “Becoming a non-profit hasn’t changed anything about our official initiatives — it has only changed the internal structure
of City on a Hill. Now, like all non-profits, we are governed by a board of directors with its own set of by-laws [among other duties],” Mattingly said. “Being a non-profit also means that we’re not bound by geographical boundaries, so we are free not only to encompass the entire KC metro area, even though it’s two separate dioceses, but we would also be free to expand City on a Hill even to other cities around the country.” Ultimately, the goal of City on a Hill is to inspire people, in big and small ways, to live a life of ever-deeper holiness. “I hope we will be exactly what our mission statement says — A community that inspires and forms each generation of young adults to become saints! At the end of day, that’s all that matters — that we make it to heaven and bring as many other people with us as we can,” Mattingly said. City on a Hill’s community of young adults is currently more than 1,500 strong throughout the KC metro. Continue reading for three testimonies from individuals who have been involved over the years.
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“I definitely was pretty far away … it’s never too late, though. No matter what you’ve done or where you’re at, you can start making changes and get closer to God. Just start by first getting yourself out there, meeting people and you’ll be surprised by what God would do in your life.”
INSPIRATION Sports, friendship and a retreat experience were inspirational in Matthew Unger’s time with City on a Hill. A transplant from St. Louis, he was introduced to CCS in 2007 by a friend and enjoyed the community it provided. “But I wasn’t really living out my faith the way I was supposed to, and I was sort of doing the lukewarm Catholic thing,” he explained. His “secular life” was going well until 2009. That year, Matthew endured the betrayal of both a relationship and friend, the tragic deaths of a friend and pet and the loss of his job due to the recession. It took some years, but Matthew again found employment in his field of architecture — and joined the Band of Brothers men’s group with City on a Hill. “It was nice to speak openly, about where I was and how to better live out my faith … to learn from other men and share life experiences,” he said. November 2013 proved to be a turning point, as he went to a CCS retreat the weekend following a City on a Hill event, Reservoir. “It was the most profound adoration I have ever been to … just being there, face to face with Christ … It was the first time I had been to confession in approximately eight years. I just bared all.” The retreat “told me a lot of what I needed to hear … there was a witness at that retreat that really spoke to me, a lot of similarities in turning things around.” Before that retreat, someone had asked if he’d consider helping with youth ministry — he had the distinct realization that “the less I say yes to other things and myself, the more I have an opportunity to say yes to God,” so he volunteered. His work with teens became something he had in common with his future wife and catechist/high school theology teacher, Julia.
Now married with four kids, Matthew remains deeply involved in his faith at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish and in his Domestic Church/Light-Life circle. His life is much different compared to when he first came to Kansas City. “God uses different little pushes to keep a person’s faith alive in different stages of life,” he concluded.
FORMATION Ferd and Angela Niemann were involved with City on a Hill back when it first started in the early 2000s, though they weren’t married back then — they met through a City on a Hill event. “I was relatively involved in my faith, and helped out with a youth group in Texas,” Angela said, “but City on a Hill was the first time I saw so many people excited about their faith.” It was a more drastic story for Ferd. “I went to 18 years of Catholic school, and was basically a practicing non-Catholic,” he said. “I still believed in God, but I was not going to church on a regular basis or living any sort of spiritually devout life. Happiness looked like being successful in the secular realm, and I was involved in the party and sports crowd.” Each became more involved in their faith through friendships formed in Sisterhood and Band of Brothers small groups, CCS and other events. But another thing that had a profound impact on them both were Bishop Helmsing Institute (BHI) classes. “Going and learning more, and just being around other people who invested time in learning the faith, that was pretty formative for me,” Angela said. “Through BHI and encouragement from friends, I began to do spiritual reading and a daily prayer life instead of thinking of how the Chiefs were doing. I started going back to Mass and confession — I hadn’t been to confession in a decade or so,” Ferd said. “Iron sharpens iron, and being around people striving for a relationship with the Lord was more formative than 18 years of Catholic education.” “The beauty of City on a Hill and CCS is that it meets you where you’re at — if you need good friendships, sports and social activity, it’s a non-threatening start,” Ferd concluded. “Give it a try; you might find a friend for life, a spouse for life and a spiritual life.”
Tun e i n to CITY ON A HILL: KANSAS CITY podcast to listen to Jonathan Payne’s story of faith along with that of other young adults, and be inspired by their journeys firsthand. Available on most podcast platforms.
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he a l i n g ou r fa mi ly
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats: Hope and Healing after Abortion
By Marty Denzer
Roe v. Wade was the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court case that legalized abortion nationwide. The number of abortions performed rose annually over the following decades before peaking in 1990 and decreasing sporadically since. However, in 2018, approximately 620,000 abortions nationwide were reported.
Those who insist it’s “a woman’s right to choose” ignore the cost borne by post-abortive women and men — grief, guilt, depression and relationships affected. Abortion affects each person differently; most don’t talk about it. The majority suffer in silence, often for years, The national said Teresa O’Donnell, site leader for the Rachel’s March for Life Vineyard post-abortion healing ministry in the takes place in Washington, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. D.C., on Jan. 21, Rachel’s Vineyard was founded in 1993 by 2022. Learn Catholic psychologist Theresa K. Burke, Ph.D., more at an experienced therapist. Rachel’s Vineyard, now marchforlife.org. the largest international post-abortion ministry, is named for Rachel in the Book of Jeremiah: “… In Ramah is heard the sound of moaning, of bitter weeping! Rachel mourns
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her children, she refuses to be consoled because her children are no more. Thus says the Lord: Cease your cries of mourning, wipe the tears from your eyes.” Vineyard comes from John 15: 4 and 5. “… I am the vine, you are the branches …” A year later, Rachel’s Vineyard: A Psychological and Spiritual Journey for Post Abortion Healing, the training guide for counselors, was published. Burke adapted and expanded the curriculum into a weekend retreat format in 1995. During a weekend retreat, a retreatant’s healing journey uses meditations on the Gospel called “Living Scripture” and related actions to engage the mind, body and soul. Coupled with group activities, prayer, therapeutic facilitation and discussions, they offer an effective way of working through the trauma of abortion, grounded in faith in Christ, providing both spiritual and emotional healing. O’Donnell said that, in her experience, socioeconomics is the most common reason for abortions. A woman or girl may also be pressured by a husband, boyfriend or parents. “It’s really sad that we don’t respect life,” she said. “Abortion causes a lot of pain. Rachel’s Vineyard is a ministry where the pain, the misery, can be seen and worked through; at the end of a retreat, there is a transformation.” She went on, “This is not my ministry; it is God’s ministry. We strive to bring healing and closure to the women and men at a retreat. We want them to be able to work on a relationship with the baby, and with the partner, parents, family and most importantly, with God.”
TO ATTEND a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat, contact Teresa O’Donnell, 816.679.4973 or rvkcmo@gmail.com. Local website: www.rachelsvineyardkc.org National site: www.rachelsvineyard.org
Today, the Rachel’s Vineyard ministry model has spread to 49 states and more than 70 countries, with retreats offered in 22 languages. The Rachel’s Vineyard ministry, rooted in the Catholic faith, was established in our diocese in 2011 by the Sisters in Jesus the Lord, a community of missionary canonesses founded by Mother Julia Mary Kubista. The community, a Public Association of the Faithful since 2010 in this diocese, is under the authority of Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. A year ago, Sister Maria Stella Whittier was elected prioress. The sisters recently moved to St. Joseph, Mo., home of the Pro-Life Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Richard Mahoney, the shrine’s owner, and Father Stephen Hansen, pastor of the Cathedral of St. Joseph and St. Mary’s Parish, are very interested in hosting Rachel’s Vineyard retreats there in the future, working with the Sisters in Jesus the Lord and the local team led by Teresa O’Donnell. Mother Stella is currently in Vladivostok, Russia, among other ministries working to establish Rachel’s Vineyard retreats across Russia. In the past four years, with the help of Russian team leaders, Rachel’s Vineyard has expanded to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk and Ussurijsk. Soon, the first retreats will be held in Belarus and other nearby countries. She explained that she became interested in post-abortion healing while studying abroad in Vienna, Austria. She met Msgr. Phillip Reilly and, at his suggestion, started praying outside an abortion clinic. She soon returned to the U.S, but following graduation, traveled back to Austria and served as a sidewalk counselor near the clinic. ”I learned a lot,” she recalled. “Day after day, I watched people entering the clinic, confident they were doing the best thing for them; they came out completely, visibly broken, in heart and spirit. Some could barely walk. I needed to understand why people decided to abort their child.” When she returned to the States, she felt called to learn more about post-abortion healing and soon she also felt called to join the Sisters in Jesus the Lord community. The Sisters love Rachel’s Vineyard and want to stay involved with the ministry’s work, she said.
The Pro-Life Shrine of the Immaculate Conception serves as a beacon of hope for residents and those passing through St. Joseph, Mo.
“This is not my ministry; it is God’s ministry. We strive to bring healing and closure to the women and men at a retreat. We want them to be able to work on a relationship with the baby, and with the partner, parents, family and most importantly, with God.” - TERESA O’DONNELL
Mother Stella said, “The retreats are focused on the Bible, God and his Son, Jesus, who is the healer.” The ministry is nonjudgmental, and all is confidential. The healing is greatly aided by the presence of former retreatants who feel called to help others. “Objectively,” she continued, “abortion is a sin, and leaves us feeling cut off from God in some ways. We feel a need for reconciliation with God and the Church. A priest and/or a deacon is always present on the retreat, offering the sacraments, representing the Church. Jesus offers forgiveness through them. And then people can begin forgiving themselves and others. Forgiving brings freedom.” It is important, she continued, “to establish a relationship with the child, give him/her a name. The soul is eternal; the child is alive and with God. It’s very healing to realize this.” Rachel’s Vineyard retreats in this generation could save the next generation, she added.
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m a r r i ag e a n d pa r e n ti n g
P i l g r i m a g e t o t h e m a n… g eagain r By Dino Durando
M
ore than a decade ago, I was given the privilege of a pilgrimage to Rome. During that trip we visited the basilica dedicated to Mary Major, where there was an item asso-
ciated with Christmas: the relic of the Holy Crib of Bethlehem, which was returned to Bethlehem in 2019. I don’t recall having any big revelation about God’s love or my vocation as husband and father at the time of this visit to the Holy Crib.
D in o D u rando is director of the Office of Domestic Church and Discipleship and Office of Marriage and Family Life. He and his wife, Cathy, are raising 10 children in the Catholic faith.
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The following Christmas, while back at home setting up our Christmas decorations with my family, the significance of this relic became clear. I placed the empty crib in our own manger scene and, in that moment, I understood why St. Francis popularized the Christmas creche and why it has become such a widely adopted tradition, even for non-Catholics. The empty manger reveals the most important truth of our religion: God is coming, and that changes everything. In our family, we place the Baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas Eve. Placing the little figurine there is a quiet act, but, with eyes to see and ears to hear, it proclaims that God is in the manger. Everything changes because God is with us and he will provide! For me, the past year and a half (and counting) has been a hard master. The isolation, uncertainty and downright disunity that abounds in our society have too often made encroachments into my own home, often with my permission or cooperation.
Catholic Key • December 2021/January 2022 • catholickey.org
My reaction to the stress and anxiety of the moment has far too often been to attempt to power through it. In this survival mode I have become quick-tempered, impatient and often self-reliant. The Eternal Word became flesh to draw close to us and to save us. I have too often forgotten that Jesus is in the crib, that God will provide because he has provided. Last year my entire family was unable to attend Mass because of the coronavirus. We celebrated from home, but without Christmas Mass, everything seemed off. Minus the normal prompt of returning from Midnight Mass, I forgot to place the Baby Jesus in the manger. Early Christmas morning one of my children noticed and we did the little ceremony right away, taking the hidden Jesus Getty Images/ferrantraite and placing him upon his childhood throne. Forgetting this little act was certainly no great sin. However, I repeated this mistake often in this past year, forgetting to place Jesus in the manger (metaphorically) to acknowledge that he is with us and God provides. My family has weathered the storm of the pandemic and all of the chaos in our society, but we haven’t come through unscathed. All of us are worn down, stressed out and in need of help. Coming to this realization now, I realize anew that I must turn to God for help rather than relying on my own strength. “Journey with This is a lesson I learned earthose you love ly in the life of my family when my oldest child almost died at 2 to the crib and weeks from an error made while rediscover your being treated at the hospital for dependence upon something relatively minor. That God for the grace mistake turned into a life-threatto persevere in ening situation whose best case love. He is in the scenario was expected to be serious brain damage and other health crib reminding us problems. But God provides. Baby that God always Jesus is in the manger. Our daughprovides.” ter’s life was preserved. Not everyone experiences a miracle of healing like we did. But God always provides. Whether or not you are a spouse or parent, I invite you to consider making a pilgrimage to the crib this Christmas. Journey with those you love to the crib and rediscover your dependence upon God for the grace to persevere in love. He is in the crib reminding us that God always provides.
“Let all guests be welcomed as Christ.” -Rule of St. Benedict The Conception Abbey Guest Center creates a space where you can reconnect your relationship with God and others. We invite you to participate in our upcoming retreats.
Spring 2022 Retreat Offerings •
Listening to the Voice of God | January 21-23
•
St. Benedict’s Repair Kit for Modern Motorists | January 28-30
•
The Old, the Sick, & those of Little Understanding in the Rule of St. Benedict | February 11-13
•
The Love of the Father: Our Identity as Sons and Daughters | February 18-20
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Are You Stable? | February 25-27
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Calligraphy: Preparatory Retreat | March 18-20
•
Stop, Look, and Listen: Benedictine and Christian Watchwords | March 25-27
•
Triduum Retreat: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday | April 14-17
See full retreat descriptions and view the rest of our 2022 retreats at www.conceptionabbey.org/guests
Getty Images/AndreyPopov
Knights of Columbus release St. Joseph documentary for Year of St. Joseph
St. Irenaeus soon to be declared Doctor of the Church
‘Synod on Synodality’ runs through 2023, local participation encouraged
Pope Francis announced Oct. 7 he will declare St. Irenaeus of Lyons a Doctor of the Church, with the title ‘Doctor of Unity’ (Doctor Unitatis). Irenaeus is a second-century bishop known by both Catholics and Orthodox for evangelizing Gaul (modern-day France), his refutation of Gnostic heresy and moderating the dispute between Christians in the East and the West on the proper day to celebrate Easter. Find this article on vaticannews.va or ‘Irenaeus, Doctor of Unity’ on catholic.com.
A global Vatican initiative to encourage listening and discussion on how the Church approaches decision-making launched October 2021. The “Synod on Synodality” involves prayer and discussion at the local parish level and then aggregated at the national level, the results of which will be discussed by the Synod of Bishops in October 2023 to create an action plan to be implemented in dioceses. Find more on our local website, kcsjcatholic.org/synod2021-2023, or on the synod website, synod.va/en.html.
The Knights of Columbus have released a new documentary on St. Joseph, inspired by the Year of St. Joseph. “St. Joseph: Our Spiritual Father” premiered Oct. 10 for a sixweek run on ABC affiliate stations across the nation, and will be available to view in December on kofc.org.
Theodore McCarrick faces multiple sexual abuse lawsuits Former cardinal Theodore McCarrick faces multiple allegations of sexual abuse against adults and children in Massachusetts and New Jersey. In mid-July 2021, he pleaded “not guilty” to three criminal charges of indecent assault and battery on a person over age 14 brought against him in a Massachusetts court. More can be found on catholicnewsagency.com.
Nati o nal Head l i nes R o u nd u p
to r e a d more news
visit kcsjcatholic.org/ news
catholickey.org/ news
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¿Hay alguna diferencia?
P
ienso a menudo acerca de nuestras Escuelas
Nuestras escuelas también creen en la verdad, y están guiadas por ella; no simplemente en términos empíricos de “verdades”, sino por la Católicas. En parte, porque muchos de nuestros Verdad que nos ha sido revelada por Dios en persona, el eterno Hijo recursos van hacia ellas en términos de personas y de Dios hecho hombre, Jesucristo. Es imprescindible enfatizar que: ¡Cristo es la clave para todo en la vida! El revela que todos necesitamos dinero. Sin embargo, también he llegado a comprender conocer acerca de Dios y del último significado de nuestras propias más profundamente cuán importante se han vuelto en vidas. Esencialmente, Él es la causa por la cual las Escuelas Católicas los tiempos que vivimos. son diferentes. Conocer a Cristo ilumina cualquier otro tema en el cual está inmerso Antes de compartir por qué las Escuelas Católicas el estudiante, junto con todas las otras maravillosas actividades y metas son diferentes, quiero emitir dos descargos de de atletismo que constituyen el año escolar. En última instancia, nuestras responsabilidad. El primero, este no va a ser un Escuelas Católicas tienen la misión de ayudar a los estudiantes no solo comentario negativo sobre las familias que escogen a conocer cosas, sino más bien a saber quiénes son y a conocer a Dios. las escuelas públicas o la educación en casa como su La vida se define fundamentalmente por las relaciones, y la misión de opción de educación. Los padres son responsables nuestras Escuelas Católicas es cultivar las relaciones mas importantes de escoger lo mejor para la educación de sus hijos, que llevan a hombres sabios y buenos, y mujeres cuyos corazones están D e l O b ispo y existen muchos factores que influyen en esa listos para amar y servir. El obispo James decisión. También, hay muchos lideres y profesores El año pasado, la inscripción en nuestras Escuelas Católicas aumentó V. Johnston, Jr. importantes involucrados en las escuelas públicas significativamente en toda la diócesis. Mi sensación es solo anecdótica, es el séptimo y en la educación en casa, incluyendo a Católicos sospecho que fue en parte por los inesperados resultados de la pandemia obispo de la practicantes y devotos, cuya fe y amor a Dios animan del Covid-19. Con condiciones como esas, algunos padres decidieron Diócesis de e inspiran su enseñanza. Estoy agradecido por ellos. dar una oportunidad a las Escuelas Católicas y cambiar a sus niños a Kansas City¡Necesitamos escuelas públicas y educación en nuestras escuelas. Tal como un padre lo compartió con nosotros después St. Joseph casa fuertes! de unas pocas semanas, “¡No tenía idea que había tales diferencias!” El segundo, las escuelas Católicas no son perfectas. Dependen de Otro padre Cristiano no católico, cuyos niños hicieron la transición la gente, las comunidades y la visión que tienen de ellas las personas a una escuela intermedia católica, compartió conmigo que su familia que las conforman: estudiantes, familias, profesores, entrenadores y entera estaba tan impresionada por la experiencia de su niño que están administradores. En las Escuelas Católicas existen problemas, errores y comenzando el proceso para entrar en la comunión completa de la dificultades como en cualquier otra parte. Para tener éxito, las Escuelas Iglesia Católica. Siento que esos padres también nos dicen que hay una Católicas nunca deben perder de vista su misión única y deben apasionarse diferencia significativa en una Escuela Católica. para cumplirla. A medida que el año calendario avanza y comenzamos Dicho esto, las Escuelas Católicas son diferentes el mes de enero, pronto celebraremos la Semana de las porque su misión es diferente. Muchos han escuchado Escuelas Católicas. Utilizamos esta ocasión anual para Las escuelas mi mantra: “Queremos que los estudiantes no solo sean celebrar el don que significan nuestras Escuelas Católicas Católicas en toda la inteligentes y exitosos, sino también sabios y buenos”. El para tantos estudiantes y familias, para nuestra Iglesia y nación reconocerán la Celebración de éxito académico es una de las cosas que tienen en común nuestro mundo. También para recordar que es un don la Semana de las las Escuelas Católicas con otras escuelas - públicas y que debemos administrar, cuidar y fortalecer. Escuelas Católicas privadas. Ambas desean ver a los estudiantes tener Agradezco a todos los que hacen posible la existencia desde el 31 de enero éxito en estudios a nivel universitario o en oficios de Nuestras Escuelas Católicas y cuya generosidad al 6 de febrero. Para especializados con la esperanza de futuros logros en las mantiene disponibles. Mi deseo es que cualquier más información una carrera que les de satisfacción personal y bienestar familia Católica que quiere una educación Católica visite ncea.org/csw económico, pero la mayoría sabe que la felicidad no se para su niño pueda tener esa oportunidad. Si ese es su encuentra solo en esas cosas. Esto es lo que diferencia deseo, por favor explore las opciones y oportunidades a las Escuelas Católicas. de nuestras escuelas. Las Escuelas Católicas tienen la libertad y el propósito de acompañar Leí recientemente en algún sitio que cuando se trata de la crianza de a los estudiantes en lo que podría describirse mejor como “formación”. los niños no hay “posibilidad de repetirla”. La ventana impresionable de Esta formación de los niños y jóvenes está arraigada en la visión exacta la infancia y la adolescencia se cierra antes de que usted se dé cuenta. de la persona humana, la naturaleza llena de dones de nuestra existencia Nuestras Escuelas Católicas Diocesanas están listas para colaborar con y nuestro origen en el amor de Dios, junto con el destino eterno que los padres en esta responsabilidad, maravillosa e importante de formar Dios desea para cada persona. y preparar a los niños para esta vida y para la vida eterna.
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Catholic Key • December 2021/January 2022 • catholickey.org
en el c am i no
Photo by Megan Marley
“Somos bendecidos, Oh Israel; ¡porque sabemos lo que agrada a Dios!” - BARUC 4:4
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Semana de l a s e s cu e l a s c at ólica s
LAS ESCUELAS CATÓLICAS SON inspiradoras La fe, valores y orgullo ayudan a construir una tradición de la educación Católica en Kansas City-St. Joseph
Por Marty Denzer
P
or más de 150 años las escuelas Católicas han educado a los niños y jóvenes de la Diócesis de Kansas City - St. Joseph.
La Superintendente de las Escuelas Diocesanas, Karen
Kroh, Ph.D., dijo que actualmente hay 32 instalaciones académicas diocesanas, incluyendo escuelas secundarias, primarias y centros de desarrollo de primera infancia. Las escuelas Católicas son únicas y especiales para las familias, estudiantes y administradores que constituyen cada escuela de la comunidad.
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La Familia Nieves La Familia Nieves envía a sus hijas, Rosie, estudiante de 3er. Grado, y Luna, que asiste a Pre-Kindergarten, a la escuela Holy Cross en Kansas City. Rosie ha asistido a Holy Cross desde Pre-K, y dijo, “me encanta”. Su mamá, Crystal Nieves estudió en escuelas Católicas mientras crecía, y quería que sus niños tuvieran la misma experiencia. “Yo estudie en St. Stephen, y luego en la escuela Secundaria St. Mary. Ambas escuelas están cerradas actualmente, pero yo las amé y no las olvidaré”. Ella nos dijo que el tamaño de las clases, los profesores y personal cariñosos la hicieron sentir cómoda y confiada en sus posibilidades de éxito. “Aquí en Holy Cross, mis hijas están teniendo experiencias similares. Realmente me gusta y aprecio que se adopten y enseñen el idioma Español y la cultura Hispánica. Ellas están recibiendo una muy buena educación y aprendiendo también acerca de su cultura”. Tanto Rosie como Luna usan pantalones caqui y camisas polo. Cuando Rosie no estaba hablando, trabajaba en una hoja de Matemáticas. Luna jugaba con el teléfono de su mamá, saltando de vez en cuando para acariciar a Addie, la mascota de consuelo del director y de la escuela. Las niñas dijeron que les encantaban sus uniformes, y Crystal estuvo de acuerdo, “Al usar uniformes no se juzga a nadie por su apariencia”.
A P RENDA MÁS
Rosie dijo que le gusta ser amable con sus compañeros de estudio. Crystal intervino diciendo, “Ese es otro beneficio de las escuelas Católicas. Los estudiantes se tratan unos a otros con amabilidad y llevan ese comportamiento a casa. Tenemos un hijo de tres años, y la mayoría de las niñas son amables con él. Aquí, ¡los estudiantes reciben educación y valores!” Cuando se les preguntó cuáles eran sus actividades favoritas en el salón de clases, Luna dijo, “Me gusta jugar con mis amigos. Me gusta dibujar y colorear. Me gusta leer libros. Los que más me gustan son los libros de Minnie Mouse. y, oh, ¡formas de construcción con imanes!” Rosie intervino diciendo, “¡la clase de Arte es la que más me gusta! Me gusta leer libros de series, especialmente los libros de Dog Man. Y me gusta crecer y aprender más” Cuando se le preguntó a Rosie por qué pensaba que las Escuelas Católicas son diferentes a otras escuelas, ella dijo que los profesores son pacientes y amables, y que todos están dispuestos a ayudar si es necesario. Crystal añadió, “Tener a mis niñas en Holy Cross, nos da tranquilidad a mi esposo y a mí”. acerca de las escuelas católicas de la Diócesis de Kansas City-St. Joseph en catholicschoolsystem.net.
para demasiadas cosas. También es necesario aprender a escribir apropiadamente. ¿Historia? Es también muy importante conocer el pasado de nuestro país, el pasado de nuestro mundo, de donde venimos”, Está orgullosa de decir que asiste a St. Elizabeth. “Tengo la oportunidad de aprender acerca de mi religión. Nuestras clases y nuestros estudiantes son muy incluyentes. ¡Tengo profesores maravillosos y un montón de amigos! ¡Es divertido asistir a St. Elizabeth!”. Añadió que siempre será Católica, y aprenderá más acerca de los 10 Mandamientos y de los Sacramentos. “Ser Católicos nos enseña a hacer honor a la Regla de Oro”. Betsy cree que asistir a St. Elizabeth ha fortalecido su fe, “Todo el tiempo aprendemos acerca de nuestra fe, cada vez que vamos a Misa, recibimos los sacramentos, o leemos acerca de eso. Es más fácil creer si entendemos y conocemos que podemos confiar en Jesús cuando lo necesitemos. Rezar a Jesús nos ayuda a ser mejores personas al vivir a Su manera”. Betsy dijo que aun si se le da la oportunidad, ella no cambiaría nada acerca de la escuela “Los cambios no la mejorarían en nada”.
La Sra. Huss
Kimberly Huss, la nueva directora de La Escuela Secundaria Bishop LeBlond, comenzó en la escuela secundaria St. Joseph en el 2004 Betsy Underwood, una alumna como profesora y entrenadora de volibol y de séptimo grado en la Escuela St. atletismo. En el 2016 asumió la posición de Elizabeth en Kansas City, siente un subdirectora mientras todavía estaba enseñando. gran orgullo y afecto por su escuela. Huss descubrió que las mismas habilidades Asiste a St. Elizabeth desde que estaba utilizadas para entrenar son necesarias para en kindergarten, su madre Jessica es dirigir una escuela Católica. Ella dijo, “Ambos roles exalumna y sus cinco hermanos menores implican crear relaciones con estudiantes y padres para también asisten a la misma escuela. visualizar posibilidades, establecer metas y administrar las Betsy señaló aspectos “especiales” de las escuelas actividades diarias. Es importante comprender los dones y talentos de Católicas: aprender acerca de Jesús en clases de religión, de cómo la fe todos los involucrados y reunirlos todos para ayudar al equipo. Estas Católica ha crecido por 2.000 años, y acerca de los sacramentos que habilidades son necesarias para dirigir una escuela Católica”. ayudan a que la fe se mantenga fuerte. “ Los miércoles como clase vamos Añadió, en el centro del liderazgo y del entrenamiento está ser un a Misa (la mitad de la clase en persona, y la otra mitad virtualmente, gran maestro; después de mis más de 20 años en la Educación Católica, por causa del COVID-19) y nuestra clase hace excursiones. También pienso que es lo más importante.» tenemos horas de servicio”. Betsy ha registrado muchas horas de servicio, La Sra. Huss dijo “que la amplia gama de responsabilidades ayudando a la profesora de computación a mover cajas, cuidando niños, más allá de enseñar y aprender puede ser un desafío, pero su ayudando en el comedor y asistiendo a “familiares o amigos cuando aspecto favorito del liderazgo es construir conexiones con los necesitan ayuda”. 174 estudiantes y los profesores de la escuela Bishop Leblond”. Ella dijo, “Mi materia favorita es Matemáticas; es importante Huss dijo, “Los lideres de las Escuelas Secundarias Católicas tienen una variedad de roles” y “a menudo deben llevar sobre sus hombros más responsabilidades porque 100 AÑOS DE EDUCACIÓN CATÓLICA EN 75TH & MAIN tenemos menos empleados. En 1922, justamente a cinco años del establecimiento de la Hemos sido bendecidos de parroquia, St. Elizabeth les dio la bienvenida a los primeros tener el apoyo de nuestras estudiantes de la escuela. 100 años después la tradición de familias, comunidades de fe excelencia académica y el compromiso para educar a la próxima y alumnos para continuar generación de Católicos, iniciada por las Hermanas de Saintla tradición de la educación Joseph de Carondelet, es uno de los más grandes ministerios de la parroquia, que educa a 400 Católica. Es un reto porque estudiantes por año y en 2020 dedicaron un nuevo Centro de Desarrollo de Primera Infancia . Su nuestro enfoque es hacer crecer centenario comenzará el domingo, 30 de enero de 2022, con una Misa Semanal especial de las la fe de nuestros estudiantes, así Escuelas Católicas a las 10:00 a.m. Y una invitación de Puertas Abiertas de 11:30 a.m. a 1:30 p.m. como también hacerlos crecer Diríjase a www.stekcschool.org para obtener una lista completa de las actividades del centenario. en sabiduría”.
Betsy
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A galette fit for a
KING By Megan Marley
I
don’t know about you, but my ancient ancestors were probably not from the 12 Tribes of Israel. They likely worshipped many gods and would’ve been classified as pagan “Gentiles”
by Jews of Jesus’ time, cut off from the kingdom of God. As a descendant of such people, the feast of the Epiphany on Jan. 6 is a big deal. This feast commemorates the manifestation of Christ to the nations, when the Magi followed the light of a star to discover the Light of the World and paid him homage with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. “Behold, darkness I often make a special “king’s cake” on covers the earth, and this feast to celebrate faith and the kingthick darkness is over ship of Christ over the world. Known as a the peoples; but the “galette des rois,” this French puff pastry Lord will rise upon you, and His glory tart often hides a small plastic or ceramic will appear over you. baby Jesus in the filling; whoever finds it Nations will come to is king or queen for the day and receives your light, and kings a paper crown. to the brightness of As with so many feasts, Epiphany is a your dawn.” reminder for me to be grateful for the gift - IS 60:2-3 of faith handed down through my family and to live it out boldly. It’s also good to remember to put Christ as King over day-to-day cares and frustrations that tempt me towards a modern-day paganism where God doesn’t really play a part in everyday life. These everyday concerns are thorn bushes that threaten to choke out the seed of the Gospel, and I must keep weeding them out by offering them up to God — ‘not my will, but yours be done.’ (cf. Lk 22:42) This Epiphany, I hope you find time to reflect on areas of your life that you need to let go, and surrender these to Christ our King. Just as this recipe, it’s not necessarily easy, it is well worth it.
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Catholic Key • December 2021/January 2022 • catholickey.org
Galette des Rois Almond Filling: • • • •
2 eggs ½ cup sugar 2 tsp. cornstarch ½ cup milk
Thicken in a saucepan over low heat into a custard, but do not boil. Mix in while warm: • 1 cup almond flour • 3 ½ tbsp. butter, cubed • ½ tsp. vanilla • 1 tbsp. almond extract, amaretto, Grand Marnier or rum
Cool almond filling completely; if cooling in the fridge, cover with plastic wrap directly on the filling to prevent a thickened skin from forming.
Other ingredients: • 1 box of puff pastry • 1 beaten egg • 1 almond or chocolate to serve as a la fève (optional) • ⅛ cup peach or apricot jam (optional) Roll out puff pastry and cut into two 9-inch circles. If using jam, spread from the center of one circle, leaving about 1 ½ inches of pastry bare; do the same with the cooled almond filling. Place la fève in the filling. Brush bare pastry with beaten egg and lay the second circle on top. Press down edges and trim to make them match. Crimp edges with a fork, then make 1-inch radial cuts around the pastry edge (make sure to not poke into the filling!) and pinch each section to make a point. Place in an 8-inch cake or pie pan with points sticking up; you can also etch a design on top with a sharp knife. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or more; or you can freeze at this point for later baking. Brush with egg and bake at 395°F for 30-35 minutes, or until puff pastry is golden and bottom is not soggy. Cool completely and cut into wedges to serve. (FYI: A plastic baby can be added to the pastry by gently cutting into/lifting the crust after cooling.)
Getty Images/desifoto
c ult u r e
co m e h o m e to co m m u n i on
r efl ex i Ó n
MAKE ROOM FOR JESUS
G
rowing up as a kid, I remember looking forward to and watching “A Charlie Brown
Christmas.” My older sister and I could even stay up later to watch it. I loved it because the Charlie Brown special focused on Jesus, the real meaning of Christmas. Christmas 2020 was my first year as pastor of St. Francis Xavier in Kansas City. It was our COVID Christmas. We had no choir, no trumpets, no pre-liturgy choral concert. Just simple music, cantor and limited seating for Mass Fat her because of social distancing. Jim Caim e Like many of you, I long for a bigger is pastor of celebration this year. St. Francis In Luke’s Gospel, we hear that Jesus Xavier Parish was “laid in a manger because there in Kansas City. was no room at the inn.” Surely, we can scoot over a bit or sit in a different pew because the place where you usually sit has been taken. We need to make room for Jesus not only in our hearts but also in concrete ways. • Make room for Jesus with the newcomer in your church with a warm welcome. • Make room for Jesus with the person who only comes occasionally and let them know you love seeing them and hope they feel welcome and at home in the parish. • Make room for Jesus not only at Christmas but all year long. Like Charlie Brown, let’s remember the true meaning of Christmas and the gracious actions of our God.
Q Is online Mass keeping people away from church? I and many other pastors have seen just the opposite. People have returned because they are hungry for the Eucharist, the communion of God’s people and community.
NAVIDAD:
María, José y Jesús Sin Lugar l verdadero significado de la navidad, es donde María con Jesús en su vientre y José migraron para poder hacer el censo correspondiente a lo que el gobierno de su época pedía, y en donde le llega el tiempo a María de dar a luz a Jesús el Salvador, y no encuentran lugar, pero además son rechazados, desconocidos, ignorados. En nuestros tiempos también seguimos viendo este mismo acontecimiento, para no ir muy lejos vemos las caravanas de los hermanos de los países latinoamericanos que viajan a buscar un futuro mejor para sus familias; también vemos las huellas de familias enteras obligadas a emiPa d re A n d ré s grar actualmente. Vemos las huellas de millones Mo re n o de personas que no eligieron escapar, sino que Párroco San fueron desplazados de sus tierras, dejando atrás Antonio de Padua a sus seres queridos. Kansas City Todavía hoy, muchos tienen que huir de los Herodes de nuestros tiempos, ya que no solo son lo que hacen parte de los gobiernos, sino los que aparecen en los lugares con poder de pisotear la dignidad humana en todos sus estados. Porque el significado de la Navidad, es que es una época para convertir el poder del miedo, en el poder de la caridad. Una caridad que triunfa por que vence el poder, el odio, el rencor, y muchos otros de los pecados que van en contra de la construcción de un Reino de Dios, que es de Justicia, Paz y Amor, ese es el verdadero significado de la Navidad, para que María, José y Jesús no se queden sin lugar.
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yo u th te s ti m o n i a l s
Summer Camp
WIT N E S S 2021 CAMPS SAVIO AND BOSCO
Compiled by KCSJ Youth Office
LE A R N M O R E
Maria Wendel
at campsavio.com.
Maria (above photo; far R) attended Camp Savio in junior high and Camp Bosco in high school — and has since been a “Servant” leader for Camp Savio. Her home parish is St. Gabriel in Kansas City.
S
ummer may feel like a distant memory as winter descends on the Midwest, so enjoy a little bit of summer
sunshine through the individual witness to our faith by these campers and counselors who attended Camp Savio and Camp Bosco in 2021.
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Catholic Key • December 2021/January 2022 • catholickey.org
How I felt God’s love at camp was amazing. During adoration, all you can think about is the Eucharist. Not about your peers around you, what you are going to have for a snack later, what you are going to do after camp is over, it’s just you and the Lord. When you finally sit down and focus on the Lord’s presence, you feel this huge wave of emotion. Sometimes people express it by laughing, crying, etc., there are multiple ways you can express it. You feel this warmth in your heart, and you finally can confirm that you are loved, you are wanted, you are never alone. At Camp Savio, you have the opportunity to go to adoration and you come out of there feeling brand new. Camp Savio is a way to feel God’s presence face to face with him; not only is Camp the best time of your life, but it strengthens your love with the Lord and you feel this endless joy.
C atec hi sm C o r ner Jeremiah Samson Jeremiah has attended Camp Savio every year since 2018. Now that he is a freshman, 2021 was his last year of being able to attend Savio. His home parish is St. Sabina in Belton. My name is Jeremiah Samson, and I felt the Holy Spirit at Camp Savio. The first time I ever really encountered God was at Camp Savio my second year in the two-hour adoration while all forms of prayer were happening: adoration, thanksgiving, supplication, penance and contemplation. It’s hard to explain what I felt, but what I can say is, it felt very powerful and also really gentle like a big hug. It was just so amazing to feel. I felt at peace and a sense of warmth. I sensed a very great presence there. I can’t explain it any other way. It was just like a big hug by God.
KNEEL before the manger Christmas and the Incarnation have always been a stumbling block. The early Church struggled with how
Anna and Olivia Cessarco Anna (far R) and Olivia (far L) are sisters and were first time campers in 2021. Olivia is a junior in high school and Anna is a senior. Both attended Camp Bosco. Their home parish is St. Patrick in Holden. Camp Bosco came along during the time when I was in spiritual battles every day. I was exhausted. When we went to adoration and confession one night, I knew I was completely healed. It was the most beautiful adoration I’ve ever been to. God’s love was surrounding us. I had truly made friends with the Holy Spirit for the first time that night. My sister Olivia says that she felt so much holiness and peace there. When we got back from camp, she started to lead prayers and was way more excited about the faith. Camp Bosco helped us grow so much in our faith, it’s incredible.
Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 563 says, “No one, whether shepherd or wise man, can approach God here below except by kneeling before the manger at Bethlehem and adoring him hidden in the weakness of a newborn child.” Non-Christians often ask, “Why does Ma rc C a rda ro n e l l a Jesus have to be God? Why can’t he just be a great teacher?” The hidden question is director of here is: Do we really need a “god” to fix the Office of us? Human reason always seeks to displace Catechesis and God and become ourselves the measure of Faith Formation our freedom. Death-dealing pride rejects limitations and grasps for divinity. However, when reason falls in love with itself, it’s blinded to reality. We are the cause of our brokenness; we cannot be the cure. We have tried and failed. Jesus is not just a great teacher. He is God incarnate. Who is God? He’s the God who loves completely, becoming a defenseless baby. He’s the God who suffers for you. Jesus absorbs the depths of human cruelty, then he dies. God is the God who dies for you. But then, he comes back to life — divinized life. Pride doesn’t triumph. Death is not the end. Life reimagined is. Appreciating the “weakness” of the “newborn child” is understanding the truth of salvation. Humility is the antidote to delusion. That’s the disposition for fully experiencing the Christmas season. Only in “kneeling before the manger” can you live with open hands that receive life-giving grace.
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Getty Images/AlonzoDesign
it happened. Now, the struggle is why it matters.
Play i ng w i th a fu l l d ec k
C
hristmas can be called the season of angels, yet we understand angels so little. We often imagine angels
as anything from fairies, to Hallmark Channel matchmakers, to divine reboots of Twilight, to Marvel superheroes with cool wings. Perhaps the greatest misconception is that dead humans become angels. Truth is stranger — and more wondrous.
Angels: Divine Messengers, Partners in Prayer and Life By Teresa Koch
The Church has no official statement on angelic nature, but philosophy derives from Scripture and sacred tradition some reasonable certainties accepted by the Church. First, humans remain human, and angels remain angels, for eternity. Humans are body and immortal soul, created as a single entity, although separated in death caused by sin. Christ conquered death and sin, so we will have glorified — but still physical — bodies upon resurrection on Judgement Day. Angels are pure spirit without any physical body; they’re intellects that occupy no space. They can manipulate matter to appear physical; however, they are beyond physics. An intellect independent of a body cannot operate as we do. It knows directly, without sense information or reasoning from one point to the next; it grasps principle and conclusion all at once in a rush of intuition. It influences a place and time without being physically present in it. It also cannot beget children: there can be no baby angels or “half-angels.” Angelic knowledge comes directly from God. Those closest to God have more God-like, simple and complete knowledge; those furthest from him know less and think with more “moving parts.” This knowledge difference creates levels called “choirs.” Scripture lists nine choirs, highest to lowest: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels and Angels. This is true hierarchy — literally “holy order” — with the highest powers serving — not dominating — the lower. The Angels — the lowest realm — serve us. Here it gets weird: Angels are not a separate species, because to be a member of a species requires a physical body. So, each angel not only IS his own species but its own form of existence. Each angel is an intellect and a unique reality. The myriads of angels are a nearly infinite number of alternate realities — that are also intellects. This angelic intellect is vastly superior to our own. To encounter an angel always inspires reverential fear. We have no name for angelic nature. We have only the name for the primary ministry angels have with us: aggelos (Greek), angelus (Latin) or angel (English) mean messenger. Angels convey God’s will to us. And they are in Scripture in key roles from beginning to end, especially in the Gospels and in the early Church. In heaven, they minister before the throne of God in an eternal heavenly liturgy. The Mass is that heavenly liturgy for us on earth. At Mass, we and the angels pray together. While they cannot “read minds,” an angel of God can shine the light of its intellect upon our own to assist us in drawing closer to God, whether participating in the Mass or in daily life. Let us remember these partners with reverence and devotion. Teresa Koch has a B.A. in theology and philosophy from Rockhurst University and is a parishioner at St. Ann Catholic Church in Plattsburg.
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al loc ia. t d or pp c me y! u S i l da tho te to a C na Do
first annual
READER APPEAL
Catholic Key magazine is the largest free Catholic print media publication in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, reaching 60,000 Catholic homes six times a year, thanks to the generosity of donors like you! Advertising covers just half of our production and postage costs. You can help us close that gap with a tax-deductible donation. Please visit CatholicKey.org and click the ‘Donate’ tab to donate online. If you would prefer to send in a check, please make checks payable to Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Note Catholic Key in the memo line and mail to: Office of Communications Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph 20 W. 9th Street Kansas City, MO 64105
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Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph The Catholic Center 20 W. Ninth St. Kansas City, MO 64105.
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Kansas City (816) 353-1900 Mount Olivet Mt. Saint Mary’s Resurrection
St. Joseph (816) 279-5005 Mount Olivet
Catholic Cemeteries offer affordable options in ground burial, mausoleums, cremation options, memorial markers and monuments. Inquire about our interest-free pre-need programs. We invite you to visit our new Legacy Gardens in Mount Olivet and Resurrection Cemeteries of Kansas City. Legacy Gardens offer a unique resting place for veterans and first responders who have served their country and their community. “Plan today, not tomorrow ~ together, not alone.”
Steve Pierce 6800 Troost Ave Kansas City, MO 64131 (816) 444-2060 www.muehlebachchapel.com
Family Owned Since 1930
Charlie Passantino 2117 Independence Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64124 (816) 471-2844 www.passantinobros.com
Before, During and After... We will be there in your time of need.