MEN UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Longtime attendee and first-year session leader Chuck Jansen leads a breakout session titled “Forgiveness Education Works!” at Men Under Construction in the art room at Ascension School in Overland Park. The daylong event featured two keynote speakers and eight breakout sessions focusing on several topics of interest to men of all ages.
‘God wants to fix us up so we can be used by him’
OVERLAND PARK — The name of the conference he was addressing at Church of the Ascension here on March 8, thought speaker Keith Nester, couldn’t have been more appropriate: Men Under Construction.
“We’re all fixer-uppers,” said Nester, executive director of Down to Earth Ministries, to the 600 men in attendance.
Story by JOHN SORCE
“God wants to fix us up so we can be used by him to go into the world and preach his Gospel to every creature.
Photos by JAY SOLDNER
“That’s why we’re being fixed up. It’s not about us, but about what God wants to do through us.”
A Protestant convert, Nester spent years as a pastor and felt burdened at times by feeling the need to perform during his
Father Barry Clayton — pastor of St. Philip Neri in Osawatomie, Our Lady of Lourdes in La Cygne and Sacred Heart in Mound City — offers absolution to a penitent.
Deacon Steve Bauer, of St. Pius X in Mission, talks with Ascension parishioner Jerry Pater during a breakout discussion.
Jerry Heinen, a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Valley Falls, studies the crucifix above the altar at Ascension.
Jessie Perez, a member of Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, participates in a group discussion in a breakout session.
Mick Vitt (center), a member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, and other men watch a video on the topic of forgiveness at Men Under Construction on March 8.
Keith Nester, executive director of Down to Earth Ministries, delivers his keynote speech at Men Under Construction. Nester also led a breakout session called “Owning Your Faith.”
Our first response to the threat of a satanic event must be prayer
Editor’s note: As this issue of The Leaven was headed to press, in a highly unusual, but welcome move, the Legislative Coordinating Council, made up of legislative leaders from both parties and both chambers, unanimously passed a new rule about the use of the state Capitol. This new rule, while not specifically aimed at the Satanic Grotto group, effectively stops that group from doing what they had planned. We are grateful for our elected officials who have stepped forward to try and stop this mockery from happening. The final decision on preventing the satanic event now rests with the governor’s office.
During the January Kansas March for Life, at an outdoor rally, there was a man who attempted to provoke arguments with pro-life participants. He kept yelling: “Hail, Satan,” along with strings of vulgarities. It was upsetting and embarrassing, especially since there were many families with young children, as well as a large number of youth.
I was proud of the march participants, who chose to ignore the coarse histrionic efforts to disrupt a peaceful assembly, advocating for the sanctity of all human life, especially the most vulnerable — unborn children. One of the themes of the rally was to increase state support for the efforts of pregnancy resource centers striving to surround with love mothers experiencing challenges and difficulty during pregnancy.
One of our pro-life legislative leaders, addressing the crowd, observed that this man was making it clear Satan supported abortion. Importantly, the speaker immediately encouraged the crowd to pray for this poor, confused individual.
This same Satanist has reserved space at our Kansas state Capitol on March 28, for satanic worship. The governor initially granted the satanic cult space within the Capitol, but, with mounting concerns expressed by thousands
ARCHBISHOP
JOSEPH F. NAUMANN
of Kansans, has decided to move the satanic worship outside, but still on the grounds of the Capitol.
Governor Kelly stated that she did not find constructive an event aimed at denigrating religious belief and sacred objects. Nevertheless, she stated that it was her responsibility to protect the satanic cult’s rights of free expression and speech.
Initially, the satanic leader claimed that he has a consecrated host that he intended to desecrate. He referred to the event as a “Black Mass.” In reality, it is not a Mass of any sort. The Satanist also said that they planned to destroy both a Bible and a cross. Their entire goal is to blaspheme Christianity and, in particular, Catholicism.
In reality, the governor can preserve freedom of speech and expression without allowing hate speech and the desecration of the Bible, the cross and Catholic sacraments on the grounds of the Capitol. This group has already demonstrated their practice of engaging in hate speech and employing tactics aimed at causing conflict intended to provoke violence. Would the governor allow the destruction of the Koran on the grounds of the state Capitol? Would the governor permit a group to spew racist remarks?
The leader of this group craves attention that some media is more than willing to accommodate. He has stated that his tiny group will not respect the governor’s decision. They intend to storm the Capitol. What additional information does Gov. Kelly need to understand
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS
that this group desires chaos and violence?
The leader initially claimed to have a consecrated host. Now, he says that he just possesses unconsecrated Communion wafers. When you worship the Father of Lies, truth is not a high priority. We are pursuing legal efforts to take custody of what he claimed was a consecrated host.
The Catholic Church’s response to this mockery and blasphemy of what we hold sacred is to encourage Catholics and all Christians to pray. Pray for God’s mercy for those who blaspheme God. I encourage people to pray that God will touch this poor man’s heart to understand that Jesus gave his life on Calvary for him.
On March 25, the solemnity of the Annunciation, at Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park, during a previously scheduled Mass praying for Our Lord’s blessing upon pregnant couples and their unborn children, I will reconsecrate the archdiocese to Jesus Christ through the intercession of his mother Mary. All are invited to come and pray. I also urge all Catholics to consecrate or reconsecrate yourselves to Jesus through Mary.
On March 28, I invite Catholics and other Christians to come to Assumption Church in Topeka at 11 a.m. for a Holy Hour of prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament followed by a noon Mass. This is an authentic Mass during which we praise and honor Jesus for giving his life on Calvary for us. During this time, we will pray for God to bless those who blaspheme him and who mock those who believe in Jesus Christ. After all, on Calvary, Jesus implored his heavenly Father to forgive those who
crucified him because they did know not what they were doing.
On Feb. 25, Pope Francis announced the canonization later this year of Blessed Bartolo Longo, who was born in 1841 to a devout Catholic family on the Adriatic coast of Italy. Sadly, Longo’s mother died when he was only 10.
Longo grew up in the time when Garibaldi was attempting to unite Italy and, in so doing, to eliminate the Papal States. This resulted in a high level of anti-Catholicism. Longo attended law school at the University of Naples, where many of his professors were very anti-Catholic.
In his confusion, he began to visit some of Naples’ infamous mediums who introduced him to the occult. This led him to Satanism. He was consecrated a satanic priest and promised his soul to the devil.
His embrace of Satanism resulted in severe bouts of depression and poor physical health. His family prayed for his reversion to the Catholic faith. Longo began to meet with a solidly Catholic professor at the university, who encouraged him to dialogue with a Dominican priest. His conversation with this priest motivated Longo on the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to make a sincere confession and return to the church.
Sadly, Longo had difficulty forgiving himself, and he began to doubt that God could forgive him for all that he had done. He once again was depressed and even contemplated suicide. Fortunately, he remembered the counsel of his Dominican mentor, who encouraged Longo to pray and promote the rosary. This he did faithfully for the rest of his life.
Longo was instrumental in building the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Pompeii. He also founded orphanages, elementary schools and even a technical school for the children of convicted criminals. He became a friend of Pope Leo XIII. Pope John Paul, when instituting the luminous mysteries
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR
March 22
Anointing Mass and reception — Curé of Ars, Leawood
Symposium on Transforming Culture — Benedictine College, Atchison
March 23
Rural Catholic Youth Conference Mass — Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg
Baptism of third or more child — cathedral
March 24
Ethics Council meeting — chancery
March 25
Grotto groundbreaking — Bishop Miege, Roeland Park
Priest Personnel board meeting — chancery
Administrative Team meeting — chancery
Solemnity of the Annunciation Mass with blessing for expectant couples — Holy Spirit, Overland Park
March 26
Presbyteral Council meeting — chancery
Catholic Education Foundation board meeting — chancery
Confirmation — Holy Trinity, Lenexa
March 27
Eucharistic adoration and lunch — St. James Academy, Lenexa
Deo Gratias appreciation Mass and dinner — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park
March 29
Prayer at Planned Parenthood — International Day of the Unborn Child
Mass and SPARC Night event — Savior
March 30
Catholic Committee on Scouting Mass — cathedral
March 31
Confirmation — Good Shepherd, Shawnee
April 1
Catholic Community Health staff meeting — Villa St. Francis, Olathe
Benedictine Center for Family Life talk (George Weigel, keynote) — Sacred Heart, Shawnee
April 2
Bishop Ward eucharistic adoration — cathedral
St. Lawrence Center board meeting — St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center, Lawrence
of the rosary in 2002, credited Longo for this inspiration.
Catholics should not underestimate Satan, his craftiness and power. However, as long as we keep close to Jesus, we need not fear the devil. Throughout the Gospel, we see Our Lord’s authority over the demonic, liberating many who had given themselves to Satan. If we seize the opportunity to draw closer to Jesus through
prayer, then we can make this attempt to mock and blaspheme our Catholic faith into what Satan most fears and despises. Let us pray that the Lord of Life can penetrate and change the hearts of the Satanists of our time with his merciful love. St. Bartolo Longo, pray for us and especially for those who have become ensnared by the Evil One. All things are possible with God!
RITE OF ELECTION
Those joining the church at Easter declare their intentions
By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org
TOPEKA — “And a little child shall lead them.”
That’s how the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 11, Verse 6, ends.
For Shelby Mapes, it’s definitely been true.
On April 19, Mapes will be baptized, make her first Communion and be confirmed in the Catholic faith, becoming a full-fledged member of Topeka’s Mater Dei Parish. And it’s mostly because of her son, Jayden Mapes-Konomos, a second grader at the parish grade school.
Mapes, along with Jaci Opfer, who is taking instruction in the Catholic faith at St. Bernard Parish in Wamego, is a member of this year’s class of catechumens and candidates who participated in the Rite of Election held at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish on March 9 for the archdiocese’s western region. A second celebration was held for the eastern region of the archdiocese at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood that evening.
Usually celebrated in early Lent, the rite is one in which those wishing to be received into the Catholic faith — both those who have been baptized into other Christian traditions (candidates) and those who have never been baptized (catechumens) — stand before their sponsors, the archdiocesan faith community and the archbishop to express their desire to enter into the full sacramental life of the Catholic Church.
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann presided over both celebrations.
While Mapes credits Jayden with leading her to the faith, she also joked that Deacon Bob Ortiz, a permanent deacon assigned to the parish, “tricked her” into attending classes provided by the parish as part of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).
“My son goes here at Mater Dei. And so I told Deacon Bob and Father Matt (Nagle) that I was interested in learning more, and Deacon Bob was like, ‘Come here at this time for this class.’ He didn’t tell me that it is monthslong. He didn’t tell me what I was signing up for. He didn’t tell me I needed a sponsor. I thought it was a one-night class!
“After that first night, I was like, ‘This is a commitment. Do I want to fully invest?’”
Deciding to stick with it, Mapes said she’s glad, especially because she will get to share in Jayden’s sacramental life.
Growing up, Mapes said she tried different religions, including Buddhism, Mormonism, Wicca and Christianity.
With that background, she said some might find it somewhat surprising that she’s decided to convert to the Catholic faith. After all, she wasn’t really looking for faith nor did she much care if Jayden developed a faith life.
“Him learning a religion wasn’t something that I really cared about,” Mapes said.
After enrolling him in the school, she
remarked more than once, “If he learns [religion], he learns it. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t. It’s up to him.”
Because Jayden has been at Mater Dei since he was 2 or 3, Mapes said he often knows more than she does.
For example, when they first started attending Sunday Mass together, Mapes said Jayden would often lead her through it, often whispering when it was time to kneel, sit or stand.
Within the past few months, Mapes decided to walk up to receive a blessing during Communion, a move that impressed Jayden. Up until then, he had been walking up by himself for a blessing, as he’ll make his first Communion this year.
“He was like, ‘Mom, you’re going up with me?’ I said, ‘Yes, I’ll start going up with you.’”
Just hearing those words, Mapes said, warmed her heart, and she looks
forward to the day they can receive the Eucharist together as mother and son, which will be just one week after her baptism, as Jayden will make his first Communion at that time.
Like Mapes, Opfer said she’s looking forward to receiving the Eucharist.
At 22, Opfer said she grew up in the Methodist tradition, having been baptized as an infant.
“Once I got out of high school and was kind of on my own and living on my own, I knew I didn’t want to continue going to a Methodist church,” she said. “Nothing against that — I [just] didn’t feel like I was getting the most out of it or serving God the best.”
After Opfer started dating her now-fiance Brady Brummett, she went to a few Masses. Yet, she wasn’t sure she’d ever consider joining the church. But Opfer kept giving the church one more chance.
of
And the more she’s learned about the Catholic Church and its teachings, the more Opfer said she’s been impressed, especially as she’s been able to study the Catechism of the Catholic Church and trace Catholic Church teachings to specific Bible passages.
“It all goes back to the Bible,” Opfer said. “The more I learn in my classes, the more I am like, ‘Wow! If only people knew.’”
Like many, Opfer said she had misperceptions about the honor Catholics give to Mary and the importance of the Eucharist, but it’s the Eucharist that she wishes more people, including Catholics, truly understood.
“The more I learned about how the Eucharist is actually Jesus’ body, and diving deep into all of the facts about the Eucharist, it totally makes more sense,” she said. “And it’s also very, very powerful to know that while you’re at Mass. I feel like you can go into Mass with a different mindset.”
“When you don’t know that,” Opfer said, “and you don’t think that’s actually Jesus’ body, you miss out on all of the good stuff.”
Above, Andrea Hillebert (left), principal at Mater Dei School in Topeka, places her hand on the shoulder of Shelby Mapes during the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion on March 9, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, Topeka. Mapes will be baptized into the Catholic faith at the Easter Vigil, and Hillebert serves as her sponsor.
Left, Brady Brummett, a member
St. Bernard Parish in Wamego, stands beside his fiancee Jaci Opfer during the Rite of Election. Opfer will be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.
‘Mean what you say,’ urges parenting expert
By Jan Dixon Special to The Leaven
OVERLAND PARK — A
large group of parents and grandparents recently gathered on March 6 in the sanctuary of the Church of the Ascension here. They came with mutual hopes of gaining insight into what might make them stronger in their parenting.
Dr. Ray Guarendi, a Catholic father of 10 adopted children and a clinical psychologist for over 40 years, was the presenter.
“We polled the parish on who they wanted as a speaker,” said parishioner Marcia Jacobson. “And they wanted a parenting expert.”
Guarendi had spoken last year at the parish and was well received.
Father Gary Pennings, pastor of Ascension, opened the evening with a prayer, asking God to help the gathered discern their own behavior, demonstrate the truth of the Gospel, and be grateful for our families and our faith.
In no time at all, the church was filled with laughter and heads nodding in understanding as Guarendi, with his characteristic honesty and humor, shared examples of personal experiences in raising children.
“At one time, we had five boys and five girls under the age of 12 in our home, many with multiple risk factors,” said Guarendi. He and his wife faced many common parenting problems, such as getting kids to stay in bed at night, getting school homework and assigned chores completed, and getting the children to act and speak respectfully.
The couple learned to say what they meant and to mean what they said. Parenting out of fear was not an option. They had to discipline, but always with love.
“Love without discipline is child abuse, because the world will discipline and it will hurt,” Guarendi said. “The number one reason parents and grandparents seek me out is to ask about discipline.”
As a New York Times bestselling author of several books, a public speaker, a radio and television host, and practicing psychologist, Guarendi has provided parents with many tools to help them strengthen their skills.
To the crowd gathered at Ascension, Guarendi reiterated some of those discipline tools: avoid overtalking, overexplaining, overthinking and overnegotiating. Say what you are going to do and then do it. Parent at the level the child needs: Toddlers and teens need different kinds of discipline. Don’t make it a brawl. He shared some of the strategies used in his home when needed: no screens, room time, written essays, blackout (no TV, no activities, no friends).
“We have become a microwave culture. We want results immediately and that impacts our approach to children,” said Guarendi. “Results take time. Without discipline, poor behaviors will escalate. Talk without action and follow-through can’t get the job done.”
Catholic HEART Workcamp looking for summer projects
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Catholic HEART Workcamp will be in town the week of July 7 through July 10. If you know of anyone needing assistance with minor home repairs, painting or general yard cleanup, contact Sandra at (402) 306-9043 or send an email to: chwc.kc@gmail.com. If you call, please leave a message.
Ignatius book fair coming to John Paul II School
OVERLAND PARK — Looking for a book fair option that provides the best in Catholic books, as well a wholesome variety of kids fare that will appeal to students K-8?
Look no further than the new Ignatius Book Fair program — a collaboration between Ignatius Press and Ave Maria University. Their first book fairs rolled out in 2024 and John Paul II School in Overland Park will be hosting one this April, to which all are invited.
Come to check it out for your school, buy good and beautiful books for you and your children, or pick up some gifts for upcoming sacrament celebrations and Easter.
The book fair will be held in the Queen of the Holy Rosary Fiat Center and runs from April 2-6, with some special events scheduled.
Interested individuals may also shop the book fair online at: store.ignatius bookfairs.com.
WE HAVE BECOME A MICROWAVE CULTURE. WE WANT RESULTS IMMEDIATELY AND THAT IMPACTS OUR APPROACH TO CHILDREN. RESULTS TAKE TIME.
DR. RAY GUARENDI
“There’s no sure formula for successful parenting,” he said. “Parents and grandparents must find the will to properly discipline.”
In a Q&A session following Guarendi’s presentation, Father Pennings posed a concern of his own: the effects of social media.
“In my opinion, the number one issue parents or grandparents face today is the influence imposed on children by social conditioning (peer pressure, social media, internet, TV/entertainment, etc.),” said Father Pennings. “Most children, 5th grade and up, are exposed to such influences many hours a week through apps on their phones or on other devices connected to the internet. The messages pushed by such social institutions often speak more loudly than the parents’ voices do.
“It’s the same with the church. We find it hard to have the voice of the Gospel heard in a world where secular ideologies are being so loudly proclaimed.”
Guarendi had thoughts of his own on the issue. He reported that reliable surveys show that 90% of males between the ages of 11 and 19 have seen pornography, either intentionally or accidentally. He believes that kids are being given smartphones at too young an age and often without parental controls in place. Guarendi feels that phones change kids’ personalities.
Becky Griffith, Ascension parishioner, and Chris Jackson, from St. Paul Parish in Olathe, skipped their regular Thursday evening tennis game to attend the talk and agreed it was worth it.
“I like the concept of approaching with love and discipline together,” said Griffith.
Chris and June Jones, Ascension parents of four, agreed with the message regarding social media and discipline.
“Discipline is a way of showing love and keeping our children safe,” the couple said.
For more information about Guarendi, go to the website at: www. Dr.Ray.com or check out his books online at: www.drray.com/store.
His radio show “The Dr. Is In” can be heard on 500 stations and his show “Living Right With Dr. Ray” is televised in several countries.
For details about the special events, shopping online, or the Sip & Shop or Storytime events, send an email to Erin Hayes at: erinhayes1000@gmail.com, or go to: tinyurl.com/bookfairjp2 for more information.
USM program earns accreditation
LEAVENWORTH — The University of Saint Mary Master of Social Work program here announces its recent accreditation granted by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
The CSWE accreditation, a prestigious recognition in the field of social work, underscores USM’s dedication to providing high-quality education and training to social work professionals. This accreditation is a testament to the university’s adherence to rigorous standards and best practices established by the CSWE.
SOLUTION
PHOTO BY MARCIA JACOBSON
Father Gary Pennings, pastor of Church of the Ascension Parish in Overland Park, poses with return speaker Dr. Ray Guarendi, a Catholic father of 10 adopted children and a clinical psychologist. Guarendi gave a talk “Standing Strong as a Parent and Grandparent” on March 6 at Ascension.
Monks honor Msgr. Tank at the 12th annual Abbot’s Table
By Seth Galemore Special to The Leaven
ATCHISON — For nearly 60 years, Msgr. Tom Tank has devoted his life to serving as a priest of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. His choice of vocation was clear. “I wanted my life to make a difference,” Msgr. Tank said. “The best way for me was by becoming a priest.”
The monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison agree; that’s why they have chosen to honor him with their annual Lumen Vitae award.
“In honoring Monsignor Tank,” explained Abbot James Albers, OSB, “the monks recognize a priest who has dedicated his life to forming men and young people in faith.” Msgr. Tank joins the ranks of such prominent former honorees as Bishop Robert Barron, apologist Scott Hahn and the Sisters of Life.
Given to those who radiate the “light of life” through their service to Christ and his church, the award recognizes Msgr. Tank’s extraordinary contributions. Amid his history of serving as chancellor, vicar general, youth director and rector of Savior of the World Seminary in Kansas City, Kansas, he has also been a mentor to countless priests across his decades of leadership.
The monks wish to highlight two accomplishments, in particular, that align with their own mission: his founding role in Men Under Construction, a Catholic men’s conference, and his instrumental work in establishing Camp Tekakwitha at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg, a transformative faith experience for young people.
For several decades, Men Under Construction has been a cornerstone of Catholic men’s formation in the archdiocese. Msgr. Tank is proud of the difference the conference makes.
“It has enriched the lives of many of
our men,” he said. He is especially gratified by its generational impact: “It’s great to see fathers bringing their sons so that they’re really bonding spiritually on that level as well.”
The monks similarly value Camp Tekakwitha’s mission to form young hearts and minds in faith. Since opening in 2000, the camp has welcomed thousands of youth, blending outdoor adventure with profound spiritual growth. Before then, “an awful lot of our young people were going to Protestant camps during the sum-
mertime,” recalls Msgr. Tank. “I thought to myself, ‘We can certainly have a Catholic experience for our young people.’”
The fruits have been clear. Abbot James explained what he has witnessed himself in the abbey’s educational apostolates at Benedictine College and Maur Hill–Mount Academy, both in Atchison.
“So many of the students with the deepest love for Christ have had that passion fostered at Camp Tekakwitha,” he said.
Perhaps Father Gabriel Landis, OSB, formerly a pastoral associate for Msgr.
Tank at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, sums up the legacy of Msgr. Tank best.
“He’s got a tireless work ethic, visionary leadership, and he really listens to the promptings of the Holy Spirit,” he said. “The name ‘Tank’ really fits him — he pushes forward and nothing can stop him!”
The monks invite local Catholics to join in celebrating the 12th annual Abbot’s Table banquet on April 5. (Details and registration are available online at: www.kansasmonks.org/abbots-table).
Raven Hills development seeks to support Atchison community
By Catherine Halbmaier
Special to The Leaven
ATCHISON — A new neighborhood is cropping up here. Known as Raven Hills, the housing development will cater to not only Benedictine College students, but to families or retirees that want a charming, affordable home in town.
And charm is part of the package. According to the developers at Vision 4 LLC, each new home will be designed to blend in with the older, historic homes in Atchison. The first open houses will be held this year — one on March 29, with two more on May 17 and June 14.
Vision 4 LLC is a partnership between two married couples. Also lifelong friends, David and LeeAnn Egger have worked with John and Becky Thomas as local real estate developers, completing a number of stand-alone projects in Atchison with other planned communities throughout eastern Kansas. The Eggers have a daughter and son-in-law who graduated from Benedictine College. The couple also owns a home in Atchison, making them part of the thriving Catholic community that this neighborhood seeks to support.
Situated adjacent to Benedictine College, Raven Hills residents will be within walking distance from both the college and St. Benedict Church. Independence and Riverside parks also border the
neighborhood, and downtown Atchison will be just a 20-minute stroll down the hill.
When completed, the neighborhood will include up to 60 new homes of various sizes. This development has been met with an outpouring of support from the local community, including Stephen D. Minnis, president of Benedictine College.
“I’m truly excited for the Raven Hills planned district and I’m thrilled to team up with the Egger and Thomas families to create this awesome new neighborhood
adjacent to Benedictine,” Minnis said.
While several of the new houses will become student housing, the majority of Raven Hills will be available for young families, working professionals and retirees.
“The Atchison Catholic community continues to grow and thrive,” said Father Luke Turner, OSB, pastor of St. Benedict Parish. “Efforts like this initiative help to provide affordable, much needed housing in the beautiful historic neighborhood adjacent to St. Benedict Catholic Church and School.”
Of course, anyone seeking a new home in Atchison can benefit from this new housing option. Mayor La Rochelle Young of Atchison emphasized how Raven Hills will appeal to all generations of prospective homeowners.
“I was impressed that during the city approval process, the folks developing Raven Hills were willing to listen and respond to feedback from neighbors near the development site,” Young said. “This new neighborhood is going to appeal to multiple age groups, from young working families to retirees, all while blending in with the historic charm Atchison strives to maintain. Raven Hills will be a wonderful addition to our city.”
Vision 4 LLC already has good reviews from new Atchison homeowners. Mark Schell, vice president of Diamond Pet Foods, spoke highly of the developers.
“My wife and I recently purchased a home in Atchison from Vision 4 LLC. We were impressed with both the quality and the low costs in Atchison relative to larger cities,” Schell said. “With eight new homes completed or under construction in the planned district, a picture of a newly built, beautiful neighborhood with a nod to historic Atchison is taking shape.”
To learn more about Raven Hills and the upcoming open houses, send an email to: Vision4Athchison@outlook. com. Inquiries can also be made by text to (785) 550-6253.
LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Msgr. Tom Tank, senior associate at Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park, will be honored with St. Benedict’s Abbey’s annual Lumen Vitae award. Msgr. Tank was instrumental in founding Men Under Construction and Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg.
COURTESY GRAPHIC
Vision 4 LLC is developing a new neighborhood in Atchison known as Raven Hills. The development will cater to not only Benedictine College students, but to families or retirees that want an affordable home in town.
Generosity should be a way of life, not a budget line item
So, a random guy walks into a bar. No, this isn’t the beginning of a joke. For me, it’s a Lenten meditation.
A friend of mine tends bar in a neighborhood tavern. It’s a small place where “regulars” gather.
Once, on the rare occasion I visited, I asked for red wine. My friend shook her head. “I wouldn’t order wine here,” she said. Apparently, a bottle of Merlot can sit open for weeks. This is a beer drinker’s haven.
She told me that one night as she stood behind the bar, she was looking at a GoFundMe page for a friend, a young woman diagnosed with very serious cancer. The woman had to quit her job to begin treatment.
A customer my friend didn’t know was sitting at the bar sipping a beer and asked what she was doing. She explained the young woman’s situation. This random guy, a stranger, pulled out two $20 bills and pushed them over to her. Add that to the GoFundMe, he said.
What does this have to do with my Lent? I’ve been thinking about generosity. More specifically, I’ve been pondering spontaneous generosity and what it says about the heart. My heart.
Spring brings two familiar rituals — one, the penitential season of Lent with its many graces. The other,
EFFIE CALDAROLA
tax season, with its obligations. Although ostensibly very different things, they may intersect at the point where some of us use our charitable donations as deductions. Tax season holds us hostage to paper, and I’ve carefully recorded the donations my husband and I have made. Again, the intersection: I want a deduction, but I also use this as a time to evaluate my generosity. Were our contributions “enough?” Were they more than last year? Did they reflect our church’s preferential option for the poor? What do they say about our priorities? But then, a random guy pushes $40 across the bar in a spontaneous act of compassion, and my receipts suddenly seem less important and a bit more calculated. Where, I wonder, is my record of everyday
acts of generosity, acts which held no hidden benefit to me except the grace of a God whose generosity is boundless?
I think back to times I’ve failed at spontaneous generosity. I sometimes recall, long ago, a man loitering on the early morning street, me rushing to a coffee shop before a meeting. I had no cash to give him, but later I asked myself why I didn’t offer to buy him a
coffee. Maybe a muffin? I had a credit card. There’s nothing wrong with planned giving. Actually, it’s important. Maybe we tithe, or maybe we choose a sacrifice so that we can give more. In these troubled times, with so many people suffering and even dying because federal contracts to Catholic charities have been frozen, our charitable planning is critical.
But generosity should be a way of life, not just a budget line item. Generosity is stumbling out of bed after a sleepless night and smiling brightly at our family. It’s letting someone else have the last piece of cake. It’s spontaneous compassion on a daily basis, through our time, our words, our resources. Without payback. Just sliding a little cash across the bar.
Did that guy have a
sister or mother who struggled with the same cancer? Or did he just have a generous heart? We’ll never know.
People often ask a deacon friend of mine how much they should give, almost as if his answer would justify them. He would always smile and say, “More.” That’s a good daily Lenten mantra. After all, how can we give God less?
Effie Caldarola is a wife, mom and grandmother who received her master’s degree in pastoral studies from Seattle University.
George Weigel to speak at award event for archbishop
By Steve Johnson
Special to The Leaven
ATCHISON — In recognition of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s work in the preservation of and support for life, marriage and family values, Benedictine College here will present him with the Transforming Culture in America Award at a special event on April 1 at 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Shawnee. The event, sponsored by Benedictine College and its Center for Family Life and in association with J.P. De Gance and his Communio program, is free and open to the public.
In addition to the award presentation, there will be a keynote lecture by George Weigel, biographer of St. John Paul II and a Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC) in Washington, D.C. Weigel is a longtime friend of Archbishop Naumann and is a noted Catholic theologian, one of America’s leading intellectuals and NBC’s analyst on the Vatican. He will speak on “The Family as the Vital Cell of Society: The Genius of St. John Paul II.”
“The Benedictine Center for Family Life is inspired and motivated by the grand vision of St. John Paul II for the family as God’s way of shaping a culture of love,” said Tory Baucum, director of Benedictine’s Center for Family Life. “Archbishop Naumann was consecrated to his apostolic office by Pope John Paul II, and he has made the pope’s vision of the family his own.”
Archbishop Naumann has always
been very active within the church on issues of marriage and life. He served as chairman of the Kansas Catholic Conference and was a member of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Marriage and Family Life. He was also chosen by his brother bishops to lead the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities.
The pro-life cause has long been one of great importance to Archbishop Naumann. While serving as archdiocesan pro-life coordinator in St. Louis, the archdiocese established a Project Rachel ministry for women recovering from abortion, as well as the Lifeline Coalition. He was a founding board member of the Vitae Foundation, which promotes effective pro-life
messaging. He is also a regular participant in the annual March for Life in Washington, supports a variety of pro-life organizations and regularly participates in pro-life rosaries in front of abortion clinics.
“The pro-life issue has been, and remains, one of the paramount moral issues that the church tries to give some guidance on to our own people, as well as society at large,” Archbishop Naumann told the Catholic World Report in 2017.
Weigel is perhaps best known for his widely translated and internationally acclaimed two-volume biography of Pope St. John Paul II: “Witness to Hope” (1999) and its sequel “The End and the Beginning” (2010).
Join
the archbishop
in prayer outside of Planned Parenthood
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Area Catholics and beyond are invited to the third annual Day of the Unborn Child sidewalk witness outside Planned Parenthood here at 6013 Leavenworth Road on March 29 from 9-10 a.m.
“The Day of the Unborn Child is a worldwide event to draw attention to the unborn child who the abortion industry fails [and] refuses to even acknowledge the existence of,” said Ron Kelsey, board president of the Kansas City Pregnancy Clinic.
The event is sponsored by Planned Parenthood Exposed. Cosponsors include the archdiocese, Kansans for Life and Kansas City Pregnancy Clinic.
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will lead the group in prayer. Prayers will include the joyful mysteries of the rosary, the Angelus and the Divine Mercy chaplet.
Pro-life signs will be available for those who attend.
The Day of the Unborn Child is typically held near the solemnity of the Annunciation, said Kelsey, which is nine months before Christ’s birth, “implicitly acknowledging that Christ began his human existence as an embryo, to which then points to the value of a human being.”
Kelsey hopes the event will “draw increased attention by the public to the intrinsic value of the unborn child, each of whom is a child of God made in his image — and that each abortion kills an unborn child.
“This event will provide an opportunity for individuals to stand in Christian witness to the horrors of abortion.”
LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann offers a blessing to Atchison’s Benedictine College students at the 2023 March for Life.
HOW TO HELP A GRIEVING FRIEND
By Lorene Hanley Duquin OSV News
Some people know instinctively how to help a grieving person. But for most of us, dealing with someone else’s grief is a little more uncomfortable. We might be at a loss for words. We might be uncertain about what to do. We might not know how to respond to the raw emotions a grieving person exudes.
Our greatest temptation might be to avoid the person or ignore the situation. But that is the worst thing we can do.
The word “bereavement” means “to be torn apart.” It describes the deep emotional wound caused by the death of a loved one. Grief is not an illness or a disease. It is a normal human reaction to the painful void that death creates. Grief is the process by which healing takes place.
Each person experiences grief differently, but most people find themselves struggling through five key areas: accepting the reality of the death; feeling the pain of loss; adjusting to life without the person; repositioning the person as a memory; and finding new meaning in life.
There is no magic formula for dealing with a grieving person. The best way to reach out to someone will depend on your relationship with that person and where he or she is in the grieving process. And if you don’t have a close relationship with the person grieving, you still might be the first person they have seen since the news of their loss.
If the death just occurred, let the person know that you are saddened to hear the news. Expressions of genuine sympathy — even from acquaintances — offer the assurance that someone else cares. You will know instantly whether
the grieving person wants to share the details of what happened.
Most people in the early stages of grief struggle with shock and disbelief. Telling the story of what happened allows them to come to grips with the reality of the death. You can help by listening. A good listener doesn’t interrupt or try to change the way the person is feeling. A good listener just listens.
When grieving people begin to share their story, they sometimes get emotional. Assure the person that it’s OK to cry or to express anger or frustration.
Don’t say: “I know how you feel.”
“You’ve got to be strong.” “It’s a blessing in disguise.” “God never gives us more than we can handle.”
Instead, say: “I can’t imagine how painful this must be.” “It’s OK to cry.” “What I’m hearing you say is . . .” “Anytime you want to talk . . .” Immediately after a death, grieving people are often in a state of shock.
They may be uncertain of what needs to be done. You can ask if they need help, perhaps in the following ways: making phone calls to let family members and friends know what is happening; shopping for food or supplies; preparing food; caring for children or pets; picking up family members from the airport; helping with arrangements for the wake, funeral or burial; creating memory boards with photos for the wake; or designing a program for the funeral Mass.
A wake allows people to pay their last respects to the deceased and to comfort the bereaved. You can help by sharing your own memories and ways that person impacted your life. These kinds of stories add to the memory bank of grieving family members.
You can also be present for prayers at the wake service or for the recitation of the rosary. Keep the grieving family members in your prayers.
If you are unable to attend the wake,
Offering to pray with someone can help them deal neous prayer, ask the Lord to help this person and need.
sending a sympathy card or a Mass card with a heartfelt note can be a real consolation for the family. Some funeral homes also invite online messages.
A grieving person will also appreciate your presence at the funeral. Catholic funerals allow us to give the person to God with renewed hope in the resurrection of the body and eternal life. You can also help by serving as a greeter and
Immediately after a death, grieving people are often in a state of shock. A simple gesture friends can do for someone who has lost a loved one is to prepare food or pick up groceries for the family.
Most people in the early stages of grief struggle
Being present for prayers at the wake service or for the recitation of the rosary can show family members you care and are there for them.
distributing funeral programs; taking part in an honor guard; or helping with the liturgy as an altar server, reader or eucharistic minister. Some parishes offer a funeral meal after the burial. Or you can assist at a family reception by bringing food, helping with setup and cleanup, and just being available for any need that arises.
Parishes can also train volunteers to
assist in planning a funeral; arrange for an honor guard and adult altar servers at funerals; organize funeral meals for the family; sponsor an annual memorial Mass in November to honor those who died during the year; send monthly cards or make monthly phone calls for a year after the death; or start a bereavement support group where grieving people can learn about the grieving process and share their experiences of grief.
The grieving need a good friend long after the funeral. Within a few weeks, visits, cards, meals and other special attention come to an end. Grieving people often feel alone and afraid. They may experience insomnia, fatigue, headaches and other physical symptoms of grief. They may suffer from mood swings, restlessness, forgetfulness and the inability to concentrate.
Their family members and friends might grow impatient and tell them: “Why can’t you pull yourself together? You aren’t acting like yourself! When are you going to get back to normal?”
What most people do not realize is that the most difficult time for a grieving person is between the fourth and the ninth month after the death. Holidays and anniversaries can be particularly painful. As special days approach, memories of past holidays surface and feelings of loss intensify.
Your presence throughout the year after the death can make a profound difference in
the life of a grieving person. Here are some ways to open a conversation in the months after the death:
• “Do you want to talk?” Your willingness to listen — even if it is the same story over and over — is invaluable. Listen with compassion to the thoughts and fears that they may be reluctant to share with family members. Don’t be surprised at questions about God, life after death, right and wrong, and why bad things happen. Some questions you will be able to answer; others have no answer.
• “I was thinking about . . .” Let the grieving person know that you still think about their loved one. Use the person’s name when you share your thoughts and memories.
• “Do you want to pray?” If the idea of praying with someone seems uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Most Catholics were never trained to pray with others. You might suggest saying an Our Father or a Hail Mary together. If you’re comfortable with spontaneous prayer, ask the Lord to help this person and invite the person to ask the Lord for what they need. Or offer to accompany the grieving person to Mass or adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• “Is there something you would like me to help you do?” Your offer to help opens the door to possibilities that may be weighing on the person’s mind. Don’t make suggestions, just assure the grieving person that you would be willing to
help in any way.
Meanwhile, honor confidentiality. When grieving people share their fears, failures, disappointments and difficulties, they expect that you will not tell anyone else what they said. To do so would be a breach of trust and could have terrible repercussions. You will no longer be perceived as trustworthy. People will no longer seek your help or share their struggles with you.
The simple rule of thumb is: Don’t share what anyone has told you unless you have the person’s explicit permission. The only exception is if you suspect that the person needs outside intervention. For example, you might feel the need to seek help for someone if there are signs of excessive weight loss, neglecting basic self-care, the use of drugs or alcohol, or suicidal thoughts. These may be indications of clinical depression.
Grief has no timetable. People grieve at different intensities for different lengths of time. You will know that someone is nearing the end of their bereavement when they show signs that they are adjusting to their new life: They begin to laugh again, they express gratitude, their energy increases, they show interest in doing things, their memories become comforting instead of painful and they feel a sense of hope for the future.
Until then, remember: A good listener just listens.
with shock and disbelief. You can help by listening. A good listener doesn’t interrupt or try to change the way the person is feeling. A good listener just listens.
deal with grief. If you’re comfortable with spontaand invite the person to ask the Lord for what they
Breakout sessions a welcome addition to conference format
sermons. He felt like he was the most important person in the room, which is the opposite of what the Catholic Mass is about.
“The Mass is heaven on earth,” Nester said. “The focus is on the literal presence of Jesus and not on a human’s ability to capture attention or entertain.”
After Nester’s address, attendees spread out across six breakout sessions. One of the session leaders was Chuck Jansen, who presented on “Operation Windshield,” which focuses on the healing power of forgiveness.
“All relationships walk through the door of forgiveness,” Jansen said. “So, it’s best to understand some things about forgiveness. ‘Operation Windshield’ is about getting people to quit looking in the rearview mirror and help them to move on.”
Another breakout session leader was Brian Jacobson, who noted that Men Under Construction is a good way for men to build a deeper connection with Jesus.
“Men are craving brotherhood and authentic masculine friendship,” Jacobson said. “They are craving going deeper with the faith and a relationship with Jesus. That is truly what we are made for, and I think this conference provides the opportunity for them to get those needs met.”
The breakout sessions were a new addition this year, and Men Under Construction president Russ Engel said they were added in response to participant feedback.
“One of the pieces of feedback that we got on a regular basis was [the desire] for more opportunities for small group discussions,” Engel said. “This year, we developed the idea to bring in some speakers and break into smaller groups where people could have those discussions.”
The participants were then able to enjoy lunch and receive the sacrament of reconciliation before the event’s second speaker began the afternoon session.
Jon Leonetti, a nationally rec-
ognized Catholic speaker, bestselling author and radio host, spoke primarily on what should be the one goal of all Catholics: to become a saint.
“What I am not telling you to seek is to become a canonized saint, which are those men, women and children in stainedglass around us,” Leonetti said. “The church’s definition of a saint is anyone in heaven. So if you want to be in heaven someday, there is no other meaning or purpose to life than to become a saint.”
He also noted that the most important thing we can do as humans is to pray and to make sure we are making time for that daily.
“If you want to be a saint, you need to will it,” Leonetti said. “Give God permission to work in your life by showing up and praying. There’s nothing more important in this life [that] you will ever do.
“You make time to eat every day. Food to the body is prayer to the soul. If we don’t eat, our bodies wither and die. If we don’t pray, our souls wither and die.”
“God created us to become saints and be with him in heaven for all eternity,” continued Leonetti. “And to do that, we need to begin or renew our lives of prayer.”
The day concluded with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. During his homily, he talked about the role of men as leaders and fathers.
“I always love this Men Under Construction event and it’s edifying to see so many men taking advantage of it,” Archbishop Naumann said. “Men are called to be leaders within the family and the church community, and you are called to live out your vocation of being a man of God and a man of faith.
“As a spiritual father, my vocation is to be willing to bear any sacrifice for the good of those entrusted to my care. I think it’s beautiful that we gather to hear the Lord’s call to be his disciple and to be a witness of Christ in the world today.”
Jon Leonetti, a bestselling author and radio host, points toward the stained-glass image of Jesus behind the altar at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.
Shroud of Turin to be digitally showcased during Holy Year
By Justin McLellan Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Shroud of Turin, one of Catholicism’s most valued devotional items, will be digitally showcased during the Holy Year 2025, allowing visitors to engage with the revered relic like never before.
The shroud, a linen cloth many believe is the burial shroud of Jesus Christ and bears his image, traditionally draws thousands of pilgrims during rare public displays.
While there will be no physical exposition of the shroud in 2025, the Archdiocese of Turin unveiled plans March 15 for a multimedia initiative featuring a full-scale digital version of the cloth to offer the faithful a new way to explore its image and mystery.
“In this Jubilee Year, we have sought a new approach to the shroud, focusing on new digital technologies,” said Cardinal Roberto Repole of Turin at a news conference in Turin announcing the initiative while virtually linked to the Vatican press office.
“That cloth, the shroud, is an invitation to live life with hope, because it is also the imprint of the Resurrection — of someone who is no longer in death,” the cardinal said, connecting the shroud to the Jubilee theme of hope.
Visitors to the northern Italian city can experience the “Tent of the Shroud” in Turin’s main square, Piazza Castello, April 28-May 5, where the lifesized digital replica will be displayed on an interactive table. The installation allows viewers to illuminate and explore key details of the cloth, such as the face, the crown of thorns and the marks of crucifixion. The digital replica of the shroud will be made available online after its exhibition in Turin.
The tent will also host a photographic exhibit titled “Faces in the Face” — a
collection of portraits and images that explore the face of Christ as reflected in the Shroud of Turin and in the faces of people both throughout history and in present day.
Daily talks on faith, youth and hope also will be offered in the tent.
A major goal of the initiative, organizers said, is to engage young people in the mystery and message of the shroud. On May 3, the feast of the Shroud of Turin, hundreds of young people from the dioceses of Turin and Susa will gather at the tent for a day of prayer and reflection as part of local Jubilee celebrations.
Organizers also are planning for the young people to join for a moment of prayer in front of the digital shroud while connected live with Pope Francis.
Cardinal Repole said he hoped the new way of engaging with the shroud “will draw new people who are interested in the shroud, in its vision and particularly what it represents to younger generations.”
Especially at a time marked by war, economic insecurity and social isolation, “the shroud, as a mold of the Resurrection, is hope,” the cardinal said, “because it opens us up to contain all
the good that we experience in this life, but also to redeem all the bad.”
The Shroud of Turin has been venerated for centuries as a relic of Jesus’ passion and resurrection. While its authenticity remains a topic of scientific debate, the shroud holds deep devotional significance to many Catholics and has inspired pilgrimages and extensive research.
It is housed in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, and due to its fragile condition is only occasionally displayed to the public during special events. The last time the shroud was on display was in 2015.
King Charles, Queen Camilla hope to meet pope at Vatican
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla confirmed their plans to meet at the Vatican with Pope Francis in early April in an announcement March 18.
The British Embassy to the Holy See released Buckingham Palace’s itinerary for the British royals’ planned state visit, a formal visit coordinated with the Vatican Secretariat of State.
Pope Francis has been in Rome’s Gemelli hospital since Feb. 14 fighting double pneumonia and multiple infections. While the Vatican press office said March 17 that the pope can go without supplemental oxygen for brief periods, a source said his release from the hospital “is not imminent.”
Buckingham Palace originally announced the visit of the king and queen to the Vatican and Italy Feb. 6, more than a week before Pope Francis was hospitalized.
The Reuters news agency reported March 18 that “royal officials expressed their ‘hopes and prayers that Pope Francis’ health will enable the visit to go ahead,’ sentiments that Charles and Camilla shared.”
The king and queen are scheduled to have an audience with Pope Francis April 8, the new announcement said.
“Their majesties will also attend a service in the Sistine Chapel, focused on the theme of ‘care for creation,’ reflecting Pope Francis’ and his majesty’s long-standing commitment to nature.”
At the ecumenical prayer service,
it said, members of the choir of the king’s Chapel Royal and the choir of St. George’s Chapel from Windsor will sing with the Sistine Chapel Choir. While he was still the prince of Wales, the king last met Pope Francis in 2019 when he came to the Vatican for the canonization of St. John Henry Newman. His last private audience
with Pope Francis was in 2017.
The visit of the king and queen was planned purposefully to coincide with the Holy Year 2025, “a year of reconciliation, prayer and walking together as ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ which is the Jubilee’s theme,” Buckingham Palace said.
The announcement also said that King Charles, in his role as supreme governor of the Anglican Church of England, will also visit Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, “with which English kings had a particular link until the Reformation” in the 16th century.
The basilica is a church “where reconciliation, ecumenism and relationships across the Christian faith are celebrated,” the palace said. The popes lead an ecumenical prayer service there each year to close the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
While in Rome, the announcement said, the king also will attend a reception with seminarians “from across the Commonwealth” and with Vatican officials and employees who are British, while the queen will meet religious Sisters “who are working around the world at grassroots level to promote female empowerment, through girls’ education programs, improved access to health care, climate action and the prevention of sexual violence and human trafficking.”
CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING
Pope Francis touches the case holding the Shroud of Turin after praying before the cloth in 2015 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy. The Shroud will be digitally showcased during the Holy Year 2025.
CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING
Britain’s then-Prince Charles talks with Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, substitute secretary for general affairs in the Vatican Secretariat of State, at the Vatican Oct. 13, 2019. King Charles and Queen Camilla plan to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican in early April.
EMPLOYMENT
Sacred Heart in Shawnee is hiring a marketing and communications specialist! - Are you bubbling with creativity and have professional experience in creating strategic marketing and communications plans that effectively engage and inspire diverse audiences? Are you skilled in graphic design and crafting compelling written communications to support parish events, campaigns and ministries? We may have the perfect role for you! Please go to this link to submit you application: https://go.cultureindex.com/p/JpSrpgMyZvMd.
Guest services concierge - Jury & Associates is in search of a friendly and professional guest services concierge to provide personal services and security on-site at The Catholic Center, downtown Kansas City, Missouri. We’re searching for an experienced individual who can provide high quality service to our clients and understands the importance of superb customer service. The successful candidate will have a confident personality, enjoy networking with clients and be equipped with excellent communication skills (written and verbal). For more information and to apply online, go to: https://kcsjcatholic.org/job-openings.
Care coordinator - Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of seniors? We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate care coordinator or social worker to join our team. As a care coordinator, you will play a key role in ensuring individuals receive the highest quality of care and support. You will work closely with health care providers, families and clients to create personalized care plans that promote well-being and independence. This opportunity is open to new graduates. To learn more and to apply, visit: https:// recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/ Details/3045125/Santa-Marta-Retirement/Care-Coordinator.
Catholic elementary school principal - Saints. Peter & Paul School in Seneca is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader with a passion for Catholic education. The principal will continue the school’s tradition of forming disciples, pursuing academic excellence and spiritual growth. The principal will lead by example and inspire a team of dedicated faculty and staff. Applicants must have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: archkckcs.org/apply. For more information, contact Father Arul Carasala at: acarasala@hotmail.com.
Catholic elementary school principal - John Paul II School in Overland Park is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader with a passion for Catholic education. The principal will continue the school’s tradition of forming disciples, pursuing academic excellence and spiritual growth. The principal will lead by example and inspire a team of dedicated faculty and staff. Applicants must have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: archkckcs.org/apply. For more information, contact Carla Mills at: cmills@ archkck.org.
Loan officer position - Exchange Bank & Trust, Atchison, is seeking a full-time loan officer to join our team. As a loan officer, you will be responsible for evaluating loan applications, determining creditworthiness and making loan decisions. You will also be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with clients and provide exceptional customer service. The primary markets served include Atchison, Leavenworth and Doniphan counties in Kansas and Buchanan and Platte counties in Missouri. Qualifications include bachelor’s degree in finance, business or related field. Prefer at least two years’ experience in the banking industry. Benefits include competitive compensation, generous bonus potential, health insurance, 401(k) and profit sharing. Salary based on experience. For more information or to apply, email resume to: bhawk@ebt.bank.
Director of medical services - Wyandotte and Olathe
Pregnancy Clinics are hiring a director of medical services. This full-time director will be responsible for the management of the medical staff, including nurses and sonographers, in both clinics. Responsibilities include handling personnel matters, ensuring shifts at both clinics are staffed, and providing ultrasounds and other clinic services for patients. This is a critical position to our organization, requiring dedication to the mission and vision of WPC Inc. We are looking for a registered nurse and will provide training to the right person to obtain their sonography certification. Please contact Leah Conner at (913) 207-0186 or email at: lconner@ wpcnetwork.org.
Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Job openings: assistant director of nursing, director of admissions and nursing intake coordinator. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.
Catholic foreign missionary - Does your heart burn to share the good news of God’s love with others? Has your life been radically changed by encountering Jesus in his beloved poor? For nearly 30 years, Family Missions Company has helped form and send over 1,000 missionaries across the globe to preach the Gospel, serve the poor and make disciples. We are authentically Catholic, lay families and singles willing to follow the Holy Spirit wherever he leads. The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few. If God is stirring your heart, please contact us today to start a conversation. Jonathan Oakes - cell: (913) 725-0220; email: jon@family missionscompany.com.
Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas, is a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not other wise be served Faculty job openings - Nursing faculty. Adjunct faculty job openings - psychology adjunct instructor for nursing and clinical nursing adjunct. Adjunct faculty Lansing Correctional Campus - Psychology adjunct. Find job descriptions and details at: www. donnelly.edu/careers.
Administrative assistant - Come join our team! A small family-owned company located in Lenexa is looking for an assistant to answer phones; invoicing; product ordering; some shipping/receiving and to assist the owner. We need a team member who is organized; detail oriented; self-motivated; trustworthy; has a positive attitude and above all else, gives excellent customer service. Schedule flexibility. Send your resume to: YourCareer101@gmail.com.
Caregivers needed - Daughter & Company is looking for compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide sitter services, light housekeeping and light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.
Part-time assistant teacher - St. Michael the Archangel Preschool in Leawood is seeking a part-time assistant teacher for our 4’s classroom for the 202526 school year. Hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. This position aids the lead teacher in conducting daily activities, carrying out licensure rules and regulations, and maintaining principles of sound Catholic education. See the full job description at: stmichaelcp.org/employment. Send a cover letter and resume to: jennie.wente@stmichaelcp.org.
WANTED TO BUY
Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.
$$Paying Cash$$ - Antique Furniture, crocks, tin and cast iron toys, old tools, glassware, American coins, jewelry. Most anything old. Please call Patricia at (913) 515-2950.
Wanted to buy
Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME!
I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.
Wanted to buy - Antiques & Collectibles: jewelry, military items, railroad, sterling, OLD holiday/toys and more. Renee Maderak (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Popcorn ceiling texture removal
Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Interior painting specialist. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.
STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.
Father and Son Home Remodeling - We specialize in kitchen/bathroom and basement remodeling, from start to finish. We also do decks, covered decks, porches, sun-rooms and room additions! If you’re not sure we do it, just call. From my family to yours, thank you for supporting my small business. To contact me, call (913) 709-7230 and ask for Josh.
Haus To Home Remodeling - Let’s give that room a nice face-lift! Specializing in affordable room remodeling. From small projects to bathrooms and basements. Tile, paint, carpentry, wood rot, decks, drywall, etc. Free estimates. Call Cole at (913) 544-7352.
SERVICES
CZ Handyman service - 25+ years working in home improvement. Painting, carpentry, flooring, wood rot and much more. Quality work with attention to detail. Clean, honest and fair. Please call Craig at (913) 9809163.
Garage door repair expert
New Garage Doors
Garage Floor Coatings
A Total Door Inc., Since “83. Leaven discount joe@atotaldoor.com or (913) 236-6440.
!!Early 2025 painting discount!! - At Stone Painting we offer interior & exterior house painting services. Check out our work at: www.stonepaintingkc.com.
AKC Pros roofing, siding, gutters, insulation - Did you get tired of the door-knocking and constant calls from different roofing companies after the storms this year? Now that the dust has settled, let’s talk. If it’s new damage or old damage, just give me a call. I’ll walk your roof and we will decide together whether to file a claim. Locally owned and operated, licensed and insured. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.
Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.
Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.
Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footing, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured, references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.
PILGRIMAGES
Pilgrimages - Medjugorje is approved by the Vatican, receiving “nihil obstat” and encouraging people to go. The next pilgrimage date with visionary Mirjana Soldo as our hostess is March 12-20 and April 16-23, 2025. I am also available to speak to groups about Medjugorje. Call Grace at (913) 449-1806.
REAL ESTATE
We are local people who can buy your house - Big companies from all over the nation come here buying houses, but that’s not us. We are parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish and we enjoy giving you personalized service. We can offer you a fair price and are flexible to your needs. If I can help, call me, Mark Edmondson, at (913) 980-4905.
Looking to buy or sell a home? - Buy or sell a home with someone who understands your values. We are a Catholic-owned, faith-driven team of Realtors, dedicated to helping fellow Catholics buy or sell homes in our community. We bring integrity, compassion and a commitment to your needs. Let us be part of your journey. Call Kevin Holmes (owner) at (913) 553-0539.
We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family-owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house has never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer, (913) 599-5000.
CAREGIVING
Need caregiving at home? Don’t want to move?For nearly 20 years, we have helped seniors stay in their home with personal care, med management and household assistance. We also specialize in dementia care with free dementia training for families, all at reasonable rates and terms. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care at (913) 422-1591.
Home Care - Can provide home care for those needing assistance. CNA, 15 years’ experience, background check available from past employers. Call (913) 526-0797.
Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.
FOR SALE
Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC)
For sale - Modular wheelchair ramp, used — like-new condition. Very clean, was installed in a garage. Originally purchased from Lifeway Mobility. EZ Access Pathway 3G Modular Access System. Ramp system is 80 square feet: two 4x4, two 3x6, one 4x3. Asking $3000. Call (913) 908-7343.
For sale - Sit-to-stand lift, used — like new. Used for less than one month. Already assembled and cleaned! Designed for active participation and for adults and seniors to lift and support themselves from a seated position. It promotes mobility by requiring users to participate in standing, transferring and sitting with caregiver assistance. Call (913) 908-7343.
For sale - Single mausoleum crypt at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Located inside in the Chapel Corridor. The cost is $7600. Currently all inside crypts are sold out. If interested in purchasing this inside crypt, call Linda at (913) 631-9962 and leave your name and phone number and she will return your call.
For sale - Burial plot for sale located in Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas. Queen of Heaven Garden, lot 92, section A. The original price was $2157 plus $338 for perpetual care, I am selling the plot for $2100. Please contact A. Leigh by texting (913) 3097481.
For sale - Single (can be double deep for two) burial plot for sale located at Calvary Cemetery, 6901 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri. Located in block 8, lot 148, space 6. Asking $2100 (over $3100 if purchased at the cemetery). Call Gary at (913) 220-1335.
The Leaven reaches approximately 50,000 subscribers. Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter.
purchase a Leaven classified ad, email: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org
STATIONS OF THE CROSS FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park
March 22 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Join us for Stations of the Cross for adults with special needs — for ages 1618 and over. There is no cost, no need to make reservations. The church is handicap accessible. For questions, please call Cathy Oxley at (816) 210-8181 or send an email to: 3oxleys@gmail.com.
DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE
Sacred Heart Parish
312 N.E. Freeman, Topeka
March 23 at 10:30 a.m.
Mass will be followed by a light breakfast in the church hall. If anyone knows of a member or family member of Daughters of Isabella in need of the circle’s prayers, call Shirley Gustafson at (785) 554-3028 or Gen Orozco at (785) 230-2473.
SHROUD OF TURIN PRESENTATION: ‘SCIENCE LOOKS AT THE EVIDENCE’
St. James Academy
24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa
March 25 at 7 p.m.
For many years, the Shroud of Turin has been caught up in controversy about its authenticity. Come see the historic and scientific evidence and decide for yourself. John Gillchrist, shroud enthusiast, will present both sides of this story. The presentation is sponsored by the Serra Club of Kansas City in Kansas and is free and open to the public. For more information, call Tom Gaumé or text (913) 305-8538.
WINE AND WISDOM: TAX-REDUCING STRATEGIES
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish (Room 37)
5501 Monticello Rd., Shawnee
March 26 at 5:30 p.m.
The speaker will be Bill Eckert, AEP, CAP, senior financial adviser at Renaissance Financial. There will be a social and wine tasting at 5:30 p.m.; presentation at 6 p.m. Register online at: cfnek.org/events or contact Jane Schmitt at (913) 647-3060 or by email at: jschmitt@archkck.org.
DINING TO DONATE
Jasper’s Restaurant
1201 W. 103rd St., Kansas City, Missouri
March 26
Jasper’s will donate 20% of all lunch and dinner sales to benefit the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Enjoy a delicious meal at Jasper’s with your friends and family, and help the Sisters at the same time. Reservations are encouraged. Contact Jasper’s at (816) 941-6600 or by email at: jasperskc.com.
‘WHAT IS THE EUCHARIST?’
Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea (parish hall)
22705 Metcalf, Bucyrus
March 26 from 7 - 8:15 p.m.
Come join us for a presentation on the Eucharist by parishioner and storyteller Scott Greger. See “Eucharistic Miracles” in second column for a related exhibit.
DEO GRATIAS APPRECIATION
DINNER
Church of the Ascension
9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park
March 27 at 5:30 p.m.
The evening will begin with Mass at 5:30 p.m. with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, followed by cocktails, dinner and program, and a final blessing. Deo Gratias honorees are: Distinguished Family - Marty and Beth Krebs; Distinguished Organization - Church of the Ascension. Register online at: www. cfnek.org/events/deogratias or send an email to: Mwade@archkck.org.
POTLUCK DINNER
Most Pure Heart of Mary (Culhane Room)
3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka
March 27 at 1:30 p.m.
The Christian Widow and Widowers Organization will host the potluck dinner. There is no cost to attend. For more information, text Gen Orozco at (785) 2302473.
EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES
Queen of the Holy Rosary School, Wea 22705 Metcalf, Bucyrus
March 28 - 30 and April 4 - 6
Fridays from 5 - 7 p.m.
Saturdays from 2 - 6 p.m.
Sundays from 9:15 a.m. - 1 p.m.
“The Eucharistic Miracles of The World” exhibit was designed by Blessed Carlo Acutis and is a Vatican-approved international exhibit. This free exhibit is on loan from Catholic Radio Network and features 157 panels that highlight powerful eucharistic miracles.
HOPE BALL
Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center
2345 McGee St., Kansas City, Missouri
March 29 at 5 p.m.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of elegance, joy and purpose at Hope Ball 2025. Purchase your ticket or tables or sponsor today. Ticket sales close on Feb. 28. All proceeds benefit Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Learn more online at: www.catholiccharitiesball.org.
‘FINDING HOPE IN THE JUBILEE YEAR: A CONVERSATION WITH CARDINAL GREGORIO ROSA CHAVEZ’
Good Shepherd Parish
12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee
March 29 from 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Join us in conversation with Cardinal Rosa Chavez from San Salvador, El Salvador. Pope Francis made him the first cardinal in El Salvador’s history. A year later, Archbishop Oscar Romero was declared a saint. The cardinal has a deep personal connection to St. Romero. Today, the cardinal is deeply connected to the struggles of his people and continues to accompany them with hope, mercy and justice.
CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN
DIVORCE SUPPORT
Church of the Ascension
9510 W. 127th, Overland Park
March 29 at 6 p.m.
Do you feel as if you will never heal? Wondering if you’re ready for a relationship? This month’s meeting will have a presentation about forgiveness. Join us once a month at 6 p.m. for fellowship and formation.
SPRING FLING DINNER AND DANCE
Church of the Ascension
9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park
March 29 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Adults of any faith are welcome. Special-needs individuals ages 18 and over are welcome to attend the Spring Fling Dinner and Dance. Join us for an evening with dinner catered by Rosati’s and dessert by The Golden Scoop. There will be dancing and bingo. This is a great way to socialize with old friends and meet new friends. Caregivers are welcome. To make reservations, call Cathy Oxley at (816) 210-8181 or send an email to: 3oxleys@gmail.com. An elevator and handicap ramp are available.
FORGIVENESS SEMINAR
Church of the Ascension
9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park
March 29 at 6 p.m.
Join the Called to Love Again divorce support event for a Forgiveness
Seminar. To attend, register online at: www.thecall2love.com, or just show up!
LENTEN PARISH RETREAT
Holy Angels Parish
15408 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor
March 31 - April 3 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Each evening will start with Mass at 6:30 p.m. followed by the talks from 7 to 8 p.m. On Monday, the topic will be “Understanding Sin”; Tuesday, “For what are we supposed to be striving?”; Wednesday, “Real freedom and the goal of a moral life”; and Thursday,“Heaven and Hell.”
LENTEN RETREAT ON STRAWBERRY HILL
Holy Family Parish
274 Orchard St., Kansas City, Kansas April 2 from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
It is a special time in our archdiocese when the community gathers together to gain insight into a faith-filled life with talks and stories from Father Richard Gielow, CM. Father Richard, director of the Vincentian Parish Mission Center in Kansas City, Missouri, is a respected theologian and dynamic speaker who has conducted thousands of missions throughout the country. Mass will be held at 8 a.m. Snacks and brunch will be served by the Strawberry Hill Altar Societies. Register online by sending your name, email address and phone number to: csandysangels@aol. com or by calling (913) 396-1564 no later than March 30. The cost is a freewill offering.
IGNATIUS BOOK FAIR
John Paul ll School
6915 W. 71st St., Overland Park
April 2 from 3-5 p.m.
April 3 from 2-7:30 p.m.
April 4 from 2-7 p.m.
April 5 from 2:30-5:30 p.m.
April 6 from 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Looking for a book fair option that provides the best in Catholic books, as well as a wholesome variety of kids fare that will appeal to students K - 8? Come to check it out for your school, buy good and beautiful books for you and your children or pick up some gifts for upcoming sacrament celebrations and Easter. For more information, send an email to Erin Hayes at: erin hayes1000@gmail.com.
YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?
Church of the Ascension (St. John Room) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park
April 4 from 1 - 5 p.m.
You want me to do what? Are you struggling with forgiving someone who has really hurt you? You are not alone! Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting or excusing the abuse. Come join an interesting time of stories, videos/Scripture, Q&A, and a short prayer led by Chuck Jansen, founder of Forgiveness Institute KC, Inc. There really are predictable “common denominators” in the challenging process to forgive. The cost is $20. Register by sending an email to: yeabut40@gmail.com.
MASS OF ATONEMENT
St. Michael the Archangel Parish 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood April 11 at 4:30 p.m.
The annual Mass of Atonement for Those Harmed by Sexual Abuse in the Church will be celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. After Mass, there will be a short introduction to this critical ministry, followed by a reception where people can visit with staff to ask questions, find resource information and share fellowship. No registration is required.
ESTATE PLANNING 101
Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish (Culhane Room) 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka April 23 from 6 - 7 p.m.
The speaker will be Vince Cox, attorney at law, Cavanaugh, Boggs & Lemon, PA. Register online at: cfnek.org/events or contact Mitch Nolan at (913) 647-3070 or by email at: mnolan@archkck.org.
CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN DIVORCE SUPPORT TRIVIA NIGHT
St. Pius X Parish
5500 Woodson St., Mission April 26 at 6 p.m.
This month, Called to Love will have a trivia night. The cost is $30/person for individuals; groups to fill a table of eight is $240. Walk-ins pay at the door (cash, check or Venmo.) Costumes and table decorations are welcome (if desired). Trivia newbies and children are welcome as well. The evening will consist of 10 rounds, a finale, 10 mulligans and two extra games.
WILLS AND TRUSTS WORKSHOP
Matt Ross Community Center (Crown Room)
8101 Marty St., Overland Park April 30 at 5:30 p.m.
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. for social time and snacks. The presentation on wills and trusts will begin at 7 p.m. The speaker will be Casey Connealy, estate planning attorney, Gaughan & Connealy. Register online at: cfnek.org/events or contact Jane Schmitt at (913) 647-3060 or send an email to: jschmitt@archkck.org.
‘GOSPEL OF NONVIOLENCE: LIVING THE WAY OF JESUS’
Keeler Women’s Center
759 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kansas 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 1 - 3 p.m.
Join us for a presentation on the Gospel of nonviolence by learning how to live the way of Jesus.
WIDOWED WOMEN OF FAITH
Perkins Restaurant (back room)
1720 S.W. Wanamaker Rd., Topeka Third Tuesday of each month
Join us for lunch and companionship. No RSVP is needed, just come. Please invite other widowed women of faith. We meet every month on the third Tuesday and will continue all through 2025. Come join the fun! Questions? Send an email to: WidowedWomenofFaith@gmail.com or call (913) 558-0191.
STRAWBERRY HILL MUSEUM
720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas Saturdays and Sundays March though April
Strawberry Hill Museum has re-opened and is ready for guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays. Come and experience the history and architecture of the mansion built in 1887. Current classes are listed online as well as information about the Tea Room. Please join us for a visit. For more information about tickets and times, go online to: strawberryhillmuseum.org. Questions? Call (913) 371-3264. Guided tours are March through April at the following times: noon, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS GRADE SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS
St. Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park May through early August
Our summer camps give students entering grades K - 8th the chance to discover their potential in both sports and other activities like STEM camp, baking, cheer, crafting and more! Camps fill up fast, so register today online at: www.stasaints. net/athletics/summer-camps. We look forward to providing a positive camp experience for your camper! For questions, call the student life office at (913) 319-2416 or send an email to: btriggs@stasaints.net.
DAILY READINGS
THIRD WEEK OF LENT
March 23
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
Ex 3: 1-8a, 13-15
Ps 103: 1-4, 6-8, 11
1 Cor 10: 1-6, 10-12
Lk 13: 1-9
March 24
Monday
2 Kgs 5: 1-15b
Pss 42: 2-3; 43: 3-4
Lk 4: 24-30
March 25
THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD
Is 7: 10-14; 8: 10
Ps 40: 7-11
Heb 10: 4-10
Lk 1: 26-38
March 26
Wednesday
Dt 4: 1, 5-9
Ps 147: 12-13, 15-16, 19-20
Mt 5: 17-19
March 27
Thursday
Jer 7: 23-28
Ps 95: 1-2, 6-9
Lk 11: 14-23
March 28
Friday
Hos 14: 2-10
Ps 81: 1-6c-11b, 14, 17
Mk 12: 28-34
March 29
Saturday
Hos 6: 1-6
Ps 51: 3-4, 18-21b Lk 18: 9-14
GENEVIEVE 422-500
Genevieve took the veil of a dedicated virgin at 15, living with her parents in Nanterre and with her godmother in Paris. As she gained fame for a life of prayer, good works and miracles, opposition to her grew. However, she was defended by Bishop Germanus and helped feed Parisians during a siege by invading Franks. She counseled the Franks’ King Clovis, who became a Christian, and her prayers were credited with saving Paris from Attila the Hun. The church where she was buried became a pilgrimage site, and miracles attributed to her intercession, especially ending an epidemic in 1129, spread her cult throughout France. She is the patron of Paris and is invoked against drought, floods and other disasters.
One of the remarkable things that Jesus did was surprise us by turning things upside down. A couple of examples are “the first shall be last, and the last shall be first” or “whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
This change of perspective can often turn what seems a negative into a positive. Sometimes, parents will apologize that their little one was noisy during Mass, especially “being in competition with your homily.”
I tell them that it takes a lot to distract me. Children don’t fall into that category. Now a tornado, that’s a whole different story! I simply reassure the parents that:
1) I’m thrilled the whole family is here at Mass.
2) Their little one is participating in an age-appropriate manner. (Even if that means having a meltdown!)
When it’s OK to dig up dirt
MARK MY WORDS
FATHER MARK GOLDASICH
Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.
And if that child can drown out a whole church of adults, then we’re not praying loud enough.
3) I’d rather have their child at Mass — healthy — than go to visit him or her at a hospital.
A year ago, a parishioner forwarded a Facebook post that marvelously captures the idea of seeing things from a new perspective. It was
written by Father Jeffrey Starkovich, who is the pastor at St. Pius X Parish in Ragley, Louisiana.
He wrote:
After everyone had left the church this morning, I noticed one of our dads stayed behind.
“Do you need some help?” I asked him as I walked up behind him.
“Oh no, Father. I just saw how dirty the floor was in the church after Masses, so I thought I’d sweep.”
He was going under every chair and kneeler carefully. I saw a huge pile of dirt at the end of the row that he had collected. As I looked around,
he’d collected several enormous piles of dirt and grass already.
“It’s amazing how dirty the floor gets in one weekend. Our volunteers just cleaned on Friday. Look how much you’ve already swept!” I said.
“You know, Father, I think this is wonderful. As I’m sweeping under each chair, I’m thanking God that someone was sitting in it this weekend. All the dirt I see is because someone came to church today. I love seeing how dirty this floor is.”
“You’re right,” I said.
“If we wanted a clean church, we wouldn’t let people inside. I hope everyone thinks the way you do. When a house is messy, it’s because people live inside. When the dishes need to be washed, it’s because people ate together.”
“Father, sweeping this floor today makes me excited to go home and see my wife. I can’t wait to tell her that I’m happy even when our house is a little messy.
It means someone lives there. . . . I’d rather us be together than have a perfectly clean house with no one inside.”
“And that’s how I think Jesus feels about the church,” I said. “He’d rather us be here and get it a little messy than have it sparkling and empty.”
“Thanks, Father. I’m going to keep sweeping and praying for each person who came through this weekend.”
And as I walked away, I smiled and said a prayer of thanksgiving: Thank you, Lord, for the dirt on your floor.
Thanks, Father Starkovich, for shifting my perspective. After the weekend Masses, I now smile that chairs are askew, smashed Cheerios are littered here and there, some missalettes are left on the seats, or that a small coat, glove or shoe was left behind.
All those things mean that people cared enough to come to Mass, and how good it was for them — and the dirt — to be there!
Luke’s passage stresses the spiritual urgency of each day
This certainly isn’t Jesus at his most pastoral.
By pastoral, of course, I mean things like kindness, gentleness, speaking the truth but with care and words of comfort.
A priest is pastoral, for example, when he knows both what to say and what not to say. To be pastoral is to know how to read the room, how to exhibit what we call today social and emotional intelligence. It’s to speak delicately about delicate and difficult things. Being pastoral is essential to Christian ministry, essential to Christian witness, essential to decency.
Which is why this
Father Joshua J. Whitfield is pastor of St. Rita Catholic Community in Dallas and author of “The Crisis of Bad Preaching” and other books.
Sunday’s passage from Luke is so jarring. His words are blunt, matter-of-fact; I imagine they may even have
sounded insensitive to some. He speaks of an incident of grotesque political violence, some story about Pilate killing Galileans and mingling their blood with their sacrifices.
But he doesn’t bring these stories up to comfort anyone; he doesn’t try to help people heal or manage trauma or offer an answer as to why bad things sometimes happen to good people or anything like that. Rather, he simply says, “You will all perish as they did” (Luke 13:5). It is a cold, arresting thing to say at the very least.
What Jesus is doing here is stressing the spiritual urgency of each day. He is saying that what matters more
than anything is our present relationship with God. He is saying that a person must repent and live his or her life turned toward God.
Jesus wants us to see and seize the present moment; he wants us to look around and see the contingency and chaos of the world and run to him.
Jesus here is simply trying to save us. He doesn’t have time for small talk. He just wants to tell us exactly what we need to know.
“You will all perish as they did!” “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the Gospel” (Mk 1:15). This passage is about what matters most. It should remind us how
urgent the Gospel is. So, what does this mean in the middle of Lent? The answer should be obvious. Have you been to confession yet? Have you taken any of the spiritual invitations of Lent seriously at all? Or have you slipped and fallen away from your Lenten promises? If so, never mind, just get back on the horse. Dust yourself off and get back in the game. Don’t let the spiritual struggle cease to be a struggle. Keep fighting! Feel the sense of spiritual urgency. Repent, go to confession. What are you waiting for? Jesus himself has given us warning. He himself is telling us to hop to it.
Pope follows Lenten retreat from hospital; his condition remains stable
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As Pope Francis’ condition remains stable, which is a sign of continued improvement, he followed the start of the Lenten retreat for the Roman Curia by video linkup and met again with two top Vatican officials to stay abreast of current events, the Vatican press office said.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin,
Vatican secretary of state, and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, the substitute for general affairs in the secretariat, visited the pope at the hospital March 9 “and, among other things, updated him on some situations in the church and the world,” the press office said. It was the third visit by the two officials since the 88-year-old pope was hospitalized Feb. 14.
Pope Francis had said he would be
joining spiritually with those participating in the retreat in the Paul VI Audience Hall March 9-14. But the Vatican press office said he was able to follow the spiritual exercises from the hospital by video. The meditations are being led by Capuchin Father Roberto Pasolini, the new preacher of the papal household, and reflect on the theme, “The hope of eternal life.”
FATHER JOSHUA J. WHITFIELD
In Lent, we meditate on the life and death of Jesus, and the great sacrifices he made to save us. But do we ever think about the decades he spent with Mary and Joseph? His time in Nazareth was his human preparation for Holy Week and has much to teach parents and grandparents.
Mary and Joseph’s parenting can benefit ours
FAMILY MATTERS
Affirmation. The physical pain of Jesus’ passion could not have compared to the betrayal and heartache. How could he stand hearing the crowd shout for his death, or the brutal mockery of the soldiers, or the abandonment by his friends?
I think Jesus could endure because at his
Tcore, he knew who he was. Mary and Joseph would have flooded him with affirmation as he was growing up.
I don’t mean superficial flattery, but that they would have always reflected back to him the fact that he
was God’s (and their) beloved Son who had a great mission. Do my children or grandchildren know how beloved they are — to God and me?
Prayer. Because Jesus is God, we can take it for granted that he knows how to pray, and certainly his union with the other two persons of the Trinity is crucial. But it was Mary and Joseph who helped him memorize the psalm he recites from the cross.
When he asks for the Father’s will to be done in the Garden of Gethsemane, could
he not help thinking of the thousands of times he watched his mother do the same? Do my children and grandchildren see me pray? Do I teach them to pray?
Sacrifice and generosity. God the Father did not give his only Son an easy life, and this experience of poverty influenced his compassion for the suffering people he encountered in his ministry. He would have grown up watching Mary and Joseph go without meals to offer hospitality to others, offer to care for a sick neighbor or
travel long distances to assist family. Certainly, the example of his earthly parents, and the opportunities he had growing up to push himself in service of others, was part of how his heavenly Father prepared him for his salvific mission. Am I too quick to clear away problems for my children or grandchildren? Do I give a good example of the works of mercy?
Mary and Joseph, teach us how to prepare our children and grandchildren for the great mission God has for them!
Lent is proving a transformational time in our schools
he Lenten season can be so transformative for Catholics. I have always made sacrifices like giving up sweets, which is so hard for me, and increased my prayer life and spiritual reading. Our Catholic school students are doing the same things and even more. Many of our schools sponsor “charity days,” where they will volunteer at Catholic Charities and other important social service agencies. Some will serve at food pantries, participate in food drives and collect donations for pregnancy centers and shelters.
homework assignments that reflect our faith and desire to become closer to Christ.
Our schools are also hosting more Masses, eucharistic adoration time, reconciliation opportunities and
This is just one issue that differentiates our Catholic schools from other schools. Faith formation is a valuable aspect to the growth and development of our
students. Our students are developing academically, emotionally and spiritually every day. They do this throughout the year, but more so during the season of Lent. It’s very powerful to witness our students in the deep prayer that takes place in classrooms and Masses. I believe that our children are developing in their faith journeys more today than ever. With so many negative things happening in our world like wars, violence, crime and ugly politics we need strong prayer lives to stay positive, fight off the darkness and, frankly, save the world. Our youth are leading
the way for us.
The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) is so thankful to our supporters, school parents, principals and teachers for creating an atmosphere were Christ is the center of our students’ lives. This year, CEF is sponsoring approximately 1,900 children with financial aid scholarships so children from low-income households can afford to attend a Catholic school. We cannot thank our donors enough for the impact they are making in our children’s lives and their families. Supporting the academic and faith formation of
our youth has an immeasurable impact on our world. We owe our youth special appreciation and prayers for the examples they are setting and the impact they are making. There is something truly transformational happening among our youth. Please pray that this continues and spreads to our adult population and our non-Catholic brothers and sisters.
I hope that during this Lenten season all members of our Catholic community learn from our students and take the time to reflect on our own faith formation.
Principle of subsidiarity essential to productive governance
In my role as the superintendent of schools, I am often in conversations regarding decisions being made at the local level (in the parish and school) versus being made at the archdiocesan level. These conversations focus on the principle of subsidiarity versus solidarity. Subsidiarity is the principle, formulated by the Catholic Church, that matters ought to be handled by the smallest, lowest or least centralized competent authority rather than by a higher and more distant one, whenever possible. In general terms, it can be said that individuals at the local level are better suited to make decisions than those who are more distant from the circumstances at hand. In terms of institutions, a more decentralized system is more effective and efficient.
FROM THE SUPER
While this is certainly true, there is a more profound reason why this principle is so important. It is modeled off of each individual being created in the image of God and the free will through which God blesses us.
The Holy Family School of Faith breaks this down to say: “The
principle of subsidiarity stresses the responsibility and role of individuals and small groups. It recognizes that every person is unique, that every person has a distinct intellect and will. It recognizes that it is the individual who takes initiative and responsibility and creates. Subsidiarity comes from the Latin for ‘help.’” The enemy of subsidiarity is micromanaging.
It should be noted that the principle of subsidiarity can and should be utilized well beyond the church or any institution. As a parent, I know how easy it is to want to do things for my children to somehow assure
their success or to at least help them to avoid the consequences of their mistakes. But we know effective parenting involves allowing our children to become more and more independent as they get older. While subsidiarity should be prominent in most situations, there are circumstances when solidarity should be the focus. God created us to be in community with one another and to support each other.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops puts it this way: “We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic and ideological differences. We are our
brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be.”
Under the leadership of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, the archdiocese focuses on the principle of subsidiarity. The archdiocesan office of Catholic schools strives to support each of our 42 schools and their presidents, principals, faculty and staff members with the same guiding principles of subsidiarity.
Ultimately, we do this because subsidiarity, as Pope Benedict XVI stated, “fosters freedom and participation through assumption of responsibility. Subsidiarity respects personal dignity.”
LIBBY DUPONT
Libby DuPont is a consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life.
CEF CENTERED
VINCENT ANCH
Vince Anch is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation.
VINCE CASCONE
Vince Cascone is the superintendent of archdiocesan schools.
Looking around at the evil and suffering we encounter on our screens, in our communities, in our families and even staring back at us in the mirror, it can be difficult to believe that Christ came 2,000 years ago to heal our world.
We sure don’t look redeemed.
The tension between sin and reconciliation, though, is at the heart of the mission of the Catholic Church. Christ told his apostles to teach “repentance and forgiveness of sins,” and he empowered them to be ministers of God’s mercy. It is carried on today in the sacrament of reconciliation.
Here are five things you might not know, others you once learned but perhaps forgot and inspiration to recommit daily to seeking closer friendship with God through repentance and fighting sin, wherever it is found.
1
Jesus instituted the sacrament of reconciliation when he appeared to the apostles on Easter Sunday night. In the Gospel of John, Jesus breathes on the apostles and tells them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained” (20:22-23).
2
The sacrament of reconciliation looked a lot different in the early church. In St. Paul’s writings (for example, 1 Cor 5:3-5; 2 Cor 2:7-11), we see the
5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
By OSV News
apostles’ role in placing sinners under bans of excommunication and then reconciling them. It also seems there was an initial custom of public confession of sins, but that seems to have ended early on. By the fifth century, church leaders actively discouraged the practice. In some regions, it was common for people guilty of serious sins (like apostasy, adultery or murder) to be enrolled as “public penitents,” meaning they dressed in sackcloth and ashes and performed prescribed penances and almsgiving. They then would be reconciled publicly with the church on the Thursday before Easter.
3
We owe it to Irish monks for several innovations that led to the practice
of the sacrament of reconciliation as we recognize it today. They formalized the practice of confession of sins made privately to a priest, and under a seal of secrecy, and absolution was granted before penance, usually also private, was performed. This Celtic practice of immediate absolution became very popular and was spread throughout Europe through the Irish monks’ missionary endeavors.
4
During the Middle Ages, theologians all recognized penance as a sacrament of the church, but disagreed on fine points like whether forgiveness came about through the grace of the person’s sorrow or through the grace of the priest’s absolution. St. Thomas
Aquinas, using scholastic terms, defined the “matter” of the sacrament as the penitent’s sorrow, and the “form” as the priest’s absolution.
The second Council of Lyons, France, in 1274 formally defined penance as a sacrament.
But it was the Council of Trent, Italy, in the mid-16th century that really made extensive clarifications to the sacrament. It devoted some nine chapters and 15 canons on sin and penance.
The Second Vatican Council also dwelt on the sacrament, emphasizing its healing nature.
5
Why do we use both “reconciliation” and “penance” to describe the sacrament? Reconciliation and penance are two different aspects of the sacrament. Reconciliation refers primarily to the process by which someone who is in serious sin returns to the full communion of the church through confession and absolution.
Penance refers to the process by which someone who is guilty of lesser sins and who has not broken communion with the church through mortal sin continues his or her life in the church by spiritual growth and conversion via sacramental confession.
This distinction between reconciliation and penance also serves to orient people as they prepare for the sacrament. (The Catechism of the Catholic Church also refers to it as the “sacrament of forgiveness” and the “sacrament of conversion.”)