02-26-10 Vol. 31 No. 28

www.theleaven.com | Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas | Vol. 31, No. 28 february 26, 2010

All are welcome

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Chris Johnson of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee signs his name into the Book of the Elect as his sponsor Sarah Manthei looks on. Johnson is one of 250 catechumens across the archdiocese participating in the Rite of Election, where they formally declare their intention to enter the church at Easter. An estimated 400 additional candidates — people who have already been baptized in another Christian church — will also become archdiocesan Catholics this Easter by making a profession of faith and by receiving the sacraments of confirmation and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil on April 3.

Scott Mausbach, a member of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, applauds his wife Rebecca and all the other catechumens at the Rite of Election. The first of three archdiocesan Rites of Election was held at St. Joseph in Shawnee on Feb. 21. A Rite of Election was also held the same day at Sacred Heart Church in Shawnee and another will be held at St. Matthew Church in Topeka on Feb. 28 at 3 p.m.

s Sponsor Evangelina Zarate demonstrates her support as Caroll Faure signs her name into the Book of the Elect on Feb. 21 at the Rite of Election ceremony at St. Joseph Church in Shawnee.

Both women are from Our Lady of Unity Parish in Kansas City, Kan.

Photos by s Signatures are gathered in the Book of the Elect, which was formally presented to Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. Each catechumen signs the book, declaring his or her intent to enter the Catholic Church and receive the Easter sacraments.

Susan McSpadden

2 ARCHBISHOP

THE LEAVEN • February 26, 2010

THE LEAVEN • february 26, 2010

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

I

We give up things each Lent to make room for the Lord

was watching Oprah recently. Actually, I have never watched an episode of Oprah Winfrey in my life. I was just trying to impress you how in tune I am with the popular culture!

However, at our archdiocesan Administrative Team meeting recently, we did watch a DVD of a segment of a recent episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in which she featured a community of religious Sisters, the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, whose motherhouse is in Ann Arbor, Mich. Oprah sent a reporter and a film crew to visit the motherhouse.

This community is attracting many young women. The average age of the Sisters at the motherhouse is around 30 years old.

Oprah had a couple of the Sisters, who are in their mid-20s, in the studio with her where she interviewed them.

Oprah said to the Sisters in studio: “Let me see if I have this right: Your life is one of no sex, no money, and no freedom to go wherever you want. How does that work?”

One of the Sisters described her life before entering the convent as one in which she had realized the American dream. She had a great boyfriend. She had a well-paying job. She was the CFO for a mid-level business. She had a closet full of fashionable clothes. She could travel where she wanted. She said in many ways it was a great life, but she was not fulfilled. In her heart, she wanted something more.

Another Sister said that she first began to think about religious life seriously when she attended the profession of vows by the sister of her boyfriend.

She said that she and her boyfriend had

Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

Feb. 27 8:30 a.m. Mass and speech for KEXS Radio Lenten conference — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park

this great relationship, but she wanted something more. Oprah asked how her boyfriend took it when she entered religious life. She said that it was hard for both of them, but he was very supportive. In fact, if things progress according to both of their current plans, the same year she makes final profession, he will be ordained a priest.

Several of the Sisters made the point that the decision to enter religious life was not as much about rejecting the world or giving up things or relationships as it was about becoming closer to God — developing an intimate friendship with Jesus. Oprah was fascinated with the idea that the Sisters considered Jesus to be their spouse and that their habit represents their wedding dress! Oprah did concede that one advantage of religious life was that Sisters wore sensible shoes as Oprah displayed her high heels.

The scenes from the convent showed the Sisters praying and participating in formation classes, but it also showed them playing field hockey and cards.

They were obviously very, very happy.

The reporter, who had actually visited the motherhouse, confessed that she began the assignment wondering about all that religious Sisters give up: no dating, no sex, no money, no exotic vacations, etc. However, she came away from her visit marveling at how much freer and happier the Sisters were than so many young women she knows.

Why did I choose to write about this? First of all, because just as every Catholic young man should consider a priestly vocation, so also every Catholic

Adoration and Benediction at Men Under Construction — St. James Academy, Lenexa

March 7 Mass and pastoral visit — St. Stanislaus, Rossville, and Immaculate Conception, St. Marys Mass — St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center

Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar

Benedictine scholarship dinner

Feb. 27

Feb. 28 Mass for Jr. High Youth — Prairie Star Ranch 3 p.m. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults — St. Matthew, Topeka

March 1 Confirmation, Atchison parishes

Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kan.

Confirmation — Christ the King, Kansas City, Kan.

Knights of Malta ad hoc meeting

Confirmation — Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park

March 6

March 6

10 a.m. Anointing Mass — Curé of Ars, Leawood

10 a.m. Anointing Mass — Curé of Ars, Leawood

March 7 Confirmation — St. Pius X, Mission

Mass and pastoral visit — Immaculate Conception, St. Marys

young woman should consider the possibility of becoming a religious Sister.

Religious Sisters have been incredibly important in the life of the church and they continue to be so.

Secondly, Oprah’s attitude about the life of religious Sisters is similar to the way in which many people think about Lent. Oftentimes, we consider Lent a time when we are just saying “no” to things. Acts of penance and renunciation are an important component of our observance of Lent, but they are not the essence of Lent.

Lent is essentially about deepening our friendship, our intimacy, with Jesus Christ. Lent is about inviting the Lord to

speak to our hearts and making room in our hearts to listen to Jesus.

We give up things to remind us that food, drink, entertainment and other pleasures are not where we will find enduring joy. We give up things to open up space in our life for Jesus.

Whatever else you do this Lent, spend more time with Jesus. You can do this by participating in daily Mass, reading and praying over the Gospels, eucharistic adoration, and making more time each day to pray — to talk to Jesus. Whatever our vocational call, the source of authentic and lasting joy is only to be found in Jesus!

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Holy Angels Church in Garnett was robbed and vandalized on Feb. 19.

trators emptied two fire extinguishers on the carpet, walls, altar, sanctuary, and an outside wall. Candles were strewn all about. Mass vestments had been rifled through and left on the floor.

The broken statue of St. Joseph holding the infant Jesus was found in the parking lot, and a fire extinguisher was found at a lake south of town.

Thankfully, the Eucharist was left undisturbed in the tabernacle and the stained-glass windows were undamaged, said Father Klingele.

The church was cleaned up in time for Saturday evening Mass to be held.

Father Klingele informed parishioners of the robbery and vandalism at all weekend Masses in Greeley and Garnett.

“Some of the people already knew and were sad,” said Father Klingele.

“Some were angry; some felt violated.”

When he announced the crime at that weekend’s Masses, Father Klingele recommended that parishioners pray for the intercession of St. Dismas that the items be returned undamaged and for a conversion of heart by those who committed the crimes.

“Obviously, there is something wrong with these individuals and they need to know God and his love,” he said.

City attorney Terry Solander, also a Holy Angels Parishioner, said that in the event of an arrest, the case would be handled by the district court.

Chief Leinweber said on Feb. 23 that no arrests had yet been made, but he expected them to be forthcoming. Both juveniles and adults were involved in the crimes, which are classified as criminal damage to property and felony theft.

This statue of St. Joseph and the infant Jesus, stolen and vandalized during the burglary, was eventually found in the church parking lot on Feb. 20.

The burglars rifled through the sacristy, and vestments and candles were found strewn throughout the church.

A fire extinguisher was sprayed along one of the church’s exterior walls. In all, two fire extinguishers were emptied in various places throughout the church.

By Joe Bollig

Feb. 28

March 1

March 3

Items recovered from Garnett church theft Leaven staff

GARNETT — Liturgical items stolen from Holy Angels Church here were recovered and returned to the parish by the Garnett Police Department.

Chief John Leinweber said a person of interest was interviewed on Feb. 22.

After the interview, the stolen items were “returned to a location by an unknown person” that evening, he said.

The items were an antique monstrance, two thuribles, a small gold-colored angel, the head of the infant Jesus broken off of a statue, two packages of charcoal, and a chalice owned by Father Brian Klingele, the pastor. An altar cross is still missing, and there was minor damage to the items.

The chalice was used by Father Klingele at his ordination and was also used by Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger before he became Pope Benedict XVI. “It’s not a one-of-a-kind, but it’s not the kind of chalice you see very often,” said Father Klingele, who is also pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Greeley. “If you see it at a pawn shop, you’d know [it’s something special].”

The crimes were discovered the morning of Feb. 20, when members of the Altar Society entered the church to do weekly cleaning.

Entry was made into the unlocked church late Friday night, Feb. 19, or early Saturday morning, Feb. 20. A partial bottle of communion wine was also taken, as well as some smaller items.

Worn and less expensive chalices were left untouched.

In addition to the thefts, the perpe-

Queen of the Holy Rosary – Wea 22705 Metcalf, Bucyrus, Kansas 66013 FIRST AND SECOND CLASS RELICS INCLUDE: • Bones of John the Baptist, Joseph • Relics of 30 saints.

• Tablecloth of Last Supper of Arimathea & Nicodemus • Cross reliquary containing pieces • Bones of all 12 Apostles • Splinter from the original of the Purple Cloak; True Cross; • Piece of Holy Lance Wooden Manger Burial Linen; Holy Sepulcher; • Column of Scourging • Reproduction of Veronica’s Veil Whip & Column of Scourging • St. Longinus • Reproduction of the Chalice of • Threads of our Blessed Mother’s • Nail of Crucifixion this Last Supper Veil • Thorn from Crown of Thorns All of the relics on display have official Church documentation for public veneration.

The display includes information and historical facts with each relic.

A freewill offering will be collected to cover expenses.

For more information, contact the parish office at 913-533-2462 or visit www.catholicsaintrelics.com

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Reporter KARA HANSEN kara@theleaven.com

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4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • february 26, 2010

THE LEAVEN • february 26, 2010

LOCAL NEWS 5

Bishops honor foundress of Little Sisters of the Poor

By John Hueurtz

Special to The Catholic Key KANSAS CITY, Mo. — “There is in this woman something so calm, and so holy, that in seeing her I know myself to be in the presence of a superior being.

Her words went straight to my heart, so that my eyes, I know not how, filled with tears.”

Charles Dickens didn’t have many illusions about people — maybe because he started out as a court reporter — but from these words it appears as if the Victorian novelist was as impressed by St. Jeanne Jugan as her other contemporaries.

Dickens would have approved of the commemorative Mass said in her honor at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Mo., on Feb. 5.

Bishop Robert W. Finn presided, joined

by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, and by Bishops Emeritus Raymond J. Boland of Kansas City-St. Joseph and George K. Fitzsimmons of Salina.

Last October, Pope Benedict XVI declared Jeanne Jugan, foundress of the worldwide religious order Little Sisters of the Poor, a saint along with St. Damien of Molokai and three others.

“The Sisters celebrated all over the world, but this is the only celebration we know of with four bishops,” said Sister Marguerite McCarthy, LSP, who served as superior of the Little Sisters of the Poor community in Kansas City, Mo., from 2001-2006.

Care for the elderly is the order’s distinctive charism. In his homily, Archbishop Naumann quoted St. Jeanne directly when he reminded the nearcapacity congregation of her admonition to “be kind to the elderly, because in serving them we serve Jesus Christ.”

The Little Sisters of the Poor remain faithful to St. Jeanne’s original vision — to share their homes and lives with the poor people they serve, and to depend entirely on God for the means to do so by seeking alms every day.

Jeanne Jugan was born in Brittany in 1792. She had little education and worked as a domestic servant until she was 47. Then one night in 1839, she saw an elderly woman, Anne Chauvin, blind and seriously ill. Jugan brought the woman to her employer’s house, carrying her on her own back up the stairs to her own bed.

It was a pivotal moment in Jugan’s

Photos by John Schultz

Lincoln scholar Ronald White Jr. spoke before a packed house on Feb. 15 at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth.

Photos by John Hueurtz

Bishop Robert Finn, center, celebrates a commemorative Mass in honor of Little Sisters of the Poor foundress Jeanne Jugan, with (from left) Deacon Ken Albers, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Bishops Emeritus Raymond J. Boland and George Fitzsimmons, and Deacon Michael Peterson. life. She founded a religious order along with several companions, adopting a religious rule based on the third order rule of St. John Eudes.

Her companions chose her as the su-

A first-class relic of St. Jeanne Jugan was on display at a commemorative Mass in her honor on Feb. 5 in Kansas City, Mo.

perior of the new community on May 29, 1842.

Although Jugan was reelected in 1843, she was later replaced with another Sister by the community’s spiritual adviser, Father Le Pailleur. He then forbade Jugan to do anything but the most menial work. He also had the early history of the religious order systematically rewritten, casting himself as the founder. Though she lived to see the order gain papal approval, Jugan would not be recognized as its founder until 14 years after her 1879 death.

Father Le Pailleur’s legacy may have prompted Bishop Finn’s observation after Mass that “tangling with a saint is always a mistake.”

St. Jeanne’s life was characterized by obedience. She continued to beg alms, to pray without ceasing, and to gently encourage all those around her — especially the order’s newest members.

“She inspires us by her example to work toward the same level of charity and humility she exemplified,” said Sister Rose Marie Mayock, LSP, current superior of the Kansas City house.

The order of the Little Sisters of the Poor has experienced tremendous growth since its founding in 1846. In 1882 at the request of Bishop John J. Hogan — the same year the Little Sisters established their first overseas mission in Calcutta, India — members of the community arrived in Kansas City, Mo. Today the Little Sisters of the Poor serve poor, elderly and ailing people in about 32 houses in the United States and in about 220 houses worldwide, said Sister Gonzague Castro, LSP, of the Kansas City home. The order also operates nine novitiates worldwide.

Sister Maria Catherine Flicker is a second-year novice in Kansas City, Mo. “I was drawn to the Little Sisters of the Poor by St. Jeanne Jugan’s great love for the elderly, and I saw the Sisters here living a joyful life,” she said.

The order is sponsoring a “Come and See” vocation discernment day on Feb. 27 at its facility. For more information, visit the order’s Web site at: www.littlesistersofthepoor.org/locations/KAhome.html, or call (816) 761-4744.

USM Lincoln Lecture scholar explores Abraham Lincoln’s faith

By John Shultz

Special to The Leaven LEAVENWORTH — Contrary to the popular conceptions of the 16th president as a man of little religion, faith informed and impacted Abraham Lincoln’s private and public political lives, eminent Lincoln scholar and best-selling author Ronald White Jr. told a standing-room-only crowd at the University of Saint Mary here on Presidents’ Day, Feb. 15.

“Abraham Lincoln is the most respected president in our history,” White told the packed house at USM’s Xavier Theatre. “But that doesn’t necessarily mean we understand him.”

White, author of several books — including the New York Times best-seller “A. Lincoln: A Biography” — delivered the university’s 12th annual Lincoln Lecture.

White, a fellow at the Huntington Library in San Marino, Calif., and professor emeritus of American religious history at San Francisco Theological Seminary, maintained that Lincoln was a man of greater faith than conventional wisdom may hold. His lecture, entitled “Abraham Lincoln’s Journey of Faith,” sought to show how Lincoln came to a gradual embracing of religion.

Ronald White Jr., the author of a best-selling book about Abraham Lincoln, discusses the president’s faith at the annual Lincoln Lecture.

“He pushed against his father’s religion,” White said. “As young people sometimes do, he pushed against his father.”

That youthful attitude saw Lincoln enter adulthood as a religious skeptic, eventually growing to embrace fatalism, a cousin to Thomas Jefferson’s deism, White said.

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But tragedy pushed Lincoln to embrace a more traditional Christian faith, White argued. Personally, there were the twin tragedies of the deaths of Lincoln’s sons, Eddie and Willie. On a grander scale, there was the Civil War and its hundreds of thousands of casualties.

When Lincoln delivered what White

called his last great speech — his second inaugural address in 1865 — his religiosity was on full display, White argued. The short, 700-word oration includes multiple references to God and the only inaugural citations of Scripture since John Quincy Adams.

White noted that Lincoln’s sermonlike speech was crafted in direct response to the ever-escalating antiSouthern sentiment that demanded vengeance for the Civil War. “The people who came that day were full of anger,” White said. “They were angry at the South and they wanted Lincoln to give voice to their anger. . . . That’s what we do in times of war.”

Lincoln’s speech tried to push aside issues of blame, stressing, “Let us judge not, that we be not judged.”

And it emphasized, White said, “that Lincoln has a deep wellspring of faith that believes that forgiveness is possible.”

The Lincoln Lecture is an annual event at the University of Saint Mary, first established to promote USM’s De Paul Library Lincoln Collection. It is made possible by Country Club Bank of Leavenworth and Lansing, the event’s benefactor.

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6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • february 26, 2010

THE LEAVEN • february 26, 2010

European singing sensation to perform at area churches

By Kara Hansen Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Three concerts to be performed in the archdiocese will give Catholics an opportunity for a unique Lenten experience.

Singer/songwriter Tajci (pronounced “Tai-chee”) will be performing a musical adaptation of the Crucifixion story at three area churches.

“This is a spiritual experience with someone who is dynamic in music,” said Judy Vogelsang, a parishioner at St. John the Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kan. “It will really draw you into the Lenten experience and Crucifixion story.”

The concerts are free with open seating, though there will be a freewill offering taken up to help cover Tajci’s expenses. Concerts will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kan., on March 12; Holy Trinity Church in Lenexa on March 13; and St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center on March 14.

Vogelsang said she hoped people would take advantage of this moving spiritual experience.

“She has a very powerful voice that connects the spiritual side of her,” said Vogelsang.

Tajci was originally born and raised in Croatia, where she began performing pop music at a young age. She shot to musical stardom in Central Europe at the age of 19.

Schedule of Tajci’s Performances of “I Thirst” March 12 - 7 p.m.

St. John the Baptist Church 708 N. 4th St. Kansas City, Kan. (913) 371-0627

Justin Orzel from Troop 158, Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia, has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

He was honored in a ceremony on Feb. 21 at the church. For his Eagle project, Orzel created a children’s area in the church basement by painting and building a cabinet for toys.

March 13 - 7 p.m.

Holy Trinity Church 13615 W. 92nd St. Lenexa (913) 888- 2770 March 14 - 2 p.m.

St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center 1631 Crescent Rd. Lawrence (785) 843-0357

Though Americans are less likely to have heard of her, that’s due more to geography than a reflection of her talent. Tajci’s records went diamond and platinum in Europe, and the tabloids were filled with photos and news of her concerts.

War came to Croatia in 1991 and, at the age of 21, Tajci left Croatia

Daniel Rahe from Troop 158, Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia, has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

He was honored in a ceremony on Feb. 21 at the church. For his Eagle project, Rahe constructed a sign outside the Sacred eagle scouts Heart Parish office.

Correction The Feb. 12 issue of The Leaven had incorrect information about Holy Angels in Basehor’s Lenten dinner. Below is the correct announcement. The Leaven regrets the error.

and made the United States her new home. Eventually she began singing in churches across the country. She offers four different programs focused on various liturgical themes. It is one of those programs, “I Thirst,” that she will be performing in the archdiocese next month.

“Kansas City is in for a treat,” said

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St. Joseph Chapel, Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 38th & State Ave

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Vogelsang. “It’s a very spiritual experience.”

“I Thirst” is a musical adaptation of the Crucifixion story. It presents the Way of the Cross through a continuous flow of music and songs, including contemporary Christian favorites, Hebrew and Gregorian chants, classic hymns, and original songs written by Tajci.

MT CALVARY – KC KS Sister Beatriz Gallego Arboleda Edward L. Bielski Henry F. Bruner Silveria Calderon John N. Caldwell Jack R. Clark Lillian M. Clements Robert B. Coleman Byron E. Couch Helen M. Dolinar Henry C. Holliday Charlotte Hook Marie James Dennis J. Janesko Warren J. Kane John Kavalir Robert E. Kloster Sr. Albert Lascon Sr. Reynaldo Licea Rudolph Madrigal Kenneth J. Meek Virginia M. Milam Vicenta Parra Andrew G. Peknik Josephine Phillips Mary E. Poje James W. Ryan Sr. Jacqueline A. Ryan William E. Schmidt Sr. Frances M. Shamet June W. Smarker Frances M. Stiglich John T. Storm Mary F. Walton Helen A. Wolf GATE OF HEAVEN Moises Y. Baca Sr. Norma J. Bogart Thomas J. Jaskot Raymond E. Kasick Helen M. Nasternak MT CALVARY –Olathe William J. Bolyard Henry E. Garrison RESURRECTION Donald W. Banks John W. Birchler Dorothy J. Blanton Adolph J. Bollig David F. Bryant II Gerard Burns Loretto A. Cattelino

Jae Beom Cho Doreen E. Colwell Florence M. Cottrell Thomas R. Dervin Anne L. Feldmann Colleen M. Franz Francis V. George Arianna Elouise Gilbert Dr. Raafat Girgis Justina Guthrie Rosemarie Harding Billie A. Hauber John V. Hermes James D. Hetz Edna S. Hight Gerald L. Hougland Theodore S. Jones III Helen R. Keller Patricia A. Kline Ruby Rose Lindberg Leona V. Martin Rudolph T. Matherly John M. McGuire Rosemary M. McStay Joan F. Mehl Berniece B. Miller Jeffrey J. Montolio Floralba Moreno Sharon F. Murphy Brian J. Raleigh John Raydo Norma T. Recker Garen C. Sallee Joseph W. Scanlon William E. Schmitz Dorothy M. Sloan Austin Tate Smith Donald K. Sobek Thomas R. Stack John W. Stanek Maryann S. Stanek Paul J. Strahler Patrick K. Timmons William J. VanHee Myrtle E. Venneman Shirley R. Willman Young Tae Yang John J. Ziegelmeyer Mary J. Ziegelmeyer

Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, will have a Lenten shrimp dinner from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on March 26 at the parish hall, 15438 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor. Advance tickets are $15 for adults; $5 for children 10 and younger.

At-the-door cost is $20 for adults and $5 for children 10 and younger. Tickets can be purchased from the Knights or by contacting Tom Steinmetz at (913) 422-7660.

Healing Mass set for March 6 KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The bishops of both the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and both bishops emeritus will join in the annual communal service to administer the sacrament of the anointing of the sick to people in both dioceses.

The annual service has attracted hundreds of parishioners in previous years, and all are invited to attend.

The service will include a concelebrated Mass by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher, Bishop Robert Finn, and Bishop Emeritus Raymond J. Boland, and the sacramental anointing and blessing of the sick as it is done at the shrine in Lourdes, France.

The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. on March 6 at Curé of Ars Church, 93rd and Mission Road, Leawood. A reception will follow the Mass and anointing service.

The bishops emphasize that while many parishes conduct communal healing services, the purpose of this annual Mass is to authenticate the sacrament of healing and set an example that others might follow. It is not meant to replace communal anointing services in either diocese.

In order to assist the bishops, those who wish to receive the sacrament of the sick at Mass are asked to register on the form in this week’s Leaven (see page 10) or to call to register at (913) 649-3260 or (913) 432-5266 and leave your name. Name cards are made for those wishing to receive the sacrament.

Citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the bishops note that those eligible to receive the sacrament include people who: • Are beginning to become weakened by age, even if no specific illness is present, but there is serious impairment • Are about to undergo surgery due to a serious illness • Suffer from a chronic or serious illness, although it is not necessary to receive the sacrament twice for the same illness unless one’s physical condition has changed • Sick children, if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by the sacrament.

The annual Mass is again being sponsored by the Kansas City area Order of Malta, a centuries-old church organization dedicated to the care of the sick and poor.

LOCAL NEWS 7 Dennis and Mary Pat (Weidner) Spain, members of Sacred HeartSt. Joseph Parish in Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at Mass on Feb. 27, followed by dinner with their three sons, daughtersAnniversaries in-law and grandchildren. The couple was married on Feb. 27, 1960, by Father Kugelmeier at St. Joseph Church in Topeka. Their sons and their spouses are: John and Lori Spain; Jerry and Kathy Spain; and Tim and Karen Spain. They also have eight grandchildren.

Anniversary policy

The Leaven only prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the desired publication date.

Announcements must be typed. Please include the following Information: • The couple’s names; parish; date they were married; church and city they were married; what they are doing to celebrate; date of the celebration; names of children (if desired); number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; photo.

Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an e-mail to: Todd@ theleaven.com.

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How do you spell relief?

K Youth from all over the archdiocese come up with unique ways to help the people of Haiti recover from the earthquake

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It may not seem like a lot to you, but to a group of sevenand eight-year-olds, $200 dollars is a serious pile of cash.

This $200 was half of what 10 Brownies of Troop 717 at St. Michael the Archangel School in Leawood earned through their cookie sales.

The Girl Scouts could have blown the whole wad and more on some fun field trip for themselves, but they didn’t.

They decided to help the poor.

“Half of them wanted to help the people in Haiti, and the other half wanted to help a homeless shelter,” said Rose Kopecky, mother of Samantha, one of the Brownies.

“They kind of reached the conclusion on their own, and it was pretty cute to watch a bunch of seven-year-olds say, ‘Wait, there are probably homeless people in Haiti who need our help now,’” she continued. “They were able to collaborate as a group and reach an agreement.”

At first, the girls wanted to send toys or books, but their leaders had to talk with them about what it meant to lose everything.

“I think that was a very eye-opening [exercise] for them,” said Kopecky.

“Their basic needs have always been provided for, so they’ve never had to think about the most basic needs. We do toy drives or stocking food kitchens, but we haven’t thought [about] being hungry for the next meal and not having basic supplies to get through the next day.”

The Brownies will use their money to buy personal care items, including soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, washcloths, and combs. Next month, they will use these items to assemble personal care kits, which will be given to the international relief organization Heart to Heart.

For many children attending our archdiocesan schools, the Haitian earthquake is the biggest disaster they have ever heard of, so Haiti has constantly been on their minds. It’s not surprising, therefore, that many of them have not only been praying for the Haitians, but also doing practical things to aid relief efforts, Kopecky said.

What follows is not an exhaustive list, but a sampling of what students at Catholic schools in the archdiocese are doing to help the Haitians.

paugh, and Austrian exchange student Nina Hodlmayr from Perg, near Linz, designed and ordered 1,000 silicone wristbands.

“At school, everyone wears wristbands,” said Ellen. “You can’t really wear anything else [to be expressive], like T-shirts. Wristbands are universal, and since the ‘Live Strong’ bands were so popular, we thought they would be popular for Haiti, too.”

The bands, which sell for $2, say “Teens for Haiti” and “One World, One Love.” They sold more than 200 the first day they were offered, and the girls are distributing the wristbands to other nearby Catholic high schools, hoping to spark a trend. So far they’ve sold 245 and raised about $470. The money will be donated to Catholic Relief Services.

High school students don’t have a lot of money, but they can do a lot of good with the small amounts they have, the girls said. It’s important to help any way they can.

“They’ve had a huge disaster, and half their country is in ruins,” said Ellen. “We should help. I think it’s good to give, because they are a really poor country in the first place. Other human beings are suffering and we should help them.”

Her friend Nina agrees.

“I think every person has the same right to live,” said Nina. “I think sometimes we don’t appreciate what we have in life, so we should give something back to people in need.”

Anyone interested in donating or purchasing wristbands may do by sending an e-mail to: teens4haiti@gmail.com.

Bishop Miege students Ellen and Audrey Ochampaugh, and Nina Hodlmayr designed and ordered 1,000 silicone wristbands which they are selling for $2 each. All proceeds will go to Catholic Relief Services.

By Joe Bollig

Small contributions, big difference It doesn’t matter that the three girls from Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park haven’t been to Haiti and likely never will.

The disaster touched their hearts, and that’s all the kinship connection they need. That’s why they formed “Teens for Haiti.”

Siblings Ellen and Audrey Ocham-

Overland Park’s Ascension School eighth-graders Amanda Malecki (left) and Catherine Seger (right) pull Sarah Whitney through the halls of the school during their Mardi Gras parade. The monies raised from this year’s parade will go to help New Orleans and Haiti.

I get a kick (and cash) out of you Some of the classic games of grade school days — Wiffle ball, dodgeball, and kickball — are making a comeback.

Seeing the popularity of these games, Erin Doherty had a brilliant idea: Why not use one for a fun fundraiser to help Haiti?

That’s how Erin, a junior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, and her mother Julie came up with “Kickin’ It for Haiti.”

“We reserved (Lenexa’s)Holy Trinity gym for one night, and I got a whole bunch of teenagers to attend for a $30 minimum donation,” said Erin.

“We had door prizes; it as a lot of fun. We played kickball, dodge ball, and tag.”

More than 40 highschool youths showed up, and a hearty 20 stayed until 6 the following morning. All totaled, the event raised $1,300.

“We gave the money to a teacher at Holy Trinity, Sarah Cretors,” said Erin.

“She is collecting money that can be used to put meals together for Youthfront.”

Erin estimates that the funds she raised will pay for approximately 6,500

Cade McCoy, Claire Walters, Michaela Stompoly, Joseph Sizemore, and Matt Malir, students at Holy Trinity School in Lenexa, were among the 80 students who helped raise $3280.17 during a read-a-thon to send to Catholic Relief Services for Haiti. took us by surprise,” said Audrey Kump, committee chairperson. “We thought that this [fundraiser] would bring the whole parish together.”

Committee members include eighthgrader Tyler Petillo and 7th-graders Danielle Krulic, Ashley Brownelle, and Marcus Blake.

Help from all over Brownies of Troop 717 at St. Michael the Archangel School in Leawood donated the $200 that they earned through their cookie sales to Haiti relief efforts.

Fifthgraders at Leavenwoth’s Xavier Elementary bought $5 passes to wear jeans, with the $2,400 raised going to Haiti.

meals. The meals, which were packed last week, included basic staples like rice, beans and protein supplements.

“We’re packaging food; we’re just putting together a basic meal, so all they have to do is add hot water and they’ll get their vegetables, grains and vitamins. These meals are [badly] need-

Freeze-dried meals assembled and packaged by Holy Trinity Life Teen members were packed in boxes to be sent to Haiti. Ryan Gfeller (left) helps Brian Jennings and Kevin Doherty tape boxes shut. ed,” said Jay Brann, a junior at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School and a member of Holy Trinity Parish.

Tastes like teen spirit What’s not to like at a bake sale? Or better yet, a bake sale for Haiti?

The five-member, student-run Religious Affairs Committee at Christ the

King School in Kansas City, Kan., brainstormed ways to raise money for Haiti.

Ideas that didn’t make the cut — because it’s winter out there — were washing cars, mowing lawns, and walking dogs.

Then, they had a great idea: a Valentine’s Day bake sale. It raised about $155, which was donated to Catholic Relief Services.

“I think the whole school and parish were really struck by the disaster, and it really

Several schools and individuals have raised funds — not only for the initial response to the disaster, but also for longterm recovery. Among those who’ve helped are: • Students at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, who assembled personal care kits and held a bake sale to raise relief funds.

• The eighth-grade class of Ascension School in Overland Park, who raised funds through its annual Mardi Gras parade on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 16. The school began holding these parades five years ago to help the people of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. This year,

the monies raised went to help New Orleans and Haiti.

• Forty members of the youth group at Church of the Ascension Parish in Overland Park, who, in conjunction with the Youthfront ministry, packed more than 5,000 meals on Feb. 14. The meals will be sent to Haiti through Feed the Hungry.

• Fifth-graders at Xavier Elementary School in Leavenworth, who held a “jeans pass” fundraiser in January soon after the disaster struck. They designed the pass themselves and invited the whole school to participate. Students were able to wear jeans all day after buying a $5 pass. The school raised almost $2,400.

• Fifth-graders at Holy Trinity School in Lenexa, who voted to donate money they raised during their annual Ash Wednesday read-a-thon to Catholic Relief Services to aid Haiti. In the past, the student donated the funds to Community LINC and Safehome.

— Additional reporting by Jill Ragar Esfeld and Jennifer Siebes

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THE LEAVEN • february 26, 2010

Springtime of catechesis is no coincidence cese of Birmingham’s efforts to support religious education in its parishes through long-distance learning programs.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Albert Ein“We can’t possibly reach all the parstein was famously quoted as saying: ishes and support the catechists in their “God does not play dice with the univery many and varied needs by travelverse.” ing around,” said Willey.

In other words, there are no coin“And so,” he continued, cidences when God is in“we’ve been determined to volved. As St. Paul wrote: provide educative materials “All things work together which they can use wherevfor good for those who love er they are, and which can God” (Rom 8:28). support them in their own So it was probably no costudy, at their own pace.” incidence at all that while It is from this basic idea Austrian Cardinal Christothat Maryvale grew into an pher Schönborn visited the international institute with archdiocese Jan. 30-31, one students in places as farof the foremost lay authoriflung as Africa, Norway, the ties on the Catechism of the United Arab Emirates, and Catholic Church was here as the United States. well.

In the Archdiocese of Petroc Willey, deputy diPetroc Willey Kansas City in Kansas, 22 rector of the Maryvale Institute in the Archdiocese of Birmingham students are studying to earn a certificate in catechesis, and 12 are studying in the United Kingdom, was at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan., for a master’s in religious education and catechesis. when Cardinal Schönborn arrived. “[Cardinal Schönborn] has been a Willey and the cardinal know each very important figure of inspiration other well. The cardinal’s work has been vital in fostering a new “springtime of over the years, and he has supported catechesis” in the church, said Willey. the founding of ‘amicitia catechistica,’ which means ‘catechetical friendship,’” And the cardinal is a Maryvale supporter, as well as a patron of its journal, The said Willey. “It is the idea that the handing on of the faith has to be done Sower, which is edited by Willey.

Willey was here in the archdiocese through personal relationships and friendships.” as part of a group of Maryvale instrucCardinal Schönborn nurtured this tors. The educators presented a study amicitia catechistica by promoting a reday on Jan. 30 for students who are working toward the certificate in cat- lationship between Maryvale, the Franechesis or master’s degree offered by ciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, and the Studium of Notre-Dame de Vie the Maryvale Institute to archdiocesan in Venasque, France. students.

“It has been for us very inspiring to Maryvale grew out of the Archdio-

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

Join Us for the 14th Annual Healing Mass and Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

Local news 11

have such a sense of kindred spirits with members of the archdiocese here, to share in that work,” said Willey. “I want to say that, because it’s a very special place for catechesis, this archdiocese.”

Catechesis has taken many forms since the Second Vatican Council, said Willey. Some have been more successful than others.

“The thing to remember is that the Second Vatican Council is the catechetical council,” said Willey “It was called — unlike any other council in history — not to correct a problem or oppose a heresy, but purely to promote the catechetical and pastoral work of the church. The whole of its focus was on how to hand on the faith organically, beautifully, and faithfully in today’s world.”

And while there have been some “false turnings” in catechesis since the council, he said, the magisterium of the church has also produced a number of key documents to help guide the church.

These key documents include Pope John Paul II’s 1979 apostolic exhortation “Catechesi Tradendae” (“On Catechesis in Our Time”), the “General Catechetical Directory” in 1971, the “General Directory for Catechesis” in 1997, and in the United States, the “National Directory of Catechesis” in 2003.

By far, however, the most important document was the catechism, published in 1997.

“The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, in his introduction to the catechism, said he was looking for a catechesis renewed in the living sources of the faith,” said Willey.

“That’s because these sources — Scripture and [sacred] Tradition — are

Maryvale Institute to host open house April 24 The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Maryvale Institute will host an open house from 10 to 11 a.m. on April 24 for those who are interested in learning more about their distance learning programs.

These are a two-year Certificate in Catechesis program and a twoand-a-half year Master of Arts in Pastoral and Educational Studies (religious education and catechesis).

Courses begin in January 2011. If you would like to know more, contact Kimberly Rode, course coordinator, online at: ecat2@archkck.org.

Maryvale application forms are found on the Web site at: www. archkckecat.org.

Spirit-filled,” he continued. “So, the basic methodology is not so much just to deliver content. It is to enable adults to be touched and transformed by the actual sources of the renewal of the faith through which God works.”

When people become exposed to these living sources of the faith, their lives are transformed, he said. The church is seeing the fruits of these transformed lives through renewed catechetical efforts.

“You can also see a growing number of very mature young people who are seeking a richer form of the faith and are increasingly trusting the church to give them the bread they are seeking,” said Willey.

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10 a.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Curé of Ars Church, 94th and Mission Road, Leawood, Kansas

Call Toll Free 888-246-1504

Concelebrated by Archbishop Joseph Naumann, Bishop Robert Finn, Archbishop Emeritus James Keleher and Bishop Emeritus Raymond Boland.

The anointing of the sick in both dioceses will be administered to Catholics whose health is seriously impaired by illness or old age. All are invited to participate. The ceremony will follow the Lourdes pilgrimage format.

Among those who may be anointed, the ritual mentions, in particular: • Those undergoing a surgery whenever serious illness is the reason • Elderly people when they have become noticeably weakened even if no serious illness is present • Sick children if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by the sacrament We are asking those who wish to receive the sacrament at Mass, to register on the form below, or call 913-432-5266 and 913-649-3260 and leave your name. Name cards are made for those receiving the sacrament.

Name __________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________ Phone (

)____________________________________________________

Parish __________________________________________________________ Please mail the form to: JMC, P.O. Box 30031, Kansas City, MO 64112.

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12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment St. James Academy - Is seeking applicants for teachers in Spanish, chemistry/physics, American Sign Language and math for the 2010 - 11 school year. Applicants for these positions must hold a valid Kansas teaching license. To apply, send an e-mail to Andy Tylicki at: atylicki@sjakeeping faith.org, or apply, via the Web site, at: www. sja keepingfaith.org.

Administrators needed - For Catholic schools in the Diocese of Wichita: St. Patrick, Wichita, and St. Patrick, Chanute. Candidates must be a practicing Catholic; be eligible for Kansas licensure as an administrator; promote a standards-based instructional program; and possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Interested candidates may submit a resume to: Dr. Fred Saab, Assistant Superintendent, Catholic Diocese of Wichita, 424 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202.

Superintendent of Catholic Schools - The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, under the direction of Bishop Robert Finn, is accepting applications for the position of superintendent of schools. The ideal candidate will have the pedagogical knowledge, skills, theological depth and experience to provide leadership and vision in the areas of Catholic identity, religion curriculum and staff formation and will demonstrate organizational, management and interpersonal skills required to develop and sustain a high quality educational system. The selected individual must be faithful to the tenets of the Catholic faith, and be a fully participating and practicing Catholic. Other required skills include: effective writing, speaking and instructional skills; exceptional leadership, administrative and organizational skills; the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people; and technological expertise. The diocese is comprised of more than 130,000 Catholics. The superintendent of schools will provide Catholic-based diocesan leadership for four secondary schools, 28 elementary schools and 7 free-standing early childhood centers, with a total enrollment of 9500 students. The position offers excellent insurance, pension and time-off benefits, a supportive and creative working environment and a workplace that values the Catholic school system.

If you want to make a difference in Catholic education and possess the qualifications listed above, send your resume, via e-mail, to: Stucinski@diocesekcsj.org or mail to: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, P.O. Box 419037, Kansas City, MO 64141-6037.

Part-time bowling machine mechanic - St. John’s Catholic Club, Kansas City, Kan., is looking for someone to maintain a six-lane house in the church’s men’s club. All late model 1960s Brunswick equipment. Call Kenny at (913) 788-9758.

Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City and Emporia areas. This position is ideal for a determined, high-energy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-thanaverage income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; or call (785) 364-5450.

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 26, 2009

Yardwork and tree trimming Local parishioner Many references. Insured and bonded.

Free estimates. Call (913) 620-6063.

Tree service - Pruning ornamental trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Brad Grabs, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 244-5838. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 422-0610; or send an e-mail to: tkidd@kc.rr.com.

Cleaning - Housekeeping, small office maintenance, post-construction cleaning. Plaza to Johnson County. Experienced, detailed, reliable, insured. Excellent references. Contact Phyllis at (913) 220-3322 or send an e-mail to her at: pculli61@ yahoo.com.

Computer repair / virus and spyware removal / PC upgrades - Microsoft certified; 10 yrs. experience. Member of Sacred Heart Parish.

Call Matt at (816) 876-6619 or send an e-mail to: mattcomputerfix@gmail.com.

Retired nurse - Will provide child or elder care, do housecleaning, run errands, and provide transportation to/from appts. Reasonable rates, excellent references. Years of experience with seniors. Call Pam at (913) 579-5276.

Counseling - Confidential and affordable individual, marriage and family counseling and outpatient substance abuse treatment. JB Strong, MA, LCPC, AAPS (913) 722-1118.

Home companion - I will provide transportation, companionship, personal assistance, shopping and other needs to the elderly at home. Full or part time. Days, evenings, weekends. Call Steve at (913) 888-7403 or (913) 522-5765 (cell).

Do you or your parents need help at home?

- For as little as $60 per week, Benefits of HomeSenior Care can provide assistance with personal care, shopping and many other daily needs. For details, visit our Web site at: benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

Caregiving - Mature lady experienced with elderly care will care for your loved one in their home. Good references, reliable transportation, well qualified. Available any time. Honest and dependable. Leawood, OP and Prairie Village areas.

Call Flora at (816) 322-9956, mobile, or (816) 9218223, home.

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and 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, Sara or Gary.

Home Improvement

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 26, 2010

Everything plumbing - Leaks, faucets, toilets, sinks, disposals, repairs and replacements. Over 20 years experience. Fully licensed. Service anytime – days/nights/wknds. Contact Mike at (913) 488-4930. Member of Church of the Ascension Parish, Overland Park.

Duplex - Well-maintained, updated duplex in Overland Park for rent. All appliances, trash, and property ammenities. Call Leah at (913) 383-1343.

Brack Home Repair - “Call Dan when you need it done.” I do all types of home repair. Carpentry, drywall, plumbing, electrical, painting, tile, wood-rot and more. No project too big or small.

Senior discount and insured. Free estimates. Call (913) 219-5388 or visit my Web site at: brackhomerepair.com. Philippians 4:13.

Recreational land for sale - Gorgeous Anderson County, Kan., land for sale. Enjoy 185 acres of hunting and fishing with great views. Power, cabin, and two stocked ponds. For information or to take a virtual tour, visit the Web site at: www.

KansasLandBrokers.com or call Marisa at (913) 915-9151.

Homeowners - New laws require all contractors working on any home built prior to 1978 to be lead-based certified. The fine is up to $32,000 charged against the homeowner. Protect your financial security and your family’s health. We are a licensed, insured, lead-based-certified contractor.

If you want an honest, courteous, conscientious, dependable, timely and cost-effective contractor, call In-Land Construction Services LLC at (913) 839-8500 or send an e-mail to: in-landconstruction@ comcast.net. Prices will never be better for all your construction or repair needs! Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount off any project or repair over $300. If you choose, any or all of the discount can be donated to Catholic Charities on your behalf.

Two-story, 4 BR, family home - On a cul-desac within walking distance of St. Thomas Aquinas High and JCCC. Updated, open kitchen and family room, finished lower level, office/sitting room off master. Spacious fenced yard with deck and patio.

Compare price, $219,000. $8,000 potential tax credit. 11535 Bradshaw. Call Rosemary at Masters GMAC at (913) 661-9744.

Swalms Organizing Service - Basements, garages, attics, and shop spaces organized! Items sorted, boxed & labeled; areas cleaned when finished! Clean out services also available. Great references and insured. For pictures of current projects, visit the Web site at: www.swalms.com. Call Tillar Swalm at (913) 375-9115.

Vacation

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

JoCo and southern KC metro area. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

Woodbright - A very affordable alternative to refinishing, refacing or replacing stained cabinets and woodwork. The average kitchen only costs $500. 18 years experience. Call Woodbright at (913) 940-3020.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Call for free estimates. Cell: (913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; e-mail: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa.

Tim the Handyman - Insured; free estimates.

Carpentry: new and repair deck, doors, windows, siding, screens. Plumbing: faucet, garbage disposals, toilets. Electrical: switches, outlets, ceiling fans, light fixtures. Light landscape: fill dirt, trimming, planting, garden tilling and mulching. Serving Johnson County. Call Tim at (913) 859-0471.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation * Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!!

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376

Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move - remodel! Call for a free quote. (913) 7098401.

For Rent

Increase your income – Interest rates are low, but a gift annuity with the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas often pays effective rates of over 10 percent for the rest of your life.

Your gift benefits your parish or another Catholic organization of your choice in the archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. You may even get a tax deduction. For information, call (913) 647-0365.

The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Insured and serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

Living at its best on a budget! - 1 BR apt., with rent based on income; all utilities paid; no voucher needed. Section 8 assistance. Great location, only 5-10 minutes from The Legends in Kansas City, Kan. Edwardsville Court Apartments Highrise, 531 S. 4th St., Edwardsville. Call (913) 441-6007.

EHO. Handicap accessible.

Machine quilting by Lyn - I also do T-shirt, photo, and memorial quilts. Official Hobbs distributor. Located in Overland Park. Call Lyn at (913) 492-8877.

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 Parish, Shawnee.

Newly updated duplex for rent - 2 BR, 1-1/2 BA, garage, basement, eat-in kitchen, fresh paint, new hardwood floors. Located in the Queen of Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park. $725/month. For information, call Katy at (913) 236-0445.

Services

Concrete Work

Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

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Feb.

Real Estate

Super nice, super big and tastefully updated - 3 BR attached dwelling with finished lower level, plus office/workout room/storage area.

Within walking distance of JCCC. Private fenced yard backing beautiful Stoll Park. 11808 Oakmont.

Hurry to reap the $8,000 tax credit! $158,000. Call Rosemary at Masters GMAC at (913) 661-9744.

Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA, on free ski shuttle route. $110/night. Call (913) 6423027. To view pictures, visit the Web site at: cabin. forcadeassociates.com.

Ski vacation - Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, 1 BA; sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec. center with pool & hot tub. $125/night; $750/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.

For sale Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 393-2042.

Wanted to buy ***WANTED*** I buy coins, older watches, silverware, slot machines, old rifles and shotguns, stoneware crocks and jugs, old furniture from basement or attic.

Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269 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.

Miscellaneous Freedom from pornography - Men’s group and counseling; call Sam Meier, MA, LPC, at (913) 647-0378. Women’s group; call Beth Meier, MA, at (913) 647-0379. Visit the Web site at: LoveIsFaithful.com.

Entertainment Disc jockey - For your wedding, kolos, nightclubs, corporate parties, teenage celebrations, holiday parties, sock-hops, ethnic, birthdays, holiday parties, hip-hop/rap, golden oldies. Member of St. Therese Parish, KCMO. Call Zepster’s A to Z Party DJ’s at (816) 741-4777.

27 The St. Thomas Aquinas High School Spirits Dance Team will host

dance clinics for girls in grades K - 5 and in 6th - 8th grades from noon - 3 p.m. on Feb. 27. The day will include instruction in various dance team techniques. The cost is $20 per dancer, if received by Feb. 19. Mail check, payable to St. Thomas Aquinas Dance Team, to: 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park, KS 66215. Walk-in registration is $25. For information, send an e-mail to Vicki Schroeder at: vschroeder@stasaints.net.

Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothes.

The Johnson County Unos will gather for 4:30 p.m. Mass on Feb. 27 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission.

Immaculate Conception Church, Louisburg, will host St. Cayetano night on Feb. 27, featuring a barbecue dinner, a Texas hold‘em tournament and a raffle.

For information, contact Judy Dixon at (913) 837-2550 or visit the Web site at: www.immaculateconceptionlouisburg. parishesonline.com.

Christ the King School, 3027 N. 54th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual dinner auction on Feb. 27 at the National Guard Armory, 18th and Ridge, Kansas City, Kan. Tickets are $35 per person. For information or to purchase tickets, call the school office at (913) 287- 8823.

Tom Jacobs will offer “The Art, Prayer & Practice of Meditation — how to, why, and the benefits of” from 9 a.m. - noon on Feb. 27 in the Rose Room at St. Joseph Medical Center, I-435 and State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo. The cost is $25 per person, payable at the door.

Space is limited and preregistration is required. To register, call Jacobs at (816) 619-3499 or send an e-mail to him at: tbjacobs@earthlink.net.

for adults; $6 for children. Tickets will be available at the door. For information, contact Elizabeth Vivona at (913) 8974205 or send an e-mail to Maggie Wright at: mwright@kc ascension.org.

March 2

A 12-week series with education and support for women dealing with addictions and sexual abuse will be held from 10 a.m. - noon on Tuesdays, beginning March 2, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

3

A suicide awareness and support meeting will be held from 7 - 8:30 p.m. on March 3 at Good Shepherd Church, 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee.

The presenter is Bonnie Swade, program coordinator for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). For information, call Bernadine Asher at (913) 563-5304.

5

Join the Topeka Catholic Singles Fellowship for an art walk at 5:45 p.m. on March 5. Meet at the Topeka Library, 1515 S.W. 10th St. The Johnson County Unos will hold their monthly meeting and potluck dinner at 5 p.m. on March 5 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission. Bring meat casseroles, salads, vegetables or desserts — enough to feed 8 — or $5 to pay for your meal.

The Topeka Catholic Singles Fellowship will gather for Stations of the Cross at 6 p.m. on March 5 at St. Matthew Parish, 2700 S.E. Virginia Ave., Topeka. Dinner will follow.

6 St. Joseph Church, 306 N. Broad27-28 Father Mitchel Zim- way, Leavenworth, will host a chamber merman, vocation director for the archdiocese, will lead a vocation retreat, entitled “Venite et Videte,” for high school-age men on Feb. 27-28 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. The retreat will include prayer, discussion and recreation time.

The cost of $25 includes lodging and meals. For information or to register, visit the Web site at: kckvocations.com.

28

The Men of Miege will host brunch and speaker Ron Freeman, AP and Kodak All-American football player, at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 28. By sharing his life experiences with others, Freeman helps people of all backgrounds understand how drawing on what you can do as an individual will help you to be your very best. The cost is $12.50 per person. Advance reservations are required.

For information, contact Diane Church at (913) 238-8456 or by e-mail at: db church@sbcglobal.net.

The Daughters of Isabella, Little Flower Circle No. 503, will meet at 1 p.m. on Feb. 28 at Rossiter Hall, 204 S.W. 8th St., Topeka.

The Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, will host a lasagna dinner, catered by Garozzo’s Restaurant, from 3 - 7 p.m. on Feb. 28 to benefit the chapel fund for Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg. The cost is $12

concert featuring members of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University of Minnesota at 7:30 p.m. on March 6. A freewill offering will be accepted. For information, call (913) 6823953.

7

Brian J. Nelson, a Catholic composer, member of the St. Lawrence Center, and doctoral student at the University of Kansas School of Music, will give a full-scale concert of his music at 3 p.m. on March 7 at Corpus Christi Church, 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy., Lawrence. For information, contact Nelson at (785) 2189075 or send an e-mail to him at: brian@ nelsonmusic.com.

The Altar Society of St. Mary Church, Purcell, will host a spaghetti luncheon from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on March 7. A freewill offering will be collected.

8

Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Rd., Roeland Park, will host the annual Runnin’ Revs fun night on March 8. Area priests and seminarians will challenge eighth-grade and high school boys from area Catholic schools in a heated game of basketball. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. Expect biased calls and lots of fun.

Donations will be accepted to benefit the seminarian fund. For information, call (913) 647-0303.

10 A Lenten retreat for women, presented by Sister Bridget Dickason,

OSB, will be offered from 6:30 - 9 p.m. on March 10 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

“Building Children’s Self Esteem,” a free parenting program, will be offered from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on March 10 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

12

St. John the Baptist Parish, 708 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host a performance by international singer and songwriter Tajci at 7 p.m. on March 12. Tajci has an amazing story of growing up as a teenage pop music superstar in communist Central Europe. She later gave up her fame and fled to the United States where she began sharing her story in churches across the country.

12-14

The Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, invite single women between the ages of 18 and 45 to attend a “Come and See” weekend from 7 p.m. on March 12 to 1 p.m. on March 14. Participants will join the monastic community for liturgies and meals, have discussions about the call to religious life, and have opportunities for reflection on their own vocation. For information, contact Sister Suzanne Fitzmaurice at (913) 3606219, or send an e-mail to: vocation@ mountosb.org, or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org.

13

A retreat day for members of the Mary Health of the Sick Guild will begin at 10 a.m. on March 13 at the Sisters, Servants of Mary Convent, 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan. The day will include a talk by Msgr. Mullen, silent adoration, lunch, a question and answer period, the sacrament of reconciliation and Mass at 3:30 p.m. Guild members are asked to bring their own sack lunch. The Sisters will provide beverages.

Holy Family Church will host a taco dinner and bingo on March 13 at the Holy Family Club, 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kan. Dinner will be served from 6:15 7:15 p.m. Bingo will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $15. For information or to purchase tickets, call Annette at (913) 371-5063.

Misc.

El Centro, Inc., will offer classes in financial literacy, home improvement, and home buyer education. The classes are free and open to the public. All classes are held at 650 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Participants are asked to preregister. For dates and times of classes, call (913) 677-0100.

El Centro, Inc., will organize volunteer income tax preparation assistance for households earning less than $49,000 per year. These sessions are free and open to the public. Sessions to be held either at Catholic Charities, 2200 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., or at Living Waters Fellowship Church, 217

CALENDAR 13

W. Park St., Olathe. For information on dates and times of classes, contact Catholic Charities at (913) 621-1504 or Living Waters Fellowship Church at (913) 7801655.

Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., offers regular opportunities for women to deepen their relationship with God. For information or to schedule an appointment for spiritual direction, massage or an afternoon at the spa, call (913) 906-8990.

Programs and services are free. Donations are always welcome.

The Piece Time Quilters of St. Paul Church in Olathe are hosting a fundraising raffle for their “Hearts Of Kansas,” a hand-quilted queen-size quilt, pillow shams and throw pillows. This beautiful quilt set will be on display in the parish hall at the celebration potluck dinner following the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Feb. 12 and throughout the months of February and March at Quilter’s Haven Quilt Shop in Olathe. Chances cost $1 each; six for $5.

For information or to purchase chances, call Marge at (913) 782-4811 or Judy at (913) 254-9975. The raffle will be held on Nov. 8.

There are 14 men in the My House men’s groups that have broken free from pornography for over one year! Also, the My House women’s group is available for wives and loved ones who are healing from the effects of their loved one’s struggles. For more information, visit the Web site at: LoveIsFaithful.com.

The Singles of Nativity, for all singles 35 and better, welcomes newcomers to its weekly Bible study on Sundays at 9 a.m. in the Nativity conference room, 119th & Mission Rd., Leawood, followed by 10:30 a.m. Mass. For information, send an e-mail to Randall Stevenson at: gaelwynn@yahoo.com.

Spiritual direction helps us notice God’s action in our daily lives. By meeting monthly with a skilled spiritual director, we become more conscious of God’s presence and love. For information or to schedule a free appointment, call the Keeler Women’s Center at (913) 621-8749.

Were you injured while on active duty in the military? Do you have combatrelated nightmares or are you bothered by memories of combat? A “veterans helping veterans” support group is forming in this area. If you are in need of help, or are available to help, call John at (913) 909-3368.

The Apostles of the Interior Life, along with spiritual director Father Steve Sotiroff, will host a spiritual pilgrimage to Italy from June 11 - 21. Cities to be visited include: Rome, Orvieto, Assisi, Siena, Florence, and Loreto. The cost of $2799 (double occupancy) includes airfare, hotels, daily breakfast and dinner, and sightseeing tours. Optional trip insurance is available for $185. Registration and deposit is due by March 1. For information or to book a reservation, contact Adriatic Pilgrimages at 1 (800) 262-1718 or visit the Web site at: www. adriatrictours.com.

Calendar items must be received nine days before the publication date.

E-mail submissions are preferred; send to: jennifer@theleaven.com.

Submissions may be mailed to: 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

14 COMMENTARY

Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Archbishop Edward O’Meara Award Winner 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003

Quote Week

of the

“I think every person has the same right to live. I think sometimes we don’t appreciate what we have in life, so we should give something back to people in need.”

Nina Hodlmayr, Bishop Miege student See story on pages 8-9

THE LEAVEN • February 26, 2010

“H

THE LEAVEN • february 26, 2010

Mark my words

inside catholic charities

Strive to have a tasteful Lent

Let us care for the poor as we’d care for our own

ey, this is Sunday, isn’t it?”

This comment came out of the blue from the guy seated to my left at a Knights of Columbus supper last Sunday evening. But his playful grin — and the immediate narrow-eyed glare his wife shot him — told me that this was more than a factual announcement of the day of the week.

This parishioner was referring to a Lenten dilemma that I’d spoken about on Ash Wednesday: Do Sundays “count”? When I was growing up, this wasn’t an issue. In my family, when you gave up something for Lent, you gave it up from Ash Wednesday to the Easter Vigil; no exceptions. Later on, I met people who treated the Sundays of Lent as “free days.”

In other words, since Sundays are always a celebration of the Lord’s resurrection, they are technically not “Lent,” so you can enjoy whatever it was that you gave up. This Knight had given up desserts for Lent and there on the buffet table was a delicious cherry cheesecake. Would he or wouldn’t he?

For me, it all boils down to a question of sawdust. Let me explain through this little story: Once upon a time a foolish old farmer concluded that the oats he fed his mule were simply costing him too much. So he hatched a plan: He mixed a little sawdust in with the feed, and then a little more the next day, each time reducing the amount of oats in the mix.

The mule didn’t seem to notice the gradual change, so the farmer thought

things were fine and kept decreasing the proportion of oats. But weeks later, on the day he finally fed the poor beast nothing but sawdust, the mule finished the meal and promptly fell over dead.

(Adapted from a story found ion Robert J. Morgan’s “Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations & Quotes: The Ultimate Contemporary Resource for Speakers.”)

While it’s true that Sundays don’t “count,” I have to stick with how I was raised. My folks knew my natural inclinations all too well: For me, “free Sundays” in Lent are an open invitation to add sawdust to my spiritual diet.

Here’s how it would work for me in practice: Say I gave up chocolate. In my “free Sundays” scenario, I would tell myself that, by having just celebrated Saturday evening Mass, “Sunday” has officially started. Therefore, I could enjoy chocolate from Saturday evening right up until 11:59.59 p.m. on Sunday.

(Here comes the sawdust.)

Then, I’d take a look at the month of March and notice that there are several important feast days there: St. Patrick’s Day, St. Joseph on March 19, and the Annunciation on March 25. (Add a little more sawdust.)

And, if the feast days themselves are important to celebrate, then we’ve

got to prepare for them, right? Just as you wouldn’t think of not celebrating Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, so it’s critical to celebrate the “eves” of St. Patrick, St. Joseph and the Annunciation. (Add still more sawdust.)

Oh, and I can’t forget the birthdays of several friends in March that have to be celebrated. . . . . Well, you get the idea.

Out goes the nourishment of the Lenten practice of fasting and pretty soon all I’m eating is sawdust.

In fact, one of my greatest Lenten struggles is with the sawdust of rationalization. For example, one of the things that I’ve given up this Lent is eating between meals. A couple of days ago, I took out the jar of popcorn kernels. My sawdust self reasoned, “Hey, Mark, you only intended to fast from unhealthy snacks in between meals.

Air-popped popcorn certainly doesn’t count!”

See what’s happening? There’s always a temptation to rationalize, to add some sawdust, to the Lenten practices that deliver real spiritual food in this season — prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Be very careful if you find yourself constantly “refining” your Lenten resolutions as to what “counts” or “doesn’t count.” The end result could be that you’ll find yourself at Easter too weak, too malnourished, to truly celebrate.

So, what happened to the Knight and his Sunday dessert dilemma? To his credit — and with his wife’s help — he passed on having that cherry cheesecake. I suspect that, had he given in, it might have tasted like sawdust anyway.

the gospel truth

Scripture Readings second Week of Lent Feb. 28 second Sunday of Lent Gn 15: 5-12, 17-18; Ps 27: 1, 7-9, 13-14; Phil 3:17 — 4:1; Lk 9: 28b-36 March 1 Monday Dn 9: 4b-10; Ps 79: 8-9, 11, 13; Lk 6: 36-38 March 2 Tuesday Is 1: 10, 16-20; Ps 50: 8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23; Mt 23: 1-12 March 3 Katherine Drexel, virgin Jer 18: 18-20; Ps 31: 5-6, 14-16; Mt 20: 17-28 March 4 Casimir Jer 17: 5-10; Ps 1: 1-4, 6; Lk 16: 19-31 March 5 Friday Gn 37: 3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Ps 105: 16-21; Mt 21: 33-43, 45-46 March 6 Saturday Mi 7: 14-15, 18-20; Ps 103: 1-4, 9-12; Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32

commentary 15

Scholars puzzled over guests at the Transfiguration

I

sometimes feel embarrassed when a person walks up to me and asks if I recognize them. Often I am stumped. It may have been years since I last saw the person. The face does not even look familiar, much less does any name come to mind.

ance of these illustrious figures from the past fits in well with the general tenor of the vision. It is inexplicable.

Yet that does not prevent scholars and homilists from attempting to explain why Moses and Elijah are present, even if they do not dare to explain If I have such trouble recognizing how they got there. The people, how is it that Peter most popular theory claims is able to correctly identify second sunday that Moses represents the the two mysterious visitors in of lent law, while Elijah represents Sunday’s Gospel reading as Lk 9: 28b-36 the prophets. The two then Moses and Elijah? stand for the Old Testament, After all, both men have summed up in the phrase, supposedly been dead for centuries. the law and the prophets. Accordingly, Peter would never have seen them their presence means the endorsement before, nor would he have seen any imof Jesus by the Old Testament. age of them, since the Israelite religion But that is not the only explanation. forbade the making of images of any Another theory reflects the belief that living creature out of fear that such Moses and Elijah did not leave this life images might be used in idolatry. It is in the usual way — that they did not amazing that Peter is able to identify die but were assumed, body and soul, them. into heaven.

But the whole scene is one of This belief in regard to Elijah is amazement. Jesus is transfigured in clearly enunciated in 2 Kg 2:11: “A glory, his clothes shining brilliant flaming chariot and flaming horses white, his face changed. The appear-

came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.”

This belief in regard to Moses is not found anywhere in the Old Testament.

At the same time, the seeds for that belief were planted in the words of Dt 34:6: “but to this day no one knows the place of his burial.” From that statement, people jumped to the conclusion that Moses had not died, but had been taken up into heaven, like Elijah. There was even an apocryphal work written to that effect, entitled “The Assumption of Moses.”

If these two figures had departed from this world in such an unusual manner, then they are appearing with Jesus in this vision because he, too, will leave it in a mysterious way. He will rise from the dead and then ascend into heaven. In fact, according to Luke’s account of the transfiguration, Jesus’ impending death and resurrection form the topic of conversation among Moses, Elijah and Jesus: “They spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.” The same glory that shines from Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountain will surround his resurrection and ascension.

Father Mike Stubbs is pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

A

box of Hamburger Helper, three cans of green beans, three cans of corn, a box of Rice Krispies cereal, a jar of pasta sauce and a package of spaghetti, a box of rice and bag of beans, two cans of fruit cocktail and two cans of peaches, some tuna or canned chicken, a couple of boxes of Jell-O, two loaves of day-old bread.

If it is a good day, maybe some frozen hamburger or chicken, a package of hot dogs or a frozen pizza.

As you walk to the bus stop with your two bags of “groceries,” you are grateful for the help that you have just received. The food will get you by until the first of the month when your next paycheck arrives. The rent and utilities will take up most of that check, but you are hoping that there will be enough left for you to go to Wal-Mart; it would be nice to have some apples or maybe a few fresh vegetables to eat.

You are one of the thousands who visit a Catholic Charities of Northeast

Kansas emergency assistance center each year, hoping to find help and relying on the generosity of others to get you through a rough patch, to get you through to the end of the month.

The number of people in need has been staggering this past year, which should come as no surprise with the employment rate hovering at 10 percent. Since last July 1, Catholic Charities has distributed over $1 million in donated food and personal care items, up 20 percent from the same time last year.

I want to express my thanks to the multitude of individuals, families, corporations and churches that give over and over again to keep our pantry shelves stocked. The demand is neverending and the volunteers who have made feeding the hungry their mission are tireless in their efforts.

But still, we can do better.

My dream is that we will someday have the capacity to provide healthy food for our neighbors in need. My dream is that we will have community gardens that provide fresh vegetables in the summer. My dream is that our donors will shop for the hungry like they shop for their own families — natural grains, low-sodium canned goods, fruits that aren’t dripping in heavy syrup, and tuna that is not dripping in heavy oil.

Take a look at the list that started this column. Is this the diet that you would want to feed your family?

For the 90 percent of us that are still working, we have an obligation to care for the least of our brothers and sisters.

Let us care for them as we would care for our own.

Jan Lewis is the executive director of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

building the culture of life

Five key steps to ending abortion

I

n this column I would like to build on some ideas presented in my previous columns and to identify five key steps that I believe are necessary for winning the battle over abortion. I will not focus on legislative or political activities, but on winning hearts and minds.

1. Society must readily accept the biological fact that a human being comes into existence at the moment of fertilization, i.e., conception. This fact has been definitively established by embryology, a branch of biology. Instead, through deception and ignorance, we often hear that we do not know when

life begins. However, just as we know that the earth is not flat, we know that life begins at fertilization. Many of those who are pro-abortion know this fact but continue to spread lies and deception because they know that once society widely embraces that human beings come into existence at the moment of fertilization, many hearts and minds will demand that we protect such new human beings. This step is crucial.

2. Society must readily accept that human beings are very unique — extraordinarily unique — among all animal species and thereby warrant being

treated accordingly, including all such classes of human beings. Thousands of examples are readily available to prove this point.

3. Pro-choice is a fatally flawed term that diverts attention away from the life of the human being contemplated in being killed. We must help others clearly see the choice that is being considered and then use our reason and proper judgment in making valid moral choices. I encourage not using the term “pro-choice,” instead say, “in favor of the option to kill an unborn child.”

4. Up to this point we have not specifically called upon our faith to change hearts and minds. Calling upon our faith, we acknowledge that each unborn human being is a child of God. Proper understanding of our faith leads us to the conclusion that all unborn human beings deserve to be respected, loved and protected in the same fashion as our born children deserve.

5. Finally, we must come to the aid of our most defenseless brothers and sisters. We must be soldiers of Christ in this battle. We must fight with the gentleness and compassion that he has shown us. This does not mean being timid. Rather, he asks us to fight with courage and determination, carrying the weapons of truth, love and prayer.

And, if we but ask for our Blessed Mother’s help, she will purify and multiply our efforts and make them perfectly acceptable to her Son. If we but make ourselves available, God will deliver the successes.

We are called only to be faithful.

Ron Kelsey is the archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office. You can send an email to Ron at: prolife@archkck.org or call (913) 647-0350.

From the super

D

From an early age, students integrate their faith

ear friends of Catholic schools,

Recently, my associate Karla Leibham, who among other responsibilities coordinates all the curriculum-related matters for our Catholic schools in the archdiocese, invited a group of teachers to participate in a lesson plan-writing workshop.

The goal was to create lessons for topics in every subject area that incorporate the rich intellectual tradition of our Catholic faith and to use Catholic instructional resources to illustrate the topics. What a great day these teachers had! They wrote lessons for a variety of subjects and grade levels and shared ideas for many more.

These lessons are available for use by all teachers in Catholic schools in the archdiocese.

While there are still many more lesson samples to write, we are making good progress toward our goal of having every lesson of every subject at every grade level reflect this infusion of the Catholic faith.

What was even more rewarding for me was to read the comments from the teachers who participated in that day.

Here’s a sampling of what they had to say: “It has inspired me to dig deeper

and do more.”

“Today has motivated me to look for more opportunities to infuse Catholicity into all areas of my life and classroom.”

“It encourages me to continue doing what I’m doing. It gives new ideas and resources to try.”

Catholic schools are, indeed, more than just public schools with a daily religion class. They are places where students learn about the world from the perspective of faith and then have the opportunity to integrate what they have learned into their prayer lives.

There’s nothing quite like hearing, as I did last week, the prayer of a secondgrader who asks: “God the Father and maker of all things, please take care of my hamster that you called back to heaven to be with you.”

At first, those of us who heard the

prayer chuckled, but as I thought about it, I realized that this young student had learned that the earth is the result of divine design and that we are stewards of God’s creation; he understood that the source of all of our gifts is God; he had learned to pray about the matters in life that are important to him; he had learned that life is not about our will, but God’s; and finally, he had learned that prayer in community is powerful. Granted, this student’s prayer was a reflection of the maturity of a second-grader but, as I thought about it, I realized that this young child had, indeed, learned our lessons well. ¡Vaya con Dios!

Kathy O’Hara is the superintendent of archdiocesan schools.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • february 26, 2010

Archbishop debuts new radio show

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — There are stories about saints who had the ability to bilocate — appearing or seeming to appear in two places at once.

But Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s got them beat. He can be nearly everywhere and with every person in the archdiocese three times a week.

And the only thing needed to make it Air times happen is a • Sundays 10 a.m. radio.

• Tuesdays 8:30 a.m.

On Feb. • Thursdays 3:30 p.m. 14, Archbishop Naumann began appearing on “The Shepherd’s Voice,” a halfhour radio program that is aired three times a week on KEXS AM 1090. The station is providing the time to the archbishop for free.

The archbishop explained to The Leaven why he decided to join the “air force” on the Feb. 14 and 21 programs.

“I think this is an opportunity for me as the archbishop who ultimately has the responsibility for the pastoral care of all the people in the archdiocese to communicate with many of those members of my flock,” he said.

“So I’m grateful for Catholic radio and so delighted to have Catholic radio in the [Greater Kansas City] metropolitan area,” he continued. “I have this opportunity to speak and hopefully exercise my part of my responsibility as a teacher of the faith and also as a pastor, a spiritual guide.”

The archbishop is the host of the program, but he has support from the tag team of Carroll Macke, director of communications and planning, and Bill Scholl, consultant for the office of social justice.

He also hosts guests. His first two were Michael Podrebarac, consultant for the archdiocesan liturgy office, and vocation director Father Mitchel Zimmerman.

Ron Kelsey, consultant for the archdiocesan pro-life office, will appear on Feb. 28.

The prerecorded program is divided into three segments. In the first, the archbishop speaks directly on a topic. In the second, a guest discusses a current issue or topic. And in the third, the archbishop answers questions. The questions have to be submitted in writing and in advance by e-mail to: ASKAB@archkck.org.

The program is first aired on a Sunday, and repeated on Tuesdays and Thursdays (See sidebar).

“This gives the people a chance to have access to their shepherd,” said Scholl.

The first tapings have gone very well, he said.

“The archbishop is a natural talent,” said Scholl. “He has been interviewed on all types of national television and radio shows.

Usually it takes a while for people to get used to it, but he took to it like a duck to water.”

Leaven photo by Joe Bollig

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann is now featured on a new radio show called “The Shepherd’s Voice.” The half-hour program is aired three times a week on KEXS AM 1090.