03-12-10 Vol. 31 No. 30

www.theleaven.com | Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas | Vol. 31, No. 30 march 12, 2010

Caring for Your Elders

Atchison’s Dooley Center named one of the best nursing homes in the nation

By Steve Johnson

Special to The Leaven ATCHISON — Sister Mary Ethel Burley was a major part of the lives of thousands of elementary-aged youngsters during her lengthy teaching career. For 50 years, she helped form the minds and morals of students at St. Anthony School in Kansas City, Kan., as well as Catholic schools in Ottawa and Seneca.

She put everything into her teaching and truly cared about each little face that looked up at her.

But what happened to Sister Mary Ethel after all those years? Is she well cared for? Is she happy? Is she even alive?

Well, you can rest assured that she is just as vibrant and full of humor at age 87 as she was when she was teaching.

And she is now looked after with the same care and enthusiasm she brought to the classroom. She is a resident of the Dooley Center, one of the 12 best nursing homes in the nation.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is home to the Dooley Center, the care facility associated with the Benedictine Sisters’ Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in Atchison. Those who visit get an immediate sense of home and community, and those who live there know they get the best care.

The Dooley Center was recently named one of America’s Best Nursing Homes by U.S. News & World Report magazine. Based on the new federal government Five Star System, the magazine gathered information on nearly 16,000 facilities across America. The Dooley Center not only made the list, but rose to the top.

It is one of the few in the nation, and the only one in the Midwest, that scored a perfect rating in all federal government measures for four straight quarters.

Turn to “rule” on page 6

Sister Mary Ethel Burley (left), Dooley Center administrator Barbara Stec (center) and prioress Sister Anne Shepard display the plaque naming the center as one of America’s best nursing homes.

Sister Mauricita Schieber, OSB, enjoys a game of bingo at the Dooley Center. She taught for many years at Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kan., and served as its principal for many more.

Sister Jeremy Dempsey, OSB, gets her hair done by stylist Keri Armstrong in the Dooley Center beauty salon.

Debra Levin, LPN, checks the blood pressure of Sister Eunice Ballman, OSB.

2 ARCHBISHOP

THE LEAVEN • march 12, 2010

THE LEAVEN • march 12, 2010

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

Decision makers should know your wishes, share your values

M

y grandmother spent the final years of her life at Mother of Good Counsel Home, a skilled nursing facility in St. Louis operated by the Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George.

Mother of Good Counsel Home was located in the parish where I served as pastor. I would frequently go to Mother of Good Counsel to feed my grandmother her supper. The Sisters claimed that I could get my grandmother to eat and to do things that she otherwise resisted.

My grandmother was having a particularly difficult day — not wanting to eat and cooperate in other ways that were important for her care — when one of the Sisters asked her if they wanted her to contact me. My grandmother with her wry sense of humor simply said: “Why contact him? He’s the one who got me into this mess!”

Recently, the Archdiocese sponsored a workshop for priests, doctors, nurses and hospice workers regarding some of the important moral issues involved with the care of the elderly and the severely disabled. In recent years, the church has clarified the application of its teaching regarding assisted (tube or intravenous) feeding for those in a permanent or persistent vegetative state (PVS) or otherwise unable to be fed by mouth. Simply put, food and water — no matter how they are provided — are to be considered basic comfort care, not extraordinary medical interventions.

The highly publicized Terry Schiavo case a few years ago illustrates many of the important moral issues. Terry was diagnosed as being in a permanent vegetative state. This is a very unfortunate and dehumanizing term, because a human being — no matter how limited our physical or mental capabilities — never becomes a vegetable, never loses our innate human dignity. There actually was a dispute between medical professionals as to whether the PVS diagnosis was accurate for Terry. There is significant video evidence that Terry responded to verbal communications and instructions from her parents and her nurses.

Terry had a feeding tube for many years. Her husband insisted that the

nursing facility stop feeding Terry.

Terry’s parents sought a court order to give them custody of her so that she would continue to be fed. In the end, her husband won the court battle and Terry died of dehydration and starvation.

Terry already had a feeding tube.

Her case did not involve her receiving any new, even minor, surgery. It was simply a case of whether she would be provided food and water by her “caregivers” or whether she would be denied these most fundamental necessities for life. The cessation of feeding in such a case is clearly against Catholic moral teaching.

It is not morally permissible to cause the death of another by denying them palliative (comfort) care. This is, in effect, passive euthanasia, bringing about the death of another by withholding from them the basics of life.

Father Tad Pacholczyk was one of the presenters at a recent archdiocesan workshop on end-of-life decisions.

Father Tad is currently the director of education for the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. He brings an impressive set of expertise to these issues, having received a doctorate in neuroscience from Yale University; four undergraduate degrees in molecular and cellular biology, chemistry, biochemistry and philosophy; as well as two advanced degrees in theology.

Father Tad did an excellent job addressing the many scientific and ethical distinctions that have to be made in evaluating the moral obligations in caring for the aged and severely disabled.

For instance, there are times, when an individual is truly near death, that providing food and water is not required or even prudent, as when the body is no longer able to assimilate food. In fact, one may be morally required not to provide food and even water in these cases, because you will only be adding to the individual’s discomfort.

Father Tad also pointed out the limitations of advanced directives, because they are made at a moment when the particular circumstances of some future illness or injury are not known.

Advanced directives also cannot antici-

pate future developments in medical science. Catholics should be especially wary of signing advanced directives that make no distinction between basic comfort care — such as food and water — from medical interventions, such as major surgery.

The best way to provide for future medical decisions, if you are unable to make decisions for yourself, is to appoint a durable power of attorney for health. The person you appoint to serve as your durable power of attorney should know your wishes and share your moral values. They should know your desire for your health care decisions always to be in accord with Catholic moral principles.

One of the most helpful observations that Father Tad made at the workshop did not really draw upon his scientific and theological expertise but just practical wisdom. He spoke about having a conversation with an elderly family member who said, like so many, that he just did not want to be a burden on the family. Father Tad said that when a baby is born, he or she is totally dependent on family, but no one complains that a baby is a burden. The same is true at the end of the life cycle.

While caring for a baby or an elderly or sick family member is not easy, it is a privilege and a blessing to be able to love and care for another person. It is just what we do as Christians.

In the Archdiocese we are very fortunate to have Sisters, Servants of Mary who visit the homes of the sick at night in order to allow family members to sleep while the Sisters attend to the sick person. The faith and prayerfulness of the Sisters Servants transform moments of great difficulty for families into occasions of renewed faith and hope in God’s love.

The Sisters, Servants of Mary need more vocations, because there are so many more families that would benefit from their beautiful ministry. I encourage any young woman who wants to serve God and make a real difference in the lives of others to become acquainted with the Sisters, Servants of Mary and their beautiful apostolate.

In the Archdiocese, we are also blessed to have Villa St. Francis in Olathe — a skilled nursing facility operated by the Archdiocese — where we strive to provide residents with the highest quality care that is always in accord with Catholic moral and ethical principles. In the Archdiocese, we also are fortunate to have Catholic Hospice, operated by Catholic Charities, to assist

Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

March 12-13 Conception Seminary board meeting

March 13-14 Pastoral visit — St. Philip Neri, Osawatomie; Sacred Heart, Mound City; Our Lady of Lourdes, LaCygne

March 15 Presbyteral Council meeting Mass and meeting, Pastoral Council

March 16 Shepherd’s Voice recording

March 18 Adoration and Benediction — Maur Hill/ Mount Academy, Atchison

March 19 Sixth anniversary of arrival in Kansas City Mass — Little Sisters of the Lamb The Catholic Way recording

March 20 Mass for nocturnal adoration group — All Saints, Kansas City, Kan.

March 20-21 Pastoral visit — St. Michael, Axtell; Holy Family, Summerfield

Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar

March 17 Mass and dinner — federal prison

March 20 8 a.m. pro-life Mass — Sts. Cyril & Methodius, Kansas City, Kan.

March 21 Confirmation — St. Joseph, Shawnee Confessions — Curé of Ars, Leawood

families with the care of the dying in a manner faithful to Catholic teaching.

Today, March 12, would be my grandmother’s 109th birthday. She helped care for me as a child and was a formative influence on my life. I am glad that I had the opportunity to help her in some small ways during her final days in this world.

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President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

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Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 7211570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com.

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Bishops address challenges to marriage • Current challenge to marriage #1: Contraception. Married couples using artificial contraceptives are separating the unitive and procreative aspects of marriage, write the bishops. Deliberately separating the two can be harmful to a marriage and often results in spouses treating each other with less dignity. The bishops also state concerns about in vitro fertilization, as “children begin to be seen less as gifts received in a

#3: Divorce. The bishops affirm marriage as a lifelong covenantal union.

They acknowledge the stresses and strains couples are under many times KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Bill Cosby in marriages, and acknowledge that was only half-joking when he said, “in some cases, divorce may be the “For two people to live in a marriage only solution to a morally unaccepttogether day after day is unquestionable situation.” Last, the bishops enably the one miracle the Vatican has courage those who have divorced to overlooked.” take advantages of the church’s minWhile they may not view maristries and sacraments. riage as a miracle in the most Catho• Current challenge to marriage lic sense of the world, the U.S. Con#4: Living together ference of Catholic without marriage.

Bishops recognizes The bishops acthe challenges facing knowledge the marriages today — current trend of and wants to support many couples livmarried couples. ing together, beFollowing a 2004 lieving they are National Pastoral doing a “trial peInitiative for Marriod” before proriage, the USCCB has ceeding to marnow expanded on its riage. However, work with a pastoral they point out that letter on marriage. social science reThe document is search does not entitled “Marriage: support any posiLove and Life in the tive effects from Divine Plan.” cohabitation on a “I think it’s inmarriage: “At the tended for anyone heart of cohabitaand everyone,” said tion lies a relucJacki Corrigan, contance or refusal sultant for the archto make a public, diocesan office of permanent comfamily life. “It gives mitment.” a beautiful and in• Marriage is viting look into mara sacrament. The riage that would be bishops affirm that good for people to marriage is more read who have been than just a sign or married as long as symbol of Christ’s I have to those who love, but it actuare considering marally makes the love riage.” of God present in The 57-page letter a spousal relationwas released in early ship. They also 2010 and is available remind readers to read in its entirety that husbands and on the Web site at: wives are equally usccb.org. Though called to submit to much of it is a reitone another. eration and affirma• The family is a tion of church teach“domestic church.” ing over the years, The small comthe bishops also munity of people apply church teachformed by a maring to current issues CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz, Long Island Catholic ried couple and plaguing 21st cenThe U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has followed up on a 2004 National Pastoral their children tury marriages in the Initiative for Marriage with a pastoral letter on marriage. The document is entitled are “a kind of miUnited States.

“Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan.” crocosm of the Here are the top church.” Parents ten points of “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine personal communion of mutual self- are called to raise their children in giving, and increasingly as a lifestyle faith, and spouses are called to grow Plan”: choice, a commodity to which all in holiness by their actions toward • Defining marriage. Some of consumers are entitled.” The bish- one another, say the bishops. the problems facing marriage today ops praise natural family planning • Marriage is a vocation. Though come down to a misunderstanding not typically what many Catholics of what marriage actually is, say the methods as a way for families to exercise responsible parenthood. think of when they hear the word bishops. Marriage is “a lifelong part• Current challenge to marriage “vocation,” the bishops reaffirm that nership of the whole of life, of mutual and exclusive fidelity, established #2: Same-sex unions. Though the marriage is a divine calling and just bishops continue to uphold the as valuable to the church as other by mutual consent between a man church’s teaching that homosexual vocations. They also encourage disand a woman, and ordered towards the good of the spouses and the pro- persons be treated with dignity and cernment and prayer for those conaccepted with “respect, compassion, templating marriage. creation of offspring.”

• Marriage requires growth. Mar• Marriage has two unique, in- and sensitivity,” they also do not separable purposes. The two primary accept same-sex unions as a valid riage asks couples to go further than marriage, as marriage is defined as romantic feelings and invest in selfpurposes of marriage are the good of between a man and woman. “Atgiving, virtuous love, write the bishthe spouses and the procreation and education of children. The bishops tempting to redefine marriage to ops. Couples are also called to foster include such relationships empties their faith and build virtue through take special care to address those their marriage, and they are especouples struggling with infertility, the term of its meaning . . . treating sexual differences as if it were irrel- cially encouraged by the bishops to reassuring them in the blessing of continually grow in physical, emotheir marriage together, regardless evant to what marriage is.”

• Current challenge to marriage tional, and spiritual intimacy. of children.

By Kara Hansen Leaven staff

Bishop Ward announces new principal Dr. Judith Warren will take over as principal on July 1 KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Bishop Ward High School president Father Michael Hermes and the board of trustees have announced Dr. Judith Warren as the new principal for the 2010-2011 school year.

D e n n i s Dorr will fulfill his contract as principal through June 30 and Warren will officially begin her duties on July 1.

Warren was appointed to the position by Father Hermes upon the recJudy Warren has been ommendation appointed the new prin- of the execucipal of Bishop Ward High tive committee School in Kansas City, Kan. of the board of trustees, after a review of candidates and in consultation with Kathy O’Hara, superintendent of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

“Dr. Judy Warren has a strong reputation for her skills as an educator. She is passionate about Catholic education.

She looks forward to The Bishop leading us in Ward Mission our mission Bishop Ward High of providSchool provides a ing a qualquality, Catholic, ity, Catholic, college-preparatory college prep education in a Christeducation centered communito our stuty, that nurtures the dents,” Fabody, mind, and soul ther Hermes of each student. said.

War ren has over 40 years of experience as an administrator and educator.

She began her career in the classroom with 26 years as a teacher. She was then appointed principal at St. Ann School and later as principal of St. Mary’s High School in Independence, Mo. From 2000 to 2007, Warren served as superintendent of schools in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and then returned to St. Mary’s High School as interim principal and principal mentor consultant at St. Mary’s High School.

She has a doctorate in education administration from the University of Kansas, a master’s in education/liberal arts from Baker University, and a bachelor’s of science in education from the University of Kansas.

She has served on the Bishop Ward board of trustees since 2007 and chairs the academic committee.

“I am excited about the opportunity to lead a school that has such strong traditions and a history of spiritual formation and academic achievement,” Warren said. “I look forward to working with the entire Bishop Ward community.”

4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • march 12, 2010

THE LEAVEN • march 12, 2010

Down in adoration falling

End of life: prudent choices for hard circumstances

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

Down in adoration falling, This great Sacrament we hail; Over ancient forms of worship Newer rites of grace prevail; Faith tells us that Christ is present When our human senses fail.

To the everlasting Father, And the Son who made us free.

And the Spirit, God proceeding From them each eternally, Be salvation, honor blessing, Might and endless majesty.

Traditional Benediction hymn

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann displays the Blessed Sacrament during eucharistic adoration at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park. The archbishop led the students in adoration on Feb. 25 at the school.

St. Thomas Aquinas senior Kelsey Sullivan got into the spirit of the music prior to adoration.

Photos by Susan McSpadden

LOCAL NEWS 5

Science teacher Joe Orrick (left), freshman Sarah Gabrie, sophomore Max Wilber, freshman Andrew Walberg, sophomore John Wooten, sophomore Jordan Calovich, and freshman Matthew Martin join in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — End-of-life decisions can be complicated and difficult, as demonstrated by this example given by a visiting priest and scientist.

A 92-year-old woman who had suffered two heart attacks was back in the nursing home after a hospital stay, but had a failing liver and other problems.

“Look, dearie,” the mother said to her daughter. “I’ve already had two heart attacks, and I’m not really feeling good. If I have another heart attack, do we have to throw me in the back of the ambulance a third time and do all those things again?”

The answers aren’t easy when it comes to hard cases such as the aforementioned one, but there are ways to arrive at ethical decisions, said Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, a scientist and director of education for the Philadelphia-based National Catholic Bioethics Center.

Father Pacholczyk, a priest of the Diocese of Falls River, Mass., visited the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas on Feb. 10 to give two end-of-life workshops, entitled “Making morally informed decisions in serious illness, permanent vegetative state, and at the end of life.”

He presented a four-hour workshop during the day at Savior Pastoral Center to a 150-person audience consisting of pastors, nurses, doctors, social workers, hospital and hospice directors, and several others involved in health care.

He presented a two-hour workshop for the general public that evening at St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kan. Both workshops were sponsored by the archdiocesan pro-life office.

Decisions about the end of life need to be made in the context of stewardship over the gift of life, a gift that comes from God, said Father Pacholczyk.

He pointed to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ “Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Healthcare Services,” which states that although we have a duty to preserve life and use it for the glory of God, this duty is not absolute. We may reject life-prolonging procedures that are insufficiently beneficial or excessively burdensome.

“This is the crux of the matter, the point of focus,” said Father Pacholczyk.

“How do you discern when is something insufficiently beneficial, or how do you judge you have reached the point of

Leaven photo by Joe Bollig

Decisions about the end of life need to be made in the context of stewardship over the gift of life, a gift that comes from God, said Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk during a recent talk in the archdiocese. Father Pacholczyk is a scientist and director of education for the Philadelphia-based National Catholic Bioethics Center. something being excessively burdensome?”

Our obligation, he said, is to make a good prudential judgment. That is all that God requires of us.

“As we are going to see, making a good prudential judgment is a tricky thing when you have multiple variables in play, when you have a lot of medical data that is coming and going with respect to an individual’s condition,” said Father Pacholczyk. “But at the end of the day, that is what we are challenged to do, to make that good prudential judgment.”

When most people discuss these issues, they are caught between two fears. One is the fear that the health care facility will do too much — attach them to a lot of tubes and machines and refuse to let them die. The second fear is the opposite, that the health care facility will do too little and will unnecessarily hasten their death.

“So, I want to suggest to you the bright line of duty will run basically down the middle of these two fears,” said Father Pacholczyk.

In the past, making good prudential judgments has involved deciding what is “ordinary” or “extraordinary” means.

This language is less precise today, so some people prefer to speak of “proportionate” and “disproportionate” means, he said.

Proportionate and disproportionate are better terms because one can ask, “Disproportionate to what?” It adds more clarity to ask what is proportionate to the needs of a particular individual in a particular situation.

“If we’re very careful about how we progress here, we realize the lines are considerably clearer. And, with the help of God, we can make decisions that are indeed good prudential judgments,” said Father Pacholczyk.

The challenge of deciding what is

medically proportionate is a balancing act between the benefits and drawbacks, he said. One must also look at the circumstances of persons, places, times and cultures. For example, a feeding tube may be common in Kansas, but not in Haiti. The complexity of cases means they must be decided case by case.

Sometimes people use “living wills” to help decide difficult choices for themselves. These, he said, often use overly broad language and may not address the particular situation a person may find themselves in. The living will can be improved by selecting someone who deeply cares about you as your health care proxy or holder of durable power of attorney.

The question of feeding tubes for nutrition and hydration became part of the national debate over the treatment of Terri Schiavo, a Florida woman who was said to be in a persistent vegetative state. Her husband fought a legal battle to remove her feeding tube and allow her to die from dehydration, and she did die on March 31, 2005.

In general, the presumption is in favor of keeping a feeding tube, said Father Pacholczyk. A feeding tube is seen as a form of caregiving. It is not, however, required for all persons, at all times, in all circumstances. The decision must be made with good prudential judgment according to proportionality.

“It depends on the details,” he said.

“Every one of these is a unique prudential judgment we must make, but clearly there will be cases when the tube will not be required.”

Dying involves a lot of people, so it’s important to get a lot of good cross-talk among family and caregivers, he said. If good prudential judgments are made, dying can be a time of healing and forgiveness.

Father Pacholczyk was followed by Dr. Austin Welsh, a geriatrician with the Erickson Health Medical Group in Overland Park. Welsh presented three cases where individuals and families faced end-of-life decisions.

In one case, all it took was a simple administration of antibiotics to clear up a patient’s confusion. He died two months later, but it wasn’t because he was denied care.

“This goes back to what Father [Pacholczyk] talked about,” said Walsh.

“That two months was very important, because, by bringing him back, there was a lot of healing. That was a time when there was growth in dying, and the wife was very grateful.”

Catholic Pilgrimage in Turkey: St. Paul, Revelation, and the Early Church

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ather Ernie Davis of St. Therese Little Flower and Jude Huntz of the Human Rights Office in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph invite you to join them on a pilgrimage Nov. 2 - 15, 2010. Visit Istanbul, Cappadocia, Tarsus, Antioch,Ephesus, Smyrna, Myra, and Troy. Mass daily. Airfare from Kansas City, transportation, hotels, breakfast and dinner, guide and entrance fees: $2,894.

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6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • march 12, 2010

Rule of St. Benedict underlies superior care at Dooley Center “There is the line from the Rule of St. Benedict that, above all else, we are to care for the sick. . . . We are taking that line seriously.

We do value our monastic elders, and they’re going to get the best possible care we can give them. That’s the joy for us.”

Continued from page 1 “We have had five stars across the board every quarter since the inception of the program,” said Barbara Stec, the administrator for the center.

The residents seem to share the same pride in the honor as the Sisters and the Dooley staff.

“I consider this my inheritance,” Sister Mary Ethel quipped. “I have a lot to be grateful for.”

At a time when most of the news about nursing homes has been bad, how has the Dooley Center achieved such heights? One of the reasons is the very nature of the Benedictine order.

“There is the line from the Rule of St. Benedict that, above all else, we are to care for the sick. . . . Christ is asking us to care for the sick,” said Sister Anne Shepard, prioress of Mount St. Scholastica. “We are taking that line seriously.

We do value our monastic elders, and they’re going to get the best possible care we can give them. That’s the joy for us.”

“Another thing we have is a staff that has been here for a long time,” said Stec.

“We have unspeakably low turnover.

And to have nurses who have been here for 15 years or more is incredibly important to the continuity of care. They know our residents and know what their needs are. Staffing issues are one of the biggest issues faced within the industry, and we have not had to worry about that.”

The building was renovated in 2007, replacing nursing stations with simple desks, adding new electronics, expanding the dining area and other community areas, and giving each private

Sister Anne Shepard, prioress of Mount St. Scholastica

Sister Graciela Prouty, OSB, talks with Dr. Jon Siebert, the medical director of the Dooley Center. room new handcrafted oak furnishings built at the monastery by Sister Elaine Fischer.

“We wanted to lose some of the traditional trappings of a nursing home when we did the renovation,” said Stec. “Nursing homes have generally been designed to look like miniature hospitals, and now Dooley doesn’t.

We got rid of the big nurses’ desk and that makes it seem much more like home. And we also got rid of the call bell system and have a wireless system that rings straight to a pager with each nurse, and that significantly reduced the noise level.”

“We have a facility that is very welcoming,” Sister Anne confirmed. “The dining space is bright; it’s large, it’s

fresh. The TV room, the living room — all the space is wonderful. The increased natural lighting [since the renovation] does wonders for the spirit, even on a gray, wintry day.”

She said the hominess helps make it more like family, and the staff is caring for people they know and love. Stec gave the example that even during the big snowstorm in December, they had every single staff member report for work.

“I was very proud of them,” Stec said. “And grateful. This is their family, too. And this is all part of good health for the residents. You need to be happy to be healthy, and there is a lot more to good care than just good nursing care.”

“This is a different environment than

what you get at most nursing homes, and I’m not sure if you can call it a nursing home,” said Dr. Jon Siebert, Dooley Center’s medical director. “They’re happy, I’m happy, all the people that work here are happy. It’s really a great place to see patients. It’s just a great place to be.”

The facility is reserved for the Benedictine Sisters and their female relatives, so it is not available to the general public. The two other long-term care facilities in the archdiocese — Santa Marta and Villa St. Francis, both in Olathe — have already scheduled visits to see what makes Dooley the center of excellence it is.

“We have great people who care for us, and we care for them, too,” said Sister Mary Ethel with a smile and a gleam in her eye. “And, yes, people need no longer be surprised that I’m still alive.”

Meeting Christ Parent Mike Tuttle (on ground), Pittsburg State student Andy Farmer, and Miege junior James Bachand (white shirt) work on a house in the Appalachian region of West Virginia.

Over the top

Miege juniors McKenzie Hamrick (left) and Emily Mika wrap gifts for an adopt-a-family program at Christmas.

In helping others, students find themselves

Story by

Jill Ragar Esfeld

W

ith close to 300 students participating in the Campus Ministry Team (CMT) at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, it’s no surprise most of them graduate with two to five times the required service hours.

“Most of us exceeded the 80 hours we need by sophomore year,” said Emily Tuttle, a senior from Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood. “It’s not hard to do. They have service opportunities every week — sometimes twice in one day.”

Opportunity is part of the formula, added senior Beau Ramirez.

“Faith in God is the reason,” he said. “God is in everyone.

And when you help the needy, you see that. Faith is a love for God’s grace in each other.”

Junior Hanna Orpin, from St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park, put it another way.

“Service is just a great way to show everything we’ve learned about our Christian faith at Miege.”

Sophomores Sarah Ingram (left) and Natalie Hogue mimic the life of the homeless during Bishop Miege’s One Homeless Night fundraiser, which generates money for homeless teens.

A critical aspect of the high school’s successful faith formation and service program is Mary Perrini, who’s been director of campus ministry since 1994 when she completed her master’s degree.

Before that, she taught theology at the school.

“Miege has a three-pronged approach to helping students develop a spiritual life,” she explained. “There’s interior formation, or developing a personal relationship with God; then there’s serving one another within the [Miege] community; and then there’s outreach and serving the greater community.”

The close relationship between faith and service is critical to CMT’s success.

“By giving of themselves in service to others, our students are embracing the Gospel message in a way that they can tangibly experience what links the two together as one,” said Bishop Miege president Joe Passantino Perrini doesn’t mince words when it comes to explaining why CMT draws so many participants.

“I’m not a great marketer,” she said, “but I love kids.”

And she deeply believes that every one of them has a best side that she works hard to bring out.

“Kids want to be good,” she said. “And if you give them a chance to be good, they’ll never disappoint you.”

Passantino agreed.

“Young people are no different than adults, in the sense that they are looking for something meaningful in their lives — something that fulfills their spiritual needs,” he said. “Our goal is to help them find opportunities that will inspire them to want to follow in Christ’s footsteps.”

And that’s what Perrini’s job is all about — giving students a chance to encounter Christ wherever he is ready to meet them, and they, him.

“My goal is to give them opportunities, and God will do his work,” she said. “It might be at a retreat; it might be when we do Chat and Chew; it might be when they’re out doing community service.”

Because faith and service are so intertwined at Bishop Miege, Perrini oversees both, with help from administrative assistant Fran Tucker and chaplain Father Greg Hammes.

The focus of the team’s approach to formation and service is Christ’s lessons in love.

“Christ came to teach us how to live,” said Perrini. “Everything he did, he did out of love. Therefore, we are called to love. And to truly love is to give of ourselves. That is the ultimate sign of being Christian.”

Faith and service Students live out those lessons by planning, preparing and participating in a multitude of faith-related activities.

The student-led Campus Ministry Team helps promote a variety of projects and programs throughout the year, including liturgies and prayer services, retreats, service projects, and programs for social justice.

During Christmas and spring breaks, Bishop Miege offers mission trips to locations throughout the United States and Mexico.

Staci Gonzalez, a senior from St. Agnes Parish, recently went on a National Relief Network mission trip to New Orleans, where she helped a gentleman rebuild his house.

“It was really cool because he said, ‘Every day I just try to do one thing of dry wall,’” she said. “He wouldn’t give up.

“We finished the whole upstairs for him in three days. He was so happy!”

enough required service hours by the end of freshman year. By senior year, he had accumulated 550.

“I was just a freshman when I went on my first mission trip, and I didn’t know anybody,” he said. “But I met a lot of people, and I thought it was the most fun in the world.”

“One reason I continue to go is to see cities that I never thought I would see, like New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama,” he added. “And I like helping the students learn a process that they never imagined they’d be able to do.”

Spirit and diversity Several Bishop Miege students attended the annual March for Life in Washington D.C. The march is an organized protest against legalized abortion in the United States. part of each mission experience.

“Mrs. Perrini talks a lot about how we have to be Jesus’ hands when we’re sent to serve,” said Richard Sulzen, a member of St. Joseph Parish is Shawnee, who has chaperoned the mission trip to West Virginia for nine years.

Mary Perrini, Ramirez said one of the most memoBishop Miege rable parts of his mission trip was sitting director of campus ministry in a circle with fellow students after a full day of work and passing a candle around.

“We passed the candle and talked Ramirez went to Brownsville, Texas, about how this experience affected our last year to help parishioners rebuild a faith life, how we had grown as Cathochurch damaged by a hurricane. He was lics,” he said. moved when parishioners approached Like many seniors at Bishop Miege, him as the students were about to leave.

Ramirez sees service as a permanent part “They were all thanking us and cryof his life. ing,” he said. “It was backbreaking work, “Helping others has been such a big but worth it. The pastor said we gave a lot part of my life here at Miege,” he said, of people hope.” “it’s not just going to go away. I mean, it’s John Bickers, a senior from Curé of Ars a part of me now.”

Parish, went on CMT’s yearly local misPassantino acknowledged that a large sion trip, staying at the Upper Room in St. number of graduates carry this approach Louis Parish, Kansas City, Mo., and workof service beyond Bishop Miege and into ing with the poor. their adult lives.

The experience “Many even was eye-opening.

To learn more about the Campus come back to help “You always see Ministry Team at Bishop Miege High us with our projOak Park Mall, the School, visit the Web site at: www.bishects,” he said Plaza, those kinds opmiege.com; click on “spirituality” in Nilo Fanska of places,” he said. the menu bar. from St. Pius X Par“But there are a lot ish in Mission is a of homeless here; good example. He there are a lot of got hooked on mispeople who need help. In the Upper sion trips as a student when he went to Room, you don’t feel like you’re in KanNorth Carolina and helped with hurrisas City.” cane cleanup. He has been on a mission Perrini knows there is an opportunity trip every year since he graduated from to encounter Christ in every service activMiege in 2005. ity, and she feels especially blessed when “I’ve just found throughout the years she’s there to witness it. that it’s a great way to meet new people.

“Four boys and I were waiting for our You all come together as a team,” he said. ride [in New Orleans] when a man came Last year, Fanska convinced his sister up to talk with us,” she recalled. “He Selena to go on a mission trip with him. started to cry because his wife died after She was a sophomore and only knew two the flood. people at the start of the trip.

“These four senior boys were kind of “By the end of the trip, she knew evoverwhelmed, and I know Christ was eryone,” he said. “It was kind of cool for there, right in the middle of that. He was her to experience that, and for me to be using that moment to help these young with her.” men see the value of their work and what Tim Smith, a 2008 graduate, has also a difference they can make in people’s returned to chaperone mission trips. lives.”

Like many students, Smith had “When you get caught up in this world, it leaves you empty,” she added. “But you come home from a mission trip and you feel worthwhile.”

If you give them a chance to be good, they’ll never disappoint you.

”

Beyond high school Perrini, who has been on every mission trip the high school offers, makes sure prayer and reflection are an integral

Helping others has been such a big part of my life here at Miege, it’s not just going to go away. I mean, it’s a part of me now.

Beau Ramirez, Bishop Miege senior

The opportunity for community service and the student body’s overwhelming participation build community spirit at Bishop Miege. And one of the best aspects of that spirit, say CMT students, is the diversity of their community.

“Everyone comes from such different places,” said Orpin.

Much of this high school’s charm can be attributed to the eclectic neighborhoods that surround it.

“One of the real strengths of Bishop Miege High School is derived directly from our location,” said Passantino. “The fact that our families come from neighborhoods that represent a diversity of socioeconomic backgrounds gives us the opportunity to help prepare our students in ways other schools cannot.”

Diversity training offered by CMT increases the value of that opportunity.

“Mrs. Perrini has established various activities that help break down the stereotypes that hold many teens — and adults — back from understanding and appreciating the differences of those who come from varied backgrounds,” explained Passantino.

The diversity training has paid off.

Bishop Miege has earned a reputation for having a welcoming atmosphere and an open and accepting community spirit.

“The kids like each other. They talk to each other and they get along,” said Perrini. “I think part of the reason for that is we don’t pretend like we don’t have diversity. We work at making it open and letting people be who they want to be.”

As a result, students feel better prepared for life outside the boundaries of Bishop Miege.

“We are developing ourselves for the future by getting used to the diversity all around us,” said Orpin.

“You have to deal with all kinds of cultures — all kinds of ethnic groups — in your life once you grow up,” added Ramirez. “So why not be around them at an early stage, when you can learn to understand each other and understand where each person comes from?”

Passantino attributes the accepting attitude at Bishop Miege to the excellent modeling of faculty and staff.

“Our students must see that attitude witnessed on a day-in and day-out basis for them to know what a spirit of welcoming and acceptance truly is,” he said.

The results are obvious, as students continue to work together in harmony to exceed their service requirements.

“Miege does a really great job of instilling that drive to make us want to help people,” said Orpin. “All the teachers are really helpful to everyone — especially Mrs. Perrini and Mrs. Tucker. They do everything they can to help people all day long.”

“I can’t talk about it if I don’t walk the walk,” said Perrini.

“The worst part for me is,” she added, “the more I do, the more I wish I could do.”

10 NATION

THE LEAVEN • March 12, 2010

Caution urged after study on ‘vegetative’ patients WASHINGTON (CNS) — New evidence of brain activity in patients judged to be in a persistent vegetative state should make physicians and neurologists more cautious in arriving at such judgments in the future, according to a Catholic ethicist. Edward Furton, a staff ethicist and director of publications at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, told Catholic News Service that recent research shows doctors sometimes “underestimate the consciousness of patients,” who can be “more aware than they are given credit for.” In a study published in February in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers in England and Belgium found that five of 54 patients in states of persistent unconsciousness showed distinct patterns of brain activity on a brain imaging machine in response to questions that required a “yes” or “no” answer. Four of the responsive patients studied had been diagnosed as being in a persistent vegetative state, while the fifth had been considered minimally conscious. The other 49 patients in the study showed no signs of conscious brain activity. “These results show a small proportion of patients in a vegetative or minimally conscious state have brain activation reflecting some awareness and cognition,” the study concluded. “Careful clinical examination will result in reclassification of the state of consciousness in some of these patients.”

Bishops support extension of protections for Haitian garments WASHINGTON (CNS) — U.S. bishops have called on the Senate to support the extension of favorable trade status for Haitian-made garments. In a Feb. 19 letter to senators, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, N.Y., chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, called for passage of the Renewing Hope for Haiti Act, S. 2978, which would renew existing trade protections set to expire in September. Passage of the bill, introduced Feb. 2 by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., will help the Haitian economy create much needed jobs and reduce poverty, Bishop Hubbard wrote. Citing the long-standing support from the U.S. bishops for protections for Haitian goods from taxes and other trade barriers, Bishop Hubbard said passage of the bill can help rebuild the country’s economy and encourage exporters to reconstruct damaged or destroyed factories more quickly.

THE LEAVEN • March 12, 2010

Bishops seek help from universities to find solutions

Christian, Muslim leaders commit to act

By Mark Pattison

Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — A group of Christian and Muslim leaders, whose Catholic representatives included French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, issued “an interreligious call and commitment to action” March 3 following three days of dialogue sessions here.

The document finalized at the end of the dialogue committed the leaders “to commit themselves to appeal to government and community leaders to promote peace and reconciliation efforts worldwide.”

“The worship of God, who demands serious moral purpose, is at the very core of Christianity and Islam,” it added. “Therefore, religious leaders must cooperatively work with each other and the political leaders in their respective countries.”

Over three days of what participants call cordial but “frank” and “intense” discussions, “around 12:30, 12:45, to borrow a phrase from the Vatican, the cloud of white smoke appeared from the Omni-Shoreham Hotel” in Washington where the dialogue sessions were being conducted, said Episcopal Canon John Peterson at a March 3 press conference introducing the document.

The document includes seven principles that undergird its plan of action.

Among them are “Justice and equity are essential to peacemaking among individuals, families, communities and nations,” and “religion and faith can play a significant role in healing divisions and in shaping a just and inclusive society.”

Another principle discouraged proselytism, which some disdain for what can be seen as having coercive nature, while others contend their work is evangelization rather than proselytism.

Asked at the press conference to define proselytism, Cardinal Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue at the Vatican, replied: “A lack of proportion. . . . Instead of proposing truth, you propose ideology. To impose rather than to propose.”

By Bronwen Dachs

Catholic News Service

CNS photo/Jason Reed, Reuters

ALEXANDER HAIG’S BROTHER GIVES BLESSING — Jesuit Father Francis Haig, a retired physics professor at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, gives a blessing at the burial of his brother, Alexander M. Haig Jr., former U.S. secretary of state and retired four-star general, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., March 2. Haig, a Catholic and retired fourstar general, died Feb. 20 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore at age 85.

Parishes in and out of tsunami zones go with the flow

By Anna Weaver

Catholic News Service HONOLULU (CNS) — While the large tsunami waves predicted to hit Hawaiian coastlines Feb. 27 turned out to be much smaller and left no damage, local Catholics took the threat seriously.

Many parishes canceled events and services, sent their priests to higher ground and took other precautions.

La Salette Father Efren Tomas, pastor of Christ the King Parish on the island of Maui, said he found that the tsunami threat made for a good homily tie-in to the weekend Masses’ Gospel reading about the Transfiguration.

“I told of how I had to go up the mountain just like in the Transfiguration, but I had to go up a different mountain — Haleakala,” he joked.

Haleakala, Maui’s highest peak, is upcountry from his parish in Kahului, one of the lowest areas on the island.

Father Tomas said his parishioners convinced him to go to higher ground until

the threat passed.

“Everybody was on their toes,” he told the Hawaii Catholic, Honolulu’s diocesan newspaper. “They told me that during the 1964 tsunami the water reached the front of Christ the King.

And people were picking up fish all over the place.”

The tsunami warning for Hawaii was triggered by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile, which left nearly 800 people dead. Tsunami sirens went off at 6 a.m. and Hawaii residents in coastal evacuation zones were told to head to higher ground by 10 a.m.

The large waves predicted to roll in around 11 a.m. on the island of Hawaii — known as the “Big Island” — didn’t materialize, but water level fluctuations were noticeable on several islands.

The Diocese of Honolulu used emails, its Web site and Twitter to send out updates during the day.

Parishes well out of the tsunami evacuation zone carried on as usual and were sometimes the go-to places for parishioners living near the ocean.

K E AT I N G

CNS photo/Ivan Alvarado, Reuters

RESIDENTS LOOK FOR NAMES OUTSIDE MORGUE — Residents search for the names of relatives and friends March 2 on a list of those who died in a major earthquake outside a morgue in Constitucion, Chile. More than 700 people were killed when the massive quake struck the country’s central coast early Feb. 27.

Cleanup in Chile comes slowly after devastating earthquake

By Barbara J. Fraser Catholic News Service

LIMA, Peru (CNS) — Cleanup is beginning in towns on Chile’s central coast as electricity and telephone service is slowly restored and people try to rebuild their lives after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake killed nearly 800 people and caused millions of dollars in damage.

“We’re trying to get back to normal,” Maryknoll Brother John Nitsch, a Baltimore native, told Catholic News Service in a March 3 telephone interview.

Brother John, who works in Curico, about 125 miles south of Santiago, the Chilean capital, was in the seaside village of Iloca with more than a dozen parish catechists when the earthquake struck at 3:34 a.m. Feb. 27.

The group fled to high ground and watched as a giant wave swept through the town about half an hour after the earthquake.

Cars were swept away, and the electricity went out. The only light came from the nearly full moon.

Because telephone service was disrupted, two days passed before Brother John could let his Maryknoll superiors

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know he was safe. When he and the catechists were able to return to Curico, they found many of the old adobe buildings in the city center in ruins.

“The rural cities and towns are mainly adobe buildings, and they fell down,” he said. “A lot of big, old churches came down.”

In the Talca Diocese, where he works, 14 churches were destroyed and 18 were seriously damaged.

Ironically, Brother John said, the poor neighborhood where he lives suffered little damage. His neighbors’ government-subsidized concrete-block homes withstood the quake. Many people in the region did lose their homes, however, and church workers in the Talca Diocese have made housing for earthquake victims an urgent priority.

“Winter is just around the corner, and winter here is very cold and damp,” Brother John noted.

Government officials have offered two-room prefabricated wooden dwellings as temporary housing, “so people can at least get through the winter months,” he said. “The problem is that in South America, temporary housing becomes permanent housing very quickly.”

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CNS) — The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar has asked Catholic universities in Africa to come up with ways that the church can meet the continent’s “formidable challenges,” said a member of the symposium’s standing committee.

“In Africa, most Catholic churches are involved in issues of social and economic justice, but we don’t have the requisite knowledge and expertise to make the necessary impact,” Archbishop Gabriel C. Palmer-Buckle of Accra, Ghana, said in a March 3 telephone interview following the symposium’s five-day meeting.

The meeting of the symposium’s standing committee, known as SECAM, was chaired by its president, Tanzanian Cardinal Polycarp Pengo.

The symposium’s plenary session will convene in Accra July 26-Aug. 2 with the theme, “SECAM at 40: Self-Reliance and the Way Forward for the Church in Africa.”

The symposium was founded in 1969 in Kampala, Uganda.

The committee “recommended that Catholic universities in African countries study the documents” produced at the Synod of Bishops for Africa in October which focused on reconciliation, justice and peace. The committee asked the universities to “come up with a plan to help us fashion a vision and a way out of the problems we have in Africa,” Archbishop Palmer-Buckle said.

War, corruption and poverty have led to large numbers of displaced persons and refugees on the continent as well as to a “brain drain,” he said, because educated Africans take their skills to the developed world.

Benedict Assorow, SECAM’s director of communications, told Catholic News Service that in addition to the universities, “the laity will be asked to examine the synod’s documents and to research ways to engage the church on the continent in the activities of SECAM.”

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Archbishop asks government to protect religious minorities VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Church leaders in Pakistan have criticized their government for showing a “lethargic attitude” toward attacks on religious minorities.

The government has, in effect, given free reign to the Taliban, thus encouraging “the imposition of ‘jazia’ — a tax for being non-Muslim — by militant organizations,” as well as “kidnapping for ransom, target killing and internal displacement,” said a statement from the Pakistan Catholic Justice and Peace Commission. The statement was signed by Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha of Lahore, president of the Pakistani bishops’ conference, and forwarded to the Vatican missionary agency Fides, which published excerpts in late February. The statement said recent violent incidents against Sikhs, Hindus and Christians pose a “grave threat to the life, liberty and property of the members of religious minorities in the country.” The Sikh community has suffered from militant violence in the North-West Frontier Province; dozens of Hindus have lost their lives and property to kidnappers in Sindh and Balochistan provinces; and Christians have been harassed in the Swat Valley of the North-West Frontier Province and other areas, it said. “The federal and provincial governments should treat these incidents as an alarm bell and must take stringent measures to control the situation,” it said.

English, Welsh bishops criticize big government in document LONDON (CNS) — The bishops of England and Wales have criticized the British government’s growth, saying that it was undermining the ability of people to live upstanding lives. In a 10-page document published March 3 called, “Choosing the Common Good,” the bishops said local communities would prosper if the public recovered the cardinal virtues of prudence, temperance, justice and fortitude. They also criticized legislation that limited the rights of Christians to contribute to the common good. “Have we allowed ourselves to be seduced by the myth that social problems are for the government to deal with?” the bishops asked in the document, which was published to offer advice to voters ahead of the 2010 general election, which must be held by June. “No government can solve every problem, nor make us more generous or responsive to need,” the document said. “The growth of regulations, targets and league tables, which are tools designed to make public services accountable, are no substitute for actions done as a free gift because the needs of a neighbor have to be met,” it said.

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12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment Bishop Miege High School - Is seeking teacher applications for family and consumer science (FACS) and English for the 2010-2011 school year. Send letter, resume, transcript and credentials to: 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Shawnee Mission KS 66205, or call Lorraine for an application at (913) 262-2701 ext. 235.

Principal - Padre Pio Academy, a K - 8 Catholic grade school in Shawnee, seeks qualified applicants that are loyal to the magisterium of the Catholic church to apply for the position of principal. For detailed information about the school, visit the Web site at: www.padrepioacademy.org.

Interested candidates may call (913) 268-3155.

Principal - St. Charles Borromeo School, a Pre-K – 8th grade Catholic parish school in Oklahoma City, seeks a principal who will be a faith leader as well as an academic leader. Candidates must: be a practicing Catholic and have a good knowledge and understanding of the faith; hold a master’s degree in education administration or related field, with a minimum of five years educational experience; must be willing to assume responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the school as well as assist in developing long-range goals for the school. Position effective July 1, 2010. Applications may be obtained by writing to: Office of the Superintendent, P. O. Box 32180, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or by calling (405) 721-4202. Submission deadline is March 22.

Principal - Maur Hill-Mount Academy, Atchison, is seeking a faith-filled, proven leader for our Catholic, international, college preparatory, day and residency high school. Maur Hill-Mount Academy is a coeducational, comprehensive, 9th - 12th grade school with 178 students enrolled and 50 staff employed. The school, accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education and the AdvancEd international accreditation agency, offers a full complement of activities in addition to a college preparatory curriculum.

MH-MA prides itself in educating young men and women in the Benedictine tradition — prayer, work, and community. In order to lead the school’s faith initiatives, the new principal will be expected to be a practicing Catholic, a person of great faith, and a registered and active member of his or her parish. In addition, the new principal must be skilled in curriculum and instruction, staff development, and general school operations. The principal is expected to be the instructional leader of the school. Experience with residential secondary education and experience in Catholic school leadership are preferred. Interested individuals should complete the principal application on the education office’s Web site at: www. archkckcs.org and send cover letter, resume, and pastor letter of reference by March 24, to: Maur Hill-Mount Academy, c/o Dr. Kathleen O’Hara, Superintendent of Schools, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Documents may be e-mailed to: kohara@ archkckcs.org.

Pastoral associate - St. Nicholas Parish, Hays, Kan., is seeking applications for the position of Pastoral Associate. If interested, call (785) 628-1446 or visit the Web site at: www.stn-church.com.

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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, highenergy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average 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.

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Do you intend to leave a Catholic charity in your will? What are you waiting for? The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas helps people with charitable intent to put their instructions into place. We help stretch your gift further and last longer for the people you love and the causes you care about. For a free, confidential consultation call (913) 647-0365 or for free estate planning information, visit the Web site at: www.cfnek.org.

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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.

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.

Do you or your parents need help at home? - For as little as $60 per week, Benefits of Home-Senior 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.

Home Improvement Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401.

Father and son team - Spring is just around the corner. Thinking about a new deck, retaining wall, fence or even a metal building? We can do it for a reasonable price. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

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.

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.

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.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and southern KC metro area. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

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.

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

For Rent Apartment for rent - 1 BR in Shawnee. $500/month; includes utilities. 10911 W. 59th Terr. St. Jospeh Parish, Shawnee. To view, call (913) 649-7596 or visit the Web site at: www.shawnee-rentals.com.

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.

Overland Park apartment - 1 BR; $550/mo. Great location — near Oak Park Mall off 95th St. and Hwy. alt.

69. Large bedroom and living room, bathroom, kitchen and dining area. Lots of closet space, plus bsmt. with storage unit provided. Dishwasher, washer/dryer. Access to swimming pool and play area. Call David at (785) 5547787 or (913) 248-1007.

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.

Real Estate DeSoto home FSBO - Adorable, move-in ready, 4 BR, 2 ½ BA, home with two fireplaces and a 30 x 40 ft. workshop on a one-acre treed lot. Close to St. James Academy, Lenexa. $269,000. Call for appt. (913) 583-9983.

Kanas Land - Buy or Sell 1 (800) 557-9151 www.KansasLandBrokers.com

Prairie Village - Large 5 BR, 3 BA home with open floor plan. 3 BR and 2 BA on main floor; 2 BR and full bath upstairs. Formal living room w/ gas fireplace and builtin bookcase. New furnace, paint, stove and refrigerator.

Fenced backyard, new deck, exterior vinyl siding, new driveway soon. Close to St. Ann Parish. Call (913) 484-4245 or visit the Web site at: homesbyowner.com/99926.

Westwood home for sale - Charming Tudor on culde-sac. 3 BR, with updated kitchen and bath. Close to St. Agnes Parish and school and Our Lady of the Angels Parish. 4733 Booth, Westwood. $185,000! For information, call (816) 456-5330 or visit the Keller Williams Web site at: www. kw.com.

Two-story, 4 BR, family home - On a cul-de-sac 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.

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.

Vacation Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA, on free ski shuttle route. $110/night. Call (913) 642-3027. 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.

Childcare Nanny on call - I have over 22 years experience running a licensed, home day care. I am available to care for your children in your home. Days/nights/weekends. Full or part time, or on as needed basis. Excellent references. Call Jeanette at (913) 709-8228.

Licensed parents day out program - For special needs children, ages one-year to kindergarten. I am a member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park. I have many years of experience in the field, and excellent references. Call Mary Catherine at (913) 7095884.

Part-time after school care needed - For 9-yr-old boy in our Olathe home. Approx. 12 - 13 hrs. per week.

Must be 16 or older, dependable, and able to provide three references. Salary based on experience. Contact Len at (913) 638-0355.

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.

March 13

A Mass commemorating the 30th anniversary of the martyrdom of Archbishop Oscar Romero will be held at 7 p.m. on March 13 at St. Sabina Church, 700 Trevis, Belton, Mo. Bishop Gregorio Rosa Chavez, auxiliary bishop of San Salvador, will be the celebrant. There will be a fiesta with Salvadoran food and music after the Mass. A map with driving directions can be found on the Web site at: www.stsabinaparish.org.

A Gaelic Mass in honor of St. Patrick will be celebrated at 5 p.m. on March 13 at Redemptorist Church, 33rd and Broadway, Kansas City, Mo. The Leavenworth Knights of Columbus, Council No. 900, will sponsor an Irish entertainment night at Immaculata High School, 600 Shawnee, Leavenworth, on March 13. Dinner will be served from 5 - 7 p.m. followed by live music by Eddie Delahunt. For information or to purchase tickets, call (913) 682-7045 or (913) 682-1303.

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.

14 The Shawnee Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2332, will host a corned beef and cabbage dinner on March 14 in their hall, located at 11221 Johnson Dr., during the annual Shawnee St. Patrick’s Day parade. Serving will begin at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $7 per person. Chili, hot dogs, chips, desserts and drinks will also be available.

The Frank Ladek memorial bowling tournament continues each Sunday through March 14 at St. John Catholic

Meet the People of Ireland Tour 12 days. All transportaiton, lodging, taxes, most meals Departs Sept. 19 $2,895 p.p. sharing For more info or itinerary call Pat O’Connell

913.677.4813

Club, 4th and Barnett, Kansas City, Kan.

Bowling times are noon, 3 and 6 p.m.

First prize is $750. For information or reservations, call (913) 371-9690.

The Daughters of Isabella, Little Flower Circle No. 503, will host their corporate Communion, breakfast and meeting,

beginning at 8 a.m. on March 14, at St. Joseph Church, 227 S.W. Van Buren, Topeka.

16

The Topeka Catholic Singles Fellowship will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on March 16 at Planet Sub, 2130 S.W. Wanamaker Rd., Topeka.

18

St. Joseph Medical Center, I-435 and State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo., will host a book fair from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. on March 18 and from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. on March 18. A variety of quality books and unique gifts will be offered.

19

The Topeka Catholic Singles Fellowship will gather on March 19 for dinner from 5 - 7 p.m., followed by Stations of the Cross at Mater Dei, 1114 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka.

Catholic Community Hospice will host Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. on March 19 at St. Pius X Church, 5500 Woodson Rd., Mission.

20

Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher will celebrate the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass at 8 a.m. on March 20 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., followed by a rosary procession to an abortion clinic four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing; Benediction concludes services at 9:45 a.m.

. . . with grief and loss.” For information, call (913) 649-2026.

The Shawnee Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2332, will host their final polka dance of the season on March 20 in their hall, located at 11221 Johnson Dr., Shawnee. The cost of $35 per couple (or $20 per individual) includes a rib-eye steak dinner. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; dinner will be served at 7 p.m.; dancing to the sounds of the Brian McCarty Band will follow. For information or to RSVP, call Dan Nicks at (913) 631-4633.

The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2608, will host their annual auction for the seminarians on March 20 in the basement of Sacred Heart Church, 5501 Monticello Rd., Shawnee. The Knights will provide the meat and beverages; bring a covered dish to share. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the auction following dinner. Donated auction items are still being accepted. For information or to donate, call John Reb at (913) 2355875, Frank Davis at (913) 235-5845, or Bill Reeb at (913) 271-6798.

21

Blessed Sacrament Church, 2203 Parallel Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will present “Highlights from Mozart’s Requiem: Taking a Deeper Look” at 4 p.m. on March 21. This event will be performed

by Mark Volk on piano and the newly assembled vocal chamber group Caelestis Harmonia. A freewill offering will be collected.

The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 13012, of St. Matthew Parish, 1000 S.E. 28th St., Topeka, will host a benefit breakfast from 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on March 21 in the parish hall. All proceeds will benefit Lt. Dan Cnossen, a member of the parish who was injured in the line of military duty. A freewill offering will be collected.

St. Aloysius and St. Theresa parishes will host “Set Our Hearts on Fire,” a one- day retreat for women, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on March 20 at St. Aloysius Church, 615 Wyandotte, Meriden. The guest speaker will be Patty Schneier from the Archdiocese of St. Louis. To register, mail a $10 check, payable to St. Theresa Church, to: P.O. Box 42, Perry KS 66073. For information, call Ruth at (785) 597-5663.

from noon - 1 p.m. on Mondays, beginning March 22, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. How we think about ourselves plays a role in how effective and how happy we are. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on March 20 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be “That’s how it is

A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on March 23 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Father Dennis Wait will preside; fellowship follows.

Contact Lenses • Eye Glasses

McBratney Optical Boutique Fred McBratney - Owner 7702 Parallel • Kansas City, Kan. • (913) 299-6001

22 “Affirmations for Living,” a

growth group for women, will be offered

23

DeLeon Furniture

Furniture, upholstering and restoration 1142 Minnesota Ave. Kansas City, Kan. 66102 (913) 342-9446

CALENDAR 13 Do you live with arthritis, diabetes, heart or lung disease, asthma, or the effects of a stroke on a daily basis? The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Optimizing Your Health,” a six-week program, developed by Stanford University and presented in partnership with K-State Research and Extension, from 1:30 - 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning March 23.

For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave, Kansas City, Kan., will offer a five-part personal growth series for women from 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning March 23. This program is designed to increase self-confidence and develop more positive relationships at home and at work in order to achieve a higher level of success. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

24

“When Your Family Changes through Separation or Divorce: What Women Need to Know to Protect Themselves,” a program for women, will be offered from 1 - 2:30 p.m. on March 24 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.

25

The Rockhurst University Library Guild will host its annual critique luncheon on March 25 at the Carriage Club, 5301 State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo. Award-winning author Diane Eickhoff will be the guest speaker. The cost is $30 per person. All proceeds will benefit the Rockhurst University Library. For information or to RSVP, contact Tori at (816) 501-4807.

26

Catholic Community Hospice

will host Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. on March 26 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood.

27

Bishop Ward High School will host its hall of fame induction ceremony and dinner at 5:30 p.m. on March 27. Five individuals who represent the legacy and tradition of Bishop Ward will be honored. Tickets cost $125 per person. To RSVP, visit the Web site at: www. cyclonecountry.org; contact Amy Nelson at (913) 371-6901; or send an e-mail to her at: anelson@wardhigh.org.

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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

“We wanted to lose some of the traditional trappings of a nursing home when we did the renovation. Nursing homes have generally been designed to look like miniature hospitals, and now Dooley doesn’t.

We got rid of the big nurses’ desk and that makes it seem much more like home.

THE LEAVEN • March 12, 2010

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fourth Week of Lent March 14 fourth Sunday of Lent Jos 5: 9a, 10-12; Ps 34: 2-7; 2 Cor 5: 17-21; Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32 March 15 Monday Is 65: 17-21; Ps 30: 2, 4-6, 11-12a, 13b; Jn 4: 43-54 March 16 Tuesday Ez 47: 1-9, 12; Ps 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9; Jn 5: 1-16 March 17 Patrick, bishop Is 49: 8-15; Ps 145: 8-9, 13c-14, 17-18; Jn 5: 17-30 March 18 Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop, doctor of the church Ex 32: 7-14; Ps 106: 19-23; Jn 5: 31-47 March 19 JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 2 Sm 7: 4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Ps 89: 2-5, 27, 29; Rom 4: 13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1: 16, 18-21, 24a March 20 Saturday Jer 11: 18-20; Ps 7: 2-3, 9b-12; Jn 7: 40-53

Do unto others

Have a questionable Lent

Experiencing God in our Catholic charities

for?”

Management expert Peter Drucker was asked this question by a teacher when he was 13 years old. In fact, the teacher posed the question to each student in the class. Not surprisingly, none could come up with an answer.

The teacher chuckled and said, “I didn’t expect you to be able to answer it. But if you still can’t answer it by the time you’re 50, then you will have wasted your life.”

When Drucker attended his 6oth class reunion, one of his classmates asked, “Do you remember Father Pflieger and that question?”

Everyone there did. And each said that it had made a difference in their lives, even though most couldn’t honestly answer it until they were in their 40s. They’d begun wrestling with the question while in their 20s, but the answers didn’t stand the test of time.

It took longer to discover what really matters.

Drucker found that that question induced him to constantly renew himself, because it pushed him to see himself as a different person — the person he could become. (Adapted from a story found in “Sower’s Seeds of Encouragement: Fifth Planting” by Brian Cavanaugh, TOR.) Lent, it seems to me, is the perfect time to ask ourselves Father Pflieger’s question: What do you want to be remembered for? Lent pushes us to see

ourselves differently: not as hopeless sinners, stuck in a rut, but as redeemed children of God, on a journey to becoming saints. And saints are remembered for bearing good fruit.

There was a famous American for whom that was literally true: John Chapman was born in Leominster, Mass., on Sept. 26, 1774. He was a skilled nurseryman, devoted to the Bible, and lived a simple life. He’s remembered for his gentle nature, his gift of peacemaking, his curiosity, his travels, and his generous spirit. He died at the age of 70 in 1845 and is buried in Fort Wayne, Ind. He even has a special day in his honor that’s celebrated on March 11, the day of his death . . . or not. (There’s still some dispute about this — the date of his death, that is, not the fact that he died. Some insist that the proper date is March 18.) In any event, though he’s not one of the great March saints (like Patrick or Joseph) — or even Catholic, for that matter — still, in a spirit of ecumenism, maybe we can consider him an unofficial, honorary Lenten “saint,” the patron of those seeking to bear good fruit.

Oh, by the way, you might know

John Chapman better by his nickname: Johnny Appleseed.

So, why should we look to him for some additional inspiration as we continue our Lenten journey? Well, in addition to being a lifelong traveler, he can also teach us the value of patience and persistence. You don’t plant a seed and then enjoy its fruit the next day. There’s a lot of hard work between the planting and the harvesting. So, too, with Lent.

Secondly, Johnny Appleseed can teach us about the value of doing small things for others. Planting seeds or selling trees to pioneers may not have seemed like such a big deal at the time, but the trees that resulted, the smell of apple blossoms, and the fruit that people eventually enjoyed had a big impact, long after Johnny Appleseed had moved on. Our small deeds of kindness — a hug or smile here; a word of encouragement or helping hand there — may not seem like much. But, with God’s grace, they can produce incredible results.

To celebrate Johnny’s special day, treat yourself to an apple. As you enjoy it, thank God for all who had a hand in producing it and bringing it to you.

Take out the seeds and put them in a little dish, where they can serve as a visual inspiration for these remaining weeks of Lent. When you’re tempted to abandon your Lenten journey, let these seeds call you to persistence, patience, and generosity.

What do you want to be remembered for? Being the apple of God’s eye wouldn’t be a bad thing at all.

the gospel truth

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local news 15

Mark my words

hat do you want to be remembered

Barbara Stec, administrator for the Dooley Center See story on page 1

Scripture Readings

THE LEAVEN • March 12, 2010

Prodigal son is the story of two reconciliations

he color purple, the advertising of fish fries on Friday, the announcement of the parish communal penance service: These are signs that Lent is here.

This parable is the longest one in the New Testament. Instead of a snippet Parishes often hold a communal from everyday life, several scenes make penance service during Lent. This up the parable: the dialogue between practice follows the advice of the introthe younger son and his father, during duction to the Rite of Penance: “The which the son asks for the inheritance; season of Lent is most appropriate for the aftermath, in which the celebrating the sacrament younger son squanders his of penance. Already on Ash fourth sunday money and goes to work as a Wednesday the people of God of lent lowly swineherd; the return has heard the solemn invitaLk 15: 1-3, 11-32 of the younger son and his tion: ‘Turn away from sin plea for forgiveness; and the and believe the good news.’ dialogue between the father It is therefore fitting to have and the older son, in which the father several penitential celebrations during encourages the older son to show comLent, so that all the faithful may have passion for his brother. an opportunity to be reconciled with We should note that the parable God and their neighbor and so be able could easily end after the reconciliation to celebrate the paschal mystery in the between the father and the younger Easter triduum with renewed hearts.” son.

That would be a natural stopping Ordinarily, the penance service point.

In fact, the Lectionary offers that includes the reading of Scripture. One as a shorter version of the reading. frequently heard is the Gospel reading This brings up a question: Did the for this Sunday, Lk 15:1-3, 11-32. We parable originally conclude with the usually call that passage the parable of dialogue between the father and the the prodigal son. That familiar story returned prodigal, with the exchange tells about the son who returns home between the father and the older son after spending his share of the inheriadded later on, to expand upon the tance. His father generously forgives original parable? Or, does the parable him and then urges his older brother to reach its climax in the exchange between also reconcile with the returnee. the father and the older son, with the es-

capades and return of the younger son a necessary prelude to that exchange? Your answer makes a difference concerning the main point of the parable. Does the parable focus upon the father’s compassion toward the younger son? Or, does the parable instead focus primarily upon the challenge to the older brother to also show mercy?

In any case, the parable presents the possibilities of two reconciliations: one between the father and the younger son, and one between the two brothers.

That twofold reconciliation suggests a parallel with the sacrament of penance.

We celebrate reconciliation between God and us, as well as reconciliation between us and our fellow human beings.

Ordinarily when we sin, we sin not only against God, but also against at least one other person: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.”

The communal penance service brings out that fuller dimension of sin.

It aims at reconciliation on many levels.

Pope John Paul II expressed it well: “This reconciliation with God leads, as it were, to other reconciliations, which repair the other breaches caused by sin.

The forgiven penitent is reconciled with himself in his inmost being, where he regains his innermost truth. He is reconciled with his brethren whom he has in some way offended and wounded.

He is reconciled with the Church. He is reconciled with all creation” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1469).

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

T

he social doctrine of the church is beautifully summed up in our Lord’s command: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

The Journey to Justice Day retreat is a daylong reflection on Christ’s call to love and serve the poor. Recently, thanks to the help of a great community service and outreach committee, I was blessed to help conduct a Journey to Justice Day at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood.

Much of the morning was spent reflecting on the following question: Who, then, is my neighbor? The answer calls us out of ourselves to look at the needs of those around us.

The high point of the day was the

site visits to charities supported by the archdiocese: El Centro, Catholic Charities’ Shalom House, teen mother and refugee programs. The St. Michael’s congregation (most of whom were part of the RCIA program) broke into groups and brought lunch to clients at each of these local works of mercy.

Many saints speak of Christ hiding in the disguise of the poor. When the retreat participants returned, some had seen through this disguise and had met our Lord.

One woman told of a refugee from

Iraq who had only moments to respond to a threat and get his family out of the country. One of his friends was not so lucky, and his entire family was murdered. She shared, “His life here is so difficult, and the whole time I just wanted to give him a hug and tell him it would be all right.”

Another man shared how he saw Christ in a Catholic Charities counselor, Rasheeda, who mentored teenage mothers with tough, Christlike love. He told us how, because of her success, she is invited to speak at public schools.

However, the counselor has to say no, because they won’t let her talk about God who is the secret to the program’s success.

Parishioners returned transformed by their encounters with people who are homeless, or victims of domestic abuse, or refugees, or are teenage moms. Every visit showed people

trying to get their lives back on track.

Many parishioners felt called to love these neighbors in concrete ways.

Several reported learning that God wants them to give of their time. One gentleman summed up the experience when he said: “I’m just some white guy from the suburbs and, before today, I thought the only way to help was to give these groups money and stuff.

But when I met with the people they served, I was struck by how much they want me to give of my time.”

If you would like to help bring a Journey to Justice Day to your parish, contact me at the archdiocesan office for social justice. Use the e-mail address below or call (913) 647-0317.

Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can e-mail Bill at: socialjustice@archkck.org.

family matters

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Sacrifice essential to love, hope in family life

here did it go? The first half of Lent has passed as quickly as sand slipping through an hourglass.

I remember the Lents of my childhood, which were marked by the sacrifice of living without candy. Those weeks moved as slowly as a freight train being pushed manually.

It was on Good Friday that my mother had us keep silent from noon to 3 p.m. It was a time to stay in my room and pray. I must admit that in my younger years I had a supply of crayons on hand and some paper just in case.

But to this day, I remember the quiet

of that time with a sense of awe and peace.

Those childhood years were about a limited understanding of sacrifice.

It was there that we learned to give of ourselves. It was there that we laid the foundation for our adult understanding of sacrifice. And, it was there that we first opened our hearts and minds to the Christ who gives us hope.

However, as the years expanded,

so, too, did my understanding of sacrifice. While Lent has a much richer understanding in my adult life, I feel a challenge to my heart to better live out my faith.

I see sacrifice as an integral part of love and hope — much like a father or mother who has the good of their child before them, and daily makes sacrifices with love for the sake of their child.

Love and sacrifice are intermingled because they are the wellspring of hope.

My husband and I hoped that God would guide our children, protect them and draw them closely to his heart. We hoped their faith would be a guiding strength in their lives.

It was faith and family that became our priorities. It was an ever-present

hope for them that guided us and called us into sacrifice, as it does to all loving parents. What continues to penetrate my heart is that the sacrifices, when looked back upon, were actually joys, and not burdens, because they multiplied our love and our hope which, in turn, made sacrifice possible.

Pope Benedict XVI said: “Human beings were created in the image and likeness of God for love, and that complete human fulfillment only comes about when we make a sincere gift of ourselves to others. The family is the privileged setting where every person learns to give and receive love.”

Jacki Corrigan is the archdiocesan consultant for the office of family life.

as the church prays

T

Be part of the living Gospel this Lent

he sacraments are, in their essence, Jesus simply doing for us today what he did for those with whom he lived while he was in the flesh.

A son wants emancipation from his father. And, for all he cares, Dad might as well be dead. He simply wants what he has coming to him. His father grants him his freedom. The son goes and squanders this freedom in a life of free-living, till he’s spent everything.

Suddenly, he’s all alone. A famine hits.

The boy is destitute. He decides to go back home and ask his father to let him be a slave, for at least then he won’t be alone and hungry. Dad sees him well

before he arrives. (What does this tell us?) The son confesses. The father rejoices. Not a slave, but a son! An older, hard-working, judgmental brother refuses to forgive. The father consoles him tenderly, admonishing him to rejoice when the dead come back to life.

A “woman of the night” is hauled before Jesus. They want her stoned for her sins. They also want to trap Jesus in his own words. (Where are her partners in sin? What hypocrisy!) Jesus

seems to be stuck: Let her go, and he’s broken the Law. Let her die, and he loses his followers. “Let the one among you without sin cast the first stone,” Jesus says. One by one, rocks drop to the ground, sinners departing. She’s all alone before her true judge. “Neither do I condemn you,” he says. “Go in peace, but sin no more.”

A tax collector is keeping office at his station. Jesus arrives at the scene.

“Follow me,” Jesus says. Two simple words. The tax collector gets up, leaves his station, and never returns. Matthew becomes no less than an apostle, called right from the depths of his sin. He even later writes one of the Gospels.

Peter denies the Lord. Goodness, how he loves him, he really does. But he is weak and even stupid at times, and in his fear, when asked a third

time, curses and says: “I know not the man!” A cock crows. Peter meets his master’s glance. He goes to weep. Jesus goes to die. Jesus, risen from the dead, comes to Peter and the other disciples.

Does he scold, admonish, or dress down these friends who let him down so abjectly? “Peace be with you,” he says.

Want to be part of this living Gospel? Go to confession, to the sacrament of penance and reconciliation. Let the good Lord do for you what he did for them. You know you’re a sinner. You know he forgives sins. He always has!

“Neither do I condemn you. Go in peace, but sin no more.”

Michael Podrebarac is the archdiocesan consultant for the liturgy office.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • march 12, 2010

Curé parishioner and Elders lead singer named parade grand marshal

Curé of Ars, Leawood, parishioner Ian Byrne is the grand marshal of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. Byrne, a native of Ireland, received his American citizenship this year.

Pat Delaney and his children, Mary and Gavin, have a special reason to celebrate on St. Patrick’s Day.

By Jill Ragar Esfeld Special to The Leaven

LEAWOOD — When the grand marshal of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Kansas City, Mo., was announced at a recent fundraiser, Curé of Ars, Leawood, parishioner Ian Byrne was more surprised than anyone else.

“They were up at the microphone and they started profiling this person,” he said. “And I’m thinking, ‘Gee, he sounds a lot like me.’

“And then they anThe KC Irish nounced my Fest, which takes name, and place over Labor I was just Day weekend, floored!” will launch its It‘s fitting new Web site on that this year’s St. Patrick’s Day. honoree is ByAnyone interrne, lead vocalested in volunist for the Celtic teering to help rock band The with the Fest can Elders. register at: www.

A native of kcirishfest.com.

Ireland, Byrne received his American citizenship this year. For many years, he’s been closely linked to two major Irish events in Kansas City — St. Patrick’s Day and the Kansas City Irish Fest.

And those two events are closely linked to each other.

St. Patrick’s Day in Kansas City doesn’t just kick off a day of parades and celebrations. It kicks off a season of preparation for one of the biggest Irish festivals in the nation, held over Labor Day weekend at Crown Center Square in Kansas City, Mo. Holy Spirit, Overland Park, parishioner Ed Follis, one of the founders of the KC Irish Fest, said it owes its roots to the St. Patrick’s Day parade.

“The parade board was very influential in the early days.” he explained. “[Members of the parade board] used the credibility they had established over the years to get sponsors for us.”

Byrne, whose band has played at every KC Irish Fest, fondly remembers the first one in 1999. It was almost a miserable failure.

“It was a monsoon that weekend,” he said.

Born to be Patrick

By Jill Ragar Esfeld Special to The Leaven

Thirty-five hundred Catholics attended the Sunday Morning Mass at last year’s KC Irish Fest for which the St. Andrew Pipes & Drums provided music.

But torrential rains didn’t deter The Elders from performing. They set up on a small stage inside the Phillips Hotel, the festival headquarters that year.

“We got all the bands together and we all played, and it since has become one of those folklore great evenings of music in Kansas City,” Byrne said.

Since that first rainout, the fest has been a great success, with bigger crowds each year.

“Our festival is built around family,” said Follis. “It has something for every age.”

The festival features two large kids’ areas, an exhibit of Irish history, a Fies (Irish dance competition), and Irish bands that play throughout the threeday weekend.

The Elders traditionally give a concert to end the festival on Sunday night.

Rory O’Connor is the current president of the KC Irish Fest. Originally from Ireland, O’Connor now resides in St. Francis Xavier Parish in Kansas City, Mo. He considers the Sunday morning outdoor Mass the highlight of the festival.

“It’s so popular, a few years ago we ran out of seats,” he said. “And so —

The 2009 KC Irish Fest float was filled with board and committee members and their families.

leave it to the Irish — we had people sitting on empty kegs.”

The Irish Fest has become so successful that it is now one of the main sponsors of the parade. In the last three years, the KC Irish Fest has also given out $120,000 in cultural grants.

And the festival has a unique way to support local Catholic parishes.

“We provide them the opportunity to man one of our The Elders’ anbars to raise nual hoolie will money for be held on March their school 13 at the Midland and parish Theater in downneeds,” said town Kansas O ’ C o n n o r.

City, Mo. Tickets “Each one of are still availthe six bars able. For more is run by a information, different parvisit the Web site ish.” at: www.elders Byrne can music.com. attest to the fact that the KC Irish Fest is the best in the nation.

“We play them all,” he said. “And the hospitality and facilities of the KC Irish Fest are the best. It’s just the way things are done here.”

“It’s a tribute to all of the organizers and volunteers who put so much into it all year around,” said O’Connor.

To promote the event, the Irish Fest has a spot along cottage row on the parade route.

“We’ll be launching our new Web site that day and letting the media outlets know we’re almost halfway to the Irish Fest,” said O’Connor. “People can stop by cottage row and get information.”

On your way there, keep an eye out for Byrne leading the parade.

“I’ll march up front and wave to everybody,” he said. “I want it to be a nice sunny day, and I want everyone to come out and have smiling Irish eyes.”

“No foolishness along the sides of the streets,” he added. “Everybody be safe and have a great day!”

Shawnee — Pat Delaney, from Good Shepherd Parish here, is well past the legal drinking age. But he still gets carded all the time.

After all, when you speak with an Irish brogue, your name is Patrick, and you claim to be born on St. Patrick’s Day, you often have to pull out an ID to prove it.

“People never believe me,” said Delaney. “I’ve been asked to show my license on several occasions. One lady I showed it to said, ‘You can’t get any more Irish than that.’”

Actually, you can. You can be from a large Irish-Catholic family.

“I’m the youngest of seven,” Delaney said. “I have four older brothers; luckily, none of them was named Patrick.”

And you could be raised in an Irish pub.

“My parents had a pub for 43 years in Ireland, and we lived above it,” he said.

“All seven of us were raised there.”

Delaney said curiosity brought him to the United States. He first lived in Boston, where he bartended for a while, and then learned the trade of woodworking.

Though St. Patrick is his namesake, Delaney chose to follow in the footsteps of St. Joseph and moved to Kansas City in 2007 to start his own business doing finished carpentry and trim work.

He runs his business according to the strong Catholic principles taught him by his mother Mary.

“I always try to do my best and be honest and fair with customers,” he said.

“My mother used to say, ‘If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.’

Honesty is my big one, because that’s what I grew up to believe.”

Delaney has fond memories of St. Patrick’s Day back in Ireland.

“It was a holy day of obligation,” he recalled, “so we’d always start off with Mass, and part of the Mass would be in Gaelic.

“There was always the Irish National Games on in the afternoon. And at night, in my parents’ pub, there would always be Irish music playing on St. Patrick’s Day.” What impresses him most about Americans is our spirituality.

“People here are dedicated to their faith and take it seriously,” he said. “When I see people at Mass here, I know they want to be there.”

What he finds most unusual is our desire to be something other than American.

“Since I came to here, I have met so many people who say, ‘I’m half Irish’ or whatever. I want my children to know about Ireland, but I want them to be American first.”

Delaney will spend this St. Patrick’s Day watching the parade with his children, Mary and Gavin.

And maybe showing a few people his ID. “I grew up with it, so it isn’t strange to me,” he said. “But people here do seem to find it unique.”