05-07-10 Vol. 31 No. 36

www.theleaven.com | Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas | Vol. 31, No. 36 april 30, 2010

A couple’s fiat,

A partialbirth abortion was halted midway by a patient advocate, and an area couple was asked to be the child’s adoptive parents — if, by chance, she lived.

or the ‘ayes’ have it A Mother’s Day story

By Marc and Julie Anderson

M

otherhood catches most women by surprise — but some more than others.

Consider the case of Cabrina Magee, a member of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park. She became a mother again by virtue of a single phone call — a call concerning a child being delivered by a partial-birth abortion already in progress.

It actually started in the fall of 2007. It had been a tough year for them, said Cabrina and her husband Mark. They had lost four children through miscarriage — three of them within that year.

But they had two happy, healthy daughters — nineyear-old Morgan and five-year-old Marianna — and they were content.

Still, they couldn’t help feel that “someone was missing,” said Cabrina, a feeling Mark shared with her.

The M a Mark; gee famil y: Maria nna, 7 (clockwis e ; Mari ella, 2 from back ; and Cabrin left) Morg an, 11 a. ;

Turn to “Dreams” on page 5

Annual Corpus Christi Procession

The annual eucharistic procession for the solemnity of Corpus Christi, co-hosted by the archdiocese and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, will be held on June 6 at the Old St. Patrick Oratory, 806 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will begin at 1 p.m., and the sacrament of reconciliation will be available. The procession will form at 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Office for Worship for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph at (816) 756-1858, ext. 257, or check future editions of The Leaven.

2 ARCHBISHOP

THE LEAVEN • may 7, 2010

THE LEAVEN • May 7, 2010

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

I

Given an ‘antidote to death,’ wouldn’t you take it?

n the last three months, I visited each of our Catholic high schools to lead a Holy Hour of eucharistic adoration.

I told our young people that, more than anything else, my desire for them rist. Jesus told his disciples that he was was that they develop a close, personal “the living bread that came down from relationship with Jesus Christ. I exHeaven” (Jn 6: 51). Jesus instructed pressed my conviction that friendship them: “Unless you eat the flesh of the with Jesus was more essential for their Son of Man and drink his blood, you do happiness in this world and their eternal not have life within you. Whoever eats happiness than achieving academically, my flesh and drinks my blood has eterearning a scholarship for college, landnal life, and I will raise him up on the ing their dream job or even marrying last day. For my flesh is true food, and the perfect spouse. Cultivating an intimy blood is true drink. Whoever eats mate relationship with Jesus was much my flesh and drinks my blood remains more important than in me and I in him” making the football, 53-56).

‘The Shepherd’s Voice’ (JnIt6:was basketball, volleyball Jesus at the or baseball teams. It is programming notes Last Supper who took more important than bread and gave it to The archbishop’s radio program their friendships with his disciples saying: on KEXS 1090 AM in May includes: their classmates.

“Take and eat; this · May 9 – Summer camps at It is not that these is my body” (Mt 26: Prairie Star Ranch; guests are other things are not of 26). It was Jesus who Dana Nearmyer, consultant for value, but, ultimately, gave the Apostles a evangelization and Catholic they cannot bring true cup of wine that he formation - youth, and Shawn and enduring happihad blessed, telling Madden, program director for ness. We have been them: “Drink from Prairie Star Ranch. built to be in commuit, all of you, for this The program airs at 10 a.m. on nion with God. If we Sunday and is repeated at 8:30 is my blood of the lack friendship with a.m. on Tuesday and 3:30 p.m. on covenant, which will Jesus and his Father, Thursday. be shed on behalf of then nothing else in many for the forgivethis world will satisfy ness of sins” (Mt 26: the deepest longings of our hearts. We 27-28). It was Jesus who instructed develop our relationship with Jesus the disciples: “Do this in memory of through spending time with him in me” (Lk 22: 19). prayer, getting to know him through What an incredible gift Jesus offers prayerfully reading the Gospels, and us in the Eucharist! Many of our parthrough encountering him in a unique ishes have just recently celebrated first and powerful manner in the Eucharist.

Communion. It is beautiful to see the Praying anywhere is good, but our eagerness and joy of children in receivprayer after receiving the Lord in the ing Jesus in the Eucharist for the first Eucharist and our prayer before the time. Every time we receive Jesus in the Lord uniquely present in the Blessed Eucharist is an incredible miracle. We Sacrament is particularly powerful. must never allow ourselves to become Some have trouble believing that Jesus indifferent or callous to the presence of is really present in the Eucharist. They Jesus in the Eucharist. argue: How can God possibly be present Last year, I had a conversation with in a little piece of bread? a couple — the wife is Catholic and the In reality, they have a problem husband is Protestant. The husband believing in Jesus. For it is no more difis very attracted to the Catholic faith, ficult to believe that Jesus is present in in large part because of the witness of the Blessed Sacrament, than to believe his wife and children. He goes to Mass the Son of God was conceived in the every week with his wife. He told me womb of Mary or to believe that he was that one of the obstacles for him becomborn as a tiny infant or to believe that ing Catholic is the casual way in which he was a young boy obedient to human he observes so many Catholics receiving parents or to believe that he allowed holy Communion. himself to be arrested, tried and convictHe said to me: “Bishop, I know what ed, to be beaten and humiliated, and to Catholics believe about the Eucharist. I be crucified on Calvary. know that you believe Jesus is actually, The church did not invent the Euchanot just symbolically, present. Yet, when

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Reporter KARA HANSEN kara@theleaven.com

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) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com.

Postmaster : Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/ year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

I see people receiving Communion seemingly so unaware of what they are doing and whom they are receiving, I wonder: Do these people really believe this is Jesus? If they really believed it was Jesus, wouldn’t they be crawling up the aisle in wonder and awe for the miracle that is being offered to them?”

I found his observation sobering and challenging.

When I was a child — many, many years ago — if you entered a Catholic Church there was always a reverent silence. Catholics had a great awareness that they had come into the presence of Jesus Christ. There were no casual conversations and chatter going on between parishioners, as is so often the case in our churches today. Instead, people were prayerfully in conversation with Jesus uniquely present in the Blessed Sacrament.

The late Pope John Paul II in his 2003 encyclical letter on the Eucharist expressed his desire to renew within the church what he termed “eucharistic amazement.” Pope John Paul wrote: “Those who feed on Christ in the Eucharist need not wait until the hereafter to receive eternal life: they already possess it on earth, as the first fruits of a future fullness. . . . For in the Eucharist we also receive a pledge of our bodily resurrection at the end of the world. . . . With the Eucharist we digest, as it were, the ‘secret’ of the resurrection. For this reason, St. Ignatius of Antioch rightly defined the Eucharistic Bread as ‘a medicine of immortality, an antidote to death’” (no. 18).

Think about it: In the Eucharist, you and I receive the “antidote for death,” “a medicine for immortality.” Could anything be more important to us than the opportunity to receive the Eucharist?

The most important thing for all of us is a close, personal friendship with Jesus Christ. Receiving Jesus with faith and devotion in the Eucharist and praying before the Lord uniquely present in the Blessed Sacrament are the best means available to us to cultivate our relationship with Jesus.

When you enter church this Sunday, allow yourself to be fully aware of who is present in the tabernacle.

When you receive Jesus in holy Communion, do so with profound reverence and awe. Take advantage of the special time after Communion to thank Jesus for the gift of his life and ask him for whatever you most need in your efforts to follow him.

Finally, I encourage you during the coming week to go to one of our churches or eucharistic chapels to spend time in prayer and adoration.

Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

May 7 Confirmation for Hispanic confirmandi — St. Mary-St. Anthony, Kansas City, Kan. May 8 9:30 a.m. rosary outside Planned Parenthood, sponsored by LifeFront May 8-9 Pastoral visit — St. Ann, Effingham; St. Louis, Good Intent May 9 Mass with Bishop Finn at St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at KU

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

Getting to know you Sisters bypass flashy capital campaign for a more personal approach in reaching a $1.1 million goal

Little Sisters Lucie, Cécile and Sara beg for bread at the home of Juan Carlos Ruiz in Kansas City, Kan., during the Sisters’ first visit to the archdiocese.

May 10 Catholic Charities Golf Tournament luncheon

May 11 DVD for summer camp participants “The Shepherd’s Voice” recording May 13 Mass for Good Leaders/Good Shepherds priest group Mundelein Seminary board meeting May 14 Baccalaureate Mass — Benedictine College May 15 Donnelly College graduation May 16 Mass and administer ministry of acolyte to Michael Rebout — Cathedral of St. Peter Vespers — Little Sisters of the Lamb Mass and dinner for 25th anniversary of Holy Spirit School

Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar

May 10 Catholic Charities Golf Tournament luncheon Confirmation — St. Paul, Olathe May 12 Confirmation — Curé of Ars, Leawood

Above is an artist’s rendering of the proposed new monastery of the Little Sisters of the Lamb, which will be built on a vacant lot where St. Benedict Church in Kansas City, Kan., used to stand.

K

May 14 St. James graduation Mass May 16 Mass — Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.

Story By

Joe Bollig

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — To build their new monastery, the Little Sisters of the Lamb are social networking the oldfashioned way: They meet people.

It’s not your usual approach to fundraising. When Paul Lavery first heard about it, he was a little skeptical.

In January, Paul and his wife Carla met with the Sisters, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, and five other couples to discuss plans for a capital campaign to build a new monastery at the site of the old St. Benedict Church in Kansas City, Kan. The Sisters didn’t want a big, showy effort. They didn’t want to shoot for the big money.

What they wanted was something smaller and humbler. They wanted to get to know people, and they wanted

people to know them. Whatever God told people to give, small or large, they would give.

“This was not going to be your usual, ‘Hey, we’re just here to get your $10 or $25 from you’,” said Paul Lavery, a member of Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa. “[Instead,] this kind of grass-roots, humble approach came about. I have to admit, at that initial meeting I was somewhat skeptical about it working.”

“But after thinking about it, it just seems to be the natural approach with who they are,” Lavery continued. “They don’t want someone to just donate because they were asked.

They’d rather get to know these people and have them say, ‘We really want to help because we know you now.’”

And so, beginning with that small

Turn to “Little Sisters” on page 4

Sisters celebrate second anniversary The Little Sisters of the Lamb have invited their friends and others to celebrate the second anniversary of the establishment of their community in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas on May 16.

The celebration will begin with vespers at 4 p.m., followed by a potluck dinner from 5 to 6 p.m. Please bring a dish to share. The Little Sisters will present “Theater of the Gospel” from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

The celebration will be held outside on the grounds where the monastery will be built, at 36 S. Boeke in Kansas City, Kan. In the event of rain, gather at St. Mary-St. Anthony Church, 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan.

4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • may 7, 2010

THE LEAVEN • May 7, 2010

Little Sisters put their trust in God to provide Continued from page 3 core of six couples, now called the Spirit Group, the Little Sisters of the Lamb are getting to know an ever-widening circle of friends and trying to raise the $1.1 million needed to begin construction at the end of summer.

This will not be easy.

But the Sisters and the Spirit Group are not intimidated in the least. They trust in God.

Putting down roots After first visiting the archdiocese in August 2006, the Little Sisters of the Lamb came to Kansas City, Kan., in 2009 at the invitation of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann to establish a monastery — their first in North America.

The Sisters established themselves in the former rectory of the now-demolished St. Benedict Church at 36 S. Boeke. The old, careworn rectory, however, was not suitable for the long-term life of the community.

“The house is very inefficient, and the layout is not consistent with their community life,” said Mike Morrand, a member of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park and of the Spirit Group.

As an offshoot of the Dominicans, the Little Sisters retreat to their individual rooms, called “cells,” where they pray, read and meditate before they go out on mission. The Sisters — in true Kansas pioneer spirit — made do with what they had, but they looked forward to making a home in a more traditional setting.

Little Brother Christophe, from the motherhouse in France, came to Kansas to produce the original drawings of a proposed structure and build a model.

From this, an architect drew up more detailed plans. They named the proposed monastery “Lumen Christi,” or the Light of Christ.

A chapel, the largest building, is at the center of the monastery complex design. Walkways connect it to eight cells for the Sisters, three cells for visiting priests or Little Brothers, four cells for young women who want to visit and experience the community’s life, a garage for their one car, and a commons area.

The projected commons will contain a refectory (for dining), a library, a parlor, a dispensary, a sacristy and a kitchen. The section containing the Sisters’ cells will feature a very small kitchen and library. The complex will form a square, with an inner courtyard, and be approximately 12,000 square feet.

One of the most interesting things

Little Brother Christophe explains the drawings and small-scale model he made of the Little Sisters’ future monastery. Looking on are: (from left) Little Sisters Dorota, Stephanie, Alma, Judith, Hallel and Marie. about the proposed monastery is its design, said Morrand. The onion-shaped cupola of the chapel is a nod to the spiritual richness of eastern Christianity. The whole complex is one story, except for the chapel, which is a little higher.

“They don’t want it to be too big,” said Morrand. “They don’t want it to be [taller] than the surrounding buildings.”

Meeting folks, making friends Even though the Little Sisters have been in the archdiocese for a year and a half, there are many who don’t know they are here — and fewer still who know of their monastery project.

“The Spirit Group was formed, basically, to put together an awareness campaign,” said Morrand. “That’s because the order is not only new to Kansas City, but new to North America. This is the first place they’ve established in all of North America.”

Initially, the Little Sisters and the Spirit Group will focus on Wyandotte and Johnson County parishes, but they plan to expand the campaign beyond the greater metropolitan area.

“We’re kind of through the initial stages [of the awareness campaign],” said Morrand, “and we’ve touched just about all the [Wyandotte and Johnson County] parishes with introductions to the parish priests as to who the Little Sisters are in the Priests’ Information Packet.”

Raising awareness goes beyond just

informing people about one capital campaign, said Currie Myers, a member of St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park and of the Spirit Group.

“It’s not so much everything is being done just because you’re trying to get a capital project started, which is very unusual,” said Myers.

“The way we go about it is raising awareness about the Little Sisters and the work they do,” he continued. “That is such a simple way of spreading the good news that people want to be involved and contribute in any way they can.”

The Spirit Group couples divided the parishes among themselves and began to personally visit pastors to explain who the Little Sisters were and what their monastery project was all about.

They also asked for their support — but only that.

“We were very clear from our initial meeting with Archbishop Naumann [in January] that this would be a grassroots campaign — that we weren’t asking the pastors to help with the fundraising efforts,” Myers noted.

Although the awareness campaign will continue, the next phase is also now underway, in which the Spirit Club is identifying liaison couples in each parish that will work with pastors to find people who want to help the Little Sisters build the monastery.

Different kinds of activities have been undertaken to raise funds. At some parishes, the Little Sisters have sung vespers, followed by refreshments and

a meet-and-greet. If people so desired, they could sign a pledge card.

Some parish couples have hosted small dinners of 10 people and a couple of the Little Sisters. Generally, Spirit Group members call people they know and tell them about their work.

“We do outreach in many different ways,” said Myers. “Generally, it’s through people you know. You pick up the phone or send an e-mail, and that starts the process.”

“We’ve communicated with friends, initially in Holy Trinity Parish, and we’re reaching out to other parishes,” said Paul Lavery. “What we’ve tried to do is tell the Little Sisters’ story and introduce them, when appropriate, to everyone we can.”

In some cases, parish leaders were invited to have dinner with the Little Sisters.

“A lot of times the committee leaders will go back and raise funds for [the Little Sisters] specifically,” said Myers.

“For instance, our Knights of Columbus did a pancake breakfast and the proceeds went to the Little Sisters. You may have many different ways of reaching out.”

The Little Sisters haven’t reached their goal, but they’re already successful, because they’ve reached so many people.

“There is more than one way to reach this goal. But they want to reach it in a way that stays true to their charism,” said Paul Lavery. “Their goal is to meet and know as many people as possible . . . and any gifts that are given, whatever they may be, they want to come from the heart.”

The Laverys’ own six-year-old son gave the Little Sisters all his cash — $2.

The Sisters were so delighted they wrote him a long, heartfelt letter.

“You would have thought he gave them all the money they needed to build the place,” said Lavery. “They were so touched by that. They wrote him an amazing thank-you letter, referencing [the Gospel of Mark’s] story about the poor widow who gave all she had.”

“It’s that spirit that they’re looking for,” he continued. “Not to have people give everything they have, but to have the gifts truly be given from the heart.”

If you would like to donate money, materials or skills to the construction of the Lumen Christi monastery, call the Little Sisters at (913) 621-1727, or write to them at: Little Sisters of the Lamb, 36 S. Boeke St., Kansas City KS 66101.

LOCAL NEWS 5

Dreams foreshadow surprise addition to the family Continued from page 1 The Magees were not the only ones who somehow sensed the Lord had something special in store for them.

A friend of the couple, Holy Cross parishioner LeAnn Barry, kept telling Cabrina and Mark of a recurring dream of hers — a dream about a future baby of theirs with dark hair.

Meanwhile, Cabrina’s sister Anna Rizzi, a member of the St. Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass community, picked up a pamphlet about the Sisters of St. Joseph and their adoption agency at a rosary group — a group she’d never attended before.

Anna told the couple she felt led by God to both the rosary group and to giving the pamphlet to them.

Finally, another friend, Anette Growney of Holy Spirit, said that while praying for Cabrina and Mark because of their recent losses, she saw a family of deer that included two young fawns. All of a sudden, another fawn came out of nowhere and joined them.

She believed, Anette told Cabrina and Mark, it was a sign that God had another baby in store for them.

When Cabrina began expressing interest in talking with the Sisters of St. Joseph about adoption, Mark was at first reluctant.

Still grieving, he would only agree to meet with the nuns at the adoption agency and listen to what they had to say.

But that was all it took.

“I’m in,” he said after the meeting.

“Let’s do this.”

The couple completed their paperwork within three weeks. Just three days later, the phone rang.

The Sisters had learned of a child available for adoption, and they wanted to know if the Magees were interested in the child. They then shared how the birth mother had intended to place the baby for adoption, but had been admitted to the hospital with ruptured membranes. There health care officials had told her she needed to proceed with a partial-birth abortion. If not, both she and her unborn baby would die.

The nuns provided more details — ones that Cabrina and Mark said would dissuade many people from the potential adoption. The birth mother had already been given medication to start the abortion. When the birth mother’s court-appointed advocate learned of it,

Seven-year-old Marianna Magee, left, and 11-year-old Morgan enjoy reading with Mariella. When the Magees told Marianna about her new baby sister, she giggled for nearly three days. she counseled the birth mother not to proceed further and found a hospital willing to help both the birth mother and the baby. While the delivery had been successfully interrupted and the birth mother would remain on bed rest for the pregnancy’s duration, health care professionals could offer no guarantees.

The Magees did not hesitate.

Perhaps God had led the Sisters to call them, thought Cabrina. She and Mark were willing to adopt a high-risk infant.

Even if the baby died, they were uniquely qualified to provide comfort and counsel to the birth mother, having experienced firsthand the loss of not one, but several, children.

For the next 10 weeks, health care professionals fought to keep the baby safe inside the birth mother’s womb.

Ironically, the same baby had to be delivered at 32 weeks via C-section. Due to the ruptured membranes, which in turn, cause a lack of amniotic fluid, the risk of strangulation for babies born under these circumstances is high.

The birth mother allowed Cabrina to be in the delivery room on Nov. 27, 2007,

Professional Lawn Care Treatments $29.75 1st Treatment Up to 8000sqft (New Customers Only)

Granular Fertilizers-Dandelion&Broadleaf Weed Controls Pre-Emergent Crabgrass Control-Nutgrass Control Grub&Insect Controls-Disease Control-Lawn Renovations

when Mariella, Italian for Mary, made her appearance.

A few days later, the Magee family celebrated Thanksgiving with grateful hearts — with their new four-pound, sixounce addition.

Now, said Mark, “I just cannot imagine life without her.”

Even now, said Cabrina, they are reminded of how Mariella was always part of God’s plan for them.

Before they even consented to an adoption, Cabrina recalls, she, too, had a recurring dream.

“I would dream I was in the nursery at home, rocking a baby dressed in a purple sleeper,” she said. “It didn’t dawn on me at first. I thought the baby [in my dream] was one of the children we had lost.

“It was only after Mariella was born and I was rocking her while she was wearing a purple sleeper that I got it!”

Health care professionals had warned the Magees when they agreed to the adoption that Mariella might be born missing some fingers and toes. Afterward, she could possibly suffer a whole host of other medical problems. More

than likely, she would spend at least one month in the neonatal intensive care unit.

“Well, no one told Mariella that,” said Cabrina with a laugh. Mariella was born perfectly healthy and spent only about two weeks in intensive care before she was transferred to the regular nursery.

Within a month, Mariella joined her family at home. To this day, she is a strong, happy and healthy 2½-year-old who loves to entertain the entire family.

“She is really the family clown,” said Cabrina and “so determined.”

Mariella’s strong will, Cabrina believes, helped pull her though — defying all the medical odds.

The Magees did not originally intend to share their story with anyone outside their circle of family and friends. But when approached about doing a newspaper article, they agreed, saying they would do it in order to give glory to God as a sign that he keeps his promises and that all life is sacred.

“If Mariella can help save even just one life or inspire just one person, then [sharing it] is worth it,” said Cabrina.

Donna Mathena-Menke, Troy Kreutzer and Larry Barrett

Larry and I would like to welcome Troy Kreutzer to the professional staff at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

We have over 90 years of combined experience providing us the expertise to meet all your family needs.

FREE ESTIMATES

913-894-9250

www.qualityallcare.com

Serving JO.,WYAN.,LEAV.,&DOUGLAS Counties

800 SW Sixth Avenue | 785.354.7706 | www.brennanmathenafh.com

6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • May 7, 2010

THE LEAVEN • may 7, 2010 Walter and Mary Kay (Bartkoski) Janesko, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Tonganoxie, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 2 with a luncheon for family and invited guests. couple was Anniversaries The married on May 7, 1960, at St. Joseph Church in Kansas City, Kan. Their children are: Jeff, Ron (deceased) and Steve.

Thank you

for your generous and inspiring support to the Archbishop’s Call to Share 2010 Parish

Sacred Heart, Atchison St. Benedict’s, Atchison St. Joseph, Atchison St. Patrick, Atchison St. Benedict, Bendena St. Ann, Effingham St. Louis, Good Intent St. Ann, Hiawatha St. Leo, Horton Corpus Christi, Mooney Creek St. Joseph, Nortonville St. Mary, Purcell St. Charles, Troy Immaculate Conception, Valley Falls St. Joseph, Wathena ATCHISON REGION TOTALS

Households

Target

Gifts

189 538 221 43 80 96 79 204 175 91 138 38 60 105 115 2,172

$8,960.00 $25,583.00 $12,070.00 $2,598.00 $3,250.00 $5,108.00 $3,809.00 $9,842.00 $9,287.00 $3,901.00 $6,592.00 $1,858.00 $2,787.00 $5,015.00 $5,341.00 $106,001.00

65 162 95 22 43 59 39 112 74 35 71 21 45 59 60 962

% of Target

% of Part

$7,388.00 82% $27,163.00 106% $12,653.00 105% $2,345.00 90% $6,465.00 199% $3,789.00 74% $3,805.00 99.9% $16,600.00 169% $8,630.00 93% $4,420.00 113% $7,970.00 121% $1,248.00 67% $4,750.00 170% $9,049.00 180% $8,000.00 150% $124,275.00 117%

35% 30% 43% 51% 54% 61% 49% 55% 49% 40% 54% 58% 75% 56% 52% 45%

Pledge Total

Sacred Heart, Gardner 819 $47,130.00 140 $20,065.00 Church of the Nativity, Leawood 2,036 $191,213.00 699 $398,966.63 Curé of Ars, Leawood 2,029 $166,430.00 699 $302,173.00 St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood 1,841 $173,916.00 586 $236,243.50 Holy Trinity, Lenexa 2,591 $173,897.00 715 $192,869.38 St. Pius X, Mission 636 $47,532.00 263 $50,760.00 Prince of Peace, Olathe 3,577 $201,043.00 1,307 $345,716.50 St. Paul, Olathe, 1,434 $110,364.00 277 $102,938.00 Church of the Ascension, Overland Park 2,730 $239,710.00 931 $375,619.49 Holy Cross, Overland Park 1,422 $126,448.00 584 $121,787.22 Holy Spirit, Overland Park 1,341 $129,793.00 644 $199,587.00 Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park 1,466 $104,026.00 386 $80,425.50 St. Ann, Prairie Village 1,230 $117,934.00 397 $123,651.50 St. Agnes, Roeland Park 1,361 $107,281.00 281 $92,734.50 Good Shepherd, Shawnee 1,633 $133,150.00 382 $86,764.80 St. Joseph, Shawnee 2,237 $165,089.00 798 $189,717.00 Sacred Heart, Shawnee 1,582 $111,251.00 478 $133,451.50 Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea 686 $56,889.00 247 $93,128.00 JOHNSON County REGION TOTALS 30,651 $2,403,096.00 9,814 $3,146,598.52

43% 209% 182% 136% 111% 107% 172% 93% 157% 96% 154% 77% 105% 86% 65% 115% 120% 164% 131%

17% 34% 35% 32% 28% 42% 37% 19% 34% 41% 48% 27% 33% 21% 24% 36% 31% 36% 32%

Annunciation, Baldwin City Assumption, Edgerton Holy Family, Eudora Corpus Christi, Lawrence St. John the Evangelist, Lawrence Sacred Heart, Tonganoxie LAWRENCE REGION TOTALS

154 74 318 1,129 1,187 441 3,303

$8,813.00 $6,228.00 $20,651.00 $70,897.00 $77,744.00 $29,088.00 $213,421.00

50 7 148 249 221 178 883

$10,080.00 $10,085.00 $40,915.00 $59,873.00 $37,096.00 $31,260.00 $189,309.00

114% 162% 198% 84% 48% 107% 89%

32% 50% 47% 22% 19% 40% 27%

Holy Angels, Basehor 677 St. Joseph-St. Lawrence, Easton 151 St. Francis de Sales, Lansing 477 Immac. Conception - St. Joseph, Leavenworth 949 Sacred Heart - St. Casimir, Leavenworth 587 LEAVENWORTH REGION TOTALS 2,841

$28,971.00 $7,920.00 $19,758.00 $43,468.00 $31,613.00 $131,730.00

229 63 125 326 195 938

$44,703.00 154% $8,635.00 109% $21,655.00 110% $57,267.50 132% $55,745.00 176% $188,005.50 143%

35% 42% 26% 34% 34% 33%

St. Michael, Axtell 151 Sacred Heart, Baileyville 201 St. Malachy, Beattie 93 St. Columbkille, Blaine 55 St. Monica-St. Elizabeth, Blue Rapids 74 St. Patrick, Corning 165 St. Augustine, Fidelity 40 Annunciation, Frankfort 178 St. Bede, Kelly 148 St. Joseph, Lillis 46 St. Gregory, Marysville 462 St. Vincent de Paul, Onaga 90 Sacred Heart, Sabetha 169 Sts. Peter & Paul, Seneca 665 St. Mary, St. Benedict 147 Holy Family, Summerfield 37 St. James, Wetmore 79 NEMAHA-MARSHALL REGION TOTALS 2,800

$4,581.00 $12,220.00 $5,621.00 $3,299.00 $4,155.00 $8,737.00 $2,261.00 $9,959.00 $9,287.00 $2,811.00 $14,022.00 $5,438.00 $9,104.00 $20,040.00 $10,753.00 $2,322.00 $4,399.00 $129,009.00

70 108 35 41 26 69 28 82 96 27 104 50 119 185 80 17 51 1,188

$7,380.00 $12,975.00 $5,819.00 $3,591.00 $4,625.00 $10,970.00 $5,735.00 $9,250.00 $9,168.00 $2,750.00 $21,705.00 $7,335.00 $18,291.00 $20,465.00 $9,084.00 $2,800.00 $6,530.00 $158,473.00

46% 55% 38% 75% 35% 42% 70% 46% 65% 59% 23% 56% 71% 29% 55% 46% 65% 43%

$9,492.00 $2,181.00 $46,622.00 $12,182.00 $15,036.00 $6,448.00 $2,642.00 $6,506.00 $15,526.00 $5,545.00 $11,371.00 $8,293.00

70 20 340 8 91 54 50 26 104 31 161 52

$11,140.00 $2,870.00 $43,085.00 $1,355.00 $8,688.00 $5,415.00 $4,340.00 $12,700.00 $27,142.00 $10,340.00 $12,935.00 $10,280.00

St. Francis Xavier, Burlington St. Patrick, Emerald Sacred Heart, Emporia St. Catherine, Emporia Holy Angels, Garnett St. John the Baptist, Greeley St. Mary, Hartford Our Lady of Lourdes, La Cygne Immaculate Conception, Louisburg Sacred Heart, Mound City St. Joseph, Olpe St. Philip Neri, Osawatomie

174 40 807 228 305 118 50 87 235 61 222 115

161% 106% 104% 109% 111% 126% 254% 93% 99% 98% 155% 135% 201% 102% 84% 121% 148% 123%

117% 40% 132% 50% 92% 42% 11% 4% 58% 30% 84% 46% 164% 100% 195% 30% 175% 44% 186% 51% 114% 76% 124% 45%

% of Target

% of Part

$30,269.00 113 $17,887.00 59% $32,005.00 188 $54,134.40 169% $2,481.00 30 $3,540.00 143% $7,872.00 63 $5,190.00 66% $1,910.00 21 $3,485.00 182% $3,835.00 44 $5,560.00 145% $220,216.00 1,466 $240,086.40 109%

33% 40% 60% 68% 68% 61% 42%

84 128 295 49 116 227 208 141 126 157 143 352 1,927 1,188 1,600 729 702 591 1,073 363 10,199

$4,475.00 $6,727.00 $15,046.00 $2,821.00 $6,143.00 $13,560.00 $11,002.00 $7,427.00 $7,836.00 $8,771.00 $7,526.00 $21,627.00 $133,878.00 $78,902.00 $110,530.00 $43,375.00 $40,973.00 $42,630.00 $67,826.00 $22,625.00 $653,700.00

39 51 115 24 60 87 71 70 36 66 57 117 617 402 462 304 103 312 498 92 3,583

$5,350.00 $6,195.00 $17,325.00 $2,920.00 $7,210.00 $13,420.00 $6,890.00 $5,410.50 $5,595.00 $10,490.00 $7,220.00 $25,950.00 $100,535.00 $65,630.00 $97,278.21 $49,845.00 $17,013.00 $51,841.00 $71,096.00 $17,920.00 $585,133.71

120% 92% 115% 104% 117% 99% 63% 73% 71% 120% 96% 120% 75% 83% 88% 115% 42% 122% 105% 79% 90%

46% 40% 39% 49% 52% 39% 34% 50% 29% 42% 40% 34% 32% 34% 29% 42% 15% 53% 47% 25% 35%

All Saints, Kansas City 540 Blessed Sacrament, Kansas City 282 Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City 324 Christ the King, Kansas City 590 Holy Family, Kansas City 128 Holy Name, Kansas City 301 Our Lady & St. Rose, Kansas City 98 Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City 1,394 St. John the Baptist, Kansas City 286 St. Mary-St. Anthony, Kansas City 167 St. Patrick, Kansas City 1,552 WYANDOTTE county REGION TOTALS 5,662

$30,751.00 $15,429.00 $31,218.00 $51,636.00 $11,849.00 $25,683.00 $7,779.00 $38,592.00 $24,868.00 $14,481.00 $71,419.00 $323,705.00

362 167 148 208 62 74 33 325 121 158 294 1,952

$37,883.00 $17,198.00 $30,364.51 $26,843.50 $9,036.00 $23,058.00 $3,467.00 $46,377.04 $14,544.00 $19,559.00 $54,631.00 $282,961.05

123% 111% 97% 52% 76% 90% 45% 120% 58% 135% 76% 87%

71% 59% 46% 35% 48% 25% 34% 23% 42% 95% 19% 35%

Didde Catholic Campus Center, Emporia 28 St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center, Lawrence 116 CATHOLIC CAMPUS CENTER TOTALS 144

$2,854.00 $16,268.00 $19,122.00

10 39 49

$2,715.00 $14,171.00 $16,886.00

Parish

Households

Sacred Heart, Ottawa Holy Trinity, Paola St. Therese, Richmond St. Boniface, Scipio St. Joseph, Waverly St. Teresa, Westphalia SOUTHERN REGION TOTALS

342 470 50 93 31 72 3,500

Holy Family, Alma St. Joseph, Flush St. Dominic, Holton St. Francis of Assisi, Lapeer St. Francis Xavier, Mayetta St. Aloysius, Meriden St. Patrick, Osage City Sacred Heart, Paxico St. Theresa, Perry St. Stanislaus, Rossville St. Patrick, Scranton Immaculate Conception, St. Marys Christ the King, Topeka Mater Dei, Topeka Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Topeka Our Lady of Guadalupe, Topeka Sacred Heart - St. Joseph, Topeka St. Matthew, Topeka St. Bernard, Wamego TOPEKA REGION TOTALS

Target

Pledge Total

Gifts

Rosann and Lonnie Hoskins, members of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Burlington, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 8. The couple was married at St. Mary Church in Hartford. Their children and their spouses are: Vanessa and Scott Patman; Kenneth and Amanda Hoskins; and Kevin and Lori Hoskins.

LOCAL NEWS 7

Betty (Berkes) and Marion “Marty” Rogowski, members of Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 7. The couple was married on May 7, 1960, at St. Ludmilla Church in Chicago. Their children are: David, Patricia and Robert. They also have four grandchildren. A celebration with family members will take place June 27 at the 50th wedding anniversary Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan., followed by a family dinner.

Anniversary policy

The Leaven only prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the desired publication date. Announcements must be typed. Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an e-mail to: Todd@theleaven.com. If you would like your photo returned to you, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Villa St. Francis

16600 W. 126th Street • Olathe, Kansas 66062 Phone: (913) 829-5201 Fax: (913) 829-5399 Daily Mass in the Chapel at 10 a.m.

• Medicare and Kansas Medicaid certified • 24 - hour nursing care • Dementia/Alzheimer’s unit • Physical, occupational and speech therapist on staff/ Rapid recovery • Nutritious Home cooked meals • Private and Semi Private rooms • Beauty and Barber Shop • 24 hour snacks Affiliated with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

Three juniors from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park have been invited to participate in the Music Education National Convention (MENC) in Washington, D.C., June 24-29. Trombone player Paul Radke (left) will join 49 other musicians from across the country to play with a jazz band. Molly Porter and Anthony Fortino will sing with the 82-member National Choir. Both groups will perform at the Kennedy Center. These talented music and voice students competed at the district and state levels to make it into this national competition. Details about the event are available online at: http://www.mencevents.org/menceventshonorspage.htm.

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co. Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing.

Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas.

Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963

95% 36% 87% 34%3

Korean Catholic Community, Lenexa* $- 1 $1,000.00 St. Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Community, Kansas City* 6 $5,635.00 St. John-Mary Vianney Latin Mass Community, M aple Hill* 1 $400.00 Other $- 55 $15,330.41 ARCHDIOCESAN TOTALS 61,272 $4,200,000 20,841 $4,930,172.59 117% 34%

* Catholic Communities are not included in $4.2 M goal

Actual as of April 27, 2010; highlighted parishes are over goal.

The information in this report is subject to change; we regret any errors.

2010

Highlights 68 of 110 parishes exceeded their target 5 of 8 regions exceeded their goals 63 of the 110 parishes achieved 40% or greater rates of participation St. Mary Parish in Hartford has achieved 100% participation.

For the 2nd year in a row

October 2 – 9, 2010

New England and Canada

Join Father Tom Dolezal, Pastor of Holy Trinity, on a 7 night cruise on the Norwegian Spirit from Quebec City October 2, 2010 Outside staterooms Cost: $1678.42 per person based on 2 sharing cabin. Price includes airfare from Kansas City and taxes.

January 15-26, 2011

Holy Land Pilgrimage

Holy Land Pilgrimage with Mike Scherschligt, Catholic Theologian and School of Faith Director, Father Rick Storey, pastor of Holy Spirit) and Father Pat Sullivan, Assistant Pastor of Holy Trinity January 15 – 26, 2011 Highlights: Daily Mass, Scripture Teachings and Guided Spiritual Reflections $2999.00 per person including airfare from Kansas City, breakfast and dinner daily, airport transfers, tours, entrance fees as noted on itinerary, and all taxes. Not included: Cancellation Waiver/Trip Insurance $200 per person and gratuities for meals, guides, bus driver.

Trinity Travel

Call Trudy or Marsha at 913.422.4141 www.trinitytravelonline.com | Facebook: Trinity Travelonline

Trying times

ALL HANDS ON DECK — From left, clockwise, Ana, Cathy, Christina, Elizabeth and Caterina Miller help in any way they can as their fellow St. Joseph parishioners work to renovate their home in Shawnee.

A work of heart

S

Story and photos by Jill Ragar Esfeld

St. Joseph parishioner Jim O’Connell helps Christina Miller clear stone from a sidewalk that’s being repaired as part of Rebuild Together Shawnee’s renovation of the Miller home.

HAWNEE — St. Joseph parishioner Cathy Miller hasn’t taken a shower in several years; neither have her four daughters. The shower stopped working back in 2003.

Laundry has been a problem, too. The washing machine no longer fills itself, so the girls have to haul buckets in from the bathroom to fill it themselves.

At the beginning of this year, the rest of the Millers’ home was in similar disrepair — a collection of broken cabinets, peeling paint, wood rot, mold and water-damaged sheet rock.

A single mom trying to support her daughters on a teacher’s salary, Miller knew her house was literally falling down around them.

But she didn’t care. She had bigger problems to deal with.

Her daughter Christina, a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, collapsed last January. She was hospitalized at Children’s Mercy and, from January to mid-March, underwent 11 surgeries.

“To be honest,” said Miller, “we thought we were looking at a funeral in March.”

Christina and her twin sister Anastacia were born prematurely. Christina suffered from a condition called hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid inside the skull, leading to brain swelling. In the last 18 years, she has undergone 32 surgeries.

“Christina has had a shunt in her head since she was six weeks old to control the hydrocephalus,” her mother said.

When she was four years old, Christina had cranial expansion surgery to relieve pressure on her brain. This year, Dr. Greg Hornig, the chief of neurosurgery at Children’s Mercy, determined that she needed it again.

“Her brain was essentially too big for her skull, and it was being squeezed to the point where she was not able to function,” explained Miller.

The surgery, performed by Hornig, is so rare that the observatory of Christina’s operating room was standing room only.

Miller gave a layman’s synopsis of the procedure.

“They went in and cut out the top of her scull cap,” she said. “They cut it into pieces and then carved out the inside of the bone to make room for her brain.

“Then they put it back into place on the brain and stapled her back up.”

The operation was successful.

Christina has been free of headaches and neurological problems ever since.

“I’m just so glad to be done with it,” she said. “It just seems like I was never at school. And when I was at school, I wasn’t really there.”

But success came at a price. In order to be with her daughter during the 10 weeks she was hospitalized, Miller had to take time off without pay.

By that time, home improvements were the last thing on Miller’s mind. Money had gotten so tight, she couldn’t even meet her mortgage payment.

But that’s where members of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee and the St. Thomas Aquinas community stepped in.

Families took turns supplying meals, and helping to care for Ana, also a senior at Aquinas, and her younger sisters Elizabeth and Caterina, students at St. Joseph.

Both schools held fundraisers to help the Millers meet their financial obligations.

“I just felt like they totally wrapped their arms around all of us and took great care of us,” said Miller. “It was God’s angels looking out for us.”

And fortunately, one of those angels decided the Millers needed a lot more than meals and a mortgage payment.

Taking care of our own If God has hands and a heart in Kansas, they belong to Hank Bednar, a member of St. Joseph Parish and owner of Bednar Interiors Remodeling and Design.

In addition to being an active supporter of Christmas in October, Bednar is involved in Rebuild Shawnee Together, an organization that provides repair and renovation assistance to Shawnee homeowners in need (see sidebar).

Bednar, a longtime friend of Miller’s, encouraged her to apply to have her home refurbished by the organization. When Miller was approved, Bednar volunteered to head up the remodeling project.

“Depending on the scope of work, the houses are allocated a certain amount of funds,” he explained. “And then they like the house captain to raise money for the projects also.”

As captain, Bednar raised money, donations of supplies and product, and an army of volunteers.

Rebuilding Together Shawnee Founded in 2007, Rebuilding Together Shawnee is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Shawnee homeowners in need. From repairs to housing upgrades, the organization aims to help homeowners live safely and independently. The success and impact of the organization are dependent on the volunteers dedicated to making a difference in Shawnee.

While licensed contractors and skilled laborer volunteers are needed for nearly every project, volunteers of all skill levels are encouraged to get involved.

For more information, visit the Web site at: www.rebuildingtogethershawnee.org.

Above, Ron Derk is one of many St. Joseph parishioners to volunteer time to renovate the Millers’ home.

Right, St. Joseph parishioner and Shawnee City Council member Mikey Sandifer begins the process of replacing a sidewalk in front of the Millers’ house.

St. Joseph parishioners who had done Christmas in October with Bednar for many years were happy to turn out for the Miller renovation project as well.

“The one thing my mom loves about St. Joe is the sense of community,” said Christina. “There are just so many people who are willing to help out — and we have been helped.”

Bednar said he never ceases to be amazed by the wealth of talent his fellow parishioners are willing to share.

“They’re the best,” he said. “There are so many different people who have backgrounds in trade. We have plumbers and carpenters and contractors that all step up and contribute. When you see that, it really moves you.”

Bednar also got help from fellow members of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) and sent out emails that got responses from many people outside the St. Joseph community.

“I’m getting volunteers from Aquinas and St. James [Academy in Lenexa], and a lot of other people from Shawnee,” he said. “Everybody has stepped up to the plate.”

Because the home repair project was so extensive, Bednar knew it would go much faster if the Miller family could move into temporary housing elsewhere.

He was thinking about that one night when he drove by the home of his high school youth minister, Joan Greene, a parishioner of St. Joseph.

“I drove by and something told me to stop and talk to her,” he recalled.

“They got to talking about this project at my house,” explained Miller. “And Joan said, ‘Well, I have a four-bedroom rental house that is sitting empty.’”

Green offered the Millers the use of her rental house while their home was being repaired.

Miller called it one more little miracle.

“God winked at me,” Bednar agreed.

Home stretch Once the Millers were moved into their temporary home, Rebuild Shawnee Together got to work.

“They stripped my house down to bare bones,” said Miller. “Everything has been stripped out.”

Indeed, the Miller home is being completely renovated inside and out — including new siding, new windows and a new deck.

Best of all, everything will work!

“I’m very excited about what they’re doing,” said Christina “I’m not a materialistic person,” her mother added. “So it’s never taken much to make me happy or content. But it will be nice to have things that work.”

The family visits their future home every night after school and on weekends to lend helping hands wherever they can.

St. Joseph parishioner Hank Bednar, captain of the Miller home project for Rebuild Together Shawnee, shows pastor Father Mike Hawken the improvements being made to the Millers’ kitchen.

“And there’s always tons of people working,” said Miller.

Christina hopes the house will be renovated in time for a graduation party. Bednar is trying his best to make that happen.

He said his Catholic faith is the motivation behind his desire to help the Millers and others like them.

“I just feel like our family is so blessed because I have healthy children and a good wife,” he said. “And when I see other kids that don’t have as much, I think, ‘What can you do to help them?’

“I’ve always just believed that if you leave everything up to God, he kind of directs you throughout your day,” he continued. “The good Lord — you give him yourself and he gives you back much more in return.”

St. Joseph pastor Father Michael Hawken visited the renovation project over the weekend of Good Shepherd Sunday. He was moved by the sight of so many parish members working together.

“This work is truly an example of the shepherd taking care of his sheep, through the rest of his flock doing his work,” he said.

Miller agreed.

“I’ve been a firm believer in, if I do what God has given me the ability to do, he will open doors for me to survive,” she said.

“And that’s exactly what has happened.

“I have realized that there are many people out there that love me and my daughters,” she added. “To me, that’s Christ working.”

Concrete Work

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

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

Were you married in 1960?

Archdiocesan 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration Cathedral of St. Peter June 27, 2010, 2:00 pm

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann invites couples celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2010 to a Golden Anniversary Mass in their honor with Reception following To receive your invitation from Archbishop Naumann, please call the Family Life Office at 913-647-0345

THE LEAVEN • May 7, 2010

Local news 11

Music program at Holy Cross grows under ambitious teacher Continued from page 3 But what about the sacrifice on her part?

“Well, it’s huge,” Cain said with a big smile. “This year has probably been my hardest year, with all the lessons and more kids.

“But I just have to plan. I planned all the music for this entire year before the school year even started. I couldn’t do it if I wasn’t organized — and flexibility helps, too.”

For Cain, it’s all about helping the students develop the talents God has given them.

“They are blessed,” she said.

“They have been given a gift from God and this gives them a way to share that gift. They can even be an active participant in Mass by performing or just by singing.”

Other schools in the archdiocese have music programs, but few rise to the level reached by Holy Cross in the last few years. Cain said they have attended music festivals where there are 160 kids, and half of them are from Holy Cross. The junior high group even took on the fairly daunting task at a recent concert: performing Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood” as a tribute to one

Leaven photo by Steve Johnson

Cain accents a portion of a piece with the sixth-grade band. From her humble beginnings at Holy Cross School, Cain now has a fifth-grade band, a sixth-grade band, a junior high band, a handbell choir, a vocal ensemble, and more. of the teachers who was retiring that year.

The surprise brought that teacher to tears and demonstrated the pride and sense of accomplishment the entire school takes in Cain’s work.

Another instance illustrates the loyalty of the band members to Cain.

Anna Kropf, an eighthgrader who plays flute in the junior high band, has been with Cain for four years and

was excited to play in the spring concert. As luck would have it, the concert was on the same night as Star Night, an event for the incoming freshman at the high school she planned to attend.

“I said, ‘Anna, what are you going to do? Are you going to go to Star Night or the concert?’” said Jenny Kropf, Anna’s mother. “And she said, ‘Well, Mom, I’m not going to miss the spring concert. I’ve been with Mrs. Cain for this many years and I cannot disappoint her. She’s meant so much to this program and she means so much to me.”

When Cain heard Anna chose to miss most of Star Night in order to be at the concert for her, she was clearly moved.

But she said it was more than personal.

“If they stick through it like Anna has, there is a real sense of pride in participating,” said Cain. “And band teaches teamwork, too. She knows if she’s not there, the whole band will suffer.” “[The music program] has given a connection between the older kids and the younger kids that is hard to create,” said Gates. “It has been a huge addition to our sense of community — our sense of identity.

“It’s become part of who we are.”

M-F 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Summer Months: Sat. 10 a.m to 3 p.m.

K E AT I N G Mud Jacking

Serving NE Kansas Since 1976

FOUNDATION REPAIR

Cracked • Bowed • Settled Wall Repair v Wall Bracing v Waterproofing FREE ESTIMATES v Steel Underpinning

MUD JACKING

Raise & Level v Patios v Drives v Garage Floors v Slab Houses

Locally Owned & Operated Kansas City (913) 262-9352

Piers Driven to Load-Bearing Strata or Bedrock

Lawrence Topeka (785) 865-0006 (785) 246-0128

12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment St. Gabriel Parish, Kansas City, Mo. - Seeks an enthusiastic leader for our family-friendly early learning center to guide our six-week through pre-K program. The qualified candidate will be an active, practicing Catholic in good standing with the church; have a bachelor’s degree in early education or related field with a minimum of 12 hours in the field of early childhood; and have at least three years experience in a supervised child care classroom setting, with one year in a supervisory position. The director will have skills in marketing, personnel management and budgeting. Familiarity with NAEYC accreditation is a must.

The ability to work with both children and adults in an active learning environment and maintain staff development in accordance with diocesan and state standards is also necessary. Applications are available by contacting (816) 756-1858, ext. 274, or by visiting the Web site at: http://jobs.diocesekcsj.org/jobs.

Spanish teacher – Bishop Ward High School is seeking a full-time Spanish teacher. Applicant must be licensed. Qualified applicants should send resume and credentials to Mr. Dennis Dorr, Bishop Ward High School, 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, KS 66102.

Bilingual parish secretary - Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City, Kan., is seeking a parish secretary. This position requires superior organizational and communication skills as well as some knowledge in basic bookkeeping, computing, and office management.

This person must have a friendly and approachable demeanor, and fluency in both Spanish and English is a requirement. Qualified applicants may apply in person at 2910 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kan.; call (913) 6774621; or send a resume to Father Kent O’Connor, via e-mail, to: oluparishkck@gmail.com.

Organist/music director - Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City, Kan., is seeking a part-time organist/ music director for the churches of Sacred Heart and St. John the Evangelist. Responsibilities include playing at two to three Masses per weekend, rehearsing as necessary with cantors, and coordinating the music minister schedule. Organ is a must; piano is a plus.

The ability to speak Spanish and coordinate the Spanish Masses is also a plus. An interest/ability to build a successful, comprehensive music program for the parish is ideal. Qualified candidates may contact Father Kent O’Connor at (913) 677-4621 or send an e-mail to: oluparishkck@gmail.com.

Bishop Miege High School - Is seeking applications for a full-time English teacher for the 2010 - 11 school year. Send letter, resume, transcript and credentials to: 5041 Reinhardt Drive, Shawnee Mission KS 66205. For an application, call Lorraine at (913) 2622701, ext 235.

St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing - Is seeking a director of religious education. This is a full-time position for a program which includes grade school, high school levels and adult formation in a parish of 500 households. To apply, call (913) 727-3742.

Bookkeeper/secretary - St. Joseph Church, Nortonville, is seeking applicants for a part-time bookkeeper/parish secretary position. Candidates must have solid bookkeeping skills with knowledge of accounting software, Microsoft Office and Excel, and good organizational and communication skills.

Send resume and references by May 14 to Father John Reynolds at: St. Joseph Church, 221 N. Sycamore, Nortonville, KS 66060.

Executive director – The Johnson and Wyandotte counties Catholic Youth Organization is seeking a faithfilled proven leader and administrator to become the executive director. Responsibilities include providing strategic and energetic leadership for all grade school and high school athletic program offerings. In addition, the new director must be skilled in financial management and strategic planning and development.

Candidates must be registered and active in their parish community. For a complete job description, application, and benefit information, visit the Web site at: www.cyojwa.org. Applicants should send cover letter, resume, pastor letter of reference, and application by May 21, to: JWACYO Executive Board, c/o Human Resources, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109 or send, via e-mail, to: kthomas@archkck.org.

Parish secretary - Our Lady of Guadalupe, Topeka, is seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of parish secretary. Applicants must be people-oriented; bilingual in English and Spanish; have translation experience, sufficient knowledge of practical English and Spanish grammar; and be computer-skilled. Applicants may call (785) 232-5088 or apply in person at the parish office located at 134 N.E. Lake, Topeka.

THE LEAVEN • MAY 7, 2010

THE LEAVEN • MAY 7, 2010 Director - The office of evangelization and catechesis in the Diocese of Des Moines has an immediate opening for a director to provide leadership, vision, and advocacy for the development and implementation of catechetical leadership formation. Responsibilities include oversight of education and formation programs for volunteers and career/professional catechetical ministers, children, youth and adults of the parishes and schools of the diocese. Strong presentation, training and administration skills and background are necessary for this role. This position requires a master’s degree (or currently pursuing) in theology, pastoral studies, religious education or a related field and extensive catechetical experience in a parish or diocesan position. This is a full-time position with benefits. Travel required. This position is based out of the Pastoral Center in Des Moines. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to: Human Resources, Diocese of Des Moines, 601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 503092501; fax to (515) 237-5070; or send, via e-mail, to: hr@ dmdiocese.org.

Services Counseling the professional - Burned out? Exhausted? Want to go where it’s safe and away from your clients? Time to nurture yourself! Call Jane M. Vogel, MA, LCPC, RAODAC, BSRB, AAPS Ks., LPC Mo., at (913) 248-4412.

Computer repair/virus and spyware removal / PC upgrades - Microsoft certified; 10 yrs. experience.

Member of Sacred Heart Parish. Call Matt at (816) 8766619 or send an e-mail to: mattcomputerfix@gmail. com.

Lawn mowing - Dependable student available to mow yards. $25 - $35 for most yards. Free estimates.

Johnson County area. Call (913) 742-0661.

Lawn Mowing Senior and referral discounts.

Insured and bonded.

Local parishioner. Free estimates.

Call (913) 620-6063.

Lawn mowing – Johnson and Wyandotte counties.

Call (913) 744-6743.

Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Brad Grabs, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 2445838. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837.

Two-mom housecleaning team - Let us help you reclaim your weekend! Experienced, trustworthy, insured and bonded. Affordable rates. References available. Call Patty at (913) 940-9231 or Susan at (913) 642-6757. Visit our Web site at: www.wix.com/ twomoms/pshomecleaning.

Husband and wife cleaning team - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.

Housecleaning - I will clean your house the old fashioned way – hand mopping, etc. 20+ years experience, excellent references, free estimates. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006.

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

Counseling - Confidential and affordable individual, marriage and family counseling and outpatient substance abuse treatment. Call JB Strong, MA, LCPC, AAPS (913) 722-1118 or visit: www.outpatientalcohol drugtreatment.com.

Increase your income – Interest rates are low, but a gift annuity with the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas often pays effective rates of over 10 percent for the rest of your life. Your gift benefits your parish or another Catholic organization of your choice in the archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. You may even get a tax deduction. For information, call (913) 647-0365.

Caregiving Caregiving - Everyone deserves the BesCare for their loved ones at an affordable price. We provide hourly, daily, weekly, or around-the-clock care including weekends and holidays. You can count on BesCare.

Call (913) 638-5385.

Caregiver - Mature Catholic woman with over 25 years experience is available to care for your loved one in their home. I have spent the past four years exclusively caring for one client. Call (913) 579-8914.

Painting, exterior and interior, drywall projects, powerwashing, rotted window sills repaired - Quality products. 20 years experience. References.

Call (913) 341-7584.

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) 4221591.

College Works painting - A licensed, bonded, and insured exterior painting company. If you are considering having any painting done this summer, schedule a free estimate by calling Matt Gasper at (913) 244-1786 or send an e-mail to: mgasper1@ku.edu. Also, ask how you can receive 10% discount. Member of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa.

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Sara or Gary.

Home Improvement The 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! Leadcertified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

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

Tim the Handyman - Insured; free estimates. Carpentry: new and repair deck, doors, windows, siding, screens. Plumbing: faucet, garbage disposals, toilets.

Electrical: switches, outlets, ceiling fans, light fixtures.

Light landscape: fill dirt, trimming, planting, garden tilling and mulching. Serving Johnson County. Call Tim at (913) 859-0471.

Swalms Organizing Service - Basements, garages, attics, and shop spaces organized! Items sorted, boxed & labeled; areas cleaned when finished! Clean out services also available. Great references and insured.

For pictures of current projects, visit the Web site at: www.swalms.com. Call Tillar Swalm at (913) 375-9115.

Masonry work – Quality, new or repair work.

Brick, block, and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second generation bricklayer. Call (913) 829-4336.

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

Roofing - Best prices. Call us first for savings. Call Ralph at (913) 927-0267.

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 Clutter Getting You Down?- Let Us Help You Get Organized! For a free consultation, contact Kevin, your professional organizer/handyman, at (913) 2715055. Insured/references. www.KOATindustries.com.

Carpet direct – We cut out the middle man and bring the showroom to you! The best place to see your flooring is in your own home or office. Save 40 - 80% on carpet and hard surfaces. Residential and commercial. For a free estimate, call Amanda at (913) 7424003.

Interior and exterior painting and wallpaper removal - 30-plus years experience. Quality work; excellent references; reasonable rates. Senior discount.

Member of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Tile and painting - Complete tile and paint repairs and renovation. Ceramic, porcelain, certified limestone tile master. Complete interior paint services and drywall texture finishes. Over 20 years experience.

Fully licensed. Service 7 days a week. Contact Mike at (913) 488-4930. Member of Church of the Ascension Parish, Overland Park.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured.

(913) 599-7998 Tile setting done right for less! - Kitchens, baths and floors. Also laminate or hardwood flooring. Responsive and quick. Free estimates. Call Ralph at (913) 927-0267.

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

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

JoCo and southern KC metro area. Call Pat at (913) 9639896.

Homeowners - New laws require all contractors working on any home built prior to 1978 to be leadbased certified. Protect your family’s health. We are a licensed, insured, lead-based-certified contractor. If you want an honest, courteous, conscientious, dependable, timely and cost-effective contractor, call In-Land Construction Services LLC at (913) 839-8500 or send an e-mail to: in-landconstruction@comcast.net. Prices will never be better for all your construction or repair needs! Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount off any project or repair over $300. If you choose, any or all of the discount can be donated to Catholic Charities on your behalf.

For Rent Duplex – 3208 N. 68th St., Kansas City, Kan. Recently remodeled 2 BR, 1 BA duplex with a single-car garage and laundry facilities, located in Christ the King Parish, is available for rent. No pets. $600 per month.

Call (913) 334-0124.

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 Tomahawk Creek Condominiums at Town Center Square, Leawood - Luxury living at a bargain price! 1 BR, 1 BA; cheaper than rent, plus all the amenities of condo living. $100,000; 3-1/2% down, plus potential $8,000 tax credit. Call Rosemary, Masters GMAC, at (913) 661-9744.

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

Kitchens, baths, basements and additions Best prices and quality work. Timely and responsive.

Call Ralph at (913) 927-0267.

Vacation

Father-and-son team - These guys can do it all — exterior painting, decks, fences, retaining walls, metal buildings, patios, porches, and driveways, We can do your job for a reasonable price! Call Josh at (913) 7097230.

Relax at the lake - Great lake house on the Gravois arm of the Lake of the Ozarks. 2 BR, 2 BA, screened-in porch on gently sloped lake lot with a great view, and a two-well dock. Monthly rentals $1600. For information or to view pictures, call Pam Brulez at (913) 764-9480 or send an e-mail to: pkbrulez@gmail.com.

Family fun in South Dakota - Enjoy a family or group fishing vacation in Pierre, S.D., with former KC Royals pitcher, Tom Bruno. Tom’s guide service, Major League Adventures, will provide your party with a world-class fishing experience and memories to last a lifetime. For information, call (970) 214-2891 or visit the Web site at: www.majorleagueadventures.com.

For sale For sale - Single side-by-side double crypt on the third level of the mausoleum at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan. Asking $10,460, which is below market value. Contact Pam at (913) 631-4911.

For sale - Two burial plots in the Queen of Heaven Garden at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Lot 105; section C. Price includes grave liners and internment fees. Valued at $5800; will sell for $5000. Call Bill at (913) 709-4254.

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 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) 709-5884.

The “original” nanny on call - A quick answer to a child-care problem. I’ll care for your sick child when they can’t go to school or day care or fill in for a regular nanny who has to miss a day. Stay-at-home moms can schedule appointments or run errands. I’ll take your “tween” to their orthodontist appointment or get your kids to their sports practice — I’ve done it all. JoCo only.

Call (913) 469-6211 or (816) 806-0564.

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.

Misc.

Bulk mulch for sale - $40 /cubic yd. delivered; $65/cubic yd. delivered and spread; three yard minimum. Will deliver within 20 miles of our address. Call Joe Keehn at (913) 631-7217.

Irish Mother’s Day book - “Irish Settlers of Kansas: Memories of the Pioneer Life,” by authors Father John Lahey, Ellen Cregan Anderton and Patricia Callahan Walkenhorst, packs handed-down-throughfamilies memories of Irish pioneer life into this collection of real names, places and stories, now condensed into one exciting read. Cowboys and Indians, disastrous weather and Civil War tales abound, with clergy who helped build their beloved churches and schools. $20. Call (816) 228-7452 or send an e-mail to: patacallahoo.com.

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.

Entertainment DJ Irishman - Colm Delahunt is available for parties, weddings, graduations, and any other function.

Playing all your favorite hits from the Village People to U2. Call (913) 548-6765 or visit the Web site at: www.djirishman.com.

To purchase a classified ad: Send an e-mail to: jennifer@theleaven.com, or call (913) 647-0327. The cost is $16 per column inch, five lines or less. Each additional line is $1.50. Classified ads will also be posted online at The Leaven’s Web site: www.theleaven.com.

May 8

St. Cyril Social Club will host a taco dinner from 2 - 6 p.m. on May 8 in the parish hall, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan. The cost is $6 for adults; $3 for children under 12.

Sanctuary of Hope Retreat Center will host an “Honor Thy Mother” breakfast from 9 - 11 a.m. on May 8 at the Reardon Center, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The cost is $17 per person. For information or reservations (prepaid only), call (913) 371-4623.

Join Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and Bishop Robert Finn for the annual LifeFront Mother’s Day weekend rosary at 9 a.m. on May 8 in front of Planned Parenthood, 4401 W. 109th St., Overland Park. No signs; this is a silent prayer witness, not a protest. Parking is limited; try to carpool. For information, call Jennifer at (816) 223-0035 or send an e-mail to her at: lifefront@ gmail.com.

St. Joseph-St. Benedict Church, 229 S. 8th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual Polski Day celebration on May 8. A parade starting at 18th and Central will begin at 11 a.m., followed by family festivities, Polish food, live entertainment and Mass at 4 p.m. For information, call Cathy Kolenda Smith at (913) 721-0081 or Kathy Hannis at (913) 362-6632.

Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, will host its annual May Music Fest at 6 p.m. on May 8 in the church. A reception will follow in the Father Carl Zawacki Center.

10

The Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas will host its annual golf classic on May 10 at Shawnee Golf and Country Club, 6404 Hedge Lane Terr., Shawnee. Proceeds from this tournament will support programs and services that benefit more than 85,000 people in need. Golfers will enjoy a picnic lunch, 18-hole tournament, dinner, live auction and awards. For information or to register, visit the Web site at: www. catholiccharitiesgolfclassic.org.

12

“Real-World Parenting Solutions,” a three-part parenting program, will be offered from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on Wednesdays, beginning May 12, 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.

15

Lighthouse will host a Walk for Life at 10 a.m. on May 15 at MidAmerica

Nazarene College, 2030 E. College Way, Olathe. For information or to register, contact Stacey Stark at (816) 361-2233 or visit the Web site at: www.lighthousekc.org.

The Daughters of Isabella will host their fifth annual women’s day of reflection from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on May 15 in the Quigley Center at Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa. Father Michael Mulhearn, a dynamic Vincentian priest, will celebrate Mass at 8 a.m., followed by a presentation on “Death, Judgment, Limbo, Purgatory, Hell and Heaven: When We’re Done Here.”

Get out of the city and come run with the cows! Queen of the Holy RosaryWea, 22705 Metcalf, Bucyrus, will sponsor a kids run, 5K and half marathon on May 15. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Catholic Relief Services. For information or to register, visit the Web site at: www.runningwiththecows.com.

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on May 15 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: “The Serenity Prayer.” For information, call (913) 649-2026.

16

The Little Sisters of the Lamb, who will celebrate their second anniversary of living and praying in the archdiocese, will host an open house on the grounds of the future Little Monastery, 36 S. Boeke St., Kansas City, Kan., on May 16. Vespers will begin at 4 p.m., followed by a potluck dinner from 5 6:30 p.m. Bring a dish to share. The Little Sisters will present “Theater of the Gospel” at 6:30 p.m. All are invited to join in this celebration.

Mary Health of the Sick women’s guild of the Sisters, Servants of Mary will meet in the convent, located at 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan., following the 9 a.m. Mass on May 16.

22-23

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host “Lectio Divina,” a retreat on the ancient art of prayerful reading, presented by Sister Micaela Randolph, OSB, from 10 a.m. on May 22 until 2 p.m. on May 23. The weekend will include sharing, silence, solitude and reflection. The cost is $100.

Registration is due on May 10. For information or to register, call (913) 3606151 or visit Sophia Center’s Web site at: www.mountosb.org/sophia.html.

24

St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, will host its annual golf tournament at Deer Creek Golf Club, 7000 W. 133rd St., Overland Park, on May 24. The cost of $125 per golfer includes greens fees, cart, beverages and dinner. This year’s theme is Hawaiian, so colorful apparel is encouraged. The Knights of Columbus of the parish offer a challenge to other councils. For information or to register, call Tom Cavaliere at (913) 402-3900 or send an e-mail to him at: grandknight@kofcstmichael.org.

Misc.

The annual Mel Hughes Campout and 5K Walk for Life will be held on June 4 - 5 at Dolan Field, Kansas City, Kan., from June 4 - 5. Campers may arrive after noon on June 4. There will be live music at dusk. The walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. on June 5. Proceeds from this event will benefit the transplant unit at KU Medical Center and the Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic. This is a great event for a family and/or class reunions.

For information or to register, call Doug Conner at (913) 963-9095 or visit the Web site at: www.melhughes.com.

The 2010 Kansas City Conference for Catholic Homeschoolers will be held June 4 - 5 at St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa. There

CALENDAR 13

will be great speakers, presentations, vendors and exhibitors. For information and registration materials, visit the Web site at: www.kccatholichomeschooler. org.

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will sponsor an “Ask a Nurse” health care program from 10 - 11:30 a.m. every Wednesday during May. A nurse will be available for blood pressure testing, to answer health-related questions, and to provide assistance in locating a Safety Net Clinic for those who do not have health insurance. Appointments are not necessary. For information, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.

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

Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Roeland Park, will offer summer basketball clinics. The girls clinic will be held on June 21 - 24; the boys clinic will be from June 28 - July 1.

Both clinics are for students entering grades 4 - 8 and are from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

There will also be a Little Stags clinic for children entering grades K - 3 from 9 - 10:30 a.m. on June 14 - 17. For information or to register, call Dolly Foley at (913) 495-9559 or visit the Web site at: www.bishopmiege.com.

Notre Dame de Sion will host allgirls soccer camps this summer. The first session is for 2nd- to 5th-graders and will be held from 9 - 11 a.m. on July 12 - 15. The second session is for 6th- to 8th-graders and will be held from 9 - 11 a.m. on July 19 - 22. For information or to register, send an e-mail to Matt Darby at: mdarby@rockhursths.edu or visit the Web site at: www.sionstorm.com.

St. Thomas Aquinas High School will offer a variety of summer camps for girls and boys in grades K - 8. These camps are a great way to learn and develop skills in an enjoyable, positive, Catholic setting. Camps include baseball, basketball, cake decorating, dance team, cross country, football, sewing, soccer, softball, volleyball, youth speed and agility, and wrestling. For information or to register, call Michelle at (913) 319-2416 or visit the Web site at: www. stasaints.net/summercamps.

Sacred Heart Parish, Gardner, will host a pilgrimage to EWTN in Irondale, Ala., from Oct. 18 - 21. The cost of $235 per person includes transportation, lodging, all breakfasts and two dinners.

For information, contact Rose Lozano at (913) 219-7043 (cellular) or Elaine Dale at (913) 856-8064.

“Affirmations for Women,” a weekly program designed to change your mind and change your life, will be offered from noon - 1 p.m. on Mondays 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.

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

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

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

14 COMMENTARY

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

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

Quote Week

of the

“I’ve been a firm believer in, if I do what God has given me the ability to do, he will open doors for me to survive. And that’s exactly what has happened.

Cathy MIller See story on pages 8-9

THE LEAVEN • May 7, 2010

THE LEAVEN • May 7, 2010

Mark my words

as the church prays

Sometimes you get more than you bargained for

Future deacon hears the call to serve

L

ife is precious. Don’t waste precious time with drama.

Don’t you just hate it when that happens? You know, when out of the blue, God sends you an unmistakably clear message — one that you certainly need to hear, but that you don’t particularly care to. Those words above, about life being precious, hit me right between the eyes last Friday afternoon.

Even more humbling was where the words originated. Traditionally at this time of year, graduates hear from older, hopefully wiser, people about what life is all about. I never expected that a high school graduate would be the one teaching me.

Let me give you a little background: Last Friday was the day that Apple released the iPad with 3G. (This means that a person can still access the Internet even when there’s no WiFi available.

If none of this makes any sense to you, don’t worry. Just keep reading: The lesson I learned is not about technology; it’s about life.)

I’d been waiting for this version of the iPad for weeks. When April 30 was announced as “the day,” questions swirled in my mind: Could I reserve an iPad beforehand for pickup? (No.) Where would be the best location to get one: the store on the Plaza or in Leawood? What would the demand be like? Would there be hoards of people lining up to get one? How early would a person need to get there to be assured of getting one? How about the weather that day?

Sad to say, I not only peppered the people at Apple with my questions and concerns, but also Leaven managing

editor Anita McSorley, who was also interested in getting this iPad. (I even reflected that if there were only one left — and it was a question of which of the two of us would get it — would I graciously allow that honor to go to Anita . . . or would I fight her for it?) The more I analyzed the situation, the “fussier” I got. Eventually, Anita hit on a great solution: She’d ask her daughter Colleen, a freshman at Washburn, to head to the Plaza store early and hold a place for us in line.

Since the store couldn’t sell iPads until after 5 p.m., we asked Colleen to arrive at the store at 12:30. She did, and reported back: no line; in fact, she was the only one waiting. When Anita and I arrived to relieve her around 2:30, there was still no line. (Let’s just say that Colleen was a tad bit less than happy with our plan and leave it at that.)

I have to admit that I felt silly at this point. I’d put more time and energy into the iPad mission than probably went into the planning of D-Day. And, thanks to Anita’s unselfishness, I was the first in line, but was all of the effort really worth it? While pondering this question, I happened to be reading that week’s issue of the Tonganoxie Mirror. That’s when I came upon those words about life that started this column.

The words came from the mouth of Connor Olson, an 18-year-old Tongan-

oxie High student. He’d graduated a bit earlier than his classmates because he was dying from a rare form of cancer.

His words about not wasting precious time with drama were read as part of a memorial service for him, prior to his burial on April 27. I didn’t know Connor personally — his family belongs to the United Methodist Church in town — but his words gave me pause. The article described this inspirational young man as someone who lived each moment of life to the fullest and without regrets, someone who remained positive and filled with faith despite his terminal illness. (For more on this story, visit the Mirror’s Web site at: www.tonganoxiemirror.com.)

I put the paper down and mentally tallied up all of the moments of life that I’ve wasted on “drama”: from being distressed about punctuation or grammatical errors in The Leaven to being upset at distracted drivers on the road to fuming at choosing the “wrong” line in stores to obsessing about getting an iPad. And what did all of that drama accomplish? Other than raising my blood pressure and lowering my patience, absolutely nothing.

Mother’s Day is a great time to do a little reflecting on this precious gift of life that our moms have given us. Let’s express our gratitude by resolving to truly embrace life: to give up all the pointless drama and instead relish the adventure, opportunities and blessings that daily surround us.

Do I regret standing in that line last Friday? Not at all. Yes, I did get an iPad. But more importantly, through Connor, I got a whole lot more than I bargained for.

the gospel truth Scripture Readings Easter season May 9 sixTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 15: 1-2, 22-29; Ps 67: 2-3, 5-6, 8; Rv 21: 10-14, 22-23; Jn 14: 23-29 May 10 Damien Joseph de Veuster of Moloka’i, priest Acts 16: 11-15; Ps 149: 1b-6a, 9b; Jn 15:26 — 16:4a May 11 Tuesday Acts 16: 22-34; Ps 138: 1-3, 7c-8; Jn 16: 5-11 May 12 Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs; Pancras, martyr Acts 17: 15, 22 — 18:1; Ps 148: 1-2, 11-14; Jn 16: 12-15 May 13 Our Lady of Fatima Acts 18: 1-8; Ps 98: 1-4; Jn 16: 16-20 May 14 MATTHIAS, APOSTLE Acts 1: 15-17, 20-26; Ps 113: 1-8; Jn 15: 9-17 May 15 Isidore Acts 18: 23-28; Ps 47: 2-3, 8-10; Jn 16: 23b-28

commentary 15

John’s Gospel critical to our understanding of Trinity

T

he excitement of a sporting event can whip up fans into a frenzy. Tempers can flare. A game can erupt in violence. A riot can break out.

Arianism, one of the most important heresies in the early church, denied For example, at a soccer game in the divinity of Jesus Christ, but held, Italy between Catania and Palermo on instead, that he was the greatest of all Feb. 2, 2007, a riot led to the death of creatures, a kind of superior angel. For a police officer and to dozens of other a time during the fourth century, this people being injured. On opinion enjoyed the support Sept. 15, 2008, a riot broke of the Roman emperors and sixTH SUNDAY OF out during a soccer game threatened to overtake the EASTER in the Congo, and ended Christian world. Fierce riots Jn 14: 23-29 up causing the deaths of 13 broke out between Arian people.

Christians and the Orthodox, In the early church, Christians who maintained that Jesus Christ was sometimes became so worked up over divine — in the words of the creed: a religious controversy that they rioted “God from God, Light from Light, true in the streets, in riots similar to those God from true God, begotten, not after these soccer games. A theological made, one in Being with the Father.” disagreement could result in mayhem.

A statement in Sunday’s Gospel Frequently, the issue under debate reading, Jn 14:23-29, figured promiinvolved the nature of Jesus Christ. nently in that dispute: “The Father is Was he really a human being, or only greater than I.” The Arians argued that apparently so? Was he also divine, or these words reflected the idea that God was he only a superior human being? the Father had created Jesus. The CreAs Christians explored these questions, ator is greater than the creature. they took up sides. The losing sides In response, the Orthodox Chrisended up being called the Christologitians countered that the Son originated cal heresies. from the Father, was sent from the

Father, and obeyed the Father in all things. In that sense, the Father was greater than the Son. At the same time, the Son possessed the same nature as the Father. Otherwise, how could he be Son? As the creed states: “Begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father.”

The Orthodox Christians also pointed to another saying of Jesus which we heard recently as the Gospel reading of April 25: “The Father and I are one” (Jn 10:30). How can we reconcile the earlier statement — “The Father is greater than I” — with this statement?

By this second statement, Jesus emphasizes the fundamental unity between him and God the Father, a unity which nonetheless does not detract from his unique identity as Son. In other words, Jesus and the Father are inseparable, but Jesus and the Father are not the same person. That is still another heresy: Modalism.

As you can see, the Gospel of John played an important role in shaping our understanding of Jesus’ nature and his relationship with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. It contributed much to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. We will celebrate that mystery soon, on Trinity Sunday.

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

W

ell, the date of ordination for the first class of permanent deacons for the archdiocese has been set.

Within a year, God willing (perhaps in my case, some are thinking, “heaven forbid!”), I and 19 other men (they being among the finest of Christian disciples) will begin our service to the church as deacons.

Besides reminding me that time is running out for me to remove a couple of “X’s” from my cassock-size before ordination, the countdown to next April bids me to reflect more carefully upon the threefold service of the diaconate. Simply put, the deacon is called to teach the faith, to serve the liturgy,

and, most importantly, to do works of charity. Pope John Paul II called the diaconate the church’s charity “sacramentalized.”

In a sense, the deacon’s call to teaching and to charity is rooted in the sacred liturgy, that great synthesis of the transcendence and immanence of the Christian life. The deacon serves the liturgy in numerous ways.

The deacon carries in procession the book containing the Gospels — our Lord’s “good news” about who we are

and about how we are to live. And it is the deacon who often leads the penitential rite, our trusting examination of how we have failed to heed the good news and our common plea for mercy.

The deacon proclaims the Gospel reading, and, as one who speaks in the church’s name, can preach the homily from time to time, linking faith to action and prayer to service. In the general intercessions, the deacon announces the prayers of the faithful, including those for the poor and the suffering.

Deacons prepare the people’s gifts of bread and wine for the eucharistic sacrifice. They lift the chalice before God during the final doxology of the eucharistic prayer. They bid the congregation to share that simple sign of peace which helps prepare us for holy Communion. And after the sacramen-

tal banquet is completed, the deacon, as a good steward of the mysteries of the Lord, cleanses the vessels used at this “supper of the Lamb.”

But of all the roles the deacon has in the liturgy, perhaps this final one is most crucially linked to the service of charity to which clergy and laity are called. The deacon dismisses the people with the words, “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” His is the honored task of pronouncing the commission to go and serve, and serve in love. For to love God is to love one another, and to serve God is to serve the least. That is really what “diaconate” means.

And if I can’t learn to master this simple fact, indeed: Heaven forbid that I ever be called a deacon.

Michael Podrebarac is the archdiocesan consultant for the liturgy office.

Do unto others

O

Melts in your mouth, not in your soul

ver 30 adolescents gather in St. Patrick’s cafeteria for their weekly catechism class. There’s a game this evening, a surefire way to learn about church teaching with an unlikely tool: m&ms. The room is ready.

Each young Catholic is dealt a card — in a not-so-random fashion. The prizes are announced: gift cards for movies, iTunes, coffeehouses, etc. The rules are read.

Those blessed to receive face cards are “royalty” and the lucky nine are ushered to one side. There are 10 prizes and the cost to purchase each prize is 18 m&ms. Royalty are each given a

bag containing twenty-two of the valuable candies, and the rest of the class is only given two each. Royalty can do what they want with their m&ms and can purchase a prize at anytime.

The “poor” may plead with the royalty to share, but only on bended knee to simulate the humiliation the poor often feel.

The game begins. Seven of the royalty promptly go up and purchase their prizes, giving their leftovers to the “poor.” One girl gives her bag to a “poor” friend. Another boy gives away all his candy to the “poor” as they ask.

A few “poor” kids hustle and manage to raise enough candy-capital to buy a prize. More than a few kids just eat or give away their resources and then sit quietly, hopelessly disengaged.

The game is designed to reflect our human nature and present Christ’s Gospel challenge to that nature. The social teaching of the church stands on two legs: charity and justice. Charity in concerned with love in the immediate needs of persons — in this case, the need for m&ms. Justice is concerned with practicing love in complex situations — in this case, following the rules of the game.

Some discussion follows: The “poor” quickly share how unfair the game is while the “royalty,” distracted by their booty, take a long while to agree. After all, every one of the “rich” practices some charity, most, giving what they had left over. However, upon reflection, most agree that this kind

of charity is not enough. After some discussion, the youth conclude that our Catholic call to love our neighbor compels us to not only do charity, but also to do justice. And that means making the rules fair.

As adults, how are you “playing” the game and using the resources you’ve been given? Do you just accept the rules, while being nice and sharing your leftovers? Or do you strive to bring God’s love into the structures of your life: your politics, your finances, your spheres of influence?

Truly, this is a hard question, and one only answered with the help of Christ’s grace. If you’d like to ask these questions in your parish, my office would be blessed to help.

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

family matters

“B

Mothers find God in the life of their family

lessed is the mother who finds the sacred in the ordinary.

Her love is constant and steady. Her love makes beautiful what others see as nondescript. Her love delights in every gift of God — large and small.

Her love provides fertile soil for a child to grow in grace.”

— Author Unknown The above quote can help to guide us as we tackle the ordinary in family life.

In my early years as a mother, the “sacred in the ordinary” opened a new way of thinking for me. Finding the sacredness in the ordinary is very difficult when it comes to the washing of dishes and the unending laundry.

To find the sacred in the ordinary takes a conversion of one’s heart.

When mundane chores are only seen as work, then they are devoid of love.

But to do those acts of service with love and for the good of another, it then elevates our work to a sacred offering.

To embrace the sacred in the or-

dinary, soft words and gentle kisses administered to a crying child with scraped knees and elbows can heal the broken heart. Love comforts. To welcome the Kool-Aid lines that form at our backdoor, love serves. To feed our families from peanut butter sandwiches to a chicken dinner, love provides.

The presence of a mother as she listens to a child, love cares. When our love ministers to a child suffering from illness, love heals. When a child struggles from peer pressure, love strengthens. To model right and wrong for our children, love guides. And, when a family prays together, God’s love satisfies.

God gifts us with the ordinary, and it is for us to find the sacred in that gift. I remember the morning school run when the kids were young, and we began our search for the ordinary and thanking God for the gracious gifts he

had put into our school commute.

We began searching around God’s world in the neighborhood and finding people, things, or reasons to give God glory. From playful puppies and beautiful bluebirds, to the first blooming flowers of spring, to waving at a friend on the playground, to finding a parking spot at school, we could spend our time in the car prayerfully giving thanks to God for all the “ordinary” ways he touched our lives.

As mothers, it is in our everyday encounters, as we strive and struggle to live our lives worthy of the love of Christ, that we are graced by finding him revealed in the many ways that bless us, strengthen us, guide us and sustain us.

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

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • may 7, 2010

The Sound of Music Starting from practically nothing, Melissa Cain builds a top notch music program at Holy Cross School

Leaven photo by Steve Johnson

Melissa Cain leads the fifth-grade band in a performance on April 29. Cain took a band that was down to five students and built it into a program that now boasts more than 80.

By Steve Johnson

Special to The Leaven OVERLAND PARK — The halls of Holy Cross School here reverberated with applause the afternoon of April 29 in appreciation of the performance of three bands, a bell choir, a chorale group, and numerous individual and small group pieces.

No, the Philharmonic was not in town. Every performance was the work of one or more Holy Cross students — and one very special teacher.

In a time of budget cuts and staff reductions in fine arts programs across the country, Holy Cross enjoys a flourishing and robust grade school music program. Thanks to Melissa Cain.

“Melissa Cain came to us four years ago,” said Mary Jo Gates, principal of Holy Cross. “It was her first teaching job out of college and she just ran with it. She’s energetic. She’s enthusiastic. She doesn’t ask anything of the students that she doesn’t expect from herself.

“Her level of expectation from the kids is high,” continued Gates, “because that is her level of expectation from herself. She wants quality. That’s what she gives them, and that’s what they give back.”

Cain came to Holy Cross as one of three music teachers. In addition to teaching regular music classes for students from kindergarten through eighth grade, she was also charged with instructing the band. At the time,

Leaven photo by Steve Johnson

Cain does a quick fix on Murphy Obershaw’s flute the day of the concert. the band consisted of some 15 students, only five of which were returning.

“I just went into it with a lot of energy and I never thought it would get as big as it has,” Cain said. “I love music, and band was my thing, so that’s where a lot of my energy is. I had studied instrumental music in college. That’s my expertise. Plus the school wanted it and the community wanted it.”

Teaching the kindergartners gave Cain the chance to instill in her students a love of music at an early age, along with some basic technique. Through those early general music classes, she taught her students how much fun music can be

and prepared them to join the band by the time they reach the fifth grade.

“For me, it’s all about music appreciation. I thought it was important to make music a fun class where they could also learn,” she said. “There are tons of studies that show how [the study of music] correlates with math and science and history. It adds to self-esteem and it gives students another outlet.”

“At the same time, I can sort of hone my students a little bit to go into band,” she said with a grin. “So in fourth grade, we always start recorder. And we start them playing and recognizing the notes, so when

it comes time to join band, they will already have a head start. They’ll already know half of it.”

“That first year, it was really hard,” Cain recalled. “I literally had five kids raise their hands who were returning to band. Plus, I had band after school as an extracurricular activity. I went to every class and really had to build it up.

I started with 18 that first year, then it went to 40, then to 60, and to 80, and it just keeps growing.”

Cain attributes the success of the program in large part to the support of the administration.

“I really haven’t been able to give her a lot of budgetary support,” Gates said. “What I have really given to her is time, by incorporating the band class into the school day as opposed to after school.”

Cain is now the only music teacher at Holy Cross and without the move to offer band during class hours, she knows she could not have accomplished all she has.

And she has accomplished a lot.

There is a fifth-grade band, a sixthgrade band, a junior high band, a handbell choir, a vocal ensemble, and more.

She teaches individual instrument lessons before and after school, usually at no charge.

“They have to practice and they have to give up study hall for band class,” Cain said. “So there is a sacrifice on their part.”

Turn to “Music” on page 11

TOUCH OF HEAVEN Where SOLD means more Ed Pitko (913) 334-9000 (mobile) (913) 299-1600, ext. 112 (office) Over 26 years of reliable service

Catholic Store 119 SE 18th Topeka, KS (785) 232-2543

Hrs. T-F - 10 a.m. 5:30; Sat. 9 a.m. to noon

DeLeon Furniture

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

Contact Lenses • Eye Glasses

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