06-18-10 Vol. 31 No. 41

www.theleaven.com | Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas | Vol. 31, No. 41 June 18, 2010

Witness in Art

An icon is constructed through a series of steps using gold leaf and hand-mixed egg tempera.

The technique and all-natural materials are similar to those used centuries ago.

Students of the icon workshop sponsored by Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, display their almost complete projects. They are: (from left) Christine Abraham, Raphael Nguyen, instructor Cecelia Aguallo, workshop organizer Lisa Cummings and Kathie Hahn.

Story and Photos By Jill Ragar Esfeld

S

HAWNEE — “I’m probably the only podiatrist in the world who paints icons,” said Olathe Prince of Peace parishioner Raphael Nguyen during an iconography workshop sponsored by Good Shepherd Parish here.

Nguyen admitted that when he signed up for the intensive four-day

Do you know this man?

Tell us your favorite story about Father Mitchel Zimmerman. But keep it short (100 words) and send it to: anita@theleaven.com.

program, he was a little intimidated.

And his wife didn’t help.

“I saw it in the bulletin and my wife said, ‘You have no artistic ability. What are you going to do with this?’” he recalled.

“And I said, ‘You know what? I don’t care. It’s the theology and the spirituality behind it that draws me.’”

Nguyen, who recently completed his master’s in theology, never dreamed he would create something beautiful

Corpus Christi

Check out Elaina Cochran’s photos from the fourth annual joint Corpus Christi celebration.

8-9

enough to display in his office, but he did.

Workshop leader Cecelia Aguallo was not surprised.

From experience, Aguallo has learned that iconography is as much a spiritual journey as it is a creative process. Though the student does the work, God leads the way.

And God’s way is always beautiful.

Turn to “PAINTING” on page 4

Thank God it’s summer

But don’t take him for granted. Find out ways to make your summer a holy one.

16

2 Local News Golf scramble to benefit Sisters, Servants of Mary KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The 16th annual golf scramble to benefit the Sisters, Servants of Mary is scheduled for June 25 at Painted Hills Golf Course, 71st and Parallel Pkwy., here.

Registration for the golf scramble begins at 6:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast. The four-person scramble and shotgun start will be at 8 a.m. At 12:30 p.m., the Sisters will have their annual putting contest, followed by lunch and a brief awards program.

The golf event is open to men and women. The registration fee of $500 for a team of four or $125 per golfer includes breakfast, green fees, golf cart and lunch. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

The Men’s Support Group of the Sisters, Servants of Mary sponsors the annual event. The Sisters, Servants of Mary provide in-home nursing care for the homebound and seriously ill throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area, free of charge. For more information or a registration form for the golf scramble, contact George Gallup at (913) 342-5018 or send an e-mail to: ggallup@ kc.rr.com.

Father John Schmeidler receives TEC Heritage Award Festus, Mo. — Each year, the Teens Encounter Christ conference acknowledges individuals for their exemplary commitment to Catholic young people with a Heritage Award.

Among this year’s recipients is Father John Schmeidler, OFM Cap., pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Lawrence.

“On behalf of the TEC leadership council and conference staff, I would like to congratulate the recipients of the 2010 Heritage Awards,” said TEC conference executive director Ronald Reiter. “They have been a powerful example of paschal mystery spirituality. Their living witness has impacted the lives of those youth and young adults that have been a part of their faith journey. May the Lord continue to grace each of you with his presence as your faith journey continues to unfold.”

Since 1986, 55 people have been honored with this distinction. The selection of recipients is based on the individuals’ significant contribution and commitment to the TEC movement, specific services rendered, and general support offered on the local, regional, and national TEC level.

The other 2010 Heritage Award winners were: Rita Finn, Diocese of Pittsburgh; and Ralph Modena, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, W.Va.

THE LEAVEN • june 18, 2010

THE LEAVEN • june 18, 2010

Obituaries Sister Lorraine Leist, SCL LEAVENWORTH — Sister Lorraine Leist, 84, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, died on May 27 at the motherhouse, here.

Betty Leist was born on Feb. 27, 1926, in Swartz, Mo., one of three children of Emery and Ethel Shay Leist. She graduated from St. Vincent’s Academy in Kansas City, Mo., and entered the religious community of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth on Aug. 14, 1945. She was given the name Sister Lorraine and made her profession of vows on Aug. 15, 1947.

Sister Lorraine was involved in education ministry most of her life. For over 40 years she taught in elementary schools in Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming, serving as principal 29 of those years. She then served as education consultant for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas school office, director of student teachers for the University of Saint Mary off-campus program, and education coordinator for Kansas City Kansas Community College.

She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in elementary administration from the University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, and master’s in religious education from Catholic University, Washington, DC.

Sister Graciela Prouty, OSB ATCHISON — Sister Graciela Prouty, 91, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died June 7.

Sister Graciela was born in Huara, Tarapaca, Chile, the daughter of Gregorio Pardo Vargas and Adelaida Vegara Marin, the only sister of 12 brothers. After receiving a degree in chemistry and pharmacy from the University of Chile, she operated her own drugstore for 10 years. She later earned a master’s in Latin American literature from the University of Washington and taught at colleges in California and in the Bremerton, Wash., area.

She married Donald Prouty in 1959 and became a citizen of the United States in 1962. Her husband died in 1970. She became acquainted with Mount St. Scholastica after meeting two Sisters from the Mount at a convention in Madrid, Spain; they invited her to visit. She arrived in Atchison to announce that she was entering the Benedictine community, having been attracted by the monastic life. She made monastic profession in 1973.

Sister Graciela was the pharmacist in the community clinic, an instructor at Benedictine College, and a translator and interpreter for area businesses and hospital patients. She translated into English the novel by Father Pedro Rubio, “Lamps of Fire,” based on the life of Sor Teresa of the Andes, the first Chilean saint. Of her work, Sister Graciela wrote that she hoped it would “provide inspiration and encouragement for many interested in the human struggle to find God in the changing conditions of life.”

Sister Michael Mary Whelan, SCL LEAVENWORTH — Sister Michael Mary Whelan, 81, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth died on June 12 at the motherhouse. Born on April 8, 1929, in Kansas City, Kan., Mary Loretta was the only child of Michael and Emma Frances Crisman Whelan. She graduated from St. Rose of Lima Grade School and Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kan., and entered the religious community of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth on Aug. 14, 1947. She made her profession of vows on Aug. 15, 1949, and was given the name Sister Michael Mary.

She received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth. For 40 years, she taught in parochial elementary schools in California, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, and Oklahoma. Sister Michael Mary was active in volunteer ministry at the motherhouse and with the Sisters in Ross Hall before retiring in August 2004.

Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

June 21 Lunch with Bishop Prasad from India Mass and pastoral council meeting

June 22 Administrative Team meeting Mass and dinner with Johnson County Serrans — Prince of Peace, Olathe

Hayden High School auction dinner June 25 Morning prayer and welcome for the Association of Catechetical Ministry board — Savior Pastoral Center Mass and dinner for high school camp — Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg June 27 2 p.m. Mass for 50th wedding anniversaries — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kan. Benefit dinner for Catholic Radio June 30 Catholic Education Foundation meeting — Holy Name, Kansas City, Kan. Donnelly College board social

Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar

June 18 “The Catholic Way” radio taping June 19 Wedding June 20 Mass — Federal prison June 21 Meeting with Bishop Prasad from India June 27 To Rome June 29 Bishop Listecki receives pallium in Rome June 30 Papal audience

701 North 94th Street * Kansas City, Kansas 66112 * (913) 334-3366 Funeral Home * Cemetery * Cremation Services

Villa St. Francis

‘Brothers in Jesus Christ’

By Dan Madden

Special to The Leaven ATCHISON — Joined in scholarship, brotherhood and hospitality, two young monks stood before one bishop to give themselves to Christ in ordination — one as a deacon; the other as a priest.

Brother Jeremy Heppler, a monk of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison, hails from Wichita, a former cowtown on the windswept Kansas plains. His fellow theology student, Brother Cassiano Magalhães de Souza, is from the Abbey of Our Lady of Assumption of São Bento Monastery in the mighty metropolis of São Paulo, Brazil — one of the world’s largest cities.

The two monks got to know each other while studying at St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pa. Brother Jeremy was a year ahead of Brother Casssiano. When the Brazilian merely mentioned that his abbot wished him to be ordained in the United States, Brother Jeremy, who was to be ordained a priest at his abbey, seized the initiative and called his abbot.

Abbot Barnabas Senecal at St. Benedict’s quickly gave his permission, as did Archbishop Joseph Naumann. The unique joint ordination took place on June 5.

For Brother Jeremy, sharing his ordination with Brother Cassiano didn’t detract from his celebration, but enhanced and expanded it.

“My heart leapt at the idea,” he said. “This was a natural fit. Of course, there was our natural connection with Brazil. We have a priory there. But there is also a strong international flavor at St. Vincent’s. I knew Abbot Barnabas and our community and Archbishop Naumann would welcome this opportunity to celebrate the universality of the church.”

Brother Cassiano, who came to St. Benedict’s Abbey three weeks before ordination to get to know the community he would be celebrating with, was effusive in his gratitude.

“Even though he invited me, I was worried,” he said. “I told him, ‘It is your day, your family.’ But he said, ‘I invited you. You didn’t ask.’ I don’t know how to thank him. My abbot says he is amazing for doing this.”

Archbishop Naumann blended the two ordination rituals seamlessly.

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

W

e have the newest and nicest funeral home in Wyandotte County, right across the street from St. Patrick’s Church. Personalize a Funeral, Cemetery or Memorial Service all from one office, instead of driving all over town making plans. We even accept many pre-arranged plans from other funeral homes. To receive a free Personal Planning Guide, call or stop in today.

Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB, performs the laying on of hands ritual during the ordination of Brother Jeremy Heppler to the priesthood. Brother Jeremy willingly shared his ordination with Brother Cassiano. The two became friends studying together at St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pa.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann anoints the hands of Brother Cassiano Magalhães de Souza from the Abbey of Our Lady of Assumption of São Bento Monastery in São Paulo, Brazil, on June 5 at St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison.

June 23 Catholic Education Foundation pre-event with Inspiring Women speakers June 24 Catholic Education Foundation’s Inspiring Women luncheon

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

Brother Cassiano Magalhães de Souza (left) and Brother Jeremy Heppler stand before Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at their ordination ceremony on June 5. Though Brother Cassiano is from Brazil, his bishop wanted him to be ordained in the United States. Brother Jeremy, who got to know Brother Cassiano in the seminary, jumped at the chance to share his ordination with his friend.

“Brother Cassiano and Brother Jeremy, you began your lives thousands of miles apart, but were united intimately many years ago through the waters of baptism, becoming brothers in Jesus Christ,” he said.

“You were bound even more closely by your solemn profession as monks of the order of St. Benedict.

“Today, you become connected in another unique and beautiful way as you are ordained respectively as deacon and as priest in this same ordination liturgy.”

Though separated most of their lives, the two men have had the same “life of Christ flowing through their souls,” the archbishop said. “You have answered the Lord’s call to come and follow him as monks living the ancient Rule of St. Benedict. You now offer your lives again to serve your respective abbeys — as well as the broader church — as ordained ministers, preaching the Gospel and administering the sacraments.”

The ordination Mass included a Brazilian custom in which the families of the two men presented them with the vestments of their ministry.

“This beautiful tradition makes clear symbolically that you present yourselves for ordination having been clothed by the faith of your families — particularly your parents, who have been your first and most influential teachers of the faith,” the archbishop said. “Family and friends have been the human instruments that God has used to form you and clothe you in the virtues and talents that you will need to serve your communities and the people of God as ordained ministers.”

“Brother Cassiano and Brother Jeremy, you began your lives thousands of miles apart, but were united intimately many years ago through the waters of baptism, becoming brothers in Jesus Christ.

”

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Reporter KARA HANSEN kara@theleaven.com

For the newly ordained Father Jeremy, the symbolism was striking. He recalled the night he was first encouraged to consider the priesthood.

“I was working as a director of religious education [when] a man who was very active in our Knights of Columbus walked into my office,” he said. “I can remember it like a photograph. It was a cold winter night. He took off his gray hat and stuck it over his heart and said, ‘I think you would be a good priest.’ I thanked him and he walked out.

“Since that moment, priesthood has seemed a natural fit to me. And God has used many more people along the way to guide me.”

Father Jeremy taught high school along with his work as a director of religious education in a parish before coming to the monastery. He will teach and serve as chaplain at Maur Hill-Mount Academy, a Catholic college preparatory school in Atchison sponsored by the abbey monks and the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica.

Brother Cassiano will return to his theology studies at St. Vincent’s.

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

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.

4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • June 18, 2010

THE LEAVEN • june 18, 2010

Painting process is both complex and prayerful Continued from page 1

The Prosopon School of Iconography

Spreading the Word

Good Shepherd parishioner Lisa Cummings organized the workshop.

Although she does have a degree in art, Cummings also has eight children.

For many years, her artistic talents were employed entertaining them. Then one day she saw a display of icons done by a nun in Atchison.

“It was like a hammer over the head,” she said. “I thought, ‘This is what I’m supposed to do!’”

Cummings started searching the Internet for information on iconography and found the Prosopon School. She attended one of its workshops in Denver, where she met Aguallo.

“After I’d been to three of their workshops, I just wanted to bring it to Kansas City,” she said. “I started e-mailing Cecelia, and she said she would be willing to come here and do a workshop.”

Aguallo, a longtime student and instructor in the Prosopon method, has produced many icons and is in an iconographers’ guild at St. Dominic Parish in Denver.

Her own fascination with iconography started when her mother died 17 years ago and she found a small icon among her belongings.

Inspired by its beauty, Aguallo kept the icon as a memento.

“And it just kept calling to me,” she said.

She answered the call in 2002, when she attended her first Prosopon workshop.

“When I went in, it was like I finally knew what I was meant to be when I grew up,” she said. “It’s like I’d been a sojourner until then.”

Not only had she found an outlet for her creativity, she’d also discovered a method for increasing her faith and deepening her relationship with God. Because Aguallo believed that other Catholics would be as “on fire for this” as she was, she was determined to share what she’d discovered.

She started off by assisting in workshops, but eventually she designed one she could lead on her own.

“I’ve been blessed,” she said. “God’s been very good to me to allow me to help other people find out how to do this and understand that everything you do has a meaning.

“Everything.”

Paint and prayer

The process of creating an icon is complex and deeply symbolic — from the angle of the board’s grain, which must move up toward heaven, to the ap-

The Prosopon School of Iconography teaches icon-writing in the Byzantine-Russian tradition. Its Web site features information on the history and process of iconography, as well as a schedule of workshops it offers.

The next workshop in the Kansas City area will be held June 6-11, 2011. For more information visit the Web site at: www.prosoponschool. org, or contact Lisa Cummings at (913) 221-5928 or send an e-mail to her at: lrckc@sbglobal.net.

Living icons

Workshop leader Cecelia Aguallo, who studies with the Prosopon School of Iconography, offers Christine Abraham some tips on completing her icon. plication of each layer of the image.

The work is done in a contemplative atmosphere. The iconographer uses gold leaf and egg-tempera paints that are hand-mixed using natural pigments similar to those used by ancient masters of the art.

The image is built through layers of color, highlights and transparent washes called “floats.”

Every color, texture and brush stroke has meaning, and each step is accomplished with deep reflection and prayer.

Ascension parishioner Kathie Hahn has a background in nursing, but decided to take the workshop because of her love for Renaissance art.

She admitted that when she began the workshop, she was praying to St. Jude — the patron saint of impossible causes. But she’s been surprised by the creative and spiritual journey that has drawn her so close to fellow students.

“So much goes into making this icon,” she said. “There are a lot of layers, there’s a lot of depth, there’s a lot of prayer. We’ve had fun laughing and praying and fretting together.”

Students begin each day with a traditional iconographer’s prayer and continue to pray throughout the day.

“I encourage them to remember the

Jesus prayer: ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a poor sinner,’” said Aguallo.

Another prayer, she said, involves you praying Jesus’ name as you inhale, and “I belong to you” as you exhale.

“I am praying constantly while I’m doing it,” explained Hahn as she painted. “That He guides my hand and makes me worthy to do this.”

To give her students confidence in their ability to conquer the complex art of iconography, Aguallo admits to them that her prayer in her first workshop was simply, “Help me, God. Please.”

The key, she said, is relying on God to guide the work.

“Like Saint Francis said, ‘Let us be an instrument of your peace’ — that’s what we are, instruments,” she explained.

“Anything good on my board definitely comes from Christ. There’s nothing I can do of myself.”

It’s that attitude that helped Nguyen accomplish the task.

“We follow good instructions and we give up everything,” he said. “We are just instruments. It’s not about perfection.

“It’s about the image and who’s behind it.”

Aguallo said her mission is to help students understand that icons are part of our Catholic heritage and we belong to them as much as they belong to us.

“We’re all living icons,” she explained. “We’re all in the process of formation.”

To bring home that point, Aguallo chose an image of John the Baptist for her students to start with.

“John’s journey as a witness for Christ is mirrored by the iconographer,” she said. “With every step we take, we are witnessing.”

Curé of Ars, Leawood, parishioner Alice Carman is a professional artist, specializing in water color. She just finished a master’s in art history and signed up for the workshop because she has an interest in Byzantine art.

“Cecelia is a wonderful instructor,” she said. “Being an artist, I’m very interested in the process and, of course, you don’t read about the spiritual aspects of the process when you study art history.”

Good Shepherd parishioner Christine Abraham was inspired to take the workshop when she saw an icon Cummings had made as a gift for her father-in-law.

“I just thought it was absolutely gorgeous,” she said. “I looked at it as a piece of art, but when you tie in the spiritual, it’s a thing of beauty.”

The process of making an icon is so personal that Aguallo said when she parts with one, it’s like giving away one of her children. But she loves knowing that her icons will continue to witness long after she is gone.

“Thank you, God. That’s a legacy I’m looking forward to,” she said. “Sometimes I feel such humility because God uses a sinner like me to do something like this.”

Giving is part of the process. As a reminder of that, Aguallo said, the last line the iconographer adds to the board is always pure white.

“For the purity of God,” she explained. “And also a reminder that there’s another empty board waiting for the iconographer to paint.”

LOCAL NEWS 5

Ancient church order supports Christians in the Holy Land

By BOB HART

Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher: a history

Special to The Leaven

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Though their roots lie in the Crusades of the 11th century, the Equestrian Order of the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher remain passionately active a millennium later — globally as well as locally.

“Our main goal is to support the remaining Christians and holy sites in the Holy Land,” said St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner John Muehlberger, who, with his wife Joanie, serves as area counselor for the knights and ladies in the archdiocese.

Among those sites is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the basilica in Jerusalem built over what is believed to be the tomb of Christ.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann is grand prior of the Northern Lieutenancy for the order. (In the United States, the order is divided into “lieutenancies” by region; the Northern Lieutenancy comprises eight states, including Kansas.)

“The decades of tension between Israel and Palestinian Muslims have resulted in a tremendous exodus of Christians from the Middle East, and especially from the Holy Land,” said Archbishop Naumann. “There is little economic opportunity for Palestinian Christians.”

Michael La Civita, assistant secretary for communications with the Catholic Near East Welfare Association, cited social, cultural and economic influences for the rapid decrease in Christian population, as well as frustration with the ongoing political situation.

“Christians in the Holy Land are an important moderating influence,” La Civita said. “If you lose that population, what will you have left? Extremist religious states . . . [and] that can be very dangerous.”

La Civita also posed the question: “Who’s going to run all the [Christian] institutions if all the Christians have been run out of town?”

The local knights’ and ladies’ efforts include the sponsorship of priests, Sisters and seminarians in the Holy

Tom Martin, Ben Zarda, Betty Zarda and Mickey Zarda joined Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on May 26 for a Knights of the Holy Sepulcher Mass.

By the numbers:

Christians in the Holy Land* ISRAEL Total population: 7,337,000 Christian population: 147,000 Percentage: 2% PALESTINE (West Bank and Gaza) Total population: 3,800,000 Christian population: 40,000 Percentage: 1% *Approximate, as of October 2008.

Source: CNEWA, a papal agency for humanitarian and pastoral support (www.cnewa.org)

Land. Archbishop Naumann, who will lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in October, emphasized the importance of the order’s work there.

“I have been a member of the Equestrian Order of the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem for more than 12 years,” the archbishop said. “My membership in the order and my pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1997 made me more aware of the need to assist the Christian community in the Holy Land.

Moreover, I found visiting the Holy Land to be a transforming experience

The Blaufuss Team “We want to help you and your family with real estate”

Re/max Realty Suburban, Inc. 12701 W. 87th Pkwy.

Lenexa, KS 66215

Contact Jim: 913-226-7442 Contact Julie & Marilyn: 913-647-7118 Office Line: 913-647-7132 We LOVE Referrals!

jimblaufuss@aol.com | www.BlaufussTeam.com

— deepening my faith and enriching my understanding of the Gospel.

“It is important that Christians have the opportunity to visit the biblical sites and particularly the places made sacred by the birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus.

I am, therefore, honored to give my time and energy to support the work of this ancient order of the church.”

La Civita said that, because of the demand for tourism dollars, U.S. Christians are not at risk of being cut off from visiting the holy sites. Palestinian Christians are not so fortunate, however, as they are viewed as security risks and are therefore banned from the sites.

“It would be a great tragedy to lose entirely the [permanent] Christian presence in the Holy Land,” Archbishop Naumann said. “The Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher labor heroically to assist the Christians in the Holy Land and to preserve the shrines made sacred by the life and ministry of Jesus.”

Those interested in possible membership in the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher may contact John or Joanie Muehlberger at (913) 4415061 for more information.

In the year 1070, Jerusalem was conquered by the Seljuk Turks, who immediately suppressed Christianity and frequently captured, murdered, or sold into slavery Christian pilgrims on their journey to the Holy Sepulcher.

Pope Urban II answered by preaching the first Crusade.

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem can trace its origins to Godfrey de Bouillon of the first Crusade, who gathered a group of knights who were entrusted with the protection of the religious Chapter of Canons who were present at the Holy Sepulcher of Christ.

For 20 years, these knights — and those who came to join their number — protected the Christian presence at the Holy Sepulcher, taking as their banner the red Jerusalem cross popularized by the crusading knights. By 1113, Pope Paschal II officially recognized their existence and purpose.

The new constitution of the order was promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1977, and the order now enjoys protection under canon law. This constitution clearly sets forth the reasons for its continued existence: “The Order relives in a modern manner the spirit and ideal of the Crusades, with the arms of faith, of the apostolate, and of Christian charity.

To this end the Order (a) fosters in its members the practice of the Christian life; (b) is zealous for the preservation and spread of the faith in Palestine; (c) champions the defense of the rights of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, the cradle of the Order.”

The Equestrian Order [grew] tremendously in defense of the faith during the twentieth century. With a strong allegiance to the papacy, serving it as soldiers of Christ, the members of the order are linked to the church in a unique way, carrying with membership in the order a responsibility of faithful witness, as well as the dignity of being in the service of the papacy.

— Excerpted from the official Web site of the Equestrian Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher (www.holysepulchre.net)

planning?

Creative Planning, managing over $1.3 billion in assets.

Financial planning, wealth management, retirement planning, charitable giving Mark Henke JD, (913) 742-7209 henke@thinkingbeyond.com

6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • june 18, 2010

THE LEAVEN • june 18, 2010

Lucky 7

Special age group reporting, archbishop’s column among Leaven’s winning entries an experience he had recently at O’Hare airport in Chicago. All focused on celebrating life, in one way or another. Well KANSAS CITY, Kan. — For the 19th written.”

“As soon as I realized that the CPA consecutive year, The Leaven emerged a winner at the annual Catholic Press As- was introducing a new category for sociation convention, held this year in bishops’ columns,” said managing editor Anita McSorley, “I knew that I wanted New Orleans, June 2-4.

The newspaper took home seven to enter the archbishop’s. The question honors, including first-place recog- was, which ones, since we had to subnition for reporting on special age mit three. There had been two dramatic groups — teenagers and young adults events that took place in the calendar — and a second place honor for Arch- year we were submitting for — the apbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s regular pointment of Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of Health and Human Services, column.

“Youth Reigns,” by The Leaven staff, and the shooting of Dr. George Tiller — and the archbishop had was honored for Best Rewritten on both of them, porting on Teenagers, with Download copies so those were sort of slam judges calling it “a standof all The Leaven’s dunks.” out combination of words award-winning “But for the third, I seand pictures that put readstories at: www. lected one of my own faers on the scene with contheleaven.com vorites — an account of an text and insight.” Judges experience he shared with also praised the “fine writsome fellow travelers at the airport. I aling and sharply focused reporting.”

Jill Ragar Esfeld topped all entries in ways like it when columnists — and esBest Reporting on Young Adults, with pecially priests and archbishops — show “Jayhawker Evangelization.” Judges said, their human side. And in this column,” “The writer grabs the attention from the she added, “you really get a glimpse of start and never lets go. Her vivid descrip- a side of the archbishop that probably a tions keep readers engaged. She doesn’t lot of our readers never get to see.”

The Leaven received two other secondshy away from tough questions these Catholic students are asked or the diffi- place honors, both for Joe Bollig, in the culty students have when first explaining categories of Best Headline and the special Knights of Columbus Father Michael their faith to other students.”

“Every year, the awards give us an J. McGivney Award for Distinguished Voladditional reason to be grateful for our unteer Journalism.

Other awards were third place for great freelancers — in this case, Jill Esfeld,” said editor Father Mark Goldasich. Best Front Page (Tabloid) to Todd Hab“Jill came to our attention years ago iger and an honorable mention for Jill when The Leaven did a story on her and Ragar Esfeld in the National Right to the Madonnas she painted. Since then, Life’s Excellence in Journalism competishe’s become practically a member of tion, for “An Open Heart.”

Habiger’s recognition in the Best the staff — first as a writer, and now as a writer/photographer. The story that Front Page competition marks the sixth won appeared on the front page, and time in the past seven years that he has was both written and photographed by placed in that category, including four her, so it was especially nice to see her first-place finishes.

“It’s always an honor to do so well honored for her dual efforts.”

In a brand new CPA category, Best in this category because there are so Regular Column by a Bishop or Arch- many well-designed Catholic papers out bishop, judges praised Archbishop Nau- there,” Habiger said. “My goal with demann’s “Life Will be Victorious,” calling sign is to make the reader want to pick it “appropriately named . . . two of the up the paper and start reading right submitted columns focused on the pro- away.” life movement and another was about

By BOB HART

Special to The Leaven

The Leaven’s 2010 Catholic Press Association Awards

s 1st Place, Best Reporting on Teenagers: “Youth Reigns,” by The Leaven staff

s 1st Place, Best Reporting on Young Adults: “Jayhawker Evangelization,” by Jill Ragar Esfeld

s 2nd Place, Best Regular Column by a Bishop or Archbishop: “Life will be Victorious,”

by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann

s 2nd Place, Knights of Columbus Father Michael J. McGivney Award for Distinguished Volunteer Journalism: “Lords of the Shelves,” by Joe Bollig

s 2nd Place, Best Headline: “Beads Prepared: Scout project puts rosaries in troops’ hands,” by Joe Bollig

s 3rd Place, Best Front Page (Tabloid): Todd Habiger

s Honorable Mention, National Right to Life Excellence in Journalism Award: “An Open Heart,”

by Jill Ragar Esfeld

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

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

Charlotte (Lee) and Edward Mehrer Jr., members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary anniversaries on June 18.

The couple was married at St. Elizabeth Church in Kansas City, Mo. Their children and their spouses are: Stephen and Cara Mehrer, Dublin, Ohio; Kathleen and Paul Miller, Overland Park; Michael Mehrer, Birmingham, Ala.; Mark and Kristen Mehrer, Prairie Village; and Christine and Brett Schoenfeld, Leawood. They also have 16 grandchildren.

Norman J. and Mary Kay (Redmond) Coakley Jr., members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends on June 19 in the parish hall. The couple was married on June 18, 1960, at St. Therese Little Flower Church in Kansas City, Mo. They have five children, 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

Gary R. and Rita M. (Hochard) Smutny, members of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 18. The couple was married on June 18, 1960, at St. Patrick Church, Coal Creek. A family celebration is planned for Aug. 28, with a Mass at Mother Teresa, followed by a dinner and dance for family and invited guests.

Their children and their spouses are: Annette and Douglas Roach, Topeka; Tammy and Mark Conley, Topeka; Michelle and David Martin, Leawood; Brenda and Jeremy Kebert, Topeka; Jennifer and Scott Bauer, Manhattan; and John and Brittany Smuntny, Wichita. They also have 16 grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

Donna (Oswald) and Thomas Dieker, members of St. Teresa Parish, Westphalia, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 4. The couple was married on July 4, 1960, at St. Teresa. They will celebrate with a Mass and dinner for family and invited guests. There will be a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. at St. Teresa hall, Westphalia.

Their children and their spouses are: Doug and Donna Dieker, Westphalia; Christine and Russ Gardner, Jefferson, Md.; Jeff and Paula Dieker, Iola; Monica and Denny Creitz, Wichita; and Denise and Marc Kissinger, Lawrence. They also have 12 grandchildren.

Millie (Kamer) and Normand Landry, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Topeka, will mark their 50th wedding anniversary on June 18. The couple was married on June 18, 1960, at Sacred Heart.

The couple will celebrate with a family dinner hosted by their children and their spouses: Renee and Robert Smith, Michelle and Larry Valentine, Annette and Ron Shirrell, and Norm Jr. and Donna Landry. They also have 13 grandchildren.

Doris (Krapfl) and Pat Kapsch, members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 25. The couple was married on June 25, 1960, at the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, Dyersville, Iowa. They will celebrate with a weekend gathering of their family at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Their children and their spouses are: Anne and Tim Harrison, Overland Park; Susan and Bill Frerking, Alpharetta, Ga.; Lisa Oliver, Leawood; and Julie and David Ward, Overland Park. They also have 11 grandchildren.

Alfred and Mary (Pickert) Roecker, members of St. Patrick Parish, Emerald, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with family. The couple was married on June 24, 1950, at St. Agnes Church, Roeland Park.

Their children and their spouses are: Marcia and Bill Evans, Andover; Dean and Cathy Roecker, Dewey, Okla.; Joan and Rick Carter, Overbrook; Beverly and Randy Thomas, Rosehill; Rhonda and Don Hogan, Waverly; Dale and Regina Roecker, Ottawa; Daniel and Kim Roecker, Wann, Okla.; and David and Susan Roecker, Elkhorn, Neb. They also have 37 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Ed and Dee (Forge) Heintzelman, members of Immaculate Conception Parish, Leavenworth, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 11. The couple was married on June 11, 1960, at the Old Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception by Msgr.

Alexander M. Harvey. They celebrated with a blessing of their marriage and with a party hosted by their children. Their children and their spouses are: Lisa and Ron Lake, Leavenworth; Lori Heintzelman, Boulder, Colo.; Chris and Melanie Heintzelman, Metamore, Ill.; Leslie and Steve Navinsky, Winchester; Lynn and Brian Cullen, Roseville, Calif.; and Libby and Shane Ling, Platte City, Mo. They also have nine grandchildren.

Dolores and John Mooneyham, members of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on June 17. The couple was married at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan. Their children and their spouses are: John and Beverly Mooneyham, Kansas City, Kan.; and Kelly and Tom Taylor, Leawood. They also have a grandson. A family dinner is planned in celebration.

“Let us show you the many options available when you prearrange your funeral services.”

DeLeon Furniture

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

Funeral home • crematory • Memorial chapels 10901 Johnson Drive Shawnee, Kansas 66203 Telephone 913-631-5566 Fax 913-631-2236 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.

www.amosfamily.com Gregg Amos

LOCAL NEWS 7 Jo (Jardon) and Ray Braun, members of Assumption Parish, Edgerton, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on June 20 with family. The couple was married on June 24, 1950, at St. Agnes Church, Roeland Park. Their children and their spouses are: Bill Braun; Mary Jo and Gary Sutton; Teresa and Mark Schrimp; Steve and Helene Braun; and Linda and Gary Anderson. They also have 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Howard and Patricia Ferguson, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 26. The couple was married June 25, 1960, at Redemptorist Church in Kansas City, Mo. Their children and their spouses are: Jackie and David Bergman; Bryan and Elaine Ferguson; and Mike and Becky Ferguson. They also have six grandchildren. A family celebration is planned after Mass at Redemptorist Church.

Ernest and Carolyn (Schmidling) DeMaranville, members of St. Joseph-St. Lawrence Parish in Easton, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 26 with a Mass of thanksgiving, a dinner and a reception. The couple was married on June 27, 1960. Their children and their spouses are: Gail and Dean Zule, Rita and Tim Herken, Richard and Lisa DeMaranville, Mark and Carol DeMaranville, and Paul and Sherry DeMaranville. They have 20 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

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

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

K

Taking the faith to the city’s Heart Photos by Elaina Cochran

ANSAS CITY, Mo. — The heart of the Catholic faith was brought to the heart of the Central Business District here during the annual Corpus Christi procession on June 6.

For the past three years the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas have held a joint-diocesan celebration of this feast. This year, the devotions were held at the Oratory of Old St. Patrick, at Eighth and Cherry streets.

The devotions began with Benediction and adoration at the oratory at 1 p.m., followed by the procession at 2:30 p.m. The procession started at the oratory and proceeded around Illus Davis Park, led by Bishop Robert W. Finn of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. During the procession, the Eucharist was processed past the newly built headquarters of J.E. Dunn Construction, Inc., city hall, and the federal courthouse.

Hundreds of people took part in the procession or knelt in the park and on sidewalks as the Eucharist was carried past them. Many lingered afterward to view the oratory, which had been built as a parish church for Irish immigrants in 1875. It was designated an exclusive Latin Mass church by Bishop Finn in 2005 and underwent an extensive renovation from 2005 to 2008.

12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment Office assistant - Full-time position available. Customer service preferred. Must have good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. Good computer skills a must. Starting pay is $9 per hour. Call Nikki at (913) 438-7767.

Assistant volleyball coaches - Bishop Ward High School is seeking freshman and junior varsity volleyball assistant coaches. For information, contact Greg Duggins, athletic director, at (913) 371-1201.

Transportation coordinator - Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ Foster Grandparent Program is accepting applications for the part-time position of transportation coordinator. This position will provide coordination of all functions related to volunteer transportation aspects of the FGP, as well as provide monthly reports to KDOT and FMCSA, scheduling of drivers, vehicle maintenance and repair and creation of bus routes. CDL Class C passenger endorsement required. Cover letter and resume detailing transportation and office experience must be addressed to: Charlotte Melson, Foster Grandparent Program Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, 2220 Central, Kansas City, KS 66102 or send, via e-mail, to: cmelson@catholiccharitiesks.org. Application deadline is June 30. EOE. Academic advisor – Donnelly College, a private, Catholic college located in the heart of Kansas City, Kan., is seeking a full-time academic advisor. This exciting opportunity requires an individual who is highly flexible, attentive to details, works well with a diverse array of constituencies, possesses superior communication skills, and seeks excellence. For a complete job description, visit the Web site at: www.donnelly.edu and view our Career Opportunities page. Applicants should e-mail their cover letter and resume to: hr@donnelly.edu.

Full-time director of liturgy and music - Sacred Heart Parish, 300 S. Ridgeview, Warrensburg, Mo., is seeking an organized, faith-filled person with excellent people skills to coordinate and implement all liturgical and musical programs of the parish. Candidates should be proficient in playing both the organ and piano, and have choir-directing experience. Responsibilities include: working collaboratively with pastor and staff; forming a liturgy committee; preparing all the liturgical ministers; and developing a coherent music ministry for education programs and the congregation. Salary follows Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph guidelines. Inquiries may be submitted via e-mail to Dr. Edwin Quistorff, chair of the search committee, at: sacredheartparish@embarqmail.com.

Child care director – St. Joseph Church, Shawnee, is seeking a director for its early education center, serving children from infants through 8th grade. St. Joseph is a faith-filled environment that includes Catholic teachings in its curriculum. Qualified candidates will be licensed for more than 100 children, have a minimum of two years experience as a program director, curriculum building and state compliance experience, as well as experience in marketing early education programs. Send resume to: St. Joseph Church, attn: VC, 5901 Flint, Shawnee, KS 66203.

Director of nursing — Put your nursing skills and administrative expertise to work in a ministry of the archdiocesan church. Join Villa St. Francis as our director of nursing for a lead role in continuing our commitment to quality, compassionate care. Villa St. Francis is a 170-bed skilled nursing facility located in Olathe and sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. We are seeking a dedicated and experienced leader who will oversee implementation of a person-centered philosophy and team approach to skilled nursing and specialized services in our Catholic nursing facility. Visit www.villasf.org for more information about the Villa. The Villa is an equal opportunity employer and provides competitive salaries and benefits. E-mail your resume to: john@villasf.org; fax it to: (913) 829-5399; or submit it in person at 16600 W. 126th St., Olathe, KS 66062.

English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher – Conception Seminary, Conception, Mo., is accepting applications for this permanent, nine-month, full-time position starting Aug. 10. Fluency in Spanish and recent ESL teaching experience are required. Direct intercultural experience plus knowledge of and experience with computerassisted instruction and ESL certification are preferred.

Send letter of application, curriculum vitae, transcripts and contact information of three professional references to: Dr. Elizabeth McGrath, Academic Dean, Conception Seminary College, P.O. Box 502, Conception, MO 644330502 or send, via e-mail, to: emcgrath@conception.edu.

Half-time youth minister - We are seeking an enthusiastic youth minister to plan, enhance and support youth activities for our Jr. and Sr. high youth ministry programs. The youth minister would also help coordinate our confirmation program for grades 7 - 8. Applicants must truly love working with youth and enjoy practicing and sharing our faith. Computer, organizational and interpersonal skills are required. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Send resume, via e-mail, to Pat Shultz at: pats@corpuschristilks.org.

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 18, 2010 Teaching positions – St. James Academy High School, Lexena, is seeking a part-time American Sign Language teacher and a full-time drama/speech teacher.

Applicants must be licensed. Mail resume to: Mr. Andy Tylicki, St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa, KS 66227.

Director of music - For Ascension Parish in Overland Park. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone interested in inheriting a fine music program and taking it to the next level. For a complete job description, send an e-mail to: AscensionChurch@kcascension.org or visit the Web site at: www.kcascension.org. Mail resumes to: Music Search Committee, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, KS 66213.

Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City and Emporia areas.

This position is ideal for a determined, high-energy, highexpectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-thanaverage income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; or call (785) 364-5450.

Part-time bowling machine mechanic - St. John’s Catholic Club, Kansas City, Kan., is looking for someone to maintain a six-lane house in the church’s men’s club.

All late model 1960s Brunswick equipment. Call Kenny at (913) 788-9758.

College counselor – St. James Academy High School, Lenexa, is seeking a full-time college counselor. Mail resume to: Mr. Andy Tylicki, St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa, KS 66227.

Services Need a ride? Where to? I am available to take you to your doctor’s appointment, hairdresser or shopping.

Maybe you aren’t driving anymore or just prefer a chauffeur; I’ll get you there. I can also run errands for you or do the grocery shopping. Just give me a call to discuss your needs. Johnson County only. Call (913) 469-6211 or (816) 806-0564.

Piano lessons - Experienced teacher. Caring and positive environment. Students excel quickly. Call (913) 338-3022.

My Accountant LLC - My Accountant will assist with all of your bookkeeping, payroll and tax needs. For a list of services, visit the Web site at: myaccountant-cb.com or call Charles at (913) 948-9535. Member of St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park.

Computer repair/virus and spyware removal/PC upgrades - Microsoft certified; 10 yrs. experience. Member of Sacred Heart Parish. Call Matt at (816) 876-6619 or send an e-mail to: mattcomputerfix@gmail.com.

Summer tutoring available - Grades K - 12 in various subjects. For information, call (913) 206-2151 or send an e-mail to: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

Golf lessons that last! All ages, all skill levels. Individual or group lessons; reasonable rates; certified teaching professional. Member of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park. Call Mike at (816) 522-3847. Virtus trained. To play better golf today . . . call Mike.

Long term care insurance - Plans are designed to help you protect your assets. Most people do not want to be a burden when they need care. I am a broker representing numerous carriers. Give me a call and I can help determine if the insurance is right for you. Mark Durkin CLTC, (913) 205-4871.

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) 244-5838. www.

GreenSolutionsKC.com.

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

Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, at (913) 909-2002.

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) 2484412.

Counseling - Topeka area. Child and adolescent, individual, marriage and family therapy. Ken Zweig, LSCSW, Shunga Creek Mental Health. Call (785) 969-5308.

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 18, 2010 Housecleaning - Charmaine will provide you with excellent service you can depend on. Years of experience in satisfying customers. Serving the greater metro area.

Call Charmaine at (913) 972-7900.

Housecleaning - Woman with over 30 years of cleaning experience is seeking new clients. Reliable and honest.

Call Sandy at (913) 956-1626.

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 Do you need a caregiver or companion for your loved one? I am reliable, flexible and have fourteen years of experieince. I am looking for employment in the south KC metro area. References available. Call (913) 944-8305.

Caregiver - Forty-year-old woman with years of experience and excellent references available to care for your loved one in their home. Flexible hours — days, nights, and weekends. Contact Kara at (913) 909-6659.

Caregiver - Everyone deserves the BesCare for their loved ones at n 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 part time 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.

Do you or your parents need help at home? - For as little as $60 per week, Benefits of Home-Senior Care can provide assistance with personal care, shopping and many other daily needs. For details, visit our Web site at: benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

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.

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

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

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

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376 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) 963-9896.

Clutter Getting You Down?- Let Us Help You Get Organized! For a free consultation, contact Kevin, your professional organizer/handyman, at (913) 271-5055. Insured/ references. www.KOATindustries.com.

Misc.

Sell your car here! If you have a car you want to sell, I can pick it up today. Call Bob at Boulevard Auto 101 on Southwest Boulevard, Kansas City, Kan. Call (913) 4064213.

Donate a vehicle. Make a difference. Donate your vehicle to Catholic Charities to support those in need.

Your tax-deductible donation of a vehicle helps children and families served by Catholic Charities and is an environmentally responsible way to recycle your vehicle. Cars for KC Kids is a partnership between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Catholic Charities of Kansas City St. Joseph. Call 1 (866) 430-9499 or visit the Web site at: www.cars4kckids.com.

Ma’s Country Antique Mall, Basehor - Booth space available. In business for over 15 years. We buy antiques.

Call (913) 724-3799.

Home Improvement

For Rent

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.

For rent – 1 BR, 1 BA apartment in Shawnee near Nieman Rd. and Johnson Dr. $500/month; utilities included.

10911 W. 59th Terr. For a virtual tour, visit the Web site at: www.shawnee-rentals.com. Call (913) 649-7596.

Painting, exterior and interior, drywall projects, powerwashing, rotted window sills repaired - Quality products. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 341-7584.

Duplex for rent - 2-3 BR, 1-1/2 BA, living room with fireplace, hardwood floors, eat-in kitchen, storage area, laundry hookups, and great highway access. $825/mo., with $795 deposit; one-year lease. Call (913) 768-6447.

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

Cute house for rent - 4411 Francis St., Kansas City, Kan. 2 BR, 1 BA; only a five-minute walk to KU Med Center.

Owned and managed by St. Agnes family. Rent is $750 per month. Call Ken Decker for details, (913) 432-0820.

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) 709-7230.

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.

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! Lead-certified 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) 5791835; phone: (913) 491-5837; e-mail: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa.

Let me help you get organized! Attic, basement, garage, any room. Items sorted and boxed; areas cleaned when finished. Great references and insured. 20 years experience! To view before and after pictures, visit the Web site: www.swalms.com. Call Tillar Swalm at (913) 375-9115.

Home for rent - 3 BR, 2 BA, ranch-style home with a two-car garage and a fenced backyard at 1603 Irving Court, Lawrence. Furnished kitchen/laundry facilities.

No smokers; no pets! $1,000/mo., plus utilities. Call (913) 829-5393.

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.

Condo - Updated, 1 BR condo at Park Place Condos in Overland Park. Washer, dryer and carport. Pool on complex. Water and trash paid. Nonsmoking, mature individual or couple. $695/month. Call (913) 972-1463.

Duplex - Spacious 2 BR, 1-1/2 BA duplex in Overland Park. Includes all appliances, lawn service, trash and neighborhood ammenities. Call (913) 383-1343.

Real Estate Super ranch home - 316 W. 116th St., KCMO. Wonderful Verona Hills subdivision. Everything on one level. 3 BR, 2 BA, formal living and dining rooms, eat-in kitchen with new granite countertops, slate tile backsplash, cooktop, sink and faucet. Family room with beautiful wood floors.

New carpet. Full, dry basement. Nice-sized lot. Call Cathy Schmidt, KW Realty, at (913) 322-5101 or send an e-mail to: cathyschmidt@kw.com.

June

Overland Park - 5 BR, 3-1/2 BA family home with pool. One block from St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

Huge house for a great price; must see! Call Rosemary at Real Living, (913) 661-9744.

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. Call Rosemary at Real Living, (913) 661-9744.

Home for sale - 9621 Appleridge Ln., Lenexa. On a cul-de-sac. Walk to St. James Academy! 4 BR plus office, 4 full- plus 2 half-baths, three-car garage, mud room, kitchen with wood floors and granite countertops. Custom decorating. $386,000. For an appointment, call Cynthia at (913) 240-3263.

Vacation Vacation condo for rent - Marco Island, Fla. 2 BR, 2 BA; perfect weather. View pictures at: www.marco condoforrent.com or call (913) 544-1288.

Mountain cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA. View of continental divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $95/night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the Web site at: cabin. forcadeassociates. 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 worldclass fishing experience and memories to last a lifetime.

For information, call (970) 214-2891 or visit the Web site at: www.majorleagueadventures.com.

Lake of the Ozarks rental - Osage Beach, milliondollar view, fully furnished; 2 BR, 2 BA; sleeps six. No smoking, no pets. For special rates or pictures, call Steve or Sheryl Roederer at (913) 244-2022.

Summer vacation - Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, 1 BA, sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec center w/pool, fishing, golf, hiking, rafting, close to nat’l park. $100/ night; $600/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.

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

Childcare Licensed Parents’ Day Out program - For specialneeds children, ages one year to kindergarten. I am a member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park. I have many years of experience in the field and excellent references. Call Mary Catherine at (913) 7095884.

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.

Antique/Vintage Costume Jewelry ***Wanted to Buy*** * Member St. Joseph Parish Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179

Roommate Looking for roommate - Looking for a female roommate. House is located one block from 43rd and Rainbow, Kansas City, Kan., within walking distance of KU Medical Center. Charming 2 BR, 1 BA on a quiet street with great neighbors. $400/mo., plus half the utilities. No smoking or pets.

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.

18-19

Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, will hold its annual garage sale from 8 a.m. noon on June 18 and 19.

19

Sanctuary of Hope, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual Run the Good Race 2010 on June 19. There will be a 5K challenge course, a 5K road course, do-the-double, a one-mile walk, and a pancake breakfast. For information or to register, call Bill Page at (913) 321-4673, or visit the Web site at: www. sanctuaryofhope.org.

Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, 1800 S.W. Stone, Topeka, will host a presentation by best-selling author Steve Ray from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on June 19. For information, call (785) 272-4727.

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on June 19 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: “Family Dynamics.” For information, call (913) 649-2026.

Father Tom Hesse will be the celebrant for the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass at 8 a.m. on June 19 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., followed by a rosary procession to an abortion clinic four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing; Benediction concludes services at 9:45 a.m.

19-20

Holy Name Church, 1007 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual ice cream social from 5 - 10 p.m. on June 19 and from 5 - 9 p.m. on June 20 on the parish grounds. There will be great Mexican food, raffle prizes, bingo, games, booths, a moonwalk, live music, and ice cream.

23

A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on June 23 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood.

Father Greg Hammes will preside; fellowship follows.

24

The Catholic Education Foundation of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas will sponsor its Inspiring Women 2010 luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on June 24 at the Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd. Presentations will be given by three women whose faith and education inspired their amazing success. For information or to purchase tickets, visit the Web site at: www.inspiring women2010luncheon.com.

25

The Sisters, Servants of Mary annual golf tournament will be held on June 25 at Painted Hills Golf Course, 71st and Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast. The format is a four-person scramble with a shotgun start at 8 a.m.

The Sisters will host their annual putting contest at 12:30 p.m., followed by lunch and awards. The cost of $125 per golfer — $500 per foursome — includes breakfast, greens fees, cart and lunch. Both men and women are invited to play. For information or to register, contact George Gallup at (913) 342-5018 or send an e-mail to him at: ggallup@kc.rr.com.

25-26

St. John the Evangelist Parish, 1234 Kentucky, Lawrence, will host its annual Mexican fiesta from 6 - 11 p.m. on June 25 and 26. For information,

visit the Web site at: www.stjohnsfiesta. com.

“Work of Our Hands Renews the Spirit of Our Heart,” an ecumenical retreat for women, will be held from 6:30 p.m. on June 25 until 3:30 p.m. on June 26 at Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center,

2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Life is often busy, hectic, exciting, challenging, noisy and boisterous — almost anything but restful. Join other women as they celebrate being women of faith, share insights, and are refreshed and renewed. For information or to register, call (913) 721-4673, (913) 710-3226, or visit the Web site at: www.sanctuaryofhope.org.

27

St. Joseph Church, Olpe, will celebrate its 125th anniversary on June 27

with Mass at 11 a.m., followed by a pulledpork potluck dinner, children and adult games, bingo and musical entertainment.

To RSVP for the dinner, contact Laurie Schmidt at (620) 475-3284 or Diana Kuhlmann at (620) 475-3784.

St. Mary Parish, St. Benedict, will host its annual picnic on June 27. A chicken and ham supper will be served beginning at 5 p.m. The cost is $7 for adults; $4 for children ages 10 and under. Carryout meals will be available. There will be games and concessions and an auction at 9 p.m. To view the quilts for the auction, visit the Web site at: www.stmstb.org. All are welcome!

30

Looking for work and need to look professional? The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will present “Dress for Success (on a Tight Budget)” from 2 - 3 p.m. on June 30. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

2

July

St. John the Baptist Church, 708 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate a Croatian Mass at 6:30 p.m. on July 2. The celebrant will be Father Borna Puskaric from Croatia. A dinner will be served after Mass in the school auditorium. Dinner tickets cost $15. For information or to purchase tickets, contact Walter Gasparovic at (913) 721-3252.

The Johnson County Unos will hold their monthly meeting and potluck dinner at 5 p.m. on July 2 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission. Bring meat casseroles, salads, vegetables or desserts — enough to feed 8 — or $5 to pay for your meal.

5

A loss support group will meet from 3:30 - 5 p.m. on July 5 and on the first Monday of the month at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Both men and women are welcome. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

17 The Kansas City Catholic charismatic renewal groups of Kansas and Missouri will sponsor a praise and teaching rally from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on July 17 at Sanctuary of Hope Center, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The day will include praise and worship, teaching, sharing, Mass and lunch. The cost is $25 per person (lunch included); $20 per person if you are bringing your own lunch. The registration deadline is July 7 if ordering lunch. For information or to register, call Carol at (816) 229-7924.

CALENDAR 13

Misc.

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host a centering prayer retreat, presented by Sister Michaela Randolph, OSB, from 10 a.m. on Aug. 3 until 2 p.m. on Aug. 4. Centering prayer is a deep prayer of trust and surrender involving place, posture, word and silence. The cost is $100.

Registration deadline is July 25. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org (click on the Sophia Center link).

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host a silent directed retreat from 7 p.m. on Aug. 10 to 1 p.m. on Aug. 15. Come away to the quiet of a monastic setting and experience the sacred through personal prayer and daily meetings with a spiritual director. The cost is $350; advance deposit of $50 is due with registration forms

by Aug. 3. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org (click on the Sophia Center link).

Do you or your loved one need support to break free from pornography, infidelity, or lust? The My House Men’s Group provides prayer and accountability for sexual integrity. Sam Meier, MA, LPC, is available for men’s groups and counseling; call him at (913) 647-0378, or send an e-mail to him at: smeier@archkck.org. The My House Women’s Group provides hope and healing for women who are dealing with their loved one’s struggles. Contact Beth Meier at (913) 647-0379, or send an e-mail to her at: bmeier@archkck.org. Sam and Beth work for the archdiocese and are thankful for the healing they have experienced in their marriage. Support is confidential and from a Catholic perspective.

Catholic Cemeteries will sponsor “Pilgrimage at Resurrection” from 3 - 4:30 p.m. on June 23 at Resurrection Cemetery, 83rd and Quivira Rd., Lenexa. This prayer journey will be led by women religious from across the archdiocese and will be indoors and outdoors. A rosary will be prayed along the route featuring beautiful monuments, statues and stained glass.

A free prayer booklet will be provided.

For information, call (913) 371-4040 or send an e-mail to: information@catholic cemeterieskc.org.

A leadership camp for 6th- through 8th-grade girls will be offered from July 21 - 23 on the campus of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison. Campers will learn leadership skills, enrich their spiritual life, and discover how Catholic values and leadership go together. The cost of $145 includes room, meals and camp activities. Registration deadline is June 23. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6219 or send an e-mail to Sister Suzanne at: vocation@mountosb. org.

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.

El Centro, Inc., will offer classes in home improvements, including electrical, HVAC maintenance, windows and doors, siding and gutters, insulation and airflow, drywall and painting. 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.

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

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

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • june 18, 2010

THE LEAVEN • june 18, 2010

Mark my words

Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

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

Scripture Readings twelfth WEEK IN ordinary time June 20 TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Zec 12: 10-11; 13: 1; Ps 63: 2-6, 8-9; Gal 3: 26-29; Lk 9: 18-24 June 21 Aloysius Gonzaga, religious 2 Kgs 17: 5-8, 13-15a, 18; Ps 60: 3-5, 12-13; Mt 7: 1-5 June 22 Paulinus of Nola, bishop; John Fisher, bishop, martyr, and Thomas More, martyr 2 Kgs 19: 9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36; Ps 48: 2-4, 10-11; Mt 7: 6, 12-14 June 23 Wednesday 2 Kgs 22: 8-13; 23: 1-3; Ps 119: 33-37, 40; Mt 7: 15-20 June 24 THE NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Is 49: 1-6; Ps 139: 1b-3, 13-15; Acts 13: 22-26; Lk 1: 57-66, 80 June 25 Friday 2 Kgs 25: 1-12; Ps 137: 1-6; Mt 8: 1-4

I

Thinking of dad makes me sad and glad

miss my dad.

Although it’s been nearly 29 years since he died, I still miss my dad, Carl. Being an only child meant that our family was particularly tightknit. That’s probably why I get somewhat melancholy around Father’s Day each year.

The other day I came across a wonderful gem of an article in the June issue of Real Simple magazine. Written by Jancee Dunn, its title — “10 Things My Father Was Right About” — tells you all you need to know. (You can read the entire article online at: www.realsimple. com; type “10 Things” in the search box and you’ll be set.)

Dunn recalls that her father “would deliver themed, Mike Brady-style lectures, which I grudgingly tolerated and later dismissed. But as I’ve gotten older, a funny thing has come to pass: I’ve often found myself doing exactly what he told me to do.” Among her father’s lessons are: • Hold hands while you hash it out.

This was her father’s secret to a happy marriage. She writes: “If a nasty argument erupts, hold hands as you fight.”

Dunn says you’ll feel goofy doing this . . . but it really works.

• For Pete’s sake, stop worrying.

Don’t be a talker; be a doer, a “fixer.”

• Carry a hankie. If a restroom’s hand dryer is on the blink, for example, you’re still OK. Dunn’s article started me thinking about my dad and the life lessons he was right about. Here are a few “Carl-isms”: • Practice your faith; be active in your parish. My dad served on the parish council, in the St. Vincent de Paul and Holy Name societies, and as an usher for many years. In addition to Sunday Mass

June 26 Saturday Lam 2: 2, 10-14, 18-19; Ps 74: 1b-7, 20-21; Mt 8: 5-17 thirteenth WEEK IN ordinary time June 27 THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 1 Kgs 19: 16b, 19-21; Ps 16: 1-2, 5, 7-11; Gal 5: 1, 13-18; Lk 9: 51-62 June 28 Irenaeus, bishop, martyr Am 2: 6-10, 13-16; Ps 50: 16bc-23; Mt 8: 18-22 June 29 PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES Acts 12: 1-11; Ps 34: 2-9; 2 Tm 4: 6-8, 17-18; Mt 16: 13-19 June 30 The First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church Am 5: 14-15, 21-24; Ps 50: 7-13, 16b-17; Mt 8: 28-34 July 1 Blessed Junípero Serra, priest Am 7: 10-17; Ps 19: 8-11; Mt 9: 1-8 July 2 Friday Am 8: 4-6, 9-12; Ps 119: 2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131; Mt 9: 9-13 July 3 THOMAS, APOSTLE Eph 2: 19-22; Ps 117: 1bc, 2; Jn 20: 24-29

(and daily Mass after he retired), if there was a prayer service at the parish — like October or May devotions, Forty Hours, or Stations of the Cross — you can bet that our family was there.

• Take care of others. Dad was the neighborhood handyman and chauffeur — happy to do minor repairs or paint or give someone a ride in his car, especially the elderly. Each Sunday, he also went to the Roma Bakery in Kansas City, Mo., and picked up Italian bread for our meal and also several additional loaves that he dropped off at the convent of the nuns who worked in my home parish.

(I’m not sure how this started, but I do know that it was a regular Sunday ritual.)

• Provide for your family. My dad worked on the line as a metal finisher for over 30 years at GM. He was on the early shift, which started at 6 a.m. It was not unusual to catch him in the kitchen about four in the morning each workday, eating M&Ms from a candy dish on the table and quietly whistling while he waited for his coffee to brew. I can’t remember him taking a sick day.

• Any time is a good time to nap, or, as he called it, “rest your eyes.” Probably due to that early morning schedule, my dad could fall asleep anywhere. We even have photo collages of him in various settings, fast asleep. Much to the dismay of my mom, this even happened once

when some priests from the college seminary I attended were visiting Kansas City and relaxing on our front porch.

Dad was offered the chaise lounge and, in about two minutes, was contentedly snoring away. The priests told my mom to let him be; his ability to doze off so quickly, they said, was the sign of a clear conscience!

• Be a gentle man. Dad was one of the most laid-back people I know. He didn’t let much faze him.

• Sing . . . and use silly, made-up words as your lyrics. I still catch myself singing some of Dad’s “masterpieces” even today. They make me grin and are a great stress reliever.

• Laugh. Dad would tell the same old, stale jokes over and over again . . . and laugh just as hard the 500th time as he did the first.

• Keep in touch. Dad wrote me letters almost weekly when I was away at school. Although just collections of tidbits about what was happening around the neighborhood, they helped to keep me connected to home and to push the demons of homesickness away.

• Trust in God. My dad frequently drove around without a dime in his pocket. (This was in the days, too, before credit and debit cards.) When we’d badger him to be prepared and carry at least a dollar on him in case of an emergency, he’d just smile . . . and continue to do what he’d always done. And, you know, God did take care of him.

This Father’s Day, make up your own list of “Dad-isms.” Reflect on them, and see if what author Clarence Budington Kelland wrote isn’t also true of your dad: “He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.”

I

commentary 15

Beware the overselling of the synthetic cell

n a recent article, entitled “How We Created the First Synthetic Cell,” Dr. J. Craig Venter waxes broadly about how his research team succeeded in constructing a bacterial cell out of its component parts.

The story, which has captured the imagination of the media, appears to be a jaw-dropping breakthrough: “Scientists have created artificial life in a laboratory!” Such headlines evoke images of a Frankenstein creation, a Jurassic Park monster, or an alien life form. But in the final analysis, the scientific achievement of Venter and his team, although notable, is considerably less dramatic.

The term “synthetic cell” suggests that they constructed the entire cell, brick by brick, molecule by molecule, from the ground up. What they really did was create a synthetic genome (a chemically manufactured copy of all the genes of a bacterium). This gigantic piece of DNA (a chromosome that happens to be the longest string of DNA ever assembled in the laboratory) was then placed inside another bacterium.

Venter’s group, rather than creating bacterial life out of nonliving matter, instead achieved the impressive technical feat of converting one type of bacterium into another when the new DNA was introduced.

Venter himself, notwithstanding his previous attempts at self-promotion, stressed: “We definitely have not created life from scratch because we used a recipient cell to boot up the synthetic

chromosome.” His accomplishment, then, was to produce a large synthetic genome, not “synthetic life” itself.

Nevertheless, a number of commentators have managed to miss the point.

Bioethicist Art Caplan, writing on the Scientific American Web site, suggests that Venter’s “synthetic cell” dispels the notion that life “is sacred, special, ineffable and beyond human understanding.”

Faye Flam muses in a similar vein in the Philadelphia Inquirer: “What’s shocking about the new organism isn’t that it breaches a boundary between inanimate matter and life, but that it shows that no such boundary exists. Life is chemistry.”

Her article gets even more outlandish when she suggests that chemicals “have the power to assemble themselves into organisms — even complicated ones that can contemplate their own place in the universe.”

Natalie Angier of the New York Times, meanwhile, is more measured and precise in summarizing Venter’s work: “Every cell is a microcosm of life,

and neither the Venter team nor anybody else has come close to recreating the cell from scratch. If anything, the new report underscores how dependent biologists remain on its encapsulated power. Bonnie L. Bassler, a microbiologist at Princeton, said, ‘They started with a known genome, a set of genes that nature had given us, and they had to put their genome into a live cell with all the complex goo and ingredients to make the thing go.’”

The Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, while noting how Venter’s work is an impressive example of cutting-edge genetic engineering, also stressed that the researchers who created the cell had not created life — just “replaced one of its motors.”

Even though Venter’s work does not fundamentally alter our understanding of life itself, it does challenge us to reflect on our increasing technical ability to manipulate life and to dominate it. The arrogant suggestion that man should “create life” and the accompanying Promethean quest for power and fame through such endeavors should raise some alarm bells. Reducing life, even though it is nonhuman life, to merely another quantity that we control, exploit, and subject to market forces is to coarsen our sensibilities toward an important measure of our own being. In every living organism, whether humble bacterium, plant or animal, we encounter a faint glimmer of our own delicate life.

Professor Erwin Chargaff, who did pioneering work on the molecular structure of DNA, once commented in his rather biting style on the modern, almost condescending, scientific attitude toward life: “Because life is a mystery and will remain so, because we still can’t say what life is, we need to be very careful. If we could find a way to turn off the element of self-interest, then there would be no problem. But our era is so appalling that, if [Sir Isaac] Newton were alive today, he’d have taken out a patent on gravity and we’d have to pay to walk around. One should not impose all the conventions of a market economy on the questions of life.”

Even as our ability to manipulate biological life in the laboratory continues to grow, the principle of life itself remains elusive and beyond our grasp.

Living beings, with all their structure and complexity, should never cease to impress us and inspire us with a certain awe, so that even in our bated eagerness to harness their powers, we might avoid reducing life itself to a mere commodity or raw material for our biotechnical prowess to conquer.

Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did postdoctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Mass., and serves as the director of education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia.

the gospel truth

W

Taking up the cross is a daily obligation

hen some significant event happens in our life, we can often remember very distinctly where we were and what we were doing with great detail.

site in his version, which we will hear as Sunday’s Gospel reading, Lk 9:18For example, when I learned that 24.

President John F. Kennedy had been Instead, Luke sets the scene by writassassinated, I was sitting at my desk at ing: “Once when Jesus was praying in Sacred Heart Grade School in Bonner solitude.” For Luke, the time Springs. It was an overcast and the place do not matter November day. We sat there TWELFTH SUNDAY IN as much as the activity in in stunned disbelief. Some of ORDINARY TIME which Jesus was engaged. the girls started to cry.

Lk 9: 18-24 That is the detail which All three synoptic Gospels stands out for Luke.

— Matthew, Mark and Luke Luke focuses on the — provide an account of Peter’s confesprayer, which set the tone for Jesus’ sion of Jesus as the Messiah, followed entire life.

In other words, Luke is

by Jesus’ first prediction of his passion. not only singling out a detail from a It is an important event in the life of specific event in Jesus’ life, he is also Jesus. They all wish to deal with it. holding up prayer as an example for At the same time, they include Christians to follow. Just as Jesus spent different details in reconstructing the time in prayer in order to prepare for setting for that incident. For example, important events, so also his disciples Matthew and Mark locate the scene at should spend time in prayer to sustain Caesarea Philippi, modern-day Banyias, them in their daily lives. in northern Galilee. On the other hand, That brings us to the other way in Luke does not mention the geographic

which Luke’s account of this incident differs from those of Matthew and Mark. After making the first prediction of his passion, Jesus instructs the disciples on the necessity of taking up their cross to follow him. In Luke’s version, the word “daily” is inserted: “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

The addition of the word “daily” puts an interesting twist on these words of Jesus. According to Luke, taking up the cross is not limited to a one-time decision. Instead, it means a daily commitment on the part of the Christian to follow Christ. It becomes part of one’s spirituality, one’s attitude toward life.

That daily commitment to take up the cross depends upon daily prayer.

No wonder Luke disregards the geographic location and the specification of the day, to instead begin his account with Jesus’ prayer. Luke wants us also to begin with prayer, every day. Only then will we be able to take up our cross.

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

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

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • June 18, 2010

Keeping God in your summer

By Joe Bollig

Have a holy summer It’s absolutely essential to participate in Mass during the summer, because the Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life,” as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

It doesn’t end there, however.

Here are 10 ways you and your family can keep the summer holy:

1.

Road rosary: For many Catholic families, it’s traditional to pray the rosary together during long trips. You can enhance the experience by praying along with a recorded rosary on CD or MP3.

2.

Steeple chase: Do you see an interesting church along the way? Stop for 15 minutes or longer to visit with our Lord and see a historic or beautiful church. Many people from the archdiocese who drive to Colorado make it a point to stop at St. Fidelis Church, the “Cathedral of the Plains,” in Victoria.

3.

Vacation planner: When you make plans for your vacation, don’t forget to check for Mass times and church addresses (www.masstimes.org), and note any potential stops, like the Chapel at the U.S. Air Force Academy, or the two cathedrals in St. Louis.

L

ike the old song says, “Summer time, and the livin’ is easy.”

Don’t you believe it.

Sure, the kids are out of school, but there are a bushel of activities that they are involved in: swimming lessons, summer camp, baseball, soccer, summer reading programs, dance, vacations and more.

Anybody who has piloted Mom’s/ Dad’s taxi for the summer knows that this season simply has a different kind of busy. And sometimes that busy can have an impact on our faith.

Just look at those pews this coming weekend. Do they look emptier?

They just might be. It doesn’t help that summer time is Ordinary Time in the church calendar. None of the big feasts (except for Corpus Christi) takes place at this time of year.

The summer slump is just one of those periodic times in the year when Mass attendance takes a dip, according to Father John Schmeidler, OFM Cap., pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Lawrence.

Adult Mass attendance tends to rise and fall according to the major liturgical feasts.

“As the warm weather comes, it tends to wane a little bit, but I don’t think there’s a significant difference compared to other wanings,” said Father John.

“People get busy . . . and, unfortunately, they sometimes put God second for the summer,” he continued. “That’s not the way it’s supposed to be. God is supposed to be a part of our summers — and that includes our vacations.”

If you do it right, any vacation can have a spiritual dimension.

“To me, a vacation is a time to relax from all the stresses of life,” said Father John. “It’s almost like taking a retreat.

A retreat is moving away from all the things that you would normally do so you can put life back into its proper perspective.”

So, when you’re on vacation, “vacate” from all the things you normally hold on to in your regular life, he said.

Take time to relax and appreciate the blessings God has given you.

4.

Day trip pilgrimage: Want to get away from it all for a day? Instead of shopping, go visit an abbey, a convent, or a shrine.

Here in the archdiocese, you can find Mount St. Scholastica and St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison, the Sisters of Charity in Leavenworth, the St. Philippine Duchesne Shrine at Sacred Heart Parish in Mound City, and the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Park, near Centerville. It’s always a good idea to call ahead.

5.

Early risers: Pick one day out of the week (if you have the time off) to take the kids to daily Mass in the morning, and then treat them to a special breakfast afterward.

6.

Garden of weedin’: Lots of nurseries and garden stores have statues of the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph or St. Francis of Assisi. Buy a statue, plants and landscaping materials, then get the family together to plant your own home garden shrine.

7.

Good reads: Call your pastor or your nearest Catholic bookstore and ask for some recommended spiritual reading for the beach or backyard.

8.

Leaven photo by Chris Vaughn

Parishes often encounter a summer slump as parishioners take time off from church because of vacations and such. “That’s not the way it’s supposed to be. God is supposed to be a part of our summers — and that includes our vacations,” said one local pastor.

“Relax and enjoy the moment,” said Father John. “This is time God has given you to enjoy the life he has given you . . . so you may know his sacredness and holiness in that moment you are sharing with him.”

If you want to keep God in your summer, you simply cannot skip Mass. It remains the “source and summit” of Christian life, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, no matter what time of year.

In a Pentecost homily given in 2007, Bishop Thomas Wenski of the Diocese of Orlando told how his seminary rector would offer this wisdom at the start of their summer recess: “Remember, guys, there is no vacation from a vocation.”

“Even on vacation we still must be faithful to our baptismal vocation to holiness,” said Bishop Wenski. “[In Orlando] parents, by bringing their kids to Mass, witness to the fact that God does matter.”

Celebrate a saint: Pick a solemnity of a summer saint and hold a “party” in his or her honor. A few good dates include the birth of John the Baptist on June 24, the apostles Peter and Paul on June 29, St. Benedict on July 11, and St. Ignatius of Loyola on July 31.

9.

The ol’ switcheroo: Give the family a different experience of Mass by picking one weekend a month to go to a different parish, maybe even in a different town.

10.

Story time: Take the kids to the local library to find a faith-themed book or get a book about the lives of the saints, then have a story time just after lunch or at bedtime.