07-31-09 Vol. 31 No. 3 by The Leaven

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 31, NO. 3 JULY 31, 2009

Two hearts for Timor With God’s helping hand leading the way, a Tonganoxie couple has decided to become lay missioners in East Timor By Jill Ragar Esfeld TONGANOXIE — At a time in life when most people retire to a world of leisure, Sacred Heart parishioners John and Cindy Korb are moving halfway around the world to a new challenge. Instead of taking up golf, the Korbs will be immersing themselves in a new culture, a new language, and a very different lifestyle. They will be lay missioners in East Timor — a tiny, struggling new country located on an island in the Indonesian archipelago. “Things have just worked out too perfectly for this not to be meant to be,” said Cindy, shortly after she and her husband sold the home they’ve owned for more than 20 years, and possessions they’ve treasured even longer. As the Korbs tell their story, it’s easy to see that, indeed, God’s hand has been clearing a path for them all along the way.

OF ONE MIND Cindy and John met at Emporia State University where they both earned degrees in elementary education. Both went on to get their master’s degrees and taught in Tonganoxie where they raised their two daughters. The Korbs shared a spirit of charity and considered joining the Peace Corps when they first married, but instead devoted their energies to serving others through their work, their church and involvement in their children’s activities. In 2005, their oldest daughter, Katrina, graduated from college and moved to Kenya, East Africa. They went to visit her and were introduced to an organization called Homeless Children International. The Korbs worked with Kenyan children that summer and were so moved by the experience that they returned in the summer of 2007. “It’s just a great feeling to have kids hold on to your hand with gratitude,” said John. “They realize education is their only hope of getting out of poverty. “We dearly loved working there and that’s when we started our plans to retire early. We weren’t sure of [which] organization yet, but we knew this is what we wanted to do.” At the time, the couple figured they had two years until they could retire. They began searching the Internet for possible opportunities to serve overseas. Their search almost always brought up the Maryknoll Lay Missioners (MKLM). “And then, last summer,” recalled Turn to ALL ROADS on page 7

Leaven photo by Jill Ragar Esfeld

John and Cindy Korb, members of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie, stand in a favorite spot in the yard of the home they’ve lived in for 20-plus years — one they just sold. The Korbs are becoming lay missioners in the tiny island nation of East Timor.

Learn more and donate Maryknoll Lay Missioners (MKLM) is a Catholic organization inspired by the mission of Jesus to live and serve in economically poor communities in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, responding to basic needs and helping to create a more just and compassionate world. The three distinct branches of Maryknoll Missioners — Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers, Maryknoll Sisters, and Maryknoll Lay Missioners — are each separately funded and depend on unique donors for support. To find out more about the Maryknoll Lay Missioners or to make a donation, visit the Web site at: www.mklay missioners.org.

East Timor

A U S T R A L I A

2 LOCAL NEWS Carol and Bill Mechler, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 1. The ANNIVERSARIES couple was married at St. Theresa Church, Perrysville, Pa. Their children and their spouses are: Maureen and David Abrams, Bill and Tammy Mechler, and Jim and Julia Mechler. They also have four grandchildren. A family celebration is being held from July 30 to Aug. 2. Alyce and Harry Buckman, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Aug. 14. The couple was married at St. Ann Parish in Bronx, N.Y. They have five children, 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. They will celebrate with their entire family on Aug. 15 with a special Mass, followed by a reception.

THE LEAVEN • JULY 31, 2009 Joan (Copenhaver) and Ted DeBauge, members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at a Mass on Aug. 2, followed by a family brunch. The couple was married on Aug. 1, 1959 by Msgr. Kenneth Spurlock at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Kansas City, Kan. Their children and their spouses are: Ted and Jane DeBauge, Camano Island, Wash.; Stephen and Jacki DeBauge, Dallas; Elizabeth DeBauge, Lenexa; Matthew and Susan DeBauge, Shawnee. They also have 10 grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY The Leaven only prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. Announce-ments 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. If you would like your photo returned to you, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

THE LEAVEN • JULY 31, 2009

Sister Patricia Sullivan, SCL LEAVENWORTH — Sister Patricia Sullivan, 82, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth died on July 17 at the motherhouse here. Patricia Anne Sullivan was born on Dec. 20, 1926, in Helena, Mont., the youngest of seven children born to Stephen and Elma Margaret Barnes Sullivan. OBITUARY She graduated from St. Helena Grade School and Cathedral High School in Helena. She entered the religious community of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth on Aug. 14, 1945, and, as Sister Stephen, made her profession of vows on Aug. 15, 1947. She later returned to the use of her baptismal name. Sister Patricia received a master’s degree from the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth and a graduate degree in Christian spirituality from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. After profession, Sister Patricia was involved in elementary educa-

tion at parish schools for 33 years. She was principal at St. Paul, Olathe; Immaculate Conception, Leavenworth; Holy Name, Topeka; and at St. Laurence O’Toole in Laramie, Wyo. In the next phase of her ministry, Sister Patricia served on parish teams in Helena, Harlowton, White Sulfur Springs, Judith Gap, and Shawnee, all in Montana. In 2003, she became the assistant director at Marillac Center, Leavenworth, where she was engaged in directing retreats and giving ongoing spiritual direction. Survivors include brothers Robert Edwin Sullivan, Missoula, Mont.; James Donald Sullivan and his wife Peg, Seattle; and sister, Elma Mary Sullivan Niedermeyer, Beaverton, Ore.

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AN ETHICAL FARCE Opposition to new embryonic stem-cell guidelines is ignored By JOE BOLLIG Leaven staff KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The federal government’s new embryonic stem-cell research guidelines have been called an “ethical farce” that ignores key ethical issues and widespread opposition. On July 7, the National Institutes of Health published its final guidelines for scientists who wish to receive federal funding for human embryonic stem-cell research (HESCR). “Those who are opposed to this form of research at its most foundational level, because of the ethics, are not given any serious consideration,” Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, a scientist and director of education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. Catholic News Service reported that, during the public comment period in April and May, 30,000 of the approximately 49,000 who commented opposed this research. These comments were “deemed not responsive to the question put forth,” according to Dr. Raymard S. Kingston, acting NIH director, when interviewed by CNS. “We did not ask them whether to fund such funding, but how it should be funded.” “The approach here was, ‘We’re going to go ahead and do this, how do you think we should do it?’” said Father Pacholczyk, “not, ‘Is it right or wrong for us to do this?’ . . . even though the majority of the comments they received dealt with the basic moral issue — that this involves the government in the destruction of young humans.” The NIH claims the guidelines “ensure that the NIH-funded research in this area is ethically responsible.” But Father Pacholczyk said they actually ignore the central ethical issue, which is the killing of human beings at their earliest stages of life for medical research. “[They say], ‘We’re going to destroy these embryos, we’re going to end human lives, but don’t worry, we’ll assign all the proper paperwork as we do it and get informed consent from the parents before we destroy their children,’” said Father Pacholczyk. “So, it’s a farce, ethically speaking, at play here.” “I would say the ethical

CNS photo/Sandy Huffaker

Embryologist Ric Ross removes a vial of frozen embryos from a storage tank at the Smotrich IVF Clinic in La Jolla, Calif. issues are not addressed [by the NIH guidelines],” he continued. “I would say there was a certain amount of procedural maneuvering that is encouraged by these guidelines to provide a sort of ethical cover, but not any kind of solid ethics built on principle — except perhaps for the principle of expediency.” Although the NIH guidelines explicitly prohibit funding for the destruction of human embryos, they implicitly provide a tremendous incentive for this to occur, said John Morris, a member of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park, and a professor of philosophy at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo. Morris is a special adviser on stem-

cell research to Bishop Robert J. Finn of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo. “I think in the minds of most Americans this is a package deal,” said Morris. “You’re destroying the embryos, and that’s wrong, so anything that comes from that should not be paid for by our tax dollars.” One of the glaring flaws of the guidelines is that they ignore the basic ethical issue, said Morris. “They ignore the central ethical issue: the destruction of embryos,” said Morris. “The guidelines try not to focus on that, but they say once you get the stem cells, we want to fund the research.” Morris finds some of the

language in the guidelines misleading and disingenuous. The guidelines stress that human embryonic stem cells are not human embryos, but ignore the unavoidable fact that human embryonic stem cells can only come from human beings who have been killed during the embryonic stage of their development. “It’s hairsplitting at its finest,” said Morris. The purpose of this semantic ballet seems to be an attempt to deal with a piece of legislation called the Dickey Amendment, which prohibits funding for research involving destruction of human embryos. Guidelines under the Bush administration al-

lowed funding for research with existing human embryonic stem-cell lines, which was allowable under this amendment, said Morris. The new NIH guidelines, however, present an attempt to reinterpret this legislation to allow research on new human embryonic stem- cell lines. “I’m suspicious that this is just a small first step that opens up the door to more,” said Morris. “Researchers are going to say, and they already say, ‘We don’t have enough embryos for research; we need more,’ so they’re going to be allowed to use these so-called ‘leftover’ embryos [from fertility clinics].” “Still, these represent a pretty small amount,” he continued. “They’ll say, ‘Now that you’ve allowed this, you got to allow more,’ and there will be continual pressure, and that will mean embryos cloned for research.” The guidelines as written now do not allow funding for research on human embryonic stem cells produced for research, or by cloning, but the guidelines could easily be rewritten to allow these, he said. The Obama administration has already laid the groundwork by claiming a distinction between so-called “reproductive” and “therapeutic” cloning. “There has been a very significant shift in the posture of the federal government toward the important issues of human life,” said Father Pacholczyk. “And it has been a radical change of position, and one that does not bode well for the protection of the weakest and the most vulnerable among us. People of good will have to speak out on these issues.” Much can be done, he suggested. People can speak out by writing letters to the editor of local newspapers and contact members of Congress. People can educate themselves, and talk among themselves about what can be done. “Once we properly frame the question, and people recognize the discussion about human embryos is [a] discussion about brothers and sisters to each one of us, then it will be possible to enact laws that are just and elect officials who will properly protect all of us,” said Father Pacholczyk.

4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • JULY 31, 2009

LOCAL NEWS

Corrigan honored for family life ministry Leaven staff KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Jacki Corrigan has been involved in many kinds of family life ministry, but don’t ask her which one has been her favorite. “It’s very difficult to choose,” she said. “They’ve all been part of a beautiful journey.” The journey Corrigan has taken in family life ministry led to a special honor given to her by the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers during a banquet on June 25 at the University of St. Thomas at St. Paul, Minn. The NACFLM is a professional association of diocesan and parish family life ministers and others who are involved in a variety of ministries, It offers support and professional enrichment, is an advocate for families and family ministry, and promotes the development of family life ministry in all levels of the church. Corrigan, who has served as archdiocesan consultant for marriage and family life ministry for 12 years, was

nominated and selected by the board of the NACFLM to receive its 2009 award. The award honors a member of the association who, “by thought and action, demonstrates a consistent concern and service on behalf of families and family ministry,” according to the award citation, and who makes “a significant and lasting contribution known beyond the local parish or diocese . . . above and beyond ordinary responsibilities.” Corrigan was grateful for this recognition from her colleagues. “It feels very humbling [to receive this award], because there are a lot of people who have supported me and more or less taught me what I needed to know to work in this ministry,” said Corrigan. “I stand on great shoulders.” Corrigan has served as Region IX (Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa) representative to the NACFLM and has served on the association’s board for six years. She has also assisted with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops marriage initiative planning group. Jacki and her husband, Dick, members of the Church of the Nativity in

Leawood, have served as directors of Marriage Encounter for Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. Since becoming the archdiocesan consultant for marriage and family life, Corrigan has initiated new programs to assist in marriage preparation and marriage enrichment. This includes Project Genesis, a small group marriage preparation program; the annual marriage retreat; and the golden wedding anniversary celebration held at St. Peter Cathedral each year. Corrigan has served on the local task force to develop the My House program, as well as an annual retreat for women. She has been extensively involved in education programs for ensuring safe environments for children. Corrigan thanked all those who have helped her in ministry over the years, including Msgr. Thomas Tank, former director of the archdiocesan department of parish ministries, and her husband Dick. “[Dick] has always been supportive and always been a great father and husband,” said Corrigan. “He has helped make the whole picture of family life come alive in our lives.”

Online dating — Catholic style Catholics turn to the Internet to find a match made in heaven By KARA HANSEN Leaven staff

Jacki Corrigan received the 2009 National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers award on June 25 in acknowledgement of her contributions to family life.

SCLs have active role in national museum exhibit LEAVENWORTH — From the conceptual phase through its official opening, the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth have been very involved in the development of a national museum exhibit to share the untold story of the leadership and contributions of Catholic Sisters to the history and culture of the United States. The “Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America” exhibit debuted in Cincinnati in May and is scheduled for the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and Ellis Island in New York, among other locations during its three-year tour. Sister Constance Phelps, SCL, Leavenworth, was president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) when the suggestion of the exhibit surfaced as a way to mark the 50th anniversary of the conference. LCWR, an organization of leaders representing approximately 95 percent of congregations of American Catholic Sisters, committed to the exhibit to tell the story of how these women helped shape the nation. Sister Constance remained an active member of the LCWR History Committee throughout the development of the exhibit. As the committee’s work evolved, its members learned that from the earliest days of the republic more than 220,000 women, living in hundreds of religious communities, contributed to the building of America through their lives and service. Sister Constance described the exhibit as the opportunity to share the vitality and dedication of Catholic Sisters in the United States.

Sister Constance Phelps, SCL (left), Leavenworth, and Sister Rita McGinnis, SCL, Helena, Mont., with the SCL harp at the opening of the “Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America” exhibit in Cincinnati. “When we started, we were unaware of what this would entail,” Sister Constance recalled. She explained that the committee adjusted its expectations, became fundraisers, and enlisted a professional design team to create the museumquality exhibit. The project took four years to complete. “The exhibit absolutely exceeded my expectations and is beyond what I could have imagined,” Sister Constance remarked. She said it has interactive elements; features a number of videos; tells representative stories of

individual Sisters to reflect collective contributions; and displays artifacts from the religious communities. One of the largest artifacts on display is a harp that the founding Sisters of Charity brought by riverboat to Leavenworth in 1858. Near the harp in the exhibit are two related items: a print of the painting by the late Ernst Ulmer, a Bonner Springs artist, depicting the landing of the SCLs in Leavenworth, and excerpts from an early SCL history, chronicling accounts of music lessons given by the Sisters. Also on display in the exhibit is a leg

brace from the archives of St. Vincent Healthcare, in Billings, Mont., and affiliated with the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. In the 1920s and 1930s, Sisters at the St. Vincent Hospital School treated a number of patients with polio and other orthopedic problems. The opening video of the exhibit features five Sisters, including Sister Melissa Camardo, SCL, who is director of workplace spirituality and sponsorship at Exempla St. Joseph Hospital in Denver. At the end of the exhibit, there is another video with four Sisters talking as if in conversation with passersby. “Their commitment to vowed consecrated life is very real and apparent,” Sister Constance observed. She said that persons attending the exhibit will learn significant information about Sisters and their contributions across several fields, including education, health care and social service. She recalled that leaders representing Catholic health care had commented about the invaluable role of the Sisters in developing hospitals and the health ministry. Sister Constance added that the exhibit “zaps” stereotypes of Sisters as depicted in film and popular culture. Reflective of the Catholic Sisters’ extensive involvement in education, the LCWR committee has made education modules available to accompany the exhibit. These modules, the exhibit tour schedule and other information are available at the Web site at: www. womenandspirit.org.

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Tired of waiting for Cupid or lighting to strike, an increasing number of Catholics have found a surer path to romance with a modern version of the village matchmaker: online dating. Catholics looking for that special someone — who also happens to share their faith — are creating profiles and regularly accessing numerous Catholic dating Web sites, selecting them for the faith element over well-known secular counterparts along the likes of eHarmony.com, Lavalife.com, and Match.com. “I selected a Catholic site over secular ones as most of the Catholics that I found on secular sites such as Match.com were not active in their faith,” said Lynn Hartter, a 37-yearold parishioner at Sacred Heart Church in Sabetha. “Spirituality is the most important trait I seek in a future spouse or in any personal relationship,” he continued. “I was in the hopes of meeting someone without denominational barriers in place and having shared beliefs within the denomination.” Finding a potential spouse who also practices and shares the same Catholic faith seems to be the main reason archdiocesan members start using Catholic dating Web sites as a means of connecting with someone. “I’m specifically using a Catholic site because I want a devout Catholic as a spouse,” said Beth, a single mother of two in the archdiocese who asked that her last name not be disclosed to protect her children’s privacy. Naturally, wanting to date and marry a fellow Catholic narrows the playing field a bit. However, users of various Catholic dating sites say these sites help connect them with a broader population that fits their criteria. Valerie Kuhn found herself widowed with two children, living at the time in a fairly rural area and attending a small parish. Although she hoped to marry again someday, she was not sure how to even go about meeting someone, with what seemed like rather limited opportunities. “I was an older widow with two special-needs children,” said Kuhn, 50, a former parishioner at Sacred Heart Church in Shawnee. “I honestly didn’t know how I would find anyone else to marry.” Then Kuhn saw print ads for CatholicMatch.com and AveMaria Singles.com. She decided to sign up and give the two Web sites a chance. Immediately, she was able to send emails and chat with men across the country who had the types of qualities she had been looking for — and, most importantly, were Catholic as well. “I knew that, for me, this would be

the only way I had a chance of meeting a good, practicing Catholic,” said Kuhn. Communicating online also provides a chance to interact through the written word, a medium that can be especially helpful to those who are shy, introverted, or just more reserved when it comes to the dating scene. “I’d liked one or two guys in the course of my college years,” said Michelle Rioux, 25, a parishioner at St. Joseph Church in Nortonville. “I’m very forthright and talkative when it comes to academics, politics, and things like that, but I’m extremely shy about my feelings and I’ve always been awkward dealing with emotions. My crushes remained just crushes and quietly subsided under the gentle but continued disinterest of the objects of my affection.” Originally, Rioux wasn’t too keen on the Internet dating scene, Catholic or not. However, she felt strongly that her vocation is to be a wife and mother and eventually took advantage of the opportunity to meet other Catholics. “I dragged my feet about joining CatholicMatch.com for a full year,” said Rioux. “It was expensive. There were bound to be a bunch of creeps looking for someone to con. Even the decent guys probably wouldn’t be my type. . . . I recanted on that one very quickly. I paid the fee, loaded a few pictures, and added information about my tastes and interests.” Rioux found the site itself easy to work with and liked that she could set preferences on the site that could help match her with other faithful Catholics. “I could have been even more selective — CatholicMatch.com allows me to set preferences for height, build, location, etc. — but I thought there might be a wonderful man out there with just a few too many hobbit genes. So, I left that field open and al-

“

“Spirituality is the most important trait I seek in a future spouse or in any personal relationship. I was in the hopes of meeting someone without denominational barriers in place and having shared beliefs within the denomination.”

“

By JOE BOLLIG

— Lynn Hartter lowed for athletes and couch potatoes as well,” she said. Weekly, the site sends e-mail to members, listing several potential matches to consider. Though Rioux said she met several men she formed friendships with, she also grew a little discouraged by talking with a few members whose faith did not seem to be as serious as she hoped. Recently, Rioux has also subscribed to AveMariaSingles.com. She felt the detailed questions asked by this site would help identify matches upfront more quickly. Hartter has had a similar experience. “Many Catholics don’t agree with all of the positions of the church in the faith statements or with teachings of the church, and this was disheartening,” he said. Hartter said that while the Web site opened up a world of possible Catholic women to meet, he found it difficult to form relationships in any

kind of long-distance capacity. “It’s a challenge that there are few users in a two-hour radius of Nemaha County. As a busy business executive, I find it impossible to travel to meet matches at this time,” said Hartter. Yet, the hope still persists, as users comb through potential matches seeking to find just the right one. Kuhn was able to do just that. She met her husband, Tim, through AveMariaSingles.com in August 2006. Though the two lived states away at the time, they corresponded regularly and eventually met in person. The two were married on April 14, 2007. “Tim was a true answer to many prayers,” said Kuhn. “I knew there were many men out there who might consider me having a child with Down syndrome to be baggage they didn’t want to deal with. It was great to meet someone who respected the sanctity of life. I prayed to find a Catholic man who would love my family, and that prayer was answered.” Users say to practice common sense safety practices when interacting with relatively anonymous members of online dating sites or when meeting someone from a Web site in person. Though the medium of a Catholic dating Web site might be a little different from that used by men and women in previous generations, the goal is still the same. “Things aren’t really that different today,” said Rioux. “We’re still trying to find Mr. Right or The Right Girl, but the playing field is different. “That’s partly because the number of faithful, young Catholic singles living in the same community — without already being related — is much smaller. It seems as though, because people can travel farther and relocate more easily, they do. In order to find them, you either need some advanced scientific tool — or an online dating site.”

6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • JULY 31, 2009

Continued from page 1 Cindy, “I went to [the MKLM Web site] and it popped up that they were having a discernment weekend at the end of July . . . and the date to register was that day.” John was working outside in the yard at the time. When he came in for lunch, Cindy pinned him down. “OK, John, how serious are we about this?” she asked. “Let’s just do it and see what happens,” he replied Cindy called MKLM two hours before the deadline and reserved space at its July discernment weekend in New York.

GOD’S HAND

Seven Benedictine Sisters are celebrating golden jubilees this year. They are: (back row, from left) Sisters Mary Collins, Mary Ann Dice, Sylvia Kenkel, and Evangeline Salazar; (front row, from left) Sisters Irene Nowell, Mary Grosdidier, and Mary Jane Vigil. of the religion and religious studies program at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. That phase of her life was abruptly halted by her election as prioress of Mount St. Scholastica for the period of 1999 to 2005. Sister Mary Grosdidier spent more than 40 years as a teacher and principal in various elementary and high

schools throughout the region. More recently, she has served as a welcoming receptionist at the monastery and is a familiar figure around the campus as she sweeps and weeds the grounds from her electric cart. Sister Mary Ann has also spent most of these past 50 years in classrooms, as an elementary teacher in Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska. Her current min-

istry is a significant change as she supervises the laundry services for the Mount and Dooley Center. Sister Sylvia thought she, too, would have a life of teaching. After a few years, however, she began caring for the sick and, trained in practical nursing, began her service of nearly 40 years in Dooley Center.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s August calendar 1

Dedication — St. Francis de Sales Church, Lansing

Safe Environment meeting

Mass and profession for Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George — Alton, Ill.

Baptism — Cathedral

Hayden High School auction dinner

Mass and installation of Father Ben Gomes — St. Stanislaus in Rossville and Immaculate Conception, St. Marys

Mass and installation of Father Rick Storey — Holy Spirit, Overland Park

Mass and dinner — Apostles of the Interior Life

Dedication and 140th anniversary — Sts. Peter and Paul School, Seneca

Mass and installation of Msgr. Robert Bergman — Immaculate Conception, Louisburg

Safe Environment meeting

Finance Council meeting

3-4

Dinner with seminarians

Jesus Caritas bishops’ prayer meeting

12 Vespers and dinner honoring Msgr. Charles McGlinn and Msgr. Tom Tank

Andrea said she is very excited for her parents. “They’re both extremely generous people who like to help out others,” she said. “This is definitely something they’ve always wanted to do, and I’m really happy for them.” And Katrina, who first introduced her parents to international travel, is a lecturer at a university in Nigeria and looking forward to hearing about their adventure. “It’s so important that faith be lived out in practical ways and one good way to do that is to serve cross-culturally,” she said. “I think this is a wonderful opportunity for them.”

DECISIONS

That summer, the Korbs’ youngest daughter, Andrea, had just finished graduate school and was home looking for a job coaching college basketball. They wanted her to come with them to New York, but she was hesitant. “We were going to meander around and then spend this one weekend at Maryknoll,” said Cindy. “Andrea’s quandary was: She had several resumes out, and what if somebody should call her for an interview — she’d be on the road.” Finally, the night before John and Cindy left, Andrea decided to go with them. “God works in mysterious ways,” Cindy said. “We were in New York and [Andrea] got a phone call from Hartwick College (in Oneonta, N.Y.), asking her if she could come for an interview. She said, ‘Yeah, I’m two hours away.’ She went to the interview and got the job.” With both daughters employed away from home, the Korbs felt even more certain of their decision. The discernment weekend solidified that decision by answering all their questions and showing them that MKLM fit their needs.

Once the Korbs knew they wanted to be lay missioners, they went through a thorough application process and then flew back to New York for an interview. At that time they learned their missionary opportunities would be in Kenya, El Salvador, Cambodia or East Timor. They were given several weeks to research, pray and then submit a location preference in writing. “Initially, we thought we wanted to go to Kenya,” said Cindy. “But Kenya was only in need of medical help, so then we started thinking Cambodia.” “Cambodia had two things that bothered us,” said John. “We knew the language was extremely difficult and the humidity and heat are really powerful.” They had similar reservations about El Salvador. East Timor needed educators, but the couple understood the area was isolated and Internet access was limited; they weren’t comfortable losing contact with their daughters. In the end, their prayerful decision was no decision at all. “We said, ‘We’re open. Wherever the

Lord needs us, that’s where we’ll go,’” said John. “We did put in writing that we had to have Internet access.” As time passed, John learned more about East Timor and began to feel perhaps that should have been their choice. He even learned that the Internet was now accessible from the city of Dili, where they could easily travel each weekend. One day when they were out walking, John confided his feelings to Cindy and was surprised to find that she also had been thinking about East Timor. When the regional coordinator for East Timor called the couple, he was in for a surprise. “He started out by saying, ‘I know it’s not one of your top choices, but would you consider coming to East Timor?’” recalled Cindy. “And I just laughed and said, ‘That’s kind of where I figured we would end up.’ And he said, ‘What?’”

LETTING GO Cindy and John have been spending this year preparing family, friends and themselves for their new life. The couple has finished up duties at school and church, sold their home, and purchased a small house in Tonganoxie that they refer to as “home base.” John’s mother, Dorothy Korb, who is a Sacred Heart parishioner, said she’s proud of her son and not surprised at the couple’s decision. “Ever since he was a little kid, he’s always wanted to go overseas and do something,” she said. “I hate to see him go that far away, but I think it’s wonderful, and I just hope everyone prays for them.” Father Mark Goldasich, pastor of Sacred Heart, said his congregation has that covered. “We’re going to do a prayer service and blessing for them,” he said. “They’ve always been very generous and compas-

sionate people, and always very helpful around the parish.” Fellow parishioner Pat Walker, who has known John since grade school, said her support will go beyond prayers because the couple give her confidence in MKLM. “When we give [monetary donations], we want to make sure it’s going to help people — not to help support administrators in a better style of living,” she said. “With John and Cindy, we’re very confident in that.” The couple will go through a 13-week orientation beginning this September. Five weeks will be devoted to learning the Austonesian language Tetum. They’ll leave for their assignment sometime next January. They admit it hasn’t been easy, but said their strong Catholic faith has helped them come to terms with letting go of the past and looking toward their future. John finds strength in saying the Prayer of St. Francis each morning. “We’ve been blessed in so many ways,” he said. “The things we’ve accomplished are beyond my dreams as a little boy on the farm. It’s time to give back; we really feel strongly about that.” “And the things we thought were precious, they’re just material things,” he added. “People are important. Helping others is important. Being able to put a smile on a child’s face — that’s precious.” Father Goldasich said his personal prayer for the Korbs is that, through this new experience, they gain a sense of what good people they are. “They’re truly embarking on something so different at a time when most people are winding down. They’re going into a mission country, learning new customs and [a new language — it takes a special gift to do that. “I’m glad they have that gift and they have the courage to go out on a limb and undertake this. I have no doubt they will do marvelously.”

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All roads lead couple to East Timor

Benedictine Sisters celebrate golden jubilees ATCHISON — Hundreds of years of faithful religious life and service were celebrated by the Benedictine Sisters at Mount St. Scholastica here on July 12. This year’s golden jubilee celebration honored Sisters Irene Nowell, Mary Ann Dice, Mary Grosdidier, Mary Collins, and Sylvia Kenkel. Three classmates have since become members of the Benet Hill Monastery in Colorado Springs, Colo., which the Atchison community founded. Two of them — Sisters Evangeline Salazar and Mary Jane Vigil — were part of the Atchison celebration, but Sister Lucile Hartmann was unable to attend. At the celebration, Sister Anne Shepard, prioress of Mount St. Scholastica, praised the women as she noted the many changes that have occurred in the past 50 years, both for the Benedictine community and for the individual Sisters. She mentioned the many ways in which they have served others, but noted, “Benedictines are not identified by unique works. Our success is determined by our fidelity to common prayer and communal life.” The Sisters have, indeed, had unique lives and ministries, with many unexpected changes. Sister Irene has been a teacher throughout her religious life. Her ministry began in a grade school classroom and now is conducted in cyberspace with graduate theology students at Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minn., while she remains in Atchison. She is a noted Scripture scholar who has written numerous books and articles on the Old Testament. Another respected theologian and writer is Sister Mary Collins, whose teaching career led to becoming chair

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IN HIS LIFETIME, FATHER RAY DAVERN WAS SO MANY THINGS TO SO MANY PEOPLE IN WYANDOTTE COUNTY THAT HE WAS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS “OUR IRISH PONTIFF.” EVEN IN DEATH, HIS SHADOW LOOMS LARGE AND HE’S PROVEN TO BE A

BRIDGE BUILDER ON TOUR Bishop Ward students (from left) Jordyn King, Anne Breitenstein, Anna Mark and Brittany Rodkey enjoy the sights and sounds of Ireland. Among the sites they visited were: The Cliffs of Moher, the statue of Molly Malone in Dublin, the Blarney Stone, the pub where the film “The Quiet Man” was filmed, and the graveyard where Father Davern’s parents and other relatives are buried.

Story by

Joe Bollig

A bridge builder still

Photos courtesy of

William Breitenstein

A LITTLE HISTORY Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is a modern city. Nevertheless, one can find landmarks and monuments that harken to its rich and turbulent history.

e didn’t have wealth, possessions or power, but few cast a larger shadow in Wyandotte County than Father Raymond J. Davern. Officially, he was pastor of Christ the King Parish. Some, however, called him “the unofficial chaplain of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas,” and “Mr. Wyandotte County.” He was a spiritual leader as a pastor, a visionary educator as president of Donnelly College and principal of Bishop Ward High School, and a social dynamo through his many civic and

ecumenical activities. One fellow priest called him, “our Irish pontiff,” because like the pontiffs of ancient times, Father Davern was a “bridge builder” between all kinds of people. When he died on Sept. 23, 2005, Father Davern was mourned by all of Wyandotte County. He was also mourned in County Limerick — in Ireland. And this is why: Before Father Davern was “Mr. Wyandotte County,” he was a son of Ballylanders, a small town in County Limerick.

Father Davern was born and raised in the village of Ballylanders, a picturesque rural town with a population of about 900. Although he left Ireland to become a priest in America in the mid-1950s, Father Davern always maintained ties to his many relatives and neighbors back home. He became the living link between County Limerick and Wyandotte County, and the last in a long line of Irish immigrant priests who helped build the church in northeast Kansas. He also symbolized the contributions of all immigrant Irish to Wyandotte County. Many people appreciated this connection, including Kansas City, Kan., Mayor Joe Reardon, a member of the Cathedral of St. Peter Parish and a graduate of Bishop Ward High School. His own father, Jack Reardon, was mayor from 1975 to 1987. During his term in office, the mayor wanted to establish a sister city relationship with an Irish community, but it didn’t come together. “I knew it was something on his agenda and that he had made a couple of

trips to Ireland and formed some relationships,” said Mayor Joe Reardon. “It wasn’t long after I became mayor that I had several citizens, that had been involved at that time, come to me and ask if was an agenda item that might move forward. I thought it was great idea.” Kansas City, Kan., already had sister city relationships with Linz, Austria; Uruapan, Mexico; and Karlovac, Croatia. In each case, the relationship was built on the relationships and histories of immigrant communities. In 2007, Mayor Reardon established a committee to investigate the proposition of adding an Irish sister city. He then led a delegation of 30 people to meet government officials in Limerick. The Irish reciprocated in March 2008, when three County Limerick officials and a spouse traveled to Kansas City, Kan., to further develop the proposal. A reception was held for the Limerick delegation, and a dinner was served at Bishop Ward, hosted by the Top of the Morning Club. Naturally, conversations turned to their mutual relationships with Father Davern. While here, the Irish insisted on visiting Father Davern’s grave.

Back to the Emerald Isle One of those involved with the sister city effort was Peter Adams, president of the Top of the Morning Club, a substitute teacher in Catholic schools, and a member of St. Peter Cathedral. Adams became acquainted with Father Davern during teaching stints at Donnelly College, Ward High School, and the activities of the Greater Kansas City Irish community. “For years, I had been taking my students to Ireland for spring break,” said Adams. “So I went to [Mayor Reardon], and said I’m going over and I’m taking some kids from Ward [and Immaculata High School in Leavenworth].” Adams proposed that he and the students visit Ballylanders and meet with the friends, neighbors and family of Father Davern. Adams led the second Kansas delegation for a visit from March 13-20 this year. The delegation visited several of Ireland’s ancient and not-so-ancient sights such as the Cliffs of Moher, the statue of Molly Malone in Dublin, the Blarney Stone, the pub where the film “The Quiet Man” was filmed, and the graveyard where Father Davern’s par-

ents and other relatives are buried. In Ballylanders the Kansans met three of Father Davern’s brothers and sisters who still live there, another who made a special trip home from England, and numerous nieces and nephews. They also met Gerry Behan, county secretary; Eugen Griffin, county clerk; and John Gallahue, county council chairman. Among the Kansans were Anne Breitenstein, a 2009 graduate of Ward High School, and her father Bill, both parishioners at the Cathedral of St. Peter. “We went to church one Sunday [in Ballylanders] and we had lunch with Father Davern’s family,” said Anne Breitenstein. “We just got to meet them and they got to meet us and exchange stories and learn a little more about the town,” she continued. “It was almost like a party. They entertained us with traditional Irish dance and songs. It was interesting to learn more about how the old culture still exists.” The Irish commented that “Breitenstein” was a very unusual Irish name, until Anne’s father explained the ethnic diversity of Kansas City area Catholics and the effect of intermarriage. The Irish couldn’t have been more hospitable . . . and the outcome was never in doubt. “By the time we were finished, Ballylanders became our sister city,” said Adams. “I came back and told [Mayor Reardon], ‘I’ve got it. Let’s get the paperwork together.’ And so we did that.” A proclamation formalizing the relationship was passed by Kansas City, Kan., and signed by Mayor Reardon on June 4, and Ballylanders did the same on June 12. “This is the first time we have chosen a person, Father Davern, and a church person as focus of the reason Ballylanders became our sister city,” said Adams. “This was also a tribute to Father [Davern], who had passed.”

Getting to know all about you There’s a lot to look forward to for Ballylanders and Kansas City, Kan. Adams is planning more visits, and Mayor Reardon hopes that special visits, commemorations and opportunities for a variety of exchanges can be arranged. And of course, he hopes to maintain that primary tie. “I hope there will be a way for us to continue to honor Father Davern as we move forward in this relationship,” he said. “I think we always will. To make that a part of our commemoration will be important.”

IN MEMORY In the graveyard at Ballylanders are the final resting places of many people re- SPECTACULAR VIEW One of Ireland’s most spectacular views is of the Cliffs of Moher, lated to Father Raymond Davern.

in County Clare.

10 NATION

THE LEAVEN • JULY 31, 2009

Health care must be universal, says bishop in letter WASHINGTON (CNS) — Health care is a matter of human life and dignity, a bishop wrote in a July 17 letter to on behalf BRIEFLY Congress of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “Health care is not just another issue for the church or for a healthy society,” wrote Bishop William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre, N.Y., chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. The letter outlined the bishops’ health care reform prioriBishop Murphy ties — namely, respect for human life and universal, affordable access. A copy of the letter was released by the USCCB July 21. Bishop Murphy warned against the inclusion of abortion coverage in any reform plan, saying that Americans should not be forced to pay for the destruction of human life through government funding or mandatory coverage. Pro-life activists say that unless language to specifically exclude abortion coverage is part of any reform measure, abortion will be covered. The bishop also said it is imperative to maintain freedom of conscience for health care providers or insurers who refuse to provide or fund abortions or make referrals for abortions.

Pope urges workers’ voices be heard, and unions to adapt WASHINGTON (CNS) — When Pope Benedict XVI released his third encyclical — “Caritas in Veritate” (“Charity in Truth”) — he stressed that the voice of workers must be heard as heads of state, industry moguls, labor union leaders and environmentalists develop long-term solutions for the ailing global economy. The pope’s encyclical — released in early July — re-emphasizes the Catholic Church’s continuing support of workers associations going back to Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical, “Rerum Novarum,” in 1891, but it also challenges labor union leaders to adapt to a growing global economy to remain relevant. According to John Carr, executive director of the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the pope’s encyclical says a healthy economy depends on workers who earn a sustainable wage, receive reliable health benefits and have a safe environment in which to perform their jobs. “Pope Benedict, like earlier popes, thinks labor unions are a big part of the solution,” Carr told Catholic News Service. “What Benedict says is we need moral individuals and we need ethical structures. It’s not an either/or,” Carr said. “In some ways, the most important word in this encyclical is ‘and.’”

THE LEAVEN • JULY 31, 2009

CatholicTV launches reality series about families

Indiana Jones and the Christian catacombs?

By TRISTA TURLEY

By CINDY WOODEN

Catholic News Service

(CNS) — WASHINGTON CatholicTV, a television ministry of the Boston Archdiocese, is venturing into the realm of reality programming. In September, the network will launch its new series, “House+Home.” Hosted by Father Robert Reed, director of C a t h o l i c T V , Editor’s Note: The the show propilot episode of files Catholic “House+Home” can families. be viewed online at E a c h catholictv.com, by episode of the clicking on the show features “Shows” link. a different family and offers a glimpse into its everyday life. The families share with Father Reed their personal stories and their expressions of faith. Although the series is slated to begin in September, CatholicTV aired the pilot episode of “House+Home” June 1. The episode featured the Massachusetts family of Michael and Laura Richard. The Richards have four children, including a set of triplets. In a July 1 interview with Catholic News Service, Laura Richard said her family was asked to appear in the show by Father Reed, who periodically celebrates Mass at St. Bonaventure Parish in Manomet, Mass., where the Richards’ oldest daughter is an altar server. Richard said there was a “very long list of reasons” why her family agreed to be featured in the show’s pilot. “We really loved the idea of the show, the idea that it showed Catholic families,” she stated. In the pilot, the family showed

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Sometimes a job is just a job, even when from the outside it looks like it involves the stuff of an Indiana Jones movie. Fabrizio Bisconti is the newly named archaeological superintendent of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology, which oversees the upkeep and preservation of 140 Christian catacombs from the third and fourth centuries scattered all over Italy. Most of the time, he said, the job is just work and study. Staff members can spend a full month with surgical tools and cotton balls cleaning a third-century sarcophagus, but then there are those stunning, shocking, awe-inspiring moments of discovery. Mid-June brought one of those “wow” moments when restorers cleaning a ceiling in the Catacombs of St. Thecla found what turned out to be the oldest known image of the apostle Paul. The fresco was hidden under a limestone crust. Bisconti said treasure hunting and exploring were not his passions as a youth; he was into literature. But as a university literature student, he took an archaeology course “and fell in love.” “Certainly, there is great emotion when you find something new, but for us, archaeology is our job, the subject of our studies,” he said. Bisconti said most of what he and his fellow archaeologists do all day involves very slow, painstaking, precision care of the oldest intact Christian monuments and artwork. Very little remains of any Christian church built before the fifth century, but the 140 catacombs in Italy offer clear evidence of how early Christians worshipped, how they lived and, especially, what they hoped and believed about death. Because the catacombs are underground and were filled in with dirt in the fifth century — when people began burying their dead in cemeteries within the city walls — the catacombs remained remarkably intact, Bisconti said. Deciding which catacombs to excavate and whether or not to open them to the public is a process that takes years and tries to balance the values of preservation, scholarship, education and Christian devotion, he said. “Opening a catacomb means allowing its degradation,” he said. As soon as the dirt in a catacomb is removed, the frescoes and inscriptions start fading and decaying. Human visitors, who sweat and breathe, add moisture to the air, which speeds up the growth of mold and the flaking of any painted surface, he said. The catacombs are technically the property of the Italian government, which under the terms of the 1929 Lateran Pacts with the Vatican, entrusted their care and oversight to the Vatican.

CNS photo/cv

Michael and Laura Richard are filmed during the Boston-based television network CatholicTV reality show “House+Home” in 2008 in Plymouth, Mass. Each episode of the show features a different family and offers a glimpse into their everyday life. The families share with Father Robert Reed, director of CatholicTV, their personal stories and their expressions of faith. Father Reed their home and shared many of their faith-based experiences. One story was about their oldest daughter who at a young age correctly predicted that her mother would give birth to triplets and that two of the babies would be boys and one a girl. The child said that she knew about the coming of her brothers and sister because God had told her; during nightly family prayer, she had prayed aloud, asking God to send her siblings. The Richards also shared their experiences as home-schooling parents and independent business owners. Richard said her family was very pleased with how the episode turned out. “We thought they did an excellent job,” she stated. Richard believes “House+Home”

will serve as an inspiration to other families. “I think the show is very supportive for families who choose to live a strongly Catholic lifestyle,” she said. “It’s nice for those families to see that there are other families out there who live like they do.” She said she also hopes the show will encourage those who feel like some element is lacking in their family relationship to “come together with a stronger faith.” Richard told CNS that her family was glad to have taken part in the series pilot. “We don’t have any regrets,” she said. “We think the show is going to have a definite positive effect, and we think it will really be received well.”

Nun receives papal honor for her work at Vatican congregation, presented Sister Sharon MONROE, Mich. (CNS) — A with the papal honor June 26. Upon Michigan nun who before her retirement in June was one of the highest- her retirement, she returned to her congregation in Monroe. ranking women at the Vatican has reIn a July 14 statement, ceived the Pro Ecclesia et Sister Sharon described her Pontifice Cross, a papal honministry at the Vatican as “a or recognizing her outstandwonderful experience in ing service to the church. terms of being exposed to Sister Sharon Holland, a the universal church.” member of the Sisters, Although she didn’t exServants of the Immaculate pect any kind of honor, she Heart of Mary, is a canon said receiving the medal lawyer who was one of the “was a very positive sign of first women to become a my work having been appre“capo d’ufficio,” or section ciated.” chief, at a major Vatican Sister Sharon In a March 2007 interview agency. Holland with Catholic News Service She spent 21 years as a in Rome, Sister Sharon said she had section chief at the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and seen an increase in the number of women working at the Vatican, “and I Societies of Apostolic Life. In that role, think it would be safe to say there’s an Sister Sharon responded to questions increase in the level of work they’re on governance from congregations of doing.” religious from all over the world. Women officials are more directly Cardinal Franc Rode, prefect of the

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involved in laying the groundwork for decisions by higher-ups, she said. “None of us make the decisions finally, but the better they’re prepared, the more likely they are to move forward,” she said. In April of this year, the Catholic Health Association honored her with a bronze statuette and a board resolution calling her “a champion of American religious congregations and their ministries” throughout her time in Rome. In 2007, she was awarded the International Medal from Vincentianrun St. John’s University in Jamaica, N.Y. In the citation for the award, presented in Rome where the university has a campus, St. John’s called Sister Sharon one of the world’s leading canon lawyers and said she “models what is best about religious life.”

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Macabre discovery proves death squad existed DAVAO CITY, Philippines (CNS) — The recent discovery of human remains on a firing range proves BRIEFLY there have been vigilante killings in this southern Philippines city, a Catholic priest said. Redemptorist Father Amado Picardal, chairman of the Coalition Against Summary Execution, said he believes the discovery of bones by crime-scene investigators supports reports of a Davao Death Squad, known as DDS, reported the Asian church news agency UCA News. A court in Manila in early July had authorized the Commission on Human Rights and the Philippine National Police to search a quarry and a firing range, identified by a witness as the burial site for victims of summary executions. The property where the bones were found July 11 is reportedly owned by a former police officer. The discovery of the remains “proves the existence” of the death squad because “it was the testimony of a former DDS member that led to the discovery,” Father Picardal said. The coalition, an organization of more than a dozen nongovernmental organizations on the southern island of Mindanao, has been documenting cases of alleged summary executions for 10 years.

Russia reintroduces religious education in public schools

CNS photo/Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology

A fourth-century image of St. Paul the Apostle that Vatican archaeologists believe is the oldest in existence is seen on a wall in the Catacombs of St. Thecla in Rome in this photo released June 29. Experts of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology made the discovery June 19. Most of the 140 Christian catacombs in Italy are in Rome, and only five of those are open to the public: the catacombs of St. Sebastian, St. Callixtus, Priscilla, St. Agnes and Domitilla. “There are many, many other catacombs,” he said. For Bisconti, the most interesting of the closed catacombs is one on Via Latina in Rome. “It was discovered in 1955 and we have found more than 100 frescoes of scenes of the Old and New Testaments, but also of pagan myths,” he said. The most popular Old Testament stories are Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac, Jonah in the belly of the whale, the story from the Book of Daniel about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace — “all of these gave support and comfort to Christians because they are examples of salvation,” Bisconti said. Most of the catacombs were built around the tomb of a martyr because

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other Christians wanted to be buried near a hero of the faith. Even after the catacombs were no longer used for burial and were filled in, paths leading pilgrims to the martyr’s tomb were left open for several hundred years. Most of the catacombs demonstrate the early Christian preoccupation with the equality of all believers, he said. The bodies were sealed into niches carved out of the earth, usually with very simple inscriptions. Slowly, however, decorations were added and wealthier Christians were buried in sarcophagi or thick marble caskets. Bisconti said his office is two or three years away from allowing the public to visit the Catacombs of Pretestato, located near the Catacombs of Domitilla. Never before opened to the public, the Pretestato burial grounds are the site of more than 1,000 sarcophagi, many still intact.”

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Even though the Catholic faith is not included in the project, the Moscow-based Catholic archbishop hailed the Russian government’s plan to reintroduce religious education in public schools. The plan, announced July 21 by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, demonstrates that the anti-religious sentiMedvedev ment that marked Soviet communism no longer dominates society, said Archbishop Paolo Pezzi, head of the Catholic Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow. “In my opinion, today there is a very strong yearning, a desire to find the meaning of life, including through religion,” the archbishop told Vatican Radio July 23. Medvedev’s pilot program would give the parents of students at 12,000 middle schools in 18 regions of Russia a choice between having their children study Russian Orthodoxy or secular ethics at school. Schools that have a significant number of Muslim, Jewish or Buddhist students would offer courses in those faiths as well. “As a minority, we are not part of the official plan” for offering religious instruction in schools, Archbishop Pezzi said. “If in some schools the presence of Catholic students was large enough to justify forming a group, we would evaluate the situation and consider asking for this possibility.”

12 CLASSIFIEDS ■ EMPLOYMENT Preschool teacher - St. Ann Young Child Center in Prairie Village is interviewing for a part-time preschool teacher for the fall; Mon.- Thurs., from 8:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Certain benefits are included. If interested, call Tati at (913) 541-0687. Pastoral associate position - St. Gabriel Parish, an active parish of 900 families including a school and active youth program, located in Kansas City, Mo., is seeking candidates for a pastoral associate. The position entails work in sacramental preparation, RCIA, adult faith formation, advocacy for annulments, and pastoral care. The candidate should possess education and knowledge associated with these areas. For information, contact Father Joseph Sharbel at (816) 453-1183, ext. 204; or submit resume, via e-mail, to: jsharbel1@aol.com. Program director – Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is looking for an individual who will maintain overall management, including staff supervision, fiscal and goal achievement, for the foster grandparent program located at our Wyandotte County office. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in human or social services and 3 years of management experience are required. Experience working with the elderly population and volunteer management are preferred. Benefits offered. Interested candidates may forward resume to Irene Caudillo at 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, KS 66102 or send, via e-mail, to: ICaudillo@catholiccharitiesks.org. University teacher - The department of religious studies and philosophy at Avila University is seeking qualified individuals to teach introduction to religious studies, Catholicism and world religions for the fall semester of 2009. A master’s degree in religious studies or theology is required. A Ph.D. in religious studies or theology, with a background in Catholic theology, comparative religions or world religions, is preferred. Interested candidates may mail CV, letter of application, teaching philosophy and interests to Charlene Gould, Ph.D., 11901 Wornall, Kansas City, MO 64145 or send, via e-mail, to: Charlene.Gould@avila.edu. Arre you looking to feel valued and appreciated while caring for children? Special Beginnings Early Learning Centers — private, Christian, preschools, child care and school-age centers — have grown again. We are seeking the following candidates: lead teachers, full- and part-time assistant teachers for infants through school-age, and substitute staff. Stop by and visit with us to learn more about our career opportunities and competitive benefit package. Currently accepting applications at 8205 W. 108th Terr., Overland Park. Director - The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is accepting resumes for the position of director of the Respect Life Office. Applicants should be practicing Catholics with a passion for pro-life ministry. We are looking for an individual with extensive pro-life knowledge, a strong work ethic, exceptional communication skills, the ability to efficiently and effectively manage financial and administrative tasks, computer literacy, and the ability to serve as a recognized figure for the diocese. For a job description and application timeline, please visit the Web site at: www.RespectLifeMissouri. org. For immediate consideration, e-mail your resume and cover letter to: stucinski@diocesekcsj.org. St. Joseph Early Education Center - Is hiring for current and fall openings in our award-winning child care center. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, energetic, and kind and patient with children. College credits in ECE preferred. Call Nancy at (913) 631-0004.

■ SERVICES

Want your house deep-down clean? Charmaine will provide excellent service and reliability that you can count on. Years of experience in satisfying customers. Greater metro area. Call Charmaine at (913) 972-7900. Husband and wife cleaning team - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959. Would you like your house cleaned the Spic & Span way? Call the Spic & Span Team. We are dependable and reasonable. Call Linda at (913) 484-5150 or Norma at (816) 820-4739. Serving the Wyandotte, Johnson and Leavenworth counties. Tree Service - Pruning ornamental trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Brad Grabs, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 244-5838. www.Green SolutionsKC.com. Summer is here! I do mowing, landscaping, walls, decks, patios, and winter cleanups. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230. Southern Johnson County.

THE LEAVEN • JULY 31, 2009 All Lawn Services/Mowing/ Fertilizing Most city-sized lots $25-30 Call for a free estimate. Family-owned by local parishioners. Lic/Bond/Ins. References. (913) 620-6063 Grass Hearts Lawn Care We put the love in lawn care! Serving the Johnson County area For a free estimate, call (913) 980-5058 or e-mail: grassheartslawncare@yahoo.com. Foley’s Lawn Care 2009 Season Weekly mowing & landscape maintenance! Call now for your FREE estimate! (913) 825-4353 Serving Johnson County Commercial and residential Granite, Cambria and Silestone countertops - See our new showroom at 5820 Barton, in the heart of beautiful downtown Shawnee. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058. Home care services - We provide care management, medication administration, transportation, companionship, shopping and other needs to the elderly and disabled at home. Reasonable rates. Full or part time. Days/nights/weekends. Call Pamerick Home Health Care and speak with Mimi (913) 488-5993. Caregiver - Retired nurse with over 30 yrs. experience is looking for full- or part-time clients. Days, nights, and/or weekends. Bath, hair and grooming visits. Excellent references; reasonable rates. Metro KC area. Call (913) 579-5276. 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 Andrea, Sara or Gary. 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. Caregiver - Certified CNA with over 40 years of hospital and home-care experience will care for your loved one in the WyCo area. References available; reasonable rates. Full or part time; days/nights/ weekends. Call Dorles at (913) 371-2970. Have you considered starting a donor-advised fund or family foundation? The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas can help. We assist people with giving plans from trusts to gift annuities. If you are trying to stretch your philanthropy dollars further, contact the Catholic Foundation for ideas and guidance. For a confidential meeting, call (913) 647-0365 or visit the Web site at: www.cfnek.org. Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837. Are you facing divorce, layoff, foreclosure, or bankruptcy? Consider financial coaching to turn your situation around. Guiding you through a 7-step program toward financial peace and prosperity. For a free, confidential consultation, contact Denise Bergin, CPA, at (785) 760-0065 or send an e-mail to: jayhawktax@ sunflower.com. Serving Kansas City, Lawrence, and Topeka. 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.

■ HOME IMPROVEMENT

Housepainting, powerwashing, rotted window sills repaired - Quality products. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 341-7584. Masonry work - Quality, new or repair work. Brick, block, and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second generation bricklayer. Call (913) 829-4336. Masonry/Carpentry - Brick, block, stone, and tile. Interior and exterior. Restoration work and new design. Over 10 years experience. Call Ken at (913) 232-9796. Roofing - Will honor insurance companies’ proposals. 20 years experience. Call (913) 341-7584 (office) or (913) 206-4524 (cell).

THE LEAVEN • JULY 31, 2009 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 (913) 963-9896. House painting - Interior and exterior; wallpaper removal. 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. References. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776. REMODELING & REPAIRS Quality work at reasonable prices. Baths, kitchens, basements and door replacements. Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park. Ralph Pruente at (913) 631-1115 Cu st om- kit ch en count ert op s - Laminate tops manufactured and installed within 5 days. Competitive prices, dependable work. St. Joseph Parish member. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 9625058. Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing. Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 Ti m t he Ha n dy ma n - 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. Organizing & handyman services - Basements, garages, attics and shop spaces organized! Your items sorted, boxed & labeled; areas cleaned when finished! Wall repair, interior painting, tile work, handicap bars and ramps. Great references and insured. For pictures of current projects, view my Web site at: www. swalms.com. Call Tillar Swalm at (913) 375-9115. S T A ( S u r e T hi ng A l w ay s) Ho m e R e p ai r Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Call for free estimates. Cell: (913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; e-mail: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa. 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

■ REAL ESTATE

Family home - Two blocks from Holy Spirit Church, Overland Park. View online at: www.fsbo-kc .com. Go to ID# 5723, or call April Newton at (913) 894-2012 or (913) 486-2068 (cell). Lenexa home FSBO - 4 BR, 3 -1/2 BA, three-car garage, 2918 sq. ft. plus unfinished w/o bsmt. on a culde-sac in the Falcon Valley subdivision. Built in 2003, .43-acre golf course lot with privacy trees. $439,000. View at: 18629W97thTerrace.fsbobyme.com. For information or a showing, call Edda at (913) 397-0434. Kansas land - Have land to sell? Contact us about our free listing service. Marisa Morgan Dallman, owner/broker, Kansas Land Brokers, LLC. Call (913) 9159151 or visit the Web site at: www.KansasLand Brokers.com. Overland Park - 11203 W. 140th Terr., Nottingham Estates at St. Andrews. Fabulous, one-owner 2-story with 4 BR and 5-1/2 BA on a private, cul-de-sac estate lot. This treasure offers a screened-in porch, deck, patio, hearth kitchen, 4 fireplaces, 4-car tandem garage, and a finished walkout bsmt. Vacation at home! Call Marnie Robinett, Reece and Nichols, at (913) 266-6621. Lake house – Beautiful and private Lake Kahola, less than 2 hours from the KC area. Only 10 miles off I35 at Emporia exit. This home sleeps 10+ with a 2-car garage, plus a private boat ramp and dock. Located at the water’s edge on a quiet cove. Call Cy at (316) 2620888.

Move-in ready home – 2 BR, 1 BA. Well-maintained home in Mission features many updates. Hard to find for the price of $123,500. View online at: www.forsalebyowner.com, ID# 22138871, or call (816) 516-0896. Shawnee home for sale - Fairway Hills subdivision. Stunning, 1-1/2-story, 5 BR, 4-1/2 BA home with twotiered loft and fabulous, finished walkout bsmt. with 5th BR and full BA. Absolutely gorgeous! Over 5,000 sq. ft. Call M. Spero, Reece and Nichols, at (913) 206-3511. Strawberry Hill bungalow - 1 BR, 1 BA. Many closets and cabinets and lots of charm! Large, fenced yard; off-street parking. $40,000. For appt. to view, call (913) 371-0850 or (913) 302-3669.

■ VACATION

July 31-8/2

The Ladies of Sacred Heart, Gardner, will host a fundraising consignment sale from July 31 - Aug. 2 in the parish center, 122 E. Warren St. For information or to consign items, send an email to Melissa McGill at: mmcgill@ kc.rr.com.

Aug.

Lake of the Ozarks rental - Osage Beach, milliondollar view, fully furnished; 2 BR, 2 BA; sleeps six. No smoking, no pets. For special rates, call Steve or Sheryl Roederer at (913) 244-2022. 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. Visit the Web site at: cabin.forcadeassociates.com. Summer vacation - Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, 1 BA, sleeps six. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec center w/pool, fishing, golf, hiking, rafting, close to nat’l park. $100/night; $600/week. Call Joe at (913) 385-5589. Vacation condo - Marco Island, Fla. 2 BR, 2 BA. Perfect weather! To view, visit the Web site at: www. marcocondoforrent.com, or call (913) 544-1288. Fabulous Bahamas vacation - The Ocean at Taino Beach, Freeport. Fabulous gold crown level accommodations with full kitchen, 1 BR, living room. Sleeps 4 people max. Available 9/26 - 10/3. $700 for 7 days, OBO. Call Tati at (913) 541-0687.

■ FOR RENT

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.

■ CHILD CARE

Child care - Loving grandma wants to care for your infant in her home. Part time preferred, but would consider full time. 28 years experience; excellent references. WyCo area. Member of St. Patrick Parish. Call (913) 299-9765. Day care available - Small, in-home day care, near 146th and Black Bob, Olathe, has part-time openings for M-W-F for children ages 0-3 yrs. Over 9 years of experience and excellent references. Member, Prince of Peace Parish. Call Katie at (913) 768-9514. Na n n y n ee de d - Seeking part-time nanny for daughters, ages 21 mos. and 6 yrs., starting in Aug. at least 3 days/wk. Some driving required. Please include references and experience. Send an e-mail to: hkbkuo @yahoo.com. Nanny needed - Seeking a part-time nanny to care for my daughters, ages 6 and 7. From 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. and from 3:30 - 6 p.m., Mon. - Fri., beginning Aug. 17. Light housekeeping, errands, and meal prep. Call Melissa at (913) 706-4408. Wonderful nanny - Looking for a new family to love! After 5 years with my current family, the last child is off to school. I would love to find another family to grow with. Excellent references; available Aug. 17. Call Connie at (816) 739-2938.

■ ENTERTAINMENT

Bulk mulch - $35 per cu. yd. delivered (within our delivery area with a 2-yard minimum order) OR $70 per cu. yd. delivered and spread. Contact Joe Keehn at (913) 631-7217 or (913) 449-9848 or visit the Web site at: www.mokanmulch.com.

■ ENTERTAINMENT

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

Boy Scout Troop 295 at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 71st and Metcalf, Overland Park, will host a paper drive on Aug. 1. The Scouts are accepting papers, magazines, corrugated cardboard boxes and aluminum cans. Drop off at the paper drive truck located in the northeast corner of the church parking lot.

9301 State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo. For information, contact Joseph Cirincione, at (816) 501-4109, or send and e-mail to him at: jcirincione@sfx-kc.org; or Father James Blumeyer, SJ, at (816) 5235115, ext. 214, or send an e-mail to him at: jblumeyer@ sfx-kc.org.

7 The CYO of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual golf tournament on Aug. 7 at Sunflower Hills Golf Course, 141 N. 122nd St., Bonner Springs. The cost is $75 per player; $300 per foursome. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For information or to register, call Bryan Barnhart at (913) 2382143.

The youth groups of Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph Parishes will present Audible Lights, The Brooks Brothers and Allen Asbury, a Christian group from Branson, who will perform a concert at 7 p.m. on Aug. 2 at Immaculate Conception, 711 N. 5th St., Leavenworth. The cost is: $10 for ages 13 and over; $5 for ages 4 - 12; and free for children three and under. For information or to purchase tickets, contact the parish office at (913) 682-3953 or Carol and Katie Peterson at (913) 772-8871.

A loss support group will meet from 3:30 - 5 p.m. on Aug. 4 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc. “Parenting an Out-of-Control Teen,” a three-part parenting program, will be offered from 1 - 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning Aug. 4, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

4-10

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host a silent, directed retreat, beginning at 4 p.m. on Aug. 5 and concluding at 1 p.m. on Aug. 10. The cost is $350. A $50 deposit is appreciated. For information or to register, call (913) 3606173 or visit the Web site at: www.mount osb.org/sophia.

4-6

The Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City offers the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola to help people explore and deepen their relationships with God. All are invited to attend one of the “Come and See” information sessions being held from 7 - 8 p.m. on Aug. 4 at the Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park; on Aug. 5 at the Rockhurst University Community Center, 54th and Troost, Kansas City, Mo.; on Aug. 5 at St. Michael the Archangel, 5200 W. 143rd St., Leawood; and on Aug. 6 in the chapel at Rockhurst High School,

10-13

Conception Abbey, Conception, Mo., will host its inaugural “Music in the Liturgy” workshop from Aug. 10 - 13. The workshop will include classes on eucharistic theology and spirituality; criteria for liturgical music; the history of chant; cantoring and choir/ congregational singing; and more. There will also be a presentation on the new liturgical psalter by Abbot Gregory Polan, OSB, the main translator of the psalms. For information, visit the Web site at: www.conception.edu.

Kristie Martin, reflexologist with Quiet Sole Reflexology, will offer free one-hour reflexology appointments on Aug. 12 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mount osb.org/kwc.

St. Casimir Church, 719 Pennsylvania, Leavenworth, will host its annual roast beef dinner from noon 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 2. The cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 12 and younger. Carryouts are available.

The Johnson County Unos will hold their monthly meeting and potluck dinner at 6 p.m. on Aug. 7 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. A course in the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning will be held at 7 p.m. on Aug. 7 at Holy Rosary Parish-Wea, 22779 Metcalf, Bucyrus. A reasonable course fee is charged. For information or to register, call Christine or David Downey at (913) 837-3182; the Couple-to-Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558; or visit the Web site at: www.cclkc.org.

7-9

St. Thomas Aquinas High School class of 1989 will host a 20th reunion weekend. A casual gathering will be held at 7 p.m. on Aug. 7 at Tanner’s, 22374 W. 66th St., Shawnee. On Aug. 8, there will be a tour of St. Thomas Aquinas High School at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. at Taste, 7938 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park. A family picnic will be held at noon on Aug. 9 at Knights of Columbus Park, Shawnee. For information, contact Anne (Garbee) Smith, via email, at: anne@smittypages.com; or contact Joelle (Bichelmeyer) Peterson at: joellepeterson70@yahoo.com.

St. Joseph High School class of 1979 will host a 30th reunion on Aug. 8, beginning with 5 p.m. Mass at Prince of Peace Parish, 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe. Dinner and dancing will follow. The cost is $20 per person; $40 per couple. To RSVP, call Melissa Brown Nachbar at (913) 6311464 or send an e-mail to her at: nachbars@ earthlink.net.

Bishop Miege High School class of 1984 will host its 25th reunion at 7 p.m. on Aug. 15 at Lucky Brewgrille, 5401 Johnson Dr., Mission. Help spread the word to other classmates through Facebook, e-mail or phone calls. If you have contact information for fellow classmates, call John Cissell at (913) 484-8755 or send it to him, via email, at: jcissell@ kc.rr.com. The junior class at Immaculata High School, Leavenworth, will host a dodgeball tournament on Aug. 15 at David Brewer Park. The cost is $25 per team for 8th-graders and younger; $50 per team for high-schoolers. For information or to register, call Shelly at (913) 909-0276 or download a registration form from the Web site at: www.leavenworthcatholic schools.org; follow the link to Immaculata. A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on Aug. 15 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting in the Father Burak Room following Mass. The topic will be “Laughter and Tears During Grief.” For information, call (913) 649-2026.

The Keeler Women’s Center will begin a weekly support group for women who have been released from incarceration, entitled “Living Free: Re-enter and Re-start,” from 1 - 2 p.m. on Mondays, beginning Aug. 17, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

Pat Callaghan, master food volunteer with the K-State Extension Office, will host a group to offer education and support for those dealing with diabetes from 1 - 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 10 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to

The archdiocesan education office and the Perfect Wings program will sponsor a eucharistic celebration for children with special needs and their families at 10 a.m. on Aug. 29 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will be the celebrant. There will be a reception following Mass. For information, call the education office at (913) 721-1570.

Misc. Join us this fall for an interparish Catholic Women’s Bible Study of salvation history from Adam to Jesus, the Book of James and the study of Christ’s passion. Women of all ages are welcome to study God’s word together and enjoy fellowship about how God’s word impacts your life. Children are welcome to attend. While the women are studying God’s word, children ages 312 will be taught the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. Children younger than 3 years old can either accompany their mothers in a Moms study group or stay in our nursery. The groups will meet on Thursday mornings from 9:30 - 11 a.m. for 26 weeks, beginning Sept. 10, at Holy Trinity Church, 9150 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa. For information or to register, contact Laura Haeusser at (913) 341-9057; or Kathryn Burditt at (913) 451-3680 or, via e-mail, at: tkburditt @hotmail.com. Bishop Lillis High School, Kansas City, Mo., is planning a 50th reunion for the class of 1959. For information, contact Baldy Darnay at (816) 640-9978 or send an e-mail to him at: mdarnay@kc.rr.com. Hayden High School, Topeka, will host a 45-year reunion for the class of 1964 on Oct. 10 at the Shawnee Country Club. For information, contact Marilyn (Harkin) Heideman at (785) 286-1300 or via e-mail to: gmheide@cox.net; or Bob and Terry (Brame) Bryan at (785) 246-2363 or via e-mail to: gograni@aol.com. There are ten men in the My House men’s groups that have been free from pornography for over one year! Also, the My House women’s group is available for wives and loved ones who are healing from the effects of their loved one’s struggles. For more information, visit the Web site at: LoveIsFaithful.com. The Singles of Nativity will gather for round-robin-style tennis beginning at 6 p.m. at the Indian Creek Recreational Center, 103rd St. and Marty, Overland Park, on Sundays throughout the summer. Beginners are welcome; there is room for everyone. We may go out for a light dinner afterwards, because the idea is to share friendship. For information, send an e-mail to Nancy Driscoll at: ndriscoll1@kc.rr.com.

Join the Singles of Nativity for a sock hop and jitterbug lessons from 7:30 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 8 in the basement of Church of the Nativity, 119th and Mission Rd., Leawood. For information, send an email to: social@son-ministry .org.

CALENDAR

21-23

The Bishop Miege High School class of 1959 will host its 50th reunion during the weekend of Aug. 21 23. For information, contact Paul Lavery at (913) 484-3664 or send an e-mail to him at: prlsr@everestkc.net; or contact Linda (Spurck) Wilcher at (913) 909-4126 or send an e-mail to her at: dawilch@sbcglobal.net.

■ Calendar items must be received nine days before the publication date. E-mail submissions are preferred; send to: jennifer@the leaven. com.

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • JULY 31, 2009

Editor REVEREND MARK GOLDASICH, STL frmark@theleaven.com Managing Editor ANITA McSORLEY anita@theleaven.com Senior Reporter JOE BOLLIG joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative JENNIFER SIEBES jennifer@theleaven.com

Production Manager TODD HABIGER todd@theleaven.com

Reporter KARA HANSEN kara@theleaven.com

Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Archbishop Edward O’Meara Award Winner 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003 Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/ year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

SCRIPTURE READINGS EIGHTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Aug. 2 EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Ex 16: 2-4, 12-15; Ps 78: 3-4, 23-25, 54; Eph 4: 17, 20-24; Jn 6: 24-35 Aug. 3 Monday Nm 11: 4b-15; Ps 81: 12-17; Mt 14: 13-21 Aug. 4 John Mary Vianney, priest Nm 12: 1-13; Ps 51: 1, 3-7, 12-13; Mt 14: 22-36 Aug. 5 The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome Nm 13:1-2, 25 —14:1, 26-29a, 34-35; Ps 106: 6-7, 13-14, 21-23; Mt 15: 21-28

A decision of supreme importance

The fate of the world hangs in the balance arning: If you do not presently live in the state of Kansas, please read no further. The following story will simply upset you.

Once upon a time in the kingdom of heaven, God went missing. Eventually, Michael the Archangel found God on the seventh day, resting. Michael asked God what he’d been doing. God sighed contentedly and pointed down through the clouds, saying, “Look, Michael, what I created! It’s called a planet and I’ve put life on it. I’m going to call it Earth and it’s going to be a place of great balance.” God pointed to various areas of the Earth and said, “For example, over there is Greenland, which is very cold, while over here is the Middle East, which is very hot. And this area of the world over here is filled with lighter-skinned people, while that area there has folks with darker skin. This spot has great forests, while over there . . . “ And, on and on, God went. Michael was impressed. Suddenly, though, the archangel noticed an area of rolling hills and prairie and exclaimed, “What’s that beautiful garden spot there?” “Ah,” said God proudly, “That I call the ‘Land of Ahs.’ It’s Kansas, the most glorious place on Earth. It has beautiful lakes, flowing rivers, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, oceans of waving wheat, fluffy clouds and blue skies year-round. It has four marvelous seasons and you can see millions of stars in the sky there at night.”

“And the people,” God gushed. “Kansans will be known as modest, intelligent, good-humored, fair, sociable, hard-working high achievers. They will be revered throughout the world!” Looking puzzled, the archangel then said to God, “But what about balance? You said there would be balance, didn’t you?” “Well, of course,” replied God. “Just wait till you see the yahoos I’m putting around them in Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri!” ******************************** OK, fellow Kansans, do you understand why I put that warning at the beginning of this column? Seriously, I’m sure there were many nicer ways to make a point about “balance,” but certainly few more colorful than this story. We hear a lot about living a balanced life these days and, although that idea is appealing, many of us believe it’s just a pipe dream. Well, at least two people might disagree with that general sentiment. The two are actually a married couple, John and Cindy Korb, who are parishioners of mine — for a while longer, at least — in Tonganoxie. (You can read their remarkable story on the front page of this issue.) One of the impressive things about

CHURCH AND STATE

MARK MY WORDS President MOST REVEREND JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

COMMENTARY

this couple is their balance. Over the many years that I’ve known them, they’ve always made time for the important things in life: their family (both nuclear and extended), their parish (serving in more ways than I can list in this space), and the wider Tongie community. Despite being very busy as parents and teachers, they always seem to be on an even keel — having a smile, a good word, a helping hand or a hearty laugh always at the ready. Now, as they “retire” to work in the foreign missions, John and Cindy are teaching me yet another lesson in balance. As God has given them many blessings, they want to share that bounty — balance things out — with those in lessdeveloped areas of our world. Moral theologians like myself would call what they are doing a commitment to social justice in the world; John and Cindy would simply call it “the right thing to do.” While not many of us are given the call or talents to work in the foreign missions, seeking balance in our hearts, our homes, our schools, our neighborhoods, our parishes, and our workplaces should be a constant goal. Ensure that the most important things in life — our family, faith, community, the cries of the poor — get the time and attention they deserve. It is possible. John and Cindy Korb are living proof of that. And the secret is a simple one: John says the Prayer of St. Francis every morning. It’s essentially a prayer for balance: Where there’s doubt, bring faith; where sadness, joy; where despair, hope. So, let’s get out there and be those channels of peace. After all, God’s depending heavily on us Kansans!

f — make that, when — the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor is confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Catholics will hold six of the nine seats on the highest court in the land.

Expect, however, that number to remain little remarked upon, for the operative number remains five. Five justices equal a majority. And in our day, when courts often behave as legislatures, five justices equal the power to set social policy for 300 million citizens in what has become government by unelected petrarchy. For the founding generation that wrote and ratified the Constitution,

the modern Supreme Court would have been as unimaginable as space travel, the Internet, and “American Idol.” And while much that the Founders could not imagine is now real and desirable (space travel, the Internet), the dramatic evolution of the Supreme Court’s role in American life represents an unwelcome change never consented to by “we the people.” Many of the most important questions of the day are now beyond the reach of the democratic process. Courts decide such issues, which ultimately means “the court” decides: the U.S. Supreme Court, or more accurate-

ly, five of its nine members. Thus the Senate Judiciary Committee circus all court nominees must now endure. Of course, it was not always this way. Befitting application for a job where few Americans will even know your name, court nominations used to be generally free of the partisan brawls that attend contemporary confirmation proceedings. However, in the years after Roe v. Wade rendered Congress and state legislatures powerless to prohibit abortion, nomination battles began to take on a new importance. And ferocity. Interestingly, Vice President Joe Biden (a Catholic) is in no small part the architect of the modern, highly polarized confirmation process. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1987, he oversaw the scurrilous defamation of Reagan nominee Robert Bork (now a Catholic), when Ted Kennedy (also Catholic) infamously prophesied that “Robert Bork’s America” would be “a land in

which women would be forced into back alley abortions, blacks would sit at segregated lunch counters,” etc. Fortunately for Judge Sotomayor and her presidential patron, nominees of abortion-friendly presidents are, as a rule, spared such senatorial slander and approved with relative ease. It has been reported that a record $5.3 billion was spent on the 2008 presidential and congressional election campaigns. One might ask where the return on that very significant investment is if the courts have taken important issues like abortion out of the hands of elected officials. For an answer, look no further than Sonia Sotomayor, who despite (or perhaps because of) a nearly nonexistent paper trail on abortion, now bears the expectations of those who paid for last November’s Obama victory. Michael Schuttloffel is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

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Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

Bishop Miege High School Class of 1984 25 Year Reunion August 15 | 7 - 11 p.m. Lucky Brewgrill | 5401 Johnson Dr. | Mission, KS

Aug. 6 THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD Dn 7: 9-10, 13-14; Ps 97: 1-2, 5-6, 9; 2 Pt 1: 16-19; Mk 9: 2-10

To get on the mailing list, contact: John Cissell at (913) 484-8755 or send an e-mail to: jcissell@kc.rr.com. THE GOSPEL TRUTH

Aug. 7 Sixtus II, pope, martyr, and his companions, martyrs; Cajetan, priest Dt 4: 32-40; Ps 77: 12-16, 21; Mt 16: 24-28 Aug. 8 Dominic, priest Dt 6: 4-13; Ps 18: 2-4, 47, 51; Mt 17: 14-20 NINETEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Aug. 9 NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 1 Kgs 19: 4-8; Ps 34: 2-9; Eph 4:30 — 5:2; Jn 6: 41-51 Aug. 10 LAWRENCE, DEACON, MARTYR 2 Cor 9: 6-10; Ps 112: 1-2, 5-9; Jn 12: 24-26 Aug. 11 Clare, virgin Dt 31: 1-8; (Ps) Dt 32: 3-4, 7-9, 12; Mt 18: 1-5, 10, 12-14 Aug. 12 Jane Frances de Chantal, religious Dt 34: 1-12; Ps 66: 1-3, 8, 16-17; Mt 18: 15-20 Aug. 13 Pontian, pope, martyr; and Hippolytus, priest, martyr Jos 3: 7-10a, 11, 13-17; Ps 114: 1-6; Mt 18:21 — 19:1 Aug. 14 Maximilian Mary Kolbe, priest, martyr Jos 24: 1-13; Ps 136: 1-3, 16-18, 21-22, 24; Mt 19: 3-12 Aug. 15 THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Rv 11: 19a; 12: 1-6a, 10ab; Ps 45: 10bc, 11-12ab, 16; 1 Cor 15: 20-27; Lk 1: 39-56

Questions are often more important than answers

here will I ever find the money to pay these bills? How can I communicate better with my spouse? What can I do to get along with the kids?

Jesus and the crowd makes up the bulk of the Gospel reading. When the crowd asks Jesus, “Rabbi, Those types of questions often domiwhen did you get here?,” it appears as nate our thoughts. Unfortunately, they though Jesus is evading their question. do not have an easy answer. That is why His response does not inwe spend so much time clude any mention of a time thinking about them. EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY element. Instead, he anAs we attempt to address IN ORDINARY TIME swers, “You are looking for those questions, our efforts Jn 6: 24-35 me, not because you saw to do so shape our lives. signs but because you ate The search to find an anthe loaves and were filled. swer to the questions we ask determines Do not work for food that perishes, but the direction of our life. It is not so much for the food that endures for eternal life.” the answer, but rather the question itself In effect, Jesus is telling the crowd which points us in the direction we go that they have asked the wrong question with our life. and that they are seeking the wrong In that sense, the questions we ask are things. They should have asked themmore important than the answers we selves why they were looking for Jesus find. That explains what is going on in and what Jesus could offer them. Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jn 6:24-35. Jesus is attempting to redirect the After the miracle of the multiplication of crowd by giving them answers to questhe loaves and the fish, Jesus once again tions which they did not ask, but should tries to escape the crowd. But they purhave. He is trying to point them in a difsue him. The ensuing dialogue between

ferent direction. The dialogue between Jesus and the crowd reaches its high point when they ask Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Their question is not a mere request for information, but for something far more valuable: It is Jesus himself — “I am the bread of life.” Does that mean that Jesus is the answer to all the questions of the crowd, and by implication, to all our questions as well? Yes, but beware. We cannot look upon Jesus as an easy answer. On the contrary, Jesus brings along with him all sorts of difficult and challenging questions. They are incorporated in the very person of Jesus. As we nourish ourselves with the bread of life and assimilate Jesus to the core of our being, those questions will disturb and push us to respond: Who is my neighbor? How do I forgive those who have hurt me? What do I need to change in my life? None of those questions has an easy answer. It takes a lifetime of searching. And that searching is part of what it means to follow Jesus. Father Mike Stubbs is pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

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16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • JULY 31, 2009

HOME SWEET HOME Former Paola Ursulines make the move to Kentucky APLE MOUNT, Ky. — The Ursuline Sisters of Mount St. Joseph began their annual Community Days on July 8 with a merger celebration liturgy in the chapel to welcome their 23 new Sisters who are formerly Ursuline Sisters of Paola. Each of the former Paola Sisters was in attendance, except for Sister Marie William Blyth, who had to return to Denver for the funeral of her sister. The Sisters processed in with their designated Mount St. Joseph companion Sister and stopped before the altar to sign the Book of the Company of Mount St. Joseph. It is a tradition that dates back to when St. Angela Merici formed the Company of Saint Ursula in 1535 and asked each of the 28 women to sign a book to signify their commitment.

Bishop Emeritus John J. McRaith of the Diocese of Owensboro, Ky., celebrated the Mass and read from the Gospel of John. Afterward, Sister Cheryl Clemons delivered a reflection on the unifying moment of this special Mass, with the melding of the former Belleville, Ill., community, along with Paola and Mount St. Joseph. She referred often to C.S. Lewis’ “The Great Divorce,” which includes the line: “I am in love, and out of love I will not go.” While the Sisters sang the Magnificat, former Paola superior Sister Kathleen Condry joined congregational leader Sister Michele Morek in mixing soil from the two communities in a pot and planting a redbud tree. The ceremony concluded with Sister Rita Lavigne, a former Paola Sister, playing “Bind Us Together,” a song well-known among the Paola community. Sister Virginia Sturlich (center) signs the Book of the Company, as her Mount St. Joseph companion, Sister Betsy Moyer (left), and congregational leader Sister Michele Morek look on.

Sister Sheila Anne Smith follows along with the liturgy program. Bishop Emeritus John J. McRaith of the Diocese of Owensboro, Ky., processes in to the merger ceremony liturgy on July 8. Sister Kathleen Condry (left), from Paola, and Sister Michele Morek prepare the soil for a ceremonial tree planting.

Former Ursuline Sister of Paola Celine Leeker (center) gets a hug from congregational leader Sister Michele Morek after signing the Book of the Company on July 8. Looking on is Sister Catherine Kaufman.