08-13-10 Vol. 32 No. 4

www.theleaven.com | Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas | Vol. 32, No. 4 august 13, 2010

village people

Father Jerry Arano-Ponce, pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park, blesses St. Agnes Child Care director Neona Russ and toddler Ireland Sullivan at the parish’s new infant child care center, .

R

ply with the city and state requirements in OELAND PARK — If it takes order get the infant center license.” a village to raise a child, The existing structure of the building consider St. Agnes Parish itself was not changed, but the interior here one such village. was completely remodeled and necessary When the parish decided items were purchased, largely to open an infant with the help of St. Agnes pachild care center, parishioners Story by rishioners. provided the help needed to Kara Hansen “St. Agnes has a group of make it happen every step of handy men who constantly the way.

Photo by “The space where the infant volunteer to get things done Elaina Cochran around the buildings — the center is now, was used before as the Montessori program, buildings and grounds comwhich was moved to the St. Agnes School mittee. They donated their time and talent to make the necessary changes,” said building,” said Father Jerry Arano-Ponce, Father Arano-Ponce. “At some point in the pastor of St. Agnes Parish. “In that way the space became available, but it needed a lot Turn to “Parish” on page 6 of repairs and modifications done to com-

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

To get out the news of their upcoming gala, the Sisters, Servants of Mary are sharing their story at a parish near you.

3

OPEN ARMS

A KCK council of Knights of Columbus is welcoming some new members into the fraternal order — some recently resettled Burmese refugees.

5

ON DISPLAY

Abbot Barnabas Senecal is opening the first-ever public exhibit of his photography this week at the abbey in Atchison. For a peek at what you’ll see there, go to pages

8-9

2 Local News

THE LEAVEN • august 13, 2010

THE LEAVEN • August 13, 2010

Eight Sisters mark golden jubilees LEAVENWORTH — Eight Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, serving in the Kansas City-Leavenworth area, are marking their golden jubilees this year. They include: Sister Nancy Bauman; Sister Ann Victoria Garcia; Sister Jane Jackson; Sister Frances Juiliano; Sister Suzanne Retherford; Sister Irene Skeehan; Sister Mary Lex Smith; and Sister Charlotte White.

The Sisters celebrated their 50th anniversaries at the motherhouse in Leavenworth with a Mass and reception on June 27.

Originally from Topeka, Sister Nancy taught at schools in Kansas City, Mo.; Rock Springs and Laramie, Wyo.; Grand Junction, Colo.; and Kansas City, Kan., and Leavenworth.

She had an administrative role at Xavier Elementary School, Leavenworth, and was principal of Blessed Sacrament School, Kansas City, Kan. For the past several years, Sister Nancy has been director of initial formation for the religious community.

Since 2004, she has served in a leadership role as a member of the SCL Community Council.

Sister Ann Victoria is from Kansas City, Mo., where she and her family shared their musical talents at fiestas and in other settings. In her early years as a Sister, she taught elementary and high school students in Rock Springs, Wyo.; Kansas City, Mo.; Kansas City, Kan.; and Leavenworth.

She subsequently worked as an interpreter, taught English as a Second Language and assisted with a migrant program.

Education has been Sister Jane’s lifelong ministry. The Kansas City, Mo., native taught in Colorado, Montana, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas. She also held school administrative positions. From 1996 to 1999, Sister Jane was motherhouse coordinator in Leavenworth. Most recently, she worked at Cristo Rey High School, Kansas City, Mo. Born and educated in Kansas City, Kan., Sister Frances began her teaching ministry at the elementary grade level in Wyoming, Missouri and Kansas. After earning her master’s degree in learning disabilities, she was invited to teach at the University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth. Sister Frances

Sister Nancy Bauman

Sister Jane Jackson

Sister Suzanne Retherford

Sister Mary Lex Smith

Sister Ann Victoria Garcia

Sister Frances Juiliano

Sister Irene Skeehan

Sister Charlotte White

joined the university staff full time and went on to become chair of the education department, a position she continues to hold.

Kansas City, Mo., was home to Sister Suzanne, who currently works at Cristo Rey High School, in the vicinity of her original family residence.

Sister Suzanne has had teaching and administrative missions at schools in Montana, Kansas and Missouri. She also worked for 12 years coordinating staff development for schools of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo.

Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

Growing up in Tulsa, Okla., Sister Irene was introduced to the Sisters of Charity while a student at the University of Saint Mary. She was an elementary/junior high school teacher for 12 years in Kansas, Montana, Wyoming and Missouri. Sister Irene was among the first group of Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth assigned to establish a mission in Peru. Her subsequent work has included theology instruction, campus ministry, GED coordination, parish and diocesan ministries, and being a bilingual aide. Most recently, she was director of mission for Cristo Rey High School, where she continues to volunteer.

Sister Mary Lex came from Butte, Mont., to join the Sisters of Charity.

Her ministries have included teaching at the elementary and secondary levels, working in a university setting and in health care. For 15 years, she served in parish ministry and was actively involved with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program. Next, Sister Mary Lex worked for a battered women’s shelter. She currently is a victim advocate in the Wyandotte County district attorney’s office.

Sister Charlotte began her childhood in California until the family settled near Plattsburg and then Gower, Mo. Her early missions as a Sister included teaching grade school in Helena, Mont., and high school in Kansas City, Mo. After 20 years in the classroom, she worked in mission integration for the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System (SCLHS), a role she subsequently held with Exempla Healthcare, Denver. Sister Charlotte has also been involved in parish ministry, with the Catholic Education Foundation and in the school office of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. She currently works part time with SCLHS, and teaches and facilitates workshops and retreats.

Other members of the golden jubilee group include: Sister Bonnie Bachle, Olive Branch, Miss.; Sister Ruth Ann Hehn, Cheyenne, Wyo.; Sister Eileen Hurley, Great Falls, Mont.; Sister Virginia Jakobe, Livingston, Mont.; and Sister Mary Jo McDonald, Butte, Mont.

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Reporter Kara Hansen kara@theleaven.com

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

Aug. 15 Mass and profession for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George — Alton, Ill. Aug. 16 Mass and dinner with Knights of the Holy Sepulcher — St. Louis Aug. 17 Administrative Team meeting Finance Council meeting Aug. 18 Meeting with Father Jojiah Mandagiri and his provincial Aug. 20 Holy Hour and dinner with the Apostles of the Interior Life Aug. 21 Diaconate ordination for the Apostles of the Interior Life — St. Lawrence Center Kelly youth rally and Mass Aug. 22 Masses and installation of Father Bruce Ansems as pastor of St. Stanislaus, Rossville, and Immaculate Conception Parish, St. Marys Dedication of new church — St. Bernard, Wamego Aug. 23-24 Jesus Caritas bishops prayer group — Wichita Aug. 25 Graduation and dinner for leadership of the New Evangelization — Blessed Sacrament Aug. 26 Blessing and dedication of Mother Teresa Center for Nursing and Health Education — Benedictine College, Atchison Aug. 27 Donnelly graduation at Lansing prison Aug. 28 Mass and installation of Father Bill McEvoy as pastor of St. Francis de Sales, Lansing

Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar

Aug. 13 “Catholic Way” radio taping Aug. 29 Prison Mass

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The Sisters, Servants of Mary held their first gala in 2008. The event was the Sisters’ first major fundraiser and helped offset the costs they endure as they take care of dying in the Kansas City area — a service they offer at no cost.

Sisters gear up for second gala

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — They like to keep a low profile — so low that many don’t even know they’re here.

But the Sisters, Servants of Mary, who live in the big, brick motherhouse on 18th Street in Kansas City, Kan., next to Bishop Ward High School, have been serving the sick and dying of the Kansas City area since 1917.

The Sisters, Servants are semicloistered, which means that when they’re not performing the work of their apostolate, they are usually at the motherhouse.

Since they provide most of their nursing care in the homes of their patients, the Sisters are seen only rarely on the streets in their black or white habits, traveling to and from homes of the sick, or simply running errands.

“They’re the church’s best-kept secret in Kansas City,” said Mary J. Sullivan, a member of the Church of the Nativity in Leawood, who helps organize fundraising events for the Sisters.

And unless they have a sick relative or friend being cared for by the Sisters, she said, most archdiocesan Catholics have no way to meet one.

Until now. From July 17 - Aug. 29, trios of Sisters are visiting 10 Johnson County parishes.

The purpose of the visits is threefold: to share the story of the Sisters with area Catholics; to inspire young people to consider

About the gala

The first Serving from the Heart gala in 2008 to benefit the Sisters Servants of Mary was a great success, drawing 540 people and raising $250,000.

Co-chair Mary J. Sullivan is hoping Catholics in the archdiocese will be just as generous again to the Sisters.

This year the gala will be at the Church of the Ascension in Overland Park on Oct. 2. Cocktails and the silent auction will be at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:15 p.m. and a live auction at 8 p.m.

Invitations will be sent out by mail soon to area families. If you have not received an invitation and are interested in attending, go to the 2010 Serving from the Heart Web site at: www.servingfromtheheart. com; click on the button “information,” and then “If you’re interested in tickets.”

Tickets will be sold on a first-come basis. The cost is $125 per person or $1,000 for a table of eight.

The event is being held on behalf of the Sisters, Servants of Mary by the 16-member Serving from the Heart committee. The funds raised will help the Sisters continue their mission of providing compassionate care to the sick and dying, usually in their own homes, free of charge. a religious vocation; and to promote the Oct. 2 Serving from the Heart gala, which benefits the Sisters’ work.

“We believe if we’re present to the people, we can let them know about our ministry, and maybe that will inspire young girls to think about a vocation,” said Sister Catherine Bussen, SM, who has visited parishes in the past.

A trio of Sisters in their white habits inspire a bit of awe as well — especially in youngsters who have never met a nun before.

At first, the littlest children hang back and just stare at the Sisters, said Sister Catherine.

“One kid wanted to touch a Sister to see if she was real,” she chuckled.

But once the Sisters talked to them, they’d warm up pretty quickly.

“At the beginning they [did not] really get close to us, but once we approached them, and said, ‘Hi there, hello, how are you?’ and were open, and friendly, and smiling, they were happy to see us,” said Sister Lucero Garcia, SM. “Then they would hug us.”

But it’s not only the youngest parishioners who are glad to see the Sisters, said Sister Catherine.

“For the elderly people, we obviously bring back many memories from their school days with Sisters,” she said.

Usually there are long lines of people who want to talk to the Sisters after the Masses in parish-

es where they give their two-to three-minute talks, said Sullivan. Many thank the Sisters for the good they’ve done years ago, but also for their witness today.

“You would be amazed at how many people have firsthand experience of what the Sisters have done for families,” agreed Sullivan’s brother-in-law Tim Sullivan.

Sullivan and his wife Connie are members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood and of the Serving from the Heart committee.

The Sisters, for their part, are delighted to have the chance to visit parishioners.

They rely for their support on the providence of God, which manifests itself through the goodness and generosity of people.

Since they provide their medical services for free, their only means of support is what laypeople give them. Many give food or other items necessary for keeping any household. Others host fundraisers, which include a golf tournament and a summer festival. In 2008, volunteers hosted the first Serving from the Heart gala. It was a smashing success.

“Our mother foundress, before she died, said she was leaving us in the hands of Divine Providence,” said Mother Superior Claudia Rodriquez, SM. “So really, see how God is taking care of us through the goodness of the people. . . .

And the people are so good. We are so grateful.”

4 LOCAL NEWS

Acting couples take faith center stage Continued from page 16 said David, “and I didn’t want her to. I didn’t want that stigma of, ‘Oh, he only casts his wife.’”

Presented with no appropriate options for the ingénue role on Day 1 of auditions, however, he quickly changed his tune.

“I came home and said, ‘I need you to be there on Day 2,’” he recalled.

Christina got the role, and what could have been a dangerous marital road was navigated smoothly.

“We’re both very easygoing people, so it was great,” Christina said. “We just wanted the best thing for the show. I can see how couples might get in a bad situation and it might not turn out well.

But we did fine. He’s a great director, and we work well together.”

The Martins have just begun rehearsals for a production of the classic drama “Our Town,” in which they’ll play the young romantic leads, George and Emily. Although they concede it’s not practical to always work together, they jump at the chance when it arises.

“It’s a demand on your time, certainly,” Christina said. “It’s hard to spend the entire day apart, then get home and have to turn around and say, ‘See you later.’ So doing a show together is wonderful.”

Her husband agreed, even admitting to sometimes taking part in what he calls “suicide auditioning.”

“With certain shows, if Christina’s not going to be a part of it, I’ll indicate at the auditions that I only want certain roles,” David said. “It doesn’t always work out. But if I get turned down, the ‘downside’ is I get to spend time with my wife. Oh, that’s rough.”

THE LEAVEN • August 13, 2010

THE LEAVEN • August 13, 2010

By Bob Hart

By Jill Ragar Esfeld

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The numbers say it all: •40 percent of the people of rural India live in poverty.

•48 percent are illiterate.

•The majority lack safe drinking water, proper sanitation and access to adequate health care.

Bishop Prasad Gallela of the Diocese of Cuddapah, India, visited the United States recently and made a stop in Kansas City, Kan., hoping to spread word of the tremendous need a world away. Six of the bishop’s priests are currently serving in the United States, including two —Fathers Arul Carasala and Mathew Francis — in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

“We hope to find new hope for the hopeless,” Bishop Gallela said. “Ours are neglected communities and still very entrenched in the caste system. If they are born into poverty, there is little chance for them to ever escape it.”

There are about 80,000 Catholics among the 5.8 million people who live in the Diocese of Cuddapah, the bishop said. Its 56 parishes are served by two priests who celebrate Mass in the “main station” and visit villages as time allows to administer the sacraments. The effects of the grinding poverty are felt everywhere.

“Much of our charity goes toward medical care for the poor,” the bishop said. “Due to the hot climate, poor living conditions and malnutrition, many people fall victim to tuberculosis and other illnesses. We run child and mother care programs, nutrition and general health programs.”

Another focus of the local church’s ministry is the empowerment of wom-

Leaven photo by Joe Bollig

Bishop Prasad Gallela (center) of the Diocese of Cuddapah, India, visited the United States recently and made a stop in Kansas City, Kan. Two of the bishop’s priests — Father Mathew Francis, left, and Father Arul Carasala — serve in the archdiocese. en. Because most girls in rural India do not attend school beyond age 15, the diocese offers an 11-month training program that culminates in each girl receiving a $100 sewing machine, enabling her to earn a living.

Funding teachers’ salaries and the building of simple chapels in the villages are other ongoing projects.

“We are simply sharing our faith, our brotherhood and what financial assistance we can offer with the lowest of the classes, the outcast people,” Bishop Gallela said. “Their needs are great.”

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

Bishop Gallela’s visit also afforded him an opportunity to visit in person with his two priests serving in the archdiocese.

“It’s always very joyful to visit with our native bishop,” Father Carasala said. “It’s a pastoral visit — a chance for him to see how we are doing. But it’s also an important part of our ongoing friendship.”

Those interested in supporting the bishop’s work in the Diocese of Cuddapah may send an e-mail to Bishop Gallela at: pgallela@hotmail.com.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — When Burmese refugees at All Saints Parish here needed help acclimating to their new home and finding affordable health insurance for their families, Father Dan Gardner knew just where to turn.

The All Saints pastor called on the organization founded specifically to help struggling immigrants — the Knights of Columbus.

Steve Abels, the Knights of Columbus district deputy for several parishes, including All Saints, was quick to respond.

Abels, a member of Help the Knights St. Pius X Parish, recalled The Knights how Father of Columbus are Mic hael looking for people McGivney willing to volunteer started the their time to teach fraternal orEnglish as a Second ganization Language. If you to help Irish speak English, you Catholic imcan help. Anyone inmigrants with terested can contact similar conSteve Abels at (913) cerns more 579-2505, or by than 125 e-mail at: sables@ years ago. kc.rr.com.

“It was bad enough being Catholic,” he said. And being Irish only made it worse.

“The only jobs they could get were in the mines, and the death rate was pretty high.”

“Just like these [Burmese] people,” he continued. “If something were to happen to them, they wouldn’t have any insurance. That’s why [Father McGivney] started the order and the insurance program.”

The journey

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LOCAL NEWS 5

Since January 2008, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas has had more than 620 individuals emigrating from Burma enroll in its refugee resettlement program.

Each has been a victim of persecution.

Typically, when people flee Burma, they go to camps in Thailand or move on to different locations in Malaysia where they wait to be resettled.

“Some of our refugees wait up to 25 or 30 years before being resettled over in Kansas City, Kansas,” said Kristen Allen, Catholic Charities director of refugee and migrant services.

Catholic Charities helps the refugees set up homes, enroll their children in school, arrange for health screenings, and find a job for each employable adult.

Refugees then face the daunting task of overcoming homesickness while acclimating to their new life, culture, climate and language.

This is difficult for any immigrant, but for the Burmese community, the challenge is compounded by the fact that they don’t share a common language.

Burma, known to some as Myanmar, is a tribal culture divided by ethnic groups.

Many members of these groups do not speak Burmese, but only their tribal language.

“The Chin, Karen, and Karenni are the three largest ethnic groups we serve out of Burma,” said Allen.

“They come from different parts of Burma,” explained Father Gardner. “So they can’t even talk to each other.”

Father Paw Lwin, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Harrisonville, Mo., was born in Rangoon, Burma, and moved to the United States 20 years ago.

Even refugees in an established community feel lonely and struggle to deal with the loss of their culture and what is familiar. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas has a mentoring program that pairs volunteers up with individual families.

Would you like to help fill the gap that Catholic Charities is unable to? It can be as simple as sitting and talking with someone, or taking them to a park so your children can play together. You will enrich someone else’s life as well as your own.

Call Chris DiMaso at (913) 621-5255, ext. 186, to get a volunteer application and sign up to become a mentor. assimilate into the larger society,” he said the day before he left.

“They need to learn practical things — shopping and wearing appropriate clothing,” he added.

Father Lwin’s last request before he left was that the greater Catholic community would learn about the plight of these refugees and step forward to help.

“When I came, I lived with an American family for three years,” he said. “[They] helped me to learn English and know more about how to survive in society.”

He hopes the community he has left behind can find the same kind of help.

“Any family could adopt a family, and that means just to have the social communication,” he said. “They are like lost people in Kansas City.”

“They are like a blind person or a deaf person, because they don’t know the language,” agreed his sister.

Grand Knight Walter Hodge of Council No. 826 pins Way Mer, a Karenni, who was one of 32 men from the Burmese community to join the Knights of Columbus.

Lu Francisco, son of Lu Kar and Moh Teh Roo, is a Karenni from Burma who enjoyed his first American picnic put on by the Knights of Columbus.

He first learned about the Burmese community in the area when Children’s Mercy Hospital called him for assistance in communicating with a refugee family.

“I felt I wanted to do something because my own experience of being an immigrant was not easy,” he said. “So my hope was to help them integrate into the larger society.”

Keeping the faith

Father Lwin and his sister, Joanne Sauter, became involved with the community and found that one of the greatest desires of the immigrants was to hear Mass in Burmese.

Father Lwin and Father Gardner worked out a schedule. But because he had a parish of his own, Father Lwin could only make the trip to All Saints once a month.

He has done so now for a year, during which time he and his sister, a parishioner of St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park, have grown close to the community, and have watched them struggle to fit in. Father Lwin said it broke his heart when winter came and people didn’t have the proper clothes to wear.

“Some of the women were still coming in sarongs and sandals,” he recalled.

“That’s what they were wearing when it was 20 degrees outside. And so we had to help them get shoes and warm pants and jackets.”

Helping our brothers

Father Lwin was the first to learn about the refugees’ desire for affordable life insurance. Living in a foreign land with dependents and no family support plagued them. What if something happened to the wage earner?

Father Lwin talked to Father Gardner, who contacted local Knights of Columbus about helping out.

“I said to the Knights,” said Father Lwin, “‘If you want to fulfill the vision of Father McGivney and live his memory, you have the opportunity right here.’”

An informational meeting was held after one of the Burmese Masses and an invitation was extended to the men of the community to join the Knights of Columbus.

Initially, eight men were interested.

But when information about the Knights spread through the community, another 24 men asked to join.

The Knights were surprised and pleased.

“We made sure we did everything the way we were supposed to do it,” said Abels. “We had to get interpreters for the degree and everything. We didn’t want to get them in and then not be able to help them.”

In June, Father Lwin and Father Gardner celebrated a special Mass for the Burmese community. The new Knights were given rosaries and their first- degree certificates.

After Mass, the community was treated to a feast of brisket, hot dogs, potato salad and baked beans.

“They have a deep desire to be American,” said Grand Knight Walter Hodge, who helped organize the dinner. “So we thought we might as well have American traditional food — the old cowboy and the Old West Americana-type beef.”

Farewell, friend

The Knights of Columbus induction event was bittersweet because it was also Father Lwin’s farewell Mass for the Burmese community.

He shared dinner with the new Knights, their friends and families, and helped translate as the refugees filled out their life-insurance forms.

A few days later, he left for his new assignment in California, leaving the community without a priest who speaks its language.

“My hope is that they can continue to keep their faith they received in Burma and their culture, but at the same time that they also learn how to continue to

Future friends

The time the refugees have to learn English is limited, but they are eager to work out a schedule with anyone who is willing to teach them.

The majority of those employed in the community work long and difficult hours at Triumph Foods in St. Joseph, Mo. “They are bussed up there,” said Abels.

“They leave at about one o’clock in the afternoon and then come home at two in the morning. They’re gone 10-12 hours a day, five to six days a week.”

They don’t have a whole lot of time to be with each other,” said Father Gardner.

“So [Sunday Mass] is kind of a family event for them, and we want them to be part of our family — the parish. Part of the reason they need to learn some English is so that they can talk to each other.”

Sauter said the mothers who are left home alone with their children are especially in need.

“They can’t go out, because they don’t have a car,” she explained. “If someone could help them, teach them English, it would be good.”

“We’re trying to reach out and help them be included in part of the fabric of America here,” said Father Gardner. “We don’t want to lose them as Catholics, so we’ll try to do our best to keep them involved.”

All Saints Parish is reaching out to the Knights of Columbus and to fellow Catholics throughout the archdiocese to help them help their new neighbors.

“They’re enthusiastic about being Knights and we’re enthusiastic about having them,” said Hodge. “And they want to become better citizens, and so we’re here to help them and support them.”

“We will do our very best to help our brother Knights,” he concluded.

6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • August 13, 2010

THE LEAVEN • August 13, 2010

Parish pitches in to make infant, toddler center a reality Continued from page 1 renovation process, Dan Orpin, a parishioner, took over the plumbing work needed and oversaw the finishing of the project.”

Though St. Agnes already had a child care center for ages two and up, infants and young toddlers require some different equipment and furniture, such as cribs, changing tables, and floor toys.

Items needed for the new infant child care center were requested through the parish bulletin.

“The parish was very supportive and donated all the equipment,” said Neona Russ, director of St. Agnes Child Care.

Russ said that it is exactly that type of community response that the parish is all about, and what she hopes parents of infants in the new child care center will experience.

“Parents can know that their babies are going to be safe and well-cared for, and that there are people here looking forward to them becoming a part of that community,” said Russ.

Father Arano-Ponce agreed.

“The new infant and toddler center is bringing in young parents as part of the parish,” he said. “It is a place where young couples, many of whom are even new to the parish, are meeting and getting to know each other. It is a place of making connections and beginning what can be a lifelong friendship, since those babies and toddlers most likely will attend St. Agnes School when they

grow up and, hopefully later on, to Bishop Miege High School.”

The new infant child care center was something Russ had seen a need for in the community for years, but had to wait until the right opportunity presented itself.

“I field two to three phone calls a day from people looking for good quality infant care and it’s really hard to have to tell parents, ‘I can’t help you,’” said Russ, who has been the director of child care at St. Agnes for nine years.

Now she can help. The infant child care center at St. Agnes accepts babies from six weeks up through two years of age, at which time they can transition to the existing child care center for ages two and up. The new center received an immediate response . . . and is already full — with a waiting list. Russ encouraged expectant parents who might be interested to call immediately and get their names on the waiting list as soon as possible.

Russ said the staff she hired was excellent and would provide the highest quality care to the babies. And true to the “village” response, she planned to tap further into the parish resources to provide some extra care for the infants.

“I’d really love to get some of our parish grandmothers who are involved in the Altar and Rosary Society over here volunteering and holding these babies,” said Russ. “The community response here is so great. It’s a St. Agnes Parish thing.”

Frank and Cecelia (Pat Boos) Bisang, members of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary anniversaries on Aug. 27.

The couple was married on Aug. 27, 1960, at Sacred Heart Church, Atchison. They have four children and eight grandchildren.

Church of the Ascension parishioner Tim Elliott, right, runs with Paul Wildgen in the Head for the Cure 5K Run & Walk last summer. His team, Team Elliott, boasts 140 participants over the past two years, and has raised roughly $12,000 in entry fees and donations for the Head for the Cure cause. His 2010 goal for the Aug. 29 race is $7,500. The run was founded by another area Catholic — Church of Nativity parishioner Matt Anthony, who formed the not-for-profit in memory of his brother Chris, who died of a brain tumor in 2003. Elliott was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor in May 2008, and surgery could only remove part of the cancer. But Elliott credits his renewed and increased faith and the support of his parish for much of his recovery, which has permitted him to lead a nearly normal life.

Meet our seminarians KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The archdiocesan vocation office is hosting “Pray, Meet, Eat” on Aug. 15 at Curé of Ars Church in Leawood. The event will provide area Catholics with a chance to meet and talk with archdiocesan seminarians. Close to 30 seminarians are expected to attend.

There will be a vespers service at 4 p.m. Father Mitchel Zimmerman, arch-

diocesan vocation director, will lead a reflection and Benediction.

Afterwards, there will be snacks as the seminarians introduce themselves and share what they did this summer and thoughts about next year’s World Youth Day pilgrimage to Madrid, Spain. There will also be time to visit with the seminarians at the end of the event.

Mary Ann (Plank) and Ray Sherley, members of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a Mass and renewal of their vows on Aug. 14.

A reception for family and friends will follow at the Riverfront Community Center in Leavenworth. The couple was married on Aug. 13, 1960, at St. Joseph Church, Shawnee, by Father Tom Kearns, cousin of the bride. Their children and their spouses are: Lonnie and Catherine Trowbridge, Lansing; Christopher and Mary Elizabeth Riccio, Leavenworth; Raymond Sherley Jr., Platte City, Mo.; Phillip and Janet Crouse, Denver; and James and Michelle Sherley, Basehor. They also have nine grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

Serge and Jessamine (Ewert) Guislain, members of St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 3 at the church with a Mass and luncheon. They were married on July 30, 1960, in Antwerp, Belgium, at St. James Church. Their children and their spouses are: Claire and Randy Sandbothe; Anne and Eric Wilbur; Yvette and Chris Crabtree; and Monique and John Miller. They also have eight grandchildren.

Josephine (Wissman) and Lloyd E. Jimeson, members of St. Ann Parish, Hiawatha, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Aug. 22. The couple was married on Aug. 23, 1945, at Immaculate Conception Church, Rulo, Neb., by Father Ralph Egan.

Their children are: Jim Jimeson, Nebraska City, Neb.; John Jimeson, Denver; and Mark Jimeson, Hiawatha. They also have six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. There will be a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 22 at St. Ann Parish hall in Hiawatha. Friends and relatives are welcome to attend.

Duane and Ann Vock, members of St. Pius X Parish in Mission, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Aug. 14. The couple was married at St. Michael Church in Coleridge, Neb., on Aug. 14, 1950. They plan to celebrate in September in Laughlin, Nev. Their children and their spouses are: Dennis and Janis Vock; Steve and Diane Schmidt; and Beth Vock. They also have three grandchildren.

Lawrence “Larry” and Jeanne (Beiga) Page, members of Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish, Leavenworth, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Aug. 14 with a family dinner. The couple was married on Aug. 16, 1945 at the Hammer Field base chapel in Fresno, Calif., by Father Franklin Karp. Their children and their spouses are: Lawrence and Frances Page, Prior Lake, Minn.; Rosemary and Argenis Prieto, Garland, Texas; Patricia and Randal Harman, O’Fallon, Mo.; and Kenneth and Jessica Page, Suwanee, Ga. They also have 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Catherine (Solomon) and Gerald Sanderson, members of St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 27 with family and friends. The couple was married at St. Peter Church, Marshall, Mo. Their children and their spouses are: Deanna and Dan Grelinger, Gladstone, Mo.; Loretta and Scott Klamm, Kansas City, Mo.; Lynn and Dave Weist, Omaha, Neb.; and Colette and Franz Winklhofer, Prairie Village. They also have 10 grandchildren.

Carol (Feuerborn) and Jerry Pickert, members of St. Boniface Parish, Scipio, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 1 with a Mass at the church, followed by a celebration with family at their home.

They were married Aug. 1, 1960, at Holy Angels Church in Garnett. Their children and their spouses are: Ron and Mary Pickert, Richmond; Cindy Pickert, Belton, Mo.; Lisa and Bud Adkinson, Richmond; Denise Adkinson, Gardner; Amy Oshel, Richmond; Stacey Pickert, Gardner; Jason and Chasi Pickert, Fort Scott; Stephanie and John Jumet, Richmond; and Erica and Ryan Burroughs, Gardner. They also have 18 grandchildren.

LOCAL NEWS 7 Mary (Lopez) and Gonzalo Magana, members of Our Lady of Unity Parish in Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 20. The couple was married on Aug. 20, 1960, at St. Mary Church in Kansas City, Kan. They have four children and nine grandchildren.

They will have a family celebration on Aug. 22.

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Jack and Mary (Callahan) Winne, members of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 13. The couple was married on Aug. 13, 1960, at St. Ethelreda Church, Chicago. Their children and their spouses are: Julie and Larry Flading; Mike and Beth Winne; Jim and Meg Winne; Beth and Rick Lane; and Patrick and Kim Winne. They also have 13 grandchildren. A family celebration is planned for the fall.

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Abbot Barnabas captures a scene from everyday life at St. Benedict’s Abbey, as one of the monks works in the abbey garden.

pillars of faith On a trip to Rome, Abbot Barnabas captured

this image of a visitor to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome sitting at the base of the Bernini’s colonnade.

Sunny delight

Driving on I-35 en route to Emporia, Abbot Barnabas happened upon a sunset. “That was an accidental finding as I was driving,” said Abbot Barnabas. “It’s a beautiful sunset, and there are many like this in Kansas, but the tree gives it some added visual interest.”

At peace Father James Downey enjoys a moment of relaxation on the prior’s porch at St. Benedict’s Abbey.

Through an abbot’s eyes Story by

Kara Hansen Photos by

Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB Prints (11”x 17”) will be available for sale at the exhibit, as well as postcards in three sizes and 2011 calendars with photographs and poems written by Abbot Barnabas. A book, “Benedictine Peace,” written and designed

by St. Benedict’s Abbey development staff Dan Madden and JD Benning, will also be available for purchase.

Pricing of the framed original photographs is available upon request at the exhibit.

A

tchison — Hosting an exhibit of his photographs might be uncharted territory for Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB. But he is certainly no stranger to the venue.

They will be displayed in the abbey he has led since 1994 — and belonged to for more than 50 years.

But helping the novice exhibitor prepare his photos for display in the gallery at St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison is Elizabeth Zeller, an artist and professor of iconography and fine art at Benedictine College.

The exhibit will open Aug. 15 and continue each Sunday after the 10 a.m. Mass at the abbey. It is also available for viewing by appointment.

The self-taught abbot got his start in photography with a Minolta 7000 film camera, back in the 1990s, when he served as principal of Holy Spirit School in Overland Park.

“I took a lot of photos of the kids and shared them with their parents,” said Abbot Barnabas.

“It was a relational thing. It was a fun way to reflect relationships to a bunch of good people.”

Since being elected abbot, the one-time principal has been required to attend meetings for all the Benedictine abbots of the

When in rome

Abbot Barnabas snapped this photograph above the central altar in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. world every four years in Rome.

He also visits the Benedictine priory in Brazil each year. Both trips lend themselves to unique photo opportunities.

But Abbot Barnabas has found that photos he has taken closer to home speak volumes as

well.

“Some pictures speak of abbey life in a simple way,” he said.

“It’s one way in which I try to speak to community life. It’s not always gathering in church.”

One such photograph is of now-deceased Father James

Downey, sitting on a porch with a pipe in his hand. Another depicts a monk gardening on the abbey grounds.

“I take photos thinking there’s something unique about what I’m shooting,” said Abbot Barnabas. “We see things and they speak to us in ways that are far different than the reality.”

One such photo opportunity presented itself as Abbot Barnabas was on his way to celebrate Mass at St. Elizabeth Parish in Blue Rapids. A bridge shrouded in fog was both of visual interest and spiritual relevance to the abbot.

“It struck me how little visibility there was — and how little we knew beyond the bridge,” said Abbot Barnabas. “It reminded me of the unknown of life.”

These days, Abbot Barnabas shoots with a 10-year-old digital Olympus camera that was donated to the abbey. He is quick to emphasize his amateur status, however.

“It’s something I started at Holy Spirit School and continued at the abbey. I just take my camera with me wherever I go,” said Abbot Barnabas.

But a photojournalist he’s not.

“It helps me to be optimistic, positive and to have fun,” he said.

“I enjoy capturing something unique and different without it being important to anyone.”

Wise owls Guardian owls nest and roost on the monastery property outside Mineiros, Goias, Brazil.

Sight unseen

Morning fog shrouds the bridge crossing the Big Blue River.

Vision of poverty

This photo was taken on a trip to the Benedictine priory in Brazil in the early 1990s. “It’s a photo of several poor children there, but the image actually looks more stark than it really was,” said Abbot Barnabas. “The economic situation in Brazil has actually improved a great deal since then.”

10 NATION

THE LEAVEN • august 13, 2010

THE LEAVEN • august 13, 2010

Knights to supply prosthetics to injured Haitian children WASHINGTON (CNS) — The estimated 800 Haitian children who lost an arm or a leg because of the country’s violent earthquake Jan. 12 will get prosthetic limbs and therapy courtesy of the Knights of Columbus. The effort, called Hope for Haiti’s Children, was first announced by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson as he gave his annual report Aug. 3 during the organization’s convention here. Estimated to cost at least $1 million, the Knights are partnering with the University of Miami’s Project Medishare for Haiti to make the prosthetic devices available. Each child will receive three prosthetics and all necessary therapy during the two-year period.

Earlier this year, the Knights teamed up with the California-based American Wheelchair Mission to deliver more than 1,000 wheelchairs to Haiti for people who suffered crushing injuries in the quake. The wheelchairs were donated to patients at a field hospital at the Port-au-Prince airport operated by the University of Miami.

Trustees back pastor’s decision not to sell convent to Muslims NEW YORK (CNS) — The board of trustees of St. Margaret Mary Parish on Staten Island backed the pastor in his decision to withdraw support for the planned sale of the parish convent to the Muslim American Society, which wanted to use it as a mosque.

Father Keith Fennessy had announced in June that after careful consideration, he was withdrawing his support. The parish trustees voted July 21 to ratify the pastor’s decision. News of the proposed sale to the Muslim group had sparked protests in the community of Midland Beach, where the parish is located. Many expressed fear that the Muslim American Society was linked to a terrorist group. A July 22 statement from the archdiocese said that “the Muslim American Society has been informed that the sale of the convent will not take place.”

The statement said that the archdiocese “has enjoyed a good relationship with the Islamic community in the past, and looks forward to continued dialogue, friendship and understanding in the future. It is also our prayer that unity will now return to the parish and to the Midland Beach community,” said the statement. The Muslim American Society, in a statement, said it was “disappointed” by the decision, which “reinforced an unfortunate notion that the pressures of bigotry and Islamophobia triumphed over a good, long-standing relationship between the archdiocese and the Muslim community.”

Aid workers slowly reach flood victims in Pakistan

Bishops laud ruling on Arizona law

By J.D. Long-Garcia

Catholic News Service

PHOENIX (CNS) — Arizona’s Catholic bishops were among religious leaders who praised a July 28 ruling that blocked enforcement of the most controversial sections of the state’s immigration law a day before it took effect.

They also voiced a hope “that reaction to [the] ruling will be expressed only in peaceful and legal ways.”

Los Angeles Cardinal Roger M. Mahony and Salt Lake City Bishop John C. Wester, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ migration committee, also weighed in support of the ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton that imposed an injunction against the key elements of the law, known as S.B.1070.

As the remaining portions of the law took effect July 29, protests, prayer services and other activities were held in Phoenix.

At an interfaith prayer at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Phoenix, Christians, Jewish and Muslim leaders prayed that the federal government will enact comprehensive immigration reform.

“We need to remember our Christian principles, the values of Jesus Christ,” Phoenix Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares said in a bilingual message.

“We need to understand that [immigrants] enrich our society. Our movement is about achieving human dignity for everyone on our shores. So let us not become the oppressors, but instead put on the fruits of the Holy Spirit.”

United Methodist Bishop Minerva Carcano spoke of the Gospel’s call to welcome the immigrant, saying S.B.1070 runs counter to that message.

Since the April signing of the law, immigrants have been leaving. But, despite their departure, the state’s economy hasn’t improved, Bishop Carcano said.

In his statement July 28, Cardinal Mahony praised the ruling. “This entire Arizona attempt to deal with various immigration issues outside federal law reveals once again the level of frustration across the country that the U.S. Congress will not deal with, the pressing issue of needed immigration reform,” he said.

By Anto Akkara

Catholic News Service

CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz

NOVICE FARMERS PREPARE FIELD — Apprentices Erin Roche (right), of Clifton Park, N.Y., and Steve Passmore of Rochester, N.Y., drive tractors shortly after sunrise as they prepare a field for planting at Sisters Hill Farm in Stanfordville, N.Y., July 28. The community-supported agriculture farm is backed by the Sisters of Charity of New York. The farm’s mission is to “grow healthy food, which nurtures bodies, spirits, communities and the earth.”

POPE ARRIVES FOR GENERAL AUDIENCE — The flag of the Bavarian region of Germany is seen as Pope Benedict XVI arrives for his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Aug. 4. Some 53,000 altar servers, most from the pope’s native Germany, attended the audience.

At national Jamboree, Scouts explore faith, outdoors

Legalize drugs? Mexican bishops endorse idea of debate

By Barb Fraze

Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — Msgr. John B. Brady says he got his vocation at the 1950 National Scout Jamboree.

Sixty years later, the priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, a chaplain for the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, was one of more than 20 priests and deacons serving as chaplains at the Boy Scouts’ 2010 national Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. As more than 30,000 Boy Scouts and Venturers — who include girls — gathered for the Jamboree marking the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, chaplains of all different faiths were there to help guide them, discern what God wants of them and encourage them spiritually. Besides rafting, rappelling, swimming, canoeing and a host of other outdoor activities, the Scouts could work on their Duty to God patch.

“The Boy Scouts take seriously their Scout oath that the Scout is reverent,” said Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger of Evansville, Ind., bishop liaison to the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. “They not only talk the talk, they walk the walk.”

For a month before the Jamboree, Bishop Gettelfinger, 74, served as a chaplain at the Boy Scout ranch Philmont, in northern New Mexico. This was his sixth year of spending several weeks there, keeping in touch with his staff back home via e-mail and phone.

Many people at Philmont and at Fort A.P. Hill remarked that they had never seen a bishop as a chaplain, he said, noting that boys “get to see a priest in a different way than they do when he is at the altar.”

At the Jamboree, the bishop wore his Philmont chaplain shirt and hat as he worked the booth for the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. But Aug. 1 he donned vestments as the principal celebrant for a Mass concelebrated with three other bishops, a bishop-designate, and more than two dozen priests and deacons. More than 15,000 Scouts and leaders attended.

“When these kids stood there or sat there on the grass — the last jamboree it rained for two hours, and nobody moved — it’s an incredible witness of faith,” the bishop said.

“They are our future. But they are the present . . . and they can give witness to their peers,” he said. “It’s powerful.”

CNS photo/Paul Haring

By David Agren

Catholic News Service MEXICO CITY (CNS) — Two Mexican cardinals have endorsed a proposal

by President Felipe Calderon to open a debate on the merits of drug legalization in a country beset with violence attributed to narcotics-trafficking cartels.

Cardinals Norberto Rivera Carrera of Mexico City and Juan Sandoval Iniguez of Guadalajara did not express support for drug legalization but called for the issue to be studied and for Mexico to learn from the experiences of other countries.

“It’s a question of health, and from that perspective it has to be studied,” Cardinal Rivera said Aug. 4 at a national dialogue on public security convened by Calderon.

Cardinal Sandoval echoed those comments: “There must be a lot of thought, a lot of study. It’s not easy.”

The vice president of the Mexican bishops’ conference, Archbishop Rogelio Cabrera Lopez of Tuxtla Gutierrez, also agreed with the idea of a debate but made clear that legalization “would be imprudent and harmful,” and “not resolve the problem of narcotics trafficking and . . . criminality.”

planning?

Calderon made his proposal to debate legalizing drugs Aug. 3. He later clarified he did not favor legalization, but he was open to the debate. Mexico decriminalized the possession of small quantities of drugs in 2009 in an effort to focus enforcement activities on detaining drug dealers instead of drug users.

Some political observers interpreted Calderon floating the legalization idea as a potential backup plan for dealing with an ever-growing wave of organized crime violence that has claimed 28,000 lives since he took office in December 2006.

The newspaper Milenio reported that July was the most violent month of Calderon’s term, with 1,234 recorded deaths attributed to organized crime.

In his Aug. 4 meeting with the country’s religious leaders, Calderon called on them to exert moral authority in the areas they serve and to promote the law and denounce crimes and wrongdoing.

Cardinal Rivera spoke of a sense of hopelessness felt by many Mexicans because of their lack of information on what the government is achieving in its cartel crackdown. He added the federal government must address social issues such as the lack of educational and employment opportunities for young people in order to combat crime and violence.

BANGALORE, India (CNS) — Church aid workers in Pakistan were gradually reaching hundreds of thousands of people displaced and rendered homeless by the rain and floods that had claimed more than 1,200 lives in Pakistan’s mountainous northwestern region.

“The biggest challenge before us is how to [get] relief to the needy. Bridges have collapsed and roads have been washed out,” said Carolyn Fanelli, Catholic Relief Services’ acting country representative in Pakistan Aug. 2.

Eric Dayal, national coordinator for disaster management of Caritas Pakistan, said his agency was faced with the same difficulty.

“Access to the affected people is the biggest problem confronting us now,” he said. “Most of the roads in the affected [area] are gone and even telephone links are broken. With electric supply also disrupted, communication remains a big headache.”

Fanelli said CRS was in touch with its 40 staff in the field through satellite phones, even though in the most devastated areas they had vacated their offices. She quoted staffers as saying that the Karakoram Highway passing through Besham is “like a river.”

Fanelli said the unprecedented rains in the mountainous region have had a crippling impact on the people, who “have no roof and are struggling in the open without food or even drinking water.”

“Our immediate concern is to reach shelter and hygiene kits to these affected people,” she said, noting that the initial aid donation would help 20,000, and more aid would be sent after assessments from field workers.

Dayal said that Caritas Pakistan already moved tent material to be distributed through Multan Diocese and plans to take care of about 2,500 families in emergency response. He warned about the potential for epidemics if people did not get aid, including clean water.

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World 11

Brazil’s bishops say torture still exists, goes unpunished TORONTO (CNS) — Twenty-five years after Brazil’s military dictatorship, there is still torture in Brazilian jails, and it still goes unpunished. A report to be released Aug. 2 by the Brazilian bishops’ prison ministry commission will bring to light 211 cases of torture, said the commission coordinator, Father Valdir Joao Silveira.

However, the real number of torture cases is much bigger. “We don’t have the exact numbers, but you can multiply that by five,” said Father Silveira. The 211 cases featured in the prison ministry report to the government were uncovered in pastoral visits to prisons, complaints by families and letters from victims. In some cases, prison workers reported the torture. “It’s impossible to know the exact number of torture cases because this practice happens where there’s only the torturer and the tortured [present]. This is why the constant presence of an external organism is fundamental,” said Brother Jose de Jesus Filho, legal assistant to the prison ministry commission. The 211 cases were all verified and turned over to authorities for legal action between 1997 and 2009. However, most of the perpetrators were acquitted in the judicial process. The bishops want the government to implement the U.N. Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the U.N. Convention Against Torture. Even though the federal government has signed the U.N. conventions, they have yet to be ratified by Brazil’s state governments.

Costa Ricans flock to Cartago for Marian festival CARTAGO, Costa Rica (CNS) — An estimated 2 million people — nearly half the population of Costa Rica — descended on Cartago Aug. 1 for the traditional festival honoring a Marian statue known affectionately as “La Negrita.” Most converged on Cartago’s Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels to watch the eight-inch statue of Mary redressed and marched into the church to mark the feast of Our Lady of the Angels, which traditionally is celebrated by Costa Ricans Aug. 2. The story of the statue dates to 1635, when it was found on a rock by an indigenous girl. When the girl brought the statue home, it disappeared and miraculously returned to the spot she found it.

This happened several times, and when the little girl brought it to the local priest, it again returned to the rock where it was originally found. The priest interpreted the miracle as a sign from God and initiated efforts to build a church on the spot.

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Employment

Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor.

Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837.

Director - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a faith-filled leader to guide its hospitality ministry as the director of Savior Pastoral Center, a multiuse facility with a conference center, overnight accommodations, dining/catering services, chapel, gymnasium and pool. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated management experience working with a multifaceted budget, diversely skilled staff and a variety of internal and external clients. Events range from small group meetings to multi-day conferences. Requires strong human relation skills and sound business sense. A bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality management or a related field is required; prior work in hotel or conference center management strongly preferred. Candidates must be a registered and active member of his/her parish and have a general understanding of how the church forms individuals in the faith and for ministry. A complete job description, application and benefits information can be accessed via the Web site at: www. archkck.org (click on the human resources tab). Mail cover letter, resume, and application by Aug. 13 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Savior Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send, via e-mail, to: kthomas@ archkck.org.

Therapeutic life coach - If you are tired, depressed, anxious, fed up or aren’t living the life of your dreams, therapeutic life coaching may be the answer you are looking for.

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Music director - St. Peter Parish, Kansas City, Mo., is seeking a director of music ministry. This pastoral musician will continue to develop our vibrant music tradition and foster the assembly’s full and active participation in the liturgy. A thorough knowledge and understanding of Catholic liturgy is essential. Responsibilities include planning, preparing, and leading the music for three weekend Masses and special liturgical celebrations. Responsible for recruiting, training and scheduling cantors, choir members and musicians. Applicant must be able to work effectively with volunteers and have strong pastoral, organizational, and interpersonal skills. For information or to submit a resume, contact Mike Thomas, director of liturgy, at: mthomas@stpeterskc.org; at 815 E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64131; or at (816) 363-2320.

Office assistant - Full-time position available.

Customer service preferred. Must have good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. Good computer skills a must. Starting pay is $9 per hour. Send resume, via e-mail, to: clientservice@steamstar.net.

Area rug cleaning technician - Experience needed. IICRC certified technician preferred. Send resume, via e-mail, to: clientservice@steamstar.net.

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

Child care providers - St. Ann Young Child Center, Prairie Village, is interviewing for after-school care providers. Hours are from 2:45 - 6 p.m. Degree in education or experience a plus. Starting pay is $12 per hour, with some benefits. Call Tati at (913) 5410687.

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

Call Kenny at (913) 788-9758.

Services Seamstress - Available for minor clothing repairs and updates. Call (913) 406-7257.

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Licensed hair stylist – I am available to provide haircuts and/or styling for the elderly and those who have a hard time getting out of the house. I have years of experience and currently work part time at Villa St. Francis. Member of Our Lady of Unity Parish, Kansas City, Kan. Wyandotte and Johnson County area preferred. Call Marlene at (913) 403-0999.

Need a ride? Where to? I am available to take you to your doctor’s appointment, hairdresser or shopping. Maybe you aren’t driving anymore or just prefer a chauffeur; I’ll get you there. I can also run errands for you or do the grocery shopping. Just give me a call to discuss your needs. Johnson County only.

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

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

Counseling - Topeka Marriage and family, child, teen, personal Shunga Creek Mental Health Call Ken Zweig, LSCSW at (785) 969-5308.

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

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

Lawn Mowing Senior and referral discounts.

Insured and bonded.

Local parishioner. Free estimates.

Call (913) 620-6063.

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

Do you or your parents need help at home? For as little as $60 per week, Benefits of Home-Senior Care can provide assistance with personal care, shopping and many other daily needs. For details, visit our Web site at: benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 4221591.

Help needed - 5 nights per week; possible fill in during the days and weekends. Call (913) 579-5276.

Caregiver - Available to take care of your loved one while you take a break. Experienced with the elderly, especially dementia care. Available evenings and weekends. Call Lynne at (913) 669-0363.

THE LEAVEN • AUGUST 13, 2010 Caregiver - Everyone deserves the BesCare for their loved ones at an affordable price. We provide hourly, daily, weekly, or around-the-clock care including weekends and holidays. You can count on BesCare. Call (913) 638-5385.

Retired nurse - Available to care for your loved one. Days, nights, and weekends. Will consider livein. Good references; salary negotiable. Call (913) 5795276.

Home Improvement CLUTTER got you down? Let me help you get organized! Garage, basement, attic, any space.

Items sorted, grouped, boxed and labeled. Areas clean when finished. Great references and insured.

20 years experience! For pictures, visit the Web site at: WWW.SWALMS.COM. Call Tillar Swalm at (913) 3759115.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

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

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

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

Masonry work – Quality, new or repair work.

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

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

Call (913) 341-7584.

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

Member of Church of the Ascension, Overland Park.

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

(913) 709-8401.

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

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

The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean!

Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Family fun in South Dakota - Summer special on day guide rate! Three people for the price of two from July 1 - Sept. 30. Enjoy a family or group fishing vacation in Pierre, S.D., with former KC Royals pitcher, Tom Bruno. Tom’s guide service, Major League Adventures, will provide your party with a world-class fishing experience and memories to last a lifetime.

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

For 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.

For rent – 1 BR, 1 BA apartment in Shawnee near Nieman Rd. and Johnson Dr. $500/month; utilities included. 10911 W. 59th Terr. For a virtual tour, visit the Web site at: www.shawnee-rentals.com. Call (913) 649-7596.

Real Estate Charming home in Westwood - 2012 W. 48th St. 3 BR, 2 BA, one-car garage. Move-in ready with hardwood floors, updated bathrooms, sunroom, and fenced back yard. Fantastic location near the Plaza and KU Med Center. Easy highway access to I-35. MLS 1669789. $137,000. Marie Greenshaw, Reece and Nichols, at (913) 634-9034.

Shawnee home for sale - 3 BR, 1+BA, laundry room, fenced yard with large shed. We are moving and must sell. Take over payment, short sale, or buy.

Call Kevin or Mary at (913) 499-6000.

Maintenance provided townhomes!

New construction and resale properties.

Peaceful, laid-back living in Basehor. $135,400 - $169,800. Low HOA dues.

Scott at ERA Manning at (913) 269-4269.

Take a virtual tour at: www.postlets.com/res/3957640.

(continued from page 12)

Roommate wanted - Male, to share a downtown loft located at 9th and Broadway, just blocks from the Power & Light District and Cathedral Parish. Great access to I-35. $400/mo., plus utilities (approx. $75/mo.). No smoking; no pets. I am 25 yrs. old and would prefer someone close to the same age.

Call Jim at (913) 387-7577.

Roommate wanted - To share my Shawnee home. Large bedroom on a separate level with double closets, private bath, cable and a ceiling fan.

Available Sept 1. $250 deposit; $500 per month; utilities and garage included. Call (913) 406-7257.

Roommate wanted - To share townhouse near Metcalf and Shawnee Mission Pkwy. Private bedroom. $450 per month. No pets; no smoking. Call (913) 579-5276.

For Sale For sale - One space, without marker, in the Hope Lawn Crypt at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa.

Lot 20; section D; space 3. Originally purchased in 1990. Marker price going up in Aug. per Catholic Cemeteries. $3000. Call Peggy Langenbach at (816) 645-2890.

Single cemetery plot - St. Joseph Cemetery, Shawnee. Moving from area, must sell. Call Kevin or Mary at (913) 499-6000.

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

Childcare El Centro’s Academy for Children - A duallanguage (English/Spanish), all day, early education program for children 2 ½ - 5 years. Your child will develop social, emotional, language and motor skills in a safe, nurturing environment. Nationally accredited and licensed facility. Centrally located between 18th St. Expressway and I-635 in Kansas City, Kan. For information, call (913) 677-1115 or visit the Web site at: www.elcentroinc.com.

Commercial building for sale or lease - 8500 sq. ft. office and warehouse. West Shawnee location with great highway access. Large fenced-in storage lot. Ideal for contractor, repair facility or manufacturer. For information, call (816) 536-3059.

Child care available - Holy Trinity mom can add one child, 12 months or older, for child care in my Lenexa home. 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Call Tracie at (913) 909-7927.

Historic home in Ottawa built by Washburn - 3 BR, two-story home. $149,950 See at: www.betty birzer.com. Reece & Nichols Town & Country Realty Inc. (785) 418-5701 or (785) 229-8890 for appt.

Wanted to buy

Misc.

Need a cantor for your wedding, Mass, or special occasion? Brian J. Nelson is highly experienced, professional and Catholic. Whether your event is in three months or three days, Brian is ready to assist in making it a success! Booking for events in the KC metro, Lawrence and Topeka areas. Reasonable rates, free consultation, and professional references. To hear a voice sample, visit: www.nelsonmusic.com/cantoring (click on “sample” link). Call Brian at (785) 218-9075.

Unique French and African products - Antiques, crucifixes, soap, and art. Marché Français offers products from southwestern France and from refugees in Morocco. The sale of batik wall hangings from the Ivory Coast, handcrafted in beautiful rich colors, supports a single mother who sells her art to provide for her family. Items are located in Overland Park. Shop online at: www.marchefrancaisonline.com.

Donate a vehicle. Make a difference. Donate your vehicle to Catholic Charities to support those in need. Your tax-deductible donation of a vehicle helps children and families served by Catholic Charities and is an environmentally responsible way to recycle your vehicle. Cars for KC Kids is a partnership between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Catholic Charities of Kansas City - St. Joseph. Call 1 (866) 430-9499 or visit the Web site at: www.cars4kckids.com. (classified ads continue on page 13)

Aug.

Roommate

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

Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269 Will buy firearms and related accessories One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

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

Entertainment DJ Irishman - Colm Delahunt is available for parties, weddings, graduations, and any other function. Playing all your favorite hits from the Village People to U2. Call (913) 548-6765 or visit the Web site at: www.djirishman.com.

Elmer Rottinghaus

6420 Parallel, KCK Life • Home• Auto Commercial

334-2222

14

St. Stanislaus, Rossville, will host its annual picnic on Aug. 14. A chicken dinner will be served from 4 - 7 p.m. There will be bingo from 3 - 5 p.m. and a silent auction.

15

Immaculate Conception Church, St. Marys, will host a parish picnic and reunion on Aug. 15. A chicken dinner with all the trimmings will be served from 4 - 7 p.m. The cost is $7.50 for adults; $3 for children under 12. Carryouts may be picked up at 3 p.m. There will also be a silent auction and games with prizes.

The Leavenworth Region of the ACCW will host its quarterly meeting and luncheon at 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 15 in the Leintz Community Room, 4701 10th Ave., Leavenworth. Bring a covered dish to share, ditty bag items, used cards and stamps, and pennies for seminarians. For information, call Judy at (913) 727-4528 or send an e-mail to her at: brosej2002@yahoo.com.

19

A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Father Mark Mertes will preside; fellowship follows.

21

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on Aug. 21 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Forgiveness After Loss.” For information, call (913) 649-2026.

St. John the Baptist, the Croatian parish on Strawberry Hill, 708 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual festival on Aug. 21 after the 4 p.m.

Mass on the church grounds. There will be an outdoor dance, featuring Don Lipovac, from 9 - 11 p.m. on the museum grounds located next door. Lots of food and drink, with traditional sarma dinners, smoked sausage, hamburgers, hot dogs and desserts. There will be raffles featuring homemade poviticas and apple strudels, salamis, baskets of goodies and surprise packages.

Father Al Rockers will celebrate the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass at 8 a.m. on Aug. 21 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., followed by a rosary procession to an abortion clinic four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing; Benediction concludes services at 9:45 a.m.

20-22

Divorced? Widowed?

Beginning Experience Weekend gently helps people move through their loss to a new beginning in their lives. The next weekend for the Kansas City area will be Aug. 20-22. For information or for registration material, send an e-mail to: BEWeekendKC@hotmail.com; call John at (913) 219-3465 in Kansas City; Sue at (785) 331-2216 in Lawrence; Michelle (785) 478-3481 in Topeka; or visit the Web site at: www.beginningexperience. org.

CALENDAR 13

22 The Daughters of Isabella, Little Flower Circle No. 503, will say a

silent auction at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11 in the Plaza Rooftop Ballroom at the InterContinental Hotel, 401 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Mo. The cost is $150 per person. For information, visit the Web site at: www.bowtiesforbabies.com, or call (816) 931-5378.

28 Christ the King Parish, 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kan., will host

St. Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Community will host its annual parish dinner on Sept. 11 at the Shawnee Civic Center, 13817 Johnson Dr., Shawnee. Social hour begins at 6:30 p.m.; dinner will be served at 7:15 p.m. Dr. Jack Cashill will speak about his new book, “Popes and Bankers,” the story of the nature and origins of the modern economy.

Tickets cost $30. For information, send an e-mail to John Watkins at: watkinsjv@ gmail.com, or call (785) 331-8232.

rosary for sick and deceased members at 1 p.m. on Aug. 22 at Rossiter Hall, 204 S.W. 8th, Topeka. A business meeting will follow.

its annual ice cream social after the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Aug. 28. There will be games for everyone. All are welcome.

29

The Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City invite women of all ages to an afternoon tea party and children’s fashion show from 2 4 p.m. on Aug. 29 in the parish hall at the Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood. Proceeds will benefit notfor-profit groups for the underprivileged and uninsured, including the Duchesne Clinic, Seton Center and Villa St. Francis.

The cost is $20 for adults; $10 for children. Space is limited. For reservations, send a check payable to Ladies of Charity, by Aug. 22, to Linda George, 14020 Nicklaus Dr., Overland Park, KS 66223.

For information, call (913) 402-9013.

St. Augustine Parish, Fidelity, will celebrate its 150th anniversary on Aug. 29 with a 9 a.m. Mass. There will be a dinner at noon. A freewill offering will be taken up. For information or to RSVP for the dinner, contact Lois Bindel

by July 14 at (785) 467-3817.

St. Joseph Church, 705 Spring Garden, Atchison, will host a bazaar on Aug. 29. A brisket dinner will be served from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. The cost is $8 for adults; $3.50 for children. Carryout and delivery orders will be available; call (913) 367- 4535. There will also be bingo, children’s games, raffles, and craft booths.

Sept.

3-6

Come see and serve with the Sisters of Charity Federation in New Orleans this Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3 - 6. Single Catholic women ages 18-40 who are considering God’s call to consecrated religious life are invited to spend the weekend with Sisters of Charity, ministering to those affected

by Hurricane Katrina. Reflecting on the experience of service to the poor in the tradition of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Marillac and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, participants will have opportunities for prayer and sharing with others on the discernment journey. For information, send an e-mail to Sister Sharon Smith at: ssmith@scls.org, or call (913) 758-6522.

5

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, 411 Pioneer St., Seneca, will host a parish picnic on Sept. 5. A roast beef and ham dinner will be served at 4:30 p.m. in the parish hall. The cost is $7 for adults; $4 for children. Carryout meals will be available. There will also be bingo, concessions, games, a beer garden, and a live auction. A dance for teenagers will follow at 8:30 p.m.

11

Save the date! The Friends of Alexandra’s House, a home for terminally ill unborn, newborn and abandoned babies, will host a dinner and

An inter-parish women’s Bible study will meet from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on Thursdays, beginning Sept. 9, at Holy Trinity Church, 9150 Pflumm, Lenexa.

Women of all ages are invited to join.

A Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program for three- to 12-year-olds and a nursery for younger children will be available. For information or to register, call Laura Haeusser at (913) 341-9057 or Kathryn Burditt at (913) 451-3680.

Queen of the Holy Rosary-Wea, 22705 Metcalf Ave., Bucyrus, will host its annual benefit auction — Red, White & Wea — from 5 - 11 p.m. on Sept. 11. The cost of $40 per person includes dinner, beer and wine, late-night snacks, and an after-auction dance party. For information or to purchase tickets, call Greg Crow at (913) 424-5358 or visit the Web site at: www.hrqauction.org.

11-12

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church, 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka, will host its annual Holy Smoking Jamboree on Sept. 11 - 12 on the church grounds. A dinner will be served at 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 12. The cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children. There will a cakewalk, bingo, children’s games, a car show, an auction and more.

13

A ten-week Bible study on the Book of Deuteronomy will be offered from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Mondays, beginning Sept. 13, at Holy Trinity Parish, 9138 Pflumm, Lenexa. For information, call Bill Thomas at (913) 451-6486.

16

The Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic will host a banquet on Sept. 16 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will be the featured speaker. There is no cost to attend this banquet. However, there will be an opportunity to make a donation or to volunteer become a part of this ministry. For information or to RSVP, call (913) 287-8287 or visit the Web site at: www.BabiesAtRisk.org.

17-19

Worldwide Marriage Encounter provides couples with a unique opportunity to escape from the busy-ness of life and focus on making their marriage the best that it can be.

Enrich your life, enrich your love, and enrich your marriage by spending time with your spouse and learning the tools to a great marriage! The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend will be held from Sept. 17-19 in Olathe.

For information or to register, contact Ralph and Jan Lewis at (913) 400-7173 in Kansas City; Kyle and Denise Mead at (785) 357-5000 in Topeka; or register online at: www.wwmesection9.org.

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • august 13, 2010

Mark my words

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

Scripture Readings twentieth WEEK IN ordinary time Aug. 15 the assumption of the blessed virgin mary Rv 11: 19a; 12: 1-6a, 10ab; Ps 45: 10-12, 16; 1 Cor 15: 20-27; Lk 1: 39-56 Aug. 16 Stephen of Hungary Ez 24: 15-23; (Ps) Dt 32: 18-21; Mt 19: 16-22 Aug. 17 Tuesday Ez 28: 1-10; (Ps) Dt 32: 26-28, 30, 35cd-36b; Mt 19: 23-30 Aug. 18 Wednesday Ez 34: 1-11; Ps 23: 1-6; Mt 20: 1-16 Aug. 19 John Eudes, priest Ez 36: 23-28; Ps 51: 12-15, 18-19; Mt 22: 1-14 Aug. 20 Bernard, abbot, doctor of the church Ez 37: 1-14; Ps 107: 2-9; Mt 22: 34-40

I

Looking for the rest of summer

s it just my imagination, or has there been an upswing in cheerfulness around the Leaven office these past few days? It’s what you typically see when people are getting ready to go on vacation. The odd thing is, all the other staff members have already taken their summer vacations. I’m the only one who hasn’t, and I’m leaving right after this deadline.

Hey, wait a minute! You don’t suppose that the staff is happy because I’m going on vacation? Now, I realize that I may have been a little snippy and demanding and nit-picky and impatient and loud and unreasonable these past few weeks (or months), but is that any reason to want me out of the office for a bit?

Seriously, I do need a break. I know that. And my staff needs a break from me. So why do I always put off taking a vacation? Some of it has to do with the journey. I love the destination, but dread the “getting there.” This year I knew I wanted to get away — a “stay-cation” wasn’t going to do it for me — but I didn’t want the hassle of air travel or a grueling long-distance drive.

That’s why I’m heading down to the Lake of the Ozarks . . . again. Parishioners ask me if I go down there to fish or water ski or just to get some sun and take a dip in the lake. Actually, the answer to all of those questions is “no.”

I go down there to . . . well, I’ll let this little story explain things.

A man went on a kayaking trip with his wife in the Apostle Islands in northern Wisconsin. One day the two of them were talking with their wilderness guide

Aug. 21 Pius X, pope Ez 43: 1-7b; Ps 85: 9ab, 10-14; Mt 23: 1-12

word to life

twenty-first WEEK IN ordinary time Aug. 22 TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 66: 18-21; Ps 117: 1-2; Heb 12: 5-7, 11-13; Lk 13: 22-30 Aug. 23 Rose of Lima, virgin 2 Thes 1: 1-5, 11-12; Ps 96: 1-5; Mt 23: 13-22 Aug. 24 BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLE Rv 21: 9b-14; Ps 145: 10-13, 17-18; Jn 1: 45-51 Aug. 25 Louis of France; Joseph Calasanz, priest 2 Thes 3: 6-10, 16-18; Ps 128: 1-2, 4-5; Mt 23: 27-32 Aug. 26 Thursday 1 Cor 1: 1-9; Ps 145: 2-7; Mt 24: 42-51 Aug. 27 Monica 1 Cor 1: 17-25; Ps 33: 1-2, 4-5, 10-11; Mt 25: 1-13 Aug. 28 Augustine, bishop, doctor of the church 1 Cor 1: 26-31; Ps 33: 12-13, 18-21; Mt 25: 14-30

as they ate lunch on a remote beach. The husband mentioned how unusual it was to have no TV, no newspapers and no radio.

“In fact,” he said, “it’s going to be strange to return home and find out what’s happening in the real world.”

No one spoke for a few moments.

Then the guide, without taking his eyes from the horizon, commented, “I thought that’s what you came here for.”

(Adapted from a story found in William J. Bausch’s “A World of Stories for Preachers and Teachers.”)

What does the “real world” look like? We tend to think that the rushing around, the bloated calendars, the gulped-down fast food, the nonstop noise, the constant stimulation of information from the Internet, and our 24/7 availability are “normal.” We lose sight of the fact that quiet, slowness, savored meals, being unplugged, and space — both in nature and in our calendar — are truly what make life healthy, balanced, and holy. I head to the lake to read, to breathe deeply, to ponder, to nap, to walk, to reenter the real world — a world where I’m comfortable simply being, rather than just producing.

The excessive heat of the past week is a great image of how I’ve been feeling.

It’s hard to breathe, to move or even to see clearly. Those of you who wear glasses can relate to this: The other day as I stepped out of a blessedly cool hearse to do a burial, my glasses fogged up. It was easily a minute or more before I could see again. Not taking a vacation break is something like that. Nonstop working clouds your vision.

Whenever I see only the problems in the world or only the difficult people or only the bad news, it’s time to seek out the real world. After all, I don’t want to end up like the poor guy in this story: There was once a man whose passion was to go to heaven. Finally, he died and did go there. An angel took him by the hand and showed him the beautiful sights — the majestic mountains, lovely flowers, gorgeous sunsets, and little children playing in the streets.

The man said, “Isn’t heaven wonderful?”

But the angel replied, “This isn’t heaven; this is the world in which you lived, but which you never saw.”

(Adapted from an entry in “Stories and Parables for Preachers and Teachers” by Paul J. Wharton.)

I hope that everyone — especially those most burdened by worry, illness or problems — make time for a little vacation each day and perhaps a longer break each weekend. Listen for good news, spend time with close friends, notice the sights and sounds of nature, simply slow down — give God a chance to break into your life and show you what living in the real world is all about.

O

We honor Mary, not worship her

ver the years, I have had a number of conversations with nonCatholics about the role of Mary in our faith.

Though some of these dialogues have been heated, most have been fairly civil.

Another mistaken belief is that we worship Mary and other saints. Just because we have statues of them does not mean we worship them.

Worship is due to God alone.

Instead, we venerate, or honor, these holy men and women. In many ways, the saints and Mary are like a hall of But they’ve shown me some key fame of Christianity. Just as various misunderstandings that sports lift up their superstars Protestants have regarding the assumption for others to learn from and the place of honor Catholics of the blessed emulate, we raise to a special reserve for Mary. virgin mary level of recognition those The most common misLk 1: 39-56 who have followed Jesus and conception is that we pray lived the Christian faith in to Mary in the same way we exemplary fashion. pray to Jesus. This is simply not true.

The highest of these examples is We pray to her in the sense that we Mary, for she is the most excellent ask her to pray for us. This notion has model for our faith. From teaching us its origins in the story of the wedding how to solve problems to showing us at Cana in John’s Gospel. The wine how to completely surrender our will runs out at a wedding — a situation to that of the Father to leading the way that would be a huge embarrassment to heaven, Mary is our model. to the hosts — so Mary intervenes on The feast of the Assumption of the their behalf.

Blessed Virgin Mary reveals two things She does not go buy more wine or to us: first, that Mary participated in take up a collection of wineskins from her Son’s resurrection in a unique way; neighbors. No, she sees a problem and and second, in a special way it gives us goes straight to Jesus, who, as the story a reason to anticipate our own share in goes, performs his first miracle by turnthe Resurrection. If we but follow her ing common water into choice wine. example, we may follow her to heaven.

“Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

Lk 1:45

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • August 13, 2010

Taking their roles seriously

For young Catholic couples of the stage, faith is more than an act

By Bob Hart

Special to The Leaven

Christina Schafer Martin Age: 28 Occupation: Advertising project manager

OLATHE — Less than a mile apart, the city’s two dedicated theatrical venues — the Chestnut Fine Arts Center and the Olathe Community Theatre Association — are currently hosts to a pair of young Catholic couples. Their shared love of theater has turned into a marriage-strengthening bond.

David Martin Age: 30 Occupation: Banking analyst Married: Sept. 22, 2007; Curé of Ars Church, Leawood

David and Celia Thompson They met as high school students, each performing in separate productions of Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park’s summer season.

“It was 1997,” David Thompson recalled. “She was in ‘Crazy for You’ and I was in ‘Guys and Dolls.’ There was a ‘meet the casts’ picnic, and my cousins were in the show with Celia. They told her, ‘You’ve got to meet our cousin Dave.’”

Meet they did, and dated through high school graduation, after which inevitable life changes kept them apart for more than a decade. David stayed in the Kansas City area; Celia went off to what is now Missouri State University.

Both continued to perform.

In fact, as David racked up theatrical credits in the metro, Celia found a surprising new platform for her talents: the Miss America organization.

A runner-up for Miss Missouri in 2004, she continues to be active with the Miss Kansas City pageant to this day.

“When someone told me I should enter, I thought, ‘Yeah, right,’” Celia said.

“Then they said [the pageant organization] could help pay back my student loans, and I said, ‘Where do I sign up?’”

A few years later, she found her old boyfriend David Thompson on Facebook and began chatting.

“She said she was single,” David said, with a smile. “We went out, and that was it.”

As their relationship grew more serious, the two began to consider matters of faith. Both had been raised in homes where religion was important. Celia was Catholic; David, Lutheran.

“It wasn’t like we were on different planets,” David said. “We both felt comfortable at each other’s churches. We’d had long discussions with our parents about the similarities and differences of the two religions. Eventually, we decided that we needed to be on the same page. We wanted to go to church together. And when we were ready to have a family, we wanted that to be just one church — not Dad’s one week and Mom’s the next.”

David decided he would be the one to convert and began the RCIA program a year ago.

“I told him, ‘I don’t want you to do this because you feel like you have to.

I want you to do it for you,’” Celia said.

Celia Shea Thompson Age: 30 Occupation: Optometric technician David Thompson Age: 30 Occupation: Operations analyst Married: June 12; Holy Spirit Church, Overland Park

“He said, ‘I want to do it for me, and I want to do it for our future.’”

That future, they believed, got off on the right foot with the help of Father Rick Storey, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park.

“One of the great things about Father Storey is that [in marriage preparation classes] he really emphasized the sacrament of marriage,” Celia said. “It’s not about the day or the dress or the flowers. It’s about the sacrament.”

That point was driven home when, on the day of the wedding this past June, heavy rains forced a hasty rethinking of scheduled outdoor photos.

“Father Storey’s homily was about how rain brings life, and how this was the beginning of our new life,” she recalled. “He brought it all together, and it was great.”

David echoed that sentiment.

“He knew how Lutheran my family was, and he did a great job of explaining everything. He’d say things like, ‘You may sit or kneel here, according to your custom.’ He made everyone feel comfortable.”

David and Christina Martin Photos by Elaina Cochran

Upcoming shows CHESTNUT FINE ARTS CENTER

234 N. Chestnut, Olathe; (913) 764-2121 n “Moo Juice: The Musical,” featuring David Thompson — Now through Aug. 22 n “Little Shop of Horrors,” featuring David Thompson and Celia Thompson — Sept. 16-Oct. 17

OLATHE COMMUNITY THEATRE 500 E. Loula, Olathe; (913) 782-2990

n “Our Town,” featuring David Martin and Christina Martin — Sept. 10-26 n “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” directed by David Martin —Nov. 5-21

David Martin remembers it well.

“We met in Room 209, Murphy Hall, on the campus of the University of Kansas, in Acting II class. It was the last semester of my senior year and midway through Christina’s third year.”

They dated that summer following David’s graduation. But, like the Thompsons, they were soon separated.

“I moved to Chicago for a year,” David said. “When I got back, we’d see each other sometimes. We’d sort of hang out once every six months or so.

Then finally it got to the point where neither of us was seeing anyone, and we started dating again. It was a random, happy accident that we got back together.”

The Martins found a kindred spirit in Father Kent O’Connor, who taught their marriage preparation courses and ultimately celebrated their 2007 wedding in Leawood, despite having been recently transferred to a parish more than two hours away. Father O’Connor had once been a professional dancer, and had written an original musical, so he “got” the young couple whose passion for the arts brought them together in the first place.

“We just loved Father Kent,” Christina said. “He really knew both of us, and he was with us every step of the way, through the entire process.”

Although they have acted together several times, the Martins took on a new challenge late last year, when Christina played a role in David’s full-length directing debut: a production of the classic comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

“Christina wasn’t going to audition,” Turn to “ACTING” on page 4