08-27-10 Vol. 32 No. 5

www.theleaven.com | Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas | Vol. 32, No. 5 august 27, 2010

On top of the world Archdiocesan seminarians hit the great outdoors on a pilgrimage with Archbishop Naumann Story on pages 8-9

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, vocations director Father Mitchel Zimmerman, and a group of archdiocesan seminarians conquer the rocks at Camp Saint Malo in Allenspark, Colo. Pictured in the lower group are: (from left) Hunter Hamilton, Archbishop Naumann, Mark Ostrowski, Adam Wilczak, and Daniel Stover. Pictured in the upper group, are: (from left) Father Zimmerman, Anthony Saiki, Danny Schmitz, Luke Doyle, Thomas Hornbeck, and Samuel Nze.

2 Local News

THE LEAVEN • august 27, 2010

THE LEAVEN • August 27, 2010

Archdiocese looks for input

T

he Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is conducting a feasibility study to determine the level of support for an all-parish capital campaign.

Lesle Knop, executive director of the office of stewardship and development, said the study is important because it engages a wide cross section of Catholics to address serious financial needs that cannot be met through regular parish offertory and the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal, both essential to the church’s mission on an annual basis.

“The study examines extraordinary financial concerns that our church’s annual sources of revenue are not sufficient to remedy,” Knop said. “We don’t want to impede annual giving to either regular parish offertory or the annual Call to Share as these are essential, just like our budgets at our homes and businesses. These extraordinary challenges we have as church require study and a plan.

The archbishop wants to give as many of us as possible an opportunity to participate and give input.”

The Steier Group, a national development firm from Omaha, Neb., has been hired to interview a cross section of Catholics on the merits of a capital campaign to support Catholic secondary education, Donnelly College, youth outreach, and assistance for parishes and schools in financially distressed areas of the archdiocese.

During the 12-week feasibility study, the Steier Group is interviewing priests, key lay leaders, and donors and conducting regional focus groups. A survey is being mailed to over 3,000 households, and all households in the archdiocese are encouraged to complete the survey by going online to the Web site at: www. archkck.org. All interviews and surveys are confidential and are used to recommend if the archdiocese should proceed with a campaign and what it can expect to accomplish. Additionally, the feasibility study identifies potential campaign leaders and donors.

Specifically, the Steier Group asks for input concerning a potential $50 million capital campaign. Secondary education will receive $17.5 million to provide an endowment for tuition assistance for all high schools, debt reduction for three high schools, and capital improvements to Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kan. Some $4 million will be allocated to Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kan., for an endowment for tuition assistance and for capital improvements

One step at a time

Archbishop asks for participation

Feasibility study examines areas of greatest need

Dear Parishioners,

The proposed $50 million capital campaign would help areas of need in the archdiocese, such as Donnelly College (above); support youth ministry (left) and youth outreach in rural areas; support secondary education (below); and assist financially distressed schools in urban areas.

for the Catholic chapel and a library expansion. The plan would also seek $6 million for youth outreach, by endowing $5 million for rural and youth ministries and $1 million for an urban youth center. Another $6 million would be for an endowment for assisting financially distressed parishes and schools in urban areas. Finally, $14 million is earmarked for parish/regional sharing to help parishes address debt reduction or capital needs.

Once the feasibility study is completed in late September, the Steier Group will report and recommend whether to proceed; what the financial goals could be; and what the priests, lay leaders and members of the archdiocese think the campaign plan should address.

“Those who have responded to the archbishop’s invitation to participate so far have generously given of their time to help our church in northeast Kansas make important decisions. I am especially grateful to the parishes and schools who served as hosts for the focus groups in each of the regions and to all those who attended,” Knop said.

The hosts included Bishop Ward, Maur Hill-Mount Academy, Bishop Miege and St. Thomas Aquinas high schools; Immaculate Conception/St. Joseph Parish, Leavenworth; Sacred Heart, Ottawa; Sts. Peter and Paul, Seneca; and St. Matthew, Topeka.

A report of the findings of the Steier Group will be made public at the conclusion of the study.

Pastors throughout the Archdiocese, committed lay volunteers and I have been meeting to reflect upon the challenges and opportunities we face today and for the next decade. These meetings have helped define a strategic vision that will require financial resources. I am considering the possibility of an archdiocesan capital campaign as a means to raise the necessary funds to achieve these pastoral needs.

Before we make any final decisions regarding a campaign and the goals, we would like to gather your feedback.

The Steier Group has been retained to administer a comprehensive feasibility study to gauge the potential of conducting an archdiocesan-wide campaign.

The identified needs would address Catholic secondary education, Donnelly College, youth outreach and evangelization, and help for urban areas/transitional communities. There would be regional/parish sharing opportunities also.

This feasibility study will enable us to determine potential support for a major fundraising effort. It also will provide us with information to identify prospective campaign leaders and to establish a realistic campaign goal. You are invited to share your thoughts by going online or mailing back the feasibility study to the Archdiocese.

After all of the information is compiled confidentially by the Steier Group and presented to the Archdiocese in October, in consultation with priests and lay leaders, I will make an informed decision regarding our plans. The results will be shared with all parishioners.

If you have not participated yet, please complete a mail survey by contacting the feasibility study office at (913) 647-0316 or simply complete the survey online at: www.archkck.org; click on the logo.

In advance, I thank you for your participation because your guidance is essential in planning for the future of our Archdiocese.

Asking for your prayers and enthusiastic support in this endeavor, I remain,

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

Father Mike Stubbs set to begin a 451-mile pilgrimage

A

By Father Mike Stubbs

Special to The Leaven

journey of 451 miles begins with a single step. For me, that step meant preparing for my pilgrimage.

First, I selected the gear that I would carry on my back. The total weight should not exceed more than 10 percent of one’s own body weight, I was told. That meant limiting the clothing and personal items that I would need for 40 days to 15 pounds. That includes the sleeping bag. I plan to stay overnight in pilgrim hostels, which provide a bunk, but not always bedding. It will be very basic.

Fifteen pounds is not much. To arrive at that figure, I trotted down to the chancery offices several times to weigh items on the scales in the workroom. What things would I really need on my walk? What things could I eliminate? This process of paring down really made the words of the Gospel hit home: “[Jesus] instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick — no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic” (Mk 6:8-9).

We Americans have so much — often, too much. If we are ever going to get ahead in life, we need to learn how to travel light. That is part of the purpose behind a pilgrimage: to learn how to move ahead spiritually.

I also needed to learn how to move ahead physically. I plan to walk an average of 12 miles a day. To get in shape, I have trained for the past six weeks. The first week, I hiked two miles a day. The second week, I increased that to four miles; the third week, to six. I reached 12 miles a day by the sixth week. Now I should be ready.

From Barcelona, Spain, I will take the train to Pamplona, famous for the annual running of the bulls and celebrated by Ernest Hemmingway in his novel, “The Sun Also Rises.”

(No bull running for me. It already took place this summer.)

I will then go by bus up to the village of Roncevalles, in the Pyrenees Mountains, at the French border. That is the beginning

point for my 451-mile walk to Santiago de Compostela.

But why go to Santiago de Compostela? What will I find in this picturesque city of northwestern Spain?

According to tradition, St. James the Apostle is buried there. In the year 814, a hermit by the name of Pelago had a vision one night as he slept in an open field. He dreamt that he heard angels singing and saw a bright star shining high above the field. (“Compostela” means “field of the star.”)

When Pelago and his excavation crew dug up the spot in the field lying under the star, they discovered the tomb of St. James. (“Santiago” means “St. James.”) Soon, a beautiful church was built over the tomb. A town sprang up around the church, and Santiago de Compostela was born.

Ever since, pilgrims have been traveling there to venerate the tomb of St. James. During the Middle Ages, Santiago de Compostela stood out as one of the principal sites for pilgrimage, surpassed in importance only by Rome and Jerusalem.

At its height during the 12th century, as many as a half-million pilgrims would visit Santiago de Compostela in the course of the year. Even now, thousands go there. It is estimated that more than 200,000 pilgrims will travel to Santiago this year.

The practice of pilgrimage predates Christianity. In Old Testament times, there were three feasts during the course of the year when Jews were encouraged to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem — Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. Devout Muslims attempt to travel to Mecca at least once in their life. Hindus go to Benares to bathe in the sacred Ganges River.

The desire to go on pilgrimage appears to reflect something basic in human nature. It should not surprise us that we Christians have also developed a tradition of pilgrimage.

I greatly appreciate a saying which makes a distinction between the tourist and the pilgrim. The tourist travels to escape from his everyday life, to leave home. The pilgrim travels in order to penetrate more deeply the core of his life, to reach his true home, which is at the center of his being.

Perhaps that is the answer to why I am walking to Santiago de Compostela.

Editor’s note: Father Stubbs will begin his walk on Sept. 3.

Sincerely yours in Jesus, the Lord of Life,

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann

Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas

Photo by Joe Bollig

Concrete Work

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

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4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • August 27, 2010

THE LEAVEN • August 27, 2010

Changing of the guard

Catholic finds Jewish fraternity strengthens faith

By Kara Hansen Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — For the first time in three decades, there will be a new face at the head of the Johnson and Wyandotte County Catholic Youth Organization this fall.

For 36 years, David Nick has been the organization’s executive director. Now, with Nick’s retirement, Peter Piscitello has become the organization’s new director.

Piscitello comes to CYO from the state of Washington — but he is no stranger to the archdiocese. Originally from West Des Moines, Iowa, he graduated from Benedictine College in 2007 before going on to earn a master’s degree in intercollegiate athletic leadership from the University of Washington.

Most recently, Piscitello was the athletics business manager at Eastern Washington University.

“What attracted me to this position first and foremost was the archdiocese,” said Piscitello. “At Benedictine [College], I met Archbishop Naumann and worked with the priests and people there, and it was evident there is such a vibrant Catholic spirit in the archdiocese.”

Piscitello said he was looking forward to the opportunity to work with the people who keep CYO activities up and running, as well as the student athletes themselves.

“I’m excited to meet and work with the people who help with CYO — the coaches, athletic directors, board members, school staff, and priests,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity to develop athletic programs that will help bring kids into sports but, more importantly, to help them grow as Catholics and students.”

CYO board chairman Jim Casey said he felt Piscitello would be a great addition to CYO, and was an ideal candidate for the position.

“We were looking for someone who brought a Catholic, faith-filled approach to CYO, while having a good understanding of athletics and programs,” said Casey. “Pete was thorough, professional, and had really done his homework on the position.”

Casey said the CYO board was looking for an executive director with new ideas who could add to a well-established program.

LOCAL NEWS 5

Continued from page 16 “Some of the olive trees had been there since the time of Jesus.”

“That’s the one place where I really felt a spiritual presence that was overwhelming,” he added.

At his mother’s request, Wolf called home every day and described his experiences.

“That was really neat,” she said. “We were praying for him, and we got to kind of live vicariously through his journeys.”

Peter Piscitello (above) is the new director of the Johnson and Wyandotte County Catholic Youth Organization. He takes over a program the has flourished over the past 36 years with David Nick at the helm.

“We were looking for someone with new ideas, and it was really a benefit that Pete came from out of town and had no preconceived notions of CYO here,” said Casey. “He had a lot of fresh ideas. We’re looking at this as a new chapter of CYO and an evolution of the existing program.”

CYO board member Barb Wheeler agreed.

“Peter’s enthusiasm and vision for CYO really won people over,” she said.

“We’re excited about what Peter brings and for the opportunity to work with him.”

Even as the CYO moves forward, however, those involved say it is Nick’s work that Piscitello will be building on.

Roeland Park’s St. Agnes School athletic director Mike Whitmore said that in the 22 years he has worked with Nick, he has known him to be a hard worker who gets the job done quietly and efficiently.

“Dave has always been very professional and always looks at what’s best for the kids first,” said Whitmore. “He’s not one to want a pat on the back. He goes out and does what needs to be done and feels that’s enough accomplishment in itself.”

True to Whitmore’s description of him, Nick said his enjoyment of the job he has held over three decades was in seeing CYO at work and the kids participating in sports.

“The growth of the program has been big, with many more kids participating over the years,” said Nick. “More than anything, I have enjoyed providing a program kids seem to enjoy.”

Though offering sports programs to youth has always been the goal of

CYO programming since it began in 1940, Nick has certainly seen some changes in the organization during his tenure.

Whitmore described some of the typical changes that occur regularly in CYO — new board members and changing athletic directors — as well as recent developments in the program itself, such as the inclusion of high school sports teams and the transition to Webbased sign-ups.

“Dave has had a huge job that has expanded over the years, and there are always changes taking place,” said Whitmore. “He’s been flexible as things have changed over the years and has always been a steady force through thick and thin. Dave has always been there to keep us going. He will be missed.”

Casey agreed, and praised Nick for the solid program he had put in place.

“Dave has been the center point for CYO — he is iconic,” said Casey. “His administrative processes were always smooth, and he has always made sure all the programs are run efficiently and well. He’s done a very good job consistently for 36 years, and that’s pretty incredible.”

Strengthened faith

Caitlyn Allen (left) and Amanda Applebee are new kindergarten teachers at Holy Trinity School in Lenexa. The two are former students of Holy Trinity and will help implement the school’s shift to an all-day kindergarten.

Heading home to Holy Trinity

By Bob Hart

Special to The Leaven LENEXA — With apologies to Thomas Wolfe and a nod of the head to Jon Bon Jovi, clearly, you can go home again.

Just ask Amanda Applebee and Caitlyn Allen, two graduates of Holy Trinity School in Lenexa who are making their way back to home turf this fall, as kindergarten teachers for their grade school alma mater.

Applebee, who graduated from Holy Trinity School in 1994, and Allen, class of ’99, emerged at the top of the heap among applicants for the two positions, their hiring coinciding with the school’s shift to an all-day kindergarten.

“The first thing I look for is their character,” said Martha Concannon, Holy Trinity principal, of the interview process for new teachers. “With these two, it just oozed from their pores. And their love for this community was very evident.”

That’s part of the reason they’ll be joining the Holy Trinity teacher line-

“It’s so wonderful to work with kids at that level. They come in as babies and they leave as readers.

”

Caitlyn Allen, Holy Trinity kindergarten teacher up — 42 full time; 15 part time — for the 2010-11 school year.

“I’m excited. It’s so wonderful to work with kids at that level,” said Applebee.

Allen agreed.

“They come in as babies and they leave as readers,” she said. “The growth you see is amazing.”

Both young women know a thing or two about growth from their family lives as well. Applebee has two little boys; Allen has a boy, a girl and a baby on the way.

Applebee said she hopes to in-

still “an honest love of learning” in her own children as well as her students, adding that it was Holy Trinity School, in large part, that instilled that love in her.

Minor adjustments for both will include learning to call their former teachers — now colleagues — by their first names, they said.

Both women graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park. Applebee earned her teaching credentials (including a master’s degree) from Kansas State University, while Allen got hers at Pittsburgh State University.

Although she previously taught 7th-grade math and coached volleyball, track and softball, “I always knew kindergarten was where I wanted to be,” said Applebee.

Allen, who logged a lot of time working in her mother’s day care business in her earlier years, summed up the appeal of the little ones this way.

“It’s their love for everything.

Their energy. Their excitement,” she said. “It’s the greatest.”

Like many college students, Wolf went through a period when he was unsure of his faith.

“You know, as a child, you’re brought up in a faith, and this is what you’re taught, this is what you believe, this is what you do,” he explained.

“Now that I’m older, especially in this environment,” he continued, “there was a time when I did question my faith.”

Being part of a Jewish fraternity has actually strengthened Wolf’s beliefs, though.

“I guess after enough time of exploring religion as a whole and within myself, I’ve kind of come full circle and regained confidence and strength in my own spirituality,” he said.

The fraternity has also helped Wolf put his faith in historical perspective and make sense of many traditional practices.

“I always knew the Mass was based on the Passover Seder,” he said. “I had learned that but, at the same time, I had no idea what a Seder was.

“Last year I participated in a Seder for the first time and it was a really great experience.”

His family has profited from the experience, too.

“We have learned so much ourselves about the Jewish faith and Jewish culture through him,” said his mother. “I think it has strengthened our faith. The Jewish and Christian people share a lot of common ground.”

Indeed, Wolf has a deep respect for the principles and values of his Jewish brothers. And this Jewish fraternity is thriving with a Catholic at its helm.

“We’re pretty much awesome,” said Seldin. “Make sure you put that in there.”

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6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • August 27, 2010

Irish Fest celebrates Catholic heritage with outdoor Mass KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Thousands of fans are drawn each year to the music and heritage stages at Kansas City Irish Fest, but Mass under the great awning in Crown Center Square here on Sunday continues to be one of the most beloved and anticipated events.

Kansas City’s eighth annual Irish Fest will be held at Crown Center on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3 - 5. The outdoor Mass will be at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday and will be celebrated by Bishop Emeritus Raymond Boland and former Redemptorist pastor, Father Jim Shea.

Irish Fest celebrates the region’s deep Irish roots with exhibits, workshops, children’s play and learning activities, and a full schedule of traditional music and Celtic rock, including hometown favorites: the O’Riada Dancers, Eddie Delahunt and The Elders.

For more information, including stage schedules and ticket locations, go to the Web site at: www.kcirishfest.com.

Christopher West to speak Salina — Christopher West will speak on Sept. 10 at the Quality Inn, 2110 W. Crawford St., Salina. Cost is $25 per person. On Sept. 11, West will give an all-day seminar at St. Mary, Queen of the Universe Church, 230 E. Cloud, Salina. Cost is $30 per person or $55 per couple.

To register, call (785) 827-8746 or go online at http://salinadiocese.org/familylife.

Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

Aug. 27 Donnelly graduation at Lansing prison Aug. 28 Mass and installation of Father Bill McEvoy as pastor of St. Francis de Sales, Lansing

Sept. 1 Meeting of the steering committee of the Southern Region Mass and dinner — Apostles of the Interior Life Sept. 3 Anniversary of episcopal ordination Sept. 3 -4 Wedding — St. Louis Sept. 7 Administrative Team meeting Benefit for the Little Sisters of the Lamb Sept. 9-10 Board meeting — Mundelein Seminary Opening Mass of the Holy Spirit — Mundelein Seminary Sept. 12 11 a.m., Blue Mass for firefighters — St. Pius X, Mission

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

K E AT I N G Mud Jacking

3 p.m. Mass of the Innocents — Savior Pastoral Center Sept. 13 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities meeting — Washington, D.C.

Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar

Aug. 29 Prison Mass

Sept. 4 Wedding Sept. 5 Prison Mass Sept. 6 Visit Little Sisters of the Lamb Sept. 9 Anniversary of installation as archbishop of Kanas City, Kan. Teach class — Mundelein Seminary Sept. 10 Mass of the Holy Spirit — Mundelein Seminary Sept. 11 Mass — St. Felicitas, Chicago

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Help area schools win half a million dollars KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Both Our Lady of the Presentation School in Kansas City, Mo., and St. Matthew School in Topeka are still in the running for a $500,000 donation from Kohl’s through its Kohl’s Cares organization.

The schools have to finish in the top 20 vote-getters on the “Kohl’s Cares” Facebook page to win. Visitors can vote 20 times each, five times for the same school.

To vote, go to www.voteolp.com, which contains a link to the Facebook page where instructions lead you through the voting process. The contest ends on Sept. 3.

Rockin’ at Savior KANSAS CITY, Kan. — All Catholic youth are welcome to attend an outdoor concert by the Mikey Needleman Band on Aug. 28 at Savior Pastoral Center here, at 126th and Parallel Parkway.

The concert is part of the annual Holy Smokes Catholic Family Campout, sponsored by the archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting. All youth are invited to the concert, even if they are not involved in Scouting.

Scouts, Scout leaders and families will gather at Savior for the all-day Holy Smokes event, which will feature activities including a cooking contest. Mass will be celebrated outside at 7:30 p.m., followed by the concert. The concert will end at 10 p.m.

For information go to the Web site at: www.archkck-scouting.org.

Mass of Innocents Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann invites you to join him in a Mass of Remembrance for all who have experienced the loss of a child thru miscarriage or other before-birth losses, through stillbirth, or in early childhood death.

Sunday, September 12, 2010 3:00pm Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy Kansas City, Kansas 66109 For directions or more information please call: The Archdiocesan Family Life Office—913-721-1570 flifesec@archkck.org

Remember your recently deceased loved one by attending a Memorial Mass Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010 9 a.m.

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Furry friend

Seminarian Jaime Zarse (Theology I, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary) feeds the wildlife atop Prospect Mountain in Estes Park, Colo.

super view

Seminarian Adam Wilczak (Theology I, Mundelein Seminary) prays the rosary atop the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine in Golden, Colo.

Rocky Mountain high Story by Joe Bollig/Leaven reporter | Photos by Jonathan Dizon/Archdiocesan seminarian

I

t was at the Keyhole, nearly 13,200 feet up Longs Peak in Colorado, when Father Mitchel Zimmerman thought that he might be walking into a problem.

The vocations director was on a nine-day pilgrimage (Aug. 7-15) with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, 26 archdiocesan seminarians, and three other clerics.

On Aug. 12, he and six seminarians decided to hike to Chasm Lake at Longs Peak and, from there, climb to the summit. They started out at 5 a.m.; by 7:30 a.m., they were being whipped by cold rain and 50-mile-per-hour winds. They took temporary shelter under a boulder and then continued on.

“At the Keyhole, almost the 13,200 mark, we met hundreds of people coming down,” said Father Zimmerman. “They said it was too windy to get through the Keyhole. [The wind] must have been 80 miles an hour, and I was afraid of getting blown off the mountain.”

Father Zimmerman gave up, but three seminarians pressed on.

“Archbishop Naumann must have been praying especially hard,” said Father Zimmerman. “They made it through and around the corner, and met only eight people who were able to [reach the] summit that day.”

Fortunately, most of the pilgrimage offered Rocky Mountain highs of a safer, more spiritual nature.

This was the second year that Archbishop Naumann made a pilgrimage with archdiocesan seminarians. Last year, he took them to Minneapolis-St. Paul, and then to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in nearby La Crosse, Wis. The first leg of this year’s pilgrimage included stops at significant Catholic sites in Kansas: the Shrine of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne in Mound City; St. John Nepomucene Parish in Pilsen, the home parish of Father Emil Kapaun, whose cause for sainthood is currently under consideration; and the Cathedral of the Plains in Victoria.

The seminarians joined up with the archbishop in Colorado. There, they toured the cathedral in Denver and met Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap., and Auxiliary Bishop James Conley; stayed at the Camp Saint Malo retreat

Atop the city

The cross at the top of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver overlooks the city. center; visited the Mother Cabrini Shrine; and participated in a number of recreational and spiritual experiences.

A good time was had by all — but this was no vacation. There were some important reasons for this journey.

“One of the most important things I, or any bishop does, is ordain priests,” said Archbishop Naumann. “Consequently, the formation of priests and identification of those called to the priesthood is a very important responsibility for a bishop. It’s important for me to get to know as well as I can those who I will — God willing — ordain to serve the church as priests.”

Spending time with the archbishop was deeply appreciated by the seminarians.

“I think we got to know him at a different level, other than just your superior,” said Trent Schmidt, a third-year theology student at the University of St. Mary of the Lake - Mundelein Seminary, near Chicago. “We got to see him let his hair down. He joined us on hikes, and we had some candid conversations.”

And the archbishop, he discovered, plays a mean game of pingpong. Fishing, however, was another story.

“We went fly fishing, and it was my first time,” said Augustin Martinez, a second-year college student at Conception Seminary College, Conception, Mo. “I caught five fish. The archbishop had done it before, but he didn’t catch anything.”

One of the most fruitful things Daniel Schmitz experienced was simply watching the archbishop.

“As I observed how he interacted with my brother [seminarians], I clearly saw how he is a father to us,” said Schmitz, a first-year theology student at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, St. Louis.

“We are [blessed] to have a bishop who cares this much. Seminarians from other dioceses I was with this summer have barely shaken their bishop’s hand, much less spent five days with him on pilgrimage.”

Another benefit of the pilgrimage, said Archbishop Naumann, is that the seminarians get to know each other.

The 26 are spread out over four different seminaries. Although they might know the men in their own schools, they have few opportunities to meet those in others.

“Building the fraternal bonds between them now will help establish the bonds that will be very important for the presbyterate in the future,” said the archbishop.

Most importantly, the pilgrimages are an opportunity for the archbishop to share his spirituality with the seminarians. Everything revolved around and involved prayer. The pilgrims spent time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, prayed the Liturgy of the Hours, read the Gospel of the day, and recited the rosary together. And, of course, they worshipped together at daily Mass.

“At Masses, I tried to give substantial homilies that addressed some of the important issues in the formation,” said the archbishop. “This was a time I shared with them my understanding of the priesthood and tried to shape them to be holy, zealous priests.”

The seminarians, in turn, received not only a short-term boost to their morale from the pilgrimage, but believe it will have a long-lasting effect on their formation.

“It was reaffirming to my vocation to be able to witness the sincere joy of my brother seminarians outside of the Masses we serve together,” said Jeff Lamont, a pre-theology I student at Mundelein.

“The daily Holy Hour and liturgy in the little Saint Malo Chapel was very powerful. The homilies Archbishop Naumann delivered were incredibly insightful,” he continued, “and it was a holy and spiritual experience that I will continue to reflect on in prayer.”

The next pilgrimage will be to World Youth Day in Spain in 2011.

Guided tour

Samuel Morehead (left), a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Denver, guides the pilgrims through a tour of the facilities of St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver.

At peace with the lord

Seminarian Dave Pratt (pre-theology II, Mundelein Seminary) spends a moment in prayer during eucharistic adoration in St. Catherine of Siena Chapel at Camp Saint Malo in Allenspark, Colo.

Wind power

The Smoky Hills Wind Farm looms large against the evening sky in this sunset shot along I-70, west of Salina.

History lesson

Father Mike Scully, OFM Cap., shares the history of St. Fidelis Catholic Church (the Cathedral of the Plains) in Victoria with the seminarians.

Stations

Archbishop Naumann leads the seminarians through the Stations of the Cross on the grounds of the Camp Saint Malo retreat center in Allenspark, Colo.

10 local news Ferrell and Judy (Griffith) Heeter, members of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept.

3. The couple was married at Redemptorist Church in Kansas City, Mo. Their children are: anniversaries Lisa Zimmer, Leslie Brown, Joe Heeter, and Lori Thomas. They have 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson. A family dinner and celebration will take place on Aug. 28.

Anita (Altenhofen) and Francis Wichman, members of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 9. The couple was married at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Seneca. Their children and their spouses are: Janet and Lyle Hoefler; Michael Wichman; and Bev and Bill Reynolds. They have six grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. A family celebration is planned in Branson, Mo. Ed and Madelyn Regan, members of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 27. The couple was married on Aug. 27, 1960, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Kansas City, Kan. Their children and their spouses are: Patrice and Doug Drew; Colleen and Jim Rumbough; and John and Danisha Regan.

They also have seven grandchildren. To celebrate, an Alaskan cruise is planned for September.

THE LEAVEN • august 27, 2010 Mary (Young) and Henry Morgan, members of St. John the Baptist Parish, Greeley, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Aug. 7. The couple was married on Sept. 2, 1950, at St. Columban Church, Chillicothe, Mo. Their children and their spouses are: Tom Morgan (deceased); Tim Morgan, Greeley; Peg Hiles, Overland Park; Susan and David Short, Midlothian, Texas; Ann and Eric Beck, Tenafly, N.J.; Jim and Becky Morgan, Louisburg; Jan and Jeffery Owen, San Antonio; and Dan and Amber Morgan, Garnett. They also have 15 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Don and Mary Jo Swietek, members of St. Matthew Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 26 with a cruise to Alaska.

The couple was married on Aug. 26, 1960, in Topeka.

Their children and their spouses are: Gregg and Mary Swietek; Tim and Kay Swietek; and Lorrie and Junior Long. They also have seven grandchildren.

Danny and Susan (Dome) Carson, members of St. Matthew Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 28. The couple was married at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Hays. A reception will follow the 5 p.m. Mass, hosted by their children: Michelle, Danny Jr., Angela, Dana, Crystal, and Michael. They also have 22 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Florence (Wiesner) and Elden Lyon, members of Assumption Parish, Edgerton, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept.

4 with their family.

The couple was married on Sept. 2, 1950, at St. Therese Church, Richmond.

Their children and their spouses are: Robert and Sally Lyon, Fresno, Calif.; Marge and Craig Humphrey, Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Rick and Mary Lyon, Naperville, Ill.; Steve and Erin Lyon, Osawatomie; and Larry and Marianne Lyon, Chaska, Minn. They also have 12 grandchildren and one greatgrandson.

Rosemary (Reed) and Bill Treu, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 2. The couple was married at the Church of St. Mary of the Assumption in Waco, Texas.

They celebrated with family and friends at a luncheon reception at Fiorella’s on July 31 and at a Mass on Aug. 1. Their children and their spouses are: Cindy and Trevor Whitney; Bill and Stacey Treu; John and Deanna Treu; and Cheryl and Brian O’Donnell. They also have seven grandchildren.

Rose and Bob Baker, members of St. Aloysius Parish, Meriden, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 3. The couple was married on Sept. 3, 1960, at St. Joseph Church, Topeka. Their children and their spouses are: Reggie and Jesse DeGarmo; Rob and Donna Baker; Rene and Kyle Green; and Randy and Jenny Baker. They also have 13 grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. A family gathering was held at Lake Perry to celebrate.

Larry and Patty (Burns) Pickert, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept.

5. The couple was married on Sept.

5, 1960, at St. Andrew Church, Independence.

Their children and their spouses are: Bill and Traci Pickert; Jerry and Desiree Pickert; John and Michelle Pickert; and Tom and Janelle Pickert. They also have 13 grandchildren. They will renew their vows on Sept. 4 at Holy Spirit, followed by a dinner and dance at the Marriott.

Roger and JoAnn (King) Meador, members of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept.

3. The couple was married at Blessed Sacrament Church, Kansas City, Kan. They have two daughters — Mary and Anne. They also have five grandchildren. A family celebration is planned.

Anniversary policy

The Leaven only prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the desired publication date. Announcements must be typed.

They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Please include the following Information: Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an e-mail to: Todd@theleaven.com.

12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment Director - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a new director of Shantivanam House of Prayer, a retreat center in Easton, Kan. The director will be responsible for the spiritual leadership and administrative oversight of the 120-acre facility. A successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic who embraces in word and in deed the church’s teachings on faith and morals as articulated by the church’s magisterium and who possesses a comprehensive understanding of the Catholic faith and the traditions of the Catholic Church. Compassionate, effective communication skills are required. Dedication to Christian contemplative prayer, the values of solitude and a commitment to hospitality for guests of any faith are required. Knowledge of or experience in spiritual direction or counseling is desirable. Administrative/ management experience in a retreat center/house of prayer setting is preferred. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s Web site at: www.archkck.org (click on the human resources tab). Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume, and application by Sept. 10 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Shantivanam Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send, via e-mail, to: kthomas@archkck.org.

President - Cristo Rey Kansas City, a Catholic secondary school located in the Kansas City metropolitan area, is accepting applications for president to start in summer 2011 or before. Seeking a Catholic with a master’s degree; demonstrated commitment to urban education; history of partnership with an academic community; experience in public relations/ advancement and support for the Cristo Rey mission.

Further details may be found on the Web site at: www.cristoreykc.org.

Groundskeeper - Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens is seeking a part-time grounds maintenance professional who is service-minded, energetic and ambitious. Experience as a groundskeeper or cemetery professional is preferred, but not necessary. Put your talents to work serving families in need. Send inquiries or submit a resume, via e-mail, to: joel.brinkley@ sci-us.com.

St. Agnes Child Care - Located in Roeland Park, is currently seeking to fill two full-time and two parttime positions. Candidates must be at least 18 years old; meet Kansas’ state lead teacher requirements; be physically able to meet the demands of working with young children; have a positive attitude; be energetic, flexible, creative and patient. Submit resume, via e-mail, to Neona Russ at: russneo@stagneskc.org.

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 seeking 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) 541-0687.

Services Clean House - House Cleaning - Call either Kathy at (913) 649-1276 or Jane at (913) 341-5019. We will e-mail or direct mail our flyer to you. Reasonable rates, references and quality work.

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

THE LEAVEN • AUGUST 27, 2010 Housecleaning openings - Would love to clean for you! I am a parishioner of St. Joseph, Shawnee, and my son attends school there. I have three openings for cleaning or organizing. Call for an estimate.

WyCo, JoCo, and Miami County. References available.

Call Marcia at (913) 707-7166.

French and Spanish lessons/tutoring - Available mornings through evenings. For information, call (913) 206-2151.

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

Are you facing divorce, layoff, foreclosure, or bankruptcy? Contact Denise Bergin, CPA, a Dave Ramsey-trained financial counselor for a free, confidential consultation. Serving Kansas City, Lawrence, and Topeka. Call (785) 760-0065 or send an e-mail to: jayhawktax@sunflower.com.

Machine quilting by Lyn - I also do T-shirt, photo, and memorial quilts. Official Hobbs distributor.

Located in Overland Park. Call Lyn at (913) 492-8877.

Piano lessons - Experienced teacher. Positive, caring and fun environment. Excellent method; students excel and progress rapidly. Call (913) 338-3022.

Private piano lessons - Full-time piano teacher relocating to Shawnee from Nashville area. Bachelor of music degree with piano pedagogy emphasis.

Gifted and talented teaching endorsement. To set up an initial interview, call Janet Jamison at (931) 2154293 (Tennessee mobile) or send an e-mail to: jjpiano studio@hotmail.com.

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.

Accounting, tax and bookkeeping services For your small business. Contact Denise Bergin, CPA, at (785) 760-0065 or send an e-mail to: jayhawktax@ sunflower.com.

Web site design Businesses and individuals Parom Web Design LLC www.paromwebdesign.com (913) 645-8454 Computer repair/virus and spyware removal/PC upgrades - Microsoft certified; 10 yrs. experience. Member of Sacred Heart Parish. Call Matt at (816) 876-6619 or send an e-mail to: mattcomputer fix@gmail.com.

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

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

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.

Wheelchair transportation - Freedom Transit offers compassionate, low-cost transportation for non-emergency needs. Hospital discharge, doctor appts., family/church events, errands. We are available days/nights/weekends/holidays. Proudly serving JoCo, WyCo, Leavenworth and Miami counties.

Licensed; insured; certified; GPS routing. For rates and scheduling, call (913) 927-0047.

Caregiving Retired nurse - Available to care for your loved one. Days, nights, and weekends. Will consider livein. References; salary negotiable. Call (913) 579-5276.

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

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.

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.

Carpet direct – We cut out the middle man and bring the showroom to you! The best place to see your flooring is in your own home or office. Save 40 - 80% on carpet and hard surfaces. Residential and commercial. For a free estimate, call Amanda at (913) 742-4003.

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.

Tile and painting - Complete tile and paint repairs and renovation. Ceramic, porcelain, certified limestone tile master. Complete interior paint services and drywall texture finishes. Over 20 years experience. Fully licensed. Service 7 days a week.

Contact Mike at (913) 488-4930. Member of Church of the Ascension Parish, Overland Park.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376

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 Looking for apartment, studio or room to rent - For retired nurse. JoCo area preferred; approx. $500/mo. Need private entrance and private bath.

Call (913) 579-5276.

Home share - St. Agnes Parish near KU Med. Woman to share my home. 3 BR, 1 BA, LR, DR, family room, kitchen, sewing room, full bsmt., one golden retriever. Fully furnished. Bring what you like or nothing at all. $550/mo., utilities included. Call (913) 5931263 (evenings) or send e-mail to: suhker@kc.rr.com.

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 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.

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.

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.

For Sale For sale - Two burial easements in the Nativity Mosaic feature corridor (niche 226D) at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Includes everything needed — lettering, dates, opening of crypt, etc. Complete chapel access and visitation are possible in any kind of weather. Selling below cost. Call (913) 492-8728. (classified ads continue on page 13)

Aug.

(continued from page 12) For sale - Single plot in the Faith Garden at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Lot 65-C; space 2. Current value is $1610; will sell for $1350 or best offer. Call Larry at (913) 780-0803.

28

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.

Christ the King Parish, 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual ice cream social after the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Aug. 28. There will be games for everyone. All are welcome.

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) 3932042.

St. Columbkille Church, Blaine, will host a fried chicken dinner from 5 - 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 28, following the 4 p.m. Mass. The cost is: $7 for adults; $4 for youth; children 5 and under eat free.

There will be games, crafts, and raffles.

Misc.

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) 4309499 or visit the Web site at: www.cars4kckids. com.

29 The will host their 45th annual

Shawnee Knights of Columfamily

bus picnic at 1 p.m. on Aug. 29 in their park,

located at Shawnee Mission Pkwy. and Midland Dr. There will be plenty of food and games for all ages.

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 be bingo, children’s games, raffles, and craft booths.

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

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

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

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

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

Sept.

3 The Johnson County Unos will hold their monthly meeting and pot-

luck dinner at 5 p.m. on Sept. 3 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission.

Bring meat casseroles, salads, vegetables or desserts — enough to feed 8 — or $5 to pay for your meal.

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 helping 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. For information, call Sister Sharon Smith at (913) 758-6522 or send an e-mail to: ssmith@scls.org.

THE LEAVEN • AUGUST 27, 2010 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.

11

A gigantic garage sale to benefit Catholic Charities and the Ancient Order of Hibernians will be held from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 11 at 87th and Farley, Overland Park.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church, 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka, will host Holy Smokin’ 5K on Sept. 11. There will be a 5K run/walk, a one-mile fun run and a quarter-mile kiddie run. Registration begins at 7 a.m.; the races begin at 8 a.m. Advance registration costs $15; on-site registration is $20. There is no charge for the fun run or kiddie run. For registration forms, visit the Web site at: www.mtcctopeka.org. The Holy Smokin’ Jamboree will follow.

Holy Family Parish, 820 Birch, Eudora, will host an ethnic fest and street dance at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11 in the lower parking lot, located on the east side of the church. The cost is: $5 a plate for adults; $3 a plate for youth; children ages 4 and under eat free.

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

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.

World’s largest Divine Mercy statue will be blessed by Bishop Robert Finn in a ceremony from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sept.

11, at Divine Mercy Park, 3800 N. Davidson Rd., Kansas City Mo. The statue is stainless steel, stands 25-feet tall and was sculptured by Dale Lamphere of Sturgiss, S.D. All are invited.

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.hrauction.org.

11-12 Mother Teresa of Cal5 Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, 411 cutta Church, 2014 N.W. 46th St., ToPioneer 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 be bingo, concessions, games, a beer garden, an auction and a dance for teenagers at 8:30 p.m.

peka, 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.

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

Join Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann for the annual Blue Mass for emergency workers at 11 a.m. on Sept.

12 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission.

9

12

CALENDAR 13

A Serra meeting will be held at 1 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the Dooley Center at Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison.

Dan Spencer, district governor for Serra, will conduct an informational meeting on starting an Atchison regional Serra Club. All men and women are invited to attend.

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.

18

St. Monica Church, 1400 E. 17th St., Kansas City, Mo., will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding as a mission church for black Catholics with a banquet on Sept. 18 at the InterContinental Hotel, 401 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Mo. Tickets cost $75 per person. A centennial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Sept. 19 at the church. For information or tickets, call (816) 471-3696.

The Seton Center will host “An Evening as a Child,” an adult-only benefit at 6 p.m. on Sept. 18 at the Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd.

The event will include games and activities, dinner, and a live auction. Tickets cost $50 per person. For information, call (816) 581-4722 or visit the Web site at: www.setonkc.org.

Sacred Heart Church, Sabetha, will host its annual picnic on Sept. 19.

A family-style chicken and ham dinner will be served beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children.

There will also be bingo, cards, a cakewalk, games and a farmers market.

24-26

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host a retreat, entitled “Sacred Pauses: The Practice of Living Mindfully,” presented by Benedictine Sister Macrina Widerkehr from St. Scholastica Monastery in Fort Smith, Ark., from 7 p.m. on Sept. 24 until 2 p.m. on Sept. 26. The cost is $225; registration deadline is Sept. 10. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/ mailforms/sophia_form.html.

14 commentary

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

Scripture Readings twenty-second WEEK IN ordinary time Aug. 29 Twenty-second sunday in ordinary time Sir 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29; Ps 68: 4-7, 10-11; Heb 12: 18-19, 22-24a; Lk 14: 1, 7-14 Aug. 30 Monday 1 Cor 2: 1-5; Ps 119: 97-102; Lk 4: 16-30 Aug. 31 Tuesday 1 Cor 2: 10b-16; Ps 145: 8-14; Lk 4: 31-37 Sept. 1 Wednesday 1 Cor 3: 1-9; Ps 33: 12-15, 20-21; Lk 4: 38-44 Sept. 2 Thursday 1 Cor 3: 18-23; Ps 24: 1b-4b, 5-6; Lk 5: 1-11 Sept. 3 Gregory the Great, pope, doctor of the church 1 Cor 4: 1-5; Ps 37: 3-6, 27-28, 39-40; Lk 5: 33-39 Sept. 4 Saturday 1 Cor 4: 6b-15; Ps 145: 17-21; Lk 6: 1-5

A

Sept. 6 Monday 1 Cor 5: 1-8; Ps 5: 5-7, 12; Lk 6: 6-11 Sept. 7 Tuesday 1 Cor 6: 1-11; Ps 149: 1b-6a, 9b; Lk 6: 12-19 Sept. 8 THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Mt 5: 1-4a; Ps 13: 6a-c; Mt 1: 1-16, 18-23 Sept. 9 Peter Claver, priest 1 Cor 8: 1b-7, 11-13; Ps 139: 1b-3, 13-14b, 23-24; Lk 6: 27-38 Sept. 10 Friday 1 Cor 9: 16-19, 22b-27; Ps 84: 3-6, 12; Lk 6: 39-42 Sept. 11 Saturday 1 Cor 10: 14-22; Ps 116: 12-13, 17-18; Lk 6: 43-49

THE LEAVEN • August 27, 2010

Do unto others

Take some steps to grow in your faith

Columnist to see firsthand the church at work in Africa

to imagine what I wanted to do. Then I went to bed and thought about my dreams. In the night, I dreamt about my dreams. And when I arose in the morning, I saw the way to make my dreams real. While other people were saying, ‘You can’t do that; it isn’t possible,’ I was well on my way to achieving what I wanted.” (Found in Brian Cavanaugh’s “Sower’s Seeds That Nurture Family Values: Sixth Planting.”)

Father Stubbs is living proof that dreams can come true . . . with prayer, planning and determination.

I consider late August a time for dreams. The beginning of a new school year always stirs something deep inside me: a desire — a dream — to be more than I am now, to grow, to learn something new. In a sense, it’s an annual call to go on a pilgrimage.

Although most of us can’t duplicate what Father Stubbs is doing, we can all go on a journey into our hearts and minds and souls — our inner space.

Just as a physical pilgrimage stretches a person’s muscles and increases stamina, so our inner pilgrimage can help us to develop intellectually and mature spiritually.

The best news is that you can start right away, with no training. At this time of year, most parishes are gearing up for fall programs. Check your bulletin to see what educational opportunities are being offered. These can

range from Catholic book clubs to Bible studies to retreats to presentations on various faith topics. Don’t forget to look as well at the calendar section on page 13 of each issue of The Leaven for a listing of many other offerings around the archdiocese.

If you’ve not delved deeply into your Catholic faith since you received the sacrament of confirmation, get involved with your parish’s Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program.

Perhaps you could sit in on the classes as a refresher course or maybe even offer to become a sponsor for someone in the class who is thinking about becoming a Catholic.

Naturally, there’s always the good old standby of simply sitting down with a spiritual book, newspaper or magazine and regularly reading on your own.

I was delighted to come back from vacation and discover a foot-high stack of new books waiting for me on my Leaven office chair. Some were books that I’d ordered; others were sent to me for possible future reviews. (I had to hide them because I knew that the temptation to dip into them was so great, that I might not focus on getting this column written or on proofreading the other pages of this issue.)

Spend a little time dreaming.

Imagine something that you’ve always wanted to learn about, especially with regard to your faith. Then make that dream a reality by adding prayer, planning and determination.

OK, I’ve got to get cracking on my 451 yards of inspiration for Father Stubbs. I intend to start right after I take a quick little peek at that stack of brandnew books.

word to life

I

commentary 15

Mark my words

journey of 451 yards begins with a single step.

Over the past few weeks, you’ve probably noticed that our Sunday Scripture commentary below has changed. That’s because Father Mike Stubbs, our usual columnist, is taking a much-deserved sabbatical over the next few months. He’s beginning his time away on the right foot (or maybe the left). He’s heading off on a pilgrimage to Spain to visit the historical cathedral at Santiago de Compostela. And he’s going to walk there . . . from Sept. 2 to Oct. 10 — some 451 miles. I kid you not.

Read all about Father Stubbs’ upcoming adventure in his own words on page 3 of this issue.

Because Father Stubbs and I have been friends for many years, I want to support his pilgrimage. Therefore, I’ve decided, quite selflessly, to walk in solidarity with him. I solemnly pledge, here and now, to walk 451 yards — that’s right, the length of over four-and-a-half football fields — as a morale booster for him. And just to show him that it can be done, I’ll be walking this distance all in one day, rather than spreading it out over the course of five weeks. They don’t call me “Iron Man” Goldasich for nothing.

Seriously, I’m very impressed with what Father Stubbs is doing. If you know him, though, it shouldn’t surprise you. He has approached this as he tackles life in general: with prayer, careful planning and a steely determination.

When I first read the following paragraph, I couldn’t help but think of Father Stubbs: Once a successful businessman was asked how he was able to accomplish so much in his lifetime. He replied: “I dream. You see, I turned my mind loose

twenty-third WEEK IN ordinary time Sept. 5 TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Wis 9: 13-18b; Ps 90: 3-6, 12-17; Phlm 9-10, 12-17; Lk 14: 25-33

THE LEAVEN • august 27, 2010

To follow Christ, we must care for the poor

have a friend who is the kind of person we’d all like to be: a stalwart support for his family, one who loves the poor and is willing to sacrifice to serve them.

He knows that doing the right thing may cost him in the eyes of others — but he does the right thing anyway.

When I think of someone who doesn’t seek the highest spot of honor at a banquet, but must be invited Twenty-second higher at the sunday table, I think of in ordinary time him. Yet, he has Lk 14: 1, 7-14 earned a high position in his chosen field, working for the church.

He’s been recognized widely for his contributions both to his profession and on behalf of the poor. But the best stories — of his kindness to the homeless and the personal risks he has taken in helping prisoners — remain mostly private, caught in passing conversations with those who know him well.

Despite his accomplishments, he always seems to have time for friends,

T

he parable of the Good Samaritan can be summed up simply: My neighbor is anyone in need, and I’m to love him as I love myself.

Applied globally, current-day Catholics call this concept solidarity, and solidarity is why I am traveling to Africa this September to be your eyes and ears regarding the ministry of CRS. Catholic Relief Services is sending a delegation of diocesan directors from across the country on an immersion trip to experience the U.S. church’s global solidarity ministry. I will be travelling with 11 other directors to see firsthand the ministry of CRS in

taught us how to live as brothers and sisters. Solidarity is the idea that, because we as humans are called to communion with God and each other through Christ, we are to love every person as family. We are challenged especially to love the poor and those in need. This love starts with a personal relationship and transcends into sacrificial service.

I hope to come back from Africa and share with as many as I can what I’ve seen and heard. Please pray for me and feel free to contact me if you would like me to come to your parish group to talk about our work in Africa through CRS. Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can e-mail him at: socialjustice@archkck.org.

From the super

Teachers must aspire to witness Christ to those they encounter

D

ear friends of olic schools,

Cath-

Welcome to a new school year!

The staff of the archdiocesan office of Catholic schools has spent most of the summer preparing for the upcoming year. As has been our focus for the past decade, we continue to emphasize the Catholicity of our schools, especially the formation of the personnel in our buildings.

For the first column of the school year, allow me to share the remarks I conveyed earlier this month to principals and new teachers. The following words are selected from Father Francis Hernandez’s writing in his series of books entitled, “In Conversation with God.” “A major part of our life consists

“When you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” Lk 14:13 time for church and time to offer a kind word to someone who needs it.

In this weekend’s reading from the Book of Sirach, we are instructed to humble ourselves, to not think too highly of our own opinions but to listen attentively to the wise. We also are told that giving to the poor atones for sins.

The refrain of the responsorial psalm is: “God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.” God’s blessing of the needy, his care of orphans and his defense of widows is exalted. We see that, if we are going to follow God, we must care for the poor as well.

In the Gospel reading from Luke, we find Jesus instructing his disciples to seek the lower place at table, so that

Ethiopia and Tanzania. While there, I will be meeting the “neighbors” we help through CRS programs such as: water and sanitation, HIV and AIDS, agriculture and livelihoods, and microfinance and peacebuilding. Some of these neighbors will be financially poorer than we as Americans can imagine, living on less than a dollar a day. These two nations are among the poorest of the poorest on Earth.

From my research, there are a

myriad of reasons for this African poverty. Some include tropical climates that promote disease, colonialism that created artificial nations, farm subsidies that suppress the world price for crops, drought, lack of capital, war, and the list goes on. In these places, the poorest places, the church is present through the work of CRS working to help the people lift themselves out of poverty. As Catholics, we confess that these are privileged places, for our Lord taught that where the poor are, he is there. You and I can’t all go there, but through our support of Catholic Relief Services and other Catholic missions we are all present as the body of Christ. I feel very blessed to have been chosen to go on your behalf.

Pope Benedict teaches that Jesus, by revealing the Father’s love for us,

of brief encounters with people. . . .

Although these moments are sporadic and sometimes fleeting and unrepeated, they occur many times a day, and are beyond counting in the course of a lifetime. They are important for a Christian as they are opportunities that God gives us of praying for those we meet and of showing them our esteem, as children of the same Father should do.”

“We need to make an effort to learn the art of living together. . . . You have to learn to disagree charitably with others — whenever the need arises — without becoming unpleasant.”

“How wonderful it would be if we could consider as friends all those we work or study with, our parents, our children.

“As [people] we can be a cause of happiness or of sadness, of light or of darkness. We can be the source of peace or of anxiety, either the leaven that enhances or a dead weight that hinders the progress of others. Our passage over this earth can never be a matter of indifference as far as others are concerned. We help others to find Christ or we separate them from him.

We enrich others or we impoverish them. And we come across so many of

these others — friends, workmates, members of our family, neighbors.”

“If we are to help the people around us, it is not enough for us to have a vague and superficial knowledge of the way. . . . We need . . . to enter daily into personal conversation with Jesus. We need to know his doctrine ever more deeply; to struggle with still more determination to overcome our own defects. The apostolate is the result of a great love for Christ.”

Please join me in praying that all members of our school communities will bring Christ to those whom we encounter. ¡Vaya con Dios!

Kathy O’Hara is the superintendent of archdiocesan schools.

as the church prays

While words of the Mass will change, the mystery will not

M

ost of us are aware by now that, in a little over a year — Nov. 27, 2011, to be exact — the words we use to pray the Mass are going to change. they may be invited to sit in a place of higher honor. Further, he tells them to give a lunch or dinner for those who cannot repay them — “the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” In this way, he tells us, we “will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

At the heavenly banquet, I’m reasonably confident my friend will be sitting near the host. As for myself, I’m just hoping God’s grace allows me to make it to the table.

The nearly 10-year translation process is finally complete, and the time to prepare for the new missal has arrived.

Changes are indeed coming, and yet change is something we don’t always like.

So let’s take comfort in the fact that while the words of the Mass will change, the mystery of the Mass will not. The outward expression of the Mass will change, but not the reality of the Mass. The Mass will still be the same, just as it always has been, and

always will be.

The Mass will still make present Christ’s sacrifice on the cross under the sacramental signs of bread and wine.

It will still be the same perfect sacrifice that Jesus has given his church to offer to the Father. The eucharistic sacrifice will still invite us to offer ourselves to God. The Mass will still make manifest the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ under the appearance of bread and wine. Jesus will continue to

fulfill in the Eucharist the promise he made to his apostles: “I am with you always, until the end of time.”

The Mass will still be, in the words of St. Thomas Aquinas, a “sacred banquet, in which Christ is received.”

We will still be called to receive him as food — to eat his flesh and drink his blood. The sacramental grace we receive in the eucharistic banquet will remain our most intimate contact with Jesus, preserving us from sin, committing us to service, and visibly demonstrating our unity.

The Mass will still be a foretaste of the heavenly banquet we hope to share someday with all the saints. It will still unite heaven and earth, providing us a glimpse into the eternal reality of the kingdom of God. The Mass will still be the source of all of the church’s grace and power to

do that which the Lord has commanded it. It will still send us into the world to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, following his commandment to love God above all things and, in that love, to love our neighbor as ourselves.

The Mass will still be the single greatest prayer we can offer. It will still be the church’s most sacred earthly experience and our most important endeavor as Catholics.

Whether in the beautiful and timehonored “traditional Latin Mass” or one of the ancient and poetic Eastern rites or in the “new and improved” English translation, the Mass is still what is, ever was, and what it will ever be.

Michael Podrebarac is the archdiocesan consultant for the liturgy office.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • August 27, 2010

A blessing to each other Catholic leaves his mark on Jewish fraternity

By Jill Ragar Esfeld Special to The Leaven

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Mark Wolf, a parishioner at Holy Family Church here and a junior at the University of Kansas, still remembers the day he told his parents he was pledging Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity.

“At first, they were pretty shocked,” he recalled. “They looked into it and said, ‘Isn’t that a Jewish fraternity?’”

A greater shock would come a year later when Wolf, the only Christian member of the house, would be elected its president.

Shalom Wolf’s initial interest in a Jewish fraternity had less to do with interfaith harmony than a simple desire for friendship.

He attended an orientation month at KU the summer before his freshman year and met a couple of guys he really got along with.

They just happened to be Jewish.

“So these two guys joined Pi and their dorm suitemates were also Jewish and joined,” he explained.

“I went over to the house with them to hang out and meet other people,” he continued. “I really started to become friends with a lot of the guys there.”

The bylaws of the fraternity didn’t allow discrimination so, technically, there was no reason a Christian couldn’t join.

When spring semester began, Wolf decided to look into it.

“I went to some of their rush events, and I liked it,” he said.

John Seldin, who met Wolf at orientation and introduced him to the fraternity, was one of many friends who encouraged him to pledge.

“Well, we played him up as Jewish at first,” he confessed. “But everybody figured it out.”

As things turned out, it didn’t matter anyway. The fraternity offered Wolf a bid and he started his spring semester as the first Catholic member of the house.

Wolf’s parents, Martha and Mark, visited the fraternity and were pleased with what they found.

“When I got to meet the boys at a mother’s day weekend, they were all so nice, and I was very happy,” said his mother. “It seemed like a really good fit for him.”

Faith harmony The Wolfs had no concern about their son being pressured to relinquish his Catholic faith, since Alpha Epsilon Pi is a social fraternity. There are Jewish organizations on campus that offer members faith-related activities, but no one is required to attend.

When Martha Wolf visited her son at the fraternity, she was happy to see a rosary hanging from the mirror in his room.

“That made me feel really good,” she said. “I asked him, ‘Do the other boys say anything to you about that?’ And he said, ‘No, not at all.’”

In fact, Wolf’s Catholic identity really isn’t seen as an anomaly by his fraternity brothers.

“We’ve known Christians all our lives,” explained Seldin. “When you’re a

Leaven photo by Jill Ragar Esfeld

Mark Wolf, a parishioner of Holy Family Parish in Kansas City, Kan., and a junior at the University of Kansas, was recently elected president of Alpha Epsilon Pi, a Jewish fraternity.

Jew, you’re in the minority. And so you have to make friends with the majority.”

Going for it Wolf stood out in the fraternity, not because of his Christianity, but because of his involvement in activities and fundraising.

Shortly after he joined, an opportunity to run for an executive board position presented itself. The fraternity president at the time encouraged him to run for the position.

“It was a secretary position, called the Scribe,” explained Wolf. “I ran against one other member. We both gave speeches, and I ended up winning.”

Serving on the executive board qualified Wolf to run for president. Some of his friends suggested that he think about it.

When his parents learned he was giving it seriously consideration, they were pleasantly surprised. Wolf had attended St. Pius, a small Catholic high school in North Kansas City, Mo., where he played sports, but wasn’t very involved in other school activities.

“So I was happy, but a little bit surprised, when he decided to go to a big university like KU,” said his mother. “I was shocked when he said he was going to run for this president’s position.

“For a kid who was shy and not that outgoing in high school, this was a big change.”

The election was last December. Wolf ran against three other members, all of whom had more experience on the executive board and, of course, were Jewish.

“I was a little worried,” he said. “I thought maybe being the only Christian, I might not receive votes for that reason, and so I almost decided not to run.”

Wolf sat down with some of his

friends in the fraternity and voiced his concerns.

“And they were very supportive,” he said. “They were like, ‘No matter what, you should do it.’”

about my experience as president. They contacted me and told me they were very impressed.”

Taking the lead

When Wolf was placed on a waiting list, his mother had mixed emotions.

“I was so scared when he first told me [he wanted to go],” she admitted.

“I knew he wanted it, but I would have been OK if he hadn’t been chosen . . . just because of a mom’s fear. It’s always turbulent over there.”

Like any good Catholic mother in times of trial, Martha Wolf prayed that God’s will be done. Her prayers were answered, an opening became available, and her son started packing for Israel.

Before he left, though, she made sure he was thoroughly blessed by her family, whose Mexican heritage includes a strong Catholic tradition of giving blessings before travel.

“The last Sunday before his trip, we all went to Mass together and I asked Father Peter (Jaramillo, pastor of Holy Family) to give him a blessing, which he did,” she said.

After Mass, the family shared a farewell meal.

“And everyone from my side of the family gave Mark a blessing,” she continued. “And Mark was a good sport about it — he let us do it.”

The blessing worked. Wolf said the 10-day trip was nothing short of amazing.

The group toured historical sites, met with political advisors and Israeli journalists to discuss current events, and toured military facilities and the embassy.

Wolf’s favorite experience was visiting the Garden of Gethsemane.

“It was extremely beautiful,” he said.

When the election results were announced, Wolf was surprised.

“To be honest,” he said, “I had a backup. I thought if I didn’t win Master (president), I would drop down and run for another position. And I kind of halfexpected that to happen.”

Wolf’s term started last December and will continue through the end of this fall semester. So far, it’s been a great deal of work and a very enlightening experience.

As president of a Jewish fraternity, Wolf knew he would have to get involved with other Jewish organizations on campus.

“That was a little nerve-wracking at first,” he said. “I knew I wasn’t very familiar with Jewish religion and culture as a whole. But that’s something that I definitely learned a lot about — and everybody has been very supportive and friendly.”

In addition to running the day-to-day business of the fraternity, Wolf has been to two regional conclaves and, this August, represented his fraternity at the national convention in New Orleans.

Last summer brought another, more unexpected, opportunity. Alpha Epsilon Pi’s national advisor was so taken with Wolf’s involvement in the Jewish fraternity that he recommended that Wolf apply for a tour of Israel sponsored by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

“They were looking for people who aren’t Jewish, but who are pro-Israel activists or politically involved,” explained Wolf. “When I applied, I talked a lot

Travel blessings

Turn to “Catholic” on page 5