09-25-09 Vol. 31 No. 8

www.theleaven.com | Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas | Vol. 31, No. 8 september 25, 2009

A league of their own

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. – When a group of young adults recently took to the sand for a volleyball match, they were not playing for money or fame.

They were hardly playing to win — except for the guys, of course. Instead, the match was the excuse for young Catholics to get together and enjoy a Turn to “SPORTS” on page 16

Story by Kara Hansen Kristle Doromal sets up Matt Funke for a spike as Catherine Pirotte backs him up.

Photos by Susan McSpadden

3 Brand new St. Matthew Parish in Topeka dedicates its new Early Education Center and handicappedaccessible parish hall.

New Angels

John and Pat Menghini are this year’s Catholic Education Foundation ‘angels.’

In charge

5

New Immaculata High School principal Helen Schwinn has a clear vision of where she wants to lead the school.

8-9

2 ARCHBISHOP

THE LEAVEN • september 25, 2009

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

L

Look at life’s interruptions as moments of special grace

ast week, I wrote about my experience this past June during a flight delay at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.

I related that, after the cancellation of my flight, I was standing in a long line at a service center. There, a man in front began screaming profanities because of his exasperation with the situation. He had evidently spent the better part of the day in the airport and he feared that he was going to be spending the night there as well. Everyone in the line could sympathize with his frustration. Yet, the way that he chose to vent his anger was embarrassing and, frankly, a bit scary.

A woman, who stood a few people ahead of me in the line, invited me to switch places with her. I was touched by her kindness and thanked her for her kind offer, but encouraged her to stay where she was. She told me that she was not Catholic, but an Orthodox Christian. She obviously was a woman of deep faith. She had a great respect

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for the Catholic Church and the priesthood. She kept insisting that we switch places in line.

As a result of our conversation, the man in front of me, who a few moments before had exploded in anger, was now aware that a Catholic bishop had been standing behind him all this time. He began to blush. He introduced himself to me. He told me that his father was a very good Catholic. This was a way of signaling that he was probably not very faithful in his own practice of the faith.

He actually called his father on his cell phone and told him that he was standing next to the archbishop of Kansas City. He told his dad that he needed to go to confession. His whole demeanor had completely changed. He was joking and laughing. It was obvious

that he was now painfully aware of how foolish his previous behavior had been.

His plight had not changed, but his attitude had been transformed.

I encouraged the man, who only a few moments before had been so angry I was afraid even to attempt to engage him in a conversation, to follow his father’s example and get more engaged with the church. He acknowledged that he really needed and wanted to do so.

He thanked me for taking time to talk with him.

Also in the line was a young woman with a baby in a stroller. She entered into the conversation. She told me that she had flown from Tel Aviv, Israel. She was trying to get to St. Louis to be in the wedding party of her cousin. She wanted me to know how touched she, as a young Jewish woman, had been by Pope Benedict’s recent visit to the Holy Land. Suddenly, I was in the midst of this beautiful, mini-interfaith exchange.

The kind gesture of the woman who wanted to advance me in line had sparked a whole series of conversations. We had become a little community, trying to help and encourage each

other to make the best of an adverse situation.

It occurred to me that if all of our flights had gone according to plan, we would not be having these conversations. It made me aware of the power of a random act of kindness by one person to change a frustrating circumstance into a moment of grace.

Though I had not succumbed to screaming profanities like the man in front of me, I had been very frustrated with the inconvenience of my situation. Now, it became clear to me that God was using this small adversity to provide me with the inspiration of the kindness and generosity of the Orthodox woman, as well as several opportunities in a small way to minister to my fellow travelers.

It has been my experience that God seems to have a preference for using life’s interruptions oftentimes as moments of special grace. If your plans get interrupted this week, I encourage you to be open and alert to how God may be trying to touch you with his grace in the most unexpected ways.

THE LEAVEN • September 25, 2009

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

Topeka parish dedicates new facilities

Father Jerry Volz, pastor of St. Matthew Parish in Topeka, stands in front of a painting of the parish’s patron saint that now hangs in the newly dedicated grand entry connecting the church to the new parish hall and new Early Learning Center. The painting, done by local artist and parent Kevin Boland, was commissioned and given to the parish by St. Matthew Grade School class of 2008.

Leaven photo by Marc Anderson

A crowd of about 450 people filled the new St. Matthew Parish hall during the dedication ceremony. St. Matthew has undergone a major renovation, with the completion of a new grand entry, a new parish hall, and a new Early Learning Center.

By Marc and Julie Anderson

Special to The Leaven

TOPEKA — For the past 10 years, 26-year-old Carrie Greenwood, a member of St. Matthew Parish in southeast Topeka, has been unable to participate in parish events as fully as she would have liked.

That all changed Sept. 13, when the parish blessed and dedicated its new facilities. Finally, Greenwood could enjoy the after-services fellowship like the other parishioners.

Greenwood is a member of the choir and teaches religious education at the parish. But she’s used a wheelchair for her entire life.

That means that any building she enters must be wheelchair-accessible in some way or another. And while technically the former parish hall had a lift on its stairs, it was not that easy to use.

When she was little, Greenwood’s father, Galen, used to carry her downstairs to the parish hall so she could participate in parish events. As Greenwood grew, and that became impractical, it hurt her father deeply that his daughter could not participate in some parish events.

But the family never gave up on the dream that one day the parish would have facilities that would be accessible to not only Greenwood, but any parishioner who could not manage the steps for any reason.

That dream finally became a reality when, on Sept. 13, Archbishop Joseph

Leaven photo by Marc Anderson

Archbishop Joseph Naumann blesses the St. Matthew Parish Early Learning Center on Sept. 13. The archbishop also blessed and dedicated the new parish hall and grand entry. Ground was broken for the $2.3 million project last September.

F. Naumann blessed and dedicated the new parish hall and Early Learning Center. The ceremony also included a blessing for a new grand entry that connects the church, parish hall, Early Learning Center, gymnasium and school.

The $2.5 million, 20,000-sq.-ft. project, called “Building God’s Kingdom Together,” was informally launched in March 2007 when the parish expressed its wish for a new parish hall and grand entry to connect the church and school as well as the new parish hall.

Ground was broken for the new fa-

cilities on Sept. 28, 2008, with a capital campaign commitment weekend held Dec. 8-9 of that year. A three-year period to collect the more than $2.3 million committed in pledges began January 2008 and will end December 2010.

“Not only does the new parish hall open doors for me, but it also opens doors in the future for others,” Greenwood said.

“When the project was first getting started, [pastor] Father Jerry [Volz] had me speak to the congregation about the importance of the accessibility from my

perspective. . . . This has been a great opportunity for all of us to see that we can come together as a parish community and, with God’s help, accomplish a large goal.”

Parishioner Kathy Rosetta, who has been a member of the parish since it was formed in 1955, agreed.

“I am very excited about the new parish hall and all the new facilities,” she said. “I think the parish hall, in particular, is going to have a unifying force within the community, as more people will be able to utilize the space.”

In his remarks, the archbishop congratulated the parish on a job well done and thanked Father Volz and all the numerous people who gave their time, talent, treasure and prayers to see the project to its completion.

“I want to congratulate all of you — this parish community — on what you’ve accomplished,” the archbishop said. “Thank you for your love of the Lord and your love for the church.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, the archbishop expressed his hopes and prayers for the future use of all the facilities.

“It’s a building that is dedicated to God’s glory. . . . Everything is built upon his Son, and he is the cornerstone of this effort,” the archbishop said.

Likewise, he told the parishioners, the building should remind them that they are the living stones of the church anchored by Jesus Christ. Everything that happens in this structure, the archbishop concluded, should be done to “glorify and magnify the Lord.”

4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • september 25, 2009

Villa benefit dinner to feature performance

by Priest Band KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Priest Band of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is coming out of retirement for a special performance at the benefit dinner to mark the 65th anniversary of Villa St. Francis. Friends and benefactors are invited to attend the dinner on Oct. 17. The event will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m., followed by a prime rib dinner at Church of the Ascension Parish hall, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will welcome guests. Wally Drone, accordionist, will provide additional music for the occasion. The Villa St. Francis board of trustees and auxiliary are hosting the event.

“The support of many board members and volunteers has gone into planning for this very special event,” said Audra Donahue, chair of the 65th anniversary dinner. “Many hands make light the work as we continue to work in support of the mission of Villa St. Francis.”

Villa St. Francis is the skilled nursing center sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. More than half of the Villa’s residents rely on Medicaid to pay for their nursing care. Because of this, the Villa depends on donations to help offset the difference between actual expenses and the reimbursement it receives. Proceeds from the benefit dinner will go toward this cause.

For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, contact Ina Boehm at (913) 592-3897.

Mass of Innocents Photos by Susan McSpadden

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrated the Mass of Remembrance on Sept. 13 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. The Mass was for all who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage or other before-birth losses, through stillbirth, or in early childhood death. Participants were invited to sign the name of the deceased in the Book of Remembrance.

Sister celebrates 70 years DAVENPORT, Iowa — Sister Mary Heinen, a native of Valley Falls, celebrated 70 years as a Sister of the Congregation of the Humility of Mary here.

She was born in 1913 in Valley Falls and entered the religious congregation in 1939. Her first vows were pronounced in 1942.

Above, Megan and Matt Fassero, with daughter Julia, sign the Book of Remembrance. The family belongs to St. Benedict’s Parish in Atchison.

Correction

Right, Tami Carver tries to hang on to son Xavier during the Mass. The Carvers are members of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kan.

There was an error in Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s confirmation schedule in the Sept. 18 issue of The Leaven.

Confirmation for St. Dominic in Holton and Our Lady of Snows on the Potawatomie Reservation will be at 7 p.m. on Oct. 15 , at Holton.

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Reporter KARA HANSEN kara@theleaven.com

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

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THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 25, 2009

LOCAL NEWS 5

Reluctant angels: ‘We don’t want it to be about us’

By Jill Ragar Esfeld

Gaudeamus dinner

Special to The Leaven

OVERLAND PARK — When Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann told Church of the Ascension parishioners John and Pat Menghini that the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) would like to honor them at its seventh annual Gaudeamus dinner, their reaction was unexpected.

“We were really very uncomfortable,” said Pat. “And we even said to the archbishop, ‘Has anyone ever said no?’”

His answer was short, and sweet.

“No,” he replied.

“We were reluctant to be recognized,” confirmed John. “We don’t want it to be about us.

“It’s really about our schools and our teachers and our kids.”

But a few days later, the couple had dinner with the Apostles of the Interior Life at St. Lawrence Center in Lawrence, and a conversation with the head of the order, Sister Susan Pieper, cast a different light on the situation.

“Sister Susan said to us, ‘You are doing what the archbishop has asked you to do,’” recalled Pat. “‘That’s called obedience.’

“She said, ‘It’s hard for you to accept this honor, but it’s still a blessing. And if you don’t do it in a joyful way, then that takes away from what the bishop is asking of you.’”

Indeed, the archbishop told the Menghinis he wanted to use them as role models so others would look to them and want to do the same.

“I understand that now,” said Pat, “and I think it’s wonderful.”

CEF executive director Michael Morrisey is glad for the change of heart.

“John and Pat work as a team and have been involved with CEF since its inception,” he said. “Their contribution to our families and schools is unparalleled in today’s world.”

Born to give

Both John and Pat said they inherited their generous spirits from their own parents.

“He’s one of six, and I’m one of four,” said Pat. “That’s what we saw from our parents — just give, give, give . . . and do, do, do. We saw the joy they received, so it was very natural for us.”

The couple, originally from New York, met on the feast of the Assumption when Pat was 15 and John was 16.

They dated through college and mar-

The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) will honor John and Pat Menghini at the organization’s seventh annual Gaudeamus dinner on Oct. 10 at the Overland Park Convention Center. More than 700 guests are expected to attend this fundraiser for scholarships for children in need. The Catholic Education Foundation provides scholarships for needy families in northeast Kansas, so they may attend Catholic schools sponsored by the foundation. Over the last eleven years, CEF has provided more than $8.5 million in scholarships and financial assistance. Gaudeamus is the Latin word for “let us rejoice.” To learn more about CEF or this year’s Gaudeamus dinner, visit the Web site at: www.cefks.org.

Leaven photo by Elaina Cochran

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann joins Catholic Education Foundation honorees John and Pat Menghini as they chat with first-graders — (clockwise from left) Santino Guzman, Jason Lopez, Stephen Lucas, and Ana Dovadja — at Resurrection School in Kansas City, Kan. ried right after they graduated. John’s employer, Gear for Sports, brought them to Kansas City.

A retired chief operating officer from Gear, John has for the last 10 years enjoyed a second career as a developer and builder. The couple has three grown children: Lisa, John Jr. and Michael.

Their ninth grandchild is expected this November.

John and Pat agree that one of the best decisions they’ve made is their move to the Midwest.

“We absolutely love it,” said Pat. “We feel very fortunate that the Lord brought us here and know he brought us here for a reason.”

That reason seems to be Catholic education. Pat answered the Lord’s call by working and volunteering at their children’s schools and supporting John in his many efforts.

“I have been involved in education throughout the diocese going all the way back to Holy Cross Parish [in Overland Park] when they bought the first school and I was on the school advisory committee,” he said. “And I served for many years at St. Thomas Aquinas [High School in Overland Park] on their board of directors. And then I just finished a five-year term on the advisory board of St. James High School [in Lenexa].”

The couple is also active with the School of Faith, Project Moses and the archdiocese’s newly formed Fine Arts

Council. But CEF is closest to their hearts.

Finding a cause

The Menghinis were introduced to CEF through their son John, who began working for the program in its earlier incarnation as The Gardner Plan.

“He was there from the ground floor, so naturally I heard about it directly from him,” said John. “We just liked the concept of supporting our less fortunate Catholic schools that don’t have the resources to do some of what we do in Johnson County.”

“And we feel like everyone should have an opportunity to be at a Catholic school,” said Pat, “whether they can afford it or not.”

From the start, the Menghinis have been valuable financial benefactors to CEF and have also lent support through their advice and encouragement.

“I try to be a good benefactor and share our blessings with the program,” said John. “But most times I think our charitable efforts need as much moral support as they need financial support.”

The main reason the couple is so passionate about Catholic education here in the archdiocese is because of their children and grandchildren “I just believe it’s how we have to pass on the faith to each generation,” said John, whose mother was a Catholic school teacher. “That’s a responsibility we have — not only to our own

children, but to our neighbors and our whole community.”

The couple also feels Catholic education is an important part of today’s culture.

“I don’t know who would take up any of these issues — right to life and stem cells or protection of marriage,” said John. “Catholics are the lead on that.”

Fruits of giving

A few weeks ago, the couple toured Resurrection School in Kansas City, Kan. What they saw there only reinforced their commitment to CEF. “I was so impressed with the students and what was going on there — how poised they were and polite,” said Pat. “It brought tears to my eyes to see those kids and hear the stories about how their families are struggling.

“I walked away and I said to John, ‘If we can help, that’s what I want to do. I want these children to be able to have their education and have their faith.’”

Despite the couple’s initial reluctance, Morrisey is grateful they’re giving CEF an opportunity for one evening to thank them.

“They are strong believers in Catholic education and live that belief in their daily lives,” he said. “The Menghinis are true ‘angels among us.’”

The couple, in the meantime, hopes their example will draw more people to support CEF. “I think there’s a lot of people who want to help, but don’t know how,” said Pat. “Well, this is how you can help.”

“You can be involved in changing one child’s life,” she promised. “And how beautiful that is.”

A Day of Boundless Joy

“God Our Hope” Villa St. Francis

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

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Terri Kern— “A Search for Faith in the Midst of a Crisis” Susan Carroll— “Prayer Reflection” Vickie Broxterman— “God Gives Me Hope, but Life Gives Me Heartburn” Saturday, October 17, 2009 Savior Pastoral Center 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Cost: $35.00 (18 and under $15.00) For more Information or to receive a brochure — Call: Family Life Office—913-647-0379 E-MAIL: bmeier@archkck.org — website: www.archkck.org

6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • september 25, 2009

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s October Calendar 1

Closing Mass for priests’ workshop — Conception Abbey, Conception, Mo.

2

10

Gaudeamus dinner benefit for Catholic Education Foundation — Overland Park

Speaker, pro-life conference — Lincoln, Neb.

11

3

Daughters of St. Paul benefit dinner — St. Louis

Bless new hall — St. Joseph, Waverly Mass — 150th anniversary of St. Patrick, Emerald

4

Jubilee Mass for Mother Ingeborg, Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, Alton, Ill. Project Andrew — Savior Pastoral Center

5

Mass for schoolchildren for Mission Day — Savior Pastoral Center Confirmation — St. Gregory, Marysville, and St. Malachy, Beattie, at Marysville

Mass — 150th anniversary of Holy Family, Eudora

13

Mass — 100th anniversary of St. Francis Hospital, Topeka

14

Serran priests’ appreciation luncheon Catholic Education Foundation meeting at St. Agnes St. Thomas More Society Red Mass — Nativity

15

Curia meeting

6

Confirmation — St. Dominic, Holton, and Our Lady of the Snows, Potawatomi Reservation, at Holton

Priests Personnel meeting

16-17

7

17

Administrative Team meeting

5th-grade Vocation Day — Topeka

8-9

Kansas Catholic Conference and province meeting — Wichita

9-10

Jesus Caritas bishops’ prayer group — Wichita

Conception Seminary board meeting Benefit dinner for Villa St. Francis at Ascension, Overland Park

18

Installation of Father Ric Halvorson as pastor — Holy Trinity, Paola Mass — Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Gua-

Archbishop James P. Keleher’s October Calendar 1

22

26-28

8

24

29

15

25

Teach class — Mundelein Seminary, Chicago Teach class — Mundelein Seminary

Teach class — Mundelein Seminary Confirmation — Sacred Heart, Tonganoxie

Teach class — Mundelein Seminary

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Mass and meeting for Archdiocesan Pastoral Council

20

Conference call — USCCB Task Force Vespers & dinner, St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison

21

St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center advisory board meeting

22

Confirmation — Sacred Heart, Baileyville

24

Vitae Foundations’s pro-life benefit dinner

25

Installation of Father Anthony Ouellette at Osage City as pastor of St. Patrick, Osage City; St. Francis, Lapeer; and St. Patrick, Scranton Installation of Father Rich Warsnak as pastor of Sacred Heart, Emporia

27

Administrative Team meeting Catholic Charity meetings and reception — Savior Pastoral Center

28

Confirmation — St. Bernard Wamego, and St. Joseph, Flush, at Flush

29

Archbishop’s Call to Share clergy luncheon

THE LEAVEN • September 25, 2009 Clara Ellen (Yohn) and Lawrence L. Bach, members of St. Joseph Parish, Flush, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Anniversaries at Mass on Oct. 4, followed by coffee and doughnuts for parish members, a family lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and an open reception from 1 to 3 p.m. The couple was married on Oct. 3, 1959, at St. Joseph Parish, Greensburg. Their children and their spouses are: Michael and Kathleen Bach, Boston; John and Beth Ann Bach, Wichita; Philip and Kenda Bach, Archie, Mo.; Anastasia and Troy Blundell, Phoenix; Monica Anneberg, Manhattan; and Cathryn and Mamadou Niane, Bamako, Mali. They also have 12 grandchildren.

Joe and Adeline (Schreiner) Saia, members of Holy Name Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary at an Oct. 7 Mass at the church. The couple will also celebrate at an upcoming family reunion. They were married Oct. 1, 1949, at Holy Name Church. Their children and their spouses are: Karen and Chuck Morrow; Joe Saia and Glenda Taylor; and Tony and Kris Saia. They also have two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Janice and Kenny Steinlage, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Sabetha, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 4 with a Mass of thanksgiving at the church at 10:30 a.m., followed by a family dinner. An open house will be held for family and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. at the parish hall. The couple was married on Oct. 10, 1959, at Kelly. Their children and their spouses are: Ed and Jan Steinlage, Rick and Debbie Frederick, and Marc and Julie Wenger, all of Sabetha; Randy and Mandi Steinlage, Jefferson City, Mo.; and Jeremy and Christy Kruse, Wamego. They also have 13 grandchildren.

Jan (Wolf) and Val Putzier, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Paola, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 4 with a 10 a.m. Mass at the church. A reception will follow at the parish school, 601 E. Chippewa, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The couple was married Oct. 8, 1959, at St. Lawrence Church, Jetmore. Their children and their spouses are: Mike and Jill Putzier, Shawnee; Toni and Mark Bradley, Paola; Debbie and Brian Moody, Wichita; and Suzan and Mike Beran, Shawnee.

They also have 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

John and Dorothy Roeder, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Seneca, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Oct. 4 with an 11 a.m. Mass at the church. The couple was married on Oct. 3, 1949, at Sts. Peter and Paul. They have one daughter, Bridget Roeder. A dinner for family and friends at Valentino’s will follow Mass. A reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m.

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: • The couple’s names; their parish; the date they were married; church and city where they were married; what they are doing to celebrate; date of the celebration; names of children (if desired); number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; photo.

Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an e-mail to: Todd@theleaven.com. If you would like your photo returned to you, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

LOCAL NEWS 7 Marillac Center to offer guided retreat, Oct. 9-11 Leavenworth — Marillac Center here will host a guided retreat Oct. 9-11 with time and space for silence and brief presentations on ways of praying and living a life of the Spirit. The retreat is open to lay persons, priests and religious. Spiritual guides will be available to meet with retreat participants individually upon request.

Sister Noreen Walter, Marillac Center director, described the guided weekend as the opportunity to “be alone with God, contemplate God’s love for you and listen to God’s invitation in your life.” She added that there will be time for participants to pray, relax, walk, enjoy nature, use the exercise room, journal and do artwork. Marillac Center, the retreat facility of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, at 4200 S. 4th St., offers peaceful surroundings, nutritious meals, and a comfortable environment.

Cost for the weekend is $180 and includes room, meals and the nonrefundable $25 registration deposit.

The commuter fee is $80 and also includes the $25 nonrefundable deposit. Scholarships are available for those who cannot afford the full amount. Registration deadline is Oct. 5.

For more information, contact Marillac Center by e-mail at: retreats@scls.org; call (913) 7586552; or visit the Web site at: www.

MarillacCenter.org.

After 23 years in the public school system, Helen Schwinn has taken over as principal of Immaculata High School in Leavenworth, bringing with her a clear vision and a love of discipline.

Leading the way T

hough she stands barely as tall as her youngest students, Immaculata High School’s new principal, Helen Schwinn, has earned a reputation as a no-nonsense disciplinarian and a powerhouse of accomplishment.

As administrator of this Leavenworth school with an enrollment of only 122, Schwinn wears many hats; she is the end of the line for almost every question and problem.

But she’s getting things done at record speed, and the enthusiasm she exudes when she talks about the future is infectious.

In short, Immaculata High School is going places.

And Schwinn is leading the way.

“She truly has a vision of where we want to see Immaculata in five years,”

Story and Photos by Jill Ragar Esfeld To learn more about Immaculata High School, visit its Web site at: http://imac.leavenworthcatholicschools.org. said Barbara Ferrara, director of the Leavenworth regional Catholic school system.

“She’s come in and immediately gotten to work. And she just seems to be plowing right ahead.”

Schwinn came to her new position with an impressive 23-year background in education — the last 20 teaching biology at Lansing High School.

Though she received her master’s degree in administration more that 10 years ago, for a long time she found her teaching and family life challenging enough.

When she did finally decide to make the change, her children were the main impetus behind the school she chose to be a part of.

Two good reasons Ten years ago, Schwinn gave birth to her and her husband Joe’s first child — daughter Sarah Jo. When she was just two years old, Sarah Jo developed leukemia.

Schwinn was pregnant with her second child at the time, and her son Zachary came into the world in possession of a miracle. At four months old, he saved his sister’s life through a bone-marrow transplant.

It’s not hard to imagine how precious these children are to Schwinn, or that they were the biggest force behind her decision to apply for the position of prin-

cipal at Immaculata.

Now in fifth and third grade respectively at Xavier Elementary School in Leavenworth, Sarah Jo and Zachary are expected to attend Immaculata someday.

When Schwinn saw an ad for the principal position, she felt God calling her to make a difference.

“I started thinking about my kids,” she said. “Rather than hoping [Immaculata] becomes what I want it to be for them, I thought I could be the one to change it.”

After 23 years in the public school system, Schwinn knew Immaculata’s advantages and felt she was uniquely qualified to envision how the high school could become more competitive in what it had to offer students.

“I want it to be the best,” she said. “I think that’s what all parents want for their kids, and I want it for everybody’s kids.”

Schwinn may be small in stature but there’s no question who’s the boss. Here she directs a delivery man where to put some new computers the school received.

Schwinn hangs out with her children, Zachary and Sarah Jo, and some hermit crabs after school. The two attend Xavier Elementary School in Leavenworth and are Immaculata bound in a few years.

Friends in need

Schwinn celebrates an Immaculata touchdown in the Sept. 3 game against McLouth. Immaculata lost the game 18-13.

Schwinn was hired last January. Since then, she said she has been motivated by a clear feeling of God’s hand at her back.

“Because of things that have happened and decisions I’ve made, I see God in this,” she said. “I just know God put me here because this is where he needs me to be. I see God in the people I’m with, and I sense a lot of hope and spirit in Immaculata.”

In the course of her transition, Schwinn found a kindred spirit in Ferrara, who had recently been promoted to her position from that of development director. The two spent many evenings together talking over staffing and budget issues.

“I was going through assisting in writing the budget as well, so it was a new experience for both of us,” recalled Ferrara.

“I truly think we helped each other a lot.

But because I’d been in the system a little longer, I could help her with some direction.”

Schwinn also got support from Immaculata secretary Melody Spencer, who has been with the school for 18 years, and from activities director Pat Moran, who started teaching at Immaculata in 1964 — the year Schwinn was born.

“Melody was there all summer, every single day, answering questions and being so cooperative,” Schwinn said. “And you’d think [Pat] would have been exhausted after May, but he was there every day, too, which was just amazing to me.”

Most of the faculty also came in throughout the summer to prepare for the new school year. Schwinn soon came to realize she had an outstanding group to work with at Immaculata.

“What I’ve noticed is whether they’re questioning me or agreeing with me, both are very vital and necessary,” she

said. “And even if they disagree with me, I appreciate the fact that they’ve been very gentle about guiding me differently or making a suggestion.”

The right foot Schwinn knew, starting the school year, that she had to make a first impression as a strong disciplinarian. So she made a point of enforcing the rules of the high school’s handbook — some of which had not been strictly enforced before.

“These are not new rules,” Schwinn told the students. “These are the rules.”

“It’s hard because it’s new to them,” she said. “I’ve taken away some of their freedom. But that freedom is not most conducive to their best education.”

After morning prayer, Schwinn writes notices for students who are tardy. Then she and dean of students Dan Schmidt tour each classroom, making certain things are running smoothly and students are abiding by the uniform code.

With each tour, Schwinn becomes more impressed with her faculty.

“I slip in and out of the classrooms and . . . there’s some very good teaching going on in every one of them,” she said.

In between classroom visits, Schwinn puts out fires — and there are many. Students, teachers, parents and staff all come to her with their problems and concerns.

When the second week of school be-

gan, she made out a to-do list. As her days speed by, she doesn’t get at much on the list. But it’s still an improvement, she said, because the first week she didn’t even have time to make the list out!

Amid her everyday responsibilities, Schwinn works to implement improvements to the school.

“I’ve created altered schedules [for special-event days] to try to maximize the minutes of every classroom without eliminating a class,” she explained.

“I’ve been ordering new textbooks” she added, “and I’m leading the way to get all of our dual-level courses, which used to be offered through Kansas City Kansas Community College, to be university credits through the University of Saint Mary.”

The future is bright Ferrara has a unique view of Schwinn’s progress, because her son is a freshman at Immaculata. So far, she’s impressed.

“She’s been very well-received — [she’s] very respected by the parents and students alike,” she said. “She seems to have really won them all over. And from what I understand, she’s getting into the classrooms and interacting with the students and teachers.”

Schwinn’s goals are simple.

“I hope Immaculata keeps marching forward and attracting students,” she said. “I hope we’re able to develop young adults who will go out in that world and do good for others because of their talents and abilities that are God-given.”

If her goal is simple, Schwinn’s method is equally so.

She has to get to know her students better.

So when she has a rare free moment, Schwinn grabs a yearbook in her office and tries to put names to faces.

“I want to learn their names, go to their games, cheer for them,” she said. “I want to get to know them and let them know me as a person — let them know I’m here for them.”

She needs them to know, Schwinn concluded, “that I’m their number one fan.”

10 NATION

THE LEAVEN • september 25, 2009

Panelists hope new consumer values can balance inequities NEW YORK (CNS) — The consumer culture in the United States, though hobbled by the current economic crisis, has the potential to re-emerge as a positive force if it embraces new values and balances the inequities caused by the global redistribution of wealth, said panelists at a Sept. 15 forum in New York. The comments were made during a fast-paced discussion called “Consuming America: What Have We Done to Ourselves?” The event, attended by more than 300 people, was held at Jesuit-run Fordham University.

The panelists generally agreed with an oft-quoted statistic that consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of the gross national product of the United States.

Lizabeth Cohen, who chairs the history department at Harvard University, said the country’s emergence as “a consumers’ republic” can be traced to the period following the Second World War. As the nation’s manufacturing converted from war production to the mass production of consumer goods, there was cultural encouragement to spend money to thwart a return to economic depression, she said.

Cohen said ownership of a newly built single-family home in the suburbs was a defining ideal, one that was equated with improving the lives of the owners, their families and their community.

Project Rachel marks 25 years of healing hearts about abortion MILWAUKEE (CNS) — Project Rachel, the post-abortion reconciliation ministry of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, has been healing hearts of those affected by abortion since 1984. The 25th anniversary has been “an awesome experience of looking back and seeing how an idea that was really only Spirit-inspired changed the face of the abortion debate in the U.S., and, not only in the U.S., but also in other countries,” said Vicki Thorn, Project Rachel founder and executive director of the National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing since 1990.

Some of Thorn’s favorite work beyond the one-on-one with women is the speaking and training she does with priests and caregivers. Father Ralph Gross, pastor of St. Bruno Parish in Dousman and a Project Rachel priest since shortly after it began, was among priests at the first training workshop. “Project Rachel has done a wonderful job educating priests over the years to be able to be more sensitive and more understanding of the circumstances, and to have a better insight into the crisis of abortion and the aftermath,” he said.

Church adds icon as symbol of hospitality to poor

By Ed Langlois

Catholic News Service PORTLAND, Ore. (CNS) — Aiming to enhance hospitality to the poor, a downtown parish in Portland has beautified its building and added an icon that speaks to those on the margins.

“From the poverty and brokenness of many who worship here all of us become healers for the community,” Portland Archbishop John G. Vlazny told worshipers who filled the small St. Vincent de Paul Downtown Chapel for a Mass dedicating the Christ the Healer icon.

“The community may be torn apart with drug addiction, homelessness and mental illness, but it becomes a healing community because of the mercy of Jesus Christ,” the archbishop added.

After Mass, scores of worshipers walked with the 3-by-4-foot icon around the bustling block, praying for the neighborhood. Homeless people sitting on benches or pushing shopping carts looked on in wonder.

At the end of the procession, some strong arms hung the icon above the church’s tabernacle and the congregation broke into spontaneous applause.

“It was an important moment in the life of the parish,” says Holy Cross Father Bob Loughery, the pastor. “This is something we stand for and believe in: the healing presence of Christ in our neighborhood. We are agents of that.”

Father Jon Buffington, a chaplain at Providence Portland Medical Center, “wrote” the icon of Christ the Healer.

Such images are “written,” not painted, to show their link with Scripture and their divine influence.

Christ stands at the center under a canopy representing the church, with Mary Magdalene to his left and a beggar to his right. Small stick-figure demons just cast out of Mary spin into the wilderness and she has the beginnings of a halo. The beggar, who has a backpack like many homeless people, reaches toward Christ’s outstretched hand.

CNS photo/Chris Donahue, The Catholic Spirit

MOTORCYCLE MINISTRY ARRIVES FOR MEETING — Members of the Knights of Columbus Motorcycle Ministry arrive for the organization’s monthly meeting at St. Ann Parish in Raritan Borough, N.J., in late July.

Knights’ motorcycle ministry links prayer, fundraising

By Chris Donahue Catholic News Service

RARITAN BOROUGH, N.J. (CNS) — When about 15 men on motorcycles wearing “colors” or leather vests arrived at St. Ann Church, they weren’t looking for trouble.

Rather, as members of the Knights of Columbus Motorcycle Ministry, they came to their monthly meeting to help spread the Gospel through the order’s principles of charity, unity and fraternity.

George Muniz, a member of Council 9199, Our Lady of Peace Parish in Fords, said the motorcycle ministry gives him an opportunity to help others and enjoy the outdoors at the same time.

Riding can also be a “spiritual” experience because it provides time to pray, he said.

“I wanted to join because I have been riding a motorcycle most of my life,” said Muniz, a member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Piscataway, who serves as a maintenance employee at three parishes in Perth Amboy.

“Last weekend, I went to the Delaware Water Gap by myself. I stopped by a little stream and sat there for 20 minutes, listening to the water ripple,” Muniz said. “I am also one of those guys who make the sign of the cross when-

ever I ride by a church.”

With Father Edmund A. Luciano III, parochial vicar at St. Ann Parish, serving as chaplain, the ministry’s meeting began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

John Brandon, founder and president, then led the 90-minute session in businesslike fashion, interspersed with humorous anecdotes and some mild ribbing from members.

The organization’s first fundraiser, the Alzheimer’s Disease Respite Care Motorcycle Run in late spring, raised more than $400, Brandon said. Another fundraiser in September benefited Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish in Middlesex.

After ending the meeting with a prayer, Father Luciano said he is happy to see anyone trying to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, even a group as unique as the motorcycle ministry.

“The Gospel comes to us in our everyday lives and riding is part of their everyday lives,” he said. “Pope John Paul II encouraged us to go for the new evangelization. I don’t know if this is what he had in mind but it is certainly the spirit of it.

“And as Knights, it is something that these gentlemen were doing anyway, so it makes perfect sense to put the two together.”

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THE LEAVEN • september 25, 2009

Priests say ‘iftar’ means more than sharing a meal

By Brooke Anderson

Catholic News Service

CNS photo/Thomas Mukoya, Reuters

WORKER LIFTS WEAK COW IN KENYA — A worker tries to lift up a weak cow from among the carcasses of drought-stricken cattle in a paddock at the Kenya Meat Commission factory located outside Nairobi Sept. 16. This year’s drought in Kenya has killed thousands of cattle, dried crop lands and sent millions of people seeking water and food aid.

Extremists use blasphemy laws to advance their own agendas

By Sheila Archambault

Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Blasphemy laws have been used as a tool by extremists like the Taliban and al-Qaida to advance their own agendas and to victimize religious minorities and other Muslims in Pakistan, said a Pakistani government official.

Pakistani Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, a Catholic, told a Washington press conference that these religious extremists are not following Islam, because no religion condones the use of violence.

All Pakistanis are equal and “no one should be discriminated [against] or treated as second-class citizens in Pakistan based on religion,” Bhatti said Sept. 17. He spoke at the offices of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, an independent federal watchdog agency.

Under Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws, desecration of the Quran is punishable by life imprisonment, and insulting the name of the prophet Mohammed carries a mandatory death sentence.

Bhatti said he is committed to bringing change to Pakistan and strengthening interfaith harmony. To achieve this, he said, he is consulting other religious leaders in Pakistan to review and revisit the blasphemy laws and is working to put in effect a minorities protection bill to secure the religious freedom and rights of minorities in Pakistan.

He said that on the initiative of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, he will meet with Pope Benedict XVI during the last week of September to help strengthen the initiative of religious freedom in Pakistan.

Bhatti said the world is concerned with terrorism, and while the war against terrorism is important, to win the hearts and minds of the people of Pakistan it is important to show the U.S. commitment to the survival of democracy and freedom in the country.

Religious freedom is linked to security, Bhatti said, and religious extremists are a threat to Pakistan’s prosperity and to peace-loving people around the world.

He said the cause of the oppressed and marginalized in Pakistan is a passion for him.

SIDON, Lebanon (CNS) — Parish priests in South Lebanon said breaking the fast with Muslims during the month of Ramadan means more than sharing a meal.

For many Christians, sitting together for “iftar,” the breaking of the fast each evening after sunset, is a chance to get to know others in the community and learn about different customs.

“We go to a lot of iftars,” said Maronite Father Elias Asmar. “When we sit down together to break the fast, we get to know each other, whereas before we might have had a vague idea about each other.”

“We learn about their fasting, and they ask about our fasting,” the priest said.

“We also learn about their diets, their calendars and how they pray. These meals create an atmosphere for dialogue.”

Maronite Father Jean-Paul Khoury, another priest at the parish in Sidon, said that “eating iftar together is important, but it’s not enough.”

In the Middle East, a region that is increasingly becoming an area of homogenous neighborhoods and villages — Christian, Sunni or Shiite — the best solution for peaceful coexistence is for people to live together again, said Father Khoury.

Melkite Father Boutros Atta Allah, a priest in Cana, another south Lebanese town that has lost most of its Christian population to migrations during wars, thinks Ramadan is a good occasion for Muslims and Christians to sit together and think about those less fortunate.

“It’s not our way to be at war. We want to get to know each other,” he said. “Unfortunately, some people have known only war.”

Even though he believes his hometown of Cana already has a good atmosphere of religious coexistence, he thinks everyone could do with an iftar meal.

“Eating together creates trust and respect between people,” he said.

world 11

Nigeria’s inaction led to deaths during Islamic uprising LAGOS, Nigeria (CNS) — Nigeria’s bishops said government inaction led to the untimely death of more than 2,000 people during the recent uprising by an extremist Islamic group, Boko Haram. Despite government knowledge of plans for the violence “and despite reports made to appropriate authorities, inaction of government allowed the sect to destroy more than 2,000 lives before the insurrection was brought down,” the bishops said in a statement at the end of their Sept 7-12 plenary meeting in Kafanchan. “We have no democracy worth the name if government cannot protect life and property of the citizen,” the bishops said. “Failure on the part of government to secure life and property of every Nigerian is less than commendable.” The Boko Haram sect opposes Western education and insists on the imposition of Shariah, or Islamic law. The uprising began in late July after the arrest of some of the sect’s members. In their statement, the bishops criticized the “culture of violence that prevails in Nigeria [including] kidnapping, armed robbery, dangerous driving on our roads, killing in the name of religion, to name but these. . . . We condemn violence on whatever excuse or disguise, and from whatever direction. We condemn it, above all, when its perpetrators blasphemously and fraudulently claim religious justifications,” the bishops said.

Bishop appeals for help to stop guerrillas in his diocese LONDON (CNS) — A Sudanese bishop has appealed for international help to stop roving bands of guerrillas kidnapping and murdering villagers in his diocese. Bishop Edward Hiiboro Kussala of Tambura-Yambio, Sudan, said his government appeared powerless to prevent attacks by members of the Lord’s Resistance Army, a guerrilla force based in northern Uganda. He spoke to the British charity Aid to the Church in Need after a spate of killings and abductions in two towns near the borders of the Central African Republic and Congo. In one case guerrillas stormed into a Catholic church in Ezo and desecrated the Eucharist, the altar and the building before abducting 17 people, mostly in their teens and 20s. One of the captives was later found dead after being tied to a tree and mutilated, while 13 others in the group remain missing, said a Sept. 18 statement by Aid to the Church in Need. The bishop said that after the Aug. 15 attack, “people kept coming to me with such suffering in their eyes, begging me to do something about the situation — to get back their children and grandchildren who have disappeared.”

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Real Estate Short walking distance to St. Agnes Church and School plus Bishop Miege – This very rare 2 BR, 2 BA with garage will be shown by owner after Oct. 3! The $8000 tax credit may be possible. To get on the viewing list, call Ray at (913) 381-7494.

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OP/Leawood home FSBO - Fabulous home located in Nativity Parish, on the lake at Hawthorne Place, 12211 Ash. Spacious, open floor plan with 3 BR, 3 fulland 2 half-baths and a finished walkout bsmt. Maintenance provided community. Near Town Center shops and restaurants. To view, call (913) 345-8118 after 9/21.

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Housesitter needed - For up to 4 years while owners serve as missionaries. 2 BR, 2 BA, partially finished bsmt. Home is located in retirement community.

Must be 55 or older. No pets, no smoking and no children (per charter association). $700/mo. (913) 845-2162.

Household help - Needed for single parent trying to work from home in Mission. 7 - 10 hrs/week; hours flexible. Starting at $10/hour. Call T. Stewart at (913) 432-7748.

Wanted to buy *** BUYING *** Coins — Sterling — Watches I buy coins, old watches, sterling silverware, postcards, photographs, military items, political campaign pins, Zippo lighters, fountain pens, toys, slot machines, old signs & tins, quilts, Indian rugs, beadwork, baskets, pottery and 22-gauge rifles. 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. *** Wanted to Buy *** Antique and vintage costume jewelry Member St. Joseph Parish Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179

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

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.

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 25, 2009

Sept.

26

A healing Mass in honor of St. Peregrine, patron of those suffering from cancer or other serious illnesses, will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Sept. 26 at Holy Spirit Church, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park. The sacrament of anointing of the sick will be offered for all who wish to receive it. For information, call the parish office at (913) 492-7318 or Marge Hattrup at (913) 492-7682.

The Singles of Nativity will host an evening of miniature golf at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 at Smiley’s, 10195 Monticello Terr., Lenexa. For information, send an e-mail to: social@son-ministry.org.

The Knights Of Columbus at Sacred Heart Parish, 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host a Texas hold ’em fundraiser on Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. A $50 donation includes hot dogs, chili, snacks, and drinks.

For information, call (913) 963-9095 or (913) 826-6883.

St. John Church, Greeley, will host its annual fall bazaar on Sept. 27. Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The cost is $8 for adults; $5 for children.

St. Mary Parish, St. Benedict, will celebrate its 150th anniversary with Mass at 11 a.m. on Sept. 27. A catered meal will be served from 12:30 - 2 p.m.

27 & 4

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will host “Project Andrew: A Vocation Evening for Young Men” for all young men between the ages of 15 - 22 on Sept. 27 from 4 - 7 p.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, 1800 S.W. Stone, Topeka, and on Oct. 4 from 4 - 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Parish, 5901 Flint, Shawnee. Young men will have the opportunity to pray, listen, and discuss how Christ personally calls men to be priests. Dinner will be provided; a parallel program will be provided for parents who wish to attend in support of their sons. For information or to register, visit the archdiocesan vocations office Web site at: www.kckvocations.com; send an e-mail to: vocation@archkck.org; or contact your pastor to register as soon as possible.

The Johnson County Unos will gather for 4:30 p.m. Mass on Sept. 26 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission. Dinner will follow at Applebee’s, 6800 Johnson Dr. The Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, will host its annual “Spirit of Nativity” fall fiesta on Sept.

26. The evening will begin with Mass at 4 p.m., followed by a Mexican buffet dinner, a live mariachi band, bingo, inflatables, and more! The cost for wristbands is $9 for adults; $5 for children ages 4 - 12; or $35 per family. Wristbands may be purchased in advance at the parish office or on the day of the event.

Holy Family Parish, 274 Orchard, Kansas City, Kan., will host its inaugural Slovenefest on Sept. 26. The festivities include Mass at 4 p.m., followed by a social from 5 - 10 p.m. on the school grounds at 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kan. There will be authentic Slovenian food, live music, and games for all ages. Proceeds will benefit the roof repair fund. For information, call the church office at (913) 371-1561 or Richard Schutte at (913) 724-2388.

The Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, Court No. 61, will host an oldies party from 8 p.m. - midnight on Sept.

26 at the Blessed Sacrament Center, 2215 Parallel Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Dress in your favorite retro-style outfit and bring your favorite oldies songs (boom box provided) and food. Tickets cost $5. Setups and karaoke will be available for a small charge.

For information, contact Barbara Bailey at (913) 321-1958.

Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual scholarship dinner on Sept. 26 at the Jack Reardon Civic Center, 500 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Join Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Benedictine Sisters, former instructors and staff, alumni, and friends in celebrating 60 years of Donnelly. All proceeds will benefit the newly created archbishops’ endowed scholarship fund. The event will be held To register, visit the Web site at: www.donnelly.edu/ dinner. For information, call Laura Bryon at (913) 621-8752 or send an e-mail to her at: lbryon@donnelly.edu.

27

The Daughters of Isabella, Little Flower Circle No. 503, will hold their monthly meeting at 1 p.m. on Sept. 27 at Rossiter Hall, 204 S.W. 8th, Topeka. The newly elected officers will be installed by the state regent. A reception will follow.

2

Oct.

The Johnson County Unos will hold their monthly meeting and potluck dinner at 6 p.m. on Oct. 2 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission. Bring meat casseroles, salads, vegetables or desserts — enough to feed 8 — or $5 to pay for your meal. Entertainment will follow.

Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park, will host its 30th annual golf tournament in conjunction with alumni homecoming activities on Oct. 2. Registration for the golf tournament begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. shotgun start.

After the tournament, head back to Miege for a pre-game tailgate party at 5:30 p.m.

During halftime, the alumni class of the year and the classes of distinction will be honored. Following the game there will be an all-classes reunion in the Commons.

For information or to volunteer, contact Kim Gregory at (913) 262-2701, ext. 258, or send an e-mail to her at: kgregory@bishop miege.com, or register online at: www. alumni.bishopmiege.com/open2009.

3

The Ave Maria Village of the Militia of Immaculata will gather for coffee at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 3 at Redemptorist Church Senior Center, 407 W. Linwood, Kansas City, Mo. A program and rosary will follow at 11 a.m. The Militia of Immaculata meets every first Saturday of the month at the same location. For information, call Christine Rossi at (913) 268-0208.

The Garnett Knights of Columbus will host a benefit coed softball tournament on Oct. 3. For information, call Ricky Rios at (785) 448-8058 or Aaron Hardman at (785) 304-2714.

Tom Jacobs, retreat leader, will host “The Art, Prayer and Practice of Meditation” from 9 a.m. - noon on Oct. 3 at St. Joseph Medical Center, Rose Room, I-435 and State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo. The cost is $25 per person, payable at the door.

To register, call Tom at (816) 619-3499 or send an e-mail to him at: tbjacobs@ earthlink.net.

4

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host “Where in the World is the Body of Christ?,” presented by Sister Mary Collins, OSB, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

on Oct. 3. The cost is $50; advance deposit is $10. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151.

Mary Health of the Sick women’s guild of the Sisters, Servants of Mary will hold a meeting following the 9 a.m.

Mass on Oct. 4 at the convent, located at 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan. Prospective new members are invited to attend.

St. Francis Xavier Parish, Mayetta, will host its annual bazaar on Oct. 4. A roast pork and turkey dinner will be served from 3 - 6 p.m. The cost is $7 for adults; $3 for children 10 and under.

St. Theresa Church, Perry, will host its annual fall bazaar on Oct. 4 . A turkey and ham dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. The cost is $7 for adults; $3 for children. Carryouts will be available. There will also be a silent auction, raffles, bingo, a cakewalk, a country store and games.

Sacred Heart Parish, Gardner, will host Oktoberfest from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Oct. 4 in the parish center at 122 W. Warren St. Dinner will feature traditional German and American foods. The cost for dinner is: $7 for adults; $4 for children ages 4 - 12; children 3 and under eat free. There will also be a silent auction, craft show, a cakewalk, raffles, bingo and more.

Sacred Heart/St. Casimir Parish, 1401 2nd Ave., Leavenworth, will host its annual fall fest from noon - 3: 30 p.m. on Oct. 4.

A turkey and ham dinner will be served, followed by entertainment, an auction, a white elephant sale, and games for all ages.

10

The Catholic Education Foundation’s annual Gaudeamus dinner, honoring John and Pat Menghini, will be held on Oct. 10 at the Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd. Quality, faithbased education may be beyond the reach of many, but it is within yours. Every dollar raised is used to fund scholarships for children in need! For information, to purchase tickets, or to make a donation, call (913) 647-0344 or visit the Web site at: www. cefks.org.

All are invited to attend an evening of fun, food and live entertainment by the “Legends” show at Prairie Star Ranch, located in Williamsburg, on Oct. 10. Proceeds from the event will be used to build a chapel. Msgr. Tom Tank will celebrate Mass at 5 p.m., followed by cocktails and dinner at 6 p.m. The attire is western, so hats and boots are welcome. The cost is $100 per person.

The ranch is located 50 miles south of the metro on I-35, just past Ottawa. A bus will be available for $10 per person, leaving at 4 p.m. from the parking lot of Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, and returning around 10:30 p.m. For reservations or information, call Mary Jo Doherty at (913) 685-8313, or (913) 302-9909.

9-11

“Doors to the Sacraments,” a two-night Ignatian retreat for men, will be held from Oct. 9 – 11 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. Father Richard Hadel, SJ, will trace the sacraments as they developed in the early church and how they continue to nourish us today. The cost of $125 includes a $50, nonrefundable deposit, and a freewill offering. Financial assistance may be available. Space is limited, so make your reservation early. For information, call the office at (913) 721-1097 or visit the Web site at: www.saviorpastoralcenter.org.

A Kansas City Catholic charismatic renewal retreat will be held from Oct. 9 - 11 at the Sisters of St. Francis Motherhouse, 2100 N. Noland Rd., Independence, Mo. The retreat is for those in the renewal and for those who would like to learn more about Life in the Spirit. The cost for the re-

CALENDAR 13

treat is $30. Meals and overnight lodging are available. For information, call Carol at (816) 229-7924.

10

The women of St. Stanislaus Parish, Rossville, will host a morning of spiritual renewal, entitled “Mary and the Woman of Today,” on Oct. 10. For registration information, call Colette at (785) 5846612 or Deidre at (785) 582-5851.

The ACCW (Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women) will host a convention from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Oct. 10 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. All archdiocesan women are invited to attend. The cost of $18 includes lunch. To register, contact Terry Barnes at (913) 383-1411 or send an e-mail to her at: terrybarnes_stagemanager@hotmail.com.

The registration deadline is Oct. 5.

16-17

The Garnett Knights of Columbus will host the annual Autumn Blaze Knights of Columbus barbecue contest, 5K walk/run for Special Olympics, and pumpkin festival on Oct. 16 - 17. To register a barbecue team or for information, visit the Web site at: www.garnettkofc.com.

23-25

Divorced? Widowed?

Beginning Experience Weekend gently helps people move through their loss to a new beginning in their lives. The Beginning Experience Weekend for the Kansas City area will be Oct. 23 - 25 at Sanctuary of Hope, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 469-8453 in the Kansas City metro area; (785) 843-9274 in Lawrence; (785) 3575000 in Topeka; or visit the Web site at: www.neksme.org.

Misc.

“Coping With Grief,” a series for those grieving the loss of a loved one, will be offered on Tuesdays from 6:30 - 8 p.m. through Oct. 27 at Good Shepherd Church, in the Romero Chapel, 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee. For registration or information, call Bernadine Asher at (913) 563-5304.

A cancer prayer group gathers every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. For information, call Ginger at (816) 942-8850.

A weekly support group for women who have been released from incarceration, entitled “Living Free: Re-enter and Re-start,” will be held from 1 - 2 p.m. on Mondays at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 9068990 or visit the Web site at: www.mount osb.org/kwc.

The Singles of Nativity will gather for round-robin-style tennis on Sundays from 2:30 - 5 p.m. and on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at the Indian Creek Recreational Center, 103rd St. and Marty, Overland Park, on Sundays throughout the spring, weather permitting. Beginners are welcome. Join us for fun tennis, and good company. We may go out for a light dinner afterwards.

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

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

Submissions may also be mailed to: 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: calendar. Submissions will not be taken over the phone.

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • September 25, 2009

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

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

Quote Week

of the

“[Helen Schwinn] truly has a vision of where we want to see Immaculata in five years. She’s come in and immediately gotten to work. And she just seems to be plowing right ahead.”

Barbara Ferrara, director of the Leavenworth regional Catholic school system See story on pages 8-9

Wea parishioners learn their lessons

“W

hoa, he must have caught you at a weak moment!”

Those were the first words from Leaven managing editor Anita McSorley after I told her my plans for this past Sunday morning. Instead of presiding at Masses in Tonganoxie, I was heading to Queen of the Holy Rosary in Wea to give a talk.

The “he” that Anita alluded to was Wea pastor, Father Larry Albertson; the “weak moment” referred to the fact that, due to increasing responsibilities at the parish, I’ve given hardly any presentations the past several years. To be honest, Father Larry didn’t catch me at a weak moment. What he asked me to do has a special place in my heart: Encourage adults to learn more about their Catholic faith. I couldn’t say no, especially on Catechetical Sunday!

I arrived in Wea to both a warm welcome and a sense of nervousness.

Because this was the first session of an entirely new program at the church, organizers had no idea what the response would be. Several times I was gently reminded to not feel crushed if only a few people showed up.

The presentation was in the school gym, where about 10 tables were set up with some six chairs at each. As the time grew closer for things to start, a few people trickled in. As the minutes ticked by, more and more people poured in. Soon all of the tables were occupied, and more chairs and more tables were brought out. When even those places were filled, a few people spilled into the bleachers. I caught a glimpse of those who had spearheaded

this effort. They were beaming. What they suspected was true: Adults at the parish were indeed eager for continuing education.

It’s no secret that I like stories and see them as great teaching tools. Here’s one that I told that morning: In the old days, ponies and mules were used to haul the coal around down in the mines. One day a man asked a little boy in the mining camp why there were so many ponies and mules out in the fields on Sunday.

The little boy answered, “They work all week down in the mines. We bring them up on Sundays so they won’t go blind.” (Found in “Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations & Quotes”

by Robert J. Morgan.)

In our society today, people are constantly on the go. In some sense, it’s like working in the mines. The only difference is that at least the ponies and mules got out on Sunday! They got a break from their labor and were able to come up into the light.

If we’re constantly working or running from place to place and don’t even take a break even on Sunday, we are risking our spiritual sight. And, while it’s essential to attend Mass on the weekend, the teaching done there can’t hope to capture all the richness of our faith. That’s why something like the

adult ed series at Wea is so important.

The topics they will cover were culled from a survey the parishioners filled out. The sessions are free, last a little over an hour and include refreshments. Live speakers (or a DVD when that’s not possible) will address each topic, followed by a time for questions.

Each session will also have a list of resources for those who wish to delve further into a subject.

What I especially like is that the program is on Sunday morning and takes place at the same time as the parish’s religious ed classes for children. It’s important for kids to see that, as they are dropped off for class, their parents are heading into the gym for their “class.” This sends the message that we never know everything about our faith; there are always new things about it to explore and discover.

Following Wea’s example, challenge yourself each Sunday to carve out some time, even if it’s only 15 minutes at first, to grow in your knowledge of the faith. A good place to begin is by asking: What aspect of Catholicism do I want to know more about — the Scriptures, prayer, the saints, social teaching, church structure? Then ask your pastor or adult education director (or even send me an e-mail at frmark@ theleaven.com) about some resources to get you started. It really is as simple as that.

And who knows? One day you may be inspired as the folks at Holy Rosary to start a more formal adult education group. Just have plenty of tables and chairs ready!

Scripture Readings TWENTy-sixth WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Sept. 27 Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Nm 11: 25-29; Ps 19: 8, 10, 12-14; Jas 5: 1-6; Mk 9: 38-43, 45, 47-48 Sept. 28 Wenceslaus, martyr; Lawrence Ruiz, martyr, and his companions, martyrs Zec 8: 1-8; Ps 102: 2, 16-23; Lk 9: 46-50 Sept. 29 MICHAEL, GABRIEL, AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS Dn 7: 9-10, 13-14; Ps 138: 1-5; Jn 1: 47-51 Sept. 30 Jerome, priest, doctor of the church Neh 2: 1-8; Ps 137: 1-6; Lk 9: 57-62 Oct. 1 Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin, doctor Neh 8: 1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12; Ps 19: 8-11; Lk 10: 1-12 Oct. 2 The Guardian Angels Bar 1: 15-22; Ps 79: 1-5, 8-9; Mt 18: 1-5, 10 Oct. 3 Saturday Bar 4: 5-12, 27-29; Ps 69: 33-37; Lk 10: 17-24

the gospel truth

T

Concept of hell originated in Jewish tradition

he town dump does not look, nor does it smell, like an attractive place. But whoever would think that it would provide a model for hell?

place where God would eventually In Jerusalem at the time of Jesus, punish the wicked: “Their worm shall the town dump lay on the south side of not die, nor their fire be extinguished” the city. It was a valley called Gehin(Is 66:24). A specific geographical nom, or Gehenna for short. During a location became a spiritual location in dark period in Israelite history, it had eternity, a place where the been a place to worship Twenty-sixth Sunday wicked would go after death. pagan gods, where human in Ordinary Time It was the predecessor of sacrifice had been offered: Mk 9: 38-43, 45, 47-48 hell.

“In the valley of Ben-hinnom That provides the backthey have built the high ground of Sunday’s Gospel reading, place of Topheth to immolate in fire Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48. The word their sons and daughters” (Jer 7:31).

“Gehenna” appears three times in the In the eyes of believers, that repulsive text, the only place where it occurs practice had tainted the ground, reducat all in Mark’s Gospel. Being thrown ing it to a spot suitable only for the into Gehenna is presented as the exact disposing of trash. opposite of entering into the kingdom As the trash dump, Gehenna became of God: “Better for you to enter into the a place where fire continually burned. kingdom of God with one eye than with It also became a place infested with two eyes be thrown into Gehenna.” vermin, where maggots crawled in Jesus inherited both the term and the rotting garbage. As such, Gehenna the concept of Gehenna from his offered a perfect metaphor for the

Jewish tradition. While it led to the Christian concept of hell, it is not exactly synonymous with it. The rabbis held different opinions concerning Gehenna. Although the fires would burn forever, the punishment of the wicked individual would not last forever. Extinction would eventually end their torments. On the other hand, some rabbis believed that after a certain length of punishment, the wicked would be released from Gehenna through God’s mercy.

In any case, Gehenna lays the groundwork for the Christian concept of hell, which is envisioned as the state of separation from God. The writer C.S. Lewis provides a good description of it in his novel, “The Great Divorce.”

Hell is not so much a punishment inflicted by a wrathful God as it is an unfortunate choice freely made by the sinner. As such, the concept of hell is tied to the doctrine of free will.

God invites us to heaven, but God will not force us to go there. If we turn down the invitation, that is hell.

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

THE LEAVEN • september 25, 2009

COMMENTARY 15

¿QUé PASA? — IN HISPANIC MINISTRY

I

Time is of the essence for evangelization of Hispanics

was recently reading a talk given by Archbishop Jose Gomez of San Antonio, entitled: “Evangelization, Education and the Hispanic Catholic Future.” I found it to be insightful as well as challenging.

The heart of his message can be summed up in one observation offered by the archbishop: “ A generation ago we could hardly imagine a Hispanic saying he or she had “no religion,” yet that number has doubled in just the past few years.”

In arriving at this observation, Archbishop Gomez was reflecting on two recent studies about the religious identification of Hispanics. The shock-

ing results of these studies make the following claims: • About 58 percent of Hispanics identify themselves as Catholics • About 25 percent of Hispanics identify themselves as some sort of Protestant • Between 10-12 percent identify themselves as having no religion.

I think these numbers are shocking, because it was only 20-30 years ago that it was often said that about 95 percent of Hispanics are Catholic.

Archbishop Gomez goes on to challenge us all when he raises the key question: “As Hispanics become more

and more successful and more and more assimilated into the American mainstream, will they keep the faith?

Will they keep the Catholic faith or drift away to other religions?”

I would like to add one more thought for our careful consideration of this theme. It is often said by those who crunch the numbers that in the next 30-40 years Hispanics will become the majority in the United States.

But I ask: Will the majority still be Catholic? The United States has never been over 50 percent Catholic. But with the arrival of the Hispanic community, this could become a reality.

However, it really depends on how good we are in terms of the evangelization of Hispanics over the next 30-40 years. The numbers seem to indicate we are losing the battle and, sad to say, I think it is true.

I agree with Archbishop Gomez and I think that time is of the essence if we want to make sure that the Hispanic

community remains Catholic. We need to make a dramatic shift in the way in which we do things. The archbishop suggests there are some challenges to be faced: • the challenge of secular culture • the challenge of poverty — material and spiritual • the challenge of providing encounters with Jesus • the challenge of teaching and preaching the Gospel • the challenge of being content with creating cultural Catholics.

In my next article for The Leaven, I will continue with this theme and offer some practical suggestion as to how I think we need to confront these key challenges.

Father Pat Murphy is the archdiocesan animator for the office of Hispanic ministry.

church and state

A

Bishops’ concern over health care reform is justified

s concerned bishops across the country issue pastoral statements on the subject of health care reform, there has been much gnashing of teeth and rending of garments from some all too familiar quarters.

These are largely the same voices heard last year promising that Barack Obama was the “true” pro-life candidate because of his sensitivity to the entirety of Catholic social justice teaching.

Yes, the same Barack Obama who as president quickly instituted taxpayer financing of organizations that perform abortions abroad, taxpayer financing of embryonic stem-cell research here at

home, and began the process of rolling back conscience protections for pro-life doctors and nurses.

Now we are told that bishops should stop hyperventilating about health care reform potentially becoming a vehicle for expanded access to abortion. Despite the fact that the main health care reform bill moving through the House of Representatives plainly provides for taxpayer subsidization of abortion, the president, his congressional allies, and the professional Catholics who promote them insist that no taxpayer dollars will fund abortion.

With all of the evidence to the

contrary, we are apparently to take this sola fide — by faith alone.

Nearly 500 years after the Council of Trent, Catholics ought to know better.

In July of 2007, candidate Obama told Planned Parenthood, “In my mind reproductive care is essential care. It is basic care, and so it is at the center, and at the heart of the plan that I propose.” A campaign spokesman later confirmed that this phraseology includes abortion, as did Secretary of State Hillary Clinton when she testified before Congress in April that “reproductive health includes access to abortion.”

We are now to believe that a new health care system devised by President Obama and the pro-abortion congressional leadership, and implemented by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, will not spend one penny of taxpayer money on abortion. Of course, we are also

to believe that providing coverage to millions of uninsured will not add one penny to the deficit, and $500 billion in politically impossible cuts to Medicare will not impact benefits.

Some are sure that if health care reform legislation can be kept “abortion-neutral” (no small challenge), then there is no danger in expanding government control of health care. But when government is so hostile to our values with respect to unborn life, end of life, and the nature of the family, Catholic cooperation in the aggrandizement of federal power over health care constitutes questionable strategic planning.

Churchill described such naiveté as the “acme of gullibility.” Future Catholics, lobbying to reverse public financing of abortion, may just call it crazy.

Michael Schuttloffel is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

vocation corner

W

Are we guilty of asking for too little?

hen I worked in development before going into the seminary, the rules were pretty simple. First, don’t be afraid to make the ask. Second, don’t ask for too little.

These were the mistakes that almost all unsuccessful development officers made. In the first instance, they were afraid of rejection, so they never asked for the gift. In the second instance, they were afraid of offending, so they asked for too little.

Archbishop Naumann reminds me as often as he can that these days I

am asking for something much more important than dollars. I am asking young men, on behalf of the archbishop and my brother priests and on behalf of the whole church, for their entire lives. I am asking them to give everything, without counting the cost, in obedience to Christ’s call for them to be his priests.

There are many days when I get sheepish. I can easily get satisfied by

knowing that I have made the priesthood a more attractive option, or that I have told a young man that he should keep the priesthood in mind. But out of fear of rejection or of giving offense, there is always the temptation to stop there and to fail to ask men for their entire lives. I can easily make the mistake that I must avoid at all costs. I should never be afraid to ask. I should never ask for too little.

The number one reason that people give to something is because someone asked them to. That’s why when Jesus called his disciples, his call was simple.

It was not: Keep me in mind, in case you have some extra time or money to give me. No, Jesus’ call was clear and total — “Leave everything and follow me.”

We do our young men a great

disservice if we ask them for too little, if we ask them for less than Christ is asking of them. Yes, Christ asks for everything, but why shouldn’t he, since he has first given us everything and because he promises more than we could hope for? We must join Christ in asking our young people not just to do whatever makes them happy, but to trust Christ, who desires what is truly and eternally good for his children.

Let’s not ask our young men for too little! Invite a young man, age 15-18, to Project Andrew in Topeka or Kansas City the next two weeks. For more information, visit the Web site at: kckvocations.com.

Father Mitchel Zimmerman is the archdiocesan vocations director.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • september 25, 2009

Sports builds comraderie, community for young adults Continued from page 1 faith community that many have not yet found in parish life.

It might seem an odd pairing — faith and athletics.

But organizer Chris Funke maintains it’s a natural.

“About a year ago, a group of us went to the archdiocese and asked what we could do to strengthen young adult ministry in the archdiocese,” said Funke, a 29-year-old member of Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa who has been involved with St. Sebastian Sports from the beginning.

“We were asked to think of a direct way to get young adults involved, and decided we could use sports as a tool to bring people together and use that experience to evangelize and re-energize young adults with faith.”

So far, the plan seems to be working.

Close to 200 young adults have participated in St. Sebastian Sports — named after the patron saint of athletes — since its inception last March.

St. Sebastian Sports organizes teams of interested players, then signs them up with existing leagues in the Kansas City area.

Sports offered so far have included softball, volleyball, and indoor soccer.

Numbers were so large for coed softball last summer that St. Sebastian Sports ran its own private league at the MidAmerica Sports Complex in Shawnee.

“Our ultimate goal is to grow this ministry to where we can have private leagues for each sport taking place through an already established organization,” said Funke.

Tentative plans are in place to include club Frisbee golf, a bowling league, and possibly a golf league. But Funke said other sports offerings were still being considered.

“We’re really trying to keep our ears peeled to what our members want from us,” he said. “We want to go with the sports that will be popular and draw interest. It’s really up in the air right now.”

St. Sebastian Sports’ primary focus is on young adults, drawing from the Catholic population ranging in age from 20-35.

The need for aggressive young adult

For more information, visit St. Sebastian Sports on Facebook or send an e-mail to: StSebastianSports@gmail.com.

The St. Sebastian Spikers celebrate their 2 to 1 victory over their opponent Aug. 24.

They are: (from left) Kristle Doromal, Matt Funke, Catherine Pirotte, Anna Holdener, and Chris O’Boyle. ministry in the church has grown significantly in recent decades, as people have waited later and later to marry.

In 1960, for example, the average age at the time of marriage was 23 for men and 20 for women.

Today, the average age for men is 27; for women, 25.

What that means for many Catholic parishes is that their numbers of single young adult members are increasing — while many of their ministries or activities remain geared toward or attended primarily by couples and families.

St. Sebastian Sports is looking to fill that gap and create a sense of authentic faith-enriched community for its members.

“For many of our participants, this is their main means of gathering with other Catholics,” said Funke. “When you combine sports with the spiritual and social dimension, it opens the door to all young adults, because everyone can find something to interest them.”

What interests Catholic young adults most seems to be the opportunity to spend time with others of a similar background. Sports can be intense and competitive but, as participants have found, it can also be a great common denominator.

“It helps to be around young adults more in a social setting and talk about certain church issues with people your age,” said Aaron Kobza, a 27-year-old member of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee. Kobza has participated in both the softball and volleyball program.

“I definitely feel more connected to the church through St. Sebastian,” he said.

Michael Ciaccio, a 26-year-old member of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park, agreed.

“St. Sebastian Sports has helped me see that Catholics are pretty normal guys who are competitive and enjoy sports,” said Ciaccio, who has participated in men’s and coed softball. “We normally see each other only on Sundays, so it’s nice to see the normal, everyday lives and personalities of guys my age. It has helped me feel more connected to the church, especially when we pray before games.”

Ciaccio said that while guys naturally like to compete, the overall focus of the games was not entirely on winning.

“The men’s team was really competitive and we definitely want to win,” said Ciaccio, “but it seems that the camaraderie is more important.”

Planners hope to use that camaraderie to nurture players’ connection to the church. They’re also working to create opportunities for individual parish involvement as well. There are plans for young adult leaders, appointed in each parish, to head up teams made up of their own fellow young adult parishioners.

“One of our goals is parish involvement and to help bridge the gap between young adults and parishes,” said Funke. “As we keep growing, we are going to seek young adult leaders in each parish to head up parish teams, to help connect those young adults in the parishes with that parish pride or identity they were lacking — that might have previously caused them to walk away from the faith.”

The hope is for participants to form a connection — not only with other Catholic young adults in the archdiocese, but with their individual parish as well.

“We would love to see that parish pride within the leagues, where each parish has at least one team competing against other parishes,” said Funke.

Though an estimated 90 percent of St. Sebastian participants have so far been drawn from the Kansas City metropolitan area, plans are in place to expand the ministry to all areas of the archdiocese.

“The plan is to develop and form a solid organization within the metro so we can take the same model and apply it to other areas of the archdiocese,” said Funke. “That way we can hit the ground running right from the start.”

The St. Sebastian Sports model will be tentatively ready in the middle of 2010. For that to take place, Funke said the organization would need to have experience with additional sports as well as better defining the social aspect of the group.

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