www.theleaven.com | Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas | Vol. 32, No. 14 NOVEMBER 5, 2010
Mary and Bill Fields share a laugh with music therapist Nora Drbal recently at Delmar Gardens nursing center in Overland Park. Mary has had Alzheimer’s disease for more than six years and rarely speaks.
The power of music Music therapy brings joy to the dying
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STORY by L AJEAN RAU-KEENE
hen Nora Drbal was nine years old, she sang for a dying woman. The experience never left her. Her family was visiting her great-aunt, so her grandmother could say goodbye to her sister. The woman’s room was near the main entry of the farmhouse. “It was not isolated. It was like, ‘This lady is dying, and this is part of life,’” said Drbal, now 63 and a music therapist for Catholic Community Hospice. “My grandma introduced me to her sister. And then she turned to me and said, ‘Nora is going to sing some songs for you.’” Her grandmother encouraged the nervous girl, suggesting she sing some of the
P hotos b y S U S A N M C S P A D D E N
Irish songs her mother had taught her. “I liked it. And they liked it,” Drbal said. “It was just a very nice experience. I always had that in my heart. It was always there.” Many years later, after working part time as a music teacher while raising her children, Drbal went back to school to become a music therapist. Today, it is her job to sing for terminally ill patients. Catholic Community Hospice, a program of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, began offering the therapy about a year ago when it first contracted with Drbal, a board-certified music therapist, who got her training at the University of Kansas. On a recent morning, Drbal visited Mary Fields at Delmar Gardens nursing Turn to “let us” on page 4
ABOUT HOSPICE CARE
Hospice addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients and their families. It is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance. Catholic Community Hospice serves people of all faiths. Core services are provided by physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, home health aides and volunteers. Other services are provided by physical, occupational, speech, massage and music therapists, as well dieticians.
2 archbishop
THE LEAVEN • november 5, 2010
THE LEAVEN • November 5, 2010
SECOND FRONT PAGE 3
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS
M
Mary opens opportunities for us to draw closer to Christ
y recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land concluded with a two-day visit to Rome.
I had the opportunity to greet the Holy Father at his Wednesday audience on Oct. 27 and to extend to him the warm greetings and the prayers of the priests, religious and the people of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Pope Benedict XVI asked me to communicate to all of you his gratitude for your prayers and encouragement. The Holy Land pilgrimage was an extraordinary experience. I intend over the next months to share with you some of my experiences and insights gained from visiting the places where Jesus was born, lived, ministered, suffered, died and rose. This past Sunday’s Gospel reminded me of our visit to Jericho. Jericho is one of the most ancient cities in the world that has been continuously inhabited. We visited a sycamore tree in “new” Jericho that certainly was not the one that Zaccheus climbed to see the Lord. Still, it helped to visualize the Gospel passage. We took a cable car half way up a mountain that is popularly known as Mount Temptation. According to tradition, Jesus prayed in a cave on this mountain during his 40 days in the desert. Near the cable car station on the mount, there is a restaurant where we had reservations to eat lunch. Near the summit of the mountain, there is an Orthodox monastery that is built into the side of the mountain. Our guide told us that the monastery is usually open to visitors until 1 p.m. Several in our group decided to walk up the more than 150 steps leading to the monastery. The temperatures were in the mid to upper 90s. Hot and fatigued from the climb, we reached the monastery shortly before noon. One of our group knocked on the monastery door, but there was no answer. We knocked four more times, and the result was the same — a stony silence. We had just come from Jordan,
where there was a one-hour time difference from Israel. Jericho is just on the other side of the Jordanian border, so we wondered if perhaps it was actually 1 p.m. according to local time, instead of noon. Several from our group despaired and began heading back down the mountain. The rest of us were about to follow, when I suggested, since it was by now noon, that we pray the Angelus together and invoke Mary’s intercession for us to be able to gain admittance to the monastery. In my prayer leading up to and during the pilgrimage, I placed our spiritual journey under the patronage of Mary, asking her to use these days to lead each of us closer to her son, Jesus. When we completed the Angelus, I asked one of the pilgrims to knock again on the monastery door. Again, there was no answer. I had begun my descent, when one of the members of the group shouted: “Wait! Someone is coming!” The monastery door opened and a relatively young monk invited us to enter. With characteristic Middle Eastern hospitality, he offered us some water to quench our thirst. Then he showed us several chapels, each containing beautiful iconography. He led us to the one chapel that was revered as the cave where Jesus himself had prayed. We treasured our visit to the monastery even more, because we had come so close to giving up on gaining entrance. We enjoyed some quiet moments of prayer before departing for our lunch. In my prayer, I thanked Mary for watching over our pilgrim group in so many ways and providing this special grace of opening the door of the monastery for our visit. We do not have to journey to the Holy Land to ask Mary to lead us to her Son
Archbishop Naumann reads the account of the Transfiguration at Mount Tabor from the Scriptures.
Students at the Al Misdar (Christ the King) School in Amman, Jordan, listen intently to Archbishop Naumann.
The principal of Al Misdar talks to Archbishop Naumann after a Mass at the school.
This year in Jerusalem Archbishop Naumann makes pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Story By Joe Bollig
Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar
Nov. 6 Opening prayer and welcome, senior high rally — St. James Academy, Lenexa Pastoral visit and confirmation — St. Patrick in Emerald and St. Joseph, Waverly Bless Commandments — St. Joseph, Waverly Nov. 7 Pastoral visit and confirmation — St. Teresa in Westphalia and St. Francis Xavier, Burlington Nov. 8 Taping of Archbishop’s Call to Share homily Vespers and dinner — Apostles of the Interior Life Nov. 9 Guest speaker at Catholic Business Network breakfast Finance Council meeting Confirmation — St. Aloysius, Meriden
during our earthly pilgrimage. We can be certain that she gratefully and eagerly receives any such prayers. We can
Nov. 10 Invocation for National Philanthropy Day “My Catholic Way” radio taping Mass and dinner, Knights of Holy Sepulcher — Visitation Church, Kansas City, Mo. Nov. 11 Father Tad Pacholczyk presentation to the archdiocesan Ethics Advisory Committee Confirmation — St. Dominic in Holton and St. Francis Xavier, Mayetta Nov. 12-13 Conference on exorcism, Baltimore
Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar
Nov. 4 Teach class, Mundelein Seminary Nov. 6 Give presentation on council documents at St. Mary’s, Chicago Nov. 11 Teach class, Mundelein Seminary
always count on Mary opening doors of opportunity for us to draw closer to Jesus.
Photos by Msgr. Henry Breier
T
he Sea of Galilee was calm and flat, but no one in the boat tried to walk in Saint Peter’s footsteps — on the water, that is. It was an inspirational cruise nonetheless. The boat trip on the Sea of Galilee was just one stop Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann made during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land with 43 members of the Equestrian Order of the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher. The sepulcher is the tomb of Jesus, located in Jerusalem. “We recalled St. Peter walking on the water,” said the archbishop. “And [we read about] the Lord calming the sea during a storm. There were no storm on the sea while we were there, but we were told they can be pretty fierce.” This was Archbishop Naumann’s second trip to the Holy Land; the first was 13 years ago, only a month after he was ordained an auxiliary bishop of St. Louis. For his second Holy Land pilgrimage, the archbishop left the United States on Oct. 14 and arrived in Tel Aviv on Oct. 15. His group started out by heading north to Galilee, and then working their way south to the Dead Sea and Jerusalem. The archbishop left Israel on Oct. 25 for Rome, where he had an audience with Pope Benedict XVI, then returned to the archdiocese on Oct. 28. Some things — like the Sea of Galilee and the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem — hadn’t changed since his first pilgrimage. Some things had, though, for better and worse. One positive thing was the opening of a border crossing between Israel and Jordan, which made it possible for the group to visit a Catholic school in Amman, the capital of Jordan. A negative thing was the construction of a barrier across the land separating Israeli and Palestinian populations. It was a sober
Archbishop Naumann (above) leads the pilgrims to Station VIII on the Way of the Cross in Jerusalem. Archbishop Naumann preaches about baptism at the probable site of John the Baptist’s ministry at the Jordan River. reminder of the violent divisions that are part of life in that place. The archbishop, who is grand prior of the Northern Lieutenancy in the order, served as spiritual director for the pilgrims. Msgr. Henry Breier, pastor of St. Raphael the Archangel Parish in St. Louis, was also in the group. “It was beautiful, absolutely beautiful,” said Pat McAnany, a member of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee. He and his
Turn to Archbishop on page 6
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)
Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com
Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com
Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com
President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann
Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com
Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com
Reporter Kara Hansen kara@theleaven.com
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4 LOCAL NEWS Continued from page 1
THE LEAVEN • november 5, 2010
THE LEAVEN • november 5, 2010
LOCAL NEWS 5
‘Let us sing of the days that are gone’
FOR MORE INFORMATION
center in Overland Park. She played her guitar and sang old popular songs like “Side by Side,” “(I’ll Be Loving You) Always,” “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and “Sentimental Journey.” Mary, who has had Alzheimer’s disease for more than six years, rarely speaks and is inactive. But while Drbal sang and played, she moved slightly with the music, smiled broadly several times and even spoke. (“Did you like that song, Mary?” “Yes, I did.”) She closed her eyes and dozed off during a soft and slow version of “Edelweiss.” Bill, 79, and Mary, 77, longtime members of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park, were married 55 years in September. Bill, who held Mary’s hand during most of the session, cared for his wife in their home for four years after her diagnosis; she has been at the nursing center for the last two. Drbal has been seeing Mary for about 10 months, not just playing guitar and singing for her, but interacting with her in a loving and playful way. Bill is pleased with the therapy. “I think it has been very beneficial to her,” he said. “She has these involuntary motions. You noticed her tongue movement. Also occasionally she has had hand and arm movements. Just fidgeting. The music Nora provides for her removes all of that from her. She completely relaxes. Sometimes she will even fall into a deep sleep.” Drbal said the biggest misconception about her work is that the music is just for entertainment. “People may not understand why music therapy with a guitar would be more valuable than just turning on the radio,” she said. But research bears out its many benefits for hospice patients: from relieving pain and agitation to providing an opportunity for communication and connection with loved ones. Andy Duncan, of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, said that most hospices incorporate music into their care, but music therapy with clinical goals is different. Music therapy began showing up in a lot of hospice programs in the mid ’90s, he said, and “really took off and started to grow exponentially in the late ’90s and early 2000s.” “It’s regional, in that there are a great deal of music therapy programs where others have started because it demonstrated such clinical benefit that it actually gave [those hospices] a marketing advantage,” he said. Drbal’s sessions are often weekly, typically 30 or 45 minutes long, and sometimes longer depending on the patient and the family. She usually plays guitar or keyboard and sings. Sometimes, particularly when there are children, she will bring small percussion instruments. The therapy can be interactive, or the patient and family may just listen. It can include song writing, discussion of
www.catholiccommunityhospice.com www.catholiccharitieskansas.org www.nhpco.org (the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization) www.musictherapy.org (American Music Therapy Association)
Mary Fields gets a chance to examine Nora Drbal’s guitar. Drbal has noticed that Mary reacts favorably to the music, allowing her to relax. lyrics, use of imagery and chanting. It is carefully tailored to each patient. “That’s the first rule of thumb,” Drbal said. “Pick music the patient will like and respond to.” Often songs will elicit memories, taking patients back to better times. “If you can find the right song or grouping of songs, you will start to see they’re there with you,” she said. “They may be songs that brought a couple together. When a wife reaches over to hold her husband’s hand, it’s just the most fulfilling feeling.” One challenge for Drbal is learning new music. She knows many songs from the ’30s to the ’40s and ’50s, for example. But some of her patients are younger. Like the Vietnam veteran who wanted a “celebration of life” service before he died. “He liked rock ’n’ roll, Bob Seger, that kind of thing,” said Drbal. She spent two-and-a-half hours with him one day, playing and learning songs, and just talking. He wanted to put some of his poetry to music. “I asked him to pick six poems,” Drbal said. But he died before they could complete their work. The man’s family and Brother Daryl Charron, chaplain with Catholic Community Hospice, incorporated some of the music into the man’s funeral. “He was down and music brought him up,” said Drbal, who has participated in funerals and memorial services for many of her patients. Tiffany James, a registered nurse and executive director of Catholic Community Hospice, said the work Drbal is doing has helped a lot of families. “We had one patient who had some young children,” James said. “The family, because [the woman] was so young, was just not able to talk about death, to say the word death, to even have those conversations. When we bring Nora in, she’s able to do that through music. “After a couple of weeks of using music therapy, the family, the children, were able to talk about what was going to happen to Mom and what they were
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“That’s the first rule of thumb. Pick music the patient will like and respond to. If you can find the right song or grouping of songs, you will start to see they’re there with you.”
”
Nora Drbal, music therapist going to do.” “Another place we tend to put her in,” James said, “is when a patient has dementia. A lot of times the patient can’t necessarily carry on a conversation anymore. . . . But they tend to really react to the music. You can tell they are enjoying it. It relaxes them. And so we’ve seen some great benefits on that end.” Drbal tells many touching stories about her patients. Like the woman with Alzheimer’s she saw only once. “The husband was there,” she said. “I asked, ‘Is there any music that might help you?’” He requested ‘Ave Maria’ because 60 years prior, a priest had not allowed the song at their wedding, saying the arrangement was ‘too secular.’” “She finally got her ‘Ave Maria,’” he said. The woman died that night. There was another patient with Alzheimer’s who slept a lot of the time. Drbal sang the same songs to her every week. One day, Drbal found the woman awake. “She started singing,” said the therapist. “The nurses couldn’t believe it. They said she only speaks gibberish. “The son told me, ‘I have never heard my mom sing. Ever.’” “It didn’t take her out of Alzheimer’s, but it was her communicating,” concluded Drbal. “She was hearing and benefiting from it.” Still another patient was a grandfather with cancer. He didn’t have long to reconnect with his grandkids after
he moved in with his daughter, who wanted to leave the children with positive memories of their grandpa. They found common ground with the Beatles and Elvis. Recalling some of her other patients’ stories brings a broad smile to Drbal’s face. Like the man who wanted her to sing “Hey, Hey, Good Lookin’” to his open casket. (She did.) Or the couple who requested “Going to Kansas City” and “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” for the woman’s funeral. “We did them in the room, and she started dancing in her wheelchair,” said Drbal, laughing. Or the professional harmonica player who agreed to have her work with him under one condition: She would learn to play the harmonica. Not only did Drbal learn to play the harmonica, she played with him and his band in two final concerts at a nursing home where he used to perform. “He wanted one more concert and one more student,” said Drbal, who still plays with the band, though the patient has died. Music therapy is not for everyone. A small percentage of Catholic Community Hospice patients receive the therapy. Some patients and families are not interested. But most just don’t know much about it. Back at Delmar Gardens, Drbal was singing “Que Será Será” to Mary, when she began extending her hand out toward the guitar. Drbal removed the strap, continuing the song a cappella, and presented the guitar to Mary, who held it for a long time, not wanting to let go. She slowly traced designs on the body with her fingertips and felt the strings while Drbal and Bill talked. When Mary finally loosed her grip on the instrument, Drbal began the last song of the session, the traditional Scottish “When You and I Were Young, Maggie,” substituting Mary’s name for Maggie’s. Bill sang along quietly, eyes on his wife. “And now we are older and grey, Mary. Our time on earth nearly done. Let us sing of the days that are gone, Mary, when you and I were young.” Tears came to Drbal’s eyes even in the telling, as they had several times throughout the interview. “I love my job,” Drbal said emphatically. “People say, ‘Isn’t it sad?’ “No! There’s so much joy. I have the greatest job in the world.”
Father Jaramillo
Father Livojevich
Father Ludwikoski
Father Williams
The few, the faithful, the chaplains By Joe Bollig Leaven staff
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — There are some things they don’t teach you in seminary — like how to hang on to a thundering Blackhawk helicopter, or keep your footing on the deck of a pitching aircraft carrier. A small group of archdiocesan pastors know all about it, because they are now, or have been, military chaplains. On Nov. 11, they will be remembered not only for their service, but their ministry. According to an informal count, there are approximately 13 priests, active or retired, who have either served in the military before ordination or became chaplains after ordination. Father Peter Jaramillo, SSA, has served as both a battalion and a brigade chaplain with the Kansas Army National Guard for 16 years. Currently, he holds the rank of lieutenant colonel and is now the brigade chaplain and deputy state chaplain for the Kansas Army National Guard. Father Peter was a priest for 10 years before joining the guard. In 2005 and 2006, he was deployed to Iraq, where he hopscotched through Baghdad and to various Forward Operating Bases to provide spiritual support to Catholic and non-Catholic soldiers. “It reaffirmed my vocation as a priest by giving me tremendous opportunities to practice my Catholic priesthood in an environment that was pluralistic and multicultural,” said Father Peter. It was very challenging to minister to soldiers in a war zone, not all of whom were Catholic, he said. Chaplains, in fact, serve not only soldiers of all faiths, but those with none at all. “You’re also challenged as a Catholic priest to reach out to nonreligious and non-Christians, and particularly those of Islamic backgrounds and Jewish backgrounds,” he said. “You have to be able to understand that the same God calls us to demonstrate spiritual support, and a sense of moral concern and support, as well as compassion.” Father Ron Livojevich, now retired, became a military chaplain four years after he was ordained. He spent time in the Coast Guard, the Marine Corps, and
the Navy. While in the Navy, he served at overseas bases and aboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy. “What I saw was the validity of all faiths,” he said. “We [chaplains] ministered in a pluralistic environment. And by seeing different faiths, you certainly appreciate who you are, but also appreciate the diversity of Christianity and the contributions of other faiths, such as Judaism and Islam.” Interacting with persons of other faiths made him appreciate his own Catholic faith even more, and how a priest can minister to Catholics and non-Catholics. “I learned that you can be a priest not only liturgically and speak to those of your own faith, but also to people of different faiths or no faith,” Father Livojevich said. “They still need pastoral care, no matter where they come from.” He also learned that the chaplain does an invaluable service. “We’re a combat multiplier,” said Father Livojevich. “If we keep the troops aware of their faith, and encourage them to practice their faith and live a moral life, they’ll be better soldiers and sailors.” The most important work a chaplain can do is to simply be present to those he serves. “Being there as a sign of God’s care and love for people,” he said. “I think this is one of the biggest things we do as chaplains.” Father Anthony Williams, now pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Olpe and St. Mary Parish in Hartford, was in the U.S. Air Force when he heard the call first to become a Catholic, and then to become a Catholic priest. “Of all my military experiences, the two assignments that have had the greatest impact on my priestly vocation are my temporary duty assignment to Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, and my permanent assignment to Clark Air Base, Philippines, during 1974,” said Father Williams. At Clark, Father Williams had an enthusiastic, committed Catholic as a roommate, and Father Anthony began to share his enthusiasm. And while at Korat, he began to study the Catholic faith and accompanied a nun on her visits to take the Eucharist to lepers. It was at Korat he was baptized a Catholic
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More than 1,000 Catholic military chaplains serve more than 1.2 million Catholics in 29 countries. at the base chapel. After seminary and ordination, he re-entered the Air Force. In his role as an Air Force chaplain, Father Williams travelled all over the world. Some duty involved living in uncomfortable or unconventional places. “As a Catholic chaplain, the most important moments were celebrating the Mass, hearing confessions, providing pastoral counseling, visiting the hospitalized, and — unfortunately — accompanying a commander on a death notification call,” said Father Williams. “Although many of these moments involved administering the sacraments,” he continued, “providing counseling and a ministry of presence to other service personnel became a very important part of base ministry — responding with care and concern for the general well-being of all members of the military.” Father James Ludwikoski, pastor of Good Shepherd in Shawnee, served as a U.S. Air Force Reserve chaplain in 1980, and then as an active duty chaplain from 1981 to 2009. He served all over the world, including the Middle East. “I learned the great need and appreciation by our soldiers and their families for the sacraments,” said Father Ludwikoski. “I learned their thankfulness to the various bishops who so generously released their priests to serve in the military. I learned how extremely
important it is to have a Catholic presence and Eucharist/penance for soldiers of all services in deployed areas.” The faith of military service people is tested in various ways, and includes separation from family, uncertainty, long hours and training schedules, and other unique challenges. “The cost of freedom is high,” said Father Ludwikoski. “Emotional, physical, psychic and spiritual turmoil is a constant in the lives of military families and the individual soldier. They endure this turmoil because of their great patriotism, their love of our country, and their desire for true freedom for their families and all of us.” Father Ludwikoski and other chaplains shared the burdens of their military flock. “I learned the degree that I could push myself, during long hours of battle-related situations, whether in the senior staff war room, in the field with the troops, doing one-minute counseling with soldiers or contractors, or celebrating Sunday Mass,” said Father Ludwikoski. “I was reinforced in the reality that our faith is international — serving Korean, British, Canadian, Australian, French and other troops at various locations. I learned repeatedly that where I was, as a priest, there the church was.” One of the greatest concerns military chaplains have is that there are too few priests in the military. According to Father Livojevich, there are half as many Navy chaplains now as when he was in the service. “There are too few Catholic priests in the military, particularly the Army,” said Father Peter. “We’re in such great need. I believe the statistics show that the Army has the largest number of Catholic military personnel and the smallest number of chaplains. Too few are responding to the great need. My pitch is: If there’s a priest in good health and good cheer willing to serve in the Army, it is a great experience.” Father Ludwikoski urged that all Catholics offer their support in prayer. “Please pray daily for all military personnel, especially those in harm’s way,” he said. “As our Holy Father has requested, and in the belief that prayer is vital, raise up your hands and hearts each day for peace in our world, especially in the Middle East.”
6 LOCAL NEWS
THE LEAVEN • november 5, 2010
THE LEAVEN • november 5, 2010
Archbishop follows in the footsteps of Jesus Continued from page 1 wife Mel were the only couple from the archdiocese on the pilgrimage. “We had Mass every day at a different site, whether it was at Cana where we renewed our wedding vows, or at Nazareth, or at Bethlehem. Each Mass was at a holy site so important to us as Catholics, and the archbishop did an incredible job of bringing the story [of that place] to our group.” The group was led by Father David Wathan, OFM, an American Franciscan priest from Kentucky who has been in the Holy Land for about 10 years. “When we got to a holy site, [Father David] would give us its Old Testament and New Testament history, and provide a context for what was happening there during the ministry of Jesus,” said McAnany. “Archbishop Naumann would give us the spiritual aspect as it pertained to our Catholic faith.” “The whole experience [of visiting the holy sites] brings to life the Scriptures in a new way as you read them in the context of the places where these events actually transpired,” said Archbishop Naumann. It’s hard to pick out one special moment or place from all the places the pilgrims went and all that they did, but a few stand out, said the archbishop. One was during Mass in a chapel at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth. “We were singing Marian hymns,” said the archbishop. “At one point, we
“The whole experience [of visiting the holy sites] brings to life the Scriptures in a new way as you read them in the context of the places where these events actually transpired.”
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Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann
were singing the ‘Ave Maria,’ and then the pilgrims [in a balcony] above us, who were from many countries, began echoing our song.” One of the highlights was definitely a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. This is the place from which the order takes its name and inspiration. While in the past the knights provided protection, today they are a social welfare and development organization to aid the Christians of the Holy Land. “One of the rights that Latin Rite Christians have is when a group [of the knights] visits as pilgrims, they are allowed to have a formal entry and welcome to venerate the tomb of Jesus,” said the archbishop. The archbishop also enjoyed a rare opportunity to celebrate Mass at the tomb of Christ.
“It’s an unusual setting to celebrate Mass,” said Archbishop Naumann. “The tomb is enclosed, kind of in two chambers. You go in, and most people have to bow down.” “The second chamber is the site of the tomb,” he continued. “The Liturgy of the Word is celebrated outside of the tomb, and the preparation of the gifts and the consecration is said within the tomb. You have to say the eucharistic prayer very loudly so those outside could hear. Only myself and two concelebrants could be at the altar.” The archbishop and Msgr. Breier also made a serene, early morning visit to Calvary. It was appropriate that the pilgrims concluded their pilgrimage with a stop in Rome to see the Holy Father. “We were following in the footsteps of Jesus, but we were also somewhat following in the footsteps of Peter,” said the archbishop. “It was a wonderful way to conclude the pilgrimage, to pray at the tomb of Peter and Paul as well, and to meet the successor of Peter.” Christians of the Holy Land are a minority, but their status is elevated by the many Christians who come as pilgrims. For information about making a pilgrimage, contact the Franciscan Foundation of the Holy Land at: www.ffhl.org, or the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land at: www. holylandpilgrimages.org.
End-of-life presentation to be held in Topeka
Conception Seminary College presents ‘Cotton Patch Gospel’
Kansas City, Kan. — Father Tad Pacholczyk, with the National Catholic Bioethics Center, will talk about end-of-life issues next week in Topeka. Austin Welsh, a Kansas City-area geriatrics doctor, will also speak. The event is open to the public. Topics include advance directive planning documents, Father moral principles, Tad Pacholczyk nutrition and hydration, hospice palliative care and assisted suicide. The event will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Nov. 11 in O’Connor Hall at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, 1750 S.W. Stone Ave., near 17th and Gage. For more information, call (785) 2725590.
Conception, Mo. — Conception Seminary College will present its fall theater production, “Cotton Patch Gospel,” on Nov. 12 and 13 at 8 p.m., and on Nov. 14 at 2:30 p.m. in the St. Michael Hall Gymnasium here. The musical is under the direction of Brother Cyprian Langlois, director of drama, at Conception Seminary College. It is produced by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing Company, Woodstock, Ill. “Cotton Patch Gospel” is a country/ western, bluegrass musical retelling of the Gospel of Matthew. The setting for this retelling is rural Georgia; the country music songs were written by the late Harry Chapin. The show takes the Bible’s passionate intensity and directness for contemporary meaning into the popular vein without diluting it. The musical is powerful drama and a joyous celebration that offers a vivid witness. “Cotton Patch Gospel” is entertaining and inspiring. Admission is $7 for all seats; children 12 and under attend free. No reservations or tickets are needed. For further information, call (660) 944-2837 or send an e-mail to: Cyprian@conception. edu.
Correction In last week’s Leaven, the cover story, titled “A capital idea,” had the name of the campus center incorrect. The official name is the Catholic Campus Center at Washburn University. The Leaven regrets the error.
Dorothy A. (Eisenbarth) and Donald E. Henry, members of St. James Parish, Wetmore, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Nov. 9. The Anniversaries couple was married on Nov. 9, 1950, at St. Patrick Church in Corning by Father Leo Horner. Their children and their spouses are: Tim Henry, Goff: Alice and Randy Tanking, Wetmore; Marlene and Matt Wagoner, Salina; Joan and Fred Hirsch, Abilene; and Craig and Pam Henry, Onondaga, Mich. They also have 21 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. There will be a Mass of thanksgiving on Dec. 4 at St. James Church, Wetmore, at 6:30 p.m. An open house hosted by their children will be held Dec. 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. at St. James hall, Wetmore.
Loretta (Barrett) and Ray Colwell, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Oct. 23 with a Mass, reception and dinner with their family. The couple was married on Oct. 28, 1950, at St. Joseph Church in Mason City, Iowa. Their children and their spouses are: Sheila and Jeff Priebe, Woodbury, Minn.; Colleen and John Hooley, Stillwater, Minn.; Michael and Lori Jo Colwell, Rochester, Minn.; Kathleen and Kevin Horst, Stillwater, Minn.; John and Barbara Colwell, Shoreview, Minn.; Maureen and Paul Scarrella, Vadnais Heights, MInn.; Kevin and Suzanne Colwell, Paola; Tim Colwell, Denver; and Patricia and Chris Kerr, Springfield, Mo. They also have 23 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Virginia and Charles Vogel, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Gardner, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 11 with family and friends at the Strawberry Hill Museum in Kansas City, Kan. The couple was married on Sept. 9, 1950, at St. John the Baptist Church, Kansas City, Kan. They have one son, Charles Edward Vogel.
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LENEXA — “If my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him?” (Mt 18: 21) “Seven” is the theme of a high school youth rally based on the Scripture verses in which Jesus tells Peter he must forgive not seven times, but 77 times. All high school students are invited to the rally to be held Nov. 6 at St. Archbishop Naumann James Academy in Lenexa. The day will be a featured begins at 10 a.m. speaker at the youth and ends at 5 p.m., rally Nov. 6. following Mass with Archbishop Joseph Naumann. The Mikey Needlemen Band will provide music for the rally; featured speakers will include Archbishop Naumann and Father Rob Spaulding. Father Spaulding will speak on forgiveness. Registration is $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Teens are asked to bring a sack lunch and drink with them. To register, visit the youth page of the archdiocesan Web site at: archkck.org or send an e-mail to: youth2@archkck.org.
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Like many Hispanics, though, he is unable to attend its Spanish Mass, which is in the afternoon. “Because most of the people work on Sunday afternoon in restaurants and stuff like that,” he explained. “In my case, I cannot be there on Sunday for many reasons. So I’m going in English, and I don’t have a choice on that.” Many families, said Wasserman, find themselves in the same situation. “A lot of people have expressed that,” she said. “Most of the families are working Saturday and Sunday. “So this [Saturday evening Mass] will serve the community well.” Planning an additional Mass, however, was only half the battle. The real challenge was getting the word out to the local Hispanic community. Again, they turned to Father Pat for help.
The Office of Hispanic Ministry The office of Hispanic ministry is the archdiocese’s response to the Hispanic presence. Its primary goal is to bring all Hispanic Catholics into enthusiastic participation in the life and mission of the church, while strengthening the unity of the one Body of Christ. The office of Hispanic ministry will network with other archdiocesan offices and the local parishes to ensure effective services and pluralistic ministries that develop leadership opportunities for Hispanics and expand the ministerial capacity of parishes to respond to the growing Hispanic presence within the archdiocese. For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.archkck.org, click on Department of Parish Ministries and then on the Hispanic Ministry tab.
Spreading the word
Leaven photo by Elaina Cochran
Father Pat Murphy, CS, animator for Hispanic ministry for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, celebrates Mass in Spanish at Holy Trinity Church in Lenexa.
Made to feel at
home
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How to reach out If you have a Spanish-speaking neighbor who might be interested in attending Catholic Church, Father Pat Murphy suggests you find out where there is a Spanish Mass close to them by checking on the archdiocesan Web page for Hispanic ministry at: http:// www.archkck.org/content/view/36/ “Just bring them over a piece of paper and say, ‘There are Spanish Masses if you’re interested,’” he said. “Sometimes the best way to begin is with the kids, because they’ll be able to speak both English and Spanish.”
Story by Jill Ragar Esfeld
ur Lady of Guadalupe found a new home at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa — and she moved in Oct. 30.
On that day, a statue of the famous patroness of Mexico was carried up the aisle of the little stone chapel that served as Holy Trinity’s first church. There, she was carefully placed in the sanctuary during the parish’s first Spanish Mass, where she was welcomed by a Hispanic community that nearly overflowed its space. “We estimated we would get about 100 people, and we ended up with more than 200,” said Anabella Wasserman, a Holy Trinity parishioner who helped organize this first Mass. “That’s a rough number,” she added. “All the pews were full. It was really fun to see — lots of young families and all kinds of people.” During the praying of the Our Father, when hands joined across the aisles, the feeling of community was palpable. Like Our Lady of Guadalupe, many of the participants at this Mass were finding a new home.
Leaven photo by Elaina Cochran
Holy Trinity identified the need for a Spanish Mass in its area through a parish initiative. The first Spanish Mass was celebrated on Oct. 30.
Identifying the needs Father Pat Murphy, CS, animator for Hispanic ministry for the archdiocese, was pleased with the turnout. It isn’t uncommon, he said, for Catholics to fall away from the church when they immigrate to the United States. “I’m sure some [Hispanic] people in the
area didn’t even realize that Holy Trinity was a Catholic church because maybe the Catholic church back home looks a little different,” he said. Father Pat estimated that possibly half of the Spanish-speaking Catholics in the archdiocese are not attending Mass. “Because they just don’t know where the Catholic church is, and where there
is somebody who speaks Spanish,” he explained. Holy Trinity identified the need for a Spanish Mass in its area through a parish initiative called AXIOM, which gathered information from surveys and community forum meetings to help determine how the parish could best serve God and his people. When AXIOM results indicated that many Spanish-speaking Catholics within the boundaries of Holy Trinity Parish were not having their pastoral needs met, a committee was formed to address the issue. Members turned first to Father Pat for help — to his surprise and delight. “Holy Trinity worked a little differently,” he said. “Usually, it’s the opposite. Usually, I’m knocking at the door saying, ‘Hey do you know how many Hispanics live in your neighborhood?’” added Father Pat. But he wasn’t complaining, and soon, with Father Pat’s help, the group decided the best way to begin its outreach was to offer a Spanish Mass. Holy Cross and St. Agnes churches in the Johnson County area already offered Spanish Masses on Sunday. Holy Trinity quickly recognized that a Mass on Saturday evening would fill a great need. Jorge Rivera lives in a Hispanic community associated with Holy Cross.
Several Catholic Spanish-speaking communities in the regions of Johnson County, Wyandotte County and Topeka have been up and running for some time now. “And so every year, each region does its own mission, going door-to-door to remind people that the Catholic Church is around,” explained Father Pat. St. Agnes parishioner Albert Perez has been doing missions as part of a community in Johnson County for five years. He compares it to Christ sending his apostles to reach out to people. “They’re immigrants; they don’t know where to go,” he said. “So, as a result, we have to reach out to them. We go out and knock on the doors and say, ‘Hey, we have Mass here.’” This fall, the Johnson County communities of St. Agnes and Holy Cross churches did their mission in the Holy Trinity Parish area. Rivera, who took charge of the evangelization effort, was impressed with the enthusiasm of Holy Trinity parishioners — especially those who were not Hispanic. “It’s something strange to see an Anglo excited to have a Spanish Mass in their church,” he said. “It was a good, good thing. Honestly, I’ve been four years doing missions and I never saw that happiness from the Anglos!” Morning and afternoon evangelization teams were formed and given maps of the area around Holy Trinity Church with a concentration of Spanish-speaking families. Teams fanned out in those areas to knock on doors, wearing T-shirts imprinted with an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. They went by twos, stopping to join hands and pray before they knocked at each door. At first, it didn’t seem like many people were going to respond to the knocks. But once word got around about the message being delivered, people were eager for information. “When we first went there, there was nobody,” said Perez. “Then they just started coming out in the streets. “The word got out — our T-shirts spoke for themselves. Pretty soon it was all over the streets — no matter what block we went to they were all out.” “We told them to spread the word to their neighbors,” he said. Clearly, the message was heard. The Mass attendance was beyond anyone’s expectations. Yet Father Pat assured those in attendance that Holy Trinity could handle an even larger crowd, if necessary, in its newer church building.
The future is bright Elizabeth Saurez who, along with her husband William, played a vital role in
Leaven photo by Jill Ragar Esfeld
Jorge Rivera (left) and William Suarez, who headed up the evangelization effort for Holy Trinity’s Spanish Mass, mark maps to help volunteers identify areas where Hispanics live.
Leaven photo by Jill Ragar Esfeld
St. Agnes parishioner Albert Perez knocks on doors hoping to inform Spanish-speaking families about the new Spanish Mass at Holy Trinity Church in Lenexa. Anunciando Una Nueva Misa Misa en español a las 6:30pm cada sabado Iglesia Católica Santísima Trinidad en Lenexa Holy Trinity Catholic Church 9130 Pflumm Lenexa, KS 66215 Para mayor informacion: Llamar a la oficina del ministerio Hispano al (913) 218-6644.
Leaven photo by Jill Ragar Esfeld
Before going out to spread the news about the new Spanish Mass at Holy Trinity, volunteers join hands to pray. organizing the Spanish Mass, passed out forms requesting volunteers to fill the roles of acolytes, lectors, ushers and eucharistic ministers at future Masses. The response was overwhelming. “Everybody was so generous,” said Wasserman. “So we will initiate training for that in November.”
“People were already asking when are confessions and can we start praying the rosary on the first Saturday each month before Mass,” she said. After the Mass, a reception was held in the chapel basement with treats of hot chocolate and Mexican sweetbread. “It was packed,” said Wasserman.
“People that Father Pat had never seen were there, and he was really excited.” “What surprises me is that the community continues to grow,” said Father Pat. “And I think, when the census numbers come out, we’re going to be pretty surprised by how big our Hispanic community is here.” Father Pat said he was grateful to the parish community of Holy Trinity for opening their doors to their Spanishspeaking neighbors Wasserman agreed. “We need to thank Father Tom [Dolezal, pastor of Holy Trinity] for allowing us to come to Holy Trinity. Without his approval, none of this would have happened.”
10 nation
THE LEAVEN • November 5, 2010
CCHD adopts stronger policy to ensure funds used well WASHINGTON (CNS) — Under persistent criticism from a small but vocal group of activists as well as questions from some bishops, leaders of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development have established “stronger policies and clearer mechanisms” to guide how grants are awarded to poverty-fighting groups and strengthen oversight of how funds are spent. Made public Oct. 26, the plan places greater emphasis on the Catholic identity of the 41-year-old program and renews the U.S. bishops’ commitment to fight poverty in all its forms, said Bishop Roger P. Morin of Biloxi, Miss., chairman of the bishops’ CCHD subcommittee. “There were those who were concerned that renewal in some way might mean moving away from a priority of helping the poor achieve greater self-sufficiency. There is a reaffirmation that the CCHD will continue to have a priority for the poor and in helping the poor to help themselves. That has not changed,” Bishop Morin told Catholic News Service. A 15-page document outlining the changes, “The Review and Renewal of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development,” provides a “road map for the renewal” of the program.
Intermarriage more common for Reform Jews, less for Catholics NEW YORK (CNS) — Religiously mixed marriages are becoming more common among those who practice Reform Judaism but have shown a significant decline among American Catholics in the past 20 years, speakers said at a recent meeting of a Catholic-Jewish dialogue group. Forty-six percent of married Reform Jews have spouses who identify themselves as having another faith, while 26 percent of Catholic marriages involve partners who are non-Catholic, participants in the semiannual consultation of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Council of Synagogues were told. “Whereas 30 years ago a Christian-Jewish couple might have approached a rabbi with embarrassment about their intentions to marry, today they’re asking about spirituality programs in which the both of them can feel comfortable,” said Rabbi Charles Kroloff, who chaired a task force on intermarriage. The percentage of Jews in mixed marriages becomes progressively lower as one moves across the spectrum from Reform to Conservative to Orthodox Judaism. Only Reform rabbis can officiate at such weddings without incurring sanctions from their denomination, Rabbi Kroloff said.
THE LEAVEN • november 5, 2010
New answers sought to deal with Asia’s homeless
Farmworker coalition hails agreement By Laura Dodson
Catholic News Service IMMOKALEE, Fla. (CNS) — Silvia Perez, who has survived the worst during her 17 years of working in the tomato fields, said she was overjoyed with recent landmark events aimed at increasing wages and improving working conditions. “It is the message of my church (Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish) and my faith that has kept me going,” she said. “My belief is that if I worked hard for change — things would change and these images of hope would become reality.” On Oct. 12, Pacific Tomato Growers, one of the country’s oldest and largest tomato growers, signed an agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers joining its Campaign for Fair Food. On Oct 21, Six L’s Packing Co., Florida’s largest tomato grower, followed its lead. Perez has worked for both. “Underneath the agreements, there are assurances that the workers will be able to speak up regarding both abuses and the conditions,” she said. “For example, if there’s physical abuse, like the teenage boy who was beaten bloody because he was thirsty and went for a drink of water, or the lack of facilities to use. “If there’s a particular labor contractor who is being over-demanding in how they treat workers, the workers will be able to speak up against this abuse,” Perez said in an interview. The signed agreements set new standards for social responsibility, incorporating a code of conduct that includes complaint resolution, a health and safety program, and education for farmworkers that encourages them to become active participants in the industry they serve. There also will now be external auditing to ensure payment of a penny-per-pound increase that raises farmworker wages. The coalition’s efforts have included letter-writing campaigns, boycotts and marches that have resulted in agreements with major fast-food corporations such as Yum Brands, which includes Taco Bell, as well as McDonald’s and Burger King.
By Rita Fitch
Catholic News Service
CNS photo/Reuters CNS photo/Hans Deryk, Reuters
DALAI LAMA WAITS TO HAVE PHOTO TAKEN — The Dalai Lama, exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, waits as Rabbi Solomon Schiff of Miami Beach hands a camera to Father Patrick O’Neill, director of ecumenism and interfaith relations for the Miami Archdiocese. The rabbi and Buddhist leader posed for a photo after an interfaith lecture at Temple Emanu-El in Miami Beach Oct. 26, during which the Dalai Lama as part of his North American tour lectured on “The Significance of World Religions.”
Miami parishioners help with online memorial for victims By Tom Tracy
Catholic News Service MIAMI (CNS) — As thousands gathered to kick off a spiritual revival week at Notre Dame d’Haiti Church in Miami, Nadege Charles, a parishioner and local print journalist, searched for family or friends of Haiti earthquake victims. Charles, a reporter for The Miami Herald, joined other volunteers who staffed an information booth Oct. 18 during Notre Dame’s Jericho spiritual renewal week promoting an online project called the Haiti Memorial Database. Volunteers from the newspaper hope to fill an information void following the Jan. 12 earthquake by gathering names of those killed in the disaster and honoring their memory. Internet users can find the project online and enter names of earthquake victims, upload photos or write messages in memoriam to loved ones. The site is: www.miamiherald. com/haiti/memorial. Names also are being collected by Herald staff in Haiti, as well as through Facebook. “I had the idea to come here to the church, and I will be here several nights this week and on Sunday,” said Charles,
holding paperwork with names and information about the deceased. In its eighth year, the revival event at Notre Dame d’Haiti attracts HaitianAmericans from around the South Florida region and beyond, including Haiti. More than 50 earthquake fatality reports were collected in the first several hours at Notre Dame d’Haiti. “I find that nine months later that loss from the earthquake is still there. One lady here told us a stepson killed in the earthquake was wrapped up in a blanket and thrown into a hole. She said, ‘Thank you for taking his name down because we have nothing to remember him by,’” Charles said. Although an estimated 300,000 may have perished in the Haiti earthquake, “we are finding out the names are still unknown as a lot of people are not sure if a specific person is living or dead,” Charles said, adding she keeps a stack of the memorial forms with her at all times. The Miami Herald’s assistant world editor for Latin America, Nancy San Martin, is credited with the idea behind what she calls the cyber-memorial — an idea that came to fruition during a newsroom brainstorming session at the newspaper arguably most connected to Haiti outside that country.
CHILEAN MINER RECEiVES COMMUNION — Rescued miner Carlos Mamani receives Communion during a Mass of thanksgiving held at the San Jose mine near Copiapo, Chile, Oct. 17. Some of the 33 miners who were rescued last week after 69 days trapped underground returned to the site of their rescue for the service.
Chilean miners’ families kept faith in God, says reporter By Barb Fraze
Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — A reporter who covered the Chilean mine rescue for The Associated Press said the miners’ families always believed their loved ones were alive, and that belief was based on faith. “Many of these families had faith when much of the rest of Chile probably didn’t, from the Aug. 5 collapse until authorities discovered [the miners] were alive on Aug. 23,” said the reporter, Peter Prengaman, 35, a member of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Atlanta. Prengaman traveled to Copiapo, Chile, in late August and early September, then returned again to cover the October rescue. In an e-mail interview with Catholic News Service, he said family members often spoke of their faith and “of a belief that they would see their loved ones again.” “The Catholic presence, and faith in general, was everywhere,” he told CNS. “The family members wore crosses and had religious altars dedicated to their trapped family members. They prayed constantly, and attended Masses that were given at the mine on Sundays.” Prengaman said he had more of a chance to get to know the miners’ families when he went to Copiapo in August, before the media descended on the town for the rescue. In the summer, “you could actually sit
down around a campfire, drink tea and shoot the bull,” he said, adding that “getting to know the families was enriching.” “These are mining families that live with the reality that their loved ones could be killed or injured,” he said. They had “a very salt-of-the-earth quality about them. They were patient, open to letting reporters into their lives, and had a deep faith in God.” In October, when he returned, “there must have been like 50 reporters for each family member, which made it tough to get in-depth interviews with people,” he said. Prengaman was a natural choice for the New York editors to send to Chile, because he had lived and studied in Chile in 2001-2002 and married a Chilean. “Covering the rescue was a sort of magical, mystical experience that I will never forget,” Prengaman said. He added that he often prayed during the ordeal, but he prayed privately, because “faith is a deeply personal thing.” “Probably the most spiritual [event] for me was seeing the rescuer get out of the capsule underground and get mobbed by jubilant miners,” he said. “Why was it spiritual? Because for more than two months, the miners, their families, Chile and many people in the world were waiting and praying for that moment. So to see it happen, and know it was then just a question of time until all 33 were saved, was really moving.”
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The constantly increasing number of homeless in Asia and the exploitation of homeless women and children in the region led the Vatican and Asian bishops to hold a special joint meeting in Bangkok to look at ways to increase the church’s response. The Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers and the office for human development of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences held a meeting Oct. 19-23 to discuss how the church in Asia and Oceania can better respond to the pastoral needs of people living on the street. Numerous religious and charitable institutions representing 16 countries in the region attended. Archbishop Antonio Veglio, president of the pontifical council, gave the opening address Oct. 19. He highlighted the wide spectrum of men, women and children who, for various reasons, are forced out of a normal home life. He said women and children who live on the street often fall victim to human trafficking and are exploited for prostitution or labor; additionally, street children are often forced into crime, drugs and gang violence, he said. “This phenomenon had hit unprecedented levels, to the extent that it can be considered as a new form of slavery,” the archbishop said. Women and children also make up the majority of the world’s 1 billion homeless people, he said. The problem of homelessness is a complex one, he said, because it is “not just the loss of a roof, but a home to live with dignity, security and health.” Every day more than 50,000 people die as a result of poor shelter, said the archbishop. “There is no doubt that the church in Asia and Oceania is actively seeking to address this challenging situation,” he said, adding that the meeting was an opportunity to explore and discover new strategies for expanding and collaborating on efforts.
world 11
Church among first to mourn former president’s death BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (CNS) — The former president of Argentina, Nestor Kirchner, who died from a heart attack Oct. 27, was not an obviously religious man. In addition, his relationship with the Catholic Church hierarchy in Argentina often was a difficult one. On several occasions Kirchner, 60, criticized the church for not doing enough to oppose the military dictatorship in power between 1976 and 1983. When Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos Aires sent a priest to administer the sacrament of the anointing of the sick when Kirchner was ill in February, the former president’s entourage sent him packing. Still, church officials were among the leading voices in honoring the late former president hours after his death was announced. Even the passage in July of laws allowing same-sex couples to marry and adopt children — legislation which he and his wife, current President Cristina Kirchner, supported — did not mute the church’s praise. Argentina remains a deeply religious country, especially in the countryside, and while many Argentines shared Nestor Kirchner’s views about the church during the dictatorship, they still expect their presidents to be practicing Catholics. Masses were celebrated across Argentina within hours of Nestor Kirchner’s death. Many churches could not accommodate the overflow crowds and installed speakers so that those gathered outside could hear the services.
Vatican says it hopes Iraq does not execute Tariq Aziz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican hopes the death penalty will not be carried out against former Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz, 74, said the Vatican spokesman. “The position of the Catholic Church on the death penalty is known,” the spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, said Oct. 26, the day the Iraqi high court sentenced Aziz to death by hanging. “Therefore, it is truly to be hoped that the sentence against Tariq Aziz will not be carried out, precisely in order to favor reconciliation and the reconstruction of peace and justice in Iraq after the great suffering it has undergone,” he said. Father Lombardi said the Vatican might use diplomatic channels to intervene in the case. The court sentenced Aziz, a Catholic who also served as foreign minister for then-Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, for persecution of Shiite religious parties. Aziz is currently in prison and in poor health. He has been convicted for his role in the 1992 execution of more than three dozen merchants found guilty of profiteering and for his role in the forced displacement of Kurds in northern Iraq. Aziz has 30 days to appeal.
12 CLASSIFIEDS
THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 5, 2010
Employment
Semi-retired arborist - Available for tree and shrub trimming. Call Bob at (913) 231- 6460.
Director, Prairie Star Ranch - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas seeks a dynamic professional to oversee and be involved with all aspects of the Prairie Star Ranch facility, located in Williamsburg. Major duties include coordinating retreats throughout the year and managing many important aspects of the annual summer camp. Ideal candidate will have dynamic presentation skills, proven experience in the Catholic formation of youth K - 12, and a commitment to hospitality. Requires strong budgeting and recordkeeping skills. Requires a bachelor’s degree in youth ministry, theology or a related field; master’s degree preferred. Background in camping, youth ministry, or religious education preferred. The director must also be an active and practicing member of his/her parish. A complete job description and application 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 Nov. 23, to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Camp Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send, via e-mail, to: kthomas@archkck.org.
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.
Secretary/bookkeeper - For St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing. Contact Father Bill McEvoy at (913) 727-3768 or send an e-mail to him at: Fr.Wm. McEvoy@gmail.com. Part-time bowling machine mechanic - St. John’s Catholic Club, Kansas City, Kan., needs someone to maintain a six-lane house in the men’s club. All late model 1960s Brunswick equipment. Call Kenny at (913) 788-9758. 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.
Services Mortgage rates have never been lower!!! Considering a refinance or new home purchase? Call today to see how much money you can save. We make mortgage loans easy and hassle-free. Evening and weekend appointments available. Members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa. Call Kurt or Angie at Approved Mortgage Inc. (913) 599-0004 An equal housing lender. KS mortgage number MC0002252 Husband and wife cleaning team - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959. Housecleaning - Charmaine will provide you with excellent service you can depend on. Years of experience in satisfying customers. Serving the Greater KC metro area. Call Charmaine at (913) 972-7900. Old-fashioned cleaning - Hand-mopping; a consistent, thorough job every time! Years of experience; excellent references. Special occasion, party and holiday cleaning. I make a great gift! Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006. Piano teacher - With over 30 years experience, accepting new students. Young beginners through advanced; three through 18 years of age. I provide a caring, creative, and positive learning environment. To schedule a visit to my studio, call (913) 832-7079 or send an e-mail to: ainewendler@hotmail.com. Therapeutic life coach - If you are tired, depressed, anxious, fed up or aren’t living the life of your dreams, therapeutic life coaching may be the answer you are looking for. Call Adrienne, a professional therapeutic life coach, at (913) 568-5930 or visit the Web site at: www.quantumchangetherapeuticcoaching. com. Leaven readers receive a 50% discount. Yard clean up Gutters and leaf removal Insured and bonded. Local parishioner. Free estimates. Call (913) 620-6063. Counseling - Topeka Marriage and family, child, teen, personal Shunga Creek Mental Health Call Ken Zweig, LSCSW at (785) 969-5308.
Foley’s Lawn Care Now scheduling fall cleanups. Providing you with mowing, overseeding, aeration, verticutting, gutter cleaning and mulching. Serving Johnson County for over 10 yrs. St. Joseph parishioner. (913) 825-4353 www.foleyslawncare.com. Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 422-0610; or send an e-mail to: tkidd@kc.rr.com.
Caregiving Certified CNA – Available to give the very best care to your loved one. Excellent references and background check. Call (913) 999-4340. Retired nurse - Available to care for your loved one. Days, nights, and weekends. Will consider livein; willing to relocate. References; salary negotiable. Call (913) 579-5276. Mature Catholic woman - Available for parttime caregiving. Excellent references. Years of experience. Mid-Johnson County area preferred. Call (913) 579-8914. 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/week, Benefits of Home-Senior Care can provide assistance with personal care, shopping and many other daily needs. For details, visit our Web site at: benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.
Home Improvement Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 Clutter problems? Embarrassing garage, basement, attic or any room? Let me help you get organized! Items sorted, grouped, boxed and labeled; areas clean when finished. Great references and insured. Twenty years experience! Handyman repairs also available. To view “before” and “after” pictures, visit my Web site at: WWW.SWALMS.COM. Tillar Swalm (913) 375-9115. 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. Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and southern KC metro area. Call Pat at (913) 9639896. Painting, exterior and interior, drywall projects, powerwashing, rotted window sills repaired - Quality products. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 341-7584. 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. 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. Masonry work – Quality, new or repair work. Brick, block, and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second generation bricklayer. Call (913) 829-4336.
THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 5, 2010 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, Lenexa. Father-and-son team - These guys can do it all — exterior painting, decks, fences, retaining walls, metal buildings, patios, porches, and driveways. We’ll do your job for a reasonable price! Call Josh at (913) 709-7230. 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. 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. 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
For Rent Lenexa duplex - 3 BR, 1-1/2 BA, updated, fireplace, hardwoods, one-car garage. One year lease, $825/month. Call Traci or Greg at (913) 768-6447. 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 and Johnson Dr. $500/month; utilities included. 10911 W. 59th Terr. To view, visit the Web site at: www.shawnee-rentals.com. Call (913) 649-7596.
Real Estate Westwood home FSBO - 3 BR, 2-1/2 BA ranch. Low utilities; well-insulated; dry, partially fin. bsmt.; lots of storage; fenced backyard; hardwood floors. SME school district; near St. Agnes Parish and Bishop Miege High School. $169,500. Call (913) 432-2287. Ottawa home - 3 BR, 3 BA ranch. Full fin. walkout bsmt. Across from country club. Easy access to I-35. Next to park. $149,950. MLS#1692987. Call Betty Birzer, Reece & Nichols, at (785) 418-5701 or (785) 229-8890 or visit: www.betty birzer.com. Walk to St. James Academy - 9621 Appleridge Lane, Lenexa.Beautiful 4 BR, 4-1/2 BA, plus main level office. Exquisite open floor plan with mud room, semi-finished basement, and more. On a cul-de-sac. For information, call Cynthia Sowle, Coldwell Banker, at (913) 240-3263. Fairway ranch - 2 BR, 1 BA. 4011 W. 62nd Terr. LeafGuard, attached garage with extended driveway, newer roof, extra insulation, new windows, furnace and AC with programmable thermostat, appliances. $115,000. Visit: www.fsbo-kc.com, id 6018. Topeka home – 4 BR, 1-1/2 BA, colonial-style home. Desirable neighborhood, one mile from Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish. First-floor family room, hardwood floors, oversized double garage, unique architectural details, lovingly maintained. Pool membership. $169,000. Call (785) 633-2804. Kansas City, Kan. FSBO - 2 BR, 2 BA home in excellent condition in maintenance-free Parkway Village retirement community (55+ years old). Located on a cul-de-sac near 83rd and Parallel, Kansas City, Kan. Near Providence Hospital and St. Patrick Parish. Washer, dryer, refrigerator and stove all remain. Call Joyce at (913) 647-0327. Olathe home - Cozy up to a beautiful floor-toceiling, wood-burning, brick fireplace! 3 BR, 1-1/2 BA, finished lower level, two-car garage, raised ranch with wonderfully landscaped front yard. All new paint
inside and out; new flooring and carpet; newer roof; new HVAC and dishwasher; new kitchen cabinets and countertops. Appliances stay — including washer and dryer. Large decks, fenced yard, shed and private backyard that backs to woods. Walk to schools. Shopping minutes away. Seller is motivated; move in tomorrow! Best price in Olathe at $144,950. Located at 714 E. 125th Terr. Call (913) 825-4040 or send an e-mail to: becky@divateam.com. Wonderful true 5-bedroom home - Prince of Peace, Olathe. Only $175,000. Great updates; excellent condition. Fenced yard. Master with bath; laundry on main level. Motivated seller. 1430 E. Wells Fargo Dr. Minutes from Garmin and hwys. Call Rita Moley Dickey, Reece and Nichols, at (913) 269-4786.
Vacation Ski Winter Park, Colo., this spring break! Fixed week #9 from 2/26/11 - 3/5/11. Very nice condo. 2 BR, 2 BA, with kitchen and fireplace. Pets are OK. Rent for $400 per week, or buy for $1200. To view, Google “Inn at Silver Creek.” Call (913) 649-7596. Vacation rental - Marriott Frenchman’s Cove time share, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Jan. 8 - 15, 2011. 1 BR, 1 BA, suite with two queen beds, private entrance, balcony and kitchenette. To view, visit the Web site at: www.marriottvacationclub.com. $1,000/ week. Call Amy at (816) 853-0307. Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA, on free ski shuttle route. $110/night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the Web site at: cabin.forcadeassociates.com. 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.
For Sale 5’ round brome hay bales - I have 83 bales of this summer’s hay for sale. Hay is located between Greeley and Lane, Kan. $25 each. Contact Leon at (913) 491-1272 (evenings) or (913) 441-2888 (during the day). Heirloom quality, solid wood doll furniture - For the 16” to 18” doll, such as the American Girl doll. Beds, bunk beds, canopy beds, daybeds, cradles, tables and chairs, school desk, and more. Custommade bedding. Order or purchase early for Christmas. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. There will be an open house from noon - 5 p.m. on Nov. 13 and 14 at 5619 Widmer Rd., Shawnee. Call (913) 631-4060. Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 393-2042.
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.
Misc. Donate a vehicle. Make a difference. Donate your vehicle to Catholic Charities to support those in need. Your tax-deductible donation of a vehicle helps children and families served by Catholic Charities and is an environmentally responsible way to recycle your vehicle. Cars for KC Kids is a partnership between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Catholic Charities of Kansas City - St. Joseph. Call 1 (866) 430-9499 or visit the Web site at: www.cars4kckids.com.
6
Nov.
The Knights of Columbus of Sacred Heart Church, 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host an all-you-can-eat fried chicken dinner from 5 - 7 p.m. on Nov. 6 in the parish hall. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for children under 12. The Knights of Columbus of Sacred Heart Church, 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host a fundraising dinner and Texas hold’em poker tournament at 6 p.m. on Nov. 6 in the parish hall. A suggested donation of $30 is appreciated. For information, call (913) 963-9095. Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood, will host its inaugural 5K and one-mile fun run and pancake breakfast on Nov. 6 at 9 a.m. on the church
grounds. For information or to register, visit the Web site at: www.cureofars5k. com.
Donnelly College, 608 N. 18th Street in Kansas City, Kan., will host “Donnelly Dash” a 5K run/walk on Nov. 6 at the campus. Registration and check in will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the race at 9 a.m. Early registration costs $15 per person; $5 for students; children under age 12 are free. After Oct. 25, the cost is $20 per person. For information or to register, visit the Web site at: www.donnelly. edu/dash.
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 Nov. 6 at Holy Spirit Church, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park. The sacrament of anointing of the sick will be offered. For information, call the parish office at (913) 492-7318 or Marge Hattrup at (913) 492-7682. Holy Angels Parish, 15440 Leaven-
worth Rd., Basehor, will host its annual craft fair from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Nov. 6 in Father Quinlan Hall. Twenty-five booths featuring a wide variety of crafts ranging from woodworking to wreaths to jewelry and dried flower arrangements will be available. The event is free and open to the public. For information, contact Annie Clark at (913) 724-2212. The Mother Teresa Circle will host a friendship tea at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 6 in
Pflumm Hall at Holy Cross School, 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park. Tickets cost $10. For information or reservations, call Maxine at (913) 383-2014 or Donna at (913) 402-6843.
Good Shepherd Parish, 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee, will host its annual fiesta in honor of its sister community, El Buen Pastor in El Salvador, after the 5 p.m. Mass on Nov. 6 in the parish hall. The cost is $7.50 per person in advance; $8.50 at the door. Children ages 5 and under eat free. To purchase tickets, visit the Web site at: www.goodshepherdshawnee.org.
The Catholic women’s organization at Holy Angels Parish, 154th and Leaven-
worth Rd., Basehor, will host its annual craft fair from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Nov. 6 in Father Quinlan Hall. Twenty-five booths will feature items including dried flower arrangements, woodworking, jewelry and Christmas crafts. For information, contact Annie at (913) 724-2212.
The Militia of the Immaculata Ave Maria Village will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 6 in the banquet hall at Redemptorist Church, 3333 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo. In celebration of the feast of Holy Relics,
several first class relics will be on display for veneration. For information, call Christine Rossi at (913) 268-0208.
from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 7. Cost is a free will donation. There will also be a raffle and country store.
6 & 7 The performing arts department of
St. Ann Church, Effingham, will host a ham and bean and chicken and noodle dinner from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Nov. 7 in the parish center. A freewill offering will be collected; carryouts will be available. There will also be a country store and bingo.
St. Thomas Aquinas High School will present the musical “West Side Story” at 7 p.m. on 6 and 7 and at
2 p.m. on Nov. 7 in the school’s theater. Tickets cost $6 per person. For information or to purchase tickets, call (913) 345-1411 or visit the Web site at: www. stasaints.net/theater.
7 The host their annual
Little Sisters of the Poor will fall festival and spaghetti dinner from noon - 5 p.m. on Nov. 7
at 8745 James A. Reed Road, Kansas City, Mo. All proceeds will benefit their home for the elderly poor. For information, call (816) 761-4744.
Our Lady of Unity Parish will host a smothered steak dinner from noon - 5
p.m. on Nov. 7 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 2910 Strong, Kansas City, Kan. The cost is $7 for adults; $3 for children ages 10 and under. Carryouts will be available. There will also be a boutique and raffles.
St. Mary Church, St. Benedict, will host its annual pancake breakfast from 7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Nov. 7. A freewill offering will be collected. Holy Trinity Church, 601 E. Chippewa, Paola, will host a fall bazaar on Nov. 7. A turkey dinner with all the trimmings will be served from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. The cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children. Carryouts will be available. There will be bingo, a cakewalk, a country store, children’s games and raffles.
The fifth annual pro-life forum for eighth-grade and high school students and parents will be held from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 7 at Immaculate Conception Church, 606 S. Elm, Louisburg. Mater Dei Parish, Topeka, will host a fall bazaar from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Nov.
7 at the school, located at 10th and Clay. A traditional turkey dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. The cost is: $7 for adults; $3.50 for youth; children under three eat free. There will be a country store with handmade items, a cakewalk, bingo, children’s games, raffles and more.
Bishop Ward High School, 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host an open house from 1 - 3 p.m. on Nov. 7. Come
learn about Ward’s strong Catholic, college-prep tradition and its unique academic and spiritual programs. For information, call the admissions office at (913) 371-6901 or visit the Web site at: www.wardhigh.org. The Ladies Guild of St. Bernard Parish, 1102 8th St., Wamego, will host its annual stitch ’n’ stuff bazaar on Nov. 7. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. There will be a country store with handcrafted items and baked goods, a cakewalk, bingo, children’s games and raffles. For information, call Sharon at (785) 456-2994 or Pam at (785) 456-9529. St. Mary – St. Anthony Church, 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host an afternoon of bingo and socializing at 2 p.m. on Nov. 7 in Bishop Forst Hall. The cost of $5 includes a bingo card, desserts, popcorn, and coffee and tea. Beer and soda will be available for purchase. For information, call Carol at (913) 897-4833 or the parish office. St. Benedict Church, Bendena, will have a turkey and dressing dinner
The department of fine arts-music at the University of Saint Mary will commemorate the 1858 landing of the Sisters of Charity in Leavenworth with its annual Founders’ Day concert at 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 in Annunciation Chapel on the Leavenworth campus, 4100 S. 4th St. The concert is free and open to the public.
CALENDAR 13
bingo on Nov. 13. Doors open at 5:30
p.m.; dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m.; bingo will follow at 7:30 p.m. A suggested donation of $15 includes a chili dinner, dessert, beverages, and a bingo card. To purchase advance tickets, contact Margaret at (913) 481-1227, Patty at (913) 721-1452, Bernadette at (816) 891-7247, or Sandy at (913) 492-2612.
13-15
The archdiocesan vocation office will sponsor “Encounter With God’s Call,” a campus visit to Conception Seminary College, on Nov. 13 - 15. Young
men age 16 and older are invited to attend with Father Mitchel Zimmerman to sample college seminary life. There is no charge. For information or to register, visit the Web site at: kcvocations.com.
8 Looking for a place to volunteer? 13-17 Orchard, and
Advice and Aid Pregnancy Center will host an informational meeting from 7 - 9 p.m.
on Nov. 8 at 11031 W. 75th Terr., Shawnee. Come learn about our service opportunities! For information or to RSVP, contact Mary Newcomer at (913) 962-0200 or send an e-mail to her at: volunteer@adviceandaid.com.
9
Marillac Center, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, will offer a personal enrichment program, entitled “Living in Full Swing,” from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Nov. 9. The registration fee of $50 includes lunch and a book. Scholarships are available based on need. The registration deadline is Nov. 1. For information, call (913) 758-6552; send an e-mail to: retreats @scls.org; or visit the Web site at: www.MarillacCenter.org.
11
The auxiliary at St. Joseph Medical Center, I-435 and State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo., will host a book fair on Nov.
11 from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. and on Nov. 12 from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the medical mall. This book fair features quality books and unique gifts. You will find bestsellers, general interest, cookbooks, storybooks for children, educational, early learning, health, home and garden, and music CDs, along with games and toys.
Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host a one-day retreat, entitled “Illu-
minating The Word: The Gospel of John,”
presented by Sister Mary Irene Nowell, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Nov. 11. The cost is $50. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the Web site at:
www.mountosb.org/sophia.
12-14
Divorced? Widowed? Beginning Experience weekend gently helps people move through their loss to a new beginning. The next weekend for the Kansas City area will be Nov. 12 - 14. For information or for registration material, send an e-mail to: BEWeekendKC@hotmail.com; call John at (913) 219-3465 in Kansas City, Michelle
at (785) 478-3481 in Topeka, or Jerry at (785) 843-2079 in Lawrence; or visit the Web site at: www.beginningexperience. org.
13
The Mothers of Young Children group of Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood, will host its annual gift gallery from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Nov. 13 in the school gym. Over 45 vendors will be selling unique items for the home, for yourself or for gifts. Proceeds will benefit local children’s charities. Admission is $3. For information, visit the Web site at: www.giftgallerykc.com. The Altar Society of Holy Family Church, 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual chili supper and turkey
Holy Family Parish, 274 St. Mary - St. Anthony Par-
ish, 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host a parish mission from Nov. 13 - 17. Father MacPherson, OSA, of the Augustinian healing ministry will conduct the sessions nightly. For a complete schedule, contact the parish offices at (913) 371-1561 or (913) 371-1408 respectively.
14
The Knights of Columbus of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will host a pancakes and more breakfast from 7:30 a.m. - noon on Nov. 14 in their hall located at 11221 Johnson Drive. A freewill donation will be collected.
18
A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 18 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Father Tom Kearns will preside; fellowship follows.
For more information, call (913) 6492026.
19-20
The Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, will host its annual marketplace
from 7 - 10 p.m. on Nov. 19 and from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Nov. 20 in the parish hall. Vendors from the community will offer a variety of products — ranging from jewelry, handbags and accessories to health and beauty products, gourmet foods and children’s books and toys. Enjoy early Christmas shopping!
19-21
Enrich you 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 Nov. 19-21. For information or to register, call (913) 400-7173 in the Kansas City metro area, (785) 843-9274 in Lawrence, (785) 357-5000 in Topeka, or visit the Web site at: www.neksme.org.
19
The eighth-grade class at Holy Cross School, 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park, will host a Friday family fun night
on Nov. 19 in Pflumm Hall. A taco dinner will be served from 5 - 7 p.m., followed by bingo from 7 - 9 p.m. The cost for dinner is $5 for adults, advance purchase; $7 if purchased at door; $3 for children ages 4 to 10 years. Bingo is 50¢ a game. For information, call Cathy Buchanan at (913) 579-2385 or Marcia Wassenburg (913) 649-7634.
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
Quote Week
of the
“They’re immigrants; they don’t know where to go. So as a result, we have to reach out to them. We go out and knock on the doors and say, ‘Hey, we have Mass here.’” Albert Perez, St. Agnes, Prairie Village See story on pages 8-9
THE LEAVEN • November 5, 2010
“I
THE LEAVEN • november 5, 2010
Mark my words
as the church prays
Make this a picture-perfect month
New permanent deacons will have their unique role to play
s that you?” Whenever a conversation starts like this, it’s almost certain to go downhill from there. What occasioned this question most recently was a picture of me as a deacon when I worked for a few months in Kenya. I’d brought in some slides to see if Todd, our production guru at The Leaven, could scan them into the computer and burn them onto a CD. What I forgot was: 1) the slides were from 30 years ago; and 2) the Leaven staff has eyes. “Wow, look at all the hair you had!” “And it was curly!” “And, gee, you were thin!” With each successive comment, my ego took another hit. I tried to defend myself by saying that I’m actually “twice the man” today that I was back then . . . but I think even that statement was misinterpreted. I had to resist the urge to snatch the slides and run them through the nearest shredder. The above experience is the negative side, so to speak, of old photographs. You get to see yourself frozen at a particular time in history. And, for better or worse (usually the latter), you can’t escape the fact that you’ve changed in those intervening years. But the positive side of old photos is much more important. Quite simply, they stir up memories — of often long-forgotten people, places and events — and give you a vibrant, visual history of your life thus far. You come to realize how many people have been a part of your life’s journey and what each contributed to making you the person you are today. For me, November and pictures and memories go hand in hand. As a church, we started this month by remembering all saints and all souls. My parish in Ton-
ganoxie, like many others at this time of year, features a “book of remembrance,” where parishioners write down the names of loved ones who have died. The church also encourages visits to cemeteries in these days. While that is certainly a great idea, I also suggest something much easier that can be done much more often: Pray with photos. Sadly, as the years go by and our lives get increasingly more hectic, it becomes easier and easier to focus only on the moment and to ignore or forget our past. To reconnect with history, I like to grab a handful of old pictures, sit down in a comfortable chair, and slowly flip through them. The older the photo, the more likely the people pictured there — grandparents, neighbors from childhood, parents, godparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends — are no longer here . . . having either moved on to another city or onto eternal life. That sense of loss — sometimes accompanied by tears — nudges me to pray: in thanksgiving for these people, for continued health and blessings for those far away, for the happy repose of the souls of the dead, and for courage in my own life to live the good and holy life lessons these people taught me. Photos also have a way of transporting us back in time. As we see the scene pictured there, we can almost hear the conversations going on, feel the atmo-
sphere, and relive a part of our past. Old pictures stir up a sense of wonder and humor: Did the world really look like that back then? Did I really wear those sunglasses with the six-shooters at the edges? Did Grandma really use that small washing machine with the wringer attached to it and then hang clothes on the line outside? Such nostalgia can be soothing to the soul. Photos can even bring families together. If you’re like me, you’ve got a slew of shots that feature “mysterious” people and places. With the holidays coming up, bring along some of those unidentified pictures to family gatherings and see if names and dates can be uncovered. Photos can unite people over generational lines as well. They can be an opportunity for seniors to clue in younger family members on just what life was like decades ago. Pictures provide a powerful, visual link to verbal accounts. Each day of November, consider choosing one photo from your collection as a focal point for prayer. It might be one of someone who has died or perhaps a family member or friend who is undergoing a tough time. Or you might choose an old photo with a friend in it and send a copy in a letter to that person, recalling the experience and what you most enjoy about the picture. Photos help us to remember our history, relish those who have shared it with us, and resolve to create and capture memories today that others will treasure tomorrow. Incidentally, if you know of anyone skilled in using Photoshop, I’ve got a wee bit of “bodywork” for them to do on some of my old pictures.
the gospel truth thirty-second WEEK IN ordinary time Nov. 7 Thirty-second SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 2 Mc 7: 1-2, 9-14; Ps 17: 1, 5-6, 8, 15; 2 Thes 2:16 — 3:5; Lk 20: 27-38 Nov. 8 Monday Ti 1: 1-9; Ps 24: 1b-4b, 5-6; Lk 17: 1-6 Nov. 9 THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA IN ROME Ez 47: 1-2, 8-9, 12; Ps 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9; 1 Cor 3: 9c-11, 16-17; Jn 2: 13-22 Nov. 10 Leo the Great, pope, doctor of the church Ti 3: 1-7; Ps 23: 1b-6; Lk 17: 11-19 Nov. 11 Martin of Tours, bishop Phlm 7-20; Ps 146: 7-10; Lk 17: 20-25 Nov. 12 Josaphat, bishop, martyr 2 Jn 4-9; Ps 119: 1-2, 10-11, 17-18; Lk 17: 26-37 Nov. 13 Francis Xavier Cabrini, virgin 3 Jn 5-8; Ps 112: 1-6; Lk 18: 1-8
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commentary 15
Jesus sees through sophistry of Sadducees
nce, back when I was in high school, a woman old enough to be my mother walked up to me and asked me if I was the son of John Stubbs. I had never seen this woman, but answered that I was indeed his son. She told me that she had gone to school with him years earlier and that I looked exactly as he did then. She had As time went on, however, the idea of guessed my identity solely on the basis an afterlife grew in popularity, perhaps of that resemblance. in response to martyrdom. How could an As children grow up, it is all-powerful God allow believThirty-second amazing how closely they start ers to die without any hope of a SUNDAY to look like their parents. That reward? They found the answer explains in part why parents can IN ORDINARY TIME in resurrection. Lk 20: 27-38 look upon having children as a On the other hand, not all type of vicarious immortality. Jews accepted this new doctrine. Even after the parents have died, they After all, little in the Bible directly supwill live on in their children. ported it. Only certain later writings, That also explains the institution of such as 1 and 2 Maccabees, explicitly levirate marriage in ancient Israelite affirmed a belief in the resurrection. And society. If a man died without leaving some Jews rejected those writings as not any children, his surviving brother was properly included in the Bible. expected to marry his widow, in order to The Sadducees belonged to this catengender children to carry on his brothegory. They adhered to a more restricted er’s name. This was codified in the Law of list of biblical books and denied the Moses: “The first-born son she bears shall resurrection. In Sunday’s Gospel readcontinue the line of the deceased brother, ing, Lk 20: 27-38, they approach Jesus to that his name may not be blotted out challenge that doctrine. from Israel” (Dt 25:6). Their challenge consists of a comIn ancient Israel, levirate marriage plicated argument involving levirate helped keep property within the family marriage and a hypothetical situation. and served as a kind of vicarious immorIn referring to levirate marriage, they tality. The notion of personal immortality paraphrase Dt 25:5: “If someone’s had not yet developed. brother dies leaving a wife but no child,
Editor’s note: Father Stubbs is on sabbatical until January 2011. This column originally ran in the Leaven on Nov. 9, 2007.
his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother.” The Sadducees’ paraphrase contains a subtle mocking of the belief in the resurrection. The wording “raise up descendants” alludes to the resurrection in its choice of the verb “to raise.” It suggests that the descendants who are raised up can substitute for a personal resurrection. The verb of the original text in the Book of Deuteronomy does not refer at all to resurrection. The hypothetical situation proposed by the Sadducees contains another subtle mocking of the belief in resurrection. It tells about seven brothers, each who die in turn. That story parodies an episode in the Second Book of Maccabees, which affirms the belief in resurrection but was a book rejected by the Sadducees. By creating a ridiculous hypothetical situation based on that episode, they hope to discredit it. But Jesus sees through their mockery and ignores their false assumptions. He affirms his belief in a God of the living. The God who created us will give us new life through the resurrection from the dead. That is the basis of Jesus’ belief . . . and ours. Father Mike Stubbs has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.
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o we really need the permanent diaconate, since they can’t celebrate Mass or hear confessions? There’s really nothing deacons can do that priests or laypeople can’t do, is there?”
The problem with these occasionally asked questions is that they focus entirely on what a deacon can and cannot do. The real question should concern itself with the deacon’s “being,” not the deacon’s function. “What is a deacon?” A deacon is called by God and ordained by the church to animate and make present Christ the humble servant. The deacon is configured to the
Master Servant in a particular way. The priest is also configured to Christ in a particular way. And more important than what the priest does is who he is. Even when not celebrating Mass, the priest is an image of the priestly ministry of Jesus Christ, who offered himself in continual sacrifice. The priest lays down his whole life, in the manner of the Good Shepherd himself, for the sake of his flock. The consecrated woman or man is also configured to Christ in a particular way. Consecrated religious serve in hospitals, schools and other apostolates
which build up the church on earth and serve the common good. But far more important that these important functions, they are women and men who witness to the kingdom of God through committed lives of poverty, chastity and obedience, through the life of community, and through prayer. The laity are configured to Christ as members of his mystical body. They are called through baptism to live and share, in daily life, the good news of the Gospel before the whole world. No one would seriously suggest that all the lay faithful are about is the proverbial “praying, paying and obeying.” That deacons can baptize, witness marriages, conduct wakes and committal services, give blessings, and distribute holy Communion will, in fact, prove helpful in our archdiocese. That deacons will proclaim the Gospel, preach homilies, and teach the faith is certainly part of the gift the
permanent diaconate will bring to us. And it will be a given that deacons will serve the sick and the poor, for this is the heart of their ministry. But the diaconate is much more than liturgical service, preaching and teaching, and even works of charity. There is a reality to the deacon’s very being which cannot be replicated by the laity, nor by the consecrated life, nor even by the priesthood. The diaconate has its rightful place in the complementarity of the church’s several parts. Yes, we really need deacons, animators of Christ the servant, seeking like him to serve and not be served, configured to him in his humble service of love and charity, in a most particular and unique way. Michael Podrebarac is the archdiocesan consultant for the liturgy office.
From the super
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Teachers model discipleship to Catholic school students
ear friends of Catholic schools,
I love visiting our Catholic schools at this time of year. Elementary school hallways and classrooms are adorned with beautifully colored fall leaves, pumpkins, and messages of the things in their lives for which they thank God. High school lockers display not only team cheers and homecoming royalty hopefuls, but also pictures of saints whom the students have selected as their class and school patrons. Catholic schools in many ways are similar to other schools. Like public schools, our Catholic schools are accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education. Thus, we are held to the same standards in terms of student academic achievement and teacher credentials as all other state
accredited schools. However, Catholic schools exist for a fundamentally different purpose — to teach our students the Catholic faith. Recently, I attended the graduation ceremony for Donnelly College students who are inmates at the Lansing Correctional Facility. When I visited with the graduates afterwards, one talked about how important education is, especially for the prison population. “You can’t be what you don’t know,” he said.
I think his profound words can apply to Catholic schools. If our primary purpose is to pass on the faith and help our students develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, then we must be sure that our students come to know Jesus and his church. To help our teachers with this mission, we offer opportunities for them to grow in their own relationship with Christ. One such opportunity was held in Topeka at the beginning of October. All 1,200 of our teachers and administrators were able to hear Dr. Scott Hahn speak about his conversion story. His talk was a perfect prelude to the beautiful Eucharist that Archbishop Naumann and many archdiocesan priests celebrated with us. An added highlight of the day was the talk by the religious Sisters of the Apostles of the Interior Life, who spoke on reconciliation. Teachers then had
the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation prior to Mass. All in all, it was an inspiring and rejuvenating day for teachers in Catholic schools. I know that because of opportunities like these, as well as the other ways we support teachers in their own faith journeys, our students are witnessing adults who love the Lord and proclaim that in word and deed to their students. I know that our students have a greater chance of “being” disciples of Christ because they “know” what that looks like. When I walk the halls of schools at this time of year, I smile because, while we may not be perfect, I see kids becoming closer to Jesus in our schools! ¡Vaya con Dios! Kathy O’Hara is the superintendent of archdiocesan schools.
Do unto others
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Consecrate your sexuality to God through chastity
often meet Catholics both curious and confused about our faith’s teaching on homosexuality.
The Catholic Church differs from many other Christian communities in that it teaches that homosexual feelings do not make a person bad or in need of fixing. Some people just can’t reprogram their sexual desires or same-sex attractions. Each of us has inclinations to certain sins. Each of us must overcome temptations to grow closer to Christ. Courage ministry is a Catholic support organization for men and women who have same-sex attraction. With knowledge, love and compassion, Courage ultimately respects the Chris-
tian with same-sex attraction by asking of him or her what the church asks of every Christian: to live a life of service to Christ and not a life of servitude to sex. Recently, I was interviewing a chapter leader about ways to organize a Courage chapter in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. He shared with me that with the support and the knowledge he had gained from the church, he had come to know “the joy of chastity.” What a strange concept in the
context of our post-sexual revolution culture that virtually screams that “the joy of sex is the only way to happiness.” There is a brutal corollary to this logic of sex just for pleasure. Pleasure is subjective, thus there is then no reason to deny any act that gives pleasure. Consequently, as we celebrate sexual pleasure as the greatest private good, our society is fast embracing the mistaken notion that the only compassionate way to deal with men and women who are sexually attracted to members of their own gender is to indulge those attractions, even to the point of redefining marriage. Chastity brings joy because one cannot be a disciple of Jesus without following his moral law: “For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body” (1 Cor 6:20). With Christ, there is joy and peace. Practicing the virtue of chastity enables
a person to consecrate his sexuality to God, so that he is managing his sexual feelings rather than being mastered by them. Chastity frees a person to see others and himself as a person to love rather than as an object to be used. Accordingly, Courage participants don’t refer to themselves as gay or lesbian because that would be to let their sexual feelings become their identity as persons. Courage provides guidance to people seeking to live a chaste life and, in that, find the real joy of chastity. If you are interested in learning more or getting involved with the Courage ministry, please contact me via e-mail at the address below. Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can send him an email at: socialjustice@archkck.org.
16 local news
THE LEAVEN • november 5, 2010
Program puts caring mentors in the classroom
Sister Jane Jackson, SCL, works several hours a week with students as part of the Foster Grandparents program. It has been sponsored by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas since 1976.
Foster Grandparents program celebrates 45 years in WyCo By Bob Hart
Special to The Leaven KANSAS CITY, Kan. — “It’s not just about the kids,” said Sister Jane Jackson, SCL, of Wyandotte County’s Foster Grandparents program. “It’s also about us older folks — getting us out in the community, so we’re not just sitting around at home doing nothing.” Sister Jane should know. She’s one of 90 foster grandparents, ages 60 to 94, who work anywhere from 15 to 40 hours a week with children ranging from infants to high school-age. The Foster Grandparents program gives older, low-income adults the opportunity to use their talents, skills and wisdom in the service of at-risk or special-needs children in the community. Nationally, Foster Grandparents is a program of the Senior Corps, a U.S. government agency under the authority of the Corporation for National and Community Service. The national program was founded in 1965 and is open to men and women 55 years of age or older. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the federal program in Wyandotte County, and it has been sponsored by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas since 1976. Mayor Joe Reardon, of Kansas City, Kan., even declared Aug. 6 “Foster Grandparents Day” to recognize the volunteers who work in Head Starts, public schools and day care centers throughout the county. Volunteers must meet certain income guidelines to participate, according to the Catholic Charities’ Web site. Those who do are paid a stipend for the hours they work and are provided with meals and transportation to and from volunteer sites. Volunteers receive training
Leaven photo by Elaina Cochran
Sister Jane Jackson, SCL, works with Resurrection at the Cathedral student Jamillete Merito as part of Wyandotte County’s Foster Grandparent program. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the federal program in the county. both before they begin work and after they have been assigned to a site. Sister Jane, a retired schoolteacher, said she spends her morning working with kindergartners and afternoons with first-graders. “For most of them, English is not their first language,” she said. “They’re little ones, so they’re learning their alphabet, sounds, days of the week,
months of the year. And some of them will be reading by the end of the year.” Charlotte Melson of the Wyandotte County Foster Grandparents said that while the program has always been valuable, it fulfills a specific need in times of economic strife. “This program has truly made a difference in the Wyandotte County community by the generosity and
dedication of these older adults who care about making a difference in the life of a child,” Melson said. “The Foster Grandparents program puts caring mentors in the classroom to assist the teacher in this time of school district financial hardship.” More information about the local Foster Grandparents program is available by calling (913) 906-8921.