12-11-09 Vol. 31 No. 18

www.theleaven.com | Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas | Vol. 31, No. 18 December 11, 2009

Sharing the interior joy Apostles of the Interior Life establish their North American provincial house in Overland Park Story By Joe Bollig | Photos by Elaina Cochran

Apostles of the Interior Life Sister Debbie Li is one of three Sisters who have helped establish the order’s North American provincial house in Overland Park.

O

VERLAND PARK — The house on Cody Street looks a lot like the others in this quiet, suburban neighborhood: comfortable, nondescript, and tidy.

Nothing on the outside — neither a statue nor a sign — gives the slightest hint that this is the North American headquarters of a growing religious order and two affiliated lay organizations.

But it is. This modest suburban structure, within walking distance of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park, became the provincial house for the Apostles of the Interior Life on Sept.

29.

The Sisters chose that date for their move-in because it was the feast day of the archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, said community president Sister Susan Pieper, AVI. “We want to have their help,” said Sister Susan. “That’s why we came here on their feast day.”

The neighbors have already dropped by for introductions during an open house on Nov. 4. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann made his first official visit to the provincial house on Nov. 10.

The order is a private association of the faithful, approved by the Dio-

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrates Mass in the Apostles of the Interior Life chapel during his first visit to the Sisters’ new provincial house. pillars of their community: prayer, cese of Rome and the Archdiocese of community, formation and apostoKansas City in Kansas. late. The Sisters have no habit, but The association was founded in wear normal street clothes instead.

Italy in 1990 and consists of two The main focus of their ministry provinces — Italy and the United is on young adults, and they usually States. The second provincial house conduct their ministry in a college is in Rome.

The unique purpose of the order, setting. They also, however, conduct or its charism, is evangelization and parish retreats and do spiritual forspiritual direction. The members exmation. Recently, the Apostles have teamed up with the School of Faith press that charism through the four

to provide spiritual formation for the first permanent deacon class of the archdiocese.

The order is not a “mixed” order, but rather one order with male and female branches. The female branch has 18 members, with nine Sisters in the North American Province — three each at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, the provincial house in Overland Park, and at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

The male branch, founded in 2003, has five members. All five men are studying for the priesthood at the John Paul II Institute at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.

Three of the five men are Americans, and one of those is Vince Huber, from Leawood.

The Apostles take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. They live totally on the providence of God — meaning they have no regular paychecks, but survive on the faithfuelled generosity of laypeople. They don’t even own the provincial house, which was donated just for their use by a generous couple.

The three Sisters at the house are Sister Susan, a native of Napa, Calif.;

Turn to “Sisters” on page 16

2 ARCHBISHOP

THE LEAVEN • december 11, 2009

THE LEAVEN • december 11, 2009

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

H

To accept Jesus, we must accept ourselves as sinners

ow sad are the recent revelations of Tiger Woods’ marital infidelity.

It seems like hardly a week goes by that we are not confronted with a scandal involving a political leader or some other celebrity. In recent years, within our church, we have suffered through the clergy sexual abuse scandal.

It is discouraging and dispiriting to be exposed to a steady diet of the flaws and failures of public figures. It is also frightening — both because it makes us question in whom we can place our trust and because it makes us aware of our own frailty and vulnerability. However, one positive effect of witnessing the prevalence of human failure is that it makes clear our need for a savior. We need a redeemer.

During Advent, we recall how the Jewish people had waited a very long time for the Messiah, the Christ. Sadly, most of them, did not recognize Jesus as the long-awaited one. They failed to understand who Jesus was because he did not conform to what they had come to expect of the Messiah.

Jesus did not come with military might nor did he usher in an era of economic prosperity for Israel. The fact that he was born in such humble circumstances to parents who possessed none of the expected credentials for siring the Christ disqualified Jesus, in the minds of most, from consideration as the Messiah.

We should not be too quick to criticize those who failed to recognize Jesus 2000 years ago, because even with the benefit of two millennia of

Christian history, most of the world still does not recognize Jesus as Lord and Savior. Many in our world, even many baptized Catholics, feel no need for a savior. If we have no room in our life for a redeemer, then we will not be capable of accepting Jesus for who he is.

There are many who would like to domesticate Jesus. They have no problem accepting him as an important historical figure or perhaps a great philosopher or even someone to be admired for the nobility of his life. Our secular culture does not object to Jesus being considered a great thinker in a pantheon of great thinkers in human history.

However, what secularists are not willing to accept is Jesus’ own selfunderstanding of his identity. They will not tolerate the claim of Jesus to be the beloved and only-begotten Son of God who can place truth claims not only on those who choose to believe in him, but upon all of humanity. In reality, it is not possible to accept Jesus simply as a great man. He is either who he claims to be or he is crazy.

To accept Jesus for whom he claims to be means that we must also accept ourselves as sinners who are in need of a redeemer. Without an acknowledgment of our own sinfulness, we can

never understand, much less believe in, Jesus as a savior.

During the Advent season, in our liturgical readings, the church presents us with John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus. How did John prepare the way for Jesus? John disposed many to be open to Jesus by making them aware of their own sinfulness and their need for God’s mercy.

Jesus did not come into the world to proclaim an ideal that his disciples with self-determination and discipline could muster the strength to live. Jesus came to bring forgiveness to flawed men and women who would admit their sins and accept God’s mercy.

Beginning with Peter and the other eleven apostles, the church is, by its nature, a community of recovering sinners, who accept the mercy that the baby born in Bethlehem was sent to bring to humanity.

Early in our childhood, usually in violating the loving and protective limits provided by our parents, we experienced what St. Paul describes in his Letter to the Romans as a powerful attraction, resulting from the effects of original sin, not to do what we know to be right and good.

Jesus came to liberate us from our fractured humanity — not by giving us a self-help book, but by unleashing God’s mercy on Calvary, which has the power to transform our hearts of stone into hearts of love. This is why the single most important action that we can do to prepare to celebrate Christmas is to receive the sacrament of penance.

Approaching Jesus by making a sacramental confession is the most beautiful and powerful profession of faith in

Jesus as redeemer and savior. Uniquely in this sacrament, we admit our sinfulness, but, even more importantly, we express our faith in the mercy of God. One of my greatest hopes for the Archdiocese is to reawaken an appreciation and love for the sacrament of reconciliation. I am convinced that the regular use of the sacrament of penance is the key to our personal growth in holiness as well as to the renewal of the entire church.

Recently, I heard Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, on his weekly radio program, speak about our cultural addiction to unhealthy confession, baring our souls on “Jerry Springer” or “Oprah” or some other reality television show. Either for financial pay or for a moment in the media spotlight, many are willing to confess the most outrageous behavior, feeding the insatiable voyeurism of the viewing public.

Jesus does not ask us to make a public confession for the entire world to hear. Instead, he invites us to surrender our sins to him, in the sacred and private environment of the confessional, satisfying our human need to speak aloud our sin as well as providing us the opportunity to hear his words of forgiveness spoken by those he has deputed to be human instruments of ministering his merciful and healing love.

Make a good, sincere sacramental confession this Advent and you will have made the best possible preparation for the true celebration of Christmas — the anniversary of the birth of the Christ — our redeemer and our savior. unplanned pregnancy? decisions to make?

Replace pressure and panic with thoughtful, and rational reflection. A confidential, caring friend is waiting for your call.

Topeka- (785) 234-0701 Lawrence- (785) 843-4821 Leavenworth- (913) 682-2700 Kansas City-(816)444-7090 Emporia- (620) 342-8600

irthright

or call 24 hrs. toll free 1-800-550-4900

Visitation Parish celebrates A Century of Faith 1909-2009 with the publication of a beautiful, commemorative, coffee-table history book

Visitation: A Century of Faith

by Bill Tammeus 85 pages; hardcover; full color throughout $29.95 hardcover Books can be purchased in person at the Visitation parish office, 5141 Main.

Mail order: send checks (add $5 for shipping) to Visitation, 5141 Main Street, Kansas City MO, 64112.

Credit card orders can be placed online at: thekansascitystore.com – search for Visitation

Questions? Call 816-753-7422 x305

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

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com.

Postmaster : Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/ year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

CNS photo/Daniel Sone

Father Robert Sirico, founder of the Acton Institute, speaks about the “Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience” document at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 20. The 4,700-word statement was issued by more than 140 Christian leaders who pledged renewed zeal in defending the unborn, defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and protecting religious freedom.

Manhattan declaration

Declaration a wake-up call, line in the sand

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A recently released document has been called a wake-up call to Christian conscience and a warning that efforts to violate this conscience will be met with resistance.

The document, called the Manhattan Declaration, was released on Nov. 20 in Washington, D.C. It addresses three broad areas: pro-life concerns, marriage, and religious liberty. Its signers seek to “proclaim the Gospel of costly grace,” and it signals a growing resolve to do battle in the marketplace of ideas.

“We pledge to each other, and to our fellow believers, that no power on earth, be it cultural or political, will intimidate us into silence or acquiescence,” said the declaration.

The declaration was written by Chuck Colson, a noted evangelist; Robert George, a Catholic and law professor at Princeton University; and the Rev. Timothy George, an evangelical minister and dean of the Beeson Divinity School.

Initially, 148 prominent Christian leaders signed the 4,700-word document. This ecumenical Christian document included Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, and Catholic signatories.

“I’m encouraging people to sign this declaration because it lays out the principles for Christians to support that revolve around life, marriage, and religious liberty — principles that are in accord with Catholic teaching.”

Ron Kelsey, archdiocesan consultant for pro-life ministry Among the Catholic signers were 14 Catholic bishops, including Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

The document was initially circulated among an informal network of religious leaders who had previously worked together, and not all of the nation’s Catholic bishops had an opportunity to sign.

“It’s the result of Catholic, Orthodox and evangelical Christians cooperating on a variety of levels to work for the common good in our county

and to protect certain fundamental values and goods we all hold dear,” said Archbishop Naumann.

“I think there has been this type of cooperation going on for some time,” said the archbishop, “and from that emerged this idea of writing a joint declaration on what we consider to be three critical issues in our American society, and that in different ways threaten our ability to live our faith.”

The reason why Archbishop Naumann and 13 other Catholic prelates signed the document is quite simple: These are important social issues.

“I agree with the importance of the social issues that are identified by the declaration, and I think it is an important time for Christians to stand together,” said the archbishop.

The declaration contains strong statements of resistance in the face of intimidation or penalty, going so far as to say that civil disobedience is not only permitted, but sometimes required.

“I think we’re already feeling that intimidation, and some of it has to do with the threat to conscience rights in health care reform [legislation],” said the archbishop.

“It also has to do with [situations] in states where the courts have imposed recognition of same-sex marriages,” continued the archbishop,

For more information, or to read and sign the declaration, go to the Web site at: www.manhattandeclaration.org.

“followed up by public schools teaching children that same-sex unions are normal.”

Signatories hope that the next step will be the signing of the declaration by tens of thousands of like-minded citizens. So far, since its public release, more than 244,000 people have gone online to sign the document.

One of those working locally to add signatures is Ron Kelsey, archdiocesan consultant for pro-life ministry. He has sent information about the declaration to individuals on his e-mail list.

“I’m encouraging people to sign this declaration because it lays out the principles for Christians to support that revolve around life, marriage, and religious liberty — principles that are in accord with Catholic teaching,” he said.

“I think this is very much needed,” he continued, “because it is ecumenical and shows the unity of Christians around fundamental principles at a time when they are under attack.”

4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • december 11, 2009

THE LEAVEN • December 11, 2009

High school honored for its aid to the poor

By Bob Hart

Catholic Key Associate Editor KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For the 16th year, the Order of Malta sponsored a Soup-er Bowl luncheon to raise awareness of hunger in the Kansas City region.

And for the 16th year, the problem of hunger in the region has grown worse, Kansas City-St. Joseph Bishop Emeritus Raymond J. Boland told the crowd of 400 on Dec. 1 at the downtown Marriott Hotel.

“On all levels, the statistics are mindboggling,” Bishop Boland said at the close of the luncheon at which soup, bread and fruit — meant to simulate a soup kitchen meal — were served.

Bishop Boland cited an October U.N. Food Agency report: “Currently, there are over 1 billion people in the world who are hungry and the numbers are increasing daily,” he said. “Otive Igbuzor, the director of ActionAid International, described the grim situation with one terrifying sentence: ‘We know a child dies every six seconds of malnutrition.’”

“This means,” Bishop Boland continued, “that during the hour and a half allocated to this luncheon, 900 children will have died worldwide from hunger.”

The statistics from the United States — “the envied land of bountiful harvests from sea to shining sea” — are equally scandalous, Bishop Boland said.

“Long before our unemployment rate reached 10.2 percent, more than 37 million of our fellow citizens were living in poverty. And two-thirds of these, at least at that time, had jobs,” he said. “That breaks down to one in eight Americans which, in turn, includes one in every six children.”

Since the economic recession, the numbers have grown worse, Bishop Boland added.

“Our economy is in a shambles, money is scarcer, homelessness is rising as foreclosures increase, medical care is becoming elitist and the question is: ‘Why should we still wonder why millions of people go to bed hungry every night? That is, if they have a bed to sleep in.’”

He referred to a New York Times editorial that cited federal data indicating that 49 million Americans in 2008 “lacked consistent access to adequate nutrition.” That was an increase of 13 million from 2007.

“As if we needed more proof, as of this past Sunday morning, the same

Special to The Leaven

Photo by Bryan Thrasher

St. Thomas Aquinas High School president Bill Ford (left) stood with Student Council officers Amanda Nelson and Mitch Higgins to accept the MVP Award from Larry Moore at the 16th annual Soup-er Bowl luncheon on Dec. 1 at the Marriott Hotel in Kansas City, Mo. The Overland Park school’s council and National Honor Society were recognized for their efforts to combat hunger. The luncheon is organized by the local Knights of Malta members.

New York Times carried on the front page an extensive report on the increasing demand for food stamps nationally,” Bishop Boland said.

The Times reported that 9 million more Americans are receiving food stamp assistance now than in December 2007.

“The program now feeds one in eight Americans and nearly one in four children,” he said.

“Thank God for food stamps,” the bishop said. “We simply cannot envision what the crisis would be like without them.”

Bishop Boland also noted that Missouri ranks No. 1 in the nation in percentage of people eligible for food stamp assistance who actually use food stamps — 98 percent.

“We have 21 counties in our state where half the children rely on food stamps,” he said.

But the real story, Bishop Boland noted, occurs in the network of food pantries where the poor and hungry turn in desperation for help.

“The narratives display a depressing monotony — increasing numbers; less food; men actually crying as they ask for

help because they feel they have been failures as their families’ breadwinners; desperation and frustration; a sense of worthlessness; a willingness to work when there is no work; the pain of seeing your children crying for food when there is no food and you cannot do anything about it,” he said.

Bishop Boland congratulated the people who feed the hungry.

“There are some who care — those who make sacrifices so others may eat; those who day after day prepare and serve hot means in our parish kitchens and do so with a smile,” he said.

“There are those who collect canned goods, make sandwiches, listen patiently to hard-luck stories, are willing to be hoodwinked now and again,” he said.

“All, and make no mistake, all of us are in this together,” Bishop Boland said. “We must be the manufacturers of the greatest of all commodities — hope.

For without it, we cannot keep the waters at bay until the tide turns.”

But he called on all people of faith and good will to eliminate the causes of hunger and poverty.

“With God’s help and bolstered by the conviction that every human life has

“Let us show you the many options available when you prearrange your funeral services.”

a dignity to be reverenced, a better society must be constructed step by difficult step until food pantries and soup kitchens are consigned to the history books,” Bishop Boland said.

“We can do it. Indeed, we must do it,” he said.

“An unavoidable penalty of being a Christian is the inability to eat in peace and comfort if there are hungry children at the door,” he added.

Bishop Boland closed with quotes from Pope Benedict XVI speaking at the Nov. 16 opening of the U.N. World Summit on Food Security in Rome: • “Hunger is the most cruel and concrete sign of poverty.”

• “Opulence and waste are no longer acceptable when the tragedy of hunger is assuming even greater proportions.”

• “The transcendental worth of every human being must be recognized if there is to be the conversion of the heart that underpins the commitment to eradicate deprivation, hunger and poverty in all forms.”

• “The fundamental right to life depends on the right to sufficient, healthy

Turn to “AQUINAS” on page 7

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas held its annual meeting Nov. 4, reporting great success in the past year and ambitious plans for the future.

About 175 people attended the event, which began with vespers presided by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at Savior Pastoral Center and the Archbishop Keleher Conference Center in Kansas City, Kan. “A highlight of the meeting was the announcement by CFNEK president Russ Jenkins that we were able to provide a record in distributions last year in spite of the economic collapse,” said Lesle Knop, executive director of the foundation.

Knop said Jenkins reported distribution of nearly $1.3 million to fund-holders in the preceding year, a record for the foundation. Assets in the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas exceed $31 million in 155 separate funds, Jenkins said.

“We also announced plans for a continuing legal education program for June 2010 and reported progress on an innovative Planned Giving Initiative,” Knop said.

The foundation will host the inaugural St. Thomas More Continuing Legal Education Program on June 3 of next year at the pastoral center.

CFNEK also announced the for-

By Kara Hansen Leaven staff

Leaven photo by Joe McSorley

Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas president Russ Jenkins chats it up at the annual CFNEK meeting on Nov. 4 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. mation of the Catholic Fine Arts Council, with a mission “to foster, encourage and promote sacred fine art and performing arts in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and surrounding area.”

Archbishop Naumann and Jenkins were speakers at the annual meeting, along with guest speaker Michael Schuttloffel, the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

Other foundation staff were also in attendance: Gary Pratt, associate director for planned giving; Michaela Comstock, campaign manager; Peg

During its Nov. 4 annual meeting, the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas recognized its executive committee and board members, who are:

Executive Committee

Archbishop Joseph Naumann Larry Strecker, vice president — Christ the King, Topeka Chris Arth, marketing chairman — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood Steve Bahr, treasurer and finance chairman — St. Ann, Prairie Village Mel McAnany, board development chair — St. Joseph, Shawnee Kent Crippin, secretary — Curé of Ars, Leawood Ken Mellard, past president — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood

Board of Directors

Bryan Biggs — Holy Spirit, Overland Park Kirk Bradford — St. Gregory the Great, Marysville Larry Buessing — St. Benedict’s, Atchison Kathy Callegari — Church of the Nativity, Leawood Letecia Garcia — Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City, Kan. Rita Lavery — Good Shepherd, Shawnee Lesle Knop — Holy Trinity, Paola Jerry Mayne — St. Pius X, Mission Steve Mohan — Christ the King, Topeka Father John Riley — St. Joseph, Shawnee Mal Robinson — Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka Mark Scheiber — Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City, Kan. Brenda Zimmerman — St. Matthew, Topeka

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co. Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing.

Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas.

Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963

10901 Johnson Drive Shawnee, Kansas 66203 Telephone 913-631-5566 Fax 913-631-2236

www.amosfamily.com

Ellington, accountant; and Dianna Bagby, development assistant.

The archbishop noted that both the Kansas City Business Journal and Ingram’s magazine have recognized the foundation as one of the top foundations in the Kansas City area, “a remarkable accomplishment considering all that has happened economically and culturally within the past few years,” he said.

For more information about the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas, visit its Web site at: http:// cfnek.org.

CFNEK committee and board members

Kansas City, Kan. — If you have ever considered exploring a vocation to the priesthood, 2010 is the year to make it a New Year’s resolution.

The vocations office is making it an easy resolution to keep by offering Archbishop Joseph Naumann’s Quo Vadis Retreat from Jan. 1-4. A Latin term, “quo vadis” means “Where are you Archbishop Naumann going?”

“Men who come to this retreat will gain an understanding of how men just like them sorted through their various desires to locate and to answer their desire to accept a vocation to the priesthood,” said Father Mitchel Zimmerman, archdiocesan vocations director.

Held at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan., the retreat is for any single man between the ages of 18-35. Opportunities for prayer, reflection, Mass, adoration, a service project and recreation will take place over the course of the three days. Father Zimmerman will lead the event.

Archbishop Naumann will be available at times for Mass, adoration, and to personally meet with retreat participants. Additionally, there will be opportunities for participants to talk with other seminarians about seminary life and their own discernment process.

“The archbishop and seminarians will be there to pray with men and to give them courage and faith to answer whatever the Lord is asking them to do, especially if he is calling them to the priesthood,” said Father Zimmerman.

Rooms and meals are included in the retreat at the pastoral center. There is no charge for this event.

For more information or to register, contact the vocation office at (913) 647-0303 or send an e-mail to: vocation@archkck.org. Additional information can be found on the vocation Web site at: http://kckvocations.com.

Villa St. Francis

16600 W. 126th Street • Olathe, Kansas 66062 Phone: (913) 829-5201 Fax: (913) 829-5399 Daily Mass in the Chapel at 10 a.m.

701 North 94th Street * Kansas City, Kansas 66112 * (913) 334-3366 Funeral Home * Cemetery * Cremation Services

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

Funeral homes • crematory • Memorial chapels legacy center • activity center

Gregg Amos

Archbishop to host vocations retreat Jan. 1-4, 2010

Catholic Foundation reports record success

By Kevin Kelly

LOCAL NEWS 5

W

e have the newest and nicest funeral home in Wyandotte County, right across the street from St. Patrick’s Church. Personalize a Funeral, Cemetery or Memorial Service all from one office, instead of driving all over town making plans. We even accept many pre-arranged plans from other funeral homes. To receive a free Personal Planning Guide, call or stop in today.

6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • december 11, 2009

THE LEAVEN • December 11, 2009

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s December Calendar 1

Soup-er Bowl (hunger awareness) luncheon

2

Dedication of cathedral — Springfield, Ill.

3

Dinner with Catholic Education Foundation parents

4

Presenter at Advent day of prayer and reflection for chancery staff

5

Mass and dinner — Bishop Miege High School

6

Mass — 150th anniversary, Immaculate Conception Parish, Valley Falls

7

Meeting with Father Bill Dickinson of the Catholic Leadership Institute Open House for staff

9

Joint Serra Clubs leadership meeting and lunch Catholic Education Foundation meeting

10

Presenter — Archdiocesan directors of religious education meeting Mass and dinner for Young Adult group — Holy Spirit Church, Overland Park

12-13

Masses and pastoral visit — St. Leo in Horton, and St. Mary, Purcell

15

Priests Personnel meeting

Mass, Bishop Miege High School

Donnelly College board meeting

13

Administrative Team meeting

22

Johnson County priests’ luncheon

20

5

15

Confessions — Church of the Nativity, Leawood

8

16

Prison Mass and confirmation

Leavenworth Prison

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Confessions — St. Michael the Archangel, Overland Park

8-9

17

Ethical Review Board — Chicago

Cardinals’ dinner — Chicago

11

18

25th anniversary as a bishop

The Catholic Way program taping

K E AT I N G Mud Jacking

Serving NE Kansas Since 1976

FOUNDATION REPAIR

Cracked • Bowed • Settled Wall Repair v Wall Bracing v Waterproofing FREE ESTIMATES v Steel Underpinning

MUD JACKING

Raise & Level v Patios v Drives v Garage Floors v Slab Houses

Locally Owned & Operated Kansas City (913) 262-9352

Piers Driven to Load-Bearing Strata or Bedrock

Lawrence Topeka (785) 865-0006 (785) 246-0128

25

Christmas Day Mass — 10 a.m. St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park

27

Mass — 60th anniversary of Sister Pilar, Sisters, Servants of Mary

Confessions — Curé of Ars, Leawood

Soup-er Bowl (hunger awareness) luncheon

Christmas Eve Masses 6:30 p.m. Church of the Nativity, Leawood 10 p.m. Cathedral of St. Peter

12

School Mass — Our Lady of Guadalupe, Topeka

Archbishop James P. Keleher’s December Calendar 1

24

11

16

Mass / renewal of vows for the Apostles of the Interior Life — St. Lawrence campus chapel

Christmas Mass and lunch for chancery staff

26

8

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

23

Prison Mass

23

Christmas Mass and lunch for chancery staff

24

Christmas Eve Mass — 6 p.m., Holy Trinity, Lenexa

25

Christmas Mass — Sisters, Servants of Mary

Mass — Mount St. Scholastica Convent, Atchison Mass — Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park

28

Vespers and seminarian dinner — Archbishop’s residence

29

Serra Mass and lunch — Corpus Christi, Lawrence

29-31

Retreat presenter — Apostles of the Interior Life/Collaborators of His Joy

Donald C. and Dorothy Ann (Brock) Chamblin, members of St. Pius X Parish in Mission, celebrated their 50th wedding Anniversary anniversary at Thanksgiving with their family. They also celebrated with a Mass on Dec. 6 at the church. The couple was married on Nov. 28, 1959, at Redemptorist Church in Kansas City, Mo. Their children and their spouses are: Don and Dawn Chamblin; Doug and Lisa Chamblin; Diane and Mike Utz; Denise and Keenan Beauchamp; and Dana Chamblin. They also have 10 grandchildren.

Anniversary policy

The Leaven only prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the desired publication date. Announcements must be typed. They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

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

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

Aquinas food drive collects more than 30,000 cans of food Continued from page 4 and nutritious food and safe drinking water.”

“The pope thanked the participants for their continuing efforts ‘to ensure that all people are given their daily bread,’” Bishop Boland said.

“Let me do the same. I thank you for being here today and for all that you do to provide bread for everybody here in Kansas City, where everything is up-to-date, or it is supposed to be.”

During the luncheon, the Order of Malta gave four “Soup-er Bowl MVP” awards to three agencies and two individuals. They were presented by master of ceremonies Larry Moore, a Knight of Malta and news anchor of KMBC-TV9.

The individual award was given to Jack Clegg and John O’Neil for organizing the annual food drive among Johnson County government employees, who are themselves facing cutbacks and job uncertainties.

The agency award went to Redemptorist Social Services in midtown Kansas City, Mo., and its director Diana Kennedy. The agency has seen a 28 percent increase in demand for food and utility assistance in the past six months.

The corporate award went to Hy-

Vee Supermarket in Independence, Mo., and its employees who supply food and volunteer service to the Hope Network in Raytown, Mo. The school award went to St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park for a food drive that collected more than 30,000 cans.

In his opening prayer, Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas thanked God for answering prayers for daily bread.

“Today, we hear a cry. It comes from a multitude in our city,” he said.

“It is the cry of the hungry in the midst of the land of plenty.

“Today, we ask to open our hearts with compassion that we may hear their prayer.”

In his closing prayer, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas expressed his confidence and thanks “for the great good you can do through willing hearts.”

“Inspire us to make heroic sacrifices of what we desire, so we can provide others with what they need,” he prayed. “Align our minds and strengthen our hearts, so we can be messengers of your love upon those who may be hungry, homeless or hurting in any way.”

LOCAL NEWS 7 Kevin Farrington, a member of Boy Scout Troop 11 and Christ the King Parish in Topeka, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. For his Eagle project, Farrington organized a crew of Scouts to paint the Christ the King rectory. Farrington was Eagle Scouts honored at his Eagle ceremony at Christ the King Parish on Oct. 25.

Damian Malnar, a member of Boy Scout Troop 315 and Church of the Ascension Parish in Overland Park, received his Eagle Scout Award in a Court of Honor on Oct. 25. For his Eagle project, he constructed a rosary garden of mosaic stepping stones at Church of the Ascension.

Dominic Malnar, a member of Boy Scout Troop 315 and Church of the Ascension Parish in Overland Park, received his Eagle Scout Award in a Court of Honor on Oct. 25. For his Eagle project, he built resin benches for tennis courts in Overland Park’s city parks.

a n d

p h o t o s

b y

J i l l

in children’s entertainment R a g a r

E s f e l d

S Charmed

Native to Kansas City, and the youngest of a large Catholic family, Cosgrove learned early on that he had to stand out if he wanted his share of the pie. His seven siblings affectionately refer to him as having “eight times the charm.”

Always a showman at heart, Cosgrove worked in the corporate world but found his outlet in singing and playing guitar, which he taught himself. Once his older siblings had children, he entertained at family gatherings by making up silly songs.

“The songs I wrote from the beginning were from my own childhood, my own childlike mind, and from listening to what my nieces and nephews laughed about,” he said.

A friend heard Cosgrove sing one day and invited him to entertain in the children’s section of a local bookstore. Cosgrove accepted the invitation on a lark, sang a few silly songs, and was surprised when parents approached him afterwards asking if they could buy his CD. “I said, ‘I don’t have a CD. This is my first time ever doing this,” he recalled.

That was eight CDs ago.

Cosgrove soon began playing at other bookstores, then at school assemblies and bigger venues. He quickly became known around town.

His first CD, produced in a friend’s

s Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove and bandmate Mark Thies prepared the audience to sing along by demonstrating how to sing from the diaphragm.

Jim Cosgrove’s daughter Lyda often joins him on stage. They’re accompanied by Cosgrove’s band The Hiccups with Dean Ottinger on the drums.

To find out when Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove, the La La’s or the Doo Dads are performing, or to purchase their CDs, visit their Web sites: s Midway through the La La’s performance, Kim Grassman gets the audience up off the floor and leads the pajama party in a few stretching exercises.

www.mrstinkyfeet.com www.thelalasmusic.com www.thedoodads.com To learn more about Kansas City’s upcoming Jiggle Jam, visit the Web site at: www.kcjigglejam.com. garage, was met with rave reviews. Kids began to shout out their favorite song — “Stinky Feet” — whenever they saw him, and Cosgrove would quip back, “That’s Mr. Stinky Feet to you.”

The name stuck.

At the time, Cosgrove’s future wife and business partner was working for a local Barnes and Noble bookstore. When Jeni Cosgrove booked Mr. Stinky Feet to entertain at a store event, the last thing she imagined was that she would marry him.

But he was all charm, and Jeni couldn’t resist.

“I helped him carry his guitar to his car after the show,” she said. “And I thought, ‘Wow, I really like this guy.’ And we were married 14 months later.”

Faith and Family It was a marriage made in heaven.

“I was praying to find someone that had a spiritual connection to me when Jim showed up,” said Jeni. “Never had I dated anyone before who was so into prayer.”

Indeed, prayer has always been at the center of Cosgrove’s life. And he described his journey with Jeni down the road to show business success as one leap of faith after another.

“I base how we have made decisions as a couple on how I was raised. We make very prayerful decisions,” he explained.

“I say ‘leap of faith’ meaning we’ve said, ‘God, if this is what you want, then everything will be fine, and we’re not going to worry about it.’”

By the time the couple married and settled in Prairie Village, Cosgrove had quit his corporate job and made the leap to full-time entertainer. He spent many of his weekends on the road, and it didn’t take long for Jeni to decide she wanted to tag along.

“So she quit her job — another leap of faith — and came to work with me,” said Cosgrove. “A few months later, we found

The La La’s hosted a pajama party to welcome Santa Claus to Zona Rosa Plaza in Kansas City, Mo. Jill Simpson got the audience singing, while Kim Grassman accompanied her on the guitar.

s

S t o r y

lead the way

s

Kid Rock

Catholics

tinky feet have taken Jim Cosgove from local to international success.

Along the way, they’ve also helped him establish Kansas City as a hub of family entertainment.

Cosgrove (aka Mr. Stinky Feet) — along with fellow Catholics in acts such as the La La’s and the Doo Dads — is giving the city of fountains a reputation bigger than barbecue.

Next Memorial Day weekend, the city will host its third annual Jiggle Jam, a music festival at Crown Center Plaza in Kansas City, Mo., showcasing an outstanding lineup of local children’s entertainers, as well as artists from across the country.

The brainchild of Cosgrove, Jiggle Jam gained national attention last year when family music critics and bloggers named it “the best children’s music lineup ever.”

And it all started with a guy, a guitar and the simple notion that stinky feet could be very entertaining.

out we were pregnant, and then things got really scary.”

“You mean ‘really exciting,’” corrected Jeni.

“I’m sorry, I meant ‘exciting,’” said Cosgrove. “Of course, it was exciting.”

“Prayer was an important part of our life and still is,” said Jeni. “We prayed for the opportunity to work together and raise a family together, and God heard our prayers.”

Mr. Stinky Feet quickly became a family business. The Cosgroves’ first daughter, Lyda, now five, was followed by a second daughter, Willa, now twoand-a-half.

“Lyda is becoming more and more a part of the show,” said Jeni. “She’s been singing with Jim and loves to do autographs. I do stage management, sell CDs and answer questions.”

Jeni also books Cosgrove’s shows, and as new children’s entertainers have come into the area and Kansas City’s reputation as a place to find such entertainment has grown, she’s started to represent other performers through Hiccup Productions, Inc.

Spreading the wealth Far from trying to corner the market on children’s entertainment in the area, however, the Cosgroves have reached out to other entertainers. As a result, they have helped to form a tightknit support group that fosters the unique family entertainment industry that Kansas City is becoming known for across the country.

To them, there is no such thing as competition.

“We have welcomed [other entertainers] and worked to help them get established,” explained Cosgrove. “Because we feel like the more good acts there are, the better we all are, the stronger we all are as a family. I would never consider us competition.”

Curé of Ars parishioner Jill Simpson was surprised by the reception she got when she formed an act called the La La’s and began looking for local opportunities to perform.

She did a spot on “Kansas City Live” television and was immediately contacted by Cosgrove.

“I didn’t know anything about the music scene [in Kansas City], but immediately Jim reached out to say, ‘This is a community; we all work together,’” she said. “And they have been such a source of help for us.”

Like Cosgrove, Simpson and her fellow La La, Kim Grassman, both with extensive backgrounds in music, found children’s entertainment the perfect outlet for using their talents in conjunction with their faith.

“I felt like my two interests came together, and it was something I could be proud of in my faith,” said Simpson.

Fellow Curé of Ars parishioner Joe Gose was a drummer in a band with gigs sometimes starting as late as midnight.

Once he had a family, he quickly found out that lifestyle wasn’t conducive to raising children.

So Gose joined with some other musi-

cians/dads and formed a group called The Doo Dads, performing what they term “cool-kid rock.”

The Doo Dads entered the Kansas City music scene shortly after Cosgrove had established a name for himself; they quickly found him to be an invaluable mentor and friend.

“He’s been really great,” said Gose.

“He and his wife have pretty much thrown gigs our way if they couldn’t do something, and she helps book our band now.”

Jiggle Jam Jiggle Jam — Kansas City Family Music Fest — is the ultimate showcase for Mr. Stinky Feet, The Doo Dads, the La La’s and other local entertainers, such as Funky Mama and Dino O’Dell.

Crown Center has built its reputation on family entertainment and is excited to be the host venue and sponsor for the event.

“We’re thrilled with the crowds it has drawn. And as it gets more name recognition year after year, we expect the crowds will only get bigger,” said Chris Ronan, a parishioner of St. Pius X Church in Mission and communications manager for Crown Center.

“We are so hopeful that this event will keep growing and become a regional event and something that people talk about nationally,” he added. “Because we think it has the potential — and that’s because people like Jim and the other entertainers do such a great job.”

But Cosgrove attributes the great job to a higher source.

“We’ve made a conscious effort to leave things in God’s hands,” he said.

“And it has worked out beautifully, because certainly God writes things more smoothly than we ever could for ourselves.”

THE LEAVEN • December 11, 2009

Crosier Society Mass

Photos by Lori Wood Habiger

The annual Crosier Society Mass and brunch were held Nov. 22 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. The Crosier Society is comprised of individuals and families who contribute one percent of their income or at least $1,000 to the Archbishop’s Call to Share. Some 430 people were in attendance, including the Archbishop’s Call to Share 2010 honorary chairpersons Bob and Judy Vohs, parishioners at St. Ann in Prairie Village. At right, David Draftz, a member of St. Benedict’s Parish in Atchison, admires Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s crosier, which symbolizes the archbishop’s role as shepherd of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Below, Archbishop Naumann honors Marilyn and James Krueger, members of Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia, as Stewardship Award winners. The award is given to individuals who have answered the call, not only of the archdiocese, but of their parishes, high schools, Catholic Charities, and other important institutions. These individuals exhibit the lifestyle of Christian stewardship — not just in sharing their resources, but also through lives of prayerful commitment to their families and parish communities and through pledging their talents in service to others. Other Stewardship Award winners this year included: Jerome Paluka, a member of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kan., and Tom and Jeanne Dervin, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood.

Local news 11

12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment President - Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and the board of trustees of St. James Academy, Lenexa, are seeking a faith-filled, proven leader to become the second president of St. James, the newest Catholic high school in the Johnson County pastoral region of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. St. James is a coeducational, comprehensive, ninth- through twelfth-grade high school with 604 students enrolled and 48 staff employed. The school, accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education and the AdvancEd international accreditation agency, offers a full complement of activities in addition to a college preparatory curriculum. SJA strives to emphasize its programs that promote Catholicity, including the newly implemented Community House System.

The new president will be expected to be a person of great faith and a registered and active member of his or her parish in order to lead the school’s faith initiatives. In addition, the new president must be skilled in financial management, strategic planning, and development. Interested individuals should send cover letter and resume, along with a pastor recommendation, to: Dr. Kathleen O’Hara, Superintendent of Schools, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send, via e-mail, to: kohara@archkckcs.org. Interviews will begin early January 2010 with a goal of making a selection in March.

Principal - Most Pure Heart of Mary Elementary School, Topeka, is seeking a dynamic Catholic school principal for the 2010-2011 academic year who embraces the Catholic faith and possesses spiritual leadership skills blended with strong instructional leadership and managerial skills. Most Pure Heart serves 460 students in grades K-8. This school received the Governor’s Achievement Award this past year for being in the top 5% of schools in the state of Kansas.

MPHM is looking for an excellent communicator who can build upon the strong Catholic identity and academic programming that is a hallmark of the school.

The principal will need to have an energetic and creative approach to reaching the needs of students in this parish. Principal applicants must be practicing Catholics and hold an administrative license from the Kansas State Department of Education. Interested individuals should complete the principal application available online at: www.archkckcs.org. Applications are due by Jan. 4. Questions may be directed to Dr. Kathleen O’Hara, superintendent of schools, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, at (913) 721-1570, or by sending an e-mail to: kohara@archkckcs.org.

Principal - St. Elizabeth Parish, located in the Brookside area of Kansas City, Mo., was established in 1922 and currently enrolls 466 students. St. Elizabeth is seeking an enthusiastic and visionary school principal to guide our preschool to 8th-grade program. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong and faithful Catholic administrative background. The qualities for this position require the candidate to demonstrate a strong ability to communicate well with staff, students, and parents; possess marketing and recruitment skills; and display a collaborative leadership style to lead others in the mission of the church.

The qualified candidate must be an active, practicing Catholic in good standing with the magisterium; have a minimum of three years teaching experience; a master’s degree in education, administration or a related field; and an administrative certificate from the state of Missouri, or the ability to obtain one. To apply, contact the school office at (816) 756-1858, ext.

274, or visit the Web site at: http//jobs.diocese-kcsj. org/jobs/.

Distribution center personnel needed Lenexa-based health care products distributor has immediate openings for part-time material handlers to work from 1: 30 - 5:30 p.m. Must be detail-oriented and enjoy working on your feet. Starting pay: $12/ hour; bonus and other benefits offered. Friendly and professional work environment. Apply in person at: 11691 W. 85th St., Lenexa, KS 66214.

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, self-disciplined, 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 more information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; or call (785) 364-5450.

Bookkeeper/payroll/accounts receivable The ABBGROUP is seeking part-time employees for the above categories. We offer an attractive salary, plus benefits. Applicants should be computer literate, efficient and dedicated. No age discrimination. For information, send an e-mail to: abbgroup00@gmail. com.

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 11, 2009

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 11, 2009

Help wanted - COBRAGuard is a nationally recognized leader in COBRA administration. We are expanding our business and are seeking qualified individuals to help with our tremendous growth. If you are looking for an opportunity with a growing firm, make sure you apply with us. We have openings in our call center, sales, IT, and accounting departments.

To apply, visit the Web site at: www.cobraguard.net, follow the link to “Jobs”; or send an e-mail to: HR@ COBRAGuard.net. EOE.

Stained glass - Custom-made side-light door panels. Fit over your existing window. Privacy, beauty, insulative. No need for blinds or curtains. JoCo only. Call Ed at (913) 648-0099.

Tutor needed - To work with adorable, 3-yearold boy with autistic disorder. No experience is necessary. You will be trained how to apply Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Part-time hours. Contact Sheila at (913) 825-3315.

Granite, Cambria and Silestone countertops See our new showroom at 5820 Barton, in the heart of beautiful downtown Shawnee. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058.

Services Retired nurse - Looking to help a family over the holidays and possibly continue through the new year. Will provide child care, do housecleaning, run errands, and provide transportation to/from appointments. Reasonable rates; excellent references. Experience with seniors. Call Pam at (913) 579-5276.

Computer help! - 20+ years of experience. I can fix slow systems, secure networks, set up a home server, establish Internet security, provide technology refresh, eliminate virus/malware issues, and do data recovery. Call Dan O’Boyle at (913) 707-5020.

Initial first half-hour is free.

Calligraphy - Wedding invitations, diplomas, certificates, announcements, favorite quotes, and other inscriptions. Experienced work. Call Sheryl at (913) 888-9328.

Swalms Organizing Service - Basements, garages, attics, and shop spaces organized! Items sorted, boxed & labeled; areas cleaned when finished! Clean out services also available. Great references and insured. For pictures of current projects, visit the Web site at: www.swalms.com. Call Tillar Swalm at (913) 375-9115.

Tutoring - Mamuric Studios is accepting students for tutoring for 2010. Tutor is currently working on her masters of education at Rockhurst University and has experience with students in the K - 12 grades as well as college-level students. Tutor also specializes in test preparation, study skills, French, Spanish, and music. Sessions are customized to fit the student’s needs and are fun and meaningful in context. For information, call (913)206-2151 or send and e-mail to: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

Is QuickBooks® a problem for you? I can help.

I have many years of experience and excellent references. I can work on a one-time basis or continuing part-time basis. Ann Evans Consulting, LLC. Member of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood. Call Ann at (913) 4069778 or send an e-mail to her at: annkc@swbell.net.

Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor.

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

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

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

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

Wedding decorations - Relax, I decorate for church, receptions, anniversaries and parties. Includes cleanup. Free consultation. References. Greater KC area. Call Twila at Elegant Wedding Decor at (913) 724-1408.

Foley’s Lawn Care Lawn mowing Fall cleanups & gutter cleaning www.foleyslawncare.com (913) 825-4353 Serving Johnson County Tree service - Pruning ornamental trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid.

Safe, insured, professional. Brad Grabs, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 244-5838. www.GreenSolutionsKC. com.

Leaf Removal & Fall Yard Clean ups Tree Services. Gutter Clean outs.

Licensed/Bond/Ins/Refs Free estimates (913) 620-6063 Increase your income – Interest rates are low, but a gift annuity with the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas often pays effective rates of over 10 percent for the rest of your life. Your gift benefits your parish or another Catholic organization of your choice in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

You may even get a tax deduction. For information, call (913) 647-0365.

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

Home companion - I will provide transportation, companionship, personal assistance, shopping and other needs to the elderly at home. Full or part time. Days, evenings, weekends. Call Steve at (913) 888-7403 or (913) 522-5765 (cell).

Home Care Services - We provide care management, medication administration, transportation, companionship, shopping and other needs to the elderly and disabled at home. Reasonable rates.

Full time or part time. Days/nights/weekends. Call Pamerick Home Health Care and speak with Mimi at (913) 488-5993.

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

Do you or your parents need help at home?

- For as little as $60 per week, Benefits of HomeSenior 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 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!

Insured and serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

Woodbright - A very affordable alternative to refinishing, refacing or replacing stained cabinets and woodwork. The average kitchen only costs $500. 18 years experience. Call Woodbright at (913) 940-3020.

Painting, exterior and interior, drywall projects, powerwashing, rotted window sills repaired - Quality products. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 341-7584.

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: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa.

Bath, kitchen and basement remodels -Quality work; reasonable prices. 25 yrs. experience. Free estimates. JoCo area. Call Ralph at (913) 707-9589.

Tim the Handyman - Insured; free estimates.

Carpentry: new and repair deck, doors, windows, siding, screens. Plumbing: faucet, garbage disposals, toilets. Electrical: switches, outlets, ceiling fans, light fixtures. Light landscape: fill dirt, trimming, planting, garden tilling and mulching. Serving Johnson County.

Call Tim at (913) 859-0471.

House painting - Interior and exterior; wallpaper removal. 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. References. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

JoCo and southern KC metro area. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing.

Licensed and insured.

(913) 599-7998

Custom-kitchen countertops - Laminate tops manufactured and installed within 5 days. Competitive prices, dependable work. St. Joseph Parish member. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058.

Brown’s Carpet - Installation and repair carpeting; vinyl and wood installation. Free estimates. 10 years experience. Serving the KC metro area. Call (913) 231-4961.

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376

Real Estate Villa for sale – Maintenance-provided ranch home, 2 BR, 2 BA, with sunroom in Shawnee at Town and Country Villas. $209,900. To view online, visit: www.VillasKC.com, or call Marisa with Kansas Land Brokers at (913) 915-9151.

Ottawa area - 2 BR ranch needing TLC on 40 acres. Wooded, pond, and cropland. $225,000. Call Betty Birzer, Reece & Nichols TNC, at (785) 229-8890.

View online at: www.bettybirzer.com.

Lake house – Beautiful and private Lake Kahola, less than 2 hours from the KC area. Only 10 miles off I-35 at Emporia exit. This home sleeps 10+ with a 2-car garage, plus a private boat ramp and dock. Located at the water’s edge on a quiet cove. Call Cy at (316) 262-0888.

Dec. 11

The St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center, 1631 Crescent Rd., Lawrence, will present “Lessons and Carols” at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 11. A reception will follow. All are welcome to enjoy this beautiful musical tradition.

food and financial contributions are also welcome.

17

A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Father Dennis Wait, director of Sanctuary of Hope, will preside. Fellowship follows. For information, call (913) 649-2026.

5-6

Sister Micaela Randolph, OSB, will facilitate a retreat on lectio divina, the ancient art of prayerful reading, beginning at 10 a.m. on Jan. 5 through 2 p.m. on Jan. 6 at Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison. There will be time for sharing, silence, solitude and reflection. The registration deadline is Dec. 20. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the Web site at: www.mount osb.org/sophia.html.

t Immaculate Conception Parish, 5th and Kiowa, Leavenworth, will host a community Christmas concert featuring youth choirs from four area high schools at 2 p.m. on Dec. 13. Admission is free. Donations of nonperishable food items for the Leavenworth Assistance Center will be greatly appreciated.

Oceanfront condo, Sanibel Island, Florida - 2 BR, 2 BA, fully equip. kitchen; sleeps 6 comfortably.

Washer/dryer, wet bar, A/C, pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, balcony, BBQ grill, FREE GOLF at Dunes Country Club. Available 1/15 - 1/22. $1495. Call Dan at (913) 706-5405 or send an e-mail to: dsummersirn@kc.rr. com.

Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA, on free ski shuttle route. $110/night. Call (913) 6423027. To view pictures, visit the Web site at: cabin. forcadeassociates.com.

Ski vacation - Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, 1 BA, sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec. center with pool & hot tub. $125/night; $750/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.

For sale Kansas state tax seizure quitting business sale - Madelynn’s Bridal Shop, 511 Commercial, Emporia. 60% off! Hours are: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Thurs.

- Sat. and from 1 - 5 p.m. on Sun. Huge selection of bridal, prom, mother of the bride, flower girl, and bridesmaid dresses. Select bridal dresses as low as $50. Plus 50% off all other inventory, including candles, gourmet food items, crystal, dishes, vases, glasses, picture frames, purses, jewelry, scarves, cologne, bath items, and baby gifts. Cash or credit card only. Call (620) 343-2040.

s The bereavement support group of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, will host a presentation, entitled “Angel Catchers,” from 7 - 8 p.m. on Dec. 17 in the faculty lounge. Mary Kay Whitacre will be the featured speaker. Light refreshments will be served. For information, call Donna Kaberlein at (913) 829-5320.

The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 11917 of Sacred Heart Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will host breakfast with Santa from 8 - 11 a.m. on Dec. 13 in the church hall. The cost is: $6 for adults; $4 for children; or $20 per family.

The Daughters of Isabella, Little Flower Circle No. 503, will host a Christmas luncheon at 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 13 at Rossiter Hall, 204 S.W. 8th St., Topeka. The circle will provide the meat and drinks. Bring a covered dish and a $5 gift for the gift exchange. Husbands, children and family are also invited.

13-19

The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2332 of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will host a Christmas clothing drive during the week of Dec. 13 - 19. Donations of clean, used clothing can be made at the charitable service institution, 11110 W. 67th St., Shawnee, from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. For information, call Shawnee Community Services at (913) 268-7746. Housewares, toys, bedding,

19

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on Dec. 19 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be “Spirituality and Grief.” For information, call (913) 649-2026.

The archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass will be held at 8 a.m. on Dec. 19 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., followed by a rosary procession to an abortion clinic four blocks away. Father Greg Hammes will be the celebrant. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing; Benediction concludes the services at 10 a.m.

31

Holy Trinity Church, 92nd and Pflumm, Lenexa, will host an all-city Christian singles New Year’s Eve dance from 8

The Blaufuss Team

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.

“We want to help you and your family with real estate”

Re/max Realty Suburban, Inc. 12701 W. 87th Pkwy.

Lenexa, KS 66215

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

Contact Jim: 913-226-7442 Contact Julie & Marilyn: 913-647-7118 Office Line: 913-647-7132 We LOVE Referrals!

jimblaufuss@aol.com | www.BlaufussTeam.com

Will buy firearms and related accessories One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. *** Wanted to Buy *** Antique and vintage costume jewelry Member St. Joseph Parish Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179

Jan.

13

The Knights of Columbus and the Mothers of Young Children of Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood, will host “Breakfast with St. Nick” from 8 a.m. – noon on Dec. 13 in the school cafeteria. The cost is: $6 for adults; $5 for children; or $25 per family. Santa will be present to visit with the children, so bring your camera.

Vacation

Sunny and 80 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. 2 BR, 2 BA beachfront condo. Fully equipped, sleeps 6.

Great location; close to everything. $125/night. Call (816) 835-7994, or send an e-mail to: kelgang@aol. com.

p.m. - 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 31 in the parish hall.

Tickets cost $30 if purchased in advance; $35 at the door. The cost includes light sandwiches and appetizers, beer, wine, soda, and champagne at midnight. To purchase tickets, mail a check payable to Zepster’s A to Z Party DJ’s, before Dec. 21, to: P.O. Box 14321, Kansas City, MO 64152. For information, call (816) 292-2848 or send an e-mail to: zepster707@gmail.com.

M-F 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Summer Months: Sat. 10 a.m to 3 p.m.

Misc. t A Holy Land pilgrimage in the footsteps of Jesus, is planned for June 1 - 14, 2010. Spiritual director Father Jorge Ramirez will lead participants on a tour through Bethlehem, Nazareth, Cana, and Mount Tabor and Cairo in celebration of the great mysteries of Jesus’ life. The cost is $3295 per person/ double occupancy; $445 single supplement.

The Cairo extension costs $795 per person, double occupancy. Space is limited. A reservation and $400 deposit are due by Feb. 15, 2010. For information, call Pilar at (913) 341-7779.

Mary, Health of the Sick Guild has published a new cookbook to benefit the Sisters, Servants of Mary. The cookbook contains over 350 recipes, including ones submitted by the Sisters themselves. The cost is $12 (plus $2 for postage). Make checks payable to the Sisters, Servants of Mary and send to:

CALENDAR 13

800 N. 18th St., Kansas City KS 66102. Cookbooks may also be purchased at the motherhouse at the above address. For information, contact Barbara Butler at (913) 362-0723 or the convent at (913) 371-3423.

There are 14 men in the My House men’s groups that have broken free from pornography for over one year! Also, the My House women’s group is available for wives and loved ones who are healing from the effects of their loved one’s struggles. For more information, visit the Web site at: LoveIsFaithful.com.

Were you injured while on active duty in the military? Do you have combat-related nightmares or are you bothered by memories of combat? A “veterans helping veterans” support group is forming in this area. If you are in need of help or are available to help, call John at (913) 909-3368.

Catholic Charities is sponsoring Mother to Mother, a program that provides emotional support for mothers. Meetings with speakers on various topics are held once a month in Olathe. Mothers are also paired with a support/mentor mother. For more information, contact Carla Golden at (913) 7824077, or send an e-mail to her at: cgolden@ ccsks.org.

“Kids Voice” is grief support for children ages 5 - 12 who are in families experiencing the pain of separation or divorce. For information, call Jean at (913) 262-9037.

Spiritual direction helps us notice God’s action in our daily lives. By meeting monthly with a skilled spiritual director, we become more conscious of God’s presence and love.

For information or to schedule a free appointment, call the Keeler Women’s Center at (913) 621-8749.

St. Monica home school support meets monthly. For information and locations, call Stephanie Jacobson at (913) 766-0412.

The Serra Club invites all men of the archdiocese to pray with them to increase vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Meetings are held at noon on every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information, contact Jim Conrad at (913) 432-4162, John Muehlberger at (913) 441-5061, or Bill Peters at (913) 8946967.

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

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

Submissions may be mailed to: 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • December 11, 2009

THE LEAVEN • december 11, 2009

Mark my words

simply stewardship

Catholic Press Association Award Winner

M

Doing ‘the Catholic dance’ in my heart

y husband and I didn’t get much sleep the night before the Crosier Society Mass and brunch last month.

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Archbishop Edward O’Meara Award Winner

We had spent the evening before at the National Catholic Youth Conference’s closing ceremonies and Mass with about 25,000 young people, volunteers, youth leaders, religious and clergy who raised the roof at the Sprint Center and the nearby Grand Ballroom of Bartle Hall in Kansas City, Mo. Still excited from the incredible NCYC experience, I greeted the warm, friendly members of the Crosier Society with my little version of “the Catholic dance” — a line dance that I had been taught the day before by a

1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003

Quote Week

of the

I

the gospel truth Scripture Readings

Dec. 14 John of the Cross, priest, doctor of the church Nm 24: 2-7, 15-17a; Ps 25: 4-9; Mt 21: 23-27 Dec. 15 Tuesday Zep 3: 1-2, 9-13; Ps 34: 2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23; Mt 21: 28-32 Dec. 16 Wednesday Is 45: 6c-8, 18, 21c-25; Ps 85: 9-14; Lk 7: 18b-23 Dec. 17 Thursday Gn 49: 2, 8-10; Ps 72: 1-4, 7-8, 17; Mt 1: 1-17 Dec. 18 Friday Jer 23: 5-8; Ps 72: 1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1: 18-25 Dec. 19 Saturday Jgs 13: 2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71: 3-6, 16-17; Lk 1: 5-25

2009 — with “Love,” to meet our 2010 $4.2 million goal.

A report of past allocations should arrive in your mail soon. In January, consider a gift to the Archbishop’s Call to Share, especially those who have never given before. Online giving is possible by visiting the Web site at: www.calltoshare.org.

I can say with confidence that there is joyful satisfaction in helping the church in northeast Kansas to serve others — even if the donation is only equal to the cost of a cup of coffee.

There is so much joy, in fact, that it will make you want to do “the Catholic dance” in your heart.

P.S. Merry Christmas!

Lesle Knop is the executive director of stewardship and development. You can e-mail her at: lknop@archkck.org.

T

Christian baptism builds on the baptism of John

he strong winds that often inflict themselves upon our state of Kansas can be very annoying.

It is difficult to rake leaves in the midst of a hurricane-strength gale. If we have an ice storm, the wind can pull “His winnowing fan is in his hand to down tree branches and electric lines. clear his threshing floor and to gather On the other hand, it is possible to the wheat into his barn, but the chaff harness the wind, to put it to work. he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

The wind can turn giant windmills to The winnowing fan was a large, generate electricity. With some planthree-pronged wooden fork, the size ning, we can convert the wind from a of a pitchfork. The farmer would use it bothersome, sometimes deto toss the threshed wheat structive, force into a largely into the air. The wind would THIRD SUNDAY positive one. carry away the chaff, while OF ADVENT There is nothing new the grain fell to the ground.

Lk 3: 10-18 about this. For centuries, This image of winnowhuman beings have ating describes the process of tempted to make the wind serve them. separation of the good from the bad.

The wind has filled the sails of ships It fits in well with the stern theme of to propel them across the ocean. The judgment enunciated in John’s preachwind has dried clothing hung outside ing. At the same time, the image of on a line. winnowing helps to clarify the phrase The wind has even been used to “the Holy Spirit and fire.” In Greek separate the chaff from grain. This (and in Hebrew), the word for spirit is process, called winnowing, provides the same as the word for wind. a powerful image in Sunday’s Gospel John contrasts himself with the reading, Lk 3:10-18. John the Baptist Messiah yet to arrive: “I am baptizing describes the role of the long-expected you with water, but one mightier than Messiah: I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen

Give the gift of a brighter future this Christmas season

n my previous articles, I have used the past to help us understand the future. My style is to make comparisons to highlight the important and flavor my words with humor.

If you have not read my articles, you need to, so I can lead the world in readership!

Bishop Raymond J. Boland, citing an October U.N. Food Agency report See story on page 4

Dec. 13 third SUNDAY OF ADVENT Zep 3: 14-18a; (Ps) Is 12: 2-6; Phil 4: 4-7; Lk 3: 10-18

group of high school girls from Wisconsin whose joyful enthusiasm was contagious.

How could anyone resist the charm of bright young people wearing buttons and silly hats who wanted to teach “the Catholic dance” to passersby on 14th Street in Kansas City, Mo., near the Music Hall on a beautiful fall day?

Normally, a cautious middle-aged woman would say, “No, not today,” and move on.

Amid the joyful exuberance of Chris-

tian young people, however, a little strutting and hopping seemed like the most natural thing in the world.

At the Crosier Society brunch, where families who contribute one percent of their annual income or a minimum of $1,000 to the annual appeal share a meal with Archbishop Joseph Naumann, I reported the results of the Archbishop’s Call to Share 2009.

Despite global uncertainty, Catholics responded with sacrificial giving that exceeded our $4.1 million goal by more than $600,000. A record 34 percent of archdiocesan families participated — more than 21,000 households.

Our ministries, schools and social service agencies anticipate even greater needs next year. That’s why we plan to continue our trilogy of “Faith” and “Hope” — our themes in 2008 and

cef centered

“Currently, there are over 1 billion people in the world who are hungry and the numbers are increasing daily.”

third WEEK OF ADVENT

COMMENTARY 15

the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

We distinguish the Christian sacrament of baptism from the baptism performed by John the Baptist. The Christian sacrament incorporates the person baptized into the church. It puts a permanent seal upon that person and claims him or her as an adopted son or daughter of God. In contrast, the baptism by John expressed the repentance of the person baptized and did nothing more. While this was significant for the person’s spiritual life, it fell short of what the sacrament would accomplish. Because of the words ascribed to John in our Gospel reading, we often look upon the Holy Spirit as the missing ingredient in his baptisms.

At the same time, we should remember that Christian baptism builds upon the baptism of John. The sacrament washes away sin, but also presumes a spirit of repentance. It reminds us that the Christian life involves a continual self-examination, to make sure that we follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, that we live according to his teachings.

That is what John the Baptist is calling us to, as he exhorts us to repent.

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

During this time of year, we are thankful for many things in our lives.

We are encouraged to make sacrifices, where possible, to help the less fortunate. Why are these months any different than the rest of the year?

We all know the stories of St. John

the Baptist, St. Joan of Arc and St. Peter. Most of you know the Christmas song, “Good King (Saint) Wenceslaus,” but do you know his story?

Per Pope Benedict: “Saint Wenceslaus was benevolent to the poor, clothed the naked and gave food to the hungry. He loved all people, whether rich or poor. He died as a martyr for Christ.”

St. Wenceslaus is one we all should emulate. All of these saints made sacrifices to help others!

Talking about stories, do you know the stories of Maria, Kristen, Randolph

and Angelina?

Maria is a single mother of five who works three jobs to keep her children in Catholic schools.

Kristen is the mother of four whose ex-husband is an alcoholic and was abusive to the children. She left him and took on night work at the school in an effort to make sure her kids receive a Catholic education.

Randolph is the dad of a specialneeds son, in addition to two beautiful daughters. The medical costs to take care of his son are astronomical. He and his wife are now working four jobs between them to take care of their financial responsibilities and make sure their children are raised Catholic.

And last, but not least, Angelina is a single mother of two who is physically challenged. She works two low-paying jobs, night and day, so she can pay her bills and, most importantly, keep her children in a Catholic school.

Each of these four families, living in our archdiocese, has established Catholic education as a priority for their children! They are making unbelievable sacrifices to ensure this happens.

They understand that a Catholic school education can be the springboard to higher education, the best way to break the cycle of poverty. They are individuals we all should emulate!

During this Christmas season, I encourage each of us to consider partnering with the Catholic Education Foundation by providing a scholarship for a child in need. It is one of the best gifts you can give during this holy season.

For more information, visit the Web site at: www.cefls.org.

Merry Christmas to all!

P.S. Just kidding on the readership thing!

Michael Morrisey is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation.

word of life

S

What gifts has the Holy Spirit given you?

o what are your spiritual gifts or charisms?

Do you have any? Do you want any? Are they Catholic?

According to the teachings of the church, charisms are a part of normal Christian life. Charisms are spiritual gifts given to each of the baptized by the Holy Spirit. St. Paul clearly teaches: “To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. . . .

Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts” (1 Cor 12:7,31).

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Whether extraordinary or simple and humble, charisms are graces of the Holy Spirit which . . . benefit the Church. . . . Charisms are to be accepted with gratitude by the person

who receives them and by all members of the church as well” (nos. 799-800).

The Second Vatican Council taught that the Holy Spirit “distributes special graces among the faithful of every rank” for the building up of the church (“Lumen Gentium,” no. 12).

Although this teaching seems clear, I had little experience, knowledge, or expectation that the Holy Spirit wanted to give me gifts for the building up of the church. Charisms were not something we spent much time studying in my Catholic school. It was

during college that I began to believe that there was a God and he had a wonderful plan for my life. As I began to surrender my life to Jesus, I experienced the fervor and passion that I had only heard about in the apostles’ lives.

Charisms began to manifest themselves in my life. A deep desire was planted in my heart to bring the Gospel to others.

I wanted to go to Mass and to pray. I could speak with boldness about the love of God. The charisms of the Holy Spirit are meant for all the baptized. Thank God, or I would have been passed over!

Perhaps you grew up not hearing much about the charisms of the Spirit or experiencing any spiritual gifts.

Perhaps you have experienced spiritual gifts in your life, but you have never discerned which gifts the Lord has given you. The words of St. Paul apply to all of us: “To each individual the

manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.”

In order to increase our knowledge and understanding of the Catholic teaching on spiritual gifts, the office of evangelization and Catholic formation for adults will host a Called and Gifted workshop in January. The aim is to help Catholics like you begin to understand charisms and to discern which the Lord may have given you.

The workshop will be held at Ascension Parish in Overland Park on Jan. 22-23, 2010. To register or for more information, call Stacy Niedbalski at the Catholic church offices at (913) 721-1570 or visit the Web site at: www. archkckecat.org/calledandgifted2010.

Matt Karr is the consultant for the office of evangelization and catechesis. He can be reached at ecat@archkck.org.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • december 11, 2009

12th man

Championship season dedicated to boy’s memory

By Marc and Julie Anderson Special to The Leaven

CENTRALIA — No one has yet made a movie about the Centralia High School Panthers football team and Andrew Kohake.

But maybe they should.

On Nov. 28, the Centralia Panthers captured their first state title, the Class 2-1A championship, by knocking off the king of the mountain — Smith Center — in overtime by a score of 20-12. Until that game, Smith Center had a 79-game winning streak and five state titles.

It was the longest active winning streak in the nation for 11-man teams.

The newspapers were filled with stories about the broken streak, the score, and key players like Centralia senior quarterback Tyler Glatczak; his sophomore brother Mike; and senior tackle Tyler Gleason. Even Sports Illustrated magazine and USA Today sat up and took notice.

But their articles didn’t mention the 12th man on the field: Andrew Kohake.

Andrew played for Centralia during the 2006-2007 school year.

Even though he was just a freshman, he got some playing time as a defensive lineman on the varsity squad. That’s because he was big — 250 pounds big.

It would have been easy for a boy the size of Kohake to throw his weight around — to let that varsity playing time go to his head and lord it over the other kids. But he didn’t.

Andrew’s speed, size and love of the game made him a good athlete. But his off-field character made him a good person. He’d do anything for anybody — he volunteered, for example, for the county ambulance service and the community center.

“Andrew was just one special boy,” said his father, Joe Kohake, a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca. “He never knew an enemy, not one enemy.”

In May 2007 Joe and Andrew Kohake installed a new trophy case for the high school music department.

It was their last carpentry project together.

On June 3, 2007, Andrew died as a result of a car accident. Small towns are like small families. Everyone grieved.

Spring became summer, and then fall. Football season is a special time in a small town. It was hard for Joe and Denise Kohake to sit in the stands and watch the games their son would have played, imagining an empty spot in the huddle. Nevertheless, they wanted to help the team.

Janelle Glatczak, wife of head

Elmer Rottinghaus

6420 Parallel, KCK Life • Home• Auto Commercial

334-2222

Photo by Raymond Hillegas/Hays Daily News

Centralia Panthers head coach Larry Glatczak celebrates his team’s 20-12 victory over Smith Center on Nov. 28 during the Kansas Class 2-1A state football championship game at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. football coach Larry Glatczak, both members of St. Patrick Parish in Corning, had an idea. She asked the Kohakes if they would help defray the cost of a permanent runthrough to replace the large, paper banners the team usually burst through when it took the field at the start of games. The Kohakes agreed, and Andrew’s name and number were incorporated in small lettering on the bottom right-hand corner of it.

Andrew may not have suited up for the games, but he remained the major player for the team that Coach Glatczak had always predicted he would be.

He became its spirit.

He lived on in the players’ “AK” chant after every break from a huddle.

He lived on in the prayers offered by the players— at pre-game breakfasts and Masses on his birthday, which were attended by all the members of his class, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.

He lived on, according to Glatczak, up to and including the very last play of the very last game, when “right before the defense took the field for the final time, the kids were yelling ‘AK’ as loudly as they could.”

Although Centralia is a public school, many of its students are Catholic; the football team boasts players from six different Catholic parishes in the northern part of the archdiocese.

This year, since it would have been Andrew’s senior season, the team decided not only to dedicate the season to Andrew.

They decided, for Andrew, they had to win it all.

“[The players] would come up to me and say, ‘Joe, we’re going to win it for Andrew,’” said Joe Kohake. “I would tell them just to do their best and I would be proud.”

And do their best they did.

On its victory run, Centralia set a school record for most wins and knocked off opponents Colgan (a team which Centralia had not defeated since 1985) and St. Marys, both of which, according to the pundits, were formidable opponents.

The players say Andrew was there for every play.

“Every time we would huddle together for a game, the team prayed the Lord’s Prayer and get really pumped up as we remembered Andrew,” said Michael Glatczak.

His brother seconded that.

“God has been with us, and Andrew has been there for us, too,” said Tyler Glatczak. “He was the twelfth man on the field.

“He was helping us out on every play, pushing the pile. He was always in our hearts and our minds.”

This championship season has given a comfort to Joe, Denise, and their three daughters — one that they never expected to know.

“To dedicate a season to someone’s memory is one thing,” said Joe Kohake.

“To really [win it all] is another.”

“In the fourth quarter they just couldn’t seem to put the game away,” Kohake recalled. “I told Andrew, ‘If we pull this out, look at how many converts there would be in the stadium.’ “‘Look at how many people are going to believe!’”

TOUCH OF HEAVEN Catholic Store 119 SE 18th Topeka, KS (785) 232-2543

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

Sisters look to set roots in the United States Continued from page 1 Sister Loredana Mazzei, a native of Rome; and Sister Debbie Li, a native of Singapore. Sister Susan and Sister Loredana are the first and third members of the order, respectively.

The Apostles originally had not planned on establishing an American presence, but the foundation was laid when they offered a retreat in California in 1998.

The following year they were invited to establish a house at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Next, they were invited to establish a house near St. Lawrence Center in 2003. The Apostles established a house at the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 2005, but both this house and the house in Illinois were closed. Another house was opened at Texas A&M University in 2006.

The Apostles established their American provincial house in Overland Park for several reasons.

The first was to give the Sisters a sense of rootedness in the United States; a second, was to direct the growth and activities of the association.

A third reason was to run programs of spiritual formation, in collaboration with the archdiocesan School of Faith, in a former farmhouse adjoining Holy Spirit Parish, now called the Center of Spirituality.

Finally, the Sisters wanted to assist the growth and activities of two affiliated lay groups. One is the Collaborators of Your Joy; the second is simply called the Family.

The Collaborators, founded in 2006, has more than 40 members. Their focus is on fostering spiritual friendships, developing an interior life of spirituality, praying for others, and promoting a relationship with Christ.

“They want to continue our charism — bring it down into the world where we cannot reach,” said Sister Susan.

“Anyone can belong to it who wants to live out our charism.”

Members of the Family have a more serious commitment. They promise to undertake ongoing spiritual direction, daily meditation, thanksgiving after Communion, and practice the care of souls — basically, praying for others.

“The first group was of 26,” said Sister Loredana. “The second group of 20 people has started its formation. If all goes well, they will take their promises in January 2011.”

Although the association’s headquarters is in Rome, the Apostles have sunk deep roots into the Kansas soil.

They have formed strong relationships with the St. Lawrence Center, Holy Spirit Parish, and archdiocesan programs like the School of Faith and the permanent diaconate.

“Our main desire and hope for the future is to sensitize people ever more to the beauty, importance and necessity of their interior lives, their relationship with Jesus,” said Sister Susan. “That’s the whole reason why we exist. It’s why we’re here in Kansas City. And we want to do it with balance and joy.”

Concrete Work

Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555