01-10-14 Vol. 35 No. 21

theleaven.com | vol. 35, no. 21 | january 10, 2014

Leaven photo by Joe McSorley

open for business

The new urban youth outreach facility, located in the basement of the former Blessed Sacrament School, includes a dance studio, coffee shop, and music room. ReachKCK (Blessed Sacrament campus) opened on Dec. 30.

Within our

REACH

Archdiocese launches new youth ministry in the urban core

K

S to ry by K at i e H y d e

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — In a demonstration of the archdiocese’s commitment to youth, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrated a night of eucharistic adoration and worship at Blessed Sacrament Church here on Dec. 30 — and launched a new youth

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S p e c i a l to Th e L e av e n center at the former school to boot.

Teens and adults from all over the archdiocese filled the church for the annual eucharistic adoration event, One Thing Remains.

But the night also marked the opening and dedication of ReachKCK (Blessed Sacrament campus), the brand-new facility for archdiocesan urban youth outreach. >> See “meeting” on page 8

show time

Leaven photo by Joe McSorley

Liz Halfmann, urban youth outreach coordinator for the archdiocese, unveils the music room at ReachKCK.

2 archbishop

theleaven.com | january 10, 2014

Life will be victorious

Archbishop offers personal support to parents of growing families

T

hank you to the many who responded to the questionnaire that was printed in The Leaven and was also

archbishop Joseph F. Naumann

on our archdiocesan website soliciting input for the upcoming synod on the family scheduled for October of this year.

I appreciate everyone who took the time to offer their insight on the state of marriage and family life, as well as to provide suggestions on how the church can better support married couples in living their vocation.

Included in the questionnaire were: How can a more open attitude toward having children be fostered? How can an increase in births be promoted? These are questions that I have been pondering for some time. A few who responded to the questionnaire had the mistaken notion that the church attempts to tell couples how many children they should have.

Although not every couple will be able to conceive a child, an openness to having children is essential to marriage. Being able to conceive a child is not essential to marriage, but the willingness to be co-creators with God of a new human life is. Part of the reason that our culture is so confused about the definition of marriage is because this essential component of marriage is forgotten.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church summarizes the purposes for marriage in these words: “The marriage covenant, by which a man and a woman form with each other an intimate communion of life and love, has been founded and endowed with its own special laws by the

Creator. By its very nature it is ordered to the good of the couple, as well as to the generation and the education of children. Christ the Lord raised marriage between the baptized to the dignity of a sacrament” (No. 1660).

The church counsels couples to be generous in their openness to life. It also reminds couples of their responsibility in providing for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of their children. Parenthood is an awesome privilege, but also an incredible responsibility.

The question for Catholic couples should not be: How many children do we want to have? The question for the Catholic couple is: How many children does God desire for our love to give life?

A couple, involved nationally with the formation of married couples, told me that early in their marriage, after the birth of their first two children, they asked a priest mentor: “How many children should we have?” The priest wisely counseled them that they should have as many children as God desired for them. He encouraged them to pray, asking God — if he wanted them to have more children — to place a desire in their heart for another child. They followed his advice and are the parents of 10 children!

The entire church is called to support and encourage married couples in providing for the human needs of their children as well as their responsibility to be their first

baptismal liturgy

The first of Archbishop Naumann’s baptismal liturgies is scheduled for May 18 at 2:30 p.m. at Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park. Those wishing to register for the sacrament should contact the archdiocesan office for liturgy and sacramental life to request a registration form at: liturgy@ archkck.org. The deadline for registration is May 1.

and most important teachers of the faith. Parents communicate the truths of our Catholic faith to their children, not so much by what they say, but much more by the example of their lives.

The cultural bias today is that couples should have a maximum of two children.

Parents of larger families have related to me how they have received critical comments, even from fellow Catholics, for having more than two children. The same individuals who advocate for the protection of endangered species of animals consider children a threat to the environment. These pseudo-environmentalists, of course, support the use of oral contraceptives, which chemically attack a woman’s healthy reproductive system.

As a small gesture to encourage Catholic married couples to be generous in their openness to life, I am offering to baptize any child who is at least a couple’s third child, which of course includes both biological and adoptive children. In the future, I will publish in The Leaven and in parish bulletins a schedule of group baptisms, as well as instructions on how to register for these baptismal liturgies.

My purpose in doing this is to demonstrate my personal support for those couples who take seriously the call to be generous in cooperating

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calendar archbishop

Naumann Jan. 11 Apostles of the Interior Life spiritual mentorship program Mass and dinner Jan. 13 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Administrative Team meeting Jan. 14 Priests Personnel meeting Vespers and dinner with recently ordained priests

Jan. 15 Presbyteral Council meeting

Open house for priests Jan. 16 Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call

Kansas Catholic Conference Red Mass — Assumption, Topeka Jan. 16-17 Kansas Catholic Conference — Topeka Jan. 18 “Catholic Way” taping Catholic Charities Snow Ball

archbishop

keleher Jan. 11-12 Mass — St. Sebastian, Fla. Jan. 18-19 Mass — St. Sebastian, Fla.

Wow! That is a vision that is worth living and dying for!

Thanks to all married couples for accepting the call to heroic love!

Online Catholic content now at your fingertips

By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Why did St. Paul go to the Areopagus when he visited Athens?

Because that’s where the people were.

What was true in the first century is true today. If you want to evangelize people, you’ve got to take your message to the places where they go.

Today, a lot of people — especially the young — use the Internet to interact and collaborate with others in virtual communities that exist in a conglomeration of social networking sites and other services.

Now, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is part of that ethereal realm, having launched last September its own Digital Media Center.

The center was created in collaboration with MyCatholicVoice, a technology and media services company that works with Catholic organizations.

“The whole mission of the church necessitates being able to reach people in the media forms they are currently using,” said Fred Fosnacht, president and CEO of MyCatholicVoice. “The Digital Media Center is about utilizing those media forms.”

It’s exactly what Pope Benedict called for in the new evangelization: Catholic faithful proclaiming the faith by using new methods and expressions.

Kansas leads the way Protestant churches and the secular world have been quick to utilize technology to provide a variety of content and opportunities for interaction through the Internet.

And Catholics? Not so much.

“There is a crisis of Catholic content in the English-speaking world,” said Tim Chik, director of Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan., and the archdiocesan Digital Media Center.

“There’s just not enough good, Catholic content,” Chik continued. “There is some, but needs to be more, and it needs to be more readily accessible. We hope to be a vehicle for that — that the Digital Media Center will spur the creation of even better and deeper Catholic online content.”

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas was the first Catholic diocese in the nation to launch a Digital Media Center, closely followed by the Diocese of Reno and the Archdiocese for the Military Services.

“What we are doing [in Kansas] is unique,” said Fosnacht, a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe. “We are starting a model that doesn’t exist in the church today: a single place to come for the best Catholic content. [And] it has the screening that represents the gravity of the teaching of the bishops’ office.”

Others are beginning to notice. Sister Caroline Ceverny, SSJ, president of Interactive Connections, recently sent this message to the National Association of Catechetical Media Professionals.

“Have you seen the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas?” wrote Sister Caroline. “Is this the wave of the future?”

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with God’s grace in giving life.

In the Gospel, Jesus challenges his disciples to lose their life in following him. Christian parenthood is a form of losing one’s own life. Being the parent of one child is demanding, but being a parent of a larger family requires remarkable generosity and sacrifice. Jesus also tells his disciples that in losing their lives they will discover the abundant life he promises.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes the remarkable beauty of God’s design for marriage in these words: “God created man and woman together and willed each for the other. The Word of God gives us to understand this through various features of the sacred text. ‘It is not good that the man should be alone. I will make him a helper fit for him.’ None of the animals can be man’s partner. The woman God ‘fashions’ from the man’s rib and brings to him elicits on the man’s part a cry of wonder, an exclamation of love and communion: ‘This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.’ Man discovers woman as another ‘I,’ sharing the same humanity” (No. 371).

“Man and woman were made ‘for each other’ — not that God left them half-made and incomplete: he created them to be a communion of persons, in which each can be a ‘helpmate’ to the other, for they are equal persons (‘bone of my bones . . .’) and complementary as masculine and feminine. In marriage God unites them in such a way that, by forming ‘one flesh,’ they can transmit human life: ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.’ By transmitting human life to their descendants, man and woman as spouses and parents cooperate in a unique way in the Creator’s work” (No. 372).

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second front page 3

january 10, 2014 | theleaven.com

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Leaven photo by Joe Bollig

Rose Hammes, director of archdiocesan communications and planning, accesses the Digital Media Center while Tim Chik, director of Savior Pastoral Center and the DMC, looks on. Both were part of an archdiocesan team that worked with MyCatholicVoice to create the online resource library, which can be accessed by anyone through the archdiocesan website at: www.archkck.org, and then clicking on the DMC button.

Not just a website For many years the archdiocese supported parishes, pastors and catechists through the former Archdiocesan Resource Center.

The center, located at Savior Pastoral Center, had a variety of items that were available for loan: audiocassettes, music CDs, books, videos on tape and DVDs, and other items.

The archdiocese has largely transitioned away from the old lending library model and toward the Digital Media Center, although some items are still sent by mail, said Chik.

“The Digital Media Center is an online resource to support the catechesis, formation, evangelization and personal ministries of the people of God,” said Fosnacht.

“What is unique is that the archdiocese can select from all available content and offer to our local church the best content that has been screened to reflect faithful teaching,” he continued, “and the priorities and ecclesiology of the local church.”

The Digital Media Center can be accessed through the archdiocesan website — but it’s more than just a website.

“The best description of it from a technology standpoint is that it’s not a website, but a cloud service,” said Fosnacht.

“Cloud service means [the content] is actually stored on a bunch of computers literally throughout the United States,” he said. “And here’s why. Unlike a website that streams one thing, we have hourlong videos and lots of media that need to be cued up, not only in the United States, but throughout the world. So it’s not a website, but a content delivery network, or a cloud service — so there

are a whole lot of services that make new, fresh content always available.”

Keystrokes to a new world To get to the Digital Media Center, going to the archdiocesan website — www.archkck.org — and then click on the Digital Media Center button at the right-hand side near the top of the home page.

The home page opens to a large window, called a “ticker,” that cycles through various images. It’s similar to the opening page of Yahoo.

Below the ticker is a grid of images under four tabs: Recently Viewed, Most Popular, Recently Uploaded and Recommended. This is similar to the home page of YouTube.

To the right of these four categories is a list of tweets from various sources.

Under Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s picture on the right-hand side are three blue buttons: Search, Welcome and Tour, and Library Loan. New users are advised to take the tour.

All are welcome to visit the site, and there is no requirement to purchase anything or to register. Registering, however, gives you the right to download certain things and to make purchases.

The center contains items created by the archdiocese (all free) and items from a variety of publishers.

The kinds of things found in the center include podcasts, videos, pictures, music and live-stream events. The content is continually updated to reflect the church’s liturgical year and current events occurring in the life of the church.

How the online library can be used

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Coordinator Julie Holthaus julie@theleaven.com

Digital Media Uses • View live-streamed events • View and download resources • Listen to the archbishop’s radio show • Access supplemental learning and multimedia resources • Link to video resources for small group discussion • Develop a personal prayer routine of reflection and learning • Enhance parish catechetical programming • Supplement sacramental preparation • Enhance Bible study • Watch online training and meetings • Discover information about archdiocesan events

is limited only by one’s imagination, according to Chik. The center can be used by individuals for personal enrichment and spiritual growth, by pastors, by faith-sharing groups, youth groups, RCIA classes, and marriage prep instructors.

For example, one parish used a video series as a component in a “date night” for couples, said Chik.

Never before has it been possible for a single Catholic — or groups of Catholics — to have so much information at their fingertips.

“The church as ‘the totality of God’s people’ pre-Internet could hardly be imagined,” said Fosnacht. “Today, we experience it. We are connected, praying, talking, praising, working and being gripped by grace on a digital continent, many for the first time. I can think of no more exciting place to be.”

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.

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4 local news

theleaven.com | january 10, 2014

Ministry supports those seeking the freedom of chastity

Book nooks connect people to their faith

By Joyce A. Mitchell Special to The Leaven

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

VERLAND PARK — If one of your new year’s resolutions is to deepen your faith through a little spiritual reading, then maybe St. Jerome can point you in the right direction: He is the patron saint of libraries, after all.

While most parishes have reading material of some sort to loan, it’s often a simple system: Self-service nooks in the backs of many churches and parish centers rely on the honor system, with no library cards or fines for late returns. Visitors log their selections in a ledger and return them in a bin or box when finished.

But several parishes in the Johnson County Region have their own small libraries, from which they lend out reading material on all things Catholic.

Prince of Peace Church in Olathe, for example, opened its shelves on All Saints Day last year after collecting books all summer long. Parishioner Paula Hollis, who was instrumental to the collection of the books in the first place, then sorted them and developed a system to keep track of the publications.

“The archbishop’s [program] about our faith — Love It, Learn It, Live It — really sparked my interest,” said Hollis. “I was jumping on the back of the archbishop’s lead, besides my being a book lover. It’s been a call since being widowed.”

But Prince of Peace’s is only the newest faith library in Johnson County, all of which are open to non-parishioners.

Lisa White created the collection at Curé of Ars in Leawood when, as a convert 13 years ago, she wanted to share her newfound faith.

“Basically, once I had my conversion, I started studying a lot,” she said.

“I bought a lot of books from Trinity House. . . . It was inspiration from the Holy Spirit.”

Her pastor, Msgr. Charles McGlinn, fully supported the idea, and the library was planted in the corner of a busy multipurpose room, where White tidies the stacks regularly.

And while a sign suggests a twoweek loan, one book’s reappearance after a year did not stress White.

“We play it really loose,” she said.

“For as long as we’ve been doing it, we haven’t had any trouble with things disappearing,” White said. “And people bring more things in, so even if materials don’t come back, we’ve gotten more in return.”

Which author is her favorite among spiritual writers? White recommends any book by Jacques Philippe, especially “Searching for and Maintaining Peace.”

Another lover of Catholic faith books, Ann Phillips especially likes “Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light.”

Phillips has tended the books at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park for 11 years, That collection existed about a year before Phillips joined the parish and was an outgrowth of the parish’s Adult Faith Committee. Classes for adults were starting, said Liz Willman, Ascension’s director of adult faith and RCIA, and the committee wanted to reach others.

“How can people study on their own if they don’t want to join a class?” she asked, or if the class times don’t work with their schedule? A faith library was

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — As a priest, Father John Riley never finds himself with a shortage of meetings to attend in the evenings. But the gatherings of one new group he makes a priority.

Father Riley, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, serves as the Kansas chaplain of the recently launched local chapter of the Courage apostolate.

Courage Kansas City Call the helpline reaches out (serving the Archdioto men and cese of Kansas City in women on Kansas and the Dioboth sides of cese of Kansas City-St. the state line Joseph) at: (913) 428who have 9893. s a m e sex Information on the attractions, Roman Catholic Courand a group age apostolate is availfor men beable online at: www. gan meeting couragerc.org, and on the archdiocesan webin the spring site at: www.archkck. of 2013. org/CourageKC. Th ro u g h this partnership between the two dioceses, the archdiocese offers two meetings each month, and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph holds two, so people in the Kansas City metro area who want to attend a meeting as often as weekly have one available.

And the meetings — which offer participants spiritual support as they seek to live chaste lives — provide a high level of confidentiality as participants pray, share their stories, and go to confession at the end of the meeting if they desire.

“We’ve found that the individual dealing with same-sex attraction truly needs to experience the freedom of interior chastity,” said Father Riley. “It’s through that freedom of chastity that they’re able to find the steps to living a fully Christian life in communion with God, with the church and with others.”

O

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Interested in Courage or EnCourage?

Leaven photo by Joe mcsorley

Bret Cortright welcomes parishioners and non-parishioners alike to peruse the shelves at St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, the biggest library in the Johnson County Region. the solution. Originally, the books were in a low-traffic area, but they were later relocated near the gathering area. With the church’s addition seven years ago, new bookshelves were constructed to fit the spacious hallway outside the faith classrooms.

“It’s nice and full and very well organized and I credit Ann for that,” said Willman. The selections have more than doubled since Phillips has been involved. She recently turned the reins over to Kim Sutton in anticipation of retiring to Iowa.

“Ninety percent of the books come from people who have enjoyed a book and want to pass it on,” Phillips said.

Besides those who browse before or after class, parishioners pass through from the lower-level parking lot on their way to Mass upstairs, and the eucharistic adoration chapel is nearby, too.

“Space is probably the primary issue and just having the contribution of materials,” said Raphael Nguyen, also of Prince of Peace. “The second thing is that some writers have good authentic Catholic material, and some do not — it doesn’t square with Catholic doctrine.”

Nguyen and Phillips emphasized

the importance of having a priest verify that donations contain appropriate Catholic teaching.

At St. Joseph Church in Shawnee, the library has its own room in the basement where 2,000 books line three walls. The keeper of the collection, Bret Cortright, tracks the circulating books in a file box. Their checkout system has patrons exchange a card in the book with another card to indicate when the book is due back.

“A lot of books are checked out on Marian theology and apologetics and prayer books,” said Cortright. “We’ve had a few requests for Bible study guides.”

The library is open once a month on Hospitality Sunday, when the coffee and doughnuts entice parishioners to linger after Masses. The library has been part of the parish at least a decade.

“Still, people pop in and say, ‘Gee, I didn’t even know this was here,’” said Cortright.

So if the cold weather has you thinking, “This would be a great day to cozy up with a book,” consider selections that will expand your knowledge of Catholicism.

St. Jerome will be delighted.

Tips on starting or expanding a faith library Perhaps you’ve got a shelf full of inspirational books you’ve already circulated among your friends. Combined with others, they might make a fine start to a parish library.

Lisa White offers this advice before pressing forward: • Pray about the idea and ask for God’s blessing and guidance on the whole project.

• Ask your pastor for permission and advice as to location.

• If he indicates no preference, find a good location near a high-traffic area.

• Make it simple and easy to use and maintain.

How can you get more books? Ann Phillips recommends using the bulletin to ask for donations.

• Create a wish list of books by asking the pastor and RCIA directors and teachers for their favorite books about the faith. Ask parishioners to donate books or make purchases in honor or in memory of someone.

• If there’s a more expensive book series on your list, maybe an organization at your parish would donate the funds.

• Find an eager Boy Scout to conduct a book drive and/or build sturdy shelves for his Eagle Scout project.

Remember the importance of being selective.

• Cull out books that are unsuitable or irrelevant.

• Books without imprimaturs should be checked by the pastor.

LOCAL NEWS 5

January 10, 2014 | theleaven.com

Parish libraries Parish: St. Joseph, Shawnee Where: Church basement Hours: After 7:30, 9, 10:30 a.m., and noon Masses on Hospitality Sundays (generally the second Sunday of the month) Collection totals: 2,000 Parish: Church of the Ascension, Overland Park Where: In the lower level next to faith classrooms Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Collection totals: 1,700 Parish: Church of the Nativity, Leawood Where: Lower-level conference room next to parish offices Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. weekdays Collection totals: 700 Parish: St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood Where: In the Christian Education Office adjacent to the parish school Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays Collection totals: 350-400 Parish: Curé of Ars, Leawood Where: Father Burak Room near the church entrance Hours: When the church building is open for Mass and other activities Collection totals: 300-400 Parish: Prince of Peace, Olathe Where: Down the hall from the parish offices Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Collection totals: 300 Collections are available to non-parishioners. Most suggest a loan time of two to four weeks. In addition to books for adults, some also have DVDs, audio books and children’s books for loan.

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“

“Many men and women who struggle with same-sex attraction, whether they are single or married, feel a sense of isolation.

But through the Courage apostolate the church offers support and encouragement.”

Father John Riley, local Courage chaplain

compassion to those with same-sex attractions is to encourage him or her to indulge those desires and feel free to engage in a gay lifestyle, explained Bill Scholl, archdiocesan consultant for social justice who coordinates the Courage apostolate for the archdiocese.

“Instead,” said Father Riley, “those who struggle with same-sex attraction and who want to experience freedom and the love of Jesus Christ and his church choose the path to live chaste lives in accordance with the teachings of the church on homosexuality.”

“And we offer to them,” he continued, “and all others who seek the truth, the love, compassion and support of the church.”

Chastity is a key goal Courage urges participants to attain.

“I really learned a lot,” said Scholl, describing the time he has spent preparing to launch the local chapter and helping to facilitate the meetings.

“I think if every Catholic had a chance to understand the subject better, they could see just how lifeaffirming and loving the church really is being, and that true compassion is reaching out and saying, ‘Hey, I want to help you live a chaste life,’” said Scholl.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and other leaders in the archdiocese felt that as the issue of same-sex unions received more and more emphasis across the nation, it was important to have a pastoral response for people if they were going to have a political response, explained Scholl.

Offering support So work began to organize a local chapter. Clergy from Kansas and Missouri attended information workshops

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with Father Paul Check, executive director of Courage International, and other speakers. Local representatives even visited a Courage meeting in another city.

The local Courage meetings for men have been running for the past several months, and Father Riley looks forward to the start of a group for women in the future. And as with the men’s group, people from many different backgrounds and circumstances will be welcome.

“Many men and women who struggle with same-sex attraction, whether they are single or married, feel a sense of isolation,” said Father Riley. “But through the Courage apostolate the church offers support and encouragement.”

A person’s contact with Courage starts with a call to a local helpline at: (913) 428-9893. Callers might be asked to leave a name and contact number so a representative can get in touch with them.

Encouragement People who want to attend a meeting go through a sort of pre-interview to see if the apostolate is a good fit for them.

Participants don’t have to be Catholic, but it helps if they’re Christian.

And they need to be willing to embrace the Catholic teaching on chastity, said Scholl.

Every effort is made to assure confidentiality. Therefore, meetings are not open to walk-ins and times and locations are not advertised.

Meetings start with the Serenity Prayer and include time for reflection and discussion.

The five goals of Courage

1. Chastity

and 2. Prayer dedication

3. Fellowship 4. Support example/ 5. Good role model One rule is there’s no “cross-talk,” said Scholl, meaning members listen and support, but don’t offer one another advice on their situations.

Meetings close with prayer, and when Father Riley is there, he is available for confession.

Hope and grace “We’re really about support and just bringing people closer to the Lord and helping them live the virtue of chastity,” said Scholl. “We offer accountability and prayer and support — and just a place to be real.”

Another group called EnCourage is also now meeting on a regular basis for parents, relatives and friends of people with same-sex attraction. Prayer, discussion and fellowship are also key parts of EnCourage.

Both Father Riley and Scholl have been moved by the spirituality they’ve found at work in the Courage apostolate.

“Believe me, the last thing that a priest wants is another meeting in the evening,” said Father Riley. “But I can honestly say that these meetings truly give joy to my heart, and I don’t say that about too many meetings. I’m amazed at the incredible gift of hope and grace that flow from this ministry.”

6 Local news

theleaven.com | January 10, 2014

Spiritual retreat for doctors set for Feb. 8-9

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill@theleaven.com

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Cutting-edge technology and constant change offer daily challenges to Catholic physicians. Questions arise, such as: • How do you balance the teachings of the faith with the practice of medicine?

• How do you interpret the call to a new evangelization and apply it to your faith, your family and your work?

“Answer Your Call in the New Evangelization” is a retreat specifically designed for Catholic physicians who are trying to discern God’s call to them and looking for ways to respond to that call by integrating their faith with their practice of medicine.

The retreat is sponsored by St. Gianna Physician’s Guild in conjunction with the archdiocese and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

“Answer Your Call in the New Evangelization” is about discerning the unique call of the Catholic physician and will be presented by author Dick Lyles who, along with his wife Martha, wrote a book by a similar name.

Lyles is the author of more than 10 books, including a New York Times best-seller, and is the popular host of

Bishops launch high-tech novena for life

K

CNS photo/Bob Roller

“Answer Your Call in the New Evangelization” is a retreat specifically designed for Catholic physicians. It will be held the weekend of Feb. 8-9 at Savior Pastoral Center, located at 12601 Parallel Pkwy. in Kansas City Kan. “The Catholic Business Hour” show on the EWTN global radio network.

He is also CEO of Origin Entertainment, a Hollywood-based entertainment and movie production studio.

To be held the weekend of Feb. 8-9 at Savior Pastoral Center, located at 12601 Parallel Pkwy. in Kansas City Kan., this retreat will incorporate the writings and example of St. Gianna Beretta Molla, an Italian physician who was canonized in 2004 by

Pope John Paul II and is beloved by the pro-life community for a selfless decision that cost her life but saved that of her unborn child.

Mass will be celebrated on Feb. 8 at 11:30 a.m. by Bishop Robert Finn and on Feb. 9 at 7:30 a.m. by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

The cost for the retreat is $125. For more information, contact the guild at 1 (888) 345-3343 or by email at: info@stgiannaphysicians.org.

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — In observance of the 41st anniversary of the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing abortion, the U.S. bishops are offering Catholics a high-tech take on the traditional novena.

The bishops are sponsoring “9 Days for Life: Prayer, Penance and Pilg r i m a g e ,” from Jan. 18 to 26.

Information about the novena can be found on the website of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops at: www.usccb.org.

It includes prayers, program information and promotional resources.

The centerpiece of the prayer effort is a simple, youth-friendly novena with a variety of intercessions, brief reflections and suggested acts of reparation.

These items may be received daily by email, text messages, accessing a website or via a new mobile application for smartphones.

For information and to participate, go to the website at: www.9daysforlife. com.

local news 7

january 10, 2014 | theleaven.com Don and Margie Handke, members of St. Louis Parish, Good Intent, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Jan. 11. The couple was married on Jan. 11, 1949, at St. Ann Church, Effingham.

Their children and their spouses are: Jim and Diane Handke, Lancaster; Dennis and Marlene Handke, Topeka; Eileen and Don Losito, Charlotte, N.C.; and Tom Handke, Lancaster. They also have five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Phyllis and Bill Demoret, members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 11 with a family dinner after the University of Kansas basketball game. The couple was married on Jan. 11, 1964, at Holy Angels Church, Garnett.

Their children and their spouses are: Debbie and Brad Reiff, Topeka; Darin Demoret, Topeka; and Dani and Justin Meier, Salina.

They also have five grandchildren.

Ruth and Lou Rephlo, members of Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 4.

The couple was married at St. Cecilia Church in St. Louis on Jan. 4, 1964. Their children and their spouses are: Dan and Carol Rephlo, Overland Park; Doug and Jodie Rephlo, Houston; and Lisa Rephlo, Fort Collins, Colo. They also have eight grandchildren.

The family celebrated with a dinner and festivities at the Cedar Creek Country Club in Olathe on Dec. 29.

Janice and Tony Weigel, members of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 11. The couple was married on Jan. 11, 1964, at St. Louise de Marillac Church, LaGrange Park, Ill. A celebration with a Mass and dinner reception will be held with family. Their children and their spouses are: Ross Weigel, Overland Park; Randy and Beth Weigel, Overland Park; and Rick and Ann Weigel, Lee’s Summit, Mo. They also have five grandchildren.

Mary and Ken Boeckman, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 18 with Mass at the church, followed by dinner with family and friends. The couple was married on Jan. 18, 1964, at Sts. Peter and Paul.

Their children and their spouses are: Rhonda and Tom Gerke; and Kent Casey Boeckman. They have one grandchild.

Kathleen and Joseph Davis, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Tonganoxie, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 11. The couple was married on Jan. 11, 1964, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Collinsville, Ill. Their children and their spouses are: Dan Davis, New York; Tony and Jolene Davis, Grants Pass, Ore.; Paul Davis, Los Angeles; Maria and Larry Oar, Dyer, Ind.; and Wayne and Dee Davis, Lenexa. They also have five grandchildren.

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

Monthly Holy Rosary Rallies of Greater Kansas City

Join Us for the Monthly Holy Rosary Rallies of Greater Kansas City in Honor of Our Lady of Fatima in reparation for sins to help restore God’s peace to the hearts of mankind Sunday January 12th, St. John the Baptist Parish, 708 N 4th Street Kansas City, KS 66101 Sunday March 16th, Holy Family Parish, 274 Orchard Kansas City, KS 66101 All Rallies Run from 3 to 4 pm and include praying the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries plus Benediction and Opportunity to Enroll in the Brown Scapular Visit our Website for All Future Dates: www.rosaryrallieskc.org

Gretchen (Marcum) and George Bartko, members of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 11 after the 4:30 p.m. Mass at the church. The couple was married on Jan. 11, 1964, at Christ the King Church, Kansas City, Kan. Their children and their spouses are: Kim and Greg Helm, Fountain Hills, Ariz.; Kelly and Michael Urbani, Conway, Ark.; and Mickey Bartko, Basehor. They also have five grandchildren.

Robert and Winona Wurtz, members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a family reunion in October. The couple was married on Dec. 19, 1953, at St. Michael Church in Kimeo.

Their children and their spouses are: John and Theresa Wurtz; David Wurtz; Sonny and Jeanine Holbrook; Bernard and Janet Stewart; Paul and Debbie Wurtz; and Lisa Aragon. They also have 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Anniversary policy

• The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th notices.

• Announcements are due eight days before the desired publication date.

• Announcements must be typed.

• They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, or for those who have resided in the archdiocese for a significant period of time.

Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: Todd@theleaven.com.

Correction Two items were inadvertently left out of the “Year in Review” published in the Dec. 27, 2013, edition of The Leaven: • Father Andrew Strobl was appointed the new archdiocesan director of evangelization in September.

• Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann presided at the dedication of the Lumen Christi Monastery of the Little Sisters of the Community of the Lamb on Sept. 14 in Kansas City, Kan.

Red Mass set for Jan. 16 TOPEKA — Members of the state’s executive, legislative and judicial branches and those involved in the legal professions are invited to attend the annual Topeka Red Mass at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 16.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will be the main celebrant at the Mass, which will be held at Assumption Church, 8th and Jackson, in Topeka.

For the past three years, the bishops of Kansas have celebrated a Mass for the special intention of the well-being of the state, and guidance for Catholics working in government and the law.

The Mass is sponsored and organized by the Kansas Catholic Conference.

For information, call the Kansas Catholic Conference at (785) 2279247.

Best-selling author to speak at Leawood church LEAWOOD — Best-selling author, Father Michael Gaitley, MIC, will be the featured presenter at St. Michael the Archangel Church here, located at 14251 Nall Ave., on Jan. 11.

Father Gaitley is the author of the best-selling books, “Consoling the Heart of Jesus,” “33 Days to Morning Glory,” and “The One Thing is Three.” He frequently appears on EWTN and preaches retreats throughout the country on topics such as Divine Mercy, consoling spirituality, and Marian consecration.

Meeting kids at the door with the message of Christ >> Continued from page 1

Celebrating youth The night’s centerpiece, One Thing Remains, was coordinated by the archdiocesan office of evangelization and Catholic formation for youth, and included music, prayer, adoration, and confession.

“For a Monday night in the cold, it was really amazing to see how many people came out to praise and worship the Lord,” said Rick Cheek, archdiocesan consultant for evangelization and Catholic formation of youth.

“Young people are always looking for a deeper relationship with Christ, and I think sometimes we don’t give them enough credit.”

The event included music by nationally known Catholic musician Steve Angrisano and Our Lady & St. Rose Parish’s gospel choir.

“I love the sense of community here,” said Danielle Blongewicz, a teenager from Holy Spirit in Overland Park who attended the event along with a group of her peers. “We’re not from around here, but we all came together.”

humbly we adore thee

Leaven photo by Joe McSorley

EUCHARISTIC adoration

Leaven photo by Joe McSorley

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann incenses the Blessed Sacrament at the One Thing Remains event Dec. 30 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Kansas City, Kan.

Reaching out But the evening started out with the grand opening and dedication of ReachKCK (Blessed Sacrament campus), the headquarters of the new urban youth outreach of the archdiocese. The center, which includes a dance studio, coffee shop, and music room, is located in the newly renovated basement of the former Blessed Sacrament School. The ministry, though based at the Blessed Sacrament Campus, will be county-wide, and will sponsor events at parishes throughout KCK. Liz Halfmann, director of ReachKCK and the urban youth outreach coordinator, hopes that the center will be a ReachKCK is looking for volspace where the youth of Kansas City, unteers with a passion to assist Kan., can gather, learn, and grow. in ministering to the youth of “Our goal is to connect with the Kansas City, Kan. Anyone with teens of Wyandotte County in a way a talent and a passion for serthat invites them to come and be who vice is encouraged to share they are through music, dance, or his or her gifts. Volunteers are whatever they are into, and from that, needed to host open gyms, invite them to something deeper,” teach art or music lessons, said Halfmann. host dance or Zumba classes, Because many parishes in the lead Bible studies and serve as area do not have as many resources, baristas. If you are interested in ReachKCK will augment and support helping or need more informaarea parish youth groups. tion, contact Liz Halfmann at: “There are, plain and simple, not as urbanyouth@archkck.org. many resources in some of these parishes to, for example, hire a full-time youth minister or even a part-time youth minister,” Halfmann said. “All of the youth ministers in KCK, I think, are volunteers.

“This youth outreach is here to help boost them up and to augment the youth ministry region-wide in KCK.” Although newly launched, the outreach has been years in the making. In his travels around the archdiocese, explained Deacon Dana Nearmyer, lead archdiocesan consultant for the office of evangelization and Catholic formation for youth, Archbishop Naumann heard from pastors about the difficulty in engaging urban core kids in the church. With its limited personnel, Deacon Nearmyer said his office’s reach was finite.

So in 2010, when the archdiocese initiated a study to determine the feasibility of a capital campaign to raise funds for pastoral needs, greater outreach to youth was one of the top needs discussed.

Although the task force appointed to further study the prospect of a capital campaign eventually advised against it, it did recommend an additional parish assessment to help expand youth ministry services in urban and rural areas. The archbishop accepted the task force’s recommendations in July 2012, and plans for ReachKCK were soon to follow.

Many events have been planned for ReachKCK, including open gyms, open mic nights, art classes, Zumba classes, and dance classes — all with the goal of connecting with the teens of the area, and connecting those teens to God. Diva Esparza, a Zumba instructor from St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park, is excited to be able to give back to her community as a volunteer Zumba and weight-loss instructor at ReachKCK. “This is great,” Esparza said. “We need it for our youth, especially in this community. We need to find a way for them to be happy.”

The challenge now, according to Halfmann, is reaching out to the teens in the area that would benefit from the center, especially those who haven’t heard about its mission.

“The thing to remember is that this is outreach,” said Halfmann. “So even though we have a center and it’s beautiful and we’re so blessed to have it, it’s important to remember that there is a whole big world out there.”

Through a relational, one-on-one approach to ministry, Halfmann hopes to bring the message of Christ to all who come through the doors of ReachKCK. “This is a 1950s grade school and we have taken it and transformed it into something beautiful, incredible, and full of potential and opportunity,” said Halfmann. “In the same way, our desire is for Christ to take these lives that come into this space and transform them into lives with unending hope and potential and promise and opportunity.”

How you can help

zumba

Leaven photo by libby hyde

One of the many offerings of ReachKCK (Blessed Sacrament campus) is a dance room. Above, teens get a workout in a Zumba class. “Our goal is to connect with the teens of Wyandotte County in a way that invites them to come and be who they are through music, dance, or whatever they are into, and from that, invite them to something deeper,” said Liz Halfmann, urban youth outreach coordinator for the archdiocese.

Mariana Mercer, Alyssa Engel, and Brian Jacobson, along with hundreds of other youth from around the archdiocese filled Blessed Sacrament Church in Kansas City, Kan., for the annual One Thing Remains event.

sing praise

Leaven photo by libby hyde

Lorraine Long, director of the Our Lady & St. Rose Parish gospel choir, prepares to lead the group during the One Thing Remains event on Dec. 30.

Blessed

Archbishop Naumann, with assistance from seminarian Evan Tinker, blesses ReachKCK room by room. He is pictured above in the music room.

sing on

Catholic musician Steve Angrisano inaugurates the music room at ReachKCK.

Leaven photo by Joe McSorley

10 nation

theleaven.com | january 10, 2014

New year holds hope for homeless

By Ambria Hammel Catholic News Service

P

HOENIX (CNS) — The new year will be a brighter beginning for Terrance Alston. The 49-year-old, who spent enough years on the streets, is now fixing up his own home and mending family bonds.

He attended his first big family dinner in 20-something years over Christmas, just days after moving from Phoenix home to Philadelphia.

The move meant starting over again, but Alston has cleared such hurdles before. He gained sobriety nine years ago. Last year, he began rebuilding his resume and his health.

Alston credits St. Joseph the Worker for rallying him through the process.

The nonprofit, founded as an outreach of Andre House, a Phoenix homeless shelter and soup line, offers resources to help clients transition from homelessness to stability. Alston suddenly had access to job leads, computers, bus passes, phones and a wardrobe for interviews and jobs.

Five weeks later, a friend got a job preparing wood to become furniture.

Alston applied at the same time, but he didn’t receive a call back.

“I have the same qualifications as he does,” Alston reminded his prospective employer via phone.

The employer said that if he could get to the site in a relatively short amount of time, the job was his. St. Joseph the Worker connected him to St. Vincent de Paul Society’s Shifting Gears program. It provides a free bike to clients in need of transportation for work.

That’s all it took. Alston got hired

CNS photo/Ambria Hammel, Catholic Sun

Terrance Alston poses in early November 2013 in front of a vacant house he helped renovate in Chandler, Ariz. He is one of 925 client success stories St. Joseph the Worker social service agency could tell from helping homeless clients regain self-sufficiency. and, within two months, had saved enough money to rent an apartment.

While there for about 16 months, he re-established contact with his family.

Alston said his stubbornness and ignorance had kept them apart.

“My sister even noticed the change in my demeanor over the phone,” Alston told the Catholic Sun, newspaper of the Diocese of Phoenix, during a short break from maintenance work on a vacant home in Chandler, Ariz.

She was so impressed with the transformation — they hadn’t connected in 22 years — that she rented him a home near hers in Philadelphia and had a job lined up when he got there. Alston, who has also battled back the threat of

diabetes, plans to pursue that job with the idea of medical assistant school on the horizon.

Family reunification is not an uncommon result of the work of St. Joseph the Worker, according to Daren Strunk, an employment outreach specialist. The agency often receives phone calls from family members of clients who are eager to support its mission, he said.

Alston, who repeatedly describes himself as “incredibly blessed,” is one of 925 success stories staff and volunteers at St. Joseph the Worker could tell from the last fiscal year alone, said Brent Downs, executive director of St. Joseph the Worker.

Parents raise worries about legal pot in Colorado

By Tom Tracy Catholic News Service

W

EST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CNS) — As Colorado allows adults to legally purchase marijuana for recreational and medical use, some parents are voicing concerns about how children may be affected by easy access to pot.

A statewide voter initiative in 2012 legalized recreational marijuana. On Jan. 1, the law was to take full effect.

The state is processing hundreds of new applications to sell and grow marijuana. The market is also expected to soon include a wide range of marijuana-infused products — including highly potent food items.

In interviews with Catholic News Service, some Coloradans cautioned that the proliferation of legal pot carries inadequate child protections, while the products especially appeal to youth and young adults. They say young people will encounter the drug more in homes and at schools that are not yet prepared to manage the proliferation of marijuana-laced foods and some disguisable forms of the drug.

Denver Police Chief Robert White said in late December that his staff will not actively enforce bans on recreational smoking in public, adding to some parents’ fears that the murky situation will become a legal free-for-all.

The state’s passage of Amendment 64 legalizing recreational pot conflicts with federal law, which prohibits possession and sale of marijuana.

Denver-based attorney and Catholic parent Rachel O’Bryan, who served on a criminal law working group for the Amendment 64 Implementation Task Force, doubts most Coloradans are aware of what the new law will mean for society as a whole and for youngsters especially. O’Bryan pointed to 2013 surveys by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the city of Denver’s Office of Drug Strategy showing marijuana use by 8th-graders is at 6.5 percent nationwide but 18 percent in Denver.

“The potency [of THC, marijuana’s active ingredient] is unlimited and that will lead to higher addictions — we can’t even get the government to say there should be no marijuana candy, and that will be bad across the board,” she said. “When it looks like real food, the kids can take that into schools [and] you wouldn’t even know,” said O’Bryan, who spoke with CNS by phone during a vacation in Sarasota, Fla. “Limiting open consumption on the streets of Denver is one of the issues I have worked hard on, and now they are saying you are on your own in your neighborhood while kids walk home from school. What kind of enforcement is that when the police will not enforce it?” O’Bryan said.

There are an estimated 228 medical marijuana retail shops in the Denver area. Another 111 are in the process of licensing to sell recreationally.

Gina Carbone, a Catholic mother of four teen boys and founder of Smart Colorado, a parent group advocating for youth safeguards against legalized

marijuana in Colorado, opposed the law change.

“Young people are getting it from other people, not necessarily through the stores. But with a proliferation of it, there are marijuana products coming into school,” said Carbone, who lobbied the Denver City Council against recreational pot. She spoke to CNS from Miami where she was vacationing. “If you talk to counselors and teachers, the kids are showing up stoned.”

Carbone said she has spoken to at least one Denver-area Catholic school principal about the need for a science curriculum on marijuana and the need to better educate teachers, parents and students.

“The more kids are exposed to something, the more they are desensitized to it and the more youth rates will go up,” she said. “Open up magazines and newspapers in town and you will see advertisements for marijuana, along with messages coming through music and pop stars. Kids have been told it is an organic, natural product, will help them with sleep problems, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and so on.”

Carbone points out a difference in marijuana potency today from when she was a youth in the 1980s. “Growers have gotten it down to a science,” she said.

“Pot dispensaries are providing product with THC levels that are extremely potent. And the more potent it is, the more addictive it is. There is more research that has been done recently and we know its adverse effects on the adolescent brain compared to the adult brain.”

World 11

january 10, 2014 | theleaven.com

Courts give relief from HHS contraceptive mandate WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CNS) — In the midst of their New Year’s Eve celebration with low-income elderly residents, the Baltimore-based Little Sisters of the Poor learned that the Supreme Court issued an injunction temporarily protecting them from the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive mandate. The order by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, issued within hours of the mandate taking effect at midnight Jan. 1, applies to the Colorado-based Little Sisters of the Poor and their co-plaintiffs — Christian Brothers Services and Christian Brothers Employee Benefits Trust — in a lawsuit against the federal government.

The same evening, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an emergency stay for Catholic organizations in a lawsuit filed by the Archdiocese of Washington, including The Catholic University of America, Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington; Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School in Takoma Park, Md.; and Mary of Nazareth Roman Catholic Elementary School in Darnestown, Md. The 2-1 ruling in the Circuit Court included a comment from Judge David S. Tatel explaining why he voted to deny the injunction. “Because I believe that appellants are unlikely to prevail on their claim that the challenged provision imposes a ‘substantial burden’ under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, I would deny their application for an injunction pending appeal,” Tatel said, according to the Associated Press.

Suspect arrested in death of Eureka, Calif., priest EUREKA, Calif. (CNS) — Eureka Police were investigating as murder the death of Father Eric Freed, the pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Eureka Police confirmed for the press at midday Jan. 2 that they had arrested Gary Lee Bullock of Redway, Calif., in connection with the death of Father Freed, pastor since 2011 of St. Bernard and its mission church, St. Joseph.

An earlier police statement said the priest, 56, was found badly injured Father Eric Freed in the parish rectory at about 9 a.m. Jan. 1. Police and a doctor arrived soon after and declared he was dead. The statement said cause of death had not been determined, pending an autopsy scheduled for Jan. 4. “It does appear that there was blunt force trauma to the victim,” the statement said. Father Freed, who lived in Japan for more than 20 years, also taught in the religious studies department at Humboldt State University and was director of the campus Newman Center. The Eureka newspaper, the Times-Dispatch, reported that Father Freed was found after he failed to show up for morning Mass on New Year’s Day. Deacon Frank Weber went to look for him and found the priest’s body amid signs of a struggle, the newspaper said. The police statement said Bullock had been arrested for public intoxication on Dec. 31, transferred briefly to a hospital for evaluation and ultimately booked into the Humboldt County Jail for about 12 hours before being released shortly after midnight Jan. 1. Bullock was spotted several hours later in Eureka and transferred to an emergency shelter, said the press release. The statement said a man fitting Bullock’s description was seen by a security guard that night around the church and asked to leave the property.

Police said the rectory showed signs of forced entry and a violent struggle. Father Freed was ordained for the Diocese of Santa Rosa in 1990.

CNS photo/Andreea Campeanu, Reuters

A woman displaced by religious violence braids the hair of her daughter at a hospital in Bossangao, Central African Republic, Jan. 1. Central African Republic church leaders are urging “more effective action” to control worsening violence.

Violence continues in Central African Republic

CNS photo/John Javellana, Reuters

Fishermen haul in their nets during sunset in 2008 in Manila Bay. Philippine bishops whose dioceses would be affected by the Manila Bay land reclamation plan wrote President Benigno Aquino III, primarily because they were “concerned for the poor.”

Bishops oppose Manila Bay project out of concern for poor, environment

By N.J. Viehland Catholic News Service

M

ANILA, Philippines (CNS) — Bishops in dioceses that front Manila Bay have asked the government to scrap plans for a 94,000acre reclamation project.

“For us bishops, worried about the poor who are affected severely by floods, we see that stopping the reclamation is seriously needed,” Auxiliary Bishop Bernardino Cortez of Manila told Catholic News Service.

Cardinal Luis Tagle, the country’s military bishop and bishops of 12 dioceses based in the Manila metropolitan area wrote President Benigno Aquino III, asking him to scrap the project and use the money to fund initiatives to alleviate poverty and protect the environment.

Bishop Cortez said that, as of Christmas Day, he had not received any response to the letter.

“Advent is a very busy time of the year for priests and bishops with Misa de Gallo (Mass of the rooster, the dawn novena Mass), so we have not been informed of any progress, but in the first week of January, Cardinal will call us together to update us on the progress of our letter on land reclamation, if any,” Cortez told CNS. Land reclamation is the process of creating new land from oceans, riverbeds or lakes by transporting soil from an area to a body of water to create new land.

In 1954, a presidential proclamation designated Manila Bay as a national park for the people. In 1992, Manila Bay was included in the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, even though some portions of the bay had already been reclaimed. Other local regulations and resolutions also mandated the protection and preservation of the appearance of the bay.

However in 1992, a group called the

“

“Will the projected economic gains sufficiently and justifiably compensate the damages in life, ecosystems and property in the future?”

Manila Goldcoast Development Corp. lobbied for approval to reclaim the Manila Bay waterfront along Roxas Boulevard, between the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the U.S. Embassy.

The area was to be developed into an entertainment hub called Solar City and feature a commercial, residential and tourism center, including a manmade beach. Plans call for a cruise ship terminal expected to draw at least 2,500 tourists a week, said Edmundo Lim, corporate vice chairman. He said the project would boost tourist businesses in surrounding areas, create 100,000 jobs for construction workers and another 500,000 jobs once establishments and the site are operating.

In late 2013, Cardinal Tagle called the bishops together and, in consultation with Kelvin Rodolfo, retired University of Illinois professor of earth and environmental sciences, and Fernando Siringan, a marine scientist, the bishops concluded that reclamation in Manila Bay is “a very bad idea.”

In their Nov. 19 letter to Aquino, the bishops said they are ministering to people in provinces and cities that will endure the “far-reaching consequences” of the reclamation project.

Even without reclamation, continuing rapid and accelerating sinking of the coastal lands bordering the bay is worsening both floods and high-tide invasions, and the combination of

surges and storm waves driven against Manila’s coasts by passing typhoons, the bishops wrote.

But the greatest hazard is liquefaction during earthquakes, which destroys buildings in coastal areas, whether they are on natural deposits or artificial reclamations, the church leaders added.

They mentioned the magnitude-7.2 earthquake that shook central Philippines provinces in October and the devastation of November’s Typhoon Haiyan, or Yolanda as it was known locally, as a warning of what could happen in the area of Manila Bay. “Shall we allow more devastation and deaths to happen like what happened due to Typhoon Yolanda?” the bishops asked Aquino, also reminding him of the various laws protecting the intended reclamation areas.

“The scientific, legal and moral basis of our opposition for the reclamation of Manila Bay echoes God’s message,” bishops wrote.

“Our basic position is based on the question: Will the projected economic gains sufficiently and justifiably compensate the damages in life, ecosystems and property in the future? And at the end, who will benefit from the foreseen questionable gains and the culture of gambling, prostitution, greed and materialism that could emerge?”

The bishops invited Aquino to consider a possibly “wiser option” to boost tourism, cultural architectures, and to restore old historical sites and buildings, rather than build on reclaimed land to the detriment of the livelihood of people and the environment.

“The money for reclamation can better be spent for increasing and improving basic services to the people and for the protection of our ecosystems that can enhance ecotourism, employment opportunities and above all restore ecological balance,” they said.

OXFORD, England (CNS) — Church leaders in the Central African Republic report an increasing humanitarian crisis and warn that international forces, which have been in their country a month, had not secured law and order.

“The situation is very chaotic and worsening all the time,” said Msgr. Cyriaque Gbate Doumalo, secretary-general of the Catholic bishops’ conference. “All our churches and parishes are inundated with displaced people, and some were unable to celebrate Christmas as a result. Whole districts of Bangui are deserted, while even those in the relative safety of Catholic centers are living in total fear,” he told Catholic News Service. Clashes continued in the capital between rival Christian and Muslim armed groups, despite the Dec. 8 arrival of 1,600 French paratroopers under a U.N. mandate. Msgr. Doumalo told CNS Jan. 2 that Bangui Archbishop Dieudonne Nzapalainga had paid a morning visit to Bangui airport, where the church’s Caritas charity was helping distribute food and shelter to more than 100,000 refugees. However, he added that 12,000 more displaced civilians had sought refuge in Bangui’s major seminary, while the bishops’ conference secretariat was sheltering 600 people, half of them children. He said many children had been abandoned when their parents were killed or fled and were now without food and clothing and “at the mercy of armed groups.”

Vatican hosts world leaders in effort to end Syrian war VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former Egyptian Vice President Mohamed ElBaradei are among the key political experts invited by the Vatican for a one-day meeting aimed at promoting a cease-fire in Syria, the protection of Christians there and a transitional and unified government. The Vatican meeting Jan. 13 will come ahead of major peace talks Jan. 22 in Geneva between the Syrian government and opposition forces. Sponsored by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the daylong Vatican “workshop” will seek to propose “a cease-fire to make humanitarian aid possible” in Syria; an end to “persecutions against Christians to encourage interreligious dialogue; a transitional authority to organize elections [and] a unified national government also responsible for the military sector and security”; as well as an end to human trafficking and prostitution in the wartorn nation. The meeting’s title is “Syria: With a death toll of 126,000 and 300,000 orphans in 36 months of war, can we remain indifferent?” The eightpage program, prepared by the sciences academy, gave a brief background of the Syrian conflict. It said U.S. calls for Syrian President Bashar Assad to step down “put the U.S. in effective opposition to the United Nations’ peace initiative” put forth in early 2012.

12 classifieds Employment Data entry - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has immediate openings for two temporary data entry positions. These individuals will assist the office of stewardship and development during the busy Call to Share annual appeal. Required hours will be 30+ hours per week beginning in Jan. with approximate end date in late March. Requires reliability, collaborative demeanor and demonstrated data entry skills. Qualified individuals should email cover letter, resume, and application (available on the archdiocesan website) to: jobs@archkck.org by Jan. 13. May also be mailed to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Stewardship - Data Entry, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

Housekeepers - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has immediate openings for several seasonal parttime housekeepers. These individuals will assist with housekeeping duties at Savior Pastoral Center as needed. Hours will vary from week to week; hours may vary by weekend or weekday depending on facility needs. This job requires flexibility, reliability, attention to details, and the ability to work independently. Prior housekeeping experience and knowledge of chemical solutions a plus.

Qualified individuals should email cover letter, resume, and application (available on the archdiocesan website) to: jobs@archkck.org by Jan. 13. May also be mailed to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Savior Pastoral Center - Housekeeper, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

Teacher - Bishop Miege High School has an immediate opening for a licensed theater/video production teacher for the 2014 spring semester. Send an email with letter and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege. com.

Baseball coaches - Bishop Ward High School is looking for two baseball assistant coaches. Anyone interested in the positions can contact Greg Duggins by sending an email to: gduggins@wardhigh.org or by phone at (913) 371-1201.

Office accountant - A CPA firm located in Topeka is seeking an office accountant. Qualified candidates must have three-plus years of experience with processing payroll, accounts payable, reconciling the general ledger, and generating statements for billing. Human resource experience is a plus. Strong computer skills are mandatory, and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook are required. The position will be flexible and we will consider candidates that are seeking 30 to 40 hours a week. Successful candidates will be professional, highly motivated, problem solvers, and organized.

Our firm offers a professional environment, challenging work, competitive compensation and a benefits package. Please send resume in complete confidence to Mr. Eric Otting, Wendling Noe Nelson and Johnson LLC, 534 S. Kansas Ave., Suite 1500, Topeka, KS 66603, or by email to: eotting@wnnjcpa.com.

Financial representatives - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City metro, Lawrence, Topeka and the Seneca - Sabetha area. 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. Please contact John A. Mahon, general agent, for more information or an interview by sending an email to: john.mahon@kofc.org, by phone at (785) 408-8806 or at 1275 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612.

Services Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience.

Call (913) 227-4902.

Housecleaning - I love what I do and you can love it, too! 20-plus years experience. Excellent references.

Southern JoCo area. Call (913) 548-8702.

Brick mason - Brick, stone, tile and flat work. 19 years of residential/commercial experience. FREE QUOTES - KC metro area. Small and large jobs accepted. Call Jim at (913) 485-4307. www.facebook.com/faganmasonry.

theleaven.com | JANUARY 10, 2014 Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

Tim the Handyman - Small jobs, faucets, garbage disposals, toilets, ceiling fans, light fixtures, painting, wall ceiling repair, wood rot, siding, decks, doors, windows, and gutter cleaning. Call (913) 526-1844.

Exterior painting, drywall projects, wood rot repair, bathroom and kitchen remodels, and tile work - Quality products. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 206-4524.

Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees.

Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional.

Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Remodeling - Kitchen, bath, basements, big and small.

Free estimates. Call (816) 288-1693.

Chem-Free Cleaning LLC - Cleaning your home or office naturally. More than 23 years experience. Call (913) 6692327 for a free estimate.

Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837.

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mikehammermoving@aol.com.

Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer.com.

We moved! Come check out our new office in Lenexa.

Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project!

Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance.

Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad.

Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 MEDICATION SETUP & MANAGEMENT - RN support visits for filling weekly pill boxes & managing medication. Affordable and convenient. To learn more, call Home Connect Health Services at (913) 627-9222.

Home Improvement 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.

House painting Interior and exterior; wall paper removal.

Power washing, fences, decks.

30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates.

Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Heating and cooling repair and replacement - Call Joe with JB Design and Service. Licensed and insured with 20 years experience. Member of Divine Mercy Parish. Call Joe at (913) 915-6887.

Swalms Organizing Service - Reducing Clutter - Enjoy an Organized Home! Basement, garage, attic, shop, storage rooms - any room organized! Belongings sorted, boxed and labeled, items hauled or taken for recycling, trash bagged. For before and after photos, visit: www. swalmsorganizing.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115

Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson county area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 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.

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

Caregiving NEED SOME HELP? - Maybe I can do it? I can get you to your doctor’s appointment, hairdresser or shopping.

Maybe you aren’t driving anymore or just prefer a chauffeur, I’ll get you there. I can also run errands for you or maybe pick up your prescriptions or groceries. Just give me a call to discuss your needs. Johnson County only.

Call (913) 469-6211 or (816) 806-0564.

Caregiving - Live-in nurse/companion position wanted.

Will be responsible for all care related to the client. Salary negotiable, recent references. Call (913) 579-5276.

Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com.

Caregiving - CNA home health care specialist provides quality home comfort and care for the elderly. Available anytime. References. Affordable/seasoned/nonsmoker.

Call (816) 521-1336.

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, Debbie or Gary.

vacation

REAL ESTATE For sale - 28 Binder Lane, Ottawa, built in 2004. 4 BR, 3 BA, with a finished walkout basement, oak floors and vaulted ceilings. Sits on 5.7 acres of trees and manicured lawn with lake. All paved roads and covenants. Call (913) 980-3007 or send an email to: tomandmaryw@gmail. com for pictures and pricing.

For sale - 10504 W. 65th St., Shawnee. Built in 1966. 3 BR, 2 BA, wood floors, 2 fireplaces, family room, steel storage room, fenced yard. Asking $149,000. Call (913) 268-5337.

for RENT For rent - 4934 Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kan. 2 BR, full walkout basement, laundry hookups, deck. No smokers, no pets. $545 per month. Call (913) 334-0124.

For rent - 2 BR condo. Fireplace, fenced patio, basement, garage, pool and clubhouse. Gas and water included.

Very well built and in a great location with easy access to I-435 or Highway 69. Great for families or singles. Call (913) 231-8574.

For rent - Western Shawnee; almost new. 5 BR, 4 BA, 3 car garage, W/D included. Call Ken at (913) 484-6942.

For rent - Turner - 2 BR, brick fourplex; excellent condition; $625 per month. Call Ken at (913) 484-6942.

for sale 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) 327-5557.

For sale - Four gravesites located in section 8 of Mount Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan. Valued at $6,400, asking $5,600. Call (785) 986-6480.

For sale - Noritake China plus serving dishes, large antique Bastian-Blessing all dry soda fountain for commercial use. Has double sink, needs compressor and motor.

Call (913) 685-4378.

MISCELLANEOUS 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 wise 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 (866) 430-9499 or visit our website at: www.cars4kckids.com.

wanted to buy

Ireland in the spring - A roundabout tour. April 30 – May 13, 2014. Meet the Irishman — your tour guide — on Jan. 23 at 5 p.m. Refreshments. Call Gerry for a reservation at (913) 648-1560.

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware.

Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179.

St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

Mountain cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA, fully furnished; sleeps four. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $95/ night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the website at: www.tillmancabin.com.

Wanted - Old drugstore, pharmacy, apothecary, soda fountain. Also will buy old signs and Coca-Cola.

Call (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.

Enjoy spring break week - March 14 - 21. 7 nights and 8 days in sunny Phoenix, Arizona! 2 BR, 2 BA condo with kitchen and laundry in unit at The Legacy Golf Resort with pools, tennis, golf and spa. $2,000. Call Marty at (913) 706-0913.

Colorado vacation - Winter Park; 2 BR, 1 BA, furnished.

Mountain biking, golf, hiking, and fishing. $125 per night or $700 per week. Call (816) 392-0686.

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.

Buying a classified ad

Cost to advertise is: $17.50 for five lines or less; $1.50 each additional line; Email: julie@ theleaven.com; Phone: (913) 647-0327

calendar 13

JANUARY 10, 2014 | theleaven.com

January A course in the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning will begin Jan. 11 at 9 a.m. at Holy Spirit Parish, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park, and on Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka.

The cost to attend is a reasonable course fee. Call Dana or Eric Runnebaum at (785) 380-0062 or the Couple to Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558 for more information. Registration is required on the website at: www.ccli.org.

11

Father Michael Gaitley will give three talks on Jan. 11 at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. For more information, visit the website at: www. thecatholicradionetwork.com.

The January rosary rally in honor of Our Lady of Fatima will be held from 3 - 4 p.m. on Jan. 12 at St. John the Baptist Parish, 708 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kan. All are welcome to attend. For more information, visit the website at: www.rosary rallieskc.org.

12

St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, is hosting a St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s “Story of a Soul” study, which began Jan. 6 and will continue for five consecutive Mondays at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Christi White at (913) 322-6282 or visit the website at: www.heavenlyart. com.

13

Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., hosts a monthly book club for women from 6 - 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. The book for Jan. 14 is “Unbowed” by Wangari Maathai. Call (913) 906-8990 to register.

14

A 10-week divorce recovery class for women will be held on Wednesdays, Jan. 15 - March 26, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Church of the Ascension, Overland Park. For more information, contact Mary Ann Gaston at (913) 609-7794; send an email to: ma_gaston@yahoo.com; or call Jean in the office at (913) 681-3348. Class size is limited. Share with women you may know who are struggling with divorce.

The cost to attend is $85 for materials.

Scholarships may be provided as needed.

15

St. Philippine Duchesne Knights of Columbus Assembly 2260 will host a winter formal from 7:30 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 18 at the Father Quigley Center on the Holy Trinity Church campus, 9201 Summit Rd., Lenexa. The cost to attend is $18, which includes food and drinks. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Bob Sherman at (913) 709-9671 or send an email to: bobby sherm@everestkc.net. Tickets will not be available at the door.

18

The monthly archdiocesan pro-life Mass will be held at 8 a.m. on Jan. 18 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Parish, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan. Immediately following Mass is a rosary procession to an abortion clinic approximately 4 blocks away. Eucharistic

adoration is available for those not processing. Benediction concludes services by 9:45 a.m.

The Curé of Ars Singles will host their winter wonderland dance on Jan. 18 from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria at 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The cost to attend is $15 at the door. Call (913) 631-6873 for more information.

Sacred Heart Parish, 1100 West St., Tonganoxie, will host its annual bingo fundraiser on Jan. 18. Food will be served at 5:45 p.m.; bingo starts at 7 p.m. Play one card all evening for a suggested donation of $10 or purchase individual cards. Money raised supports the youth of the parish. For information or directions, call Bill or Tamera at (913) 369-8697 or send an email to: bntbehm@gmail.com.

A New Year retreat focused on the new evangelization will be held Jan. 18 at the Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The cost to attend is $30. For more information and for reservations, send an email to: julie@sanctuaryofhope.org or call (913) 321-4673.

The fourth annual “Give ’N’ Get Coat and Shoe (and more) Exchange” will be held at Prince of Peace Church, 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe, on Jan. 19 from 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. All are welcome to come and receive free winter coats, shoes, hats, gloves, scarves, blankets and purses, or bring in your old items and exchange for newer ones.

19

“Exploring the Joy of the Gospel” will be held from 7 - 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from Jan. 22 - Feb. 19 at the Precious Blood Center, 2130 Saint Gaspar Way, Liberty, Mo. This will be a series of discussions on Pope Francis’ “Evangelii Gaudium.” Each evening will focus on a different chapter from the document. Register by Jan. 20 by sending an email to Father Keith Branson at: kbcpps@gmail.com.

22

“Living Waters: Restoring Relational Integrity through the Broken Body of Christ” is a prayer and teaching group that will run for 20 weeks on Wednesday nights, beginning Jan. 22. How does Jesus transform our brokenness into a gift to his church? We can begin by applying Jesus’ mercy to the ways we fail to love well: the shame of sexual sin, the damage done by others’ sin, giving too much, or withholding ourselves altogether. Drawing upon the Divine Mercy of St. Faustina and Pope John Paul II’s theology of the body, we will seek wholeness through honest admission of brokenness. This confidential, in-depth group is for men and women, marrieds and singles. For more information, send an email to: morelivingwaters@ gmail.com or call (816) 739-9529.

Calendar submissions

• Due nine days prior to publication date • email: calendar@theleaven.com • Mail to: 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: calendar

14 commentary Scripture Readings

theleaven.com | january 10, 2014

mark my words

first week of ordinary time Jan. 12 THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD Is 42: 1-4, 6-7 Ps 29: 1-4, 3, 9-10 Acts 10: 34-38 Mt 3: 13-17 Jan. 13 Hilary, bishop, doctor of the church 1 Sm 1: 1-8 Ps 116: 12-19 Mt 1: 14-20 Jan. 14 Tuesday 1 Sm 1: 9-20 (Ps) 1 Sm 2: 1, 4-8 Mk 1: 21-28 Jan. 15 Wednesday 1 Sm 3: 1-10, 19-20 Ps 40: 2, 5, 7-10 Mk 1: 29-39 Jan. 16 Thursday 1 Sm 4: 1-11 Ps 44: 10-11, 14-15, 24-25 Mk 1: 40-45 Jan. 17 Anthony, abbot 1 Sm 8: 4-7, 10-22a Ps 89: 16-19 Mk 2: 1-12 Jan. 18 1 Sm 9: 1-4, 17-19; 10: 1a Ps 21: 2-7 Mk 2: 13-17

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D

id you hear about the photographer making small talk with the first-graders whose pictures he was taking?

He asked one little girl, “So, what are you going to be when you grow up?”

“Tired,” she said.

Boy, ain’t that the truth!

And the poor little thing won’t have to wait until she’s an adult to feel that way. Tired was the operative word for me after the marathon of Masses during the Christmas season. In any spare time that cropped up in those days, I found myself dozing off. All of that rushing around might be one of the contributing factors to why we’re so susceptible to the various bugs roaming around during the winter: We’re running on empty and have no reserves to battle illness.

I’ve resolved that 2014 will be different in that regard for me. I’ve resurrected something that I’d learned many years ago — but failed to continue — at a Franklin Covey seminar on how to manage time better.

The tool is a simple one, called the Weekly Compass.

Essentially, at the beginning of a week, you take out a

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Father Mark Goldasich Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. form, look at the various “roles” that you’ll play that week and select one goal to accomplish in each area.

For example, a few of my roles are pastor, editor, son, friend, and correspondent.

Although that goal section is helpful, it’s the very top of the form that I’m concentrating on. It’s based on a story similar to the following: Two men had to clear a field of trees. The contract called for them to be paid per tree.

Bill wanted the day to be profitable, so he grunted and sweated, swinging his ax relentlessly. Ed, on the other hand, seemed to be working about half as fast. He even took a rest and sat off to the side for a few minutes. Bill kept chopping away until

every muscle and tendon in his body was screaming.

At the end of the day, Bill was terribly sore, but Ed was smiling and telling jokes.

What’s more, Ed had cut down more trees. Bill said, “I noticed you sitting while I worked without a break.

How did you outwork me?”

“Did you notice I was sharpening my ax while I was sitting?” said Ed, smiling. (Found in “1001 Illustrations That Connect,” edited

by Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof.)

Franklin Covey refers to it as “sharpening the saw,” but the idea is the same. It sits at the top of the Weekly Compass form, because nothing much will get done — certainly not as well or efficiently — if we are not “sharp.” With that in mind, seminar participants are directed to make a “sharpening” goal in each of four areas: physical, social, mental and spiritual.

While I’m sure I filled out my compass religiously for a while, I quickly fell out of the habit, being “too busy” with other things. And, as you might suspect, when you lose your compass, you wander around a lot, get tired and rarely reach your goal.

Probably a lot of us are going around in such a state. We’re slaving away at things, but not making much progress. This issue of The Leaven presents some possible ax sharpeners that are easy to implement. The new ReachKCK center, featured on the front page and spread, reminds us of the need for social interaction with others, doing something as simple as conversing over a cup of coffee.

And while a Zumba class might be too strenuous (or embarrassing) for us older folks, the need to keep moving, to get some physical exercise — ideally with a partner or group — remains vitally important.

The article on parish libraries on page 4 is a reminder to sharpen the ax in both the mental and spiritual areas. Reading is a perfect solution. If there’s not a parish library where you are, you can either start one or download any of the increasing number of excellent e-books (if you got a new Kindle, Nook or tablet at Christmas).

So, if you’re feeling a little dull in this new year, a Weekly Compass may be just what you need to become as sharp as a tack.

In the beginning

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Here’s how to look sharp in 2014

P

Christ’s justice is now ours to spread

ope Francis has created quite a stir in the church.

He has not changed any doctrines nor has he retracted any moral teachings. At the same time, he has criticized some in the church for their obsession with certain moral issues, while ignoring others — in particular, economic justice. In doing so, he seeks to restore to the church’s mission a balance which he believes it has lacked in recent years.

In promoting economic justice, the church goes beyond the popular notion of justice, which focuses upon the narrow demands of the law. It more closely reflects the broader concept of justice found in the Old Testament. The prophets frequently advocated on the

Father Mike Stubbs Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. part of the poor, who had fewer opportunities to advance themselves and were consequently at the mercy of the rich. God’s justice demanded that they also be given a chance.

The word “justice” often appears in the Old Testament and always has to do with “God’s will.” It is not simply a personal virtue or an abstract idea constructed

Pope francis Just as people must never ignore the plight of today’s immigrants and refugees, they must also remember today’s “hidden exiles” — the elderly and other relatives who are abandoned or forgotten by their own families, Pope Francis said. “One sign for knowing how a family is doing is to see how they treat

by a court system. It is the living out of God’s will in our world.

Significantly, the word “justice” occurs three times in Sunday’s first reading, Is 42: 1-4, 6-7. The passage from Isaiah describes the mission of God’s servant.

That mission is all about justice, bringing it to the nations, establishing it on earth, making the victory of justice possible.

We read this passage of Isaiah this Sunday as we reflect upon Jesus’ baptism in order to understand more clearly the mission entrusted to him by God. It is a useful corrective to that understanding.

After all, we often think of Jesus coming to the earth in order to bring us salvation. We talk about Jesus dying on the cross to set us

children and their elderly” relatives, the pope said at his noon blessing at the Vatican Dec. 29, the feast of the Holy Family.

Remembering how Jesus, Mary and Joseph had to live in exile, seeking escape in Egypt, Christians must also think about the tragedy of “migrants and refugees who are victims of rejection and exploitation, who are victims of human trafficking and slave

free from sin. But how often do we speak about his establishing justice on earth?

Clearly, one does not rule out the other. In fact, I would argue that they are two sides of the same coin.

Bringing justice to the earth also brings us salvation. We cannot have one without the other.

That means that we cannot focus on one so much that we lose sight of the other. It is a matter of balance.

It goes along the same lines as what Pope Francis has been saying. We must have a clear vision of Christ’s mission if we are to understand the mission of the church, because our mission reflects his.

We are the body of Christ and continue his work in the world.

labor,” he said before praying the Angelus with visitors gathered in St. Peter’s Square. “But let us also think about the other ‘exiled,’ I would call them the ‘hidden exiles,’ those exiled by their own family: the elderly, for example, who sometimes are treated as a burden,” he said.

— CNS

16 rome

theleaven.com | january 10, 2014

Pope limits ‘monsignor’ honor for diocesan priests

CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano

Pope Francis gestures as he arrives for a meeting with superiors of men’s religious orders at the Vatican Nov. 29. During the meeting, the pope ordered the revision of norms on the relations between religious orders and local bishops.

Pope orders new rules on relations between bishops, religious orders

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis said he has ordered a revision of what he called outdated Vatican norms on the relations between religious orders and local bishops, in order to promote greater appreciation of the orders’ distinctive missions.

The pope’s words were published Jan. 3 in the Italian Jesuit magazine La Civilta Cattolica. He made the comments Nov. 29 at a closed-door meeting with 120 superiors general of religious orders from around the world.

Pope Francis referred to “Mutuae Relationes,” a set of directives issued jointly by the Congregation for Bishops and the Congregation for Religious in 1978. The document said that religious

orders are part of the local church, though with their own internal organization, and that their “right to autonomy” should never be considered as independence from the local church.

“That document was useful at the time but is now outdated,” the pope said. “The charisms of the various institutes need to be respected and fostered because they are needed in dioceses.”

The pope, who until his election in March 2013 served as archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and formerly served as a Jesuit provincial, said he knew “by experience the problems that can arise between a bishop and religious communities.” For example, he said, “If the religious decide one day to withdraw from one of their works due to a lack of manpower, the bishop often finds himself suddenly left with a hot

potato in his hand.

“I also know that the bishops are not always acquainted with the charisms and works of religious,” he said. “We bishops need to understand that consecrated persons are not functionaries but gifts that enrich dioceses.”

“The involvement of religious communities in dioceses is important,” the pope said. “Dialogue between the bishop and religious must be rescued so that, due to a lack of understanding of their charisms, bishops do not view religious simply as useful instruments.”

During his three-hour meeting with the religious superiors, as quoted in the 15-page La Civilta Cattolica article, the pope also discussed a variety of other topics, including sex abuse and the challenges of evangelization in different cultures.

Pope: Time to stop violence, discord

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Welcoming in a new year, Pope Francis said it was time to stop provoking and ignoring violence, tragedy and conflict in the world, and begin building peace at home.

“Justice and peace at home, among us — you begin at home and then you move on to all of humanity. But we have to start at home,” he said Jan. 1, which the church marks as the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and as World Peace Day. Speaking to tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the first noon Angelus of 2014, the pope referred to his peace day message, which he said called for building a world where everyone “respects each other, accepts others in their diversity and takes care of each and every one.”

People must not remain “indifferent and immobile” in the face of violence and injustice, but commit themselves to “build a truly more just and caring society,” he said.

The pope referred to a letter he had received the day before from a man struggling to understand why there

were still so many tragedies and wars.

The pope said he wanted to ask the same question: “What is happening in people’s hearts? What is going on in the heart of humanity” that leads to violence?

“It’s time to stop,” Pope Francis said. “It will do us good to stop taking this path of violence.”

May God “help all of us walk the path of justice and peace with greater determination,” he said, and the Holy Spirit break down the obstinacy and barriers people construct between each other.

The pope also prayed to Mary that the “Gospel of fraternity” might “speak to every conscience and knock down the walls that hinder enemies from recognizing each other as brothers and sisters.”

Earlier in the day, the pope celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, which was decorated with white flowers, evergreens, gold trim and poinsettias.

Two girls and one boy, wearing long capes and shiny gold paper crowns in memory of the magi who traveled to Bethlehem, brought the offertory gifts to the pope.

Prayers for peace were offered in five languages; the Spanish version asked that God “bless all women and all mothers, called to bring forth, to

guard and to promote life.”

In his homily, the pope said Mary, the Mother of God, became the mother of all humanity when Jesus, dying on the cross, gave her to the world.

When she lost her divine son, “her sorrowing heart was enlarged to make room for all men and women, whether good or bad, and she loves them as she loved Jesus,” he said.

Even before the church officially defined Mary as God’s mother in the fifth century, the faithful had already acknowledged her divine maternity and called for its recognition, the pope said, noting the case as an example of the “‘sensus fidei’ (sense of the faith) of holy people, the faithful of God, who, in their unity, are never ever wrong.”

Mary is a source of hope and true joy and continually strengthens people in their faith, vocation and mission, he said. “By her example of humility and openness to God’s will she helps us to transmit our faith in a joyful proclamation of the Gospel to all, without reservation.”

He asked the faithful to entrust with Mary their journey of faith, their hopes and needs as well as “the needs of the whole world, especially of those who hunger and thirst for justice, peace and God.”

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has decided to limit the honor of “monsignor” among diocesan priests and grant it from now on only to those at least 65 years of age. The change, which is not retroactive and does not affect Vatican officials or members of religious orders, was announced in a letter from the Vatican Secretariat of State to nunciatures around the world, along with instructions to inform local bishops. Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio to the United States, informed U.S. bishops of the new policy in a letter dated Dec. 30. Msgr. Ronny E. Jenkins, general secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, forwarded the letter to the bishops Jan. 3. Of the three grades of monsignor — apostolic protonotary, honorary prelate of His Holiness and chaplain of His Holiness — only the last will be available to diocesan priests who meet the new age requirement. Bishops must resubmit any pending requests for papal honors in accordance with the new rules.

Archbishop Vigano’s letter did not give a reason for the change, but Pope Francis has often warned clergy against the temptations of careerism and personal ambition.

More than 6.6 million attend Vatican events VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In the first nine and a half months of Pope Francis’ pontificate, more than 6.6 million people participated in papal events at the Vatican, including weekly general audiences, group audiences, liturgies and recitations of the Angelus and “Regina Coeli” on Sundays and holy days. The statistics, compiled by the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household and released Jan. 2, do not include figures from Pope Francis’ trip to Brazil for World Youth Day in July 2013, or his visits to Italian locations outside the Vatican. From his election March 13 until the end of 2013, at least 1.5 million people attended Pope Francis’ 30 general audiences; more than 87,000 participated in group audiences; almost 2.3 million participated in papal liturgies in St. Peter’s Basilica or St. Peter’s Square; and more than 2.7 million joined the pope for the Angelus or the “Regina Coeli” in the square. The numbers are approximate, based on tickets issued or estimates of crowd size, depending on the event.

Pope Francis pledges almost $5 million to help pay World Youth Day debt RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) — Pope Francis has pledged a donation of almost $5 million to help pay part of the debt incurred by the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day, said the Local Organizing Committee. A statement from the committee said the pope recognized “the great effort made by the Local Organizing Committee to hold World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro and demonstrated his intention to financially help pay off part of the investments made” for the event. An independent audit of the event, conducted by Ernst & Young, confirmed that on Aug. 31, World Youth Day had an accumulated debt of $38.4 million. After renegotiating with suppliers and selling a property, the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro was able to reduce the debt to a little over $18 million. World Youth Day was Pope Francis’ first international trip after being named pontiff. The event brought nearly 3 million pilgrims to Copacabana beach July 23-28.