THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 39, NO. 21 | JANUARY 12, 2018
CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING
Chris Hubbard, director of music ministries at the parishes of St. Matthew and Mother Teresa of Calcutta in Topeka, directs choir members from his parishes in an Epiphany Festival concert at the Church of St. Ignatius in Rome Jan. 3. Choirs from the Topeka parishes and the children’s choir from the Diocese of Orange, California, performed at the concert.
NO PLACE LIKE ROME Topeka choirs sing for Pope Francis By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
V
ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Fifteenyear-old show choir member Molly Biggs of Topeka thought her biggest singing break would be performing in Kansas City. As the New Year dawned, she wasn’t in Kansas anymore. She was standing in St. Peter’s Square Jan. 3 — surrounded by Bernini’s colossal stone colonnade, a splashing fountain and an ancient Egyptian obelisk — getting ready to perform with 33 other Kansans in St. Peter’s Basilica, with the Sistine Chapel choir, at Mass celebrated by Pope Francis for the solemnity of the Epiphany Jan. 6. Before she fully understood what the choir trip to Rome was really about,
“I thought maybe we would come to Rome to watch” the Sistine Chapel Choir sing, “but no, were going to go sing with them. My mind was blown,” she told Catholic News Service. The mastermind behind the choral odyssey was Chris Hubbard, who is the music teacher at St. Matthew School and the director of music ministries at St. Matthew Church and Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church in the city of Topeka. Hubbard, who had earlier experiences of the thrill of taking choir trips to different countries, said he wanted the children, teens and adults he taught or directed “to branch out, experience music in a different light and use the gifts given to us.” The choirs he works with, Hubbard said, only sang at Masses at their local parishes, and the majority of those
LENTEN DINNER NOTICES
>> See “PEP” on page 6
CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING
Choirs from the parishes of St. Matthew and Mother Teresa of Calcutta in Topeka perform at the Epiphany Festival concert at the Church of St. Ignatius in Rome Jan. 3 during a weeklong trip to Rome that included multiple performances.
WHEN
DEADLINE
Feb. 9.
Jan. 26.
The Leaven will publish a list of Lenten dinners in the archdiocese on
Because of space considerations, notices are limited to 40 words and are due
INCLUDE
• Time of event • Date(s) of event • Address of event
SUBMIT
Please email your information to: todd.habiger@ theleaven.org.
JANUARY 12, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
2
Help Pope Francis advocate for generous legal immigration policy
D
uring the recent Christmas season, we recalled the greatest migration in human history — namely, the Son of God migrating from heaven to earth to dwell among us. In the Nativity narrative, we were reminded that Jesus, Mary and Joseph were refugees fleeing from the tyrannical King Herod to the safety of Egypt. This coming Sunday, Jan. 14, the church throughout the world observes the 104th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. I daresay that no social issue weighs more deeply on the heart of Pope Francis than the plight of migrants and refugees. Pope Francis began his statement for this year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees by quoting from the Book of Leviticus: “You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God” (19:34). God reminds his people of their own tragic history as migrants and refugees as the context for his command to the Israelites to welcome the alien. The treatment of immigrants and refugees is a very timely topic in our own nation. There is less than two months for our Congress to pass legislation to afford some measure of legal status to the estimated 800,000 DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) young adults who find themselves currently in legal limbo. For those of us whose families have lived in the
Contact your senators and representatives MORAN, JERRY
23600 College Blvd., Suite 201 Olathe, KS 66061 Phone: (913) 393-0711
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN United States for several generations, there is a temptation to be unconcerned about the plight of the DACA youth. God could issue to us a similar reminder to the one he gave to the Israelites, inviting us to recall the circumstances that motivated some of our ancestors to migrate to the United States. Many, like the Holy Family, came to our nation fleeing a dangerous regime. Like the parents of the DACA youth, our ancestors wanted to protect their children from danger and death. Others came to the United States because it was impossible to provide for the material needs of their children in their homeland. Just as today many perceive those migrating to the United States from Central and South America as a threat, so also in the past there was violent opposition to the waves of Irish, Italian, German, Croatian, Polish and other European or Asian immigrants. From our vantage point today, we can recognize the incredible contributions our ances-
tors made to help our nation become a beacon of hope for freedom and opportunity. Pope Francis in both his messages — on Jan. 1, for the World Day of Peace, and on Jan. 14, for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees — challenged Catholics throughout the world to welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants and refugees. Our Holy Father urged Catholics to advocate for generous legal immigration policies. Pope Francis called for Catholics to work for policies in their nations that protect the rights and dignity of migrants and refugees. Similarly, the pope asked Catholics to promote migrants and refugees by helping them to achieve their full human potential. Concretely, this means, as much as possible, providing educational and employment opportunities for immigrants and refugees. It also involves helping to promote their well-being by policies that strengthen rather than separate families. Finally, Pope Francis differentiates integration of immigrants from assimilation. The Holy Father encourages welcoming nations to celebrate and honor admirable aspects of
521 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-6521
ROBERTS, PAT
11900 College Blvd., Suite 203 Overland Park, KS 66210 Phone: (913) 451-9343 Frank Carlson Federal Bldg. 444 SE Quincy - Room 392 Topeka, KS 66683 Phone: (785) 295-2745 109 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-4774 the native cultures of migrants and refugees, while helping them to embrace the beauty and benefits of the culture of their new homeland. The Holy Father encourages host nations to appreciate the cultural gifts that migrants bring to their new nation. Our archdiocese has a rich history of welcoming immigrants and refugees. Catholic Charities has done an exceptional job in helping refugees and new immigrants not only to acclimate, but to thrive in their new home in northeast Kansas. If you have never visited the Strawberry Hill Museum on the campus of St. John the Baptist Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, I encourage you to do so. It will give a quick history lesson on the many immigrant communities that have thrived and contributed to the vitality of Kansas City, Kansas.
JENKINS, LYNN
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN
3550 SW 5th St. Topeka, KS 66606 Phone: (785) 234-5966
Jan. 13 Spiritual mentorship Mass and dinner — Savior Pastoral Center
1526 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-6601
YODER, KEVIN
Jan. 14 World Day of Migrants Mass — Curé of Ars, Leawood
7325 W 79th St. Overland Park, KS 66204 Phone: (913) 621-0832
Baptism of third or more children — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas
2433 Rayburn Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-2865
ROGER MARSHALL
Jan. 16 Kansas Catholic Conference — Topeka
200 E Iron Ave. Salina, KS 67401 Phone: (785) 829-9000
Red Mass — Assumption, Topeka
312 Cannon House Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2715 Of course, we all need to pray for refugees and immigrants that the Lord will bless them as they attempt to integrate into a new culture and make a new home for their family. In your prayer, also ask the Lord to help you recognize opportunities to give personal support and encouragement to recent immigrants. Finally, I encourage every member of the archdiocese to communicate with our two U.S. senators — Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran — as well as your representative in the House of Representatives and urge them to make it a priority to pass legislation that provides legal status to the DACA young adults. For those of us whose families have had the privilege to live in this country for many generations, it would be a great gesture of appreciation for the welcome our ancestors received to help
Jan. 17 March for Life Mass — Savior Pastoral Center Presbyteral Council Jan. 18-19 March for Life — Washington, DC Jan. 20 Catholic Charities Snow Ball
ARCHBISHOP KELEHER Jan. 13 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida Jan. 14 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida Jan. 20 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida Jan. 21 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida
open a pathway for the immigrants and refugees of today.
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
Want to help someone heal from an abortion?
Call or text 913-621-2199
Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co. Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing. Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas. Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com
JANUARY 12, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS Bishop Herbert Hermes, OSB 1933-2018
Missionary Bishop Hermes remembered for faith, social action
By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The letter then-Father Herbert Hermes, OSB, received from the apostolic nunciature in Brazil was most unwelcome. With apprehension, he opened and read it at midnight on June 9, 1990. At the time, the monk from St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison was assigned to the abbey’s mission outreach — St. Joseph Priory in Mineiros, Brazil. And the letter contained an important question. Would the Kansas monk accept the Holy Father’s appointment to become bishop of the Prelacy of Cristalandia? “I immediately went to the chapel,” Bishop Hermes recounted much later, “and there, before the Blessed Sacrament, I fought against the proposal.” The Benedictine, born in Shallow Water, came from a modest, workingclass family in this small Kansas town. “I didn’t feel comfortable with the prestige of [being] a member of the hierarchy, with a title ‘prince of the church,’ with reverences and kissing of my hand,” he said. Cristalandia was a land so poor and the church there so weak that it couldn’t even rate as a diocese. The prelacy had experienced four years of neglect because the previous two bishops were limited by serious illnesses. Prayer did not yield the monk the answer he’d hoped for. “The phrase, ‘They are like sheep without a shepherd,’ kept bombarding my thoughts,” he said. “Finally, at 4 a.m., I gave in and accepted trying to be ‘pastor’ of this ‘flock without a shepherd,’” he continued. Father Hermes was ordained a bishop on Sept. 2, 1990. And what a shepherd he was. He worked hard — and effectively — to build up the church spiritually and temporally. He was a tireless advocate for human rights, so much so that, for a time, he was on a hit list of a death squad sponsored by powerful business interests in Brazil. Even after he retired to St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Paraiso do Tocantins in 2008, Bishop Hermes continued to advocate for the poor and oppressed. On Jan. 3, however, the poor and oppressed of Brazil lost a shepherd. Bishop Emeritus Hermes, 84, died of complications from pneumonia at the General Hospital of Palmas, Tocantins. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph the Worker Parish. He was buried in the crypt of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Cristalandia, Tocantins. Bishop Hermes was born on May 25, 1933, in Shallow Water, about eight miles south of Scott City. He was the ninth child of John Nicholas and Mary
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
Bishop Emeritus Herbert Hermes, OSB, 84, died Jan. 3 of complications from pneumonia. Much of his ministry was in Brazil where he was bishop of the Prelacy of Cristalandia. Ann (Hilger) Hermes. He was born five minutes before his identical twin brother Norbert, the family’s tenth child. The future bishop and Norbert learned from their older brothers to serve Mass at St. Joseph Parish in Scott City, where the family had moved. “We started when we were in the third grade,” said Norbert Hermes, now a member of Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish in Salina. “We could hardly see above the altar, and could barely reach the [Roman Missal].” Bishop Hermes was educated in public schools and, after high school graduation in 1951, went to St. Benedict’s College in Atchison, which was run by the Benedictine monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey. He became a novice on July 11, 1954, and took solemn vows in 1957. He also graduated in May that year with degrees in biology and philosophy. He completed theological studies and was ordained a priest on May 26, 1960. At the time, St. Benedict’s Abbey was establishing a mission foundation in Mineiros, Brazil. “I volunteered as a [transitional] deacon and was accepted after [priestly] ordination,” Bishop Hermes said in a 2011 interview. When he arrived in Brazil in October 1962, the future bishop couldn’t
speak a word of Portuguese. After a 16-week course, he began his ministry in February 1963 at St. Joseph Priory in Mineiros. He became pastor in 1972. Father Duane G. Roy, OSB, on the occasion of Bishop Hermes’ 20th anniversary in 2010, wrote: “During the 19 years of his episcopal duties, Bishop Herbert ordained sixteen diocesan priests . . . created seven parishes . . . [and] subdivided the prelacy in five pastoral regions. He welcomed . . . several religious congregations of men and women; and promoted numerous encounters, assemblies and meetings for the formation of his pastoral agents.” Bishop Hermes was active in many organizations promoting the human, social, political and economic rights of indigenous and poor persons, who were often exploited and victimized by powerful alliances of corrupt government and business. He exposed the practice of modern slavery and worked to rescue the enslaved. In 1994, he created the Center of Human Rights of Cristalandia and established offshoots called Human Rights Nucleos. In 2002, he received national recognition as a Distinguished Personality in Human Rights. “Bishop Hermes understood that the basic need of many people was to own their own piece of land and learn
Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org
Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org
Reporter, Social Media Editor Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org
Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org
a basic trade to escape poverty,” said Joel Hermes, a nephew who belongs to St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood. “The bishop knew full well the dangers of taking on the elite class and speaking out for the impoverished. “He would not be intimidated.” A niece, Lori Wilbur from Little Rock, Arkansas, remembered how the whole family would gather for reunions when Bishop Hermes visited. Her father Norbert, she and her siblings would all help distribute the bishop’s newsletters and promote his causes. She came to understand why the Latin word “fiat” was on his bishop’s miter. “He was an inspiration,” said Wilbur. “He would come back and raise funds for the ministries and for his social justice work among the poor. It was always an inspiration to see how he lived his life . . . [It was] a constant ‘yes’ to God.” Bishop Hermes inspired a cousin and a nephew as they sought their own vocations in the priesthood. Not only did he baptize his nephew Father Alphonsus Hermes, O.Praem., he also ordained him a priest on June 29, 2001. “Something that impacts me today is . . . I remember him saying many times about his concern for the excluded,” said Father Alphonsus, a Norbertine priest at St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado, California. “He said it with a lot of passion. He really felt for those who were excluded.” A cousin, Father Michael Hermes, pastor of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, was also ordained by Bishop Hermes. The bishop would often stop in to see him on visits to see family in Kansas. “He would tell us so many stories of the mission in Brazil,” said Father Hermes. “I visited him twice in Brazil. . . . I was so impressed with his energy, his love for the people and his advocacy for justice and human rights driven by the Gospel and Catholic social teaching.” “I think he was a true missionary,” he continued. “He adopted himself into Brazilian culture and into the church in Brazil. He loved Jesus. He loved the church. He loved Brazil. He loved the people of Cristalandia. “Everything he did in his life was motivated by love.” Bishop Hermes is survived by two brothers, Norbert in Salina and Eugene in Montana; a sister, Lucilla Herman in Oklahoma; nephews and nieces; and his brother monks and priests at St. Benedict’s Abbey and the Prelacy of Cristalandia. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and four brothers. Memorials in honor of Bishop Hermes may be sent to St. Benedict’s Abbey, 1020 N. Second St., Atchison, KS 66002, for the mission of the monks or for the formation of priests in the Prelacy of Cristalandia.
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 $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.
3
JANUARY 12, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
4
Young brainiacs make top 20 in Burns and Mac contest By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
O
VERLAND PARK — Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go inside an ant hill and watch the tiny creatures at work? Or wondered why and how they even work together as a swarm? Fourth- and fifth-grade students at John Paul II School in Overland Park have. And their efforts to help others learn about swarms pushed them to the top 20 out of 820 teams in Burns and McDonnell’s Battle of the Brains. Winners were announced in November. “It is a testament to all the great things happening here at John Paul II,” said principal Jennifer Yankovich. “We have always known how special our school is,” she continued. “This just gave the rest of the community an opportunity to find out what we already knew.” Battle of the Brains is a competition in which teams from elementary and high schools create an idea for an exhibit that — if selected — will be built inside Science City in Kansas City, Missouri. The winning team gets to work alongside Burns and McDonnell employees to make the idea come to life. Fourteen fourth- and fifth-grade students from John Paul II competed with an idea called “Power of the Swarm: From Nature to Robots.” The students’ initial idea was to give people the opportunity to go inside an anthill and see how an ant community functions. “Some other people from our group knew about swarm intelligence,” said fifth-grader Aryanna Rodriguez. “They knew ants were involved with that,” she continued. “So we re-
Fourth- and fifth-grade students and at John Paul II School in Overland Park took part in the Battle of the Brains contest. The students’ project focused on swarm intelligence. From left to right are team members: Greyson DeKeyser, Braxton Otto, Henry Morgan, Harper DeKeyser, Maggie Moloney, Peter Schulewitz and Sophia Hart. There were 14 team members in all. searched it and we thought it was a good topic to learn about.” Ants behave as a swarm, explained Libby Lee, a science teacher at John Paul II and one of the team’s coaches. The ants work together under a simple set of rules to accomplish tasks, she said, and the students realized that way of life applies to other animals as well. “As they continued researching,” said Lee, “they learned that, since scientists have realized this, they’re now applying that to things like driverless cars and delivering packages in a more efficient way.” “It’s also helped us to learn how our brain cells — each individual cell — works together to create the things we do with our brains,” said Lee. “It’s
pretty amazing.” The students took that idea and ran with it, meeting once a week for about two months leading up to the proposal deadline. Their proposal included an exhibit model, essay and short video. “I liked drawing the model because it was fun, and it was also challenging,” said fifth-grader A.J. Nies. Rodriguez also enjoyed the artistic aspect of the competition. “It was really fun because I got to go a bit more out of my comfort zone than usual,” she said. “That’s one of the things I love about science,” said Lee. “This is where you take all of those skills you’ve learned — reading, writing, math — and you really apply them and integrate them.”
“There were a lot of different skills involved,” she added, “and it was great for them to pull those together.” For fifth-grader Greyson DeKeyser, one of the highlights of the competition was having the freedom to choose what to create rather than receiving an assignment with strict guidelines. Nies agreed. “In a normal study, sometimes you don’t like what you’re studying,” he said. “But here, we all got to decide on what it was [we’d study].” The buy-in of the group paid off. “They really did work well as a team,” said Lee. As a special treat, the students learned they made the top 20 at a surprise assembly held at the school Nov. 16. When they heard the news, they were overjoyed. “I couldn’t believe it,” said fourth-grader Bria Sutherlin. “I was so excited.” “We beat 800 teams,” said Rodriguez. “I feel like that’s something I get to go off of and take into whatever I do.” The students celebrated with the other teams that made the top 20 at an award ceremony at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, on Nov. 30. Lee hopes this experience will get her students more excited about science. “I hope a lot of kids will think about a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) career when they’re older,” she said. Her hopes aren’t lost on the students at John Paul II, who have even higher hopes now for their own futures, thanks to this experience. “This gives you a lot of self-confidence,” said DeKeyeser. “It’ll probably affect my studies for the rest of my life.”
Snow Ball volunteers answer the call to serve By Carol Cowdrey Special to The Leaven
O
VERLAND PARK — Nearly 2,000 people are expected to attend the 44th annual Snow Ball benefiting Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas on Jan. 20 at the Overland Park Convention Center. Although it is one of the largest philanthropic events in the Kansas City area, the night itself is not a fundraiser — it’s a celebration. “What sets this event apart is there’s no formal ask or auction that evening. We’re there to celebrate the success of funds raised leading up to Snow Ball, and the generosity of our donors,” said Mike Bukaty. “It’s also a platform to share, in a very moving way, how those funds are used by Catholic Charities throughout the year to help families in need.” Mike and his wife Maureen, parishioners of St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood, are this year’s Snow Ball presidents. “When we were raising our young children, it was easier to write a check than to actually volunteer our time. Now that our children are grown, we wanted to give back our time as well,” said Mike. Since attending her first Snow Ball 18 years ago, Maureen has been struck by the breadth of services offered by
Mike and Maureen Bukaty, parishioners of St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood, are this year’s Snow Ball presidents. Catholic Charities. “It’s not a single service agency. They offer a variety of programs for children, adults and seniors,” she said. “More importantly, there’s a big misconception that Catholic Charities only serves Catholics. It’s not true. They help whoever needs it.” John and Mary Campbell, parishioners of Church of the Nativity, Leawood, have been actively involved
with Catholic Charities for more than 30 years. They’ve spent the last two years serving as the Snow Ball Patron Committee chairs. “We’re involved because we believe that we have an obligation to give back and help people of all faiths,” said John. They also share a strong and loyal belief that Catholic Charities uses its funds wisely. “If someone needs assistance, they’re going to get assistance without judgment,” John said. “Catholic Charities is there to serve.” Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, parishioners Joe and Melissa Valenciano joined the Snow Ball Table Committee before ever attending the event. Seven years later, they are that committee’s co-chairs, working tirelessly toward a personal goal of filling 200 tables this year. “It’s exciting to be around a great group of people who share your faith and purpose to want to do more,” said Joe. “The committee work can be exhausting, but there’s such positive energy the night of Snow Ball that you become revitalized and you’re ready to do it all again.” Snow Ball is Catholic Charities’ single largest fundraiser, accounting for half of all private donations. “One hundred percent of Snow Ball funds are raised by volunteers who dedicate months and months of time, year after year, in answer to God’s call to serve,” said Ken Williams, president and
To support Snow Ball through a patron gift or to purchase a ticket or table, visit the website at: catholic charitiessnowball.org.
CEO of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. “There’s no way to describe it, but to say we are truly blessed.” In addition to raising funds and awareness, Snow Ball is about creating a legacy of service for future generations. “There are some awesome young people out there who maybe don’t have the time and treasure to commit to Snow Ball, but they have the heart for it,” said John. “We want to engage them so that, 20 years from now, they step up in a leadership role.” Kyle Teahan knows firsthand about that legacy. His grandparents, Rich and JoAnne Teahan, served as Snow Ball presidents in 1992 and 1993 and are credited with taking the event to a higher level. Two years ago, he was honored to follow in their footsteps and join the Snow Ball Patron Committee. “It’s been inspiring to see the impact a small group of people can have on the lives of those less fortunate,” Kyle said. “Snow Ball is a good reminder for my generation that, individually, we may feel that we can only make a small difference. “But, collectively, we can do great things.”
JANUARY 12, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
5
Paola students learn business practicalities at holiday market By Jan Dixon Special to The Leaven
P
AOLA — Many schools showcase school productions for Christmas — but very few have actual products to show for it. At Holy Trinity School in Paola, however, 17 seventh- and eighth-graders had their homemade products on display at their annual holiday market held after school on Dec. 8. Hosted by the school, the one-hour event was the culminating project of a monthlong social studies unit designed to teach students about economics. “We wanted the students to be exposed to every aspect of running a business,” said Luci Kennedy, teacher and youth minister. “Market Day gives the kids opportunities to make real-life, hands-on applications of what they have learned.” Every student learned something they would use as an adult. “I learned it’s hard running a business, because there is so much stuff leading up to selling your product,” said Hayden Warden. “I learned there is a lot of planning and thinking ahead about resources and profit,” said Abi Shore. All students in the school were invited to shop at the event. “It was the third year we have had the market,” said Kennedy. She attended some teacher courses from the Federal Reserve in Kansas City, Missouri, and had taken students in previous years on a field trip to economic events. “But I wanted their learning to be more than just a one-day experience,” she said. Long before market day, therefore, students devised business plans and decided which products to offer. They
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY
From left, June Kemplay, Lily Manczuk, Avery Hadd, Zoe Secrest, Aiden Scheffer and Sam Walania look over the products on display at Holy Trinity in Paola’s marketplace as Molly Nagle (foreground) and Emery Everhart describe the marketplace’s offerings. discussed supply and demand, advertising, pricing and marketability. “Most every term of economics was introduced to the students. They were able to understand and use them,” said Kennedy. Students helped each other create names and logos, set prices for their goods, make flyers to advertise them and design a catalog for pre-orders. The seventh- and eighth-graders arrived at school the day of the market with bags of products, ready to do business. Students Elizabeth Khemraj and Ella Stapleton agreed that the hardest part was trying to get all of the products ready in time. “And trying to make sure you had enough,” added Molly Nagle. Tables were covered with sweets, pet treats, fudge, popcorn, string art, stress balls, salt scrubs and wood-burned ornaments.
“
“WE WANTED THE STUDENTS TO BE EXPOSED TO EVERY ASPECT OF RUNNING A BUSINESS. MARKET DAY GIVES THE KIDS OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE REAL-LIFE, HANDS-ON APPLICATIONS OF WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNED.” As students tended tables and sold products, their learning continued. “I learned that presentation is a large
factor and people like to hear more about the product,” said Khemraj. “I learned that there is more to running a business than meets the eye,” said Dylan George. Although the market was only open for one hour, many businesses sold out. Other young entrepreneurs realized they had made too much and discounted items before closing. After the market closed, Kennedy said she was impressed with the creativity and innovation the students had demonstrated. “They worked hard for several weeks and took ownership of the project,” she said. The rewards were many, according to the students. “The best part was spending time with my mom making the candies,” volunteered Alex Eastman. Jonas Sander, on the other hand, enjoyed knowing that a portion of the money earned would be given to a charity. And Emery Everhart was all about the bottom line. “I learned that the best way to run a business is to make things with little or no cost,” said Everhart. More than $1,000 was raised by the project, and the Miami County Cancer Foundation was the charity chosen by the students because 99 percent of the money goes directly to families of patients. A portion of the day’s profits was also earmarked for a field trip at the end of the school year. Kennedy considered the annual holiday market successful. Besides learning about economics, students learned teamwork, communication skills and how to work for a cause. “It was a lot of work,” said Kennedy, “but so worth it.”
Parish launches perpetual adoration with new chapel By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org
B
ASEHOR — Love made visible. That was the theme of a homily by Bishop James Conley, of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, given on Dec. 31 at Holy Angels Church in Basehor. The bishop was on hand at the invitation of pastor Father Richard McDonald, to celebrate the feast of the Holy Family and to help the parish of approximately 700 families launch perpetual adoration. More than 400 gathered for the liturgy and prayers for the parish’s new adoration chapel and its patroness, Mary, Queen of the Angels. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will officially dedicate the chapel this spring upon its completion. Known as Our Lady of the Angels Perpetual Adoration Chapel, its design is reminiscent of the chapel of the same name in Assisi (also known as the Portiuncula) where on Aug. 1, 1216, St. Francis received an apparition revealing Christ as King of Heaven and Mary as Queen of Heaven. The completed chapel will feature eight stained-glass windows, statues of St. Frances of Assisi and St. Clare of Assisi, artwork above the tabernacle and entrance, and vintage wooden pews with space for approximately 16 people. According to Father McDonald, the
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON
Bishop James Conley, of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, blesses the new Our Lady of the Angels Perpetual Adoration Chapel in Basehor, as Father Richard McDonald, pastor of Holy Angels, assists. feast of the Holy Family and the day before the solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, seemed an appropriate time for the parish to start perpetual adoration. “What better time to do it, we figured, than on the cusp of a new year, inviting people formally to make probably the best New Year’s resolution that one can for one’s spiritual life?” he said. In his general blessing of the newly constructed chapel, Bishop Conley asked for the intercession of Mary and entrusted
her to see it through to completion. Father McDonald said he holds great hope for the adoration chapel. “We pray that this adoration prayer chapel may be a gift to all people,” he said, “even those who never darken its threshold, but who benefit from the prayer of those within. “The prayers from this chapel, ‘rising day and night like incense to our God,’ we know, will help bring countless souls to Christ.” According to Bishop Conley, spend-
ing time in prayer is critical to restoring family and culture. “This chapel and the prayers that will rise from it will be a tremendous source of grace and blessing for years to come for all of you and your families,” he said. “Only prayer and deep communion with God through the sacrament of divine friendship will bring us back from the insanity we have caused ourselves and our culture,” said Bishop Conley. “I firmly believe that eucharistic adoration is the key to the restoration of Christian culture.” Moreover, he said, eucharistic adoration transforms individual lives. “The holy Eucharist is love made visible. And when we spend time in front of love made visible, we’re changed,” he said. “We’re transformed. God works on us. God transforms us.” The bishop ended by inviting everyone to sign up for an hour of adoration. “Everyone, no matter what your circumstances, can come before the eucharistic face of Jesus and encounter his love,” he said. Quoting from one of his pastoral letters, the bishop added, “No one needs to be a mystic to kneel before the Lord in adoration. Everyone begins the practice of prayer without knowing much about how to pray. “But in silence, kneeling before Jesus, we learn how God speaks to us. We learn to hear his ‘still, small voice,’ and we learn to speak to God from the depths of our own hearts.”
JANUARY 12, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS TOOLS FOR FAMILIES
6
BLESSING MOTHER TERESA
Growing as Disciples of Jesus
Behold the Lamb of God! For many of us, life flies by in a blur. With all our family demands, it is easy to miss the presence of Jesus in our daily lives. One way to “reset” our sensitivity to the many ways God was with us each day is to share before dinner or before bedtime the name of the person who brought the love of Jesus ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 alive for us that day. Thank God for the gift of that person, asking for the special graces that they need in their life.
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann dedicated a life-sized statue of Mother Teresa in the sanctuary of Topeka’s Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in late October. The archbishop was joined by (from left) Deacon Brad Sloan, Father Tom Aduri and Deacon Tim Ruoff. Made of polymer clay, metal and wire, the work was commissioned by the parish and made by Topeka artist Melissa Rau. The statue was a gift of parishioner Jeanette Willett in memory of her late husband John. Rau said the project took approximately three months from start to finish.
— Deacon Tony Zimmerman, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON
WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE
CHURCH OF THE WEEK
Pep talks, cinnamon rolls fuel Rome trip >> Continued from page 1
Sacred Heart, Ottawa Address: 408 S. Cedar, 66067 Phone: (785) 242-2174 Pastor: Father William Fisher Mass Times: Saturday, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Email: shcottawa@gmail.com Website: www.sacredheartottawa.org MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.
WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE
TEAM OF THE WEEK BOYS BASKETBALL
Maur Hill-Mount Academy
In a battle of undefeated teams, Maur Hill-Mount Academy, Atchison, came up just short against Jefferson County North High School, losing 56-53 on Jan. 5. The Leaven’s Jay Soldner captured all the action. Look for his photos on The Leaven’s Facebook page.
who came with him had never left the United States, much less visited Italy. People’s initial doubts or fears meant “at first, they didn’t think it could happen” and a few pep talks were necessary, he said, to encourage them that “if you believe in God, then anything is possible.” Joan Atkins joined the choir at Mother Teresa after her husband passed away in November. The trip was special for her, she said, because she brought with her his rosary, “which he always called, ‘my beads,’” to be blessed by the pope. Hubbard said that once he got people on board, all that was left to do was raise the money for the trip. Cinnamon roll sales, garage sales, barbecue and spaghetti dinners and other events brought in about $30,000 — enough to pay for one choir and split what was left equally among the others, he said. After researching choir tour options, Hubbard said he chose an itinerary with Peter’s Way Tours, a Jericho, New York-based company that specializes in arranging performances for choirs at the Vatican. The weeklong trip Hubbard led
included: singing an evening concert with the children’s choir from the Diocese of Orange, California, in Rome’s Church of St. Ignatius Jan. 3; Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi Jan. 4; Mass celebrated by U.S. Cardinal Edwin F. O’Brien in St. Peter’s Basilica Jan. 5; and the papal Mass with the Sistine Chapel Choir Jan. 6. Molly’s 16-year-old sister Emma said their parents didn’t want them to go at first because of security concerns given past terrorist attacks in Europe. “But then our mom heard a voice in her head and she let us start fundraising.” Emma said she loves the added knowledge music gives her, “like knowing notes, pitch, melody, rhythm.” Music also “makes people feel more comfortable” and open to new or faith experiences; it is universal and “people of any language can understand it,” she said. The Vatican shares the teen’s view of the value of music, said Msgr. Vincenzo De Gregorio, who heads the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music in Rome. “The language of art, culture and music” can bring people together in a way that “the language of politics, economics and management” often fail to do, he said.
Jane and Dave Grant, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Jan. 18. The couple was married at St. Patrick Church, Cedar Falls, Iowa. Their children are: Mike, Mark, Duane, Dan, Julie, David, Steve, Brian and Jeff. They also have 21 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They will celebrate with a Mass at Holy Spirit and a family dinner on the Plaza.
And, he said, by opening up churches, chapels and other sacred spaces at the Vatican and in Rome, singers from around the world experience their craft at “a whole new level.” Imagine, he said, the kind of excitement and emotion these visitors experience when they perform in a space “surrounded by the works of Michelangelo” or other iconic artists. Still, 11-year-old Praizjha Farrant from St. Matthew School and the choir at Mother Teresa, was not completely convinced. She said that even though she has a beautiful voice and loves to sing, she hates singing in front of people and planned to “not sing that loud” during the papal Mass. When asked why she sang in the choir, she said, “My mom made me,” which made her “mad,” but just this one time it was OK “because I get to go to Rome.” Gathered with group members after seeing Pope Francis at the general audience Jan. 3, Hubbard said, “I’m so thrilled they decided to take a trip outside of Topeka. It’s so rewarding for our faith and we are learning from each other, what we are capable of doing.”
Thomas L. and Dolores (Wenski) Foley, members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 20. The couple was married on Jan. 20, 1968, in Oklahoma. They will celebrate at home with their family. Their children are: Thom Foley Jr., San Francisco; Mike Foley, St. Louis; and Nick Foley, Mission. They also have two granddaughters.
JANUARY 12, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
P
Call to Share co-chairs invite your support, prayers
at and Mel McAnany, husband and wife, have graciously agreed to serve as co-chairs of the 2018 Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal. “We always wanted to find ways to contribute to our church,” said Mel. “Sometimes it was money, other times it was our time. Now, more than ever, we want to offer our prayers.” Pat and Mel, along with their family, have been a part of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee for five generations. Pat’s father was on the building committee for the church in 1959. Almost 60 years later, Pat served on the building renovation committee. He has also given his time to the parish’s school council and finance council, and has helped coordinate construction of an adoration chapel in 1988 and a new school in 2003. Through all of the material improvements, Pat believes the prayerful spiritual life is most important. “We have always believed that a solid foundation in our faith is essential to the future,” he said. “When God blessed us with children, I became a work-at-home mom,” Mel said. “Nothing was more important to us than providing for our children and giving back to the church.”
K
7
Pat and Mel are involved in many spiritual and corporal works of mercy throughout the archdiocese. The Spiritual Mentorship program that Pat and Mel completed with the Apostles of the Interior Life focuses on prayer and a relationship with Jesus. Through spirituality, they believe, our culture can be transformed. Other programs are important to them as well, such as the School of Faith, which helps teachers and religious educators better understand the power and beauty of what we Catholics believe. “Archbishop Naumann is leading a vision that is changing the lives of Catholics, one person at a time,” said Mel. “When Archbishop Naumann invited us to be the co-chairs of the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal, we wondered, ‘Why us?’” said Pat. “We don’t do anything different from what so many other Catholic families in the archdiocese have done. Family and faith are at the center of our lives.” Jesus called ordinary, unlikely people to follow him and to be his disciples. His invitation was simple: Follow me and love one another. His promise was also very simple: complete joy! The 2018 Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal makes many of the programs and ministries of the arch-
Mel and Pat McAnany are this year’s co-chairs for the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal. The members of the McAnany family are (from left): Ryan, Katie, Pat, Mel and Ben. diocese possible, enlivening parishes and schools as vibrant places of grace and mercy. “Happiness for me doesn’t come from things. We have found that we are happiest when we are in front of the Blessed Sacrament,” said Pat. “If everything flows from our faith, it makes us want to share what we have . . . share our faith and our other gifts. “I guess in that way we have been called to share.” The McAnanys are helping to lead the 2018 Archbishop’s Call to Share
Pro-life opportunities plentiful in January
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The prolife office of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas offers multiple opportunities for engagement this January for those wanting to advocate for the pro-life cause. The office is sponsoring four buses to the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 19 for high school youth and also its first-ever Young Adult Pilgrimage. In Topeka, pro-life activities will begin with the “Ignite” event for youth from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 22 at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. It will feature testimony from abortion survivor Melissa Ohden,
and prayer and worship led by the Wichita Adore Ministries. “Ignite” will conclude with a Mass with three of the bishops of Kansas at 11 a.m. After Mass, participants can join the Kansans for Life rally at noon on the Capitol steps. Tickets to “Ignite” are free, but need to be ordered ahead of time. Scholarships are available to schools and parishes that want to attend. For information, go online
to: www.archkck.org/ignite. Catholics can also participate in a digital pilgrimage, “9 Days for Life,” from Jan. 18 to 26. Participants can sign up to receive daily intentions on their smartphone or online. For information and to join, visit the website at: www. usccb.org. Once there, type “9 Days for Life” in the search bar and click on the top link.
appeal by their example of faithful stewardship and their encouragement of others. But mostly, they are doing it on their knees, asking God to bless everyone in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. “Just take two minutes today and say three Hail Marys for someone in need,” said Mel, “someone who needs hope or the courage to face suffering. “Offer these prayers for someone who needs them most. It will be your special gift today to the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal. It will make a difference.”
Women’s retreat set for Feb. 10 in Topeka
T
OPEKA — Christ the King Parish here, located at 5973 S.W. 25th St., will host “Resolve, Renew, Rejoice,” a women’s retreat, on Feb. 10. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Mass will be at 8 a.m. with the retreat starting at 9:45 a.m. The retreat is designed to “encourage Catholic women to renew themselves and become closer to God” through “prayer, fellowship and spiritual guidance.” Beginning with Mass, the retreat will feature a keynote presentation by Judy Hehr. Featured on EWTN’s “The Journey Home” and a speaker at the National Council of Catholic Women annual conference, Hehr is a member of the Catholic Speakers Association as well as Retrouvaille. She will share her journey from bankruptcy to wealth, from being a single, homeless drug addict to a healthy mother of four, and from dropping out of college at age 22 to graduating from a seminary at age 42. After the keynote will be lunch, followed by a simple charitable work activity at the church and a forum featuring Hehr and Christ the King associate pastor Father Jaime Zarse. Tickets are $20 per person. For more information contact Christ the King at (785) 273-0710 or go online to: ctktopeka. org.
to see a masked man standing in her living room. He had a gun. He put a finger to his lips. He told Kerlyn to be silent. Then he said that if she talked to the police, they would kill her and her family. A different man came to her home four days later and made a similar threat. Terrified for her life and that of her family, Kerlyn made an unthinkable decision: She would flee north with her family in search of refuge. She could hardly bear the thought of leaving without knowing if Bessy was safe — or even alive. But staying would have meant a death sentence for her entire family. She has not heard any news of Bessy since. At the end of our conversation, Kerlyn broke down. She grieved for her lost daughter, for her broken family, for the life she left in Honduras. And I grieved, too.
Welcome to the ‘Residential Center’ CNS PHOTO/MIKE BLAKE, REUTERS
A boy in Mexico looks through the border fence at Border Field State Park in San Diego.
Refugees’ plight serves as a reminder of the Holy Family BY KATIE HYDE
D
SPECIAL TO THE LEAVEN
ILLEY, Tex. — The women and children sitting in the waiting room are dressed in such bright coats — vibrant pops of yellow, red, blue and green —I
momentarily forget that we are in jail. But the reality of where we are sinks in as my first
client of the day, Kerlyn, dressed in her governmentissued bright blue coat and sweater, starts to cry as soon as she sits down to speak with me.
She had arrived here in Texas days ago after fleeing Honduras with little more than her 4-year-old daughter in her arms. Kerlyn begins telling her story of the day her 15-year-old daughter Bessy was kidnapped in broad daylight by a drug lord. The day of her kidnapping, Bessy left her home in a small coastal town in Honduras to run some errands. She never returned home. After speaking with witnesses, Kerlyn learned the horrifying truth: Her daughter had been kidnapped by the son of a narcotrafficking family known internationally for its ruthless violence. As she continues her story, Kerlyn’s hands are shaking. She is so afraid of the narcotraffickers, she can barely whisper their name to me. She’s afraid telling me will put me at risk. Days after the kidnapping, the death threats started. One day in early October as she sat alone in her home, Kerlyn looked up
Kerlyn is one of thousands of women who has been detained behind the secured fences of the South Texas Family Residential Center (STFRC), the largest immigration detention facility in the United States. Located in the small town of Dilley, Texas, this “residential center” houses up to 2,400 women and children, mostly Central Americans, who have been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Here, they await an interview with a Homeland Security officer and a decision. Will they be allowed into the country to apply for asylum? Or will they be deported? Having worked with immigrants for several years, I was invited to join a team of volunteers for a week at STFRC to help prepare the detained women for their interviews. But for all my experience, nothing could have prepared me for Kerlyn — and the dozens of other women like her — who shared their stories with me. Like Ana, a Cuban whose husband was repeatedly threatened with imprisonment and torture by the Castro regime for his work at a Catholic human rights magazine. Or Kimberley, who was regularly raped, horrifically beaten and stabbed in the stomach by her husband. Or Juana, who was kidnapped and beaten by a gang, locked into a coffin with her 2-year-old daughter, and left to die on a Guatemalan mountainside. Nothing could have prepared me to watch a 3-year-old child wipe tears from her mother’s face. Nothing could have prepared me for the raw grief, trauma and despair I witnessed each day in the women and children, detained like criminals, sitting in that visitation trailer in their distinctive yellow, red, blue and green coats.
Holy families As the U.S. Catholic Church celebrates National Migration Week from Jan. 7-13, we are called to truly listen to the stories of refugees, and
CNS PHOTO/EDGARD GARRIDO, REUTERS
A Salvadoran immigrant carries her son in a field in Huehuetoca, Mexico, while trying to reach the U.S.-Mexico border in 2015. to remember our own immigrant backgrounds as Americans. Pope Francis explains that “the duty of solidarity is to counter the throwaway culture and give greater attention to those who are weakest, poorest and most vulnerable.” The detained women and children at STFRC — many of whom have experienced unimaginable suffering — are some of the weakest and most vulnerable among us. They are not seeking a better life. They did not come here for better jobs or better educations. Many do not have any close family or friends in the United States. Most do not understand the concept of being “undocumented.” If they had a choice, many would not be here. They are here because they have fled for their lives. Despite their tremendous suffering, however, they took time to give thanks. Many women wept with joy as they told me how grateful they are to be safe in the United States, even though they are in jail. Nearly every woman I spoke with thanked God for saving her and her family. And in witnessing their incredible faith, despite the horrors they had endured, it struck me that I was hearing a story I had heard a hundred times. The story of a family who fled persecution, who sought safety in a foreign land and who struggled to find it. The story of a man who told us that whenever we welcome the stranger, we are welcoming God. I was hearing the story of the Holy Family.
THE WORK OF CHRISTMAS BEGINS Below is a variation on Howard Thurman’s “When the Song of the Angels is Stilled.” This version is by Michael Dougherty, co-chair of the Social Justice Committee at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Whitehorse, Yukon.
When the carols have been
immigration system, and overcoming horrific trauma — I nevertheless couldn’t help the feeling of hope welling in me as I saw them at the airport. When I saw them walking away from me — carrying airport pizzas and sodas in hand — I knew I had seen a holy family in the airport. Three small, magnificent beacons walked through that airport that day, clothed in bright colors — colors of hope.
stilled, When the star-topped tree is taken down, When family and friends are gone home, When we are back to our schedules The work of Christmas begins: To welcome the refugee, To heal a broken planet, To feed the hungry, To build bridges of trust, not walls of fear, To share our gifts, To seek justice and peace for all people, To bring Christ’s light to the world.
Katie Hyde is a former intern of The Leaven and a member of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee.
From “Arise Shine, For Our Christmas Work Begins Now,” by Michael Dougherty, found in Prairie Messenger (Dec. 23-30, 2015), page 11.
CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING
Pope Francis stretches wide his arms as if to embrace all immigrants during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Sept. 27. The pope made the gesture — which was duplicated then shared on social media around the world — as he launched the “Share the Journey” campaign in support of immigrants, an initiative of Caritas Internationalis.
The colors of hope As I walked through the San Antonio International Airport, headed back to Kansas City after an exhausting week, I saw them. Two women and one child, dressed in vibrant coats. They had just been released from the South Texas Family Residential Center into the United States to continue their fight for asylum in immigration court. And knowing everything that stood between them and the freedom and safety they so desperately sought — starting a new life in a new country, battling a Kafkaesque
JANUARY 12, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
NATION
10
Arctic plunge challenges charitable agencies to keep people warm By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service
W
ASHINGTON (CNS) — The brutally cold weather covering the eastern two-thirds of the country at the start of 2018 kept Catholic agencies scurrying to find ways to make sure no one was left without warm shelter and hot meals. From Montana to Florida and Texas to Maine, homeless shelters opened additional hours and home checks were commonplace as gusty winds carried teeth-chattering Arctic air southward. “It literally cuts through you,” Michael Acaldo, executive director of the Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, told Catholic News Service Jan. 3. Temperatures plunged into the 20s in southeastern Louisiana, forcing dozens more people to show up at the three emergency shelters the council operates, Acaldo said. During the cold snap, about 120 men, women and children have been at the shelters. A normal night would see 80 people, he said. Down the road in New Orleans, the city's freeze plan allows shelters to expand capacity for several nights until the cold weather subsides. One of those shelters is the Ozanam Inn, a partner of Catholic Charities of New Orleans. Clarence Adams, executive director, said the shelter has welcomed 30 extra people nightly since the New Year in addition to the 96 on a typical night. A bigger concern facing people is frozen pipes and improperly heated homes. “We're making the best of it. Everybody's trying to stay warm,” he said. Farther north in the Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas, staff members at Jericho Way, a homeless day resource center operated by the Catholic nonprofit Depaul USA, have seen an increase in clients at their doors. Director Mandy Davis said doors have opened earlier and stayed open later to give people a place to stay out of the cold. Churches and temporary warming shelters have opened for people needing a place to stay as well, she said. In the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, the shelters have been filled for much of December as cold weather settled in early, said Pam Terrell, division director of community services for the diocese's Catholic Charities program. She told CNS the agency has established cold shelter nights, allowing more than the usual 80 people to seek warmth during any given evening. “Both of our shelters serve as warming centers during inclement weather,” Terrell said. “And both have 24-hour call numbers for those who may be searching for cold shelter. So we go over census and take anybody in.” As some of the coldest temperatures in the country have descended on Minnesota, Tim Marx, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, said his agency and others in the Twin Cities have been well prepared for whatever Old Man Winter throws their way. “In Minnesota, I think we are more accustomed to dealing with cold weather in our emergency services system. Our emergency services system is pretty robust and it's done in public-private partnership with every-
CNS PHOTO/BRENDAN MCDERMID, REUTERS
People struggle against wind and snow as they cross a street Jan. 4 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
“
“WE’RE MAKING THE BEST OF IT. EVERYBODY’S TRYING TO STAY WARM.”
CNS PHOTO/LUCAS JACKSON, REUTERS
A homeless U.S. Marine veteran collects money as he sits in his wheelchair during an extreme cold spell Jan. 2 in New York City’s Times Square. At least 11 people have died cold-related deaths across the U.S. since the cold snap began in late December. body playing different roles” to ensure that as few people as possible are not sheltered, he told CNS.
“If we are exceeding capacity at our shelters, we also facilitate people being relocated to a winter safe space” in a
county-owned building, Mark said. In Dayton, Ohio, volunteers with the local Society of St. Vincent de Paul council have seen as many as 400 people show up at the two shelters it operates. Normal winter capacity is 300, said Adam Wik, marketing director for the council. “More than anything, we just want to make sure we're there,” he said. Along the East Coast, communities were dealing with a fast-moving storm centered just off the coast Jan. 4. In Baltimore, hundreds of people turned to the Our Daily Bread Employment Center Hot Meal Program, part of the archdiocese's Catholic Charities system. The program has served between 500 and 900 people daily for 37 years and the lines continued to be long despite the single-digit temperatures. About 560 people were served Jan. 2. “Elements drive [high turnout], as well as their [guests] money,” said Penny Lewis, director of Our Daily Bread. Several agency leaders said that they partner with others in their communities to assure that high heating bills will not force people to lose utility service when warmer weather returns in the spring. Local parish conferences of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul have traditionally helped provide funds for utility payments to avoid shutoffs and many already have begun collecting additional funds in anticipation of higher-than-normal bills for lowincome and elderly households.
JANUARY 12, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
NATION
Churches no longer exempt from disaster aid By Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service
W
ASHINGTON (CNS) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is revising its policies to no longer exclude houses of worship from applying for federal aid to recover from damages caused by natural disasters. The policy change was outlined in the agency’s revised 217-page manual: “Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide” issued Jan. 2. This change is not just for damage caused in future disasters but also affects claims made by churches last year from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma because it can be applied retroactively to claims made “on or after Aug. 23, 2017.” An introduction to the new FEMA manual credits the change in policy to a Supreme Court decision last June, which ruled that Trinity Lutheran Church in Missouri should not have been denied a public benefit just because it is a church. The court’s 7-2 decision specifically referred to the church-run preschool and said it should not be excluded from a state grant program to refurbish its playground surface just because it is a religious entity. “In light of the Trinity Lutheran decision, FEMA has considered its guidance on private nonprofit facility eligibility,” the agency’s new document says, pointing out that houses of worship would not be excluded from eligibility for FEMA aid on the basis of the religious character or primarily religious use of the facility. Daniel Blomberg, an attorney for the Becket Fund, representing Texas churches and Florida synagogues that have sued FEMA over not getting federal disaster aid, welcomed the policy change. “Better late than never,” he said in a statement. “By finally following the Constitution, FEMA is getting rid of second-class status for churches, which in the words of the Supreme Court was ‘odious’ to the First Amendment. We will watch carefully to make sure that FEMA’s new policy implemented to provide equal treatment for churches and synagogues alongside other charities.” Carl Anderson, CEO of the Knights of Columbus, was similarly pleased with the FEMA decision. “The destruction due to the flooding and hurricanes is of such a magnitude that the government must help in the
W
ASHINGTON (CNS) — As the Catholic Church in the U.S. began observing National Migration Week, a time to reflect on the circumstances confronting migrants, immigrants, refugees, and human trafficking victims, the administration of President Donald Trump announced that it would end an immigration program for thousands of Salvadorans, one of the largest groups of modern-day immigrants in the country and one that includes many Catholics.
Supreme Court sends death-row case back to lower courts By Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service
W CNS PHOTO/BOB ROLLER
Debris surrounds the altar of the destroyed St. Peter Church in Rockport, Texas, following Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is revising its policies to no longer exclude houses of worship from applying for federal aid to recover from storm damages. response,” he said in a statement. The Knights of Columbus have given $1.4 million to repair or help rebuild churches that were destroyed or badly damaged in hurricanes last year in Texas, Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization also raised $3.8 million for disaster relief in these areas. Anderson said church repair has been a key component of Knights’ relief efforts, stressing that “help from both the government and the nonprofit sector in the restoring of churches and other spaces dedicated to religious activities will send an important signal that these communities are coming back, that the spirit of the people is alive and well.” It also helps these houses of worship with the many charitable and social services they provide, he added. The battle over getting federal funds to restore storm-damaged church property has been in a legal tangle since last year when three Texas churches severely damaged by Hurricane Harvey were denied federal aid. The churches filed a lawsuit against FEMA over its policy accusing the agency of religious discrimination. Two Florida synagogues damaged in Hurricane Irma similarly filed lawsuits. The Texas churches appealed the agency’s decision to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which denied them emergency relief but agreed to hear the case in February. Another request for an emergency injunction for these
churches has been pending at the Supreme Court. The three churches are the Rockport First Assembly of God in Rockport, which lost its roof and steeple and had other structural damage, the Harvest Family Church in Cypress, and Hi-Way Tabernacle in Cleveland, which were both flooded. President Donald Trump has said on Twitter that places of worship damaged in hurricanes should be able to receive federal aid from FEMA. This past fall, the issue of FEMA disaster aid going to faith-based groups has been making its way through Congress. In late November, a committee approved the Disaster Recovery Reform Act which would open the doors for church groups to seek FEMA aid, but the bill was awaiting deliberation from the House floor. Chairmen of the U.S. bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty and the Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs supported the measure in letters sent to members of the House and Senate. The letters, signed by Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the religious liberty committee, and Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski of Springfield, Massachusetts, chairman of the ecumenical committee, said the bill regarding FEMA aid and houses of worship “is not asking for special treatment, just equal treatment that conforms to constitutional protections.”
Catholic groups decry end of TPS for Salvadorans By Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service
11
More than 200,000 Salvadorans, living under a special immigration status in the U.S., now face the prospect of staying in the country illegally or returning to a nation designated as one of the most dangerous in the world not at war, after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Jan. 8 that it was ending a provision called Temporary Protected Status after Sept. 9, 2019. “The decision to terminate TPS for El Salvador was made after a review of the disaster-related conditions upon which the country’s original designation was based,” DHS said in a statement. Salvadorans affected can apply to stay under a different program, if
they qualify, or make plans to return to their home country, the statement continued. Citizens of El Salvador were able to apply for TPS in 2001 after the Central American nation experienced a series of major earthquakes. TPS grants a work permit and a reprieve from deportation to certain people whose countries have experienced natural disasters, armed conflicts or exceptional situations, to remain temporarily in the United States. El Salvador had previously received the designation in 1990 after thousands of Salvadorans fled to the U.S. seeking refuge from a brutal civil war.
ASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. Supreme Court sent a death-row case back to the lower courts Jan. 8 in a summary ruling. In a 6-3 vote, the high court ordered the federal appeals court based in Atlanta to examine claims that a juror in the case of death-row inmate Keith Tharpe voted for the death sentence because Tharpe is black. The U.S. Supreme Court had already halted Tharpe’s scheduled execution the night it was initially scheduled in September. Now the court is giving Tharpe — convicted of killing Jacquelin Freeman, his sister-in-law, 27 years ago — another chance to have a court hear his claims of racial bias on his sentencing. Justice Clarence Thomas, who wrote the dissent and was joined by Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch, said the court’s unsigned opinion demonstrated “ceremonial hand-wringing” and he predicted Tharpe would lose his appeal. The appeal stems from interviews Tharpe’s legal team conducted in 1998 with Barney Gattie, a white juror. Gattie used racial slurs and said his study of the Bible led him to question “if black people even have souls,” according to court filings. Gattie signed an affidavit, although he later testified that he voted to sentence Tharpe to death because of the evidence against him. The high court’s majority opinion said Gattie, who has since died, never retracted his “remarkable affidavit,” which provides evidence that “Tharpe’s race affected Gattie’s vote for a death verdict.” Georgia courts would not consider any evidence of potential racial bias and a U.S. District Court also refused to consider that evidence. Tharpe’s attorneys looked into having the District Court’s ruling reopened and reconsidered, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit rejected it. The high court’s three-page Jan. 8 opinion acknowledges that even though the state court’s conclusion — that the juror’s vote to impose the death penalty was not based on race was binding — the affidavit from the juror could not just be dismissed. “At the very least,” the court’s majority opinion said, “jurists of reason could debate whether Tharpe has shown by clear and convincing evidence that the state court’s factual determination was wrong.” In sending the case back to lower courts to determine if Tharpe could get permission to appeal the District Court’s denial of his motion to reopen his case, the justices also noted that this case faces a tough road ahead. The opinion points out that federal courts can only reopen cases like this in “extraordinary circumstances.”
JANUARY 12, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after-school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, and cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available, as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Director of Human Resources – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a director of human resources. This job is challenging and fun! The archdiocese provides shared services for 120 organizations and 5,000 employees. Shared services include benefits administration, workers’ compensation, retirement plans and a standardized payroll process. Applicant must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and an active and faithful steward in his or her parish. Applicant should have experience in general human resources policies and processes: client employee services and support; compliance; human resource systems and data management; employee benefit management and administration; work injury, leave management and related processes; record-keeping and records management; and employee and employer communications. This position manages a staff of three professionals, is the chief human resources consultant to parishes, schools and other archdiocesan organizations, and manages all human resource functions at the chancery. The successful candidate will have strong operational experience in human resources, be able to take the initiative on innovation and process improvement, and have excellent people skills. For a complete job description and to complete the job application, go online to: archkck.org/ jobs. Also send a cover letter of recommendation from your pastor and resume to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, attn.: Carla Mills, Chief Financial Officer, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109; or email to: cmills@ archkck.org with subject line HR Director. Application deadline is Jan. 31. Preschool director - St. Michael the Archangel School in Leawood is seeking applicants for our preschool director position. The preschool director is responsible for overall leadership, administration and educational components of the preschool program. The day-to-day operations of the preschool will be carried out in accordance with state licensing regulations, developmentally appropriate practices and principles of sound Catholic education. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: administration, staff development, program development and miscellaneous duties as assigned. The preschool director must be a practicing Catholic. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in early childhood education. The director must have prior teaching and director level experience. Must be able to meet the state requirements for director of a 100+ child preschool. Must be self-directed, have strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and demonstrate a solid understanding of the importance of the relationships between the child, teacher, family and school environment. This is a full-time, salaried position and is eligible for the archdiocesan benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability, flexible spending accounts and 401(k) plan. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Complete job description, application and benefits information are available online at: www. stmichaelcp.org/employment-opportunities. Send cover letter and resume to: St. Michael Catholic Parish, Attn. Patty Pearch, 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood, KS 66223 or send by email to: patty.pearch@stmichaelcp.org. Wanted - Companion/housekeeper to provide additional companionship to elderly father living with family and to assist with housekeeping. Some meal preparation, some housekeeping. Must have own transportation. $12/hour, approximately 20 hours/week. Send an email to: koshipman@ prodigy.net or call (913) 897-2243. Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, round- trip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.
Campaign coordinator – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a full-time campaign coordinator with the expectation that the position will last approximately 18 months or longer. This position is temporary and benefit-eligible. Duties include: providing support to the campaign executive director and campaign team; coordinating the collection and processing of weekly reports; reporting and handling queries from Raiser’s Edge; data entry; and various other campaign tasks. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have one to three years’ experience in an office environment; nonprofit experience; and college degree preferred. A complete job description, application and benefit information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Campaign Coordinator Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org. This position will remain open until filled.
Clutter getting you down? - Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin of all trades” your professional organizer and “Honey-do” specialist. Call or email me today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055 or kev@koatindustries.com. Insured. References.
Groundskeeping position - $30K - Catholic Cemeteries is seeking an individual for a full-time groundskeeping position. Hours are Monday through Saturday. This position requires heavy lifting. Must be physically fit; experience operating construction equipment would be a plus. Must be a fast learner and flexible on hours. Interested individuals should contact Matt Wirtz at (913) 371-4040 or you may send a resume online to: svallejo@cathcemks.org.
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.
Social media specialist - Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas is looking for a permanent part-time position to be filled for the social media management efforts of this important ministry. The right person for this position will work from home 10 - 15 hours per week, and be well versed in the implementation of most social media platforms currently available. Initial development and monitoring priorities will include Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, etc. The ability to stay abreast of social media platforms as they emerge and solid communication skills with the ability to interface with all department heads within our organization (weekly if needed) when requested is a must. Biweekly meetings at our offices may be needed initially to jump-start our efforts and in the training of staff to utilize and perfect the use of these important communication tools. Email resume to: dvanthullenar@cathcemks.org. Director of advancement - Bishop Miege High School is seeking a full-time director of advancement. This position works under the direction of the high school president and the president of the foundation implementing capital campaign strategies, major gifts, annual giving, and community-wide fundraising and is also responsible for communications, alumni relations and management of the development office staff. Candidate is expected to uphold the mission of Bishop Miege High School and promote the school in the most positive way possible. The desired candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of three years’ professional experience in education fundraising, marketing, business, public relations, communications or related field. Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills are required, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and a faithful steward in their parish. Send letter of interest, resume and references to: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com. Do you enjoy driving? - The Kansas City Transportation Group is looking for chauffeurs to drive our guests to events, airport, dinner, etc. Business is growing and we are in need of workers with flexible hours, those who are retired, etc. Great pay and benefits. Send resume to: jkalbert@kctg.com or in person at Carey, 1300 Lydia Ave., Kansas City, MO 64106.
SERVICES
Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002 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: mike@mikehammermoving.com.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com 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) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. NELSON CREATION’S L.L.C. Home makeovers, kitchen, bath. All interior and exterior remodeling and repairs. Family owned, experienced, licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph, Shawnee. Kirk Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net Father-and-son home exteriors and remodeling - Celebrating my 15th year in The Leaven as a small business owner! We do decks, siding, windows, doors, tile work, floors, wood rot, and interior and exterior painting. We can remodel bathrooms, kitchens or basements. We also reface cabinets and redo pesky popcorn ceilings. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230. 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!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dan deeconst@aol.com.
Speech and language services - For all children and adults. Located minutes from the Legends and Providence Medical Center. Now accepting new clients. Most insurance accepted. Call Communication Station at (913) 703-4037.
Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service - Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM.
Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.
Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125.
Custom countertops - Laminates installed within five days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. 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. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. Quilted memories - Your Kansas City Longarm shop Nolting Longarm machines, quilting supplies and machine quilting services. We specialize in memorial quilts - custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, neckties, etc. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. Visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc.com.
12
FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) For sale - Three plots in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Leavenworth, section 18, row 9, lots 22, 23 and 24. Cemetery cost: $1950 each. Asking $1750 each or $4500 for all 3. Email Mary Brown at: marybrown@kc.rr.com. St. Casimir Parish. For sale - One plot in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Topeka. Located in Henry Garden, lot 824, space east. Current market value is $1500, selling price is $1300. Call (714) 308-2585. For sale - Double lawn crypt at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Garden of Hope section, double lawn crypt, lot 78 C, space 4. Conveyance fee included. $8100. Call Lou at (512) 294-2869.
WANTED TO BUY Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to Buy Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, prints, sterling, etc. Renee Maderak (913) 475-7393 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee
REAL ESTATE Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it? We buy it all at once in as-is condition. Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com. I NEED HOUSES! - We are members of Holy Trinity Parish and we pay cash for any real estate without any realtor commissions or fees. If you would like an easy, no-hassle sale at a fair price, please call me. We have 13 years of experience. Mark Edmondson (913) 980-4905.
CAREGIVING Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or 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, Pat or Gary. Just like family - Two independent ladies willing to care for your loved ones in their home. Flexible nights, days, weekends. Payment depends on services rendered. Call Kara at (913) 343-1602. Nursing assistant/companion/household duties Retired nurse, available evenings, weekends, days or nights. 30 years’ experience. Recent references. Call (913) 579-5276. Medication support - Need help filling weekly pill boxes? Need daily medication reminders? We can provide these services in your home with daily or weekly visits. Call to learn about our exciting new medication solutions that allow you to continue living safely at home. Call Home Connect Health at (913) 627- 9222. Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.
BUYING AN AD To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email The Leaven at: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org. Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter. Ad deadline is 10 days before the desired publication date.
JANUARY 12, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CALENDAR ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Jan. 14 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.
We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benediction will follow, as well as an opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular. For more information, visit the website at: www.rosaryrallieskc.org.
comfortable nook at Sophia Center. Coffee is provided. Bring a sack lunch and spend the day. Reservations are required. The suggested donation is a freewill offering. Register online at: www.mountosb.org.
tact Theresa Smith-Lawton at (785) 6401403. If you are interested in or would like more information about the Daughters of Isabella, call Marilyn Unrein at (785) 2308448 or Cindy Keen at (785) 228-9863.
HOEDOWN FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Boulevard Brewery 2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri Jan. 18 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
TRIVIA NIGHT FUNDRAISER St. Paul Parish (center) 900 S. Honeysuckle, Olathe Feb. 3 at 7 p.m.
There will be great food and entertainment, including Boulevard beer, Jack Stack barbecue and music by The Hamptones. Proceeds go toward scholarships at Holy Name of Jesus School in Kansas City, Kansas. For more information, send an email to: holyname catholicschool.org or call (913) 722-1032.
MASS OF THANKSGIVING Sacred Heart Parish 126 S. Cedar St., Ottawa Jan. 14 at 11 a.m.
Friends and former parishioners of Father William G. Fisher are invited to a Mass of thanksgiving for his 25th anniversary of ordination. A lunch in the parish center will follow the Mass. If you plan to attend the lunch, RSVP to: jjonson66@live.com or call (785) 242-3384 by Jan. 7. Cards may be sent to Father Fisher at: 408 S. Cedar St., Ottawa, KS 66067.
COPING WITH LIFE ALONE St. John Francis Regis Church 8941 James A. Reed Rd., Kansas City, Missouri Jan. 14 - Feb. 25 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
This is a grief support program that meets on Sunday each week for seven weeks. The program helps those who have lost a love relationship — due to death, divorce or separation — move through the experience of grief and loss into a future with renewed hope.
HEALING MASS Curé of Ars Church (Father Burak Room) 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
A Mass with prayers for healing, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.
WOMEN’S DISCERNMENT RETREAT Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg Jan. 19 and 20, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Come join other young women who are open to the joy of totally following God’s will for their lives. Women between the ages of 18 and 30 are invited to participate, with opportunities to grow in community and friendship, develop a deeper understanding of discernment and meet some of the consecrated women who are joyfully serving the church today. Register online at: www. archkck.org/ranch or contact the retreat team by email at: psrministry@archkck.org, or call (785) 746-5693.
WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE TECHNIQUES Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Jan. 17 from 10 - 11 a.m.
Protect yourself or another from an aggressor. Learn basic self-defense strategies as presented by Kansas City Tsuruoka Karate.
COFFEE AND SILENCE Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Jan. 17 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Come for the morning or for the day. Spend time in silence. Walk our beautiful grounds. Visit our St. Scholastica Chapel or find a
13
MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood Jan. 20 at 8 a.m.
There will be a memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones followed by a grief support meeting in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “New Beginnings.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.
CHILI AND BINGO Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Jan. 21 from 6 - 8 p.m.
The Ascension Knights of Columbus will be hosting this event. The cost to attend is: $9.50 for adults, age 12 and over; $5 for kids, ages 5 - 11; and kids 4 and under eat free. Included with the cost of the meal are three bingo cards. Additional cards may be purchased for $1 each. Net proceeds support various Ascension and community charities.
The event is sponsored by the St. Paul Knights of Columbus. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Knights of Columbus pro-life efforts in the state of Kansas. The cost to attend is $100 for a table of eight, or $12.50 per person. There will also be raffles, door prizes and prizes for the top teams. For reservations and more details, call Chris Dieterman at (913) 780-6428.
GIVE ’N’ GET COAT AND SHOE EXCHANGE Prince of Peace School (Marian Room) 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe Jan. 21 from 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Last year, over 2000 winter apparel items were given away or exchanged. All are welcome to come receive free winter coats, shoes, hats, gloves, scarves, blankets and purses or to bring in your old items and exchange them for newer ones. The Marian Room is located next to the school office by the circle drive.
RESPITE CARE PROGRAM Holy Cross School 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park Jan. 27 from 4 - 8 p.m.
Respite care provides the gift of time away from caregiving for families who have a child with a disability. The program is designed for children ages 6 - 18. For exceptions to the age range, contact Tom Racunas at (913) 647-3054 or send an email to: tracunas@ archkck.org. For questions about the program, call Tom or Audrey Amor at (816) 7391197 or send an email to: aamor@sjakeep ingfaith.org. Volunteers are needed to be a respite buddy to a child with a disability. To register a child for the program or to volunteer, go online to: www.archkck.org/special needs and complete the online form.
DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE 503 Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Jan. 28 at 12:30 p.m.
There will be a rosary, followed by a business meeting. A social will follow. If you know of a member or their family member in distress, sick or in need of the circle’s prayers, con-
NEW EVANGELIZATION PARISH MISSION Holy Trinity Parish 13615 W. 92nd St., Lenexa Feb. 5 - 8 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Join Deacon Ralph Poyo as he provides sound, practical and motivational teaching that will help us understand what we do as Catholics as well as lead us to the transforming power of a viable, life-giving and faith-centered relationship with Christ.
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas By appointment
Spiritual direction helps us notice God’s action in our daily lives. We become more conscious of God’s presence and love. Appointments are for one hour, once a month, scheduled at the convenience of the director and the directee. Call the center at (913) 906-8990 to schedule an appointment.
CALENDAR POLICY ANNIVERSARY submissions DEADLINE: eight days before the desired publication date
WHERE TO SUBMIT: Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: calendar; or send an email to: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org.
JANUARY 12, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY
Let’s all take a breather
SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME Jan. 14 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 1 Sm 3: 3b-10, 19 Ps 40: 2, 4, 7-10 1 Cor 6: 13c-15a, 17-20 Jn 1: 35-42 Jan. 15 Monday 1 Sm 15: 16-23 Ps 50: 8-9, 16-17, 21, 23 Mk 2: 18-22 Jan. 16 Tuesday 1 Sm 16: 1-13 Ps 89: 20-22, 27-28 Mk 2: 23-28 Jan. 17 Anthony, abbot 1 Sm 17: 32-33, 37, 40-51 Ps 144: 1-2, 9-10 Mk 3: 1-6 Jan. 18 Thursday 1 Sm 18: 6-9; 19: 1-7 Ps 56: 2-3, 9-14 Mk 3: 7-12 Jan. 19 Friday 1 Sm 24: 3-21 Ps 57: 2-4, 6, 11 Mk 3: 13-19 Jan. 20 Fabian, pope, martyr; Sebastian, martyr 2 Sm 1: 1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27 Ps 80: 2-3, 5-7 Mk 3: 20-21
T
ake deep breaths. I scribbled those three words at the bottom of my to-do list on Christmas Eve. With the marathon of Masses facing me that Saturday, Sunday and Monday, I was starting to panic, just thinking about it. Taking deep breaths was a welcome stress reliever. In fact, those breaths were so refreshing that I continued the practice after Christmas and now into the new year. It’s become my new normal to write “take deep breaths” on my daily to-do list. I’m assisted in this effort by my Apple Watch with its Breathe app. Every few hours, it chimes. I simply tap “Breathe,” and it advises me: “Be still and concentrate on your breath.” The app then leads me through seven deep breaths, after which it says, “Well done.” Finally, it shows my heart rate. I’m making this a habit to keep. Always threatening the stillness, though, is my email inbox. Since the beginning of 2018, it’s been inundated with “Save the Date” emails. These invitations to workshops, classes and social gatherings are all
14
MARK MY WORDS
FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.
good and tempting, but I can’t — and shouldn’t — attend them all. It’s overwhelming to try to do everything and be everywhere all the time. We wear ourselves to a frazzle attempting it and still feel discontent at the end of the day with all of the stuff left undone. We’re like the person in this little story by Pastor Alan Wilson: An extreme sports fanatic scaled the famous 120-foot “Christ the Redeemer” statue on Brazil’s Corcovado Mountain and jumped from its outstretched arms. For the first-ever such leap, daredevil Felix Baumgartner, 30, an Aus-
trian, smuggled his parachute on board the little train that takes dozens of tourists up the 2000-foot mountain to visit the statue. He scaled the gray stone figure, climbed onto one of its fingers and jumped. Fortunately, his parachute worked and he wasn’t injured. Wilson wonders how many people live like Baumgartner. Rather than run toward Christ when we’re weary in order to find rest, we prefer to jump from the safety of his hands. And there’s no spiritual parachute to cushion our landing when we do this. (Adapted from “Spurning Christ,” found in “1001 Illustrations That Connect,” edited by Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof.) There’s a reason that people are called daredevils. Living in such a way dares the devil to rob us of a meaningful life.
When we find ourselves becoming daredevils, running around like chickens with our heads cut off and never taking time to rest in the safety of Christ’s hands, we risk losing our souls — and ourselves. One of my resolutions for 2018 is to be faithful to keeping a Sabbath. A Sabbath is a chance to step away from our usual activities to renew our relationship with God, others and ourselves. It’s a chance to pray, talk, read, reflect and rest. Perhaps much of the tension in the world today is due to the fact that we’ve forgotten how to step back, relish silence and become human “beings” once again. If you find yourself already stressed out in this brand-new year, maybe some of these suggestions by Henrik Edberg from “The Positivity Blog” will help: • Set limits. It’s OK to check email, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, but not every few minutes. Set limits on how often you visit these sites. • Don’t make mountains out of molehills. Get upset only at stuff that really matters in the long run. • Slow down. Treat your life as a marathon,
not a sprint. Leave earlier for appointments, for example, and enjoy the journey. • Ask instead of guessing. Don’t try to read minds. Communicate with others instead of “intuiting” what they mean. • Do one thing at a time. Your focus and work will improve by leaps and bounds. • Remember: There’s a day tomorrow, too. You don’t need to do it all at once. I’d add a couple of my own suggestions: • Read something every day. And vary what you read. One day pick up a novel, another day do some spiritual reading, a third day devote yourself to something educational. Be sure, though, to include The Leaven in your weekly reading habit. • Pray. This year explore something new: Attend a daily Mass, go on a retreat, take a class on meditation, take part in a Bible study or head out on a pilgrimage. Above all, take to heart these wise words of St. Jeanne de Chantal as you walk through 2018: “No matter what happens, be gentle with yourself.” Now start with a nice, deep breath.
Do you know what — or who — you’re searching for?
ONLINE
www.theleaven.org
www.facebook.com/ theleavenkc
@theleavenkc
INSTAGRAM theleavenkc
W
hen a staff position at the parish becomes vacant, we ordinarily form a search committee to fill the position. We are looking for a candidate. At the same time, there are various individuals out there also looking for employment. So, who is really the one performing the search? In Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jn 1:35-42, Jesus calls the first two disciples to follow him: Andrew and another unnamed disciple who is perhaps John. The question is: Have they been searching for Jesus, or has Jesus been searching for them? When these two men
THE GOSPEL TRUTH
FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.
who eventually become disciples of Jesus start to follow him, it almost looks as though they are
POPE FRANCIS
stalking him, or following him as a stray puppy might follow a young child. You might even think that it’s kind of creepy. They are not following him as disciples — at least, not yet. They appear to be motivated by curiosity, more than anything else. Up until now, they have been following John the Baptist
Fear and the shame of admitting one’s own sins leads to pointing fingers and accusing others rather than recognizing one’s own faults, Pope Francis said. “It’s difficult to admit being guilty, but it does so much good to confess with sincerity. But you must confess your own sins,” the pope said Jan. 3 at his first general audience of the new year. “I remember a story an old missionary would tell about a woman who went to confession and she began by telling her husband’s
as his disciples. When he points Jesus out, they launch out on this new adventure. They really do not know what they are looking for. That is why, when Jesus asks them, “What are you looking for?” they are unable to give a straight answer. Instead, they respond with a question, “Where are you staying?” Their question implies that what they really want is to stay with Jesus. And that is what they do. As the Gospel reading tells us: “So they went and saw where Jesus was staying, and they stayed with him that day.” The two disciples do not know what they are looking for. At the same time, they have an intuition that they will
find it, whatever it is, wherever Jesus is. That is why they are staying with him. They recognize that Jesus has something to teach them. That is why they address him as “rabbi,” which, according to the Gospel, means “teacher.” And that is why they become his disciples. Jesus will reveal to them what they have been looking for all along. We also may be unsure of what to expect out of life. We may not know what we are looking for. In that respect, we may resemble the two disciples in the Gospel story. And like them, if we follow Jesus, he will lead us to discover what we are searching for. He will lead us to fullness of life.
faults, then went on to her mother-in-law’s faults and then the sins of her neighbors. “At a certain point, the confessor told her, ‘But ma’am, tell me, are you done?’ ‘No . . . Yes.’ “‘Great, you have finished with other people’s sins, now start to tell me yours,’” he said. The pope was continuing his series of audience talks on the Mass, reflecting on the penitential rite. — CNS
Call or stop by to learn about the options of advanced planning, and pick up your FREE Personal Arrangement guide. We Guarantee your services at today’s prices.
Helen Skradski
Steve Pierce
913-371-1404
Carrie Kaifes-Lally
www.skradskifh-kc.com Proudly Serving our Community Since 1929
JANUARY 12, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
ROLLING THUNDER
St. James Thunder Broadcasting Network brings athletics into the home By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven
L
ENEXA — That feeling of watching your child or grandchild on the field or on the court is second to none. But not everyone can make their way to the stands. That’s why St. James Academy in Lenexa introduced Thunder Broadcasting Network (TBN). The Catholic high school is bringing its athletic events into the homes of the local community and the nation for many of its alums. With its high-tech equipment and budding broadcasters, the broadcasts are live and offer spectators much more than just a game, said St. James senior Luke Hafner. “It’s not about us. Every broadcast is something bigger,” said Hafner. “It’s about the community. “At St. James, we preach community first. People from across the country can see our school coming together to play — and that includes our band, cheerleaders and dance team. “We give our audience the chance to see everyone in action and what’s going on inside the building.” St. James’ director of integrated marketing, Eduardo Godinez, launched the initiative the summer of 2017 as a way of serving the extended St. James family. After investigating several college broadcast programs and talking with area broadcasters, Godinez purchased the necessary equipment and spread the word among the student body. His pitch generated interest from 14 students the first time and 20 students during the next application period. Now, TBN is the official broadcaststreaming home of St. James athletics. It offers live coverage of many home events (athletic and nonathletic), with plans to expand in the coming years. Access to each event is sent out via Twitter at @Thunder_NTWRK and is available after the event On Demand. The broadcast provides live game action, as well as commentary from the student broadcasters. TBN has
Sophomore Matthew Newkirk mans the camera for a live broadcast at St. James.
Senior Mikayla Rico conducts an on-court interview with Stan Dohm, head boys basketball coach for St. James Academy, Lenexa. St. James Academy senior broadcasters Luke Hafner, left, and Billy Hess call the action at a recent basketball game. LEAVEN PHOTOS BY MATT MCCABE
more than 14,000 viewers to date. “Our families are taking a real liking to the broadcasts,” Godinez said. “We have some families who aren’t physically able to attend, so it means the world to them to be able to watch. “We really wanted to showcase our great athletics and students, and connect the dots for the alumni who have played a role in building our school over the years.” Fifteen students are now TBN broadcasters. A four-student team broadcasts at each event, manning cameras, and providing sideline commentary, play-by-play and technical support. The students do their homework before each broadcast, studying each athlete’s stats, the team’s rankings and other information required by the color commentary in the broadcasts. St. James senior Billy Hess is one of TBN’s commentators. A former St. James baseball athlete and CYO basketball player, Hess has always enjoyed sports. He spends time researching upcoming games, learning rosters, talking to head coaches and players, and assessing the season in general. He plans to major in business in college. But his new passion now has him also entertaining the idea of pursuing journalism. “Broadcasting sporting events brings people together — alumni, teachers, parents, extended family. People are very impressed with both
“
“IT’S NOT ABOUT US. EVERY BROADCAST IS SOMETHING BIGGER. IT’S ABOUT THE COMMUNITY. AT ST. JAMES, WE PREACH COMMUNITY FIRST.” our technology and the quality of our commentary,” Hess said. Godinez has invited several area broadcasters to speak to students, including former University of Kansas volleyball player and ESPN broadcaster Jill Dorsey-Hall, longtime Kansas City sportscaster Leif Lisec, WDAF-TV newscaster Kathy Quinn and Sports Radio 810 broadcaster Nate Bukaty. Each professional brought a wealth of broadcasting and interview tips to students, and St. James invites any
readers in a similar field to speak to its broadcasters. TBN is the only Catholic high school in the Midwest providing live broadcasts of its athletics. Other area public high schools have asked St. James if they can promote the broadcasts among their own student population on game nights. In December, for example, St. James faced off with its rival St. Thomas Aquinas on the basketball court. The gym was packed and the pre-Christmas spirit was in full swing, showcasing ugly sweaters, other holiday attire and loud cheers. And if you couldn’t make the big game, TBN made sure you felt a part of it. Cameras captured the action on the court, the band, the cheerleaders, the dance team and a community of fans. And TBN broadcasters enhanced every moment with their colorful commentary. To watch St. James’ game-day and past athletic event coverage, go to the TBN website at: sjakeepingfaith.org/ tbn.
16