01-18-13 Vol. 34 No. 22

theleaven.com | vol. 34, no. 22 | january 18, 2013

Ready, set, sign up for summer of faith n Registration for summer camps starts soon

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — When 19-year-old Courtney Kern was still in grade school, she went to summer camp and met a new best friend, someone she got to know better each year she returned.

“Camp is the place I met and developed a relationship with my best friend, Jesus Christ,” said Kern, who grew up a member of Church of the Nativity in Leawood.

The camp that Kern, now a student at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., is talking about is Camp Tekakwitha at the Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg.

“Camp is the reason I have a faith life of my own,” said Kern, who is taking the lessons she learned at Catholic camp in Kansas to new levels as she studies abroad and takes part in service opportunities this semester.

“I really wish I could express to you how much camp is SUCH an integral part of me,” Kern wrote in an email to camp directors Deacon Dana Nearmyer and his wife Deborah.

After eight years as a camper and the last two summers on staff, Kern knows thousands of other young people share the same feeling.

“When it comes down to it, camp has dominated my life and infiltrated every facet of how I live day to day, and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said.

Important dates Jan. 20 — Scholarship applications due Jan. 29 — Registration opens at 9 a.m. for high school camp sessions Feb. 5 — Registration opens at 9 a.m. for campers entering 7th/8th grades Feb. 12 — Registration opens at 9 a.m. for campers entering 5th/6th grades Camp dates Camp Kateri — grades 5/6 ($230) Session 1 — May 30-June 1 Session 2 — June 24-26 Session 3 — July 8-10 Session 4 — July 11-13 Camp Tekakwitha — grades 7/8 ($370) Session 1 — June 3-8 Session 2 — June 17-22 Session 3 — July 15-20 Session 4 — July 22-27 Camp Tekakwitha — grades 9-12 ($380) June 10-15 Camp Tekakwitha Senior High Extreme — grades 9-12 ($430) July 29-Aug. 6 Camp Tekakwitha Family Camp (Free for children younger than 2; $125 each for campers age 2 and older) June 28-30 For more information and for camp brochure and registration materials and instructions, visit the archdiocesan website at: www. archkck.org/camp.

Although she is pursuing different service opportunities this year — inspired by the faith she developed through camp — her thoughts never stray far from the >> See “archdiocesan” on page 5 Leaven photo by Don Wolf

Calling all fish fries

Because of space constraints, The Leaven does not list Lenten fish fries in the calendar during Lent. However, a full page of archdiocesan fish fries will appear — all ready to be clipped and saved — in the Feb. 8 edition of The Leaven.

Fish fry notices should be emailed to: todd@theleaven.com. The deadline is Jan. 29. Keep notices to less than 40 words. Please do not include full menus.

Archbishop Keleher on Vatican II

Join Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher online for classes on two of the documents of the Second Vatican Council, exclusively on The Leaven’s website at: www.theleaven.com.

2 archbishop

theleaven.com | january 18, 2013

A NEW BEGINNING

Life will be victorious

Changing hearts and minds will eventually change votes

S

adly, this coming Tuesday we will observe the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court decisions that struck down the laws in the vast majority of states protecting the lives of unborn children from abortion.

archbishop Joseph F. Naumann

24-25, you will be able to see this is clearly not true.

The reality is, even as President Obama pushes a radical pro-abortion agenda, according to the most reliable public opinion polls over the past 20 years, More than 50 million Americans have become American children have died increasingly pro-life. While by abortion since that fateful the current administration day. On average, more than takes its marching orders 3,000 children die every day from Planned Parenthood, in the United States because they are actually becoming of abortion. more and more out of step On Tuesday, I will be in with the beliefs of a majority Topeka celebrating an 11 a.m. of Americans.

Mass for Kansans who will We canhave assemnot permit bled in the ‘The Shepherd’s Voice’ ourselves to Capitol to indulge in advocate for Archbishop Joseph F. Naudiscourageour state to mann’s radio program on ment over do everyKEXS 1090 AM airs at 10 a.m. the current thing possion Sunday and is repeated at political ble to pro9:30 a.m. on Tuesday and 3:30 power of tect unborn p.m. on Thursday. legalized children, abortion adas well as vocates. We need to continto assist women experiencue our efforts to educate the ing an untimely pregnancy. minds of Americans with Later in the week, I will go the truth about the humanity to Washington, D.C., to join of the unborn, something hundreds of Kansans and a that ultrasound technology couple hundred thousand makes it impossible to deny.

Americans marching for life.

Legalized abortion and With the media bias, you contraception have been will probably hear or read promoted as the great emanvery little about these signifcipators for women. Yet, icant gatherings of Kansans if you examine the social and Americans advocating science data since aborfor the protection of innotion was legalized and the cent human life. The March government has promoted for Life in Washington is and funded the distribution by far the largest annual of free contraceptives to public demonstration in our adolescents and the poor, nation’s capital and it is the next to the unborn children, most under-reported event. women have suffered the If you depend on the most. Access to abortion and mainstream media for your contraception has not eliminformation, you have heard inated unplanned pregnanfor most of the past 40 years cies. Many more women are how the pro-life movement single parenting today than is dead and the abortion 40 years ago, which transissue has long been settled lates into more children and in our nation. If you are able women living in poverty. to be in Washington on Jan.

The emotional, psychological and spiritual scars from abortion torture millions of women, who are forced to suffer in silence because a pro-abortion media does not want to hear about their pain. The detaching of sexual intimacy from committed love, made possible by contraception and abortion, has disproportionately victimized women, who much more frequently live with the consequences of single parenting and experience much more personally and powerfully the aftermath of abortion.

I am encouraged by the increasing number of women, and specifically Catholic women, who are challenging Planned Parenthood and other self-appointed spokespersons for American women. An illustration of this reality is a recently released book edited by Helen Alvare entitled, “Breaking Through — Catholic Women Speak for Themselves.” I encourage everyone to read this collection of essays by diverse and intelligent women, who have discovered the foundation for an authentic feminism in Catholic teaching.

One of the authors is a consecrated religious woman, Sister Mary Gabriel, a member of the Sisters of Life — a community founded by the late Cardinal John O’Connor to proclaim and promote the Gospel of life.

Among other ministries, the Sisters of Life provide shelter and support for women facing a difficult pregnancy.

Most of Sister Mary Gabriel’s article is devoted to sharing the challenges she faced in discerning her vocation and the joy she now experiences in religious life. Sister Mary Gabriel tells the story of Tiffany (a pseudonym) who lived in a residence for pregnant women operated by the Sisters of Life. When Tiffany first came to live at the group home, she made it clear “that while she was choosing to have her baby, she could never tell another

woman what to do with a pregnancy.”

After several months of living with the Sisters of Life, Tiffany “came home from a doctor’s appointment unusually excited to tell the Sisters about her day. She had been at a New York hospital that delivers babies on one floor and has an abortion clinic on another. She got on the elevator and was joined by another woman.

When Tiffany said hello, this woman burst into tears and said, ‘I’m pregnant.’ Tiffany’s response? ‘Congratulations!

I’m pregnant, too.’ The woman shook her head and said she just couldn’t have this baby. Right then, Tiffany felt her own baby moving in her womb, and she placed the woman’s hand on her own belly just in time for a power kick. The woman said, ‘Wow!’ ‘Yeah, my baby is going to be a linebacker,’ Tiffany laughed. ‘He’s going to be strong, and he’s going to be blessed.’ ‘Why will he be blessed?’ the woman asked.

‘Because he’s here,’ Tiffany responded. ‘Whether you cry, or you laugh, if you’re here, you’re blessed. You’re put here for a reason.’

“The woman said, ‘I’m going to have an abortion.’

Without missing a beat, Tiffany said, ‘No you’re not.

You are going to have a girl.

I know that already because I wanted to have a girl, but I’m having a boy, but that’s OK — you have your girl and dress her up in pink. Put ponytails in her hair and call her Tiffany, and by the way, my middle name is Rose.

And if she asks you how she got her name, tell her you met a fabulous lady on the elevator one day who was pregnant, and she told you that you were going to have a beautiful little girl.’

“They got out of the elevator together, and Tiffany walked with the woman to make an appointment with her own obstetrician.”

Sister Mary Gabriel wrote that the two women did not stay in contact after this chance encounter. However, two years later while Tiffany

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january 18, 2013 | theleaven.com

Latin Mass community celebrates first solemn high Mass at new chapel

archbishop

Naumann

By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Jan. 19 “Catholic Way” taping

ESTWOOD — The joy was palpable as the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Community gathered for the blessing of its new church here, immediately followed by a solemn high Mass on Jan. 12.

The community had been guests of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kan., for the last 15 years.

Members were grateful for Blessed Sacrament’s hospitality but, as every true Kansan knows, there’s no place like home.

“When you’re a guest, you’re a guest,” said chaplain Father John J. Fongemie, a member of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. “Now, we’re not guests. We have our own home. There’s a certain liberty and freedom of spirit that comes with that.”

The community was founded in the archdiocese in 1989 and has been under the spiritual care of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter since 1995.

There are two Latin Mass communities in the archdiocese, although the Priestly Fraternity offers the Mass in Latin in three locations: in Maple Hill, in Westwood and at St. Joseph Church in Topeka. Until Jan. 12, only the Latin Mass Community of St. John-Mary Vianney in Maple Hill had its own church.

Although now designated a chaplaincy, the archbishop will soon designate it a personal parish, said Father Fongemie.

As such, it will be a parish without territorial boundaries.

The new St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Chapel is at 5035 Rainbow Blvd., located across the street from the Westwood Christian Church. The church was built in 1947 and was the Westwood Lutheran Church until the congregation disbanded. The church was purchased by the archdiocese in 2011.

Despite the wind and chill, a large crowd gathered in front of the church as Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann led a procession around the outside of the church, and then inside for the Mass.

Father Eric Flood, North American District superior of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, was the celebrant.

Archbishop Naumann was the assisting prelate. Father Fongemie acted as deacon, and assistant chaplain Father Justin Nolan, FSSP, acted as subdeacon.

Msgr. Gary Applegate and Father John Riley assisted Archbishop Naumann.

Approximately 20 priests were present — archdiocesan priests, members of religious orders, and confreres of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter.

In his homily, Archbishop Naumann said he was very impressed and edified by what the chaplains and community had done to remodel the church. He also thanked the Fraternity of St. Peter for making the Mass in Latin — officially referred to as the extraordinary form — available in the archdiocese.

Catholic Charities Snow Ball Jan. 22 Pro-Life Mass — Topeka Mass and dinner with high school presidents Jan. 23 Mass and blessing for March for Life pilgrims Jan. 24 Pro-life leadership Mass, Holy Sepulcher Church — Franciscan Monastery, Washington, D.C. Vigil Mass at Immaculate Conception Basilica — Washington, D.C. Jan. 25 March for Life — Washington, D.C. Support Our Seminarians dinner Jan. 27 Mass in Ross Chapel or Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Maryvale graduation

was making a routine visit to her doctor, “a woman pushing a stroller ran up to her and hugged her. She had twins — two girls. Their names: Tiffany and Rose, and both were dressed in pink.”

The pro-life battle is being won by changing one mind and one heart at a time. It is being won by saving the life of one baby (sometime twins), and by saving one woman from post-abortion trauma at a time. When we win enough of these individual battles, our elections will reflect what a majority of Americans already believe.

W

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

Leaven photos by Doug Hesse

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blesses the exterior of the St. Philippine Duchesne Chapel with holy water before Mass.

Rebecca Henderson, a member of the St. Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Community, takes in the renovated church.

“It’s important as a church that we always know our roots, and the ‘novus ordo’ (‘new order’) is rooted in this celebration of the Tridentine Mass,” said Archbishop Naumann. “And so it’s important that we keep and continue this celebration and [that it] be available to God’s people.”

The archbishop also said that the care Catholics have for their churches reveals the reverence the faithful have for the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

“This community shows itself, like the wise virgins in the Gospel, in all that you’ve done to welcome the coming of the bridegroom into this sacred place,” said Archbishop Naumann.

“The beauty of the church represents our striving to give God our very best, as an expression of gratitude for the many gifts God has given us — especially his son, Jesus. The beauty of a church

reminds us of our own dignity as living temples of God, and of the dignity of others.”

“Our churches should inspire us to assist those in need,” he said. “The same care we give to our buildings we are obligated to give to the poor and the marginalized, the sick and the suffering.”

Much had been done to convert the church from a Lutheran to a Catholic configuration.

The nave and the sanctuary of the church were extensively remodeled.

The choir loft was extended and a pipe organ was moved to the loft. The sanctuary was given a new high altar, two side altars and a Communion rail.

A baptismal font and baptistery rail was installed at the back of the church.

The floor was installed with tile, and the sanctuary and baptistery floors were adorned with marble, polished stone and tile. Confessionals were installed.

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Coordinator Julie Holthaus julie@theleaven.com

Total seating in the nave and choir loft is slightly over 200.

A few things need to be done, including installation of Stations of the Cross, stenciling the walls, installing additional statues, and tuning the organ. Many of the liturgical furnishings are at least 100 years old and come from churches that have been remodeled or closed.

“I’ve seen a great transformation into what is a very beautiful and artistically unified church,” said Father Flood.

“The altar is definitely the primary focal point, and everything assists and points to it. The Blessed Sacrament on the high altar is the center of our church and should be the center of our lives here on earth.”

The social hall in the basement was extensively remodeled. The total cost of purchase and remodeling was about $1.9 million.

Father Flood said the community would benefit in many ways from having a new home.

“It gives a stability to the community, much like a home gives a family,” said Father Flood. “So with the home, a family has a place they can be with each other . . . and share their lives together.”

This stability will become stronger as the community engages in social activities as well as worship. It will be a “spiritual home” that members can return to, he added.

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/year.

Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

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theleaven.com | january 18, 2013

Men’s conference to kick off Lent with All-Star lineup The speakers

n Sports figures featured at Men under construction

Deacon Alex Jones

Deacon Alex Jones was senior minister of two churches in Detroit and taught in the Detroit school system for 28 years.

In March 1998, while reading the apostolic Fathers and church history in preparation for a Wednesday evening Bible study, he discovered the early church to be charismatic, liturgical, hierarchical and Eucharist-centered. This began a two-year journey by Jones and his wife Donna into the Catholic Church with 54 members of his previous congregation and 14 members of his family. They were welcomed into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil on April 14, 2001.

Jones was ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Detroit on Oct. 1, 2005. He retired as coordinator for evangelization in 2007. In addition to his ministry as deacon and evangelist, Deacon Jones is the author of “No Price Too High,” a book that chronicles his journey into the church.

By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Organizers of Men Under Construction 17 are hoping this year’s conference on Feb. 16 will be a home run.

Or a touchdown.

Make that both a home run and a touchdown.

Chances are good it will be both, because they have an All-Star lineup of speakers: former KC Royals firstbaseman Mike Sweeney and San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers.

The keynote speaker is an All-Star in his own right among Catholic evangelists and apologists: the former Pentecostal minister and now Catholic Deacon Alex Jones from the Archdiocese of Detroit.

And, as is traditional with each MUC event, the format has been tweaked a bit.

“We have made a special emphasis this year to reach out to young Catholic athletes, especially those involved in CYO sports,” said Dan Spencer, a member of Ascension Parish in Overland Park and MUC chairman.

“We welcome,” he continued, “any Catholic young man in seventh grade and above who would like to meet and listen to these two professional athletes who are strong Catholic role models.”

And to sweeten the deal, for the first time, MUC is offering CYO athletes, coaches, CYO fathers, or other Catholic boys team members age 12 years and older a reduced admission rate.

All CYO games have been canceled for Feb. 16, the first Saturday of Lent, to make it possible for these individuals to attend. Spencer hopes the marquee sports celebrities, clean schedule and bargain-rate admission will be a strong draw.

“We’re expecting a big crowd — shooting for at least 1,000 young men,” said Spencer. “Last year, we had a little over 1,000 attend.”

Like last year’s conference, MUC 17 will take place at the Church of the Ascension Parish, 9311 W. 127th St., in Overland Park. The conference begins at 7 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.

The conference is a great way for men to begin Lent — and it’s a great way for women to help the men in their lives to become better men by attending, said Spencer.

The conference is also a great way for men to “reboot” the faith aspect of their lives, especially if they haven’t gone to confession in some time and are reluctant to receive the sacrament.

“With 900 men going to confes-

Sacred images will grace cemetery landscape

L

enexa — Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas recently announced that burial space is now available in three new garden sections on the southwest side of Resurrection Cemetery here, located at 83rd and Quivira.

Each section of the newly developed gardens will feature a large statue on the gradually sloping landscape. A statue of the risen Christ will be the first installed to overlook Resurrection Garden at the far south end. A Pietà (statue of Mary holding Jesus after he was removed from the cross) will be positioned at the south end of the middle section, Sorrowful Mother Garden. Completing the visual artistry will be a Crucifixion scene in Redemption Garden in the north section of the three new gar-

dens. A columbarium (for holding cremated remains) will form the base of each statue.

Robert W. Chenoweth, executive director of Catholic Cemeteries, said that statuary will be installed over a three-year period, or sooner if donors make memorial contributions.

“We have developed and opened the three new gardens to accommodate increased demand for prearrangements and burial space,” he explained. “This will result in over 3,000 additional burial spaces for families from the surrounding area.”

The three sections will offer burial rights for above-ground monuments with alternating rows for lawn-level markers. In Resurrection Garden, a minimum of four burial spaces must be purchased, and a single monu-

Father Gregory Lockwood

Photo by KeithAllisonPhoto.com

CNS photo/Karl Bierach, New Vision

San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (left) and former Kansas City Royals All-Star Mike Sweeney (right) will offer sessions at Men Under Construction 17 on Feb. 16 sion, it’s a little easier to get in line,” said Spencer.

“It’s a great witness to the young guys to see their fathers, grandfathers and other men go to confession by the hundreds,” he continued. “It’s a great witness for a father to show his sons the importance of the sacrament of reconciliation.”

A further tweak to this year’s program is the participation of the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 10932, which will prepare the conference lunch.

“It’s nice to have two major Catholic men’s organizations supporting one another,” said Spencer. “This is another example of how the Knights

of Columbus are helping Catholic men and their sons.”

The cost to attend is $10 for students before Jan. 31, and $15 after. Early bird registration before Jan. 31 is $25, and $35 after. With the family plan, registrants may add teenage sons and grandsons at $10 each. Free admission is granted to “unemployed or scholarship” and clergy registrants (available online through the website).

Checks should be payable to the “Catholic Men’s Fellowship,” and mailed to: Catholic Men’s Fellowship, Box 26803, Overland Park, KS 66225 To register online, visit the website at: www.ksmuc.org. On the top of the page, click on the word “Register.”

Conference Schedule 6:30 a.m. — Walk-in registration 7 a.m. — Mass 7:45 a.m. — Breakfast begins 8:30 a.m. — Music 8:45 a.m. — Welcome 9 a.m. — Keynote: Deacon Alex Jones 10 a.m. — Break 10:30 a.m. — Witness speaker: Father Gregory Lockwood 11 a.m. — Group examination of conscience 11:15 a.m. — Reconciliation; athletes, coaches and fathers go to gymnasium with Mike Sweeney and Philip Rivers; Lunch for men not receiving the sacrament of reconciliation 11:30 a.m. — Lunch and Q & A with Rivers and Sweeney, CYO players, coaches and fathers in gymnasium 1 p.m. — “Faith, Family and Football” talk by Philip Rivers 1:30 p.m. — “Major League Faith” talk by Mike Sweeney 2 p.m. — Keynote: Deacon Alex Jones 2:45 p.m. — Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann 3:30 p.m. — Final blessing and conclusion

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Ordained in 1988, Father Gregory Lockwood is a former Lutheran pastor who entered the Catholic Church as a married priest through the pastoral provision erected by Pope John Paul II. He became a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. He taught at the archdiocesan seminary for 17 years and in the adult education program of the Paul VI Institute for 24 years.

His priestly ministry has included parish work, high school teaching, Catholic adult education, and the formation of priests and permanent deacons. Bishop Robert Finn appointed him pastor of Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Mo., on July 1.

He and his wife Karen have five children.

Mike Sweeney

Mike Sweeney is a retired Major League Baseball player who spent the greater part of his career with the Kansas City Royals.

Among his many accomplishments in a stellar sports career, he made the American League All-Star team five times.

But even more dramatic than his baseball career is the renewal of his Catholic faith in 1998. Sweeney has spoken often about his Catholic faith since then. He is the advisory chairman of Catholic Athletes for Christ and a spokesman for Life Teen, a Catholic youth ministry. He has raised funds for crisis pregnancy centers.

In March 2012, Sweeney joined the MLB Network as a studio analyst.

Philip Rivers

Philip Rivers is currently a quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. His career passing rate is among the top of the all-time best NFL quarterbacks.

A native of Alabama, Rivers met his wife Tiffany in grade school and they married in college. They have six children. Rivers, a convert to the Catholic faith, is very active speaking to youth about the Catholic faith. He and his wife promote natural family planning and, in 2012, Rivers was a speaker at a men’s conference at Good Shepherd Parish in Huntsville, Ala.

ment spanning those spaces will be required. A minimum of two burial spaces must be purchased in Sorrowful Mother and Redemption gardens, and a monument spanning those two spaces will be required.

Catholic Cemeteries planted 14 trees in the new gardens and has completed roadwork and seeding. To view a brochure, visit the website at: www. cathcemks.org. To discuss burial space options, for information or to make a memorial contribution, contact a family service counselor at (913) 371-4040 or online at: information@cathcemks. org.

Three new gardens on the southwest side of Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, will feature religious statuary as represented in this digitally enhanced photo.

Sister Marjorie McGrath, OSB ATCHISON — Sister Marjorie (Rosella) McGrath, 86, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died Jan. 7, at the monastery.

Born in Atchison to John and Rose Mary Falk McGrath on Jan. 19, 1926, Sister Marjorie attended St. Benedict’s Grade School and graduated from Mount St. SchoSister Marjorie lastica Academy McGrath, OSB in Atchison. She entered the monastery in 1943 and made monastic profession in 1945.

She studied music, as well as drama and music literature/history, receiving a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. She taught elementary and high school music for 24 years.

From 1969 to 1975, she served as a missionary in Peru.

Returning for further education in pastoral ministry, she returned to South America and worked in Brazil from 1980 to 1995. Since her return from mission work, she offered her Benedictine presence in rural communities, most recently in Alma, and within the monastery.

Sister Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, by her brothers — Jack, Robert and Dick — and by her sisters, Rosemary Holland and Frances Osborne.

Archdiocesan camps to focus on Year of Faith experience >> Continued from page 1 camp that helped shape her Catholic faith and friendships. She is excited for the campers — both new and returning — who will grow in their faith during the sessions this summer.

Register soon Families wanting to register their children for the coming summer’s camp sessions will have the opportunity soon.

For the second year in a row, camp registration for sessions at Prairie Star Ranch will be staggered over three weeks, depending on the grade campers will enter in the fall.

Jan. 29 is the opening day of registration for the much-anticipated high school sessions — including the popular senior high Extreme camp — for students entering ninth through 12th grade.

Registration for junior high ages — campers going into seventh and eighth grades — opens on Feb. 5.

And the opening of registration for Camp Kateri for kids entering fifth and sixth grades follows a week later on Feb. 12.

Online registration opens at 9 a.m. on each of those dates.

Families are encouraged to register online, but mail-in registration is also accepted. Those mailing registration forms need to wait to have them postmarked on or after registration opens for the appropriate session. Forms mailed earlier won’t be accepted.

Forms, camp dates, registration materials, instructions and more details are available online on the archdioc-

esan website at: www.archkck.org/ camp.

Families that have signed up before with the Bunk1 program should use their previous usernames and passwords, and reminders will be sent to them. Families that have not used the system before will be able to create new accounts.

Year of Faith Camp sessions combine faith and fun, giving kids chances to camp, swim, canoe, and tackle high ropes and rockclimbing courses, all in the context of deepening their prayer lives, learning about the saints and participating in the sacraments.

Camp leaders write new curriculum every year, so the experience is always fresh.

“This year in the Year of Faith, we’re going to really be concentrating here on a Year of Faith experience that’s age-appropriate for each of the levels of campers,” said Deacon Nearmyer.

This will be a “very powerful package” for young people, he said.

Kern knows that is true.

Describing the opportunities she is planning for this semester and her summer, she told the Nearmyers how moved she has been by their example and the camp experience, which has helped form who she is, and even the friendships she has made in college.

“Thank you for your mission, and you have to know I will always be praying for you, your family, and the people you lead to Jesus every single summer,” she said.

Leaven photo by Don Wolf

The sessions at Prairie Star Ranch offer more than faith activities and outdoor adventure. Camp is also the place where many lasting friendships are formed, as Bridget Doherty discovers.

6 local news

theleaven.com | january 18, 2013

Dohertys named chairpersons for 2013 Call to Share

Learn how to pray

O

verland Park — When Mary Jo met Phil Doherty in the 1960s, she could never have guessed she would represent the Catholic community in northeast Kansas for the annual Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal. Mary Jo was not Catholic and had no inclination to become Catholic. That would change when the young couple met Father Carl Zawacki.

Father Zawacki was a childhood friend of Phil’s when they were growing up in Kansas City, Kan. He officiated at Phil’s wedding, and soon became a close friend of the Dohertys’ growing family. Mary Jo entered the church three years later, inspired by Father Zawacki’s joyful priestly ministry.

Each year, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann appoints a person or couple who exemplifies a true spirit of stewardship. That begins with a selfless approach to life, and a recognition that everything — above all, life itself — is a gift from God. Our Catholic faith, a true treasure, wealth beyond measure, is a grace lavished upon us by a merciful and loving God. This year, the archbishop has named Phil and Mary Jo Doherty of Ascension Parish in Overland Park as the chairpersons for the 2013 Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal. The Dohertys exemplify the spirit of stewardship to which we are each called.

Giving is not an afterthought for the Dohertys. It is their first thought.

They have given selflessly of their time for the past eight years. On behalf of Archbishop Naumann, they invite everyone to learn more about those who are helped by the Archbishop’s Call to Share and to respond generously when asked to give.

“Every year more than 40 different ministries are assisted by the Archbishop’s Call to Share. A few years ago, we visited El Centro, a Hispanic outreach center,” said Mary Jo. “When we learned that more that 15,000 people are helped each year — with child care; education; legal, medical and financial help; food and emergency assistance — well, it was just overwhelming.”

Mary Jo and Phil have nurtured faith in their family and now help advance the mission of the Archbishop’s Call to Share so that others may share our Catholic faith.

“This is our eighth year as volunteers for the Call to Share. Each year, we have been honored to speak at Masses and tell

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s part of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas’ Faith Initiative — “Faith: Love It, Learn It, Live It” — regional mini-retreats aimed at helping adults and youth develop a more active prayer life are being offered throughout the year. Learn how to deepen your prayer life and grow in faith through this

two-session mini-retreat, developed by the Apostles of the Interior Life. Designed specifically for the laity, these sessions help participants build prayer into their busy lives by offering opportunities for fellowship, prayer and quiet reflection before the Blessed Sacrament. The two 90-minute retreat sessions will be held from 7 - 8:30 p.m. and are for adults and youth (ages 12 and up).

What to expect

The evening begins with music and a Scripture passage reading.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be followed by a final prayer.

Presentations will focus on strengthening relationships with God through prayer.

Afterwards, participants can join a question-and-answer session.

Regional events are open to any Catholic in the archdiocese — you do not need to be a parishioner of the host church.

Location Dates

St. Joseph, Shawnee Feb. 4 and 6 St. Benedict, Atchison Feb. 11 and 12 Christ the King, Topeka Feb. 18 and 19 Divine Mercy, Gardner Feb. 18 and 20 Sacred Heart, Emporia Feb. 25 and 27 St. Michael, Leawood Feb. 25 and 26 Holy Trinity, Lenexa Feb. 26 and 27 Holy Family, Kansas City, Kan. March 5 and 6 Sacred Heart-St. Casimir, Leavenworth March 5 and 6 Annunciation, Frankfort March 11 and 13 Prince of Peace, Olathe April 16 and 18 Sacred Heart, Sabetha April 16 and 18 Holy Angels, Garnett Oct. 7 and 8 Corpus Christi, Lawrence Oct. 7 and 8 St. Matthew, Topeka Oct. 15 and 16 * All sessions are from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Kernel of truth I leave it to theologians to ponder the big mysteries of our faith. It’s the little ones that fascinate me.

Like how do you rate getting the Mother of God to fix your wedding reception problems, as happens in this Sunday’s Gospel for the couple in Cana?

And even if Mary sort of forced Jesus’ hand on that first miracle front, I was glad to see her, if only for a brief moment, be the prime mover on the stage. For unlike Peter and some of the other apostles, we don’t actually hear all that much more about the Blessed Mother from Scripture

local news 7

january 18, 2013 | theleaven.com

El Centro

El Centro works with three goals in mind: Help people in the Hispanic community build assets and become self-sufficient; guide people toward educational opportunities; and assist families with temporary crises.

El Centro, a vibrant social service agency for Hispanics, serves six locations in the archdiocese.

Respect Life apostolate

The respect life apostolate, including Project Rachel, provides for the pastoral needs of those who have taken part in abortions. Professional counselors and specially trained priests provide one-on-one care and sacramental renewal. God’s mercy is available without limit, restoring life in Christ and renewing the joy of believing for anyone suffering the pain of abortion in their lives. For information, contact the archdiocesan pro-life office at (913) 621-2199 or by email at: projectrachelkc@archkck.org.

Mary Jo and Phil Doherty are this year’s chairpersons for the 2013 Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal. The appeal kicked off last weekend. the stories of great need and even greater love that we witness among those we meet,” said Mary Jo. “The Archbishop’s Call to Share is truly a blessing for us.

We get much more out of the experience than we give.”

The respect life apostolate of the archdiocese is especially close to their hearts. The devastating effects of abortion on women are profound. “One in four women in America experience an abortion,” Phil said. “Project Rachel is one of the programs supported by the Call to Share appeal. It provides spiritual and emotional healing and is in the heart of our Catholic faith.”

Phil and Mary Jo and all those who

support the Call to Share are helping women fight depression, anxiety disorders and failed relationships due to abortion.

Mary Jo and Phil are the proud grandparents of eight “little ones” that range in age from nine to 27. Their two children have devoted their lives to public service: Stacy is a paramedic and Jeff is a firefighter.

“After Sept. 11, we grew in our admiration for our children and their careers. If they had been in New York that day,” said Mary Jo, “they would have gone into the World Trade Center without hesitation.”

This family has “giving” in their

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

during Jesus’ ministry.

Our relationship with Mary is one of those things that confuses our Protestant brethren. A good part of that stems from the absence of an explicitly scriptural basis for some of the things we Catholics believe to be true about Mary.

Put simply, when Protestants look for Truth with a capital “T,” they look solely to Scripture. But that neglects to consider something that’s become somewhat of a theme for us here — that the evangelists didn’t write the New Testament that (by and large) both Catholics and Protestants use, until 30 to 60 years after the Resurrection. And there was a lot happening in those 30 to 60 years.

So what the Catholic Church refers to as Tradition (with a capital “T”) starts in those 30 years. And the church’s teachings on Mary rely not only on what is recorded in Scripture, but also on what is handed down to us in an equally, although differently, authentic form.

Everything is much more complicated than that, of course. But for a working knowledge of how Catholics view Mary, it’s hard to beat Cana.

Catholics don’t believe that the Virgin Mother can fix any problem we lay at her feet.

She just knows somebody who can.

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DNA. But it is more than that. “It’s simple,” said Phil. “Jesus taught us to be good to our neighbors. So we are.”

When it comes to youth activities, it is clear where Mary Jo’s heart is. “Camp Tekakwitha at Prairie Star Ranch is so special to our youth — and to us,” she said. “Anyone who sees those kids knows the change it makes in their lives. They will take these experiences with them their entire lives.”

The Dohertys have faced their share of heartbreak and sorrow through the years. Divorce has impacted the lives of those around them. Younger generations in the family are sometimes unprepared to live their faith with conviction.

Like most families, they see the cultural changes making changes in their own family. But this does not diminish the joy of believing seen in the Dohertys. Their faith never fails them, and their enthusiasm to share the joy of believing only grows stronger.

“Sunday Mass is a respite for me,” said Mary Jo. “It is refreshing and prepares me for the week.”

Mary Jo and Phil are joyful parents and grandparents, ready to reach out when any need arises.

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Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

‘Lord, teach us to pray’ Our Father: A practice as old as time was made new when Jesus taught his disciples how to pray

By Sheila Myers Special to The Leaven

By Woodeene Koenig-Bricker Special to The Leaven

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t. Thérèse of Lisieux said, “For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial

and joy.”

Nice for Thérèse, but for us nonsaints, prayer can be a bit more difficult.

We can recite words, but we don’t always feel like our prayers are effective.

Like one of Jesus’ disciples, we want to say, “’Lord, teach us to pray” (Lk 11:1).

It’s not that the disciples really didn’t have a clue as to how to pray. Ritually repeated words to a deity have been a part of human experience since the creation. Many of the earliest known writings from the ancient world are prayers.

We have well-documented texts from Babylonia, the Hittite Empire and ancient Egypt, to name only a few. The Old Testament is replete with prayers of the patriarchs, the prophets, and the people themselves.

So why did the disciples want Jesus to teach them how to pray when they lived in a prayer-saturated culture?

The answer has to do with the Holy Spirit.

Before Jesus, the Holy Spirit came upon only select individuals to empower them for a task or role.

For example, “the spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet” (Jgs 6:34).

However, the Spirit didn’t always remain with a person for life. When the task was completed or if the person sinned, the Spirit would depart. That’s what happened when King Saul refused to obey one of God’s orders: “the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul” (1 Sm 16:14).

This selective coming and going of the Spirit changed at Pentecost when the Spirit descended like wind and fire and filled all who were present in the Upper Room. No longer was the Spirit’s presence limited to certain people assigned to complete certain tasks.

But from now on, the Spirit could dwell in all who were baptized in the name of the Trinity. Peter says as much when he quotes from the prophet Joel saying, “‘It will come to pass in the last days,’ God says, ‘that I will pour out a portion of my spirit upon all flesh’” (Acts 2:17).

So what’s the relationship of the Spirit to prayer?

When the Holy Spirit is with a person, God himself enters into the most intimate relationship possible with that person. Since prayer, like St. Thérèse said, is ultimately a “surge of the heart,” when we become temples of the Spirit, our hearts are united with God and our prayers become a true communion with the Trinity.

We no longer have to find the exact right words to address God, but the Spirit actually prays for us: “In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of

Poems, prayers and promises: Local Catholics find added meaning in crafting their own prayers

“The Exhortation to the Apostles” by James Tissot

The disciples were all observant Jews. So why did they ask Jesus to teach them how to pray? Because prayer was transformed by the gift of the Spirit. our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit personally intercedes with inexpressible groanings” (Rm 8:26).

From the beginning of time, we have sought to encounter and engage the Divine, but it is only after Jesus asked the Father to send the Holy Spirit — “another Paraclete to be with you forever” (Jn 14:16) — that we truly have been able to pray with confidence that our “cry of recognition and of love” will always be

heard and answered.

The result of union with the Spirit is that God is not a far-removed deity who demands sacrifice. Instead God, in the words of Jesus, becomes our Father.

When the disciples heard Jesus address God in such close, intimate terms as “Abba” (which can translate almost to “Daddy”), they were undoubtedly surprised. But they had also seen how Jesus’ prayers were answered in literally miraculous fashion, resulting in healings

More than 2,000 years later, Catholics still use the prayer Jesus taught his disciples — a prayer that was revolutionary at the time.

of the sick and even raising of the dead.

It’s little wonder that they wanted to know how to pray with the same kind of efficacy that Jesus prayed.

In response to their request, Jesus taught them the Our Father. Although they would not be able to experience full union with the Father until after Pentecost, Jesus gave them — and us — the model for all future discourse.

Because we say the Lord’s Prayer so often, we can fail to appreciate how revolutionary it really is.

First, it calls God “Father,” but more than that, it reminds us that God isn’t just “my” father, but “our” father. We are family.

Then the prayer goes on to show us that adoration (“hallowed be thy name”) should come before anything else. It’s only after we acknowledge God’s loving sovereignty that we begin our supplication.

Even then, Jesus points out that while we should ask for our needs (“daily bread”), the most important need is to both forgive and be forgiven.

Finally, we are reminded of our frailty (“lead us not into temptation”) and our dependence on our “Daddy” to “deliver us from evil.”

In these simple words that Jesus gave to his disciples, the way humanity prays was changed forever.

ike many Catholics, Church of the Nativity, Leawood, parishioner Mike O’Neil wasn’t satisfied with his prayer life.

“I try to pray every day,” said O’Neil. “I don’t always succeed, but I try. It helps me stay on the right path and reminds me of my challenges.

There’s a lot going on that’s stressful in this world.”

O’Neil has dealt with more stress than most. The 58-year-old convert has experienced divorce, depression and job loss in the past 24 months. To help him cope, he attended a two-day spiritual retreat last March with some friends from Nativity.

The retreat stirred something deep inside O’Neil and, a month later, he put pen to paper and composed his own prayer. The result is a frank conversation with God that expresses O’Neil’s struggles.

“I wrote the prayer for me, for something to do once a day,” said O’Neil.

“The goal was to put down how I wanted to talk to God. My life has had a lot of challenges. God’s got a plan. I just don’t know what it is.”

O’Neil keeps a copy of the prayer in his car, on the wall next to his desk and taped inside his medicine cabinet so it’s available when he needs it.

In this Year of Faith, as we strive to understand and demonstrate what we believe, creative writing can help develop our faith in new ways.

“First, it engages the imagination,” said Msgr.

Charles McGlinn, pastor of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood. “Often in our society, we don’t use our imagination. We’re pretty right-brained. We don’t allow ourselves to express the imagination of our soul.”

Msgr. McGlinn has been writing poetry for the past 25 years to help with his homilies.

He said writing brings new insights into our relationship with God. “It evokes emotion that has not been touched before,” he said. “When we write things down, we plumb the depths better than we would have otherwise.”

It’s not for everyone, but those who try it may be surprised at the results.

Mike Gates was.

Gates, 41, wrote four poems after attending the spiritual retreat with O’Neil.

“Words came to me through the Holy Spirit,” said Gates. “When I was inspired

By Mike O’Neil

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for this chance to serve you for another day!

Loving Father, I know that alone, I am weak and insufficient to the task of serving you.

Strengthen me, Lord, that I may become a better servant for you.

Help me to put the needs of others ahead of my personal desires, and to place your plan for my life ahead of my own.

Father Charles McGlinn, pastor of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood has been writing poetry and prayers for years to help him with his homilies. to write these, people read them and said they were ‘me.’ They were authentic.”

While the spiritual retreat spurred him to explore his faith in new ways, Gates is stepping things up now that the Year of Faith is underway.

“That’s precisely what Pope Benedict has stated in this 50-year anniversary [of Vatican II],” said Gates. “Jesus is always knocking at our door.

We just need to invite him into our lives.”

Gates has committed to reading the Bible and praying the rosary daily, attending adoration and taking a School of Faith course.

He has also compiled a reading list with suggestions from trusted spiritual advisers.

He hopes each step he takes will bring him closer to Jesus.

“I was barely scratching the surface on my faith,” he said. “I’m a work-inprogress. You can’t get a deep relationship with God just from going to Mass once a week. It requires continual growth and love of Our Lord.”

That growth sometimes requires us to reach beyond ourselves. Msgr. McGlinn said people who share their writing have an opportunity to touch others.

O’Neil shared his prayer with his retreat buddies, and they spread it around.

Mike Gates read it at a Nativity pastoral council meeting.

“It captured our hearts,” said Gates.

“I wrote the prayer for me, for some-

thing to do once a day. The goal was

to put down how I wanted to talk to

God. My life has had a lot of challenges.

God’s got a plan.

I just don’t know what it is.”

Attitude

By Mike Gates

One-hundred percent of life can be measured by your Attitude, Which Trinity you worship, and living the Beatitudes.

Pay attention and beware of me, myself and I, Only God gives us true Joy remember to show him gratitude.

All the people in our lives he made them for a reason.

Have Faith, Hope and Love in each and every season.

Open my eyes, God, to all of those around me who are struggling.

Grant me the tools and the talents to comfort, to guide and to help others.

Through my prayers and through my personal actions, help me to make a difference in the world.

Guadalupe Virgin

Blessed Jesus, help me to recognize Satan when he enters my life.

Give me the wisdom to know the difference between good and evil, and the strength and the willpower to resist its attractions and promises.

Jesus, help me to become a better man.

He was born in poverty, You are also poor.

He calls us all to value more Than riches, heaven’s store.

Thank you, God, for all of the gifts you have given me.

My family, my friends, my health and my talents are all gifts from you.

You have blessed me so very much; thank you!

But I know, God, that your gifts to me are not just the “pleasant gifts.”

All of life’s struggles and challenges, disappointments and pain, these too are gifts from you.

Too often, Lord, these gifts seem more than I can handle.

Remind me constantly, Lord, that you have given me these gifts for a purpose.

I need not know your purpose, nor understand your plan.

I need only know that this is your will.

Grant me the strength, God, to offer up my challenges with thanksgiving.

Grant me the courage to face each challenge, and to not run away.

Grant me the faith to gladly accept each as MY cross to bear.

With your help, God, let me serve you every day! Amen!

Aside from a few unpublished essays with spiritual themes, O’Neil hasn’t written much, and he hasn’t written any more prayers . . . yet.

For anyone who wants to try creative writing as a means to deepening his or her faith, there is no road map.

“Just jump in,” said Msgr. McGlinn. “I

By Msgr. Charles McGlinn

Guadalupe Virgin, Advent’s peasant Queen, Point the way to faith today, To hidden Christ, unseen.

He was hidden in your womb, In your time of patient faith, Waiting, longing, filled with love.

In love, our hopes are based.

Jesus, come into our hearts As into Mary’s womb.

You came with life and love and joy.

Jesus, please come soon.

Help us to reform our lives.

May your will be done.

Create in us true harmony, Jesus, Lord, please come.

Guadalupe Virgin, Advent’s peasant Queen, Point the way to love today, To hidden Christ, unseen.

Learn more about spiritual writing The following books are resources to help you explore your faith through creative writing.

• “Simply SoulStirring: Writing as a Meditative Practice,” by Francis Dorff, O. Praem.

• “Writing to God: 40 Days of Praying with My Pen,” by Rachel G. Hackenberg.

• “The Wisdom of Memoir: Reading and Writing Life’s Sacred Texts,” by Peter Gilmour.

had no training, but it met a need in my professional life.”

O’Neil suggests focusing less on what you want and more on what God wants, like he did with his prayer.

“I wanted to get past asking for things, like, ‘God, help me find a job,’ or ‘God, help me,’” said O’Neil.

12 classifieds Employment School principal – Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City, Kan., is seeking a dynamic, experienced Catholic school principal for the 2013-2014 academic year who embraces the Catholic faith and possesses spiritual leadership skills blended with strong instructional leadership and managerial skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills. Spanish language skills also would be helpful. In addition, experience with current best practices (MTSS, PBS, DI, Common Core) in schools is expected. Our Lady of Unity School serves 131 students in grades K-8, and employs 10 teachers.

Principal applicants must be practicing Catholics and hold (or be eligible for) an administrative license from the Kansas State Department of Education. Interested individuals should complete the principal application available online at: www.archkckcs.org. Applications are due by Feb. 1. Questions may be directed to Dr. Kathleen O’Hara, superintendent of schools, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, at (913) 721-1570, or send an email to: kohara@archkckcs.org.

Maintenance assistance - 170-bed nonprofit Catholic long-term care facility seeking maintenance assistance with at least 3 years of experience. Some HVAC and plumbing experience preferred. Will train the right candidate. EOE. Substitute teacher - Holy Trinity Catholic School in Paola is seeking a long-term substitute for 3rd grade for the 2012-13 school year, beginning late March. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application available on the website at: www.archkckcs.org and email/mail a letter of interest and resume to Principal, Josh Cavender, at: mrcavenderhts@gmail.com or call (913) 294-3286 for more information.

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Director of youth ministry - Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Little Rock, Ark., is looking for a full-time director of youth (7th-12th) and young adult ministry. Candidates must be Catholics in good standing with the church and preferably have a bachelor’s degree. Please email your resume to Father Tom Elliott at: FatherT@FatherT.com by Feb. 28.

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

Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance.

Cleanup and grading services Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

Private Spanish tutoring classes available for children and adults. Native Spanish speaker and college Spanish adjunct instructor. I also work on translations/ interpretations for business and medical purposes. For more information, call Elizabeth at (913) 262-1609.

MEDICATION SETUP & MANAGEMENT RN support visits for filling weekly pill boxes & managing medication. Affordable and convenient.

To learn more, call Home Connect Health Services (913) 627-9222 Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

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Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837.

for sale First Communion dress sets for 18” or American Girl dolls. Includes dress, veil, tights, shoes and cross necklace. Full line of doll clothes and accessories in south Johnson County. For an appointment, call Patty at (913) 345-9498.

Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.

For sale - 2 side-by-side individual crypts (#30 and #32) in Gate of Heaven Mausoleum, Queen of Heaven Court, Level “D.” Current selling price at this level would be $12,000, asking $11,000. Must sell. Contact Cathy M. to make an offer at (913) 485-7076.

Home Improvement DENNISBILT CUSTOM WOODWORKING Kitchen and Bath Specialists Reface or Brand-New 20 years experience (913) 850-3956 / www.dennisbilt.com Brack Home Repair - Call Dan when you need it done!

Carpentry, drywall, plumbing, electrical, painting, tile, wood-rot and much more. No project too big or small.

For free estimate, call (913) 219-5388 or visit the Website at: brackhomerepairkc.com. Insured; senior discount available. Philippians 4:13.

GARAGE DOOR AND OPENER SALES AND SERVICE On all types of garage doors, openers, and entry type doors. Also repairs on patio doors. Over 35 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902. Let us weatherize all the doors of your home.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com.

Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

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

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured.

(913) 599-7998 Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

Caregiving Two semi-retired nurses - Ready and willing to help you keep your loved one in their home. We have many years experience in geriatrics, Alzheimer’s and diabetic care. We are available to take your loved one to the dentist, doctor, or hairdresser or grocery shopping. We will do meal preparation and set up medication cassettes for your elderly parent. Please call (913) 710-5412 or (913) 226-5385. References given upon request.

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

CNA/caregiver looking for work - Dependable, trustworthy and great companion. Light housework, cooking, drive to appt., and run errands. 7 years of experience working with seniors, Alzheimer’s, diabetic, and other. Great references. Call (913) 548-7656.

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Retired nurse - With 20-plus years of caregiving experience is seeking to care for an individual and their home on a full-time basis. Will consider live-in. I will provide caregiving, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, errands, etc. My goal is to keep your loved one in their home. Reasonable rates (will negotiate salary) and excellent references. Willing to relocate.

Call (913) 579-5276.

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

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

Ugly tile? Nasty grout? - Bella Bath Surrounds offers a revolutionary bath system with the look of granite at half the price! No grout. No sealing. Installs in a day.

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CNA – Would you like to keep your senior loved one in the comfort of their own home? Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. Compassionate, nurturing, attentive home health care professional provides quality service and personal assistance for over 20 years. Available anytime. Live-in optional. Non-smoker. Excellent references and reasonable rates. Call Rosalyn at (816) 830-7455.

Get a jump on your home repairs! - I specialize in painting, wood rot, decks, fences, windows, doors, siding, stucco, landscaping, drainage issues, and concrete. Fully insured. Now accepting all major credit cards. Call Josh Doherty (913) 709-7230.

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Brick mason - Available year-round; installation and repair of all types of masonry work — brick, stone, tile and flat work. 19 years of residential/commercial experience. Free quote – KC metro area – small and large jobs accepted. Call (913) 485-4307. Yes, we renovate kitchen/bathroom cabinets and install new floor tile.

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.

Fall Cleanup Leaf Removal. Tree/Shrub Trimming Aftin Lawn And Landscape Free Estimates/ Insured/ Refs Local Parishioner (913) 620-6063 Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

Perfect Roof - Free estimates; roofing repairs if needed. Hail and wind damage inspections. Insured and reasonable. Call (816) 288-1693.

*** Wanted to buy *** Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, prints, sterling, etc.

Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

vacation Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA, fully furnished; sleeps four. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $115/ night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the website at: www.tillmancabin.com.

Colorado ski vacation - Winter Park. 2 BR, sleeps 6.

Fully furnished, fireplace, rec. center with pool & hot tub. Bus to ski area. $135/night; $800/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.

Want to go to Ireland? Here’s a great opportunity.

Join us on Sunday, Feb. 10, to meet with both singles and couples who have already signed up. There are a few spots left in our group of 30. The 12-day trip leaves on April 23. Our local guide was born and raised in Ireland and knows the country well. We can send you material before the Feb. 10 get-together. Call (913) 5992940 or (913) 469-6211 for more information.

wanted to buy Antiques wanted I buy old pocket & wrist watches; sets of silverware; souvenir spoons; advertising signs; coins; and Native American turquoise jewelry, arrowheads & rugs. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

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

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january 18, 2013 | theleaven.com

January St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park, will host a morning of reflection, featuring a presentation “Pilgrimage of Faith: How to live a faithfilled life in this crazy world!” on Jan. 19.

Mass is at 9 a.m., followed by breakfast and the presentation in the parish center.

19

Father Nick Blaha will celebrate the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass on Jan. 19 at 8 a.m. at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan. Immediately following Mass is a rosary procession to an abortion clinic approximately Father Nick Blaha four blocks away.

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

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on Jan. 19 at Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood. Following the Mass, the bereavement ministry will have a monthly support meeting in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Looking Ahead to the New Year.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 10932, will host an all-youcan-eat breakfast buffet on Jan. 20, from 8 a.m. - noon in the lower level of the Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park. The cost to attend is $6 for adults; $4 for children ages 5 - 11; and free for children under the age of 4. Proceeds support the seminarian fund.

20

Author Sharon Highberger will be available at 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 20 at the oblates meeting at Mount St. Scholastica Monastery, 819 S. 8th, Atchison. Highberger, a resident of Topeka, will be signing copies of her book, “Dancing with Depression.”

A special vespers celebration for the feast of St. Agnes will be held at 7 p.m. on Jan. 21 at St. Agnes Parish, 5250 Mission Rd., Roeland Park. Father Jerry Arano-Ponce will preside over the hour of sung vespers, eucharistic adoration, a hymn on the martyrdom of St. Agnes and Benediction. Light refreshments will follow.

21

The Sophia Center, Atchison, will host a “lectio divina” retreat from 10 a.m. on Jan. 22 through 2 p.m. on Jan. 23. Learn about and practice this ancient art of prayerful reading. This retreat will be conducted by Sister Micaela Randolph, OSB, a member of the Sophia Center staff. The cost is $100.

For more information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit Sophia Center’s website at: www.mountosb.org/ministries/sophia-spirituality-center.

22

A course in the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning during the postpartum period will be held Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist School, 1208 Kentucky St., Lawrence. Contact Shannon or John Rasmussen at (785) 7491015 or the Couple to Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558 for more information on all CCL classes in the metro area. Online preregistration for the class is required by visiting the website at: www.ccli.org.

23

Sanctuary of Hope, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will host a “prayer shawl” afternoon of reflection from 2 - 4 p.m. on Jan. 23. Learn how to begin a prayer

shawl ministry in your parish or area. Care and the ability, or willingness to learn, to knit or crochet combine into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. Facilitators include Pat Callaghan and Sister Antonella Bayer, CSJ. The cost is a suggested donation of $20. To register, send an email to: julie@ sanctuaryofhope.org, or call (913) 3214673.

Our Lady of Fatima Circle, Daughters of Isabella, will meet at 1 p.m. on Jan. 23 at Davern Hall, Christ the King Church, 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kan. Frugal Foods in Tough Times, a nutrition presentation in partnership with K-State Extension Services, will be offered at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., on Jan. 24 from 9:30 – 11 a.m. Pat Callaghan, master food volunteer, will present. For more information or to register, call (913) 906-8990.

24

The 20th annual Support Our Seminarians benefit dinner is dedicated to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and is scheduled for Jan. 25. The event benefits seminarians from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and Conception Seminary College.

SOS will be held at the Muehlebach Hotel, 12th and Wyandotte, Kansas City, Mo. The cost is $150 per person for tables of 10 people. To reserve your place, or an entire table, or to donate to the marketplace or VIP silent auction, contact Martha Hodes at (913) 207-9893 or send an email to: mmmh66@sbcglobal.net.

25

The eighth-grade class at Holy Name School, 1007 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Kan., is hosting a taco dinner on Jan. 25 to help pay graduation costs. Serving is from 5 - 8:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $5.

St. Francis Xavier Church, 52nd and Troost, Kansas City, Mo., will host “Resting in God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer” on Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The cost is $20. To register, email: mccormally@sfxkc.org.

26

A mini-retreat will be held at Timber Creek Retreat House, Drexel, Mo., on Jan. 26. Tom Jacobs will lead participants through the benefits of learning the spiritual prayer of meditation. Two options are available, with costs ranging from $60 - $145. To regTom Jacobs ister, call Tom Jacobs at (816) 619-3499 or send an email to: tbjacobs@earthlink.net.

The Couple to Couple League of KC is hosting a wine and cheese reception on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. at St. Patrick Parish in the Jubilee Room, 1357 N.E. 42nd Terr., Kansas City, Mo. Dino Durando, the director of the office of family life of the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph, and his wife Cathy will present on the gift that NFP has to offer our world in these challenging times for marriage. Reservations are required by Jan. 18 to Bill and Margie Stump at (816) 436-7145 or send an email to: wpalcher7@gmail.com. The cost to attend is a suggested donation of $10.

Church of the Holy Cross, Overland Park, will host its annual “Celebration” auction.

There will be silent auction rooms, dinner and dancing, as well as a live auction featuring getaways, collegiate football tickets, a 2012-2013 KU men’s team signed basketball and more. For tickets, contact Alicia Cordova by sending an email to: celebration @holycrosscatholicschool.com.

St. Philippine Duchesne Knights of Columbus, Assembly No. 2260, are hosting a winter formal from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 26 at Holy Trinity Parish, 9150 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa. Knights of any degree or any council/assembly are invited.

The cost is $15 per person, which includes food and drink. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Art Ercolani at (913) 764-3190 or send an email to: artsue23@sbcglobal.net.

The SociaLIGHTS from Christ the King Parish, 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kan., are sponsoring their annual chili cook-off and dinner on Jan. 26 after the 5:30 p.m.

Mass. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best chili. The cost is $5 for adults; $3 for children 12 and under.

Sacred Heart Church’s 12th annual bingo fundraiser to help send the youths of the parish to Prairie Star Ranch this summer will be held Jan. 26 at the parish center, located at Hwy. 24/40 and W. Washington St., Tonganoxie. Food will be available for sale starting at 5:45 p.m.; bingo will begin at 7 p.m. Cards cost $10 each.

A Daughters of Isabella meeting will be held on Jan. 27 at Mater Dei-Assumption Church, Topeka, with a covered-dish luncheon at noon, followed by a business meeting at 1 p.m.

27

St. Ann’s Altar Society of Sts. Peter & Paul Parish, 411 Pioneer St., Seneca, will host a pancake breakfast on Jan. 27. Pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice and coffee will be served from 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. The cost is a freewill donation.

Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers, Inc., is in need of volunteers, and will be offering a volunteer informational meeting on Jan. 29 from 7 - 9 p.m. The meeting will be held at 11644 W. 75th St., Shawnee. For more information on volunteering in this ministry or to RSVP, contact Mary Newcomer at (913) 962-0200 or send an email to: volunteer@adviceandaid.com.

29

February The Knights of Columbus, Council, No. 11917 of Sacred Heart Church, 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host a Texas Hold ’em tournament and chili dinner at 6 p.m. on Feb. 2. The cost is a suggested donation of $30. For more information, call (913) 631-0735.

2

Our Lady and St. Rose Parish will host a seafood dinner and Mardi Gras dance on Feb. 2, at the Blessed Sacrament Family Center, 2215 Parallel Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The dinner will begin at 4 p.m., followed by the dance at 8 p.m. A silent auction will be held throughout the evening.

The cost to attend is $12 for the dinner, and $15 for the dance.

St. Patrick Parish, 94th and State Ave., Kansas City, Kan., is hosting a spaghetti dinner to benefit the Sisters, Servants of Mary on Feb. 3 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost is $8 for adults; $3 for children. Carryouts are available. There will also be a variety booth.

Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information, call (913) 371-3423.

3

St. Mary’s Church, St. Benedict, will host a Soup-R-Bowl Sunday lunch from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Feb. 3. Homemade chili, chicken noodle and vegetable beef soups will be served with relish and pie. Cost is a freewill donation.

5

A viewing of “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women – the Moral Challenge of the 21st Century”

will be held at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The PBS video was filmed in 10 countries around the world and deals with human slavery, gender-based violence, rape, maternal mortality, lack of access to education, and many other issues. Roxanne Hutton will lead the discussion on six Tuesdays, from Feb. 5 – March 12, 1:30 – 3 p.m. Call (913) 906-8990 to register.

Love and Logic: Discipline Solutions for Toddlers to Teens, a two-part series, will be offered on Feb. 6 and Feb. 13 from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave, Kansas City, Kan. Call (913) 906-8990. Presented by Nona Boyd and offered in partnership with the Wyandot Center, there is no cost to attend.

6

The Leavenworth Cancer Support Group will meet on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Mother Xavier Ross Room at Saint John Hospital, 3500 S. 4th St., Leavenworth. The support group informs and encourages persons dealing with all types of cancers, as well as their friends, families and those who have completed treatments. For more information on the group, call Shelly Hafner at (913) 596-3354, or send an email to: shelly.hafner@providence-health.org or duceyK@StMary.edu.

7

The Daughters of Isabella of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, will host their fifth annual Valentine’s dinner, dance and silent auction on Feb. 9. A silent auction begins at 6 p.m., and a buffet dinner starts at 7 p.m. in the Quigley Center, 9201 Summit, Lenexa. Seating is limited. Prepaid admissions only. Attendees must be at least 21 years of age. Cocktail attire is expected.

Reservations are $32.50 per person. The reservation deadline is Jan. 28. Mail reservations to: Janet Sherman, 10444 Garnett, Overland Park, KS 66214. For more information, contact Louise at (913) 661-1720 or send an email to: lalloydks@yahoo. com.

9

A trivia night fundraiser, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 1913 of St. Paul Parish, Olathe, will be held Feb. 9 in the parish center. The event will begin at 7 p.m., with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Knights of Columbus pro-life efforts in the state of Kansas. Cost is $100 for a table of eight or $12.50 per person. The event will also include raffles, door prizes and prizes for the top teams. Contact Chris Dieterman at (913) 780-6428 for details and reservations.

Father Mark Thibodeaux, SJ, will lead a discussion on “the prayer that changes everything” on Feb. 9 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at Rockhurst University. Father Mark is the featured speaker for the Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City Winter Prayer Workshop. The cost is $40 per person, which covers all materials. Scholarships are available. To register, go to the website at: www.ignatiancenterkc.org and click on “The Prayer That Changes Everything,” or call (816) 235-5115, ext. 212. The registration deadline is Feb. 1.

10

St. Bede Parish, Kelly, will host its annual pancake breakfast on Feb. 10. Pancakes, sausage, and eggs will be served from 7 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The cost is a freewill donation.

Calendar submissions

• Submissions are only printed twice • Due nine days prior to publication date • Must be typed • No phone submissions • email: calendar@theleaven.com • Mail to: 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: calendar

14 commentary

theleaven.com | january 18, 2013

mark my words Scripture Readings second WEEK IN ordinary time Jan. 20 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 62: 1-5 Ps 96: 1-3, 7-10 1 Cor 12: 4-11 Jn 2: 1-11 Jan. 21 Agnes, virgin, martyr Heb 5: 1-10 Ps 110: 1-4 Mk 2: 18-22 Jan. 22 Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children Heb 6: 10-20 Ps 111: 1-2, 4-5, 9, 10c Mk 2: 23-28 Jan. 23 Vincent, deacon, martyr Heb 7: 1-3, 15-17 Ps 110: 1-4 Mk 3: 1-6 Jan. 24 Francis de Sales, bishop, doctor of the church Heb 7:25 – 8:6 Ps 40: 7-10, 17 Mk 3: 7-12 Jan. 25 THE CONVERSION OF PAUL, THE APOSTLE Acts 22: 3-16 Ps 117: 1-2 Mk 16: 15-18 Jan. 26 Timothy and Titus, bishops 2 Tm 1: 1-8 Ps 96: 1-3, 7-8a, 10 Mk 3: 20-21

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Are we really one in the Spirit, one in the Lord?

I

t’s easy to give directions to Sacred Heart Church in Tonganoxie. Head to the west end of town.

Whether you’re coming from the north or the south, we’re there on the highway . . . right between two Baptist churches.

In addition to our three buildings right in a row, there are another eight Christian churches in this town of some 5,000 people. Now, imagine what the numbers are in much larger cities. To me, it’s no mystery why we’re asked each year to celebrate an octave for Christian unity, beginning on Jan. 18 and ending on the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, Jan. 25.

I’m reminded of a story based on an Aesop fable: There was once a father whose sons were constantly quarreling. One day, weary from their bickering, he asked them to bring him a bundle of sticks, which he handed to each son in turn, with the command to break it. None was able to do so.

Then the father tore open the bundle, handed each son a single stick and told him to try and break it. Each was able to snap the stick with ease.

“My sons,” the father said, “if you remain together and

Father Mark Goldasich Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. assist one another, you’ll have the strength of this bundle. If, however, you’re divided among yourselves, you’ll be broken as easily as these sticks.” (Adapted from “Stories for the Journey,” by William R. White.)

Now that was a wise father. This is probably what Jesus was thinking when, in his prayer to his Father for the disciples, he asked that “they may be one, as we are one” (Jn 17:11b).

While progress has been made over the years, we Christians still have plenty of work to do to understand and realize that all of us have Christ as our head. And we all have the commission to bring the voice, light, love and peace of Christ to others in our world, by our words

and our deeds.

Here are a few suggestions on how to keep this Christian unity octave: 1. Realize that we’re praying for unity, not uniformity. It’s destructive when we Christians (even within the same denomination, for goodness sake) make disparaging remarks about one another. This “my-wayor the-highway” approach spreads division and discord and damages the body of Christ.

2. Say the Our Father — the prayer that we all have from the Lord — with attentiveness, paying special attention to the words “our” and “us,” by which we’re reminded that we’re a family of faith. Also, with regard to the point above, note the word “thy” and pray for the wisdom to avoid living as if it’s “my kingdom come” or “my will be done.” However, when we do fall into that trap, let’s also ask the Lord for the strength and patience to “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

3. Strive to be a person of peace. This prayer from Catholic Relief Services is one for all Christians to pray — not only during the octave, but daily: “Lord God, we come to

you in our need. Create in us an awareness of the massive forces that threaten our world today. Give us a sense of urgency to activate the forces of goodness, of justice, of love and of peace. Where there is armed conflict, let us stretch our arms to our brothers and sisters. Where there is abundance, let there be simple lifestyle and sharing. Where there is poverty, let there be dignified living and constant striving for just structures.

Where there are wounds of division, let there be unity and wholeness. Help us to be committed to the building of your kingdom. Not seeking to be cared for, but to care. Not expecting to be served, but to place ourselves at the service of others. Not aspiring to be materially secure, but to place our security in your love.

Teach us your spirit. Only in loving imitation of you can we discover the healing springs of life that will bring new birth to our world.”

Or maybe we can just remember what Mother Teresa said so succinctly: “Peace begins with a smile.” During this unity octave, send a smile or two to fellow Christians, especially if they’re your neighbors.

In the beginning

Marital loves helps us imagine what God’s love is like

I

n this age of heightened ecological sensitivity, we often hear the phrase, “Mother Earth.”

But if the earth is our mother, who is the father?

Among many ancient peoples, the sky often emerged as the figure who would fertilize the earth. “Father Sky” would impregnate “Mother Earth” by sending down rain, thus bringing us life.

These natural phenomena were personified as deities and worshipped as part of their religions.

Ancient Israel neighbored Middle Eastern countries where these fertility cults were practiced. To avoid confusing the God of Israel with these foreign deities, the Israelite prophets drew a firm line between the two.

The God of Israel had created nature, and was not part of it. God was transcendent

Father Mike Stubbs Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. and above nature.

On the other hand, the fertility gods were actually natural phenomena — the earth, the sky, the sun, wind and rain — masquerading in human form.

To emphasize the difference, the Israelite prophets hesitated ascribing any human characteristics to the God of Israel, even on an obviously metaphorical level. God was spirit, without

any body, much less anything resembling a human body.

That is why Sunday’s first reading, Is 62:1-5, is so shocking. It departs from the usual practice, to compare the God of Israel to a bridegroom: “As a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you.”

Since the people of Israel are so strongly associated with the land of Israel, the two are not separated in the reading. God will marry both, because the two are actually one and the same: “For the Lord delights in you and makes your land his spouse.”

This prophecy dates back to the period immediately after the return from Exile.

At this relatively late point in the development of their religion, the Israelites had

THE PRACTICAL CATHOLIC Ever have this happen? You get out an article of clothing that you haven’t worn for a while and reach inside one of the pockets.

There, much to your delight, is a little bit of money that you forgot you had. Don’t you feel like you’ve just found some hidden treasure?

Well, I had that same experience recently, but on a much larger scale. I was looking for a heavier winter coat from a catch-all closet near the front door and decided to take a few moments and

solidified their understanding of God’s nature. They understood that God was not confined to a human body, nor did God have sexuality as such. Using metaphors with human characteristics to describe God no longer posed a danger of being taken literally.

They no longer ran the risk of falling into the traps of the fertility cults. Rather, the metaphors could enrich our understanding of God’s relationship to us.

Love between husband and wife provides us with one of the strongest experiences of human love. That love helps us to imagine what God’s love for us is like. This comparison of God to a bridegroom paves the way for the New Testament, where Christ appears as the bridegroom, and the church is the bride.

poke around inside. I hit the mother lode in terms of practical items that I’d forgotten all about.

I uncovered several boxes of different-sized envelopes, bottles of windshield wiper fluid and glass cleaner, rolls of yellow plastic bags, file folders, and dozens of unopened white-board markers.

Go on your own hidden treasure hunt this week in a junk drawer, the attic or basement, or in a stuffed closet. Resolve in 2013 to use all that hidden treasure or lose it!

— M.G.

local news 15

january 18, 2013 | theleaven.com Gene “Clarence” and Billie (Sconce) Tr a g e s e r, members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Wea, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Jan. 27 with a reception and luncheon following the 11 a.m. parish Mass. All are welcome. The couple was married on Jan. 28, 1943, at St. Thomas Church, Kansas City, Mo. Their children are: Dorothy O’Keefe, Phyllis Martin, Carol Huddleston, Bob Trageser, David Trageser, Rose Pearce, Donna Waite, Janie Dunn, Ted Trageser, and Gene Trageser Jr. They also have 110 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Roman

and

Gloria

(Lecklider) Girrens, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 26. The couple was married on Jan. 26, 1963, at Christ the King Church in Wichita. Their children and their spouses are: Tamara and Philip Nigus, Olathe; and Troy and Kristi Girrens, Spring Hill. They also have three grandchildren. They will celebrate with a Mass and dinner with family and friends on Jan. 26.

Larry and Nancy Melcher, members of Divine Mercy Parish, Gardner, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends on Jan. 26 with an open house at the Spring Hill Community Center from 3 to 5 p.m.

The couple was married on Jan. 26, 1963, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Manchester, Okla. Their children and their spouses are: Katie and Bill Whitesell, Spring Hill; Chris Melcher (deceased); Rita (deceased) and James Fermyn, Lane; Jeannie and David McKaig, Gardner; Tricia Taylor, Paola; and Frankie Garman, Spring Hill.

They also have 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Don and Myrtle Heronime, members of St. Patrick Parish, Scranton, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 26. The couple was married on Jan. 26, 1963, at Holy Name Church, Topeka.

Their children and their spouses are: Jim and Heide Heronime, Sun City West, Ariz.; and Neil and Wendy Heronime, Atlanta. Cards are welcome at: 12172 S. Adams Rd., Carbondale, KS 66414.

Want to help someone heal from an abortion?

Call Toll Free 888-246-1504

Cross of the Order of St. Benedict

Known for their work with the youth of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Deborah and Deacon Dana Nearmyer will be honored with the prestigious Cross of the Order of St. Benedict at the annual Benedictine College Scholarship Ball on Feb. 23 at the Westin Crown Center Hotel in Kansas City, Mo. Benedictine College established the award in 1969 as a way to recognize alumni and friends who have supported charitable institutions, provided civic or religious leadership, and demonstrated professional excellence. Deborah is the director of Catholic faith formation at St. James Academy in Lenexa. Deacon Dana is the lead consultant for evangelization and Catholic formation of youth in the archdiocese, as well as the executive director of Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg. For more information on the scholarship ball, go to the website at: www.benedictine.edu/scholarship-ball.

16 local news

Home improvement Connect with your child through your inner child

When was the last time you rolled in the grass, played hopscotch or kickball?

Do you remember the rules of freeze tag or hide-andseek?

Can you still spin a hula hoop?

theleaven.com | january 18, 2013

Families that play together really do stay together — because playtime is a perfect time to create memories that nourish a sense of belonging.

As a parent, you may find that the best way to connect with your children is by connecting with the child inside yourself.

Why not start by inviting your family outside for some unstructured playtime? If the weather is mild, play kickthe-can. If it’s snowing, have a snowball fight. No family dispute can withstand the laughter either activity is sure to inspire.

All children need sage life lessons and discipline from their parents, but they also need to play and laugh so they can develop the inside jokes that will be shared at family get-togethers forever.

Try to schedule some play time each week. You’ll soon find it’s precious time that will bind you as a family, no matter how far from home your children journey.

—J.R.E.