THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 39, NO. 22 | JANUARY 19, 2018
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON
Michael Flax, a member of Christ the King Parish in Topeka, plays the same piano he’s had since he was 9 years old. Despite an accident during his adolescence that cost him most of the fingers on his right hand, Flax continues to serve as an accompanist at Mass.
Topeka pianist doesn’t let injury define him
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By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org
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OPEKA — It’s just one chapter in the book of his life. That’s how Michael Flax, a member of Christ the King Parish in Topeka, recalls an accident that almost cost him the one pleasure he cherishes most — playing the piano. At 56, Flax has been playing the piano for 51 years. “I begged my parents [for lessons]. They made me wait until I was five,” Flax said. He was thrilled when his parents finally allowed him to give the piano a try. “Some people had a restaurant — a café kind of thing — and they had an
“I HAD A GOOD SUPPORT SYSTEM TO GET THROUGH SCHOOL. AND I ALREADY MADE UP MY MIND [THE INJURY] WASN’T GOING TO DOMINATE MY LIFE.” old piano. They sold the café and they were moving,” he said, “and asked my dad to store their piano. “It was this big, beautiful piano which I still have in my house.” Netta Curry was his first teacher.
LENTEN DINNER NOTICES
Flax admits at first he found her approach unusual. “I didn’t get to play the piano for a very long time,” recalled Flax. “She taught me to read music and music theory first, which was a really strange approach, I thought at first. “But when I was ready to sit down and play, it was easy. I learned to read music before I learned to read words.” Flax took piano lessons from Curry on a regular basis, sometimes five times a week. “When I was 15, she moved away,” he said. Flax and his parents hired another teacher who sponsored him for a musical competition and worked with him for the next two years. But on July 31, 1978, just before his senior year in high school, an event changed his life forever.
WHEN
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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
“I worked in a grocery store, and I was working in the meat market,” he said, “and I was just grinding hamburger. “I wasn’t careful enough. My hand got stuck in the machine, and by the time I got it shut off, it was too late. So, my hand was stuck.” A doctor came from down the street and extricated Flax’s hand from the machine as carefully as possible. Later that day, Flax underwent surgery to suture what remained of the fingers on his right hand. Although he had the presence of mind, even in the moment, to ask someone to call his piano teacher and cancel his lesson, it didn’t really register that his lessons might be over for good. “‘Oh, Michael,” he remembers the
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JANUARY 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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We can only restore respect for life by rediscovering authentic love
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n Friday, Jan. 19, I will be in Washington, D.C., participating in the annual March for Life. Monday, Jan. 22, the actual 45th anniversary of the Supreme Court decisions striking down all the state laws that banned or limited abortion, I will be in Topeka for a pro-life Mass and rally. It is a tribute to pro-life Americans that abortion remains such an important social issue, despite its legalization for 45 years. It is always encouraging to witness the number and enthusiasm of young people at the March for Life. Despite the overwhelming support in the secular media and entertainment industry for legalized abortion, the younger generation is much more pro-life than their elders. With modern technology creating a window in the womb, making the humanity of the unborn undeniable, and with more and more post-abortive women speaking out about the grief, guilt and suffering following their abortion, why does abortion remain legal? First of all, it is very difficult to undo what the Supreme Court did 45 years ago. Pro-life Americans have to either pass a constitutional amendment, which our founders wisely made very difficult, or the Supreme Court has to take the rare step of reversing a previous decision. Despite the fact that Americans have grown increasingly pro-life in recent years, there is a fear among some about life without the availability of abortion. It seems odd that a significant number of Americans think that abortion (the killing of our own children) is essential for
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN the “well-being” of the nation. The legalization of abortion was based on lies and deceptions. Neither of the women plaintiffs in Roe v. Wade (Norma McCorvey) or Doe v. Bolton (Sandra Cano) actually wanted abortions. They were both used and manipulated by abortion advocates. Deception has remained an essential tool in keeping abortion legal. Those promoting abortion have been masterful in their marketing strategy. They have attempted to disguise the reality of abortion as killing of an innocent human life. They have referred to the embryo or fetus as merely the product of conception or just a blob of cells. Abortion advocates successfully attempted with the help of a complicit secular media to change the terms of the debate from one of life to that of choice. There is a deeper reason why abortion has remained legal these past 45 years. A sufficient number of Americans believe that it is impossible to live without legalized abortion, because they believe that one cannot be happy without an absolute freedom to be sexually active.
Hormonal contraception became very popular and, with it, the notion that it was possible, even commendable, to be sexually intimate without having to worry about the possibility of conceiving a child. Of course, hormonal contraception is not 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. If you are sexually active over a long enough period of time, the possibility of a pregnancy increases. Abortion became the necessary backup for failed contraception. In his book, “Cheap Sex,” Mark Regnerus, an associate professor of sociology at the University of Texas, presents a rather bleak picture of the sexual mores of Americans. The premise of the book is that sex has become dramatically cheapened in our culture for two principal reasons: hormonal contraception and pornography. Contraception effectively uncoupled sexual intimacy with the possible responsibility of conceiving and raising a child. Professor Regnerus’ research also explores the reality of what has been termed the “hookup” culture, prevalent with young adults both on and off college campuses. Sexual intimacy has not only been separated from child-bearing, but also from authentic love. It is alarming the early age at which so many
young people have their first sexual encounter and the number of sexual partners they will have by the time they reach their 30s. Pornography, however, is the ultimate “cheap sex.” It requires not only no commitment, but not even any sort of relationship with the object of one’s pleasure. Pornography destroys real love. The Catholic Church has always understood sexual intercourse to have two mutual purposes: 1) to generate new human life; and 2) to express a deep, committed love only possible within the covenant of marriage. This is, of course, not just a Catholic understanding of human sexuality. It has been the common understanding of sexual intimacy for millennia across many cultures. From a faith perspective, this is the design that the Creator has given to the sexual act to be both life-giving and love-giving. God’s design of uniting in sexual intimacy the potential for conceiving new life with the most profound expression of physical love was to prevent it from becoming trivialized. Not surprisingly, the results of this decoupling of sexual intimacy both from its life-giving and its love-giving purposes is disastrous. Mark Regnerus paints a tragic picture of a significant number of young men who are content to allow their cohabitating female partners to provide for them, while they spend a significant part of each day in the virtual world of video games and pornography. Young women, on the other hand, find it extremely difficult to find young men who are worthy candidates for marriage.
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Jan. 20 Catholic Charities Snow Ball Jan. 21 Pastoral visit — St. Boniface, Scipio, and St. Therese, Richmond
Life Day Mass and lunch — Savior Pastoral Center Jan. 28 Mass and dinner — St. Isidore Catholic Student Center, Manhattan Jan. 29 Mass — Hayden High School, Topeka
Jan. 22 Topeka Rally for Life — Hayden High School
“Shepherd’s Voice” recording
March for Life and Mass — Topeka
Benedictine College leadership class talk
Pastoral Council meeting
“Trust One Greater” — Benedictine College
Jan. 23 Johnson County regional priests meeting Jan. 24 Clergy open house
ARCHBISHOP KELEHER
Jan. 26 Mass — St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Overland Park
Jan. 21 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida
Support Our Seminarians benefit dinner — Union Station Jan. 27 Consecrated Religious
The recent revelations of the sexual misconduct in the celebrity world are tragic but, unfortunately, not very surprising considering our current moral climate. Abortion in many ways is one of the most tragic consequences of a society that has not only diminished the value of life, but also places little importance on committed love. This July, we will observe the 50th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s controversial encyclical, “Humanae Vitae” (“On Human Life”) in which he predicted much of what we are witnessing today. If anything, the past 50 years have provided negative confirmation for the church’s teaching on the sanctity of life, the
Jan. 20 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida
Jan. 26 Support Our Seminarians benefit dinner Jan. 28 Mass — Federal prison camp
importance of the virtue of chastity and the necessity of faithful, committed married love as the foundation of the family. Culture is the result of the choices individuals make in determining how they conduct their lives. As we observe the 45th anniversary of the legalization of abortion in our nation, let us commit ourselves (young and old) to make choices in our own lives that build not only a culture of life but also a culture of love. We will never succeed in restoring respect for human life, if we do not rediscover the meaning of authentic love, which never uses another for selfish pleasure but is willing to sacrifice heroically for the other’s good.
JANUARY 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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GONE GIRL COMES HOME
Bestselling author returns home to honor teacher, mentor
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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VERLAND PARK — Years ago at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, Craig Ewing saw a talent in one of his students he couldn’t let go unnoticed. “I remember her writing well,” said Ewing. “She was quiet. She wasn’t the type to discuss in class.” Ewing, who now teaches English at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, took it upon himself to mentor the student and help her realize her potential. Little did he know that years later, the shy, budding student he once encouraged would become a New York Times bestselling author. Gillian Flynn — author of “Dark Places,” “Sharp Objects,” “The Grownup” and, most notably, “Gone Girl” — came back to her hometown of Kansas City Jan. 12 to honor Ewing and the influence he had on her life. The two hadn’t spoken since Flynn’s high school days. “I’m blown away that Gillian would take time out of her busy, busy life to come here,” said Ewing. “I’m humbled and very appreciative.” The reunion came about after Boyd and Lisa Baumann, who formerly taught at Aquinas, met Flynn at a writing conference years ago. Once they discovered their Kansas City connection, Ewing was eventually brought up, and Flynn told them about the effect he had on her life. She was eager to have the opportunity to thank him in person. The pair finally reunited at Aquinas, where Flynn participated in a discussion panel and Q&A led by Ewing and students Andrew Schoonover and Maggie Slaven. Aquinas, Bishop Miege, Blue Valley West, Hayden, Maur Hill-Mount Academy, St. James Academy and Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences were all invited to send students. Flynn started by telling the students about her own high school experience. “I was a very shy, not particularly dazzling, high school student,” she said. “I was not a hand-raiser; I just wasn’t. So I think I got overlooked a lot.” Flynn admitted she went through the motions in her studies until she discovered a passion for English. “At the very right time, it was Mr. Ewing who singled me out and saved me from my own complacency and gave me that boost and that confidence right when I really needed it,” she said. The mentorship he offered sparked a desire in Flynn to pursue her passion. After graduating from the University of Kansas and earning a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University, Flynn went on to work as a reporter for Entertainment Weekly magazine. In 2008, the magazine laid her off. A few years later, “Gone Girl” was on the cover of that same magazine.
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
From left, Andrew Schoonover, Craig Ewing and Maggie Slaven lead a panel discussion with author and screenwriter Gillian Flynn at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park on Jan. 12. Flynn came back to her hometown of Kansas City to honor Ewing, who taught Flynn while she was a student at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, and inspired her to pursue her passion for writing. Ewing now teaches English at Aquinas. Maggie McCabe, a student at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, asks Gillian Flynn a question during a Q&A session. McCabe was grateful for the opportunity, as Flynn — who wrote “Dark Places,” “Gone Girl,” “Sharp Objects” and “The Grownup” — is her favorite author. LEAVEN PHOTOS BY JOE MCSORLEY
The book sold over six million copies, has appeared on the New York Times bestseller lists for over 100 weeks, and was made into a movie directed by David Fincher with a screenplay written by Flynn herself. Flynn taking the time to come back to her hometown and interact with high school students “means a lot,” said Ewing, “because I don’t think most people would ever do that.” Flynn lives in Chicago with her husband and two children, and the effort she put into the reunion reminded Ewing why he teaches. “I don’t think teachers realize the small things they do,” he said. “You’re just who you are and you teach the way you teach. But then to hear [about the impact you make] — that’s always big.” Between the panel and the Q&A that followed, Flynn gave students tips on writer’s block, choosing the right
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“I’M BLOWN AWAY THAT GILLIAN WOULD TAKE TIME OUT OF HER BUSY, BUSY LIFE TO COME HERE. I’M HUMBLED AND VERY APPRECIATIVE.” story idea and more. Students like Maggie McCabe, who called Flynn her favorite author, were thrilled to have the advice. “She was a normal person,” said McCabe. “I’ve set her up so high in my standards, but she was amazing.”
Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org
Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org
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Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org
Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org
McCabe and her Aquinas peers are also grateful to have a teacher like Ewing. “It makes us feel really special,” said McCabe. “We’re honored to have [him as] our English teacher. So was Flynn, and she had a special message for Ewing and all teachers and students in attendance. “You really can’t ever know how much it makes a difference for a student when you grab them at the right point and say, ‘You’re pretty good at what you’re doing. You should do it even better,’” she said. “For students out there who don’t feel like you’re always the star of the show or always the biggest voice in the room,” she continued, “you don’t have to be. “I always say, you don’t have to have a giant voice to be heard.”
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.
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LOCAL NEWS
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Evert to present liberating message of chastity to teens, parents way for them to encourage their kids to practice chastity is to live it out in their own lives.” “Purified” is sponsored as a joint ANSAS CITY, Kan. — effort of the youth evangelization office For 20 years, Jason Evert and the rural youth ministry outreach has brought the liberatof the archdiocese. ing message of chastity to Each event will consist of Evert’s more than a million teentalk “Love or Lust,” a chastity presenagers on six continents. And in early February, he’ll bring tation for teens and adults; “Parenting for Purity,” for adults only; youth-only that same message to the teens of the sessions that include a Q&A panel; and Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. eucharistic adoration. There will be Evert will present his message through “Purified: A Life-changing light refreshments, and there will be free books and CDs for each family. Event for Families,” at two locations. “[Evert] makes The first will be you want to listen, held from 3-7 p.m. because he speaks on Feb. 3 at the truth and speaks Ottawa Memorial it compellingAuditorium, locat“IF THERE IS A YOUNG ly,” said Bittner. ed at 301 S. HickoPERSON WHO HAS MADE “He shares a lot ry St. The second of information, will be held from MISTAKES IN THE PAST, I nonjudgmentally, noon-4 p.m. on Feb. 4 at 901 New York WANT THEM TO WALK AWAY in a way that appeals to kids and Ave., Holton. These events are WITH HOPE, REALIZING THAT adults.” Evert is the open to those age IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT author of several 13 and older, teens and some and adults. There THEY’VE DONE OR WHAT HAS books, parishes use his is no charge, but donations are wel- HAPPENED TO THEM — THAT materials to prepare youths for come. confirmation. One need not be THEY CAN START OVER.” These are rare Catholic to attend. opportunities for If you are attendparents and teens, according to Sam ing with a group of 10 persons or more, send an email to Angie Bittner, rural Meier, director of the archdiocesan My youth ministry outreach coordinator, House program. “I’ve heard him speak to more than at: ruralyouth@archkck.org. 1,000 teens at an ecumenical conferWhat does Evert hope attendees ence at the College Church of the Nazwalk away with? arene,” said Meier. “His presentation “If there is a young person who has was incredibly dynamic, hilarious and made mistakes in the past, I want them hope-filled. He gave a nice blend of to walk away with hope, realizing that research on sexual purity along with it doesn’t matter what they’ve done jokes and personal stories from his life, or what has happened to them — that marriage and work with teens. they can start over,” he said. “The teens were engaged and “If they haven’t made those mislaughed repeatedly at his jokes,” he takes, I would like to encourage them to remain strong in their convictions,” added. “You can tell he knows his information and is living it out in his own he continued. “For the parents, I would life.” want [them to] realize that the best
By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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LEAVEN FILE PHOTO
Jason Evert will bring his message of chastity to the archdiocese on Feb. 3 at Ottawa Memorial Auditorium, 301 S. Hickory St., and on Feb. 4 at 901 New York Ave., Holton. Evert will also speak at events not open to the public. He will speak at Hayden High School in Topeka on Feb. 5 and at all the archdiocesan Catholic
high schools from Feb. 26-28. He will offer a final presentation to parents at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27 at Ascension Parish in Overland Park.
Principal calls his disability ‘a great example for kids’ >> Continued from page 1 doctor telling him very gently. ‘You’re not going to play again.’ “I guess I didn’t understand that.” After a week in the hospital, Flax returned home. “I was sitting in the house when I thought I have to go and see the piano,” he said. “And I did. “And I did my crying there.” Despite heavy bandages on his right hand and arm, Flax attempted to play a few chords with his left hand. Finding he was able to play a chord or two, Flax became impatient about the removal of the bandages. “I was in a hurry to get the wrap off, which was going to be months, but I could play a little bit,” he recalled. “As the bandages got smaller, I could play a little bit more.” Sometime after the accident, one of his sisters-in-law’s parents celebrated their 40th anniversary. They asked him to play for their anniversary Mass. “I had played at my church since I was 9,” he said, “but my first go-back to playing at church was for their anniversary. “It was very sweet. It was very, very sweet.
“And it’s a great story. “But it’s not my whole story. It’s one chapter of it.” After playing for the anniversary Mass, Flax said he became more determined than ever to return to playing. “I thought, ‘I cannot not do this.’ So, it just became natural to try,” he added. Later, when a music teacher at school asked him to play “Silent Night” at the annual Christmas program, Flax said he found it easy. The piece is played in thirds, meaning every third key is played. As a result, for most of the song, the shape of the pianist’s hand stays the same. “My hand fit just perfectly,” he said. Since that Christmas, Flax has played the piano and organ regularly at whatever parish he has found himself, playing for Sunday Mass, as well as countless weddings and funerals. He’s also participated in other musical events, like fundraising concerts. Although his life turned out differently than he expected, he said the accident was the best thing that ever happened to him. “If I could change five things about myself, this wouldn’t be one of them,” he said. “And I wouldn’t want to go
back and change it. “I like where life has led me. I’m glad I get to participate in church.” Ironically, the doctor who told him he would never play again later married his aunt. “He became my uncle,” Flax said with a smile. He played at their wedding. The accident, Flax said, changed his life’s trajectory, but it didn’t define him. As a former teacher and now a principal at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Carbondale, Flax said he tries to inspire those around him just like others helped him. “I had a good support system to get through school,” Flax said. “And I already made up my mind [the injury] wasn’t going to dominate my life.” As a middle school teacher and principal, he’s tried to instill the same attitude in his students and staff. “I’ve always been kind of compassionate, but I’m far more compassionate now,” he said. “I don’t believe that someone else sets limits. I’ve set my own limits.” And his handicap is its own opportunity, in a way. “It’s a great example for kids,” he said. It sends the message that
“because you have this, or because this is harder for you because of this, don’t let someone else determine your limits.” “I always address it up front with kids,” Flax said. “I don’t want them to be afraid.” Although many people find it difficult to teach middle school, Flax loves that age range. “Middle school kids are my favorite,” he said. Flax tries to teach students, parents, teachers and coaches the kids they see in front of them are constantly changing as their life stories unfold. Every morning at the school assembly, he discusses a character-building trait. His staff jokingly refers to it as his “daily mini-sermon,” but Flax said it’s important to instill kindness at an early age. “Just be kind,” Flax says he tells the kids. “You don’t know what happened before when you do something to someone else. I want them to be kind.” He, in turn, urges his teachers to be the same to the children in their care. “Don’t judge a kid’s story,” he advises simply, “by the chapter you walked into.”
JANUARY 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Camp offers faith-filled fun; registration opens soon By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
Camp Kateri Tekakwitha sessions
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Do you want to know what Camp Kateri Tekakwitha is all about? Simply, it’s this: “We exist to bring kids and families closer to Christ while they are having a blast,” said Deacon Dana Nearmyer. And if you want your kids — and maybe even you and your spouse, as well — to make that trip down to Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg, it’s time to start making plans. Camp registration will open soon. “This year, we’re even more keenly aware that people of all ages . . . have a desire to grow in their interior life,” said Deacon Nearmyer, camp co-director and secretary of the evangelization division of the archdiocese. “That desire has never been so strong,” he said. “So . . . we’re making camps targeting kids in fifth and sixth grades, seventh and eighth grades, ninth through 12th grades, families, persons with disabilities and women.” This is the 21st year for the camp, which hosted about 1,800 campers last year. Usually, every new camping season brings a new feature or “tweak.” Most of the activities will remain the same. The biggest change will be the addition of a three-day weekend family camp for families with a member with special needs, June 29-July 1. This is the first time a family camp session for people with special needs has been offered, said Tom Racunas, lead consultant of the special needs ministry of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Family Camp celebrates both family and faith, and gives families the time to eat, pray and enjoy new activities as a family, according to Racunas. It’s an opportunity to get away from the busyness of everyday life and enjoy your loved ones. It’s among the most holy things in the entire world for families to do — to spend time growing together. This is especially so for families who have a person with special needs. “There is a great need for this in some families because of the nature of their
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HIGH SCHOOL entering 9-12th grades Fall 2018. Registration opens Jan. 30. • Senior high Max, June 18-23, $410 • Senior high Extreme, July 23-31, $480 JUNIOR HIGH entering 7th- and 8thgrades Fall 2018. Registration opens Feb. 6. • Junior high Session 1, June 4-6, $400 • Junior high Session 2, June 11-16, $400 • Junior high Session 3, July 16-21, $400
Camp opportunities are available for all ages and even families. child’s disability,” said Racunas. “What it takes to parent, to provide, to nurture, to support a child with a disability is challenging for some families. It’s overload or exhausting for some families. “We want to provide them with some time to enjoy their loved ones and rediscover the wonder that they have created.” The Family Camp for families with members with special needs will feature “camp buddies,” who will support the family member with disabilities. They will help them engage in activities separate from their parents and siblings, but also together with their parents and siblings when there are group activities. In addition to this support, there will be one or two nurses on duty and a physician on call. Special dietary needs can also be accommodated. “There will be opportunities for families to talk to one another and share resources,” said Racunas. “They feel supported when they know there is another family that is experiencing the same joys, struggles and victories that they are
KATERI entering 5th and 6th grades Fall 2018. Registration opens Feb. 13. • Kateri Session 1, May 31-June 2, $260 • Kateri Session 2, June 25-27, $260 • Kateri Session 3, July 9-11, $260 • Kateri Session 4, Aug. 1-3, $260 FAMILY CAMPS. Registration by email — no online register for Family Camps. • Family Camp, July 13-15, $135 for persons ages 2 years and older; no cost for family members younger than age
celebrating. It builds relationships and strengthens the resolve of families to carry on.” The Family Camp for families with members with special needs is open to all ages. There are no age restrictions for the campers. Registration for this camp will open Feb. 20. Although registration can only be done via email for this camp, registration and camp information will be posted on the archdiocesan camp website and the archdiocesan special-needs ministry website. Families may apply for scholarship funds. The cost is $135 per person. To register for and get information about Camp Kateri Tekakwitha’s other 2018 sessions, go to the website at: www. archkck.org/camp.
2. Registration opens Jan. 30. • Family Camp - Special Needs. Registration opens Feb. 20 by email (see information below). June 29-July 1, $135 for persons ages 2 years and older; no cost for family members younger than age 2. • Camp Tekakwitha Women’s Retreat. Registration opens Jan. 30. Session April 27-29. To register, go online to: www. camptekakwitha-womensretreat.com. IMPORTANT: Registration information for Family Camp families and Family Camp – Special Needs families. Send an email to Jennifer at: camptekreg@ gmail.com no earlier than the registration dates posted above. Include name, age and gender of each family member who will attend camp. You will receive an email response with attached registration form to return with a $200 deposit per family ($100 of the deposit is nonrefundable). Upon receipt of your Family Camp registration form and deposit, your family will be registered for Family Camp and you will receive a confirmation email showing receipt of the family registration and deposit. For camp registration questions, send an email to Jennifer at: camptekreg@gmail.com.
For specific information in specific areas, scroll down and click on the icons for Registration, Family Camp, Mail, Camp Forms and Camp Scholarships. More information can be found on the menu located on the left side of the home page. “Camp is really, really fun, but it’s also really, really deep,” said Deacon Nearmyer. “It helps kids concretize their relationship with Jesus Christ. “It really triangulates with what the family has already set in place. But with these really compelling college-age [camp counselors] on fire with their faith as faith leaders, their witness and the experiences they have at camp draw kids in really significant ways into a deeper relationship with Jesus.”
Totus Tuus ministry brings joy to local youth
otus Tuus. This Latin motto of Pope St. John Paul II means “all for you” or “totally thine.” It describes his devotion to Mary. Have you ever been around an enthusiastic teenager? Someone completely wrapped up in the latest pop song? The most recent internet rage? A new hairstyle? Then you know how difficult it is to turn their attention to anything else. Now imagine that same young person so wrapped up in her faith that she can’t stop talking about Jesus, going to Mass or feeling the
freedom from sin and sorrow! College student volunteers for the Totus Tuus programs, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, teach 1st- through 12thgrade students about the Mass, sacraments, the Ten Commandments and the Creed — things most of us learned in grammar school or parish school of religion. The reality is that 42 percent of millennials (born in 1982 or after) were never enrolled in Catholic education or have never participated in youth ministry programs. Furthermore, 63 percent of those who leave the church say they started drifting away between the ages of
10 and 17, according to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. The Totus Tuus program, funded in part by the annual Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal, is focusing its evangelization energy on these students. One of our seminarians volunteered at Totus Tuus the summer before entering the seminary. “I loved working with the youth,” Father Daniel Schmitz recalled. “One young student I met there learned to serve Mass, and he brought his parents back to church!” Totus Tuus addresses the fears and apathy of some children. Many begin the program thinking that they are “too cool” to practice their faith, but often end up becoming the most enthusiastic participants. The leaders give witness to their faith in very genuine and relatable ways. The college leaders are the
most critical piece of the program. They truly live and witness to what it means to be the body of Christ. They see it and feel it every day with the young people they guide to the Catholic faith. “Totus Tuus is a shot in the arm, a new way to bring life into our parish community,” said Father Schmitz. The church faces many headwinds in our culture today. Funds raised by the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal help provide Totus Tuus ministry, a true witness to who we are and what we value. Thousands of students benefit each year from this great ministry. Imagine young people as energized by eucharistic adoration as they are by the latest game on their device. It really does happen!
JANUARY 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus
Is it worth it? Have you ever wondered if the following actions, or ones like them, to prioritize your family are worth it? • Family meals • Family prayer • Disciplining your children • Regular marriage retreats • Offering and receiving forgiveness • Attending Mass ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 every Sunday If you have, consider the following quote from Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, and you will wonder no more: “Home life is the God-appointed training ground of human character.” In other words, keep it up!
— Brad DuPont, consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life
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CHURCH OF THE WEEK
Holy Trinity, Paola Address: 400 S. East St., 66071 Phone: (913) 557-2067 Pastor: Father Peter O’Sullivan Mass times: Saturday, 5 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Email: htchurch@holytrinitypaola.org Website: holytrinity.weconnect.com MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.
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TEAMS OF THE WEEK GIRLS BASKETBALL
Miege/Aquinas
Who’s number one? Bishop Miege (number one in Kansas Class 4A girls basketball) and St. Thomas Aquinas (number one in 5A) settled the matter on the court Jan. 12 at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park. Aquinas came out on top 56 to 51 in overtime. The Leaven’s Jay Soldner captured all the action. Check out his photos on The Leaven’s Facebook.
Christopher West
Mike Mangione
Topeka youth event boasts big names By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org
T
OPEKA — Mike Mangione says faith did not interest him much when he was 21. “I was not into the faith at all, but I was open to having a conversation,” he said during a recent interview. Being open, he added, was the key to finding meaning in his life. Mangione, along with noted speaker, author and theologian Christopher West, will present “Made for More: Visions of the Promised Land,” a two-and-a-halfhour experience that, according to promotional materials, is “an inspired blend of live music, art and presentation that taps the deepest desires of the human heart revealing their ultimate purpose and goal.” Sponsored by the archdiocese and the Topeka parishes, the event will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 2 at Hayden Catholic High School. Presented by the Cor Project, the production, according to cofounder Mangione, aims to help people rediscover who they are and how to live an authentic
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human life. Cor helps people reframe these existential questions in such a way that the divine plan for them shines through. Local organizers said they’re excited to host an event of this caliber and hope it will provide a chance for people of all ages to rediscover their dignity. Father Jaime Zarse, associate pastor of Christ the King Parish and chaplain at Hayden, said he hopes many young people will consider going. “I’ve been in Topeka for four years now, and the high school has become a passion of mine,” said Father Zarse. Daily, he encourages young people to embrace the values of modesty, chastity and fidelity to church teaching and to participate regularly in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and reconciliation. Calling them “excellent evangelists,” Father Zarse said Mangione and West will help everyone make greater sense of their lives by breaking open what St. John Paul II called the theology of the body. Marie Apel, parish coordinator at Most Pure Heart of Mary, serves as the regional contact for the
event. She was quick to acknowledge that pastors, associate pastors and countless volunteers at parishes across the city have given their time, talent and treasure to promote the event by offsetting the expense of billboards, participating in a promotional video, publishing bulletin announcements and selling tickets. “I truly believe that every person that attends will come away with something and that Christ will touch their hearts in some way,” she said. It’s a message that Mangione hopes everyone will receive with an open mind and heart. Being open is what led him on his own journey of faith and discovery. “The whole goal is to affirm people where they are and to reorient them toward God,” said Mangione, adding that the elements will provide an experience like no other, and the use of music in the presentation is intentional. “Music has an ability to reach outside the church’s doors,” he said. For more information or to purchase tickets for the event, check with any of the Topeka parishes or visit the website at: www.corproject. com/Topeka.
Sister Mary Lillian Landauer, SCL
EAVENWORTH — Sister Mary Lillian Landauer, 97, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 76 years, died on Jan. 6 at the motherhouse here. Dedication to her religious vocation, commitment to the profession of nursing, and love of her family and heritage characterized her life. Mary Regina (nicknamed Marie) was born July 21, 1920, in Ellis, the third of 11 children of Joseph and Sophie C. (Gilsinger) Landauer. A child of the Depression, she attended rural public schools in western Kansas, and was a graduate of Tonganoxie High School. Eager to attend college, she worked a year and then began the nursing program at Saint Mary College in Leavenworth. During her first retreat, she felt
called to religious life. She entered the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth on June 15, 1941, and professed vows as Sister Mary Lillian on Dec. 19, 1942. The next month, Sister Mary Lillian resumed nurse’s training at St. John Hospital, Helena, Montana, graduating in 1945. In 1971, she received her bachelor’s in nursing education at Saint Mary College. Her health ministry spanned several nursing specialties at Sisters of Charity hospitals in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming. She was a nurse or nurse supervisor throughout her active ministry, except for two brief assignments as a hospital administrator.
Jeanie (Potter) and Denny Bramble, members of Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 20 with Mass, followed by dinner with their children and grandchildren. The couple was married on Jan. 20, 1968, at St. Columbkille Church, Varina, Iowa. Their children are: Angela Bramble, Kerry McDaniel and Kelly Schwabauer. They also have four grandchildren.
Sister Mary Lillian remained grateful for the opportunity to care for patients, especially those who were poor and elderly in hospitals and nursing homes. She concluded her health ministry at St. Joseph Home, Kansas City, Kansas, and the Sisters of Charity motherhouse. She retired in 1993 and moved to Ross Hall, the Sisters of Charity skilled nursing facility, in 2006. Sister Mary Lillian had great devotion to the Blessed Mother. She credited several Sisters who taught her at Saint Mary College with supporting her religious vocation and influencing her life as a woman religious. Known for her cheerfulness and helpfulness, Sister Mary Lillian summed up her life as “a very full, rich and rewarding experience.”
ANNIVERSARY submissions POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. DEADLINE: eight days before the desired publication date. WHERE TO SUBMIT: Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or email: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.
Mass at 9 a.m. Feb. 3
MT CALVARY KCK Trinidad Ackmann Diane M. Bahr Amber Bledsoe Henry Bramlett Enrique Chapa Josephine Cygiel Stanley Cygiel Gregory Duran Lola Dusil Zenaida Espinoza Michael L. Fales Camille Gamon Mary Helen Garcia Brigid Healy Joan M. Johnson Edith Kovach Mark A. Lopez Leo Martell Ellen K. McCarthy Elvira Murillo Irene Ojeda Gabriel Ornelas Kristen M. Poplau Dr. James B. Pretz Jesse Quijas Esmerelda Ramirez Fred Ristow Clara Robolewicz Helen Skwarlo Harold E. Thiessen Lupe Tomas Wilma Uziel Cristina L. Wortman Robert J. Wortman Evelyn L. Zacharias RESURRECTION Dr. Remi Amelunxen Harlan Berland Richard Broskow Jean R. Brown
Prince of Peace Chapel Resurrection Cemetery 83rd and Quivira Rd. Lenexa, Kan.
Thomas J. Carbajo Mary K. Clayton Robert E. Clune Mary Crainshaw John Matthew Crimmins Pamela Cunningham Clifford P. Cutler Agnes Cox Alice J. Dees John R. Dollard Patricia Dollard Margaret Ecord Carilyn M. Fernandez Victoria A. Ferrell Judy Fitch Deborah Fitzgerald Louise Foster Thomas J. Gabel Freda R. Grady Jerome Gerard David C. Gleason Zbigniew Gliniecki Therese Goldsich Virginia Hanson Kathleen J. Hardgree Rose Harris Alan D. Hays James H. Hendricks Donald Henggeler Aris Cheyanne Hill Becky Hong Matthew J. Ireland Elizabeth Jacquinot Carolyn A. Kalwei Zygmunt Kaniewski Vernon B. Kenny Baby Klebba Gary Kloster Louis Jerry Krumm Marilyn Koeneke Robert E. Lackner Douglas C. Lingle
Holy Redeemer Chapel Gate of Heaven Cemetery 126th and Parallel Kansas City, Kan.
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While smartphones allow people to connect with others all over the world, there is a real danger to becoming addicted to those devices.
ADDICTED TO TECHNOLOGY Documentary highlights the addictive nature of cellphones and other electronic devices
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
R
OELAND PARK — Digital media does more than provide entertainment. It transports people into another world. But do we understand this world of technology, or the dangers that come with it? To demonstrate the harmful effects
screens can have, the St. Agnes School Dads Club hosted a viewing of the documentary “Screenagers” at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park Nov. 29. “The goal was to show them how addictive technology can be and, in particular, the different social media sites that are out there,” said Joe Schramp, acting principal of Miege and a member of the Dads Club. Children ranging from about 9 years old to seniors in high school attended the event, along with their parents.
An eye opener For people of all ages who attended the viewing, “Screenagers” was astonishing. “It was pretty powerful,” said Schramp. “You hear about [the influence of technology] all the time, but when you’re watching it, you see the addictive nature of social media and technology and the impact it has on kids.” In the documentary, filmmaker Delaney Ruston talks with children and their parents about screen time and the ways it impacts their relationships
and education. Ruston also looks at the impact that the constant consumption of fast-paced media feeds has on young people whose brains are still developing. Daniel Stroade, a sophomore at Miege, found the documentary both important and relatable for someone his age. “I really liked ‘Screenagers’ because it is a very big problem in my generation of how much screen time we have every day,” he said. “Even though electronics are for us to be able to reach out to the world and use as a tool, [when] we use it the wrong
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“EVEN THOUGH ELECTRONICS ARE FOR US TO BE ABLE TO REACH OUT TO THE WORLD AND USE AS A TOOL, [WHEN] WE USE IT THE WRONG WAY, IT MAKES US LOSE CONTACT TO THE
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY
From left, Melanie Christianson, Nick Christianson, Anna Christianson and Betty Christianson watch the documentary “Screenagers” at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park. way, it makes us lose contact to the real world,” he added. Sean McCauley, president of the Dads Club, was eager also to show parents the film so they understand how their children are feeling. “We hoped that the movie would provide parents with the necessary information to make informed choices about parenting in the digital age,” he said.
A world for all ages Parenting during the digital age comes with a set of unique challenges and arguments, which is why many brought their children to “Screenagers.” Among the viewing’s attendees was McCauley’s oldest daughter Maggie, who is in fifth grade. “She, like most kids, enjoys playing on her iPad and using electronic devices,” said McCauley. “But she also picked up on some of the problems that occur because of their overuse.” “She may not want to admit that because it will lead to us parents limiting her use,” he continued, “but I think the message hit home.” Limiting screen time is a relatable challenge many parents face. Schramp sets his children’s usage time at 15-20 minutes a day but, like most children, his tend to be pulled in by screens and the instant gratification they provide. Even his 3-year-old son Ruben is intrigued by the devices. “There is a power that device has on them,” he said. “For me, it was probably TV at that age, watching cartoons. “For them, it seems to be the iPad or the cellphones.” But, according to the documentary, what might seem like an inevitable upgrade in entertainment might actually be affecting children’s brains more than people realize. “Screenagers” discusses a study that tested children’s cognitive ability after they had watched a rapidly sequenced program, watched a slowly sequenced program, or played with crayons. The children who watched the rapidly paced program performed worse than the other two groups, leading researchers to believe overstimulation tires the brain and harms its function. “The movie made me more nervous about the statistics regarding screen time and brain activity and the addiction that children and adults can develop from games, texting and videos,” said Jenny Hughes.
Hughes brought her three children, all students at St. Agnes, to the screening. “I’m mostly concerned about social media and the way in which our kids’ lives can be recorded at all moments,” said Hughes. “I’m hopeful that my children are responsible when they are older and are on social media,” she added.
Coming to a classroom near you One of the more surprising topics discussed during “Screenagers” is technology use during class time. Ruston looks at schools that now allow students to use their phones during class without punishment. As an acting principal, Schramp is baffled by this. “Some of the other schools [in the Kansas City area] say that every kid in the class is on their cellphone,” said Schramp. “There’s no learning going on.” Schramp said parents of students who transfer to Miege are relieved to find out the school doesn’t allow students to use phones during school hours. “With their addictions of being on
social media or [other] technology all the time,” he said, “they’re less inclined to behave in a classroom setting and to be able to focus for a long period of time on studies.” But even outside the classroom, young people are surrounded by both peers and parents constantly checking their devices. “I have seen many times when people have been distracted by phones and other devices, even when we are with other people,” said Stroade. The young people in the documentary felt frustrated with this aspect of screens, and often used the word “addicting” when describing their technological devices. For McCauley, that wasn’t a surprise. “I see it in many ways with my own children’s usage,” he said. “Though technology has made substantial advances since I was a kid of the 1980s, the lessons are still the same,” he continued. “Too much of anything can be a serious problem.” That problem increases when kids get older and are expected to keep up with social media accounts. Not only does social media create constant pressure to look good and post regularly, but it often leads to bullying as well. “The stories about the kids being bullied via social media and text messages were troublesome,” said Hughes. “I’m thankful to be raising my children in a community like St. Agnes where this behavior is not tolerated among parents and teachers,” she said.
Part of the problem
Film facts People spend, on average, 6.5 hours a day looking at screens for purposes outside of school. Boys, on average, spend 11.3 hours per week playing video games. About 40 percent of 9-year-olds have played “Grand Theft Auto,” an action-adventure game series known for controversies involving misogyny, ruthless violence and sexually explicit elements. About 40 percent of teenagers have no after-school activities.
Another issue the film discusses is how parents’ screen use impacts their children. “[As] parents, we have our addictions as well,” said Schramp. “Parents who are constantly on [their phones] are not taking the time sometimes to parent their children,” he continued. “Parents are just as guilty.” After watching “Screenagers,” Schramp has become more aware of the overuse of cellphones and other devices among his peers. “I recognize now I have a lot of peer friends who are just as guilty, and they can’t really [discipline] their kids when they’re doing the same thing,” he said. Many parents who attended the viewing were inspired to take action and
REAL WORLD.” Tips for parents • Create a contract with your children that sets clear guidelines for screen time and the responsibility that comes with it. • Always know your children’s passwords on their technological devices. • Set limits on screen use, especially in the evening. • Exchange violent video games for educational ones that teach strategy, cooperation and concept building. • Come up with more activities to keep your kids busy. • Talk with your children regularly about how the digital world is impacting your lives. • Explain to your children the reasons why you’re setting limits on their devices.
change both their own and their children’s habits. Schramp got an email shortly after the event from a few parents of kindergarten students, which he assumes resulted in part because of the film. “The parents were asking parents within the class to sign a petition to . . . not allow our children to have access to a cellphone personally until eighth grade,” he said, “which I thought was very powerful.” The goal is that other students wouldn’t feel pressure to get one just because everyone else in the class has one as they go through their grade school years. Hughes also walked away more motivated to keep her family’s screen time in check. “Moving forward with a child entering high school, I will continue to have a lot of conversations with my kids about social media and responsible online posting and interaction,” she said. When it comes to advice for parents who haven’t seen the film, McCauley mentioned there is no instruction book. “But the best thing I could offer would be to pay attention,” he said. “The warning signs normally are there and, for some, seem obvious. But they can go overlooked for a variety of reasons. “The question is: Can you be honest with yourself as a parent and recognize that something needs to change?” For more information on “Screenagers,” visit the website at: www.screen agersmovie.com.
JANUARY 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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Ending DACA will lead to ‘humanitarian crisis’
OS ANGELES (CNS) — Congress must separate “the conversation about DACA” from the “larger issues” about U.S. immigration policy, because allowing the program to expire will lead “to a humanitarian crisis,” especially in Los Angeles, said Archbishop Jose H. Gomez. “As a nation, we have a moral and humanitarian obligation to the ‘Dreamers.’ These young people have done nothing wrong. And their futures hang in the balance of these debates,” he wrote in a column. “So, I hope you will join me in urging our leaders in Congress to help them in a spirit of generosity and justice.” He urged Americans “to tell our leaders that fixing DACA should be the first step in the systematic immigration reform that has long been overdue in our country.” Archbishop Gomez’s column, dated Jan. 9, was posted on the websites of the Los Angeles Archdiocese and Angelus News, its multimedia platform. “Once again, we begin a new year with uncertainty and fear over immigration, and this year our leaders in Congress face a hard deadline” to preserve the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, said Archbishop Gomez. Within the borders of the Los Angeles Archdiocese, he said, there will be a humanitarian crisis if DACA ends because an estimated 125,000 young people protected by the program live there. DACA protects between 700,000 and 800,000 young people. “The story of these young people is well-known. Brought to this country as children by undocumented parents or family members, they are not ‘illegal’ through any fault of their own,” Archbishop Gomez wrote. “The ‘Dreamers’ have lived their whole lives in this country — many are now in their 30s. “And during their lifetime, leaders in Washington have not been able to reach an agreement to fix the broken immigration system that allowed them to enter in
CNS PHOTO/JOSE LUIS GONZALEZ, REUTERS
Beneficiaries of the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program speak with relatives during the “Keep Our Dream Alive” binational meeting in 2017. The Dreamers, as DACA recipients are known, gathered at a section of the U.S.-Mexico border wall in Sunland Park, N.M. the first place.” In September, President Donald Trump announced that in March, he would end DACA, which President Barack Obama created by executive order in 2012. At the same time, Trump called on Congress to come up with a legislative solution by then to keep the program in place. Obama instituted the program to protect young people whose parents brought them into the country as minors when they entered the U.S. without legal permission. DACA has allowed them to
receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and get a work permit. Advocates around the country have rallied to urge passage of the DREAM Act — the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act — to provide a pathway to citizenship for DACA beneficiaries. On Jan. 9, Trump and a bipartisan group from Congress met to discuss a measure that would keep DACA intact and include Trump’s demands for a border wall and other security measures.
The same day, a U.S. District Court judge in San Francisco temporarily blocked Trump’s decision to rescind DACA, saying the U.S. government must start accepting renewal applications again from current beneficiaries of the program. The ruling, which is certain to be appealed, also said the government does not have to accept applications from those not currently covered by DACA. “Today, the ‘Dreamers’ are the ‘poster children’ for how broken our system is and how unhealthy and unproductive our political discourse has become,” Archbishop Gomez wrote. “By any measure, these are the kind of young people that our country should be encouraging. “Nearly everyone — 97 percent — is either in school or in the workforce. About 5 percent have already started their own business; 15 percent have bought their first homes,” he continued. “These are good kids and we should want to help them to develop their God-given potentials, to keep their families together and to make their own contribution to the American dream.” The archbishop said U.S. business leaders feel DACA recipients “are vital to our economic future.” “In a letter to congressional leaders in September, more than 800 executives representing every sector of the economy agreed that DACA youths contribute more than $460 billion to our economy and another $24 billion in taxes,” he said. Since so many Americans agree on their contributions to the country, fixing the program that protects them “should be easy,” he said, but instead “these young people find themselves stuck in the middle of a much broader debate about border walls, national security and the inner workings of our visa system.”
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JANUARY 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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Pope begins seven-day pilgrimage to Chile, Peru By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service
S
ANTIAGO, Chile (CNS) — Pope Francis arrived in Santiago Jan. 15, the first stop on a seven-day, six-city visit to Peru and Chile, where he will take his message of hope to people on the margins of society. Arriving in Santiago after more than 15 hours in the air, Pope Francis was greeted by Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and a young Chilean girl. He told the crowd he was happy to be in Chile, and he blessed the workers at the airport before being transported to the papal nunciature, where he will stay the three nights he is in Chile. On Jan. 17, the pope will travel to Temuco and meet with residents of the Mapuche indigenous community. Members of the Mapuche have called for the government to return lands confiscated prior to the country’s return to democracy in the late 1980s. “Chile won’t be too difficult for me because I studied there for a year and I have many friends there and I know it well, or rather, well enough. Peru, however, I know less. I have gone maybe two, three times for conferences and meetings,” the pope told journalists aboard the papal flight. There was no mention of increased security for the Chilean visit. Three days earlier, several Chilean churches were firebombed, and police found other, unexploded devices at two other churches in Santiago. Some of the pamphlets included the phrase, “The next bombs will be in your cassock” and spoke of the Mapuche cause. Before flying to Peru Jan. 18, Pope Francis will visit Iquique, where he will celebrate Mass on Lobito beach. In Peru Jan. 18-21, the pope will visit Lima, Puerto Maldonado and Trujillo. He will also meet with the indig-
CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING
Pope Francis walks with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet as he arrives at the international airport in Santiago, Chile, Jan. 15. enous people of the Amazon during his visit to Puerto Maldonado. The Amazon rainforest includes territory belonging to nine countries in South America and has experienced significant deforestation, negatively impacting the indigenous populations in the area and leading to a loss of biodiversity. In both countries, he will work to restore trust and encourage healing after scandals left many wounded and angry at the Catholic Church. Shortly after take-off from Rome, Greg Burke, Vatican spokesman, distributed a photo card the pope wished
to share with journalists aboard his flight from Rome. The photo depicted a young Japanese boy shortly after the bombing in Nagasaki, waiting in line, carrying his dead baby brother on his back to the crematorium. On the back of the card, the words “The fruit of war” were written along with Pope Francis’ signature. Before greeting each of the 70 journalists, the pope said that he found the photo “by chance” and “was very moved when I saw this.” “I could only write ‘the fruit of war.’ I wanted to print it and give it to you because such an image is more moving
than a thousand words,” he said. Responding to a journalist’s question about nuclear war, Pope Francis said: “I think we are at the very limit. I am really afraid of this. One accident is enough to precipitate things.” The Peru-Chile trip is Pope Francis’ fourth to South America. In July 2013, he visited Brazil for World Youth Day. In July 2015, he traveled to Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay. His trip to Colombia in September was his third visit to the continent as pope.
Belgian Catholics concerned about abuse of country’s euthanasia law By Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service
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XFORD, England (CNS) — Catholics in Belgium are concerned the country’s euthanasia law is being abused to kill patients without legal checks and safeguards. Auxiliary Bishop Jean Kockerols of Mechelen-Brussels said “not just the church’s hierarchy, but doctors and medical professionals as well” were concerned. On Jan. 9, the Belgian church’s Cathobel news agency published an article saying the Federal Euthanasia Control and Evaluation Commission violated its statutes by failing to refer suspected legal abuses for investigation. “It’s shocking that, 15 years since its creation, this commission has not referred a single file to prosecutors or condemned a single doctor,” the Catholic report said. “It is acting as judge and jury, and not fulfilling its role. It isn’t broadening application of the law, but violating it.” Bishop Kockerols told Catholic News Service Jan. 11 that the church had long been aware the commission was “not working as it should.” He said
CNS PHOTO/LAURENT DUBRULE, REUTERS
Protesters hold a banner and placards as they demonstrate against a euthanasia law in 2014 in Brussels. Catholics in Belgium are concerned the country’s euthanasia law is being abused to kill patients without legal checks and safeguards. the bishops would support any investigation into its activities or “any steps to ensure it functions as it’s supposed to.” “We’re against euthanasia in every form, and the church’s official position is well known,” he said. Euthanasia and assisted dying were
legalized in traditionally Catholic Belgium in 2002, and euthanasia deaths are increasing by 27 percent annually, according to Health Ministry data. The federal euthanasia commission, headed by Dr. Wim Distelmans, a euthanasia practitioner, is required to verify that euthanasia deaths follow
procedures written into the law, referring suspected violations within two months to a state prosecutor. However, in its report, Cathobel said a commission member had recently resigned when the case of a dementia patient, killed without consent, was not referred to prosecutors. It added that the commission had failed to refer complaints by the family of a 38-year autism sufferer, when she was killed by request without required documentation after ending a love affair. Bishop Kockerols said he was pleased prominent Belgians were now debating euthanasia practices, rather than resigning themselves to them. He added that public support for euthanasia remained widespread, especially in the country’s Flemish-speaking regions, but said it was important the “moral dangers” were better recognized. “Even if there’s little chance for now of legal changes, the church can work on a moral and pastoral level with medical staff and support critical voices,” the bishop said. “We’ve been discussing tougher application of church rules to those who endorse euthanasia. But we also have to be prudent, considering each situation with its nuances.”
JANUARY 19, 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. Nanny - We are expecting a baby boy in March and are looking for a nanny or an existing in-home nanny to take on our child. We are looking for a nanny who is nurturing, experienced and would be able to start in July. This would be a full-time position with monthly pay. Call David at (816) 507-2101 or send an email to: davidroustio@gmail. com. 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. 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.
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. Reporter - The Leaven is seeking a full-time reporter to join its national award-winning staff. The position requires a practicing Catholic with excellent news and feature writing skills; a journalism degree and basic photography skills are a plus. Applicant must have a strong work ethic, a good working knowledge of the Catholic Church and be available to work nights and weekends with the ability to travel for assignments within the archdiocese. The ideal candidate will be a quick and eager learner, and be enthusiastic about sharing the faith stories of the people of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Proficiency in Microsoft Word is required; ability to speak Spanish and/or experience with social media, InDesign and WordPress a plus. A complete job description is available on the archdiocesan website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume, application AND at least three published writing samples to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Feature Writer Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org. Applicants with samples of photography (three to five digital images only or a link to your online portfolio) may submit via email to the same email address. Position will remain open until filled. 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. 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 Life Simplified - Professional organizing for home and business in the Greater Kansas City New Year Special! Receive a 15% discount in January (2 hr. minimum). We organize tools to toys, garages to attics. Pre- and post-moving support for upsizing or downsizing. We advise on what to keep, donate, recycle or toss and offer personalized strategies on keeping organized. Supportive, confidential and nonjudgmental. Call (913) 725-8151 or email to: info@lifesimplified.biz; or go online to: www. lifesimplified.biz. 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. Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002. Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 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. 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 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. Housecleaning - A range of services provided - from housecleaning to organinzing closets, rooms and garages, as well as hoarder projects. 15 years of experience. Professional, energetic and dependable. Call Joni at (913) 206-4403. HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com Helping Hand Handy Man - Semi-retired handyman can help with your ‘to do list.’ small and medium projects around your house. Also electrical; ceiling fans, light fixtures, outlet and switches. Most deck and shed repairs, power washing restaining and painting. No yard work. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490. 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 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. 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
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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. 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. 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. 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.
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)
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.
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. Retired nurse - Nursing, companion, housekeeper. Available Monday - Friday and/or weekends. Affordable rates, 30 years’ experience, recent references. Available nights as needed. 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 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CALENDAR 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.
HOW TO AFFORD A CATHOLIC EDUCATION FOR YOUR CHILDREN Mater Dei School (basement) 934 S.W. Clay, Topeka Jan. 20 at 6 p.m.
Michael Morrisey, former director of the Catholic Education Foundation, will be giving a talk on what the foundation is and how it works with Catholic schools and school families to make a Catholic education more affordable.
CELEBRATION AUCTION Church of the Holy Cross School 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park Jan. 20 from 5 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Tickets for this annual event cost $50 per adult ($45 for seniors ages 55 and over). Join us for a night of dining, dancing and bidding on wonderful items. All bidding in done online. For more information, call Pat Sheldon at (816) 522-1801.
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, contact 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.
COPING WITH LIFE ALONE St. John Francis Regis Church 8941 James A. Reed Rd., Kansas City, Missouri Jan. 21 - 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.
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.
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.
‘EVERY CENT COUNTS’ Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Jan. 25 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Find out about managing your money. Learn to make conscious decisions about your finances from a presentation by Jennifer Rottinghaus, CPA, CGMA.
What’s next after divorce/annulment? Join us for a formation series on the gift of self, which helps us fulfill the call to love again. Various topics will be discussed. Visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ giftofself143 or send an email to: calledto love143@gmail.com.
TRIVIA NIGHT FUNDRAISER St. Paul Parish (center) 900 S. Honeysuckle, Olathe Feb. 3 at 7 p.m.
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.
BEEF AND NOODLE DINNER St. Mary Parish, Hartford Neosho Rapids Grade School 240 N. Commercial St., Neosho Rapids Jan. 28 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for kids ages 10 and under for a dinner of homemade beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, sides, dessert and a drink. There will also be drawings for lots of prizes. Get your tickets at the door.
TAIZE PRAYER Annunciation Chapel 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Feb. 1 at 7 p.m.
‘CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER IN THE BODY: A POSTURE OF GOD’S INTIMACY WITH US’ Precious Blood Renewal Center 2130 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri Feb. 1 at 6 p.m.
This will be a special evening of praying with our whole selves, opening our hearts to God. The evening will begin with a simple soup dinner. The suggested donation is $15.
PARISH-BASED TRAINING FOR NEW RESPITE VOLUNTEERS St. Joseph Health Center (Education Center) 1000 Carondelet Dr., Kansas City, Missouri Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Respite is a ministry giving companionship and care to a person unable to be alone, while allowing their caregiver time away. Trained volunteers serve in their own parish and have liability insurance as volunteers with each parish. For more information, call Pat Scheibel at (913) 897-6589.
and two 24-packs of crayons per woman. Purchase tickets online at: ctktopeka.org or at the door. For more information, call (785) 273-0710 or go online to: ctktopeka.org.
‘RENEWING YOUR SOUL THROUGH PRAYER AND FASTING’ Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Feb. 10 and 11
This retreat begins at 9 a.m. on Feb. 10 and concludes at 4 p.m. on Feb. 11. There will be four or five talks, daily eucharistic adoration, time for confession before 5 p.m. Mass at the local parish and time for private prayer, spiritual direction, spiritual reading and walks in the woods. The cost for overnight guests is $85 per person; $125 per couple. All meals are included. To register, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@christspeace.com.
SOUP - R - BOWL SUNDAY LUNCH St. Mary Parish 9208 Main St., St. Benedict Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
There will be homemade chili, chicken noodle soup, vegetable beef soup, relishes and pie. The suggested donation is a freewill offering. All are welcome.
SISTERS, SERVANTS OF MARY ANNUAL SPAGHETTI DINNER St. Patrick Parish Center 9400 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Taize prayer is a meditative, candlelit service that includes chants sung repeatedly, silence, and prayers of praise and intercession. These prayer services emerged from an ecumenical community of monks in Taize, France. For more information, visit the website at: www.marillac center.org or call (913) 680-2342.
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.
DIVORCED: CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN Church of the Ascension (St. Luke Room) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7 p.m.
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The cost for a meal is $10 for adults; $5 for kids under the age of 10. There will also be variety booths and a raffle. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information, call (913) 371-3423. Carryout orders (warm and ready to serve) are available for your Super Bowl party. For large orders, call (913) 334-2330 prior to Feb. 1
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.
‘PRAYING WITH PICTURES: CONTEMPLATIVE SEEING, CONTEMPLATIVE WALKING AND PHOTOGRAPHY’ Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where do you notice the presence of God and share it with others? This day will include discussion of photography as a spiritual practice and of the symbols and images that remind us of God’s presence. Bring the camera you generally use, from phone to DSLR. This is not a class on technique, but an opportunity to explore awareness, connection and contemplation in photography. The fee is $50 ($10 deposit). To register, go online to: sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.
‘RESOLVE, RENEW, REJOICE’: WOMEN’S RETREAT 2018 Christ the King Parish 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Feb. 10 at 8 a.m.
This 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 also includes a keynote presentation by Judy Hehr, lunch and a charitable activity. The cost of tickets is $20
WOMEN’S DAY OF LENTEN PRAYER Cathedral of St. Peter 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 17 from 8:30 a.m. - noon
The retreat will begin with registration and a continental breakfast in the parish hall and conclude with Mass at 11:30 a.m. in the church. Susan Carroll will present a Lenten reflection, “Come Follow Me.” The cost for this retreat, sponsored by the Altar Society of the Cathedral of St. Peter, is $15. For additional information, call Diane Hentges at (913) 708-5323 or send an email to: dk hentges0503@gmail.com.
‘LIVING IN TRUTH’ - CATHOLIC WOMEN’S CONFERENCE Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Feb. 24 from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Prepare your heart for a meaningful Lenten journey. Get practical advice for discovering your unique gifts, your capacity for love and the Father’s unique design for you. Register online at: livingintruthkc.com or mail a $25 check with the name and address of attendees to: KCCWC, c/o Linda Spencer, 11706 Hadley, Overland Park, KS 66210.
SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING DURING THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD Class begins Jan. 24 at 6:30 p.m. St. John the Evangelist School 1208 Kentucky St., Lawrence
Call Shannon or John Rasmussen at (785) 749-1015 for more information. Online registration is required at: www.ccli.org.
SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Topeka Jan. 27 at 7 p.m.
A reasonable course fee is charged, and online registration is required at: www.ccli. org. Call Dana or Eric Runnebaum at (785) 380-0062 for more information, including the class location and the availability of selfpaced, online classes. Learn more about this NFP class online at: nfptopeka.blogspot.com.
CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, 10 days before the desired publication date. INCLUDE: time and date of event; street address; description of event. SEND TO: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org.
JANUARY 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY THIRD WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Jan. 21 THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Jon 3: 1-5, 10 Ps 25: 4-9 1 Cor 7: 29-31 Mk 1: 14-20 Jan. 22 Monday 2 Sm 5: 1-7, 10 Ps 89: 20-22, 25-26 Mk 3: 22-30 Jan. 23 Vincent, deacon, martyr; Marianne Cope, virgin 2 Sm 6: 12b-15, 17-19 Ps 24: 7-10 Mk 3: 31-35 Jan. 24 Francis de Sales, bishop, doctor of the church 2 Sm 7: 4-17 Ps 89: 4-5, 27-30 Mk 4: 1-20 Jan. 25 THE CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE Acts 22: 3-16 Ps 117: 1-2 Mk 16: 15-18 Jan. 26 Timothy and Titus, bishops Ti 1: 1-5 Ps 96: 1-3, 7-8a, 10 Mk 4: 26-34 Jan. 27 Angela Merici, virgin 2 Sm 12: 1-7a, 10-17 Ps 51: 12-17 Mk 4: 35-41
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Faith is like life: You really can hack it
f you’re ever attacked by a swarm of wasps or bees, use hairspray to immobilize them.” You can never tell what gems of wisdom you’ll find on my kitchen table, a spot I’ve affectionately named Mount Messopaper. That bee advice was a June 12 entry from a page-a-day calendar. Why I kept it, I have no idea, as I can safely say I’ve never gone anywhere carrying hairspray. So, if I’m ever attacked by a swarm, well, say nice things about me at my funeral because any negative comments would surely “sting.” Actually, that hairspray trick was not the only bit of advice I saved from that calendar, which contained a whole years’ worth of life hacks. If you’re not familiar with the term, “life hacks” means “any procedures or actions that solve a problem, simplify a task, reduce frustration, etc., in one’s everyday life” (from “Life Hacks,” by Keith Bradford). Here are additional hacks excavated from my kitchen table: • Ice cream too frozen to scoop? Don’t microwave it, simply run the
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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.
spoon under hot water. • Exhale as much air as possible to suppress laughter at inappropriate times. • Don’t burn yourself with those hard-to-reach candles. Use a stick of raw spaghetti to light the wick. • Microwave Nutella and milk in a mug for the best hot chocolate ever. • Need some good music to work to? Try video game or movie soundtracks. They’re designed specifically to provide backgrounds that won’t mess with your concentration. • When your dog gets out, don’t chase him. Lie down and pretend you’re
hurt. He’ll come back to see if you’re OK. • Have a song stuck in your head but can’t think of the name? Midomi. com will find it based on what you sing or hum into your computer or phone. • (Since the above only worked occasionally) Memorizing songs is extremely healthy for your brain and will improve your mental capacity. Now, I’ve not tried all the hacks above — heck, I don’t even own a dog — so take them with a grain of salt. But if life can be hacked, why not our faith life? Now, you could take a theology course or read a dense tome on the faith. But there’s a simpler way: Just carry around a few holy words of wisdom to share. And a great source for those are found on these church signs:
• Jesus: Rated “E” for everyone! • Exposure to the Son may prevent burning. • Don’t just wear the cross — bear the cross. • Only pray on days that end in “y.” • GODISNOWHERE. (Now read it again.) • We are the care-givers. God is the cure-giver. • Stop trying to figure God out and start trying to figure him in. • Pride and sin have one thing in common: the letter “I” is in the middle. • Those who leave everything in God’s hands will soon see God’s hands in everything. • Give people a bit of your heart rather than a piece of your mind. • The only place you should put people down is on your prayer list. Admittedly, although faith is serious business, it’s not all serious and it’s not all business. These next church signs capture some of the lightheartedness found in faith: • May all your troubles be as short as your New Year’s resolutions. • Come early to get a seat in back. • Prayer: the only call the government can’t hear. • Confession without repentance is just bragging. • Sometimes life
stinks. We have a pew for you. • Noah was a brave man to sail in a wooden boat with two termites. • The best wireless plan? PRAYER — unlimited minutes, unlimited messages. • Living without God’s spirit is like trying to dribble a football. • Think once before you act, twice before you speak, and three times before you post on Facebook. • Jesus is the bread of life, not the cake for special occasions. • Adam and Eve should have read the apple terms and conditions. So, what faith hacks can you explore to make 2018 a blessed time? You might try using a finger rosary to make your commute or exercise a more spiritual experience. Or maybe meditate or sit quietly for just 10 minutes a day. Or download the Echo app to your phone to remind yourself throughout the day of people you’ve promised to pray for. This final church sign says it best: We may not have it all together, but together we have it all. In other words, when it comes to our life of faith, with God’s good help, there’s nothing we can’t hack.
Of our ‘seasons in the sun,’ one is pre-eminent
any of us anxiously wait for the arrival of spring. Some look forward to the beginning of the baseball season. Others look even further out, to the coming of summer and the vacation that it brings. In Sunday’s Gospel reading, though, Mk 1:14-20, Jesus announces that the most important season of all, the season of God’s grace, has already arrived: “This is the time of fulfillment.” The gist of that statement is: “The season is here for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” And what specifically has God promised? To rule over us with peace and justice. To bring about paradise on earth.
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.
That is why Jesus says: “The kingdom of God is at hand.” It is the answer to
POPE FRANCIS
our prayer: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” In response to this announcement, Jesus instructs us: “Repent, and believe in the gospel.” The word translated as “repent,” literally means “a change of heart.” Jesus calls for a change in our attitude and behavior, in
Pastors who preach one thing and do another are wounded and harm the church, Pope Francis said. Like the scribes and Pharisees of old, pastors end up leading a double life when they detach themselves from God and his people, the pope said in his homily Jan. 9 during morning Mass at the Domus Sanctae Marthae. “Jesus is clear in this: ‘Do what they say’ — they speak the truth — ‘but not what they do,’” the pope said. “It is awful to see pastors
response to the news that God’s kingdom is at hand. Repentance involves a turning away from sin. It equally involves turning toward God, and toward God’s will. We often think of it in negative terms, but there is a positive side to it, especially here. Jesus further calls us to “believe in the gospel,” that is to say, to believe in the good news of his announcement. Our belief in his announcement is the first step. Otherwise, none of it will matter to us. The announcement that Jesus makes at the beginning of Mark’s Gospel, which we hear as Sunday’s Gospel reading, lays out the core of Jesus’ preaching. All of Jesus’ teachings and parables in the rest
of Mark’s Gospel served to illustrate it. That is why his parables ordinarily begin with these words or similar words: “The kingdom is God is like. . . .” His teachings show us what our relationship to God, and our relationships with others, will look like if we believe in his announcement about the kingdom. Our attitude and our behavior will change. We may look ahead to other events in our lives, to the beginning of spring or the start of the baseball season. But Jesus encourages us to focus on what we have at our fingertips, what is close to us, what is within our grasp: “The kingdom of God is at hand.”
with double lives: It is a wound in the church.” The pope reflected on the day’s Gospel reading from St. Mark in which Jesus astonishes the crowd by his preaching because he taught them “as one having authority and not as the scribes.” That same authority, the pope explained, is awakened in today’s pastors when they are “close to God in prayer and close to the people.” — CNS
JANUARY 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY
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Revitalize your parish by twinning with another
anuary begins a season of resolutions. This year, it’s for parishes as well as people. The archdiocese is proposing that parishes enter into relationship with another parish through twinning. Inspired by our pope and moved by the Holy Spirit, the archdiocese has set forth a bold invitation: to help our faith communities work together to better bear witness to the joy of the Gospel. As you may recall, our archdiocese has three key initiatives — or super-priorities — for the next several years to help us grow as disciples of Jesus and make disciples for Jesus.
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ow that we’ve completed the observance of the centenary of the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima in Portugal, what’s next? In other words, was it just a big celebration, packed with Masses, inspirational presentations and public recitations of the rosary? Or is it something more — something that might lead us to make a real difference in our lives? Anniversaries are easy. But living in a relationship for another year, and beyond, requires renewed faith, realistic determination and reserves of grace. And, of course, we
DO UNTO OTHERS
BILL SCHOLL Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@ archkck.org.
Each of these initiatives has goals. After the first go-round, some of the goals were completed
and others needed to be renewed. And so, recently, the goals of our three key initiatives were updated. The archbishop promulgated this update with a letter sent to pastors and church leadership in October 2017 and through The Leaven. Notable among these updated goals is that the
archbishop has asked parishes to enter into twinning relationships to collaborate on projects of mercy and support by 2020. Twinning is a concept borrowed from sisterparish partnerships formed between congregations in the developed and developing world. However, archdiocesan twinning offers one notable difference: The focus is not one of financial patronage but, rather, relationship. You don’t have to travel abroad to encounter Christ in the other; it can be as easy as going to another Kansas zip code. So parish twinning in this new context consists of parishes entering into intentional relation-
ships to encounter Christ in one another through doing works of mercy together. This commitment to partner does not have to be permanent. Already some early adopters have had great success with twinning. St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood twinned with Our Lady of Unity in Kansas City, Kansas; Our Lady & St. Rose in Kansas City, Kansas, twinned with Holy Trinity in Lenexa; and St. Theresa of Perry twinned with St. Aloysius in Meriden, to name a few. All report that the participants got more out of the experience than they gave and that teaming up through twinning to do works of mercy brought new vitality to
both parishes. Our Lord sent his disciples out, “two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go” (Lk 10:1). Today, our local church of northeast Kansas is sending parishes out in similar fashion: two by two to prepare our communities to encounter Christ as we encounter him in each other. If your parish is looking to learn more or would like some help in discernment, contact the archdiocesan office for social justice. As a parish, resolve this year to encounter Christ in relationship with another parish. Try twinning.
Need help appreciating the rosary? Let us help AS THE CHURCH PRAYS
MICHAEL PODREBARAC Michael Podrebarac is the archdiocesan consultant for the office of liturgy and sacramental life.
have at our disposal the means to live more deeply our life-giving
relationship with Jesus and with his mother: the daily recitation of the rosary. The essentials of our faith are straightforward. We believe in Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, whose consent to become the mother of Our Lord and God makes eternal life
possible. To renew that faith, we simply need to acknowledge it as something that not only took place long ago but that also continues to have meaning today. Successful determination is built upon a realistic foundation. Most of us know how to “say” the rosary, but the goal is to truly “pray” it so that it makes a real impact on our lives. This won’t likely happen overnight, but is a gradual process. Practice makes perfect. And practice toward perfection requires grace — that is, God’s divine life in us. And grace isn’t cheap, even though it’s free. It’s something we need to cooperate with and
make use of, and sometimes certain resources can assist us. That’s the goal of a resource the archdiocesan liturgy office is presently preparing — to assist us in learning to pray the rosary with greater clarity and meaning, that what it offers us may be more readily imitated in daily life, so we may obtain all that it promises for us, especially a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus. “Praying with the rosary” will incorporate different forms of guided meditations upon the mysteries of the life of Jesus — this is key to unlocking this devotion’s potential. Included for each mystery will be
an opening meditation, short Scripture verses, quotes from the saints and full-color artwork to guide us in entering the scene and seeing the life of Christ anew. Look for this free and easy-to-use resource on the webpage of the office for liturgy and sacramental life in time for Lent. And contact the liturgy office for your own free, printed copy. The more we know about the Lord Jesus himself, the more we learn about his mother Mary. And the closer we grow to Mary, the closer we’ll be to him. Her maternal counsel through the rosary is trustworthy: “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5).
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JANUARY 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
PRO-LIFE
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Laity taking their rightful place in pro-life work, ministry By Mark Pattison Catholic News Service
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ASHINGTON (CNS) — Building a culture of life is not solely the work of bishops and ordained clergy. Laypeople take the lead in diocesan and parish settings, and in independent organizations, to make the case for life. Johanna Coughlin is one such example, but far from the only example. In her eighth year of working for the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Respect Life Office, she took over as director last year when her predecessor retired. To Coughlin, it seems “I’ve always been in pro-life ministry.” Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, where her mother was involved with the local Birthright chapter, “we had several young moms stay with us,” she said. When Coughlin was in middle school, she recalled, “one of the moms invited my mom and me to witness the birth of her son.” “I thought I might be drawn to this type of a ministry, maybe as a volunteer, but not as a profession,” she told Catholic News Service. That changed, though. “Initially, I thought I’d be a lobbyist. I was a lobbyist for National Right to Life [Committee] for a very short time,” Coughlin said, but “after getting a family of my own I started working for the archdiocese.” She said the Baltimore Archdiocese has been greatly helpful to her, letting her work part time, and also work from home, as her family has grown to five children, ages 9, 7, 5, 3 and 1. Coughlin’s mother lives with the family and helps out with the children, she added. There are “so many good and faithful people in our parishes who do the real work, motivating parishioners to come down for the March [for Life],” Coughlin said. This year’s march in Washington is set for Jan. 19. “You know it’s a call when you can step back from those moments and those conversations and say you can keep going,” she added. “I’m inspired by all the people around me. I tell them all the time, ‘You are the guys doing the good work . . . making sure these things happen.’ I’m inspired looking at these folks — especially the ones who have been doing it for so long.” Thomas O’Neill, head of the Respect Life Office in the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, had life issues added to his portfolio six months ago, he told CNS. “This first year is getting a sense of where we’re at,” O’Neill said. “I’m going down [for the march], witnessing everything, taking notes.” O’Neill has been involved in prolife efforts since 2008, when he started working in the Family Life Office of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia. He was active in family life and men’s ministries while there, but he also loved speaking — often at lobby days at the state Capitol in Richmond with
CNS PHOTO/LESLIE KOSSOFF
March for Life participants, lead by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and students at Benedictine College, carry a banner past the front of the U.S. Supreme Court building in 2014 in Washington. lawmakers representing districts in the diocese who were not pro-life. “It is,” O’Neill said, “the pre-eminent rights issue of our day.” In Harrisburg, he wants to double the turnout for next year’s March for Life. As he was being interviewed by CNS, the diocese sent a news release outlining local respect life efforts: 30 parishes holding holy hours for life, and 13 parishes sponsoring buses to Washington for the march. “Most of the impetus for the March for Life comes from the parishes. The parishes organize their own buses. We centralize that information and promote it, giving people around the diocese an idea of where they can go. We almost have two months dedicated to respect life,” O’Neill noted, with Respect Life Month in October, while “January ends up being a de facto second month for respect life.” O’Neill’s former boss in Arlington, Therese Bermpohl, has served in various capacities in the pro-life effort for over two decades. In the mid-1990s, she worked for the U.S. bishops in spreading the news about natural family planning. She also taught morality at a Catholic high school in the Washington suburbs and did campus ministry before taking a job with the Arlington Diocese 12 years ago. Within a month of her hiring, she became acting director of the diocesan family life office. Last year, she was named executive director of the multipronged Marriage, Family and Respect Life Office. What keeps her in this ministry, she said, is “just my desire to spread the good news, spread the Gospel.” “Just knowing Jesus Christ has
changed my life, right? And having the church as a vehicle, with all the sacraments,” she continued. “I think it’s a natural thing for me to say, ‘C’mon everybody, you’ve got to get to know the Lord, the church is still a voice in the wildness, calling us to straighten our path to the Lord. We’re going to heaven, eventually, and the church is the straightest way to get there.’ I believe that 100 percent.” For Bermpohl, it was her work at the high school and college that sealed the deal. “I saw so many women who had abortions in college or in high school — as young as 16. One came up to me: ‘It was devastating. It was devastating.’ You see the look on their face. ‘He forgives, he forgives.’ ‘I can’t forgive myself.’ ‘Yes, he will, all you have to do is turn to him and you’re forgiven,’” she said, recalling their conversation. “It’s really kind of powerful, being able to be a catalyst. It’s just a privileged position when someone’s so broken and so wounded, to be able to say, ‘Let me show you the way,’” Bermpohl said. She recalled one woman who came on a post-abortion retreat. “She can’t even look up. At the end of her post-abortion healing, she’s like a new person,” she said. “She’s free. And that really is the message of freedom. You’re free. You’re not chained by sin.” Bermpohl, though, continues to worry about the culture. “Human sexuality is the action God chose to bring human beings into this world, and it’s treated as an extracurricular activity,” she said. “And until we get to say that there’s something sacred here, something profound here, I don’t know if we
can change the culture.” That “dark night of the soul” feeling is not uncommon to those in prolife ministry. “I think all of us have” felt it, said Kristan Hawkins, founder of Students for Life. She likened it to “trying to swim to the top of the pool and people are trying to dump more water on you.” She said faith gets one through those rough spots. Hawkins — no longer a student herself; she founded Students for Life in 2006, a year or so after her college days ended — is busy in the run-up to the March for Life, as are most people engaged in pro-life ministry. Her organization’s national conference takes place the day after the march. “We distribute thousands and thousands of signs” for the march itself, she told CNS. Then she flies to San Francisco for the annual Walk for Life West Coast in that city, followed by another conference. She got her start in pro-life activity at age 15, when she said yes to a request from a friend at her church to volunteer that summer at a pregnancy resources center. After that experience, Hawkins said, “it got put on my heart that I needed to do more.” She started a pro-life group at her high school in West Virginia and at her college. Hawkins said she couldn’t find a pro-life faculty member to sponsor the group, but a professor who was not pro-life sponsored the club; he “didn’t agree, but he thought we should have the right to form a pro-life group on campus.” She said she got known as “the pro-life girl” at school.