01-24-14 Vol. 35 No. 23 by The Leaven

theleaven.com | vol. 35, no. 23 | january 24, 2014

‘Good enough for God’

Molly Schmitz leads the ReNew Year Heart youth retreat participants in praise and worship music before eucharistic adoration. The retreat was held at Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia. From far left, Araceli Madrigal, Maris Velazquez, MacKenzie Baza, Emily Marsha, Emely Magaña and Abbey Davies sing along to the music of the Jesse Elpers Band. Despite freezing conditions and the threat of a blizzard, nearly 50 teens showed up for the event.

Speaker helps teens get off the ‘emotocoaster’ at Emporia youth event

Story By Katie Hyde | Photos by Libby Hyde

Featured speaker Sarah Swafford participates in eucharistic adoration with the teens. In her presentation, Swafford stressed the importance of striving to be “simply irresistible” men and women, meaning striving to be a virtuous person.

MPORIA — Nearly 50 teens braved 30-degree weather and the imminent threat of a blizzard to attend the ReNew Year Heart retreat Jan. 4 at Sacred Heart Parish here. The retreat, which was coordinated by the archdiocesan youth office in conjunction with Sacred Heart Parish, was a daylong celebration of faith that included music, discussions of emotional virtue, eucharistic adoration, and Mass. >> See “Authentic” on page 7

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Life will be victorious

Aunt and uncle’s ‘domestic church’ both welcomed and challenged

ast week, I wrote about my Aunt Dolores, who died earlier this month at the age of 86.

She was the mother of eight sons and grandmother and great-grandmother to a much larger family. Thinking about my Aunt Dolores and how she spent her life as a wife and mother has been a helpful meditation for me as the entire church prepares for the upcoming Synod on the Family. Sadly, the importance of vibrant marriages and healthy families is undervalued in our culture. Many of the societal challenges of our time have their root causes in the deterioration of family life. Parents, and mothers in particular, do not receive much cultural support if they choose to devote their lives to the care and nurturing of their children. Yet, there is no more important responsibility than the formation of children. Truly, the health and future of civilization depends on the development of healthy and virtuous adults for the future. When I think of my Aunt Dolores caring and raising eight sons, I cannot imagine a more challenging or important responsibility. In reality, she was the chief operating officer of a complex household. Just the logistics of feeding eight boys and with my brother and me — 10 boys — was no small feat. She was the chief medical officer for this little community, exercising preventive medicine and germ control by providing each son and nephew with a color-coated metal “glass” that was for our exclusive use. What illnesses she could not prevent, she

archbishop Joseph F. Naumann either cured by dispensing aspirins or Benadryl or nursed us tenderly back to health. Aunt Dolores was the banker and bookkeeper for the household. She was the tutor for each of her sons, coaching them on how to achieve the maximum according to their unique aptitude and set of talents. She was an incredible recreation director, encouraging her sons and nephews to entertain ourselves with sports and creating our own games, which always had some educational purpose. She took us on annual pilgrimages to visit the Science and Industry Museum or some of the other wonders of Chicago. Those summers spent in Griffith, Ind., with my cousins are some of the most memorable parts of my childhood. Every day was open house at my aunt and uncle’s. There was always a steady parade of my cousins’ friends adding to the usual mayhem. During the day, we would play baseball and swim. At night, there was usually some family game we played that caused us to laugh so hard our sides ached. There was always plenty of excitement and laughter and fun at my aunt and uncle’s home. In church lingo, we speak of the Christian family as the domestic church — the house church. The Christian family is the church in miniature. The domestic church that my aunt and uncle presided over was a place where all were welcomed, respected, accept-

ed — and at the same time — challenged to be our best. My aunt and uncle’s faith was the foundation for their lives and the life of their family. The parish was the center of their lives. It was really through their participation in the parish that they formed incredible friendships that became as important as family to them. What they experienced at St. Mary Parish in Griffith was truly the church at its best. Many evenings during those formative summers, I remember praying the rosary together. With this gang of boys a lot of times, in reality, it was not the glorious, joyful or sorrowful mysteries that we prayed, but more like the hilarious mysteries! Still, those times of prayer made a deep impression on all of us. There was never a question about Sunday Mass. It was a given. It was an anchor to each week. We never missed giving God, who had given us everything, his time. Through the years, I had many discussions about different aspects of our Catholic faith with Aunt Dolores. Occasionally, she would call with some question about the church or why we believed what we believe as Catholics. Sometimes, I would receive these calls in those rare instances when Aunt Dolores was skeptical about an answer my mother had given her. She was questioning Mom’s magisterial authority or at least seeking a second opinion. She always had a healthy curiosity about the faith, seeking to understand better the rationale for what we believe. In later years, Aunt Dolores developed a real love for the Divine Mercy chaplet. She identified with its simple plea for God’s mercy. She never claimed perfection for herself, and she certainly tolerated a lot imperfection

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in the rest of us. We all knew her love was not contingent on us always doing the right thing. In part, she loved our Catholic faith because she understood it was not about perfecting ourselves, but about being transformed by mercy and grace. The rosary remained an important part of her life. It is beautiful how the rosary — so simple a child can pray it, but so profound that it has nourished the souls of great saints — continued to be important in Aunt Dolores’ life. Near the end, when she could respond to little else, the familiar cadence of the rosary was a great comfort for her. She prayed faithfully for each member of her family that they would know Jesus also as the way and the truth and the life. She wanted them to discover the abundant life that she had found and that Our Lord offers to those who love him and strive to follow him. I was edified by how my cousins and their families cared for my aunt during the last months and weeks of her life. She was constantly surrounded by family. One of my cousins, in reflecting on this, wrote this observation in a letter enclosed with his Christmas card: “I like to think she knows how much we’re trying to give back as much as we can in return for the decades of care she gave to us. During visits, my brothers and I read her the many cards she receives from people she touched during her welllived life. The memories and stories within those cards reveal how tangible a presence my mom has been in this world. I feel small and inconsequential by comparison. She and my dad really knew how to live, to have fun, and to love.” Aunt Dolores really lived a wonderful life! Much like

calendar archbishop

Naumann Jan. 24-26 Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher winter council Jan. 27 Catholic Schools Week Topeka Mass — Hayden High School, Topeka

March for Life participants hold the front banner at the start of the March for Life in Washington in 2010. Benedictine College has been chosen to lead this year’s march. CNS photo/Peter Lockley

Leading the way

Jan. 28 Mass — St. Thomas Aquinas High School Mass and dinner with high school administrators Jan. 30 Catholic high school theology department chairs curriculum meeting Administrative Team meeting Jan. 31 “Support Our Seminarians” benefit dinner

archbishop

keleher Jan. 25-26 Mass — St. Sebastian, Fla.

the theme of that classic Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed movie, how much poorer so many of our lives would have been without her! Well, as a matter of fact, a good portion of the congregation at her funeral Mass would never have even existed were it not for her and my uncle’s love — their generosity and openness to giving life. Truly, they lost in one sense their own lives but, through it all, they found the abundant life that Jesus promised to those who choose to follow his way.

Benedictine College named to lead this year’s March for Life By Steve Johnson Special to The Leaven

tchison — After sending seven buses and more than 340 students to Washington, D.C., last year for the annual March for Life, Benedictine College here has been honored with the lead position in the march this year. Members of the college’s student pro-life organization, Ravens Respect Life, along with Abbot James Albers, OSB, of St. Benedict’s Abbey, will carry the banner at the head of the procession on Jan. 22, the 41st anniversary date of the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that opened the door for legalized abortions.  “The news that Benedictine College will be leading the March for Life has been the hot topic on campus all semester,” said Kathryn Brown, March for Life coordinator for the Ravens Respect Life organization. “We in Ravens Respect Life recognize what a huge honor this is . . . and we are proud to be taking the lead in front of over half a million pro-lifers who will be standing up for God’s most precious gift to us.” Each year, Benedictine College sends the largest group the greatest distance for the annual march, and they have already exceeded last year, filling eight busloads for the 2014 event, the 29th year students have made the trip.  “About 20 percent of our student body is willing to take that long, 48-hour round trip bus ride in support of life,” said Stephen D. Minnis, president of Benedictine College. “I am proud and amazed by our students.”  “I see attendance at the March for Life as something almost necessary for a Catholic college student,” said Jeanne F. Monahan, president of March for Life. “Field trips like the March for Life can change and form a student’s perspective in many ways, as well as help to foster voca-

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

Leaven photo by Joe McSorley

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blesses a bus preparing to leave for the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. Three departed from Savior Pastoral Center on Jan. 19. In addition, eight buses left from Benedictine College in Atchison. tional and professional inklings.”  Abbot James, who graduated from Benedictine College in 1994

with degrees in theology and mass communications, had organized the trip to the March for Life when he

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Coordinator Julie Holthaus julie@theleaven.com

was a student.   “I organized the trip my sophomore year; we usually went with Kansans for Life,” he said. “Back then, 15 to 20 students going was a good number.” In addition to attending the march, Benedictine College staff and the Ravens Respect Life group usually organize an expanded program, complete with a Mass at St. Peter’s on Capital Hill, a rosary in front of the Supreme Court building, a gathering and Mass with other groups from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, and a gathering in the Senate building after the march, arranged by Benedictine alumnus Terry Gainer, the U.S. Senate sergeant-at-arms.  The trip to the march first started with Benedictine students who were interacting with the Kansans for Life organization. The school’s Knights of Columbus chapter took the lead and was a major promoter of the event. The first few years saw a handful of students go, but the numbers began to grow. In 1989, students at Benedictine College became so focused on right-to-life issues that they formed the Ravens Respect Life organization, using the name of the Benedictine College mascot.  “This is an important mission for us,” said Michael Green, last year’s March for Life coordinator. “We don’t go just because it’s some fun trip with our friends. We go to show the leaders of our country what we stand for; that is, the dignity of all people from conception to natural death.”  In 2009, the Benedictine College presence attracted the attention of documentary filmmakers, who then featured Benedictine students in their film. “Thine Eyes: A Witness to the March for Life” was shot on location by a six-camera crew to share the spirit of the annual march. It has now been seen on national television on EWTN and in theaters across the country.

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

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Babies for sale; film, proposed bill takes aim at surrogacy By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — How far would you go to have a baby? How much money would you pay? How far would you push the limits of technology, morality and ethics? One Kansas state senator fears that the pursuit of pregnancy fueled by money and technology is driving society off a moral and ethical cliff. This legislative session, Sen. Mary Pilcher-Cook, R-Shawnee, will introduce legislation to ban surrogacy in Kansas. To boost her efforts, she has invited Jennifer Lahl, who made a film — “Breeders” — on the topic, to offer testimony and screenings of the film in Topeka and Kansas City, Kan., this month. Some screenings will be sponsored by the Topeka chapter of the National Organization of Women, and others will be sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Surrogacy is when an infertile individual or couple arranges to have a woman become pregnant and give birth on their behalf. Broadly speaking, there are two types of surrogacy. In so-called “traditional” surrogacy, the woman uses her own egg and is inseminated with the sperm of a male. In so-called “gestational” surrogacy, the surrogate woman is implanted with an embryo created through in vitro fertilization technology (IVF). The embryo may or may not have been created with reproductive material from the intended, or “social,” parents or from other donors. In vitro fertilization became widespread after the first IVF baby, Louise Brown, was born in 1978. The first surrogate pregnancies soon followed, as did controversy. In 1986, surrogate mother Mary Beth Whitehead’s desire to keep the baby led to a legal battle.

Surrogacy: What the church teaches Put most simply, the church opposes in vitro fertilization and surrogacy. The church’s teaching can be found in a number of documents: • The Catechism of the Catholic Church (No. 2376) • “Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology,” pastoral teaching of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (Nov. 17, 2009) • “Dignitatis Personae,” instruction from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (No. 19), issued on Dec. 12, 2008 • “Donum Vitae,” instruction from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (Section II-A), issued on Feb. 22, 1987 • “Married Love and the Gift of Life,” U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (Nov. 14, 2006)

Lahl, in addition to being a filmmaker, is founder and president of the San

Francisco-based Center for Bioethics and Culture. She is a nurse by training and has a graduate degree in bioethics. “My film ‘Breeders’ is a three-part series,” said Lahl. “The first is ‘Eggsploitation,’ the second is ‘Anonymous Father’s Day,’ and the third — ‘Breeders’ — looks at surrogacy.” “Breeders” is a documentary that asks such questions as: Should we do this? Should women be paid to have babies for other women? What are the problems and complications that may arise? The film definitely has a point of view. “We don’t make religious arguments,” she said. “We make very strong arguments about the use of women’s bodies, about the role of money . . . [about] what happens to babies and mothers when they are told not to bond, and what this does to children to be treated as products to be bought and sold.” One of the surrogates in the film was told she had to have an abortion because it was diagnosed with Down syndrome. “[It’s] all about the complexities of buying and selling children, and paying women to have babies,” said Lahl. “Kansas will be the first place on the planet to publicly see this film.” There isn’t a lot of good information about surrogacy in Kansas, according to Ron Kelsey, archdiocesan consultant for pro-life ministry. “As with IVF, there is very little regulation in many states, and there is no federal law on surrogacy,” said Kelsey. “There isn’t a lot of tracking data.” According to the best information available, surrogacy is growing rapidly, he said. “There are virtually no statistics on how many women and families are involved in the surrogacy markets. . . . Nevertheless, the available reports from the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) clearly show that the number of infants born

“Breeders” public showtimes Admission is free. Copies of the film will be available for purchase. • 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 in the Blair Room at Memorial Union, Washburn University, Topeka • 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 28 at O’Connor Hall, Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, 1750 S.W. Stone, Topeka • 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 29 in the Keleher Conference Room, Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan.

to gestational surrogates almost doubles from 2004 to 2008. . . . These numbers, while only skimming the surface of the entire surrogacy market, will surely continue to rise,” according to the 2010 report “Surrogacy in America” by the Council for Responsible Genetics. That same report, while noting that Kansas has no laws regarding surrogacy, reported that there were two attorney general opinions regarding surrogacy, given on July 2, 1982, and Sept 11, 1996. “We need to once again honor the biological connection of mothers and fathers with their children,” said PilcherCook. “I’m concerned that we are violating the natural law in many situations in our state through or lack of laws.” The law that Pilcher-Cook will propose borrows language from an existing law for the District of Columbia. She doesn’t know how much support the bill will receive from colleagues. “It’s not a subject that is often discussed,” she said. “It comes up in the news periodically. Legislators, for the most part, don’t hear about the heartaches and problems that happen in this area. So, what we are attempting to do is shine some light on the subject.”

Archbishop celebrates Red Mass in Topeka By Marc and Julie Anderson Special to the Leaven

OPEKA — Located across the street from the Kansas Capitol here, Assumption Church, one of two buildings utilized by Mater Dei Parish, provides an ideal setting for Catholics working in the downtown area to gather in prayer. Noon Mass often sees a mix of private sector and government professionals from various parishes throughout the city praying together as one. And as the mother church of Topeka, Assumption has served as a gathering place for Catholics to pray before local events such as the annual Right to Life rally and March for Life held at the state Capitol, as well as the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. But it was particularly fitting that on Jan. 16 the church provided a setting for area Catholics — especially those who serve in elected public office and their families, as well as those engaged in lives of public service at all levels of government — to come together in prayer for another purpose: that of participating in the annual Red Mass. The Red Mass is a term used to denote a special Mass celebrated to ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance for all elected officials and those who serve in government as they grapple with difficult public policy decisions during

Leaven photo by Marc Anderson

Father John Pilcher (far left), pastor of Mater Dei Parish, Topeka; Bishop Edward Weisenberger (top of miter shown) of Salina; Msgr. Robert Hemberger, diocesan administrator and moderator of the curia for the Diocese of Wichita; Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann; Bishop John Brungardt of the Diocese of Salina; Father Nick Blaha, associate pastor for Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka; and Deacon Porfidio Ray Delgado of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Topeka kiss the altar at the conclusion of the Red Mass held on Jan. 16 in Topeka’s Assumption Church. Approximately 150 people attended the Mass. the legislative session. This year’s Red Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. Concelebrants included Bishop John Brungardt, of the Diocese of Dodge City; Bishop Edward Weisenberger, of the Diocese of Salina; and Msgr. Robert Hemberger, diocesan administrator and moderator of the curia for the Diocese of Wichita. Joining them were Father John Pilcher, pastor of Mater Dei Parish, and Father Nick

Blaha, associate pastor of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish. Deacon Porfidio Ray Delgado of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish assisted. The origins of Red Mass date back to sometime in the Middle Ages. According to several websites, the first recorded Red Mass was celebrated in 1245 in Paris in La Sainte-Chapelle, built by King Louis IX of France, later canonized as St. Louis. Sixty-five years later,

in 1310, the first Red Mass was celebrated in England during the reign of King Edward I at the opening of the High Court. At the time, the entire bench and bar attended the Mass together at the opening of each session or court term. Since the celebrant wore red robes, the judges at that time and all professors of law conformed to the tradition and wore red as well, resulting in the popular term of Red Mass. In the United States, the first Red Mass was celebrated in New York City in 1928. Since 1953, the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., has celebrated a Red Mass annually at the beginning of the opening of the Supreme Court in October. Today, more than half of the dioceses in the United States celebrate a Red Mass at some point during the year. In his homily, Archbishop Naumann reflected on several themes, including how Catholics serving in public office or working for the government should act as they engage in public policy debates, especially during times of disagreement; how the Catholic faith should be a matter of a genuine life rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and not a matter for political gain; and finally, how the Catholic serving in public office or in a life of public service should draw upon his or her faith, not as a means of proselytizing, but rather as a means of evangelizing others.

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‘Authentic’ counts most with teens >> Continued from page 1 “There are lot of obstacles that are put before us,” said Angie Bittner, archdiocesan rural youth outreach coordinator. “When kids and adult leaders make an effort to get the kids there and try to increase their faith, it is so exciting. That’s what this ministry is about.” Bittner coordinated with Sacred Heart director of religious education Linda DeDonder to plan the event. After hosting a similar retreat for youth last year, DeDonder contacted Bittner about cohosting a second event. “So many great events happen in the Kansas City area, our purpose is to bring the Gospels and Catholic values to our teens in the Southern Region,” DeDonder said. “The regional retreat is a great example of the archdiocese supporting rural parishes and bringing teens together to celebrate our faith in Christ.” The evening, which included music by the Jesse Elpers Band from Wichita, featured as its main speaker Sarah Swafford, a graduate of Benedictine College in Atchison and now director of special projects for Catholic identity there. Swafford is also the founder of Emotional Virtue Ministries, devoted to understanding the ups and downs of teen life and focusing particularly on how emotional virtue can help teens avoid what she terms “The Emotocoaster.” By understanding how their be-

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Don and Doris (Noll) Ruhlman, members of St. Theresa Parish, Perry, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Feb. 1. The couple was married on Feb. 1, 1954, at Sacred Heart Church, Topeka, by the late Father John O‘Connor. They celebrated early with a family gathering and dinner on Dec. 29. Their children and their spouses are: Dan and Karen Ruhlman; Chris and Maureen Ruhlman; Terry and Nancy Ruhlman; and Lynne and Rene Valdivia. A son, Mike, is deceased. They also have seven grandchildren.

Sanctuary of Hope to host Lenten retreat Lead singer Jesse Elpers leads the band and the Re-New Year Heart retreat participants in a cover of “How He Loves.” havior affects others and by striving to be virtuous and confident, Swafford maintains, teens can enjoy lives with less drama and more happiness. “My job,” she explains bluntly, “is to make virtue sexy again. “[Teens are] so hungry for the truth and for a life without drama. “And they may not know it, but [also] for a life with Our Lord. Teens can smell it when you’re fake, so I try to be authentic and truthful.” Swafford’s quick acceptance of the invitation to speak at Re-New Year Heart came courtesy of her small-town roots.

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“I know what it’s like to be a small-town Kansas teen,” Swafford said. “I’ll do anything I can to help these kids.” The teens who attended Re-New Year Heart certainly got the message. “It made me realize that no matter who you are, you’re good enough for God,” said Maranda Scheller, a 14-year-old from Olpe High School who attended the event. “It doesn’t matter if some guy doesn’t like you.” “A lot of kids don’t try very hard to get close to God, but this made it easy to talk to him,” she said.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center here will hold a Lenten retreat conducted by Father Dennis Wait on March 1. The day will begin with registration and a light breakfast at 7:45 a.m., followed by talks, personal meditation/prayer time, reconciliation and Mass. Lunch will be served at noon. The cost is $30. For more information or to register, send an email to: julie@sanctuary ofhope.org or call (913) 321-4673.

Choir seeking applicants The National Catholic Youth Choir is seeking high school singers to apply for the June 16 - July 1 choral camp and multistate concert tour. Applications are online at: www.catholicyouthchoir.org and are due March 21. The camp will be held at St. John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minn.

6 Local news

theleaven.com | January 24, 2014

Faith: The next generation

o often we hear that our youth are our future. In many ways, that is true. It is also true they are a vibrant, active and holy part of our faith today. Pope Francis invites us to believe a simple and beautiful idea. “The church is a story of love,” he said, “and we are a part of it.” This story is told every day in our archdiocese. One chapter in the story is Prairie Star Ranch. Prairie Star and Camp Tekakwitha in Williamsburg give our young people a unique place to meet Jesus, in the natural surroundings of a ranch. “The created world,” said Archbishop Naumann, “is a book, given to us by God to read. God reveals himself in the beauty and design of our natural world. In this way, our children are led to the Creator.”

Who benefits? Prairie Star Ranch and many other youth resources for parishes are made possible, in part, through the support of the Archbishop’s Call to Share. Each year at this time, parishioners are invited to make a sacrificial gift to the appeal. The passing on of our precious Catholic faith to the next generation is an essential part of what every parish and school does. A program like the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd uses the Montessori method to teach the catechism to young children. Online lessons called the “Three-Minute Catechism” use new technologies and appropriate conversation to teach the beliefs of the creed. New academic opportunities are preparing our teachers and catechists to be extraordinary vessels of wisdom and faith. These are essential tools of evangelization in our archdiocese. You can support these efforts and help proclaim the Gospel with a gift to the appeal. Be a part of the “Story of Love” this year.

How to give

Susan Gittinger didn’t think about teaching early on in college — but an inner voice led her to education. The fourth-grade instructor at Holy Cross School in Overland Park is now in her 31st year of teaching. Her daughter Anne (below) followed in her footsteps.

Each Catholic household in the archdiocese will receive information about the appeal. Pledges and gifts may be returned to the parish using the envelope provided. Additional information is available online at: www.calltoshare.org. Online pledges are accepted as well. Please prayerfully consider how your family might be able to make a gift or increase your level of giving over last year.

For many in the archdiocese, Catholic education is . . .

A family affair

Memorial Masses • Feb. 1 Holy Redeemer Chapel - 9 a.m. Gate of Heaven Cemetery 126th and Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kan. Mt. Calvary Tomasa Acosta Refugia Rios Adams John M. Aguilar Sonia M. Arellano Joseph Becerra, Sr James E Brennan Jack W. Cramer Sandra S. Decker Anna M. DeGraeve Patricia A. Eker Monica Y. Fowler Carol E. Hardy Robert J. Hauber Angelina C. Hernandez Gary A. Ibarra Gladys E. Koska Julie D. Kostelac Anna M. Losier Eva Madrigal Jose L. Maldonado Victoria Marquez Pauline M. McGinley Htay Meh Ruth LaMetterey Meyn Geneva Muro Isaiah Rashad Nelson Carl E. Neumer Anna B. Oblak Stephen J. Paduck

Audrey D. Samuels Jeanette R. Shaw Linda Slaughter Julia Slevinske Elizabeth R. Strick Sandra L. Teeple James E. Truman Refujio Vargas Irene M. Williams Donald J. Yonker

Resurrection Justine M. Anchors Sedrick C. Apple William B. Barrows Edward W. Bauer Janis Y. Bayless Julia F. Becker Charles J. Berkel Lola M. Bigler Edward J. Bortko William C. Brown Anna J. Brulez April R. Caruso Ruth L. Cates Mary A. Denk Helen D. Doyle James A. Fenton Mary C. Gast Robert Ginther

For persons buried or entombed from Oct. 12, 2013 through Jan. 13, 2014 at one of our Catholic Cemeteries in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties.

Kathryn Glevanik Agatha C. Gorman Paul L. Grandcolas Dorothy Grindinger Phyllis Hanson Mary L. Harmless Daniel A. Harkins Helen I. Hartegan Edward L. Horan Casper H. Horn James F Hurley Jr. Connie M. Kasten Robert M. Kirby Robert J. Klusman Gnovah Jayden Knaus Shirley M. Kuestersteffen Weston Eugene Lane Gertrude E. Lenihan Michael J. Maher, Sr Helen A. Mall Gary P. March Robert E. Lee Marshall II Sally H. Marshall Robert W. Martin Ella M. Marx Elizabeth L. Matzeder Frances M. Mayerle Betty L. McCann Joseph P. McCluskey Shirley A. McKain

Mary Ann Michaels Reed F. Murphy Jr Leonard E. Olberding James T. O’leary Olger J. Opitz Cecilia M. Ottinger Eric L. Peterson Alice M. Phillips Janis A. Pilcher Elizabeth A. Beary Purkey Octavio “Tavi” Ramirez Maxwell Louis Ratliff Paul B. Rieke Diana M. Robinson Wilma D. Romito Mary G. Roos Freda J. Rose Herman J. Rothbrust Herman V. Rothbrust Karola H. Rothbrust Michael P. Satterfield Jennifer S. Sieben Esther Fernandez Silva Aiden Smith Circe Smith Victor A. Spallitta Bob Sperry M.C Sperry Leroy J. Spohrer David D. Stewart

Holy Family Chapel - 9 a.m. Resurrection Cemetery 83rd and Quivera Rd., Lenexa Margaret E. Strahler Joel S. Streufert Jerome J. Tajchman James A. Tharp Raymond J. Vallejo Frank G. Viscek Delbert D. Walker Thomas R Wilkes David C. Vogan Rita M. Yoksh Robert J. Zahner

St. Joseph Arlene F. Lane Dolores F. McAnany Luisa M. Paschino Erasmo S. Reyes Ivan B. Rogers Robert E. Schweiger John R. Solar Dorothy A. Van Hoet

St. John, Lenexa Elizabeth A. Kaufman John A. Scherman Christina C. Schlagel Brian R. Shehan

Story & photos by Jessica Langdon

Mt. Calvary, Olathe Janice C. Takaishi

Gate of Heaven Lonnie Arnold Eugene J. Beyer Mary A. Bondank Harold J. Brown Kingsford B. David Marilyn Y. Fogarty Shirley K. Heffernan Stanley T. Miroslaw Davie L. Purinton

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ven when the final bell rang announcing summer vacation, school never really ended for Anne Gittinger. Her mother Susan Gittinger is a teacher, so when break arrived, Anne and her sisters crafted a summer full of their own lessons using their mom’s old textbook guides. “When my sisters and I were little, that was the big thing to play during the summer,” said Anne. That’s why she is not at all surprised to find herself today standing at the front of a classroom at Our Lady of Unity School in Kansas City, Kan., sharing her love of English language arts with sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders. She never seriously thought about pursuing any other career. Susan Gittinger, on the other hand, now in her 31st year of teaching, had never considered a career in education before college. She loved art, but had settled on journalism — until a

Unlike her mother, Anne Gittinger had no doubts about what she wanted to be when she grew up. From an early age, she liked to play school. She now teaches at Our Lady of Unity School in Kansas City, Kan. walk across campus in the spring of her freshman year changed her entire course. “It was truly like an inner voice said,

‘Teach,’” she said. “I went down and changed my major that day.” She teaches fourth-graders at Holy Cross School in Overland Park.

Catholic schools week Jan. 26 to Feb. 1

“It’s different every single day,” she said. She loves that in a Catholic school she can teach science and talk about who created it, and in math, she can teach students about the order of the universe. Developing a strong faith in students was also important to her daughter. “I’ve always believed that people should feel small compared to something, because we tend to feel that we’re the biggest and the baddest and the most important, and God has a way of kind of making us feel little again,” said Anne. “That’s a very humbling experience, and I think it’s important — especially in the world that we live in today — that everyone needs to feel small and feel like maybe someone is watching, and their actions do have consequences, good or bad.” And while Susan says she’s still learning more about the craft of teaching every day herself, she had one key piece of advice when her daughter started teaching full time this school year. “Just remember, you’ve got to love them,” she said. “I think you’re freer to show that in a Catholic school — that you do care about them, that you do care about the whole person — and there’s someone else that cares about them, too. And you get to talk about Jesus and talk about God every day.” She suggested to Anne that she pray for her students — not merely as a group, but each by name, every day — an idea the new teacher took to heart. >> Continued on the next page

>> Continued from the previous page The Gittingers’ family tree is just one of many within the archdiocese in which multiple members of the same family have branched out into Catholic education. And the lessons that have come from the family connections have offered rewards for everyone.

Passing on the torch Honors English students in Patrice Ludwig’s class at Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kan., were having an animated discussion about “The Kite Runner,” by Khaled Hosseini. A few miles away at Our Lady of Unity School, the reading material was a little less advanced — but the first-grade students in Kathleen Ludwig’s class were equally engaged. Right now, they’re learning to read, but next year, they’ll be reading to learn, said Kathleen. These two classes share a special bond, all thanks to the mother (Patrice) and daughter (Kathleen) who teach them. When Kathleen started her first year as an elementary school teacher this school year, she and Patrice introduced their classes as “reading buddies.” The Bishop Ward students have visited the Our Lady of Unity students a few times. Not only did Patrice get to meet all the first-graders she hears so much about from her daughter, the younger students got to know the seniors — adults, in their eyes — who take an interest in them, read with them, and even help them with research projects. At Thanksgiving, for example, the Ward students made costumes for the first-graders. Both Ludwigs have cherished watching the students connect, as well as the opportunity to see one another in action as teachers. “My mom’s been just a great example of a caring teacher and a caring person,” said Kathleen. “It’s been really neat for her to be in here and see my class and have my kids meet hers, because she is so special to me, too.” “I have so much respect for those elementary school teachers,” said Patrice. “There’s no down time. They have to shift gears so quickly. You have to be extremely organized.” Kathleen studied education with an emphasis in English as a Second Language and was excited to teach in an urban setting. The calendar and other decorations on the walls show both English and Spanish words. Patrice’s passion for teaching was sparked during her own high school years at Ward, especially by Sister Susan Rieke, SCL, who is now an English professor at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth. “I was just so fascinated by what she knew,” said Patrice, who always loved language and was captivated by her teacher’s explanations of poetry and how words worked together. Patrice genuinely enjoys her students, and maintains they want to be challenged, whether they’d admit it or not. She taught before her children came along, but feels on her return to teaching she’s brought with her a better understanding of teenage life from raising her own. It’s not always easy to be a teenager, she said, and she knows her students have a lot on their plates. So she shares a lot of her own story with her students, hoping they’ll see that she’s made it through some of the same issues . . . and lived to tell the tale. Patrice enjoys talking with her students about “God moments” they experience in the classroom. And she is delighted that her daughter is putting their

Photo courtesy of Hayden

Parent/child staff members at Hayden High School in Topeka are, from left: Chris Cooper (cafeteria), Margaret Cooper (cafeteria), Janet Schumacher (office staff), Athena Sutton (art teacher), Janet Leiker, Joe Leiker, Judy Cucciniello, Elizabeth Meredith, Samantha Donald, and Karen Scheopner.

Annie Tompkins is a guidance counselor at Bishop Ward High School. She has a great resource in her father, John Tompkins, who has taught physics at St. Thomas Aquinas for several years. family’s priorities of compassion and service to work in her own career. “It makes me so happy to sort of pass the torch on to Kathleen, and to know that she has already influenced these kids and will continue to,” she said. “And that’s the God piece of it, sharing that love.” Kathleen hopes that as her first-graders grow up and reach the age of her mom’s high school seniors, they’ll keep their sense of love and resiliency — the

kind where, if they have a bad day, they return the next as if it never happened. “I just hope that they feel supported here,” said Kathleen. “And I hope that they feel that it’s OK to be who they are.”

‘Never say never’ The Shriver and DeNegri families know a lot about working hard, sacrific-

Kathleen Ludwig (above) is a first-grade teacher at Our Lady of Unity School in Kansas City, Kan., while her mother Patrice Ludwig (right) teaches at Bishop Ward High School. The two have teamed up, introducing their classes as “reading buddies.”

ing for Catholic education, and realizing the spiritual rewards involved. For David and Jane Shriver, if theirs wasn’t a match made in heaven, it was at least one made in Catholic schools. Jane, principal of Prince of Peace School in Olathe for the past decade, knew she wanted to teach as early as third grade. Inspired by Coach Gennaro Mirocke — among many significant influences — at St. Joseph High School in Shawnee, David also knew early that teaching would be his path. He taught first for 10 years at his alma mater and is now in his 26th year at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, where he teaches economics, coaches tennis, and is director of technology. Although David and Jane were a few years apart in age, they knew one another through their siblings. They eventually married and raised four children. Despite having two devoted educators as parents, their oldest daughter Courtney DeNegri always vowed that teaching wasn’t for her.

Now in her first year of teaching sixth grade at Curé of Ars School in Leawood, she has an important message for her class: “Never say never.” A stalling economy after graduation and a disappointing start in interior design steered Courtney in a new direction. “I decided that my calling was to be the teacher that I’d always said I was never going to be,” she said. And she loves it. Growing up in a family of educators certainly prepares a new teacher for what to expect. “She knew what happened morning to evening,” said David. “She had fewer surprises going in than a lot of people would.” Talking about faith at home was just something they did as a family, and now through faith formation programs, the Shrivers often continue those conversations. And Courtney has started building that tradition in her own family with her husband and two-year-old daughter. “Catholic school teachers care a lot about their kids and about their faith,” said Jane. “I think that has been a strength

Photo courtesy of the Shriver family

Jane (left) and David Shriver (right) have many years invested in Catholic education. Jane is the principal of Prince of Peace School in Olathe, and David is in his 26th year at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Growing up, their oldest daughter Courtney DeNegri (center) didn’t think that teaching was for her, but now finds herself teaching sixth grade at Curé of Ars School in Leawood. throughout. It’s not just about teaching the stuff. It’s about understanding the child and helping that child to grow as a person.” This family is impressed with the family feel at — and among — the Catholic schools in the area. Different branches of the same family often attend different schools, and it’s fun to make connections, as well as to see former students now grown with children of their own in Catholic schools. “I think that early on when we opened here, the families I got exposed to really

helped me with my family and my kids because of what they did — how they raised their kids and how they treated them,” said David. Some of their own children were even named after students.

All in the (Hayden) family The family ties that bind Hayden Catholic High School in Topeka are so evident that the story of five parent/child staff member sets was featured in an issue of the Wildcat Tales newsletter. “When we say Hayden is a family, we really mean it!” said Mark Madsen, principal of the high school. The family connections include Chris Cooper and his mother Margaret Cooper, who both work in the cafeteria. Janet Schumacher works in the office, and daughter Athena Sutton teaches art. Theology teacher Janet Leiker has taught at Hayden for close to two decades and was joined by son Joe, who — after working for several years with the track and girls basketball teams — came on board to teach English and Spanish. Karen Scheopner spent many years as a Catholic school science teacher before heading to Hayden to teach anatomy and physiology and to work as the school’s librarian. “Hayden High School has so many things going for it, it helps me to strengthen my faith to be surrounded by other spiritual Catholics all the time; the students are all so involved and fun to be around,” she told Wildcat Tales. Her daughter, Samantha Donald, also

joined the science department at Hayden, excited to make an impact — like her mother — on students’ learning. The mother-daughter teaching connection also came to Hayden through Judy Cucciniello and daughter Elizabeth Meredith. Cucciniello has been teaching there for more than 20 years and believes in the excellent education Catholic schools offer. Her love for education rubbed off on her daughter. “My mother is my hero,” said Meredith in the article. “She has always been my hero, so I do think she influenced my interest in science and teaching. I can’t really say that I know what made me want to be a teacher, because I have wanted to be one since my earliest memories. . . . I think the world is an amazing place full of beautiful mysteries, and it’s all ours to discover!” “We are definitely pleased to have so many families committed to helping us with our mission,” said Madsen.

Family ties But it’s not always from the top down that important insights flow. Annie Tompkins, a guidance counselor at Bishop Ward, of course finds a great resource and guide in her dad, John Tompkins, who has taught physics at St. Thomas Aquinas for the past several years. But Annie has learned a great deal from another relative heavily involved in education — her sister, Julie Tompkins, who is a senior at Aquinas. Even in the 14 years since Annie graduated from Aquinas, much has changed. Take technology, for example. While cellphones are incredibly handy, Annie remembers her own friends calling her home phone when she was in high school — and her parents connecting with her friends through those conversations. Annie has sat in on one of Julie’s theology of the body classes. Julie, in turn, has sat in on a class her sister taught, and Annie is Julie’s confirmation sponsor. And, as siblings will do, Julie gives honest feedback as Annie prepares lessons for her students. Thanks to her close relationship with Julie, said Annie, “I know what it’s like to be a teenager in 2014.” Julie has also helped Annie learn to connect with every student, a mission she takes seriously as she helps each Ward student grow in faith and prepare for college. Annie has joined the company of archdiocesan teachers who helped shape her own faith. “It just shows the great love in Catholic schools in the archdiocese,” she said.

News briefs 11

january 24, 2014 | theleaven.com

NATION

Chicago releases files relating to 30 priests accused of abusing minors CHICAGO (CNS) — The Archdiocese of Chicago Jan. 15 released more than 6,000 pages of documents related to cases involving 30 priests accused of sexual abuse. In the majority of the cases, the abuse occurred before 1988 and all were referred to civil authorities. The documents were given to Jeffrey Anderson, an attorney for abuse victims. Anderson is expected to make the files public the week of Jan. 26. Fourteen of the 30 priests have died and all but two have been laicized. The documents reveal the story of the priests, the abuse, information the archdiocese had and what action they took. The archdiocese released the documents as part of a mediation agreement signed in 2006. In the eight years since, lawyers for the victims, priests and the archdiocese culled through the documents to remove anything that would violate the privacy of victims. Nothing was removed relating the identity of the priests or there supervisors, said John O’Malley, director of legal services for the archdiocese, during a news conference at the Archbishop Quigley Center. “The information is upsetting. The information is painful. It’s difficult to read, even without the benefit of hindsight,” O’Malley said. “We believe however that this step is an important step in the process of transparency.”

‘Pope’s maestro’ to conduct Washington concert to mark canonizations WASHINGTON (CNS) — American conductor Sir Gilbert Levine will conduct an orchestra and two choirs in a May 5 concert in Washington to celebrate the canonizations of two popes, Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II. Levine is often called “the pope’s maestro” because of his nearly two-decade friendship with Blessed John Paul. Titled “Peace through Music ‘In Our Age,’” the concert at Constitution Hall will be presented on PBS and televised throughout the world. It will be offered a week after Pope Francis canonizes the former popes during an April 27 Mass at the Vatican. “This will be a celebration of the two popes,” Levine said at a Jan. 16 news conference in Washington to announce the concert. “John Paul came to understand the power of music as a language to express in a powerful way his message.” The concert is a joint effort of the Archdiocese of Washington, the Embassy of Poland and Georgetown University. The news conference was held in the great hall of the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington. The archdiocese “is pleased to collaborate in this extraordinary effort to celebrate these two extraordinary men,” Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl said at the news conference. “So much of the world feels a personal bond with each or both of these popes.” The concert’s title comes from the Second Vatican Council document “Nostra Aetate,” or “In Our Age.” It is the declaration on the church’s relations with other religions.

Official’s calls to remove pro-life march banners seen as censorship SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) — Banners displayed on light posts to promote the Jan. 25 pro-life march in San Francisco received the proper permitting from the city and calls for the signs’ removal are ridiculous, said a leader of the event. David Campos of the Board of Supervisors introduced a resolution Jan. 14 opposing the banners posted along Market Street to promote the 10th annual Walk for Life West Coast. The flags, a common sight in many a city

CNS photo/Gleb Garanich, Reuters

A clergyman holds a religious picture during a rally by pro-European Union protesters in Kiev, Ukraine, Jan. 21. Ukrainian Catholic Church leaders appealed for calm as violent protests escalated after a government crackdown. to announce various festivals and civic events, carry the slogan “Abortion hurts women,” and announce the date and place for the march, along with the event’s website, www.walkforlifewc.com. Campos contended the message on the banners “isn’t true. Not only is abortion one of the safest medical procedures in the United States, but denied, abortion care is what hurts women,” he was quoted as saying. He called for a review of the city’s process of granting permits for banners and his resolution claimed the march organization violated various city regulations, including “an accurate date for a related event.” But photos of the banners clearly show “January 25” as the date.

WORLD

Rabbi says his friend, the pope, will face challenges in Holy Land ROME (CNS) — A rabbi who has known Pope Francis for almost 20 years and counts him as a close personal friend said the pope’s May trip to the Holy Land will be a challenging balancing act because of the high expectations of Israelis and Palestinians and of Christians, Jews and Muslims. “There are many themes, many conflicts that he will have to face and there are the expectations of many people,” said Rabbi Abraham Skorka, rector of Buenos Rabbi Aires’ Latin AmerAbraham Skorka ican Rabbinical Seminary and co-author with the pope of the book, “On Heaven and Earth.” The rabbi was in Rome in mid-January along with a group of Jewish leaders from Argentina. They had a kosher lunch, catered by a Rome restaurant, with Pope Francis Jan. 16 at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where the pope lives. Rabbi Skorka went back for a private lunch with the pope Jan. 17. The rabbi gave a speech Jan. 16 at the Jesuit-run Pontifical Gregorian University about CatholicJewish relations in Argentina and met with the press afterward. He told reporters that the pope’s trip to Jordan, Israel and Pales-

tine “is a very sensitive theme” and that every detail must be handled very carefully because of the “many themes, many conflicts and the expectations of many people — some of which are very radical.”

Bishops visiting Holy Land call for help for ‘shocking scandal’ in Gaza JERUSALEM (CNS) — Bishops from North America, Europe and Africa called on international leaders to act immediately so people living in the Gaza Strip can have access to basic necessities. “Gaza is a man-made disaster, a shocking scandal, an injustice that cries out to the human community for a resolution. We call upon political leaders to improve the humanitarian situation of the people in Gaza, assuring access to the basic necessities for a dignified human life, the possibilities for economic development and freedom of movement,” they said in their Jan. 16 statement. The bishops spent the two days of their Jan. 1116 trip visiting Christian schools and social and health institutions in Gaza as well as meeting with the local parishioners. Their visit, known as the Holy Land Coordination, is an annual event that began in 1988 at the request of the Vatican. Each year they come at the invitation of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land and focus on prayer, pilgrimage and advocacy with the aim of acting in solidarity with the local Christian community. The tiny Christian community of Gaza is made up of about 2,500 Christians out of a total Gazan population of more than 1.5 million people. The majority of the Christians belong to the Greek Orthodox Church, with just under 200 Catholics living in Gaza. Israel has blockaded the Gaza Strip since Hamas took control in 2007, although it loosened restrictions in 2010. Egypt opened one border crossing to Gaza in 2011. “In the seemingly hopeless situation of Gaza, we met people of hope,” the bishops said.

Vatican representatives testify before U.N. committee looking at abuse VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Testifying before the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child, a Vatican representative acknowledged the horror of clerical sexual abuse and insisted the Vatican was serious

about protecting children. Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, the Vatican observer to U.N. agencies in Geneva, said the church recognizes abuse of children as both a crime and sin, and the Vatican has been promoting policies that, “when properly applied, will help eliminate the occurrence of child sexual abuse by clergy and other church personnel.” The archbishop spoke in Geneva Jan. 16 during the committee’s annual session to review reports from states that signed the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Holy See signed the treaty in 1990. “There is no excuse for any form of violence or exploitation of children,” the archbishop said. “Such crimes can never be justified, whether committed in the home, in schools, in community and sports programs, in religious organizations and structures.”

Ukrainian Catholic Church accuses government of Soviet-era repression KIEV, Ukraine (CNS) — The Ukrainian Catholic Church has accused the government of Soviet-style repression after it was threatened with new restrictions for backing demonstrators protesting the country’s withdrawal from a deal with the European Union. “Our church has always been true and will remain so for the future mission that Christ the Savior entrusted, despite all the threats,” said Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kiev-Halych, major archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. “For the first time [since] Ukraine’s independence, we are hearing threats that the church could be banned in a court action. . . . We thought the time of repression had passed,” he said. The 43-year-old church leader spoke at a Jan. 13 Kiev news conference after receiving a letter from the Ukrainian Culture Ministry complaining of a “systematic disregard for the law by some priests” with “alleged support from the church authorities.” Culture Minister Leonid Novokhatko said the letter, signed by his deputy, Tymophy Kokhan, “contained no requirements or threats,” but only cited Ukraine’s Law on Freedom of Conscience. Article 21 restricts religious services, unless otherwise authorized, to religious buildings, places of pilgrimage, private homes and cemeteries and, despite that, Ukrainian Catholics and other Christians have erected “prayer tents” at the demonstration sites.

12 classifieds Employment Appeal specialist - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an individual with administrative experience in managing fundraising appeals. The position is essential to the successful operation of the archdiocese’s annual appeal and reports to the executive director of stewardship and development. Ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing; have experience working in a fundraising environment; be proficient at data input and analysis; and demonstrate effective communication skills, written and verbal. Position requires a bachelor’s degree and minimum of one year experience in a fundraising environment, preferably one utilizing Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge database. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www. archkck.org/employment. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume, and application by Jan. 27 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Appeal Specialist Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send an email to: jobs@ archkck.org. Teachers - Bishop Miege High School has an immediate opening for a licensed theater/video production teacher and a part time drumline instructor for the spring semester of 2014. There is also an opening for a girls’ softball coach. Send an email with letter and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com. Teachers - Prince of Peace Early Education Center, Olathe, is looking for afternoon teachers. We need a teacher for our 2-1/2-year-olds room and our school-age room from 2:30 - 6 p.m., Mon. - Fri. Experience preferred for the 2-year-olds; one year of experience in a child care center for the school-age program. Competitive hourly wage. Call Amanda at (913) 829-2728. Foundation administrative assistant - Catholic Charities of Kansas City - St. Joseph is offering a rewarding full-time career opportunity as a foundation administrative assistant. Duties include: managing board communication; office management and clerical duties; internal and external communication; and meeting coordination. This position is an integral member of the dynamic fund development team. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 - 5 years of professional office experience, advanced Microsoft Office skills, and be detail oriented, flexible and have excellent communication skills. High school diploma is required, bachelor’s degree is preferred. Visit the website at: www.catholiccharities-kcsj. org for a full job description. Please forward a cover letter and resume by email to: hr@ccharities.com. Database manager - Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic is seeking an individual to manage databases on a parttime basis. This position supports and maintains all agency database information. Providing reports for financial, donor, client and fundraising information. Ensures consistent outcome reporting to meet the needs of the agency. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of new features and functionalities; works closely with executive director, fundraising, and database developer to implement custom reports and queries as needed for reporting purposes and for ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of data entry; periodically audits database structure to ensure it is serving its purposes related to capturing and reporting data. Perform other duties as assigned. Please send resume by email to: dkelsey@ wpcnetwork.org. Bookkeeper - Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic is seeking an individual to provide bookkeeping services on a parttime basis. QuickBooks for Non-Profits is the accounting system being used and experience is helpful. The bookkeeper will be responsible for managing and providing support for all financial information. This position will manage accounts payable, bank reconciliations, general ledger activity, help in grant reporting, and financial reports to executive director and treasurer. Please send resume by email to: dkelsey@wpcnetwork.org. Principal - A principal is needed for Sacred Heart School (pre-K – 12) in Sedalia, Mo., a faith community with 405 students and 39 faculty. Applicants must be practicing Catholics with at least three years of successful teaching, preferably in a Catholic school. Requirements include a master’s degree and principal’s certificate. For more information, contact Tony Farkas by email at: sh.prin.applications@gmail.com by Feb. 3. Application deadline is Feb. 15.

theleaven.com | JANUARY 24, 2014 Financial representatives - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City metro, Lawrence, Topeka and the Seneca - Sabetha area. Ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. Please contact John A. Mahon, general agent, for more information or an interview by sending an email to: john.mahon@kofc.org, by phone at (785) 408-8806 or at 1275 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612. Resident housemother - Nativity House KC has an immediate opening for part time and full time housemother positions. Candidates must be practicing Catholics, at least a high school graduate, have a valid driver’s license, practical experience in working with teens and young adults and be willing to help young women with crisis pregnancies. They must be a model for constructive and healthy living spiritually, physically, financially, and mentally. Please send cover letter and resume by email to Barbara Belcher at: barbarab@nativityhousekc.org or mail to: Nativity House KC, P.O. Box 4124, Kansas City, KS 66104.

Services Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902. Brick mason - Brick, stone, tile and flat work. 19 years of residential/commercial experience. FREE QUOTES - KC metro area. Small and large jobs accepted. Call Jim at (913) 485-4307. www.facebook.com/faganmasonry. Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, at (913) 909-2002. Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837. Tim the Handyman - Small jobs, faucets, garbage disposals, toilets, ceiling fans, light fixtures, painting, wall ceiling repair, wood rot, siding, decks, doors, windows, and gutter cleaning. Call (913) 526-1844. Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896. Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com. Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mikehammermoving@aol.com. Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer.com. We moved! Come check out our new office in Lenexa. Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 MEDICATION SETUP & MANAGEMENT - RN support visits for filling weekly pill boxes & managing medication. Affordable and convenient. To learn more, call Home Connect Health Services at (913) 627-9222.

Piano lessons in Olathe - All levels and all ages. Years of experience. Reasonable rate. Call (913) 829-2315.

Home Improvement Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. House painting Interior and exterior; wall paper removal. Power washing, fences, decks. 30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776. STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Swalms Organizing Service - Reducing Clutter - Enjoy an Organized Home! Basement, garage, attic, shop, storage rooms - any room organized! Belongings sorted, boxed and labeled, items hauled or taken for recycling, trash bagged. For before and after photos, visit: www. swalmsorganizing.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson county area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401. Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998

Heating and cooling repair and replacement - Call Joe with JB Design and Service. Licensed and insured with 20 years experience. Member of Divine Mercy Parish. Call Joe at (913) 915-6887. ALL THINGS WOOD ROT Windows and fiber cement siding. New windows, decks, basement remodel or kitchen update. Insured and only the best crews. Serving Johnson and Wyandotte for over 2 decades. Call Frankie to set up a free estimate today at (913) 209-9926. 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.

Caregiving - CNA home health aide. Will provide care for your loved one, very reliable. Maintain clean and safe environment. 100% dignity for your loved ones. 18 years of integrity. Meal preparation, all personal care, companionship, light housekeeping, errands and vital signs. Experience with transfers. Experience with Alzheimer’s, dementia and special-needs patients. Overnight. CPR and first-aid qualified. Great references. Call Sarah at (913) 449-8348. Caregiving - CNA home health care specialist provides quality home comfort and care for the elderly. Available anytime. References. Affordable/seasoned/nonsmoker. Call (816) 521-1336. Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com.

vacation Sedona summit studio condo - 1 BR, 1 BA. Feb. 24 - 28. HALF PRICE! 4 nights; $75 per night. Sleeps 4. Kitchenette, balcony/patio, 4 pools, 6 hot tubs, spas, and golf close by. Visit the website at: www.diamondresorts. com. Call Amy at (816) 853-0307. Colorado vacation - Winter Park; 2 BR, 1 BA, furnished. Mountain biking, golf, hiking, and fishing. $125 per night or $700 per week. Call (816) 392-0686.

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

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

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware. Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

Caregiving

Antiques wanted - Old canning jars, pop bottles, pharmaceutical bottles, old boxes of ammunition, old cash register. Call (913) 593-7507.

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

January Resurrection School will host its second annual “Taste of KCK” fundraiser on Jan. 25. Registration is now open by visiting the website at: www.resurrectionkck.edu12. net. The cost to attend is $30 each, or $240 per table of eight. Steven Minnis, president of Benedictine College in Atchison, will speak, and the Catholic Education Foundation will be receiving an award. Proceeds will go toward the school’s heating and cooling system.

Rabbi Moti Rieber, coordinator of Kansas Interfaith Power and Light, will discuss the issue of climate change, the religious response and the work of his agency in a presentation open to the public on Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the O’Shea Assembly Room, Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth motherhouse, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth. A reception with desserts and beverages will be provided from 5:45 - 6:15 p.m. prior to the presentation. RSVP by sending an email to: matheisen@scls.org or call (913) 758-6556.

Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will present a workshop, entitled “Stress Reduction: Why We Have It and How to Reduce It,” on Jan. 27 from 1:30 - 3 p.m. To register, call (913) 906-8990.

“What Makes Pope Francis Tick?” will be presented on four Tuesdays, Jan. 28 - Feb. 18, from 1 - 2:30 p.m. at Keeler Women’s

Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Join Jesuit novices Jonathan Calloway and William McCormick for a fascinating look at Jesuit spirituality as a way to view the world and guide our everyday lives. All are welcome. To register, call (913) 906-8990. Surrogacy is often referred to as “womb renting,” whereby a woman agrees to use her body to undergo a pregnancy and deliver a child for others. This is a growing trend in the United States and in Kansas and is fraught with complexity and controversy. A free screening of a new film on surrogacy, called “Breeders,” sponsored by the archdiocesan pro-life office will be shown on Jan. 28 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at O’Connor Hall, Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka, and on Jan. 29 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Keleher Conference Center, Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. There is no cost to attend. To RSVP, send an email to Ron Kelsey at: prolife@ archkck.org or call (913) 647-0350. An education and support for domestic violence program is held on Tuesdays from 10 - 11 a.m. at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central, Kansas City, Kan. The program is offered in partnership with Friends of Yates/Joyce Williams Shelter. To register, call (913) 906-8990. An upcoming four-session infant grief and loss support group will be held from 7 - 9 p.m. on Jan. 29, Feb. 5, Feb. 12, and Feb. 18 at Holy Spirit Church, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park. For more information, call Mary Anne Noonan at (913) 492-1254 or Mary Helen Dennihan at (913) 491-4268,

or send an email to: bnoonan13@msn. com or dennihan6@kc.rr.com. A pasta dinner and bingo will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 31 at St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kan. The cost to attend is: $8 for adults; $4 for children under the age of 12; or $20 for a family. For more information, contact Fritz Vertz at (913) 515-0621.

February St. Mary Parish, St. Benedict, will host a soup day on Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Chili, vegetable beef and chicken noodle soup, relishes and pie will be served. The cost to attend is a freewill donation.

Solemn vespers and Benediction will be held on Feb. 2 at 4 p.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 143rd and Nall, Leawood. Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony will be sung by resident archdiocesan choir Sursum Corda. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will begin at 1 p.m. A spaghetti dinner to benefit the Sisters, Servants of Mary will be held Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at St. Patrick Parish center, 94th and State Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The cost to attend is a donation of $8 for adults; $3 for children. Carryout meals will be available. The event will also feature a variety booth. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information, call (913) 371-3423.

Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will present the Keeler Film Se-

ries on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. Films about women and films with subjects important to women will be shown. The Feb. 3 film will be “Taking Root: The Story of Wangari Maathai”; Feb. 10, “Real Women Have Curves”; Feb. 17, “Norma Rae.” The Daughters of Isabella, Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa, invite you to their 6th annual Valentine’s dinner, dance and silent auction on Feb. 8. The silent auction begins at 6 p.m., and the buffet dinner at 7 p.m. in the Quigley Center, 9201 Summit, Lenexa. Seating is limited to prepaid admissions only; cocktail attire. Must be 21 years of age. The cost of a reservation is $32.50 per person or $300 for a table of 10, with checks made to Daughters of Isabella. Reservation deadline is Jan. 30. Mail reservations to: Janet Sherman, 10444 Garnett, Overland Park, KS 66214. For more information, call Louise at (913) 661-1720 or send an email to: lalloydks@yahoo. com.

The Holy Name Society at Holy Family Church is sponsoring a Valentine’s Day dance on Feb. 8 from 7 - 10:30 p.m. at Monsignor Mejak Hall, 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kan. Music will feature The Don Lipovac Orchestra. The cost to attend is $10, and tickets can be purchased in advance by calling Mike Waliczek at (913) 3421785; Richard Schutte at (913) 669-3677; or the church office at (913) 371-1561. St. Stanislaus Parish, Rossville, will host an afternoon of bingo on Feb. 9 from 2 - 4 p.m. in Dekat Hall. Sandwiches and homemade desserts will be available. Proceeds will benefit the St. Stanislaus building fund.

For sale - South Plaza, $599,000. 34 W. 53rd Terr., Kansas City, Mo. 5 BR, 3.5 updated BA, hearth/family/breakfast room. Large updated kitchen. For more information, call Jim Kraus Jr. at (816) 806-7653. Offered by Brookside Real Estate Co. (816) 333-3330.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376

Caregiving - RN would like to assist you or your loved one with private duty care, respite care, or companion. Dependable, insured, excellent references. Reasonable rates. Johnson County. No overnights or live-in care. Call (913) 710-5412.

calendar 13

JANUARY 24, 2014 | theleaven.com

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14 commentary Scripture Readings

theleaven.com | january 24, 2014

Jan. 26 third SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 8:23 – 9:3 Ps 27: 1, 4, 13-14 1 Cor 1: 10-13, 17 Mt 4: 12-23 Jan. 27 Angela Merici, virgin 2 Sm 5: 1-7, 10 Ps 89: 20-22, 25-26 Mk 3: 22-30 Jan. 28 Thomas Aquinas, priest, doctor of the church 2 Sm 6: 12b-15, 17-19 Ps 24: 7-10 Mk 3: 31-35 Jan. 29 Wednesday 2 Sm 7: 4-17 Ps 89: 4-5, 27-30 Mk 4: 1-20 Jan. 30 Thursday 2 Sm 7: 18-19, 24-29 Ps 132: 1-5, 11-14 Mk 4: 21-25 Jan. 31 John Bosco, priest 2 Sm 11: 1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17 Ps 51: 3-7, 10-11 Mk 4: 26-34 Feb. 1 Saturday 2 Sm 12: 1-7a, 10-17 Ps 51: 12-17 Mk 4: 35-41

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Seeking Christ’s Heart

mark my words

third week of ordinary time

Do you invite or indict?

commentary 15

January 24, 2014 | theleaven.com

t’s amazing how something so small can have such a big impact. The “something” is a brass bowl, about two inches in diameter, that I received this year as a Christmas gift. In its center, two items are stamped: a tiny cross and, underneath it, the word “blessed.” It sits on my kitchen table, where I spend a lot of time (go figure!) and can’t help but notice it. For me, it’s both a reminder and a challenge. I like that the word “blessed” is not stamped in a straight line, but is crooked. It makes me aware that, even in the midst of a hectic, chaotic or “disastrous” day, there are many blessings . . . if only I take the time to notice them. The challenge of the little bowl, though, is to make sure that I share the blessings I’ve so generously received and to help others to see blessings in their lives. I think that’s hard for many of us to do. The other day I came across this story that continues to haunt me: A man named Matt Friedeman appeared on a TV show to discuss with other panel members some prob-

Father Mark Goldasich Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. lems plaguing their Jackson, Miss., community. The city council was in disarray because the council president and another councilman were headed off to jail, due to their making shady deals. The panel moderator looked at Friedeman and said, “Matt, whose fault is all of this?” Friedeman never got the chance to respond. That’s because one of the panelists sitting next to him, John Perkins — an author, teacher, community developer and national evangelical leader — answered, “It’s my fault.” All heads snapped his way. He elaborated, saying, “I have lived in this community for decades as a Bible teacher. I should have been

able to create an environment where what our council president did would have been unthinkable because of my efforts. You want someone to blame? I’ll take the blame. All of it.” (Adapted from “More Perfect Illustrations for Every Topic and Occasion,” by Craig Brian Larson and Drew Zahn.) The story ends there, but I’d bet there was dead silence in that TV studio after Perkins’ comment. “I’ll take the blame” is not something that you hear very often, not even from devout Christians. When seeing sin in the world, people’s default setting seems to be “pass the buck,” or play the “blame game.” It’s so easy to rail against something — the government, our upbringing, the culture, the media, the enemy, you name it — than to take personal responsibility for the way things are. Particularly as Christians, our primary focus is to be witnesses in the world to the Resurrection, to Christ living within us. In his parish mission in Tonganoxie last November, Father David Knight said that the key to evangelization is witness. As followers of Jesus, we are called to raise questions in

the minds of people that we live and work with. We do this by challenging ourselves throughout our day with a question: How does this action of mine bear witness to the values of Christ? For example, how would you categorize screaming at another driver for a minor infraction, like changing lanes without signaling? Or how would gossiping about a neighbor fit in? Or what witness to Christ is seen in forwarding a racist joke in an email or typing a snarky comment on Facebook? This issue of the paper comes out on the feast day of St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of journalists. He received that honor due to his inspirational writings, which encouraged everyone — not just a select few — to believe that “saintliness is desirable and possible.” His example of clarity, gentleness, meekness and charity models how Christians should approach the world. As saints-in-process, we are called to invite others, not indict them. Let’s remember in our haste to point the finger of blame at others, that there are always three fingers pointing back at us!

In the beginning

Christ’s light illuminates even darkest hours

hat can bring us true joy? Does it depend upon the events of our life or the things that we own? Does it come and go, or is it something that can remain steady in our life? In Sunday’s first reading, Is 8:23 – 9:3, the prophet looks forward to a time of great joy. He compares the future joy of the people to joys that they have previously experienced. First of all, he mentions the joy they feel “as they rejoice before you as at the harvest.” This is simple. A good harvest would mean abundant food. A poor harvest could spell doom, hunger and starvation for the people. After all, there was no such thing as federally subsidized crop insurance.

Father Mike Stubbs Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. This is the joy that results from physical well-being and the confidence that this state of affairs will continue. The second comparison draws on the experience of their joy, “as people make merry when dividing spoils.” The spoils in question would result from a victory in battle, as the saying goes: “To the victor belong the spoils.” A conquering

Pope francis Pope Francis assured mothers that breast-feeding their babies in public, even during a papal Mass in the Sistine Chapel, is OK. No chorus is as wonderful as the squeaks, squeals and banter of children, the pope said during a Mass in which he baptized 32 babies on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Jan. 12.

army would confiscate all the goods that they could find — partly as compensation for their efforts in war and partly to ensure that the enemy could not return to power. There was no Geneva Convention. This is the joy that results from suddenly acquiring great wealth, hitting the jackpot, an unexpected bonus. Finally, Isaiah refers to the experience of being liberated from servitude: “For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.” Their newfound freedom would bring the people joy, a sense of relief. All these experiences of joy share one common point: They would result in an intense feeling. There

“Some will cry because they are uncomfortable or because they are hungry,” he said during his brief and unscripted homily. “If they are hungry, mothers, let them eat, no worries, because here they are the main focus,” he said. One of the mothers, Emer McCarthy, an Irish journalist at Vatican Radio, told Catholic News Service that while most of the other mothers had brought

was nothing mild about it. This joy would shine like a light in the midst of darkness: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.” As Christians, we interpret this light to be Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Consequently, the joy we would experience results from our relationship with him. It is not a momentary happiness, however, which would depend upon the circumstances of our life, whether we are experiencing physical well-being, whether we enjoy material wealth. True joy will flow from our relationship with Jesus Christ. It can last forever.

baby bottles for feedings, she did not hesitate to breast-feed her daughter Polly Rose, discreetly, during appropriate moments during the ceremony. She said she hoped the pope’s encouragement would help overcome social taboos against breast-feeding in public. “Who would have thought the pope would be this great proponent,” she said. — CNS

Junior high: It’s time to wake up

ven if your kids and grandkids live in a wholesome, protected environment, many of their classmates and neighbors do not.

The Department of Health and Human Services reported that the average age of first-time marijuana users in 1999 was 16.4 years old. Recent studies have seen those numbers drop down to 12 years old. Additionally, media targets younger and younger teens for health and beauty products, music, movies, and advanced sports development programs.

Deacon Dana Nearmyer Deacon Dana Nearmyer is the lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth. Junior high is the epicenter of the battleground for the hearts and souls of our kids. There is nothing wrong with kids this age liking a popular song or wanting a trendy outfit. Those are time-honored traditions. But junior high has become a coveted demographic for

selling products and ideologies. It is our responsibility to enkindle and nurture the flame of faith during this critical time. The archdiocese wants to support you. We have developed a parenting website to assist you; please explore it and share your tips with us. We know that teens need to experience the power of God for themselves before they will own their faith, so we offer Camp Tekakwitha junior high camps that are designed to reinforce the values and beliefs that you cherish. Camp is a very powerful experience of outdoor adventure, making friends, connecting with Christ and learning important ageappropriate social lessons. Camp registration opens late

January/early February. On Feb. 23, we’ll hold a high energy junior high youth rally targeted at your teen’s questions. We have talented musicians and speakers that speak their language. Come with them; bring a group of friends. Great conversations will be opened up. Additionally, we have afterschool and special programs for middle school students at our ReachKCK hub. We recommend that parents and grandparents listen to your young teens very closely. Limit cellphone, video game and headphone time. Eat together, tuck them in, and be present to them. Parish junior high formation and confirmation prep needs to meet these teens where they are at. We talk in

depth with hundreds of middle school students each year. Many struggle with irrational inferiority complexes, depression and debilitating anxiety. They are confronted with pornography, questions of gender identity and relationship issues that 10 years ago were predominantly high school issues. Many feel pigeonholed into a social class in their school, locked into a certain track of activities, pressured to succeed in a college preparatory track, and feel the weight of adult burdens in the context of their turbulent adolescent minds. Spend time together, listen, check out our parenting, camp and youth office Web pages, and plug into the support and activities that support your values.

family matters

Don’t wait until you have car trouble

group of engaged couples undergoing marriage preparation were asked: “When do you think most married couples begin looking for some form of marriage enrichment?” They answered: “When they are having trouble in their marriage.” The answer made sense to them. It comes from our culture. As we grow from childhood to adulthood, our culture is a significant part of the formation we receive about marriage. If we reflect on this

Deacon Tony Zimmerman Deacon Tony Zimmerman is the lead archdiocesan consultant for the office of marriage and family life. attitude, we realize it really does not make good sense. It would be like driving our car without proper preventive maintenance until a breakdown leaves us with expensive repairs or worse. It is also like constantly abusing our bodies with poor diet,

little or no exercise or proper rest. This second example is much more serious because now we are talking about our lives. Well, our marriages are our lives! Now, I am not suggesting that I have had it all together in my life. My wife and I also fell into this mindset. We were invited early in our marriage to make a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend. We said, “Thanks, but no thanks.” We thought we were doing just fine. During our ninth year of marriage, it suddenly occurred to me one day that we were not as close as we once were. In fact, it seemed like the daily grind of work and raising children had sapped all the fun out of our lives.

Now, we weren’t in trouble; but we weren’t honeymooners either. We were just hanging in there. The invitation of a priest and a couple one Sunday persuaded us to experience the Marriage Encounter weekend. At the end of the weekend, the joy we rediscovered in each other was the greatest gift of our lives. The experience also gave us the tools to continue to grow closer in love each day. This helped us through the rough times of financial struggles and raising six children. In fact, our renewed love also opened our hearts to seeking God’s desire as to whether we should have more children. This brought the gift of three more chil-

dren into our family. Our joy and family would not be the same without them or that weekend experience. So now I invite you to reject our culture’s attitude of waiting until you are no longer living in love, and the grind of daily life overwhelms you. Make a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend. Or, sign up for the “Living in Love” retreat, which over 500 couples experienced during the Year of Faith. Be witnesses to your children, your neighbors and the world that marriage is a joyful, exciting and grace-filled vocation. Check our website for information about these enrichments and the celebration of World Marriage Day on Feb. 9.

do unto others

Kansans called to ‘drop the rock’ and abolish death penalty

he Kansas Senate is considering legislation to abolish the death penalty. This calls for a Catholic conscience-check on capital punishment. We Kansans have a legacy of frontier justice: felonies punished by hanging and a bed on Boot Hill. Yet, as Catholics, we are challenged by the church’s clear teaching that, in today’s world, to truly respect life, one must oppose the death penalty. Blessed John Paul II reminded us of this teaching when he last visited in St. Louis. In a homily, he stated,

bill scholl Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@archkck.org. “The new evangelization calls for followers of Christ who are unconditionally prolife: who will acclaim, celebrate and serve the Gospel of life in every situation. A sign of hope is the increasing recognition that the dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case

of someone who has done great evil. Modern society has the means of protecting itself, without definitively denying criminals the chance to reform.” Of all the life issues, this surely must be the most difficult for many pro-life Catholics. After all, it’s not people who don’t pay their parking tickets being put to death, but rather perpetrators of heinous crimes against life. Ironically, it is the love of life that drives many to want to see murderous violators pay for life taken by the forfeiture of theirs. Yet, at this moment in church history, we believers are being asked by Christ through his church to drop the rocks. There will be no

more stoning today. While execution of the guilty by the state is not an inherent evil, as is abortion, it is still an evil. When an evil is not necessary, it becomes a moral evil. Fortunately, civilization has developed to a point where it no longer needs to kill criminals to protect the innocent. In fact, it is vastly more expensive to execute a criminal than to sentence life imprisonment. We are made in the image of God, and so all human life is sacred, even if someone violates that sacredness. You can kill someone in self-defense; it is not a good, but a choice between the lesser of two evils: Kill the guilty or let the innocent be murdered.

However, when the guilty has been effectively stopped by a permanent residence in a cell at Lansing, what is the choice? Take a life that is sacred or don’t. We are called to drop the rock. If you love life, then you must love all life, no matter how inconvenient or hurtful it may be to you. How else can we ask the abortionist to drop the scalpel or the euthanizer to drop the syringe? Nobody escapes God’s justice. Only if we temper our justice with mercy may we hope to ask God for his. For information on the Kansas effort to abolish the death penalty go to the website at: www.ksabolition.org.

16 local news

theleaven.com | january 24, 2014

Making a case against death Archbishop Naumann offers testimony against the death penalty By Joe Bollig

OPEKA — Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann made a strong appeal to abolish the state’s death penalty law here on Jan. 16. The archbishop made his appeal in testimony given at a hearing conducted by the Kansas Senate Judiciary Committee on Senate Bill 126, which would abolish the death penalty. “The bill the archbishop [testified] in favor of would repeal the death penalty and replace it with the maximum punishment of life in prison without possibility of parole,” said Mary Sloan, executive director of the Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty. In his testimony, the archbishop articulated the church’s teaching. Governments have an obligation to protect the innocent and must administer justice without revenge or vengeance. “We need to make certain that our criminal justice system denies violent criminals the opportunity to offend again and create new innocent victims,” he said. “However, if we can protect the innocent with bloodless means, we should. And it is my belief that our society is able to protect itself without resort to capital punishment.” “This is not a question of whether the perpetrator of a heinous crime deserves death,” he continued. “We do not live in a country that bases its criminal justice system on giving those who have brutally tortured and killed their victims “what they deserve,” otherwise, our methods of punishment — and execution — would be very different than what they are.” Others testifying in favor of repeal included an ex-inmate exonerated by DNA evidence, a former police officer, a legislator and a former federal prosecutor who is now an Episcopal minister. Some had offered written testimony. “We believe that if we are not successful [in our repeal efforts] this year, we will be the next, because there is growing support for repeal,” said Sloan.

Fast Facts January 16, 2014, Statement Abolition of the Death Penalty Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas Chairman King and Members of the Committee: Thank you for holding a hearing on this crucial issue. I am grateful for the opportunity to address your committee on this important public policy matter. I support the abolition of the death penalty and encourage the Legislature to repeal the law authorizing its use in Kansas. Governments have an obligation to protect the innocent from perpetrators of violence. We need to make certain that our criminal justice system denies violent criminals the opportunity to offend again and create new innocent victims. However, if we can protect the innocent with bloodless means, we should. And it is my belief that our society is able to protect itself without resort to capital punishment. This is not a question of whether the perpetrator of a heinous crime deserves death. We do not live in a country that bases its criminal justice system on giving those who have brutally tortured and killed their victims “what they deserve,” otherwise, our methods of punishment — and execution — would be very different than what they are. Rather, this is a question of what is best for our society. It is a question of what kind of people we want to be, even when faced with the darkest evil. Opponents and proponents of the death penalty continue to debate whether or not capital punishment is an effective deterrent to violent crimes. What is not debatable is the finality of the death penalty. We cannot reverse an execution when it is discovered through forensic science that the person judged guilty was actually innocent. Even if such mistakes are extremely rare, the possibility of executing an innocent man is so awful that the risk cannot be borne. For those of us who are Christians, we must remember that Jesus Christ gave his life on Calvary because he desired that every human being be transformed by the mercy of God that was unleashed from his cross. He forgave the repentant criminal, who was crucified alongside him, and he prayed for the forgiveness of his own executioners. Abolishing the death penalty affords violent criminals more time to repent and experience divine mercy. Moreover, Jesus is the prime example of an innocent person who was the victim of the death penalty. Let me conclude by saying that it is imperative that we provide the families of victims with all of the support and assistance we can as they attempt to cope with the unimaginable pain of losing a loved one to violent crime. My own father was murdered in 1948 when my mother was pregnant with me. Our family knows the pain of losing a loved as a result of a violent crime. We know the anguish that families suffer, not just at the time of such a senseless tragedy, but the painful absence of the loving presence of a husband, a father, a brother and dear friend during the ensuing years and decades. Opposition to the death penalty in no way should be construed as lack of sympathy for the victims and their families, or a lack of awareness of how evil these crimes are. I offer my prayers for all people who have had to endure the horror of a murder of a family member or friend. The Catholic community wants to be of service and support to families (regardless of their faith) who have lost a loved one as a result of criminal violence. Thank you for considering my testimony. Be assured of my prayers for wisdom for you and your fellow legislators as you deliberate on this life-and-death issue.

Kansas Death Penalty • Kansas reinstated capital punishment on April 23, 1994, although the state has not executed an inmate since April 14, 1965. • The state’s death row and execution facility are located at El Dorado Correctional Facility Administrative Segregation Unit. • Since 1994, there have been more than 100 potential capital cases in Kansas. Capital charges were filed in 85 cases, and there have been 26 capital trials. Thirteen men have been sentenced to death, but two have had their sentences vacated by the Kansas Supreme Court, one had his sentence removed at the request of the attorney general, and litigation continues in regard to another sentence, leaving nine men on death row. • The U.S. military incarcerates military inmates facing execution at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth.