01-27-12 Vol. 33 No. 23

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 33, NO. 23 JANUARY 27, 2012

Bishop Miege High School sophomores Lily Young-Mills (left), Mary Pezza, and Anjelica Luna begin the trek to the Supreme Court as part of the annual March for Life on Jan. 23 in Washington, D.C.

Miege sophomore Kelsey Marchand shows her support for life as the high school group marches down Constitution Avenue.

Mary Tuttle (far left), Kyle Herrington, Laura DeDecker, Alex Poulose, Mary Purk, Liz Ulrich, Curtis Marchand, and Timmy Mahoney march to the Supreme Court, showing that Miege supports life.

MIEGE ON THE MARCH D

espite chilling temperatures that hovered in the 30s and intermittent rain that forced them to put on ponchos and assorted rain gear, 44 students from Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park took part in the 39th annual March

for Life in Washington, D.C. The march started at the National Mall, where participants heard speeches by House Speaker John Boehner, an Ohio Republican, who is a Catholic; U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., a Catholic who is chairman of the Congressional Pro-

Life Caucus; and Nellie Gray, founder and president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, the group that organizes the march.

Following the speeches, the marchers headed to Constitution Avenue, past the Capitol and up to the Supreme Court.

Photos by Renee Schultz

FROM THE HOLY LAND

Father Pat Sullivan, who will be making the School of Faith pilgrimage with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann to the Holy Land, will blog their journey at: http://annunciationfrankfort.org. Click the Holy Land Journal tab.

CALLING ALL COOKS The Leaven is looking for meatless Lenten entrees to share with our readers. Please email your favorites to: Jennifer@theleaven. com, or mail them to Jennifer Siebes, The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. A good mix of recipes will appear in print; all will appear on the paper’s website.

FISH FRY NOTICE

Because of space constraints, The Leaven does not list Lenten fish fries in the calendar during Lent. However, a full page of archdiocesan fish fries will appear — all ready to be clipped and saved — in the Feb. 17 edition of The Leaven. Fish fry notices should be emailed to: todd@theleaven.com.

The deadline is Feb. 3. Keep notices to less than 40 words.

Please do not include full menus.

2 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 27, 2012

THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 27, 2012

THIS MISSION HAS TEETH

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

A

Sacramental confession is like steroids for the soul

s you read this column, I am still in the Holy Land. Today, Jan. 27, we leave to spend a few days in Galilee, where Jesus was conceived, lived most of his life in the obscurity of Nazareth, and did much of his ministry. In particular, we will visit Capernaum, which was home base for much of his Galilean public ministry.

Volunteer dentists travel to Guatemala to provide care to the poor

By Jessica Langdon

Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

Jan. 20-30 Pilgrimage to the Holy Land Feb. 1 Mass for Topeka Catholic schools at Hayden High School Feb. 2 Mass — St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Overland Park Vespers and reception for consecrated religious men and women — Savior Pastoral Center Feb. 3 Mass for 100th anniversary of Holy Trinity School — Lenexa “Shepherd’s Voice” recording

Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar

Jan. 28-29 Mass — St. Sebastian, Fla.

to be healed of the spiritual paralysis caused by sin. I encourage you to consider who in your family or friends needs to reconnect with the Lord and his bride, the church. I encourage you to begin now praying and fasting that, during this Lent, particular friends and family members will receive the sacrament of penance.

More powerful than any radio ad in motivating those you love to return to Jesus will be your prayers and your own example of the joy and peace you receive from encountering the Lord’s mercy in the sacrament of reconciliation.

If you want to reflect more on this subject and learn more about God’s mercy, attend Mike Scherschligt’s free first Thursday lecture at Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m.

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LEAWOOD — If a child somewhere in northeastern Kansas complains of a toothache, chances are good that a dentist will check it out within a few days and find a way to relieve the pain.

Imagine, then, a 15-year-old girl in Guatemala who starts suffering in November. Her mother tells her to hold on, assuring her help is on the way — in late January or early February.

Dentists and othThe story of ers in the dental this teenaged girl profession who is true and, unare interested fortunately, isn’t in future miseven unusual. sion trips may It’s one of many contact Dr. stories that have Mike Kahler touched Dr. Mike by email at: Kahler over the mgkahler9000@ years. sbcglobal.net.

“That’s life in Guatemala,” explained Kahler. He and his wife Peggy are members of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood.

The Kahlers have been part of the Curé of Ars Dental Mission since its inception. They left this month for their 15th trip to Guatemala.

The volunteers’ goal is to provide much-needed care to the poor there.

The Kahlers are joining more than a dozen volunteers from the United States — plus two Guatemalan dentists — to bring better dental health to hundreds of people. This year’s trip runs Jan. 28-Feb. 4.

The vast majority of the people they see are children ages 3 to 18, and this might be the only dental care those patients will get.

Helping hundreds Now retired, Kahler was practicing full time when Curé of Ars pastor Msgr.

Charles McGlinn first approached him about the possibility of providing dental care in Guatemala.

Some medical help was already being provided, but dental care was practically nonexistent.

The couple was quick to agree and, after the first visit, the Kahlers were hooked.

The Curé group had a long-established relationship with an Italian nun there — Sister Marcella — who headed up a community that provided a safe place for women and children who had been abused.

There, the volunteers with the dental mission would eventually see hundreds of children and adults — mothers, teachers and others.

Many of the people the Kahlers will see on this trip will now be familiar ones, people they have seen year after year. Children they first met as toddlers are now in their late teens.

But it’s likely to be the unfamiliar faces — those they’ve never seen for dental

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Children line up to see the dentist during the 2011 Curé of Ars Dental Mission in Guatemala.

This might be the only dental care many of the patients receive. Mike and Peggy Kahler have been on each of the trips. They have a full photo album filled with quotes and pictures for each of the trips they have made to help the poor of Guatemala receive much-needed care. care — who will need the most help.

The volunteers also work with a home for children not far away.

If time and circumstances allow, the mission group will open up its services to the public on the last day or so of the trip.

They don’t advertise that they’re there; when they arrive, in fact, the group gets quietly to work in the undertaking that keeps everyone busy.

The team members stick together as well, traveling only during certain hours, with safety always a priority.

A lot of help Donations are what make these trips possible. Expenses total about $6,000 per trip, even with each volunteer paying his or her on way to the tune of about $1,200.

The group includes several dentists, a hygienist, a dental student and other volunteers.

Rosina and Jeff Root, both members of Curé of Ars, take care of a lot of the logistical arrangements for the group, from flights to transportation in Guatemala.

“It’s huge,” Kahler said.

Their work frees him up to handle the dental end of things.

The volunteers travel by bus once they arrive in Guatemala, where interpreters help them with language barriers.

All dental supplies — right down to they toothbrushes they distribute to their patients — are donated.

Over the years, even larger equipment, like dentist chairs, has made its way to Guatemala for use by this group.

‘Excited for newness’ Sister Marcella has set aside a particular area specifically for the dental mission.

When the team arrives, members will find that the chairs are lined up, ready for patients.

And their patients will be waiting for

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com

Raise & Level

v Patios v Drives v Garage Floors v Slab Houses

s Dr. Mike Kahler (left) works on a child’s teeth during a 2011 trip to Guatemala. The 2012 mission, which was scheduled to begin Jan. 28, is the 15th trip for the Curé of Ars Dental Mission. s

The Gospels are clear that the mission of Jesus was to bring his Father’s mercy to the world. In last Sunday’s Gospel, we heard the core message of the preaching of Jesus: “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel” (Mk 1: 15). We hear the echo of this verse in one of the formularies on Ash Wednesday for the application of ashes: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”

For the Sunday immediately preceding the beginning of Lent, we will read from the second chapter of Mark (2: 1-12) about Jesus preaching in a home in Capernaum. People are so drawn to Our Lord that the house was crowded to the point it was impossible to get even near the doorway. The Gospel tells us four men bring a paralyzed man on a stretcher in the hopes that Jesus will heal their friend.

When they see it is impossible to get their friend anywhere near Jesus by conventional means, they climb up on the roof of the home. They hoist the paralyzed man up onto the roof.

They open up the roof and lower their friend on his mat into the presence of Jesus.

Then the Gospel tells us two very interesting and surprising aspects of the story. First, it tells us that Jesus is impressed not just by the man’s faith, but by their faith — meaning the faith of his friends. Secondly, Jesus does not heal the man of his physical disability,

but rather tells the man “your sins are forgiven.”

The religious leaders, the scribes, condemn Jesus in their thoughts for blaspheming. The Gospel uses irony at this moment as it describes the internal thinking of the scribes: “Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Not realizing it, before even the disciples, the scribes have acknowledged the true identity of Jesus. They are correct that only God can forgive sins. Jesus is able to grant mercy to sinners because he is truly God and man.

Jesus calls the scribes out for their thoughts. Then, to demonstrate his authority over sin, he heals the man of his physical paralysis, instructing the man: “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.”

Last week, I shared with you a letter I had received from a woman who had helped her 17-year-old daughter procure an abortion 22 years ago. Both the woman and her daughter have struggled with believing that God will forgive them this sin.

The truth is that none of us deserve to be forgiven whatever sins we have committed. In the glossary of terms found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, salvation is defined as: “the forgiveness of sins and restoration of friendship with God, which can be done by God alone.” Mercy has been aptly described as God’s love in response to our sin.

A major error found in faulty Christian theology is the belief that somehow we can earn God’s love or deserve his mercy. The truth is: Both the love and mercy of God are gratuitous gifts that he freely offers to us. Our responsibility is to accept these gifts and, in response, to live lives of profound gratitude.

On Easter evening, as described in St. John’s Gospel, Jesus appeared to the apostles and passed on to them — the first priests and bishops — the

authority to forgive sins. To those who had betrayed and abandoned him, just three days before, he said: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained” (Jn 20: 21-23).

Like the scribes in the Gospel, thinking Jesus is blaspheming because he forgave the sins of the paralytic man, some dismiss the sacrament of penance by questioning: “Why should I confess my sins to another human being?

Priests cannot forgive sins.” The irony is that they are right. In the sacrament of penance, it is not the priest who forgives sins. Priests are merely the frail human instruments that Jesus uses to extend his ministry of mercy through time.

The Gospel of Jesus makes no sense if we do not recognize ourselves as sinners, as those in need of God’s forgiveness. However, once we do accept and actually encounter the mercy of God, our lives will be transformed. Once we accept God’s mercy in our hearts, it unleashes within us an incredible capacity to love others.

Once again this year, priests throughout the archdiocese will be available to minister the sacrament of penance/reconciliation on the Wednesdays of Lent from 6 to 7 p.m.

Last year, I was gratified by the large numbers who took advantage of these additional Lenten opportunities to go to confession.

The archdiocese again will be placing ads for this initiative on secular radio stations in an effort to reach those who have been away from the sacraments for some time. I was encouraged by the reports last year of many receiving the sacrament who had not been to confession for many years.

You do not have to wait until Lent to receive the sacrament of penance.

Do yourself a favor and begin to make regular use of this sacrament. Sacramental confession is steroids for the soul. It will increase your peace, your joy and your power to love.

Also, like the friends of the paralytic, through our prayer, we can carry others to Jesus to receive his mercy and

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

Dental mission helps thousands In its first 14 years, volunteers with the Curé of Ars Dental Mission have: • Examined 11,543 patients • Performed 4,850 extractions • Filled 4,901 cavities • Provided 1,575 cleanings

them.

“Oh my gosh, they’re charging the bus,” said Peggy with a laugh, remembering the children’s eagerness in years past. “They’re just excited for newness.”

Because dads are generally absent from the lives of the children here, the kids are especially excited to greet the men.

“Of course, we take a lot of gifts,” See “DENTISTS” on page 7

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.

4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 27, 2012

THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 27, 2012

LOCAL NEWS 5

‘Angels’ are wanted everywhere

By Joe Bollig

Gabriel Project Goals

Leaven staff

Leaven photo by Julie Anderson

Governor Sam Brownback greeted the crowd of between 2,500 and 3,000 gathered for the annual pro-life march and rally sponsored by Kansans for Life. During his remarks, Brownback, a member of Topeka’s Christ the King Parish, expressed his thankfulness for the turnout and his hope for the state to continue to advance pro-life legislation and turn Kansas into a culture of life.

Topeka rally for life draws over 2,500

By Julie Anderson

Special to The Leaven

Leaven photo by Julie Anderson

Adalida Vargas, a freshman at Immaculata High School in Leavenworth, was among the nearly 2,000 students from across the state who participated in the march and rally.

TOPEKA — If it was not the biggest March and Rally for Life in recent years, it certainly came close.

On Jan. 23, a crowd of approximately 2,500 to 3,000 persons attended the event held on the south steps of the state Capitol, organizers said.

“It was one of the largest crowds we’ve had at the annual pro-life march and rally in Topeka,” said Mary Kay Culp, state executive director of Kansans for Life.

The march and rally, sponsored by Kansas for Life, is conducted annually in commemoration of the two 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decisions: Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. These decisions swept away state abortion laws, and on a national level legalized abortion for nearly any reason up to and including the ninth month of pregnancy.

The crowd was swelled by students from Catholic schools across the state, including one from as far away as Augusta. Home-schooling groups sent buses and car pools of students as well.

These large Catholic contingents were joined by other groups, including those from various Protestant churches.

Appointments Father John A. Riley, chancellor, announces the following on behalf of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann: Father Peter Jaramillo, SSA, is Father Francis Horvat is granted appointed pastor retirement as pastor of St. John the of St. John the BapBaptist Parish, tist Parish, Kansas Kansas City, Kan., City, Kan., effective effective Feb. 1.

Feb. 1. Archbishop He continues as Naumann thanks pastor also of St. him for his many Mary-St. Anthony years of dedicated and Holy Family, pastoral leadership Kansas City, Kan. and ministry.

Rally goers were addressed by state officials, including Gov. Sam Brownback and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach. Several legislators from the House and Senate also greeted the attendees.

The Catholic bishops of Kansas were represented by Bishop John. B. Brungardt of the Diocese of Dodge City.

During the rally, Sen. Garrett Love, from Montezuma, introduced his “little brother” Austin. Garrett told how, at birth, Austin could fit in the palm of one of his father’s hands. Today, six-foottall Austin is a guard for the Washburn University basketball team. Garrett said that Austin’s amazing story just proves anything is possible and that all life deserves protection.

Kobach told the crowd he recently became a father for the fourth time, but he was quick to emphasize that he became a father at the moment of his daughter’s conception, not at her birth.

Brownback, a member of Christ the King Parish in Topeka, shared a reflection about his oldest child’s recent wedding, a moment Brownback thought might not have happened. His daughter Abby didn’t cry immediately after birth and had low APGAR scores that concerned the medical staff.

“I started thinking, ‘What if this moment (her wedding) had never happened?” the governor said, adding he often wonders how many moments have never happened due to the millions of abortions performed annually.

Brownback said, however, that he has reasons for hope. The Kansas Legislature continues to work to advance legislation protecting all human life, he said. He is also hopeful about the future because of the large numbers of young people joining the pro-life movement.

Culp said the pro-life movement has achieved some significant victories, the tide of public opinion is slowly turning pro-life, and the incremental approach is working.

“The bottom line is that the public is behind us,” said Culp. “Gallup polls show that more people are calling themselves pro-life.”

Prior to the rally, nearly 1,700 persons attended a Mass celebrated by Father Brian Schieber, pastor of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka, and concelebrated by six other priests. After the rally, Kansans for Life sponsored several workshops at Mater Dei Parish’s Assumption Church hall.

Groups fight pornography’s grip KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Do you or your loved one need support to break free from pornography, infidelity, or lust?

The My House Men’s Group provides prayer and accountability for sexual integrity. Sam Meier, MA, LPC, is available for men’s Sam Meier groups and counseling. You can reach him by calling (913)

647-0378, or by sending an email to: smeier@archkck.org.

The My House Women’s Group provides hope and healing for women who are dealing with their loved one’s struggles.

Contact Beth Meier at (913) 647-0379, or send an email to her at: bmeier@archkck. org.

Sam and Beth work for the archdiocese and are thankful for the healing they have experienced in their marriage. Support is confidential and from a Catholic perspective.

OVERLAND PARK — For the past two-and-a-half years, women experiencing crisis pregnancies could find a helpful “angel” at Holy Cross Parish here.

Soon, these angels might Are you pregbe everywhere nant and need in the archdiohelp? Call the cese.

Gabriel Project The Gabriel at (913) 602Project, a min0306. istry of the a rc h d i o c e s a n pro-life office, was established as a pilot program at Holy Cross Parish. Volunteers — called “angels” — do one-onone mentoring to pregnant women in crisis.

The program’s volunteers are each assigned a mother in crisis and are responsible for supporting her in every way they can, but particularly emotionally and spiritually. The volunteers also help the mothers get material help through referrals and working in conjunction with crisis pregnancy centers. The volunteers are not licensed as counselors, but have received training before undertaking the ministry.

“Holy Cross Parish has done a great job of implementing the pilot project [phase] for the Gabriel Project,” said Ron Kelsey, archdiocesan pro-life con-

• To live the charism of the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth by going out in haste to greet any pregnant woman in need by bringing Jesus to her and by helping her in any way we can • To enable the pastor and parish to represent to the mother and child the espousal role and fatherhood of God • To seek God’s perfect model for motherhood • To witness to the community a respect and reverence for life and an unconditional love • To win all hearts to Jesus Christ and to make him known and loved by everyone

Leaven photo by Todd Habiger

A sign in front of Holy Cross School in Overland Park promotes the parish’s Gabriel Project in which volunteers do one-on-one mentoring to pregnant women in crisis. The project has been such a big success that it is looking to expand to other parts of the archdiocese. sultant. “[The volunteers] have worked out all the procedures and methodologies, and they know how to deliver services to these women.”

The first 12 volunteers from Holy Cross received their training at Austin, Texas. Currently, the Gabriel Project is operating at hundreds of parishes across the country, said Kelsey.

Although the first archdiocesan site for the ministry is Holy Cross, the intent all along was for the Gabriel Project to serve both in and beyond the parish boundaries and set the stage for the expansion of the ministry throughout the archdiocese, said Kelsey.

“We would like this to be a regional project,” said Leah Conner, Gabriel

Project coordinator at Holy Cross. “We want to reach out and give people in other parishes the opportunity to be involved.”

Some interest in extending the ministry has been expressed by individuals in other parts of the archdiocese, so training for persons who want to become Gabriel Project volunteers will take place at 8 a.m. on Feb. 4 at Holy Cross Parish, located at 8311 W. 93rd St. To register, call Conner at (913) 3831343.

2012 CONFIRMATIONS Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann Feb. 13 7 p.m.

Feb. 21 7 p.m.

March 1 7 p.m.

March 21 7 p.m.

March 26 7 p.m.

March 28 7 p.m.

April 10 7 p.m.

April 12 7 p.m.

April 23 7 p.m.

April 25 7 p.m.

April 30 7 p.m.

May 3 7 p.m.

May 7 7 p.m.

May 14 7 p.m.

May 16 7 p.m.

May 27 2 p.m.

June 2 10 a.m.

June 8 7 p.m.

Parishes of Resurrection School and their religious education classes, Kansas City, Kan. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Topeka Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City, Kan. Holy Trinity, Lenexa Mater Dei, Topeka St. John the Evangelist, Lawrence Church of the Ascension, Overland Park Church of the Ascension, Overland Park Christ the King, Kansas City, Kan. Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park St. Francis de Sales, Lansing Blessed Sacrament/Our Lady and St. Rose Good Shepherd, Shawnee Archdiocesan Confirmation All Saints, Kansas City, Kan. St. Mary-St. Anthony Hispanics

Archbishop James P. Keleher March 4 March 7

2 p.m.

7 p.m.

Cure of Ars, Leawood St. Agnes, Roeland Park

March 8 March 11 March 13 March 19 March 21 March 25 March 26 March 28 May 17 May 21 May 27

7 p.m.

2 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

2 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

2 p.m.

Leavenworth Parishes St. Catherine, Emporia Christ the King, Topeka St. Ann, Prairie Village St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood Prince of Peace, Olathe Prince of Peace, Olathe Holy Trinity, Lenexa Our Lady of Guadalupe, Topeka Holy Angels, Basehor Archdiocesan Confirmation

Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB March 4 March 15 March 18 March 24 March 27 April 10 April 15 April 17 April 18 April 21 April 22 May 3

11 am 7 p.m.

2 p.m.

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

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5 p.m.

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12 p.m.

7 p.m.

St. Pius X, Mission Sacred Heart, Emporia Atchison Parishes Holy Spirit, Overland Park St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kan. St. Paul, Olathe Church of the Nativity, Leawood Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea Holy Cross, Overland Park Sacred Heart, Shawnee St. Joseph, Shawnee St. Matthew, Topeka

6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 27, 2012

THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 27, 2012

Correction The annual seminarian-parents luncheon, held on Dec. 28, was actually sponsored by the five Serra Clubs (Atchison, Johnson County, Kansas City, Kan., Lawrence, and Topeka) of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The Serra Club of Topeka was the host club and did the planning, arrangements, hiring of the caterer, decorations, setup, and cleanup, assisted by the Lawrence club for on-site coordination and work. The Leaven regrets the error.

Aquinas earns prestigious governor’s award

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann prays with the students at Resurrection School at the Cathedral in Kansas City, Kan., during a recent visit. Resurrection was the most recent recipient of the Catholic Education Foundation’s School of Excellence Award.

ACTS helps fund CEF scholarships

By Michael Morrisey

T

Special to The Leaven

he Catholic Education Foundation was established in 1997 to assist under-resourced Catholic schools in the archdiocese in their efforts to provide a high-quality, Catholic education to any child, regardless of the economic condition of that child’s family. There are 44 schools in the archdiocese; CEF currently supports 19 of those schools.

The CEF stained-glass logo has become a symbol of hope for many of the schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

Catholic schools provide lifelong foundations of faith, compassion and education from which will spring the future leaders of society. Parents enroll their children in Catholics schools because they know that the teachers there are committed to providing each and every child with an outstanding,

Concrete Work

Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios

values-based education. Our challenge is to ensure that a quality Catholic education is available for all people who seek it, especially those less fortunate.

The Catholic Education Foundation has awarded over $11 million in scholarships since its inception.

In 2010-11, the Archbishop’s Call to Share supported CEF by providing funds to sponsor scholarships for approximately 243 students. We could not be doing what we are doing today without the support of ACTS! Students and parents truly appreciate the support and say it best with

thank-you notes to CEF like the following: “Thank you for your scholarship help! If not for you, I could not go to a Catholic school. My dad lost his job and we do not have a lot of money.

Some of my friends are getting help, too. It is kind of cool that we are in this together. Because we go to a Catholic school, we can pray in class. We pray that things will get better. When we grow up, we hope to help others.”

“I am a single mother with four children. I work full time at a company that is struggling to keep its doors open. My wages recently got cut by almost half.

I have taken on two part-time jobs at night during the week and clean houses on the weekend. Many nights I don’t sleep; I just cry. I cry because of the unknown future for my children. I also cry with tears of gratitude for those that are helping my kids go to Catholic school. I am told that CEF is the reason my children are able to stay in a Catholic school. Thank you!”

OVERLAND PARK — The Kansas State Department of Education recently announced that St. Thomas Aquinas High School here was being recognized as one of 18 high schools in Kansas selected to receive the prestigious Governor’s Achievement Award.

This award for 2010-11 is given to top performing schools who have achieved the Standard of Excellence in both reading and mathematics. In addition, St. Thomas Aquinas was among the top five percent of schools in both reading and mathematics based on Kansas Assessment Tests.

No other high school — Catholic or public; 6A or 5A — in Johnson County received the 2011 award.

Since the Governor’s Achievement Award was initiated in 2006, St. Thomas Aquinas has the distinction of receiving it in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011.

USM nursing program hosts info session LEAVENWORTH — The University of Saint Mary will hold a free information session about its new accelerated track for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 7 in USM’s nursing department on the fourth floor of Saint Mary Hall at 4100 S. 4th St. Prospective students will learn all about the new accelerated program, which allows second-degree seekers to earn their BSN degree in just 12 months.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to speak with USM’s dedicated expert nursing faculty, speak with a financial aid adviser, tour the university’s nursing facilities, and see equipment demonstrations.

Learn more about the program and sign up for the session at the website: www.stmary.edu/NursingNow.

Dentists see progress in patients’ smiles Continued from page 3

The volunteers

added Peggy. One of the volunteers constantly collects Beanie Babies and takes 1,000 on each trip.

“If they see the dentist at all, they get one,” said Peggy.

Only chance for care The dental team employs a triage system, determining first what each patient needs, then grouping them according to level of need. They have places for exams, surgery and cleanings and fillings.

“We mainly do cleanings for the children,” said Kahler. They also do fillings and extractions.

They don’t do root canals or other procedures that would demand a lot care afterward.

“This is the only chance these people have for care,” said Kahler. “They have no regular dentist. There are no sixmonth recalls.”

And dental hygiene can come as an afterthought in a place where poverty is the norm.

“They have no concept of toothpaste,” Kahler said, “because they’re basically worried about eating.”

So the mission team works with the local educators in an effort to teach good oral hygiene to the young.

“We get a lot of cooperation from the schoolteachers,” he said. This way, they can teach the children when they’re very young how to keep their mouths healthy.

“It’s easier to establish a habit when they’re three or four than when they’re 18,” said Kahler.

There is no charge for any of the work the group does.

Still, they receive an enormous payback in another form — knowing the people in Guatemala have a much bet-

Interested in helping?

You can give to the Curé of Ars Dental Mission by sending donations to: Curé of Ars (note on checks that it is for the Curé of Ars Guatemala Dental Mission) 9401 Mission Road Leawood KS 66206

Dr. Vanessa Noguera, a dentist in Guatemala, checks a child’s teeth during the 2011 Curé of Ars Dental Mission. She is one of two Guatemalan dentists who have worked with the group for the past 13 years. They promised they would keep coming back as long as the volunteers do. ter chance of maintaining good oral health, thanks to their efforts.

“We’ve seen great improvement,” said Peggy.

They’ve seen some of the same smiles for 15 years now. Behind the smiles are good, bright, promising kids. They hope for the best for them, but know that the opportunity they wish for them doesn’t always exist.

‘There for one reason’ During any given trip, the missionaries see an average of 175 people per day.

“All of us are there for one reason — just to work as hard as we can for as long as we can,” Kahler said.

If enough dentists and other volunteers are interested in making this trip, he would be willing to stay for two weeks in the future to accommodate two sessions.

“If you’ve got a dental license, it’s all you need,” he said.

They’ve had people from several states hear about the mission and join the trips. And once people go, they want to do it again.

These are people who are willing to step outside their comfort zones, Kahler noted.

Peggy laughed, describing some of the adventures.

“Maybe we’ll get to shower today,” she said with a laugh, adding that some days they even have hot water.

It takes a lot of people in a lot of different roles to make this dental mission a success.

Those going on this year’s mission include: • Dr. Mike and Peggy Kahler of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood • Dr. David Tuttle of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood • Jeff and Rosina Root of Curé of Ars, dental coordinator and dental assistant • Mark and Pam Hannifan of Nativity Parish in Leawood, equipment maintenance and dental assistant • Dr. Stephen and Anna Walker • Dr. Jon Willingham • Dr. Vanessa Noguera and Dr. Tatiana Espana, Guatemalan dentists • Linda McGuinn, dental assistant • Rob and Karan Gray, equipment maintenance and dental assistant • Katy Butler, dental hygienist • Heather Prather, third-year dental student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City • Ruben Marquez, interpreter And they’re careful to use bottled water for drinking and sterilization.

Any moment of inconvenience is hardly even noteworthy to this group.

It’s just for a few days, but their time makes such a difference to hundreds.

“It’s very rewarding,” said Peggy.

Even two of the Kahlers’ children have made trips with the group.

This trip, the couple left for Guatemala earlier than the rest of the team, having promised to stay for a few days with the two Guatemalan dentists, Dr. Vanessa Noguera and Dr. Tatiana Espana. The women have been working with them for 13 years.

“A dentist has a unique opportunity,” said Kahler. Unlike some medical fields, dental work can often provide an instant and lasting fix.

“Somebody can be really hurting and you can do something immediately for them and they’re out of pain,” Kahler said.

He believes this mission is something every dentist should do.

“I think all of us are given certain gifts,” he said. “And we should share those gifts, if possible, for the betterment of humankind.”

LOCAL NEWS 7 Jerome and Judy Wolters, members of St. Benedict’s Church in Atchison, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception ANNIVERSARY at the Elks Lodge in Atchison on Feb. 4. The couple was married on Feb. 3, 1962 at St. Joseph Church in Atchison. Their children and their spouses are: Tim Wolters, Denver; Scott and Shelly Wolters, Independence, Mo.; Andy and Angie Wolters, Platte City, Mo.; and Susan and John Schlag, San Pedro, Calif. They also have 11 grandchildren.

Sister Theophane Reinecke, OSB ATCHISON — Sister Theophane Reinecke, 96, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died on Jan. 4 at the monastery.

Sister Theophane was born on Feb. 1, 1915, the oldest of seven children of John and Rose Hohe Reinecke, Baileyville.

She attended Baileyville schools until her senior year, graduated from Mount St. Scholastica Academy in Atchison, and entered the Benedictine community there in 1932. She made monastic profession in 1934 and final profession in 1937.

Sister Theophane graduated from Mount St. Scholastica College with a bachelor’s degree in education and earned a Master of Arts in education from the University of Notre Dame. She also did graduate work in counseling at Notre Dame, Kansas State Teachers College (Emporia), and the College of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, Minn.

For 46 years, she taught in community schools including Guardian Angels, Kansas City, Mo.; LeBlond High School, St. Joseph, Mo.; and in Creston, Iowa; Flush; and Atkinson, Neb. She spent much of her career as teacher and principal of Mount St. Scholastica Academy (1957-1965) and as dorm director there (1969-1981). She also began the Catholic school in Ottawa and was principal there from 1948-1957.

When she retired from academic service, she served in the business offices of Benedictine College, Mount St. Scholastica Academy, and her monastery. Her students and colleagues remember her as a capable woman of prayer and refinement.

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Ward baseball coach Dennis Hurla poses as his players go through conditioning drills in the background. Bishop Ward received a $53,000 grant from Major League Baseball, and alumni contributed another $66,000 to improve Ward’s baseball field.

Behind Hurla are: (from left) Nick Wilson, Andrew Ramirez, Joshua Isabel, Chris Ledesma and Brent Lidtke.

On a brisk January afternoon, members of the Bishop Ward baseball team work on their conditioning by running the bleachers at their home field.

BASEBALL TOMORROW HELPS WARD TODAY

Story by

John Shultz Photos by

Elaina Cochran

Ward earns prestigious Major League Baseball grant; alumni chip in even more funds to improve the school’s baseball field

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Bishop Ward High School baseball program here — no slouch on the diamond, to be sure — inspires a lot of loyalty.

Players return to help coach. Alums and their families follow the ups and downs of the season.

And backers turn out by the hundreds to show their support with their pocketbooks when the program is in need.

Consider: Ward’s baseball facility was in need of significant maintenance and upgrades. To help meet those needs, the high school turned to Major League Baseball and its Baseball Tomorrow Fund for assistance.

Ward leadership is thrilled and grateful

for the $53,000 the fund awarded them late last fall — they’re one of only five national recipients of the grant this year.

But they’re no less proud of the additional $66,000 brought in by alumni and friends.

“It’s a humbling experience receiving one of those grants because the competition is so great,” said Mary Pat Beals, development consultant for Bishop Ward. “One of the nice things that we have going here for our school is that we could demonstrate great community support. When we sought the grant, we started trying to raise matching money right away, and over 200 people have made gifts.

“I doubt we would have been successful if we didn’t have that support.”

The Baseball Tomorrow Fund stresses the importance of community support in

its awarding of grants.

“The Baseball Tomorrow Fund appreciates Bishop Ward’s commitment to youth baseball and softball in its community. We are pleased to support the continued growth of this program,” said Cathy Bradley, executive director of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund, in a statement.

The money will go to sorely needed upgrades, Ward officials said. The school’s baseball facility dates back to the 1950s, not counting some renovations that took place in the late ’90s and early 2000s.

“The last three years, age has really crept up on the field,” said Dennis Hurla, coach.

The funds — which also include a $5,000 gift from the Kansas City Royals — will go to a whole slate of physical improvements, Hurla said. On the

Bishop Ward High School baseball players Victor Tapia (foreground) and Andrew Schneider (right) stretch on the field along with teammates as part of their winter conditioning program. Ward baseball teams have won nine state championships in the past 16 years. docket: replacing fencing on the field; two new dugouts; additional seating on the first-base side; refurbished seating; new concrete around the concession area and behind and underneath the thirdbase stands; a permanent PA system; additions to the press box; a new sign honoring players; a new pitching mound and home plate (up to professional specifications); and a new irrigation system to help maintain the field.

“The kids are really excited about it,”

said Hurla. “We’ve begun our pre-season conditioning and we’ve already fielded a bunch of questions [from the players].

With good weather, we hope to get most [of the improvements] done by the first game in late March. Either way, we’ll get it done soon.”

From an actual competitive playing standpoint, it will be a better field to play on, Hurla said.

“It will also be more user-friendly and more attractive. I think it will be one of

the better high school fields in the KC area.”

Coach Hurla’s been at the helm of Ward’s program for 16 years. During his tenure, the team has won nine state championships.

The coach knows Ward baseball is important to families and alums, and to the larger community. Volunteer efforts, after all, help with annual maintenance of the field.

That being said, this particular outpouring of support was still fairly striking to Hurla.

“It was overwhelming,” he said. “I’m very grateful. It’s very nice to know that so many people are willing to support a project like this when the majority of them won’t directly benefit.

“It was just such a good will program — people wanting to help a good program in the community and a good activity for Bishop Ward.

“It was just a gift from the heart, and it all had a bit of an effect on me.”

Beals said most of the donations came in the form of smaller gifts from individual alums and supporters.

Others made bigger contributions, like Marsha Basey who gave $6,000 in honor of her dad and brother. Many in-kind donors, like Ashgrove Cement Company, also gave generously.

Perhaps the most touching gift came from the Beggs family.

John and Tammy Beggs are both Ward alums, graduating in the late ’70s.

Their sons — Bryan, Sean, and Zach

“With good weather, we hope to get most of [the improvements] done by the first game in late March. Either way we’ll get it done soon. It will also be more user-friendly and more attractive. I think it will be one of the better high school fields in the KC area.”

”

Ward baseball coach Dennis Hurla

— all attended and played baseball for Hurla. John Beggs was a constant at their games, sometimes working as scorekeeper, other times standing with the other Ward dads near the third-base line.

“We both felt the same way about Bishop Ward. We made lifelong friends there,” Tammy Beggs said. “And we always felt that Coach Hurla was such a hard-working, honest person.”

About this time last year, John Beggs was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of leukemia.

He responded well to treatment at first, but showed recurrence of the cancer in

June. He died July 1, 2011, at 51 years of age.

The family thought hard about the best ways to memorialize John. During the time he was sick, Tammy had been receiving some email notices about the Ward baseball fund.

“John absolutely hated flowers,” Tammy said. “So that’s kind of what started me thinking about Bishop Ward.

I wondered what the boys would think about people giving memorials toward that, and they were 100 percent for it.”

The Beggs family saw a tremendous outpouring of support.

“I myself wrote about 250 thank-yous for it, and that was just the donations I received,” Tammy said. “I was very taken by those donations. Most people don’t give that much for funerals. But they knew how dear it was to us.”

Donors in Beggs’ name gave just under $5,300.

“It was very, very nice on their part, and I think the world of them,” said Hurla. “Certainly it was very tough for them to go through what they went through. This gift is very heartwarming and something I’ll never forget.”

For Tammy Beggs, the choice of recipients was obvious.

“I think it’s very well-deserved,” she said, adding that Bishop Ward’s baseball program runs more on volunteer spirit than deep pockets.

“Everybody believes in it, and that’s why it works,” she added. “It has good people, and a good leader.”

10 NATION

THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 27, 2012

Immigration advocates urged to keep up their efforts SALT LAKE CITY (CNS) — Biblical prophets who proclaimed God’s word often suffered for their work, but nevertheless kept the word burning within them, an Arizona bishop said as he urged immigration advocates gathered in Salt Lake City to keep up their efforts despite obstacles they face. Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares of Phoenix made the comments in his homily at the opening Mass for a three-day conference in mid-January that drew 230 immigration advocates from 43 states for three days of panels, workshops and networking. Titled “Immigration: A 50-State Issue,” the conference was sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Catholic Legal Immigration Network. “Today, my brothers and sisters, it is our time to listen to God’s word ever anew,” Bishop Nevares said Jan. 11. “How do we practice that prophetic office today? By defending the immigrant from discrimination. By striving to be the voice for those who have no voice. By struggling to advocate for the dignity of every human person from the first moment of conception to natural death. By calling for the integrity and unity of all human families. And last but not least, that we urge our government leaders to pass a just equitable and comprehensive reform to immigration law and system which is broken,” he said. The Mass was concelebrated by Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City and Auxiliary Bishop Arturo Cepeda of Detroit.

Newly crowned Miss America knows talent, gifts from God MILWAUKEE (CNS) — All smiles, Susan Kaeppeler, fourth-grade teacher at Kenosha’s St. Joseph Academy’s lower campus, was greeted with the red-carpet treatment when she arrived to class Jan. 16 after a whirlwind weekend where she saw her oldest daughter, Laura, crowned Miss America. The 23-year-old brunette, a Kenosha native, won the Miss America title at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas Jan. 14. “Some of the parents decorated her classroom, and made some posters and put them up in the gym as the school day began,” Pauline McTernan, St. Joseph development director, said in a telephone interview with the Catholic Herald, newspaper of the Milwaukee Archdiocese.

“We rolled out a red carpet, presented her with a crown, bouquet of flowers, and balloons and led her to the gym as the school day began. The teachers all wore T-shirts that said, ‘I teach with Miss America’s Mom.’” Particularly touching to McTernan was Susan’s impromptu speech as she reminded students what her daughter had said to them when she visited the school last October, as Miss Wisconsin, a title she won last June. “She asked if the students remembered Laura’s message and no matter who she pointed to, the kids remembered what Laura had said to them,” she said. “I will never forget it either, as it knocked my socks off.

She told the students to put God first, to believe in yourself and to never give up.

And the students got it.”

THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 27, 2012

Texas artist draws portraits of bishops

By Jo Anne Flores Embleton

Catholic News Service

CANTON, Texas (CNS) — In an age of digital imagery, one young East Texas artist hopes to revive a tradition of hand-drawn portraits of Catholic bishops using pencil and paper.

Michael Lawrence, the 22-year-old son of Deacon Richard Lawrence, director of discipleship and stewardship for the Diocese of Tyler, and Nell Lawrence, director of Catholic Charities East Texas, said he’s drawn human faces since he was a preteen. At the invitation of Bishop Alvaro Corrada, he began the “Bishops of Tyler” portrait collection with an image of Bishop Corrada, who is currently apostolic administrator of the East Texas diocese.

“The bishop has always had a great love of the arts and a desire to encourage young artists, and he commissioned the works for his private collection,” Deacon Lawrence recalled.

The result was a lifelike image of the Puerto Rican native, who was installed Sept. 12 as head of the Diocese of Mayaguez in his homeland; the image was immediately adapted for use in the annual diocesan appeal. Bishop Corrada was Tyler’s bishop from January 2001 until his appointment to Mayaguez.

“That piece was reproduced to make 30,000 keepsake cards,” the artist recalled.

A self-taught artist who briefly attended the University of Texas at Tyler, Lawrence said he developed “my own methods” along the way, creating images primarily in graphite/pencil and some pen and ink.

Lawrence said he prefers the “simplicity” of black and white portraits.

“I like the simplicity of this tool to draw something so complex as the human face — you can get such detail with a sharpened pencil that you can’t get with other mediums, like watercolor for

CNS photo/courtesy of Deacon Rick Lawrence

ARTIST PRESENTS PORTRAIT TO BISHOP — Bishop Alvaro Corrada del Rio of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, currently apostolic administrator of Tyler, Texas, accepts a framed pencil portrait of Bishop Edmond Carmody, Tyler’s bishop from 1992-2000, presented to him by artist Michael Lawrence. Lawrence, 22 , a self-taught East Texas artist, created the pencil drawing working from a digital image. example,” he said. “There’s a timelessness that doesn’t come across in color.”

His first showing was a collection titled “The Faces of America.”

“I did portraits of Rosa Parks, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., the helmeted head of an astronaut and the head of an American eagle,” he recalled, saying they were then made into 10-by12-foot panels for use as a backdrop by his high school band’s music competitions throughout the state.

A member of St. Therese Church in Canton, Lawrence said he considers his talent “a gift from God,” and understands that not everyone possesses the ability of creating art.

“My parents raised me in the Catholic Church — when I think about it, I guess that’s where I first experienced art,” he said.

Although his desire is to return to a more classic style of artistry, Lawrence does employ current technology to help him get the job done.

Using a digital camera, he shoots a series of photos “to get just the right angles, the right shading, the perfect contrast, but more than that, I look for that shot that most expresses the personality of the subject,” he said. “I prefer to use digital images [because] I’m looking for sharp details — my drawings are all about the smallest details.”

Religious aim to ward off sex trafficking at game

By Mark Pattison

Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — Picking up from efforts to stem sex trafficking at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, 11 women’s religious orders from Indiana and Michigan are working to stop sex trafficking at this year’s Super Bowl.

The orders are members of the Coalition for Corporate Responsibility for Indiana and Michigan, established in the early 1990s. The coalition is a member of the Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility, which spearheaded the anti-sex trafficking efforts two years ago in South Africa.

The nuns aren’t always the biggest football fans, but they’ve picked up some of the terminology.

When ICCR’s human trafficking working group mentioned during its meeting last June that Super Bowl XLVI

would be held in Indianapolis, “we picked up the ball and ran with it,” said Sister Ann Oestreich, an Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister who ministers as justice coordinator for the Sisters of the Holy Cross in South Bend., Ind., and is the two-state coalition’s justice co-chair.

“In CCRIM, we had done a process in terms of picking one issue that was important to all of our members. Prior to the Super Bowl, the issue of human trafficking came up,” Sister Ann. “It’s such a broad issue. How do we get at it as investors, as socially responsible investors?” she said. “So we decided to take a look at the hospitality industry and purchasing stock in their companies so we could get into a conversation with the hotels.”

Coalition representatives contacted the federal Department of Health and Human Services for assistance. “We asked for printed copies of brochures on their

website, and HHS was kind enough, when they heard what we were doing, to provide 2,000 printed copies of those brochures.”

The coalition prepared its own fact sheet to help hotels detect sex trafficking, including a list of phone numbers to call as well as a shelter for trafficked women. The goal was to contact 220 hotels within a 50-mile radius of Indianapolis by Jan. 17.

To date the response from the hotels has been quite good, Sister Ann said.

Based on a Jan. 12 conference call with coalition members, “we’ve got about 50 responses so far for the hotels,” she added. About half of the hotels have asked for further info that we’re offering them in terms of training, in terms of signing the ECPAT code.” ECPAT is an acronym for Ending Child Prostitution and Trafficking, which has developed a code of conduct to deter child sexual exploitation.

As Tet nears, migrants return to Vietnam

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (CNS) — Catholic migrant workers based in Laos are returning home to be with their families in time for the Tet New Year holidays and, for many, the trip will offer a chance to renew their faith.

Others, however, even within Vietnam, will not make the traditional journey to be with their family for the lunar new year, reported the Asian church news agency UCA News.

Paul Le Quoc Hai, a Catholic who works as a carpenter in Laos’ Khammouan province, said he will take advantage of this Tet holiday to get his two children baptized.

Hai, 39, said he will have to provide faith education for his children in the future.

He said around 80 migrant Vietnamese Catholics live in the province and their children are not taught catechism.

“We gather to pray at our houses while Laotian priests are not allowed to publicly provide pastoral activities or build churches,” he told UCA News.

According to Vietnamese government figures, approximately 25,000 Vietnamese migrants work in Laos.

“The Tet holidays are a good opportunity for us to see our relatives and rekindle our faith,” said Marie Huynh Thi Am, who returned to her home province of Quang Tri Jan. 16.

Since returning, Am said she and her two daughters have gone to confession, attended daily services at their local church and intend to make a pilgrimage to the national Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang.

Am, 50, said they moved to Laos in 2008 and sell food at a market in Pakse, in Champasak province. The nearest

Bishops see hope, fear, complexities during visit

By Judith Sudilovsky

Catholic News Service

JERUSALEM (CNS) — Almost a year after the eruption of the Arab Spring uprisings, the Middle East is a place of hope and fear for Christians, said Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz.

Bishop Kicanas, chairman of the board of the U.S. bishops’ Catholic Relief Services, was in Baghdad late last year and visited Egypt prior to his arrival in Jerusalem Jan. 8-12 for the annual Holy Land Coordination meeting with bishops from the United States, Canada and Europe.

“There is a fear among the Christians [in Egypt] whether they will be given human rights and whether they will be treated as equal citizens. There is a sense of wait and see,” Bishop Kicanas told Catholic News Service Jan. 11.

While there is hope for the creation of a new, equal society with a progressive economic situation, there are still concerns whether Egypt’s newly elected government with its Islamist majority would put restrictions on the rights of minorities in Egypt, the bishop added.

Likewise, he said, in the Holy Land, unplanned pregnancy? decisions to make?

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CALLIGRAPHER PAINTS ON STREET — A calligrapher paints while waiting for customers on a street in Hanoi, Vietnam, Jan. 13. Calligraphy paintings are used for decoration during Tet, the Vietnamese lunar new year, which began Jan. 23. place to attend Mass in Laos is at a chapel in Phonthong, more than 40 miles from where they live.

As the Tet holidays approached in Ho Chi Minh City, Truong Thu Huong, 9, waited patiently for passers-by to buy some persimmons from her handcart.

“I need to sell all these,” she told UCA News. “If I don’t, they’ll go rotten and I’ll make a loss.”

Huong and her younger brother take the handcart out every night after school to help support their family.

“My mother promised to buy me a set of new clothes to wear on Tet,” said Huong. “So I’m trying to work extra hard to make enough money, even though I’m feeling sleepy and tired.”

Her mother, Nguyen Thi Mai, was down the street, selling mangoes. She said she was worried she would not have the money to fulfill her promise.

“My husband works as a motorcycle taxi driver and we can only afford the children’s school fees and monthly rent,” she said. “We’re wishing we can make enough to buy them those clothes for Tet.” She said the family has not been able to make the traditional trip to the family home for the last three new years.

Ho Thi My Phuong is another who will not travel home this year. She and her husband earn $192 a month by collecting garbage. Their two children stay with their grandparents in Tay Ninh province and, although the parents can afford to send money home for the Tet festival, they have not been able to join their children for years.

“We have no choice,” she said. “If we did go home for Tet, we’d be fired.”

An estimated 2 million people come from other parts of Vietnam to work in Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s commercial hub, mostly selling street food, doing domestic work or working construction. Local media reports say about 200,000 of these internal migrants will not get home for Tet this year, as they cannot afford to travel.

The situation is worsened by the fact that in the run-up to the festival, the cost of travel, food and other services goes up to take advantage of demand.

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while people continue to be hopeful for a peaceful resolution of the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict, they are frustrated by the inability of their leaders to reach an accord.

“There is the tension between the needs of the people and the bickering of the politicians,” he said.

The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land joined the bishops in their opening session Jan. 9, and during the four days of meetings the Coordination bishops met with church leaders as well as with Israeli and Palestinian political leaders. The bishops also met with local Christians in parishes in the West Bank, Gaza and Israel.

In Gaza, Christians spoke of a feeling of abandonment by world church communities, said Bishop Kicanas. He noted the “astounding inequality” that exists between the lives of people in Gaza, where some 56,000 people are unemployed, and that of people living in Israel.

He said that in Egypt, Iraq and the Palestinian territories, Christian organizations and religious orders play a vital role in supplying much-needed educational, medical and child care.

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On his first visit to the Holy Land in 18 years, Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton, Alberta, said the experience was one of “a lot of listening.”

“I’m finding layer and layer and layer of complexity,” said Archbishop Smith.

“When one is an observer and [does] not understand this situation from the inside, I think we have to do a lot of listening and reflecting before being able to make some comments which can in any way be helpful.”

Reflecting on Blessed Pope John Paul II’s statement that there can be no peace without justice and no justice without peace, Archbishop Smith noted that there seemed to be a lack of forgiveness on both sides.

“One thing essential for forgiveness is an attitude of profound humility that recognizes that, in some way or another, everyone is contributing to the problems,” he said. “It is very easy to point a finger at the other, but what we all know as Christians is, for there to be genuine conversion of heart or genuine transformation, the first thing we have to examine is our own situation. And I’m not hearing a lot of that [here].”

WORLD 11

Drought causing widespread hunger among Tarahumara MEXICO CITY (CNS) — Jesuits working in Mexico’s remote Copper Canyon in Chihuahua state have warned of widespread hunger among the indigenous Tarahumara, who have been negatively impacted by drought conditions considered to be the worst in more than 70 years. The St. Ignatius of Loyola Foundation began a campaign Jan. 16 to raise money to buy corn, a staple in regional diets and a crop unable to be grown in an area that has received only 25 percent of its normal precipitation in 2011. The foundation estimated that 60,000 Tarahumara were impacted and 90 percent of the local bean crop had failed.

Mexico is experiencing drought in seven northern states, where the federal government says a lack of rain has caused the driest conditions in 71 years and negatively impacted 2.5 million residents. The drought has hit the Tarahumara especially hard as the indigenous group inhabits an impoverished region of rugged natural beauty in the Sierra Madre that has attracted tourists and adventure seekers, but remains underdeveloped, impoverished and exploited by illegal logging and drug runners in recent decades. Mexicans responded with generosity and outrage after an erroneous story was broadcast saying the Tarahumara were committing suicide after being unable to find food. Jesuit Father Javier Avila said the suicide stories were false, but he described the situation as dire. “The drought this year in the sierra is atypical. . . . There wasn’t rain and now, in the winter, there wasn’t snow,” he said.

Bishops urge end to Venezuela’s political, social divides CARACAS, Venezuela (CNS) — As the presidential election year begins, Venezuela’s bishops urged people to come together for the common good, “based on mutual respect and appreciation,” to close the country’s political and social divides.

In a pastoral letter covering topics ranging from human rights to crime and prisons to politics, the bishops acknowledged that “building unity among Venezuelans is not an easy task,” but said, “the progress and welfare of this country can only be achieved with the participation of all citizens.” The bishops issued the letter in mid-January at the end of their annual assembly, when they elected Archbishop Diego Padron Sanchez of Cumana president of the Venezuelan bishops’ conference. Venezuela has been highly polarized for years, with little room for negotiation between the government of President Hugo Chavez and the political opposition. The bishops often have taken stands at odds with the controversial chief executive, a former military officer who has been in office since 1999. The polarization between the president’s supporters and opponents is likely to come to the fore in October, when voters choose a president. It is not clear whether Chavez, who underwent treatment for cancer last year in Cuba, will be a candidate. Calling on Catholics to pray for and promote the common good, the bishops wrote that the election should be viewed “from the human and Christian standpoint of national reconciliation.”

12 CLASSIFIEDS

THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 27, 2012

Employment

Services

Development director - St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison is seeking an experienced director of development with employment to begin Feb. 1.

Primary responsibilities will include: organizing and coordinating fundraising events and activities; developing relationships with donors and supporters; and managing office operations. St. Benedict’s Abbey has many loyal college and secondary school alumni, grateful members of parishes served by our community, and numerous other persons to whom we turn for annual fund and capital campaign support. A qualified candidate will possess interpersonal skills, be comfortable making presentations and seeking financial gifts, and be able and willing to travel. Familiarity with Benedictine institutions and persons, and a willingness to live in or near Atchison are desired qualities. Individuals interested in this position may send a resumé to: Father Maurice Haefling, OSB, St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison KS 66002; send, via email, to: MauriceHaefling@cs.com; call (913) 360-7854; or fax to (913) 367-6230.

Dog- and/or housesitting - Graduate of Rockhurst High School and Benedictine College is available for dog- or housesitting. Will also do basic yard work, moving, errand-running, chauffeuring and more. Curé of Ars parishioner. Call Seán Rielley at (913) 563-9333 or send an email to: srielley@sbc global.net.

Teachers - St. Joseph Early Education Center, Shawnee, is seeking to hire two part-time extended day teachers to work with students in grades K - 6, Mon. - Fri., from 3 - 6 p.m. and an infant teacher. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Virtus training is preferred. Contact Ms. Theresa at (913) 248-4589 or (913) 631-0004.

Administrative assistant – Church of the Holy Cross, Overland Park, is seeking a part-time (25 hours per week) administrative assistant in the church office. Applicants should possess effective interpersonal skills; be able to organize daily office activities and special projects; be familiar with Microsoft Office software; and have data entry experience. Fluency in English and Spanish is desirable. For a complete job description or an application, contact Mark at (913) 381-2755; send an email to: mengen@holycrossopks. org; or visit the website at: www.holycrossopks.org.

Application deadline is Jan. 31.

Hospice chaplain - Full-time (40 hours/week) salaried position. Requirements include: a minimum of two years hospice experience; completion of one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education, or the willingness to obtain; graduation from an accredited seminary or school of theology. To download an application, visit the website at: catholiccharitiesks.iapplicants.com/ application.php. (EEO) Associate superintendent of Catholic schools - For the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. The ideal candidate will have the knowledge, skills, and theological depth and experience to provide leadership and vision in the areas of Catholic identity, curriculum and technology integration. Candidates who are interested in making a difference in Catholic education, hold an advanced degree in education, professional credentials in educational administration and have a minimum of five years experience as a Catholic school administrator, are encouraged to call Christine Ostrom at (816) 756-1850, ext. 277. To apply online, visit the website at: http://jobs.diocese-kcsj. org/?cid=4&lid=118. Application deadline is Feb. 1.

Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City, Topeka and Atchison areas. This position is 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. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; or call (785) 364-5450.

Husband and wife cleaning team - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.

Theresa’s Tutoring - Tutoring of all ages. 28 years of experience. References provided. Call (913) 271-5891.

Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile).

Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 422-0610; or send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com.

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.

QuickBooks® for small business - Setup, customization and maintenance; quarterly and/or yearly accounting; support to your CPA, balance monthly statements, profit and expense tracking. Free consultations! Call Ann Evans Consulting LLC at (913) 4069778.

Caregiving

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

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.

Retired nurse - housekeeper/companion/ elder care - With over 25 years experience is willing to do hospice and in-home care for your loved one.

Days/nights/weekends. Will consider outside the metro area or a live-in position as well. Rates negotiable. Call (913) 579-5276.

CNA home health care professional - Provides excellent service and personal assistance for seniors and the homebound. Over 20 years experience. Excellent references and reasonable rates. Let me reduce your stress by helping you keep your loved one comfortably at home. Call Rosalyn at (816) 830-7455.

THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 27, 2012 Private senior care - Registered nurse offering medical and nonmedical services. Keeping seniors at home and independent. Call (913) 522-4938 or send an email to: jcseniorcare@gmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa.

Home Improvement Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

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

(913) 599-7998 Helping Hand Handy Man - Home maintenance, upgrades and chores available by the hour. Special rate for senior and single-parent households. Electrical, painting, wood refinishing, wood rot repair, deck repair, yardwork, small to medium tree trimming, gutter cleaning, shelving and organizing. Most home problems and needs solved. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490.

Interior and exterior painting and wallpaper removal - 30-plus years experience. Quality work; excellent references; reasonable rates. Senior discount. Member of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Tile work - Ceramic tile installation/repairs; kitchen or bathrooms; custom showers and flooring projects. 20 years exp.; insured. Free estimates. Call Frank Womack, In Line Flooring, at (913) 485-0745, or send an email to: inlineflooringkc@gmail.com.

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.

Swalms Organizing Service - Basement, garage, attic, shop — any room organized! Items taken to donation sites, trash is bagged, and areas are clean and neat when job is complete. To view before-andafter pictures, visit the website at: www.swalms.com.

Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115.

Clutter getting you down? Organize, fix, assemble, clean! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizing handyman. For a free consultation, call today (913)271-5055. Insured; references. Visit the website at: www.koatindustries.com.

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

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.

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

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

Heating and air conditioning - Serving Johnson, Wyandotte and northern Miami counties. Seasonal tune-ups, full system replacements, and everything in between. 20 years experience. Call Jon at (913) 850-3376.

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 Master electrician - Licensed in Missouri and Kansas. 35 years experience in residential and commercial electrical needs. Call Rick, L & M Electric, at (913) 362-1501 or (816) 781-1501.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

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.

Vacation Breckenridge, Colo. - 2 BR, 2 BA condo; sleeps 8. Roomy, first-floor unit with washer/dryer, gas fireplace, ski closet, Wi-Fi, cable and covered parking. One block to slopes; two blocks to downtown; 30 steps to hot tubs. For discounted pricing and availability, call (816) 392-2730.

For Rent For rent - 1 BR, 1 BA apartment in Shawnee near Nieman and Johnson Dr. $510/month; utilities included. 10911 W. 59th Terr. For a virtual tour, visit the website at: www.shawnee-rentals.com. (913) 6497596.

For Sale Rare opportunity – Last chance to get four adjacent burial lots in the Ascension Garden at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Current value is $1725 each; will only sell together at $1700 each. Call Jim at (706) 467-2632.

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 Antiques wanted Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.

Will buy firearms and related accessories One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. *** Want to buy *** Antique or vintage jewelry Single pieces or entire estate Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

To purchase a classified ad

Send an email to: jennifer@theleaven.com, or call (913) 647-0327. The cost is $17.50 for five lines or less; additional lines cost $1.50. All print ads appear on website at no additional charge. Maximum ad size is 25 lines.

Jan. 28 The Knights of Columbus at Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission Rd.,

Leawood, will host a Valentine’s Day family night at 6 p.m. on Jan. 28 in the school cafeteria. An Italian dinner catered by Carrabba’s Italian Grill will be served. The cost is $20 per person; $55 maximum per family. Proceeds benefit local seminarians. For information or to RSVP, call (913) 226-4476.

Marillac Center, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, will host a one-day retreat, entitled “Making Things New,” from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Jan. 28. Presenters Cathy Newton and Sister Noreen Walter teach participants how to discover new possibilities; face the challenges of change; live in the present moment; and identify strategies to be more innovative. The suggested donation of $15 will include refreshments and lunch. Overnight accommodations are available for an additional $55. To register, visit the website at: www.marillaccenter.org or send an email to: retreats@scls.org.

Tom Jacobs will offer a mini-retreat, “The Art, Prayer and Practice of Meditation,” from 9 a.m. - noon on Jan. 28 at St. Joseph Medical Center, 1000 Carondelet Dr., Kansas City, Mo. Learn the sacred practice of meditation and contemplative prayer. The cost is $25, payable at the door. Space is limited and preregistration is required. For information or to register, call (816) 619-3499 or send an email to: tbjacobs@earthlink.net.

The Altar Society at Holy Family Church, Kansas City, Kan., will offer a struklji making class at 10 a.m. on Jan. 28 at the social club, 513 Ohio Ave. Participants will learn how to make this traditional Slovenian dish and enjoy a salad luncheon. To RSVP, call Marcia Wolf at (816) 454-1378, Sandy Sachen Cannon at (913) 396-1564, or the parish office at (913) 371-1561. A donation of $10 to cover the cost of supplies and lunch is appreciated.

Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, will host its annual celebration “Bettin’ on the Future” on Jan. 28 in the parish activities center, 8101 W. 95th St. The doors will open at 5 p.m. The cost is $60 per person. For information or to purchase tickets, call Melissa Nielsen at (913) 962-5852 or send an email to her at: nielsen@everestkc.net.

The school council of Holy Family School, Topeka, will host a homecoming dinner, dance and silent auction on Jan. 28. A social hour will begin at 5 p.m., followed by an Italian dinner and dancing from 7 - 11 p.m. Tickets cost $25 per person. For information or to purchase tickets, call Debi Meier at (785) 640-4662. Limited child care will be available.

29

The Altar Society of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, 411 Pioneer St., Seneca, will host a pancake breakfast on Jan. 29 from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Freewill donations will be collected.

The students and alumni of Prince of Peace Parish, 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe, will host their annual “Give and Get” coat and shoe exchange from 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Jan. 29 in the St. Luke Room (next to the school cafeteria).

A huge selection of gently used coats, shoes, hats, scarves, mittens, blankets and more will be available to all members of the community. Donations will be accepted through Jan. 28 in the church gathering area.

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The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Fashion and Flair on a Budget” from 10 - 11 a.m. on Jan. 30. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb. org/kwc.

of the month, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Redemptorist Social Service Center, 207 W. Linwood, Kansas City, Mo. For more information, call Christine Rossi at (913) 268-0208.

The Boy Scout Troop at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 22705 Metcalf, Bucyrus, will host a spaghetti dinner from 4:30 - 7 p.m. on Feb. 4 in the parish hall. The cost is: $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 5 - 10 (children under 5 eat free); $25 maximum per family.

5

St. Mary Church, St. Benedict, will host its annual soup lunch from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Feb. 5. Chili, vegetable beef soup, and chicken noodle soup will be served along with relishes and pie.

Freewill offerings will be collected.

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Time Management for Women – Balancing Family, Work, and Everything Else,” from 1:30 - 3 p.m. on Jan. 30.

For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.

St. Patrick Parish, 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host a spaghetti dinner on Feb. 5 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

All proceeds will benefit the Sisters, Servants of Mary. For information or to purchase tickets in advance, call (913) 371-3423.

Feb.

The Holy Women series for February will focus on Nowal el Saadawi, an Egyptian writer, doctor, and sociologist who has helped lead the movement for women’s rights in the Arab world. Sister Thomasita Homan, OSB, will be the presenter from 1 - 3 p.m. on Feb. 9 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave.,, Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 621-8749, or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org.

2

The St. Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Community will celebrate a Mass in honor of the purification of Mary at 7 p.m. on Feb. 2 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2203 Parallel, Kansas City, Kan. A traditional blessing of candles and procession will proceed the Mass. The sacrament of reconciliation will be offered 30 minutes before Mass.

For information, contact the Fraternity of St. Peter at (913) 236-0005.

All Christians are invited to participate in a Taizé prayer service at 7 p.m. on Feb. 2, and every first Thursday of the month, at Annunciation Chapel, located on the Leavenworth campus of the Sisters of Charity, 4200 S. 4th St. Taizé prayer is a meditative, candlelit service that includes repeated chants, silence, and prayers of praise and intercession.

The Taizé prayer tradition emerged from an ecumenical community of monks in Taizé, France. For information, call (913) 758-6572 or visit the website at: www. marillaccenter.org.

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer a women’s writing group from 1 - 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 2 and on every first Thursday of the month. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

3

Holy Name School, 1007 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Kan., will host a taco dinner from 5:30 - 9 p.m. on Feb. 3 in the cafeteria. The cost is $5 per plate.

There will also be raffles for multiple items including an Xbox 360, a Kindle e-reader, two overnight hotel stays and more. All proceeds will benefit the eighth-grade graduation fund.

4

The Militia of Immaculata will meet on Feb. 4, and every first Saturday

Concrete Work

Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

9

11

Queen of the Holy RosaryWea Parish, 22705 Metcalf, Bucyrus, will host “A Night in Monte Carlo” on Feb. 11. The doors open at 6 p.m. The cost of $25 per person includes dinner, drinks and gaming. Proceeds will benefit the school. To purchase tickets, call the school office at (913) 533-2462 or Allison Kanakares at (913) 481-7851 or send an email to: akanakares@kc.rr.com.

A healing Mass in honor of St. Peregrine, patron of those suffering from cancer or other serious illnesses, will be held at 9 a.m. on Feb. 11 at Holy Spirit Church, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park. The sacrament of anointing of the sick will be offered. Special devotions and blessings will be offered with a firstclass relic of St. Peregrine. Packets containing novena prayer and a third-class relic will be available. For information, contact the parish office at (913) 4927318 or Marge Hattrup at (913) 492-7682.

The Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City at Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Mo., will host a winter prayer workshop, entitled “Motions of the Soul,” from 9 - 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 11. Father Mark Thibodeaux, SJ, will discuss how discernment is a process of “praydreaming.” By learning how to let God dream in us, we can begin to touch our deep desires and be more attuned to the movements within our deepest beings. The cost is $20 per person. Scholarships are available. For information or to register, send an email to: info@ignatian centerkc.org, or call (816) 523-5115, ext.

212.

Holy Family Church, Kansas City,

Want to help someone heal from an abortion?

Call Toll Free 888-246-1504

CALENDAR 13

Kan., will host a Valentine’s Day dance from 7 - 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 11 at Mejak Hall, 513 Ohio. Music will be provided by The Don Lipovac Orchestra. The cost is $15 per person. Food will be available for purchase. For information or to purchase tickets, call Robert Serra at (913) 621-3500 or Richard Schutte at (913) 669-3677.

Holy Name Church, Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual ragin’ sweet and spicy fest from 6:30 - 9 p.m. on Feb. 11 in the school cafeteria. There will be a chili, soup and dessert cook-off. Entries are welcome. The cost of $8 includes a meal and tastings. For information, contact Sharon Staab at (913) 631-1138.

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St. Bede Parish, Kelly, will host its annual pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 12. All are welcome. Freewill donations will be accepted.

St. John Catholic Club, 414 Barnett Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will host the annual Frank Ladek Memorial Bowling Tournament beginning on Feb. 12 at noon and 3 p.m. The tournament will be held on Sundays through Feb. 26. The entry fee is $15 per person. For information or to register, call (913) 371-9690.

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Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host a mini-retreat, entitled “A Journal for the Journey,” from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Feb. 15. Sister Thomasita Homan, OSB, will be the facilitator.

Spend a day learning private journaling methods based on Scripture, the Rule of Benedict and life experiences. The cost is $50. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/sophia.html.

Misc.

The FertilityCare™ System (Creighton Model) of natural family planning is offering monthly introductory sessions at a variety of locations in the archdiocese. This medical model fulfills Catholic marriage policy requirements and is helpful for achieving and avoiding pregnancy. To learn more or to register for a class, visit the website at: www. fertilitycarekc.com, or call at (816) 8580198. Para Español, call Veronica Woodford, RN, CFCP, at (816) 916-2607.

Rediscover your marriage! The Retrouvaille program offers the opportunity to rediscover yourself, your spouse, and a loving relationship. The next Retrouvaille weekend is Feb. 17 - 19. For confidential information or to register, call 1 (800) 470-2230 or visit the website at: www.retrouvaille.org.

Calendar submissions: Are due at noon on Wednesday, nine days prior to the publication date.

Calendar items will be publicized according to the date of the event. Email submissions to: jennifer@theleaven. com.

14 COMMENTARY

Catholic Press Association Award Winner

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

QUOTE WEEK

OF THE

“It’s a humbling experience receiving one of those grants because the competition is so great.”

Mary Pat Beals, development consultant for Bishop Ward.

See story on pages 8-9

THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 27, 2012

D

THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 27, 2012

MARK MY WORDS

FROM THE SUPER

Don’t pass (up) this buck

Workshops help Catholic schools define, advance their mission

o you know what a buckslip is?

I suspect you do, although you’re probably not familiar with its official name. A buckslip is one of those inserts that come in the bills that you get from your credit cards or from the telephone company. It usually calls attention to some particular issue or special deal. Apparently, it gets its name from the fact that it’s roughly the size of a dollar bill, or buck. Surprisingly, I believe that a buckslip can be an effective tool in your spiritual life.

But more on that later. First, check out this story: One day three men were hiking and unexpectedly came upon a large raging river. They needed to get to the other side, but had no idea of how to do so.

The first man prayed, “Please, God, give me the strength to cross this river.”

In an instant, God gave him big muscular arms and strong legs. He dove in and was able to swim across the river in about two hours . . . after almost drowning a couple of times.

Seeing this, the second man prayed, “Please, God, give me the strength and the resources to cross this river.” In an instant, God gave him a rowboat.

He was able to cross the river in about an hour . . . after almost capsizing the boat a couple of times.

The third man had seen how things worked out for the other two, so he prayed, “God, give me the strength and the resources — and the intelligence — to cross this river.” In an instant, God turned him into a woman. She looked at the map, hiked upstream a couple hundred yards, then walked across the bridge to the other side in just a few minutes. (Adapted from “Preaching to the Converted,” by Richard Leonard, SJ.) Oh, if all the necessary changes in

our lives came “in an instant,” as in the story above. For most of us, though, change is a slow, gradual process.

Hearing Jesus’ call to repent in last Sunday’s Gospel made me squirm. To repent means to change our lives for the better, to turn from something destructive (sin) and toward something constructive (virtue or holiness).

Deep down, all of us know that we can be better people. This desire is expressed in the making of those New Year’s or Lenten resolutions. So, how are your resolutions going? (Or have they already gone by the wayside?)

My situation can best be described by a large circular magnet that now sits prominently on the front of my refrigerator. Given to me by a parishioner who knows me all too well, it reads: I will conquer procrastination . . . Just wait!

So many of my resolutions — OK, let’s be honest, almost all of my resolutions — remain just good intentions.

I have a heck of a time actually turning them into reality. It’s a case of the spirit being willing, but that flesh sure is weak.

Well, that was the case until I stumbled on a simple idea in the course of reading a magazine article recently.

I don’t remember any of the details except for the part about the buckslip.

The author said that using a buckslip could produce small but steady

changes in life.

Her idea is simple: Cut a piece of paper to the size of a buckslip. Then write some tasks on it that you’d like to accomplish. That’s it. That’s the whole idea. But I think it’s one worth pursuing.

My suggestion is that you make a buckslip today. On it, write down seven tiny actions that you can do to change your life for the better. I’m talking very simple stuff. Say, for example, you’d like to pray more. One “action” on your buckslip might read: Make the sign of the cross when waking up today and before collapsing into bed tonight. Or you might think of someone during the day that you “sure would like to get in touch with.” A buckslip item would be: Send a note or email to _____. Maybe you’d like to be more generous to the poor. A buckslip task would read: Spend five minutes gathering clothes from one drawer in the bedroom to donate. Another item, related to the previous, one might be: Deliver donations to TurnStyles. A buckslip is something that can be easily carried with you in a wallet to act as a visual reminder — and challenge — to turn your good intentions into good deeds.

Try using a buckslip during this week and see what happens. Do one a week for the rest of this year and you’ll accomplish almost 340 good things.

Taken together, that would be quite an impressive life change. And the neat thing about the buckslip is that when we do something positive “for ourselves,” it can’t help but positively impact the lives of those around us.

If we’re serious about changing for the better, simply remember what Harry Truman knew so well, and that’s exactly where the buck stops.

FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME Jan. 29 FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Dt 18: 15-20; Ps 95: 1-2, 6-9; 1 Cor 7: 32-35; Mk 1: 21-28 Jan. 30 Monday 2 Sm 15: 13-14, 30; 16: 5-13; Ps 3: 2-7; Mk 5: 1-20 Jan. 31 John Bosco, priest 2 Sm 18: 9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30 — 19: 3; Ps 86: 1-6; Mk 5: 21-43 Feb. 1 Wednesday 2 Sm 24: 2, 9-17; Ps 32: 1-2, 5-17; Mk 6: 1-6 Feb. 2 THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD Mal 3: 1-4; Ps 24: 7-10; Heb 2: 14-18; Lk 2: 22-40 Feb. 3 Blaise, bishop, martyr; Ansgar, bishop Sir 47: 2-11; Ps 18: 31, 47, 50-51; Mk 6: 14-29 Feb. 4 Saturday 1 Kgs 3: 4-13; Ps 119: 9-14; Mk 6: 30-34

COMMENTARY 15

IN THE BEGINNING

D

ear friends of Catholic schools,

“Your Child’s Future – Now and Forever Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas • Joyfully Catholic • Diligently Achieving • Intentionally Self-Giving • Prudently Managed • Forwardly Thinking” The phrases written above are the characteristics that we want all of the Catholic schools in the archdiocese to embody in their own unique manner.

We identified these characteristics after participating in the enrollment management training sessions offered by Jay Gould of The Advancement Counsel, a consulting firm that assists Catholic schools across the nation. The archdiocesan office of Catholic schools hosted

S

This approach on God’s part will make Israel’s prophets stand out from the neighboring people’s soothsayers and diviners. Significantly, this passage in the Book of Deuteronomy immediately follows a passage which condemns the practices of fortunetelling and necromancy: “Let there not be found among you anyone who immolates his son or daughter in the fire, nor a fortuneteller, soothsayer, charmer, diviner, or caster of spells, nor one who consults ghosts and spirits or seeks oracles from the dead” (Dt 19: 10-11).

The true prophets of Israel will not need to resort to such indirect methods to hear God speak to them. God will speak plainly. And if they distort what God has to say, they will do so at their own peril. God warns them: “If a

prophet presumes to speak in my name an oracle that I have not commanded him to speak, or speaks in the name of other gods, he shall die.”

God wants the people of Israel to take the prophet’s word seriously. And God will back up the prophet: “Whoever will not listen to my words which he speaks in my name, I myself will make him answer for it.”

And what will God say? Usually, when the prophets make some prediction about the future, it is conditioned upon how the people of Israel will behave. If they do not act according to God’s guidance, then they will receive punishment. If they follow God’s will, then the people of Israel will be rewarded. The future depends on how they react to God’s word.

In that respect, nothing has changed. Our ultimate future also depends on how we react to God’s word. In that sense, the future is in our hands. It does not depend upon fate.

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

Prudently Managed — Schools employ best business practices as appropriate for an educational setting.

They establish strategic plans, realistic budgets, and advancement (development) tactics (including enrollment and tuition management practices) to support those plans and budgets. We want our schools to be excellent stewards of the resources they receive.

Forwardly Thinking – Schools stay abreast of trends and best practices so that they are constantly improving how they accomplish the mission. We want our Catholic schools to always look to the future, in this world and the next.

The future for Catholic schools in this archdiocese looks bright! Thanks be to God! Happy Catholic Schools Week! ¡Vaya con Dios!

Kathy O’Hara is the superintendent of archdiocesan schools.

INSIDE CATHOLIC CHARITIES

T

Your gifts help bring hope to the hopeless

his weekend, many of you will have a special presenter visiting your parish to give a personal perspective on the Archbishop’s Call to Share.

In some parishes that speaker will be a staff member or volunteer of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Catholic Charities is blessed to be a recipient of the gifts that you choose to give through this annual appeal and we look forward each year to being able to share some of our stories with you.

These staff members and volunteers, whether they are Catholic or not, have each in their own way responded like

Prophets speak the truth to Hebrews —and us

ome fortunetellers will examine tea leaves in order to see into the future. Others will look at the lines in a person’s hand to see where they lead, or read the playing cards that the person has selected for similar clues about that person’s fate.

Thousands of years ago, the augurs of the ancient Romans claimed to predict the future from the direction that a flight of birds FOURTH SUNDAY IN would take.

ORDINARY TIME The BabyloDt 18: 15-20 nian priests of antiquity would sacrifice an animal and, peering into its guts, see the future through the way its entrails were entwined. Throughout the ages, people have tried all kinds of methods to coax a message out about the future.

In contrast, the God of Israel would speak directly to the prophets, to send them a message. This Sunday’s first reading, Dt 18:15-20, makes that very clear. God promises Moses: “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their kin, and will put my words into his mouth; he shall tell them all that I command him.”

this training for all the schools in the archdiocese. The goal of enrollment management training is to advance the mission of Catholic schools.

To date, nearly all the schools in the archdiocese have completed this training. In the workshops, school teams learned strategies for — and a strategic approach to — optimizing enrollment.

But in the process, they also learned much about the good things that are happening in our schools, as well as a vision for a thriving future. Each of the schools has its own story to tell, yet

all fit into the framework noted at the beginning of this column: Joyfully Catholic — When they learn about and experience Christ and his church on a daily basis, students also learn the virtue of hope. And from hope comes joy. We want our Catholic schools to be places of true joy.

Diligently Achieving — This is more than just scoring well on tests. It is developing all of the God-given gifts and talents in our students so they give those and more back to him. We want our schools to be excellent because that is in keeping with the mission.

Intentionally Self-Giving — We seek to help our students understand the relationship between the gifts they have been given and the great commandment of loving and serving others as Jesus did.

We want our schools to be known by the love of others that our students demonstrate when they give of themselves.

Samuel to a call they have heard; they have chosen to serve God through serving others. When a toddler is crying, it is a teacher at St. Benedict’s Early Education Center in Kansas City Kan., that gently comforts them and wipes away their tears. When a dying man faces the reality of the end, it is a chaplain from Catholic Community Hospice that gives him the spiritual encouragement to ease his fears. A hungry homeless man finds

bread for the day at one of our Emergency Assistance Centers because a faithful volunteer went out of his or her way to stock the shelves that morning. A displaced child finds a safe home through the efforts of our foster care workers and the families they recruit and train.

Whether it is a Topeka dad reuniting with his children after an incarceration, a Lawrence couple working to strengthen their relationship through Marriage for Keeps, a frightened refugee arriving to start a new life in America or an immigrant coming out of the shadows to seek a path to citizenship, Catholic Charities staff and volunteers are there to help. When someone is in need, their response is always, “Here I am!”

But they cannot do this work alone; they cannot do it without your help. As baptized Christians, we no longer live

our lives for ourselves. Rather, we are called to live for others and to make the love of Jesus Christ manifest through our actions. As Catholics, we have the catechism of our church and rich social teachings to guide us. We are to respect all life, to work for justice and to place the needs of the poor and vulnerable first . . . not last. Why? As a wise priest once shared with a rich man, the poor are our salvation. It is in how we treat and care for the least among us that we will be judged.

As you discern your gift to the Archbishop’s Call to Share, I hope that you listen to God’s call and respond with generosity. Let your response bring the love of God to the least among us and bring hope to the hopeless.

Jan Lewis is the executive director of Catholic Charities.

PROTECTING FAMILIES FROM PORNOGRAPHY

R

Seven simple steps to conquer an addiction

egardless of how often you or your loved one has struggled, here are seven strategies for longterm freedom from pornography.

This is a condensed version of a new two-page overview, called “7 Steps to Long-Term Freedom from Pornography,” available on the website at: MyHouse Kansas.org.

1) Boundaries — Use accountability software on computers, cellphones, iPads and iPods (for instance, Covenant Eyes.com, SafeEyes.com or Bsecure. com) and stay away from tempting situations like channel surfing, going to bed after your wife, and hotels with pornographic videos (try CleanHotels.com).

2) Theology of the Body (TOB) — TOB resources are some of the best sources of encouragement for sexual integrity and better intimacy. Chris-

topher West and Jason Evert are TOB speakers with amazing CDs, articles and Web resources at: ChristopherWest. com, Chastity.com, and ImagoDei-TOB. org. Some of the best TOB speakers in the country — including Jason Evert, Dr. Janet Smith, Mark Wassmer and Patty Schneier — will be in Olathe this weekend! Prince of Peace Church is co-hosting a conference for men, parents and teens on Jan. 27 and 28, and next weekend for couples and women. Over 3,000 people came to these conferences last year, and this conference could dramatically improve the level of intimacy and closeness in your marriage and in your teen’s

future marriage! For more information, visit the website at: www.afa-ksmo.net.

3) Myths about Pornography — Matt Fradd has a great Catholic website — ThePornEffect.com — that includes articles about pornography myths from men and women who used to work in the pornography industry.

4) Teamwork & Accountability — Dan Spencer with the National Fellowship of Catholic Men (nfcmUSA.org) has done amazing work on developing strategies and men’s accountability groups for sexual integrity. Being open and honest with other men is often doing them a favor and can encourage them to be real about struggles with lust that most Catholic men need accountability to break free from. Men who are compulsively using pornography often need 12step groups and counseling for long-term freedom.

5) Pray or Become Prey — Being open and honest with priests during confession, receiving the Eucharist at Mass every week, eucharistic adoration, and

spiritual direction are incredibly beneficial for freedom from pornography.

6) Marriage Enrichment — Worldwide Marriage Encounter (wwme.org) can help to drastically improve communication as well as emotional, spiritual and physical intimacy in marriages. Retrouvaille (Retrouvaille.org) is a Catholic program that is great for difficult marriage situations and has saved over 100,000 marriages with an 80 percent success rate!

7) Support for Women — Women whose loved ones are struggling with pornography often experience feelings of trauma, anger, loneliness, and anxiety.

Women who are in relationships with men who are addicted to pornography often need professional counseling along with spousal support groups to process through the painful emotions.

Sam Meier is the consultant for the My House Freedom from Pornography initiative.

You can contact him through the program’s website at: LoveIsFaithful.org.

16 VATICAN LETTER

THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 27, 2012

BEAUTIFUL BODIES

‘Body Worlds’ called a ‘wonderful ode to respect for the body’

By Carol Glatz

Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Many readers of the Vatican’s official newspaper might have been taken by surprise in mid-January by an article effusively praising a well-known exhibition of “plastinated” human bodies, which was making an extended stop in Rome.

“Body Worlds,” which L’Osservatore Romano called a “wonderful ode to respect for the body,” is an exhibition of preserved human corpses, displayed in often sporty stances.

The show thus bears many similarities to another show, “Bodies: The Exhibition,” which drew strong criticism a few years back from Catholic bishops in the United States, Canada and England, who expressed concerns over whether the preserved bodies were being exploited or degraded by being on public display.

The different reaction to the show in Rome may stem, at least in part, from promoters’ claims that all of the cadavers in “Body Worlds” are on display with the prior consent of the deceased.

By contrast, news reports from 2008 revealed that the “Bodies” exhibition included unclaimed and unidentified cadavers from China — strongly suggesting there was little if any free consent involved.

The Catholic Church has consistently taught that the human body must be treated with respect, in accordance with the preservation of human dignity.

Many critics, meanwhile, have said such concerns only put the brakes on science.

In fact, the church and the Vatican have a long history of promoting knowledge of the human body. One 18th-century pope even sponsored a show that might be considered the “Body Worlds” of its day.

Pope Benedict XIV established the first Anatomical Museum in Italy in his hometown of Bologna after he commissioned in 1742, eight life-size wax figures, designed on the basis of human autopsies.

He wanted the museum to educate the public, inspire future anatomists and aid artists with more accurate representations of the human form, said Rebecca Messbarger, an expert in Enlightenment Italy who teaches at Washington University in St. Louis.

Before his 1740 election as pope, then-Cardinal Prospero Lambertini socialized with academics, doctors and anatomists, promoted women scholars, acquired and donated scientific instruments, and worked to see Bologna’s Institute of Science become the nerve center of cutting-edge medical science and study. He also established a school of obstetrics and supplied it with terracotta and wax models to help train surgeons and midwives.

Medical education was undergoing a huge revolution in the 18th century, as anatomists shed abstract theories about how the body worked, in favor of handson study with actual cadavers.

According to Andrea Carlino, professor of the history of medicine at the University of Geneva, Pope Benedict threw his full support behind this new methodology. Carlino noted that the church had never formally prohibited the dissection of the deceased for anatomical

CNS photo/Poggi Museum

A life-size figure created out of real bones and colored wax is one of eight anatomical figures commissioned by 18th-century Pope Benedict XIV to teach the general public and artists about the human body. The figures, created by Italian physician-sculptor Ercole Lelli, are in the Poggi Museum in Bologna, Italy. study.

At the time, however, the culturally and legally acceptable sources of corpses for scientific study were limited to the unclaimed bodies of the poor, executed criminals and heretics. It was the shortage of cadavers that led to rampant grave robbing.

So Cardinal Lambertini, then archbishop of Bologna, urged his priests to convince parishioners to donate their own and their loved ones’ bodies to science, arguing that anatomical study promoted public health.

Pope Benedict’s interest in and experience with anatomy was the foundation of his four-volume book on canonization and miracles, Messbarger said, in which he referred “as much to the masters of anatomy as to the fathers of the church.”

As Messbarger puts it, the pope knew that “in order to understand the supernatural, you have to understand the natural.” In other words, to determine whether a healing is miraculous or not, it is vital to understand the nature of the disease or illness, what could or could not be cured, and the role the mind

might play in the physical manifestation of disease.

Like his 21st-century successor with the same name, the Enlightenment Pope Benedict saw no conflict between faith and reason.

“One of the reasons he’s such a promoter of science is because he really saw the danger of superstition and he wanted people’s faith to be based on Scripture,” Messbarger said. “He wanted a more reasonable expression of faith.”