02-02-12 Vol. 33 No. 24

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 33, NO. 24 FEBRUARY 3, 2012

Archbishop urges Catholics to counterattack on conscience

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

Leaven photo by Marc Anderson

Topeka’s Holy Family School students — from left, Mario Estrada, Lupita Alvarez, Karen Martinez and Jasmin Ortega — discuss geometric shapes with Sister Angela Rose Barbieri. Sister Angela is one of three religious teaching in the school and is a reading and math specialist.

WE ARE FAMILY

Sisters find a home inside the school community of Holy Family in Topeka

By Marc and Julie Anderson

Special to The Leaven

TOPEKA — Following a vocation as a woman religious means living in community. Three Sisters at Holy Family School here have discovered that it can also involve a much larger community. Best of all, it can feel like family — like home.

A cradle Catholic and the oldest of six, Sister Rebecca Granado was somewhat active in her Arizona parish but did not consider the religious life until much later in life.

About 25 years ago, while living in Phoenix, Sister Rebecca said she experienced a time of tremendous spiritual growth.

“I was part of a small faith-sharing community, and the community encouraged vocations,” she said. “In 1993, I had a most meaningful experience while at World Youth Day in Denver. The youth who were considering a religious vocation were asked to stand. I was close to 50 years old, but I stood . . . and that started a beautiful journey.”

Over the next several years, Sister Rebecca applied to two different religious communities, spending time with both. The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Boulder, Colo., appealed to her greatly.

“I’d never seen happier people in all of my life,” she said. “These women were fulfilled.”

In the end, however, neither community wanted to accept a late vocation.

Sister Rebecca constantly prayed for God’s direction but, after trying two communities, she didn’t think

Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 29-Feb. 5 God was calling her to the religious life after all. A phone call, however, changed her life.

In 2004, Sister Maria Luz Hernandez, a member of the Augustinian Recollect Missionary Sisters founded in Spain, had moved back home to Topeka with permission to found an order. Sister Maria learned of the future Sister’s efforts and invited her for a visit.

“At first, I turned her down,” Sister Rebecca said, telling Sister Maria she’d been turned down by two other orders due to her age.

On July 9, 2010, Sister Rebecca See “PRINCIPAL” on page 16

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Catholics across the archdiocese will be asked by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann to resist an attack on individual conscience rights and religious liberty undertaken by the Obama administration.

This call to action for all Catholics is contained in a Jan. 30 letter the archbishop has asked all pastors to read and distribute to parishioners the weekend of Feb. 4 and 5. Other Catholic bishops in the United States have written similar letters.

Archbishop Naumann and other bishops oppose a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mandate that is part of the 2010 federal health care reform law — the Patient Protection and Affordability Act. Under HHS rules, all private health care plans would be required to cover contraception and sterilization as preventive care for women. All contraceptive methods — including certain abortifacients — would be covered without co-pays or other cost sharing.

“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced on Jan. 20 that almost all employers, including Catholic employers, will be forced to offer their employees health coverage that includes sterilization, abortioninducing drugs, and contraception,” wrote Archbishop Naumann. “Almost all health insurers will be forced to buy that coverage as part of their policies.”

The archbishop said this is an impossible situation that Catholics cannot accept and must resist.

“We cannot — we will not — comply with this unjust law,” wrote the archbishop.

The HHS rules provide a religious exception, but it is so restrictive as to be meaningless, said Ron Kelsey, archdiocesan pro-life coordinator.

“In the proposed rules, [HHS] allowed an extremely narrow religious exemption clause so certain religious See “RELIGIOUS” on page 16

BACK TO SCHOOL

VOTING PRINCIPLES

The bishops of Kansas have written the first in a series of reflections that show how our values as Catholics can help shape our thinking as we head to the voting booth.

3

Leaven reporter Jessica Langdon goes back to school to find out what it’s like to be a seventh-grader at Corpus Christi School in Lawrence.

ALL GOOD THINGS

Father Jerry Spencer has been the Catholic chaplain at the University of Kansas Hospital and Medical Center for 44 years. Last November, he retired from that position, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and hope for all those he encountered.

4-5 7-9

2 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 3, 2012

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 3, 2012

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

W

Religious life is countercultural and radical

hile I was in St. Louis over the Christmas holidays, I had the opportunity to visit a priest classmate.

He gave me a copy of the Jan. 9 edition of People magazine. It was the first copy of People magazine that I had ever possessed. Although I must admit, while in the checkout line at supermarkets, it is difficult to ignore some of the provocative cover headlines about the lives of the rich and the famous.

This particular magazine happened to be their annual special “weight loss edition,” highlighting what celebrities lost the most pounds during the year and how they did it! You are probably thinking now: “I know why your classmate gave you this copy of People magazine.” While I admit your assumption is quite logical, still it is wrong.

It was not for weight loss tips that my friend gave me the magazine, but because on page 110 there was an article about one of his parishioners entitled: “How Ashley Found Her Calling.” The article relates the story of a young woman who, after completing her freshman year of college, decided to enter formation with the Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George.

The first two pages of the article are dominated by a photograph of Ashley (now Sister Caterina) praying in the St. Francis Convent chapel in Alton, Ill., with a smaller photograph inset of Ashley’s high school prom picture.

The article describes Sister Caterina to be a very normal American teenager, who loves country and western music, rock-climbing, wearing high heels, backpacking and communicating via Facebook. Nevertheless, from early childhood, Ashley had felt a calling to give her life to Jesus and serve the church as a religious Sister.

The Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George have Sisters in our archdiocese — serving on the faculty of St. James Academy, on staff at Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park and studying at Benedictine College in Atchison. I have known this community for many years. They operate a skilled nursing facility, Mother of Good Counsel Home, that was located in the parish in St. Louis where I served as pastor.

My grandmother resided there for a few years and died at Mother of Good Counsel Home.

After reading the article, I called up Mother Regina Pacis, the provincial superior, and asked: “How did People magazine become interested in writing a story on Sister Caterina?” She told me that the editors wanted to do an article on a teenage girl entering religious life. Since Ashley was 19 when she entered, she fit the profile. Mother Regina Pacis has received requests for interviews with Sister Caterina from the “Today” show, FOX News, “Oprah,” and CNN. One of the reasons People magazine and other secular media outlets are interested in Ashley’s story is because there are so few young women entering religious life today. However, they are also fascinated because religious life is so countercultural and radical.

In a society that promotes young adults being sexually active, religious women make a promise of celibate chastity. In a consumer culture, where success is measured by how much you possess, Sisters make a vow of evangelical poverty. In a country, where freedom is understood as being able to do whatever you want whenever you want, consecrated religious make a vow of obedience.

Recently, seven young women came here from Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Illinois and Kansas to spend a week of discernment with the Little Sisters of the Lamb in Kansas City, Kan. I celebrated Mass and spent a couple of hours in conversation with them. It was inspiring to experience their joy and enthusiasm as they strive to figure out what God is asking them to do with their lives.

A couple of them are very serious about entering into formation with the Little Sisters of the Lamb. The parents of one of the young women, who has actually taken some of the preliminary steps to enter formation, were worried and upset about their daughter’s plans.

Her parents are very devout Catholics, who raised their daughter to love Jesus and his church. However, they never envisioned that God might want their daughter to follow him in this radical way.

The weekend following her discernment week, when attending Sunday Mass with her parents, the pastor — totally unaware of what was happening in the life of this family — gave a homily on vocations. He asked parents in the congregation: “If your young adult daughter came home from college and told you that she had met this virtuous and incredibly gifted young man whom she loved and desired to marry, wouldn’t you be thrilled and excited for your daughter?” Then the pastor asked: “If your daughter came home and told you she had met the man of her dreams whom she wanted to spend the rest of her life with and the man was Jesus, shouldn’t you be even more excited and overjoyed?”

Yesterday, Feb. 2, the feast of the Presentation of Our Lord, I celebrated vespers and had dinner with the consecrated religious women and men of the archdiocese. It is always a joy to spend an evening with these women and men who have given themselves so completely to Jesus and his church. It is beautiful to see the joy and enthusiasm in the eyes, especially, of the older Sisters.

Religious life is so important for the vibrancy of the entire church. Consecrated religious strive to live the Gospel with purity and passion. In so doing, they inspire the rest of us to want to follow the Lord more completely and faithfully.

Religious Sisters have played such an important role in the life of the church in northeast Kansas. All of our Catholic hospitals, most of our schools, and so many of our charitable ministries were founded and staffed for many years by these heroic women.

In many ways, for a young woman to enter religious life is even more difficult and more countercultural than a young man entering the seminary. We need to encourage every young woman to be open to the possibility that God may be calling her to serve him and the church as a religious Sister.

Sister Caterina expressed her understanding of her calling in these words:

Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

Feb. 3 Mass for 100th anniversary of Holy Trinity School — Lenexa “Shepherd’s Voice” recording

Feb. 6-7 Jesus Caritas meeting — bishops prayer group in Wichita

Feb. 8-9 Kansas Catholic Conference — Topeka Feb. 9 Religious Alliance Against Pornography phone conference Feb. 10 Vespers and dinner with Jesuit novices residing at the Cathedral rectory for part of their novitiate Feb. 11 White Mass for Catholic Medical Association — Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Kansas City, Mo. Meeting with students attending Kansas Catholic College Student Conference — Lawrence Feb. 12 Mass for Kansas Catholic College Student Conference — Lawrence Mass celebrating World Marriage Day with Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph — St. Therese Church, Kansas City, Mo.

“God has called me to be his own. This is his purpose for me that I will be truly his alone — mind, heart, body and soul.” I am edified by the young women entering religious life today. The joy they exude, while bucking so many of the cultural trends and biases, is contagious. May their numbers grow!

If your daughter or granddaughter was going to be profiled in People magazine, wouldn’t you prefer that it be for something as beautiful and heroic as answering a call to religious life?

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR CATHOLIC VOTERS

By Most Rev. Michael O. Jackels

T

Bishop of Wichita

his is the first in a series of reflections related to the upcoming election offered by the leaders of the four dioceses in Kansas.

The intention of this reflection (and those to follow) is not to endorse or oppose a particular candidate, political party, or political action committee. Instead, it is to show how human reasoning, enlightened by our Catholic faith, shapes our thinking, choosing and acting in daily life, including the most basic obligation of citizenship: voting.

The practice of our Catholic faith is not reserved only to Sunday or to the worship of God at holy Mass; rather, it is a way of life intended to affect our thinking, speaking and acting, whether we are at home with family, at work, at play, or in the voting booth.

In this regard, our Catholic faith is very relevant, and the practice of it makes the world a different, a better place. How? By making Catholics and the way we think, speak and act different, even better.

The practice of our Catholic faith illumines our human reasoning and elevates us as persons. Our Catholic faith forms in us the following values, just to name a few: We are a part of others, not apart from them — We see ourselves as one with God, with other Catholics (all over the earth, in purgatory and in heaven), and with the human family in general.

It makes a difference when we think not only of me and mine, but of we and ours as well, inclusive of God, family, friends, parishioners, fellow citizens, strangers, even enemies.

We care for others because we care about them — As a consequence of our oneness, we take responsibility for one another. Our duty to care for others is greatest when their ability to care for themselves is least. This duty begins and is greatest at the moment of conception until birth. It lessens, though never entirely, as people grow into adulthood, and increases again as they age or become sick. Of course, our duty to care for others always remains great even toward adults when they are mentally or physically disabled, or are unable to secure for themselves the basics of a dignified life.

We regard human life as sacred — As just noted, our reverence for human life inspires us to care about and for others, especially to protect and defend people from harm. No one is justified in taking another human life, except in self-defense, as in a just war or capital punishment (though in the United States, in these modern times, the cases are very rare, if not practically nonexistent, in which the execution of the offender is an absolute necessity to defend ourselves against an unjust aggressor).

Homicide, suicide, abortion, euthanasia, and embryonic stem-cell research are actions that kill another human life and that can never be morally justified.

We honor marriage and family life — New human life is created as the fruit of the love between one man and one woman who, by their own free will, are joined by marriage in a faithful and lifelong relationship. This is the ideal for marriage that we learn from nature and from God. We strive to promote and defend this ideal because it is the best way to conceive new life, to nurture a child with the unique love of both a father and a mother, and to teach a child how to live in society.

We respect the dignity of every human person — People have a fundamental right to life, which serves as the basis for their dignity and for their right to those things needed to live in dignity: for example, productive work and fair wages, food and shelter, education and health care, protection from harm, and the right to move from one country to another when these things are not available. How these things are made available to people is a matter of prudential judgment, where people of good will might disagree.

We serve, even make sacrifices, to

benefit others — Service and sacrifice are among the best ways to show that our neighborly love is authentic, which in turn shows that our love of God is genuine. Our service is humble and our sacrifice complete such that no service is beneath our dignity and no sacrifice beyond us. If at a given moment we cannot respond in proportion to the need, we offer that we would if we could, and we will when we can.

We are stewards, not owners — No matter if we are talking about who we are, what we are able to do or what we have, and whether that is something we eat, wear or use, we recognize that it is not ours to do with as we please. Our role is rather to be responsible managers of all the above: for example, not owned, but loaned; to use, not abuse; to employ for the intention of the owner (God); and to share with others.

When we live these values, we help to make the world a different, a better place. If we did not live them, or lived by opposing values, the world would indeed be different, but certainly not better. In the coming months, there

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

will be three more reflections like this one, on human life issues, the promotion of marriage and family life and the economy, aimed at forming consciences in preparation for the important act of voting.

Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas

Most Rev. Michael O. Jackels

Bishop of Wichita

Most Rev. John B. Brungardt

Bishop of Dodge City

Very Rev. Barry E. Brinkman

Diocesan Administrator of Salina

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 • FEBRUARY 3, 2012

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 3, 2012

Back to the future

Catholic schools lead young minds to Christ Continued from page 4

Corpus Christi School in Lawrence lets Leaven reporter relive her middle school years

By Jessica Langdon Leaven staff LAWRENCE — I asked for a day in the life of a Catholic school student, and that’s exactly what I got — complete with a refresher course in math.

Midway through the last class before lunch at Corpus Christi School in Lawrence on Jan. 19, I examined my reporter’s notebook.

I discovered, to my surprise, that I had stopped writing down the usual quotes and observations . . . and started taking algebra notes.

If seventh-grade teacher Elizabeth Haney could get a reporter who hasn’t had a math class since college calculus so wrapped into the lesson, I can only imagine the connection she makes with her students on a daily basis.

Haney is teaching the first class of seventh-graders in Corpus Christi’s 12year history. A restructuring of the Lawrence schools coincided with Corpus Christi’s addition of seventh grade, so the timing worked out perfectly.

The addition of eighth grade will complete the school in 2012-2013.

Like so many of the Catholic schools within the archdiocese, Corpus Christi will soon offer a Catholic education for students aged kindergarten through eighth grade, plus preschool.

A place to blossom

I even heard her helping some of the kids analyze the nutritional quality of their breakfasts.

But there is one thing Haney integrates into her entire curriculum: faith.

The ability to include God in the conversation opens doors to a whole education, she said.

“If you leave God out, it’s like you’re missing some of the essential things in learning about yourself and the world around you,” she said.

Sharing experience As Haney reviewed equations with her algebra students, the pre-algebra group prepared for their upcoming test using SuccessMaker. The computer program is personalized, basing its next questions on how the student answered the previous ones.

Younger grades use the program, too, I learned when I got to peek into all the classrooms.

The days of simple black or green chalkboards or even dry erase boards are gone. The boards here can handle dry erase markers, PowerPoint presentations, even videos and other programs.

In Karen Davies’ fifth-grade classroom, students worked on biography posters about figures ranging from Muppets creator Jim Henson to Princess Diana to Adolf Hitler to James Naismith, the inventor of basketball.

The projects are colorful, filled with accurate information, and researched online right here in the classroom, said Davies.

Teachers know that incorporating technology into their classrooms — no matter what the subject — is a must.

Within the building, the staff boasts a total of 328 years of experience. Some have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to instruction, and some bring knowledge of new technologies to the table.

s Lawrence’s Corpus Christi seventh-graders Alecsa Derganc (left), Alena Johnson and Patrick Oblon collaborate to come up with the correct verb ending as Spanish teacher Jill LaPoint (standing) oversees the competition. Seventhgrade teacher Elizabeth Haney (back right) also takes part in the game. She likes to give students in the class chances to help each other with their subjects, allowing everyone to lead and learn from one another. s

The class was quick to welcome photographer Lori Wood Habiger and me on the day of our visit.

Seventh-grade students Matt Walker and Cameron Guy were eager to invite me, for example, to join in the verbendings competition in Spanish class.

Corpus Christi seventh-grade teacher Eliza(Spanish, by the way, is a requirement beth Haney gives Cameron Guy some guidance for seventh grade and an option for on an assignment. Students were writing stomany grades.) ries and finding examples of things like similes, The competition was fun but fierce. metaphors and alliteration in song lyrics. StuI sat this one out, but might have been dents say they get a lot of one-on-one time at a bit more competitive had the subject Corpus Christi. “You get more individual help,” been French, which has also been an seventh-grader Garrett Wildeman said.

Leaven photos by Lori Wood Habiger elective here.

“You have a lot of choices in elec“The academic expectation is defitives,” said Brennan Clark, who started nitely higher,” said Jennifer Allen, whose at Corpus Christi in first grade. There’s been journalism, entrepreneurship and son Thomas is in seventh grade.

Parents have found more. that children are foLike Brennan, some cused and engaged of the 17 seventhat any level, and regraders have been stusources are available dents here for years. for those who need Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 29-Feb. 5 “Once my parents some extra help or a and I heard there was challenge. going to be a seventh The school has seen a steep increase grade, it was a pretty easy decision,” said Jacob Pavlyac, who also started here in in enrollment during the past few years, and several of the seventh-graders are in first grade. “It’s a Catholic school and their first year here. we’re a Catholic family.”

It didn’t take long after pastor Father “The religion-based education our Mick Mulvany announced the school kids are getting is very important to our family,” said Michelle Wilkus, whose son would have seventh grade for Beth ObMatthew is in seventh grade and has lon’s son Patrick to decide this is what he wanted to do. been here since kindergarten.

Leaven photo by Lori Wood Habiger

Seventh-graders Madison Piper (left), Emma Barberena, Alecsa Derganc and Alena Johnson work together on an assignment. The classroom where the seventh-graders spend most of their day is complete with tables that are ideal for group work. The room is also equipped for science with sinks, a refrigerator and more. The tables and chairs are adjustable, and the class space offers features with older students in mind. they’re getting here and at home will stick with them for life.

“I want them to be great citizens of the world, and a people engaged in their faith with critical thinking,” he said.

A relationship with Christ One of the perks of being a reporter is getting to do things I might not otherwise ever have the chance to do.

Returning to school for a day is one of those things.

As much as things have changed, es-

Faith seeking knowledge

“It’s been a true blessing for him,” said Oblon. “He’s blossomed.”

Seventh-grader Joe Amaro has also made strides. He told me he wasn’t making good grades at his previous school, and the easy work he was given there didn’t help.

Things are different now.

“My grades went up. I’m back at a seventh-grade level,” said Joe. “This is the best place for me.”

Footsteps to heaven Jill LaPoint, who teaches Spanish and French at Corpus Christi, started Spanish class with a prayer. The students knew “El Ave Maria” by heart.

Corpus Christi’s theme this year is “Footsteps to heaven,” and it is incorporated into a lot of what the students do.

“Their daily behavior should be images of Christ,” said principal Mary Mattern.

It fits right in with the 2012 Catholic Schools Week theme: Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service. (The week runs from Jan. 29-Feb. 5.)

Haney covers just about every academic subject with her students and never seems to miss out on a teaching moment. She worked math questions into students’ PowerPoint presentations on countries.

See “CATHOLIC” on page 5

The adults get to know each child.

Mattern called kids by name, knew what was going on with them, and asked for updates on issues they’d been talking about.

“The day we stop learning and growing is the day we stop being a school of excellence,” Mattern said.

As good as it might feel to get the building clean at the end of May, by about June 10 it already feels empty, said Father Mulvany, whose office is in the school.

He sees Catholic schools as a way of bringing a different kind of life to a parish.

The mission is a simple but important one: to hand on the faith.

“Faith seeking understanding” is the motto written on the students’ shirt patches.

Father Mulvany hopes the foundation

Leaven photo by Lori Wood Habiger

Matt Walker (center), Alexander Guy and Cameron Guy join fellow seventh-graders in the lunch line during a break from class at Corpus Christi School. Corpus Christi has 298 students. Corpus Christi’s addition this year of seventh grade dovetailed well with the Lawrence schools’ efforts to move ninth grade to high school. The Catholic school will have its first class of eighthgraders in 2012-2013.

pecially when it comes to technology (MacBooks abound, and using them is the favorite part of some kids’ day) it’s nice to see that some things stay the same.

Kids’ curiosity and enthusiasm, for example.

When one student walked up to me in the hall and asked if I was with “The Eleven,” I had to say yes. (Sounds enough like “The Leaven.”) Too cute.

And some of the third-graders shared their plans for a newspaper of their own, a side project that’s not a class assignment. They’re calling it the “Daily Catholic,” and had divided up roles from printer to head of photography.

Nor was there ever a dull moment in the seventh-grade classroom.

Several moms talked about the way the teacher can laugh with the kids while still setting them on the right path.

There’s a sense of community here, they said.

Madison Piper came to Corpus Christi this year for seventh grade, and she likes the way everyone gets along.

“It’s fun,” she said as she added color to an assignment for religion class. “You have smaller classes, more attention.”

One thing I probably never would have noticed when I was in school is how quickly the day seems to go. I couldn’t believe it when 3 p.m. arrived.

They cover a whole world of topics in about seven hours every day, and the school hopes the lessons learned here will shape a future generation.

“A child has to know some success,” Father Mulvany said. A goal set forth for all the Catholic schools within the archdiocese is to allow every young mind to touch the face of Christ, he said.

“They have to realize that they have something to offer,” said Father Mulvany. “All of that is best laid out in front of them by making sure they have a relationship with Christ.”

LOCAL NEWS 5 LaVon and Bernard McManaman, members of St. Benedict’s Parish in Atchison, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on ANNIVERSARIES Jan. 27. The couple was married on Jan. 27, 1962, at St. Anthony Church in Cedar Rapids, Neb. Their children are: Rebecca, Lawrence, William and Alicia. They also have four grandchildren. A family celebration was held Christmas week.

Bob and Sharon Lewis, members of St. Matthew Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 20. The couple was married on Jan. 20, 1962, at St. Anthony Church, Wichita.

They celebrated with a Mass at St. Matthew, followed by dinner with family and friends. Their children and their spouses are: Tami and Jim Boten, Topeka; and Michelle and Greg Gangel, Olathe. They also have five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Elmer and JoAnn Lierz, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Feb. 9. The couple was married on Feb. 9, 1952, at St. Mary Church, St. Benedict.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY: The Leaven only prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the desired publication date.

Pro-life training set for Feb. 11 A day of prayer and sidewalk counseling training will take place Feb. 11, local pro-life mission LifeFront announced.

Elizabeth McClung of Texas will provide the training. McClung’s efforts were instrumental in the conversion of Abby Johnson, the former director of Texas Planned Parenthood.

Participants will meet at 8 a.m. on Feb. 11 at Planned Parenthood at 4401 W. 109th St. in Overland Park to pray. They will also watch McClung sidewalk counsel.

Training will follow from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas High School at 11411 Pflumm Road in Overland Park.

For more information and to register, go to the website at: www.lifefrontkc.org (click on the “events” tab), or call (816) 223-0035.

LifeFront is a local mission that focuses on prayer and sidewalk counseling in front of Overland Park Planned Parenthood.

6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 3, 2012

ACTS allows archdiocese to foster vocations

By Father Mitchel Zimmerman

T

Special to The Leaven

he archdiocesan vocations office wants every person in the archdiocese who has not yet discovered his or her Godgiven vocation to have a chance to hear what God desires of them.

Of course, we focus on the young people of the archdiocese, who are filled with potential to follow the Lord most closely and be fervent and fruitful disciples. But we know that these young people have many other voices competing with the uniquely powerful and loving voice of the Lord Jesus in their lives.

Our goal is to create a culture of vocations, where the voice of Jesus can be distinguished, so that the holy vocations to marriage, the priesthood and to religious life that he desires and the church needs can be realized.

Your generosity to Call to Share allows us at the archdiocese to host a number of vocations retreats and discernment events throughout the year.

It also enables me to travel the archdiocese, specifically to meet with men who are thinking seriously about entering the seminary and beginning formation for the archdiocesan priesthood.

The vocation director collaborates with parishes, pastors, families, youth ministers, retreat movements, schools and religious education programs to cultivate new vocations. The vocation director can only be effective recruit-

ing new vocations if other areas of the archdiocese are helping our young people to cultivate a prayerful loving relationship with Jesus and a generosity in responding to the graces of the sacraments.

The good news is that this is happening! We are slowly increasing the number of seminarians we have, currently 28. Your gift to Call to Share helps us as well to screen new applicants rigorously, so that the men we ordain tomorrow will be the priests that you all desire and the church needs.

We are making progress, thanks to you, and overcoming the many obstacles that could possibly discourage the miracle of new priestly vocations being realized in our church.

Please pray for us and our seminarians and know of our prayerful best wishes as you live out your vocation and consider your gift to this year’s Call to Share.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann performs the laying of hands on Nick Blaha at his ordination to the priesthood last year.

World Marriage Day Marriage as Sacrament: The Healing Power of Love ALL MARRIED COUPLES are invited by

Archbishop Joseph Naumann Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and Bishop Robert Finn Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and To celebrate their Sacrament at a special Mass for Marriage

Sunday, February 12, 2012

3:00 p.m. Mass followed by a reception in the Woolridge Center with a short presentation by guest speakers Brad & Libby DuPont Office of Marriage & Family Life Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas For information contact Office of Marriage & Family Life 913-721-1570 St. Therese Parish 7207 NW Highway 9 Kansas City, MO. 64152

Leaven photo by Susan McSpadden

Father Jerry Spencer checks in on University of Kansas Hospital patient Dr. Gary Doolittle Jan. 27. Doolittle is also an oncology doctor at the hospital and attends St. Francis Xavier Parish in Kansas City, Mo.

Faith, hope and stamina In his 44 years of hospital chaplaincy, Father Jerry Spencer has seen it all

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The mother left her baby alone in the apartment just long enough to run a quick errand.

In her absence, however, a fire broke out. The blaze was reported and firefighters rescued a badly burned baby.

Father Jerry Spencer, chaplain at the University of Kansas Hospital and Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan., received an urgent summons from the emerStory by gency room. The JOE BOLLIG baby’s mother, in shock, was there with two firefighters, one who had minor burns from rescuing the infant.

The doctor called Father Spencer aside and quietly told him the baby died. Someone had to tell the mother — gently.

Would he do it?

Yes, said Father Spencer. It was one of the most difficult death notices he ever delivered.

Later, Father Spencer visited with the two firefighters.

“Father,” said one, “I couldn’t do your job.”

“And I couldn’t do yours,” Father Spencer responded.

Father Spencer did his job —

Leaven photo by Susan McSpadden

Father Jerry Spencer offers encouragement to Mary Renaud, a member of St. Elizabeth Parish in Kansas City, Mo. his ministry, really — as a Catholic chaplain at KU Med for 44 years, eight of those as a volunteer. That’s just two years shy of his entire priesthood.

For many who passed through the medical center, Father Spencer was the face of the Catholic Church, the instrument of Christ — counseling, consoling, soothing and administering the sacraments.

He served all persons, regardless of religious affiliation — or lack thereof.

The University of Kansas Hospital and Medical Center honored Father Spencer for his remarkable tenure with a retirement party on Nov. 22, 2011, in the Francisco Lounge there.

“He came here pretty early in his priestly ministry and stayed for

44 years,” said Terry Rusconi, vice president of performance and improvement at the medical center.

“He and the hospital grew up together.”

The general sentiment is that it will not be the same place without him.

“As dedicated as he was to KU, it will be hard to find someone who will sacrifice personally as much as he did to make himself available,” said Bob Spaniol, director of HIPAA commitment at the medical center and a member of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood.

Doctor Allen Fleming, a hematologist and oncologist at the medical center who has known Father Spencer since 1967, agreed.

“The bottom line is I can’t imagine KU [Medical Center] without Father Jerry Spencer,” said Fleming, who was brought into the church thanks to Father Spencer. “I don’t think he’s replaceable. There’s just no one to replace him.”

Bolt from the blue Father Spencer’s plans for his priesthood didn’t include hospital chaplaincy.

Story continues on next page

minister, was amazed by his commitment.

“Father Jerry is one of the most giving “I didn’t seek it out, but I was thrilled people I’ve ever met,” said Rev. Masoni.

“He was on call for 365 days a year — it’s when it happened,” he said.

As a young deacon, he’d taken clinical the truth. He’d come in at ungodly hours pastoral education at the Kansas Neurologi- to be with people to tell them about the cal Institute, Topeka State Hospital and the Gospel and administer the sacraments.

He taught me a lot about what it means to Kansas Diagnostic and Reception Center.

“It sparked an interest in institutional be selfless, and it’s been a blessing to work with him. He truly is in love with God and chaplaincy,” he said. “But I was happy to receive my first assignment as associate God’s people.”

His workload increased when he bepastor at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa came pastor of Holy Name Parish, which [after ordination in 1965]. In those years, also has a school, in 1986. He developed priests also taught at the local Catholic a weekday routine through which he covhigh school.”

His next assignment — as associate ered the parish in the morning and the pastor of Holy Name Parish in Kansas hospital in the afternoons and evenings, although the medical center could call at City, Kan., and hospital chaplain — came like a bolt from the blue. He figures some- any time.

Father Spencer celebrated weekend one in the chancery must have read about his previous clinical pastoral education in Masses at the parish and the hospital, and would make weekend rounds. Fortunatehis file. On Sept. 1, 1967, the chancellor ly, the drive time between the parish and gave him a call. hospital is only five minutes.

“I got 12 days to wrap up my affairs [at And that wasn’t all. He was and reHoly Trinity] and move on up I-35,” said mains a chaplain for the KCK police and Father Spencer. fire departments and the University of It was a lively time in the church, only Kansas police. two years after the close of the Second A pastor once herself, Rev. Masoni Vatican Council. Father Spencer had to marveled at Falearn a new parSpencer’s ish, a new insti- “Father Jerry is one of the most giving ther juggling act. tution, and the “I don’t see changes brought people I’ve ever met. He was on call for on by the coun- 365 days a year — it’s the truth. He’d how it could she said. cil. come in at ungodly hours to be with work,” “I was in a par“Getting the lay of the land people to tell them about the Gospel ish and that was more than a fulltook a little do- and administer the sacraments.” time job. Being ing. But graduRev. Ashley Masoni, medical center chaplain [at KU Med] is ally I came to still more than a realize the many full-time job. He was able to be there for needs of patients who would come there from the immediate area, the two states everyone at all times, and he could only of Kansas and Missouri, and other parts do that by the grace that God has given him. of the world,” said Father Spencer.

“It truly is a calling. If God hadn’t Even then, when it was smaller, the world came to the medical center. Father called him to do this, he wouldn’t have the power to do it.”

Spencer encountered a veritable United It wasn’t easy, he admitted, saying Nations of foreign and immigrant patients, medical school students, nurses there were some “bad hair days.” There were times he was stretched tighter than and doctors, and staff.

“I remember one little boy from Egypt a banjo string.

“It was a physical challenge, but it who came here for orthopedic surgery,” came down to trying to do what I felt he continued. “He was flown over on was needed to help someone at possibly [then-President] Anwar Sadat’s private the worst time of their life,” he said. “Yes, plane.”

Communication was a challenge. sometimes it took everything I had — physically and emotionally. And I’m glad At one time, Croatian and Vietnamese I was able to do it for so long.” were in high demand, as Spanish has always been. Father Spencer relied on translators, if they could be found. Care and compassion, he discovered, need no translator.

In recent years, Father Spencer has “In the human experience, illness is a common denominator, and people have had serious health issues himself, which have enabled him to empathize even similar reactions to tragedies,” he said. more closely with those who suffer illness and handicaps.

“I don’t consider what I’ve gone through to be a curse but rather a blessWhen Father Spencer began his minis- ing, because they have enabled me to try, the medical center had only two chap- reach people who suffer similarly,” he said. lains: himself and a Protestant minister.

He suffers from diabetes, which led to As the medical center and school grew, so, too, did the demand for chaplain ser- kidney failure and the amputation of his vices. After four years, Father Spencer right leg below the knee in 2010. He went through 16 months of kidney dialysis betransitioned from volunteer to a paid fore he received a transplant in 2009. chaplain.

“The 16 months of dialysis was an or“This is definitely a specialized ministry, because it has required availability deal,” he said. “I was fortunate enough 24/7,” said Father Spencer. “You are at to get a good, working kidney. It’s been an experience, particularly because I’ve the beck and call of the pager at times known people who’ve died before they that are convenient and times that are got a life-saving organ.” very difficult.”

He didn’t stop being a chaplain even There were times when the pager went off hourly. And he was called to the hospi- when he was a patient.

“One day while he was in the hostal at all hours of the night.

“Of course, some bad things can hap- pital, he was out trying to increase his pen in the middle of the night, and often strength,” said Rusconi. “The rehabilitation therapist had him in a wheelchair . do,” he said. “Usually, there were traumas that came into the emergency room of . . . He went rolling by a room and saw someone he knew, so he went in and proone kind or another, as well as patients vided spiritual support to the patient and who died.” the family for three hours. He didn’t even The Rev. Ashley Masoni, a medical blink; it was where he needed to be.” center chaplain for three years and an Father Spencer, having seen so much Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Spencer was not at the hospital, for a dying patient who happened to be Catholic. “[Family members] were happy I was there and very kind, [and glad] that I prayed with him, but they expected Father Jerry,” she said. “People were disappointed when they came to KU and weren’t visited by him. He’s really a staple of the community. People know when they need healing, he’s going to be there.”

Continued from previous page

To serve all

Leaven photo by Susan McSpadden

Janelle Epp (left), rehab services therapist, and Suzanne Mitchell, nurse practitioner, greet Father Spencer in the Wound Care Center during his visit to the University of Kansas Hospital on Jan. 20.

Wounded healer

Rule one: Be there

Leaven photo by Elaina Cochran

Father Spencer visits with Dr. Joseph Kyner from the KU Med’s endocrinology department at his retirement party last November. suffering within the medical center walls, has no time for self-pity over his own physical infirmities.

“I tell people all you have to do is sit in the lobby [at the medical center] for 15 minutes and see who comes in limping with a cane, on crutches, in a walker or a wheelchair,” he said, “and you’ll never feel sorry for yourself again.”

Angels and demons Being a hospital chaplain for 44 years required physical stamina and discipline for Father Spencer to contend with the inconvenient hours, inclement weather, and his own illnesses.

The ministry has also required mental and emotional toughness and discipline — a strong spirituality, too — to face difficult people and tough situations.

“I have met the devil incarnate,” he said.

“I have met people who were really creepy.

I have seen true, heroic sanctity, but I have also seen people in the deepest moral dis-

tress and situations that one could imagine.”

Imagine the worst things that can happen to a person, and Father Spencer has seen it.

“I have seen everything that can happen to a human being, except a soldier blown up by a roadside bomb,” he said.

He’s seen the injuries from assaults, shootings, stabbings, fire, drowning, car wrecks, motorcycle mishaps, hangings, poisonings, abuse, suicide attempts of all kinds, industrial accidents, farm accidents and railroad wrecks. He’s seen people suffering from just about every illness and disease in the book.

“I had three women who all died of cancer, and their husbands had to come back from active duty in the military to be with them,” he said.

And he’s seen all kinds of human reactions to grief, tragedy and death. In all of these situations, he’s had to keep his head and do his job. After 44 years, nothing surprised him.

“I’m not shockproof, and I’m not absent of feeling for the tragedies that hit people,”

Leaven photo by Elaina Cochran

At his retirement party last November, Father Spencer receives an emotional hug from Rev. Ashley Masoni, a medical center chaplain for three years and a Lutheran minister. he said. “I’m just able to cope with what life throws at me. It must be the grace of God and my natural temperament that enables me to do this. Not everyone can be a firefighter, or a doctor, or a nurse.”

Some you save Father Spencer’s drive comes from his deep commitment to Christ and his priesthood. He got his motivation from the knowledge that sometimes he was the last priest people saw on this earth.

“I came at the end of the line of the many wonderful priests they’ve known through life from their baptism on, and the last one to help them on their spiritual journey,” he said.

Not all welcomed his help, however.

Some people turned him away, leaving this earth still clinging to anger or hurt . . . or something else. He left them to the mercy of God. “It was disappointing and frustrating to see a person turn down an opportunity to receive the sacraments and know some peace in a spiritual sense when they had the opportunity,” he said.

“With the shortage of priests and the many circumstances that can happen in people’s lives,” he continued, “it was frustrating [to me] for them to actually have a chance standing right there at their bedside, and have them refuse and reject it.”

For Catholics, Father Spencer was the man. By virtue of his priestly ministry, he could do what no other chaplain could do.

Reverend Masoni recalled when she was called the emergency room, when Father

The challenge for a chaplain in a secular setting is to serve people of many faiths while holding true to his own, said Tarris Rosell, clinical associate professor in the department of history and philosophy of medicine.

“Father Spencer exhibited a willingness to accept people as they were while conveying faithfully his own convictions,” said Rosell. “You couldn’t miss that he’s a Catholic priest.”

Fleming called Father Spencer a “strong priest” and a consistent, principled person who upheld the teachings of the church.

He made invaluable contributions during ethics committee meetings and more informal discussions.

“No matter what you did or how strongly he felt against what you did or supported — whether personally or professionally — it never seemed to affect his commitment to you as a person,” said Fleming, “nor [did] any differences or controversies at KU affect his commitment to the hospital.”

Of course, no one but a Catholic priest can administer the fullness of the sacraments to other Catholics, and that’s why he’s there. As chaplain, however, Father Spencer was there for all.

“When you’re a chaplain on staff at a hospital, your client base is the world — patients, family, physicians, hospital staff, the trauma crew that brings the patents in — everyone and anyone,” said Rusconi.

“They didn’t necessarily need to be from within the hospital walls, dealing with patient care,” he continued. “They [could be from] the academic side, the teaching role, the research role, people Father Jerry just met in a meeting and who sought him out for spiritual guidance or the sacraments.

They could be people off the street who attended the Masses Father Jerry celebrated here on a regular basis.”

The Rev. Jennifer Malewski, one of four medical center chaplains and a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), often teamed up with Father Spencer.

“Sometimes both of us would end up seeing a patient because maybe some of the family members were Catholic and the patient was another Christian faith, or the other way around,” she said.

She appreciated his flexibility in being able to minister with chaplains of other faiths, as well as patients and families, and medical center personnel, too.

“There was a boy in our intensive care unit,” she said. “I couldn’t get there to baptize him. The parents were open to [Father Spencer] baptizing [the boy], even though they were of Methodist background.”

One of Father Spencer’s most rewarding interfaith experiences occurred with a Hindu patient. One of the man’s daughters saw Father Spencer in the cafeteria and asked him to visit with her father, who had a terminal cancer.

“He welcomed me right on the spot, and wanted to talk about the meaning of his terminal illness,” said Father Spencer. “We became very good friends, and we talked for hours about the meaning of suffering and trying to find an answer to the question, ‘Why is this happening to me?’”

“A lot of it was a philosophical discussion, but it had theological overtones,” he continued. “But I feel that we were able to really minister to him, although he was not all that familiar with Christianity. I told him upfront that I looked at suffering from a Christian perspective and respected his.

He believed in reincarnation. I feel that my presence and willingness to spend time with him, to share his anxiety and burden, was a comfort to him.”

Cool and calm A vital aspect of Father Spencer’s chaplaincy has been his ministry of presence.

Often that has made all the difference — for patients, their family and medical center staff — by offering a kind word or a humorous quip.

“Working here, there are so many tragic stories and so much sadness,” said Noreen Thompson, a clinical nurse specialist and member of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park.

“And yes, we have to deal with those issues,” she added. “But he always found a way to have a compassionate heart, listen to what was happening and take that in — but then also find a way to help us end up laughing, or smiling, or seeing the positive side of things, which is worth its weight in gold.”

His calming quality came from inside, said Rev. Masoni.

“He always had a calm about him,” she said. “I think that came from his faith — knowing there is something greater in this world than what we’re experiencing, and that it’s good and will lift us up. He was calm under pressure.”

Reverend Malewski remembered how he calmed the family of a dying man.

“There was a male patient who was dying, and his female relatives were in various degrees of hysteria,” she said. “He helped them work through their tears and grief, and calm down. He was a calming presence to them. He had a way of being there and reassuring them things would be all right eventually.”

Sometimes relatives of patients take out their frustrations and anger on hospital staff, and Father Spencer dealt with these situations with finesse.

“More than once, [Father Spencer] has faced situations like that,” said Rev. Malewski. “He got the family member to talk [with him] more than act out with the nurse or doctor.”

Thompson recalled how Father Spencer’s presence made a difference when the community asked the medical center for help.

“When we were new on the critical incidence response team, back in the 1990s, the medical center received a call for community debriefing after a teenager was shot,” said Thompson.

“The shooting was in the RosedaleArgentine community, and civic leaders wanted to get the community together to prevent revenge killings,” she continued.

“People respected Father Spencer. The parents and children listened when he spoke.

His presence made me feel calmer. . . . He said a prayer and set a tone where a revenge killing would not be the answer.”

Never say ‘quit’ There is a Spencer Memorial Chapel at the medical center, but it’s named after Helen Foresman Spencer — no relation to Father Spencer.

The hospital has, however, established a fund to build a new chapel in his honor.

He might even be around to use it because, although Father Spencer has retired, he hasn’t quit.

Until a new Catholic chaplain is hired, the medical center will be covered on a rotating basis by the Catholic pastors of Wyandotte County, and that includes Father Spencer. He’s up to the task.

“I’m grateful that my ‘fire’ never went out, and my passion for this work never really subsided,” said Father Spencer.

“I’d do it again at a moment’s notice if I were able to,” he continued. “I feel it’s the ministry I was called to do.

“As long as there are people in need, I’ll wear the chaplain’s hat.”

10 NATION

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 3, 2012

Catholic school leaders are honored at White House WASHINGTON (CNS) — A group of Catholic school leaders, including a student, a few principals, diocesan education officials and other school representatives, were honored Jan. 25 at the White House for their innovation and dedication. The group was recognized as part of the Obama administration’s “Champions of Change” program, which highlights different groups each week for contributions they make to their communities. The attention to Catholic school leaders was timed to coincide with Catholic Schools Week Jan. 29-Feb. 5. At the gathering, Joshua DuBois, head of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, praised Catholic schools for not only serving their own students but also local communities. “You step up to the plate for everyone,” he said, citing the example of how Catholic schools in New Orleans were the first schools to open after Hurricane Katrina. Roberto Rodriguez, special assistant to President Barack Obama for education, thanked the Catholic school leaders for the work they do “day in and day out” with limited resources and budgets. Although a handful of government officials took the microphone to praise the accomplishments of Catholic schools, the hour-and-a-half-long ceremony primarily gave educators the chance to speak about current challenges and successes.

Authority question main obstacle to unity, says priest GARRISON, N.Y. (CNS) — Ultimate authority is the major impediment to Christian unity, greater than the real and profound differences between churches regarding priestly celibacy and the ordination of women, according to the longtime ecumenical officer for the Episcopal Diocese of New York. “Obviously, our Lord is the final authority, but the question of how we perceive God’s will for us is not an easy thing,” said the Rev. Paul B. Clayton Jr., speaking Jan. 22 at Graymoor during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. He said the Catholic Church has spent one and a half millennia developing the doctrine that gives universal and immediate jurisdiction to the bishop of Rome, while Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran and Protestant churches make decisions through the action of councils and reject papal claims. “I believe the basic ecumenical question now is how we take up [Blessed] John Paul II’s challenge to find a common vision of primacy in the church,” he said.

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 3, 2012

Vatican signs pacts against drug trade, terrorism

Bishop calls Paterno ‘good Catholic,’ friend

By Carol Glatz

By Msgr. Timothy P. Stein

Catholic News Service

Catholic News Service

ALTOONA, Pa. (CNS) — Although Joe Paterno will be remembered as “a legend throughout our region and throughout our country,” Bishop Mark L. Bartchak said the iconic football coach will be best remembered in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown as “a good Catholic, a family man and a friend to many.”

He made his comments Jan. 22 at a news conference at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona.

Paterno, 85, died that morning at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, just 10 weeks after the Nov. 18 announcement that he was suffering from lung cancer. That announcement came nine days after Paterno’s 61-year career at Penn State University was terminated in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal.

“Faith and family were so important to Joe Paterno,” said Bishop Bartchak.

“Joe’s commitment to prayer, family and faith was a great example to the students at Penn State,” and will leave a lasting impact, he said.

Bishop Bartchak expressed his appreciation for the efforts Paterno and his wife, Sue, made to support the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, particularly their leadership in raising funds for the new Catholic campus ministry center now under construction at Penn State.

The Paternos served as chair couple for the capital campaign to build the center “and were major contributors themselves,” the bishop noted.

The bishop asked those mourning Paterno’s death to focus their thoughts “on the loss within his family, and support them.”

Questioned as to how he would advise Paterno’s fans to deal with their grief at his death, Bishop Bartchak said “a warm hug, a short prayer together and the assurance that things will get better. . . . I believe Joe himself would view things that way — that with prayer and the assurance of faith, things will get better.”

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BASKETBALL GAME HELPS SHOWCASE STRUGGLE OF PEOPLE OF SOUTH SUDAN — Members of the Villanova University men’s basketball team enters the Pavilion in Villanova, Pa., prior to their Jan. 18 game against Seton Hall University. The teams wore “Playing for Peace” shirts as part of a partnership between Villanova and Catholic Relief Services to showcase the struggles of the people of the Republic of South Sudan as they work to build the new nation.

Tie with CRS helps Villanova make connections to world

By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) — When the Villanova Wildcats beat the Seton Hall Pirates 84-76 in men’s basketball Jan. 18, it wasn’t just a hard-fought victory in the tough Big East conference.

The game also was a win for the people of the Republic of South Sudan, the world’s newest nation, thanks to a partnership between Villanova University and Catholic Relief Services.

Billed as “Playing for Peace,” the game gave student ambassadors an opportunity to showcase the struggles the people of South Sudan are experiencing as they work to build a nation from the rubble of a decades-long civil war.

Jennifer Joyce Kissko, an assistant professor in the university’s Center for Peace and Justice Education, said the event offered the chance to present an important concern to a wider audience that extended beyond the Villanova community.

“It means a lot to use athletics as a vehicle. We thought we could engage people’s attention for social justice,” she told Catholic News Service.

The event was more than a year in planning, Kissko said, adding that she hopes it will become an annual event that

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Players from both squads wore special T-shirts in pre-game warm-ups that read “Playing for Peace” on the front and “Stay with Sudan” across the back.

Augustinian Father Peter M. Donohue, Villanova’s president, read a brief statement at halftime about the university’s efforts on behalf of South Sudan. Fans received a handout as they entered the arena offering background on the country and ideas on how to get involved.

Father Donohue introduced several of the lost boys from Southern Sudan who were driven from their tribal villages and separated from their parents during the height of their country’s civil war; one was a recent Villanova graduate. Several South Sudanese diplomats made the trip to Philadelphia for the game and also were introduced to the crowd.

Bob Seitz, senior associate athletic director for external operations at Villanova, said the team was willing to take on a role in the campuswide campaign to bringing awareness of the situation in South Sudan.

The ambassadors program has grown in recent years as students on college campuses seek to tie their learning experience with real world issues.

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CNS photo/Marcin Mazur, Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales

ARCHBISHOP TOURS OLYMPIC PARK IN LONDON — Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster, president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, tours Olympic Park in London Jan. 19. He called the Olympics and Paralympics “a moment of great opportunity for us all.”

Bishops plan to use Olympics to renew interest in faith

By Simon Caldwell

Catholic News Service

MANCHESTER, England (CNS) — British bishops plan to use the 2012 London Olympic Games to renew interest in the Catholic faith, with initiatives ranging from fighting human trafficking and homelessness to promoting youth ministry and ecumenical dialogue.

The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales is also preparing resources for liturgies and holy hours and will post them on the Internet before the July 27Aug. 12 games.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster, president of the bishops’ conference, called the Olympics and Paralympics “a moment of great opportunity for us all.”

“These great sporting events generate all sorts of good ideas and initiatives, particularly for young people, reminding all of us of the importance of good health, the dignity of our bodies, the care of our physical well-being and its spiritual meaning,” the archbishop said in a Jan. 24 statement.

“The example of many who are dedicated to training routines in preparation for these games reminds us of the need for good habits and routines in our own daily lives if we are to make the most of our God-given talents,” he said.

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The Catholic Church in Britain has been preparing for three years to seize the opportunity presented by the games to evangelize, said James Parker, the Catholic executive coordinator for the games.

Twenty-four chaplains have been trained for the occasion, and training is also being offered to representatives of more than 5,000 Catholic churches who will organize parish events, such as street parties, during the games.

In London, visitors will have access to two Catholic hospitality centers — one at Westminster Cathedral and the other at St Anthony Parish, the church closest to the XXX Olympiad Stadium.

The Joshua Camp, a tented village for Catholic youth, will open near London’s Olympic Park, to offer catechesis and formation centered around sport themes.

Parker said the church also will use the Olympics to draw attention to a range of social issues, such as homelessness, fair trade and care for the environment, and the bishops intend to use the occasion to promote Catholic teaching on the human body.

Before the Paralympics, an international conference will take place in London on disability, theology and sport, and Aylesford Carmelite Priory will hold a celebration of disabled people.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican has signed three international treaties supporting the fight against the illegal drug trade, financing terrorism and organized crime.

By signing onto these international legal instruments Jan. 25, the Vatican “confirms its intention as well as its effective and practical commitment to collaborate with the international community in a manner consistent with its nature and mission, with a view to guaranteeing international peace and justice,” wrote Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Vatican secretary for relations with states.

The Vatican ratified the U.N. Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances to help “contribute and to give its moral support to the global prevention, repression and prosecution of drug abuse and the related problem of illicit trafficking in narcotics and psychotropic substances,” wrote the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who certified the declarations.

The Vatican is adhering to the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, the cardinal wrote, in an effort “to contribute and to give its moral support to the global prevention, repression and prosecution of terrorism and to the protection of victims of such crimes.”

“Instruments of criminal and judicial cooperation constitute effective safeguards in the face of criminal activities that jeopardize human dignity and peace,” he wrote.

The Vatican is also adhering to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime as “the Holy See upholds the values of brotherhood, justice and peace between persons and peoples, whose protection and strengthening require the primacy of the rule of law and respect for human rights,” wrote Cardinal Bertone.

WORLD 11

Vatican downplays charges of financial ‘corruption’ VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Insisting on the Holy See’s continuing commitment to transparency and rectitude in economic affairs, the Vatican’s spokesman downplayed references to “corruption” in a letter apparently sent to Pope Benedict XVI by a Vatican official who is now apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican Press Office, criticized as “partisan,” “partial and banal,” an Italian television news program, which broadcast portions of letters addressed to Pope Benedict and Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State. The letters were apparently signed by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano and written when he was the secretary general of the commission governing Vatican City. One of the letters, dated April 4, 2011, said that when Archbishop Vigano took office almost two years earlier, he discovered a “disastrous situation” of “chaotic management” and overspending on contracts. The letter also complained of a “media campaign” launched by opponents of the archbishop’s efforts at reform, and implored the pope not to remove him from his job, “even for promotion to a more important post.” The pope named Archbishop Vigano as nuncio to the United States in October 2011. The commission manages the 108-acres of Vatican City State, including the Vatican Gardens and Museums.

After independence, South Sudan grapples with issues CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CNS) — The church in South Sudan and its partners in the United States are frustrated that their efforts to build peace in the infant country are threatened, but they have not given up, Catholic officials said. A serious political deadlock between South Sudan and its northern neighbor, Sudan, over the split of oil revenues “could lead to a declaration of war,” said Auxiliary Bishop Santo Loku Pio Doggale of Juba, capital of South Sudan. He and other church leaders met with South Sudan President Salva Kiir and other senior government officials after the government announced Jan. 20 that it was shutting down oil production immediately.

A year after the referendum in which 99 percent of South Sudanese voted to secede from the North, leaders of the Khartoum government and South Sudan have yet to agree on issues such as the border, citizenship for residents in disputed regions, and the split of revenues from oil reserves, which are largely located in South Sudan.

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Semi-retired arborist - Available for tree and shrub trimming. Call Bob at (913) 231- 6460.

Bishop Miege High School - Has the following teaching positions available for the 2012 - 13 school year: art, guidance counselor, learning resource specialist and theology. Send a cover letter and resume, via email, to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege. 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.

Rockhurst High School - Has an opening for a full-time guidance counselor. Interested candidates should send a cover letter with CV, by Feb. 10, to: Michael Heringer, director of guidance, Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line Rd., Kansas City MO 64114, or send, via email, to: mheringe@rockhursths.edu.

Rockhurst High School - Has an opening for a journalism teacher for the 2012 - 13 school year. To download an employment application form, visit the website at: www.rockhursths.edu. Submit application, a letter of interest, and a CV outlining academic credentials to: Scott Duschen, assistant principal for academic affairs, Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line Rd., Kansas City MO 64114, or send, via email, to: sduschen@rockhursths.edu. Deadline is March 1.

Teachers - The Goddard School, 21820 W. 115th Terr., Olathe, is seeking a qualified, full-time young toddler teacher and a part-time, afternoon assistant teacher. In our warm, loving atmosphere caring teachers support the healthy development of children from six weeks to six years. Full-time benefits include: competitive pay, benefits package, opportunities for professional development and career growth, and a great working environment. Qualified candidates must meet or exceed Kansas regulations, have strong communication skills, a professional appearance and a desire to learn and implement the Goddard School programs. Lead teachers should have a degree in early childhood education, a CDA, or a degree in a related field with an emphasis in early childhood education. Prior experience in a child care setting is preferred. For information or to apply, call (913) 768-4499 or send an email to: olathe2ks@ goddardschools.com. Owners are members of Church of the Ascension, Overland Park.

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.

Services Quilted Memories LLC - New store now open in downtown Overland Park! Machine quilting.

Custom-designed memory quilts using your T-shirts and/or photos. Personalized items for sororities, weddings, graduates and more. We also offer quilting classes and studio/machine rental. For samples of our work, visit the website at: www.quiltedmemories llc.com or call (913) 649-2074.

Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor.

Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837.

Academic tutoring and music lessons - Instructor is degreed. For information, call (913) 2062151 or send an email to: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

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).

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.

Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, at (913) 909-2002.

Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610;send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www. bankruptcylawinkansascity.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.

Caregiving

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.

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.

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.

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.

Home Improvement Custom woodworking - 20 years experience creating quality woodworking, design, and detail for custom cabinetry and furniture. Competitive rates.

Call Dennis at (913) 850-3956.

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.

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.

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 3, 2012 Exterior painting, drywall projects, wood rot repair, bathroom and kitchen remodels, and tile work - Quality products. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 206-4524.

Tim the handyman - Small jobs are my specialty! Faucets, garbage disposals, toilets, light fixtures, ceiling fans, handrails, window screen repair, bush trimming and garden tilling. Free estimates. JoCo only. Call (913) 859-0471.

Handyman - Light hauling, electrical, plumbing, painting and carpentry. Efficient and affordable. Call Michael Broton at (816) 728-6109.

Brick mason - Installation and repair of all types of masonry work — brick, stone, and concrete.

17 years of residential and commercial experience.

Small and large jobs accepted. Free quotes in the KC metro area. Call Jim or John at (913) 485-4307.

Masonry construction - Division 4 Masonry, Inc. 25 years experience; licensed and insured. Brick, block and synthetic stone; repairs; outdoor living; and new construction. Residential and commercial.

Call Tom at (913) 927-6203 or send an email to him at: tomdivision4masonry@gmail.com.

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.

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.

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

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 Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

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

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.

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.

For Sale Winnebago motor home (Cambria Itasca) 2006 model, 29.9 foot, 21,000 miles, excellent condition, $51,000. For information, call (913) 764-6874.

Max’s rosaries - Custom-made locally for all occasions – first Communion, confirmation, baptism, graduation. Rosary bracelets and beaded earrings too! I also do repairs. Member of the Church of the Ascension, Overland Park. Call (913) 839-3106.

For sale – Medical equipment and supplies; new and used. Wholesale pricing. Scooters, power chairs, wheelchairs, walkers, bath and shower items, lift chairs, vehicle lifts, ramps, hospital beds and other items. Call Ron Coleman (913) 299-9176.

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.

Real Estate Beautiful two-story home in desirable Bridgewood Subdivision - Picture-perfect house and private lot, updates galore, chef’s dream kitchen, dynamite finished lower level — shows better than a model! New roof, granite in remodeled master bath, new carpet, faux wood garage doors. Motivated seller. A real gem of a home located at 13204 Briar, Leawood, in Nativity Parish. Won’t last. $615,000. Call Patty at (913) 636-1868 or Shannon at (913) 269-1740.

Reece & Nichols Realtors.

Vacation Lake of the Ozarks rental - Osage Beach; million-dollar view; fully furnished; 2 BR, 2 BA; sleeps six. No smoking, no pets. For special rates or pictures, call Steve or Sheryl Roederer at (913) 244-2022.

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 – Beautiful 2 BR, 1 BA half-duplex in Overland Park. Walk-out basement and garage; neighborhood pool and exercise room; trash and lawn care included. No pets. Call Catherine at (913) 972-8852.

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.

Office space available - Great location in the Ranchmart area of Prairie Village. Ideal for start-ups, professional and small businesses. Flexible terms.

Call Marek at (913) 461-4491.

Wanted to Buy Lionel trains wanted - Call Don at (913) 4856700.

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.

Misc.

Alumni of Curé of Ars Grade School - This year marks the 50th anniversary of the school. Save April 28 to celebrate an all-classes reunion. There will be a special vigil Mass, followed by a celebration. Alumni are asked to send an email with name, graduation year, current address, phone and email information to: alumni@cureofars.com. If you know a Curé of Ars graduate, share this information with them and ask them to help spread the word.

Entertainment DJ Irishman - Colm Delahunt is available for parties, weddings, graduations, and any other function.

Playing all your favorite hits from the Village People to U2. Call (913) 548-6765 or visit the website at: www.djirishman.com.

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.

3

Feb.

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 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.

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.

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.

7 The Atchison Region Serra Club will meet on Feb. 7 in the ACES chapel. The evening will begin with a Mass for vocations, followed by a viewing of “Fishers of Men,” a vocation video sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. For information, call Theresa Jirakks at (913) 367-0560. All are welcome to attend.

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., hosts a monthly book club for women from 6 - 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 7. This month’s book is “Dry Grass of August” by Anne Jean Mayhew. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

7 & 14

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Breast Cancer Education,” a two-part program, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Feb. 7 & 14. The program presenter will be Kandy Powers, ARNP, of the Breast Cancer Prevention Center at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

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

9

The Holy Women series for February will focus on Nawal 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) 906-8990, or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org.

10-12

St. Fidelis Friary, located in Victoria, will host a vocation discernment retreat from Feb. 10 - 12 for men from 18 - 40 years of age. For information or to register, call Father John Lager, OFM Cap., at (303) 981-1111 or send an email to him at: johnclager@aol.com.

11 Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, will host a trivia night on Feb. 11

at the school, located at 8101 W. 95th St. The cost of $12.50 per person includes snacks and beverages. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Organize teams of 8 - 10 players and register together. Individuals will be placed on teams. The doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the trivia contest will begin at 7 p.m. For information or to register, call Kathleen DeKraai at (913) 599-6395 or send an email to her at: dekraai@yahoo.com.

Queen of the Holy Rosary-Wea 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, 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.

12

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.

A Fatima rosary rally will be held at 3 p.m. on Feb. 12 at St. Joseph Church, 5901 Flint, Shawnee. Join in praying the

rosary, followed by Benediction and enrollment in the brown scapular.

The Multi-Ethnic Education Team (MEET) of Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo., will sponsor “Faces of Kansas City,” a program on diversity, at 4 p.m. on Feb. 12 in the Rose Theater on campus. Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and Larry Ruby, Rockhurst principal emeritus, will speak on the value and importance of diversity in our community. This event is free and open to the public. For information, visit the website at: www.rockhursths.edu.

15

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.

16

A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Father Anthony Kiplagat will preside. Fellowship will follow in the Father Burak Room. For information, call (913) 649-2026.

18

Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish, Topeka, will host its annual German Fasching (Mardi Gras) on Feb. 18 in the Sacred Heart Parish hall, 312 N.E. Freeman Ave. The evening will include a German Mass, an authentic German buffet, a dance featuring the Ed Grisnik Polka Band, a silent auction, and raffles. A cash bar will be available. Advance tickets cost $25 and are available through Feb. 12 by calling the parish offices at (785) 232-2863 or (785) 234-3338.

20

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “How to Make Wise Spending Choices and Live on a Budget” from 1:30 - 3 p.m. on Feb. 20, presented by Chiquita Miller of the K-State Extension office. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

25

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host a mini-retreat, entitled “Lent and Easter with St. Benedict,” from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Feb. 25.

Sister Judith Sutera, OSB, will facilitate.

This retreat will focus on the exploration of humility, the tools of good works and other spiritual practices to refresh the soul in preparation for Easter. The cost is $50. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/sophia.html.

Would you like to reach out and make a difference in someone’s life? The Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic will host a volunteer information meeting from 10 - 11 a.m. on Feb. 25. For information or to RSVP, call Tammy or Nora at (913) 287-8287 or send an email to: volunteer@ wpcnetwork.org.

28 Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host a mini-retreat, en-

titled “When Jesus Smiled,” from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 28. Sister Sheila Carroll, OSB, and Sister Gabrielle Kocour, OSB, will facilitate. Come closer to the

CALENDAR 13

mystery of the human Jesus and his life among us. The cost is $50. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/ sophia.html.

Misc.

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.

Divorced? Widowed? Beginning Experience Weekend gently helps people move through their loss to a new beginning. The next weekend for the Kansas City area will be March 9 - 11. For information or to register, call John at (913) 219-3465 in Kansas City; Kim at (816) 739-4733; visit the website at: www. beginningexperience.org; or send an email to: BEWeekendKC@hotmail.com.

In the Gospels we hear that Jesus went off to a deserted place to pray. He took the time to refresh his spirit. When was the last time you took time to get away as a couple and renew your relationship? Deepen your communication, strengthen your relationship, rekindle your romance and renew your sacrament by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend. The next weekend will be held from March 2 - 4 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call Ralph and Jan Lewis at (913) 400-7173 or visit the website at: www.neksme.org.

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.

MOCSA provides a support group and counseling for Spanish-speaking women who have experienced sexual assault. Sessions are held at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information, call Marcela Rogers at (816) 285-1333.

The Serra Club invites all men of the archdiocese to pray with them to increase vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Meetings are held at noon on every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information, contact Jim Conrad at (913) 432-4162, John Muehlberger at (913) 441-5061, or Bill Peters at (913) 894-6967.

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

“I don’t consider what I’ve gone through to be a curse but rather a blessing, because they have enabled me to reach people who suffer similarly.”

Father Jerry Spencer See story on pages 7-9

FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME Feb. 5 FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Jb 7: 1-4, 6-7; Ps 147: 1-6; 1 Cor 9: 16-19, 22-23; Mk 1: 29-39

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 3, 2012

S

Feb. 8 Jerome Emiliani; Josephine Bakhita, virgin 1 Kgs 10: 1-10; Ps 37: 5-6, 30-31, 39-40; Mk 7: 14-23 Feb. 9 Thursday 1 Kgs 11: 4-13; Ps 106: 3-4, 35-37, 40; Mk 7: 24-30 Feb. 10 Scholastica, virgin 1 Kgs 11: 29-32; 12: 19; Ps 81: 10-15; Mk 7: 31-37 Feb. 11 Our Lady of Lourdes 1 Kgs 12: 26-32, 13: 33-34; Ps 106: 6-7, 19-22; Mk 8: 1-10

COMMENTARY 15

MARK MY WORDS

CEF CENTERED

Getting The Leaven done is a pressing task

Modern-day saints look to break the cycle of poverty

ome of the most cherished memories of my school days are the letters that I used to get from my dad. He was the correspondent in the family. As this was before email, his notes were handwritten. What made these letters unique were not only their frequency (he often wrote a couple of times a week) or their “newsiness,” but also the fact that sometimes they didn’t make much sense!

You see, my dad worked for over 30 years at the General Motors plant in Kansas City, Kan. Because his shift began at 6 a.m., by the time he got home from work and ate supper, he was pretty well beat. That did not, however, stop him from writing. Apparently, this was such a relaxing activity for him that he sometimes fell asleep while writing, causing his penmanship to get smaller and creep up the side of the page. While dozing, he’d write whatever was going on in his dreamy mind. Though often nonsensical, the letters were hilarious.

Now, as bizarre as Dad’s notes sometimes were, they couldn’t hold a candle to this doozey: Dear Stella, I’m writing this letter slow because I know you can’t read fast. We don’t live where we did when you left home to go off to college. Your dad read in the newspaper that most accidents happen within twenty miles from your home, so we moved. This place is real nice. It even has a washing machine. I’m not sure it works too well, though. Last week I put a load in, pushed down the handle and haven’t seen them since.

The weather isn’t bad here. It only rained twice last week: the first time for three days and the second for four days.

John locked his keys in the car yesterday. We were worried because it took him two hours to get me and your father out of there.

Your sister had a baby this morning, but I haven’t found out what it is yet so I don’t know if you are an aunt or an uncle.

Uncle Ted fell in a whiskey vat last

week. Some men tried to pull him out, but he fought them off and drowned.

We had him cremated and he burned for three days. By the way, three of your friends went off a bridge in a pickup truck. Ralph was driving; he rolled down the window and swam to safety.

Your other two friends were in back and drowned because they couldn’t get the tailgate down.

There isn’t any more news at this time. Nothing much has happened.

Love, Mom PS: I was going to send you some money but the envelope was already sealed. (Adapted from “Sower’s Seeds That Nurture Family Values,” by Brian Cavanaugh, TOR.) Ah, what would we do without the written word? In addition to all of the other events in this month of February — Groundhog Day, the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday — these 29 days are dedicated to celebrating the Catholic press. Because we believe that our faith is living, we have an obligation to nurture it. Participating in the sacraments is obviously an excellent way, but we need to stretch our minds as well.

There is such a diversity and wealth in our Catholic faith that no one can ever know it all. One of the best ways to explore those treasures of faith is through the Catholic press.

When did you last read a book concerning your faith — something on prayer and spirituality, the lives of the saints, or Catholic teachings? Do you subscribe to any Catholic magazines?

Do you belong to a Catholic book club or Bible study where you can discuss

your faith with others? If your “continuing” education hasn’t, this month is a great time to remove the cobwebs on your faith and let in some new light and fresh air.

Obviously, I encourage you, first and foremost, to read The Leaven each week. Branch out in your reading if you only regularly look at certain sections of the paper. Each week the hardworking staff here brings a variety of articles to your attention. Sometimes the stories are meant to instruct; other times, to inform. We try to give you a peek at the incredible range of good things that Catholics are doing in the archdiocese and beyond.

In this issue, for example, we take you through a day at a Catholic school as we celebrate Catholic Schools Week.

The archbishop sheds light on what religious life means in the church today.

We get to meet Father Jerry Spencer, an archdiocesan priest and hospital chaplain extraordinaire, as he looks back over his 44 years of work at KU Med Center. In this election year, the Catholic bishops of Kansas present the first of four articles helping voters to make informed choices at the polls. All this is in addition to our usual regular features.

And in this day and age, “press” doesn’t only mean the printed word on paper. The Leaven website — www.theleaven.com — has videos, links to other sources, a searchable archive (that we continue to tweak), and places to find other news that we couldn’t quite fit into our 16-page weekly edition.

But I’m still partial to this printed edition. You don’t need an Internet connection to read it, or a content filter to keep objectionable information from impressionable minds, or batteries or a recharger. It’s portable, quotable and we hope, above all else, useful and inspirational.

And with apologies to my dad and his long-ago missives, we at The Leaven will always strive to be letter-perfect.

IN THE BEGINNING

Feb. 6 Paul Miki and companions, martyrs 1 Kgs 8: 1-7, 9-13; Ps 132: 6-10; Mk 6: 53-56 Feb. 7 Tuesday 1 Kgs 8: 22-23, 27-30; Ps 84: 3-5, 10-11; Mk 7: 1-13

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 3, 2012

H

B

ack by popular, popular demand is my two article series on “Inspiring Women.”

To set the stage, when last we corresponded, I left you thinking about the inspiring women in your lives. We discussed moms, sisters, spouses and many others — all certainly deserving of the inspiring women category. During the last 24 months, I bet you have compiled a list of inspiring women two school years’ long? If you don’t have that list, it is obvious you need to be inspired.

With this article, I want you to think out of your comfort zone and join me in going back to the future. I never really understood what that means, but it sounds good.

Going back . . . growing up, I was

signed months of misery, and troubled nights have been allotted to me.” Job is certainly complaining a lot. And yet, there is more to the Book of Job than merely recounting his troubles. He is laying the ground for the principal theme of the book: the question of why the innocent must suffer.

We might remember that the English word “patience” derives from the Latin word which means suffering.

Similarly, a “patient” is a person suffering from an illness or injury. Patience means the ability to endure suffering.

Certainly, we find that in abundance in the person of Job. He suffers the loss of his children, his wealth, even his

good health. Yet, through it all, he is still standing. He does not give up. He endures it all.

In that respect, Christian tradition looks upon the figure of Job as anticipating Jesus Christ. In his passion and death on the cross, Jesus recalls the patience of Job. Like Job, Jesus was able to weather tremendous suffering, without giving up. He does not allow his suffering to defeat him. In that, he offers us a model of patience. Above all, Jesus is the innocent one who is made to suffer. Job’s question of why the innocent must suffer reaches its high point in Jesus.

Whether we are enduring physical suffering or financial hardship, or whether we are only trying to put up with the February blahs, we can learn from the patience of Job. His example can encourage us to stick it out, no matter what.

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

She believes that it will happen! She has the courage of Joan of Arc. I am not saying that Monica should be a saint, but . . .

Each of these women is inspirational in her own way. Monica “gets it.” She understands that education for her children is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty they are currently experiencing. There are many other families like Monica’s — 738 for the current school year to be exact. The Catholic Education Foundation is helping 1,128 “children in need” realize their dreams of a Catholic education.

OK, enough inspiration for this day.

Look forward to part two of this short series on April 6.

Michael Morrisey is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation. You can reach him at (913) 647-0383 or send an email to him at: mmorrisey@archkck.org.

DO UNTO OTHERS

I

Prayer and Action brings mission experience close to home

spent my summers in high school helping villagers make latrines in South America.

Sister Mildred had invited me to do a mission trip with a program called Amigos de las Americas. Of all the things I chose to spend my time doing in my youth, it most impacted my life.

We never get so much as when we give of ourselves and that is why I feel so blessed to be part of another program that gives youth the chance to have such a transformative experience with Prayer and Action. Prayer and Action is a weeklong, local mission experience that unifies prayer with works of charity, and spiritual reflections with fellowship and fun.

Years ago, the Salina Diocese de-

Job models patience amid suffering

and weaving takes patience.

The shuttle shoots across the loom to interlace the weft thread with the warp threads, one weft thread at a time. The cloth builds up very gradually.

A fast weaver may produce only a few inches of fabric in the course of a day. Even though the shuttle speeds back and forth very quickly, the result looks very slow.

FIFTH SUNDAY IN It is painsORDINARY TIME taking work.

Jb 7: 1-4, 6-7 That is why, in Sunday’s first reading, Job complains, “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, they come to an end without hope” (Jb 7:14, 6-7). This vivid image suggests the tedious monotony of a life which does not produce much.

Hand weaving takes patience. And yet, in this image of the weaver’s shuttle, we see little of the proverbial patience of Job. Neither does that appear in any of the reading. Instead, we hear about his suffering: “So I have been as-

fascinated by history. One specific era that captivated me was the 14th century. Why the 14th century, you ask?

Primarily because it was the time of St. Joan of Arc. Please tolerate my history lesson, but I ask you to consider the following: Joan was a small, frail person growing up on a peasant farm. It has been said that voices came to her accompanied by a blaze of light, counseling her to go help the French king. The French king offered her a sword to take into battle. Instead of that sword, she

begged that a search might be made for an ancient sword buried behind the altar in a chapel. It was found in the very spot her voices indicated. She lost her life, but assisted the French in defeating the English. St. Joan was canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV. Joan was a simple person, never learned to read or write, was very prayerful and loved the poor tenderly.

And the future . . . Monica is a single mother of four. Attending school through the seventh grade was an accomplishment for her. She currently works 80 hours a week to survive. Her kids don’t have nice clothes, and some days they only eat once. The family prays together every day. She writes that she wants more for her kids. She wants them to attend high school and college. Financially, she is not sure how that is going to happen, but she prays to God that he will help her find a way.

veloped this backyard mission. They named the program Prayer and Action after a phrase coined by Blessed Pope John Paul II. Since 2005, Prayer and Action has provided a local, weeklong mission experience that unifies prayer with local works of charity, and powerful spiritual reflections with time for fellowship and youthful, innocent, goofy fun.

Last year, the office for social justice, working with the vocations office and a dedicated team of youth ministers, brought the program to this archdio-

cese. Because of its propensity to help teens meet Jesus through organized works of charity and powerful prayer experiences, we are continuing Prayer and Action again this year. The days begin with Mass and a rosary and then youth teams go out to do service work in the community. In the afternoons, they return for games and fellowship; the evenings are spent in engaging worship and reflection.

This June, four separate mission trip weeks will be offered for the youth of northeast Kansas to pray and work in the urban core of Kansas City, Kan. The first week will be for college-aged youth and the other three will be for high school-aged groups. Youth groups have loved participating in this service retreat because everything is planned by the archdiocesan seminarians and staff.

As well, since the trip is local, the

costs are affordable. The weeklong trip only costs $100 which includes food, lodging and materials. Also, there are scholarships available for families who are sending more than one youth or who might not be able go otherwise.

Pope Benedict XVI teaches that religion without love of neighbor makes our faith arid, and that “only if I serve my neighbor can my eyes be opened to what God does for me and how much he loves me.” As a teen, I had to travel to another continent to learn this truth. Because of Prayer and Action, our youth don’t have to. To register or learn more about Prayer and Action, go to the website at: www. wix.com/prayerandactionkc/mission trip.

Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@archkck.org.

VOCATION CORNER

A

Call to the priesthood is a supernatural call

re our seminarians sad on Valentine’s Day? Well, I can’t speak for all of them, not even as their vocation director, but I’m pretty sure they’re going to be OK. You might say an extra prayer for them this Valentine’s Day, to be sure, but I would venture to say that most all of our 28 men in the seminary have found great joy, peace and meaning in being invited by Jesus Christ to stand where he stood in the world, and to try to imitate as precisely as they can the powerful celibate love that Jesus Christ had for all people.

There is a certain loneliness, of course, in accepting the gift of celibacy that Jesus wants to give to these men, but give these men credit. They are no

dummies. They have spent many years on their knees praying about the love that they wish to be the hallmark of their lives and, pray God, their priesthood. Valentine’s Day will not catch them by surprise.

I overhear occasionally the comment that a seminarian is too handsome or charming to be a priest. I don’t want to get defensive, but I wonder if people think before they speak. Do they want their priests to be ugly and boring?

Do they want priests who are unfit for

marriage or incapable of desiring it?

Of course, many of the same qualities that would make men excellent husbands and fathers will also make them great priests and spiritual fathers. That is why we recognize the call to the priesthood as a supernatural call and gift. It is “super” not in a way that diminishes marriage, but insofar as the call is received “in addition” to the natural call to marriage that most mature men experience.

What I am saying is that our seminarians are regular guys. As they mature into men capable of meaningful sacrifice, they desire a wife and children just as deeply and as surely as a groom who will be married next week.

Yet with these men there is also something else, a mysterious call that goes beyond. These courageous men

have recognized this supernatural call and, without desiring marriage any less, have taken Our Lord at his word that whoever is willing to sacrifice for him will not be found wanting.

On Valentine’s Day, let’s not feel sorry for our seminarians who have sacrificed what they naturally desire in order to make the uniquely fruitful love of Jesus Christ more real in the world.

Let us honor them instead, by realizing how deeply they have trusted the love that Christ has for them, and how their relationship with Our Lord is flourishing through this marvelous exchange of courage and generosity.

Thank you, seminarians, for showing us how to trust in the love of Jesus above all things!

Father Mitchel Zimmerman is the archdiocesan vocations director.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 3, 2012

Principal considers students privileged

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s Sister Juanita Banuelos helps second-grader Elyse Hubbard with her math lesson.

Sister Rebecca Granado, a second-grade teacher at Topeka’s Holy Family School, goes over an assignment with Jaiden Gomez-Powell.

s

took her final vows as a member of the Augustinian Recollect Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation of Kansas.

Due to its size, these Augustinian Recollects are not officially a community, but a public association of the faithful.

It has a rule, a constitution and its own unique mission: to serve the city’s Hispanic community in whatever way God calls them. In Sister Rebecca’s case, that means serving as a second-grade teacher at Holy Family School.

Sister Rebecca taught for 32 years in Arizona public schools. While she enjoyed it, she feels truly at home at Holy Family. Not only do the teachers all teach, she said, but the teachers and staff truly care about their students and reach out into the community to help families with their material needs — such as helping parents find housing or extra ways to earn money for groceries.

“The teachers and staff are my brothers and sisters, and the unity of spirit that exists here is just wonderful. It’s such a beautiful school,” Sister Rebecca said. “This has become a family now.”

Like Sister Rebecca, Sister Juanita Banuelos is not originally from Kansas but she, too, said her “family” — the association and the school — is now here.

Sister Juanita grew up in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. Although she attended Catholic schools up through high school and knew the Sisters at her home parish of San Miguel, the thought of becoming a Sister never came to her. She eventually started working with the religious education program and the youth group.

“There was a little spark there,” Sister Juanita said.

Somewhere along the line, Sister Maria came to San Miguel Parish. Eventually, Sister Juanita was attracted to the Augustinian Recollect Missionary Sisters.

“I saw the work [Sister Maria] did with the Latino, gang-infested community, and I thought, ‘I want to do that,’” said Sister Juanita.

In 1994, Sister Juanita made her first profession of vows. Afterward, she taught in her alma mater for 12 years until December 2006, when she moved to Topeka.

At first, Sister Juanita’s ministry involved visiting the sick and serving as a part-time tutor. In August 2007, she

became a second-grade teacher at Holy Family School.

“I love working with the children,” Sister Juanita said, adding, “I thank God that he guided me here. I feel as if I am making a difference with the little ones.”

Making a difference is a goal shared

by Sister Angela Rose Barbieri, also a teacher at Holy Family School. Sister Angela Rose belongs to the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, an order known for staffing hospitals and schools.

A veteran of 56 years in education, Sister Rose is in her fourth year at Holy Family School. As a math and reading specialist, she spends time with various grade levels throughout the day, helping those who need a little extra help.

“I learn every day from the kids,” Sister Rose said, adding she has always loved spending time with children. “I think the best part for me is the children, especially when the light bulb goes on for them.”

Having served God’s people in places as varied as Montana and Illinois, Sister Rose said she truly enjoys teaching in a Catholic school because she can not only challenge the students and encourage their creativity but can also help to form their character as Catholics. Every day she reminds herself that the children she teaches today will be the leaders of the community tomorrow.

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co. “That’s what teaching is all about,” she said.

For Lee Schmidt, the principal, the three Sisters bring something special to the school.

“Each of them brings their unique professional talents to the school, but it is their values of faith, love and charity that are most significant,” he said. “To be taught by someone who lives his or her faith as strictly as the Catholic religious is a privilege.”

The privilege of teaching in a Catholic school is something all three teachers hold dear. In a particular way, perhaps due to teaching in a public school for three decades, Sister Rebecca has a unique perspective.

“I am to incorporate the faith into everything I teach,” she said. “Every moment of the day, and in everything I say, I have to the opportunity to speak Christ’s love. . . . That’s got to be the best part of being here.”

Religious exemption practically ‘nonexistent’ Continued from page 1 entities wouldn’t have to comply,” said Kelsey. “But it was written so narrowly that — as one bishop said — even Christ in his ministry would not qualify for this exemption. It’s really so narrow that it’s essentially nonexistent.”

Kelsey said the HHS rulings constitute a major attack on religious freedom and conscience rights.

“This is because an individual now — and Catholic organizations and other church-related [entities] — cannot buy an insurance plan that will not cover certain abortifacient drugs, sterilizations and contraceptives,” he said.

“Virtually all plans must have those, regardless of one’s religious faith.”

The situation is also difficult for individual Catholics, both employers and employees in private business. They, too, would also be forced to participate in these plans, said Kelsey. Here again the HHS religious exemptions provide

Who to call or write U.S House of Representatives:

U.S. Senate:

Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-District 1) 126 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2715

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) Russell Senate Office Building Room 354 Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-6521

Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-District 2) 1122 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-6601

Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) 109 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-4774

Rep. Kevin Yoder (R-District 3) 214 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2865 absolutely no protection for rights of conscience or religious rights.

The archbishop concluded his letter by asking Catholics to fast and pray, and to learn more by going to the bishops’

website at: www.usccb.org/conscience.

He also urged Catholics to contact their senators and representatives and insist on legislation that would overturn the Obama administration’s decisions.

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