02 03 17 Vol. 8 No. 24

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 38, NO. 24 | FEBRUARY 3, 2017

‘LIFE IS WINNING AGAIN IN AMERICA’

By Kurt Jensen and Julie Asher Catholic News Service

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ASHINGTON (CNS) — The leaders of the prolife movement are used to having the ear of the president, as they had with Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.

During their respective administrations, they addressed the March for Life via telephone, but this year the event marking the Roe v. Wade anniversary had the highest-ranking government official ever to address the crowd in person.

“Life is winning again in America, and today is a celebration of that progress,” the official, Vice President Mike Pence, told the March for Life rally on the National Mall Jan. 27.

“More than 240 years ago,

our founders declared these truths to be self-evident — that we are, all of us, endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights and that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” he said.

“Forty-four years ago, our Supreme Court turned away from the first of these timeless ideals, but today, generations hence — because of all of you and the many thousands who stand with us in marches all across the nation — life is winning again in America.”

Pence said President Donald Trump had asked him to address the rally, which took place under a sunny sky with temperatures in the 40s. “He asked me to thank you for your support, for your stand for life and your compassion for the women and children of America.”

Other speakers included: New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ pro-

life committee; Kellyanne Conway, Trump’s campaign manager and now special adviser to the president; Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; and Reps.

Mia Love, R-Utah, and Chris Smith, R-New Jersey.

Early that morning, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, conveyed a message from Pope Francis to the March for Life, saying the pontiff was “profoundly grateful for this impressive testimony to the sacredness of every human life.”

“As he has made clear, so great is the value of human life and so inalienable the right to life of an innocent child growing in a mother’s womb that no alleged right can justify a decision to terminate this life,” the nuncio said.

Pope Francis “trusts that this event, in which so many American citizens speak out on behalf of the most de-

fenseless of our bothers and sisters, will contribute to a mobilization of consciences in defense of the right to life and effective measures to ensure its adequate legal protection,” Archbishop Christopher said.

The evening before the march, Pence also hosted organizers at the Executive Office Building next to the White House. As a member of Congress, he had addressed the March for Life in 2002, 2003 and 2007.

“Our president is a man with broad shoulders, a big heart,” Pence said at the rally. To loud cheers, he added, “His vision, his energy, his optimism are boundless, and I know >> See “LET” on page 10

LEAVEN PHOTO BY +JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

Never let it be said that The Leaven does not squeeze the most work out of anyone on its staff. The above photo was taken at the national March for Life by publisher Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, who had the best view of all from the stage.

LENTEN DINNERS

The Leaven will publish a list of Lenten dinners in the archdiocese on Feb. 24. Notices are due Feb. 10 and are limited to 40 words. Submit your information by email to: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.

JOYFUL MARRIAGE

The Joyful Marriage Project encourages couples to invest in their marriage.

Pages 8-9

AUDIO-READER

The ability to listen to The Leaven online is coming soon. Visit theleaven.org to access this new feature.

FEBRUARY 3, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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2

Our clearest witness is in times of adversity

he Martin Scorsese film “Silence,” based on the novel written

by Shusaku Endo — a Japanese Catholic — poses challenging questions for Christians.

Spoiler alert! If you have not seen the film but intend to do so, you may wish to delay reading this article.

St. Francis Xavier brought Christianity to Japan in 1549. At the time, the Japanese ruling dynasty welcomed Westerners, including Christian missionaries. The efforts of Catholic missionaries were remarkably fruitful. By 1590, in less than 50 years, there were 300,000 Japanese Catholics.

Japanese rulers reevaluated their relationship with European nations and perceived Christianity as a threat to Japanese culture. By the mid-1590s, Japanese authorities had embarked on a fierce persecution of Christians. “Silence” is a work of historical fiction set during the time of intense persecution.

The movie chronicles the experiences of two young Jesuit priests who enter Japan during the height of the persecution to minister to the underground Catholic Church and to search for another Jesuit who was their mentor and has disappeared. “Silence” gives an inspiring portrayal of many faithful lay Catholics who suffered and died rather than renounce their belief in Jesus.

The climax of the movie is the dilemma faced by one of the young missionaries — either to deny his faith or witness the torture and execution of more

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN members of his flock.

His former mentor has already committed apostasy and now urges his former student to do the same. Eventually, he succumbs, renouncing his faith by stepping on an image of Jesus.

Apostasy is not something unique to the Japanese persecution.

Nor was 16th-century Japan the first time that Christians were pressured to renounce their faith by threatening to torture and kill loved ones.

We find the exact same occurrences during the persecution of the early Christians.

In fact, one of the great controversies within the early church was whether those who had denied their faith could be readmitted to the church. The church resolved this debate on the side of mercy. After all, the apostles themselves abandoned Jesus during his passion.

What was most disturbing in “Silence” was the depiction of a mystical apparition in which Jesus himself encouraged the beleaguered missionary to give the appearance that he has renounced his faith in order to save lives.

This stands in stark contrast to Our Lord’s own instruction to his disciples in the beatitudes where he declared: “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

“Silence” is not a feel-good movie that inspires the audience with the heroism of its central characters. However, it does provide some provocative material for prayer and reflection.

At the beginning of the film, the young Jesuit missionaries appear supremely confident of their ability to remain firm in the faith. Relying on our own strength and will power is always a recipe for disaster.

This Monday (Feb. 6), the church celebrates the feast of St. Paul Miki and his companions.

Paul Miki was a native Japanese Christian catechist who was preparing for priestly ordination when he and 25 other Japanese Catholic leaders were arrested in 1596. They were brutally tortured, physically mutilated and, in the dead of winter, paraded

across Japan to serve as an example of what would happen to anyone who dared to remain a Christian. Eventually, they were crucified in a wheat field near Nagasaki.

The following is an account given by an eyewitness of their martyrdom: “Our brother, Paul Miki, saw himself standing now in the noblest pulpit he had ever filled. To his congregation he began by proclaiming himself a Japanese and a Jesuit. He was dying for the Gospel he preached. He gave thanks to God for this wonderful blessing and he ended his sermon with these words: ‘As I come to this supreme moment of my life, I am sure none of you would suppose I want to deceive you. And so I tell you plainly: there is no way to be saved except the Christian way. My religion teaches me to pardon my enemies and all who have offended me. I do gladly pardon the Emperor and all who sought my death. I beg them to seek baptism and be Christians themselves.’ Then he looked at his comrades and began to encourage them in their final struggle. Joy glowed in all their faces.”

Japanese Christians took soil from beneath the crosses of the martyrs and venerated the dirt soaked with their blood as relics of their heroism. The persecution in Japan continued for more than 200 years. In the late 1800s, Japan again opened up to Christian missionaries.

A few priests from France came to Nagasaki and established a mission chapel. Some local Japanese men

approached them and asked three questions: 1) Did they venerate Mary as the mother of God?; 2) Did they choose not to marry?; 3) Did they follow the pope in Rome? When the French priests responded affirmatively to all three questions, the Japanese told them that they had been waiting for them. Their ancestors had assured them that the Christian missionaries would return.

How strong are we in standing up for our faith even in a culture where we are not persecuted but often ridiculed or socially penalized for adhering to our Catholic faith? Do we give the appearance of going along with the secular culture rather than endure criticism for our beliefs and moral convictions?

It is at times of adversity that we have the opportunity to offer a clear witness of the power of Christ alive within us. How do we handle suffering in our own lives? Do we give into discouragement and despair? Do we believe in the power of redemptive suffering — namely, that offering our suffering as a prayer for others is the most potent form of intercessory prayer?

What do our daily choices reveal about the allegiance of our hearts?

Are we motivated by the rewards of material comfort and worldly acclaim? Or is following Jesus, no matter the cost, our first priority?

Let us seek the intercession of St. Paul Miki and his companion martyrs to give us the courage to follow Jesus amid the challenges and adversity of our lives. St. Paul Miki, pray for us!

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Feb. 3 Mass — Holy Trinity School, Lenexa Feb. 6-8 National Catholic Bioethics Center conference — Dallas Feb. 9 Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Communications Committee conference call

Feb. 11 White Mass — Nativity, Leawood Given KC conference — St. Mark Church, Independence, Missouri Feb. 12 World Marriage Day Mass — St. Thomas More, Kansas City, Missouri Feb. 13 Priests noonday prayer and meeting Pastoral Council meeting Feb. 14 Administrative Team meeting Feb. 15 Donnelly board meeting

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER Feb. 4 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida Feb. 5 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida

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LOCAL NEWS

Topeka rally for life brings thousands to state Capitol

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Fancy Le and Vilan Vu, eighth-graders at Lenexa’s Holy Trinity School, hold a prolife sign at the rally at in front of the state Capitol in Topeka.

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

T

OPEKA — Soldiers for Christ. Armor of God. Those are just a few of the images Bishop Carl Kemme of Wichita used throughout his homily during the annual Mass held here as part of the March for Life and Rally for Life sponsored by Kansans for Life.

The Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and concelebrated by the other Kansas bishops — Bishop Kemme, Bishop Ed Weisenburger of Salina and Bishop John Brungardt of Dodge City — as well as nearly two dozen priests, drew approximately 1,500, including archdiocesan Catholic school students from all levels.

After the Mass, another estimated 200 to 500 people joined those at Mass in marching the four to six blocks from the Topeka Performing Arts Center to the south side of the Kansas Capitol.

The rally featured speakers including legislators and Gov. Sam Brownback.

Due to its pending closure later this year, Immaculata High School of Leavenworth, which normally sends just juniors and seniors, sent its entire student body of approximately 60.

Several other archdiocesan grade schools sent students, including, but not limited to, Holy Trinity School in Lenexa, Christ the King School in Topeka, Holy Family School in Topeka, St. Matthew School in Topeka, Mater Dei School in Topeka and Most Pure Heart of Mary in Topeka.

Additionally, high school students representing St. Thomas Aquinas in Overland Park, Bishop Miege in Roeland Park, St. James Academy in Lenexa and Hayden High School in Topeka were in attendance. St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center also sent a group from the University of Kansas, as did the Didde Catholic Campus Center of Emporia State University and Benedictine College in Atchison. Several Topeka home-schooling families also participated.

In his homily, Bishop Kemme thanked everyone for coming to pray for “a renewal of our culture” and respect for human life.

“We are so encouraged by the presence of so many young people,” the bishop said.

Recognizing the efforts of those who have been engaged in the battle for life since its legalization nationwide in 1973,

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

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

From left, Annie Menghini, Kellan Bright, Mary Katherine Hess and Lauren Kropf, all freshmen at St. James Academy in Lenexa, led the March for Life from the Topeka Performing Arts Center. Sponsored by Kansans for Life, the march and rally drew somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 participants.

Bishop Kemme said, “The battle has been long and oftentimes has seemed to be a losing one.”

But he reminded everyone that no one should ever feel alone in the battle for life. Everyone, he urged, should remember that God is always with them.

Faith will provide them with hope and strength.

Near the end of his homily, Bishop Kemme discussed how, in doing spiritual battle, it’s important to study the tactics of the enemy who wants to spread division, fear, confusion and doubt. The enemy will also attempt to lead you to believe “what is, isn’t, and what isn’t, is,” referring specifically into the argument that an unborn baby is not a person.

He also exhorted those participating in the Mass to remember that even though the battle has been long and oftentimes discouraging, countless people have done so much to create a culture of life.

“We can do this. We are doing it in so many seen and unseen ways,” the bishop said.

While marching and during the rally, several area Catholics expressed their support for the pro-life movement.

Kelsey Palsay, a senior at Hayden, said, “We want to be their voices.”

Being the voice for the unborn is important to home-schooler Nicholas Werth as well; he is a member of Topeka’s Christ the King Parish.

“They (the unborn) don’t get a choice.

People choose for them,” he said.

Eighth-grader Nayla Alvarado from Holy Family School in Topeka agreed.

“The children don’t have a choice,” she said.

Showing her support for unborn children is also important to Elise Tremonti, a sophomore at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

“I think it’s important to show your support,” she said, adding she was glad to be able to stand with others for the cause of life.

Gretchen Mercer, a member of Topeka’s Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish, said she’s always been strong in her pro-life convictions. Now, her five children join her in pro-life activities.

Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

As a high school student in the 1990s, she attended the national march in Washington, D.C., several times. It’s important, she said, to teach children a reverence for life.

“We come to the march so I can show my children how important it is to stand up for a just cause,” she said, adding she wants to make sure her children not only have a respect for life but that they never give up hope because God is always with them.

Standing up for a just cause is something Ruth Walker, a parishioner of Topeka’s Christ the King Parish, said is important.

“If we don’t stand up for them, who will?” she asked.

She and her husband used to take their children out of school to attend pro-life events. Now, she stands alongside her children and grandchildren.

Seeing so many young people at the Topeka march gives her great hope.

“I tell my grandchildren that you are the generation that will turn it around,” she said.

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.

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LOCAL NEWS

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ACTS supports vocations, deaf and evangelization efforts

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housands of people across northeast Kansas — Catholics and non-Catholics alike — depend on the local church every day.

Those who support the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal help fund more than 40 ministries and services that reach people in parishes, schools and communities throughout the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

Their generosity helps the archdiocese minister to people of all abilities, encourages young people to discover Christ’s call and empowers families searching for ways to grow in faith and virtue.

Reaching out to people who are deaf Deaf ministry outreach provided by the archdiocese seeks to ensure that people with hearing impairments can reach their full capacity in their faith life through religious education, retreats, sacramental preparation and other programs tailored for their unique needs.

“There are large deaf communities in Olathe and Topeka, so we offer deaf-only Masses, confession and faith formation,” said Katie Locus, consultant for deaf ministry, through an interpreter. “We want all people — especially those with special needs — to know that they are welcome and to know that they are a part of our family.”

There are several priests in the archdiocese who know American Sign Language (ASL), and some seminarians for the archdiocese are also learning ASL. Support from the Archbishop’s Call to Share helps to fund sacramental preparation, retreats and workshops tailored for people who are deaf, as well as programs and events to reach out to young adults with special needs.

Encouraging the young to follow Christ’s call The archdiocesan office of vocations, funded in part by the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal, works to encourage all people to think about God’s call for them and how they can cooperate with the mission of the church. Vocation director Father Scott Wallisch leads efforts to help parishes, schools and ministries encourage young people to find their unique vocations.

“I try to help young people open themselves to God’s will and cooperate with his plan,” said Father Wallisch.

“We are working to cultivate vocations to the priesthood and religious life so that more people can be impacted by the work of the church in northeast Kansas.”

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas currently has 31 seminarians studying for the priesthood at several different seminaries throughout the country. There are also many young men and women considering a call to

“

“THERE ARE LARGE DEAF COMMUNITIES IN OLATHE AND TOPEKA SO WE OFFER DEAF-ONLY MASSES, CONFESSION AND FAITH FORMATION.” the religious life. “We couldn’t do what we do without the generosity of the Archbishop’s Call to Share donors,” Father Wallisch said.

Spreading the good news of Jesus The office of evangelization aims to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to individuals and families in parishes

throughout our archdiocese — to help Catholics rely more fully on God and live out their baptismal vows. A new initiative, the School of Faith program, provides courses on discipleship and formation that help people understand how to pass on their Catholic faith.

“Many Catholics believe that faith is a private thing. We are helping people establish stronger relationships with God and inviting them to share their faith with others,” said Deacon Dana Nearmyer, evangelization division secretary.

The office of evangelization also focuses on strengthening families and providing pastors with additional resources and training to help people grow in faith and love.

“We empower families to find ways to bask in the Holy Spirit — to set aside time to spend time together, tell stories, enjoy meals together and pray together,” Deacon Nearmyer explained.

“The generosity of the people in this archdiocese is really legendary,” said Deacon Nearmyer. “We are incredibly grateful to families, priests and parish leaders for their support. God is really big, and he loves when we work together to solve giant problems and bring his light and love into the world.”

The 2017 Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal recently kicked off in all parishes with a message from Archbishop Naumann. You are invited to pledge your prayers and financial support to strengthen these ministries and many others. To learn how your gift will help those in need in our community, visit the website at: calltoshare.org.

Long-hidden music by Ursuline nun to be performed

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

gious composer performed at a concert by the Musica Sacra Chorus and Orchestra of Rockhurst University in ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Kansas City, Missouri.

Sister Anna Isabella LeoThe ensemble will present Sister narda is probably the best Anna Isabella Leonarda’s “Litany to the woman composer you’ve Blessed Virgin Mary” and the “Mass in never heard about.

G Major” by Franz Peter Schubert.

Thankfully, that’s changing.

The concert will take place at 7 p.m.

Sister Anna Isabella, an Ursuline re- on Feb. 19 in the Father Pedro Arrupe ligious from northern Italy Auditorium on the Rockwho lived from 1620 to hurst campus. Music di1704, published more than rector and conductor 200 musical works during Timothy L. McDonald will present live program notes her life — amazingly, most at 6:15 p.m. (See ticket inof them after she was 50 formation below.) years old.

Although well-regarded Sister Anna Isabella’s in her hometown of Novara, family was minor nobillocated 31 miles west of ity and her father was a Milan, she was not known lawyer. Two of her brothelsewhere in Italy. After she ers were priests at the died, her music fell into obNovara cathedral and an scurity and her fame as one older brother was a civic Sister Anna Isabella official. His descendants of the most prolific convent Leonarda still live in Novara. composers of the Baroque Little is known about era faded. her musical education before enterCatholics and others in the Kansas ing the convent, but she probably had City area will have a rare opportunity to hear the music of this woman relisome due to her family’s high social

K

status. She held various positions of responsibility and authority in the convent — meaning she wouldn’t have had much time for composing.

Why is Sister Anna Isabella barely known today? Part of it is due to the tastes of the time.

“The way people listened to music back then is different from today,” said McDonald. “Now, we listen to contemporary music, but we also listen to older music. Back then, they pretty much just listened to contemporary music. After she died, her music just slipped out of memory.”

When he was a graduate student studying music history, McDonald was told that women didn’t compose music during the Baroque era. But a scholar checking archives in Milan in the 1990s found that women religious did, in fact, compose music.

“He found that this particular Sister wrote an extraordinary amount of music,” said McDonald. “She was really the most published woman composer. She held her own against all the male composers of Italy as well in the 17th century.”

As far as anyone knows, Sister Anna

Isabella is the first woman who published an instrumental sonata.

“This is a time when instruments came into their own, and she really took advantage of it,” said McDonald.

“Most of her music uses instruments — particularly violins, violas and cellos. And, of course, the organ, which would have been used in any church at the time.”

Cappella Artemisia, an ensemble of women singers and instrumentalists dedicated to performing Italian convent music of the 16th and 17th centuries, has recorded some of Sister Anna Isabella’s works. One such album is “My Sister My Bride: Song of Songs in the Convent.” This and other recordings can be found online at: amazon. com.

To purchase tickets for the Rockhurst concert from the Central Ticket Office, call (816) 235-6222; go online to: rockhurst.edu/mstickets; or buy them at the performance. Adult tickets are $22; senior citizens or student tickets cost $12. Parking is available in the north parking garage at 52nd and Troost. For a map, go to the website at: Rockhurst.edu/map.

FEBRUARY 3, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

#WhyWeMarch: The Power Of One

Teachers appreciate community’s support

Allison Donohue Special to The Leaven

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — On Jan. 27, the streets of Washington, D.C., were filled with upwards of 500,000 people. Some came from just hours away, others from nearly 30 hours away.

Yet they all gathered for one reason: life. The pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas were joined by tens of thousands of others from across the country. My simple question for them was this: Why do you march?

Yaneli Jacinto, a student from Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas, had this to say: “I came here because every life matters. I think everyone deserves a chance at it.”

Marchers like Jacinto got to hear, for the very first time, a vice president address them at the rally. Vice President Mike Pence was the highest ranking government official to ever appear on the March for Life stage in the history of the march.

Presidential adviser Kellyanne Conway also addressed the rally.

“I am a wife, a mother, a Catholic, counselor to the president of the United States of America and, yes, I am pro-life,” Conway told the cheering crowd.

Much like Conway, many of the girls on the March felt a special conviction at being there.

Mary Claire Bien, a junior from St. Thomas Aquinas in Overland Park, felt especially grateful that she was able to represent women at the march.

“It’s really cool to be a woman and stand up for what I believe in,” she said.

Grace Mayer, also a junior from St. Thomas Aquinas, has a long history of involvement in the pro-life cause.

“I became a firm believer when I got into high school,” she said. “I joined Teens for Life and I went on my first march in Topeka. That completely blew my mind. That made me an advocate for [life].”

Aquinas junior Madison Janky said the support of her Catholic school has been important to her own ability to advocate for the cause.

“A lot of people in our society have become pro-abortion,” she said. But in our Catholic schools, “we can all come together and support what we think.”

Jenna Vickers agreed.

“I am proud to be a pro-life person,” said Vickers. “I am proud to be a part of a school that stands up for this cause.”

Allison Donohue is the pro-life director of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

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>> Continued from page 16

PHOTO COURTESY OF BISHOP WARD HIGH SCHOOL

Bishop Ward seniors, from left, Olga Besestre and Jessica Reyes proudly display their signs at the annual March For Life in Washington, D.C., Jan. 27.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY ALLISON DONOHUE

Bishop Miege juniors, from left, Olivia Boling, Gracyon Howard and Suzie Glenn march down Constitution Ave. to the Supreme Court and U.S. Capitol buildings.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DONNELLY COLLEGE

From left, Donnelly College students Ada Sanabria, Miriam Mendez and Ilse Ruby Jimenez join thousands of other pro-lifers in protesting the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision.

substitute would be or what he or she would be comfortable with.

“The teachers left behind are really taking up lots of slack,” she said. “Jamie [Powell] and Chris [Fertig], the other middle school teachers, are taking care of the things we share, like the homework room after school, as well as putting up with the revolving door of subs.”

Katelyn Davis’ first child won’t arrive until March, but her students are already excited.

Her fifth-grade language arts and religion classes, said Davis, “think it’s the best thing that’s happened. They squealed in excitement and loved the idea. They watch for movement. And if they have to leave the room, they want to know if they’ve missed anything when they return.”

Davis is already preparing not only future lessons, but also her students.

“I’m going to miss them terribly,” she says of her students. “I only live a minute from school, and they’ve already asked me to come over to recess.”

All five teachers believe they receive far greater backing from their school and parish community than they would in public schools. Not only have parents been accepting of the subs, they have also provided support to the pregnant teachers.

“They want to know, ‘What do you need? How can we help?’” Trytten explained. “Everyone knows everyone; they are very supportive.”

Trytten said that while she was on leave, her mother, who had taught at Corpus Christi years ago, passed away.

She recalled that when she visited the school one day, Mattern touched her shoulder and said only, “We walk with you.”

“That simple gesture meant a lot,” she said. “It was a sign of real love and support.”

For Davis, the impending birth of her daughter is extra special: She has been a member of Corpus Christi since her birth, and she and her husband Michael were married in the parish last year.

“It’s a blessing to bring a daughter into this family as well,” Davis said.

She also said that teaching in a Catholic school was a blessing in itself. “Here I can share my faith and not keep it a secret.”

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FEBRUARY 3, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

WORKERS thein VINEYARD

TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus

The sound of silence “Patience, prayer and silence . . . these are what give strength to the soul.” — St. Faustina

I

t is easy today to become overwhelmed with the noise of the world.

Thomas Merton tells us: “In silence, God ceases to be an object and becomes an experience.” Being comfortable with silence takes practice: ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 • Spend time, any amount of time, in the eucharistic adoration chapel.

• Practice driving in the car without the DVD player, radio . . . or even talking!

• Observe a few moments of silence before beginning mealtime prayers.

• Maintain “quiet hours” in your home. Resist the temptation to listen to media as background noise.

— Jennie Punswick

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

CHURCH OF THE WEEK

St. Patrick, Osage City Address: 309 S. 6th St. Phone: (785) 528-3381 Pastor: Father Lawrence Bowers Mass times: Saturday, 5 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.

Email: office@stpatrickchurches.org Website: stpatrickchurches.org/site MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Immaculata boys basketball Head coach: Drew Molitoris Record: 3-9 Next game: Feb. 3 vs McLouth

ONLINE

• VIDEO REPORT: To learn more about Immaculata boys basketball, see Todd Habiger’s Team of the Week report.

• PHOTOS: Check out Doug Hesse’s photo gallery from the Immaculata vs. Maranatha game on Jan. 24.

All this and more can be found online at: www.theleaven.org.

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Retiree goes door to door for new parish outreach

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

O

LATHE — Starting a new parish is an adventure full of promise.

St. John Paul II parishioner Dale Girard knows that all too well.

As a volunteer for the parish’s Welcome Team, Girard has dedicated much of his free time to evangelizing Olathe Catholics, warmly inviting them to join the new St. John Paul II community.

The first task of the Welcome Team?

Delivering cups door to door in an effort to get more Catholics within the parish boundaries to register as parishioners.

“Father [Andrew Strobl] asked for volunteers to create some cups that had general information in [them] that introduced the staff, gave telephone numbers and Mass times,” said Girard.

“His intention was to help everyone register, so [he asked] us to deliver the cups to their houses,” he said.

Girard stepped up to the plate and went above and beyond what was expected of him.

“While most Welcome Team members distributed about 10 cups each, Dale Girard has been the welcome cup champion, hitting the streets to deliver cups to 125 households so far,” said parish secretary Jenna Wombwell.

“Dale humbly and happily returns to our parish office about once a week asking for more cups to deliver,” she said.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

Dale Girard practices his approach with wife Sharrid, both members of the new parish in Johnson County, St. John Paul II. As part of the Welcome Team, Dale delivers welcome cups and encourages people to register.

“Dale’s gentle servant spirit truly extends Christ into our neighborhoods,” she continued.

“His generous efforts are invaluable to the establishment of our St. John Paul II Parish community.”

Girard’s prolific efforts are largely due to the extra free time he’s had since retiring from his job as controller at Community America Credit Union last April.

“I’ve done little [volunteer] things off and on through my life,” said Girard, “but . . . this is really the biggest thing I’ve ever done timewise.”

Girard also counts the parish’s weekend collection about every other week.

But with the vibrant energy and enthusiasm of St. John Paul II, the need for a strong Welcome Team is the parish’s main focus.

“The Welcome Team is the outward inviting hands of our parish,” said Wombwell. “This ministry is key in our evangelistic efforts to reach out to our neighbors, let them know our parish exists and help them feel at home at St. John Paul II Parish.”

Girard has been a critical member of that team.

“It’s fun being part of a new parish,” said Girard.

“There’s things particularly in a new parish that they need help to get started, and it’s a time in my life when I’m available,” he added.

Girard looks forward to serving the Welcome Team down the road when new projects arise. “[I hope] to be more involved, know more people and promote the church, and I’m sure we will increase the membership of our church,” he said.

Confirmation project warms hearts, laps

H

OLTON — As Shelby Fox, a member of St. Dominic Parish here, thought about what type of community service project she would like to do in preparation for her confirmation next fall, she was inspired by her great-grandmother Rachel Seematter, who was a talented quilter and loved to make quilts and ornaments for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She also donated many quilts to her church throughout her lifetime.

While Seematter, who passed away last Oct. 9, was living in the Frankfort Community Care Home, Shelby made her a lap blanket. “She said she really enjoyed it and used it all the time,” Shelby said. So, when she needed to choose a service project, Shelby decided to make lap blankets for all of the residents currently in the care home.

Shelby said her brothers Kendall and Evan helped her get the project started by cutting the sewn edges off of the fleece which she and her mother had picked out. Shelby cut and tied 38 blankets, each taking a little over an hour to complete.

“It was very time consuming,” Shelby commented, “but I remembered it would be worth it to make somebody’s day a little brighter.”

Wearing her “ugly” Christmas

Shelby Fox holds the hand of Hub Roeder, a brother of Shelby’s great-grandmother Rachel Seematter. Shelby’s mom said that the two like to give each other “static” when she visits the care home in Frankfort. sweater, Shelby delivered the lap blankets to the residents on Christmas Eve. “Jamie McMillan was very helpful as she introduced me to the residents before I gave them their blanket,” Shelby said. “It was surprising how many hugs, kisses and tears I got as I delivered each blanket. It made me feel like I made a difference in their

holiday season.”

Shelby, who is 13 years old and in the seventh grade at Jackson Heights, is the daughter of Kenny and Shawna Fox, Holton, and the granddaughter of Dennis and Pat Wanklyn and Glen and Katheryn Fox, all of Frankfort.

Reprinted with permission from the Frankfort Area News.

FEBRUARY 3, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

St. Paul parishioner wins experience of a lifetime

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

O

LATHE — Sophie Schneider’s passion for exercise not only keeps her active, but it’s also sending her to one of America’s largest sporting events — the Super Bowl.

The 13-year-old parishioner from St. Paul in Olathe won this year’s NFL Play 60 Super Kid Contest, which earns her a special role at the Super Bowl — handing off the game ball to start the game.

“I’m overwhelmed with joy!” said Schneider.

“It is such an honor to represent my parish, school and community on a national level and get to do such fun and amazing things along the way,” she said.

Contestants entered the contest by submitting a short video where they talked about what being active means to them and showed the different sports and activities they enjoy.

After the contestants were narrowed down to the top three, members of the public were invited to vote for their favorite contestant based on the videos.

Initially one of three finalists chosen out of thousands of entries throughout the country, Schneider discovered she won the whole thing on Jan. 12.

“Since it was a national compe-

Sophie Schneider, a member of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, won this year’s NFL Play 60 Super Kid Contest, which earns her a special role at the Super Bowl — handing off the game ball to start the game. tition, I did not expect to win,” said Schneider. “Then when I made the final three, I knew that I would be happy with the outcome either way.”

“I am so grateful for everyone that voted for me because I could not have won without them,” she added.

Schneider’s parents Karen and Jim are ecstatic for their daughter.

“Sophie has been involved with the NFL Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP 60) program at her school for the past several years,” her father said.

FUTP 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program that en-

courages young people to live healthier lives.

“She was selected as the Kansas Ambassador earlier in 2016,” he continued, “so when this idea surfaced, we thought it would be a great opportunity to promote the FUTP 60 nutrition and exercise message on a national level.”

The prospect of winning actually became real when Sophie became a finalist, her mother said.

“She realized that it was a time to work hard campaigning for as many votes as possible,” she said. “Sophie was overwhelmed by the people who stepped up to support her.”

Those who know Schneider said she is the perfect fit for the Super Kid role.

“Sophie is friendly, outgoing and has a great personality,” her father said.

“When she communicates the FUTP 60 nutrition and exercise message,” he added, “she does so from her own experience gained in the program for the past three years.

“Of course, we want her to enjoy the experience, but we also hope that it inspires her to continue to work hard and seek new opportunities.”

Although Schneider is disappointed the Kansas City Chiefs are not one of the teams to make the Super Bowl, she can’t wait for this opportunity of a lifetime.

“To know that I have my archdiocese behind me means the world to me and is very comforting,” she said.

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John Patrick and Alberta Marie (Pollack) Linsky, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 4 with Mass at 4 p.m., followed by a family dinner. They were married at St. Titus Church in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 4, 1967. Their children are: Suzanne Heather Snell, Charlene Heather Smith, John Patrick Linsky Jr., and Michael Robert Linsky. They also have nine grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY

• The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th notices.

• Announcements are due eight days before the desired publication date.

• Announcements must be typed.

Include the following Information: • The couple’s names • their parish • the date they were married • church and city where they were married • what they are doing to celebrate • date of the celebration • names of children (no spouses please) • number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Photo specifications: Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.

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THE JOYFUL MARRIAGE PROJECT Building your ultimate dream home

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. – Go to any hardware store, turn on HGTV or pass by a newsstand and you will find countless products, shows and magazines . dedicated to building a

dream home.

Of course, not everyone can afford to build their dream home. Or can they?

According to Deacon Tony Zimmerman, lead consultant of the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life, all married couples can: without spending one penny.

As part of his 10-year mutually shared vision, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann is encouraging every married couple in the archdiocese to participate in marriage enrichment. To that end, the office of marriage and family life will officially launch The Joyful Marriage Project in all parishes the weekend of Feb. 11-12.

“One of the key initiatives for the 10year pastoral vision,” said the archbishop, “is to strengthen marriage and family life.

The Joyful Marriage Project offers couples practical ways by which they can renew and reinvigorate their marriage.”

For Archbishop Naumann, the importance of joyful marriages cannot be overstated.

“Our communities, our nation and

our church all depend on strong families.

The foundation of the family is marriage.

I hope The Joyful Marriage Project communicates to couples how important their marriage is to our church.

“And I want to invite and motivate couples to invest in making their marriage stronger and more vibrant.”

Like the archbishop, Deacon Zimmerman and project organizers Brad and Libby DuPont believe The Joyful Marriage Project can have a tremendous impact not only

on couples themselves, but also on society overall.

“We want more joyful marriages,” Brad DuPont said. “We change the culture when we change our marriage.”

Libby DuPont agreed.

“Joy needs to be cultivated,” she said, adding that the project is an invitation to help couples discover ways to live their marriages with purpose.

“Like anything of value,” said Archbishop Naumann, “great marriages do not just

happen. Excellent marriages are the result of both husband and wife making their relationship a priority. Couples have to be intentional in not allowing their marriage to grow stagnant. Joy is not something that can be manufactured. Joy is the fruit of living a life of love, of making the good and the happiness of your spouse a higher priority than satisfying your own wants and desires.”

For the past several months, Deacon Zimmerman and the DuPonts held focus groups with couples from across the archdiocese. They heard couples share how the busyness of daily life does not allow much time for them as couples.

Deacon Zimmerman heard many couples recount how their children are involved in countless activities. Add to that their careers and the demands of running a household, he said, and couples sometimes communicate only superficially. They get up, run from one activity to the next, and then finally fall into bed, only to do the same the next day.

Sometimes, parents think their children should be their highest priority, added Deacon Zimmerman. The reality, he said, is parents should take care of their marriage first. When a marriage is strong, he said, the family is strong.

“You cannot give what you don’t have,” he added.

Archbishop Naumann agreed.

“From my observation, married couples thrive when they keep God in the center of

S

World Day of Marriage celebration

tarted in 1981 by couples in Louisiana who petitioned the mayor, governor and their bishop to recognize the second Sunday of February as World Marriage Day, the idea eventually spread across the world. In 1993, Pope John Paul II gave his apostolic blessing to the day. The annual celebration honors the basic building block of society, the marriage of husband and wife living in faith, love and service to each other and their families every day.

Each year, the archdiocese invites couples to participate in a joint celebration with the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. At the Mass, couples have the opportunity to renew their vows and receive a blessing.

This year’s celebration will be held at 2 p.m. on Feb. 12, at St. Thomas More Parish in Kansas City, Missouri. The principal celebrant will be Bishop James Johnston, and the homilist will be Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. Afterwards, couples will also have the opportunity to hear inspiring brief presentations by Luis and Christina Salazar of Marriage Encounter, and Mike and Kristi Dennihan, School of Love apostolate founders.

For more information, visit the Missouri diocesan website at: kcsjfamily.org and click on the World Marriage Day Mass photo.

their lives and they make their relationship practice. Parents of four, they pause, a priority,” he said. “Praying for the gift to even if only for a few seconds each day love your spouse passionately should be a at 3 p.m., the hour of Christ’s passion and death, to pray for their marriage. They part of a married person's prayer.

“And both husband and wife need to be also pray together every day before David committed to making sure that they have heads to the office.

“We make time for each other. We quality time together each day. Finding fresh and new ways to communicate and make time for that prayer,” he said.

The Mallaris also attend Mass as a demonstrate your love helps to keep marfamily every week. And if either one of riages vibrant."

Finally, said the archbishop, “praying them is struggling, they remind each together as a couple has the power to other to pray for divine assistance. strengthen and deepen relationships.”

In their focus groups, Deacon Zimmerman and the DuPonts said they found that many couples believe they’re doing OK In addition to having a strong founin their marriages. dation of prayer, But the trio wants to Deacon Zimmerjoin the archbishop in man and the Duchallenging couples Ponts said, a solid to live the fullness of Christ’s vision for “IMAGINE IF EVERY MARRIED structure supports the home and sigmarriage as a glimpse COUPLE IN THE ARCHDIOCESE nifies a separation of heaven.

“Do you really PRAYED FOR EACH OTHER AT between the family and the world. The want to be doing just OK?” asked Deacon THE SAME TIME EVERY DAY. “walls” prioritize what’s important Zimmerman, adding inside the home.

WHAT A STATEMENT THAT that The Joyful MarPrioritizing riage Project can WOULD MAKE ABOUT HOW marriage, the trio provide every couple is important. tools to enrich their MUCH MARRIAGE IS VALUED said, Marriage must be marriage, their dream valued above everyhome.

AND HOW MUCH WE, AS thing else outside The concept for the project started last CATHOLICS, WANT TO IMPACT the home.

“The ‘walls’ help summer. In talking THE CULTURE POSITIVELY." to build a basic about family and structure of marhome, one thought riage priority,” kept coming to mind.

Libby DuPont said.

So many people watch HGTV and long for That’s why The Joyful Marriage Project a dream home, but why?

The DuPonts and Deacon Zimmerman will feature enrichment activities to help couples strengthen those walls by prisaid everyone yearns for a place of peace, oritizing their marriage. The activities rest and joy.

“We all have that longing in our hearts. include a 30-day email retreat featuring It makes sense,” Libby DuPont said. “If papal teachings about marriage, a meditation and an action step. your marriage is joyful, you will have that One way the Mallaris have created a dream home.” solid structure is through communication. A stay-at-home mom, Dianne home schools their children and said she constantly builds up her husband to their children by saying things like, “Isn’t it a blessThe first step in building your dream ing that Daddy can provide so well for us?” home, they said, is to build a strong founShe also greets her husband with a dation of prayer. Without a strong foundation, just like a physical home, a mar- hug and kiss each day when he comes through the door. riage can crumble.

“It’s a choice that we really live,” she But with everyone living such busy lives, how are couples supposed to make said.

Dianne said sometimes after having time for prayer? One suggestion the DuPonts practice within their own marriage been at home all day with children rangis praying for each other at a specific time ing in age from 10 months to 7, she wants to talk immediately, but realizes David each day.

“Imagine if every married couple in needs time to decompress. Instead, the archdiocese prayed for each other at they wait until they’ve eaten dinner and gotten the kids off to bed before they sit the same time every day,” Brad DuPont said. “What a statement that would make down to really talk.

The Mallaris also shared that, for about how much marriage is valued and how much we, as Catholics, want to them, building that solid structure means always looking for what the other impact the culture positively.” has done right. If something hasn’t gone “It’s a real simple thing,” he added.

That one simple thing is something well, the two of them are likely to look at that David and Dianne Mallari of To- themselves first and examine their own peka’s Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish conscience.

Creating a solid structure

“

Building a strong foundation

Stormproofing your home Just as you need a strong foundation and a solid structure, the DuPonts and Deacon Zimmerman said a home also needs a roof to protect the family from outside elements.

“When the storms of life come, and they will come,” Brad DuPont said, a roof will provide “a consistent way of life” to weather them.

Storms can range from losing a job to becoming a caregiver for an elderly parent to burying a child. Practicing a consistent way of life, however, will ensure couples are not overwhelmed and will draw closer to each other.

For the Mallaris, stormproofing their marriage means they went into their marriage knowing divorce was not an option.

For them, it has also meant regularly availing themselves of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and reconciliation. It also means practicing the skills of reconciliation within their own marriage by never being afraid to apologize or extend forgiveness to each other.

They also have chosen to deliberately participate in marriage retreats such as “Living in Love” and “Living in Love Everyday,” and they’ve surrounded themselves with other like-minded couples. In fact, their youngest daughter Sienna has godparents from among their circle of married friends gained from their retreat experiences.

The Mallaris also choose to focus on what attracted them to each other in their first place: their shared values and beliefs and their unique brand of humor. Keeping all of that at the forefront of their minds helped them through one stormy period.

Several years ago, they opened a chiropractic office in Texas around the same time they welcomed their first child. The stress of setting up a business and transitioning from a couple to a family of three was difficult, they said, but doable because they had chosen to intentionally live a life of faith and joy.

Building your dream home

Step 1: Build a strong foundation.

• Participate in Sunday Mass together every week.

• Remember your spouse in prayer each day.

• Attend a parish mission together.

• Sign up together for a Holy Hour.

Step 2: Build a solid structure.

• Maintain a regular date night.

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or expensive. Pop in a movie after the children are asleep. Grab a bowl of popcorn and cuddle together on your couch.

• Go for a walk each day or each week with your spouse.

• Sign up for a 30-day email retreat inspired by Pope Francis’ teaching on marriage.

• Build up your spouse to children in words of praise and gratitude.

Hosting an open house Once someone builds a dream home, the DuPonts and Deacon Zimmerman said, it’s natural to want to host an open house and share it with the world.

One way to share your marriage, the three suggested, is to get involved in a ministry together, such as marriage preparation. Whatever you do, though, they suggest it be done together. Too often in today’s world, one spouse gets so involved in volunteering that there’s no time left for the spouse. Besides, they said, ministering together is a good way to witness to the world about the importance of the building block of society — marriage, one of the seven sacraments.

“We sometimes forget that we’re a sacrament to each other,” Libby DuPont said.

While priests, through the gift of their celibacy, she said, witness to the breadth of God’s love in the world, marriages, through their procreative aspect, witness to the depth of it.

Similarly, Brad DuPont said, “The love of a married couple makes God tangible and real. . . . We’ve got to share that.”

As just one way of sharing their marriage, the Mallaris have served as the marriage prep coordinators for the Topeka Region and regularly mentor engaged couples as part of that shared ministry.

Both said that if married couples live their marriages joyfully, intentionally and with purpose, pretty soon people want to know their secret.

“They’ll say, ‘I want what they have,’” David Mallari said.

Dianne Mallari agreed.

“Stronger marriages make [for a] stronger faith,” she said. “A stronger faith makes for a stronger church.”

Step 3: Storm-proof your marriage.

• Participate in a marriage retreat such as “Living in Love.”

• Attend a Marriage Encounter weekend.

• Learn natural family planning.

• For marriages in crisis, seek help by participating in Retrouvaille or finding a Catholic counselor.

Step 4: Host an open house.

• Surround yourself with other couples living their marriages joyfully and intentionally.

• Mentor engaged and/or newlywed couples.

• Participate as a couple in a ministry at your parish.

For more information about the The Joyful Marriage Project, visit the website at: www.joyfulmarriage project.com.

FEBRUARY 3, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

10

‘Let this movement be known for compassion,’ says VP >> Continued from page 1 he will make America great again.”

He pointed to Trump’s Jan. 23 executive action reinstating what’s called the Mexico City Policy, which bans tax dollars from funding groups that promote or perform abortion in other countries. He said the administration would work with Congress to stop taxpayer funding of abortion “and devote those resources to health care services for women across America.”

On Jan. 24, the House passed the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, making the 41-year-old Hyde Amendment permanent. The amendment, which has had to be approved each year as part of the budget for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, prohibits tax dollars from paying for abortion except in cases of rape, incest or threat to the woman’s life.

The Senate has yet to act on a companion bill, but Trump has said he will sign it into law when the measure reaches his desk.

“I urge you to press on,” Pence told the rally. “Let your gentleness be evident to all. Let this movement be known for love, not anger. Let this movement be known for compassion, not confrontation. When it comes to matters of the heart, there is nothing stronger than gentleness. I believe we will continue to win the minds and hearts of the rising generation if our hearts first break for mothers and their unborn children and meet them where they are with generosity, not judgment.”

“You can sense the joy in people today,” Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life, told Catholic News

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Karen Pence introduces her husband, Vice President Mike Pence, at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 27. Pence is the highest ranking government official to speak at the march. To the right is the Pences’ daughter Charlotte.

Service. “I hope it’s not lost.”

Earlier in the week, march organizers predicted at least 50,000 would be there. But there were at least that many at the rally, and before it was over, marchers, including many busloads of parochial schoolchildren, covered the full width of Constitution Avenue, en

route to the Supreme Court, for at least seven blocks.

“There has been a lot of talk about numbers over the past week,” said Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life organization.

“The only number I care about, and the only number that we all care about

is — 58 million. Since 1973, 58 million Americans have died as a result of abortion,” Mancini said. “We stand here today for them — for the little innocent children who have lost their lives to abortion. We also stand here for the mothers who regret their abortion decision.”

FEBRUARY 3, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

11

Iraqi Christian leader visiting Mosul sees little future for Christians

By Paul Jeffrey Catholic News Service

M

OSUL, Iraq (CNS) — As some residents of the city of Mosul celebrate their new freedom from the Islamic State group, an Iraqi Christian leader who visited the war-torn city said Christian residents are unlikely to return.

“I don’t see a future for Christians in Mosul,” said Father Emanuel Youkhana, a priest, or archimandrite, of the Assyrian Church of the East.

Father Youkhana, who runs Christian Aid Program Northern Iraq, a Christian program for displaced Iraqis around the city of Dohuk, entered Mosul in a military convoy Jan. 27, the day Iraqi officials raised the national flag over the eastern part of the city.

Islamic State seized the city in 2014, causing Christians and other minorities to flee.

Once inside Mosul, Father Youkhana moved about freely, talking to residents and soldiers. He visited two churches, both heavily damaged.

“The churches were used as warehouses by Daesh,” he said, referring to the terrorist group by its common Arabic name. “They used the churches to store what they looted from Christian and Yezidi villages, but as the end neared they sold the buildings to local contractors, who started tearing down the walls to reuse the steel inside. If the army hadn’t entered for another couple of weeks, the buildings might have been completely destroyed.”

One building, belonging to the Syriac Orthodox Church, had not been completely swept for explosives, according to Iraqi soldiers in the area.

The front of the building was painted with an Islamist slogan by the Islamic State, and a military commander told Father Youkhana his troops would gladly paint over it. Father Youkhana replied that it was not his church, so he had no authority to authorize the troops.

“And leaving it as is preserves the evidence of what Daesh did here,” he told Catholic News Service.

At another church, owned by the Assyrian Church of the East, the body of an Islamic State fighter poked out of a pile of garbage in front of the sanctuary.

Father Youkhana, who went to high school in Mosul, also photographed several houses that belonged to Christians, but had been given or sold to Muslim families by the Islamic State.

While he doubts Christians will return, he believes they will be able to recover the value of their properties, notwithstanding attempts by the Islamic State to destroy local government records.

“Christians aren’t going to come back to stay. The churches I saw were not destroyed with bombs, but by the everyday business operations of the community. How can Christians return to that environment? It’s unfortunate, because Mosul needs their skills. Most Christians were part of the intellectual and professional class here, they were doctors and lawyers and engineers and university professors. But I don’t see how they can return,” he said.

Father Youkhana would make no predictions how long peace will last once the Islamic State is driven completely out of Mosul, a predominantly Sunni Muslim city. The Iraqi army units that expelled the Islamic State are largely Shiite Muslim. Several of

CNS PHOTO/PAUL JEFFREY

Father Emanuel Youkhana, an archimandrite of the Assyrian Church of the East, picks his way through the rubble of a demolished church in Mosul, Iraq, Jan. 27.

Qaraqosh, a Christian town 20 miles southeast of Mosul that he described as “a ghost town.” While Mosul was bustling with busy markets and people digging out from the rubble of war, the streets of Qaraqosh were eerily silent, with most houses blackened by fire but still standing.

He explored the remains of the Syriac Catholic cathedral, reportedly the largest church in Iraq. Blackened by fire, its courtyard was filled with the ashes of what had been the church’s library, as well as shell casings and bullet-ridden mannequins that the Islamic State apparently used for target practice.

Some Christian leaders are pushing for a quick return to Qaraqosh. One Christian member of the Kurdistan parliament said he is looking for $200,000 that would finance the return of 50 families, buying them the basic furniture and household items they need to re-establish themselves in their houses.

But Karim Sinjari, Kurdistan’s interior minister, told a visiting ecumenical delegation that neither the necessary security nor appropriate infrastructure are in place.

“I won’t stop them, but I would advise them not to go,” he said. “The conditions aren’t ready yet.”

Iraqi Christian leaders echoed his concern.

CNS PHOTO/PAUL JEFFREY “Security is the An Iraqi family leaves a processing center for displaced people outside most critical need Mosul, Iraq, Jan. 27. we have,” said

the military’s armored vehicles sported flags of the Popular Mobilization Units, a Shiite militia, and Father Youkhana said he saw several examples of graffiti written by Shiite soldiers calling for violence against the Sunnis.

“Why do they do that?” he asked.

“They are undermining their achievement. People are thanking them for liberating them, and in return they try to provoke them. Just because they have the upper hand now.

“They should think about sustainability,” he added. “The residents are welcoming you as a savior, so don’t wear out your welcome by provoking them.”

Father Youkhana also visited

Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Bashar Warda of Irbil. “Rebuilding our churches is the last thing we should think about. We want to first build houses for our people so they can live with dignity, and we need infrastructure in the villages. But all this is only possible if we can have security.”

“Unless there is security, whatever we build will be for Daesh, not for us,” said Syriac Orthodox Bishop Nicodemos of Mosul.

Some residents of Qaraqosh have returned, carrying weapons and wearing uniforms of the Ninevah Plain Protection Units, or NPU, a militia formed by the Assyrian Democratic Movement, an Iraqi political party allied with the Shiites. It operates in coordination with the Iraqi military, which has assigned it primary responsibility for protecting Qaraqosh and a nearby village.

Father Youkhana said he is troubled by the NPU’s role.

“They are trying to play politics as a big actor, when in reality they don’t have that power,” he said. “What little role they have is exaggerated in the Christian diaspora, where it starts to sound like a Hollywood movie. If you’re sitting in Phoenix, Arizona, or Sydney, Australia, you’re not aware of this.”

The NPU and other smaller groups “can offer a Christian cover to the Shia militias,” Father Youkhana said, “allowing them to say, ‘Look, we have the Christians on board with us. We are all the same.’ I’m sorry, but we are not all the same.”

Fadi Raad is tired of running from the Islamic State, so the 25-year-old Qaraqosh native joined the NPU and today patrols the streets of the town on the lookout for lingering terrorists.

“I’m here to defend my village, and because I want to save the Christians in Iraq. It’s difficult here now, but when the government and the NGOs repair all the houses, then the Christians will come back. The NPU is here to stay.

It’s different now. If Daesh comes back, we will kill them all,” he said.

FEBRUARY 3, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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Lead and assistant teachers work together. Daily responsibilities are: developing lesson plans; meeting the individual needs of the children; communicating with parents; participation in staff and training meetings; designing appropriate room arrangement to support the goals and development level of the children in the classroom; interacting with the children to support play, exploration and learning; presenting expectations that are appropriate to the child’s age and developmental level; plan and implement activities that develop self-esteem and social skills; communicate appropriately and professionally with parents and fellow staff; building teamwork; use assessment tools; and commit to continuing education. To apply, email a resume and cover letter to: olathe2ks@goddardschools.com.

Live–in position - Sanctuary of Hope in Kansas City, Kansas, has an opening for an individual interested in a live-in position. Benefits and duties include: being committed to prayer and serving others; committed to their on-going formation and growth in knowledge and faith, and being open to all spiritual paths, faiths and ethnic groups; being committed to living a community life of sharing with other at Sanctuary of Hope and House of Peace, and taking on certain areas of responsibility, such as attending set prayer times and, when needed, helping with tasks inside and outside of the buildings.

There would be time for vacations and visiting family and friends. Must provide own health insurance and be of reasonably good health. To apply, complete an application form, have three references of recommendation and meet with Father Dennis Wait. If interested, contact Father Dennis Wait at (913) 321-3827 or send an email to: frwait@aol.com.

Principal - St. Ann’s Elementary School in Carthage, Missouri, has an open position for principal. Requirements: active Catholic with a passion for Catholic education; Missouri (or other) educator certification; master’s in education administration (or in progress); and administrative experience, especially in Catholic schools, preferred.

Send resume with three professional references to: Father J. Friedel, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 812 Pearl Ave., Joplin, MO 64801.

Web manager – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is accepting applications for a full-time web manager. Duties include managing and maintaining internal websites and managing the digital media center.

The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing. Position requires bachelor’s degree in related field, and the candidate must have past experience in web design and management. Knowledge of Blackbaud Net Community a plus. A complete job description and required application are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application by Feb. 20 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Webmaster, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@ archkck.org.

Full-time teacher - Our Lady’s Montessori School is looking for a full-time assistant teacher. The position is Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., and offers competitive pay. Email resumes to Alison Conemac, executive director, at: ourladysmontessori@sbcglobal.net. Check us out on our website at: www.ourladysmontessori.com or on Facebook.

Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, and cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education.

Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available, as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

Principal - St. Therese School has an open position for principal, effective July 1. St. Therese is an accredited, award-winning Catholic grade school (K - 8) with over 570 students that seeks to educate the whole child. The right candidate will have a passion for Catholic education and administrative experience in a Catholic school setting. A master’s degree in administration is required.

This position requires proven leadership skills, outstanding people skills and organizational ability. Also required is the ability to work as part of a team with employees, volunteers and children. Supervises faculty, administration, support staff while overseeing a range of programs and services. Must be a Catholic in good standing and have a pastor’s letter of reference. Compensation according to diocesan guidelines with competitive benefits. To apply, go to the website at: careers.hireology. com/careers/98716/application?

Administrative assistant - Applications are being accepted for an administrative assistant at Hayden Catholic High School. This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; eligible for benefits.

The ideal candidate will be well-organized, customeroriented and capable of handling multiple projects in a busy environment. This job requires the operation of a computer and related software including Microsoft Word, Excel and Publisher. Previous secretarial experience is preferred. Qualified applicants should email a resume to James Sandstrom at: sandstromj@hayden catholic.net.

Principal - Co-cathedral Parish of St. Joseph seeks a principal committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills.

Co-cathedral School is a parish school in a vibrant parish community with growing enrollment serving K to 8th-grade students. Cathedral School is located in downtown St. Joseph, Missouri. Applicant must be a practicing Catholic, should have a master’s degree in educational administration, teaching experience and preferably three years’ administrative experience. This position leads school programs that ensure not only academic excellence but also the spiritual, moral, physical and emotional development of the school community.

This person is supervised by the pastor of the parish and the assigned superintendent of schools. Apply at the Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph website or use this link: careers.hireology.com/thecatholicdioceseofkansas citystjoseph.

Assistant to ReachKCK coordinator – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is accepting applications for a part-time administrative position in the ReachKCK youth ministry outreach of the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth. This position is approximately 15 hours per week. Duties include supporting youth programs and events, creating publicity materials, data entry, managing social media and handling various logistics. Ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have a minimum of three years’ work experience, including at least one year of administrative experience. Knowledge of youth ministry in an urban setting and Spanish preferred. A complete job description and required application are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application by Feb. 14 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Youth Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@ archkck.org.

Part-time retail positions available - Trinity House Catholic Books and Gifts is looking for part-time retail sales associates to work in its Overland Park store. Candidates must enjoy the retail experience and helping its wonderful customers seeking to deepen their spiritual journey. Requirements: engaging personality, openness to learning, ability to pitch in with even the most mundane aspects of running a retail establishment and not shy about living out their faith. Must be flexible to work days and 20-35 hours assigned monthly. Compensation commensurate with qualifications. Send resume and/or qualifications to: trinityhouse01@gmail.com.

Faith formation director – St. John Paul II Parish in Olathe is seeking a director of parish faith formation that is passionate about catechesis and the new evangelization. Responsibilities will include forming a robust “Domestic Church First” faith formation program for youth and adults, coordinating sacramental preparation and RCIA, and creating and delivering digital content. JP2 was founded in September 2016 and is rapidly growing.

Send cover letter and resume to: office@JP2KC.org; visit the website at: www.JP2KC.org; or call (913) 747-9636 for more information.

Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van.

CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children.

Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading.

Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, roundtrip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215 Custodian/maintenance - Applications are being accepted for a custodial/maintenance position at Hayden Catholic High School. This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., eligible for benefits.

The maintenance/custodial staff is responsible to maintain all school buildings, grounds and related equipment.

The ideal candidate will possess at least a high school diploma or equivalent and will have prior maintenance/ custodial experience. Qualified applicants should email a resume to: haydencatholic@haydencatholic.net.

Drivers needed - Medi Coach Transportation is looking for caring and reliable drivers for nonemergency transportation. CDL is not required. Contact Jeff at (913) 825-1921.

Teachers - St. James Academy is seeking several teachers for the 2017-2018 school year. The ideal candidates will be practicing Catholics with a passion for evangelization and discipleship who are licensed and experienced in their content areas. Current openings include English, math and Spanish teachers, as well as a campus minister. Interested candidates should apply the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas at: www.archkckcs. org.

Career opportunities - Catholic Charities of Kansas CitySt. Joseph is offering rewarding career opportunities to individuals interested in working in their finance department. There are two full-time positions: director of finance and senior accountant. To learn more about these opportunities, visit our website at: www.catholiccharities-kcsj. org or forward your resume to: hr@ccharities.com.

Commercial construction accounting/bookkeeper – We need a person who can leap tall buildings with a single bound! Must be faster than a plane and be very accurate. Our well-established company needs a “company-minded person” with great experience who can begin the New Year with us. We use Peachtree Accounting for our midsize (4-6m per year) company.

Must be adaptable to our way of doing business, but bring some new ideas and solutions. Proficiency in Excel, knowledge of Expesite Client software a bonus.

Must be able to produce monthly financials and monthly project cost reports and work within clients’ programs for invoicing and project closeout. Salary based on experience and abilities. Must have 7-10 years construction accounting experience. ALL others NEED NOT APPLY!!

Send an email to: GDAccountant87@yahoo.com.

Drivers - Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans. Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas. Competitive wages and flexible schedules. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 262-3100 or apply online at: AssistedTransportation.com. EEO. Basketball coach - St. James Academy is seeking a head girls basketball coach for the 2017-2018 school year. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic with a passion for evangelization and discipleship with experience coaching at the high school or college level.

Interested candidates should email resumes and cover letters to the activities and athletic director, Mr. Mark Huppe, at: mhuppe@sjakeepingfaith.org.

Groundskeeping position - $30K. Catholic Cemeteries is seeking an individual for a full-time groundskeeping position, hours Monday through Saturday. This position requires heavy lifting. Must be physically fit and experience operating construction equipment would be a plus.

Must be a fast learner and flexible on hours. Interested individuals should contact Matt Wirtz at (913) 371-4040 or you may email a resume to: svallejo@cathcemks.org.

Principal - St. Peter’s Middle School/McAuley Catholic High School in Joplin, Missouri, is looking for a principal.

Requirements: active Catholic with a passion for Catholic education; Missouri (or other) educator certification.

Master’s in education administration (or in progress) and administrative experience, especially in Catholic schools, preferred. Send resume with three professional references to Georgiana L. McGriff, director, Joplin area Catholic schools at: gmcgriff@jacss.org.

Office coordinator – Wellington, a full-service event management and marketing company, is looking for a part-time or full-time office coordinator. The office coordinator acts as the face of the company, being the first person to greet guests and direct client, partner and vendor phone calls. As such, an always-pleasant and helpful demeanor along with the ability to problem solve are essential. They must be structured, disciplined and able to handle time-sensitive situations. The OC must be adept using the computer to complete assignments. Applicants may apply online at: www.wellingtonexprience.com/ careers/.

SERVICES Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting.

Hedge trimming, mulch, leaf removal.

Fully insured and free estimates.

John Rodman (913) 548-3002 Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

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Winter tutoring - Available for K - 12 and home-schooler in music and academics. For more information, call/text Kathleen at (913) 206-1837 or email: klmamuric@yahoo.com.

Helping Hand Handy Man - Semi-retired handyman can help with your ‘to do list.’ Small and medium projects around your house. Also electrical; ceiling fans, light fixtures, outlet and switches. Most deck and shed repairs, power washing restaining and painting. No yard work. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490.

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

Landscape and irrigation design, Installation and maintenance.

Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad.

Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661

HOME IMPROVEMENT EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391 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 Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service – Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM. Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time.

Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did.

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dan deeconst@aol.com.

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovations, tile and sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Josh (913) 709-7230.

HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson.

(913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com.

Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful.

Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125.

>> Classifieds continue on page 13

FEBRUARY 3, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COMMUNITY DINNER FUNDRAISER Divine Mercy Parish (Christian Formation Center) 555 W. Main St., Gardner Feb. 3 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

A spaghetti dinner will be served. The cost is: $7 for adults; $4 for kids ages 4 - 10; free for kids under the age of 4. Basketball fans and families from Gardner-Edgerton and Bishop Miege are welcome.

TRIVIA NIGHT St. Paul Parish (center) 900 S. Honeysuckle, Olathe Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.

The event will include raffles, door prizes and prizes for the top teams. Trivia Night is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Council 1913. Proceeds will benefit Knights of Columbus pro-life efforts in the state of Kansas. Call Chris Dieterman at (913) 7806428 for details and reservations.

sage, meatballs, salad, bread, dessert and beverage. Carryout is available. The cost is: $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 12 and under. There will also be variety booths and a Valentine’s Day basket raffle. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance. For more information, call (913) 371-3423.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR SPECIAL-NEEDS CHILDREN Holy Cross Parish (hall) 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park Feb. 9 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Meet with financial advisers who will explain the Able Act and share their guidance on how to establish a special-needs trust. For further information or if you have questions, call Tom Racunas, lead consultant of the archdiocesan special-needs ministry, at (913) 647-3055 or send an email to: tracunas@archkck.org.

‘DEFENSE OF THE FAITH IN OUR TIMES’ St. James Academy 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.

A lecture titled “The challenges to the defense of the faith in our times” will be given

by Cardinal Raymond Burke. No reservations are necessary. The lecture is sponsored by the Order of Malta, an international lay religious order of the Catholic Church.

SUPER SWEET AND SPICY COOK-OFF Holy Name Parish (cafeteria) 1007 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 4 from 6 - 9 p.m.

Join the Holy Name Divas for their cook-off.

There will be prizes for first, second and third place for chili, soup and desserts. Tickets (minimal prices) include a hot dog, chips and a drink. BYOB for adults. Live music will be provided from Stranded in the City. For more information, call Sharon Staab at (913) 631-1138.

WILLIAM BAKER FESTIVAL SINGERS IN CONCERT Holy Angels Parish 15440 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor Feb. 5 at 2:30 p.m.

WHITE MASS FOR HEALING PROFESSIONS Church of the Nativity 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Feb. 11 at 10:30 a.m.

All health care professionals are invited to Mass celebrated by Cardinal Raymond Burke.

DADDY-DAUGHTER DANCE ELM Community Building 228 Main St., Carbondale Feb. 11 from 6 - 8 p.m.

There will be music, refreshments, a party favor and a photo booth. Dress up and have a special time with Dad or Granddad. Reservations are due by Feb. 4. Call Lois Shuck at (785) 665-7893; text Mary Burgett at (785) 633-9330; or send an email to: mev56b87@ gmail.com. Proceeds benefit the Scranton St. Patrick’s building fund.

The 50-voice Festival Singers have performed in prestigious venues across the United States. The concert will include works

by Kansas City composers R. Douglas Helvering, Ed Frazier Davis and Sean Sweeden; classical works from Renaissance to contemporary; and the spirituals and gospel songs that have been a signature of the Festival Singers.

A freewill donation is suggested.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST Good Shepherd Parish (social hall) 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee Feb. 5 from 7 a.m. - noon

Boy Scout Troop 394 will be hosting this pancake breakfast. The cost for tickets is $6 each and can be purchased at the door on the day of the event.

SISTERS, SERVANTS OF MARY SPAGHETTI DINNER St. Patrick Parish (center) 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 5 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The meal includes spaghetti, Italian sau-

ST. MARY CHURCH, HARTFORD BEEF AND NOODLE DINNER Neosho Rapids Grade School Multipurpose room, Neosho Rapids Feb. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Homemade beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad, dessert and drink.

Cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children under 10. There will be drawings for prizes. Tickets available at the door.

SOUP LUNCHEON Most Pure Heart of Mary 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka Feb. 12 from 1 - 3 p.m.

The Christian Widow and Widowers Organization will host the soup luncheon. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call (785) 233-7350.

CONCERT Sanctuary of Hope 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 12 from 2 - 3 p.m.

The talented singer/pianist Rejean will be performing her many and diverse styles of music at Sanctuary of Hope’s 20th musical concert.

A freewill offering is suggested. For more information, call (913) 321-4673 or go to the website at: www.sanctuaryofhope.org.

OPEN HOUSE Padre Pio Academy 5901 Flint, Shawnee Feb. 12 from 3 - 5 p.m.

Padre Pio Academy, which offers a Catholic classical curriculum, is hosting an open house for those interested in learning what makes it the right choice for their children.

For more information and directions, visit the website at: www.padrepioacademy.org or call the school at (913) 268-3155.

PARISH MISSION Christ the King Parish 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 13 - 15 at 7 p.m.

“Spiritual Freedom” will be the theme of this parish mission. The mission will be presented by Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, a nationally known author and speaker. The presentations will be at 7 p.m. each evening. For more information, call Kimm White at (913) 287-8823.

RETROUVAILLE Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 17 - 19

VALENTINE’S DANCE St. Anthony Parish (hall) 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 11 from 6 - 10:30 p.m.

The dance will be hosted by the German-American Edelweiss Society. The cost is: $20 for adults; $10 for kids ages 12 - 20; $5 for kids ages 6 - 11; and free for kids under the age of 5. The cost of admission includes dinner, drinks and dancing. There will be raffle tickets, which can purchased at the door. For more information, call Patty Orth at (913) 371-2468.

Retrouvaille is a marriage program dedicated to helping couples grow closer and develop a stronger bond. The program is designed to help couples bridge the distance that has grown between them. For more information about this program for couples, contact the registration team at (800) 470-2230 or visit the website at: www.helpourmarriage.com.

BLUE AND GOLD GALA SAVE THE DATE Hayden Catholic High School 401 Gage Blvd., Topeka April 1 from 5 - 11:30 p.m.

For sponsorship, table or general information about the PACE Blue & Gold Gala, call Shannon Peavler at (785) 272-2150 or send an email to: peavlers@haydencatholic.net.

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>> Continued from page 12

CAREGIVING Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home - Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com.

Senior care and helper - I am a registered nurse with a master’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Virginia and the University of Mary. I am also a husband and father of two young children. I enjoy working with, learning from and exchanging stories with the senior population and America’s Greatest Generation. This may include, but not be limited to, nursing care, grocery shopping, yard work, medical appointments, companionship and helping around the home. Parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish. Call Matt at (913) 721-6543 to set up a no-obligation meeting to see if we are a good fit for one another.

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities.

We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

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

For sale - At Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, interment in Holy Family Mausoleum (newest). Double niche, 12 x 24, A21, eye-level, glass front, Tier A (last one available). Beautiful corridor: Jesus Son of God. Includes perpetual care, two plaques and use of the chapel. $7500. Call (913) 897-3059.

For sale - Maintenance free home. Backs up to Ascension Catholic Church. Two bedroom, 2.5 bath, study, open floor plan. Great for entertaining. Call for appointment. (913) 669-8178.

FOR RENT House for rent - Long Street in Shawnee, close to St. Joseph Church. One entry-level bedroom, one large loft bedroom. Kitchen with dishwasher, basement garage with opener. House is clean and well taken care of.

Large yard, quiet, secure neighborhood. No smoking/ no pets. Available Feb. 1. Call (913) 238-2470. Serious interest only. Shawnee Sacred Heart member/owner.

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

Wanted to buy - I’m Mark Edmondson, a local parishioner at Holy Trinity, and I buy and sell houses in any condition. If you have a house “situation,” call me. I might have a solution for you. (913) 980-4905.

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware.

Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179.

St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

PILGRIMAGE Fatima/Medjugorje pilgrimage - Celebrate the 100th anniversary of apparitions in Fatima with a pilgrimage to Fatima and Medjugorje. Oct. 26 to Nov. 7, 2017. Call Grace at (913) 449-1806 for details. (Dates subject to change.)

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co.

Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing.

Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas.

Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com

FEBRUARY 3, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY FIFTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Feb. 5 FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 58: 7-10 Ps 112: 4-9 1 Cor 2: 1-5 Mt 5: 13 - 16 Feb. 6 Paul Miki and companions, martyrs Gn 1: 1-19 Ps 104: 1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 24, 35 Mk 6: 53-56 Feb. 7 Tuesday Gn 1:20 – 2:4a Ps 8: 4-9 Mk 7: 1-13 Feb. 8 Jerome Emiliani; Josephine Bakhita, virgin Gn 2: 4b-9, 15-17 Ps 104: 1-2, 27-30 Mk 7: 14-23 Feb. 9 Thursday Gn 2: 18-25 Ps 128: 1-5 Mk 7: 24-30 Feb. 10 Scholastica, virgin Gn 3: 1-8 Ps 32: 1-2, 5-7 Mk 7: 31-37 Feb. 11 Our Lady of Lourdes Gn 3: 9-24 Ps 90: 2-6, 12-13 Mk 8: 1-10

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H

appy Catholic Press Month!

Every February, I step back and reflect on why we at The Leaven do what we do. To be honest, it’s a lot of work — physically and mentally. Obviously, stories get assigned and written. Then, the avalanche of decisions begins: which stories to include and their length, on which pages to put them, selecting the best pictures to accompany the words, editing, proofreading, fact checking, making corrections, proofreading again and then “massaging” the pages before electronically sending them to the printer.

After each issue is “put to bed,” the staff gets a few precious moments to catch its collective breath. Yet always in the back of our minds that next issue — with 16 hungry pages — is looming, waiting to be fed. And on a deadline, to boot.

But you know what?

Even after some 27 years of being the editor, I wouldn’t trade this job (or my staff!) for all the money in the world.

Most challenging for me personally is writing this column. I have to confess that everything else on this page is

T

Let the Wind unwind your work MARK MY WORDS

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.

finished days before this column. In fact, Mark My Words is, 10 times out of nine, the very last hole in the entire paper to be filled each week.

I blame my habitual procrastination on a Jewish rabbi who confounded his congregation by seeming to always have the right story for the right occasion. His “secret” was simple: He didn’t wait to have some occasion and then search frantically to find a story to fit. Rather, he said, he read many stories and waited for the occasion to present itself.

That’s pretty much how I operate. Like most

journalists, I’m an avid reader of newspapers, magazines, websites and books. I’m constantly scribbling down notes on things that catch my attention. Those ideas then clutter up my brain, waiting for some occasion to present itself.

If all that’s as clear as mud, maybe this story from a woman named Alice can explain it better. She writes: My 10-year-old great-nephew came for a visit one hot July weekend. I enticed him to stay inside by joining him in a Nintendo game.

After being mercilessly defeated, I suggested that we relax awhile.

I collapsed into my favorite recliner to let my neck muscles relax and my ego recover from such a beating. He slipped out of the room, but dashed in moments later.

“Look, Auntie Alice,”

he said as he ran over to the chair where I was catching a few moments of peace and quiet. “I found a kite. Could we go outside and fly it?”

“I’m sorry, Tripper,” I said. “The wind is not blowing today. The kite won’t fly.”

But that kid was determined. “I think it’s windy enough. I can get it to fly,” he said, as he zipped out the back door.

I peeked through the venetian blinds to watch determination in action.

Up and down the yard he ran, pulling the kite attached to a small length of string. The plastic kite, proudly displaying a picture of Batman, remained about shoulder level. He ran back and forth as hard as his little legs would carry him, looking back hopefully at the kite trailing behind. After about 10 minutes of unsuccessful determination, he came back in.

I asked, “How did it go?”

“Fine,” he said, not wanting to admit defeat.

“I got it to fly some.”

As he walked past me to return the kite to the closet shelf, he mumbled, “I guess I’ll have to wait for the wind.”

At that moment, I heard a Voice speak to me: “Alice, sometimes

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you’re just like that. You want to do it your way instead of waiting for the Wind.”

And the Voice was right. How easy it is to use only our own efforts to accomplish what we want to do. We wait for the Wind only after we’ve done all we can and have exhausted our own strength. We must learn to rely on God in the first place! (Adapted from an anonymous online story by “Alice.”)

Writing over a thousand columns here has taught me to start, not with my own efforts, but to wait for the Wind.

That’s why, when it’s time to write, the first thing I do is take a nap!

Before nodding off, I ask the Holy Spirit to sift my jumbled thoughts, just as that mighty wind hovered over the waters of chaos in Genesis. More often than not, after that little rest, a “forgotten” story will pop into my mind or some random thought will “connect” in a way that I’d not previously thought of. Then I’m off and writing.

No matter what your work in life, Alice’s advice is spot on: Rely on God first. But always remember: While the Wind will certainly provide the inspiration, it’s up to you to supply the perspiration!

Good deeds shine forth, Jesus tells his disciples

hroughout the Mediterranean world, towns often sit on top of a hill.

This position served as a defensive measure during ancient times. On that high point, the lookout for the townspeople could see any enemies approaching from a distance.

The enemies could not be hidden, but neither could the town itself remain hidden.

That point lies behind the saying we hear in Sunday’s Gospel reading, Mt 5:13-16: “A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.” The public nature is mutual.

Jesus wishes to draw attention to the public nature of his disciples’ righteous attitudes and behavior. He also uses

POPE FRANCIS

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

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

the image of light to make his point: “Your light must shine before others, that they may

The humble counsel of courageous women should never be disregarded, but rather embraced as advice full of God’s divine wisdom, Pope Francis said. Women like the biblical heroine Judith are an example of trusting God amid sufferings and difficulties when it is easy to give up hope and fall into despair, the pope said Jan. 25 during his weekly general audience. “This is my

see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

For that to happen, it is not necessary for the disciples to parade their good deeds before others. Those good deeds cannot be hidden, any more than “a city set on a mountain.” The disciples only need to know that when they receive recognition for

their actions, it is not in order to give them false pride, but rather to “glorify your heavenly Father.”

Jesus’ words give us guidance on how we should receive praise from others. It is significant that Jesus begins his remarks by noting to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. . . . You are the light of the world.” Jesus himself offers praise to the disciples, and then explains the purpose of that praise. They receive praise so that it can lead to others giving glory to almighty God. The words of Jesus underline the impossibility of hiding our good deeds. They cannot be hidden, just as “a city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.”

opinion, but women are more courageous than men,” the pope said to applause.

As the pope arrived for the audience, the sounds of classical music echoed throughout the Paul VI audience hall as a youth orchestra from Bolivia played for the pope.

The Anglican choir of London’s Westminster Abbey and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger also were present and greeted the pope at the end of the audience. Pope Francis focused his audience

Eventually, they will be revealed: “There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known” (Lk 12:2).

At the same time, any attempt on our part to conceal them might reflect a false humility. That would explain Jesus’ words about not putting the light under a bushel basket: “Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.”

God lit the flame of faith in our hearts, so that we might — rather, so that God might — give light through us to the whole world. Then God will receive the glory.

talk on Judith, “a woman of great beauty and wisdom,” who reproached the people of Israel for their lack of trust in God to deliver them from foreign invaders. “They were at the point of saying, ‘God has sold us,’” the pope said. “How many times have we come to situations that test our limits where we are not even able to trust in the Lord? It is an ugly temptation.”

— CNS

FEBRUARY 3, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

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Invite the Lord backstage where you really live

ave you ever been backstage at a big event, concert, or rally? Have you ever gotten to meet someone really famous? Maybe someone you wanted to be like?

Growing up, I was a huge Royals fan.

Someone I looked up to was Frank White, second baseman for the Kansas City Royals. On and off the field he was someone I admired, someone who was both a gentleman and a scholar, so to speak.

Much to my surprise, I actually got to meet him one day at the grand opening of a retail grocery store in Topeka.

I was not disappointed.

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DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU

RICK CHEEK Rick Cheek is the associate consultant for the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth.

Having a conversation with him was like talking to someone you’ve known your whole life.

He was genuine and polite and really made my day.

I recently read an article by Jeff Goins called “How Stuff Robs Us of Those We Love the Most.” As parents, youth ministers and workers in the vineyard, we have a tendency to let the everyday stuff

rob us of what’s really important.

Take our cellphones, for example. Sometimes we let technology rob us of valuable time with our family and/or friends. Have you ever left your cellphone at home and in a panic went back to get it?

I’ve done it at least a half dozen times. But a couple times, I just left it there. And you know, it wasn’t the end of the world. I survived the day without it. It’s so much more important to focus on people and relationships than that message or email that most likely can wait.

In Goins’ article, he talked a lot about clutter. How many rooms of our home or our heart

are cluttered with more stuff than we know what to do with?

Letting go of clutter is hard, especially within our interior life.

It’s easier to hold a grudge or hold on to the past than to let go and forgive. A good confession can be just what we need to declutter our interior. When we declutter there, it could make decluttering the home that much easier.

With Lent just around the corner, it makes perfect sense to start there.

This Feb. 26, we are hosting our Junior High Youth Rally at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg — with Kyle Heiman from Popple, the Mikey Needleman

Band and Mike Debus — from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., ending with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

Our focus this year is letting God into the backstage of our hearts — clearing out the clutter and making room for Jesus, family, friends and important people in our lives.

Our theme this year is: “Backstage: Staging Your Heart.” How often do we let God backstage to our hearts?

Contact your parish youth minister or youth office to find out how you can sign your son or daughter up for this amazing day celebrating backstage at Prairie Star Ranch.

Archdiocese launches The Joyful Marriage Project for 2017

ohn M. Gottman, Ph.D., in his book, “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work,” wrote: “Someone once said that to men the five most frightening words in the English language are: ‘Let’s talk about our relationship.’ Truth is, those words can be just as frightening to plenty of women.”

The “fear” for men (and many women) is that we might be failing in our marriage. For most men, we hate to even think that we are failing to bring happiness and joy to our wives.

Consider this: During our dating and courtship days, we usually talked

FAMILY MATTERS

DEACON TONY ZIMMERMAN Deacon Tony Zimmerman is the lead archdiocesan consultant for the office of marriage and family life.

about everything. We couldn’t wait to talk and

dream about the life we hoped to share. These were joyful times. Isn’t that what we want for our entire married life?

I am not suggesting that married life is a constant high. That would be a false and unrealistic expectation.

Married life and all

vocations have ups and downs. As married couples, we share celebrations, but we must also weather life’s storms on the path to the joy God desires for all marriages.

I invite and urge all married couples to enter into The Joyful Marriage Project. Make 2017 the year to build your marriage into the dream home you desire and deserve. What is The Joyful Marriage Project?

It is a concept meant to help married couples be intentional in seeking and choosing which of the various offerings for marriage enrichment available in the archdiocese best suits the needs of their marriage.

Visualize your mar-

riage as your ultimate dream home. How would you begin to build it? Every stable home requires a good foundation of prayer: We invite God into our marriage, asking him to help us be a better husband, better wife. Every house has walls to separate our family from the intrusions of the outside world, to make it a place of peace and shelter.

The roof is necessary to protect us from storms and weather. Every home has a door. The door allows us to invite others to enter and share in our lives.

The Joyful Marriage Project provides access to various forms of marriage enrichment

— some three hours in length, some daylong or over a weekend.

Enrichments can even be found on-line. All are meant to help couples make their dream home a place of prayer, peace, direction and protection.

Go online to: www. joyfulmarriageproject. com and “like” The Joyful Marriage Project on Facebook to explore how in 2017 you can turn your marriage into the ultimate dream home you’ve always desired and deserve. For the sake of our church and world: Don’t settle, don’t be satisfied. Do not be afraid to seek the joy God wants for you in your marriage.

FEBRUARY 3, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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‘TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY BABY’

Four down, one to go. Corpus Christi School fifth-grade teacher Katelyn Davis, center, awaits the arrival of her new baby. Meanwhile, four of her co-workers have had babies this year. They are: (from left) Bria Trytten (middle school science), Carolyn Francis (second grade), Jean Rule (middle school math) and Laura Pendleton (middle school math and religion).

Corpus Christi community’s supporting the mamas, too

By Carolyn Kaberline Special to The Leaven

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AWRENCE — When Bria Trytten interviewed for a teaching position at Corpus Christi Catholic School here this past July, she was seven months pregnant.

Principal Mary Mattern reassured her that if she came to Corpus Christi for the middle school science position, she wouldn’t be alone — two other teachers were pregnant as well.

But before too long, this Catholic Schools Week story-in-themaking began to resemble a prolife feature instead.

That’s because three more Corpus Christi teachers soon learned they were expecting as well — and their due dates were smack in the middle of the school year.

“They all told me within a two-week period,” Mattern said with a laugh.

“One would be due in September, three in December and one in March.

“It’s unusual to have this many ladies pregnant at once,” she added, “but it’s a sure way to grow our enrollment!”

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“IT’S UNUSUAL TO HAVE THIS MANY LADIES PREGNANT AT ONCE. BUT IT’S A SURE WAY TO GROW OUR ENROLLMENT!” Mary Mattern, principal of Corpus Christi School, Lawrence

With an instructional staff of 30 for an enrollment of 330 students in preschool through eighth grade, that meant that one-sixth of the staff would be out for part of the year and require substitutes.

And three of the five middle school teachers were among those expecting.

Fortunately, said Mattern, the community had her back.

“Our parents have been really supportive and accepting of the subs,” said Mattern. “We say that Corpus Christi is a home away from home.”

Sometimes in the classroom, the pregnancy was a teaching moment in itself. At the appropriate time, each

teacher informed her students of the baby on the way, and then began preparing for her upcoming absence.

“They were all excited and wanted to meet the baby as soon as possible,” said Trytten, who was the first to deliver. She was just beginning to get to know her students, she said, when her doctor suggested she leave a little earlier than planned.

After Trytten and her husband Ben and 3-year-old daughter Grace welcomed Charlotte on Sept. 24, she went back to visit her class a few times and, of course, kept in touch with those substituting for her.

After returning to her class after Christmas break, Trytten said, “It’s great to be back.”

When Laura Pendleton, middle school math and religion teacher, told her students about her pregnancy, they were “very excited.”

It was a little challenging, however, because she wanted to teach up to the birth.

“Not knowing when my last day would be and how soon I would leave was difficult,” she said.

Pendleton and her husband Will greeted their first child — son Jaxton — 11 days early.

Carolyn Francis, Corpus Christi science, social studies and second-grade

math teacher, along with her husband Joe and 21-month-old-son Thomas welcomed Matthew on Dec. 13.

When she first told her class about her pregnancy, she received “lots of congratulations. They were very excited and wanted to feel my tummy.”

Francis believed that getting organized for her sub and saying goodbye to her class were the most difficult parts of her preparations. During her time away from school, Francis has kept in touch with her class and sent photos. She has also brought young Matthew for a visit.

“They thought he was so cute and wanted to touch him,” she said.

Next to arrive was Daniel, the sixth child of Jean Rule, middle school math and religion teacher, and her husband John on Dec. 29. Their other children — Matthew, 15; Erin, 12; Leah, 10; Emily, 7; and Isaac, 3 — were every bit as excited as her classes when she told them.

“They congratulated me, wanted to know if I was done yet, asked who the sub was and when I would be back,” said Rule, joking that the new babies represent job security for the teachers.

One of the hardest things for her, Rule said, was not knowing who her >> See “TEACHERS” on page 5