02 12 21 Vol. 42 No. 26

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 42, NO. 26 | FEBRUARY 12, 2021

Pioneering aircraft communicator has simple advice for challenging times

BE BRAVE Story and photos by Jill Ragar Esfeld

L

ENEXA — Elinor Swartz has taken the past year in stride.

The coronavirus, the shutdowns, the civil unrest. She’s approached it all with a prayer in her heart, and reliance on the mantra that has gotten her through 98 years: “Just be brave.”

“I’ve lived through the depression and terrible droughts and three house fires,” she said.

Add to that, Swartz was one of the first female aircraft communicators during World War II. “I was the only person on an emergency airfield from midnight till eight in the morning,” she said. “So, I learned to be brave.”

Swartz was a member of St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park, for 60 years. She

recently moved to Lakeview Village in Lenexa and started attending Holy Trinity Church.

Always friendly, she soon met parishioners who sat around her at Mass, including Charles Gampper.

“They’ve been talking about women’s rights for so long,” said Gampper. “And her story is about a woman during the Second World War. “That she got into this particular job is just unbelievable.”

No excuses Growing up in Nebraska, Elinor Doran attributes her moxie to her mother, who insisted that she and her sister Dorothy could do anything as well as their three brothers. >> See “JUST” on page 13

Above, Elinor Swartz holds up a photo of herself (left) from her younger years when she was one of the first female aircraft communicators during World War II. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, and their brothers enlisted in the military, Elinor and her sister Dorothy wanted to be part of the war effort.

The sisters saw an ad for aircraft communicators — jobs available only to men before the war — and knew that was their destiny.

Lenten regulations All Catholics 14 years of age and older are obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, and all the Fridays of Lent. Catholics 18 to 59 years of age are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday — a fast consisting of one normal meal and two lesser meals, with no eating in between. It is also recommended that Catholics find opportunities throughout the Lenten season to complement their fasts with prayer, reception of the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist, and positive works of charity.

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ARCHBISHOP

FEBRUARY 12, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Lent is the perfect time to start praying a daily rosary as a family

R

ecently, I was given the opportunity to preview a film entitled: “Pray: The Story of Patrick Peyton.”

If you are as old as me, you might recognize the name of Father Patrick Peyton. Father Peyton was born in 1909, and grew up in a small village in County Mayo, Ireland. He was one of nine children of subsistence farmers, John and Mary (Gillard) Peyton. His father led the family every night in praying the rosary.

Patrick Peyton, as a teenager, considered a vocation to the priesthood. At the time, priestly vocations were abundant in Ireland.

Irish seminaries were very selective in accepting candidates for the priesthood.

They chose those considered to be the best and the brightest.

In part because he had to help with the family farm, Patrick had not completed high school.

He was not accepted for admission to the seminary.

In 1927, Patrick and his older brother Thomas immigrated to the United States. The brothers Peyton went to Scranton, Pennsylvania, where one of their sisters lived. They became janitors for St. Peter Cathedral. It was there that his desire for priesthood reawakened.

In 1929, both Patrick and Thomas entered into the minor seminary for the Holy Cross Fathers in Notre Dame, Indiana.

By 1938, Patrick Peyton was studying theology at Catholic University, when he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. In that era, many died from this

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN debilitating disease.

Patrick was confined to bed for months.

His mentor, Father Cornelius Hagerty, encouraged Patrick to entrust his health to the intercession of Mary.

He recovered from the illness and his devotion to Our Blessed Mother deepened dramatically.

Ordained to the priesthood in 1941, Father Patrick Peyton was assigned to a Holy Cross apostolate in Albany, New York.

It was there that he began writing letters to bishops as well as lay leaders, encouraging them to promote the importance of families praying the rosary.

He discerned the importance of using radio, film and eventually television in promoting family prayer. Father Peyton was fearless in begging air time from radio executives and inviting Hollywood celebrities to donate their time and talent for programs promoting virtue and family prayer.

Father Peyton also conducted rosary rallies throughout the United States, as well as in Belgium, Spain, Ireland, the Philippines, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru and Brazil.

He spoke to millions, asking them to make a pledge to pray the family rosary, especially appealing to fathers to make the rosary a priority within the home.

One of his last rosary rallies in the Philippines drew two million participants. Many believed this event played a key part in the peaceful transition of power when the Marcos era came to a conclusion.

Father Peyton’s famous tag lines for his rallies and talks were: “A family that prays together, stays together,” as well as: “A world at prayer is a world at peace.”

In this past Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus, after a very intense day — preaching in the synagogue, exorcising a man possessed by demons, healing Peter’s motherin-law and, in the evening, curing many more — rises before dawn and goes to a deserted place to pray.

Peter and his other disciples track Jesus down, informing Our Lord that everyone is looking for him. After having spent the early morning in prayer, Jesus tells his disciples that he must continue his mission by going to nearby villages to preach the Gospel.

Our Lord’s disciples recognized that Jesus derived great wisdom

and tremendous power from his prayer. They asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. We catch a glimpse of the honesty of Our Lord’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Aware that his passion and death are imminent, Jesus asked that this cup of suffering be removed.

However, in the end, Our Lord desired, above everything else, his will to be conformed to the Father’s.

With the lingering COVID pandemic, societal unrest, economic uncertainty and challenges within the church, our need for prayer is readily apparent. With all the stress upon marriage and family life, Father Peyton’s emphasis on family prayer could not be more timely.

We are fortunate to have in the archdiocese the Holy Family School of Faith that offers a daily rosary meditation podcast. More than 14,000 households are subscribers.

Mike Scherschligt, one of the co-founders of Holy Family School of Faith, has developed a beautiful method to pray the daily rosary, while helping participants grow in their knowledge and understanding of their Catholic faith. For each decade, Mike offers a brief reflection on some aspect of our Catholic faith. He draws these daily meditations from the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church or writings of the saints.

Mike sent me recently an email he had received from a 22-yearold young woman who has been listening to his rosary podcast for a year and a half. She was baptized Catholic as

CNS PHOTO/COURTESY FAMILY THEATER PRODUCTIONS

Archbishop Naumann recently had the opportunity to preview the movie “Pray: The Story of Patrick Peyton.” Father Peyton conducted rosary rallies throughout the world, asking those who attended to make a pledge to pray the family rosary. a baby, but the church was not really part of her life until she started dating a Catholic young man. Her boyfriend’s family introduced her to the daily rosary meditations.

She wrote: “The rosary meditations became an absolute every day and taught me more and more about the Catholic faith and what it means to be a disciple.” Early last summer, the young woman shared the daily rosary podcast with her dad, who had not been practicing his faith. Recently, her father told her that the daily rosary meditations “brought him back into the church and has redefined his relationship with the Lord.”

Many couples and families are utilizing the Holy Family School of Faith daily rosary

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE

8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090 Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.

meditations. As much as possible, they pray the rosary together as a family. However, even when that is not possible, they discuss as a couple or family the content of the meditations.

It is inspiring couples and families to have great conversations as they help each other grow in prayer and knowledge of the faith.

As we approach the beginning of Lent, this is a perfect time to commit yourself to increased daily prayer.

Praying the daily rosary as a family, if possible, or individually would be a great Lenten practice.

Father Peyton’s formula is as true today as it was 50 years ago: “A family that prays together, stays together.”

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LOCAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 12, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Catholic schools across the archdiocese celebrated Catholic Schools Week Jan. 31 - Feb. 6 with a wide array of activities

PHOTO BY DARBY O’NEILL LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE CORY

s From left, Holy Trinity School, Lenexa, eighth-grade student council members Aubrey Nichols, Maasen Payne and Phillip Whiteside box up some of the 6,500 canned goods collected during the Catholic Schools Week food drive on Feb. 5 to benefit Catholic Charities.

s Machelle Nuessen, a fifth-grade teacher at Sacred Heart School in Emporia, holds her goat Jager for a smooch from Father Brandon Farrar, pastor of Sacred Heart. Father Farrar won the honor after school students, parents and faculty donated more to his jar than to the principal’s or any other contestant’s — some $700, in fact. The fundraiser benefited two Sacred Heart families and raised $1,180 to be shared between them.

PHOTO BY MELISSA SCHRAMP

s Trudy Scott, a second-grade teacher at St. Benedict School in Atchison, teaches a group of eighth-graders how to properly squat as a part of the schools “Holy Hobbies” presentations during Catholic Schools Week. Teachers shared with the students their vocation stories before sharing a hobby of theirs. Trudy is a calisthenics enthusiast.

PHOTO BY MELISSA SCHRAMP

t From the bottom going clockwise, Anthony Kerr, Owen DuLac, Kepha West and Luke Seibert, all eighth-graders at St. Benedict School in Atchison, along with Father Jeremy Heppler, OSB, process from St. Benedict Church to the school with the Blessed Sacrament. The school concluded Catholic Schools Week with prayers for vocations and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

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LOCAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 12, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

THE PANDEMIC PATH TO COLLEGE There’s no one-size-fits-all this year

By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven

T

his time last year, high school seniors were eagerly completing college applications, scheduling campus visits and even getting a jump-start on choosing dorm decor. Then COVID-19 hit. Last year’s juniors were watching closely.

While many students have acclimated to a virtual world, other high school and college counselors were behind the scenes reimagining their own workflow and processes. According to Bishop Miege, Roeland Park, counselor and head baseball coach Dan Meara, their work didn’t just involve flipping the switch on technology.

“Our counselors are needed and necessary for our students more than ever.

The social/emotional needs of our students have always been a priority, but in a year of COVID-19, even more so,” Meara said.

“Students are stressed about the uncertainty and break in routine, so we’ve devoted a lot of time and resources to help our students cope with crisis in their own lives,” he continued. “[That includes] meeting with them individually and in groups, creating videos and lessons to address concerns through school, along with supporting and educating our faculty to help meet the emotional needs of our students and staff alike.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Becca Caudle, director of undergraduate admission at Benedictine College in Atchison, stands in the marble entryway of St. Benedict’s Hall on the college campus. Caudle said that this year’s incoming freshman class seems to have shown great resiliency during the pandemic.

Bouncing back As such, Meara said many Bishop Miege students haven’t made final decisions about the college they’ll attend and were awaiting the arrival of financial aid packages. In fact, he said, plenty of students are looking at options closer to home. He attributes that to the uncertainty of 2021 and the pressure to make the right decision, particularly when affordability is a consideration.

Just across town at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, counselors are working hard with the class of 2021 to ease anxiety and guide students through a new way of applying to college. Liz Majors, the school’s director of college placement, is not surprised by the strength of this class.

“The class of 2021 is a resilient group of students who are working within new parameters,” Major said. “The biggest changes for this class have been the move from required standardized testing to test-optional admissions policies, the inability to visit college campuses in person and learning to do their college search virtually.”

Majors characterizes this year’s process as “more individual” than previous years. The impact of COVID-19 is unique to each family’s circumstances.

What counselors might recommend for one student may be different for another when considering standardized testing, application submission, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) loan applications, college visits, athletics and more.

“Before [COVID-19], if you had this ACT score and this GPA, and your plan was to attend XYZ college, you should do this,” said Majors. “Now, families are having to do more individual research to determine where they align with how the colleges’ policies have changed and what the individual student has had

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Liz Majors, the director of college placement at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, talks with Teresa Payne about college options. access to throughout the pandemic.”

A new way Many colleges across the country have implemented “test-optional” entrance criteria, which means they don’t require standardized SAT or ACT test scores. However, a good number of schools across the country were already headed in that direction before the pandemic, according to Becca Caudle, director of undergraduate admission at Benedictine College in Atchison.

Resiliency is among the chief characteristics college admission counselors are noticing, according to Caudle. In fact, many college essays reflect both the struggle and resiliency of the times.

“The big thing I’ve noticed about the incoming freshman class is that they are rather resilient. I’ve been so impressed, and they have been so thorough in their application process,” Caudle said.

“Many of the essays have been about the real struggles they’ve faced and other ways they’ve been creative in

their journey.”

In fact, some students who lost parttime jobs as well as opportunities for athletics and extracurricular activities got creative in connecting with coaches or even starting their own businesses, Caudle said.

Some counselors have seen students whose extracurricular activities were interrupted or canceled look to continue them in college, said Randoulph Castor, the Kansas admissions counselor for the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth. Castor said many students who were involved in theater in high school and had to stop because of the pandemic, for example, have expressed interest in participating in it in college.

Ups and downs Despite the pandemic, both the University of Saint Mary and Benedictine College have seen an uptick in the number of virtual and in-person visits,

as well as the largest incoming freshman class in each school’s history this past fall.

But challenges remain — including the availability of federal financial assistance. Unfortunately, FAFSA bases a student’s need on income levels from the previous year. That means that FAFSA applications are evaluated based on the year before so many Americans lost their jobs.

Colleges are keenly aware of this problem and many, like the University of Saint Mary, have worked to find more financial support by boosting or adding scholarships and identifying more work match programs to academic majors.

Benedictine College has always offered each of its students academic scholarships and continues to find more ways to financially support its students.

“I’ve had a few parents email me and say they lost their jobs due to COVID-19, so FAFSA doesn’t tell the whole story,” Castor said. “My response is [to tell the caller to] take care of family first and come talk to me to see what we can do.”

Flexibility is certainly another key characteristic to come out of the pandemic, said John Shultz, vice president for marketing and admissions at the University of Saint Mary. From navigating student financial aid to adapting to virtual engagement, students are taking it all in stride.

“We wondered how well the move to virtual would be received,” Shultz said.

“Students are embracing the ups and downs and hiccups of technology.”

Still, while high-tech may be where it’s at in an age of a pandemic, Caudle offers one final tip to parents and students alike.

“I always tell students and parents don’t hesitate to call a college counselor and ask questions,” Caudle said.

“Don’t just rely on the website. Talking to someone on the phone is the best way for a counselor to get to know you and your student during this time and assess your needs.”

LOCAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 12, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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Dodge City bishop accused of abuse; archbishop heads investigation Statement of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

T

he Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has been made aware of a complaint concerning Bishop John B. Brungardt of Dodge City, who is accused of sexual abuse against a minor.

An investigation conducted by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is underway. Bishop Brungardt denies the allegation and is cooperating fully with the KBI. He has, however, asked to step aside from his duties until the matter is resolved, a decision supported by his metropolitan, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. Consequently, the Congregation for Bishops has appointed, with immediate effect, Most. Rev. Gerald L. Vincke, bishop of Salina, as apostolic administrator sede plena of the Diocese of Dodge City.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is competent in cases involving sexual abuse of minors, has asked Archbishop Naumann to carry out a canonical preliminary investigation of the matter, in conformity with the provisions of the apostolic letters motu proprio, “Sacramentorum sanctitatis tutela” and “Vos estis lux mundi.” Archbishop Naumann will send the results of this preliminary investigation to the Congregation, along with his opinion about the initial findings, in the shortest time possible, taking into account that the state investigation is still ongoing.

The archdiocese takes seriously all allegations of abuse or misconduct. To report abuse involving church personnel, after contacting law enforcement, please call the confidential report line at (913) 647-3051 or report online at: https:// archkck.org/reportabuse/. The care of survivors of abuse is of the utmost importance, and immediate care is offered to anyone who alleges to have been abused. Allegations of misconduct against any bishop in the United States should be communicated to law enforcement and also to the confidential third­-party reporting system at 1 (800) 276-1562 or online at: https:// reportbishopabuse.org/.

‘Metropolitan model’ holds bishops accountable

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Most Catholics have never heard of a “metropolitan archbishop,” even if their archbish-

op is one.

Designating an archdiocese as a “metropolitan see” is part of an organizational model, borrowed from the Romans, that goes back to the early days of Christianity, said Bishop Juan Ignacio Arrieta, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts.

The term “metropolitan” comes from the Greek words for “mother city,” and, Bishop Arrieta said, “as evangelization extended into a certain area,” the original diocese — the “mother” diocese — “became bound to the new dioceses that arose around it.”

Pope Francis’ universal law on dealing with sexual abuse allegations, “Vos estis lux mundi” (“You are the light of the world”) was released in May 2019 and gives a prominent, investigative role to metropolitan bishops when one of the bishops in his province is accused of sexual abuse, possessing child pornography or covering up an abuse allegation.

At their June 2019 meeting, members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops discussed specifics for implementing a “metropolitan model” of holding bishops accountable.

Pope Francis’ new rules make such a model possible, Bishop Arrieta said, because the authority exercised by a metropolitan archbishop had faded over the centuries and had become mostly a vague, generic role of “keeping watch” over the suffragan dioceses surrounding his own.

The power of a metropolitan archbishop diminished over time,

the bishop said, and the Second Vatican Council sealed that fate when it emphasized how all bishops are successors of the apostles and exercise their ministry and jurisdiction only in “the portions of the Lord’s flock assigned to them.”

Under the new rules, a report accusing a bishop is sent to both to the Vatican and the metropolitan archbishop of the ecclesiastical province where the person reported lives.

If it is the metropolitan archbishop who is accused or if there currently is no archbishop, the report is given to the Vatican and to the suffragan bishop who has been a bishop longest.

Still, the authority granted the metropolitan archbishop extends only to the investigative phase of the process, although he is asked to give an opinion after collecting and studying the evidence. Canon law makes it clear that judging a bishop is the prerogative of the pope. While a priest answers to his bishop, a bishop or cardinal answers only to the pope, Bishop Arrieta told Catholic News Service.

Assigning a role to metropolitans in holding bishops accountable is only the latest sign that Pope Francis wants to give “greater weight to the office of metropolitan archbishop,” Bishop Arrieta said.

The first sign of that, he said, was the pope’s decision in 2015 to set aside the practice — begun by St. John Paul II more than 30 years earlier — of personally placing a pallium over the shoulders of new metropolitan archbishops named each year.

The pallium, a woolen band evoking the carrying of a sheep, “signifies the power which the metropolitan, in communion with the Roman church, has by law in his own province,” the Code of Canon Law says.

When the Vatican announced

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Mr. Butler “COPYRIGHT © BY CLIFF LEITCH, THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE REFERENCE SITE, WWW.CHRISTIANBIBLEREFERENCE.ORG. USED BY PERMISSION.”

Pope Francis’ decision to bless the palliums but have them given to archbishops in their own archdioceses by the Vatican nuncio, it said the new practice would “better highlight the relationship of the metropolitan archbishops with their local churches, giving more faithful the possibility of being present for this significant rite.”

That local territorial connection is also important in handling claims of abuse, Bishop Arrieta said. Entrusting the investigation to someone who has “greater proximity to the places where the facts occurred” should be an advantage.

Some observers have raised the concern that the metropolitan archbishop probably knows the suffragan bishops well and may even have played a role in their selection since all the bishops of an ecclesial province are to meet regularly to discuss possible candidates for eventual vacancies of dioceses in their area.

Bishop Arrieta pointed out that “Vos estis lux mundi” clearly states: “The metropolitan is required to act impartially and free of conflicts of interest. If he considers himself to be in a conflict of interest or is unable to maintain the necessary impartiality to guarantee the integrity of the investigation, he is obliged to recuse himself and report the circumstance to the competent dicastery” at the Vatican.

In addition, if the metropolitan considers an allegation “manifestly unfounded,” the new law still obliges him to inform the Vatican nuncio of the allegation.

The new law, Bishop Arrieta said, provides control factors by insisting the nuncio be informed of all allegations and regularly updated on the investigation process.

“Obviously with all of these things, there are obligations,” the bishop said, and the law foresees penalties for not fulfilling them.

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8 Jabs 9 Plague of Egypt 10 Tribe of Israel 11 The other half of Jima 12 Bench 18 Do __ others 20 Loch __ monster 23 Perceive 24 One of these

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44 Volume (abbr.)

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52 Adam and Eve’s garden 55 Quiet down 57 Tiny amounts 58 KJV possessive pronoun 61 Baseball glove 63 Book after Gospels 64 What a nurse gives 65 Scarlet 66 Shrill bark 67 Summer month 68 Environmental protection

agency (abbr) 69 Boy Solution on page 15

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FAMILY LIFE

FEBRUARY 12, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Your marriage is a journey — look how far you have come!

R

ecently, while listening to Relevant Radio on my hometown station, Nashville Catholic Radio, I heard the morning host Patrick Madrid ask his audience to look back on their life and consider what advice they would give their 20-year-old selves.

I found the question fascinating, and since it is February, the month of romance, it prompted me to think of my marriage and to wonder what advice I would give Teri and myself at a different crossroads in our life together.

We made many passages in our 48 years of marriage. I remember the time at the beginning when money was very tight.

Teri often reminds me of the day when we went to the store to buy groceries and the balance in our checkbook was $5.

It was the end of the month and, during that pay period, we had unexpected expenses that

JOHN BOSIO John Bosio is a former marriage and family therapist, director of religious education and diocesan family life coordinator. He is a member of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers.

depleted our account.

That day, we had to decide how we would eat dinner with $5. We laughed and settled for a small box of pancake mix. That night, we had pancakes.

Today, our advice to that young couple would be: “Keep on doing what you are doing. You created a budget, and you are trying to live by it.

“Using a budget helps you develop

good habits in managing your money.

Don’t get discouraged in tight moments. You will have several of them in your life. In addition, keep your sense of humor. That is a great attitude, especially when times get tough.”

Another memorable crossroad was encountered 15 years into our marriage.

After years of trying to transition from work with a nonprofit organization to a corporate job, I received two job offers in the same week. One was in the insurance industry and the other in manufacturing.

This was a wonderful turn of events, but it was hard to decide.

Today, looking at life in the rearview mirror, we would advise ourselves: “Choose the job that best utilizes your God-given talents. You love to travel, you have an enterprising spirit and you like to work with people.”

We chose the job with the manufacturing company. This was

a difficult decision because it required relocation to a different state, and the job demanded international travel. But we thought it would be a better fit for our family. Our children were young, and we hoped that a change of location would expand our and their horizons.

Today, we would add: “Choosing the job with the manufacturing company took courage. You will have a great future in that field. It will bring some heartaches later on, when you will be downsized. But you will bounce back quickly. Your integrity is what will help you be successful in whatever job you do.

“Always remember what your father taught you: Never promise anything that you cannot deliver and always say what you mean. Your word is the most valuable asset that you can bring to a business relationship — or to any relationship for that matter.”

There have also been

passages through deep valleys and moments of dense fog in our marriage — times when we grew distant and unable to understand each other’s needs.

In retrospect, we would say to ourselves in those moments: “Slow down. Stop arguing. Take a break and clear your minds.

Pray and ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Listen to what he tells you from the depth of your heart.

His counsel is never wrong. Then listen to each other.”

In our journey we have found great help and support in prayer, the practice of our faith and the company of the members of our parish community.

Parishes have been our extended families, wherever we lived. In each city, we made an effort to be active in the life of our community by serving on committees, parish council, teaching religious education and other ministries.

It is February and taking a trip down

Question for reflection: If you could step back to advise your young selves facing important moments and decisions in your life, what would you say?

memory lane together with your spouse may be an exercise that strengthens your connection with each other and reminds you that your marriage is a journey you make together.

You are not walking this life alone; you are together. You will also realize that there have been many good moments, and the difficulties experienced have been lessons that helped you grow in wisdom.

What you know today is the wisdom that you learned at each of the passages you crossed in your life together. Consider also the role that your faith plays in the resilience of your relationship.

Ask St. Joseph for help to shrink the distances within families

By Deacon Tony Zimmerman Special to The Leaven

W

hether we realize it or not, we have all been trained for marriage and family by what we observed growing up in our families.

Hopefully, what we saw gave us a positive example of how to heal hurts that happen in every family. Sometimes, a word or phrase that was common in our home oftentimes does not proTOOLS FOR mote healing and FAMILIES reconciliation, but Growing as distance.

Disciples of One of my faJesus ther’s catch phrases that I heard growing up was: “She [or he] can just get glad in the same clothes they got mad in!“ Even though I did not recognize at the time, I internalized this way of handling hurt. Here is an example from everyday life: My wife Barbara and I were looking forward to visiting a sanctuary in Aspen, Colorado, where the lyrics to John Denver’s love songs were carved into giant boulders. Confusion over whether to turn right or left to park led

Choose your words carefully as you may not just hurt your marriage but also set a bad example for your children. Ask for, and grant, forgiveness. to an argument.

Suddenly, there was a noticeable distance between us as we went our separate ways to tour this place of love.

Our college-age son Tim, who was traveling with us, noticed that I was being “left in the dust” by his mother.

He asked if I was going to catch up with her. I coolly repeated that phrase I heard so often growing up: “She will have to get glad in the same clothes she got mad in.”

Those words really hurt me as I repeated them. I realized the poor example I had

given to our son.

It is so easy to carelessly toss around words when we are hurt. What good words can we adopt for those times to build up the other person? What behaviors will help us to lessen the distance with those we love?

• Take a moment to cool off. Offer a prayer to St. Joseph asking him to intercede with Jesus for the graces we need to fully appreciate the gift that the other person is in our life.

• A simple question — such as, “Can we talk?” — can open the door to healing.

• Find a place where you can sit close so as to look into the other person’s eyes.

• Gently hold one another’s hands.

• Listen intently. Your goal, as the prayer of St. Francis says, is to understand what it is like to be the other person.

• Ask for forgiveness from the other person.

• Grant forgiveness fully and freely.

Avoid words such as, “It doesn’t matter.”

Hurt and distance in our families do matter.

Remember, it is not a matter of who is right or who is wrong. What is important is our relationships as spouses or parents.

I AM MY BROTHER’S KEEPER Pope Francis’ new encyclical calls everyone to recognize that: ‘No one is useless. No one is expendable.’

BY MSGR. STUART W. SWETLAND

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CNS PHOTO/VATICAN MEDIA

Pope Francis prays in front of the “Miraculous Crucifix” from the Church of St. Marcellus in Rome during a prayer service in an empty St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican March 27, 2020. he pandemic interrupted everything. For Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, where I work, COVID-19 meant that we had to move almost all our instruction online, a very different modality for most of our faculty and students.

It also meant that our students lost the normal opportunities of socialization where so much formal and informal formation takes place. Humans are social beings, and we need healthy, robust friendships, especially as we grow and mature. All of us had to learn how to adjust to the “new normal.”

In Italy, like here, much of society was locked down to mitigate the spread of the virus. This included the closing of all offices and churches, including those at the Vatican.

I will never forget the beautiful and poignant Lenten Holy Hour last March led by Pope Francis in a hauntingly empty St. Peter’s Square as he prayed for an end to the coronavirus pandemic.

Many things changed in a hurry in the life of the Vatican and Pope Francis due to the virus. Almost daily, there were reports of public meetings, trips and liturgies being canceled or postponed.

One thing that went unreported at the time, however, was how the pandemic changed Pope Francis’ plans for a forthcoming encyclical letter.

What became “Fratelli tutti” (FT) was originally planned as a reflection inspired by Pope Francis’ interreligious dialogue on universal fraternity, especially his meeting with Grand Imam Ahmad AlTayyeb in Abu Dhabi (FT, 5).

As he was working on a draft of this, his third encyclical, however, everything changed. In his words: “The Covid-19 pandemic unexpectedly erupted, exposing our false securities” (FT, 7).

Pope Francis went on to reflect upon these false securities: “Aside from the different ways that various countries responded to the crisis, their inability to work together became quite evident. For all our hyperconnectivity, we witnessed a fragmentation that made it more difficult to resolve problems that affect us all. Anyone who thinks that the only lesson to be learned was the need to improve what

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

A woman wearing a mask for protection from COVID-19 sits in a confessional during Mass at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi, Italy, Oct. 2, 2020. The pandemic changed Pope Francis’ plans for the encyclical letter “Fratelli tutti.”

Read ‘Fratelli tutti’ The encyclical can be found online by Googling “Fratelli tutti.” The link to the official Vatican website will take you right to the document.

we were already doing, or to refine existing systems and regulations, is denying reality” (FT, 7).

Note that Pope Francis did not write that the pandemic caused this fragmentation and lack of harmony. No, this hard-hearted unwillingness or inability to work together for the common good predated the virus. The pandemic did not cause fragmentation, but it did reveal and exacerbate it.

Considering this real-world crisis that we are still experiencing, Pope Francis’ message became even more urgent and necessary. In this letter, Pope Francis calls all of humanity to a universal brotherhood: “It is my desire that, in this our time, by acknowledging the dignity of each human person, we can contribute to the rebirth of a universal aspiration to fraternity. Fraternity between all men and women” (FT, 8).

As an introduction to “Fratelli tutti,” I have been asked to respond to several questions put to me by The Leaven. These answers are meant only as an overview of the encyclical, which is rich and complex and rewards repeated reading and reflection. >> Continued on the next page

>> Continued from previous page

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Thank you, Monsignor Swetland, for being willing to accompany us through this new encyclical of Pope Francis. Let’s begin at the beginning. What is an encyclical?

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life. Every saint imitates Christ, but St. Francis did so in such a complete way that he is sometimes referred to as “the second Christ” in art and hagiographies.

Of course, as Christians we are all called to be other Christs in the world (cf. Gal 2:19-21). Pope Francis wanted to tie this social encyclical to the teaching and example of St. Francis.

I discussed this when I wrote on Pope Francis’ encyclical on stewWho is the document writardship and the environment, “Laudato ten for? Who is the pope’s intended Si’” (theleaven.org/understanding-lau reader? dato-si): “An encyclical is technically a ‘circular’ letter from the Holy Father In this instance, instead of a docsent to all the bishops of the world (or ument just written to Catholics and for to a specific region of the world) in Catholics, Pope Francis addresses this union with the Holy See. It is one of the encyclical to “all people of good will” most authoritative ways that the pope (FT, 6). Thus, he has been careful not to teaches, and all Catholics are required rely too much on the faith language and to give its teachings in the areas of faith traditions that would only be familiar to and morals at least those well-versed a religious assent of in Catholic theolmind and will” (cf.

THIS IS THE CHALLENGE ogy. Even when “Lumen Gentium,” he turns to examOF OUR TIME AND THIS 25). ples of people who have embodied the DAY — TO STAND UP FOR What does values and virtues “Fratelli tutti” he is discussing, TRUTH, TO STAND UP mean and why he often moves does Pope FranFOR THE DIGNITY OF ALL beyond canonized cis use this Italian Catholic saints.

HUMAN PERSONS, TO phrase as the title Of course, Pope instead of the Francis referencSTAND UP FOR THOSE more traditional es the writing and Latin name? heroic lives of ON THE MARGINS OR saints such as Paul, PERIPHERIES. Literally, Benedict, Francis, the name means John Paul II and “brothers all” but Blesssed Charles in the very first paragraph Pope Francis de Foucauld, among others, but he also makes clear why he chose this title. It is holds up the example of Martin Luther a reference to the teaching of St. FranKing, Desmond Tutu and Mahatma cis of Assisi. In his “Admonitions” to his Gandhi. As always with Pope Francis, confreres, the very earliest Franciscans, many references are made to the materSt. Francis spoke of the pastoral attinal love, devotion and humble example tude or commitment that they were to of Mary, the Mother of Our Lord. embody as they went forth on their misPope Francis hopes that many people sions. Pope Francis calls this attitude of all backgrounds and faith traditions “fraternal openness” — a commitment will read and reflect on this document. to love others as brothers and sisters.

He wants there to be a great dialogue He wishes everyone to see others, near between all people of good will on how and far, as part of the same family — we we might foster a “culture of encounare all brothers and sisters called to live ter” as we work toward a genuine peace in peace and harmony with each other. built on social friendship — the underPope Francis writes: “Of the counsels standing that we are in this together. In Francis offered, I would like to select fact, the terms “encounter” and “diathe one in which he calls for a love that logue” are each mentioned 49 times in transcends the barriers of geography the document. Pope Francis is hoping and distance, and declares blessed all for a culture of encounter leading to those who love their brother ‘as much genuine dialogue. when he is far away from him as when he is with him.’

In a very unusual way, “In his simple and direct way, St. “Fratelli tutti” is the spiritual prodFrancis expressed the essence of a frauct of the pandemic. How do you see ternal openness that allows us to acthe conditions the pope was writing knowledge, appreciate and love each under reflected in what he chose to person, regardless of physical proximwrite about? ity, regardless of where he or she was born or lives” (FT, 1).

Pope Francis wants us to reject Because Pope Francis wished to emthe cynicism of indifference and isoulate the same “simple and direct way” lation that can at times overwhelm us. as his namesake, he chose to leave the He writes: “In today’s world, the sense title in its original Italian rather than the of belonging to a single human family more traditional Latin. is fading, and the dream of working together for justice and peace seems an It was released on the feast outdated utopia. What reigns instead day of St. Francis of Assisi. Was that is a cool, comfortable and globalized just incidental, or is there some sigindifference, born of deep disillusionnificance to it? ment concealed behind a deceptive illusion: thinking that we are all-powerful, It is significant on several levels. while failing to realize that we are all in First, it was signed on the vigil of the the same boat. This illusion, unmindful feast day at the tomb of St. Francis in of the great fraternal values, leads to ‘a Assisi and promulgated on his feast. sort of cynicism. For that is the tempSecond, it was written by Pope Francis tation we face if we go down the road who took Francis’ name to reflect the of disenchantment and disappointment. type of pontiff he wished to be. Third, it . . . Isolation and withdrawal into one’s takes its name and spirit from the “Adown interests are never the way to remonitions” of St. Francis to his brothers. store hope and bring about renewal.

Fourth, the encyclical is focused on inRather, it is closeness; it is the culture of culcating the virtues of fraternity and encounter. Isolation, no; closeness, yes. social friendship that St. Francis taught Culture clash, no; culture of encounter, and lived so heroically in his saintly yes’” (FT, 30).

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Internally displaced Syrian children who fled Raqqa city stand near their tent in Ras al-Ain, Syria, on Ja but turns its back on suffering.”

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An elderly woman becomes emotional as Pope Francis greets her as he arrives for a May 2014 weekly most serious ailment the elderly face and the greatest injustice they suffer is abandonment, Pope Fra In Pope Francis’ estimation, the pandemic made us stop and recognize that we are really a “global community” (FT, 32). But the danger is that we will revert to the type of selfishness and isolation that can lead to indifference.

Instead, Pope Francis wants us to learn from history which he calls, quoting Cicero, “the teacher of life”: “Once this health crisis passes, our worst response would be to plunge even more deeply into feverish consumerism and new forms of egotistic self-preservation. God willing, after all this, we will think no longer in terms of “them” and “those”, but only “us.” . . . If only we

might rediscover once for all that we need one another, and that in this way our human family can experience a rebirth, with all its faces, all its hands and all its voices, beyond the walls that we have erected” (FT, 35).

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Some are seeing the encyclical to be a natural continuation of the discussion he started in “Laudato Si.’” Could you explain why and do you agree?

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Yes, “Fratelli tutti” is a continuation of the discussion engendered by “Laudato Si.’” Both flow directly from the teaching of Christ. Both

CNS PHOTO/DENIS BALIBOUSE, REUTERS

Sun rays shine through trees in a forest in late September near Biere, Switzerland. Some see “Fratelli tutti” as a continuation of the discussion engendered by “Laudato Si.’” Pope Francis writes: “To care for the world in which we live means to care for ourselves.”

Francis wants us all to see is given in Jesus. He is the good Samaritan who Isn’t the pope essentially callhas come to rescue fallen humanity. ing on us to create a different culThe pope writes: “Each day we have to ture? And even a different economy? decide whether to be good Samaritans Is that even possible? or indifferent bystanders” (FT, 69).

Additional challenges posed by Pope Yes, he is, and it is possible.

Francis include: For as Jesus taught: “With man this is • the danger of regression to new impossible, but with God all things are forms of selfishness and aggressive napossible” (Mt 19:26). tionalism (FT, 11) Pope Francis is calling for a different • the reality of new forms of isolation type of politics (Chapter 5) and econand loneliness even in an increasingly omy based on a renewal of culture. A interconnected world (FT, 12) culture of encounter should lead people • the challenges posed by empty to view the world differently. A politics individualism, limitless consumption based on zero-sum thinking — I only and cultural colonization that leads to win if you lose — and power manipua “throwaway cullation should give ture” (FT, 13-21, way to a politics at POPE FRANCIS 188) the service of the • the declining common good.

RIGHTFULLY CONDEMNS birthrate in many Pope Francis parts of the world writes: “The develANY SOCIETY — OR coupled often with opment of a global a cruel abandoncommunity of fraINDIVIDUAL FOR THAT ment of the elderternity based on the MATTER — THAT “SEEKS ly, the weak or the practice of social sick. (FT, 19) friendship on the PROSPERITY BUT TURNS ITS • the re-emerpart of peoples and gence of racism and nations calls for a BACK ON SUFFERING.” the continuing of better kind of polisystemic poverty tics, one truly at the in many parts of the world and even service of the common good” (FT, 154). within richer nations (FT, 20-21) A politics dedicated to the common • war, human rights violations, good will reject populism and selfishhuman trafficking, terrorism, abortion, ness and be particularly mindful of organized crime, refugees, religious those most in need: “Lack of concern for persecution and many other ancient the vulnerable can hide behind a popuproblems besetting humanity (FT, 22lism that exploits them demagogically 46). for its own purposes, or a liberalism Pope Francis says that the way to that serves the economic interests of address these challenges is through the powerful. In both cases, it becomes “a truly human and fraternal society” difficult to envisage an open world that where each and every person “is acmakes room for everyone, including the companied at every stage of life” leadmost vulnerable, and shows respect for ing to integral human development (FT, different cultures” (FT, 156).

110-112). This will mean: A healthy economy is based on the • true solidarity based on a benevologic of the gift: We have received evlence that wills and works for the good erything from God as a gift. Our first of the other (FT, 114- 116). response should be that of gratitude • recognition of the ancient Christian and the desire to share what we have teaching about the universal destiny of received with others: “Life without fragoods and the social purpose of priternal gratuitousness becomes a form vate property (FT, 119-120). (“The world of frenetic commerce, in which we are exists for everyone, because all of us constantly weighing up what we give were born with the same dignity. Differand what we get back in return. God, on ences of color, religion, talent, place of the other hand, gives freely, to the point birth or residence, and so many others, of helping even those who are unfaithcannot be used to justify the privileges ful; he ‘makes his sun rise on the evil of some over the rights of all. As a comand on the good’” (FT, 140; Mt 5:45). munity, we have an obligation to ensure But neither political or economical that every person lives with dignity and renewal is possible without a change in has sufficient opportunities for his or attitude or culture. Here is where a true her integral development” (FT, 118)). metanoia (conversion) must occur. It • The recognition of universal rights, begins with the human heart. “Everyincluding the right to life, religious freething, then, depends on our ability to dom, food, health care, housing, edusee the need for a change of heart, atcation and to immigrate, if necessary, titudes and lifestyles. Otherwise, politamong other basic rights (FT, 121-132). >> Continued on the next page

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CNS PHOTO/RODI SAID, REUTERS

an. 22, 2017. Pope Francis condemns any society — or individual, for that matter — that “seeks prosperity

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What are the key messages of the encyclical — the points that Pope Francis would hope that all readers would take away from it?

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CNS PHOTO/TONY GENTILE, REUTERS

audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. The ancis said. were inspired by the example of St. Francis of Assisi. Both speak directly to our social responsibility of stewardship and justice. Both call us to put into practice the command to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mk 12:31) and to seek first the kingdom (Mt 6:33), a kingdom of fraternal love, justice, mercy and peace (“Gaudium et Spes,” 38-39). Both call for us to really act as if we are part of one family.

Pope Francis writes: “To care for the world in which we live means to care for ourselves. Yet we need to think of ourselves more and more as a single family dwelling in a common home” (FT, 17).

Before I give you some bulletpoint highlights there is one central point that must be mentioned. The very heart of the encyclical is Chapter Two, entitled “A Stranger on the Road.”

This chapter is a profound and challenging reflection on the story of the good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37). The most compelling part of this retelling of an ancient story is the pope’s insistence that you must choose: Are you going to “pass by” safely on the other side of the road like the Levite and the lawyer, ignoring your brother in need, or will you “cross over” to encounter the man who “fell in with robbers” like the Samaritan did? Cross over or pass by?

Pope Francis challenges us to choose to become engaged: “Which of these persons do you identify with? This question, blunt as it is, is direct and incisive. Which of these characters do you resemble? We need to acknowledge that we are constantly tempted to ignore others, especially the weak. Let us admit that, for all the progress we have made, we are still ‘illiterate’ when it comes to accompanying, caring for and supporting the most frail and vulnerable members of our developed societies. We have become accustomed to looking the other way, passing by, ignoring situations until they affect us directly” (FT, 64).

Pope Francis rightfully condemns any society — or individual, for that matter — that “seeks prosperity but turns its back on suffering” (FT, 65).

The fraternal love of the good Samaritan is the antidote to the jealousy and hatred symbolized by Cain’s murder of Abel and an answer to his haunting question: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gn 4:9). The answer Pope

>> Continued from previous page ical propaganda, the media and the shapers of public opinion will continue to promote an individualistic and uncritical culture subservient to unregulated economic interests and societal institutions at the service of those who already enjoy too much power” (FT, 166).

Instead of this “technocratic paradigm,” as Pope Francis calls it, we must embrace a political charity or social love dedicated to the common good that “makes it possible to advance towards a civilization of love, to which all of us can feel called. Charity, with its impulse to universality, is capable of building a new world. No mere sentiment, it is the best means of discovering effective paths of development for everyone. Social love is a ‘force capable of inspiring new ways of approaching the problems of today’s world, of profoundly renewing structures, social organizations and legal systems from within’” (FT, 183).

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Although clearly Pope Francis differs in many stylistic ways from his predecessors, do you see in it echoes of the thinking of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict in this “Fratelli tutti”?

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In most of what Pope Francis writes, especially in the area of social ethics, he is building on the foundations laid in the prolific magisterial writings of his immediate predecessors. For example, there are 16 direct references to John Paul II either in the text or footnotes. In addition, the “Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church,” published during his pontificate, is quoted or referenced nine times. Benedict XVI is referenced 15 times with many direct quotations from his social writing.

There are some areas where Pope Francis has gone further than his predecessors. In his condemnation of the death penalty (FT, 263-270) and his questioning of the morality of nuclear deterrence (FT, 262), he has challenged us to move beyond security based on fear, retribution and the threat of death. He also has invested heavily in modeling the interreligious dialogue that he believes we most desperately need today.

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What are your personal thoughts on “Fratelli tutti”?

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We live in perilous times.

Postmodernism has challenged the basic premise that there is truth and that the truth is knowable. Without truth, there is only power — raw and destructive. With this encyclical, Pope Francis has stood in the breach and said to the proponents of postmodern relativism: You are wrong!

Here is a vision of a just and lasting social order built on truth — on social charity, fraternity and friendship. Against the globalization of indifference, he offers a vision of solidarity and a culture of encounter where each person’s human dignity is recognized and protected.

I did my doctorate on the social teaching of John Paul II. In his encyclical “Centesimus Annus,” he wrote: “If there is no transcendent truth, in obedience to which man achieves his full identity, then there is no sure principle for guaranteeing just relations between people. Their self-interest as a class, group or nation would inevitably set them in opposition to one another. If one does not acknowledge

CNS PHOTO/ALKIS KONSTANTINIDIS, REUTERS

A woman carries her belongings following a fire at the Moria refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos on Sept. 9, 2020. The camp, which was mostly destroyed, was home to at least 12,000 people, six times its maximum capacity of just over 2,000 asylum-seekers. an encounter. And of course, as he transcendent truth, then the force of has emphasized elsewhere, it is the power takes over, and each person encounter with the event, the person tends to make full use of the means of Jesus Christ, that is the foundationat his disposal in order to impose al reality of life (Jn 14:6; “The Joy of his own interests or his own opinthe Gospel,” 7-8). ion, with no regard for the rights of Later, in the same paragraph, he others. . . . The root of modern totaliwrites: “No one is useless and no tarianism is to be found in the denial one is expendable. This also means of the transcendent dignity of the finding ways to human person include those on who, as the visiWE LIVE IN PERILOUS the peripheries ble image of the of life.” Again, invisible God, is TIMES. . . . WITHOUT this is so aprotherefore by his pos, especially very nature the TRUTH, THERE IS ONLY to me as presisubject of rights dent of Donnelly that no one may POWER — RAW AND College. We are violate — no inDESTRUCTIVE. WITH called to serve dividual, group, and provide the class, nation or FRATELLI TUTTI, POPE highest qualistate. Not even ty, faith-based the majority of FRANCIS HAS STOOD IN education posthe social body sible with spemay violate THE BREACH AND SAID cial concern for these rights, by TO THE PROPONENTS OF those who might going against otherwise be exthe minority” POSTMODERN RELATIVISM: cluded from col(44). lege. Education, F r a n c i s YOU ARE WRONG! even Catholic quotes this prohigher educafound passage tion, has become financially inaccesand makes it his own in FT 273. This sible to so many. is the challenge of our time and this One of the best ways to read this day — to stand up for truth, to stand encyclical is by meditating on pasup for the dignity of all human persages such as these and prayerfully sons, to stand up for those on the applying them to one’s own vocation. margins or peripheries. This is what Pope Francis is doing in his pontifiPope Francis ends “Fratelli cate and in this encyclical. tutti” with a call to action. How can regular Catholics respond to A pastor I know has sugthat? gested that the encyclical be read over time, at the pace of 6 or 8 He actually ends the encycpoints a day, to give the reader lical with prayer, a reminder to us time to digest the ideas a bit. Do all that prayer should come first. But you think that would be a good you are correct that before the final way to approach it? Especially, prayers — one Christian and one inmaybe, as a Lenten practice? terfaith — he ends with an appeal to human fraternity and a culture of diYes, most certainly. I keep alogue. coming back to certain ideas, phrasFirst, we should read the Gospels es and passages which I found chaland attempt to put them into practice lenging or profound. For example, in in one’s own life in accordance with FT 215, Pope Francis writes: “Life, for one’s personal vocation. Next, we all its confrontations, is the art of enshould study our Catholic faith which counter.” flows from the Gospel, including the While so much of modernity is atchurch’s social teaching. There is so tempting to depersonalize us and to much wisdom in the social teaching reduce everything to a series of transof the church in general and “Fratelli actions, this stark reminder by Pope tutti,” in particular, that when I read Francis is that at the heart of it all is

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it, I often feel like the proverbial man trying to get a drink from a fire hose.

It can be a bit overwhelming.

This is why it is important to pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance to discern how to apply these teachings to one’s own vocation. Studying as a family or in peer groups can also be helpful.

Also, we must have confidence that the church’s social teaching and mission of social justice is, as St. Paul VI taught, “a constituent element of the Gospel.” I have studied political philosophy and economics at Oxford University. I have watched nations and economies, parties and politicians, leaders and institutions from many eras and nations. We are always better served by those who put into practice the moral truths embodied in Catholic social teaching.

And we are always placed on the path to chaos, confusion and ruin when these basic principles are ignored.

Unfortunately, outside of committed Catholics, few take the time to read and reflect on encyclicals like “Fratelli tutti.” This is partially the Catholic Church’s own fault. We in positions of pastoral leadership have not effectively communicated these teachings, especially to the younger generations. Even many devout Catholics do not study church teaching or see its relevance. Still others choose to deliberately ignore it or even brazenly contradict it while still claiming to be fully Catholic.

It cannot be so with us. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught us: “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined” (Mt 7:24-27).

We must be like the wise man who built his house on rock — we must listen to the words of Christ as taught by his church and put them into practice.

FEBRUARY 12, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LENT

11

THIS LENT, RISK PRAYER

By Father Richard G. Malloy, SJ

When he was a young man like the one pictured above, Jesuit Father Rick Malloy (below) was as wild as they come. Then — as if out of nowhere — a prayer changed his life.

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n college, I made Bluto Blutarsky from “Animal House” look like a choirboy.

One night I got rip-roaring drunk, fell backward down a flight of stairs, split my head open. Spent the night in the hospital and got 12 stitches. My wild man act and partying was getting deadly dangerous.

A couple of nights later on the quad, I looked up at a brilliant, full moon, pondering what in the world I was doing with my life. For some reason, I voiced a simple prayer: “OK, God. If you’re there, do something.”

Nothing happened.

I went back to the fraternity and opened, at random, a small New Testament, “Good News for Modern Man.” I got some incomprehensible passage from Romans. So much for prayer.

But in a very curious manner, a few weeks later, I got a summer job as an orderly at a nursing home. Caring for the elderly as they prepared for death filled me with joy. I began to ask the big questions about life, God and why we are here.

That prayer on the quad changed my life.

Welcome to Lent and the call to prayer. Why pray?

Prayer changes what we desire.

Prayer transforms us into those who can live with God forever. Prayer impels us toward metanoia, repentance, a change in our ways of thinking, doing and being.

When we really open our minds and hearts in prayer to the God who creates and so desperately loves us, watch out.

Anything can happen!

So, prayer is a risk. We fear that prayer is a waste of time, that prayer doesn’t “work.” I prayed that I get a new job or that my mother be cured of cancer, and my prayers weren’t answered.

Or we fear that prayer may really work. That God will change us as deeply

Ignatian prayer exercise 1. Place yourself in God’s presence.

2. Give thanks for the past 24 hours.

3. Replay, gently, the past 24 hours in your mind. Notice where you were in contact with God’s grace and love — and when you were not.

4. Notice what you need to work on.

CNS PHOTO/NANCY WIECHEC

Jesuit Father Rick Malloy, director of mission and ministry at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Baltimore, ministers in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming in the summer. and radically as the people in the Scriptures who were caught up in God’s plans, tasks and purposes to transform ourselves and our world. We can be Moses and Mary and liberate our people and bring Christ into the world. We can be the Peters, Pauls and Mary Magdalenes of our times.

“Do not be afraid” is the most repeated phrase in the Bible. Don’t underestimate yourself. God has need of the talents you have been given. Prayer shows us how to use and multiply our gifts (Jn 6:8-11).

Prayer plunges us into powerful processes of transformation begun at baptism. God becomes what we are so we might become what God is. That’s not some crazy Jesuit spin on theology.

That’s St. Athanasius in the fourth century (see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 460).

Pray any way you like. Read Scripture. Quietly ponder the mysteries of the rosary. Explore the Eucharist. A Jesuit once said, “When we come to celebrate Eucharist, we should wear crash helmets.”

At Mass, heaven and earth meet. We are in communion with all who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. We are united with all who receive Jesus.

Engage in the Examen of St. Ignatius.

There are five simple steps: 1) Place yourself in God’s presence; 2) Give thanks for the past 24 hours; 3) Replay, gently, the past day in your mind.

Notice where you were in contact with God’s grace and love — and when you were not; 4) Notice what you need to work on; 5) Promise to move in the direction God leads. Pay attention to consolations, ways we move toward God and others, and desolations, ways we move away from God and others.

Open your heart and mind to the beauty and pregnant possibilities of silence. Trappist centering prayer is 20 minutes of just sitting without doing anything but focusing on God. Based on the book “The Cloud of Unknowing,” this is demanding but rewarding prayer.

Comedian Lily Tomlin once joked, “Why . . . when we talk to God we’re said to be praying; but when God talks to us,

5. Promise to move in the direction God leads. we’re schizophrenic?” Making God’s reality too self-evident would make it impossible for us freely to answer, “Yes.” God is always mediated to us and is always ever greater than us.

Jesuit Karl Rahner once asked, in prayer, do we ever really hear anything but our own internal rumblings? Surprisingly, he answered, “No.” But what happens is, we pray and then listen. In response, the word God speaks to us is our life.

For good books on prayer, read Mark Thibodeaux’s “Armchair Mystic,” a great introduction on how to actually pray.

Father Richard Rohr’s “Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer” is short and deceptively simple. Still, it’s the best book I ever read on prayer.

St. Ignatius teaches that prayer is like exercise. I go to the gym three times a week, once a year. The lack of results is obvious. Regular prayer, like regular exercise, will show itself in our being more rooted in awareness of God, in service of others, and in the joy and peace radiating in our lives. Actually praying, daily, will get us in spiritual shape, ready to meet the challenges of following Jesus.

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT Athletic director - St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park is seeking an athletic director beginning July 1. The current director is retiring after building one of the top extracurricular programs in the state and establishing strong rapport with colleagues throughout Kansas and Missouri. We seek a candidate of integrity who acts on a belief that student safety, demonstrated sportsmanship and our Catholic faith are priorities within a successful program that promotes physical, mental and spiritual fitness. The ideal candidate would have experience as a high school varsity coach, preferably as an athletic director in a similar-size school (800 students with 40 teams) or college, an advanced degree, and of added value, a certification as an athletic/extracurricular activities director. Currently, athletic director responsibilities include effective communication, including conflict resolution; upholding KSHSAA standards and rules among coaches and student-athletes; supporting all policies of the school; supervising approximately 90 coaches and staff; managing a substantial budget; representing St. Thomas Aquinas in the Eastern Kansas League; securing and maintaining equipment and uniforms; coordinating transportation and monitoring eligibility; ensuring venue safety; and overseeing summer camps. The activities director role includes supporting a variety of extracurricular activities, including: scheduling, planning, supervision, transportation and safety.

Qualified candidates should provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae or resume and a list of three references with contact information to Dr. Paul D. Fallon, President, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park, KS 66215. Applications will be received until Feb. 28. References will not be contacted until the candidate becomes a semifinalist.

EEC open enrollment - Open enrollment will begin on Monday, Feb. 1, for new families for the preschool for the year starting in August! We have openings in full-time preschool for ages 2 - 5, and part-time preschool for ages 3 - 5. The Early Education Center is fully licensed by the state of Kansas and all staff members are experienced and certified. We provide a safe, caring and academically sound environment for the young children of our community. All programs are developmentally appropriate with the added bonus of Catholic education and prayer.

Our goal is to enable the children to develop spiritually, socially, academically and physically. We believe that nothing is more important than to provide an environment that fulfills the complete needs of your child! We provide full-time and part-time preschool in addition to before- and after-school care (ASC) for full-day Prince of Peace Elementary School students. Visit popolathe.org/ EEC to download the enrollment form to submit, along with your check, via mail or drop it off at our main EEC entrance. Questions? Contact Kate Potter, director, at: kpotter@popolathe.org or call (913) 829-2728.

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO Community live-in assistants - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in day program support services and in residential services. We are seeking assistants who are looking for a unique opportunity in a faith-based organization. We are in immediate need of live-in assistants and potential live-out assistants to work in our day program serving 30 adults. We have a recycling program and community activities. Our core members participate in distributing for Meals on Wheels and Rise Against Hunger. They also attend community events such as the library, movies, bowling and going to parks. We also have a need for live-in and live-out assistants in our five residential homes. If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org.

Assistants - Assistants needed to provide support for developmentally disabled adults in a day program setting. Hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. five days a week. Health, dental and vision premiums paid in full after two months of employment. Join us for meaningful, fulfilling relationships with our community. Larcheks.org.

Teacher openings - Bishop Miege High School has openings for English and mathematics teachers for the 2021-22 school year. Send a letter of interest and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com.

Full-time assistant teachers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of pre-academics and the right environment, we believe we are providing the children the foundation to e successful in life. We are looking for full-time assistant teachers for all ages who have an excellent work ethic, a 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. Duties include supervising and ensuring the safely and well-being of the children at all times; following predetermined curriculum and daily schedule; decorating the class and keeping classrooms clean and orderly; creating and filling out daily reports for each child; communicating with parent; meeting children’s basic needs (diapers, bottles, etc.). Must be patient and able to respond to difficult situations calmly; have good interpersonal skills with coworkers, parents and children; and be able to lift 25 pounds on a regular basis. There are opportunities for career advancement. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, option 3.

Career opportunity - Due to the growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are looking for professional men who are interested in helping fellow Catholics with their faith, family and finances. This is a full-time career opportunity that will allow you to be your own boss and a respected professional member of the community. If you or someone you know is self-motivated, good with time management and has a desire to succeed, this might be the opening you’ve been looking for. Benefits include unlimited professional income potential, flexibility, quality training program and incentive award trips such as Rome, Hawaii and Ireland. There are openings in northeast Kansas and western Missouri. If you want to serve your community, strengthen the church and change the world, call John Mahon at our regional office at (785) 408-8800 or toll free at (855) 356-4849.

Part-time stylists - Are you addicted to the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress”? Are you self-motivated, love fashion and enjoy helping people look their best? If so, we want to talk to you! Sincerely Susan, a unique destination shop that specializes in dresses for mothers of the bride, grooms and galas is looking for part-time stylists.

Our boutique is a warehouse environment where clients come in by appointment only. You must have a sense of style and a great personality to be able to interact with our “Moms.” Hours are flexible. Must be willing to work a minimum of one evening per week and weekends. Must be able to stand and walk on concrete for long periods of time and reach overhead to pull gowns. Previous retail experience preferred, but not necessary. Hourly rate is based on experience. If interested, call (913) 730-8840.

Janitor wanted - We are currently seeking an energetic and highly motivated individual to join our team as a janitor. The ideal candidate for this position is detailoriented, flexible and willing to take on nonroutine cleaning and special projects as the need arises. The evening janitor performs a variety of custodial tasks for the parish and the school facilities. This position is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, kitchen, bathrooms and other public spaces. Additionally, this position may work with other custodial staff to accomplish special projects as needed.

This person will report directly to the manager of custodial services. This is a part-time position with no benefits but with a 401(k) program. For more information, please contact Shaun at: shaunw@cccparish.org.

Personal assistant - Need a personal assistant for my millennial daughter in Olathe. She has a concussion.

Work approximately ten hours weekly. Car required. Call John at (501) 663-5557.

Part-time accountant - Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa has an immediate opening for a part-time accountant who will assist in recording and maintaining monthly financials, parishioner contributions, biweeky payroll, employee benefit records and systems management for the parish, including the school and early education center. Requirements include: a working knowledge of QuickBooks; an ability to process accounts payable; reconcile bank statements; and experience in payroll and budgeting, Excel and general accounting. Flexible hours, 15 - 20 hours per week.

Elementary school principal - Holy Cross School in the historic northeast area of Kansas City, Missouri, seeks to hire a principal for the upcoming school year and beyond.

Holy Cross is one of two Bright Futures schools in the Diocese of KC-SJ, serving urban core families who desire a private, Catholic education for their children. With enrollment of approximately 150 students, the principal will work with the Bright Futures board to manage the faculty, meet the education needs of the students and build strong community relationships. The diocese offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental and vision plans; STD/LTD fully paid by the employer; retirement plans, including a 403(b) plan; and a defined benefit pension plan.

Paid time off includes generous paid holidays, vacation and sick leaves. For more information and to apply, go online to: kcsjcatholic.org and scroll down to “Employment Opportunities” near the bottom of the page.

Part-time employment opportunity - Happy Hearts Working, Inc., local day service program for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, is seeking a parttime supervisor on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Competitive hourly rate of pay and enriching work environment! For details regarding this position, please contact Carol Farnsworth, executive director, at (913) 706-2356, or at: happyheartsworking@ gmail.com Volunteer engagement coordinator - Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas has an exciting full-time position as a volunteer engagement coordinator. You will assist in the implementation of an effective outreach program with a focus on parishes and schools within the 21 counties of the archdiocese. To learn more about this opportunity and to apply, visit the website at: www. catholiccharitiesks.org/careers and scroll down to “Volunteer Engagement Coordinator.”

Evening facility coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, is seeking a facilities assistant.

Hours may vary but will generally be Mon. – Fri. from 1 - 9:30 p.m. Responsibilities include monitoring building use; setup for events and meetings; janitorial duties; routine maintenance projects; and secure buildings at the end of the evening. This position is eligible for full benefits, and compensation will correspond with experience. Please submit resume to Denise Greene at: denise. greene@stmichaelcp.org.

Coaches needed - Bishop Miege High School is seeking coaches for the 2021 spring season in the following sports: assistant baseball, assistant boys tennis, assistant track (sprint or pole vault). Contact Andrew Groene, athletic director, at: agroene@bishopmiege.com or (913) 222-5802.

FEBRUARY 12, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Seeking math tutor - Seeking a math tutor for a junior high student. One hour per week in our home. Ideal for college student or retired teacher with math background. Holy Trinity parishioners. Call (913) 375-8932.

Food service director - St. Agnes School in Roeland Park is now accepting applications for a food service director for the school’s cafeteria. This position would be for the 2021-22 school year. The food service director oversees the operation of the food service program; is an authorized representative of St. Agnes Catholic School to the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE); and is responsible for compliance of St. Agnes Catholic School for state and federal regulations and requirements related to the food service program. The director will also serve as the head cook and supervisor of all kitchen operations. For a full job description, please visit: www. stagneskc.org, and click on “Contact Us,” then “Employment,” to read the description and submit your resume.

Associate director, catechesis and faith formation - The Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph is seeking to fill a position for an associate director of catechesis and faith formation. This position provides catechetical and discipleship leader training and mentoring services that equip parishes to evangelize/form parishioners and increase ministerial leadership capacity. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. The diocese offers a comprehensive benefits program, including: medical, dental and vision plans; STD/LTD fully paid by the employer; retirement plans including a 403(b) plan; and a defined benefit pension plan. Paid time off includes generous paid holidays, vacation and sick leaves. Note: All diocesan employees are required to consent to a background check, and sign and acknowledge the ethics and integrity in ministry code of conduct prior to hire. Completion of Protection God’s Children training is required within 30 days of hire. Please visit “Job Openings” at: www.kcsj catholic.org then scroll down and click on “Get Started,” then choose “Click here to view and apply for current opening and apply for current openings” for a complete job description and to apply.

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT Painting - Diamond Painting, (913) 648-4933, Residential/Commercial, Exterior/interior, Free Estimate, Affordable, Decks, DiamondPaintKc.com, Kcmo/Overland Park Metropolitan area.

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.

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 STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835.

Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

CAREGIVING

Popcorn ceiling texture removal and add knockdown to your ceilings!

Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience.

Accepting major credit cards.

Call with questions.

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.

Local Handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, masonry (chimney repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

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: dandeeconst@aol.com.

SERVICES Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit http://www. montemacedisability.org.

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 209-9234.

Clinical therapist - LCPC treats trauma, PTSD, complex PTSD; EMDR-trained. Treats adult recovery from child abuse; anxiety reduction through emotion-regulation, distress tolerance and mindfulness. Also treats couples with wounded attachments. Sliding scale. Call Donna Constantineau, LCTC, at (913) 602-1415.

Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your Tshirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.

Handyman - Furloughed railroader just trying to keep the bills paid for my little family. I advertised here as Father and Son Home Exteriors and Remodeling for 13 years before working for the railroad last year. I can do all carpentry, windows, doors, trim, siding and decks. I can paint, sheetrock and love to do tile. Just about any project you have around your home, I can do. No project too big or too small. Just give me a call at (913) 709-7230 and ask for Josh.

8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered Take back your power and release weight, fatigue and joint pain without hunger or cravings!

Call or text Kathi at (816) 809-7739 Email: imagewellness2@gmail.com Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

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.teresakiddlaw.com.

Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

Garage door repair Sales and service, all brands.

Free estimates. Leaven discount.

Call (816) 392-7134.

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - Old cars or hot rods. Uncompleted project cars in any condition, with or without titles. Cash buyer. Call (913) 980-3559.

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - If you have an extra car and/or truck you don’t know what to do with, give us a call. We are a cash buyer. Call Mark at (913) 980-4905.

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.

Farm - Ranch - I am interested in purchasing a farm or ranch. If you have considered selling but would like to stay in a home on the property, then we could work that out. My home parish is Holy Trinity in Lenexa. Please call me if interested or with questions. Thank you and God bless. Dennis Montgomery, (913) 208-1379.

FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) For sale - Craftsman 21” snow thrower. 179cc with electric start. Excellent condition, used less than ten hours.

Call Mike at (913) 707-1081.

REAL ESTATE Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it?

We buy it all at once in as-is condition.

Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com.

We Buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000 CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com

LOCAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 12, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Join us for a prayer group retreat. Go online to: www.ignatiancenterkc.org/events and scroll down to “Easing into Contemplative Prayer: Group Prayer Retreat.” Click on “View Event” for more information and to register.

PROJECT CHRYSALIS Online via Zoom Feb. 23 from 7 - 8:15 p.m.

Project Chrysalis is a ministry offering hope through sacred Scripture and community to parents/grandparents who have lost a child or grandchild. While this ministry is not a bereavement group, our mission is to offer support and hope through Scripture in a time of transformation. The guest speaker will be Deacon Bill Graveman. For more information and the Zoom link, contact Deacon Ken Billinger at (913) 634-4210 or email: kbillinger@archkck.org. The group is open to parents or grandparents who have lost a child.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Online class Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

A reasonable course fee is charged, and online registration is required at the class registration CCLI portal at: powerappsportals. com. Send an email to Alison or Allen Greenlief at: aagreenlief@gmail.com for more information about NFP classes offered by the Couple to Couple League.

‘GETTING TO KNOW EMILY DICKINSON’ Online via Zoom Feb. 26 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. & 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 27 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. & 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Who was Emily Dickinson? Most people only know her as a recluse, but is that a full and accurate portrait of her? Spend time examining Dickinson’s life, her mystical spirituality and the musicality of her poems. We will also explore the various aspects of her poetry as they relate to her understanding of God and the religious milieu in which she lived.

We invite you to join us in learning about this brilliant and surprising woman who wrote over 1800 poems during her lifetime. To register, go online to: sophiaspiritualitycenter.org, click on “Retreats,” then on “Program Offerings” and finally on “Getting to Know Emily Dickinson” for more information and to register.

‘CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN’ DIVORCE SUPPORT MINISTRY Online via Zoom Feb. 27

The “Called To Love Again” divorce ministry will be having virtual meetings due to the COVID pandemic. Send an email to Katie Palitto for Zoom access, time and more information at: thecall2love.com. The topic for February is forgiveness.

PROJECT RACHEL RETREAT Kansas City, Missouri March 13 from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Need healing after an abortion? We offer compassionate, confidential and free services. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

Please contact Ann Marie Alvey at (913) 6212199 for further details.

‘Just a girl’ didn’t buy any breaks for Doran girls >> Continued from page 1 “She was a really strong woman,” said Swartz. “And she wouldn’t tolerate Dorothy or I using excuses of ‘Poor me, I’m just a girl.’”

So, when Pearl Harbor was attacked, and their brothers enlisted in the military, Elinor and Dorothy decided to be part of the war effort, too.

They began by taking a course in first aid.

“In case Japan decided to bomb Nebraska,” said Swartz. “That wasn’t too logical.”

Then Swartz saw an article in a magazine titled Knittin’ for Britain.

“And so, we tried to knit sweaters,” she said. “But that was hopeless.”

Finally, the sisters saw an ad for aircraft communicators — jobs available only to men before the war.

“We knew that was our destiny because we were both good students,” said Swartz.

The sisters began training in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 1, 1942. They had never been away from home.

“I was 18,” said Swartz. “The only thing I knew about Kansas City was an article in the Omaha Daily Bee entitled ‘Kansas City: The City of Sin and Vice.’”

Pioneer women Aircraft communicators were responsible for keeping track of aircraft over remote locations while reporting weather observations over teletype networks and radio, and helping pilots in the area with flight plans.

The women had four months of rigorous training, studying aerodynamics, flight rules and regulations, radio theory, meteorology, weather reporting, Morse code and Baudot code.

Upon graduation they were sent to an aircraft communications sta-

Gilbert “Gil” and Rita (Jacobs) Hoag, members of Sacred H e a r t of Jesus Parish, S h a w nee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 20. The couple was married on Feb. 20, 1971, at St. Joseph Church, Yates Center, by Father David O’Leary. Their children are: Chris Hoag and Melissa Hoag Sherman. They also have five granddaughters.

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EASING INTO CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER The Ignatian Spirituality Center of KC 1001 E. 52nd St., Kansas City, Missouri Feb. 23 - March 30 from 2:30 - 4 p.m.

13

“I WAS THE ONLY PERSON ON AN EMERGENCY AIRFIELD FROM MIDNIGHT TILL EIGHT IN THE MORNING. SO, I LEARNED TO BE BRAVE.” ELINOR SWARTZ AIRCRAFT COMMUNICATOR DURING WORLD WAR II tion in Wyoming — together, which was contrary to protocol.

“But we were the best students in the class,” explained Swartz. “And we told them we wouldn’t go anywhere unless we were together.”

Arriving at the station, the two were given 15 minutes of orientation and then left alone.

“Now, we had studied all the things we needed to know,” said Swartz, “but we’d never even seen an aircraft communications station before.

“So, the first few days, Dorothy and I stood watches together. I went to work at four [p.m.] and Dorothy went to work at midnight; both of us would go home at seven o’clock in the morning.”

It wasn’t easy being the first women aircraft communicators.

“When we first arrived,” recalled Swartz,” we had many curious visitors and we turned them all away with our ‘Positively No Admittance’ sign.

“One man who had obviously been drinking tried to persuade Dorothy to let him in to see ‘the new equipment.’

“He said he could easily break in!”

The FBI was notified and made their presence known as the locals adjusted to women in a maledominated field.

Melvin and Irene (Olberding) Heinen, members of St. Bede Parish, Kelly, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Feb. 8. The couple was married on Feb. 8, 1956, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Seneca.

Their children are: Kent Heinen, Craig Heinen, Wendi Lucero and Daron Heinen. They also have 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

In addition to curious onlookers, the women had to deal with the Wyoming weather.

“We did experience a wild Wyoming blizzard,” said Swartz. “And believe you me, that was difficult.

“Once an hour, we had to go outside and check everything and write a report. Well, we had to hang on to everything on the way to our little weather station or we would get blown away!”

They also dealt with emergency landings of pilots who had lost their way or run out of fuel.

“That was pretty exciting to look out my window and see a plane gliding in,” said Swartz.

Faith Throughout their journey, the Swartz sisters relied on their faith.

When they moved to a new city, they found friendship with Catholic youth groups.

“That was Dorothy and my main activity,” said Swartz. “Each place we went, we would start going to church there.

“We would work till seven [a.m.] and then go to eight o’clock Mass, which we probably half slept through.”

Swartz spent two years at emergency fields in Wyoming, Nebraska and Kansas City. At a stint in Lincoln, Nebraska, she met and married Earl Swartz, the military tower chief.

While raising their family of two daughters and one son, Swartz became involved with the Girl Scouts.

She spent 11 years as a volunteer Girl Scout troop leader, trainer and association chairman, and 11 more years on the Girl Scout staff as field service director.

This month, Swartz was thrilled to receive her first COVID-19 vaccination, and had no fear of any needle pricks or side effects.

She just said to herself, “Be brave.”

Leo and Marlena Weishaar, members of St. Matthew Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 6.

The couple w a s married on Feb. 6, 1971, at St. Joseph Church, Nortonville. A family trip is planned for a later date. Their children are: Michael Weishaar and Craig Weishaar. They also have three grandchildren.

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co. SALES Advertising Account Manager Sell ad space for Church bulletins.

Salary, expenses, commission PLUS benefits.

Reply: Recruiting@jspaluch.com www.jspaluch.com

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

14

COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS SIXTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Feb. 14 SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Lv 13: 1-2, 44-46 Ps 32: 1-2, 5, 11 1 Cor 10:31 – 11:1 Mk 1: 40-45 Feb. 15 Monday Gn 4: 1-15, 25 Ps 50: 1, 8, 16bc-17, 20-21 Mk 8: 11-13 Feb. 16 Tuesday Gn 6: 5-8: 7: 1-5, 10 Ps 29: 1a, 2, 3ac-4, 3b, 9c-10 Mk 8: 14-21 Feb. 17 ASH WEDNESDAY Jl 2: 12-18 Ps 51: 3-6b, 12-14, 17 2 Cor 5:20 – 6:2 Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18 Feb. 18 Thursday Dt 30: 15-20 Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Lk 9: 22-25 Feb. 19 Friday Is 58: 1-9a Ps 51: 3-6b, 18-19 Mt 9: 14-15 Feb. 20 Saturday Is 58: 9b-14 Ps 86: 1-6 Lk 5: 27-32

W

henever Lent rolls around, I feel like this reluctant caterpillar: Two caterpillars were crawling across the grass when a butterfly flew over. They looked up and one nudged the other and said, “You couldn’t get me up in one of those things for a million dollars!”

How do you see Lent? Although meant to be a season that raises us to new heights through the traditional disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, I tend to see it as 40plus long days of deprivation. It seems like whatever I “give up” becomes even more attractive, I’m hesitant to give more time to prayer and I experience “charity fatigue.”

Still fresh as well are the memories of Lent 2020, which imposed on us unwanted penances of lockdowns, social distancing and interminable Zoom meetings.

This year, I’m trying

Celebrating Lent for a change 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.

hard to see the real intention of Lent: to make us aware not so much of our weakness and sinfulness, but of the God who calls us into a deeper relationship with him.

This story captures better what I’m trying to say: There’s a Spanish tale of a father and son who had become estranged after years of bitter strife. The son finally ran away. Finding that his son was missing, the father became

heartbroken and set off to find him. He searched for months to no avail. Finally, in a last desperate effort, the father placed an ad in the city newspaper.

The ad read: Dear Paco, Meet me in front of the bell tower in the plaza at noon on Saturday. All is forgiven. I love you.

Your father That Saturday, 800 Pacos — men and boys — showed up in the plaza, looking for forgiveness and love from their fathers.

(Story found in Brain Cavanaugh’s “Sower’s Seeds That Nurture Family Values, Sixth Planting.”)

Can we see Lent

c. 480-547 Scholastica and her brother St. Benedict were born to a wealthy Christian family in Nursia, Italy.

Details of their lives come from the Dialogues of St. Gregory the Great. After Benedict established his monastery at Monte Cassino, she founded a convent at Plombariola, and was its abbess for many years. The siblings met once a year outside Monte Cassino. At their final meeting, Scholastica begged Benedict to stay the night and, when he wouldn’t, she asked God for help. A violent storm ensued and Benedict had to stay. They spent the night discussing the joys of heaven, and she died three days later. Scholastica is the patron saint of Benedictine nuns and convulsive children.

as a time to focus on hearing that gentle voice of our forgiving Father, calling each of us back home? Happily, no masks or social distancing are required in this encounter.

I’ll be depending on three guides this Lent to help me. First and foremost, I’ll be reading “Fratelli tutti,” Pope Francis’ latest encyclical. You can get a wonderful introduction to it by reading Msgr. Stuart Swetland’s interview on pages 7-10 of this issue.

Secondly, Jesuit Father Jim Martin has just released his newest book, entitled “Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone” (Harper One; 386 pgs.; $27.99). Asserting that everyone can pray and that there are “so many ways, so many practices, so much flexibility,” he then lays out why to pray, what it is and how to do it. Father Martin’s writing style is clear and engaging and will lead readers from rote and formal prayers to “nine types of prayer you may be unaware

of” to how to discern God’s voice. I suspect I’ll return to this book time and time again.

Lastly, I’ll be using James B. Janknegt’s “Lenten Meditations.”

I became familiar with Janknegt, a Catholic artist who lives in Texas, when one of his paintings appeared on the cover of a “Give Us This Day” prayer monthly. This book consists of 40 paintings based on Jesus’ parables, along with a meditation and a prayer.

Janknegt has a bold and colorful style that “substitutes everyday modern symbols for the ones Jesus used.”

His goal is to create paintings that are “visually interesting and faithful to Jesus’ original meaning but set in contemporary America.” You can check out his artwork and purchase the book (or prints) at the website: www.BCArtFarm.com.

So, we have a choice come Lent 2021: Stay a caterpillar or risk being transformed into the butterflies we’re meant to be?

God uses imperfect things in the building of his kingdom

T Scholastica

FEBRUARY 12, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

he first reading for Sunday is disturbing.

We hear about scabs, pustules and blotches. There’s a place for talking about skin ailments, but isn’t that the dermatology clinic, not the church?

More off-putting is the extreme social distancing imposed on those who present such symptoms. Sufferers are told to leave town and stay away from other people.

Strange and unpleasant as it is, the passage nevertheless has something to say to us.

A couple of clarifications may help.

The word “leprosy” is used in the translation, but the Hebrew word means more precisely

,

KEVIN PERROTTA Perrotta is the editor and an author of the “Six Weeks with the Bible” series, teaches part time at Siena Heights University and leads Holy Land pilgrimages. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“scale disease.” It seems the biblical authors have various skin problems in view: psoriasis, vitiligo and fungal infection, among others.

The authors are not concerned with the medical aspects. There were lots of diseases in the ancient world, and the authors could have established protocols for dealing with all of them if they wished.

They focused on skin diseases — not because those were a particular threat to public health but because, in their minds, they symbolized something.

What they symbolized was death. Because they knew God

as the creator of life, the authors thought it inappropriate for people whose bodies carried a symbol of death to come into his presence in the community and the temple.

This way of thinking was not unusual in the ancient Near East.

God was not making it up. But he was using it to shape the Israelites’ understanding of him — to impress on them that he really is the God of life and light; in him, there is no darkness or death.

Elsewhere in the Old Testament we see God making use of other elements of ancient cultures. With his OK, the ancestors of Israel practiced polygamy. Their descendants engaged in animal sacrifice.

A message here, it seems to me, is that God is willing to use imperfect things to move us along toward his purposes.

I’ve experienced this. God used my parents, my schools, the charismatic community I belonged to for a long time — all imperfect — to move me along and help me grow in knowing him.

He has used imperfect me — as husband, parent, friend, writer, teacher — to help some people in my life move forward in his plans for them.

In a humble way, God enters into our far less than perfect lives and situations to accompany us and let us share in the coming of his kingdom.

Christianity without liturgy is absent of Christ, pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The liturgy is not a spectacle to be observed but a prayerful event where Christians encounter Christ’s presence in their lives, Pope Francis said.

Throughout the Catholic Church’s long history, people have been tempted to practice a private or “intimist Christianity” that

failed to recognize the importance of the liturgy in spiritual life, the pope said Feb. 3 during his weekly general audience. However, “I would dare say that Christianity without liturgy is a Christianity without Christ,” he said.

Continuing his series of talks on prayer, the pope reflected on the significance of the liturgy in

Christian life. While there are certain forms of spirituality in the Catholic Church “that have failed to adequately integrate” the liturgy, the pope noted that “much has been achieved in recent decades,” particularly thanks to the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, “Sacrosanctum Concilium.”

COLUMNISTS

FEBRUARY 12, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Deacons serve with a father’s heart

S

t. Joseph is one of the few saints to have more than one feast

day.

Joseph also happens to be my middle name.

So when my wife and I were getting married, she asked me which feast day I celebrated.

Before I had the chance to answer, she mused out loud, “Definitely not St. Joseph the Worker!” She was right, though I’ve teased her ever since about this apparent commentary on my work habits!

In his apostolic letter “Patris corde” (“With a father’s heart”), Pope Francis proclaimed this the “Year of St. Joseph.”

He reminds us that God called St. Joseph to serve the person and mission of Jesus directly

T

15

ORDAINED TO SERVE

LEON SUPRENANT Leon Suprenant is the co-director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate. He may be reached at leons@archkck.org.

through the exercise of his fatherhood. In faithfully fulfilling this role, St. Joseph cooperated in the great mystery of salvation and truly served as a minister of

salvation.

At the outset of Luke’s Gospel, we read that part of John the Baptist’s role in preparing the people for the imminent coming of the Messiah was to turn the hearts of fathers to their children. In St. Joseph, we find a father whose heart is already “in the right place.”

God was able to

accomplish great things through this eminently faithful man of service.

Priests, deacons and laymen do well to pattern their lives after the beloved “Guardian of the Redeemer.”

While St. Joseph has no recorded words in Scripture, this “just man” has much to say in response to today’s crisis of fatherhood — both the spiritual fatherhood of priests and the fatherhood exercised in the home.

St. Joseph was entrusted with the care of the Holy Family, the sanctuary of love where Jesus spent his hidden years. This family was, in embryonic form, the body of Christ, containing both Christ and the mother of those who would come to believe

in him and keep his commandments (see Rv 12:17).

For this reason, St. Joseph, husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus, is called the “Patron of the Universal Church.”

Some men think St. Joseph got it all wrong. This is the age of Viagra, no-fault divorce and the “sexual revolution.” The goal is seemingly sex without responsibility, whereas St. Joseph accepts the serious responsibility of marriage and family while foregoing the pleasure of marital intimacy.

Yet, St. Joseph got it exactly right. He tells modern man that it is possible and necessary — in fact, noble and manly — to live in

accordance with the church’s teachings on sexual morality.

St. Joseph reminds us that we are all called into the hidden life of Nazareth, where we too cooperate in the great mystery of salvation through silence, family life and honest work (see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 533).

After all, it’s not about the size of our pocketbook, but about the size of our fatherly heart.

During this year devoted to St. Joseph, may all of us fathers draw renewed strength from this holy hero. St. Joseph, patron of the universal church, pray that our hearts may turn to all those entrusted to our fatherly care.

The unsung heroes of the pandemic: our teachers

here is so much to be proud of in the way our c o u n t r y ’s medical professionals and front- line workers heroically stepped up to help others during the pandemic. We saw their works in the news as they were celebrated universally. All was well-deserved.

One special group that certainly has been overlooked is our teachers. Hundreds of teachers in our 42 Catholic schools in the archdiocese led the way to ensure that our classrooms would be fully open to offer in-person

CEF CENTERED

VINCENT ANCH Vince Anch is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation.

learning.

They did this courageously and unself-

ishly. And our Catholic schoolteachers — with the assistance of their principals and school staffs — not only led their students through a successful fall semester, they did so with great joy.

They were, and remain, heroic for all that they accomplished.

Most impressive was their enthusiasm for teaching, which was infectious to thousands of students and their families at a time when they needed it most.

When our teachers were asked to return to full in-person learning, they did not hesitate, despite the fact that a lot was, as yet, unknown about the coronavirus.

They took a leap of faith in teaching our youth and helping them in their faith formation.

They did this even before any vaccines

were available!

Our students not only did not fall behind during the pandemic, they thrived and advanced in their academic journeys. We should all be proud that this happened in our archdiocese and also throughout our great nation.

“The science is clear that there is no substitute for in-person learning, especially for poor and minority children most at danger of falling behind,” said Tom Carroll, superintendent of Boston Catholic schools.

Our Catholic schools offered a full curriculum along with

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE

faith-building activities that included praying for all of us and our world during this trying time.

Prayer is the best way to combat any ills that lie before us. It’s reassuring that our youngest citizens are on the frontlines of prayer and can even pray during school.

This would not have been possible without the dedication and passion of our Catholic schoolteachers. They are our unsung heroes in this pandemic.

Please pray for them and our schools.

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LOCAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 12, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Preparing to wed? Don’t forget the money talk

t rarely comes up when they are just dating. But there are good reasons for couples to thoroughly discuss their approach to money before getting engaged.

The Leaven talked to retired banker Chris Donnelly, who brings the added perspective of having recently seen his three children marry.

Q.

There are many things that can cause strife in a marriage, but one of the perennials is money.

What is important to know about your own approach to money before you marry?

A.

You need to know where you are at financially. If you don’t know where you’re at, no one else will be able to know either. Living within your means is important.

You need to know how much m o n e y you have coming in each month and prioritize your expenses, handling the most important items first.

Items such as food, rent or mortgage, health care and utility bills are the first priority. Once you cover all the top priority expenses, save for the future. You never know what the future holds, so you need to be prepared. Once you do that, then you can consider spending on things that are not important for living.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Chris Donnelly, a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie, recently retired as regional president of Country Club Bank. He talks to The Leaven about what conversations couples should have about money as they look ahead to marriage. guess what your spouse is doing with his or her money could cause serious problems.

Q.

What should young married couples know about taxes?

A.

Each couple should know how to properly prepare their taxes each year because taxes are a required expense. Tax problems can cause serious family concerns. You should add taxes into your family budget just like you would add food or rent. Knowing how to properly file your tax returns may also save you money.

Q.

What should a couple tell each other about their money habits and when should they start that discussion?

A.

Every couple should create a money plan before they get married.

Complete disclosure of your finances is important to any relationship.

Identify and share your income and expenses with each other in advance, so you can develop a spending plan for after you are married. You want to avoid any financial surprises. Marriage is a full-time partnership. Partners should share everything, including financial goals and dreams. If both partners are going the same direction financially, it is easier to prepare for the future.

Q.

What larger financial discussions should couples have while dating? Should they discuss the lifestyle they’d like to have, their priorities and goals, their commitment to their parish and the charities they support?

A. They should discuss their total

income, expenses and current debts.

Knowing things such as the number of loan payments due each month and other expenses is important. Excessive debt or loan payments can stress a family budget. Many people want a nice lifestyle without really knowing what their income can support. The couple must know their income and expenses first. You should not live beyond your means.

Q.

Certainly, a discussion of children is warranted while dating.

What should that discussion entail?

Q.

How should couples discuss whose job will be prioritized or how they’ll handle differences in salary, etc.?

It is recommended that every couple should create a money plan even before they get married. The reciprocal disclosure of finances is the first step in a financial future together.

A.

Children are important to figure into your financial plan. You have to think through the stages of your children’s lives. Things like day care, health insurance, clothes and extra food are important items to calculate into your monthly budget. Think ahead to estimate the additional expenses you might have with one or more children and budget those before you have children. You will be able to see what your financial situation will be before you actually have your first, second or third child.

Also, remember to add in a future savings plan for college or technical school. Helping your child with smaller or no student loans allows them to jump-start their future family financial plans.

Q.

Once married, what are the pros and cons of separate checking accounts and two-income couples continuing to manage their finances separately? Is it something you recommend?

A.

In marriage, everything is a

partnership. The two become one. Separate accounts for handling may create a feeling of hiding something or imbalance. By planning in advance, you both will know the complete financial picture so there should be no hidden agenda or expense.

I recommend maintaining one joint account to show where all the money goes each month. Husbands and wives do a lot of things together. They should participate in everyday family finances as well.

Q.

How about debt? Would you recommend the original borrower be the one to pay it off, or should it be a joint financial goal?

A.

When you get married, it’s “for better or worse.” This means you take your partner with all the good and the bad they bring to the table. You should develop a financial plan in advance that includes how you will take care of loan payments together. If you both manage all the debt brought to the table, there is no question about where that debt fits into the financial picture. Having to

A.

By sharing all aspects of each other’s income and expenses and creating a financial plan and goals for the future, the couple can map out priorities, including job requirements. If neither partner is willing to make a sacrifice, then the financial plan will be much harder to achieve.

Q.

How can couples remain on the same page about spending, savings and achieving their financial goals even while in the midst of busy lives?

A.

Couples should discuss their financial plan and goals frequently.

Life is a series of changes and curveballs. Ignoring financial discussions is a bad idea. If both partners are clear on where they are at financially, it is much easier to face the future.

Chris Donnelly is recently retired from his position as regional president of Country Club Bank. Before that, he was president and CEO of Bank of the Prairie in Olathe. He and his wife Susan are members of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie, where he serves on the parish finance council and where he and Susan co-chaired the parish capital campaign.