02 16 18 Vol. 39 No. 26 by The Leaven

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 39, NO. 26 | FEBRUARY 16, 2018

HABIT-FORMING

Ursuline Sister crafts miniature habits, accessories for dolls By Steve Buckner Special to The Leaven

ICHMOND —– Sister Mildred Katzer, OSU, greets a visitor with a twinkle in her eye, a wry smile on her lips and a firm handshake. The handshake leaves an impression. These are the hands of a Kansas farm girl and former teacher who has crafted hundreds of miniature habits for dolls that are sold at church bazaars and through the mail. “I’m 99,” Sister Mildred said. “I guess I’m supposed to make some more yet. It keeps me out of mischief.” Make them she will. Currently, a few of the dolls are waiting on a rosary, one of the details that Sister Mildred attends to when properly outfitting the dolls. Another three to five dolls are being worked on. Most of the dolls she has made are clothed in the habit of the Ursuline Order, which Sister Mildred belongs to. She also sews baptismal bonnets, strings together rosaries of different colors, knits afghans and produces pillow cases. She also wrote verses for a coloring book that she developed titled, “The Christ Child Visits the Farm.” “And, as I get older, I take more naps, too,” said Sister Mildred. One of her dolls, which stands 20 inches tall, resides in a museum in Lourdes, France. Another doll, a conventional 13-inch variety, calls a cathedral in Washington, D.C., home. Sister Mildred grew up on a farm situated four miles west of Garnett. She was one of five girls and had five brothers. Two of her older sisters, Dorothy and Josephine, joined the Ursuline Sisters in Paola before Mildred. “Mother had prayed that one of her girls would be a Sister,” Sister Mildred said. “And her prayers were answered.” Sister Mildred began sewing the habits “years ago” when she was teaching vacation Bible school. She has continued to pursue the hobby to inspire vocations. Now retired, she lives in Richmond with another Ursuline nun, Sister Loretta Roeckers. Both volunteer at St. Therese Church, which was established in Richmond in 1926. As a young girl, Sister Mildred attended the blessing of the church’s cornerstone with her family (Richmond is north of Garnett) and recalled that the church ran out of ice cream during the event. Sister Mildred taught school from 1943 to 1999. Her assignments took her to St. John School, Greeley (1943-45, 1973-85); Holy Name School, Kansas City, Kansas (1945-54); Queen of the Holy Rosary School, Overland Park (1954-58, 1960-73); St. Agnes School, Roeland Park (1985-90); and Holy Angels School, Garnett (1990-99). She also taught in Tulsa and Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Most of her career as an educator was with kindergartners, first- and secondgraders. People interested in Sister Mildred’s dolls can order them by writing to her at 530 Bungalow St., Richmond, KS 66080. The cost is $20 plus $4 for shipping. “I’m delighted,” she said of people’s interest in her dolls. “I feel blessed.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY STEVE BUCKNER

Sister Mildred Katzer, OSU, shows off a couple habits she made for dolls. One of her dolls resides in a museum in Lourdes, France; another is in a cathedral in Washington, D.C.

FEBRUARY 16, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Treat your pet as a pet, and make your fellow man your priority

led a deprived childhood! I never had a dog! My brother and I begged my mother to allow us to have a dog. She refused for health reasons, claiming to be allergic to all animal hair. My brother and I doubted the veracity of her claims because we had seen photos of my mother’s pet dog when she was a child. Even when we confronted my mother with the visual evidence of her past dog ownership, she remained adamant, insisting that she had adult-onset allergies. I am still convinced these many years later that my mother’s objection to allowing us to have a dog had more to do with her (probably correct) assumption that, despite our assurances to the contrary, she would have wound up the primary caregiver for the dog. Many years later (1989 to be precise), when I was appointed pastor of Ascension of Our Lord Parish in Northwoods, Missouri, I finally got my wish. I inherited a dog — Gypsy. My predecessor at the parish had discerned a call to hospital chaplaincy and his new living arrangements did not permit him to take Gypsy with him. As far as anyone could determine, Gypsy was mainly Irish wolfhound. She was swift enough to outrun the neighborhood squirrels. Unfortunately for the squirrels, losing a race with Gypsy was a death sentence. Unfortunately for me, Gypsy dropped her hunting trophies at my feet and then I had to find a respectful way to dispose of the corpses. After a few weeks, I

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN came to the realization that my mother had been doing me a favor in my childhood. Dogs are a lot of work. They like to eat regularly and also prefer a consistent routine for walking and access to the outdoors to relieve themselves. My schedule was anything but regular. In addition to serving as pastor of the parish, I was the pro-life director for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. My being away from the parish frequently in the evening was disrupting Gypsy’s usual routine. She did not adjust well to change. To make matters worse, my predecessor was a gourmet cook, who fed Gypsy from the table. With my arrival, Gypsy was reduced to a steady diet of dog food. She was not pleased. Fortunately for Gypsy and me, my predecessor determined, after about six months, he was not really cut out for hospital chaplaincy. He was assigned as a pastor to another parish, where he and Gypsy were reunited. As for me, I was relieved to be free of the responsibility that comes with dog ownership.

I still love dogs — other people’s dogs! It is great to play with them and pet them, but not to be responsible for their meals and everything else that goes with pet maintenance. Thanks, Mom, for not allowing me to get a pet pooch! I was reminded of this last week while attending the annual Kansans for Life banquet. The keynote speaker for the evening was Wesley J. Smith, an attorney, who is one of our nation’s foremost experts on the tragedy of assisted suicide. Smith is a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute’s Center on Human Exceptionalism. Smith reminded us that the biblical understanding that human beings are the masterpiece of God’s creation has become quite controversial. There are some very influential societal voices that object to the notions that human beings are uniquely made in the divine image and that our first parents were delegated by God to be the stewards of his creation. In speaking about human dignity, Smith has been accused of speciesism! This term originated around 1970 with animal rights advocates who opposed scientific experimentation on animals for the benefit of human beings.

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I want to state clearly that the argument for human exceptionalism is not advocacy for cruelty to animals. It is, rather, an acknowledgment that human beings — because of our ability to make moral judgments — possess unique rights and responsibilities. Moreover, there is something that has gone awry when we begin to treat pets like human beings. Our priorities need to be examined when many human beings lack the bare necessities and we lavish gifts upon pets and dress them up like human beings — not for their benefit, but for our entertainment. Pope Francis raised some eyebrows when he criticized the amount of money spent in First World countries on pet food and cosmetics, while so many children in the Third World are starving. Pope Francis also challenged a group of young couples not to substitute raising pets for giving life to children. Recently, I was reminded of the pope’s critique when I saw national television advertisements for a dog walking phone app. You cannot only hire someone to walk your dog, but you can actually track the route and distance your dog walks. Even though I am not a pet owner, I am convinced of the value that pets do bring to the lives of individuals and families. Children can learn responsibility by caring for pets. There is solid documentation that animals can enrich the life of residents at senior living facilities. The Catechism of the Catholic Church

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Feb. 15-16 Jesus Caritas retreat — St. Benedict’s Abbey Feb. 17 Men Under Construction — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park Feb. 18 Rite of Election — Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka Groundbreaking — Most Pure Heart of Mary rectory Rite of Election — Holy Angels, Basehor Feb. 19 Project Rachel Mass and presentation — Washington, D.C. Feb. 20 Envisioning Team meeting Quarterly retired priests meeting Rite of Election — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park

acknowledges that it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing and within reasonable limits scientific experimentation that contributes to caring for or saving human lives (2417). The catechism also states: “Animals are God’s creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory. Thus men owe them kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals” (2416). Finally, the catechism cautions: “It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer

Feb. 21 National Catholic Education Association conference Mass — Lenexa City Center Feb. 22 Confirmation — Leavenworth parishes Feb. 23-24 Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher winter meeting — Omaha, Nebraska Feb. 25 FOCUS Greek Legacy conference Mass — Overland Park Convention Center Junior high youth rally — Prairie Star Ranch

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER Feb. 17-18 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida Feb. 24-25 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida

or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons” (2418). If from reading this article, the thought crossed your mind to get the archbishop a pet, don’t! It would not be fair to the pet! On the other hand, it would please me if, in memory of Gypsy and all that she suffered while under my care, you made an extra donation to Catholic Charities or the Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic or Advice and Aid or Catholic Relief Services.

FEBRUARY 16, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Corning religious ed students learn about giving back By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

ORNING — The exchange student from Paris had never seen anything like it. Scheduled for a twohour shift to cook sausage, 15-year-old Guilluame Chardin said he found himself enjoying the experience so much that he just kept right on working past his shift. “I just kept going,” he said. “I’m just so glad I got to be part of this.” “This” was something a lot more familiar to Corning Catholics — the pulling together of the entire community to support one of their own in need. It was also an object lesson in giving back — something that instructor Melissa Talley said she tries to teach all of her religious education students at St. Patrick Parish in Corning. Every year, Talley — who teaches high school students along with parishioners Dave Steinlage, Mark Huerter, Louella Talley and Mike Beckman — looks for ways the students can give back to their community. This year was no different. In September 2017, Jerry Lueger, a parish finance council member, was diagnosed with CVST. Known as cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, CVST occurs when a blood clot forms in the brain’s venous sinuses and prevents blood from draining out of the brain. As a result, blood cells may break and leak blood into the brain tissues, causing a hemorrhage. Lueger has been unable to work since his diagnosis. After talking with the Lueger family, Melissa Talley and the other high school teachers discussed the situation with their classes. “We gathered the whole high school group one night,” Talley said. “We told them we really think we have an opportunity here.” Talley said she was overwhelmed and amazed by the students’ response. Not only were the students enthusiastic, but they immediately started throwing out ideas. They picked out potential dates to hold a benefit, decided on a breakfast with a silent auction, and selected a menu of pancakes, sausage, and biscuits and gravy — all from scratch. When Louella Talley and Hannah Huerter, another religious education teacher, heard of the project, they suggested involving all 157 students in the religious education program. The pair also suggested the high school students, instead of the adults, should head up the effort. Planning began in December when the high school and the junior high students divided all the benefit’s tasks. The junior and senior high school students handled all the advertising, including writing and designing fliers and announcements for use by area merchants, nearby newspapers and area parish bulletins. They also identified and solicited area businesses for auction items, set up for the event, cleaned up afterward and worked two-hour shifts, cooking and serving.

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

PHOTO BY MELISSA TALLEY

Above, Josh Hasenkamp, left, and Don Lueger take turns at the pancake station, cooking up fresh pancakes for the crowd. Right, Rachel Koch, Clarissa Koch, Nick Thompson, Jenri Conley and Matthew Stallbaumer, religious education students at St. Patrick Parish in Corning, serve up breakfast for the benefit.

“Everybody had their own little role,” said Melissa Talley. “They all had a piece of it.” On the day of the actual breakfast, students in third through fifth grade bused tables, refilling food and beverages as needed. Prior to the benefit, students in kindergarten through second grade made table centerpieces. They also helped bus tables. “We really did let the kids run with it, and they did,” Melissa Talley said. That made it amazing.” And if there was ever any doubt as to whether the students could pull off the event, it quickly evaporated as week after week, the kids completed their tasks. “Every week, they came back and said, ‘Yes, we did that.’ ‘Yes, we did that,’” Melissa Talley said. Watching the kids take ownership of every detail — from advertising to greeting more than 1,000 guests served that day — inspired Steinlage. “It wasn’t just one person leading it. It was fun to watch,” he said, adding that the entire parish community was amazed by the kids’ enthusiasm, manners and cheerful attitude. Caleb Durland, a high school senior, said he was not surprised by his classmates’ ability to pull off the event. “I had no doubt in my mind we could do this, no doubts,” he said. The experience of “being vulnerable and open to the Lord” showed Durland anything is possible. Every week, when classes met, the groups prayed that the benefit would glorify God and honor the Lueger family. A huge part of the success,

PHOTO BY GRACIE DETERS

Durland said, was due to everyone’s willingness to pitch in wherever they were needed. “Teamwork goes a long a way,” he added. Senior Rachel Koch agreed that while teamwork was important, so was everyone’s joy. “It was just incredible to see everyone’s smiles,” she said. Despite long hours, she said every single person smiled all day. “We all just do for one another what we’d want done for ourselves,” she said. High school junior Jenri Conley, who was in charge of the pre-event advertising, went to the community building at 6 a.m. on the day of the benefit to make scrambled eggs. She stayed the entire day. “Whenever I saw an opening, I kind of jumped in and helped out,” Conley said. “I saw God in all these people,” she continued. “I feel like one of the biggest things I could take away from this is how God wants us to help other people in need and just how much we need to give out of the goodness of

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our hearts.” Eight-year-old Tyren Talley, who helped collect trash throughout the day, agreed. “If someone asks you to do something for a benefit, you should always say yes,” he said, “because it is helping someone’s family.” This particular family happened to be the Lueger family. Overcome with emotion, they were at a loss for words at first. “They’re a great group of kids,” Jerry Lueger said. “The older ones provided really good examples for the younger ones,” he added, and couldn’t believe the number of people who came to support for his family. “They just kept coming and coming,” he said. Calling the whole experience “beyond words,” Karla Lueger said she and her husband found it “humbling and overwhelming to be on the receiving side” of such an awesome gift. “God is good,” she said. “God is showing us so much love.”

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

FEBRUARY 16, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Leavenworth’s Xavier wins national reading award By Jan Dixon Special to The Leaven

EAVENWORTH — Xavier School students here read more than seven million words in three months and earned a highly selective national award for their efforts. The Word Up Challenge contest, sponsored by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt publishing company, was designed to get students excited about reading. “Anytime you can get students excited about reading is a win-win,” said Evie Porter, principal of the Leavenworth school. Xavier’s librarian and media specialist Cindy Thiele suggested the school enter the contest, and Porter agreed. The teachers jumped on board and encouraged students to read, read, read. Every word each student read counted toward the school’s total. Points were tallied through the publishing company’s online reading program called Reading Counts! “I was so impressed by my class’ effort during this challenge,” said teacher Janet Meyer. “One of the biggest obstacles I face is finding books at my students’ Lexile (or reading) level that are appropriate for a fourth-grade student. “I have some fourth-graders reading at a high school level, and it is difficult to find books that challenge them, but still have content that is age appropriate.” The Reading Counts! program has thousands of books at different levels for student selection. Students chose both fiction and nonfiction books that are on or above their current reading levels. They read, took tests, and logged their words. “I personally liked the challenge because before it, I was just reading one series,” said fourth-grade student Ethan Shaffer. “I tried new books and really enjoyed them, thanks to the Word Up Challenge.” Students exercised their independent reading skills and expanded their literacy skills. They read daily in the

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

Xavier School in Leavenworth was the top-placing small school in the Word Up Challenge. The students were honored at a January assembly to which students were encouraged to come dressed as their favorite book’s character. Pictured above are, from left, kindergartners Joseph King, Harrison Long and Alexi Nevins. classroom, library and at home. Lisa Forge, director of enrollment and marketing at Xavier, reported the students were really excited and motivated to read. “The students quickly surpassed our first goal of one million words in just one month,” she said, “so we raised the goal to five million words and they surpassed it, too.” At the end of the contest period, 109 students had read 7,115,842 words. That was enough to secure the top-place award in the small school category. “The kids were really surprised when they learned we were one of only three winning schools in the nation,”

said Forge. Xavier was also named as a Most Valuable Player school in the challenge. To achieve this status, the school had to show creativity of effort to promote independent reading, evidence of effectiveness and inclusive outreach to all students. Porter said that the school has scored above national norms in reading, more often than not. But this was the first time to win the Word Up MVP Challenge. “This was great for our students and great for the world, because at Xavier . . . we are all in this together,” she said. The students were honored at a January award assembly where a represen-

tative from the publisher presented a plaque and banner for the school, as well as $250 worth of books for the school library. Two fourth-grade students received medals for having the highest word counts. “I was so excited that I got second place in the Word Up Challenge. I love to read!” said fourth-grade student James Leintz. Xavier has participated in Reading Counts! school-wide for several years. This was the first year the students participated in the Word Up Challenge. “We were thrilled with the success of our students,” said Thiele. “We are excited to participate again next year!”

Archbishop shares lessons of leadership at Benedictine College By Laurence Rossi Special to The Leaven

TCHISON — Not every Catholic is called to be the pope, Archbishop Joseph. F. Naumann told students of a Benedictine College leadership class here Jan. 29. But all of us are called to lead. “Jesus doesn’t call us to be the pope,” he said, “but we must be ready to do better in our culture. We must spread the truth of the Gospels.” Later the same day, the archbishop spoke again, attended a dinner, and participated in a “Trust One Greater” event. The leadership class was led by Benedictine College president Stephen Minnis and Joseph Wurtz, dean of students. The class focuses on learning about different aspects of leadership firsthand from a wide variety of successful leaders, both local and national. In Archbishop Naumann, the students received a lesson on a matter very relevant to them: leading young people and the Catholic Church in the 21st century. “A good leader comes well-prepared for his mission, whatever that may be,” said the archbishop.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY LAURENCE ROSSI

Archbishop Joseph. F. Naumann shares his leadership philosophy with students of Benedictine College’s Leadership Class Jan. 29. In the current cultural atmosphere, young Catholics in particular have much for which they must prepare. The archbishop got to the meat of his presentation quickly. “Young adult Catholics are facing the dire consequences of the Sexual Revolution and a culture that has lost its moral compass,” he said. “As young Catholics, young adults in this culture are called to

be countercultural, even at great cost.” All was not doom and gloom, however. Archbishop Naumann noted there is certainly a bright spark of hope for the future, both for Catholics and the culture at large. Many Catholics today, he noted, are stronger in the faith than ever. He praised Benedictine College and the Fellowship of Catholic University Students,

in particular, for standing as bastions of the new evangelization. He expounded on 10 biblically based, foundational principles that he has used to guide him during his vocation as a priest and bishop. These principles include finding joy in one’s work, being willing to make mistakes, taking responsibility for failure and being willing to be a follower before you become a leader. Leadership is no light responsibility, and we must look to Jesus and the Scriptures to keep ourselves on the right course, he said. Archbishop Naumann concluded by stressing that, with so much in this world to worry about and fix, it is easy to get overwhelmed. One must, however, remain focused in order to be successful. From his perspective, those issues that they as young, professional Catholics are most well-positioned to contend with include rededication to the sanctity of marriage, establishing classical Christian virtues and ethics within the business environment, and learning to more successfully integrate women into the workplace while accommodating their unique role as mothers.

FEBRUARY 16, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Program helps refugees transfer skills to new home By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

ONGANOXIE — Sisi was overwhelmed when she fled to the United States from Burma. “I was facing so many difficulties,” she said. Sisi didn’t speak English, couldn’t drive a car and needed to drop off and pick up her daughter from the school bus stop each day. “[For] about one year, I’m struggling like this,” she said. “Now, I’m very successful within four years. I’m so proud of myself.” Sisi, a graduate of Catholic Charities’ New Roots for Refugees program, told her story of resettlement to a group of seven parishioners at Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie on Jan. 30. “Each year, our pastoral council sets some goals to concentrate on,” said pastor Father Mark Goldasich. “One of them this year was to explore how we could acquaint ourselves with the issue of refugees.” Council member Bob Bender contacted Catholic Charities and was given the option of hosting a dinner for a small group of parishioners with a refugee, said Father Goldasich. The event was an opportunity for parishioners to ask Sisi about her journey and enjoy the traditional Burmese meal she had prepared for them. Parishioner Bill Graveman and his wife Kathy attended to learn more about what’s going on with local refugees. “I think there are a lot of misconceptions about refugees and fleeing their countries,” said Bill. “We’re at a very unusual point in time where there are tremendous displacements of people from all over the Middle East and throughout the Far East.” “I think we need to come to grips with how we as a church and as free people address the problems of these migrations,” he added. Sisi was accompanied by an interpreter, as well as Bethany Buchanan, a program assistant at New Roots. Buchanan explained that refugees working through New Roots start at the training farm located at Juniper Gardens in Kansas City, Kansas. The current 16 farmers each work with one fourth of the nine acres of land there. The farmers sell their produce at area farmer’s markets, as well as through Community Supported Agriculture, doing so with close guidance from Catholic Charities. Once farmers like Sisi graduate from

LeRoy and Eunice Winkler, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Feb. 11 with a Mass. The couple was married on Feb. 2, 1958, at St. Mary Church, St. Benedict. Their children are: Stephen Winkler (deceased); Roy Winkler, Seneca; Marlene Sission, Topeka; and Jim Winkler, Seneca. They also have 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Anniversary wishes can be sent to them at: 314 N. 5th, Seneca, KS 66538.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

Sisi, a refugee from Burma and a graduate of Catholic Charities’ New Roots for Refugees program, shows parishioners at Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie a photo of her working on a tractor. Sisi met with the parishioners to share her story and tell them how they can help refugees like her settle comfortably into their new lives in the Kansas City area.

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“I THINK WE NEED TO COME TO GRIPS WITH HOW WE AS A CHURCH AND AS FREE PEOPLE ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS OF THESE MIGRATIONS.” training, they move on to their own land and operate independently. “By support from Catholic Charities and the New Roots program, day by day I improved everything,” said Sisi, who sells her produce at the farmer’s market in Independence, Missouri. The program’s support offered her a way out of the isolation and helplessness many refugees feel. Sisi came to the United States from Burma and initially lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she took an ESL (English for speakers of another language) class and got a part-time job.

Larry and Janice (Sumner) Foltz, members of Holy Angels Parish, Garnett, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 25 with an open house reception from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Garnett. The couple was married on Feb. 24, 1968, at Holy Angels. Their children are: Amy Miller, Mark Foltz, Kara Reynolds, Luke Foltz, John Foltz, Matthew Foltz, Peter Foltz, Lindy Katzer, Caleb Foltz and Liz Weber. They also have 35 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She wasn’t happy there and didn’t feel comfortable in her new country until she moved to Kansas City. “Now I feel at home,” she said. “I feel like I am so lucky to move here.” Denise Ogilvie, vice president of outreach and grants management at Catholic Charities, has high hopes for refugees like Sisi. “We want farmers to feel empowered in their communities and the Greater Kansas City community,” said Ogilvie. Programs like New Roots break down the barriers refugees face, like language, transportation and child care, she said. “They are using skills they had before they moved to the United States to grow food for people living in Kansas City, helping them to build confidence as contributors in this new community,” she added. In the long term, Catholic Charities is “hoping to bring financial stability to individual families and a lot of earned income into the refugee communities,” said Ogilvie. Father Goldasich said Sacred Heart plans to stay involved by hosting an-

Beverly (Hutchinson) and Joseph Aranki, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a Mass at St. Joseph. A family celebration will follow. The couple was married on Feb. 16, 1968, in Bay City, Texas. Their children are: Tania Aranki Rowe and Tiffany Aranki Long, both of Lenexa; and Tim Aranki, of Fort Worth, Texas. They also have six grandchildren.

other refugee dinner with a new group of parishioners and donating practical items for refugee families new to the area. Some parishioners also plan on visiting Sisi’s garden and inviting her to their own, he said. Sisi is grateful for the help she’s received in Kansas City. “My family and I were struggling for the first couple of years,” she said, “but by support of Catholic Charities, our family is so much changed.” Hearing Sisi’s story, Father Goldasich was reminded of Pope Francis’ references to a “culture of encounter.” “There is no substitute to listening in person to a recent refugee’s experiences,” said Father Goldasich. “It puts a definite face to the issue and makes their story real.” Father Goldasich was humbled and inspired by the work Sisi has put into making a life for herself in a foreign place. “Her willingness to share her story and her culture in a relaxed setting was a gift to our parish,” he said.

ANNIVERSARY submissions submissions ANNIVERSARY DEADLINE: eight days before the desired publication date. INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • The couple’s names • their parish • the date they were married • church and city where they were married • what they are doing to celebrate • date of the celebration • names of children (no spouses) WHERE TO SUBMIT: Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or email: todd. habiger@theleaven.org.

FEBRUARY 16, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus

Enrich your life with prayer A priest asked Mother Teresa, “What is your secret?” She replied, “That is very simple. I pray.” She maintained that without the prayer, we are too poor to help the poor. Without daily prayer, we are “too poor” to be the husband, wife, mother, father, sister or brother we are called to be. For Lent: • Each evening at ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 8:30 p.m., turn the TV to EWTN and pray the rosary as a family. • If your little ones aren’t able to sit still for long, do just one decade before bed. — Deacon Tony Zimmerman, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life

Sister Johnette Putnam, OSB

TCHISON — Sister Johnette Putnam, 84, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died Feb. 4 at the monastery. Born in New Orleans, Sister Johnette was a member of St. Scholastica Priory in Covington, Louisiana, until its closure. In Louisiana, she taught grade and high schools and was a principal for several years. She received her bachelor’s degree in English from Mount St. Scholastica College, a master’s in theology from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, and an honorary doctorate from Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota.

In 1968, she was elected prioress at Covington and, in 1978, became president of the Federation of St. Scholastica. After 12 years in that position, she became retreat director at Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, Alabama, before transferring to Atchison. She served there as director of Sophia Spirituality Center from 1992 to 2003 and helped launch the Souljourners spiritual directors’ training program. Author of many articles, she also gave lectures and workshops on monastic life, community leadership, liturgy and spirituality. Remembered for her Southern charm, she appreciated good conversation and storytelling.

Sister Mary Margaret Bunck, OSB

TCHISON — Sister Mary Margaret Bunck, 94, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died Feb. 5 at the monastery. Sister Mary Margaret was born in Everest on Nov. 16, 1923. She attended Everest High School before entering the Mount community in 1945. Before entering the monastery, she worked on the family farm, driving tractors, harvest-

ing crops, milking cows and doing whatever was needed. She made her monastic profession in 1946. After earning a bachelor’s degree in education from Mount St. Scholastica College, she was a beloved and creative primary teacher for 42 years in Kansas, Missouri and Iowa, making every child feel accepted and involved. She later did varied services in the monastery, including gracious and cheerful chauffeuring for Sisters unable to drive.

FEBRUARY 16, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

L WORLD MARRIAGE DAY

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and Bishop James V. Johnston celebrate the World Marriage Day Mass on Feb. 11 at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. More than 300 couples attended the Mass.

Sister Patricia Connolly, SCL

EAVENWORTH — Sister Patricia Connolly, 85, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 66 years, died on Feb. 5 at the motherhouse here. She was born Feb. 18, 1932, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the second of five children of Timothy and Anna (White) Connolly. Faith, diligence and a fun-loving Irish spirit characterized the Connolly household where young Patricia was a gregarious and spunky child and teen. She attended grade school and three years of high school in Council Bluffs and graduated from St. Mary’s Academy, Leavenworth. She entered the Sisters of Charity community on Aug. 21, 1951. She professed vows as Sister Anne Timothy on Aug. 22, 1953, and later returned to her baptismal name. Three distinct ministries occupied the greater portion of Sister Patricia’s service as a Sister of Charity. With a degree in education from Saint Mary College, Leavenworth, she taught grade school from 1953

through 1970. She next earned a respiratory therapy degree and worked and supervised in Sisters of Charity hospitals in Santa Monica, California; Kansas City, Kansas; and Leavenworth. In 1977, family caregiving in Council Bluffs became her fulltime ministry — for her parents, her brother and his wife, all of whom died in subsequent years. During this time, Sister Patricia and her youngest brother assumed responsibilities for raising their young niece. While Sister Patricia said her life as a woman religious was different than she expected, she considered it wonderful and blessed. She returned to Leavenworth in 2000 and later served as transportation assistant for the health and wellness office. She moved to the motherhouse in 2011 and to the Ross Hall skilled nursing facility in October 2015.

HELPING HANDS

Freelancers play vital role in each week’s Leaven

he full-time staff of The Leaven is hard to miss. We’re the folks you might see at a youth event or a big liturgy with The Leaven logo embroidered on our shirts. But the permanent staff is very ably assisted by a number of stringers as well. In fact, it is only with the help of these freelance writers and photographers that we are able to cover such a diverse and vibrant archdiocese. Every year around this time, we look for ways to celebrate the Catholic press, since February is designated Catholic Press Month. This time, we’d like to take that opportunity to introduce you to a few of our freelance writers. So we’ve given them just a little space to tell their stories, as a reward for doing such a good job of telling yours!

Susan McCabe has made a career out of freelancing. In addition to The Leaven, she’s written for the health care

My faith through story

BY SUSAN FOTOVICH MCCABE

he Leaven began arriving in my mailbox more than 30 years ago, shortly after my husband and I married and registered with our church. It was fun to see our names on the mailing label in those early years. Today, it’s just as fun to see my byline in The Leaven. I joined The Leaven’s freelance staff in 2017. It is a nice addition to my other freelance work, where I regularly write for the health care, manufacturing, business and agricultural media. I’ve had the pleasure of writing feature stories for several Kansas City-area publications about interesting people in our community, as well. And I’ve been blessed to sustain a freelance career in journalism while raising my three children. Now, I have a granddaughter

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

Carolyn Kaberline enjoys riding and showing horses when she’s not writing for The Leaven.

‘More than just a story’

BY CAROLYN KABERLINE

ust as articles I’ve written for a variety of publications have often led to new interests like astronomy, or a deeper appreciation of activities I’m already involved, like riding and showing horses, so, too, have my articles for The Leaven led to an even greater interest and understanding of the Catholic Church. No longer do I see the church as just a place of worship on Sundays and holy days, but as a vibrant entity that seeks to help alleviate many of the problems in this world, such as poverty and discrimination, while leading its followers to their eternal reward. Although I graduated from K-State with a degree in technical journalism in 1970, that degree was mainly used to teach high school journalism students how to put together student newspapers and yearbooks. However, about 10 years ago, I needed to show my students that I was not asking them to do anything I couldn’t do — in other words, write for publication. My first article appeared in the Valley Falls Vindicator and was on the topic of Jefferson County bow hunters. Articles for the Topeka Capital Journal, Topeka magazine, Lawrence magazine, Kansas! magazine, Better Horses, the Quarter Horse Journal and, finally, The Leaven soon followed.

My first article for The Leaven concerned the summer Bible school conducted jointly by St. Theresa Church in Perry and the town’s United Methodist Church. After that article came others, some on specific churches and others on the people that make up those churches, each revealing a new aspect of a religious institution that is well over 2,000 years old. In many instances, I learned of programs of the church, such as the Friendly Visitors program of Catholic Charities, of which I was totally unaware. In many ways, writing for The Leaven is like writing for any other publication — there’s a story to be told, and I need to find the best way to tell it. In other ways, it is entirely different — different in that it is more than just a story; it is a picture of a church that is very much a part of today’s world with people that display an optimism and a need to help others as they strive to make the world a better place. As both a Catholic journalist and a Catholic schoolteacher, I find that I look at my place in the world differently than I have in the past. And I now have a dual responsibility as well. Not only do I need to be a good role model for my students and others with whom I come in contact, but I also need to present the church and its people in such a way as to inspire others to become their best selves.

to add to the family. My Catholic faith has always been a constant for me, but it was especially important when my husband and I were starting our family. If it weren’t for prayer and the adoption services of Catholic Charities, we would not have our daughter Caroline. We have been members of Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea, since 1998. My husband and I served as School of Religion teachers. We enjoyed storytelling with young students preparing for the sacraments of reconciliation and first Communion. Writing for The Leaven has given me a unique opportunity to share my faith. I’ve written about various ministries doing good work, some of which hit close to home. A story I wrote about Totus Tuus for people with special needs helped me share the concerns of families raising children with intellectual disabilities. My son Jack has Down syndrome.

Telling people’s stories gives ‘ine

BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD ’m amazed by people who say they don’t believe in God because, as a freelancer for The Leaven, I see his face around every corner. I see it in overt ways, like the time I photographed Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann consecrating the Eucharist, and the photo had a clear image of a dove reflected in the host. And I see it in subtle ways, like when I met the Community of the Lamb and heard the Little Sisters and Brothers sing for the first time. When I was young, I remember reading the First Epistle of St. Peter, in which the apostle talked about the “inexpressible joy” that results from belief in God. The magnitude of that term haunted me for years. In all my time at Catholic school, in church, Bible studies and retreats, I had certainly encountered happiness and deep faith. But never “inexpressible joy.” That is, until I started freelancing for The Leaven. I experienced it for the first time where I least expected — in the refectory of the Sisters, Servants of Mary. I was waiting there one morning to interview the Sisters about their work of caring for the dying. The night shift was returning from eight hours of ministering to those near death; and as each Sister entered the room, the joy

surrounding me expanded until it could only be called “inexpressible.” These women were genuinely happy to have the opportunity to usher poor souls into God’s kingdom. And I must say, if there is one compensation for freelancing at a nonprofit Catholic newspaper, that’s it. I am constantly encountering people so in love with God that they radiate inexpressible joy. And my own faith is confirmed every time I interview someone living their purpose with so deep a consciousness of God’s love. When I tell people I’m a writer, they always think I have a fiction novel hidden in my bottom desk drawer. I don’t. Nor have I ever had an interest in writing fiction. I chose a career in writing because I love the English language — I’d rather diagram a sentence than eat chocolate. My background is actually in technical writing, where language matters most. But after years in that very demanding field, I retired and found The Leaven a convenient outlet for continuing to write in a different sphere. I don’t miss explaining how to build a deck, operate a computer, evaluate the accuracy of a medical scale or lay fiber-optic cable. And I don’t miss the pay either. Because the compensation of seeing faith in action, and being a part of spreading that good news, is priceless.

Freelancing takes writer behind the scenes

BY JAN DIXON

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

e, manufacturing, business and agricultural media.

ytelling Similarly, the story I wrote about the archdiocese’s deaf ministry has ties to many personal experiences. Another story, a feature on Casa del Migrante in Tijuana, Mexico, fascinated me with personal stories of immigration, while connecting me with my childhood parish, St. Paul Church in Olathe. A fun story I had the opportunity to share was a feature on St. James Academy’s Thunder Broadcasting Network. As a broadcast journalism graduate from The University of Kansas, it was fun to see what St. James has created for its students, family and alumni. As a bonus, I got to work with my son Matt on the photography for the story. There are more stories to share, and many will be personal for all our readers. My hope is that each story ultimately serves to strengthen our faith.

expressible joy’

Jill Ragar Esfeld chose a career in writing because of her love of the English language. Writing about the faith shows her the face of God in everyday people.

n seventh grade at St. Elizabeth School, I decided to be a teacher. I loved everything about school, especially reading and writing, and wanted to teach children to enjoy them, too. After graduating with an education degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, I launched on an amazing and long career that led to teaching kindergarten through grade 11 in both Catholic and public schools. As I neared the time for retirement during that final year of teaching, I knew I wanted to write. Lots of writing had already been done in my life: essays, research papers, letters, resumes, speeches, grant proposals and news articles. I had filled many notebooks over the years with stories about my life, my children, my parents, my friends; I always wrote about what was important to me. Freelance writing for The Leaven has given me a ticket to visit behind the scenes, to ask lots of questions and talk to total strangers about what matters most in their lives. I am drawn to their stories — the stories of people who are making things and changing stuff and thinking in proactive ways. The stories of ordinary people who are making a difference. It is thrilling for me to interview people involved in an event, write down the most interesting parts of what they say and present it all in a story for readers.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

Jan Dixon enjoyed a long career in teaching. But as she neared retirement, she decided that she wanted to write. Fortunately, The Leaven gave her that outlet. Hopefully, these are stories that will touch the hearts of others along the way and stories that you don’t hear everywhere else — stories that show how God’s grace is at work in our lives. Sometimes, it’s hard to find the right spin or a good lead or a strong conclusion for a story. No matter how much I love writing, there are times I need inspiration. It might come from blogs or books, art or music. Sometimes it comes from prayer.

St. Francis de Sales has become my “goto” guy. As the patron saint of Catholic writers, his help is evident when my writing suddenly goes in a direction that truly surprises me. Writing about Catholics for Catholics calls to me. I like telling people’s stories. The time I spend researching and composing becomes an active prayer. God gave me the ability to write and now I am giving some of it back to him.

Topeka couple sees work at The Leaven as an extension of their marriage

BY MARC and JULIE ANDERSON nderson and Anderson. Sounds like a Swedish law firm, doesn’t it? At least that’s what Leaven senior reporter Joe Bollig once joked when he saw the two of us some-

where. No, we are not attorneys, accountants or any other type of professional that might lead to a firm with our last name. Instead, in addition to holding full-time jobs, we are (and have been for nearly 18 years) freelancers for The Leaven. People often ask us what it’s like to share a byline. In fact, one of Julie’s friends recently asked her why we share a byline when Julie does most of the writing. That’s a fair question. The answer has everything to do with our primary vocation — that of marriage — and, more specifically, marriage to each other. In 1996, as we were preparing for our wedding, we made a conscious decision that any ministry we would participate in would be done together. So, when the opportunity to write for The Leaven came along, how the byline would appear was an easy decision. Besides, we share the work. It’s just that Marc’s role is not necessarily seen with every story. If we cover an event or conduct faceto-face interviews, Marc takes the pictures, and you’ll notice his name below the photos. But his role extends beyond that. To prepare for interviews, it can be necessary to gather background material. Marc has been known to compile the information while Julie does the laundry, makes a grocery list or washes dishes. (The opposite can be true as well.) We also rely on Marc’s internet savvy to verify statistics, spellings and other facts after an interview, especially when sources are unsure of exact numbers, dates and such. (Again, we can flip that role, too.) Perhaps the most important way in which we support each other, however, is

PHOTO BY MARY HOCKENBERRY

Marc and Julie Anderson sit near the Supreme Court during the National March for Life in Washington, D.C. The duo covered the march for The Leaven in January. in prayer. When Julie sits down to write a story, Marc is always nearby. Sometimes he sits and reads something spiritual. Most of the time, though, he prays. The prayer support guides Julie in the writing. In fact, with his prayers, Julie writes quite rapidly. So, if we had one piece of advice for other married couples, it would be to never underestimate the power of asking your spouse to pray for you. After Julie finishes a draft, Marc’s expertise comes into play again. He has an incredible eye for detail. So, although Julie proofreads everything carefully for typos and accuracy, Marc is the last one to read the story prior to us hitting the submit button. While Marc reads the copy, the tables get flipped, and Julie prays for him.

Our style of writing probably would not work for most people, but it does for us. We have so much fun traveling the archdiocese, participating in events and meeting people. The stories we have heard through the years could fill at least one book — or maybe two or three — and all the people we met along the way have touched our hearts deeply. Sometimes, we wonder why we are so lucky to share this adventure together. God only knows, and someday we’ll get to see how the countless stories we’ve written during the past years have inspired others and helped to build the kingdom of heaven here on earth. Until then, we’ll just sit here and keep serving in this role as long as we are able.

FEBRUARY 16, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Associate superintendent of schools -The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an associate superintendent for schools. This position works with the superintendent and other office staff to support school leaders in ways that will enable them to be effective spiritual and instructional leaders for teachers. The associate superintendent provides services to assist school principals and faculties in a variety of areas, including, but not limited to, curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional development and school accreditation. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have a minimum of 10 years in education, some of which must be leadership within the Catholic school setting. Requires master degree in educational leadership; post-master’s coursework/training preferred, particularly in the areas of curriculum development and instructional systems planning and design. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck. org/jobs. Interested individuals should send cover letter, resume, application and pastor’s letter of support. Send via email to: jobs@archkck.org; or mail to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Associate Superintendent of Schools Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Submission deadline: March 2. Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after-school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, and cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available, as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Pastoral associate for justice and life – St. Francis Xavier Jesuit Parish in Kansas City, Missouri, is seeking a pastoral associate for justice and life. This person must have an understanding of Catholic social teaching and Jesuit core values; demonstrate the ability to create, market and conduct programs about Catholic social teaching and Jesuit core values; and be able to organize others to fulfill the church’s mission of justice to societal needs. A bachelor’s degree is required, higher-level coursework or its equivalent in theology or social work is preferred. Competence with social media and the ability to learn and teach new software are helpful, as well as the ability to creatively use print and electronic media in a variety of formats. Financial skills such as balancing a checkbook and following a budget are a must. The ability to carry up to 30 pounds up and down stairs is needed. Must also be available for limited travel. Applications are due Feb. 28. Full job description available online at: sfx-kc.org. Email cover letter, resume, and professional and one personal reference to: search@sfx-kc.org. Teacher opening - St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic School in Garnett is seeking a full-time teacher for firstand second-grade combination for the upcoming 2018-19 school year. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process at: www.archkckcs.org. For more information, contact principal Michelle Gavin at: mgavin@archkckcs.org or call (785) 448-3423. Campaign field directors – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking two full-time campaign field directors with the expectation that the position will last approximately 18 months or longer. This position is temporary and benefit-eligible. Duties include managing assigned parish campaigns; working with clergy and volunteers to execute parish campaigns; training staff, volunteers and clergy; and other campaign tasks. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have two to five years’ fundraising or sales experience; college degree required. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck. org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Campaign Field Director Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org. This position will remain open until filled. Part-time positions - Sincerely Susan is currently looking to fill several part-time positions immediately: Stylist position - Must be available to work every other Saturday and Sunday. Weekdays late afternoon/evening. Need to be outgoing, personable and willing to work with clients. Fun, relaxing environment and flexible schedule. Pay will be determined by experience. Runner position - Looking for a “runner” to work every other or every Saturday, hours of 11 a.m. - 4/5 p.m., with the potential to add more hours in the future. Runner would be responsible for putting dresses back on the racks for the stylist, answering phone, and greeting the customers, etc. This position would be perfect for a high school student! Pay is minimum wage. If you are interested, call (913) 730-8840. Do you enjoy driving? - The Kansas City Transportation Group is looking for chauffeurs to drive our guests to events, airport, dinner, etc. Business is growing and we are in need of workers with flexible hours, those who are retired, etc. Great pay and benefits. Send resume to: jkalbert@kctg.com or in person at Carey, 1300 Lydia Ave., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Office manager, tribunal office – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an experienced office manager for a full-time position. This position has a canonical responsibility to authenticate acts of all annulment cases processed in the archdiocese. The office manager supervises a staff of two and oversees all office procedures, ensuring that cases receive timely attention and proceed according to the dictates of the law and the mandates of the judges. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have a minimum of five years’ experience managing and supervising. Requires college degree; prefer canon law degree or related experience. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should send cover letter, resume, application and pastor’s letter of support via email to: jobs@archkck.org; or mail to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Office Manager - Tribunal Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Submission deadline is Feb. 28.

Campaign coordinator – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a full-time campaign coordinator with the expectation that the position will last approximately 18 months or longer. This position is temporary and benefit- eligible. Duties include: providing support to the campaign executive director and campaign team; coordinating the collection and processing of weekly reports; reporting and handling queries from Raiser’s Edge; data entry; and various other campaign tasks. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have one to three years’ experience in an office environment; nonprofit experience and college degree preferred. A complete job description, application and benefit information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Campaign Coordinator Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org. This position will remain open until filled.

Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to ambulatory seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/ light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cell phone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match hours desired. Please contact Pat or Murray at 913-3412500 to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

Elementary school principal – Sacred Heart School in Emporia is seeking a highly motivated individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual and academic leadership of both students and staff. In addition, familiarity with enrollment management, technology and tithing/stewardship model would be considered especially desirable. Sacred Heart has approximately 70 students in K-5th grades taught by 10 teachers. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools, and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: www.archkckcs. org and send resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Kathleen A. O’Hara, Catholic Schools Office, Archdiocese of Kansas City in KS, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send an email to: kohara@archkckcs. org. Deadline for applications is Feb. 23.

Parish accountant - St. Paul Parish in Olathe is seeking a full-time accountant. Responsibilities include financial reporting; payroll (including 401(k) and benefits); electronic payment processing; budgeting; expense allocation; and assistance with the parish capital campaign. A qualified candidate will posses strong interpersonal and organizational skills; advanced Excel and database skills; three years of recent hands-on experience with payroll and benefit software systems; and a degree in business or accounting. Send resume and references to: frhermes@spcatholic.org. Groundskeeping position - $30K - Catholic Cemeteries is seeking an individual for a full-time groundskeeping position. This position requires heavy lifting. Must be physically fit; experience operating construction equipment would be a plus. Must be a fast learner and flexible on hours. Interested individuals should contact Matt Wirtz at (913) 371-4040 or you may send a resume online to: svallejo@cathcemks.org. Teacher opening - Bishop Miege High School has an opening for the 2018-19 school year for a journalism/ publication teacher, includes yearbook and newspaper. (English endorsement a plus.) Send a letter of interest and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege. com. Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, roundtrip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Director of development - Villa St. Francis, a skilled nursing community sponsored by the archdiocese, is a seeking a full-time director of development to build and grow the community’s development initiatives and public relations outreach. Duties include: establishing and implementing fundraising goals and strategies; supervising day-to-day fundraising; and management of current and prospective donor database. The ideal candidate will be a motivated self-starter with development experience and possess a true passion for the Villa St. Francis mission. Email a letter of interest and resume to: rwhittington@villasf.org. Records and gift processing specialist – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a part-time (approximately 25 hours per week) records and gift processing specialist with the expectation that the position will last approximately 18 months or longer. This position is temporary and not benefit eligible. Duties include managing the campaign pledges and gifts in Raiser’s Edge database including processing and receipting; updating and maintaining donor information in the database; training temporary data entry staff; and various other campaign tasks. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have two to five years’ experience in support or operations in a fundraising environment; nonprofit experience and college degree preferred. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Record and Gifts Processing Specialist Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org. This position will remain open until filled.

ELA teacher - St. Patrick School is seeking a full-time ELA teacher for grades 6 - 8 for the 2017-18 school year. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process online at: www.archkckcs.org. For more information, contact principal Felicia Torres at: ftorres@ stpatrickkck.eduk12.net. Career opportunity - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City metro and Topeka areas. Ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better than average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. This is a full-time position. Please contact John A. Mahon, general agent, for more information or an interview at 1275 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612 or call (785) 498-8806. You can also send an email to: john.mahon@kofc.org. Part-time receptionist - Corpus Christi Church in Lawrence is looking for a part-time receptionist, average 27 hours per week. Duties include: welcome parishioners and guests to the church; manage incoming phone calls; receive and process daily mail; manage benevolence requests; track church and ministry registration; schedule events and update parish calendar; issue sacramental certificates; and additional duties as requested. Required qualifications: excellent interpersonal skills for representing the parish and the church to those who call or visit; proficient in the use of MS Office and general computer skills; ability to multitask; and attention to detail. If interested, send resume to: karenz@cccparish.org. Drivers - Ready for the summers off? Join our school transportation division and live like a kid again! Our drivers have the opportunity to serve our community and still get these precious summer breaks. Assisted Transportation seeks caring and reliable drivers to transport K - 12 students in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in our minivans. CDL not required. $12 per hour. Retirees encouraged to apply. Learn more or apply online at: assistedtransportation.com or call (913) 262-5190 for more information. EOE.

HOME IMPROVEMENT 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 The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655. HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com Father-and-son home exteriors and remodeling - Celebrating my 15th year in The Leaven as a small business owner! We do decks, siding, windows, doors, tile work, floors, wood rot, and interior and exterior painting. We can remodel bathrooms, kitchens or basements. We also reface cabinets and redo pesky popcorn ceilings. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 Helping Hand Handy Man - Semi-retired handyman can help with your ‘to do list,’ small and medium projects around your house. Also electrical; ceiling fans, light fixtures, outlet and switches. Most deck and shed repairs, power washing restaining and painting. No yard work. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490. 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. NELSON CREATION’S L.L.C. Home makeovers, kitchen, bath. All interior and exterior remodeling and repairs. Family owned, experienced, licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph, Shawnee. Kirk Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dan deeconst@aol.com. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service - Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM.

SERVICES Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002. Life Simplified - Professional organizing for home and business in the Greater Kansas City area. We organize tools to toys, garages to attics. Pre- and post-moving support for upsizing or downsizing. We advise on what to keep, donate, recycle or toss and offer personalized strategies on keeping organized. Supportive, confidential and non-judgmental. Call (913)-725-8151 or email: info@lifesimplified.bizwww.life simplified.biz. Healing touch massage - Licensed massage therapist. Gardner permit #T17-05. Ask for Mary or Heather at (913) 938-4765. Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. Custom countertops - Laminates installed within five days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. Tree Trimming Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Tony (913) 620-6063 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. Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002 >> Classifieds continue on page 13

FEBRUARY 16, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars Parish 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Feb. 17 at 8 a.m.

There will be a memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones followed by a grief support meeting in the Father Burak Room. Grief counselor Carole Hausmann will speak. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

‘VICE, VIRTUE AND SIN’ Mater Dei - Holy Name Church 1114 S.W. 10th St., Topeka Feb. 17 at 6 p.m.

Dave Staples from the Holy Family School of Faith will be giving a talk called “Vice, Virtue & Sin.” The talk will be given in the church immediately after the 5 p.m. Mass. A reception will follow the talk. The suggestion donation is a freewill offering.

WOMEN’S DAY OF LENTEN PRAYER Cathedral of St. Peter 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 17 from 8:30 a.m. - noon

The retreat will begin with registration and a continental breakfast in the parish hall and conclude with Mass at 11:30 a.m. in the church. Susan Carroll will present a Lenten reflection, entitled “Come Follow Me.” The cost for this retreat, sponsored by the Altar Society of the Cathedral of St. Peter, is $15. For additional information, call Diane Hentges at (913) 708-5323 or send an email to: dkhentges0503@gmail.com.

SPIRITUAL DAY OF REFLECTION St. John the Baptist Parish (basement) 708 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 17 from 8 a.m. - noon

The day will begin with Mass with Father Peter Jaramillo, SSA. There will also be a reflection, refreshments and a guest speaker who will talk on “Living Our Baptism.” The suggested donation is a freewill offering.

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA St. Michael the Archangel Parish 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood Feb. 18 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benediction will follow, as well as an opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular. For more information, visit the website at: www.rosaryrallieskc.org.

COFFEE AND SILENCE: A LENTEN DAY AWAY Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Come spend a day in quiet prayer and reflection. Coffee will be provided; bring a sack lunch and enjoy a Lenten day of silent prayer, reading, journaling, meditative walking and rest. For more information or to register, call (913) 360-6173 or go to the website at: www.sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.

‘LIVING IN TRUTH’ - CATHOLIC WOMEN’S CONFERENCE Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Feb. 24 from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Prepare your heart for a meaningful Lenten journey. Get practical advice for discovering your unique gifts, your capacity for love and the Father’s unique design for you. Register online at: livingintruthkc.com or mail a $25 check with the name and address of attendees to: KCCWC, c/o Linda Spencer, 11706 Hadley, Overland Park, KS 66210.

‘REST STOPS FOR WOMEN’ Marillac Center (located on the grounds of the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity) 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Feb. 24 from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This is a one-day retreat designed to help

participants pay attention to the road signs in life and give themselves permission to take “rest stops.” The donation for the retreat is $40 per person and includes lunch. Scholarships are available. To register or for more information, send an email to: retreats@scls.org or call (913) 758-6552. The registration deadline is Feb. 17. Visit the website at: www.marillaccenter.org.

WOMEN’S LENTEN RETREAT St. Francis Xavier Parish 301 E. James, Mayetta Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

If you are looking for a way to make this Lent special and you feel spiritually dry, come to this one-day women’s Lenten retreat designed by women, for women. The suggested donation is $30. For more information and a registration form, send an email to Marceta Reilly at: marcetar@gmail.com or call (785) 608-8899.

RESPITE CARE PROGRAM Holy Cross School 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park Feb. 24 from 4 - 8 p.m.

Respite care provides the gift of time away from caregiving for families with a loved one 5 years of age or older with a disability. For questions about the program, call Tom at (913) 647-3054 or send an email to: tracunas@archkck.org; or Audrey Amor at (816) 739-1197 or send an email to: aamor@ sjakeepingfaith.org. To register a child for the program, go online to: www.archkck. org/specialneeds and complete the online form.

FEBRUARY BINGO St. Mary - St. Anthony Parish (Bishop Forst Hall) 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 25 at 2 p.m.

Admission is $5 and will include a bingo card, desserts, popcorn and coffee. Beer and soda will be available for purchase. For more information, call Carol Shomin at (913) 8974833 or the parish office at (913) 371-1408. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA, LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE 503 Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Feb. 25 at 12:30 p.m.

There will be a rosary, followed by a business meeting. A social will follow. If you know of a member or their family member in distress, sick or in need of the circle’s prayers, contact Theresa Smith-Lawton at (785) 6401403. If you are interested in or would like more information about the Daughters of Isabella, call Marilyn Unrein at (785) 2308448 or Cindy Keen at (785) 228-9863.

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Class begins Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. St. John the Evangelist School 1208 Kentucky St., Lawrence

A reasonable course fee is charged and online registration is required at: www.ccli. org. Call Shannon or John Rasmussen at (785) 749-1015 for this class or an online class at live-the-love.org.

WOMEN’S DAY OF REFLECTION St. Paul Parish 900 Honeysuckle Dr., Olathe March 24 from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

This will be a day of music and reflection. The topic will be “Women of the Bible,” presented by ValLimar Jansen, a highly regarded singer, composer and Christian recording artist. Registration forms may be obtained at the St. Paul Parish office or online at: www.spcatholic.org/wosp. The registration deadline is March 1. The cost is $30 and includes breakfast and lunch. For more information, call Linda Gfeller at (913) 839-3786 or Suzy Werner at (785) 565-8606.

‘AN EVENING OF SONG’ Corpus Christi Parish 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy, Lawrence March 3 at 6 p.m.

The evening features the adult choir, handbell choir, children’s choir and parish instrumentalists. The concert will include songs from their CD, “Cantate Per Annum,” and much more. The suggested donation is a freewill offering. There will be refreshments in the Holy Family Hall following the concert.

ST. JOSEPH TABLE AND PASTA DINNER St. Joseph Parish (McDevitt Hall) 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee Feb. 16, 23 and March 2

The St. Joseph Table will be blessed at 8:30 a.m. Viewing will be until 2 p.m. A variety of items will be for sale. A pasta dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. The suggested donation is a freewill offering. Proceeds will benefit the needy in the parish and the Shawnee community. For more information, call Christine Marion at (913) 268-6677.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE Precious Blood Renewal Center 2130 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri March 2 - 4

This is a weekend away for those who are widowed, separated and divorced — those who are suffering the loss of a love relationship and feel left out by their church and uneasy around married friends. This weekend offers an opportunity to focus on an experience of positive growth and turn the pain of loss into a new beginning. For more information, visit the website at: beginningexperience.org; send an email to: register.bekc@gmail.com; or call Lori at (913) 980-2026.

‘DEAD MAN WALKING’ AUTHOR TO SPEAK KU Memorial Union (Woodruff Auditorium) 1301 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence March 5 at 7 p.m.

Sister Helen Prejean will give a talk advocating against the death penalty. Book sales/ signing and reception with drinks and cookies follow the event.

LINGER OVER COFFEE LENTEN SERIES Marillac Center 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Feb. 20 - March 20 Tuesdays during Lent from 10:30 a.m. - noon Feb. 27 - “Knocking on the Door” March 6 - “Opening the Door” March 13 - “Standing on the Threshold” March 20 - “Closing the Door”

DAY OF REFLECTION Holy Trinity Parish 13615 W. 92nd St., Lenexa March 10 from 8 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

The speaker will be Sister Anne Marie Walsh, SOLT. From her study of spiritual theology, theology of the body, and women’s issues in our culture and church, she will speak on “The Mysteries of God’s Love in Creation - Reclaiming a Sacramental Vision of the World.” Registration before March 1 is $10 per person. Registration after March 1 or at the door is $15 per person. Send checks and your name, phone number, address and home parish to: Joan Putman, 25103 W. 98th St., Lenexa KS 66227. Call her at (316) 6164339 with questions.

DAY OF REFLECTION Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea 22779 Metcalf, Bucyrus March 10 from 7:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.

There will be inspirational speakers, a light brunch and an opportunity for prayer and reconciliation. To register, send $10 to Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea, 22779 Metcalf, Bucyrus, KS 66013, attn: Altar Society. Send an email to: dkerra53@yahoo.com with questions.

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 - Double mausoleum at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. St. John Corridor, tier A, crypt 6. Asking $10,000. Call Janet at (913) 522-0489. For sale - Two cemetery plots side by side at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kansas City, Kan. Owner will pay transfer fees. Single plot $2900; both plots $5000. The going rate for these plots is $3750 - $4200 each. Call or text Joan and Don at (816) 5364838.

CAREGIVING 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.benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591 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. Medication support - Need help filling weekly pill boxes? Need daily medication reminders? We can provide these services in your home with daily or weekly visits. Call to learn about our exciting new medication solutions that allow you to continue living safely at home. Call Home Connect Health at (913) 627- 9222. Just like family - Let us care for your loved ones in their homes. Two ladies with over 50 years’ combined experience. Looking for night shift coverage, some days. Great price, great references. Both experienced with hospice care. Call Kara at (913) 3431602 or Ophelia at (913) 570-7276. Situation wanted - Retired nurse will do private care. Available 24/7. Has experience in cosmetology and massage therapy. Has hospice background. Call (913) 938-4765.

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

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. For sale - Estate home in gated community. 1.5-story traditional main level with open lower level walkout and many windows. Lot backs to field, pond and woods. Dream home for your family! For info: Luke Laser at RE-MAX Best Associates, (217) 317-1684, or Lukelaser@gmail.com. Listed under appraisal. Meticulously maintained by current owners — JoCo parishioners for 26 years. Bring offers! 8401 Maplewood Lane, Lenexa, KS 66215.

PILGRIMAGE Pilgrimage to Medjugorje - from April 26 through May 3, 2018. Call (913) 449-1806 for details.

Want to help someone heal from an abortion?

Call or text 913-621-2199

FEBRUARY 16, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

Hurry up and read this

FIRST WEEK OF LENT Feb. 18 FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT Gn 9: 8-15 Ps 25: 4-9 1 Pt 3: 8-22 Mk 1: 12-15 Feb. 19 Monday Lv 19: 1-2, 11-18 Ps 19: 8-10, 15 Mt 25: 31-46 Feb. 20 Tuesday Is 55: 10-11 Ps 34: 4-7, 16-19 Mt 6: 7-15 Feb. 21 Peter Damian, bishop, doctor of the church Jon 3: 1-10 Ps 51: 3-4, 12-13, 18-19 Lk 11: 29-32 Feb. 22 THE CHAIR OF ST. PETER THE APOSTLE 1 Pt 5: 1-4 Ps 23: 1-6 Mt 16: 13-19 Feb. 23 Polycarp, bishop, martyr Ez 18: 21-28 Ps 130: 1-8 Mt 5: 20-26 Feb. 24 Saturday Dt 26: 16-19 Ps 119: 1-2, 4-5, 7-8 Mt 5: 43-48

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“O

h, for the love of Pete!” I’ve said this a lot lately. I really didn’t know the origin of the expression, but found that it’s actually a euphemism that circumvents a person using the name of God in place of Pete. That’s the good thing. The bad thing is that phrase signifies impatience. The word “patience” comes from the Latin word for “suffering.” Being patient is definitely suffering for me. Somehow, the older I’ve gotten, the more impatient I’ve become. And, judging from the many confessions I’ve heard over the years, it’s pretty much a universal struggle. Heck, we’ve just celebrated Ash Wednesday and I’m already itching for Easter to arrive. Part of the problem is our speeded-up world. New music can be instantly downloaded to our phones or tablets — after appropriate payment, naturally. We can switch to any of dozens or hundreds of stations on our TVs without leaving our chair, searching for something good to watch. We zap meals in the microwave or Instant

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.

Pot. We’re so addicted to speed that we’re thrilled Amazon can same-day deliver to our area now, relieved to be released from that incredibly slow two-day delivery. Some of the impatience, however, we bring upon ourselves. We overschedule things and leave inadequate time to get from place to place, causing us to curse drivers having the audacity to drive the speed limit or people intentionally slowing down “our” line at the grocery store. So, to teach us to grow in holiness through patience, God gives us

these long six weeks of Lent. Yes, Easter will come . . . but on its own time. It’s the same with holiness: It will come . . . but only with time. To be more patient this past week, I’ve been repeating the responsorial psalm from last Sunday: “I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble and you fill me with the joy of salvation.” It’s made me realize that in times of trouble (waiting), I turn to me, and the result is not joy, but impatience. So, add another thing to what I’m working on this Lenten season. Scouring the internet for suggestions on cultivating patience led me to some practical ideas, like taking deep breaths, slowing down, practicing gratitude and paying attention to what triggers an impatient reaction.

Other helpful hints are to remember what’s really important, to take a “time out” when tense and to think before speaking or sending an email. One of my favorite suggestions, though, comes from Jane Bolton, a therapist, who recommends embracing the uncomfortable. In a stressful situation, try saying, “This is merely uncomfortable, not intolerable.” That change of perspective can work wonders on settling jangling nerves. The simplest solution, though, is probably this one: just laugh! For us Christians, there’s no more powerful way to derail impatience than prayer. I have a favorite one that I use now and then. When I went to find the book it was in, I suspect God had a hand in it, as it was the first one I picked up . . . and there was even a bookmark on the page. (OK, Lord, I get it. I get it.) I’ve used it here before, but it bears repeating. Found in Brian Cavanaugh’s “Fresh Packet of Sower’s Seeds,” it’s called the Prayer for Tongue Control: “O Lord, keep me from getting talkative,

and particularly from the fatal habit that I must say something on every subject at every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips when inclined to tell of my aches and pains. They are increasing with the years and my love of rehearing them grows sweeter as the years go by. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that I may be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet. I don’t want to be a saint. Some of them are hard to live with, but a sour old woman or man is one of the crowning works of the devil. Help me to extract all possible fun out of life. There are so many funny things around, and I don’t want to miss any of them. Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful, but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all. But you, my Lord, know that I want a few friends left at the end.” Quick! Gimme a hearty “Amen!”

Readers bring themselves to Scripture interpretation

striking image of sacred Scripture compares it to a mirror. When we peer into it, we see ourselves and our world more clearly. We gain insights into the true nature of ourselves and those around us, our purpose and the purpose of our world. Consequently, sometimes a Scripture passage will mean different things to different people. It reflects something of who they are. By no means does this imply that Scripture is wishy-washy, that it can say whatever we want. Instead, it tells us that God wishes to speak to each of us, no matter what situation we might find ourselves in, no matter what kind of person we are. God will sometimes

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

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

personalize the message to fit us. We see an example of that in Sunday’s Gospel reading, Mk 1:12-15.

POPE FRANCIS

All three synoptic Gospels present an account of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. On the other hand, only Mark’s account includes the detail: “He was among wild beasts.” What does this mean? The interpretation of that passage will vary according to what type of person you are. For example, if you are a tree-hugger, if

Catholics should use the season of Lent to look for signs and symptoms of being under the spell of false prophets and of living with cold, selfish and hateful hearts, Pope Francis said. Together with “the often bitter medicine of the truth,” the church — as mother and teacher — offers people “the soothing remedy of prayer, almsgiving and fasting,” the pope said in his message for Lent, which begins Feb. 14 for Latin-rite Catholics. The pope also invited all non-Catholics who are disturbed by the

you look upon all wild animals as friendly, if you follow St. Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis’ lead, if you feel close to nature, then you might interpret it to mean that Jesus lived in harmony with the animals during the time he spent in the desert. He would be living the vision of the prophet Isaiah: “Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra’s den, and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair” (11:6-8).

On the other hand, if you view wild animals with apprehension, if the thought of desert wildlife brings to mind rattlesnakes, scorpions and coyotes, then you might understand the passage to mean that Jesus was able to withstand these dangers during his sojourn in the desert. You might see these wild animals as representatives of the demons that infested the desert and tempted Jesus. Both of these interpretations, although very different, are possible. You choose, depending on the type of person you are. In either case, though, God is speaking to you.

increasing injustice, inertia and indifference in the world, to “join us then in raising our plea to God in fasting and in offering whatever you can to our brothers and sisters in need.” The pope’s Lenten message, which was released at the Vatican Feb. 6, looked at Jesus’ apocalyptic discourse to the disciples on the Mount of Olives, warning them of the many signs and calamities that will signal the end of time and the coming of the Son of Man. — CNS

FEBRUARY 16, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

Deacons serve as bridge between church and laity

am frequently asked about what a deacon is supposed to “do” at Mass. While who a deacon is goes well beyond what he does in the liturgy, his specific, seemingly minor roles at Mass are far from arbitrary. Rather, they bring to the forefront the church’s fundamental call to loving service. One example of this is the prayer of the faithful at Mass. In parishes that have a deacon, the people have probably noticed that when the deacon is at Mass, he is the one announcing the intentions, and not the lay reader. Why? Well, clearly the lay faithful can read the

ORDAINED TO SERVE

LEON SUPRENANT Leon Suprenant is the co-director of the office of the permanent diaconate. He may be reached by email at: leons@archkck.org.

petitions when there is no deacon at Mass, but this is one of those

“specific, seemingly minor roles” that the church assigns to the deacon. The deacon isn’t bumping the lay reader, but simply exercising his duty. The deacon has the role of announcing the intentions at Mass, with the priest introducing this part of the Mass

and concluding it with a prayer, to which all the faithful respond, “Amen.” As part of his threefold ministry of word, liturgy and charity, the deacon provides a crucial link between the priest and the laity. In ministering to the people of the parish and working alongside them, he perceives their material and spiritual needs and brings them to the attention of the community, especially during the prayer of the faithful. For that reason, it is fitting that the deacon should write the petitions himself or work with worship teams in doing so. Either way, it should be understood that this

is an essential part of the deacon’s liturgical ministry. Deacon James Keating writes that the deacon’s role in the prayer of the faithful involves seeking to voice the deepest desires, wounds and hopes of the community. In other words, this prayer should emerge from the “spiritual eyes” within the heart of a deacon. It is often said that the deacon has a foot in two worlds — one in the church and one in the secular world. He is a bridge between the institutional church and others who are coming to know Christ. The deacon brings the poor to the church and the church to the poor.

On the one hand, the deacon, as the church’s representative, helps to bring Christ in word and sacrament to the faithful. On the other hand, the deacon represents the people of God and walks alongside them to help them unite their lives to the offering of Christ and to pray for the salvation and well-being of all. Lastly, there’s an important correspondence between the deacon’s role as a herald of the Gospel and his role as an articulator of the needs of the church in the general intercessions. He not only proclaims the Gospel, but also listens to and voices the response of the faithful to the Gospel.

Protect a birth mother’s choice by contacting your legislator

here was a time not long ago when almost every living human recognized that the ideal situation for a child was a home with a married mother and father. Of course, the world being what it is this side of Eden, life’s messiness often intervened to thwart such arrangements. In those cases, people did the best they could to deal with difficult circumstances, often through heroic efforts by single mothers. But the ideal was a given, made obvious by the basic facts of biology and lived experience. However, recent years have witnessed the swiftest social transformation in the history of mankind.

CHURCH AND STATE

MICHAEL SCHUTTLOFFEL Michael Schuttloffel is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

Without congressional hearings, or any other semblance of the proverbial “national conversation” one would expect

from a democracy about to undertake such a dramatic rupture with 5,000 years of human civilization, it became suddenly understood that children do not need mothers and fathers. Instead, they need only what arrangements adults want them to need. To hesitate in accepting the new dispensation became not merely out of

date, but bigotry. Thus it was that in 2006, Catholic Charities of Boston was forced to close its adoption ministry because it would only place children in homes where they would have a mother and a father. After over 100 years of serving those in need and achieving a national reputation for placing the hardest-to-place kids, Catholic Charities’ policy that every child wants and deserves a mom and a dad was deemed discrimination by the state of Massachusetts. And they were shut down. Similar closures have followed in Illinois, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The ACLU and other agents of militant secularism are on the warpath, determined to crush faith-based

Visit the website at: www.ProtectAdoptionChoice. org to learn more and contact your state representative and senator. adoption ministries that operate according to religious principles they don’t like. The forces of love and tolerance will not rest until anyone who disagrees with them is reduced to the status of second-class citizenship. In response, seven states have passed laws protecting faith-based adoption agencies. Kansas is considering similar legislation that needs your support, dear reader. The bill before the Kansas Legislature does not in any way affect the legal right of same-sex couples to adopt children, which has been established nationwide.

What the legislation would do is ensure that faith-based adoption providers will not be punished by the government for operating according to their religious beliefs. Consider that somewhere, there is a birth mother about to make the agonizing choice to let go of her child. Her final wish for her baby is a forever home where the child will be raised to share her religious beliefs, and will have the gift of a mom and a dad. Then there are those who would use the coercive power of the government to deny her this choice. Whose side are you on?

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FEBRUARY 16, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Kindergartner Adelynn Schulz and dad Chris do a little slow dancing at the Mater Dei daddy-daughter dance.

Third-grader Anisah Hidalgo and her dad Mark walk the red carpet to the dance room.

First-grader Jozelle Sotelo and her dad Jose show off their dance moves.

‘I LOVED HER FIRST’ By Carolyn Kaberline Special to The Leaven

OPEKA — Preschooler Maddie Nichol giggled with delight as her father Jason Nichol spun her around, often literally sweeping her off her feet. Around them, other father-daughter couples danced to the music, as disco-type lights brightened the Mater Dei gym, transforming it into a magical place for the school’s second daddy-daughter dance. “The PTO asked parents for input about the activities they would like to see, and this was on the list,” said Andrea Hillebert, Mater Dei principal. “They implemented it last year, and it was such a big success, they brought it back. “Mindy Gilgannon, a member of the PTO board,” Hillebert continued, “has taken the lead on this event, and she selected the theme for this year. This year, it was: ‘Ties and Tiaras.’ Last year, it was ‘Sparkle and Shine.’” During the course of the evening, the couples danced to a variety of tunes provided by DJs Drew and Karen Walker of Solid Rock Sound Machine. Dance titles ranged from the “Texas Two-Step” and “La Macarena” to “The Twist” and the ever-popular “Chicken Dance.” Some tunes saw the fathers letting their daughters go it alone; others led to the group singing along with songs as they danced. And, of course, there were plenty of refreshments provided by the PTO. “I think our ladies enjoy a reason to dress up and come and dance the night away,” said Hillebert. “Our gentlemen guests treat them to a night of fun. We are so blessed by the positive male role

models we have in our community.” While some of the participants listed the “music, refreshments and being with their friends” as the best part of the evening, others told of how special the event was to them. Fourth-grader Beatrice Herreman noted that “usually girls spend time with their moms, but this is a time to spend with our dads.” Miranda Hillebert, an eighth-grader, believed that activities like this helped to build unity in the school. “Spending time with our dads helps bring the whole school together,” she said. “The dads will start talking to each other when the kids get together and dance. It makes for a closer bond.” The fathers also believed the dance was something special. For Nichol, the dance was “a great time to spend with my daughter Maddie. It shows her how important she is. It’s one night a year for just the two of us to have a fancy dinner and time together.” Jim Grollmes of Perry found the evening extra-special since it was his granddaughter, sixth-grader Katherine Bartlett, who had asked him to accompany her — to her first dance. “It’s a beautiful opportunity where we can spend time together,” he said, “and walk down a red carpet.” For most, the two-hour event seemed to end too soon, but there is little doubt it will become an annual event. “We also hold an event for moms and sons,” Hillebert said, “our ‘Mom and Son Knight.’” “That event is not a dance,” she hastened to add. “Last year, we played bubble soccer,” she said. “This year, we hosted a gaming night.”

From left to right, kindergartners Lauren Bradney, Adelynn Schulz, Raelyn Siemieniewski, Lilly Ijams and Morgan Teske enjoy the tunes provided by DJs Drew and Karen Walker of Solid Rock Sound Machine.

Sixth-grader Katie Bartlett shares a dance with her grandfather Jim Grollmes.

PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER