02-17-12 Vol. 33 No. 26

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 33, NO. 26 FEBRUARY 17, 2012

BATTLE LINES DRAWN Archbishop Naumann pans president’s ‘fix’

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By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — On Feb. 10, President Barack Obama offered a policy change to a birth control mandate in his health care reform plan.

Some have called the policy change a compromise, while others called it an accommodation.

The bishops called it unacceptable.

“We were not consulted in advance,” said the bishops in a U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops statement. “Today’s proposal continues . . . to threaten government coercion of religious people and groups to violate their deeply held convictions.”

Among the bishops who vigorously oppose the mandate is Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. He gave The Leaven an opportunity to sit down with him and have a conversation about his concerns about the mandate.

Q.

You said in your initial reaction to President Obama’s Feb. 10 press conference that his announcement gave you “a glimmer of hope.”

Has your assessment changed?

A.

When I said glimmer of hope, I meant the glimmer was that the president was saying what had been promulgated on Jan. 20 wasn’t necessarily the final decision. He seemed to understand, at least, [that] what had been proposed was not acceptable. As I understand it, and we still don’t have adequate details on what the president is actually proposing, but from what I understand of his so-called accommodation, it isn’t adequate.

Q. It still has problems?

A. It has numerous problems, the most fundamental problem being

that the insurance providers for reli-

President Barack Obama unveiled a compromise on the federal mandate on contraceptive coverage on Feb. 10 with Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. Obama outlined a plan that would allow religious employers not to offer such services to their employees but would compel insurance companies to do so. Cardinal-elect Timothy Dolan (far right) of New York said that U.S. bishops do not see the White House as truly willing to accommodate their concerns over infringements on religious freedom. Likewise, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has spoken out against the mandate, saying there are still numerous problems with it. gious institutions would be required to provide these so-called services. That seems to be [what others] have called an “accounting gimmick,” because it’s impossible not to believe that the insurance providers are going to pass this cost back to their clients, the church.

There is no such thing as free services.

Someone has to pay for these. The idea that so long as the insurance company is the one paying for it, but we’re being mandated to purchase insurance that provides this, it’s still a problem. I don’t think the accommodation is really an accommodation.

Q. The concerns about free-

dom of religion and conscience remain?

A.

Right now, this is still an attack on freedom of conscience. It doesn’t do anything for entities that would be insured by a self-insurance program as we are here at the archdiocese. We are our own insurance carrier, so this doesn’t do anything in those circumstances. In other circumstances, it creates an appearance of something that is different, but there is no substantive difference.

It also does nothing to protect individuals who object because of con-

science. In effect, it would exclude any practicing Catholic [from] being involved in health insurance, because they’ll have to provide these so-called preventive services.

Q.

Do you see the mandate as ideologically driven?

A.

I think it’s a very serious assumption that underlies these policies. . . . women’s fertility and pregnancy are treated as a disease.

See “ARCHBISHOP” on page 4

LENTEN REGULATIONS

All Catholics 14 years of age and older are obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, and all Fridays of Lent. Catholics 18 to 59 years of age are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday — a fast consisting of one normal meal and two lesser meals, with no eating in between. It is also recommended that Catholics find opportunities throughout the Lenten season to complement their fasts with prayer, reception of the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist, and positive works of charity.

CONFESSION

The sacrament of reconciliation will once again be made available at most churches in the archdiocese from 6-7 p.m. every Wednesday of Lent.

2 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 17, 2012

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Great expectations

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

Proposed ‘accommodation’ insults the intelligence of people of faith

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id anybody think when President Obama and the Congress were reforming health care that the real crisis they were attempting to solve was an insufficient supply of contraceptive and abortifacient drugs available to Americans?

If these were such critical issues, it seems odd that in the thousands of pages of text for the Affordable Health Care Act there is no mention of the fact that religious institutions and individuals were going to be coerced against their conscience to provide so-called “preventive health services.” Did anyone think that health care reform meant an abdication of religious freedom and conscience rights?

Actually, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops opposed the health care reform act because the president and the congressional leadership refused to write into the bill the usual legislative language to exclude abortion and to protect conscience rights. President Obama’s HHS mandates confirmed our fears.

After the firestorm created by the HHS mandates, the president announced last Friday an accommodation, which he claimed solved the problem.

As of this writing, there are still very few details on the president’s proposal. If we have learned anything in dealing with the current administration, the devil is in the details.

The president apparently has proposed that insurance companies, which provide the health care coverage for religious institutions, will be obligated to provide contraceptives, sterilizations and abortifacient drugs free of charge to those insured by religious institutions.

Does anyone believe that the insurance company will not pass this cost on to their clients — the religious institution? This is why Mary Ann Glendon (a Harvard Law professor), Robert George (Princeton philosophy professor), and John Garvey (president of Catholic University) have said: “This so-called accommodation changes nothing of moral substance and fails to remove the assault on religious liberty and the rights of conscience which gave rise to the controversy. . . .

Under the new rule, the government still

coerces religious institutions and individuals to purchase insurance policies that include the very same services. . . . It is an insult to the intelligence of Catholics, Protestants, Eastern Orthodox Christians, Jews, Muslims and other people of faith and conscience to imagine that they will accept an assault on their religious liberty if only it is covered up by a cheap accounting trick.”

Of course, the proposed accommodation appears to do nothing for religious institutions that are self-insured. It also does nothing for small business owners who consider contraception, abortion and sterilization moral evils. Moreover, it seems to exclude Catholics and others who object to abortifacient drugs, contraceptives, and sterilization from being able to provide insurance.

At this point, the assurances of the president to the contrary do not provide much comfort. Frankly, the president has a credibility gap. He promised at Notre Dame that he would protect conscience rights. Yet, his administration has attempted to push forward the most blatant violation by the federal government of the First Amendment in our nation’s history. President Obama promised pro-life Democrats that his health care reform would not fund abortions.

Yet, his Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary has defined ella — an abortifacient morning-after pill — to be a mandated “preventive health service.” After two weeks of stonewalling the objections of Catholic bishops and thousands of other people of faith over the finality of the HHS mandate promulgated on Jan. 20, the president tried to make everyone believe he intended a year of dialogue to work out an acceptable solution.

Why is this a big deal? First of all, if the federal government can force the Catholic Church to provide contraceptives, sterilization and abortifacients as part of a health plan, what will prevent them from trampling on the religious liberty and conscience rights of others?

Moreover, the classification of contraceptives, abortifacients, and sterilizations as preventive health care means that pregnancy and women’s fertility have been classified as a disease. What if the preventive health care fails?

Abby Johnson, author of the book “Unplanned” and the former Employee of the Year for Planned Parenthood of Southeast Texas, has revealed that 50 percent of the abortion clients at her clinic were using contraceptives prior to the pregnancy. Does abortion become the ultimate “cure” for the “disease” of an unwanted pregnancy? How long before all forms of surgical and chemical abortion become mandated health care?

Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and President Obama assert that if you are against abortion, then you should be in favor of the widespread distribution of contraception. On the surface, there even seems to be a certain logic to their position. Yet, the experience of the last 40plus years has shown just the opposite.

The widespread availability of contraception has resulted in a society with more than a million abortions annually, one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the world, and epidemics of sexually transmitted diseases.

Many supported the availability of contraception for noble reasons. They saw it as a help to married couples, who were overwhelmed and stressed with their parental responsibilities. Some felt it was the only response to the panic created by the fear of overpopulation.

They did not foresee the unintended consequences of tampering with God’s design by separating the life-giving and love-giving components of our human sexuality.

It is no surprise that Planned Parenthood appears to be the architect of the Obama-Sebelius health care plan.

Planned Parenthood is the strongest advocate in America for contraception and also, by the way, the largest abortion provider. More than 40 percent of Planned Parenthood’s revenues come from abortion. Johnson, former Planned Parenthood clinic director, left Planned Parenthood because of the pressure placed upon her to increase the number of abortions at her clinic.

Some have mistakenly characterized the current debate as the Catholic Church attempting to deprive women of the availability of contraceptives. This is a complete misreading of the current situation. This is not a controversy the church initiated. The federal government already heavily subsidizes the provision of contraceptives for the poor.

This is not a debate about increasing or decreasing such funding. This is a fight the president has chosen to provoke by insisting on making the church complicit in providing contraception to its own employees.

Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

Feb. 17-19 Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher winter council meeting — Lincoln, Neb. Feb. 20 Vespers and dinner meeting with Pastoral Council Feb. 21 Administrative Team meeting Priests Personnel meeting Confirmation — Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Topeka Feb. 22 Ash Wednesday Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kan. Feb. 23 -24 Kenrick-Glennon Seminary board meeting Visit seminarians Feb. 25 Men Under Construction — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park Benedictine Scholarship Ball

Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar

Feb. 18 Confirmation — Chicago Feb. 22 Ash Wednesday Mass for chancery and pastoral center staff Feb. 25 “The Catholic Way” radio taping

Michelle Obama is to be commended for her efforts to fight childhood obesity.

She has encouraged American youth to exercise more and eat healthily — both forms of self-discipline. To my knowledge, she is not promoting magic diet pills or stomach surgery as preventive health care for obesity. Perhaps, she can influence her husband to take a similar approach in promoting healthy sexual behavior for youth and adults. Maybe then the president could propose a health care policy that respects conscience rights and religious liberty.

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

St. Thomas Aquinas nominated as National Blue Ribbon School

Senior named candidate in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

By Jessica Langdon Leaven staff

OVERLAND PARK — St. Thomas Aquinas High School here had several reasons to celebrate this winter — including a nomination for a prestigious honor.

Aquinas received word that the Council for American Private Education has nominated it as a National Blue Ribbon School.

The nomination alone is no small feat. There are 33,740 private and parochial elementary, middle and high schools across the country. St. Thomas Aquinas was one of only 50 schools CAPE nominated for consideration as a National Blue Ribbon School to the U.S. Department of Education.

News of the nomination arrived soon after St. Thomas Aquinas learned it had — for the fourth time — received the Kansas Department of Education’s Governor’s Achievement Award for 2011.

So this national nomination was a “really big deal” on top of a big deal, president Dr. Bill Ford said.

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and nonpublic elementary, middle, and high schools where students achieve at very high levels and/or where the achievement gap is narrowing,” reads the program’s website. “The program sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement.”

Confident their school met the criteria for the Blue Ribbon designation that recognizes high performance, St. Thomas Aquinas administrators submitted their application to CAPE. One line from the application process resonates in particular with Ford: “There’s a lot of good schools in the country — what we’re looking for are great schools.”

That idea reflects what St. Thomas Aquinas has always known it was doing, said Ford.

“We were doing more than good work — we were doing great work — in a lot of sectors,” he said.

The high school strives to follow four core values in everything it does. Those are faith, excellence (with an emphasis on long-term learning), service, and a sense of community.

“We blend all four of those into an experience for all young people,” said Ford, stressing the emphasis of success for all students.

“We take every kid, and we bring them forward to their potential,” he said.

Schools must meet certain academic criteria — including the federal Adequate Yearly Progress measurement and the state’s Academic Performance

Photo courtesy of St. Thomas Aquinas High School

Dr. Bill Ford, president of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, congratulates the Aquinas community for receiving the Governor’s Achievement Award 2011 and being nominated as a National Blue Ribbon School following an all-school Mass on Feb. 2.

“We were doing more than good work — we were doing great work — in a lot of sectors. . . . We take every kid, and we bring them forward to their potential.”

”

Dr. Bill Ford, St. Thomas Aquinas president Index — over five years to qualify for NBRS designation.

Upon learning of the nomination, Ford was quick to thank the faculty and staff for their work.

“They’re committed to teaching each kid, and I think that’s important,” he said. “They’re a dedicated bunch. Many

of them have been here the whole time the school has been open and still give that energy they brought when they were almost kids.”

The classroom is where so much of this happens.

“They believe in the place. They believe in the mission,” Ford said.

The students themselves are driven by a strong work ethic, too, a quality Ford believes begins at home.

“We just have a tremendous amount of parental support for all our programs,” he said. “Without a strong home life, without strong support from home, we probably couldn’t accomplish half of what we do.”

Aquinas administrators will complete some materials and send the final version of their application to the Department of Education. Then they will wait. There is a review process for nominated schools. The U.S. Department of

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com

St. Thomas Aquinas senior Jeffrey Thomas Kraus has been named a candidate in the 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

Kraus, who attended Holy Trinity Grade School in Lenexa, is one of more than 3,000 candidates who were selected from nearly 3.2 million high school students expected to graduate this year.

Kraus is the son of Mary and Martin Kraus.

Dr. Bill Ford, president of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, pointed out that Kraus earned a perfect score on his ACT exam as a junior.

Kraus is a football player and is involved in a lot of other activities, including service.

“He’s just a good kid,” Ford said.

Inclusion in the 48-year-old U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors for graduating seniors. The program selects its scholars based on superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and school and community involvement.

Candidates were selected for exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or the ACT Assessment, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Student essays, self-assessments, school recommendations, transcripts and more will weigh into further consideration. A panel of educators will review submissions and select 500 semifinalists in April.

Then the Commission on Presidential Scholars will make the final selections.

The U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.

Education generally announces the winning National Blue Ribbon Schools in September.

Strong achievements in reading and math played a role in the recognition St. Thomas Aquinas earned as one of 18 high schools in Kansas to receive the prestigious Governor’s Achievement Award.

The award was given to schools that achieved the Standard of Excellence in both subjects.

Additionally, the school was among the top five percent of schools in reading and mathematics based on the Kansas Assessment Tests.

St. Thomas Aquinas was the only high school in Johnson County — Catholic or public, 5A or 6A — to receive the 2011 Governor’s Achievement Award.

The high school also received the governor’s award in 2006, 2007 and 2010.

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.

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THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 17, 2012

LOCAL NEWS 5

4 LOCAL NEWS

Bishops say contraception mandate still flawed

If we permit the president to define abortifacients, contraceptives and sterilizations as preventive medicine, the question is: What is the disease they’re trying to prevent? It seems clear that the disease is pregnancy and women’s fertility. So the next question is: What happens if the preventive medicine isn’t effective? What’s the cure for the disease? I think the answer to that question is abortion. So the whole ideology beneath this is very troubling.

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

What the fuss is all about As presented on Jan. 20, the mandate required employer health plans to cover preventive health care services for women without cost — no co-pays or cost sharing. The employer paid for it.

In his televised address on Feb. 10, the president framed the issue as being one of some religious institutions, particularly the Catholic Church, objecting to “directly providing insurance that covers contraceptive services for their employees.”

His “fix” was to make it indirect.

Now, according to the modification announced, the insurance companies would pay for the mandate. But as Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann (see Q&A on page 4) and other bishops have pointed out, nothing is free. The church would still pay for the mandate, just indirectly.

A letter addressed to all bishops from Archbishop Dolan and four other signatories stated: “It remains unclear as to how insurers will be compensated for the cost of these items, with some commentators suggesting that such compensation will ultimately be derived from the premiums paid by the religious employer.”

Left unchanged was the requirement that all insurers provide coverage for objectionable “services” in all policies — the religious exemption just exempts religious employers from having to pay for them, not cover them. The insur-

Archbishop: Contraception is not health care Continued from page 1

Revised mandate still violates freedom of religion and conscience KANSAS CITY, Kan. — President Barack Obama described the recent modification of his birth control mandate as “basic fairness,” but the U.S. bishops say the “fix” is no fix at all — it still violates freedom of religion and conscience.

On Feb. 10, Obama sought to dampen a blaze of controversy that arose following the Jan. 20 announcement by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius of a birth control mandate that is part of Obama’s 2010 Patient Protection and Affordability Act. In the version of regulations released

by Sebelius in January, some Catholic entities would be forced to provide birth control, sterilization and abortifacients as part of their employee insurance plans — even though to do so would be a violation of the Catholic faith.

American bishops were practically unanimous is their vehement reaction to the mandate, calling it a threat to religious liberty. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann asked pastors to read and distribute his letter of opposition to the HHS mandate at all Masses the weekend of Feb. 4 and 5.

For most employers, the deadline to implement the mandate was Aug. 1, 2012. Church-affiliated nonprofit employers could receive a one-year grace period to figure out how to implement the mandate.

“In effect, the president is saying we have a year to figure out how to violate our consciences,” said Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York of the original mandate.

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Q.

The bishops speaking on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops say that any problems the mandate had before the president’s announcement remain after. Do you concur with your fellow bishops?

A.

CNS photo/Larry Downing, Reuters

U.S. President Barack Obama makes a statement at the White House in Washington, D.C., Feb. 10 about the federal mandate on contraceptive coverage.

Standing next to Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, Obama outlined a plan that would allow religious employers not to offer such services to their employees but would compel insurance companies to do so.

“In effect, the president is saying we have a year to figure out how to violate our consciences.”

”

Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York about the original mandate

ance companies themselves will now, according to the modification, pay for the services of those employees of religious employers wanting to receive the services.

The mandate is also unchanged in both the “services” required and the weak conscience protection language.

One of the eight preventive categories under the contraception mandate is “contraceptive methods and counseling.” These include all Food and Drug Administration–approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures and patient education and counseling for all women with reproductive capability. Some of those contraceptive methods include abortion-inducing chemicals.

The contraceptive/sterilization mandate comes with conscience protections for those who object to the mandate for religious reasons, but the Catholic bishops consider it so narrow as to be worthless.

In order to receive conscience protection, the religious employer must meet a four-part test.

First, a religious employer must have the teaching of religious values as its purpose. Second, it must primarily employ persons who share its religious beliefs. Third, it must primarily serve those who share its religious beliefs.

Fourth, it must be a nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue Service code.

Under the four-part test, parishes, religious orders and seminaries would not be required to follow the mandate.

However, Catholic colleges and universities, charitable organizations, and health care and other entities would have to follow the mandate, even if following it means violating the Catholic faith.

Left out in the cold One problem with the conscience exemption is that it only applies to religious employers, critics say. Private employers — for example, individual Catholic business owners providing health care to their employees —receive no protection whatsoever. Their options are to go along with it or face the force of the federal government.

Another problem with the exemption is that many Catholic entities are left unprotected.

Catholic Charities serves all in need, regardless of faith or creed. Because a significant number of its 250 employees here in the archdiocese and the 85,000 people they serve annually are not Catholic, Catholic Charities would not meet the four-part test.

Neither would most Catholic hospitals.

Catholics comprise only 15 percent of admissions and less than 14 percent of full-time equivalent staff at Catholic hospitals in 2010, according the Catholic Health Association of the United States. Since one in six patients in the United States is cared for in a Catholic hospital, anything that would affect these hospitals would have a large impact on American health care.

The situation at many Catholic colleges and universities is similar as they, too, educate and employee significant numbers of non-Catholics.

Other Catholic entities and not-forprofits would find themselves in the same situation.

U.S. bishops raise objections to contraception mandate The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has raised serious objections to the contraception portion of President Obama’s health care plan: • The plan forces private health plans to cover sterilization, contraception and abortifacients. The regulations violate existing federal conscience laws.

• The plan imposes a burden of unprecedented reach and severity on the conscience of those who consider such “services” immoral. Insurers would be forced to subsidize the coverage, employers would be forced to sponsor and subsidize the coverage, and individuals would be forced to pay premiums for the coverage.

• The plan retains the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s nationwide mandate of coverage for these “services.”

• Some of the proposed changes are still unclear, but there is clearly no protection for self-insured religious employers, religious and secular for-profit employers, secular nonprofit employers, religious insurers or individuals.

The only solution, say the bishops, is for HHS and the president to rescind the mandate of the objectionable items.

For information, go to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops website at: www.usccb.org.

What were we trying to solve with health care reform? The president evidently thinks the major problem is that there isn’t enough contraception being provided to people, and he’s willing to risk all of health care reform for this. I don’t think most people believe, particularly with the state of our economy and our great debt, that the most important thing for the United States to be doing at this time is to make sure everyone has free contraceptives. It’s just baffling the president would give it this kind of importance.

In a Feb. 13 interview with Leaven reporter Joe Bollig, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann outlined his problems with the mandate on contraception included in the health care reform law. Despite President Barack Obama’s compromise, Archbishop Naumann, as well as the bishops of the United States, still see the mandate as a great risk to religious freedom.

Q. Also, is there some confusion over who speaks for Catholics?

good or bad. This is about speaking the truth for our people and guiding them in this very important moral area.

A.

There’s only one group that is empowered to speak for the church. . . .

The bishops are the teachers.

Q.

Are the bishops themselves unified in this matter?

A.

My perception is that the bishops are very unified. I think the bishops, as a body, really appreciate the great risk this is to our religious liberty and freedom, as well as the protection of conscience.

The bishops of the United States objected to the health care reform as it was passed by Congress and signed by the president, because it failed in two areas: to have clear language prohibiting abortion and to have any protections for conscience. Throughout the process, the bishops of the United States called for the inclusion of those clear statements. The Congress failed to do that — much at the president’s bidding. I think what has happened just shows how accurate were those concerns.

Q.

Some have suggested that the bishops should accept the president’s proposal, because it might be the best deal they can get.

A.

This isn’t about making deals or addressing perceptions. Obviously, it’s important to try to convince the wider public of the importance of this. This is about providing moral guidance to our Catholic people and institutions. [The bishops] have to evaluate it on the moral reality, not if people think we’ve won or lost.

This isn’t about the bishops looking

Q.

Some have quoted a study saying most Catholics have used contraception, implying that the mandate has broad support.

A.

The study they’re quoting is from the Guttmacher Institute, which is the research arm of Planned Parenthood. I think you have to realize what the source is.

Again, even people within the church or outside the church who do not agree with our moral view on contraception still do not believe that [people] should be coerced by the federal government to do something against their conscience.

I think this goes back to the earlier discussion. Contraception is not health care. It’s a lifestyle choice. This is not essential health care. This is not treating diseases. I think people are smart enough to understand what’s at stake here.

It’s not fundamentally [an issue of] do we believe in abortion, do we believe in contraception, but do we believe the government can force individuals and institutions to violate their conscience?

This has been the center of the objection. Can the government force individuals and institutions to purchase something that goes against their con-

CONTRACEPTION IS NOT HEALTH CARE. IT’S A LIFESTYLE CHOICE. THIS IS NOT ESSENTIAL HEALTH CARE. THIS IS NOT TREATING DISEASES. I THINK PEOPLE ARE SMART ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND WHAT’S AT STAKE HERE. . . .

CAN THE GOVERNMENT FORCE INDIVIDUALS AND INSTITUTIONS TO PURCHASE SOMETHING THAT GOES AGAINST THEIR CONSCIENCE science, and is that what America is to be about?

Q.

One columnist, Nicholas Kristof, asked if our society should make accommodations across a range of faiths. For example, what if organizations affiliated with the Jehovah’s Witnesses insisted on health insurance that did not cover blood transfusions? His question seems to be how far should we accommodate people in a pluralistic society?

A.

It begs the question, which is, “Ought the government really be the one to provide health care,” because that’s where you get into this problem.

Perhaps what they’re demonstrating is there is no way for the government to provide this and protect religious freedom and conscience rights, and there-

THE BISHOPS OF THE UNITED STATES OBJECTED TO THE HEALTH CARE REFORM AS IT WAS PASSED BY CONGRESS AND SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT, BECAUSE IT FAILED IN TWO AREAS: TO HAVE CLEAR LANGUAGE PROHIBITING ABORTION AND TO HAVE ANY PROTECTIONS FOR CONSCIENCE.

fore we ought to be looking to a free market solution to the health care problem.

Historically, the United States has accommodated religious diversity and hasn’t forced people of faith to do things against their conscience.

Q. What should the laity do?

A. I think the laity should express to the president and their elected rep-

resentatives their desire for the protection of religious liberty and conscience.

The Congress could solve this problem; there are pieces of legislation. The problem is you have a president who is likely to veto any genuine solution, so now the Congress is going to have to have a two-thirds majority to solve this.

But the Congress created the problem.

They empowered the president to be able to make these decisions that failed in the thousands of pages of the health care reform act. With all the words and ink spilled over it, they couldn’t find enough time to specify the conscience rights for Americans.

If we’re going to have governmentcontrolled health care, these things have to be clearly articulated and these protections have to be built into the law.

We can’t trust the administration — or any future administration to interpret these.

6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 17, 2012

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Former educator now teaches healthy eating habits

Ministry serves — and forms —tomorrow’s church leaders

By Therese Horvat

Call to Share helps the archdiocese reach out to the Hispanic community

Special to The Leaven

LEAVENWORTH — She’s been a teacher, a presenter and a workshop facilitator. She loves to talk. She injects wit and humor into whatever she does.

Because of this, Sister Noreen Walter is a natural when it comes to being a leader in the Leavenworth/Lansing area Weight Watchers program. She made lifetime member status in the weight control program in 2004 — meaning that she met her weight loss goal at the time. In spring 2011, she applied and completed training to be a leader. And now she’s facilitating one of three weekly Weight Watchers groups in Leavenworth.

“I really, really enjoy it,” Sister Noreen said. “I tease the group that I became a leader to keep my weight control goal. But, I believe in the program’s service philosophy.”

In fact, Sister Noreen, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth and director of Marillac Center retreat and spirituality ministry, considers being a Weight Watchers leader a ministry.

“It’s not a diet. It’s a lifestyle change that takes in the whole person,” she said. “I’m teaching and coaching people to make simple meals with real food and to eat more healthily.”

In a recent session, Sister Noreen

By Father Pat Murphy, cs

Special to The Leaven

I

have been working in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas for almost nine years and from time to time people ask: Why do we have an office of Hispanic ministry?

This is a great question. Let me give you 600,000 reasons why we need Hispanic ministry. A recent study done by Gastón Espinosa, associate professor of religious studies at Claremont McKenna College in California, stated: “Each year as many as 600,000 U.S. Latinos leave the Catholic Church for other Christian denominations.”

This is, indeed, a challenging set of statistics that clearly say why we need to have an office of Hispanic ministry here in the archdiocese. Simply put, if we do not welcome the Hispanic/Latino community, there are many other religions ready to step up to the plate and say, “Mi iglesia es tu iglesia” (“My church is your church”).

Thanks to the Archbishop’s Call To Share, our archdiocese has striven to offer a great Kansas welcome to the over 100,000 people who have identified themselves in the 2010 census as being Hispanic and living in our area.

Yes, thanks to all of you who contribute to Call To Share, we are able to offer the following missionary outreach from the office of Hispanic ministry: • a three-year faith formation program that meets weekly to prepare 33 leaders for the new evangelization • a certification program for 21 catechists that meets weekly to prepare new catechists • a Biblical Pastoral Institute that functions in four different regions of the archdiocese with over 100 students

enrolled and studying the Bible over a two-year period • a dynamic evangelization process called CINE (Communities Integrated for the New Evangelization) that uses the Light of the World retreat model that offers people a weekend encounter with the Lord and a process of small communities in which people meet on a weekly basis to share their faith; we currently have 28 communities.

• We offer a variety of retreat programs throughout the year: Cursillo, Impactos family retreat, and regional quinceañeras retreats.

• We organize a variety of formation programs and opportunities every year, such as: workshops for choirs, liturgical ministries, lay ministry in the church, pastoral planning, Project Rachel in Spanish and also one on human relationships.

Yes, much has been done in our efforts to say, “Here I am, Lord,” in terms of ministering to the Hispanic community. But much more needs to be done if we are to keep the Hispanic community in the Catholic Church.

In the name of those I am privileged to serve, I thank you for your ongoing support of the Archbishop’s Call to Share.

LOCAL NEWS 7

Sister Noreen Walter, SCL, facilitates a Weight Watchers group in Leavenworth. Sister Noreen considers being a Weight Watchers leader a ministry. “It’s not a diet. It’s a lifestyle change that takes in the whole person,” she said. sparked her Thursday morning group with Super Bowl trivia. Then she discussed healthy snacks for Super Bowl parties and invited suggestions from participants who shared recipes and food substitution suggestions.

Sister Noreen credits Weight Watchers with teaching her how to cook. She cooked before, but she didn’t enjoy it.

Now, she volunteers to cook in the

convent where she lives in Leavenworth. She makes a mean Salisbury steak with rice and vegetables. And there’s the tasty — and healthy —tilapia with a cherry almond topping.

A lifelong educator and student, Sister Noreen values the resources available to her as a Weight Watchers leader and to program participants. Following weekly weigh-ins, she gives a “lesson”

geared to adult learners.

“People leave the meeting with information that will motivate them and help them succeed,” Sister Noreen said.

Participants in the program have access to recipes and fitness advice, she added. They learn about fruit and vegetables as power foods. They receive a weekly publication.

“I always ask myself, ‘What are they going to learn that will be helpful to them?’” Sister Noreen said. “As part of a group, the participants are wellinformed, and they feel cared about.”

Sister Noreen recognizes that weight maintenance is the hardest part. She’s been there, done that, lost and gained weight herself over the years. She believes if people reach weight maintenance and commit to a lifestyle change, the program works for them.

Leavenworth area Weight Watchers meetings are hosted at Southern Heights United Methodist Church, 726 Muncie Road. Sister Noreen’s sessions are Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.; additional meetings are offered by other leaders on Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m.

To register or for information, visit the website at: www.weightwatchers. com. Sister Noreen said interested persons can arrive one half hour before the meeting and sign up, or attend one session free to see the program in action.

Concrete Work

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

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

With the Hispanic population in the United States on the rise, the need for Hispanic ministry in the archdiocese is greater than ever.

More than 100,000 people in the area identify themselves as Hispanic. A recent study has shown that each year as many as 600,000 U.S. Latinos leave the Catholic Church.

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“Come fall in love with lovebird”

Hall for Rent Join Us for the 16th Annual

Healing Mass & Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick 10 a.m. on March 10, 2012 at Curé of Ars, 94th and Mission Rd., Leawood, KS

C

entrally located in downtown Shawnee, we offer seating for 250, dance floor, fully functional kitchen with walk in cooler, ice machine, tables & chairs, handicap accessible and audio equipment.

11221Johnson Drive | (913)631-9842 shawneeknights@gmail.com Mention this ad and receive 10% off rental

Celebrant will be Archbishop Emeritus James Keleher

Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing.

Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas.

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

“We constantly hear how grateful children are that their parents had things taken care of. Have you done this for your children?”

The anointing of the sick in both dioceses will be administered to Catholics whose health is seriously impaired by illness or old age. All are invited to participate. The ceremony will follow the Lourdes pilgrimage format.

Among those who may be anointed, the ritual mentions, in particular: • Those undergoing a surgery whenever serious illness is the reason • Elderly people when they have become noticabley weakened even if no serious illness is present • Sick children if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by the sacrament We are asking those who wish to receive the sacrament at Mass, to register by mail using the form below, or call 913-649-3260 and leave your name.

Name cards are made for those receiving the sacrament.

FUNERAL HOME • CREMATORY • MEMORIAL CHAPELS

Name ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10901 Johnson Drive Shawnee, Kansas 66203 Telephone 913-631-5566 Fax 913-631-2236

Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Parish __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please mail the form to: Order of Malta, P.O. Box 7270, KCMO 64113

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co.

Gregg Amos

www.amosfamily.com

S

ometime around the great American festivals of Super Bowl Sunday and Groundhog Day begins the quintessential Catholic season of Lent.

The exact date is contingent on the date of Easter, which is set as the Sunday following the paschal full moon, which is the full moon that falls on or after the vernal (spring) equinox.

If that isn’t confusing enough, the full moon is calculated to be the 14th day of the lunar month.

Suffice to say, Lent begins this year on Feb. 22.

What makes Lent so Catholic is that, unlike Advent, most Protestant denominations haven’t usually celebrated it as a special season. (Although that is changing with even some evangelicals now “doing Lent.”)

But almost since the beginning of the church, the six weeks starting with Ash Wednesday and concluding with Holy Thursday have been set aside as a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving in preparation for the Easter celebration.

It is the time, as Pope Benedict XVI said in 2010, that “the church invites us to a sincere review of our life in light of the teachings of the Gospel.”

As we enter into this sacred season, let’s take a look at some of its special characteristics.

By any other name

Mardi Gras

In most countries, the name for the season reflects the Latin term “quadragesima,” which refers to the fortieth day before Easter — as in the Spanish cuaresma, Portuguese quaresma, French carême, and Italian quaresima. Our word “Lent” comes from the AngloSaxon words “lencten,” meaning “spring,” and “lenctentid,” or “springtide,” which is also the word for March, since most of Lent generally falls during that month.

The Tuesday before Lent officially begins is a traditional time of festivity before the Lenten fast begins. The term “Mardi Gras,” French for “Fat Tuesday,” refers to the custom of eating all the eggs, butter, milk, cream, and meat in the house so they didn’t go to waste during the time of fasting.

In England, in particular, the dairy products were used to make pancakes, giving rise to the name Pancake Tuesday. In other parts of the world, it was customary to go to confession on this day (to be “shrove” of one’s sins), contributing to the other common name, Shrove Tuesday.

Today, Mardi Gras often marks the end of the “Carnival season,” a time of often ribald celebration starting on Epiphany. The most famous Carnivals are held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and New Orleans.

the faithful must “fulfill with their fasts the apostolic institution of the 40 days.”

It’s safe to say that by the Council of Nicea in 325, Lent was clearly established as a 40-day period of discipline prior to Easter. Over the centuries, church regulations regarding the exact nature of the Lenten fast have changed from fasting for six days of the week (Sundays were always excluded) and abstaining from all meat and dairy products throughout the entire 40 days, to the present regulations established after the Second Vatican Council.

A bit of history As early as the year 200, Christians were using the days before Easter for spiritual preparation, primarily prayer and fasting. St. Irenaeus (d. 203) wrote to Pope St. Victor I about the length of the Lent fast, saying some people fast a day or two, others for 40 hours, indicating that such practices began “in the time of our forefathers,” which is commonly understood to mean the time of the apostles.

By the fourth century, St. Athanasius was preaching about a 40day fast and by the midfifth century, Pope St. Leo was instructing that

Fasting and abstinence The laws of the church maintain that: • All Catholics 14 years old and older must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all the Fridays of Lent.

• Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

• Fasting means taking only one full meal and two other smaller meals that don’t equal a full meal.

Why 40 days?

The number 40 holds a special significance in the Jewish faith. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai, it rained for 40 days (and nights) while Noah was in the ark, Jonah spent 40 days admonishing the people of Nineveh to repent, and the Jewish people spent 40 years wandering in the desert.

Jesus himself spent 40 days in the wilderness in preparation for his public ministry. Christians soon adopted the number 40 for the days of intense preparation for those new converts who would be baptized at the Easter Vigil.

When counting the days of Lent, Sundays have never been included because each Sunday is to be considered a “miniEaster” commemorating the resurrection of Our Lord.

Therefore, fasting and other disciplines are not appropriate on the days that celebrate our salvation.

Give it up!

Traditionally, Catholics “give up” something for Lent — candy, alcohol, cigarettes or other “vices” being common.

The idea behind the practice is the development of self-discipline and self-denial in order to strengthen one’s moral resolve and

Entering into Lent

By Woodeene Koenig-Bricker

Lenten prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian O Lord and Master of my life, keep from me the spirit of indifference and discouragement, lust of power and idle chatter. Instead, grant to me, Your servant, the spirit of wholeness of being, humble-mindedness, patience, and love. O Lord and King, grant me the grace to be aware of my sins and not to judge my brother; for You are blessed now and ever and forever.

Amen.

Scriptures for Lent PRAYER “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thes 5: 16-18).

FASTING “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get” (Mt 6:16).

ALMSGIVING “ . . . for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me” (Mt 25:35-36).

build character. While self-sacrifice is an important component of Lenten devotion, sometimes a more positive spin is put on it by encouraging positive actions like attending daily Mass, saying the rosary or performing acts of charity instead of simply “giving something up.”

Regardless of whether you give up or add on, all Catholics are encouraged to do something special — and at least a bit challenging — during these special days.

10 LOCAL NEWS Moses and Lydia Conchola, members of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Kansas City, Kan., celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Feb. 16. Their children and their spouses are: Maria and Michael Mendoza; Theresa and Dwaine ANNIVERSARIES Schmitt; Robert and Rita Conchola; Gregory Conchola; and Daniel and Janette Conchola. They also have 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Bertha and Joseph Rohrer, members of St. Joseph Parish, Wathena, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Feb. 18. Their children and their spouses are: Fred and Sandy Rohrer; Larry and Theresa Rohrer; Mary Jane Harris; Lawrence and Becky Rohrer; and Raymond and Lisa Rohrer. A daughter, Therese, is deceased. They also have nine grandchildren.

Rose (Simonich) and Albert Janes, members of Holy Family Parish, Kansas City, Kan., celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Feb. 15. The couple was married on Feb. 15, 1947, at Holy Family. Their children and their spouses are: Albert Janes Jr., Kansas City, Kan.; Robert and Karen Janes, Lenexa; Janet Turner, McLouth; Kenny and Chris Janes, Kansas City, Kan.; Gary and Starla Janes, Smithville, Mo.; Ronnie and Sharon Janes, Shawnee; and Kathy and Keith Helliker, Paola. They also have 22 grandchildren and 22 greatgrandchildren. Cards may be sent to 41 S. 11th St.; Kansas City KS 66102.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY

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

They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, or for those who have resided in the archdiocese for a significant period of time.

Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: Todd@theleaven.com. If you would like your photo returned to you, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 17, 2012

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Health care workers honored at White Mass

By Kevin Kelly

W

Catholic Key Associate Editor KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Kansas City, Kan., priest warned Catholic health care professionals of a “great threat to religious liberty” in proposed federal requirements that will require insurance companies to provide artificial birth control free of cost to all women.

“This threat is real,” said Father Steven Beseau, homilist at the annual White Mass Feb. 11 at the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Mo. The Mass was celebrated by Kansas City-St. Joseph Bishop Robert W. Finn, and concelebrated by Kansas City, Kan., Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, as well as Father Ernie Davis and Father Beseau, the Missouri and Kansas chaplains of the Catholic Medical Association, respectively. The association organized the celebration in collaboration with the Knights of Malta.

The proposed rules of the federal Department of Health and Human Services at first did not exempt church-affiliated employers from requirements to provide prescription artificial contraception coverage through their employee health insurance plans, despite the Catholic Church’s adamant opposition to artificial birth control.

On Feb. 10, President Barack Obama announced that Catholic universities, hospitals and social service agencies would not be required to provide such coverage, but that the female employees of those agencies would be able to get it without cost, with the costs borne by their insurance carriers.

Father Beseau called the proposed rules “an unprecedented incursion into freedom of conscience in this country.”

“The actions taken by the current administration should create in us the righteous anger that comes when grave injustice is set before us,” Father Beseau told the doctors, nurses and other health care professionals at the Mass.

“It should lead us to prayer and fasting so that justice will prevail,” he said. “It should lead us to action,

THE FOOD OF LENT e asked for Lenten recipes and our readers responded. Who knew that there were so many creative cooks out there? The Leaven’s resident chef, advertising representative Jennifer Siebes, sorted

through all the recipes and chose those that caught her eye — or taste buds, as the case may be — for print. Look for more recipes next week and then check out our website for all the submissions.

Submitted by Mary Abel, Holy Family Parish, Eudora

Kevin Kelly/Key photo

especially the laity who are called to work in the public square.”

Father Beseau said requiring the church to cover artificial birth control against its teachings “is not simply a Catholic or even religious issue.”

“Our vigorous defense is not just for those who have religious exemptions to these mandates. It is also for those who have moral objections to them, regardless of their religious belief,” he said.

“Our vigorous defense is not just for Catholic institutions, but also for a correct understanding of the human person and respect for all life,” Father Beseau said.

“A woman’s fertility is not a sickness,” he said. “An unborn child cannot be equated with a cancer or disease. These seem to be the ideas that form the reasoning behind the government’s decision regarding this aspect of the mandate.”

Father Beseau said that all Catholics “should also commend our bishops for speaking so clearly and firmly.”

“Individually, collectively and as a conference, the bishops of the United States are to be affirmed for their vigorous response,” he said. “Let us pray for them and also thank them, especially those present here this morn-

ing, for standing strong and offering courageous leadership in this time of difficulty.”

Father Beseau, who serves as director of the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, commended the Catholic health care professionals for witnessing their faith in their practice to serve the sick, the suffering and the dying.

“Sickness and death are not the last word,” he said. “Our lives can be transformed when we freely conform ourselves to Jesus Christ.”

Father Beseau recalled a story he’d heard of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. A priest celebrating Mass for her Missionaries of Charity told them that they were Jesus Christ to the sick and suffering they served.

After the Mass, “no sooner does the priest walk into the sacristy, than Mother Teresa follows right behind him with her finger wagging and says, ‘No, Father. We are not Christ to the sick and dying. The sick and dying are Christ to us,’” said Father Beseau.

“The love of Christ compels us, yes, to imitate Christ, but also to see Christ in those we serve,” Father Beseau said.

3 cups vegetable broth 2 cups diced carrots 2 cups diced celery 2 cups diced potatoes 1/3 cup diced onions 9 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon parsley flakes 6 cups milk ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper 12 ounces Velveeta cheese

Submitted by Janet Cody, Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood

12 ounces fettuccine 1 10-ounce package of frozen lima beans 1 cups frozen peas 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 leeks; green and white parts cut into half moons ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 1 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon dried tarragon ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Cook pasta according to package directions, adding the lima beans and peas during the last two minutes. Drain. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and season with salt and pepper. Cook until tender but not brown, about 8 – 10 minutes. Add the cream and cook until slightly thickened.

Add the pasta and tarragon to the skillet and toss to combine. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving. Serves 4.

Submitted by Dorothy Isabell, St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kan. 1 16-ounce can cream-style corn ¼ cups flour 3 ounces cream cheese; diced ½ teaspoon onion salt 1 16-ounce can whole kernel corn; drained 1 6-ounce can sliced mushrooms; drained ¾ cups shredded Swiss cheese 1½ cups fresh bread crumbs 2 tablespoons melted butter

Easy Baked Fish

Cook vegetables in broth for 10 minutes.

In a large soup pot, sauté onions in butter.

Stir in flour, salt and pepper. While stirring, slowly add milk, vegetables and broth, and Velveeta cheese. Stir constantly until cheese has melted.

Fettuccine with Lima Beans, Peas and Leeks

Swiss Corn Casserole

Combine cream-style corn and flour in a large saucepan. Add the diced cream cheese and onion salt and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted. Add the whole kernel corn, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs with the melted butter and set aside. Pour the corn mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Top with buttered bread crumbs; bake for an additional 20 -25 minutes, until top is lightly browned. Serves 8.

Cheesy Potato Soup

Bishop Robert W. Finn (third from left) celebrates the White Mass for health care professionals with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on the World Day of the Sick and Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes Feb. 11 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Mo. Joining the bishops on the altar are: (from left) Deacon Darwin Dupree, Father Gary Pennings, Deacon Ralph Wehner, Father Ernie Davis, and Father Steve Beseau.

LOCAL NEWS 11

Submitted by Bob and TC Schrick, St. Joseph Parish, Nortonville Marinate fish in 7-Up for 2 or 3 hours.

Sprinkle salt and pepper on fish. Heat oven to 350° and melt butter in baking dish; add minced garlic and fish. Bake until fish flakes with a fork.

Italian Skillet Frittata

Submitted by Diane Gross, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Mayetta

Tuna Tacos

3 tablespoons cooking oil 2 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes; thawed 1 cup chopped fresh vegetables — green/red peppers, onions, mushrooms or tomatoes 6 eggs; lightly beaten 2 tablespoons milk ¾ cup grated cheese — Parmesan, Swiss, cheddar or pepper jack; divided Salt and pepper

8 large baking potatoes 2 tablespoons margarine ¼ teaspoon paprika 2 drops Tabasco sauce 2 7-ounce cans of tuna; drained 1 tablespoon grated onion ¼ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon parsley flakes 8 slices of American cheese; halved 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup 2 cups finely chopped broccoli (optional)

Heat oil in large skillet on medium-high heat.

Add potatoes and vegetables; cook 5 minutes or until potatoes are browned, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, mix eggs, milk and 1/2 cup of the cheese in small bowl. Pour egg mixture evenly over potatoes and vegetables; season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook for 10 - 12 minutes until eggs are set.

Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cups cheese. Cover, and let stand for five minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.

Submitted by Rosemary Pappert, St. Pius X Parish, Mission

Preheat oven to 400°. Wash potatoes. Pierce several times with a fork and bake until tender; about 90 minutes. Meanwhile, in large bowl, combine tuna with all remaining ingredients, reserving the sliced cheese. Cut potatoes in half, scoop out potato flesh and combine with the tuna mixture. Spoon mixture back into potato skins and top with a slice of cheese. Place in shallow baking dish and bake 15 minutes, until filling is hot and cheese has melted. Sweet potatoes may be substituted for baked potatoes. Variation: In lieu of the canned cheddar cheese soup, use 1 cups milk, 2/3 cups margarine, 2 cups grated cheese, and 4 tablespoons diced onion.

12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment Client service technician - Love interacting with people and being part of a team? Have a passion to serve others and enjoy the benefits of some physical work? If you answered yes, join one of the most respected, progressive service companies in Kansas City. Make top industry pay and be appreciated for a job well done. Bock’s Steam Star is accepting applications for two positions. $10 - $40K. Call (913) 438-7767 or visit the website at: www.steamstar.net.

Work from home - Telephone appointment setting for Medicare insurance agent. Typically from 3 - 6 p.m., Mon. - Fri. Must have unlimited calling plan.

Contact Bill, Senior Market Advisors of KC, at (913) 636-7686.

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

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

Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City, Topeka and Atchison areas. This position is ideal for a determined, high-energy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; or call (785) 364-5450.

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

Custom-designed memory quilts using your T-shirts and/or photos. Personalized items for sororities, weddings, graduates and more. We also offer quilting classes and studio/machine rental. Call (913) 6492704. For samples of our work, visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc.com or.

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 17, 2012 Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Get a jump on your home repairs! - I specialize in painting, wood rot, decks, fences, windows, doors, siding, stucco, landscaping, drainage issues, and concrete. Fully insured. Now accepting all major credit cards. Call Josh Doherty (913) 709-7230.

Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor.

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

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

Spring yard cleanup Leaf removal; tree and shrub trimming Free estimates; references. Local parishioner Insured, licensed and bonded Call Tony at (913) 620-6063 Semi-retired arborist - Available for tree and shrub trimming. Call Bob at (913) 231- 6460.

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

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving.

No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mikehammermoving@aol.com.

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

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Debbie or Gary.

Senior assistance - Non-nursing, sitting with a loved one, driving, home helper, meals, errands. Experienced; references. Member of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood. Call (816) 678-5718.

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

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

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

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

Tutoring available - For students in grades K 12. For information, call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or send an email to her at: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

Home Improvement

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

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

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

CALENDAR 13

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Custom cabinets & woodworking - 20 years experience creating quality woodworking, design, and detail for all your custom cabinetry and furniture needs. Competitive rates; references available. Serving the KC Metro area. Call Dennis at (913) 850-3956.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

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

(913) 599-7998 STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@ hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

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

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

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

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

For Sale First Communion dress sets - For 18” or American Girl dolls. Includes dress, veil, shoes, tights and cross necklace. Full line of doll clothes and accessories in south Johnson County. For an appointment, call Patty at (913) 345-9498.

For sale - Four adjacent burial lots in the Ascension Garden at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Lot 150; section D; spaces 1- 4. Current value is $1725 each. Will sell at $1700 each. Call Jim at (706) 4672632.

For sale – Double-depth crypt in the Faith Lawn area of Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Call Ken Christian at (816) 918-4075.

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

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

For Rent

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

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

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

17 years of residential and commercial experience.

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

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

Call Marek at (913) 461-4491.

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

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

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface.

Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation* Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!!

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376 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.

Child Care Child care – Holy Trinity mom has opening for a 12-month-old or older child from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Call Tracie at (913) 909-7917.

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

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

Misc.

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

18

Feb.

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on Feb. 18 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Redefining Normal.” For information, call (913) 6492026.

Father Barry Clayton will celebrate the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass at 8 a.m. on Feb. 18 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., followed by a rosary procession to an abortion clinic four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing; Benediction concludes services at 9:45 a.m.

Our Lady and St. Rose Parish, 2300 N. 8th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host a Mardi Gras dinner from 4 - 9 p.m. on Feb. 18 at the Blessed Sacrament Family Center, 2215 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. The cost is $10 per person. There will be an adults-only dance following from 8 p.m. - midnight. The cost of the dance is $10.

Mater Dei Parish, Topeka, will host its annual casino night on Feb. 18 in Rossiter Hall, 204 S.W. 8th St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; gaming will be from 7 - 10 p.m. A suggested donation of $20 per person is appreciated. There will many prizes, including an Apple iPad. The Knights of Columbus at St. Paul Parish, 900 S. Honeysuckle Dr., Olathe, will host a pro-life trivia night fundraiser on Feb. 18 from 7 - 10 p.m. in the gym. The evening will include door prizes, raffles, entertainment and cash prizes for the top teams. The cost is $12.50 per person; $100 for a table of eight. For information or to RSVP, call Bob Atwood at (913) 269-8318 or send an email to: ratwood59@sbcglobal.net.

The Curé of Ars Singles will host a Mardi Gras dance from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 in the school cafeteria, located at 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood.

The cost of $15, payable at the door, includes hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine, beer, soda, and bottled water. For information, call (913) 631-6873.

19-21

Our Lady and St. Rose Parish, 2300 N. 8th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host a three-part revival, entitled “When God is Silent,” led by Father Charles Smith, SVD, at 7 p.m. on Feb. 19 - 21. The OLSR choir will provide gospel music each night. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of each evening. Bring your Bible; security will be onsite.

20

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “How to Make Wise Spending

Choices and Live on a Budget” from 1:30 - 3 p.m. on Feb. 20, presented by Chiquita Miller of the K-State Extension office. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

dinner from noon - 6 p.m. on Feb. 26 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 2910 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Proceeds will be used to help offset the cost of graduation and to purchase an AED unit for the school.

21 The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will

St. Mary Church, Hartford, will host a beef and noodle dinner from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 26 in the multipurpose room at the Neosho Rapids Grade School. The cost is $7 for adults; $4 for children ages 10 and under.

offer “Job Readiness, Professional Etiquette for Work, and Life Skills” from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Feb. 21. Lunch will be provided; reservations are required. For information or to register, call (913) 9068990 or visit the website at: www.mount osb.org/kwc.

23

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Eating and Exercise: Making Both Work,” a nutrition presentation offered in partnership with K-State Extension Services, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on Feb. 23. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

The Christian widows and widowers group will host a potluck dinner at 5 p.m. on Feb. 23 in O’Connor Hall at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, 3601 S.W. Stone, Topeka. There is no cost to attend; just bring a dish to share. For information, call (785) 272-0055.

25

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer, Easton, will host a contemplative prayer retreat day from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Feb. 23. Instruction will be provided on request. Full- or half-day attendance options are available, with the noon meal included. The cost is $25 per participant. For information, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@shantivanam.com.

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

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host a mini-retreat, entitled “Lent and Easter with St. Benedict,” from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Feb. 25. Sister Judith Sutera, OSB, will facilitate. This retreat will focus on the exploration of humility, the tools of good works and other spiritual practices to refresh the soul in preparation for Easter. The cost is $50. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/sophia.html.

The Knights of Columbus of Sacred Heart Parish, 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host a Texas hold’em poker tournament and chili dinner at 6 p.m. on Feb. 25. The suggested donation is $30 per player. For information, call (913) 963-9095.

26

The eighth-graders of Our Lady of Unity School will host a taco

28

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer a 12-week program with education and support for women dealing with addictions and/or domestic violence from 10 a.m. - noon on Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 28. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

Marillac Center, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, will offer “Linger over Coffee,” a four-session Lenten series to nourish the soul, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 28. Sisters Susan Chase, Noreen Walter and Kathleen Wood will lead discussions on spiritual practices to nourish your soul and transform your life based on the book, “Sacred Rhythms,” by Ruth Haley Barton. A freewill offering will be accepted. For information or to register, call (913) 758-6552; send an email to: retreats@scls.org; or visit the website at: www.marillaccenter.org.

Need help finding a job or planning your career? Need financial assistance for training? The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer a “Pathways to Employment” information session from 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Feb. 28. The program will be presented by Patricia McCullough, career adviser at the Workforce Partnership of WyCo. Participants must be Kansas residents; other eligibility requirements apply. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

The Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, will host a miscarriage and infertility support group at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28 in the bride’s room. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Both husbands and wives are encouraged to attend. For information, send an email to Lisa Kopp at: lisakopp1@gmail.com or call Jean at the parish office at (913) 681-3348.

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host a mini-retreat, entitled “When Jesus Smiled,” from 9:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 28. Sister Sheila Carroll, OSB, and Sister Gabrielle Kocour, OSB, will facilitate. Come closer to the mystery of the human Jesus and his life among us. The cost is $50. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/ sophia.html.

29

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will

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A four-week Lenten journey, entitled “From Calvary to the Upper Room and Beyond,” will be offered from 9 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays, beginning on March 3, in the parish hall at St. Therese Little Flower Parish, 5814 Euclid Ave., Kansas City, Mo. There is no cost to attend. For information or to register, call Jim Lipps at (816) 333-4115.

4

St. Joseph Church, 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, will host its annual St. Joseph Table and pasta dinner on March 4 in McDevitt Hall. Father Mike Hawken will bless the table at 8:30 a.m.; viewing will follow from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Homemade goodies, fruit, wine, floral arrangements, and religious articles will be featured that may be purchased.

A pasta dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Freewill donations will be accepted. Proceeds will benefit the needy in the parish community. For information, call Christine Marion at (913) 268-6677.

5

A Runnin’ Revs fun night will be held at Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Roeland Park, on March 5.

Area priests and seminarians will challenge eighth-grade and high school boys from area Catholic schools to a heated basketball game. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.

Expect biased calls and lots of fun. Donations will be accepted to benefit the seminarians. For information, call (913) 647-0303.

Misc.

The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend will be held from March 2 - 4 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call Ralph and Jan Lewis at (913) 400-7173 or visit the website at: www.neksme.org.

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

9870 Quivira Rd. Lenexa, KS 66215 Office: (913) 754-3106 Residence: (913) 492-8649 E-Mail: don@dkmayerteam.com Web Site: www.dkmayerteam.com

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

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14 COMMENTARY

Catholic Press Association Award Winner

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

QUOTE WEEK

OF THE

What were we trying to solve with health care reform? The president evidently thinks the major problem is that there isn’t enough contraception being provided to people, and he’s willing to risk all of health care reform for this.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann See story on page 1

SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME Feb. 19 SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 43: 18-19, 21-22, 24b-25; Ps 41: 2-5, 13-14; 2 Cor 1: 18-22; Mk 2: 1-12 Feb. 20 Monday Jas 3: 13-18; Ps 19: 8-10, 15; Mk 9: 14-29 Feb. 21 Peter Damian, bishop, doctor Jas 4: 1-10; Ps 55: 7-11, 23; Mk 9: 30-37 Feb. 22 ASH WEDNESDAY Jl 2: 12-18; Ps 51: 3-6a, 12-14, 17; 2 Cor 5:20 — 6:2; Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18 Feb. 23 Polycarp, bishop, martyr Dt 30: 15-20; Ps 1: 1-4, 6; Lk 9: 22-25 Feb. 24 Friday Is 58: 1-9a; Ps 51: 3-6a, 18-19; Mt 9: 14-15 Feb. 25 Saturday Is 58: 9b-14; Ps 86: 1-6; Lk 5: 27-32

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 17, 2012

“H

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 17, 2012

COMMENTARY 15

MARK MY WORDS

BUILDING THE CULTURE OF LIFE

Go ahead and take five during Lent

Taking stock of the battle for life

ey, Father Mark, I feel like I’m a not-very-good Catholic and should know this,” said a parishioner in a recent phone message. “My question is: What do you do with an old Bible?”

First of all, I quibble with the caller saying she’s not a very good Catholic.

Merely coming up with the question above shows a healthy faith instinct.

Knowing that the Bible is something holy, this woman didn’t want to just toss it out in the trash. That’s a great first step. Finding out more information is the next one.

Questions like this always remind me that no one can ever know everything about Catholicism. With that in mind — and as it’s still Catholic Press Month — I invite you to relax, “take five,” and consider the following books, perfect for deepening your faith in the upcoming Lenten season.

Even feel inadequate to answer even the most basic questions about Catholicism? Worry no more. Liguori Publications has come out with “Catholic and Cornered: Answers to Common Questions About Your Faith,” by Kenneth L. Parker (2011; 96 pgs.; $10). This very readable book is presented in questionand-answer format and deals with a wide range of issues, from the papacy to sacraments and worship to Catholic devotions. Although not intended as an exhaustive resource, it does hit upon many common questions that nonCatholics pose about the church and its beliefs. Everyone will learn something new here.

Reflecting on that “old Bible” question led me to another book that deals with holy “old” things: relics. Thomas J. Craughwell has written a fascinating book called “Saints Preserved” (Image Books, 2011; 313 pgs.; $16). This “authoritative collection of relics from the Catholic Church” is presented in encyclopedia form. Entries are relatively brief — from the Aachen Relics to St.

Zita — and include where the relic is located today, its history, and a biography of the saint and his or her feast day. Why venerate relics? The author says it well: “Bringing out Grandma’s china for Christmas dinner stirs the emotions and makes us feel connected once again to someone we loved but who has since died. Relics work in the same way but more intensely, because in the case of sacred relics the connection is not only to someone we love but to someone who was genuinely holy.”

This book will have you saying more than once, “I had no idea!”

A hallmark of the Lenten season is prayer, but many of us get into ruts when praying, making our time with God stale and lifeless. If this describes you, then pick up a copy of “28 Different Ways to Pray,” written and edited by members of the Spirituality Committee of the Federal Association USA of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta (Paulist Press, 2009; 142 pgs; $12.95). This practical book opens up the treasury of Catholic prayer forms. It covers familiar items like the Mass, the rosary and eucharistic adoration, but also directs readers to explore lesser-known prayer styles, such as lectio divina, icons and art, poetry and song, and even modern media. The introduction of the book states: “Just as there is no single ‘best’ form of prayer, so also there is no universal way to pray, no one-size-fits-all structure. We are all different, and we all relate to God somewhat differently.

We must each find our own way.” This book not only describes each prayer form, but also guides a reader through it and provides additional resources to delve deeper.

I hate to say this, but many times it seems that Mass-goers “tune out” the second reading at Mass. I understand. It’s usually from St. Paul and can be difficult to follow. However, this prolific letter writer has much to teach us about faith, prayer and life.

That’s why Joseph Durepos has written “A Still More Excellent Way: How St. Paul Points Us to Jesus” (Loyola Press, 2008; 118 pgs; $10.95). The book makes Paul accessible and appreciated and is very readable and understandable. Durepos begins each very short chapter with a few verses from one of Paul’s letters, followed by a short meditation. The author hopes that Paul will “rearrange your priorities, cause you to think about things differently, and generate more patience, courage, and faithfulness in your life.”

Lastly, we spend the bulk of our lives (it seems) at work. And sometimes that is a big burden to carry. Authors Mike Aquilina and Father Kris Stubna want to change that with their mini-sized book, “Take Five: On-the-Job Meditations with St. Ignatius” (Our Sunday Visitor, 2008; 175 pgs.; $9.95). Each of the brief 74 work meditations — such as Don’t Procrastinate; Learn to Listen; Asking for a Raise; Sick Days — consist of a snippet of the saint’s writing, brief questions for reflection, a passage of Scripture and a sentence to memorize and carry throughout the day. It may not make the workday pass any faster, but it will make it more prayerful and meaningful.

So, what do you do with an old Bible? You can burn it, bury it or donate it — so long as it’s treated with respect.

But you knew that already, right?

IN THE BEGINNING

A

fter 39 years of legalized abortion in the United States, let us pause and reflect on what Catholics should do at this point in the battle for life.

Should we be discouraged by the fact that, after 39 years of struggle, well over one million unborn babies are legally killed each year? Should we simply accept legalized abortion as a resolved issue and shift to merely trying to prevent it within our own family? Some ask: Why should we try to impose our values on society?

Answers to these and related questions are only answered correctly when we ask one more question: What does

I

to the sandwich and makes it clearer and more definite.

In this reading, God is speaking to the people of Israel. They have suffered a long exile in the land of Babylon. But finally, that exile is coming to an end.

They will return home.

The prophecy compares that homecoming to the Exodus from Egypt, which originally had brought the people of Israel into the promised land hundreds of years earlier. God assures them that this entrance into the promised land will prove even better than the first. It will exceed all their expectations. That is why God says, “Remember not the events of the past.” In other words, forget about the Exodus.

This entrance into the promised land

will far surpass it.

The assurance about Israel’s return forms the first half of the sandwich.

The second half of the sandwich concerns God’s forgiveness. Even though Israel has sinned against God, all that will be forgotten: “Your sins I remember no more.” Since the people of Israel have understood their exile as a punishment for their sins, God’s forgetting about their sins as their exile comes to a close makes sense. When the prophecy says that God will forget about their sins, it doesn’t mean that God is coming down with Alzheimer’s disease. It is a way to emphasize God’s total and complete forgiveness: “It is I, I, who wipe out, for my own sake, your offenses.”

God is assuring the people of Israel that all will be good. As people of faith, we also have inherited that assurance.

In no longer remembering our sins, God is also doing something new for us: “See, I am doing something new!”

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

and the life,” we know our Father’s will. Being faithful Christian disciples demands that we love, respect and defend life. As in the Book of Genesis, we must find life as good. And so, we are called from eternity to defend and protect every innocent human being, especially the weakest and most defenseless among us — unborn babies.

Our marching orders in this abortion battle are very clear — we must persistently, tirelessly and always defend life. We must keep up the good fight and rely on God to produce the results in his time, according to his holy will.

Vote pro-life!

Ron Kelsey is the archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office. You can email him at: prolife@archkck.org or call (913) 647-0350.

FAMILY MATTERS

Lent: 40 chances to give your family the gift of your presence

O

ne of the gifts of the holy season of Lent is the days of fasting and abstinence.

Gift, you say? How are fasting and abstinence a gift? After all, we are giving up something!

Now, in the strict sense, this fourth precept of the church has to do with food. It is there to help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 2043).

But there is another form of fasting and abstinence, which we can add to our daily Lenten routine on top of that which is required by the church: fasting and abstaining from certain behaviors and activities in our families

God assures Hebrews — and us —that all is good

like sandwiches. They can make a meal that is both quick and tasty, easy to eat, and that includes major food groups — protein and starch (meat and bread) — and sometimes more.

It is easy to find sandwiches. They are all over. You can even find some in the Bible. Sunday’s first reading — Is 43:18-19, 21-22, 24b-25 — offers us a good example.

SEVENTH SUNDAY IN In this case, ORDINARY TIME though, the Is 43: 18-19, 21-22, 24b-25 sandwich is not edible. It is a literary device. A word or phrase begins a section. The same word or phrase concludes the section, thus making a “sandwich.” Another name for this literary device is “inclusio.”

In the case of Sunday’s first reading, the word forming the sandwich is “remember.” It occurs in both the first and the last sentence of the selection: “Remember not the events of the past” and “Your sins I remember no more.”

Notice that in both instances, the verb “remember” is negated. That second element of negation adds another layer

God want us to do, or, in other words, what is his will? God could not be clearer on what his will is in this matter. In very first chapter in God’s word (Gn 1:27-31), we find: “God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him. . . . God blessed them saying: ‘Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.’ . . . God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good.”

In Jesus, God’s infinite love for man is such that he took on the nature of

man while retaining his divine nature and chose a woman to be his mother in order to assume his human nature.

Continuing, in Jesus, we become adopted children of God, heirs of the Father and able to choose to share God’s nature in eternity.

God’s plan for man is so good that it is truly beyond our human ability to fully understand it. It is as if it is too good to be true, and we are therefore called by faith to trust in God. If our Father places such high value on man, how does it happen that we often fail to do so? It is important to always remember that the battle for life is first and foremost a spiritual battle.

Satan is always tempting us to choose our will over God’s will and, in choosing abortion, society has succumbed to Satan’s temptations. Yet as disciples of Jesus, “the way, the truth

during these 40 days of Lent.

Give these a try: 1. Abstain from criticism. Criticism is a killer in relationships. It tears at the worth of the person we criticize. How well we know how the words of criticism sting and wound us. As spouses, we know how much it hurts coming from our husband or wife. As parents, just take a moment to recall how our beloved children wilt like waterstarved flowers by such words often

spoken in anger.

Go one step further than stopping the words of criticism: Replace them with words of affirmation.

As you rise each morning, stop and focus on one good quality you see in your spouse or children. Write it down and leave it as a surprise in their lunch box or briefcase, on the refrigerator or with a goodbye or hello hug. Here are 40 chances to say, “I love you.”

No spouse or child living with you?

Call Mom, Dad, sister, brother or aunt.

2. Fast from television, the Internet, or the computer. Husbands and wives can use this “free” time to sit together and talk. If you don’t know what to talk about, just sit and listen to love songs (find “your” song) and recall all the memories these invoke.

Read a book with your children or

grandchildren or just play “Go Fish.”

You will make their day. Pray together their bedtime prayers and tuck them in. If they are teens, take each one out, maybe for pizza, and just be with them.

Now, remember at the beginning I said how this season of self-denial is a gift? Well, you will be giving the gift of your love and presence over these 40 days. I am willing to bet that you will discover a gift for yourself as well: more control of the loving use of your words and greater freedom from the material things that rob us of time for loved ones.

Don’t forget God in this effort. His grace will give you the way to persevere in your efforts.

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

WORD OF LIFE

D

Say ‘no’ to good things to make room for the best thing

uring my years working with RCIA at St. Ann in Prairie Village, I was always encouraged to see the zeal and excitement that the candidates and catechumens had in giving up stuff.

Whether it be coffee, or chocolate, or television, I was convicted by their enthusiasm to go without something good with such joy. Who knew not drinking coffee for no other reason than to make room for God could be so fun?

As a cradle Catholic, I always viewed the Lenten sacrifices of fasting, not eating meat of Fridays, and giving up something as mostly duty. So where

did the excitement of these soon-tobe Catholics in giving up stuff come from? I believe it was from an inner conviction that they wanted to make more room for Jesus in their lives and in their families. They could say “no” to good things because they were embracing the best thing — Jesus.

Lent offers each of us an opportunity to say “no” to good things so we can make room in our lives, families, and homes for Jesus. There are number of good ways to grow in your faith this Lent: 1. Go to confession. The sacrament of

reconciliation will be offered at all parishes* in the archdiocese on Wednesday nights throughout Lent. (*Note — If your priest serves multiple parishes, please check to see where confessions will be held on Wednesday nights.) I would encourage you this Lent to make use of this great sacrament.

2. Attend Mass more often. We have an opportunity as Catholics to attend Mass every day. Lent is a great opportunity to resolve to go to Mass more often 3. Study the faith. There are many opportunities to learn more about the Catholic faith in the archdiocese.

Men Under Construction, a conference for Catholic men, will be hosted at Ascension Church on Feb. 25. (For more details, see the website at: www. ksmuc.org.) Our resource center offers Bible studies and adult faith formation studies, including “The Catholicism Project” for check out to anyone in the

archdiocese. (To check something out, send an email to: ecatsec@archkck. org.)

4. Make time for family meals together. Making time for two to three meals a week together during Lent is really an opportunity to grow as a family.

Grandparents can even invite the kids and their grandkids over for a meal.

5. Make time for prayer. One of the key elements of Lent is spending more time in prayer. If you are looking for something to jump start your prayer, check out the website at: www.daily scripture.net.

The desire of the Lord is that we should turn away from our sins, give up good things to make room in our hearts for the best thing, and return to him with all our hearts!

Matt Karr is the lead consultant for the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of adults.

16 LOCAL NEWS

St. Joseph Parish, 508 Pearson Ave., Waverly, will have a fish fry on March 23, immediately following the 6 p.m. Stations of the Cross.

St. Joseph Parish, Nortonville, will have fish and shrimp suppers from 5 to 7 p.m. all the Fridays of Lent (except Good Friday). Cost is: $9 for ages 11 and older; $5 for ages 4-10; children 3 and under eat free. For carryouts, call (913) 886-3510.

Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, will host all-you-can-eat fish dinners every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday) from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the parish center, 1750 S.W. Stone Ave. Cost is: $8 for ages 11 and older; $5 for children ages 4-10; children ages 3 and under are free; maximum cost of $30 per family.

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 17, 2012

The Good Shepherd, Shawnee, Knights will serve fish dinners from 5 to 7:30 p.m. all Fridays in Lent (except Good Friday) at the church, 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee. Cost is: $8.50 for people ages 12-64; $7.50 for seniors (65+); $4 for children ages 5-11; children 4 and under eat free; maximum cost of $25 per family.

Knights Council No. 1901 will offer all-you-can-eat fish fries from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 2, 16 and 30 at St. John hall, Greeley. Cost is $9 for adults; $4 for children 12 and under.

Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, will have fish fries every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday) from 5 to 7 p.m. in the church basement. Cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children under 12.

Holy Cross School will host a fish dinner from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on March 2 in the parish activity center, 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park. New for this year is smoked salmon. Cost is: $12 for adults (fish and salmon); $8 for adults (fish only); $4 for children.

The Didde Catholic Campus Center, 1415 Merchant St., Emporia, will have its annual fish fry from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 24.

The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 709, is having a shrimp/fish dinner at Our Lady of Unity/St. John the Evangelist Parish, 2910 Strong Ave, Kansas City, Kan., from 4 to 8 p.m. on March 23. Cost is: $12 for a large dinner; $8 for a small dinner; and $6 for a fish dinner.

Curé of Ars Parish, 9403 Mission Rd., Leawood, will have a cod dinner in its cafeteria from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 24. Cost is $12 for adults and children over 5; $5 for children 4 and under. For tickets, contact Brad Hagen at (913) 383-9035.

The Knights of Columbus will sponsor an all-you-can-eat shrimp dinner on March 30 at the parish hall of Holy Angels, Basehor. Tickets can be purchased after Masses in March.

Dinner will be served from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and again from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Cost is $16 in advance or $21 at the door; $5 for children 12 and under.

The Holy Trinity, Lenexa, Knights of Columbus will host their annual all-you-can-eat shrimp dinner from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on March 30 in the parish center. Advance ticket sales are: $15 for adults; $5 for children; $8 for adults (cheese pizza only). For more information, call Tom Klein at (913) 768-7766.

Sacred Heart Parish, 5501 Monticello Rd., Shawnee, will serve a Lenten buffet every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday), from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is: $7 for seniors (65+); $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 4-12; children 3 and under are free.

Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, will host fish fries from 5 to 7:30 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday). Cost is: $9 for adults; $4 for children ages 5-11; children 4 and under are free. The event is hosted by Knights of Columbus, Council No. 10932.

Knights of Columbus, Council No. 11661, will have all-you-can-eat seafood dinners all the Fridays of Lent (except Good Friday) from 5 to 7 p.m. at Holy Spirit Parish, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park, in St. Elizabeth’s Hall. Cost is: $13 for adults for shrimp and fish; $8 for adults for fish; $4 for children ages 4 to 10; $1 for children under 4.

St. Patrick Parish, 94th and State, Kansas City, Kan., will have Lenten fish dinners all the Fridays in Lent (except Good Friday). Cost is $6 to $9 for adults; $4 for children. Family plans and carryouts are available.

Annunciation Parish, Baldwin, will serve Lenten dinners from 5 to 7 p.m.

Feb. 24, March 2 and March 30. Cost is $7 for adults; $4 for children under 12.

St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, and Knights of Columbus, Council No. 12577, will host their annual fish fry from 5-6:45 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday) at the parish hall, 14251 Nall Ave. Leawood. Cost is $8 ($11 for salmon). Maximum is $35 for immediate family.

Knights of Columbus, Council No. 1149, will have all-you-can-eat shrimp and fish dinners all the Fridays of Lent (except Good Friday) from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity School, 601 E. Chippewa, Paola.

Cost is: $12 for shrimp and fish; $9 for fish; $30 for a family. For to-go orders, call (913) 731-6806.

Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Wea, 227th and Metcalf, will serve fish dinners every Friday of Lent (except Good Friday). Cost is: $8 for adults; $4 for children; $13 for boiled shrimp.

The Church of the Nativity, Leawood, Knights of Columbus will host fish fries all the Fridays of Lent (except Good Friday) from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the parish hall, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood. Cost is: $10 for adults ($5 extra for shrimp); $5 for children ages 5-12; children 4 and under eat free; $35 for a family ($50 for shrimp).

Knights of Columbus, Council No. 7907 of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, will sponsor all-you-can-eat fish fries from 5 to 7 p.m. every Friday of Lent (except Good Friday) at the parish hall, 16400 W. 143rd St., Olathe. Cost is: $13 for fish and shrimp; $8 for fish; $7 for children’s shrimp; $4 for children’s fish; $4 for cheese pizza. Children under 3 eat free.

The St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park, Knights of Columbus, John Roe Council No. 3020, will have fish fries from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the school’s Ram’s Café, 5130 Mission Rd., all the Fridays of Lent (except Good Friday). A Mexican Lenten dinner will be served on March 16.

St. Paul Church, 900 S. Honeysuckle in Olathe, will host fish fries from 5 to 7 p.m. all the Fridays of Lent (except Good Friday).

Garnett Knights of Columbus will sponsor fish fries from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 24, March 9 and 23 at the Garnett Knights Hall. Cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children.

Knights of Columbus, Council No. 900, will have Lenten dinners all the Fridays of Lent (except Good Friday) from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the council hall, 205 S. Fourth St., Leavenworth. Cost is: $8 per person; $15 for a couple; $20 for a family (parents and kids). For more information, call (913) 682-7045.

Knights of Columbus, Council 15026, of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 819 N. 5th St., LaCygne, will host fish fries March 2 and 30 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Cost is a freewill donation.

Atchison Catholic Elementary School, 201 Division St., Atchison, will have a fish fry from 5 to 8 p.m. on March 23.

Sacred Heart Parish, 1100 West St., Tonganoxie, will host fish dinners Feb. 24, March 9, 16 and 23. Cost is: $8 for adults; $7.50 for seniors (60+); $3 for children ages 5-12. There will also be spiced shrimp and fish dinners March 2 and 30. Cost is: $13 for adults; $13.50 for seniors; $6 for children.

Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus, Council No. 11917, will host an allyou-can-eat fish fry March 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church hall, 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kan. Cost is: $8 for adults; $7 for seniors; $6 for children under 12.

Mater Dei Parish, Topeka, will host fish fries from 5 to 7 p.m. all the Fridays of Lent (except Good Friday) in Rossiter Hall (basement of Mater Dei Assumption Church, 8th and Jackson).

Cost is: $7 for adults; $4 for children ages 6-12; children 5 and under are free. Carryout dinners are available.

Cathedral of St. Peter Knights of Columbus, Council No. 12026, in Kansas City, Kan., will be hosting fish dinners Feb. 24, March 2 and 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. Suggested donations are $8 for adults; $5 for children.

Shrimp dinners will be served from 5 to 8 p.m. all the Fridays of Lent (except Good Friday) at the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2332, hall, 11221 Johnson Dr., Shawnee.