THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 38, NO. 26 | FEBRUARY 17, 2017
A LESSON IN GIVING
Corita’s Corner gets helping hand from Mater Dei kids
By Carolyn Kaberline Special to The Leaven
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LEAVEN PHOTO BY CAROLYN KABERLINE
Mater Dei first-graders Remi Cushinberry (left) and Stacy Driver package up the cookies that their chore money helped purchase. Remi took care of the family dog, cleaned her bedroom and did the dishes, laundry and vacuuming to earn cookie money, while Stacy set the table and made her bed.
WHITE MASS
Cardinal Raymond Burke celebrated the annual White Mass for medical professionals on Feb. 11. Page 3
MEANINGFUL LENT
What are you doing for Lent? Sister Judith Sutera, OSB, has some ideas. Pages 8-9
hey did the dishes and fed the dog. They cleaned their rooms, vacuumed and did the laundry. The first-graders of Mary Lousie Totten’s class at Mater Dei School in Topeka performed these and other chores around the house to earn money — not for themselves, but to purchase cookies to be used in Corita’s Corner sandwich ministry as part of the school’s service day during Catholic Schools Week. The ministry is named after Sister Corita Conlan, SCL, longtime principal of Assumption Grade School in Topeka. “I sent notes home with the students on a Friday asking parents to let their students do chores around the house to earn money for this,” Totten said. “They could either bring the money they earned or cookies.” Totten said she tried to impress on her students that it is easy to give someone else’s money, but not so easy to give their own. “I asked them, when they give money at church, is it theirs or their parents,” she explained. “I also asked if they gave their tooth fairy money to the church.” She then told them the story of the rich people and the poor woman going to the Temple. “The rich gave gold coins, but the poor woman gave two small coins,” Totten said. “Christ asked his disciples who God was more pleased with. [He] said the poor woman because she gave all that she had while the rich gave from their excess.” “The students had a week to earn the money,” she continued, adding that it was up to the parents to set the amount to be paid for the chores. The Friday after the notes went home, they were to bring in the money they earned or a bag of cookies. “In all, the 22 students brought in $43 in cash and 14 packages of cookies.” Totten then asked Sister Marjorie Cushing, SCL, who is in charge of the sandwich ministry, if it would be OK for the students to put notes that they wrote >> See “FIRST-GRADERS” on page 7
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Dedicated pastors are vital to vibrant parish communities
n Friday, Jan. 27, I participated in the 24th annual Support Our Seminarians (SOS) banquet. The event raises money to help fund the cost for the formation of the seminarians from our archdiocese as well as from the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. The SOS event also provides financial support to Conception College Seminary in Conception, Missouri. This year, special recognition was given to Larry Moore, the legendary Kansas City television news anchor, and his wife Ruth, who helped to establish the annual SOS event. Larry Moore served as the master of ceremonies for the first 23 SOS banquets. At the time of the first SOS event in 1993, there was a total of three seminarians for both dioceses. This year, there are more than 60 seminarians in formation for the two dioceses. What a dramatic change in less than 25 years! I am grateful to Archbishop James P. Keleher, Father Scott Wallisch — our vocation director — Martha Hodes, Ruth and Larry Moore, the priests of the archdiocese and our very active Serra Clubs for all that they have done to create a culture that is supportive of priestly vocations. With 10 times the number of seminarians in formation for our archdiocese today compared to 24 years ago, what has been accomplished is simply amazing. Nevertheless, I believe that we need to ramp up and intensify our priestly vocation efforts. During the past 10
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN years, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has celebrated, on average, the ordination of three new priests per year. If we could sustain similar numbers in the next 10 years, we would slightly grow the number of archdiocesan priests. Nevertheless, each year, the process for determining the spring pastoral assignments for our priests seems impossible. We never have a sufficient number of priests to meet adequately all of the pastoral needs of the people of the archdiocese. Without the 15 international priests, the significant number of religious priests and the generosity of our retired priests remaining active, I would be forced to close parishes and reduce the number of priests available to serve in specialized pastoral ministries, e.g., Catholic high school chaplains. The irony of such reductions is that I am convinced that, if I were able to assign full-time priest chaplains to all of our high schools, the archdiocese would experience a significant increase in the number of our seminarians. With the smaller
dioceses of Lincoln, Nebraska, to our north and Wichita to our south each having almost twice the number of seminarians, I am convinced that we have not yet realized our full potential. For this reason, it is my earnest desire for every parish in the archdiocese to have an active vocation ministry. I want a group of parishioners in every parish committed: to pray for priestly vocations, to educate their fellow parishioners about the need for priests and to provide opportunities for parishioners to encourage vocations to the priesthood. While these committees will be uniquely focused on fostering priestly vocations, their broader mission is to awaken within the hearts of every parishioner the universal call to holiness. Every member of the archdiocese has a vocation to discern and embrace God’s will. Through our baptism and confirmation, each one of us is called to be a witness to the beauty and truth of the Gospel of Jesus. God has a plan and a unique mission for each of us, no matter if we are single, married, divorced, widowed, a religious Sister, a religious Brother or priest. Our vocation office is sponsoring The Hundredfold Workshop on
Friday, March 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas. Rhonda Gruenewald, a nationally renowned speaker and author of the book, “Hundredfold: A Guide to Parish Vocation Ministry,” will share her experience of beginning and developing a parochial vocation ministry. The workshop is free and open to everyone in the archdiocese. You can register online at our archdiocesan website at: www.archkck.org. You can also contact Melanie Savner in our archdiocesan vocation office at (913) 647-0303 for more information. Every pastor has been asked to send a delegation to The Hundredfold Workshop. If you are interested in assisting with your parish vocation ministry, I encourage you to inform your pastor about your willingness to help. Approximately a dozen of our parishes already have vocation ministries. These groups not only encourage young men applying for the seminary and support seminarians in their discernment, but they also support their parish priests. One priest told me how his parish vocation ministry on Priesthood Sunday sponsored coffee and doughnuts after all the morning Masses. On this occasion, they provided blank cards for parishioners to write a thank-you note to their priests. This particular priest received several hundred cards from parishioners of all ages. He was humbled and encouraged by the kind words of appreciation and affection from his people. He decided not to
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Feb. 16-18 St. John Vianney Seminary visit — Denver Feb. 18 F.I.R.E. retreat — Prairie Star Ranch Feb. 19 Pastoral visit — St. Michael, Axtell, and Holy Family, Summerfield Feb. 20 Communion and Liberation Mass — Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park Feb. 21 Johnson County regional priests meeting Feb. 22 Mass — Immaculata High School, Leavenworth Confirmation — Sacred Heart/St. Joseph, Topeka Feb. 23 Catholic Education Foundation Futures Art Event — Boulevard Brewery,
read them all at once, but rather to keep a stack on the desk in his office. On difficult days when he was stressed, tired and worried that he was not doing a great job as a priest, he would read a few of the cards. He derived great strength and encouragement from these kind, heartfelt messages from his parishioners. This simple project motivated him to serve his parishioners with renewed zeal and energy. Priestly vocations are not primarily about numbers, but the quality of the men who will lead and shepherd our parish communities. Dedicat-
Kansas City, Missouri Feb. 24-26 Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher winter meeting — Omaha Feb. 26 Junior High Youth Rally — Prairie Star Ranch Feb. 27 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Finance Council meeting Confirmation — Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Topeka Feb. 28 Envisioning Team meeting — Chancery Retired priests quarterly meeting Administrative Team meeting “Trust One Greater” — St. Lawrence Center
ARCHBISHOP KELEHER Feb. 28 Confirmation — Leavenworth parishes
ed and caring pastors are the most important ingredient to vital and vibrant parish communities. Please consider helping your parish community foster priestly vocations. Participating in The Hundredfold Workshop could be a wonderful gift to offer God as part of your Lenten observance. Part of your vocation, of God’s special mission for you, may be to help raise up the next generation of holy, zealous priests — men who will be shepherds after the heart of Jesus Christ.
FEBRUARY 17, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON
Cardinal Raymond Burke celebrated the annual White Mass sponsored by the Sts. Cosmas and Damian Guild of the Catholic Medical Association on Feb. 11 at Church of the Nativity in Leawood. Joining the cardinal were: (from left) Msgr. Stuart Swetland, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Bishop James V. Johnston and Msgr. Gary Applegate, master of ceremonies.
Cardinal celebrates White Mass on World Day of the Sick By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org
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EAWOOD — How can Mary, the Mother of God, inspire pastoral care of the sick? That was the theme of Cardinal Raymond Burke’s homily at the annual White Mass celebrated at the Church of the Nativity in Leawood on Feb. 11. Concelebrating with Cardinal Burke were Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Bishop James V. Johnston Jr. of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and regional priests. The Mass was sponsored by the Sts. Cosmas and Damian Guild of the Catholic Medical Association and drew 350 to 400 participants from both the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. A luncheon followed in the parish hall. The Catholic Medical Association is a physician-led organization of members who come together “in order to grow in the spirit of Christ in our personal and professional lives, to bring his spirit to all that is touched by our science and art, and to assist the Vicar of Christ, the bishops and the whole Christian community with leadership, especially with the particular knowledge, skill and experience we have as Christian physicians.”
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
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“THE WORLD DAY OF THE SICK OFFERS A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO STRIVE TO BE EVER MORE GENEROUS DISCIPLES OF CHRIST THE GOOD SAMARITAN.” Cardinal Raymond Burke, quoting Pope John Paul II The White Mass, celebrated in white liturgical vestments, is named in honor of the traditional white worn by doctors and nurses. Celebrated to pray for all those serving in health care from doctors to orderlies, the Mass is celebrated near one of two days on the church’s calendar. Some dioceses celebrate the Mass on or near Oct. 18, the feast of St. Luke, the patron saint of doctors. Other dioceses celebrate a White Mass on or around the World Day of the Sick, Feb. 11, a day first proclaimed by Pope John Paul II in October 1992 and first celebrated in 1993.
Cardinal Burke began his homily by saying it was appropriate to celebrate the White Mass and World Day of the Sick on the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. Through Mary, people learn to look on the suffering with tenderness and love, he said. Adding that countless pilgrims have visited Lourdes and continue to do so today, the cardinal said pilgrims are also led to a deeper love and understanding of the “power of the rosary for healing” as well as for “strengthening those who care for [the sick and suffering].” The cardinal further discussed how the Blessed Virgin Mary’s model of faithfulness, as contained in the Gospel account of the miracle at Cana, should inspire everyone to be “obedient to the counsel of our Blessed Mother. We must do what Christ tells us.” Elsewhere in his remarks, the cardinal reflected the words of Pope John Paul II. In 2003, the saint wrote in his annual message for World Day of the Sick that it was his earnest hope that it would “inspire in dioceses and parishes a renewed commitment to the pastoral care of the sick. Proper attention must be given to the sick who remain at home, given that less and less time is actually being spent in the hospital and the sick are often being entrusted to their own families.” Continuing the theme, the cardinal
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said those who care in any way for the sick, no matter how large or small, participate in the ministry of Christ. He urged everyone in attendance to bring the healing love of Christ to the sick and suffering entrusted to their care. Near the end of his homily, Cardinal Burke shared another passage from the 2003 World Day of the Sick message. “The World Day of the Sick offers a special opportunity to strive to be ever more generous disciples of Christ the good Samaritan. Be aware of your identity and learn to recognize in those who suffer the face of the sorrowful and glorious Lord. I entrust you all to the immaculate virgin, Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas and health of the sick. May she hear the prayers that rise from the world of suffering, may she dry the tears of those in pain, may she stand beside those who are alone in their illness, and, by her motherly intercession, may she help believers who work in the field of health care to be credible witnesses to Christ’s love.” Finally, the cardinal commended everyone to the Blessed Virgin’s immaculate heart and the eucharistic heart of Jesus and to the intercession of St. Bernadette Soubirous, the saint who witnessed the apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes.
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Anna Marie (Strathman) and Donald Banks, members of St. Benedict Parish, Atchison, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Feb. 26. The couple was married at St. Augustine Church, Fidelity, on Feb. 26, 1952, by Father Vincent Kongs. Their children are: Lynn Banks, Gerald Banks, Galen Banks, Lyle Banks, Arthur Banks, Linda Lee, Cathy Scholz, Donna Martin and Lisa Foster. They also have 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Students of St. John the Evangelist School in Lawrence watch as an old convent is moved across the parking lot to its new location adjoining the Simon Parish Center.
Lawrence parish has moving experience By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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AWRENCE — As far as parish construction projects go, phase two at St. John the Evangelist Parish here was a moving experi-
ence. On Feb. 1, the former convent was moved from its location on the west side of the school and facing Kentucky Street, to a new spot adjoining the Simon Parish Center facing east on Vermont Street. Although the new foundation had been poured last November, moving the former convent and setting it down only took slightly more than three hours. B.A. Green Construction was the general contractor of the project, and Patton House and Building Movers of Paola transferred the structure. St. John the Evangelist Parish and School have been undergoing a three-phase capital improvements project for about six years. The first phase, completed in 2013, was the
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“PARISHIONERS DIDN’T LIKE THE IDEA [OF TEARING DOWN THE CONVENT]. THEY DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE DOWN HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND AN OAK TREE.” middle school addition. More than a year ago, the parish did a feasibility study for phase two, said Samantha Romero, St. John the Evangelist Parish director of stewardship and development. The school needs a full-size regulation gymnasium and new office space, and the best site for the planned structure at the landlocked parish was the site of the former convent. Originally, the plan was to demolish the former convent and the Simon Parish Center — both houses
built more than 90 years ago. “But, overwhelmingly, the parishioners didn’t like the idea,” said Romero. “They didn’t want to take down historic buildings and an oak tree.” The architect’s wife came up with the idea to move the former convent. Not only did it save both buildings and the tree, it saved money. The former convent housed Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth who taught at the school. The last Sister of Charity who lived there was Sister Susan Yerkich, who died two years ago. No other Sisters were available to teach, so the convent was used for office space. The revised phase two plan calls for moving the former convent next to the parish center, remodeling the former gym into a performing arts and event center, and building a new full-size gymnasium. The total cost of phase two is $3.1 million. The third phase — far into the future — is expanding the church, said Father Jeff Ernst, OFM Cap., pastor.
Catherine and Truman Abram, members of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Feb. 23. The couple was married on Feb. 23, 1957, at St. Elizabeth Church, Kansas City, Missouri. They will celebrate with their children and their spouses. Their children are: Larry Abram, St. Louis; Lisa Desko, Overland Park; Karen Denning, Overland Park; Linda Smart, Overland Park; Paul Abram, Apple Valley, Minnesota; Susan Taylor, Prairie Village; and Brian Abram, Arlington, Virginia. They also have 20 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Phil and Donna Spell, members of Holy Trinity, Lenexa, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 25. The couple was married in 1967 at St. Monica Church, Creve Coeur, Missouri. They have four children: Kimberly Spell and Angela Spell, both of Kansas City, Missouri; Tamie Omersa, Shawnee; and Phil Spell, Overland Park. They also have five grandchildren. They will celebrate with a family gathering and dinner.
Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: todd.habiger@ theleaven.org.
St. Lawrence Center to host Trust One Greater on Feb. 28 By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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AWRENCE — It’s not every day young adults get the chance to join other Catholics their own age in just hanging out with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. But thanks to the upcoming “Trust One Greater,” an opportunity to do just that is right around the corner. “‘Trust One Greater’ events were created in response to Archbishop Naumann’s desire to gather and pray with the young adult communities in our archdiocese,” said Emily Lopez, archdiocesan lead consultant for adult evangelization. The next event will be held Feb. 28
at the St. Lawrence Campus Center in Lawrence. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a dinner and the opportunity for those in attendance to ask the archbishop questions and hear from him in a more personal way. “Sharing a meal is always an occasion for fellowship and sharing at a deeper level of relationship,” said Lopez. “Although most young people desire the opportunity for deeper conversation,” she continued, “our culture does not often value the occasions where this takes place. “It is our hope that dinner with our archbishop allows young people to experience a less formal sense of fellowship and shared conversation.”
The dinner will lead into eucharistic adoration and Benediction, and the night will conclude with Mass at 9 p.m. Young adults who have attended these experiences in the past have walked away with a renewed faith and a greater sense of hope in their own generation. “It was great to see young people take time out of their week to reflect
and worship,” said Kit White, who attended her first “Trust One Greater” event in 2015. “It’s encouraging to see people your own age making God a priority,” she said. Lopez hopes the upcoming event will be a positive break from the stress of everyday life. “Young adulthood is a very distinct phase in which there is a focus on discernment in all areas of individual life,” she said. “A natural desire for independence is often accompanied by many personal doubts. “By focusing on growing closer to Christ, young adults can work to prayerfully discern his will in their lives at this integral point of consideration.”
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Presenter says spiritual growth takes place when you’re ready to receive By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org
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LAINE — Receptivity is 98 percent of the spiritual life. Or so said Jim Beckman, who spoke at three rural youth outreach spring training sessions held Feb. 4-5 at St. Dominic Church in Holton, St. Columbkille Church in Blaine and Sacred Heart Church in Ottawa. The sessions also included an appreciation meal for all those involved in rural outreach ministry, as well as the opportunity for participants to earn funds for their parish youth programs. Approximately 125 participated in the sessions. Beckman, a lecturer in leadership and catechetics at the Augustine Institute in Denver, is the author of “God, Help Me: How to Grow in Prayer” and has been involved in ministry since 1987. Spiritual growth, said Beckman, takes place when you are prepared to listen — or “receive” — what God is trying to tell you. Often, that can only take place after you have worked on developing your interior life. As Father Jacques Philippe wrote in “Time for God,” said Beckman, without an interior life, it is impossible to reach full spiritual maturity, because one will always experience “excessive disquietude” and “suffer from vanity, selfishness, self-centeredness, ambition, meanness of heart, judgment, and an unhealthy willfulness and attachment to their opinions.” The good news, Beckman said, is: If a person works consistently and honestly on his or her interior life, the results can be amazing. “Imagine what it would look like if it was the other way around,” he said. A person dedicated to his or her interior life can produce gifts of the Holy Spirit such as charity, joy, patience and generosity.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON
Jim Beckman, a lecturer on leadership and catechetics at the Augustine Institute in Denver, was the featured presenter at the rural youth outreach spring training sessions held Feb. 4 at St. Columbkille Church in Blaine. Beckman also spoke at St. Dominic Church in Holton and Sacred Heart Church in Ottawa. There are three components, he explained, in every person’s life — ministry, vocation and a spiritual core. He said a majority of people spend most of their time doing all kinds of activities. For married couples, too often activities take up so much time that the marriage gets what’s left over. The prayer life gets even less, if any. If the spiritual core is not properly attended to, said Beckman, people attempt to satisfy their spiritual longings with things that will not bring lasting happiness. Our core identity, he said, is not our activities or what we do. Rather, he said, “We are spiritual beings.” His advice? “Live from the inside out,” he said. “You’d be surprised how easy it is.” Every morning, Beckman says he spends about 30 to 45 minutes in prayer, sometimes reading a Scripture passage,
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“A PERSON DEDICATED TO HIS OR HER INTERIOR LIFE CAN PRODUCE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT SUCH AS CHARITY, JOY, PATIENCE AND GENEROSITY. Jim Beckman other times speaking with God in quiet contemplation. At the end of his prayer time, he picks up his Bible and places it in his backpack. He takes the backpack wherever he goes. When he finds he has allowed his peace
to be disturbed, his backpack reminds him of his prayer time. When people spend time in prayer consistently and honestly with God, they know their identity as Christians. Knowing one’s identity is important, Beckman said, because when people understand their identity, they are more predisposed to their unique mission. A person in tune with his or her spiritual life, he explained, will turn to Jesus when experiencing opposition and, in turn, strengthen their spiritual core instead of turning to other forms of consolation. Beckman discussed prayer as a relationship, likening it to any human relationship that involves “essential dynamics.” He summarized it in one word: ARRR! “Think like a pirate,” Beckman joked. People have to Acknowledge something, Relate it to someone, Receive what the other person is saying and then Respond. In closing, he shared the account in the Gospel of Luke of the two disciples walking to Emmaus with Jesus (24:13-35). He used it to illustrate how a relationship with God can be formed. The disciples were walking on the road when Jesus appeared alongside them. The disciples did not recognize Jesus at first, and Jesus asked about their sadness. Jesus did not need to ask the question, says Beckman. He knew the answer already. But “he knew they needed to relate it to [him].” When the disciples finally recognized Jesus in “the breaking of the bread,” Beckman continued, they were ready to receive his teaching. Two thousand years later, receptivity is something everyone still needs to practice, said Beckman. And for a simple reason. “Receptivity is 98 percent of the spiritual life,” he concluded.
FEBRUARY 17, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
WORKERS thein VINEYARD
TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus
Behind enemy lines
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re there people that you as an adult or your kids see as mean or irritate you? How can we live the command of Jesus: “Love your enemies” (Mt. 5:44)?
• Pray for them (for God’s will to be done). • Be a Christian to them (Christian means “little Christ”). • Remember they have ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 been made in the image of God. When families like yours and mine love our enemies, the world is a better place. — William O’Leary, director of religious formation Church of the Ascension, Overland Park
WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE
CHURCH OF THE WEEK
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY
Joanna Rivard led the effort to get a new parish directory at Curé of Ars in Leawood. The new 150-page directory is scheduled to be delivered this month.
Volunteer’s effort is picture perfect By Carolyn Kaberline Special to The Leaven
Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park Address: 7023 W. 71st, Overland Park Phone: (913) 432-4616 Pastor: Father William Bruning Mass times: Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m.; 9 a.m.; 11 a.m. Website: www.queenoftheholyrosary.org MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org
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TEAM OF THE WEEK
Aquinas boys basketball Head coach: John Rost Record: 12-2 Next game: Feb. 17 at Blue Valley West
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EAWOOD — When Joanna Rivard and her husband Doug met Father Richard Storey during the summer of 2015, she welcomed him to his new assignment and mentioned that it would be nice if the parish had a new picture directory. “The parish had done these in the past at five-year intervals, and we were due for a new one,” said Rivard, a member of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood. “Father Storey thought it was a good idea, too, so when he asked if I would take on that project, I said, ‘Of course.’” Rivard had done a lot of volunteer work at the school in the past, and she thought this would be a way to become more active in the parish. She soon discovered this project was quite a challenge, however. Work on the project began in October of that year; Lifetouch did the photography during the summer of 2016. “I definitely found that I had a lot of friends who volunteered to help sign people up,” she said. “Many of the Knights of Columbus members took shifts as well. “Lifetouch has a website I used to make the appointments on, but it was friends, fellow parishioners and members of the Knights of Columbus who actually got people
to make appointments, got people there, checked people in every day for a month and a half, and took their information when they arrived for photos.” In addition, Rivard herself also staffed the online registration, made appointments over the phone and personally oversaw sign-up sheets at all the Masses for three weeks. Despite all the work required for the project, Rivard especially enjoyed speaking with and getting to know some of the older parishioners and hearing their stories during the course of the project. “I got to speak with them over the phone, then meet them when they showed up for their photos,” she explained. “They were so lovely, so appreciative of what we were doing.” Rivard also said she enjoyed working with the company taking photos and putting the directory together. “Lifetouch was so wonderful with the older parishioners,” she noted. “They treated them so professionally, so lovingly.” While Rivard enjoyed working with the various groups of people, she also said that when it came to the creative part of the project — designing the book, putting the names with the faces and such, there were many days she felt overwhelmed. She even occasionally prayed for help with the project. Her prayers were answered
when the parish hired Jessica Lam Nang as communications coordinator during the early part of last summer. “She was the answer to my prayers,” said Rivard. “I wish I would have trusted [God] more to start with. Jessica proofread it, put it together and made it look fabulous. She did all the creative work on the directory and sent the book to the publisher in October.” From the beginning, Rivard felt the directory was an important project as it would allow parishioners to put names and faces together and would hopefully increase fellowship in the parish. It would also be a way for new parishioners to feel an official part of Curé of Ars. With delivery of the new 150-page directory planned for this month, Rivard is proud of the work put in by all those who helped her, and only wished that even more of the parish’s families would have taken part. Would she do it again? “It was a good experience,” Rivard said. “I had never done anything like this before, and I’d be willing to do it again — in five years — when there will be a whole new batch of people to include.” Rivard said she learned a lot from this project, especially to be more trusting in God. “If you are doing his work, it will get done,” she said.
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• VIDEO REPORT: To learn more about Aquinas boys basketball, see Todd Habiger’s Team of the Week report. • PHOTOS: Check out Lori Wood Habiger’s photo gallery from the Aquinas-Mill Valley game on Feb. 10. All this and more can be found online at: www.theleaven.org.
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FEBRUARY 17, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
First-graders’ chore money fuels lesson in stewardship
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
Benedictine’s Scholarship Ball set for Feb. 25 ATCHISON — The Scholarship Ball is annually one of the top fundraising events in the Kansas City area. This year, the blacktie-optional event will honor two noted couples from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Robert and Shirley Chenoweth and Sean and Julie Doherty will receive the prestigious Cross of the Order of St. Benedict during the evening’s program, which will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Ravens’ 1967 national basketball championship. The Scholarship Ball is set for Feb. 25 at the Overland Park Convention Center. Ticket information is available on the college’s website at: www.benedictine.edu.
>> Continued from page 1 in with the cookies. After receiving the OK from Sister Marjorie, students filled in notes that said things like: “Jesus taught me to share. I did a lot of chores around the house for cookie money.” Not only did the students have fun creating 679 bags of cookies and coloring the frames for the notes, they also learned from the project. And it appears that the lesson stuck. “I learned to help other people,” said first-grader Parker Andrews. “I learned to help one another,” echoed classmate Madison Spindler. “I learned to be kind to others,” said a third member of the class, Remi Cushinberry. Totten noted that while the sandwich cookies were tempting, not one student asked to have one to eat. “They knew they were for others,” she said.
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New name for ‘Angels Among Us’ LEAVEN PHOTO BY CAROLYN KABERLINE
Students included notes in their bags explaining how they earned money to purchase the cookies for Corita’s Corner sandwich ministry.
Want to help someone heal from an abortion? Call Toll Free 888-246-1504
KANSAS CITY, Kan. —The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) has a new name for its annual award honoring those who show outstanding support for Catholic education. It’s now known as The Michael and Patty Morrisey Angels Among Us Award, in recognition of the foundation’s former executive director and director of development. “We renamed the award because that’s going to be the constant reminder of the spirit of the intentions they brought to the organization,” said CEF board chair Joan Wells. “It will recognize people who are symbolic of that and really embody the passion that they have,” she added.
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ent is almost upon us — a time when we tend to get more serious about our spiritual progress. Why go it
Before you say that you couldn’t possibly do that, consider your preconceived notions about retreats. It doesn’t have to be at some distant isolated location, cost a lot of money, or involve very long and dull sermons on your sins and alone? shortcomings. Something out of the ordiCan’t go away from home nary that can offer structure for a “real” retreat? A parish and stimulate growth might mission or weekly inspirational give a real boost, and the archseries can be the starting point diocese is filled with opportuni- of a personal retreat right in ties to support its residents. your own home. Many parishes offer adult The key to making a retreat formation sessions, study is moving away from what is groups and devotional practic- happening in ordinary daily life es such as Stations of the Cross to get in touch with what needs to nourish their parishioners. to be happening in the deepest If your parish does not have self. That takes silent time and something at a convenient time, prayer. check out neighRather than boring parishes coming home through their from the mission websites or The talk and turning HAVE YOU EVER Leaven’s calenon the TV (or dar page. turning on the car Lent in- THOUGHT OF “GIVING radio even before vites us to put UP” SOME TIME TO GO that), a retreatextra effort into ant stays in that works of chariMORE DEEPLY INTO sacred word long ty and justice as enough for it to YOUR SOUL? MIGHT sink in and for a part of our faith commitment. response to form. YOU “SACRIFICE” Informative lecWhile we may tures and meet- SOME OF THE HUSTLE think that God ings at nearby is speaking in colleges and orAND NOISE OF OR- the words of the ganizations are person giving the DINARY LIVING AND lesson or mishappening on many critical talk, that is GO INTO THE QUIET sion life issues: refjust the prelimiugees, abortion, nary. We have WHERE GOD CAN human traffickto engage with ing, capital punthose words. LOVINGLY SPEAK? ishment, rights Quiet space and of the poor and focused listening minorities. are needed to explore what God Lent should be a time to learn is saying to me — personally, more and make extra efforts to right now, in the circumstances speak to others about your conof my life today — to find the cerns, both to government rep- real message. resentatives and to your friends Prayer is a response to that and family. message. After prayer and seBut maybe it’s time, also, to rious thought, we have to make take it a step further and conthe extra effort to change and sider a Lenten retreat. grow in whatever way God is Have you ever thought of calling us. “giving up” some time to go Can’t find an in-person more deeply into your soul? spiritual event that you are Might you “sacrifice” some of able to attend? Don’t despair the hustle and noise of ordi- of making a retreat. Find a good nary living and go into the quiet spiritual book. There are many where God can lovingly speak? that are structured for Lenten
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Spend a little with the Lor
BY SISTER JUDIT Special to T
use with 40 specific readings and often prayers or actions to take in response to the reading. The main thing is to keep the discipline of doing sacred reading every day and taking at least a half-hour to meditate and pray on what you have read. Not sure what you want to read? Simply go to your web browser and type in “online Lenten retreat.” You’ll find a
Christ’s Peace House of Prayer Easton 22131 Meagher Rd. Easton (913) 773-8255 www.ChristsPeace.com
whole array of resources to structure your meditation and actions. Again, the main thing is to make this a special time. You can’t just sit at your desk and read the daily reading the way you read the rest of the reports and emails that clutter your screen and your life. This has to be your God-time, quiet and focused.
Is all this making you yearn for a “real” retreat? Fortunately, this archdiocese has some excellent resources. • At the Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center, there is an ecumenical, contemplative community that welcomes individual retreatants to spend a day or longer in 32 acres of beautiful and peaceful space. And you don’t have to travel far
Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St. Atchison (913) 360-6173 www.sophiaspiritualitycenter.org
spiritualitycenter.org. Father Jim Harbaugh, SJ, rooted • All of the retreat centers in 12-step spirituality, and a Lenten day of prayer, “Dust and listed here offer appointments for individual spiritual direcAshes, Water and Wine: Symtion as well. The Benedictine bols and Scripture for Lent,” with liturgist John Winkels, on Sisters also offer spiritual direction and some spiritual preMarch 4. “Linger Over Coffee – Lent” is sentations, including a Gospel another option. It will be a series nonviolence group and weekly of five reflections by staff mem- Scripture study at their Keeler bers from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Women’s Center in Kansas City, Kansas, in the Cathothe Tuesdays of Lent (March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4). Each lic Charities building at 2220 week’s conversation can “stand Central in Kansas City, Kansas (www.keelerwomenscenter. alone” if you cannot attend the whole series. More about this org). Enough options for you? and other opportunities for private retreat there are online at: With all these choices, anyone should be able to find somewww.scls.org/marillac-center/ thing to help make this Lent events.aspx. more meaningful and to pro• Sophia Spirituality Center is a ministry of the vide a structure to foster spiritual growth. Benedictine SisStill think a ters of Mount retreat is not imSt. Scholastica portant? As with in Atchison. BeAS WITH ANY any relationship, sides offering relationship space for indiRELATIONSHIP, OUR our with God revidual private conversaretreats, schedRELATIONSHIP WITH quires tion: taking the uled offerings time to listen during Lent GOD REQUIRES closely, to coninclude: “Lent CONVERSATION: verse back and with St. Benein honest dict” (March 3); TAKING THE TIME TO forth ways, even if the “Lenten Retreat Day with HanLISTEN CLOSELY, TO subject is difficult. del’s Messiah” Think about (March 12); “A CONVERSE BACK AND your own Getaway for FORTH IN HONEST human relationSelf-Renewal” ships and how (March 14 or WAYS, EVEN IF enriched they April 8); “Groware when we ing a Mandala THE SUBJECT IS give them spethrough Concial time and templation” DIFFICULT. space to grow. (March 15); Recall going on “Angels Among Us” (March 24); and “Releasing a walk with a friend, having a date night with a spouse, the Mystic in You” (April 6). making time to do something For an intensive experience special with a child, taking a reof Holy Week with a monasfreshing vacation. tic community, Sophia Center If recalling that time made offers a Triduum retreat lasting from Holy Thursday afternoon you feel something warm in through Easter Sunday dinner your heart, if it brought up a treasured memory, if it remind(April 13-16). Or, on March 14, enjoy one ed you of something very deep of Sophia’s regularly scheduled that you shared and how that “coffee and silence” days when affected the relationship, then you can understand why each retreatants can come and take of us could benefit from a little advantage of the contemplative space at no charge (freewill of- quality time with the Lord. Lent is a great time to make fering). More information can be found online at: www.sophia it happen.
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e quality time rd this Lent
TH SUTERA, OSB The Leaven
because it is located right in the heart of Kansas City, Kansas, at 2601 Ridge Ave. Information about arranging a retreat are available online at www.sanctuaryofhope.org. And if you can’t make it to the retreat center, this website also provides outlines for two online retreats: “Counting My Blessings: A Busy Mom’s/ Grandmother’s Home Retreat”
and “A Man Fully Alive: A Focused Retreat for Busy Men.” • For an even more secluded and nature-centered environment, there is Christ’s Peace House of Prayer in Easton, near Leavenworth. Retreatants can spend a day or longer on 120 wooded acres with a choice of guest rooms or rustic cabins. A Lenten preparation retreat, March 4-5, will include four or
five talks and time for prayer, reflection, spiritual reading, walks and resting in God. Information is available online at: www.ChristsPeace.com. • Two religious communities also have retreat centers on their campuses. The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth sponsor Marillac Center. Coming events include: “A Recovery Retreat” on February 24-26, with
Sanctuary of Hope 2601 Ridge Ave. Kansas City, Kansas (913) 321-4673 www.sanctuaryofhope.org
Marillac Center
4200 S. 4th St. Leavenworth Phone: (913) 758-6552 www.scls.org/marillac-center/events.aspx
FEBRUARY 17, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Teachers and assistant teacher - The Goddard School in Olathe is seeking a preschool teacher, a pre-kindergarten teacher and a toddler teacher - all full-time positions - as well as an assistant teacher for multiple classrooms. Lead and assistant teachers work together. Daily responsibilities are: developing lesson plans; meeting the individual needs of the children; communicating with parents; participation in staff and training meetings; designing appropriate room arrangement to support the goals and development level of the children in the classroom; interacting with the children to support play, exploration and learning; presenting expectations that are appropriate to the child’s age and developmental level; plan and implement activities that develop self-esteem and social skills; communicate appropriately and professionally with parents and fellow staff; building teamwork; use assessment tools; and commit to continuing education. To apply, email a resume and cover letter to: olathe2ks@goddardschools.com. Live–in position - Sanctuary of Hope in Kansas City, Kansas, has an opening for an individual interested in a live-in position. Benefits and duties include: being committed to prayer and serving others; committed to their on-going formation and growth in knowledge and faith, and being open to all spiritual paths, faiths and ethnic groups; being committed to living a community life of sharing with other at Sanctuary of Hope and House of Peace, and taking on certain areas of responsibility, such as attending set prayer times and, when needed, helping with tasks inside and outside of the buildings. There would be time for vacations and visiting family and friends. Must provide own health insurance and be of reasonably good health. To apply, complete an application form, have three references of recommendation and meet with Father Dennis Wait. If interested, contact Father Dennis Wait at (913) 321-3827 or send an email to: frwait@aol.com. Web manager – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is accepting applications for a full-time web manager. Duties include managing and maintaining internal websites and managing the digital media center. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing. Position requires bachelor’s degree in related field, and the candidate must have past experience in web design and management. Knowledge of Blackbaud Net Community a plus. A complete job description and required application are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www. archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application by Feb. 20 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Webmaster, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org. Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, and cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available, as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Principal - Co-cathedral Parish of St. Joseph seeks a principal committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. Co-cathedral School is a parish school in a vibrant parish community with growing enrollment serving K to 8th-grade students. Cathedral School is located in downtown St. Joseph, Missouri. Applicant must be a practicing Catholic, should have a master’s degree in educational administration, teaching experience and preferably three years’ administrative experience. This position leads school programs that ensure not only academic excellence but also the spiritual, moral, physical and emotional development of the school community. This person is supervised by the pastor of the parish and the assigned superintendent of schools. Apply at the Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph website or use this link: careers.hireology.com/thecatholicdioceseofkansas citystjoseph. Assistant to ReachKCK coordinator – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is accepting applications for a parttime administrative position in the ReachKCK youth ministry outreach of the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth. This position is approximately 15 hours per week. Duties include supporting youth programs and events, creating publicity materials, data entry, managing social media and handling various logistics. Ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have a minimum of three years’ work experience, including at least one year of administrative experience. Knowledge of youth ministry in an urban setting and Spanish preferred. A complete job description and required application are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck. org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application by Feb. 22 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Youth Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org. Drivers - Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans. Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas. Competitive wages and flexible schedules. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 262-3100 or apply online at: AssistedTransportation.com. EEO.
Immediate opening - Bishop Miege High School is seeking two individuals to provide administrative support in the attendance office and administrative/business office. Good personal communication and computer skills required; experience in schools and/or bookkeeping is preferred. Both jobs are 10-month positions. Email letter of interest and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com. Volunteers needed - Want to make a difference? The human rights office prison ministry program at the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is looking for volunteers to help with projects at the Catholic Center, located at 20 W. 9th St. in Kansas City, Missouri. Grab a friend; you pick the hour and days. Free coffee and parking, nice people. You will be touching lives every day! For more information, call program coordinator Laurie at (816) 714-2364 or volunteer Mark Henke at (913) 909-1019. Principal - St. Peter’s Middle School/McAuley Catholic High School in Joplin, Missouri, is looking for a principal. Requirements: active Catholic with a passion for Catholic education; Missouri (or other) educator certification. Master’s in education administration (or in progress) and administrative experience, especially in Catholic schools, preferred. Send resume with three professional references to Georgiana L. McGriff, director, Joplin area Catholic schools at: gmcgriff@jacss.org. Principal - St. Ann’s Elementary school in Carthage, Missouri has an open position for principal. Requirements: active catholic with a passion fro Catholic education; Missouri (or other) educator certification; master’s in education administration (or in progress) and administrative experience, especially in Catholic school, preferred. Send resume with three professional references to: Father J. Friedel, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 812 Pearl Ave., Joplin, MO 64801. Assistant boys golf coach - Bishop Miege High School is seeking an assistant boys golf coach for the upcoming spring 2017 season. Contact Mike Hubka, athletic director, by phone at (913) 222-5802 or send an email to: mhubka@ bishopmiege.com.. Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, round- trip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215 Custodian/maintenance - Applications are being accepted for a custodial/maintenance position at Hayden Catholic High School. This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., eligible for benefits. The maintenance/custodial staff is responsible to maintain all school buildings, grounds and related equipment. The ideal candidate will possess at least a high school diploma or equivalent and will have prior maintenance/custodial experience. Qualified applicants should email a resume to: haydencatholic@haydencatholic.net. Drivers needed - Medi Coach Transportation is looking for caring and reliable drivers for nonemergency transportation. CDL is not required. Contact Jeff at (913) 825-1921. Principal - St Patrick School seeks a principal committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. St Patrick School is a parish school serving approximately 130 K to 8th-grade students with a staff of approximately 15. St Patrick’s is located in the Northland area of Kansas City, Missouri. Applicant must be a practicing Catholic, should have a master’s degree in educational administration, teaching experience and preferably three years’ administrative experience. This position leads school programs that ensure not only academic excellence but also the spiritual, moral, physical and emotional development of the school community. This person is supervised by the pastor of the parish and the assigned superintendent of schools. To apply, use this link: careers. hireology.com/thecatholicdioceseofkansascitystjoseph. Teachers - St. James Academy is seeking several teachers for the 2017-2018 school year. The ideal candidates will be practicing Catholics with a passion for evangelization and discipleship who are licensed and experienced in their content areas. Current openings include English, math and Spanish teachers, as well as a campus minister. Interested candidates should apply to the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas at: www.archkckcs.org. Commercial construction accounting/bookkeeper – We need a person who can leap tall buildings with a single bound! Must be faster than a plane and be very accurate. Our well-established company needs a “company-minded person” with great experience who can begin the New Year with us. We use Peachtree Accounting for our midsize (4-6m per year) company. Must be adaptable to our way of doing business, but bring some new ideas and solutions. Proficiency in Excel, knowledge of Expesite Client software a bonus. Must be able to produce monthly financials and monthly project cost reports and work within clients’ programs for invoicing and project closeout. Salary based on experience and abilities. Must have 7-10 years construction accounting experience. ALL others NEED NOT APPLY!! Send an email to: GDAccountant87@yahoo.com.
Child care providers - Prince of Peace Early Ed Center, Olathe, has openings for part time (M/W/F, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — Aug.-May) and full time (M-F, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. — year-round starting May) employment working with 4-year-olds. Competitive wages and benefits package are offered to candidates who have at least one year experience in this or a related field. College degree is preferred but not required. Staff member will be responsible for planning and implementing weekly lesson plans; working one-on-one in small and large groups to prepare students for kindergarten through a variety of activities including academic skills; evaluate students twice a year and meet with parents twice a year; maintain an inviting, creative classroom and caring, loving environment; teach Bible stories, basic Catholic prayers and ideals. Also, full-time opening for school age care provider during summer. One-year experience required in a licensed center and minimum of 18 years old. Must be able to attend field trips and create lesson plans including cooking, science, writing, math, etc. Contact Amanda Khemfaj at (913) 829-2728. Basketball coach - St. James Academy is seeking a head girls basketball coach for the 2017-2018 school year. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic with a passion for evangelization and discipleship with experience coaching at the high school or college level. Interested candidates should email resumes and cover letters to the activities and athletic director, Mr. Mark Huppe, at: mhuppe@ sjakeepingfaith.org. Groundskeeping position - $30K. Catholic Cemeteries is seeking an individual for a full-time groundskeeping position, hours Monday through Saturday. This position requires heavy lifting. Must be physically fit and experience operating construction equipment would be a plus. Must be a fast learner and flexible on hours. Interested individuals should contact Matt Wirtz at (913) 371-4040 or you may email a resume to: svallejo@cathcemks.org. Social media specialist - Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas is looking for a permanent part-time position to be filled for the social media management efforts of this important ministry. The right person for this position will work from home 10-15 hours a week and be well versed in the implementation of most social media platforms currently available. Initial development and monitoring priorities will include Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, etc. The ability to stay abreast of social media platforms as they emerge and solid communication skills with the ability to interface with all department heads within our organization (weekly if needed and when requested) is a must. Biweekly meetings at our offices may be needed initially to jumpstart our efforts and in the training of staff to utilize and perfect the use of these important communication tools. Please send resume to: dvanthullenar@ cathcemks.org. Administrative help - Small, growing business is looking for dependable, trustworthy and upbeat person to help with answering customer calls, shipping packages and general inventory management. Experience with Mac computer, UPS WorldShip, QuickBooks helpful, but will train right person. Overland Park-based with fun, casual environment. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 1 - 5 p.m., or possible full time; $12 per hour during training. No benefits. To apply, email resume to: orders@roarpostalsupplies.com. Volunteers needed - Make friendly visits to hospice patients. No experience needed. Free training provided. For more information, call Suzanne Murry at (913) 201-6777. Part-time youth minister - Holy Family Church in Eudora has an opening for a part-time youth minister for 8-10 hours/week. Responsibilities include planning and leading the high school program, social activities and service projects for middle and high school students, and assisting in confirmation preparation. For more information, call the parish office at (785) 542-2788. Sales associate - Kansas City Home Medical Supply, a locally owed multilocation medical supply company, is seeking a retail store sales associate. Part-time and fulltime positions available in Overland Park and Lee’s Summit. Candidate must enjoy working with the elderly, be enthusiastic and outgoing with great customer service skills. Candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team and be open to in-house training of safe and appropriate product usage. Computer literate with attention to detail a must. Open to community education in the future a plus. Send resume to: info@kchomemed.com. Principal - St. James Parish, located in south St. Joseph, Missouri, seeks a principal committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. St James School is a parish school serving approximately 145 pre-K to 8th-grade students with a staff of 15. Applicant must be a practicing Catholic, should have a master’s degree in educational administration, teaching experience and preferably three years’ administrative experience. This position leads school programs that ensure academic excellence. More importantly, must also be mission-driven and open to initiatives such as a classical approach to the spiritual, moral, physical and emotional development of the school community which enhances catholicity and effectiveness of education. This person is supervised by the pastor of the parish and the assigned superintendent of schools. To apply, use this link: career.hireology.com/ thecatholicdioceseofkansascitystjoseph.
SERVICES Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer.com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.
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Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837. Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting. Hedge trimming, mulch, leaf removal. Fully insured and free estimates. John Rodman (913) 548-3002 Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mike hammermoving.com. Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002. Helping Hand Handy Man - Semi-retired handyman can help with your ‘to do list.’ Small and medium projects around your house. Also electrical; ceiling fans, light fixtures, outlet and switches. Most deck and shed repairs, power washing restaining and painting. No yard work. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490. Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, Installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661
HOME IMPROVEMENT EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655 Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service – Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built onsite. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW.SWALMS ORGANIZING.COM. Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol. com. Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovations, tile and sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Josh (913) 709-7230. HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.
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FEBRUARY 17, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CALENDAR MEXICAN DINNER Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish (hall) 7023 W. 71st. St., Overland Park Feb. 18 from 5 - 8 p.m.
The Fraternity of the Poor of Jesus Christ will serve a Mexican dinner to raise funds for their mission to the poor of Kansas City and their missions in Central and South America. The suggested donation is $10.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR SPECIAL-NEEDS CHILDREN St. Michael the Archangel Parish St. Raphael Room 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood Feb. 23 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Meet with financial advisers who will explain the Able Act and share their guidance on how to establish a special-needs trust. For further information or if you have questions, call Tom Racunas, lead consultant of the archdiocesan special-needs ministry, at (913) 647-3055 or send an email to: tracunas @archkck.org.
flect on life and relationships. Donations for this retreat are $50 for commuters (includes lunch) and $150 for overnight guests (includes four meals). For more information and to register, call (913) 785-6552; send an email to: retreats@scls.org; or visit the website at: www.marillaccenter.org.
WINTER PLAY St. James Academy 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 at 7 p.m.
St. James Academy performing arts department will present “The Trojan Woman,” an adaptation of “The Trojan Women” by Euripides. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.sjakeepingfaith.org.
The dance is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Assembly 2260. The cost for tickets is $30 per person and includes a prime rib dinner and drinks. Dance music will be provided by “Oldies 95 DJ.” Dress is formal and advance ticket purchase is required. Tickets may be purchased at the website: www.kofc2260.org; or by calling Richard Witthar at (913) 897-7227 or Tom Maillard at (913) 558-8120.
MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars Parish 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Feb. 18 at 8 a.m.
There will be a memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones followed by a grief support meeting in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Navigating Change on the Heels of Loss.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.
‘SENIOR HEALTH CARE AND LIVING: WHO PAYS FOR WHAT’ Church of the Nativity 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Feb. 22 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Hear about the value of deepening spiritual practices to find new hope and discover one’s own path to the God of grace and compassion. For more information or to register, call (913) 360-6173 or go to the website at: www.sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.
This event is free and open to the public. Participants will be able to speak to representative from various city departments. Learn about full- and part-time job opportunities and new positions that will be available with the opening of the new recreation center in August.
GERMAN FASCHING MARDI GRAS Sacred Heart Parish (hall) 312 N.E. Freeman Ave., Topeka Feb. 25 at 4 p.m.
The evening begins with German Mass and is followed by a German buffet, polka dance, silent auction, drawings for $1000 and three handmade quilts. A cash bar will be available. Advance tickets are $25 per person, or $225 for a table of eight. Tickets will be sold until Feb. 19 and can be purchased by calling (785) 232-2863 or (785) 234-3338.
MARDI GRAS St. Benedict Parish (school commons) 201 Division, Atchison Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Meals will be served from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The cost is: $7 for adults; $4 for kids ages 4 - 10; free for kids ages 3 and under. There will also be live and silent auctions, games, crafts, face painting and prizes. All proceeds help support St. Benedict School.
There will be a free panel discussion covering senior services and what insurance covers presented by Catholic Community Hospice and Brookdale Senior Living Solutions. For more information or to RSVP, call (913) 9091018, or send an email to: dmclaughlin@ catholiccharities.org.
BISHOP WARD ALUMNI GATHERING O’Neill’s Restaurant 9417 Mission Rd., Leawood Feb. 23 at 6 p.m.
Join fellow Cyclones for food, fellowship and fun. There is no cost to attend, and food will be provided. Drinks will need to be purchased. For more information or to RSVP, call Greg Duggins at (913) 371-6901 or send an email to: gduggins@wardhigh.org.
RECOVERY RETREAT Marillac Center 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. — Feb. 27 at 11:30 a.m.
This retreat, based on the 12-step process, will provide an excellent opportunity to re-
This is a weekend away for those who are widowed, separated and divorced; who are suffering the loss of a love relationship and may feel left out by their church and uneasy around married friends. This weekend offers an opportunity to focus on an experience of positive growth and turn the pain of loss into a new beginning. For more information, go to the website at: www.beginningexperiencekc. org; send an email to: register.bekc@gmail. com; or call Lynn at (785) 282-8964 or Teresa at (816) 529-9002.
NEW HOPE FOR DEPRESSION Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
CAREER FAIR Lenexa City Hall 12350 W. 87th St., Lenexa Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. - noon
WINTER FORMAL Church of the Ascension Parish (hall) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Feb. 18 from 6 - 10 p.m.
BEGINNING EXPERIENCE Precious Blood Center 2140 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri March 3-5
WOMEN’S DAY OF LENTEN PRAYER Cathedral of St. Peter 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kansas March 4 from 8:15 a.m. - noon
The day begins with Mass and continues with the Lenten reflection “He Fills my Cup” by Susan Carroll. The cost of $15 includes a continental breakfast. For more information or to register, call Diane Hentges at (913) 7085323 or send an email to: dkhentges0503@ gmail.com.
POLKA DANCE Knights of Columbus Hall 11221 Johnson Dr., Shawnee March 4 at 6:30 p.m.
The entry fee is $10 and includes hours of fun and dancing. The money raised has gone to the priests and seminarians for the last 30 years. For more information, call Dan Nicks at (913) 406-8717.
PREPARATION RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton March 4-5
The retreat will have four or five talks, daily eucharistic adoration, Mass at the local parish on Saturday at 5 p.m., time for quiet reflection, walks in the forest, spiritual reading and prayer. The cost is $85 per person or $125 per couple. For more information, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@ christspeace.com.
ST. JOSEPH TABLE AND PASTA DINNER St. Joseph Parish (McDevitt Hall) 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee March 5 - Table blessing at 8:30 a.m. Viewing from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dinner from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The suggested cost to attend is a freewill donation. A variety of items will be featured for purchase. Proceeds will benefit the needy in the parish and the Shawnee community. For more information, call Christine Marion at (913) 268-6677.
DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA, LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE 503 Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Feb. 26 at 12:30 p.m.
Our 87th birthday will be celebrated with a covered dish luncheon. Dessert will be provided. A business meeting will follow. If there are any sick or in-need family members, let Theresa Smith-Lawton know by calling (785) 640-1403. For more information about the Daughters of Isabella, call Theresa Renfrow at (785) 969-1779 or Smith-Lawton at (785) 640-1403.
BISHOP WARD SCHOLARSHIP DINNER Bishop Ward High School 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas March 5 from 4:30 - 8 p.m.
The Spirit of Bishop Ward scholarship dinner is a new event to benefit the student scholarship fund, which ensures that all students, regardless of income, have access to a quality Catholic education. Toby Cook, from the Kansas City Royals, will be the keynote speaker. There will also be a Hall of Fame induction ceremony. For more information, call Stephanie Wagner at (913) 371-6901, or visit the website at: wardhigh.org/spiritof bishopward.
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>> Continued from page 12 Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125.
CAREGIVING Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home - Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com. Senior care and helper - I am a registered nurse with a master’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Virginia and the University of Mary. I am also a husband and father of two young children. I enjoy working with, learning from and exchanging stories with the senior population and America’s Greatest Generation. This may include, but not be limited to, nursing care, grocery shopping, yard work, medical appointments, companionship and helping around the home. Parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish. Call Matt at (913) 721-6543 to set up a no-obligation meeting to see if we are a good fit for one another. Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 3412500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.
FOR SALE Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557. For sale - Maintenance free home. Backs up to Ascension Catholic Church. Two bedroom, 2.5 bath, study, open floor plan. Great for entertaining. Call for appointment. (913) 669-8178.
FOR RENT House for rent - Long Street in Shawnee, close to St. Joseph Church. One entry-level bedroom, one large loft bedroom. Kitchen with dishwasher, basement garage with opener. House is clean and well taken care of. Large yard, quiet, secure neighborhood. No smoking/no pets. Available Feb. 1. Call (913) 238-2470. Serious interest only. Shawnee Sacred Heart member/owner. House for rent - Home for rent near downtown Lawrence. 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom plus bonus attic room. Fenced yard and carport. Great family home. Available March 1st. Serious interest only. St. John the Evangelist member/owner. Call Sarah at (913) 219-5487.
WANTED TO BUY Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to buy - I’m Mark Edmondson, a local parishioner at Holy Trinity, and I buy and sell houses in any condition. If you have a house “situation,” call me. I might have a solution for you. (913) 980-4905. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware. Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee
ROOMMATE Roommate wanted - Female seeking female roommate in Overland Park home. $400 per month plus one-third of the utilities. Furnished three-bedroom home. Six minutes from Oak Park Mall. No pets. Call (913) 599-5574. Roommate wanted - Catholic lady seeking roommate to share furnished apartment: 2/bdrm-2/bath at the Legends in Kansas City, Kansas. Access to pool, gym, clubhouse and theater suite. Secured building. Facility requires security check. Call (913) 745-6674.
PILGRIMAGE Fatima/Medjugorje pilgrimage - Celebrate the 100th anniversary of apparitions in Fatima with a pilgrimage to Fatima and Medjugorje. Oct. 25 to Nov. 9, 2017. Call Grace at (913) 449-1806 for details. (Dates subject to change.)
FEBRUARY 17, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY SEVENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Feb. 19 SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Lv 19: 1-2, 17-18 Ps 103: 1-4, 8, 10, 12-13 1 Cor 3: 16-23 Mt 5: 38-48 Feb. 20 Monday Sir 1: 1-10 Ps 93: 1-2, 5 Mk 9: 14-29 Feb. 21 Peter Damian, bishop, doctor of the church Sir 2: 1-11 Ps 37: 3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40 Mk 9: 30-37 Feb. 22 THE CHAIR OF ST. PETER THE APOSTLE 1 Pt 5: 1-4 Ps 23: 1-3a, 4-6 Mt 16: 13-19 Feb. 23 Polycarp, bishop, martyr Sir 5: 1-8 Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Mk 9: 41-50 Feb. 24 Friday Sir 6: 5-17 Ps 119: 12, 16, 18, 27, 34-35 Mk 10: 1-12 Feb. 25 Saturday Sir 17: 1-15 Ps 103: 13-18 Mk 10: 13-16
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ell, most of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie will not be celebrating Lent this year. You see, at the 4 p.m. Mass on Christmas Eve, I thought I told the packed church, “Welcome to our first Mass of Christmas!” But everyone laughed for some reason. Suspicious, I asked, “Uh, did I just say Easter?” The nods and applause told me that, yes, I’d inadvertently said, “Welcome to the first Mass of Easter!” After Mass, many folks told me it was the best Lent that they’d ever had. Others remarked that it was so painless and quick that it didn’t even seem like Lent. Yup, leave it to me to mess things up. Anyway, for those in my parish who will be celebrating Lent this year — and for the rest of us — this column is a call to spend time, now, preparing how you will celebrate that season. Often we wait until Ash Wednesday — March 1, this year — to even think about Lent. By the time we come
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Don’t be a loser this Lent MARK MY WORDS
FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.
to some decisions, it’s usually a week or two into the season and we figure that it’s too late to get started, so we resolve to do better next Lent and give up. And the pattern repeats itself year after year. Please don’t let that happen: If you plan today for a meaningful Lent, you’ll be all set to go full steam on Ash Wednesday. I like to do jigsaw puzzles. Recently, I put together a “shaped puzzle.” This is different from the usual rectangular or circular ones. As
its name suggests, the outside border of this puzzle has an irregular shape, forcing you to employ a different strategy to complete it. The one I did was shaped like Sherlock Holmes, clad in a cape and deerstalker hat, smoking a pipe. In more traditional puzzles, you start with the outside frame, since it’s easier to spot those pieces, and then move to the inside. With a shaped puzzle, you have to switch your pattern: You work from the inside out, assembling the interior first and, last of all, the irregular outside frame. The inside of the Holmes puzzle, for instance, had scenes from his famous cases, like the Hound of the Baskervilles. You worked on these first, then moved
outward. Isn’t Lent a lot like a shaped puzzle? The call to repentance and transformation has to come from the inside out. We start by changing our hearts and gradually our outside behavior follows suit. The penitential practices that we undertake during Lent mold our hearts to be more like Jesus’. While it’s work to “keep Lent,” the rewards are well worth the effort. If you’re looking for a great place to start your Lenten planning, be sure to read Benedictine Sister Judith Sutera’s excellent suggestions on pages 8 and 9 of this issue. I especially like her encouragement for folks to take time away from home for a retreat, even for a day. And you can’t use the excuse that you wouldn’t know where to go for one, because all the pertinent information is on those pages! Just as many people plan spring break trips and somehow find the time to be away. Challenge yourself this Lent to take a “God break” as well. Each Lent, I go back to a practice suggested by Father James Shafer:
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the “1-1-1.” Make a concerted effort during Lent to overcome one sin that nags you; give up one thing for Lent (and it doesn’t have to be food); and then add one spiritual practice, like reading a spiritual book or going on retreat. This “1-1-1” is simple and doable, no matter how busy we claim to be. Lent is ultimately a matter of attitude. I’ll end with this reflection by an anonymous writer, entitled “The Winner”: The loser is always part of the problem; the winner is always part of the answer. The loser always has an excuse; the winner always has a program. The loser sees a problem for every answer; the winner sees an answer for every problem. The loser sees a sand trap near every green; the winner sees a green near every sand trap. The loser says it may be possible, but it’s too difficult; the winner says it may be difficult, but it is possible. (Found in Medard Laz’s “Love Adds a Little Chocolate.”) For Lent 2017, which will you choose: to be a winner or a loser?
Path of nonviolence doesn’t lead to passivity
oth Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi chose the path of nonviolence in their fight for justice. That was their way of responding to Jesus’ words in Sunday’s Gospel reading: “Offer no resistance to one who is evil” (Mt 5:3848). The path of nonviolence passed through much suffering along the way. Both King and Gandhi were assassinated because of their efforts to win civil rights for their people. Their followers had to endure many hardships in that struggle, and some of them were also killed. It was not an easy path to take. But it did yield results. In India, it led to independence
POPE FRANCIS
THE GOSPEL TRUTH
FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.
for that nation. In the United States, it led to an end to legalized racial segregation. At least in those societies, the path
A truly Christian approach to running a business would be modeled after the father in the Gospel story of the prodigal son by giving jobs and a second chance to those who have made mistakes, Pope Francis said. A business plan inspired by “communion,” he said, “is not blocked by the meritocracy invoked by the older son and by many who, in the name of merit, reject mercy.” Meeting Feb. 4 with hundreds of people
of nonviolence led to success. Public opinion was swayed to listen to the cries for justice. As democracies, Great Britain and the United States were able to respond to those cries. However, it is worthwhile to ask the question: Would the path of nonviolence have proved as successful in a dictatorship? Would Hitler, the Japanese in World
War II, or Stalin have been persuaded by the voice of nonviolence? Or would those dictators instead have crushed those speaking out for justice and inflicted tremendous suffering on them, without those sufferings bearing any profit? Would all their pains have been in vain? Is the path of nonviolence always the right one to take? What is the best way to respond to Jesus’ challenge? After all, neither Martin Luther King nor Mahatma Gandhi followed Jesus’ teachings to the letter. While Jesus said offer no resistance, they did offer resistance to what they judged was evil, even if that resistance was nonviolent. They rejected the course of total passivity. And Jesus himself
involved in the “economy of communion” project of the Focolare movement, Pope Francis said their business model of promoting co-responsibility, sharing profits and creating jobs can be the leaven needed to promote an economic model where “the rich know how to share their riches and the poor are called blessed.” Like the father in the Gospel story, he said, “an entrepreneur of communion is called to do everything possible so that even those who make a mistake and leave his house can hope for
engaged in resistance to what was wrong. He even went so far as to engage in violence, when he overturned the tables of the moneychangers in the Temple and drove them out with whips, although he did not go to the point of bloodshed. The teachings of Jesus definitely challenge us to rethink our attitude toward those who oppose us. At the same time, it does not appear as though Jesus was promulgating new legislation by giving us these teachings. They point us in the right direction, even if they do not give detailed instructions on how to get there. That is for us to discern, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
a job and a dignified income and not find themselves eating with the pigs,” like the younger son. Even before requiring a sharing of money, an economic and business model more in line with the Gospel requires business leaders and workers to share their time and their talent, the pope said. “Capitalism knows philanthropy, not communion. It simply means giving a part of your profits, but without embracing and touching the people who are receiving those ‘crumbs.’” — CNS
FEBRUARY 17, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY
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Schools recognized for inclusiveness in national study
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ear friends of Catholic schools, Do you know what the following items have in common?’ Read Live, Sonday System, Barton System, SuccessMaker, Sensory Tubs, Weighted Vest/Lap Belts, Universal Design for Learning, Handwriting without Tears, Adaptive Classroom Equipment, KPALS/ PALS Reading, Read Naturally, Rewards, ALEKS Math, LexiaCore5 Reading, Voice Activated Software, Standing Desks, Bookshare, Spelling Mastery, Touch Math, FM System, Braille Notetaker, Braille Writer, CCTV, Learning Ally and Infinitext. These all are tools
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FROM THE SUPER
KATHY O’HARA Kathy O’Hara is the superintendent of archdiocesan schools.
utilized in our Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to help meet the needs of all learners, especially those students
with special needs. In addition to these, Catholic schools provide student advocates, aides, resource rooms, specialized labs, summer programs, student improvement teams, counselors, paraprofessionals and learning resource teachers. However, the most important component
of how Catholic schools meet the needs of students with special needs does not involve programs or materials. While programs and materials are, indeed, important, the most important aspect of our Catholic schools in this area of education involves something less tangible — the sincere desire to serve all children and welcome them as the masterpieces of God that they are. Here is what our parents tell us: “Our daughter is flourishing at her Catholic school because she is accepted exactly as God created her. We have been overwhelmed by the way God has used her life to inspire others as she becomes an active
member of her school community. She is surrounded by people who respect the gift of her life each day as she joyfully gets to live her Catholic faith. She is blessed!” “We are so blessed to be able to send our daughter to a Catholic school despite her limitations. She has grown and thrived for the last five years under the guidance of teachers, administration and support staff who have gone above and beyond in learning about her unique needs and God-given talents. I am so impressed that I have never heard ‘We can’t do that,’ but rather, ‘Let’s figure out how we can make this work.’” In June of 2016, our Catholic schools were
recognized by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University for being more inclusive of students with special needs than other Midwestern and national Catholic schools. This is a remarkable accomplishment considering that the Perfect Wings program (our program for supporting schools in meeting the needs of students with special needs) has only been in existence since 2000. I am very proud of our schools for their efforts. And while we appreciate this recognition, we know there is much more to be done . . . and we intend to do it! ¡Vaya con Dios!
Judicial nomination stakes higher than founders intended
he nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court has been cause for great excitement on the part of Americans concerned about life, marriage and religious freedom. The very fact that his nomination represents a moment of such triumph, however, should also serve as a sobering reminder that our constitutional order is very much out of order. The president of the United States is often referred to as the “most powerful man in the world,” yet his greatest power, aside from commanding the awesome might of the American military, may lie in his
CHURCH AND STATE
MICHAEL SCHUTTLOFFEL Michael Schuttloffel is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.
ability to appoint someone most Americans have never heard of to a panel
that Alexander Hamilton promised would have “neither force nor will, but merely judgment.” The founders did not anticipate that the U.S. Supreme Court would someday become the preeminent lawmaking body for important social policy. It was originally thought that Congress’
Article I constitutional status would ensure its place as “primus inter pares” — “first among equal” branches — and for the majority of America’s history this was the way things generally were. That was before Congress began its tireless effort to diminish itself, both in terms of its reputation and its power. Nowadays, the presidency has supplanted a willingly supine Congress as the branch of government our cult-of-celebrity culture fixates on when it wants what it wants. But even a president and a unanimous Congress together cannot make law on certain issues. This is supposed to be the case where the
Constitution explicitly places an issue beyond the reach of majorities. It is very much not supposed to be the case where the Constitution is silent, but judges decide to fill in the blanks with their own personal preferences. It is a strange kind of democracy where the highest power resides in the unelected and largely unknown, and thus the Supreme Court’s overtly political actions in Roe v. Wade and Obergefell v. Hodges seem more akin to a coup d’etat than to an act of judging. Having seized for itself the power to unilaterally decide the most controversial questions — i.e., the questions a democracy should pride itself on deciding democratically
— the stakes for judicial nominations are suddenly much higher than the process was designed to bear. The Gorsuch confirmation hearings will undoubtedly be an embarrassing spectacle of hyperpartisanship, but it is what comes next that has the potential to generate unprecedented levels of media-driven hysteria. If the next vacancy occurs while Donald Trump is still president and is the result of the retirement or death of one of the pro-Roe five, a fifth vote to overturn Roe might (and should) be on the table. That will, suffice it to say, not be a moment of national unity.
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FEBRUARY 17, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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St. James seniors create faith place for middle schoolers By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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ENEXA — If Mary Ascher, Ann Marie Growney and Lauren Niesen could contact their middle school selves, they’d have a lot of advice to
give. But since they can’t, the three St. James Academy seniors are doing the next best thing — reaching out to current middle school girls in the archdiocese to offer tips on faith, friendship and everything in between. “We had our struggles with middle school and how rough it was, so we thought, ‘We need to tell these girls how amazing they are,’” said Growney. Growney and Ascher were inspired by a leadership conference they attended a little over a year ago. They felt a pull to reach out to help younger girls, so they contacted Niesen for ideas. Before they knew it, what began as hopeful brainstorming turned into an organized youth group called “Be Somebody,’” where high school and middle school girls come together regularly to share the faith in a vibrant atmosphere. LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS
‘Be Somebody’ “Be Somebody” is led by a core team of 12 high schoolers from a variety of schools, both private and public, and is open to all middle school girls. It meets every two weeks at one of three parishes — St. Joseph in Shawnee, Holy Spirit in Overland Park and Holy Trinity in Lenexa. The group has six board members, with Ascher and Growney serving as co-presidents and Niesen serving as core team manager/meeting planner. “We have a planning meeting one week before with the girls on the core team who are in charge of the next meeting,” said Ascher. Each youth group meeting consists of social time, a check-in question, “witness” talks given by the evening’s leaders and a craft or game related to the meeting’s theme. The meetings are led by two different high schoolers each time. “Right when we were trying to build this, we thought, ‘What can we give [the middle school girls] that we didn’t have?’” said Ascher. The leaders believe that having high
Lauren Niesen, a senior at St. James Academy in Lenexa, distributes string to middle schooler Katelyn Doering at a “Be Somebody” youth group night. Niesen and her peers host the group every two weeks, providing faith-filled talks and activities for middle school girls in a vibrant atmosphere. school role models is a huge benefit. “This is a chance for them to build confidence in themselves and to not be afraid to show that they can have a relationship with God and have a good group of friends,” said Ascher. The group has grown significantly from when it started out last year, now hosting 10-25 girls each meeting. Whether the theme is “Saints” or “Confidence,” the leadership team hopes each meeting will be an inspiration. “I just really want them to realize the importance of sisterhood and how we’re here for each other,” said Growney. “A lot of times, it seems like your faith should be hidden, or that to follow the rules isn’t the coolest thing,” said Niesen. “But to give examples through the witnesses of these [core team] girls and how they live their faith as a high schooler, and how they live happy, well-balanced and confident lives,” that is our goal, she added.
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Sisterhood For the middle school girls who attend the youth group, the chance to hear from older girls who understand what they’re going through is invaluable. “I really like that it’s a place you can come, even if you’ve had a bad day,” said Mckenzie Heffron, an eighth-grader at St. Joseph School in Shawnee. “Or maybe you’ve had a really good day, and you can come share it with the people that are kind of like a family to you,” she added. For Heffron, being welcomed into friendship with older girls is inspiring. “[The high school girls] want you to know that there’s other people that have had experiences like you,” she said. Tess Nearmyer, an eighth-grader at Holy Trinity School in Lenexa, is also grateful for the new friends she has in the high school leaders. “If I ever need anything or if I ever have any questions, I always know I
can ask [them],” she said. Both girls agree that “Be Somebody” helps them focus on what truly matters. “I feel like it’s easy to lose sight of [my faith], but they help you keep sight of it,” said Nearmyer. “There’s people you know that are always telling you to do things that you know are probably not right,” said Heffron. “This group shows you that it’s still cool to have faith.”
An invitation “Be Somebody” will host a one-day retreat at Holy Spirit Church in Overland Park March 5 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The retreat will integrate all the meetings the group has had throughout the year and include lunch, dinner and 6:30 p.m. Mass at the church. All middle school girls are invited to attend. For more information, contact Lauren Niesen by email at: l_niesen@ yahoo.com.