02-20-09 Vol. 30 No. 26

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 30, NO. 26 FEBRUARY 20, 2009

Leaven photo by Jasmine Gustin

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann processes with the Blessed Sacrament at St. James Academy in Lenexa. The archbishop has been holding eucharistic adoration at several schools.

Laying the groundwork for

‘Eucharistic amazement’ Story by

Joe Bollig

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — With Pope John Paul II as his inspiration, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann is trying to build eucharistic amazement among archdiocesan Catholics.

He’s building on a good foundation.

Two things Archbishop Naumann noticed when he arrived in the archdiocese were the increasing number of parish adoration chapels and of parishes scheduling times of adoration.

Later in 2008, he witnessed the devotion of thousands of people who gathered at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., for the Global Living Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration event.

It seems to him that this year is a great opportunity to realize Pope John Paul II’s vision for eucharistic amazement.

“One of the things Pope John Paul II did at the beginning of his papacy was to reinvigorate the Corpus Christi procession in Rome itself,” said Archbishop Naumann.

“Pope John Paul II, in his 2003 encyclical letter, ‘On the Eucharist in its Relationship with the Church’ (‘Ecclesia de Eucharistia’), said that one of his ambitions and goals was to renew ‘eucharistic amazement’ in the church,” the archbishop said.

“By that,” he continued, “I think he meant for us to be more aware of the miracle we participate

LENTEN REGULATIONS All Catholics 14 years of age and older are obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, and all Fridays of Lent. Catholics 18 to 59 years of age are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday — a fast consisting of one normal meal and two lesser meals, with no eating in between. It is also recommended that Catholics find opportunities throughout the Lenten season to complement their fasts with prayer, reception of the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist, and positive works of charity.

in each and every time we go to the Eucharist and receive the Lord in the Eucharist.”

Archbishop Naumann has made the late pope’s ambition and goal his own, and is asking archdiocesan Catholics to save June 14 as an opportunity to rekindle their own eucharistic amazement.

On June 14, the solemnity of Corpus Christi, Archbishop Naumann and Bishop Robert Finn of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph will lead a eucharistic procession and solemn exposition of the Eucharist at St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park.

The procession will start out from St. Agnes Church, then head north on Mission Road to 50th Street, then west on 50th Street to Reinhardt Street, and finally south on Reinhardt to Bishop Miege High School’s Dickson Doll Stadium.

In June 2007, Archbishop Naumann Turn to ARCHBISHOP on page 4

SECOND CHANCES Retired businessmen find post-retirement careers running food pantries for Catholic Charities.

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2 ARCHBISHOP

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 20, 2009

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 20, 2009

SECOND FRONT PAGE

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

Jesus wants to give you the peace only he can provide

M

any years ago when I was still in St. Louis, I met a very successful businessman who at that time was in his mid-80s. I was seated with him at a banquet at which he and one of his sons were being given an award for all that their family-owned business had done for youth in the community.

During our dinner conversation, he told me about a life-changing experience that he had as a young man nearly fifty years ago. At that point, he and his wife had five children; eventually they would have eight. He was completely overwhelmed with his responsibilities.

He was concerned about his ability to be a good husband and father for his young and growing family. He experienced tremendous psychological pressure with the realization of his responsibility to provide adequately for the material needs of his children. He questioned his own adequacy to be the good and loving father they deserved.

He was also concerned about his business. He knew that not only his family, but the families of all of his employees were depending upon his

leadership of the company. He felt the full burden of so many lives depending on the wisdom of his decisions.

In retrospect, he diagnosed himself as on the verge of a nervous breakdown. In his desperation, he found himself kneeling in church before the Blessed Sacrament. At that moment, he felt the Holy Spirit inviting him to surrender his life to Jesus.

His wife interrupted at this moment, saying she felt that her husband had what a charismatic today might call a “born again” experience. Nothing about the externals of his life had changed.

Yet, he had changed. His anxiety was lifted and he experienced a tremendous peace.

He understood he was not alone. He entrusted his life, his marriage, his family and his business to the Lord. He experienced a confidence that everything was going to be all right. He did not necessarily have any new answers to some of the pressing business decisions that previously had burdened him so profoundly. Yet, he was no longer paralyzed by worry and anxiety.

This year, I am visiting all of our Catholic high schools an additional time to lead the whole school in an hour of

adoration and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. I am also offering a similar opportunity in the evening for high school students attending public schools.

The primary goal of our Catholic schools, our Schools of Religion, and our parish youth programs is not just to impart all of the doctrine of our Catholic faith. Please do not misunderstand. Teaching the fullness of our Catholic faith is a very important goal and responsibility of our schools and religious education programs.

Yet, we can succeed in giving them the knowledge of the faith, but if we do not help them develop a relationship with Jesus through their own personal prayer and their experience of the sacramental life of the church, then, quite frankly, we have failed.

It does not matter how many of our Catholic school graduates win scholarships to prestigious universities. It does not matter how many athletic championships our teams win. It does not matter how many of our graduates become exceptional artists or renowned scientists or successful business executives or political leaders. If our schools are not producing young men and women in love with Jesus Christ, we have failed.

Occasionally, when I have spoken about this primary mission of our Catholic schools and religious education programs, I have received feedback that this sounds “Protestant.” This response reveals a terrible misunderstanding of our Catholic faith.

Read the lives our Catholic saints — Augustine, Teresa of Avila, Thomas

Aquinas, Thérèse of Lisieux, Thomas More, Catherine of Siena, Francis of Assisi, or Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, to name a few. They all had close personal relationships with Jesus. Nor is this close personal relationship with Jesus reserved to canonized saints, but it is available and necessary for every disciple of Jesus.

It is beautiful that many Protestant Christians have developed a close, personal relationship with Jesus through their prayerful reading of the Bible. As Catholics, we have this same opportunity, plus the incredible gift of the Eucharist.

It is certainly true that we can pray anywhere. The Lord is available to us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year. Each one of us needs to cultivate a daily prayer life that fits the circumstances of our life. We need to pray in our homes, in the car, and in our work place. However, our prayer life is strengthened and enriched greatly by our participation, as frequently as possible, in the Eucharist and regular prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

If you are currently feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities and challenges of your life, I encourage you to visit one of our churches or one of our parish eucharistic chapels. Entrust your life to Jesus and invite our Lord into your heart. Jesus wants to give you the peace that he alone can provide. If you are already blessed with this peace in your life, then make sure this week that you visit the Lord uniquely present in the Eucharist to thank him.

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CRUNCH TIME Conference defends poor, needy in budget scramble

By JOE BOLLIG Leaven staff TOPEKA — The 2009 Kansas legislative session can be described in just three words: No. Easy.

Choices.

When the economy is down, the state’s budget takes a beating, and the only choices the Legislature and the governor can make are hard ones.

“The first thing you have to understand about this session is that the budget is the preeminent issue,” said Michael Schuttloffel, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

“Because of the state of the economy, and our unique situation in Kansas, we’re facing a big-time budget crunch,” he said. “The big issue on the Legislature’s plate this session is trying to balance the budget.”

Not only do legislators need to craft a much leaner 2010 budget for consideration this session, but they also have to revisit the 2009 budget.

“We’re more than halfway done with fiscal year 2009,” said Schuttloffel, “but because of the worsening economic situation and worsening revenue situation, the Legislature has spent the past month going back into the 2009 budget to make cuts to program levels that they passed last year.”

The Kansas Catholic Conference’s goal this year is to make sure the interests of the poor, the vulnerable and the disabled are not forgotten in the rush to balance the budget.

“I think most members of the Legislature recognize that there are folks whose needs are particularly critical,” said Schuttloffel. “Every program in the budget has its defenders and constituency. And there are a lot of worthy programs that it’s painful to make cuts to.”

“Nonetheless,” he continued, “there are some programs that can absorb cuts and continue to function.”

Others, he said, cannot.

“For these programs for the needy and disabled, it’s not a matter of tightening their belts; it’s a matter of going without food or the care they need to stay alive,” he noted.

“We just want to shine a light on those people’s needs.”

One issue of particular interest to the conference is the Pregnancy Maintenance Initiative (PMI), which provides women in crisis pregnancies an array of support services.

“There are young

children alive today because of [this program],” said Schuttloffel.

“This again falls under that category of an especially critical program.

There are other programs out there that are very worthy, but you have to ask yourself how many programs are out there where people are alive because of the program.”

Unfortunately, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has recommended that the PMI be eliminated in the 2010 budget. For the 2009 budget, she has recommended a 25 percent cut.

“We think the PMI took a larger cut than was necessary,” said Schuttloffel, “but we are pleased that key members of the Legislature have indicated their commitment that the program survive and is funded appropriately in 2010.”

The conference is keeping its eye on funding for MediKan and general assistance. Schuttloffel has also talked with the directors of Catholic Charities in the four dioceses of the state.

“Pregnancy maintenance is a big, big concern for them,” he said.

“Also, in general terms, we discussed what the state budget cuts will mean for them.”

“Cuts in the budget for the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services will mean that there will be less assistance for the needy provided by the state,” he continued, “which means that people will increasingly look to Catholic Charities for help.”

In respect to the life issues, the conference is supporting two bills by Rep. Lance Kinzer, ROlathe.

The first, the “Women’s Right to Know and See Act,” would offer women seeking abortion the choice of viewing sonograms or listening to fetal heartbeats before they proceed with their abortion. This bill also requires the posting of an “anticoercion” sign, making it clear that women cannot be forced to have an abortion. Sixteen states have enacted similar legislation.

The second bill contains elements of last year’s Comprehensive Abortion Reform Act. Kansas has some of the strongest abortion laws in the nation, but Kansas is also the nation’s abortion capital, said Schuttloffel. The second bill would improve reporting requirements to demonstrate that Kansas law is being followed.

The conference is monitoring legislation concerning other issues important to the Catholic Church as well, including immigration and the death penalty.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and the other bishops of Kansas will meet with Gov. Sebelius and legislators on Feb. 18 and 19. They will celebrate Mass for Catholic legislators on Feb. 19, followed by a breakfast.

Of considerable concern to the Kansas Catholic Conference this legislative session is the Pregnancy Maintenance Initiative (PMI), which provides women in crisis pregnancies an array of support services.

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Growing in holiness is theme of women’s retreat

By JOYCE A. MITCHELL Special to The Leaven KANSAS CITY, Kan. — For all the advances and conveniences of the modern world, people still look for ways to grow in their faith — to learn to pray better.

The Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women is trying to become a network for modern women trying to squeeze spiritual growth into their cramped schedules.

Many younger Catholic women think of the Altar Societies of the past as “little old ladies and card playing,” explained Terry Beth Lewerenz, president of the ACCW, and that stereotype often keeps them from approaching the parish group.

“When I was growing up, everyone knew about it,” she said. But now, “it has fallen from being the center of women’s lives.”

Catholic women are still active in the organizations in their parishes, of course. But they might not realize that by doing so, they are also part of the ACCW, which is, in turn, part of a worldwide organization. Lewerenz, a member of Church of the Nativity in Leawood, sees the larger group as a network where Catholic women can come together and feel unified and supported in their faith.

An ACCW-sponsored retreat on Feb. 28, just as Lent begins, will offer women of the archdiocese a chance to reflect on how to fit faith into their busy lives.

Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher will lead the retreat, called “Holiness Becomes You: The Secret to Becoming Closer to Christ,” which will address what Catholics believe and how Catholic women can live lives of love, virtue and prayer. Mass and Benediction will also be part of the day.

The retreat will be a good opportunity, said Lewerenz, for “growing closer to Christ and growing in holiness.”

The St. Agnes Altar Society will have books for sale; handmade rosaries, religious statues and other articles of devotion will be available for purchase as well.

The participants will also get a preview of the ACCW Web site, which will be unveiled in the spring. Lewerenz said Pope Benedict XVI has spoken of the need to use the Internet for evangelization and the “re-evangelization of Catholics who never had a lot of Catholic formation.”

Through the Web site, the ACCW hopes to appeal to a younger generation seeking an online meeting place where they can post faith questions, learn about news in the universal church and find links to other Catholic Web sites.

The cost is $35 for the retreat, which begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. The cost includes a light breakfast and lunch. The registration deadline is Feb. 25. Checks may be mailed to: Terry Barnes, 9812 Pawnee, Overland Park, KS 66206.

For more information, call (913) 383-1411.

Rooms are available at reasonable prices at the pastoral center for those who may want to arrive the night before or stay to shop at the nearby Legends complex.

4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 20, 2009

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 20, 2009

LOCAL NEWS

Achilles V. "Skip" and JoAnne Wheat, members of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Feb. 23. The couple was married Feb. 23, 1949, at ANNIVERSARIES on the Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kan. Their children and their spouses are: Renee and Steve Weigel, and Roy E. Wheat. They also have four grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

Photo by Colleen Cooke

Students at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park kneel before the Blessed Sacrament.

Archbishop leads adoration charge Continued from page 1 joined Bishop Finn for a public eucharistic procession on the solemnity of Corpus Christi, followed by Benediction and adoration. The original intent was for the two dioceses to host on alternate years, but an exception was made for the event at Kauffman Stadium.

To lay the groundwork for the June 14 devotions at St. Agnes, Archbishop Naumann is visiting Catholic high schools in the archdiocese to preside at eucharistic adoration and Benediction.

The archbishop was at St. James Academy in Lenexa on Jan. 16 and at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park on Feb. 11.

The archbishop also offered two opportunities for eucharistic adoration and Benediction for Catholic students who attend public schools — the first at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa on Feb. 11, and the second still to come at 7:30 p.m. on March 3 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka.

For many students, these adoration experiences will be their first, although some have had previous experience of the devotion at either archdiocesan or parish events. “[Archbishop Naumann] sees that teens are in a vulnerable position,” said Dana Nearmyer, archdiocesan coordinator for evangelization and Catholic formation. “They’re making very important decisions, and he wants them to make those decisions with the understanding and benefit of the Eucharist.” “[The archbishop] believes that the time they spend praying to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament will enhance their consciousness of what’s occurring in the Mass and the action of the Holy Spirit in their lives.”

The faculty at Bishop Miege High School had been preparing for Archbishop Naumann’s visit since last fall, said Mary Perrini, director of campus ministry.

In October, the school distributed

Lou and Don Sole, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Feb. 26.

The couple was married on Feb. 26, 1949, at Redemptorist Church, Kansas City, Mo. Their children will host a dinner in their honor with family and friends. Their children and their spouses are: Craig Sole, Overland Park; Brain Sole, Aspen, Colo.; Eric and Tanta Sole, Barcelona, Spain; and Kim and Tim Grantham, Prairie Village. They also have four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Photo by Mike Yoder/Lawrence Journal World

After lobbying the city to make hedgehogs legal, 11-year-old Judson King is now the proud owner of his own pet hedgehog, Little Luke. Above, the young Corpus Christi parishioner plays with his new pet inside his Lawrence home.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY

Photo courtesy of St. James Academy

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann leads adoration at St. James Academy. a letter from Archbishop Naumann to students, parents, faculty and staff. In November, the school held an adoration and Benediction service for faculty and staff in its chapel.

“We started forming the teachers in the experience so that they could help form the students,” said Perrini.

“During Advent, we did it with all the students through the religion classes, led by Father Greg Hammes. We did smaller adoration services in January.”

All contributed, felt Perrini, to a very positive experience for both students and faculty on the day of the archbishop’s visit.

Miege president Dr. Joseph Passantino was struck by the dramatic change of pace brought to the usually lively school.

With that large of a student body, he said, “stillness and silence was a challenge.”

Because faculty and students alike “are constantly multitasking,” he said, “slowing down for that period was not easy, because it worked against habits that we’ve formed.”

But he, like Perrini, thought the day was highly successful.

“This was a good opportunity to slow down and devote oneself to one’s own formation and relate to God,” he concluded.

In the case of St. James Academy, said Debbie Nearmyer, director of faith formation, Archbishop Naumann’s visit dovetailed nicely with the school’s curriculum.

“We have eucharistic exposition and adoration in our chapel all day every Friday,” said Nearmyer.

“Students normally attend during their theology classes for about 20 minutes. It’s just part of our catechesis. We really believe students need time and space to be able to hear Jesus speaking to their hearts and developing their relationship with him.”

Nevertheless, having the archbishop preside at eucharistic adoration and Benediction for the whole school was a powerful witness and a meaningful experience, she said.

“I hope that this is something that will help our young people to develop a personal relationship with Jesus by quiet prayer and adoration of his presence in the Eucharist,” said Archbishop Naumann.

“At the same time that they are developing this in their personal prayer life with Jesus, it also is a way of instilling this eucharistic amazement — realizing the miracle that Jesus Christ is present in the Blessed Sacrament,” he continued. “Those are the two things I hope with our young people.”

The Leaven only prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the desired publication date. Announcements must be typed. Please include the following Information: • The couple’s names; parish; date they were married; church and city they were married; what they are doing to celebrate; names of children (if desired).

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

Stations of the Cross offered Catholic Community Hospice will be conducting Stations of the Cross at the following dates and locations: Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at St. Pius X, 5601 Woodson Ave., Mission; March 6 at 5:45 p.m. at St. Patrick, 1086 N. 94th, Kansas City, Kan.; March 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Visitation, 5141 Main, Kansas City, Mo.; March 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Curé of Ars, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood; March 27 at 5:30 p.m. at Holy Cross, 8311 W. 93rd, Overland Park; April 8 at 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park.

Catholic Community Hospice will host a soup, salad, and bread luncheon following the Stations at Holy Spirit.

To attend, RSVP to Brother Daryl Charron at (913) 620-1924 or Connie Kingsley at (913) 909-1042.

STUCK ON YOU: Corpus Christi youngster takes on city hall in pursuit of exotic pet

By KARA HANSEN Leaven staff LAWRENCE — It’s a rare parent who has not been occasionally badgered by a child begging for a pet.

Fortunately, however, most children rarely persevere much beyond the pet shop doors.

No such luck for Rebecca Weeks and Jon King, parishioners of Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence. Their son, Judson King, just spent the past two years first persuading his parents — and then the city of Lawrence — that he needed a pet.

And not just any pet — a hedgehog.

“When he first came to me and said he wanted to get a hedgehog,” said Weeks, “I said, ‘First you’re going to have to convince me.’”

“I didn’t know anything about them,” she said.

“When I first asked, my mom said, ‘Hedge what?’” laughed Judson, 11.

His interest in the animal had been piqued by “Sonic the Hedgehog” video games and author Jan Brett, whose books contain vivid illustrations of hedgehogs.

When it was apparent that Judson was serious, the two spent time researching the animal, which is native mainly to Asia and Africa. Though hedgehogs need a relatively warm climate of 70 degrees, there is little risk of disease and little to prevent them from making good pets.

But Weeks was still not ready for Judson to get a hedgehog just yet.

To demonstrate that he was respon-

sible enough to care for the exotic pet, Judson first had to care for the family’s not-so-exotic hunting dogs. He also had to babysit his younger siblings and help out at the food kitchen.

“We were able to put Jud off for about a year but he was very insistent,” said Weeks. “We were all set to get him one for Christmas when we found out they were illegal in the city of Lawrence.”

For some kids, that would have been the end of it. But not for Judson.

In January 2008, he wrote a letter to the Lawrence City Council, asking for the ordinance to be reconsidered.

Changing the law, Judson would soon find, was not a quick or easy process.

First, he had to get on the council’s agenda so he could present his case.

In the meantime, the Corpus Christi student continued to research hedgehogs in order to be better prepared to defend his position to the city council.

It seemed more than coincidental that his teacher, Sarah Blettner, had previously owned a hedgehog and had a few books on the animals in her classroom library.

“Judson was so bothered by the fact hedgehogs were illegal when he couldn’t find any good reason they should be,” said Blettner, a 6th-grade teacher at Corpus Christi. “This became his side hobby he worked on constantly.”

Blettner said while Judson was working on getting the law on hedgehogs changed, the class was also studying the different branches of government and how legislation is made.

Judson put his classmates to work by circulating a petition to legalize hedgehogs; his classmates, in turn, would ask for “hedgehog updates.”

“Judson put up with his fair share of disappointments throughout the process,” said Blettner. “More than once, he thought he would be presenting to the council and then he would be taken off the agenda due to more pressing issues.

“But he didn’t let that deter him. He would just ask to be put on the next month’s agenda,” she said.

Then, in December of last year, Judson finally got the chance he had been waiting for: to present his case to the city council.

When his turn came to speak, the youngster spoke confidently to Lawrence’s mayor and city commissioners about the merits of hedgehogs.

He distributed portfolios he had prepared in advance that included some quick facts about the animal.

And, at the end of the night, Judson scored a major victory: The council declared hedgehogs legal in the city of Lawrence.

“I was really amazed I could get one now, after I had been wanting one for so long,” said Judson.

Judson is now the proud owner of a five month-old hedgehog called Little Luke, named after Judson’s favorite uncle. Judson keeps his pet’s environment regulated, feeds him, bathes him twice a week, and regularly clips Little Luke’s nails and brushes his hair — not the easiest thing to do given the spikes on his back, said Judson.

But the story does not end there.

Since December, Judson’s story has appeared on CNN News, then CBS, and Fox and “Friends.” He’s made both television and radio appearances, something the 11-year-old never saw coming.

“Judson’s gotten quite a bit of media attention,” said Judson’s father, “and the best part about it is he hasn’t gotten a big ego from it.

“He’s still just a sixth-grade kid who wanted a pet.”

Those who know Judson best say his persistence in getting a hedgehog — lasting for over two years — really was not that surprising.

“Jud has a very singular track mind which can be very good and helpful in many instances,” said Weeks. “This was something he really wanted, so he kept focused on it and wasn’t dissuaded.”

King agreed.

“I don’t think Jud ever thought this couldn’t happen. That thought just never crossed his mind. Jud expected it would happen if he just took the steps he needed to take to get the law changed,” he said.

And now that Judson has the pet he had wanted for so long, does it live up to his expectations?

“It’s better,” said Judson, grinning.

“I had to do lots of research, write letters, prepare a speech and fight for him.

“I think I would still love him even if I had not done all of that, but knowing I did makes it all the more special.”

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6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 20, 2009

Thank God they still knock on our door

E

conomic upheaval and job cuts have made for hard times in northeast Kansas.

Parish offices across the archdiocese, from the metro to the farmlands, have seen a dramatic increase in the number of people walking in to ask for help. These requests pose a dilemma for parish staff: Helping the poor is at the core of the Gospel mission, yet rectories are rarely equipped to adequately help with emergency assistance.

“The Archbishop’s Call to Share (ACTS) enables the people of God to address issues that are difficult to deal with at the parish level. That’s why the archdiocesan office for social justice hosted a series of Poor at Your Door sessions to collaborate with parish staff to confront the challenges of ministering to people who

walk in asking for help,” said Bill Scholl, consultant for the social justice office.

That office, part of the department of parish ministries, is funded entirely by ACTS. These sessions brought Catholic Charities and parishes together to facilitate referrals and to empower parish staff to use the excellent resources already available.

“As Christians, we are all called to help the poor. But just like you need to know when to do first aid and when to send someone to the hospital, we all need to know how to utilize our Catholic Charities,” said Scholl.

After a recent training, a grateful Maureen Leiker of St. Mathew Parish in Topeka said, “I came away with many new ideas and helpful recommendations to help us here at St. Matthew’s.”

There are a lot of good reasons to make Catholic Community Hospice your choice when selecting a hospice.

• Our low nurse-topatient ratio

• Our pain management expertise

• Our Catholic identity

But sometimes, the best reason has more to do with you than it does with us.

Feel as good as you can, as long as you can.

Catholic Community Hospice.

Ask for us by name.

Catholic Community Hospice Because life matters.

913-621-5090 • 785-357-5107 • www.catholiccommunityhospice.com

L

ORDS

OF THE

SHELVES

Retired businessmen find post-retirement careers at Catholic Charities pantries

Bob Lippold brings a lifetime of work experience — and some muscle — to his volunteer work at the Catholic Charities food pantry in Olathe. Here, Lippold helps unload part of a 2,600-pound delivery of donated food. As pantry manager, he has donated 20 hours a week for a little more than seven years to the pantry.

K Story and photos by

Joe Bollig

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Bob Lippold admits that he drives the ladies a bit crazy.

But he can’t help it.

His wife Norma, God bless her, understands completely.

It has nothing to do with Lippold’s dazzling good looks or his sparkling personality. Rather, it has to do with his approach to canned food.

Lippold, a member of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, is a volunteer in charge of t he food pantr y at t he Catholic Charities Family Support Center at 333 E. Poplar in Olathe. He insists that the other volunteers who assist him — mostly women — organize the pantry according to his exacting standards.

“Ever yt hing has a place, and it should be in t hat place,” he explained fir mly. “And if you walk through, you can see all the shelves are marked. If it says peanut butter, it had better be peanut butter.”

It’s not sur prising that Lippold takes a professional approach to the pantry. After all, he spent 50 years learning how to do things efficiently, first in the snack food industry and then in residential real estate.

And Lippold is not unique.

The three busiest food pantries operated by Cat holic Char ities of Northeast Kansas are run by retired executives. They bring skills, savvy, and a desire to serve to their “second careers.”

Something good to do A lot of people retire at or around age 65. Not Lippold. He retired at age 72 — on Dec. 31, 2000.

“What’s normal retirement age?” he said. “I never considered [65] normal retirement.”

A lot of people dream about days of uninterrupted golf when they retire. Not Lippold. He hates golf. And he hates inactivity.

“If I don’t have something to do today, I’m bored,” he said. “I want something to do. I’m old and I’m active.”

Within months of his retirement, he was looking for something to do. A former business associate, Mark J. Henke, was executive director of Catholic Charities at the time. He steered Lippold to Mary Kay Drees, director of volunteers, and she sent him to Shirley Kelso, then-director of the south Johnson County center.

As luck would have it, Lippold’s visit coincided with a planned remodeling of the food pantry. Kelso told Lippold he could organize the pantry any way he wanted — if he took the job.

It sounded like his kind of challenge; seven years later Lippold is still on the job.

Jeffery Bailey’s story is much like Lippold’s.

Bailey, a member of Ascension Parish in Overland Park, was 55 when he retired from his position as general manager of the lubricants division of Phillips Petroleum.

Like Lippold, he didn’t want rest and rust for his retirement.

“I’m not the type,” said Bailey, now 65.

“I can’t sit. I wanted to do something. I didn’t want another job, so I called up Mary Kay Drees.”

“All my life I’ve been truly blessed, very lucky, very fortunate — whatever word you want to apply,” he continued. “I’ve done some charity work in the past, and I thought it was time to give back.”

At first, he drove a bus for a day care center and then worked as a backup cook.

He was given charge of the pantry at 2220 Central in Kansas City, Kan., about five years ago when his day care center merged with another.

Lee Weigel, at 54, is the youngest of the pantry managers. A few years ago, Weigel, an IT consultant who attends Holy Trinity Church in Lenexa, got to the point in his life where he knew he could choose to retire early if he wanted to.

“I had the freedom to make a decision, so I decided to retire and do some traveling,” he said. “So I did.”

But it didn’t take long before he reconsidered.

“I enjoyed my freedom,” said Weigel, “but in two months I was climbing the walls.”

So he returned to work, and didn’t retire for good until 2007. At that time, the Russell native received some parting wisdom from a boyhood friend.

“A very good friend of mine from Russell, who lived in Wichita and who I went to school with, was diagnosed with cancer two years ago,” said Weigel. “I spent a lot of time with him in those last

few months of his losing battle. One thing he told me was that he wished he had given back more.

“I thought, ‘I could be doing that, but I’m not.’”

Weigel found Mary Kay Drees through a Web site devoted to volunteering opportunities. She pointed him to the Family Support Center at 9806 W. 87th in Overland Park, which serves northern Johnson County, where he was promptly asked to take on the responsibility of the food pantry and serve on the center’s board.

The secret of their success Each manager has used his skills and experience to improve his pantry.

When Bailey took charge of the Wyandotte County pantry, it bought 90 percent of its food. That took funding away from things like housing and utility assistance. Also, the pantry was small, with only three shelving units of food, and was open for only two half-days a week.

Today, the Wyandotte pantry buys less than one percent of its food and its hours have been expanded.

“About five years ago [the advisory committee] decided if they were going to have a food pantry, let’s have a real food pantry open four or five days a week,” said Bailey.

The secret of a successful food pantry is getting a steady supply of food, he said, and the pantries have learned how to keep the goods flowing by sharing surpluses and divvying up their donor base so they aren’t competing against each other.

“My big job is to make sure we always have the food we need to run the pantry,” said Bailey.

This is not easy, especially during difficult economic times when demand soars.

The differences between the months, he said, can be like night and day. November through January brings an abundance of donations, but February through May can be lean.

“About six or seven months ago, I came in the back door one day and saw we only had a case of KC Masterpiece barbecue sauce and two cans of spaghetti, and that was it,” said Weigel.

That day, all he could offer people who came for help was a list of nearby food pantries run by other agencies.

All three of the Catholic Charities pantries have expanded their shelf space and freezer capacity under the three men, but the need remains constant and growing — even in places like Johnson County.

“I began talking with clients and I found out that just in this area [near the pantry] there’s a lot of Section 8 (low income) housing and a lot of people who have difficulty getting by, or who are barely getting by,” said Weigel. “It surprised me. It saddened me.

“But I’m glad we’re here for them.”

Lessons of life and generosity Managing the food pantries has led the three men to understand poverty in ways

they never had before.

“I can really feel people’s pain now, because I live it with them five days a week,” said Bailey.

Bailey is appreciative of the professional Catholic Charities staff and the anonymous donors who bring their little bags of food to churches and schools for collection.

“I see a dark side of our country down here, because there are legitimately poor people there,” he said. “But the flip side is that they have a place to go, and there are generous people out there who want to help them, without any notoriety or the government telling them to do it.”

Sure, he’s doing something for others, but his volunteerism does something for him, too.

“I like this because I see results,” said Bailey. “When I go home after we’ve fed 30 families, I feel good. I feel like I have a purpose. I see a lot of my [retired] friends who golf three or four times a week, but I have a fuller retirement.

“I get what I need doing this or I wouldn’t be here, because I’m not that nice a guy. It’s a two-way street. I do some good, but I get a lot out of it personally.”

Weigel has also learned that the reality of poverty can hide behind the mask of an allegedly well-off area like Johnson County.

“It made me much more aware that right here in Johnson County we have people in need,” he said. “We see the people, but we don’t see their needs. And we have, right here in Johnson County, a lot of people willing to share. My job is to get those two things together, somehow.”

Weigel now more fully appreciates that he — and most other people — spend most of their lives only a paycheck away from being a pantry client.

“It gives a wonderful sense of accomplishment each week to think that I did something to help someone in need, but it’s also a responsibility,” said Weigel. “I need to make sure to do the right things, so the next person in need will get some help.”

Lee Weigel, manager at the north Johnson County Catholic Charities pantry, sees his work as a way to help the less fortunate and thank God for the blessings in his life.

Golf is great, but Jeffery Bailey has found more post-retirement fulfillment as pantry manager for the Catholic Charities pantry in Kansas City, Kan. Here, he muscles down a barrel of donations from Bishop Ward High School.

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ food pantries located in Emergency Assistance Centers • 2220 Central, Kansas City, Kan. (913) 621-1504 • 9806 W. 87th St., Overland Park (913) 384-6608 • 333 E. Poplar, Olathe (913) 782-4077 • 716 N. 5th St., Leavenworth, (913) 651-8060

Items needed: Canned and jar foods: vegetables, beans, fruit, soup, tuna, chili, spaghetti/pasta, peanut butter, jelly, syrup, cooking oil Boxed and bagged foods: cereal, pancake mix, crackers, macaroni and cheese, flour, sugar, salt, rice, dry beans Personal items: toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, soap, shampoo, lotion, diapers Cleaning supplies: Paper towels, cleansers, dish soap Contributions to food pantries can be made at each location between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. To make a secure online financial contribution, visit the Web site at: www.catholiccharitiesks.org .

To find other food pantries, go to: http://www.srskansas.org/ISD/food resources/foodresourcemap.htm.

10 NATION

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 20, 2009

Former Catholic church being converted into mausoleum PITTSBURGH (CNS) — In what is believed to be the first such makeover in the country, renovation work is under to convert a BRIEFLY way former church in a Pittsburgh neighborhood into a mausoleum. The Pittsburgh Diocese’s Catholic Cemeteries Association is overseeing the project to turn St. Mary Church in Lawrenceville into St. Mary Mausoleum. The renovation will add 880 crypts and 712 niches for cremated remains along the interior walls, plus a commitment chapel in the former sanctuary with seating for up to 200 people.

“I'm very happy that the church will remain standing — it’s a beautiful building — and that it will continue to be a sacred space,” said Capuchin Father John Daya, pastor of Our Lady of the Angels Parish. Our Lady of the Angels was formed by the merger of St. Mary and three other parishes in 1993. St. Mary Church, which dates to 1873, was closed in 2004. The cemetery association purchased the building in 2007.

Catholic Navy wife’s Web site helps military families cope FRONT ROYAL, Va. (CNS) — Judy McCloskey has learned a lot about surviving in a military family. A parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church in Front Royal, McCloskey is both a Navy wife and a mother of six, so she has firsthand knowledge of the sacrifices and struggles of faith that go along with a life spent serving one’s country. Although she grew up Catholic in California, McCloskey remembers her family becoming very confused about the faith after the Second Vatican Council and drifting away from the church. It was only after she became the wife of a Navy officer that McCloskey started to come back, and in 2000 realized she wanted to help other Catholic military families try to live out their faith.

“I served as a sleuth determined to find an already existing lay apostolate focused on the spiritual edification of Catholics serving in the U.S. military,” she said in an interview. When she realized there was no such organization, McCloskey started the Web-based apostolate CatholicMil.org (http://catholicmil.org).

McCloskey now works full time using her own experiences to offer guidance and comfort to other military families trying to stay balanced, whether they’re stationed overseas or at home waiting for their loved ones to return.

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 20, 2009

Conference on evolution to critique intelligent design theory

USCCB, CRS seek Catholics for poverty initiative

By DENNIS SADOWSKI Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — Catholics across a broad spectrum of the church are being mobilized in a renewed effort to fight global poverty.

Baltimore-based Catholic Relief Services and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops are seeking 1 million Catholics during the next two years to join an initiative designed to show that the difficulties Americans are facing during the current financial crisis are intricately intertwined with the plight of the poor around the world.

The effort, Catholics Confront Global Poverty, is tied to Pope Benedict XVI’s World Peace Day message of Jan. 1 in which he called for humanity to work toward greater human dignity through the promotion of peace and international aid that promotes human development, said Stephen Colecchi, director of the U.S. bishop’s Office of International Justice and Peace.

“Our future is linked to theirs. Our security is linked to theirs. Our prosperity is linked to theirs,” Colecchi told a nationwide webcast Feb. 11.

Colecchi joined Bill O’Keefe, senior director in the advocacy department at CRS, in announcing the initiative, which will be launched during the annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington Feb. 23.

Both agencies have worked side by side in a global anti-poverty campaign in recent years, but see new opportunities in which policy initiatives that promote human development are welcomed by the incoming administration of President Barack Obama and members of the 111th Congress.

The effort also will work with Catholic Charities USA’s ongoing campaign to reduce domestic poverty to demonstrate the connection between the needs of poor Americans and poor people around the world.

By CAROL GLATZ Catholic News Service

CNS photo/Baz Ratner, Reuters

CNS photo/Bob Roller

LINCOLN MEMORIAL IN WASHINGTON — A statue of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, is seen at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington Feb. 11. The United States celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Civil War president Feb. 12.

Beatitudes give ‘a window’ on Lincoln presidency, says bishop WILMINGTON, Del. (CNS) — The presidency of Abraham Lincoln can be placed in the context of the Eight Beatitudes, according to Bishop W. Francis Malooly of Wilmington.

“The beatitudes . . . give us a window on Lincoln because they were expressed in so many ways in his life,” Bishop Malooly said in a pastoral letter on Feb. 12, the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.

Lincoln’s presidency was forged by his living the first two beatitudes, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” and “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” “Lincoln’s experience of poverty . . . while he was young forged wellsprings of strength and compassion that would be vital to his presidency,” he continued. “His simplicity, generous intentions and focus on the common good often helped him to discern effectively what was needed in a given crisis or historical crossroads.”

The deaths of his mother and sister — and that of young son Willie while Lincoln was in the White House — made Lincoln a living example of the beatitude “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,”

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Catholic analysts concerned over Israeli election results

By JUDITH SUDILOVSKY Catholic News Service JERUSALEM (CNS) — Catholic analysts expressed concern after Israeli election results revealed the unprecedented win of an ultranationalist party.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hard-line Likud Party and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni’s more moderate Kadima Party both claimed victory in the Feb. 10 elections, but the big winner was newcomer Avigdor Lieberman. Lieberman, whose Yisrael Beitenu Party won 15 seats in the 120-member Knesset, is a close confidant of Netanyahu.

Lieberman’s ultranationalist platform includes redrawing Israel’s boundaries to transfer highly populated Arab areas to Palestinian control and the mandatory signing of an oath of loyalty for those Arabs remaining in Israel.

“We now have a fascist party in the Knesset and none of the large parties have spoken out against them. That is scary,” said retired journalist Atallah Mansour, a Catholic living in Nazareth.

“With Lieberman having influence in the government, Israel is on a collision course with the United States.”

Mansour noted that U.S. President Barack Obama has indicated he wants

to make significant changes in the way negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians are conducted. But, he pointed out, Lieberman exposes a strong stance against the Palestinians and has been quoted as saying he wants to wipe out the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which now rules the Gaza Strip after having separated violently from a coalition with Fatah, which rules the West Bank.

With no political party gaining a clear majority in the elections, it may be weeks before an Israeli government can be formed. It is now up to Israeli President Shimon Peres to decide which of the two top parties — Likud or Kadima — will be entrusted with building a coalition.

Neither Kadima, which according to final poll results won 29 seats in the Knesset, nor Likud, with 28 seats, have come out against the Yisrael Beitenu (“Israel Is Our Home”) Party.

“I don’t see any difference between Hamas and Lieberman,” said Wadie Abunasser, an Arab Catholic resident of Israel and head of a political think tank, the International Center of Consultations.

Abunasser noted that both Hamas and the Yisrael Beitenu Party refuse to recognize the rights of the other; both advocate the use of violence and decline to accept past agreements.

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Bishop Malooly said.

“Somehow the memory of President Lincoln’s countenance showing us both his goodness, his strength and his sadness moves us, strengthens us and inspires us right in the midst of our ongoing grief to serve those around us beset by similar tragedies,” he said.

What Bishop Malooly called “the power of Lincoln’s gentleness, kindness and innate understanding of people” is embodied in these beatitudes: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”; “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy”; and “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” “Although Lincoln presided over a bloody Civil War, he insisted at its conclusion that the next step was reconciliation and not punishment or triumphalism,” he said.

Lincoln’s friendship with black abolitionist Frederick Douglass, according to Bishop Malooly, is highlighted in the beatitudes “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” and “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

ELECTION OFFICIAL TALLIES VOTES — An Israeli election official holds a ballot for the Kadima Party while tallying votes at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, in Jerusalem Feb. 12. Catholic analysts expressed concern after Israeli elections results revealed that an ultranationalist party will have power in the Knesset.

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — An upcoming Vatican-sponsored conference on evolution will include critical study of the theory of intelligent design, which, organizers said, represents poor theology and science.

While proponents of intelligent design were not invited to give presentations at the March 3-7 international conference, organizers agreed to discuss how it appeared and developed as a cultural ideology, not as science.

A number of presentations will discuss intelligent design’s “long and complex genesis” in a historical context and its impact on society and culture because it is “certainly not discussable in the scientific, philosophic and theological fields,” said Saverio Forestiero, professor of zoology at Rome’s Tor Vergata University and a member of the conference’s organizing committee.

The international conference will mark the 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin’s “The Origin of Species” and the 200th anniversary of his birth.

Jesuit Father Marc Leclerc, a philosophy professor at Rome’s Gregorian University, said the conference was in no way a “celebration in honor of the English scientist.” He said it would be an occasion to critically assess an event that permanently altered the history of science and changed the way people understand humanity.

However, too often people opposed to Darwinian theories confused his scientific work on evolution with the various social and political ideologies that were based on Darwin’s findings in nature, said Father Leclerc.

The mistaken belief that Darwinian evolution was totally incompatible with religion and faith in God could be part of the reason for the emergence of intelligent design, he said.

WORLD

11

Australian Catholics pledge support to wildfire victims CANBERRA, Australia (CNS) — The head of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference said the BRIEFLY Catholic Church would lend both spiritual and practical support to families victimized by a series of wildfires that left more than 180 dead in Victoria state. “I know that Catholic parishes across Australia have been praying for the people who died in the bush fires, as well as for those experiencing the grief of losing loved ones, family homes and cherished pets and belongings,” said Archbishop Philip Wilson of Adelaide, conference president, in a Feb. 9 statement. “Catholic relief agencies, such as St. Vincent de Paul and Centacare, are already at work providing much-needed assistance to people on the ground in these communities.

This support will continue over the coming months and years, as we walk with these families and communities in their time of need,” Archbishop Wilson said in a Feb. 9 statement. “My prayers and thoughts are with all who are suffering so grievously,” Archbishop Wilson said.

Pope confirms plans to visit the Holy Land in May VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Meeting American Jewish leaders who were on their way to Israel, Pope Benedict XVI announced Feb. 12 that he, too, was preparing to visit the Holy Land. A papal trip to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories had appeared to be set for May 8-15 until plans seemed shaken by the late-December escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip and along the Israeli border with Gaza. The situation has calmed down and the pope told members of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, “I, too, am preparing to visit Israel, a land which is holy for Christians as well as Jews, since the roots of our faith are to be found there.” Alan Solow, chairman of the conference, told the pope during the audience: “We welcome and appreciate Your Holiness’ planned visit to Israel. The people and leaders of Israel are anxiously looking forward to it, as are we.” After the Jewish leaders told reporters the trip definitely was back on the papal schedule, a Vatican official confirmed it, although he declined to provide details.

12 CLASSIFIEDS ■ EMPLOYMENT Bishop Miege High School - Is seeking teacher applications for full-time math; full- or part-time biology/chemistry; and full- or part-time English teacher for the 2009 - 10 school year. Send cover letter, resume, transcript and credentials to: 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Shawnee Mission, KS 66205; or for an application, call Lorraine at (913) 262-2701, ext.

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C a f e t e r i a m a n a g e r - St. Joseph School, Shawnee, is seeking applicants for a cafeteria manager for the 2009 - 10 school year. St. Joseph is a K - 8 school with an enrollment of 565 students. Twothirds of the student body purchase lunch on an average day. The manager supervises seven employees. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest to: Cafeteria Manager Application, 11505 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS 66203. Requests for information or application may also be e-mailed to: sjoseph@archkckcs.org.

Athleti c d irect or – St. Teresa Academy, a private, Catholic, all-female college-preparatory high school, located in the heart of the Brookside/south Plaza neighborhoods, is accepting applications for a full-time athletic director. This position is responsible for the organization, scheduling, administration, supervision and evaluation of all personnel and activities associated with the St. Teresa Academy athletic program. Candidates must be knowledgeable of all aspects of athletics, including legal, student-athlete eligibility and MSHSAA guidelines; must be willing to actively engage in open communication with parents, Booster Club and the community, including public relations efforts and maintenance of the athletics Web site page; must have the ability to operate department budgets with fiscal responsibility, integrity, and effectiveness. This position reports directly to the academic principal. For consideration, send resume to: St. Teresa Academy, 5600 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64113, or send via e-mail to: mchartier@stteresas academy.org.

R o c k h u r s t H i g h S c h o o l - A Jesuit collegepreparatory high school in Kansas City, Mo., is seeking to fill a full-time teaching position for biology.

For an application, visit the Web site at: www. rockhursths.edu. Interested candidates may submit their application, resume, and credentials to: Mr. Larry Ruby, Principal, 9301 State Line Rd., Kansas City, MO 64114. Rockhurst is an EEOE. Di re ct or of wors hi p - The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is seeking an experienced and wellqualified individual to direct the diocesan office of worship. The selected candidate will serve as a major resource for clergy and parish liturgical committees. Requirements include: a graduate degree in liturgical studies or equivalent with a minimum of five years experience at the diocesan or parish level; and excellent interpersonal, management, writing and musical skills. The selected individual must be an active practicing Catholic who supports the authentic magisterium and is ready to work with parishes, other agencies and offices of the church to oversee diocesan initiatives of education in, and implementation of, Catholic liturgy. The diocese offers a generous benefit package and competitive salary. For a complete job description, visit the Web site at: www.diocese-kcsj.org. For immediate consideration, forward your resume via e-mail to: stucinski@diocesekcsj.org.

P r i n c i p a l - St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Gladstone, Mo., established in 1999 and currently enrolling 265 students, seeks an enthusiastic and visionary principal to guide our preschool — 8th grade program. The ideal candidate will have a strong ability to communicate well with staff, students and parents; possess marketing and recruitment skills; and have a collaborative leadership

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 20, 2009 style. The qualified candidate must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the church; have a minimum of 3 years of teaching experience; possess a master’s degree in education, administration or a related field; and have an administrative certificate from the state of Missouri (or the ability to obtain one). Applications are available by contacting the school office at (816) 756-1858, ext. 274, or by visiting the Web site at: www.diocesekcsj.org/schools.

O v er n i g h t s l e ep st a ff p o si t i on s - Two parttime positions — one works two nights weekly; the other works three nights weekly. For three female mentally retarded and developmentally disabled clients in their Overland Park home. Sun. - Thurs. nights from 6 p.m. - 7 a.m. Great for a college student, or if you are looking to supplement your income. Female applicants only. Call Amy at (913) 221-9158.

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Housecl eaning — Bishop Miege student with 4 years cleaning experience wants to get you ready for spring. Call Colleen at (913) 948-3131 and help the college bound.

H ou sec l ea n i n g - We are 2 moms who understand “busy.” We can take care of your time-consuming household cleaning. Reasonable rates and excellent references. Call Chris at (913) 908-4481.

Members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood.

Husband and wife cleaning team - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.

Piano tuni ng - Touch up and full chromatic piano tuning for residential and business clients in the KC metro area. Call Bob at (816) 962-5058.

Ne ed a s p ea ke r f or y o u r n ex t m eet i n g or ev ent ? G. Hall Harsh, CLTC, can discuss custodial long-term care, Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance. Member of St. Pius X Parish, Mission. Call Hall at (913) 663-1414.

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 20, 2009 Accounting assistance - For small businesses.

Too busy to do it yourself? I can provide part-time bookkeeping services with QuickBooks. References available. Member of St. Agnes, Roeland Park. Call (913) 669-4981.

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W ou l d y ou le a ve m on e y in you r w ill t o th e parish if you knew it woul d make a difference in your community for generations? Do you feel like only people with a lot of money give to charity? If you want to know how any size gift from your will or trust can have a big impact, call the Ca t h ol i c F ou n d a t i on of No rt h ea s t Ka n s a s at (913) 6470365, or visit the Web site at: www.cfnek.org.

Apartment for rent – 1 BR, 1 BA. $495 per month, includes utilities. One-year lease. 10911 W. 59th Terr., Shawnee. Near St. Joseph Parish. View at: www.shawnee-rentals.com, or call (913) 649-7596.

Preserv e y ou r memori es by t ellin g y ou r li fe story! I can type your memoirs from handwritten or recorded notes. Also provide secretarial services.

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House painting - Interior and exterior; wallpaper removal. 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. References. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

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Cus tom-kit chen coun tertops - Laminate tops manufactured and installed within 5 days.

Competitive prices, dependable work. St. Joseph Parish member. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058.

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

STA ( Su re T hi ng A l w ay s) Ho me Re p ai r Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Call for free estimates. Cell: (913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; e-mail: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa.

Do you need help caring for an elderly family member? Contact Benefits of Home – Senior Care and let our social work expert help you build a plan of care. We provide assistance with homemaker and personal care services, in the comfort of your home. To speak with our social worker, contact Benefits of Home at (913) 422-1591.

Organizing & handyman services - Basements, garages, attics and shop spaces organized! Your items sorted, boxed & labeled; areas cleaned when finished! Wall repair, interior painting, tile work, handicap bars and ramps. Great references and insured. For pictures of current projects, view my Web site at: www. swalms.com. Call Tillar Swalm at (913) 375-9115.

Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 4220610; or send an e-mail to: tkidd@kc.rr.com. * All lawn services * snow removal * hauling * Save up to 25% on your 2009 lawn care by booking early. Call now for a free estimate. Family owned by local parishioners. Licensed, bonded and insured.

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Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376.

Feb.

■ FOR RENT

Ranch duplex for rent - In Overland Park. 2 BR, 2 BA, two-car garage, deck, lawn. Trash services included. $975/month, plus security deposit. No pets. Great for seniors. Call (913) 492-7617.

Home for rent - 4 BR ranch home with finished basement on acreage just 10 minutes south of Olathe. $1800/month, plus utilities. Springhill school district.

Walking distance to Hillsdale Lake. For pictures or information, call Jackie at (913) 707-7241.

■ VACATION

Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA, on free ski shuttle route. $110/night. Call (913) 642-3027.

For pictures, visit the Web site at: cabin. forcadeassociates.com.

Ski vacation - Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, 1BA, sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec. center with pool & hot tub. $125/night; $750/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.

■ REAL ESTATE

Beautiful Kenilworth home for sale - 4 BR, 3-1/2 BA, hardwood floors, full basement, office w/ outside entrance, landscaped yard. Kids walk one block to Curé of Ars School, Leawood. $249,500. For appt. to view, call (913) 302-2861.

Beautiful Lenexa home for sale - Newer, two-story, 4 BR, 3-1/2 BA home in desirable west Lenexa neighborhood near St. James Academy. 2500+ sq. ft.

Many upgrades; tasetfully decorated; great floor plan.

Must see! To view, call (913) 745-5948.

■ FOR SALE

For sale at half price - Four cemetery plots at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan. Lot 74; section 4; plots 3, 4, 6, and 7. May purchase individually or as a group. Price reduced to half current market value. Call Pat at (913) 592-4264.

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) 393-2042.

■ WANTED TO BUY

*** BUYING *** Coins — Sterling — Watches I buy coins, old watches, sterling silverware, postcards, photographs, military items, political campaign pins, Zippo lighters, fountain pens, toys, slot machines, old signs & tins, quilts, Indian rugs, beadwork, baskets, pottery and 22-gauge rifles.

Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269. *** Wanted to Buy *** Antique and vintage costume jewelry Member St. Joseph Parish Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179

■ MISCELLANEOUS

I w a n t t o t a l k to o t he r s w h o h a v e l o s t th e i r sense of ta st e. Due to a surgical procedure, I am experiencing this condition and would like to learn how others are coping with this condition. Call Rose at (620) 342-8733.

21

The women’s club at Holy Name Parish, 1001 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Kan., will host a chili and dessert contest on Feb. 21 in the school cafeteria. The entry fee to compete is $15. The cost to eat is $8 per person; $15 per couple; or $20 per family. For information, call the parish office at (913) 236-9219.

The St. Thomas Aquinas High School performing arts department will present “Get Smart” by Mel Brooks at 7 p.m. on Feb. 21 in the theater. Tickets cost $5.

For information or reservations, call Kim Harrison at (913) 319-2433 or send an email to her at: kharrison@stasaints.net.

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on Feb. 21 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in the Father Burak Room. For information, call (913) 649-2026.

St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing, will host a German-style Mardi Gras dinner and dance from 6:30 - 11 p.m. on Feb. 21 in the St. Joseph Dining Hall on the University of Saint Mary campus, Leavenworth. The cost is $50 per person. Free babysitting will be provided. For information or tickets, call St. Francis de Sales at (913) 727-3742.

The alumni association of Donnelly College will offer a free financial lecture, by financial expert Steve Modrcin, from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Feb. 21. The lecture is open to the community and will be held in the college’s first floor meeting room.

For information, contact Roger Berg at (913) 621-8744 or send an e-mail to him at: rberg@donnelly.edu.

The C a t h e d r a l o f S t . P e t e r , 431 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual Mardi Gras dinner and dance Feb 21. Come dressed in your favorite carnival costume and be a part of the parade.

Tickets cost $10 per person; advance purchase only by Feb. 18. For information or tickets, call Charlotte Fide at (913) 2811135, Janet Leverich at (913) 321-0070 or the parish office at (913) 371-0840.

Kansas City Metro Catholic Singles (KCMCS) will host a Mardi Gras dance from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Lenexa Community Center, 13420 Oak (93rd & Pflumm), Lenexa. Music will be provided by “Carl the DJ.” The cost is $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Beer, wine, soda and heavy hors d'oeuvres are included. For information or tickets, send an email to: info@SinglesKC.org.

Sacred Heart Parish, 21801 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, will host a winter dance and raffle at 8 p.m. on Feb. 21 in the multipurpose room of the school. Tickets cost $15 and include one raffle ticket and drinks. Everyone is asked to bring an appetizer to share. Additional raffle tickets will cost $1 each.

The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2332, Shawnee, will honor Linda Leeper as citizen of the year at their annual banquet on Feb. 21 in their hall, located at 11221 Johnson Dr. Tickets cost $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Dinner will be provided by the Hereford House. For information or tickets, call Rich Hathorne at (913) 248-8278 or send an e-mail to him at: richhathorne@hotmail.com.

The Knights of Columbus at Christ the King Church, 53rd and Leavenworth

Rd., Kansas City, Kan., will host a chicken and sausage gumbo fest from 6:30 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 in Davern Hall. The cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children. For information or tickets, call John at (913) 287-9876.

21 & 28

Sister Antonella Bayer, CSJ, will facilitate “Treasures of the Triduum,” a retreat for RCIA groups, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Feb. 21 and again on Feb. 28 at Sanctuary of Hope, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The cost of $20 per person includes lunch. For information or to register, send an e-mail to: julie@sanctuaryofhope.org or call (913) 321-4673.

22

Father John F. Rossiter will be honored with a Mass of celebration for his 50th anniversary of priesthood at noon on Feb. 22 at Mater Dei Parish, Assumption Church, 204 S.W. 8th St., Topeka. Father Rossiter was ordained Dec. 20, 1958. He retired as pastor of Assumption Church in July 2006, but has continued to serve the parish. A reception will follow from 1 to 4 p.m. in Rossiter Hall at the church. The Catholic community and the public are invited.

23

A caregivers support group for women will meet from 10 - 11:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Sandy Silva from the Alliance on Aging will be available to offer information about resources and services that can assist individuals in caregiving and reduce their stress. For information or to register, call (913) 621-8749 or visit the Web site at: www.mount osb.org.

Tonganoxie’s Sacred Heart Church, West Haven Baptist Church and the Christian Church invite all to a presentation on the dark side of the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) by Ron Kelsey of the archdiocesan pro-life office. The talk will take place at 7 p.m. on Feb. 23 at West Haven, 1100 West St., Tonganoxie. There will be a postcard-signing campaign conducted after the talk.

mation or to register, call (913) 360-6151.

28

“How to Grow in Holiness Through Knowing Christ,” a retreat sponsored by the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women and led by Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher, will be held from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. The call to sanctity for everyone is a fundamental teaching of Vatican II, and the Catholic Church has unique means to bring your soul to union with Christ. The cost of $35 includes a light breakfast. To RSVP, mail a check to: Terry Barnes; 9012 Pawnee, Overland Park, KS 66206. For information, call Barnes at (913) 383-1411 or (913) 491-5149.

The Knights of Columbus, Shawnee Council No. 2332, will host a winter polka on Feb. 28 at their hall located at 11221 Johnson Dr. The cost of $10 includes sauerkraut and sausage sandwiches and beverages to be served at 9 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the Brian McCarty Combo will play from 7:30 p.m. - midnight.

For information or tickets, call Dan Nicks at (913) 631-4633.

The Johnson County Unos will gather for 4:30 p.m. Mass on June 30 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission. Dinner will follow at Applebee’s, 6800 Johnson Dr., Mission.

March 1

▼ St. Mary Parish, Hartford, will host a beef and noodle dinner from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on March 1 in the multipurpose room at the Neosho Rapids Grade School. The cost is $6 for adults; $3 for children under 10.

CALENDAR

13

on March 7 in the social room at Holy Trinity Church, 9150 Pflumm, Lenexa.

The cost of $50 per couple includes lunch.

For information or to register by Feb. 21, contact Karen Brandl at (913) 268-5933 or mail a check to her at: 10914 W. 50th Terr., Shawnee, KS 66203.

14

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host a retreat, entitled “Ministering to the Body, Mind and Soul” and presented by Sister Linda Zahner, OSB, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on March 14.

The cost is $40; advance deposit is $10.

For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151.

Father John Torrez, pastor of St. Paul Parish, Olathe, will present “St. Paul’s Passage Home,” from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on March 14 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, Kan. Registration and breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the program. The cost of $25 includes refreshments and lunch. Financial assistance may be available. For information or to register by March 6, call (913) 721-1097 or visit the Web site at: www.saviorpastoralcenter.org.

Sister Mary Pat Johnson, SCL, will facilitate a retreat, entitled “Graced Moments: Meeting God in the Struggle,” for people or their loved ones who are dealing with cancer or a serious illness. It will be offered from 9 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. on March 14 at Marillac Center, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth. The cost of $40 includes lunch. Financial assistance is available. To reserve a space, mail a $15 deposit to: Marillac Center, 4200 S. 4th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. For information, call (913) 758-6552; send an e-mail to: retreats@scls.org; or visit the Web site at: www.MarillacCenter.org.

Misc.

24

Join the Singles of Nativity for happy hour, beginning at 6 p.m. on Feb. 24, at Trolley’s Bar & Grille, 9100 W. 135th St., Overland Park. Look for the yellow balloon and our greeters, who will be at the table until 7:30 p.m. Questions? Send an e-mail to: social@son-ministry.org.

26

“Introduction to Dining with Diabetes,” presented in partnership with K-State Extension Services, will be offered from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on Feb. 26 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 621-8749 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

Grocery vouchers will be given to those who register on or before Feb. 24.

The Singles of Nativity will host a sixweek Lenten Bible study of Galatians, entitled “A New Kind of Freedom Defended,” from 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Thursdays, beginning on Feb. 26, in the Nativity Parish hall.

For an outline or questions, send an email to Randall Stevenson at: gaelwynn@ yahoo.com.

27-1

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host “The Dream and The Journey,” a retreat by Sister Therese Elias, OSB, from 7 p.m. on Feb. 27 through 4 p.m. on March 1. The cost is $180; an advance deposit of $10 is required. For infor-

Avila University invites you to be a part of an interfaith dialogue community day that will bring together Catholic and Jewish religious leaders from across the country at 3:30 p.m. on March 1 in the Extreme Screen Theatre at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, Mo. The dialogue will complement the exhibit “A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People” currently being held at Union Station.

A spaghetti dinner benefiting the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet will be held from 12:30 - 6:30 p.m. on March 1 in the community center for health and education at St. Joseph Medical Center, I435 and State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo. There is no charge for the event; however, donations are welcome.

7

The Secular Discalced Carmelites will host a Lenten day of reflection from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. on March 7 at Christ the King Parish, 5972 S.W. 25th St., Topeka.

Sister Ruth Sturkel of Avila College will present “St. Teresa of Avila: Saint for Today.” For information, call Diana Scamman, OCDS, at (785) 478-4868.

Familia of Kansas City, along with authors Jim and Kathleen Littleton, will host a marriage retreat from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Support women in crisis pregnancies!

The Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic will host a volunteer information/training session from 9 a.m. - noon on Feb. 28 at the clinic, located at 3021 N. 54th St., Kansas City, Kan. At this meeting you will learn about a variety of volunteer opportunities and how you can help. No experience is necessary; training will be provided. You decide where you can help us continue our mission. There’s no commitment of how long you volunteer. To register, call (913) 287-8287.

For those struggling with an addiction to pornography, Sam Meier, MA, LPC, provides counseling and men’s groups for sexual integrity. Call (913) 647-0378, or send an email to: mhmg@archkck. org. Women, contact Beth Meier for information on groups for spouses and loved ones at (913) 6470379, or send an e-mail to: bmeier@ archkck.org. Support is confidential and from a Catholic perspective. To listen to live testimonials, visit the Web site at; www.archkck.org/myhouse.

■ Calendar items must be received nine days before the publication date. E-mail submissions are preferred; send to: jennifer@the leaven. com.

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 20, 2009

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 20, 2009

Editor REVEREND MARK GOLDASICH, STL frmark@theleaven.com Managing Editor ANITA McSORLEY anita@theleaven.com Senior Reporter JOE BOLLIG joe@theleaven.com Production Manager TODD HABIGER todd@theleaven.com Advertising Representative JENNIFER SIEBES jennifer@theleaven.com Reporter KARA HANSEN kara@theleaven.com Circulation sub@theleaven.com

Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Archbishop Edward O’Meara Award Winner 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003 Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 7215276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com.

T

In my younger days, I’d spend days and days making exhaustive lists of all that I intended to do to make Lent a holy time. I’d rarely get to most of those things, as good and necessary as they were for me. And I’d end up feeling frustrated because of that.

Now, however, with Ash Wednesday looming, I know exactly what I want to say to these upcoming 40 days: Enough, already!

Last October, Michael Smerconish of The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote a column about John Bogle, founder and former CEO of the Vanguard Group, Inc. Bogle tells of a conversation between writers Kurt Vonnegut and Joseph Heller, who were attending a party at a billionaire’s home. Vonnegut points to the host and asks how Heller feels, knowing that the billionaire probably made more money in one day than Heller’s novel “Catch 22” ever did.

Heller responds, “Yes, but I have something he will never have: Enough.” (Found in The Kansas City Star on Oct. 10, 2008) That statement got me thinking and looking at my life. Quite frankly, I was astounded by what I saw: Not only did I have enough, I had way more than enough.

Probably most of us can say the same thing. Just last Sunday, for in-

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Subscriptions $18/ year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

SCRIPTURE READINGS SEVENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Feb. 22 SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 43: 18-19, 21-22, 24b-25; Ps 41: 2-5, 13-14; 2 Cor 1: 18-22; Mk 2: 1-12 Feb. 23 Polycarp, bishop, martyr Sir 1: 1-10; Ps 93: 1-2, 5; Mk 9: 14-29 Feb. 24 Tuesday Sir 2: 1-11; Ps 37: 3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40; Mk 9: 30-37 Feb. 25 ASH WEDNESDAY Jl 2: 12-18; Ps 51: 3-6a, 12-14, 17; 2 Cor 5:20 — 6:2; Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18 Feb. 26 Thursday Dt 30: 15-20; Ps 1: 1-4, 6; Lk 9: 22-25 Feb. 27 Friday Is 58: 1-9a; Ps 51: 3-6a, 18-19; Mt 9: 14-15 Feb. 28 Saturday Is 58: 9b-14; Ps 86: 1-6; Lk 5: 27-32

His sacrifice is inseparable from our sacrament

Can we ever get enough of Lent? he older I get, the simpler my Lents become.

stance, one of my parishioners approached me with a sheepish grin and said, “I think I need to go to confession. I just spent all day yesterday cleaning out one of my closets. I loaded up two bags full of clothes that I don’t need or wear . . . and my closet is still full!”

I can relate. My excess, though, is not clothes, but books, magazines, office supplies, exercise equipment, CDs, and electronic gadgets. That massive material backlog has given me my simple Lenten resolution: to spend this holy season becoming aware of exactly how much I possess, thanking God for that “more than enough,” and then — each Friday — marching my surplus goods out the door.

Honestly, some of my treasures deserve to head right into the trash, but those items are in the minority. Most of my excess is still very usable. Some of my Lent will be spent online, trying to match what I have to donate with organizations that can best use them.

I’m taking as my inspiration some generous Kansas Citians featured in The Star on Valentine’s Day. In a nutshell, a number of individuals and families decided to “show some love to

others” on Feb. 14 by forming a “brown-bag brigade” and taking food and supplies to the homeless on Kansas City’s streets. Some made simple PB&J sandwiches; others, more elaborate goodie bags of bottled water, turkey sandwiches, apples, granola bars and Hershey’s Kisses. A few even took along unused clothing to pass out to the needy.

In these challenging economic times, finding more money to donate might be beyond what many can realistically do. Looking around, though (like the brown-bag brigade did above), at what already surrounds us — items that we do not use or need — and making a sincere effort to get those items to where they will do the most good can be an excellent way to keep Lent.

I know this will not be easy for me.

Plowing through piles of possessions, no matter how noble the cause, is dirty, tedious work. It’s easy for me to become overwhelmed and return to doing something more comfortable and enjoyable (like reading or playing video games). But that attitude is precisely what got me into the mess I’m in today. And Lent is all about confronting such attitudes and then changing them, with God’s grace.

That’s why I’ll be sure to pray before each of my “treasure tossing” sessions.

And I’ll be asking God not only for perseverance, but also that I never feel I have enough boxes and bags to collect and distribute all my overflowing blessings.

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

His house should be our home

S

unday’s Gospel reading, Mk 2:1-12, sets the scene for Jesus’ healing of the paralytic and his controversy with the scribes over extending forgiveness to the paralytic:

a house belonging to one member of the local community. The apostle Paul “When Jesus returned to reflects this practice in his letters. For Capernaum after some days, it became example, he writes in Rom 16:3-5: known that he was at home.”

“Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila; The phrase translated in the they were my fellow workers in the serLectionary as “at home” litervice of Christ Jesus and even ally means “in the house.” It risked their lives for the sake of SEVENTH leads us to ask some quesmine. Not only I but all the WEEK OF tions: Has Jesus taken up reschurches of the Gentiles are ORDINARY idence in Capernaum and grateful to them. Remember TIME moved out of Nazareth? Is me also to the congregation Mk 2: 1-12 the house in question Jesus’ that meets in their house.” home? Or, is Jesus temporariThe early Christian congrely staying with Simon and Andrew, in gations which listened to Paul’s letter the house where Jesus had recently during the liturgy could have possibly healed Simon’s mother-in-law of a also heard Mark’s Gospel proclaimed fever? then, as well as other writings of the In any case, it is significant that this apostles. Today’s Gospel reading would healing of the paralytic and the forgivhave made a special impact on them, ing of his sins takes place in a house, because they were meeting in a house. rather than in the synagogue or on the Those listening to Sunday’s reading street. After all, those who first heard could have placed themselves in it.

Mark’s Gospel most likely had gathAfter all, the crowd in the Gospel ered in someone’s home to celebrate reading had gathered in the house in the Eucharist. Typically, the early Capernaum (the home of Simon and Christians would meet every Sunday in Andrew?) to listen to Jesus preach.

15

AS THE CHURCH PRAYS

MARK MY WORDS President MOST REVEREND JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

COMMENTARY

Similarly, the early Christians gathered in homes to hear the word of God, through the preaching of the apostles and through their writings.

The crowd in the Gospel reading witnessed the healing of the paralytic.

Similarly, the early Christian congregations also looked forward to witnessing the wonders of God’s love in the liturgy.

The crowd in the Gospel reading heard Jesus’ words of forgiveness to the paralytic. Similarly, the early Christian congregations also experienced the forgiveness that comes from Jesus.

The early Christians, meeting in a house, could easily identify with the crowd in the Gospel reading who had also gathered in a house in Capernaum to see Jesus. But whose house was it?

Did it belong to Jesus or to someone else?

And what about the building where we gather on Sundays to worship?

Whose house is it? We sometimes call the church building the house of God. But we can also claim it as our home. It is the house where God’s family finds a home on earth. It is the house which looks forward to our true home in heaven.

Father Mike Stubbs is pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

he Mass is at the same time, and inseparably, the sacrificial memorial in which the sacrifice of the cross is perpetuated and the sacred banquet of communion with the Lord’s body and blood.

“T

“But the celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice is wholly directed toward the intimate union of the faithful with Christ through communion. To receive communion is to receive Christ himself who has offered himself for us” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no.

1382).

A priest I know and especially admire once described our Catholic faith

as “a series of ‘both/and’ beliefs” which demonstrate its philosophical balance and reveal its sublime beauty.

In other words, as Catholics we are not forced to have to choose between “either” sacred Scripture “or” sacred tradition. It is through “both” sacred Scripture “and” sacred tradition that the divine Word is revealed to us. Similarly, we don’t have to choose between either faith or works, between either word or sacrament, or between either faith or reason. In each case (and countless others) the two work together, existing in a

complementarity which prevents us from separating them.

This same principle, of course, applies to the Mass. The Mass is inseparably a sacrificial memorial and a sacramental banquet.

And who wouldn’t want it to be? To think that our Lord has commended to his church the perpetual offering of his one perfect sacrifice, and makes this sacrificial offering present under the signs of bread and wine, the same signs we are commanded to eat in his memory: What more could we ask for?

And yet the Mass is not just about remembering and eating and drinking.

The sacrifice of Christ on the cross becomes the church’s sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, a sacrifice in which the church places itself and its children.

We are those children. We are invited to place ourselves, in a sense, upon the altar with our Lord, to join him on his cross so as to share in his resurrection.

And we are invited through holy Communion to fulfill his promise: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him” (Jn 6:56). In other words, the incarnate union of his divinity and his humanity is shared with us through the eucharistic banquet. Our own human dignity is thus raised heavenward, and we are equipped with the grace necessary to do God’s will in our daily lives — daily lives of faith and works.

That’s why our belief in Christ’s bodily presence — “both” in the holy sacrifice “and” in the sacramental banquet — is so crucial. Otherwise, we would offer nothing more than mere bread and wine to the Father, and would receive nothing more than mere bread and wine. And what good would that do us?

Michael Podrebarac is the archdiocesan consultant for the liturgy office.

CHURCH AND STATE

Death of First Things editor is a great loss to us all

W

hen news came in 410 A.D. that Alaric and his Visigoths had breached the walls of Rome, ending in a stroke 800 years of impregnability, St. Jerome would write from Jerusalem: “The brightest light of the whole world is extinguished.”

There are those today who, while not wanting to overstate matters, might nonetheless wish to associate themselves with those sentiments as they mourn the passing of their intellectual, philosophical, and spiritual lodestar, Richard John Neuhaus.

Father Neuhaus, who testified to the axiom that converts make the best

Catholics, once said: “I have prayed to God that I should remain religiously orthodox, culturally conservative, politically liberal and economically pragmatic.” With time, his understanding of “politically liberal” came to differ from many of those whose company he kept in the 1960s and ’70s.

It was during those heady days that the then-Lutheran minister helped found the antiwar group “Clergy and Laity Concerned About Vietnam.” Of more enduring value, he fought for the extension of full civil rights to AfricanAmericans, arm in arm with his friend Martin Luther King Jr.

After Roe v. Wade, Neuhaus came to see the pro-life movement as the civil rights movement’s moral successor.

However, not all agreed, and the old band did not stay together.

In one of history’s most tragic ironies, America replaced the sin of state-sanctioned racial oppression with that of abortion — an almost simultaneous handoff four decades ago. The long-awaited moment of our greatest moral triumph would instead mark the dawn of a new era of moral depravity.

In the decades that followed, after converting to Catholicism and being ordained a priest, Father Neuhaus became a highly influential intellectual, gaining notoriety for his pioneering publication First Things magazine and his insightful contributions to the church-state debate.

Drawing upon a vast reservoir of interdisciplinary erudition and employing a rapier wit, he was able to persuasively articulate what less eloquent Americans instinctively knew: that our

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First Amendment freedoms are intended to preserve the free and public exercise of organized religion. This proposition runs profoundly counter to the intellectual current of the times, which holds that religious expression should be neither seen nor heard in public settings.

Though those who knew him well undoubtedly miss him most, there are many whose sense of loss is little diminished by the fact that they never met the man. Among them is one devoted First Things reader who, when about to take a job with the church, sought Father Richard’s counsel in an impromptu e-mail.

He is glad he did, while there was still time. Richard John Neuhaus died six months later. The stars above stay in their courses, but those below are fated to vanish from our sight.

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

16 LOCAL NEWS

Immaculate Conception Parish, 606 W. Elm, Louisburg, will have allyou-can-eat fish dinners from 5 to 7:30 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday) in the church basement. Cost is: $7 for adults; $3 for children under 10; and $25 maximum for families.

St. Joseph Parish, Nortonville, will have fish and shrimp dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday). Cost is: $8 for ages 11 and up; $4 for ages 4-10; and free for ages 3 and under. For carryout orders, call (913) 886-3510.

Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, Knights of Columbus will have a shrimp dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. on April 3 in the parish hall, 15438 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor. Cost is $13 for adults, and $6 for children.

Tickets can be purchased from the Knights or by contacting Ed Hoffman at (913) 724-1924.

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 20, 2009

Christ the King Parish, Topeka, will have fish dinners from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Yadrich Hall every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday).

Freewill donations will be accepted to support the parish’s Boy Scouts.

The Cathedral of St. Peter will have fish fries from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 27, March 6 and March 13 in the parish center, 431 N. 15th, Kansas City Kan. Cost is $8 for adults, and $4 for children 12 and under.

Mater Dei Parish, Topeka, will host a fish fry in Rossiter Hall (basement of Mater Dei Assumption Church, 8th and Jackson) from 5 to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday). Cost is: $5 for adults; $3 for children; children five and under eat free. Carryouts are available.

Holy Name Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will have fish fries from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday) in the school cafeteria, 1007 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Kan.

St. Patrick Parish, 1086 N. 94th, Kansas City, Kan., will have fish dinners from 4:30 to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday).

St. Matthew Parish, Topeka, will have fish fries from 5 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 27 and March 27 in the parish hall, 2700 S.E. Virginia, Topeka. Cost is $8 for those 11 and older, and $4 for those 10 and under.

Members of Hrvatski Obicaj Tamburitza Group will have a fish dinner from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on March 27 at St. John the Baptist Auditorium, 420 Barnett, Kansas City, Kan. Tickets are: $9 for adults; $4 for children (cheese pizza option).

To-go orders are available. For tickets, call (913) 721-9729 or ask any Hrvatski Obicaj member.

Sacred Heart Parish, 5501 Monticello Rd., Shawnee, will have a fish and shrimp fry from 5 to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday) in the parish multipurpose center. Cost is: $8 for adults; $4 for children 4-12; and free for children under three.

Prince of Peace Parish, 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe, will have a fish fry from 5 to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday) in the parish hall. Cost is: $13 for shrimp, catfish, and white fish; $8 for catfish and white fish; $7 for children’s shrimp; $4 for a fish platter; and $4 for cheese pizza. Children under the age of three eat free.

Greeley Knights of Columbus, Council No. 1901, will have fish dinners from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 6, 20 and April 3 at St John Parish hall in Greeley. Cost is $8 for adults, and $4 for children 12 and under.

St. Paul Parish, Olathe, will host Lenten dinners in the school gymnasium, 920 S. Honeysuckle Dr., from 5 to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday). Cost is: $8 for adults; $5 for children 6-12; children under five eat free.

Carryouts are available.

St. Agnes Parish will have a fish fry in the school cafeteria, 5130 Mission Rd., Roeland Park, from 5 to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday). Cost is: $8 for adults; $5 for children age three to 12; children two and under eat free.

Pizza is $2; salmon will be available at a market price. Family plan: $30 for parents and children 12 and under.

Carryouts are available.

St. Bernard/St. Joseph youth group will have a fish fry from 5 to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday) in the St. Bernard Parish hall, 1010 8th St., Wamego.

Cost is: $7 for adults; $3.50 for children; children three and under eat free. Call (785) 456-7943 for carryout or delivery.

St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood, will have fish dinners from 4:30 to 6:45 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday). Cost is: $9 for an adult Salmon dinner; $6 for an adult fish dinner; $30 for families; children four and under eat free.

There will be catfish fries from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 27 and March 20 at the Assumption Parish hall in Edgerton, and on March 6 and 27 at the Annunciation Church hall in Baldwin. Cost is $6 for adults, and $3 for children under 12.

The Church of the Nativity will have a fish fry from 5 to 7:30 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday) in the parish hall, 119th and Mission, Leawood. Cost is: $9 for adults ($4 extra for shrimp); $5 for children 5-12 years old; children under four eat free. Family prices are $35 for fish dinners and $50 for shrimp dinners. Takeouts are available by calling (913) 491-5017, ext. 1711, starting at 4:30 p.m.

St. Pius X Parish, Mission, will have fish fries from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 27, March 13 and March 27.

Cost varies by date.

Sacred Heart-St Joseph Parish, Topeka, will have fish dinners from 4:30 to 6 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday). Cost is: $7.50 for adults; $4.50 for the baked potato plate; $3.50 for children; and $5 for a fish sandwich. Takeouts are available by calling (785) 234-6727.

The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2332, will host shrimp dinners from 5 to 7:30 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday) in their hall at 11221 Johnson Drive, Shawnee. Tickets are: $13 for adults; $12 for seniors; $5 for children. Pizza will be available at $1 a slice.

Sacred Heart Parish, 1100 West St., Tonganoxie, will have a fish fry from 4 to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday). Cost is: $7.50 for adults; $3 for children ages 3-12; and free for children under three.

Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, will have a shrimp dinner from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on April 3 in the parish center.

Tickets are: $16 for adults 13 and over ($18 at the door); $5 for children age 612 ($6 at the door). Adult cheese pizza tickets are also available for $8 ($9 at the door). Tickets may be purchased after all Masses or from 8 -11:30 a.m. and 12:30-4 p.m. M-F at the parish office, or online at: http://www.htknights.org/ shrimp.htm.

Paola Council No. 1149 is having fish fries from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 27, March 6 and 27, and April 3 at Holy Trinity School, 601 E. Chippewa, Paola. Prices vary according to meal.

Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish Wea, 22779 Metcalf, will have fish and shrimp dinners from 5:30 to 8 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday). Cost is $8 for an adult’s fish dinner ($13 for shrimp); $4 for children. Pizza is also available.

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

St. John the Evangelist Church, 2910 Strong, Kansas City, Kan., will have a shrimp/fish dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. on March 13. Cost is: $12 for a large shrimp dinner; $ 8 for a small shrimp dinner; and $6 for a fish dinner.

For carryouts, call (913) 677-2069.

There will be Lenten dinners at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 75th and Metcalf, Overland Park, from 5 to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday). They are as follows: Feb. 27, a fish dinner; March 6, a pasta dinner; March 13, a soup dinner; March 20, a pancake dinner; March 27, a fish dinner; and April 3, a potato bar.

Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, will have fish dinners from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday) in Seuferling Hall, 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee. Costs are: $7.50 for adults ; $6.50 for seniors (60+); $3.50 for children 12 and under; children five and under eat free.

Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, Overland Park, Queen’s Ladies will sponsor a fish dinner from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 27. Cost is $7 for adults, and $4 for children under 12.

Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, will have a fish fry from 5 to 7:30 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday). Cost is: $8 for ages 12 and older; $4 for children 5-11; children under four eat free.

Sacred Heart Parish, 122 E. Warren, Gardner, will have shrimp and fish fries from 5 to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday). Cost is: adults, $10 for fish and shrimp; adults, $8 for fish only; $5 for children 12 and under.

Christ the King Parish, 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kan., will have a fish fry from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25; 5 to 7 p.m. on March 6 and 13; and shrimp nights from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 27 and April 3.

There will be fish fries at the Garnett Knights of Columbus hall from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 27, March 13, and March 27.