THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 38, NO. 27 | FEBRUARY 24, 2017
STRINGING THEM ALONG
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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EAWOOD — Bob Cunningham spent his late teenage years fighting the Japanese with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. Now, at 91 years old, the hands that once carried a rifle on behalf of his country are utilized in a
very special way for peace — by repairing rosaries. “We need the Hail Marys, and I’m helping to get them,” he said. “That’s the thrill of it.” A member of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, Cunningham drives to the parish multiple times each week to pick up, repair and deliver rosaries all within a day or two — completely free of charge.
LENTEN REGULATIONS
Bob Cunningham, 91, a member of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, spends his days picking up, repairing and delivering rosaries — all free of charge. Since he retired in 1995, Cunningham has been able to devote most of his time to his repair service. LEAVEN PHOTOS BY JOE MCSORLEY
Ministry in the making Cunningham learned to make rosaries from a woman in Naples, Florida, about 15 years ago, when he and his late wife Rosemary were there for a visit. “That’s where it all started,” he said. Cunningham began making rosaries and immediately received
requests from people needing help with repairs. Once he joined Curé about 12 years ago, Cunningham began to offer the service at no charge, promoting it through word of mouth and the weekly bulletin. Jodie Stockwell, longtime RCIA director at Curé, has never ceased to be amazed by the work Cunningham >> See “LEAWOOD” on page 5
All Catholics 14 years of age and older are obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, March 1, and all the Fridays of Lent. Catholics 18 to 59 years of age are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday — a fast consisting of one normal meal and two lesser meals, with no eating in between. It is also recommended that Catholics find opportunities throughout the Lenten season to complement their fasts with prayer, reception of the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist, and positive works of charity.
FEBRUARY 24, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Camp can change lives of kids lucky enough to go
he following is an excerpt from a letter that I received this fall from a youth preparing for confirmation. In this portion of the letter, she is explaining to me why she chose her confirmation saint. “My saint that I chose is Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. I chose her because I go to the camp Kateri Tekakwitha every summer since I was allowed to go. Every summer, camp has led me further into my faith and left me awestruck in God’s glory. Camp Kateri Tekakwitha is such a special place to me that I wish I could just stay there forever. Maybe it’s because of the beautiful stars in the sky, or the deep adoration sessions that we have. Maybe it’s the feeling of being away from everything else in the world, or being with the people that I meet that are all amazing. Whatever it may be, it is where I feel closest to God. That’s why I chose her, because just her name makes me feel calm and closer to God. She has already done so much for me by helping me build my faith. I can just think of her once when I feel like my faith is being tested. I can think of her and all the struggles she endured — like losing her family — but still choosing God. By thinking of my experiences at camp, I feel the
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN urge to do what’s right.” This young woman’s testimony is by no means unique. Many young women in the archdiocese take for their confirmation name Kateri Tekakwitha. Often at the reception after confirmation, I will ask some of the newly confirmed if they chose Kateri Tekakwitha because they attended camp. Without fail, their response is an enthusiastic: “Yes!” Each year, many, many young people thank me for our camp and share with me some of the powerful experiences of God’s presence and love that occurred while they participated in Camp Tekakwitha at Prairie Star Ranch. Many parents thank me for the camp and share with me the positive impact that Camp Tekakwitha has had upon their children
and upon the faith life of their entire family. When I was a young child, my grandfather paid for me, my brother and my cousins to attend Camp Chaminade, a summer camp in St. Louis conducted by the Marianists. I have many fond memories of my experiences at Camp Chaminade. I still remember Brother Leo, my camp counselor. My grandfather could not have given us a more cherished gift. As much as I enjoyed my experience at Camp Chaminade, it pales in comparison to what our young people receive every summer from their participation in Camp Tekakwitha. While we did many of the same activities (horseback riding, swimming, experiencing the beauty of the natural world, etc.), what I received from Camp Chaminade does not compare with the faith formation that is woven into the camp programs at Prairie Star Ranch. Parents, if you have
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not done so already, I encourage you to enroll your children and teenagers in camp this summer. For every camper, it is a wonderful experience. But for some each summer, the camp is life-changing. Grandparents, consider giving your grandchildren an even better gift than my grandfather gave me 60 years ago. I want every young person in the archdiocese to have the opportunity to attend Camp Tekakwitha. I do not want finances to prevent participation. Scholarships are available for families with financial need. Camp registration and information can be found online at: www. archkck.org/camp. Camp Tekakwitha has sessions specifically designed for fifth- and sixth-graders; seventh- and eighthgraders; and high school students. I am very grateful to Archbishop James Keleher, Msgr. Tom Tank, and Deacon Dana and Debbie Nearmyer for giving birth to the camp. I am also thankful to Greg and Katie Wellnitz and the incredibly talented and energetic young adults who staff the camp. They go through an intensive formation program each year to prepare themselves to serve our young campers. This is not just a summer job for our camp staff. For them, it is a ministry through
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Feb. 24-26 Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher winter meeting — Omaha Feb. 26 Junior High Youth Rally — Prairie Star Ranch Feb. 27 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Finance Council meeting Confirmation — Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Topeka Feb. 28 Envisioning Team meeting — Chancery Retired priests quarterly meeting Administrative Team meeting “Trust One Greater” — St. Lawrence Center
which they become the human instruments that God uses to make his love known to our young people. Your donations each year to Call to Share help fund Camp Tekakwitha, as well as the cost to maintain and operate Prairie Star Ranch. However, if Our Lord has blessed you financially and you wish to make an additional donation
March 1 Ash Wednesday Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas March 2 High school art exhibit, Mass and reception — Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City, Kansas Talk with philosophy and theology majors — Benedictine College, Atchison
ARCHBISHOP KELEHER Feb. 28 Confirmation — Leavenworth parishes March 1 Ash Wednesday Mass and lunch — Chancery March 2 Confirmation — Holy Spirit, Overland Park March 3 Mass and confessions — Little Monastery, Kansas City, Kansas
to a ministry that is transformative for youth, please contact Deacon Nearmyer at (913) 6470331 or by email at: dnearmyer@archkck. org. Your generosity will provide more scholarship opportunities for Camp Tekakwitha. Your gift will help more young people experience God’s love in a way that has the power to change forever the course of their lives.
FEBRUARY 24, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
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THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE
Catholic film critic picks best movies of year
By John Mulderig Catholic News Service
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HACKSAW RIDGE
EW YORK (CNS) — The quality of the best Hollywood films was higher in 2016 than in some recent years. But the outstanding movies of the 12 months just past tended to deal with challenging subject matter. Assassination, the exactions of combat, even religious repression enforced through torture were all dealt with in a skillful way — but also in a manner not likely to appeal to the casual moviegoer. The following are the media review office of Catholic News Service’s top 10 movies overall and top 10 family films of 2016. The selections in each category are listed in no particular order.
The extraordinary heroism of World War II Army medic Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield), a committed Christian and conscientious objector who refused to bear arms but was nonetheless eager to serve his country, is vividly realized in the inspiring, though bloody, fact-based drama “Hacksaw Ridge,” directed by Mel Gibson.
SULLY In “Sully,” director Clint Eastwood crafts a satisfying profile of US Airways pilot Capt. Chesley Sullenberger (Tom Hanks), whose 2009 feat in landing his crippled plane on the Hudson River gained him instant fame. What emerges is the portrait of a morally deep-rooted and honorable man with a heartfelt concern for those in his charge.
ARRIVAL Amy Adams delivers an excellent performance as an American linguist trying to communicate with aliens in the gripping and unusually intimate science-fiction drama “Arrival.” Director Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of a short story by Ted Chiang finds profundity on a human scale as well as in the cosmos.
THE INNOCENTS Luminescent and respectful of religion, director Anne Fontaine’s drama “The Innocents,” about a fictional Benedictine convent in post-World War II Poland, gently explores the conflicts between duty to the living and the shattered faith that can result from acts of depravity. Lou de Laage stars as a French Red Cross doctor.
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
SILENCE
FENCES
HIDDEN FIGURES
“Silence” is director and co-writer Martin Scorsese’s dramatically powerful but theologically complex adaptation of Catholic author Shusaku Endo’s 1966 factbased historical novel about two 17thcentury Jesuit missionaries (Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver) facing persecution in Japan. Often visually striking, the film is also deeply thought provoking.
Suffering mingles with brutal honesty and joy in unexpected moments in the first screen version of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1983 play “Fences.” Director Denzel Washington stars as an embittered Pittsburgh garbage collector while Viola Davis plays his compassionate and understanding wife, the moral center of this family drama.
Director Theodore Melfi successfully recreates the tension of the Cold War space race and the struggles of the civil rights era in the appealing fact-based drama “Hidden Figures.” Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae star as extraordinarily gifted mathematicians working for NASA, while Kevin Costner plays Henson’s hard-driving boss.
HELL OR HIGH WATER
JACKIE
LION
“Hell or High Water” is the morally intricate tale of two brothers (Ben Foster and Chris Pine) who go on a bankrobbing spree to save their family farm. Their cat-and-mouse game with a duo of Texas Rangers (Jeff Bridges and Gil Birmingham) has tragic consequences in director David Mackenzie’s hardscrabble story of exploitation and desperation.
Director Pablo Larrain’s fact-based historical drama “Jackie” features a mesmerizing performance by Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy, reflecting on loss while building the Camelot myth in the weeks following her husband’s (Caspar Phillipson) 1963 assassination. Catholic viewers will find her conversations with a priest (John Hurt) of particular interest.
The incredible true story of Saroo Brierley (Dev Patel) and his 20-year odyssey to locate his birth mother (Priyanka Bose) is retold in the uplifting and emotional drama “Lion,” directed by Garth Davis. A celebration of family, the movie also sends a strong pro-life message by underscoring the joys and merits of adoption.
For Catholic News Service’s top 10 family movies, turn to page 11. Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org
Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org
Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org
Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org
Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.
FEBRUARY 24, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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New kind of building committee needs your help By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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TCHISON — Tucked away in the mountains of Guatemala, you’ll discover a village with some of the most generous and kind people in the world, said students from Benedictine College here. A team of student missionaries had the opportunity to experience the love of the Joya de Los Cedros village for the first time on a mission trip last March. “We were utterly surprised by the villagers’ excitement and generosity toward us,” said Catherine Kluempers, a senior at Benedictine. “They continued to give and give. Whatever they could do to thank us for our support, they did,” she said. The purpose of the trip was to begin construction of a new church for the Joya de Los Cedros community. The students also delivered building supplies, medicine and school supplies to the locals, all while sharing faith and fellowship. “I went on the initial trip and was captivated by the deep faith and warm hospitality of the local Guatemalans and felt the need to continue this mission in 2017,” said Michael Duchesne, a first-year MBA student who led the trip last year. Maria Hartley, a nursing student with family in Guatemala and connections with Father Marco Mendez, the local priest, started the trip for the first time last March. Last year, the students raised $18,500 for the new church. They raised another $18,500 to build a new church in a nearby village, the construction of which will begin this year. This year, the students have raised $16,000 to cover transportation, food, building supplies, medicine and school supplies for the villagers.
Gabe Smith, a sophomore at Benedictine College, distributes school supplies to the children of Joya de Los Cedros in Guatemala. A group of student missionaries will visit the village for the second time this March to help build a new church, deliver supplies and offer fellowship to the local people. But they hope to raise $10,000 to $25,000 more so they can contribute to the construction of the new churches. “I’m so excited to go back and help with the continuation of the chapel,” said Kluempers, who will lead the group of 12 students back to Guatemala. “We will be plastering and painting the walls and continuing to build great friendships with the people,” she said. The continuation of those friendships is what the Benedictine students
are most excited about. “[The locals] set aside everything during our stay last March and focused on treating us with great warmth and kindness, as well as sharing their beautiful culture and traditions with us,” said Duchesne. “For all of us,” he continued, “they taught us great lessons of how to welcome others with true and detailed charity, always seeking to make us comfortable and welcome. “It was amazing to see that, although
we came to serve them, they were the ones who taught us what it really means to serve.” Organizers encourage anyone interested in learning more about the trip to contact Catherine Kluempers by email at: catherinekluempers@gmail.com. Or, to help the students reach their financial goal, use this shortcut — goo. gl/PESxEX — to reach the Benedictine College Alumni donor page. In the designation box, put “Guatemala Mission Trip.”
Film opens eyes to discrimination of earlier era By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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OELAND PARK — Bishop Miege High School students here received a twohour lesson chock full of history, science and technology in one of the most entertaining ways possible — at the movies. Thanks to a generous donor, the entire student body received a private viewing of “Hidden Figures” Feb. 10. The film, which covers everything from black history and women’s history to science and technology, was just the right way to inspire the students to go after their goals. “‘Hidden Figures’ was the perfect example of everything that our teachers have been telling us since day one — work hard, stay focused, know how to apply what you’ve learned and think outside the box,” said Miege junior Aurora Rodriguez. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity that was given to Miege to be able to enrich our culture and spark our motivation,” she said. The film is about a team of AfricanAmerican women mathematicians who served a vital role for NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. The women broke down gender, racial and professional barriers to
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“I CAN SAY WITHOUT A DOUBT THAT ‘HIDDEN FIGURES’ TRULY CHANGED MY OUTLOOK ON LIFE, IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE.”
CNS PHOTO/FOX
Janelle Monae stars in a scene from the movie “Hidden Figures.” Students at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park received a private viewing of the movie on Feb. 10 thanks to a donor. follow their dreams and accomplish something huge for their country and the entire world. For many of the Miege students, “Hidden Figures” opened their eyes to the injustices many Americans were dealing with at the time. “I felt that I learned a lot about that time period by watching the movie,” said freshman Kaitlin Thrun.
“And I can say without a doubt that ‘Hidden Figures’ truly changed my outlook on life, in the best way possible,” she added. Junior Matthew Garr agreed. “It really made me appreciate the fact that we now live in a time period where these acts are morally and socially unacceptable,” he said. Learning about our nation’s past
outside the classroom and in a more visual manner made the experience even more memorable. “It was a different way of learning about both our country’s history and black history,” said senior George Lisac. “Rather than sitting in a classroom, we were able to do something new and exciting that also taught me a side of history I didn’t know,” he continued. And seeing the movie with the entire school made the experience even more special. “I thought the movie was a great experience because the school was able to go together,” said freshman Luke Lazarczyk. “We were able to learn about three women who faced adversity and greatly helped our country,” he said.
FEBRUARY 24, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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New series examines Sermon on the Mount Editor’s note: Don’t have time to join a Bible study? Or is one not available at your parish? The Little Rock Scripture Study folks are coming to the rescue. With the permission of the Arkansas Catholic and the Diocese of Little Rock, The Leaven will reprint a 10-part Scripture study series called “Blessed Are You: The Beatitudes.” Gather your friends or just treat yourself. You’ll find the first part here; watch for one installment each month in future issues of The Leaven.
By Clifford Yeary Associate director Little Rock Scripture Study
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ne of my first encounters with Southern manners and hospitality occurred in the Louis Armstrong airport in New Orleans after flying there from my Idaho home. I had just tugged my rather large suitcase off the carousel when a skycap asked me if I would like some help with my luggage. I simply replied, “No, thank you.” He replied to that with, “Have a blessed day.” I had never heard that expression before. I had come to the Big Easy to receive in person a theological degree from Loyola University, New Orleans, that I had earned through an extension program in Boise. The thought that my day might be blessed carried special resonance. That was in the year 2000. Having now lived in the South (Little Rock, Arkansas) for nearly 15 years, I have good knowledge of how common blessing a stranger’s day is. I also know if you ask someone, “How are you,” you are not all that unlikely to get, “I’m blessed,” as a response. If you probe beneath the surface, there is a deep difference between wishing someone a good day, no matter how seriously meant, and blessing someone’s day. No matter how badly your day has gone, if it is a blessed day,
it is one in which you will discover that and temptation. Having called his first God is present. This is why, faith tells disciples, Jesus preaches the good news us, we call Good Friday, “good.” of the kingdom in synagogues around This is the first of 10 monthly artiGalilee and cures everyone brought cles from Little Rock Scripture Study to him, regardless of what ailed them concerning the beatitudes, (4:23-24). the “blessings” of Christ Not surprisingly, this upon those who would attracted a great deal of atThis is the first column not appear to actually be tention, and soon crowds in a 10-part blessed, such as the poor, gathered around him series. the meek and the persewherever he appeared. cuted. Through the course Matthew does not tell us of these articles, we will exactly where the Sermon follow the beatitudes as they appear in on the Mount occurred, choosing inthe Gospel of Matthew (5:1-12), in the stead to simply affirm that “he went up Sermon on the Mount. the mountain” to deliver it. In this article, attention is focused The many Jewish Christians who on how Matthew’s short introduction would have first heard Matthew’s reto the Sermon on the Mount prepares counting of the sermon would be quick us to open our hearts and minds to the to think of Moses on Mount Sinai. significance of Christ’s timeless teachMoses, the great prophet and teacher ing, which he begins with nine blessof Israel, was tasked with revealing God ings. to the people of God on “the mountain” “When he saw the crowds, he (Ex 3:1-2). went up the mountain, and after he Centuries later, Jesus, having gone had sat down, his disciples came to up another mountain, sits down. This him” (Mt 5:1). was the proper posture of a religious Matthew has just begun to tell us of teacher. To this day, universities endow Jesus’ ministry following his baptism their most honored professors with a “chair.” By Jesus’ time, religious authorities in Israel were said to teach from the chair of Moses (Mt 23:2). As we read Matthew introducing the Sermon on the Mount, we are meant to • Recall a time when you felt be aware of just how important, just most blessed. how authoritative, Jesus’ instruction • What are times or events will be. No one since Moses has ever where you have felt the excitetaught like this before, and Jesus’ teachment of being part of a crowd? ing will go to the depths of the soul that • Why does Jesus deliver his most famous sermon from a Moses never reached. mountain? Why does he do so Matthew’s introduction to the beatfrom a seated position? itudes actually comes with a warning: • What are some ways you We can position ourselves to listen to think the disciples would listen to Jesus in one of two ways — the way of Jesus in a way different from how the crowd, or the way of the disciples. the crowd would have heard him? No one who contemplates the beatitudes immediately thinks that he or This article was originally pubshe has already earned the blessings lished in Arkansas Catholic Feb. 11, they offer. Rather, those whom the be2017. Copyright Diocese of Little atitudes are intended to bless would
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probably be regarded by the crowds as people who were more likely suffering under a curse than a blessing. And that is why, as we contemplate the beatitudes in forthcoming articles, Matthew’s intentional distinction between the crowd and the disciples should be kept in mind. When I read the beatitudes that follow, I am challenged to note that, if I hear them as one of the crowd, I will be amazed at the loftiness of the ideals they express. But if I am a follower of Jesus, then he expects me to live them.
Leawood parishioner makes ministry of rosary repair >> Continued from page 1 puts into his ministry. “I can remember on several occasions when I was on the phone downstairs, he’d come in and pick up the broken [rosaries] and leave,” she said. “By lunchtime, I was calling the person back to say, ‘Your rosary’s been repaired.’” When Cunningham first began his ministry to Curé, then-pastor Msgr. Charles McGlinn was touched by Cunningham’s heart for the devotion. “Bob’s passion arises from his special love for the Blessed Mother, and his desire to support and spread devotion to her,” said Msgr. McGlinn. “He has touched the hearts of hundreds of people with this beautiful service he has given,” he added. After raising six children and enjoying a successful career as an automobile dealer at Cunningham Automotive Group, Cunningham sold his business to his sons and retired in 1995. Since then, he has been able to dedicate more time to his ministry. His wife Rosemary died in 2010. Cunningham later married Shirl Madden, who continues to be a support system for all he does. “Sometimes she helps me do little
things with the rosaries,” he said. “She’s lovely. And she puts up with me,” he said with a smile.
A collection for the ages Cunningham has offered his services to several parishes in the archdiocese and puts about 1,000 miles a month on his car traveling to pick up and deliver rosaries. “I’ve been able to fix them all — except one,” he said. “It’s just a challenge,” he added. But he’s not giving up. “You need a challenge,” he declared. The most difficult rosaries that come his way? “They come in from mothers that have little kids,” he said. “It’s not so hard; it just takes more time to fix them. “But I enjoy that, because I know the moms are praying.” Packed in containers inside a closet, Cunningham stores countless beads, crucifixes and other pieces. He has gathered materials from broken rosaries and his own purchases over the years. “You can’t believe the different
color beads there are,” he said. “Hundreds of colors.” If your rosary needs a specific part, said Cunningham, it’s likely he has it. For Stockwell, what’s more surprising than the work Cunningham puts into his craft is the care that goes along with it. “He began some years ago making rosaries for all of my RCIA participants — the catechumens and the candidates,” she said. “When we would have the lesson on Mary, Mother of God,” she continued, “or talk about the rosary, I was able to give each one of them a rosary that had been blessed by our pastor because Bob had the foresight to make them. “And he had a case for each one of them. It was just a lovely gift of service.” For fellow Curé parishioner Lisa White, watching Cunningham’s ministry flourish is a gift. “One of my favorite memories of him is when he distributed his handmade crucifixes to the senior living facility where he lives,” she said. “My dad and stepmother also live there and told me about the crucifix they received and how impressed they are with Bob,” she added. “What a great evangelizer.
“My dad and his wife aren’t Catholic, and Bob wasn’t afraid to give them a crucifix.”
Lifelong giving Cunningham’s ministry goes far beyond repairing rosaries. He received a Purple Heart after being wounded on the island of Saipan during his service in World War II. Once he mustered out of the Corps in 1946, he went on to lead a life of evangelization. Cunningham has been involved in the Serra Club, served in the Rotary Club and continues to serve as a eucharistic minister, among other ministries. “[Cunningham’s] evangelization of the faith goes far beyond repairing rosaries,” said Stockwell. “And he does it with such generosity of spirit.” White agreed. “I am so inspired by his love for Jesus and his desire to serve and spread [God’s] love and encouragement,” she said. “He is such a gentleman, so kind and loving, with a peaceful spirit,” she continued. “I think of God whenever I see him.”
FEBRUARY 24, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
WORKERS thein VINEYARD
TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus
Vineyard worker finds there’s nothing like being there
We focus too much on divorce We Christians have to change our marriage messaging — quickly! We hyper-focus on divorce — stats, causes, avoidance. (You’d think the whole goal of marriage was avoiding divorce!) That’s not an attractive message — nor a truly Christian one. Christian marriage isn’t based on fear, but love. And if we give our whole lives ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 to it, we can “expect the greatest measure of earthly happiness” this side of heaven. That’s the church’s words. It’s about time we shared that message with the world! • What can I tell my spouse, kids, neighbor that’s great about marriage? • Now, when do I plan to do it? — Mike Dennihan, School of Love
WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE
CHURCH OF THE WEEK St. Mary, Purcell Address: 446 Hwy. 137, Lancaster 66041 Pastor: Father Benjamin Tremmel, OSB Mass time: Saturday, 6:30 p.m. MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www. theleaven.org
WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE
TEAM OF THE WEEK
Aquinas boys basketball Because of unforeseen circumstances, the Aquinas boys basketball report scheduled to run last week did not. It will run this week instead.
ONLINE
• VIDEO REPORT: To learn more about Aquinas boys basketball, see Todd Habiger’s Team of the Week report. • PHOTOS: Check out Lori Wood Habiger’s photo gallery from the Aquinas-Mill Valley game on Feb. 10. All this and more can be found online at: www.theleaven.org.
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By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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EAWOOD — In Christ’s parable of the workers in the vineyard (Mt 20: 1-16), some workers were called early and some
later. You might call the early ones “fortunate,” because the Lord was generous in the sense that he gave them the opportunity to serve him longer, even though they got the same pay. Mike Pollock, a member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, considers himself one of the fortunate ones. “I think I’ve been a cultivator for a long time,” said Pollock. “I’ve been involved all the way back in various volunteer activities.” Pollock’s professional career in restaurant franchising led to moving his family several times, and getting involved in the parishes his family joined was a natural thing to do. At St. Michael the Archangel, Pollock has been involved in the Knights of Columbus, the Stephen Ministry, a Honduras mission and two services offered by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. “I was talking to a priest a few weeks ago about volunteering while we were on a mission trip in Honduras,” Pollock said. “We were taking a spiritual review that day. I said, ‘Being here doing stuff for people makes me feel really good.’ “He said, ‘That’s good. It should make you feel good. But the underlying reason why we volunteer is because we’re Christian, and it’s what Christ wants us to do.’ “That point really hit home.” For the past couple of years, Pollock and another man have been volunteering for Catholic Charities. Every Thursday, they take donated items from St. Michael the Archangel Parish to the TurnStyles Thrift Store at 151st and Mur-Len Road in Olathe. They also take a box truck to several retailers in Olathe and take donated food to the Catholic Charities food pantry at 333
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY
Mike Pollock volunteers for Catholic Charities, taking donated items from St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood to TurnStyles Thrift Store in Olathe. He also collects food donated by retailers to the Catholic Charities food pantry. E. Poplar St. in Olathe. “It was really eye opening,” said Pollock. “No one in this city needs to go hungry. There are plenty of [companies] willing to give the food. “But there are not enough people to pick it up and get it to the people who need it. That’s the tough part — seeing food go to waste — [knowing] there are people in Wyandotte and Johnson counties who need it.” If that’s the toughest part, what’s the most rewarding? Meeting the representatives of the various retail establishments that donate the food, said Pollock. They’re very happy to give something to the commu-
Book signing set for March 4 at Trinity House
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VERLAND PARK — Life for Terri Kern and her family changed on April 28, 2008, when she was struck by a car while on a morning run. Massive internal injuries and severe brain trauma almost killed her, but God had another plan. As miracle upon miracle unfolded, it became clear that God had more in store for Kern and her family. “Moving Mountains” is the true story of one faith-filled woman’s will to live and her family’s journey through suffering to joy. Join authors and Church of the Nativity parishioners Terri and Mike Kern for a book signing on March 4 at Trinity House from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 6731 W. 119th St., Overland Park.
nity and to work with Catholic Charities. Has working in the “vineyard of the Lord” changed him? Absolutely, said Pollock. “The more you’re in the vineyard, I think you have a stronger ability to reach those individuals in the field, because you’re there more often,” he said. “I can’t emphasize [enough],” he added, “how important presence is — being among the people in need and letting them know you care — saying ‘hi’ to the person in the food pantry and giving them a smile. “Being present shows them that you’re walking the journey with them.”
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COLLAR ID
ow well do you know our priests? Test your knowledge the next several Sundays by playing a game of Collar ID on our Facebook page located at: www.facebook.com/theleavenkc. We’ll post a Q&A with one of our priests along with a photo of him as a child. We want you to guess who the priest is. Later that evening, we’ll reveal whether you got it right. Look for these mystery priests each Sunday, and challenge your Facebook friends to play, too!
FEBRUARY 24, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
Symposium on advancing the new evangelization coming to Benedictine
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TCHISON — Benedictine College’s Institute for Missionary Activity here is preparing for its biggest event of the year, the annual Symposium on Advancing the New Evangelization. The 2017 symposium, set for March 31 and April 1 at Benedictine College, boasts top Catholic speakers as well as dozens of additional papers and presentations from professors, field professionals, students and clergy. This year, there are also special pre-symposium workshops presented by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students beginning on March 30. Registration for the symposium and the pre-symposium workshops, along with additional information, is now available online at: www.benedictine.edu/ faith-life/symposium/index. “The theme of this year’s symposium is ‘In the World, but Not of the World: Paradigms for the Evangelization of American Culture,’” said Matt Muller, associate director of the Institute for Missionary Activity at Benedictine College. “It is an invitation to reflect upon fundamental issues concerning evangelization in the cultural context of American life today.” The two-day symposium includes four keynote addresses. The four keynote speakers are: • Bishop James D. Conley, of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska
• Rod Dreher, senior editor of The American Conservative and author of “The Benedict Option” • Katherine Lopez, editor-at-large of the National Review online • Patrick Deneen, professor and chair of Constitutional Studies at the University of Notre Dame. In addition to the four keynote speakers, there are four additional featured presenters this year. They are: • William Cavanaugh, director of the Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology and professor of Catholic Studies at DePaul University • Angela Franks, professor in the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization at Saint John’s Seminary in Boston • David Lapp, research fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, Charlottesville, Virginia • David Schindler, dean emeritus of the John Paul II Institute and editor of Communio: International Catholic Review. There are also dozens of breakout sessions over the course of the two-day symposium, covering everything from marriage and evangelization to constitutional issues regarding religious freedom and separation of church and state. The pre-symposium workshops, presented by missionaries from FOCUS, are designed to equip catechists, educators, clergy and parish leaders with practical tools for evangelization.
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Have you considered giving up control of the TV remote? Or giving up screen time on your computer or other devices?
MEN, GIVE IT UP The Leaven's
own Joe Bollig offers up some tips for having a brilliant Lent this year.
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Every year about this time, the discussion among the men in the office turns to Lent. Or rather, “What are you giving up for Lent?” One time, I asked another guy, “What are you giving up?” “The Leaven,” he smirked. Right. Never heard that one before. Giving up The Leaven is not one of my options but, this year, the annual question got me thinking. Guys and giving things up for Lent — what’s that all about? Back in the day, the men of my father’s generation used to give up things like beer, booze, smokes and coffee. And, of course, there was the traditional Lenten giving up of meat on Fridays. Goodbye, yummy meatloaf — hello grim, penitential, baked tuna casserole. Among men there is something about “giving up” that resonates with the masculine soul. Perhaps this is so because it can be seen as a sort of “ordeal,” a test of one’s strength of will and worthiness. But this sort of “manly” approach to Lent falls short. Lenten “giving up” is not about proving our strength and
The three pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Practicing these things requires discipline. our worthiness. As we engage in our Lenten discipline of “giving up,” we sometimes fail. Or in my case, inevitably fail. Failing when we’ve vowed to “give up” something for Lent does not equal a failed Lent. Quite the opposite. Trying — and often failing — teaches us about our weakness and
dependence upon God. Even if you can keep your Lenten discipline perfectly, you are still a sinner who needs Christ’s redemption. You can’t save yourself no matter how hard you try. God’s grace is essential. The three pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Practicing these things requires discipline
How about giving up being a jerk? Disciplining yourself not to be jerk is an exercise in generosity and humility, which are necessary for a strong spiritual life.
Don't go it alone. Get a Lenten buddy or two. Get together to pray and talk. Don't let it devolve into social talk. Keep it spiritual.
and “dying” to oneself. We join our Lenten disciplines to the sufferings and death of Christ, killing off sin in our lives and increasing our — brace for it — love. God, through his love, gives us forgiveness and grace. Grace is a sharing of his own divine life that we cannot earn and do not deserve. Lent is a time for a true conversion of our hearts. So how does a guy have a “manly” Lent? First off, give up phony motivations. Be authentic by getting in touch with Lent’s eschatological vibe. “Eschatological” is a $20 word that means, “dealing with the final things” — among them, your death and eternity. Lent is not just a good excuse to lose weight. Sure, losing weight for many is a good thing. However, Lenten fasts and disciplines are not about making you good for the swimming pool, but good for eternity. Second, give up “gaming” Lent. No meat on Fridays during Lent, eh? So you gorge yourself at Lobstermania. This is a form of legalism. Lenten disciplines should enable us to experience a little discomfort and denial. It helps us to be less attached to temporal things and strengthen our character to resist sin and temptation. Be real about it. Third, give up Lenten laziness. Be intentional about Lent. Rededicate yourself to the traditional pillars of Lent: fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Do all the traditional Lenten devotions, like Stations of the Cross, frequent reconciliation, and more time spent in prayer and reading the Bible. Fourth, give up just fasting from food. Giving up things like fast food, salt, sugar, etc., is all well and good. Go ahead and give them up. But have you considered giving up control of the TV remote? Or giving up screen time on your computer or other devices? Fifth, give up a weekend monopolized by watching sports. Ouch, this hurts! What about the Final Four? “Giving up” is supposed to be meaningful. It’s useless to give up something you don’t care much about or is easy to surrender. A little rigor (just a little, mind you!) is good. Instead of spending hours watching game after game, take that time and spend it with your family. Sixth, give up being a jerk. Wow, that’s a big category. Do you drive aggressively? Are you a gentleman on social media? Do you give respect to others no matter who they are? Do
Yes, we idealize the rugged individualist but, spiritually speaking, this is perilous. Get a Lenten buddy . . . or two or three. Get together to pray and to talk. Don’t let it devolve into a social time. Keep it relevant, honest and spiritual. The list can go on just about forever. But it would be hard for a person to do even all seven of these — so give up taking on too much and setting yourself up for failure. And when Lent is over, don’t give
you “mansplain”? (In case you didn’t know, “mansplaining” is when a guy explains something to a woman — who may know better anyway — in a condescending way.) Disciplining yourself not to be a jerk is an exercise in generosity and humility, which are necessary for a strong spiritual life. Some guys are “street angels and house devils.” If you’re going to give up being a jerk, make sure it starts at home. Seven, give up “going it alone.”
up. Lent is about renewal, about a change for the better. Keep up with some of your Lenten disciplines. And don’t give up when you sin and fail. It’s not the failures that count. Rather, what counts is the repenting and getting back up to live a life transformed by Christ. Oh, yeah, and DON’T give up The Leaven. Reading my articles might be just the penance you need to get into heaven.
What'er yuh fixin' to give up for Lent this year, Clem? I'm quittin' the wild out-of-control party scene! We'll miss you at bingo.
FEBRUARY 24, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
MEDIA
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THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE
Catholic critic picks 10 best family flicks of 2016 MOANA The eponymous heroine of Disney’s 56th animated film, “Moana” is a spunky Polynesian princess (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) who joins forces with a demigod (voice of Dwayne Johnson) to vanquish evil. Directors Ron Clements and John Musker’s entertaining romp offers good lessons about family, friendship and the need to be responsible.
FINDING DORY “Finding Dory,” writer-director Andrew Stanton’s dandy animated sequel to 2003’s “Finding Nemo,” sets that film’s trio of main characters (voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks and Hayden Rolence) on another epic journey. Their adventure conveys life lessons about family loyalty, teamwork and the proper balance between courage and caution.
RACE
ZOOTOPIA
KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS
Track and field legend Jesse Owens (Stephan James), whose performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympics dealt a devastating blow to Nazism, is the focus of “Race.” Director Stephen Hopkins’ entertaining film provides a valuable history lesson for adolescents as well as their parents.
Anthropomorphism runs amok in the animated comedy-adventure “Zootopia.” Directors Byron Howard and Rich Moore, together with co-director Jared Bush, promote tolerance, hard work and optimism as they tell the story of a rabbit police rookie (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) and her battle to win the respect of her co-workers.
A captivating animated fable about a Japanese street urchin (voice of Art Parkinson) whose troubled family history launches him on a quest for a magical set of armor, director Travis Knight’s “Kubo and the Two Strings” features rich visuals and deep emotional appeal.
QUEEN OF KATWE
THE JUNGLE BOOK
PETE’S DRAGON
THE YOUNG MESSIAH
A glorious drama that applies the traditional formula of an uplifting sports film to the real-life story of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga), “Queen of Katwe” — director Mira Nair’s adaptation of Tim Crothers’ book — then goes in unexpected directions. The result is a remarkably inspirational movie.
Director Jon Favreau’s adaptation of British author Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book” follows the exploits of a “man-cub” (Neel Sethi) raised by animals and offers delightful, good-natured, heartfelt entertainment for the entire family, the most easily frightened tots possibly excepted.
The classic boy-and-his-dog story assumes outsized proportions in the generally warmhearted fantasy adventure “Pete’s Dragon,” a “reimagining” of the 1977 Disney musical. This tale about an orphaned toddler (Levi Alexander) raised by a green dragon is directed at a gentle pace by David Lowery with pleasantly fanciful results.
“The Young Messiah,” director and co-writer Cyrus Nowrasteh’s engaging screen version of Anne Rice’s novel “Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt,” remains faithful to Scripture even as it speculates about the childhood of Jesus. This sensitive exploration of the mystery of the Incarnation will intrigue and entertain viewers of most ages.
ROGUE ONE Interstellar derring-do is the order of the day in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Director Gareth Edwards’ rousing prequel to the 1977 kickoff of the saga stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna and Alan Tudyk as gallant rebels fighting the evil Empire.
“We constantly hear how grateful children are that their parents had things taken care of. Have you done this for your children?”
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FUNERAL HOME • CREMATORY • MEMORIAL CHAPELS 10901 Johnson Drive Shawnee, Kansas 66203 Telephone 913-631-5566 Fax 913-631-2236 Gregg Amos
www.amosfamily.com
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INSTAGRAM theleavenkc
FEBRUARY 24, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Web manager – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is accepting applications for a full-time web manager. Duties include managing and maintaining internal websites and managing the digital media center. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing. Position requires bachelor’s degree in related field, and the candidate must have past experience in web design and management. Knowledge of Blackbaud Net Community a plus. A complete job description and required application are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www. archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application by Feb. 20 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Webmaster, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org. Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, and cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available, as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Principal - Co-cathedral Parish of St. Joseph seeks a principal committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. Co-cathedral School is a parish school in a vibrant parish community with growing enrollment serving K to 8th-grade students. Cathedral School is located in downtown St. Joseph, Missouri. Applicant must be a practicing Catholic, should have a master’s degree in educational administration, teaching experience and preferably three years’ administrative experience. This position leads school programs that ensure not only academic excellence but also the spiritual, moral, physical and emotional development of the school community. This person is supervised by the pastor of the parish and the assigned superintendent of schools. Apply at the Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph website or use this link: careers.hireology.com/thecatholicdioceseofkansas citystjoseph. Assistant to ReachKCK coordinator – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is accepting applications for a parttime administrative position in the ReachKCK youth ministry outreach of the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth. This position is approximately 15 hours per week. Duties include supporting youth programs and events, creating publicity materials, data entry, managing social media and handling various logistics. Ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have a minimum of three years’ work experience, including at least one year of administrative experience. Knowledge of youth ministry in an urban setting and Spanish preferred. A complete job description and required application are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck. org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application by Feb. 22 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Youth Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org. Drivers - Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans. Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas. Competitive wages and flexible schedules. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 262-3100 or apply online at: AssistedTransportation.com. EEO. Immediate opening - Bishop Miege High School is seeking two individuals to provide administrative support in the attendance office and administrative/business office. Good personal communication and computer skills required; experience in schools and/or bookkeeping is preferred. Both jobs are 10-month positions. Email letter of interest and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com. Assistant boys golf coach - Bishop Miege High School is seeking an assistant boys golf coach for the upcoming spring 2017 season. Contact Mike Hubka, athletic director, by phone at (913) 222-5802 or send an email to: mhubka@ bishopmiege.com.
Office help - Optometrist in need of part-time office help. 10 - 12 hours per week, Lenexa. Email resume to: drloughman@gmail.com or fax to (913) 307-0535. Teachers - St. James Academy is seeking several teachers for the 2017-2018 school year. The ideal candidates will be practicing Catholics with a passion for evangelization and discipleship who are licensed and experienced in their content areas. Current openings include English, math and Spanish teachers, as well as a campus minister. Interested candidates should apply to the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas at: www.archkckcs.org. Send resumes and cover letters to the principal, Dr. Shane Rapp, at: srapp@ sjakeepingfaith.org. Part-time youth minister - Holy Family Church in Eudora has an opening for a part-time youth minister for 8-10 hours/week. Responsibilities include planning and leading the high school program, social activities and service projects for middle and high school students, and assisting in confirmation preparation. For more information, call the parish office at (785) 542-2788.
Child care providers - Prince of Peace Early Ed Center, Olathe, has openings for part time (M/W/F, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — Aug.-May) and full time (M-F, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. — year-round starting May) employment working with 4-year-olds. Competitive wages and benefits package are offered to candidates who have at least one year experience in this or a related field. College degree is preferred but not required. Staff member will be responsible for planning and implementing weekly lesson plans; working one-on-one in small and large groups to prepare students for kindergarten through a variety of activities including academic skills; evaluate students twice a year and meet with parents twice a year; maintain an inviting, creative classroom and caring, loving environment; teach Bible stories, basic Catholic prayers and ideals. Also, full-time opening for school age care provider during summer. One-year experience required in a licensed center and minimum of 18 years old. Must be able to attend field trips and create lesson plans including cooking, science, writing, math, etc. Contact Amanda Khemfaj at (913) 829-2728. Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, round- trip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Campus minister - The St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas is now accepting applications for a campus minister. The campus minister reports to the director of mission focus and ensures that all activities of St. Lawrence that affect students are effective in achieving the Center’s strategic plan. Essential Functions: collaborates fully and effectively in the Center’s mentor and discipleship initiatives; manages activity and contributes to the formation of St. Lawrence volunteers and student ministry council members to ensure their alignment with the Center’s mission and vision; organizes outreach events and coordinates new initiatives to engage all KU students; manages the student ministry council committees and their events; communicate the vision and mission of St. Lawrence both internally and externally. Qualifications: bachelor’s degree; practicing Catholic who upholds all church teachings by manner of life; able to throw great parties; original thinker and conversation starter; fearlessly relishes encounters with new people; enthusiasm and great people skills; excellent communication skills; ability to organize and prioritize; team player. Salary: commensurate with ability and experience. To apply, email a cover letter and resume to Stacy Cretors at: scretors@kucatholic.org. Office manager/bookkeeper - Small family-owned manufacturing company in Shawnee is seeking an individual to manage day-to-day office needs including reception, a/p, a/r, payroll and bank reconciliation. Prior office experience, knowledge of general ledgers, great customer service skills and computer proficiency included. Office applications preferred. Full range of benefits included; health and 401(k). Contact Andrea at (913) 441-4120 or email resume to: info@c-rmfg.com to apply. Drivers needed - Medi Coach Transportation is looking for caring and reliable drivers for nonemergency transportation. CDL is not required. Contact Jeff at (913) 825-1921. Principal - St Patrick School seeks a principal committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. St Patrick School is a parish school serving approximately 130 K to 8th-grade students with a staff of approximately 15. St Patrick’s is located in the Northland area of Kansas City, Missouri. Applicant must be a practicing Catholic, should have a master’s degree in educational administration, teaching experience and preferably three years’ administrative experience. This position leads school programs that ensure not only academic excellence but also the spiritual, moral, physical and emotional development of the school community. This person is supervised by the pastor of the parish and the assigned superintendent of schools. To apply, use this link: careers. hireology.com/thecatholicdioceseofkansascitystjoseph. Commercial construction accounting/bookkeeper – We need a person who can leap tall buildings with a single bound! Must be faster than a plane and be very accurate. Our well-established company needs a “company-minded person” with great experience who can begin the New Year with us. We use Peachtree Accounting for our midsize (4-6m per year) company. Must be adaptable to our way of doing business, but bring some new ideas and solutions. Proficiency in Excel, knowledge of Expesite Client software a bonus. Must be able to produce monthly financials and monthly project cost reports and work within clients’ programs for invoicing and project closeout. Salary based on experience and abilities. Must have 7-10 years construction accounting experience. ALL others NEED NOT APPLY!! Send an email to: GDAccountant87@yahoo.com. Basketball coach - St. James Academy is seeking a head girls basketball coach for the 2017-2018 school year. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic with a passion for evangelization and discipleship with experience coaching at the high school or college level. Interested candidates should email resumes and cover letters to the activities and athletic director, Mr. Mark Huppe, at: mhuppe@ sjakeepingfaith.org.
Groundskeeping position - $30K. Catholic Cemeteries is seeking an individual for a full-time groundskeeping position, hours Monday through Saturday. This position requires heavy lifting. Must be physically fit and experience operating construction equipment would be a plus. Must be a fast learner and flexible on hours. Interested individuals should contact Matt Wirtz at (913) 371-4040 or you may email a resume to: svallejo@cathcemks.org. Administrative help - Small, growing business is looking for dependable, trustworthy and upbeat person to help with answering customer calls, shipping packages and general inventory management. Experience with Mac computer, UPS WorldShip, QuickBooks helpful, but will train right person. Overland Park-based with fun, casual environment. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 1 - 5 p.m., or possible full time; $12 per hour during training. No benefits. To apply, email resume to: orders@roarpostalsupplies.com. Sales associate - Kansas City Home Medical Supply, a locally owed multilocation medical supply company, is seeking a retail store sales associate. Part-time and fulltime positions available in Overland Park and Lee’s Summit. Candidate must enjoy working with the elderly, be enthusiastic and outgoing with great customer service skills. Candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team and be open to in-house training of safe and appropriate product usage. Computer literate with attention to detail a must. Open to community education in the future a plus. Send resume to: info@kchomemed.com. Principal - St. James Parish, located in south St. Joseph, Missouri, seeks a principal committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. St James School is a parish school serving approximately 145 pre-K to 8th-grade students with a staff of 15. Applicant must be a practicing Catholic, should have a master’s degree in educational administration, teaching experience and preferably three years’ administrative experience. This position leads school programs that ensure academic excellence. More importantly, must also be mission-driven and open to initiatives such as a classical approach to the spiritual, moral, physical and emotional development of the school community which enhances catholicity and effectiveness of education. This person is supervised by the pastor of the parish and the assigned superintendent of schools. To apply, use this link: career.hireology.com/ thecatholicdioceseofkansascitystjoseph.
SERVICES Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer.com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. Winter tutoring - Available for K - 12 and home-schoolers in music and academics. For more information, call/text Kathleen at (913) 206-1837 or email: klmamuric@yahoo. com. Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting. Hedge trimming, mulch, leaf removal. Fully insured and free estimates. John Rodman (913) 548-3002 Clutter getting you down? - Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin of all trades” your professional organizer and “Honey-do” specialist. Call or email me today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055 or kev@koatindustries.com. Insured. References. Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mike hammermoving.com. Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959. Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, Installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Quilted memories - Your Kansas City Longarm shop Nolting Longarm machines, quilting supplies and machine quilting services. We specialize in memorial quilts - custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, neckties, etc. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. Visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc.com.
HOME IMPROVEMENT EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176
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The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655. Handyman/remodeler - Quality service with references. Kitchens, baths, tile, painting, garage doors and openers, decks and wood rot repair. Call Jeff at (913) 915-4738. Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service – Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMS ORGANIZING.COM. Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com. Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovations, tile and sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Josh (913) 709-7230. HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125.
CAREGIVING Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com. Senior care and helper - I am a registered nurse with a master’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Virginia and the University of Mary. I am also a husband and father of two young children. I enjoy working with, learning from and exchanging stories with the senior population and America’s Greatest Generation. This may include, but not be limited to, nursing care, grocery shopping, yard work, medical appointments, companionship and helping around the home. Parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish. Call Matt at (913) 721-6543 to set up a no-obligation meeting to see if we are a good fit for one another. Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.
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FEBRUARY 24, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CALENDAR WINTER PLAY St. James Academy 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 at 7 p.m.
St. James Academy performing arts department will present “The Trojan Woman,” an adaptation of “The Trojan Women” by Euripides. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.sjakeepingfaith.org.
GERMAN FASCHING MARDI GRAS Sacred Heart Parish (hall) 312 N.E. Freeman Ave., Topeka Feb. 25 at 4 p.m.
The evening begins with German Mass and is followed by a German buffet, polka dance, silent auction, drawings for $1000 and three handmade quilts. A cash bar will be available. Advance tickets are $25 per person, or $225 for a table of eight. Tickets will be sold until Feb. 19 and can be purchased by calling (785) 232-2863 or (785) 234-3338.
BEGINNING EXPERIENCE Precious Blood Center 2140 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri March 3-5
This is a weekend away for those who are widowed, separated and divorced; who are suffering the loss of a love relationship and may feel left out by their church and uneasy around married friends. This weekend offers an opportunity to focus on an experience of positive growth and turn the pain of loss into a new beginning. For more information, go to the website at: www.beginningexperiencekc. org; send an email to: register.bekc@gmail. com; or call Lynn at (785) 282-8964 or Teresa at (816) 529-9002.
MARDI GRAS St. Benedict Parish (school commons) 201 Division, Atchison Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Meals will be served from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The cost is: $7 for adults; $4 for kids ages 4 - 10; free for kids ages 3 and under. There will also be live and silent auctions, games, crafts, face painting and prizes. All proceeds help support St. Benedict School.
DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA, LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE 503 Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Feb. 26 at 12:30 p.m.
Our 87th birthday will be celebrated with a covered dish luncheon. Dessert will be provided. A business meeting will follow. If there are any sick or in-need family members, let Theresa Smith-Lawton know by calling (785) 640-1403. For more information about the Daughters of Isabella, call Theresa Renfrow at (785) 969-1779 or Smith-Lawton at (785) 640-1403.
‘BASIC FINANCES AND DEBT MANAGEMENT’ Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 28 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
This session will begin with a light supper and is presented by Habitat for Humanity. Learn how to negotiate payment plans that fit your budget.
‘SEX, GENDER AND JESUS’ Benedictine College (abbey church) 1020 N. 2nd St., Atchison March 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Join Christoper West, teacher of the theology of the body, for a discussion about the meaning of sex and gender in the context of a world that is rapidly losing its bearings.
‘LENT WITH ST. BENEDICT’ Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison March 3 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Lent is the only liturgical season to which St. Benedict devoted a whole chapter. Sister Judith Sutera, OSB, will guide retreatants to consider the challenges and joys of a Benedictine approach to the season. For more information or to register, call (913) 360-6173 or go to the website at: www. sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.
The suggested cost to attend is a freewill donation. A variety of items will be featured for purchase. Proceeds will benefit the needy in the parish and the Shawnee community. For more information, call Christine Marion at (913) 268-6677.
BISHOP WARD SCHOLARSHIP DINNER Bishop Ward High School 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas March 5 from 4:30 - 8 p.m.
The Spirit of Bishop Ward scholarship dinner is a new event to benefit the student scholarship fund, which ensures that all students, regardless of income, have access to a quality Catholic education. Toby Cook, from the Kansas City Royals, will be the keynote speaker. There will also be a Hall of Fame induction ceremony. For more information, call Stephanie Wagner at (913) 371-6901, or visit the website at: wardhigh.org/spiritof bishopward.
CAREER FAIR Lenexa City Hall 12350 W. 87th St., Lenexa Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. - noon
This event is free and open to the public. Participants will be able to speak to representatives from various city departments. Learn about full- and part-time job opportunities and new positions that will be available with the opening of the new recreation center in August.
ST. JOSEPH TABLE AND PASTA DINNER St. Joseph Parish (McDevitt Hall) 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee March 5 - Table blessing at 8:30 a.m. Viewing from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dinner from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
WOMEN’S DAY OF LENTEN PRAYER Cathedral of St. Peter 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kansas March 4 from 8:15 a.m. - noon
The day begins with Mass and continues with the Lenten reflection “He Fills my Cup” by Susan Carroll. The cost of $15 includes a continental breakfast. For more information or to register, call Diane Hentges at (913) 7085323 or send an email to: dkhentges0503@ gmail.com.
BOOK SIGNING Trinity House 6731 W. 119th St., Overland Park March 4 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The book, “Moving Mountains,” is an inspiring, true story of Terri Kern, her faith-filled will to live and her family’s journey through suffering to joy. Join authors Terri and Mike Kern for a book signing.
POLKA DANCE Knights of Columbus Hall 11221 Johnson Dr., Shawnee March 4 at 6:30 p.m.
The entry fee is $10 and includes hours of fun and dancing. The money raised has gone to the priests and seminarians for the last 30 years. For more information, call Dan Nicks at (913) 406-8717.
PREPARATION RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton March 4-5
The retreat will have four or five talks, daily eucharistic adoration, Mass at the local parish on Saturday at 5 p.m., time for quiet reflection, walks in the forest, spiritual reading and prayer. The cost is $85 per person or $125 per couple. For more information, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@ christspeace.com.
SPAGHETTI LUNCHEON St. Mary Parish 446 Hwy. 137, Lancaster March 5 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
There will be a spaghetti luncheon sponsored by the St. Mary Altar Society. The suggested donation is a freewill offering.
PRO-LIFE ADVOCATE SPEECH Queen of the Holy Rosary 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park March 5 at 2 p.m.
Dr. Melissa Colbern will tell of her personal efforts to aid women in their struggles to avoid abortion. She has stayed strong in her profession amid adverse influences in society. She will give in-depth information on aborifacients, as well as natural family planning.
RUNNIN’ REVS Bishop Miege High School (gym) 5041 Reinhardt Rd., Roeland Park March 6 at 7 p.m.
Priests and seminarians (the Revs) will challenge 8th-grade and high school youth from Catholic schools in a fun and competitive basketball game. Donations and a silent auction will benefit seminarians. For more information, go online to the website at: kck vocations.com.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR SPECIAL-NEEDS CHILDREN Most Pure Heart of Mary (Formation Room) 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka March 9 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Meet with financial advisers who will explain the Able Act and share their guidance on how to establish a special-needs trust. For further information or if you have questions, call Tom Racunas, lead consultant of the archdiocesan special-needs ministry, at (913) 647-3055 or send an email to: tracunas @archkck.org.
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FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC.) For sale - Single crypt at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa. Holy Family Mausoleum, St. Joseph corridor, tier D, #13. Valued at $6850, selling price is $6250 including opening and closing. Holy Spirit parishioner. Call (913) 642-1017. .
FOR RENT House for rent - Long Street in Shawnee, close to St. Joseph Church. One entry-level bedroom, one large loft bedroom. Kitchen with dishwasher, basement garage with opener. House is clean and well taken care of. Large yard, quiet, secure neighborhood. No smoking/no pets. Available Feb. 1. Call (913) 238-2470. Serious interest only. Shawnee Sacred Heart member/owner. House for rent - Home for rent near downtown Lawrence. 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom plus bonus attic room. Fenced yard and carport. Great family home. Available March 1st. Serious interest only. St. John the Evangelist member/owner. Call Sarah at (913) 219-5487.
WANTED TO BUY Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to buy - I’m Mark Edmondson, a local parishioner at Holy Trinity, and I buy and sell houses in any condition. If you have a house “situation,” call me. I might have a solution for you. (913) 980-4905. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware. Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee
ROOMMATE Roommate wanted - Female seeking female roommate in Overland Park home. $400 per month plus one-third of the utilities. Furnished three-bedroom home. Six minutes from Oak Park Mall. No pets. Call (913) 599-5574.
FEBRUARY 24, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY EIGHTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Feb. 26 EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 49: 14-15 Ps 62: 2-3, 6-9 1 Cor 4: 1-5 Mt 6: 24-34 Feb. 27 Monday Sir 17: 20-24 Ps 32: 1-2, 5-7 Mk 10: 17-27 Feb. 28 Tuesday Sir 35: 1-12 Ps 50: 5-8, 14, 23 Mk 10: 28-31 March 1 ASH WEDNESDAY Jl 2: 12-18 Ps 51: 3-6b, 12-14, 17 2 Cor 5:20 – 6:2 Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18 March 2 Thursday after Ash Wednesday Dt 30: 15-20 Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Lk 9: 22-25 March 3 Katharine Drexel, virgin Is 58: 1-9a Ps 51: 3-6a, 18-19 Mt 9: 14-15 March 4 Casimir Is 58: 9b-14 Ps 86: 1-6 Lk 5: 27-32
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It’s really OK to book through Lent
ill, bill, junk, magazine, bill, junk, junk, newspaper, magazine, heavy brown envelope. Wait, what? A heavy, brown envelope, marked media mail, from my cousin Therese in California? Wow, what a surprise! And, best of all, it held an absolutely welcome book! Since it’s the end of Catholic Press Month, I thought it appropriate to suggest that your Lenten discipline this year include a spiritual book. The first place to start is with one that your parish may have given you at Christmastime. Since that’s such a busy time of year, I suspect that many people take the book home and either forget about it or use it to prop up that short leg on the kitchen table. Lent is the perfect opportunity to dust off that volume and open it up. My parish distributed Matthew Kelly’s “Resisting Happiness” (Beacon Press, 2016; 228 pgs.; $24.95), written for people who feel overwhelmed, procrastinate, sabotage their own dreams or are their own worst enemy. Sound familiar? The book shows how to start
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MARK MY WORDS
FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.
choosing happiness again. Incidentally, go to the Dynamic Catholic website at: dynamiccatholic.com and sign up for its Best Lent Ever daily email, which begins on Ash Wednesday. The program is geared to the book and will provide inspirational videos, practical tips and a study guide all the way through Easter Monday. And it’s free! (Even if you didn’t get this particular book, the program will still be valuable.) Another book you probably have in your home is one that’s often treated as more a religious prop than a
tool for spiritual growth. That book is, of course, the Bible. If you’ve been neglecting it, whet your appetite by reading the meditation on the Sermon on the Mount found on page 5 of this issue. It introduces you to “lectio divina” or holy reading, where you take your time and think about a short passage of Scripture. Since we’re always in a hurry, even with our prayer, lectio slows us down so we can listen to the word of God speak to us. After reading that entry on the beatitudes, you might want to know more about the Bible, but feel intimidated by it. An excellent resource is “The Bible Made Easy: A Bookby-Book Introduction,” by Father Timothy P. Schehr (St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2006; 246 pgs.; $16.95). Written in an
easy-to-read style, the author takes you through each book of the Bible, summarizes it, explains names and foreign terms, gives its historical context and then provides discussion or meditation questions. Lent is a time for going into the depths of our heart. John L. Graden’s “Letting Go, Hanging On: A Guide for the Spiritual Journey” (Paulist Press, 2015; 136 pgs.; $14.95) would be an ideal guide. The book helps people look at life and see what you hold onto, what you should hold onto and what you should let go of in order to grow spiritually. Highly readable, each chapter includes a meditation, Scripture passage, reflection questions and activities. Although we know that prayer should definitely be a part of our Lenten experience, we might be stymied as to what it’s all about. Jesuit Father Richard Leonard comes to the rescue with “Why Bother Praying?” (Paulist Press, 2013; 160 pgs.; $14.95). One reviewer said that the author approaches this question “with honesty, deep knowledge, humor and a warm heart.” If you want to know what all this talk about having a personal
relationship with Jesus is all about, this book will open that door. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about that book that my cousin sent me. It’s called “All Shall Be Well” (Orbis Books, 2015; 359 pgs.; $16) and contains readings from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday . . . and then some. Entries come from a variety of writers — Thomas Merton, Jim Martin, Pope Francis, Joan Chittister, Henri Nouwen, John Updike, Joyce Rupp, Jean Vanier and Greg Boyle, to name a few — and are from one to 15 pages long. Topics range from “Why I Love Lent” to “Two Old People and a Young Man with a Gun.” Honestly, I can hardly wait for Lent, so I can start reading this. Sometimes, people shy away from a book because “it’s just too long.” Lent is the perfect time to put that attitude to rest. Say you’re going to read “Why Bother Praying?” Divide its actual 143 pages of text by the 46 days from Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday and you only have to read 3 pages a day to finish the book. Now, who doesn’t have time for that? Holy cow, folks, Lent is almost here. It’s time to get bookin’.
Jesus challenges us to choose our master
re you a foodie? This relatively recent term reflects the growing interest that our society takes in food, the desire to taste exotic and unusual flavors, the trend to raise cuisine to a fine art. Can we really put food on the same level as Shakespeare or Beethoven? While I certainly enjoy eating, this latest obsession appears to go far beyond the necessary. Witness all the TV shows on cooking. Is this the end-all and be-all of life? “So, do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek.” These words of Jesus, from Sunday’s Gospel
POPE FRANCIS
THE GOSPEL TRUTH
FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.
reading, Mt 6:24-34, should strike a chord. They sound remarkably relevant for our times, especially as we
Obeying the true spirit of the commandments and not just a literal interpretation of them is what makes Christians become authentic witnesses, Pope Francis said. As seen through Mary’s example, following the commandments “is possible with the grace of the Holy Spirit which enables us to do everything with love and to fully carry out the will of God,” he said Feb. 12 before reciting
approach Lent. (This week, Ash Wednesday is on March 1.) Jesus is warning us about an overindulgence and useless anxiety that goes beyond simple concern for the basic necessities of life. At the same time, Jesus is not just encouraging us to follow a diet that leads to physical health, to avoid rich foods and overeating. He
is, above all, concerned about our spiritual well-being. He wishes to assure us of God’s love for us and our value in God’s eyes: “Look at the birds of the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?” By placing our trust in God’s care for us, we reaffirm our commitment to God. We underline that fundamental choice that we have made to serve God. That is why the Gospel prefaces Jesus’ teaching on worldly anxieties with the statement: “You cannot serve God and mammon.” Jesus is challenging us to choose which master we will serve. We cannot have both. God wants
the Angelus with visitors gathered in St. Peter’s Square. “May the Virgin Mary, woman of docile listening and joyful obedience, help us to approach the Gospel not just having a Christian ‘facade,’ but being Christian in substance,” he said. The pope reflected on the Sunday Gospel reading from Matthew, in which Jesus explains to his disciples the Mosaic law and warns that “unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes
an undivided heart. This is the meaning behind the beatitude: “Blessed are the pure in heart,” which we heard recently in the Gospel reading for Jan. 29. In directing us toward God, Jesus directs us away from mammon. The obscure term “mammon” means “property.” Jesus points to the birds of the sky and the flowers of the field as examples to follow, creatures which do not own property, yet nonetheless receive care from God. We similarly are called to rely upon God. In that way, even if we own property, we will not be serving it, but rather God. We will have made the right choice.
and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” This righteousness, the pope said, must be “animated by love, charity and mercy” in order to fulfill the true purpose of the law and “avoid the risk of formalism,” which is strict adherence to prescribed laws. In the Gospel reading, Jesus focused on three specific commandments: against murder, adultery and swearing. — CNS
FEBRUARY 24, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY
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Director offers two concrete ways to support vocations
have been blessed to be vocation director for nearly four years. (Apparently, the Holy Spirit enjoys a challenge.) In that time, I have celebrated Masses at nearly 70 of our parishes to preach about vocations. (So, the odds are high that you have had to suffer through my vocation homily.) Near the end of the homily — spoiler alert — in addition to encouraging young people to discern their vocation seriously, I remind everyone of the need for parents and grandparents to help their children discern and the need for us all to live out our own vocations fully.
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VOCATIONS CORNER
FATHER SCOTT WALLISCH Father Scott Wallisch is the archdiocesan vocations director. You can email him at: frscott@archkck.org.
I also ask all parishioners to pray for vocations, point out possible
priestly or religious vocations they notice in young people, and find ways to support those giving their lives in service to the church. In these homilies, due to time constraints (or people starting to snore), I am unable to give many concrete ways to support voca-
tions. So, I want to give you two ways right now. First, you can financially support the education and ongoing formation of priests and seminarians during the annual Easter appeal. Be on the lookout for a packet from us in the mail to explain the campaign. Please be generous. Second, a great way to support and promote all vocations is by participating in a vocation ministry in your parish. These ministries are composed of parishioners of different ages and backgrounds who foster a culture of vocations in the parish through various initiatives. Currently, these
vocation ministries are only in a handful of our parishes. I made a push a few years ago to start them in every parish, but my efforts stalled. I am excited to say, though, that we have an upcoming event that will spark many of our parishes to begin new, or revive inactive, vocation ministries. Last year I heard a talk by an energetic and engaging woman, Rhonda Gruenewald, who described how she was able to establish and enliven a very successful vocation ministry in her parish. Her insights and ideas were so effective that she was inspired to write “Hundredfold,” a great how-to book on
creating and building vocation ministries. She explains how faithful parishioners can successfully create a culture of vocations without taxing the time and energy of pastors. On March 10 from 6 to 9 p.m., Rhonda will present a Hundredfold workshop at Savior of the World Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas. If you are inspired to help build a culture of vocations in your parish, I invite you to talk to your pastor about attending this free event. You can sign up online at: www.archkck.org or send me an email. Let’s build a culture of vocations together.
DVDs, support groups, counseling all options for help with lust
recently came across a quote from St. John Paul II that really struck home to me: “One day, someone finally asked [Professor Wojtyla], ‘How come you talk so much about sexuality? There are more important things.’ He answered, ‘There’s nothing wrong with sexuality itself, but the abuse of sexuality is the main obstacle to spirituality.’” — “John Paul the Great: His Five Loves,” by Jason Evert. In my work as a counselor with men and couples, I have spoken to many Catholics who have felt ashamed and unlovable because of their struggles with pornography and infidelity. Many of these people seem to think that they
PROTECTING FAMILIES FROM PORNOGRAPHY
SAM MEIER Sam Meier is the consultant for the My House Initiative. For more information about protecting families from pornography, go online to: www.archkck.org/myhouse.
were one of the only good Catholic fathers, wives or couples that are struggling with
these issues. Interestingly, a 2014 Barna survey indicated that 37 percent of Christian men and 7 percent of Christian women used pornography several times a week or more, and 64 percent of Christian men and 15 percent of Christian women used pornography once a month or more.
The good news is there are many resources and opportunities to grow in freedom from lust and pornography. There is a new video series called “Mike Sweeney Real Life,” which has real stories from MLB All Star Mike Sweeney about faith, family, baseball and fighting sexual temptation. Sweeney really opened up in this series about his past struggles with pornography, and how an accountability group and support from his Christian teammates helped to change his life. Sweeney also spoke about being pure with his wife before marriage. It’s a great resource for parents to watch with their teens. The videos can be
found online at: www. archkck.org/Sweeney or on DVD for $1.13 each, which multiple parishes have ordered in bulk. I’m hoping parishes will use the Sweeney DVD as a resource to hand out to parishioners on Easter, similar to Matthew Kelly’s books. Another opportunity to break free from lust can be found in Catholic accountability groups. There are currently four Catholic groups for men in the Kansas City area and two in Topeka that focus on freedom from pornography. Several Catholic women are planning to open women’s accountability groups for purity as well. In addition to the Catholic groups, there are traditional 12-step
groups called SA that are very beneficial to help people break free from lust. Another opportunity for freedom is the Men of Valor and Women of Virtue conference on April 1, which brings together Catholics, evangelicals and Protestants to grow in sexual purity. This year’s conference will be held at St. Thomas More Parish in Kansas City, Missouri. More details are available online at: www. kcvalor.com. There are also 23 Catholic counselors listed on the website at: www.archkck.org/ catholic-counselors who help local couples, families and/or individuals.
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DAILY DEALS
LENTEN DINNERS WEEKLY SPECIALS The following will have Lenten dinners on all the Fridays of Lent, except Good Friday. Sacred Heart Church, 312 N.E. Freeman Ave., Topeka, will have fish or shrimp dinners from 4-7 p.m. in the church hall. Cost is $8.50 for adults; $4 for ages 12 and under. Carryouts are available by calling (785) 2346727. For more information, go to: www.SacredHeartStJosephCatholic.org. Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka, will host fish dinners from 5:30 – 7 p.m. in the parish center, 1750 S.W. Stone Ave. Suggested donation is: $10 for ages 11 and older; $5 for ages 4-10; and free for ages 3 and under. Maximum is $35 per household. Knights of Columbus Council 1372 will host Lenten dinners from 5 to 8 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 1234 Kentucky St., Lawrence. There will be fish, fish tacos and vegetarian lasagna. St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood, will host its annual fish dinner sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 12577 from 4:45 to 6:45 p.m. Menu items include smoked salmon, fried shrimp, breaded tilapia, shrimp pasta and cheese pizza. St. Joseph Church, Nortonville, will host Lenten dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. Menu includes fried fish, baked fish and fried shrimp. Cost is: $10 for ages 11 and older; $5 for ages 4-10; and free for ages 3 and under. Knights of Columbus Council 10407 will host fish and shrimp dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Divine Mercy Parish Christian Formation Center, 555 W. Main St., Gardner. Cost is: $10 for adults; $5 for children 10 and under. The Holy Spirit Parish Knights of Columbus are offering all-you-can-eat seafood dinners every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. in St. Elizabeth Hall, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park. Cost is: $16 for shrimp and fish for adults; $10 for fish for adults; $5 for children ages 4 to 10; and $1 for children under 4.
Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Wea, 227th and Metcalf, will serve fish and boiled shrimp dinners with a dessert bar from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults; $5 for children. Shrimp is $15. Good Shepherd Knights of Columbus 11126, 12800 W. 75th, Shawnee, will host fried and baked fish dinners from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is: $9 for ages 12 and older; $8 for seniors 65 and older; $4 for children ages 5-11; and free for children under 4. Family max is $25. Cheese pizza and carryout are also available. The St. Agnes Knights will host fish dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. in the St. Agnes School cafeteria, 5250 Mission Rd., Roeland Park. March 17 will feature corn beef and cabbage, while March 31 will feature a Mexican dinner. Family plan cost is $28.
Knights of Columbus, Shawnee, will host shrimp dinners from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Knights Hall, 11221 Johnson Dr., Shawnee. Cost is: $13 for shrimp; $7 for kids shrimp; $8 for fish. Pizza is also available. A second serving is $3. For more information, contact Mike Reichmeier at (913) 927-5558. Mater Dei Parish will host fish dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. in the basement of Assumption Church, 8th and Jackson, Topeka. Cost is: $8 for adults; $4 for ages 6-12; and free for children 5 and under. Knights of Columbus Council 7909 will host fish and shrimp dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. at Prince of Peace Church, 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe. Cost is: $9 for fish and $14 for shrimp. Knights of Columbus Council 1149 will host its annual fish dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity School, 601 E. Chippewa, Paola. Cost is: $10 for adults; $5 for children age 5 to 12; and free for children under 5. St. Aloysius at St. Paul Council 1913 will host baked fish, butterfly shrimp and fish strip dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. in the activity center, 900 S. Honeysuckle Dr., Olathe. Carryouts are available. Cost is: $9 for age 13 and older, $5 for ages 6 to 12; and free for ages 5 and under.
Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus Council 11917 will host an all-youcan-eat fish dinner March 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas. Cost is: $9 for adults; $ 8 for seniors; $6 for children under 12. For more information, go online to: www. shkofc11917.weebly.com or call (913) 8503348. Curé of Ars Knights will have a fish dinner on March 24 from 5 - 7:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Cost is: $15 for adults; $10 ages 5-18; under 5 eat free; and $40 for families. Walk-ups are welcome. For reservations or carryouts, call (913) 648-6355. St. Gregory Parish, Marysville, will host fish dinners on March 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church hall. Carryout and in-town delivery available. All proceeds go to St. Gregory School. St. Patrick Parish, Emerald, will host a fish dinner following the 6 p.m. Stations of the Cross and Mass on March 17. St. Joseph Parish, Waverly, will host a fish dinner following the 6 p.m. Stations of the Cross and Mass on March 24. Knights of Columbus Council 3185 of Wheaton-Onaga will have its annual fish dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on March 24 at the Onaga Community Center. St. Benedict School, 201 Division St., Atchison, will host a fish dinner on April 7 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the school commons. Cost is: $8 for adults; $5 for children 7 and under. For more information, go online to: www.stbenedictatchison.org/school.
The Knights of Columbus of St. John Paul II Parish, Olathe, will host fish dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 24 and 31 at Madison Place Elementary School, 16651 Warwick St., Olathe. Cost is $10 per person or $35 per family. Knights of Columbus Council 13394 will host a fish dinner beginning at 5 p.m. on March 3 at the Corning Community Center, 5th and Main, Corning. Carryouts are available. The Didde Catholic Campus Center, 1415 Merchant St., Emporia, will hold its annual fish dinner on March 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. The menu includes shrimp. Call (620) 343-6765 for more information. The Greeley Knights of Columbus will have fish dinners on March 10, 24 and April 7 at St. John’s Hall. Cost is: $10 for adults; $5 for children. Carryouts are available. The St. Peter Cathedral Knights Council 12026 will have fish dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 3 and 10 in the parish center, 14th and Sandusky, Kansas City, Kansas. Cost is a freewill offering. Butler Council 2278, Blaine, will host its annual fish dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. on March 10 at the St. Columbkille Parish hall. Cost is a freewill offering. Donations will go toward the church restoration. St. Philip Neri Council 10786 will have fish and shrimp dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. March 3 and March 31 at St. Philip Neri Church, Osawatomie. Cost is: $12 for adults for shrimp; $9 for adults for fish; $6 for children ages 6-12; and children under 5 are free.
Church of the Ascension Knights of Columbus will host fish dinners from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the church, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park. Carryouts are available. Cost is: $9.50 for adults; $5 for children; and free for children under 5. Complete menu and details are online at: www.ascensionkofc.com.
St. Teresa, Parish, Westphalia, will host a fish dinner following the 6 p.m. Stations of the Cross and Mass on March 31
Leavenworth Knights of Columbus, 4th and Cherokee, Leavenworth, will host Lenten dinners each Friday except March 17 and Good Friday. There will be fried shrimp, catfish and baked tilapia. Cost is: $9 for adults; $16 for couples; $5 for children under age 14; and free for children under 6. Carryouts are available.
The Knights of Columbus of Holy Angels Parish, Garnett, will host their annual Lenten fish dinner from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on March 3, 17 and 31 at the Garnett Knights Hall.
The Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus will host fish dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. in the school multipurpose center, 21801 Johnson Dr., Shawnee. There will be smoked salmon and other fish. Cost is: $11 for adults; $10 for seniors age 65 and older; and $5 for children ages 4-12. For more information, send an email to: mark.dunn.fs@gmail.com. The Nativity Knights of Columbus will host fish dinners from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, in the parish hall. There will be fried and baked options plus shrimp. For more information go to: www.knightsofnativity.com. The Knights of Columbus of Sacred Heart Parish, Tonganoxie, 1100 West St., will host Lenten dinners from 4 to 7 p.m. Cost is: $8.50 for adults; $8 for seniors; and $3 for children ages 5 to 12. Shrimp and fish dinners will be March 17 and April 7 only. Cost is: $15 for adults; $14.50 for seniors; and $7 for children. St. Patrick Parish, 94th and State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, will have Lenten dinners from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Cost is: $10 for cod, catfish and fried shrimp; $11 for boiled shrimp; and $30 for families. For more information, call (913) 515-0621.
St. Francis Xavier Parish, Burlington, will host a fish dinner following the 6 p.m. Stations of the Cross and Mass on April 7.
Holy Cross Knights of Columbus are hosting two Irish-themed Lenten dinners on March 10 and 17 at the Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 W. 93rd, Overland Park. Dinner will begin after the 5:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross. Proceeds will benefit the Don Bosco Center. The St. Bede Knights of Columbus will host a fish dinner from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on March 17 in the church basement at Kelly. St. Theresa Parish, 209 3rd St., Perry, will host a fish dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 31 in the parish center, featuring fried fish and salmon patties. Cost is $9 for adults; $4 for children 10 and under. Carryouts are available by calling (785) 5975558.
The Holy Name Knights of Columbus will host Lenten dinners from 5 to 8 p.m. March 3, 10, 24 and 31 at Holy Name School cafeteria, 1007 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas. Cost is $8 per person. Annunciation Church, Baldwin City, will host fish dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 3, 24 and April 7. Cost is $8 for adults. The Rosary/Altar Society, Sacred Heart Parish, Emporia, will host its annual Lenten soup suppers every Wednesday March 8 to April 5 from 6-7 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Parish hall. Cost is a freewill offering.
Curé of Ars, Leawood, will host a shrimp dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. on March 31. Tickets are $15 and will be on sale after each Mass on March 11/12 and 18/19 or by emailing: NancyRuf@gmail.com. This is an adult-only event. Holy Family Social Club, 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kansas, will host a jumbo shrimp night on March 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. Advance reservations are required. Cost is $15 for adults; $3 kids menu (cheese pizza or mac and cheese). For reservations, call (816) 797-8623 or (913) 371-1561.
The fourth annual pasta dinner hosted by the Sacred Heart, Emporia, Boy Scout troop will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 10 in the parish hall. Cost is $8.