02 24 18 Vol. 39 No. 27

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 39, NO. 27 | FEBRUARY 23, 2018

TEAM UP WITH OUR LADY

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

Paula Antonacci of Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, is surprised by her husband Dave with an early Valentine’s Day rose and some words of appreciation at a recent Teams of Our Lady gathering. All the men at the gathering did the same for their spouses.

Couples make marriage a team sport

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — One is good. But two is better.

It says so in the Book of Ecclesiastes: “Two are better than one: they get a good wage for their labor.

If the one falls, the other will lift up his companion” (4:9-10).

That power of joining forces is something many couples have discovered in a movement in which they can grow deeper in faith together, strengthen their marriage and draw on the support of others who are on the same journey.

Strengthening marriage was a top priority of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s mutually shared vision that was announced in 2015.

But since 1947, a program begun in France, called “Teams of Our Lady,” has been doing just that.

Nadia and Ryan Schroeder, members of St.

How to join To learn more about Teams of Our Lady or to become part of a new team, contact the sector couple for your area: • Greater Kansas City metropolitan area: Joe and Veronica Quinn, evenings: (913) 244-8844, or email to: jmquinn72@gmail.com • Kansas Sector “B,” Atchison-Hiawatha: Jamie and Danielle Blosser, (913) 367-5160 or email to: blosser@benedictine.edu • Kansas Sector “A,” western archdiocese: Ed and Sally Henry, (785) 562-7410, or email to: ehenry@bluevalley.net

Agnes Parish in Roeland Park, had been searching for something like this soon after becoming parishioners.

“Initially, I wanted to start a newly married group at the parish,” said Nadia. “I wanted us to get to know other couples and parishioners, and have some sort of support for our marriage.

“Both my husband and I were involved in Bible studies or groups on our own, but we hadn’t figured out how to do things with other couples or have a joint married prayer life.”

“We were both doing Christian activities,” she continued, “but not together. . . . We wanted to figure out how to have a joint faith life.”

One day Nadia was talking to her sister Danielle Blosser, from Atchison, about her desire to join a couples group. It just so happened that Danielle and Jamie Blosser were the sector couple for Teams of Our Lady in the Atchison area. They encouraged Nadia to bring the movement to St. Agnes.

With the blessing of their pastor Father Bill Porter, Nadia and Ryan began to form a team.

How the teams work Teams of Our Lady are often associated with parishes because they must have oversight by a priest, but a team is not a parish ministry. The >> See “TEAMS” on page 6

FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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It’s not too late to make your Lent a meaningful one

ne-third of the way into this special liturgical season is a good time to evaluate your experience of Lent thus far.

Are you growing closer to Jesus? Are you being liberated from the attachments that enslave you?

Are you living your primary vocation as a baptized, confirmed Christian with greater passion, fidelity and joy? Are you living your vocation as a married couple, consecrated religious or priest with greater generosity, humility and love?

Did you make Lenten resolutions? Are they proving effective in helping you deepen your relationship with the Lord?

Are you becoming more generous in your service and love of others? Are you becoming what Pope Francis calls a missionary disciple — namely, someone who is intentionally bringing the love of Jesus to others and who is eager to share the joy of his Gospel?

If you have not already made any Lenten commitments of prayer, penance and service, it is not too late to do so.

If the Lenten resolutions you did make are not sufficiently challenging or are proving impossible to keep, now is the perfect time to make some midcourse corrections.

During Lent, it is good to attempt to stretch ourselves in three areas: prayer, penance and charity. If you are having difficulty developing helpful resolutions, I encourage you to review the corporal and spiritual works of mercy to help stimulate your moral imagination for ways to grow as a disciple of Jesus.

Deepening your relationship with Jesus must involve an enhanced prayer life. It could

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN include attending at least some weekday Masses, initiating or expanding your daily personal prayer time, prayerfully pondering the word of God, meditating on the daily Mass readings or reading reflectively one or more of the Gospels.

On most Sundays for this liturgical year, you will hear the Gospel of St. Mark proclaimed at Mass.

This Lent is an ideal time to read and meditate on Mark’s Gospel. I encourage you, especially, to spend time praying over the Passion narrative that we will hear on Palm Sunday.

The spiritual works of mercy include praying for deceased or living family members, friends, fellow parishioners, co-workers or individuals in special need of your prayer. You might wish to choose each day to pray and make sacrifices for a particular family member, friend or co-worker.

Another option might be to pray especially for the so-called Dreamers — who are in legal limbo as Congress attempts to pass legislation that will give them legal standing in the only nation they have ever known.

Lent is also a perfect time to increase your

prayers for the deceased.

Praying for those who have died reminds one that death is not a complete barrier between this world and the next.

Through your prayers, you can assist and accompany those who are going through a process of purification that will enable them to experience fully all that the Lord has prepared for his saints in his heavenly kingdom.

Lent also is a time to get rid of the idols in your life — things, pleasures and/or relationships that have assumed greater importance for you than God. In addition to fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and abstaining from meat every Friday of Lent, it is also helpful to practice some additional forms of asceticism.

Abstaining from favorite foods or beverages throughout Lent or fasting from television, the internet, and/or social media can help you recognize how you have become dependent upon certain pleasures and distractions. It will also free up more time to pray and communicate with family and friends.

Lent is also an opportunity to heighten your awareness of the needs of others, especially the poor. A part of your personal Lenten plan should include special

acts of charity for those in need. The corporal and spiritual works of mercy remind us that feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, caring for the sick, visiting the imprisoned and comforting the afflicted are ways in which we not only serve others but also honor God. The single most important action you can do for a grace-filled Lent is to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Every time you make a sincere sacramental confession, you grow in humility. But, more importantly, you are liberated from the debilitating weight of sin.

Some months ago, I remember hearing Jennifer Fulwiler, the former atheist who now hosts a daily show on the Catholic Channel on satellite radio, describe her feelings after going to confession for the very first time. She came out of the confessional feeling unburdened and joyful. Jennifer marveled how this incredible experience is completely free of charge.

Once again this year, our priests have committed to being available for confessions from 6-7 p.m. every Wednesday night during Lent. The closer it gets to Holy Week, the longer confessional lines become at our churches.

I encourage you to receive the sacrament as soon as possible to experience the peace of Our Lord’s healing grace and to prepare yourself to celebrate the victory of Jesus over sin and death.

Finally, I wish to remind you that, in January, I invited you to pray daily to the Holy Spirit, asking him to give every member of the archdiocese a new outpouring of his gifts — wisdom, understanding, counsel,

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Feb. 23-24 Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher winter meeting — Omaha, Nebraska Feb. 25 FOCUS Greek Legacy conference Mass — Overland Park Convention Center Junior high youth rally — Prairie Star Ranch Feb. 26 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Finance Council meeting Confirmation — Holy Spirit, Overland Park Feb. 27 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops communications conference call Administration Team meeting Confirmation — St. Ann, Prairie Village Feb. 28 Donnelly College board meeting — Kansas City, Kansas Dialogue with philosophy and theology students — Benedictine College, Atchison March 1 High school art exhibit Mass and reception — Savior Pastoral Center

fortitude, knowledge, piety and wonder. Please pray especially during this Lenten season for the Holy Spirit to come and set our hearts on fire to share the joy of the Gospel with others.

Hopefully, when you come to Easter, you will have found some of your Lenten practices so enriching and life-giving

Confirmation — St. Matthew, Topeka March 3 Anointing Mass and reception — Curé of Ars, Leawood Pastoral visit — Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea March 4 Pastoral visit — Holy Angels in Garnett and St. John the Baptist, Greeley March 5 Confirmation — Curé of Ars, Leawood March 6 Adoration with Bishop Ward students — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas board meeting — Savior Pastoral Center Ethics Council meeting March 7 Bishop Ward auction winner dinner

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER Feb. 24-25 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida March 3 Knights of Malta confessions and Mass — Curé of Ars, Leawood March 4 Federal prison camp Mass — Leavenworth

that you will decide to incorporate them into your life throughout the year.

Let us pray for each other during the Lenten season, that we may grow in our awareness and experience of God’s love for us and thus be motivated and empowered to be better witnesses of his goodness in the world.

SAVE THE DATE – APRIL 21

DAY OF REFLECTION

“Healing from the Scandal of Abuse by Clergy, Religious and Others in Authority within the Church”

T

he Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas cordially invites you to join Teresa Hartnett for a day of reflection, exploring ways to move forward and heal from the scandal of abuse by clergy, religious and others in authority within the church on Sat., April 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Savior Pastoral Center. We encourage all Catholics to attend, including religious Sisters and Brothers, deacons, priests, lay ministers, as well as any Catholics grappling with the spiritual wounds we share as a church.

All survivors of abuse, their friends and family members will find this information helpful and edifying; anonymity will be protected.

Teresa Hartnett is founder of Spirit Fire (SpiritFire.Live) and The Healing Voices magazine (thehealingvoices.com).

FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Little nudge and lot of love guide men to join church

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

T

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

s Rafael Marin writes his name in the Book of the Elect at Topeka’s Most Pure Heart of Mary Church during the Rite of Election on Feb. 18.

Behind him is his sponsor and mother-in-law, Bertha Del Real.

From left, Mike Haugen, Isaac Jaramillo, Gina Barron-Jaramillo, Edson Barron, Dominic Jaramillo, Ronald Barron, Ronaldo Barron and Elias Jaramillo stand during the presentation of the candidates. Brothers Isaac Jaramillo, Dominic Jaramillo and Elias Jaramillo, along with Edson Barron and Jackson Davenport, are among the candidates joining the church during the Easter Vigil at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Topeka.

s

OPEKA — When Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish here welcomes into the church at Easter brothers Isaac, Dominic and Elias Jaramillo, and their two friends — Jackson Davenport and Edson Barron — it will be a testament to the power of one.

The mamacita.

“My mom,” said Isaac Jaramillo, “over the past few years, has been trying to get more involved in the church.”

Which led her to encourage him, his younger brothers and their two friends to volunteer at the parish’s Fiesta Mexicana, a weeklong festival that celebrates the parish’s Hispanic culture.

But Gina Barron-Jaramillo wasn’t done. When the fiesta was over, she approached all five about enrolling in the parish’s Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program.

Edson Barron recalled the exact moment.

“It was kind of a surprise,” he said.

“I showed up to work, and she just approached me out of nowhere and said, ‘You start next Tuesday.’”

The brothers and friends participated in the Rite of Election at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church in Topeka on Feb. 18.

Usually celebrated around the First and Second Sundays of Lent, the rite is one in which those wishing to be received into the Catholic faith — both those who have been baptized into other Christian traditions (candidates) and those who have never been baptized (catechumens) —stand in the presence of their sponsors, the archdiocesan faith community and the archbishop to express their desire to enter into the full sacramental life of the church.

Two other celebrations were held Feb. 18 and Feb. 21 at Holy Angels Parish in Basehor and Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, respectively.

In total, said Michael Podrebarac, director of the archdiocesan office for liturgy and sacramental life, about 150 catechumens and as many candidates for full communion participated in one of the three ceremonies.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was the main celebrant at each of the celebrations.

Now that he’s been attending class for several months, Edson said he’s glad he received the nudge he did.

“Personally, if their mom hadn’t gotten me involved, I wouldn’t have come here by myself,” he said.

But participation has brought all sorts of benefits.

“I feel like I’m growing closer to them as a family,” he said.

And he’s looking forward to a lifetime of learning and growing in his Catholic faith.

“It’s not like a race,” he added. “It’s a constant thing in life.”

At 20, Elias Jaramillo is the youngest brother. Although his mother definitely encouraged him, his love of history played a vital role, too.

“For me, Mom was the final push, the push I needed,” he said.

After their parents’ divorce, the three found themselves receiving what Elias

termed “mixed messages.”

As they became men, their father told them they were free to choose their own faith.

“I felt like something was missing [in my life],” Elias said.

An avid history buff, he became fascinated with the Catholic Church’s role in developing Western civilization. As he did, he fell in love.

“The Catholic religion — to me, it seemed right,” he said. “I felt like I have a place in the church.”

For Dominic Jaramillo, 25, finding a place is important, but so is becoming the man God wants him to be.

“I came to it on my own,” he said.

But his love of his mother as well as his grandmother, Juanita Barron, have certainly been an inspiration.

“My grandma is very into her faith,” he said, adding she prays constantly and often participates in eucharistic adoration.

“Whenever we’re going on a trip, she says, ‘Come see me first. I want to bless you. I want to pray for you,’” he said.

Dominic has dated his girlfriend Miranda Garcia for six years. The two are contemplating marriage.

“I thought it was important that we get married within the church and be able to

be married on the altar. I know it would be great,” he said.

He also wants to be a role model for his infant nephew Lorenzo Jaramillo, Isaac’s son.

“Our uncles were always there to guide us on the right path,” Dominic said. “I don’t want him to stray from the faith like we did.”

Isaac Jaramillo agreed. He wants to provide a good example to his almost 6-month-old son.

“I want him to be baptized, make his first holy Communion, and I want him to be part of the church, too,” he said, adding he particularly appreciates the Eucharist.

For Davenport, 19, the sacramental teachings are challenging and beautiful.

“Everything has a meaning behind it,” he said.

Although he was baptized into the Catholic faith as an infant, his sacramental life stopped after that. Given the choice to find his own spiritual path, he tried various churches, but found none as satisfying as the Catholic Church.

“You can count yourself as spiritual and not religious in terms of how you live your life, but practice makes perfect,” he said. “In order to decide what you’re actually going to become, you really need

Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Social Media Editor 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

Reporter Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org

to start practicing and going. . . . The first place to stop is at a Catholic church.”

For Rafael Marin, 26, the Catholic Church was not the first stop on his list.

A catechumen, Marin is a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas.

Taught by tribal elders, he practiced religion as outlined by the Kickapoo prophet Kennekuk, which combines Native American traditions with Christian ones.

“The way we’re taught by our elders is to take care of everything around you,” Marin said, something he finds compatible with Catholic teaching.

Married for six years, Marin and his wife Crystal have three children, ages 10 months to 9. He often accompanies the children, his wife and her parents to a Spanish Mass.

“The weird thing is I don’t speak Spanish,” he said.

Marin said if he were to name people who show Christ’s love, hands down it would be his in-laws, Isidrio and Bertha Del Real.

Their love is one reason he felt led to investigate Catholicism.

“I haven’t always made the best decisions growing up,” Marin said. “I figure this is a good journey. This is a good start to a new part of my life.”

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 23, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

CEF event provides emergency scholarships

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) Futures annual Art Event at Boulevard Brewery here is so much fun, it usually sells out weeks ahead of time.

And that was the case again this year.

Guests gathered at the brewery to enjoy a wide selection of beers and wines, Jack Stack Barbecue and Cakes by Aggie.

The silent art auction for which the event is named ran throughout the evening.

As the young crowd bid on works donated by professional artists, Futures committee members sold raffle tickets for a chance to win one of many beautiful pieces of art created by CEF student artists.

Past CEF board chair Hamp Henning kicked off the evening.

“This is a group of young professionals,” he said of the gathered, “who have a passion for what the CEF does, which is provide a Catholic education for anybody who seeks it — regardless of financial situations.”

Futures members Drew Clements and his wife Abby were among those attending. As young professionals who realized the value of their own Catholic educations, the couple wanted a way to give back They found it in the CEF Futures.

“Abby’s a committee member at large, and I’m on the leadership board,” said Clements. “We really

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Abby Clement, CEF Futures committee member at large, admires student artwork donated to the Futures Art Event by CEF schools.

Join the CEF Futures If you’re between the ages of 21 and 40 and are interested in joining the CEF Futures group, visit the website at: www.cefks.org/cef-futures.

saw a strong value and benefit from our own Catholic education growing up.

“We see this as a great and fun way to give back and enable other families to allow their children to go through Catholic schools.”

Indeed, all proceeds from the evening support the CEF Futures Guardian Angel Fund, which provides emergency scholarships for students in CEF schools whose families are facing a short-term crisis, such as a

job loss or medical emergency.

The target goal for the event, including ticket sales, sponsorships and art donation revenue was $45,000. By the end of the evening, group members felt confident they’d met that goal.

“I thought the event went really well, as it has each year,” said Clements. “The number of pieces and overall quality of art donated this year was very strong.

“The food was great as well.”

Clements invites all young professionals to consider joining CEF Futures as a fun way to give back and support Catholic education.

“We’re an open-door committee, and we’re open to new applicants,” he said. “And new membership is always at the top of our agenda.”

4

Charles and Kathleen (Cooper) Enneking, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Sabetha, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 17 with family and friends. The couple was married on Feb. 17, 1968, at St. Anthony Church, Kansas City, Kansas.

Their children are: Teresa Enneking, Sarah Martin, Adam Enneking and Jason Enneking. They also have 11 grandchildren.

Lynn and Jim Cunningham, members of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on March 1.

The couple was married on March 1, 1968, in Fort Wolters, Texas. Their children are: Nicki Batcheller, Parkville, Missouri; Michelle Baragary, Lansing; Angela Ivicak, Overland Park; and Daniel Cunningham, Overland Park. They also have 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They will celebrate with a trip to Lake Havasu, Arizona, to visit family.

Anna Marie and Jerry Lammers, members of Christ the King Parish, To p e k a , will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 24. The couple was married on Feb. 24, 1968, at the Old Cathedral, St. Louis.

They will celebrate with family later in the year. Their children are: Andy Lammers, Matt Lammers, Katie Sapp and Beth Engroff. They also have 10 grandchildren.

Local Catholics give generously to 2017 hurricane relief

“

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Being an inland state, Kansas doesn’t get too many hurricanes. Usually, the most we experience are the occasional tropical storm or depression — like Bill, in 2015.

Despite this, Kansas Catholics are very much involved with hurricane relief.

When three major hurricanes struck Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2017, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops made formal emergency collection appeals.

Catholics of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas responded, donating $520,209 to Catholic Charities USA for hurricane relief.

Additionally, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas sent $18,142 to three sister Catholic Charities agencies in Houston/Galveston, Miami and Puerto Rico for local hurricane relief.

Archdiocesan funds taken up by the special collections are still trickling in.

Donations from the archdiocese were added to those given by Catholics from all over the United States.

“To date, we have received $33.5 million for Hurricane Harvey, nearly $11.3 for Hurricane Irma, just under $4.6 million for Hurricane Maria, and $2.67 million for [the] Mexico earthquakes,” said

“TO DATE, WE HAVE RECEIVED $33.5 MILLION FOR HURRICANE HARVEY, NEARLY $11.3 FOR HURRICANE IRMA, [AND] JUST UNDER $4.6 MILLION FOR HURRICANE MARIA.

CNS PHOTO/BOB ROLLER

Liz Vestal looks at her destroyed home in Rockport, Texas, last Sept. 8, in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

Mary Mencarini Campbell, executive director of the USCCB Office of National Collections.

“These funds will be used for both humanitarian relief and long-term recovery needs, as well as for church repair and rebuilding, and program support,” she said.

Hurricane Harvey was a Category 4 storm that lasted from Aug. 17-Sept. 1.

It made landfall between Port Aransas and Port O’Connor, Texas, on Aug. 26. It flooded Houston, Galveston and several

other towns. It killed 90 people in the United States and caused an estimated $125 billion in damage.

Next was Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm that lasted from Aug. 30 to Sept.

12. It drove over Cuba, landed on Cudjoe Key of the Florida Keys, and then continued to Marcos Island, Florida. It killed 100 people in the United States.

Finally, there was Hurricane Maria, a Category 5 storm that lasted from Sept.

16-30. Its eyewall made landfall at Yabucoa,

Puerto Rico, on Sept. 20. Estimated damages vary widely from between $16 and $95 billion. The official death toll was 71 (64 on Puerto Rico), but at least 985 additional people died in the 40 days after the hurricane, which is a higher total death toll than for all of 2016.

Those still wishing to can still donate.

Send checks to: Catholic Church Offices, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

Make checks out to: The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Be sure to designate which hurricane you would like the donation applied to on the memo line, or whether it should be split between all three.

Dennis Sadowski from Catholic News Service contributed to this story.

FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

5

Art teacher’s students give a thumbs up to her new book already working on her second book about a cat.

Rosell typically draws her illustrations in pencil first. She transforms them VERLAND PARK — To with ink and watercolor before repeating the families of Holy Spirit the ink, scanning it into the computer School here, art teacher Hannah Lloyd Rosell is a ce- and editing the final drawing in Photoshop. lebrity. And they aren’t shy Rosell has been at Holy Spirit for three about asking Rosell to sign their copy of “Gladys the Grayish-Green Dragon,” the years. It was while she was planning her wedding that she learned about the opbook she illustrated. portunity to illustrate her Rosell, 27, partnered with first book. Her cousin had her cousin Ben Utter, who considered asking her diwrote the children’s book. rectly, but worried it would The story about a dragon interfere with the wedding who doesn’t want to go planning. He posted a mesto bed was published by sage on Facebook to say he Bowen Press and debuted was looking for an illuslast Dec. 1. It’s currently trator, never dreaming she available on Amazon. would respond.

“Parents and children Rosell earned a bachhave been so sweet. I have elor’s in fine arts and a read it in my classes,” Rosell Title: “Gladys the master’s in education from said. “I want the kids to Grayish-Green Dragon” Truman State University in know that I walk the walk Author: Ben Utter Kirksville, Missouri. Having with art — I create as well.”

Publisher: Bowen previously taught in a public The charming tale of Press school district, Rosell is a Gladys the dragon explains passionate advocate for the that her “scales weren’t red arts and in protecting them like the dragons of China, but old gravy gray-green, a color that’s against looming budget cuts.

“Careers in art are the future,” she kinda like lima beans plooped fresh right said. “It’s all about creating and thinkout of a can.”

The story of getting Gladys to bed ing outside the box. Innovation is the each night is a familiar one to parents job skill the workplace will need in the who struggle to get their children to future, and art is innovation.”

While this is her first book, Rosell brush their teeth and everything else associated with the nightly routine. While has put her talent to use in other ways, the book magically captivates children including helping students create postwith its words, it is brought to life by ers for the annual Knights of Columbus vocation campaign. She also teaches ceRosell’s illustrations. ramics classes at a local clay studio.

“The kids give me their feedback on Rosell routinely promotes her stutheir favorite pictures in the book. Even middle schoolers are reading it,” Rosell dents’ creations as well, posting their work on her website at: Rosellart.blog said.

The school library has already or- spot.com. dered multiple copies. And Rosell is

By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven

O

Hannah Lloyd Rosell, an art teacher at Holy Spirit School in Overland Park, illustrated “Gladys the Grayish-Green Dragon,” which was published by Bowen Press last Dec. 1.

Cheer on the Revs at Miege, Hayden

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — As director of the archdiocesan vocations office, Father Scott Wallisch is always happy to talk about voca-

tions.

Except during free throws.

Father Wallisch will be playing guard on this year’s team of basketballplaying priests from the archdiocese; the Running Revs are entering their 23rd season.

The priests will be playing against their perennial opponents, the Serra All-Stars, teams comprised of young hoopsters from area Catholic schools.

The games are sponsored by the archdiocesan vocations office, the Serra Club of Topeka, and the Serra Clubs of Johnson County and Kansas City, Kansas.

The Revs and the Serra Club AllStars will meet for two games. The first will be held March 5 at 7 p.m. at Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Dr. in Roeland Park. The second will be held on April 23 at 7 p.m. at Hayden High School, 401 Gage Blvd., Topeka.

While there are usually about 10 priests on the Revs’ bench, there are actually two All-Stars teams.

The Kansas City area team is coached by Bill Maloney, and the Topeka area team is coached by Louis

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Archdiocesan vocations director Father Scott Wallisch pushes the ball up the court for the Runnin’ Revs basketball team against the Serra All-Stars defense. The Revs will play two games this year.

The first will be held March 5 at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park. The second will be held April 23 at Hayden High School in Topeka.

Funk. Both teams are comprised of 8thgraders from Catholic schools and parishes, and two players from each Catholic high school. “[Games] the last few years have been very competitive,” said Father Wallisch. “I think we’ve only lost once in Kansas City, but in Topeka we’ve lost more.

“In Kansas City,” he admitted, “the referees give [the Revs] a little bit of

help. But in Topeka, the refs call the game straight up — so the better team wins there.”

The All-Stars take it all in stride, even when the Kansas City area refs make questionable calls and dubious concessions that blatantly favor the Revs. They know it’s all for a good cause.

Why the games?

“The purpose of the Running Revs

games are to give our priests an opportunity to play a sport they enjoy, give the [boys] a chance to have some fun with their priests playing basketball and give the spectators a chance to see the priests doing something out of the ordinary,” said Father Wallisch.

“Hopefully [some of the boys] will think about God’s plan for them,” he continued. “Maybe they’ll realize that, if they are called to be a priest, they can still have fun doing the things they love to do.”

The game is also a bit of a fundraiser by the Serra Clubs to support seminarians. There is no admission charge, but spectators are encouraged to donate.

There will also be a silent auction.

Spectators can make bids before and during the game up through halftime, when the winning bids will be announced.

At the Kansas City area game, the Miege cheerleaders will teach grade school girls a dance. Game announcer Father Andrew Strobl will conduct interviews during halftime and timeouts.

Father Wallisch hopes for really big turnouts for both games. People ought to come to the games, he said, because it’s a great way to support archdiocesan priests and the boys who play against them. Not only that, he said, but it’s a great way have a lot of fun for not much money.

FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Teams of Our Lady strengthens marriages

TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus

>> Continued from page 1

Walking with Jesus One of the great ways to come to a deeper awareness of just how much Jesus loves us is by walking with Our Lord and his mother Mary through the Stations of the Cross which are prayed on Friday evenings in most parishes during the Lenten season.

This walk past each station, the short but ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 beautiful hymns and prayers commemorating Our Lord’s journey of love to the cross deepen our faith and that of our children.

— Deacon Tony Zimmerman, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life

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teams consist of five to seven couples, and the couples can range from newlyweds to empty nesters.

New teams go through a 10month “piloting phase” facilitated by a couple that has been in Teams of Our Lady for at least two years.

Usually, this is the “sector couple,” which coordinates team activities in a given geographical area.

The team meets in one couple’s home once a month. They have a simple meal and share what has been going on in their lives for the past month.

After the meal, they gather in the living room to read some Scripture and pray. Next, they discuss some study materials. The evening ends with praying the Magnificat.

Couples must be faithful in attending the monthly meetings. If one spouse can’t make it, the other spouse attends anyway.

Sometimes team couples will do “deep pooling.” At this time, a couple can share some good news or talk about a crisis, event, issue or burden. These discussions are private and not to be shared outside of the monthly meeting.

Beyond the monthly meetings, team couples are required to practice six “endeavors.” They are: a regular reading (or hearing) of Scripture; a daily period of individual prayer; daily prayer with one’s spouse; a monthly sit-down conversation with one’s spouse; an annual team retreat; and drawing up and implementing a “rule of life,” an individual program of spiritual and personal improvement.

Reaping the benefits Corpus Christi, Mooney Creek Address: 18760 Rogers Rd., 66002 Phone: (785) 774-2385 Parochial Administrator: Father Lazar Carasala Mass time: Saturday, 5 p.m.

Email: sj.ic.ccc.parishoffice@gmail.com MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.

Joe and Veronica Quinn, members of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee, have participated in Teams of Our Lady for 10 years.

They are the sector couple for the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area.

“It has increased the amount of prayer time my wife and I spend together,” Joe said. “Our monthly sit-down is not quite a date night.

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It’s more intentional than that. We discuss issues in our marriage, family and church as a couple.”

Some couples may find the sitdown challenging at first.

“I wouldn’t deny that,” said Joe. “I readily admit if there is a pressing, negative issue in your marriage, it can be intense. But every marriage has its ups and downs. If you’re at the crest of a hill, it can be a very positive experience.”

Has Teams of Our Lady strengthened the Quinns’ marriage and faith?

“That’s an easy one to answer: Yes, it has,” said Joe. “There are times I don’t want to go, and think I’m not going to get anything out of it.

“But you discover that maybe one of the other couples needed help, and you don’t find out until you get there.”

Ed and Sally Henry, members of St. Monica-St. Elizabeth Parish of Blue Rapids, have been members of Teams of Our Lady for 11 years.

“The biggest thing about it is it challenges you to have a deeper prayer life,” said Ed. “It is phenomenal for fellowship with others on your team, and it also keeps you as a couple talking to each other. It requires daily prayer and a monthly sit-down, which guarantees we’ll talk to each other for at least an hour a month.”

Pastor support aids growth Teams of Our Lady came to the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas when Jim and Moogie Roeder moved from California, where they were involved with the movement, to Annunciation Parish in Frankfort. With the assistance of then-pastor Father Jim Shaughnessy, they founded the first three teams in 2007. Another team began at Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee in 2008.

Since the establishment of the first Team of Our Lady, the movement has experienced growth spurts in 2014 and 2017, according to Nadia.

Today, there are 30 teams in

the archdiocese, and the growth has caused the team to divide the archdiocese into three sectors.

Two factors have contributed to this growth. One is word of mouth, couple to couple. The other is promotion by enthusiastic pastors.

One such pastor is Father Pat Sullivan, now at Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee. He learned about the teams when he became the pastor of parishes in Frankfort and Blue Rapids.

“I agreed to be a chaplain immediately [at the first team meeting] when I saw its purpose and format,” he said. “I eventually became chaplain of four different teams because I loved it so much.”

Father Sullivan thinks the teams are so effective because its structure and format demand discipline from couples to undertake activities and take up practices that enrich marriages and build spiritual discipline.

“The teams help couples realize the importance of a Catholic, Christ-centered marriage,” he said. “It helps couples to begin praying together. And it creates a small community of like-minded people who have the same goal — having a healthy, Christian marriage that produces fruit for the kingdom of God. “This community of like-minded people,” continued Father Sullivan, “is also a support network.

They become a circle of friends that pray for each other and help each other.”

He said he has found it “so refreshing” to see couples who took their relationships seriously and put in the work to make their marriages work.

“I saw the fruit of this and the joy in people’s lives,” said Father Sullivan.

“Marriage is a lot of work,” he added. “You don’t have to be in a marriage to know that. When you remove Christ from the equation, and the spiritual help the church provides, and stop exercising those spiritual muscles, then things can go down south very quickly.”

FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

7

Bishops declare national call-in day to urge Congress to save DACA

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ASHINGTON (CNS) — After the Senate failed Feb. 15 to garner the 60 votes needed to move a bill forward to protect the “Dreamers,” officials of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops announced a “National Catholic Call-In Day to Protect Dreamers” Feb. 26.

“We are deeply disappointed that the Senate was not able to come together in a bipartisan manner to secure legislative protection for the Dreamers,” the USCCB officials said in a joint statement Feb. 19.

“With the March 5th deadline looming, we ask once again that members of Congress show the leadership necessary to find a just and humane solution for these young people, who daily face mounting anxiety and uncertainty,” they said.

The joint statement was issued by Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, USCCB president; Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, USCCB vice president; and Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin, Texas, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration.

“We are also announcing a National Catholic Call-In Day to Protect Dreamers,” the three prelates said. They asked U.S. Catholics “to call their members of Congress next Monday, Feb. 26, to protect Dreamers from deportation, to provide them a path to citizenship, and to avoid any damage to existing protections for families and unaccompanied

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They added: “Our faith compels us to stand with the vulnerable, including our immigrant brothers and sisters. We have done so continually, but we must show our support and solidarity now in a special way. Now is the time for action.”

By day’s end Feb. 15, members of the U.S. Senate had rejected four immigration proposals, leaving it unclear

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Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2715 how lawmakers will address overall immigration reform and keep the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in place.

Needing 60 votes for Senate passage, a bipartisan measure that included a path to citizenship for an estimated 1.8 million Dreamers — those eligible for DACA — and $25 billion for a border wall failed by six votes. The final vote was 54-45. A bill the Trump administra-

“

“OUR FAITH COMPELS US TO STAND WITH THE VULNERABLE, INCLUDING OUR IMMIGRANT BROTHERS AND SISTERS.” tion was supporting was defeated 39 to 60. Two other bills also failed.

The U.S. House was pressing on with its own bill, which by mid-day Feb. 16 was not yet up for a floor vote. Described as “hard line” by opponents, it includes keeping DACA in place, funding a border wall, ending the Diversity Immigrant Visa program, limiting family-based visas, requiring employers to verify job applicants’ immigration status and withholding federal grants from so-called “sanctuary” cities.

The U.S. House and Senate will be in recess for a week following the Presidents Day holiday.

The bishops and countless other immigration advocates have urged members of Congress to preserve DACA and protect the programs beneficiaries by passing the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, or DREAM Act, which has long been proposed. The bill is what gives DACA recipients the “Dreamer” name.

JUST ADD WATER S

PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER

wimmers from Bishop Miege, St. James Academy, St. Thomas Aquinas and Hayden High School took part in the Kansas Class 5-1A state swim and dive meet in Topeka Feb. 15-17. Seaman High School in Topeka won the team state championship, while Bishop Miege finished in second place and St. James, third.

Overland Park’s St. Thomas Aquinas senior Matt Andrews swims the breaststroke portion of the 200-yard me

St. Thomas Aquinas junior Andrew Kutney gets set for the start of the backstroke portion of the 200-yard medley relay.

Roela the M

Lenexa’s St. James Academy senior Jack Petz begins his tuck in the diving finals at the state meet in Topeka. Petz took bronze in the event.

St. James Academy freshman John Amrein jumps off the starting block for the 200-yard individual medley. Amrein finished fourth overall.

edley relay. The relay team finished ninth overall.

St. James Academy sophomore Harry Tjaden gives it his all in the finals of the 500-yard freestyle.

Tjaden took bronze in the event.

Bishop Miege sophomore Max Hernandez-Nietling is congratulated by a teammate after winning the 100-yard butterfly race. Hernandez-Nietling also took gold in the 50-yard freestyle.

and Park’s Bishop Miege senior Sam Smith dives into the pool as teammate Mario Ezama touches the wall in the 200-yard medley relay. With Smith as the anchor, Miege team of Smith, Ezama and twins Lex and Max Hernandez-Nietling took gold in the race.

Bishop Miege sophomore Lex HernandezNietling adjust his goggles as he prepares for the 100-yard freestyle. Hernandez-Nietling won the race. Later in the day, he struck individual gold again by winning the 100-yard breaststroke.

FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

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Church’s Lenten observance dedicated to victims and families

By Tom Tracy Catholic News Service

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ARKLAND, Fla. (CNS) — A parish community less than two miles away and directly impacted by the Feb. 14 school shooting at a Broward County high school is finding new purpose in Lent this year, according to the parish administrator.

“We hold Stations of the Cross on Fridays during Lent as is our tradition but this [past] Friday we decided to celebrate those stations in memory and in solidarity with those who died and all their families, and those at school who experienced this violence on Wednesday,” said Polish-born Father Ireneusz Ekiert, who became administrator of Mary Help of Christians Parish in December.

At least one member of the suburban parish northwest of Fort Lauderdale — 14-year-old freshman Gina Montalto, 14, who had attended Mary Help of Christians Elementary School — was among the deceased. Her funeral is set for Feb. 20.

“We have a couple of families with kids who were wounded and one that

has died,” the priest told the Florida Catholic, newspaper of the Miami Archdiocese. “This was a perfect opportunity to bring all those who died, and their families, those who suffered, all those who experienced that violence, to bring them into prayer in the Stations today.”

Troubled 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz has been charged with 17 counts of first-degree premeditated murder after stalking the halls of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School with an AR-15 rifle on Valentine’s Day. Fourteen more faculty and students were injured in the tragedy. Cruz had reportedly been expelled from the school for disciplinary reasons.

Father Ekiert said several kids from the parish who attend the high school “were also traumatized by the whole experience. We talked with them on Wednesday and again yesterday and they are scared, they don’t know what to do with it.”

“Unfortunately, this event is very painful, very heartbreaking,” he said, “but people are coming together to pray. They were here on Ash Wednesday services in good numbers and yesterday we prayed the rosary all day

every two hours for the victims and students.”

Local Catholic Charities counselors and others also were on hand to speak to student survivors.

“The kids in school and their parents were traumatized because students were locked in school for three and four hours and so yesterday and today we were trying to reach out to [parish and parochial school] families,” Father Ekiert said. “Thursday was difficult for everybody, but [our families] know that we are here for them and they know the school is a safe place.”

“By participating in the suffering and pain of Christ we are able to better understand our suffering and the sense that we are not alone in our suffering, that God understands our suffering and that God is there with us in our suffering,” the priest said.

On the afternoon of Feb. 14, Cruz allegedly went on the shooting rampage shortly before school was to let out for the day. He was apprehended about an hour after shots were reported at the school. Although he has confessed to the shooting, details about his motive are still being pieced together.

CNS PHOTO/TOM TRACY

Parishioners of Mary Help of Christians Church in Parkland, Fla., pray during a Stations of the Cross service dedicated to the victims and survivors of the deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. At least one member of the parish was among those killed.

St. Louis Catholic groups assemble after Ferguson

By Mark Pattison Catholic News Service

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ASHINGTON (CNS) — After the police killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in the summer of 2014, Catholic organizations in the Archdiocese of St. Louis took a long, hard look at what they were doing to serve poor communities in the archdiocese — and what they could be doing better.

More than three years after the killing, and the cycle of protests that sprang up in its wake, there is not only more collaboration within the archdiocese, but also between Catholic agencies and other public and private groups who share at least in part a similar mission.

“What drives wealth inequality,

which is far bigger than income inequality?” asked Ray Boshara, of the archdiocesan Peace and Justice Commission. He said there are three economic drivers: “the year you were born, race/ethnicity and education.”

He said he also suspects two-parent vs. one-parent families and gender have a part to play, but the first three factors have data to back them up.

The archdiocese is working on three priorities to beat back inequality: providing early childhood education; raising money to put $500 to $1,000 in an interest-bearing savings account for newborns to use once they reach college; and addressing “racial equity, primarily through dialogue and relationship-building,” he added. “We think relationships are important and we’ve done things to foster that in the St. Louis area.”

CNS PHOTO/RICHARD PERRY, POOL VIA EPA

Michael Brown’s funeral Aug. 25, 2014 at Friendly in St. Louis.

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FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

Benedict says he’s journeying toward God

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — “I am on a pilgrimage toward Home,” retired Pope Benedict XVI wrote, capitalizing the Italian word “casa” or “home.”

Almost exactly five years after announcing his intention to be the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign, Pope Benedict wrote the letter to a journalist from the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

“I am touched to know how many of the readers of your newspaper want to know how I am experiencing this last period of my life,” the 90-year-old retired pope wrote. “In that regard, I can only say that, with the slow diminishing of my physical strength, inwardly I am on a pilgrimage toward Home.”

“It is a great grace in this last, sometimes tiring stage, of my journey to be surrounded by a love and kindness that I never could have imagined,” said the letter, written on stationery with the heading “Benedictus XVI, Papa emeritus.”

Massimo Franco, the journalist, said the letter, dated Feb. 5, was hand-delivered; the newspaper posted it online Feb. 6 and published it on the front page of the print edition Feb. 7.

During a meeting with cardinals Feb. 11, 2013, Pope Benedict stunned the cardinals and the world by saying, in Latin, “After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry.”

He set the date for his retirement as Feb. 28, 2013. And, seen off by dozens of weeping Vatican employees, he flew by helicopter to the papal villa at Castel Gandolfo, where he remained until after Pope Francis was elected.

The day before he left was a Wednesday and the overflowing crowd in St. Peter’s Square made it clear that it was anything but a normal Wednesday general audience.

He told an estimated 150,000 people that his pontificate, which had lasted almost eight years, was a time of “joy and light, but also difficult moments.”

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Christian leaders in Jerusalem protest plan to tax church properties

By Judith Sudilovsky Catholic News Service

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CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he leaves his final general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican in this Feb. 27, 2013, file photo. In a Feb. 5, 2018, letter to a journalist from an Italian newspaper, the retired pope said he has diminished physical strength and inwardly is on a “pilgrimage to Home.”

“The Lord has given us so many days of sun and light breeze, days in which the catch of fish has been abundant,” he said, likening himself to St. Peter on the Sea of Galilee.

“There have also been moments in which the waters were turbulent and the wind contrary, as throughout the history of the church, and the Lord seemed to be asleep,” he said. “But I have always known that the Lord is in that boat and that the boat of the church is not mine, it is not ours, but it is his and he does not let it sink.”

A monastery in the Vatican Gardens was remodeled for Pope Benedict, and that is where he has lived for five years, reading, praying, listening to music and welcoming visitors.

Until 2016, the retired pope occasionally would join Pope Francis at important public liturgies, including the Mass for the canonization of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II in 2014 and for the opening of the 2015-2016 Year of Mercy.

Pope Benedict also attended the ceremonies for the creation of new cardinals in 2014 and 2015. But as it became more and more difficult for Pope Benedict to walk, Pope Francis and the new cardinals would get in vans and drive the short distance to the Mater Ecclesi-

ae monastery to pay their respects.

The retired pope’s letter to Corriere della Sera echoed remarks he had made the afternoon of his retirement when he arrived in Castel Gandolfo and greeted crowds there before the very dramatic, globally televised scene of Swiss Guards closing the massive doors to the villa and hanging up their halberds.

“I am a simple pilgrim who begins the last stage of his pilgrimage on this earth,” he told the people. “But with all my heart, with all my love, with my prayers, with my reflection, with all my interior strength, I still want to work for the common good and the good of the church and humanity.”

In “Last Testament,” a book-length interview with journalist Peter Seewald published in 2016, Pope Benedict insisted he was not pressured by anyone or any particular event to resign, and he did not feel he was running away from any problem. However, he acknowledged “practical governance was not my forte, and this certainly was a weakness.”

Insisting “my hour had passed and I had given all I could,” Pope Benedict said he never regretted resigning, but he did regret hurting friends and faithful who were “really distressed and felt forsaken” by his stepping down.

ERUSALEM (CNS) — The heads and patriarchs of Christian churches in Jerusalem strongly denounced the city of Jerusalem’s plan to force churches to pay property taxes.

The proposal to levy taxes on some properties would run contrary to unofficial historical tax-exempt status the churches have enjoyed for centuries, the leaders said in a Feb. 15 statement.

“The civil authorities have always recognized and respected the great contribution of the Christian churches, which invest billions in building schools, hospitals, and homes, many for the elderly and disadvantaged, in the Holy Land,” the statement said.

The leaders called on city officials to retract their intention and to “ensure that the status quo, which was sanctioned by the sacred history, is maintained, and the character of the Holy City of Jerusalem is not violated.”

In early February, fines totaling nearly $190 million were handed out by the Jerusalem municipality to properties owned by the United Nations and by churches, citing a new legal opinion that determined the properties are not legally defined as places of worship and therefore were not entitled to exemptions from property tax.

The Israel Hayom newspaper reported that the religious institution with the biggest tax bill was the Roman Catholic Church, owing more than $3.3 million.

Among the properties slated to be fined is the Notre Dame of Jerusalem hotel, restaurant and conference center across from the Old City, which is owned by the Vatican.

The director of the complex declined to comment on the issue.

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FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Associate superintendent of schools -The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an associate superintendent for schools. This position works with the superintendent and other office staff to support school leaders in ways that will enable them to be effective spiritual and instructional leaders for teachers. The associate superintendent provides services to assist school principals and faculties in a variety of areas, including, but not limited to, curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional development and school accreditation. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have a minimum of 10 years in education, some of which must be leadership within the Catholic school setting. Requires master degree in educational leadership; post-master’s coursework/training preferred, particularly in the areas of curriculum development and instructional systems planning and design. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should send cover letter, resume, application and pastor’s letter of support. Send via email to: jobs@arch kck.org; or mail to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Associate Superintendent of Schools Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Submission deadline: March 2.

Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after-school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, and cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education.

Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available, as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

Assisted transportation - Ready for the summers off?

Join our school transportation division and live like a kid again! Our drivers have the opportunity to serve our community and still get these precious summer breaks.

Assisted Transportation seeks caring and reliable drivers to transport K - 12 students in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in our minivans. CDL not required. $12 per hour.

Retirees encouraged to apply. Learn more or apply online at: assistedtransportation.com or call (913) 262-5190 for more information. EOE. Pastoral associate for justice and life – St. Francis Xavier Jesuit Parish in Kansas City, Missouri, is seeking a pastoral associate for justice and life. This person must have an understanding of Catholic social teaching and Jesuit core values; demonstrate the ability to create, market and conduct programs about Catholic social teaching and Jesuit core values; and be able to organize others to fulfill the church’s mission of justice to societal needs. A bachelor’s degree is required, higher-level coursework or its equivalent in theology or social work is preferred. Competence with social media and the ability to learn and teach new software are helpful, as well as the ability to creatively use print and electronic media in a variety of formats. Financial skills such as balancing a checkbook and following a budget are a must. The ability to carry up to 30 pounds up and down stairs is needed.

Must also be available for limited travel. Applications are due Feb. 28. Full job description available online at: sfx-kc.org. Email cover letter, resume, and professional and one personal reference to: search@sfx-kc.org.

Campaign field directors – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking two full-time campaign field directors with the expectation that the position will last approximately 18 months or longer. This position is temporary and benefit-eligible. Duties include managing assigned parish campaigns; working with clergy and volunteers to execute parish campaigns; training staff, volunteers and clergy; and other campaign tasks.

The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have two to five years’ fundraising or sales experience; college degree required. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck. org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Campaign Field Director Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org. This position will remain open until filled.

Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van.

CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children.

Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading.

Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, roundtrip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

Part-time positions - Sincerely Susan is currently looking to fill several part-time positions immediately: Stylist position - Must be available to work every other Saturday and Sunday. Weekdays late afternoon/evening. Need to be outgoing, personable and willing to work with clients. Fun, relaxing environment and flexible schedule. Pay will be determined by experience. Runner position - Looking for a “runner” to work every other or every Saturday, hours of 11 a.m. - 4/5 p.m., with the potential to add more hours in the future. Runner would be responsible for putting dresses back on the racks for the stylist, answering phone, and greeting the customers, etc. This position would be perfect for a high school student! Pay is minimum wage. If you are interested, call (913) 730-8840.

Do you enjoy driving? - The Kansas City Transportation Group is looking for chauffeurs to drive our guests to events, airport, dinner, etc. Business is growing and we are in need of workers with flexible hours, those who are retired, etc. Great pay and benefits. Send resume to: jkalbert@kctg.com or in person at Carey, 1300 Lydia Ave., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Office manager, tribunal office – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an experienced office manager for a full-time position. This position has a canonical responsibility to authenticate acts of all annulment cases processed in the archdiocese. The office manager supervises a staff of two and oversees all office procedures, ensuring that cases receive timely attention and proceed according to the dictates of the law and the mandates of the judges. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have a minimum of five years’ experience managing and supervising. Requires college degree; prefer canon law degree or related experience. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs.

Interested individuals should send cover letter, resume, application and pastor’s letter of support via email to: jobs@archkck.org; or mail to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Office Manager - Tribunal Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Submission deadline is Feb. 28.

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

Parish accountant - St. Paul Parish in Olathe is seeking a full-time accountant. Responsibilities include financial reporting; payroll (including 401(k) and benefits); electronic payment processing; budgeting; expense allocation; and assistance with the parish capital campaign.

A qualified candidate will posses strong interpersonal and organizational skills; advanced Excel and database skills; three years of recent hands-on experience with payroll and benefit software systems; and a degree in business or accounting. Send resume and references to: frhermes@spcatholic.org.

Groundskeeping position - $30K - Catholic Cemeteries is seeking an individual for a full-time groundskeeping position. This position requires heavy lifting. Must be physically fit; experience operating construction equipment would be a plus. Must be a fast learner and flexible on hours. Interested individuals should contact Matt Wirtz at (913) 371-4040 or you may send a resume online to: svallejo@cathcemks.org.

Teacher openings - Bishop Miege High School has teacher openings for the 2018-19 school year for theology and journalism/publications, including yearbook and newspaper (English endorsement a plus). Send a letter of interest and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@ bishopmiege.com.

Volunteer coordinator - Villa St. Francis, a skilled nursing community sponsored by the archdiocese, is seeking a volunteer coordinator to promote and support the community’s mission by coordinating and enhancing an effective volunteer program. Duties include: recruitment; training; placement; and management of volunteers. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and communication skills, along with a creative, detail-oriented approach to the position. Email a letter of interest and resume to: nhendricks@villasf.org.​ Director of faith formation - Good Shepherd Parish is seeking a full-time, professional director of faith formation to plan, develop, organize and evaluate faith formation programs for grades K - 8. The director will coordinate, recruit and facilitate training for volunteers in faith formation and have oversight of religious education and sacramental preparation. The director works with parishioners, parish leadership, volunteers and parish staff to provide a comprehensive approach to formation for children and families. The candidate should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and successful formation experience in a parish or diocesan position. Related degrees and experience will be considered. Bilingual (English/ Spanish) candidates are preferred. Candidate should be a practicing Catholic with in-depth knowledge of Catholic doctrine and beliefs. Also needed are: strong administrative, leadership and communication skills; good interpersonal and collaborative skills; and a working knowledge of computer software applications. Interested candidates should email a letter of interest and resume before March 30 to: Deacon Steve Lemons, director of administrative service, to: slemons@gsshawnee.org.

Director of development - Villa St. Francis, a skilled nursing community sponsored by the archdiocese, is a seeking a full-time director of development to build and grow the community’s development initiatives and public relations outreach. Duties include: establishing and implementing fundraising goals and strategies; supervising day-to-day fundraising; and management of current and prospective donor database. The ideal candidate will be a motivated self-starter with development experience and possess a true passion for the Villa St. Francis mission. Email a letter of interest and resume to: rwhittington@villasf.org.

Records and gift processing specialist – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a part-time (approximately 25 hours per week) records and gift processing specialist with the expectation that the position will last approximately 18 months or longer. This position is temporary and not benefit eligible. Duties include managing the campaign pledges and gifts in Raiser’s Edge database including processing and receipting; updating and maintaining donor information in the database; training temporary data entry staff; and various other campaign tasks. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have two to five years’ experience in support or operations in a fundraising environment; nonprofit experience and college degree preferred. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Record and Gifts Processing Specialist Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org. This position will remain open until filled.

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

ELA teacher - St. Patrick School is seeking a full-time ELA teacher for grades 6 - 8 for the 2017-18 school year.

Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process online at: www.archkckcs.org. For more information, contact principal Felicia Torres at: ftorres@ stpatrickkck.eduk12.net.

Career opportunity - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City metro and Topeka areas.

Ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better than average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. This is a full-time position. Please contact John A. Mahon, general agent, for more information or an interview at 1275 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612 or call (785) 498-8806. You can also send an email to: john.mahon@kofc.org.

Part-time receptionist - Corpus Christi Church in Lawrence is looking for a part-time receptionist, average 27 hours per week. Duties include: welcome parishioners and guests to the church; manage incoming phone calls; receive and process daily mail; manage benevolence requests; track church and ministry registration; schedule events and update parish calendar; issue sacramental certificates; and additional duties as requested. Required qualifications: excellent interpersonal skills for representing the parish and the church to those who call or visit; proficient in the use of MS Office and general computer skills; ability to multitask; and attention to detail. If interested, send resume to: karenz@cccparish.org.

HOME IMPROVEMENT DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time.

Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did.

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835.

Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service - Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM.

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Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful.

Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125.

NELSON CREATION’S L.L.C. Home makeovers, kitchen, bath. All interior and exterior remodeling and repairs.

Family owned, experienced, licensed and insured.

Member St. Joseph, Shawnee. Kirk Nelson.

(913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net Father-and-son home exteriors and remodeling - Celebrating my 15th year in The Leaven as a small business owner! We do decks, siding, windows, doors, tile work, floors, wood rot, and interior and exterior painting.

We can remodel bathrooms, kitchens or basements. We also reface cabinets and redo pesky popcorn ceilings.

Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dan deeconst@aol.com.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176

SERVICES Doll dresses - First Communion dress sets for 18” or American Girl dolls. Includes dress, veil, shoes, tights and cross necklace. Full line of doll clothes and accessories in south Johnson County. Call Patty at (913) 3459498.

Tutoring - Sessions are customized to fit student’s needs. Single sessions or packages available. Tutor has 15 years experience in K - 12 subjects, French Spanish, piano and voice. Call/text Kathleen at (913) 244-3655 or send an email to: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

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.

Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help with getting Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: Montemacedisability.com.

Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within five days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

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.

Tree Trimming Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Tony (913) 620-6063 Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR COFFEE AND SILENCE: A LENTEN DAY AWAY Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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

SUPPORT IGNITE THE GREEN AND WHITE Xavier Catholic School 530 Delaware St., Leavenworth Feb. 24 at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets to the fundraiser at $50 per person.

A main highlight of this fundraiser is the Raider raffle: for $100/ticket you may purchase the possibility winning a magical trip for four to Disney World. All proceeds fund scholarship for Xavier Catholic School.

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

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

Tickets may be purchased at the door.

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

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

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Class begins Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m.

St. John the Evangelist School 1208 Kentucky St., Lawrence

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

DIVORCED: CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN Church of the Ascension (St. Luke Room) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park March 1 and March 22 at 7 p.m.

What’s next after divorce/annulment? Join us for a formation series on the gift of self that helps us fulfill the call to love again.

Various topics will be discussed. Visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/gift ofself143 or send an email to: calledtolove 143@gmail.com.

FREE LEGAL ADVICE Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas March 1 from 10 a.m. - noon

Bring your questions! A professional will answer them. There is no charge for this session.

TAIZE PRAYER Annunciation Chapel 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth March 1 at 7 p.m.

Taize prayer is a meditative, candlelit service that includes chants sung repeatedly, silence, and prayers of praise and intercession. These

prayer services emerged from an ecumenical community of monks in Taize, France. For more information, visit the website online at: www. marillaccenter.org or call (913) 680-2342.

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

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

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

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

Call her at (316) 616-4339 with questions.

ST. JOSEPH TABLE AND PASTA DINNER St. Joseph Parish (McDevitt Hall) 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee March 4

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

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

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

This is a weekend away for those who are widowed, separated and divorced — those who are suffering the loss of a love relationship and feel left out by their church and uneasy around married friends. This weekend offers an opportunity to focus on an experience of positive growth and turn the pain of loss into a new beginning.

For more information, visit the website at: beginningexperience.org; send an email to: register.bekc@gmail.com; or call Lori at (913) 980-2026.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST St. Patrick Parish Corning Community Center Main St., Corning March 4 from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

There will be pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice, milk and coffee. A country store and a raffle will also be featured.

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

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

RUNNIN’ REVS BASKETBALL GAME Bishop Miege High School (gym) 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Roeland Park March 5 at 7 p.m.

Priests and seminarians will challenge eighth-grade and high-school youth from Catholic schools in a fun and competitive game. Donations and a silent auction will benefit seminarians. For more information, go online to: kckvocations.com, click on “Events,” then on “Runnin’ Revs.”

EMBRACE: ENRICHING MANY BY REACHING ALL IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION Christ the King School 3027 N. 54th St., Kansas City, Kansas March 6 from 6 - 8 p.m.

There will be a free taco dinner and a community information night on the topic of anxiety. Dr. Ashley Smith will speak about how to help your child/student manage anxiety at home, school and in everyday situations.

Children are welcome. For more information, visit the website at: www.embraceks.org or call (913) 362-7223.

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

AN IRISH CELEBRATION Corpus Christi Parish (Holy Family Hall) 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy., Lawrence March 10 at 5 p.m.

Celebrate Irish traditions with an authentic Irish menu of shepherd’s pie and corned beef and cabbage. There will be games and prizes for hours of fun. The Celtic band Beyond the Heather will play all evening for hours of dancing. Tickets are $20 per person ($10 for the wisdom discount for ages 70-plus) and can be purchased by going online to: cccparish.org/ irish.

ST. PATRICK’S 5K/10K RUN/WALK St. Patrick Parish 19384 234th Rd., Atchison March 24 at 8:30 a.m.

There is a choice of an easy trail or a more difficult, challenging trail. March 7 is the deadline for the early registration fee of $25 that includes a T-shirt; after March 7, the entry fee is $30 and includes breakfast for all entrants.

If not participating in the run/walk, breakfast is $5. For more information and to register, call Heidi at (913) 426-1921.

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

This will be a day of music and reflection. The topic will be “Women of the Bible,” presented

by ValLimar Jansen, a highly regarded singer, composer and Christian recording artist. Registration forms may be obtained at the St. Paul Parish office or online at: www.spcatholic.org/ wosp. The registration deadline is March 1.

The cost is $30 and includes breakfast and lunch. For more information, call Linda Gfeller at (913) 839-3786 or Suzy Werner at (785) 565-8606.

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

CALENDAR POLICY DEADLINE: eight days before the desired publication date WHERE TO SUBMIT: Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: calendar; or send an email to: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org.

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>> Continued from page 12 Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com.

Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002

FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557.

(Formerly Silver Cross - KC) For sale - Double lawn crypt at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Garden of Hope section, double lawn crypt, lot 78 C, space 4. Conveyance fee included. $8100. Call Lou at (512) 294-2869.

For sale - One plot in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Topeka. Located in Henry Garden, lot 824, space east. Current market value is $1500, selling price is $1300. Call (714) 308-2585.

For sale - Two cemetery plots side by side at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kansas City, Kan. Owner will pay transfer fees. Single plot $2900; both plots $5000. The going rate for these plots is $3750 - $4200 each. Call or text Joan and Don at (816) 536-4838.

CAREGIVING Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options.

We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591 Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

Medication support - Need help filling weekly pill boxes? Need daily medication reminders? We can provide these services in your home with daily or weekly visits. Call to learn about our exciting new medication solutions that allow you to continue living safely at home. Call Home Connect Health at (913) 627- 9222.

Just like family - Let us care for your loved ones in their homes. Two ladies with over 50 years’ combined experience. Looking for night shift coverage, some days. Great price, great references. Both experienced with hospice care. Call Kara at (913) 3431602 or Ophelia at (913) 570-7276.

Retired nurse - Available M - F, some weekends. 30 years’ experience, recent references. Call (913) 5795276.

Situation wanted - Retired nurse will do private care. Excellent current references. Superior personalized care for you or your loved one. Cosmetology and Swedish massage training plus hospice care.

Call (913) 938-4765. No agencies.

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.

I NEED HOUSES! - We are members of Holy Trinity Parish and we pay cash for any real estate without any realtor commissions or fees. If you would like an easy, no-hassle sale at a fair price, please call me. We have 13 years of experience. Mark Edmondson (913) 980-4905.

REAL ESTATE Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it?

We buy it all at once in as-is condition.

Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com.

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

BUYING AN AD To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email The Leaven at: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org. Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter. Ad deadline is 10 days before the desired publication date.

FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY SECOND WEEK OF LENT Feb. 25 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Gn 22: 1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 Ps 116: 10, 15-19 Rom 8: 31b-34 Mk 9: 2-10 Feb. 26 Monday Dn 9: 4b-10 Ps 79: 8-9, 11-13 Lk 6: 36-38 Feb. 27 Tuesday Is 1: 10, 16-20 Ps 50: 8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23 Mt 23: 1-12 Feb. 28 Wednesday Jer 18: 18-20 Ps 31: 5-6, 14-16 Mt 20: 17-28 March 1 Thursday Jer 17: 5-10 Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Lk 16: 19-31 March 2 Friday Gn 37: 3-4, 12-13a, 17b28a Ps 105: 16-21 Mt 21: 33-43, 45-46 March 3 Katharine Drexel, virgin Mi 7: 14-15, 18-20 Ps 103: 1-4, 9-12 Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32

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N

aturally, when I want to find something I once saw on the Internet, it’s nowhere to be found.

I’m pretty sure this item — a clever meme — came in an email from a friend in Topeka, but it’s hiding from me. In any event, here’s what it said: You can’t spell Valentine without LENT. The meme, of course, was a nod to Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday landing on the same day this year. It highlighted the bittersweet character of the beginning of Lent 2018. Sweet, when we think of the chocolates so prevalent that day; bitter, when we reflect on the ashes marking our foreheads.

Alongside the bitterness of the sacrifices and conversion that Lent calls us to, we savor the sweetness of a God who loved us so much that he came to dwell among us — to free us from our sins and show us how we are to live as members of his body.

It was providential that this Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day were linked, since Jesus’

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Each Valentine holds a secret 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.

entire life is the greatest love story that could ever be told.

And, much as we hate to admit it, love isn’t always sweet, is it?

At times, it involves the bitterness of sacrifice, separation, disappointment and sorrow.

Nowhere was that sorrow more apparent than in the horrific shooting on Feb. 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Florida, where 17 people were killed and some 15 wounded.

One of the memorable

pictures that day was of a woman clutching another woman to her chest — both were overcome with profound grief in the face of such senseless violence and unimaginable tragedy.

Prominent on the woman’s forehead, however, was a large cross traced in ashes.

For me, the photo powerfully conveyed what Christian love is all about: not running away from the deepest human suffering, but entering into it — not to provide answers, but to offer support amid the incomprehensible.

The photo illustrated powerfully the meaning of compassion: a willingness not only to suffer with others, but also to provide hope and

strength.

Author and Christian activist Shane Claiborne witnessed something similar while working with the homeless.

Listen to this experience from his book, “The Irresistible Revolution”: I saw one woman in a crowd as she struggled to get a meal from one of the late-night food vans. When we asked her if the meals were really worth the fight, she said, “Oh, yes, but I don’t eat them myself.

I get them for another homeless lady — an elderly woman around the corner who can’t fight for a meal.”

I saw a street kid get $20 panhandling outside of a store and then immediately run inside to share it with his friends.

We saw a homeless man lay a pack of cigarettes in the offering plate because it was all he had. I met a blind street musician who was viciously abused by some young guys who would mock her, curse her and, one night, even sprayed Lysol in her eyes as a practical joke. As we held her that night, one of us said, “There are a lot of bad folks out in

the world, aren’t there?”

The woman said, “Oh, but there are a lot of good ones, too. And the bad ones make you, the good ones, seem even sweeter.”

We met a little girl who was homeless and asked her what she wanted to do when she grew up. “I want to own a grocery store,” she said, “so I can give out food to all the hungry people.”

Mother Teresa used to say, “In the poor, we meet Jesus in his most distressing disguises.”

Now I knew what she meant. (Found in 1001 Illustrations That Connect,” edited by Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof.)

All most directly involved in that Valentine’s Day heartbreak — whether victims, survivors or mourners — are some of today’s “poor,” where “we meet Jesus in his most distressing disguises.”

In the somberness of this season, don’t overlook the power of Love — the V, a and i, n, e — that always hugs Lent in.

Transfiguration reveals Jesus’ true identity

hen I am traveling on a vacation, I will sometimes carry along a tent. Then I can camp out a few nights, instead of staying in a motel. It’s another way to see the world, to be close to nature. It can also save me a bit of money.

When Peter, James and John climb up the mountain with Jesus in Sunday’s Gospel reading, Mk 9:2-10, Peter offers to set up tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah, who have appeared in glory. What is going on? Have the apostles brought along tents with them? Why does Peter blurt out this suggestion?

The tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah can remind us of tents that the people of Israel

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.

stayed in when they left Egypt and journeyed through the desert on their way to the Promised Land. Those tents can also remind us of the Feast of Tabernacles.

POPE FRANCIS

The word “tabernacle” comes from the Latin word for “tent.”

Originally, the Feast of Tabernacles took place during the harvest season. The workers for the harvest would set up tents, or booths, in the fields as temporary shelters. (Sometimes, the word translated in our Gospel reading as “tents” is, instead, translated as “booths.”)

But as time went on, the focus of the feast

Prosperous nations where foreign women are forced into prostitution need to drop their hypocrisy and “face the idea that they are part of the problem, rather than turning away, proclaiming their innocence,” Pope Francis said.

“If many young women victims of trafficking end up on the streets of our cities, it is because many men here — young men, middle aged, older men — ask for their services and are ready to pay,” the pope told a group of adults and teenagers who had taken part in a reflection on human trafficking.

changed. Besides being a harvest festival, the Feast of Tabernacles was eventually linked to the journey to the Promised Land.

People would stay in temporary huts, or tents, to celebrate it, even if they were not out in the fields working the harvest. They were remembering the time when their ancestors traveled through the desert.

Jesus has brought Peter, James and John on top of the mountain in order to reveal to them his true identity. He is the Son of God, destined to die on the cross, but then to rise to new life in the resurrection.

The voice from heaven proclaims: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”

The phrase “beloved Son” reminds us of the command that God

issues to Abraham, to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac on the mountain: “Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love.” Jesus will also be sacrificed on Calvary.

But it will not end there. On Easter, Jesus will rise to new life in the resurrection. Peter, James and John catch a glimpse of his risen glory in this event on the mountain: “He was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white.”

This passage from death to life echoes the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to life in the Promised Land. The tents that Peter proposes to set up help to make that connection.

The season of Lent invites us to join Jesus in that journey.

Meeting the group Feb. 12, Pope Francis responded to questions from the high school students and from young migrants about ways they could help fight trafficking and reach out to survivors. One of the migrants asked the pope why there was such a “surprising silence” about the reality of trafficking. Part of it is ignorance, the pope said, but much of the silence comes from embarrassment.

Citizens must be “courageous and honest” enough to acknowledge people working in prostitution or slave-like conditions and reach out to help them.

— CNS

FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

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Volunteer opportunities equal love in action

s a kid, Lent meant depriving myself of some tasty treat or television program. Sacrificial? Yes. Satisfying? Not always.

As an adult, I grew to love the Lenten season. I found that, while denying myself of certain luxuries is a worthy sacrifice, giving of myself — time, talent and treasure — feels more gratifying.

Fortunately, at Catholic Charities, I’m surrounded with numerous occasions to live out the Gospel mandate to serve others in need.

If you’re looking to get involved this Lent, please consider the multitude of volunteer ways you can carry out the corporal

INSIDE CATHOLIC CHARITIES

KEN WILLIAMS Ken Williams is the executive director of Catholic Charities.

works of mercy at Catholic Charities.

Feed the hungry.

Donating to your parish food drive is a

simple way to get even the youngest members of the family involved.

Consider letting them help shop for and deliver the food contributions so they can better understand how they help make a difference.

Join us at Hope Distribution Center to see where all that food goes

before being transported to our pantries. At the warehouse, all food donations are sorted and categorized to ensure a balanced inventory for our eight food pantries. Here, walk-in freezers provide storage for frozen foods.

If you abstain from meat on Fridays, perhaps donate it instead — our pantries seldom have enough meat for families.

Clothe the naked.

TurnStyles thrift store offers a great volunteer activity for families looking for a project they can do together. Volunteers assist by sorting and hanging the gently used clothing as well as collecting and organizing other donated items. With our new location at 135th and Nieman in Overland

Park opening this March, the need for donations and volunteers is great.

Shelter the homeless.

Shalom House offers shelter to men experiencing homelessness in Kansas City, Kansas. After spending the day looking for or gaining the skills necessary to work, these men return to Shalom House. Your family or group can volunteer to prepare, serve and share dinner with the guests.

Visit the sick.

Catholic Community Hospice provides compassionate end-of-life care. Hospice volunteers sometimes read to patients, pray with them or simply sit by their side.

Would you consider giving an hour a week to provide companionship

and emotional support to patients facing a life-limiting illness?

In addition, Catholic Charities provides opportunities for volunteers to ease the isolation and loneliness of homebound seniors through our Friendly Visitors program.

Volunteers make daily phone calls to check on a senior’s well-being or visit weekly to lift their spirits.

Of course, becoming a Catholic Charities volunteer isn’t just limited to the Lenten season.

Opportunities to love your neighbor exist year round.

Let us help you find an avenue to put love into action.

For more information about volunteering, visit us online at: catholic charitiesks.org/volunteer.

FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Appointments Father John A. Riley, chancellor, announces the following appointments made by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann (effective Jan. 1 unless noted):

Pastors Father Barry Clayton, from pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Sabetha; St. Augustine Parish, Fidelity; and St. James Parish, Wetmore, to pastor of St. Philip Neri Parish, Osawatomie; Sacred Heart Parish, Mound City; and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, La Cygne.

Father Craig Maxim, from parochial administrator to pastor of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village (effective Feb. 9).

Parochial administrators Father Arul Carasala, to parochial administrator of Sacred Heart Parish, Sabetha; St. Augustine Parish, Fidelity; and St. James Parish, Wetmore; and continuing as pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca.

Parochial vicars CNS PHOTO/GIORGIO VIEREA, EPA

Students attend a candlelight prayer vigil Feb. 15 for the victims of a mass shooting in Parkland, Florida. At least 17 people were killed in the Feb. 14 shooting, including Aaron Feis, brother of Michael Connell, a part-time security guard at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth.

Local man loses brother in high school shooting

By Steve Buckner Special to The Leaven “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:13).

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ANSING — When he glanced at his Facebook newsfeed on Feb. 14 that read “Shooting at Florida high school,” Michael Connell had no idea how close to home the tragedy had struck.

Connell, a part-time security guard at the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, soon learned the awful truth in a phone call from his younger brother, Ray Feis: The shooting had occurred at their alma mater, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Worse yet, their brother, Aaron Feis, an assistant football coach and security guard at the school, had been shot by the gunman. Aaron, 37, would die later that day.

By all accounts, Aaron had heard the gunfire, raced toward it, shielded students, pushed a girl out of harm’s way and then confronted the shooter, who shot him three times.

“Aaron was selfless and always put others first,” said Connell, 42. “He always looked out for somebody else.

He was always there — constant and consistent.

“He lived for the students and lived for helping people out. You ask anybody. It’s so consistent what everybody is saying [about him].”

“You knew what you were getting with Aaron,” Connell added. “He was caring and passionate and decisive.

When he saw something and thought he should do something, he would do it.”

Brotherly love Though five years and miles apart, Connell and Feis were close. They kept in touch via Facebook, text

messages and twice-monthly phone But I was speechless. I was in shock calls. They depended on each other. that first day.”

“He had his hard times, I’ve had Three days after the tragedy, Conmy hard times,” Connell said. “We’d nell still has trouble explaining his talk to each other every now and then emotions. when one of us was going through “I’m going between shock, feeling something. numb and feeling sad,” he said. “It’s “We supported each other. We’d waves of emotion.” talk through solutions for each other.”

Connell added that Feis was nonjudgmental of people.

“That’s not to say he didn’t have his “It hurts. It hurts a lot,” Connell own beliefs, but he didn’t force that on said. “It helps to have the anybody,” Connell said. support of my family, my Once, when they were wife and kids (two daughboys, Aaron jumped on his ters, who are 8 and 10). My father’s back to prevent him band — they’ve been very from disciplining his older supportive. brother. Aaron was always “The community, and protective of others, Coneven around the world — nelly said, even as a child.

I’m amazed by how much “And, that’s exactly what his selfless act is drawing he did for those kids,” Conso much attention.

Which I nell said. “It was his whole think is good, to focus on the life like that. It was part of Michael Connell good of this horrible event.” his character.”

The university has “abIn their last text message exchange solutely” been supportive of him, he before the tragedy, Connell outlined said.

They gave him time off after the a problem he was having with some tragedy and then allowed him more people to Aaron. time off so he could attend his broth“He asked what I did about it,” Coner’s funeral in Florida. nell said. “We gave each other advice.”

Connell especially credits his boss, Donald Stubbings, Sister Diane Steele, president of St. Mary’s, and the school’s chaplain, Father Bill McEvoy, The quiet life that Connell led for helping him get through the days ended on Feb. 14. Shortly after learnafter the shooting. ing from his brother that Aaron had The university gave Connell a gift been shot, Connell’s phone started card to help him pay for meals while “blowing up” with calls from family in Florida and offered to pay his airfare and friends. there. But Southwest Airlines comped “My brother, sister and stepdad, all the Connell family’s airfare so all four . . . had been brought to an FBI office,” of them could fly round trip to Florida Connell said. “They had been looking for free. for Aaron [at hospitals]. They didn’t Connell knows there will be many find out he died until 11:30 p.m.” difficult days to come.

Their mother had been traveling to But there is some comfort.

Parkland when Connell had to call her “One thing that helps is that his and break the news that Aaron had character helps out with the ‘Why?’,” died. concluded Connell. “He had a pur“I didn’t know what to say,” said pose. He died protecting people.

Connell. “Usually, I’m the one my “Knowing that helps me accept it.” family calls when there is a problem.

Hope from heartache

The void

Father Shawn Tunink, from leave of absence to parochial vicar of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, and sacramental assistance at Divine Mercy Parish, Gardner (effective Jan. 2).

Other Father Keith Lunsford, from pastor of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village, to continuing on medical leave of absence (effective Feb. 9).

Father Francis Burger, from parochial administrator of St. Philip Neri Parish, Osawatomie; Sacred Heart Parish, Mound City; and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, La Cygne, to return to retirement from parish administration.

Father Anthony Chendumalli, from priestly ministry in his home diocese of Cuddapah, India, to providing sacramental assistance to Sacred Heart Parish, Sabetha; St. Augustine Parish, Fidelity; and St. James Parish, Wetmore, with residence at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca.

Marillac Center to host Lenten Day of Prayer on March 10

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EAVENWORTH — “Tipping the Scales in the Favor of LOVE” is the theme of the Lenten Day of Prayer scheduled for March 10 from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. in Ross Chapel at the motherhouse here of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, located at 4200 S. 4th St. Sister Maureen Hall, SCL, will give the morning and afternoon conferences. The day will conclude with Mass at 3:45 p.m.

Marillac Center, the SCL retreat and spirituality center, is sponsoring the day of prayer.

Sister Maureen is the immediate past community director of the Sisters of Charity. She has had extensive experience in pastoral ministry in parishes in Kansas, Missouri and Montana. She currently serves in mission roles with Cristo Rey High School and SCL Health.

The registration fee for the Lenten Day of Prayer is $35 and includes lunch.

Contact Sister Susan Chase by email at: schase@scls.org or call (913) 680-2342 to register by March 5.

For more information, visit the website at: www.marillaccenter.org.