02-25-11 Vol. 32 No. 28

www.theleaven.com | Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas | Vol. 32, No. 28 february 25, 2011

Louder than words

Nicole Waitley, parishioner of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie, was travelling home by way of this snow-covered road when she saw a stranded motorist that she felt an odd compulsion to stop and assist. Above, she signs the word for “Help.”

Deaf interpreter finds herself in the right place at the right time

T

ONGANOXIE — Helping people communiWhile driving down Kansas Highway 7, Waitley noticed a cate is par for the course in Nicole Waitley’s driver had veered off the road. line of work.

“I could see it was a person who had spun But occasionally, the Sacred in a full circle off into a ditch, and they were Heart, Tonganoxie, parishioner now standing outside in the cold,” she said.

Story by has found that actions speak Waitley was not in the habit of stopping Kara Hansen louder than words. to help drivers along the side of the road, but January 11 was such a day. she said she felt a pull to do just that when she The snow was falling heavily when Waitsaw the person in the ditch.

Photo by ley left her job as a sign language interpreter “I never stop because I can’t help tow somein Lee’s Summit, Mo., to return home. one out, so in that situation I would usually Elaina Cochran “Usually, I can leave a little before five, call the police and keep going,” said Waitley. but that day I couldn’t get everything done “But I couldn’t shake the feeling I should stop before I left work, so I was late. And then I stopped to put this time.” gas in my car before going to pick up my daughters,” said Turn to “stranded” on page 5 Waitley.

Where he belongs The Animator

3

Dana Rausch has created an animated series based on the lives of saints. The St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner has seen the series picked up by EWTN.

Father Brian Schieber took some time in deciding to become a priest.

But in the end, he knows he made the right decision.

8-9 4

White mass

Bishop Robert Vasa, coadjutor of Santa Rosa, Calif., gave the homily at the White Mass, which honored health care workers.

2 archbishop

THE LEAVEN • february 25, 2011

THE LEAVEN • february 25, 2011

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

W

The only unforgivable sin is the one we don’t confess

hile I was an auxiliary bishop in St. Louis, a few weeks after the traumatic events of Sept. 11, 2001, late one evening returning from a confirmation, I decided to reward myself for the day’s work and pulled into the drive-thru of one my favorite fast-food restaurants. When I arrived at the takeout window, the cashier — seeing my Roman collar — immediately said, “Father, I need to go to confession.”

correctly realize they do not deserve the Lord’s mercy, so they despair of even asking for God’s forgiveness.

This reasoning, while understandable, completely misses the point of why Jesus came into the world. God did not assume our human condition because we deserved such an extraordinary act of love. Our redemption by Jesus is not about our worthiness; rather, it is about God’s goodness.

Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery; the criminal crucified next to him on Calvary; the soldiers who nailed him to the cross; Peter, for his triple denial; and the apostles, for abandoning him during his passion. He did so not because any of them deserved it. Jesus At first, I thought he was joking. came to reveal to the world the mercy Quickly, I recognized that he was deadly of his Father, which he described for us serious. I began to in his parable of the wonder what he had prodigal son.

‘The Shepherd’s Voice’ done to my cheeseJesus entrusted to burger to provoke the apostles, despite programming notes such contrition. The their own weaknesses, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s young man then said, the power to continue radio program on KEXS 1090 AM “Father, Sept. 11 and his ministry of mercy. airs at 10 a.m. on Sunday and is all that has been goJesus gave the church repeated at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday ing on got me thinkthe sacrament of penand 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. ing. I have to change ance so that the same my life. I have done mercy and grace he some terrible things. Do you think God bestowed on so many during his earthly can forgive me?” life could be extended throughout time.

I tried to do as much evangelization What we need to bring to the sacraas is permitted in a drive-thru lane of ment of penance is not a perfect soul a fast-food restaurant. I assured him that really has no need of God’s mercy, that I knew God would forgive him if he but rather: 1) true sorrow for our sin; sincerely asked for mercy. I urged him to 2) a commitment to strive not to repeat go to a nearby church to receive the sacour sin; and 3) faith in the goodness of rament of penance. I encouraged him God, who desires eternal happiness for with the truth that the whole reason each of us.

Jesus came into our world was to bring Jesus does speak about what has mercy and forgiveness for our sins. been termed the unforgivable sin. In St. One of the great obstacles deterMatthew’s Gospel Jesus stated: “Therering some from going to confession fore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy is despair. They have come to realize will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy the enormity of their sin and have true against the Spirit will not be forgiven. contrition. Yet, they also understand, And whoever says a word against the humanly speaking, it may be imposSon of Man will be forgiven; but whosible to repair the damage their sin has ever speaks against the holy Spirit will done to others. Some believe they have not be forgiven, either in this age or the committed the “unforgivable sin.” They age to come” (Mt 12: 31-32).

Archbishop Naumann’s

March 4 Adoration & Benediction — St. James Academy, Lenexa

Feb. 25 Clergy conference on the ministry of the confessor and Project Rachel with Msgr. Mike Mannion

Feb. 26 Mass and pastoral visit — St. Joseph-St. Lawrence at St. Joseph Parish

“The Catholic Way” recording

weekly calendar

Feb. 27 Mass and pastoral visit — St. Joseph-St. Lawrence at Easton Mass for Jr. High Youth — Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg Feb. 28 Confirmation — St. Matthew, Topeka March 1 Adoration & Benediction — Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park

March 5 Conference and Mass for the sick and suffering — St. James Academy

March 7 Confirmation — St. Pius X, Mission

Archbishop Keheler’s weekly calendar

Feb. 27 Confirmation — Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka

Confirmation — St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kan.

Feb. 28 Bishops’ prayer group — Lafayette, Ind.

March 2 Vocation Day — Prince of Peace, Olathe

March 1-2 Bishops’ prayer group — Indianapolis

March 3 Shepherd’s Voice recording

March 5 Confirmation — Chicago

Even in this passage it is important to note that Jesus first says that every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven. He specifically mentions that even those who speak against or oppose him can be forgiven. The one thing that cannot be forgiven is what Jesus identifies as “blasphemy against the Spirit.”

Immediately before this passage, Jesus had healed a possessed man who was both mute and blind. The Pharisees accuse Jesus of receiving his power through the “prince of demons.” Many believe it is the attitude and actions of the Pharisees that Jesus is referencing when he speaks about the “unforgivable sin.”

The Pharisees are so twisted by their hatred of Jesus that something as obviously good as the healing of the blind and mute man, they actually perceive as evil. The Pharisees were not able to be forgiven — not because they had done something beyond the capacity of God to forgive, but rather because their own obstinacy made them incapable of seeking forgiveness.

October 3-11, 2011

Similarly, our own preoccupation with the gravity of our sin rather than with the wideness of God’s mercy can prevent us from seeking God’s forgiveness. In other words, the only thing that makes a sin unforgivable is our own incapacity to seek God’s mercy.

If you have been prevented from going to confession because you mistakenly think your sin is too great for God’s mercy, I urge you to refocus your attention away from the gravity of your failures and onto the goodness of God’s love. Jesus never turned aside anyone who approached him with sincerity, humility, contrition and faith. In fact, it was those who sought and experienced his merciful love who became his most ardent disciples.

Next week, I will write about perhaps even more common obstacles to the use of the sacrament of penance: 1) embarrassment because of the repetition of our sins and 2) a notion that we do not need to go to confession because of a lack of awareness of the presence of sin in our lives. Stay tuned!

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halos

Love of the saints inspires animations

I

By Joe Bollig

t’s not unusual for boys to be interested in superheroes while growing up. And of course, where there’s a superhero, there’s always a super-villain to oppose.

Batman and the Joker? He-Man and Skeletor? GI Joe vs. Cobra? ZAP! POW! BIFF! Bring

’em on!

Growing up, Dana Rausch was no different. But unlike a lot of other kids, Rausch was fascinated by the most exciting — not to mention true-tolife — heroes of all time: the saints.

And opposing the saints is the biggest villain of all time: the devil. Compared to him, the Joker’s Dana Rausch animates his saint characters to look like woodcuts. Above is a scene from a episode about St. just a creep with a Clare. To the right is a rendering of St. Nicholas. bad makeup job.

While kids, Rausch and his 11 siblings used to learn about their favorite heroes in a book called “The Picture Book of Saints.”

“This is a newer version of the one I grew up with,” he said, holding up a book while sitting in his Shawnee apartment. “I’d like to have the one I grew up with, but we boys liked it so much we wore it out, and it disintegrated.”

“It’s probably dust now, but we loved it,” he continued. “We read it a lot, and drew in it. It was very good, because the illustrations were done very well — good for a kid’s imagination.”

Turn to “Animator” on page 16

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4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • february 25, 2011

THE LEAVEN • february 25, 2011

White Mass celebrates contribution of Catholic health care workers

By Kara Hansen Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — It was a big weekend for the Catholic medical community.

The White Mass for health care workers, sponsored by the Catholic Medical Association, was held Feb. 12 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was the principal celebrant; Bishop Robert Vasa, coadjutor of Santa Rosa, Calif., concelebrated and delivered the homily.

“I’m glad to have the opportunity to address the Catholic Medical Association because I see in you and acknowledge with you that the work you do so closely resembles the work Christ calls us all to do,” said Bishop Vasa.

Bishop Vasa addressed the significance of the World Day of the Sick on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, held Feb. 11, in relation to the Catholic medical community.

“It is a suitable occasion to reflect on suffering,” he said. “The true measure of humanity is determined in relationship to the suffering and sufferer. True compassion is to take up a portion of suffering with or for them, not to find ways to avoid it.”

In his homily, Bishop Vasa discussed the balance of science and faith required by Catholic medical staff.

“We are here as men and women of rationality and science and, in your practice of medicine as Catholics, that’s what Jesus asks you to do,” said Bishop Vasa. “We must be people of faith and science. As a Catholic physician, one cannot minimize the pursuit of reason or science in your care of patients. But that also must be tempered by faith.”

Bishop Vasa encouraged health care workers to look to Mary for their example in following Christ, particularly her

Leaven photo by Susan McSpadden

Bishop Robert Vasa, coadjutor of Santa Rosa, Calif., delivered the homily at the White Mass for health care workers, sponsored by the Catholic Medical Association. It was held on Feb. 12 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan. In his homily, Bishop Vasa discussed the balance of science and faith required by Catholic medical staff. words to Jesus at the wedding feast at Cana: Do whatever he tells you.

“May her presence in our lives be an ever-present impetus for us to be courageous in obeying the voice of her son in the world today,” he said.

Displayed at the Mass were several relics of St. Gianna Molla, an Italian mother and physician canonized in 2004 by Pope John Paul II. On Feb. 13, Thomas McKenna, president of the St. Gianna Physician’s Guild, gave a presentation on the saint’s life at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Leawood. McKenna, who knows the family of St. Gianna personally, supplied the relics on display at the White Mass — a stethoscope used by St. Gianna in her medical practice, a pair of gloves that belonged to St. Gianna, and a strand of her hair.

“I’m very blessed to have been entrusted relics by the family of St. Gianna,” said McKenna. “It’s an Italian custom to snip a lock of hair from the deceased prior to burial, and that clip of her hair is considered a first-class relic.”

McKenna’s talk included photos of St. Gianna as a child, engagement photos, and photos of her with her children. St. Gianna married at 33 years of age in 1955 and died at the age of 39 in 1962.

“St. Gianna lived in our times. And one of the things that makes it easy to relate to her is because we have pictures of her life,” said McKenna.

St. Gianna, when pregnant with her fourth child, refused a hysterectomy that would have removed a fibroid tumor — but would have also ended the life of her unborn child. Against medi-

cal advice, she chose to have the fibroid removed while continuing the high-risk pregnancy. She delivered a healthy baby, but developed complications from the caesarean section procedure and died a week after giving birth.

But McKenna’s talk concentrated less on the final chapter of the saint’s life and more on how her virtue was revealed prior to that. It also brought to life some of the personality of the saint.

“Her oldest son was six when she died and remembers riding in the car with his mom while she drove, and that she drove fast,” said McKenna. “She loved to ski and hike outdoors; she loved to paint.”

McKenna said that at the age of 15, St. Gianna attended an Ignatian retreat that she later wrote marked her life. Her faith, said McKenna, especially hinged on devotion to the Eucharist, apostolic action, and purity.

“Her husband said St. Gianna did many things, but she always did them with the Catholic faith as her compass,” said McKenna.

McKenna said St. Gianna desired to be a medical missionary in Brazil like her brother, but her health was too frail. So it was especially fitting, he said, that the two miracles attributed to St. Gianna for her beatification and canonization were both from women in Brazil. One of the women who received a miracle through the intercession of St. Gianna was present at her canonization, along with St. Gianna’s family.

“This is the first time in the history of the church that a saint has been canonized with their husband and children present at the canonization,” said McKenna. “Her husband just died last April, and her children are in their 40s and 50s, alive and knowing their mother is a saint. It’s a very unique situation.”

Stranded motorist couldn’t believe his good fortune Continued from page 1 “I tried to talk myself out of it,” she continued. “I thought, ‘It’s cold out. I could just call the police. It’s not safe for me to get out and go check on this person.’”

Ultimately, all the logic in the world could not keep Waitley from pulling over to check on the stranded driver.

“Once I saw him standing there, I had to stop,” she said.

Not wanting to walk down into the deep snow, Waitley attempted to get the driver’s attention from the top of the small hill.

“I yelled out, ‘Are you OK?’ and asked if he was hurt. But, at first, I couldn’t even get his attention,” said Waitley.

“Once he saw me, he didn’t respond, but pointed to his ears.”

Waitley signed to the man, asking him if he was deaf.

“He looked at me, shocked,” said

“If you’re doing a good job as interpreter, it should be almost as if you’re invisible, because it’s not about you.

You’re there to help other people communicate.

” Nicole Waitley, deaf interpreter

Waitley. “And then [he] excitedly started signing back. I asked him if he had called or texted anyone for help.”

The stranded motorist, Richard Edwards, was indeed deaf. He had left his cell phone on his desk at his nearby workplace, he told Waitley in sign language. Without a phone to contact anyone — and with the likely reality that few people would stop to help him, much less be able to communicate in

sign language — Edwards had expected a long, cold wait for any assistance.

Waitley said that even if the police or a tow company responded to the scene, it would typically take another hour or two to get an interpreter there to facilitate communication.

“I called into his work station for him and then called police and a tow truck,” said Waitley. “Then I contacted my babysitter to see if my girls could stay with her an extra hour, so I could interpret for Richard.”

Waitley invited Edwards back to the warmth of her car, while they waited for assistance to arrive.

“He kept signing to me, ‘I can’t believe you’re a deaf interpreter!,’” said Waitley.

When a tow truck and a police officer arrived, Waitley interpreted for Edwards to make the process as smooth and quick as possible.

While the most obvious beneficiary of the turn of events was Edwards, Waitley

walked away from the scene with the quiet satisfaction of a good deed done well.

“If you’re doing a good job as interpreter, it should be almost as if you’re invisible, because it’s not about you,” she said. “You’re there to help other people communicate.

“But it can get discouraging sometimes, because it’s almost like you’re a part of the deaf community, but you aren’t.

“This was a great opportunity to take a skill I have been working on and use it in a different way.”

As she finished up and prepared to leave, one of the responding officers walked Waitley back to her car — and put a different spin on her good deed.

“He told me not many people stop anymore to help someone,” said Waitley.

But that wasn’t all.

“He said,” she added, “he wanted to thank me for letting him experience a God moment, too.”

LOCAL NEWS 5

Padre Pio relic on display at day for sick and suffering

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, the famed Italian stigmatist more popularly known as Padre Pio, knew quite a bit about suffering.

Not only did his body bear the physical signs of the crucified Christ, he was in poor health nearly all his life and experienced spiritual suffering as well.

The sick and suffering of the archdiocese will have a special opportunity to venerate a first-class relic of the saint during a conference and Mass for the sick and suffering on March 5 at St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa.

The conference is cosponsored by St. James Academy and the School of Faith.

The building is handicapped accessible, and the event is open to individuals, as well as their family members, who are experiencing any sort of illness and suffering. The suffering could be from any trial or difficulty in life. The event is open to all.

“Suffering does not confine itself to physical suffering,” said Sister Christa Marie, FSGM, president of St. James Academy. “If we have unemployed people, they are suffering. If we have people who are going through divorce, they are suffering.”

Members of the St. James Academy Padre Pio student community will be there to assist people throughout the morning.

Those who attend will also have an opportunity to meet with Antony D’Andrea, an American third cousin of Padre Pio, who lives in New York. His family has the relic: some of Padre Pio’s blood that is contained in a locket that was once owned by Mary Pyle, an American spiritual daughter of Padre Pio.

CNS file photo

The sick and suffering of the archdiocese will have a special opportunity to venerate a first-class relic of St. Padre Pio during a conference and Mass for the sick and suffering on March 5 at St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa.

“Having a first-class relic of Padre Pio is something that’s very special,” said Sister Christa Marie. “It is here for one time. And it’s a beautiful part of our faith to venerate the relics of the saints

who have preceded us and have been known for having a unique quality.”

The day will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration, a reception and an introduction of D’Andrea.

Next, there will be two 30-minute talks. The first, at 9 a.m., is entitled “Redemptive Suffering: A Gift From God,”

by Steve Wisdom. He is the father of Brooks Wisdom, a St. James Academy student who died in 2008 at the age of 18 before graduation.

“He was a member of the founding class of St. James,” said Sister Christa Marie.

Following this will be another 30-minute talk, entitled “End of Life Issues and Hospice Care,” by Father Gary Pennings, vicar general of the archdiocese. Father Pennings is a former paramedic and emergency medical services administrator in Johnson County.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will be the main celebrant of a votive Mass for the sick at 11 a.m.

“The archbishop will include a blessing for the sick and suffering at the conclusion of the Mass,” said Sister Christa.

“Afterwards, the archbishop will enthrone the relic of Padre Pio’s blood, which is encased in a locket. . . . The relic will be enthroned and available to people [for veneration], and we will keep it open until 3 p.m.”

After the enthronement of the relic, there will be a lunch for participants.

People who want to participate in the day’s events have three options, said Sister Christa. First, they can attend the morning conferences for a $25 fee that includes lunch. Second, they can come at 11 a.m. just for the Mass and the enthronement. Third, they can stop by in the afternoon to venerate the relic.

“We will take walk-ins,” said Sister Christa.

For information about the day or to register, go to the Web sites at: www.sja keepingfaith.org or www.schooloffaith. com, or call Linda White at (913) 2544200.

Former Methodist falls in love with the Mass

By Kara Hansen Leaven staff

Dave Gaumer was doing ministry in his parish years before he was ever a Catholic.

Raised Methodist, Gaumer a CathDeacon married olic, but agreed profile to attend Mass together once they were married.

“I was Christian, and it didn’t matter to me which church we attended,” said Gaumer. “So I went and sang in the choir and was asked to do various things in the parish until I was asked to be a eucharistic minister. I had to say, ‘No, I can’t, because I’m not Catholic.’ And the question I was asked was, ‘Well, why not?’”

The question — paired with attending and falling in love with the Mass over the years — forced Gaumer to ask some

questions himself and to do some studying.

“I came to realize this is the true faith and how Christianity was meant to be practiced from the beginning,” he said.

Gaumer entered the church in 1996. He was around several different deacons whose ministry prompted him to further consider the diaconate.

“I really started to think this was something I wanted to pursue and, when I retired from the Army, I planned to look into it,” said Gaumer.

When the first class for diaconate formation opened up in the archdiocese, it was an ideal opportunity for Gaumer.

“I have always enjoyed helping others, especially teaching the faith and sharing it with others,” said Gaumer. “I’m really looking forward to the service aspects of the diaconate.”

Profile

Name: David “Dave” R. Gaumer Jr. Parish: St. Francis de Sales, Lansing Age: 50 Family members and ages: wife, Lisa; son, Patrick, 14.

Occupation: training program manager, Department of the Army Civilian Favorite food: My wife’s “gooey butter cake” What I’m looking forward to most about being a deacon: The opportunity to serve the people of God as an ordained minister of the church.

Something people might be surprised to learn about me: I’ve been to 19 different countries around the world.

Favorite saint: St. Stephen, because he was one of the first deacons of the church and the first martyr.

If I could visit a period of church history, it would be: the apostolic era, the very beginnings of the church.

Favorite book (nonreligious): Anything by Clive Cussler Hobbies: helping coach sports; reading, especially action mysteries/history

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6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • february 25, 2011

THE LEAVEN • february 25, 2011

Campus centers help students develop a mature faith The Archbishop’s Call to Share provides needed funding to five Kansas Catholic campus ministry programs: at the University of Kansas In Lawrence, Emporia State University, Washburn University in Topeka, Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, and Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kan. The priests and lay leaders of these archdiocesan campus ministry programs have the task of enabling Catholics to achieve an adult understanding of their faith, so that they are then able to be better witnesses to the Gospel, face challenges to their beliefs that exist in the academic world, and learn to live their Catholic faith more fully in communion with God and the church.

Most parents forget that in the typical classroom, college students are exposed to multiple challenges to their religious beliefs. Our priests and lay leaders understand that campus life tends to reinforce these intellectual challenges and can shake the faith of Catholic students.

Fortunately, Catholic college students can find a community in the Catholic campus centers, where they can discuss these challenging questions and find clear answers and security in the midst of a very complex culture. The archdiocesan campus centers are places that

The Archbishop’s Call to Share funds five campus ministry programs in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, including the Didde Catholic Campus Center at Emporia State University. These campus centers are places where students can find answers to the intellectual challenges to their faith. offer a respite from the whirl of campus life, where students are pulled in numerous social directions that so easily allow young people to drift away from their faith.

These campus ministry programs, funded by the Archbishop’s Call to Share, are places — not only for students, but for Catholic faculty members — to find answers to the intellectual challenges to their faith that they experience daily from often hostile critics. The authentic theology and spirituality that is provided by clergy and trained ministers of

the church at the Catholic campus centers would not be available without your generous contributions to ACTS. From these Catholic campus centers have sprung numerous vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life. The St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas is responsible for 32 priests now serving in dioceses and religious orders throughout the world, with 14 men currently in formation for the priesthood.

“The blessings of campus ministry are ours to share as an archdiocese, and the

responsibility to ensure that these ministries are available on our college campuses is ours, as well,” said Father Steve Beseau, the chaplain/director of the St. Lawrence Center.

The Scriptures remind us that it is necessary to move beyond childish ways to more mature approaches to understanding the faith: “Let us, then, be children no longer, tossed here and there, carried about by every wind of doctrine that originates in human trickery and skill in proposing error. Rather, let us profess the truth in love and grow to the full maturity of Christ the head” (Eph 4:14-16).

Catholic campus ministries excel in education programs. The St. Lawrence Center is known nationwide as the model for education and formation of college students. The center offers 14 catechetical and theological courses to the students at KU. Combined with spiritual direction offered by the priests at the center and Sisters from the Apostles of the Interior Life community, students leave KU as wellformed members of the church and followers of Jesus Christ.

Members of the Catholic campus center communities who achieve a more mature grasp of their Christian faith are in a better position to understand themselves and their world. Those who continue their theological education through programs offered at Catholic campus centers are better able to reflect on their experiences throughout their lives in the light of the Gospel.

Ed and Virginia (Ginny) Pilarz, members of St. Pius X Parish, Mission, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 11. The couple was married on Feb. 11, 1961. Their children are: Staci Jennings, Edmund Anniversaries Pilarz and Jerry Pilarz. They also have six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. They renewed their vows and celebrated with family and friends on Feb. 12 at St. Pius X.

Leaven photo by Susan McSpadden

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blesses the participants of the Marriage and Eucharist celebration on Feb. 13 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan. The event, celebrating the sacrament of marriage, was jointly sponsored by the family life offices of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Following Mass, Michael Podrebarac, archdiocesan liturgy consultant, gave a talk about the sacrament of marriage.

Concrete Work

Remember your recently deceased loved one by attending a Memorial Mass Saturday, March 5, 2011 9 a.m.

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LOCAL NEWS 7

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Call Toll Free 888-246-1504

Bob and Colleen (Rockers) Gregory, members of St. Philip Neri Parish, Osawatomie, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on March 1. The couple was married March 1, 1951, at St. James Church in Kansas City, Mo. Their children and their spouses are: Sandy and J.C. Jentzsch, Osawatomie; Carol and Harvey Brocker, Bob and Sheri Gregory, and Dorothy and Don Powell, all of Paola; and Bill and Kathy Gregory, Topeka. They also have 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and one greatgreat grandchild. They will celebrate with a family dinner. Cards may be sent to: 503 Woodland Hills Circle, Osawatomie, Ks 66064.

‘What God wants me to do’ Father Brian Schieber finds certainty in a life once filled with doubts

By Bob Hart

T

Special to The Leaven

he timeline goes something like this: •Graduated from the University of Kansas (1990) with a degree in civil engineering.

Became engaged; moved to Chicago to be near fiancée.

•Broke off engagement; returned to Kansas City and worked as an engineer for two years.

•Entered the seminary to study for the priesthood. Called it off one month prior to diaconate ordination.

Returned to work as an engineer.

•Returned to the seminary; ordained to the priesthood in 1999.

But for Father Brian Schieber, as for many, the real story is what was happening between the lines.

my little secret.”

But not for long. One day shortly thereafter, a Maryknoll priest called the home.

“I told my mother I had no idea how they got my name,” said Father Brian, laughing.

“I denied the whole thing.”

Fear of commitment

It was not so easy to deny, a few years later, the uncertainty he felt about getting married — as if something indefinable were pushing him in a different direction.

“Fortunately, [my fiancée and I] communicated well,” he said. “We realized we had a lot of differences and decided to go our separate ways.

God speaks to us in so many different ways and, for me, the call came so many times through different people.”

Formation By way of example, he shared a story about arriving early for Mass He was born in Kansas City, Mo., the second of four children, to par- one day, shortly after he’d moved home from Chients from big cago. An elderly northwest Miswoman sat in a souri farming pew directly befamilies.

His hind him and, mother was one Part of a balanced life after a while, of 11 children; struck up a conhis father, one Although he admits the deversation. of nine. Both mands of the priesthood can be “I can sense families had a pretty exhausting at times, Father things about long history of Brian Schieber isn’t one to spend people,” she said priestly and relithe unscheduled parts of his days to him. “Are you gious vocations, napping or chilling in front of a seminarian with particularly the television. Most days, when studying for the strong ties to the he leaves the office at 5 p.m., he priesthood?”

Benedictine comheads to the gym for a strenuous “I was thinkmunity. hourlong workout. ing about the Brian grew “It’s a great stress-reliever,” he seminary, but noup in Indepensaid. “It makes me feel so much body knew that dence, Mo., until better. I get that workout in and but me,” said the fourth grade, have a little dinner, and I’m ready Father Brian. “I when his famand energized for my evening have often wonily moved to Stillmeetings.” dered if that old well and began woman was God attending Queen speaking to me.” of the Holy Rosa“On the other hand,” he added ry Parish-Wea. It was there, as a high with a laugh, “maybe she was just an school student in the Blue Valley School District, that thoughts of a re- old lady who said that to everyone!”

Whatever the woman’s identity, ligious calling were first entertained.

“It came for me out of a place her words had an effect, and Brian of idealism, I think, wanting to Schieber set out to become a priest.

Amid much excitement and mailing somehow make a difference in the of invitations just before the diaconworld,” he recalled. “My parents got ate ordination, he phoned his mother a Maryknoll magazine that had picto tell her he was putting the brakes tures of struggling communities in Africa and other places, and I began on things for a while.

“She said, ‘Brian, you almost got to think about that as a way to lead married. You almost became a priest. a meaningful life. So I sent in a card asking for more information. It was Can you commit to anything?’ I was

Fitness:

Our fr Father B iendship and lo r v First at ian goes back e for a long t Curé of ime Ars ited him at Mund and then we . visraised t elein wh o worried the diaconate. en he was W h a priest e wasn’t good hen he , we pra enough yed har to be for God de ’s proud o will for him. N r than ever ow f and only the wonderful , we are p r s o since he rry not to se iest he is e him m is so bu ore sy with h Ed and is duties.

Mary S ayers

Famber I reme efore he ian b ther Br ined leadda was or the rosary in ing us ortion clinic b a at the days. I y Satur tion n a a on m his ordin ays was at lw a ny and ceremo would make e knew h ome priest es w a n a rt for d a hea he a who h t k and his floc . unborn orne Jo Hath

wondering that myself,” he said.

Father Brian has m any unique traits which I discovered work ing for him in the vocation office. He loves fo od, so when we had potlucks, I would ask what he was bringi ng, and he would say, “My healthy appetite.”

He is very frugal and still se nds me expense re ports on old brown office st ationery he wouldn ’t throw away. His frugality extends to words, too. When I sent an e-mail ex plaining a situatio n and expecting at least a two-sentence resp onse, he just said, “yes.” I re plied that he couldn ’t have come up with a sh orter answer, and his e-mail reply came back co mpletely blank.

Melanie Norris Sa vner

Surrender As he again went back to work as an engineer, Brian set out to examine the doubts that had been getting in the way of his calling.

“I didn’t feel holy enough,” he said. “I didn’t feel worthy enough.”

He began spiritual direction with a Carmelite priest, Father Terry Cyr, and explained to him that he intended to work on each of his perceived sins and shortcomings before taking the final plunge toward the priesthood.

“Father Terry told me by the time I scratched one thing off the list, I’d have added two more,” he recalled.

“He said I could not make myself worthy of the priesthood — that it was a grace, a gift, and I just had to surrender to God’s grace.”

A life-changing moment of clarity came soon, inside his car on a Saturday morning as he drove downtown to work.

“I was working about 60 hours a week,” he said, “and I was also very involved with CCD and youth programs back in Wea. This particular Saturday, I had to go into work, and it meant missing a big youth conference. It occurred to me that I was finding all my joy in the things I was doing with the church, and I wasn’t looking forward to work at all.

“It just hit me, after all the doubts, and I knew with certainty that I was called to be a priest. I know some people envision making a commitment as losing freedom, but for me it was the exact opposite. I agonized over that decision but, once I made it, it was like, ‘Now I can start living my life.’

“And since then, I have never had a second thought about being a priest.

“I love it, and I know it is what God wants me to do.”

Father BriWe attended ter, as part of the lcome ass. La e helped we w , an’s first M rs A f o ré at Cu at have the years th congregation In . d o o h st prie -director him to parish r Brian has become co the pastor in followed, Fa en assigned as a major th the vicars of vocations, ed as one of t friend m a n o ls a s a a Topeka. He w rchdiocese. He is a gre ea th f o l ra e n ge rful priest! ke and a wonde & John Hen Mary Anne

Assignments

• 1999-2001: Associate pastor, Curé of Ars, Leawood; chaplain, Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park • 2001-2007: Archdiocesan vocations director • 2007-2009: Archdiocesan co-director of seminarians • 2009-present: Pastor, Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka; archdiocesan vicar general for clergy

Fathe tor at r Brian, wh ile bein C g on our uré of Ars, was a the associa annua te pas l 8th-g welcom D.C. S ra t privile udents and de trips to e traveler Washin ge of b chape rones eing w gton, tive yo ha it u his vo ng priest wh h and experie d the rare c o human ation joyfull loved the L ncing a posiy, whil . On his ord an to pac e d k a coa first trip, Fa being cha lived rmingl ther B t; he w shirts. y rian ne ore lay At the g Brian e discov Ford’s Thea rs of loaned lected ered t ter Mu and st sweatha a s himse ture of Abra t he was the eum, Father lf to ev h eryone am Lincoln exact heigh . He e . ndeare t d Retire Dor d prin cipal, othy R. Lan c Curé o f Ars aster Schoo l

It was o ver 10 y marched into the c ears ago that I haplain’s first Miege Hig offi h with a wa School. The chapla ce at Bishop in greeted rm smile an my mind. m As a non-C d asked what wa e s on that the atholic, I ch wa wanted to urch was complete s convinced let a prie baloney a st it was his inexhausti know about it. M nd ay ble patien ine willin gn ce or his g be enuback in h ess to listen, but I found m is yself later tha office consistentl t I conve y. It was rted; and years vividly se only then e the profo did I u lain — Fa ther Brian nd impact of that chapSchieber.

Paul Stra u

b

d e blesse We wer her Brian at uched Fat ere e to to have Ars Parish. H g ways. We w n we e in f Curé o in the follow our house wh also s n s s e ia le v r b li B r r ou e him athe v F a . h h o r was is t e r excited ed into the pa when my fath oint v al nd an first mo at the hospit aptize a e call to b o s t u d d hous visite ceede and pro made a under[there] ell. He even him to better ch. w ur him as ather and help e Catholic Ch f h t y f o m s it ing vis ey Hall e teach nd Cor h a t y d r n o a st om, Em Beth, T I just been a want to say g t Mary. H odsend to us hat Father B rian ha is smile at Mos s t has he lped ou and humble Pure Heart of sense o r paris He did h o f it felt ne time ask G family in ma humor n to be r y ways e g Torre old promis . ed him er than our z and me ho w he had pastor, more w isdom. but we Andy W under er Briwith Fath . I I grew up osary-Wea Parish classes, R SOR ly o y an in H attending Sunda same r re in the e e b w m e e w m s a re hown with Bria uiet one; nd CCD then was always the q a n attention class. Bria mber him paying . My fondest rs me ever, I re mpared to us othe in the adoo c en , ft g o in n n d liste ing Bria e e s tell he ha s a w nd I could d to this a , memory a e W t pel a evote ration cha for God and was d e v lo a great ith.

-Vohs Catholic fa tterman e u G la u Pa

10 nation

THE LEAVEN • february 25, 2011

Faith leaders bring personal beliefs to death penalty talks HOUSTON (CNS) — Religious leaders, including Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, brought personal testimony and the beliefs common to their faiths to a recent dialogue on the death penalty.

Cardinal DiNardo said the care and support brought to families and communities victimized by murders is “an essential element and dimension of our religious convictions.”

He also said: “The humanizing attitude we can bring to the manner of punishing crime and criminals requires now more thinking and action in our culture, particularly in this faith, toward the elimination of punishment by execution.” The cardinal recalled leading a pro-life march in 2008 that ended with a vigil at the state penitentiary in Huntsville, which houses the state’s execution chamber, and a meeting with prison authorities.

“The authorities were kind and clear in the explanation of what happens in the final days and hours of the prisoner who is to be executed,” he said. “But in going into the death chamber and the surrounding rooms, there was an unmistakable aura and feeling of coldness, stark efficiency of everything that is opposed to the dignity of the human person, even a guilty one. I found the occasion instructive and alarming.”

Hard times don’t justify restricting workers’ rights MILWAUKEE (CNS) — Quoting Popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II, Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki issued a statement Feb. 16 that came down squarely in favor of workers’ rights in the face of efforts

by Wisconsin’s new governor to restrict those rights. “Hard times do not nullify the moral obligation each of us has to respect the legitimate rights of workers,” Archbishop Listecki said. “Every union, like every other economic actor, is called to work for the common good, to make sacrifices when required, and to adjust to new economic realities,” he said. “However, it is equally a mistake to marginalize or dismiss unions as impediments to economic growth.” Archbishop Listecki was responding to efforts by new Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, to push through measures restricting the rights of unions in a special session of the state legislature. The bill would strip most government workers — at the state, county and local levels, including teachers — of nearly all collective bargaining rights.

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THE LEAVEN • february 25, 2011

Hunt under way for stolen crucifix

Catholics receive Medal of Freedom WASHINGTON (CNS) — A Catholic labor leader, a baseball Hall of Famer and a member of the Kennedy clan were among those who received the Medal of Freedom in White House ceremonies Feb. 15. The Medal of Freedom is considered the nation’s highest civilian honor.

John Sweeney, the former president of the AFL-CIO, was honored, as was baseball Hall of Famer Stan Musial and Jean Kennedy Smith, founder of Very Special Arts, a nonprofit organization that promotes the artistic talents of people with disabilities.

Sweeney, 76, was AFL-CIO president for 14 years. Before that, he was president of the Service Employees International Union for 15 years, capping a 35-year career there. The son of Irish immigrants, he quit his job at IBM soon after graduating from college and took a two-thirds cut in pay to become a researcher for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union.

He has served as a consultant to the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.

Musial, 90, known as “The Man” during his 22-year playing career — all with the St. Louis Cardinals — banged out 3,630 hits during his career, still the fourth best of all time, including 475 home runs. He won the National League’s Most Valuable Player award three times, as well as three World Series championships with the Cardinals. The owner of a .331 lifetime batting average, he became President Lyndon Johnson’s physical fitness adviser following his retirement after the 1963 season.

Smith, who turns 83 on Feb. 20, is the last surviving child of Joseph and Rose Kennedy. In 1974, she founded Very Special Arts, which is affiliated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. It has affiliates in 60 countries and across the United States dedicated to creating a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts.

Smith also served as ambassador to Ireland under President Bill Clinton.

By Jonathan Luxmoore

Catholic News Service

CNS photo/Anto Akkara CNS photo/Tamara Tirado, Catholic Courier

AUTISTIC BOY POSES WITH BASKETBALL COACH — Jason McElwain and coach Jim Johnson pose for a photo following a Feb. 15 basketball game at Greece Athena High School in Greece, N.Y. McElwain, who is a high-functioning autistic, found national acclaim five years ago when he scored 20 points in less than four minutes as a player for Greece Athena. Johnson has co-written a book titled “A Coach and a Miracle: Life Lessons From a Man who Believed in an Autistic Boy.”

New book retells story of 2006 basketball ‘miracle’

By Amy Kotlarz

Catholic News Service GREECE, N.Y. (CNS) — Much has changed for Greece Athena High School varsity basketball coach Jim Johnson and former team manager Jason “J-Mac” McElwain since Feb. 15, 2006.

That was the night Johnson put McElwain into the game, and the teen — who is autistic — went on to score 20 points in the final 3:11 of the only varsity contest he ever played. The story of what Johnson terms a miraculous night was picked up by news media around the country.

In the five years following that game, the pair shook hands with President George W. Bush and exchanged autographs with celebrities at the 2006 NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis, the ESPN Espy Awards and the Teen Choice Awards. A movie being made about the game features Magic Johnson as an executive producer.

Jim Johnson and McElwain also are fixtures on the inspirational speaking circuit, sharing their stories of the game with everyone from educators to executives.

And with the release of a new book, Johnson is now a published author.

In “A Coach and a Miracle: Life Lessons From a Man who Believed in an Autistic Boy,” Johnson, a parishioner of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Greece, frames the game and season within his Catholic faith and reveals how he nearly quit coaching at the beginning of the 2005-06 season because of internal team strife.

“When I had a vision of this book after the story exploded, I felt there were so many wonderful life lessons throughout that season,” Johnson said. “This was a way I could share the things I’ve learned.”

The book invites readers at the beginning and end of each chapter to try such self-improvement tasks as setting goals, writing a personal mission statement and serving others.

The book also puts the game in perspective through reflections from sports celebrities and experts, including a foreword by University of Florida Coach Billy Donovan, and reactions from families who have struggled with disabilities and acceptance.

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Christian, Hindu artists paint Mother Teresa’s compassion

By Anto Akkara

Catholic News Service CALCUTTA, India (CNS) — Much to his chagrin, Hindu painter Venkataswami Logaguru never had the chance to see Blessed Teresa of Calcutta as she ministered to some of the city’s poorest residents.

These days, he’s painting his impressions of her as a way to honor the beloved woman.

“From childhood, I wanted to see the Mother, but I could not. Now, I am happy I could draw three paintings of her,” said Logaguru Feb. 11 at an exhibit featuring the work of two dozen artists after they participated in a four-day camp organized by the fledgling Christian Artists Association of India.

The camp, which ended Feb. 10, celebrated the theme “Mother Teresa: Communicator of Compassion.”

The idea for the exhibition came from Sister Nirmala Joshi, retired superior general of the Missionaries of Charity, the order founded by Mother Teresa.

“We started the camp by visiting and praying at the tomb of the Mother for in-

spiration for our work,” Logaguru said.

The artists from across India produced 42 paintings depicting various facets of Mother Teresa’s life.

“This depicts Mother’s love, service and the peace she promoted through her work,” explained Logaguru, pointing to one of his paintings.

Subhas Maity, another Hindu artist, was pleased to be asked to participate in the camp. Painting images of Mother Teresa allowed him to share his gratitude for the work of the Missionaries of Charity in his life.

Maity said he was indebted to Mother Teresa because the Missionaries of Charity arranged treatment and provided medicine for his acute epilepsy.

“I have been visiting Mother’s tomb at least twice a week for years,” said Maity, who travels two hours by bus to reach Mother Teresa’s tomb.

“Each time I paint Mother, I feel that I was touching the Mother,” said Maity, who had one of his paintings of Blessed Teresa presented to the governor of West Bengal state during celebrations of the 100th anniversary of her birth Aug. 26.

Communication issues, human trafficking plague seafarers VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Seafarers worldwide have always faced a difficult life marked by long periods away from loved ones, but increased globalization has given rise to new challenges, including difficulty with communication and human trafficking.

These were some of the issues that regional directors of the Apostleship of the Sea discussed Feb. 14-16 during their annual gathering at the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers. Globalization has led to the development of more ports, and existing ports are seeing an increase in traffic. The growth in the shipping and fishing industries has led to a greater demand for mariners, and the demand for manpower is so great in some parts of the world that personnel can be victims of human trafficking, said Father Romeo Yu Chang, regional coordinator of East-Far East Asia. For example, in Thailand, many people do not wish to take on the strenuous and risk-filled job on fishing boats, so laborers are being trafficked in from other countries. Undocumented laborers are often victims of abuse and exploitation, and many of the workers “are enticed or lured or kidnapped to work as sea fishermen,” he wrote in the report. The greatest problem historically faced by seafarers, who might spend 9-10 months at sea, has been the difficulty in communicating with family back home. The apostleship helps seafarers by offering phone cards and Internet connections at port centers, and port chaplains often go onto the boats with laptops and cell phones for workers to use.

Despite signs of upturn, Vatican budget hit by rising costs VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Despite signs of an economic recovery, the Vatican’s budget projections are still negatively affected by shaky global financial markets and rising operating costs. The Vatican expressed its gratitude for the donations that help fund its work and called on donors and the faithful to continue their support. A council of cardinals charged with reviewing Vatican finances met Feb. 15-16 to go over the projected budgets of 2011. They are given two separate budget reports: the budget of the Holy See, including the Roman Curia, Vatican diplomatic missions around the world, Vatican media outlets and investments; and the budget of Vatican City State, including the post office and Vatican Museums.

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ARTIST DISPLAYS PAINTING OF MOTHER TERESA — Hindu painter Venkataswami Logaguru poses with his painting of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Feb. 11. The painting was part of an exhibit featuring the work of two dozen artists after they participated in a four-day camp organized by the Christian Artists Association of India. The camp celebrated the theme “Mother Teresa: Communicator of Compassion.”

OXFORD, England (CNS) — A Catholic bishop has appealed for recognition of the importance of religious symbols for military personnel after a historic crucifix was stolen from a chapel at the site of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

“Battlefields are places where people are called to pray for peace and the fallen, however long ago the fighting took place,” said Bishop Richard Moth of the Military Diocese of Great Britain.

“The openness to prayer and faith remains widespread among troops today, and the experience of active service very often brings out a religious element even among people who don’t necessarily go to church at home,” he said. “So any soldier would be appalled by this immoral theft, which is a terrible shame and disservice to the wider community.”

Bishop Moth’s comments were made as an international police hunt continued for the six-foot commemorative crucifix, which was believed stolen the night of Feb. 3 from the chapel at Hougoumont in Belgium.

He said the crucifix was considered a key emblem by British regiments who took part in the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte’s Grand Army, and had long been a reminder to anyone visiting Waterloo of the “massive loss of life.”

“We’re not always very good at learning lessons from our own history. But this crucifix always prompted visitors to consider the lessons to be learned from Waterloo.”

Belgian police said the thieves used rough tools to remove the crucifix from the wall, leaving large wooden splinters, and had also removed a white altar cloth from the chapel to hide their traces.

They said the much-photographed cross was well-known from books and tourist guides, suggesting the robbery had been arranged on behalf of a private collector.

world 11

Piers Driven to Load-Bearing Strata or Bedrock

Kansas City LawrenceTopeka (913) 262-9352 (785) 865-0006(785) 246-0128

12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment Principal - Bishop Miege High School is seeking a principal to begin the 2011-12 academic year, someone that will provide spiritual, administrative and educational leadership for the faculty and students to carry on its mission of academic excellence and service. Candidate must be a practicing Catholic; possess a master’s degree in administration; have principal licensure for Kansas; plus ten years teaching/administrative experience. For information, contact Mariann Jaksa at (913) 262-2701, ext. 232, or send an e-mail to her at: mjaksa@bishop miege.com. The principal application form is available on the archdiocesan Web site at: http://archkckcs.org/employment.asp.

Submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, licensure and principal application to: Principal Search, Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Shawnee Mission KS 66205.

Principals - Seeking dynamic Catholic school principals who embrace the Catholic faith and possess spiritual leadership skills blended with strong instructional leadership and managerial skills. Three elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas have openings for the position of principal for the 2011 - 12 academic year: Holy Cross, Overland Park - Serves 304 students in grades K - 8 and employs 24 teachers. The preschool is comprised of 84 students and six teachers. The community is looking for a vibrant, faithfilled and skilled principal to lead the school in its continuous improvement efforts and to implement a comprehensive marketing initiative to increase school enrollment. In order to be successful at this effort, the principal will need spiritual skills in prayer and discernment, plus utilize best enrollment management practices to reach the entire Holy Cross community. Bilingual ability is a plus.

Holy Name, Kansas City, Kan. - Serves 168 students in grades K - 8 and employs 13 teachers. The preschool is comprised of 18 students and one teacher. The community is looking for a principal with excellent educational and administrative skills to both maintain the current programs as well as effectively address future programs. In addition, the principal is to implement the comprehensive strategic plan and marketing initiative to increase school enrollment and enhance programming. In order to be successful at this effort, the principal will need to have a strong presence in the Holy Name community.

Xavier, Leavenworth - Serves 266 students in grades K - 8 and employs 24 teachers. The preschool is comprised of 97 students and four teachers. The community is looking for a strong leader who possesses excellent administrative skills to both maintain the current programs as well as effectively implement future programs. In addition, the principal at Xavier is expected to work collaboratively as part of a leadership team. In order to be successful at this effort, the principal will need to be able to engage parents as well as the entire Leavenworth Regional Catholic School system community.

Applicants must be a practicing Catholic and hold (or be eligible for) an administrative license from the Kansas Department of Education. The principal application form is available on the archdiocesan Web site at: http://archkckcs.org/employment.asp. For information, contact Dr. Kathleen O’Hara, archdiocesan superintendent of schools, at (913) 721-1570 or send an e-mail to her at: kohara@archkckcs.org. Application deadline is March 8.

Retirement/disability specialist – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an experienced individual to support the human resources department in the retirement plan, 403(b) plan and disability insurance. Duties include: maintaining accurate records in database; communicating with insurance carriers and actuaries; preparing and disseminating reports from database and vendor Web sites; and preparing retirement documents. Ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing; have strong written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated attention to detail; experience working in a multifunctional database; strong mathematical aptitude; and 3 - 5 years administrative experience, preferably in a human resources setting.

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field preferred. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the Web site at: www.archkck.org/employment.

Individuals may submit cover letter, resume, and application, via e-mail, to: kthomas@archkck.org, or mail to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Human Resources - Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Application deadline is March 4.

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 25, 2011 Development assistant - The Catholic Education Foundation of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a part- time development assistant to help with grant writing, social media, and other duties in the CEF office. Applicants must be a practicing Catholic; possess a bachelor’s degree; demonstrate competency in writing, social media, Microsoft Excel and database management. Not-for-profit experience preferred. For information, contact Michael Morrisey, executive director, Catholic Education Foundation, at (913) 647-0383. Candidates may submit a cover letter and resume, via e-mail by March 25, to Michael Morrisey at: mmorrisey@archkck.org.

Director of music - Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, is seeking a full-time director of music to begin July 15. Candidates should have a music degree, be proficient in organ and piano, and possess strong interpersonal skills. Experience in church music preferred.

For information or to apply, contact Dr. Paula Neihouse at (913) 895-0682 or send an e-mail to her at: pneihouse@htlenexa.org.

Accountant - Community Housing of Wyandotte County (CHWC), a not-for-profit community development corporation located in Kansas City, Kan., has an opportunity for a full-time accountant. Individuals may submit cover letter, resume and references, via e-mail by March 7, to: hr@chwckck.org.

Library/media specialist and college counselor - Notre Dame de Sion High School, Kansas City, Mo., is seeking qualified applicants to fill this position. For a complete job description and application materials, visit the Web site at: www.ndsion.edu/ about_sion/employment_opportunities.cfml.

Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City area.

This position is ideal for a determined, high-energy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; or call (785) 364-5450.

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

Tutoring - Available for grades K - 12 in various subjects, as well as test preparation. For information, call (913) 206-2151 or send an e-mail to: Klmamuric@ yahoo.com.

Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor.

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

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

Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 422-0610; or send an e-mail to: tkidd@kc.rr.com.

Medical supplies and equipment - Home from the hospital and needing supplies and equipment? KC Home Medical Supply has what you need. Come see our retail store, or call Ed at (913) 385-2020.

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

Housekeeper/companion/elder care - Retired nurse with over 25 years experience is seeking a fulltime care position. Days/nights/weekends. Will consider outside the metro area or a live-in position as well. Rates negotiable. Call (913) 579-5276.

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 25, 2011 Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Sara or Gary.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

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

Caregiver - Catholic lady with over 30 years experience has part-time availability for elderly care.

Excellent references. Johnson County area. Call (913) 579-8914.

Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson county area. Call for a free quote.

(913) 709-8401.

Home Improvement Brack Home Repair - Call Dan when you need it done! Carpentry, drywall, plumbing, electrical, painting, tile, wood-rot and much more. No project too big or small. For free estimate, call (913) 219-5388 or visit the Web site at: brackhomerepair.com. Insured; senior discount available. Philippians 4:13.

Clutter getting you down? Organize, fix, assemble, clean . . . we do it all! For a free consultation, call your professional organizing handyman, Kevin Hogan, M Ed, today at (913) 271-5055. Insured; references. Visit the Web site at: www.koatindustries.com.

Clutter problems? Embarrassing garage, basement, attic or any room? Let me help you get organized! Items sorted, grouped, boxed and labeled; areas clean when finished. Great references and insured. Twenty years experience! Handyman repairs also available. To view “before” and “after” pictures, visit my Web site at: www.swalms.com. Tillar Swalm (913) 375-9115.

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376 STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Call for free estimates. Cell: (913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; e-mail: smokey cabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Thanks to all my customers for a great fall!

We’re looking for indoor work. We can do bathroom, kitchen, and basement remodeling. Includes floors, cabinets, doors, windows, sheetrock, painting, and wood rot. You name it – we can do it; just ask. We’re reasonably priced and fully insured. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

Wood treatment and refinishing - We strip, refinish and treat woodwork. Restoration of pews, altars, stairways, cabinets, desks, paneling and more.

Work in churches, homes and businesses. Insured and guaranteed. Family owned. Call (816) 241-1900.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

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

(913) 599-7998

Woodbright - A very affordable alternative to refinishing, refacing or replacing stained cabinets and woodwork. The average kitchen only costs $500. 18 years experience. Call Woodbright at (913) 940-3020.

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

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

Misc.

Donate a vehicle. Make a difference. Donate your vehicle to Catholic Charities to support those in need. Your tax-deductible donation of a vehicle helps children and families served by Catholic Charities and is an environmentally wise way to recycle your vehicle. Cars for KC Kids is a partnership between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Catholic Charities of Kansas City - St. Joseph. Call 1 (866) 430-9499 or visit the Web site at: www.cars4kckids.com.

Vacation Ireland roundabout tour - April 26 - May 9, 2011. Fully escorted by Irishman Gerry Buckley. Limited space available. For details, call (913) 648-1560 or send an e-mail to: gerry@completetrav.com.

Lake of the Ozarks rental - Osage Beach; million-dollar view; fully furnished; 2 BR, 2 BA; sleeps six. No smoking, no pets. For special rates or pictures, call Steve or Sheryl Roederer at (913) 244-2022.

Colorado ski vacation - Winter Park. 2 BR, sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec. center with pool & hot tub. Bus to ski area. $125/night; $700/ week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.

Real Estate Price reduced!! Winchester land - 40 acres: 10 timber, 30 prairie grass; two ponds with good fishing; good deer and turkey hunting; located 1-1/2 miles off highway; beautiful building site; excellent schools; only 40 miles from Kansas City. For information, call (913) 683-4488 or (913) 362-3024.

For Rent Country home - 3 BR, 1 BA, redecorated, one-car garage, central heat. On Tonganoxie Hwy 5. Call (913) 724-4204.

Wanted to buy Will buy firearms and related accessories One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. ***WANTED*** I buy coins, older watches, silverware, slot machines, old rifles and shotguns, stoneware crocks and jugs, old furniture from basement or attic.

Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269

Interior painting, tiling, kitchen, bath and basement remodeling – 20 years experience. Excellent references. Quality work at a reasonable price.

Call Rob at (913) 206-4524.

For Sale

Interior and exterior painting and wallpaper removal - 30-plus years experience. Quality work; excellent references; reasonable rates. Senior discount. Member of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

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

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.

American Girl-type solid wood doll furniture - Heirloom quality, handmade, built to last a lifetime.

In-home showroom. Custom orders welcome. Call John Hember at (913) 631-4060. Member of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Roof repair or replace – Insurance work welcome. Free inspection. Quality work; reasonable rates. Call (913) 206-4524.

For sale - Mausoleum burial crypt at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. For details, call (913) 9093738.

26

Feb.

The Knights of Columbus of Sacred Heart Parish, 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host a Texas hold’em tournament and chili dinner at 6 p.m. on Feb. 26. A suggested donation of $30 per person is appreciated.

For information, call (913) 963-9095.

Father Mitchel Zimmerman, archdiocesan vocation director, will host a “Venite et Videte” (“Come and See”) retreat for young men in grades 9 - 11 on Feb. 26 from 1 - 7:30 p.m. at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. Come enjoy some sports, inspiring talks, question-and-answer time, prayer, pizza and small group discussion. The cost is $10. For information or to register, visit the Web site at: www.kckvocations.com, or call (913) 647-0303.

Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, 7023 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, will host a ladies brunch from 9 a.m. - noon on Feb. 26. There will be a presentation, entitled “Does God Want You To Fast?”

The cost is $12. For information or to RSVP, call Patty at (913) 384-4644.

Mater Dei Parish, Topeka, will host a casino night on Feb. 26 at Rossiter Hall, 204 S.W. 8th St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; gaming runs from 7 - 10 p.m. A suggested donation of $20 per person is appreciated.

27 The Daughters of Isabella, Little Flower Circle No. 503, will meet at

1 p.m. on Feb. 27 at Rossiter Hall, 204 S.W. 8th, Topeka. Social time will follow the meeting.

St. Bede Parish, Kelly, will host its annual pancake breakfast from 7 a.m.

- noon on Feb. 27. Freewill offerings will be collected.

28

The Keeler Women’s Center will offer “Spending Wiser While Living on a Budget,” a financial presentation by Chiquita Miller of the K-State Extension, at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Space is limited; reservations are required. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb. org/kwc.

Benedictine College, Atchison, will offer “Fighting Poverty by Bringing Christ to the City,” a presentation by Dr. Jonathan Reyes, president of Denver Catholic Charities, from 8 - 9 p.m. on Feb. 28 in the Westerman Hall Auditorium, located at 1020 N. 2nd St. This event is open to the public and free of charge. For information, send an e-mail to Father Brendan Rolling at: brolling@ benedictine.edu or visit the Web site at: www.benedictine.edu/ministry.

1

Mar.

Our Lady of the Faithful, a group for all young adults in their 20s and 30s, will host a Latin Mass at 6:30 p.m. on March 1 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka. A dinner and social will follow. For information, contact Michelle Ann at (785) 580-3071, Sarah at (785) 580-3721 or send an e-mail to: our ladyofthefaithful@gmail.com.

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host a one-day retreat, entitled “Can You Drink This Cup?” (inspired by Henri Nouwen’s book of the same title) from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on March 1. Sister Marcia Ziska, OSB, will lead the day of reflection exploring the spiritual horizons posed by Jesus’ question. The cost is $50. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/ sophia.html.

2

“Getting it All Together: Life Skills for Women,” a life skills and job readiness workshop presented by Deb Foster, will be offered from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on March 2 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. This program is designed for women seeking entry-level positions or for women who have had a hard time finding and keeping a job. Lunch is included; reservations are required. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

All Kansas women without health insurance are invited to attend the Early Detection Works program, which offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings for qualifying uninsured women in Kansas, on March 2 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. No reservations are needed; just drop in between 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

5

Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish, Topeka, will host its inaugural German Fasching Mardi Gras on March 5. The evening will include Mass, a German buffet, a polka dance, a silent auction, and raffles. For information, visit the Web site at: www.sacredheartstjosephcatholic.org.

The Holy Family Social Club will host a pre-spring dance from 7 - 10 p.m. on March 5 at Mejak Hall, 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kan. Music will be provided by Jim “the DJ” Taylor. The cost is $5, payable at the door. For information or to reserve a table in advance, call Richard Schutte at (913) 669-3677.

The Curé of Ars Singles will host a Mardi Gras dance from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. on March 5 in the school cafeteria, located at 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Music will be provided by Carl the DJ The cost of $15, payable at the door, will include hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and beverages. For information, call (913) 631-6873.

Father Mitchel Zimmerman, archdiocesan vocation director, will host a “Venite et Videte” (“Come and See”) retreat for young men in grades 6 - 8 on March 5 from 2 - 8:30 p.m. at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. Come enjoy some sports, inspiring talks, question-and-answer time, prayer, pizza and small group discussion. The cost is $10. For information or to register, visit the Web site at: www.kckvocations. com, or call (913) 647-0303.

St. James Academy and the School of Faith will sponsor a conference and Mass for the sick and suffering from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on March 5 at St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa. There will be veneration of the first-class relic of St. Padre Pio’s blood. The cost of $25 includes lunch. For information or to register, call (913) 2544200 or visit the Web sites at: www.sjakeepingfaith.org or www.schooloffaith. com.

Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, will host a Mardi Gras dinner dance on March 5. Music will be provided by the Harvest Moon Band. The cost of $20 includes dinner and beverages. For information or to RSVP, call Patty at (913) 384-4644.

Blessed Sacrament Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will host a Mardi Gras dinner on March 5 in the Blessed Sacrament Family Center, 2215 Parallel Pkwy.. Gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice will be served from 3 - 9 p.m. There will be games and activities for all ages from 3 - 7 p.m. The cost is $7 per person.

6

Boy Scout Troop 295 at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, will host a pancake and sausage breakfast and bake sale on March 6, following all the morning Masses. The cost is $6 per person; $20 maximum per family.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will celebrate Mass for past Light of the World retreatants and their families and friends at 6 p.m. on March 6 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka. A reception will follow. For information, contact Matt Karr at (913) 7211570.

St. Joseph Church, 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, will host its annual St. Joseph table and pasta dinner on March 6 in McDevitt Hall. Father Mike Hawken will bless the table at 8:30 a.m. Viewing will be from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Home-baked breads, cookies, pies and cakes, along with candies, fruit, wine, floral arrangements and religious articles will be available for purchase. A pasta dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Freewill donations will be accepted. Proceeds will benefit the needy of the parish. For information, call Christine Marion at (913) 268-6677.

8 & 10

“Godspell Junior” is being presented by the Holy Trinity School, Lenexa, 7th- and 8th-graders in

CALENDAR 13

the parish center. Set in a camp environment, “Godspell Junior” offers a unique reflection of the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance, and love.

Performances are March 8 (7th grade) and March 10 (8th grade) at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free.

9

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer a Lenten lectio group that will meet from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, beginning March 9. For information, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

12

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host “Teresa of Avila: HighSpirited Mystic,” a one-day retreat presented by Benedictine Sister Sheila Carroll, from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on March 12.

This retreat will include talks on the writings of Teresa, prayer experiences, quiet time, and a video. The cost is $50; $100, if staying overnight. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/sophia. html.

23

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host “Prayer in a World of Chaos,” a one-day retreat presented by Benedictine Sister Constance Krstolic, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on March 23. Taking time to refocus your life upon God’s magnetic presence is the purpose of this prayer day. The cost is $50. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/ sophia.html.

25-27

Divorced? Widowed?

Beginning Experience Weekend gently helps people move through their loss to a new beginning in their lives. The next weekend for the Kansas City area will be held from March 25 - 27 at Sanctuary of Hope Retreat Center, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call John at (913) 219-3465 in Kansas City, Michelle at (785) 478-3481 in Topeka, Jerry at (785) 843-2079 in Lawrence, or visit the Web site at: www. beginningexperience.org.

Misc.

The Catholic Alumni Club International (CACI) will host a young adults weekend in St. Louis from June 2 - 5. For information, send an e-mail to Steve at: valksr@yahoo.com, or visit the Web site at: www.csacstlouis.org/youngadults.html.

El Centro, Inc., will offer classes in financial literacy, home improvement, and home buyer education. The classes are free and open to the public. All classes are held at 650 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Participants are asked to preregister. For dates and times of classes, call (913) 677-0100.

14 COMMENTARY

Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Quote Week

of the

“It just hit me, after all the doubts, and I knew with certainty that I was called to be a priest. I know some people envision making a commitment as losing freedom, but for me it was the exact opposite. I agonized over that decision but, once I made it, it was like, ‘Now I can start living my life.’

Father Brian Schieber, pastor of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka See story on pages 8-9

The EIGHth week of ordinary time Feb. 27 EIGHth sunday in ordinary time Is 49: 14-15; Ps 62: 2-3, 6-9; 1 Cor 4: 1-5; Mt 6: 24-34 Feb. 28 Monday Sir 17: 20-24; Ps 32: 1-2, 5-7; Mk 10: 17-27 March 1 Tuesday Sir 35: 1-12; Ps 50: 5-8, 14, 23; Mk 10: 28-31 March 2 Sir 36: 1, 4-5a, 10-17; Ps 79: 8-9, 11, 13; Mk 10: 32-45 March 3 Katharine Drexel, virgin Sir 42: 15-25; Ps 32: 2-9; Mk 10: 46-52 March 4 Casimir Sir 44: 1, 9-13; Ps 149: 1-6a, 9b; Mk 11: 11-26 March 5 Saturday Sir 51: 12c-20; Ps 19: 8-11; Mk 11: 27-33

THE LEAVEN • february 25, 2011

I

THE LEAVEN • february 25, 2011

Mark my words

simply stewardship

Will you glimpse the hereafter this Lent?

The Catholic Foundation envisions success in spiritual terms

’m sure you’ve heard about the parish priest who met one of his elderly parishioners while out taking a walk.

Since this guy rarely darkened the church door, the priest said, “So, Henry, I haven’t been seeing you much in church. You know that you’re not getting any younger. Isn’t it time you started to think about the hereafter.”

“Oh, Father, don’t worry about me,” said Henry cheerfully. “I’ve got it covered. In fact, I think about the hereafter all the time. Yup, it seems like every time I come into a room lately, I find myself saying, ‘Hm, I wonder what I came here after.’”

The other morning after Mass, I was walking out with one of my parishioners (who, unlike Henry above, is neither elderly nor absent from church).

When I asked how she was doing, she said, “You know, Father, I’ve been going through these past few weeks with a nagging feeling that something’s missing. And you know what it is? Lent!”

She’s right. Usually by this time of year, we’re already a week or two into our Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. This year, however, we’ve still got about 10 days before Ash Wednesday rolls around; Easter isn’t until April 24!

The last time Easter was so late was back in 2000 when it fell on April 23.

A close second was 2003, when it was celebrated on April 20. According to some quick research, the earliest Easter can occur in the Western calendar is on March 22; the latest, on April 25.

Incidentally, the date of Easter — the

first Sunday after the first full moon of spring — was decreed way back in 325 at the Council of Nicaea.

But I digress.

And that’s no surprise, since I’ve been very scattered lately, finding it hard to focus or concentrate. In other words, I’ve been busy, but not productive; constantly in motion, but not really getting anywhere. And you know what? I think that it’s because I (gasp) actually miss Lent. Now, I can’t say that I look forward to Lent each year, but I know that I need it to reset my life.

For me, Lent is a time of realignment, illustrated wonderfully in this little story: Some boys were having a contest to see who could make the straightest track across a snowy field. Each one set out with high hopes and great enthusiasm, but only one kid succeeded in making a path that was almost perfectly straight.

When the others asked how he managed to do it, the boy replied, “It was easy. I just kept my eyes fixed on the lightning rod on the top of the barn at the end of the field — while the rest of you kept looking at your feet as you walked.” (Adapted from a story in Anthony Castle’s “A Treasury of Quips, Quotes & Anecdotes for Preachers and Teachers.”)

Whenever I find myself in this

unfocused state, it’s because I’ve lost perspective. It’s as If I’m looking down at my feet, trying distractedly to find my own way. Like the boys in the story above, doing this gets me far off the “straight and narrow.” Especially during Lent, Jesus wants to raise our vision. By focusing on him and following more faithfully where he leads us, our lives can get back on track.

For my Lenten resolution this year, I’m returning to a practice that helps me unclutter my life in a fun (and productive) way. In the course of a day, many good intentions pop into my head: people to call, cards to write, meals to schedule with friends, etc.

Although these things are important — and I do faithfully scribble a “to do” note as a reminder — I often don’t actually get to them.

My first step in preparing for Lent is to gather all of my (very many and) scattered “to do” lists. Each “good intention” will then be written on its own small piece of paper and tossed into a small tin “Lenten Task” bucket. Every morning of Lent, I’ll pull one out and do that good deed. The “fun” part of it is that I don’t know what I’ll be called upon to do each day — and therefore I can’t talk myself out of it! And because there will no doubt be more slips of paper in the bucket than days of Lent, I intend to keep at it until it’s empty. After all, who says you have to stop doing good just because Lent is over?

Even though Lent isn’t yet knocking on your door, why not get started today on planning what you intend to do during those special 40 days. Please don’t delay. After all, I don’t want you to show up scattered and confused in church on Ash Wednesday, wondering what you’re here after.

second thoughts on the second reading

O

columnists 15

St. Paul highlights God’s ‘mysteries’

ccasionally, a priest will begin the penitential rite at Mass with the words, “Let us prepare ourselves to celebrate these sacred mysteries by calling to mind our sins.”

The word “mysteries” should ring a bell. We have heard it recently, usually in its singular form, several times in the second reading at Sunday Mass in our continuous reading of St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. This Sunday it will occur in the very first sentence eighth sunday in of the reading: ordinary time “Thus should one 1 Cor 4: 1-5 regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” “Mystery” is a loaded word. In ancient Greece, certain religious groups held secret ceremonies, in which they initiated new members. Those ceremonies were called the “mysteries.” Some scholars even claim that those Greek mysteries influenced the way that the sacraments eventually took shape in Christianity.

There is little evidence to support that view, although it is true that, in the Greek language, the word “mystery” became the equivalent of the word “sacrament.” Consequently, in Greek one may speak of the mystery of baptism, the mystery of the Eucharist, and

so on. Our word “sacrament” derives from Latin and does not exist in Greek.

Does that mean that when St. Paul writes about himself and the other apostles as “stewards of the mysteries of God,” he is describing them as caretakers of the sacraments, much as pastors function in modern churches?

Is St. Paul referring to the responsibilities of ensuring that religious ceremonies are properly carried out? Or does he have something broader in mind?

We know that St. Paul did administer the sacrament of baptism. He reports on that earlier in the same letter: “I baptized the household of Stephanas; also, beyond that I do not know whether I baptized anyone else” (1 Cor 1: 16).

At the same time, St. Paul stresses that he does not regard his sacramental duties as primary, but rather as belonging to a larger mission. That is why he adds: “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the Gospel” (1

Cor 1:17). He further explains: “When I came to you, brothers, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom” (1 Cor 2:1). Here, the mystery of God is a message to be proclaimed, not a ceremony to be performed.

On the other hand, St. Paul clearly recognized the importance of baptism and the Eucharist — those events in the life of the church which eventually were called the mysteries in Greek; the sacraments in Latin. In this same letter, he will discuss the Eucharist at length.

He includes significant teachings about baptism in his Letter to the Romans, among others. He does not ignore those events which eventually would come to be known as the sacraments.

At the same time, St. Paul probably did not make some of the distinctions to which we have grown accustomed.

For him, the term “mysteries of God” included both the salvation that comes from Jesus Christ and the baptism which brings the believer to that salvation; both the grace which comes from God and the Eucharist which nourishes us with that grace. It is all part of the package.

Father Mike Stubbs is the senior parochial vicar of Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

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blessing is found in the laymen and women who serve as church leaders, the stewards of our organizations whose own conversion and personal encounters with Jesus Christ initiate a profound change in who they are and what they are called to do.

I witnessed discipleship among the members of the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas board of directors, which annually meets for half-day sessions of discussion on topics that range from Christian leadership to strategic planning. At one of these meetings, the

board composed its “vision statement” — what it would like to be known for 25 years from now — and it is not the typical corporate mantra or slogan.

Its new vision statement? It is simply this: “We are the hands and feet of Jesus who created opportunities to experience a relationship with him and to live our daily lives in his image.”

A less faith-filled group might measure its organization’s long-term success in secular terms, such as managing investments to maximize distributions to

stakeholders. Not this group. The members understand that their fundamental activity is service and to promote the spiritual mission of the Catholic Church by encouraging stewardship.

The Catholic Foundation collaborates with parishes and Catholic institutions to develop support for the church, always committed to responsible stewardship of assets, which according to the last quarterly report exceed $40 million.

I think it is commendable that the vision of this exemplary group of men and women is not realized in the bottom line but is envisioned in the opportunities that the funds create for others to experience the love of Jesus Christ in their own lives. They see their roles clearly to help build the kingdom of God. As Christians, we are asked to view our gifts as blessings from God, nurturing them during our lifetime and return-

ing them to our heavenly Father with an increase. The Catholic Foundation envisions a culture of planned giving in which every Catholic asks: “Have I included the church in my will?”

Stewardship is a way of life, based on the spiritual principles of the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus. Where it has been implemented, both givers’ and receivers’ lives have been changed.

To learn more about stewardship, plan to attend the Region IX International Catholic Stewardship Conference on Friday, April 1, at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. For more information, call (913) 647-0325 or visit the Web site at: www.cfnek.org.

Lesle Knop is the executive director of stewardship and development. You can e-mail Lesle at: lknop@archkck.org.

building the culture of life

Help us build the momentum behind the pro-life movement

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e are seeing significant pro-life legislative activity at both the national and state levels, which will hopefully result in life-affirming laws getting passed both nationally and within the state of Kansas.

It is very important to note that this activity is the direct result of electing more pro-life politicians in the November 2010 elections, including those assuming important leadership positions.

Momentum is now with the pro-life movement. This bears repeating — momentum is with the pro-life movement.

The majority of the public now considers itself pro-life, according to recent

polls, and this is being reflected in election results. Our culture is changing in a positive way.

How do we keep this positive momentum? Borrowing from Newton’s first law of motion, we know that objects in motion tend to stay in motion with the same speed and direction, unless acted upon by another force. A major negative force that can change this pro-life momentum is the force that supports laws that favor killing of unborn children.

Therefore, let’s pray and act so that the forces that favor legalized abortion

continue to diminish and that the forces in support of life continue to grow. You play a critical role in this effort. Vote pro-life. Help elect only politicians who will vote to legally protect every human being, including unborn babies. Help create an environment whereby any politician who favors legalized abortion is considered unfit to serve and finds it impossible to get elected.

Is this possible? Certainly! Is it possible for any politician to be elected today who favors legalized slavery or who opposes a woman’s right to vote?

Of course not! In the same way, any politician who supports legalized abortion must not be able to get elected.

Laws play a pivotal role in a society that is founded upon the rule of law.

Laws reflect someone’s values and, in a democratic society, all of us have a right to express our values. Catholics and Christians have every right to desire that their values — not the

dogma and doctrine — are reflected in law. Law is also a teacher, and immoral laws promote immorality. Legalized abortion is one of the most grievously immoral laws that promotes one of the most grievous offences and contributes significantly to the moral decay within much of our society.

The pro-life movement is very strong and committed to life and will persist until all human beings are protected in law. Please help maintain and grow the momentum the pro-life movement is now experiencing and encourage others to join in this epic battle to end the scourge of abortion in our nation.

Please be a bright light in a culture of darkness.

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

protecting families from pornography

Ex-Playboy photographer, ex-pornography star, and better intimacy

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his past summer, my wife and I had the opportunity to speak at a Catholic conference along with a former Playboy photographer, a former pornography star, and an Ivy League psychologist.

The event was organized by Steve Bollman, who founded a large Catholic ministry called That Man is You! that is thriving in our area and throughout the country.

Donny Pauling had earned up to $50,000 per month as a producer and photographer for Playboy magazine and several other pornography companies before his miraculous conversion.

He spoke about the physical and sexual abuse that often takes place on set dur-

ing the filming of pornography, which is edited from the final product. Pauling admitted that he would threaten to not pay women until the pornographic scenes looked convincing. He said there were times when women had to be taken to the hospital after being filmed to surgically repair the damage that had been done to their bodies.

A beautiful woman named Christina gave a heartbreaking testimony about her modeling in pornographic movies, along with her inspiring conversion story. Christina would drive home sobbing after being filmed in pornographic

scenes. She broke down crying during the conference and said, “I wanted someone to rescue me.”

Dr. Mary Anne Layden, an internationally respected psychologist from the University of Pennsylvania, discussed pornography’s effects on the brain and marital intimacy. A short video with some of the most emotional parts of this conference was recently posted on YouTube and is linked on the home page of our Web site at: www.

LoveIsFaithful.com. The two to three hours of DVD footage for the entire conference is available by contacting That Man is You. The truth about pornography needs to be exposed, and we need more stories from people who have broken out of the industry, along with practical ways to protect families and heal marriages. One of the best antidotes to pornography is a collection of new Catholic teachings on sex, love, and marriage. Catholic resources about sex

have exploded in the last 10-15 years thanks to Pope John Paul II, who wrote nearly two thirds of what the church has ever taught about sex and marriage in the theology of the body (TOB).

There are TOB classes at many local Catholic churches, and many youth ministers are using TOB resources to help their teens understand God’s amazing plan for sexuality. We have put several links on our site to incredible CDs, books, and Web sites: PureLoveClub.com, imagodei-tob.org, TheologyOfTheBody.net, and ChristopherWest.com.

I will spend time in future columns writing more about TOB and ways to experience better intimacy. Despite the darkness of pornography in our culture, I have great hope for the future.

Sam Meier is the consultant for the My House Freedom from Pornography Initiative.

16 local news

THE LEAVEN • february 25, 2011

Animator tells familiar tales in a new way Continued from page 3

Imagination animation And Rausch had one heck of an imagination — one that stuck with him all through college and into his career as a computer animator.

It was his saint-inspired imagination — plus his Catholic faith and the encouragement of others — that led him to produce five five-minute animations compiled in a DVD titled, “Epic Tales in the Lives of the Saints.”

The DVD is produced by Pixation, Inc., doing business as Picture Box Animation.

Pixation is co-owned by Rausch and J.C. Hendricks.

Rausch, a member of St. Joseph Church in Shawnee, works at a desk in an apartment, surrounded by two keyboards, two monitors, and several computers that are connected by a tangle of cables.

“I live at my desk,” said Rausch. “I do [three-dimensional] animation — the sort of animation you see in ‘Toy Story,’ although not of that quality — or like video game animation.”

Rausch’s day job involves producing sports animations part time for a North Carolina company, as well as doing contract work for various local companies.

Although it’s great work, he said, before Pixation, he’d always felt a sort of restlessness, a feeling that he had to do something more.

Dana Rausch (left) uses great detail in his fiveminute animations on the saints, called “Epic Tales.” Above is a scene from a story about St. Francis. “Epic Tales” will debut on EWTN in the fall.

Gambling on the saints Then the light bulb came on. Why not use his 3-D animation talents to make videos about his favorite heroes, the saints? He began working on the first one in November 2009.

“Basically, I took a bit of a gamble,” said Rausch. “I cut my regular work hours in half and decided, once I decided to do this, to work on the saints DVD part of the day. I’d already been working weekends and evenings on it.”

About a year later, he had created animations featuring five saints: Julie, Patrick, Claire, Nicholas and Francis of Assisi.

Rausch chose saints who, for the most part, are familiar to all Christians. But he didn’t want to produce biographies of the saints or retell stories that were already familiar to people. Rather, he wanted to tell the less familiar but dramatic stories most people don’t hear about. He wrote the scripts and submitted them to the Eternal Word Television Network’s theology department for edits and suggestions. “[I wanted to tell about] the very dramatic events that occurred in their lives, their adventures,” said Rausch, “their miracles and even the tragic events. I have to be careful about what I pick because there are so many martyrs, and I don’t want to tell too gruesome of a story for kids.”

His target audience is kids up to age 12, but he’s discovered that even adults like them.

“When I showed St. Patrick to a Protestant friend of mine, he said, ‘I had no idea Saint Patrick did that,’” said Rausch.

Brand-name recognition Producing animated tales of the saints made perfect sense

catechetically, said Rausch, because the saints led exciting lives that can teach and inspire kids to learn more, and want to learn more, about their Catholic faith.

Even though the saints have great “brand” recognition and great stories, Catholics have failed to make use all of the tools and techniques of modern technology and entertainment to tell their stories. By contrast, the secular world has expended considerable energy propagating all sorts of harmful nonsense.

“The secular world is so caught up in shallow things, and things based on popularity and what is marketable,” said Rausch. “It [gave me] a kind of revulsion to do anything secular, and I wanted to revert back to the spiritual.”

St. Francis from an episode of “Epic Tales.”

How he made them Rausch created his 3-D animations on a quad-core Dell Pentium computer and a number of other computers linked to form a “render farm.” He uses two programs, 3D Studio MAX and Adobe Premiere.

The animations are created in MAX, and Rausch edits them in Adobe.

It took him four months to create his first animation, but only two months each for the last two. Sometimes it can take hours for one of the “nodes” (computer) in his render farm to create or render three seconds of animation. Five minutes, he discovered, is the ideal length to

Heart,” a children’s program aired by EWTN. “I thought [the Saint Patrick animation] was well done,” said Peter Gagnon, EWTN director of programming and production.

“The key to his [animations] is faithfulness to the truth of the lives of the saints . . . and I think he’s a good animation artist,” he continued. “They’re in a little different style than your typical animations. And I think they help tell the story of the lives of the saints, and I think they’ll be intriguing for children to help them learn a bit more about the saints.”

The EWTN program is presented by keep a kid’s attention and tell a story.

Dominican Sisters from Ann Arbor, Mich.

“I sculpt or design a character in the Various Sisters teach different grade levcomputer that I can animate,” he said. els, and Rausch’s animations will appear “I have to create every aspect of the enin the fifth-grade lessons. vironment, the lighting, and the timing.”

Gagnon said the program with Rausch has done realistic animations Rausch’s animations will be shown at 5 before, but his saint animations have a p.m. on Fridays, with likely air dates beblocky, wooden toy look to them. This ing Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30 and Oct. 7. Viewis in part because the stylized look is ers should check the EWTN Web site for unique and allows more creative freeupdates on the show schedule at: www. dom . . . and because he likes the textures ewtn.com. and look of wood.

After they appear on “Truth in the “I’ve always been Heart,” the animations will likely in love with wood — be used as stand-alone programs the wooden statues in the children’s block of programand altars I’d seen in ming. a lot of old churchIn addition to contacting es,” he said. “And as EWTN, Rausch has created a Facea kid, I carved a lot out of book page for “Epic Tales” and has wood, and I’d made chardistributed copies to priests acters a lot like the ones I he knows. He is also working designed here.” with Allan Napleton, president One of the challenges of the Catholic Marketing NetRausch faces is marketwork. People can also buy ing his animations. The the videos by contacting creation came first. He Rausch directly, via e-mail, had no idea who would at: dana@picture-box.biz, show the videos, or how or by calling him at (785) to promote them.

393-9110.

“It wasn’t fully develRausch would like to oped,” he said. “It was make more saint animaalways something that I tions, but much depends was trusting in God that on what success he sees with they would find a venue. those he’s already produced.

But, after I finished the But there’s one thing he first animation on Saint doesn’t have to worry about: a Patrick, I sent a notice shortage of material. out on LinkedIn (a pro“That’s the great thing about fessional social media the saints,” he said. “There’s no Web site).”

Rausch’s take on limit to the good stories. They’re One of his real coups was land- St. Patrick for endless.” ing some time on “Truth in the “Epic Tales.”