02-26-16 Vol. 37 No. 28

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 37, NO. 28 | FEBRUARY 26, 2016

CRY FREEDOM

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Capitol police estimated that between 1,500 and 2,000 people flooded the state Capitol building in Topeka for the Rally for Religious Freedom on Feb. 17.

Rally for Religious Freedom brings crowd to Capitol

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

T

OPEKA — The six speakers gave the c r o w d plenty of reasons to cheer and applaud at the Rally for Religious Freedom on Feb. 17 at the state Capitol here.

One among them, however, nearly brought rally participants to tears. It was Barronelle Stutzman, a 71-year-old florist from Richland, Washington.

“You guys are awesome,” she said to cheering attendees when she stepped to the podium. “Thank you for having me [here]. It’s a pleasure to be here to tell you my story about how much it means to have religious freedom.”

The story she had to tell was anything but pleasurable.

Stutzman, a grandmother of 23 children, had quietly

More photos from this event can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org

LEAVEN PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann delivers the closing prayer to the gathered crowd at the rally. worked as a florist in her shop for 47 years. Soon after the state of Washington legalized same-sex marriage, a longtime

customer came to her shop in 2013 to order flowers for his wedding to another man.

“As much as I enjoyed de-

signing for Rob [Ingersoll] all these years, I couldn’t custom create something that went totally against my faith,” she

said. “My faith teaches me that marriage is between a man and a woman, and it represents Christ and the church.”

She recommended three other florists to Ingersoll and thought they parted amicably.

But within a week, the attorney general and the ACLU had filed a lawsuit against her.

“They not only sued me, but they sued my store,” said Stutzman through her tears.

“I will not just lose my flower shop, but we will lose our life savings, our home and our retirement.”

Since then, Stutzman has been harassed and threatened and has had to take measures for her personal security.

“We were all in tears,” said rally-goer Chris Kopecky, a Kansas City-area attorney and member of St. Michael the >> See “TEAM” on page 5

FEBRUARY 26, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

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In a representative system, we get the government we deserve

he sanctity of human life, marriage and family life, religious freedom and the U.S. Constitution lost a great defender and friend with the untimely death of Justice Antonin Scalia.

The appointment of his successor could move our nation’s highest court even further along its recent path of arrogating to itself the right to determine our nation’s public policy on issues of such significant consequence as the legalization of abortion and, more recently, the redefinition of marriage.

In recent years, the court has usurped the right of the people by referendum or through their elected representatives to determine national as well as state policies on such fundamental social issues. The court has shown an alarming propensity to attempt to close off debate and shut down the democratic process to impose what it considers its own enlightened opinion on such neuralgic social policy issues.

On Feb. 17, the Kansas Catholic Conference, along with other faithbased organizations sponsored a religious freedom rally at our state Capitol in Topeka. The event exceeded my highest expectations drawing between 1,500 to 2,000 people, who filled the rotunda of the Capitol as well as the balconies above.

The rally featured an incredible lineup of speakers that included Ryan Anderson of the Heritage Foundation, who is one of the most insightful advocates for religious liberty and conscience rights. I highly recommend his

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN most recent book, “Truth Overruled: The Future of Marriage and Religious Freedom,” if you want to understand the implications of the Supreme Court’s redefinition of marriage and its impact upon religious liberty and conscience rights.

Rally participants also heard from Pastor Hernan Castano from Houston, Texas, who with several other pastors had his Sunday sermons subpoenaed, in an effort to intimidate him into silence regarding the effort to enact a local ordinance making homosexuals legally a protected class.

While on the surface this seems harmless, the effect of such a law would mean that the socalled “rights” of those with this legal status supersede the religious freedom and conscience rights of others.

Dr. Everett Piper, the president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University (a co-plaintiff with the Little Sisters of the Poor in a case soon to be argued before the U.S. Supreme Court), spoke eloquently about the devastating impact of Obamacare’s Health and Human Services (HHS) mandates requiring religious insti-

tutions and ministries to include in their employee health care programs so-called “preventive health services” that violate their own deeply held religious and moral convictions.

Similarly, Jeanne Mancini, the president of the March for Life in Washington, D.C., shared their efforts to resist the HHS mandates requiring her organization, whose whole purpose for existence is opposition of abortion, to provide abortifacients to their employees.

The most poignant speech was given by Barronelle Stutzman, who is the owner of Arlene’s Flowers in the state of Washington. Barronelle is fighting lawsuits initiated by the state of Washington and the ACLU seeking not only to close her business, but to impose damages that would take her home, her life savings and her retirement plan. Why? Because she declined to do floral arrangements for a same-sex wedding ceremony!

Barronelle employs homosexuals and has provided for decades floral arrangements for many individuals with same-sex attraction. She considered the man, who requested the arrangement for his same-sex wedding, not only a valued customer but a

friend. She recommended three other florists whom she was confident would gladly provide floral arrangements for the occasion. She declined simply because it was against her deeply held religious convictions to participate in a same-sex wedding ceremony.

Baronelle’s case illustrates that the civil recognition of same-sex marriage promoted on the basis of tolerance is being used to create an intolerant and hostile environment for the free expression of religion. Some advocates for same-sex marriage have made it clear that one of their goals is to coerce churches and other religious groups to change their moral teaching regarding homosexual actions. If they succeed, orthodox Catholic moral teaching, as well as biblical teaching regarding homosexual activity, will soon be considered a “hate crime.” If this happens, the consequences for our parishes and schools will be catastrophic.

During this election year, thoughtful citizens need to evaluate and seriously consider what kind of person presidential candidates will nominate to the Supreme Court. Since our country’s highest court in recent decades has taken on the role of imposing public policy upon the nation, we have to be much more conscious of those responsible for nominating and confirming candidates for the court.

This has also become a problem with our state courts as well.

This past year, a Kansas judge claimed to discover a right to abortion in the Kansas Constitution. This particular case will soon come

CALENDAR

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN

Knights of the Holy Sepulcher Mass and dinner — Curé of Ars, Leawood

Feb. 26-28 Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher winter meeting — Omaha, Nebraska

Feb. 28 Junior high youth rally — Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg

March 5 Anointing Mass — Curé of Ars

Feb. 29 Confirmation — Mater Dei, Topeka March 1 Adoration — St. James Academy, Lenexa Administrative Team meeting Benedictine College dialogue with senior philosophy and theology majors — Atchison March 2 High school art exhibit and reception — Savior Pastoral Center High school counselors and principals talk — Savior “Trust One Greater” — Benedictine College

March 3 Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call

before the Kansas Supreme Court.

The Founders fought and died to bring to birth a nation where religious liberty and conscience rights would be protected and respected. Throughout our nation’s history, many others fought and died defending these most fundamental God-given rights. Are we willing to sacrifice and subjugate these fundamental liberties to recently invented “rights” that are a residue of the socalled sexual revolution of the late 20th century — a social experiment that

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Pastoral visit — Sacred Heart, Tonganoxie March 6 Pastoral visit — Annunciation, Baldwin City Faith and Family Sunday for Missouri Mavericks hockey team — Independence, Missouri

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER Feb. 27 Confirmation — St. Joseph, Chicago March 1-3 Bishops’ meeting March 3 Knights of the Holy Sepulcher Mass and dinner — Curé of Ars, Leawood March 6 Confirmation — St. Ann, Prairie Village March 7-9 Labor Review Board — New York City

devastated marriage and family life in our country?

Our nation faces many daunting challenges at this moment of our history. We can address and remedy all of them if we have strong families that form children to become virtuous citizens. Our Founders appreciated the importance of religion in fostering healthy families and cultivating virtuous citizens. In a representative democratic republic, we get the government that we deserve.

The choice is ours.

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FEBRUARY 26, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Archbishop shares vision with Hispanic community

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The chief shepherd was out sharing his take on “The Big Picture” in the archdiocese Feb. 9 when Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann met with Hispanic ministry leaders at Our Lady of Unity Parish in here.

Our Lady of Unity pastor Father Kent O’Connor and associate pastor Father Oscar Garavito had invited the archbishop to visit with parishioners about the 10-year mutually shared vision for the archdiocese promulgated last fall.

Copies of the plan — in Spanish — were passed out to the more than 160 people who attended, and Father O’Connor and Father Garavito started off the evening with some introductory remarks.

Father Gianantonio “Johnny” Baggio, CS, who serves as animator of Hispanic ministry for the archdiocese, also spoke and interpreted for the archbishop during the Q&A. In his presentation, given in the sanctuary of St. John the Evangelist Church in Kansas City, Kansas, Archbishop Naumann spoke about being the leader of the archdiocese for more than 11 years.

“Last year, during the tenth anniversary of me coming here, I thought it an important moment to reflect over what had happened over the past 10 years,” he said.

He was grateful for all the great things that have happened, especially with Hispanic ministry. He realized that he had 10 more years to go before he’d be required to submit his resignation to the pope, so he decided the archdiocese needed to develop a plan for that time.

“I wanted to ask the question: ‘What are the most important things we can do to strengthen the life of the church in the archdiocese?’” said Archbishop Naumann.

After much consultation with the people of the archdiocese, pastors and parish and ministry leaders, the 10year mutually shared vision was formulated.

Central to that plan is the mission statement: The Catholic Church in northeast Kansas: Growing as disciples of Jesus; making disciples for Jesus.

“I hope that everyone in the archdiocese will commit that short mission statement to memory,” said the archbishop.

Additionally, the mutually shared vision has three key initiatives, which the archbishop called “super priorities.”

The first super priority is “building a culture of evangelization across the archdiocese.”

Evangelization is simply sharing the good news of the Gospel, said Archbishop Naumann. To do this is a source of great joy. To evangelize is to share God’s love.

“There’s nothing that can make our hearts happier than having brought another person to know Jesus and for them to have his love,” said Archbishop Naumann.

In another year or two, the archdiocese will give parishes benchmarks to

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

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann met with Hispanic ministry leaders at Our Lady of Unity Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, on Feb. 9 to share his vision plan.

“

“THERE’S NOTHING THAT CAN MAKE OUR HEARTS HAPPIER THAN HAVING BROUGHT ANOTHER PERSON TO KNOW JESUS AND FOR THEM TO HAVE HIS LOVE.” Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann help them think about how to become evangelizing parishes.

“We want to identify certain parishes in every region of the archdiocese and help them develop this idea of being an evangelizing parish,” said Archbishop Naumann. “We would like to have a Spanish-speaking parish do this, maybe Our Lady of Unity.”

The second super priority is “strengthen the vocation of marriage and family life.”

“Everything depends on the family,” said the archbishop. “Our neighborhoods, our community, our country and our church depend on having strong families.”

Also as part of this priority, the archbishop wants the church to help parents fulfill their vital vocation of being the first teachers of the Christian faith to their children.

“I think parents take [the child’s baptismal commitment] seriously, but they don’t know how to be the first teachers of their children,” said the archbishop.

“I think our English-speaking com-

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Following his presentation, Archbishop Naumann visits with participants. munity could learn from the Spanishspeaking community in this area,” he continued. “I like how in the Spanishspeaking community there is family catechesis, where the family gathers together to learn the faith.”

The archdiocese would like to develop resources and tools to help parents pass on the faith to their children. The archbishop would also like to see more Spanish-speaking children in Catholic schools.

The third super priority is “cultivate relationships by engaging in the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.”

“Pope Francis speaks all the time about how the church needs go to the peripheries, the church needs to go outside of the church to bring Christ’s love and to find Christ,” he said. “We don’t

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

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Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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just go to serve others, but to discover Jesus in those we encounter.”

The pope has asked all Catholics to more fully live the corporal and spiritual works of mercy during this jubilee Year of Mercy. Parishes are being asked to do this in a more intentional way.

“We’ve asked the pastors [to meet] with their parish councils and by Easter to decide what they’re going to do either new or recommit to something that they are already doing,” said the archbishop.

He also said that in two years the plan will be revisited, with the possibility of adding new super priorities.

After his presentation, Archbishop Naumann opened the floor to take questions. A reception was held later in the parish hall.

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

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LOCAL NEWS

SOLE MAN New ministry helps one ‘sole’ at a time

Hudgins set to work almost immediately, naming his new ministry Sole Reason. Since Jan. 1, Hudgins has collected more than 1,000 pairs of shoes OPEKA – Jerry Hudgins is or more than 2,000 soles, if you will, a man with a lot of soul. simply by placing boxes marked with Actually, it’s more apthe ministry’s name and logo in churchpropriate to say he’s caring es, Catholic schools and social service for a lot of soles — more agencies throughout the city. than 2,000 at last count — collected for Hudgins is working now toward the ‘sole’ reason of giving them away! turning his ministry into a nonprofit.

Confused yet? Don’t be.

Already, he has contacted an online For the past six months, Hudgins has company who designed a logo for the been volunteering at Catholic Charities ministry, business cards and a website. in Topeka, mostly in the soup kitchen.

So far, he’s drummed up publicity by But Hudgins wanted to do more to help word-of-mouth, sending emails and people. The question was: What? talking with others throughout the The capital city already has sevcity’s Catholic comeral social service munity. agencies and food Additionally, pantries, as well he has established as a shelter for Donate your old shoes and change a life. Visit the website at: www. partnerships with the homeless. He solereason.net; call (785) 338other social service wanted to find that 2965; or send an email to: sole_ agencies, including one thing, that one reason@yahoo.com.

Catholic Charities need not currentand Big Brothers Big ly being met by Sisters of Topeka, the other agencies.

Around the same time, Hudgins heard the latter of which will provide him about a high school student in Wichi- with volunteers to sort and sanitize ta who was collecting new and gently the shoes prior to the first distribution used shoes to distribute to those in planned for this spring. All shoes collected at that point will be distributneed.

“I thought, ‘If a high school student ed free to anyone in need within the Topeka community. And the local angle can do it, why can’t I?’” said Hudgins.

When Hudgins learned the pope is the one aspect Hudgins wants people was declaring a Year of Mercy, he to recognize more than anything else.

A lot of people, he said, don’t realcouldn’t believe the timing.

As part of the Year of Mercy, the ize the large metal donation containers pope is exhorting all Catholics to prac- popping up in grocery store parking tice both the corporal and spiritual lots and similar locations don’t necworks of mercy. Collecting shoes for essarily benefit the local community. those in need fulfills one of the corpo- Many of those containers are picked up and the contents are taken out of state, ral works of mercy: clothing the naked.

“Everything seemed to fall into sometimes even out of the country.

And while Catholics are called to place,” said Hudgins.

So he approached his pastor, Father serve those in need no matter where Tim Haberkorn, of Sacred Heart-St. they live, Hudgins really wanted to help his local community.

Joseph Parish.

Another aspect he wants people “He thought [the idea] was a great to keep in mind is the ministry is just one,” Hudgins said.

With Father Haberkorn’s approval, starting, and he’s the only one doing it

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Jerry Hudgins, founder of Sole Reason, a ministry to distribute shoes to those in need, stands with some of the 1,000 pairs he’s collected thus far. Hudgins plans to host the first distribution in early spring. Hudgins, a member of Topeka’s Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish, got the idea from a high school student in Wichita’s program. right now.

Married and a father of three, Hudgins works nights. When most people are waking up, he’s going to bed.

That leaves him precious few hours to devote to the ministry. So, he’s learning to make the most of his time by sending emails, allowing people to respond to him when convenient for them, and making phone calls in the few hours he has free in the late afternoons.

He’s also still working on some basic

logistics — like a permanent storage space for the shoes as the ministry grows (right now they’re at his house) in between distribution events and a regular schedule for collection and distribution.

Still, Hudgins said he’s thrilled to simply have this important service underway.

“We’re put on this earth not to be served, but to serve,” Hudgins said.

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FEBRUARY 26, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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‘Team effort’ made interfaith rally a success >> Continued from page 1

LEAVEN PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER

Devin Clement, a member of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, shows Lisa Blaes the artwork he won at the CEF Futures Art Event on Feb. 4. The art was done by a student at a CEF school.

Young donors fund 36 scholarships through event

By Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Mo. — For the Catholic Education Foundation, it’s all about the future.

And thanks to the CEF Futures — a group of young professionals committed to promoting the mission of CEF — the future looks bright for another year.

On Feb. 4, the group hosted the CEF Futures Art Event at Boulevard Brewery in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised funds for 36 Guardian Angel Fund scholarships.

The fund provides emergency scholarships for students in CEF schools whose families are facing a short-term crisis.

The sold-out event featured donated works from professional artists that participants could bid on. But the highlight of the night belonged to the student-artists. Every work of art from

“

“CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS NOT ONLY FOR THE WEALTHY, BUT IT IS FOR EVERYONE WHO DESIRES JESUS.” Stephanie Goodenow, CEF Futures committee chair

these youngsters was put into a raffle.

Winners could pick their favorite from the mix until all the pieces were gone.

CEF board member and Futures committee chair Stephanie Goodenow thought that the event was a huge success.

“Our planning committee did an amazing job of organizing the event,” she said. “Taylor Byrd and Sean Tokic organized the entertainment, includ-

ing the acoustic guitarist and the photo booth. Matt Ledom and Jake Sorenson worked closely with the CEF office in securing underwriting sponsors and donations from Manny’s and Cakes by Aggie for the evening’s refreshments.

Zach Dehaemers curated a terrific exhibit of local professional artists.”

Although she hoped everyone found the event fun, Goodenow said the real focus of the event was raising the money needed to fund those 36 scholarships.

“Catholic education is not only for the wealthy, but it is for everyone who desires Jesus,” she said. “Parents who choose Catholic education make sacrifices elsewhere so that their children can have Jesus infused in their education. For some parents, that choice is made more difficult by financial barriers. Supporting CEF schools is important for many reasons, but access to quality, Catholic-centered education — a Catholic ‘family’ — should be available to all, regardless of the economics.”

“We constantly hear how grateful children are that their parents had things taken care of. Have you done this for your children?”

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Archangel Parish in Leawood. “It was a really strong speech and it hit home with a lot of folks.”

An estimated 1,500-plus people filled the space under the Capitol dome for the noontime rally, which was called not only to show support for religious liberty, but also to send a message to government officeholders.

The crowd not only filled the second floor but also lined the railing on the third floor and filled the overlooking alcoves on higher floors. The spaces and corridors were filled with cheers and applause.

“I have never seen a bigger rally at this statehouse than this one,” Gov. Brownback told rally-goers in his presentation. “It is fantastic, it is encouraging, and you’ve had speakers coast to coast here recognizing what’s taking place in the state of Kansas.”

Rep. Marin Kleeb, R-Overland Park, was also impressed as he made his way through the throng.

“We get a lot of groups here advocating for their positions, and I don’t think I’ve seen a larger turnout on any issue,” said Kleeb, a member of Church of the Ascension Parish in Overland Park.

The urgency to fight for religious liberty has never been greater, said Kopecky.

“There are some serious threats coming our direction, and have been for a few years,” said Kopecky. “We have to be vigilant and fight the good fight.”

The rally was sponsored by the Kansas Catholic Conference, the Concerned Women of America, the Family Policy Alliance of Kansas and the Faith, Family, Freedom Alliance of Kansas.

“The rally was a success because of all the people who put in so much time and effort,” said Michael Schuttloffel, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference. “Jeanette Pryor on our staff was tremendous. Bill Scholl, archdiocesan social justice consultant, worked really hard on this and helped deliver a great turnout. The Knights of Columbus were incredibly helpful, and our coalition partners worked hard to bring non-Catholics to the rally. It was a team effort.”

Jim Congdon, lead pastor at Topeka Bible Church, gave the opening prayer.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann gave the closing prayer. In attendance were Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger from the Diocese of Salina and Bishop Carl A. Kemme from the Diocese of Wichita.

In addition to Stutzman and Brownback, the rally speakers were Ryan Anderson from the Heritage Foundation; Everett Piper, president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University; Hernan Castano, senior pastor of Rivers of Oil Church in Houston; and Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life.

Sarah Swafford, a member of St. Benedict Parish in Atchison, was master of ceremonies. Michael Podrebarac, archdiocesan consultant for the office of liturgy and sacramental life, led the singing of “God Bless America.”

FEBRUARY 26, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS Patricia

(Dannecker) and Robert Parks, members of St. Ann Parish, Hiawatha, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on March 5.

The couple was married on March 5, 1946, at Immaculate Conception Church, Rulo, Nebraska. A celebration will be held in March with their family. Their children are: Tim Parks, Nancy Wright and Mark Parks.

They also have nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Correction

One of the captions on the Catholic Schools Week photo essay in the Feb. 12 issue of The Leaven was incorrect. The wax museum was portrayed at Sacred Heart School in Ottawa by the secondgrade class.

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Statement concerning Father George Seuferling

n December 2011, Father George Seuferling was suspended from public priestly ministry due to conduct inconsistent with priestly celibacy. The restrictions placed upon him limited his priestly ministry to only celebrating weddings and funerals of close family members.

Since December 2011, other substantiated misconduct has been brought to the attention of the archdiocese, including a substantiated allegation of misconduct that occurred after Father Seuferling’s faculties were suspended. Consequently, further restrictions have been placed on Father Seuferling; he is not allowed to celebrate any Masses, funerals, weddings or sacraments publicly; he may only celebrate Mass by himself, without others present, for his own spiritual benefit. It should be noted that none of the allegations involve any minors. Due to ongoing concerns regarding Father Seuferling, the archdiocese is in the process of petitioning the Holy See for his removal from the clerical state (laicization).

The archdiocese asks anyone who has knowledge of any inappropriate conduct by any priest, deacon, church or school employee or volunteer to please contact the Confidential Report Line at (913) 647-3051; Dr. Dennis Schemmel, victim assistance coordinator, at (913) 909-2740; www.archkck/ reportabuse; or local law enforcement.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas places the protection and well-being of all the faithful as its first priority. Furthermore, the archdiocese respects the sincere concerns of all individuals who bring forth allegations of misconduct and is thus fully committed to conducting thorough investigations of all such allegations and cooperating with law enforcement officials.

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Statement concerning Father Anthony Kiplagat

ather Anthony Kiplagat, a priest of the Diocese of Eldoret in Kenya and serving as the parochial administrator of St. Patrick Parish in Osage City and St. Patrick Parish in Scranton since July 2012, was discovered to have left his assignment and returned to Africa. It was discovered Tuesday morning, Feb. 16, that Father Anthony had cleared out his belongings from the rectory and left a note indicating that he had returned home.

Recently, the archdiocese received an allegation against Father Kiplagat involving misconduct with an adult. To date, this allegation, while under active investigation, has not been substantiated. The archdiocese is cooperating with law enforcement in an attempt to determine if there is any truth to this allegation. The allegation did not involve any parishioner from the parishes in Osage City or Scranton.

Representatives of the archdiocese were not able to talk to Father Kiplagat prior to his departure. In an email with Father Brian Schieber, vicar for clergy, Father Kiplagat denied any wrongdoing. The bishop of Eldoret has been informed of the allegation and the active investigation. As with any such case, Father Kiplagat should be afforded the presumption of innocence unless evidence indicates otherwise.

If any individual has information about this matter, or has information about any misconduct by a member of the clergy, an employee or volunteer serving in the church, they should contact the Confidential Report Line at (913) 647-3051; Dr. Dennis Schemmel, victim assistance coordinator at (913) 909-2740; www.archkck/reportabuse; or local law enforcement.

The archbishop will assign a priest to administer the parishes in Osage City and Scranton until a pastor can be appointed.

FEBRUARY 26, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Student leaders host event, net $1,500 for Charities

By Steve Johnson Special to The Leaven

A

TCHISON — It’s easy for college students to stay inside their campus bubble and never interact with the town in which they spend some very formative years.

But Benedictine College, located in Atchison with a mission that focuses on community, faith and scholarship, works to instill a sense of global responsibility in its students.

Recently, one Benedictine group, the Presidential Ambassadors, decided to step outside its regular academic pursuits and do something directly for the people of Atchison. The result was a $1,500 donation to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

The ambassadors are made up of academic high-achievers who have earned full-tuition Presidential Scholarships to Benedictine College.

“The Presidential Ambassadors have traditionally sponsored more academic events like Great Books discussions or fireside chats with faculty,” said Lucy Leighton, a junior education major who headed up the committee to put on an event that would raise funds for a local charity.

“We wanted to do a social event this time,” she said.

That event became the Holly Ball, the brainchild of Mary Catherine Willacker and Victoria Finders, two freshmen members of the Presidential Ambassa-

Members of Atchison’s Benedictine College Presidential Ambassadors present a check to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Pictured from left are: Sarah Salter, Lucy Leighton, Cindy Gillispie of Catholic Charities, Mary Catherine Willackers and Victoria Finders. dors group. Other members of the event committee were Sarah Salter, William Green, Cathryn Treco, Stephanie Baalman, Lillian Hoover and Alyssa Patterson.

“We wanted to do a dance and, as soon as we suggested that, everyone jumped on board,” said Willackers. “And we wanted to foster a relationship with the town. I’m from a small town and I love Atchison, and we all wanted to do something that would get students interacting with the city.”

The group decided on a Christmas event and selected Catholic Charities as the beneficiary. As well as charging a nominal $5 fee to attend, which encour-

aged student participation, the Presidential Ambassadors decided to raffle off prizes solicited from local Atchison businesses. Among the businesses that participated were ALPS Groceries, Atchison Outfitters, Favorite Things, Rudolph’s and Snow Ball Bistro. (Paolucci’s also offered to donate the catering, but events on college property are contractually required to work with the official food service vendor on campus.)

“It was really cool to do an event where we could show all the businesses that donated and wanted to be involved with the college,” said Willackers.

Between 400 and 500 students attended the dance and the Presidential

Ambassadors netted $1,500 for Catholic Charities.

“We chose Catholic Charities because the money would stay local, and the organization is really good about accounting for where the money goes,” said Leighton.

Cindy Gillispie is the manager of the Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas office in Atchison, which opened about two-and-a-half years ago. She was impressed with the professionalism and enthusiasm of the Benedictine students.

“I was honored that they came to me,” she said. “I am just amazed at how this one group of students took this vision and ran with it, turning it into $1,500 to help us help people in Atchison — to help us feed them and clothe them and help with their utilities or rent or medical prescriptions.”

Gillispie estimated that the donation would directly provide assistance to at least 15 to 20 families with rent, utilities or food. She has worked with a number of student groups at Benedictine College, from the Student Government Association to the College Ministry Service Team and even various athletic teams.

“It has been a blast working with the students. I get to know them personally and I even have some who come in regularly and volunteer to help with the food pantry, answer phones and other things,” she said. “I feel blessed that the college supports me and Catholic Charities. If I need something, all I have to do is call and they come running.”

DISCYBERLING Archdiocesan priests use social media to spread the word of God

K

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Two thousand years ago, Jesus’ disciples traveled thousands of miles — on foot — to spread his word.

Today, it can be done with a click of a mouse.

Did the apostles ever imagine the good news would one day travel almost instantaneously through cyberspace? Or predict that one day, people would read messages on something called a “cellphone”?

Probably not.

But one thing remains true — Jesus’ disciples have always met people where they are, and today’s priests are no exception.

Social media outreach Over the past few years, social media has grown up. People of all ages now use an array of social media programs — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram; the list goes on.

To ensure a Catholic presence and a positive voice, archdiocesan priests and seminarians have also stepped into the vast world of the Web. “I think that it’s an important way of reaching people who might never enter a church,” said Joseph Heschmeyer, a seminarian in his second year of theology at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis.

“It’s a good way to follow Pope Francis’ call to go out to the peripheries,” he said.

Heschmeyer writes his own blog,

Father Nathan Haverland (left) has mastered the art of the selfie. In 2014, he published a selfie calendar that was so successful, it paved the way for another calendar in 2015. He is pictured here with Father Alessandro Borraccia (center) and Msgr. Tom Tank (right).

“

“YOU CAN REACH SO MANY PEOPLE SO QUICKLY, SO IT SEEMS LIKE A GREAT TOOL FOR EVANGELIZATION.” Father Nathan Haverland which allows him to discuss a variety of religious topics and to address any questions and comments his followers may have.

Father Adam Wilczak (left), associate pastor at Prince of Peace Church in Olathe, and Kyle Kuckelman, the parish’s youth minister, record “The Ramblings of Beef and Slim,” a weekly podcast in which they discuss the upcoming Sunday readings.

For Father Mitchel Zimmerman, pastor at Christ the King Parish in Topeka and codirector of seminarians, utilizing social media has been an effective way to connect with young people in the archdiocese.

“I needed to reach young people discerning vocations using the communication mediums that they were using,” he said. “My tweets are a mix of humor, sports and Catholic teaching. I also promote tons of events via social media.”

Father Adam Wilczak, associate pastor at Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, was also inspired by young people to capitalize on the social media trend.

After putting on a Q&A session with Prince of Peace eighth-graders, “I was talking to one of the parents of the students, and I asked what her child thought [about the session],” said Father Wilczak.

“Her daughter thought we should start a podcast,” he added.

Father Wilczak took action, reaching out to Kyle Kuckelman, the parish’s youth minister, who was immediately onboard.

They now have a weekly podcast, in which they discuss the upcoming Sunday’s readings in a conversational tone.

As for preparation, “we both read the readings and write down some notes of things that stuck out to us as we read,” said Father Wilczak. “Then we talk about them for five to 10 minutes before the show and come up with a game plan of how we want it to flow.

“But then it’s very much a legitimate conversation from there. We just go with the flow.”

Initially unsure about the impact this project might have, “we’ve now got listeners splattered throughout different parts of the country,” he said, “which is a bigger audience than we were ever expecting.”

Capitalizing on creativity Social media allows priests to get creative with the way they reach out to others.

For Father Nathan Haverland, pastor at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, mastering the selfie has helped him reach out to parishioners in a unique way.

Father Haverland started his infamous selfie calendar in 2014 and its popularity gave way to another edition in 2015.

“We use [social media] to spread the joy of the priesthood, to be a light in the darkness,” he said. “There’s a lot of darkness out there on social media, a lot of negative stuff. We try to show that there is some good, some positive in the world.”

Father Haverland’s experience has been that people love to see priests on social media, and that bringing joy to people through something like a selfie calendar is part of a greater mission.

“You can reach so many people so quickly, so it seems like a great tool for evangelization,” he said. “It’s just a matter of how to use it. I don’t know if I’ve figured it out completely yet. . . . I’m still learning.”

Father Gerard Alba, associate pastor at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa, is using his artistic talent to enlighten his Instagram followers.

Posting drawings, mostly of people and paired with an inspirational quote, is his way “to be a bridge for people” to the Catholic Church.

“I want the world to know that we’re there as a church. We’re in their midst,” he said.

A self-taught artist, drawing is “something for me to do that’s life-giving. So I make time for it,” he said.

“Whenever I draw or write,” he added, “it is a prayer for me.”

Father Alba’s unique perspective and exceptional talent resonates with both Catholic followers and those who are simply intrigued by his work.

Some priests are even getting in front of the camera to get their messages across.

WHERE TO FIND THEM

Father Wilczak’s podcast: theramblingspodcast.blogspot.com

Joseph Heschmeyer’s blog: shamelesspopery.com

Father Tunink’s website: shawnthebaptist.org

Father Alba’s Instagram account: Albascope

Father Haverland’s selfie calendars can be purchased at: http://kcascension.org/ mardi-gras-buy-now/ Father Gerard Alba, above, associate pastor at Holy Trinity in Lenexa, works on a sketch that he will upload to Instagram. Posting drawings paired with an inspirational quote is his way “to be a bridge for people” to the Catholic Church. To the left is one of his Instagram posts.

Father Shawn Tunink, who is currently studying canon law at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., has mastered his own YouTube page.

“When I’m stuck on what to write about, sometimes it’s easier for me just to turn on my camera and say what I want to say,” he said.

Like his fellow priests, Father Tunink uses social media to further his overall mission of evangelization.

“Priesthood is a wonderful life, and I enjoy sharing some of what that life is like through social media,” he said.

A world without borders When it comes to reaching a large number of people in a short amount of time, nothing quite compares to the Internet.

“The whole notion of something ‘going viral’ is a phenomenon made possible by social media,” said Father Tunink.

“

“PRIESTHOOD IS A WONDERFUL LIFE, AND I ENJOY SHARING SOME OF WHAT THAT LIFE IS LIKE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA.” Father Shawn Tunink

Because of this, he said, you have to be careful what you write.

Father Tunink has a particularly diverse following. In the last month, people from 86 different countries visited his site.

But most of the priests in the archdiocese with a social media presence have noticed a following from people outside their own parish or town as well.

“Our original goal was just to reach our parishioners,” said Father Wilczak.

But since he and Kuckelman got the ball rolling, attaining a wider audience, he said, is “a lot simpler than I ever expected.

“Many of the people that listen are non-parishioners, or parishioners that aren’t able to make it to classes we offer.”

“Plus it’s less formal,” he continued.

“So you can see some of the thought process that goes into it.

“I think that gives you the opportunity to have a little bit of education, definitely some fun and to reach a greater number of people than some of the normal things we would do.”

The key to keeping the audience entertained is often mixing up the evangelical posts with everyday ones, said Father Nick Blaha, director and chaplain at the Didde Catholic Campus Center of Emporia State University.

“The more of the mix, the more likely I am to get people to click on the articles,” said Father Blaha. “Because there’s already a sense of, ‘This is somebody whose perspective I’m interested in.’ So I really try to mix it up and be unpredictable.”

Taking on the challenge, one post at a time Although social media is a valuable way to spread messages, it also has its pitfalls.

One of these is time.

“It’s hard to be effective using it without investing more time than should be

invested,” said Father Blaha.

“I’ve been on Facebook since 2004. I was on a [Fellowship of Catholic University Students] campus doing outreach, so at that point I got involved because it was a new, up-and-coming way of interacting with students,” he said.

Although it’s helped Father Blaha connect with the young people he works with, it also comes with great responsibility.

“The temptation to be looking at it first thing in the morning or last thing at night, it’s pretty real,” he said.

Another challenge is how quickly societal trends change.

“It’s something I constantly reevaluate,” said Father Haverland. “If at a certain point, it’s no longer effective, or if it’s taking away from my ministry, I would certainly not use it anymore.”

For now, sharing with others online is extremely popular, and portraying a more private side to their lives is something these priests are striving to do in a careful manner.

“What I love about social media is the fact that it kind of forces us to be transparent,” said Father Alba. “At least for me, that’s what it does.”

“Who we are is who we are,” he continued, “and the light of Christ shines better when we [represent] that [on social media].”

Balancing this ministry with regular duties is key for each of these priests, but ultimately the struggles that come with it are a sacrifice they feel obligated to make.

Because so many organizations and religious groups are active on the Internet, said Heschmeyer, it is crucial the Catholic Church is present as well.

“If we’re not actively interacting in the digital marketplace of ideas,” he said, “we’re forfeiting the fight for tomorrow’s church.”

REVIEW

FEBRUARY 26, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

10

Fiennes’ battle-worn tribune a standout in ‘Risen’

By John Mulderig Catholic News Service

“Risen”

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EW YORK (CNS) — In days of yore, Hollywood knew how to make Christian themes pay off at the box office.

Though the result was not always decorous — risque content in 1932’s “The Sign of the Cross” helped spur the formation of the National Legion of Decency — they were sometimes spectacular.

And so there arose the biblical epic, a genre which gave us such iconic spectacles as the chariot race in 1959’s “BenHur” and such memorable lines as Pharaoh’s imperious order in “The Ten Commandments” (1956): “So let it be written. So let it be done.”

The formula behind such films blended some of Western civilization’s most familiar narratives — scriptural literacy then being a much more widespread asset than it is today — with action sequences and, preferably, a love story. High-caliber special effects, whether they involved slave-powered sea battles or the parting of the Red Sea into towering walls of water, were another purely secular draw.

It’s a recipe few were cooking up in the last third of the 20th century, however. By the 1960s, “Don’t bring me down with your Bible, man” might have been the feared reaction to the serving up of such an old-fashioned cinematic dish.

Some have tried their hand

n The film contains some harsh but mostly bloodless violence and a few disturbing images. n The Catholic News Service classification is A-III — adults. n The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

CNS PHOTO/COLUMBIA

Joseph Fiennes stars in a scene from the movie “Risen.” Fiennes said his new project seeks to illustrate the story of Christ’s death and resurrection from a unique perspective. at recombining the ingredients in more recent years. Yet the cultural gulf opened up by the decline of faith has made for a peculiar sort of revisionism. Witness the anti-human environmentalism of Darren Aronofsky’s “Noah” from 2014.

Hardly the life-affirming tale of divine mercy most readers have found in those passages of Genesis.

Avoiding alienation from the sacred source material without, on the other hand, declining into a lazy stance of believers-versus-the-world piety can be a tricky business. But the makers of the Resurrection-themed drama “Risen” (Columbia) have

pulled it off to splendid effect.

Wisely, writer-director Kevin Reynolds begins by giving us a hard-bitten, cynical protagonist — a figure as little disposed to believe in miracles as his worldly minded modern counterpart, Charles Ryder, the religion-averse narrator of Evelyn Waugh’s classic 1945 novel “Brideshead Revisited.”

Where Ryder, an artist, is impeded by his pleasure-loving sophistication, Clavius (Joseph Fiennes), the Roman tribune at the heart of “Risen,” is too battle-weary and blood-soaked to entertain any easy hopes for the world. So the execution of Jesus (Cliff Curtis), which he witnesses almost accidentally,

makes little impression on him.

Similarly, when his superior and patron, Pontius Pilate (Peter Firth), orders Clavius, a few days later, to investigate the disappearance of the crucified man’s body, it strikes the jaded officer as just one more task in the endless work of maintaining Roman sovereignty over a religion-crazed populace. As Caiaphas (Stephen Greif) explains, Jesus’ fanatic followers are spreading wild rumors of his return from the dead, so physical proof is needed to contradict their crazy fable.

Assisted by Lucius (Tom Felton), an ambitious, though untested, junior officer whose major qualification for serving

as Clavius’ aide-de-camp lies in the fact that he’s a family friend of Pilate’s, Clavius sets out on what he imagines will be a straightforward hunt for a corpse. Instead, of course, the pursuit turns out to have life-altering consequences for him.

Fine acting, lavish settings and the sense of humor frequently evident in Reynolds’ script all add up to an unusually effective big-screen treatment of the origins of Christianity. Fiennes is especially impressive as the solitary, combat-haunted warrior whose relentlessly practical outlook offers nonbelievers a ready path into the story of the Resurrection. And Maria Botto brings transcendent joy to the character of Mary Magdalene.

Despite grim scenes of armed conflict and crucifixion, the faith-bolstering benefits of “Risen” will likely sway the parents of mature teens in its favor.

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ST. PATRICK

1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas

3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka

March 4 4 p.m. — Mass (followed by solemn exposition) 5- 7 p.m. — Eucharistic adoration 7 p.m. — Stations of the Cross (exposition suspended) 7:45-9:45 p.m. — Eucharistic adoration (sacrament of reconciliation available) 9:45 p.m. — Communal night prayer 10:45 p.m. — Adoration continues overnight

March 4 4 p.m. — Solemn exposition 5 p.m. — Stations of the Cross 5:30 p.m. — Mass 6 - 9 p.m. — Confession 9 p.m. — Night prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours 10 p.m. — Chaplet of Divine Mercy Overnight adoration

March 5 7:45 a.m. — Communal morning prayer 8 a.m. —Mass (exposition suspended) 9 a.m.- noon — Eucharistic adoration (sacrament of reconciliation available) Noon — Communal prayer 12:30-3 p.m. — Eucharistic adoration 3 p.m. — Chaplet of Divine Mercy, followed by Benediction

March 5 7 a.m. — Morning prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours 7:30 a.m. — Rosary 7:55 a.m. — Mass 9 a.m. — Confession 9:30 a.m. — Confession w/ CDs 11 a.m. — Chaplet of Divine Mercy Noon — Midday prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours 1:30 p.m. — Chaplet of Divine Mercy 2 p.m. — Rosary 2:30-3:30 p.m. — Confession 3:30 p.m. — Rosary and Benediction

STS. PETER AND PAUL 411 Pioneer, Seneca

March 4 2 p.m. — Stations of the Cross and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 7 p.m. — Chaplet of Divine Mercy During this time, the area priests will cover all 24 hours.

ST. BENEDICT’S ABBEY 1020 N. 2nd, Atchison

March 4 5:15 p.m. — Mass (followed by solemn exposition) 6 p.m. — Eucharistic adoration begins with sacrament of reconciliation (until 6:45 p.m.)

6:45 p.m.— Vespers 7:30 p.m. — Compline 7:45-9 p.m. — Sacrament of reconciliation

March 5 7:30 a.m. — Mass 2 p.m. — End of exposition Confessions will be available during all 24 hours.

March 5 6 a.m. — Vigils and morning prayer 9 - 11:30 a.m. — Sacrament of reconciliation available 11:30 a.m. — Mass and midday prayer (exposition suspended) 12:15 p.m. — Eucharistic adoration resumes 3 p.m. — Chaplet of Divine Mercy 5:35 p.m. — First vespers of Sunday with Benediction

ST. LAWRENCE CATHOLIC CAMPUS CENTER 1631 Crescent Rd., Lawrence

March 4 12:10 p.m. —Mass (followed by solemn exposition) 1-3 p.m. — Eucharistic adoration 3 p.m. —Stations of the Cross (exposition suspended) 3:30 p.m.— Eucharistic adoration resumes (continues overnight) 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. — Sacrament of reconciliation available.

8 - 9 p.m. — Sacrament of reconciliation available 9 - 10 p.m. — Praise and worship music

DIDDE CATHOLIC CAMPUS CENTER 1415 Merchant St., Emporia

March 5 7:30 a.m. —Office of Readings and morning prayer 8:30 a.m. — Mass (exposition suspended) 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Eucharistic adoration resumes 9:45 a.m. —Meditation on prayer by Sister Josephine Plazzer, AVI 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. — Sacrament of reconciliation available 1 p.m. — Midday prayer and rosary 2 p.m. — Benediction

March 4 4 p.m. — Mass (followed by solemn exposition) 7-9 p.m. — Sacrament of penance available 9 p.m. — Eucharistic praise and worship 11 p.m. — Rosary and night prayer (Adoration continues through the night) March 5 6 a.m. — Scripture 7 a.m. — Morning prayer 8 a.m. — Mass 12 p.m. — Midday prayer 1-3 p.m. — Sacrament of penance available 3 p.m. — Chaplet of Divine Mercy and rosary 3:45 p.m. — Benediction

NATIVITY

3800 W. 119 St., Leawood

ST. JOSEPH

306 N. Broadway, Leavenworth March 4 3 p.m. — Stations of the Cross 3:30 p.m. — Exposition begins 3:30-4:30 p.m. — Confessions available 7-8 p.m. — Presentation on Divine Mercy by Robyn Hornstein March 5 8:30 a.m. — Morning Mass 9:30-10:30 a.m. — Confessions available 2:30-3:30 p.m. — Confessions available 3:30 p.m. — Exposition ends with Benediction 4 p.m. — Saturday vigil Mass

24 HOURS FOR THE LORD is an invitation from Pope Francis to all Catholics who wish to encounter Jesus Christ through reflection, prayer and penance. The parishes listed will keep their doors open for 24 hours offering the sacrament of reconciliation and eucharistic adoration to all the faithful.

March 4 4:30 p.m. — Evening prayer and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. — Eucharistic adoration 7:30 p.m. — Dramatic presentation of the Passion (led

by Nativity School students) 8:30 p.m. — Holy Hour with music and reflection on “Mercy” (led by Father Karl Good) 9:30 p.m. — Eucharistic adoration continues overnight March 5 8:15 a.m. — Mass 9 a.m. — Rosary (led by the Knights of Columbus) 10 a.m. — Rosary and chaplet of Divine Mercy Noon — Midday prayer 2 p.m. — Rosary 4:20 p.m. — Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament The sacrament of reconciliation will be available at all times throughout the 24 hours.

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Catholic high school president - Bishop Miege High School, Johnson County, KS, has an opening for president beginning in the 2016-17 school year. Bishop Miege currently has an enrollment of 723 and employs 55 teachers in grades 9 through 12. The school is sponsored by 18 parishes in Johnson County, Kansas, and is governed by a board of trustees. The president reports to the board of trustees. Applicants for president must be practicing Catholics and understand the mission of Catholic education. The president is the chief administrator of the school and is responsible for all school operations, in particular, faith formation, student recruitment, facilities maintenance, strategic planning and overall school advancement. In addition, the Bishop Miege president works collaboratively with the Bishop Miege High School Foundation board of trustees. Applicants should possess proven success in leadership, preferably in a Catholic high school or nonprofit setting. Please complete the online application at: www.archkckcs.org and also send a resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Kathleen A. O’Hara, Catholic School Office, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Application deadline is Feb. 29, with the expectation that interviews will begin shortly thereafter.

Sales professional - We respect your many years of experience; we value and need your wisdom. We only ask if you are “coachable”? If so, Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas has openings for sales trainees in our Johnson, Shawnee and Wyandotte County area cemeteries. An excellent earning of $40K to $50K+ in commissions is legitimate income potential for the first year.

Training allowance your first 30 days, then draw commission with bonus opportunities. Medical, life, dental, optical, prescription, 401(k) plans, etc., are some of the many perks our employees receive. Excellent opportunities for women and men interested in a sales career and in helping people. Advancement opportunities are available for hard-working and focused individuals. Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends when our client families are available to see us in their homes.

Once you learn our formula for success, your schedule is determined by you. Please email your resume and contact information to: dvanthullenar@cathcemks.org or fax to (913) 353-1413.

Pastoral associate for faith formation - Prince of Peace in Olathe is seeking an exceptional and experienced leader to direct faith formation for our parish. The pastoral associate for faith formation would be responsible for a comprehensive faith formation program for people at various stages of faith and for the entire community from youth to adults. This person would direct a Christian Formation team of five employees, as well as provide direction and coordination of all volunteers involved in faith formation. This is a key leadership position that would work closely with the pastor and other key staff members. Applicants must possess a degree in catechetics or another theological discipline, strong organizational skills, and interpersonal and pastoral skills and the ability to work effectively as a member of a pastoral team with a desire to evangelize others. For a detailed job description or to submit an application including cover letter, resume, and salary requirement contact: frjerry@popolathe.org by March 15, 2016.

Teaching positions - The Goddard School, located at 21820 W. 115th Terr., Olathe, is looking for qualified lead teachers and assistant teachers – both full- and parttime positions available.

Lead Teacher – full time.

Assistant Teacher – full-time floating position.

In our warm, loving atmosphere, our highly qualified teachers support the healthy development of children from six weeks to six years. Our teachers write and implement their own lesson plans based on our FLEX program, Goddard Developmental Guidelines and our monthly school theme. Lead teachers also complete other duties such as electronic daily attendance reports, progress reports and parent conferences. The handson efforts of the school owner and directors allow our teachers to focus on their children, their lesson plans and teaching to ensure a fun-filled day of learning. Full-time benefits include competitive pay, paid time off, opportunities for professional development and career growth, and a great working environment. Qualified candidates must meet or exceed Kansas regulations, have strong communication skills and desire to learn and implement the Goddard School programs. Lead teachers should have an Early Childhood Education degree, a CDA or a degree in a related field with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. Prior experience in a child care setting is preferred. Please specify for which position you are applying. To apply, forward your resume to: olathe2ks@ goddardschools.com. Attention: Mandy Ellis, director.

American Sign Language teacher - St. James Academy is seeking a faith-filled American Sign Language teacher for the 2016-2017 school year. The ideal candidate would be a practicing Catholic as well as an experienced and certified teacher with a thorough understanding of ASL and deaf culture. Interested candidates should apply with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas at: www.archkck.org/schools/2015/ schools7-teacher-application-page. Resumes and cover letters can be sent to principal Karla Leibham at: kleibham@sjakeepingfaith.org.

Personal banker - The First National Bank branch in Prairie Village, located in the Corinth Square Shopping Center, is seeking a full-time personal banker with account opening experience. Resumes can be emailed to: dwagner@bankfirst.com.

FEBRUARY 26, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG Director of youth ministry - St. Ann Church in Prairie Village, is looking for a dynamic and faithful director of youth ministry. This is a full-time position and responsibilities include outreach to all high school and junior high students in the parish, as well as planning, directing and running all daily meetings, Bible studies, service and social events.

Applicants should be able to clearly and passionately articulate their vision of leading youth closer to Jesus Christ and his church by living, modeling and preaching the new evangelization. Candidate must be a practicing Catholic and have previous experience in the Catholic field. The ability to work with social media and technology is also desired. Competitive benefits and salary. Equal opportunity employer. www.stannpv.org. Please send cover letter and resume to Father Keith Lunsford at: frkeith@stannpv. org.

Marketing position - We are looking for a bilingual (English and Spanish), motivated and personable person to aid in our local expansion. We are a publicly traded national marketing company expanding here in the Midwest. We offer complete training in a positive environment. This position is part time and has flexible hours. Send email with resume and inquiries to: localsearch1980@gmail.com.

Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record.

Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided.

Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, round- trip routes to two Lenexa city pools.

Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean.

Apply by sending an email to chris@specialbeginnings online.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa KS 66215.

Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children, and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education.

Experience and/or education is a plus but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

Administrative assistant/general accounting clerk - A general commercial contractor seeks an administrative assistant/general accounting clerk. This person must be dependable, work well independently and perform administrative duties to support two project managers and an accountant. Strong computer skills needed, including: Office 2013, Adobe, Peachtree accounting software and the ability to import/export from external sources. For consideration, send resume to: graylinginc@graylinginc.com.

Administrative assistant - Industrial sales company in Overland Park is looking for experienced administrative assistant to fill full-time position, M-F, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. or part time, M-F, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Duties include: invoicing, filing, data entry and reception. Computer experience is required: Microsoft Windows, QuickBooks, Excel, Word and Outlook. Third-generation family business in small office setting. Long-term employee desired! To apply, forward your resume to Matt Foster at: sales@de-mar.com.

Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers Bridges Program manager - This position is part time (20 hours per week) and must be able to work some evenings. This person is responsible for the overall administrative and tactical aspects of the Bridges Program and oversees the Bridges client relations coordinator. This person works under the supervision of the director of client services. This person must agree with Advice & Aid’s statement of faith and be at least 21 years old. Send resume and cover letter to Amber Lewis at: alewis@adviceandaid.com. No phone calls.

Help prepare dinners - We are looking for people to help two working parents, a family of parishioners in the archdiocese, develop dinners for a family of five. Dinners can be made in advance, picked up and purchased at your house on a weekly basis or other arrangements that work for everyone. Call Mark at (913) 475-8891 or email: mschieff@swbell.net if you are interested.

Pastoral minister - Church of the Nativity in Leawood is seeking a full-time pastoral minister. The ideal candidate should have theological formation, pastoral experience, leadership, organizational and administrative skills, and the ability to work successfully with a wide range of people. For a complete job description and instructions for submitting application online, visit the website at: www. kcnativity.org. No phone calls.

Part-time administrator - Knights of Columbus, Eastern Kansas Insurance Agency, 1275 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612. 20 - 25 hours per week. Please send resume to: john.mahon@kofc.org.

Afternoon teachers - Prince of Peace Early Education Center in Olathe is seeking afternoon teachers. There are openings in our 2-year-olds room and our school-age room from 2:30 - 6 p.m., M-F. Experience preferred for the 2-year-olds classroom; one year of experience in a child care center required for the school-age program. We are looking for the right candidates to fill these positions and we offer a competitive hourly wage. Contact Amanda at (913) 829-2728.

Drivers needed - Medi Coach Transportation is looking for caring and reliable drivers for nonemergency transportation. CDL is not required. Contact Jeff at (913) 825-1921.

Special education teacher - St. James Academy is seeking a faith-filled, certified special education teacher for the 2016-2017 school year. The ideal candidate would be a practicing Catholic with current knowledge and experience in special education who is excited to help build upon a growing program rooted in a Catholic worldview. Interested candidates should apply with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas at: www.archkck. org/schools/2015/schools7-teacher-application-page.

Resumes and cover letters can be sent to principal Karla Leibham at: kleibham@sjakeepingfaith.org.

Preschool/child care - John Paul II Preschool/Child Care is seeking school-age staff to work from 2:30 - 6 p.m., M-F, with additional hours available in the summer. Substitute caregivers are also needed. Contact Donna at: dhogue@ archkckcs.org.

Drivers - Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans. Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas. Competitive wages and flexible schedules.

CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 262-3100 or apply online at: AssistedTransportation.com.

EEO.

SERVICES Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project!

Landscape and irrigation design, Installation and maintenance.

Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad.

Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

Complete plumbing and bath - Master plumber; toilets, faucets, sump pumps, repairs and new installation.

Bath remodeling, tile work and painting. Onyx bath collection; factory distributor. Member of Ascension Parish.

Call Mike at (913) 488-4930.

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

K-12 tutoring available - Tutor is degreed and has experience in the K-12 curriculum in various subjects and can help in test preps (ACT, SAT, GED, etc.) as well as French, Spanish, piano, guitar, voice and music theory. Sessions are fun and meaningful in context. Sessions are one-onone and a family discount is available. For more info, call/text Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or send an email to: klmamuric@yahoo.com.

Machine quilting - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.

American Janitorial LLC - Insured/family owned for over 20 years. Specializing in office buildings with 10,000 to 30,000 square feet of cleaning space. Call John at (913) 575-2686.

Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken spring rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902.

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.

American Girl doll Communion dresses - First Communion dress sets for 18” or American Girl dolls. Includes dress, veil, shoes, tights and cross necklace. Full line of doll clothes and accessories in south Johnson County.

Call Patty at (913) 345-9498.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interi-

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or and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovation, tile and sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Thank you for your continued support. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

Swalms Organizing - Downsizing - Clean Out Service – Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM. Design, construct, remodel - From kitchens, countertops and custom cabinetry to additions, bathrooms, windows, doors, floors, decks and siding, we build your dream from the concept up. See our work at: www.

JackHopeDesign.com. Serving Lawrence and Douglas County. Jack Hope Design. Call (785) 840-8076.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391 Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

Helping Hand Handy Man - Home maintenance chores available by the hour. Special rate for senior and singleparent households. Electrical, painting, wood refinishing, deck repair, yard work, shelving and organizing. Most home problems and needs solved. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490.

Local handyman and lawn care – Water heaters, garbage disposals, toilets, faucets, painting, power washing, doors, storm doors, gutter cleaning, wood rot, mowing, carpet, roofing, etc. Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

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

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

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.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com.

Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

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 at (913) 709-8401.

NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson.

(913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com House painting Interior and exterior; wallpaper removal.

Power washing, fences, decks.

30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates.

Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

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

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

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

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com

CAREGIVING Personalized care - Experienced, specializing in dementia, medication setup and activities of daily living.

Excellent references. Contact Andrea at (913)548-1930.

Classifieds continue on page 13

FEBRUARY 26, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR ‘GET BILL SHAKESPEARE OFF THE STAGE’ St. James Academy 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa Feb. 26 and 27 at 7 p.m.

Come see the winter play at St. James! The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for students.

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD Holy Trinity Church (social room) 13615 W. 92nd St., Lenexa Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. - noon

Registration and continental breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. The topic will be: “How did we get from there to here? A brief history of the Eucharist.” All catechists, assistants and friends are welcome. No RSVP is required and there is no charge.

PRESENTATION ON PLANNED PARENTHOOD Savior of the World Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. - noon

Jim Sendlak, a national pro-life leader, will be giving a presentation on Planned Parenthood.

The event is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and Planned Parenthood Exposed. An RSVP is requested to: prolife@archkck.org, or call (913) 647-0350.

This concert by Steve Courtney and friends is for all ages. There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted to benefit the archdiocesan retreat house, Christ’s Peace, House of Prayer, Easton.

PRO-LIFE MASS AND ROSARY Church of the Nativity 3800 W. 119th, Leawood March 5 at 8:15 a.m.

Meet for Mass and then everyone will drive to Planned Parenthood (located at 4401 W. 109th St., Overland Park) and pray the rosary. Pro-life signs and banners will be provided for anyone wishing to participate in that portion of sidewalk witness. All activities will conclude at 10 a.m.

BEATLES-THEMED AUCTION Christ the King School 3027 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 26 from 5 to 11 p.m.

Tickets are $35 and include dinner, dessert and drinks. There will be many items to bid on. For more information, call Kimm White at (913) 287-8823.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST Blessed Sacrament Church 2203 Parallel Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 28 from 7 a.m. - noon

The cost is $5 for all ages. To-go orders will be available. Raffle tickets will be sold. All proceeds will benefit the Bishop Ward senior grad night fundraiser.

‘DIABETES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW’ Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas March 1 from 1 - 2 p.m.

In partnership with Mercy and Truth, Dr. Alex Kieu will share valuable information to help attendees lead a healthier life.

‘A LIFE WORTH LIVING’: A LENTEN CONCERT Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Leawood March 4 at 7 p.m.

The cost is $5 for adults and free for students. Proceeds from the March 9 performances will benefit the American Cancer Society and the March 10 performances will benefit Braden’s Hope. For ticket sale information, call (913) 888-3250.

ENNEAGRAM WORKSHOP Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison March 11 at 7 p.m. - March 13 at 4 p.m.

The cost is $10 for adults; $3 for children.

Carryouts will be available. There will be food, a raffle, silent auction, children’s activities, spirits and Irish coffee, and a DJ. For more information, visit the website at: www. icsj.org.

The enneagram can be a powerful spiritual tool for understanding one’s personality and relationships and for growing in compassion. For more information or to register, call (913) 360-6173 or visit the website at: www. sophiaspiritualitycenter.com.

FEAST DAY DINNER St. Patrick Church (basement) 302 S. Boyle St., Scranton March 6 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

IGNATIAN SILENT RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton March 11 - 14

There will be ham or turkey and all the trimmings, including pie and a beverage. The cost is: $9 for adults; $5 for children ages 5 to 12; children under five eat free. Raffle items will be available. For additional information, call Lori at (785) 640-7262.

“Be still and know that I am God.” Get away for an individually directed silent retreat offered by the Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City. The cost is $300 per person and includes meals, private room/cabin and spiritual direction. For information, visit the website at: www.ignatiancenterkc.org or send an email to: sfriedrix@att.net.

TACO DINNER AND SALAMI BINGO Msgr. Mejak Hall 513 Ohio St., Kansas City, Kansas March 12 at 5:30 p.m.

Boy Scout Troop 394 will be hosting this breakfast. Tickets cost $5 each.

There will be a covered dish luncheon followed by a business meeting.

‘THE LION KING’ Holy Trinity School 13600 W. 92nd St., Lenexa March 9 and 10 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE DINNER Immaculate Conception Church (Miege Hall) 711 N. 5th St., Leavenworth March 6 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST Good Shepherd Parish (social hall) 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee Feb. 28 from 7 a.m. - noon

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA 86TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Feb. 28 at 12:30 p.m.

about parish life, preparation for sacraments, identifying concerns, specifying needs and discussing possible solutions. There will be child care available. There will also be refreshments. For more information or to register, please go online to: www.archkck.org and click on the Listening Event icon.

MUSICAL STATIONS OF THE CROSS Holy Angels Parish 15440 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor March 6 at 7 p.m.

A $15 donation gets you one bingo card, one taco dinner and all the pop and beer you can drink during the games. No one under the age of 21 will be admitted. To buy tickets or for more information, call Sandy at (913) 396-1564 or Cathy at (913) 371-1561.

Experience a powerful musical interpretation of the Stations of the Cross for modern times. Freewill donations will help support this program.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST Corning Community Center 6221 5th St., Corning March 6 from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

St. Patrick’s in Corning will host a pancake breakfast serving pancakes, sausage and eggs. A freewill offering will be collected.

There will also be a country store and raffles.

ST. JOSEPH TABLE AND PASTA DINNER St. Joseph Church (McDevitt Hall) 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee March 6 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

After the table is blessed, viewing will be held until 2 p.m. Items will be featured for purchase. A pasta dinner will be served beginning at 11 a.m. The cost for dinner is a freewill donation. For more information, call Christine at (913) 268-6677.

SPECIAL-NEEDS LISTENING EVENT St. Patrick Church (Parish Activities Center) 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas March 8 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is participating in a research project with Georgetown University’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate regarding the inclusion of persons with special needs into the life of the parish. There will be discussion

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>> Continued from page 12 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, Pat or Gary.

Compassionate, tailored care - provided by nursing professionals. We provide private duty, companion, respite and /or pet care. Excellent references and negotiable rates. JOCO only. Call Mary at (913) 710-5412, Lorinda at (913) 226- 5385 or Jeff at (913) 284-2797.

Compassionate caregiver - 45 year-old Catholic woman with 13 years experience. Works days or nights. Flexible. Pay negotiable. Excellent references. Call Kara at (913)909-6659.

CNA, Home Health Care Professional - Provides TLC in the comfort of the client’s residence. Budget Friendly. Available 24 hours, or part time. Excellent references. 25 years of Seasoned Experience. Nonsmoker. Call (816) 806-8104.

Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home - Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www. benefitsofhome.com.

FOR SALE Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 3275557.

For sale - At Mt. Calvary Cemetery Lots number 73, space 3A and space 4A. Call Linda at (913) 724-1097.

FOR RENT For rent - Ranch style three BR home in sought-after neighborhood off of Shawnee Mission Pkwy. near the Plaza. Easy access to downtown. 1.5 bathrooms, fireplace, screened porch, patio, two-car garage and fenced yard. Call (913) 262-5440.

TRAVEL EDDIE DELAHUNT IRELAND TOUR Musical Tour of Ireland Sept 13-24, 2016 - $3,950 pp sharing RT air, luxury coach, breakfasts, hotels, porterage, entry fees, insurance.

Irish guide - Gerry Buckley Contact mary@completetrav.com or call (913) 648-1560.

DOWNTON ABBEY - HIGHCLERE Visit Highclere Castle, Cotswolds, Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Liverpool, Stonehenge, Buckingham Palace Aug 10-20, 2016 - $3499 pp sharing Contact mary@completetrav.com or call (913) 648-1560.

WANTED TO BUY IRISH DINNER Immaculate Conception Church 606 S. Elm, Louisburg March 12 from 5 - 7 p.m.

The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for kids. There will be corned beef, roast beef and hot dogs available. There will be live music and a live auction.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DANCE FOR SINGLES Church of the Nativity 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood March 12 from 7 - 11 p.m.

The cost is $20 at the door and includes pizza, salad, dessert and drinks. The DJ is Mitch. A photo booth will be available. For more information, call Maria at (913) 3149844 or send an email to: contactus@sonministry.org.

IRISH FEST FUN RUN March 12 at 9 a.m.

Go online to: www.irishfestfunrun.com to register and for information. There are price breaks for early registration! Stay for the Irish Fest celebration, sponsored by Mater Dei Parish, Topeka.

Wanted to buy - 20 - 120 acres, tillable, wooded and/or pond, east of Tonganoxie, north/south of 24 Hwy. No realtors. Call (269) 217-6579.

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/ prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware.

Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179.

St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - I’m Mark Edmondson, a local parishioner at Holy Trinity, and I buy and sell houses in any condition. If you have a house “situation,” call me. I might have a solution for you. (913) 980-4905.

ROOMMATE Roommate wanted - Lady to share furnished two bedroom apartment near The Legends. Private BR and bath. Call (913) 745- 6574.

Roommate wanted - Female seeking female roommate in Overland Park. $400 per month plus onethird of the utilities. Furnished. Six minutes from Oak Park Mall. No pets. Call (913) 599-5574.

FEBRUARY 26, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY THIRD WEEK OF LENT Feb. 28 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Ex 3: 1-8a, 13-15 Ps 103: 1-4, 6-8, 11 1 Cor 10: 1-6, 10-12 Lk 13: 1-9 Feb. 29 Monday 2 Kgs 5: 1-15b Pss 42: 2-3; 43: 3-4 Lk 4: 24-30 March 1 Tuesday Dn 3: 25, 34-43 Ps 25: 4-5b, 6, 7bc, 8-9 Mt 18: 21-35 March 2 Wednesday Dt 4: 1, 5-9 Ps 147: 12-13, 15-16, 19-20 Mt 5: 17-19 March 3 Katharine Drexel, virgin Jer 7: 23-28 Ps 95: 1-2, 6-9 Lk 11: 14-23 March 4 Casimir Hos 14: 2-10 Ps 81: 6c-11b, 14, 17 Mk 12: 28-34 March 5 Saturday Hos 6: 1-6 Ps 51: 3-4, 18-21b Lk 18: 9-14

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What will you drop this Lent?

ubber, metal or glass?

No, these aren’t the new choices being offered at the supermarket checkout line.

Instead, these categories come from Tim Sanders, a former chief solutions officer at Yahoo!

He suggests the following criteria when establishing priorities for yourself: “Take your life and all the things that you think are important, and put them in one of three categories: glass, metal and rubber.

“Things of rubber, when you drop them, will bounce back. No harm is done when these things get dropped. So, for instance, if I miss a Royals game, my life will bounce along fine. Missing a game or a season of baseball will not alter my marriage or my spiritual life. I can take ‘em or leave ‘em.

“Things of metal, when dropped, create a lot of noise. But you can recover from the drop. If you miss a meeting at work, you can get the CliffsNotes version of it. If you don’t balance your checkbook and the bank notifies you

H

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MARK MY WORDS

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.

LISTEN to this article online at: www.theleaven.org. of an overdraft — that will create some noise in your life, but you can recover from it.

“Things of glass, when dropped, shatter into pieces and will never be the same again. They can be glued back together, but are altered forever.

They may be missing some pieces, and they probably can’t hold water again without leaking.

The consequences of this brokenness will forever affect how the glass is used.

“You’re the only person who knows what those things are that you can’t afford to drop. More than likely, they have a lot to do with your relationships with spouse, children, family and friends.” (www.sanderssays.typepad.com; adapted from “1001 Illustrations That Connect,” edited by Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof.)

I’ve been mulling over these words of Sanders ever since reading them months ago. Strangely enough, for many people — well, for all of us at some point in our lives, if we’re honest — what is most important is often handled with the least

bit of care. Conversely, the not-so-important things in our lives are many times given undue priority.

For example, folks may get more upset and concerned that their favorite sports team lost rather than worry about the consequences of an argument with a loved one. In other words, the sports team is treated like fine, delicate glass even though, practically speaking, the loss really has no personal effect on the fan’s life. The offended loved one, however, is treated like rubber (“Why worry about them, they’ll ‘bounce back’ after a while”) or maybe metal (After the “noise” of arguing, they’ll eventually quiet down”).

What rarely seems to be taken into account is that even though loved ones can “bounce back” for a time or the “noise” of their anger or hurt may quiet over time, eventually not being considered valuable or a “priority” will exact a toll. Because they’ve not been handled carefully and with love, the person and the relationship will almost certainly break, never to be completely put back

together again.

Similarly, this is the process that some take in their spiritual lives.

The relationship with God is treated as rubber: Life bounces along even though a person might miss Mass occasionally or their prayers here and there. As time goes on, though, the “missing” becomes the rule rather than the exception. And while a person’s conscience may get “noisy” and trigger feelings of regret and even guilt, over time even that voice will be stilled by neglect. The final outcome is that the relationship with God is shattered, due to indifference.

In this season of Lent, Sanders’ categories of rubber, metal and glass can be a helpful and eye-opening tool in our personal and spiritual lives. Nothing should be more important and precious — and handled with care, like delicate glass — than our relationship with God, family and friends.

If those categories are inverted in our lives, the time for conversion is now. And once those priorities get straightened out, we can go right to the head of the “glass.”

Lent is a time to make things right with God

uge crowds turn out for Ash Wednesday, even though the church does not classify it as a holy day of obligation. They want the ashes.

Evidently, many people think of the ashes as conferring a blessing, that they possess a nearly magical power, capable of warding off evil. However, I would instead maintain that the ashes issue a warning and an admonishment.

Consider the words said when applying the ashes. There are two possibilities: 1. “Repent and believe in the Gospel,” or 2. “Remember, you are dust and unto dust you shall return.”

The first formula instructs us to turn away from sin. (Repent.) The second formula is a reminder of our mortality.

POPE FRANCIS

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

It instructs us to remember. There you have it, warning and admonishment.

The words we heard on Ash Wednesday echo the message we hear in Sunday’s Gospel

As the plane carrying him back to Rome from Mexico was flying over Texas, Pope Francis insisted building walls to keep immigrants out of one’s country is un-Christian.

Holding his customary in-flight news conference Feb. 17 after a six-day trip that ended at the Mexico-U.S. border, Pope Francis was asked about his reaction to U.S. presidential

reading, Lk 13:1-9. Jesus points to a couple of unexpected tragedies to remind the crowd that life is short — that any of them could die at any moment. Along with this warning, Jesus also issues an admonishment: that they should repent.

When facing the possibility of death, we can choose from among several options on how to react. For example, one proverb advises us: “Let us eat and drink, for

tomorrow we die.” Similarly, in a more poetic vein, we are instructed: “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.” A modern trend suggests that we compose a bucket list of those items we wish to accomplish before we die.

In any case, Jesus encourages us to look at our relationship with God and make it right, while we still have time.

This message continues the basic theme of Jesus’ ministry: “This is the time of fulfillment.

The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel” (Mk 1:15).

Notice here, Jesus does not cite the possibility of death but, rather, the nearness of God’s kingdom, as motivation for the listener to repent.

Ordinarily, when Jesus told a parable to the crowds, he would begin it with the words:

candidate Donald Trump’s proposal that the United States extend the fence along the full length of the border and his comments to Fox Business Network that Pope Francis is a politician and is being used by Mexicans.

“Aristotle defined the human person as ‘animal politicus’ — [so] at least I’m a human person” in Trump’s eyes, Pope Francis said. “As far as being ‘a pawn,’” the pope said, “that’s up to you, to the people, to

“The kingdom of God is like. . . .” Pointing out the nearness of the kingdom of God made up a major part of Jesus’ basic message. That would supply the primary motivation for people to repent.

Then why does Jesus mention the two tragedies — the Galileans killed by Pilate and the people killed by the collapsing tower — in exhorting the people in the Gospel reading to repent?

He is not resorting to scare tactics in delivering his message of repentance. Rather, he is drawing upon people’s recent experience. They would have heard about these events.

While the memory of these tragedies is still fresh in people’s minds, Jesus wishes to meet the people where they are. “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

decide.” But one thing Pope Francis said he did know was that “a person who thinks only of building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, isn’t Christian.” Asked if a Catholic could vote for such a candidate in good conscience, the pope told reporters: “I’m not going to get mixed up in that. I’ll just say, this man is not Christian if he says this” about building walls.

— CNS

FEBRUARY 26, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

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Young adults are focus of efforts across archdiocese

echnically, I’m still a “young adult” in the Catholic Church at 34

years old.

I attend Mass each weekend at the same church. I am plugged into my local parish community. I don’t really “church hop” anymore.

I am also the oddball when it comes to my generation of Catholics.

It is not unusual for young adults to attend Mass alone or find it difficult to fit in at a particular parish. Parishes sometimes struggle to reach young adults.

However, that is not the story for every young adult Catholic. Lots of incredible work is being done across the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to foster young adult engagement.

A

nother presidential election cycle happens this year.

This means many more people will vote compared to non-presidential election cycles.

Hence, it is an especially good time to reflect on how prolife issues, especially abortion, will impact this year’s elections. More importantly, as Catholics, how should abortion impact our vote?

Is abortion controversial? Certainly. It should be. It is the most basic human rights issue of our time and we Catholics are not called to be ostriches on this critical issue. We are called and morally obligated to be shining lights in a culture

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he smell of freshly cut grass, the crack of the bat, hot dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jacks and cotton candy — it is that time of the year.

The dream to make a big-league roster. The dream of another division championship is on every Kansas City Royals baseball fan’s mind. A player’s dream to lift another World Series championship trophy.

The “field of dreams” we are all looking for.

The dream to be at spring training as the boys of summer officially start the 2016 baseball season. Selfishly, those could be my dreams.

This article is about

For instance: • St. Paul’s Outreach — SPO is a national organization that serves in and is supported by the archdiocese. It has missionaries that live in a household together and serve Benedictine College, Johnson County Community College and post-university young adults. It does programming that includes Lord’s Day Suppers, praise and worship, retreats and small group formation.

SPO is also developing outreach at Emporia State University and Donnelly College. More information can be found online at: www.spoweb.org/kansas.

• SALT — SALT is a young adult group based out of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park that is open to all area young adults. It offers

CALLED TO DISCIPLESHIP

FATHER ANDREW STROBL Father Andrew Strobl is the archdiocesan director of evangelization.

speakers at local pubs, eucharistic adoration and Mass opportunities with other young adults. SALT has leadership that is single and married. See

“SALT KCK” on Facebook for more information.

• CREDO — Credo is a young adult group in Topeka that is connected with local parishes.

It offers speakers at pubs and coffee houses, service projects, brunches on Sundays, Bible studies and a house used for programming.

Credo has leadership that is single and mar-

ried. More information is available online at: www.credo-topeka.com and at “CREDO Topeka” on Facebook.

• COMPASS — Compass (“Compassion in Action”) is a new young adult initiative by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. It gathers young adults for fellowship and service. More information is available online at: www.catholiccharitiesks. org/compass.

• Community of the Lamb — The Little Brothers and Sisters of the Lamb out of Kansas City, Kansas, have put on a number of opportunities for young adults.

They have led a walking pilgrimage, offered evenings of prayer and hosted “Trust One Greater.” You can find their community infor-

Are you Catholic in the voting booth?

of death and darkness.

We are obliged to be countercultural, i.e., Christians. After all, an entire class of human beings is being denied the right to take even one single breath of air, thus denying them any other rights that intrinsically accrue to human beings. And the size of this innocent, defenseless, voiceless class of human beings being persecuted and eliminated is enormous.

This egregious assault may not be dismissed or ignored — not if we are following God’s will. So, we see we must act.

Archbishop Naumann and our U.S. bishops have taught us that procured abortion holds a special claim on our conscience since it is an

BUILDING THE CULTURE OF LIFE

RON KELSEY Ron Kelsey is the archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office.

You can email him at: prolife@ archkck.org or call (913) 6470350.

intrinsic evil, meaning that it is always wrong, regardless of circumstances.

This special claim on our consciences follows us into the voting booth.

Voting is a moral act.

We must vote realizing that Christ is with us and watching us in the voting booth. And his will is clear on this issue.

Partisan politics are subservient to the moral act of voting. We

are Christians first, not members of a political party.

Neither are we singleissue voters. While there are many issues that demand our attention, we should have priorities when voting. Opposition to abortion is clearly a priority issue.

Objectively, politicians who support legal abortion are exercising flawed moral judgment and ignoring one of government’s primary responsibilities of protecting all innocent human beings within its borders.

Legitimately then, one could easily question the overall character and judgment of politicians who support abortion.

Legal abortion would

mation online at: www. communautedelagneau. org/en/little-monasterylumen-christi.

• “Trust One Greater” — Regular events are put on across the archdiocese of eucharistic adoration, fellowship and time with Archbishop Naumann. The next TOG is at Benedictine College, Atchison, on March 2. For more information, send an email to: evangelization@archkck. org.

These are just some of the current efforts underway. A number of parishes are starting to take young adult engagement more seriously.

As an archdiocese, we are blessed with many young adults who are already on-fire missionary disciples.

There is room, of course, for many more.

quickly end if no candidate for office could get elected if they supported legal abortion, i.e., if no one voted for such a candidate. Is this possible?

Sure, if we follow God’s will rather than our own will. Protection of unborn children must rise to the same level on the conscience of the nation as that of our protection of born children, where society demonstrates an overwhelming and enthusiastic defense.

After all, there is no difference between born and unborn children in the eyes of God — all are his children and loved unconditionally. Our votes should embrace this same love.

Help us field our dream team at CEF dreams — “a dream is a wish your heart makes.”

Our CEF dreams are not baseball-related.

Rather, our dreams are focused on low-income families yearning for a Catholic education.

Students currently in our Catholic schools dreaming to return for another year if only scholarship funds were available.

Many children currently not in our Catholic schools are dreaming for that same opportunity.

This is the time of the year when the Catholic Education Foundation finalizes our schools’ scholarship budget numbers for the 2016-17 school year. We at CEF dream a lot as we look into our scholarship crystal ball.

CEF CENTERED

Our dream is for every child who seeks a Catholic school education to receive that opportunity, regardless of his or her financial circumstances. This is our “field of dreams.”

Once we provide a scholarship for a child, we are committed to sustaining that individ-

MICHAEL MORRISEY Michael Morrisey is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation. You can reach him at (913) 647-0383 or send an email to him at: mmorrisey@archkck.org.

ual (assuming it is good for the student as well as the school) for 9-13

years (kindergarten through high school).

So, at this point in time, our average commitment to our CEF kids is $13,000 per child for each of our 1,400-plus scholarship recipients.

If you do the math, that equates to $18,200,000 over a 13-year period!

Dream on!

Currently, our principals have identified an additional 395 kids ($5,135,000 for 13 years) that want to attend our Catholic schools, but are not given that opportunity because of the lack of resources!

I am sure you will attest that in each of our lives we have experienced both good and bad dreams. I have

oftentimes said a certain experience is like “a bad dream.” The same can be said for our CEF families. When it comes to their kids and Catholic schools, the recurring bad dream for many is not being able to send their kids to one of our Catholic schools!

Dream on!

I am a dreamer and (along with baseball) I am a Walt Disney fan as well.

“A dream is a wish your heart makes.” Have faith in your dreams and someday your (Catholic education) rainbow will come smiling through . . . If you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true!”

Dream on!

FEBRUARY 26, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Photos by

JAY SOLDNER

Bishop John Brungardt of the Diocese of Dodge City leads a discussion with a group of Kansas college students Feb. 6 at the Kansas Catholic College Student Convention at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann speaks to college students from around the state on Feb. 6 at Prairie Star Ranch.

College kids converge on Prairie Star Ranch

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

W

ILLIAMSBURG — The annual K a n s a s Catholic College Student Convocation held here from Feb. 5-7 featured “three Wise Men” from the East.

No, really. Three college professors were the keynote speakers at the convocation: Richard Cross from the University of Notre Dame; Kenneth Howell from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; and Daniel Toma from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The annual convocation has been held, under various names, for about 40 years.

This year, the convocation was held at archdiocesan-owned Prairie Star Ranch near Williamsburg and hosted by the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas.

About 230 students — mostly leaders in campus ministry — attended, representing Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Newman College, Pittsburg State University, Washburn University and Wichita State University.

Religious orders sent representatives, too, including the Community of the Lamb from Kansas City, Kansas; the Apostles of the Interior Life from Lawrence; the Marian Sisters (Grey Sisters) from Lincoln, Nebraska; and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters from Wichita.

“The convocation provides an opportunity for Catholic students from around the state

Father Gale Hammerschmidt, the pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Junction City and director of vocations for the Diocese of Salina, speaks at a breakout session.

Bishop Carl Kemme of the Diocese of Wichita celebrates Mass with college students from Kansas colleges and universities in the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Chapel at Prairie Star Ranch. to gather for formation, education and fun,” said Father Steve Beseau, director and chaplain of the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center.

The three professors were chosen because they are part of the Catholic Worldview Symposium, said Father Beseau. They talked to the students about uniting their Catholic faith with their intellectual life.

“I think Dr. Ken Howell’s keynote address on Saturday night at our banquet was probably a high note for many people,” said Father Beseau.

“He spoke about the word ‘poiema,’ the Greek word Saint Paul uses to describe God’s handiwork. Every one of us is made as part of a ‘poiema.’

Through personal witness, ex-

Father Steve Beseau, director of the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas, and Kansas State University sophomore Ethan Stueve visit between sessions. perience and the Scriptures, he really opened it up to the students.”

In addition to hearing the keynote presentations, the students had opportunities to

mix with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Bishop Carl A. Kemme from the Diocese of Wichita, and Bishop John B. Brungardt from the Diocese of Dodge City.

Zach Watson, a KU senior from Olathe, really appreciated time with the Kansas bishops.

“You don’t see three bishops in one place very often,” he said. “It was nice to see their dedication to the young people of the state. Before the Mass we had with them [on Saturday], the bishops broke up by diocese and met with students from each respective diocese.”

“They had informal conversations about what was going on in their dioceses and how to better serve young people,” he continued. “After Mass, they stayed and had lunch with us.”