02-27-09 Vol. 30 No. 27

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 30, NO. 27 FEBRUARY 27, 2009

‘Prophet’ on the world stage Pope’s U.N. ‘ambassador’ visits Benedictine

By JOE BOLLIG Leaven staff

A

TCHISON – The Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin was reputed to have scoffed at the Holy Father, asking, “How many divisions does the

pope have?”

He had none then, of course, and he has none now.

But, with Soviet communism moldering on the ash heap of history, the pope still has a voice. And at the United Nations, that voice is Archbishop Celestino Migliore.

Archbishop Migliore is the apostolic nuncio, or permanent observer of the Holy See, to the United Nations. And on Feb. 18, he traveled to Benedictine College in Atchison to address that very topic: “The Role of the Catholic Church in the United Nations.”

The archbishop has rarely strayed from the East Coast during his six years as the Holy See’s top diplomat at the U.N., but he made a special trip to Benedictine College, thanks to the enterprise of Andrew Morris.

Morris, now a graduate student pursing a master’s of business administration degree at Benedictine, got the idea to invite the U.N. nuncio in 2007.

Morris was an undergraduate majoring in international business when he and another student, both members of the Student International Business Council, attended a seminar at the Vatican’s New York mission.

“It was while I was out there meeting with different people within the mission itself that I realized this was a great opportunity for Benedictine College and SIBC to use these contacts,” said Morris.

Morris decided he would invite Archbishop Migliore to Kansas.

“I didn’t ask him at that time,” said Leaven photo by Susan McSpadden

Turn to VATICAN on page 4

Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, talks to Atchison’s Benedictine College students in the school’s dining hall on Feb. 18. He is flanked by Benedictine College president Stephen Minnis.

GIANT LEAP Obstetrician Dr. Bruce Snider took a leap of faith when he decided to integrate his Catholic values into his workplace.

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THE ROAD NOT TAKEN

THE ELDERS

If fate had played a different hand, Father Jerry Arano-Ponce might have been a cowboy.

Back with a new studio album, this Celtic rock band has made it a point to give back to the community from the very beginning.

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2 ARCHBISHOP

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 27, 2009

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 27, 2009

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

S

everal of my previous columns have attempted to explain how the virtues of faith and hope can help us cope with the inevitable anxieties fostered by our nation’s current economic problems.

Recently, I received a letter from a reader whose spouse had lost his job several months ago and has been unable to find suitable employment. The part-time job salary of the letter’s author has been for some months now the sole means of support for the family. Without any health insurance, they are just hoping that no one becomes sick. They are striving to live very frugally — keeping their home cool to conserve energy and eating very simply. This couple has one child whom they are attempting to protect from realizing the precariousness of the family’s financial state.

The letter’s author was obviously very distraught. She said that it was difficult to go to church, because she could hardly keep from crying. She signed the letter: “Out of Faith in Northeast Kansas.” My words about hope and faith, rather than comforting and strengthening her, actually exasperated her pain. Unfortunately, I have not been able to contact this family because the letter contained no name, no address, no e-mail and no phone number.

This letter reminded me of the passage in the Letter of James: “If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm and eat well,’ but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?”

(Jas 2: 15-16). Obviously, it is not enough for the church just to exhort people to have faith and hope. We must attempt to do everything that we can to provide for the needs of those who are suffering.

I know that the staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas are doing everything possible to assist those adversely affected by the economic problems of our nation. I am grateful to the generous benefactors of Catholic Charities who make it possible for our church to make the love of Jesus real and tangible to those who are suffering. The staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities are on the front lines of the battle against poverty as they bravely enter into the suffering of others, seeking to find ways both to attend to their immediate needs and to connect them with the best possible resources for long-term solutions.

Concrete Work Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish

I have asked every department in the Archdiocese to attempt to reduce their budgets in order to free up more resources to meet the most pressing needs of individuals and parishes who are struggling at this moment. I am gratified by the response so far to this year’s Call To Share, the annual effort of the people of the Archdiocese to pool our resources to fund the educational, pastoral and charitable ministries of the Archdiocese.

The sacrificial generosity of people throughout the Archdiocese, coupled with our staff’s efforts to reduce budgets, will free up additional resources to help those in need.

In last week’s Leaven, Bill Scholl, our consultant for social justice, described the recent efforts to improve the communication and linkage between our parishes and Catholic Charities. Our priests, parish staffs and parish volunteers are also on the front lines of the battle against poverty as many individuals come to our church doors seeking assistance.

Catholic Charities and our parishbased assistance programs are not just to assist Catholics. In fact, the vast majority of people that we serve are not Catholic.

We do not respond to another’s human need because they are Catholic, but because we are Catholic.

At the same time, we must give special attention to the needs of those within our own parish communities. No individual or family in our parishes should ever carry any burden alone. We must look for ways to help others while preserving their dignity.

If you have been the victim of recent layoffs and are struggling to make ends meet, I encourage you to let your pastor know of your situation and allow the parish community the opportunity to assist you. I know that all of us would prefer to be the one giving help rather than asking for help. Yet, the Lord may desire to use you to call forth greater generosity from the rest of us.

All of us need to be more attuned to the needs of those around us. In one of my parochial assignments as a priest, there was one or more “phantom givers” in the parish. This person or persons would anonymously send cash to families if someone was out of work.

Sometimes, large families received an anonymous donation to help them with the care of their children. It is not necessary to wait for people to ask for help.

We need a legion of modern-day yearround St. Nicholases who recognize a need and find a way to respond without any other prompting.

I have been praying daily for “Out of Faith in Northeast Kansas.” I hope that the Lord will inspire someone to notice and respond to their need. I also invite “Out of Faith” or anyone else in a similar situation to write to me. I will do my best to connect you with those within our archdiocesan family who can best help you. Give your faith family the chance to fulfill the mandate of Jesus: “Love one another as I have loved you.”

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A LEAP OF FAITH Doctor makes unconventional career decision

By KARA HANSEN Leaven staff OVERLAND PARK — It was a familiar story.

“I went only because my wife signed me up for it,” admitted Dr. Bruce Snider.

But the retreat held at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park four years ago To schedule an was anything appointment but familiar.

Dr. with “The retreat Snider, conwas absolutely tact his office life changing,” directly at the said the obsteO l a t h e trician. “At the Women’s time, I was a Center. Call Catholic who (913) 764went to Mass 6262. on Sundays, but that was about it.

“I went home after that weekend and made the decision to stop performing sterilizations in my practice immediately.”

The retreat was part of the parish renewal program Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) held at the Church of the Ascension. As part of the weekend, Snider heard a fellow Catholic share his moving testimony about his vasectomy reversal. The peace and joy the reversal brought to that man’s marriage and faith made a deep impact on Snider.

Snider’s wife Mona said she was not completely surprised by her husband’s reaction and decision to integrate his Catholic faith more fully into his professional life.

“I had gone through a CRHP weekend before and it made such an impact on me that I really hoped and thought it might have a similar impact on him,” she said.

But that decision to stop performing sterilizations in his practice was simply a first step in a larger journey, Snider soon realized. His wife soon began to see significant shifts in his priorities, as well as a deepening relationship with God. “I saw Bruce’s heart was more open to the way God was leading him through his prayer life, as more of a spiritual leader in our family, making our family a bigger priority over work, and being more open to different opportunities in our parish,” said Mona.

As part of the CRHP program, Snider also began to grow closer to other Catholic men who encouraged him in his faith and who were also working at better integrating their faith and work lives.

About CRHP Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) is a copyrighted parish renewal process that began in 1969 and is recommended by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. It has been used as the primary instrument of personal and parish renewal in over 1,000 parishes in 32 states and 84 Catholic dioceses. The program involves a commitment to a weekend retreat designed to deepen spirituality and build community. If participants wish, they can also continue in faith formation over the following six months with their fellow retreat participants. At the end of those six months, the group then puts together a CRHP retreat at their parish for a new group of people.

CRHP was first offered in the archdiocese at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park five years ago. Since then, it has expanded to several other parishes: Holy Spirit and Holy Cross in Overland Park, Curé of Ars in Leawood, and Sacred Heart in Shawnee.

For more information on CRHP, go to the Web site at: http://www.mycrhp. com.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Bruce Snider

Dr. Bruce Snider, an obstetrician, decided to stop performing sterilizations in his practice after attending a Christ Renews His Parish program at the Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.

“We spend so much of our time in the workplace that it makes sense to move our faith past our church and immediate family to include the rest of our lives,” said Snider.

Subsequent programs Snider attended on the sanctity of life and the theology of the body deepened his desire to bring the principles of his professional practice more completely in line with those of his faith.

So his next step was to stop prescribing artificial contraceptives to his patients.

“I became increasingly uncomfortable prescribing birth control pills when that clearly doesn’t fit with our Catholic beliefs,” he said.

As an OB/GYN in private practice for almost 20 years, Snider estimates that some 80 percent of his patients were

“

We spend so much of our time in the workplace that it makes sense to move our faith past our church and immediate family to include the rest of our lives.

“

No Catholics should have to carry their burden alone

Dr. Bruce Snider

on some form of birth control, which made his decision to stop prescribing it something of a leap of faith.

To his knowledge, Snider said he was the only OB/GYN practicing in the state of Kansas who would not prescribe contraceptives.

“It’s definitely a practice risk, wondering if I will be able to keep enough patients to continue. But I’ve decided this is what I need to do and I’m not going to worry about it,” he said.

With three children at home — Ben, 14, Sophie, 12, and Gracie, 10 — Mona admits to some concern as to how this decision will impact their family’s livelihood.

“But that’s really where faith and trust step in,” she said. “We feel a lot of peace and trust about this decision.

It’s not that it won’t be hard, or that there won’t be obstacles along the way, or that we won’t encounter judgment from others.

“It’s just that the faith journey Bruce is on is so much more than any of the worries or concerns.”

Snider said he has been telling his patients at their annual exams about his new policy.

“I thought it would really be a struggle to explain why I’m doing this. But, so far, most everyone has been very respectful,” said Snider.

“Time will tell if they continue to see me as a patient.”

Snider plans to seek further training in natural family planning so he can continue to meet the family planning needs of his patients, now that he has stopped prescribing birth control.

In the meantime, he is continuing to take his faith and work one step at a time.

4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 27, 2009

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 27, 2009

Vatican ambassador can say things others cannot Continued from page 1 Morris. “He celebrated Mass, and we had a social hour. I met him and talked to him, but we weren’t at that point discussing the logistics of him coming to the campus.”

When he returned to Benedictine, Morris pitched his idea to Benedictine president Stephen Minnis. The college then worked with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann to issue a formal invitation.

Although Archbishop Migliore’s tour of the college was a chilly one, his reception was anything but. He started his visit with Minnis and members of his cabinet, followed by lunch in the cafeteria, where students treated him to a rousing rendition of the Raven fight song.

After lunch, two students showed him around the campus, and afterward, the nuncio held a private question-and-answer session with the Benedictine faculty and consultants of the archdiocesan parish ministry offices.

After celebrating Mass in the abbey church, the archbishop had dinner with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann; Bishop Michael Jackels of the Diocese of Wichita; Bishop Paul Coakley of the Diocese of Salina; members of the Kansas Catholic Conference; Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB, of the abbey; Sister Anne Shepherd, OSB, of Mount St. Scholastica; and others. The bishops had just come from Topeka, where they had visited members of the Kansas Legislature.

After dinner, Archbishop Naumann was honored by the college with the Benedictine Heritage Award. Then, the assembled clerics blessed a stone for a new grotto on campus; it was cut from the same quarry used for the abbey foundation.

Archbishop Migliore then presented his address on role of the church at the U.N. to more than 400 people in the O’Malley-McAllister Auditorium in the Student Union.

The Holy See is not a full member of the United Nations, the nuncio explained, but has permanent observer status. As such, it has no vote and cannot nominate candidates for certain U.N. offices.

The U.N. nuncio can go to all meetings, however, take the floor of the General Assembly at any time, circulate position papers, and negotiate conventions and treaties.

Not having a vote means the Holy See can fulfill its role as “prophet” on the world stage.

“Max Weber, the great sociologist in the last century, used to say societies are based on two key institutions: kings and prophets,” said Archbishop Migliore.

“Kings are the political and civil authorities that have to make decisions, however difficult they are,” he continued. “The prophets are those who have to [remind] the people, including the king, of those values without which society would fall apart.”

In the U.N., the “kings” are the countries, who are voting members.

The permanent observers are the “prophets.”

As a “prophet,” the Holy See does not use the language of religion, but rather “right reason illuminated by revelation, the word of God” and hu-

Lou and Don Sole, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Feb. 26. The couple was married on Feb. 26, 1949, at Redemptorist Church, Kansas City, Mo. Their chilwill host a dinANNIVERSARIES nerdren in their honor with family and friends. Their children and their spouses are: Craig Sole, Overland Park; Brian Sole, Aspen, Colo.; Eric and Tanta Sole, Barcelona, Spain; and Kim and Tim Grantham, Prairie Village. They also have four grandchildren and one greatgrandchild.

Bob and Betty Alvarado, members of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 65th wedding Anniversary on March 8. A private family celebration is being planned. The couple has four children: Theresa Matlock, Ann Schriver, Bob Alvarado, and Steve Alvarado. They also have five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Grandmother provides inspiration for winning essay LENEXA — A grandmother’s Christlike witness inspired Greta McCall, a senior at St. James Academy here, to pen a winning entry in the Maryknoll Student Essay Contest.

McCall won first place in Division II (grades 9 to 12) out of 5,000 entries, and received a $1,000 prize at her school on Feb. 20. The prize was presented by Greg Darr, regional director of the Mission Education and Promotion Office of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, located in Chicago.

The topic was “You Will Be My Witness,” and students were to write about someone they know who has been a witness for Christ. In her winning essay, “God’s Clay,” McCall described how her grandmother allowed God to “shape, form and mold her throughout her life” — even as she was dying.

The essay will be printed in the May/June issue of Maryknoll magazine and posted on its Web site at www. maryknoll.org/winners.

Archbishop to lead retreat

Leaven photos by Susan McSpadden

Papal nuncio Archbishop Celestino Migliore is given a tour of the Benedictine campus by Maggie Ruppert (left), a sophomore from Kansas City, Mo., and Kate Marin, a freshman from St. Francis.

Lenten events at Marillac

Archbishop Migliore visits with Benedictine graduate student Andrew Morris.

Morris was instrumental in getting the archbishop to visit Benedictine. man experience. Even so, some nations challenge “reason” as just a Western cultural construct.

“We are in a world culturally fragmented,” said the nuncio. “We cannot even have a common basis for what is reason.”

The archbishop said there were three reasons why the Holy See maintains a U.N. mission: to provide church input to the international community on current issues; to help build consensus; and to “give a voice to those who have no voice.”

The church’s input, explained the nuncio, reflects its social teaching, translated from its religious doctrine.

Principles from foundational U.N. documents, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are really Gospel-based, he said, and the product of Catholic social thought.

These include “the inherent dignity of the human person,” and the understanding that “the family is the natural unit of human society.”

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will lead a Lenten day of reflection at 9 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. on March 17 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., here.

Archbishop Naumann will speak about the many themes of St. Paul during the Lenten retreat.

The sacrament of reconciliation and adoration will be available for both sessions, and a meal is included. A schedule is available online at: www. archkck.org.

RSVP by calling Martha Gann at (913) 721- 1097, or send her an e-mail at: saviorsec@archkck.org.

And despite the Vatican’s lack of temporal power, said the nuncio, he can sometimes accomplish things that others cannot. In fact, the other ambassadors, who are sometimes forced by their governments to vote for things that they do not agree with, want the Holy See to continue being “prophetic.”

Archbishop Migliore recalled one case, in particular, in which he saw a worthy initiative scuttled by selfish politics.

“It was quite shameful, but it was more than a consolation that many delegates felt ashamed of the games played on the skin of the most vulnerable,” said the archbishop.

“They said, ‘You will lose, but keep speaking,’” he said. “[They said] ‘Keep telling us things, because we need someone who speaks the voice of reason and common sense.’”

LEAVENWORTH — Tom Jacobs, musician, will share his talents and reflective insights during two upcoming Lenten programs hosted by Marillac Center, 4200 S. 4th St., here.

On March 6, Jacobs will offer a Lenten evening of story and song at 7 p.m. at Marillac Center on the campus of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth motherhouse. Preregistration is $20; $25 at the door.

On March 7, starting at 9:45 a.m., Jacobs will give a Lenten day of prayer in Ross Chapel in the motherhouse. The preregistration fee is $45; $55 at the door. The registration fee includes lunch.

Register by calling (913) 758-6552 or send an e-mail to: retreats@scls.org.

Correction There was an error in the Feb. 20 issue of The Leaven concerning Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee’s fish fry.

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

Greg Darr, regional director of the Mission Education and Promotion Office of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, located in Chicago, congratulates Greta McCall, a senior at St. James Academy in Lenexa, on her winning essay in the Maryknoll Student Essay Contest.

LOCAL NEWS

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God’s Clay

By Greta McCall Clay can take different shapes and forms when molded. On a potter’s wheel, in the hands of the artist, clay begins as nothing, but ends as a magnificent work of art, each piece different and unique. God’s people are clay in His hands. Every day He shapes, forms and molds us to become the people He wants us to be. If we allow ourselves to live our lives the way God has intended, we become a vessel for Him to fulfill His individual plan for us. My Grandmother, or “Grandma-ma” as I called her, lived out her Catholic faith in such a way.

She allowed God to shape, form and mold her throughout her life, thus becoming a witness for Christ.

Grandma-ma’s life centered around Jesus Christ. Grandma-ma was so filled with God’s love that somehow it radiated from her. All those who knew her were touched by her kind words and gentle ways and were influenced by her Christ-like way of life. Likewise, she had a significant impact on me. When I was a baby, she would often take me to eucharistic adoration late at night. She would place me underneath the Blessed Sacrament to sleep while she continued to pray. It was as if Grandma-ma was placing me in the arms of Jesus to hold me and guide me throughout life. As I grew older, she would often take me with her to daily Mass. As a small child I remember holding her hand, walking to and from church. I remember visiting with Grandma-ma and the parish priest, patiently waiting to receive yet another blessing from him. Most of all, I remember that Grandma-ma taught me that nothing was more important than receiving the Eucharist often; she told me it would bring many graces and help me get through life. As I grew older, I realized how important it was for me to continue to live my life by the example Grandma-ma gave me. Therefore, I decide to make daily Mass a part of my everyday life.

As the years passed, Grandma-ma continued to be an incredible Christ-like example. No matter what I was experiencing, Grandma-ma always had inspirational words that offered sound advice. However, her most profound example came without words or advice. It was nearly two years ago when Grandma-ma was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Because of the location of her tumor, there was not much that medical experts could do. She never complained and never asked why.

Instead Grandma-ma decided to live every moment she had left to the fullest, giving thanks to God for the gift of each day. She became even closer to Jesus. Her prayer life consumed her days. Just as she taught me over the years, she relied on the Eucharist for strength and courage. She continued to attend daily Mass and eucharistic adoration until she was bedridden. She completely surrendered her life to God and was a servant to His will. She accepted her mortality with grace, dignity and ultimately, complete faith. In turn, God rewarded Grandma-ma with a peaceful and holy death. Through Grandmama’s Christ-like actions, she taught all those who knew her how to live, and how to die. Truly, she was a witness for Christ.

Grandma-ma’s influence upon me cannot be denied — she has helped define my personal faith. As a result of the beautiful example of Grandma-ma’s faith-filled discipline, I realized I can do nothing alone. I cannot be successful in life without following and accepting God’s will. Even though I fall sometimes, God still shows His mercy. Through the Eucharist, He has given me the strength and courage to carry through difficult times in my life.

I now know that in the hands of God, the artist, Grandma-ma allowed Him to sculpt her from nothing into a magnificent work of art.

Accepting His will and grace, she had become God’s masterpiece; a beautiful vessel for His Son, Jesus Christ.

Grotto foundation blessed at Benedictine College ATCHISON — Construction of a new Marian grotto on the campus of Benedictine College here is well underway. The project is part of the school’s $50 million comprehensive campaign and was fully funded with an anonymous $500,000 donation last year.

Nestled on the hillside on the western edge of the academic quad, the grotto will be seen from most of the campus. The shrine will serve as a place for quiet meditation, inspiration and outdoor prayer.

Groundwork has already been completed and the concrete footings were poured on Feb. 6.

Holy water from the grotto at Lourdes was mixed into the concrete as it was poured and was used to bless the entire foundation. Benedictine College president Stephen D. Minnis also placed a red- and black-beaded

Raven Rosary with the St. Benedict cross and medal into the very center of the base of the concrete arch that forms the grotto’s foundation. The rosary was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI during Minnis’ trip to Rome in 2008.

Father Brendan Rolling, OSB, blessed the St. Benedict medal with the Benedictine Order’s traditional exorcism prayer.

“This grotto will be a visible, enduring symbol of our gratitude for our Blessed Mother’s special intercession and protection throughout the years,” said Minnis. “Everyone passes by this spot throughout the day, so even if someone doesn’t stop to see Mary, Mary will see them.”

College officials hope the new grotto will be completed in time for graduation this coming May.

Photo courtesy of Benedictine College

Father Brendan Rolling, OSB, blesses a rosary, held by Benedictine College president Stephen Minnis, as a crowd of students, faculty, and staff look on.

6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 27, 2009

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 27, 2009

LOCAL NEWS

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s March calendar 1

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Mass and pastoral visit — Holy Family, Eudora

Masses and pastoral visit — Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Topeka

Lenten retreat for parish administration and staff

3 p.m. RCIA — Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka

Vigil vespers for Bishop Richard Stika’s ordination

1 p.m. RCIA — St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kan. 7:30 p.m. RCIA — Ascension, Overland Park

2 Relevant Radio interview Executive Committee meeting of Presbyteral Council Confirmation — Holy Spirit, Overland Park

3 Meeting with Father Thomas Perumallil, provincial, St. Francis de Sales, India Adoration and Benediction for religious education students — Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka

18

10

19

Administrative Team meeting

Fifth anniversary of arrival in Kansas City, Kan.

Confirmation — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kan.

11 Confirmation — Christ the King, Kansas City, Kan.

12

Conception Seminary board meeting

21 Anointing Mass — Curé of Ars, Leawood

21-22

Atchison Region Pastoral Planning meeting — ACES, Atchison

Masses and pastoral visit — Sacred Heart-St. Joseph, Topeka

14-15 Masses and pastoral visit — All Saints, Kansas City, Kan.

16 Presbyteral Council meeting

6-7

Ordination of Bishop Stika — Knoxville, Tenn.

23 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Pro-Life Committee meeting

Confirmation — St. Joseph, Shawnee

25 26 Mass — Regional Stewardship Conference

28-29 Masses and pastoral visit — Holy Angels, Garnett; St. John the Baptist, Greeley

30 Adoration and Benediction — Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kan. Confirmation — Mater Dei, Topeka

31 Confirmation — St. Pius X, Mission

24

Vespers and dinner — Pastoral Council

Administrative Team meeting Priests Personnel meeting

Archbishop James P. Keleher’s March calendar 1

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29

Confirmation — Christ the King, Topeka

Mass, 20th anniversary — St. Julianna, Chicago

4

14-21

Confirmation — St. John the Evangelist, Lawrence

Confirmation — St. Ann, Prairie Village

To Rome with St. James Academy group

Confessions, Curé of Ars

5

23-25

30

Johnson County Serra Club luncheon — Curé of Ars, Leawood

Pilgrimage Committee meeting — Washington, D.C.

Confessions —Holy Trinity, Lenexa

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28

Confirmation— Corpus Christi, Lawrence

Catholic Way radio taping

11-12 Ethical Review Board — New York

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Confirmation — Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park

T

he archdiocese is responding to the current national, state and local economic situation that is highlighted in the media on a daily basis with hope. This theme of the 2009 Archbishop’s Call to Share was developed with the Clergy Advisory Committee in order to help all Catholics in northeast Kansas reflect on what this most precious gift means in our lives.

One of the best ways for us to walk in Christ’s footsteps is to embrace stewardship. By managing well all the gifts we receive — whether they be good health and time to volunteer to worthy causes, the special skills and talents we possess, or our financial blessings — we must be sure to share a piece of all of them in thanksgiving. Through the ACTS, we have a unique opportunity to share a little of ourselves in our greater community to make the world a better place and demonstrate our faithfulness as Christian stewards.

By uniting the gifts of so many in northeast Kansas, we are able as an archdiocese to accomplish what we could not do alone. This appeal is an opportunity each year to link our individual parishes together and, as an archdiocese, to respond to broad community needs. In

many ways, the archdiocese fulfills the mandate of Christ to “go out and teach all nations” through the support offered in the ACTS. Money raised during the appeal helps to fulfill that mandate through a wide range of programs and services, one of which is our youth ministry program. The ACTS helps to make this ministry possible for thousands of young people in our archdiocese. Vocations are supported by Call to Share funds, ensuring the presence of priests in our parishes for years to come. The archdiocese is able to respond to the corporal and spiritual needs of our Hispanic brothers and sisters as they arrive in this region only through the generosity of those who give to Call to Share.

Efforts of evangelization continue through weekly radio programs broadcast throughout our 21 counties. These are just a few of the many ways in which the ACTS enriches our community.

As the archdiocese grows, so does its needs.

“We feel strongly that all ACTS ministries should be carefully monitored for fiscal effectiveness,” said chancellor Father Gary Pennings. “The Presbyteral Council has enacted the ACTS allocation

review committee consisting of clergy and laypeople to assist in the budget and planning process.”

When a parish exceeds its target goal, 50 percent of all the money raised beyond that goal is returned to the parish.

The ACTS supports several different kinds of ministries, including those that assist parishes in performing their local ministries and those that extend our Catholic mission of serving the community at large.

The ACTS was created by Archbishop Ignatius J. Strecker as a prayerful reflection on the changes initiated by the Second Vatican Council. As a result, the participants recommended that a network of ministries be created as a resource to expanded lay involvement on a parish level.

Today, the ACTS supports many professional men and women who serve our parishes by offering their expertise in the fields of liturgy, family life, youth ministry, religious education, and outreach to the Hispanic community, among others.

Additionally, there are ministries that our individual parishes simply do not have the resources to perform. Whether it is the counseling or hospice services provided through Catholic Charities, the spiritual

formation offered to students at our college campus ministry centers, or the specialized assistance given to our seniors at Villa St. Francis, these are missions to which our parishes subscribe, but are unable to fulfill on their own. In this way, our gifts to the ACTS empower others to be Christ’s hands in our community.

Originally, the Clergy Advisory Committee suggested that the appeal serve as a program preparing us for Lent.

The early winter months allow us to begin the year with a reflection on stewardship and our relationship to our larger church.

One way parishioners connect to our larger church is through membership in the Crosier Society, which is a group of families that are recognized for offering a stewardship pledge to the ACTS. All who pledge one percent of their income or a gift of $1,000 or more to the ACTS are added to the Crosier Society. The society’s members are honored with a brunch and Mass with the archbishop at Thanksgiving.

As Catholics, we are united by a common faith, as well as by a common mission. The act of placing our hope — not in ourselves, but in God — is one way that we can bring comfort and peace to those around us.

7

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From our readers

We live in Leavenworth but for about three years we had a very rough time in our lives. We had to take care of aging and ailing parents every weekend in Linn County until they both passed away. We would attend services at Sacred Heart Parish in Mound City. We were strangers, but Father Jerry made us feel so welcome and so much a part of his parish. We have great admiration for him and wish him the best always.

Joe and Jennifer Grasela

My wife and myself know Father Jerry very well and consider him one of our most close and special friends.

What can I say about the priest that saved mine and my wife’s sanity?

My youngest daughter passed away four days before Father Jerry arrived to be our pastor at St. Philip Neri.

Although he did not say her funeral Mass, he was our leaning tree and our wailing wall. Without him, I don't know how we could have gotten through our grief.

Then, one year later, our town was one of many that flooded.

Father Jerry was instrumental in not only helping the flood survivors of our parish, but all the flood survivors of the devastated towns of Osawatomie, Lane, Paola and LaCygne. He was a true gift from God to us all.

We know Father Jerry. We thank the Lord for the gift of his guidance and love. joseph and Mary Kay Herman St. Phillp Neri, Osawatomie

In July 2005, my daughter Katarina was diagnosed with cancer. Father Jerry was the associate pastor at our parish, Church of the Nativity. He was one of the first people to come visit us, after a long week at Children’s Mercy Hospital.

Father Jerry came with candy for Katarina and her brother, Cole, and he offered my husband and me a lot of hope and encouragement. For those of you who know Father Jerry, it should not be surprising that he even made us laugh!

Over the next several months, Father Jerry went out of his way to make Katarina feel extra special at school or at an all-school Mass.

Today, she still displays the picture of herself receiving her first Communion from Father Jerry. We are truly blessed to know such a wonderful person!

Kelly Qamar Church of the Nativity, Leawood

In 1988, my husband and I lost our 39-year-old son, Gary (baptized Gerard). Almost 25 years later, a young seminarian, Jerry (Gerardo) came to our parish, St. Agnes. Over the years, Father Jerry has been our dear friend, our “son,” and now our wonderful pastor. God does work in small and miraculous ways.

Sophie Grebowiec St. Agnes, Roeland Park

Father Jerry is the highest example of the priesthood. His heart is open to everyone, from baby on through the oldest of mankind. He has done more to open the church doors and invite people in by his example — and does it in just a few words and acknowledgements. Bless him and thanks to him for all he does!

Two phrases come to my mind when I think of Father Jerry (Gerardo) Arano-Ponce: “three points” and “brief, but brilliant” were usually the opening statements of his interesting sermons while serving as associate pastor at the Church of the Nativity. He made me think and listen attentively during the homily, but also added a pinch of humor, so that I was never bored. He will have a bright future in the Catholic Church.

This man was a very nice person. He inspired me to be an altar server. While he was at Sacred Heart, he gave me my first Communion and first confession I also became an altar boy while he was there. This man is a very nice and kind person who will lead you through difficulties. I think Father Jerry is a great priest.

Christl Upchurch Church of the Nativity, Leawood

Blaise Schneider (age 9) Sacred Heart, Mound City

Dorothy Lickteig

Jerry got up in front of a full church at a communal penance service at Nativity in Leawood and described going to reconciliation as “breaking a piñata,” then acted it out. Only Father Jerry could have done it, and no one in attendance will ever forget it. Father Jerry can produce laughter even when those gathered came for reconciliation. Truly a gift!

HE COULD HAVE BEEN A COWBOY sive to the simplicity of life that a priest promises at his ordination. It doesn’t give a bad witness to the world.”

People have given him various brands as gifts, but only one truly satisfies — Verona, a blend.

“I like my coffee to be freshly brewed,” said Father Arano-Ponce. “I drink the coffee first through my nose, so coffee first gets to my brain through smelling. I like to grind my own coffee, so it is a complete experience.”

Sometimes he uses a regular coffee machine and sometimes his own espresso machine. It’s cheaper that way. His routine is: latte in the morning, café Americano at midmorning, and espresso in the late afternoon when he needs a boost. It reminds him of Rome.

“You swirl it, smell it, and sip it,” he said.

“It is like drinking wine.”

Coffee even made it into his “Pastor’s Desk” memo in the bulletin: “Freshly brewed coffee is a must in my daily routine. It makes my entire day. I love drinking coffee all day long. . . . Coffee is like the fuel that empowers me to perform well each day along with prayer.”

By JOE BOLLIG Leaven staff

R

OELAND PARK — If things had been just a little different, Father Jerry AranoPonce, pastor of St. Agnes Parish here, might have been a cowboy.

It all started when, as was the custom in his native Mexico, Jerry and his sister would receive their Christmas gifts from the Three Wise Men on the feast of Epiphany.

One year, his rancher grandfather gave him a cow. Not a toy cow, mind you, but a real one. Since he was too young to care for his cow, it was sent to a “foster family.”

When he was five years old, the youngster’s family moved from the country to Veracruz, a Mexican port city on the Gulf of Mexico.

But that didn’t stop his grandfather from sending the boy Epiphany cows, until, at 15, the youngster had amassed a little herd of nine.

The city boy felt nary a twinge, however, when the herd was subsequently sold; his cowboy career was over before it hardly began.

Today, Father Arano-Ponce’s connection to the beef industry is limited to: “It’s what’s for dinner.”

TO JESUS THROUGH MARY Father Arano-Ponce’s true vocational foundation was laid when his family would visit his great-aunt, who was also his baptismal sponsor.

“I remember when I would visit her at her home, I would see her praying the rosary every night and having a private dialogue with the Blessed Mother,” he said.

“Faithfully, whenever we visited her home, I would see her engaged in this meditation and prayerful dialogue in front of the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help,” he continued. “That image has remained in my mind and heart so vivid, and it inspired me to pray more and have a greater devotion to our Blessed Mother.”

The deal was sealed when Father AranoPonce’s parents took the family to the center of Mexican spirituality — the Basilica of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

It was at that shrine that he first thought the words, “I’d love to be a priest.” After that, he began to “play Mass” with the other kids, utilizing cookies and soda pop.

Faith in Jesus through Marian devotion — especially through the rosary — had been the starting point of his priestly vocation. So, not too surprisingly, it is still a big part of his life.

“I’ve been given so many rosaries throughout my life, but the ones I treasure

CULTURAL ADJUSTMENTS Leaven photo by Joe Bollig

Father Jerry Arano-Ponce is a coffee fanatic. Drinking really good coffee, he explained, is like drinking good wine: You swirl it, smell it, and sip it. the most are these,” he said, laying three rosaries on his office desk.

The first two are from his mother. One is a rosary of dark purple beads that he received as a seminarian; the second was an ordination gift from his mother, made of Mexican silver.

“My mother told me, ‘I may not be where you are, but the Blessed Mother will always be there with you,’” he said.

She also told him this: The road to the priesthood will not always be roses.

A third rosary features a miniature crucifix of the kind on the staff used by Pope John Paul II and his coat of arms. This was a gift from the late pope to Father Arano-Ponce, received during a private audience.

These days, however, the young pastor finds himself on the giving, rather than the receiving, end of the rosaries. When he visits people in the hospital or those restricted to their homes, he will usually give them a rosary, a prayer book, and a parish bulletin.

“Most times they are moved to tears,” he said. “They are very touched by that gesture done on behalf of the parish — that they are part of the parish family.”

THE PADRE AT LEISURE Although he has only been pastor of St. Agnes since October 2008, his return to

Roeland Park felt like a homecoming. That’s because the parish had “adopted” him in 1999 while he was still a seminarian. He spent his summers and holidays there, and the parishioners gave him a chalice and vestments upon his ordination.

“I never felt I was a stranger,” said Father Arano-Ponce. “People made me part of the family of St. Agnes.”

While he was welcomed back warmly as pastor, the appointment was intimidating.

“Even in my wildest dreams I never thought I would ever occupy the position of St. Agnes pastor,” he continued. “Even now, I don’t like to entertain the thought that I am the office holder of this position.”

The position doesn’t leave much time for traditional hobbies, but he does enjoy a variety of activities that serve to recharge his batteries.

“My habits change depending on where I live, but basically I consider myself an outdoors person,” he said. “Because of my vocation, I spend so many hours indoors — the church, the office, the hospitals. I love taking walks, just going window-shopping.”

He likes to go to bookstores and check out the latest thing, but he especially likes magazines.

“I like to go to the magazine section because I want to know what people are read-

ing, because that’s a conversation piece,” he said. “I want to know what the headlines are, the cover picture. I like magazines about American culture, politics and religion. I like to read about wine.”

Fiction is his favorite genre, and he particularly enjoys short stories. His favorite writer, since his college years, is Anton Chekhov.

He also likes what most of the world calls football, but we Americans call soccer.

“As a Latin American man, I like soccer,” he said. “I just watch that on TV.” Many of the really good games are on weekends, however, so he misses a lot of them. But that doesn’t stop him from sometimes praying for his hometown team, the Tiburones Rojos de Veracruz (the Red Sharks of Veracruz).

“They’re bad,” he admitted bluntly.

“Maybe they have a connection to the Kansas City Chiefs, because the Chiefs’ official color is red, too.”

The closest things Father Arano-Ponce has to hobbies are his love for good, red wine and coffee. But while he appreciates good wine, he is an absolute fanatic about his coffee.

“If there is something that I’m very picky about in my life, it’s coffee,” he said. “I consider that enjoying good coffee is not offen-

Michael R. Shirley

The gift of faith, not cows, made a bigger impression The Arano-Ponce file Name: Father Jerry Arano-Ponce Current assignment and duties: Pastor, St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park Years ordained: Five Hometown: Veracruz, Mexico My favorite food is: Chinese My favorite book to recommend is: “Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction,” by Margaret Guenther The last good movie or video I saw was: “The Passion of the Christ” As a child, my favorite toy was: horses The most important lesson the priesthood has taught me is: God is truly in charge; I am just his unworthy instrument.

The thing that surprised me the most about life as a priest is: how much Catholics love their priests It would surprise people to learn that I: love silence and solitude and am shy sometimes. Most people perceive me as highly social and talkative.

Favorite TV show: “Friends” Favorite Web site: www.usccb.org Favorite band or musician: Josh Groban Dream vacation: wine regions in Argentina and Italy Worst job I ever had: All jobs are worth doing for a living. I have enjoyed them all, but I hated working in a jewelry story on weekends.

Best job I ever had: my current one If I couldn’t be a priest, I’d be: a university professor If I had a church history time machine, I’d: go back to the early church period

Father Arano-Ponce was studying for another American diocese in Rome when he first met and got to know some priests and seminarians from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

They, in turn, introduced him to Archbishop James P. Keleher, who immediately warmed to the young seminarian and invited him to cast his lot with Kansas.

“The camaraderie between the priests and seminarians from the archdiocese in Rome — I was just amazed how these guys were down-to-earth and friendly,” said Father Arano-Ponce. “I [said to myself], ‘I would love to be a part of a group of priests like that.’”

One of the things that surprised him most in his transition from Mexico to the United States is the difference in the way priests are regarded.

In Mexico, the priests are loved and respected from a distance. In the United States, priests are loved and respected — and embraced. “[In Mexico] there is not a close relationship with the priests and the people,” he said. “They respect their priests. [But] American Catholics love their priests to death. They take good care of, pray for, and support their priests.”

Even as a seminarian, he said, he experienced the difference.

“I received so much support from the archdiocese, the Serra Club and the Knights of Columbus,” he said. “And now as a priest, how the people stand with their priests! It

was something I never experienced before, not even in my Mexican Catholic experience.”

The level of lay participation in church activities, he said, was another thing that surprised him about life in the American church.

“People do so much for the church,” he said. “They take ownership of the ministries.

It is something that still has to be fostered in the church I came from.”

In some parts of Mexico, he said, the priest does everything. So when he was first ordained for the archdiocese, he wondered what would be left for him to do.

As it turned out, he needn’t have worried.

There’s plenty to do.

“Now I can see all the priest does,” he said. “Now that I share the priesthood, I can see how busy a priest is. I had no idea before I became a priest.”

The future Father Jerry dwelt amongst us here at St. Agnes before and during his seminarian days. His ordination brought much joy and celebration. Now, he has returned to St. Agnes as our pastor, much beloved, a man of holiness and action. He reflects his mentors but brings his own style and personality. His presence is a blessing indeed. Our prayers are with him for the responsibility he has assumed.

While Father Jerry was our pastor at Sacred Heart Church, Mound City, he was without a doubt the most charismatic, caring, generous, organizing, loving, holy priest that anyone could ever want to have in charge of your parish.

He loved children, and they loved him in return. He was a joy to work with, and we were certainly blessed to have him the short time that he was here.

Our motto is: “If you care to send the best,” send Father Jerry.

We really appreciated and enjoyed his short tender at Our Lady of Lourdes, LaCygne. He was always eager to help and delivered amazing sermons. Also, he scheduled many activities containing food. As you know, he really enjoyed the “food” part.

Yes, I do know this man. He’s wanted in Mexico for preaching in “threes.” They have a sample of his voice, and it seems he speaks Spanish with a “British accent.” I think someday he’ll be the pope!

Mary Catherine and Bill Hale St. Agnes, Roeland Park

James and Connie Higgins Sacred Heart, Mound City

Robert and Hazel Weber Our Lady of Lourdes, LaCygne

Gary Stang Church of the Nativity, Leawood

How can you help but love this man?! One evening we met for dinner at a restaurant, which we had done before and always had a blast.

However, this time I met him in the lobby, standing there with an armload of file folders and papers. I asked him what in the world that was and of course, his big smile and jovial enthusiasm completely disarmed me, even though I knew something was up. By the time dinner was finished, he had somehow convinced me to coordinate the lector program at Nativity. Needless to say, I carried out the requisite files. How do you say “no” to Father Jerry? I barely felt qualified to manage myself proclaiming the word, let alone everyone else too! In the end, I got a chance to work with some great folks and learned quite a lot. I still feel honored to have been asked. Thank you, Father Jerry, for all that you do.

Phil Molina Church of the Nativity, Leawood

I met Father Jerry when he was an associate pastor at Nativity. I’m a member of St. Ann, but take my 92-year-old mother whenever I can to daily Mass at Nativity. She’s in an Alzheimer’s care facility close by.

Father Jerry started my workday in the most unbelievable way. After meeting him, I understood what it means to “celebrate” the Mass.

Every Mass spent with him is truly a joy and a celebration. He leads me on a path of faith that rejoices in daily living. I am so happy he’s returned to Kansas City and is now at St. Agnes. Do I know Father Jerry?

Only to say “hello.” But through him, I know God much better and understand to be thankful for each and every one of our gifts. He is a gift and a treasure straight from heaven!

Diane O'Byrne St. Ann, Prairie Village

Your request to keep an article about Father Jerry short is hard to do. Our family and parish were so blessed to have him as a priest for a short time at Sacred Heart, Mound City.

Father Jerry and our parish carried our family through a very sorrowful time in our lives, due to the death of our son Matthew. He made two trips to Topeka — one in the middle of the night — to show the Lord's love to us by praying with us and just being there. We thank God every day for him and his loving and caring ways! He, with his “British accent,” is totally a good shepherd of the flock.

Mike and Mary Johnson Sacred Heart, Mound City

When my brother, Father Joe Lopez, was alive, he always told me to look after the new Hispanic priests. So when Father Don Cullen was at St. Agnes and introduced Father Gerardo Arano-Ponce, it was with great pleasure that we wanted to support him in any way that we could. We love his sense of humor, and his sermons are always an inspiration that we try to apply to our Christian lives.

We are proud to have him as a priest in our archdiocese.

Ray and Isabel Lopez

We are grateful to have served this community since 1929 and we are proud to continue the Skradski Family Tradition of compassion and caring.

Helen Skradski Funeral Director

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 27, 2009

Archbishop Dolan appointed to New York

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NEW YORK (CNS) — Calling the diverse New York Archdiocese “a real icon, a snapshot of the church universal, of the church in the United States,” Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan pledged his life, his heart and his soul to the people of the archdiocese Feb. 23.

Pope Benedict XVI named Archbishop Dolan, head of the Milwaukee Archdiocese since 2002, to succeed the retiring Cardinal Edward M. Egan. He is to be installed as New York archbishop April 15.

At a press conference in the New York Catholic Center, Archbishop Dolan said, “I can tell you already that I love you. I need so much your prayers and support.

I am so honored, humbled and happy at the prospect of serving as your pastor.”

As pastor, he said he has “a sacred mandate to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how the church transmits his mystery, his ministry and his invitation.”

He said the message is intended to serve everybody. “Nothing foreign is alien to us. That’s part of the Catholic chemistry. We’re not just sacristy, not just sanctuary, not just Sunday people.

“The church through the ages has been a hyperkinetic partner of the arts, literature, health care and immigrants,” he added. “Look to us to continue that partnership.”

Archbishop Dolan promised to do whatever he could to affirm the priests of the archdiocese. “The vitality of this great archdiocese is in its parishes,” he said. “The priests are on the front lines. I am their servant. You can count on me to help them.”

“I look forward to being with the priests,” he added. “That’s not a chore; that’s a choice.”

Archbishop Dolan said in his role as pastor he would engage, rather than confront, public officials on the importance of respecting the civil rights of the most vulnerable, especially the unborn.

“I’d like to think it wouldn’t be limited to politicians,” he said. “I’d hold everybody accountable to the teachings of natural law and the church I’m proud to represent.”

Archbishop Dolan said he based his leadership style on his mother’s advice to “be yourself.” He said bishops and priests crave silence and have a deep, quiet center. “I hope from that comes a sense of joy and hope,” he added.

CNS photo/Chris Sheridan, Catholic New York

Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, newly appointed as archbishop of New York, greets seminarian Ransford Clarke at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y., Feb. 24. Pope Benedict XVI named the 59-year-old archbishop to succeed Cardinal Edward M. Egan as head of the nation's second largest archdiocese.

Archbishop Dolan said the Latino contribution of vitality and celebratory, joyful faith, as well as a sense of pride in family, is a “tonic to the Catholic Church in the United States.” He said the church historically is the most successful, effective agency that welcomes immigrants and helps them become productive members of society, and the New York Archdiocese has been a leader within the church.

“What Lady Liberty is socially, holy mother church has been spiritually when it comes to our beloved immigrants,” he said.

He said he wants to continue to improve his Spanish, which he said now allows him to celebrate Mass and the sacraments and preach “a very simple homily.”

Archbishop Dolan said bishops have to live in the real world and face the challenges of some people leaving the church and others not participating in the sacraments. “We’d be less than honest if we didn’t say we’ve got problems,” he said, but there have been struggles in the church since the days of the Acts of the Apostles.

Archbishop Dolan said he and Cardinal Egan had spoken on the telephone to representatives of other religious groups in New York. He said he embraced ecumenical and interreligious dialogue and might be described as “energetic” in doing so in Milwaukee.

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He said he is involved in CatholicJewish dialogue on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and finds it “intensely rewarding and enriching.”

Archbishop Dolan said Catholic schools in New York are “in great shape now” but are a constant concern.

Speaking as a church historian, he said keeping schools on a firm financial foundation has been a challenge from the beginning.

“There’s never been an easy time,” he said. “That’s part of our grit. We have to struggle for every dime and muster every ounce of strength to keep them strong. Count on me to be a front-line cheerleader for Catholic schools.”

The cardinal said although some people had expected him to get involved in nonreligious, political issues, he chose to focus his efforts on parishes, charities, schools and health care and “the faith being announced.”

He said his “greatest sadness” was not having “done better with vocations.” He said the archdiocese was only now seeing a spurt in vocations, which might be attributed to a number of factors, including the 2008 visit of Pope Benedict XVI to New York.

Asked if his Irish heritage was a factor in his appointment to a see that has traditionally been led by an Irishman, Archbishop Dolan quipped, “It’s a sign of the Holy Father’s infallibility.”

NATION 11

Cardinal pledges support to social justice ministers WASHINGTON (CNS) — Saying that the church’s social mission can ease the suffering of the poor BRIEFLY and voiceless, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops pledged the full support of the U.S. bishops to the hundreds of people working in social ministry across the country.

Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago told more than 500 ministers gathered at a Washington hotel for the Feb. 22 opening Mass of the annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering that the bishops desire to work closely with social service providers and peace and justice advocates in a time of extreme hardship. “Without apology, I tell you that the bishops want to be with you,” Cardinal George said during his homily.

“You cannot be yourself and about the social mission of the church without the bishops’ presence and their cooperation,” the cardinal said. “They pledge that presence and that cooperation, but you have to help us to know how to help you. We depend upon you to help the church’s social mission take on flesh and meaning. Together we discover again what it means to be in Christ and we discover that we can’t be in Christ except together,” he said.

Little Sisters of the Poor founder will be canonized WASHINGTON (CNS) — The announcement that Pope Benedict XVI will canonize Blessed Jeanne Jugan, the foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor, on Oct. 11 has created excitement among members of the congregation worldwide. “We knew it was only a matter of time, but everyone was just thrilled when the official announcement was made,” said Sister Constance Veit, publications coordinator in the Little Sisters of the Poor’s Baltimore province. “We’ve anticipated this for so long.” Pope John Paul II beatified Jeanne Jugan in 1982, and Pope Benedict XVI signed a document Dec. 6, 2008, recognizing the miracle advancing her sainthood cause. Pope Benedict presided over a consistory on Feb. 21 that gave final approval for the canonization of 10 people, including Blessed Jeanne, who began her ministry on the streets of France, taking the elderly and poor into her home in the early decades of the 1800s. To support her ministry, Blessed Jeanne begged for money, a tradition the Little Sisters of the Poor consider a fundamental part of their mission today.

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Working from home and loving it! - Work with a team of moms to own your own business. Helping moms work from home. No selling, no parties, no inventory, no risk. For information, visit the Web site at: www.MomsForGreen.com.

■ SERVICES

Housecleaning - We love our housekeeper and you will, too! If you are looking to make your life easier and cleaner, she is the answer to your prayers. References available, reasonable rates, and dependable service. For a free estimate, call Lynn at (913) 220-0051.

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

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

Members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish.

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 27, 2009 N e e d a s p e a k e r f o r y o ur n e x t m e e ti n g o r ev en t? G. Hall Harsh, CLTC, can discuss custodial long-term care, Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance. Member of St. Pius X Parish, Mission. Call Hall at (913) 663-1414.

Machine quilting by Lyn - I also do T-shirt, photo, and memorial quilts too. Located in Overland Park. Call Lyn at (913) 492-8877.

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

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

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

References available. Call (913) 620-6063.

Accounti ng assistance - For small businesses.

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

P re s e rv e y o u r m e m o r i e s b y t e ll i n g y o u r l i f e story! I can type your memoirs from handwritten or recorded notes. Also provide secretarial services.

Call All About Words at (913) 438-5922.

Granite, Cambria and Silestone countertops See our new showroom at 5820 Barton, in the heart of beautiful downtown Shawnee. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058.

Wh at is a n endowmen t? An endowment is an account whose principal cannot be spent, only the interest income. Over time, the amount paid out far exceeds the initial gift. To see if your parish has an endowment, visit the C a t h o l i c F o u n d a t i o n o f North ea st Ka nsas’ Web site at: www.cfnek.org. If you would like to donate to the endowment or start a new fund, call the Catholic Foundation at (913) 647-0365.

■ HOME IMPROVEMENT

REMODELING & REPAIRS Quality work at reasonable prices. Baths, kitchens, basements and door replacements.

Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, OP. Ralph Pruente at (913) 631-1115.

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 27, 2009 T im th e H and yma n - Insured; free estimates.

Carpentry: new and repair deck, doors, windows, siding, screens. Plumbing: faucet, garbage disposals, toilets. Electrical: switches, outlets, ceiling fans, light fixtures. Light landscape: fill dirt, trimming, planting, garden tilling and mulching. Serving Johnson County. Call Tim at (913) 859-0471.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing.

Licensed and insured.

(913) 599-7998 El ectrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

JoCo and southern KC metro area. Call Pat (913) 963-9896.

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

C ust om-ki tchen countert ops - Laminate tops manufactured and installed within 5 days.

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

ST A (S ur e Th ing A lw ay s ) H om e R e pai r Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Call for free estimates. Cell: (913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; e-mail: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa.

A p a r t m e n t f o r r e n t – 1 BR, 1 BA. $495 per month, includes utilities. One-year lease. 10911 W. 59th Terr., Shawnee. Near St. Joseph Parish. View at: www.shawnee-rentals.com, or call (913) 6497596.

Ranch duplex for rent - In Overland Park. 2 BR, 2 BA, two-car garage, deck, lawn. Trash services included. $975/month, plus security deposit. No pets.

Great for seniors. Call (913) 492-7617.

H o m e f o r re n t - Two-story home near Holy Family Parish on Strawberry Hill in Kansas City, Kan. 3 + BR, 2 BA, lots of closet space! Nice yard with shed. Call Vincent at (913) 963-9572.

■ VACATION

Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA, on free ski shuttle route. $110/night. Call (913) 6423027. For pictures, visit the Web site at: cabin. forcadeassociates.com.

S k i v a ca t i on - Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, 1BA, sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec. center with pool & hot tub. $125/night; $750/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.

■ FOR SALE

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

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

R esi d en t i a l li ft s - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross® KC at (913) 393-2042.

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376 .

Damaged sheetrock repaired – WyCo and JoCo areas. Ceilings, painted or textured. 25 yrs. experience; insured and reliable. Call (913) 631-5241.

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

Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 6428269.

■ FOR RENT

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

For pictures or information, call Jackie at (913) 7077241.

“Let us show you the many options available when you prearrange your funeral services.”

■ WANTED TO BUY

*** Wanted to Buy *** Antique and vintage costume jewelry Member St. Joseph Parish Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179

TO PURCHASE A CLASSIFIED Send an e-mail to: jennifer@theleaven.com, or call (913) 647-0327. The cost is $16 per column inch, five lines or less. Each additional line is $1.50.

Classified ads will also be posted online at The Leaven’s Web site: www.theleaven.com.

Vince O’Halloran

Vince O’Halloran Agency Inc. 12740 S. Pflumm Rd., Olathe (913) 782-3035 office vohallor@amfam.com

Parishioner, Christ the King, Mo. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday - Friday; Evenings and Saturdays by appointment.

Home Office-Madison, WI 53783 07497 2/05

FUNERAL HOMES • CREMATORY • MEMORIAL CHAPELS LEGACY CENTER • ACTIVITY CENTER

10901 JOHNSON DRIVE SHAWNEE, KANSAS 66203 TELEPHONE 913-631-5566 FAX 913-631-2236 Gregg Amos

www.amosfamily.com

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co. Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing.

Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas.

Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963

Feb. 27

Christ the King School, 54th and Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kan., will host a beach party auction on Feb. 27 at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 18th St. and I-70, Kansas City, Kan. Doors open at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and a live auction at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $35 and are available at the door. For information, call Bre'Anne Hernandez at (913) 302-5117.

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“How to Grow in Holiness Through Knowing Christ,” a retreat sponsored by the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women and led by Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher, will be held from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. The call to sanctity for everyone is a fundamental teaching of Vatican II, and the Catholic Church has unique means to bring your soul to union with Christ. The cost of $35 includes a light breakfast and lunch. To RSVP, mail a check to: Terry Barnes; 9812 Pawnee, Overland Park, KS 66206. For information, call Barnes at (913) 383-1411 or (913) 491-5149.

The Lawrence Knights of Columbus will host a dance, featuring Arnie Johnson and the Midnight Special, on Feb. 28 in their hall at 2206 E. 23rd St., Lawrence. The cost is $7 per person.

Doors open at 7 p.m. For information, call (785) 842-2699.

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

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

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

March 1

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

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

The Boy Scouts at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 71st and Metcalf, Overland Park, will host a pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon on March 1 in the parish hall.

A spaghetti dinner benefiting the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet will be

held from 12:30 - 6:30 p.m. on March 1 in the community center for health and education at St. Joseph Medical Center, I435 and State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo. Freewill donations will be accepted.

3

The Keeler Women’s Center, in conjunction with St. Luke’s Hospice, will offer a loss support group from 3:30 - 5 p.m. on March 3 and on the first Tuesday of each month at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 621-8749 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

“Love and Logic — Letting Consequences Teach Lessons,” a threepart parenting series, will be offered on Tuesdays, beginning March 3, from 1 2:30 p.m. at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 6218749 or visit the Web site at: www.mount osb.org/kwc.

4

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will host a free Lenten retreat for women from 6 - 9 p.m. on March 4. Sister Bridget Dickason, OSB, will lead an evening of prayer and reflection. A light supper will be served. Space is limited and reservations are required. For information or to register, call (913) 621-8749 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

6

The Center for Spirit at Work will host its breakfast club meeting, featuring speaker Tom Gerke, CEO for Embarq, at 7:30 a.m. on March 6 at the Westin Crown Center, 1 E. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, Mo. The cost is $15. To register, visit the Web site at: www.centerforspiritat work. org.

The Johnson County Unos will hold their monthly meeting and potluck dinner at 6 p.m. on March 6 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission. Bring meat casseroles, salads, vegetables or desserts — enough to feed 8 — or $5 to pay for your meal.

7

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

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

Familia of Kansas City, along with authors Jim and Kathleen Littleton, will host a marriage retreat from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on March 7 in the social room at Holy Trinity Church, 9150 Pflumm, Lenexa.

The cost of $50 per couple includes lunch.

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

Marillac Center, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, will host a Lenten day of prayer on March 7 at 9:45 a.m., featuring Tom Jacobs. The theme will be “Living Lent and Living Life Contemplatively.”

The day will include contemplative meditation, the sacrament of reconciliation and a pre-liturgy talk. It will conclude with the celebration of the Eucharist at 3:45 p.m. The cost of $45 includes lunch.

To register or for information, call (913) 758-6552 or send an e-mail to: retreats@ scls.org.

El Centro, Inc., will host its annual bowl-a-thon from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on March 7 at Park Lanes, 7701 Renner Rd., Shawnee. Put together a team of five business associates and get your friends to sponsor you in this fundraiser to help families! For information, call (913) 677-0100, ext. 206.

8

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

9

A Runnin’ Revs fun night will be held at Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Roeland Park, on March 9.

Area priests will challenge eighth-grade and high school boys to a heated basketball game to support vocations. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. Expect biased calls and lots of fun. Donations will be accepted. For information, call (913) 647-0303.

12

The H o l y W o m e n s e r i e s for March will feature “The Life of Sister Thea Bowman: Modern prophet in the mode of Sojourner Truth and Martin Luther King Jr.,” presented by Janelle Lazzo, from 1 - 3 p.m. on March 12 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 621-8749 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

14

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

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

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

Father John Torrez, pastor of St. Paul Parish, Olathe, will present “St. Paul’s Passage Home,” from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on March 14 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, Kan. Registration and breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the program. The cost of $25 includes refreshments and lunch.

Financial assistance may be available. For information or to register by March 6, call (913) 721-1097 or visit the Web site at: www.saviorpastoralcenter.org.

Sister Mary Pat Johnson, SCL, will facilitate a retreat, entitled “Graced Moments: Meeting God in the Struggle,” for people or their loved ones who are dealing with cancer or a serious illness. It will be offered from 9 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. on March 14 at Marillac Center, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth. The cost of $40 includes lunch. Financial assistance is available. To

CALENDAR

13

reserve a space, mail a $15 deposit to: Marillac Center, 4200 S. 4th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. For information, call (913) 758-6552; send an e-mail to: retreats@scls.org; or visit the Web site at: www.MarillacCenter.org.

17

A Lenten day of reflection will be offered at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan., on March 17. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will speak on the many themes of St. Paul.

Two sessions will be offered: The morning session will begin at 9 a.m.; the afternoon session will begin at 1 p.m. The sacrament of reconciliation and adoration will be available for both sessions and a meal is included. A complete schedule is available on the Web site at: www.archkck.org. To register, send an e-mail to Martha Gann at: saviorsec@arch kck.org, or call (913) 721- 1097.

Misc.

For those struggling with an addiction to pornography, Sam Meier, MA, LPC, provides counseling and men’s groups for sexual integrity. Call (913) 647-0378, or send an e-mail to: mhmg@archkck.org.

Women, contact Beth Meier for information on groups for spouses and loved ones at (913) 647-0379, or send an e-mail to: bmeier@ archkck.org. Support is confidential and from a Catholic perspective.

To listen to live testimonials, visit the Web site at; www.archkck.org/myhouse.

The Singles of Nativity will gather for round-robin-style tennis from 2:30 - 5 p.m. at the Indian Creek Recreational Center, 103rd and Marty, Overland Park, on Sundays throughout the winter/spring, weather permitting. If the temperature is above 45 degrees and it is not windy, we will play outdoor tennis. Beginners are welcome; there is room for everyone. We may go out for a light dinner afterwards, because the idea is to share friendship.

For information, send an e-mail to Nancy Driscoll at: ndriscoll1@kc.rr.com.

The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Clyde, Mo., will host their annual spring break monastic experience for college students interested in a more nontraditional celebration of the spring rite. It’s about putting away the cell phone, stepping away from the computer and learning how to relax again in a peaceful setting. Designed for single women ages 18-30, students will participate in the Sisters’ daily prayer schedule, share meals and stay in the monastery’s guest house. Students can choose from one of several five-day sessions (scheduled for March 7 - 11, 14 - 18, and 21 - 25) at the monastery. The cost of $25 includes room and board. For information, contact Sister Ruth Elaine at (660) 944-2221, send an e-mail to: vocation@benedictine sisters.org, or visit the Web site at: www. benedictinesisters.org.

St. Thomas Aquinas High School, 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park, will offer summer camps for boys and girls in K - 8th grade. Many opportunities to participate in both sports and non-sports activities will be available, including: baseball, basketball, cake decorating, cheerleading/ dance, cross country, football, sewing, soccer, softball, youth speed and agility, and wrestling. For information, call Michelle at (913) 319-2416 or visit the Web Site at: www.aquinascommunity.com/ summercamps.html.

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 27, 2009

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 27, 2009

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

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

R

The short commentary was found in St. Anthony Messenger Press’ “Weekday Homily Helps.” Jeanne Hunt, its writer, said that Lent “begins with a flourish of high hopes,” but there is “hardly ever a grand and triumphant ending.” And that’s what triggered my sarcasm. If that’s the case, I reasoned, then why even try? If we’re doomed to fail from the start, why waste the time?

It’s lucky that I kept reading Hunt’s article, though, because her main point deserves attention: Lent is definitely worth the effort, she noted, but only if we come to understand that it is “our Father who leads our Lenten song.” In other words, part of the discipline of Lent is letting God choose the song we sing. Instead of wanting to

control what we think we should do during Lent, we need to relinquish that control and be willing to follow where God wants to lead us.

OK, as much as I hate to admit it — and as much as this goes against the grain of how I usually celebrate Lent — Hunt is right. I normally start off this season with an extensive list of all the changes I intend to make during these 40 days: what I’m giving up, the good deeds I intend to do, the spiritual reading I’ll pursue, etc., etc. Sadly, these wonderful resolutions don’t seem to last much longer than the ashes on my forehead. Before I know it, I’m back to my old habits and more frustrated than ever. Could it be that this happens because I don’t give God the chance to lead, to direct me to what he feels I should be doing?

Hunt’s words have challenged me and stuck with me. This year, I’m shaking things up and I’m looking to the Fridays of Lent to get me started.

Why Fridays? Well, with their obligation to abstain from meat, Lenten Fridays force me to surrender control and to become aware. I’m amazed at how much of my eating is “mindless.”

No kidding, the first couple of weeks in Lent I even put a Post-it note on the dashboard of my car to remind me that it’s Friday. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found myself in the drivethru lane of a fast-food joint on a Friday in Lent, furiously scanning the menu for non-meat items.

The simple restriction from consuming meat makes me step back and eat more creatively, consume less, and focus on — and actually taste — the food I’m taking into my body. And maybe that’s the secret to making a change that lasts beyond Lent. Surrendering control of what we eat on just one day can be a first step to how all of Lent — and ultimately all of our life — should be: Let God lead.

That’s probably why the church encourages us to abstain from meat on all Fridays of the year. Abstinence is meant to remind us of our continual need for penance, conversion, and charity. I’m going to embrace Fridays this Lent as a special call from God to remember, repent, be aware, do something positive, and surrender control.

In the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit that even after writing this article, I still did compile an extensive list of what I want to do this Lent in the areas of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. But I am trying to see all of these good intentions as individual pieces of music. Although they’re all in my repertoire, I’m praying for the grace to let God, the conductor, choose and lead which Lenten song I’ll play.

POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish.

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THE GOSPEL TRUTH

SCRIPTURE READINGS FIRST WEEK OF LENT March 1 FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT Gn 9: 8-15; Ps 25: 4-9; 1 Pt 3: 18-22; Mk 1: 12-15 March 2 Monday Lv 19: 1-2, 11-18; Ps 19: 8-10, 15; Mt 25: 31-46 March 3 Katharine Drexel, virgin Is 55: 10-11; Ps 34: 4-7, 16-19; Mt 6: 7-15 March 4 Casimir Jon 3: 1-10; Ps 51: 3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Lk 11: 29-32 March 5 Thursday Est C: 12, 14-16, 23-25; Ps 138: 1-3, 7c-8; Mt 7: 7-12 March 6 Friday Ez 18: 21-28; Ps 130: 1-8; Mt 5: 20-26 March 7 Perpetua and Felicity, martys Dt 26: 16-19; Ps 119: 1-2, 4-5, 7-8; Mt 5: 43-48

Early decisions point to expansion of culture of death

Who’s in control this Lent? eading a commentary on the Ash Wednesday readings shouldn’t make you sarcastic, but I couldn’t help myself. My gut reaction to the beginning of a piece I recently saw was: Well, there’s a cheery thought!

Makes me want to go right out there and do something this Lent.

Jesus is both driven and sustained by the Holy Spirit

M

r. Prince: We’ll see you when you get back from image enhancement camp. Martin Prince: Spare me your euphemisms! It’s fat camp, for Daddy’s chubby little secret! (“Kamp Krusty,” “The Simpsons,” 1992)

a bit. They report that “Jesus was led by the Spirit” into the desert. It’s not exactly a euphemism, but it’s close. In contrast, Mark had originally written: “The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert.”

The verb translated here as Sometimes, in the retelling “drove” comes across very of a story, we tone down its FIRST SUNDAY strong.

It is the same verb that language. In doing so, we OF LENT Mark uses to describe exorperhaps make it sound more Mk 1: 12-15 cisms, when Jesus drives dignified, more respectable. demons out of the possessed.

At the same time, it may lose Another possible translation some of its original fire. would read: “The Spirit threw Jesus “Image enhancement camp” definitely out into the desert.” It is almost as tones down “fat camp.” though the Spirit is compelling Jesus Sunday’s Gospel reading, Mk 1:2to enter the desert, whether Jesus 15, tells the story of Jesus’ 40 days in wants to or not. the desert at the beginning of his pubOnce in the desert, Jesus is tempted lic ministry. Matthew and Luke drew

by Satan. For 40 days, the two are enupon Mark’s Gospel to include that stogaged in a contest of wills. In the ry in their Gospels. emptiness of the desert, it may look as At the same time, in retelling the though only Jesus and Satan are taking story, they watered down the language

15

BUILDING THE CULTURE OF LIFE

MARK MY WORDS President MOST REVEREND JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

COMMENTARY

part in this struggle. In actuality, though, Jesus is not alone. The Spirit who drove him into the desert, the Spirit who descended upon him at the moment of his baptism in the form of a dove, remains with Jesus constantly, to strengthen Jesus in his battle with evil.

Perhaps Mark uses the verb “drove” to emphasize the power of the Spirit, to describe how the Spirit brought Jesus into the desert. That is the original fire of the story. It is the fire of the Spirit.

Even though, later in his Gospel, Mark may not mention the Spirit at work in Jesus, we know that the Holy Spirit is the invisible force active in Jesus’ ministry. When Jesus heals the sick, when he confronts demons, when he engages in controversy with false teachers, it is the Holy Spirit who sustains Jesus.

That also holds true for us. As we enter the desert of Lent, as we confront the demons within, the Holy Spirit is also there to strengthen us in our struggle. We are not alone.

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

he president has undertaken a series of actions that could broadly expand the culture of death.

T

This offensive was launched on his fourth day in office, when he revoked the Mexico City Policy that prevented all nongovernmental organizations that receive federal funding ( i.e., taxpayers’ money) from performing or promoting abortion services in other countries. In an interview published on Jan. 25, the day after President Obama’s executive order, in the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, said that “among the many good things that he could have done, Barack Obama instead has chosen the worst.”

“If this is one of the first acts of President Obama, with all due respect, it seems to me that the path towards disappointment will have been very short,” added Archbishop Fisichella.

“This deals a harsh blow not only to us Catholics but to all the people across the world that fight against the slaughter of innocents that is carried out with abortion,” Archbishop Elio Sgreccia, former president of the Pontifical Academy, told the Italian news agency ANSA. Obama has also stated that he will

sign the so-called Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) into law if it is presented to him

by Congress. Please also note that Obama was a co-sponsor of FOCA in the last session of Congress when he served as a senator. As you know from the recent postcard campaign launched by our U.S. bishops, FOCA is very radical proabortion legislation. Our bishops have also warned us that FOCA could be introduced piecemeal as compared to one broad bill.

Additionally, Obama has made several appointments of pro-abortion individuals into influential areas of our government. Allow me to list just a few of several reported by LifeNews on Jan. 18: • Nov. 5, 2008 — Obama selects proabortion Rep. Rahm Emanuel as White House chief of staff. Emanuel has a zero percent pro-life voting record according to National Right to Life.

• Nov. 24, 2008 — Obama appoints

Ellen Moran, the former director of the pro-abortion group Emily’s List as White House communications director.

• Nov. 30, 2008 — Obama named pro-abortion Sen. Hillary Clinton as secretary of state. Clinton has an unblemished pro-abortion voting record and has supported making unlimited abortions an international right.

Again, this is only a few of several such appointments.

We must engage in the fight to stop the spread of this web of death. We are blessed that Archbishop Naumann and all U.S. bishops are at the front lines calling all Catholics into the battle to defend all human life. Go to the archdiocesan pro-life office’s Web site at: www.prolife kc.com and subscribe to St. Joseph EBriefs to stay informed.

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

The Blaufuss Team “We want to help you and your family with real estate”

Re/max Realty Suburban, Inc. 12701 W. 87th Pkwy.

Lenexa, KS 66215 Contact Jim: 913-226-7442 Contact Julie & Marilyn: 913-647-7118 Office Line: 913-647-7132 We LOVE Referrals!

Remember your recently deceased loved one by attending a Memorial Mass Saturday March 7, 2009 9 a.m.

Prince of Peace Chapel, Resurrection Cemetery 83rd & Quivira Lenexa,

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES 913-371-4040 www.catholiccemeterieskc.org

Wyandotte County Mt. Calvary, Kansas City, Kan. St. John, Kansas City, Kan. Gate of Heaven, Kansas City, Kan.

Johnson County Resurrection, Lenexa, Kan. St. Joseph, Shawnee, Kan. St. John, Lenexa, Kan. Mt. Calvary, Olathe, Kan.

jimblaufuss@aol.com | www.BlaufussTeam.com

For persons recently buried or entombed at one of our Catholic Cemeteries in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties MT CALVARY – KC KS James A. Alvarez Ann A. Bell Julyana Natalia Briones Catherine L. Blythe Louis W. Boketo Gabriella Lauren Caraballo Margaret K. Carr Frank E. Chavez Dorothy Chelesnik Marcella M. Clark Regina P. Cop Theodetta M. Cresse Peter J. Dercher Sr. Rosemary D. Dragastin Irene T. Golden Joseph P. Gray Agnes G. Gress Helen M. Gross Ann T. Jaworski Barbara M. Juiliano Mary M. Kolich Mary A. Kozelle Robert J. Kyle Roberto Landeros Charles J. Laskowski Madelyn V. Loy Barbara M. Maras Cameron Lee Martin Paula Martinez Norma J. Murphy Rudy Nunez Sally S. Perez Prima Reyes Andrew F. Rios Jesus A. Rocha Henrietta D. Ruiz Pedro Sanchez RoseMarie Stacy Mae R. Tierney Mary F. Trehey Lowell V. Trollope Edward N. Wenski Rudolph J. Wolf Bernadine F. Zerr RESURRECTION Charles E. Bell III Hans Behmann Gervis J. Beiriger Carolyn S. Bodine Mary A. Brenner Margaret A. Brooks Joseph D. Carter Beverly Abell-Curry Rosalie Donahue

Naomi Doty Robert A. Femec William F. Forrest Sharyn J. Gassmann John p. Gaughan James M. Gest David F. Gunther Rose L. Hernandez Sidney C. Hunt Mary H. John Susanne M. Kaminski Clara M. Leonard Agnes E. Loftus Charles C. Male Jr. Conrad G. Maygers Mary D. McKane Diane M. McKenzie Maryellen Meeker Cathleen M. Mullen Fred J. Pretz Jr. Joan M. Planchon Joseph A. Poterbin Alfred J. Pugh, Jr. Frances Roselli Lucille W. Rosmis Alicia J. Sabaugh Shirley E. Schmiedeler John B. Sheehan Janice G. Sheldon Luise M. Simon Marie F. Smith Regis F. Stallbaumer Glenn W. Tehel George J.R. Upton Virginia M. Wills Burnes L. Woodside Leo E. Wotipka Jr. Frank A. Zahner, Jr. ST JOSEPH Helen E. Nunnink ST JOHN – LENEXA Marguerite J. Klein MT CALVARY – OLATHE Dorothy M. Kramer Robert L. Steele, Jr. Maryellen Meeker GATE OF HEAVEN Gabriella Lauren Caraballo Shirley M. Eichost Norma J. Looney Delores K. Ott

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • FEBRUARY 27, 2009

The luck of the Irish

By Jill Ragar Esfeld Special to The Leaven KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Gael Day is an old Irish term referring to the day the rent is due.

It’s also the name of the newest album to be released by the Kansas City-based Celtic rock band, The Elders.

The album cover depicts a young musician chatting with a wolf. The band’s lead singer, Ian Byrnes, a member of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, said the album name and artwork are signs of the times.

“All this stuff that’s been going on with banks and all these institutions that we’re supposed to trust and have confidence in, but everyone is so unsure of — that’s kind of what [the album] is all about,” he said.

This latest creative effort follows four earlier studio albums and two live albums.

The CD’s title may reflect economic woes, but the positive outlook and upbeat feel of its music are apparent from the opening track “Better Days Ahead,” a favorite of guitarist and mandolin player Steve Phillips “Lyrically, it’s a very positive song, which I kind of like, especially now in these economic times,” he said. “It kind of carries on with the ‘Yes we can’ theme.”

The album’s release comes just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. The weekend before that favorite Irish Catholic feast day, The Elders will return from a tour of Ireland to kick off album sales at their annual Hoolie celebration (see sidebar).

Ten years and counting In 1998, six seasoned local musicians got together with the idea of creating a unique sound that Byrne defines as “kind of a country alternative rock with an Irish influence.”

Whatever they called it, however, audiences loved it.

The group began building a fan base by playing small local venues. That quickly expanded to festivals, pubs and theaters across the United States and Europe.

The band’s only native Irishman, Byrne, is backed by Phillips, bassist Norm Dahlor, violinist and fellow Curé of Ars parishioner Brent Hoad, drummer Tommy Sutherland, and keyboardist Joe Miquelon. It was their collective wealth of stage and studio experience that earned them the name “The Elders.”

That experience is much in evidence in this new CD, which was two years in the making.

The 7th annual St. Patrick’s Day Hoolie WHO: The Elders, Kansas City’s very own Celtic rock band WHAT: The 7th annual St. Patrick's Day Hoolie and the mightiest party in the land!

FEATURING: • Irish music by Creel • Champion Irish stepdancer Danielle Fitzpatrick • The O’Riada School of Irish Dance WHEN: March 14 Doors open at 7 p.m.

WHERE: The Midland Theater 1228 Main Street Kansas City, Mo. (in the Power & Light District) Tickets are on sale at The Midland box office (VIP tickets sold out); online at: www.ticketmaster.com; or charge by phone by calling 1 (800) 745-3000.

For more information, visit the Web site at: www. eldersmusic.com

Photo courtesy of The Elders

Local Celtic rock band The Elders finds time to play for the benefit of others. They are: (clockwise from left) Steve Phillips, Tommy Sutherland, Ian Byrne, Joe Miquelon (in center), Norm Dahlor, and Brent Hoad (foreground).

Byrne is torn between two favorite tracks on the new CD — both are very personal to him. The first, “Decoration Day,” is based on his decision to apply for U.S. citizenship.

A County Wicklow, Ireland, native, Byrne moved to Kansas City in 1987, but didn’t apply for citizenship until recently.

His other favorite, “The Luck of the Irish,” is one The Elders have performed live a few times, and it’s been met by an enthusiastic response. The

NEW! ‘Gael Day’ CD $15 NOW AVAILABLE! Official release date: March 17.

“Gael Day,” the new studio CD from The Elders, with artwork by Marci Aylward, will be officially released at the Hoolie and shipped out on St. Patrick’s Day, but you can preorder your copy now by visiting the Web site at: www.eldersmusic.com.

Click on “shop.”

“Gael Day” will also be available through Borders and Barnes and Noble.

idea for the song came about last Fourth of July when Byrne and Dahlor were at a party.

“Norm just looked at me,” Byrne recalled, “and he said, ‘Ian, where the heck did the “luck of the Irish” come from?’”

That sparked Byrne’s interest. He began researching the phrase and was surprised to find its roots in his own Catholic faith and St. Patrick’s use of the shamrock to represent the Holy Trinity when he evangelized Ireland.

“He spread Christianity all through Ireland,” explained Byrne, “And then the soldiers in World War I used to wear shamrocks on their lapels for luck so they wouldn’t get shot.

That’s where the ‘luck of the Irish’ came from, and that’s what that song is about.”

Spread the blessings It’s appropriate that many of The Elders’ songs are inspired by their faith — and that they live that faith by putting their musical talents to work for others.

Since the time of the band’s inception, The Elders have played literally hundreds of concerts to raise money for local charities.

Perhaps foremost among those have been Catholic schools and organizations, including: Church of the Nativity and Curé of Ars schools in Leawood; St. Agnes and Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park; Holy Spirit School in Overland Park; St. Ann School in Prairie Village; and a variety of Catholic Charities programs.

“God gave us this gift of music, and it’s nice to get together and play and generate a lot of revenue for an organization,” said Byrne. “Otherwise, they wouldn’t have it.”

Phillips agreed.

“I’ve always been an advocate for giving back to the community. I just think it’s an important thing,” he said.

“I’ve always felt that way, and the band feels that way as well. The fact of the matter is there are a lot of people out there who are doing good work and they just need help.

So we don’t mind at all helping out.”

This group’s giving spirit seems to be rewarded with a success that doesn’t show any signs of waning. This past January, The Elders won the 2008 Irish Music Award for Top Celtic Rock Band in the nation, presented by the Irish Music Association.

Coming home Currently, The Elders are touring Ireland and have 100 of their biggest fans traveling with them. But they’re anxious to return to their fan base in the Heartland to share the excitement of their new release — an accomplishment Phillips said will have band members and fans beaming proud.

“Not that we’re not proud of the others,” he said. “But there were always just little things we would see later on and say, ‘If we’d just had a little more time, we could have done this a little bit differently.’

“With this one, we took more than two years to finish it. I feel like we’ve pretty much got everything done the way we wanted to do it — from a technical perspective and also from an artistic perspective. I feel like we matched or exceeded the level we set for ourselves on the other CDs.”