03-01-13 Vol. 34 No. 28

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theleaven.com | vol. 34, no. 28 | march 1, 2013

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Men Under Construction XVII drew hundreds of men from across the archdiocese to Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.

Leaven photos by Susan McSpadden

Join The Leaven’s own Joe Bollig as he blogs the coming conclave from a unique perspective — his office in Kansas. Find him at: theleavenkc.wordpress.com, on Twitter at: @the leavenkc, or on our website at: www.theleaven.com. For email updates of new blog entries, click the “follow” button at the bottom right of the WordPress page.

A packed house at Church of the Ascension heard talks by San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers, former Kansas City Royals first baseman Mike Sweeney, Deacon Alex Jones (below) of the Archdiocese of Detroit, and Father Gregory Lockwood, administrator of Christ the King Parish, Kansas City, Mo.

Depending on the timing of the conclave, one of the next two issues of The Leaven will be a special one and will focus on the process of electing a new pope. There will be no calendar, columnists or anniversaries in that issue.

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Life will be victorious

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Confession can fuel conversion of heart, renewal of faith

very diocese has a patron saint. The primary patron for our archdiocese is none other than Mary, under the title of the Immaculate Conception. Our secondary patron is St. John Mary Vianney, patron for priests.

St. John Vianney was not a gifted student. He struggled to make it through his seminary studies. After a few years as an associate pastor, John Vianney was appointed the pastor of Ars. In 1815, the village of Ars consisted of 40 houses and a very dilapidated church. It was considered in contemporary clerical circles that being sent to Ars was like being sent to Siberia.

The story is told that during his early years at Ars, some of the parishioners circulated a petition to the bishop requesting that John Vianney be removed as the pastor. One of John Vianney’s supporters brought him a copy of the petition that accused the future saint of being a sinner, ignorant and awkward. John Vianney read the petition carefully and signed it.

This past November, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York in his address to his brother bishops, as president of our episcopal conference, quoted from the closing message of this past October’s Synod of Bishops.

The Synod Fathers said: “We, however, should never think that the new evangelization does not concern us as bishops personally. In these days, voices among the bishops were raised to recall that the church must first of all heed the word before she can evangelize the world. The invitation to evangelize becomes a call to conversion.

“We bishops firmly believe that we must convert ourselves first to the power of Jesus Christ who alone can make all things new. . . . With humility, we must recognize that the poverty and weaknesses of Jesus’ disciples, especially us, his ministers, weigh

archbishop Joseph F. Naumann As part of the observance of the Year of Faith, every member of the Archdiocese is invited to consecrate themselves to Jesus through Mary in the method originated

by St. Louis de Montfort.

The consecration is ideally to be done on a feast of Mary, preceded by 33 days of prayerful preparation. I suggest that you make this consecration or reconsecration on the feast of the Annunciation, which this year is celebrated on April 8. Therefore, we will begin our 33 days of preparation on March 6. To prepare for the consecration, I encourage you to purchase a copy of “33 Days to Morning Glory” by Father Michael Gaitley, MIC, either at your local Catholic bookstore or online.

on the credibility of the mission. We are certainly aware — we bishops first of all — that we can never really be equal to the Lord’s calling and mandate to proclaim his Gospel to the nations. We do not hesitate to recognize our personal sins. We are, however, also convinced that the Lord’s Spirit is capable of renewing his church and rendering her garment resplendent if we let him mold us.”

To this, Cardinal Dolan added his own challenge to the American bishops: “When it comes especially to the new evangelization, [our hearts] must first be filled with the spirit of interior conversion born of our own renewal. That’s the way we become channels of a truly effective trans-

formation of the world, through our own witness of a penitential heart, and our own full embrace of the sacrament of penance.”

Cardinal Dolan reminded the bishops: “The sacrament of reconciliation evangelizes the evangelizers, as it brings us sacramentally into contact with Jesus, who calls us to conversion of heart and allows us to answer his invitation to repentance — a repentance from within that can then transform the world without.”

Every bishop and priest must first be a penitent. We must first face the truth that we are sinners in need of a Redeemer. We must first allow ourselves to be transformed by God’s mercy. It is out of our own experience in the sacrament of penance of the unconditional love of Jesus for us in our weakness that we find the grace to be the Lord’s instruments of mercy for his people.

In his address, Cardinal Dolan observed: “What an irony that despite the call of the Second Vatican Council for a renewal of the sacrament of penance, what we got instead was its near disappearance.” Essential for the renewal of the church in our time is the rediscovery by all Catholics of the power and beauty of the sacrament of reconciliation as a tool for growth in holiness.

The church in France at the time of St. John Mary Vianney was reeling from the effects of the French Revolution and the ensuing persecution of the church. The faith in France had grown tepid, and the town of Ars was no exception. St. John Mary Vianney, through his own holiness, his preaching, and, most of all, through his ministry as a confessor, was able to reignite the faith in Ars and much of France. It was not unusual for St. John Vianney to spend more than 12 hours in the confessional.

Once again this year, the priests of the Archdiocese are available every Wednesday night of Lent for confession from at least 6-7 p.m. I urge you to take ad-

vantage of the grace of the sacrament of reconciliation during this Lenten season and make this sacrament a regular part of your spiritual life throughout the year.

I invited you at the beginning of our Faith Initiative — “Faith: Love It, Learn It, Live It” — to gaze on the face of Jesus depicted on a crucifix, while asking the Lord how he wanted you to observe this Year of Faith.

The name for this year’s Lenten confession campaign is “Gaze on the Face of Christ.” If you go to our archdiocesan website — archkck.org — and visit our special Lenten confession site, you will find a host of resources, e.g., examinations of conscience, information on how to make a good confession, and many other pertinent articles.

Pope Benedict in 2011 stated: “The new evangelization . . . begins in the confessional.” In that same address, our now-retired Holy Father said: “The sacrament of reconciliation, which begins with a look at one’s actual condition in life, contributes uniquely to achieving the openness of heart which enables one to turn one’s gaze to God so that he may enter one’s life. The certainty that he is close and in his mercy awaits the human being, even one who is involved in sin, in order to heal his weakness with the grace of the sacrament of reconciliation, is always a ray of hope for the world.”

Pope Benedict observed that it is from our “experience of that mercy which Jesus of Nazareth, Lord and Christ, has given to us” that we will find the power to “become credible witnesses of holiness which is the aim of the new evangelization.”

If the devout frequent reception of the sacrament of penance by the parishioners of Ars in the early 19th century could trigger a renewal of the faith and the conversion of many hearts, the same can happen in northeast Kansas at the beginning of the 21st century.

calendar archbishop

Naumann March 2 40th anniversary of pro-life apostolate in the Archdiocese of St. Louis March 3 Honoree at benefit for Our Lady’s Inn residential home for women with crisis pregnancy — St. Louis

March 4 Confirmation — St. Pius, Mission

confession Experiences a rebirth Benedictine College sees scores of students take advantage of the sacrament Story and photo by By Sara Stacey

March 5 Administrative Team meeting Confirmation — Sacred Heart, Emporia March 6 Mass and blessing of new chapel and renovated wings — Villa St. Francis, Olathe March 7 Confirmation for Leavenworth parishes — Immaculate Conception, Leavenworth March 8 Conception Seminary board meeting March 9 Conception Seminary board meeting March 10 Pastoral visit — Christ the King, Topeka

archbishop

keleher March 2 Anointing Mass — Curé of Ars, Leawood March 5 Faith Initiative lecture March 7 St. James auction dinner March 9 Confirmation — St. Agnes, Roeland Park

The lines of Benedictine College students waiting to receive the sacrament of reconciliation at St. Benedict’s Abbey church in Atchison have grown longer during the Lenten season.

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Senior Brad Geist has been going to TCHISON — Benedictine the sacrament of reconciliation weekly College here has an interesting problem. The confession for a few years.

“It always seems to give me a new lines are too long.

And they grow even longer during strength,” he said.

His appreciation of the sacrament Lent. grew after a particularly bad day.

It was not always so, however.

“I had spent all day just tearing myself “When we saw Mass participation go up and perpetual adoration began, we saw down. I decided to go to confession, but students making a personal commitment I was too early, so I just sat in the chapel to Christ in the Eucharist. That’s when we and stared at the crucifix,” he said. “Then also saw a significant increase in confes- it hit me what I’d been doing to myself all day.” sions on campus,” said FaBy the end of his conther Brendan Rolling, direcfession, Geist was crying. tor for mission and ministry Geist thinks many at Benedictine College. people are afraid of the Three years ago, he noted, sacrament of reconciliaonly one confessional was Take advantage of the tion because “they don’t used before Sunday Mass. special Lenten schedule and receive the trust the priest.” There is Last year, two had to be used. sacrament of reconsometimes a misunderThis year, often all four conciliation at almost any standing of what the seal fessionals at St. Benedict’s parish in the Archdioof the confessional is, said Abbey church are busy. cese of Kansas City in Geist. Canon law states “I believe our students Kansas from 6-7 p.m. that priests cannot reunderstand that they can’t on the Wednesdays of veal what a penitent conanswer the church’s call for Lent. fessed, nor can a priest a worldwide new evangeact differently toward a lization before answering person after hearing their Christ’s call for a personal conversion,” he said. “The hearts of confession.

What’s said during confession, stays Benedictine College students are leadin confession. ing them to the confessional.”

Senior theology major Kalen Skubal “What moves me is when students who have carried significant crosses in researched the sacrament’s history for their lives, alone and without encourage- her senior thesis because she was curiment, turn to Christ in the sacrament of ous about its evolution.

“All the other sacraments seem to confession and discover real freedom,” said Father Brendan. “Their eyes light up, have stayed the same, but with confesthey walk taller, they easily smile. They’re sion, the form has changed throughout the course of church history,” she said. more confident, they’re more trusting.

Skubal is grateful to the Holy Spirit They handle mistakes with greater maturity and they see the difference real free- and the church for the form the sacrament takes today. dom can make in their everyday lives.

Skubal said it’s easier to access in to“They realize that they’re not perfect — and they allow Christ’s love to perfect day’s form than that of the early church.

“It’s offered at least weekly, it’s easier them.”

confession during lent

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

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“What moves me is when students who have carried significant crosses in their lives, alone and without encouragement, turn to Christ in the sacrament of confession and discover real freedom.”

Father Brendan Rolling, director for mission and ministry at Benedictine College to make amends because you can partake of the sacrament as much as needed,” she said. “[Doing] the penance is easier because it’s something you can spend minutes doing versus years of your life.

“And you can live a holier life because you have the opportunity and the desire to confess your sins knowing that they’ll be forgiven, and you aren’t treated as an outcast because of them.”

“Christ is waiting for you in the confessional,” Skubal continued. “You just have to step inside and ask to be forgiven.”

“I don’t think people really understand what mercy is. The concept is used, but it’s not really articulated,” she added. “It was never really defined for me until I started taking theology classes at Benedictine.”

“Mercy is an act of unselfish compassion toward someone that has wronged you,” Skubal said. Without Christ’s example of mercy toward us when we sin,

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

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Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Coordinator Julie Holthaus julie@theleaven.com

we wouldn’t know how to treat other people when they hurt us, she explained.

Skubal’s favorite part of the sacrament of reconciliation is “the feeling of joy that you get when you walk out of the confessional and you feel like you could float in the air.”

Junior Jared Hafey is about to celebrate his first year of being a Catholic.

“I feel like I’m in the honeymoon phase of being Catholic, but shouldn’t we all be?” he asked.

“I love confession. I love that fact that no matter how bad, I get I have the opportunity to experience the mercy of God in my day-to-day life,” Hafey said.

“It’s hard going to confession — to examine your conscience. And it’s difficult to live up to your act of contrition,” he said. But absolution is “the most beautiful part because that is the greatest act of God’s mercy.”

Tom Hoopes, director of the Gregorian Institute at Benedictine, said, “I love the availability of confession at Benedictine. I even went in my cap and gown at a recent baccalaureate Mass.”

The Gregorian Institute promotes Catholic identity in public life — and Hoopes said the sacrament of reconciliation is a big part of that.

He was present in Washington, D.C., in 2008 when Pope Benedict XVI said, “The renewal of the church in America depends on the renewal of the practice of penance.”

“The U.S. bishops have made promoting confession a top priority,” said Hoopes , pointing to their new document, entitled “God’s Gift of Forgiveness.”

Find the Gregorian Institute’s “Seven Reasons to Return to Confession” on the website at: www.TheGregorian.org/ resources, along with examinations of conscience for children and adults.

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/year.

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FOCUS broadens mission from college to communities

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

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ANSAS CITY, Mo. — Olivia Stear loves opportunities to visit with new people — whether it be at the playground or the coffeehouse in her Lawrence community.

“I’m looking for women I don’t know so I can win them over and share my relationship with Christ with them,” the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center parishioner told a crowd gathered Feb. 15 to recognize, support and learn more about the Fellowship of Catholic University Students and its role in the new evangelization.

As a fellowship missionary alumna who had shared her faith with young people for seven years, Stear has taken the skills she developed with the organization and brought them to life beyond the college campus as a “missionary mom.”

She works to “win, build and send” — winning people over through friendship and sharing her relationship with Jesus, then building them up in the faith, and finally sending them out to teach others to do the same.

“When you’re a FOCUS missionary, you walk out on campus and you realize that this entire campus — that each soul on this campus — is your responsibility,” she told the crowd of 150 at the 6 a.m. “Reach Kansas City” rosary, Mass and breakfast program.

“And now I feel that way about my city — that each person in this town is my responsibility,” she added.

The aim of the morning program, in fact, was to encourage the stretching of the fellowship’s mission from campuses into communities.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann didn’t sugarcoat the state of the world today. From abortion to the legalization of drugs to concerns about religious freedom, today’s culture and society are cluttered with problems.

“And it would be easy, I think, to become dispirited,” he said. “But I’m here to tell you I’m filled with great hope for the future.

“I think there’s something going on underneath this culture and society that the media has not focused on and — pardon the word ‘focus’ — I think it’s a revolution that’s happening quiet-

By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — A growing number of women are feeling dissatisfied, frustrated and abandoned by doctors practicing standard reproductive health care.

So says Dr. Thomas W. Hilgers, senior medical consultant and director of the Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction in Omaha, Neb. The problem is that the standard practice of reproductive health care is “neither reproductive (usually) or healthy (often),” he wrote in his book “The NaProTECHNOLOGY Revolution: Unleashing the Power in a Woman’s Cycle.”

Bishop Ward students called to connect as ‘international citizens’ n new technology helps forge bonds across the miles

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

K Leaven photo by Jessica Langdon

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann spoke about today’s culture and the problems society faces at the Fellowship of Catholic University Students breakfast Feb. 15 at the Crowne Plaza in Kansas City, Mo. The fellowship was born in 1998 at Benedictine College in Atchison under founder and president Curtis Martin’s leadership. the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph; Minnis told the attendees.

Abbot James Albers, OSB, of St. BenThis year, more than 350 of the feledict’s Abbey; Father Sean McCaffery lowship’s missionaries are active on 74 of St. Peter Parish in Kansas City, Mo.;campuses.

Father Steve Beseau, director of the St. Former Kansas City Royals first Lawrence Catholic Campus Center; baseman Mike Sweeney was charged with a mission when he was asked to Father Mitchel Zimmerman, archdiocesan vocations director; Father Justin speak at the prayer breakfast: to empower the attendees to live out this Damien Dean, OSB; and Father Brendan Rolling, OSB. new evangelization begun by Pope Father Zimmerman served as masJohn Paul II and carried on by Pope ter of ceremonies for the program, and Benedict XVI, especially in this Year said the Fellowship of Catholic Univerof Faith. sity Students has responded to the call Using the image of a tandem bicycle, to present the faith in a modern culture he told the audience that his career and Mike Sweeney, former relationships, which weren’t really tak- and “not to be afraid to go out and presoff, bloomed when he completely ent the Catholic faith with a new ardor.”

Kansas City Royals first baseman ing Leslie Sear, a University of Kansas turned his life over to God. graduate who serves as a fellowship “God, in his fullness, said to me, ly amongst a nucleus of young people ‘Mike, all I want from you is to follow missionary at Benedictine College, was in this country. inspired to hear her friend Stear talk me. Get on the back seat. Pedal your “And that to me is what gives me about how she has taken her fellowship heart out and trust,’” he said. great hope.” experiences into her parish.

God made him powerful through his The Fellowship of Catholic Univer“FOCUS isn’t just your commitment power, through the Holy Spirit, he said, sity Students was born in 1998 at Beneof years on a college campus,” said Sear. and Sweeney urged the attendees to dictine College in Atchison — under “It’s really taking it into your life — tap into the power of the Holy Spirit. founder and president Curtis Martin’s because that’s also where we need it — Archbishop Naumann celebrated leadership — and at the time it reached in the workplace, in our schools, in our one campus with two missionaries, the Mass, and concelebrants included Bishop Emeritus Raymond Boland of parishes, on the streets,” she added.

Benedictine College president Stephen

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“God, in his fullness, said to me, ‘Mike, all I want from you is to follow me.

Get on the back seat.

Pedal your heart out and trust.’”

‘Standard’ reproductive care not the only answer, says doctor n seminar on Women’s Reproductive Health set for April 26-27

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The standard practice is to treat symptoms, but not the underlying disease. For Ron Kelsey, archdiocesan consultant for pro-life ministry, this truth hit close to home.

A relative of Kelsey was experiencing symptoms of severe abdominal pain and cramping. She saw a doctor, whose examination included an ultrasound. Not being able to pinpoint the problem, the doctor simply prescribed birth control pills and sent her home.

That didn’t solve the problem.

When Kelsey heard about this, he recommended a pro-life doctor. This doctor, who took a different approach, found that a tampon had become lodged in the woman’s uterus.

If it had not been discovered and removed, she could have suffered toxic shock syndrome.

“I visited with about 25 women as to whether they agreed with the assertions Hilgers lays out in his book and, al-

most to a woman, they did,” said Kelsey. “[Hilgers] really offers a dissenting voice to the dominant medical profession in terms of how to treat women’s reproductive health.”

Too often when presented with a reproductive health issue, doctors practicing standard medicine will prescribe birth control pills without really investigating further, or recommend in vitro fertilization without investigating the many possible causes of infertility for a couple, said Kelsey.

The experience of his own relative and the information in Hilgers’ book have inspired Kelsey to organize a seminar on women’s reproductive health, offered by a doctor from the Pope Paul VI Institute, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 26 and 27 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. The presenter will be Dr. Catherine Keefe. The April 26 seminar will be for priests, deacons and their wives, and

medical professionals. The April 27 seminar will be open to the general public.

The agenda for both days is the same.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will give the welcome, and Kelsey will introduce Keefe.

Keefe will cover a number of topics, including NaProTECHNOLOGY, infertility, infant health, what women need to know about their body and health, and the abandonment of women by the medical profession, among others.

After a break, an “infertile” couple that achieved a pregnancy using the Pope Paul VI Institute will give their testimony. There will be an overview of FertilityCare Center of Kansas City, and a Q-and-A with a panel.

The cost to attend is $15 per person with advance registration, or $20 per person at the door. For information, contact Ron Kelsey by email at: pro life@archkck.org, or at (913) 647-0350.

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Tours of Bishop Ward High School here can’t help but mention the super-fast Google Fiber connection that should be up and running in the school in the next few months.

“We’re going to have the fastest Internet connection in the United States,” school president Father Michael Hermes told a special guest, the Hon. Ronald Reagan Okumu, when the parliamentarian from Uganda visited the high school on Feb. 12.

Fortunately, that state-of-the-art technology dovetails perfectly with the request Okumu brought to Ward’s students.

He hopes to link students at Ward — online and, even more importantly, in conversation and learning — with students at a rapidly growing Jesuit school in Uganda that he and many others have started.

Okumu represents the northern Uganda area of Gulu as a parliamentarian, which is comparable to being a senator, he explained to the students.

He opened his speech by urging Ward students to set out goals now for their futures.

He planned from the time he was a very young boy, he explained, and was first elected to parliament in 1996 when he was just a year out of university. He has won reelections by overwhelming margins ever since.

“You must plan while you’re still young,” he said.

Offering hope But he knows too well that not every child in northern Uganda and surrounding areas has had the opportunities he’s had.

People suffered tremendously in many ways in this region of Africa, where war has raged for more than two decades — from 1986 to 2009, Okumu told the students.

“Even the world wars never took 23 years,” he said, adding that the devastating impact on the population remains.

“The people who suffered most were the noncombatants,” he noted.

Children were not safe from the threat of abduction by the Lord’s Resistance Army and being dragged into the conflict. So they walked miles at night, trying to elude their potential abductors.

“After sleeping in town, the following morning they would wake up and go to school without food,” said Okumu.

Okumu played a pivotal role in finally bringing peace to his country when,

Leaven photo by Lori Wood Habiger

The Hon. Ronald Reagan Okumu, right, a parliamentarian from Uganda, takes a tour of Bishop Ward High School on Feb. 12. Science teacher Ignacio Martinez-Alonso talks to Okumu about the school, while student guide senior Theresa Collins looks on. Okumu hopes to foster a relationship between Ward and a school in Uganda. risking his own safety, he served as envoy of Ugandan President Yoweri Musevini in negotiations with LRA leader Joseph Kony.

The end of the conflict did not end the suffering, however, and many of the young people affected by the war were left unable to compete effectively on national tests that would have enabled them go to college.

Out of the need of those children, therefore, arose the idea for a school specifically for them, and an exchange with two Jesuit priests evolved into what is now the Ocer Campion Jesuit College.

Building a dream Through Okumu’s efforts, a landowner agreed to donate his land — a treasured possession in Uganda — on the condition that it be used only for a school.

The doors opened in 2010 with 30 students, but the school has grown to 400 students, and is on its way to educating 1,000.

Okumu’s friend Dr. David Zamierowski — a physician who founded the Wound Care Centers of Kansas City and a lifelong Catholic — had spoken to students at Ward a day earlier about his own path in medicine and how to use the talents God gave them.

He introduced Okumu to the students and described how he got to know the parliamentarian — a man hailed as a local hero — when he went

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“We are citizens of the world and we have a great opportunity here to have a friendship, a relationship, with other students, other people in Uganda.”

Father Michael Hermes, president of Bishop Ward High School

to Uganda to explore the potential for the school as a project for classmates at his alma mater to champion.

Zamierowski grew up in Wisconsin.

He and classmates from the former Campion Jesuit High School there have taken on the cause of supporting the school in Gulu.

Two Campion alums — both Society of Jesus priests — are part of the team that manages the school.

The school’s name honors the Wisconsin school and also offers hope to this generation of youth through the word “Ocer” — native Acholi for “He is risen.”

“I want to remind everybody this was an open field three years ago,”said Zamierowski as pictures of classes, soccer games, test preparation, teach-

ers and Mass filled with song and dance filled the screen.

Making connections “You are international students,” Okumu told the students at Ward as he concluded his remarks, reminding them that what happens in one part of the world affects people in others.

And so he asked them to “link up with your fellow citizens in Ocer Campion Jesuit College.”

His message was well-received by Father Hermes.

“We are citizens of the world,” said Father Hermes, “and we have a great opportunity here to have a friendship, a relationship, with other students, other people in Uganda.”

By simply adjusting for the time difference, the Ward students will be able to connect with the English-speaking students thousands of miles away — and might even be able to visit them somewhere down the road, said Okumu.

Ward senior Danielle Lowe was taken with the prospect of being an international citizen — right from her high school in Wyandotte County — and wanted to help facilitate a connection between the two schools.

Not only will it offer new learning opportunities to students in Uganda, it will give students in Kansas City, Kan., new experiences.

“I definitely think it will open their eyes,” she said.

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theleaven.com | march 1, 2013

Medical workers called to evangelize in suffering world

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n White Mass brings health care workers together in prayer

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

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EAWOOD — Susan Cunningham hadn’t heard of a White Mass before and an email inviting her to attend one intrigued

her.

So curiosity led Cunningham, a massage therapist with Catholic Community Hospice, which operates under the umbrella of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, to Church of the Nativity in Leawood the morning of Feb. 9.

“I found it fascinating,” she said of the White Mass for health care workers, “and . . . very moving. It was amazing . . . beautiful.”

Celebrant Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann thanked the medical professionals and their families for attending.

“We thank you even more for what you do in your professional life,” he said.

The annual Mass, celebrated near the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of the Sick on Feb. 11, was organized by the Kansas City Saints Cosmas & Damian Guild of the Catholic Medical Association.

Concelebrating the Mass were Bishop Emeritus Raymond J. Boland of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph; archdiocesan vicar general Father Gary Pennings; St. Joseph Medical Center chaplain Father Anthony Williams; Missouri Catholic Medical Association liaison Father Ernie Davis; and Kansas Missouri Catholic Medical Association chaplain Father Steve Beseau, who is also the director of the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center in Lawrence.

In his homily, Father Beseau recalled a letter Archbishop Naumann wrote to Catholic physicians a few years ago inviting them to join the Catholic Medical Association.

Leaven photo by Jessica Langdon

From left, Bishop Emeritus Raymond J. Boland, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and Father Steve Beseau concelebrate the White Mass — a Mass specifically for health care workers — on Feb. 9 at Church of the Nativity in Leawood. At the far right is Msgr. Gary Applegate, the master of ceremonies.

“Every Catholic is called to integrate the teaching and principles of our faith into our personal and professional lives,” the archbishop wrote. “This is particularly challenging today in the field of medicine where to be true to our Catholic faith may place us in opposition to some popular cultural values.”

Father Beseau said that wisdom stands out more than ever today.

Illness and two surgeries in 2012 introduced him to health care from the patient’s perspective when he was hospitalized for weeks.

Health care workers must not only stay on top of the newest treatments and technology, he said. They must keep in mind that they “are not just technicians treating diseases, but human persons treating human persons.”

He pointed to many of the promises members of the CMA make — some that would apply to anyone in health care, but some specifically for Catholics.

They are called to form their pro-

fessional consciences according to the teachings of their church and “to participate in the evangelization of the suffering world.”

The words at the end of Mass instruct us, he said, to “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.”

And he encouraged the congregation to take those words literally.

“Each time you walk into your office or hospital, take the words of the Mass and make them your own,” he said. “Paste them on your door, tape it to your desk, make it your screen saver.

Imagine they are words spoken by Jesus directly to you as you take on your duties and responsibilities, for indeed, they are: ‘Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.’”

That struck a chord with fourth-year medical student Laura Jennings, who went to the Mass with her husband Brian.

“I think as soon as I get a practice I’m going to put a plaque up as a reminder for me, as well as everyone I work with,

“Each time you walk into your office or hospital, take the words of the Mass and make them your own. Paste them on your door, tape it to your desk, make it your screen saver. Imagine they are words spoken

by Jesus directly to you as you take on your duties and responsibilities, for indeed, they are: ‘Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.’”

Father Steve Beseau

that that’s our mission as physicians,” said Jennings, who attends Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa.

Tom Uko, a volunteer with Catholic Community Hospice, was touched by the church’s appreciation and support of the medical community and the people who support it.

Hospice chaplain Tracy MacClement, also with Catholic Community Hospice, agreed.

“I love the sense of solidarity as we all try to deliver health care as a ministry — not just as a job, but as a ministry,” she said. “I really appreciated the sense of solidarity of the struggle that these are perilous times morally and ethically and that we’re in this together.”

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archdiocesan

financial report Three initiatives yield benefits, both economic and spiritual

D

ear friends in Christ, We all witness the many ways the Lord continues to bless our Archdiocese. I am particularly delighted with the enthusiasm so many have manifested in responding to our Year of Faith Initiative: Faith – Love it, Learn it, Live it. More than 3,000 are participating in the School of Faith classes on the Catechism. Hundreds are attending each of the missions conducted by the Apostles of the Interior Life. The number of couples taking advantage of the Living in Love weekends have exceeded our highest expectations.

More than 60 completed the two year Spiritual Mentorship formation program. The Little Sisters of the Lamb Monastery is under construction.

Catholic Charities set new records for Snow Ball in the number of Archbishop Joseph F. people attending and the dollars raised. DonNaumann nelly College has a new Activities Center under construction. All of these are indicators of the vitality of the Catholic community in Northeast Kansas.

In last year’s archdiocesan annual financial update, I shared with you the progress and the work of our blue-ribbon Case Review Task Force, a group of six lay and five clergy leaders. Their job was to use our 2011 Year of Planning and Education to take a hard look at all of the challenges facing our parishes and our schools and come up with a set of recommendations that will allow us to move forward as an Archdiocese. The Task Force completed its work in January 2012, and its final recommendations were reviewed by the Priests’ Council, the Finance Council, the Pastoral Council and our 24-member Lay Advisory Council. You can review their final report at www.archkck.org/ toughquestions.

In last year’s financial update I wrote that, with respect to the work of the Task Force, everything was on the table. The Task Force took this challenge to heart. Their journey was an unpredictable one and their recommendations were both creative and practical. I would like to focus on three of their recommendations: a new parish assessment, the Archbishop’s Private Appeal for Catholic High Schools, and the Faith Initiative.

archbishop

hispanic

Youth

liturgy

The Youth Formation Assessment With important input from our priest leaders, the Task Force group did not recommend an all-parish capital campaign. Many pastors did not feel that an all-parish capital campaign would energize their parishes for the longterm. Other leaders stated that an all-parish capital campaign would be better suited for those times when the Archdiocese/Chancery has actual capital improvement needs. Instead, the Task Force advised that we use a new parish assessment to fund many of the identified needs. This phased-in assessment will be used to provide more dollars for high school tuition assistance, provide outreach to our urban and rural youth, support endowment and capital needs at Donnelly College, and as-

>> See “PRivate” on next page

priesthood

Private appeal designed to retire high school debt >> Continued from page 1 sist with some capital improvements at Bishop Ward High School. This assessment is titled Youth Formation, since it will work to provide all of our young people Catholic educational and formational opportunities.

The Archbishop’s Private Appeal for Catholic High Schools Another strength of the plan is the focus we are placing on our Catholic high schools.

Through the recommended Archbishop’s Private Appeal for Catholic High Schools, I am asking a relatively small group of generous leaders to assist us in putting our high schools on stronger financial footing. I am so grateful to all of those that have already chosen to generously support this private appeal. The appeal began officially on Feb. 14, 2012, and, after only one year, has successfully raised more than $8.8 million in gifts and pledges! These dollars represent significant progress toward our minimum appeal goal of $14 million: • Raise a minimum of $6 million toward debt at Saint James Academy • Raise a minimum of $5 million toward the endowment at Bishop Ward High School • Raise a minimum of $1.5 million toward debt at Hayden High School • Raise a minimum of $600,000 to help fund the archdiocesan-wide Faith Initiative We have also raised an additional $500,000 through this appeal for the Seton Education Fund, which provides tuition assistance dollars for all of our Catholic and regional high schools. All told, this year, we have raised more than $9 million for our Catholic high schools and to help fund the Faith Initiative. I will continue to visit with select donors in the coming year until we have met, or exceeded, our fundraising goals.

Faith Initiative — Faith: Love it, Learn it, Live it The Task Force wanted to see some effort made to energize and assist our parishes. The archdiocese developed Faith: Love it, Learn it, Live it to help our archdiocese celebrate the Year of Faith and to help every parishioner deepen their prayer life and increase their knowledge of our Catholic Faith. The Archdiocese has assisted in funding the promotion of, and, in some cases, improve access to classes, workshops, lectures, prayer groups, and retreats. I hope all Catholics living in northeast Kansas will continue to use these opportunities to celebrate the Year of Faith in a meaningful and prayerful way and develop a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

In last year’s financial update, I wrote that I have always believed that the best time to plan for the future is not in the midst of a crisis, but rather at a moment when we have the freedom to chart a careful, thoughtful approach to the challenges we face. I am so grateful to the many leaders within our Archdiocese who helped us to chart a sound course that is already working to place our schools, parishes and ministries on firmer financial footing.

Please continue to pray for our Faith Initiative efforts that it might allow our hearts, like the hearts of the saints, to be shaped by God’s transforming grace. I also ask for your continued prayers that the Holy Spirit guide our efforts to renew and to strengthen the church in northeast Kansas.

With gratitude for your love and for Jesus and his church, I remain Sincerely yours in Jesus, the Lord of Life,

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS

OPERATING EXPENSES FOR 2012 VS BUDGETS FOR 2013

Actual Budgeted Expenses Expenses Fiscal year end Fiscal year end June 30, 2012 June 30, 2013

Detailed account complemented by online audit

I

n prior years, our annual report on the finances of the Archdiocese has included

financial information that was condensed Ministries & Programs from our annual audit report. Over the (Primarily Funded by Archbishops Call To Share and User Fees) years, feedback has been that people Department of Parish Ministries would like to see more detail on how the archdiocese spends the monies that are entrustAdministration $5,755 $4,125 ed to us by you, our donors. These figures are Office:Evang & Catholic Formation-Youth, Ranch & Camps 2,003,558 1,416,475 ( 1) much more detailed Office:Evang. & Catholic Formation-Adults 321,866 341,537 than you would find in Radio Evangelization 68,700 68,700 School of Faith - Grant 152,500 152,500 a normal audit report, Resource Center 74,920 75,872 and therefore I want Native American Evangelization Fund 3,600 5,000 to remind you that Office of Marriage and Family Life 290,565 288,668 the archdiocese does My House Initiative 91,233 98,028 have an annual auOffice of Liturgy and Sacramental Life 182,238 146,235 dit report done by an Office of Social Justice 88,832 74,535 outside Certified PubOffice of Ministry To the Deaf 70,373 72,283 lic Accounting firm.

Pro Life Office 119,553 130,845 The audit reports can Pro Life Care Service - Grant 46,000 46,000 be reviewed on the Project Rachael Program 30,617 33,178 archdiocesan website Office of Hispanic Ministry 239,750 223,127 Jerry Mayne at http://www.archkEmporia-Hispanic Ministry 50,000 40,000 ck.org/page.aspx?pid=1651. For those of you El Centro-Kansas City 40,800 40,800 El Centro-Topeka 17,500 17,500 who are more comfortable dealing with cerSavior Pastoral Center 1,023,330 962,981 tified audits, I would encourage you to access Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 80,000 80,000 that information on the web.

In this year’s annual report, we have atSocial Outreach Ministries: tempted to try to give you more detail in

terms of how our resources are spent.

Catholic Charities of NE Kansas 335,000 370,000 (5)

The first chart I would direct you to is (5) Villa St. Francis-Geriatric Assistance 28,000 28,000 the pie chart, which shows the sources of

Communication and Planning income that we have to support the vari ous ministries, programs, and offices that Programs & Online Outreach 75,000 75,000 are part of the archdiocesan administration Leaven Newspaper 965,792 1,007,715 and ministerial structure. This breaks down

our income into five categories, which are Archdiocesan Schools Office:

the Archbishop’s Call to Share Appeal, the Archdiocesan Education Office 521,033 491,835 archdiocesan assessments, fees generated Perfect Wings Program 80,253 82,208 by the offices, net investment income and

lastly, bequests and contributions. There are Clergy Programs: other sources of income that flow through

our office, but those are designated for very Vocation Office 163,400 194,167 Permanent Diaconate Office and Program 76,827 221,840 ( 2) specific non-operational purposes and are Priest Retirement Funds 300,000 300,000 not included in this analysis of our operating

expenses.

Campus Ministry: We are providing this year an analysis of

Donnelly College KCK St. Lawrence Center-KU Lawrence Didde Center-Emporia Catholic Center-Washburn Topeka Catholic Center-Haskell Lawrence

10,000 130,000 70,000 69,164 51,700

45,000 130,000 70,000 71,289 65,700

Tuition Assistance:

High School Tuition Assistance 225,000 225,000 Catholic Colleges Tuition Assistance 34,000 13,000 Catholic Education Foundation Grant 200,000 225,000 (5)

the operating expenses that were actually paid for the year ended June 30, 2012 and compared that with the budget for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2013.

This schedule is broken down into two categories, first of all are ministries and programs supported primarily by the Archbishop’s Call to Share, but also by user fees generated by the various offices. For those offices categorized under the department of parish ministries, these listings of expenses show all of the expenses that flow through that office, whether they are supported by user fees or Call to Share. When we get to those ministries that are outside of the chancery buildings, such as Catholic Charities, the high schools, the college campus ministries — the reported expenditures represent only those dollars that were provided through Call to Share and do not include any funds that those ministries or institutions generated through their own fundraising activities. Lastly, at the bottom of the schedule are the administrative offices and functions of the archdiocese and these items are generally funded through the archdiocesan-wide cathedratic assessment or with net investment income.

We are also providing a schedule of expenditures designated for help for the needy and disaster relief. Included in this schedule are all of the national collections that are taken up throughout the year in our parishes and then forwarded on to national or international organizations that minister to the needy throughout the world.

We also show on the schedule, the archdiocesan special collections at Christmas and Easter. The Easter Collection is used to fund our priesthood present and future which includes seminarian formation expenses, and the Christmas Collection, which is provided to Catholic Charities to support their efforts to assist those in need.

We’ve also shown emergency collections that were taken up in recent history for significant disaster reliefs, such as the Japanese

ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS

Archbishop’s Call to Share Annual Appeal

$ 4,763,483

Archdiocesan assessments

Net investment income

922,736

Total Ministries

Bequests and contributions

369,945

8,311,726

Archdiocesan Administration (funded primarily by Cathedraticum and Investment Income) Archbishop’s Office Administrative Services (Chancellor/VG, IT, etc) Archdiocesan Tribunal Communication & Pastoral Planning Office Finance Office Archives Accounting Financial and Controls Auditor Office of Real Estate/Construction Chancery Building Archbishop Emeritus Office/Residence Archbishop’s Residence Human Resources Vicar for Clergy and Clergy Support Programs General Expenses of the Archdiocese USCCB,KCC, Legal & Insurance Safe Environment Other Property Expenses Stewardship/Development & Other Appeals

201,421 242,878 180,404 309,166 205,205 20,583 374,000 92,546 85,200 279,395 103,419 70,909 380,770 320,113 134,154 336,747 90,412 57,964 938,001

Total Administration 4,423,287

205,442 253,055 145,804 409,857 ( 3) 191,701 22,798 407,706 95,183 82,381 317,400 88,135 65,000 392,162 444,675 ( 4) 184,000 420,000 136,050 64,450 472,728 4,398,527

Grand Total $13,127,078 $12,710,253

Fees generated by offices

3%

$550,689 47,320 54,269 66,769 73,020 87,085 60,416 55,755 31,580 60,009 89,701 39,905 24,601

Archdiocesan Special Collections: Easter Collection- Priesthood Present and Future Christmas Collection - Catholic Charities

Special Emergency Collections: Diaster Relief - Somalia Eastern Africa Diaster Relief - Japan Diaster Relief - Harveyville Diaster Relief - Joplin and Reading

1,020,011 497,002 17,514 356,229 22,610 251,841 $3,406,326

Program Services Provided by Catholic Charities of NE Kansas $15,068,506

Tuition Assistance Provided by Catholic Education Foundation $928,637

Assistance Provided to Schools by Cor Christi Fund $468,032

Catholic Foundation of NorthEast Kansas

7%

35%

33%

23%

$ 13,673,926

Education of Priests and Seminarians Educational Grants Human Services Grants Parish Ministries Grants Grants to Parishes Grants to Cemeteries Other Grants Distributions from Donor Advised Funds

$345,620 442,141 134,299 68,440 159,015 235,381 2,177 387,190 $1,774,263

budgeted 2013 revenue 2% 3%

Budgeted revenues year ended June 30, 2013 Archbishop’s Call to Share Annual Appeal

$ 4,635,231

Archdiocesan assessments

3,050,000

Fees generated by offices

3,764,456

Net investment income

1,175,000

Bequests and contributions

300,000

9%

29%

ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS

36%

FOOTNOTES: (1) The significant decrease in the Office: Evang & Catholic Formation- Youth is due to the fact that the World Youth Day Trip and the National Catholic Youth Conferences are held every other year.

(2) The significant increase in the Permanent Dioaconate Office and programs is due to a new class of deacons started in 2013.

(3) The significant increase in the Communication & Pastoral Planning Office is because a new round of Regional Planning efforts is underway in the current fiscal year.

(4) The increase in the Vicar for Clergy and Clergy Support Programs is the cost of support for additional religious order communities working in the Archdiocese.

(5) The amounts in this schedule represent the Archbishop’s Call to Share grants to these three institutions and are only a modest portion of their total opperating revenues.

National Collections: Propagation of the Faith Black and Indian Missions Church in Latin America American Bishops’ Overseas Appeal Operation Rice Bowl Holy Land Peter’s Pence Catholic Campaign for Human Development Catholic Communication Campaign Aid to Church in Central and Eastern Europe Retirement Fund for Religious Catholic Home Mission Appeal Catholic University of America

Grants Distributed Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2012

3,171,700 4,446,062

FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2012

actual 2012 revenue

3%

Actual revenues year ended June 30, 2012

Help for the Needy & Disaster Relief

Jerry Mayne, Chief Financial Officer

actual 2012 vs budget 2013 revenue

Other Ministries/Funds:

Health Affairs 2,000 Foreign Missions 14,932 17,583 School/Parish Emergency Fund 100,000 100,000 Annual Appeal Expenses 250,000 260,000 8,703,791

tsunami, and, closer to home the significant tornados that struck Joplin and Harveyville.

Lastly on the schedule, we show monies that are expended through entities outside the chancery office, such as Catholic Charities, Catholic Education Foundation and the Cor Christi Fund. The majority of the funds from Catholic Charities programs and CEF originate from fundraising done by the agencies themselves.

We are also providing a schedule of funds that are distributed through grants from the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas.

The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas was established in 1989 to provide a vehicle for parishes and other ministries to develop endowments or other special funds that are used to ensure that funding is available for various purposes over long periods of time.

These monies are shown in a number of different categories; some of the more significant ones are Education of Priests and Seminarians, Educational Grants, and Grants to Cemeteries.

The final schedule is entitled, “New Archdiocesan-wide Assessment” (bottom right).

This assessment was an outgrowth of the year of study during which two rather large committees of volunteer lay and clergy studied some of the urgent needs throughout the archdiocese and developed plans for ways to fund those needs. This new assessment was initiated during the fiscal year ending 2013 and as you can see from the schedule, is used to fund 7 separate needs throughout the archdiocese. The funds come from an assessment of 2.6 percent of parish revenues in order to help fund these important works.

This new assessment was initiated in lieu of an archdiocesan-wide all-parish capital campaign.

ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS

$ 12,924,687

24%

NEW ARCHDIOCESANWIDE ASSESSMENT EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2013

MINISTRY AMOUNT High School Tuition Assistance $350,000 Rural Youth Outreach Programs 125,000 Urban Youth Outreach Programs 125,000 Ward High School Capital Improvements (10 yrs) 100,000 Urban Youth Outreach Capital Needs (10 yrs) 50,000 Donnelly College Scholarships (10 yrs) 200,000 Donnelly College Capital Needs (10 yrs) 200,000

$1,150,000

10 local news

theleaven.com | march 1, 2013

Paola school leaps ahead in technology n Holy Trinity first in bringing Windows 8 to students

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

P

AOLA — Having earned a master’s in digital technology and learning from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Josh Cavender made technology a high priority as principal of Holy Trinity School here.

“I believe in the realm of education, technology is at the forefront of a 21st-century school,” said Cavender, who is in his first year as principal at the school.

And that’s why he made sure that when Windows 8 — Microsoft’s new operating system — was released in 2012, Holy Trinity blazed a trail in launching the program among its students.

As a result, Holy Trinity was the first school in the entire Midwest to deploy Windows 8, Cavender reported.

He believes being able to take steps like that equips students with advantages that can prepare them now for success in the future.

As a math teacher at St. Thomas

Aquinas High School in Overland Park and mother to Holy Trinity fifth-grader Brianna, Margaret Ball sees both sides of that equation.

“As a high school teacher, I see the advantages that students have when they come into high school with mastery of computer skills. Students have to be comfortable with the technological world we live in,” she said.

Mastering the basics and using the latest technology offers them an edge both in school and beyond, she added.

“As a parent, I see this as a huge benefit,” Ball continued. “We all want to see our children succeed in the classroom.”

Cavender reconfigured the school’s schedule to work computer classes into the regular timetable for students in grades five through eight.

It’s important for Catholic schools to maintain a competitive edge among neighboring schools through “rigorous academics” as well as their ability to stay on the cutting edge of technology, he said.

“Technology skills are vital in preparing students for high school and college, but also preparing them for the workplace,” he said.

Cavender has also added two resource teachers to the staff to teach integrated arts and to spend several

hours a week working to meet the educational needs of every student, helping each reach high standards.

“I’ve been able to place 15 additional computers around the classrooms so students could have centers driven by technology,” said Cavender.

He is also excited about the two commercial wireless routers the school has installed recently to offer wireless capability in the whole building.

“Brianna is very excited to share with us all that she has learned about the computers,” said Ball, adding that PowerPoint is one of the skills Brianna has honed.

“She knows that in middle and high school she will be using PowerPoint to make presentations,” said Ball. “She has also talked about how she knows how to use Excel, make pie charts, and is much better at typing Word documents. She may be able to teach me a few things…”

Ball has been thrilled with the advances at the school and looks forward to seeing what’s next.

“My next step is to try and bring in Windows tablets to stay competitive,” said Cavender.

It’s just one example of “great things happening in small schools,” he said.

Father Wempe dies News of the death of Father Richard Wempe was received shortly before press time. For information about Father Wempe’s funeral, check the archdiocesan website main page at: www. archkck.org. The Leaven will publish an obituary in a future issue.

Annual St. Pat’s Senior Ball set for March 14 KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Redemptorist Center Senior Citizens Club here invites one and all to enjoy free live music, dancing, refreshments and a chance to win door prizes at the annual St. Pat’s Senior Ball. The event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on March 14, in the gymnasium of the Cristo Rey Kansas City High School, 211 W. Linwood Blvd.

The annual dance features a live swing band and plenty of dance partners. Dublin-born folksinger Eddie Delahunt and dancers from the Driscoll School of Irish Dance will also perform.

Free parking and parking assistance will be available at the rear of the building.

Begun in 2000, the annual St. Pat’s Senior Ball is sponsored by the seven O’Neill brothers and their families and friends in memory of Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade co-founder Pat O’Neill Sr., who passed away in 1999.

Clubs or organizations wishing to attend the dance as a group should RSVP by calling Julie O’Neill at (816) 561-7555.

Call Toll Free 888-246-1504

Don’t miss the

RUNNIN’ REVS Basketball Games Priests vs. Youth

March 4 • 7 p.m.

Bishop Miege High School April 22 • 7 p.m.

Hayden High School • Biased referees • Fun for everyone • Support vocations

www.kckvocations.com

12 classifieds Employment School principal - St. Rose Philippine Duchesne School, Garnett, is seeking a dynamic, experienced Catholic school principal for the 2013-2014 academic year who embraces the Catholic faith and possesses spiritual leadership skills blended with strong instructional leadership and managerial skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills. In addition, experience with current best practices (MTSS, PBS, DI, Common Core) in schools is expected. St. Rose School serves 40 students in grades K-8, employs 4 full-time teachers, and is looking for a leader who possesses the interest/skills to significantly expand enrollment. Principal applicants must be practicing Catholics and hold (or be eligible for) an administrative license from the Kansas State Department of Education. Interested individuals should complete the principal application available on the website at: www.archkckcs.org. Applications are due

by March 8. Questions may be directed to Dr. Kathleen O’Hara, superintendent of schools, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, at (913) 721-1570, or send an email to: kohara@archkckcs.org.

Facility manager - St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, is seeking a professional, detail-oriented individual to be responsible for all aspects of facilities management for the parish campus, including custodial, maintenance, purchasing, and facility staff management. Duties will encompass the parish education center, church, rectory and grounds. 3 to 5 years of similar facility management experience is required.

This full-time position includes the archdiocesan benefits package. Complete job description and contact information are available on the website at: www. stmichaelcp.org.

PT social studies instructor - Bishop Miege High School is seeking a PT licensed social studies instructor to teach three sections of current social issues for the remainder of the academic year. Kansas social studies teaching license preferred. Send letter of interest and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege. com.

Registered nurse - Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers, Inc., is currently seeking a registered nurse, licensed in the state of Kansas, to assume the part-time position of nurse manager. Under general direction of the medical director and the executive director, the nurse manager is responsible for the oversight, growth, and health of Advice and Aid’s medical services. Nurse manager will recruit, hire and train medical staff in nursing interventions and ultrasound services; ensure proper licenses for volunteer sonographers; ensure staff documentation is accurate and adequately descriptive; reviews client charts; responsible for HIPPA compliance and other certification guidelines; developing appropriate policies and procedures. Demonstrates godly leadership by maintaining personal, professional, and spiritual balance and health; and encouraging/enabling co-workers to do so. Responsible for oversight and implementation of safety policies and procedures. Ability to travel between two different locations; available 1520 hours per week. Nurse license in good standing with the state of Kansas. Minimum five years experience in the medical profession, OB/GYN experience preferred, strong Outlook and Word skills; minimum two years experience as a volunteer or staff of a Christian ministry preferred. Email resume/cover letter to: director@ad viceandaid.com or mail to: Director, Advice & Aid, P.O. Box 7123, Shawnee, KS 66207. No phone calls please.

Equal opportunity employer.

Part-time valet driver - Responsible for interacting in a courteous and friendly manner with guests, residents and staff. Assists residents with valet services, parking services and miscellaneous activity. Must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. CDL preferred but not required. Various hours including Saturdays.

Apply in person at Santa Marta, 13800 W 116th St., Olathe, or at our website at: www.santamartaretire ment.com/careers.htm.

Part-time summer nanny/child care provider - In northwest Olathe home for our two children, ages 6 and 7. Own transportation and clean driving record required. Children may need transported to some summer activities. Great summer opportunity. Call Megan at (913) 601-1764 or send an email to: meganpribyl@ hotmail.com.

Community outreach position - Immediate opening for an Americorps Vista in partnership with Washburn University. Vista member will work in rural northeast Kansas community of Summerfield. Focus on antipoverty capacity building, housing issues and veteran empowerment. Perfect opportunity for new college graduate or semi-retired professional. Health care is included in the benefit package. Call Rose at (785) 2446565 or send an email to: rmeybrunn@hotmail.com.

Bookkeeper - Growing professional office seeks high-volume bookkeeper. Duties include processing vendor invoices and paying bills. QuickBooks and Excel proficiency is required. Must be adept at multi-tasking. Send resume to: UPS Store, 12120 State Line Road #374, Leawood, KS 66209.

theleaven.com | March 1, 2013

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

Spring Cleanup Lawn mowing. Leaf removal. Tree and shrub trimming.

Local Parishioner Call Tony at (913) 620-6063 Free Estimates/Insured/References Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

Heating and cooling repair and replacement.

Call Joe with JB Design and Service. Licensed and insured with 20 years experience. Member of Divine Mercy Parish. Call Joe at (913) 915-6887.

Rodman Lawn Care - Mowing, leaf removal, mulch and more. Call John Rodman, member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, at (913) 548-3002 or send an email to him at: Rodman.Lawn@yahoo.com.

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www. bankruptcylawinkansascity.com.

Housecleaning - I love what I do and you can love it, too! 20-plus years experience. Excellent references.

Southern JoCo area. Call (913) 548-8702.

Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837.

MEDICATION SETUP & MANAGEMENT - RN support visits for filling weekly pill boxes & managing medication. Affordable and convenient. To learn more, call Home Connect Health Services at (913) 627-9222.

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

Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance.

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

Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

SPOTLESS CLEANING - Residential housecleaning services as well as commercial & builders. Leave your cleaning to me so your time will be free. Detailed! Thorough! Dependable! Outstanding references available.

Southern JoCo area call 913.957.8189.

ALL AREA CATHOLICS WELCOME Christ the King Parish Federal Credit Union 5417 Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kan. Good Car Loan and Share Loan Rates (913) 287-8448 or (913) 980-2192 Hours: 7 - 9 p.m., Mon., Wed., Fri. Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Home Improvement Spring is here! I do decks, fences, siding, windows, doors, roofing, exterior house painting and can cover all your landscaping needs. I bid and do the work, and am fully insured. Serving the Leaven parishioners for 12 years. Call Joshua Doherty at (913)-709-7230.

Ugly tile? Nasty grout? - Bella Bath Surrounds offers a revolutionary bath system with the look of granite at half the price! No grout. No sealing. Installs in a day.

Member of St. Joseph, Shawnee. Call (913) 269-7757 or visit: www.bellabathsurrounds.com.

Helping Hand Handy Man - Home maintenance upgrades and chores available by the hour. Special rate for senior and single-parent households. Electrical, painting, wood refinishing, deck repair, yardwork, small to medium tree trimming, gutter cleaning, shelving and organizing. Most home problems and needs solved.

Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490.

Brack Home Repair - Call Dan when you need it done!

Carpentry, drywall, plumbing, electrical, painting, tile, wood-rot and much more. No project too big or small.

For free estimate, call (913) 219-5388 or visit the Website at: brackhomerepairkc.com. Insured; senior discount available. Philippians 4:13.

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

Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Perfect Roof - Free estimates; roofing repairs if needed. Hail and wind damage inspections. Insured and reasonable. Call (816) 288-1693.

All commercial and residential mowing.

Services also include powerwashing, gutter cleaning, foundation dirt, retaining walls and spring seeding.

Call (816) 509-0224.

The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean!

Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

Tim the Handyman - Small jobs, faucets, garbage disposals, toilets, ceiling fans, light fixtures, painting, wall ceiling repair, wood rot, siding, desks, doors, windows, and gutter cleaning. Call (913) 526-1844.

Swalms Organizing Service - Reducing Clutter Enjoy an Organized Home! Basement, garage, attic, shop, storage rooms - any room organized! Belongings sorted, boxed and labeled, items hauled or taken for recycling, trash bagged. For before and after photos, visit: www.swalmsorganizing.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115.

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376 KC blinds and design - (913) 488-7605. Blinds, shutters, draperies, fabric, pillows, bedding, valances and cushions. Visit the website at: KCBlindsanddesign. com.

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

Exterior painting, drywall projects, wood rot repair, bathroom and kitchen remodels, and tile work Quality products. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 206-4524.

Brick mason - Available year-round; installation and repair of all types of masonry work — brick, stone, tile and flat work. 19 years of residential/commercial experience. Free quote – KC metro area – small and large jobs accepted. Call (913) 485-4307. Yes, we renovate kitchen/bathroom cabinets and install new floor tile.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998

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

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

Caregiving - Catholic woman with 30 years experience is available to care for your loved one in their home. Spent the past 3 years exclusively caring for one client. Excellent references available. Prefer part time.

Call (913) 579-8914.

for sale First Communion dress sets for 18” or American Girl dolls. Includes dress, veil, tights, shoes and cross necklace. Full line of doll clothes and accessories in south Johnson County. For an appointment, call Patty at (913) 345-9498.

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

FOR RENT For rent - Private Location with woods, 2 BR, 1BA, country kitchen. Large rooms, private patio. $595 per month.

Shawnee Mission. Contact Ken at (913) 484-6942.

REAL ESTATE Real estate home loans - Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc., 4105 W. 6th St., Suite A-6, Lawrence. James J. Weber is a 35-year real estate financing veteran and is the new office manager. Programs include conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, etc. Specializing in financing purchase/refinance home loans with FICO credit scored from 620+ to 800+ with low interest rates and low down payments. Have you been turned down for a home loan? The FHA choice purchase/refinance program assists eligible clients with 30-year fixed rate financing with FICO credit scored between 500+ to 619.

Email James at: jweber@primeres.com or call (785) 259-1507 for more information on any program and a loan qualification.

For sale by owner - 55 + community close to The Legends, Kansas City, Kan. Ranch style with full basement.

2BR, 2BA, no maintenance. Large kitchen, hardwood floors. $150,000. Call (816) 520-1793.

vacation Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA, fully furnished; sleeps four. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $115/ night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the website at: www.tillmancabin.com.

wanted to buy Antiques wanted I buy old pocket & wristwatches; sets of silverware; souvenir spoons; advertising signs; coins; and Native American turquoise jewelry, arrowheads & rugs. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. *** Wanted to buy *** Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, prints, sterling, etc.

Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

calendar 13

March 1, 2013 | theleaven.com

March Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park, will host a soup and salad dinner at 5 p.m. on March 1, followed by a musical on the Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. The performance is presented by Visitation Church. For more information, contact Margi Foley at (913) 381-8145.

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Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, is hosting a fundraiser for the Honor Flight Network of Kansas City on March 2 from 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. Live music will be provided by Harvest Moon. The cost to attend is a freewill donation. Honor Flights fly local veterans, free of charge, to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect on the war memorials.

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Father Dennis Wait will offer a Lenten retreat on March 2 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The retreat will focus on becoming still in order to sense God’s presence and know the gifts he wants to give us. Spiritual direction and reconciliation will be offered, and lunch will be provided. The cost is $20. To make a reservation, contact Julie at (913) 321-4673 or send an email to: julie@sanctuaryofhope.com.

The St. Mary - St. Anthony Parish men’s club will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage dinner in Bishop Forst Hall, 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan., on March 2 after the 4 p.m. Mass. The cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the rectory office at (913) 3711408, Dave Gregory at (913) 371-3522, or Frank Lipovitz at (913) 621-0298.

St. Joseph Church, 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, will celebrate its 21st annual St. Joseph Table and pasta dinner on March 3 in McDevitt Hall. Home-baked breads, cookies, pies and cakes, candies, fruit, wine, floral arrangements, and religious articles may be purchased from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. 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 more information, contact Christine Marion at (913) 2686677.

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Boy Scout Troop 394 will host a pancake breakfast on March 3 from 7 a.m. - noon at the social hall of Good Shepherd Parish, 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee. The cost to attend is $5. Presale tickets will be available at Good Shepherd and Sacred Heart parishes, Shawnee, after Masses on Feb. 23 - 24.

The St. Mary Altar Society, Purcell, will host a spaghetti luncheon from 11 a.m. 1 p.m. on March 3. Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, dessert, and drinks will be served.

The cost to attend is a freewill donation.

St. Patrick Parish, Corning, will host a pancake breakfast at the Corning Community Center on March 3 from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Pancakes, sausage and eggs will be served. A country store with hand-crafted items and baked goods will be available.

The cost to attend is a freewill donation.

A Runnin’ Revs Fun Night will be held on March 4 at Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt, Roeland Park. Area priests and seminarians will challenge 8th-grade and high school youth from Catholic schools in a fun game of basketball. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. Donations will be accepted to benefit seminarians. For more information, visit the website at: kckvocations.com.

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“Professional Etiquette and Life Skills for Job Readiness” is a workshop designed to help women assess their skills, set goals and prepare for the interview and the job.

The workshop will be held on March 6 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Lunch is included. Space is limited and reservations are required.

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The motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, will host a Taize prayer on March 7 at 7 p.m. in Annunciation Chapel. For more information, call (913) 680-2342 or visit the website at: www.marillaccenter.org.

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The musical “Bugsy Malone Jr.” is being presented by the seventh- and eighth-graders of Holy Trinity School, Lenexa, in the parish center. The seventh-grade will perform on March 6 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. The eighth-grade will perform on March 7 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. The cost to attend is $5 for adults; no cost for children. For more information, call (913) 888-3250.

The Serra Club of Johnson County will host its monthly meeting at Curé of Ars Church at 7 p.m. on March 7 in the Father Burak Room. All are invited to pray and work for vocations. For more information, contact Janice Arth at (913) 515-3975.

The sponsors of the Justin Johnston Memorial Scholarship will host a concert by Allen Asbury and the Brooks Brothers on March 8 at 7 p.m. at St. Francis de Sales Church, 900 Ida, Lansing. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for students. For tickets and

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reservations, contact the parish office at (913) 727-3742 or Carol and Katie Peterson at (913) 772-8871. Proceeds go toward the Justin Johnston Memorial Scholarship. For more information about the scholarship, visit the website at: www.justiceforjustin. org.

A Beginning Experience Weekend will be held March 8 - 10 at Precious Blood Retreat Center, Liberty, Mo. The retreat serves the widowed, separated and divorced who are suffering the loss of a relationship. The weekend focuses on dealing with the natural grief process and offers an opportunity to turn the pain of loss into an experience of positive growth, to move from the darkness of grief into the light of a new beginning. For more information visit the website at: www.beginningexperience. org; send an email to: BEWeekendKC@ hotmail.com; or contact Kim at (816) 7394733 or John (913) 219-3465.

St. Aloysius Church, 615 Wyandotte, Meriden, is hosting a soup supper and silent auction to benefit Paula Korber DeBacker on March 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. Homemade chili, and chicken noodle and broccoli cheese soups will be served with relishes and dessert. The cost to attend is a freewill donation.

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Mystical Rose Village of the Militia of the Immaculata gathers at Sacred Heart Parish hall, Mound City, every second Saturday of the month. For more information, call Cecelia Clay at (913) 352-6677.

Mater Dei Parish, Topeka, is hosting an Irish fest 5K fun run/walk and leprechaun leap on March 9 at 8 a.m. The $25 entry fee includes a T-shirt and pancake feed, guaranteed for those who register

by March 2. For more information and to register, visit the website at: www.mater deiirishfest.com.

A retreat for members of the Mary Health of the Sick Guild and the men’s group will take place at the Sisters, Servants of Mary Convent, 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan., on March 9 at 10 a.m. The day will include a talk by Father Andrew Strobl, silent eucharistic adoration, lunch, a question-and-answer period, Stations of the Cross, the rosary, the sacrament of reconciliation and Mass at 4 p.m.

The Cathedral of St. Peter Altar Society will host a women’s Lenten day of reflection on March 9. Sister Therese Steiner, a member of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, will present, “A Woman’s Journey of Faith through Scripture — St. Thérèse and the Little Way.” The day will begin at 8:15 a.m. with Mass and will conclude at noon. The cost to attend is $10, which includes a continental breakfast.

For registration information, contact Patty McKiernan at (913) 281-2918.

Wyandotte County SOLOs will celebrate their 30th anniversary with Mass at 9:30 a.m. on March 10 at Christ the King Church, 3024 N. 54th St., Kansas City, Kan. Dinner will be served at 11:30 a.m. in Davern Hall.

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The Cathedral of St. Peter, 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual St. Joseph Table and spaghetti dinner on March 10. The table will be blessed after 11 a.m. Mass. Homemade baked items, wine, fruit baskets and religious items will be available for purchase. The spaghetti dinner will be served from noon - 3 p.m.

The cost to attend is a freewill donation.

Internationally renowned singing superstar Tatiana Cameron, Tajci, 12-17 will perform throughout the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas the following dates and times: March 12, 7 p.m., St. John the Baptist Church, 708 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kan.; March 13, 7 p.m., Prince of Peace Church, 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe; March 14, 7 p.m., St. Matthew Church, 2700 S.E. Virginia Ave., Topeka; March 16, 7 p.m., Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church, 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka March 17, 2 p.m., Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 411 Pioneer St., Seneca; For more information, visit the website at: www. idobelieve.com.

Spiritual Vessel Village of the Militia of the Immaculata gathers at Our Lady of Lourdes, La Cygne, every second Thursday of the month. For more information, contact Juanita Chrisman at (913) 484-0919.

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The Singles of Nativity (SON) are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day dance on March 16 from 7 - 11 p.m. at Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood. Music will be live with the 13th Hour Band. The cost to attend is $20, which includes light appetizers and drinks. For more information, send an email to Susana Marcos at: susa_marcos@ yahoo.com.

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The 2013 Mater Dei Irish fest will be held March 16 at Mater Dei-Assumption Church, 8th and Jackson, Topeka. Watch the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade while enjoying Irish food, music, and a beer garden. The event begins after 10:30 a.m.

Mass and is open to the public. There is no cost to attend.

Morning Star Village of the Militia of the Immaculata gathers at St. Philip Neri, Osawatomie, every third Saturday of the month. For more information, contact Denise Bradley at (913) 963-5192.

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14 commentary

theleaven.com | march 1, 2013

que pasa en hispanic ministry

mark my words Scripture Readings third WEEK OF lent March 3 third SUNDAY of lent Ex 3: 1-8a, 13-15 Ps 103: 1-4, 6-8, 11 1 Cor 10: 1-6, 10-12 Lk 13: 1-9 March 4 Casimir 2 Kgs 5: 1-15b Pss 42: 2-3; 43: 3-4 Lk 4: 24-30 March 5 Tuesday Dn 3: 25, 34-43 Ps 25: 4bc-5ab, 6-7bc, 8-9 Mt 18: 21-35 March 6 Wednesday Dt 4: 1, 5-9 Ps 147: 12-13, 15-16, 19-20 Mt 5: 17-19 March 7 Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs Jer 7: 23-28 Ps 95: 1-2, 6-9 Lk 11: 14-23 March 8 John of God, religious Hos 14: 2-10 Ps 81: 6c-11b, 14, 17 Mk 12: 28-34 March 9 Frances of Rome, religious Hos 6: 1-6 Ps 51: 3-4, 18-21b Lk 18: 9-14

T

he Blizzard of Oz. That’s what they’re calling this second major snowstorm aiming to hit Kansas City in a week.

Yikes! So, I’m typing like a madman in an effort to get this column done before getting trapped in the Leaven office for a couple of days.

I wouldn’t mind it so much, but my staff for some reason seems desperate for me to finish so they can leave. Go figure.

Anyway, take a gander at this little story: Stumpy and his wife Margaret went to the Kansas State Fair every year. And, each year, without fail, Stumpy would say, “Margaret, I’d sure like to ride in that there airplane.”

Margaret would inevitably reply, “I know, Stumpy, but that airplane ride costs $10 . . . and $10 is $10.”

With a defeated sigh, Stumpy would move on.

One year at the fair, though, Stumpy said, “Margaret, I’m now 81 years old. If I don’t ride that plane this year, I may never get another chance.”

Margaret replied, “You know that there airplane ride costs $10 . . . and $10 is $10.”

March 10 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT Jos 5: 9a, 10-12 Ps 34: 2-7 2 Cor 5: 17-21 Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32 March 11 Monday Is 65: 17-21 Ps 30: 2, 4-6, 11-12a, 13b Jn 4: 43-54 March 12 Tuesday Ez 47: 1-9, 12 Ps 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9 Jn 5: 1-16 March 13 Wednesday Is 49: 8-15 Ps 145: 8-9, 13c-14, 17-18 Jn 5: 17-30 March 14 Thursday Ex 32: 7-14 Ps 106: 16-23 Jn 5: 31-47 March 15 Friday Wis 2: 1a, 12-22 Ps 34: 17-21, 23 Jn 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30 March 16 Saturday Jer 11: 18-20 Ps 7: 2-3, 9b-12 Jn 7: 40-53

Do you see what they see?

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

The pilot, overhearing the conversation, said to them, “Folks, I’ll make you a deal. I’ll take you both up for a ride. If you can stay quiet for the entire ride and not say one word, I won’t charge you. But if you say one word, it’ll cost you $10.”

Delightedly, Stumpy and Margaret go up in the plane.

The pilot does all kinds of twists and turns, rolls and dives, but not a word is heard.

Finally, they land and the pilot turns to Stumpy and says, “By golly, I did everything I could think of to get you to yell out, but you didn’t!”

Stumpy replied, “Well, I was gonna say something when Margaret fell out of the plane . . . but $10 is $10!”

It all boils down to a matter of perspective, doesn’t it? Stumpy probably thought that poor Margaret would be pleased that: a) he actually listened to her all those years; and b) the plane ride was free, after all.

With the Blizzard of Oz, there can be a lot of fretting. People are wondering where to pile all the excess snow. Parents are scrambling to find babysitters for their kids who will be out of school. Archdiocesan events are being rescheduled. Folks are flocking to grocery stores to stock up on essentials. The snowstorm can be one huge — and potentially dangerous — nuisance.

But it all depends on your perspective. This past weekend, the eyes of my Mass servers were dancing at the prospect of having a day or two of school canceled this week. All those guys with plows attached to the front of their trucks didn’t seem all that broken up, either, by the prospect of more snow.

Hardware store owners were practically giddy when being interviewed on TV before the storm, standing in front of shelves almost cleared of ice melt, shovels, scrapers and snow blowers.

And the checkers in the gro-

cery store might have been stressed — but the managers were grinning at all the overflowing carts.

Although the storm is causing The Leaven to move up its deadline, I look forward to the aftermath of this hectic day. Like the kids, I enjoy an occasional snow day. I’m beyond sledding or snowball fights, but the break in the schedule is welcome . . . as is the quiet outside. My oh-so-important-and-full schedule is tossed aside and there’s time to regroup, read, and maybe even take a nap.

It’s a reminder that ultimately I’m not in control of things — not of the weather certainly, but also not of my life. God is. These events of nature are a time to remember that and to shift our perspective when our plans are disrupted, to look for the positive in the inconvenience. If you have electricity and heat, a roof over your head and food in the refrigerator, then this isn’t such a bad deal at all.

And, trapped inside as I’ll be, means no fast-food run.

Instead, that $10 will find its way into my CRS Rice Bowl.

It isn’t all that much . . . but $10 is $10.

In the beginning

Fourth WEEK OF lent

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commentary 15

march 1, 2013 | theleaven.com

Burning bush lights fire in Moses, Hebrews

n time of drought, the danger of a grass fire increases drastically. A spark from a campfire, a discarded cigarette, a lightning strike from a thunderstorm — any of these can ignite the countryside and set it ablaze.

It doesn’t take much. Still, something must begin the fire.

It doesn’t happen on its own.

Although it gets extremely warm in the desert, it would take a lot of heat for spontaneous combustion. But that is what we hear happening in Sunday’s first reading — Ex 3: 1-8a, 13-15. Moses is tending a flock in the desert. They are scavenging for food, trying to find a blade of grass or a weed to eat.

Perhaps they are at an oasis, since there is vegetation growing in this area, which would explain the bush that Moses notices. He must have been observing it for a while,

Father Mike Stubbs Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. because he realizes that even though the bush is burning, it is not being consumed by the fire.

This sight is full of wonder. In the first place, it was unusual for the bush to catch on fire by itself. It was even more unusual for the bush not to be consumed by the fire.

But most unusual of all was the voice that spoke out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!”

It is God, calling Moses

to undertake the mission of liberating the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. In a sense, God wants to set Moses on fire. Moses will need a lot of enthusiasm and determination to complete this task. He will need to communicate that to the Hebrew people, to organize them and motivate them.

Moses will be the spark to set the Hebrew people on fire.

Although the bush is burning, it is not consumed by the fire. Similarly, the fire that will burn in Moses’ bones will not consume him, will not destroy him.

It is not a destructive force, but an energizing one. Moses has no reason to fear the mission God is entrusting to him. It will not destroy him.

Why the bush? Why does God choose to appear in such a lowly plant, rather than something more impressive, like a tree? Some suggest that

THE PRACTICAL CATHOLIC “Before you go to bed, give your troubles to God. He’s up all night anyway.” These words on a coffee mug make me smile because they speak of the mental clutter that we all carry inside us.

Just for fun, sit for a few moments in a private, quiet place.

Take a deep breath, close your eyes and . . . just sit. Your mind will likely go into panic mode because you’re not doing stuff. Words will assault your mind — “laundry,” “dust balls,” “spoiled food in the freezer,” “Jimbo’s birthday card,” and “hot fudge sundae.” All

God chooses the lowly bush in order to identify with the Hebrew people, brought low through slavery. The bush projects humility, rather than pride or arrogance.

In any case, the burning bush is a significant sign of God’s presence. It is the way that God is revealed to Moses.

This encounter makes that spot holy ground. That is why God calls out to Moses, “Come no nearer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”

Moses does not encounter God in a temple or shrine, but rather in the midst of his everyday work, while tending the flock. We also should be open to the possibility of encountering God as we go about our daily life. Who knows what God will call us to? Will that be the spark to set us on fire?

of these want to derail you from simply being still and renewing your spirit.

Try a mental clutter cleanse. Set a timer for five minutes. Have a pen and paper ready as you enter into the quiet. When those words pop up, calmly write them down (for handling later) and return to the quiet. It may take a while to get the hang of it, but it’s worth the time and . . . hey, a squirrel!

— M.G.

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Hispanic Catholics embrace Faith Initiative

am happy to report that the archdiocesan Faith Initiative is off to a great start among Hispanic Catholics.

father pat murphy, cs

It is truly impressive to see the people of God responding enthusiastically to the invitation to deepen their faith. In this month’s column, I would like to share with you some of the highlights in our Year of Faith.

1. Catholicism Project.

At the present moment, we are finishing up a 10-week program at All Saints Parish in Kansas City, Kan.,

and have had a group of 50 faith seekers attending on a weekly basis. In the next four months, we will be starting new sessions at Blessed Sacrament in Kansas City, Kan., St. Catherine in Emporia, St. John in Lawrence and concluding at Our Lady of

Father Pat Murphy, CS, is the archdiocesan animator for the archdiocesan office of Hispanic ministry.

Guadalupe in Topeka.

2. Immigration Round Table. This has been an excellent way to bring together groups of 20-30 people to share their immigration stories from a faith perspective.

We have witnessed amazing conversations taking place.

The next round table will be Feb. 21 at Our Lady of Guadalupe.

3. Workshop on Human Relationships. Although this is a late addition to our Faith Initiative, this important workshop was held at Savior Pastoral Center Feb. 2–3 and 125 participated from 11 parishes. The purpose of this formation weekend was to help people creatively reflect on the theme of Christian leadership and human rela-

tionships. For many, it was a life-changing experience to reflect on how one relates to others and how Christ calls all of us to relate to others in a different way because we are his disciples.

4. Impactos Family Retreat. As we go to press, 35 families from Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park were registered to live this weekend experience that invites both parents and their children to seriously think about their life in the light of the Christian call to be families that truly impact society.

5. Lenten Mission Retreat.

On Feb. 16–17, a two-day retreat on prayer and sacraments, offered by the Apostles of the Interior Life in collaboration with the office

of Hispanic ministry, was held at Savior.

6. Still to come: • Migrant Family Retreat will provide couples with a unique way to reflect on their journey of faith from the biblical perspective of immigration. It will be held at four locations. The first one is March 10 at St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park.

• Year of Faith Retreat for Youth – July 20-21 • Workshop on Vatican II – Sept. 14-15 • Impactos, June 1-2, at Savior Pastoral Center, and in August at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Topeka The Faith Initiative is off to a great start and no doubt will have life-lasting effects on all who choose to participate.

Church and State

How can we possibly be protecting women by killing girls?

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n January, the nation marked the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision Roe v.

Wade.

Over those 40 years, 55 million unborn children have had their lives cut short by abortion. Their number, and the brutal manner of their death, defy comprehension: Imagine the combined population of 26 American states being wiped out — that would be 55 million people.

Yet America yawns.

Perhaps it is appropriate that such a poorly reasoned court decision — as now acknowledged by even

Michael schuttloffel Michael Schuttloffel is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference. supporters of legal abortion — has spawned 40 years of contorted, often preposterous, reasoning in defense of America’s abortion-on-demand regime.

Americans today look upon unborn children in the womb through the marvel of

4D sonograms and have no doubt that they are seeing a baby. Yet vast numbers of these same people go about their lives untroubled by the fact that there are 1.2 million abortions per year in this country.

Somewhere around half of these abortions ends the life of a little girl, yet we are told that abortion is a matter of women’s rights and women’s health. This seems an odd claim, since for females as much as males, death is not particularly healthy.

Now, the Kansas Legislature is considering legislation that shines a light on the extreme cognitive dissonance that is so apparent in many Americans’ attitudes toward abortion. Pro-life legisla-

tors are attempting to ban the practice of aborting an unborn child solely because of the child’s gender. Genderselection abortions almost always target unborn girls for elimination and are believed to be responsible for at least 160 million missing girls and women worldwide.

Remarkably, self-styled women’s rights groups have opposed such bills elsewhere, and the Obama White House opposed its passage in Congress. So it has come to this: Abortion advocates now argue for the right to destroy an unborn child purely because she is a girl . . . in the name of women’s rights. With this Orwellian claim, the diabolical illogic of the abortion movement collapses upon itself.

It is tempting to hope that as time goes by, respect for women and their equal dignity and value will increase, making gender-selection abortion attractive to fewer and fewer people.

However, it seems equally likely that the coming trend toward designer babies may only desensitize people further to the idea of exercising “choices” in regard to the traits of their children, whether through genetic engineering or through abortion.

As long as there are people willing to argue that we must protect women by killing girls, anything is possible.

And as long as Americans continue their now wellhoned indifference, the very worst is likely.

as the church prays

Church has brought Jerusalem to us through Holy Week liturgies

H

istorical tours are among the most popular forms of international travel today.

For us Christians, the ultimate historical tour is a pilgrimage. Throughout our Christian history, we have ventured to various historical sites of our faith.

A religious pilgrimage is a most hoped-for experience for many.

That’s why the church celebrates Holy Week. From Palm Sunday, when we gather to recall Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, to Easter Sunday, when we

Michael Podrebarac Michael Podrebarac is the archdiocesan consultant for the liturgy office celebrate the Lord’s appearing to his disciples, we are actually on a pilgrimage.

It’s not merely a “memory” pilgrimage, but one that connects us to those ancient days of triumph, intrigue, betrayal, murder, confusion and final triumph. Holy Week and the Triduum allow us to truly travel to that time,

nearly 2000 years ago, when Jesus turned the whole world upside down and won for us our salvation.

This is what the fourth-century pilgrim Egeria discovered when she traveled throughout the Holy Land and experienced the Holy Week liturgies in Jerusalem. Like today, the local Christians in Palestine celebrated Palm Sunday at the very spot where Jesus entered the city walls, and they imitated the devotions of those who greeted him with olive branches, palm fronds and shouts of praise.

They celebrated Holy Thursday at the site of the Upper Room, where Jesus instituted the Eucharist and the priesthood and washed his disciples’ feet.

They went to the Garden of Gethsemane and kept prayerful watch with the Lord. They followed Jesus on Good Friday from the court of Pontius Pilate to the place where he was crucified. They kept quiet vigil at the tomb where he was buried.

They began Easter in that same garden, beginning Holy Saturday night, and met the risen Lord among his disciples the following morning.

Egeria’s diaries came to influence how Western Christians commemorated the last week of the Lord’s earthly life. We call this week Holy Week and experience an annual historical and spiritual journey through the liturgy. Not all of us are as privileged, as Egeria was, to have been able to travel to

Jerusalem. So the church has brought Jerusalem to us in the liturgy!

The archdiocesan office for liturgy will host two mornings of reflection during which we will make an “inspection tour” of what awaits us on Palm Sunday and thereafter.

“This Is the Triduum” will be offered March 16 at St. Ann in Prairie Village (7231 Mission Road) and March 23 at St. Matthew in Topeka (2700 S.E. Virginia) from 9:4511:45 a.m. All are welcome to attend one of these no-cost sessions, and to then join us on our annual pilgrimage to the Holy Land this March 2431, free of charge.

Space is not limited, and all connections are guaranteed!

16 local news

theleaven.com | march 1, 2013

Archbishop invites Catholics on ‘Morning Glory’ retreat

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill@theleaven.com

C

atholics believe that one avenue to a closer relationship with Jesus is through his mother.

That’s why Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has been inviting everyone in the archdiocese to join him on a journey that will start on March 6 and will be guided by Father Michael E. Gaitley, MIC, through his book “33 Days to Morning Glory.”

Based on St. Louis de Montfort’s classic work “True Devotion to Mary,” Father Michael’s book will lead participants on a personal retreat as they prepare to make a total consecration to Jesus through Mary.

The consecration will take place April 8, the feast of the Annunciation.

“As you begin the consecration, it starts to create an awareness of a person blessed by God who can intercede for you,” said St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood, parishioner Rich Henry, who was consecrated last year.

“If you want a relationship with Jesus, use Mary,” he continued. “That’s why she’s there.

“And it’s all about grace; we don’t do this on our own.”

Immaculate Conception, St. Marys, parishioner Mary Ellen Reese, who completed de Monfort’s preparation to consecration in 2000, plans to reconsecrate using the new book.

“I was thrilled when the archbishop said he wanted to promote this,” she said. “The graces that come from doing this are going to transform our archdiocese.

“I believe that with all my heart.”

“33 Days to Morning Glory” is written in a less complex format than de Montfort’s work from centuries ago.

“I was leafing through Father Gaitley’s book,” said Reese, “and I understand that he is trying to help people find a way to complete this in a simplified manner.”

Simple yet enlightening, Father Michael uses the teachings of St. Louis de Montfort, Blessed John Paul II, Blessed Mother Teresa and St. Maximilian Kolbe to guide his readers.

Each week focuses on one of these holy people and how that person’s devotion to Mary enriched and strengthened his or her faith.

“I had done [de Montfort’s] consecration,” said Henry, “and the great thing about this one is it’s more userfriendly.”

The book is broken down into 33 short daily readings that conclude with a thought to meditate on during the day.

“Each section builds on the other one,” said Henry. “And by the time you get to the end of it, you really have a good feel for how we are connected to Jesus through Mary, and how other saints view this.

“In fact, for John Paul, it was a life-changing event in his vocation.”

Indeed, the process of consecration can be life-changing: As they retreat each day into the arms of Mary, participants come to understand her role in salvation history, her love for them, and her role in their life as intercessor, mediatrix of grace and conduit to Jesus.

When Reese began her journey to consecration 13 years ago, she had four children at home and the responsibility of caring for her mother.

CNS file photo/Nancy Wiechec

Mary is shown being taken up to heaven in a painting inside a dome of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore. Archbishop Naumann is encouraging Catholics to develop a closer relationship to Jesus through his mother.

“I was really busy,” she said. “I didn’t see how I had time.

“But I was so taken in by the idea of getting the help I needed to handle all this, that I just made the time.”

In today’s too-busy world, a 33-day commitment to anything may seem overwhelming.

But “33 Days to Morning Glory” allows retreatants to slow down and look to their Mother in heaven as a source of help for all that they want to accomplish.

Henry said that through his consecration, he learned to put his concerns in the care of Mary.

“If I just give my intentions to her and let her manage them,” he said, “that saves a lot of work for me.

“So selfishly I say, ‘Mary, you take it all.’”

The day of consecration calls for participants to make a confession, attend Mass and receive holy Communion.

It also encourages them to do

something to honor Mary.

Reese went through the process with a group and recommends others do the same.

“We all had a red rose,” she said, remembering her day of consecration. “We put them in a vase and set it before the image of the Immaculate Conception.

“Afterwards, our friend had prepared a feast and we all were just glowing.

“I felt life — from inside and out. It was one of the most magnificent spiritual experiences ever.”

Many who have completed the consecration attest that it has amazing graces attached to it.

“Right after you do this consecration,” said Henry, “something generally happens that’s unusual.

“There’s a grace that comes — a wisdom, a knowledge or an awareness of something.”

The thought of people throughout the archdiocese experiencing this

‘33 Days to Morning Glory’ Marian Retreat Hosted by St. Michael’s Men’s Group and led by Rich Henry, the retreat will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Parish from 7:158:45 a.m., on six consecutive Monday mornings, beginning March 4.

There is no cost for the retreat.

Materials available for purchase are the book ($15) and a workbook ($20).

To register, email Henry at: rhenry@kansascityhomes.com.

grace is an exciting prospect.

“If we can somehow lead groups of people to this total consecration,” said Reese, “I believe we’re going to move spiritual mountains throughout the archdiocese.”