03-02-12 Vol. 33 No. 27

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 33, NO. 27 MARCH 2, 2012

Leaven photo by Elaina Cochran

Benedictine College graduate Derek Lyssy leads a Bible study group at the University of Kansas. Lyssy is a missionary with Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS).

THEY SHOOT —THEY SCORE

L

Winning souls only takes some FOCUS

AWRENCE — It’s a typical Thursday evening at the Lyssy and Brenner, both graduates of Benedictine College University of Kansas Sigma Nu house in Atchison, are missionaries with Fellowship of here, and Derek Lyssy is hanging around Catholic University Students (FOCUS), St. LawStory by with the guys and talking about sex. rence Campus Center’s newest partner in the Jill Ragar Esfeld If that’s not surprising to you, this might be: evangelization of KU. They each have a Bible and are taking turns readAnd they’re bringing students into the Cathoing chapter seven of the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians. lic Church, one Bible study at a time.

At a sorority house nearby, Emily Brenner is hosting a simiSee “COLLEGE” on page 5 lar group.

DID YOU KNOW?

Missing the anonymity of the old confessionals? It’s still available. Although many Catholics prefer to receive the sacrament of reconciliation face to face, every church gives penitents the option of going face to face, or anonymously, from behind a screen. Take advantage of the special Lenten schedule and receive the sacrament at any parish in the archdiocese from 6-7 p.m. on the Wednesdays of Lent.

2 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 2, 2012

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 2, 2012

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

Monthly pro-life Mass starts in Topeka

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

O

If you want to change the world, love your spouse

n Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5, I visited my nephew David and his wife Dee Dee, who reside with their four children in Lee’s Summit, Mo. We were celebrating their third child’s, whose name happens to be Joseph, fourth birthday. Young Joey is the new and improved version of Joseph Naumann.

Joey had had some tough days leading up to his birthday. He was battling pneumonia and had been on a regimen of antibiotics. By Super Bowl Sunday, Joey was mostly recovered. At dinnertime, Dee Dee prepared Joey’s and his younger sister’s — Emily’s — plates first, getting them situated while the adults were still making their way through the buffet line. Joey had not made much progress with his meal, when all of a sudden he began vomiting — not just once, but three times.

Squeamish as I am in such circumstances, I quickly moved as far away as I could get from the birthday boy, while my nephew David, on the other hand, swooped Joey up to take him to the bathtub to clean him up. Similarly, Dee Dee sprang into action, cleaning up the contaminated area of the table and floor that was the recipient of Joey’s regurgitation of the dinner his mother had so carefully prepared. I tried to console Dee Dee by commenting that I did not think the dinner was that bad.

This little episode of the reality of family life reminded me of a theological symposium that I had attended a couple years ago at the University of Notre Dame. At the time, I was serving on the U.S. bishops’ Committee for Marriage and Family. The symposium was part of our preparation for planning the initiative of the bishops to strengthen and support marriages and family life.

One of our presenters exhorted us to help couples appreciate that the living of the marriage vows is realized in thousands of daily and seemingly inconsequential decisions to love each other — to place the good of one’s spouse and one’s children before one’s own wants and desires. He challenged us to try to help couples realize the importance for their marriage, for their family, for the community, for society, for the nation, for their church, of these daily small choices to love each other.

Picking the Cheerios out of the toddler’s hair or doing the dishes or the laundry so your spouse can have some

Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

March 4 Installation of Father Peter Jaramillo as pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish personal time or calling your wife in the middle of the day to check out how she is doing and to let her know you are thinking of her or to clean up vomit off the floor while at the same time attempting to comfort and console the perpetrator — these are some of the countless small choices that collectively have a huge impact on the vitality of a marriage.

It is difficult for couples, in the midst of the reality of the ordinary routines of daily life, to grasp the bigger picture of how these many small decisions that demonstrate their love in such tangible ways, have an enormous impact on their relationship. It is probably impossible to appreciate how these seemingly insignificant choices are determining the destiny of their marriage and family.

How a marriage partner chooses to respond to the daily opportunities to put the good of their spouse first and their wants second impacts not only their relationship, but the lives of their children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Most of us rarely reflect on the great amount of good for the community that emanates from a healthy family and, conversely, how many societal problems result from dysfunctional families. Family life founded on the committed, faithful love of a married couple is the principal social institution for transmitting principles to, and fostering virtues in, the next generation.

The family is so important for society, our nation, our culture and our church. Strong, healthy families give life and form well the next generation of citizens and parishioners. Families are built upon the foundation of marriage.

Healthy and vibrant marriages result in healthy and vibrant families. It is that simple. What married couples choose to do each day to strengthen their marriages, in the long run, has tremendous implications on the health of our society, nation and church.

If you are married and want to do something to make the world a better place, then begin by doing something to strengthen your marriage. A good Lenten practice for married couples is to make some daily sacrifice that manifests your love for your spouse. If you want to change the world, then do everything

Rite of Election – Christ the King, Topeka

March 5-19 Ad limina visit — Rome March 6 Opening meeting Mass with seminary community — North American College Opening dinner March 7 Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica (tomb of St. Peter) Meeting — Congregation for Bishops Reception with U.S. ambassador to the Holy See March 8 Meeting — Pontifical Council for Christian Unity Mass — St. Paul Outside the Walls Reception — Villa Stritch March 9 Meeting — Congregation for Clergy

you can to communicate your love and admiration to your wife or husband.

Recently, I was at an event where a couple gave me a letter in which they described how making a Marriage Encounter weekend 27 years ago, and using the tools they learned on the weekend, has enriched and strengthened their marital love. If you have never made a Marriage Encounter weekend, I urge you to do so. Marriage Encounter has helped thousands of struggling marriages improve and good marriages become better. If you are experiencing serious problems in your marriage at this moment, then I exhort you to attend a Retrovaille weekend. Retrovaille has helped hundreds of couples save and rebuild their marriages.

If you are interested in a Marriage Encounter weekend or Retrovaille weekend, contact our archdiocesan marriage and family life office. The staff

Possible audience with Holy Father Mass — St. Mary Major Meeting — Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization March 10 Meeting — Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life Possible audience with Holy Father March 11 Mass — Casa Santa Maria

Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar

March 3 Bless bell at Fraternity of St. Peter March 4 Confirmation — Curé of Ars, Leawood March 4-5 Labor Review Board — Chicago March 7 Confirmation — St. Agnes, Roeland Park March 8 Confirmation — Leavenworth parishes March 10 Anointing Mass — Curé of Ars, Leawood March 11 Confirmation — St. Catherine, Emporia

in our office will be delighted to assist you. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has a website devoted to this at: www.foryourmarriage.org. On the website you will find a wealth of information about marriage, as well as helpful suggestions on how to strengthen your marriage.

If you are not married, I urge you to make a commitment to do something this week to show encouragement and provide help to a married couple. Let them know what a blessing their marriage is to you and to others.

Finally, as the archbishop, I wish to thank all married couples in the Archdiocese for your example of faithful and committed love. This week, when you are picking the Cheerios out of your child’s hair, or doing the laundry to help your spouse, I hope you realize that because of you, our world is a better place.

Photo by Megan Bickford

President of Benedictine College Stephen D. Minnis (left) presents the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict to Linda and Lawrence Kaminsky at the 41st annual Scholarship Ball Feb. 25.

Ravens roost and root for Benedictine at Scholarship Ball KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Westin Crown Center Hotel here turned into the Raven’s Roost when 700 Benedictine College friends and alumni flocked to the 41st annual Scholarship Ball on Feb. 25.

It was a night of celebration, testimony, recognition, entertainment and, above all, faith. By the end of the night, more than $500,000 was raised.

The co-chairs for the event were Darryl Jones (’68), Lené Westerman (’85), and Bob and Janet Wholey, who are known widely for their philanthropic activities.

In addition to Bill and Jean Dunn, who had received the Cross of the Order of Saint Benedict at this year’s convocation ceremony, Benedictine College used the occasion to also confer the award on Lawrence (’63) and Linda Kaminsky and Kevin (’60) and Mary McNicholas.

Over the years, Lawrence Kaminsky has been very active in the professional and nonprofit community.

In addition to serving on the board of directors of Benedictine College, he has served on many other boards, including the Providence Medical Center Foundation, the St. Martin of Tours League, and Catholic Charities.

Linda Kaminsky, an Atchison native, is a registered nurse and stayat-home mom. A graduate of Mount St. Scholastica Academy in Atchison, she has a street named in her honor on the Maur Hill-Mount Academy

Photo by Megan Bickford

Benedictine sophomore Mitch Hecht and the college’s drum corps bring the Scholarship Ball to a rousing end. campus. She has volunteered extensively, most often working in ways to care for and mentor others.

As a couple, Kevin and Mary McNicholas have been very active in regional and national nonprofits, and they have received numerous business, philanthropic, and volunteer awards. Like the other honorees, they have lived their lives and run their businesses with integrity and have been an example of character, ethics, and respect for others, in both their business and personal lives.

It was a night of testimony. One of the most gripping was offered by

Andrew Marsh, a 2012 candidate for graduation and president of the Benedictine College Student International Business Council. Through the influence of Benedictine College, Marsh joined the Catholic Church, received a first-rate education, and participated in an internship that allowed him to begin a career with Price Waterhouse Coopers, a global financial company.

At the ball, guests were also treated to two videos that shared the ongoing story of Benedictine College.

The first detailed the success of the “Investing in Excellence” capital campaign, which exceeded its $50 million goal by nearly $20 million. The second video, “Benedictine 2020: A Vision for Greatness,” presented the college’s plan to pursue even higher levels of excellence in its commitment to community, faith, and scholarship. The faculty, staff, administration and board of directors of the college spent more than a year producing this visionary strategic plan. (The “Benedictine 2020: A Vision for Greatness” video may be viewed online at: http://www.you tube.com/watch?v=rCtTny4Lwro.)

It was also a night of faith — not only faith in the mission of the school, but also in God, in whom the school finds its ultimate purpose.

This year’s Scholarship Ball included a Mass, celebrated by Abbot Barnabas Senecal (’60), OSB, of St. Benedict’s Abbey.

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com

TOPEKA — A monthly Marian Mass for former pilgrims has broadened its mission and is now dedicated to the sanctity of life and an end to abortion.

The former pilgrims have gathered for a Marian Mass in Topeka for more than 20 years, said Patty Hurley, one of the organizers.

“We decided, now that Kansas City [Kansas] has a monthly pro-life Mass, that we would do this,” said Hurley.

Father Tom Hesse, a retired priest who lives in Topeka, has volunteered to celebrate the Mass on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

The next Mass, accompanied by devotions, will be on the evening of March 28: • Evening prayer begins at 6 p.m., along with the sacrament of reconciliation and a rosary.

• Mass is at 7 p.m.

• Eucharistic adoration follows Mass, concluding with Benediction.

• A social hour will be held after Benediction.

The monthly archdiocesan pro-life Mass is celebrated at 8 a.m. on the third Saturday each month at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill St., Kansas City, Kan. The celebrant on March 17 will be Archbishop James P. Keleher.

Choir concert set for March 10 in Leavenworth LEAVENWORTH — The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University of Minnesota will perform at 7:30 p.m. on March 10 at St. Joseph Church here, located at 306 N. Broadway.

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University are nationally recognized liberal arts colleges and consistently ranked among the top Catholic colleges in the nation. They share one academic program and students attend classes as well as participate in activities together on both campuses.

The Chamber Choir has been in existence since 1970 and is now one of the major touring ensembles of the combined music department. This concert is part of the choir’s 2011-2012 concert season. Under the direction of Dr. Axel Theimer, a native of Austria and a former member of the Vienna Boy’s Choir, who has been on the music faculty at the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University since 1969, the 46-member choir will perform in select cities in Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Colorado, and Kansas.

This year’s performance will, among others, include compositions by William Byrd, Eric Whitacre, Edwin Fissinger, Moses Hogan, Eric Barnum, and Abbie Betinis.

Admission to the concert is free. For more information, call the parish office at (913) 682-3953.

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. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 2, 2012

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 2, 2012

Conference-goers urged to have Christian courage

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

OVERLAND PARK — With the final game of a century-old rivalry on the line, you would expect to find all good Tiger and Jayhawk fans crowding Allen Field House or at least attending Border War parties Feb. 25.

Almost 1,000 men, however, blew off the big game to attend an event at Ascension Parish in Overland Park.

A record number of men, in fact, said Dan Spencer, a member of Ascension and one of the event organizers, opted to attend Men Under Construction XVI, the annual archdiocesan Lenten men’s retreat. Men Under Construction is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and organized by the Kansas City Catholic Men’s Fellowship.

The day began with a Mass celebrated by Msgr. Thomas Tank, pastor of Ascension. The concelebrants were Father Anthony Ouellette, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Osage City and St. Patrick in Scranton; and Father Larry Richards, pastor of St. Joseph Church/ Bread of Life Community in Erie, Pa. Keynote speakers followed, then the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation and breakout sessions. The theme of this year’s MUC was “courage.”

Father Richards, one of the featured speakers, focused on the courage and commitment needed to become a saint.

“The reality is, gentlemen, that you’ve got to be a man,” said Father Richards. “And I am sick and tired of the wimpiness of Catholic men.”

He contrasted the strong commitment many men have for sports with their weak commitment to what really matters.

“You’ll give 48 hours of your life to watch a bunch of boys play with a pigskin, right?” he said. “It’ll cost you a lot of money. But to do things for God? [But] . . . . for sports — things no one cares about when you drop dead — you’ll do all kinds of things. But for God, you do the little stuff.”

He then offered the men a sure-fire way of changing their lives.

Place their Bible next to their bed, he said. The first thing they should do upon waking was to read it.

“Open up the word of God,” said Father Richards. “Slowly read until the God of the universe takes a twoby-four and whacks you over the head, and stop, listen and respond. You do

Leaven photo by Joe Bollig

Steve Ray, a former Baptist, is now a Catholic apologist and Holy Land pilgrimage guide. He told the attendees at Men Under Construction that Christians face an increasingly hostile culture.

“Open up the word of God. Slowly read until the God of the universe takes a twoby-four and whacks you over the head, and stop, listen and respond. You do that, and you watch — your life will start changing.”

”

Father Larry Richards, pastor of St. Joseph Church/Bread of Life Community in Erie, Pa.

that, and you watch — your life will start changing.”

The second keynote speaker was Steve Ray, a former Baptist but now a Catholic apologist, speaker and Holy Land pilgrimage leader.

“If you had asked me to come 20 years ago, I would have been glad to come and talk to a bunch of Catholics, because I was convinced that all of you were going straight to hell,” said Ray, who entered the church with his wife in 1994. “I’d come here to get you all saved. I was an evangelist. I could do it.”

Now, it’s all upside down.

“Now I’m here to tell you why you should be proud to be Catholic [and] why you should love the church, and [that] it’s the church founded by Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago and it will be here until the day he comes back

again,” he said.

Catholics, and indeed all Christians, are entering a challenging time, said Ray. They are, less and less, part of the popular culture. Christians need to learn to swim upstream against the trends of society.

“It will take courage to be a Catholic,” he said.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann concluded the event by addressing the virtue of Christian courage. Courage, he said, should be the Christian’s battle cry.

“The battle cry of William Wallace (the Scots patriot) could be for Catholic men today, at this moment in our nation’s history,” said the archbishop. “We have our religious liberty and freedom as Catholics under assault by our own government, by those who are commissioned to uphold and protect these very rights and freedoms.”

The archbishop said Christians are called to live heroic lives of love and faith and to not be afraid to defend their faith, even when it is unpopular.

He recalled how Father Raniero Cantalamessa, now preacher to the papal household, shouted, “Courage!” to the newly elected Pope John Paul II. “My prayer for you is that the fruit of this day will be a greater desire in your own heart for that virtue of fortitude and Christian courage,” said the archbishop. “And like Father Cantalamessa, I say to you, ‘Coraggio!’ — courage, courage, courage — in following our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen!”

National federation magnifies men’s movement

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

OVERLAND PARK — The popularity of Men Under Construction XVI at Ascension Parish here on Feb. 25 was by no means an isolated phenomenon.

In fact, there were five conferences like it going on in different parts of the nation that same day, according to Dan Spencer, president and executive director of the National Fellowship of Catholic Men. Annually, there are 65 conferences like MUC held all over the United States and five overseas — proof that the Catholic men’s movement is no local anomaly or short-lived fad.

Spencer has a long history with both MUC and the NFCM. He became involved in MUC ten years ago and is currently the chairman of the event organizers’ leadership committee. He’s also part of his parish men’s group, Men of Assumption. He became the head of the NFCM in 2011.

Each men’s group and annual conference is independent, but is allied with the NFCM to network, help establish new groups, and share resources that each chapter couldn’t otherwise afford individually, said Spencer.

The National Fellowship of Catholic Men also serves as a vehicle for what is called the new evangelization, the reevangelization of Christians whose faith

has become nominal, by supporting men’s groups.

“I think that the message of the church is for Catholics to experience a new springtime of faith and a new evangelization,” said Spencer.

“The church is calling men to take their faith more seriously so they can become better fathers, husbands and sons, and to spread the Gospel,” he continued. “And this works best when laymen invite other laymen to seriously consider their relationship with God and his church.”

For more information about the NFCM, go to the website at: www.nfc musa.org.

Cardinal Dolan calls for support of conscience legislation Cardinal Timothy Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, sent a letter on Feb. 22 to all U.S. bishops regarding the Health and Human Services contraception mandate in the universal health care plan.

The cardinal noted that President Obama’s administration issued its final ruling on Feb. Focus on 10, reaffirming regulations that HHS mandate the church finds objectionable. These include the mandate for religious employers, like the Catholic Church, to provide coverage for illicit services like contraception, and an exceedingly narrow religious exemption.

In his letter, the cardinal further wrote that: • Religious freedom is a fundamental right of all and does not depend on any government’s decision to grant it.

• The free exercise of religion extends well beyond freedom of worship.

• The free exercise of religion forbids the government from forcing people or groups to violate their faith and from interfering in the internal affairs of religious organizations.

• Recent actions by the Obama administration have attempted to reduce this free exercise to a “privilege” arbitrarily granted by the federal government as a mere exemption from an all-encompassing, extreme form of secularism, Cardinal Dolan wrote. Because it is instituted only by executive whim, this exception can easily be taken away at some future date.

The cardinal asked that Catholics contact their legislators in support of the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act, which can be done by visiting the website at: www.usccb.org/conscience.

In related news, on that same day a national group of clergy members representing a number of different faiths delivered a statement to the White House on the issue, declaring a “state of emergency” for the churches.

The National Clergy Council represents leaders of several church traditions — Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox and Protestant.

Rev. Rob Schenck, president of the Washington D.C.-based group, turned to President Obama for answers in the declaration, titled “State of Emergency and Time for Speaking.”

“We state to you our unwavering position on the sanctity of our constitutionally protected right to espouse certain principles of conscience,” Rev. Schenck said, “and, we maintain and insist on our God-given, moral rights to act upon these principles of conscience within our respective institutions and in keeping with their attendant prerogatives.”

“The real issue here is not birth control,” said Rev. Norman Lund, Ph.D., a Lutheran moral theologian who is a member of the National Clergy Council. “The real issue is religious liberty; the First Amendment; the free exercise of religion; freedom of conscience — the freedom of individuals and churches to determine their own positions and policies regarding contraception and abortion.”

The Rev. Schenck noted in the declaration that the council hoped the directives would be rescinded, thus resolving the crisis, but added that “we must hold to our convictions and positions and act according to our prerogatives no matter the legal, social, pecuniary, or political consequences.”

LOCAL NEWS 5

College kids helped to find themselves by finding their purpose Continued from page 1

Greek life Though he graduated from college last year, Lyssy still fits right in at the frat house. He’s handsome, athletic and sociable.

And that’s why FOCUS chose him to be a missionary at KU. “I specifically work with Greeks,” he said, “and Emily specifically works with Greeks.”

As anyone who’s been there can tell you, Greek life dominates KU. “And the lifestyle that is encouraged is Greek life,” said Lyssy. “That takes the lead on campus here, so it’s kind of like we’re going to the heart.”

Having just been through the college experience, Lyssy knows many young people arrive there expecting to “find themselves.”

“But what happens is there’s no rules whatsoever,” he said. “You have alcohol, sex and drugs and all these other influences easily available.”

But those influences, said Lyssy, have no place on a student’s journey to selfawareness.

“That is not how you find yourself,” he said. “Finding yourself means controlling those desires and using them for the good.

“Finding yourself means finding your purpose, your true meaning, why God has put you here.”

Lyssy’s mother, Holy Trinity, Lenexa, parishioner Terry Lyssy, heard about FOCUS through her son’s involvement in it and is amazed at the impact the group is having on college campuses.

“I don’t know if people understand what a crisis it is — the percentage of college students that fall away from the faith and what these guys are doing to turn that around,” she said.

FOCUS began its evangelization efforts on Benedictine College’s campus just over a decade ago. Since then, it has grown from four missionaries on one campus to more than 260 missionaries serving nearly 60 campuses in 28 states across the nation.

God’s call Lyssy first got involved with FOCUS as a student at Benedictine. He graduated with a degree in business administration and entertained other job opportunities.

“But I just decided maybe I should give back for a couple of years,” he said. “I felt God was calling me to be a missionary.”

His parents supported his decision.

“When he came home and he was sharing this with us,” said his mother, “I saw the passion in his face and heard it through his heart.

“I was like, ‘Wow, this is pretty incredible.’”

“My parents are very faith-filled,” said Lyssy. “They’re sold out for the faith and they know the mission of the church is to evangelize — in whatever capacity we can, wherever we are in life.”

But there was one part of being a missionary that his mother was a little concerned about.

“There’s no stipend that FOCUS gives us,” explained Lyssy. “We fundraise our salaries completely.”

Missionaries raise funds by inviting people to become their mission partners through pledges of monetary support.

“He has to go into peoples’ homes and say, ‘Can you support me to do God’s work?’” explained his mother. “To me, that is the most grueling sales training you can go through.”

Leaven photo by Elaina Cochran

Clockwise, Derek Lyssy (black shirt), Paul Cherry, Michael Leary, James Bono, John Bertels, Rob Pyatt, Geoffrey Calvert, and Alex Fondaw discuss a Bible passage during one of the group’s Bible study sessions. FOCUS supplies Bible study materials, including a topic and what Scripture passages to use.

Lyssy said his education in business helped his campaign for funds. His mother was impressed with his attitude.

“What if you don’t get enough money?” she once asked.

“You’ve got to trust in God, Mom,” he answered.

“He just trusts that God will provide, and I’m kind of blown away by that,” she said.

So far, said Lyssy, the experience has been incredible.

“It’s been extremely freeing — just relying on God for everything,” he said.

Back to college FOCUS missionaries have no say in where they’re placed. Their only guarantee is that they won’t end up at the college from which they graduated.

Lyssy was placed at KU along with Brenner, Betsy Helow, a Mississippi University graduate, and Mike Guenther, their team director, who graduated from Nebraska University and was a KU FOCUS missionary last year.

“This is only our second year here,” said Guenther. “Saint Lawrence brought FOCUS in because they wanted a big push for evangelization.”

The team works closely with the St. Lawrence Center, but also operates separately. Missionaries evangelize on campus by engaging students in conversation and inviting them to Bible studies.

“Our team will go out on campus at least once a week and try to start conversations,” explained Guenther.

“I would probably say half the people I talk to are open to listening and talking a little bit,” said Lyssy. “And in the [fraternity] house with the guys, I’m received extremely well, thanks be to God.” Bible studies are the missionaries’ way to develop relationships with students.

“Some non-Catholics might feel threatened coming into a Catholic church,” explained Guenther; whereas there is just a little less pressure if you invite them to a Bible study.

“It’s a great bridge into a bigger community like the St. Lawrence Center,” he added.

FOCUS supplies Bible study materials, including a topic, what Scripture passages to use, questions and the answers.

“So that makes it super simple for anyone to lead,” said Guenther.

As Bible study groups expand and

grow, FOCUS missionaries train student leaders to take over.

“When we pick a student leader,” explained Guenther, “we enter a relationship we call discipleship.

“At least each week, we’re going to meet with them, share and invest ourselves in whatever they might need — encouragement, prayer, or advice on how to approach a friend.”

Spreading the word Lyssy has groups at Sigma Nu and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity houses.

“Once I get them established,” he said, “I’m discipling a couple of guys in there.

“And once they feel like they’re ready, they can take over that Bible study.”

As more student leaders are taking over, Bible studies are popping up all over the KU campus.

“Right now, we have 16 student leaders and 10 of them now are leading Bible studies on campus. And the missionaries continue to lead their Bible studies,” said Guenther.

But in the end, it’s all God’s work.

“As a missionary, you can’t make anybody do anything,” said Lyssy. “So it is strictly Jesus.

“They’re opening their hearts to him and the Gospel message, and they are changing.

“It’s incredible to watch it happen.”

In addition to evangelizing on campus, leading Bible studies, and doing one-on-one mentorships and discipleships, missionaries organize various events and mission trips to give students opportunities for fellowship.

The team lives side by side in a duplex just off campus — girls on one side; boys on the other.

“We have team time and spend time with each other,” said Lyssy.

Every missionary is also required to have a mentor within FOCUS, typically an experienced missionary on a different campus.

“We’re required to talk with them once every two weeks and try to meet with them every month,” said Lyssy.

The tipping point FOCUS is making a difference at KU and at college campuses across the nation.

“I think we are the tipping point,” said

What is FOCUS? FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, is a national outreach inspired by Pope John Paul II’s call to a new evangelization.

Curtis Martin and his wife Michaelann founded FOCUS in 1998 at Benedictine College in Atchison.

FOCUS sends teams of trained missionaries to the college campuses to reach students with the Gospel.

In partnership with the university parish and/or Newman Center, missionaries work to introduce students to a relationship with Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church and help them to share this faith with others.

The missionaries and students lead different Bible studies throughout the week, mentor students, and build new relationships with those whom they meet on campus.

Pope Benedict XVI recently appointed Curtis Martin as one of two Americans on a Vatican advisory group on the Catholic Church’s new evangelization.

To learn more about FOCUS, visit the website at: www.focusonline. org.

Lyssy. “We are the head of the new evangelization in the United States. We are truly spreading the Gospel.

“They had their first FOCUS conference ten years ago in Denver; they had a couple of hundred students. They’re expecting 6,000 students at the conference in Orlando (Fla.) next Christmas break.”

“It gives me hope — seeing what FOCUS does,” said Lyssy’s mother.

“Hope for our future, hope for these young people.”

FOCUS has also been the starting point of hundreds of religious vocations in the last 12 years. But the missionaries are interested in more than vocations.

“We want to have good families,” said Lyssy. “We want these kids to get married and raise good Catholic kids who are convicted and believe in Jesus Christ and the Gospel message and want to go out and change the world for him.

“And that’s what we’re doing. This is happening right now, and people need to know about it.”

6 LOCAL NEWS

Jesuit novices find

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 2, 2012

‘CHRIST WITHIN CHAOS’

Musician shares the glory and praise of music ancient and new Topeka native’s dream is chant, polyphony for all

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Jeffrey Mark Ostrowski is proof that evangelists can be found everywhere — even in a choir loft.

Ostrowski, a Topeka native, is president of Corpus Christi Watershed. The Texas nonprofit organization seeks to take the great musical treasures of the church’s past and make them available to today’s Catholics.

Those treasures are Gregorian chant, polyphony, plainsong and new compositions with the virtues and strengths of the old.

Ostrowski is an evangelist of joy, beauty and reverence.

“I want people to know about this music, learn it, love it, and sing it for the rest of their lives,” said Ostrowski. “It’s the greatest thing in the world and it gives so much joy.”

Best of all, the music is online and free.

The project to promote these historical genres has been aided by the adoption of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal.

The new missal is a more literal translation of the Latin. When the words changed, it required changes in the music for all the Mass parts sung by the priest and the people. Corpus Christi Watershed is filling that niche for many parishes and even whole dioceses around the world.

Corpus Christi Watershed is a small organization that was established to preserve and promote the best of the church’s treasury of ancient music for the glory of God and in service of his church, said Ostrowski. In doing so, Corpus Christi Watershed employs the arts, technology and creative media to inform, inspire and teach Catholics.

Since its establishment in 2007, Corpus Christi Watershed has produced approximately 6,000 scores and 4,000 videos — many of them on its own website, or YouTube and Facebook. In the past

in Kansas City

A longtime St. Peter Cathedral family took its home on 17th Street in Kansas City, Kan., off the market temporarily to provide a home for the visiting Jesuit novices.

Jeffrey M. Ostrowski conducts a polyphonic choir and schola cantorum of more than 60 singers on the occasion of the visit of Bishop Dominique Rey of the Diocese of Frejus-Toulon in France to the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas. two-and-a-half years, the Corpus Christi websites have received close to five million visitors from around the world, who have made about 11 million downloads of free music. Some of the music was composed by Ostrowski.

“We started putting this music online and the response from all over the world has been incredible,” said Ostrowski.

“People are hungry for this music, and the great part is that it’s all free. This is the heritage of the church and it belongs to the church. I’m not doing this to get rich. I’m doing this because I love God and I want to spread the love of sacred music.”

Although it is based in Corpus Christi, Texas, the real meaning behind the organization’s name is spiritual.

Corpus Christi is Latin for “body of Christ,” and “water shed” refers to that which flowed from the side of Christ during his crucifixion. Indeed, the organization’s logo includes a stylized, pierced Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Many things influenced Ostrowski to pursue a musical career, including his

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mother. She insisted he take piano lessons.

It was not love at first sight.

“Have you seen those cartoons where there’s the kid and his nails are in the carpet?” said Ostrowski. “Every week, it was the same thing. I’d cry and say I didn’t want to do piano.”

Ostrowski’s first exposure to the musical riches of the church was at Mass.

His family attended St. Joseph Parish.

By the time he was of high school age, he was helping out in the choir loft.

Ostrowski won a scholarship to the University of Kansas, where he graduated with a bachelor’s in music in 2004.

After some graduate work, he moved to Corpus Christi, where he’s taught high school, played organ at a parish and the cathedral, and directed the Cristóbal de Morales Consortium, the Corpus Christi Cathedral Schola Cantorum, and a high school choral program. He has also produced several early music CDs featuring plainsong and polyphony of the High Renaissance.

“The music takes you to a different

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world,” he said. “It hints at the beauty of heaven. It’s pure expression — it’s this pure, holy experience. Saint Augustine said that the only thing we can take with us to heaven is music. That’s not a dogma of the church, but it might be true, because the experience of music is so pure and holy in its joy.”

Ostrowski joined Corpus Christi Watershed soon after it was formed. Part of the challenge is to show people that they don’t have to be professional musicians to do the music of the church. That’s why they’ve put so many videos on YouTube.

“We want to be positive,” said Ostrowski. “If they go to the website, people will find that we’re positively trying to effect change.”

The organization has several productions and projects, one being the “Vatican II Hymnal,” which is used by some parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Ostrowski wrote, designed and edited the hymnal.

For more information about Corpus Christi Watershed, go to the website at: www.ccwatershed.org.

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From left, Chris Gattis, Scott Delatte and Chris Farrell, all Jesuit novices, offer a tour of the home where some of the group lived during its stay in Kansas City, Kan. The group’s days began with Mass at 6:45 a.m. Then the 13 novices went out into the community to serve in many different ways, including working with students at Bishop Ward High School. “It’s been a really wonderful experience,” said Delatte.

T

Story by Jessica Langdon | Photos by Elaina Cochran

he logistics weren’t for the faint of heart.

How to schedule 13 young men — sharing only a single cellphone, two computers and three cars — as they fanned out across Kansas City to serve the poor?

The men — all Jesuit novices — arrived in Kansas City on Dec. 31 for six weeks of anything life threw

their way.

The novices spent January and part of February working with children, teaching high school classes, visiting patients in the hospital, praying with prisoners, assisting recent parolees, and much, much more.

“We get thrown into a lot of apostolic work to sort of stretch us,” explained Chris Backes, a novice from St. Louis.

A Jesuit tradition This six-week experience is called the “primi class experiment.”

The men are in the first year — the “primi” year — of a two-year novitiate, based in Grand Coteau, La. This immersion into real life, hard work, service and

prayer is a longstanding tradition for the Jesuit order.

“On the most basic level, St. Ignatius Loyola (founder of the Society of Jesus, a religious order more commonly referred to as Jesuits) prescribed these experiments,” explained novice director Father Mark Thibodeaux, SJ. “Put them out in the world and test their vocation.”

In its current form, the experiment began about 40 years ago and, for years, took place in southern Texas.

“Two years ago, I moved it to this location,” said Father Mark, who researched potential sites. “This is the only place that had such an incredible variety of services, especially to the poor, [delivered] largely through the Catholic Church.”

A place to stay With the largest class in recent memory, one of the first problems to solve was where they would all stay.

Cathedral of St. Peter rector Father Harry Schneider readily opened up his rectory to the young men — but that still left half of them homeless.

But that didn’t last long. Once word of the need was out, Father Mark was inundated with offers of housing for the rest of the group.

Continued on the next page

“I think the novices get the tiniest taste of what some of the people they serve experience,” said novice director Father Mark Thibodeaux, SJ, of their six-week stay.

Continued from previous page

Oh, the places they went

One house not far from the cathedral fit the bill.

Art and Kate Phelan had owned the house since 1964. But when Art died several years ago, Kate had moved and put the house on the market.

The Phelans talked it over and were happy to take down the For Sale signs for a while to make the house a temporary home for the Jesuits, son John Phelan said.

“We invited them over for supper — at their house,” said Father Mark with a smile.

“My wife and I went up for dinner one night,” confirmed Phelan. “They were all there . . . just an amazing group of young men.”

Overwhelming generosity The Jesuits found open doors everywhere they went.

“One thing I’ve been so grateful for is the Midwestern hospitality,” said Chris Farrell, a novice from New Orleans. “People have offered to have us to live in their homes, to have dinner in their homes.”

Father Mark had to be the “bad guy,” in fact, turning down dinner invitations when they had too many offers — a “wonderful problem” to have, he said.

Kansas City failed the novices in one way, however. The previous year’s class had been given ample opportunity to shovel snow throughout the cathedral neighborhood!

Despite the mild winter and the warm welcome, life wasn’t easy on this group, however.

It wasn’t supposed to be.

Novice Tom Croteau (right) helps a man select some basic clothing at the TurnAround program in Kansas City, Mo. TurnAround helps people recently released from prison make new starts by providing resources and other assistance.”There’s been a pretty wide variety of experiences,” said Croteau. ”What I find particularly good about the time here is just getting to sit down and talk with different people.”

Great responsibility, limited resources The novices had great responsibility, yet very limited resources, explained Father Mark.

Some of the sites where they worked were within walking distance; others were miles away.

Plus, they moved around — a lot. It wasn’t rare for a novice to go from a morning at a school to an afternoon at Providence Hospital, then home for dinner before an evening of tutoring.

The schedule, which they laughingly referred to as “The Matrix,” mapped out who needed to be where and when.

The novices often had long waits for their ride, even after their work was complete.

When Tucker Redding, a novice from Houston, made a comment to that effect, his superior put it in perspective. “’Well, the poor wait,’” he was told.

They wait for services; they wait for the bus. So the novices would wait, too.

“Being able to get in the shoes of the people we’re serving is just as worthwhile as having the luxuries to serve them,” said Redding.

A new look at humanity Some of the most eye-opening moments came at the TurnAround program in Kansas City, Mo. There, Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph helps men and women just out of prison make a new start.

A few bus passes, toiletries and a set of clothes go a long way.

This isn’t a population you might immediately think of as vulnerable, said Backes, but now he sees things in a dif-

Novice Chris Kellerman offers some expertise to a student at Resurrection School at the Cathedral in Kansas City, Kan. The novices taught, visited patients in the hospital, worked with refugees to improve their English skills, shared faith with prisoners, and much more during their weeks in Kansas City.

The Jesuit novices taught vocations at Resurrection School at the Cathedral in Kansas City, Kan. They also donned aprons for shifts in the lunch line, did office work and helped students master subjects ranging from math to music.

“They just say, ‘We’re here to serve,’” said principal Lynda Higgins. “It’s a great experience — not only for our students, but our teachers, as well.”

At Cristo Rey School in Kansas City, Mo., novice Tucker Redding helped teach church history and world religions to high school juniors. “[The lesson] included St. Ignatius, which fit perfectly because he’s a Jesuit,” said teacher Sister Suzanne Fitzmaurice, OSB. The Jesuits enriched the school in several ways, said Andy Stith, vice president for advancement at Cristo Rey. “They’re positive male role models among our students,” he said.

They also bring a unique perspective and can relate to the students.

Student Will Medina said a novice might give the same answer to a question a teacher would, but it’s in a different way.

“It’s really cool because he’s going to be a Jesuit priest,” said Will.

Student Brittany Madden isn’t Catholic, but found the lessons interesting nonetheless.

“Catholic means universal,” Brittany volunteered.

Meanwhile, the novices were learning a lot as well.

At the Keeler Women’s Center in Kansas City, Kan., for example, Chris Backes was kept busy constructing a toy garage with an energetic three-year-old boy, while Tom Croteau kept up with a lively baby girl.

At night, novices helped refugees there with “Easy English.”

Some even helped the center with technology.

The Keeler Center showed the young men firsthand what life is like for people living in poverty — and at least one of the resources available to them.

Conversely, the novices showed the people here some of what they have to offer the world.

Sister Carol Ann Petersen, OSB, director of the Keeler Women’s Center, couldn’t have been more pleased.

“I’m just so impressed with them,” she said simply.

About the Jesuits Novices Scott Delatte (left) and Chris Farrell prepare eggplant Parmesan for more than a dozen. On this night, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann would dine with the group.

Novice Tucker Redding helps juniors at Cristo Rey School in Kansas City, Mo., review for a religion test. “It’s been fun,” said teacher Sister Suzanne Fitzmaurice, OSB. “He created a jeopardy game to help them study for the test.” ferent light.

“You look at them and you realize that they’re human, too,” he said.

Across the state line, several novices taught a seventh-grade vocations class at Resurrection School at the Cathedral.

It helped spark a greater interest in teaching in novice Scott Delatte of New Orleans.

“To show them that God is calling them to something very special in their lives is something very meaningful,” Delatte said. “I really love just being around the kids and having a positive influence on them and teaching them in whatever way I can.”

Several novices worked at Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kan., and put together a retreat for the students there.

Sixth-grader Luis Tapia takes a lunch tray from Jesuit novice Chris Backes at Resurrection School at the Cathedral in Kansas City, Kan. Resurrection principal Lynda Higgins loved that the kids got to see the novices in so many roles, from helping in the office to teaching vocations to gearing up for a volleyball game.

But not all the teaching was limited to grade- and high school-aged kids.

Tom Croteau, a novice from Denver, helped refugees learn English and found he was able to connect even when language barriers made it impossible to carry on a whole conversation.

“The most rewarding part of our time here is really seeing the desire for Christ in the most challenging of circumstances,” Farrell said. They saw it in men studying the Bible in prison and in people who fled horrors in their native countries.

Jon Polce, a novice who grew up in Connecticut, found Christ in places you’d least expect.

“To see the faith that they had was very moving for me,” Polce said. “It’s also very inspiring for us as future priests to see Christ alive everywhere.”

Community life The young men also found Christ at home, where they learned to work together and rely on each other.

Taking turns in pairs, for example, they cooked dinner for 14 people.

Farrell and Delatte had cooking duties the night the group dined with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. On the menu?

Eggplant Parmesan and Caesar salad.

In this experiment, the young men see a richness of the ministry and get a sense of balancing ministry and community life, said Father Mark.

“I think I’ve really enjoyed this aspect of being spent for Christ,” said Chris Gattis, a novice from Ratcliff, Ark.

Finding time for prayer, fun The novices focused heavily on prayer in the months leading up to this experiment, but finding time for prayer here

was one of their greatest challenges.

They were to be “contemplatives in action,” explained Polce.

Gattis described an often-silent van ride to TurnAround, as the novices examined their days and prayed.

But they still found plenty of opportunity to laugh.

Gattis loved playing basketball with kids at the Learning Club, an after-school program in Kansas City, Kan. Some of the kids would wear shorts and jerseys under their school clothes just for those 20 minutes on the court, he said.

“We’re always playing in our dress shoes and clerics,” added Gattis. “It’s a ton of fun; no competition.”

A challenge ahead The novices carried out this experiment as a class. Next, they would be on their own.

The night before they left, each man

received a bus ticket to somewhere that wasn’t his ultimate destination, explained Redding.

They knew where they would wind up three weeks later, but not the path they would take to get there.

With just their bus ticket, a few dollars and their backpacks, the novices were meant to beg for any money they needed, places to stay, or opportunities to work along the way, said Redding.

“We rely on God and the kindness of the people,” he said.

The young man looked forward to the next step — and his eventual arrival at a Jesuit church in Baton Rouge, La. — and appreciated the depth of the experience he had in his six weeks in Kansas City.

It was challenging to serve in so many ways, but it gave them all chances to experience life in ways they wouldn’t have otherwise.

“To me, the beauty of these weeks is being able to see Christ within chaos,” said Redding.

St. Ignatius of Loyola founded the Society of Jesus in 1534.

The religious order is often referred to as the Jesuits. It is the largest single order in the Catholic Church.

Its priests and brothers work in a wide variety of fields and professions and take part in mission work around the world.

Formation generally takes 12 to 15 years, beginning with the novitiate.

The website of the New Orleans province describes Jesuit priests and brothers as “men on the move,” who are ready to fulfill any role that will advance the mission Christ gave through the church.

Meet the Jesuits These novices are part of the joint novitiate of the Missouri and New Orleans provinces, which are merging.

The group included: Father Mark Thibodeaux, SJ, novice director; Father Dan White, SJ, assistant director Novices: Brock Anderson, Chris Backes, Tom Croteau, Scott Delatte, James Erler, Chris Farrell, Chris Gattis, Chris Kellerman, David Kiblinger, Jonathon Polce, Tucker Redding, Juan Ruiz and Brian Strassburger

10 NATION

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 2, 2012

Amid rising foreclosures, some have success stories WASHINGTON (CNS) — Even as the latest statistics show house foreclosures rising again, not all households in a financial bind with a mortgage lose their home — or their shirt. There are more good-news stories emerging from the debris of the housing debacle, thanks to the relentless efforts of counselors who advocate on behalf of homeowners, getting them more favorable terms as their financial fortunes staggered along with that of the U.S. economy. “The housing market is dysfunctional and it does nothing to help our most vulnerable,” said Sean Wendlinder, a grants specialist for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, during a Feb. 14 program at the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington. Wendlinder cited the number of families who are “doubling up” in housing, the stress on families and marriages facing the threat of housing foreclosure, and the reduced academic performance of schoolchildren whose parents are wrapped up in trying to save their house. Jeanne Reitz Fekade-Sellassie, a former CCHD staffer who now works in the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program for NeighborWorks America, pointed to studies that show that homeowners who get counseling when they face foreclosure are likelier to keep their house — and that the more counseling they get, the more likely they are to prevent foreclosure.

Debt poses roadblock for many considering religious life WASHINGTON (CNS) — A night of bingo and the generosity of friends helped Sister Katie Press achieve her dream of a religious vocation. Otherwise, she might still be paying off $19,000 in loans from graduate school and other expenses, and her entry into the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Hamden, Conn., might be far on the horizon. As things stand now, 28-year-old Sister Katie is 18 months into a two-year novitiate with the order, and she’s debt-free. Like many religious orders, the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus requires that new members be debt-free because it does not have the resources to pay back any loans. Sister Katie considers herself blessed to have paid off her student loan so quickly. Other religious vocation candidates have been forced to end their pursuit of religious life because of their educational debts, according to a study commissioned by the National Religious Vocation Conference.

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Bishop recalls revolution, looks ahead to rebuilding

Devotees of Blessed Kateri ‘walking on air’

By Katherine Long

Catholic News Service SYRACUSE, N.Y. (CNS) — Since first learning in December that Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha was to be canonized, the head of a committee named for her in the Syracuse Diocese said those who have a devotion to the saint to be “are walking on air.”

“I can’t tell you how excited we are,” said Emily Garrow-Stewart, a Mohawk who grew up hearing Blessed Kateri’s story in her home.

“She has been a part of my life since I was a child,” she said. “There was always a picture of her in the house. She is such a good role model and example.

In my mind, there is always such a light about her.”

Blessed Kateri, known as “the Lily of the Mohawks,” was born to a Christian Algonquin mother and a Mohawk father in 1656 along the Hudson River in what is today upstate New York. She was baptized by a Jesuit missionary in 1676 when she was 20. A year later she fled to Canada and died there in 1680.

Her sainthood cause was opened in 1932, and she was declared venerable in 1943. In June 1980, she became the first Native American to be beatified.

In December, Pope Benedict XVI advanced the sainthood causes of Blessed Kateri and Blessed Marianne Cope of Molokai by signing the decrees recognizing the miracles needed for their canonizations. On Feb. 18, the pope announced they would be canonized at the Vatican Oct. 21, along with five others.

Blessed Kateri will become the first Native American saint. This is the fulfillment of a long-held dream for many in the United States and Canada.

In the Syracuse Diocese, the Kateri Tekakwitha Committee was formed in 1978 as part of an initiative to engage the Native American community in the diocese.

The committee, made up of Native American and non-Native members, works to evangelize in Blessed Kateri’s name by caring for the sick, elderly, bereaved and lonely, and through outreach to young people.

Garrow-Stewart, who chairs the committee, said she has seen many examples of her intercession in her own life, most recently when her son faced a serious medical procedure.

“I never prayed so hard,” she told The Catholic Sun, the diocesan newspaper, in an interview before the pope

By Michael Gunn

Catholic News Service

CNS photo/Karen Callaway/Catholic New World

CHICAGO CELEBRATES NEWLY LOCATED MINISTRY TO AMERICAN INDIANS — William Buchholtz plays a Native American flute during the blessing of a newly located and named Kateri Center in the Archdiocese of Chicago Jan. 7. Established in 1982 as the Anawim Center, it is the only Catholic ministry for American Indians in Illinois. The center was renamed to honor Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, the North American Indian maiden who will canonized Oct. 21. announced the canonization date.

“That is when she is with you, though, when you are really down. I know she is always around me. I feel her in my life always.” Her son, she said, is on the mend.

Others connected with the committee have known Blessed Kateri’s presence as well.

Jim Howe, a parishioner at St. Ann Church in Manlius, knew something of Kateri when growing up, but said his first real experience with her came when his infant daughter was diagnosed with cancer.

“I’m not sure why, but in those dark days of dealing with her illness and hospitalization, I said a prayer to Kateri, asking for her help. My daughter survived . . . and today is a healthy college student who hopes to be a pediatric cancer specialist herself,” he said.

Though he can’t prove any divine intercession, Howe said the experience led him to spend about 10 years on the committee, where he was able to learn more about her life, the life of Native Americans in the region, and the importance of Kateri in the lives of the Mohawk community.

In other reaction, Sister Kateri Mitchell, a Sister of St. Ann and executive director of the Tekakwitha Conference National Center in Great Falls, Mont., said the experience of hearing the date announced for the canonization for Blessed Kateri “was for me one of great joy.”

She said that it also brought “a real

sigh of relief that at last many of her sisters and brothers will gather as church at the Vatican to give praise and thanksgiving to our Creator who has gifted us with a model in the person of this young indigenous woman who emulates a life of holiness by her deep faith, prayer life and close relationship for a God who is her all.”

Father Wayne Paysse, executive director of the Washington-based Black and Indian Mission Office, noted in a Feb 21 statement that her canonization will be “one of the first actions of the church during the Year of Faith, which begins next Oct. 11.”

“Surely this is a signal to us that soonto-be St. Kateri Tekakwitha is for all of the church both a model of faith and of the new evangelization,” he said. “For now, let us continue to pray to God for all we need, firm in the knowledge that Blessed Kateri is interceding for us from her place in heaven.”

In Canada, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Blessed Kateri’s canonization “will be a great day for Canadian Catholics and a deep honor for our country.” She is entombed at St. Francis Xavier Mission in Kahnawake (Caughnawaga) in Quebec.

Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton, Alberta, who is president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, said Canadians “rejoice together with our American brothers and sisters in this joyful news.”

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BROTHER OF POPE BENEDICT PICTURED IN GERMANY — Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, the brother of Pope Benedict XVI, is pictured at his home in Regensburg, Germany, last year. In a memoir titled, “My Brother the Pope,” Msgr. Ratzinger offers a personal look at his brother, Pope Benedict.

Teddy bears and tabernacles: Brother tells of pope’s childhood ROME (CNS) — Recounting their rural Bavarian childhood and subsequent lifelong friendship, the elder brother of Pope Benedict XVI offers a privileged look at the personal side of the spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics.

“My Brother, the Pope,” scheduled for publication March 1 by Ignatius Press, is based on interviews with Msgr.

Georg Ratzinger by German writer Michael Hesemann and was originally published in German last year.

Joseph, the future Pope Benedict, was “very slight and delicate” at birth, Msgr.

Ratzinger says, and was “often sick” as an infant, with diphtheria among other ailments. Later on, Joseph’s favorite toys were stuffed animals, and he was particularly attached to a pair of teddy bears.

Glimpses of the boys’ destinies came early on.

When a cardinal visited their small town in 1931, arriving in a black limousine, 4-year-old Joseph exclaimed, “I’ll be a cardinal someday!” Nevertheless, Msgr. Ratzinger says, his brother was never ambitious, and external honors have been “always unwelcome” to him.

“My brother was somewhat better behaved than I,” Msgr. Ratzinger says, yet he recounts a boyhood prank in which the two tricked a local farmer into losing

track of his oxcart.

Recreation of a more edifying sort came when the boys played at being priests, using a toy altar made for them by an uncle.

The future Pope Benedict, now a proficient amateur pianist and lover of Mozart, “did not take to music quite as spontaneously as I did,” says Msgr.

Ratzinger, who went on to become the choirmaster of the Regensburg, Germany, cathedral. His brother “was a little more restrained, although he is a very musical person,” Msgr. Ratzinger says.

Recounting Hitler’s rise to power in 1930s Germany, Msgr. Ratzinger says that their father regarded the dictator as the “Antichrist” and refused to join the Nazi party.

It was only reluctantly that the two boys obeyed requirements to join the Hitler Youth and later served in the German military during World War II, Msgr.

Ratzinger says.

Readers get a glimpse inside the papal household as Msgr. Ratzinger describes his brother’s daily routine. On Tuesdays, for example, Pope Benedict listens to tape recordings and practices his pronunciation of the remarks in foreign languages that he will make at the next day’s general audience.

BENGHAZI, Libya (CNS) — As Benghazi residents marked the anniversary of Libya’s revolution, the head of the city’s diminished Catholic community spoke of a need to rebuild his congregation and of the uncertainties ahead.

“Thank God everything passed peacefully” on the anniversary, Bishop Sylvester Magro said after the Feb. 19 Mass attended by just a few dozen, mainly Filipino, worshippers.

“After such a prolonged war you are always in doubt of what might happen next,” the bishop said.

Beyond the gates of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the city’s boulevards along the Mediterranean-front were crammed with thousands of revelers, guarded by heavily armed militia and a fledgling black-clad police force.

Libya is an almost entirely Muslim country, with Christianity restricted to enclaves of foreign workers, most of them only temporary residents. Although exact figures were unknown, the country was thought to play host to 40,000 Catholics until many were evacuated during last year’s civil war.

Benghazi was home to a 2,000-strong Catholic community, almost evenly split between Filipinos and Africans from Ghana, Nigeria and elsewhere.

Now just 300 practicing Catholics remain in the city, Bishop Magro told Catholic News Service.

He serves with five priests and 24 nuns who volunteer in hospitals in Benghazi and the other eastern cities of al-Marj, al-Bayda, Derna and Tobruk.

As the protests that began in eastern Libya last February spiraled into an armed insurrection and Benghazi was seized by pro-democracy forces, the city’s Catholic community faced a stark choice.

“We made it a point, all of us — myself as bishop, but also the priests and the nuns. We all opted to remain with the people and the sick and those who needed their help,” said Bishop Magro.

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For information, call: (785) 242-1000 or email: chamberSL@ottawakansas.org

WORLD 11

Charitable works key to new evangelization, says pope VATICAN CITY (CNS) — An authentic Christian faith is demonstrated through concrete acts of charity and those acts are an essential part of the Catholic Church’s new evangelization effort, Pope Benedict XVI told members of a Romebased charity. “The witness of charity touches human hearts in a special way,” the pope said, and “the new evangelization, especially in a cosmopolitan city like Rome, requires a great openness of spirit and a wise readiness to help all.” The pope made his remarks Feb. 24 during an audience with members of the Circolo di San Pietro, which operates soup kitchens and a shelter in Rome, but also raises money for papal charities. “We know that the authenticity of our fidelity to the Gospel is verified in part by the attention and concrete care that we try to show our neighbors, especially the weakest and the marginalized,” he said. True concern for others means trying to meet all their human needs, “physical, moral and spiritual,” and “overcoming the hardness of heart that makes us blind to the suffering of others,” the pope said.

Former Anglicans celebrate Mass at Vatican, thank pope VATICAN CITY (CNS) — For perhaps the first time ever, Anglican hymns, chants and prayers reverberated off the marble walls of St. Peter’s Basilica as some members of the world’s first ordinariate for former Anglicans celebrated their coming into the Catholic Church. “Wonderful is not a strong enough word to express how we feel to be here,” where the apostle Peter gave his life “and where his successors guarded the faith for generations,” said Father Len Black in his homily. Mass at the basilica and the pilgrimage to Rome generated “a feeling of coming home,” said the Catholic priest who served as an Episcopalian pastor in the Scottish Highlands for 31 years. The group of about 94 pilgrims, including a dozen priests, was led by Msgr. Keith Newton, head of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, which was established in January 2011 for former Anglicans in England and Wales. After celebrating morning Mass Feb. 24 in a side chapel, the group moved to the center of the basilica and stood in front of the “Confessio” — a lower chapel honoring St. Peter’s confession of faith that led to his martyrdom — and recited the General Thanksgiving, a traditional Anglican prayer. “That was very moving, thanking God for all we received this year and for the pilgrimage,” he told Catholic News Service.

Trinity Travel presents three pilgrimages June 8 – 19

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Mike Scherschligt, Director of Holy Family School of Faith $3925 per person based on double occupancy – includes roundtrip airfare from Kansas City, breakfast and dinner daily, 7 lunches, all tours and all gratuities Travel with Fathers Brian Schieber, Regie Saldanha, Shawn Tunick, and Tom Aduri June 18

Pilgrimage to Rome with the Apostles of the Interior Life

$3999 per person based on double occupancy – includes roundtrip airfare from JFK, continental breakfast daily, all tours, and all gratuities Aug 31

Pilgrimage to Poland and Prague $3725 per person based on double occupancy – includes roundtrip airfare from Kansas City, breakfast and dinner daily, all tours, And all gratuities.

1330 Main St. • Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.472.3551 • www.lovebirdkc.com

“Come fall in love with lovebird”

Call for more information & brochure Trudy Boynton & Marsha Holland 913-422-4141 | www.trinitytravelonline.com | trinitytravel@kc.rr.com

12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment Music teacher - Nativity Parish School, Leawood, is seeking a full-time music teacher for the 2012 - 13 school year. Nativity is an accredited K - 8 school with nearly 500 students. Candidates must be faith-filled, practicing Catholics willing to be part of enhancing our music at weekly all-school Masses and qualified to work in the state of Kansas. Applicants may download and complete the employment application via the archdiocesan website at: www.archkckcs.org.

Mail application, letter and resume to: Dr. Maureen Huppe, Principal, 3700 W. 119 St., Leawood KS 66209 or send, via e-mail, to: mhuppe@kcnativity.org.

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 2, 2012 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.

Husband and wife cleaning team - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.

Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile).

Medical practice office manager - Single physician practice is seeking an experienced medical practice office manager who has: excellent computer skills; the ability to interact professionally with insurance adjusters, case managers and patients; and the ability to do in-office billing. Email resume and salary requirements to: Cynrn04@aol.com.

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

Client service technician - Love interacting with people and being part of a team? Have a passion to serve others and enjoy the benefits of some physical work? If you answered yes, join one of the most respected, progressive service companies in Kansas City. Make top industry pay and be appreciated for a job well done. Bock’s Steam Star is accepting applications for two positions. $10 - $40K. Call (913) 438-7767 or visit the website at: www.steamstar.net.

Caregiving

Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City, Topeka and Atchison areas. This position is ideal for a determined, high-energy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; or call (785) 364-5450.

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

Services

Exceptional caregiver - Kansas City CNA certified home care provider available immediately, full or part time. If someone you love needs assistance that you can trust 100 percent, call Pam at (913) 944-1093.

Excellent references available.

Mowing & lawn care - Catholic young man with small mowing business is looking to add clients. Mowing, trimming, and blowing. Reliable and dependable.

Saving for college. Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park. Serving northern JoCo area. Call Collin at (913) 648-5903.

Retired nurse, housekeeper/companion/ elder care - With over 25 years experience is willing to do hospice and in-home care for your loved one.

Days/nights/weekends. Will consider outside the metro area or a live-in position as well. Rates negotiable. Call (913) 579-5276.

Spring yard cleanup Leaf removal; tree and shrub trimming Free estimates; references. Local parishioner Insured, licensed and bonded Call Tony at (913) 620-6063 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.

Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor.

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

Quilted Memories LLC - New store now open in downtown Overland Park! Machine quilting.

Custom-designed memory quilts using your T-shirts and/or photos. Personalized items for sororities, weddings, graduates and more. We also offer quilting classes and studio/machine rental. Call (913) 6492704. For samples of our work, visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc.com.

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

Private senior care - Registered nurse offering medical and nonmedical services. Keeping seniors at home and independent. Call (913) 522-4938 or send an email to: jcseniorcare@gmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa.

Home Improvement Affordable cabinetry - Are you ready for new cabinets in your kitchen or bath? Our large selection ranges from raised panel to Shaker style with dovetail drawers. We offer many finishes, too! For an estimate, call Wright Cabinets at (913) 850-3956.

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

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

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

Master electrician - Licensed in Missouri and Kansas. 35 years experience in residential and commercial electrical needs. Call Rick, L & M Electric, at (913) 362-1501 or (816) 781-1501.

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 2, 2012 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.

For sale – Medical equipment and supplies; new and used. Wholesale pricing. Scooters, power chairs, wheelchairs, walkers, bath and shower items, lift chairs, vehicle lifts, ramps, hospital beds and other items. Call Ron Coleman (913) 299-9176.

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.

For sale – Double-depth crypt in the Faith Lawn area of Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Call Ken Christian at (816) 918-4075.

Get a jump on your home repairs! - I specialize in painting, wood rot, decks, fences, windows, doors, siding, stucco, landscaping, drainage issues, and concrete. Fully insured. Now accepting all major credit cards. Call Josh Doherty (913) 709-7230.

Handyman - Light hauling, electrical, plumbing, painting and carpentry. Efficient and affordable. Call Michael Broton at (816) 728-6109. Member of Christ the King Parish, Mo. and U.S. Air Force veteran.

Tim the handyman - Small jobs are my specialty! Faucets, garbage disposals, toilets, light fixtures, ceiling fans, handrails, window screen repair, bush trimming and garden tilling. Free estimates. JoCo only. Call (913) 859-0471.

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

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

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

(913) 599-7998 Swalms Organizing Service - Basement, garage, attic, shop — any room organized! Items taken to donation sites, trash is bagged, and areas are clean and neat when job is complete. To view before-andafter pictures, visit the website at: www.swalms.com.

Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115.

Masonry construction - Division 4 Masonry, Inc. 25 years experience; licensed and insured. Brick, block and synthetic stone; repairs; outdoor living; and new construction. Residential and commercial.

Call Tom at (913) 927-6203 or send an email to him at: tomdivision4masonry@gmail.com.

Brick mason - Installation and repair of all types of masonry work — brick, stone, and concrete.

17 years of residential and commercial experience.

Small and large jobs accepted. Free quotes in the KC metro area. Call Jim or John at (913) 485-4307.

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

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

Max’s rosaries - Custom-made locally for all occasions – first Communion, confirmation, baptism, graduation. Rosary bracelets and beaded earrings too! I also do repairs. Member of the Church of the Ascension, Overland Park. Call (913) 839-3106.

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.

Vacation Breckenridge, Colo. - 2 BR, 2 BA condo; sleeps 8. Roomy, first-floor unit with washer/dryer, gas fireplace, ski closet, Wi-Fi, cable and covered parking. One block to slopes; two blocks to downtown; 30 steps to hot tubs. For discounted pricing and availability, call (816) 392-2730.

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

For Rent For rent – Beautiful 2 BR, 1 BA half-duplex in Overland Park. Walk-out basement and garage; neighborhood pool and exercise room; trash and lawn care included. No pets. Call Catherine at (913) 972-8852.

Office space available - Great location in the Ranchmart area of Prairie Village. Ideal for start-ups, professional and small businesses. Flexible terms.

Call Marek at (913) 461-4491.

Child Care Olathe - Small, in-home child care has full- and part-time openings for ages newborn to three years.

Member of Prince of Peace Parish. Located near 146th and Blackbob. Call Katie at (913) 768-9514.

Wanted to Buy Antiques wanted 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.

Entertainment DJ Irishman - Colm Delahunt is available for parties, weddings, graduations, and any other function.

Playing all your favorite hits from the Village People to U2. Call (913) 548-6765 or visit the website at: www.djirishman.com.

To purchase a classified ad

Send an email to: jennifer@theleaven.com, or call (913) 647-0327. The cost is $17.50 for five lines or less; additional lines cost $1.50.

March 3

The Cathedral of St. Peter, 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate a healing Mass in honor of St. Peregrine for those with cancer at 8:15 a.m. on March 3. The sacrament of the anointing of the sick will be available along with veneration of the relic of St. Peregrine. For information, visit the website at: www.cathedralkck.org.

The annual Irish St. Patrick’s Day Mass will be celebrated at 5 p.m. on March 3 at Redemptorist Church, 3301 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo. For information, call (913) 515-6672.

A four-week Lenten journey, entitled “From Calvary to the Upper Room and Beyond,” will be offered from 9 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays, beginning on March 3, in the parish hall at St. Therese Little Flower Parish, 5814 Euclid Ave., Kansas City, Mo. There is no cost to attend. For information or to register, call Jim Lipps at (816) 333-4115.

St. Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Community will have a solemn blessing of its new church bell by Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher at 11 a.m. on March 3 at the church, located at 5034 Rainbow Blvd. in Westwood. Refreshments will follow. For information, call the Fraternity of St. Peter at (913) 236-0005.

4

St. Joseph Church, 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, will host its annual St. Joseph Table and pasta dinner on March 4 in McDevitt Hall. Father Mike Hawken will bless the table at 8:30 a.m.; viewing will follow from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Homemade goodies, fruit, wine, floral arrangements, and religious articles will be featured that may be purchased.

A pasta dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Freewill donations will be accepted. Proceeds will benefit the needy in the parish community. For information, call Christine Marion at (913) 268-6677.

5

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Job Readiness, Professional Etiquette for Work, and Life Skills,” presented by Deb Foster, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on March 5. Lunch will be provided; reservations are required. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb. org/kwc.

A Runnin’ Revs fun night will be held at Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Roeland Park, on March 5.

Area priests and seminarians will challenge eighth-grade and high school boys from area Catholic schools to a heated basketball game. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.

Expect biased calls and lots of fun. Donations will be accepted to benefit the seminarians. For information, call (913) 647-0303.

7-8

The junior high students at Holy Trinity School, Lenexa, will present Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” at 1 and 7 p.m. on March 7 (seventhgraders) and again at 1 and 7 p.m. on March 8 (eighth-graders) in the parish center/gym, 13600 W. 92nd St., Lenexa.

Tickets cost $5 for adults; children attend for free. Proceeds will benefit Operation Breakthrough and the Make-AWish Foundation.

8 The Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, will host

Lenten reflections and faith sharing on March 8 and every Thursday evening during Lent. The sessions will be held from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the St. Joseph Room. Handouts will be provided for the following week’s readings and reflections. For information, send an email to Randall Stevenson at: Gaelwynn@yahoo. com.

The Redemptorist Center Seniors Club invites all area seniors to attend the annual St. Patrick’s Senior Ball from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. on March 8 in the gymnasium of Cristo Rey High School, 211 W. Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. There will be live music, dancing, refreshments, and door prizes. There is no charge to attend. Free parking and parking assistance will be available.

9

The Center for Spirit at Work will host a breakfast presentation, entitled “Ethical Leadership and Obstacles,” from 7:30 - 9 a.m. on March 9 at TEVA, 901 E. 104th St., Kansas City, Mo. Jeff Lanza, a retired FBI agent, will speak on how businesses can develop, inspire and maintain a culture of integrity within their organizations. For information or to RSVP, call (913) 800-3706.

10

Members of the Mary Health of the Sick Guild will host a retreat day beginning at 10 a.m. on March 10 at the Sisters, Servants of Mary convent, located at 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan. The day will include a talk by Father Andrew Strobl, silent adoration, Stations of the Cross, praying the rosary, the sacrament of reconciliation and Mass at 3:30 p.m. Guild members are asked to bring their own sack lunch. The Sisters will provide beverages.

Prince of Peace Church, 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe, will host a trivia night at 6 p.m. on March 10. The cost of $25 per person includes soft drinks, beer and wine. Teams of six may register together, or individuals will be placed on a team.

Proceeds will benefit the St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf. For information or to RSVP, call Brian Riegel at (913) 383-3535.

The Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (ACCW) will host a Lenten retreat from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on March 10 at Mater Dei-Assumption Church, 204 S.W. 8th St., Topeka. For information or to RSVP, contact Susan Draftz at (913) 674-6172.

The Altar Society of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan., will host a women’s Lenten day of reflection on March 10. Sister Loredana Mazzei, a member of the community of the Apostles of the Interior Life, will present “Prayer in All Seasons of a Woman’s Life.” The day will begin with Mass at 8:15 a.m. and conclude at noon.

The cost of $10 includes a continental breakfast. For information, contact Patty McKiernan at (913) 281-2918.

11 The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2332, will host a corned

beef and cabbage dinner at 11:30 a.m. on March 11 at their hall, located at 11221 Johnson Dr., during the Shawnee St. Patrick’s Day parade. There will also be chili, hot dogs, hamburgers and concessions available in front of the hall along the parade route.

A Fatima rosary rally will be held at 3 p.m. on March 11 at St. John the Baptist Church, 708 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kan. Join in praying the rosary, followed

by Benediction and enrollment in the brown scapular.

St. Patrick Parish, Corning, will host a pancake breakfast from 7 a.m.

- 1 p.m. on March 11 in the Corning Community Center. A freewill offering will be collected. There will also be a country store and raffles.

St. Patrick Church, Emerald, will host a St. Patrick’s Day dinner from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on March 11. Dinner will include corned beef and cabbage, an alternate meat, Irish soda bread, and homemade pies. Freewill donations will be accepted. There will also be several raffles.

13

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Theatre 101: Staging a New You,” a six-session class from 1 - 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning March 13. If you have always wanted to try acting but never had the chance, this series is for you! Build self-confidence, find joy, and create good energy through poetry, movement, creative writing, and theater improvisations. Free; for women only.

For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.

14

The Serra Club of Kansas City, Kan., will host a lunch and presentation at noon on March 14 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5th and Minnesota Ave. John Jurcyk will present “The Trial of Jesus from a Lawyer’s Perspective.”

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., in partnership with the Habitat for Humanity, will offer “Common¢ents Home Ownership” from 6 - 9 p.m. on March 14.

Topics will include budget and money management, credit, large purchases, landscaping basics, home repair, and insurance. A light supper will be served at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required.

For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.

15

The Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, will host Lenten reflections and faith sharing on March 15 and every Thursday evening during Lent. The sessions will be held from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the St. Joseph Room. Handouts will be provided for the following week’s readings and reflections. For information, send an email to Randall Stevenson at: Gaelwynn@yahoo. com.

A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on March 15 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Father Peter Jaramillo will preside. Fellowship will follow in the Father Burak Room. For information, call (913) 649-2026.

15-16

Our Lady’s Montessori School, 3020 S. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan., will offer a safe sitter course for

CALENDAR 13

young students ages 11 - 13 from 1 - 4:30 p.m. on March 15 - 16. The cost is $25.

For information or to register, call (913) 403-9550 or send an email to: ourladys montessori@sbcglobal.net.

17

The Holy Rosary Sodality of All Saints Parish, 809 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual chicken dinner from 5 - 7 p.m. on March 17 in the parish hall. The cost is $9 for adults; $4 for children. For information or to purchase tickets, call Pat Waliczek at (913) 371-4728.

Misc.

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host a one-day retreat, entitled “Elizabeth of the Trinity, Everyday Mystic,” presented by Sister Sheila Carroll, OSB, from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on March 24. Spend a day learning more about this contemporary of Therese of Lisieux. Elizabeth of the Trinity was an “everyday mystic” who held that nothing is trivial and the ordinary is sacred.

The cost is $50; advance deposit is $10.

For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the website at: www. mountosb.org/sophia.html.

Divorced? Widowed? Beginning Experience Weekend gently helps people move through their loss to a new beginning. The next weekend for the Kansas City area will be March 9 - 11. For information or to register, call John at (913) 219-3465 in Kansas City; Kim at (816) 739-4733; visit the website at: www. beginningexperience.org; or send an email to: BEWeekendKC@hotmail.com.

MOCSA provides a support group and counseling for Spanish-speaking women who have experienced sexual assault. Sessions are held at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information, call Marcela Rogers at (816) 285-1333.

Healing from pornography? Monthly theology of the body groups and weekly recovery groups are available for men and women. For information, visit the Website at: LoveIsFaithful.com, or call Sam Meier, MA, LPC, at (913) 6470378.

If you are a Catholic male of Irish descent and being Irish means more to you than just wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day, join us to enrich your faith and your heritage in a brotherhood of like-minded men. Apply for membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Father Donnelly Division No. 1 of Johnson County. For information or to apply for membership, contact Larry Shepard at (913) 205-6904; send an email to him at: mickeydowd@sbcglobal.net; or visit the Website at: www.ksaoh.org.

Join the Singles of Nativity every Sunday at 9 a.m. for Scripture study at Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood. We learn and discuss what Christ teaches us in the gospels. For information, send an email to Randall Stevenson at: gaelwynn@yahoo.com.

Calendar submissions:

Are due at noon on Wednesday, nine days prior to the requested publication date. Email submissions are preferred, send to: jennifer@theleaven.com or mail to: 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City KS 66109.

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 2, 2012

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 2, 2012

MARK MY WORDS

Catholic Press Association Award Winner

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

QUOTE WEEK

OF THE

“One thing I’ve been so grateful for is the Midwestern hospitality.

People have offered to have us to live in their homes, to have dinner in their homes.”

Chris Farrell, a Jesuit novice from New Orleans See story on pages 7-9

W

Let God blow you away

hat’s in a name? Maybe more than you want to admit.

As a kid, I remember looking up the meaning of my first name.

I found that Mark is of Latin origin and means, “of Mars.” I immediately thought of the planet and figured that explained why I sometimes seemed so “spacey.”

Actually, the Mars being referred to is the Roman god of war. It’s where this month that we’re now in — March — gets its name. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, as the days get longer, the air heats up and apparently that’s what creates one of the things that this month is known for: its winds. March also has wildly fluctuating temperatures: cold, wintry days compete with warmer, spring-like ones, often triggering another phenomenon — thunderstorms. It’s as if winter is battling to stay around, but spring wants to take its place. So, it makes perfect sense, says Mary Ellen Hynes in “Companion to the Calendar,” that this turbulent month named after that Roman war god.

But what does it mean for someone named Mark? One comment I often hear is that I have a voice that “carries.” That’s a polite way of saying that when I speak, you can hear me — not just in the room, but in the next county.

It also means that the more enthusiastic I get while speaking, the LOUDER I am. Recognizing this — as well as the Latin origin of my name — it’s hard to be offended if someone thinks of me as a “windbag” or a “blowhard.”

But we know that all winds aren’t of gale force and not every day of March

is stormy. There can be gentle breezes and peaceful, sunny days. How appropriate, then, that the bulk of Lent usually happens in this month. The storminess in our hearts often mirrors what’s occurring in nature. Just as the new life of spring struggles to be born after the harshness of winter, so we struggle in our lives to leave behind the death and destruction of our sins and embrace Christ’s new life of grace.

And, let’s be honest, some days it’s a battle royal.

Just for fun, imagine that you’re running late for an appointment and stumble upon the following scene: At a busy intersection, a 30-gallon can falls from a truck, spilling milk all over the road. A cop pulls up and stops traffic while the driver retrieves the can.

Just as the policeman gets ready to blow his whistle and signal for traffic to resume, a small white kitten creeps onto the road and starts to lap up the milk. No whistle is blown, no traffic moves, and the light changes to green a full three times.

Only after the kitten has drunk its fill and returned to the sidewalk does the police officer give the signal for traffic to proceed. (Adapted from a

story in Medard Laz’s “Love Adds a Little Chocolate.”)

OK, what would you have done if you were sitting in that traffic? Would you have taken in the scene with a smile on your face and maybe even recorded the whole thing on your cellphone as something amusing that you don’t see every day? Or would you have blown your horn in irritation, reported the cop to his superiors or sped through the intersection and flattened the famished feline?

Sadly, I suspect that many of us would give in to some form of road rage, especially if we’re in a hurry . . . and when are we not? For Lent, a friend of mine has a goal of not saying any discouraging words. She’s set for herself the discipline of being an encourager, a peacemaker, a gentle soul.

Good for her! In fact, couldn’t we all use a good dose of gentleness?

It seems like everywhere we look there’s rancor and division — each voice clamoring to be heard above another. And I’m right there in the midst of them. Lent is a perfect time to change this. A good start is simply to speak more softly. Perhaps we can also draw inspiration from another entry in Laz’s book, which suggests that life can be richer if we make an effort to mend a quarrel or dismiss a suspicion and replace it with trust. But maybe the best suggestion is to tell someone you love them. Then tell them again . . . and again . . . and again.

And, after all, isn’t that what our gentle God does each moment . . . even to a boisterous someone named Mark.

IN THE BEGINNING SECOND WEEK OF LENT March 4 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Gn 22: 1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Ps 116: 10, 15-19; Rom 8: 31b-34; Mk 9: 2-10 March 5 Monday Dn 9: 4b-10; Ps 79: 8-9, 11-13; Lk 6: 36-38 March 6 Tuesday Is 1: 10, 16-20; Ps 50: 8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23; Mt 23: 1-12 March 7 Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs Jer 18: 18-20; Ps 31: 5-6, 14-16; Mt 20: 17-28 March 8 John of God, religious Jer 17: 5-10; Ps 1: 1-4, 6; Lk 16: 19-31 March 9 Frances of Rome, religious Gn 37: 3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28; Ps 105: 16-21; Mt 21: 33-43, 45-46 March 10 Saturday Mi 7: 14-15, 18-20; Ps 103: 1-4, 9-12; Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32

I

Isaac: A lesson in obedience and sacrifice

t is hard to imagine any parent agreeing to sacrifice his or her own child. That is what makes the story of Abraham and Isaac so poignant.

We hear a condensed version of that story as Sunday’s first reading — Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18. The full version will reappear as an option during the Easter Vigil.

Three thousand years ago, the prospect of sacrificSECOND SUNDAY ing one’s own child OF LENT may have looked Gn 22: 1-2, 9a, just as poignant, 10-13, 15-18 but it was definitely a lot more plausible. Archaeologists have recovered evidence of human sacrifice in various sites of the Middle East. The remains of sacrificed children were often buried under the threshold of city gates and houses in order to gain the protection of the gods.

Evidently, this practice was not restricted to the pagan neighbors of Israel. Even the Hebrews were tempted to engage in it. Prohibitions in the Law of Moses attest to this temptation: “Let there not be found among you anyone who immolates his son or daughter in the fire” (Dt 18:10) and “You shall not offer any of your offspring to be immolated to Molech” (Lv 18:21). These

prohibitions would only be necessary if this was a real temptation.

Unfortunately, these prohibitions were not always heeded. The tragic incident concerning the daughter of Japhthah offers a good example. Japhthah, a Hebrew chieftain, swears to offer in sacrifice to God whoever comes out of the door of his house to greet him on his return from battle. It turns out to be his daughter. Even though she is his only child, he goes ahead and carries out his vow (Jgs 11: 29-40).

In light of this background, God’s request of Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac might sound somewhat more understandable, if not any less harsh. The pagan gods demanded this of their worshippers. Why not the God of Israel?

Even though Abraham accedes to God’s request, fortunately it is cancelled. Isaac’s life is spared. Abraham

passes the test, without having to suffer all the consequences. The lastminute reprieve not only saves Isaac’s life, it also shows that God is more interested in Abraham’s obedience than in the sacrifice itself.

This is the most important point of the story. God demands complete and total obedience, which Abraham is able to render because of his faith in God. As a result, the story holds Abraham up as a model of faith.

Second, the story of Abraham and Isaac also makes a point about human sacrifice. Not only does God not want Isaac to be sacrificed, God does not want anyone to be sacrificed. God’s cancellation of Isaac’s sacrifice reinforces the notion that God has rejected all human sacrifice. It reaffirms the prohibitions against human sacrifice found in the Law of Moses and the prophets’ condemnations against that practice. The story offers the example of the most important of all the patriarchs, who turns away from human sacrifice. It is an example for all the Israelites to imitate and follow.

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

Nancy and Leo Bracciano, members of Corpus Christi Parish, Lawrence, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on March 1. Their children and their spouses are: Carol Bracciano, Hereford, Ariz.; Mike and Cynthia Savage, ANNIVERSARIES Suisun City, Calif.; Joe and Lisa Bracciano, Lawrence; Jim and Kristi Bracciano, Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Tom and Diane Bracciano, Lawrence; Marc and Jeanne Berghaus, Meade; Mike and Susan Bracciano, St. Joseph, Mo.; and Andy and Cindy Bracciano, Lawrence.

They also have 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Theresa (Modrcin) and Charles Steele, members of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on March 3 with a Mass of thanksgiving and a special blessing. Following Mass will be a family dinner hosted by their children and grandchildren. The couple was married on March 3, 1962, at St. John the Baptist Church, Kansas City, Kan. Their children and their spouses are: Kevin and Jean Steele, and Kathy and Alexander Kump. They also have seven grandchildren.

CATHOLIC STUDENTS

UNITE

LOCAL NEWS 15 Photos by Susan McSpadden

Catholic students from all over the state of Kansas gathered Feb. 10-12 in Lawrence for the Kansas Catholic College Student Conference.

Mike Guenther and Kirsten Heimerman, both from the University of Kansas, visit with Bishop John Brungardt of Dodge City before Mass.

Andrew Swafford, assistant professor of theology at Benedictine College in Atchison, addresses the topic of the convergence of salvation history in the holy Eucharist.

Jennifer Schmidt shares the story of her daughter Gianna, who lived for 33 minutes after her birth, with her presentation, entitled “Illuminated Discoveries of Parents’ Love and Loss.”

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 2, 2012

CENTER GETS SUPPORT Hayden students — and other Topeka Catholics — assist crisis pregnancy ministry

By Jessica Langdon Leaven staff

TOPEKA — When Kelsie Bigenwalt was running for her student council position, she had to do some public speaking at school as part of her campaign.

Kelsie, now the STUCO junior class president at Hayden High School in Topeka, knows the talks she has been giving this winter have even higher stakes.

She’s been speaking for a cause.

Kelsie has been going into many of the school’s classrooms to talk to her fellow students about Mary’s Choice Pregnancy Center, a place designed to help women in crisis pregnancies choose life.

The center, expected to open in Topeka later this year, has received support from local parishes, individuals, the high school itself, and other organizations.

Baby bottles have been making the rounds in Hayden classrooms, and students have been filling them with change, hoping their contributions will make a difference in others’ lives.

It’s a junior class project, but it reaches out to the entire school.

“A lot of kids, when teachers remind them, pull the loose change out of their pockets or the bottom of their purses,” former convent of St. Joseph Parish at said Kelsie, thrilled to see the plastic 304 S.W. Van Buren. bottles filling with money.

There, mothers can receive sonoShe planned to collect Hayden’s congrams and counseling, in addition to tributions on March 2. No donation is practical supplies like diapers and baby too small. clothes.

“Every little bit helps,” said Kelsie.

There is already a chapel in the STUCO adviser Angela Herman building, and it will stay a chapel, said came up with the idea for the fundraisColbern. er, Kelsie said. And soon, the idea was Since word of the new center began spreading through the high school. to spread, the cause has seen a flood of This undersupport from the taking fits right community. in with pro-life Want to help?

Several Topeka causes that are parishes have had Mary’s Choice Pregnancy Cenclose to Hayden fundraisers, and ter will have a website and phone students’ hearts. more have them number available once it is ready to F r e s h m e n on the calendar. open its doors and start counseling through seniors Mother Teresa women. there take part in Parish is providing Those who would like to volunthe annual proa monthly stipend teer now should send an email to: life march in Tofor operations. info@maryschoice.net. peka.

At Most Pure Donations may be sent to: P.O. “It’s kind of Heart of Mary ParBox 8689, Topeka KS 66608. proving we do ish, the Knights of have a say in how Columbus raised to help mothers,” $20,000 toward Kelsie said. “We’re putting our faith a sonogram machine for the center, and all the things that we’ve learned and the national Knights will provide into action.” matching funds, Colbern said.

A letter campaign at the end of Incredible support the year also resulted in donations of $30,000 from 375 donors.

Mary’s Choice is the brainchild of Dr. And there have been many other Melissa Colbern, a physician in Topeka, contributions from organizations and and Father Bill Bruning, her pastor at individuals.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish.

“The amount of support in Topeka is The ministry will be housed in the incredible,” said Colbern.

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Junior Shannon Strecker donates to Mary’s Choice, a pregnancy center that is expected to open in Topeka later this year.

Kelsie Bigenwalt, STUCO junior class president at Hayden High School in Topeka, poses with a couple of Mary’s Choice baby bottles. The junior class project at Hayden is to raise funds through the baby bottles for Mary’s Choice.

Making a difference The center has the funds it needs to open.

It’s now just a matter of logistics — getting the lease signed and getting licenses and insurance in order.

There will always be ongoing expenses. Colbern expects the center to run on a budget of $50,000, and that’s even with a staff of all volunteers.

Colbern practices medicine at St. Francis Health Center in Topeka. She has been allowed to cut back her practice to half time to work with this program, an opportunity she appreciates.

Her patients know what she’s doing and why her hours have changed.

She believes as people learn of the center, word-of-mouth will help direct women there once it opens.

News of the setup needs have already spread.

The Knights of Columbus, for example, offered to help get the building ready when it’s time. Colbern has

standing offers from painters, plumbers and electricians to provide the labor required at no cost.

The support has meant the world to her.

“It touches me, because I was overwhelmed when Father Bill and I decided to do this,” she said.

Little did she know then that others — like Kelsie Bigenwalt, members of the Knights of Columbus, and more — would be called to their own share in the ministry as well.

“It is a blessing from God to have these people involved,” said Colbern.

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