03 03 23 Vol. 44 No. 28

A DREAM COME TRUE

New St. Isidore’s Church at Kansas State offers more room for students to worship

By Diane Gasper-O’Brien The Register, Diocese of Salina

SALINA — The bells in the tower of a beautiful new church in Manhattan began ringing at straight-up noon on Jan. 28, signaling the start of a day of grand celebration.

About an hour later, some 600 people marched across the street from the Alumni Center at Kansas State University into the newest church in the Diocese of Salina — St. Isidore’s on the K-State campus.

Bishop Gerald Vincke accepted the keys to the church from the contractor, knocked on the door and walked inside. And the celebration began for the 14,000-square-foot limestone church and student center at the corner of Anderson and Denison streets.

Numerous clergy were in attendance, including Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

The dedication ceremony during the Mass included blessing the church and congregation with holy water, anointing the walls and the altar with chrism, incensing the altar, and lighting candles on the altar and all around the church.

During the anointing of the altar, the bishop poured oil onto it, then rubbed the oil into the marble top with his own hands.

Bishop Vincke likened the ceremony to the baptism of a baby.

“[Parents] bring a baby to the waters of baptism and are asked, ‘What do you ask of God?’ One could say that we are baptizing the church today,” he said.

Father Gale Hammerschmidt, pastor at St. Isidore’s, could only shake his head after Mass while thanking everyone. Overcome with emotion, he once even paused for several seconds before continuing on.

“I am humbled by the hundreds and hundreds of people who have so appreciated this mission that we have been on,” he said. “I’m so grateful to God that he put the right people in the right place during this journey.”

One of those “right people” was Father Hammerschmidt himself.

A Kansas State alum, Father Hammerschmidt knew of the ongoing discussions about a new church. When he was assigned to serve as pastor at St. Isidore’s in 2017, he heard about it immediately. By the next year, he and the board had begun an ardent fundraising campaign that raised $11 million toward the $18 million project.

Less than five years later, the dream became reality.

After a new student center was built, the old church was demolished. During construction of the new chapel, Mass was held at the Alumni Center and/or at the student center.

Now, visitors to St. Isidore’s are greeted by a large, ornate baptismal font as they enter the church. Eyes are drawn to the wooden overhead arches. A stunning golden mosaic on the front of the marble altar from Italy draws

>> See “STUDENTS” on page 4

PHOTO BY CLARK ARCHITECTS COLLABORATIVE

The new St. Isidore’s Church on the campus of Kansas State University is a beacon at the corner of Denison and Anderson streets in Manhattan.

PHOTO BY CLARK ARCHITECTS COLLABORATIVE

Bishop Gerald Vincke of Salina blesses the altar during the dedication Mass at St. Isidore’s Church Jan. 28.

PHOTO BY JACOB BENTZINGER

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann processes out of the dedication Mass for St. Isidore’s Church at Kansas State University.

The vocation of Christian marriage is a call to heroic love

The archdiocese lost a great advocate for the importance of marriage with the death of Deacon Tony Zimmerman on Feb. 18.

Deacon Tony was ordained to the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph in 2006, serving for more than 16 years the parish family of St. Therese in Kansas City, Missouri.

Tony and his wife Barbara met while attending St. Pius X High School. They began dating in their junior year. Tony and Barbara were married for more than 50 years and became active in Worldwide Marriage Encounter more than 40 years ago.

Tony earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, as well as a master’s degree in business administration from Rockhurst University. Tony enjoyed a successful career as a salesman. His genuine concern for his customers, his natural people and communication skills, his personal integrity and his commitment to customer satisfaction made him very effective.

Tony cared about the success of his customers. He was not just about making an initial

sale. He built lifetime relationships with those he served and, in so doing, gained their future loyalty. Serving the church for more than 16 years as a permanent deacon allowed Tony to use those same gifts to sell the Gospel of Jesus. To be a great salesman, you have to believe in your product. Nothing was more important to Deacon Tony than his friendship with Jesus and his love for Our Lord’s bride — the church.

In 2011, Deacon Tony made a career change by accepting the responsibility to lead our archdiocesan marriage and family life ministry. In many ways, I believe this was Tony’s dream job.

From his many years of involvement with Worldwide Marriage Encounter, the main priority of Tony’s life — after his Catholic faith — was his marriage and his family. Tony and Barbara had already mentored many engaged and married couples. Deacon Tony was a natural to lead our archdiocesan efforts to strengthen marriages and family life.

In his role as lead consultant of our marriage and family life office, Tony was able to follow his passion for helping married couples grow deeper in their love for each other. Under his leadership, our marriage and family life office launched the Joyful Marriage Project, inviting couples to build their dream home. These dream homes were not made of brick

and mortar, but rather they are homes made of loving families, built on the foundation of married couples who daily are striving to seek each other’s good and happiness, before fulfilling their own wants and desires.

Deacon Tony brought the Evermore in Love retreat (formerly Living in Love retreat) to the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Hundreds of couples in the archdiocese have made this transformative retreat that has helped them take their love for each other to new heights. Many couples have written notes of gratitude to me for making available this opportunity to experience God’s love and to realize the joy God desires for their marriages and families.

Secular society promotes a distorted view of love. We are constantly bombarded with messages through media and entertainment that love is about others making me happy. Our culture confuses sexual pleasure as love. In effect, it encourages us to use others to satisfy our wants and desires.

Christian marriage is a call to make the love of Jesus real and tangible for one’s spouse. Jesus revealed for us authentic love on Calvary, when he gave his life for you and me. The love of God revealed in Jesus is faithful, permanent and unconditional. The love of Christian married couples is meant to be an icon of God’s love for the world. The vocation of Christian marriage is a call to heroic love.

Jesus tells his disciples, if they want to be his followers they must be willing to lose their lives. It is a futile effort to try to make ourselves happy through the possession of things or experiences of pleasure. Instead, if we strive to seek the good of others, we will experience what Jesus terms as “abundant life.”

Our sexuality is a great and beautiful gift from God. Sexual intimacy can only be authentic within the covenant of marriage, where a man and a woman have committed themselves to each other in an unbreakable bond.

March 3

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR

CFNEK High School Art Invitational awards — Savior

March 5

Pastoral visit — St. Patrick Parish, Scranton

March 6

Parish Council meeting — chancery

March 7

Eucharistic adoration — Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kansas

Ethics Council meeting — chancery

March 8

Confirmation — Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea

March 9

Holy Trinity Women’s Bible study — Holy Trinity School, Lenexa

Priests continuing education — Savior

Confirmation — St. Francis de Sales, Lansing

March 11

Anointing Mass and reception — Curé of Ars, Leawood

St. John Paul II, in his theology of the body, reminded us of the language of sexual intimacy, where a man and woman give themselves physically, totally to each other. This beautiful physical expression of love can only be true when the couple has pledged to seek their spouse’s good in every other aspect of their lives.

God did not make some huge mistake when he designed the physical expression of complete and total love to be the instrument where human beings can become co-creators with Our Lord of a new human life. It is in the context of the marriage covenant that new life can be welcomed into the optimal environment for a child to flourish.

This is a very different understanding of sexual intimacy than the one that is offered to us by our culture. The hookup culture trivializes the meaning of sexual intimacy. When we use God’s gifts in ways that they were not intended, we should not be surprised that sex simply for pleasure leads not to happiness but to loneliness, anxiety and depression.

Sadly, many young adults today do not aspire to marriage because they have not seen happy marriages and experienced joyful

families. Part of the reason that Christianity spread so rapidly 2,000 years ago in a pagan culture that misunderstood sex and love in similar ways to our secular society was the witness of joyful Christian married couples.

I want to thank all the married couples in the archdiocese who are striving daily to live their vows to love each other faithfully, fruitfully and forever. There are no perfect marriages, no perfect families. There are, however, many very beautiful marriages and happy families.

One way to honor the life and ministry of Deacon Tony Zimmerman would be for couples to choose to invest in their marriages by making an Evermore in Love retreat. Our marriage and family life office offers many other resources and experiences to help couples develop the skills to grow deeper in their love for each other. If nothing else, make plans for a date night.

Our church and our society need your example of faithful, fruitful and forever love. We need your marriage to be an icon of God’s love for us. We want you to build your dream home so that you can be a beacon of God’s love in the world.

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

Annual men’s conference focuses on Christ in the Eucharist

By Jack Figge Special to

The Leaven

OVERLAND PARK – Six hundred men, ranging from teenagers to retirees, gathered together to feast on barbecue and crack sports jokes — but not in the context of a Super Bowl victory party.

Instead, these men from across the archdiocese were participating in the annual Men Under Construction conference, enjoying fellowship while being formed in the faith.

For the past 26 years, Men Under Construction has sought to deliver a dynamic experience by bringing in renowned speakers, giving participants ample time to receive the sacraments and providing an open place for men to grow together.

With the national Eucharistic Revival now entering its second year, the theme this year centered on helping men recognize the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Russ Engen, a parishioner of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, has been participating and volunteering with Men Under Construction for years. He serves now as the organization’s president, with the goal of planning a day dedicated to helping attendees deepen their faith.

“Men Under Construction wants to provide a platform and opportunity for men to grow in their faith,” said Engen. “We try and bring them in, challenge them and get them involved in the topics that they dance around. We try and bring in speakers that can bring those issues to the forefront so that men see what they couldn’t before.”

With a diverse line-up of speakers, from a demonologist to the founder and CEO of the Colorado-based Augustine Institute, the talks served as an opportunity for many men to grow in their knowledge of the Eucharist and their roles as men in society.

Two members of the archdiocese — Michael Podrebarac, the archdiocesan consultant for the office for liturgy and sacramental life, and Joe Heschmeyer, staff apologist for the popular Catholic Answers website — gave separate talks about the power and true presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Podrebarac discussed how despite the broken nature of the world, the church provides us with an answer to correct the course: the Eucharist. Heschmeyer expanded upon this by delving into the theology of the Eucharist and sharing seven truths of the faith that the Eucharist reveals.

“We live in a world that rewards selfishness in which it is very easy to check out,” said Heschmeyer. “As Pope Benedict XVI said, ‘You weren’t made for comfort. You were made for greatness.’ That really is the call not just to be a complacent husband. It’s not just be a social man, but to really be a saint. The Eucharist is the fuel by which that mission is possible.”

Both Dr. Tim Gray, founder of the Augustine Institute, and Adam Bly, a demonologist, spoke of the modern threats that men face and issued a call for participants to embrace their role as husbands and fathers. Gray’s talk explored society’s definition of toxic masculinity, contrasting it with the Catholic Church’s

teaching on authentic masculinity.

Bly shared his personal experience with demonic encounters and his ideas on the modern rise in demonic presence. He linked this to the prolific presence of social media accounts promoting witchcraft and the demonic. Bly concluded his talk by encouraging all fathers to educate their children and to trust Jesus, because it is only through turning to Christ that widespread change will occur.

“All of the speakers were amazing, but I thought Dr. Tim Gray was exceptional just because of the strength of his message,” said Brandon Schmidt, a member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood. “There was a lot of wisdom and education in his message, but it also served as a call to action — especially about the idea that we have to choose our battles, and how we might approach that.”

For many men, the most powerful moment of the day came not during one of the talks but in the sacrament

of reconciliation. With the presence of over 40 priests from across the archdiocese, each attendee had the opportunity to experience the mercy of God through the sacrament.

“One of the joys that I walk away from every year is watching 600 men get up and go down the hallway for reconciliation. They stand in line for confession for a while,” said Engen. “It’s just incredible to see that many men do that.”

Men Under Construction draws many attendees not just for the talks and sacraments, but also for the fellowship and community that the day offers. Schmidt attended Men Under Construction for the first time last year and loved seeing many fellow St. Michael parishioners there. This year, he invited his father-inlaw to attend with him to experience that same fellowship.

“It was really great to be here with my father-in-law. He and my mother-in-law moved here last year, and to have this

time to spend with him was awesome,” said Schmidt. “Then to see a bunch of my fellow parishioners growing and worshiping has been really neat.”

The day concluded with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann who challenged the men to serve as personal ambassadors of God’s mercy and compassion. With that calling in mind and a renewed passion for the faith, men left the conference reflecting on the power of the Eucharist and the call to serve their families in new capacities.

“Men Under Construction renews my excitement for the faith,” said Bob Allison, Church of the Ascension parishioner. “You come to a conference or retreat like this, and it enkindles within you a closeness with the faith.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Men from all over the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas attended Men Under Construction on Feb. 25 at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Joe Heschmeyer, staff apologist for the popular Catholic Answers website, gave separate talks about the power and true presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Father Bill Bruning, pastor of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park, was one of 40 priests to offer the sacrament of reconciliation.

RCYC brings rural high school youth into community

By Meghan Ascher Special to The Leaven

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — For the fifth time since 2016, over 20 archdiocesan parishes will convene at the Rural Catholic Youth Conference (RCYC) to “bring the outstanding experience of Steubenville or NCYC to a more relaxed and smaller scale. It’s like a big conference, but with better food,” said Angie Bittner with a smile, the rural youth ministry outreach coordinator for the archdiocese.

RCYC will be a weekend experience for high school-aged students at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg with keynote speakers including Joel Stepanik, an international speaker and author; Sister M. Karolyn, FSGM; and Joe Rziha.

In addition to the speakers, there will be lip-syncing battles, games and free time, a large banquet, a signature prayer painting performance by artist Mike Debus, faith sharing in both large and small group settings, and much more.

The theme this year is: “Come to the Table,” focusing on the archdiocesan theme of Eucharistic Amazement.

Rziha, one of the keynote speakers, is currently a senior at Benedictine College in Atchison studying theology. He has been involved with RCYC since he was in high school.

“It was unique for me to see a Catholic community outside my hometown in Atchison,” said Rziha when asked about his experience as a high schooler. “The rural youth ministry has the blessing of uniting people from across different rural communities — whether its towns, Topeka or farm communities. Meeting those people offered me a more well-rounded experience than if I had just stayed in my own small town.”

Rziha made lasting friends through his participation in RCYC and even began to take part in the Northeast Kansas Rural Youth Council (NEKRYC), the team of high school leaders who help plan and run hospitality for RCYC.

The NEKRYC students play a big role in RCYC, explained Bittner, and many alumni come back to help with the weekend.

Rziha has been a speaker at the last

three conferences, witnessing to the Lord’s movement in his life and sharing his passionate love for the Eucharist.

“This year, I want to focus on the movement of coming to the banquet, the feast. It is certainly the Eucharist, coming to the table of Christ within each one of us,” he said.

In a world that seems so busy for high schoolers, Bittner said, the chance to gather away from school or home for

JOE RZIHA

this faith event is critical.

“It’s hard to replace an immersion event where you are too far away to get sidetracked halfway through to go to a sports game, and you can really just ‘be’ there,” Bittner added. “The transformations of what the Lord does when people give their time is one of the most powerful aspects of this event.”

Rziha agreed.

“The greatest adventures start with a leap of faith that doesn’t seem like it will go anywhere,” he said. “RCYC might be the thing you remember the most about this year.”

The event hosts 20 parishes — some of those bringing 25 or more students and some bringing maybe only one or two.

“It doesn’t matter how many come from your parish,” said Bittner. “All feel welcome and a part of the group by the end.”

The event will be held on March 25-26 and the cost is $130, which includes the full conference package, meals and lodging. To register, go to the archdiocesan website at: archkck.org/ rural/events.

Students gave input to architects on church design

>> Continued from page 1

them closer to the front of the church.

Stained-glass windows of St. Isidore (the church’s namesake) and St. Robert Bellarmine (the student center namesake) were saved from the old chapel and are in plain view over the choir loft above the back of the church. Those windows also can be seen from the outside, over the front doors.

“The Catholic Church is the world’s largest proponent of beauty, because one of God’s attributes is beauty,” Father Hammerschmidt said. “If you design something beautiful, you are indeed honoring God.”

“As much as the building is beautiful, it’s even more beautiful today, because you are in it,” Bishop Vincke said, particularly addressing the students. “That’s why this church exists. You are Christ’s body, the church. This church is a gift to you.”

Either expanding St. Isidore’s or building a new church had been discussed for many years. More than 1,500 students attend one of several Masses at St. Isidore’s on any given weekend. The old church held about 425 people, with 80 more seats in the library to watch Mass on video.

The new space will seat 650, with additional chair seating for overflow.

Stan Weber, who attended K-State in the early 1980s, said he remembers the church being full 40 years ago.

Weber, who played quarterback for the Wildcat football team from 1980-84,

spent a lot of time at St. Isidore’s. He and his wife are both alumni of K-State, and all four of the couple’s children attended the university — and St. Isidore’s. Weber, the long-time color analyst for K-State Sports Network, still frequents the church.

“St. Isidore’s has always been a big part of our lives,” he said. “It’s a great place to be for young people making informed choices about their faith.”

Dave Dreiling, one of the lead donors for the project, agreed.

“This project tugs at my heart like

nothing else,” Dreiling said. “These 18to 22-year-olds are making the decision on their own faith, not that of their parents. They are getting involved and developing their faith, and a lot of them will be active parish members decades from now.”

After much planning and meeting with focus groups that included alumni and students, a Neo-Gothic traditional architecture was chosen for the design. All along the way, the architects took students’ suggestions seriously.

“I’d say 99 percent of the students

said they wanted the church to look like a church,” Father Hammerschmidt said. “We weren’t going to do anything other than traditional.”

Ridge Pinkston, a history major from Kingman, was a member of the building committee. He is particularly interested in architectural history and was instrumental in helping choose the traditional Neo-Gothic architecture theme for the new church.

“It is really rewarding to help in the building of something beautiful like this,” Pinkston said, “something that will honestly change people’s lives.”

“I know the choices I make as a student really center around St. Isidore’s,” said Grace Gorges from Clearwater, another student who served on the building committee. “It has had a big impact on my life and my own personal progression, just my life in general. This gives more students the chance to experience that.”

One stakeholder in the project for many years who wasn’t present, Dr. Jack Peterson, was recognized at the dedication. Peterson was a former K-State professor and chair of the St. Isidore Foundation Board who led the charge for building a new church. He lost his battle with lung cancer last September and didn’t get to see the project to completion.

Nonetheless, Peterson’s legend will no doubt live on for generations to come.

PHOTO BY CLARK ARCHITECTS COLLABORATIVE

About 600 people attended the dedication Mass of St. Isidore’s Church at Kansas State University in Manhattan on Jan. 28.

THE GREATEST ADVENTURES START WITH A LEAP OF FAITH THAT DOESN’T SEEM LIKE IT WILL GO ANYWHERE. RCYC MIGHT BE THE THING YOU REMEMBER THE MOST ABOUT THIS YEAR.

RCYC KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Archbishop declares dispensation from no meat obligation on St.

Patrick’s Day DECREE

Student art show carries on legacy of foundress

By Catherine Halbmaier Special to The Leaven

ATCHISON — Local K-12th grade students here will showcase their work in this year’s annual Sister Helen Buening Student Art Show.

The show opens with a reception on March 5 and runs until April 8. Students and families will gather at the Muchnic Gallery, located at 704 N. 4th St. in Atchison, from 1 to 4 p.m. on March 5 for the opening reception. All are welcome.

“It’s really a family event,” said Patty Boldridge, vice president of the Atchison Art Association. “The kids come on a Sunday afternoon — it’s never a Saturday or a Friday night — it’s on a Sunday afternoon after church. It’s really cute, because it’s their time to shine.”

Boldridge has many years of experience with the art show. She worked closely with Sister Helen Buening, OSB, founder of the “Masters Then and Now” art education program, for whom the show is named.

“She wasn’t very tall, never raised her voice above a whisper. But she could take a roomful of screaming children,” Boldridge said of Sister Helen. “She taught the children so much.”

Sister Helen’s art education program, originally called “The Picture Lady,” reached all of the local parochial schools. Even the home school community had access to her talents, according to Boldridge.

“For many, many years she traveled to all these different schools and did the program,” Boldridge said. “She wanted to make sure that every child, no matter what, received art history and art education.”

The program was later renamed “Masters Then and Now,” after the title of Sister Helen’s book.

“It went from ‘The Picture Lady’ to ‘Masters Then and Now’ when we consolidated the program,” said Boldridge. “There is only one ‘Picture Lady,’ and that is Sister Helen Buening.”

After Sister Helen’s death, the “Masters Then and Now” program has continued to educate students in the area.

“She knew that she wanted it to continue, and she wanted the Atchison Art Association to take this on. And we have kept that promise,” Boldridge said.

Along with the “Masters Then and Now” program, the Sister Helen Buening Student Art Show has been a longstanding tradition.

“I remember when we would go and collect artwork from every little town, because she would go to every little town. Sister Helen wanted the students to be able to also learn what it was like to be in an art show,” said Boldridge.

With entries from so many local schools, the art show is never short of submissions.

“It would take us about a week to hang all the pieces,” said Boldridge.

Today, local art teachers are still encouraging students to enter.

McKenna Moes, art teacher at Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison, says her students are looking forward to the show.

“They’re excited. They’ve been

preparing all year. What I gear them toward is their best work, whatever will give them the best chance of success,” said Moes.

Students at St. Benedict School in Atchison are also looking forward to the event, according to art teacher Jennifer Tufte.

“It’s a fantastic show because it’s K-12th. You can see a real progression,” said Tufte. “Being a K-8th art teacher, it’s fascinating to see what other schools are doing. It’s collaborating in a way.”

As those who knew her can attest, Sister Helen spent her life fostering young artists.

“The underlying thing was her passion for art” Boldridge said. “When you’re passionate about something, you want to share it.

“Her memory lives on in the fact that we are still continuing her legacy. Her whole life was creating young artists, and that’s what she did. She left a lasting memory.”

The exhibit will be open to the public from 1 to 5 p.m. every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday. For more information, call the gallery at (913) 367-4278.

The observance of Fridays as a day of penance dates back to the early church who recalled that it was on a Friday that Our Lord suffered and died for us. The penance that is most commonly associated with Fridays is the abstaining from meat. Here in the United States, the traditional penance of abstaining from meat on Fridays of Lent has been retained while on the other Fridays of the year, one must either abstain from meat or substitute another penance on that Friday. This obligation, under the pain of sin, is an important help to our spiritual lives as it reminds us of what Jesus did for us in his passion and death.

In this year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-Three, the optional memorial of St. Patrick falls on Friday of the Third Week of Lent. The memory of this saint, who was a missionary bishop to Ireland during the fifth century, is not only celebrated in Ireland but indeed throughout the world and especially here in the United States. In light of this, and in memory of this great saint who brought Christianity to Ireland, I hereby Dispense from the obligation to abstain from meat on Friday, March 17, 2023, all the faithful of the archdiocese as well as all those who may be visiting or traveling through the archdiocese on that day.

While no one is obliged to use this dispensation, anyone who does choose to use the dispensation and eat meat on that Friday, I exhort them to choose another day that week in which they may perform an act of penance (abstain from meat, do an act of charity, an exercise of piety or some other penance).

Given at Kansas City, Kansas, on this 24th day of February, in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-Three.

Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann Archbishop

Reverend John Riley, VG Chancellor/Notary

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JD BENNING

McKenna Moes, art teacher at Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison, prepares to hang various art pieces to be displayed at this year’s annual Sister Helen Buening Student Art Show, which begins on March 5 and runs until April 8.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JD BENNING

Jennifer Tufte, art teacher at St. Benedict School in Atchison, positions a student’s entry for the exhibit at the annual Sister Helen Buening Student Art Show.

Lenten spiritual advice found in Aldi’s ‘aisle of shame’

By Father Patrick Briscoe, OP

My family has shopped at Aldi grocery stores for some time. Comments about surprising finds make appearances in the group chat and are often topics of conversation at our gatherings.

My cousins laud the company’s logistics and organization (one who lives in Germany is particularly devoted). But recently, my OSV co-workers shared with me an Aldi trope I had not heard of: the aisle of shame.

For the uninitiated, the Aldi “aisle of shame” is the center section of the store that changes weekly, often featuring seasonal goods. An unofficial moniker, sometimes abbreviated as AOS, the aisle of shame goes by many names, including the “aisle of surprises” and the “aisle of awesome.” And lest you think I’m exaggerating popular devotion to the AOS, I’ll have you know that the ALDI Aisle of Shame Community on Facebook boasts 1.5 million members, who frequently swap stories

and photos of triumphant AOS finds.

And so, I’ve been thinking about the AOS, and as I brought it up more and more frequently with my friends, I realized hidden within are not only treasures for hearth and home, but with the right eyes, a new spirituality for Lent.

• The God of surprises

First and foremost, as they approach Lent, most faithful Catholics assemble a plan for how to approach the season. We strategize

with confessors and friends about how to best approach our 40 days of penance. Sometimes, it’s even like putting together a shopping list.

But just like heading to Aldi, we have to be prepared for surprises. God’s providence is not necessarily our plan, so we have to be open to getting a little off track with our list.

And the goal of Lent is to make the appropriate space in our lives so that we can more readily surrender to God’s designs. If

we don’t walk down the aisle of awesome, we’ll miss the great bargains. So, too, in the spiritual life, we have to be open to finding the things that God wants to put in our path.

• Throw it in the cart for someone else.

Another friend recently told me that she found, for less than $5, a pair of light-up Paw Patrol boots that she knew a little boy in her parish would love. Without question, she threw them in her cart. His mother called to thank her, saying,

“He slept in them last night!”

The AOS is a delightful example of thoughtfulness and kindness. It even prompts it among shoppers. Spying a great find, how often have AOS devotees thought, “Not for me, but I know someone who will love it!”?

In fact, the AOS Facebook community is full of stories of fellow shoppers and Aldi employees who have come to the aid of mothers in distress and patrons in need.

That kind of considerate and gracious

behavior should be part and parcel of Christian life. And we can cultivate it intentionally this Lent.

• Passion

Currently, my niece’s favorite book — admittedly, at the age of 1.5 years, she can’t yet appreciate the classics — is “Pizza Party.” My sister found it for her in the — you guessed it — aisle of shame. What if we were to cling to our Lenten penances with something of the same passion a toddler clings to a favorite nighttime read?

Or better still, what if we were to love the virtues we were trying to acquire the way a happy shopper clings to a 12-inch iron skillet, waffle maker or a rocking chair (all real AOS finds)?

Lent is a time for renewal. But to be revived, we need to surrender to God’s plan for our lives, cultivate generosity and feed our passion for Christian life.

Father Patrick Briscoe, OP, is editor of Our Sunday Visitor. Follow him on Twitter @ PatrickMaryOP.

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OSV NEWS PHOTO/ANNA DRIVER, REUTERS

An Aldi supermarket, a retail chain selling a range of grocery items including meat and dairy at discount prices, is seen in High Point, North Carolina, on Dec. 27, 2017.

Community of the Lamb hosts return visit by cardinal

ATCHISON — It’s not often that a French cardinal leads a chant and response at a Lansing prison or answers KU students’ questions about the news with a scriptural meditation on the Magnificat.

But it’s not often that Cardinal Philippe Barbarin visits Kansas, either.

Cardinal Barbarin, archbishop emeritus of Lyons, France, last visited in December 2021, and made a return visit from Feb. 8-17 so that he could deliver a lecture on the life of Pope Benedict XVI at Benedictine College in Atchison.

In both cases, the cardinal was hosted by the Community of the Lamb in Kansas City, Kansas.

Asked what he appreciated most about his visit this year, Cardinal Barbarin said he was impressed with his visit to Benedictine.

“I was very touched to see this place where the monks live where the students are, and where the families of the faculty are all a part of this intellectual endeavor to work on their faith intellectually, but also to live it out,” he said. “It’s a promise — a promise of hope for the future and for the church.”

He brought that hope to other parts of the archdiocese, including Lansing Correctional Facility on Feb. 10. More than 150 inmates came to visit him and the cardinal gave them a stirring talk, in which he had them repeat the words of St. John Paul II: “Open wide the doors of your heart to Christ!”

The inmates roared back the phrase, and when they were challenged with “You all said the words. But who here really meant it?,” every prisoner raised a hand.

On Feb. 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the cardinal presided at a healing Mass at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church in Overland Park. Mike Scherschligt of the Holy Family School of Faith helped promote it, and some 1,200 people attended. So many lined up to receive the anointing of the sick that, even with two additional priests helping, it took 25 minutes to get through the line.

The Little Sisters of the Lamb said it was moving to see people touched and healed by the cardinal.

“We are very far from Rome, and with his visit, you really feel that Mother Church is close to us through him and in him,” said Little Sister Marie-Jeanne. “He has such a care for everybody — the suffering, the sick, the elderly.”

On Feb. 16, Cardinal Barbarin met

with students at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas. When a student asked him if they had discovered who set the fire at Notre Dame in Paris, the cardinal answered, “No, we don’t,” but then spoke about the Magnificat prayer in which Mary says, “All generations will call me blessed.”

“I thought of that as I saw that the whole world was watching and praying for Notre Dame — Our Lady — because of the fire,” he said.

The cardinal’s Benedictine College lecture was titled, “Farewell Benedict, the Friend of the Bridegroom.” In it, Cardinal Barbarin recalled the election of Benedict and some high points from his career.

He revealed fascinating details about life in the conclave and spoke about how the cardinals live in conclave, what they can discuss and what they can’t discuss, and how the voting is done and announced.

“April 16 was that Saturday,” he remembered. “It was the birthdate of Ratzinger (the future Pope Benedict XVI). So, we

Ascension to host concert March 9

OVERLAND PARK — A group of local musicians are lending their talents to a night of prayer in the hopes of helping others have a fruitful Lenten season.

The creators of the “Come to Jesus” album will perform at a special prayer service at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park at 7 p.m. on March 9.

Vocalists Mark Fortino and Sarah McEnerney Boal will be accompanied by Destiny and Mike Mermagen, playing violin and cello respectively, and Dorothy Brandwein on piano.

Father Gary Pennings, pastor at Ascension, will lead the prayer por-

tion of the service.

“For years, we have put on ‘The Seven Last Words of Christ’ prayer service at the end of Lent heading into Holy Week to prepare for the Easter Triduum,” said Fortino. But the new service fills the need for a Lenten event at the beginning of the season.

The service will focus on six topics: Called to Prayer, We Sinners, Christ’s Sacrifice for Us, The Eucharist, Devotion to Mary, and Our Lenten Journey.

No registration is necessary.

“It’s our hope that through this service,” said Fortino, “more people’s Lenten journey will bring them closer to Christ.”

prepared this little card for him. He said, ‘I thank you for this very affectionate sign toward me. But I hope your trust for me ends here.’ But we didn’t obey him.”

The final vote took place in the Sistine Chapel, he said.

“There were two rows, face to face. Cardinal Ratzinger was close to the altar because he was the dean of the cardinals. The subdean went to him and said, ‘Do you accept?’ And he said, ‘I accept in obedience to the Holy Spirit, while knowing my own unworthiness.’ It was very beautiful and simple.”

Later, Cardinal Barbarin remembered, the new pope said, “The one thing that I ask you to pray for me is to see Christ and to see only Christ.”

Cardinal Barbarin said, “It was very profound. We knew it.”

The cardinal ate dinner with students and professors at Benedictine after his remarks.

Dr. Andrew Jaeger, an associate professor of philosophy at the college, said it was an honor he won’t soon forget.

“It was great having a private conversation with him, and hearing him share

Concrete Work

Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

personal stories about his relationship with Cardinal Henri de Lubac and Hans Urs von Balthasar was incredible,” said Jaeger, naming two prominent theologians of the Second Vatican Council. “His simplicity also conveyed a profundity that is quite rare in the clergy, let alone academics.”

On Feb. 12, Cardinal Barbarin conferred the sacrament of confirmation at the Little Sisters of the Lamb monastery.

Jeremy Sienkiewicz, a Benedictine College theologian, was the father of one of the confirmandi. Many members of his family came from out of state to attend the event, and Sienkiewicz said that the cardinal made an impact on everyone as a man of faith.

“He is a living legacy — the embodiment of 20th-century theology. The people we teach about in class are people he hung out with,” he said. His homily for the confirmation was remarkable, he added. “He was a living believer. He had faith. It was beautiful.”

His daughter, Lucy Sienkiewicz, was one of four girls who were confirmed by the cardinal.

SOLUTION

PHOTO COURTESY OF BENEDICTINE COLLEGE

Cardinal Philippe Barbarin of Lyons, France, blesses a student at Benedictine College in Atchison. The cardinal delivered a lecture on the life of Pope Benedict XVI there, and made several other appearances during a visit to the archdiocese in February.

BRINGING WOMEN TO JESUS

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

LEAWOOD — “Pray first,” said St. Agnes, Roeland Park, parishioner Teresa Elder when asked about planning a retreat.

“Stay flexible,” she added. “And have a sense of humor.

“I don’t care how much planning you do, you’re going to have to shift not once, but a number of times.”

Susan Carroll, a member of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, couldn’t agree more. Carroll and Elder, along with Susan Vogliardo from Church of the Nativity Parish in Leawood, have worked together for years planning and presenting retreats specifically for women.

They have it down to a science, with two caveats at the forefront of the formula — teamwork and prayer.

“Create a team that will join you in praying,” said Carroll. “Pray for the Spirit to guide you in bringing women together for that common purpose of coming closer to their faith and their love of Jesus.

“If that’s not your reason, there’s no reason to have a retreat.”

When planning a retreat, Elder always keeps in mind the true meaning of the word.

“I think ‘retreat’ gets thrown around with terms like ‘seminar’ or ‘workshop,’” she said. “But ‘retreat’ means ‘to withdraw

or move back.’

“In military terms, you’re moving back from an enemy.”

Sometimes for Catholic women, that enemy is all the demands of daily life clamoring for their attention.

“In this day and age, we are all so busy,” said Vogliardo. “We’re torn in so many different directions.

“I think retreats are a wonderful way to get away, to not look at the clock or our phones; to really be honed in on our Lord, to be there for each other.”

‘They come a little empty’

Women are givers by nature and that can be draining. A good retreat will allow them to step back, slow down and be nurtured themselves for a change.

“They come a little empty,” said Carroll of retreat participants. “I think they come always, in my experience, seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus; to form new habits of prayer and of intimacy fitting into the ordinary daily routines of their life.

“They come for rest and peace.”

Ideally, retreats accommodate women of all ages, personalities and levels of catholicity.

The annual Tekakwitha Women’s Retreat coming up in April (see sidebar) has

Upcoming women’s retreats

TEKAKWITHA WOMEN’S RETREAT

APRIL 28-30

Come enjoy the beauty of God’s creation at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg.

This women’s retreat offers large group and breakout sessions, individual reflection, Mass, eucharistic adoration, reconciliation, free time, friendship, laughter and joy. Find the space to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect. For more information or to register for the retreat, go online to: archkck.org/camp-tekakwithawomens-retreat/ or send an email to: dnearmyer@sjakeepingfaith.org.

‘RENEWED BY HIS LOVE’ WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

May 4-6

Join others for an event designed to help women understand that the damage, hard knocks and brokenness in life are repaired by the golden grace of Christ’s healing love. This three-day women’s conference at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa includes inspirational guest speakers, a candlelight exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, opportunities to receive the sacrament of reconciliation, a wine and cheese social event, and Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. For more information or to register for the conference, go online to: catholicwomens conferencekc.com.

been attended in the past by women from college-age through retirement. And the “Renewed by His Love” Women’s Conference (see sidebar) is, likewise, open to all. And they all found common ground as children of God.

“It’s important to know we’re not the only ones going through things,” said Vogliardo. “I think sisterhood and friendship is so important, especially in this day and age.

“We need to be together; we need to know how much Jesus loves us and that we’re his daughters. We’re all in this together.”

Whatever their age or place in life, women are hungry to grow in their faith

Church of the Nativity held a “Journey to Joy” women’s Mass, breakfast and eucharistic adoration.

Women gather around the altar for eucharistic adoration at Church of the Nativity in Leawood for the ship, food and, perhaps most important of all, silent prayer and reflection.

Retreats encourage women to step back from the busyness of their everyday lives to reflect and recharge

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Prayer and reflection are important parts of any retreat. But women, in particular, can need a moment to step back from their daily lives and — in the presence of the Lord — just breathe.

and friendship with others.

The work of planning and presenting a retreat can be daunting. But according to these veterans of the ministry, it’s well worth it.

“We had no idea what we were doing when we started ‘Journey to Joy’ (an annual retreat held at Church of the Nativity),” said Vogliardo. “We prayed about it, and we talked to friends about what they wanted in a retreat.

Gather your planning team and begin praying.

When organizing a team, keep in mind the expertise needed in areas of decorating, food, audio/visual support and publicity. Once your team is in place, begin praying daily for guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Identify your potential audience

Determine if your retreat will be limited to single women, mothers, seniors or open to everyone. This will help you focus on other elements.

Determine time and location

Choose a date that gives your team at least four months to plan, and a time frame that allows at least a half day for an effective retreat experience. The location will depend on the size and length of the retreat.

Pick a theme

While praying for guidance, always focus on a key Scripture passage — maybe one from the weekend of the retreat. Often, the theme is born out of that passage.

Set goals

The main purpose is always to help women create new habits in prayer, to enter a deeper relationship with God and to come together in fellowship. Prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in setting goals to accomplish this purpose.

Structure your retreat time

Determine elements you want to include in your retreat and set up a timeline. Keep in mind different learning styles and include opportunities for hearing, seeing and experiencing the retreat messages. In addition to a speaker and food, elements might include Mass, eucharistic adoration, music, reading materials, small-group sharing and prayer stations.

Come up with a budget

Money is an unavoidable consideration, so have a discussion about how much you’ll need, where it will come from and how much you will need to charge participants to meet your budget.

Arrange for speaker(s), music and food

Most retreats are dependent on these essentials, and your options are dependent on your budget. But even a small budget can provide for great local speakers, pleasing snacks and good music.

• Speakers – You can go to trusted Catholic sites on the internet to look for speakers or ask for suggestions from priests and parishioners. Contact the relevant office of the archdiocese if you get stuck or have any doubt. If the retreat is held at a church, be sure to get the pastor’s approval also. Make sure you have a team member who can handle any audio/visual equipment required.

• Food — Ideally, the retreat will begin with Mass and then a light brunch for a daytime event or perhaps wine and light hors d’oeuvres for an evening occasion. Food should be simple and quick so as not to take time away from the main purpose. You can make socializing comfortable by placing questions on the tables to prompt conversation.

• Music – Live music may be best but do what your budget allows. Any way music is provided, participants always appreciate lyrics they can read along.

Get the word out

About a month before your retreat date, use social media, church bulletins, The Leaven newspaper and Sunday Mass announcements to invite participants to your retreat.

Order materials

Make a list of supplies such as decorations, handouts, name tags, special gifts or mementos. Be sure they’re ordered to arrive at least a week before the event.

Create the perfect atmosphere

“And we learned — this year was our sixth ‘Journey to Joy.’”

It’s a gratifying endeavor, according to Elder, if you keep one goal in mind.

“If you can touch just one person,” she said, “it’s worth it. It’s worth all the planning and everything.

“Because you never know what one person is going to do. That one person could go out and touch so many.”

Wherever your retreat is being held, women appreciate an atmosphere that feels peaceful and welcoming. Get creative within your budget and keep in mind a space that is easily converted for socializing, small group discussion or prayer stations.

Finish with a bang

Plan to end your retreat with something concrete that will help participants continue the experience. For example, this year’s “Journey to Joy” participants were given the Surrender Novena to be said at home.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE women’s retreat on Jan. 28 featuring keynote speaker Kelsey Skoch. The women also participated in

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE the “Journey to Joy” women’s retreat. A good retreat provides space and time for speakers, fellow-

Jonathan Roumie’s Lent: Fasting, sharing faith, and a new film

By Gina Christian OSV News

FORT WORTH, Texas (OSV News)

-- This Lent, Jonathan Roumie has a full plate at work — and an empty one at home, he told OSV News, thanks to some “heavy fasting” he plans to undertake between now and Easter.

“Fasting is super-powerful,” Roumie said. “Any time I do it, stuff just starts opening up, and [there’s] clarity. I just keep thinking of when the disciples were asking Jesus why they couldn’t cast out certain demons, and he [said], ‘You’ve got to pray and fast more.’ . . . There’s a spiritual power that comes from disciplining your body that way.”

The actor, who plays Jesus in the streaming hit series “The Chosen,” stars in the newly released film “Jesus revolution,” portraying evangelist Lonnie Frisbee, leader of the “Jesus People” movement in Southern California during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The revival saw thousands of youth from the nation’s “sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll” counterculture flock to churches such as Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California, while imparting to mainstream Christian denominations a new openness to marginalized groups.

With audiences already accustomed to seeing him onscreen as Jesus, Roumie was a natural for the part, since the charismatic Frisbee cultivated a Christ-like appearance growing long hair and a beard while donning a robe and sandals for his ministry.

“I think he was proud of that fact,” said Roumie, who researched Frisbee’s life extensively for the film. “He recognized that he looked like Jesus and he said, ‘There’s no one else I’d rather look like.’ . . . He was a fan of St. Francis of Assisi, and he would borrow from Catholic traditions in many ways.”

The role marks a shift for Roumie, who described Frisbee as “a bit of a tortured soul . . . with deep, deep wounds.”

Abused and neglected throughout his childhood, Frisbee experimented with drugs and alternative spiritualities as a teen, eventually moving to San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district during the 1967 “Summer of Love,” when some 100,000 youth flooded the city. Following what he would later call a “clear as crystal” vision, Frisbee recommitted his life to Jesus Christ, left art school and embraced full-time ministry.

“In the film, we focus on his time where he’s got God sort of lifting him up and sending him out as an apostle with these amazing, charismatic spiritual gifts -- gifts of the Holy Spirit in very overt ways,” Roumie said. “When you talk to some of the people that saw him do . . . healings, [they say] it was like walking with an apostle. It was that extraordinary.”

At the same time, Frisbee struggled with the effects of his childhood abuse. His marriage ended in 1973, and a decade later he found himself estranged from the church while battling an addiction to cocaine. Frisbee eventually returned to his faith and reconciled with several former colleagues as he battled AIDS, to which he succumbed in 1993.

“He wasn’t a god,” Roumie said. “He was a man that God used fully, to his service.”

Although the film spans only the golden years of Frisbee’s life, Roumie said that some of his fans “may be a little thrown” by his latest role, including those who are surprised “when they hear me

speak in my normal accent, because they just expect me to have a Middle Eastern accent (as in ‘The Chosen’) wherever I go. . . . When you spend so much time in people’s homes on their televisions as this character, they just begin to think of you as that, no matter what you do.”

In commercials for the prayer app Hallow, for which he voices Lenten reflections, Roumie even pokes fun at himself over the prospect of being confused with Christ.

Yet in a sense, art and life aren’t all that far apart, he said.

“I rely on my faith so heavily and sacramentally,” Roumie said. “Before I start any round of filming, I’ll go to Mass, I’ll go to confession, I will try to spend some time in adoration when I can.”

He also prays the Liturgy of the Hours — also known as the “Divine Office” — which is the public prayer of the church that the faithful have prayed together since the time of Jesus to sanctify the day — and it complements the Mass or Divine Liturgy.

“It’s pulling from Scripture, and you just feel so much more connected to God and what he’s asking of you in your life,” Roumie said. “It feels like you’re clearing out the communications lines . . . to be able to hear what [God] is trying to transmit to you.”

Roumie said he was initially hesitant to share his Catholic faith so openly, even when divine providence offered opportunities to do so.

“During the pandemic, I first started praying the Divine Mercy chaplet and the rosary online. . . . I hadn’t ever done anything like that before,” he said. “I’m like, people are going to know I’m Catholic, and it’s not exactly a great career move.”

But “even non-Catholics started tuning in and buying rosary beads,” said Roumie, who has gained broad ecumenical appeal through his acting and speaking -- enabling him to invite others to draw closer to Christ, while communicating the beauty of the Catholic faith.

Christian unity “speaks very deeply to me,” Roumie said. “I feel like Christ does not prefer his body to be fractured, and so any way that I can help repair that is in the interest of serving him. . . . That’s part

of my function in the arts, in this ministerial way: to bring people together under the banner of Christ.”

Roumie said watching others respond to that call has made speaking about his

faith “worth every ounce of discomfort.”

“I had committed to surrendering to God. This is what I’m feeling called to do, and I’m going to do it,” Roumie said. “God will have my back. He’s had my back.”

Celebrant will be Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. Homilist will be Archbishop Joseph Naumann

The anointing of the sick in both dioceses will be administered to Catholics whose health is seriously impaired by illness or old age. All are invited to participate. The ceremony will follow the Lourdes pilgrimage format.

Among those who may be anointed, the ritual mentions, in particular:

• Those undergoing a surgery whenever serious illness is the reason

• Elderly people when they have become noticeably weakened even if no serious illness is present

• Sick children if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by the sacrament

We are asking those who wish to receive the sacrament at Mass, to by email: maltakc@ yahoo.com or call (913) 620-1759 and leave your name.

Name cards are made for those receiving the sacrament.

OSV NEWS PHOTO/COURTESY THE CHOSEN

Catholic actor Jonathan Roumie stars as Jesus in a scene from an episode of the popular streaming show “The Chosen” that was filmed on location in Midlothian, Texas.

SHROUD OF TURIN

St. Ann Parish

7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village

March 3, 10 and 23 at 7 p.m.

Dr. Mark Zia, professor of sacred theology at Benedictine College, Atchison, will share how meditating on the Shroud of Turin can help us grow in eucharistic amazement.

DAY OF REFLECTION

Holy Trinity Parish

(Father Quigley Center)

9201 Summit St., Lenexa

March 4 — Mass at 8 a.m.

Breakfast at 9 a.m.

Speaker from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

The guest speaker will be Bill Quatman, president of the American Society of Ephesus, Inc. The topic will be: “The Virgin Mary’s Last Home on Earth.” Please register early and send your check for $15, payable to The Daughters of Isabella, to 15 Holly Dr., Olathe, KS 66062. Registration may be submitted online by sending your name, address and phone number to Peggy at: seifert50@gmail.com. A freewill offering of $15 will be accepted at time of sign-in.

CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN

DIVORCE MINISTRY

Church of the Ascension

(St. Luke’s Room)

9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park

March 4 at 6 p.m.

Are you divorced and feeling lost and alone? The church welcomes you and offers healing. Please join us for formation and fellowship.

BLOOD DRIVE

Savior Pastor Center (gym)

12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas March 8 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Give blood in March and get a $10 prepaid Visa card by email. Plus, get a chance to win a $3000 prepaid Visa card to help with gas or grocery expenses. You could be one of five lucky winners. Lend an arm; we’ll lend a hand. For more information, go online to: rcblood.org/help. To register, go online to: www.redcrossblood.org/give and enter 66109 into the area code. Scroll down until you find Savior Pastoral Center.

LENTEN PARISH MISSION

Immaculate Conception Parish

711 N. 5th St., Leavenworth

March 9 at 3 p.m.

The mission, “The Journey Knows Your

Name,” will be presented by David Kauffman, a singer/composer and founder of Good For the Soul Music. His songs and message will help us connect the sacred to the ordinary in our lives. This event is free. For more information, call (913) 682-3953.

PROJECT RACHEL RETREAT

Location given after registration

March 11 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Registrations are due by March 6. There is no charge for this retreat. There will be a continental breakfast, lunch and materials provided at no cost. To register, send an email to: projectrachelkc@archkck.org.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER

St. Patrick Parish

33721 N.W. Crawford Rd., Williamsburg

March 12 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

There will be corned beef and cabbage (alternate meat available), Irish soda bread and homemade pies. You can purchase raffle tickets for a handmade quilt, handloomed rug, cash and many other items. Live music will be provided by The Lintners. The suggested donation is $10.

JESUS IN BETHANY: THREE

IGNATIAN EVENINGS

Church of the Nativity

3800 W. 119th St., Leawood

March 14, 21 and 28 (7- 8:15 p.m.)

This Lent, we offer three evenings to slow down, pause and notice how God is with us at this time. The focus will be an exploration of the death and raising of Lazarus (John 11). Three Ignatian prayer guides will offer points for prayer and guided meditations/contemplations on this Gospel story. This event is free. For more information and to register, go online to: www.ignatiancenterkc.org/events/ lazarus or call Stephanie Hudson at (816) 3819168.

LENTEN SILENT RETREAT: ‘BLESSING OF THE BEATITUDES’

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer

22131 Meager Rd., Easton

March 17 - 19

Join us this Lent as we follow the blessed path that Jesus laid out for our sanctification. God created us to live a life that leads us to the beatific vision. Living the beatitudes allows us to overcome our transgressions against divine law, regain our spiritual health and bring us face to face with our loving God. There are conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. Cabins/ courtyard rooms are $170 single/$250 couple. Single guest rooms are $100. (Meals

are included). To attend, fill out the individual retreat form online at: ChristsPeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

MATER DEI PARISH

IRISH FEST 2023

Evergy Plaza

630 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka

March 18 at 10 a.m.

This is a free event and begins with a 5K fun run and continues with authentic Irish food (Patty’s Pockets, bangers and mash, and Irish stew), a beer garden, whiskey tasting, games, live music and Irish dancing. For more information about the activities and to register for the 5K, visit the website at: www.TopekaIrishFest.com.

BACH CONCERT

Holy Angels Parish

14438 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor

March 19 at 3 p.m.

Dr. Douglas O’Neill, director of formation in sacred music and liturgy at Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kansas, will perform works to include selections from “Orgelbüchlein,” “Concerto in C after Vivaldi,” as well as the “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor.”

CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT

St. Ann Parish

7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village

March 21 at 7 p.m.

The concert, “Stabet Mater” by G.B. Pergolesi, will be performed by local artists: Joanna Ruszala, soprano; Kelly Birch, alto; and Piotr Wisniewski, piano. The text, sung in Latin, narrates the story of Jesus Christ’s passion as seen through his mother’s eyes.

WILLS AND TRUSTS SPRING ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP

Holy Trinity Parish

501 E. Chippewa, Paola

March 21 from 6 - 7 p.m.

Provide for your heirs and protect your assets from taxes and fees at death with the right estate plan. Learn from a Catholic licensed estate planning attorney. RSVP online to: stewdev@archkck.org or call (913) 647-0365.

WOMEN EMBRACING AGING

Keeler Womens Center

759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100-B, Kansas City, Kansas

March 21 from 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Interested in a support group for women who want to explore aging? Share your experiences, wisdom and unexplored changes aging is bringing into your life.

DINING TO DONATE

Jasper’s Restaurant

1201 W. 103rd St., Kansas City, Missouri March 22 from noon - 3 p.m. and from 5 - 9:30 p.m.

Jasper’s will once again donate 20% of all lunch and dinner sales to benefit the works of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Reservations are encouraged. Contact Jasper’s by calling at (816) 941-6600 or go online to: jasperskc.com.

PARISH MISSION

Queen of the Holy Rosary - Wea

22779 Metcalf Ave., Bucyrus

March 26 at 3 p.m.

March 27, 28, 29, 30 at 6:30 p.m.

The parish mission will be given by Redemptorist priest Father Steve Rehrauer from Tucson, Arizona. He will lead the program “Rekindle Our Faith.” This is a one-ofa-kind experience to encounter Our Lord Jesus Christ and develop a more personal relationship with him. Come experience faith-filled inspirational talks along with community prayer and music. For more information go online to: https://qhrwea. church/parishmission.

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE ON HEALING AND FORGIVENESS

Holy Trinity Parish

13615 W. 92nd St., Lenexa

May 4 from 5 - 9:30 p.m.

May 5 from 2:30 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 10 p.m. May 6 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Come join us to experience Christ’s divine mercy and the power of healing and forgiveness in your life. We will have several inspirational speakers, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic adoration and opportunities for reconciliation. There will also be a wine and cheese social on Friday evening. The early registration cost of $85 ends March 19. The registration fee after that will be $125. For more information, visit the website at: CatholicWomensConferenceKC.com.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

SUMMER CAMPS

St. Thomas Aquinas High School

11311 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park

May - August

A variety of camps will give students entering grades K - 8 the chance to discover their potential in sports and other activities. Registration and more information are available online at: www.stasaints.net/summercamps. Call (913) 319-2416 for questions or send an email to: btriggs@stasaints.net.

EMPLOYMENT

Teacher - St. Joseph Early Education Center in Shawnee is seeking a teacher for a full-time three-year-olds room. The salary is competitive. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance. If you are interested, call (913) 631-0004 or email: mthomas@stjoeshawnee. org to set up an interview with Melissa Thomas.

Food program manager - The position will entail preparing menus and meals for the St. Joseph Early Education Center, ordering necessities and recordkeeping for filling out forms to be submitted for our lunch program (CACFP). State guidelines and regulations are to be followed. Please call (913) 248-4585 if you are interested in the position.

Victim care advocate - The victim care advocate works in collaboration with the archdiocesan report investigator and the office for protection and care to accompany victims/survivors. The incumbent is responsible for providing support to and identifying resources for victims and their families, including managing treatment services and other care and resources for immediate and long-term needs. This is a safety-sensitive position, exercising a high degree of discretion, trust and confidence. To learn more about this position or to apply, please visit: https://archkck. org/jobs.

Network administrator - Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa is seeking a network administrator. This person will oversee Holy Trinity’s computer network to ensure proper maintenance and security. This includes identifying network and computer system needs, overseeing installation of new hardware and software, and using employee feedback to isolate and resolve issues. This position provides support to Holy Trinity Parish staff, Holy Trinity School (K - 8) and the Holy Trinity Early Education Center. A detailed position description and list of required qualifications can be found at: www.htlenexa.org/jobopenings. Interested parties should submit a cover letter and resume to parish administrator Laura Weber at: lweber@htlenexa.org.

Catholic elementary school principal – St. Patrick School in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual, academics and advancement, particularly in the area of enrollment management leadership for the 2023-24 school year. Ability to work in a multicultural environment is required. St. Patrick has approximately 290 students in K - 8 grades and 46 preschoolers taught by 26 teachers. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: www.archkckcs. org/apply. Deadline for applications is March 10.

Part-time companions needed - Perfect job for any kindhearted, energetic person wanting to be a team player in a small growing family company. Must have reliable transportation. Job entails driving clients to appointments and running errands. Person must be personable, able to talk, do puzzles, play cards and entertain. We are not a hands-on caregiving company. Some clients may be standby assist. Driving around metro area may be required. Trip charge or mileage also given. Drug, background checks are mandatory. Call Jen at (913) 530-1795. Clarkson Companion Care.

Catholic financial planners – The Knights of Columbus Mahon Agency has openings in NE Kansas and western Missouri, covering areas in and around Kansas City, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; northern Missouri; Topeka; and Atchison. We have much to offer determined, disciplined and high-expectation professionals who would like to share needed life insurance, disability income, long-term care and annuity products with other Catholic individuals and families. This is a full-time position with excellent, multi-tiered training and benefits, allowing the successful field agent to earn a professional level income. This is an exciting career opportunity that may be the right fit at the right time for you or someone you know. For further information, contact John A. Mahon at (785) 408-8800, or at: john.mahon@kofc.org.

Three- to six-year-olds guide - As Our Lady’s Montessori School continues to grow, we are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Catholic to serve as a primary lead guide, trained in the 3- to 6-year-olds Montessori Method. We are looking for someone who has a deep love for God and a deep love for children.

Experience with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is preferable but not required. All employees are expected to fully support the teachings of the Catholic Church. Montessori training opportunities may be available. Please complete an application found at: olmskc.org/job-opportunities and submit a cover letter and a resume to: jwallace@olmskc.org.

Elementary lead - Our Lady’s Montessori School is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Catholic, AMI trained 6 - 12, to lead our upper elementary classroom ages 9 - 12. We are looking for someone who has a deep love for God and a deep love for learning. Experience with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is preferable but not required. All employees are expected to fully support the teachings of the Catholic Church. In order to request an application, please submit a cover letter and a resume to: jwallace@olmskc.org.

Extended day care position - Holy Spirit Catholic School in Overland Park is seeking an enthusiastic person to be the group leader in our after-school care program. This well-established program runs from 3 - 5:45 p.m. each school day. We are looking for a faith-filled, responsible, organized and creative person. Applicants should have knowledge of child development and be able to implement age-appropriate activities. The ability to communicate clearly with children, colleagues and parents is most important in order to foster positive relationships. Applicants must attend Virtus training, ongoing childcare training and be at least 18 years old. Contact Tessa Piscitello at (913) 492-2582 or email: tpiscitello@ hscatholic.org for more information.

Junior agriculture loan officer position - Exchange Bank & Trust which is the “Oldest Bank in Kansas” is seeking a full-time ag loan officer who will make and service loans of any type directly or indirectly related to agriculture and keeps abreast of agricultural loan trends. This is a position which would offer a senior loan officer giving direction and guidance as you work into the position. The primary markets served include Atchison, Leavenworth, Doniphan and Wyandotte counties in Kansas and Buchanan and Platte County in Missouri. We prefer a candidate with an agriculture background. Benefits include competitive compensation, generous bonus potential, health insurance, 401(k) and profit sharing. Salary $40,000 - $50,000. For more information or to apply, email resume to: bhawk@myexchangebank.com.

Full-time educators - Are you a caring, compassionate educator looking to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of young students? Have you been searching for a place where family and community take center stage? We’re looking for full-time teachers to join our team of long-serving, dedicated professionals who spend their days sparking learning and creating joy. Christ the King Early Education Center is looking for a fun, energetic individual to care for and teach our early learners the word of God and to prepare them for preschool. Must have formal child care experience. Must be a team player. If you’re ready to move into a career that makes a difference, and you consider yourself a natural, empathetic leader, have work experience and/or educational background in ECE (CDA or higher preferred), are a strong verbal and written communicator, can physically complete the tasks necessary to care for small children, and agree with and can deliver on our mission to provide exceptional care and learning with compassion and heart, then you’re the type of person we are looking for. At Christ the King Early Education Center, our mission is to invoke a passion for lifelong learning and light a fire toward a loving God while building a strong relationship with friends, families and the community we live in. Core values: compassion, tools for success in life, knowledge, ethics, environment and a child’s belief in a loving God. Perks and benefits: health plan, prescription plan, dental plan, eye plan, health savings or FSA, dependent care FSA, life insurance, 401(k) matched up to 4% annually, Tria Health coverage, paid sick and vacation and paid holidays, birthday and work anniversary gifts; fun, entertaining environment; supportive and helpful parents of our clients. Job types: full time. Salary from $14 - $16 per hour. Schedule: four 10-hour days, Monday-Friday Education: High school or equivalent (required); Experience: teaching: one year (required). Work location: 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka, KS 66614. Contact information: Ctkeec@gmail.com, or (785) 272-2999.

Full-time lead teacher - Prince of Peace Early Education Center is seeking a year-round, full-time lead teacher in our preschool (3-year-olds) classroom who has a love for children and a background in early childhood (education and/or experience required). Job duties include: care and supervision of children at all times; face-to-face parent communication; closing and cleaning procedures; and creating and implementing lesson plans and activities. This position is available upon completion of orientation and training. We offer competitive wages based on education level and experience. Please email or send resume to: jwessel@popolathe.org.

Catholic elementary school principal – Holy Family School in Topeka is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual, academic and advancement, particularly in the area of enrollment management leadership for the 2023-24 school year. Ability to understand and speak Spanish is a plus. Holy Family has approximately 150 students in K - 8th grades and 14 preschoolers taught by 13 teachers. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Please apply online at: www.archkckcs.org and send resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Vince Cascone, Catholic schools office, via email to: vcascone@ archkckcs.org.

Administrative assistant for the office of marriage and family life and the office of children’s catechesis - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to fill a full-time position of administrative assistant that serves the office of marriage and family life and the office of children’s catechesis. This position will be based upon a work week of 40 hours per week and is located at the chancery office. To see a full job description or to apply for this position, please visit: https://archkck.org/jobs.

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 5214955 for more information. EEO.

Early childhood educators – With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. Our classrooms are full, and we are looking to add to our amazing team. We are looking for both full-time and part-time teachers for all ages of children. If you have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education, we would love to meet you. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, ext. 102.

Catholic elementary school principal – Sacred Heart School in Emporia is seeking a highly motivated individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual and academic leadership of both students and staff. In addition, familiarity with enrollment management, technology and the tithing/stewardship model would be considered especially desirable. Sacred Heart has approximately 61 students in K - 5th grades taught by nine teachers. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools, and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Please apply online at: www.archkckcs.org and send resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Vince Cascone, Catholic schools office, via email to: vcascone@archkckcs.org. For specific questions regarding the school or parish, please contact Father Carter Zielinski at: czielinski@archkck.org.

Janitorial assistant - Queen of the Holy Rosary-Wea is seeking a janitorial assistant. This is a full-time position. Work hours are flexible and can be negotiated with the employee’s supervisor. Basic duties include general cleaning of the church, school and adoration chapel. For a full job description or to apply for this position, please visit: archkck.org/jobs.

Elementary assistant - Our Lady’s Montessori School is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Catholic to serve as an assistant in an elementary classroom. We are looking for someone who has a deep love for God and a deep love for children. Experience with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is preferable but not required. All employees are expected to fully support the teachings of the Catholic Church. In order to request an application, please submit a cover letter and a resume to: jwallace@olmskc.org.

Part-time educators - Are you a caring, compassionate educator looking to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of young students? Have you been searching for a place where family and community take center stage? We’re looking for part-time teachers to join our team of long-serving, dedicated professionals who spend their days sparking learning and creating joy. Christ the King Early Education Center is looking for a fun, energetic individual to care for and teach our early learners the word of God and to prepare them for preschool. Must have formal child care experience. Must be a team player. If you’re ready to move into a career that makes a difference, and you consider yourself a natural, empathetic leader, have work experience and/or educational background in ECE (CDA or higher preferred), are a strong verbal and written communicator, can physically complete the tasks necessary to care for small children, and agree with and can deliver on our mission to provide exceptional care and learning with compassion and heart, then you’re the type of person we are looking for. At Christ the King Early Education Center, our mission is to invoke a passion for lifelong learning and light a fire toward a loving God while building a strong relationship with friends, families, and the community we live in. Core values: compassion, tools for success in life, knowledge, ethics, environment, and a child’s belief in a loving God. Salary: from $12 per hour up to $15. Schedule: after school and/or 12-week summer camp; Monday to Friday. Experience: one year of child care (required); license/certification in first aid (preferred); and CPR certification (preferred). Work location: 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka, KS 66614. Contact information: Ctkeec@gmail. com or (785) 272-2999.

Administrative assistant – St. Joseph Early Education Center in Shawnee is seeking a full-time administrative assistant. Interested individuals should email cover letter and resume to Melissa Thomas at: mthomas@stjoeshawnee.org. For more information, you can call (913) 631-0800.

Director of development - The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) transforms the lives of children and their families by providing access to education for atrisk students at the lowest poverty levels. The director of development is a full-time position reporting to the executive director, responsible for cultivating and securing contributions from donors to meet annual fundraising goals. To see a full job description or to apply, please visit: https://archkck.org/jobs.

Principal - Our Lady’s Montessori School is seeking to hire a principal with a knowledge of Montessori education and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Qualities must include a love for the Catholic faith and children, and be willing to collaborate with the SOLT Sisters to help the Catholic identity and the SOLT charism of the school thrive. Qualifications we are looking for: experience in formation of children; management of faculty; organizational and leadership skills; and excellent written and verbal communication skills. To request an application, submit a cover letter and a resume to: jwallace@ olmskc.org.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: Director of Development and vice president of business affairs/CFO chief financial officer. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/ careers.

Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

Stylists needed - Are you addicted to the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress”? Are you self-motivated, love fashion and enjoy helping people look their best? If so, we want to talk to you! Sincerely Susan, a unique destination shop boutique is a warehouse environment where clients come in by appointment only. You must have a sense of style and a great personality to be able to interact with our “moms.” Hours are flexible. Must be willing to work a minimum of one evening per week and weekends. Must be able to stand and walk on concrete for long periods of time and reach overhead to pull gowns. Previous retail experience preferred, but not necessary. Hourly rate is based on experience. If interested, call (913) 7308840.

Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas, a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Faculty job openings include: Nursing school and professor of philosophy. Adjunct faculty job openings: biology, clinical nursing supervisor, information systems coordinator and math KCKS and math Lansing. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers

Attention retirees - Part-time drivers needed to pick up and deliver vehicles from Kansas City area dealerships. Must have clean/current driver’s license. $11 per hour. Call (913) 677-9440 and ask for Jason.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Interior painting Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Thanks, everyone, for a great last year - This year, I am targeting kitchen/bathroom and basement remodeling, from start to finish. Also decks, covered decks, porches, sun-rooms and room additions! We also do a ton of tile, ceiling re-texturing and flooring. Full exterior painting, staining and wood rot. We are also offering design consultations which are free with signed contract. If you’re not sure we do it, just call. From my family to yours, thank you for supporting my small business. Please call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, masonry (chimney repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list, window cleaning and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 9274118.

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

HOME REMODELING & MAINTENANCE

Kitchens, baths, interior & exterior work

Licensed & insured - Shawnee & Lenexa area. 913-927-5240 or: dknelson2001@gmail.com

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

>> Classifieds continue on page 13

PILGRIMAGE

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje - May 10 - 18 2023. The cost is $2500 per person, which includes airfare, bus transportation, accommodations, two meals per day and daily local guides. Hosted by visionary Mirjana Loldo. For details, call Grace Legaspi at (913) 4491806.

SERVICES

Dietitian - Improve health, blood pressure, weight and overall better health. Can work with clients by email or in-person appointment. Call (816) 590-5029 or email: ajkeeg@gmail.com.

Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.

ACT Prep - Founded by a Bishop Miege graduate, Pathway Prep has helped over 250 students during the last four years improve their scores. In-person or virtual sessions available. For more information, visit: pathwayprepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com.

Quality painting - Interior, exterior painting and wood rot repair. Quality workmanship. Insured. Call (913) 206-4524; email: robaprince@aol.com; or visit the website at: aprkansascity.com.

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

WELLERBEEF.COM - Local, Catholic, family farm. No antibiotics/hormones. Grass-fed and Traditional. Starter pack to a whole cow. Free delivery in the Kansas City area. We pay the butcher’s processing fees. Currently taking order and making deliveries.

Tutorial services - Remedial to gifted. 25 years’ experience. Doctoral degree. Call (913) 387-4044.

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.

Quality remodeling - Renovates kitchens and bathrooms; tile work; countertops; drywall; custom cabinetry. Quality work. Call or text (913) 206-4524 or (913) 938-7597; email: robaprince@aol.com; or visit the website at: aprkansascity.com.

Catholic counseling - For individuals, couples, families, adolescents and young adults. Sam Meier, MA, LPC. Call (913) 952-2267 or book an appointment at: StillwatersKC.com, in-person or Telehealth.

FOR SALE

Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC).

For sale - Tandem crypts at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Crypt 144A and 144B located in the patio lV, tier G. Retail price is $10,010; selling price is $7500 plus $200 conveyance fee (seller will pay the conveyance feee.. Call Angela at (816) 863-2630.

For sale - Double, indoor, glass-fronted niche in the main corridor of Holy Trinity Mausoleum of Mount Calvary Cemetery, Topeka. Current value $8,800. Selling for $7000 OBO. Call (316) 304-2839.

For sale - Two crypts in the Resurrection mausoleum, Prince of Peace Chapel, section D1, crypts 9 and 11 (adjacent to each other), top row. Retail price for two crypts is $15,450 (includes interment fee and lettering); asking $14,000 but willing to negotiate. Call Mike at (913) 957-8601 or Barb at (913) 244-7793.

WANTED TO BUY

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME!

I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.

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.

CAREGIVING

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

Saint Rita Homecare - Compassionate care in the comfort of home. We serve people in Miami and south Johnson counties. Kansas state licensed, non-medical home care agency. Contact us today for supportive care at: www.saintritahc.com; rmargush@ saintritahc.com; (913) 229-4267; owner, member of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe.

Caring companion - I am a certified nursing assistant with ten-plus years experience with stroke, Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. I assist with personal care services and offer non-emergency medical transportation. Call (913) 558-9061.

Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www. Benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

REAL ESTATE

WE WANT TO BUY YOUR HOUSE - There are so many new companies in town advertising to buy houses. But we’re the only ones that have been here and we’re local Holy Trinity parishioners. I will give you a fair price on any conditions you are up against. Call Mark Edmondson. (913) 980-4905.

We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house has never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000.

Classified Advertising

The Leaven reaches approximately 50,000 subscribers. Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter.

To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org

The appearance of advertising in The Leaven is not an endorsement by either the newspaper or the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The Leaven attempts to screen advertisers and copy, but is not responsible for claims and representations made in advertisements.

Lent can sure be slippery sometimes

SECOND WEEK OF LENT

March 5

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

Gn 12: 1-4a

Ps 33: 4-5, 18-20, 22

2 Tm 1: 8b-10

Mt 17: 1-9

March 6

Monday

Dn 9: 4b-10

Ps 79: 8-9, 11, 13

Lk 6: 36-38

March 7

Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs

Is 1: 10, 16-20

Ps 50: 8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23

Mt 23: 1-12

March 8

John of God, religious

Jer 18: 18-20

Ps 31: 5-6, 14-16

Mt 20: 17-28

March 9

Frances of Rome, religious

Jer 17: 5-10

Ps 1: 1-4, 6

Lk 16: 19-31

March 10

Friday

Gn 37: 3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a

Ps 105: 16-21

Mt 21: 33-43, 45-46

March 11

Saturday

Mi 7: 14-15, 18-20

Ps 103: 1-4, 9-12

Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32

ODILIA

died c. 720

This patroness of Alsace, according to legend, was the daughter of Frankish nobleman Adalric, who hated her for being born blind and banished her. They later reconciled, when her sight was miraculously restored. She was baptized Odilia, or “daughter of light,” but had to flee her home to avoid marrying. She returned only when Adalric promised her his castle at Hohenburg, in the Vosges Mountains, for a monastery. Her shrine at Mont-SainteOdile became a famous pilgrimage site; Charlemagne and other emperors were among the pilgrims.

Iwas there and then I wasn’t.

Come with me to last Friday evening, the first Lenten fish fry at the parish. As I left home about 5:45, I was surprised to see some slush on my windshield. By the time I got to the parish center, the slush was becoming slick on the sidewalks.

I popped into the kitchen to ask the Knights to sprinkle down ice melt. They looked at me like I was crazy, since they’d just put some out a few minutes before. Apparently, it had been covered over by another layer of the slush. They rushed to re-apply the ice melt.

I sat down to enjoy a delicious fish dinner and conversation with some parishioners. (Just for the record, I don’t count meatless Fridays as part of my Lenten penance, since eating seafood, grilled

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH

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

cheese sandwiches or eggs is never a burden.)

After the meal, I led Stations of the Cross and then headed back out to my car. The sidewalks were nicely salted as was the parking lot. Unfortunately, the windows of my car were caked with stubborn ice. I cracked open

MARK MY WORDS

the door, got comfortable in the seat and put on the defroster full blast.

I started to feel guilty, though, when I heard one of the Knights across the parking lot scraping windows. I said to myself, “Mark, you lazy cow! Get out there and scrape your windows. Don’t let the poor defroster do all the work.”

I cleared the driver’s side of the windshield and headed to do the same on the passenger side. I remember standing on the curb . . . and

then I wasn’t. My right foot bent at an unnatural angle, and I landed on my right knee on the asphalt.

I got up as quickly as I could and checked — not to see if I’d injured anything, but to make sure that nobody saw me fall! Sure, my pants were ripped at the knee, but I could move all my toes and put pressure on that right foot, so things could have been much worse. A few minutes later, that lone Knight noticed me and came over to scrape my windows. He’d not seen me fall and I was too proud to ‘fess up to it.

As I hobbled through the weekend Masses, it reminded me of my first few days of this Lenten season. Sadly, I’ve limped through them, doing a poor job on the resolutions that I’d set out to accomplish.

But Lent has been do-

ing its job in revealing my heart to me. It’s not that my Lenten resolutions are too numerous or too difficult.

No, even though I know they’re good for me, I found myself simply not wanting to do them. And it’s that stubborn will of mine that the Lord wants to work on. As I slowly heal physically, I’m confident that the Lord will patiently lead me to grow spiritually healthier as well.

One of my parishioners approached me after Mass and said, “Gosh, Father, I want to feel sorry for you, but you know, Patrick Mahomes played with an injured ankle and still won a Super Bowl!”

I answered, “Yup, but I don’t have his $500 million salary!”

And besides, I still have more than a “second half” of Lent to show what I can do!

Don’t let yourself give in to the things you gave up

So, how is your Lent going?

As we start the second week, maybe the fervor is starting to fade. What seemed so promising and possible only two Wednesdays ago has gone down the drain along with the ashes.

We long to give in to the things we gave up.

But in the middle of all that we encounter a miracle. This Sunday’s Gospel gives us an event, the Transfiguration, that Thomas Aquinas called “the greatest miracle,” because it gives us a tantalizing glimpse of heaven.

Coming right now, we might consider it a Lenten booster shot. This reminds us of what will come — Jesus’ own glorious resurrection — and it hints

DEACON GREG KANDRA

at a glory we too can witness. It is a foretaste of paradise. Lent can help lead us there. If we let it.

Small wonder that

Peter sums it up succinctly: “Lord, it is good for us to be here.”

Yes. It is good for all of us to be here. It is good, right about now, to pause and look up, to wonder at the mystery of the Incarnation and tremble at the miracle of a God who took on our flesh.

But there is more. It is also good for us to remember what this season is about.

We can easily be caught up in the weariness and stubbornness of Lent. We can get lost in the rigors of prayer, sacrifice and fasting. These weeks can be hard, as we struggle to confront our weaknesses and limitations and work to follow more closely in the footsteps of Jesus.

So right about now,

we need this Gospel to startle us, refocus us and, maybe, leave us shocked.

Lent is a season of journeying, of going forth. It’s about getting ready for another journey, to Calvary. But what comes after that? Where do we want Lent to take us? How deeply do our hearts burn for what the apostles saw on that mountaintop?

Pondering the Transfiguration, we ponder the glory of the Lord, and ponder, as well, our own unworthiness. The greatest miracle should make each of us want to go forth — to grow, to change, to deepen our love for Christ as we move deeper into this season of prayer.

Of course, Lent is

also a season of perseverance. It can be daunting. We make mistakes. We backslide. Our resolve can prove weak. We realize we screw up.

Sometimes, the best thing we can do is to be merciful with ourselves and just continue on, one day at a time. Among other things, Lent is about renewal and restoration, and understanding, in our fallibility, that we are all works in progress.

The first words of the Scripture readings this Sunday can rouse us; but the consoling words of Jesus near the end of the Gospel offer comfort and hope. This may be another message we need right about now.

“Rise,” Jesus says, “and do not be afraid.”

The Spirit helps the church avoid ‘ideological divisions,’ pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — “It is very sad to see the church as if it were a parliament,” which is what happens when Catholics rely more on their personal opinions than on the Holy Spirit, Pope Francis said.

“The church is something else; it is a community of men and women who believe in and proclaim Jesus Christ, moved by the Holy Spirit and not by their own ideas,” he said Feb. 22 at his weekly general audience.

Continuing a series of

talks about evangelization and mission, the pope said it is natural for Catholics to have different opinions on all sorts of things, which is why, when making decisions about the life of the church, they must do like the early disciples did and seek the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Acts of the Apostles recounts how the disciples were divided over the question of whether pagans who came to Christianity were required to follow Jewish law.

“They could have sought a good compromise between tradition

and innovation: Some rules are observed, others are left out,” the pope said. “Yet the apostles do not follow this human wisdom, but adapt themselves to the work of the Spirit, who had anticipated them by descending upon the pagans just as on them.”

Despite having “different sensitivities and opinions, they listen to the Spirit,” he said. The Spirit taught the disciples something, “which is also valid today: Every religious tradition is useful if it facilitates the encounter with Jesus.”

Deacon Greg Kandra is an award-winning author and journalist, and creator of the blog “The Deacon’s Bench.” He serves in the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York.

Prioritize your spouse as you plan your Lent

Lent is a time to grow closer to God, but it looks different for married people than it did when we were single. Here are some hints to help make your Lent successful.

DO consider what will bring you closer to your spouse.

Growing in love for your spouse is the primary way that God will draw you to himself. So, while it’s great to give up chocolate or pray more, you can also grow in holiness by going on a date with your spouse or learning how to communicate better.

DON’T take on a penance that will make life miserable

FAMILY MATTERS

for your spouse. Does giving up coffee make you mean? Will an extra Bible study leave your stressedout spouse to handle

the kids alone? Will that service project take you away from a project your spouse has been asking you to do forever? If so, consider something else!

DO think about praying, fasting and giving alms TO and FOR your spouse. Consider giving

extra time, attention, affection, or small, thoughtful gifts to your beloved. Try the trifecta: skip a lunch or treat (fasting), offer it for your spouse’s intentions (prayer) and spend the money on something that will make your spouse feel loved (alms).

DON’T think that Lent needs to be all doom and gloom to be successful — some of the best alms you can give are a joyful attitude.

St. Augustine said, “Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” A great attitude will bless the whole house. DO pray together. Start from wherever

you are (even if you have never prayed before; just say a Hail Mary together) and challenge yourselves to go deeper.

DON’T be tempted to develop parallel spiritual journeys that you never share.

Our faith in God (even if we have none) is a deeply personal part of us, and it helps to shape our values and worldview. If we never share such an important part of ourselves, our relationship is doomed to be superficial.

DON’T fast from time spent loving your spouse (i.e., date night).

You are allowed to have fun with your spouse during Lent, especially if it brings

you closer. Consider turning off the TV and taking a walk, playing a game, listening to music or reading together.

DO remember that romance and affection are HOLY.

Being “in love” is a profoundly holy disposition of soul. When we’re affectionate toward our spouse, we’re less critical, and become patient, forgiving and generous.

DO attend a marriage enrichment.

If your parish doesn’t have one, here are two free, online resources:

• EverMore in Love: 7-Day Real Connection Challenge at: charity engine.net.

• School of Love at: schoolofloveusa.com.

Deacon’s life benefits from integration of dual vocations

In recent columns, I have been sharing a vision of the permanent diaconate as “married clergy” that does justice to both vocations — marriage and holy orders.

Last month, I stressed the basic truth that our identity as married men and/or deacons (who we are) is more fundamental than our activity (what we do) — that, in fact, our actions flow from our identity, and not the other way around.

One implication of this truth is that married couples are married 24/7 and deacons are deacons 24/7. How does that work?

Further, we may agree

ORDAINED TO SERVE

that they are a husband and father at home and a deacon when they are at the parish or ministry. There is some truth to that, but since both vocations are 24/7, this results in an impoverished view of both, and ultimately the two vocations are set against each other, vying for “turf.”

Ihave participated in many discussions about why Catholic schools get such impressive academic results despite much smaller budgets and fewer resources than peer public schools.

Most recently, I testified at Kansas Senate and House committees on education at the Capitol in Topeka.

Supporters of private schools shared data about better assessment test scores, higher graduation rates and higher college attendance rates than neighboring public schools.

The private school representatives included parents and students testifying on the positive impact private schools have had on their lives.

Less bullying, fewer

that one’s identity, in a sense, comes before our activity. But it is still fair and abundantly obvious that both marriage and

holy orders are vocations that entail an endless stream of actions and responsibilities. At first glance, balancing the two can seem daunting, if not impossible.

Of course, there are various ways of approaching this balance. Some may be tempted to “compartmentalize” —

A related approach might be to create some sort of hierarchy between the two. Some might say that “family comes first” (which is correct, when it comes to priorities) and push the diaconate back to something he does “only at church on Sunday” or “in his spare time.”

Or, perhaps the

husband wants to maximize his service to the church. He may be recently retired or otherwise motivated to give more time to an array of activities at the parish. However, if the reality or even perception is that his marriage must take a back seat to church ministry, his family life will suffer greatly.

So how does the married permanent deacon balance these two vocations so that it doesn’t become a zerosum game? Is it even possible to do this?

I think the mind of the church, borne out in practice by many effective, happy deacons, is that they

Parents are the secret weapon in education

CEF CENTERED

VINCENT ANCH

disciplinary issues, better learning environments and spiritual growth were common themes.

The public school representatives included a teachers’ union, an organization

representing superintendents and a professor from an out-ofstate public university. Their comments were more about funding and budgets than success in learning.

So what is the secret to Catholic schools’ success? Of course, there are many answers to this question, including having Jesus in our classrooms. One

aspect that doesn’t get mentioned very often is parent engagement. Parents’ engagement with their children’s education is extremely impactful in helping students learn and succeed.

Numerous studies have proved that when parents engage in their children’s education, student success is better than it is for children with little to no parent engagement. Strong, stable and engaged families create an invaluable atmosphere for learning at all age levels, but especially for younger students. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children” (2223).

The National Catholic Education Association

(NCEA) states that“Catholic schools have continued the legacy that has characterized Catholic education: academic excellence, a strong partnership with parents, a sense of community and a faith-filled education for students.”

A strong partnership with parents should be highlighted. What does that look like? Setting high expectations for children helps create a pathway for continued student success. Visiting museums, historical sites and going on field trips with children also enhances learning and makes it fun.

Setting up daily routines for students for homework, family dinners, play time and bedtime are important. Creating a dedicated

must integrate rather than compartmentalize the two vocations. The man is a deacon even when he’s at home with a sick kid or celebrating an anniversary with his wife; he is a married man even when he’s proclaiming the Gospel at Mass.

The diaconate is not about overextending the married man. Instead, it brings about a new deepening of his life in Christ, empowering him to give more fully of himself to family, friends, co-workers and parish as part of a beautiful, integrated life —in docility and obedience to the Holy Spirit.

learning space in the home that is quiet and organized with good lighting improves concentration and learning.

Helping with homework creates strong bonds and shows children that parents are their partners in learning. Offering praise not just for good grades but also for completing challenging assignments provides valuable encouragement.

Showing our youth that we appreciate their hard work is a powerful learning tool in itself.

Jesus received amazing parental support in his education. Our school families emulate the Holy Family and that is a key reason for success in our Catholic schools.

LIBBY DUPONT

Libby DuPont is a consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life.

LEON SUPRENANT Leon Suprenant is the co-director of the archdiocesan office of the permanent diaconate. He may be reached at: leons@archkck.org.

Vince Anch is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation.

KCK parish opens Hispanic marriage event to all

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — What better for a marriage enrichment event than the week containing St. Valentine’s Day?

The Week for Your Marriage, an event specifically designed for Hispanic married couples, was held each evening from Feb. 13-18 at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

It had been held as a parish event at Blessed Sacrament for the past two years. But associate pastor Father Fredy Hernán Pinzón Palacio wanted to open it up to any Spanish-speaking Catholic couple, said Karla Melgar, consultant in the archdiocesan office of adult evangelization.

It was sponsored by Blessed Sacrament Parish, the archdiocesan office of adult evangelization and the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life.

The format of the event was to open with a speaker, followed by a time of music and praise. There was a different speaker each night. On the last night, Father Fredy celebrated Mass and couples renewed their vows.

Sister Talya of the Poor of Jesus Christ spoke on Monday night.

“I loved her message to couples that they were both body and soul, and how important it was to couples to love one another with body and soul,” said Libby DuPont, consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life.

“Couples should give each other hugs and kisses, and not shy away from physical affection. . . . [W]e should share spiritual intimacy as well, and pray for one another.”

DuPont said she was excited to have been involved in the event and she can’t wait for the archdiocese to extend more great marriage enrichment opportunities to the Spanish-speaking couples of the archdiocese.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

There were hugs and kisses all around as Hispanic couples renewed their vows on Feb. 13 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Kansas City, Kansas, as part of a special marriage event sponsored by Blessed Sacrament Parish, the archdiocesan office of adult evangelization and the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Sister Talya of the Poor of Jesus Christ spoke to couples on the opening night of the Week for Your Marriage event at Blessed Sacrament Church in Kansas City, Kansas.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Father Fredy Hernán Pinzón Palacio, associate pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, helps lead the marriage event there on Feb. 13-18.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

The six-night Week for Your Marriage event was filled with love and music. The event was open to Hispanic married couples from across the archdiocese.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Left, Karla Melgar, consultant in the archdiocesan office of adult evangelization, chats with a couple before the start of the Week for Your Marriage, an event specifically designed for Hispanic married couples.