Leaven 03-04-16

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 37, NO. 29 | MARCH 4, 2016

PHOTO BY JANA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Kansas City and Phoenix chorales took home a Grammy for the recording of Rachmaninoff’s “All-Night Vigil.” The piece was recorded at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas.

HOW SWEET THE SOUND

Grammy-winning piece recorded at the Cathedral of St. Peter

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

K

A N S A S CITY, Kan. — If you stumble upon the Cathedral of St. Peter here, you’re sure to notice its vast beauty and

rich artistic detail.

But would you notice its acoustics?

The Kansas City and Phoenix chorales did and, because of it, they took home a Grammy award on Feb. 15.

The award, Best Choral Performance, was granted to Charles Bruffy, conductor, (with Paul Davidson, Frank Fleschner, Toby Vaughn Kidd, Bryan Pinkall, Julia Scozzafava, Bryan Taylor and Joseph Warner (soloists); Kansas City Chorale and Phoenix Chorale (choruses)) for their recording of Rachmaninoff’s “AllNight Vigil.”

The achievement is a great honor for both the chorales and the Cathedral of St.

Peter, the venue in which the piece was recorded.

“I’ve known about the cathedral for a long time,” said Bruffy, artistic director of the Kansas City and Phoenix chorales.

“I used to teach at Donnelly College [in Kansas City, Kansas].”

This venue was the perfect fit, he said, because “we needed a special acoustic for this project — one that is a little more resonant than what we normally use. And we certainly found that in St. Peter’s.”

“The cathedral itself is a true gem here in the urban core,” said its rector Father Harry Schneider, who stated it was an honor to host the singers.

“Their voices are incredible,” he said.

“They are professional singers, and they’re just amazing persons. They were delightful to talk to.”

For chorale members, a venue like the Cathedral of St. Peter is a dream come true.

“The cathedral was the absolute perfect location for our recording,” said >> See “CATHEDRAL” on page 7

PHOTO BY JEN ROGERS

The Kansas City and Phoenix chorales worked for about 30 hours over a span of four days recording Rachmaninoff’s “All-Night Vigil.” The venue was the perfect fit, said Charles Bruffy, artistic director of the Kansas City and Phoenix chorales, because “we needed a special acoustic for this project — one that is a little more resonant than what we normally use.”

MARCH 4, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

M

2

Funerals confront us with what the ashes of Lent symbolize

y mother turned 93 just a little less than a month ago. She lives in an independent living apartment building for the elderly in St. Louis that is operated by the church. The apartment building is under the patronage of St. Joseph.

Mass is celebrated a couple of times a week and the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in a chapel.

My mother enjoys living there. She plays cards three nights a week with a different set of residents. I tell her the place is like a college dorm for older people.

Mom has lived there for more than 15 years.

Because for many of the residents, their next home is not in this world, but eternity, my mother says: “It is like living on death row. But it is a very nice death row.”

Father Paul Scalia, the son of deceased Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, gave a remarkable homily at his father’s funeral. He began the homily in this manner: “We are gathered here because of one man, known personally by many of us, known by reputation to even more.

A man loved by many, scorned by others. A man known for great controversy and for great compassion. That man, of course, was Jesus of Nazareth.

“It is he who we proclaim. Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, born of the Virgin Mary, crucified, buried, risen,

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN seated at the right hand of the Father. It is because of him, because of his life, death and resurrection that we do not mourn as those who have no hope, but in confidence we commend Antonin Scalia to the mercy of God.” Father Scalia urged his family and the other mourners to focus on yesterday, today and tomorrow. With regard to yesterday, it was a moment to give thanks.

Father Scalia noted how, in the week leading up to the funeral Mass, many recounted some of the wonderful and beautiful things his dad had done for them. However, the funeral Mass was a moment to remember all that God had done for his father.

Father Scalia observed that Jesus had suffered, died and rose for all of humanity. But at this moment, it was important to remember that Jesus did all of this for each of us individually. Jesus gave his life on Calvary for Antonin Scalia. Father Scalia re-

membered gratefully the new and eternal life his father had been given through the waters of baptism, the nourishment and strength his father received though the Eucharist, and the spiritual healing his dad experienced in the confessional.

Father Scalia urged the mourners in this present moment to pray for his father. He described his dad as a practicing Catholic, in the sense that he had not yet perfected his living of the Catholic faith. Father Scalia urged the funeral congregation: “Let us not show him a false love and allow our admiration to deprive him of our prayers.

We continue to show affection for him and do good for him by praying for him.”

Father Scalia quoted from a letter his father had written to a Presbyterian minister about the importance of proclaiming the truth of the Gospel at funeral services. Antonin Scalia had written: “Even when the deceased was an admirable person, indeed especially when the deceased was an admirable person, praise

for his virtue can cause us to forget that we are praying for and giving thanks for God’s inexplicable mercy to a sinner.”

As a funeral homilist, I have experienced the challenge of maintaining a delicate balance. On one hand, the funeral homily is a privileged opportunity to remind family and friends of how God’s light shone through the life of their deceased loved one. It is a moment to exhort mourners to imitate the virtues and life of faith lived by the deceased.

At the same time, it is important not to attempt to canonize the dearly departed. We do not believe that this life is about self-perfection, but rather an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ and his merciful love. It is an injustice to the dead to pretend they do not need our prayers.

One of the spiritual works of mercy is to pray both for the living and the dead.

Every funeral also is an opportunity for mourners to think about the future, about their own eternal destiny.

Father Scalia expressed it this way: “Every funeral reminds us of just how thin the veil is between this world and the next, between time and eternity, between the opportunity for conversion and the moment of judgment.”

The death of a loved one is a moment when conversions or deeper conversions can and do occur. Funerals are events that confront us with the reality of what the ashes with which we began Lent symbolize:

CALENDAR

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN

March 10 Confirmation — Church of the Nativity, Leawood

March 5 Anointing Mass — Curé of Ars, Leawood

March 11-12 Conception Seminary board meeting

Pastoral visit — Sacred Heart, Tonganoxie

March 13 Baptism of third or more child — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas

March 6 Pastoral visit — Annunciation, Baldwin City Faith and Family Sunday for Missouri Mavericks hockey team — Independence, Missouri March 7 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Pro-Life Committee meeting — Washington, D.C. USCCB Priorities and Plans meeting — Washington, D.C. March 8 USCCB Administrative Committee meeting — Washington, D.C. March 9 USCCB Administrative Committee meeting — Washington, D.C.

namely, the world as we know it is passing away.

In a sense, we all live on death row. This world is not the final destination for any of us and we are fools if we live as if it were. For the Christian, we need not fear death and we can and should enjoy our own death row. Meditating on the reality of our own death for the disciple of Jesus is not a morose activity, but it is a reality check that motivates us to live with greater intensity and make wiser choices in the present moment.

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

March 14 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER March 6 Confirmation — St. Ann, Prairie Village March 7-9 Labor Review Board — New York City March 10 Confirmation — Holy Cross, Overland Park March 12 Marriage prep meeting March 13 Penance service — Curé of Ars, Leawood

During this Lenten season, let us give thanks for the gift of our Catholic faith and the hope it permits us.

Let us during these final weeks of Lent seek to deepen our own ongoing conversion. Let us live in this world striving to follow Jesus as faithfully as possible by being instruments of his love for others.

May we never take for granted or cease to give thanks for Our Lord’s victory of life in which we are privileged through his grace to share!

MARCH 4, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

3

rite where i belong

Visit to a shrine leads Topekan to the Catholic faith

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

T

OPEKA — It started with a personal invitation.

Well, to be more precise, Michele Leonard’s journey to the Catholic Church started with a visit to a shrine in Hubertus, Wisconsin, nearly 20 years ago. But that’s getting ahead of the story.

Leonard was one of many catechumens and candidates to participate in the Rite of Election at St. Matthew Church in southeast Topeka on Feb. 21. Usually celebrated around the First and Second Sundays of Lent, the rite is one in which those wishing to be received into the Catholic faith — both those who have been baptized into other Christian traditions (candidates) and those who have not yet been baptized (catechumens) — stand in the presence of their sponsors, the archdiocesan faith community and the archbishop to express their desire to enter into the full sacramental life of the church.

Two other celebrations were held previously on Feb. 14 and 16 at Holy Angels Church in Basehor and Holy Trinity Church in Lenexa, respectively.

This year, Michael Podrebarac, director of the archdiocesan office for liturgy and sacramental life, said, 195 catechumens and about twice that number of candidates will be received into the Catholic faith throughout the archdiocese during the Easter Vigil. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann served as the main celebrant at each of the celebrations.

During his homily, the archbishop discussed the role other people play in a person’s faith journey, as well as the courage it takes to answer the call of Jesus and the singular importance of a relationship with Christ.

“There’s only one thing that endures, and that is our relationship with God,” said Archbishop Naumann as he thanked the many pastors, catechists, family members and friends who helped the catechumens and candidates somewhere along their path to the Catholic faith.

For Leonard, it was a friend who came along at just the right time.

In 1996, she was living in Wisconsin where she’d grown up. As a child and young adult, she had attended other Christian churches, including a Methodist church, the Church of Christ and the Disciples of Christ.

Yet none of them seemed to satisfy her spiritually.

“I needed more,” she said. “I didn’t feel like I was getting the instruction I needed.”

One day, she visited Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, in Hubertus, a shrine known as the site of many miraculous healings.

That visit forever changed her life.

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

Catechumen Michele Leonard, above, signs the Book of the Elect during the Rite of Election celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on Feb. 21 at St. Matthew Church in southeast Topeka. Leonard is taking instruction at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Topeka. Sponsor Cynthia Camacho stands in support behind Leonard.

Catechumen Michael Phillips, left, signs the Book of the Elect. His sponsor, Kirby Plankinton, stands behind him as Father Tim Haberkorn, pastor of Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish in Topeka, looks on.

“I felt the presence of God there,” she said. Spending time in prayer at the chapel there only added to her awareness of God’s physical presence.

“I never forgot it,” she said.

Because the shrine was so close to her home, Leonard starting making regular visits there and was always touched by the tangible signs of hundreds of canes, crutches and walkers left behind by those healed — and by the eucharistic presence of Jesus.

“I realized I wanted to be a Catholic,” Leonard said. But she didn’t know she could ever become one.

“I thought you had to be born Catholic,”

she said.

As her attraction to the faith grew, and especially as she made more visits to the shrine, Leonard often expressed her desire to become Catholic to friends, some of whom were Catholic. But no one ever told her how to become Catholic.

“I guess I didn’t have the courage to ask a priest,” she said, “and no one took that next step with me.”

That is, until Leonard met Cynthia Camacho, a co-worker who happened to be a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Topeka. The two work together as occupational therapists and, over time,

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

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they became friends. When Leonard talked about her heart’s desire, Camacho did what came naturally to her. She invited Leonard to the Rite of Christian Initiation program at the parish.

“She sets an excellent example,” Leonard said of Camacho, who is now serving as her sponsor, emphasizing that God sent her the best friend and sponsor she could have ever asked for.

Whereas previously no one had extended a personal invitation to become Catholic, Camacho reached out her hand and is walking with her every step of the way.

For Leonard, the actual Rite of Election itself meant the world to her, and she looks forward to the day when she will finally be baptized, confirmed and make her first Communion.

“This is where I want to be,” she said, “where I am supposed to be and where I need to be.

“My heart’s desire is to follow Christ.”

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

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MARCH 4, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Conversion led to volunteerism, and then beyond >> Continued from page 16

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Edward Sri, a nationally known theologian, speaker and author, was one of the main speakers at Men Under Construction 20, held on Feb. 13 at the Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. For 20 years, the annual men’s one-day Lenten retreat has drawn hundreds of men from across the archdiocese and out of state. In his presentation, Sri listed four ways men can live out the jubilee Year of Mercy.

Men’s conference celebrates 20-year run

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

O

VERLAND PARK — In the beginning, there were just six Catholic men and one priest. They traveled from Kansas to Minneapolis in 1995 to take part in a phenomenon sweeping the nation — the Promise Keepers movement.

After the big stadium rally, the men from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas gathered in a hotel room for a Mass celebrated by Father Tom Tank.

As great as it was to join throngs of enthusiastic evangelicals in praising Jesus, something was missing: the sacraments, especially Jesus present in the Eucharist.

Then and there, they resolved to create something just as dynamic as Promise Keepers for Catholic men.

Fast-forward 20 years.

That “something” that handful of men built is called Men Under Construction. The annual men’s Lenten conference has become the largest ongoing special event in the archdiocese.

The first MUC, held at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas, on March 8, 1997, drew approximately 400 men. MUC 20, held on Feb. 13 at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, drew between 1,100-1,200 men, announced Dan Spencer, one of the organizers.

“This is number 20,” said Jim Kafka, one of the MUC founders. “You might be interested to know that there are 70 Catholic men’s conferences going on around the country this year. We were among the first three or four. I thank all you guys for being here and continuing this 20-year [movement].”

The annual one-day conference is sponsored by the Kansas City Catholic Men’s Fellowship. It draws participants from all over Kansas and other states.

know, learn, find out all she could that pertained to the Catholic faith.

“You just don’t see this every day when dealing with those who desire to convert to the Catholic faith.”

Because of this earlier connection, Father Wait was quick to mention to Orndorff a job opening at the retreat center in public relations.

“She was so charismatic that I also asked that she become the chair of our Associate members that meet monthly here at Sanctuary of Hope and do much to support our programs and the work that is needed here,” said Father Wait. “She agreed to do both as a volunteer. She came here on the off hours, when she wasn’t working as the office manager with Access Sales.”

Orndorff’s faith life inspired others, including Father Wait.

“She brings with her practical truths, along with an ardent desire to do whatever God asks of her, and now whatever Our Lady asks of her,” added Father Wait.

It is because of that desire to do God’s bidding that Orndorff has traveled to Israel again and visited numerous shrines across Europe, including Turin, Assisi, Rome, Norcia, San Giovanni Rotundo, Lourdes, Almudena, Zaragoza and Fatima, to name just a few. She has also visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City — all despite the fact she doesn’t like to travel or be in large crowds.

It is also because of God’s bidding that she has now left Sanctuary of Hope and headed out on the next leg of her faith journey — the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio — where she will study theology.

Sister Ann Zager, OSB

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher paid tribute to his former vicar general Msgr. Tom Tank (in background, left). Later, one of the MUC founders Jim Kafka (seated next to Msgr. Tank), presented Msgr. Tank with a vintage yellow MUC construction hardhat.

Midpoint during MUC 20, time was set aside for “Founders’ Recognition.”

The first to be honored was Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher. “[Twenty years ago,] we promised Archbishop Keleher that we’d be faithful to what we hoped to do at that time,” said Spencer. “So, Archbishop Keleher, we want to say particularly ‘thank you’ for your leadership, your guidance, your approval and your masculinity. We are proud to have had you as our archbishop.”

Archbishop Keleher was presented with $700 gift card so he can buy rosaries to distribute to prisoners as part of his ministry to the incarcerated.

For his part, Archbishop Keleher praised Msgr. Tom Tank as his “right hand” in helping him lead the archdiocese during his tenure.

Spencer almost choked up when introducing Msgr. Tank.

“I can’t even get through this introduction,” said Spencer. “We love

him.”

As a token of appreciation, Msgr.

Tank was given an icon and later a yellow MUC hardhat.

In his remarks, Msgr. Tank recalled the origins of MUC and why it remains relevant. It has a double focus, he said. One part is men’s need to reconstruct themselves, to renew their own lives and to grow in virtue.

The second part — and the real challenge — is to transform the culture.

Among others who were called forward to be recognized as founders were Kafka, Rick Enna, Jody Sheehan, George Steinberger, Bruce Gish, Frank Boos and Monte Smith. Paul Welsh, who died in 2013, was also recognized.

This year’s MUC featured Jeff Cavins, Dr. Ted Sri, Devin Schadt, Michael McGlinn and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. Interestingly, Cavins was a keynote speaker at Men Under Construction 2 in 1998.

ATCHISON — Sister Ann Zager, 100, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died Feb. 24 at the monastery.

Sister Ann was born in Kansas City, Kansas, to Blasé and Gertrude (Stimec) Zager on April 23, 1915.

After graduating from Mount St. Scholastica Academy in Atchison, she entered the Benedictine community in 1939 and made her monastic profession in 1941. For 32 years, she taught in parish schools in Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and Colorado.

In 1974, she began working in the library and the English as a Second Language program at Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas. Later, she assisted with services to the aging in Kansas City, Kansas, and tutored in the GED program at Donnelly. She observed her 70th anniversary of monastic profession in 2011.

Sister Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers — Joseph, Anthony, Peter, Frank, Louis, John and Fred; and her sister Mary Skovich. She is survived by her sister Frances McMahon of Kansas City, Kansas.

MARCH 4, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

5

Pope commissions ‘missionary of mercy’ for archdiocese

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “WOW!!! What a powerful day!” read the entry on Father Joseph Arsenault’s Facebook page on Feb. 9.

He had good reason to be so enthusiastic.

Father Joseph and about 750 of his brother priests were in Rome to meet Pope Francis and prepare for their commissioning as “missionaries of mercy” for the jubilee Year of Mercy on Feb. 10, Ash Wednesday.

On Feb. 9, the priests proFather Joseph cessed from Castel Arsenault, SSA Sant’Angelo to St. Peter’s Basilica, where they entered through the Holy Door.

Inside the basilica, they venerated the relics of St. Padre Pio and St. Leopold Mandic, two famous Capuchin confessors. They also met with Pope Francis in the Apostolic Palace.

“It was a wonderful encounter with the Holy Father,” said Father Joseph.

“He spoke very passionately about extending God’s mercy. And really, as he tends to do, spoke from his heart about how important this was and he wanted us to be real agents of God’s mercy to the church.”

On Ash Wednesday, the missionaries of mercy concelebrated Mass with Pope Francis.

When Pope Francis surprised the world by proclaiming a jubilee Year of

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

The priests commissioned as “missionaries of mercy” for the Holy Year attend Pope Francis’ celebration of Ash Wednesday Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Feb. 10.

Mercy, he added to the surprise by announcing that he would appoint missionaries of mercy in countries around the world.

Although 750 of the missionaries were in Rome for the commissioning, there are 1,142 scattered throughout the world.

These missionaries of mercy are commissioned to do two things.

The first is that they both preach and teach about God’s mercy, especially through the sacrament of reconciliation. The second is that they have been given special faculties to pardon sins reserved to the Holy See. These sins are “reserved” because the penalty of excommunication is attached to them. Lifting the penal-

ty normally requires that a confessor contact Rome and then receive a ruling regarding a penance, before granting absolution.

The letter of commissioning that the missionaries of mercy received lists four reserved sins: 1) profaning the Eucharist; 2) use of physical force against the pope; 3) absolution of an accomplice in a sin against the sixth commandment (“You shall not commit adultery”); and 4) a direct violation against the sacramental seal by a confessor.

Father Joseph is the only missionary of mercy in the archdiocese.

“In my time as a missionary of mercy, if I encounter someone with one of these sins, it will be a surprise

because they are so uncommon,” said Father Joseph.

“But in [commissioning us], the Holy Father is making the point very strongly that there is nothing that you could have done that is beyond the mercy of God,” he continued. “And these men have the ability to forgive anything you have done.”

This is the real genius of Pope Francis, according to Father Joseph. Many Catholics have inhibitions and mistaken ideas about the sacrament of reconciliation. Some might think that they can’t be forgiven.

“It is not only extending that mercy to those who think they are beyond the forgiveness of God, but it is also an opportunity for people to recognize that they need mercy, that they are indeed sinners,” said Father Joseph. “We live in a world that wants us to believe that we don’t sin. Sure, we might make mistakes here and there but, even then, it’s really not a bad thing.”

“We live in a world that wants us to believe sin is uncommon — and it’s not, if we believe the words of Jesus,” he continued. “It’s very real in our world. If we don’t acknowledge the sin, we don’t acknowledge the need for mercy. So, this is an opportunity to grow in awareness of our own sinfulness by seeing how great God’s mercy is.”

Father Joseph will be available for the sacrament of reconciliation at various locations, especially St. Peter Cathedral in Kansas City, Kansas. He has also been invited to participate in two parish missions.

“I’m available for retreats and days of recollection,” said Father Joseph. “If I’m invited and available, I’ll go.”

‘Feminine genius’ to be explored at upcoming women’s event

By Carolyn Kaberline Special to The Leaven

O

VERLAND PARK — Courage, joy and living out the “feminine genius” as Christians will be the focus of this year’s Living in Truth women’s conference on April 9 at the Church of the Ascension here.

This is the second year for the conference, which began with a conversation between Linda Spencer and Kathy Jennison, both parishioners of Church of the Ascension.

“Kathy and I met at my daughter’s wedding shower,” said Spencer, co-chair of the Living in Truth conference. “We had both mentioned that we thought it would be nice to have a women’s conference like the men have every year. We looked at each other and said, ‘Do you want to do it together?’”

“So we prayerfully considered women to ask to work in a certain area, such as marketing,” continued Spencer, “and we put together a team of women to help

put on the event. Working with this team of dedicated women has been an incredible blessing in itself. They have true servants’ hearts.”

“We wanted women to be able to experience the truth of the church and pass on its fullness to their children and grandchildren,” said Jennison, co-chair of the event with Spencer. “It is so great for women to come together as a community to represent the feminine side of the church.”

Last year’s inaugural conference saw more than 1,200 women in attendance.

Because of that response, the event has become annual, with this year’s conference scheduled for April 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Church of the Ascension.

“Kathy and I were the emcees last year and will be again this year,” said Spencer, adding that those who attended last year ranged in age from 16 to 90.

“My hope is to keep it growing,” said Jennison, adding that this year’s conference will feature two dynamic and nationally known speakers, Danielle Bean and Kelly Wahlquist.

Wahlquist, the assistant director for the Archbishop Harry J. Flynn Catechetical Institute of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and founder of Women in the New Evangelization (WINE), will address the topic of living one’s faith with courage and joy in a troubled world. Bean, who is the publisher and editor of Catholic Digest magazine as well as creator and host of “The Gist,” a weekly Catholic women’s television talk show, will speak on the healing power of God’s mercy and how the act of giving and seeking forgiveness can heal relationships.

“I think the attendees will leave this conference encouraged to live out their lives as faithful Catholic women and with a desire to know Jesus deeper and to want to follow him closer so to live out what St. John Paul II called our ‘feminine genius,’” Spencer said.

Jennison elaborated by saying she hoped those attending the conference would take away three things: the knowledge that they are given total mercy and forgiveness by God; that they, as women,

are worthy of God’s forgiveness and can learn to forgive others as Jesus has forgiven them; and that they have a chance to make the church stronger through their worship together and to soften the hearts of the secular community to come to know the truth of Jesus Christ.”

“Women there will be able to learn from each other and share and celebrate their faith,” said Jennison.

In addition to the speakers, attendees will have the opportunity to attend Mass together and will be furnished a light continental breakfast. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet the speakers and purchase their works.

The deadline for registration is March 13 for the early bird price of $25; after that date, the fee is $30. More information can be found on the conference’s website at: www.livingintruthkc.com Those desiring to attend can register online or by mailing the registration fee to Living in Truth Conference, c/o Shannon Gomez, 12912 Stearns, Overland Park, KS 66213.

Pilgrimage to Scotland and England

J

September 12 – 21, 2016

oin Father Ernie Davis and Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church seeking saints and martyrs, great and small. Visit shrines, great cathedrals and castles from Edinburgh and Lindisfarne Island to the great city of London. Daily Mass. $4186 from KCMO. For a brochure email office.olohopekc@gmail.com or call Fr. Ernie Davis 816-729-6776.

MARCH 4, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS J.C. and Barbara (Knapp) Lynch, members of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Lawrence, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on March 12.

The couple was married on March 12, 1966, at St. Joseph Church in Yates Center.

In celebration of their anniversary, the couple is planning a summer trip. Their children are: Marcia Wood, Diane Smith and Kevin Lynch. They also have seven grandchildren.

Father Chester Smith to lead revivals March 12-14 KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Father Chester Smith, SVD, will lead a revival March 12-14 at three parishes here.

Christ the King, 3024 N. 53rd, Kansas City, Kansas, will kick the revival off with a 4 p.m. Mass on March 12, followed by a potluck dinner in Davern Hall. There will also be a Mass at 9:30 a.m. March 13 with Father Smith there.

Blessed Sacrament, 2203 Parallel, Kansas City, Kansas, will host the revival at an 8 a.m. Mass on March 13.

Finally, Our Lady and St. Rose, 8th and Quindaro Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas, will finish things off with an 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. service on March 13. A closing service will be held at Our Lady on March 14 at 7 p.m.

Everyone is invited. For more information, call (913) 321-1958.

WEB EXCLUSIVE

Saint Mary to celebrate National Catholic Sisters Week

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EAVENWORTH — In observance of the second annual National Catholic Sisters Week across the United States, the University of Saint Mary and the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth will co-host special events March 14-18 to celebrate the religious community’s legacy of social justice.

The celebration begins at 11 a.m. on March 14 with lunch and the debut of an exhibit in De Paul Library on USM’s Leavenworth campus, located at 4100 S. 4th St. The display captures the Sisters’ impact and dedication to justice locally, nationally and globally. It traces the history of the Sisters of Charity — from the community’s roots in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul to its ministries of social justice following the Second Vatican Council. The exhibition is free and open to the public through March 20.

The public is also invited to join in the celebration with free events on both March 15 and March 16.

On March 15, the documentary, “Band of Sisters,” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. in

the O’Shea Conference Room in the motherhouse, located at 4200 S. 4th St. The film follows 12 nuns who played prominent roles in the great social movements following the Second Vatican Council.

On March 16, there will be a panel presentation at 6:30 p.m. in the Mead Hall Walnut Room on USM’s Leavenworth campus with four SCLs on “Social Justice in Action.” The Sisters will share their ministries and experiences working for justice on behalf of the voiceless. Panelists will include Sisters Therese Bangert, Cele Breen, Sheila Karpan and Vickie Perkins. A reception will follow.

The week will conclude with USM students, faculty and staff serving a free community meal alongside Sisters of Charity at St. Joseph Church, 306 N. Broadway, Leavenworth, on March 17. And on March 18, the Sisters will enjoy lunch and conversation with students in USM’s Saint Joseph Dining Hall.

For more information about events, contact Sister Rejane Cytacki, USM assistant campus minister, at (913) 758-6388.

CHURCH OF THE WEEK St. Columbkille, Blaine Address: 13311 Hwy. 16, 66480 Phone: (785) 292-4462 Pastor: Father Daniel Schmitz Mass time: Saturday, 6 p.m.

Website: http://annunciationfrankfort. org

Video

A video tour of this church is available online at: www.theleaven.org.

More photos of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.

You are Invited to Join Us at the Monthly

Holy Rosary Rallies of Kansas City In Honor of Our Lady of Fatima In reparation for sins to help restore God’s peace to the hearts of mankind We meet one Sunday each month from 3 to 4:15 pm at a parish in the Greater Kansas City Area to pray the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary followed by Benediction and the opportunity for attendees to enroll in the Brown Scapular.

Spring/Summer 2016 Schedule * March 13 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST 708 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas, 66101

June 12 ORATORY OF OLD ST. PATRICK 806 Cherry, Kansas City, MO 64106

April 10 OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP (Redemptorist) 3333 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111

July 17 ST. PIUS X PARISH 5601 Woodson Ave., Mission, KS 66202

May 8 CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, KS 66213

August 14 HOLY FAMILY PARISH 274 Orchard, Kansas City, KS 66101

* Please check our website two weeks prior to each Holy Rosary Rally to confirm location/date

Please visit our website to join our mailing list and receive monthly reminders and any updates on our schedule: www.rosaryrallieskc.org

6

MARCH 4, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

7

Cathedral hosts Grammy winners >> Continued from page 1

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Bryan Pinkall, a tenor in the Kansas City Chorale.

“We needed a large space for our large sound, and the beautiful interior only put us into a more reverent mindset as we tackled this orthodox liturgy,” he continued.

Father Schneider noted that the singers worked about 30 hours over a span of four days, carefully avoiding any of the regular Mass and confession hours.

Bruffy and his team were grateful for the warm welcome they received from the parish.

“The people were so nice and generous, helpful and hospitable,” said Bruffy.

“They were the perfect hosts for us.”

The minimal amount of noise in and around the cathedral was also an added benefit for this project.

“The neighbors were kind about not mowing their lawns, playing their loud music and honking their horns,” said Bruffy.

“Because you can be in the middle of magic, and then somebody will drive by, honking their horn, and then you have to just quit and start all over again,” he continued. “So the community around the church was also really nice.”

Despite the extra caution that must be taken when recording in a church, Pinkall noted it’s the most preferable venue for this type of music.

“The architecture transports us and [our] audience into a more artistic and solemn place,” he said. “The way the

sound echoes and fills the sanctuary only enhances the type of music that we do, whether it is religious or sacred.”

Pinkall, an assistant professor of music for the School of Music, Theatre and Dance at Kansas State University, is no stranger to success.

Despite all of his achievements, he noted that this one is special.

“We feel extra grateful because the quality of our competition was superb,” he said.

“Rachmaninoff’s ‘Vespers’ is such a famous piece of music, and we wanted to be as proficient and loving as we could,” he said.

Bruffy agreed, remarking that when the piece was recorded and released, it was the 35th recording to be made of the “All-Night Vigil.”

“So, there were already several standards set by many of our conducting heroes,” he said.

The high standards made winning a Grammy even sweeter.

For Father Schneider and his parish, “it was a real privilege.”

“Here at the cathedral, we’re really proud of the fact that we participated,” he said, “that we were in a sense part of their winning a Grammy, because of the place where it was recorded.

“This is a gorgeous, spectacular religious piece, so we’re just proud to be a part of it.”

To hear part of the Grammy-winning “All-Night Vigil” performed by the Kansas City and Phoenix chorales, go online to: youtube.com/watch?v=4fm1nYApgCk.

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ALL F.I.R.E’d UP Outdoor men’s retreat challenges participants physically, spiritually STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOE BOLLIG

W

Men on fire

ILLIAMSBURG — Don’t look down.

Stand up straight Now in its second year, F.I.R.E. began and look out to as a small group of men from Prince of the horizon. Don’t Peace Parish who had been through the try to climb down.

Christ Renews His Parish program.

Just leap out — and trust the guys on the The retreat was awesome — and got ground holding the safety ropes. them fired up, according to Tony Collins, “You’ll never be trapped up there,” said one of the F.I.R.E. organizers. But what Greg Wellnitz, director of the archdiocesan could they do for an encore?

Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg. “We Slowly, after getting together to drink always find a way to bring you down safely.” coffee and talk with each other many Wellnitz wrapped up his instructions times, their informal group began to gel. to the small group They began to of men by leading call themselves them in prayer. a “council,” and The Power Pole brainstormed ideas was the first acfor the kind of retivity for a group treat they wanted: of men attending something in the the annual F.I.R.E. outdoors, with chalmen’s retreat on lenging physical acFeb. 20-21. tivities and deeply This particular rooted in Catholic feat of derring-do spirituality. Somerequired two men thing that appealed to climb a 25-foot to masculine sensitelephone pole, bilities. stand on a small Eventually, they platform and simulbuilt their own retaneously leap out treat program from to catch a trapeze scratch and called it bar.

Afterward, F.I.R.E., an acronym they’d be gently for “Fellowship, Inlowered to the spire, Renew and ground.

Engage.”

It was something The first F.I.R.E. more than a little retreat drew 50 out of the comfort men, but this year zone of the major- Participants in the F.I.R.E. retreat find crosses there were 100. ity, but a surprising at the “Healing Tree.” After planting a tulip bulb Not only did the number were game carried during the rosary hike, each participant program grow in picked a Scripture passage off the tree to read attendance, but it for the effort.

First to volun- and meditate on. evolved, offering teer were Chad new activities and Babcock from Prince of Peace Parish in greater spiritual richness.

Olathe and Russ Engel from Church of the The day began with an opening sesAscension Parish in Overland Park. sion, which featured praise music led The first guy would have to help the

by Mikey Needleman, followed by short second guy up so they could both stand on talks and the “Call to Battle” video prothe platform. duced by the Diocese of Phoenix.

“There’s not much space up there, so The video set the tone for the weekyou’re going to have to get really close to end with its themes of masculinity, mareach other,” said Wellnitz. “It’s Philadelriage, sacrifice, faith, fatherhood and phia — brotherly love up there.” brotherhood.

The men on the ground yelled encourAfter the indoor welcoming session, agement and did a lot of “whoo-whoos” the men were divided into small groups. as Babcock and Engel both made it up on For most of the day and late into the the platform and then leapt off. Because of night, they spent their time outdoors. their height difference, Engel took the bar and Babcock flailed around like a piñata.

Later, on the ground, Engel checked his Each group was led by a F.I.R.E. guide mouth. responsible for getting his group to the “I chipped my teeth when I banged my various physical activities, leading disface against his helmet,” he said with a cussions and offering reflections. shrug. “I’ll call the dentist Monday.”

HEALING TREE

Bonding

LIFTOFF

Chris Elliott, a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Wichita, reaches down to help David Tout, a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, up and over the wall.

In addition to the Power Pole, the men did team-building exercises like helping each other over a wall, carrying a person through a rope “spider web” and inching across wire cables in tandem with an-

other man.

No man, however fit, could do any of these activities alone — and that was the point. Despite an abundance of “dad bods” and some physical disabilities, all

HIGH FLIERS

Chad Babcock (left) from Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe and Russ Engel from Ascension Parish in Overland Park make the “trapeze leap” from the Power Pole.

LASHING OUT

Griffin Karr, a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe (right), uses his lashing skills to make a branch framework for his groups banner. Ken King, also a member of Prince of Peace, who finished the other end, walked up to see how Karr was doing.

SYMBOLIC BURN

In a symbolic act of renunciation and repentance, the retreatants nailed their “man cards” to wooden beams that they earlier carried in imitation of Christ carrying the cross, burning them in the Saturday night large group bonfire.

Walk with me

FIRE STATIONS

Pausing during the torchlit Stations of the Cross are (from left) Dan Spencer III from Ascension Parish in Overland Park; Joe Fowler from Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe; Charles Gurera from Prince of Peace; and Father Nick Blaha, chaplain/director of the Didde Catholic Campus Center at Emporia State University. the men did the challenging tasks. It was “no man left behind.”

When the activities were over, the guides and men retired to their individual fire pit areas. They made torches for the night, banners and banner holders, and prepared their fire pit. They also held a “get to know you” circle and talked about why they were there.

“I really needed something to get my spiritual life back on track,” said David Tout, a member of Prince of Peace

Parish. “I just felt a calling to come here.”

Pat Coyle, also a member of Prince of Peace Parish, had gone through Christ Renews His Parish and was eager to try out F.I.R.E. “For me, it’s about keeping my faith alive, keeping it in the forefront of my life and being around men of faith,” Coyle said. “I just want faith to be the focus of my relationships.”

For the most part, the men talked about their kids and their wives, and

their desire to be better husbands and fathers.

Many of them had been indifferent about their Catholic faith until lightning struck while they were attending a retreat or renewal program. These whetted their spiritual appetites.

“The cool thing is when a lot of us came here, we were strangers. But now, when you walk through the room, you have so many loving brothers,” said Tout. “We’ve become friends.”

Much of the afternoon was taken up by a long “Amazing Grace Rosary Walk” that took them up and down hills, through trees and around lakes.

They stopped at the final sorrowful mystery to nail “man cards” to wooden beams they carried while meditating on Christ carrying the cross. At the top of a hill, they left the beams in a large fire pit, visited the “Healing Tree” and then went to eucharistic adoration with lectio divina (scriptural meditation) led by Father Vince Huber, AVI. “The way F.I.R.E. did adoration — with the music and the priest involved sharing the word — added so much to it,” said Tout.

After supper, the men gathered in a large space called the “Hanger.” It was a time for some fun (a spirited dance off) and a serious talk about the spiritual and corporal works of mercy by surprise guest Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

When it was done, the men went on a torchlit Stations of the Cross and then to a reflection around a bonfire. The evening closed out with the sacrament of reconciliation — outdoors and under a full moon.

“I’ve been to many retreats before, but this has got to be one of the top retreats I’ve ever experienced,” said Tout. “I’d encourage my fellow men, my brothers, to seriously give it consideration. It really will change your life.”

In the coming months, the F.I.R.E. council will host a number of “Mercy Missions” where retreat participants will have opportunities to meet and do spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

NATION

MARCH 4, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

10

Extreme poverty grows since 1996 welfare reform law

By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service

L

ORAIN, Ohio (CNS) — Quinn Washington always considered herself a “worker bee.”

A single mother of six, Washington, 32, worked long hours to provide for her kids, taking on overtime most weeks at Invacare, a global health equipment manufacturer in neighboring Elyria. When she gave birth to her now 4-year-old son, she kept maternity leave to a minimum.

“Even though I was making good money, I didn’t want to appear to be too lazy,” she said. “So when I had my son I went straight back to work. That’s the way I am.”

Washington’s take home pay was around $900 a week, a good salary in this once booming industrial town on the shores of Lake Erie. She rented a nice home in a safe neighborhood, stayed involved with the kids and provided a few extras for her growing family.

Two years ago, it all came tumbling down. Washington was laid off. Within three months, unable to pay the rent, she and the kids found themselves living in the family van for a few days.

“I told my kids we were camping,” she laughed. “We would go off the turnpike in Amherst, where they have a truck area. We would go there to shower.”

In between short stints in the van and short-term jobs, the family would stay in shelters for the homeless. It was not ideal, Washington, said, but better than living on the street. After a while, Washington landed a minimum-wage factory job and the six moved into a motel in Elyria, staying there for about six months.

Cobbling together an existence has not been easy, Washington told Catholic News Service at the Cleveland Diocese’s Catholic Charities Family Center in downtown Lorain. There, staff recently assisted her with obtaining a Section 8 rental subsidy and applying for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

“The only motivation I have is my children,” she said of her family, now ranging in age from 8 months to 10 years old. “I need to make them dinner.

I need to put them to bed every day. I don’t want to be in a situation where I would lose legal custody.”

For much of the past two years, the Washington family had been living on little or no income, in what sociologists and policy experts define as extreme poverty. It’s what the World Bank defines as living on $2 a day or less per person.

The idea of extreme poverty seems foreign in the richest country on the planet. It’s a phenomena, however, that has been growing, particularly among families with children during the last 20 years, argue Kathryn J. Edin and H. Luke Shaefer, co-authors of “$2 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America.”

The U.S. poverty line for a family of three is about $17 per person per day.

Scholars consider deep poverty to be about $8.50 per person per day.

In the book, they deconstruct data gathered by the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Income and Program Participation, which they consider the best available source for identifying household participation in public programs and family incomes among the poor.

Using the survey’s figures from 1996

CNS PHOTO/WILLIAM RIETER

Quinn Washington’s family plays a board game Feb. 16 in their new home in Lorain, Ohio. The family lives at what is considered the extreme poverty level. After Washington lost her job in 2014, they faced months of surviving on virtually no income and having to sleep in the family vehicle, shelters and later a motel.

“

“WE DIDN’T REFORM WELFARE. WE ACTUALLY KILLED IT.” Kathryn J. Edin, co-author of “$2 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America”

to 2008, they estimate that the number of American households living in extreme poverty rose from 636,000 in 1996 to nearly 1.65 million in mid-2011, a 159 percent increase. That corresponds to an estimated 3.55 million children who lived in extreme poverty in a given month in mid-2011.

Edin, Bloomberg distinguished professor of sociology at Johns Hopkins University, and Shaefer, associate professor of social work and public policy at the University of Michigan, said the increase parallels the years since 1996, when the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act — known as welfare reform — was adopted. They contend that the prevalence of extreme poverty has risen sharply, especially among those most impacted by welfare reform.

Edin discussed the growth of extreme poverty in Washington during a program sponsored by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development at the annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in January.

Welfare reform ended the cash assistance that families received under the Aid to Families of Dependent Children program, which began in 1935 in the midst of the Great Depression. AFDC was replaced by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, which set time limits for recipients to receive aid

and implemented a work requirement.

In addition, recipients could access funds only through an electronic bank transfer card, limiting where they could purchase needed goods.

Under TANF, states have broad discretion to determine who is eligible for benefits and services. Edin and Shaefer suggest that because TANF is funded as a block grant, giving state officials reason to keep families off the rolls and allowing them to use the funds for other related programs.

Data from the Administration for Children and Families in the Department of Health and Human Services show that a bit more than 3 million people per month received TANF during fiscal year 2015. The U.S. Census Bureau recorded the poverty rate at 14.8 percent in 2014, the latest year for which data is available.

That contrasts with the 12.3 million people who received AFDC during a typical month in 1996, the last year of the program, when the poverty rate stood at 11 percent.

“We didn’t reform welfare. We actually killed it,” Edin told CNS. Dominican Sister Donna Markham, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, said that extreme poverty is “a lot bigger than we’ve ever really acknowledged.”

“We’re seeing an awful lot of people coming to us because they have nowhere to live, nothing to eat and they’re frightened,” she said.

Now, the agency is focusing its efforts on members of Congress as representatives prepare to consider the fiscal year 2017 budget. President Barack Obama’s budget proposal released early in February includes $100 million for the emergency food and shelter program, a $20 million reduction from current year funding.

As of Feb. 29, Republicans had yet to submit a budget proposal.

“We’re really concerned about it es-

pecially with the pending legislation,” Sister Donna said. “We’re hoping we can focus in to get representatives on both sides of the aisle to speak together and speak with us and talk about some of the potential cuts in the appropriations that would hurt people more.”

Edin said that while the number of people living in extreme poverty is up, many families like the Washingtons are not usually in such a dire situation permanently as they float in and out of the category depending on their circumstances. Still, the numbers are cause for concern, Edin said.

“We believe that a public policy that really violates American values ends up stigmatizing the poor and separating the poor from the rest of society,” she said. “That’s what TANF did.”

In their book, Edin and Shaefer suggest that it’s time to develop programs that would help lift people out of extreme poverty rather than simply meet basic needs. Such policies would incorporate the creation of better paying jobs that respond to family needs, promote families living on their own rather than crowding in with other family members or friends, and recognizing that a work requirement in order to receive public assistance does not fit every family’s situation.

With TANF benefits about to begin, a Section 8 housing subsidy in place and a work-at-home job underway, Washington and her family have escaped — for now — extreme poverty.

For that she is grateful. She knows, though, that their situation can change in a moment.

“This experience changed me,” Washington said. “I wasn’t a mean person, but I was oblivious to a lot that went on to homeless people, to whatever happens. Now I appreciate it because now I’m out of it. It helped me to have more compassion, more empathy for people because it’s not a good situation.”

WORLD

MARCH 4, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

11

For ‘Mercy Friday’ initiative, pope visits addicts at rehab center

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — In the second of his “Mercy Friday” gestures, Pope Francis spent two hours with a group of young adults at a Catholic-run residential drug rehabilitation center.

To the complete surprise of the 55 residents, Pope Francis showed up in his compact Ford Escort at the San Carlo Community Feb. 26 with just a driver.

Archbishop Rino Fisichella, organizer of the Vatican’s Year of Mercy events, arrived separately at the community outside of Rome near Castel Gandolfo.

“We were speechless when we saw the car with the pope enter our community where every day our young people fight their battle to return to life,” said Roberto Mineo, president of the Italian Solidarity Center, which runs the facility. “The pope, like a caring father, spent a long time with each person, listening to their stories and embracing them one by one. Some of the young people showed him photos of their families, their children, and the pope had a word of hope and a blessing for each of them.”

Using tiny photos of past and present community members, the residents had made a mosaic of Our Lady of Lujan, patroness of Argentina, and asked Pope Francis to sign it, which he did “with affection and friendship.”

Sitting in a large circle, Pope Francis asked the residents about their activities and learned that one of their therapeutic projects is learning how to cook.

“What is the best thing you make?” the pope asked. Their response was not reported by the few people present, but at break time, they shared with Pope Francis some of their cheese pizza, made from scratch.

In a press release, Archbishop Fisichella said Pope Francis chose the drug rehab center as a follow-up to his

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Pope Francis visits the San Carlo Community, a Catholic-run drug rehabilitation center on the outskirts of Rome near Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Feb. 26. The pope encouraged the 55 patients to trust God’s mercy to keep them strong.

“

“THE POPE, LIKE A CARING FATHER, SPENT A LONG TIME WITH EACH PERSON, LISTENING TO THEIR STORIES AND EMBRACING THEM ONE BY ONE.” Roberto Mineo, president of the Italian Solidarity Center visit to Mexico where he repeatedly denounced drug traffickers and urged Catholic pastors and parishioners to be close to all those who have fallen prey to drug addiction.

In one of his earliest Year of Mercy

events, in December, Pope Francis opened a “door of charity” at the main soup kitchen of the Rome diocesan Caritas. One Friday a month for the rest of the jubilee year, Pope Francis was to demonstrate personally the works of

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mercy. In January, he visited a home for the aged and a nearby facility caring for people in persistent vegetative states.

Reporters are not invited to accompany the pope and news of the events is not released until the pope already has arrived.

Also related to the Year of Mercy, an Italian group of physicians and nurses — Solidarity Medicine — opened a mobile health clinic for the poor and homeless under the colonnade at St. Peter’s Square Feb. 29. Working with the papal almoner’s office, which installed showers there and coordinates the weekly visit of barbers, the doctors and nurses will offer checkups and referrals for tests.

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

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

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

Pastoral minister - Church of the Nativity in Leawood is seeking a full-time pastoral minister. The ideal candidate should have theological formation, pastoral experience, leadership, organizational and administrative skills, and the ability to work successfully with a wide range of people. For a complete job description and instructions for submitting application online, visit the website at: www.kcnativity.org.

No phone calls.

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

Afternoon teachers - Prince of Peace Early Education Center in Olathe is seeking afternoon teachers. There are openings in our 2-year-olds room and our school-age room from 2:30 - 6 p.m., M-F. Experience preferred for the 2-year-olds classroom; one year of experience in a child care center required for the school-age program.

We are looking for the right candidates to fill these positions and we offer a competitive hourly wage. Contact Amanda at (913) 829-2728.

Drivers needed - Medi Coach Transportation is looking for caring and reliable drivers for nonemergency transportation.

CDL is not required. Contact Jeff at (913) 825-1921.

Special education teacher - St. James Academy is seeking a faith-filled, certified special education teacher for the 20162017 school year. The ideal candidate would be a practicing Catholic with current knowledge and experience in special education who is excited to help build upon a growing program rooted in a Catholic worldview. Interested candidates should apply with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas at: www.archkck.org/schools/2015/schools7-teacher-application-page. Resumes and cover letters can be sent to principal Karla Leibham at: kleibham@sjakeepingfaith.org.

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

Drivers - Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans. Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas. Competitive wages and flexible schedules. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 262-3100 or apply online at: AssistedTransportation.com. EEO.

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

Landscape and irrigation design, Installation and maintenance.

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

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

Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting.

Hedge trimming, mulch, leaf removal.

Fully insured and free estimates.

John Rodman (913) 548-3002 Tree service - Certified arborist Chris Johnson at Tufts Tree Service performs all tree services, including restoration, pruning, training, removal and stump grinding. Fully licensed and insured. See Chris at: www.tuftstreeservice@gmail. com. Call Chris at (785) 218-1531.

Complete plumbing and bath - Master plumber; toilets, faucets, sump pumps, repairs and new installation. Bath remodeling, tile work and painting. Onyx bath collection; factory distributor. Member of Ascension Parish. Call Mike at (913) 488-4930.

Machine quilting - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken spring rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors and more.

Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902.

Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC; (913) 378-5872; www.Green SolutionsKC.com.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovation, tile and sheetrock.

If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Thank you for your continued support. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

Swalms Organizing - Downsizing - Clean Out Service – Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW.SWALMS ORGANIZING.COM. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391 Local handyman and lawn care – Water heaters, garbage disposals, toilets, faucets, painting, power washing, doors, storm doors, gutter cleaning, wood rot, mowing, carpet, roofing, etc. Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

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

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

The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

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

Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson County area. Call for a free quote at (913) 709-8401.

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

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

Power washing, fences, decks.

30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates.

Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling.

Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.

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

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

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

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Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days.

Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., (913) 962-5058.

Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

CAREGIVING Personalized care - Experienced, specializing in dementia, medication setup and activities of daily living. Excellent references. Contact Andrea at (913)548-1930.

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities.

We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

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

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

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

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

For sale - At Resurrection Cemetery, two easements in mausoleum. Contact A. Kelly at (913) 649-9691.

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

For sale - Mausoleum tandem burial crypt. Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa; Queen of Peace Mausoleum, corridor C, tier E, Crypt 107. Open and closing fee included. $11,360 market price; sale price $8500. Call (732) 221-2678 or (913) 897-1862.

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

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

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

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - 20 - 120 acres, tillable, wooded and/or pond, east of Tonganoxie, north/south of 24 Hwy. No realtors.

Call (269) 217-6579.

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

Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179.

St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid.

Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - Lionel trains. Call (913) 485-6700.

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

ROOMMATE Roommate wanted - Lady to share furnished two bedroom apartment near The Legends. Private BR and bath. Call (913) 745- 6674.

WANTED TO RENT Wanted to rent - Looking to rent a two bedroom home or duplex in Olathe. Parishioner of Ascension Church. Call Kathy at (913) 575-1567.

MARCH 4, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR YOUTH AND HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS REGISTRATION St. James Academy 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa March 4 - June 1

St. James Academy youth and high school summer sports camps are now open for registration. For a listing of all camps and registration information, visit the website at: sjakeepingfaith.org/summer-camps.

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

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

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

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

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

ST. JOSEPH TABLE AND PASTA DINNER St. Joseph Church (McDevitt Hall) 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee March 6. Viewing from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Lunch is sponsored by St. Mary’s Altar Society for a freewill offering. There will be spaghetti, a salad bar, garlic bread and a dessert bar.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA CORPORATE COMMUNION Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka March 6 at 8 a.m.

Following the Corporate Communion there will be a breakfast.

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

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

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

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

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

There will also be a country store and raffles.

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

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

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

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

KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP Holy Rosary - Wea 22779 Metcalf Rd., Bucyrus March 11 at 8 a.m.

A kindergarten roundup at Holy Rosary School in Wea begins at 8 a.m. on March 11.

For more information, call (913) 533-2562.

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

The enneagram can be a powerful spiritual tool for understanding one’s personality and

There will be corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread and homemade pies. There will also be a raffle for many exciting prizes. Music will be provided by the group Tullamore.

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

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

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is participating in a research project with Georgetown University’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate regarding the inclusion of persons with special needs into the life of the parish. There will be discussion about parish life, preparation for sacraments, identifying concerns, specifying needs and discussing possible solutions. There will be child care available. For more information or to register, please go online to: www.archkck.org and click on the Listening Event icon.

SPAGHETTI LUNCHEON St. Mary Church 1340 1st Ave. E., Horton March 6 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

relationships and for growing in compassion. For more information or to register, call (913) 360-6173 or visit the website at: www. sophiaspiritualitycenter.com.

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

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

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

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

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

MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars Parish 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood March 12 at 8 a.m.

After the memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones, there will be the monthly meeting of the bereavement ministry in the Father Burak Room.

The topic will be “Grief: Winter Into Spring.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

ST. PATRICK’S DINNER St. Patrick Church (Emerald) 33721 N.W. Crawford Rd., Williamsburg March 13 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The suggested donation for the meal is $10.

‘BAND OF SISTERS’ Sisters of Charity motherhouse (O’Shea Conference Room) 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth March 15 at 6:30 p.m.

This documentary follows 12 nuns who played prominent roles in the great social movements following the Second Vatican Council. Light refreshments will be served.

‘SOCIAL JUSTICE IN ACTION’ University of Saint Mary (Walnut Room) 4100 S. 4th St., Leavenworth March 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Four Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth will share their ministries and experiences working for justice and on behalf of those who are voiceless. A reception will follow.

POTLUCK DINNER Most Pure Heart of Mary (Formation Room) 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka March 17 from 5 - 7 p.m.

The Christian Widow and Widowers Organization will host a potluck dinner. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call (785) 272-0055.

HEALING MASS Curé of Ars (Father Burak Room) 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood March 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Father Tom Kearns will preside at a Mass for healing, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY The Strawberry Hill Museum 720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas March 19 from 8 - 11 a.m.

Kid and adults can visit with the Easter Bunny for free, or have their picture taken for $5. Breakfast is $10 for adults; $5 for kids; and ages 10 and under eat free. For more information, visit the website at: www.strawberryhillmuseum.org.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR CAREGIVERS (MEN AND WOMEN) Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Tuesdays from 1:30 - 3 p.m.

This group meets every week on Tuesdays. It is a support group for both men and women.

MARCH 4, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY FOURTH WEEK OF LENT March 6 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT Jos 5: 9a, 10-12 Ps 34: 2-7 2 Cor 5: 17-21 Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32 March 7 Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs Is 65: 17-21 Ps 30: 2, 4-6, 11-12a, 13b Jn 4: 43-54 March 8 John of God, religious Ez 47: 1-9, 12 Ps 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9 Jn 5: 1-16 March 9 Frances of Rome, religious Is 49: 8-15 Ps 145: 8-9, 13c-14, 17-18 Jn 5: 17-30 March 10 Thursday Ex 32: 7-14 Ps 106: 19-23 Jn 5: 31-47 March 11 Friday Wis 2: 1a, 12-22 Ps 34: 17-21, 23 Jn 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30 March 12 Saturday Jer 11: 18-20 Ps 7: 2-3, 9b-12 Jn 7: 40-53

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“H

Let’s see about a better world

e was a fumigator from Yon-

kers.”

Sadly, that’s the only line I still remember. It’s been about 44 years since I last spoke that sentence as part of a routine that I did as a “solo humorous interpretation” during forensics tournaments while I was in high school.

The skit involved an elderly woman commenting about life. The only prop I had was a pair of my grandma’s eyeglasses, which I perched on the tip of my nose.

The glasses were those old-fashioned type that were basically just a couple of lenses encircled by very thin wires that looped around your ears.

Whenever I think about my Grandma Modrcin, my mom’s mom, those glasses come to mind. She was very much like the woman in this story by Walter Buchanan: A little boy said to his playmate, “When I get older, I want to wear glasses just like Granny’s because she can see so much more than most

14

MARK MY WORDS

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

people. She can see the good in a person when everyone else sees a bad side. She can see what a person meant to do even if he or she didn’t do it.”

“One day,” he continued, “I asked her how she could see the good, and she said it was the way she learned to look at things as she got older.

And when I get older, I want a pair of glasses just like Granny’s so I can see the good, too!”

(Adapted from “Sower’s Seeds Aplenty,” by Brian Cavanaugh, TOR.)

Well, now that we’re midway through this season of Lent, what do things look like? Have you been praying a bit more and remaining faithful to fasting in order to grow in self-control? And with regard to almsgiving, have you become more generous with your money, possessions, talent or time?

In other words, when you look into the mirror now, can you see at least the faint glow of a halo shining back at you?

Yeah, me neither. My Lent so far has been “below average” at best. My intentions were really good; the follow-through, not so much.

But, thank God, there’s still plenty of time to climb back on the Lenten bandwagon and finish the

season on a strong note.

I’m scrapping some of my resolutions and heading back to two simple words that my friend, Jesuit Father Jim Martin, advised people to remember this Lent: Be kind.

To do that, he proposes three practical behaviors: 1. Don’t be a jerk. If you’re feeling stressed, tired or angry about something, don’t pass it on and make others miserable. “Fool” your bad mood by being encouraging and supportive to others, no matter how you actually feel, and focus on all of the things that have gone right in your day, rather than just dwelling on the negative.

2. Honor the absent.

Simply put, don’t gossip!

Idle talk is unhealthy to “gossipers” because it leads to tunnel vision (seeing only the flaws of another) and a hardened heart. It’s destructive to the “gossipees” who, when they find out — and they will — will feel hurt, betrayed and angry.

3. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Think the “best” of people and their actions, rather than the “worst.” Seek out the full story before drawing

any conclusions.

“Being kind may be harder to do than giving up chocolate,” writes Father Jim in the February edition of “Give Us This Day,” “but it’s a lot more helpful for your spiritual life — and for everyone else’s.”

My grandma practiced these three things.

Although she led a simple life, it was rich with generosity, compassion, love and tenderness. She was someone you enjoyed being around because she always could see the good. That’s why I still admire her many years after her death.

Can you imagine what our families would look like if we honored Father Jim’s three suggestions?

And if our parishes lived them, how attractive would we be to people who have no faith or are looking for a deeper meaning in life? And, to really dream: If our politicians treated one kindly, what sort of country would we have?

You know, I’m going to go digging for my grandma’s glasses. I need to put them on ASAP to see what a wonderful — and holy — world this can be . . . and already is.

In Luke’s three ‘lost’ parables, who is doing the finding?

W

hen one film or novel goes over well with the public, it often paves the way for a whole series to follow.

Think of the Harry Potter books, or “The Hunger Games” movies. People often want to build upon a proven success.

The Gospel of Luke also contains a series, but for a far different reason. It wishes to emphasize God’s mercy.

To illustrate that, the Gospel presents a trilogy of parables. We hear the third parable, sometimes called the parable of the prodigal son, as Sunday’s Gospel reading, Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32.

The two parables which precede Sunday’s Gospel reading are the parable of the lost sheep and the parable of the lost coin. Both parables make the point that the lost item has

POPE FRANCIS

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

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

been found.

The parable in Sunday’s Gospel reading, that of the prodigal son, is much longer than the other two, has more characters and is more complicated. The prodigal son has run away

For a Christian, talk is cheap; the faith requires concretely doing God’s will and serving the least as well as those around you, Pope Francis said at his morning Mass. “God is concrete” and so is the Christian life, he said Feb. 23 during the Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae.

from home and can be described as lost only in a figurative sense. And that is exactly what the father of the prodigal son does in speaking to the elder son: “Your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.”

The theme of “lost and found” links all three parables together.

The sinner is the lost sheep, the lost coin, the estranged or “lost” son.

When the sinner repents, they are like the lost sheep that the shepherd

has found, or like the lost coin that the housewife has found. That much is obvious. But we might ask: Who has found the prodigal son? The use of the passive voice does not make the identity of the agent clear.

Sometimes, people will use the passive voice in order to avoid taking responsibility for an action: “Mistakes were made.” Sometimes, people will use the passive voice in order to focus attention on the object of the action, rather than the agent. Sometimes, the agent is unknown.

The Scriptures sometimes use the passive voice in order to avoid the word “God” out of respect for God’s name.

This is called the “divine passive.” It shows that God is at work behind the scenes.

In the parable of the prodigal son, the father may think that he is the

Christianity isn’t a religion that’s all talk because “just talking leads us to vanity, to pretending to be Christian,” he said. The day’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew (23:1-12) describes Jesus telling the crowds and disciples to beware of the scribes and Pharisees, who have taken on the authority to teach but do not live as good role models.

“For they preach, but they do not practice,”

one who has found his estranged son. After all, when the father sees the son far off in the distance, he runs up to the son to embrace him.

The father receives him royally.

On the other hand, the prodigal son has made the decision to return. In a sense, he has found himself. The Gospel says as much: “Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father.’”

It sounds as though the son is doing the finding. But that is on the human level.

On the divine level, God’s grace is at work.

It is as in the hymn: “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost, but now am found.”

Jesus says. This kind of hypocrisy still exists, the pope said, according to Vatican Radio.

“How many times we meet people — including us, you know — so often in the church [who say,] ‘Oh, I am very Catholic!’”

But, the pope said, look at how they live their lives.

— CNS

MARCH 4, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

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Baseball camp uses sport to lead kids to Christ

hey say that this time of year, hope springs eternal.

As Catholics, we’re in the midst of a Lenten journey with the great hope of Easter just weeks away. The world follows suit as the weather begins to warm and signs of life emerge.

This reality extends to sports as well. As an avid baseball fan, I can almost hear the crack of the bat and smell the fresh-cut grass as another season gets underway this month.

Here in Kansas City, we’ve barely finished cleaning the confetti from streets of a dream season and yet another adven-

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he Catholic Church is full of grace and goodness, but somehow lots of young people struggle to deeply connect to Christ and the church.

Young people have tough questions, and they often do not accept even great answers. They want something better; they want to be immersed in the answer.

Camp Tekakwitha is an immersion into the Catholic faith that seeks to offer answers to the deepest questions that young people struggle with. Your kids and grandkids deserve to experience this gem of the archdiocese.

What is so great about Camp Tekakwitha? The horses, mountain boards, climbing wall, ropes course and “Wet Willy” giant water slide are great, but they are not

I

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t’s Rice Bowl time again . . . when families concretely practice almsgiving during Lent by collecting their coins and dollars for Catholic Relief Services.

But like a bad penny, some Internet groups have returned with allegations that were thoroughly countered by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops just last year.

It is sad in this Year of Mercy that Catholics would attack a charity that each year helps over 100 million people in over 100 countries in the poorest regions of the world.

While the criticisms of those who oppose CRS are too long to go

ture begins. It’s a time of year when anything seems possible, when we are reminded that we were born to hope — most certainly in God, but also in the smaller aspects of everyday life.

It’s against this backdrop that our CYO is thrilled to announce the return of one our favorite events. Mike Sweeney’s Catholic Baseball Camp returns to Kansas City this summer July 20-22.

Presented by our CYO, the camp is a beautiful experience of faith and sport for boys ages 8-15, an awesome opportunity to grow in faith and learn baseball from boyhood heroes and major league all-stars. Sweeney, who

THE SPORTS APOLOGIST

PETER J. PISCITELLO Peter J. Piscitello is the executive director of the archdiocesan Catholic Youth Organization. He can be reached at: pete@cyojwa.org.

leads the camp each day, calls it “using the greatest

game ever played to tell the greatest story ever told.”

Many of you remember Sweeney as the player who made five All-Star Games over 17 years with the Royals. A devout Catholic, this camp represents his vision to

share Christ through the medium of baseball, to celebrate the Catholic faith while providing baseball instruction and fun.

Each day begins with Mass, followed by a mix of tremendous speakers, baseball instruction and lots of fun. In the afternoon, there’s a rosary and confession on the fields. Praise and worship music mingles with the pop of baseballs in gloves and the joyous laughter of boys living a dream.

Camp participants also receive Royals tickets for a night at the stadium.

Personally, I’ve been blessed to visit every major league ballpark, attend three World

Series and an All-Star Game. But the Catholic Baseball Camp remains my favorite baseballrelated event I’ve experienced. I’ve never witnessed another sports event that has the power to lead children to Christ in just three days the way this camp does.

I would invite all of you to join us this summer.

You can register or learn more online at: www. catholicbaseballcamp. org. Space is limited, so register now.

I pray that each of you will have a fruitful Lent and blessed Easter season ahead. May hope spring eternal for each of our families . . . and perhaps also our teams!

Catholic super food: Camp Tekakwitha

the best part of camp.

The best part of Camp Tekakwitha is being surrounded by Spirit-filled staff and amazing campers. The Holy Spirit works in beautiful and unique ways at Camp Tekakwitha because the Holy Spirit is at the center of the Tekakwitha experience.

We listen to the voice of God through Scripture, nature, testimony and the sacraments. Campers are placed in cabins and given adventures that help them develop close friendships and a deeper faith in Christ.

Young people seek mentors and great friends. The college students that serve at Camp Tekakwitha are selected through a rigorous vetting, hiring and training process. They are remarkable role models; they are selected because of their great personalities and

SEEKIING CHRIST’S HEART

2016 Camp Tekakwitha Schedule Sr. High Max $400 June 13-18 Sr. High Extreme $470 July 29 - Aug. 6 High school entering 9-12th grade (Fall 2016) Junior High 1 $390 May 31 - June 5 Junior High 2 $390 June 20 - 25 Junior High 3 $390 June 27 - July 2 Junior High 4 $390 July 11 - 16 Junior High entering 7th/8th grade (Fall 2016) Registration opened Feb. 2.

DEACON DANA NEARMYER Deacon Dana Nearmyer is the lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth.

rich relationships with Jesus Christ.

Our campers come from wonderful families like yours. The incredible conversations and experiences that campers share create lifetime memories.

We hold Camp Tekakwitha at the beautiful Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg, amid its beautiful hills, lakes, creeks, treehouses and stunning nighttime stars. Prayer, deep spiritual activities and tremendously fun activities are hallmarks of Camp Tekakwitha.

Don’t take my word for it; ask around. See our photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out our many camp videos! You can

Kateri 1 $250 June 6 - 8 Kateri 2 $250 June 9 - 11 Kateri 3 $250 July 18 - 20 Kateri 4 $250 July 25 - 27 Kateri entering 5th/6th grade (Fall 2016)

Family Camp $125 July 22 - 24 Cost is per person for ages 2 years and older.

Under 2 years are free.

Registration for all camps is now open.

Register online at: www.archkck.org/camp.

see them on our Camp Tekakwitha Youtube channel. You can click on

the camp video link on our Web page.

Help CRS save lives in this season of sacrifice into here, they basically amount to this: guilt by association.

As our conscience becomes enlightened, there is much in the modern world which becomes, or ought to become, morally repugnant. While we are right to abhor things like abortion and coercive contraception, we must be careful as Christians when we are tempted to look for reasons to not practice the works of mercy.

CRS stands accused of violating Catholic moral teaching because they have collaborated with secular organizations that don’t share all of our Catholic values.

The church makes a distinction about remote, material and formal

DO UNTO OTHERS

BILL SCHOLL Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@ archkck.org.

cooperation with evil.

Without those distinctions, we could not pay taxes or even shop at

many stores. In Catholic teaching, there are ways to associate and work with sinners, without sharing in their sin.

Jesus, himself, models this.

CRS goes to the poorest areas of the world to help families lift themselves out of poverty: building wells, giving HIV

treatments and teaching sustainable agriculture.

To do this, they work with all kinds of groups.

However, every partnership is carefully vetted by the bishops, along with eight other watchdog groups to ensure that CRS maintains its Catholic integrity.

For Catholics who are tempted to spread criticism, we must be extra careful in this area of complaint — because CRS saves lives: It is important to remember the gravity of the situation.

Through CRS, the Catholic Church is building wells and feeding people.

If that doesn’t happen, some people will die.

This, too, is a pro-life issue. It is very easy for us to argue from a rich

nation about whether the church should partner with governments and groups that aren’t 100 percent pro-life.

Meanwhile, a mother suffers, watching her child die of dehydration.

The bishops monitor all partnerships to ensure the work is done ethically, but our first concern is helping people to live another day. Nobody will care how much we know until they know how much we care.

Do a work of mercy yourself: Encourage critics to go online to: CRS.org and/or contact the archdiocesan office for social justice to get all the facts. As well, give generously to the collection this year.

MARCH 4, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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CONVERSION BY PINTEREST

Social media site leads ‘dedicated Protestant’ to Catholicism

By Carolyn Kaberline Special to The Leaven

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harri Orndorff was called to convert to Catholicism in the most unlikely of places — Pinterest, a social media website.

After more than 40 years as a “dedicated Protestant” in the Lutheran, Baptist and evangelical churches, Orndorff wasn’t looking to convert when she stumbled across a post on Pinterest, which users refer to as a “pin.” She was just looking for “anything Christian to help restart and strengthen my relationship with God.” The pin was a quote from the Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, whose cause for canonization was opened in 2002: “Airplanes must have runways before they can fly. What the runway is to the airplane, the rosary beads are to prayer . . . the physical start to gain spiritual altitude.”

The words made sense to Orndorff, who for years had been seeking something in which to ground her faith. But as a Protestant, she was looking for something “not Catholic.”

So she turned to Anglican prayer beads.

Ironically, it is those Anglican beads that started her on a journey that led to where she is today.

The long and winding road Orndorff was baptized into the Lutheran Church and attended Sunday school classes until she was 13. At 14, she was “born again” in the Southern Baptist Church and, in 1974, discovered the Protestant branch of the charismatic movement. Shortly thereafter, she began attending the Full Faith Church of Love in Shawnee and even attended its in-house Bible College for a couple of years.

Though Orndorff had faith and a desire to learn about God and the Scriptures, life was not easy.

“I had one really, really bad year,” Orndorff said. “And when the Lord brought me back to faith through [Alcoholics Anonymous], he also put me into a spiritual desert for eight years.”

During that dark time, Orndorff returned to the Baptist Church to get a “solid regrounding in the Scriptures.”

That’s when she saw the pin about the rosary on Pinterest.

“I was so surprised at how many things were on Pinterest,” she said. “Initially, I was looking for something like a rosary to help jump-start my prayer life.”

The mentor to lead the way After discovering the abundance of resources on Pinterest, Orndorff searched for more pins to connect with her faith.

That’s when she saw a pin by Catholic author Denise Bossert.

“Her entire concept drew me,” Orndorff said. “I came from a couple of churches where the pastor seemed to be stuck. . . . I was tired of pet doctrines and wanted the whole counsel of Scripture, and wanted to follow the liturgical church calendar. I love stained-glass, color, beauty and sometimes a more formal reverent faith. Sometimes, I need help to keep the perspective of who [God] is.”

Sharri Orndorff, left, takes part in the Rite of Acceptance during a pilgrimage to the Church of the Visitation at Ein Kerem, Israel. Denise Bossert, a Catholic author who became Orndorff’s mentor, was her sponsor for the event.

Orndorff was inspired to become Catholic after seeing a quote pinned by Bossert on the social media site Pinterest, to the right.

After responding to the pin on Pinterest, Orndorff struck up a friendship with Bossert.

“She totally got it, as she is a convert herself,” said Orndorff. “She immediately connected the longing that was emerging in my heart, and we bonded quickly.

“The Holy Spirit really brought us together on many levels.”

Bossert agreed.

“It is our highest calling to share the One we have received each week in holy Communion,” she said. “It has been a joy to share her journey of faith and to know that Our Lord used something that I wrote and made it into a moment of grace for Sharri.”

A brief online exchange turned into a mentorship that helped Orndorff open up to the possibilities of the Catholic Church.

She began voraciously reading books

by Catholic authors and watching “Journey Home,” a show on the Eternal Word Television Network about converts.

These resources helped everything fall into place in Orndorff’s faith life. She soon started the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

As she says, “the rest is sort of history.”

Saying yes God had big plans in store for Orndorff’s next step to becoming Catholic: a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

After seeing an invitation Bossert had

posted on social media to join a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Orndorff decided to take a leap of faith.

Thirty days later she was on a plane to meet her mentor in person and travel to the Holy Land.

It was there in Jerusalem, with Bossert at her side, that Orndorff took the first major step to becoming a Catholic — the Rite of Acceptance.

“Denise was able to stand as my sponsor and do the signing,” Orndorff said.

“The pilgrimage priest celebrated the Mass; our Texas tour guide did the readings, and I was able to say to God and my pilgrim family, ‘Yes, I want to be Catholic’ at the Church of the Visitation at Ein Kerem, Israel.”

Orndorff officially entered the church at the Easter Vigil 2015, surrounded by her family and friends.

She is also now a firm believer in the power of social media to connect, inform, inspire and even evangelize.

“If there’s another person out there like me, they just might contact you,” she said.

Seeking more But her entry into the church at Easter

turned out to be more of a beginning, rather than an ending, to Orndorff’s journey.

“I had been working as the office manager for Access Sales Associates in Mission, where I had been totally happy for eight years,” explained Orndorff. During that time, there was never a day she didn’t want to go into work.

After returning from the Holy Land, however, that job no longer had any appeal.

So she called Father Dennis Wait, founder and director of Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center in Kansas City, Kansas, where she had attended a retreat in May 2014. Father Wait remembered Orndorff as an eager and knowledgeable student.

“Sharri was most eager to learn about the Catholic faith, and she was already very knowledgeable of the sacred Scriptures from her Christian faith,” said Father Wait.

“What touched me most about her was her maturing faith life and her willingness to pray with others, especially those who were hurting from life experiences,” he continued. “She wanted to >> See “CONVERSION” on page 4