Leaven 03-11-16 by The Leaven

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 37, NO. 30 | MARCH 11, 2016

TAKING FLIGHT

Young Catholic group in Topeka builds enthusiastic community

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

Father Nick Blaha, chaplain of the Didde Catholic Campus Center at Emporia State University, talks to the Credo group about the meaning of the Year of Mercy and how it applies to everyday life.

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

OPEKA — The Blue Moose restaurant in Topeka was buzzing with energy the night of Feb. 18. On top of the regular Thursday night crowd was a room full of some 40 young adult Catholics gathered to share their faith through conversation, food and fellowship. The group is known as Credo, and its mission is to bring together young adults between the ages of 21 to 40 for events that will help them grow together in a community of faith. “Topeka Catholic young adults were being starved of community and fellowship with enthusiastic and eager peers,” said Joe Terick, one of the group’s main organizers. “I truly believe this is an ‘If you build it, they will come’ opportunity.”

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A project in the making The Topeka group started about a year ago and has since grown rapidly. “Even as recently as six to eight months ago, when there would be events, there would only be maybe a dozen people [in attendance],” said Father Jaime Zarse, associate pastor of Christ the King Church in Topeka and an active Credo member. “But in the last six months, it’s gone from 12 or 15 people coming to an event to about 50,” he continued. The group’s success is in part due to its strong leadership, which works tirelessly to make the program one that young adults are excited about. “We’re sitting on a winning lottery ticket with [Terick],” said Father Zarse. “And there’s a great team supporting him.” The young adults who participate in Credo agree. “[The leaders] really believe in what they’re doing,” said Christ the King parishioner Brooke Ubelaker, “and it’s hard not to get excited when you’re around

ASPIRING ARTISTS

Young artists have their work displayed on the walls of Savior Pastoral Center. Page 3

“WE WANT TO MAKE IT ABOUT GROWING AN INTENTIONAL YOUNG ADULT CATHOLIC CULTURE AND COMMUNITY IN TOPEKA ACROSS EACH OF THE PARISHES. BECAUSE EVERY PARISH NEEDS YOUNG ADULT CATHOLICS.” Father Jaime Zarse people like that, who are so invested in this group.” “I feel as though once a person attends one event, that enthusiasm just

RALLY ON

The junior high youth rally at Prairie Star Ranch featured music and fun. Page 8-9

kind of rubs off on you,” she added. Terick has gone so far as to purchase a house to serve as a meeting place for the group’s various events. “As Credo was growing, we had nowhere to meet on a regular basis,” said Terick. “Consistency is critical to maintain buy-in from all the new people interested in the ministry.” The investment is proving well worth it, as it has opened doors to additional activities each week.

What the program offers On Tuesdays, the Credo house hosts a Bible study, which rotates every other week between the men and the women. The group also meets each Sunday after the 9 a.m. Christ the King Mass for brunch. All interested young adults are invited to attend, regardless of parish. “We want to make it about growing an intentional young adult Catholic culture >> See “CREDO” on page 6

FLYBOY

World War II veteran takes a sentimental journey in a Flying Fortress. Page 16

MARCH 11, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

Dual aspects of forgiveness are at heart of Year of Mercy

o you know what Irish Alzheimer’s is? It is when you forget everything except your grudges. Since we are within the octave of St. Patrick’s Day, I could not resist a bit of Irish humor. Unfortunately, the Irish are by no means unique in holding on to anger toward those who have in some way offended or wounded us. However, Jesus is quite clear that if we want to receive God’s mercy, we must forgive those who have hurt us. In his instruction on prayer, Jesus tells his disciples to pray: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Mt 6: 12). Peter, in asking Our Lord how often he should forgive someone who sins against him, suggests in answer to his own question what he considered an incredibly generous response of seven times. Jesus counters that he should forgive 77 times. After this exchange with Peter, Jesus relates the parable of the unforgiving servant, who had been forgiven a huge debt by

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN his master and then turns around to deny forgiveness to a fellow servant (Mt 18: 21-35). Jesus cautions his disciples that it will not go well for them with his Father, if they have not forgiven others from their heart. Pope Francis has challenged Catholics throughout the world during this jubilee Year of Mercy to live more intentionally the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Two of the spiritual works of mercy are: 1) to forgive offenses and 2) to bear wrongs patiently. In your prayer, I encourage you

to ask the Lord to make you aware of past hurts and wounds in your life. Ask Jesus to give you the grace to be able to forgive those who have hurt and offended you. I am convinced that Jesus wants during this jubilee Year of Mercy to bring about some remarkable healings in our lives. However, we have to ask and truly desire in our hearts the ability to forgive others and to stop nurturing past wounds. What a different world this would be if we all committed ourselves to forgiving those who have in some way hurt and wounded us. We also need to ask for the grace to be able to recognize where we have hurt or offended another.

We could be the instrument God uses to bring about an amazing healing for another by our humility and courage in taking the initiative by asking forgiveness from them. Of course, the sacrament of reconciliation (penance) can be a great source of grace and strength to help us forgive others. Having experienced God’s merciful love in our own hearts, how can we fail to forgive another, less we choose to be like the unforgiving servant in Our Lord’s parable. The Eucharist can also provide us with the strength that we need to surrender to God our past hurts and offenses. When we encounter in the Blessed Sacrament the One who suffered unjustly and died on Calvary for us, we are empowered to be bearers of his mercy to the world. Moreover, we begin to see our own afflictions as precious opportunities to unite ourselves more closely with the Lord’s own suffering. I invite all of us to ask and pray over two questions: Whom do I most need to forgive and from whom do I most need to

CALENDAR

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN March 11-12 Conception Seminary board meeting March 13 Baptism of third or more child — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas March 14 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording March 15 Priests Personnel meeting — Chancery Administrative Team meeting Ethic Advisory Council meeting — Chancery March 16 Presbyteral Council — Chancery March 18 Staff day of reflection Mass Year of Mercy presentation, adoration and

ask forgiveness? Choosing to pray for the graces both to forgive and ask forgiveness could make this the most powerful

Benediction — Holy Trinity, Lenexa March 19 Mass with Sisters of St. Joseph — Olathe March 20 Palm Sunday Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER March 12 Marriage prep meeting March 13 Penance service — Curé of Ars, Leawood March 15 Confessions — St. Agnes, Roeland Park March 16-18 “Counseling the Doubtful” talk — Basilica in Washington, D.C. March 20 Mass — Federal prison camp Confessions — Nativity, Leawood

Lent of our lives. Forgetting our grudges would be a great fruit of the jubilee Year of Mercy.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas & Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann Invite anyone impacted by any abuse or harm by representatives of the church or others to attend

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MARCH 11, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Michelle Narvaez, a freshman from Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, stands with her collage-and-glue piece called “Kateri Tekakwitha.”

Lina Lee, a senior from Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison, displays her acrylic painting, “Caring for the Sick.”

Nicole Gomric, a senior from St. James Academy in Lenexa, won with her photo collage, “Mercy: Bringing Light into the World.”

Daniel de Luna, a junior from Maur Hill-Mount Academy, appears here with his wood sculpture, “Sinnergism.”

THE ART OF MERCY

‘Mercy’ the theme of invitational art exhibit By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “April” Phan Khanh Linh, a senior from Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison, is not a Christian. But her art speaks eloquently of how Christians should understand the quality of mercy. Linh took highest honors for art at the 2016 Archbishop’s Invitational High School Art Exhibit held from March 1-8 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas. The 51 pieces of art on display — including sculpture, sketches, paintings and photographs — were produced by students from six Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. This was the third annual exhibit, which was sponsored by the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas, the Catholic Fine Arts Council and the archdiocesan office of Catholic schools. The theme this year was “mercy,” in accordance with Pope Francis’ Year of Mercy. “Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, in 2009, asked us to form the Catholic Fine Arts Council,” said Lesle Knop, executive director of the CFNEK and the CFAC. “It’s his intention that we involve educators, as well, in elevating the arts to the forefront of our attention and our experience.” The student artists came to the pastoral center on March 2 to meet and pray with the archbishop, view the exhibit and receive awards. There were eight awards: Archbishop’s Choice, Superintendent’s Choice, five Juror’s Choice and one Popular Choice. The judges were John Derby,

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

“April” Phan Khanh Linh, a senior from Maur Hill-Mount Academy, stands with one of two pieces she entered, a colored pencil and acrylic, “It’s Hard to Forgive.” Eva Reynolds and Andrew Julo. Each of the eight winners received a certificate and $100. Why have a student art invi“ONE OF THE tational? “Bishop Robert Barron reWAYS THAT WE CAN cently gave a talk in which he said, ‘Lead with the beautiful,’” EVANGELIZE . . . IS TO said Knop. “One of the ways INSTILL AMONG OUR that we can evangelize and help the archbishop fulfill his key iniBUDDING ARTISTS THAT tiatives for the next 10 years is to instill among our budding artists YEARNING TO CREATE that yearning to create works of art for the glory of God, and to WORKS OF ART FOR lead with the beautiful as a tool THE GLORY OF GOD. for evangelization.” Most of the students are Lesle Knop, executive director of Catholic, but not all of them. Some student artists — particthe Catholic Fine Arts Council ularly those from Asia — are Buddhist or have no religion. “A lot of our students at Maur Hill-Mount Academy are not it to him, and he totally came up Christian,” said Mike Farrell, art with that picture out of his own instructor at the school. “This head. It’s an amazing picture. He contest is a way for us to share never heard of the story of the the Gospel with people who prodigal son before.” have never heard these stories The winner of the top award before, and take the Gospel back — the Archbishop’s Choice — with them around the world.” is a talented artist from Viet“The picture of the prodigal nam. “April” Phan Khanh Linh, son was done by Jinfeng Xie a senior from Maur Hill-Mount from China,” Farrell continued. Academy, had two works in the “I explained the story and read exhibition.

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

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Julian Nuwamanya, a sophomore from Maur Hill-Mount Academy, created this ink and collage, “Ransom Note.” “I’m not a Catholic,” she said. “I came to this school to study English. I think religious art is a different way to express different kinds of emotions. . . . [It] brings faith to people, and love, [and helps people] think about the world.” Where does Linh get her artistic inspiration? For the painting, “It’s Hard to Forgive,” she drew from her own emotions. “April Phan is a natural artist who is going to go on and study art,” said Farrell. “For her, this is another feather in her cap. She wins a lot of awards because she’s good and she deserves those awards. Art just flows out of her.” Daniel de Luna, a junior from Maur Hill-Mount Academy, won the Superintendent’s Choice award. His picture-like wood sculpture “Sinnergism” depicts three doors of a confessional. It employs a play on the word “synergism.” “It means two things trying to work out something,” said de Luna, who is from Mexico. “When we go to the sacrament of reconciliation, we try to work things out with God, asking for forgiveness. Since he is merci-

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

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

ful, he always listens to us and is always there for us.” Nicole Gomric, a senior from St. James Academy in Lenexa, won one of five Juror’s Choice awards. Her winning photography piece was “Mercy: Bringing Light into the World.” “I created a collage of different photos of what I believe mercy to be in everyday life,” she said. “I created it to show that, through Christ, in ordinary situations, great things can come.” As part of the event Father Kent O’Connor, pastor of Our Lady of Unity in Kansas City, Kansas, performed original songs on the guitar during a multimedia presentation that included the students’ art. Invitational juror Andrew Julo gave a lecture about historical depictions of mercy in art. Participating students came from Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas; Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park; St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park; St. James Academy in Lenexa; Immaculata High School in Leavenworth; and Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison.

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

MARCH 11, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Appointments Father John A. Riley, chancellor, announces the following appointments made by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann: Father Lawrence Bowers, from parochial vicar at Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, and chaplain at Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park, to parochial administrator at St. Patrick Parish, Osage City, and St. Patrick Parish, Scranton, effective March 7. Father Anthony Saiki, to chaplain, Bishop Miege High School, effective March 7, and continuing as parochial vicar, Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park.

Announcement LEAVEN PHOTO BY EILEEN WITTIG

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann leads eucharistic adoration at a “Trust One Greater” event at Benedictine College in Atchison on March 2. In addition to leading adoration, the archbishop met with the college students for a Q&A.

‘God takes care of things,’ archbishop tells students By Eileen Wittig Special to The Leaven

TCHISON — Every sin is really about the first sin — a sin against trust, said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann to students at Benedictine College here. If we trust God and cooperate with his will, all will be well. Archbishop Naumann shared this message when he traveled to Benedictine on March 2 to meet students and lead them in a “Trust One Greater” Holy Hour. He holds these events throughout the archdiocese to connect with young people, lead them in eucharistic adoration and answer their questions. The night in Atchison began with the procession of the Eucharist into the chapel, followed by the reading of the day’s Gospel — Jesus reminding the disciples not to worry, but to trust him, remembering that God takes care of all his creatures, from the flowers to the birds to mankind. After the Gospel, Archbishop Naumann delivered a homily on the reading. “God takes care of the birds of the air; how much more so will he provide for us?” Archbishop Naumann asked. “The first sin was a sin against trust. Adam and Eve didn’t believe God had their best interests at heart. Every sin, I believe,” continued the archbishop, “is like the first sin — we don’t trust God. We say that we

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need this pleasure, this thing, this person, and that God doesn’t understand. “In this jubilee Year of Mercy, we are called to trust in God. No matter what we’re struggling with, God will take care of us. “Perhaps you’ve come tonight with some wounds or some anger for people. “The Holy Father has asked us to focus on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy during this year. Two of the spiritual works of mercy are to forgive injuries and to bear wrongs patiently. We must pray for the grace to let go of our anger and resentment.” To illustrate his point, Archbishop Naumann told the story of Rwandan genocide survivor Immaculée Ilibagiza. “A few years ago, Benedictine College was blessed to have Immaculée Ilibagiza speak on campus,” said the archbishop. “She said that her only way of survival was prayer. She would pray with a rosary her father had given her, and she would have these voices in her heart. “The first voice would tell her, ‘You’re no better than the murderers. You’d do the same thing they’re doing if you had the chance.’” She knew it was true, recounted the archbishop, and she started having a hard time with the forgiveness part of the Lord’s Prayer. To take care of that, when she would get to that part of the prayer, she would skip it.

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But after a few days of this, she heard a new voice. It said to her, “Immaculée, Jesus gave you this prayer. He doesn’t need you to rewrite it.” She changed her prayer and began to ask God for the grace to forgive the people who were murdering her family and friends, if he wanted her to forgive them. “She knew she could not do it without God,” said Archbishop Naumann. “God gave her so much grace for forgiveness that she now goes around the world preaching mercy.” Just as Immaculée needed God’s grace to forgive, said the archbishop, so do we. “Maybe in our prayer in this jubilee year and tonight,” he said, “we will realize we need to ask forgiveness from someone in our lives.” God offers us mercy, but we cannot receive it if we do not seek it and offer it to others. Archbishop Naumann also reminded those present that asking forgiveness is not the only point of prayer. “Make sure to give thanks — for health, life, talents, abilities, family, friends, relationships,” he said. “All these are from God. The natural disposition of the Christian is gratitude.” “We must trust God,” he said in closing. “I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to find a kneeler for tonight. But God takes care of all things. “We are worried with the imperfections of the world. Don’t. Cooperate with his grace, and all will be well. All will be well.”

Abbot James Albers, OSB, announces that Father Gabriel Landis, OSB, has concluded his medical leave of absence, which began Nov. 20, 2015, and has returned to the abbey for assignment as his health continues to improve. Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB, appointed as parochial administrator of St. Benedict Parish during Father Landis’ medical leave, will continue as administrator until the appointment of a new pastor can be made.

New rural youth council being formed The Northeast Kansas Rural Youth Council will be selecting a new crew for 2016-2017. Applications are due March 15. This council is comprised of rural kids across the archdiocese. They get to learn how to be disciples of Christ through deep faith formation, building Catholic relationships and serving others on the parish and archdiocesan level. For an application, send an email to: ruralyouth@archkck.org.

Mike Sweeney to speak in Marysville MARYSVILLE — Former Kansas City Royals baseball player Mike Sweeney will give a presentation at St. Gregory Church in Marysville on April 4. Sweeney will sign autographs at the church starting at 4:30 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at 5:30 p.m. and the presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m.

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MARCH 11, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

KEEPING UP WITH THE ARCHBISHOP There are not enough pages in the paper to cover even half of the appearances Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann makes throughout the archdiocese. But here are some highlights of his activities. More photos from each of these events can be found on The Leaven’s website at: www.theleaven.org.

FAITH HONORED

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann receives the gifts at the annual consecrated religious life Mass at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas, on Jan. 30. LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

DROP ZONE

Archbishop Naumann prepares to drop the puck at the start of a hockey game between the Tulsa Oilers and the Missouri Mavericks. The Oilers Dan DeSalvo, left, and the Mavericks Jesse Root prepare to face off. The archbishop was the guest of Mavericks owner Lamar Hunt Jr. Before the game, the archbishop toured the arena and met the Maverick players. The Mavericks won the game 2-1. The Mavericks are part of the ECHL, a midlevel professional ice hockey league.

HEALING MASS

Archbishop Naumann anoints the forehead of a participant in the annual healing Mass held on March 5 at Curé of Ars Church in Leawood. This was the 20th year that the healing Mass, a joint venture of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, has been held. It is sponsored by the Knights of Malta. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

IMMACULATA MASS

Archbishop Naumann visits with Leavenworth’s Immaculata High School freshmen Abby Kowalewski, left, and Emily Chmidling before celebrating Mass at the school.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

MARCH 11, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS Lindsay (Skip) and Karen (DeVader) Keller, members of Immaculate Conception Parish, St. Marys, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on March 19. The couple was married on March 19, 1966, at Holy Cross Church, Emmett. A reception will be held on March 20 at the senior center in Maple Hill. Their children are: Cindy Glynn, Bentonville, Arkansas; Mark Keller, Paxico; and Crystal Hurla, Maple Hill. They also have 12 grandchildren.

WEB EXCLUSIVE

CHURCH OF THE WEEK St. Joseph of the Valley

Credo: A niche for young adults >> Continued from page 1

‘At the Crossroads’ is the theme of Holy Week retreat at Marillac Center

EAVENWORTH — “At the Crossroads: Reflections at the Intersection of Death and Life” is the theme of the retreat to be given by Father Joe Nassal, CPPS, during Holy Week, March 20-27, at Marillac Center here. Father Nassal is provincial director of the Kansas City Province of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. He is the author of several books and has been engaged in retreat, renewal and reconciliation ministry since 1988. During the retreat, Father Nassal will explore themes of the cross as a marker where human beings find themselves at the intersection of justice and mercy, time and eternity, death and life. Other themes will include belonging and betrayal, truth and deceit, hospitality and humility. The full week’s retreat is $420 (room, board and retreat); Thursday through Sunday, $220 (room, board and retreat); or $70 per day for overnight. A $25 deposit will reserve a place at the retreat. Reservations are due by March 15. To make reservations, send an email to: schase@ scls.org or call (913) 680-2342. Marillac Center is the retreat facility of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The center is located on the grounds of the Sisters of Charity motherhouse, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth.

and community in Topeka across each of the parishes,” said Father Zarse, “because every parish needs young adult Catholics.” The group’s big event occurs on the third Thursday of each month. It is very similar to a Theology on Tap event, where participants gather at the Blue Moose, enjoy dinner and drinks and listen to a talk from the evening’s guest speaker. The Feb. 18 event featured Father Nick Blaha, chaplain of the Didde Catholic Campus Center of Emporia State University. Father Blaha’s talk highlighted the true meaning of the Year of Mercy and how it applies to everyday life. “I think it’s important in this Year of Mercy, a year in which the treasury of the church’s merits has been thrown wide open for all who seek, that we get right what we’re talking about,” he said. “What are we talking about? Do we know what we’re talking about when we say mercy? What does it mean?” he asked. “We need to know what it is and be able to make it the center of what we reflect on as a church here in this time,” he later continued. To illustrate his points, Father Blaha referenced “Tremendous Trifles” by G.K. Chesterton, “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo and the story of Emmaus in the Gospel of Luke. Ubelaker said she found Father Blaha’s talk very inspiring.

“He is also an entertaining speaker, so it was easy to be captivated by his message,” she said. The speakers vary each time, but each message they discuss is selected to resonate with young adults.

Building a foundation of community It can be difficult for young adults to find their niche, but programs like Credo give people a welcoming opportunity to do just that. “[It’s] a great way to meet new people you may not have met otherwise,” said Ubelaker. “And knowing everyone is connected by the Catholic faith,” she continued, “it’s like you’ve got this unspoken bond that breaks down barriers and makes people feel comfortable coming out of their shell and opening up to real, personal conversations.” Now that the groundwork has been laid for Credo in Topeka, Terick looks on to a hopeful future for this program. “Topeka is only so big — there are only so many young adults, there is only so much room at my house,” said Terick. “However, from the fruit that I’ve seen in the last 10 months, this will become bigger than anything we had hoped for. “In three to five years, Credo will be a substantial presence in Topeka and be known to other large towns as a model to follow.”

Address: 31131 207th St. Leavenworth, KS 66048 Phone: (913) 773-5712 Pastor: Father Mathew Francis Mass Time: Saturday, 5 p.m. Website: http://sjslparish.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.

Passion Sunday Tenebrae service set for March 20 KANSAS CITY, Kan. — There will be a Passion Sunday Tenebrae service at the Cathedral of St. Peter here, located at 409 N. 15th St., on March 20 at 7 p.m. A candlelit service of “darkness,” featuring the Tallis “Lamentations of Jeremiah” and Allegri’s “Miserere,” will be sung by the vocal ensemble Sursum Corda under the direction of Kevin Vogt. Admission is free. Everyone is welcome.

Join . . .

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN Oct. 16-27, 2016

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MARCH 11, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

By Msgr. Charles McGlinn Special to The Leaven

“R

A confessor’s confession

eceive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven. Whose sins you shall retain, they are retained”

(Jn 20:23). These words of the risen Lord to the apostles established the sacrament of reconciliation, one of God’s great gifts to the church. These words indicate that Jesus intended for his priests throughout time to bring his divine mercy to all in the church in this sacrament of penance. For me, when I go to confession, I encounter Jesus, just as I encounter him when I receive holy Communion. I tell him, through my priest confessor, what he already knows but wants me to say out loud to another person. I confess my sins — my sins of laziness, especially in prayer, my sins of impatience, of lustful thoughts, of my lack of charity toward others. Actually, many of my sins are not the bad things I have done, but the good things I haven’t done that I should have done. All of these I tell the priest. It takes some humility on my part to discuss this, but I figure: “What is sin anyway, but my pride acting out, making me a law to myself.” The antidote for pride is humility. It is precisely here that I meet Jesus, who paid the price for my prideful sins and selfishness. It is through my faith that I meet him, but I truly meet him. And I am

really confessing to him who loves me more than I love myself. It is in the absolution of the priest that Jesus touches my soul and tells me that all is forgiven. And I feel deeply loved and cleansed. Often, I confess the same sins over and over again. I don’t think that is a sign that I am not really sorry for my sin. It just says that I am weak. I am weak in those areas, and it is likely I will fail again. But Jesus knows that in my heart, I am truly sorry and will try to do better. And he forgives me. Sometimes, I reflect on past sins I have already confessed. I think I do that because I am so ashamed of what I have done. Then I remember the Scripture that says that God throws our sins into the deepest part of the ocean (Mi 7:19). I always add — and he puts up a sign that says: “No fishing!” I have to say that as a priest confessor for almost 49 years, hearing confessions and

granting absolution has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my pastoral ministry. It is a most humbling experience. Because of their faith and love for the Lord, people share with me their innermost secrets, and I am truly humbled by their faith and holiness. They may not think they are holy in those moments of reflecting on their sins, but they are. In those experiences, when a person admits his sins with regret and sorrow, that person becomes very close to our Redeemer and shares his life in a new way. Looking back on my priesthood, I wish that I had been better able to help people who came to me in confession, especially in truly accepting the love that God has for them, despite their sins. Sometimes, people are more convinced of God’s wrath rather than his love. I think t h a t

the biggest challenge in faith for most people is to truly believe in the personal, individual, infinite, irrevocable, unconditional love that God has for them. I wish that I had been better able to help people to forgive themselves. I think that many people neglect the sacrament of reconciliation because of sins committed long ago, but never confessed, and they feel a lot of shame. Perhaps, there is even the feeling that God would not forgive me because my sin was too big. I would like to say that we are all sinners in need of forgiveness, and there is no sin whose magnitude is greater than the greatness of God’s love for us. Jesus said that he came for sinners, not the self-righteous. And for those who do not believe that they are sinners, it really means that they don’t need Jesus. It means that they don’t need what he did for us on Calvary. Jesus gave his life to forgive all of us. He waits for you and me to let him come into our hearts in this sacrament of his healing mercy.

RALLY

AROUND

PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER ore than 600 kids from across the archdiocese attended the junior high youth rally on Feb. 28 at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg. Keynote speaker Steve Angrisano entertained the troops with a heartfelt talk in addition to his signature music. The rally also featured the Mikey Needleman Band, along with talks by Father Scott Wallisch, archdiocesan vocations director, and Sister Karolyn Hanger about mercy. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann wrapped up the rally with Mass.

s LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TALK

Steve Angrisano delivers his keynote address to the youth gathered at the junior high youth rally at Prairie Star Ranch.

s SISTER ACT

Sister Karolyn Nunes, a me St. George, and theology i lists the help of some you

ember of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr instructor at St. James Academy in Lenexa, enung women to illustrate a point.

ROCK ON

The Mikey Needleman Band gets the crowd fired up for the youth rally with songs about faith.

s ABOUT MERCY

Father Scott Wallisch, archdiocesan vocations director, leads a breakout session with the young men. Father Scott talked about the Year of Mercy.

LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SING

Angrisano breaks out his guitar to lead the youth in song. Angrisano is a wellknown singer/songwriter in Catholic circles. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a regular on the youth circuit, having made multiple appearances at the National Catholic Youth Conference.

NATION

MARCH 11, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Catholic Extension features ‘nuns who rock’

HICAGO (CNS) — Dominican Sister Gabriella Williams in the Diocese of San Bernardino, California, gives her heart and soul to her ministry with migrant field workers, hourly laborers and their families living in trailer parks in California’s Coachella Valley. Sister Rita Schonhoff, a School Sister of Notre Dame, and Dominican Sister Maria Yelitza Ayala live out their religious vocations by serving desperately poor communities in Missouri and Texas, respectively. Benedictine Sister Kathleen Atkinson from the Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota, is the founder and director of Ministry on the Margins, working with prison inmates, former prisoners, the homeless, at-risk youth and others who need to encounter God’s love. These religious Sisters and many more around the United States are being highlighted by Chicago-based Catholic Extension as part of National Catholic Sisters Week March 8-14. The organization is sharing the stories of Catholic Sisters who work in the U.S. mission dioceses it supports by sharing their stories online at www.catholicextension.org/catholicsisters-week-2016 and via social media. Through the week, daily posts were to be made on Catholic Extension’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ catholicextension and on Twitter at twitter.com/cathextension using the hashtags #NunsRock and #NCSW2016. “Two of the most inspirational things I’ve learned at Catholic Extension are: First, you cannot go to the poorest places in the United States and not find the presence of the Catholic Church,” said Father Jack Wall, the organization’s president. “And second,

CNS PHOTO/RICH KALONICK, CATHOLIC EXTENSION

A religious Sister dances and sings with children at a camp for migrant farmworkers in the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Mich. the face of ministry in the poorest communities of America is most often a woman religious.” Other stories highlighted include Catholic Extension’s U.S.-Latin American Sisters Exchange Program, an initiative that has placed 33 Latin American women religious in dioceses throughout the U.S. to minister to the church’s growing Hispanic population. Catholic Extension, a national fundraising organization, has been support-

ing the work and ministries of U.S. mission dioceses since it was founded in 1905. National Catholic Sisters Week, which is supported by a $3.3 million grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, is an annual celebration held in conjunction with National Women’s History Month, observed in March. The organization is based at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. “Created to honor women religious,

it is a series of events that instruct, enlighten and bring greater focus to the lives of these incredible women,” says the “About” section of the organization’s website, www.nationalcatholicsistersweek.org. “It’s our chance to recognize all they have done for us. It’s also our hope that as more young women learn about women religious, more will choose to follow their example.”

Bishop pledges transparency in dealing with abuse reports

OLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. (CNS) — Bishop Mark L. Bartchak of Altoona-Johnstown committed the Pennsylvania diocese to be transparent in its efforts related to the sexual abuse of minors by clergy and to make public the names of all priests found to have a credible allegation of abuse against them and the status of each man within the diocese. The pledge came during an afternoon news conference March 3 at diocesan offices in Hollidaysburg, two days after a state grand jury issued a report saying that at least 50 priests or religious leaders were involved in the sexual abuse of hundreds of children over several decades and that diocesan leaders systematically concealed the abuse to protect the church’s image. The list of priests accused of abuse will be published on the diocesan website, www.ajdiocese.org, Bishop Bartchak said. The diocese made a copy of the statement Bishop Bartchak read to the media available online. The bishop apologized to abuse victims, their families, people of the diocese and priests. Bishop Bartchak also said that the diocese will continue sending to law enforcement authorities written reports of allegations it receives of “any type of sexual misconduct involving a minor” by a living or deceased clergyman or religious, “whether or not the victim is now

CNS FILE PHOTO/NANCY WIECHEC

U.S. Bishop Joseph V. Adamec is pictured in 2010 during a U.S. bishops meeting in Baltimore. A grand jury report released March 1 by Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane said that now-retired Bishop Adamec and his predecessor, Bishop James J. Hogan, had covered up clerical sexual abuse in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown to protect the church’s image.

a minor and whether or not the victim or another person already has made the report.” A review of diocesan procedures and policies related to child protection also will begin, he said. Bishop Bartchak

pledged to “make all changes that should be made.” He also urged people with information about suspected abuse to call the hotline announced as the report was released, (888) 538-8541. People also may call Jean Johnstone, the diocese’s victim assistance coordinator for additional support at (814) 944-9388. The grand jury report details dozens of incidents of abuse — sometimes in graphic language — by 34 priests against hundreds of victims, some of whom were as young as 8 years old. It said other complaints had been made against a teacher who was studying to become a deacon, a choirmaster, a coach and members of religious orders. Grand jurors outlined actions by Bishop James J. Hogan, who led the diocese from 1966 until 1986 when he retired — he died in 2005 — and his successor Bishop Joseph V. Adamec, who retired in 2011, for failing to report abuse allegations to police. Bishop Adamec denied any wrongdoing hours after the report was released in a filing with the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas in Pittsburgh. Filed by Pittsburgh attorney David J. Berardinelli, the response charged that the grand jury “was not provided with a full and balanced set of facts based on all the materials and information that were available.” It said the report “contains criticism that is unfounded. The filing outlined several steps that Bishop Adamec took to suspend priests

from ministry and that his actions followed the procedures in effect in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese prior to the adoption of the charter for the protection of children in 2002 and afterward under protocols adopted by the USCCB in the charter. The grand jury report commended Bishop Bartchak for cooperating with the state’s investigation and offered recommendations for the diocese to consider in its handling of abuse allegations, including keeping the needs of abuse victims foremost. “I acknowledge there are a number of recommendations made in this report involving how we respond to allegations of abuse,” the bishop said. “I take them seriously.” Bishop Bartchak thanked the grand jury for recognizing the progress the diocese has made in handling abuse cases in the five years he has led the diocese. “I am committed to doing even more to protect children,” he said, adding that he has met with victim/survivors. “Their words and their pain have deeply affected me. I pledge to them and to all families to do all that I can to ensure children are safe.” The bishop’s statement concluded by saying that the people of the diocese can find comfort and healing “from these wounds” through prayer for all who have been harmed and all who have been affected. Plans are underway for prayer services for mercy in the near future, he added.

WORLD

MARCH 11, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

App seeks to connect people through prayer By Gaby Maniscalco Catholic News Service

V CNS PHOTO/STRINGER, REUTERS

A pro-government militant inspects a room filled with blood after it was attacked by gunmen in Aden, Yemen, March 4.

Pope: Missionaries are ‘martyrs of charity’ By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — The four Missionaries of Charity murdered March 4 in Yemen “are the martyrs of today,” Pope Francis said. “They gave their blood for the church.” After reciting the Angelus with thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square March 6, Pope Francis publicly offered his condolences to the Missionaries of Charity and prayed that Blessed Teresa of Kolkata would “accompany to paradise these daughters of hers, martyrs of charity, and that she would intercede for peace and a sacred respect for human life.” The four Missionaries of Charity and 12 other people were killed by uniformed gunmen, who entered the home the Sisters operate for the elderly and disabled in Aden. The superior of the Missionaries of Charity at the home survived by hiding, according to the Vatican’s Fides news agency. Father Tom Uzhunnalil, an Indian Salesian priest who had been living at the home

since Holy Family Parish in Aden was sacked and burned in September, was missing after the attack. Although the Sisters would not make news headlines, Pope Francis said, the martyred Sisters “gave their blood for the church.” The Sisters and the 14 others killed “are victims of the attack by those who killed them, but also [victims] of indifference, this globalization of indifference that just doesn’t care,” the pope said. Yemen has been experiencing a political crisis since 2011 and is often described as being in a state of civil war with members of the Shiite and Sunni Muslim communities vying for power; in the midst of the tensions, terrorist groups have been operating in the country, including groups believed to be associated with the socalled Islamic State and al-Qaida. Although most Christians have fled the country, a handful of Salesian priests and about 20 Missionaries of Charity chose to stay and continue their ministry. In a condolence message released March 5 by the Vatican, Pope Francis described the Aden murders as an “act of senseless and diabolical

violence.” The pope “prays that this pointless slaughter will awaken consciences, lead to a change of heart, and inspire all parties to lay down their arms and take up the path of dialogue,” the message said. “In the name of God, he calls upon all parties in the present conflict to renounce violence, and to renew their commitment to the people of Yemen, particularly those most in need, whom the Sisters and their helpers sought to serve.” Bishop Paul Hinder, head of the vicariate of Southern Arabia, which includes Yemen, told AsiaNews, a Rome-based missionary news agency, that at 8:30 a.m. March 4, “persons in uniform” broke into the Aden compound, killing the guard and all employees who tried to stop them. “They then reached the Sisters and opened fire.” Two of the Sisters killed were Rwandan, one was from India and one was from Kenya, the bishop said. Father Uzhunnalil apparently was kidnapped, he added. “The signal was clear: This has to do with religion,” Bishop Hinder said.

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Apostleship of Prayer has created a mobile app — Click to Pray — that aims to connect people around the world to pray for the pope’s monthly intentions. The app was created as part of the re-launch of the Apostleship of Prayer, the Jesuit-run outreach that has given Catholics the pope’s monthly prayer intentions since 1890. In an interview with Vatican Radio, Jesuit Father Frederic Fornos, international director of the apostleship, said the app responds to Pope Francis’ message for World Communications Day 2016, which stresses the power that modern means of communications have to build bridges between people. “The app accompanies you throughout your day. It connects you with thousands of people who find purpose in praying every day for the challenges of humanity and for the mission of the church as the pope proposes in his monthly prayer intentions,” according to the Click to Pray website. The app allows the user to choose three times throughout the day to receive prayers. “You set the time you want to start your day in the morning. You select another moment during the day to receive an inspirational thought. And, finally, you select a moment in the evening to close your day with a daily review,” the website said. Vatican Radio reported that users also can opt to receive notifications to remind them to pray, and the app offers the option of writing one’s own intention or prayer. The app is the second new media feature to be rolled out this year by the Apostleship of Prayer. Working with the Vatican Television Center, it also began a video series in January featuring Pope Francis discussing his universal prayer intention. The monthly videos are uploaded on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube on the first Friday of each month. While the pope speaks in Spanish, the videos have subtitles for 10 languages, Father Fornos told Vatican Radio in January. The Click to Pray app is available for iPhone, Android and Windows, and the prayers also can be found at clicktopray.org.

Bishops says South Africans need ‘candid conversation on racism’ By Bronwen Dachs Catholic News Service

APE TOWN, South Africa (CNS) — South Africa’s bishops have asked all priests and parishioners to commit themselves to “a candid conversation on racism and its manifestations,” adding that they “realize that this is not an easy conversation, one that many of us may prefer to avoid.” South Africans need to “acknowledge the link between race, power and privilege” and redress the economic inequalities brought about by past discriminatory laws and practices, the Southern African

Catholic Bishops’ Conference said in a March 7 pastoral letter signed by its president, Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town. “The campaign will mean acknowledging the presence of racism in the church before and during the apartheid era and in these years of democracy,” the bishops said, noting that they humbly “ask for forgiveness for our historic complicity with racism in the church.” While whites account for only 9 percent of South Africa’s population of 50 million, 70 percent of top managers are white, according to an article in The New York Times. “We commit ourselves to a credible

and comprehensive conversation on racism,” the bishops said, noting that “dialogue, rational and respectful, is necessary so that we open ourselves to receive God’s healing.” The “social trauma” as a result of “centuries of colonialism and the violent decades of apartheid” must be addressed, and South Africans need to work together to achieve healing as a nation, they said. “Our invitation to such a dialogue may in itself evoke a range of emotions,” including self-justification, guilt, denial, anger and sadness, the bishops said. Apartheid, South Africa’s official system of racial segregation, was in place

from 1948 to 1994. Noting that the campaign will include small-group reflection in South Africa’s dioceses, the bishops said they encourage open dialogue within parishes with parishioners appreciating racial diversity and becoming more culturally inclusive. “We ask all parish priests and parishioners to commit themselves to a parish campaign to overcome racism,” such as “special days of prayer and fasting, cooperating with other parishes across racial lines and working with organizations promoting the dismantling of racism,” they said.

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Please email your resume and contact information to: dvanthullenar @cathcemks.org or fax to (913) 353-1413. 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. Catholic Diocese of Wichita, Office of Faith Formation, currently has two full-time openings Full-time program coordinator with an emphasis on catechist formation will oversee diocesan-wide efforts in providing catechists with spiritual encouragement, catechetical formation and pedagogical training. 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Applicants must possess a degree in catechetics or another theological discipline, strong organizational skills, and interpersonal and pastoral skills and the ability to work effectively as a member of a pastoral team with a desire to evangelize others. For a detailed job description or to submit an application including cover letter, resume, and salary requirement contact: frjerry@popolathe. org by March 15, 2016. American Sign Language teacher - St. James Academy is seeking a faith-filled American Sign Language teacher for the 2016-2017 school year. The ideal candidate would be a practicing Catholic as well as an experienced and certified teacher with a thorough understanding of ASL and deaf culture. 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. Director of youth ministry - St. Ann Church in Prairie Village, is looking for a dynamic and faithful director of youth ministry. This is a full-time position and responsibilities include outreach to all high school and junior high students in the parish, as well as planning, directing and running all daily meetings, Bible studies, service and social events. Applicants should be able to clearly and passionately articulate their vision of leading youth closer to Jesus Christ and his church by living, modeling and preaching the new evangelization. Candidate must be a practicing Catholic and have previous experience in the Catholic field. The ability to work with social media and technology is also desired. Competitive benefits and salary. Equal opportunity employer. www. stannpv.org. Please send cover letter and resume to Father Keith Lunsford at: frkeith@stannpv.org. 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MARCH 11, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG Marketing position - We are looking for a bilingual (English and Spanish), motivated and personable person to aid in our local expansion. We are a publicly traded national marketing company expanding here in the Midwest. We offer complete training in a positive environment. This position is part time and has flexible hours. Send email with resume and inquiries to: localsearch1980@gmail.com. Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. 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Administrative assistant - The Catholic Foundation for Northeast Kansas (CFNEK) is seeking an experienced parttime administrative assistant. This position provides general office support to CFNEK staff members; performs receptionist duties; and provides assistance with board member communications and meeting preparations. Must have associate’s or bachelor’s degree and excellent MS Office Suite competencies. A complete job description and application are available on the Archdiocese’s Web site at: www.arch kck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume, application by March 18, 2016 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Admin Assistant - CFNEK, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via e-mail to: jobs@archkck.org.

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.

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 Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959. Complete plumbing and bath - Master plumber; toilets, faucets, sump pumps, repairs and new installation. Bath remodeling, tile work and painting. Member of Ascension Parish. Call Mike at (913) 488-4930. CLUTTER GETTING YOU DOWN? - Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin of all trades” your professional organizer and “HONEY DO” specialist. Call today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5155. Insured. References. Visit the website at: www.KOATINDUSTRIES.com. Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com. Housecleaning - A range of services provided from housekeeping to organizing closets, rooms and garages, as well as hoarder projects. 15 years of experience. Professional, energetic and dependable. Call Joni at (913) 206-4403. Quilted memories - Your Kansas City Longarm Shop - Nolting Longarm machines, quilting supplies and machine quilting services. We specialize in memorial quilts - custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, neckties etc. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. Visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc.com. 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 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.

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. Helping Hand Handy Man - Home maintenance chores available by the hour. Special rate for senior and singleparent households. Electrical, painting, wood refinishing, deck repair, yard work, shelving and organizing. Most home problems and needs solved. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490. 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. 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

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. 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. benefitsofhome.com. Classifieds continued on page 13

MARCH 11, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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

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.

FREE CONCERT Good Shepherd Church 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee March 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Salvador. A fiesta will follow the bilingual Mass. For more information, contact Kris Larkey at (816) 331-4713.

MARCH ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA St. John the Baptist Church 708 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas March 13 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

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) 314-9844 or email to: contactus@son-ministry.org.

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.

ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARTYRDOM OF BLESSED OSCAR ROMERO St. Sabina Parish 700 Trevis, Belton, Missouri March 13 at 12:30 p.m.

Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Gregorio Chavez, auxiliary bishop of San Salvador, El

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

The suggested donation for the meal is $10. 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.

‘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.

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 SALE

For sale - Mount Calvary Mausoleum Crypt, single space with Abbey that can accommodate two interments. Prime location. Mausoleum nearly sold out. Contact Ramona at (913) 548-2007.

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

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

>> Continued from page 12

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.

We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benediction will follow. For more information, visit the website at: www.rosaryrallieskc.org.

The Illinois Wesleyan University Collegiate Choir will be performing a free concert of sacred a cappella music. They will perform literature from the Renaissance and contemporary eras.

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

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 $6 for adults; $5 for kids ages 10 to 4; and free for kids 3 and under. For more information, visit the website at: www.strawberryhillmuseum.org.

ST. JOSEPH DAY CELEBRATION St. Thomas More Church 11800 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, Missouri March 19 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

A freewill donation is requested for a meal of traditional Pasta Milanese, fratata and Italian bread roll that will be served. Items from the main table will be available to purchase. For further information, call Angie DiFidi at (816) 942-5205.

‘AT THE CROSSROADS’: A HOLY WEEK RETREAT Marillac Center 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth March 20 - 27 Reservations due by March 15

The retreat will be given by Father Joe Nassal, CPPS. The theme of the retreat is the cross as a marker where human beings find themselves at the intersection of justice and mercy. The cost of the full week’s retreat is $420 (room, board and retreat); Thursday through Sunday, $220; or $70 per day for overnight. A $25 deposit will reserve a spot for the retreat. For more information or to register, call (913) 680-2342 or send an email to: schase@scls.org.

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

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 - 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 - 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. Roommate wanted - Female seeking female roommate in Overland Park. $400 per month plus one-third on the utilities. Furnished three bedroom home six minutes from Oak Park Mall. No pets. Call (913) 599-5574.

VACATION Colorado vacation - Granby, Winter Park, 2 BR, kitchen, sleeps six. Pet OK. www.inn@silvercreek.com. June 25 July 2. July 2 - July 9. $600 per week. Call (913) 649-7596.

Stair lifts & More We’ll lift you up! Scooter/bath/wheelchair/pool Free consults. Leaven discounts! Member Good Shepherd, Shawnee

Call Ed Toll Free 1-855-543-8632

MARCH 11, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

This is really starting to bug me

FIFTH WEEK OF LENT March 13 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT Is 43: 16-21 Ps 126: 1-6 Phil 3: 8-14 Jn 8: 1-11 March 14 Monday Dn 13: 1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 Ps 23: 1-6 Jn 8: 12-20 March 15 Tuesday Nm 21: 4-9 Ps 102: 2-3, 16-21 Jn 8: 21-30 March 16 Wednesday Dn 3: 14-20, 91-92, 95 (Ps) Dn 3: 52-56 Jn 8: 31-42 March 17 Patrick, bishop Gn 17: 3-9 Ps 105: 4-9 Jn 8: 51-59 March 18 Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop, doctor of the church Jer 20: 10-13 Ps 18: 2-7 Jn 10: 31-42 March 19 JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 2 Sm 7: 4-5a, 12-14a, 16 Ps 89: 2-5, 27, 29 Rom 4: 13, 16-18, 22 Mt 1: 16, 18-21, 24a

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’m sure there was a time in the past week or so when I wasn’t coughing . . . I just can’t remember it. Yes, I finally got the infamous bug that seems to be making its way around the area. It’s been at home in The Leaven office for about a month now. And, being the charitable group of coworkers that we are, we’ve generously passed it around to one another. If the incessant coughing wasn’t bad enough, the bug also comes with another side effect: voice canceling or, at least, voice strangling. I thought I’d be smart and rest my voice last Friday evening as I had a couple of big events on Saturday: first confessions for our second-graders and a pastoral visit from Archbishop Naumann. Well, let’s just say the voice was raspy, at best, for the 20-plus confessions and the archbishop’s visit. Liturgically speaking, I’m sure the Lord got a chuckle from hearing me limp my way through the parable of the prodigal son at the three weekend Masses. Where

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.

are those short two-orthree-sentence Gospels when you need them? In case you’re wondering: I am not a very patient patient. Naturally, nobody likes being sick. That is especially true in this story: When pastor Tony Campolo was in a church in Oregon, he prayed for a man who had cancer. In the middle of the week, he received a telephone call from the man’s wife who said, “You prayed for my husband. He had

cancer.” I said, “Had?” Whoa, I thought, it’s happened. God actually cured someone through me! The wife continued, “He died.” Campolo felt terrible. “Don’t feel bad,” the woman continued. “When he came into church that Sunday, he was filled with anger. He knew he was going to be dead in a short period of time, and he hated God. He was 58 years old, and he wanted to see his children and grandchildren grow up. “He was angry that this all-powerful God didn’t take away his sickness. The more his anger grew toward God, the more miserable he was to everybody around him. It was an

awful thing to be in his presence. “After you prayed for him, a peace came over him and a joy came into him. The last three days have been the best days of our lives. We’ve sung. We’ve laughed. We’ve read Scripture. We’ve prayed. Oh, they’ve been wonderful days. And I called to thank you for laying your hands on him and praying for healing.” Then the wife said something incredibly profound: “He wasn’t cured, Pastor, but he was healed.” (Found in “1001 Illustrations That Connect,” edited by Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof.) With every illness, there is the opportunity for healing. And I have to admit that with this crazy bug, there has been healing. I’ve been healed of the notion that I’m in control of my schedule. I’m healed of the pride that says my words and opinions are oh-so-important and the world cannot get by without them. I’m healed of the idea that I’m always to be on the giving end, rather than to receive the care

of medical personnel, medications and prayers from parishioners. I’m healed, as well, from the belief that the world can’t get by without me. I’ve slept — a lot — over these past few days and the world appears to be doing just fine. Lately, when people have come to confession, I’ve been reminding them of the difference between a cure and healing. So many times, especially with our favorite sins, we get impatient with God and ourselves and wonder why God won’t just “cure” these sins overnight. Can God do that? Of course. But there probably is just a slim chance of that happening. There is, however, a 100-percent certainty that something else will occur: God will heal us. Like the man in the story, God promises to bring us joy, forgiveness, peace and the help of his grace. For the record, Lord, I’m thankful for the healing that’s come my way with this bug. But, just so you know, I’d sure not refuse a quick cure from it!

Deciphering ancient doodles in the dust

ored students will sometimes doodle instead of taking notes during a lecture. Scribbling on paper can relieve tension, can allow the mind to wander. It can also reveal the hidden thoughts of the writer, if you are able to decipher the message. In Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jn 8:1-11, Jesus bends down and writes on the ground with his finger, when his opponents bring in a woman caught in adultery before him, in order to test him. This is the only place in any of the four Gospels where Jesus writes anything. At the same time, the Gospel does not indicate what Jesus wrote. It is very intriguing. There are several pos-

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.

sibilities. One suggests that Jesus was not writing any intelligible words, that he was doodling, to stall for time, to make

Speaking out against exploitation and unfair wages for workers, Pope Francis told benefactors to forget about donating money to the church if their earnings came from mistreating others. “Please, take your check back and burn it,” he said to applause. “The people of God — that is, the church — don’t

the woman’s accusers wait for an answer, perhaps to think of the response he would make. Another possibility maintains that Jesus was writing the private sins of her accusers, so that they would read it, recognize their own guilt and back off. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Still a third possibil-

ity has Jesus alluding to a Scripture passage: “Those who turn away from you (God) will be written in the dust” (Jer 17:13). The bystanders would see Jesus writing in the dust and realize that this gesture of Jesus was implicating the woman’s accusers. Jesus would not have to write any actual words to make that point. In any case, we cannot determine what, if anything, Jesus wrote. It is ambiguous. Nonetheless, we can assume that whatever Jesus was writing affirmed the message that he spoke. That was a message of mercy. Jesus proclaimed that we all are in need of God’s mercy. He challenged the woman’s accusers: “Let the one among you who

need dirty money. They need hearts that are open to God’s mercy,” the pope said March 2 during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square. God wants people to turn away from evil and do what is just, not cover up their sins with gestures of sacrifice, he said. Just as God derives no pleasure from “the blood of bulls and lambs” slaughtered in his name, he

is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Jesus proclaimed that he came, not to judge, but to bring mercy. He told the woman: “Neither do I condemn you.” During this Year of Mercy, Jesus’ message of mercy holds special significance for us. He calls us to accept God’s mercy, which we all need. In turn, he calls us to share that mercy with others around us, to forgive and not condemn. Jesus’ opponents brought the woman caught in adultery before Jesus in order to test him, to see how he would handle the situation. We also are being tested. How will we handle the situation? Will we also offer mercy?

is especially averse to offerings from hands dirty with the blood of another human being. “I think of some church benefactors who come with an offering,” he said, and sometimes that offering is “fruit of the blood of many people, who are exploited, mistreated, enslaved by poorly paid work.” — CNS

MARCH 11, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

he word “genealogy” is derived from the Greek words for “generations” and “knowledge”: genea and logos. Genealogy is the study of families and the tracing of lineages and histories. Recently, I spent some time with my retired brother-in-law whose new hobby is research into our families’ various trees. Through his diligence, we now know names of some of our ancestors going back 12 generations or more. His search for accurate spelling and middle initials, names found on gravestones, in church records and among census data revealed that some relatives died

sually, I use this column to discuss discernment, but I felt moved to address the jubilee Year of Mercy. Pope Francis has encouraged us to ponder the infinite mercy found in God the Father and to ask ourselves how well we reflect that mercy. I think that there are at least three ways we can focus on mercy. On an international level, we can pray about how mercy can help resolve the crises of wars. On an interpersonal level, we can examine how we live out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy for others.

erhaps you have seen the “Flat Dad” Hershey commercial that has been running on television recently. In this little vignette, a child approaches her father who is sitting at his desk and greets him with, “Hi, Dad!” Dad, who’s facing his computer, holds up one finger indicating “just a minute.” Dad is in the middle of a Skype business meeting and can’t talk right now. The child turns away disappointed. The scene shifts to where the child has gone to a printing shop where she has them create a standup, flat

Genealogy reveals a heritage of faithfulness in infancy or early childhood. Cross-referencing names and dates with world history, we know famines, plagues and wars may have contributed to these early deaths. Large families were common, including a man who married twice and fathered 22 children. We say we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. Well, the connections we have with one another may indeed be familial as well as spiritual. Most ancestors are like those mentioned in the Book of Sirach: “Of others no memory remains, for when they perished, they perished. As if they had never lived, they and their children after them” (44:9).

SIMPLY STEWARDSHIP

LESLE KNOP Lesle Knop is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. You can email her at: lknop@archkck.org.

If there were no record of these ancestors, how would I know

I am their descendant? DNA, the color of my eyes, the shape of my face? Yes, physically we are connected. But that’s not all. Many of my ancestors had been buried in Catholic cemeteries, baptized and married in Catholic churches near places like Prague, Stockholm and

Dublin. I am the descendant of Catholic men and women who shared their faith with their children, and their children, and their children. Again, the Book of Sirach continues: “Yet these also were godly; their virtues have not been forgotten. Their wealth remains in their families, their heritage with their descendants. Through God’s covenant their family endures, and their offspring for their sake. And for all time their progeny will endure, their glory will never be blotted out; their bodies are buried in peace, but their name lives on and on” (44:10-14). Our office maintains a list of Catholics who have named an entity of

the local Catholic Church in their wills and estate plans. When notified of their intentions, individuals become members of the Catholic Legacy Society (some anonymously). The Catholic Legacy Society members give their last gifts for the future church. Our true wealth, our Catholic faith, is our heritage; our hope is that our faith will remain with our descendants. If you would like more information about how to become a member of the Catholic Legacy Society in support of your parish, school or Catholic organization, visit the website at: www.cfnek.org, or feel free to call our office at (913) 647-0325.

Is God calling you to be a minister of mercy? On a personal level, this Year of Mercy invites each of us to humbly and honestly approach the Father in order to receive his amazing gift of merciful forgiveness. As to the last point, I, as a priest, have the great honor of being the unworthy vessel through whom the Father dispenses his mercy. This Year of Mercy has been a time for me to reflect on what a gift this is to me from the Father. In every individual confession, God is reconciling the penitent to himself and to the church, and he is pouring his healing balm on a soul . . . through

VOCATIONS CORNER

FATHER SCOTT WALLISCH Father Scott Wallisch is the archdiocesan vocations director. You can email him at: frscott@archkck.org.

little old me. What an

incredible privilege! When I was ordained a priest, I was very nervous about hearing confessions. Who was I to sit in such a sacred space? What would I offer to that moment? As I began to hear confessions, I realized

that I did not have much to offer, at least not from myself. But I did have to offer what God had infused into me at my ordination: the Holy Spirit. It was the same gift given to the apostles and all ordained priests over the centuries. When I realized this, I stopped being nervous and started seeing confession as perhaps the most fulfilling part of my ministry. I think most of my fellow priests would agree. It is a gift we cherish, but it is one we would love to share, and I don’t just mean with penitents. We would love to witness

the ordination of many other men, seeing them receive Christ’s power to reconcile sinners to God and his church. So, to all of you young men, I urge you in this Year of Mercy to consider whether God is calling you to be a minister of mercy. If you want to reconcile people with God on a daily basis, consider being a priest. If you want to be the vessel through whom God heals the body of Christ, consider being a priest. If you want to change lives through the profound gift of God’s forgiveness, then, for mercy’s sake, consider being a priest!!

Lavish children with your affection — and time picture of her dad. Heading back home, she stops and gets supplies of graham crackers, marshmallows and Hershey chocolate for s’mores. The scene shifts again, as Dad quickly places the flat, standup image of himself in front of his computer. Those in the Skype call from work continue to see Dad staring at them as they go through the meeting. In the meantime, father and child go to the kitchen and enjoy a treat of s’mores together. While there are a lot of distorted images of family in the media today, this commercial message really has it right. These little family

FAMILY MATTERS

DEACON TONY ZIMMERMAN Deacon Tony Zimmerman is the lead archdiocesan consultant for the office of marriage and family life.

moments mean so much to our children. Perhaps that’s what

Pope Francis was trying to get through to us as parents when he urged us to “waste time with our kids.” There are lots of reasons to “waste time with our kids,” the most important being that we love them. Sometimes it means playing endless hands of Go Fish.

Other times, it means really paying attention when our kids complete a homework assignment of reading a chapter from their book to us in the evening. All of this translates into lavishing extravagant affection on our children, which says with action, “I love you.” We spend this time, not just because we love them, but because it’s also necessary to form the emotional bond necessary for the transmission of our Catholic faith and values to our children. How did Our Lord pass on the story of the Father’s love and mercy for all of humankind? It was in the discipleship relationship where those following Jesus traveled

with him, ate meals with him and prayed with him. In those moments, they saw acts of love, healing and forgiveness. This is the same way that we as parents will pass on our Catholic faith and morals to our children. It requires daily time, intentionally set aside, to shower carefree tenderness on our children. The book, “Discovering God Together” by Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak, provides practical, hands-on insights for parents on emotional bonding and passing on the faith. Many of the great insights offered at a recent day of enrichment by the Popcaks are to be found in this book.

MARCH 11, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Thanks to relatives and the Experimental Aircraft Association of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, World War II pilot Emmerson H. Shields had an opportunity to go up in the “Aluminum Overcast,” a vintage B-17 bomber similar to those he flew over Nazi Germany. The flight took place last fall at Topeka Regional Airport, formerly Forbes Army Air Field.

Former flyboy takes sentimental journey By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

OPEKA — What does death look like at 25,000 feet? Emmerson H. Shields knows, because he saw it. Shields, 91, saw men die in the violent air battles over Europe during World War II from the best seat in the house, if you can call it that. He was a B-17 bomber pilot in the 360th Squadron of the “Hell’s Angels” 303rd Bomb Group, Eighth Air Force. Once, these Flying Fortresses darkened the skies by the thousands. Now, some 70 years after the end of World War II, fewer than 50 complete B-17 airframes exist and, of these, only 15 or fewer are still airworthy. As for the men who flew and fought in them, they’re becoming rarer, too. Shields is the last survivor of his old crew. After the war, Shields was demobilized in 1946 and came home to Kansas. He became an attorney, and then a Catholic, in 1951. He and his wife Jeanette married in 1952. Together, they raised three sons and have been members of St. John the Apostle Parish in St. Johns for more than 65 years. The war faded into the past, but never entirely disappeared. “We had an older cedar chest in the basement filled with memorabilia he collected during the war,” said middle son Russell Shields, a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee. “When we were little kids, we used to go down and look at his things — old aircraft instruments, some of his uniforms, his oxygen mask.” With time and mortality taking their toll, it’s all the more remarkable that the old flyboy was recently reunited with a familiar warbird. Last fall, Shields was invited to the

PHOTO PROVIDED BY EMMERSON SHIELDS

1st Lt. Emmerson H. Shields had several close calls while flying B-17s over Germany during World War II. On one mission, he lost two engines. On another, a runaway prop forced him to land at a fighter base in liberated France. Topeka Regional Airport (formerly Forbes Army Air Field) to fly aboard B-17 G-VE, No. 44-857-40, aka “Aluminum Overcast,” owned by the Experimental Aircraft Association of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The plane was in Topeka on a national tour. Shields had been invited as a special guest. He showed up wearing his original uniform and reproduction leather jacket with authentic patches. He’d visited B-17s in museums, but it had been 70 years since he’d been in a “live” B-17. “Gosh, the plane was sure not as big as I remembered it was,” he later said. “The

engines seemed closer. [Aluminum Overcast’s] 104-foot wingspan is the same as what we had before, but it seemed smaller to me. The engines seemed closer.” That cockpit and controls were familiar, with the exception of a few necessary modern additions. If the need or opportunity arose, could he still fly the old Fortress? “No question about it,” said Shields. Joining Shields on the flight were Jeanette; youngest son Scott Shields, a member of Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence; and oldest son Byron Shields, a member of Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa. During the war, missions could last more than nine hours, but the flight over Topeka lasted less than 20 minutes. Shields was 20 years old, a freshly minted second lieutenant, when he arrived at RAF Molesworth, Cambridgeshire, England, in early February 1945. He had an inauspicious introduction to the 303rd. On his first night at Molesworth, he was invited to go up with a pilot practicing night landings. The first two were great. “But then [on] the third landing, the copilot hit too hard and the right landing gear folded back under the wing,” said Shields. “[The pilot] gave her the throttle and took off on one wheel. We flew around for 20 minutes and the operations officer told him to land on one wheel. This was at night. “And so when we came down and landed on that one wheel. The plane spun around and we ran for the rear exit. The guy in front of me stumbled over the ball turret. I went on. The plane was lopsided, so I went out the door . . . and fell flat in a mud puddle. I stood up, and the fire trucks shot me full of foam.” Shields started out as copilot and one

of the nine crew members of “My Darling,” a veteran of 75 missions. He would fly other planes later, one named “Yankee Girl” and some with no names. In all, Shields flew 16 combat missions, doing the later ones as a first lieutenant and pilot of his own planes. By the time Shields made it into the action, the war was almost over, but flying was still a dangerous business even for training missions and “milk runs.” German air defenses were seriously degraded by 1945, but they could still maim and kill. Although his plane was never attacked by German fighter aircraft, he witnessed attacks on other B-17s by ME-109s, as well as the new and terrifying jet-powered ME-262s. Some other B-17s were shot up, burned, exploded and crashed. Some limped home with dying and wounded crew members. On one mission, antiaircraft artillery called “flak” left more than 50 holes in his aircraft and wounded the ball turret gunner, located in the aircraft’s belly. His first combat mission was a coking plant at Gelsenkirchen on Feb. 19, 1945. His last was the railroad marshaling yards at Trunbrietzen, near Berlin, on April 20, 1945. When the war ended, Shields was reassigned as a travel booking agent for officers in Munich until sent home. Today, some call Shields a hero. To Scott Shields and his brothers while they were growing up, he was just “Dad.” “We knew what he did, but we only realized the magnitude when we got older,” he said. The same is true for their father’s faith, which his sons have grown to appreciate more as they grew into theirs. “[His faith] has always been strong,” said Scott Shields. “He’s really dedicated. He believes in it so much that it really makes a difference.”