03-13-09 Vol. 30 No. 29

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 30, NO. 29 MARCH 13, 2009

Area Catholics Miles Manson (left), Tyler Doyle, and Nick Jones — all members of Kansas City Stars hockey teams — devised a plan to help the homeless every time their teams hit the road.

GOAL-ORIENTED Three area hockey players score big with their plan to help the homeless

3 ATTACK ON LIFE Catholic leaders react to President Obama’s reversal of the ban on stem-cell research.

t all might have started with Will for their patrons — the very same travel-sized toiletries Smith. that he and his buddies found in their hotel rooms “I was watching the movie, ‘The Pursuit every time their hockey team hit the road. of Happiness,’” explained eighth-grader “We were sitting there at the hotel [on one trip],” Nick Jones, from St. Joseph said Nick’s friend and fellow Star Miles Parish in Shawnee. “The dad [in Manson, an 8th-grader at Good Shepherd Story by the movie] was cleaning his son JILL RAGAR ESFELD in Shawnee, “and we realized they give us at a homeless shelter place.” all the soap, and we realized we could give Since Nick had accompanied his mother, it to the homeless.”

Marie Jones, when she’d volunteer at the “Nick came up with the idea,” confirmed a third Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City Star, Tyler Doyle, also of Good Shepherd.

Kansas City, Mo., he knew the emergency “And we were like, ‘Sure, let’s just collect stuff at hotels assistance center there provided aid to the and take it to the Cathedral.’” homeless.

And he knew they were constantly Turn to HOMELESS on page 4 in need of individual-sized toiletries

RUNNIN’ REVS

RITE OF ELECTION

The Runnin’ Revs came out runnin’ and gunnin’ to knock off the Serra All Stars in the March 9 matchup at Miege.

8-9

In three separate ceremonies, hundreds publicly declared their intention to join the church this Easter Vigil.

16

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 13, 2009

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 13, 2009

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

N

ormally, I do not like to give over this space to another author.

However, recently I came across this “essay” that I felt was so timely with regard to our current economic problems and the challenges they present to us: 1) to preserve grateful hearts; and 2) to be even more generous in helping those in need. I offer the following for your thought and reflection: “Recognize to whom you owe the fact that you exist, that you breathe, that you understand, that you are wise, and, above all, that you know God and hope for the kingdom of heaven and the vision of glory, now darkly and as in a mirror but then with greater fullness and purity. You have been made a son [or daughter] of God, co-heir with Christ.

Where did you get all this, and from whom?

“Let me turn to what is of less importance: the visible world around us. What benefactor has enabled you to look out upon the beauty of the sky, the sun in its course, the circle of the moon, the

countless number of stars, with the harmony and order that are theirs, like the music of a harp? Who has blessed you with rain, with the art of husbandry, with different kinds of food, with the arts, with houses, with laws, with states, with a life of humanity and culture, with friendship and the easy familiarity of kinship?

“Who has given you dominion over animals, those that are tame and those that provide you with food? Who has made you lord and master of everything on earth? In short, who has endowed you with all that makes man superior to all other living creatures?

“Is it not God who asks you now in your turn to show yourself generous above all creatures and for the sake of all other creatures? Because we have received from him so many wonderful gifts, will we not be ashamed to refuse this one thing only, our generosity?

Though he is God and Lord, he is not afraid to be known as our Father. Shall we for our part repudiate those who are our kith and kin?

“Brethren and friends, let us never allow ourselves to misuse what has been given us by God’s gift. If we do, we shall

hear Saint Peter say: Be ashamed of yourselves for holding on to what belongs to someone else. Resolve to imitate God’s justice, and no one will be poor. Let us not labor to heap up and hoard riches while others remain in need. If we do, the prophet Amos will speak out against us with sharp and threatening words: Come now, you that say: When will the new moon be over, so that we may start selling? When will Sabbath be over, so that we may start opening our treasures?

“Let us put into practice the supreme and primary law of God. He sends down rain on the just and sinful alike, and causes the sun to rise on all without distinction. To all earth’s creatures he has given the broad earth, the springs, the rivers and the forests. He has given the air to the birds, and the waters to those who live in water. He has given abundantly to all the basic needs of life, not as a private possession, not restricted by law, not divided by boundaries, but as common to all, amply and in rich measure. His gifts are not deficient in any way, because he wanted to give equality of blessing to equality of worth, and to show the abundance of his generosity.”

The preceding was written by St. Gregory Nazianzen, a 4th-century priest and bishop who lived in what today is the nation of Turkey. It is a section from a reflection that he wrote regarding the love of the poor. The church presents this particular excerpt to priests and others who pray the Liturgy of the Hours in the office of readings for Monday of the First Week of Lent.

St. Gregory’s thoughts are timeless.

He challenged his listeners and readers 1600 years ago — as well as us today — to consider how everything that we “have” is truly God’s gift. Even if we “possess” very little wealth as the world measures it, we have been richly endowed.

My mother used to make Legion of Mary visits with a very saintly woman who grew up in extremely poor circumstances. This woman had a keen appreciation for the beauty of the natural world and the delight it can bring to one who is attuned to its splendor. She said that her father used to tell her: “The sunset is the poor man’s art gallery.”

Grateful hearts necessarily result in generosity. When we are aware of how richly we have been blessed, then we cannot help but desire to give in return.

Mother Teresa told the story of bringing some rice to a family that was very poor and was without food. She said that the mother of the family immediately divided the rice and took half of what she received to her neighbor. She explained to Mother Teresa: “They are hungry also.”

May the Lord give each of us, during this Lenten season, more and more grateful hearts, inspiring us to be more generous with whatever the Lord has entrusted to us so that no one is without hope, so that no one is deprived of what they need. In the words of St. Peter quoted by St. Gregory: “Resolve to imitate God’s justice, and no one will be poor.”

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

Attack on life begins

Saint provides timely perspective on current hardships

Cardinal says new Obama stem-cell policy favors politics over ethics

By NANCY FRAZIER O’BRIEN Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — President Barack Obama’s executive order reversing the ban on federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research represents “a sad victory of politics over science and ethics,” Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia said shortly after the March 9 signing of the order at the White House.

The chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on ProLife Activities was among Catholic, prolife and other leaders who criticized the reversal, which Obama had promised during his campaign.

Speaking in the East Room of the White House, Obama said the stem-cell policy of former President George W. Bush, in effect since Aug. 9, 2001, had forced “a false choice between sound science and moral values.”

Obama also urged Congress to consider further expansion of funding for such research. Since 1995, the Dickey/

“

It’s about the destruction of human beings in order to turn them into material for experimentation.

“

2 ARCHBISHOP

Bishop Elio Sgreccia, former president of the Pontifical Academy for Life

Wicker amendment to the annual appropriations bills for federal health programs has barred federal funding of research involving the creation or destruction of human embryos.

But the president had strong words against human cloning, which he said is “dangerous, profoundly wrong and has no place in our society, or any society.”

He said he would work to ensure that

“our government never opens the door to the use of cloning for human reproduction.”

Among the several dozen people present at the White House for the signing were members of Congress, scientists, families whose members had been or could be affected by stem-cell breakthroughs, and representatives of the Episcopal and United Methodist churches, several Jewish bodies and the Interfaith Alliance.

Obama said a “majority of Americans — from across the political spectrum, and of all backgrounds and beliefs — have come to a consensus that we should pursue” embryonic stem-cell research.

But Cardinal Rigali said the executive order “disregards the values of millions of American taxpayers who oppose research that requires taking human life” and “ignores the fact that ethically sound means for advancing stem-cell Turn to STEM-CELL on page 5

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HHS opens 30-day comment period on conscience protections rule

By NANCY FRAZIER O’BRIEN Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is accepting comments until April 9 on its move to rescind a Bush administration regulation giving federal protection to the conscience rights of health care providers.

The 30-day comment period opened March 10 with publication of the rescission proposal in the print version of the Federal Register.

When the Obama administration announced its review of the proposal in late February, Deirdre McQuade, assistant director for policy and communications in the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, encouraged participation in the comment process “by all committed to the sanctity of human life, the freedom of conscience and the ethical integrity of our healing professions.”

“Efforts to nullify or weaken any conscience protection will undermine our national heritage of diversity and religious freedom, reduce patients’ access to life-affirming health care, and endanger the national consensus required to enact much-needed health care reform,” she added in a statement.

HHS asked for comment on four specific aspects of the regulation, which took effect two days before President Barack Obama took office: • “The scope and nature of the problems giving rise to the federal rulemaking,” including specific examples, “and how the current rule would resolve those problems.”

• Information, with examples, to support or refute allegations that the regulation “reduces access to information and health care services, particularly by low-income women.”

• Whether the rule is clear enough “to minimize the potential for any ambiguity and confusion” that might result from it.

Turn to RIGHT on page 5

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Speak up!

Please contact President Obama and the Kansas congressional delegation to voice your opposition to embryonic stem-cell research and its funding, as well as support for legislation protecting the conscience rights of health care professionals.

President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 Comments: (202) 456-1111 Switchboard: (202) 456-1414 FAX: (202) 456-2461

Sen. Sam Brownback 303 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-6521 FAX: (202) 228-1265

Rep. Jerry Moran 2443 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2715 FAX: (202) 225-5124

Rep. Dennis Moore 1727 Longworth House Office Building Washington D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2865 FAX: (202) 225-2807

Sen. Pat Roberts 109 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-4774 FAX: (202) 224-3514

Rep. Lynn Jenkins 130 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-6601 FAX: (202) 225-7986

Rep. Todd Tiahart 2441 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-6216 FAX: (202) 225-3489

4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 13, 2009

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 13, 2009

Homeless project helps boys see the other side of life Continued from page 1 “But we figured three kids doing it wouldn’t get that many soaps,” said Nick.

However, he mused, “If we could get the whole hockey team doing it . . .”

And that was all it took. Encouraging their teammates to pack their own soap, shampoo and conditioner for road trips, and then to bag up those supplied by the hotel to give to the homeless, the threesome named their new program: Hit the Showers for the Homeless.

With the help of fellow hockey players, they collected thousands of toiletry items for the homeless assistance program at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

THE PLAN Miles and Nick have been friends since preschool. Tyler joined the threesome when he moved to the area in first grade. The glue that binds their friendship, besides their shared Catholic faith, is their passion for hockey.

All three play for the Kansas City Stars, sponsored by the Kansas City Amateur Hockey League Foundation.

The Stars’ roster boasts a total of more than 340 players from four to 18 years of age who participate in over 25 house (non-traveling) and travel teams.

Miles, Tyler and Nick have traveled for hockey since they were in second grade and spend many nights each season in hotels throughout the Midwest.

The Stars’ home ice rink, however, is Pepsi Ice Midwest in Overland Park; it is now the home base for Hit the Showers for the Homeless.

The boys started off pitching the idea to their own hockey team members, who were happy to cooperate. Next they wrote an e-mail inviting other teams to get involved.

Pat Ferschweiler, director of coaching for the Kansas City Stars, circulated the e-mail to all the travel players, then posted it to the Kansas City Stars Web site.

Next, with their parents’ help, the boys had plastic sacks printed up, inscribed with the slogan: Hit the Showers for the Homeless. They set up collection bins displaying the same slogan outside the locker rooms at the rink.

“If everyone on a 15-player team collects a shampoo, conditioner and soap each day over a three-day tournament,”

Even if you don’t play hockey, you can take toiletries and put them in the Hit the Showers for the Homeless bins at: Pepsi Ice Midwest 12140 W. 135 St. Overland Park The bins are there year-round their promotional flyer read, “we’ll have 135 individual items to donate — and that’s just one team over one tournament.”

At the beginning of the season, the boys distributed collection sacks to team managers who, in turn, distributed them to players to keep in their hockey bags.

The program was particularly appealing and successful, said Miles’ mother, Sherlyn Manson, because it was something hockey players could do on their own.

“I’m proud of all the hockey players that take the time and effort to put the toiletries in their bags and remember to bring them to the rink,” she said. “That’s something that even the youngest travel kids can do on their own; their moms and dads don’t have to help them.”

THE RECIPIENTS Each week, the boys empty the bins and take the toiletries to the Jones’ house to be sorted. They then make a monthly trip down to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with the collected items.

Marie Jones got involved with the emergency assistance program at the Cathedral through friends in St. Joseph Parish. She knows firsthand how valuable the toiletries are to the homeless program.

“They go through it quickly,” she said. “I was there today. Everybody that came through asked for something.”

Paul Kim, emergency assistance coordinator for the cathedral, is grateful to the three boys for their thoughtful efforts.

“The boys’ simple acts of kindness went a long way toward helping the least of Christ’s brothers,” he said. “Most of the people we see here are often homeless men, and sometimes we don’t have in stock what they need.

“Nick, Miles, and Tyler made it easy for us to say yes to people who simply

want to keep themselves clean. As a result, they’ll be in better health and more presentable for job interviews.”

When they take the supplies to the shelter, the boys stay to help out, often encountering the people who benefit most from their kindness.

“It is a good experience,” said Tyler.

“I think they’re grateful for it because they need these supplies.”

“I thought it was kind of sad to see what things happen to some people,” Miles added. “But it makes me feel good that I can help the less fortunate.”

Jones said when the boys help hand out the toiletries in person, the experience not only allows them to see the results of their efforts, but also helps them see life through a wider lens.

“I think it’s great that they see there’s a lot more to this world than what they experience in their Johnson County everyday life,” she said.

THE MOTIVATION All three boys will be making their confirmation this year and Hit the Showers has doubled as a confirmation project for them. It’s taught the young players not only the principles of Catholic social justice, but has facilitated the practice of those principles as well.

Moreover, since the Kansas City Stars are nondenominational, the boys have learned a lot about evangelization as well. They’ve used their new program to show their non-Catholic friends the important role charity plays in their faith.

“A lot of kids ask them, ‘What’s immaculate conception? Where’s the cathedral? What’s Catholic?’” Jones said. “It’s been a nice, non-threatening environment for them to share their faith.”

“I’m so proud of them that they’re listening to their callings to go out and serve the less fortunate,” she continued.

“I truly believe we all get put into the places where we’re supposed to be to help each other.”

Next year, the boys will be headed to three different high schools: Tyler to Bishop Miege in Roeland Park; Nick to Rockhurst in Kansas City, Mo.; and Miles to St. James Academy in Lenexa.

But there’s little doubt the boys will stay close.

In fact, they all plan to continue not only playing for the Kansas City Stars next year, but their Hit the Showers for

How to help: If anyone wants to help the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception help the homeless of downtown Kansas City, Mo., they can contact: Paul Kim Emergency Assistance Coordinator Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception 416 W. 12th St. Kansas City, MO 64105 (816) 842-0416, ext. 126 http://kcgolddome.org/social services/emergencyassistance.htm

Learn more: If you’d like to learn more about the plight of the homeless, Paul Kim, emergency assistance coordinator for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, recommends reading “Under the Overpass,” by Mike Yankoski. Mike lived as a homeless man for six months in five different cities and recorded his experiences.

the Homeless program as well.

“I’m going to play and still keep it going,” said Tyler. “But I think the organization will keep it going even if we don’t play.”

That’s because the program has become so well-known that even visiting teams attending tournaments hosted by the KC Stars are participating. Figure skaters who have Pepsi Ice Midwest as their home rink have also joined in the action. Traveling parents as well put items in the bins, which remain at the rink even during the off-season.

These three boys have astounded even their parents with their generosity, entrepreneurial spirit and organizational skills.

“It has been a really good experience for them,” said Sherlyn Manson.

“They’ve been able to see that they can rally their friends to do something good for someone else in need. And not just our boys, but all the hockey players, have been given a taste of being able to help others, on their own, without any help from Mom or Dad.” “It makes us better people and brings us closer together as an organization,” agreed Nick. “It’s a good thing to help out others.”

Stem-cell reversal draws criticism Continued from page 3 science and medical treatments are readily available and in need of increased support.”

He reiterated points raised by Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, USCCB president, who said in a Jan. 16 letter to Obama that a change in the policy on funding of embryonic stem-cell research “could be a terrible mistake — morally, politically and in terms of advancing the solidarity and well-being of our nation’s people.”

Bishop Elio Sgreccia, former president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, said allowing the use of public funds for embryonic stem-cell research was “without ethical or scientific justification.”

The decision to reverse the ban on federal funding was based on “utilitarian logic” that failed to take into account the fact that embryos are human beings, he told the Italian news agency ANSA March 9.

“It’s about the destruction of human beings in order to turn them into material for experimentation,” he said.

The Italian bishop said it was unclear why research on embryonic stem cells would need to be pursued now that new discoveries have been made with other kinds of stem cells.

He referred to the work of a Japanese biologist who found in 2007 that adult stem cells could easily be reprogrammed to an embryonic state.

At the White House, Obama said he “cannot guarantee that we will find the treatments and cures we seek. No president can promise that.”

“But I can promise that we will seek them — actively, responsibly and with the urgency required to make up for lost ground,” he added.

The Bush policy had allowed funding of embryonic stem-cell research only when the stem-cell line had been created before Aug. 9, 2001. The executive order Obama signed permits federal funding of stem-cell lines created since then, but would not allow funding of the creation of new lines, leaving that decision to Congress.

Obama also signed a “presidential memorandum on scientific integrity” March 9, ordering the director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a strategy for ensuring that

PORTABLE RESTROOM

5

Right of conscience to be reviewed Continued from page 3

CNS photo/Paul Haring

People pray outside the White House around the time President Barack Obama signed an executive order March 9 reversing the Bush administration limits on embryonic stem-cell research. The small protest was led by the Christian Defense Coalition. Pictured are: Mason Whittington, 7, his sister Esther, 2, Tina Whittington, the Rev. Rob Schenck, the Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Justus Whittington, 8, Katie Mahoney and Kaitlin Martinez, rear right. “the administration’s decisions about public policy be guided by the most accurate and objective scientific advice available.”

He said scientific advisers should be appointed “based on their credentials and experience, not their politics or ideology.”

But Paul A. Long, vice president for public policy at the Michigan Catholic Conference, said the order “regrettably places ideology and political posturing ahead of proven scientific therapeutic advancements.”

“There are endless studies and stories of patients who have been treated, even cured of their debilitating condition following stem-cell therapies that do not necessitate the destruction of human embryos, yet the . . . executive order makes every tax-paying American citizen unwittingly complicit in the destruction of human embryos for experimental research,” he said.

Bishop Robert W. Finn of Kansas CitySt. Joseph, Mo., called Obama’s action the “newest step by the president to eventually remove all legal protections for innocent, nascent human life.”

“The president boldly proclaimed that he was taking the politics out of sci-

ence,” Bishop Finn added. “Rather, it seems clear that he is only asserting ‘his politics’ over life itself.”

Kristen Day, executive director of Democrats for Life of America, said the president’s decision — which the organization “is against . . . period” — surprised the group and signaled “a cooling of our relations” with the Obama administration.

“While we have zero confidence that a call for a reversal of this executive order will prevail, we are hopeful that the president will heed our call for commonground solutions in dealing with pro-life Democrats,” Day added, citing in particular the Pregnant Women’s Support Act. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., the author of a 2005 law authorizing $265 million in federal research funds for adult stem cells from cord blood and bone marrow, asked in a statement: “Why does the president persist in the dehumanizing of nascent human life when better alternatives exist?”

“On both ethics grounds and efficacy grounds nonembryonic-destroying stem-cell research is the present and future of regenerative medicine — and the only responsible way forward,” Smith added.

“We constantly hear how grateful children are that their parents had things taken care of. Have you done this for your children?”

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• Whether the objectives of the rule could be accomplished “through nonregulatory means, such as outreach and education.”

The regulation codifies several existing federal statutes prohibiting discrimination against health professionals who decline to participate in abortions or other medical procedures because of their religious or other moral objections.

Planned Parenthood of America, which has filed suit against what it calls the “midnight regulation” of President George W. Bush, is mobilizing its members to support the rescission proposal.

The organization said rescinding the regulation would restore “the rights of patients to receive complete and accurate reproductive health information and services, without fear that health care providers will withhold vital information and services based on their personal biases.”

Comments may be submitted electronically on the Web site: www.Regulations.gov (by entering 0991-AB49 in the search box) or via e-mail to: proposedrescission@hhs.gov.

Attachments may be in Microsoft Word, WordPerfect or Excel, but Microsoft Word is preferred.

By mail, one original and two copies of written comments may be sent to: Office of Public Health and Science, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: Rescission Proposal Comments, Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Ave. SW, Room 716G, Washington, DC 20201.

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6 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 13, 2009

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 13, 2009

St. Joseph, Aquinas alumni invited to alumni party

GUEST COMMENTARY

Obama’s new radical stem-cell policy

T

his just in from the White House: Starting today, only farmers set agriculture subsidy levels, generals decide about going to war and the new all-powerful Czar of Tax Policy is our old friend, the IRS. Americans would be rightly appalled and indignant if the above scenario came to pass. Yet we nod our heads like sheep in a herd when President Obama offers the same rationale in signing an executive order forcing taxpayers to fund embryonic stem-cell research.

“Promoting science isn’t just about providing resources,” intoned Obama during a photo op with a carefully screened audience of researchers, “It is about letting scientists like those here today do their jobs, free from manipulation or coercion…it is about ensuring that scientific data is never distorted or concealed to serve a political agenda and that we make scientific decisions based on facts, not ideology.”

Unfortunately, a shameless distortion of scientific facts combined with over-the-top ideology is driving Obama’s political gesticulation. Let’s step back from the fringe and examine reality.

Embryonic stem-cell research (ESCR) always involves the manipulation and destruction of live human embryos, the so-called “unwanted leftovers” resulting from assisted reproductive technology procedures like IVF. If adopted and/or implanted into a woman, these same embryos — we are all former embryos — grow, are born and mature into adults.

Despite the breathless hype, not one condition or injury has ever been cured with ESCR, and even proponents admit cures are decades away — if they happen at all. In fact, the goal of the only FDA-approved ESCR study is to not cause more damage to spinal cord injury patients targeted for research. Hope for cures indeed.

Obama also denounced human cloning, but only (and this is important) for reproductive purposes.

Apparently, cloning human life for the sole purpose of destroying it in costly, unproven experiments is okay.

White House handlers conveniently concealed the fact that there’s a new, easier and more cost-effective way to produce embryonic-like stem cells without creating or destroying human lives. There’s no mention of

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the other kind of stem cell — adult stem cells — those microscopic building blocks found in every person now being used to help tens of thousands of patients suffering from dozens of diseases and conditions. In short, there are far less expensive, far more effective and humane alternatives to embryo-destructive research.

As the father of a son with severe disabilities, no one hopes for cures more than me. But ESCR hope is empty, cruel and barbaric, destined for the trash heap of medicine.

Farmers don’t set Ag policy; soldiers don’t decide when to take up arms and IRS accountants work for us, not the other way around. Why let scientists set public policy? None of this makes sense, unless you follow the money. Obama is all-too-willing to hand out blank checks and coerce American taxpayers to take part in unethical and expensive experiments to nowhere that we will all pay dearly for, in dollars, cents and human lives.

Chuck Weber is executive director of SaintMax Worldwide (www.saintmaxworldwide.org), a Kansas-based nonprofit communications group specializing in bioethics.

LENEXA — All St. Joseph and Aquinas High School Blue Streaks are invited to a special feast of St. Joseph alumni party on March 19 at Shorthorn’s, 22917 W. 83rd St. in Lenexa, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

There is no admission charge (pay for what you order), no reservations necessary and guests are welcome.

For more information, contact Michon Quick, director of alumni and constituent relations at: mquick@ stasaints.net or (913) 319-2437.

Saint Mary/Benedictine concert set for March 29 LEAVENWORTH — The combined concert chorales of the University of Saint Mary here and Benedictine College in Atchison — featuring the soaring sound of 110 voices — will present their annual Spring Oratorio at USM’s Leavenworth campus, 4100 S. 4th St., at 3 p.m. March 29 in Annunciation Chapel.

The concert is free and open to the public. The performance will be repeated at 3 p.m. April 5 on the Benedictine campus.

The tradition-rich concert will feature John Rutter’s “Requiem.” Also on the program are two anthems by Rutter as well as Randall Thompson’s “Alleluia” for an a cappella choir.

Call (913) 758-6320 for more information.

Death bill still alive in Kansas Legislature

By JOE BOLLIG Leaven staff TOPEKA — It seems that there’s still life in a bill to kill the death penalty in Kansas.

A bill to abolish capital punishment in Kansas (SB 208) had been introduced earlier this session by Sen. Carolyn McGinn, R-Sedgewick, and was the subject of hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

On March 4, the committee decided to send SB 208 to an interim committee for further study. This would have ended any hopes for passage this session, but it left the way open for the bill to be re-examined next year.

Then, on March 5, the committee made an abrupt about-face.

“Much to everyone’s surprise, on Thursday (March 5) they decided to reconsider the issue and approved it,” said Michael Schuttloffel, executive di r e c t o r of th e Kan sas Cat h o li c Conference. “Now, it can be brought to the Senate floor for consideration.”

The bill would repeal capital punishment for the crime of murder in Kansas and remove it as a sentencing option after July 1, according to a supplemental note about the bill.

Defendants convicted of intentional and premeditated killing in a number of circumstances — including kidnap-

ping and an actual or intended sexual assault against a child younger than age 14 — would be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Individuals who received a death sentence prior to July 1, would still be subject to that sentence. The governor, however, may commute a death sentence for a person sentenced prior to the repeal to life imprisonment, or for a term not less than 10 years.

The Board of Indigents Defense Services estimated that SB 208 would save the state $723,132 in FY 2010, according to a fiscal note from the Kansas Division of the Budget.

The bill is supported by the Kansas Catholic Conference, and Schuttloffel brought the written testimony of the bishops of Kansas to the committee when he testified during hearings on Feb. 26.

Although the bill continues its journey, SB 208’s progress into law is quite uncertain.

“I think there will be significant obstacles,” said Schuttloffel. “We’re hopeful, but there will be difficulties, no question about it.”

To read the text of the Kansas bishops’ death penalty statement and to sign up for legislative updates about this and other legislation, go to the Web site at: www.kscathconf.org.

LOCAL NEWS

Tea will spotlight Johnson County mothers

By JOYCE A. MITCHELL Special to The Leven KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Many moms are there through thick and thin, offering encouragement and wisdom, brushing away tears, and cleaning up the messes. If you know a mother that you try or hope to emulate, tell the world in 500 words or less why she is the best.

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is seeking outstanding mothers for its first Mother of the Year contest and tea. Nominees must live in Johnson County. Nomination forms, due by April 10, are available on the Web at: www. moms2moms.org/news.html.

The three finalists will be guests at the tea, which will raise money for the Mother to Mother mentoring program. The winner will receive a gift basket with goodies valued at more than $1,000. The two runners-up will receive smaller gift baskets.

Mother to Mother pairs mentor mothers with women who don’t have good parenting role

models. Carla Golden, program coordinator for Mother to Mother, would like to have more mentor mothers to provide oneon-one interaction.

“We don’t have to change the world,” Golden said. “We can just help one person at a time. . . . If we all just help one person, we really can make a huge difference in the world.”

KSHB-TV news anchor Elizabeth Alex will be the guest speaker at the tea and will share how her experience of helping a mother and child overseas did just that.

The tea will be held on April 18, from 1-3 p.m. at Indian Creek Community Church, 12480 S. Black Bob, Olathe. Music will be provided by the Black Swan Suzuki String Quartet.

Tickets are $10 and are available by mail from: Catholic Charities, Mother to Mother, 333 E. Poplar, Olathe KS 66061.

The ticket deadline is April 2.

Be sure to include a phone number and return address with your order.

7

▲

ALL REV’D UP

FAST BREAK

Father Greg Hammes drives the ball down the court after taking control of a loose ball.

Not even a leaky roof can stop the Runnin’ Revs

K

When, during the middle of the game, it began to rain furiously and the roof started to leak, a large trash can was placed in the middle of the court, and the teams resumed play. Miraculously, no one ran into the can, although Father John Schmeidler, OFM Cap., pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Lawrence, was at one point forced to leap over it.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann even made an appearance in the second half and went to the line for a few quick free throws. According to the official game stats, he made four of five shots. (The unofficial stats report one out of five.)

More than $1,600 was raised during a secondquarter collection to support archdiocesan seminarians. Then, five donated items were auctioned off between the third and fourth quarter by volunteer auctioneers George Nigro and Toby Tyler.

For those who must have it, the final score was Revs 64, All Stars 57.

The Revs take their show on the road later this month, when they’ll play the Knights of Columbus at 7 p.m. on March 23 at Maryville Junior High School.

The Revs and the Serra All-Stars will then meet again at 7 p.m. on April 20 at Hayden High School in Topeka.

— Story by Joe Bollig

▲

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Was the outcome ever in doubt? No, but the score is never the bottom line when the Runnin’ Revs face the Serra All Stars.

The annual games, sponsored by local Serra Clubs and the archdiocesan vocations office, are an opportunity for fun, fellowship and vocations promotion.

Organizers hope that teenage hoopsters find the priesthood a little more intriguing when their pastor is burning them from the 3-point line.

The first of the Revs’ three-game season was held March 9 at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park. This year, a scratch team of 10 seminarians and priests coached by Msgr. Mike Mullen faced the mighty 30-player lineup of Catholic eighth-grade and high school students, led by John Wissman.

“The Revs were good,” said Father Mitchel Zimmerman, archdiocesan vocations director. “The Revs were fast, good defenders. The game was never in doubt. The Revs got their 15-point lead and held it.”

Tipoff began with a deflated ball, followed shortly by a technical foul called on the Revs for players’ jersey numbers not matching the official roster.

(Father Zimmerman still claims it was a setup.)

Next, a cheerleader was called in to shoot a free throw for the Revs, and another young woman was chosen from among the spectators to serve as a ref part of a period.

LET’S DANCE

Clockwise from front, Mia Falcon, Stephanie Kirk, Paige Brophy and Bella Sanz perform a routine during halftime learned specifically for this game at a recent Bishop Miege dance clinic.

▲ PERFECT FORM

With some coaching from the sidelines, Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB, sets, shoots, and scores from the free-throw line, capitalizing on a technical foul.

▲ IT’S GOOD (MAYBE)

▲

Photo by Don Wolf

ATTA BOY

Brother Leven Harton, OSB, Atchison, receives kudos for his performance on the court from Msgr. Mike Mullen (center), coach of the Runnin’ Revs, and Father Mitchel Zimmerman, archdiocesan vocations director.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann lets a free throw fly during the game. Reports vary on whether he made four of five free throws . . . or one of five.

▲

TEAMMATES

Bishop Miege senior Erik Zych makes his way down the line of the Serra AllStars as the teams were introduced.

▲

▲

Photos by Susan McSpadden

NO WAY!

Father John Schmeidler, OFM Cap., pastor of St John the Evangelist in Lawrence, can’t believe a foul called on him.

DEFENSE

Father Mark Mertes, pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park, plays tough defense against the All Stars.

10 NATION

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 13, 2009

Study seeks couples for natual family planning WASHINGTON (CNS) — Richard Fehring is looking for a few good couples. More than a few, actually. The diof the BRIEFLY rector Natural Family Planning Institute at Marquette University in Milwaukee hopes to recruit 650 couples over the next two years to test the effectiveness of two methods of natural family planning and the couples’ satisfaction with each method.

With a $595,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the couples will be randomly placed into a group using the symptothermal method of natural family planning — which involves monitoring of the woman’s daily waking temperature, changes in cervical fluid, cycle length and other signs of fertility — or the ovulation method, based on changes in cervical fluid. More information about the study is available online at: http://nfpstudy.marquette.edu/ register.php.

15,000 teens ‘step up’ to life at youth day in Los Angeles ANAHEIM, Calif. (CNS) — It might not often happen that thousands of teenagers would pay close attention to an extended homily, but midday Feb. 26, a pin drop could have been heard on the floor in the Anaheim Convention Center arena. It happened during a Mass celebrated at the arena for 7,500 high school students and at two other convention center venues where another 7,500 teens were assembled for midday liturgies. All the liturgies were celebrated on the youth day that is part of the annual Religious Education Congress. What was the reason for the teens’ rapt attention? “We are here to meet other people and to learn more about God,” said Ginachakija Amah and Chester Day, both 15, as they arrived for the daylong event that had as its theme “Step Up to Life.” “This is all about the community,” said Mike Norman, associate director of the Los Angeles Archdiocese’s Office of Religious Education, which sponsors the youth day and the rest of the congress, held this year Feb. 26-March 1.

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 13, 2009

Catholic ethics could benefit economic policy

Document confirms Pius’ efforts to save Jews

By CHAZ MUTH

By John Thavis

Catholic News Service

Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Economists from Catholic institutions worldwide may differ in their approach to solutions for the economic crisis, but all agree a global strategy is required.

The same economic scholars from U.S., Canadian and Australian Catholic universities also said while the Catholic Church may not be able to direct economic policy, it can contribute most effectively by leading the charge in philanthropic endeavors that will ease the suffering of the most vulnerable caught up in the international crisis.

“The key concern of the Catholic Church should be, as always, to look out for the poor and vulnerable, both at home and in poor countries,” said Linda Nielsen, an economics professor at St. Mary’s University College in Calgary, Alberta.

“The church has lobbied local, provincial and federal governments effectively in the past, has been a kind of ‘social conscience,’ and hopefully this will continue,” she said.

Though a few of the economic scholars believe Christian theology should be considered by world governments when charting policy to address the global fiscal crisis, at least one thinks the Vatican should refrain from endorsing a specific plan.

“I don’t see how the Vatican has a comparative advantage in economic theory,” said Walter E. Block, an economics professor at Loyola University in New Orleans. “Should the Vatican take a position on the best way to cure cancer, the best way to promote space exploration? No, since they do not have expertise in any of these things either.”

Pope Benedict XVI said Feb. 26 that the global economic crisis has contributed to the delay of his new social encyclical, because he needs more time to comment accurately on the financial chaos.

If the encyclical “does not deal competently with the economic reality, it cannot be credible,” Pope Benedict said during his annual question-and-answer session with more than 400 priests ministering in Rome. During that session a

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A document found in a Rome convent confirms that Pope Pius XII quietly ordered church institutions to open their doors to Jews fleeing Nazi arrest and deportation, a church expert said.

“The Holy Father wants to save his children, including the Jews, and orders that hospitality be shown to these persecuted people in the convents,” said a note found in the historical journal of the Augustinian Community of Santi Quattro Coronati.

The note, written by one of the nuns and dated November 1943, had an appendix with the names of 24 people, including Jews, who were hidden by the Sisters of the cloistered convent, located near the Colosseum.

Nazi soldiers began rounding up thousands of Jews in Rome and shipping them to death camps in October 1943.

One of the accusations against Pope Pius XII, repeated in a number of books in recent years, was that he did little or nothing to stop the deportations.

Jesuit Father Peter Gumpel, the “relator” or investigating judge of the sainthood cause of Pope Pius, found the document and spoke about it with Vatican Radio March 4. He said it was an important written confirmation of the many oral reports of Pope Pius’ concern for the Jews and his unpublicized efforts to help them.

“The saving efforts of Pius XII,

CNS photo/Mike Segar, Reuters

People crowd a job fair sponsored by employment Web site Monster.com as part of its “Keep America Working” tour at a hotel in New York’s Times Square, March 5. Thousands of job seekers attended the event featuring more than 90 employers. pastor from a poor neighborhood asked how church members could do more to push for real reform of the global economic system.

Block and other economists at Catholic institutions believe leaders of the Catholic Church and its philanthropic arms can use their clout to enlist more volunteers, raise charitable contributions and extend aid to people all over the world who have been adversely impacted by the global economic crisis.

“Local churches should be attentive to the poor in this crisis, including the ‘working poor’ and families whose breadwinners have lost jobs and homes,” Nielsen told Catholic News Service. “The media has not yet given much play to the hardships suffered in the world’s poorest countries, because of this meltdown.”

“For example,” she said, “the collapse of commodities markets has deprived some developing country inhabitants of their only source of income, and their countries have no social safety nets to protect unemployed, malnourished individuals.”

The pope also should urge world leaders to infuse economic policies with Christian ethics, said Paul Oslington, an economics scholar at Australian

Catholic University in Sydney.

“The separation of economics from ethics has been less clean than the separation from theology, and economics has subsequently conducted long-term relationships with utilitarianism and certain types of positivist philosophy, along with brief flirtations with other varieties of ethics,” Oslington said.

“Today we are left with a very thin account of economic life as satisfying individual preferences. There is nothing in such an account to provide balance or an overall sense of purpose,” he said.

The Vatican also could provide moral clarity as governments deal with the global economic crisis, said Fred Foldvary, an economics professor at Santa Clara University in the San Francisco Bay Area.

“Recognizing that while greed and fraud played a part, the fundamental problem is the injustice and economic harm of government’s fiscal policies,” Foldvary told CNS. “Taxation wrongly takes the bread earned by the worker, while government subsidies enrich the landowners, creating inequality and poverty, while luring speculators to free-ride on economic growth, fueling their greed until it causes a crash,” he said.

which have also been verified by many Jewish sources, were carried out through personal messengers — priests — who were sent to various Catholic institutions and houses here in Rome,” Father Gumpel said.

The message delivered by these emissaries, Father Gumpel said, was “always the same: ‘Open your doors to everyone persecuted by the Nazis,’ which naturally applied in the first place to Jews.”

Historians have documented the fact that many Jews found refuge in Rome’s convents, monasteries and seminaries, and even in the papal villa outside Rome at Castel Gandolfo.

Colombian leaders urge Obama to reform policy toward Colombia WASHINGTON (CNS) — Colombian community leaders urged President Barack Obama to reform U.S. policy toward Colombia to end the destructive drug trade and more than 40 years of civil war.

Speaking on Capitol Hill March 5, Msgr. Hector Henao Gaviria said Colombia’s civil war has had a “very grave humanitarian impact,” especially on displaced families. Msgr. Henao, head of Caritas Colombia and the social affairs commission of the Colombian bishops’ conference, said

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there must be a coherent, joint and “negotiated solution to armed conflict” that includes the participation of civil society.

Colombia is second only to Sudan as a country with the most internally displaced people, said several Colombian community leaders who also participated in the discussion on Colombia.

The leaders also discussed recommendations detailed in a February letter to Obama, in which 100 representatives of human rights and peace-

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Father Gumpel said Pope Pius and his aides were careful not to issue written orders because it would only provoke repercussions if they fell into the hands of Nazi occupation forces in Rome. The discovery of the note written by the Augustinian nuns is important, he said.

“It is an additional confirmation that could be useful in regard to those who persistently want to denigrate Pius XII and thus attack the Catholic Church,” he said.

Father Gumpel said he hoped the note could also help advance Pope Pius’ beatification, a major step toward sainthood. The declaration of “heroic virtues” needed for his beatification was approved unanimously by the Congregation for Saints’ Causes in 2007, but Pope Benedict XVI later ordered further study of the cause and its implications for Catholic-Jewish dialogue.

“We are still awaiting the signing of the decree by His Holiness,” Father Gumpel said.

While the matter remains under examination, the Vatican has asked both supporters and opponents of the sainthood cause to stop pressuring Pope Benedict about the issue.

“That is the subject of study and reflection on [the pope’s] part, and in this situation it is not appropriate to exercise pressure on him in one direction or the other,” Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said in October.

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For Catholic Indians, global recession is a test of faith CALCUTTA, India (CNS) — In late January, a happy Charleston Gilette kissed the ground at the airport before embarking on his flight to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to work for three years. Back in Calcutta now, the Catholic sits by his window with a vacant look in his eyes. Gilette, 37, is among hundreds of Indians returning home jobless after the economic recession hit the Persian Gulf nations. Many of these workers are Catholics, reported the Asian church news agency UCA News. Michael Gomes, 53, a Catholic chef specializing in Chinese and Indonesian cuisine, was asked in March to go on a paid leave for six months. He said he knows “it is the end,” although his hotel has promised to send him a salary for the period. Florence David is another victim of the recession. The 28year-old Catholic left her travel-agency job in Calcutta to work as an administrative secretary in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for a salary that is three times higher than her previous job. She spent all her savings on a recruiting agent. Within two months she was back home, jobless and feeling bleak about the future.

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ROME (CNS) — The stereotypical Italian communicates with his hands and sips Chianti, but text mesBRIEFLY saging and drinking bottled water have become even more common and some dioceses are trying to put a stop to the practices — at least for Lent. Archbishop Benito Cocchi of Modena-Nonantola has asked people “to fast” from sending text messages on their cellular phones, at least on the Fridays of Lent. And the Archdiocese of Venice’s office for Christian lifestyles has asked the faithful there “to turn on the faucet” and give up bottled water. Bishops and priests in neighboring dioceses have urged their members to do the same. As Lent began Feb. 25, Archbishop Cocchi told the faithful that Lent was a time to use fewer words and less food, drinks and games in order to concentrate on strengthening a real relationship with God and with others.

The archdiocesan office for missionary awareness, he said, had a good idea: Give up sending text messages.

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building organizations urged the United States to reform its policies to defend human rights and uphold democracy in Colombia.

The letter urged Obama to rework the U.S.-Colombia anti-drug policy to “acknowledge the principle of shared responsibility between producer and consumer countries in facing this scourge.” Colombia is Latin America’s largest producer of coca, the main ingredient of cocaine, which is transported north and consumed in the United States.

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■ VACATION

Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA, on free ski shuttle route. $110/night. Call (913) 6423027. For pictures, visit the Web site at: cabin. forcadeassociates.com.

S k i v a ca t i on - Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, 1BA, sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec. center with pool & hot tub. $125/night; $750/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.

■ FOR RENT

A p a r t m e n t f o r r e n t – 1 BR, 1 BA. $495 per month, includes utilities. One-year lease. 10911 W. 59th Terr., Shawnee. Near St. Joseph Parish. View at: www.shawnee-rentals.com, or call (913) 6497596.

Hom e for rent - Modern, 2 BR, 1-1/2 BA home with attached garage near 83rd and Antioch in Overland Park. Many adorable updates and amenities including pool and exercise room; and trash, lawn and snow care. Appliances stay. One-year lease.

No pets or smokers. Call Catherine at (913) 972-8852.

Shawnee duplex - Nice, 3 BR, 3 BA, maintenancefree duplex. Open floor plan. Cul-de-sac. West Shawnee, 7111 McCoy. $1150/mo. Call (913) 526-6218.

L e n e x a - 3 BR, 1-1/2 BA, new carpet, hardwoods, fireplace, one-car garage. $850/ mo.; oneyear lease. Call (913) 768-6447.

Pra iri e Vi lla ge - 2 BR, 1 BA, living, dining and family rooms, gas fireplace, one-car garage, $910/ mo.; one-year lease. Call (913) 768-6447.

■ REAL ESTATE

Villas of Whitehorse - 15011 Ash St., Leawood.

Located on a cul-de-sac, this beautiful home has 4 BR, 3 BA, a screened-in porch, tile roof, granite countertops, a butler’s pantry, built-in bookcase, office, central vac and more! $419,000. Call Mark at (913) 851-0606.

Great starter home - In Kansas City, Kan. 2 BR, 1 BA, hardwood floors, full bsmt., new furnace, central air, garage/carport, large lot. Must see to appreciate. Call (913) 342- 4027.

Weekend ret rea t - Six-year-old two-bedroom home with all the amenities. Home has a huge, covered front porch and is being sold fully furnished.

House sits on 25 acres of timber/pasture with a two-acre fully stocked pond. Turkey and deer are abundant. Property is located south of Ottawa and is less than a one-hour drive from Lenexa. $175,500. Call Mike for details at (816) 507-4848.

■ MISCELLANEOUS Wha t is a n en dowment ? An endowment is an account whose principal cannot be spent, only the interest income. Over time, the amount paid out far exceeds the initial gift. To see if your parish has an endowment, visit the C a t h o l i c F o u n d a t i o n o f Northeast Kansas’ Web site at: www.cfnek.org. If you would like to donate to the endowment or start a new fund, call the Catholic Foundation at (913) 647-0365.

I w a n t t o t a l k to o t he r s w h o h a v e l o s t th e i r sense of ta st e. Due to a surgical procedure, I am experiencing this condition and would like to learn how others are coping with this condition. Call Rose at (620) 342-8733.

■ CHILD CARE

L o o k i n g f o r t ha t s p e c i a l s o m e o n e to w a t c h your chi ld(ren ) thi s su mmer? Sion graduate and K-State sophomore is looking for a summer position as a nanny. Excellent experience and references. Call Molly Fogarty at (913) 897-7030.

■ FOR SALE

Bulk mulch for sale - Prices start at $28/cu. yd. plus a $50 per load delivery fee. For details, visit the Web site at: www.mokanmulch.com or call (913) 631-7217.

Re si d en t i a l li f t s - 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) 393-2042.

2 0 0 8 N i s sa n 3 5 0 Z - Automatic trans., 1400 miles, black/black leather. $32,000. For details, call (913) 485-6317 or (913) 400-7485.

■ WANTED TO BUY

*** BUYING *** Coins — Sterling — Watches I buy coins, old watches, sterling silverware, postcards, photographs, military items, political campaign pins, Zippo lighters, fountain pens, toys, slot machines, old signs & tins, quilts, Indian rugs, beadwork, baskets, pottery and 22-gauge rifles.

Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269. *** Wanted to Buy *** Antique and vintage costume jewelry Member St. Joseph Parish Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179

March 14

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host a retreat, entitled “Ministering to the Body, Mind and Soul” and presented by Sister Linda Zahner, OSB, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on March 14. The cost is $40; advance deposit is $10. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151.

Sister Mary Pat Johnson, SCL, will facilitate a retreat, entitled “Graced Moments: Meeting God in the Struggle,” for people or their loved ones who are dealing with cancer or a serious illness. It will be offered from 9 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. on March 14 at Marillac Center, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth. The cost of $40 includes lunch. Financial assistance is available. To reserve a space, mail a $15 deposit to: Marillac Center, 4200 S. 4th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. For information, call (913) 758-6552; send an e-mail to: retreats@scls.org; or visit the Web site at: www.MarillacCenter.org.

St. Patrick Parish, 94th and State Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will host a fundraiser dinner and dance to benefit the David Alvarado Memorial Scholarship Fund at 6:30 p.m. on March 14 in the parish center. A catered dinner by Ross’s Catering and entertainment by The City Limits Band will be provided. For information or to purchase tickets, call (913) 281-9222.

The Knights of Columbus will host a fundraiser concert featuring Eddie Delahunt at 8 p.m. on March 14 in the auditorium at Immaculata High School, 6th and Shawnee, Leavenworth. The cost is $10 for adults: $5 for children. Tickets are available at Immaculata, the Knights of Columbus Hall or Soul Supply and Hardware, 704 Cherokee.

For information, call (913) 682-7045.

15

St. Patrick Church, Scranton, will host its annual feast day dinner from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on March 15 in the church basement. The cost is: $7 for adults; $3 for children ages 6 - 12; and free for children 5 and under. There will also be a raffle for a homemade quilt.

The Legion of Mary, Mary Spouse of the Holy Spirit Curia, will hold its annual ACIES ceremony at 3 p.m. on March 15 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2203 Parallel, Kansas City, Kan. This consecration is the most important function of the Legion where active and auxiliary members are consecrated to Our Lady and renew their fidelity to her. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the ceremony.

The women of the Ancient Order of Hibernians will host a pancake breakfast from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. on March 15 in the banquet hall at Redemptorist Church, 3333 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo. The cost is $5 for adults; $4 for children.

The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2332, Shawnee, will host a corned beef and cabbage dinner in their hall located at 11221 Johnson Dr., during the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 15. Serving will begin at 11:30 a.m. Chili, hot dogs, chips and dessert will also be available. The cost is $7 per person. For information, call event chairman Dan Nicks at (913) 631-4633.

17

A Lenten day of reflection will be offered at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan., on March 17. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will speak on the many themes of St. Paul. Two sessions will be offered: The morning session will begin at 9 a.m.; the afternoon session

will begin at 1 p.m. The sacrament of reconciliation and adoration will be available for both sessions and a meal is included. A complete schedule is available on the Web site at: www.archkck.org. To register, send an email to: Martha Gann at: saviorsec@ archkck.org, or call (913) 721- 1097.

18 & 19

Bishop Ward High School will host its “Made It Through Another Year” alumni luncheons. The women’s luncheon for alumni from the classes 1967 and earlier will be held on March 18 and the men’s luncheon for alumni from the classes 1972 and earlier will be held on March 19 in the school cafeteria. The cost is $20 per person. For tickets, contact Paula Gettles in the development office at (913) 371-6901 or send an e-mail to her at: pgettles@ward high.org.

For information, visit the Web site at: www. cyclone country. org.

19

A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on March 19 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood.

Father Dennis Wait will preside; fellowship follows.

20

Boy Scout Troops 247 and 295 at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, 71st and Metcalf, Overland Park, will host a pancake dinner from 5 - 7 p.m. on March 20. A freewill donation will be collected. Stations of the Cross will follow at 7 p.m. in the church.

Catholic Community Hospice will offer Stations of the Cross at 5:30 p.m. on March 20 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood.

21

The alumni association at Donnelly College will offer a free financial lecture, given by financial expert Steve Modrcin, from 10:30 a.m. - noon on March 21. The lecture is open to the community and will be held in the college’s first floor meeting room. For information, contact Roger Berg at (913) 621-8744 or send an e-mail to him at: rberg@donnelly. edu.

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on March 21 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in Vianney Center. The topic will be “Ten Commandments of Grief.” For information, call (913) 649-2026.

Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish (Wea), 22779 Metcalf Rd., Bucyrus, will host a poker tournament on March 21.

Registration begins at 6:30 p.m.; play begins at 7 p.m. The cost of $40 includes beer and food. Prizes will be awarded; proceeds will benefit the school PTO. For information, call the school at (913) 533-2462.

The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2332, Shawnee, will host a rib-eye roast dinner and polka dance on March 21 in their hall, located at 11221 Johnson Dr. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 7 p.m., and dancing to The Brian McCarty Combo will follow. Tickets cost $20, and prepaid reservations are required. For information or to purchase tickets, call Dan Nicks at (913) 631-4633.

21 & 21

Father Pat Tobin will offer a color slide presentation on the life and dedication of Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity entitled “Workable Solutions to End World Hunger and Unsafe Water,” at 9 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. on March 21 and at 1:30 and 6:15 p.m. on March 22 at St. Therese North Church, 7207 N.W. Hwy. 9, Kansas City, Mo. Each session lasts 90 min-

utes. Father Pat conducted spiritual conferences for Mother Teresa’s Sisters for 37 years in 31 countries. This inspiring slide show will offer a firsthand account of the wonderful work these Sisters do to help alleviate poverty and suffering. There is no fee and reservations are not required.

22

The youth group of St. Louis (Good Intent) Parish, 11321 Morton Rd., Atchison, will host a spaghetti luncheon from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on March 22.

Freewill donations will be accepted.

The Knights of Columbus, Marian Council No. 3768, at Christ the King Church, 53rd and Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kan., will host a pancake breakfast from 8:30 - 11 a.m. on March 22 in Davern hall. Proceeds will benefit the parish Boy Scout troop.

24

J o hn s on Co u nt y K -S t at e Research and Extension Office is offering a workshop from 7 - 9 p.m. on March 24 for anyone interested in learning how to organize a complete record of financial, medical, legal, emergency, charitable and personal information. The Legacy system is a simple three-ring binder that can be used in many ways to gather and store your own information to be used in the future by your children and grandchildren. The fee is for the workshop is $35 and includes your own workbook. To register, call (913) 715-7000, or visit the Web site at: www.johnson. ksu.edu.

25

Chiquita Miller of the K-State Extension will present “Balancing Family and Work” from 1 - 2:30 p.m. on March 25 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb. org/kwc.

26

Rockhurst University Library Guild’s annual critique luncheon will feature “An Afternoon with Mary Carol Garrity,” renowned proprietor of Nell Hill’s, author and columnist, on March 26 at Mission Hills Country Club. For information or reservations, call Tori at (816) 501-4809.

“Healthy Snacks – the Do’s and the Don’ts,” presented in partnership with KState Extension, will be offered from 9:30 11 a.m. on March 26 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc. Grocery vouchers will be given to those who register on or before March 24.

27-28

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host “Thomas Merton: A Mystical Guide for Those Who Seek ‘More,’” presented by Sister Sheila Carroll, OSF, from 7 p.m. on March 27 to 3:30 p.m. on March 28. The cost is $100; advance deposit is $20. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151.

28

The Sanctuary of Hope and Father Dennis Wait will host the annual “Paths to Peace” presentation from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on March 28 in the chapel, located at 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan. This year the talks will include Ben Worth on Buddhism and Barb McAfee on the Baha'i Faith. In addition, Ann Hatch will give a presentation on art. The cost is $20 per person. For information or to RSVP, call 913-321-HOPE (4673).

Holy Family Church will host a taco dinner and bingo on March 28 in its club,

CALENDAR

13

located at 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kan. Dinner will be served from 6:15 - 7:15 p.m., with bingo following at 7:30 p.m. The cost of $15 includes dinner and a bingo card. For tickets, call Annette at (913) 371-5063.

Cristo Rey High School, Kansas City, Mo., will host its annual benefit evening at 6 p.m. on March 28 at Marriott – Muehlebach Tower, 200 W. 12th St., Kansas City, Mo. This year’s theme is “Dancing with the Stars,” and will include civic leaders and well-known personalities from the metro area who will take the stage to perform a dance. Cristo Rey Kansas City combines a traditional Catholic college-preparatory education with a unique and innovative corporate work/study program. It serves only students in economic need. For information or to purchase tickets, contact Andy Stith at (816) 457-6044.

Holy Spirit Parish, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park, will host a healing Mass at 9 a.m. on March 28. The sacrament of anointing of the sick will be offered. Prayers in honor of St. Peregrine, the patron saint of those with cancer and HIV/AIDS, will be said.

29

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas invites all to join in praying for the homeless, the poor and the vulnerable at a prayer vigil at 2 p.m. on March 29 at Shalom House, an emergency shelter for men, located at 2100 N. 13th St., Kansas City, Kan. A reception will follow.

Misc.

Do you or your loved one need support to break free from pornography, infidelity, or lust? The My House Men’s Group provides prayer and accountability for sexual integrity. Sam Meier, MA, LPC, is available for men’s groups and counseling, call him at (913) 647-0378, or send an e-mail to him at: smeier@archkck.org. The My House Women’s Group provides hope and healing for women who are dealing with their loved one’s struggles. Contact Beth Meier at (913) 647-0379, or send an e-mail to her at: bmeier@archkck.org. Sam and Beth work for the archdiocese, and are thankful for the healing they have experienced in their marriage. Support is confidential and from a Catholic perspective.

The Singles of Nativity will gather for round-robin-style tennis from 2:30 - 5 p.m. at the Indian Creek Recreational Center, 103rd and Marty, Overland Park, on Sundays throughout the winter/spring, weather permitting. If the temperature is above 45 degrees and it is not windy, we will play outdoor tennis. Beginners are welcome; there is room for everyone. For information, send an e-mail to Nancy Driscoll at: ndriscoll1@kc.rr.com.

Save the date for Bishop Ward High School’s hall of fame dinner on April 18.

The cost is $125. For information or to purchase tickets, contact Paula Gettles at (913) 371-6901 or send an e-mail to her at: pgettles@wardhigh.org.

Training for respite volunteers will be on March 28. Men and women volunteer in their parish community to relieve caregivers caring for a family member in the home.

The family caregiver receives up to four hours of personal time, once a week or several times a month. Volunteers do not give medication or do housework. Trained volunteers are insured against liability. For more information or to register for training, call Aletha Adams at (913) 362-7798.

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 13, 2009

MARK MY WORDS

I’m starting to see what Lent’s all about

President MOST REVEREND JOSEPH F. NAUMANN Editor REVEREND MARK GOLDASICH, STL frmark@theleaven.com Managing Editor ANITA McSORLEY anita@theleaven.com Senior Reporter JOE BOLLIG joe@theleaven.com Production Manager TODD HABIGER todd@theleaven.com Advertising Representative JENNIFER SIEBES jennifer@theleaven.com Reporter KARA HANSEN kara@theleaven.com Circulation sub@theleaven.com

Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Archbishop Edward O’Meara Award Winner 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003 Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) 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) 7215276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com.

wice a month, on Thursday mornings, I have Mass for the Catholic residents at the nursing center in Tonganoxie. That means I have to bring along everything I need for Mass — from the water and wine, to my vestments, to the altar cloths.

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One of my parishioners usually meets me at my car and helps me carry all the “Mass stuff” inside.

On the first Thursday of this month, as he retrieved the various containers from my car, I made a comment about what a nice day it was.

He responded by saying, “Yeah, and if there wasn’t so much wind, it would be perfect!”

At that point, he stopped himself, sheepishly looked at me and said, “Father, why is it that we can’t ever just be happy with the way things are? Why do we always have to look for what’s wrong? It is a beautiful day . . . even with all the wind.”

I understood very well what my parishioner was talking about because I catch myself doing the same thing all the time: If something isn’t perfect, then I’m going to be sure and point out what’s wrong, rather than focus on all that is right and good. In fact, I find myself al-

most expecting the worst, rather than the best. That blinds me from noticing goodness and blessings.

Because I don’t like being this way, I’ve been working on an attitude and perception adjustment during Lent. Let’s just say that I’m glad there’s plenty of this penitential season left because I have a long way to go.

I’m being inspired, though, by this marvelous story about a popular college student named Tom, who had a large red birthmark that ran from one eye, down his face, across his mouth, down to this neck, to his chest. One day a close friend asked him, “Tell me: How did you ever overcome the emotional pain of your birthmark?”

“Oh,” Tom answered quickly, “it’s because of my dad. You see, he always told me, ‘Son’ — and he pointed to my birthmark — ‘this is where an angel kissed you because he wanted to mark you out just for your dad. You’re very special to me, and whenever we’re in a group of people, I always know right away where you are, and that you’re mine.’”

“You know,” Tom concluded, “my dad told me that so many times that I even began to feel sorry for all my friends who didn’t have birthmarks!”

(Adapted from “A World of Stories for Preachers and Teachers” by William J. Bausch.)

Wow, that’s an incredibly positive way to proceed through life. No wonder Tom was so popular. People like him seem to energize everyone around them and help open the eyes of others to look at their own lives differently, in a more positive and grateful light.

On a very mundane level, I’ve been striving to adopt Tom’s positive outlook on these meatless Fridays of Lent. Going out for lunch on these days, I’m amazed at how many entrees contain meat (particularly the dishes that I seem to be attracted to). Lent has been a good time for me to christen Fridays as “new taste” days. While it’s often a challenge to look for the meatless items, it’s also liberating to leave behind the “usual” and give my taste buds a new experience.

And, much to my amazement, I’m feeling a slight positive shift in my perception of life in general. Last Friday, as I bit with gusto into my mini veggie omelet (made with egg whites only), I found myself watching the other people in the restaurant ordering and eating their “same old, same old” without much awareness or enjoyment.

I had to stifle a laugh as I caught myself (much like Tom the college student) feeling sorry that those diners couldn’t all be Catholics on a Friday in Lent, eating something different and, in the process, awakening to the variety of blessings that God showers upon us in this imperfect world.

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THE GOSPEL TRUTH

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Sunday’s Gospel prepares us for Jesus’ passion

THIRD WEEK OF LENT March 15 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Ex 20: 1-17; Ps 19: 8-11; 1 Cor 1: 22-25; Jn 2: 13-25 March 16 Monday 2 Kgs 5: 1-15b; Pss 42: 2-3; 43: 3-4; Lk 4: 24-30 March 17 Patrick, bishop Dn 3: 25, 34-43; Ps 25: 4-5b, 6, 7bc, 8-9; Mt 18: 21-35 March 18 Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop, doctor of the church Dt 4: 1, 5-9; Ps 147: 12-13, 15-16, 19-20; Mt 5: 17-19 March 19 JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN 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 March 20 Friday Hos 14: 2-10; Ps 81: 6c-11b, 14, 17; Mk 12: 28-34 March 21 Saturday Hos 6: 1-6; Ps 51: 3-4, 18-21b; Lk 18: 9-14

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hen Pope Benedict visited the United States in April 2008, he prayed at New York’s ground zero, asking God to bring direction to people “consumed with hatred.”

the words of Scripture, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’” This verse quotes Ps 69:9.

Some people attribute the current Because zeal is such a strong emotion, economic crisis to a society “consumed we might imagine that once again the by greed.” term “consumed” is intended in Kenzie, an eight-monthsa metaphorical sense. In that THIRD pregnant woman, was shot to case, we could rephrase the SUNDAY OF death last month. Her fiancee’s quotation to read: “Zeal for LENT 11-year-old son is charged with your house will overwhelm Jn 2: 13-25 her murder. Reports say that me.” Zeal for God’s house the boy was “consumed with would drive Jesus to violent acjealousy.” tion, to overturn tables and We often use the term “consumed” in chase vendors away. a metaphorical sense, to mean “obsessed But such does not appear to be the by a strong emotion.” We might suppose case. The Greek word translated as “conthat this is the case in Sunday’s Gospel sumed” literally means “eaten up, dereading, Jn 2:13-25. That reading offers voured.” It is not the equivalent of the an account of Jesus’ cleansing of the temmodern English idiom, meaning psychople, in which he overturns the tables of logical obsession. Instead, it means “dethe money-changers and drives out the stroyed.” In that case, we could rephrase sellers of sacrificial animals. The other the saying to read: “Zeal for your house Gospels provide parallel accounts (Mt will lead to my destruction.”

21:12-13; Mk 11:15-17; and Lk 19:45Later events in Jesus’ life confirm that 46). At the same time, John’s Gospel supprediction. When Jesus stands on trial plies an observation lacking in Matthew, before the Sanhedrin, his opponents tesMark and Luke: “His disciples recalled tify against him: “We heard him say, ‘I

will destroy this temple made with hands and within three days I will build another not made with hands” (Mk 14:58).

Mark’s Gospel characterizes that testimony as false. At the same time, the Gospels report that Jesus’ teachings included criticism of the temple. For example, in Mk 13:1-2, we hear: “As he was making his way out of the temple area one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, teacher, what stones and what buildings!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Do you see these great buildings? There will not be one stone left upon another that will not be thrown down.’”

The authorities heard that criticism as a threat. They respond to that criticism by having Jesus put to death. Zeal for the house of God leads to Jesus’ death. But it also leads to his resurrection.

Zeal for the temple explains, at least in part, Jesus’ death and resurrection on an earthly level. It also prepares us for the next metaphor in John’s Gospel. The temple stands for Jesus’ body. Through his death and resurrection, we will focus upon him as our place of worship, the point where we encounter God: “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up. . . . But he was speaking about the temple of his body.’”

Father Mike Stubbs is pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 13, 2009

FRONT & CENTER In three separate liturgies, hundreds publicly profess desire to join the church

Leaven photo by Marc Anderson

From left, Father Tim Haberkorn gives candidate Sharon Purney, sponsor Maureen Steinbock, and candidate Dick Purney some last-minute instructions.

By MARC and JULIE ANDERSON Special to The Leaven OPEKA — You’re never too young or too old to join the Catholic Church, to judge by this year’s Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion service held March 8 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church here.

According to archdiocesan liturgy consultant Michael Podrebarac, the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion provides an opportunity for those wishing to be baptized or received into full communion with the Catholic Church to stand before the archbishop in the presence of the archdiocesan family and express that desire publicly.

At three separate liturgies in the last two weeks, a total of 204 catechumens took that opportunity; hundreds more expressed a desire for full communion.

The liturgy celebrated at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish was the last of the three to be held; earlier rites were held at St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kan., and Ascension Parish in Overland Park on March 1.

One of those to express his desire to join the church before the archbishop was eight-year-old Jacob Austin, who will be baptized during the Easter Vigil at Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia, along with his two sisters, Alynna, 4, and Brianna, 10.

The children’s grandmother, Mary Austin, started taking the children to Mass every Sunday at least a year ago because she wanted to “know the strength and love of Jesus.” The result? Family members said they’re thrilled and extremely excited to be joining the Catholic Church.

One of the highlights of the Rite of Election was meeting Archbishop Joseph Naumann and having his picture taken with him, said Jacob. His sister Brianna looks forward to joining the church at Easter, then attending Camp Tekakwitha for the first time.

The archdiocesan youth camp, held at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg, is designed to encourage young people from 5th-12th grade to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ in a fun, active and natural camp setting.

Although the Austin family members

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Leaven photos by Marc Anderson

Eight-year-old Jacob Austin, of Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia, signs the Book of the Elect during the Rite of Election ceremony celebrated March 8 at Topeka’s Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish. Austin is one of 204 individuals who will be baptized into the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil on April 11.

Hundreds more will enter into full communion at that time.

“It’s a real pleasure to be back in really took hold for them. represent some of the youngest to join church. We go to Mass every weekend, At the time, then-pastor Father the church this year, candidates Dick and George Bertels took time out of his busy and we wish we could partake in the Sharon Purney, ages 68 and 66, prove Eucharist, but we can’t yet,” said Sharon. that you’re never too old to take that leap schedule to visit Dick at least seven or “We’re looking forward to being in full eight times. of faith. communion with the church finally.”

When Dick finally recovered, he asked Both will be received into full commuBut they are already able to appreciSharon if she still wanted to join the nion at Topeka’s St. Joseph-Sacred Heart ate and apply Father Haberkorn’s serchurch. Her response was an enthusiastic Parish at the Easter Vigil. mons to their lives, said Sharon. yes. When the two went to the new pasFor the past 35 years, Sharon’s best “He takes the Scriptures and applies tor, Father Tim Haberkorn, he at first friend has been St. Joseph-Sacred Heart them to everyday life in a way that is easy thought they were joking. parishioner Maureen Steinbock.

Like many others, he assumed the to understand,” she said.

Steinbock is extremely active in her During his homily, Archbishop couple was Catholic, since they were alparish — catering wedding receptions Naumann thanked the catechumens and ways at parish events, helping out wherand funeral dinners, working the Lenten candidates for taking this important step fish fries, and assisting with the parish’s ever they could. in their faith journeys.

This year must have been the right annual German Fest.

“I thank you, our catechumens and time to join, said Sharon, since she was For the past 30 years, Sharon has those preparing for reception into the also celebrating her 66th birthday on the helped Steinbock with these events in same day as the Rite of Election and Call Catholic Church, for accepting the invitaany way she could. In fact, her faithful tion — however and through whomever to Continuing Conversion. participation led many parishioners to Now that Sharon and Dick are finally it was communicated to you — to come assume she was Catholic, although she to know Jesus and to share fully in the making their dream a reality, the couple was actually Presbyterian and her hussaid they are truly excited. Although they life of his church. band was Baptist.

“Thank you for taking that first — ofcome from a Christian background, the The pair had discussed the possibility tentimes frightening step — to come and of joining the Catholic Church for years, pair readily admits that in the past they have not always made their faith as high see and know Jesus and his church.” but it wasn’t until two years ago when Dick suffered a major stroke that the idea a priority as they could have.

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