03-26-10 Vol. 31 No. 32

www.theleaven.com | Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas | Vol. 31, No. 32 march 26, 2010

Prayers for Life

Following the monthly pro-life Mass on March 13 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in Kansas City, Kan., Ron Kelsey, archdiocesan pro-life consultant, carries an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe during a procession to an abortion clinic at 7th and Central in Kansas City, Kan.

Photos by Julie Denesha

W

Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher (center) led a procession to an abortion clinic following the monthly pro-life Mass. Here he stands with (from left) John Muehlburger and Jay Markovic. Behind them is Diederick van Hoogstraten, New York-based reporter for the Netherlands publication Elsevier magazine.

Despite rain and snow, Richard Zeitler was among those who braved the weather to pray the rosary in front of the clinic.

hile members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were working up until the last minute trying to prevent passage of health care legislation that could permit taxpayer-funded abortions, one archbishop was taking his pro-life passion to the streets. Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher celebrated the archdiocesan pro-life monthly Mass at 8 a.m. at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in Kansas City, Kan. Then, braving bitter temperatures and the five-inch snowfall of the night before, he led the monthly procession to the abortion clinic on Central Ave., where he led a rosary, followed by Benediction back at the church.

For the USCCB’s response to the passage of the health care legislation on March 21, see page 3.

2 ARCHBISHOP

THE LEAVEN • march 26, 2010

THE LEAVEN • march 26, 2010

House passes health reform

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

Three ways to close out Lent like a champion

I

n the midst of March Madness, you hear basketball pundits speak about the importance of being able to close out games.

A team can play terrific for 38 minutes, but if they blow the last 2 minutes, it may be all for naught. Three important characteristics of successful teams in closing out games are: 1) playing good defense — forcing the other team to make errors; 2) not making mistakes, e.g., not turning the ball over or taking low percentage shots; and 3) shooting free throws well.

As we enter in Holy Week, it is a moment to reflect upon how we want to close out the Lenten season. I wish to propose three important ways to bring this special season to a fruitful conclusion.

First, I encourage you to read prayerfully during this week one or more of the Passion narratives. On Palm Sunday this year, we read St. Luke’s account of the Passion of Jesus and on Good Friday we always read the Passion account of St. John.

I encourage you to read slowly through the entire Passion, then return to reflect prayerfully on those passages that particularly moved you. Personally, there are several passages in Luke’s Passion that provide me with a wealth of material for my prayer.

Luke’s description of the prayer of Jesus in the garden I find particularly powerful. Jesus prays: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; still not my will but yours be done.” Luke alone relates that Jesus “prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground.” Luke captures the intensity of this moment.

Jesus is completely aware of the cruel

Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

suffering that is about to be inflicted upon him and so he implores the Father to relieve him of it. Yet, Jesus ultimately embraces the Father’s will over what are his own preferences.

Another section of Luke’s Passion that I find fruitful for my own meditation is the depiction of Peter’s denial of Jesus. The scene takes place in the courtyard of the high priest. Peter is trying to stay close to observe the fate of Jesus, but at a safe enough distance that he will not also be arrested. When one of the high priest’s maids and others recognize Peter as a disciple of Jesus, Peter denies that he knows him.

In addition to the cock crowing after the third denial, Luke describes Jesus turning and looking at Peter. Luke describes Peter exiting the Passion “weeping bitterly.”

It is Luke who relates Jesus praying for mercy for his executioners.

Only Luke’s Gospel tells us that Jesus promised one of those with whom he is crucified (identified in tradition as Dismas) that he would be with Jesus that very day in paradise. Luke hammers home in his description of the Passion the theme, found throughout his Gospel, of God’s incredible mercy.

Secondly, I encourage you to remain faithful to your Lenten practices of penance and prayer during Holy Week. Also, ask yourself the question: Why not continue these practices of prayer and penance throughout the year?

Personally, I find that fasting creates more space in my life for God. For me,

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

Archbishop Keleher’s

Effort to insert abortion language fails

weekly calendar

March 28 11 a.m. Palm Sunday Mass — Cathedral

March 28 Prison Mass

March 30 Chrism Mass — Curé of Ars, Leawood

Confessions — Nativity, Leawood

Seven Last Words service — Curé of Ars, Leawood

March 30 Seven Last Words service — Curé of Ars, Leawood

April 1 Holy Thursday

April 1 Holy Thursday

Lunch with Wyandotte County priests

Holy Thursday Mass — Sisters, Servants of Mary, Kansas City, Kan.

7:30 p.m. Holy Thursday Mass — Cathedral April 2 Good Friday

April 2 Good Friday

3 p.m. Good Friday services — Cathedral 3 p.m. Good Friday services — Cathedral April 3 Holy Saturday

April 3 Holy Saturday

Vigil Mass — St. Joseph, Shawnee 8 p.m. Vigil Mass — Cathedral April 4 Easter Sunday

April 4 Easter Sunday

CNS photo/Joshua Roberts

Mass — Sisters, Servants of Mary Noon Mass — St. Agnes, Roeland Park

limiting the amount of food and the types of food I eat is not only good for my spiritual life, but my physical health as well. I also discover giving God more time in prayer actually makes me more productive in work, even though I have fewer hours to devote to my labors.

Decide this week which Lenten practices you wish to continue, at least on a modified basis, throughout the coming year.

Finally, I urge you to participate in the Triduum liturgies at your parish.

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy

Thursday, the celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night are the most powerful and beautiful liturgies of the year. These liturgies put us in touch with the central mysteries of our Catholic faith. They give God the opportunity to renew and deepen his peace and joy within our hearts.

Pray over the Passion, persevere in your Lenten practices of prayer and penance, participate in the Triduum liturgies, and you will close out Lent like a champion.

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Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Reporter KARA HANSEN kara@theleaven.com

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) 7211570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com.

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A group of protesters gathers outside the U.S. Capitol to demonstrate against the health care reform bill in Washington March 21.

The House of Representatives passed the measure late in the evening with a 219-212 vote after more than a year of partisan debate.

By Nancy Frazier O’Brien Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The House of Representatives passed historic health reform legislation late March 21 but rejected a lastditch effort to send a package of legislative fixes back to committee in order to insert language on abortion supported by the U.S. bishops.

The votes were 219-212 in favor of the Senate-passed health reform bill, and 232-199 against a motion by Rep. Dave Camp, RMich., to recommit the reconciliation package to committee with instructions to substitute language that would codify the Hyde amendment, which forbids federal funding of most abortions.

The vote on the reconciliation package, which concluded shortly before midnight, was 220-211.

Twenty-three Democrats joined all 178 House Republicans in opposing the measure.

Sister Carol Keehan, a Daughter of Charity who is president and CEO of the Catholic Health Association, praised the legislation, saying it “represents great progress in the long effort to make health care available and affordable to everyone in the United States.”

She urged the Senate to take quick action to pass the reconciliation package.

The House votes came only after Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., obtained a promise from the White House that President Barack Obama would sign an executive order stipulating that the Hyde amendment would apply to the health reform legislation.

Obama signed the bill March 23.

Stupak, a Catholic, had led a group of pro-life House Democrats in opposing the Senate health reform bill unless it were amended

to include abortion language passed by the House last year. The U.S. bishops had backed those efforts, saying the Senate-passed bill’s abortion language was morally unacceptable because it contained “no relevant provision to prevent the direct use of federal funds for elective abortions.”

Rep. Joseph R. Pitts, R-Pa., said the House language was needed in the Senate measure despite the promised executive order because “an executive order does not trump a statute.”

“The courts will look to the legislative statute to interpret the law,” he said.

In a March 21 memo to congressional staffers, Richard Doerflinger, associate director of the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, said that “the statutory mandate construed by the courts would override any executive order or regulation.”

“This is the unanimous view of our legal advisers and of the experts we have consulted on abortion jurisprudence,” he said. “Only a change in the law enacted by Congress, not an executive order, can begin to address this very serious problem in the legislation.”

In introducing his motion to send the bill back to committee, Camp referred to the proposal to codify Hyde in the measure as the “Stupak-Pitts amendment,” but Stupak spoke against it, saying it “purports to be a right-to-life amendment” but was actually an attempt to “politicize life.”

“This is nothing more than an opportunity to continue to deny 32 million Americans health insurance,” Stupak said. “It does not promote life. The executive order ensures that the sanctity of life will be protected.”

The text of the draft executive order released by the White House said its goal was to “establish an

adequate enforcement mechanism to ensure that federal funds are not used for abortion services (except in cases of rape or incest, or when the life of the woman would be endangered), consistent with a long-standing federal statutory restriction that is commonly known as the Hyde amendment.

“The purpose of this executive order is to establish a comprehensive, governmentwide set of policies and procedures to achieve this goal and to make certain that all relevant actors — federal officials, state officials (including insurance regulators) and health care providers — are aware of their responsibilities, new and old.”

White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer said Obama had “said from the start that this health insurance reform should not be the forum to upset longstanding precedent.”

“The health care legislation and this executive order are consistent with this principle,” Pfeiffer added.

The U.S. bishops in their March 20 letter not only called for changes on abortion language but also urged changes that would allow new immigrants to get Medicaid and illegal immigrants to buy health insurance with their own money.

“After a year of divisive political combat, members of the House are told that they can advance health care reform only by adopting the Senate legislation as is, including these fundamental flaws,” the letter said. “The House leadership is ignoring the pleas of pro-life members for essential changes in the legislation. Apparently they will not even try to address the serious problems on abortion funding, conscience protection and fair treatment of immigrants.”

The USCCB statement on the health care reform bill For nearly a century, the Catholic bishops of the United States have called for reform of our health care system so that all may have access to the care that recognizes and affirms their human dignity. Christian discipleship means, “working to ensure that all people have access to what makes them fully human and fosters their human dignity” (U.S. Catechism for Adults, p.

454). Included among those elements is the provision of necessary and appropriate health care.

For too long, this question has gone unaddressed in our country. Often, while many had access to excellent medical treatment, millions of others — including expectant mothers, struggling families or those with serious medical or physical problems — were left unable to afford the care they needed. As Catholic bishops, we have expressed our support for efforts to address this national and societal shortcoming. We have spoken for the poorest and most defenseless among us. Many elements of the health care reform measure signed into law by the president address these concerns and so help to fulfill the duty that we have to each other for the common good. We are bishops, and therefore pastors and teachers. In that role, we applaud the effort to expand health care to all.

Nevertheless, for whatever good this law achieves or intends, we as Catholic bishops have opposed its passage because there is compelling evidence that it would expand the role of the federal government in funding and facilitating abortion and plans that cover abortion. The statute appropriates billions of dollars in new funding without explicitly prohibiting the use of these funds for abortion, and it provides federal subsidies for health plans covering elective abortions.

Its failure to preserve the legal status quo that has regulated the government’s relation to abortion, as did the original bill adopted by the House of Representatives last November, could undermine what has been the law of our land for decades and threatens the consensus of the majority of Americans: that federal funds not be used for abortions or plans that cover abortions. Stranger still, the statute forces all those who choose federally subsidized plans that cover abortion to pay for other peoples’ abortions with their own funds. If this new law is intended to prevent people from being complicit in the abortions of others, it is at war with itself.

We share fully the admirable intention of President Obama expressed in his pending executive order, where he states, “it is necessary to establish an adequate enforcement mechanism to ensure that Federal funds are not used for abortion services.”

However, the fact that an executive order is necessary to clarify the legislation points to deficiencies in the statute itself. We do not understand how an executive order, no matter how well intentioned, can substitute for statutory provisions.

The statute is also profoundly flawed because it has failed to include necessary language to provide essential conscience protections (both within and beyond the abortion context). As well, many immigrant workers and their families could be left worse off since they will not be allowed to purchase health coverage in the new exchanges to be created, even if they use their own money.

Many in Congress and the administration, as well as individuals and groups in the Catholic community, have repeatedly insisted that there is no federal funding for abortion in this statute and that strong conscience protection has been assured. Analyses that are being published separately show this not to be the case, which is why we oppose it in its current form.

We and many others will follow the government’s implementation of health care reform and will work to ensure that Congress and the administration live up to the claims that have contributed to its passage.

We believe, finally, that new legislation to address its deficiencies will almost certainly be required.

As bishops, we wish to recognize the principled actions of the pro-life members of Congress from both parties, in the House and the Senate, who have worked courageously to create legislation that respects the principles outlined above. They have often been vilified and have worked against great odds.

As bishops of the Catholic Church, we speak in the name of the church and for the Catholic faith itself.

The Catholic faith is not a partisan agenda, and we take this opportunity to recommit ourselves to working for health care which truly and fully safeguards the life, dignity, conscience and health of all, from the child in the womb to those in their last days on earth.

4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • march 26, 2010

THE LEAVEN • march 26, 2010

Legislative session debated multiple life issues

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

TOPEKA — Now with the session entering the home stretch, the only decisions faced by the Kansas Legislature are difficult ones.

“The elephant in the room this year is the budget,” said Michael Schuttloffel, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference. “We have a budget crisis in the state right now, like almost all other states.”

The decisions being made to address the state’s budget shortfall will be difficult, and the conference is tasked with the tough job of fighting for the poor and vulnerable.

“The Catholic Church is not just another political interest group presenting a list of funding demands,” said Schuttloffel. “We put forward a set of moral principles to guide legislators, who have to make difficult decisions. We ask that they not balance the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable. Not every budget cut is equal — or equally painful.”

The conference asks for special consideration and funding priority to the most vulnerable, such as the disabled.

Another vulnerable population is low-income women who are pregnant. This past summer, Gov. Mark Parkinson cut off funding to the Stan Clark Pregnancy Maintenance Initiative, which helped these women. Although the governor justified this as a budget cut necessity, he later used his line-item veto power to block legislation that cut funding for Planned Parenthood.

“We believe there is a special claim on the consciences of Catholics in regard to the life issues,” said Schuttloffel. “And so, we make that a special priority, and that’s a challenge, given we don’t have leadership on those issues in the governor’s office that’s supportive of our goals.”

There was also legislation in the House that would have required that private insurance companies not include abortion as part of their standard coverage. Those who wanted abortion coverage would have to pay for a separate rider.

“Unbeknownst to many Kansans and employers who provide health

Legislative Update

insurance as an employment benefit, many [private] health insurance plans in the state include abortion as part of their routine coverage,” said Schuttloffel. “Many Kansans are unknowingly paying for abortions with their health insurance premiums.”

This became an amendment to another bill and it was passed. Unfortunately, this legislation was scuttled when pro-abortion legislators added “poison pill” amendments.

“We were pleased to see that a majority of the members of the House agreed that this policy needs to be changed,” he said. “We are disappointed about the outcome — that the overall bill was not able to move forward because of the poison pill added by opponents of pro-life legislation. We’re hopeful that before all is said and done, there will be another opportunity to look at that issue.”

“The Catholic Church is not just another political interest group presenting a list of funding demands. We put forward a set of moral principles to guide legislators, who have to make difficult decisions. We ask that they not balance the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable. Not every budget cut is equal — or equally painful.”

”

Michael Shuttloffel, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference

In terms of other pro-life legislation, the conference supports a bill that requires doctors to give a specific diagnosis for abortions on late-term, viable unborn children. Similar legislation was vetoed by the governor last year, and an override effort failed.

“In Kansas, you’re only allowed to perform a late-term abortion — after the unborn baby is viable, roughly 23 weeks — if there is grave risk to the mother,” said Schuttloffel.

“Abortionists are supposed to provide a reason so the state can ensure that the law is being upheld,” he continued. “However, one of the many ways abortionists get around this is [by regurgitating] back to the state agencies the language of the law.

What we want is a specific medical diagnosis.”

New, streamlined legislation — House Bill 2115 — requiring a specific diagnosis has been introduced this year, and Schuttloffel hopes it will be given consideration before the session ends.

The conference also gave its support to efforts to repeal the death penalty in Kansas. Bishop Michael Jackels of the Diocese of Wichita testified in favor of a bill, which passed out of committee and went to the Senate floor for a robust debate. The vote on the bill was just one tally short.

“We are thrilled the Senate took the issue seriously and gave it the sober consideration it deserved,” said Schuttloffel. “We are disappointed with the final outcome, but pleased with the seriousness of the debate.

Frankly, there were many folks who didn’t think we would get 20 votes.

So, we were pleasantly surprised that we got as many votes as we did, and I think it bodes well for the future.”

Last month, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and Bishop Paul Coakley of the Diocese of Salina went to Topeka for their annual visit to leaders of the state government. On Feb. 1, they met with the governor and legislative leaders. On Feb. 2, they met with Catholic legislators. The bishops celebrated Mass at Assumption Parish and later had breakfast with the legislators.

The 2009-2010 Kansas legislative session concludes May 5.

Sister celebrates 105 years Leavenworth — Sister Veronica Marie Brost, SCL, marked her 105th birthday on March 25 with ice cream and cake at noon in Ross Hall at the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth motherhouse here. Sister Veronica Marie has been a Sister of Charity for 78 of her 105 years.

Anna Marie Brost was born on March 25, 1905, in northern Minnesota.

Her childhood recollections include walking a mile to a one-room country school, other travel by lumber wagons drawn by work horses, and a near miss with death by almost drowning. She made her first Communion at the time when Pope Pius X made the sacrament available to children. He was such a beloved pope that when he died, the extent of her family’s sorrow led Sister Veronica Marie to believe “that the pope was part of our family.”

The family relocated to a farm in Montana in spring 1915.

When her younger sister entered the convent first — Marie Elizabeth became Sister Mary Peter — Sister Veronica Marie knew that she, too, wanted to be an SCL. Along with Teresa, another younger sister, she entered the religious community in 1932.

Sister Veronica Marie made her first vows on June 17, 1934. Thus began her life of service as a teacher in elementary schools from Meaderville, Mont., to Olathe. During summers, she frequently taught at vacation Bible schools or took classes.

Through the years, Sister Veronica Marie taught and served as principal and superior of the convents where she lived — frequently filling all three roles.

She also taught children of migrant workers. When she retired from teaching, Sister Veronica Marie cooked for different convents. At the same time, she either taught music or remedial reading or visited shut-ins and provided spiritual direction for members of the Legion of Mary. During summers in Kansas City, Kan., she would visit residents and help out at St. Joseph Nursing Home.

LOCAL NEWS 5

Radio personalities featured at Lenten conference

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

OVERLAND PARK — Devotees of Catholic radio had an opportunity to meet the faces behind the voices at the Catholic Radio Lenten Conference held at Ascension Parish here.

The conference, sponsored by KEXS AM-1090, was held Feb. 2627.

In many ways, the conference was like having an entire Lent compressed into two days. On Friday, conference-goers could participate in the Stations of the Cross. On Saturday, they could pray the rosary and worship at a Mass celebrated

by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

The conference featured speakers whose voices have become wellknown to many listeners of local Catholic radio: Archbishop Naumann, heard on “The Shepherd’s Voice”; Johnette Benkovic, heard on “Women of Grace” and “Abundant Life”; Tim Staples, heard on “The Journey Home” and “Catholic Answers Live”; and Dr. Ray Guarendi, heard on “The Doctor Is In.” “Our four speakers were very dynamic,” said Grace Legaspi, a member of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, who organized the event.

“They were fun to listen to, and

very knowledgeable about the topics they addressed. We had a lot of positive comments from people who attended conference.”

In his presentation, Archbishop Naumann talked about adult converts to the Catholic faith who were drawn into the church by love for the Eucharist.

By contrast, many who are raised Catholic, he said, too often take this precious gift Jesus gives of himself for granted and receive the Lord with nonchalance.

The archbishop called for Catholics this Lent to renew their love for Jesus present in the Eucharist by worshipping at daily Mass, making a heartfelt thanksgiving after receiving the Blessed Sacrament, and spending time “in prayerful ardor” before the Lord during eucharistic adoration.

After each presentation, conferencegoers had opportunities to speak with the four presenters personally and to purchase books and audio CDs. Listeners in the archdiocese can hear Catholic radio programs primarily on KEXS, but also south of Kansas City over KPIO FM-93.7 near Mound City, and KEXS FM106.1 and 106.7 in extreme northeast Kansas.

Dr. Ray Guarendi (above), of “The Doctor Is In” radio show, and Johnette Benkovic (left) of the “Women of Grace” and “Abundant Life” programs, were two of the speakers at the Catholic Radio Lenten Conference held on Feb. 2627 at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.

Convention to address end-of-life issues

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

OVERLAND PARK — This is one conference where the issues are literally life and death.

Some of the most difficult decisions a person can face will be the focus of the third-annual Gospel of Life Pro-Life Convention, April 17, at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, 11411 Pflumm Road, Overland Park.

The event begins with registration at 8 a.m. and closes with a Mass at 5 p.m.

The conference is sponsored by the prolife office of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, and the Respect Life office of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

The day will feature talks on various topics and more than 30 exhibition booths by pro-life organizations. Arch-

bishop Joseph F. Naumann will give the welcome and opening remarks, and Bishop Robert Finn, from the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, will be the main celebrant at the closing Mass.

The two keynote speakers will focus on end-of-life issues and caring for the dying. Father Thomas Haake is Bishop Finn’s representative for health care issues and associate pastor at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Gladstone, Mo. Dr. Austin Welsh is a geriatric and family practice physician in Overland Park and president of the Kansas City Chapter of the Catholic Medical Association.

Father Haake and Welsh will address the pastoral issues and concerns related to the moral principles of caring for the dying, including the ordinary (or proportionate) and extraordinary (or disproportionate) means of preserving life. These will include patients in the

planning?

so-called persistent vegetative state, artificial nutrition and hydration, palliative care, assisted suicide, and other issues.

“Father Haake is very knowledgeable about health care issues,” said Ron Kelsey, archdiocesan pro-life consultant. “He taught bioethics at Manila (Philippines) in a college of law, medicine and a pontifical institute. Doctor Welch will relate case studies of end-oflife issues.”

Convention-goers may choose between one morning session and three afternoon sessions.

“One of the sessions deals with moral principles for Catholic voters,” said Kelsey. “Based on what has been going on with the health care debate, there will be intense interest in voting. This presentation will be based on ‘Moral Principles for Catholic Voters,’ by the

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6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • march 26, 2010

THE LEAVEN • March 26, 2010

Benedictine honors three with Cross of the Order of St. Benedict

By Steve Johnson

Special to The Leaven ATCHISON — Swing music from a live band, a high-spirited dance routine, remarkable vocals and an emotional appeal filled the night at the annual Benedictine College Scholarship Ball. And that was just the student contribution to its success.

Over 600 alumni and friends attended the event on Feb. 27 and contributed nearly a half million dollars to fund scholarships to the school. John Holt, Fox4 News anchor and the evening’s master of ceremonies, said the 39th ball was possibly the most exciting he has witnessed.

Overseeing the festivities in the Century Ballroom of the Westin Crown Center Hotel in Kansas City, Mo., were co-chairs Lawrence and Linda Kaminsky and Steve and Peggy McBride. Honored with the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict that evening were Darryl Jones and Jim and Katie O’Brien. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn had received the award during his historic visit to the college on Jan. 31.

While dining, the attendees were entertained by the Benedictine College Jazz Band, Chamber Singers, and Dance Team. The Nigro Brothers conducted the live auction, as well as the special Fund-A-Raven auction that garnered more than $250,000 on its own.

The evening concluded with dancing to the Michael Beers Band.

The honorees were both impressive and impressed.

“We are here because we love this

From left, Darryl Jones, Benedictine College president Steve Minnis, Amy Minnis, Katie O’Brien and Jim O’Brien are pictured following Jones and the O’Briens being honored with the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict at the annual Benedictine College Scholarship Ball. college,” said Jim O’Brien, speaking for his wife as well. “And this recognition is greatly appreciated.”

The O’Briens have been associated with Benedictine College for many years, going back to Jim’s football days as a student athlete at St. Benedict’s College, now Benedictine College. Following a brief coaching career, he took his business administration degree and went into the pharmaceutical industry.

He met Katie, a Kansas City native and

graduate of the University of Kansas with a degree in elementary education, and they were married in 1962. The couple now has three grown children and four grandchildren and are members of Church of the Nativity Parish in Leawood.

Jones, too, has been a steadfast supporter of the school, contributing to a wide variety of programs, including the new Academic Center. He joined the board in 2004. He currently runs

his own State Farm Insurance agency in Texas and is the father of three grown children.

“I think we all know Benedictine is a special place,” said Jones during his acceptance speech. “Everything you’ve heard about me tonight is true, and I made a conscious decision to work hard and change my life. Everything I have accomplished, all of my success, I owe to the experiences and the education I got at Benedictine.”

Jones is considered by many an example of all that a Benedictine education can offer. A basketball star, national champion, winning coach, loving father, and successful businessman, he acknowledges it was all made possible by his Benedictine experience.

During his four years on campus, he was both a student leader and a basketball standout, taking the Ravens to three consecutive tournament appearances and the 1967 NAIA national basketball championship. The NAIA recognized him as a four-time All-American, inducted him into its Hall of Fame, and included him as a member of the 50th anniversary NAIA All-Star Team.

The Cross of the Order of St. Benedict was established in 1969 as a way for the college to recognize alumni and friends who have supported charitable institutions, provided civic or religious leadership, and demonstrated professional excellence. This year’s honorees have exhibited tremendous support for charities, plenty of leadership and business expertise, and true inspiration.

LOCAL NEWS 7 Religious life annual meeting set for April 9-11 KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Religious of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, in conjunction with Sister Connie Boulch, director of the diocesan office for consecrated life, invite young people ages 13 and up, parents, and other adults to join them in attending the Institute on Religious Life’s annual national meeting April 9-11 in Mundelein, Ill. The weekend provides an opportunity to hear renowned speakers and to learn about religious life. The group discount cost per person is $185. This includes transportation, room, conference, registration, meals for the weekend, and a banquet.

Scholarships are available. For more information, call Sister Julia at (816) 353-2177 or send an e-mail to: sisjuliak@msn.com.

USM to have used book sale

ASisterday of Irish joy Anne Shepard (pointing, in the back seat), prioress of the Benedictine Sisters, served as grand marshal of the 2010 St. Patrick’s Day parade in Atchison. Driving is Sister Mary Elizabeth Schweiger, riding in the passenger seat is Ali Stec, sitting in the back seat is Sister Mary Rae Schrick and seated next to Sister Anne is Kylee Stec.

Leavenworth — The University of Saint Mary here will offer up a treasure trove for book lovers March 26-28 at USM’s De Paul Library annual used book sale. The sale, on campus at 4100 S. 4th St., is open to the public.

The books will be on sale for $1 each for hardcovers, and 50 cents each for paperbacks. VHS tapes will go for 50 cents each.

The hours for the sale are as follows: • 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on March 26 • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 27 • 2:30 to 9:30 p.m. on March 28 Call De Paul Library at (913) 758-6306 for more information.

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T

he scenario is all too real, and all too common.

A young girl, usually fleeing an abusive home environment, finds herself on the streets with no means of supporting herself. An older man seeks her out. He’s nice to her. He buys her things and gives her shelter.

Eventually he begins demanding sex, as “payment” for all he’s done for her. Before long, he insists that she have sex with other men as well. He tells her that if she goes to the police, she’ll be arrested and go to jail. She’s terrified and doesn’t want to comply, but soon realizes she has few, if any, options.

In a very short period of time, this girl — who may be as young as 12 or 13 — has become a commodity for the use and pleasure of others. She is a victim of sexual trafficking.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — More than 220 people attended a two-day Call for Community Action Conference aimed at abolishing the sexual exploitation of juveniles in Kansas and Missouri at the Police Training Center here on March 15 and 16.

U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) was the keynote speaker and warned the audience, comprised mostly of law enforcement, medical and nonprofit representatives, that “the Kansas City area is becoming a bit of a hub in the human trafficking industry.”

Brownback, coauthor of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 2000, referenced the title of a book by Dr. Kevin Bales, “Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy” (University of California Press, 1999), in discussing the phenomenon.

“That’s what we’re seeing — disposable people,” Brownback said, adding that as many as 250,000 children in the United States are enslaved in illegal sex trade activities.

“It is truly one of the dark sides of globalization,” he noted.

Much of the focus of the conference, cosponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Veronica’s Voice, Global Centurian and The Renewal Forum, was on changing attitudes toward — and perceptions of — sex workers.

“We need to bring the truth of this industry to light,” said speaker Kristy Childs, a former child runaway and prostitute and founder of Kansas City-based Veronica’s Voice. “This is about the total dehumanization and exploitation of the vulnerable. Women and children in this industry are victims, but they are still treated as criminals.”

A recent, real-life anecdote (not from Kansas City, but another large U.S. city) shared with the audience emphasized

Human

By Bob Hart Special to The Leaven

Trafficking

Organizations dedicated to ending sexual exploitation and human trafficking The Triple S Network

• The Triple S (Stop Sex Slavery) Network is an association of organizations with the shared goal of eradicating sex slavery in the United States and around the world. Founded by Laura Lederer and Steven Wagner, the Triple S Network provides advocacy, training, informationsharing and other services. For more information, visit the organization’s Web site at: www.triplesnetwork.org.

Call for Community Action Conference looks to abolish sexual exploitation of juveniles in Kansas and Missouri

Global Centurion

• Global Centurion focuses on the demand side of human trafficking in its efforts to eliminate slavery around the world. “The key to stopping trafficking is to address the end-buyer, who is fueling the market for commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor,” said the nonprofit organization’s president, Laura Lederer. The organization works at international, national and local levels.

For more information, visit the organization’s Web site at: www.globalcenturion. org.

Shared Hope International

• Shared Hope International partners with local groups around the world to help women and children enslaved in the sex trade by providing them with shelter, health care, education and vocational training opportunities. The organization has a three-pronged strategy: prevent, rescue and restore. It has also published “The National Report on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking,” by Linda A. Smith, Samantha Healy Vardaman and Melissa A. Snow. For more information, visit the organization’s Web site at: www.sharedhope.org.

The Renewal Forum, Inc.

• The Renewal Forum, Inc., was founded in 2006 “to undertake programs of policy research and advocacy to promote respect for human dignity.” Leaders include Steven Wagner, former head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Human Trafficking Program, and Pat Trueman, former head of the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section/Criminal Division.

For more information, visit the organization’s Web site at: www.renewalforum. org.

Make a difference locally Veronica’s Voice, based in Kansas City, was founded 10 years ago by Kristy Childs, a survivor of sexual exploitation, trauma and drug addiction. Dedicated to human rights and social change for American victims of commercial sex exploitation, Veronica’s Voice seeks to educate and empower victims and lead them out of an exploitative lifestyle.

Veronica’s Voice offers many opportunities for individuals, groups and parishes wishing to volunteer their time. Volunteers are required to fill out volunteer forms and attend a brief orientation.

Opportunities include: • Once a month cleaning of the center • Help with office administrative duties • Tuesday lunch for approximately 12 people • Script writing, grant writing, Web site maintenance and fundraising • Organization of donated goods (about an hour a week; one-person job) Donation needs include: • Beds and other items for two furnished apartments • Underwear, all sizes • Socks • Deodorant, toothpaste and hair brushes • Large plastic cups and paper plates The organization is also sponsoring its 3rd annual Courage to Change Walk on April 17 from 1-4 p.m. at 18th and Central in Kansas City, Kan. Registration and contact information for volunteers and donors are available online at: www.veronicas voice.org. Amanda Jolley is the volunteer coordinator.

“Making the invisible, visible” While the myths about juvenile prostitution include “It’s a victimless crime,” statistics tell a different story, according to the presentation “Investigative/System Response to High-Risk Victims” by Sgt. Byron Fassett of the Dallas Police Department: • 93% of juvenile prostitutes are the victims of sexual abuse • 96% are victims of other physical abuse • 87% are victims of abandonment • 86% came from a home with family members who abused drugs • 79% of the juveniles abuse drugs themselves • 82% were physically abused by their parent/guardian • 74% were sexually abused by their parent/guardian “We must understand the problem and dynamics to effectively locate victims, investigate and have an impact,” said Fassett.

How pimps and abusers select and control their victims

“We need to quit seeing [sex-trafficked children] as problems, and start seeing them as children of the living God.” Sen. Sam Brownback

Childs’ point. It involved police officers discovering a 50-year-old man and a 12-year-old girl alone together in a parked car. The man literally had cash in his hand, which he had just offered to the girl for sexual activity. The officers told the man to “go home,” then arrested the girl for prostitution.

More efforts now, said presenter Sgt. Byron Fassett of the Dallas Police Department’s High Risk Victims and Child Exploitation Squad, are emphasizing the “end user” — that is, the men who seek out child prostitutes and create a de-

mand for their services.

“We identify, prosecute and remove offenders,” Fassett said.

One of Fassett’s co-workers, Detective Catherine De La Paz, discussed the delicate task of identifying high-risk victims, interviewing them and corroborating their stories in an effort to bring their clients (“johns”) and pimps to justice.

In her discussion about understanding the domestic demand for juvenile prostitutes, attorney Laura Lederer discussed several groundbreaking alternative measures that are being used to put the

responsibility for juvenile prostitution on the end-user. These included: • “Second Chance Schools” (sometimes known as “Johns Schools”), pioneered in San Francisco and now offered in 40 cities — a program for first-time offenders, aimed at seriously reducing the number of second and further offences.

• Social marketing campaigns — using TV, radio and social networking to change cultural perceptions. (One city billboard loudly proclaimed: “DEAR ‘JOHN’: Your relationship with our neighborhood is over.”)

• Sting and reverse-sting operations — to identify both victims and perpetrators.

Brownback, in referring to Kansas as “the area that started the fight to end slavery in this country” in the mid-19th century, encouraged those in attendance to continue exploring community response and action to the difficult issue.

“It’s a cycle we can break,” the senator said. “We can be a model for the country.”

Before the abuse begins: • Detect vulnerability — Easy access because of proximity or runaway/throwaway status.

• Sensitivity to emotional state — “You seem sad, you’re going through a lot . . . I can take care of you, give you things.”

• Learn their favorite things and provide them.

Once the abuse starts: • Guilt — “You could have said no.” “You could ruin my life.” “You enjoyed it; how would that look?” “You are the love of my life.”

• Shame — “If you tell, everyone will know.”

• Abuser as victim — “No one understands me but you.” “They will keep me away from you.” “I will go to jail for loving you.”

SOURCE: “Interviewing Victims of Child Prostitution,” by Detective Catherine De La Paz of the Dallas Police Department.

10 NATION

THE LEAVEN • March 26, 2010

Summit examines how to use technology to engage Catholics VILLANOVA, Pa. (CNS) — Desktop and laptop computers will be artifacts in the Smithsonian in three years, replaced by mobile computing devices known as “smartphones,” a keynote speaker predicted at a technology summit for parishes. Steve Hewitt, editor of Christian Computing Magazine and Christian Video Magazine, called it the “personal computing age” led by those under 40. “They don’t care about network TV; they care about what other people have to say,” he told the 200 people attending the summit on the campus of Villanova University.

“They prefer text messaging to any other type of communication.” To connect with this crowd, he suggested Catholic parishes use Webinars, social networking, blogging and texting. He also said “video testimonies” of people’s stories of faith can become a powerful presence on YouTube, a video sharing site. Hewitt and another keynote speaker, Sister Susan Wolf, a Sister of Notre Dame who is an Internet and social media strategist and consultant, addressed technology’s effect on people’s daily lives in separate sessions at an all-day summit sponsored by the Center for the Study of Church Management at Villanova’s business school Feb. 25.

Latinos who leave their churches are choosing no faith WASHINGTON (CNS) — A new analysis of religious identification data finds that contrary to popular belief, U.S. Latinos are not leaving behind Catholicism for Protestant churches, but instead are becoming more secularized, affiliating themselves with no faith at all. A study released March 16 by the Institute for the Study of Secularism in Society and Culture at Trinity College, a secular liberal arts school in Hartford, Conn., reported that although Latinos remain predominantly Catholic, those who have left the church since 1990 have shifted more than expected toward secularism as they become more Americanized. It also reported on shifts of the Latino population away from the Northeast and to Southern states, and from urban to suburban communities, among other information.

The study compared changes in the Latino population’s responses to questions about faith between 1990 and 2008.

THE LEAVEN • March 26, 2010

Vatican calls governments to respect freedom

Directors seek ways to link farms, cities

By Nancy Erikson

Catholic News Service CLEVELAND (CNS) — Whether they’re harvesting corn in a field or grilling corn at a barbecue at a city park, Catholics from the farms, suburbs and cities are connected by their faith and their kitchen tables.

A March 11-12 retreat presented by the Ohio Catholic Rural Life Conference explored the issues of food availability, sustainable farming and how Catholics from different communities can come together to make sure God’s creation is being used in just and socially responsible ways for the good of all.

“We Share Around the Table” was the retreat theme.

From a faith perspective, supporting farm families matters because when farms struggle to survive it affects the entire community through food prices and eventually support for schools and local parishes, said Jim Ennis, director of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference.

“The church has a lot to say around food and taking care of the land and taking care of your neighbor,” Ennis said. “Food is a place where we all have a connection.”

Pat O’Bryan, director of the Cleveland diocesan rural life office, said he was most excited by ideas to “bridge the gap between urban and rural issues,” such as hunger, food availability and sustainable farming.

Issues that farm families face — such as foreclosures, unemployment, and education — are similar to those faced by urban families. He said these are areas where parishes in the city and country can reach out to each other.

Some ideas for collaboration include organizing farm tours and urban plunges, holding more farm market celebrations and encouraging people to shop at farm markets, and using technology to reach out to young Catholics about how they can support local farms.

CNS photo courtesy of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

IMAGE FROM EXHIBIT ON NUNS IN AMERICA — This image of Sister Lila Sciabica teaching a student at Sacred Heart Elementary School in Carbondale, Pa., is part of the “Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America” exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution’s S. Dillon Ripley Center in Washington.

Exhibit shows impact that U.S. nuns have had on nation

By Chaz Muth

Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — A gallery at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington has taken on a mystical quality in the form of an exhibit called “Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America.”

The dimly lit S. Dillon Ripley Center at the Smithsonian Institution holds more than a few nun’s habits and artifacts. The exhibit also features state-ofthe-art multimedia images, photos and historic narratives depicting the impact Catholic Sisters have had in the United States.

“It’s really amazing to see all they’ve done for our country,” Smithsonian spokeswoman Becky Haberacker said during a recent tour of the exhibit, which made its Washington debut Jan. 15. “It’s also really interesting to find out how rugged they are. That just isn’t something I imagined before when I thought about nuns.”

For nearly 300 years communities of U.S. women religious have had a lasting

place in the American social and cultural landscape and this new traveling exhibit honors their work and showcases their role in American society.

The exhibit includes an 1804 letter from President Thomas Jefferson to an Ursuline nun, braided corn husk shoes worn by pioneer Sisters, the nurse’s bag of a nun used during the Civil War and student work from the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first all-black community.

The “Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America” exhibit was first displayed last May in Cincinnati, then moved to Dallas in September, before coming to the International Gallery in the Smithsonian’s Ripley Center in January — where it will remain until April 25.

After the exhibit wraps up its Washington tour, it travels to the Statue of Liberty National Monument/Ellis Island Immigration Museum in New York from Sept. 24 to Jan. 22. Then it moves to the Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque, Iowa, where it will be from February to April 2011.

Meet the People of Ireland Tour 12 days. All transportaiton, lodging, taxes, most meals Departs Sept. 19 $2,895 p.p. sharing For more info or itinerary call Pat O’Connell

CNS/Damir Sagolj, Reuters

WOMAN TOUCHES CROSS IN MEDJUGORJE — A woman touches a cross at a venerated site in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, in June last year. Widespread devotion and controversy have surrounded the reported apparitions of Mary in Medjugorje since they were first made known in 1981.

An international commission has been appointed by the Vatican to study the alleged apparitions.

Vatican sets up commission to study alleged Marian apparitions

By Cindy Wooden

Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — At the request of the bishops of BosniaHerzegovina, the Vatican has established an international commission to study the alleged Marian apparitions at Medjugorje, a small Bosnian town.

The commission will be led by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, retired archbishop of Rome, and will operate under the direction of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican announced March 17.

Commission members will include cardinals, bishops, theologians and other experts, said Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman.

He said the commission would have about 20 members, but he did not say if or when their names would be published.

However, Father Lombardi said the commission is unlikely to make any

statements. Their work and recommendations, if any, will be turned over to the doctrinal congregation.

Father Lombardi said that in the 1980s the Diocese of Mostar-Duvno, where Medjugorje is located, established a commission to investigate the claims of six young people who said Mary appeared to them daily beginning in 1981.

Because the alleged apparitions were having an impact beyond the diocese, the local bishop asked the national bishops’ conference to investigate. At the time, Bosnia-Herzegovina was part of Yugoslavia.

With the breakup of Yugoslavia, “the question did not arrive at a conclusion on whether or not the phenomena were of a supernatural nature,” Father Lombardi said, although in 1991 the bishops’ conference issued a statement saying “it cannot be confirmed that supernatural apparitions or revelations are occurring here” and asking priests and bishops not to organize official pilgrimages to the town.

GENEVA (CNS) — The Vatican’s chief representative to the U.N. agencies in Geneva called upon the nations of the world to respect the right of all people to practice religion freely and urged world leaders to punish those who persecute religious minorities.

Addressing a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council here on March 12, Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi, the Vatican representative, said harassment of religious minorities often is “encouraged by the silent collusion of state authorities and by a judicial system that is ineffective or partial.”

The archbishop called for the world’s governments to pass legislation imposing tough sanctions against those found guilty of harassing people because of their faith.

“Victims of discrimination and violent attacks have a right to obtain redress and compensation for the harm done to them by public or private agents,” Archbishop Tomasi said. “The state has the responsibility of protecting the fundamental rights of all people in its territory.”

Citing recent surveys that found nearly 70 percent of the world’s population living in countries that restrict religious practices, Archbishop Tomasi recalled how some religious minorities face physical harm or death threats, the loss of their homes and the destruction of houses of worship.

“The way forward,” the archbishop concluded, “rests on an effective implementation of all human rights by recognizing and respecting the dignity of each human being, without distinction of ethnicity or religion; on rejection of all forms of discrimination on the ground of race, color, sex or religion; on fair treatment in the courts; on an educational system that teaches peaceful coexistence built on mutual respect, solidarity and cooperation as means that promote a healthy social pluralism; and a prosperous life for all members of our one human family.”

world 11

Status of women improving but many still face hardships UNITED NATIONS (CNS) — The status of women around the world has improved in the last 15 years with better educational opportunities, less discrimination and more laws against domestic violence, but women continue to suffer, Archbishop Celestino Migliore said March 8. The progress of women also can be seen in their promotion as “key to eradicating poverty and fostering development” and the growth of their participation in civil society, the Vatican’s U.N. nuncio told leaders of the world body. But women and girls remain victims of various forms of violence, including “female feticide and infanticide,” and account for a significant number of those infected by HIV/AIDS. They also make up the majority of those who are trafficked across international borders and sexually exploited. Archbishop Migliore’s statement was delivered during a session of the Commission on the Status of Women, a body of the U.N. Economic and Social Council.

Colonel convicted of killing bishop released from prison GUATEMALA CITY (CNS) — A retired army colonel convicted in the 1998 killing of Guatemalan Auxiliary Bishop Juan Gerardi Conedera of Guatemala City was granted parole by a judge March 16. Byron Lima Estrada was released less than half way through his 20-year prison sentence.

He was convicted in 2001 of planning the murder of Bishop Gerardi, who was killed Apr. 24, 1998, two days after releasing a church report saying the military was responsible for most of the killings, disappearances and human rights violations during 36 years of civil war. Lima Estrada’s term was cut short for good behavior.

Church officials were quick to denounce the decision. Nery Rodenas, director of the Office of Human Rights for the Archdiocese of Guatemala City, called the decision unacceptable. “He (Lima Estrada) did not even fulfill the requirements for parole under the law . . . including community service,” he said. The church will urge an appeal of the ruling. Lima Estrada was one of four men convicted of the bishop’s murder. His son, army Capt. Byron Lima Oliva and Father Mario Orantes Najera, an assistant priest at the church where Gerardi lived, preached and was killed, remain behind bars. The fourth man, Jose Obdulio Villanueva, guard, was killed in a prison riot in 2003.

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12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment Youth ministry - St. Ann Church, Prairie Village, is looking for a full-time director of high school youth ministry. Looking for someone who is self-motivated, organized and has a degree in youth ministry or related field. Experience in youth ministry and musical talent are desired. Resumes can be sent to Father Keith Lunsford at 7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS 66208.

Maintenance and grounds supervisor - For Benedictine College, Atchison. This position is primarily responsible for the management of the maintenance and grounds teams for the college operations department. Provides support to the director of operations and other employees of the operations department. Makes recommendations to the director of operations for a collaborative decision in the interviewing, selection, and determination of employee status for employees. This position requires a bachelor’s degree and 2 - 3 years of progressively responsible experience in a role that has required the candidate to demonstrate a proven ability to plan, organize, and direct a team of employees. The ideal candidate will have prior supervisory experience in an educational and residential setting working closely and collaboratively with the types of key constituent groups that thrive in our campus community, including faculty, students, staff, and others. For a complete job description, visit the Web site at: www. benedictine.edu. EOE. Events coordinator - Benedictine College currently seeks an events coordinator to serve as the primary point of contact for the scheduling, planning, organization, and management of events that take place on the Benedictine College campus. This person will function as the main college representative to internal and external groups that utilize any college facility for an event. This position requires a high school diploma; however, a bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, management, events coordination or other related fields is preferred. This position will require flexibility in working days, nights, weekends and some holidays. For a complete job description, visit the Web site at: www.benedictine.edu.

Part-time bowling machine mechanic - St. John’s Catholic Club, Kansas City, Kan., is looking for someone to maintain a six-lane house in the church’s men’s club. All late model 1960s Brunswick equipment. Call Kenny at (913) 788-9758.

Bishop Ward High School - Is seeking a physics/ chemistry teacher for the 2010 - 11 year. Applicants should contact Mr. Dennis Dorr, principal, at (913) 3711201 or send an e-mail to him at: ddorr@wardhigh. org.

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

Services Yardwork and tree trimming Many references. Insured and bonded.

Local parishioner. Free estimates.

Call (913) 620-6063.

Tree service - Pruning ornamental trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid.

Safe, insured, professional. Brad Grabs, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 244-5838. www.GreenSolutionsKC. com.

Math tutor - Elementary through Algebra II. Prefer days, some evenings. References available.

Shawnee area. Call Cathy at (913) 631-6215.

Spanish tutoring - Available for students grades K - college level. Tutor is degreed in Spanish. For information, contact Martha at (913) 271-2706 or send an e-mail to her at: mgonzal1125@yahoo.com.

Housecleaning - I will clean your house the old fashioned way – hand mopping, etc. 20+ years experience, excellent references, free estimates. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006.

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 26, 2009 Housecleaning - Southern Johnson County area.

Experienced, dependable, trustworthy. Affordable rates. Call Kathy at (913) 593-3795.

Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 422-0610; or send an e-mail to: tkidd@kc.rr.com.

Machine quilting by Lyn - I also do T-shirt, photo, and memorial quilts. Official Hobbs distributor.

Located in Overland Park. Call Lyn at (913) 492-8877.

THE LEAVEN • MARCH 26, 2010 STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Call for free estimates.

Cell: (913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; e-mail: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

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

Counseling - Confidential and affordable individual, marriage and family counseling and outpatient substance abuse treatment. Call JB Strong, MA, LCPC, AAPS (913) 722-1118 or visit: www.outpatientalcohol drugtreatment.com.

Swalms Organizing Service - Basements, garages, attics, and shop spaces organized! Items sorted, boxed & labeled; areas cleaned when finished! Clean out services also available. Great references and insured. For pictures of current projects, visit the Web site at: www.swalms.com. Call Tillar Swalm at (913) 375-9115.

Caregiver needed - Looking for a companion to keep elderly lady company a few nights or mornings each week. Light housekeeping and meal preparation. Extra time may be offered for summer when main caregiver is away. Must like dogs and be flexible. Prefer someone without small children. Call (913) 449-6303.

Tim the Handyman - Insured; free estimates.

Carpentry: new and repair deck, doors, windows, siding, screens. Plumbing: faucet, garbage disposals, toilets. Electrical: switches, outlets, ceiling fans, light fixtures. Light landscape: fill dirt, trimming, planting, garden tilling and mulching. Serving Johnson County.

Call Tim at (913) 859-0471.

Caregiving - Mature lady experienced with elderly care will care for your loved one in their home. Good references, reliable transportation, well qualified.

Available any time. Honest and dependable. Leawood, OP and Prairie Village areas. Call Flora at (816) 3229956, mobile, or (816) 921-8223, home.

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!

Insured and serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

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, Sara or Gary.

Do you or your parents need help at home?

- For as little as $60 per week, Benefits of HomeSenior Care can provide assistance with personal care, shopping and many other daily needs. For details, visit our Web site at: benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

Have you considered starting a donor-advised fund or family foundation? The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas can help. We assist people with giving plans from trusts to gift annuities. If you are trying to stretch your philanthropy dollars further, contact the Catholic Foundation for ideas and guidance. For a confidential meeting, call (913) 647-0365 or visit the Web site at: www.cfnek.org.

Home Improvement Everything plumbing - Leaks, faucets, toilets, sinks, disposals, repairs and replacements. Over 20 years experience. Fully licensed. Service anytime – days/nights/wknds. Contact Mike at (913) 488-4930.

Member of Church of the Ascension Parish, Overland Park.

Brack Home Repair - “Call Dan when you need it done.” I do all types of home repair. Carpentry, drywall, plumbing, electrical, painting, tile, wood-rot and more. No project too big or small. Senior discount and insured. Free estimates. Call (913) 219-5388 or visit my Web site at: brackhomerepair.com. Philippians 4:13.

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.

(913) 709-8401.

Interior and exterior painting and wallpaper removal - 30-plus years experience. Quality work; excellent references; reasonable rates. Senior discount. Member of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

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

(913) 599-7998 Homeowners - New laws require all contractors working on any home built prior to 1978 to be leadbased certified. Protect your family’s health. We are a licensed, insured, lead-based-certified contractor.

If you want an honest, courteous, conscientious, dependable, timely and cost-effective contractor, call InLand Construction Services LLC at (913) 839-8500 or send an e-mail to: in-landconstruction@comcast. net. Prices will never be better for all your construction or repair needs! Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount off any project or repair over $300. If you choose, any or all of the discount can be donated to Catholic Charities on your behalf.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation * Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!!

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376

Real Estate Kanas Land - Buy or Sell 1 (800) 557-9151 www.KansasLandBrokers.com Prairie Village - Large 5 BR, 3 BA home with open floor plan. 3 BR and 2 BA on main floor; 2 BR and full bath upstairs. Formal living room w/ gas fireplace and built-in bookcase. New furnace, paint, stove and refrigerator. Fenced backyard, new deck, exterior vinyl siding, new driveway soon. Close to St. Ann Parish.

Call (913) 484-4245 or visit the Web site at: homesbyowner.com/99926.

Apartment for rent - 1 BR in Shawnee. $500/ month; includes utilities. 10911 W. 59th Terr. St. Jospeh Parish, Shawnee. To view, call (913) 649-7596 or visit the Web site at: www.shawnee-rentals.com.

Duplex for rent – 2329 N. 75th Terr., Kansas City, Kan. 2 BR, 2 BA, one-car garage. No pets. $600/mo. rent; no utilities. $600 deposit. Call (913) 287-9560.

Overland Park apartment - 1 BR; $550/mo.

Great location — near Oak Park Mall off 95th St. and Hwy. alt. 69. Large bedroom and living room, bathroom, kitchen and dining area. Lots of closet space, plus bsmt., with storage unit provided. Dishwasher, washer/dryer. Access to swimming pool and play area.

Call David at (785) 554-7787 or (913) 248-1007.

Vacation Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA, on free ski shuttle route. $110/night. Call (913) 642-3027.

To view pictures, visit the Web site at: cabin.forcadeassociates.com.

Ski vacation - Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, 1 BA; sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec. center with pool & hot tub. $125/night; $750/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.

For sale Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 3932042.

New Kansas Irish book - “Irish Settlers of Kansas: Memories of the Pioneer Life,” a book by Patricia Callahan Walkenhorst, Father John Lahey and Ellen Cregan Anderton, is packed with handed-downthrough-families memories of Irish pioneer life. This collection of real names, places and stories is now condensed into one exciting read. Cowboys and Indians, disastrous weather and Civil War tales abound, along with stories of the clergy who helped build the beloved churches and schools of the Plains. $20. Call Pat at (816) 228-7452 or send an e-mail to her at: patacall@yahoo.com.

Childcare Licensed parents day out program - For special needs children, ages one-year to kindergarten. I am a member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park. I have many years of experience in the field, and excellent references. Call Mary Catherine at (913) 709-5884.

Wanted Moving helper wanted - We are moving in April and have rooms that need to be sorted out and boxed accordingly. Need someone who is good at organizing and cleaning. Will discuss pay when you apply. Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park. Call (913) 262-1407 or (913) 952-3894.

26

Catholic Community Hospice will host Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. on March 26 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood.

Holy Family Church, 274 Orchard St., Kansas City, Kan., will host adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. on Fridays during Lent following the 8 a.m. Mass.

St. Patrick Early Education Center, 1080 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host an Easter egg hunt and open house from 6 - 8 p.m. on March 26. All preschoolers, ages 3 - 5, are welcome to attend and tour the school. For information, call (913) 299-3051.

27

Bishop Ward High School will host its hall of fame induction ceremony and dinner at 5:30 p.m. on March 27.

Five individuals who represent the legacy and tradition of Bishop Ward will be honored. Tickets cost $125 per person. To RSVP, visit the Web site at: www.cyclone country.org; contact Amy Nelson at (913) 371-6901; or send an e-mail to her at: anelson@wardhigh.org.

The Johnson County Unos will gather for the 4:30 p.m. Mass on March 27 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission.

Dinner will follow at Applebee’s, 6800 Johnson Dr., Mission.

The Greenway Auction will be held on March 27 at McGilley Field House on the campus of Saint Mary University, 4100 S. 4th St., Leavenworth. The auction benefits Xavier Elementary and Immaculata High School. Count on delicious food, fun, and silent and live auctions. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $35 at the door. For information, call (913) 682-7801 or visit the Web site at: www.greenwayauction. org.

30

In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero, the Salvador Faith Accompaniment Committee will host a showing of the movie “Romero” at 7:30 p.m. on March 30 at the Tivoli Theatre, 4050 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, Mo. For information, contact Julie Spaeth at (816) 510-1713.

Wanted to buy ***WANTED*** I buy coins, older watches, silverware, slot machines, old rifles and shotguns, stoneware crocks and jugs, old furniture from basement or attic.

Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269

For Rent

Father and son team - Spring is just around the corner. Thinking about a new deck, retaining wall, fence or even a metal building? We can do it for a reasonable price. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

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.

Home - Sacred Heart parishioner has a nice 2 BR home in good condition close to St. Joseph Parish.

Basement garage. Very nice, quiet neighborhood. No smokers or pets. Call Tom at (913) 238-2470.

Entertainment

Masonry work – Quality, new or repair work.

Brick, block, and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second generation bricklayer. Call (913) 829-4336.

Living at its best on a budget! - 1 BR apt., with rent based on income; all utilities paid; no voucher needed. Section 8 assistance. Great location, only 5-10 minutes from The Legends in Kansas City, Kan. Edwardsville Court Apartments Highrise, 531 S. 4th St., Edwardsville. Call (913) 441-6007. EHO. Handicap accessible.

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

March

Disc jockey - For your wedding, kolos, nightclubs, corporate parties, teenage celebrations, holiday parties, sock-hops, ethnic, birthdays, holiday parties, hiphop/rap, golden oldies. Member of St. Therese Parish, KCMO. Call Zepster’s A to Z Party DJ’s at (816) 741-4777.

3

April

Singles Extravaganza 4, a citywide singles event, will be held from 6 p.m. - midnight on April 3 at the Doubletree, Overland Park. Every singles group in the KC metro area is invited to join for a jam-packed evening of fun, inspiration, and entertainment. Sign up now to enjoy the mingle hour, exhibit booths, bands,

and dancing to the sounds of DJ Zepster.

For information or to register as an exhibitor, visit the Web site at: www.singles mall.com/boothrentals.html.

6

A loss support group will meet from 3:30 - 5 p.m. on April 6 and every first Tuesday of the month at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Men and women are welcome. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

Attention Kansas women with no health insurance: Everyone, even the uninsured, deserves regular screening for breast and cervical cancer. The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will sponsor the “Early Detection Works” program, which offers free breast and cervical cancer screening for qualifying uninsured women in Kansas, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on April 6. No reservations are needed.

7

“Love and Logic Discipline Solutions – for Parents of Toddlers Through Teens,” a three-part parenting program, will be offered from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on Wednesdays beginning April 7 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.

8 The music department at Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Dr.,

Roeland Park, will host a barbershop concert at 7 p.m. on April 8 in the auditorium. The concert will feature a performance by the district champion Central Standard Chorus and second-place winner Harmony Explosion, joined by the Stag Singers and the Stag Tones Quartet.

Tickets cost $5 at the door.

The Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City will gather for Mass at 10 a.m. on April 8, followed by a general meeting and luncheon, at Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood. The Ladies of Charity is a nonprofit organization that benefits the Duchesne Clinic, Seton Center and Villa St. Francis. Anyone interested in joining or learning more about The Ladies of Charity is welcome to attend. The cost is $12 per person. For information or to RSVP by March 31, contact Pam Franchett at (913) 592-2706.

9

The Johnson County Unos will hold their monthly meeting and potluck dinner at 5 p.m. on April 9 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission. Bring meat casseroles, salads, vegetables or desserts — enough to feed 8 — or $5 to pay for your meal.

The Center for Spirit at Work will host its breakfast club at 7:30 a.m. on April 9 in the wine cellar at Classic Cup on the Country Club Plaza, 301 W. 47th St., Kansas City, Mo. The featured speaker will be Douglas Zimmerman, president of Ozanam Home for Boys. Cost is $15. To

register, visit the Web site at: www.center forspiritatwork.com.

10

Birthright of Greater Kansas City, an emergency pregnancy service, will host a volunteer training session on April 10 at 6309 Walnut, Kansas City, Mo. Rsvp by April 7 to (816) 444-7090 or (816) 741-2696.

Have you suffered the loss of a loved one? The loss of employment? The loss of a relationship? A grief and loss workshop, entitled “Blessed are They Who Weep, for One Day They Will Laugh!,” facilitated by spiritual director Mary Kay Whitacre, will be held from 2 - 5 p.m. on April 10 at Sanctuary of Hope Retreat Center, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan. This workshop will address our inherent responses to grief and explore practices that provide an understanding and means of coping with the grief process. The cost is $20. Registration is required by April 3.

To RSVP, call (913) 321-4673 or send an email to Julie at: julie@sanctuaryofhope. org.

11 A Divine Mercy Sunday celebration, including prayer, Benediction

and adoration, will be held at 2 p.m. on April 11 at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park.

Children are invited to participate in a flower procession; flowers will be provided. For information, call Judy Dowd at (913) 362-7893.

Divine Mercy Sunday will be celebrated at Christ the King Church, 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kan., on April 11.

The sacrament of reconciliation will be offered at 2 p.m., followed by the chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3 p.m. and a celebration of the Eucharist at 3:15 p.m. Refreshments will follow. All are welcome.

15

The Altar and Rosary Society of St. Agnes Parish, 5250 Mission Rd., Roeland Park, will host its annual card party and luncheon fundraiser on April 15 in the parish center. The doors open at 10 a.m.; lunch will be served at noon. The cost is $10. Bring board games, scrapbooking, rosary making supplies, or anything else you would like to do with friends. There will be door prizes. To RSVP

by April 9, call Mary at (913) 962-6896.

16

The Whiffenpoofs, a worldfamous a cappella group from Yale University, will perform at Bishop Ward High School at 5 p.m. on April 16. Tickets cost $10. Seating is limited; advance purchase is recommended. To purchase tickets, visit the Web site at: cyclonecountry. org or call Laura Nelson in the development office at (913) 371-6901.

Misc.

There are 14 men in the My House men’s groups that have broken free from

CALENDAR 13 pornography for over one year! Also, the My House women’s group is available for wives and loved ones who are healing from the effects of their loved one’s struggles. For more information, visit the Web site at: LoveIsFaithful.com.

The Singles of Nativity, for all singles 35 and up, welcomes newcomers to its weekly Bible study on Sundays at 9 a.m. in the Nativity conference room, 3800 W. 119th, Leawood, followed by 10:30 a.m.

Mass. For information, send an e-mail to Randall at: gaelwynn@yahoo.com.

St. Thomas Aquinas High School will offer a variety of summer camps for girls and boys in grades K - 8. These camps are a great way to learn and develop skills in an enjoyable, positive, Catholic setting. Camps include baseball, basketball, cake decorating, dance team, cross country, football, sewing, soccer, softball, volleyball, youth speed and agility, and wrestling. For information or to register, call Michelle at (913) 319-2416 or visit the Web site at: www.stasaints. net/summercamps.

El Centro, Inc., will offer classes in financial literacy, home improvement, and home buyer education. The classes are free and open to the public. All classes are held at 650 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Participants are asked to preregister. For dates and times of classes, call (913) 677-0100.

El Centro, Inc., will organize volunteer income tax preparation assistance for households earning less than $49,000 per year. These sessions are free and open to the public. Sessions to be held either at Catholic Charities, 2200 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., or at Living Waters Fellowship Church, 217 W. Park St., Olathe. For information on dates and times of classes, contact Catholic Charities at (913) 621-1504 or Living Waters Fellowship Church at (913) 780-1655.

The Piece Time Quilters of St. Paul Church, 900 S. Honeysuckle, Olathe, are hosting a fundraising raffle for their “Hearts Of Kansas,” a hand-quilted queen-size quilt, pillow shams and throw pillows. This beautiful quilt set will be on display in the parish hall from 5 - 7 p.m. during the Friday Lenten fish dinners.

Chances cost $1 each; six for $5. For information or to purchase chances, call Marge at (913) 782-4811 or Judy at (913) 254-9975. The raffle will be held on Nov. 8.

The Singles of Nativity, for all singles 35 and better, welcomes newcomers to its weekly Bible study on Sundays at 9 a.m. in the Nativity conference room, 119th & Mission Rd., Leawood, followed by 10:30 a.m. Mass. For information, send an e-mail to Randall Stevenson at: gaelwynn@yahoo.com.

Spiritual direction helps us notice God’s action in our daily lives. By meeting monthly with a skilled spiritual director, we become more conscious of God’s presence and love. For information or to schedule a free appointment, call the

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14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • March 26, 2010

THE LEAVEN • March 26, 2010

vocation corner

Mark my words

Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Archbishop Edward O’Meara Award Winner 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003

Quote Week

of the

“It was amazing how little it took to help these people. One of the people we talked to at the watershed projects was a farmer. He said just because of the water project, he is able to produce enough food to feed his family and send his children to school.”

Daniel Stover, archdiocesan seminarian See story on page 16

A

Let God cross your path

s we start Holy Week, this holiest time of the church year, our attention quite naturally turns to the cross. Two images — one touching, one haunting — come to mind for me.

In his book, entitled “More Than a Carpenter,” author Josh McDowell writes about an incident that took place several years ago in California, which can illustrate what Jesus did on the cross for us. A young woman was picked up for speeding. She was ticketed and taken before the judge. The judge read the citation and said, “Guilty or not guilty?”

After the woman answered, “Guilty,” the judge brought down the gavel and fined her $100 or ten days in jail. Then the most amazing thing happened.

The judge stood up, took off his robe, walked down around in front, took out his billfold and paid the fine.

McDowell then explains: “The judge was the young woman’s father. He loved his daughter, yet he was a just judge. His daughter had broken the law and he couldn’t just say to her, ‘Because I love you so much, I forgive you.

You may leave.’ If he’d done that, he wouldn’t have been a righteous judge.

But he loved his daughter so much, he was willing to take off his judicial robe and come down in front and represent her as her father and pay the fine.”

(Adapted from “Paying the Price,” found in “Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, & Quotes” by

Robert J. Morgan.)

I’m touched whenever I read this story. It captures so well both the justice and the incredible mercy and love of our God. One of the most moving celebrations of the Triduum for me is the veneration of the cross that occurs at the Good Friday service. After venerating the cross myself, I’m privileged to sit in the celebrant’s chair and watch the rest of the congregation as they approach the cross. On that day, more than any other, we realize the full weight of our sins; how we’ve disappointed and hurt our God, our neighbors and ourselves. And yet, there is a sense of gratitude and peace as well, as people — young and old — venerate the cross with a kiss or a genuflection or a bow or simply by touching the wood. The faces of people as they approach the cross mirror what that daughter must have felt in court with her father, the judge.

The second image of the cross is more haunting. This story, also from Morgan’s book, tells of an interview that he did back in September 1994 with Rosemaria Von Trapp, one of the famous “Sound of Music” children.

Here’s what Rosemaria had to say: “Only yesterday I talked to high school students — sophomores — who were doing research papers on the Holocaust of Hitler in Germany. They wanted me

to talk about the Nazis. I told them that Hitler gave us a symbol of a cross with hooks on it. But our Christian faith gives us a symbol of a cross that brings freedom and resurrection. The world, you know, offers us a glossy cross with hooks on it. My father and mother had to make a choice. They chose the cross of Christ.”

I’d never thought of the swastika as a cross before — “a glossy cross with hooks on it.” When something has a gloss, it’s just a veneer that hides what’s really underneath. In a sense, sin can be described as a glossy cross. Its initial attractiveness and promise conceal the deadly hooks beneath. For example, something like abundance can become a glossy cross that hooks us into constantly wanting more, never feeling satisfied, and being less willing to share what we have with the poor.

I’m always humbled as we get to the end of Lent. Despite my good intentions and sincere efforts to change my life, I realize what a long, long way I still have to go on the road to holiness. I’m better than I was on Ash Wednesday — but just by inches, not by a mile.

Holy Week is an invitation for us to do some choosing. First of all, let’s abandon our glossy crosses for the simple, rough-hewn, true one that brings freedom and resurrection: the cross of Christ. And, like the young woman in the opening story, let’s also choose to see God, our judge, in a different light — not as a heartless tyrant who wants to throw the book at us, but as a patient, merciful and compassionate friend, who has paid the price for our sins.

Scripture Readings the gospel truth

Holy Week March 28 Palm sunday of the lord’s passion Lk 19: 28-40; Is 50: 4-7; Ps 22: 8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24; Phil 2: 6-11; Lk 22:24 — 23:66 March 29 Monday of Holy Week Is 42: 1-7; Ps 27: 1-3, 13-14; Jn 12: 1-11 March 30 Tuesday of Holy Week Is 49: 1-6; Ps 71: 1-4a, 5ab-6b, 15, 17; Jn 13: 21-33, 36-38 March 31 Wednesday of Holy Week Is 50: 4-9a; Ps 69: 8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34; Mt 26: 14-25 April 1 HOLY THURSDAY EVENING Ex 12: 1-8, 11-14; Ps 116: 12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18; 1 Cor 11: 23-26; Jn 13: 1-15 April 2 Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion Is 52:13 — 53:12; Ps 31: 2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25; Heb 4: 14-16; 5: 7-9; Jn 18:1 — 19:42 April 3 HOLY SATURDAY NIGHT: THE EASTER VIGIL Gn 1:1 — 2:2; Ps 104: 1-2, 5-6, 10, 12-14, 24, 35; Ex 14:15 — 15:1; (Ps) Ex 15: 1-6, 17-18; Is 55: 1-11; (Ps) Is 12: 2-3, 4-6; Rom 6: 3-11; Ps 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Lk 24: 1-12

O

Gospel alludes to Old Testament prophecy

n Palm Sunday, people like to take palm branches with them to continue the celebration at home.

They may place a palm branch behind a crucifix or a holy picture. They the king who comes in the name of the may braid the palm or fashion it into a Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the cross. These are all ways that can reafhighest.” firm a central theme of Palm Sunday — We should note that the second half that Jesus Christ is king. of their acclamation echoes the song All four Gospels recount Jesus’ of the angels earlier in Luke’s Gospel triumphant entry into Jerusalem, when Jesus was born at which we commemorate on Bethlehem: “Glory to God Palm Sunday. John’s Gospel Palm sunday of the in the highest, and on earth describes the crowds waving Lord’s passion peace to those on whom his palm branches to acclaim Lk 19: 28-40 favor rests” (Lk 2:14). The Jesus as king. The Gospels of theme of peace appears both Matthew and Mark similarly at the beginning of Jesus’ life describe the crowds wavand at its end. ing tree branches, without specifying The crowd’s explicit endorsement them as palm. Only Luke’s Gospel omits of Jesus as king disturbs some of the any mention of branches. That is the Pharisees. They are perhaps worried version you will hear this Sunday, Lk that the Romans will view these as 19:28-40. threats to the Roman Empire’s authorEven without branches waving, ity. Accordingly, the Pharisees entreat Luke’s account nevertheless does show Jesus to quiet the crowd. Jesus rean enthusiastic crowd welcoming Jesus sponds: “I tell you, if they keep silent, into his capital city of Jerusalem as the stones will cry out.” Luke’s Gospel king. Their acclamations leave no room alone contains this exchange between for doubt in that regard: “Blessed is

commentary 15

the Pharisees and Jesus.

On the surface, Jesus’ response may sound like a way to emphasize that it is not possible to hide the truth about his kingship. Even if his followers are silenced, the truth will still come out.

There can be no coverup.

But the meaning of Jesus’ words goes even deeper. They allude to a passage in the Bible: “For the stone in the wall shall cry out” (Hb 2:11). The “stone” in this verse refers to the palaces of the unjust rulers at the time of Habakkuk, which were built upon the backs of the poor. The prophet Habakkuk is criticizing those rulers for their tyranny: “Woe to him who builds a city by bloodshed and establishes a town by wickedness” (Hb 2:12).

Years later, by alluding to this prophecy of Habakkuk, Jesus is indeed maintaining that the truth will come out, that it cannot be covered up. But it is not only the truth about himself as king; it is also the truth about the injustice of the current rulers in Israel.

Receiving Jesus as king necessarily means rejection of those rulers.

There can be only one king, and it is Jesus.

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

I

How the economy affects vocations

’ve gotten quite a few questions, including one on a flight to Milwaukee this week, regarding how the economy is affecting vocations.

Usually, the implied question is that since we are experiencing so much unemployment right now, are guys turning more toward the priesthood as a career option?

The short answer is no. A downturn in the economy does not lead to more vocations, at least not in our modern society. There was a time, of course, when being a priest or religious represented an opportunity to receive the best education and to escape poverty, but that time has long since passed.

With the endless educational opportu-

nities available to bright young people today, they are not turning toward religious vocations in order to get an education.

Although the education available through our seminaries, for example, is unique and in many ways the most comprehensive education a young man can receive, this is not the common perception. What is more, most young people see the priesthood and religious life not for the job security it might present, but as a means of forsaking security and independence

and choosing to be poor in imitation of Christ.

So no, on the surface, a downturn in the economy does not lead to more vocations. In our modern society, young people do not consider the priesthood or religious life in order to be well-educated and to be successful. They have many other options for that.

Even though we do need priests and religious badly, this is probably a good thing, since the priesthood and religious life should not be somewhere toward the bottom of a list of career options, to be turned to in case other things don’t work out. Those prospective seminarians who have trouble being successful in our difficult economy may experience the same failure in their struggle to be a good priest.

It is more common for me to deal with young men who are thinking about leaving successful careers than

those who are having difficulty finding a viable career.

Yet, there is something about a tough economy that turns the hearts and minds of people more deeply toward God, who alone is our lasting source of security. Although in the short term, a down economy does little to increase religious vocations, we can continue to pray that a culture may eventually be built where it is easier for our young people to trust not in the success this world offers, but in God, who knows our young people and is calling them to heroic lives of virtue and sacrifice so that his love may be made more present and real in our world.

Let us pray often and together for all our young people in the archdiocese considering a religious vocation.

Father Mitchel Zimmerman is the archdiocesan vocations director.

¿QUé PASA? — IN HISPANIC MINISTRY

Midwest ‘encuentro’ to focus on balance

I

n 1972, the U.S. bishops called for the first ever national “encuentro” of the Hispanic community, and as a result of this gathering, the face of Hispanic ministry changed forever.

This first encuentro (literally translated “encounter”) was much more than just a friendly gathering.

At its very core, it involved a process of bringing the folks together in a way that invited them to become part of pastoral planning at the grass-roots level, rather than sitting back and having others plan the future for them.

In fact, the process of the encuen-

tro became such a success that in the celebration of the jubilee year 2000, the Hispanic community was invited by the U.S. bishops to convoke a national encounter of all God’s people in Los Angeles under the banner of “Many Faces in God’s House.”

Inspired by the national encuentro process, Region 9 Hispanic Ministry organizes a local encuentro every other year in an effort to bring together some its leaders from the dioceses located in Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas.

The regional encuentro for 2010 will take place at Savior Pastoral Center on April 17-18, where we hope to gather some 150 leaders from around the 15 dioceses of the heartland states.

The theme for Encuentro 2010, “The Presence of Jesus in the Home, Work and Community,” is quite timely and will offer those who attend an opportunity to reflect on how to balance one’s life while keeping Jesus in the center.

In addition to the keynote address, some of the other workshops to be given are on: 1) the dignity of the person and domestic violence; 2) marriage and the family; 3) how to balance family life and one’s commitment to the apostolate; and 4) music and the liturgy. Besides workshops, there will also be lots of opportunities for prayer, as well as the celebration of reconcili-

ation and, of course, sharing of ideas and experiences in the informal moments of the Encuentro 2010.

In sum, our regional encuentro is much more than just a gathering of the Hispanic community of Region 9. It definitely is an encounter of a group of people who share a common journey as immigrants, as well as a moment of seeking out and celebrating the risen Lord along life’s journey.

We invite you to pray for the success of Encuentro 2010 as we come together to celebrate the gift of family life in the Hispanic community. Please be assured of our prayers when we gather together in Kansas City, Kan., on April 17-18 for the celebration of Encuentro 2010.

Father Pat Murphy is the archdiocesan animator for the office of Hispanic ministry.

church and state

A

Are we paying for other people’s abortions?

ccording to a 2009 Gallup poll, a majority of Americans now identify themselves as prolife — the first time this has been the case since Gallup began asking the question, and a dramatic change from 1995 when only 33 percent of respondents embraced the prolife label.

In those intervening years, pro-life initiatives and candidates have met both failure and success, but the arithmetic of public opinion will ultimately decide this question. And it is here that the needle continues to move in the right direction.

But do not say inexorably. Though the final triumph of good over evil is dogmatically assured, Catholics would be wrong to assume that the end of abortion in America is a historical inevitability. We are all summoned to continued toil in this vale of tears, for it is human agency that will continue to shape our national destiny. Ben Franklin put it thusly: “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.”

In the fall, a strong display of voter agency will be needed to respond to new federal policy under which death and taxes will be inextricably linked.

After nearly a year of unremitting debate, Congress has approved the health

care legislation promoted by President Obama.

Despite the polls and the pleas of pro-life voices, the congressional leadership insisted upon an approach condemned by the nation’s Catholic bishops for opening wide the door to federal funding of abortion that has been mostly closed for 30 years. This will not bring healing to America’s divisions.

A strikingly similar debate is occurring in the Kansas Legislature. Just as pro-life legislators in Washington, D.C., are arguing that no one should have to pay for someone else’s abortion with their tax dollars, so pro-life legislators in Topeka are arguing that no one should have to pay for someone else’s abortion with their health care premiums.

Unbeknownst to many Kansans and their employers, insurance companies often provide abortion as a standard component of health coverage, meaning those abortions are paid for with

the premium payments of everyone in the plan. This means that you may be paying for other people’s abortions simply by providing your family with health insurance.

In February, Kansas House members attempted unsuccessfully to pass a bill that would have prohibited this practice and required future customers of “abortion services” to pay an extra premium for an abortion rider. Predictably, some Catholic legislators voted against it.

We are often told that abortion is a private matter between a woman and her doctor. This might be true were there not a third party to the proceedings — the unborn child — and were ordinary Americans not continually asked to violate their consciences by subsidizing the culture of death each time they pay the monthly bills.

Michael Schuttloffel is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • march 26, 2010

Catholic Relief Services Global Fellows visit a CRS food warehouse in Mekelle, Ethiopia. They are: (from left) Carlos Sanchez, head of Program CRS Ethiopia; an unidentified CRS partner in charge of the warehouse; Thomas Pierzchanowski, a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Chicago; Father Joseph Wisniewski of the Diocese of Wilmington, Del.; and Father Manuel Clavijo, of the Diocese of Worcester, Mass.

CRS trip made Ethiopians’ challenges real to seminarian

K

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Americans have a lot of things that Ethiopians do not have — a really great infrastructure being just one of them.

But as archdiocesan seminarian Daniel Stover discovered, Ethiopians are rich in ways that Americans find themselves paupers: a sense of the presence of God. “They are very aware of the presence of God in their lives and the world,” said Stover, who recently visited Ethiopia.

“They do not have that separation that we experience in the West,” he continued. “Spirituality is a reality [to them]. It is not something intangible that cannot be grasped. It is much more tied to their concrete realities.”

Stover, a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka, visited Ethiopia from Feb. 18-26 as part of his studies at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary, in Illinois.

During their studies, seminarians are required to go on a mission trip as part of the seminary’s social justice curriculum. Some seminarians chose a Native American reservation near Tucson, Ariz.

Stover chose Ethiopia.

Through its Global Resource Fellows program, CRS sponsors water resource programs in Ethiopia. Stover, seven other seminarians and their dean of formation were briefed at CRS headquarters in Baltimore, then departed for Ethiopia.

Their first stop was the Missionaries of Charity facility in the capital, Addis Ababa. There, in a very poor neighborhood filled with clapboard shacks and dirt streets, the Sisters take care of 1,000 people a day.

“They have a tuberculosis ward,” said Stover. “[Patients] have to take medication for four months, and they can’t miss a day. They have to stay there, where

CRS Global Fellows visit a watershed project in Ethiopia. Daniel Stover, a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is third from left. they have food and a place to sleep.”

The Sisters also take care of mentally and physically handicapped children, the terminally ill, orphans, and unwed mothers.

“Some come when they are in labor,” said Stover. “The Sisters have even delivered babies on the sidewalk.”

There is nothing uplifting or charming about poverty or sickness, but the Sisters — who are from all over the world — serve the poor with joy.

“The Sisters were very happy,” he said. “When they serve the least of humanity, they serve Christ. To them, these people are in Christ’s image and likeness. This gives them strength, and they draw a lot of energy from serving Christ.”

Even the best efforts of the Sisters cannot reach all the suffering of the slum. In an alley beside the Sisters’ facility, Stover found a teenage boy lying on the ground with a bottle. He asked one of the Sisters about it. She said some find their lives of poverty so oppressive that they spend what little they have on a bit of glue to sniff to get high.

The major part of the group’s time

was spent outside of Addis Ababa, visiting watershed projects operated by CRS. Most of the program heads are Ethiopians, in keeping with the CRS policy of empowering Ethiopians. Their first stop was the city of Mekelle.

“We flew there, because Ethiopia’s infrastructure is so poor,” said Stover.

“It wasn’t more than a two-hour flight. It would have been a 16-hour drive.”

Ethiopia is a dry and mountainous country, a lot like Arizona. Vast parts of the country have never recovered from the drought and resulting famine during the mid-1980s. Without managing the water resources, the farmers would not be able to grow enough food to sustain Ethiopian society.

“It was amazing how little it took to help these people,” said Stover. “One of the people we talked to at the watershed projects was a farmer. Completely by chance, we got to meet the man who is on the insert that came with the Operation Rice Bowl [collection boxes], Ato Teklu.”

“He said just because of the water project, he is able to produce enough food to feed his family and send his

children to school,” Stover continued.

“These are things he could not have done prior to [the watershed project].”

The group learned not only about the physical, but also the religious, landscape of the country. About 50 percent of Ethiopians are Orthodox, 40 percent Muslim, and 10 percent “other.” About one percent of the “other” is Catholic.

By and large, there is no religious conflict. Among the Protestant churches, the Mennonites have a growing presence.

Catholics are mostly known through agencies like CRS and Caritas Internationalis and their efforts in emergency relief, development, health care and education.

“Catholics are very well-respected,” said Stover. “Several government officials were educated by the Jesuits and Christian Brothers.”

Later, in the city of Adigrat, the seminarians met Eparch Abune Tesfaselassie, the Catholic bishop of the Ethiopian rite.

There are more Catholics in this northern city than in any other place in the country.

“He told us about the situation in his eparchy (diocese),” said Stover. “He was very warm and kind. He has a real concern for the people of his diocese.”

Stover learned about Ethiopia on his trip, but he also gained a better appreciation of the poor.

“This gave me a sense of solidarity,” said Stover. “It gave me a sense of the individual persons being affected. It’s not just a shapeless mass of poor people in another country.”

“You hear about a group of people and you think you might know all about them, but until you meet them, it’s not real,” he said. “[This trip] made it so real. It gave me a real concern for these people that I should be praying for and supporting financially, if I’m able.

“And it made me aware of how much we have in this country and how privileged we are, for no other reason than for where we were born.”