WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 33, NO. 34 APRIL 6, 2012
+ JAMES P. KELEHER Archbishop Emeritus of Kansas City in Kansas
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+JOSEPH F. NAUMANN Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas
O De The LE ad ne A lin xt V e L E an for eav N niv ca en N er len wil EX sa da l b T rie r, e s i ad on W s A ve Ap E pr rti ril EK il 1 sin 20 2. g a . nd
Alleluia, Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia! May Jesus, our risen Lord, pour the light of his Resurrection into your hearts and minds this Easter season and always.
Photo courtesy of The Crosiers
2 LOCAL NEWS
THE LEAVEN • APRIL 6, 2012
THE LEAVEN • APRIL 6, 2012
Divine Mercy devotion promoted by late pontiff
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS
Walking Stations in Old Jerusalem underscores faith’s foundations
D
uring the pilgrimage to the Holy Land this past January, our group had the opportunity to spend almost an entire day at or in the vicinity of Gethsemane. We were able to celebrate Mass in the Church of the Nations where it is believed that Jesus underwent his final struggle, asking that this chalice of suffering be removed, but ultimately praying that not his will, but the Father’s will, be done. Later that evening, we were able to return to the Church of the Nations to make a Holy Hour, watching and praying with Our Lord as well as adoring his presence in the Eucharist. One of the most beautiful experiences during our pilgrimage was the praying of the Stations of the Cross. It is quite moving to pray at those places revered in Christian tradition as the locations where the events occurred that we prayerfully commemorate in the Way of the Cross devotion. On my two previous pilgrimages to Jerusalem, we prayed the Stations of the Cross in the middle of the day, when the Old City is bustling with commerce and other activities. Perhaps, in some ways this provides a closer experience to the circumstances in which Jesus trod the Via Dolorosa. However, during this year’s pilgrimage, we began the Way of the Cross at 5 a.m., when Old Jerusalem was still asleep. The silence of the sleeping city made the external environment more conducive for prayer and meditation. It is very powerful to pray at the place believed to be where Pilate, acquiescing to the demands of the mob, condemned Our Lord to death, even though he knew him to be innocent. It brings home the reality of the passion of Jesus walking the path he trod and collapsing under the weight of the cross necessitated because of our sins. One can visualize the encounters of Jesus with his mother, the women of Jerusalem, Veronica and Simon of Cyrene The last five Stations occurred either on Calvary or at the tomb of Jesus — both of which are now enclosed within the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. During the early morning hours, the place of Calvary is rather quiet and serene, much different than the organized chaos one would find a few hours later as waves of pilgrims come to visit the place where Jesus was crucified and died. The Catechism of the Catholic Church comments on the importance of the Stations of the Cross in the devotional life of Catholics: “Christian prayer loves to follow the way of the
Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar
April 6 3 p.m. Good Friday services — Cathedral
cross in the Savior’s steps. The stations from the Praetorium to Golgotha and the tomb trace the way of Jesus, who by his holy Cross has redeemed the world” (No. 2669). We concluded the stations by celebrating a 6:30 a.m. Mass actually at the place of the Resurrection — the tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea for the body of Our Lord. What an amazing sensation to have trod the path of sorrow and to have prayed at the site of the crucifixion, but now to encounter the living Jesus in the Eucharist at the very place where he burst forth from the tomb. A couple days later, again early in the morning, we returned to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher to celebrate Mass on Calvary. What an awesome experience to celebrate Mass at the place of the crucifixion — that great act of heroic, sacrificial love made present to us at every Mass every day, no matter where it is geographically celebrated. I could not look into the chalice without visualizing the blood and water flowing from the side of Jesus, confirming his physical death, but bringing to birth the sacramental life of the church. One cannot visit the sites of these holy places without being filled with gratitude for the early Christians, who kept memory of the locations where the events so central to our Catholic faith transpired. Nor can one fail to appreciate the enormous sacrifices made by so many devout Christians through the centuries to preserve and protect these sacred places for us and future generations. On Good Friday, in all of our churches, a collection is taken up to help preserve and care for the sacred places in the Holy Land so that they will be there for future generations. We need also to pray for the Christians in the Holy Land who make enormous sacrifices to keep the shrines of the Holy Land from becoming merely a museum for sightseers. The church throughout the world has a responsibility to assist the Christians of the Holy Land to keep a vibrant, living church alive in the places made sacred by the events of Our Lord’s life. A pilgrimage to the Holy Land drives
April 7 8 p.m. Easter Vigil — Cathedral April 8 11 a.m. Easter Mass — Cathedral April 10 Administrative Team meeting Priests Personnel meeting Confirmation — Mater Dei, Topeka April 12 Adoration and Benediction — Hayden High School, Topeka Confirmation — St. John the Evangelist, Lawrence April 13 Bishop Ward benefit dinner April 14 Installation of Father John Reynolds for St. Vincent de Paul, Onaga; St. Bede, Kelly; St. Patrick, Corning — Onaga April 15 Benedictine College RCIA Mass — St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison 3 p.m., Divine Mercy — Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park
home the reality that our Christian faith is not some sort of fictional fable that communicates theological and moral truths. Rather, our Catholic faith is founded on the life of a real person — Jesus — and the actual events of his conception, birth, ministry, passion, death and resurrection. I pray that you are able some day to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. It is a life-changing experience. If you want to investigate the possibility of such a pilgrimage, please visit the School of Faith website (schooloffaith. com). Mike Scherschligt and his team will provide you with a prayerful, inspirational and educational experience that will help you take your faith to an entirely new level. Reading the Gospel after a pilgrimage to the Holy Land is never the same. The sacred words of the Gospel have a deeper meaning and
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April 16-17 Jesus Caritas meeting — Wichita April 17 St. James board meeting April 18 Vocation Day — Prince of Peace, Olathe Radiothon for Catholic Radio 1090 Mass and dinner for Little Sisters of the Lamb fundraiser April 19 Kenrick development committee meeting Kenrick board meeting
Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar
April 6 3 p.m. Good Friday services — Cathedral April 7 8 p.m. Easter Vigil — Curé of Ars, Leawood April 8 Easter Mass — Sisters, Servants of Mary April 12 Anniversary of priestly ordination April 15 Confirmation — Florida April 19 Confirmation — Florida new power. Also, if you are interested in helping preserve the sacred places of the Holy Land and helping the Christian community there, I encourage you to inquire about the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher. Their mission is to strive for their own personal holiness, as well as to make heroic sacrifices to maintain and strengthen the Christian presence in the Holy Land. Even if one never has the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the liturgy is able to make present to us the events that changed the world and transformed the hearts of believers. May the Lord renew and deepen the hope, peace and joy that come from our Catholic faith through your participation in the Holy Week and Easter liturgies!
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SECOND FRONT PAGE 3
By Woodeene Koenig-Bricker
Intentions of Divine Mercy Novena
Special to The Leaven
T
he Catholic Church has always taught that one of God’s greatest gifts to humanity is his mercy. For if God merely doled out justice without tempering it with mercy, none of us would be saved. While this teaching has come down to us from Old Testament times, it took on special significance for the modern world in the form of the chaplet of Divine Mercy and Divine Mercy Sunday, which is celebrated each year on the Sunday after Easter. The devotion developed in the late 1930s as a result of the inspiration of a Polish nun, St. Faustina Kowalska. St. Faustina received a vision of Jesus, instructing her to pray for God’s mercy and to teach others to do so as well. The basis of the devotion lies in the understanding that God’s mercy comes to each of us through the heart of Jesus. To that end, Sister Faustina was directed to have a painting made of her vision of Jesus, which shows the red and white rays of Divine Mercy radiating from Jesus’ heart, denoting blood and water and symbolically representing his death on the cross, and the Eucharist, inscribed with the words, “Jesus, I trust in you.” The devotion gradually spread, but was especially promoted by Blessed John Paul II, who established the feast day on April 30, 2000. In a homily, he explained that “Jesus said to Sister Faustina one day: ‘Humanity will never find peace until it turns with trust to divine mercy.’ Divine mercy! This is the Easter gift that the church receives from the risen Christ and offers to humanity.” The devotion has grown in recent years in the archdiocese and is particularly popular in Topeka, thanks to Kathy and Bob Dorst, members of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish. The Dorsts, who have promoted the enthronement of Divine Mercy images in all Topeka parishes, took up the devotion after a 1998 Divine Mercy conference in Overland Park. They also help enthrone Divine Mercy images in homes. “It has become our life,” said Kathy Dorst. “When we pray, or when we even say, ‘Jesus, I trust in you,’ we are surrendering our lives and selves to Jesus.” In addition to enthronements, the Dorsts also organize devotions three or four times a year at various Topeka parishes. These devotions include a eucharistic Holy Hour with Benediction, the recitation of the Divine Mercy chaplet, and sometimes an opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation. In the beginning, these devotional liturgies drew perhaps 20 people. Now, they can attract 500 to 600. “I believe that there is a nudge [toward Divine Mercy] in all of us, especially in this day and age,” said Kathy Dorst. “We need more than what is going on in the world. We need a place we can go on a special Sunday to focus on Christ and his mercy. The world needs his mercy now more than any other time, I think.” Key to the devotion is the chaplet of Divine Mercy, which is prayed on rosary beads and is centered on the prayer: “For
DAY 1 (Good Friday) — All mankind, especially sinners DAY 2 (Holy Saturday) — The souls of priests and religious DAY 3 (Easter Sunday) — All devout and faithful souls DAY 4 (Easter Monday) — Those who do not believe in Jesus and those who do not yet know him DAY 5 (Easter Tuesday) — The souls of separated brethren DAY 6 (Easter Wednesday) — The meek and humble souls and the souls of children DAY 7 (Easter Thursday) — The souls who especially venerate and glorify Jesus’ mercy DAY 8 (Easter Friday) — The souls who are detained in purgatory DAY 9 (Easter Saturday) — The souls who have become lukewarm
Blessed John Paul II and Divine Mercy
CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec
Above, Polish Sister St. Faustina Kowalska is depicted with an image of Jesus Christ, the Divine Mercy.
Local celebrations Mater Dei-Assumption Parish, 8th and Jackson, Topeka, will have a Divine Mercy Sunday celebration from 2-3 p.m. on April 15. A reception will follow at 3 p.m. Divine Mercy Sunday will be celebrated at Christ the King Church, 3024 N. 53rd, Kansas City, Kan., on April 15. Reconciliation begins at 2 p.m., chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3 p.m., followed by the celebration of the Eucharist at 3:15 p.m. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will lead an hour of prayer at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 71st and Metcalf, Overland Park, at 3 p.m. on April 15. All children are invited to join a procession to take flowers to Jesus, the Divine Mercy. Children are asked to meet in the back of the church at 2:50 p.m. Flowers will be provided. the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world,” which is said on the Hail Mary beads. In addition, prayers honoring God the Father and the Trinity are said as well.
While the chaplet can be said at any time, it is especially appropriate for the novena of Divine Mercy to begin on Good Friday and end on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 15. On each day of the novena, a different group is prayed for per St. Faustina’s diary, in which she wrote that Jesus told her: “On each day of the novena you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy.” The novena ends on Divine Mercy Sunday. Typically, on that Sunday, the image of Jesus extending Divine Mercy is displayed, the pastor is asked to hear confessions and prayers are said for the salvation of all humanity. In accord with the message, St. Faustina received from Jesus and recorded in her diary (“I want to grant a complete pardon to the souls that will go to confession and receive holy Communion on the Feast of My Mercy”), a plenary indulgence is granted to those who fulfill the requirements as established by the apostolic penitentiary. Throughout the history of the church, devotions have arisen to assist the faithful with the most pressing needs of their time. Little wonder then, that Divine Mercy has become one of the most popular and widely celebrated devotions and feasts of the church.
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Blessed John Paul II had a particular affection for the Divine Mercy devotion. He presided over the canonization of St. Faustina as the first saint of the 21st century in April 2000 and he died on the vigil of the feast in 2005. His own beatification took place on Divine Mercy Sunday in 2011. In his homily on the first official celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday on 2001, he said: “The message [Sister Faustina] brought is the appropriate and incisive answer that God wanted to offer to the questions and expectations of human beings in our time, marked by terrible tragedies. Jesus said to Sister Faustina one day: ‘Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to my mercy.’”
Plenary Indulgence of Divine Mercy Sunday “An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1471). In 2002, the apostolic penitentiary announced that in order “to ensure that the faithful would observe [Divine Mercy Sunday] with intense devotion, the Supreme Pontiff himself established that this Sunday be enriched by a plenary indulgence . . . so that the faithful might receive in great abundance the gift of the consolation of the Holy Spirit. In this way, they can foster a growing love for God and for their neighbor, and after they have obtained God’s pardon, they in turn might be persuaded to show a prompt pardon to their brothers and sisters.” The plenary indulgence is granted to those who go to confession, receive Communion, pray for the pope and recite the Our Father, the creed, as well as the prayer: “Merciful Jesus, I trust in you.”
Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com.Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.
4 LOCAL NEWS
THE LEAVEN • APRIL 6, 2012
THE LEAVEN • APRIL 6, 2012
Nine for Christ: Family joins the church together subject area, in every event we have. He is part of our everyday lives.” As her children became more interested in becoming Catholic, Dusil-Schuler began a faith journey of her own. “I had a friend who started talking to me about just going to church,” she said. “I actually went to quite a few different Christian churches. “But the kids kept fighting me — ‘No, we should just go to Christ the King!’ “I started going there, and it became easier.”
By Jill Ragar Esfeld Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Each Saturday evening, Carla Dusil-Schuler gets her nine children dressed and bundled for the short walk from their home to Christ the King Church here. Filling the cry room for evening Mass, they are a remarkably disciplined bunch. They pray and sing together as DusilSchuler, with a baby in her arms and a toddler on her lap, keeps a watchful eye. She has the mother’s stare down pat. There are only a few moments of restless fidgeting or restrained giggles. It’s important for these siblings to be able to get through a Mass on their best behavior, because on Holy Saturday evening, they won’t be in the cry room anymore. They’ll be up front and center as all nine are baptized into the Catholic faith.
A mother’s choice
said. “I’ll be able to go up and, instead of receiving a blessing, I can receive holy Communion with everybody else.” As Jewel prepares for her baptism, she’s also preparing for confirmation with her class. She credits her friends and teachers for helping her make the decision to become Catholic.
Dusil-Schuler went along with her older children’s wish to be baptized and made that choice for her youngest children as well. She’s been attending religion classes to help prepare for her children’s baptisms. “I’ve learned a lot from Father Mark,” she said. Father Mertes has learned a few things, too, and believes that even longtime Catholics can be enriched by helping others grow in faith. “The hunger others have to learn more about the faith I sometimes take for granted is a great inspiration to me,” he said. “We cradle Catholics can share in their joy and rededicate ourselves to living our faith fully.” The faculty, staff and students at Christ the King live that philosophy. This Easter, 12 of their students, including Dusil-Schuler’s children, will join the Catholic Church.
Christ in every subject
A special wish
By Jill Ragar Esfeld
A choice of their own Though raised Catholic and an alumnus of Christ the King School, DusilSchuler was questioning her faith when she first started having children. “I actually didn’t even go to church for many years,” she said. She even chose not to baptize them as infants. “I wanted them to decide when they got older what religion they wanted,” she said. When it came time for school, DusilSchuler did enroll her children in her alma mater, where the oldest six are students today. It didn’t take long for the faith-filled atmosphere of Christ the King to have an influence. “I truly think kids at our school, in their everyday encounters, meet Christ,” said principal Cathy Fithian. “And they want to have him a part of their lives by the time they are here for a while.” Father Mark Mertes, pastor of Christ the King, appreciates the school’s method of evangelization. “What is important for me,” he said, “is that we who are teachers, students and parents practice our faith on a dayto-day basis. “If we live with Christ’s love as our guide, people will notice and will want the joy we express in our everyday lives.”
Carla Dusil-Schuler is having all nine of her children baptized into the Catholic faith this Easter. Pictured, clockwise from left, are Porsche, Jewel, Natalya, Dusil-Schuler, Austin, Ryan, Clarrissa, Miranda, Zain and Tristan. By the time Dusil-Schuler’s oldest daughter was in fourth grade, she was “bugging” her mom to let her become Catholic.
Part of one body “The kids have been relentless in asking their parents to be baptized,” said Fithian. Though not Catholic himself, DusilSchuler’s husband, Matt, said he would support any decision she made about baptizing the children. “They go to school and most of their friends are baptized already,” said DusilSchuler. “Unless they’re baptized Catholic, they can only do very certain things in the [school] Mass. “They want to be like everyone else and participate.” “All my friends except for one are Catholic,” said seventh-grader Clarrissa, who loves Bible parables and looks forward to being a reader at Mass. Her older sister, Jewel, is in the eighth grade. “I decided to become Catholic to better my understanding of God and to grow in my faith,” she said. Jewel also looks forward to participating more fully in the Mass. “I’ll be able to become a server,” she
“When I was younger,” said Jewel, “my friends talked to me about how they go to church and what they believe in. “And my teacher, Mrs. Tyrrell, she’s been a great influence. Any question I have about religion, she’ll answer it.” Clarrissa has had a similar experience at Christ the King. She’s found that every subject being taught has faith as part of the lesson. “They’re all really my religion teachers,” she said. “They all incorporate Catholic things into what they’re teaching.” That’s the policy at Christ the King, said Fithian. “We all attend School of Faith,” she said. “This is our fourth year. The archbishop requested that all the schools in the archdiocese be a part of that, and we are. “I think our kids see Christ in every
Clarrissa and Jewel said their friends are “really happy” about their baptism, and their grandparents are “excited.” Before their daughter rejoined the church, Dusil-Schuler’s parents often took the children to Mass. “They are excited,” she said of her parents. “They always wanted me to do this from the time I had my first child.” But the post-baptism celebration may have to wait a day. “That will be a hectic night with all nine of them baptized,” said DusilSchuler. “On Easter, we always go to my grandparents’ house, and so I’m sure we’ll have an extra celebration there.” Father Mertes has a special wish for this newly baptized family. “My hope for them,” he said, “is the same as Jesus’ hope for all of us. “That they may have life and have it to the full!”
Black congress ‘makes you want to be Catholic’ By Joe Bollig Leaven staff
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — You could use all sorts of words to describe the National Black Catholic Congress: inspirational, fun, educational, affirming and delicious. Delicious? Yes, like icing delicious. “For me, to see so many AfricanAmerican faces — faces like mine — it’s like, ‘Yes, I’m in the right place. This is where I’m supposed to be,’” said Franchiel Nyakatura, a member of Our Lady and St. Rose Parish in Kansas City, Kan. “It’s the icing on my Catholic cake.” The congress, held every five years, gives African-American Catholics a place to discuss the things they have achieved, as well as the challenges they face — and have a “delicious” time together as well. The upcoming Congress XI will be from July 19 to 21 in Indianapolis. It’s a celebration of 25 years of the congress and its original inspiration, “What We Have Seen and Heard.” The keynote speaker is Immaculée IIibagiza, who survived the 1994 Rwandan genocide. So far, at least 17 African-American parishioners have signed up, said Barbara Bailey, a pastoral associate at Our Lady and St. Rose Parish. “It’s been a well-kept secret,” said Bailey. “Older members of the parish who’ve attended try to instill in us that this is something that we, as black Catholics, need to attend. “It helps lift our spirits and gives us ideas about things we can do in our parishes,” she continued. “It rejuvenates you in your spirit and in your parish, and you just want to be Catholic.” To spread the word about the conference, an informational meeting is scheduled for 3 to 4:30 p.m. on April 22 at Our Lady and St. Rose, 2300 N. Eighth St., Kansas City, Kan. “It’s for anyone, everyone,” said Bailey. And that really means anyone. You don’t have to be African-American to attend. The three days of the congress will be filled with workshops and seminars. “What I brought back from the congress were three words: reclaim,
Information, cost to attend • Individual adult registration: $225 per person • Adult group rate special (10 or more): $200 per person • Individual youth (younger than age 18): $125 per person Congress information is available at the National Black Catholic Congress website at: www.nbc congress.org. This link provides information about the keynote speaker and congress presenters, souvenir program book order form, hotel registration, congress special report, Congress XI schedule, NBCC registration form, and ground transportation information.
One of the many meaningful events from past congresses was this procession for the opening of the Tenth National Black Catholic Congress, held July 12 to 15 in Buffalo, N.Y. The congress draws not only Americans, but also clerics and religious worldwide. recruit and retain,” said Anthony Marie Johnson, a pastoral committee member of Our Lady and St. Rose. A significant event this year will be a presentation of the “2011 National Black Catholic Survey” conducted by the University of Notre Dame. The congress will have 18 workshops with diverse topics including evangelization, social teaching, conflict resolution, faith formation, leadership, prison ministry and healing families. Nyakatura said a past congress session about prayer made a big impact on her. “I always thought I had a pretty good prayer life, but the session on contemplative prayer stuck with me from that congress,” said Nyakatura, a second-grade teacher at Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kan. “Be-
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cause of the congress, I became aware of how to have a deeper prayer life.” Another word that might be used to describe the congress — two words, actually — is “great stuff.” “When you go to the congress there’s, like, a million vendors from all over the Catholic community,” said Nyakatura. Johnson obtained a large number of rosaries, which she has since used for her own benefit and that of others. “At that time, I wasn’t into the rosary,” she said. “Since then, I am more into the rosary and share them with family members.” “She shares them with Catholics and non-Catholics,” said Nyakatura. “I’ve been with her when she pulls out a rosary and says, ‘This is our faith. This is what we pray and how we do it.’” Still another word that can be used for the congress is “family.” The all-congress Mass is usually a joyful, spectacular event. “When I see all those African and African-American bishops, priests and Sisters it’s like I’m coming home for a family reunion,” said Nyakatura. For more information about the April 22 informational meeting, call Bailey at (913) 321-1958, at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kan. Those who wish to attend may go to the congress website at: www. regonline.com/nbcc2012.
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LOCAL NEWS 5 Marie (Rottinghaus) and Leo Eagan, members of St. Michael Parish, Axtell, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 15. The couple was married on April 23, 1962, at St. Mary Church, St. Benedict. Their children and their spouses ANNIVERSARY are: Arlene and Martin Talbert; Janet and Mike Stretton; Patrick Eagan; Laura and Todd Welborn; Mary and Russ Neigenfind; and John Eagan. They also have six grandchildren.
Family Day set for April 22 WILLIAMSBURG — Prairie Star Ranch here invites families — and other groups — out for a spring Sunday of relaxation and renewal. Families, prayer groups, parish groups and others are invited to register for the Prairie Star Ranch Family Day, which will take place April 22. Activities begin at 10 a.m., and include canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, games and more. Groups will need to bring their own picnic lunches, sunscreen, bug spray and water bottles, as well as any equipment they might need for specific activities. For example, they’ll need life jackets for kids for canoeing; long pants and heeled shoes for horseback riding; poles, bait and tackle for fishing; or their own mountain bikes if they plan to ride. There are additional costs for horseback riding. Groups are also encouraged to bring kites or sporting equipment for games ranging from football to Frisbee. The day ends with Mass, which begins at 4 p.m. The cost for adults (older than 16) and youth (ages 5-16) is $5 per person when preregistering, and the maximum admission cost per family is $25. There is no charge for children younger than 5. Walk-in registration at the door is $7 per person, with a maximum family cost of $35. Anyone with questions about Family Day should call Prairie Star Ranch at (785) 7465693. More details and registration forms are available online at: www.archkck.org. Find the Ministries & Offices tab, then select the Youth Formation & Activities link. Finally, click on the Prairie Star Ranch tab. Forms may be faxed to (785) 746-5694, or emailed to: psroffice@gmail.com. Or send registration by regular mail to: Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Road Williamsburg KS 66095 unplanned pregnancy? decisions to make? Replace pressure and panic with thoughtful, and rational reflection. A confidential, caring friend is waiting for your call. Topeka- (785) 234-0701 Lawrence- (785) 843-4821 Leavenworth- (913) 682-2700 Kansas City-(816)444-7090 Emporia- (620) 342-8600
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THE LEAVEN • APRIL 6, 2012
THE LEAVEN • APRIL 6, 2012
GUEST COMMENTARY
Benedictine’s inaugural symposium a success ATCHISON — Missionary activity is called for, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann told attendees at the first big event of Benedictine College’s recently launched Institute for Missionary Activity, “not only in far away exotic places, but . . . right here in the United States and even in northeast Kansas.” “Sadly, almost all of us know family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues,” he continued, “who left the active practice of the faith or even the church altogether.” The inaugural Symposium for Advancing the New Evangelization, held March 23-24, brought top professors, field experts, and clergy from around the country to the Atchison campus as more than 200 participants listened to dozens of presentations. Paper topics ranged from “Addressing Controversial Issues in the Church” to “The Role of Literature in the New Evangelization.” But it was keynote speeches by Archbishop Naumann and Barbara Nicolosi Harrington that highlighted the symposium. “Perhaps, what is most distinctively new about the new evangelization,” said the archbishop, “is those who are its target. In talking about the new evangelization, the church is referring to an outreach to what we may call ‘the inbetweeners.’” “The church is always committed to
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann delivers the closing night keynote address on March 24 at the inaugural Symposium for Advancing the New Evangelization. traditional missionary activity — bringing the Gospel to people or groups who have never heard the Gospel,” he continued. “The Church often calls this her mission ‘ad gentes’ — ‘to the peoples’ or to the world. At the same time, the church has naturally understood an essential part of her mission is to provide pastoral care for those who are already devout practicing Catholics. “Yet, Popes John Paul and Benedict have recognized a growing, but not clearly defined group in the middle: peo-
ple with Christian roots where a living sense of the faith has been lost and who live lives far removed from Christ and his Gospel. This is the group to which the new evangelization is targeted.” Harrington, the second keynoter, is an award-winning screenwriter who teaches at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., and Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, Calif. She founded Act One in 1999 as a training program for Christians pursuing careers in the mainstream entertainment industry. Her vision is to change the culture of Hollywood as well as the content of the products it puts out. In her address, said David Trotter, director of the Institute for Advancing the New Evangelization, “Barbara Nicolosi Harrington called the church to higher standards of artistic integrity. “She talked about how truth and beauty in movies, for instance, could help convert culture. It was a riveting talk.” In addition to the two keynote speakers and Benedictine College professors, presenters at the colloquium sessions hailed from a variety of different institutions, organizations, and ministries. These included the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, Benedictine University (Chicago), Justice for All, the University of Kansas, the Archdiocese of Omaha, Manhattan Christian College, the Center for Advanced Leadership and Catechetics, and OneBillionStories.com. “I was amazed at the sheer diversity of
topics covered,” said Kirsten Antonacci, a sophomore at Benedictine College and a volunteer worker at the symposium. “If there was a specific way to advance the new evangelization, it seemed like there was a presentation that addressed it.” “The symposium really got me excited,” she added. “It encouraged me to believe that the future of the church is bright.” The symposium was also a showcase for the college’s brand new Ferrell Academic Center, which opened on March 12 with new classrooms and faculty offices for four academic departments, including theology and philosophy, as well as administrative offices and a conference center. Trotter hopes that the inaugural Symposium for Advancing the New Evangelization is just the beginning of the great work that Benedictine College’s Institute for Missionary Activity accomplishes for Christ and the church. “The keynotes and the colloquium presentations were incredible,” Trotter said. “But for me, the real ‘magic’ of the symposium was in the personal conversations and small-group discussions.” “Men and women shared great ideas with one another and asked each other thought-provoking questions,” he added. “The conversations and personal interactions stoked a real desire and commitment to advance the new evangelization.”
COMMENTARY 7
I
President’s mandate is bad for women’s health
n a Feb. 7 op-ed column, Senators Boxer, Murray and Shaheen claimed that President Obama’s mandate, applicable even to religious institutions, dictating that abortifacients, oral contraceptives (OCPs), and sterilizations must be fully paid-for benefits in women’s health insurance policies, was a victory for women’s health. As practicing physicians, we can attest that nothing is further from the truth. President Obama’s mandate is bad for women’s health and for the profession of medicine. First, birth control is not preventive medical care like breast exams and Pap smears performed to prevent a late diagnosis of cancer or immunizations to prevent pneumonia and influenza. A child is not a disease, nor are fertility and pregnancy. They are physiological states of healthy individuals. Second, OCPs contribute to significant disease and dysfunction, such as increased rates of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks (especially in smokers); increased rates of HPV transmission; and increased incidence of cervical cancer and liver tumors. The same synthetic hormones in OCPs that make a woman’s body behave as if pregnant all the time also change her body chemistry, rendering her more susceptible
to sexually transmitted infections and diseases. As physicians, we frequently must care for women suffering from the unanticipated side effects of OCPs. OCPs can lower the incidence of ovarian cancer. But only 1 in 72 women will develop ovarian cancer. Of greater concern should be the many studies showing that OCPs increase the risk of breast cancer — especially in young women who use them for more than four years before their first full-term pregnancy, since breast cancer rates have increased from 1 in 12 — in 1960 when the pill was first introduced — to 1 in 8 50 years later. The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens declared estrogen and progesterone Class I carcinogens in 2005. Why would we promote any substance which increases the risk of cancer, and describe it as preventive care? With regard to cost savings in health care, the Guttmacher Institute’s own data show that increases in contraception use lead to increased demand for abortions, and that women are more
likely to have unplanned pregnancies when using contraception. There are no valid statistics demonstrating that use of contraception and abortion have improved the health of women and children. In fact, the rates of premature and low birth weight infants have been rising precipitously since rates of abortion and OCP use have increased. One in eight babies is now born prematurely. NICU care now accounts for 25 percent of the entire maternal/newborn budget! Finally, it is important to realize that mandating “free contraception” is not free; it will mean higher insurance premiums for everyone and/ or less money for the treatment of real diseases. A president who is willing to violate the rights of religious freedom, conscientious objection, and free speech of thousands of religious institutions — and of many other Americans who object to this mandate on grounds of conscience — will also have no compunction in ordering physicians to participate in providing contraception, sterilization, and abortion against their will. In gutting the conscience protection rule enacted in 2008, and in refusing to include clear protections for conscience in PPACA, the Obama administration has demonstrated its hostility to the
conscience rights of health care professionals. Attempted coercion in this area will drive out of medical practice many physicians who take their ethical obligations and the Hippocratic Oath seriously. If this happens, millions of women will lose access to physicians who share their beliefs, and all patients will be more at the mercy of future government dictates about what health care services can be offered or not. As Catholic physicians, we swear before God to serve the sick with competence, compassion, and charity, always to their benefit and never to their harm. Abortifacients, OCPs, and sterilization do not belong in a preventive services mandate because they are not preventive medicine and not good for women’s health. President Obama’s mandate will prove harmful to women’s health and to the practice of medicine. It must be rescinded immediately. Mary Keen, MD, MRM Maricela P. Moffitt, MD, MPH Rebecca Peck, MD Kathleen M. Raviele, MD, FACOG Laura G. Reilly, MD, ABPN Catholic Medical Association, National and KC Chapters www.catholicmedkc.org
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PATIENCE, PROGRESS
Pope criticizes U.S. embargo, calls for more freedom in Cuba
Differing opinions on dealing with Cuba’s regime By Francis X. Rocca
Catholic News Service
CNS photo/Government of the State of Guanajuato, handout via Reuters
People watch fireworks explode March 25 over the statue of Cristo Rey (Christ the King) after Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass near the statue in Silao, Mexico.
Pope arrives in Mexico as ‘pilgrim of faith, hope, and love’ By Francis X. Rocca
Catholic News Service
SILAO, Mexico (CNS) — Arriving in Mexico on his second papal visit to Latin America March 23, Pope Benedict XVI said he came as a “pilgrim of faith, of hope, and of love,” promoting the cause of religious freedom, social progress and the Catholic Church’s charitable works. Bells tolled and the assembled crowd cheered as Pope Benedict XVI appeared through the door of his Alitalia plane at Guanajuato Internal Airport in central Mexico. He was greeted by Mexican President Felipe Calderon and other dignitaries, including Archbishop Jose Martin Rabago of Leon and Archbishop Carlos Aguilar Retes of Tlalnepantla, president of the Mexican bishops’ conference and the Latin American bishops’ council, CELAM. In his remarks at the arrival ceremony, Pope Benedict paid tribute to the Mexican people’s religious faith and reputation for hospitality, but he addressed the main part of his speech to all Latin American nations, noting that most of them “have been commemorating, in recent years, the bicentennial of their independence.” The pope related the three theological virtues of faith, hope and charity to challenges the region faces today. In doing so, the pope highlighted themes that he would address again during his time in Mexico and Cuba, where he traveled on March 26. Faith fosters social peace based on respect for human dignity, the pope said, adding that “this dignity is expressed especially in the fundamental right to freedom of religion, in its full meaning and integrity.” That statement has special resonance given that the pope was speaking in the Guanajuato state, heartland of a 1920s rebellion by Catholic “Cristero” rebels against an anti-clerical regime. Mexico long prohibited church-run schools and the public display of clerical and religious garb, but the country’s Senate is now considering an amendment to the constitution that would significantly expand the church’s freedom in areas, including education. Catholics in Cuba still operate under severe restrictions under the communist government there. Addressing an economically underdeveloped region plagued by violence,
corruption and dramatic inequalities of wealth, the pope presented Catholicism as a force for social progress. Christian hope does not only console believers with confidence in an afterlife, he said; it inspires them to “transform the present structures and events which are less than satisfactory and seem immovable or insurmountable, while also helping those who do not see meaning or a future in life.” “This country and the entire continent are called to live their hope in God as a profound conviction, transforming it into an attitude of the heart and a practical commitment to walk together in the building of a better world,” Pope Benedict said. He then noted the concrete help that Catholics, motivated by charity, offer “those who suffer from hunger, lack shelter, or are in need in some way in their life.” This charitable mission “does not compete with other private or public initiatives,” the pope said, and the church “willingly works with those who pursue the same ends.” That point was particularly relevant to Cuba, where Catholic charities have become notably active in recent years, sometimes in cooperation with agencies of the communist state. Addressing his Mexican hosts once again as he concluded, Pope Benedict made an apparent reference to the country’s recent fighting among drug traffickers, which has killed an estimated 50,000 people over the past five years. “I will pray especially for those in need,” the pope said, “particularly for those who suffer because of old and new rivalries, resentments and all forms of violence.” Calderon told the pope, “Mexico feels honored to be the first Spanish-speaking country you’ve visited in [Latin America].” The president touched on the difficulties Mexico has endured in recent years, including the current drought — the worst in 70 years — natural disasters and the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, which compounded an especially difficult economic downturn. He mentioned violence, too, which has claimed nearly 50,000 lives during his administration. “In spite of it all, we’re still standing,” Calderon said, adding, “because Mexico is a strong people . . . a people of values.”
Pope greets Mexicans affected by notorious crimes By David Agren
Catholic News Service GUANAJUATO CITY, Mexico (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI greeted Mexicans who lost loved ones in some of the country’s most notorious crimes, events that horrified Mexico and generated international headlines. They were among people the pope greeted privately March 24 following his public appearance in the city of Guanajuato. No details were provided, although the office of President Felipe Calderon issued a list of the eight attendees and crimes that affected them. Among the individuals meeting the pope was Maria Guadalupe Davila of Ciudad Juarez, whose son, Rodrigo Cadena, was murdered in a massacre while attending a 2010 birthday party in Villas de Salvarcar. Veronica Cavazos, widow of Edelmiro Cavazos, the former mayor of Santiago, lost her husband in 2010, when police officers, working in cahoots with the Los Zetas drug cartel, betrayed him. The case was profiled by the CBS news program “60 Minutes.” Maria Herrera, of Michoacan, had four sons — Jose de Jesus, Raul, Gustavo and Luis Armando Trujillo Herrera — simply disappear. Along with the more than 47,500 deaths in Mexico attributed to drug cartel and organized crime violence, thousands more people have disappeared, often in acts known as “levantones,” which, unlike, kidnapping, involve no ransom demands. Reports of crimes such as extortion and kidnap for ransom have increased, too. The president’s crackdown has proven divisive for some Catholics and church-affiliated human rights groups, who have called for the country’s spiritual leaders to focus on victims and denounce excesses committed by soldiers and police — difficult for some priests as Mexico has a history of tense church-state relations.
HAVANA (CNS) — The Cuba that Pope Benedict XVI visited March 26-28 is a country where the Catholic Church enjoys significantly more freedom and official recognition than it did when Blessed John Paul II made the first papal visit to the island in 1998. Since that time, the communist regime has made Christmas a national holiday, and it now allows Communist Party members to identify themselves as practicing Catholics. In preparation for this year’s 400th anniversary of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, the venerated statue was allowed to circulate on a pilgrimage throughout the country, an event that President Raul Castro said “brought our people together, believers and nonbelievers.” Such progress in religious freedom is what Cuban church leaders and Pope Benedict himself have said they hope to build on in the aftermath of his visit. But in other dimensions of human rights, the reform record of the Cuban regime has been less encouraging. “People should be able to express their opinions without fear and without punishment,” said Msgr. Jose Felix Perez Riera, assistant secretary of the Cuban bishops’ conference. “When somebody thinks or expresses a different idea, they accuse him of being paid by the United States, of being a traitor. Little [reforms], such as permitting someone to buy a cellular phone — those don’t seem significant to me.” Pope Benedict, in his public statements during and just prior to his Cuba visit, affirmed the value of freedom. “The church is always on the side of freedom: freedom of conscience, freedom of religion,” he told reporters March 23, in response to a question about Cuba. “God not only respects human freedom: He almost seems to require it,” the pope said in his homily during a Mass in Santiago de Cuba March 26. But addressing those frustrated by the pace of change in Cuba after half a century of communism, the pope said that the “path of collaboration and constructive dialogue” between church and regime there is long and “demands patience.” Msgr. Perez said Pope Benedict was not
By Cindy Wooden
Catholic News Service
CNS photo/Paul Haring
Pope Benedict XVI carries his pastoral staff after celebrating Mass in Revolution Square in Havana March 28. During the service, the pope called for full religious freedom and greater respect for human rights in Cuba. saying that Cubans should remain passive in the face of oppression. “I think that when the Holy Father asks patience, it does not mean inactivity . . . it does not mean crossing your arms and letting things happen without taking any responsibility,” Msgr. Perez said. “Perhaps he is thinking of the gradualness [that is] normal to human and social processes.” Msgr. Perez is the pastor of Havana’s Church of St. Rita of Cascia, where the Ladies in White — “Damas de Blanco” — attend Mass every Sunday, then march down the avenue in front, protesting human rights violations by the regime. The Ladies in White are relatives of Cubans who were imprisoned in 2003 for advocating free elections and other political reforms. The prisoners were released in 2011 under a deal brokered by Havana Cardinal Jaime Ortega Alamino. Most of
those former political prisoners went into exile abroad. The Ladies have continued protesting on behalf of other prisoners of conscience who they say are still inside Cuban prisons. Members of the group are frequently arrested and released in less than 24 hours. They also have been attacked by what they say are government-controlled mobs. For one of the Ladies, Alejandrina Garcia de la Rivas, 46, the pope’s counsel is comprehensible yet hard to accept. “As Catholics, we understand the word patience . . . anger, impatience, desperation are sins,” she said. “But we are afraid. We have to do something.” Garcia voiced gratitude for the welcome that Msgr. Perez offers the Ladies at his church and for the support they have received from other members of the Cuban hierarchy.
Bishop Manuel de Cespedes GarciaMenocal of Matanzas was still a parish priest when he ministered to Garcia’s husband in prison and has remained a family friend, she said. She noted that Archbishop Dionisio Garcia Ibanez of Santiago de Cuba forcefully defended the Ladies from the threat of mob violence earlier this year, and Garcia said she remains thankful for Cardinal Ortega’s work to obtain the release of the group that included her husband. Garcia also said she appreciates the principles behind the bishops’ nonconfrontational strategy of dialogue with the regime. “I think [the bishops] have the right idea, of reconciling all Cubans, of helping all Cubans without exception, even those who oppress us,” she said. “But they are also afraid; they are afraid because they, too, suffer; they are threatened.”
Pope meets Fidel Castro before leaving Cuba By Cindy Wooden
Catholic News Service HAVANA (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI met former Cuban President Fidel Castro in the apostolic nunciature in Havana March 28 and answered the ailing former leader’s questions, the Vatican spokesman said. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said he was watching the two men through a window, and afterward he spoke with the pope about the conversation, which seemed very animated. The pope said Castro, who was raised a Catholic, asked about the reasons for the changes in the liturgy after the Second Vatican Council, about the role of the pope and about the pope’s thinking about the larger philosophical questions weighing on the minds of people today. The meeting lasted about 30 minutes, Father Lombardi said, and the questions were an indication that “now his life is one dedicated to reflection and writing.” On the liturgy, the pope said Castro told
him, “It’s not the Mass I knew in my youth.” The more philosophical topics included Castro’s curiosity about how the church is handling the ethical challenges posed by scientific and technological developments and the relationship between faith and reason, as well as the pope’s concerns about a growing number of people who don’t believe in God or act as if God does not exist, Father Lombardi said. “In the end, Commandante Fidel asked the pope to send him a few books” dealing with the questions he had, the spokesman said. Father Lombardi also said Castro had told Pope Benedict that he had followed the pope’s entire visit on television, and Castro had remarked that he and the pope were about the same age. The pope will celebrate his 85th birthday in April, and Castro will turn 86 in August. The pope said he told Castro, “Yes, I’m old, but I can still carry out my duties,” Father Lombardi said.
CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters
Pope Benedict XVI meets with Cuba’s former President Fidel Castro at the apostolic nunciature in Havana March 28.
HAVANA (CNS) — Preparing to leave Cuba at the end of a threeday pastoral visit, Pope Benedict XVI made his first reference to the U.S. embargo of the island and the embargo’s impact on the country’s poor. All Cubans need to work together to build a renewed and reconciled society, but progress is difficult given a “lack of material resources, a situation which is worsened when restrictive economic measures, imposed from outside the country, unfairly burden its people,” the pope said March 28 during his official farewell ceremony. He did not mention the United States by name. The ceremony was moved indoors at the last minute because of a sudden rain storm. The Vatican repeatedly has criticized the U.S. embargo as a measure that has not forced Cuba’s communist government to respect human rights, but instead has had a devastating effect on the Cuban people, especially the poor. The pope said that peaceful coexistence requires individuals and nations to “reject immovable positions and unilateral viewpoints, which tend to make understanding more difficulty and efforts at cooperation ineffective.” “Patience and sincere dialogue” are necessary, he said. Before departing from Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport for his return flight to Rome, Pope Benedict told government officials and the Cuban public that he was convinced that, wherever Jesus Christ is present, “discouragement yields to hope, goodness dispels uncertainties and a powerful force opens up the horizon to beneficial and unexpected possibilities.” He said he hoped his presence in Cuba would strengthen those who “with perseverance and self-sacrifice” carry out the work of evangelization. And he said he hoped no Cuban would feel excluded from taking up the “exciting search for his or her basic freedoms” or feel excused from the challenge because they lack energy or resources. While the pope said his message was motivated by faith and the desire to share it, he insisted that societies themselves are better off when people are free to profess their faith and when faith-based schools and social services are allowed to operate. He prayed that the light of faith would shine on Cuba, helping people “to foster social harmony and to allow the blossoming of all that is finest in the Cuban soul, its most noble values, which can be the basis for building a society of broad vision, renewed and reconciled.” Although the pope’s stay in Cuba was drawing to an end, he said he would continue praying that the country would make progress in becoming a place “where justice and solidarity coexist in a climate of serene fraternity.”
THE LEAVEN • APRIL 6, 2012
WORLD 11
After papal request, Cuba makes Good Friday 2012 a national holiday By Carol Glatz
Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican spokesman praised Cuba’s decision to accept Pope Benedict XVI’s request to make Good Friday a national holiday this year. “It is certainly a very positive sign,” Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said April 1. Good Friday, the commemoration of Jesus’ passion and death, falls on April 6 this year. During the pope’s private meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro in Havana March 27, the pope asked for further freedoms for the Catholic Church in the communist nation, including the declaration of Good Friday as a holiday. The Cuban government accepted the proposal March 31 after the pope’s March 29 return to the Vatican. Father Lombardi said the Vatican hopes that the holiday will enable people to attend religious services and have “happy Easter celebrations.” The Vatican hopes Pope Benedict’s March 26-28 visit to Cuba “continues to bring the desired fruits for the good of the church and all Cubans,” the spokesman added. Only Good Friday 2012 has been made a public holiday; the government hasn’t decided whether it will become a permanent celebration, news reports said. Blessed John Paul II’s trip to Cuba in
CNS photo/Tom Tracy
People pray as Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass at Antonio Maceo Revolution Square in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, March 26. During the pope’s private meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro in Havana March 27, the pope asked for the declaration of Good Friday as a holiday. 1998 led to Cuba recognizing Christmas as a recurring public holiday. Though the church estimates 60-70 percent of Cubans are Catholic, church
officials estimate that only about 2.5 percent of Cuba’s population of 11 million can be considered practicing Catholics today, a fraction of the proportion
prior to the revolution, though it represents a significant rise since Pope John Paul’s visit 14 years ago.
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THE LEAVEN • APRIL 6, 2012 Quilted Memories LLC - New store now open in downtown Overland Park! Machine quilting. Custom-designed memory quilts using your T-shirts and/or photos. Personalized items for sororities, weddings, graduates and more. We also offer quilting classes and studio/machine rental. Call (913) 6492704. For samples of our work, visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc.com. Girl Friday Services Sewing, ironing, quilting, cooking, typing and errand running. Let me do the work for you! Call Deborah at (913) 648-7258 Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile). Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610;send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www. bankruptcylawinkansascity.com. Lawn mowing Free estimates; references Insured, licensed and bonded Local parishioner Call Tony at (913) 620-6063 All your lawn and landscape needs - Mowing, trimming, seeding, sod laying, and aerating for your lawn. Plus, spring cleaning – beds cleared, planting, mulching, gutter cleaning, foundation fill dirt, retaining walls, powerwashing and more. Serving the greater Metro area. Call (816) 509-0224. Rodman Lawn Care - Mowing, leaf removal, mulch and more. Call John Rodman, member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, at (913) 548-3002 or send an email to him at: Rodman.Lawn@yahoo.com. Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com. Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services Receive $100 credit toward a landscape or irrigation service by mentioning this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, at (913) 909-2002.
Home Improvement Get a jump on your home repairs! - I specialize in painting, wood rot, decks, fences, windows, doors, siding, stucco, landscaping, drainage issues, and concrete. Fully insured. Now accepting all major credit cards. Call Josh Doherty (913) 709-7230. Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896. Masonry work - Quality, new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336. STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@ hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Perfect Roof - Free estimates; roofing repairs if needed. Hail and wind damage inspections. Insured and reasonable. Call (816) 288-1693. Handyman - Light hauling, electrical, plumbing, painting and carpentry. Efficient and affordable. Call Michael Broton at (816) 728-6109. Member of Christ the King Parish, Mo. and U.S. Air Force veteran. Exterior painting, drywall projects, wood rot repair, bathroom and kitchen remodels, and tile work - Quality products. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 206-4524.
THE LEAVEN • APRIL 6, 2012 Brick mason - Installation and repair of all types of masonry work — brick, stone, and concrete. 17 years of residential and commercial experience. Small and large jobs accepted. Free quotes in the KC metro area. Call Jim or John at (913) 485-4307. The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655. Masonry construction - Division 4 Masonry, Inc. 25 years experience; licensed and insured. Brick, block and synthetic stone; repairs; outdoor living; and new construction. Residential and commercial. Call Tom at (913) 927-6203 or send an email to him at: tomdivision 4masonry@gmail.com. Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 Master electrician - Licensed in Missouri and Kansas. 35 years experience in residential and commercial electrical needs. Call Rick, L & M Electric, at (913) 362-1501 or (816) 781-1501. Clutter getting you down? Organize, fix, assemble, clean! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizing handyman. For a free consultation, call today (913)271-5055. Insured; references. Visit the website at: www.koatindustries.com. Swalms Organizing Service - Basement, garage, attic, shop — any room organized! Items taken to donation sites, trash is bagged, and areas are clean and neat when job is complete. To view before-and-after pictures, visit the website at: www.swalms.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. 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 STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@ hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.
For Sale Max’s rosaries - Custom-made locally for all occasions – first Communion, confirmation, baptism, graduation. Rosary bracelets and beaded earrings too! I also do repairs. Member of the Church of the Ascension, Overland Park. Call (913) 400-3236. For sale – Double-depth crypt in the Faith Lawn area of Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Call Ken Christian at (816) 918-4075.
Looking for high quality home care? Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are familyowned and based in Lenexa. Call Benefits of HomeSenior Care at (913) 422-1591 or visit our website at: www.benefitsofhome.com. CNA home health care professional - Provides excellent service and personal assistance for seniors and the homebound. Over 20 years experience. Excellent references and reasonable rates. Let me reduce your stress by helping you keep your loved one comfortably at home. Call Rosalyn at (816) 830-7455.
Real Estate 10225 Rosewood, Overland Park - Large family home (3200 sq. ft.); 4 BR, 3-1/2 BA; living and dining rooms; 22 X 24 ft. great room; sunroom; daylight basement with rec. room and fireplace; gourmet, eat-in kitchen with granite, JennAir cooktop, and large pantry; zoned high efficiency furnaces; concrete tornado cellar; fenced yard on a treed lot with a deck; two-car garage; second family room could easily be converted to a fifth BR with a private entrance. Call John, owner/ agent, Reece & Nichols, at (913) 226-5710. Three-acre lot - In a subdivision south of Olathe, just off I-35 at the 198 mile marker in Franklin County. A very easy 15-minute drive to the “city,” this lot is about 1/4 mile from the highway exit. No gravel roads. $28,000. Owner financing possible. Call (913) 9803559.
For Rent Office space available - Great location in the Ranchmart area of Prairie Village. Ideal for start-ups, professional and small businesses. Flexible terms. Call Marek at (913) 461-4491.
Roommate Roommate - I will provide housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, and errand running for a senior adult/couple in exchange for living accommodations. Nonsmoker; 50-plus. References. Call (913) 713-3865.
Vacation Spring getaway - Branson condo on golf course. Sleeps six. Close to Table Rock Lake and entertainment. Completely furnished, walk-in, indoor pool, hot tub, tennis courts. Nightly and weekly rates. Discount available. (913) 515-3044. Lake of the Ozarks rental - Osage Beach; million-dollar view; fully furnished; 2 BR, 2 BA; sleeps six. No smoking, no pets. For special rates or pictures, call Steve or Sheryl Roederer at (913) 244-2022.
Child Care Newborn - Experienced mom would love to care for your newborn during the day in my Brookside area home. Excellent references. Call (816) 523-5627.
Wanted to Buy Antiques wanted Buying older pocket and wrist watches. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.
For sale – One burial lot in the Ascension Garden at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Space is right next to a beautiful tree. $1500. Call (913) 602-6004.
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.
Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.
Miscellaneous
Caregiving 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, Debbie or Gary.
Donate a vehicle. Make a difference. Donate your vehicle to Catholic Charities to support those in need. Your tax-deductible donation helps children and families served by Catholic Charities and is an environmentally wise way to recycle your vehicle. Cars for KC Kids is a partnership between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Catholic Charities of Kansas City - St. Joseph. Call 1 (866) 430-9499 or visit the website at: www.cars4kckids.com.
April 9
A Runnin’ Revs fun night will be held at Christ the King School, 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka, on April 9. Priests and seminarians will challenge eighth-grade and high school boys from area Catholic schools to a heated basketball game. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. Expect biased calls and lots of fun. Donations will be accepted to benefit the seminarians. For information, call (913) 647-0303. Lose weight through prayer. Enjoy the foods you love in the holy way God intended. St. Michael the Archangel Church, 14201 Nall Ave., Leawood, will sponsor Light Weigh Weight-loss Bible study on Monday evenings from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in Porter Hall. Information sessions will be held on April 9 and 16. For information or to register, call Christi White at (913) 3226097 or send an email to her at: christi white@christiwhite.com.
10 The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will
offer “Within My Reach,” a six-session workshop for women, provided by Marriage for Keeps. It will be held from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, beginning April 10. Learn how to acquire the skills to improve your chances for relationship success. Space is limited; registration is required. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.
11 Rockhurst University Library Guild will host its annual critique lun-
cheon, a benefit for the school library, on April 11 at Indian Hills Country Club, 6847 Tomahawk Dr., Prairie Village. A reception will begin at 11 a.m., followed by lunch and a presentation by Candice Millard, New York Times best selling author, who will discuss her book “Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President.” The cost is $35 per person. For information or to RSVP, call Mary at (816) 501-4199. The Serra Club of Kansas City, Kan., will host a lunch and presentation at noon on April 11 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5th and Minnesota Ave. Msgr. Ray Burger will speak about the club he started at St. James Academy to encourage vocations.
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The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Nutrition for Healthy Families” from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. on April 12. Participants will learn nutrition information and watch a cooking demonstration complete with take-home recipes. It is free and open to both men and women. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb. org/kwc. The Holy Women series for April will focus on Margery Kempe, a medieval mystic, presented by Benedictine Sister Mary Collins, from 1 - 3 p.m. on April 12 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc. The Shawnee Veterans of Foreign Wars will host its annual Chili Bowl from 5 - 7 p.m. on April 12 at the Shawnee Knights of Columbus Hall, 11221 Johnson Dr. The cost is $7 for adults; $3 for children. The public is welcome to attend.
The Altar Society of Our Lady of Unity Parish will meet at 7 p.m. on April 12 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 2910 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Come early for refreshments at 6:30 p.m. All women of the parish are invited to attend.
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The Center for Spirit at Work will host its monthly breakfast from 7:30 - 9 a.m. on April 13 at TEVA Neurosciences, 901 E. 104th St., Kansas City, Mo. Maria Meyers, Director for KCSourceLink and U.S.SourceLink at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Innovation Center, will present “The Power of Generosity.” To register, call (913) 800-3706 or visit the website at: www.thecenterforspirit atwork.org. Join the Singles of Nativity for happy hour from 6 - 8 p.m. on April 13 at Barley’s Brewhaus (location change), 11924 W. 119th St., Overland Park Look for the yellow balloon. For information, send an email to Sue at: suez3911@gmail.com.
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Queen of the Holy RosaryWea, 22705 Metcalf, Bucyrus, will host a spaghetti dinner from 4:30 - 7 p.m. on April 14. The cost is: $25 for families of four or more; $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 5 - 10; children under age 5 eat for free. Proceeds will benefit the Stilwell Troop 483. Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, will host its annual dinner dance on April 14. The theme is “Glitz on the Ritz,” so the attire is dressy-casual to formal. The doors will open at 6 p.m.; dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. We will enjoy big-band music during dinner, followed by a mix for dancing. This is an adults-only event. Reservations are required. To purchase tickets, call Patty at (913) 384-4644. St. Patrick Church, 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host a trivia night at 7 p.m. on April 14 in the parish center. The doors will open at 6 p.m. The cost is $120 per table of up to eight players. Reservations are required, and there is a maximum of 30 tables for the evening. Prizes will be awarded for best costumed/ themed table, in addition to trivia winners. For information or to register, call the parish office at (913) 299-3370 or Patricia Verbeck at (913) 634-4341.
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The Knights of Columbus, Unity Council No. 709, will host an international breakfast from 8 - 11 a.m. on April 15 in the parish hall at St. John the Evangelist Church, 2910 Stong Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The cost is $7 per person; children under age 5 eat free. Mater Dei-Assumption Parish, 8th and Jackson, Topeka, will host a Divine Mercy Sunday celebration from 2 - 3 p.m. on April 15. Confessions will be heard from 1 - 2 p.m. and a reception will follow the celebration. For information, call (785) 246-1338. Christ the King Church, 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on April 15. Reconciliation will be available at 2 p.m., followed by the chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3 p.m. and refreshments at 3:15 p.m. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will lead a Holy Hour in celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday at 3 p.m. on April 15 at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park. Children are invited to join in a flower procession. They should meet at the back of the church at 2:50 p.m. Flowers will be provided.
The Fatima rosary rally will be held at 3 p.m. on April 15 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (Redemptorist), 3333 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo. Join in praying 15 decades of the rosary, followed by Benediction and enrollment in the brown scapular.
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The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “When a Family Changes — Dealing with Separation and Divorce” from 1:30 - 3 p.m. on April 16. This program is recommended for women interested in protecting themselves and their children legally and financially. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.
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The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer an Ask-a-Nurse forum from 6 7:30 p.m. on April 17. Have your healthrelated questions answered by a registered nurse practitioner. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.
19 The bereavement support group at Prince of Peace Parish, 16000
W. 143rd St., Olathe, will meet at 7 p.m. on April 19 in the St. Mark-St. Luke meeting room. Molly Witker, MS, LMFT, will present “When Good Grief Isn’t Good Anymore.” Grief is a normal part of life, but depression is not. Learn the signs of when grief has turned into depression and how to seek help. For information, call Donna Kaberlein at (913) 829-5320 or Patti Haskell at (913) 782-6974. A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on April 19 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Father Ken Kelly will preside. Fellowship will follow in the Father Burak Room. For information, call (913) 649-2026.
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A Divine Mercy mission will be held from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on April 21 at Redemptorist Church, 3333 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo. The cost is $35 per participant. Reservations are required. For information or to register, send an email to: immaculata8@kc.rr.com or visit the website at: www.thedivinemercy.org/ parishmissions. Father Scott Wallisch will celebrate the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass at 8 a.m. on April 21 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., followed by a rosary procession to an abortion clinic four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing; Benediction concludes services at 9:45 a.m. The Daughters of Isabella will offer its annual day of reflection from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on April 21 at the Father Quigley Center at Holy Trinity Parish, 9150 Pflumm, Lenexa. The day will begin with Mass at 8 a.m., followed by a presentation by guest speaker Charolotte Ostermann. Come hear how to make your life more “Sabbath infused,” energized with joy and centered on the eucharistic presence of Our Lord. The cost is $10 if postmarked by April 14; $15 after April 15. Make check payable to Daughters of Isabella and mail to: Terri Peterson, 7620 Bell Road, Shawnee KS 66217. Christ’s Peace House of Prayer, Easton, will host a contemplative prayer retreat day from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on April 21. Instruction will be provided on request. Full- or half-day attendance options are available, with the noon meal
CALENDAR 13
included. The cost is $25 per participant. For information, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@shantivanam.com. St. Joseph-St. Lawrence Church will host its annual spring fling on April 21 in the St. Lawrence Hall, Easton. A Mexican dinner will be served from 4 - 6:30 p.m., followed by bingo and several raffles.
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The Men of St. Michael and the Knights of Columbus at St. Michael Parish, 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood, will host a free viewing of the movie “Courageous” at 6:30 p.m. on April 24 for anyone age 12 and older. Baby-sitting is available, but space is limited. Refreshments will be provided. For information, contact Rob Ochs at (913) 667-9850, Joe James at (727) 480-4172, or send an email to: grandknight@kofcstmichael.org.
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The Serra Club of Kansas City, Kan., will host a lunch and presentation at noon on April 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5th and Minnesota Ave. Father Keith Lunsford will be the speaker. The Daughters of Isabella, Our Lady of Fatima Circle, will host a spring luncheon and raffle at 1 p.m. on April 25 at Pegah’s Restaurant, 11005 Johnson Dr., Shawnee. Guests are welcome. For information or to RSVP, call Pat at (913) 3341399 by April 23. Join the Singles of Nativity for happy hour from 6 - 8 p.m. on April 25 at Tanner’s at 10146 W. 119th St., Overland Park. Look for the yellow balloon. For information, send an email to Sue at: suez3911@ gmail.com.
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Curé of Ars School, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood, will host a 50th anniversary celebration from 5 - 8 p.m. on April 28. A vigil Mass will be celebrated at 5 p.m. in the church, followed by dinner, a social, and tours of the school. All alumni, parishioners, parents, current and past students and staff are invited to attend. The cost is: $10 for adults; $5 for children under 12; $30 maximum per family. Advance purchase tickets are required. Mail a check, made payable to Curé of Ars School, to: 9403 Mission Rd., Leawood KS 66206 by April 23. Indicate the number of adults on your check. The Overland Park Host Lions Club will host a pasta dinner and silent auction from 5 - 8 p.m. on April 28 in the Father Quigley Hall at Holy Trinity Parish, 9150 Pflumm, Lenexa. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 3 - 11. For information or to purchase tickets, call Carole Collyard at (913) 238-0209.
Misc. Healing from pornography? Monthly theology of the body groups and weekly recovery groups are available for men and women. For information, visit the Website at: LoveIsFaithful.com, or call Sam Meier, MA, LPC, at (913) 6470378.
Calendar submissions:
Are due at noon on Wednesday, nine days prior to the requested publication date. Email submissions are preferred, send to: jennifer@theleaven.com.
THE LEAVEN • APRIL 6, 2012
COMMENTARY 15
CEF CENTERED
Join ‘Blind Side’ inspiration and more at Inspiring Women luncheon
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any of you have asked, “When is the second part of your Inspiring Women Two article series coming out?” I know it seems like it has been a long time since my last article; for me, it seems like just yesterday. Wait no longer; here it is! As I start this article, I have to confess (it is the Lenten season) that I am an “old school” person and, to clarify, not old because of age, rather because of my yesteryear attitude. Growing up, Dad and Mom would tell us that, when eating lunch and conversing with others, we should not discuss politics, religion, movies, business or sports teams that may not be our favorites. As siblings, we would look at each other and think, “There is
not going to be a whole lot of talking going on while chewing. This is going to be a short and boring lunch!” Times have changed! I am here to tell you about our Inspiring Women 2012 luncheon happening on May 3 of this year. Dad and Mom may be cringing, but all of that advice is out the window, with much love. At this luncheon we will be discussing politics (kind of), religion, movies, business and sports (wake up, guys). Collins Tuohy and “Miss Sue” Mitchell, as depicted in the movie “The Blind Side,” will help us understand the
value of a faith-filled education. These two ladies assisted Michael Oher, Baltimore Ravens No. 74, graduate from high school and college and go on to a successful career in the National Football League. Without question, education was an integral part of Oher escaping the familial cycle of poverty he was experiencing — just like many of our CEF kids! On the political front, Leawood’s Mayor Peggy Dunn’s Catholic commitment to “family first,” coupled with extensive involvement in local leadership and community causes, will expand your sense of what it really means to “give back.” She epitomizes the perfect role model for young ladies in our world today. And talking about women in business, Bonnie Kelly and Teresa Walsh’s experiences bonding as Catholic school “room moms” and then turning a shared love of jewelry into a global cor-
poration and a passion for philanthropy will inspire you (yes, men as well) to pursue your own dreams. These ladies are “worth their weight in silver” when it comes to inspiring others to succeed and helping us understand the importance of giving. Wow, I am becoming inspired just writing about it! I cordially invite you to join us for this once-in-a-lifetime luncheon opportunity and be able to talk about politics, religion, movies, business, sports and chew at the same time! And while you are being inspired, please know that you will be assisting the Catholic Education Foundation in providing scholarships for children in need. Thanks in advance for being inspirational! Michael Morrisey is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation. You can reach him at (913) 647-0383 or send an email to him at: mmorrisey@archkck.org.
VOCATION CORNER
T
Don’t be afraid to play the game that is for keeps
he deadline for this article hits as KU heads to the Final Four. And, being associate director of the St. Lawrence Catholic Center at KU and a KU alum, I’m excited. I had Mass last Sunday at 5 p.m. while KU was playing North Carolina, and I can assure you that there were more people on Mass (Street) than at Mass. I’m sure I’ll hear a few confessions about that before Easter. This article will arrive in your mailbox on Good Friday. The tournament will be over and, win or lose, the Jayhawks’ run to the Final Four will
have been a great story. It is not too often that the Jayhawks surprise rather than disappoint, given the impossible expectations of KU fans. I know many spoiled KU fans who were nervous and worried to play the game against North Carolina. Thankfully, our coach and players were not afraid to play the game. Bill Self said after the game that he had a good feeling, an air of confidence, heading into the game. Coach Self
remembered as he prepared to take on former KU coach Roy Williams a phone conversation that he had with his dad as he pondered whether to take the job at KU right after Roy left. His dad told Coach Self that if he was scared to take the job, he was not the right man for the job. A big part of my job as vocation director is to encourage young men to pay attention to the signs that are pointing toward the priesthood. I give lots of compliments and encouragement and advice. Yet, every once in awhile, I have to use the negative psychology that Bill Self’s dad used: If you’re scared of the job, you’re probably not called. Even greater than the need we have for more priests is the need we have for courageous and holy men who are
not afraid to be great priests. Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to vocations. So sometimes I have to challenge a young man who has all the signs of a vocation, but still isn’t sure, to man up. Sometimes I have to tell them that they lack the courage to be a priest. I can’t say that this has worked every time, but it hasn’t hurt. As we enter as fully as we can during the Triduum into the story of Jesus, his paschal mystery, let us pray that more young men will have the courage to find their story within his. If the Lord is calling you, don’t be afraid to play the game that really is for keeps. Father Mitchel Zimmerman is the archdiocesan vocations director.
DO UNTO OTHERS
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‘Having’ gets in the way of our happiness
ost of us put our bucket list on the wrong side of the bucket, and I learned that when I had a minor midlife crisis. This crisis was precipitated by my family’s need for transportation. My wife suggested we buy a new car. So, I searched for a practical car, but soon found myself scheming for a sports car. I became obsessed and was even thinking of getting a used eight-cylinder Mustang, despite our agreement to go with a new car with good gas mileage. In our deliberations, my wife was sweet but firm. I realized I had to let this silly little dream go. Here’s how I moved on — and it was
really pretty easy. I told myself, “If you can just focus on getting into heaven, if you still want that car when you get there, you can have it. In fact, you can have a better car.” Boom! Just like that I was able to let it go and get on with my husband/ father vocation, focusing on the needs of my family. In hindsight, my fixation was not surprising. We live in a consumerist ecosystem of commercial culture, daily
bombarded with the message: “Happiness is having.” However, this Madison Avenue mantra contradicts an underlying Gospel message: “Happiness is being.” Indeed, Our Lord goes so far as to suggest that having gets in the way of happiness, because we attach ourselves to things instead of God. You can swim in the mainstream media for a long time and you will never be told you are blessed through weeping, poverty, persecution, mercy, or meekness (see the Beatitudes, found in Mt 5:3-11). St. Augustine taught, “This world is to be used and not enjoyed.” He did not mean that we are to be miserable, just that we are to judge all things on earth by how we can use them to get to heaven. C.S. Lewis summed it up well in “Mere Christianity:” “Aim at Heaven
and you will get Earth ‘thrown in’; aim at Earth and you get neither.” All human desire is fulfilled in our communion with the divine, even my desire for a sports car. Now I know if I achieve my purpose in life, which is to be resurrected and with Christ in the next, that I will probably no longer want that car because I will have so much better. As a child, I resolved to eat bubble gum way more than I actually do now, but I can still have it whenever I want. By this divine delay of gratification, I never need to feel bad for not having, for I will have more than I can possibly dream of. The bucket list is beyond fulfilled in the beyond if I can just have Christ. Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@archkck.org.
16 LOCAL NEWS
THE LEAVEN • APRIL 6, 2012
Inspired by Catholic education Big-name speakers headline Inspiring Women luncheon By Woodeene Koenig-Bricker
Attending the luncheon
Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Sandra Bullock’s acceptance speech for the Best Actress award two years ago reminded viewers why she is one of America’s best-loved actresses. After graciously acknowledging her fellow nominees and the academy, Bullock’s first thanks went to the Tuohy family of “The Blind Side” fame, for permitting her to share their story. Now a member of that family — Michael Oher’s adopted sister Collins Tuohy — and his tutor, “Miss Sue” Mitchell, will share their story with women of the archdiocese at the Inspiring Women 2012 luncheon, sponsored by the Catholic Education Foundation at the Overland Park Convention Center. There, they will discuss the impact a faithinfused education can have on the lives of those caught in poverty and despair. They will be joined on the program of the May 3 event by Leawood mayor Peggy J. Dunn and jewelry entrepreneurs Bonnie Kelly and Teresa Walsh. This year’s lineup, believe CEF organizers, is particularly appropriate to the mission of their organization. “Catholic Education Foundation provides scholarships for under-resourced kids so they can attend Catholic schools,” explained Patty Morrisey, CEF director of development . “The luncheon showcases that mission and helps get the word out.” “It’s a wonderful way for women to come and hear the success stories of other women through career, faith and education,” she said. This year’s lineup features women Morrisey describes as “lightning in a bottle,” and who represent the broad and lasting value of Catholic education. High academic standards, strong moral values, support and a sense of community are just a few of the benefits of a Catholic education. “Catholic schools help form your whole sense of consciousness and your values. It shapes your thinking about life in general,” said Dunn, who has been mayor of Leawood since 1997. “I have felt fortunate to be a product of Catholic education and also to provide it to our own children,” she said. Dunn, a graduate of Bishop Miege
“Miss Sue” Mitchell
Peggy Dunn
Collins Tuohy
Bonnie Kelly (left) and Teresa Walsh High School in Roeland Park, whose children also graduated from local Catholic schools, will speak to the power of Catholic commitment to the idea of “family first” and the need to give back to the community. The lineup is completed by two “homeroom moms” from Holy Cross School in Overland Park, who will share their business success story. They built the world’s largest sterling silver jewelry home party business from an initial investment of $50. Bonnie Kelly and Teresa Walsh, co-
founders of Silpada Designs, will discuss how faith, family and career combined to make their passion for jewelry become a power for philanthropy. Since its establishment in 1997, the Catholic Education Foundation has awarded more than $10 million in scholarships to assist under-resourced Catholic schools in the archdiocese in their efforts to provide a high-quality, Catholic education to any child, regardless of a family’s economic situation. It invests almost $1 million back into Catholic education each year.
The Inspiring Women 2012 luncheon will be held May 3 at 11:30 a.m. at the Overland Park Convention Center. Tickets are available on the CEF website at: www.inspiringwomen 2012luncheon.com; by calling (913) 647-0344; or by email at: pmorrisey @archkck.org. Individual tickets are $100. Student tickets (age 12 to 18) are $35. Sponsorship and donation opportunities are also available at the website. In addition, each attendee will receive a free gift from Silpada Designs. “We encourage mothers to bring daughters with them,” said Patty Morrisey. “At the end of the luncheon, we will have [a] Q-and-A session with the speakers, which is always a lot of fun.” “We are very excited about this lineup,” she added. “Be prepared to be inspired.”
“One hundred percent of the proceeds that are raised by CEF go directly to scholarships for students,” said Mike Bukaty, member of the CEF board and a principal sponsor of the luncheon. “The money we raise [at the luncheon] will go to help children stay in the system.” “A Catholic education is one of the best ways to pull kids we support out of the circle of poverty,” explained Michael Morrisey, CEF executive director. “Catholic schools are a chance to get out of the cycle of poverty and go on to college and success,” reiterated Patty Morrisey. “Parents see it as a beacon of hope.” Bukaty agreed. But it’s not academic success and future careers that Catholic education is primarily geared toward. “The value of a Catholic education is that it provides a way to teach you the principles by which you should live your life and values,” said Bukaty. “Had I not been exposed to the Catholic school system,” he added, “I wouldn’t be the person I am today. They helped me focus on what is important in life.”
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