www.theleaven.com | Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas | Vol. 32, No. 34 april 8, 2011
Photo by JD Benning
Members of the new Atchison Region Serra Club make a pledge before Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann during a Mass on March 26 at St. Benedict’s Abbey church in Atchison. The Serra Club encourages and helps foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The Atchison club already has several activities planned to promote this effort.
In the club
Atchison Region granted a new Serra Club charter Special to The Leaven
ATCHISON — In an effort to expand the presence of the Serra Club in the archdiocese, the new Atchison Region Serra Club was granted and presented with its charter on March 26 after a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at St. Benedict’s Abbey church in Atchison. Benedictine Father Gerard Senecal, chaplain of the club, has been involved in the effort from its inception. “Mike Haughton, [a] member of the Johnson County Serra Club,
first contacted me about forming an Atchison area group. I helped him set up an exploratory meeting that we held at Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in Atchison,” said Father Gerard. The Johnson County Serra Club is the new club’s sponsor. Representatives from this and the other three archdiocesan clubs, along with the southeast Kansas City, Mo., club, attended the Mass in March. Regional director Greg Schwietz and national representative Dan Spencer were also in attendance. Blessed Junipero Serra, a Franciscan priest from Spain, is known for founding and fostering a string
of missions in California during the 18th century. Now a global community named after him links Serra Club members from around the world in a common mission to foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life and to promote spiritual growth in the club’s members and others. The Atchison group is just the most recent community in the loop. “Only about 13 new clubs are expected to be chartered in the United States this year, and we’re the first one,” said Tim Draftz, president of the Atchison Region Serra Club.
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By Laurie Ghigliotti
2 archbishop
THE LEAVEN • April 8, 2011
THE LEAVEN • April 8, 2011
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS
T
Let the Lord bathe you in his mercy this Lenten season
he March 27 edition of the National Catholic Register included an interview with Royals’ announcer Ryan Lefebvre. In the article, the voice of the Royals talks about the role his Catholic faith played in his recovery from alcoholism and depression. Ryan stated: “My priorities were out of whack. I thought that attaining certain outward goals would make me happy, so I was very much into accomplishing them. They weren’t bad in themselves, but when you treat them as more important than they really are, then you’re in trouble. It can become an idolatry of sorts, and then other things which are inherently sinful can intrude as well. “I learned the hard way that nothing material can make us happy. We can get little highs here and there, but if we really want lasting happiness, then we have to humble ourselves and let God into our lives. Once the focus is off self and material things, we can begin to heal, become happy, and then help others do the same. “One of the great ways to do this is through the sacrament of reconciliation. Instead of just thinking of it as confessing sins, there really is a reconciling that goes on. It’s about asking for forgiveness from God and from those we’ve hurt, mending broken or bruised relationships. The confessing part is a means to an end, and the ultimate end is everlasting happiness with our Father in heaven.” Credit Lefebvre with a home run in his reflection on the importance of the sacrament of reconciliation. Go Royals! Pope Benedict XVI’s second volume is entitled, “Jesus of Nazareth — Holy Week: From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection.” In his treatment of the washing of the disciples’ feet, the Holy Father reflects on the new moral imperative that Jesus gave his disciples. Previously, Jesus had summarized the Law and the Prophets in part as loving your neighbor as yourself (Mt 22: 37-40). However, in
his instruction to the apostles after the washing of the feet, Jesus gives a new commandment: “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another” (Jn 13: 34). In other words, the disciples are called to love as Jesus loved — to love to the point of laying down their life for the other. The Holy Father states: “If this were the specific and exclusive content of the new commandment, then Christianity could after all be defined as a form of extreme moral effort.” Pope Benedict observes that many biblical commentators explain the Sermon on the Mount as a summons by Jesus to a new moral standard. Jesus requires his disciples to go beyond the “average way,” the Ten Commandments, to a new moral plane. The Holy Father challenges this interpretation: “And yet who could possibly claim to have risen above the average way of the Ten Commandments, to have left them behind as self-evident, so to speak, and now to walk along the exalted paths of the new law? No, the newness of the new commandment cannot consist in the highest moral attainment. Here, too, the essential point is not the call to supreme achievement, but the new foundation of being that is given to us. The newness can come only from the gift of being with and being in Christ.” In pondering the full meaning of the washing of the feet, the Holy Father concludes that “only by letting ourselves be repeatedly cleansed, made pure, by the Lord himself can we learn to act as he did, in union with him.” The pope further observes: “We must let ourselves be immersed in the Lord’s mercy, then our hearts, too, will discover the right path. The new commandment is not simply a new and higher demand: it is linked to the newness of Jesus Christ — to growing immersion in him.” Pope Benedict also examines the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. The Holy Father identifies the “second tragedy” for Judas is that, after his betrayal,
The Cathedral Schedule for Holy Week Holy Week is less than two weeks away. Again, the archbishop wishes to extend an invitation to every member of the archdiocese to make a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of St. Peter for one of the Holy Week Liturgies. Many in the archdiocese have never seen our beautiful cathedral nor had the opportunity to be inspired by the beautiful cathedral choir. Palm Sunday April 16, 4 p.m. Vigil Mass April 17, 9 and 11 a.m.*, 5 p.m. Masses Holy Thursday April 21, 7:30 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper*
Good Friday April 22, 3 p.m. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion* Holy Saturday April 23, Easter Vigil, 8 p.m.* Easter Sunday April 24, 9 and 11 a.m.* Masses *Archbishop Naumann will be the celebrant and homilist at 11 a.m. Palm Sunday Mass, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, and the 11 a.m. Mass on Easter Sunday. For the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, Archbishop Naumann will be the celebrant and Archbishop Keleher will be the homilist.
he no longer can believe in forgiveness. “His (Judas’) remorse turns into despair. Now he sees only himself and his darkness; he no longer sees the light of Jesus, which can illumine and overcome the darkness. He shows us the wrong type of remorse: the type that is unable to hope, that sees only its own darkness, the type that is destructive and in no way authentic. Genuine remorse is marked by the certainty of hope born of faith in the superior power of the light that was made flesh in Jesus.” The Holy Father also considers the meaning of the dialogue between Peter and Jesus. If you recall, Peter initially objects to Jesus washing his feet. When Jesus tells Peter: “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me” (Jn 13: 8), Peter gives his typical overthe-top response, now asking Jesus to wash his head and hands as well. Jesus counters by saying: “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed” (Jn 13: 10). The Holy Father interprets the reply of Jesus and this whole exchange as an acknowledgment of the need for the baptized Christian to continue to confess our sins. “The complete bath that was taken for granted can only mean Baptism, by which man is immersed into Christ once and for all, acquiring his new identity as one who dwells in Christ. This fundamental event, by which we become Christians not through our own doing but through the action of the Lord in his Church, cannot be repeated. Yet in the life of Christians — for table fellowship with the Lord — it constantly requires completion: washing of feet. What is this? There is no single undisputed answer. Yet it seems to me that the First Letter of John points us in the right direction and shows us what is meant. There we read: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us (1 Jn 1: 8-10). Since even the baptized remain sinners, they need confession of sins.” The Holy Father points out how, in the earliest non-biblical documents regarding the early Christian community, we find several references of the practice of the confession of faults before participating in the Eucharist. The pope concludes: “The point is this: guilt must not be allowed to fester in the silence of the soul, poisoning it from within. It needs to be confessed. Through confession, we bring it into the light, we place it within Christ’s purifying love. In confession, the Lord washes our soiled feet over and over again and prepares us for table fellowship with him.” I have been encouraged by reports from our parishes that many are taking advantage of the Springtime for the Soul initiative that has priests throughout the Archdiocese available for confessions on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. If you have not yet received the sacrament of reconciliation during this Lenten season, listen to the counsel of Lefebvre and Pope Benedict XVI and allow yourself to be bathed by the Lord’s mercy.
Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar
April 8 Luncheon meeting with Mayor Reardon Holy Hour and dinner with permanent deacon candidates — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood April 9 Permanent deacon ordinations — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood Speaker — Daughters of Isabella banquet, Topeka April 10 Mass for Little Sisters of the Lamb April 11-12 Jesus Caritas bishops’ prayer group April 12 Meeting with Capuchin provincial, Father Charles Polifka Confirmation —Holy Cross, Overland Park April 13 Interview with Catholic Radio Telethon 1090 KEXS Priests’ Personnel meeting Meeting with Apostles of the Interior Life Confessions — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood April 14 Kenrick-Glennon Seminary board meeting April 17 11 a.m. Palm Sunday Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kan. Confession — Church of the Nativity, Leawood April 18 Mass — Bishop Ward High School Feasibility study task force and advisory council meetings Dinner and fireside chat with theology and philosophy students — Benedictine College, Atchison
Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar
April 9 Permanent deacon ordinations — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood April 10 Confirmation — Church of the Nativity, Leawood April 12 Anniversary of ordination April 13 Confirmation —Holy Spirit, Overland Park April 17 Palm Sunday Mass — Prison
SECOND FRONT PAGE 3
‘People really need confession’ By Joe Bollig Leaven staff
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — It happened to Father Harry Schneider while he was Christmas shopping. Father Schneider was resting on a bench at a mall when a man approached him. “Are you a Catholic priest?” he asked. “Yes,” said Father Schneider. “I need to go to confession,” the man said, and he began to tell Father Schneider about his life. “We just prayed quietly and then I offered him absolution,” said Father Schneider. In fact, it happens all the time. A priest will be at a reception, a hospital, a restaurant, an office or a store, and someone will come up to them and want to go to confession or talk about his or her life. It happened to Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann in a fastfood drive-through. There have been lots of stories and social science studies about the decreasing use of the sacrament of reconciliation, but lots of priests have stories about being approached in public by people who feel desperately burdened by sin. It’s a paradox. People want the sacrament, but they will sometimes say they’re afraid to go to confession. “I, and many priests, have been approached [in public],” said Father Schneider. “People will, very openly, tell me about their lives in a conversation — things that they have done wrong, that are sins.” “They’re not embarrassed at all to talk about all these things in their lives,” he continued. “Then they say they’re afraid to go to confession — but they essentially just have.” There are many reasons why people don’t go to confession, said Father Schneider, who was a key member of the committee that designed the archdiocese’s Lenten initiative, “Confession: Springtime of Your Soul.” Sometimes it’s a lack of a sense of sin, he said. Sometimes people no longer believe in the sacrament and think they need only pray to God directly — ignoring the fact that Jesus established this sacrament, as recorded in the Gospel of John: “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them” (20:23). Sometimes the barrier is the form in which the sacrament is presented. People may be reluctant to come to a church or wait in line. Lack of support from the family — like a good
Leaven photo by Elaina Cochran
Father Harry Schneider, rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan., was a key member of the committee that designed the archdiocese’s Lenten initiative, “Confession: Springtime of Your Soul.” Father Schneider has heard confessions in some unconventional places. example from parents — can discourage going to confession. Ignorance, from a lack of good catechesis, can be the problem. And then there is another barrier: not wanting to face personal sin. “Many people find it difficult to be really honest with themselves about sin in their lives,” said Father Schneider. “It is difficult to be honest and accountable about sin in our lives.” Often, however, it’s because of a lack of opportunity. Father Schneider found this out at 30,000 feet.
About 20 years ago, he boarded a flight from Kansas City, Mo., to Newark, N.J. The plane was fairly full and the flight attendant asked him to move way to the front, where there were a few vacant rows. After takeoff, the flight attendant made a request. “She came and sat down, and she told me that the whole flight crew was Catholic and they had no opportunities to go to confession because of their schedules,” said Father Schneider. “She asked if I would hear their confessions.” Father Schneider agreed, so one by one — everyone from
the flight attendant to the pilot and copilot — took turns in the “confessional.” “Basically, I heard confessions over Illinois, Indiana and Ohio,” he said. “They were all very grateful, and when I got off the plane, they all thanked me.” People really need confession because they sin and need to experience God’s forgiveness and love, he said. And they need a concrete sign — the priest — to help them to be honest and accountable, and to have the forgiveness confirmed. “The fruits and benefits of
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)
Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com
Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com
Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com
President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann
Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com
Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com
Reporter Kara Hansen kara@theleaven.com
reconciliation are the forgiveness of sins and truly knowing that our sins are forgiven,” said Father Schneider, “and the great freedom of knowing that our sins are truly forgiven.” Just as it’s common for priests to be asked for the sacrament in unconventional circumstances, it’s also common for a priest to encounter someone who is coming back to reconciliation after 10, 30 or even more years of absence. “They should go and not be afraid,” said Father Schneider. “My experience is that it seems the longer someone has been away, the kinder I am. We priests are very sensitive and understanding of that, and we are there to help that person — to welcome them as they reflect on their life.” In those instances, Father Schneider said, he often welcomes the penitent with: “I’m glad you’re here. It took a lot of courage, and I’m glad you’re here.” Although he’s willing to hear confessions in unusual circumstances, Father Schneider believes it serves the penitent better to prepare in advance. The best way to prepare to receive the sacrament is with prayer and self honesty — a reflection about one’s life and the state of one’s soul — which is often accomplished by a thorough examination of conscience, he said. The wrong ways to approach the sacrament include doing so without adequate reflection and prayer, as well as taking a rote or mechanical approach. The sacrament of reconciliation is a prayer prayed together by the priest and penitent, he said. And it’s a misunderstanding to think that the confession ends with absolution, said Father Schneider. The sacrament must continue to be celebrated by praying, giving thanks, thinking about and doing one’s penance, and living the sacramental life. Indeed, reconciliation is an important part of our ongoing conversion. “The challenge for all of us is ongoing, continued spiritual growth,” said Father Schneider. “So the sacrament of reconciliation is a real gift for us to look into our lives, face ourselves, and be honest with ourselves. “No matter what age we are, there is always some area in our lives . . . to draw closer to the Lord and to experience his love, kindness and mercy, in order that we become witnesses of that.”
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4 LOCAL NEWS
THE LEAVEN • April 8, 2011
THE LEAVEN • april 8, 2011
TurnStyles Times Two Catholic Charities thrift store expands into Olathe
By Jill Ragar Esfeld Special to The Leaven
Olathe — Though the grand opening of the second TurnStyles here won’t be until May 14, this newest Catholic Charities thrift store has been up and running smoothly since mid-February. And shoppers are already finding incredible bargains. Mary Ann Hilgers who teaches religion at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, was so pleased with her find that she had to share it with her students. “I had a new outfit I wore for teacher conferences,” she said. “I told my students — brand-new, Banana Republic, with the tags still on it!” Doug Clopton, manager of TurnStyles in-kind donations and retail operations, isn’t surprised at Hilgers’ good fortune. “We’ve got 3500 square feet [at the new store],” he said, “all used for retail floor or for the receiving goods. “We have clothes, accessories, furniture, appliances, household goods, books and toys. And what we tell our shoppers is many of the things we get are donated new.” Tucked in the far corner of a strip mall on the northwest corner of Mur-Len and 151st Street, the new TurnStyles mimics its cousin in Overland Park with its neat, clean appearance and friendly atmosphere.
LOCAL NEWS 5
Dentist deacon called to treat a new kind of pain By Kara Hansen Leaven staff
As a teen, Todd Brower considered a vocation to the priesthood and graduated from a minor seminary. Alhe ultiDeacon though mately chose profile marriage as his primary vocation, he considers the experience formative to his faith and one that led him to the diaconate. “I would say the seminary experience and the Catholic faith my parents shared and taught me are still the foundation structure my life is built on,” said Brower. Brower and his family have been involved with various ministries over the years at their parish — he has served as a eucharistic minister, helped lead marriage preparation sessions, trained altar servers, and was active in the Knights of Columbus. But in 2005 — the same year permanent deacons were being considered for the first
time in the archdiocese — Brower says he felt called to take on something more. Pursuing the diaconate was, he felt, the answer. “God has given me many talents and gifts and responsibilities over the years,” he said. “For years, I have treated and eased physical pain and suffering. Now I am called to relieve spiritual pain and suffering through the Gospel message, and to be a living witness in action, word and deed as a deacon of the church.” Although his children are grown, Brower shares the concerns of the other future deacons about balancing professional, marital and family obligations with his new role. “I am excited about it. As with all projects I’ve ever been involved in, I don’t like to do them halfway, “ said Brower. “I finish what I start and what I put my mind to.” Still, Brower said he knows the role of deacon ultimately leaves him answering to a higher power — with perhaps
Profile
Name: Todd Brower Parish: Church of the Ascension, Overland Park Age: 47 Family: wife, Jean; sons — Kevin, 24; Phil, 21 Occupation: dentist Favorite food: Italian What I’m looking forward to most about being a deacon: Being a minister of baptism — opening the doorway for others to have a relationship with Christ, joining his church, and sharing in the life, death and resurrection of Christ. As a minister of charity — doing the most for the least and forgotten of our brothers and sisters. Something people might be surprised to learn about me: I worked hard at overcoming shyness. Favorite saint: St. Dismas. He received forgiveness directly from Christ and is the only sinner we know who obtained the salvation rewards of heaven. If I could visit a period of church history, it would be: the patristic years and the growth of the church from those who knew the apostles. Seeing the Holy Spirit working in overdrive as the good news, via the church, brought many to believe and receive the gift of faith. Favorite book (nonreligious): “The Republic,” by Plato Hobbies: fishing, camping a different set of expectations than his own. “I do not want to be overly
concerned with being the best deacon I can be,” he said. “I want to be the best deacon
Christ wants me to be,” he said.
Manager relies on volunteers to get job done right Continued from page 1 Leaven photo by Jill Ragar Esfeld
Brandee Smith visited the new TurnStyles in Olathe to stock up on children’s books with her sons Isaac (left) and Ethan.
shop at these stores,” he said. “But we also have high-income people who shop Open to everyone at the store because they understand and recognize that the money they’re spendHilgers, who is a volunteer and freing is staying right here in our community quent shopper at both and helping people less stores, loves finding new fortunate than us. TurnStyles Olathe items at TurnStyles, but “When they buy from 1703 Mur-Len, Olathe is just as happy buying us, they end up feeding (Northwest corner of 151st secondhand. a family of four or pay& Mur-Len ) “It’s the greenest posing a utility bill or helpStore Hours: sible shopping you can ing with counseling.” Monday through Saturday do,” she said. “Instead TurnStyles is able to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. of throwing things in turn over so much of For more information, call landfills or throwing its profits to Catholic (913) 909-2485 or visit the stuff out, you reduce, Charities because the Web site at: www.shopturnreuse and recycle — evstores are staffed by volstyles.com ery time you purchase unteers. something there.” Hilgers ran a design business for 18 Community service years before she began teaching. She has an eye for style and has decorated her When Prince of Peace, Olathe, paown home, as well as her five children’s rishioners discovered the new store was homes and apartments, with bargains opening in their neighborhood, they were from TurnStyles. “You can get everything you need eager to be the first volunteers on staff. Religious education directors Polly there from furniture to clothes to houseHolmes and Phyllis Mills not only joined wares,” she said. “I always try to educate and tell my the volunteer effort, but encouraged their students to do the same. students — and even my own children “They were incredibly supportive — that we want everybody to shop at when we told them we were going to be TurnStyles,” she added. “We have enough putting [a TurnStyles] just around the stuff for everybody.” block,” said Clopton. Clopton agrees. “I just gave the kids the option and “We have low-income people who
talked to them about it, and the kids took it from there,” said Holmes, who is in charge of junior high students. “For junior high kids who don’t drive yet, this has been a great way for them to get their confirmation service hours right here in Olathe,” she added. “It was really convenient for me,” said Blake Heying, an 8th-grader at Chisholm Trail Middle School who will be confirmed at Prince of Peace this year. “It was a fun and kind of easy way to get a lot of service hours done,” he explained. “We sort clothes, work at the cash register and do a lot of the things you do in regular stores.” In between volunteering, Heying admitted, even the students do a little shopping. “I know of a few kids that go there and shop for things,” he said. “They have plenty of toys and plenty of kids’ clothes and shoes.” Mills, who works with senior high students, sees TurnStyles as an ideal service opportunity for teenagers. “They feel like they’ve really helped someone, because they know all the money goes right back into Catholic Charities,” she said. At St. Thomas Aquinas, Hilgers has her freshmen religion students spend a day visiting various programs sponsored by Catholic Charities, including TurnStyles.
Grand opening Join the TurnStyles family to celebrate the grand opening of its new Olathe store on May 14. In addition to shopping for incredible bargains, you can enjoy face painting, a visit by the Olathe Fire Department, an auto show, goodie bags from local merchants and much more! The Knights of Columbus from Prince of Peace Parish will serve hot dogs, chips and soft drinks. Come join the fun! “And I tell them, all the money that’s made here goes back to support St. Ben’s that you’ve been to, Shalom House — whatever the program.”
Jump start on job skills In addition to serving their community, student volunteers gain valuable retail experience that can help them when they enter the job market. “I learned some skills in how to run a store that will help me later if I ever want to do anything like that,” said Heying. “They can work in all sections,” said Holmes. “They work the cash register, and they help keep things clean, sorting and folding in the back.
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“And then they also just get the experience of working with the public and helping them.” Adult volunteers are also actively involved in TurnStyles. Though they may not need the retail experience, they treasure the friendships to be found there. “I think it’s such a unique experience because you become a family,” said Hilgers. “I go in on Saturdays, in the evenings when they need me, and I also volunteer during the summer. “And I know all the Saturday ladies. I have a brunch at my house four times a year for the Saturday ladies. We keep track of each other.” Clopton values his volunteers as much as they value their experience. “My goal is to have TurnStyles be volunteer run,” he said. “In the last seven years since we started the last store, I’ve learned: If you want it done right and you want it done well, then let volunteers do it and stay out of their way.” Indeed, volunteers have done a tremendous job getting the new store ready for its grand opening. And they’re eager for more donations as business picks up. “There are great bargains there,” said Holmes. “And also now we have a place up here on the south side to drop donations off.”
Shopping with purpose Like the original TurnStyles, TurnStyles Olathe will generate revenue that
Donations welcome
TurnStyles accepts donations of gently used furniture, clothing, small household appliances, and much more. Drop-off times at both TurnStyles locations are: • Fridays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Saturdays: 10 a.m. to noon
Donation pickup service
Leaven photo by Jill Ragar Esfeld
A frequent shopper at the new TurnStyles in Olathe, Michael Brits helps his daughter Talise DernovishBrits check out some bargain toys on the top shelf. supports more than 20 Catholic Charities’ programs. And being part of that process by shopping, volunteering or donating is simply a good way to live out Gospel values. As a religion teacher, that’s one of the lessons Hilgers focuses on with her students. “You know we go through a whole process of awareness, analysis and action,” she explained. “It’s one thing to be aware; it’s another thing to analyze what we can do. But the action part of it is really important. So this is truly living the
Gospel values that we’re all called to do.” As he gets ready to make his confirmation, Heying has benefited from his experience volunteering and shopping at TurnStyles Olathe. And he encourages others to do the same. “I think it’s just helping people who don’t have as much as other people,” he said. “We help provide things for less money and give them things that they might need.” “Jesus was a big giver to other people,” he added. “So I’d say TurnStyles is a good place, and you should go there.”
A $50 donation is required to compensate the costs incurred for pickup, but is offset with a $20 TurnStyles gift certificate which can be used either by the donor or dropped in the offering plate at church. • Please make checks payable to: Catholic Charities. • To schedule a pickup, call (913) 648-6795.
Volunteers needed
Because of TurnStyles tremendous growth, manager Doug Clopton would like to issue a plea for more volunteers. They are needed to sort donations and staff the store. “It’s one of the greatest places in the city to volunteer,” Clopton said, “because it’s clean, it’s fun, it’s a safe environment, and it helps everybody in the community.” • To volunteer, call Mary Kay Drees at (913) 433-2080. • Or sign up to volunteer online at: www.shopturnstyles.com.
Villa St. Francis
16600 W. 126th Street • Olathe, Kansas 66062 Phone: (913) 829-5201 Fax: (913) 829-5399 Daily Mass in the Chapel at 10 a.m. • Medicare and Kansas Medicaid certified • 24 - hour nursing care • Dementia/Alzheimer’s unit • Physical, occupational and speech therapist on staff/ Rapid recovery • Nutritious Home cooked meals • Private and Semi Private rooms • Beauty and Barber Shop • 24 hour snacks Affiliated with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
6 LOCAL NEWS Carolyn and LeRoy Jurgensmeier, members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 17. The couple was married on April 15, 1961, at Assumption Church in Topeka. Their children anniversaries and their spouses are: Ron and Lisa Jurgensmeier, Topeka; Deborah and Mark Kopp, Havensville; Cynthia and Eric Shoemaker, Kansas City, Mo.; and Scott and Deann Jurgensmeier, Topeka. They also have nine grandchildren. A reception in their honor will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on April 17 in Village Hall, Millers Glen subdivision, on S.W. 21st and Indian Hills, Topeka. Cards may be sent to: 2235 S.W. Lowell Lane, Topeka, KS 66614. Roberta and Albert “Roy” Schmitz, members of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception in April hosted by their children. The couple was married at Blessed Sacrament Church in Kansas City, Kan., on Feb. 11, 1961, by Msgr. Kenneth Spurlock. Their children and their spouses are: Jimmie and Gretchen Hicks, Lee’s Summit, Mo.; and Martin and Janice Stark, Kansas City, Kan. They also have three grandchildren.
THE LEAVEN • april 8, 2011 Mary Anne (Sullivan) and John Homer Henke, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on April 14. The couple was married on April 14, 1951, at Redemptorist Church, Kansas City, Mo., by Father Francis Broderick, OSB. Their children are: Laura Mitchell, Susan Miller, Mark Henke and Steve Henke. Alice and Gerald Porting, members of St. Michael Parish, Axtell, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 14. The couple was married on Feb. 14, 1961, at St. Michael. Their children are: Galen, Pete, Lisa, Lora, and Steve, all of Axtell. They are planning a celebration on April 10.
Anniversary policy
The Leaven only prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the desired publication date. Announcements must be typed. Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an e-mail to: Todd@theleaven.com.
Sister Celine Taskan, SCL LEAVENWORTH — Sister Celine Taskan, SCL, formerly Sister Marie Celine, 90, died at St. John Hospital here on March 24. Helen Marie obituary Taskan was born on Dec. 7, 1920, in Kansas City, Kan., the daughter of Perry P. and Mary M. Greis Taskan. Helen Marie was raised in Kansas City, Kan., graduated from St. Rose of Lima Grade School and Bishop Ward High School, and entered the religious community of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth on Aug. 18, 1949. She was given the name Sister Marie Celine and made her profession of vows on Aug. 15, 1951. After 18 months of teaching in elementary schools, Sister Celine began hospital ministry. Over a period of 25 years, she served primarily in the business offices of hospitals in Montana,
Colorado, and Wyoming. Sister Celine also enjoyed 12 years in pastoral ministry in parishes in Grand Island and Lexington, Neb. She spent the 10 years prior to her retirement at St. Mary’s Hospital and Medical Center in Grand Junction, Colo., where she served in a variety of departments. She retired to the motherhouse in Leavenworth in 2004. Sister Celine received a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, and earned a certificate from Aquinas Institute of Theology, Dubuque, Iowa, in pastoral ministry.
New book chronicles history of the Ursuline Sisters of Paola PAOLA — A new book, “Journeys of Ursuline Academy & College: Photographs and Memories from Paola, Kansas 18942009,” chronicles the interaction between the citizens of Miami County and the Ursuline Sisters. The book is available at Amazon.com and at the Miami County Historical Society, 12 E. Peoria, Paola. With its rich photo documentation and memories of local
citizens, these 252 pages of public and personal history will appeal to those directly touched by the Ursulines in Paola, as well as to those interested in local, popular, or religious history. To personalize the history, numerous current and former Paolans wrote narratives of moments they and Ursuline Sisters shared when it was a vital part of the Paola landscape and community.
were you there? By Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB | Photos by Fernando Ugarte
M
uch of the world’s most beautiful art is rooted in Christian themes. And then there is the ugly art — the art of the Stations of the Cross. No matter how beautifully it is rendered, it indelibly illustrates the ugly truth that Jesus paid the price for our sins. Leaven photographer Fernando Uguarte has made a specialty of photographing Stations of the Cross in churches around the world. The accompanying meditations were provided by Abbot Barnabas Senecal of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison.
I
Jesus is condemned to death
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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Wash Jesus was not to be protected by civil authority. Pilate distanced himself from those who wanted Jesus killed. He washed his hands. A child witnessed this washing. Pilate held power, could have defended Jesus. He chose not to do that. Perhaps the child near Pilate learned a lesson. Perhaps we also learn a lesson: to defend the innocent among us.
St. Francis Hospital in Wichita
Accept
Jesus accepted the cross. He knew the Father’s will. He heard the will of the people: “Crucify him!” Jesus loved both the Father and the people. It would take a dramatic action to prove this love. It would require sacrifice, a lesson I learn to imitate in daily life.
III
Jesus falls the first time
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Jesus carries His cross
A reflection on the Way of the Cross
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San Jose Church, Lima, Peru
Weakness
Locally Owned & Operated Kansas City (913) 262-9352
Piers Driven to Load-Bearing Strata or Bedrock
Lawrence (785) 865-0006
Topeka (785) 246-0128
St. Olaf Church, Minneapolis, Minn.
Jesus wanted to be strong. There was a crowd of witnesses, taunting him, at the beginning of this difficult walk. He fell to the ground. The weight of the cross was not expected. The unexpected does cause the burden to be greater, for each of us.
VI
V
IV
Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross
Jesus meets his mother
Mother
Impression
Help
Jesus knew his mother’s sorrow. She had thrilled at the way Jesus had taught and healed others. She knew he had power to make this scene go away. She knew, however, that good would come from this suffering. She wasn’t sure how. I, too, accept this unknown in my life.
Jesus thanked Veronica. He truly left his impression on her cloth and in her person. Veronica means “true image.” She represents all who identify with Jesus and bear his image in their lives. That image is to be clearly visible. Followers of Jesus are impressed with and imitate his graciousness.
Jesus welcomed Simon. The soldiers must have seen that Jesus was in need of help, and they allowed another to walk with Jesus. There was no apparent reward for Simon. His help didn’t put a stop to the cruelty. It didn’t help Simon understand why. I need to be Simon to another.
Westminister Cathedral , London, England
Basilica of St. John, Des Moines , Iowa
VII
VIII
Partner
Weep
St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Church, St. Louis
Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
Jesus falls the second time
“Weep not for me.” The women of Jerusalem were grouped as one, and Jesus acknowledged this. Women give life and nurture life. They suffer with one who suffers — be that child, spouse or friend. Jesus, however, encourages them to weep for those who cause suffering. We regret any suffering we cause.
A second helper, perhaps, is seen along with Simon. Art depicts a balance, “where two are gathered in His name.” Many want to help in the work of Jesus. They recognize his innocence of any crime. They want to eliminate such unfair use of power by others. You and I step forward when we are able.
San Francisco Church, Lima, Peru
IX
Jesus falls a third time
Exhaustion
Dowd Chapel, Boys Town, Neb.
Jesus stretched his human strength. He fell a third time on the hard stone of the pathway. Soldiers, men and women friends were near him. To carry that which will lead to one’s death is an added weight, crushing the spirit. We may want to lay aside that which burdens us. St. Patrick Church, Ogden
XI
Abandonment
Jesus was nailed to the cross he had carried. He felt the pain, heard the pounding of the hammer, knew the reality of death was near. He was nailed to his loneliness, a feeling of abandonment swept over him. This was the human condition, experienced deeply by the Divine. An awesome sharing.
Jesus is nailed to the cross
X
Old St. Patrick’s Church, Chicago
Jesus’ clothes are taken away
Stripped
Jesus was stripped of his outer garment, making evident the stripes that had been inflicted and the bruises of the heavy cross. It made evident, also, his total gift of self. He was humbled in his apparent helplessness. We share that feeling at times, and we are drawn to the Father, as was Jesus.
XII Jesus dies on the cross
Finish
Jesus died on the cross, an upright position for an upright Person. Love is felt in loss. We see persons in sorrow, often. When the dying are our family members or our friends, we long to prolong the love we’ve known. We are grateful for them and promise to never forget them. We do this with Jesus.
St. Augustine Church, Wellington
XIII
The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross
Tender
Jesus died and was taken off the cross. Mary embraced her son. The burden of death bore heavily upon her. This was her only son, the one mysteriously conceived and now mysteriously deceased. What further mystery is to unfold, or is this truly the end of his life? We share Mary’s tender heart and her search for continued life.
St. Therese Church, Lincoln, Neb.
XIV Jesus is laid in the tomb
Buried
Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago
Jesus was laid to rest behind the stone. Heavy-hearted persons carried this burden, a life cut short, a teacher, a quiet leader, one who had great promise. Such hope should not have been begotten in so many. Could it be sustained without him? We would welcome his return, but how might this be?
Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Tallinn, Estonia
12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment Principal - Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City, Kan., is seeking a dynamic, experienced Catholic school principal for the 2011 - 12 academic year who embraces the Catholic faith and possesses spiritual leadership skills blended with strong instructional leadership and managerial skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills. Bilingual ability would be a plus. Our Lady of Unity School serves 143 students in grades K - 8 and employs 11 teachers. Principal applicants must be practicing Catholics and hold (or be eligible for) an administrative license from the Kansas State Department of Education. Interested individuals should complete the principal application available on the archdiocesan Web site at: www.archkckcs.org. Application deadline is April 15. For information, contact Dr. Kathleen O’Hara, superintendent of schools, at (913) 721-1570 or send an e-mail to her at: kohara@ archkckcs.org. Asst./Assoc. Superintendent – The Office of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a joyful Catholic school principal to serve as asst./assoc. superintendent of schools. Must have experience in: a variety of school settings; fully implementing faculty faith formation, MTSS, PBS, Title programs, and strategic planning at the building level; chairing/serving on QAR teams; leading faculty professional development; recruiting teachers. Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be organized, energetic, and able to work as part of a team. Interested individuals may send letter of interest and resume, via e-mail, to: Dr. Kathleen O’Hara, superintendent of schools, at: kohara@arch kckcs.org. Application deadline is April 15. Writer - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is currently taking applications for a full-time entrylevel position as a feature writer for The Leaven. Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or related field and photography skills preferred. Web, social media, or video background a plus. Applicants must be practicing Catholics, available for occasional night and weekend work, and able to travel for assignments within the archdiocese. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s Web site at: www.archkck.org/employment. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume, application AND at least three published writing samples to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Feature Writer Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send, via e-mail, to: kthomas@archkck.org Applicants with samples of photography (three to five digital images only) may submit, via e-mail, to same e-mail address. Application deadline is April 15. Appeal specialist – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an individual with administrative experience in managing fundraising appeals. The position is essential to the successful operation of the archdiocese’s annual appeal and reports to the executive director of stewardship and development. Ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing; have experience working in a fundraising environment; be proficient at data input and analysis; and demonstrate effective communication skills, written and verbal. Position requires a bachelor’s degree and minimum of one year experience in a fundraising environment, preferably one utilizing the Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge database. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocesan Web site at: www.arch kck.org/employment. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application by April 15 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Appeal Specialist Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109 or send, via e-mail, to: kthomas@archkck.org. Data management specialist – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an experienced individual to manage and maintain its Raiser’s Edge database. The position reports to the executive director of stewardship and development, but interfaces with many departments in maximizing use of the database software. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing; have demonstrated attention to detail in data input, management and analysis; strong communication skills, written, verbal, and listening; and a strong mathematical aptitude. This position requires a college degree and minimum of two years experience in professional data management, preferably in a fundraising setting. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocesan Web site at: www.archkck.org/employment. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application by April 15 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in
THE LEAVEN • APRIL 8, 2011 Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Data Specialist Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109 or send, via e-mail, to: kthomas@archkck.org. Sales - The ideal candidate must have excellent lead follow-up and qualification skills and good organization, written, verbal and computer communication skills. The right person will have earned $75,000 in commission sales. Experience in the building, insurance or construction trade is helpful. Call Terry at (913) 980-3559 or send an e-mail to him at: moyer26@earthlink.net. Half-time youth minister – We are seeking an enthusiastic youth minister to plan, enhance and support youth activities for our jr. and sr. high youth ministry programs. The youth minister would also help coordinate our confirmation program for grades 7 - 8. Applicants must truly love working with youth and enjoy practicing and sharing our faith. Computer, organizational and interpersonal skills are required. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Send resume, via e-mail, to Pat Shultz at: pats@ corpuschristilks.org. Pastoral care coordinator - Full-time position sought to facilitate Catholic pastoral care to the homebound, hospitalized, aging, bereavement and various ministry needs of our large parish family; coordination of outreach and Respect Life ministries; serve as staff liaison to food pantry and senior ministries and provide appropriate educational offerings. Pastoral sensitivity, strong communication skills, flexibility and confidentiality necessary. Salary commensurate to diocesan scale. Mail resume to: Pastoral Care Coordinator, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 900 N.E. Shady Lane Dr., Kansas City, MO 64118. Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic - Is seeking to fill the following paid positions immediately: licensed sonographer, part time, 8 hours per week; data entry, part time, 16 hours per week; administration/client services, afternoons and Fri. until noon, 20 hours per week. These positions will play an important role in helping our clients choose life for their unborn child instead of abortion. Join the excitement in making a difference for the life of the unborn and their mothers. For information or to apply, call Donna at (913) 287-8287 or send an e-mail to her at: dkelsey@ wpcnetwork.org. Front desk/secretary - Our established, premier multi-location medical practice is seeking a caring person with an exceptional ability to interact with patients for the Leavenworth office. 3 - 4 years medical office work and insurance experience required. Full charge secretary duties. Requires excellent organizational, computer and communication skills. Full time, competitive salary and benefits. Call (913) 384-2105. Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City area. This position is ideal for a determined, high-energy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; or call (785) 364-5450.
Services Need help with QuickBooks®? - I provide setup, customization, and maintenance; quarterly and/ or yearly accounting; and support for your certified public accountant. I can help with balancing monthly statements and providing profit and expense tracking. Call Ann at Evans Consulting LLC at (913) 4069778 or send an e-mail to: Annevans401@gmail.com. Member of Curé of Ars Parish. Housecleaning - Do you need a reliable, thorough and honest housecleaner? I offer reasonable rates, 10+ years experience, a flexible schedule and references. Member of the Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park. Call Kim at (913) 832-2589. Housecleaning - Old-fashioned hand mopping and more. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. I have a few openings. Call Sharon at (816) 3220006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile). Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 422-0610; or send an e-mail to: tkidd@kc.rr.com.
THE LEAVEN • APRIL 8, 2011 Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, at (913) 909-2002. Foley’s Lawn Care Mowing, aeration & overseeding Landscape maintenance Spring & Fall cleanups, gutter cleaning Residential & commercial (913) 825-4353 Proudly serving Johnson County for 10+ years www.foleyslawncare.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. Lawn Care Mowing * spring cleanups * fertilizing Free estimates Insured, excellent references Call Tony at (913) 620-6063 Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837. Medical supplies and equipment - Home from the hospital and needing supplies and equipment? KC Home Medical Supply has what you need. Come see our retail store, or call Ed at (913) 385-2020. Need a ride? Where to? I am available to take you to your doctor’s appointment, hairdresser or shopping. Maybe you aren’t driving anymore or just prefer a chauffeur; I’ll get you there. I can also run errands for you or do the grocery shopping. Just give me a call to discuss your needs. Johnson County only. Call (913) 469-6211 or (816) 806-0564.
Caregiving Caregiver - Catholic lady with over 30 years experience has availability for elderly care. Excellent references. Johnson County area. Call (913) 579-8914. Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Sara or Gary. Looking for high quality home care? Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned and based in Lenexa. Call Benefits of Home-Senior Care at (913) 422-1591 or visit our Web site at: www.benefitsofhome.com.
Home Improvement Brick masons - 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. KC Metro area. For a free quote, call Jim or John at (913) 485-4307. Garage door and opener sales and service 24-hour, 7 day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902. 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. Tim the handyman - Small jobs are my specialty! Faucets, garbage disposals, toilets, light fixtures, ceiling fans, handrails, window screen repair, bush trimming and garden tilling. Free estimates. JoCo only. Call (913) 859-0471. Wood treatment and refinishing - We strip, refinish and treat woodwork. Restoration of pews, altars, stairways, cabinets, desks, paneling and more. Work in churches, homes and businesses. Insured and guaranteed. Family owned. Call (816) 241-1900. Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson county area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401.
Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896. 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. 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. Call for free estimates. Cell: (913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; e-mail: smokey cabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Clutter getting you down? Organize, fix, assemble, clean . . . we do it all! For a free consultation, call your professional organizing handyman, Kevin Hogan, M Ed, today at (913) 271-5055. Insured; references. Visit the Web site at: www.koatindustries.com. Clutter problems? Embarrassing garage, basement, attic or any room? Let me help you get organized! Items sorted, grouped, boxed and labeled; areas clean when finished. Great references and insured. Twenty years experience! Handyman repairs also available. To view “before” and “after” pictures, visit my Web site at: www.swalms.com. Tillar Swalm (913) 375-9115. Interior and exterior painting and wallpaper removal - 30-plus years experience. Quality work; excellent references; reasonable rates. Senior discount. Member of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776. Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998
Vacation Lake house - On the Gravois arm of the Lake of the Ozarks. 2 BR, 2 BA, screened-in porch; on a large, gently sloped lake lot with a great view and dock. $550/per week rental with two-week minimum. For information or pictures, call John or Pam at (913) 764-9480 or send an e-mail to: pkbrulez@gmail.com. Attention, seniors: golf and shop special - 3 nights and 4 days; $165 per couple, $330 total; quad occupancy. 2 BR, 2 BA condo with all the comforts of home, right on the lake with two-mile million dollar view of the main channel. Good Mon. – Thurs. during April and May. Call your friends now and reserve your special week. Steve and Cheryl Roederer (913) 244-2022.
For Rent Lenexa duplex - 3 BR, 1-1/2 BA, fireplace, hardwood floors, dine-in kitchen and deck. One-year lease. $825 per month. For an appointment, call (913) 768-6447. Room for rent – Furnished bedroom/house to share with owner and mother. Good area in Kansas City, Kan. Prefer older or retired woman. Must love cats and dogs. Utilities and cable provided. Large yard and covered deck. Recently remodeled. $500/ month. Call Marilyn at (816) 507-9678.
Real Estate Overland Park home - 3 BR, 3 BA, maintenancefree ranch near 135th and Quivira. $280,000. For information, call Nestor Zuluaga with Remax Realty Suburban at (816) 728-1213. Classified continued on page 13
(continued from page 12)
Real Estate Overland Park home - 3 BR, 3 BA, maintenance-free ranch near 135th and Quivira. $280,000. For information, call Nestor Zuluaga with Remax Realty Suburban at (816) 728-1213. Roeland Park - 3720 W. 52nd Place in Fairway Manor subdivision. 3 BR, 1-1/2 BA, two-car garage, ranch-style home with new roof, newer HVAC and stainless appliances. New interior and exterior paint. Meticulously maintained. Charming and move-in ready! One block west of St. Agnes Parish and Bishop Miege High School. Open Sundays from 1 - 4 p.m. Call Janenne Elton, Reece & Nichols, at (913) 677-6300 or e-mail her at: JElton@ReeceAndNichols.com.
For Sale Max’s Rosaries - Custom-made locally for all occasions – baptism, first Communion, confirmation and graduation. Rosary bracelets and beaded earrings too. Repairs also. Member of the Church of the Ascension, Overland Park. Call (913) 839-3106. Two burial plots – Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Kansas City, Kan. Lot 34C; spaces 3 & 4 in the Garden of Valor. Retail $2595 each; will sell for $1500 each. Call George at (913) 724- 3891.
April 10
The Fatima rosary rally will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, 3333 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo., at 3 p.m. on April 10. Join in praying 15 decades of the rosary, Benediction and enrollment in the Brown Scapular.
12 Sister Doris Engeman, of the Franciscan Servants of the Holy Family,
For sale - One space, without marker, in Hope Lawn Crypt at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Originally purchased in 1990. Lot 20, section D, space 3. Asking price is $3000. Call Peggy Langenbach at (816) 645-2890. 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.
Misc. Donate a vehicle. Make a difference. Donate your vehicle to Catholic Charities to support those in need. Your tax-deductible donation of a vehicle 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 Web site at: www.cars4kckids.com.
Roommate Female roommate wanted - Room provided in exchange for light housekeeping, companionship and assistance. Kansas City, Kan., area. Call Margaret at (913) 342-1236.
Summer nanny available - Catholic sophomore at the University of Central Missouri is seeking to nanny full time this summer in the Leawood or Overland Park area. Has a year of experience, reliable transportation, and references. Call Michelle Meyer at (913) 832-6115.
women’s day of reflection, from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on April 16 in the Quigley Center at Holy Trinity Church, 9201 Summit, Lenexa. For details or to register, call (913) 962-4127 or (913) 888-6394, or visit the Web site at: www.htlenexa.org/ daughters. Walk-ins are welcome.
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The University of Saint Mary library, 4100 S. 4th St., Leaven-
The Singles of Nativity (SON) will host a happy hour, beginning at 6 p.m. on April 15, at Tanner’s, 10146 W. 119th St., Overland Park. For information or to view other SON activities, visit the Web site at: www.SON-Ministry.org.
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Summer nanny available - K-State sophomore is seeking a full- or part-time nanny job. Lots of experience with children. Reliable transportation and excellent driving record. Prefer Overland Park, Prairie Village or Leawood area. References available. Member of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood. Call Ellen at (913) 8328667 or send an e-mail to her at: emo91@k-state.edu.
The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Back to School – The Way to a Better Life,” an educational awareness program presented by Caryl Neinas of Educational Opportunity Centers, from 10 11 a.m. on April 14. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.
The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer a 12-week series with education and support for women dealing with addictions and domestic violence. It will be held from 10 a.m. - noon on Tuesdays, beginning April 12. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb. org/kwc.
The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will host its monthly Holy Women series from 1 - 3 p.m. on April 14. It will focus on Anne Bradstreet and Phillis Wheatley, two early American poets. For infor-
In-home child care provider needed - We are looking for a child care provider/nanny to care for our 3-month-old daughter from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. in our home, located near Mission. References and experience required; Spanish speaking a plus. Call (913) 262-1609.
16 The Daughters of Isabella will host “Inspiration, Peace and Joy,” a
worth, will offer an opportunity for book lovers to expand their collections at the annual used book sale from April 14 - 17. The books, culled from the University of Saint Mary De Paul Library’s extensive collection, will be on sale for $1 each for hardcovers and 50 cents each for paperbacks. Proceeds will be used to purchase new materials for the library.
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Licensed, in-home day care - Near 123rd and Blackbob, Olathe. I have one opening beginning in April for an infant - two-year-old from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Mon. - Fri. I also have one opening for a teacher’s child for the 2011 - 12 school year, Mon. - Fri. Smokefree home; CPR certified; references available. Holy Trinity Parishioner. Call Bonnie at (913) 780-0543.
mation, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.
will present “Bible Basics for Catholics: An Introduction to the Bible,” a fourpart Scripture class, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays, beginning April 12, at Corpus Christi Parish, 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy., Lawrence. For information, call (785) 843-6286.
The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will host “Early Detection Works,” a program offering free breast and cervical cancer screening to qualifying women without health insurance, from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on April 13. No appointment is necessary; drop-ins are welcome. For information, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.
Childcare
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Good Shepherd Church, 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee, will host its annual Lollapalooza fundraiser on April 15 in the parish hall. There will be games, Dixieland-style music, live and silent auctions and a dinner catered by Paulo & Bill’s. The doors open at 5 p.m.; dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed by the live auction at 8:15 p.m. The cost is $50 per person. For information or to purchase tickets, call the church at (913) 631-7116 or visit the Web site at: http:// gslollapalooza.org. St. Patrick Early Education Center, 1080 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host an Easter egg hunt and open house from 6 - 8 p.m. on April 15. The egg hunt begins promptly at 7 p.m. All preschoolers, ages 3 - 5, are welcome to attend and tour the school. For information, call (913) 299-3051.
Father Tom Hesse will celebrate the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass at 8 a.m. on April 16 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 University of Saint Mary, 4100 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, will host its annual SpireFest, a scholarship fundraiser, at 5 p.m. on April 16 in McGilley Field House. Tickets cost $100 per person. For information or to purchase tickets, call (913) 758-6137 or visit the Web site at: www.stmary.edu/spirefest. Benedictine College, 1020 N. 2nd St., Atchison, will host the Vatican-sponsored “Eucharistic Miracles of the World” photographic exhibit from 2 - 7 p.m. on April 16 and from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. on April 17 in the Ralph Nolan Gymnasium located on campus. The exhibit will feature photos recounting 126 authenticated miracles related to the Eucharist. The exhibit is free and open to the public. A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on April 16 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Ten Commandments of Grief.” For information, call (913) 649-2026. Marillac Center, Leavenworth, will host “Deep Listening,” an engaging, one-person play that uses stories, gentle humor and simple songs to explore the reality of looking death in the face.
CALENDAR 13
Summer nanny needed – Seeking a collegeage part-time nanny to care for our two daughters, ages 8 and 10, in our home. Approximately 17 - 22 hours per week. Must have a good driving record, reliable transportation and references. Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe. Call Suzanne at (913) 220-4672.
Wanted to buy Will buy firearms and related accessories One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. ***WANTED*** I buy coins, older watches, silverware, slot machines, old rifles and shotguns, stoneware crocks and jugs, old furniture from basement or attic. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269
Entertainment DJ Colm - Colm Delahunt is available for parties, weddings, graduations, and any other function. Playing all your favorite hits from the Village People to U2. Call (913) 548-6765 or visit the Web site at: www. djirishman.com.
It will take place from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. on April 16 in the O’Shea Conference Center, located on the campus of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 4200 S. Fourth St. For information or to RSVP, call (913) 758-6552; send an e-mail to: retreats@scls.org; or visit the Web site at: www.marillaccenter.org. This event is free and open to the public. Freewill offerings will be accepted.
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Donnelly College, 608 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan., will partner with American Century Investments and the Greater KC Financial Planning Association to sponsor a free financial presentation from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. on April 19. Entitled “Taking Care of Financial Basics,” it will feature personal finance expert Lynnette Khalfani-Cox. Following the presentation, breakout sessions on a variety of financial topics will be offered and financial advisors will be on hand to answer questions. The event is free and open to the public. Space is limited; reservations are recommended. For information or to RSVP, visit the Web site at: donnelly.edu/moneysmart.
Misc. The class of 1961 of De La Salle High School, Kansas City, Mo., will hold a reunion on April 30. For information, contact Don Mulik at (913) 362-3206; send an e-mail to him at: don.mulik@ sbcglobal.net; or visit the Web site at: www.dlskcalumni.org. The annual Jared and Matty 3-on3 coed basketball tournament will be held from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on April 30 at Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo., The cost is $60 per team. For information or pre-registration materials, call (913) 244-9725; send an e-mail to: jriordan@ prukc.com; or visit the Web site at: http://kcatholicchallenge.com.
14 COMMENTARY
THE LEAVEN • april 8, 2011
THE LEAVEN • april 8, 2011
Mark my words
Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Quote Week
of the
“The challenge for all of us is ongoing, continued spiritual growth. So the sacrament of reconciliation is a real gift for us to look into our lives, face ourselves, and be honest with ourselves. Father Harry Schneider, rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kan. See story on page 3
I
vocation corner
Picture yourself in this spot
’m sure that you’ve already heard about this by now, but vendors out at Kauffman Stadium can no longer sell beverages this season, due to a technical glitch. That’s right: No drinks at ballgames this year. Why? Because the Royals lost their “opener.” I had to think twice about leading with that paragraph above. After last week’s column on April Fools’ Day, I’ve been getting a lot of glares from people who were taken in by my fake news items. Therefore, because I want you to feel confident again in trusting what you read here, let me state now for the record: The Royals will have plenty of beverages, flowing freely, at their games this season, even though they lost their opening game. Those outside the metro area may not be aware of something that’s been happening for the past 24 years on the day of the Royals home opener. Dubbed “Greater KC Day,” volunteers hit the streets of the city to hawk special editions of The Kansas City Star to raise funds for disabled and disadvantaged youth. In years past, it’s brought in some $100,000. This year over 1,500 volunteers braved cold temperatures on March 31 to support this cause. Two items on that day’s front page grabbed my attention. The main story was about 24 hours of volunteering in Kansas City. The Star captured ordinary people doing ordinary things to make life better for others, especially those in need. Reading these snippets of daily life in Kansas City reaffirmed why this area is rightfully called the Heartland. It’s the second item, though, that really grabbed my attention: It was a powerful picture snapped by Tammy Ljungblad. The shot shows an attractive 25-year-old woman by the name of Taylor Bray seated on a city sidewalk
with a wicker picnic basket in front of her. Her attention is focused to her left, where she is engaged in conversation with a homeless man. The guy looks weary. The left knee of his pants is torn and you can see the long johns he’s wearing to ward off the cold. All of his possessions are contained in a jumble of plastic bags near his elbow. In front of him sits a lone bottle of water that Bray has just given him. Bray is a business owner on a mission. Several months ago, while walking her dog in Liberty, Mo., she came across a bright red beaded bracelet with the word “Feed” spelled out in white on it. (You can get a glimpse of the bracelet on her right hand in the picture.) The day before finding that bracelet, Bray had seen a man checking out the dumpster behind her business, looking for food. That man, combined with finding the bracelet, Bray considered a sign from God. Now, around the lunch hour, she heads out with her picnic basket — filled with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that she’s made, chips and bottled water — to find hungry people on the streets. That, in itself, is commendable. But even more so — and what captivated me about this picture — is that Bray is not just handing out food and moving on. She’s sitting down and talking to these street people, spending time with them. And the picture captures something even more powerful and remark-
able: Bray is grasping the hand of the homeless man in both of hers. Most of us, including me, would probably hurry by this guy, pretending he wasn’t there. Yet, here is this young woman, treating this homeless man with respect and attention. It led me to wonder: When was the last time someone took an interest in this man? When was the last time anyone tenderly took his hand in theirs? When was the last time anyone cared enough to spend time visiting with him? (To see the picture for yourself, type “24 Hours of giving noon to 5 pm” into your browser.) This picture reminds me of a modern-day sixth Station of the Cross. That’s where Veronica wipes the face of Jesus, and he leaves an image of that battered face on the cloth. I’m sure that you know the name Veronica is composed of two Latin words — “vera icon,” meaning “true image.” Naturally, this reminds us of that “true image” of Jesus on that cloth. But Veronica herself, in her simple, loving care of Jesus in distress, was also a “true image” of what we’re called to be as Christians. The Stations of the Cross are a powerful Lenten meditation. Check out the four pages we’ve dedicated to them in this issue. Abbot Barnabas has written some meditations there to help direct your reflections. As Holy Week draws near, use the variety of portrayals of the Stations, captured here by Fernando Ugarte, to inspire you to compose your own meditations. And, after praying these Stations of the Cross, let’s imitate the example of St. Veronica and all modern-day Veronicas, by noticing and caring for the least of our brothers and sisters. In doing so, we’ll become “true images” of Jesus in our world today, one person at a time.
second thoughts on the second reading fifth week of lent April 10 fifth sunday of lent Ez 37: 12-14; Ps 130: 1-8; Rom 8: 8-11; Jn 11: 1-45 April 11 Stanislaus, bishop, martyr Dn 13: 1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; Ps 23: 1-6; Jn 8: 1-11 April 12 Tuesday Nm 21: 4-9; Ps 102: 2-3, 16-21; Jn 8: 21-30 April 13 Martin I, pope, martyr Dn 3: 14-20, 91-92, 95; (Ps) Dn 3: 52-56; Jn 8: 31-42 April 14 Thursday Gn 17: 3-9; Ps 105: 4-9; Jn 8: 51-59 April 15 Friday Jer 20: 10-13; Ps 18: 2-7; Jn 10: 31-42 April 16 Saturday Ez 37: 21-28; (Ps) Jer 31: 10-13; Jn 11: 45-56
Church needs good priests more than more priests
S
eminarians aren’t exactly a commodity. They are extraordinarily rare gifts from God, from our families, and from our parishes.
Yet everyone wants to know the numbers. The question I get over and over and over as vocation director is this: How many guys do we have? The follow-up questions are quite predictable. How many did we have last year? How many guys do we need? How many do you think we’ll have next year? These questions are well-intentioned. I always take them well, as people caring about the church and its mission and its priests. Still, it is important
On the other hand, when uncapitalized, the word refers to the spirit of the human person, the soul: “But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness.” In his use of the word “spirit,” St. Paul is capitalizing upon its several meanings. Similarly, St. Paul also plays with the different possible meanings of the words “flesh” and “body.” At times, he is referring to the physical body: “The One who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also.” On the other hand, following the lead of the Old Testament, St. Paul also has the word “flesh” mean that which opposes God, that which is corruptible: “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” By this, St. Paul does not mean that only as disembodied spirits
will we be able to please God. He does not regard the material world as inherently evil. Rather, by the words “in the flesh,” St. Paul is referring to an attitude of the heart, a state of mind, that puts us in opposition to God. St. Paul can also use the term “flesh” to mean the human condition, our weakness as human beings. While we sometimes interpret “the flesh” as sexuality only, it is not restricted to that. St. Paul certainly counts sexuality in that category, but he includes it as part of human nature as a whole, which is weak and susceptible to sin. Throughout his letters, St. Paul frequently sets “the flesh” in opposition to “the spirit” and plays back and forth between their various meanings. For example, the word “spirit” appears 36 times, and the word “flesh” 20 times, in his Letter to the Romans. This back and forth in meaning can sound confusing at times, but also adds to the richness of his message. St. Paul can be hard to understand, but he is worth it. Father Mike Stubbs is the senior parochial vicar of Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.
to remember: Seminarians are much more than a commodity we are trying to produce. I try to treat each new vocation to the seminary as a miracle heard and answered. Trust me, if you knew from my perspective the perfect storm of circumstances that it takes in today’s world for a young man to successfully discern and answer a call from Christ to be a priest, you would be as humbled as I am that the Lord has blessed us with 28 men.
Still, more important than the number is the quality of men we have preparing to be priests. I hope you will agree with me that, given everything the church has been through, the church needs good priests more than it needs more priests. Our seminarians know and feel this pressure to be good priests. They ask for your constant prayers that they can become the men Christ has called them to be. Even though I get asked about the quantity of our seminarians a thousand times more than I get asked about the quality, I am committed to improving both. If we had to make a choice in vocations, we would err on the side of quality, trusting that the Lord has always amazed us by his ability to do more with less. I would love to one day have 50 seminarians for our archdiocese. Yet, as Mother Teresa taught us
well, God doesn’t measure success in quite this way, but calls us to be faithful no matter what. Please join me in thanking God not just for an increased number of seminarians, but for the opportunity to pray for each one of these men individually. These men are more than a commodity to us; they are gifts that God has entrusted to us. Let us pray not only for ourselves, that they might become what the church desperately needs, but especially for them, that they may flourish in their relationship with Christ and in him become free to accept the incomparable good of the priesthood. Father Mitchel Zimmerman is the archdiocesan vocations director.
word of life
Young adults invited to feed their faith through fellowship
“T
here are two ways, one of life and one of death, and there is a great difference between these two ways.”
This is how the Didache begins. The Didache is an early Christian writing of the late first or early second century. However old, this opening sentence still bears a lot of truth even in 21stcentury America. In the end, there remain only two ways, even in our day. For many Catholic young adults, it is a constant challenge to find the way of life and to remain on it. The world, the flesh, and the devil work hard against many young adults who are looking to follow Christ and find environments where their faith can grow and flour-
St. Paul’s wordplay enriches reading canyouunderstandthissentence? The early copies of the books of the New Testament would be hard for us to read. First of all, they were all written in a foreign language: Koine Greek. Also, to use more efficiently the expensive papyrus or parchment on which they were written, no separations were made between words. They would all run together. Punctuation would be missing. No numbers would indicate chapters fifth sunday or verses, since of lent they were only Rom 8: 8-11 introduced centuries later. The text would not differentiate between upper and lower case. It would look like one, big cross-word puzzle. In Sunday’s second reading, the word “spirit” sometimes appears capitalized, and at other times uncapitalized. This represents an editorial decision, not found in the original, to reflect the distinctions in meaning which St. Paul makes. When capitalized, the word refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity. We see an example in the sentence: “Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”
columnists 15
ish. Many young adults and young married couples move to Kansas City to find work and establish a life, but often struggle to find a strong, healthy community of young Catholics who are seeking the same ideals. Young Catholics, married or single, need to be very intentional in seeking out fellowship with other Catholics in order for their faith to grow and thrive. Though there are difficulties, there are many points of light for young adults in the archdiocese, including
sports leagues for young adult Catholics, the work of Saint Paul’s Outreach, and the Kansas City Catholic Young Adult group. We continue to work hard in the archdiocesan office of evangelization and Catholic formation to invite young adults in their 20s and 30s into a relationship with Jesus and into the life of the church. Outreach to young adults remains a top priority of our office. If you are a young adult in the Kansas City area, there are many ways to get involved. Over the course of the next month, we will be hosting a Sunday evening Mass for young adults at Holy Cross Church in Overland Park on April 10 at 5 p.m., followed by food and drinks at a local restaurant. On the second Thursday of April — April 14 — we have Upper Room Game Night. You are invited to join us
for the rosary at 6 p.m., followed by games and drinks at The Other Place bar in old Overland Park. Upper Room Game Night takes place the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Lastly, we will be hosting Theology on Tap on Friday night, April 29. Come hear Brother Adam from the Christian Life Movement in Denver talk about truth and charity and how young adults can get involved in the social mission of the church. For more information about young adult ministry in Kansas City, please join the “Kansas City Young Adults” group on Facebook or send an e-mail to me directly at: ecat@archkck.org. Matt Karr is the consultant for the office of evangelization and catechesis. He can be reached by e-mail at: ecat@archkck.org.
church and state
I
It’s time to revoke the legal immunity of the abortion industry
f sanity is ever to be restored to our nation’s approach to the issue of abortion, legislation like the clinic licensure bill currently before the Kansas Legislature will be key to the process. The bill would apply common-sense regulations to abortion clinics, including unannounced inspections. Supporters of abortion insist that it is just another health care procedure and should be treated as such. Yet they have nonetheless succeeded in ensuring that abortion is treated differently — radically differently — than any other procedure in health care. Indeed, there is no analogy in American life to the abortion industry and how it operates
outside of the normal moral and legal universe inhabited by the rest of society. Look no further than the fact that veterinary clinics in Kansas are more strictly regulated than abortion clinics. No veterinarian, nor barber, nor shortorder cook could have escaped severe penalization had they maintained anything like the work environment found at the abortion-providing Affordable Medicine Clinic in Kansas City, Kan., in 2003. There, Kansas City police discovered filthy facilities, infested with cockroaches, with dried blood on the floor. According to employees, Dr. Krishna Rajanna failed to properly ster-
ilize equipment and even kept aborted fetuses in the refrigerator next to food. But because Rajanna killed unborn children for money, he was long exempt from penalty. Only after the application of sustained political pressure did he eventually lose his license. Remarkably, the stomach-churning details of that police report are surpassed by the 281-page grand jury report in the recent case of Pennsylvania abortionist Dr. Kermit Gosnell: [H]e regularly and illegally delivered live, viable babies in the third trimester of pregnancy — and then murdered these newborns by severing their spinal cords with scissors. . . . [H]e overdosed his patients with dangerous drugs, spread venereal disease among them with infected instruments, perforated their wombs and bowels — and, on at least two occasions, caused their deaths. . . . Furniture and blankets were stained with blood. Instruments were not properly sterilized. Disposable medical sup-
plies were not disposed of; they were reused, over and over again. . . . And scattered throughout, in cabinets, in the basement, in a freezer, in jars and bags and plastic jugs, were fetal remains. In what other industry would such a scenario even be possible? Where else is such madness allowed to go unscrutinized in our very midst? Perhaps most telling was the Philadelphia district attorney’s comment that there was “more oversight of women’s hair salons and nail salons” than there was of abortion facilities. The fact that abortion clinics function outside even a minimal regulatory scheme is a symbol of the moral lawlessness of abortion itself. The time has come for what has effectively served as legal immunity for the abortion industry to be revoked. Michael Schuttloffel is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.
16 local news
THE LEAVEN • april 8, 2011
New Serra Club looks for ways to continue to grow Continued from page 1 “To form a club requires 25 members to petition for the charter,” he said. “By Feb. 25, we reached that goal by inviting friends to join us at our meetings. We’re still looking to grow.” The new Serra Club will promote vocations through a variety of programs. “There is a day of prayer for vocations on May 15,” said Draftz. “We will be distributing programs to parishes in the area that they can use to pray for vocations that day.” “There is also a program for local high schools to help high school seniors find campus ministries at the colleges they’re going to after graduation,” he added. “We promote that because we know that more vocations come when young people stay in touch with their faith.” The Atchison Region club will also be helping with the Vocations Fair at Benedictine College April 13. According to Draftz, Serra clubs have four main ways to help foster and support vocations: pray, invite, encourage, and affirm. “Anyone can help by praying for vocations,” he said. “When we talk about someone answering a call for a vocation, there has to be a question: Do you think you have a vocation to the priesthood or religious or consecrated life?” he said. Serra Club members invite others to consider the possibility because, as Draftz said, “you can’t answer ‘yes’ without the question being asked.” Serrans encourage those who step forward and answer the call by providing seminary visits and an annual luncheon for seminarians and their parents, Draftz said. And they affirm those already ordained or committed to religious life with an annual dinner for all priests, both from the archdiocese and from religious orders. The Atchison Region Serra Club meets on the first Tuesday evening of every month at the Atchison Catholic Elementary School chapel. Its first meeting in December 2010 established the form of the meetings, Draftz said. “We have a Mass for vocations at 7 p.m., followed by a speaker and a brief business meeting,” he said. “After that, most of the members enjoy desserts and a social time.” Speakers in the past have included Prior James Albers, OSB, vocations di-
rector at St. Benedict’s Abbey; Sister Barbara Smith, OSB, vocations director at Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison; Father Matthew Habiger, OSB, past director of Human Life International; and Father Richard Rocha, vocations director for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. The scheduled speaker for May is Sister Mary Antonia, FSGM.
Clockwise from top: n Members of the new Atchison Region Serra Club hold candles as part of the club’s chartering ceremony. n Tim Draftz, president of the Atchison Region Serra Club, stands by the sign signifying the club’s charter. n Father Gerard Senecal, OSB, chaplain of the Serra Club, offers its members words of encouragement. Father Gerard has been involved in the club since its inception. Photos by JD Benning
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