04-11-14 Vol. 35 No. 34 by The Leaven

theleaven.com | vol. 35, no. 34 | april 11, 2014

Sacrament of the sick

Holy Oil

The healing Mass utilizes a special rite similar to the one used at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in southern France. The Mass is a joint venture of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas CitySt. Joseph. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was the celebrant for the Mass.

Knights of Malta sponsor 18th annual healing Mass and sacrament of anointing of the sick at Curé of Ars Church in Leawood March 29

A blessing

Father Lawrence Bowers, associate pastor of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, says a blessing over a participant at the healing Mass.

Anointed

Msgr. Charles McGlinn, pastor of Curé of Ars, anoints the head of a participant. Members of the Order of Malta organize the annual Mass. The order is an ancient, worldwide lay religious order dedicated to caring for the sick and the poor.

Leaven photos by Susan McSpadden

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second front page 3

april 11, 2014 | theleaven.com

Life will be victorious

Jesus taught us how to change the world — with love

he devil never sleeps! This is a phrase I find myself saying quite frequently.

The devil’s insomnia came to mind again when I heard reports about the resignation of Brendan Eich from the position of CEO for the Silicon Valley hightech firm Mozilla, which makes the Firefox browser. In the spirit of transparency, I must acknowledge that before last week I had never heard of Mozilla or Firefox. It was the reason that Brendan Eich was forced to resign that caught my attention and concerned me. Brendan Eich’s unforgivable sin was that he had made a $1,000 donation eight years ago in support of a California ballot initiative that upheld the traditional definition of marriage being between one man and one woman. A majority of California voters supported this effort to prevent the redefinition of marriage by gay activists. More than 37 states continue to protect marriage from redefinition. Yet, as I write, the imperial courts of our nation are negating laws that protect marriage and prevent its redefinition, even though these laws were passed by a majority of voters or their elected representatives. Brendan Eich’s crime, requiring his resignation, was that he believed marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman. For this, Brendan Eich was compared to being a racist, an anti-Semite, and/or a member of the Ku Klux Klan. This reminded me of the uproar earlier this year when the Kansas House of Representatives, anticipating the courts overturning the Kansas constitutional protection of marriage, passed legislation attempt-

Holy Week Schedule at the Cathedral of St. Peter Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will preside at all liturgies April 13: Palm Sunday, 11 a.m. April 17: Holy Thursday, 7:30 p.m. April 18: Good Friday, 3 p.m. Archbishop Keleher will preach April 19: Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil), 8 p.m. April 20: Easter, 11 a.m.

Holy Week Mass schedule for the Community of the Lamb

archbishop Joseph F. Naumann ing to save small businesses (e.g., florists, bakers, photographers, etc.) from being coerced to participate in same-sex wedding ceremonies. If you think these fears for small businesses are imaginary, I encourage you to Google “The Barronelle Stutzman Story” which details what happened to a florist in the state of Washington. The supporters of this bill were falsely accused of wanting to discriminate broadly against homosexuals. The opponents of the bill distorted what the legislation actually said and then, based on the distortion, labeled the proponents bigots and haters. It was not too long ago that proponents of the legalization of so-called “samesex marriage” claimed that this change in public policy would not affect anyone else. It seems they have forgotten this talking point. If you do not actively support gay marriage, then you will be targeted politically or, even worse, economically. Gay activists seek to punish politicians, and now business leaders, who show even the mildest support for the traditional understanding of marriage. It is simply amazing that believing that marriage is between one man and one woman for their good and the good of any children born from their union has become so controversial as to jeopardize one’s employment. Those promoting the redefinition of marriage and family life have been preparing the culture for decades through sympathetic messages communicated through the entertainment industry. Believing they have conquered the culture, these same activists seek to destroy anyone who objects to or even questions the redefinition of marriage. It is easy to become discouraged with the downward trends in our culture. Of course, it is not just about same-sex marriage, but the alarming rate of cohabitation, of children growing up in homes without a father, and the general trivialization of sexual intimacy. The roots of all of this can be traced to the sexual revolution that was made possible by the widespread

The liturgy of the Holy Week in the Community of the Lamb is conceived as a retreat in which we are invited to follow Jesus step by step in his passion, death and resurrection. Therefore the offices are more numerous and more developed than those celebrated in parishes. Most of the offices are followed by eucharistic adoration. For a complete listing of the Little Sisters’ Holy Week schedule, call them at (913) 621-1727. If you wish to join the Little Sisters for the liturgies of Holy Week, call at least 24 hours ahead of time so that they may print enough booklets. Palm Sunday, April 13 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.: Third Office of the Palms 6 - 8:50 p.m.: Mass of the Passion Holy Thursday, April 17 7:30 - 8:45 a.m.: Monastic Office 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.: Feast of the Church 6 – 8:30 p.m.: The Lord’s Supper Approx. 1:20 – 2:50 a.m.: The Arrest of Jesus Good Friday, April 18 10 – 11 a.m.: The Trial of Jesus 11:15 a.m. - 3 p.m.: The Crucifixion - (Procession in the neighborhood, weather permitting) 3:45 - 5:30 p.m.: Celebration of the Cross 6:30 – 9 p.m.: The Burial of Jesus (in French) with Communion Holy Saturday, April 19 6 – 9 a.m.: The Descent of Jesus into Hades 11:30 p.m. – 4 a.m.: Easter Vigil Easter Sunday, April 20 4:30 – 7:30 a.m.: Office of the Resurrection 11:00 a.m.: Easter Mass 5:30 p.m.: Second Vespers

acceptance of the contraceptive pill. If you want to see an interesting secular treatment of the consequences of these cultural shifts, Google a 10-minute video, entitled “The Economics of Sex,” produced by the Austin Institute for the Study of Family and Culture. It makes the case that the real victims of the sexual revolution were women. In the midst of these cultural concerns and personal problems we all face, Holy Week invites us to ponder the central events that gave us life in Jesus Christ. Despite our sin, God never gave up on human beings. Rather, God chose to enter into our human condition. On Holy Thursday, Jesus gave his apostles one of his most important and powerful teachings as he washed their feet. Our Lord made clear that his method of transforming and changing the world was not by theological argument, physical force or the exercise of political power, but with love. Jesus chose to take upon himself the consequences of our sin. From the cross, Jesus did not lash out at those responsible for his crucifixion, which in reality was all of us; rather, he interceded on our behalf, asking, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!” Whatever problems we have

today pale in comparison to the injustice perpetrated on Calvary. St. Peter gives a beautiful description of Our Lord’s love that changed the world forever: “Christ suffered for you, and left you an example to have you follow in his footsteps. “He did no wrong; no deceit was found in his mouth. When he was insulted, he returned no insult. “When he was made to suffer, he did not counter with threats. Instead, he delivered himself up to the One who judges justly. “In his own body he brought your sins to the cross, so that all of us, dead to sin, could live in accord with God’s will. “By his wounds you were healed” (1 Pt 2: 21-24). Good Friday, of course, was not the end of the story. Our Lord’s resurrection vanquished death forever. With the defeat of both sin and death, Jesus gave his disciples a hope that cannot be extinguished by the forces of darkness. In truth, it is Our Lord who never sleeps. For this reason, we never have to fear or be without hope. Though at any given moment it may appear the forces of death and darkness are winning, in truth, we know the victory of light and life is certain. Life will

calendar archbishop

Naumann

CNS photo/Debbie Hill

April 11 Lenten Day of Reflection for chancery staff — Savior Pastoral Center

A collection taken in the archdiocese on Good Friday benefits the Holy Land.

April 12 Abbot’s Table reception and dinner

Holy Land collection on Good Friday

April 13 Palm Sunday Mass — Cathedral, Kansas City, Kan. April 15 Chrism Mass — Savior Pastoral Center

By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Seven Last Words — Curé of Ars, Leawood April 17 Holy Thursday lunch with Johnson County priests Holy Thursday Mass — Cathedral April 18 Good Friday service — Cathedral

Leaven photo by Marc Anderson

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann prays outside the newly constructed Mother Teresa Family Formation Center prior to its dedication on April 5. The center is the latest addition to Topeka’s Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church complex and more than doubles the parish’s physical space. Father Tom Aduri, the parish’s pastor (left), and Father John Riley (right), the archdiocesan chancellor, joined the archbishop in the dedication rite. Parishioner Caleb Schumacher (right) was one of four altar servers for the evening Mass and the dedication rite.

Topeka parish dedicates new family formation center

April 19 Easter Vigil Mass — Cathedral April 20 Easter Sunday Mass — Cathedral

archbishop

keleher April 12 Confirmation — St. Joseph, Wilmette, Ill. April 13 Mass — St. Joseph, Wilmette, Ill. Penance service — Church of the Nativity, Leawood April 15 Chrism Mass — Savior Pastoral Center April 16 Mass and confessions — Little Sisters of the Lamb April 17 Mass — Sisters, Servants of Mary April 18 Good Friday Service — Cathedral April 19 RCIA — Curé of Ars, Leawood April 20 Mass — Sisters, Servants of Mary

be victorious! Following up last week’s column and if you are finding it difficult to believe in miracles, my 91-year-old mother won our family NCAA pool. Congratulations, Mom!

By Marc and Julie Anderson Special to The Leaven

OPEKA — When in 2004, parishioners gathered for the first “Mass in the Grass” on land north of town here, the parish was comprised of less than 400 families. By March 2013, however, Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish had more than doubled in size. And like most growing families, it needed more room. The parish’s 19,200square-foot multipurpose building (dedicated in 2007) just wasn’t big enough to accommodate all the activities of the parish. On April 5, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann officially dedicated the Mother Teresa Family Formation Center, a 19,600-square-foot addition that expands the number of available meeting rooms and classrooms, provides more office space and offers the parish an industrial-sized kitchen for its various community functions. The new center supplements the original multipurpose building, which continues to house the parish’s Masses. After celebrating the dedication rite, the archbishop blessed the physical space and the parishioners with holy water, beginning at the main door and walking through the entire facility. During brief remarks

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

Leaven photo by Marc Anderson

The Mother Teresa Family Formation Center is a 19,600-square-foot addition that expands the number of meeting rooms, classrooms, and office space for Mother Teresa Parish in Topeka. near the end, the archbishop called parishioners “the living stones” of the community and discussed the importance of the building itself in making Christ alive to others. Prior to the dedication rite, the archbishop celebrated the regularly scheduled Saturday evening Mass. Father Tom Aduri, pastor, and Father John Riley, archdiocesan chancellor, concelebrated. During brief remarks after Communion, Father Aduri thanked the archbishop and

Father Riley for their support of the project, as well as providing the loan necessary for its construction. Additionally, he expressed his gratitude to all of those involved in the building project, including the architect, the general contractor, members of the building committee and the many volunteers and parishioners who donated time, talent and treasure to the project. “One and all, I want to thank you,” said Father Aduri.

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Coordinator Julie Holthaus julie@theleaven.com

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — When Jesus entered Jerusalem before his passion and crucifixion, the Pharisees scolded him because of the exulting crowds. “He said in reply, ‘I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!’” (Lk 19:40). The stones — both living and literal — cry out today to the Christians of the world for support and aid. Every year, Catholics from all over the world take up a collection on Good Friday to support the church in the Holy Land, said Michael La Civita, communications director for the Catholic Near East Welfare Association. The Franciscans of the Custody of the Holy Land promote and supervise the Pontifical Good Friday Collection in the United States on behalf of the Holy See. “The Franciscans have been in the Holy Land since St. Francis himself,” said La Civita. “There is a special province of the Franciscans called the Custody of the Holy Land because they are the custodians of shrines associated with the life and miracles of Jesus.” The Franciscans care not only for the literal stones of these sites, but also the living stones — Christians who live and have lived in Israel, Palestine and surrounding countries since the apostolic age — and their Muslim neighbors as well. The Pontifical Good Friday Collection is used for social and charitable, pastoral, educational and scientific, and liturgical and ecumenical activities. “[The collection] is a good way for Catholics to not only recall the death and resurrection of Jesus, but also to observe the Gospel imperative and the Beatitudes — to love one another as he has loved us,” said La Civita. “We’re participating in their ministry of love on behalf of Christ and his church to support the people in the Holy Land.” A special envelope has been provided to parishioners to use for this second collection. For information about the collection and the Holy Land Franciscans, visit the website at: www.My Franciscan.org.

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

theleaven.com | april 11, 2014

Sister Lillian Harrington, OSB

Leaven photo by Jill Ragar Esfeld

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann installs Little Brother Benoît-Joseph (left) and Little Brother Mariano as lectors and acolytes, steps on their road to the priesthood.

Little Brothers answer call Two take next step towards the priesthood

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill@theleaven.com

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — These days, the melodic voices of the Little Sisters of the Community of the Lamb here are resonating with a deeper harmony. That’s because the Little Sisters are joined in their liturgy by the Little Brothers of the Lamb, who have come to Kansas to establish their own community. It is the first male religious branch of the order to be established in the United States. Like the Little Sisters, the Little Brothers are contemplative and mendicant. They beg for their daily bread in the tradition of St. Dominic and share the Gospel with those they meet. Though the Little Brothers join the Sisters for prayer, their daily life is separate. Currently residing in a home close to the new Lumen Christi monastery of the Sisters, the Little Brothers look forward to someday building a monastery of their own.

During a Mass celebrated in the Sisters’ chapel March 20, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann installed Little Brother Mariano and Little Brother Benoît-Joseph as lectors and acolytes, steps on their road to the priesthood. The chapel of Lumen Christi was filled for the occasion with friends and neighbors of the community. Little Brother Christoph concelebrated the Mass. The installation was particularly meaningful to him as the sole priest in the Community of the Lamb here in the archdiocese. “Once ordained, we hope you will stay here,” the archbishop told the candidates. “You will be able to nourish the community in Kansas and give relief to Little Brother Christoph.” God is calling these Little Brothers to greater service, the archbishop explained — to nourish others with the word and someday, as deacons and then priests, “to be the human instrument to make God present in the Eucharist.” This journey, he said, will allow the Little Brothers to come to an even deeper awareness of God’s presence

in the sacrament, and inspire in their community “the truth of the miracle that is the Eucharist.” Referring to the day’s Gospel, Luke’s parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Archbishop Naumann said, “The readings are appropriate because we must have a greater awareness of the poor and their needs.” Alluding to Pope Francis’ philosophy of the servant priest, he continued, “We have this great example in Jesus who came not to be served, but to serve.” The rich man’s sin was greater than just not noticing Lazarus, said the archbishop. “His sin is worse because he did notice Lazarus. “We’re called to notice those in need around us and not to walk by that need.” In concluding, Archbishop Naumann assured the Little Brothers, and all present, that the Lord would always give them the grace to fulfill whatever responsibility he puts in their paths. “The Lord will always give us the gifts to fulfill the mission to which he calls us,” he said.

Author, Father Greg Boyle, to speak on April 23

ansas City, Mo. — This month, those inspired by the New York Times bestseller, “Tattoos of the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion,” will have the chance to meet, greet and hear the motivational storyteller and author, Father Greg Boyle, SJ. Father Greg will be the guest speaker at the 10th anniversary Inspire M-Pact Community Awareness Dinner on April 23 at the Intercontinental, 401 Ward Pkwy., in Kansas City, Mo. Leaven editor Father Mark Goldasich was so moved by Father Greg’s book that he wrote a column encouraging others to read it.

“This book provides an unvarnished peek into the brutal world of gangs from someone who lives there,” he wrote. Indeed, the best-seller recounts the journey of Father Greg, a Jesuit priest, from the time he was appointed pastor of Dolores Mission, the poorest parish in Los Angeles, through his establishment of Home Boy Industries, now the largest gang-intervention, rehab and re-entry program in the United States. “[Father Greg’s] picture of gang members is neither overly simplified nor overly sympathetic,” wrote Father Goldasich, “but comes from one who knows his community well and can

help those of us who don’t to widen our perspective and understanding.” Tickets to the dinner include an invitation to the Patron’s Party on April 22, where supporters can meet and visit with Father Greg. The event’s proceeds will benefit Higher M-Pact, a Kansas City-based nonprofit organization that mentors urban youth with the intention of transforming them into tomorrow’s leaders. To learn more about Higher M-Pact or to make a reservation for the dinner, visit Higher M-Pact’s website at: www. HigherMPact.org.

ATCHISON — Sister Lillian (Mary William) Harrington, 96, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died April 1, at the monastery. She was born to James and Mamie O’Brien Harrington in rural Blaine, made monastic profession on Jan. 1, 1936, and celebrated her 75th anniversary of profession in 2011. She received a bachelor’s degree in history from Mount St. Scholastica College and a master’s in speech and drama from The Catholic University of America. She earned graduate credits from several universities and from the St. John University program in Israel. Sister Lillian’s teaching career spanned 52 years. Among other places, she taught at Lillis High School in Kansas City, Mo., and St. Joseph High School, Shawnee, and was a speech instructor at Penn Valley Community College, Kansas City, Mo., for 17 years. Sister Lillian truly made the Gospel message hers, so much so that her storytelling became a part of her “pilgrim ministry,” often requested by church groups and retreatants. She developed diocesan and parish workshops, and her students learned to proclaim the word. She had a gift for celebrating life and creating beauty wherever she went. Her presence lit up the room, and she was able to draw out the talents of others. Her spirit lives on in the lives of those she touched.

‘The Seven Last Words of Christ’ set for April 13, 15 Two events focusing on “The Seven Last Words of Christ” will be held in the archdiocese this Lenten season. The youth group of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee will be presenting “The Seven Last Words of Christ” for an interfaith audience at 7 p.m. on April 13 at Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee. At Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, a prayer service written by pastor Msgr. Charles McGlinn also featuring “The Seven Last Words of Christ,” will be held at 7:30 p.m. on April 15 in the church.

Announcements Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann is pleased to announce that Father William McEvoy is returning to the archdiocese after successfully completing a recovery program. Father McEvoy will resume his responsibilities as pastor of St. Francis de Sales Church, Lansing, beginning April 14. Archbishop Naumann wishes to thank Msgr. Gary Applegate for his service as parochial administrator of St. Francis de Sales during Father McEvoy’s absence. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has accepted the resignation of Father Richard Warsnak as pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Emporia, upon Father Warsnak’s request of a leave of absence for personal reasons. Father Thomas Dolezal has been appointed parochial administrator until a new pastor is appointed in July.

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Street ministry in KCK leads to year in Sao Paulo slums By Julie Holthaus julie@theleaven.com

ansas City, Kan. — It began in a small way. In 2009, Sean Brite began volunteering at Shalom House here, assisting in meal preparation and guiding residents through job applications. Fast forward five years, and you’ll now find Brite living in the slums of South America, delivering food, water, and prayer to the homeless in places like Sao Paulo, through work with the Franciscans of the Poor of Jesus Christ. It was Brite’s work at Shalom House that led him to the Sisters of that order, who live above Shalom House. The Brazilian-based mendicant group has a simple mission: “To seek Jesus completely, and to belong completely to Jesus.” Brite began helping the Sisters in their weekly street ministry, doing what he is doing now — bringing food, water and prayer to the homeless — but in this case to those in Kansas City, Kan., and Kansas City, Mo. “Street ministry is a lot about being a positive presence,” Brite said. “I had a man tell me, ‘You’re bringing me food, but food I can get. I am thankful you are here.’” “It’s very affirming,” he continued. “And when you aspire to see with the eyes of God, you start to see justice and where love needs to be.” Through his work with the Sisters, Brite was given the opportunity to meet the founder of the order. “When I first met him, I wasn’t thinking Brazil, but we talked about discerning a life call or religious call,” Brite recalls. “One day, we were talking and he said he saw me coming to Brazil, and I was very unsettled by that.” Brite would eventually agree, despite his initial reservations, and begin to make arrangements for South America. “You can get in a place of reflecting your own fear,” said Brite. “Fear is why we don’t do a lot of what we are called to do.” The trip would be an eight-month stay with the Brothers of the order in Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Brite left for Sao Paulo in late August 2013. “There are drugs and alcohol, human trafficking, child prostitution and many villages outside of dumps,” said Brite. “Brazil is where most of the work is for the order.”

Leaven photo by Julie Holthaus

Inspired by his volunteer work at Shalom House in Kansas City, Kan., Sean Brite has moved on to the slums of South America, delivering food, water and prayer to the homeless.

“

Street ministry is a lot about being a positive presence. I had a man tell me, ‘You’re bringing me food, but food I can get. I am thankful you are here.’”

Sean Brite

Sao Paulo is Brazil’s largest city, and the world’s seventh largest. According to Brazil’s Economic Research Institute Foundation, half of the population of Sao Paulo lives in informal shelters. The Brothers in Sao Paulo live and work among the poor and homeless, much as the Sisters do in Kansas City, Kan.

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Brite says both Pope Francis and Mother Teresa have provided great inspiration for him. “Pope Francis is going to challenge the world,” said Brite. “The world has been in an ego environment for so long, it’s a part of most people’s base humanity.” “‘What do I get? How do I satisfy myself? How can I live for me?’ are the predominant questions of our American culture,” said Brite. “We’ve become very attuned to immediate gratification with all of our devices, but I think people really want what Pope Francis is talking about — to not just live for pleasure, material and power. “Those are blessings that come to those who do a greater good.” Brite says Mother Teresa has inspired him through her motto of small actions with great love. “The way she would do that was by giving her presence,” said Brite. “When you were with her for a minute in a crowd, you had her focus for a minute. All are welcome to live the way she

lives, and knowing a smile is important. Your positivity really affects so many.” As for local inspiration, Brite credits the Sisters with being a positive fixture for others and loving unconditionally. Brite said their peacefulness through their relationship with God has been influential. “The Sisters have a very beautiful prayer I like to paraphrase,” said Brite. “When they pray they say, ‘Lord, make us worthy to be your hands, to bring joy, grace and love to people’s lives. Give bread to those who are hungry, and hunger for justice for those who have bread.’” Brite returns to the United States later this month. Upon returning, Brite will give talks about his mission and the work of the Franciscans of the Poor of Jesus Christ to area parishes. Find out more about Brite’s work in South America by visiting his blog online at: http://britemissiontobrazil. blogspot.com.

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6 local news

theleaven.com | april 11, 2014

Mass stipends to increase

or a great many years, the customary Mass stipend in the Province of Kansas City in Kansas (the four dioceses within the state of Kansas) has been $5. The bishops of each province determine the amount of the Mass stipend. On Jan. 17, during our provincial meeting, we, the bishops of Kansas, decided to designate the customary Mass stipend within Kansas to be $10 as of May 1. This brings the ordinary stipend amount into conformity with many dioceses around us. While this is not a critical matter, we believe that this is a good time for some appropriate catechesis on the topic of Mass stipends. We must begin by noting that the sacraments of the church are not bought and sold. Any semblance of trafficking in sacred matters is not only distasteful but sinful. It likewise must be noted that priests are to celebrate the Mass intentions of the faithful who approach them in good faith, regardless of whether or not a stipend is offered. Moreover, in every Mass the priest celebrates, the prayers also benefit the whole church. Each Sunday, the local pastor celebrates at least one Mass intention for the people he serves. Building upon these essential points, it may be helpful to understand the history of how Mass stipends evolved and how the church views them today. The ancient custom of offering a stipend to a priest in response for his offering Mass began when the church was quite poor. The money that a priest received for celebrating his daily Mass for a specific intention was oftentimes his sole source of income. In many poor countries today, a priest’s Mass stipend remains a primary source of his support. While Mass stipends in developed nations do not serve the same purpose today, the church’s laws surrounding the teaching on Mass stipends remains essentially the same. Canon 946 of the Code of Canon Law notes that when members of the faithful offer a Mass stipend, they are contributing to the good of the church, for they are sharing

in the church’s concern for the support of her ministers. But the Mass stipend is not only about the priest. From the perspective of the faithful, by offering to help with the priest’s essential support, the one offering the stipend also enters into the sacrifice of the Mass in a sacrificial way. This has been found to be spiritually meaningful for Catholics around the world. There are laws (canons) which govern how priests must treat Mass stipends. For instance, it is worth noting that the Mass stipend is a gift to the individual priest, not to the parish. Moreover, Mass intentions are not required to be published, although many priests do. If a priest chooses only to concelebrate Mass on a given day, instead of serving as the main celebrant of the Mass, he may still accept a stipend for his intention. Priests may accept only one stipend per Mass. When a priest celebrates several Masses on a particular day, he may keep only one stipend per day for himself, the exception being on Christmas. Any additional stipends must be forwarded to a charitable cause determined by the bishop of the diocese. Priests may only accept as many Mass stipends as they can fulfill in one year’s time. For this reason, a priest sometimes will send excess Mass stipends to the local chancery to be distributed to needy priests or to be shared with parishes in mission countries. In all these ways, the church struggles to remain faithful to the ancient custom of Mass stipends without giving any indication of trafficking in financial gain for something as sacred as the holy sacrifice of the Mass. With this in mind, one could ask, “So why raise the customary stipend at this time?” To address that question, we must keep in mind the fact that the spiritual value of a Mass is infinite. No amount of money could ever represent what is offered in the holy sacrifice of the Mass. To enable people to enter into a spirit of sharing in the concern of the church for her ministers, the customary amount should not be so great as to make it a hardship for people to approach their pastors for this spiritu-

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Note: In the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, priests may choose to keep the Mass stipends for Masses they celebrate, according to the Code of Canon Law (one stipend per day except on Christmas) or may opt instead to turn over all Mass stipends to the parish and receive a fixed monthly salary. The vast majority of priests in the archdiocese elect the fixed salary option of $1,170/ month. A priest who retains Mass stipends will receive a base salary of $763/month, effective May 1 (previously $915/month).

al benefit; and likewise, the amount should not be so small as if to imply that the Mass itself were somehow an incidental matter. As the balance is delicate, a change is made only after considerable consultation and, as noted above, a review of neighboring dioceses and provinces. With this background and understanding before us, we, the bishops of Kansas, have concluded that it is appropriate to raise the suggested offering for a Mass stipend. Again, the faithful should never hesitate to approach the pastors of the church for this spiritual assistance, regardless of whether they can offer a stipend or not. The only essential requirement is the good intention of the faithful.

Archbishop Joseph Naumann, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas Bishop John Brungardt, Diocese of Dodge City Bishop Edward Weisenburger, Diocese of Salina Msgr. Robert Hemberger, Diocesan Administrator, Diocese of Wichita

Pat (Brady) and John Anderson, members of Corpus Christi Church, L a w re n c e, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 18. The couple was married on April 18, 1964, at St. Joseph Church in Lillis by Father Carl Dekat. Their son Jeff and his wife Jill live in Lenexa. They have two grandsons. Linda and Robert Schneider, members of St. Joseph Parish, Nortonville, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception from 2-5 p.m. on April 13 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Nortonville. They request no gifts, just your presence. The couple was married on April 18, 1964, at St. Charles Church in Troy. Their children and their spouses are: Angela and Ron Langston; Kristina and Joey Edwards; and Tamra and Monte Cutshall, all of Nortonville. They also have eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Anniversary policy

• The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th notices. • Announcements are due eight days before the desired publication date. • Announcements must be typed. • They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, or for those who have resided in the archdiocese for a significant period of time. Include the following Information: • The couple’s names • their parish • the date they were married • church and city where they were married • what they are doing to celebrate • date of the celebration • names of children (if desired) • number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Photo specifications: • Emailed photos need to be at least 200 dpi. • Mailed photos can be any size. • If you would like your photo returned, include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: Todd@theleaven.com.

In the name of the father Archbishop Naumann never got to meet his father, but through baseball, got to know him stories by Todd Habiger

t’s simple really. A round, cushioned cork, wrapped in wool and cotton yarn, covered by stitched rawhide. A baseball. But for Joseph Naumann, it’s something

so much more. It’s a portal through time and space. It’s a magical tool that allows him to connect to the father he never met.

The catcher Fred Naumann loved baseball. Growing up in St. Louis, he was naturally a loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan. So much so, that he skipped school one day to attend game seven of the 1934 World Series. “His Latin teacher said that anybody who skipped class to go to the World Series would flunk the class,” said Archbishop Naumann. “He didn’t believe her and went to World Series anyway. He had to take an extra semester of Latin because of that.” Fred was also an excellent baseball player. After high school, he signed a contract with his beloved Cardinals. Fred was a fiery player — a hard-nosed catcher trying to work his way through a deep St. Louis Cardinals baseball system. For three years, Fred toiled in the Cardinals system, moving from Missouri to Illinois, to Alabama, to Texas, to Florida — wherever the Cardinals needed him. Along the way, he got to catch a young pitcher who would one day end up in the Hall of Fame — but as a hitter — Stan Musial. The 1940 season would be Fred’s last in the minors. According to Fred’s future wife Louise, Fred and his manager in Florida didn’t particularly like each other. “Being young, he just quit and came back to St. Louis,” said Louise. “Other teams contacted him and he was pretty sure he would get picked up. But he didn’t realize that he was still under contract to the Cardinals.” Not willing to go back to the Cardinals, Fred settled into life in St. Louis. He and Louise married. In 1942, he answered his country’s call during World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater. After the war, Fred continued his baseball career, playing semipro ball in St. Louis. A few years later, a son, Fred Jr., was born. Still only in his early 30s, Fred was managing a store in 1948, but looking to make a change. He never had the chance. A week before Christmas — on Dec. 18, 1948 — Fred was stabbed and killed in his store by a disgruntled employee. His son Joseph would be born five months later. >> See “BASEBALL” on the next page

Fred Naumann was a minor league baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals and the father or Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. Fred was tragically killed before the archbishop was born. The drawing above was given to the Naumann family when Fred was inducted into the Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.

Fred Naumann’s career stats G AB H 2B 1938 Monett Redbirds 60 214 65 11 1938 Springfield Cardinals 11 28 8 1 1939 Kilgore Boomers 85 252 58 8 1940 Daytona Beach Islanders 19 71 16 3 Total 175 565 147 23

3B HR BA 2 6 .304 0 0 .286 0 0 .230 0 0 .225 2 6 .260

Source: www.baseball-reference.com

he year is 1964 and the Philadelphia Phillies have a sixand-a-half game lead in the National League with 12 left to play. The pennant is almost assured. But in one of the great collapses in baseball history, the Phillies lose 10 straight, and the St. Louis Cardinals stage a furious finish to take the National League crown by one game. The Cardinals would go on to win the World Series 4-3 over the New York Yankees. It was that season that Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann remembers most as a youth growing up in St. Louis. “I was 15 at the time. That was a dream come true,” said Archbishop Naumann. “They were a fun team to watch with [Lou] Brock, [Mike] Shannon, Ken Boyer and Bob Gibson.” It was the no-nonsense Gibson that Archbishop Naumann came to admire. Known for his competitive nature and a little bit of nastiness, Gibson was one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. “Bob Gibson was my favorite Cardinal player. When you went to a game and Bob Gibson pitched, you knew that it would maybe be two hours or less,” he said. “He took very little time between pitches and he took very little time getting people out. He was such a dominant pitcher and a competitive athlete.” Through the years, Archbishop Naumann’s love for the game has never wavered. He’s seen his beloved Cardinals win more World Series titles in 1967, 1982, 2006 and 2011. Of course, there is the one that got away — the 1985 World Series that the Cardinals lost in seven games to the Kansas City Royals. That game was notable for the famous blown call in the ninth inning of game six that allowed the Royals to come back and win that game, forcing a game seven. The archbishop said he watched game six in disbelief. “It was definitely a bad call. Nobody can dispute that,” he said. “But I think good teams overcome bad calls. The Royals prevailed and were the best team during that World Series.” Growing up in a National League city, Archbishop Naumann favors the style of play that is prevalent in that league, which typically sees more bunting, stealing, hit-and-runs and double switches, all because the pitcher bats in the A statue of Bob Gibson sits outside National League as opBusch Stadium in St. Louis. Gibson was posed to the American Archbishop Naumann’s favorite player League, which uses a growing up. designated hitter to bat for the pitcher. The archbishop has a particular disdain for the designated hitter. “I think it’s a bad development,” he said. “It takes a lot of the strategy out of the game. I’m a purist along those lines. Having the pitchers hit is a good thing. It really changes the game with how [a manager] has to decide to keep a pitcher in or not keep a pitcher in. I think it takes a lot of the thinking out of the game.” The archbishop has seen the game of baseball change from when he was a youth. Baseball is big business now. The salaries players make today are astronomical. “Baseball has changed a lot from when my dad played because there wasn’t a lot of money to be made back then,” he said. “People played for their enjoyment and passion for the game. In some ways, I think it was really purer back when players made some sacrifices to play baseball.” Archbishop Naumann feels that the money being thrown around the game today contributed to the ugly steroid era that baseball is just now emerging from. “It ruins the integrity of the game when athletes try to get an edge through chemicals,” he said. “Athletes, whether they like it or not, are role models for young people. That kind of example to young people is very dangerous — that they would copy athletes and use those kind of drugs that have a lot of harmful effects.” Despite the problems with the game, the archbishop remains a fan and has a certain admiration for players that have let their faith shine despite the temptations that Major League Baseball offers. He’s a great fan of former Royals player Mike Sweeney, who has never been shy about professing his love for God. Sweeney is currently retired and runs Catholic baseball camps in California and Kansas City. “I think he’s such a classy person. It’s wonderful to see him so strong in his faith and share his faith with young people,” the archbishop said. Despite his St. Louis upbringing, the archbishop has developed a fondness for the Kansas City Royals. When asked who he would root for in a second 1-70 World Series, he evasively answered “yes” with a hearty laugh, before adding, “I figure I can’t lose.”

Baseball creates bond between father and son than off the field. “I get the impression that [off the field] he was somewhat laid back. Very much a gentleman.” In 1997, much to the surprise of the family, Fred was inducted into the Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. A group of former teammates pushed for Fred’s induction based on his career in the minors and semipro ball in St. Louis. “I was surprised by [his induction], particularly because it was almost 50 years after he died,” said the archbishop. “It was a nice tribute to him.”

>> Continued from previous page

Know thy father Despite Fred’s death, Louise was determined that he would be a part of her boys’ lives. She started by keeping a picture of Fred on a cedar chest in the home at about eye level. “I always told them that they were luckier than other kids because those kids only had their dads in the evenings, but their dad was watching over them 24 hours a day,” said Louise. But it was through baseball that Joseph could really relate to his father. Particularly St. Louis Cardinal baseball. “St. Louis is known for being very much a baseball city,” said Archbisho p Naumann. “My m o t h e r, because my father played baseball, wanted my brother and me to be fans of the game.” It was an easy time to be a Cardinals fan. The Cardinals dominated the 1940s, winning four National League pennants and three World Series titles behind Musial, who had settled in quite nicely as one of the greatest hitters of all time. The ’50s weren’t nearly as kind, but Musial kept on hitting, building on his Hall of Fame career. By the mid-1960s, the Cardinals were back competing for pennants and young Joseph got to see the team firsthand, thanks to some kind family friends. “We were fortunate, because in the parish where I grew up, there was an elderly couple, and the wife was a secretary in the Cardinals office,” said Archbishop Naumann. “They didn’t have any children, but she got four tickets to every game as one of the perks of her job. Her husband loved baseball and he would take my brother and me. Some years, we would go to almost half of the home games.” It was also during this time that Joseph was reminded of his father’s connection to the baseball world. At one game, a scout for the Cardinals, Sheldon “Chief” Bender, got word that the Naumann brothers were in attendance. Bender had played with Fred Naumann in the minor leagues and the two were good friends. Bender gathered up the Naumann boys and took them to the Cardinals dugout to meet the players. “That was such a thrill,” said the archbishop. “We got autographs and a baseball bat from them. It was nice that that many years later [Bender] would remember my father and make that happen for my brother and me.” Bender would also occasionally visit the Naumann house when he was in town and tell

Play ball

Leaven photo by Lori Wood Habiger

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann wasn’t even born when his father — Fred Naumann (right), a former St. Louis Cardinals minor league player — was killed. But baseball has allowed the archbishop to find out what his father was like as a player and as a man. stories about Fred. “He had a lot of great things to say about my dad. Not only as a baseball player, but as a man,” said Archbishop Naumann. “He would talk about what a good

friend he was and how he was a person of integrity who you could count on.” Louise also kept old newspaper clippings around the house, which gave the archbishop a

feel for what his father was like as a player. “I remember being surprised that he got ejected from a couple of games,” said Archbishop Naumann. “It gave me some in-

sight into him as a man. From other comments that people have said about him, his on-thefield demeanor was different

While his father was a fine ballplayer, Joseph couldn’t quite duplicate Fred’s on the field success. The archbishop freely admits that “the talent wasn’t there.” Something his mother readily confirms. “Oh, he wasn’t very good at all,” she said with a chuckle. That didn’t stop young Joseph from trying. And he wasn’t above asking for some divine intervention. “When I was playing baseball, I would pray to my father that he would give me the ability to hit the ball or do whatever I needed to do at that particular time,” he said. Despite his own limitations, Archbishop Naumann takes great pride in the fact that his father was a good baseball player and part of the Cardinals system. “I always felt proud about the fact that my father had excelled in baseball,” he said. “In St. Louis, baseball is so much a part of the culture, and baseball players were generally held in high esteem. It was kind of a cool thing to think that my father was a very skilled baseball player.” As the baseball season begins, Archbishop Naumann’s thoughts often turn to his father and the game he loved so much. “I try to remember him frequently in prayer. Baseball is still a way I feel connected to him,” he said. “I’m always glad to see spring training and the season roll around. I think that was something he probably looked forward to as well.” For Louise, she feels proud of the fact that her boys have an understanding of who their father was, both as a ball player and as a man. “I had decided that my goal in life was to raise my boys to be living monuments to their father’s memory,” said Louise. “And they truly are. Joe is a great bishop and Fred is a wonderful father and husband. What else could you ask?”

Fred Naumann’s encounters with baseball royalty Stan Musial

Stan Musial was one of the greatest hitters in baseball history, but he started out as a pitcher. In 1940, he played with the Class D Daytona Beach Islanders. One of the catchers on that team was Fred Naumann. Musial played major league baseball for 22 seasons, all with the Cardinals, alternating between first base and the outfield. Nicknamed “Stan the Man,” Musial was the National League’s Most Valuable Player three times, won three World Series titles and shares the record for most All-Star Games played with 24. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969.

Branch Rickey

Branch Rickey was the business manager for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1926 to 1942 and signed Fred Naumann to a baseball contract. Rickey is most famous for breaking the color barrier as the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers by signing Jackie Robinson to a minor league contract in 1945. Rickey created the framework for the modern minor league farm system while with the Cardinals. He was the general manager of the Dodgers from 1942 to 1950. Rickey took over the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1950 and was responsible for drafting Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1967.

Sheldon Bender

Sheldon “Chief” Bender was a minor league teammate and friend of Fred Naumann. Bender was a minor league manager and scout for the Cardinals from 1949 to 1966. He was hired by the Cincinnati Reds in 1967 and was director of the Cincinnati farm system that produced All-Stars the likes of Ken Griffey Sr., Dave Concepcion, Eric Davis and Paul O’Neil. The Reds minor league player of the year award is named after him. In 2008, Minor League Baseball began presenting the annual Sheldon “Chief” Bender Award to a person with distinguished service who has been instrumental in player development.

Photo courtesy the Cincinnati Reds

True confessions of a Cardinals fan

nation/world 11

april 11, 2014 | theleaven.com

Border wall Mass was dramatic, but was anyone in D.C. listening? By Patricia Zapor Catholic News Service

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

ASHINGTON (CNS) — The bishops who trekked through the desert, served dinner to deportees, celebrated Mass at the Mexican border and visited a morgue full of unidentified bodies found in the wilderness were intent on sampling and publicizing the harsh realities of what they repeatedly called the broken immigration system. Now comes the test of whether anyone in Washington got the message. News stories, photos and video of the March 31 and April 1 activities circled the world: showing bishops ducking under barbed wire amid stands of cactus and sticker bushes; pouring juice for weary migrants; and reaching between the slats of the border fence to bless Massgoers and distribute the Eucharist. Comparisons were made to Pope Francis’ visit last summer to the Italian island Lampedusa, where migrants who attempt to enter Europe illegally — and often die in the process — were memorialized. In Nogales, as the pope did in Lampedusa, the bishops warned against indifference to the plight of suffering people. Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, preaching during the Mass, ticked off statistics: 400 bodies found in the border region each year; 25,000 children who arrived in the U.S. last year unaccompanied by relatives; 30,000 people without criminal records held in immigration detention, at a cost of $2 billion annually; and more than 10 million people without legal immigration status living in fear of discovery, deportation and separation from their family members. “The system is broken and is causing untold suffering and an untenable waste of resources, human and material,” he said. In conversations with Catholic News Service and in comments during a news conference after the Mass, the bishops talked about how affecting it was to hear story after story of families separated by deportation. They ached with the migrants who related the physical, financial and emotional costs of trying to get into the United States in search of family reunification, jobs and a better life. At the news conference, 13-year-old Fatima Rojas walked onto the stage and asked the bishops to pick up the phone and call President Barack Obama on behalf of her sister, Rosy, in her sixth

Jesuit, who used YouTube to appeal for help, reportedly killed

R CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec

Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., blesses people on the Mexican side as he distributes Communion through the border fence in Nogales, Ariz., April 1. A group of U.S. bishops, led by Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, celebrated Mass at the border calling attention to the plight of migrants and appealing for changes in U.S. immigration policy. month of immigration detention in Eloy, Ariz. “You can do it,” she pleaded, saying that Pope Francis had intervened with Obama for another girl. Jersey Vargas, 10, on a pilgrimage to Rome with people from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, was able to personally plead with the pope in mid-March to speak to the president about her father, who was being held in immigration detention in Louisiana. A few days after Obama and Pope Francis met at the Vatican March 25, Mario Vargas was released on bond and allowed to reunite with his family in Los Angeles. It’s unclear whether there was any direct connection with the events at the Vatican. But someone believed there was. “I know you can call President Obama,” Fatima told the bishops, through tears. The bishops themselves wish they had the kind of clout Fatima thinks they do. The border events were part of a ramping up of the U.S. church’s efforts to persuade Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform and, more immediately, to end deportation and detention policies that are dividing families. Whether their efforts resonate where it counts — in the House of Representatives, where immigration legislation hasn’t moved since the Senate passed a reform bill last June — remains to be seen. In an April 4 teleconference sponsored by immigration reform advocates, Kevin Appleby, director of mi-

gration and public affairs for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the border events underlined the urgency of dealing with the humanitarian costs of the immigration situation. “We went to [the border] to raise the human issue, the moral issue,” said Appleby. “We always talk about the economic, social and legal issues, but in the end, this is about 11 million human beings living in the shadows. “Immigration laws should protect human rights, not undermine them,” he added. “The U.S. bishops believe our current laws undermine them” by keeping families apart through detention and deportation. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., the most vocal congressional advocate for comprehensive reform, said in the teleconference that he’s optimistic that legislation can pass in the House before Congress recesses for the summer. If it doesn’t, he said, Obama has the legal authority to ease the threat of deportation for millions of people by executive order, using prosecutorial discretion. Meeting with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and with immigration reform advocates in March, Obama said he was instructing Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to review options for just such steps. Nearly two years ago, Obama exerted prosecutorial discretion in creating Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA, a path for young adults who came to the country as children to register with the government and be shielded temporarily from deportation.

OME (CNS) — A 75-yearold Dutch Jesuit who refused to leave war-torn Syria, instead staying in Homs to help the poor and homeless, was beaten by armed men and killed with two bullets to the head, according to an email sent by the Jesuits’ Middle East province to the Jesuit headquarters in Rome. Jesuit Father Frans van der Lugt, who had worked in Syria since 1966, declined suggestions to leave because he wanted to help Syria’s suffering civilians — “Christians and Muslims — anyone in need,” said Father Giuseppe Bellucci, head of the Jesuits’ press office. The email, reporting that armed men had taken Father Van der Lugt, beaten him and then shot him dead in front of the Jesuit residence in Homs, was sent to the Jesuit headquarters April 7, Father Bellucci said. “That’s all the information we have right now.” Father Van der Lugt became known around the world after appealing for aid for the people of the besieged city of Homs in a video posted on YouTube in late January. The United Nations supervised an evacuation of about 1,400 people from Homs in early February; arriving in Jordan, the refugees confirmed Father Van der Lugt’s accounts of people, especially young children, starving to death. Speaking to Catholic News Service by telephone Feb. 6, the Jesuit had said: “There has been no food. People are hungry and waiting for help. No injured people have been allowed to leave. Families have been hoping to get out of the siege and out of the fighting between the two sides.” “The wounded have not received proper treatment, so healing has been difficult. Newborns die very quickly because of a lack of milk,” he said. “There have been cases of death due to hunger and starvation.” In Syria, Jesuit Refugee Service announced it would close for three days after Father Van der Lugt’s death. “Father Frans was a beacon for all of us; he did not only preach about love and reconciliation but he lived it out every day — in humility and with compassion for all — until the very end,” said Father Peter Balleis, JRS International director.

12 classifieds Employment President - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to recruit an outstanding new president for Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kan. Bishop Ward High School was established in 1908 and is currently a coed Catholic, college preparatory high school serving approximately 360 students looking to be challenged academically and spiritually and have their sights set firmly on attending college. The school has a large alumni base and is currently working to establish a $10 million endowment. The president we seek will lead the overall operation that includes a faculty and staff of approximately 50 and will also serve as the external face of the organization within the community. To recommend a candidate or to apply for the position directly, please contact Dan Heiman at Cornerstone Kansas City at (913) 341-7655 or send an email to: danh@cornerstone-kc. com. Learn more online at: www.wardhigh.org. Pastoral associate - Church of the Annunciation, Kearney, Mo., a growing community in the Northland, is seeking a pastoral associate with designated responsibilities to include adult faith formation, RCIA, pastoral care and social justice ministries. An opportunity to collaborate with pastoral staff and parishioners in promoting Gospel values and mutuality in mission and ministry. Desired qualifications: theological and religious studies, a master’s degree or equivalent being preferred; experience in pastoral ministry. Send cover letter and resume by email to: jcwolf@fairpoint.net or mail to Church of the Annunciation, 701 N. Jefferson St., Kearney, MO 64060, attention of Rev. John Wolf, CPPS. Hairdresser - Full or part time. Rental. Lenexa area. Call (816) 223-5306. Yard cleanup - Need a good worker to help with yard cleanup by the hour. Should be knowledgeable on gardening and be reasonable. After 6 p.m. Call (913) 648-7210. Financial representatives - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City metro, Topeka, and Garnett - Greeley area. 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. Please contact John A. Mahon, general agent, for more information or an interview by sending an email to: john.mahon@ kofc.org, by phone at (785) 408-8806 or at 1275 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612.

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Caregiving

REAL ESTATE Wanted to buy - Houses that need an upgrade or are very old that you’re having difficulty selling or are in need of selling quickly. I can pay cash within 20 days. Please call Mark Edmondson at (913) 980-4905. Holy Trinity Parish member. GREAT HOME FOR ST. JAMES ACADEMY students - This reverse ranch, 4 BR home is perfect for students attending St. James Academy as it is about 1.5 miles down the road. 7824 Shady Bend Court, Shawnee, KS 66227. Call Debbie Allison at (913) 707-6466 or call The Adam Butler Team at (913) 685-2326 with Keller Williams Realty Partners, Inc. Own Your Own Lodge - Approximately 5,860 square feet. Perfect for large families or a business getaway. 240 feet of lake frontage. Seasonal, summer or winter. Three stone fireplaces, 3 master suites with 3 additional bedrooms, 6 baths, 2 wet bars, 3 living areas for family and friends. Fully furnished. 3-well oversized dock. Sunrise Beach, Mo., in the Ozarks. $695,000. Call (913) 208-8074.

VACATION Colorado vacation - Winter Park; 2 BR, 1 BA, furnished. Mountain biking, golf, hiking, and fishing. $125 per night or $700 per week. Call (816) 392-0686. Branson getaway - Walk-in condo on Pointe Royale Golf Course. Sleeps 6. Close to lakes and entertainment. Fully furnished. Pool and hot tub available. No cleaning fee. Nightly and weekly rates. Discounts available. Call (913) 515-3044. Colorado vacation - Granby, Winter Park. 2 BR, kitchen, sleeps 6. Pet OK. www.innatsilvercreek.com. June 28 - July 5; July 5 - July 12. $700 per week. Call (913) 649-7596. Pilgrimage in France - Sept. 8 - 18, 2014. Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Bernadette, healing baths, St. John Vianney, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. Thérèse, beaches of Normandy (70th anniversary), Mont St. Michel, Our Lady of Pontmain, St. Catherine Laboure, St. Vincent de Paul, Paris. Chaplain: Fr. Ernie Davis, St. Therese Little Flower Kansas City. $4,559. Send an email to: frernie3@gmail. com or call (816) 444-5406.

for sale

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.

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.

Do you worry about your aging parents? - Call to learn how a nurse ambassador can consistently manage your health and wellness, allowing you to live at home safely. A simple and affordable choice. Call Home Connect Health at (913) 627-9222.

For sale - First Communion dress sets for 18” or American Girl dolls. Includes dress, veil, shoes, tights, and cross necklace. Full line of doll clothes and accessories in south Johnson County. Will mail anywhere if needed. Call Patty at (913) 345-9498.

Have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease? Inquire about our fresh, unique approach to care. At ComfortCare Homes of Kansas City, we provide a calm, stressfree and well-structured home environment for five to eight residents living with Alzheimer’s disease. A ComfortCare home is not “homelike” but rather it is a real home in a real neighborhood — there are no signs in the yard, no restaurant-style dining and no long, impersonal halls lined with patients. To tour and learn more, call Courtney Minter at (913) 609-1891 or visit the website at: www.ComfortCareKC.com.

For sale - Mausoleum at Prince of Peace Resurrection inside the main chapel at eye level. Valued at $8,000. Will accept a decent offer. Call (913) 341-3149.

Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com. Certified home health care - We are two women, both certified CNAs, CPR and home health aides. Will care for your loved ones day or night. Hospice experience in Mo. and Kan. 100% good references. Treat your family with dignity and safe care. Call (816) 322-2396, (816) 3086259 or (913) 449-8348. Ask for Mary or Sarah.

wanted to buy Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware. Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

MISCELLANEOUS Our Lady of Hope. Catholics with an Anglican and Methodist heritage. Formal and friendly. Visitors welcome. Mass Saturdays at 4 p.m., St. Therese Little Flower, 5814 Euclid, Kansas City, Mo. Fulfills Sunday obligation. Father Ernie Davis. Dr. Bruce Prince-Joseph, organist. For more information, send an email to: frernie3@gmail.com or call (816) 729-6776.

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calendar 13

April 11, 2014 | theleaven.com

April

11005 Johnson Dr, Shawnee. To RSVP, call Pat at (913) 334-1399 by April 21.

The University of Saint Mary De Paul Library will serve up a virtu11-13 al treasure trove for book lovers April 11 - 13 at the library’s annual used book sale. The sale, on USM’s Leavenworth campus at 4100 S. 4th St., is open to the public. The books, culled from De Paul Library’s extensive collection, will be on sale for $1 each for hardcovers and 50 cents each for paperbacks. VHS tapes will go for 25 cents apiece. Proceeds from the sale go to purchasing new materials for the library. The hours for the sale 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on April 11; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on April 12; and 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. on April 13. For more information, call De Paul Library at (913) 758-6306.

A Mass with prayers for healing, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on April 24 in the Father Burak Room at Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Father Anthony Kiplagat will preside. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, will host a parish mission, entitled “God, Faith and Being Tested,” from April 11 - 13. The mission will be presented by Father James Swetnam, SJ, a scholar of the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and now a resident of Jesuit Hall in St. Louis. There is no cost to attend. For more information, contact the parish office at (913) 724-1665 or visit the website at: holyangelsbasehor.org. A replica of the Shroud of Turin will be on display on April 13 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. or 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Ascension Parish Hall, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park.

The Service of Tenebrae will be held at 7 p.m. on April 13 at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kan. This candlelit meditation will begin Holy Week, featuring prayers, readings, and the poignant “Lamentations of Jeremiah,” sung by archdiocesan vocal ensemble Sursum Corda. The music also features the famous setting of Psalm 51, Gregorio Allegri’s “Miserere.” There is no cost to attend. All are welcome. The Topeka regional Divine Mercy Sunday celebration will include a holy hour and enthronement with Archbishop Joseph Naumann and Father Mitchel Zimmerman on April 27 at 5 p.m. at Christ the King Parish, 25th and Wanamaker, Topeka. A reception will follow at 6 p.m.

The Daughters of Isabella, St. Faustina Circle, Gardner, will meet April 21 at the Divine Mercy Parish center, 120 E. Warren, Gardner. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., followed by a rosary and prayer at 6:45 p.m. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Catholic women over the age of 16 are invited to join. For more information, call Judy Hadle at (913) 884-7321 or send an email to Gini Liveley at: ginil@ kc.rr.com

The Catholic Business Network welcomes Dr. Paul Camarata for a breakfast event on April 22 from 6:45 - 8:30 a.m. at Church of the Nativity Parish hall, 119th and Mission, Leawood. He will share his reversion story, as well as how his deep Catholic faith has influenced his successful career as a neurosurgeon. The cost to attend is $10 for adults; $5 for the unemployed. RSVP by April 17 by sending an email to: rsvp@ catholicbusinessnetwork.net.

Scooter’s will donate 25 percent of all purchases to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas on April 25 at the following locations: 9455 W. 87th St., Overland Park, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.; 10610 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Shawnee, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.; and 2027 E. Santa Fe St., Olathe, 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. Treat yourself to whole beans, pastries, espresso, coffee drinks, fruit smoothies, and teas while helping neighbors in need.

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer, Easton, will hold a Divine Mercy retreat from April 25 to Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27. There will be four conferences, eucharistic adoration, the recitation of the Divine Mercy chaplet, and Mass at the local parish. There will be time for private prayer, meditation, walking and alone time. Check-in is at 6 p.m. on Friday with a soup meal included. If you are interested in attending, send an email to: info@christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255. A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on April 26 at Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Following the Mass, the bereavement ministry will hold its monthly support meeting in the Father Burak Room. Grief counselor Shelly Mikuls will speak on secondary losses. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

The Curé of Ars Singles will host their annual spring fling dance with classic rock music on April 26 from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The cost to attend is $15 at the door. For information, call (913) 631-6873. The German American Edelweiss Society will host a spring dance on April 26 from 6 - 10:30 p.m. at St. Anthony Church hall, 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan. The cost to attend is $18, which covers dinner, drinks, and a dance with German music provided by the Willie Kirst Band. Tickets can be purchased at the door, and raffle prizes will also be available. For more information, call Tom Roberts at (913) 721-3299. Holy Trinity Parish, Paola, will host “Be Transported to Paolasburg” on April 26 at the Miami County Fairgrounds. There will be a German dinner, games, events, and an auction. The cost to attend is $250 per table. For tickets, contact Rexanne at the parish office at (913) 557-2067. St. Paul School, Olathe, will host its third annual Chef’s Classic Knockout Bout on April 26 from 6 - 10 p.m. at St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa. The cost to attend is $25. The cost for VIP tickets is $50. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the website at: www.knock outbout.com.

A home solar panels presentation will be given on April 22 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at St. Pius X Church, 5500 Woodson, Mission. Learn about a solar leasing program for Kansas residents that requires no upfront costs and saves money on electric bills. For more information, contact Carol Meyer at (913) 677-8672 or visit the website at: wis domways@planetkc.com.

Our Lady of Unity Church, Kansas City, Kan., will host a Unity Gala benefit on April 27 at 6 p.m. at the Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd., Overland Park. The cost to attend is $65, which includes dinner, dessert and entertainment. A silent auction will also be held. For more information or tickets, call Connie Cervantes at (816) 6518085 or Milagros Figueroa at (913) 9616451.

Our Lady of Fatima Circle, Daughters of Isabella, will host its annual spring luncheon at 1 p.m. on April 23 at Pegah’s Restaurant,

The annual Hope to Shalom Peace Walk will be held at 1 p.m. on April 27 at Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Partici-

pants will walk to Shalom House, 13th and Parallel, Kansas City, Kan., and stop and pray for peace in Kansas City, Kan., along the way. The walk will end at 3 p.m. and a ride will be provided back to Sanctuary of Hope. For more information, call (913) 321-4673. All are welcome to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on April 27 at 3 p.m. at Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood. This is also the day the canonizations of Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II will take place in Rome. Divine Mercy Sunday will be celebrated at Christ the King Parish, 25th and Wanamaker, Topeka, on April 27. The day will include confessions from 2 - 3 p.m., the Divine Mercy chaplet from 3 - 3:15 p.m., and the Eucharist at 3:15 p.m. St. Joseph of the Valley Altar Society will host the Leavenworth Region of ACCW quarterly luncheon and meeting on April 27 at 12:30 p.m. in Bertels Hall at St. Joseph of the Valley Parish, 31151 207th St., (rural) Leavenworth. Sister Vickie Perkins, SCL, director of Welcome Central in Leavenworth will be the guest speaker. Her presentation will be on property. Please bring used cards, used stamps, items for the ditty bags, pennies for the seminarians in our archdiocese and nonperishable food items for Catholic Charities. For additional information, contact Judy Brose at: brosej2002@yahoo.com, or (913) 773-8334. Does your marriage need fine tuning? Marriage for Keeps, an outreach of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, is returning to St. Patrick Parish, 1086 N. 94th St. Kansas City, Kan. Marriage for Keeps offers education, support and resources for couples seeking to improve their marriage and strengthen their family. Workshops teach couples to communicate more effectively, reduce conflict, connect emotionally and learn to better meet each other’s needs. Classes begin April 28 and run seven consecutive Mondays from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Registration is required. To register, call (913) 621-5775, ext. 1105.

May The Ladies of Queen of the Holy Rosary, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, will host a women’s prayer brunch and fashion show on May 3 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. The cost to attend is $10. For more information and tickets, call Connie Crutchfield at (913) 492-5697.

Mike Connelly and Pat Moran will be honored at the Immaculata High School Hall of Fame celebration on May 17. The event will begin with Mass at St. Joseph Church, Leavenworth, at 4 p.m., followed by dinner and the Hall of Fame induction at St. Joseph Dining Hall, University of Saint Mary. RSVP by May 1. For more information or to order tickets, visit the website at: www. leavenworthcatholicshools.org or call the development office at (913) 682-7801.

Summer Do you live in the Kansas City area? Do you need some minor home repair or know someone in need of home repairs? Catholic HEART (Helping Everyone Attain Repairs Today) will be in your area, July 14 - 17. Catholic HEART provides the labor and some material, such as paint, tools, and wood. Requests for assistance must be submitted before June 1. For more information, call Ernie Boehner, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, at (913) 433-2085; Rick Cheek, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, at (913) 284-1725; or Scott See, Catholic HEART Workcamp manager at (913) 208-4610.

St. James Academy has many summer camp opportunities available for both junior high and high school students. The objectives of St. James Academy summer youth camps are to develop skills in future high school student athletes and to provide a general overview of the high school team experience. Register online on the website at: www.sjakeepingfaith.org. Registration closes one week before camp. The camps cost $80 and will include a T-shirt. Contact Mark Huppe with questions or concerns at (913) 254-4284 or at the school, located at 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa, KS 66227.

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14 commentary Scripture Readings

theleaven.com | april 11, 2014

April 13 PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD Mt 21: 1-11 (procession) Is 50: 4-7 Ps 22: 8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 Phil 2: 6-11 Mt 26:14 – 27:66 April 14 Monday of Holy Week Is 42: 1-7 Ps 27: 1-3, 13-14 Jn 12: 1-11 April 15 Tuesday of Holy Week Is 49: 1-6 Ps 71: 1-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15, 17 Jn 13: 21-33, 36-38 April 16 Wednesday of Holy Week Is 50: 4-9a Ps 69: 8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34 Mt 26: 14-25 THE EASTER TRIDUUM April 17 THURSDAY OF THE LORD’S SUPPER Ex 12: 1-8, 11-14 Ps 116: 12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18 1 Cor 11: 23-26 Jn 13: 1-15 April 18 Friday of the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday) Is 52:13 – 53:12 Ps 31: 2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25 Heb 4: 14-16; 5: 7-9 Jn 18:1 – 19:42 April 19 The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night Gn 1:1 – 2:2 Ex 14:15 – 15:1 Is 55: 1-11 Rom 6: 3-11 Ps 118: 1-2, 16ab-17, 22-23 Lk 24: 1-12

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family matters

mark my words

Holy week

Will you have a glorious ending?

ometimes (often?) I should just keep my mouth shut. Last Friday night before Stations of the Cross was one of those times. When I came into the room to lead Stations, I took a look at the crowd that was there. Before I could stop myself, my thoughts turned into words and those words came tumbling out of my mouth. “Thank you for being here,” I said to the 20 or so people who were gathered to pray. “Well, I can tell we’re getting to the end of Lent by all of the empty chairs I see!” The first Friday we did Stations, the room was packed. We even ran out of books and people had to share. Gradually, though, things like March Madness, spring break, the longer hours of daylight and warmer weather gradually chipped away at attendees. It’s like this every year. But what if, just once, the reverse happened? It would be something else to have a small number of people in church on Ash Wednesday that gradually grew over the days of Lent — at daily Mass, Stations, eucharistic adoration, etc. — until the church was packed to the gills, not only on Easter Sunday, but during the Triduum: Holy

Father Mark Goldasich Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil. Wouldn’t it be great if our fervor to change our lives increased over the 40 days of Lent, rather than decreased? We seem to start out like gangbusters and then lose our steam and motivation. It’s as if we come to the realization that our Lenten disciplines are just that — disciplines — and require commitment and sacrifice. And usually that’s not easy or much fun. Prayer, fasting and almsgiving demand something from us. So, we end up either abandoning them altogether or whittling them down with various tweaks and rationalizations. Maybe on Ash Wednesday we should hand out these words from the Book of Ecclesiastes in addition to the ashes: “Better is the end

of a thing than its beginning” (Eccl 7:8). It’s easy to stick with a resolution while it’s still brand new. It’s the long haul, though, that will truly tell how serious we are about conversion. Since the late 1980s, I’ve regularly pondered the following story: A wise old woman happened to be a pianist who had taught many students over the years. Invariably, when she prepared her pupils for recitals, she would have them practice the conclusion of the piece over and over again. Not surprisingly, the students would grumble because of the constant repetition of the last few measures of music. When one would voice a complaint, the kind teacher would always answer: “You can make a mistake in the beginning or you can make a mistake in the middle. The people will forget about it, though, if you make the ending glorious!” (Adapted from “Stories and Parables for Preachers and Teachers,” by Paul J. Wharton.) That’s true not only in music, but in sports. With baseball season now underway, MLB.com features videos each week about “walk-offs” — those hits in the ninth or in extra innings

that win the game for the home team. And look at all of the dramatic finishes in March Madness games. For example, Aaron Harrison of Kentucky’s three-pointer to beat Wisconsin with 5.7 seconds left on the clock shows how to make an ending glorious. What is true in music and the sports world also holds true with regard to our spiritual life. Honestly, it doesn’t matter much how well you began Lent, or even how you did throughout this penitential season. Making the end glorious is what it’s all about. And how can you do that? It’s simple: Come and participate in these holiest days of the church’s year, especially if you’ve never done so in the past. Don’t skip from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Make plans to attend the Triduum — the holy “three days” — at your parish. Then be sure to invite several people to go with you. Offer to pick them up if necessary. This will keep you honest with your intention to attend these services. Ending Lent by spending so much time in church with your parish family can only leave you feeling one way on Easter Sunday: absolutely glorious!

In the beginning

Jesus signals his intentions with choice of mount

“W

ar Horse,” an award-winning play that has also been made into a movie, tells the story of a horse that lives through World War I. That reminds us that in the recent past, horses often played a major role in warfare. For us now, that is inconceivable. But once, it was commonplace. That held true for centuries. Around 1800 B.C., the Hittites, an Indo-European people, developed a new weapon of war that turned the tide of battle for them and enabled them to sweep through the Near East, including Egypt. This innovation was the horse, used to draw a chariot, rather than being mounted and ridden. The horse, which served the Hittites so well, became the decisive weapon of war in the ancient world. That

commentary 15

april 11, 2014 | theleaven.com

Father Mike Stubbs Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. explains why, when the Bible encourages us not to depend upon the things of this world for security rather than upon God, it sometimes will refer to the horse: “Some rely on chariots, others on horses, but we on the name of the Lord our God” (Ps 20:8). (See also Ps 147:10-11 and Prv 21:31.) Eventually, the practice of riding a horse into battle became popular, instead of

Pope francis Don’t hold back when praying to God — tell him exactly what’s wrong and insist on holding him to his promises, Pope Francis said. Prayer should be like speaking face to face with a friend: “without fear, freely and also with insistence,” the pope said in his homily April 3 during an early morning Mass in the chapel of the Domus

the horse-drawn chariot. For a king to ride a horse then meant that he was riding into battle. On the other hand, for a king to ride on a donkey meant that he came for peaceful reasons. That is the background that helps us to understand the prophecy from Zechariah quoted in Sunday’s first reading, Mt 21:1-11: “Say to daughter Zion, ‘Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” When Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem on the day that we call Palm Sunday, he intends to bring peace. The word “meek” reflects that peaceful intention. That is why Jesus instructs his disciples to bring him the ass to ride, so that he might signal that intention. Most probably, the proph-

Sanctae Marthae. Pope Francis’ homily focused on the day’s reading from the Book of Exodus (32:7-14), in which Moses begs God to spare his people, even though they have created a golden calf to worship as their god. God says he’s going to let his wrath “blaze up against them to consume them,” but Moses reminds the Lord that these are his own people he has saved before and has promised to make their descendants “as numerous as

et Zechariah was referring to a single animal, rather than two different animals, with his words, “on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.” That is how the writers of the Gospels of Mark, Luke and John interpret his words. On the other hand, Matthew is so eager to demonstrate that Jesus has fulfilled the prophecies, that he has recast the narrative, so that Jesus rides into Jerusalem on two animals, rather than the single one, in order to fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah, which he has misunderstood. But Matthew’s heart is in the right place. Certainly, Jesus, by his death and resurrection, has fulfilled the prophecies of old. And Jesus continues to fulfill our hopes and dreams.

the stars in the sky.” Pope Francis said that, in the day’s reading, Moses shows what praying to God should really feel and sound like: not filled with empty words, but a heartfelt, “real fight with God.” Moses is courageously insistent and argues his point, the pope said, and prayer must also be “a negotiation with God, presenting arguments” supporting one’s position. — CNS

Embrace Holy Week as a family and attend its services

sign by the road said: “Bunny suits for rent.”

Now, I’m not putting down the annual Easter egg hunts for the little ones. However, how many people would respond to: “Crosses to bear available here”? The cross is an inspiring and consoling image. We place them in our homes, wear them around our necks and venerate them in our churches. The harsh reality is that bearing the cross as Our Lord did, had a cost. He took on our humanity. He experienced hunger, fatigue, and sorrow. He endured un-

Deacon Tony Zimmerman Deacon Tony Zimmerman is the lead archdiocesan consultant for the office of marriage and family life. believable pain through the excruciating death of crucifixion. As one of the eucharistic prayers reminds us, he entered into his passion willingly. He demonstrated his full and unconditional love for each one of us, no matter how much we strug-

gle with sin. The new evangelization recognizes one fact: A personal relationship with Christ is essential. We must find a way to allow his love for us to deeply penetrate our hearts. This is best fostered at an early age by family traditions of faith. One tradition is faithful family participation in the services of Holy Week. Let’s focus on one: Good Friday and the veneration of the cross. As a ninth-grader, I remember the prostration of the priest and servers on the altar floor at the start of the service. As one of those servers, lying face down on the altar floor before the image of our crucified Lord, it was moving. It meant quiet,

holy reverence before Jesus. As I think of this now, memories of processing forward with my mother as a child for the veneration of the cross fill my mind. Even though I didn’t comprehend everything then, all of these moments come together as I contemplate the cross and Christ’s love for us. As a permanent deacon, standing near the cross for veneration each Good Friday, I see the faces of those who bend down and kiss the cross, faces of adults moved with emotion, faces of children filled with wonder as they watch and follow the example of their parents. Please, as a family, enter fully into the services of

Holy Week. Celebrate the Supper of the Lord on Holy Thursday. Join in the procession to the altar of repose where the body of Our Lord will be present for contemplation and adoration. On Good Friday, listen to the Passion of Christ proclaimed. Come forward after contemplating the Gospel and reverence the cross. Go home and share with one another the feelings and thoughts that flooded your soul as your lips touched the wood of the cross, upon which hung our salvation. How much more will your joy be as you hear the words proclaimed on Easter Sunday: He is risen!

do unto others

Loving as Christ loved leaves no excuse for opting out

nce, not so long ago, rich and poor worshiped together in the same parish.

However, with the advent of automobiles and suburbs, our parishes have become economically segregated. Those who had more made the exodus out of the urban core and into the suburbs — for more land, better schools and bigger homes — and the poor remained. Now, for many of us, when Jesus talks about the poor, it is hard to think of

bill scholl Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@archkck.org. someone we actually know. Stereotypes fill the void, and tempt us to think they have brought it on themselves through addiction or bad choices. We snark on Facebook about Vision-card moms, ahead of us at the grocery, who seem to eat

better than we do. If we are not careful, we can take Jesus’ admonition — “For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me” (Mt 26:11) — as a way out. We excuse ourselves from mercy, and so segregate our charity. Saint Faustina Kowalska wrote a diary of her encounters with Jesus. Jesus tells her quite plainly that while there may be a feast of mercy (we now know this as Divine Mercy Sunday), “You are to show mercy to our neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to absolve yourself from it” (Diary 1109). We want to be excused

from loving people who are other. We want a pass because somehow at this time, at this moment, showing mercy shouldn’t apply to us. We want to believe we are entitled to opt out for any number of reasons: We’re busy, we’re broke, we’re tired, we’re wounded, and the reasons go on and on. But Pope Francis’ message for this Lent challenges us to get out of ourselves and “distrust a charity that costs nothing and does not hurt.” As we arrive again at Palm Sunday, it is not too late for charity and alms, even as we wave our branches in welcome. While Lent focuses our atten-

tions on prayer, fasting and almsgiving, it doesn’t mean these are the only times we practice such attention to charity. As we come close to the cross on Good Friday, surely we are struck at how Jesus held nothing of himself back from love of us. And when we encounter the resurrected Christ, that God-Man on whom our very faith rests, we must practice that joy. We must love as he loves. We must not exclude ourselves from giving Christ’s love by segregating ourselves from those in most need of our charity. It may be a bit of a drive, but it’s worth the trip.

Seeking Christ’s Heart

Help us Elevate KC — or the city or town where you live

usiness leaders, government officials and faith leaders from the KC metro

are strategizing and praying together for the sake of the Kansas City metro area. Hundreds of leaders are networking through a movement called Elevate KC. We’ve invested in prayer, fellowship and strategic collaboration. So far, we’ve identified “Four Giants of Concern” that we pursue together: education, fatherlessness, human trafficking and racial healing. Four catalyst teams around those giants have been formed. Each team is comprised of leaders from the local faith community

Deacon Dana Nearmyer Deacon Dana Nearmyer is the lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth. with a common passion/interest in serving and creating positive change in our city. We are looking for more collaborators in Kansas City, and I am challenging you to pray and organize in the town and city that you live in. The term “theology of geography” asks us to care about the spiritual

and social well-being of the homes and towns in your city. Real problems face us. Racial Healing • Kansas City has sharp racial divides along Troost in Missouri and Quindaro in Kansas and continues to be rated high among cities with significant racial issues. • Police are much more likely to pull over and frisk blacks or Latinos than whites. In one city, 80 percent of the stops were blacks and Latinos, and 85 percent of those people were frisked, compared to a mere 8 percent of the white people stopped. Fatherlessness • 63 percent of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (U.S. Department of Health/Census). • 90 percent of all homeless and runaway children are

from fatherless homes. Human Trafficking The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 14,00017,000 people are trafficked into the United States each year. • Kansas City is ranked 4th among U.S. cities for domestic minor sex trafficking. • Most girls lured into sex trafficking are between 12-14 years old. Human trafficking involves both domestic and international victims. Literacy Reading at grade level by the end of third grade is a critical predictor of academic success, including high school graduation and college entry, which ultimately determines the ability to earn a living. Children who live in poverty, and particularly children of color who

live in poverty, have less than a 15 percent chance of being proficient readers by the end of third grade. • In the spring of 2011, only 33.8 percent of third-graders were reading on grade level (in 14 districts in the city of Kansas City). • There are many implications for a high school dropout, including increased risk of incarceration, prostitution, sex trafficking, etc. Eighty-two percent of prisoners in America were high school dropouts. Your city has unique areas of concerns. Gather your local leaders, business leaders, government officials, and faith leaders to pray and strategize about the spiritual and social well-being of the families in your city. To learn more, send me an email at: youth@archkck.org.

16 LOCAL NEWS

theleaven.com | april 11, 2014

Confession helps teens put Christ first By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Father Scott Wallisch really looks forward to lunchtime on Fridays. And it has nothing to do with the cafeteria food at St. James Academy in Lenexa where the archdiocesan vocation director serves as chaplain. No, it’s because he hears high school students’ confessions during two lunch periods — and he finds that young people are hungry for the sacrament. “It tends to be the most important two hours of my week, as it is an encounter with God that so many of them look forward to,” said Father Wallisch. “Hardly a week goes by when there aren’t kids asking if we will have the Friday confessions.” Archdiocesan schools offer schoolwide penance services during Lent and Advent, plus other opportunities to receive the sacrament. “None of them are forced to go,” said Father Larry Bowers, chaplain at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park and associate pastor at Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood. “We offer it — and there’s always a good turnout.” Father Nick Blaha, chaplain at Hayden High School in Topeka and associate pastor at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, likewise never finds a lull in which he just sits and waits for students. Today’s world pushes young people to make decisions on many big issues at younger and younger ages, he said. Challenging issues from drinking and drugs to sex can present themselves, and even the media exposes them to the topics. “They recognize that there’s a better way, and they’re looking for help from God,” said Father Blaha. “They know it’s confidential; it’s not going anywhere. They talk about it and it’s done.” And when even the Holy Father himself turns to the sacrament — as witnessed around the world during a penance service in March — and urges all Catholics to do the same, Father Blaha points to Pope Francis’ example. “Don’t just admire from afar,” he said. “Get in there and do as he’s showing you to do.”

Many influences Abbot James Albers, OSB, of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison, sees lines for confession before every Mass at Benedictine College and also a steady turnout at Maur Hill-Mount Academy, where he is a chaplain. “They understand the importance of the sacrament and the need for it and what it does to their lives,” he said. “It’s tiring at times because of the great demand for confessions, but it’s a good tired. It helps me in my own faith to see this growth and desire for the sacrament of reconciliation.” He believes the world is a more challenging place now than it was when he grew up. “They’re facing things that just weren’t a part of culture 25-30 years ago,” he said. Father Daniel Schmitz, chaplain at

Father Daniel Schmitz, chaplain at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, grants absolution to freshman Hunter Cussigh after hearing his confession. St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park and associate pastor at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, can vouch for that — especially when it comes to technology, which despite its good points has created new ways to bully or exert peer pressure. In a homily that addressed appropriate online media use, he mentioned that he was “so glad I got out of high school without Twitter and Facebook” — only to see himself quoted on Twitter shortly after. “Youth can get influenced by so much more than when I was their age,” agreed Manuel Hernandez, who teaches theology at Immaculata High School in Leavenworth. Between increasingly explicit TV and music choices, and a lot of extracurricular academic and athletic pressures, he feels teenagers today have a lot on their plates. “There are things that teenagers struggle with more than the general populace . . . and so our examination of conscience is better geared toward them,” said Father Wallisch of the one used at St. James. “Relationships with friends, dating relationships, interactions with their parents and siblings, gossip, partying, and academic honesty tend to be things that high schoolers need to examine as they prepare for confession.” At Miege, students receive a somewhat extensive sheet they can take into confession with them, but are also given additional food for thought before reconciliation. “We had two kids read from another [examination of conscience] that was more high-school specific,” said Father Bowers, asking teens to think about things that might be going on in their lives. For instance, gluttony doesn’t always have to be related to food, he said. “How much time have I spent on the Internet or social networking or playing video games?” he offered as an example. When it comes to chastity, it’s not always a matter of the movies people

see or the magazines they read. “What are you looking at on your phone?” he poses. “It’s a lot closer to their everyday life.”

Meaning in the sacrament A lot has changed in teens’ lives between second grade when they had their first reconciliation and today, said Father Schmitz. “After confirmation, they’re making a lot of adult choices,” he said. “Making a mature confession is part of that.” Further, Father Schmitz believes learning to “ask God meaningfully for forgiveness now” can set them on a solid path toward their life’s vocation — especially if that vocation is marriage, because it entails a lot of asking for forgiveness. As chaplain at Aquinas, he has a special place in his heart for the students and often prepares for confessions with youth in a different way than he might for a general service. He prays the Litany of the Sacred Heart on Fridays when he hears confessions at school. And he takes inspiration from St. John Vianney’s words: “I give them a light penance and perform the rest myself.” Confession offers a sort of outlet for young people, believes Father Bowers. Often, especially on reality TV, people air their dirty laundry and faults very publicly, he said. With reconciliation, it’s as if someone is telling teens they can unburden themselves of the things that are weighing on them, but “you don’t have to share this on Facebook,” he said. “You don’t have to share all the things in your life that are going on. You can keep it in this private place.” And while confession can lift a burden or feel very freeing — no one ever says they wished they hadn’t dredged the river so things can flow clearly again — there’s even more to it, believes Father Blaha.

“What I encourage them to see confession as is not just a spiritual shower,” he said. “This is more than getting rid of stuff; it’s about putting Christ back at the center of your life. If Christ isn’t there, something else is.”

Positive influences While it can work both ways, many young people enjoy confessing to someone they have gotten to know — like a chaplain — who can help them find ways to work on things in their own lives. When Father Wallisch works with teenagers, he can easily recall his own high school days. “I am reminded of how difficult it is to grow up, figure out what gifts and talents God has or hasn’t given you, and find your place in the world,” he said. “It isn’t always easy to reach the kids during confession, but the more they trust that you actually care about them, the more likely they will be open to suggestions and encouragement.” The sacrament also makes an impact on him. “I feel like I desire to confess better myself when I encounter the humility and honesty I see in many high schoolers,” he added. Whether teens participate in confession at school, go to their parish during regular times for reconciliation, or receive the sacrament from 6 to 7 p.m. at any parish on Wednesday evenings during Lent, people who work with youth hope they will see it for the healing opportunity it is. “Make it a part of your life,” encourages Father Schmitz. “It’s one of the most personal encounters you can have with God.” “I have seen reconciliation change a lot of kids,” said Father Wallisch. “Their faith grows when they see that God loves them so much that he is willing to forgive them over and over as they struggle to grow in holiness.”