04-12-13 Vol. 34 No. 32

theleaven.com | vol. 34, no. 32 | april 12, 2013

Leaven photo by Elaina Cochran

From left, Donnelly trustee Bill Dunn Jr. (with ribbon) is joined by Henry W. Bloch and trustee and alum George Breidenthal in cutting the ceremonial ribbon on Donnelly College’s new community event center on April 5, as Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Donnelly trustees and community leaders look on. The three men co-chaired Donnelly’s Transformations campaign.

Donnelly gives back to KCK n Community event center the first of many new projects

By Jessica Langdon Leaven staff

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Karla Oseguera’s course schedule might not have included the study of a new structure being built from the ground up.

But the Donnelly College student — who happens to be mapping out a future in civil engineering — still landed the perfect window to watch the activity on the north side of the main tower over the past several months.

From where she worked on the sixth floor of Donnelly’s main building each day, Oseguera tracked the construction of a new community event center — a bright spot in the

future of Kansas City, Kan. — that had its grand opening on April 5, and she was among the first students to step inside.

“I’m very excited,” Oseguera said of the now-complete 3,196-squarefoot community event center that was dedicated and blessed in an outdoor ceremony.

To her, the new center demonstrates that Donnelly is growing. It is building on its rich history and planning for a strong future.

Donnelly, which was established in 1949, has been operating in its current location — the former site of Providence Hospital — since 1982.

Crews tore down the building that once served as the hospital laundry facility to make room for Donnelly’s new event center.

This is sacred ground, Bill Dunn Jr. told the crowd at the dedication.

Dunn is a Donnelly trustee and co-chairman of the Transformations campaign committee.

Dunn’s mother was born at this

site when it was a hospital, and her cousin was the medical chief of staff.

“This event center has always been an event center. It was an event center for life,” he said. “A lot of good things happened. People were born here. People were taken care of here.”

And good things continue to happen here through the Catholic education students receive at Donnelly College.

A series of speakers — introduced by Daniel Haake, chairman of Donnelly’s board of trustees — echoed that idea.

Instrument of good “Donnelly College is very much at the heart of the church’s mission, and we’re so delighted that this college has been such an instrument of good for so many years in this community,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

The center speaks to a bright future, he told the crowd, not only for Donnelly but for Kansas City, Kan., and beyond.

The college will use the new event center for campus events and meetings, and Donnelly will also allow rental of the facility on a firstcome, first-served basis for private and nonprofit events, thus adding another connection between the college and the community.

“This is so exciting,” said Donnelly president Steve LaNasa, noting that the college has been working toward this day for several years. “It’s an outward sign of our commitment to the community.”

Donnelly has plans for more projects in the coming years, but decided to start with this $1.5 million center, an example of “our commitment to be an anchor here in the urban core,” LaNasa said.

He recognized supporters and emphasized the support Donnelly >> See “Center” on page 2

2 archbishop

theleaven.com | April 12, 2013

Breaking bread

Life will be victorious

T

Redefining marriage would be a service to no one

o apply basketball terminology, the full-court press is on in an effort to

influence the Supreme Court to redefine marriage much in the same way that the court in 1973 invented a legal rationale to allow a mother to authorize the killing of her unborn child. The 1973 abortion decisions by the court ignored the best science of the time, which affirmed the humanity of the unborn child, in order to accommodate what was perceived as a growing societal acceptance of legalized abortion.

The disastrous abortion decisions of 40 years ago have resulted in the killing of more than 50 million American children, the emotional and spiritual scarring of more than 50 million parents, and the polarization of our nation. If you are wearied by how the abortion issue continues to divide deeply our nation, then you should be praying that the court does not repeat its autocratic behavior of four decades ago by attempting to cut short the public debate on such a fundamental moral issue as the definition of marriage.

Those who are so eager to push our nation over yet another ethical cliff are the faithful remnants of the true believers in the socalled “sexual revolution,” which gave us the current cultural, moral chaos resulting in more than a million abortions each year and an alarming percentage of American children born out of wedlock with single parenting as the new normal, particularly for the poor.

archbishop Joseph F. Naumann At the same time, there are some positive developments in American culture that are contributing to the public policy debate regarding the definition of marriage. Actually, the support by many Americans for so-called same-sex marriage emanates from a quite commendable, though misdirected, compassion for those who experience samesex attraction. Some reading this article experience or have experienced same-sex attractions and all of us know a relative, neighbor, co-worker or friend who has a homosexual orientation.

One of the positive results of the drumbeat in the popular culture to normalize the perception of homosexual activity has been to reduce the ridicule of individuals experiencing same-sex attractions. In our Catholic understanding, every human person is made in the divine image and every human being is of such inestimable worth that Jesus gave his life on Calvary. Our innate human dignity is in no way diminished by our sexual orientation.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is crystal clear on this matter. It states: “The number of men and women who have deepseated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. They do not choose their homo-

sexual condition; for most of them it is a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.

Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord’s Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition” (No. 2358).

Most of those sympathetic to the legalization of so-called same-sex marriage are motivated by a desire for happiness for those experiencing a same-sex attraction.

We all need to love and be loved. Most Americans want those who experience samesex attractions to experience the joy of friendship and love. Frankly, so do I. Yet, the desire for those with a homosexual orientation to experience love and friendship will not be served by redefining marriage. It will mislead individuals with same-sex attractions to believe the prevalent cultural lie that love and genital sexual activity are identical.

It will encourage same-sex couples to go down a path that is actually harmful to their physical, emotional and, most especially, their spiritual good. The legal recognition of so-called same-sex marriage will also further undermine and weaken family life in the United States.

I realize by merely questioning the advisability of redefining marriage that I will be branded by some as a bigot and a homophobe. This is part of the bullying and intimidation that is being used to silence critics of samesex marriage, an example of which appeared as the lead item at the top of the editori-

al page for the Easter edition of The Kansas City Star.

One of the Star’s regular editorial contributors labeled as “bigots” Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, in particular, and anyone else who upheld the definition of marriage as it has been understood for millennia by a wide variety of cultures and civilizations.

Amazingly, under the banner of tolerance, there is an orchestrated effort to shout down and silence anyone who dares to question the societal wisdom of abandoning the definition of marriage that has been a foundation for strong and healthy families for millennia.

Similarly, good science is being suppressed as illustrated by the firestorm of criticism directed last summer at the New Family Structures Study conducted by University of Texas sociologist Mark Regnerus. Although it is perfectly normal academic sport to critique a study’s methodology, the shrill critics of the New Family Structure Study called for the University of Texas to discipline Regnerus. Why? Not because the methodology was flawed, but because the study’s findings challenged the prevailing cultural assumptions about the impact upon children raised by same-sex partners serving as parents. The efforts to punish professor Regnerus for his findings were in part to send a message to other researchers of what they can expect if their conclusions are not politically correct.

Why is this debate so important and so intense? The understanding of marriage is pivotal to the family and the well-being of children.

Children have a desire and right to be connected to

calendar

Naumann

April 14 Pastoral visit — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood April 15 Curia meeting “Shepherd’s Voice” taping Confirmation — St. Paul, Olathe April 17 Confirmation — St. Joseph, Shawnee April 18 Kenrick Seminary board meeting April 19 Region IX Stewardship Conference

archbishop

keleher April 17 St. James auction dinner April 18 Confirmation — Holy Name, Kansas City, Kan.

their biological parents. The principal reason the state should care about marriage is because of its importance for the formation and rearing of its future citizens. I will be devoting the next couple of columns to examining this crucial cultural and moral issue. Stay tuned.

Center represents Donnelly’s commitment to community >> Continued from page 1 has received along the way.

To him, facilities play an important part in providing a quality learning environment that will foster success and high expectations.

“Education is so important today,” said Henry W. Bloch, who, along with William H. Dunn Sr., served as an honorary Transformations co-chairman.

The best retirement gift he received, he said, was the scholarship program at Donnelly through the H&R Block Foundation.

“Many of the students are the first ones in their family to ever go to college,” he noted.

Donnelly’s commitment to the community — and to its students — isn’t lost on the people it serves.

Oseguera launched her higher education at Donnelly. Now planning to continue her studies at Kansas State University, she is thrilled with the

experience and connections she built during her semesters at Donnelly.

As an ambassador, she helps new students learn about Donnelly and how the college is involved in the community.

“The community gives a lot to Donnelly,” said Oseguera.

She sees the center as another way for Donnelly to give back.

And she likes the modern feel it gives the campus.

The center has its own entrance and includes a catering kitchen, outdoor courtyard, and state-of-the-art technology, including a sound system and multimedia screen, among other features.

Belief in the future Brian McKiernan, District 2 commissioner with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, attended Donnelly in the 1970s, and stressed to the crowd the idea of belief.

“If you keep believing in yourself and your students, Donnelly will be the spirit of life in our community for countless years to come,” he said.

Some recent remarks of Pope Francis, said Archbishop Naumann, seemed pertinent to the occasion.

“One of the things he said is that we often envision Jesus at the door of our hearts knocking for us to let him in,” Archbishop Naumann said. “That’s a beautiful image and true image.

“But Pope Francis said sometimes he thinks Jesus is on the other side of the door knocking and saying, ‘Let me out.

Let me out into the community.’”

To the archbishop, that idea of Jesus wanting to share God’s love fit this celebration at Donnelly in a special way.

“That’s what I believe Donnelly tries to do in its own beautiful and humble way,” he said.

Father John Melnick, SSA, director of campus ministries and religious studies, assisted Archbishop Naumann with

leads to breaking down barriers

archbishop

April 12 Vespers, Mass and dinner with Apostles of the Interior Life

the blessing of the center and a crucifix to be displayed. Msgr. Gary Applegate served as master of ceremonies.

Following the blessing and a ribbon cutting, the crowd toured the center; Donnelly already has a number of events scheduled to take place there.

Donnelly will take a “breather” from physical construction over the next few months, but plans to turn its attention to several projects in the main tower.

The comprehensive plan will focus on projects like the chapel, library and resource space, and the front entrance.

“We’re not done,” said George Breidenthal, trustee, Transformations campaign co-chairman and 1969 Donnelly graduate. “This is only the first piece of the puzzle to make Donnelly a great place for the students who are here and the students who will be here in the future.”

He urged the crowd to “keep us in your heart.”

second front page 3

april 12, 2013 | theleaven.com

Panelists encourage common-sense solutions

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill@theleaven.com

F

ood, like faith, is a common denominator. Any group, no matter how diverse, enjoys preparing and sharing food.

That’s the philosophy behind regional Immigration Roundtable Workshops — a faith initiative cosponsored by the archdiocesan offices of Hispanic ministry and social justice.

The two-hour workshops seek to bring immigrants and non-immigrants together in different regions of the archdiocese to break down barriers through the common bond of faith and food.

And so far, they’ve been a gastronomical success.

“Food is an automatic icebreaker,” said Father Pat Murphy, CS, who only recently left his position as animator for the archdiocesan Hispanic ministry office. “People always ask, ‘What is that?’ ‘How do you make it?’”

Three parishes sponsored round tables within the last year — Blessed Sacrament in Kansas City, Kan.; Holy Trinity in Lenexa; and Our Lady of Guadalupe in Topeka.

The experience has yielded even more than expected.

“I thought it was a very nice experience,” said Holy Trinity parishioner Martin Figueroa, a native of Mexico, who attended his parish round table.

“I felt,” he continued, “like I was with my family — with Koreans, with Americans, with Salvadorians, with Mexicans mixed in.

“It was a very nice experience to me.”

The Holy Trinity workshop began with participants seated around different tables, each representing an even mix of nationalities.

Each table also had a jar in the middle filled with general questions to share and discuss.

Language was no barrier, as participants helped one another share thoughts and feelings about everything from favorite foods, to what they like about the United States, to how they stay in touch with family and friends back home.

“Normally we would not be together,” said Father Pat. “Yet in five minutes, answering some simple questions, we find out how much we have in common.”

Participants soon discovered that, no matter where they came from, they all had a common faith, hopes for their children, favorite restaurants for native foods, gratitude for being in this country, and pride in their heritage.

And then, of course, there was the most common theme.

“We all like to eat,” said Father Pat. Each round-table participant brought a native dish to share during

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

By Julie Holthaus julie@theleaven.com

K

Leaven photo by Jill Ragar Esfeld

Good Shepherd. Shawnee, parishioner Mary Mueller (right) reads an icebreaker question she’s drawn at the immigration round table as Hoseop Cha, a member of the Korean Catholic Church at Holy Trinity in Lenexa, waits his turn. the workshop. Once group members had gotten to know each other, participants were invited to fill their plates.

It was a fun and adventurous experience.

“I ate Korean food,” Figueroa announced proudly. “It was very different, but very good.”

While participants enjoyed the assorted foods, they watched a portion of a documentary called “Welcome to Shelbyville.”

The video documents the experience of immigrants working at a meat packing plant in Shelbyville, Tenn., as they struggled to adjust to their new home — and as Shelbyville natives struggled to adjust to their new neighbors.

“The entire movie is quite well done,” said Father Pat. “I wanted to use a snippet just to give people a taste of what we’re talking about — of what happens when new people move in and how that affects us.”

After the movie, the group was given questions to encourage discussion at each table.

The resulting conversations were heartfelt, revealing, and often emotional.

“We had different views at our table,” said Mariana Ramirez, a Good Shepherd, Shawnee, parishioner who attended the Holy Trinity round table.

“It was a choice [to come to the United States],” she said. “For some, that choice was more painful. We left family and culture that is still a pain in our heart.”

“There were some tears shed — not necessarily something we planned for,” said Father Pat, “but sometimes the Spirit works in different ways than we imagine.”

Sponsor an immigration round table Father Pat Murphy’s successor in the archdiocesan Hispanic ministry office, Father Livio Stella, CS, is continuing the regional Immigration Roundtable Workshops. If you are interested in hosting a workshop at your parish, contact Father Livio by email at: Hispanic@archkck.org.

Figueroa related to the movie and was inspired by the conversation that followed.

“I learned we can do whatever we want,” he said. “We can do it together.

“We can share whatever we have and give to one another — that’s what I learned.”

After the discussion, representatives from each table shared thoughts . . . and again a common theme emerged — no matter where we are, we are brothers and sisters in the same God. We are one in the body of Christ.

The workshop ended with a prayer from St. Juan Diego, imploring his intercession to help immigrants.

Planners felt the round-table experience served to break down some of the barriers they had targeted. Participants agreed.

“I would like to talk with these people more, just like a friend,” said Figueroa after the workshop. “It’s good.

“I would like to do that more than once a year.”

Obviously, we’re not solving the entire issue of immigration,” said Father Pat. “But we’re beginning a dialogue.”

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. — Immigration reform was the topic under discussion at a round-table presented at Savior Pastoral Center here on April 2.

The panel was sponsored by the national network, Bibles, Badges and Business.

Bible, Badges and Business is an alliance of conservative faith, law enforcement and business leaders formed in 2011, working to build a new consensus around the issue of immigrants in America. Its goal is to foster common-sense immigration solutions by way of open discussions among state leaders and Congress.

“There are people on the very far left and very far right of this issue,” said Angela Adams, Bible Badges and Business Midwest coordinator, “We want to highlight the middle, with a right leaning, the voice that is missing in the debate. BBB is bringing it to the center.”

The panel discussed the need for reform at the national level, and U.S. immigration historically.

“We are a nation of immigrants,” said Mike O’Neil, president of the Kansas Chamber and former speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives. “We seem to have lost sight of the past.”

Today, there are 11-20 million undocumented immigrants in this country.

“As soon as many of our ancestors came to America, we forgot to offer that blessing to others,” O’Neil said. “We must be who America is, welcoming the brightest of many nations and continuing to extend the invitation.”

Joining O’Neil on the panel were Father Mark Mertes, pastor of Christ the King, Blessed Sacrament, and our Lady and St. Rose parishes in Kansas City, Kan.; former Kansas Attorney General Bob Stephan; Allie Devine of Devine & Donley, LLC, and former Kansas Secretary of Agriculture; and the Rev. Jason Schoff of Mission Adelante in Kansas City, Kan. >> See “Don’t” on page 6

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.

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4 local news

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill@theleaven.com

theleaven.com | april 12, 2013

REbeL with a cause Walk to REbeL

O

verland Park — When their daughter Madison was a sophomore in high school, Ascension parishioners Lea and Bob Daum noticed a change in her attitude.

The change seemed to coincide with her involvement in a group called REbeL. Knowing nothing about REbeL, Lea Daum accepted her daughter’s invitation to attend a meeting at her school, Blue Valley Northwest in Overland Park.

There she heard fellow parishioner Dr. Laura Eickman speak, and everything made sense.

“I got what REbeL was,” she said.

“And I realized the changes I’d seen in Madison were coming from this group.”

“She was more confident in herself,” said Lea Daum. “She was more accepting of others.

“She made friends with kids for what they were like on the inside, not what they looked like on the outside.”

Madison’s mom was so impressed with the program, she signed up to be a parent volunteer.

Her dad also became an ardent fan.

“I think it’s one of the most positive programs I’ve ever been associated with,” he said.

He’s not alone.

Started just five years ago by Eickman, a licensed clinical psychologist, the REbeL program is now thriving in eight area schools and has been invited into 26 more schools in six states.

What it’s all about REbeL is a student-driven education and prevention program that helps teenagers by educating them on eating issues, body image problems, selfesteem, bullying, and peer pressure.

And it’s aptly named, because the students who flock to its meetings are rebelling against media stereotypes of beauty, fitness and health.

“They’re starting a revolution in terms of trying to help people be more positive, healthy and self-confident,” said Eickman.

The revolution is spreading fast.

In the words of Ascension parishioner Lauren Breithaupt, who assisted in starting the program, “it has just exploded.”

Eickman, whose specialty area is working with eating disorders and body images, developed the program through a combination of her clinical experience and research.

Breithaupt, a former Blue Valley Northwest student who is currently

Why REbeL? When I named it, I wanted to emphasize the word “be” because we’re encouraging kids to be themselves. The name is REbeL because we want them to rebel against the unrealistic standards of beauty in our society; rebel against peer pressure and conformity; and then also rebel against the practice of sacrificing your health for your appearance.

We want them to rebel in a positive way and be positive examples. ~ Laura Eickman, PsyD, founder and executive director of REbeL

Walk to REbeL is a three-mile awareness walk on April 27, but the day is more about having a good time than completing a distance.

Walk participants and their families and friends will be treated to a group warm-up, prize drawings, refreshments, DJ entertainment, face painting, a photo booth, and lots of positive, uplifting messages.

For more information about the Walk to REbeL, visit the website at: www.rebelks.com/walk-to-rebel.

To learn more about REbeL, visit the website at: www.rebelks.com.

Leaven photo by Jill Ragar Esfeld

It wasn’t all work at the REbeL pancake breakfast fundraiser. Sharing a laugh are seniors Abby Schmitz (left), Olathe East, and Shane Smith, Blue Valley Northwest in Overland Park. Both students are members of REbeL chapters at their high schools. working toward her doctorate in clinical psychology, saw a great need for such a program and was eager to help.

Eickman began her research by conducting a series of focus groups with local high school students, asking what issues they struggle with most.

“It became very clear to me,” she said. “It wasn’t a question of if body image was an issue — it was to what extent.”

Breithaupt wasn’t surprised by the results.

“I would say every single one of my friends struggles with some self-esteem issue related to their image,” she said.

“And you notice that in high school a lot.

“It can develop into an eating disorder, which is what we don’t want to see.”

That’s why REbeL is focused on educating students before a poor self-image causes them to risk their health.

And the philosophy behind that education is rooted in Eickman’s faith.

“God gave us these incredible gifts of our bodies and our personalities,” she said. “If we can learn to respect the gifts God gave us, we realize we all do have weaknesses. But we also have amazing strengths and talents.

“And those are what we should focus on.”

Starting a revolution Many of the students in REbeL’s initial focus group attended Blue Valley Northwest, so Eickman chose that high school to approach with a pilot program.

The pilot was so successful that, within the next few years, a REbeL chapter was started in all five Blue Valley high schools, Notre Dame de Sion High School in Missouri and Olathe East High School.

In addition, a middle school pilot program is currently in Prairie Sun Middle School in Leawood.

Each school has its own chapter, and then the school itself has teachers or school counselors who are sponsors.

“I train [students and sponsors] and I get the whole program started,” explained Eickman. “And then the sponsors of the school interact with the students on a weekly basis.”

Students meet weekly to discuss issues and plan activities, then get the

word out to the entire school.

“For instance, to send a very visual and positive message,” said Bob Daum, “they have fat-free week where they’ll go into the schools at night and cover up all the mirrors in the bathrooms.”

The REbeL program provides resources, including meeting topics and discussion questions, as well as a binder of the fliers and handouts created by students.

Student-driven success “It’s a peer-to-peer student organization,” said Bob Daum, “that’s pretty much run by the students.”

Indeed one of the most successful aspects of REbeL is its student-driven format.

“It’s different from any other program because the students talk about what they want to change within their own school,” said Breithaupt.

For this reason, REbeL might look different in each school. Students identify what they think their peers are struggling with — in one school that might be bullying, and in another it might be eating disorders.

“So the kids will talk and they’ll come up with posters or videos or activities they want to try within their schools to address their issues,” said Eickman.

Emily Baranowski, an Ascension parishioner and sophomore REbeL member at Notre Dame de Sion, works hard to make her chapter a success.

“We have Laura and the counselors helping us out,” she said. “But it’s really the students who step up and do it.”

REbeL also has a leadership team comprised of two members from each school.

“I meet with those kids monthly,” said Eickman. “And so they get to interact and hear what the other schools are doing and take those ideas back to their own chapters.”

Positive change Like the Daums, many parents are seeing a change in their REbeL teens.

“They get this attitude that they really can make a positive impact on a large group of people,” said Breithaupt. “So we see this theme of empowerment develop.

“And within the school, it creates a culture of kindness.”

Emily’s mother, Kerri Baranowski, said it reminds her of the Bible teaching that we are many parts, but one body.

“I think this program really promotes that,” she said. “Celebrate the part that you are, because your part is important.

“I think when [the students] look at it from that perspective, it helps them see not just the good in themselves, but the good in others, too.”

Her daughter agrees.

“It’s been a good year for REbeL at our school,” she said. “I’ve had girls come up to me as say, ‘We’re so glad for what you’re doing here.’ They’re so grateful.”

It’s no surprise that Eickman is overwhelmed by requests for the program at other schools.

“We would love to be able to say yes to all the requests,” she said. “We hope to be able to add some more for next year.

“But the key really is, as with most things, money. We’re actively trying to raise enough funds to support the nonprofit so we can hire somebody to manage the organization.”

Hope for the future To that end, students from all participating schools collaborated this winter to host a successful pancake breakfast fundraiser at a local Applebee’s restaurant.

And REbeL members, families and friends are looking forward to the biggest REbeL event of the year — The Walk to REbeL (see sidebar above).

Eickman hopes the walk will raise enough awareness and funds to help her bring REbeL to more schools and empower more teenagers.

“I’ve seen when these kids really start to focus on what makes them a beautiful person,” she said. “They become so much happier and more peaceful, and such great examples of what we can do with our lives.”

Breithaupt has experienced that firsthand.

“Working with REbeL has made me less conscious about my image,” she said.

“So I can put more of my time and efforts into something else that’s going to make a difference in someone else’s life.

“And it’s strengthened my faith. I feel like I’m doing something purposeful at all times. I’m doing exactly what I feel I’m called to do.”

Eickman wants that experience for every young person.

“If you use the talents you were given for good,” she said, “you can do such amazing things.”

local news 5

april 12, 2013 | theleaven.com

Dead man talking

n DNA freed man from death row; now he speaks for the innocent

By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It could have happened to anyone. Unfortunately for Kirk Bloodsworth, it happened to

him.

He was accused, arrested, convicted and sentenced to death for a horrible crime.

He never wavered in proclaiming his innocence.

For two years, he lived on death row, in a claustrophobic cell a floor above Maryland’s gas chamber.

“It was in 1984,” said Bloodsworth, now 52. “I was 22, Kirk Bloodsworth and honorably discharged from the U. S. Marines. My life was beginning in earnest.”

He was also newly married. He moved up to Baltimore, but went to the little town of Essex that Fourth of July weekend and was staying with a cousin.

“I was an honest Joe,” he said. “I grew up working hard and had a work ethic. The next thing I knew, I was fighting for my life.”

On July 25, nine-year-old Dawn Venice Hamilton of Rosedale, Md., was found raped and murdered at a local pond. Police interviewed people who were in the area at the time and came up with a suspect description and a sketch, which they circulated.

A neighbor of Bloodsworth’s cousin thought that the ex-Marine might be the man. Police were eager to make an arrest. The crime left people outraged and afraid.

“It was all based on a witness ID, and a faulty one at that,” said Bloodsworth.

“They said this person was six-footfive, curly blond hair, bushy mustache, tanned and skinny.”

That didn’t fit Bloodsworth at all, who has a short, stocky build, was fair-

Death penalty update During this session, the Kansas Legislature saw two bills that would replace the death penalty with life sentence without the possibility of parole. House Bill 2397 was introduced

by Rep. Steven Becker, R-Buhler, and Senate Bill 126 was introduced by Sen. Carolyn McGinn, R-Sedgwick. Both bills are stalled. Since they are in exempt committees, however, they will remain alive until next year’s session, when they can be heard.

skinned, was missing a front tooth, and at the time had long sideburns and hair “as red as the stripe on the American flag.”

“After two trials and two convictions, I was sentenced to death once and double life the second time,” said Bloodsworth.

That was in 1985. The reality of being in a maximum-security prison under a death sentence as an innocent was pretty rough. In prison culture, there is no one more loathed than a sexual predator who hurts children.

“Some might call me crazy, but I went out in the [prison] population and stood against it all,” he said. “I skirmished here and there but, in the end, I prevailed.”

Bloodsworth had been raised a Methodist, but while in prison learned about the Catholic faith. It gave him hope, so he became a Catholic while incarcerated.

“I didn’t want to separate from the Methodist Church as much as I wanted sanctuary, and the Catholic Church seemed to offer the only service at the time that I felt comfortable with,” he said.

“They didn’t care who I was or anything.

They accepted me for who I was.”

He also became an advocate for his own innocence in prison. One day, he found a book by Joseph Wambaugh, titled “The Blooding.” In the story about another crime, Bloodsworth learned about a revolutionary new crime science that involved testing DNA. He found help thorough pro bono attorney Robert Morin and others. They tracked down evidence from the crime and tested the evidence.

The evidence didn’t match Bloodsworth, but did match another man who was already in prison for other crimes.

Speaking engagements Exonerated death row inmate Kirk Bloodsworth will be speaking at five events.

April 14 9:15 a.m. – Grace Gathering Room at Grace UMC, 11485 S. Ridgeview Rd., Olathe (free to the public) 6:30 p.m. – “An Evening with Kirk Bloodsworth” dinner event, St. David’s Episcopal Church, 3916 S.W. 17th St., Topeka ($25 per person. To purchase tickets, contact Maria Cuevas at (785) 235-2237, or by email at: maria@ksabolition.org.)

April 15 7 p.m. – Big 12 Room, Kansas Union, Level 5, University of Kansas, 1301 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence (free to the public) April 16 7 p.m. – Dugan-Gorges Conf. Ctr., Dugan Library & Campus Ctr., Newman University, 3100 McCormick, Wichita (free to the public) April 17 7 p.m. – FHSU Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, 600 Park St., Hays (free to the public)

Kimberly Shay Ruffner pled guilty to the murder in 2004.

Bloodsworth became the first person to be exonerated from death row through post-conviction DNA testing.

He left prison a free man with no criminal record on June 6, 1993.

It was wonderful — and sad. His mother died five months before he got out, and before the DNA evidence proved he could not possibly have committed the terrible crime he was accused of. Bloodsworth takes solace in the fact that she always believed he was innocent.

Bloodsworth found new purpose in work to prevent other innocent people from ending up on death row. He now serves as advocacy director of Witness to Innocence and advocates against the death penalty.

He travels to death penalty states like Kansas to talk about his experiences. The Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty is sponsoring his appearances this month.

“I always go back to Abraham [in the Book of Genesis],” said Bloodsworth.

“He asked God not to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah if there were innocents there, and [God] agreed.”

Joseph H. and Beatrice (Sylvia) P o n d , members of Holy Rosary Parish, Wea, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on April 20. An 8:30 a.m. Mass will be celebrated on April 21. The couple was married at St. Joseph Church, Fairhaven, Mass. Their children and their spouses are: Stephen and Kathie Pond, Crestwood, Ky.; Michael and Diane Pond, Phoenix; Jeffery and Maureen Pond, Auburn, Mass.; Christopher and Heidi Pond, Fairhaven, Mass; Joseph Jr., and Robin Pond, Prairie Village; Cynthia and Glenn Sobek, Olathe; and Susan and William Rockley, Cleveland, Mo. They also have 13 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

JoAnn (Glissman) and Clarence Meyer, members of St. Patrick Parish, Corning, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 21 at the Corning Community Center.

There will be a dinner, followed by a reception and open house from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The couple was married April 20, 1963, at St. Bede Church, Kelly. Their children and spouses are: Gary and Lisa Meyer, Onaga; Brenda and Dan Hasenkamp, Centralia; Ed Meyer, Solder; and Karen Meyer, Topeka. They also have seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Maureen (Rossiter) and Jim Lane, members of Mater Dei Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 20 with family and friends at 5 p.m. Mass at Holy Name Church, Topeka, followed by a family dinner. The couple was married on April 20, 1963, at Holy Name. Their children and their spouses are: Laurie and Brian McPeck; Jim and Julie Lane; Susan and Jon Valesano; Colleen and Steve Toliver; Dennis Lane; Trish and Randy LaRue; and Bill and Stacey Lane.

They also have 17 grandchildren.

Archdiocese investigating allegation against international priest On April 2, the Safe Environment Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas received a report alleging abuse of a minor by Father Anthony Putti, a priest of the Diocese of Guntur, India, where he currently resides.

The archdiocese has never received any other allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor against Father Putti. Father Putti denies the allegation.

His bishop has also been informed. He served in the archdiocese before and while pursuing graduate studies in theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Ill. Upon completing his studies, Father Putti was assigned in July 2008 as pastor of St. Gregory Parish, Marysville, and St. Malachy Parish, Beattie. He was assigned to assist at Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, from June 2003 until be-

ginning graduate studies in September 2005 and at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, in summer 2007.

In September 2010, Father Putti resigned his pastoral duties and was recalled to his home diocese after admitting to sexual relations with an adult who had requested privacy in the matter.

Archdiocesan policies place the Father Anthony Putti protection of children as the first priority. Furthermore, the archdiocese respects the sincere concerns of all individuals who bring forth allegations of misconduct and is thus committed to conducting a thor-

ough investigation. However, it is important to remember that all accused persons should be presumed innocent unless evidence proves otherwise.

While serving in the archdiocese, Father Putti participated in safe environment training and had a clear background check on file as required by the child protection policy.

In accord with archdiocesan policies, local law enforcement and the Kansas Department for Children and Families have been contacted and the chairman of the Independent Review Board has been notified. The archdiocese encourages any person who believes they have been sexually abused by any cleric, employee or volunteer of any archdiocesan parish, school or agency, regardless of when such abuse may have occurred, to contact the archdiocesan Safe Environment Coor-

Contact Information: Rose Hammes Director of Communications (913) 948-3996 rhammes@archkck.org Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas 12615 Parallel Parkway Kansas City, KS 66109

dinator at (913) 647-0324, the Confidential Report Line at (913) 647-3051, or to contact local law enforcement.

Anyone having information pertinent to this investigation is encouraged to contact the archdiocesan Safe Environment Coordinator and/or local law enforcement.

6 local news

theleaven.com | april 12, 2013

Don’t call with complaints, say panelists, but with solutions >> Continued from page 3 Father Mertes said that his own work with migrants has been very affirming.

“Working with migrants has revitalized who I am as a priest, as an American, and as a child of God,” he said.

And besides the moral imperative for reform, he added, we need to bring immigrants out of the shadows for practical reasons.

“I want immigrants to be able to get a home mortgage, to have a driver’s license, go to work without worry,” said Father Mertes. “Immigrants are sharing in the American dream, but are being veiled, in a sense.”

In her remarks, Devine emphasized the difficulty immigrants face in their efforts to become U.S. citizens.

“New immigrants come because they believe in the American dream,” said Devine. “The hardest thing to tell them is that ‘I’m sorry there is no line to get into.’”

“People have the right to find opportunity,” Father Mertes said. “People have the right to migrate, sovereign nations have the right to control borders, and refugees should be afforded protection. We should be together on this journey of hope.”

The panel also discussed the positive impact immigration reform would have on the economy.

“How do we attract the best and the brightest?” asked Devine. “How do

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The Bibles, Badges, and Business panel consisted of, from left, moderator Angela Adams, Bible Badges and Business Midwest coordinator; Allie Devine, of Devine & Donley, LLC, and former Kansas Secretary of Agriculture; Bob Stephan, former Kansas attorney general; Father Mark Mertes, pastor of Christ the King, Blessed Sacrament, and Our Lady and St. Rose parishes in Kansas City, Kan.; Mike O’Neil, president of the Kansas Chamber and former speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives; and the Rev. Jason Schoff of Mission Adelante in Kansas City, Kan. we speed economic recovery? I think of looking to immigration as a source of how we can encourage economic growth. Immigration reform will strengthen our competitiveness.”

The panel suggested contacting state Legislatures, not with complaints, but with common-sense solutions.

“The more people they hear from,

the more knowledgeable they will be,” said Stephan.

The panel also urged those in attendance to get to know their neighbors.

“Get involved in the community,” said Stephan. “That assimilation is so important to mobilize communities.”

“Neighborhood, community and faith-building are important,” said Fa-

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ther Mertes. “When you start to live and work with immigrants, it’s not an issue.

“These are our brothers and sisters.”

For more information on the Bible, Badges and Business network, visit the website at: www.bbbimmigration. org.

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All are welcome Faith needs of some very special kids at heart of parish program Story by Jessica Langdon | Photos by Susan McSpadden

Cari Hillyer and Luke Tjaden, right, study a Gospel reading — from St. Luke — to learn about Jesus’ baptism during a January CARE and Worship class at St. Michael the Archangel Parish.

L

EAWOOD — Gerry Boeck- taking Luke’s older brother Harry with mann marvels at how far them. his 11-year-old son Noah has Hillyer sympathized with their situacome in just a few years every tion. time he receives Communion An active parishioner and a mother at St. Michael the Archangel Parish here. herself of a young daughter with special “He comes back and he kneels and he needs, Hillyer was invited several years points up to the mural with the eye of ago to serve on a special needs commitGod,” Boeckmann said of Noah, who has tee at St. Michael the Archangel.

Down syndrome. “It’s incredible.”

When committee members learned He gives a lot of credit for Noah’s of the need for some sort of program for blossoming Catholic faith to the people children with special needs, the idea for behind a special Sunday-morning class CARE and Worship took off — with a at the parish. lot of support from Noah has atpastor Father Bill tended the CARE Porter and Denise and Worship proOgilvie, director of gram, which takes religious education place during the and liturgy.

10:30 a.m. Mass, Instead of simsince it was creatply providing ed. someone to watch CARE and Worthe children while ship — in which their families went CARE stands for to Mass, “we said Catholic Alternathis should be a tive Religious Edmeaningful expeucation — is teachrience for them at ing the basics of the whatever level they faith each week to are,” said Hillyer. five students with And it has special needs and turned into what preparing some of Tjaden thinks of them for receiving as a liturgy expethe sacraments. rience designed As it happens, especially for Luke all of the current Sam Chambers shows off a children’s Bible and his classmates students are boys during a January CARE and Worship session. — and she feels this and range from kin- Each session includes a Gospel geared toward has finally given dergarten through the children in the class, from which the teach- Luke his own place sixth grade in ers pull out a message to emphasize. in his church. school.

Each class comUnder the direction of parishioner bines cognitive and physical activities Cari Hillyer and her devoted staff of that engage the children in learning teachers and helpers, the program de- about their faith. livers the liturgy in concrete ways that Since the program is organized are individually tailored to each child’s around the liturgical year, Hillyer exabilities and needs. plained, “they’re hearing the same “It turned into so much more than we things that Mom and Dad are hearing in thought it was going to be,” said Nancy the Mass.

Tjaden, mother of nine-year-old Luke, “And then we’re pulling out one litwho has autism and has also attended tle nugget for them to focus on, so then CARE and Worship since it began. when Mom and Dad see them again, they can talk about the same thing.”

Meaningful experience Before this class was created, Luke’s family had a hard time taking him to Mass, which he had difficulty understanding, as well as sitting through. At the same time, he was aging out of the church’s Our Little Ones Worship program.

As a result, Tjaden and her husband Greg felt they were kept from fully participating in Mass as well, and that meant going separately — one of them

Making connections When families first approach Hillyer about enrolling their children in the class, she often asks such technical questions that many people ask if she’s a nurse.

“No,” she answers, “I have a daughter with significant needs.”

Hillyer’s daughter Hannah died at age 10 in 2009, but many people in the parish still remember her bright smile and welcoming spirit, said Father Porter.

something to do — whether it’s making a craft or embarking on a scavenger hunt for crosses in the hallways.

Circle time emphasizes elements they would find on the altar — complete with a plush Mass kit. Soft, stuffed versions of the thurible (the censer in which incense is burned), a chalice and other elements of the Mass help the kids match the words with the objects.

And at the end, they say a five-finger prayer, with each finger representing people like family, friends, doctors, leaders and others for whom the children want to pray.

Sam Chambers, left, plays a fishing game while Keegan Burns and CARE and Worship teacher Kristin Brokaw complete a puzzle as they get ready for their Sunday morning class to start at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood. happy child, another characteristic of the syndrome.

He “absolutely loves” music, said Burns, so the songs interspersed throughout the class are a hit.

“The very first thing we do is music,” explained Hillyer. “They all love music and that sort of gets the wiggles out.”

The group then settles down for prayer at the table, with teachers and adult and youth helpers working oneon-one with each student.

The class sings an alleluia, and then the leaders share a reading, which is usually the week’s Gospel, but sometimes might be the first or second reading if the Gospel is too abstract.

“We typically paraphrase it into a way that would engage them, that they would understand, and then we have some reflection questions that we ask,” said Hillyer.

Next, they bring out the “Bible bag,” which always holds some familiar object that relates to the main concept.

“We try to employ some visual and tactile elements into what we’re doing because it means more to them when they can touch it, feel it, see it,” said Hillyer.

When the kids studied St. John the CARE and Worship classes engage the students in their faith in physical ways, and teachers often send the students — like Noah Boeckmann, seen Baptist announcing the coming of Jehere — to the board to match words with lessons they’re learning. Picture icons on the board also remind the students of the schedule for the day. sus, for example, they used a megaphone.

Hannah loved music and cherished all,’” said Hillyer. “There’s not anything Brokaw got chills seeing that lesson going to Mass with her mom, her dad new that’s going to surprise me or frightreally click with Luke.

Chris and her brother William. en me.”

And it’s paying off.

“He would take the megaphone and “People felt this connection with her,” She and one of the other teachers of “You say, ‘You’re going to church he was going around the room saying, Father Porter said. the class, Kristin Brokaw, an occupationschool,’ and once we hit those front ‘Jesus is coming! Jesus is coming!’” BroAnd families find it easy to connect al therapist, meet with new families first doors, he’s gone,” said Heidi Burns of kaw said. “It’s neat. It makes your heart with Hillyer, as well. at home, so they can get to know the her seven-year-old son Keegan, who feel good.”

Many friends see Hillyer’s presence child and his or her abilities in a comcan’t wait to get to CARE and Worship.

The kids know about the Old Testaevery Sunday and dedication to this pro- fortable setting.

His two-year-old twin siblings tear after ment and the New Testament, and about gram as a way to honor Hannah.

Each teacher and helper brings his or him, knowing he has fun there. the four Gospel writers.

Often, families hear her story and feel her own unique perspective and expertise Keegan has a rare genetic condition Most importantly, Brokaw said, they that she understands their experiences to the classroom, and they maintain concalled Angelman syndrome, which re- know God loves them. and concerns. stant contact with the families to teach sults in global delays; he is also a very Each class also gives the youngsters “They have a sense of ‘you’ve heard it the children in the best ways they can.

Prepare ye the way

“I think he’s very much more aware of what goes on in church,” Talbot said.

“Cari’s just been a blessing for us because she wants everybody to get as much out of everything as they can.”

Tjaden agrees.

“They’re just fabulous people — so giving and loving,” she said.

“Cari” is Luke’s favorite word.

Enriching lives

The young volunteers — like 13-yearold Chloe Kallsen and 14-year-old Grace Gearon, who both worked with the class on a recent Sunday with their mothers — get as much from working with this program as they give to it.

And Father Porter sees the program Two CARE and Worship students truly filling a need in the parish. have now received the sacrament of “[The instructors] really, I think, unreconciliation and have made their first derstand how to teach in a way these Communion, and the program is working with more who are interested in sac- children understand,” he said.

He knows from his own years in the ramental preparation.

Teachers work with the kids on Sun- priesthood that people who have special days, and families do a lot of prepara- needs truly grasp the faith they’re learning. He has seen tion at home, with that in the confesthe help of sacrasional, and even ment kits. during an emoNoah insisted he Any families at St. Michael the tional moment wanted to receive Archangel Parish that are interestwhen Archbishop both the body and ed in this program for their children, Joseph F. Nauthe blood at his first or parishes that would like to know mann knelt in the Communion, so his more about starting a program of aisle to confirm dad — a fourththeir own, can reach Cari Hillyer by a young man. He degree Knight email at: chillyer@sbcglobal.net. sees God at work of Columbus at there. the parish — re“It’s also a nice thing,” he said, “for the searched the wine the church uses.

Noah touched the cup to his lips at parents to know they aren’t alone — that home ahead of time so he would be pre- the church cares for them and there is pared for what he would taste at church. opportunity for their children to be preIt’s important, Hillyer said, for the pared for the sacraments.”

Every parish, he feels, could benefit kids who are preparing for the Eucharist to practice with unconsecrated from having a program like CARE and hosts just like the hosts they will receive Worship — and St. Michael’s is happy to help where it can. during Mass.

“My files are open to them if they There weren’t many dry eyes when want to take the lesson plans that we’ve the big day arrived.

“I was bawling, of course,” said Hillyer. done,” said Hillyer, noting that the parBoeckmann’s mother watched as her ish has a curriculum for all three liturgrandson received his first Communion. gical years.

“You could adapt these for whatever It was an opportunity her brother, who had Down syndrome, didn’t have years your specific needs are,” she added. “It’s an open door.” ago, Boeckmann said. Noah waved to It’s a door that parents of St. Michael’s her as he walked back to his seat.

And soon he will start preparing for CARE and Worship kids encourage others to walk through. confirmation.

“I just feel like all children need the “It brings tears,” said Boeckmann. opportunity to experience God, regard“It’s so enriching.” less of what their abilities are,” agreed Noah now attends the first half of CARE and Worship and then rejoins his Burns. “And any way that we can reach them is only going to make us, as parfamily for the rest of Mass.

Noah’s mother, Kim Talbot, loves ents and educators, better people.” peeking in and seeing Noah helping his younger classmates.

Preparing for sacraments

For more information

12 classifieds Employment Youth minister - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a dynamic individual for a new position in urban youth ministry. The Wyandotte County youth outreach coordinator will assist with the creation and implementation of programs, as well as develop training for those serving the evangelization, youth ministry and catechesis efforts in Wyandotte County. The ideal candidate will be committed to Catholic teaching, knowledgeable of theology and catechesis, and possess leadership skills with a track record of innovation and collaboration. This position requires fluent bilingual abilities in English and spanish, a bachelor’s degree, preferably in youth ministry, theology or related field; master’s degree preferred. Also requires minimum five years of program management experience relatable to the position. For a full job description, go to the website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested candidates must submit the following: a cover letter expressing your desire to serve the church in this position; resume; letter of support from your pastor; and a completed application form (available on the Web page) to: jobs@archkck.org, or by mail to, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Human Resources - Urban Youth Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

Submission deadline is April 30.

Position opening - The board of trustees of the Leavenworth Regional Catholic School System (LRCSS) is seeking a faith-filled, proven leader to become the president of LRCSS. The president will oversee the Catholic high school and elementary school in the Leavenworth County pastoral region of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Immaculata High School is a coeducational, comprehensive, 9-12 school with 122 students enrolled and 16 staff employed.

Xavier Elementary serves 212 students in grades K-8 and 115 students in preschool, employs 18 full-time teachers and 11 part-time teachers. The schools are accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education and the AdvancEd international accreditation agency. The new president will be expected to be a person of great faith and a registered and active member of his or her parish, in order to lead the schools’ faith initiatives. In addition, the new president must be skilled in financial management, strategic planning, and development. Compensation for this position will be competitive. Interested individuals should send cover letter and resumé, along with a pastor recommendation to: Dr. Kathleen O’Hara, Superintendent of Schools, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. (913) 721-1570. Documents may be sent by email to: kohara@archkckcs.org.

School principal - Xavier Elementary, Leavenworth, is seeking a dynamic, experienced Catholic school principal for the 2013-2014 academic year, who embraces the Catholic faith and possesses spiritual leadership skills blended with strong instructional leadership and managerial skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills. In addition, significant experience with implementing current best practices (MTSS, PBS, DI, Common Core) in schools is expected.

Xavier serves 212 students in grades K-8 and 115 students in preschool, employs 18 full-time teachers and 11 part-time teachers, and is looking for a leader who possesses the skills to manage the strategic plan for the school. Principal applicants must be practicing Catholics and hold (or be eligible for) an administrative license from the Kansas State Department of Education. Interested individuals should complete the principal application available online at: www. archkckcs.org. Applications are due by April 17. Questions may be directed to Dr. Kathleen O’Hara, superintendent of schools, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas at (913) 7211570 or send an email to: kohara@archkckcs.org.

Part-time development coordinator - St. Ann Parish is seeking a self-motivated individual to coordinate all development activities for the school and church, including: directing the establishment of an annual fund for the school, preparing materials to update parishioners on the status of the ongoing capital campaign and building project, and working with the endowment committee to promote planned gifts. The individual will also be responsible for coordinating the annual stewardship and Archbishop’s Call to Share appeals. The job is estimated to be a 20-to-25-hour-per-week position. Applicants should have 5-8 years of demonstrated success in the development field and possess excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. Individuals interested in the position should email their resume with cover letter to: bschafer@stannpv.org.

Principal - Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior/Senior High School, Hays, is seeking a principal to begin July 1. Qualifications include demonstrating commitment to the development of Christian spirit and a Catholic community of faith within the school environment. The qualified applicant also needs to have current Kansas administrative certification and must be a faith-filled and practicing Catholic. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Deadline is April 30. Send resume to Father Daryl Olmstead, Thomas More Prep-Marian, 1701 Hall St., Hays, KS 67601.

Executive director - The St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center in Lawrence is seeking an executive director to lead its fund development programs and manage the related processes for the center. The executive director is responsible for raising funds for the advancement of the ministry at the center, which serves the University of Kansas community. Applicants must be practicing Catholics and have a bachelor’s degree. The right candidate will have executive level leadership experience, polished marketing and presentation skills and be very organized. Applicants will have experience in planning and forecasting, work as a team player, and have the ability to communicate effectively and compassionately. They must be computer literate and be familiar with grant writing. Interested individuals should send an email with cover letter and resume to: dev@st-lawrence. org. Applications deadline is May 3.

Bookkeeper/office assistant - Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers, Inc., is seeking a part-time, 20 hours a week, flexible schedule bookkeeper/office assistant responsible for the bookkeeping and donor relationship program and processes. The ideal candidate will meet the following criteria: committed Christian and pro-life advocate; full agreement with statement of faith and principles; 2-3 years experience in a bookkeeping position for a small company (nonprofit experience a plus); experience with all basic bookkeeping tasks: A/R, A/P, GL, and reconciliations; 2-3 years experience using QuickBooks and all aspects of accounting; proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Office Outlook; proficient in CRM databases (DonorPro preferred); well-organized, with an ability to prioritize multiple projects and have a system for following up on pending issues. May be required to work some evenings and weekends. Must be willing to travel and work between two AAPC locations in Johnson County.

Communication skills, written and verbal, are expected. Experience working in Christian ministry is a plus. Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers, Inc., is a faith-based, 501(c)3 organization headquartered in Overland Park with an additional office in Shawnee. Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers has been in operation since 1983 with the objective of providing emotional, practical and spiritual support to women and families facing an unplanned pregnancy. Qualified applicants may submit cover letter, resume and salary expectations by sending an email to: director@adviceandaid.com.

Only applicants meeting the above qualifications will be considered. No phone calls or employment agencies. EOC. Executive director - Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers, Inc., is seeking an executive director to lead the organization. The executive director reports to the board of directors and collaborates with it to fulfill its governance function. The executive director is responsible for the consistent achievement of Advice and Aid’s mission, vision, and financial objective.

In addition, the executive director plays a leadership role in implementing the strategic goals of the organization. The executive director is responsible for conducting himself with the utmost integrity and for seeking God’s will and direction for the organization. The ideal candidate will meet the following criteria: committed Christian and pro-life advocate; full agreement with statement of faith and principles; bachelor’s degree (preferred); experience in a leadership role involving managing a team, managing a budget, and communicating with constituents; experience in a position of leadership in a nonprofit Christian organization (preferred); dynamic and visionary leader with demonstrated ability to motivate and mentor a team in a sometimes stressful environment; strong written and verbal communication skills; and experience and comfort in public speaking and presentations are essential.

Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers, Inc., is a faith-based, 501(c)3 organization headquartered in Overland Park with an additional office in Shawnee. Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers has been in operation since 1983 with the objective of providing emotional, practical and spiritual support to women and families facing an unplanned pregnancy. Qualified applicants may submit cover letter, resume and salary expectations by sending an email to Bethany Beaver at: aapc_application@icloud.com. Only applicants meeting the above qualifications will be considered. No phone calls or employment agencies. EOC. Principal - St James Parish School in St. Joseph, Mo., seeks a principal committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. St. James is a parish school serving approximately 200 pre-K to 8th-grade students with a staff of approximately 15. The qualified candidate must be an active practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church (magisterium), have a master’s degree in educational administration, teaching experience and preferably three years administrative experience. Applications may be made to the Catholic schools office on the website at: http://jobs.diocese-kcsj. org/?cid=4&lid=118. All applications must be received by April 26.

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References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years.

Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile).

Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@ kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.bankruptcylawin kansascity.com.

Piano lessons - Give your child the gift of music! Quality piano lessons with a positive, caring and motivating teacher. Excellent piano method, and children excel quickly. 15 years of teaching experience. Call (913) 338-3022.

Rodman Lawn Care - Mowing, leaf removal, mulch and more. Call John Rodman, member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, at (913) 548-3002 or send an email to him at: Rodman.Lawn@yahoo.com.

CLUTTER GETTING YOU DOWN? Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizer and “HONEY-DO-LIST” specialist. Call today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055. Insured. References.

Visit our website at: www.KOATINDUSTRIES.com.

MEDICATION SETUP & MANAGEMENT - RN support visits for filling weekly pill boxes & managing medication. Affordable and convenient. To learn more, call Home Connect Health Services at (913) 627-9222.

ALL AREA CATHOLICS WELCOME Christ the King Parish Federal Credit Union 5417 Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kan. Good Car Loan and Share Loan Rates (913) 287-8448 or (913) 980-2192 Hours: 7 - 9 p.m., Mon., Wed., Fri.

Home Improvement Helping Hand Handy Man - Home maintenance upgrades and chores available by the hour. Special rate for senior and single-parent households. Electrical, painting, wood refinishing, deck repair, yardwork, small to medium tree trimming, gutter cleaning, shelving and organizing. Most home problems and needs solved. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490.

Tim the Handyman - Small jobs, faucets, garbage disposals, toilets, ceiling fans, light fixtures, painting, wall ceiling repair, wood rot, siding, desks, doors, windows, and gutter cleaning. Call (913) 526-1844.

Swalms Organizing Service - Reducing Clutter - Enjoy an Organized Home! Basement, garage, attic, shop, storage rooms - any room organized! Belongings sorted, boxed and labeled, items hauled or taken for recycling, trash bagged. For before and after photos, visit: www. swalmsorganizing.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115.

House painting - Interior and exterior; wall paper removal. 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Spring is here! I do decks, fences, siding, windows, doors, roofing, exterior house painting and can cover all your landscaping needs. I bid and do the work, and am fully insured. Serving the Leaven parishioners for 12 years. Call Joshua Doherty at (913)-709-7230.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Perfect Roof - Free estimates; roofing repairs if needed.

Hail and wind damage inspections. Insured and reasonable. Call (816) 288-1693.

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

theleaven.com | APRIL 12, 2013

April 12, 2013 | theleAven.com

The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

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Ceiling, wall crack and water stain repair Ceilings retextured or painted. Interior painting, no mess! Serving Kansas City, Kan., and the Johnson County area for 23 years. Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144.

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376 Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson county area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401.

Exterior painting, drywall projects, wood rot repair, bathroom and kitchen remodels, and tile work - Quality products. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 206-4524.

Brick mason - Available year-round; installation and repair of all types of masonry work — brick, stone, tile and flat work. 19 years of residential/commercial experience.

Free quote – KC metro area – small and large jobs accepted. Call (913) 485-4307. Yes, we renovate kitchen/ bathroom cabinets and install new floor tile.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998

Caregiving Summer nanny - I am a college sophomore who would like to nanny this summer. I have nanny experience and have had first-aid training. I enjoy children and love to be active. If interested, please contact (913) 481-3644 or send an email to: bridgeto@ksu.edu.

Caregiving - Catholic woman with 30 years experience is available to care for your loved one in their home.

Spent the past 3 years exclusively caring for one client.

Excellent references available. Prefer part time. Call (913) 579-8914.

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.

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.

Caregiver - Former practical nurse and massage therapist with 20 years experience with same family available to give superior, personalized care to you or your loved one. Have passport and will travel. $15 per hour. (913) 384-2119. Excellent references.

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 visit our website at: www.benefitsofhome. com.

vacation Lake of the Ozarks - 2 BR, 2 BA house with a large dock.

Gravois Arm P-Road. Rent for the summer season, May 1 - November 1. Call (816) 223-3244 or send an email to: john brulez@aol.com.

Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA, fully furnished; sleeps four. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $115/ night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the website at: www.tillmancabin.com. classifieds continue on the next page

miscellAneous Home repair help available through Catholic Heart. Are you in the Kansas city, Kan., or Kansas city, mo., area? Are you in need of some minor home repairs? or just some general cleanup around home, or do you know of someone in need who may not see this article? catholic heArt (helping everyone Attain repairs today) will be in your area, July 15 - 18. catholic heart provides the labor and some materials such as paint, tools, and wood. requests for assistance must be submitted by June 14. if you miss the deadline, please send in your request anyway. visit our website at: https://www.archkck. org/ministries--offices/ecat-youth/ecat-youth--catholic--heart-work--camp for more information and to fill out the work order forms. for information, call ernest Boehner at (913) 433-2085, catholic charities of northeast Kansas, or rick cheek in the youth office at (913) 284-1725.

for sAle For sale - 2 side-by-side individual full body crypts (#30 & #32) in Gate of Heaven Mausoleum, Kansas city, Kan., Queen of heaven court, level “d.” current selling price at this level would be $12,000, reduced to $7,500. must sell. contact cathy m. to make an offer at (913) 485-7076.

First Communion dress and veil - for 18” dolls such as American girl. handmade. A variety of other doll clothes, accessories, shoes, sleeping bags and pajamas available. call (913) 642-1836 for appointment.

Max’s rosaries - custom-made locally for all occasions – first communion, confirmation, baptism, graduation. rosary bracelets and beaded earrings too! i also do repairs. member of the church of the Ascension, overland park. call (913) 400-3236.

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) 3275557.

wAnted to Buy Antiques wanted i buy old pocket & wristwatches; sets of silverware; souvenir spoons; advertising signs; coins; and native American turquoise jewelry, arrowheads & rugs. call chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.

Will buy firearms and related accessories - one or a whole collection. honest evaluation and top prices paid. contact tom at (913) 238-2473. member of sacred heart parish, shawnee. *** Wanted to buy *** Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, prints, sterling, etc. renee maderak (913) 631-7179 st. Joseph parish, shawnee

entertAinment Zepster DJ Kansas City - weddings, anniversaries, class reunions, birthday parties, school dances, corporate events, picnics and pool parties, sound and lighting. over 20 years experience. member of our lady of good counsel. www.zepster.com. (816) 741-4777.

Buying A clAssified Ad cost to advertise is: $17.50 for five lines or less $1.50 each additional line email: julie@theleaven.com phone: (913) 647-0327

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April St. Paul School will host the second annual Chef’s Classic Knock Out Bout on April 13 from 6 - 9 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, 11411 Pflumm Road, Overland Park.

Local chefs will be sparring in two rounds of head-to-head competition. A food and beverage experience will also be featured at the Chef’s Classic highlighting food, wine and culinary vendors from around the metro area with live demos, sampling and selling to the guests. The fundraiser will also feature a live and silent auction. The funds raised will benefit St. Paul School in Olathe.

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The Daughters of Isabella at Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, will host their annual day of reflection on April 13. Christine Rossi, author of “Heads Up,” will share ways to spring clean old attitudes. Mass begins at 8 a.m., followed by breakfast, the retreat, and a blessing and prayer at noon. Register now for $10, or $15 after April 10. Make checks payable to Daughters of Isabella, and mail to Terri Peterson, 7620 Bell Rd., Shawnee, KS 66217. For more information, send an email to Sandy Cannon at: csandysangels@aol.com.

Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 71st and Metcalf, Overland Park, will host its annual dinner dance at 6:30 p.m. on April 13. The theme is denim and diamonds. The cost to attend is $22 per person, which includes a barbecue dinner, drinks, and music from Complete Music. Attendees must be 21 and over. Call Patty Miller at (913) 3844644 for tickets or further information.

Reservations are required by April 9.

Sacred Heart Variety Store and More, Atchison, recently moved to a new location, 5th and the Mall, Atchison. A grand opening will be held April 13. Enjoy a free hot dog and cold drink from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Donations of clothing, furniture, linens and miscellaneous items are appreciated.

The Holy Spirit Knights of Columbus are hosting their worldfamous pancake breakfast on April 14 from 8:15 a.m. - noon at Holy Spirit Church, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park. The breakfast is all-youcan-eat. The cost is: $7 for adults; $3 for children ages 4 - 10; and free for children under 4 years of age.

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Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., is offering a program specifically designed for young professional women, “Networking 101: Making Your Contacts Count” on April 17 from 9:30. – 11 a.m. Call (913) 906-8990 to register.

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Christ’s Peace House of Prayer in Easton will host a contemplative prayer retreat day from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. on April 20. Instruction will be provided on request. Full- or half-day options are available, with a noon meal included. The cost is $25 per participant. The retreat may be extended for an overnight

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stay. For information or to register, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@ shantivanam.com.

sas City, Kan., on April 25 from 9:30 – 11 a.m. For more information or to register, call (913) 906-8990.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will celebrate the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass on April 20. Mass is at 8 a.m. at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan. Immediately following Mass is a rosary procession to an abortion clinic approximately four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing. Benediction concludes services by 9:45 a.m.

The St. Thomas Aquinas High School music department will present its annual “Parade of Stars” dinner theater on April 26 - 27. Featured performers will be soloists, small ensembles, the STA chorale, the “Swingin’ Saints” show choir, and the concert choir, accompanied by the dinner theater band. The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. on both nights, with dinner served to you by the “stars” of the evening. For tickets and reservations, visit the website at: www.stasaints.net/choir; call Joe Heidesch at (913) 319-2455; or send an email to: jheidesch@stasaints. The cost to attend is $25 per person. Dinner reservations are required.

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on April 20 at Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission, Leawood.

Following the Mass, the bereavement ministry will have its monthly support meeting in the Father Burak Room. Grief counselor Barry Pennington will speak. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

Easter season is the perfect time to bring new life into your marriage by learning natural family planning. Classes in the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning are offered at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave., beginning on April 21 at 1 p.m. Call Dana or Eric Runnebaum at (785) 380-0062 or the Couple to Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558 for more information. Registration is required on the website at: www.ccli.org.

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Hope to Shalom Walk will be held from 1 3 p.m. on April 21. Join Father Dennis Wait and others to pray for an end to violence on a three-mile walk, beginning at Sanctuary of Hope, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The walk will end at Shalom House in prayer with the men at the shelter. Transportation will be provided to return to Sanctuary of Hope. For more information, send an email to: julie@sanctuaryofhope.org.

Annunciation Parish, Frankfort, will host a fundraiser luncheon and country store on April 21. A fried chicken dinner with all the fixings will be served from 11 a.m. 1:30 p.m. The cost is $9 for adults; $4 for children ages 10 and under. Takeout meals will be available by calling on April 21 to the Cigna Center at (785) 292-4351 or the parish office during the morning at (785) 292-4462.

The Knights of Columbus and Serra Club members of Holy Cross Church, Overland Park, are sponsoring a Holy Hour of prayer for vocations. The church is in need of priests and religious who will be Christ’s servants in the many capacities that have evolved over the years. The Holy Hour begins at 7 p.m. on April 22. Refreshments will be served following the prayer service.

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“Planned Overs: Cooking Once, Eating Twice,” a nutrition presentation by Pat Callaghan, master food volunteer with K-State Extension Services, will be offered at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kan-

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The world-renowned Pope Paul VI Institute is conducting two seminars on women’s reproductive health care. The first on April 26 is designed for clergy and medical professionals. The second seminar on April 27 is designed for the general public. These seminars will present authentic, objective, and scientific approaches to women’s reproductive health as compared to the dominant approach used as the standard today. Details and online registration can be found at: www.prolifekc.com or contact the archdiocesan pro-life office at (913) 647-0350 or by email at: prolife@archkck. org. Advance registration through April 24 is $15 and includes lunch.

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Our Lady of Unity Church and School will host its inaugural car, truck and cycle show on April 27 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Unity Church, 2646 S. 34th, Kansas City, Kan. Each car, truck and cycle entry is $20.

There will be food booths and assorted vendors. There is no cost to attend. Contact Sherry at (913) 207-0900.

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New respite volunteer training will be on April 27 from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Health Center, 1000 Carondelet Dr., Kansas City, Mo. Respite is a rewarding ministry giving companionship and care to homebound persons, while allowing their caregiver some much needed time away.

Men and women are needed to become volunteers. Volunteers serve in their own parish. For more information or to make a reservation, call Pat Scheibel at (913) 8976589.

The St. Joseph Spring Festival will be held on April 28 at St. Joseph School, 307 Iowa St., Olpe.

The dinner and children’s games will be held from 3 - 6:30 p.m. Bingo begins at 6:45 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Ham, roast beef and the fixings will be served. The cost is $8 for adults; $3 for children age 10 and under. Carryout meals will be available. Raffle tickets may be purchased from any St. Joseph School student, the Chicken House in Olpe, or on the day of the festival.

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14 commentary

theleaven.com | april 12, 2013

Building the culture of Life

mark my words Scripture Readings THIRD WEEK OF EASTER April 14 THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 5: 27-32, 40b-41 Ps 30: 2, 4-6 Rv 5: 11-14 Jn 21: 1-19 April 15 Monday Acts 6: 8-15 Ps 119: 23-24, 26-27, 29-30 Jn 6: 22-29 April 16 Tuesday Acts 7:51 – 8:1a Ps 31: 3cd-4, 6ab, 7b, 8a, 17, 21ab Jn 6: 30-35 April 17 Wednesday Acts 8: 1b-8 Ps 66: 1-3a, 4-7a Jn 6: 35-40 April 18 Thursday Acts 8: 26-40 Ps 66: 8-9, 16-17, 20 Jn 6: 44-51 April 19 Friday Acts 9: 1-20 Ps 117: 1-2 Jn 6: 52-59 April 20 Saturday Acts 9: 31-42 Ps 116: 12-17 Jn 6: 60-69

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commentary 15

april 12, 2013 | theleaven.com

To still be fully human, be still

ow, wonder what that cool song is?

The music was playing in the background as the show “Criminal Minds” was winding up. Naturally, my iPhone was nowhere nearby, so I couldn’t “Shazam it.” (Shazam is an incredible music app. If you’re curious about it, ask your children or grandchildren to explain!)

However, I zipped to the Internet Movie Data Base app on my iPad, found the song and the artist, and then bought it on iTunes.

The tune, “Be Still,” is sung by Isaac Slade of The Fray. It was written for Slade’s little brother when he couldn’t sleep and called at four in the morning. It’s a very soothing, simple lullaby.

Although not specifically Christian, the lyrics sound like something God might sing to each of us. In a nutshell, the song reassures anyone who is caught in fear, shame, darkness, terror and shadow, that they not alone. If they can simply “be still,” then they will “know

Father Mark Goldasich Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. that I am with you . . . know that I am here . . . know I am.”

I wish that I’d heard the song during Lent. I would have given listening to it as a penance! In the many confessions that I heard, a terribly common sin is impatience. We’re always busy rushing from one commitment to another, leaving no time to “be still.” Eventually, we become depleted — physically, emotionally and spiritually — and not only lose patience, but perspective. I suspect that’s one of the reasons for the Third Commandment. When we keep holy the Lord’s Day, when we respect the Sab-

bath by “being still” for a change, God manages to get a word in edgewise. God helps to re-channel our priorities, and lets us regroup, recharge and be refreshed.

But maybe we’re hesitant to be still, seeing it as a waste of valuable time.

Listen to this cautionary tale from Theophane the Monk: A woman went to a monastery for her first weekend retreat in many years. When she arrived at the guesthouse, a monk surprised her with a brusque question: “Why not?”

“Although he had never seen me before,” the woman said, “I knew he had me pegged. I brought up excuses for my absence from making a retreat: ‘It was a long trip . . . I’m tired . . . the kids . . . my stressful job . . . not enough time.’”

The retreat master took a long sword off the wall and gave it to the woman, saying, “Here, with this sword, you can cut through any barriers you have.”

The woman took the sword and slipped away.

In her room, alone, she sat and looked at the sword.

While she knew what the monk had said was true, the next day she returned the sword, muttering, “How can I live without my excuses?”

(Adapted from “Excuses” in “More Sower’s Seeds,” by Brian Cavanaugh, TOR.) When was the last time you truly kept the Sabbath?

(At this point, feel free to begin your litany of excuses.) Now take that monk’s sword and cut through any objections to being still and spending time with God. Treat yourself this Sunday to some real Sabbath time. Start small. After church, set aside a half-hour for quiet. Take a timeout from the computer, smartphone and TV. Sit with the Scriptures, a spiritual book, a journal or a favorite prayer for half the time. Use the other 15 minutes to leisurely peruse the newspaper, read a novel, take a walk or pursue a hobby. Gradually increase your Sabbath time.

Give yourself permission to quiet down and hear God’s lullaby in your heart: “Be still and know that I’m with you/And I will say your name.”

In the beginning

Risen Christ ‘filled Jerusalem’ through apostles’ teaching

O

nly a few weeks ago, the Gospel reading for Palm Sunday showed Jesus facing trial for his life because of his teachings.

His accusers charged, “He is inciting the people with his teachings throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to here.”

Sunday’s first reading — Acts 27-32, 40b-41 — echoes that trial scene. This time, though, it is the apostles who are standing on trial before the Sanhedrin. Like Jesus, the apostles also have incurred the displeasure of the authorities because of their teachings: “We gave you strict orders, did we not, to stop teaching in that name?

Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching.”

Like Jesus, the apostles also face the danger of death because of their insistence on engaging in this prophetic

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. ministry. The verses deleted from our reading reveal that danger: “When they heard this, they became infuriated and wanted to put them to death.”

Fortunately for the apostles, the Pharisee Gamaliel dissuades the Sanhedrin from this rash action. He advises them that if the apostles are from God, then nothing can stop them, but if they are not from God, then they will fail on their

own: “For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself.

But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them.”

(Incidentally, Gamaliel’s suggestion demonstrates that the Pharisees were not always opposed to the Christians, even if it appears that way sometimes in the Gospels.)

In following Gamaliel’s advice and releasing the apostles, the Sanhedrin concedes the possibility that the apostles’ actions are of God. And all that we see happening points to that conclusion. After all, this is not the first time that the apostles have been arrested for their preaching. That earlier arrest is described in the verses immediately preceding our reading.

But after having been miraculously freed from jail

THE PRACTICAL CATHOLIC In football, there’s the two-minute (which translates to many actual minutes) warning. For management guru David Allen, it’s the two-minute rule.

The idea is simple: When tasks arise, see if any can be done in two (to maybe 10) minutes. The next step is even simpler: Just do them!

For example, I might see a coffee cup left in the TV room. Rather than making a note to do something about it, I now go over, pick

by an angel, the apostles resume their preaching. Even the charge of the Sanhedrin against the apostles acknowledges the effectiveness of their teaching: “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching.” The word “filled” underlines the thoroughness of the apostles’ teaching. The opponents of the apostles do not merely say that the apostles have engaged in teaching. Rather, they have “filled Jerusalem” with their teaching.

The apostles appear as an unstoppable force, as they spread the good news about the risen Christ. Jail cannot hold them. The Sanhedrin cannot stop them. Through the apostles, the risen Christ continues to speak.

And just as surely, the risen Christ continues to speak through the church, founded upon the apostles.

it up, and put it in the dishwasher. Or if an email needs a simple reply, I type it and hit send, instead of putting a flag on it for later.

Bigger projects can be broken down into much smaller steps.

Want to donate some old clothes? Set aside a minute to get a donation bag or box. While the morning coffee brews, examine a few hangers-worth of items. Put discards into box. Take to car or trunk.

When passing the charity, drop off.

By the way, congratulations on practicing this new skill. This column took only about a minute to read, you overachiever!

— M.G.

Women deserve better than typical reproductive care

W

e hear much in the national media about women’s “sexual and reproductive health.”

Planned Parenthood is the leader in the charge of this mantra, which it promotes very aggressively and with taxpayer funding. But what is really being promoted is the sexual license to engage in unrestricted sexual activity with the deceptive assumption of no consequences.

Of course, as we know, there are many very damaging consequences associated with this attitude, an attitude whereby women are not treated and loved as

Ron Kelsey Ron Kelsey is the archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office. You can email him at: prolife@archkck. org or call (913) 647-0350. children of God, but rather as objects to be used. Women deserve better.

Tragically, this attitude has altered even the dominant approach to women’s reproductive health care by the medical profession, although not by all medical practitioners. This dominant approach is “neither reproductive (usually) nor healthy (often)” according to Dr. Thomas Hilgers,

founder of the world-renowned Pope Paul VI Institute in Omaha, Neb. He states that in the last 40 to 50 years we have accepted a standard for the practice of reproductive medicine that “is an approach to medical care which is based upon treating symptoms but not the disease.”

It would be like treating a broken arm with aspirin and physical therapy rather than setting the broken arm and putting it in a cast.

Additionally, fertility and pregnancy, which are normal and healthy conditions, are treated as diseases with cancer-causing artificial hormones as the predominant medicines prescribed.

Surely, this defies common sense and is self-deception at an unbelievably stratospheric level. We must come back to our senses. Women

deserve better.

Fortunately, there is a better approach to women’s reproductive health care.

The Pope Paul VI Institute is internationally recognized for its outstanding achievements in the field of natural fertility regulation and reproductive medicine — 30 years of scientific research and educational program development; allied health professional education programs for couples and professionals; and professional, caring, and morally acceptable patient services. Archbishop Naumann serves on the advisory board of the institute.

Now the good news. The archdiocese is bringing the Pope Paul VI Institute to Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan., to conduct two seminars. The first seminar is on Fri., April 26,

and is designed for clergy and medical professionals.

The second seminar is on Sat., April 27, and is designed for the general public, including women and men, mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, and young women, age 13 and older.

This is a wonderful opportunity to become exposed to a countercultural approach to women’s reproductive health that is reproductive and healthy.

Your family deserves this.

The cost for early registrations is only $15 and includes lunch. For seminar details and online registration, go to: www.ProLifeKC. com; contact Ron Kelsey at the archdiocesan pro-life office by email at: prolife@ archkck.org; or call (913) 647-0350.

do unto others

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Honor Pope Francis by remembering the poor

hen asked why he chose the name Francis, our new pope shared this story: “Some people wanted to know why the bishop of Rome wished to be called Francis. Some thought of Francis Xavier, Francis de Sales, and also Francis of Assisi. I will tell you the story. During the election, I was seated next to the archbishop emeritus of São Paolo and prefect emeritus of the Congregation for the

bill scholl Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@archkck.org.

Clergy, Cardinal Claudio Hummes: a good friend, a good friend! When things were looking dangerous, he encouraged me. And when the votes reached two-thirds, there was the usual applause, because the pope had been elect-

ed. And he gave me a hug and a kiss, and said: ‘Don’t forget the poor!’ And those words came to me: the poor, the poor. Then, right away, thinking of the poor, I thought of Francis of Assisi.

Then I thought of all the wars, as the votes were still being counted, till the end. Francis is also the man of peace. That is how the name came into my heart: Francis of Assisi. For me, he is the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation; these days we do not have a very good relationship with creation, do we? He is the man who gives us this spirit of peace, the poor man. . . .

How I would like a church

which is poor and for the poor!”

This is social justice in a nutshell, isn’t it? We don’t forget the poor and, in doing so, we work for peace, each according to our gifts. We work in our station in life: in our families, in our parishes, in our archdiocese, to bring this about, with the intercession of Mary, our Blessed Mother, and Jesus — and we look to the saints and our Holy Father to help show us the way.

This is simple and requires us to listen to that voice: “Don’t forget the poor!”

Buy some peanut butter and tuna fish for a Catholic Charities food pantry. Sum-

mer will be upon us in no time, and hungry children will be out of school and needing protein.

Buy a warm weather baby outfit and some diapers for a new baby at Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic. Make a meal to be taken to the Willa Gill Food Kitchen or volunteer to serve it — most parishes have a recipe in the bulletin and a day of the month they’re scheduled.

Buy a copy of your favorite devotional book to be donated to a new convert in prison. Take a widow out to Sunday brunch after Mass.

Do one thing this month to remember the poor among us.

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16 Pope Francis

theleaven.com | april 12, 2013

Homebody, soccer fan, tango-lover — Pope wants decisive action some papal pastimes revealed against clergy sex abuse

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Here are a few of Pope Francis’ favorite things, which he revealed in a series of interviews granted while he was archbishop of Buenos Aires.

The interviews are in the book, “Pope Francis: Conversations with Jorge Bergoglio” by Sergio Rubin and Francesca Ambrogetti, which was originally published in 2010 under the title “El Jesuita” (“The Jesuit”). It is not yet available in English.

• Favorite sports: When he was young, the future pope played basketball, but he loved going to the stadium to watch soccer with his whole family to see their favorite team, San Lorenzo. He lamented that the fan scene is not what it used to be. At the worst, “people would yell at the referee that Pope Francis said that he was a bum, a St. Thérèse of Lisieux scoundrel, a sellis the saint he turns to out ... nothing in comparison to in time of need. the epithets they use today,” he said.

• Favorite city: “I love where I live.

I love Buenos Aires.” He has traveled in Latin America and parts of Europe, including Ireland “to improve my English.” However, he said, “I always try to avoid traveling . . . because I’m a homebody” and got homesick easily.

• Favorite way to stay informed: Newspapers. He said he turned on the radio only to listen to classical music.

He had thought he’d probably start using the Internet like his predecessor, the late-Cardinal Juan Carlos Aramburu of Buenos Aires, did — “when he retired at 75.”

• Favorite mode of transport as cardinal archbishop of Buenos Aires: The subway, which he would always take to get around “because it’s fast; but if I can, I prefer the bus because that way I can look outside.”

• Favorite pastime: As a boy, he liked to collect stamps. Today, “I really like reading and listening to music.”

• Favorite authors and books: “I adore poetry by (Friedrich) Holderlin,” a 19th-century lyric poet; Alessandro Manzoni’s “The Betrothed” (“I Promessi Sposi”), which he said he has read at least four times; Dante Alighieri’s “The Divine Comedy”; and anything by Fyodor Dostoevsky and Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges.

The pope recalled that even though Borges was an agnostic, “he’d recite the ‘Our Father’ every evening because he had promised his mother he would, and died with a sense of ‘religious comfort.’”

• Favorite music: “Leonore” Overture No. 3 by Ludwig van Beethoven conducted by the late-Wilhelm Furtwangler, “who, in my opinion, is the best conductor of some of (Beethoven’s) symphonies and works by Wagner.”

• Favorite dance style: tango, which he said he loves “very much. It’s something that comes from within.”

He said he danced the tango when he was young “even though I preferred

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

V

CNS photo/Paul Haring

Argentina’s flag is seen as Pope Francis arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican April 3. Pope Francis has said the Buenos Aires in his native Argentina was his favorite city. the milonga,” which is an older form of tango with a faster rhythm.

• Favorite movie: “Babette’s Feast” because it shows the transformation of a group of people who took denial too far and didn’t know what happiness was, he said. The sumptuous meal helps free them from their fear of love, he said. He also likes Italian neorealism films, which often confronted the social, economic and moral consequence of World War II, but added that as archbishop he didn’t have much time to go to the movies.

• Favorite painting: “The White Crucifixion” by Marc Chagall. The scene “isn’t cruel, rather it’s full of hope. It shows pain full of serenity.

I think it’s one of the most beautiful things Chagall ever painted.”

• Favorite person: His grandmother Rosa, who helped raise him when he was little, taught him his first words of Italian and passed on her deep religious sensibility.

• Favorite saint he turns to in time of need: St. Therese of Lisieux. He kept a photo of her on his library shelf with a vase of white roses in front of it. “When I have a problem I ask the saint, not to solve it, but to take it in her hands and help me accept it.”

• Favorite virtue: “The virtue of love, to make room for others with a gentle approach. Meekness entices me enormously! I always ask God to grant me a meek heart,” he said.

• Worst vice to avoid: “The sin that

repulses me most is pride” and thinking of oneself as a big shot. He said when it has happened to him, “I have felt great embarrassment and I ask God for forgiveness because nobody has the right to behave like this.”

• Typical reaction to unexpected announcements: He freezes. When Pope Francis was elected pope and appeared at the central balcony, many noticed he looked rather stiff. Turns out that’s how he reacted when he was named auxiliary bishop in 1992 and how he reacts “to anything unexpected, good or bad, it’s like I’m paralyzed,” he said.

• Things he would rescue in event of a fire: His breviary and appointment book, which also contains all of his contacts, addresses and telephone numbers. “It would be a real disaster to lose them.”

“I’m very attached to my breviary; it’s the first thing I open in the morning and the last thing I close when I go to sleep.”

He also keeps tucked safe between its pages his grandmother’s letters and her last words to her grandkids before she died. She said that in times of sadness, trouble or loss, to look to the tabernacle, “where the greatest and noblest martyr is kept,” and to Mary at the foot of the cross so that they may “let fall a drop of salve on the deepest and most painful wounds.”

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis reaffirmed the importance of responding decisively to the problem of the sexual abuse of minors by members of the clergy and called on the Vatican office dealing with suspected cases to continue carrying out its mandate.

During an April 5 meeting with Archbishop Gerhard L. Muller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the pope discussed the office’s various responsibilities.

However, he made a particular point of highlighting its work to counter clerical sexual abuse, telling Archbishop Muller he wanted the congregation to continue with the policies of retired Pope Benedict XVI wanted and “to act decisively concerning cases of sexual abuse,” the Vatican said in a written statement released after the meeting.

The pope, the statement said, asked the congregation to continue: “promoting measures that protect minors, above all; help for those who have suffered such violence in the past; necessary procedures against those found guilty; [and] the commitment of bishops’ conferences in formulating and implementing the necessary directives in this is area that is so important for the church’s witness and credibility.”

The pope also assured victims that they had a special place in his heart and prayers.

As archbishop of Buenos Aires, the future pope had said his archdiocese had been very attentive to the problem and “rigorous” in its screening and selection of candidates for the priesthood and religious life.

Sex abusers suffer from a “perversion of a psychological kind” that is not caused by or directly linked to celibacy, he said in a book-length series of interviews.

“If a priest is a pedophile, he is so because he brought that perversion with him from before his ordination,” and not even priestly celibacy would be able to “cure it,” the future pope said in the book, “Pope Francis: Conversations with Jorge Bergoglio” by Sergio Rubin and Francesca Ambrogetti.

Because such a perversion already would be present in a candidate, he said, “it’s necessary to pay lots of attention to the choice of candidates to the priesthood.”

He said the archdiocese of Buenos Aires had been very “rigorous for many years already,” noting how only about 40 percent of candidates were actually admitted into the priesthood.

He also described how candidates undergo in-depth psychiatric tests to look for different forms of deviant tendencies, including “megalomaniacal, dishonest and criminal” tendencies.

In “On Heaven and Earth,” a 2010 book of conversations with a Buenos Aires rabbi, the then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio said, when it is discovered that a priest has engaged in such behavior, it is imperative that no one “look the other way.”

“One cannot be in a position of power and destroy the life of another person,” he said.