04-17-15 Vol. 36 No. 33 by The Leaven

THELEAVEN.COM | VOL. 36, NO. 33 | APRIL 17, 2015

Sisters fill Villa ‘with great love’

By Monte Mace Special to The Leaven

LATHE — It’s easy to conjure up images of Mother Teresa when you encounter the nursing Sisters from India hard at work here at Villa St. Francis. From their white habits to their prayerful mien, the Sisters remind one of the blessed founder of the Missionaries of Charity, the one who told her nurse-Sisters: “We can do no great things; only small things with great love.” And so, with great love, the Sisters of Villa St. Francis bring not only their compassionate, expert medical care to their patients, but also the love of Christ, which has led some Catholic residents to return to the church and others to pray for the healing of others. Nine Sisters from India are assigned to Villa St. Francis, a Catholic skilled nursing facility sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. They are on loan from their congregations headquartered in southern India — the Medical Sisters of St. Joseph and the Sisters of St. Anne. They were invited here by the archdiocese in 2002. Now, they are a familiar sight in the hallways and chapel of Villa St. Francis. Ordinarily, the Sisters choose to work the 3-11 p.m. or 11 p.m. - 7 a.m. shifts, so they can pray together at 7:30 a.m. and attend Mass at 8:15 a.m. in their motherhouse in Olathe. There, they pray for the staff at Villa St. Francis, for family problems confided to them and for sick or dying residents. Then, at both the start and end of their work shift, the Sisters stop into the Villa’s private chapel for a moment of prayer. “We make sure when we arrive that we go to chapel,” said Sister Ann of the Sisters of St. Anne. “Some of the staff follow us. At the end of the shift, we thank the Lord for the day.” The Sisters supplement the staff of 50 nurses who work at Villa. Kelly Powell, director of nursing, would love to have more of the Sisters from India to work with the 150 residents. “I have been a nurse 25 years and never worked with nun nurses be-

Sister Lillis, Sister Mary Kenneth, Sister Anne and Sister Sola greet a resident at Villa St. Francis. The Indian Sisters are on loan from their congregations in southern India. fore,” Powell said. “Their skills are so high that if their orders wanted to take them back, I would fly to India to ask for them to stay.” The Sisters’ sense of responsibility for their jobs is so great that only one or two of them go on vacation at a time — and the “vacation” is usually a trip back home to visit a sick family member or to attend a family funeral. Rodney Whittington Jr., CEO, believes having the Sisters on staff adds an extra dimension that other residential care facilities don’t have. “They give our residents a sense of peace and comfort,” he said. “When they care for you, not only is the person medically capable but they are as compassionate as you can get. They are just so outstanding.” Although the Sisters were trained as registered nurses in India, when they come to the United States, they

NEW EMAILS

The Leaven has new email addresses. They are: Father Mark Goldasich: frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org; Anita McSorley: anita.mcsorley @theleaven.org; Joe Bollig: joe.bollig@theleaven.org; Jessica Langdon: jessica.langdon@theleaven.org; Todd Habiger: todd.habiger@ theleaven.org; and Julie Holthaus: julie.holthaus@theleaven.org.

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must first work as certified nursing assistants due to state licensing rules. It might take up to two years before the Sisters are able to then take their boards here and become registered nurses in this country. Powell says her staff is happy to have the Sisters on board for many reasons, not least of which is because the Sisters’ nursing skills are excellent. She recalled a time when one of the Sisters took a personal interest in a resident’s critical lab test, which may have saved the resident’s life. But the Sisters are expert in providing another — often-underrated — medicine as well: the healing power of prayer. Sister Celine of the Medical Sisters of St. Joseph didn’t hesitate when a resident was distressed over her son >> See “WITH” on page 4

The Sisters at Villa St. Francis, like Sister Lillis, above, are all registered nurses.

ONE FINE DAY

What’s daily life for a recently ordained priest? Photographer Jim Sovanski followed Father Jaime Zarse from his duties as associate pastor of Christ the King Parish in Topeka to his job as chaplain of Hayden High School to find out. Check out the busy day of this “newbie” priest on pages 8-9.

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2 ARCHBISHOP

THELEAVEN.COM | APRIL 17, 2015

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

Those championing tolerance are creating a new intolerance

his past February, the world was shocked by the brutality of the Islamic

State militants as they released a video showing the beheading of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians who were working in Libya in order to provide a better life for their families. In their early to mid-20s, these 21 modern martyrs were tortured by the Islamic militants in an effort to motivate them to deny Jesus. As a result of their refusal to deny Our Lord, they were executed on a beach in Libya while singing Christian hymns. Pope Francis expressed his sympathy to the Coptic Patriarchate and to the families of the martyrs, noting that “they were killed simply for the fact of being Christian.” Pope Francis stated: “The blood of our Christian brothers is a testimony which cries out to be heard.” The mother of Gabir Munir Adly, one of the 21 Egyptian martyrs, said about her son: “I am so happy that he remained true to his faith in Christ. This is so much better than what could have happened.” The father of Esam Budir, another of the 21 martyrs, said of his son’s death: “My heart aches, but I thank God for giving me this amazing gift. He truly lived for Christ in amazing integrity and uprightness and now died for Christ. Esam has made us proud.” Gabir’s mother also said that if she were able to communicate with her son’s murderers, she would say, “From all my heart, may God forgive you and remove

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ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN the scales off of your eyes and place you on the right path, the path of light. Our Christ taught us love and peace and forgiveness. He didn’t teach us to take revenge. He didn’t teach us to curse if we are cursed, or kill if we are killed.” The word “martyr” means “witness.” The Christian martyrs throughout the church’s history have given the ultimate witness of their faith. Martyrs are willing to sacrifice life in this world, rather than deny Jesus. Along with my admiration for these young martyrs, I am also in awe of the testimonies of their parents. What an example they are of living our Christian faith in the most difficult of circumstances! The contrast between these 21 Egyptian martyrs and their executioners could not be more profound. These young Egyptians were poor men simply attempting to provide a better life for their families. They had done nothing to provoke the Islamic militants other than refuse to deny their Christian faith. The example of these modern Christian martyrs prompts the question for every Christian: How much are we willing to sacrifice for Jesus, for our Christian faith? We are fortunate to live in a country that has historically set the gold standard for protection

of religious liberty and conscience rights. However, in recent years, we have seen troubling efforts to narrow the American notion of religious liberty. The Health and Human Services (HHS) mandates that are part of this administration’s implementation of the Affordable Care Act attempt to coerce religious employers, like the Little Sisters of the Poor, to provide in their employee health plans so-called “services” (abortifacients, contraceptives and sterilizations) that violate their sincerely held religious and moral beliefs. Similarly, we have witnessed efforts to force small business owners (e.g., florists, photographers, bakers, and now even a pizza parlor) to participate in same-sex marriage ceremonies or to be saddled with fines and attorney fees that will put them out of business. It has been a positive development of our time to make unacceptable the ridicule and mockery of those who experience samesex attractions. It is not too many years ago that those with same-sex attractions were the targets of cruel jokes and offensive humor. The Catholic Church has consistently called its members — and society as a whole — to treat individuals experiencing same-sex attractions with respect and compassion. For some gay activists, however, extending respect and compassion to those experiencing same-sex attractions is not sufficient. Their goal is not just to be respected as persons, but to compel everyone to approve of behaviors, even if these behaviors are

CALENDAR ARCHBISHOP

NAUMANN April 17 Eucharistic adoration — Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park April 18 Pro-life training day — Savior Pastoral Center April 19 Groundbreaking, new cathedral — Knoxville, Tennessee April 20 Confirmation — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park April 21 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording St. Lawrence Center Advisory Council meeting — Lawrence April 22 Fellowship of Catholic University Students campus missionaries Mass and breakfast

Mass — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park Priestly ordination of Brother Simon Baker, OSB — St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison April 26 Pastoral visit — Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City, Kansas Scouting Mass and reception — Cathedral, Kansas City, Kansas April 27 Confirmation — St. Catherine, Emporia

ARCHBISHOP

KELEHER April 18 Abbot’s Table benefit dinner — Sheraton Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri April 19 Confirmation — St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kansas

April 23 Board meeting — Mundelein Seminary, Chicago

April 21 Confirmation — Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City, Kansas

April 24 Archdiocesan Envisioning Team meeting — Chancery

April 22 Mass — Federal prison camp

April 25 Kansas City Catholic Women’s Conference, “Living in Truth”

inconsistent with deeply held moral and religious convictions. If extreme gay activists get what they want regarding the law, individuals choosing to live a gay lifestyle could become, legally, a protected class. If this were to happen, it is not inconceivable that Catholic schools would be required to hire or retain teachers who are living in a manner inconsistent with Catholic moral teaching, or shut their doors. Those presenting themselves as championing

April 26 Confirmation — St. Sebastian, Florida

tolerance are, in fact, creating a new intolerance. The Egyptian and other modern martyrs remind us that living our Catholic faith will require us to be different than our prevailing culture. We are called to speak the truth with love, even when we may be ridiculed by the popular culture. Following Jesus faithfully requires heroic sacrifice. Jesus Christ and our Catholic faith are worth both living for and worth dying for.

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SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

APRIL 17, 2015 | THELEAVEN.COM

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Originally built as a convent for the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, who taught at the former Blessed Sacrament School, the building had been used as office space for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and as a home for teenaged unwed mothers before the Brazilian-based order was invited to make it home.

When the Sisters arrived at the closed convent in July 2014, they found a building that had suffered much neglect and damage. Much work still remains to be done, but their top priority was having a beautiful chapel for the Mass. Volunteers turned the room, stripped to the bare walls, into a small jewel.

Sister Miracles of the Little Way, one of four members of Fraternity of the Poor of Jesus Christ who live at the convent, dresses the altar during the Mass of dedication and consecration of the altar. The members of the Brazilian-based order focus on helping the poor.

Sisters bring life to former convent

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — A small group of women religious from a Brazilian-based order have brought new life to a former convent at Blessed Sacrament Parish here, and the Mass has returned to a derelict chapel. On March 20, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann dedicated the new altar and blessed the chapel for the Sisters of the Fraternity of the Poor of Jesus Christ. “This liturgy we celebrate today is one of the most beautiful in the church — the consecration of a new altar,” said Archbishop Naumann in his homily. “To anoint the altar, you’ll see we use the [holy] water, which reminds us of baptism, and oil, which is reminiscent of our confirmation as we use the chrism from that rite.” As part of the rite, Archbishop Naumann placed a cylindrical limestone plug in the center of the altar. The plug contained a relic of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini — also known as “Mother Cabrini” — a missionary to immigrants and the first naturalized American to be canonized. There were some 30 people crowded into the small chapel for the liturgy, including members of the male branch of the Fraternity of the Poor of Jesus Christ from Kansas City, Missouri, the four Sisters, seven women called “daughters” who also live at the convent as guests, and lay supporters. “It’s so special having you all here to celebrate this first Mass in this old convent,” said Sister Magdalena of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Sisters’ local superior, called a custodian. “This was the original chapel. For many years, it was unused, neglected and damaged . . . and we’re so happy to dedicate this space once again for the Lord and have it a holy place for prayer and Jesus’ presence.” Many people from several parishes worked so hard and contributed their “blood, and sweat, and tears” to build the chapel and do work to improve the entire convent, said Sister Magdalena, and she sincerely thanked them all. The 1950s-era convent was once the home of the Sisters of Charity of

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

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blessed the altar with holy water after placing a cylindrical limestone plug containing a relic of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in its center. Later, he also anointed the altar with chrism. He was assisted in the rite and the Mass by archdiocesan consultant for liturgy Michael Podrebarac (left) and acolyte Val Lobatos, a member of the Cathedral of St. Peter Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

“

We’re so happy to dedicate this space once again for the Lord, and have it a holy place for prayer and Jesus’ presence.” Sister Magdalena Leavenworth, who taught in the parish school. But the school closed and the Sisters of Charity departed long ago. The building, consisting of 10,000-square feet and now owned by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, had been used as offices for Catholic Charities and as a home for pregnant

teenage girls. The Franciscan Sisters, who formerly lived in cramped quarters above Shalom House in Kansas City, Kansas, moved into the closed convent in July 2014. Renovations soon began on the building, which had been badly neglected, and the former chapel, which had been stripped bare and suffered severe water damage in two of its walls. The chapel was primarily refurbished by Dan Eliason from Ascension Parish in Overland Park, and John Stone, a member of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. The front and back altars and reredos were crafted by Ray and Marian Rottinghaus from Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, and the stained-glass windows were handmade by Ed and Elaine Herman from the Church of the Ascension. Many priests from parishes in

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica.langdon@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Julie Holthaus julie.holthaus@theleaven.org

Wyandotte and Johnson counties and their parishes have stepped up in really big ways to help the Sisters get the convent into a livable condition. “It has just been amazing all the people who have been coming to us to help,” said Sister Magdalena. The larger convent, with 17 bedrooms, will enable the Sisters to expand their numbers and their ministry to the poor and marginalized. Masses will be celebrated in the chapel for the Sisters by various local priests on an occasional basis. As for their future plans for continued repairs of their convent, or — for that matter — their ministry, the Sisters are leaving these in the hands of God. “We try not to make plans,” said Sister Magdalene. “We like to stay open to what God has for us and to let him develop the mission in a way that he wants.”

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

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4 LOCAL NEWS

THELEAVEN.COM | APRIL 17, 2015

Law signed banning ‘brutal’ abortion procedure By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

OPEKA — An abortion procedure called “equally if not more brutal as partial-birth abortion” by pro-life activists was banned in Kansas when Gov. Sam Brownback signed Senate Bill 95 on April 7. The new law, also known as the “Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act,” will go on the books July 1. Kansas is the first state in the nation to ban dismemberment abortions — also known as Dilation and Evacuation abortions, or D&E — in the second trimester, or three to five months’ gestation. Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin signed a similar bill on April 13. Similar legislation is also being considered in Missouri and South Carolina. “A dismemberment abortion is when a living, unborn child is torn apart with metal tools inside the mother’s womb,” said Kathy Ostrowski, state legislative director for Kansans for Life. The bill has strong support from the Kansas Catholic Conference. “We testified on behalf of the bill and worked with Kansans for Life to encourage passage,” said Michael Schuttloffel, executive director. “They did great work on this bill. It passed with huge majorities. Nonetheless, it’s appalling that anyone at all voted ‘no.’ “It’s hard to believe that we even needed to debate this.” There were 7,263 abortions in Kansas in 2014, of which 637 were D&E abortions. The number of D&E abortions performed in Kansas has been rising. “It is a significant law,” said Ron Kelsey, archdiocesan pro-life consultant. “Not only does it perform the very important function of protecting unborn children in the womb from being

A new law, also known as the “Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act,” will go on the books July 1. Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback signed the bill on April 7. destroyed by this method, it has also become an excellent educational tool to inform the public of what happens with this kind of abortion. But let’s face it — all abortions destroy a child.” The law will not impact the health of women, said Ostrowski. “In this law,” she said, “there is carefully crafted language [with] a clearly written medical emergency exception. The law does not impinge on obstetric or gynecological care that needs to be done.” The abortions banned by the new law were not done for medical reasons, said Kelsey. “According to an abortion trade organization, [the D&E] is the simplest and easiest way to kill a child in the

second trimester,” he said. “For the sake of cost and efficiency, this brutal method has been used.” The cost of a D&E abortion at the South Wind Women’s Center — the former Dr. George Tiller abortion clinic in Wichita — is between $800 and $2,000, according to Kansans for Life. This new law was the next logical step for advancing pro-life legislation, according to Ostrowski. “As pro-life advocates, we want abortion to end. But in the short term, there are litigation hurtles, and this is one we can jump over,” she said. The stage for the Kansas law was set by two cases that went before the U.S. Supreme Court. The first was Gonzales v. Carhart in 2007, which upheld the

Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003, and Stenberg v. Carhart in 2000, which struck down a Nebraska law. In his dissent in “Stenberg,” Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote: “States also have an interest in forbidding medical procedures which, in the state’s reasonable determination, might cause the medical profession or society as a whole to become insensitive, even disdainful, to life, including life in the human fetus.” There is a strong likelihood that new law will be challenged in court. So far, Kansas abortion laws have withstood such tests. “We are hopeful that the law will survive court scrutiny,” said Schuttloffel.

With the Sisters, there are no difficult duties >> Continued from page 1 who was fighting throat cancer. She suggested the woman begin saying a daily rosary. “He was seriously ill with cancer of a throat gland,” Sister Celine said. “But he was healed.” Sister Mary Kenneth, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth who also works at the Villa, said while walking together down the halls, the nursing Sisters look “like a train of white, and the residents love it.” If a resident has difficulty falling asleep, the Sisters may be called upon to pray for them. If Sister Ann is called, she may sing a spiritual lullaby to help the person nod off. “We pray with some of the residents after they take their meds to bless them and prevent nightmares,” said Sister Bisi of the Medical Sisters of St. Joseph. The residents’ love for the Sisters is as obvious as the Sisters’ love of their patients. Recently, the Sisters beamed broadly as they came upon resident Kathy Atkinson of Mission, with whom they linked hands, slapped high fives and teased each other. “I call Sister Ann ‘Sister Cranberry’ because she’s always pushing me to drink cranberry juice,” said Atkinson with a chuckle. “Sister Bisi makes us feel better by putting the sign of the cross on our foreheads.” “They’re wonderful,” concluded At-

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MEDICAL SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH The order was founded in Kerala, India, in 1946 by Msgr. Joseph Panjikaran who believed that consecrated persons were most capable of seeing Jesus in the sick and leading them to salvation through compassionate care. Its congregation totals 892. The MSJ Sisters working at Villa St. Francis include: Sister Sola, Sister Bisi Mathew, Sister Susmitha, Sister Lillis Mathew and Sister Celine.

SISTERS OF ST. ANNE Sister Lillis, center, and Sister Anne spend some time with resident Adele Sykes at Villa St. Francis. “They’re wonderful,” said one resident. “The place wouldn’t be the same without them.” kinson. “The place wouldn’t be the same without them.” Adele Sykes couldn’t agree more. She was discharged March 6 after being in and out of Villa St. Francis for two years. “I love them and their warmth and caring,” Sykes said. “Without a doubt, their prayers helped me go home.” And among those who work at the Villa, a family-like connection has de-

veloped between them and the Sisters. When one of the Sisters returned after a six-month absence, there were hugs all around. “They’re like celebrities,” said Powell. “The staff and residents almost knocked me over getting to her.” When asked what the hardest duty was, Sister Bisi replied simply: “There are no difficult duties.” Powell, however, said the Sisters’ hard-

An Italian priest serving in Hyderabad, India, Father Silvio Pasqual, founded the Sisters of St. Anne in 1918. In addition to providing medical care, the congregation helps with rural development programs, social service and education in rural areas. The order totals 450 Sisters. Sisters of St. Anne serving at Villa St. Francis include: Sister Ann, Sister Jyothi, Sister Sophia and Sister Rose.

est duty may be driving to work in the snow. In southern India, temperatures in February average 84 to 94 degrees.

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LOCAL NEWS 5

APRIL 17, 2015 | THELEAVEN.COM

‘EVANGELIUM VITAE’

ST. JOHN PAUL II’S LANDMARK ENCYCLICAL CELEBRATES 20 YEARS By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — You may not have read the encyclical, but no doubt you’ve heard two of the phrases it

contains: Culture of life. Culture of death. More than just labels, the two phrases are profound contrasting ideas. One is a critique of society, and the other is a proposition for a better future. Those two ideas are embedded in “Evangelium Vitae” (“The Gospel of Life”), St. John Paul II’s landmark encyclical published on March 25, 1995, the solemnity of the Annunciation. Pope Francis led the church in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the encyclical when he took part in an international vigil at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome on March 24. “It is a powerful, action-oriented plea to Catholics to build a culture of life,” said Ron Kelsey, archdiocesan pro-life consultant. “I’ve always been impressed with the urgency that comes out of St. John Paul’s request to build a culture of life,” he continued. “And he really lays a lot of foundational issues for us in terms of how we build a culture of life and battle a culture of death.” Kelsey’s copy of “Evangelium Vitae” is a small, blue book published by Pauline Books & Media. The pages are full of paper clips marking important pages. He constantly consults the encyclical. John Paul II didn’t waste any time in communicating what the encyclical was about. It’s in the very first sentence: “The Gospel of life is at the heart of Jesus’ message.” “We are made in God’s image, made to dwell with him eternally,” said Kelsey. “We are made to share his life. So, our earthly life is the beginning part of that eternal journey.” John Paul II, who began to write the encyclical in 1991, was a witness to some of the greatest inhumanities of the 20th century — World War II, Nazism and communism. And as pope, he witnessed other evils taking root in Western culture.

CNS PHOTO/CATHOLIC PRESS PHOTO

“Evangelium Vitae” (“The Gospel of Life”), St. John Paul II’s landmark encyclical, celebrated its 20th anniversary on March 25. “It was written by St. John Paul II to respond to the challenges he recognized that the world and the church were facing in regard to the dignity of human life,” said Troy Hinkel, director of faculty of the archdiocesan-based Holy Family School of Faith Institute. “He wanted to respond and clear up some things with a lot of authority.” In his encyclical, the late pontiff wanted to connect the dignity of human life — under assault by a variety of threats — with the essence of Jesus’ teaching. It is a mindset and mentality that infects and destroys cultures and societies. “He summarized those dangers in the phrase ‘culture of death,’” said Hinkel. “The bottom line is, the ‘culture of death’ is any culture that thinks it can solve its problems by destroying humans, particularly innocent humans.” “Evangelium Vitae” deals with abortion, immoral scientific experimentation on human embryos, use of fetal and embryonic tissue, euthanasia and capital punishment. The Holy Father pointed to the source of this “culture of death” as coming from disconnects between life

and freedom, and freedom and truth. Indeed, at the heart of the culture of death is a twisted idea of freedom that denies God. The genius of the encyclical is it is easily understood and a useful synthesis of Catholic teaching. “St. John Paul II didn’t say anything new,” said Father Anthony Saiki, associate pastor at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka. “What he did was consolidate all the church’s moral teaching about life and end-of-life issues and presented them in one concise document. I certainly use if for concise definitions and explanations of the church’s teachings.” Even 20 years after the encyclical was promulgated, “Evangelium Vitae” retains its power. “It is more relevant today than it was in 1995 when [Pope John Paul II issued] it,” said Father Saiki. “He was addressing issues of the day and different cultural trends that were alarming to him. But those threats and practices have only increased and compounded. Therefore, this ‘Gospel of Life’ is more relevant than ever.” Hinkel agrees. “It speaks the truth, and the truth — unlike [fashion] — is able to survive

the vagaries of time without being impacted,” said Hinkel. “More specifically, the roots of the culture of death he identified are still among us, and the solution to those roots is still true — namely the gospel of life, preaching the life of Christ and the dignity of the human person.” “What is urgently called for,” wrote the pope, “is a general mobilization of consciences and a united ethical effort to activate a great campaign in support of life. All together, we must build a new culture of life.” Slowly and surely, that is what is happening, said Hinkel. The phrases “culture of life,” “culture of death,” and “civilization of love” have become part of the cultural lexicon. The pro-life movement is full of young people — and the numbers are growing. At any given moment across the country and around the world, said Hinkel, Catholics are building a culture of life and a civilization of love with their prayers and actions. “That’s a reality, and I see that as a result of this document and the witness of St. John Paul,” said Hinkel. “I see the civilization of love budding. “It still has time to grow, but it’s budding.”

Teens Encounter Christ celebrates golden anniversary this June Heather Nelson Special to The Leaven

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Teens Encounter Christ, an international organization that shares the message of Christ with young adults through weekend retreats, will be celebrating 50 years of spreading the good news this June. And everyone is invited to the party. TEC retreats, which are designed for college-age students up to the age of 21, started in October 1965 in the Lansing

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(Michigan) Diocese. Now, TEC weekends are organized in over 40 dioceses throughout the United States, the Bahamas, Canada, Central America, South America and Europe. The 50th anniversary celebration will take place at Our Lady of the Snows Shrine in Belleville, Illinois, June 12-14. The celebration will be a “coming home” for all whose lives were changed through TEC. Rick Cheek, the TEC coordinator for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, said he would be attending the

anniversary celebration. Cheek said he first experienced the retreat with his son. “The retreat is still successful because of its catholicity and the paschal mystery,” Cheek said. “You learn to live out what Christ came to accomplish: to serve, not be served.” Each year, there is a TEC Congress, where TEC leaders gather to grow in faith and friendship. There are talks geared on reaffirming the TEC mission. There are also opportunities for TEC leaders to share feedback and dis-

cuss new ideas. Cheek said the retreat has continued for years because it tends to the needs of its retreatants. “I’ve witnessed the conversion of many hearts and souls, which means that it’s a sound program,” Cheek said. Internationally renowned singer and songwriter Steve Agrisano will give the keynote at the event. For a more detailed schedule of the weekend or to register for the event, go online to: www.tecconference.org/ Anniversary.html.

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6 LOCAL NEWS Larry and Mary (Schuetz) Adcock, members of St. Ann Parish, Hiawatha, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 25 with a reception hosted by their children from 1 to 4 p.m. at the parish center. Family and friends are invited. The couple was married on April 24, 1965, at St. Leo Church, Horton. Their children are: Nicholas Adcock, Wamego; Brian Adcock, Hiawatha; Rachelle Holub, Carol Stream, Illinois; Mark Adcock, The Plains, Virginia; Christina Jahn, Wamego; and Justin Adcock, Colorado Springs, Colorado. They also have 20 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. They plan to attend the archdiocesan golden wedding anniversary celebration at the cathedral in June. Marilyn (Hackett) and Walter Rieger, members of St. Pius X Parish, Mission, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 24. The couple was married at Guardian Angels Church, Kansas City, Missouri. They have five children and four grandchildren. Mary K. (Ehlen) and Clifton B. DeMoss, members of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on April 15. Their children are: Deborah Gatz (deceased); Jan Dowell, Shawnee; and Clifton B. DeMoss Jr., Basehor. They also have 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A family dinner will be held to celebrate.

THELEAVEN.COM | APRIL 17, 2015 Robert and Margaret (Harris) Heath, members of Christ the King Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with family and friends at Garrozo’s Italian Restaurant on April 12. The couple was married by Msgr. T.K. O’Connor on April 15, 1950, at St. Mary Church, Kansas City, Kansas. They have three children: Mark Heath, Joe Heath and Karen Hunter. They also have four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Donnie and Laura (Pfannes) Vohs, members of Queen of the Holy Rosary in Wea, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 24. The couple was married on April 24, 1965, at Queen of the Holy Rosary. They will celebrate a renewal of vows at Mass on April 25, followed by a dinner hosted by their children: Rita Lambeth, Jana Feldman, Dana Toth, Lea Hink, Lenny Vohs, Rob Vohs and Kevin Vohs. They also have 23 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

George and Dorothy (Korte) Wellnitz, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Emporia, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on April 12 with a blessing at Mass, followed by a family dinner. The couple was married on April 12, 1955, at Sacred Heart. Their children are: Connie Boyce, Emporia; Robert Wellnitz, Neosho Rapids; Kevin Wellnitz, Neosho Rapids; Kathy Ables, Lebo; Marcia Johnson, Americus; and Laura Piper, Crossville, Tennessee. They also have 18 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Larry and Judy (Sudbeck) Macke, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Baileyville, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 19 with a Mass of thanksgiving, followed by dinner and an open house for family and friends. The couple was married on April 19, 1965, at St. Mary Church, St. Benedict. Their children are: Karen Holthaus, Deb Kramer, Roger Macke, Steve Macke and Brian Macke. They also have 17 grandchildren.

Elviria (Nunez) and Solomon Rangel, members of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on April 15. The couple was married on April 15, 1955, at St. John the Divine Church, Kansas City, Kansas. Their children are: Alfred Rangel, Richard Rangel and Lisa Rangel-Hernandez. They also have 11 grandchildren.

George and Patricia (Myrick) Will i a m s , members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on April 16. The couple was married on April 16, 1955, at Church of the Assumption, Topeka. Their children are Belinda Breight, Louisburg; George Patrick Williams, Mohave Valley, Arizona; and Theresa Broughton, Topeka. They have seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Rita (Wieberg) and Larry Stahl, members of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 25 with a Mass and family dinner. The couple was married on April 24, 1965, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, St. Anthony, Missouri, by Father John Walsh. Their children are: Mike Stahl, Basehor; John Stahl, Linwood; and Craig Stahl, Lansing. They also have six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They will take a trip to Branson at a later date. Dave and Ruth Setter, members of Holy Angels Parish, Garnett, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on April 22. The couple was married April 22, 1950, at St. Joseph Church, Shawnee. They will celebrate their anniversary with their children and grandchildren on April 26. Their children are: Mary Kay Keating, Overland Park; Joe Setter, Denver; Rita Anderson, Spring Hill; Ralph Setter, Omaha, Nebraska; and Jerry Setter, Lenexa. They also have nine grandchildren.

PLEASE NOTE

Some anniversaries were lost due to an email crash. If you sent an anniversary notice that hasn’t been published yet and wish to check on its status, send an email to: todd.habiger@ theleaven.org or call Todd at: (913) 647-0310.

NEW ANNIVERSARY POLICY • The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th notices. Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: todd. habiger@theleaven.org.

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LOCAL NEWS 7

APRIL 17, 2015 | THELEAVEN.COM

Santa Marta plans expansion

PHOTO BY KATHY HANIS

THREE GENERATIONS

From left, Betty Kolenda, Cathy Kolenda-Smith, Saracyewski Smith, Adrianna Smith and Annika Smith get ready to make 2,700 cabbage rolls for the 31st annual Polski Day in Kansas City, Kansas.

Annual Polski Day set for May 2

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The 31st annual Polski Day celebration will be held May 2 at All Saints Church here, located at 8th and Vermont. The traditional Polski Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. at 14th and Central. It then heads east on Central Avenue to 8th St., going up the wrong way on a oneway street, to Vermont and ends at the church. There will be Polish food, mu-

sic, and entertainment, beginning at noon. A special Polka Mass will be held at 4 p.m. at All Saints Church. “Polski Day festivities include activities for babies to seniors, and 100 percent of the funds raised benefit All Saints Church, formerly known as St. Joseph-St. Benedict Church,” said Cathy Kolenda-Smith, a Polski Day Committee member. “Polski Day has always been a day to celebrate our Polish heritage and support the church.”

Polski Day is held annually on the first weekend in May to commemorate the signing of the Polish Constitution of Freedom on May 3, 1791. Polish-Americans settled in Wyandotte County on Polish Hill, located north of Interstate 70 and west of Seventh St. Trafficway in Kansas City, Kansas, where generations have carried on the proud heritage of their forefathers’ homeland. For more information, go to the website at: www.polskiday.com.

OLATHE — In an effort to respond to the growing demand for quality assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing in Johnson County, Santa Marta, a continuing care retirement community here, has announced an $11 million plan to expand its health center, The Plaza at Santa Marta. In conjunction with this announcement, Santa Marta also announced a new director of health care sales, Jenna Baker. The news comes on the heels of The Plaza at Santa Marta receiving a fivestar rating for quality of care by U.S. News and World Report magazine. The community is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, and the expansion builds upon the mission of Santa Marta to provide seniors with the ability to lead full and active lives within a secure, hospitable and faith-filled environment. The expansion will include 16 skilled nursing private rooms, 12 memory support suites, seven assisted living suites and an expanded physical therapy gym. The project is expected to be completed in about 16 months.

Save the date KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The 2015 Corpus Christi procession, hosted by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, will be held on June 7 at the Little Monastery of the Little Sisters of the Lamb here, located at 36 S. Boeke St. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will serve as principal celebrant. Mass will begin at noon in the Little Sisters’ courtyard, followed by a Holy Hour at 1 p.m. The procession will begin at 2 p.m.

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NEWBIE The

Ordained to the priesthood in May 2014, Father Jaime Zarse has spent a busy first year as associate pastor of Christ the King Parish in Topeka and chaplain of Hayden High School. Photographer Jim Sovanski caught up with him just in time to document this “day in the life” of a brand-new priest.

s WELCOME

Father Zarse welcomes children and parents as they walk in to start the day at Christ the King School in Topeka. He wants to be visible, accessible and available to everyone at the parish, but especially to the children.

DEVOTIONS

There are three nonnegotiables to the young priest’s day: a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament, a rosary walk and Mass. “My commitment to Jesus Christ and Our Lady takes precedence over everything else,” said Father Zarse. “Nothing comes before my hour with Jesus and my rosary walk with [the Blessed] Mother. Nothing. These two devotions are meant to nurture my spiritual life, while also preparing me for the most significant part of the day: offering the praise and glory of the Father for [the] salvation of souls.”

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A GIFT

Father Zarse displays the antique chalice his family gave him for his ordination. “When people ask me why I became a priest, I tell them, ‘Because I fell in love,’” he said. “I would never advocate making promises or taking vows unless you have first fallen in love.”

t MAKING CONNECTIONS

In addition to his duties at Christ the King, Father Zarse is also the chaplain at Hayden High School in Topeka. On this day, he was sharing with Hayden students — from left, Bailey Gardner, Breanna Dinkel and Samantha Shafer — a photo album dating back to his own his high school years.

s ADORATION

THE ATHLETE

Father Zarse shows off his athletic moves during gym class at Christ the King. Father Zarse was a standout soccer player in high school. “My goal at the grade and high school is to be visible and present. I want the students to be comfortable around priests, to enjoy their time with priests.”

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s FINE WINE

A wine-tasting party at Glacier’s Edge Winery near Topeka winds up the day. Father Zarse joins Bill Kastens, a member of Christ the King, who won the wine-tasting at a fundraiser.

Father Zarse prepares the monstrance for eucharistic adoration after celebrating morning Mass with Christ the King students. “I want to provide an attractive witness for young people of holiness. The priesthood is meant to be a sign of contradiction, as Christ was a sign of contradiction,” he said.

OUT AND ABOUT

Father Zarse takes advantage of the nice weather with a jog around the Christ the King neighborhood.

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WORLD 11

APRIL 17, 2015 | THELEAVEN.COM

THE YEAR OF MERCY

Pope says Year of Mercy will be time to heal, to help, to forgive By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Mercy is what makes God perfect and all-powerful, Pope Francis said in his document officially proclaiming the 2015-2016 extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy. “If God limited himself to only justice, he would cease to be God, and would instead be like human beings who ask merely that the law be respected,” the pope wrote in “Misericordiae Vultus,” (“The Face of Mercy”), which is the “bull of indiction” calling a Holy Year to begin Dec. 8. Standing in front of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica April 11, Pope Francis handed copies of the document to the archpriests of the major basilicas of Rome and to Vatican officials representing Catholics around the world. Portions of the 9,300-word proclamation were read aloud before Pope Francis and his aides processed into St. Peter’s Basilica to celebrate the first vespers of Divine Mercy Sunday. In his homily at vespers, the pope said he proclaimed the Year of Mercy because “it is the favorable time to heal wounds, a time not to be weary of meeting all those who are waiting to see and touch with their hands the signs of the closeness of God, a time to offer everyone the way of forgiveness and reconciliation.” The boundless nature of God’s mercy — his willingness always to forgive anything — has been a constant subject of Pope Francis’ preaching and is explained in detail in the document, which outlines some of the specific projects the pope has in mind for the year. The Old Testament stories of how God repeatedly offered mercy to his unfaithful people and the New Testament stories of Jesus’ compassion, healing and mercy demonstrate, the pope said, that “the mercy of God is not an abstract idea, but a concrete reality through which he reveals his love,” just like mothers and fathers love their children. “How much I desire that the year to come will be steeped in mercy, so that we can go out to every man and woman, bringing the goodness and tenderness of God,” he wrote. “May the balm of mercy reach everyone, both believers and those far away, as a sign that the kingdom of God is already present in our midst.” Nothing in the church’s preaching or witness, he said, can be lacking in mercy. Pope Francis asked that all dioceses around the world designate a “Door of Mercy” at their cathedral or another special church or shrine, and that every diocese implement the “24 Hours for the Lord” initiative on the Friday and Saturday before the fourth week of Lent. In Rome the last two years, the pope has opened the celebration with a penance service in St. Peter’s Basilica and churches around the city were open for the next 24 hours for confessions and

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CNS PHOTO/CRISTIAN GENNARI

Pope Francis preaches during first vespers of Divine Mercy Sunday in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican April 11. Before celebrating vespers, the pope released a 9,300-word document officially proclaiming the 20152016 extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy Pope Francis processes into St. Peter’s Basilica after he proclaimed 2015-2016 as the Holy Year of Mercy.

CNS PHOTO/STEFANO SPAZIANI

eucharistic adoration. The pope said he will designate and send out “Missionaries of Mercy” to preach about mercy; they will be given special authority, he said, “to pardon even those sins reserved

to the Holy See.” Under church law, those sins involve: a man who directly participated in an abortion and later wants to enter the priesthood; priests who have broken the seal of confession; priests who have offered

sacramental absolution to their own sexual partners; desecrating the Eucharist; and making an attempt on the life of the pope. Usually, the Apostolic Penitentiary, a Vatican court, handles those cases. And he urged all Catholics to spend more time practicing what traditionally have been called the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The corporal works are: feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, visiting the imprisoned, giving drink to the thirsty and burying the dead. The spiritual works are: converting sinners, instructing the ignorant, advising the doubtful, comforting the sorrowful, bearing wrongs patiently, forgiving injuries and praying for the living and dead. The date the pope chose to open the year — Dec. 8 — is the feast of the Immaculate Conception and the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council. Both dates, he wrote, are related to the Year of Mercy. The Year of Mercy, Pope Francis wrote, is a way to keep the Second Vatican Council alive. “The walls which too long had made the church a kind of fortress were torn down and the time had come to proclaim the Gospel in a new way,” he said. The council recognized “a responsibility to be a living sign of the Father’s love in the world.”

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12 CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Principal - Holy Family School, Topeka, has an opening for a principal beginning in the 2015-16 school year. Holy Family currently has an enrollment of 193 and employs 11 teachers in grades pre-K through 8th grade. The school is sponsored by two parishes, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Sacred Heart - St. Joseph in Topeka, and is governed by a board of trustees. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic education and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Please send resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Kathleen A. O’Hara, Catholic School Office, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Review of applications will begin immediately; deadline for applications is May 1. Teachers - St. Ann Young Child Center, Prairie Village, is seeking to fill the following positions. Three-year-olds full-time lead preschool teacher: Must have a degree in early childhood or elementary education. Part-time teacher’s aide for preschool classrooms and lunch duty: varied times. Afterschool extended-care program teacher: Mon. - Fri. from 3 - 6 p.m. Must be at least 21 years of age. Afterschool aide: Mon. - Thurs. from 3 - 5:30 p.m. Must be self-motivated and be at least 16 years of age. All of the above positions must enjoy working with children. For more information, call Tati at (913) 362-4660. Principal - St Charles Borromeo Parish, Kansas City, Missouri, seeks a principal committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. St. Charles School is a parish school serving approximately 230 pre-K – 8th-grade students with a staff of 27. St Charles is located in suburban Kansas City, Missouri, north of the river. Applicant must be a practicing Catholic, have a master’s degree in educational administration, teaching experience and preferably three years administrative experience. If interested, please apply online at: http://app.hireology.com/s/39677. All applications must be received by April 30. Manager - Parish office manager for large suburban parish. Management and computer skills required. Send resume to Msgr. Charles, Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS 66206, or send an email to: msgr charles@aol.com. Religious education director/coordinator - St. Bernard Church, Wamego, is accepting letters of application for a religious education director/coordinator. The position is a key pastoral leadership and formation role that requires collaboration with the pastor, staff members, volunteers and parishioners — to provide Catholic education for the parish’s needs. Qualifications for the ideal applicant are a bachelor’s degree in theology or philosophy, catechesis or similar academic discipline; some experience in teacher/leading young children, teens and/or RCIA; leadership and supervisory experience in a Catholic parish setting. Applicant should be motivated and effective in communication and be knowledgeable of current media and technology; some travel required. The Wamego area is in an economically growing area, providing a good possibility for a spouse’s employment. Please send by email a letter of application and resume with three references to: stbernard66547@gmail.com before June 15. Assistant principal - St. Ann School, Prairie Village, has an opening for an assistant principal beginning with the 2015-2016 academic year. St. Ann is a K-8 school with 452 students and 29 teachers. The duties of the assistant principal will include curriculum, instruction, assessments, data analysis and accreditation. Applicants should be joyfully practicing Catholics, ideally with experience in a Catholic school elementary setting and very knowledgeable about current best practices in education. In addition, applicants should have a master’s degree in educational leadership and be skilled in communicating with parents, teachers and students. Interested applicants should apply at the archdiocesan website by completing either the teacher or principal application online at: www.archkck.org/schooljobs, indicating specific interest in this position. Questions may be directed to Mr. Michael Riley by sending an email to: michaelrileynd@gmail.com. Secretary - St. Ann School, Prairie Village, has an opening for a school secretary for the academic year 20152016. Applicants must be practicing Catholics and have experience in a school setting, ideally a Catholic school. Excellent communication skills required along with the ability to manage multiple and varied tasks simultaneously. Candidates must be organized and have good attention to detail. A pleasant and welcoming demeanor is also required. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to: Mr. Michael Riley, St. Ann Catholic School, 7241 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208. Technician - Small office is seeking a full-time service technician. A qualified candidate must be mechanically inclined. Electrical knowledge a plus. This individual would possess the ability to troubleshoot, must have the ability for overnight travel, up to 50%. This position has part-time or full-time availability. Transportation required. Send resume by email to: contactus@ sheerinscientific.com.

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THELEAVEN.COM | APRIL 17, 2015 Teachers - Bishop Miege High School has teacher openings for English and theology for the 2015-16 school year. Send letter of interest and resume by email to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com. Administrative assistant - Bishop Miege High School has an opening for an administrative assistant, a 10 month position. Good personal communication and computer skills are required. Send letter of interest and resume to by email to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com. Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children, and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to chris@special beginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Construction superintendent - KC metro and Midwestern states. Minimum 10 years experience running Quick Serve food and tenant Improvement projects. Ground-up skills preferred. Excellent communication abilities needed with client project managers. Seeking a leader with strong hands-on carpentry skills. Must be able to work with and direct subcontractors, and able to do complete project layout. Must have own truck and hand tools. Computer skills required. Overtime paid, fuel allowance, per diem when traveling. Our company has over 45 years Quick Serve food, retail and professional tenant improvement experience with both local and national clients. This is a 100% field position. If you are an “in the office” project manager, please do not apply. Drug test required. Send resume by email to: gc212102@yahoo.com. Custodial - Part-time custodial position, St. Joseph Grade School, Shawnee. 4 hours per night. Contact Joe Keehn at (913) 631-5983. Dishwasher - The historic River Club, Kansas City, Missouri, is seeking a part-time experienced dishwasher. We are searching for the perfect individual to be a part of our culinary team. Must be able to work evenings and weekends. Please send a resume to Linda Duerr at The River Club, 611 W. 8th St., Kansas City, MO 64105; send an email to Ms. Duerr at : lduerr@theriverclubkc.com; or call between the hours of 1 - 5 p.m. at (816) 221-5353, Tues. - Fri. Salary is dependent on experience. Maintenance/custodian worker - Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, has a July 1 opening for a maintenance/ custodian worker. This position is responsible for workday custodial duties and light maintenance for the rectory, church/school facilities and parish grounds. The ideal candidate would be competent with basic custodial, electrical, plumbing, carpentry and other maintenance related skills. Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs, Internet use and email required. This is a full-time position and is eligible for parish and archdiocesan benefits. Please submit a cover letter and resume by email to: slemons@ gsshawnee.org by April 22. Staff members - John Paul II Preschool/Child Care is seeking lead and assistant staff members for our school year and summer programs, as well as substitute staff for our entire program. Send an email to Donna Hogue at: dhogue@archkckcs.org for more information or to apply. Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, round- trip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to chris@specialbeginningsonline. com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa KS 66215. Pre-kindergarten lead teachers - St. Patrick Early Education Center, Kansas City, Kansas, has a part-time lead teacher position open for the 2015-16 school year. The positions available are for 3-year-olds and 4-yearolds pre-kindergarten classrooms. Qualified candidates must be Catholic, have prior teaching experience, and a degree in early childhood, child development or elementary education. Send an email with resume and contact information to: stpatrickeec@archkckcs.org or call (913) 299-3051.

Drivers needed - Medi Coach Transportation is looking for caring and reliable drivers for nonemergency transportation. CDL is not required. Contact Jeff at (913) 825-1921.

SERVICES

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Complete plumbing and bath Master plumber for your entire home. Painting, tile install, bath remodeling. Onyx Collection Distributor. Serving Johnson County for 20 years. Member Ascension Parish; call Mike at (913) 488-4930.

Local handyman and lawn care - Water heaters, garbage disposals, toilets, faucets, painting, power washing,doors, storm doors, gutter cleaning, wood rot, mowing, carpet, roofing, etc. Member of Holy Angels Parish. Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

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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.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, at (913) 909-2002. In His Name Cleaning - Need help with your spring cleaning project, yard work, or weekly house cleaning? Call Bill SeGraves at (816) 612-5488, or send an email to wmsegraves@yahoo.com. Available for residential and commercial properties. Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837. Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959. 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. Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336. Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 801-0901 (mobile). Serving the 913 area code area. Quilted Memories - Your Kansas City Longarm Shop - Nolting Longarm Machines, quilting supplies and machine quilting services. We specialize in memorial quilts - Custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, etc., neckties etc. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. Visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc.com. Brick mason - Brick, stone, tile and flat work. 19 years of residential/commercial experience. FREE QUOTES - KC metro area. Small and large jobs accepted. Call Jim at (913) 485-4307. www.facebook.com/faganmasonry. Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com. Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com. Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902.

HOME IMPROVEMENT 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. Home improvement - Ceilings painted over popcorn or knockdown. Walls repaired and painted with no mess. Insured. 25 years experience. Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144.

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. House painting Interior and exterior; wall paper removal. Power washing, fences, decks. 30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776. Lawn/Landscaping - Mowing, mulch, dirt work, sod, tree trimming, landscape rock, gutter cleaning, and power washing. Mention this ad for special pricing. Call (816) 509-0224. NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net 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. DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks – Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and you’ll be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 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. HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com Swalms Organizing - Downsizing - Clean Out Service. Reduce clutter - Any space organized. Shelving built on site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp, insured. Call Tillar: (913) 375-9115. WWW.SWALMS ORGANIZING.COM. 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) 252-1391 Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.

REAL ESTATE Wanted to buy - I NEED HOUSES! I buy them as is, with >> Classifieds continue on page 13

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CALENDAR 13

APRIL 17, 2015 | THELEAVEN.COM

April St. Patrick Church, 302 Boyle St., Scranton, will host a crafting day and scrapbooking crop on April 18 from 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Schuyler Community Center, 218 W. Fremont, Burlingame. The deadline for entry is April 15. Proceeds benefit the new building fund for St. Patrick Church. For more information, call Lori Mock at (785) 640-7262 or send an email to tandlmock@satelephone. com.

Join the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey for the Abbot’s Table on April 18 at the Sheraton Crown Center, 2345 McGee St., Kansas City, Missouri. Mass will be held at 5 p.m., cocktails at 6 p.m., and dinner at 7 p.m. For more information, call (913) 360-7908, send an email to info@kansasmonks.org, or visit the website at: www.kansasmonks.org/ abbotstable. The third annual Honor Flight KC fundraiser will be held at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, on April 18, following the 4 p.m. Mass until 9 p.m. in the Father Carl Zawacki Center. There will be food and drinks available and silent auction items, along with live music by Harvest Moon and other musicians. Freewill offerings will be accepted. Honor Flight KC is an organization that provides free travel for World War II, Korean War and Vietnam veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at the war memorials and Arlington Cemetery. If you are able to donate time or are willing to help in any way, call Maggie Rodgers at (913) 302-5001. Prairie Star Ranch, 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg, will host its semi-annual family day on April 19 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Spend the day tackling the climbing tower, riding on horseback or casting in a line at one of two lakes while exploring woods, prairie land and waterfront. For details and registration information, visit the website at: www.archkck. org/ranch or call (785) 746-5693.

A Hesburgh Lecture titled “The Road to Hell? Intentions, Uncertainty, and the Origins of World War I,” will be held April 19 at 2 p.m. at the National World War I Museum, 100 W. 26th St., Kansas City, Missouri. There is no cost to attend. The Daughters of Isabella, St. Faustina Circle, Gardner, will hold a meeting on April 20. Doors open 6:30 p.m., prayer begins at 6:45 p.m., and the meeting begins at 7 p.m. Come to the Divine Mercy Parish center, 120 E.

Warren, Gardner, for prayer, fellowship and fun. Catholic women over the age of 16 are invited. For more information, call Judy Hadle at (913) 884-7321 or send an email to Gini Liveley at: ginil@kc.rr.com. A Runnin’ Revs fun night will be held at Hayden High School, 401 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, on April 20. Priests and seminarians (the Revs) will challenge 8th grade and high school youth in a fun and competitive game of basketball. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. Donations will be accepted to benefit seminarians. For more information, visit the website at: www. kckvocations.com. A course in the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning begins in Topeka on Apr. 21 at 1 p.m. Online registration is required at: www.ccli.org. 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. Learn more about this class online at: www.nfptopeka. blogspot.com.

The Auxiliary of St. Joseph Medical Center, 1100 Carondelet Dr., 21-23 Kansas City, Missouri, is hosting a Masquerade fundraiser, where all items are $5, on April 21 - 23 from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the lower level atrium of the hospital. A huge variety of items will be on sale.

cle show will be held April 25 at Our Lady of Unity Parish at Sacred Heart campus, 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas. There will be food and vendor booths and live music. The cost for early bird registration is $15 before April 17, and $20 after. For an entry form, send an email to olucarclub@yahoo. com. Leavenworth Region of ACCW will host its quarterly luncheon and meeting on April 26 at Christ’s Peace House of Prayer, 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton. A potluck dinner will be held at 12:30 p.m. followed by guest speaker Vince Eimer. The meeting will be held after the speaker. For more information, call (913) 683-4304, or send an email to: brosej2002@yahoo.com.

A three-mile walk will be held on April 26 from 1 - 3 p.m. in Kansas City, Kansas, to pray for an end to violence. Participants will stop along the way to pray particularly where there has been violence in the city. The walk will begin at Sanctuary of Hope, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, and end at Shalom House, 2100 N. 13th St., Kansas City, Kansas. St. Joseph Parish, Olpe, will host its annual spring festival on April 26 at the St. Joseph School building, 307 Iowa St., Olpe. A ham and roast beef dinner with all the trimmings and kids games will be held from 3 - 6:30 p.m. Bingo begins at 6:45 p.m. in the hall. There will also be a raffle featuring a handmade quilt, along with many other prizes. The cost to attend the dinner is $8 for adults; $3 for children age 10 and under. Carryout meals will be available.

“The Virgin Mary’s Last Home on Earth,” presented by Bill Quatman, president of The American Society of Ephesus, Inc., will be held at 7 p.m. on April 23 at Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park. All are welcome. For more information, call Teresa Davis at (913) 526-4570 or send an email to: tdavis12120@kc.rr.com.

May

The Christian Widow and Widowers Organization will host a potluck dinner in the Formation Room at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, 17th and Stone, Topeka, at 5 p.m. on April 23. A speaker will show slides and share experiences of her trip to the Holy Land. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call (785) 272-0055.

Christ the King Parish, 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka, will host its spring fling 5K on May 2. The 5K run will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Christ the King Parish parking lot. For more information or to register, visit the website at: www.christtheking5k.weebly.com. Early registration ends April 13.

St. Paul School, Olathe, will host its fourth annual “Chef’s Classic Knockout Bout” on April 25 from 6 - 10 p.m. at St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa. The cost to attend is $50, which includes entrance to the event, tasting and voting in rounds one and two, and viewing in round three. For more information, visit the website at: www. knockoutbout.com.

A Mass and retirement reception will be held May 9 at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, for Susie English, a longtime educator in the archdiocese and current principal at John Paul II School, Overland Park. Friends, former students and colleagues are invited to attend. You may forward well-wishes and memories of her by email to: johnpaul2@archkckcs.org by April 27.

The OLU third annual car, truck and cy-

>> Continued from page 12 no repairs. You can even leave behind what you don’t want. We buy houses that need foundation or roof repair. All sales are cash with no strings attached. Please call Mark Edmondson at (913) 980-4905. Holy Trinity Parish member.

CAREGIVING Caregiver - CNA home health care specialist provides TLC in the comfort of the client’s residence. Available 24 hours or part-time, affordable, excellent references provided. Nonsmoker. Call (816) 806-8104. Caregiver - Fun-loving caregiver. I have a special place in my heart for the elderly and those in need. Over 20 years experience. Excellent references. Please call (913) 909-0651. Caregiver - Certified CNA for home health care. 35 years experience. References. Please call Mary at (816) 3086259. Caregiver - Caregiver with over 20 years experience wants to care for your loved ones. Energetic, strong and fun, can provide care and transportation for male or female. Excellent references. Call Vivian at (913) 292-4829. Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com. 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.

VACATION Branson getaway - Walk-in condo on Pointe Royale Golf Course. Sleeps six. Close to lakes and entertainment. Fully furnished. Pool and hot tub available. No cleaning fee. Nightly rates. Wi-Fi available. Discounts available. Call (913) 515-3044. Great Colorado Getaway! - Completely furnished three- story condo, sleeps 10. 3 BR, Wi-Fi, all cooking facilities, satellite, deck with gorgeous views! Hunting, fishing, hiking, train rides through the mountains and much more! For rates and reservations, visit the website at: www.cucharavacationrentals.com, then Aspen Valley Lookout.

FOR SALE Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557. For sale - At Mount Calvary Cemetery. Tandem crypt in mausoleum. Today’s selling price is $7,935; offering this space for $6,000. Call Marcie at (913) 712-8124.

WANTED TO BUY Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Antiques wanted Coca-Cola items and old signs. Indian rugs, turquoise jewelry. Old wrist and pocket watches, postcards and photographs. Check your attic or basements for treasures. Call (913) 593-7507. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware. Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

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

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14 COMMENTARY SCRIPTURE READINGS

THELEAVEN.COM | APRIL 17, 2015

MARK MY WORDS

THIRD WEEK OF EASTER April 19 THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 3: 13-15, 17-19 Ps 4: 2, 4, 7-9 1 Jn 2: 1-5a Lk 24: 35-48 April 20 Monday Acts 6: 8-15 Ps 119: 23-24, 26-27, 29-30 Jn 6: 22-29 April 21 Anselm, bishop, doctor of the church Acts 7:51 – 8:1a Ps 31: 3cd-4, 6, 7b, 8a, 17, 21ab Jn 6: 30-35 April 22 Wednesday Acts 8: 1b-8 Ps 66: 1-3a, 4-7a Jn 6: 35-40 April 23 George, martyr; Adalbert, bishop, martyr Acts 8: 26-40 Ps 66: 8-9, 16-17, 20 Jn 6: 44-51 April 24 Fidelis of Sigmaringen Acts 9: 1-20 Ps 117: 1bc, 2 Jn 6: 52-59 April 25 MARK, EVANGELIST 1 Pt 5: 5b-14 Ps 89: 2-3, 6-7, 16-17 Mk 16: 15-20

FIND THE LEAVEN IN THESE PLACES ONLINE

When feeling overwhelmed, bambelela!

“N

ooooooooo!” Occasionally, you’ll hear this wail from my office. What causes it is not disapproval of some story or shock at some typo. This lament will come as a result of a sudden loss of electrical power while I’m editing, or seeing the “spinning ball of death” as I try to save a document on the computer. Even though I know that I should save my work often, I usually don’t remember until disaster strikes. Hence, the cry of “Nooooooooooo!” With that in mind, imagine the cry of historian Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) in this story, taken from Rick Christian’s book, “Alive”: Carlyle had just spent two years writing a book on the French Revolution. On the day he finished his manuscript, he gave his only copy to a colleague, John Stuart Mill, to read and critique. Then, the unthinkable happened: Mill’s servant used Carlyle’s manuscript as kindling to start a fire. As Mill reported the devastating news, Carlyle’s face paled. Two years of his life were lost. Thousands of long, lonely hours spent writing had been wasted. He couldn’t imagine writing the book again, and lapsed into a deep depression.

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. Then one day, while walking the city streets, Carlyle noticed a wall under construction. He was transfixed. That tall, sweeping wall was being raised one brick at a time. It was a “eureka” moment for him. If he wrote just one page at a time, one day at a time, he could write the book again. And that’s exactly what he did. From this story, the author Christian drew this lesson: “When faced with seemingly impossible situations, we often see the wall and not the individual bricks. . . . But taken day by day, task by task, the load is more manageable. . . . Christ prayed for daily bread, daily sustenance. He didn’t worry about tomorrow, next week or next year. God’s help comes day by day.” (Story found in PreachingToday.com’s “Perfect Illustrations for Every Topic and Occasion.”)

Take things one step at a time. Although we know this is how to live a fulfilling life, we don’t often follow this wise advice. It’s so easy to see only the whole picture or the entire project, get overwhelmed and end up doing nothing. Carlyle’s depression was understandable when he only looked at the huge task in front of him: rewriting a whole book from scratch. In my own life, I sometimes fall into that trap of feeling so overwhelmed that I just want to run away to a deserted island (with my books, of course) and leave everything else behind. I suspect that others also get overwhelmed — whether it’s dealing with an unending pile of laundry, clutter that needs to be tossed with or pounds that we’d like to lose. At times like this, I’d suggest the following approach: First, take a deep breath, close your eyes and say a heartfelt Our Father. Concentrate especially on the words, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Ask God simply to help you with what you can realistically do today. Knowing that God is supporting you lightens the stress load significantly. Secondly, do “one brick at a time.” One of my constant battles is with paper. To help me deal with it, I bought a small tally counter.

As I throw away or recycle each piece of paper, I keep a running count. The reason is simple: When I feel that I’ve done “nothing” to dismantle the paper mountain, I just look at my tally counter and see that that isn’t true at all. It gives me the encouragement to keep on going. (Right now, my counter shows that since the first of the year, I’ve tossed 6,239 pieces of paper!) Thanks to Michael Podrebarac, the archdiocesan consultant for liturgy, I’ve added a third weapon to my “motivation arsenal.” It’s called “Bambelela.” Read his article on the next page for a fuller explanation. Suffice it to say here that this South African song, which I’d never heard of before his mention of it, has stuck in my head after listening to it online. (I like the Marty Haugen version.) The word means, “Never give up!” If you need a catchy tune to hum while you’re working on some big project that you’ve been avoiding, crank up “Bambelela” and make a dent in it. I once saw a poster that said it well — You have a choice in life: You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face. Instead of crying “Nooooooooooo,” why not sing bambelela?

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Words fail to express dual nature of Christ

n 1974, the Twin Towers in New York stood 1,350 feet up in the air, the highest buildings in the world. It was in that year that the Frenchman Philippe Petit connected the two with a high wire, on which he walked from one tower to the other. That was quite a balancing act. Our faith also calls us to a difficult balancing act. We proclaim that Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man. He is not half divine and half human. We might be inclined to think of him as a composite being, along the lines of a centaur, the mythological creature which was half man and half horse, or a mermaid, the mythological creature which was half woman and half fish.

POPE FRANCIS

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. But Jesus is totally God and totally human at the same time. We are tempted to emphasize one, at the expense of the other. But to do so does not adequately express our faith. Those who minimize Jesus’ divinity may fall into the heresy of Nestorianism or the heresy of Arianism.

When Pope Francis comes to the United States in September, his message will be that “God loves all of us the way we are” and “God asks us to love one another,” said Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington. “We see in him not just the message, but how you do it,” the cardinal said in an interview with Fox News on Easter. “The way in which he lives, treats people,

Leaven 04-17-15.indd 14

On the other hand, those who minimize the humanity of Jesus may fall into the heresy of Monophysitism. Both of these approaches have been condemned by the church, which holds to the belief that Jesus is truly God and truly man at the same time. The mystery of Jesus’ resurrection gives us a good example of how difficult it is to do that properly. We have only to look at Sunday’s Mass readings to see how that plays out. In Sunday’s first reading — Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 — the apostle Peter maintains: “The author of life you put to death, but God raised him (Jesus) from the dead.” In identifying God as the agent acting upon Jesus, the reading emphasizes Jesus’

responds to people says, I think, to many people . . . he sounds and looks a lot like what Jesus would have sounded like.” Cardinal Wuerl said that “a beautiful part of his ministry” and why people find Pope Francis “so inviting” is that “he keeps saying, ‘Go out, meet people where they are, and accompany them on their journey,’ so that perhaps all of us could get a little closer to where we all need to be.” President Barack Obama and First Lady Mi-

humanity. According to this wording, Jesus is receiving the action, not initiating it. On the other hand, in Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus himself tells us: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day” (Lk 24:46). That wording places the emphasis upon Jesus’ divinity. He is rising on his own power. “Jesus rose from the dead” or “Jesus was raised from the dead.” Which is correct? They both are. Human language has difficulty expressing this mystery of our faith. Our minds have difficulty in grappling with it. We face an extremely difficult balancing act. But with God’s grace, we can achieve it.

chelle Obama will welcome Pope Francis to the White House Sept. 23. The pontiff will address a joint meeting of Congress Sept. 24, making him the first pope to do so. His U.S. trip includes a Sept. 25 stop to address the U.N. General Assembly. He will be in Philadelphia on Sept. 26 and 27 for the World Meeting of Families.

— CNS

6/8/15 2:53 PM

COMMENTARY 15

APRIL 17, 2015 | THELEAVEN.COM

DO UNTO OTHERS

Honor the promise you made on Easter Sunday

omething of a minor miracle happened to me this Easter at Mass.

While holding my toddler and keeping a father’s eye on my 6-year-old, I was actually able to pay attention to what I was praying and think about the meaning of the words. The prayer was the renewal of my baptismal promise. “Do you reject Satan?” “I do!” (Man, I hate that guy!) “And all his works?” “I do!” (Of course, I’m not sure what he is working on

BILL SCHOLL Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@archkck.org. but I want no part of it.) “And all his empty promises?” “I do!” (All right, already, I reject him. Why do I have to repeat it three times?) Then the questions come: Do you believe . . . and I reaffirm all my beliefs in Christ

and his church. However, my mind goes back to this whole Satan thing. Just how do I reject him, his works and his empty promises? I don’t exactly wake up in the morning to find the prince of darkness offering me a cup of coffee, trying to entice me into his nefarious plans. While there have been times I have felt my moral deliberations clouded by a dark force, for the most part, the devil keeps a low profile. Lent started with the Scripture passage where Satan tempts Christ with all the kingdoms of the world. In fact, in another passage, Our Lord calls him the prince of this world.

Satan has political power and lots of it! The story of Our Lord’s passion is full of political intrigue, and Satan is behind the scenes pulling the strings. Surely this prince of the world has not stopped his meddling in human affairs. I can just hear Satan mocking, “Legalized abortion, beheadings by ISIS, starvation amid abundance, human trafficking, consumerism, dehumanizing sexual hedonism; Come on, guys, do you think these just happen without a great deal of dark effort from beyond?” Thus, to reject Satan means to reject all social orders that go against the kingdom of God. We reject Satan

not just by resisting personal temptation, but by working to change the cultural, political structures that promote sin, suffering and injustice. We are called to seek out unjust social orders and work to make them right. This is hard, this is a cross. Maybe it means you challenge a bigoted statement at a dinner party. Maybe it means you risk getting fired and stand against an unjust policy at work. Maybe it means you sacrifice some free time and get involved in an issue. The resurrected Christ has empowered us to reclaim the world usurped by Satan. So, fight the prince’s power. After all, you promised.

CALLED TO DISCIPLESHIP

Replace your comfortable heart with his sacred one

n March 12, Pope Francis tweeted something that anyone concerned with evangelization should ponder: “Beware of getting too comfortable! When we are comfortable, it’s easy to forget other people.” When I read that tweet, I had to chew on it. It seemed that the Holy Father was speaking directly to me. I am constantly challenged to deny myself in order to be more focused on Jesus and my neighbor. For instance, when I have to experience the longing of

FATHER ANDREW STROBL Father Andrew Strobl is the archdiocesan director of evangelization.

hunger voluntarily in fasting, I become a little more sensitive to my neighbor who is hungry. When I am well-fed and content, I am less likely to think of my neighbor who doesn’t have enough to eat.

If this is true in regard to the needs of the body, it makes sense to continue to chew on the Holy Father’s tweet in light of the soul as well: “Beware of getting too comfortable! When we are comfortable, it’s easy to forget other people.” When it comes to evangelization, being comfortable is deadly. It is too easy to fall into spiritual sloth. We can become satisfied with our prayer life, our service and even our efforts to invite others to Christ if we are focused on ourselves. However, when it comes to the church’s mission to evangelize every nation and person, the desire of Jesus — not our own comfort —

should be our guide. We are disciples of a God who “wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth” (1 Tm 2:4). Our mission is to “make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). If we become comfortable in regard to evangelization, we can forget other people. We can hesitate, grow lukewarm and even become apathetic. Instead, our motivation should be based on the desires of Jesus over our own limited desires. Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta described the love of Jesus in her reflection, “I Thirst for You.” Taking the perspective of Jesus on the cross, she wrote: “All your

life I have been looking for your love — I have never stopped seeking to love you and be loved by you. You have tried many other things in your search for happiness; why not try opening your heart to me, right now, more than you ever have before.” That is the motivation of the church to evangelize — to make the love of Jesus known to every heart and invite a response. However, our desires can grow weak and strained. We can get too comfortable. Instead, let us all ask Jesus to replace our comfortable hearts with his sacred heart that is on fire with love for other people.

AS THE CHURCH PRAYS

More than a day, Easter is the foundation of Christian life

fter having led the expected traditional hymns at the entrance and the

offertory, the choir chose an interesting selection for Easter Sunday Communion: “Bambelela.” This is a “traditional South African” piece, taken from the section of the hymnal entitled, “Christian Life.” The word roughly translates as “Never give up.” “Bambelela, bambelela, O bambelela, bambelela, bambe, bambe, bambe, bambe, bambe, O bambe, bambelela. Never give up, never give up, O never give up, never

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MICHAEL PODREBARAC Michael Podrebarac is the archdiocesan consultant for the liturgy office give up, never, never, never, never, never, no never, never give up.” Back and forth between the African dialect and the English equivalent, the choir moved the melody with just enough pulse and just enough restraint. Text and music fit their voices well.

And then, the cantor began to sing verses over the continuing refrain, some which went something like this: “You must never give up through sorrow and pain; remember that the sunshine comes after the rain.” “You must never give up when oppression abounds; like Jesus and his cross, you won’t stay down.” “You must never give up, but hope in the Lord, and live in him, and trust in his word.” “You must never give up, you won’t stay lost, for you have been purchased at a precious cost.” “You must never give up, though death draws near; remember he is risen, and have no fear.” “You must never give

up, for all shall be well; the Lord conquered death, and ransacked hell.” “You must never give up, even when you sin; the Lord will give you peace, if you just let him in.” On and on, the verses went. The cantor, whose voice was pleasant enough, was surely moved by the Holy Spirit, for he appeared to hold no book as he sang, and his eyes were mostly closed. We often think of Easter as merely a time to give praise for the historical fact of the Lord’s resurrection. But Easter is more than a day or even a season. It is the very foundation of our Christian life. We must live Easter each

day, allowing the Lord to triumph over the ups and downs, the changes and chances, of our earthly lives. Jesus didn’t rise so that we might enjoy an Easter “someday” but rather that we might live even now in the light of his love, his mercy and his power. And we cannot do this without others, as was brought home by the cantor’s last verse, directed warmly to those present who might not have been in church for a while: “You must never give up, for you belong here, not only Easter Sunday, but all through the year.” We are not alone. He has risen and is with us, always. We must never give up.

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16 LOCAL NEWS

THELEAVEN.COM | APRIL 17, 2015

LIFTING HIGH THE CROSS

LEAVEN PHOTO BY HEATHER NELSON

Bob Cunningham has made a work station in the kitchen of his home. He crafts 10 crosses at a time, beginning with taping the branches together.

By Heather Nelson Special to The Leaven

RAIRIE VILLAGE — Chip. Chip-chip. Chip. Bob Cunningham is chipping away at a thick tree branch to create a notch. Once finished, he places another branch perpendicular to the first, to form a cross. Cunningham smiles. And his smile says it all. As Cunningham peers through his round glasses at the creation he holds in his rough hands, it doesn’t look like much. But it means the world to him. Cunningham, an almost-90-year-old resident at Claridge Court in Prairie Village, creates crucifixes out of fallen tree branches. His first creation hangs in the entryway of his home. “It’s not me, it’s the Holy Spirit telling me what to do,” said Cunningham, with a smile spreading across his face. Ten at a time, Cunningham pieces each cross together, places it on a base, and glues the crucified Christ onto the cross. Two of his most important tools are invisible to the casual observer: time and patience. Before the Holy Spirit directed him to this new project, Cunningham repaired rosaries for parishes around the area. He racked up nearly one thousand miles each month driving around to pick up and drop off repaired rosaries, he said. “When I started making [and repairing] rosaries, I felt there was something missing,” Cunningham said. But on a walk one day, Cunningham spotted a Corpus lying in the grass. He credits the Holy Spirit with the inspiration to take it with him, craft a cross for the misplaced Jesus and launch his crucifix ministry. He’s shared his gift with those in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program and Christ Renews His Parish retreats. Cunningham also carries crucifixes in his car. “Just in case I see someone who I think might enjoy one,” Cunningham said. His joy is contagious. Rob Salierno, executive director at Claridge Court, has known Cunningham for 10 years. “Mr. Cunningham is always helping people,” Salierno said. “He has a lot of passion — people follow his lead.” Cunningham begins his day with Scripture and daily Mass at Curé of Ars Church in Leawood, where he is

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY HEATHER NELSON

Bob Cunningham displays one of the first crucifixes he crafted, which he keeps in his home. He said the Holy Spirit guided him to create the crucifixes to share with people that he meets. a member of the parish. Cunningham is in tune with the Holy Spirit, who he trusts to work through him. “Everyone tries to explain what love is. But if you really believe in God, he loves everybody,” Cunningham said. “Why should I resist that?” Through service and his smile, Cunningham does just that — he loves. Salierno said that Cunningham is dedicated to bringing forth religion through the Catholic faith. “His mission never stops — even over 80,” Salierno said. “He’s leading the way in a Christ-like manner.” Cunningham’s crucifixes are carefully packaged in small gift bags that

include a number of pamphlets. These pamphlets offer information about the Holy Spirit, prayer cards and a rosary booklet. Cunningham puts these together as well. He reveres the rosary. In his pamphlet, he includes four new meditations, which he said are important things for the laity to pray for. “We really need those Hail Marys,” Cunningham said. “These are really powerful prayers.” Salierno said that Cunningham is always looking for ways that he can serve others. His family often joins him for dinners at Claridge Court.

“Their laughter — it’s apparent the love they all share,” observed Salierno. Catherine Solie, the wellness director at Claridge Court, said she interacts with Cunningham often. She describes him as very giving, but it’s his personality that attracts many. “He really lives life to the fullest,” said Solie. “It’s his sense of humor — people really enjoy him.” But Cunningham isn’t searching for recognition or praise. He just patiently waits for the Holy Spirit to guide him. “I don’t know what my next project will be,” said Cunningham, “but whatever it is, the Holy Spirit will tell me what to do.”

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