04-20-12 Vol. 33 No. 35

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 33, NO. 35 APRIL 20, 2012

A CAUSE TO DINE FOR

L

Chef Brandon Winn (left) of Room 39 and his assistant Bin Major plate their dish for the final round of the Chef’s Classic Knock Out ‘Bout.

Chefs battle it out to help St. Paul School Story by Jessica Langdon Photos by Susan McSpadden

Raul Romero (left) and chef Shannon Kimball of FireBugBBQ.com chop up some beef to prepare their dish for the second round.

ENEXA — Eight of Kansas City’s renowned chefs vied for the chance to battle it out onstage — “Iron-Chef”-style — for the championship here at St. James Academy March 24.

And the winner was: St. Paul School in Olathe.

That’s because the food and festivities were part of a first-of-its-kind fundraiser — the Chef’s Classic Knock Out ‘Bout to benefit the elementary school.

But the competing chefs weren’t complaining.

“I’ve been having a lot of fun so far,” said Paulo & Bill

Blackened ahi tuna with won-ton crisps, made by chef Mark Maybon of Paulo & Bill, is served with watermelon pico de gallo and ponzu sauce.

chef Mark Maybon, as he dished up pork dumplings and miso broth for the second round of the competition.

“It’s for charity!”

Competition for a good cause All eight of the featured chefs competed in the first two rounds, which consisted of cold, then hot, hors d’oeuvres.

Although some of the 200 in attendance were there for

Amber DiGiovanni of “What’s Cooking!” works on the ingredients to go with her steamed mussels in the second round.

See “KC CHEF” on page 4

Michael Foust, chef and owner of The Farmhouse, meticulously prepares his second round entry for judging.

2 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 20, 2012

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 20, 2012

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

Concrete Work

God wants us to be happy, pope tells world’s youth

E

ach year at Easter and Christmas, Mother Ingeborg Rohner, the retired provincial of the Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George, sends me a mechanical toy.

Mother Ingeborg is an extraordinary woman with great spiritual depth, exceptional wisdom, and an excellent sense of humor.

She discerned a call to religious life in post-World War II Germany.

Her parents and her only sibling had been killed in the Allied bombing of Berlin. She came to the United States as a young religious Sister, earning degrees in both nursing and theology.

One of the virtues that I admire most in Mother Ingeborg, who shouldered some heavy responsibilities for her community during very challenging times, is her joy.

On Palm Sunday this year, Pope Benedict, who also discerned his vocation to the priesthood during the traumatic environment of post-World War II Germany, promulgated his “Message for World Youth Day.” The theme of his message was based on St. Paul’s exhortation to the Christian community at Philippi: “Rejoice in the Lord always!” (Phil 4:4) The pope instructed the church’s young people: “Joy is at the heart of the Christian experience.”

In his message, the Holy Father reminded the Catholic youth of the world that: 1) our hearts are made for joy; 2) God is the source of true joy; and 3) joy is intimately linked to authentic love. The Holy Father then noted the false happiness with which the world apart from God seeks to entice us: “Our present-day culture often pressures us to seek immediate goals, achievements and pleasures. It fosters fickleness more than perseverance, hard work and fidelity to commitments. The messages it sends push a consumerist mentality and promise false happiness. How many people are surrounded by material possessions yet their lives are filled with despair, sadness and emptiness!

To have lasting joy we need to live in love and truth. We need to live in God.” The pope reminded Catholic youth of the simple, but important, truth that God wants us to be happy. It is because the Lord desires our happiness that he gave us the commandments — specific directions for our life. The commandments are not limitations that seek to prevent our happiness. Rather, they are protective guard rails that are aimed to prevent us from hurting ourselves.

The Holy Father wrote: “At first glance, they (the commandments) might seem to be a list of prohibitions and an obstacle to our freedom. But if we study them more closely, we see in the light of Christ’s message that the commandments are a set of essential and valuable rules leading to a happy life in accordance with God’s plan. How often, on the other hand, do we see that choosing to build our lives apart from God and his will brings disappointment, sadness, and a sense of failure?

The experience of sin, which is the refusal to follow God and an affront to his friendship, brings gloom to our hearts.”

Pope Benedict acknowledged how the Christian life is not always easy.

Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

Archbishop Naumann’s

April 22 125th Anniversary Mass — St. Joseph, Topeka

Vespers and dinner — Apostles of the Interior Life April 23 Bishop Ward board meeting Resurrection School board meeting

Confirmation — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park April 24 Administrative Team meeting Vespers & dinner with priests ordained less than five years April 25 Lunch with Sister Diane Steele & Saint Mary University students Bishop Miege board meeting Confirmation — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park April 28 Installation of Acolytes — Kenrick Seminary, St. Louis April 29 Scout Mass — Cathedral Maryvale graduation — Savior Pastoral Center

Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar

April 22 Confirmation — Chicago April 24 Confirmation — Chicago April 27-30 Pilgrimage to Ephesus

attention to my homilies. They gave me a mechanical toy chicken, wearing an Easter bonnet with rabbit ears, which performs a rather animated version of the chicken dance.

Our Catholic faith permits us to enjoy something as silly as a mechanical toy and provides us with something so profound that gives us joy even in the midst of the most difficult suffering.

Pope Benedict’s Palm Sunday message did not really have an age limit on its applicability. We are all called to be missionaries of joy. Authentic joy witnessed in the everyday circumstances of life has an irresistible attraction.

Christian joy has the power to convert and transform the gloom of a godless world.

Catholics urged to resist unjust laws, fast and pray for religious liberty

Key points from statement on religious liberty

Catholic News Service

April 21 Mass and lunch — Little Sisters of the Lamb

Pastoral visit, Mass, first Communion and baptisms and leadership meeting — Mater Dei, Topeka

FORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOM

By Nancy Frazier O’Brien

weekly calendar

There are many obstacles to being faithful to God’s love and inevitably we fall. Then, the pope reminded the church’s youth: “Yet God in his mercy never abandons us; he always offers us the possibility of returning to him, being reconciled with him and experiencing the joy of his love which forgives and welcomes us back.” The Holy Father urged young people to take advantage of the sacrament of penance and reconciliation. He called it “the sacrament of joy rediscovered.”

Each Easter season is an invitation

by God to rediscover the joy of God’s love for us. It is time to cherish anew the pearl of great price that was given to us on the day of our baptism. Our Lord not only offers, but promises, abundant life and the fullness of joy to his disciples. Our faith gives us the ability to see beauty and cause for rejoicing in the simple and the ordinary. The gift of our Christian faith also empowers us to persevere faithfully in our commitments to family and friends, thus allowing us to taste the sweet joy that results from authentic love. Our faith offers us a joy that remains with us and carries us through the Good Fridays of our lives.

In his message to young Catholics, Pope Benedict cited a couple of examples of contemporary individuals who achieved sanctity at an early age.

One such example was a young Italian woman, Chiara Badano, who died from cancer in 1990 at the tender age of 19.

Chiara, while suffering greatly from her disease, prayed for other young people that the Holy Spirit would give them wisdom and light. In writing to her spiritual mentor, Chiara said: “It was really a moment of God’s presence.

I was suffering physically, but my soul was singing!” The key to Chiara’s peace and joy, even in the midst of her physical suffering, was her trust in God and her ability to accept her own illness as something that God could use for good — not only for her, but for others. She often prayed: “Jesus, if you desire it, then I desire it too.”

Pope Benedict concluded his message to the world’s youth by challenging them to be witnesses, missionaries, of joy. The Holy Father observed: “Christianity is sometimes depicted as a way of life that stifles our freedom and goes against our desires for happiness and joy. But this is far from the truth.

Christians are men and women who are truly happy because they know that they are not alone. They know that God is always holding them in his hands. It is up to you, young followers of Christ, to show the world that faith brings happiness and joy, which is true, full and enduring.”

Frequently, at the beginning of my Easter or Christmas homilies I will give a brief demonstration of my most recent gift from Mother Ingeborg. It never fails to gain the congregation’s attention from the youngest to the oldest. This year, in the sacristy before the Easter Vigil, our Cathedral servers were eager to show me that they pay

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co. Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing.

Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas.

Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com

WASHINGTON (CNS) — American Catholics must resist unjust laws “as a duty of citizenship and an obligation of faith,” a committee of the U.S. bishops said in a new statement on religious liberty.

Titled “Our First, Most Cherished Liberty,” the 12-page statement by the Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty also calls for “a fortnight for freedom” from June 21, the vigil of the Editor’s Note: feasts of St. The full text of John Fisher “Our First, Most and St. ThomCherished Liberty: as More, to A Statement on July 4, U.S. Religious Liberty” Independence is available at: Day. w w w.usccb.org / “This speissues-and-action/ cial period of religious-liberty/ prayer, study, o u r- f i r s t- m o s tcatechesis and cherished-liberty. public action cfm. would emphasize both our Christian and American heritage of liberty,” the committee said. “Dioceses and parishes around the country could choose a date in that period for special events that would constitute a great national campaign of teaching and witness for religious liberty.”

Made public April 12, the document was approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Administrative Committee during its March meeting for publication as a committee statement.

The ad hoc committee opened its statement with several “concrete examples” of recent threats to religious liberty, saying that “this is not a theological or legal dispute without real-world consequences.”

Cited first was the Department of Health and Human Services’ mandate that most health plans must include contraception, sterilization and some abortion-inducing drugs free of charge, even if the employer is morally opposed to such services.

“In an unprecedented way, the federal government will both force religious institutions to facilitate and fund a product contrary to their own moral teaching and purport to define which religious institutions are ‘religious enough’ to merit protection of their religious liberty,” the statement said. “These features of the ‘preventive services’ mandate amount to an unjust law.”

Among other examples of “religious liberty under attack” the bishops named: • Immigration laws in Alabama and other states that “forbid what the government deems ‘harboring’ of undocumented immigrants — and what the church deems Christian charity and pastoral care to those immigrants.”

• An attempt by the Connecticut Legislature in 2009 to restructure Catholic parishes.

• Discrimination against Christian

CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Catholic New World

Catholic nuns walk in a eucharistic procession following a special Mass and prayers for the protection of religious liberty and life in the neighborhood surrounding St. Constance Church in Chicago March 29. The U.S. bishops, in an April 12 document, have again urged Catholics to pray, study and take public action in light of recent government rules and laws they say threaten religious liberty in the country. unjust law as one “that is out of harmony with the moral law,” and said he agreed with St. Augustine that “an unjust law is no law at all.”

“An unjust law cannot be obeyed,” the bishops’ statement said. “In the face of an unjust law, an accommodation is not to be sought, especially by resorting to equivocal words and deceptive practices.

“If we face today the prospect of unjust laws, then Catholics in America, in solidarity with our fellow citizens, must “Our First, Most Cherished Liberty,” have the courage not to obey them,” it the 12-page statement by the Ad Hoc added. “No American desires this. No Committee on Religious Liberty Catholic welcomes it. But if it should fall upon us, we must discharge it as a duty of citizenship and an obligation of faith.”

The bishops also distinguished between conscientious objection and an students on college campuses. unjust law.

• Government actions in Boston, San “Conscientious objection permits Francisco, the District of Columbia and some relief to those who object to a just the state of Illinois that have “driven lo- law for reasons of conscience — concal Catholic Charities out of the business scription being the most well-known exof providing adoption or foster care ser- ample,” the committee said. “An unjust vices” because the agencies would not law is ‘no law at all.’ It cannot be obeyed, place children with same-sex or unmar- and therefore one does not seek relief ried heterosexual couples. from it, but rather its repeal.”

• A New York City The statement also rule that bars small raised the issue of reliWatch future issues of The church congregations gious freedom abroad Leaven for how the archfrom renting public and said “the age of diocese plans to observe the schools on weekends martyrdom has not “Fortnight for Freedom.” for worship services, passed.” while allowing such “A s s a s s i n a t i o n s , rentals by nonreligious bombings of churchgroups. es, torching of orphanages — these are • Changes in federal contracts for only the most violent attacks Christians human trafficking grants that require have suffered because of their faith in Catholic agencies “to refer for contracep- Jesus Christ,” the bishops said. “It is tive and abortion services in violation of our task to strengthen religious liberty Catholic teaching.” at home . . . so that we might defend it The statement quotes the Founding more vigorously abroad.”

Fathers and the Rev. Martin Luther King The statement called on “American Jr. to bolster its arguments. foreign policy, as well as the vast interRev. King, writing from jail in Bir- national network of Catholic agencies” mingham, Ala., in 1963, described an to make “the promotion of religious lib-

“An unjust law cannot be obeyed. In the face of an unjust law, an accommodation is not to be sought, especially by resorting to equivocal words and deceptive practices.

”

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com

Here are some key points raised in “Our First, Most Cherished Liberty: A Statement on Religious Liberty” by the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty.

The document was made public April 12.

• American Catholics should not have to choose between being Catholics and being Americans.

• Attacks on religious liberty have real-world consequences.

• Religious liberty requires constant vigilance and protection, or it will disappear.

• Unjust laws (those out of harmony with the moral law) cannot be obeyed and no accommodation can be made to an unjust law.

• Christians of various traditions share with Catholics a concern about efforts to strip religious arguments from public debate.

• If religious liberty erodes at home, U.S. defense of religious freedom abroad becomes less credible.

• All segments of the U.S. Catholic population must pray and fast for religious liberty.

• A special period of prayer, study, catechesis and public action called the “fortnight for freedom” will take place from June 21 to July 4.

• Bishops and priests should preach about religious liberty here and abroad Nov. 25, the feast of Christ the King.

erty an ongoing and urgent priority.”

The bishops assigned special responsibility for advancing religious freedom to several groups: • Those who hold public office must “protect and defend those fundamental liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights,” regardless of their political party.

• Leaders of Catholic hospitals, universities and social service agencies “who may be forced to choose between the good works we do by faith, and fidelity to that faith itself” were encouraged to “hold firm, to stand fast and to insist upon what belongs to you by right as Catholics and Americans.”

• Priests must offer “a catechesis on religious liberty suited to the souls in your care,” a responsibility that is shared with “writers, producers, artists, publishers, filmmakers and bloggers employing all the means of communications.”

In addition to the “fortnight for freedom” June 21 to July 4, the bishops designated the feast of Christ the King — Nov. 25 this year — as “a day specifically employed by bishops and priests to preach about religious liberty, both here and abroad.”

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com.Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 20, 2012

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 20, 2012

Parish says ‘Bienvenido’ with Irish accent

KC chef cook-off yields love at first bite

By Joe Bollig

Continued from page 1

Leaven staff

just the fun and the food furnished by various vendors, VIP-ticketholders actually judged the first two rounds with their votes, after sampling the gourmet goods of chefs like Brandon Winn.

“It just seemed like a good charitable donation of my time,” said Winn, of Room 39.

His table was filled with plates of miso-braised beef cheek with sushi rice, ginger and lemongrass.

“It’s always fun to compete whenever you can,” he added.

At a nearby table, chef Amber DiGiovanni, author of several cookbooks and host of the “What’s Cooking!” talk show, served a savory Cajun cheesecake on an almond crust with a mushroom and lump crab cake ragout.

“I want to beat the boys,” said DiGiovanni, the lone female chef in the competition, with a smile.

But her first and foremost reason for being there stood right beside her.

DiGiovanni’s nine-year-old niece Clare Kaffenberger is a fourth-grader at St. Paul.

“It’s really special,” Clare said, “that my aunt is able to compete in this.”

A delicious idea

LOCAL NEWS 5

From left, Tonia Helm, principal of St. Paul School, looks on as event chair Karen Crnkovich hands winning chef Charles d’Ablaing the first-place trophy.

Event emcee Mark Mollentine, a St. Paul alumnus and founder and president of KC Food Artisans, calls all the action from the stage.

Plans for the competition started cooking a few months ago, when St. Paul pastor Father John Torrez asked put the burden right back on the famischool principal Tonia Helm about put- lies who are already supporting the parish and paying tuition, Helm said. ting together a fundraising event.

When Helm called archdiocesan su- This had the potential to bring together perintendent Dr. Kathy O’Hara to get quite a different population — anyone who is interested in food. some direction, she learned the idea “We wanted for a food-related something classy. fundraiser had We wanted somebeen simmering in Hungry for more? thing that our enO’Hara’s imaginatire Kansas City tion for some time.

Check out more sights and community could “There are so sounds from the Chef’s Classic come together and many auctions, so Knock Out ‘Bout by visiting The be a part of,” said many golf tourLeaven’s website at: www.theleaven.

Helm. naments,” said com. Click on the YouTube icon.

After months O’Hara, “and I’ve Celebrity judges Robert Bishop of hard work and been trying to move and Matt Shaw have also posted prayer, the big day our elementary their review of the event on their didn’t disappoint. schools away from website at: www.lunchblogkc.com.

“You know the classic fundraiswhat?” asked ers — selling candy Helm. “I walked in bars, wrapping paand I cried. It was per and all of that — because we can’t just beautiful.” sustain our schools on wrapping paper And for a lot of the attendees, it was and candy bars.” love at first bite.

Capitalizing on the popularity of the Food Network and local restaurants Not your typical fundraiser was a perfect way, thought O’Hara, to stir things up.

Jim Merwald, a parishioner of Holy “Tonia took [the idea] and just ran Trinity Parish in Lenexa, attended with with it,” she said. family and thought the Chef’s Classic Helm then recruited longtime friend Knock Out ‘Bout was a great improveBrian Wilson to help, and event chair ment on the typical fundraiser.

Karen Crnkovich asked her brother, “I think it’s a great idea,” said Merwho studied at the Culinary Institute in New York, to figure out the frame- wald.

“You get a chance to try a lot of things work. you might not otherwise try from a lot Many times, traditional fundraisers

of different chefs,” he said.

Not only would he attend this sort of thing again, he noted, but “I’d probably tell other people to come, too.”

Vendors’ booths, offering everything from cake pops to Mexican food to a look at fun products, were set up close to the competitors’ tables, so the whole event was filled with delicious sights and smells. Guests also bid on silent auction items.

“Oh, my gosh, it’s like a party in your mouth at every stop,” said Crnkovich.

“It was a very hard decision [to decide who to vote for].”

And the winner is . . .

Finally, it was time for the two chefs with the highest scores — Winn of Room 39 and Charles d’Ablaing of Chaz on the Plaza — to compete for the championship.

And, of course, the twist everyone had been waiting for: the unveiling of the three mystery ingredients the two chefs had to include.

As emcee Mark Mollentine — a St. Paul alumnus and founder and president of KC Food Artisans — updated the crowd on the dueling chefs’ progress, chefs and sous-chefs scurried between the fully stocked pantry and their cooking stations.

When the final bell rang, the plates featuring the three required ingredients — pork tenderloin, quinoa and whiskey — were presented to the panel

Chef contenders The eight chefs in the first Chef’s Classic Knock Out ‘Bout were: • Charles d’Ablaing — Chaz on the Plaza • Duane A. Daugherty — Owner of Mr. Doggity Foods • Amber DiGiovanni — “What’s Cooking!” talk show • Michael Foust — The Farmhouse • Shannon Kimball — FireBugBBQ. com • Mark Maybon — Paulo & Bill • Dane Morris — Gram & Dun • Brandon Winn — Room 39

of celebrity judges. Celina Tio of Julian, Colby Garrelts of Bluestem and Robert Bishop and Matt Shaw of Lunch Blog KC dug in.

In the end, d’Ablaing was awarded the grand prize, a tall trophy, for his roast apple quinoa with orange and bourbon, and his pan-roasted pork stuffed with Gorgonzola and scallions, complete with a beurre rouge (redwine butter) sauce.

The benefit raised more than $13,000 for the Olathe school, said Helm.

With their appetites whetted by the fun of the first Chef’s Classic Knock Out ‘Bout, organizers are already looking ahead and starting to put together their recipe for next year’s event.

K E A T I N G Mud Jacking FOUNDATION REPAIR

Cracked • Bowed • Settled Wall Repair v Wall Bracing v Waterproofing v Steel Underpinning Kansas City (913) 262-9352

Lawrence (785) 865-0006

MUD JACKING Raise & Level

v Patios v Drives v Garage Floors v Slab Houses Topeka (785) 246-0128

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Tony Valenzuela works only two blocks from St. Patrick Parish here, but his shadow never darkened its door.

Valenzuela used to drive for nearly a half hour for Sunday Mass at St. MarySt. Anthony Parish in Kansas City, Kan. It was the closest Spanish-language Mass he could find.

All that changed on Palm Sunday, April 1, when St. Patrick Parish inaugurated a new era of Hispanic ministry with its first regularly scheduled Spanish-language Mass.

Nearly 300 people attended the Palm Sunday Mass. The main celebrant was Father Pat Murphy, CS, archdiocesan animator for Hispanic ministry; St. Patrick’s pastor Msgr. Michael Mullen concelebrated. A reception with Mexicanstyle sweet breads and hot chocolate was held after the Mass.

“It is a great pleasure and privilege for me to welcome you to St. Patrick Parish and to our Palm Sunday celebration today,” said Msgr. Mullen in his welcoming remarks, which were translated by Father Pat. “It is a joy for us to be celebrating our first Sunday Mass in Spanish,” he continued. “I thank all of you for coming and invite you not only to return each Sunday, but also to reach out and invite others . . . to come.”

Father Pat will celebrate the Spanishlanguage Masses, which will be held at 2 p.m. each Sunday.

The area roughly bounded by western Kansas City, Kan., Tonganoxie and De Soto has seen an increase in the number of Spanish-speaking Catholics, many of whom have roots in Mexico.

For them, Spanish is the primary language in the home, and they had to drive long distances for a Spanish-language Mass.

“Some people [go to] Kansas City, Kansas, and others go to Olathe or Lawrence,” said Valenzuela.

Others would get discouraged and simply not go to Mass, or would be enticed to leave the Catholic faith through proselytizing by other Christian denominations and sects.

The effort to bring a Spanish-language Mass to St. Patrick Parish began two years ago, when a group of Spanish-speaking Catholics from this underserved area approached Father Pat. “We began a process of meeting with them,” said Father Pat. “The first thing they did was go around and ask families if they wanted a Mass in Spanish closer to home. Of course, they said yes.

“So we started meeting with the leaders and, over the past two years, we’ve had retreats and celebrations at the Bonner Springs Community Center,” he said, “always with the goal that we’d find a place that would accept them and have Mass in Spanish.”

The first parish that said “yes” was St. Patrick. The first Spanish-speaking

Leaven photos by Susan McSpadden

Palm Sunday marked the first Spanishlanguage Mass at St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kan. Nearly 300 people attended the celebration.

Monsignor Michael Mullen, pastor of St. Patrick Parish, and Father Pat Murphy, CS, archdiocesan animator for Hispanic ministry, chat with a few children before the first Spanish-language Mass at St. Patrick. leadership meeting at St. Patrick was on March 17 — providentially, St. Patrick’s Day. “[Msgr. Mullen] was so wonderful,” said Valenzuela. “He showed us the whole church and all around the buildings. We felt so welcome. I don’t know how to explain it. He’s such a great person.”

Msgr. Mullen made jaws drop when he suggested quite readily some places where they might display an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who is revered

by Hispanic Catholics.

“Usually it’s a sign you’ve made it when you can put up an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe,” said Father Pat. Most of the new Spanish-speaking

“[Msgr. Mullen] was so wonderful. He showed us the whole church and all around the buildings. We felt so welcome. I don’t know how to explain it. He’s such a great person.”

”

Tony Valenzuela

families joining the parish are married couples, aged 30 to 40, with children.

Even before the first Mass, some had already enrolled their children in the parish school and religious education program.

Many of these families are eager to sign up for all sorts of ministries, said Ramiro Valenzuela, brother of Tony Valenzuela. Some established members of the parish who can speak Spanish are acting as a “bridge” to facilitate the new parishioners.

“We want to keep the church the way it is,” he said. “We don’t want to change anything, and we don’t want to interfere with other services and meetings.

We want to add to what they have and to work with them. We want to form one community.”

That attitude started at the top, with Msgr. Mullen working from the outset to build a climate of acceptance

and inclusiveness.

“About three weeks before Palm Sunday, I spoke at all the Masses to the regular parishioners to describe the program taking place,” he said.

“I emphasized that we wanted to continue to be one parish, and we didn’t want parallel organizations,” he continued. “We want rather to work as one. I laid that out as a general invitation to everyone to welcome these new parishioners as they had to others in the past.”

He’s already looking forward to having the new, Spanish-speaking parishioners represented on the parish and finance councils, the school board, social committees and other organizations.

The parish has plans for some staff to learn Spanish, as he will try to do himself.

“I told them,” concluded Msgr. Mullen, “that I might learn Spanish — but it will be with an Irish accent!”

1330 Main St. • Kansas City, Mo. 64105 • 816.472.3551 • www.lovebirdkc.com

“Come fall in love with lovebird”

6 NEWS BRIEFS

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 20, 2012

Educators attend annual NCEA convention in Boston

Brazilian court OKs abortion for fetuses with malformed brains

BOSTON (CNS) — A national and international crowd of Catholic educators converged on Boston April 11 to kick off the National Catholic Educational Association 2012 Convention and Expo. According to organizers, more than 10,000 participants registered for the three-day event at the John B. Hynes Convention Center.

The NCEA provided attendees more than 400 workshops on topics relevant to Catholic education, an exhibit hall showcasing 267 education-related venders, and a list of nationally recognized keynote speakers. Oblate Father Ronald Rolheiser, president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, gave the opening keynote address, titled “It’s a Big Enough Church.” He focused the talk on delivering a message of tolerance among the faithful, enemies and even political rivals. He addressed the danger of becoming bitter and responding to attacks with attacks, anger with anger, and intolerance with intolerance. “There is just no virtue in that; you are simply giving back the energy received and we are hard-wired for that. We are not hard-wired for forgiveness,” Father Rolheiser said. He said the faithful need to be influenced by the writings of the Gospel, and particularly the story of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. Father Rolheiser used the image of Jesus removing his outer garment as revealing his true self. “He took off his outer garment and he was able to then reach across in ways we cannot reach across when we have our ‘outer garments on.’”

SAO PAULO (CNS) — Supreme Court justices in Brazil voted to legalize the abortion of fetuses without brains or those with malformed brains, despite an effort that saw thousands of Brazilians praying outside of the court, urging the justices to protect the life of unborn children. The voting session, which ended late April 12, showed that the majority of the justices — 8 of 10 — were in favor of allowing women to interrupt a pregnancy if the fetus is found to have a malformed brain. The Brazilian bishops’ conference issued a statement “deeply regretting” the court’s decision. The document, signed by the conference president, Cardinal Raymundo Damasceno Assis of Aparecida, said that “to legalize the abortion of anencephalic fetuses — erroneously diagnosed as brain-dead fetuses — is to discard a fragile and innocent being.

Anencephalic fetuses cannot be discarded nor have their fundamental rights stolen.” Earlier in the week, the bishops had asked Catholics to hold prayer vigils outside of the court to encourage justices to consider the life of the unborn child.

“We understand that the principles of the inviolable right to life, the dignity of the human person and the promotion of wellbeing, without any form of discrimination [stated in the Brazilian Constitution] also includes anencephalic fetuses,” said a document distributed by the bishops’ conference to parishes around the country. In Sao Paulo, Cardinal Odilo Scherer asked parishes to join prayer vigils April 10 “so that human life is respected and preserved in all circumstances.” “Only

Remember your recently deceased loved one by attending a Memorial Mass Saturday, May 5, 2012 9 a.m.

St. Joseph Chapel, Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1150 N. 38th St., Kansas City, Kan.

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES 913-371-4040 Wyandotte County Mt. Calvary, Kansas City, Kan. St. John, Kansas City, Kan. Gate of Heaven, Kansas City, Kan. Johnson County Resurrection, Lenexa, Kan. St. Joseph, Shawnee, Kan. St. John, Lenexa, Kan. Mt. Calvary, Olathe, Kan.

MT CALVARY – KC KS Angelina Carmona Carmen Castillo Connie Conchola Ben G. Coniglio Michael P. Deere Anne M. Girnis Gertrude F. Horvatin Gregory S. Jakovac Renesha M. Jones Imogene I. Kelly Pauline Mance Carl A. Manczuk Armando M. Martinez Stanley P. Maslak Mary E. Mears Shirley A. McKinzie Helen M. Mufich Mary Nahajzer Soledad Perez Albert L. Racki Daniel A. Samenus Virginia P. Sherrick Margaret L. Sockovich Patricia L. Thomas Stephen Vallejo Theodore F. Wolff RESURRECTION Teresa M. Belz Mark E. Brady Alyce A. Buckman Grace Buchan James H. Budke Marji L. Burgard William C. Buzan Jennifer A. Charlton A’Mena Zykira DraperCooperwood Mark C. Copeland John B. Creten Robert H. Crowther James N. Cucaro Dolores M. Davis Payton Valerie Degnan Carroll P. Denning William L. Dold Ethel M. Fallon Jonne M. Ferguson John W. Fox

Roy J. Frederick Grace M. Hensel Thomas R. Hess Connie M. Horned Vaneta I. Jardes John S. Kearns II Joanne C. King Richard F. Krause Janet M. Landis Alfred Larson Cho Lee Lance L. Lindquist Rolando R. Mesina Joan Mroz Kimiyo K. Nauert Alice M. Pope Charles W. Saunders Rosemary Smiley Baby Smith Baby Spencer Charles W. Swan Kam A. Wagner Helen R. Wilson Sue A. Wilson Wayne W. Wilson Anne Y. Winterman Joseph Paul Womble Victor W. Young Rohamma Zeleke ST JOSEPH Lawrence E. Gillard Melissa Kasunic Florence E. Soetaert ST JOHN – LENEXA Patricia A. Lutz Linda L. Zimmerlee MT CALVARY – OLATHE John K. Goodwin GATE OF HEAVEN Peter J. Belske Joseph E. Chontos Sr. Lester B. Cunningham James R. Hoffman Dorothy A. Koelzer Bernadine M. Rideaux Phyllis O. Wirth

God is the master of life, and it is not up to mankind to eliminate his fellow man, killing him,” Cardinal Scherer said in the letter.

Bishop must stand trial for not reporting suspected abuse KANSAS CITY, Mo. (CNS) — A Missouri judge declined to dismiss misdemeanor charges of failing to report suspected child sexual abuse against Bishop Robert W. Finn and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, which he heads. The ruling by Circuit Court Judge John M. Torrence paves the way for Bishop Finn and the diocese to stand trial, set for September. Both the bishop and the diocese have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Torrence denied motions by attorneys for the bishop, who had argued during a hearing March 27 that the charges should be dismissed because they were unconstitutionally vague and that Bishop Finn was not the diocese’s designated official responsible for reporting sexual abuse to authorities.

“The court finds that the evidence in this case is sufficient to allow a jury to conclude that Bishop Finn was a designated reporter as defined by Missouri law,” Torrence wrote. Diocesan spokeswoman Rebecca Summers referred inquiries to the attorneys in the case. Attorneys Gerald Handley and J.R. Hobbs, representing Bishop Finn, and Jean Paul Bradshaw II, representing the diocese, did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

Torrence also denied a defense motion to have the bishop and the diocese tried separately, explaining that there was no reason to have two trials in a case involving most of the same facts.

George and Mary Kay (Weisz) Riehle, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 28. The couple was married on April 28, 1962, at Sacred Heart Church, NorANNIVERSARIES borne, Mo. Their children and their spouses are: Theresa and Steve, Ed and Lisa, Mike and Tonya, Kathy and Mark, Dan and Laura and Matt and Catherine. They also have 14 grandchildren. A celebration with family and friends will be held in June.

Kay (Wilder) and Cecil Wehr, members of Corpus Christi Parish, Lawrence, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 28. The couple was married on April 28, 1962, at St. Mary Church, Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Their children and their spouses are: Teresa Wehr, Glendale, Ariz.; Laura Van Alstine, Lawrence; Christopher and Sandra Wehr, Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Marlena and Neil Manternach, Monticello, Iowa; Valarie and Michael Rooks, Kailua, Hawaii; Chad and Esther Wehr, Olathe; and Craig and Ashley Wehr, Wellsville.

They also have 11 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Were you married in 1962?

Archdiocesan 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration Cathedral of St. Peter June 3, 2012 2:00 pm Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann invites couples celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2012 to a Golden Anniversary Mass in their honor with Reception following To receive your invitation from Archbishop Naumann, please call the Family Life Office at 913-647-0345.

When in

ROME

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann concelebrates Mass at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome March 8. Archbishop Naumann and other U.S. bishops were making their “ad limina” visits to report on the status of their dioceses to the pope and Vatican officials.

Archbishop enjoys sights, sounds —and tastes — of Eternal City during ‘ad limina’ visit

W

BY J O E B O L L I G henever a bishop goes to Rome for his “quinquennial visit ad limina apostolor um,” the top three items on his

|

The view of Rome from the rooftop of the Pontifical North American College is one of Archbishop Naumann’s favorite sites. “You can look down on St. Peter’s and the Vatican City and see a panoramic view of Rome,” he said.

L E AV E N STA F F carryouts,” said the archbishop with a chuckle, “they weren’t saying.”

Pope Benedict XVI meets March 9 with bishops from Nebraska and Kansas on their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican. Seated at right are: Archbishop Naumann; Bishop John B. Brungardt of Dodge City; Bishop Michael O. Jackels of Wichita; and Bishop-designate Edward J. Weisenburger of Salina. At left are bishops from Nebraska.

Come home to Rome

“must do” list are: One, pray at the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul.

The term “ad limina” is Latin for “to Two, meet the Successor of Peter, the the thresholds,” and refers to the threshpope. olds of the tombs of St. Peter and St. Paul Three, submit a report on the state of at which each visiting bishop is called to the diocese or territorial jurisdiction he pray. shepherds.

Archbishop Naumann has made three Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann com“ad limina” visits — one in 1998 as an pleted the traditional trifecta during his auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. “ad limina” visit from March 6 to 13.

Louis, and twice for the Archdiocese of But a man’s got to eat, too. And when Kansas City in Kansas. in Rome, one eats as the Romans do — at Usually, “ad limina” visits are made one of the city’s many great restaurants. every five years, but there was a seven“I wouldn’t necessarily say I have year gap between a favorite,” said his second and third Archbishop Nautrip because of the mann. But then death of Pope John again, “there are Paul II and the no bad restaurants succession by Pope that I’ve found.”

Benedict XVI. Even Lent “Ad limina” visits didn’t feel quite so also include celebrapenitential in the tions of the Mass Eternal City. at venerable altars.

“We went to Archbishop Nauthis one restaurant mann celebrated on Friday that had Mass three times this wonderful in the crypts and pasta with salmchapels of St. Peter’s on,” he recalled, Basilica and also at “that took all the the major basilicas penance out of of Rome.

Friday.”

Part of the “ad Archbishop limina” protocol Naumann made is an escort by the his visit with other Swiss Guards. bishops from the “If you walk in United States’ Archbishop Naumann proudly displays the gold front of them, as a Region IX, which pectoral cross given to him by Pope Benedict XVI. bishop, they always is comprised The cross is a replica of one that formerly hung at salute, which is of Kansas, MisSan Anselmo in Rome. always special to souri, Iowa and see the respect the Nebraska. From Swiss Guard has for the church and its the archdiocese, he was accompanied by bishops,” said Archbishop Naumann. vicars general Father Gary Pennings and It’s a nice shot in the arm for the passFather Brian Schieber. ing prelate as well.

It was with his two vicars that he “I remember [my] first ‘ad limina’ dined at one of the former Cardinal visit,” he continued. “Bishop Raymond Ratzinger’s favorite places. But he soon Boland from Kansas City, Mo., commentdiscovered that even visiting American ed that he’d like to bring home one of the archbishops don’t rate high enough to be Swiss Guards just to walk in front of him privy to the truly important secrets of the when he was having a bad day, to lift up ancient city. his spirits.” “[We] went to Roberto’s, one of the Bishops bring with them to their places Pope Benedict used to frequent “ad limina” visit a written report of the when he was a lowly member of the activities of the church in their diocese or College of Cardinals,” said Archbishop territory, the relevant parts of which are Naumann. “They said he liked their parceled out to the appropriate Vatican carbonara.” agency.

“But when we asked if he still gets

Photo: Brian Buettner/PNAC PHOTO

CNS photo/Paul Haring

“[The pope’s] words were of encouragement and support for us, very affirming.

I think he’s incredible for the energy he has.”

— Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of his “ad limina” visit with Pope Benedict XVI

For example, said the archbishop, “When we were at the Congregation for Education, they noted [the formation of teachers through the School of Faith] in our report and were pleased to see we were making this effort,” said the archbishop.

Additionally, the bishops — usually in small groups — have an opportunity to give a short verbal report to the pope directly, as well as enjoy a brief personal exchange.

The Region IX bishops decided, for the sake of efficiency, to divide up the topics they all wished to address.

“My particular area I spoke about was religious liberty and protection of conscience, and the great struggle that is going on in our country right now,” said Archbishop Naumann.

“He obviously is very aware of this.

At one point, I told him that one of our serious concerns is that those who are provoking this confrontation have the objective of dividing the people from the bishops, particularly by trying to focus the issue on contraception and disguise the fact that this is really about coercion and trampling on religious liberty.”

Language was no barrier to getting his point across, said Archbishop Naumann.

Pope Benedict has an excellent command of English — even better than the late Pope John Paul II, he said. And, like the late pope, the current pontiff is a good listener.

“Personally, he’s a very gentle person,” said Archbishop Naumann. “He’s very hospitable.”

“In our meeting with the Kansas and Nebraska bishops, he listened very intently to what we said,” the archbishop continued. “His words were of encouragement and support for us, very affirming. I think he’s incredible for the energy he has.”

At the visit’s conclusion, the pope gave each of the bishops a gold pectoral cross that replicated one that formerly hung at San Anselmo in Rome.

Places to go, people to see Archbishop Naumann and Fathers Schieber and Pennings also used the trip

CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano

to Rome as an opportunity to network with friends of the archdiocese in the Eternal City.

Father Pennings and Father Schieber met with members of the Community of the Lamb, and Archbishop Naumann met with members of both branches of the Apostles of the Interior Life.

“I had the opportunity to meet with one of the pope’s secretaries, Msgr.

Alfred Xuereb, who is a good friend of Sister Susan Pieper of the Apostles of the Interior Life,” said the archbishop.

“It was really through Sister Susan, who happened to be in Rome at the same time, that we had a chance to visit with Msgr. Xuereb.”

Two archdiocesan high school groups were also in Rome at the time — one from St. James Academy in Lenexa and the other from Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park. Archbishop Naumann wasn’t able to catch up to the Miege group, but he did celebrate Mass for

and later had dinner with the St. James contingent.

For leisure time, the archbishop did a little shopping and went on a walking tour of Rome’s churches. While at the Church of St. Gregory, he saw the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury giving a lecture.

The high point of the visit was, of course, the time spent with the pope, with the opportunity to celebrate Mass at Rome’s venerable altars coming in a close second.

But if there is a place in Rome that holds a special place in the archbishop’s heart, it would be the Pontifical North American College.

“I enjoy staying at the North American College, to be there with the seminarians from the United States,” said Archbishop Naumann.

And “the beautiful view overlooking Rome from the roof of the North American College,” he said, is truly breathtak-

ing. “You can look down on St. Peter’s and the Vatican City and see a panoramic view of Rome.”

As great as that view is, however, there is another Roman view that is more spectacular: the view of the universal church.

“The experience in Rome is truly of the universal church,” said the archbishop. “One thing I like to do at St. Peter’s is to go into the adoration chapel. You look around the chapel and see faces that represent every continent in the world.”

“And there we are, all together, praying to the same Lord present in the Blessed Sacrament,” he continued.

“Rome gives you a tremendous sense of the universality of the church and how we are a part of this incredibly large and diverse family that is the Catholic Church.”

12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment Administrative assistant – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is accepting applications for an administrative position in the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth. This position will be full time for approximately six weeks and three days per week thereafter. Duties include supporting youth programs and events, creating publicity materials, data entry and responding to correspondence. Ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have a minimum of two years administrative experience. Knowledge of youth ministry and related events preferred. A complete job description and required application are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/employment. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume, and application by May 4 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Youth Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City KS 66109, or send, via email, to: kthomas@archkck.org.

Director of technology - St. James Academy is seeking a director of technology who will enhance the mission of the school and accept leadership responsibilities for the coordination, integration, and implementation of technology. St. James Academy is a one-to-one laptop school, and the new director will ensure efficient delivery of services. Salary is dependent on degree, license, and experience. Applicants should complete the application available on the website at: www.archkck.org and send letter of interest and resume to Karla Leibham, principal, via email, to: kleibham@sjakeepingfaith.org.

Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City area.

This position is ideal for a determined, high-energy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; call (785) 364-5450; or send an email to him at: john.mahon@kofc.org.

Music director - St. Ann, Prairie Village, a parish of over 1500 families, has a small but dedicated adult choir and excellent cantors. The parish is seeking a dedicated and energetic individual to build on this foundation with a special emphasis on establishing a children’s choir. The repertoire is chant through best of contemporary music. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent parish experience is required. This half-time position will begin in July. Salary is $28,000 - 32,000, depending on experience. Send resume, cover letter, and three references, via email, to Father Keith Lunsford at: frkeith@stannpv.org and cc to: jostermann@ stannpv.org. Application deadline is April 25.

Driver - The Mission Project, a not-for-profit organization, is seeking a part-time minivan driver to provide transportation to/from work. Based in Mission; approximately 10 hrs/wk. Excellent driving record and references required. Call George at (913) 642-0585.

Retreat house guest coordinator - Christ’s Peace House of Prayer Retreat Center, located near Leavenworth, is seeking a full-time guest coordinator to manage guest reservations and attend to guests on site, assist the director, and assist with administrative duties. For information and a job description, contact Vince Eimer, director, at (913) 773-8255 or send an email to him at: directorcp@hotmail.com.

Spanish-language theology instructor - The Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph is seeking a full-time Spanish-language instructor for the Bishop Helmsing Institute. The selected individual will research and write curricula and teach catechetical courses in Spanish. Duties include assisting with planning, researching, translating and writing curriculum for themselves and adjunct instructors using materials developed by the institute. The instructor will teach evening courses in Spanish and will assist with administrative and advertising responsibilities. A master’s in theology or equivalent is required, as is fluency in Spanish, both written and spoken. Interested individuals should submit a resume and references to Rhonda Stucinski, human resources director, and Scott McKellar, director of the Bishop Helmsing Institute, via email, to: Stucinski @diocesekcsj.org and to: mckellar@diocesekcsj.org.

Resume should be in .doc or .txt format. Be sure to include the job title in email subject box.

Director of Nursing - Villa St. Francis, Olathe, a skilled nursing facility sponsored by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is seeking an experienced nurse manager to help lead the facility as the director of nursing. This 170-bed facility, currently undergoing renovation, is seeking a dedicated and committed leader, willing to work closely with the facil-

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 20, 2012 ity’s administrator and leadership team by overseeing and directing the nursing staff so that the best possible nursing care is provided. A candidate for this position should be a highly skilled RN, with a bachelor’s or master’s degree preferred; have successful experience in managing nurses and nursing staffs; be very familiar with Kansas state regulations that govern skilled nursing care; and be eager to help guide, integrate and guard Villa St. Francis’ mission, which is rooted in the intrinsic dignity of every person and the passion to provide high quality nursing, rehabilitative and residential services in a friendly, comfortable and faithfilled environment. The position demands a serious applicant who is willing to help guide the organization into a deeper commitment to its mission, champion the pursuit of excellence and enable the building of a dignified, comfortable and enjoyable living and work environment for residents and staff. Salary is negotiable but will reflect Villa’s desire to hire a top-quality individual. Villa St. Francis offers an attractive benefit, compensation package and bonus incentive. Those interested in applying for this position should email resume to: James@Villasf.org; fax to (913) 829-5399; or complete application at: Villa St. Francis, 16600 W. 126th St., Olathe KS 66062. EEOC. Faith formation director - Three rural parishes — Sacred Heart, Sabetha; St. Augustine, Fidelity; and St. James, Wetmore — are accepting applications for a newly created full-time position of director of faith formation. Duties include administering religious education programs, organizing and implementing youth activities, assisting with adult classes, and managing volunteers. The director must be a practicing Catholic who embraces the church’s teachings and has experience working with youth and adults in a parish setting.

Prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in a related field. A complete job description, application, and benefits can be requested by contacting Sacred Heart Parish at (785) 284-0888 or by sending an email to: sacredheartsabetha@sbcglobal.net. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume, and application, by May 15, to: Sacred Heart Parish, DFF Search, 1031 S. 12th St., Sabetha KS 66534.

Services Tutoring - For students in grades K - 8. Certified in LD. Substitute teacher in Shawnee Mission and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Call Mary at (913) 638-3069 or send an email to her at: albdelor@aol. com.

Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, at (913) 909-2002.

Quilted Memories LLC - New store now open in downtown Overland Park! Machine quilting. Custom-designed memory quilts using your T-shirts and/ or photos. Personalized items for sororities, weddings, graduates and more. We also offer quilting classes and studio/machine rental. Call (913) 649-2704. For samples of our work, visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc.com.

Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837.

Girl Friday Services Sewing, ironing, quilting, cooking, typing and errand running. Let me do the work for you!

Call Deborah at (913) 648-7258 Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile).

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

Lawn mowing Free estimates; references Insured, licensed and bonded Local parishioner Call Tony at (913) 620-6063 Rodman Lawn Care - Mowing, leaf removal, mulch and more. Call John Rodman, member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, at (913) 548-3002 or send an email to him at: Rodman.Lawn@yahoo.com.

Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 20, 2012 Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project!

Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance.

Cleanup and grading services Receive $100 credit toward a landscape or irrigation service by mentioning this ad.

Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661

Caregiving CNA home health care professional - Do you need help with your senior loved one? I have been providing service and personal assistance for over 20 years. Reasonable rates; excellent references. Let me help you keep your loved one comfortably in their own home. Call Rosalyn at (816) 830-7455.

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.

Looking for high quality home care? Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are familyowned and based in Lenexa. Call Benefits of HomeSenior Care at (913) 422-1591 or visit our website at: www.benefitsofhome.com.

Home Improvement Get a jump on your home repairs! - I specialize in painting, wood rot, decks, fences, windows, doors, siding, stucco, landscaping, drainage issues, and concrete. Fully insured. Now accepting all major credit cards. Call Josh Doherty (913) 709-7230.

Swalms Organizing Service - Basement, garage, attic, shop — any room organized! Items taken to donation sites, trash is bagged, and areas are clean and neat when job is complete. To view before-and-after pictures, visit the website at: www.swalms.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115.

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.

Clutter getting you down? Organize, fix, assemble, clean! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizing handyman. For a free consultation, call today (913)271-5055. Insured; references. Visit the website at: www.koatindustries.com.

Brick mason - Installation and repair of all types of masonry work — brick, stone, and concrete. 17 years of residential and commercial experience. Small and large jobs accepted. Free quotes in the KC metro area.

Call Jim or John at (913) 485-4307.

The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean!

Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

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

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) 4915837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail. com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376 Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

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.

April

For Sale Heirloom quality doll furniture - For the American Girl dolls. John Hember (913) 631-4060. Member of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Visit the website at: www. etsy.com/shop/bedsandthreads.

Max’s rosaries - Custom-made locally for all occasions – first Communion, confirmation, baptism, graduation. Rosary bracelets and beaded earrings too! I also do repairs. Member of the Church of the Ascension, Overland Park. Call (913) 400-3236.

For sale – Double-depth crypt in the Faith Lawn area of Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Call Ken Christian at (816) 918-4075.

For sale – One burial lot in the Ascension Garden at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Space is right next to a beautiful tree. $1500. Call (913) 602-6004.

For sale – One lawn crypt at Chapel Hill Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan. Lot H-125, near entrance. Asking $3995. Call Jim at (816) 741-3081.

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.

Real Estate Home for sale - 119th and Pflumm, near St. Thomas Aquinas High School. This 4-BR, 4-BA home has 3,270 sq. ft. and is located on a gorgeous open lot with 11,638 sq. ft. on a quiet street only half a block from Heatherstone Elementary School. The kitchen and living areas are large and open with abundant sunlight. This meticulously maintained home has been updated with new carpet, painting, fixtures and more.

The home includes a walk-out basement with two entry doors and ample space. Beautiful deck and patio.

HOA includes pool and play area. $259,000. Call Lynn at (913) 839-2343 or send an email to: lynnbenderks@ gmail.com.

10225 Rosewood, Overland Park - Large family home (3200 sq. ft.); 4 BR, 3-1/2 BA; living and dining rooms; 22 X 24 ft. great room; sunroom; daylight basement with rec. room and fireplace; gourmet, eat-in kitchen with granite, JennAir cooktop, and large pantry; zoned high efficiency furnaces; concrete tornado cellar; fenced yard on a treed lot with a deck; two-car garage; second family room could easily be converted to a fifth BR with a private entrance. Call John, owner/ agent, Reece & Nichols, at (913) 226-5710.

Roommate Roommate wanted - Student or young professional female. Clean, nonsmoker to share 3 BR, 2 BA home in Prairie Village. $485 per month, plus half of utilities. For information, send an email to: mmcguire 85@gmail.com.

Vacation Mountain cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA, fully furnished; sleeps four. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $75/night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the website at: www.tillmancabin.com.

Wanted to Buy Antiques wanted Buying older pocket and wrist watches.

Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.

Will buy firearms and related accessories One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Entertainment DJ Irishman - Colm Delahunt is available for parties, weddings, graduations, and any other function.

Playing all your favorite hits from the Village People to U2. Call (913) 548-6765 or visit the website at: www. djirishman.com.

21

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on April 21 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in the Father Burak Room. For information, call (913) 6492026.

A Divine Mercy mission will be held from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on April 21 at Redemptorist Church, 3333 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo. The cost is $35 per participant. Reservations are required. For information or to register, send an email to: immaculata8@kc.rr.com or visit the website at: www.thedivinemercy.org/ parishmissions.

Father Scott Wallisch will celebrate the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass at 8 a.m. on April 21 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., followed by a rosary procession to an abortion clinic four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing; Benediction concludes services at 9:45 a.m.

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer, Easton, will host a contemplative prayer retreat day from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on April 21. Instruction will be provided on request. Full- or half-day attendance options are available, with the noon meal included. The cost is $25 per participant.

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

St. Joseph-St. Lawrence Church will host its annual spring fling on April 21 in the St. Lawrence Hall, Easton. A Mexican dinner will be served from 4 - 6:30 p.m., followed by bingo and several raffles.

22 The Cathedral of St. Peter, 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host a discussion on the HHS mandate following the 11 a.m. Mass on April 22.

A three-mile prayer walk to end violence in the city will be held at 1 p.m. on April 22. The walk will begin at Sanctuary of Hope Retreat Center, 2601 Ridge Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., and end at Shalom House, 13th and Parallel, Kansas City, Kan. The North American Lourdes Volunteers will present a virtual pilgrimage experience of Lourdes at 7 p.m. on April 22 at St. Agnes Parish, 5250 Mission Rd., Roeland Park. For information, call the parish office at (913) 262-2400.

23

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Career Exploration: What Should I Be?” from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. on April 23. This program is designed as a first step in looking at personal strengths and preferences to make satisfying

career decisions. Federal student aid and various scholarships can help make education a reality. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

24

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Effective Communication with Important People in Your Life” from 1:30 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning April 24.

This four-part personal enrichment program is designed to improve your communication skills. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

The Men of St. Michael and the Knights of Columbus at St. Michael Parish, 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood, will host a free viewing of the movie “Courageous” at 6:30 p.m. on April 24 for anyone age 12 and older. Baby-sitting is available, but space is limited. Refreshments will be provided. For information, contact Rob Ochs at (913) 667-9850, Joe James at (727) 480-4172, or send an email to: grandknight@kofcstmichael.org.

25

The Serra Club of Kansas City, Kan., will host a lunch and presentation at noon on April 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5th and Minnesota Ave. Father Keith Lunsford will be the speaker.

The Daughters of Isabella, Our Lady of Fatima Circle, will host a spring luncheon and raffle at 1 p.m. on April 25 at Pegah’s Restaurant, 11005 Johnson Dr., Shawnee. Guests are welcome. For information or to RSVP, call Pat at (913) 3341399 by April 23.

Join the Singles of Nativity for happy hour from 6 - 8 p.m. on April 25 at Tanner’s at 10146 W. 119th St., Overland Park.

Look for the yellow balloon. For information, send an email to Sue at: suez3911@ gmail.com.

A Marian Mass for the sanctity of human life will be celebrated at 7 p.m. on April 25 at Sacred Heart Church, 312 N.E. Freeman Ave., Topeka. The sacrament of reconciliation will be offered and a rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. A presentation and fellowship will follow.

26

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Label Lingo,” a nutrition presentation, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on April 26.

For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.

Father Robert Sirico, president of the Acton Institute, will speak at a noon luncheon on April 26 at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel, 6100 College Blvd.

The Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty is the nation’s foremost think tank on faith and its application to economic and business issues. The cost is $35 per person or $15 for students.

Sponsor tables for eight people are available for $500. For information or to RSVP, visit the website at: www.acton.

org/events or call Kimberly Wybenga at (616) 454-3080.

The Christian Widow and Widowers Organization will host a potluck dinner at 5 p.m. on April 26 in the Formation Room at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, 3601 S.W. Stone, Topeka. There is no cost to attend. For information, call (785) 272-0055.

26-27

The Auxiliary of St. Joseph Medical Center, I-435 and State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo., will sponsor a masquerade jewelry and bake sale from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. on April 26 and from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. on April 27 in the atrium, located on the lower level of the hospital near the cafeteria. All items cost $5.

28

The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth will host an inspirational workshop, entitled “Awakening The Dreamer, Changing The World,” from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on April 28 at the O’Shea Conference Center, SCL motherhouse, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. Lunch is provided. The suggested donation of $10 is payable at the door. For information or to RSVP, send an email to: schase@scls. org; call (913) 680-2342; or visit the website at: www.awakeningthedreamer.org.

The Overland Park Host Lions Club will host a pasta dinner and silent auction from 5 - 8 p.m. on April 28 in the Father Quigley Hall at Holy Trinity Parish, 9150 Pflumm, Lenexa. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 3 - 11. For information or to purchase tickets, call Carole Collyard at (913) 238-0209.

St. Patrick Parish, 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host a Texas hold ’em poker tournament on April 28 in the school cafeteria. The suggested donation is $50 per player. Food and beverages will be provided. Proceeds will benefit the St. Patrick Green Club. For information or to register, call Chuck at (913) 299-3370.

29

The Altar Society at Sacred Heart Church, Leavenworth, will host the Leavenworth Region ACCW quarterly meeting on April 29 in the parish hall. A potluck luncheon will be served at 12:30 p.m., followed by a presentation on the recent health care mandate, presented by Ron Kelsey, archdiocesan pro-life consultant. For information, call (913) 773-0140 or send an email to: brosej2002@yahoo.com.

May 3

The Catholic Education Foundation will host its annual Inspiring Women luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on May 3 at the Overland Park Convention Center, 6100 College Blvd. For information

CALENDAR 13

or to purchase tickets, call Patty Morrisey at (913) 647-0344; send an email to her at: pmorrisey@archkck.org; or visit the website at: www.inspiringwomen 2012luncheon.com. Proceeds will benefit the CEF scholarship fund, which assists children and families in need to attend Catholic schools in the archdiocese.

All Christians are invited to participate in a Taizé prayer service at 7 p.m. on May 3, and every first Thursday of the month, at Annunciation Chapel, located on the Leavenworth campus of the Sisters of Charity, 4200 S. 4th St. Taizé prayer is a meditative, candlelit service that includes repeated chants, silence, and prayers of praise and intercession.

The Taizé prayer tradition emerged from an ecumenical community of monks in Taizé, France. For information, call (913) 758-6572 or visit the website at: www. marillaccenter.org.

5

Enjoy a short stack for a tall cause!

Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, will host a flapjack breakfast at Applebee’s, 11500 W. 63rd St., from 8 - 10 a.m. on May 5. The cost is $5 per person; children 3 and under eat for free. Proceeds will benefit parish delegates who will be traveling to El Salvador. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance by sending an email to Carolyn Brocker at: cbrocker@kc.rr.com.

The Queen’s Ladies at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, will host a mother and daughter brunch at 10 a.m. on May 5.

The cost is $10. To purchase tickets, call Patty Miller by April 29 at (913) 3844644. All women are welcome.

5-6

St. Pius X Church, 5500 Woodson Rd., Mission, will host its annual spring fling on May 5 - 6. A chili dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. on May 5, followed by bunko. The cost is: $15 for adults; $9 for children; family maximum is $45. On May 6, there will be a variety of activities for all ages from noon - 5 p.m. under the big tent. Food and beverage concessions will be available. Discounted tickets are available in advance by calling Jammie Dunker at (816) 8097288, Marisa Bade at (913) 244-5732, or by sending an email to: j_n_dunker@sbc global.net or marisabade@yahoo.com.

Misc.

The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration will host two summer monastic experiences: one at their community in Tucson, Ariz.; the other at their home in Clyde, Mo. These opportunities are for women who are discerning a religious calling. Participants will learn about monastic and community life, faith sharing and how to expand their prayer life. For information, visit the website at: http://bit.ly/GTkwHU.

14 COMMENTARY

Catholic Press Association Award Winner

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

QUOTE WEEK

OF THE

I’ve been trying to move our elementary schools away from the classic fundraisers — selling candy bars, wrapping paper and all of that — because we can’t sustain our schools on wrapping paper and candy bars.”

Kathy O’Hara, superintendent of archdiocesan schools See story on page 1

THIRD WEEK OF EASTER April 22 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 23 George, martyr; Adalbert, bishop, martyr Acts 6: 8-15; Ps 119: 23-24, 26-27, 29-30; Jn 6: 22-29 April 24 Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest, martyr Acts 7:51 — 8:1a; Ps 31: 3cd-4, 6ab, 7b, 8a, 17, 21ab; Jn 6: 30-35 April 25 MARK, EVANGELIST 1 Pt 5: 5b-14; Ps 89: 2-3, 6-7, 16-17; Mk 16: 15-20 April 26 Thursday Acts 8: 26-40; Ps 66: 8-9, 16-17, 20; Jn 6: 44-51 April 27 Friday Acts 9: 1-20; Ps 117: 1-2; Jn 6: 52-59 April 28 Peter Chanel, priest, martyr; Louis Grignion de Montfort, priest Acts 9: 31-42; Ps 116: 12-17; Jn 6: 60-69

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 20, 2012

“P

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 20, 2012

COMMENTARY 15

MARK MY WORDS

DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU

Come down to earth this weekend

Discover the power of forgiveness in your own life through confession

aper, please.”

Say these two words in the checkout line at the grocery store and you’re just about guaranteed a double take from the sacker.

The question — “Paper or plastic?” — seems like a rhetorical one nowadays. It’s assumed you’re going to answer, “plastic.” Usually, the sacker is already opening the mouth of said container while the question is still being asked. “Paper” disrupts the rhythm of checking out. The poor sacker is thrown off guard and has to reach in another — usually out-of-the-way — compartment to get a paper bag. You might even be treated to a look that says, “What a Neanderthal; nobody wants a paper bag anymore!”

Choosing paper over plastic is just one small way that I hope to care for the environment. Once emptied, that paper bag is “repurposed” to collect recyclable items like magazines, newspapers, junk mail and scrap paper, which then head to a recycling bin.

This coming Sunday is Earth Day. While not on the church’s official calendar of celebrations, caring for our planet fits right in with our faith. In fact, the first words of the Bible tell the story of the seven days of creation. Not only do human beings have the fingerprints of God on them, all creation is touched by God. We sometimes forget this. Often it takes something ominous, like the outbreak of tornadoes last weekend here in the Heartland, to get our attention.

But God’s wonders in creation surround us every day.

The famous orator William Jennings Bryan reminded us of that fact when he said: “Have you ever observed the power of the watermelon seed? It has the power of drawing from the earth and through itself 200,000 times its own weight! Can you tell me how it

takes this material and out of it colors an outside surface beyond the imitation of art, and then forms inside itself a white rind, and within that, a red heart, thickly inlaid with black seeds, each of which in turn is capable of drawing through itself 200,000 times its own weight? When you can explain to me the mystery of the simple watermelon, then you can ask me to explain to you the mystery of God.” (Found in Brian Cavanaugh’s “The Sower’s Seeds.”)

Makes you really think, doesn’t it?

And that is one of the major purposes of Earth Day: to make us aware of this world that we so often take for granted and fail to respect.

Caring for our home planet, being good stewards, doesn’t need to be complicated. A book that I’ve mentioned here before — “5001 Simple Things to Do for Others (and Yourself)” by Liguori Publications — has a number of sections devoted to activities appropriate for Earth Day and beyond.

Some suggestions you’ve heard before, like: walking or riding a bike, instead of driving; combining trips when you run errands; carpooling; picking up litter; turning off lights that you’re not using; or saving paper by printing on both sides.

But there are other things to do that you might not have thought of, such as: • Buy products with less packaging or buy in bulk.

• Recycle old batteries or purchase rechargeable ones.

• Organize a Clean Up the Parish committee (and, no, this doesn’t mean dumping your old pastor).

• Don’t turn on the TV unless you’re watching it.

• Store food in reusable containers instead of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

• Reinstall a clothesline and hang clothes outside to dry.

• Ask your pharmacy how to safely dispose of expired or unused meds (instead of flushing them down the toilet or sink).

• Turn the water off when brushing your teeth.

Another favorite book of mine, appropriate for Earth Day as well, comes from Reader’s Digest and is called, “Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things.”

Basically, this is an A-to-Z guide — from adhesive tape and Alka-Seltzer to zippers and zucchini — on new ways to (re)use common household items.

As an example, let’s take those pesky plastic grocery bags that you’ve got all over the house. (It’s OK; I know that you just forgot to say “paper” at your last shopping trip.) The book suggests many ways to “repurpose” them. These bags can be used to line a cracked flower vase; stuff crafts or pillows; make party decorations; treat chapped hands; make bibs for kids; pick up the phone (when you’re up to your elbows in dough while baking and get a call); spin dry salad greens; protect your shoes from mud; or pack your shoes when traveling.

Back in 2010, Pope Benedict said, “If you want to cultivate peace, protect creation.” This Earth Day, let’s resolve to do whatever we can — no matter how small — to treat our planet better, to respect it as a priceless gift from God to us. Doing so will not just preserve nature, but civilization as well.

IN THE BEGINNING

Reading bridges old and new understanding of God

S

ometimes, when a woman gets married, she retains her maiden name, while at the same time adding her husband’s last name. That way, she is able to keep a link to her former identity, while still recognizing this major change in her life.

Something similar happened when God was revealed to Moses in the burning bush, in the third chapter of the Book of THIRD SUNDAY OF Exodus.

EASTER Moses Acts 3: 13-15, 17-19 learned God’s proper name, a name which was probably pronounced “Yahweh” (Ex 3:14). Furthermore, Moses learned about the momentous action that God was about to take on behalf of the Hebrew people, to liberate them from bondage in Egypt.

In the face of all these significant developments, God wants to maintain continuity with the past. That is why God says to Moses: “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob” (Ex 3:6).

In other words, the God who will

liberate the Hebrew people, the God who will go under the name of “Yahweh,” is not a new God. The God of the burning bush and the God of the Hebrews’ ancestors is one and the same.

When Peter addresses the crowd in Sunday’s first reading — Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 — he draws upon those phrases from the Book of Exodus to describe God: “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers.” Once again, these phrases emphasize continuity with the past. The God who has been revealed through Jesus Christ is the same God the patriarchs knew, the same God revealed to Moses in the burning bush.

The God who has brought salvation through Jesus Christ is the same who

freed the Hebrew people from bondage in Egypt. It is one and the same.

At the same time, there is something different now in the equation. That is Jesus Christ. In Peter’s address to the crowd, the word “servant” is applied to Jesus, “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus.”

The word the Lectionary has translated here as “servant” can also mean “child.” The latter translation would suggest a more daring understanding of Jesus’ relationship to God, as God’s only begotten Son. So, the text preserves a certain ambiguity. It bridges the older understanding from the Old Testament of the one God who could have a human servant, and the new understanding of God, through Jesus Christ, of the God who would have a Son, both truly human and truly divine.

Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

“I

f the world hates you, know that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own.” “Do not let your hearts be troubled.

You have faith in God; have faith also in me.”

— Jn 15:18 and Jn 14:1 Those two verses from the Gospel of John kept ringing in my ear as I sat and listened to the account of the death of my son Jared and his fellow seminarian Matty Molnar in September 2005 as told by the driver, Father Rob Spaulding, to young people and adults during

a visit to the archdiocese in February.

Father Spaulding didn’t talk so much about the dangers of drinking and driving as how one decision can change not only one life, but thousands.

So many times the world tells us that we should be angry when bad things happen — that we should seek revenge instead of seeking reconciliation.

Would it have been so easy to hate and get on with our lives? Or to say, “You’re forgiven,” and move on? In all reality, would that have made our lives any bet-

ter? Would we truly be living the Gospel message of forgiveness? I don’t think so.

Someone asked me how I could sit and listen to that same talk eight times.

Was it hard? Yes, but we have to be witnesses to the power of forgiveness that Jesus talks about time and again in the Gospels. We have to listen to the words from our pastors as they share God’s complete and total forgiveness in their homilies.

Father Spaulding talked about how you don’t have to be defined by the bad decisions you make, but can be defined by the choices you make from those decisions and learn from them. When you experience the power of forgiveness in the sacrament of reconciliation, you are truly forgiven.

I hear so many times that young people are afraid of going to confession or even asking someone to forgive them.

But why? It’s easy! In the confessional, the priest is not your judge; he is there to help you and to dispense God’s mercy and forgiveness. So what are some decisions you have made in the past for which you are sorry, but have not asked God for forgiveness? Why are you still holding on to them? Take those bad decisions you’ve made in your life and turn them into something good.

When you wonder what forgiveness looks like, look at those who have forgiven you: That is the face of Jesus. Remember what he said: “Behold I make all things new.” Don’t wait till the next Advent or Lent to experience the power of forgiveness in the sacrament of reconciliation.

Rick Cheek is the associate consultant for the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth.

AS THE CHURCH PRAYS

Dialogues between celebrant and faithful reveal the whole Christ

M

y last column (Feb. 10) established that singing and the liturgy go hand in hand, at least by the standards given by the Bible and the church’s teachings.

The question then remains: “What kind of music should we sing at Mass?”

This question deserves a careful answer.

In 1967, an instruction on music in the liturgy was issued under Pope Paul VI, entitled “Musicam Sacram” (“Sacred Music”). It is the most official document on liturgical music issued by the Holy See since Vatican II. Its teachings rank liturgical music into three degrees, the first degree being consid-

ered the most important.

Concerning what is to be sung at liturgy, “Musicam Sacram” tells us: “The following belong to the first degree: (a) in the entrance rites: the greeting of the priest together with the reply of the people; the (opening) prayer; (b) In the Liturgy of the Word: the [dialogues] at the Gospel; (c) In the Eucharistic Liturgy: the prayer over the offerings; the preface with its dialogue and the Sanctus; the final doxology of the Canon, the Lord’s Prayer with its introduction and embolism; the [Greeting of Peace]; the prayer

after the Communion; the formulas of dismissal (MS, No. 29).

“The following belong to the second degree: (a) the Kyrie, Gloria and Agnus Dei; (b) the Creed; (c) the prayer of the faithful (MS, No. 30).

“The following belong to the third degree: (a) the songs at the Entrance and Communion processions; (b) the songs after the Lesson or Epistle; (c) the Alleluia before the Gospel; (d) the song at the Offertory; (e) the readings of Sacred Scripture, unless it seems more suitable to proclaim them without singing” (MS, No. 31).

Quite interesting, isn’t it? The church considers the various dialogues between the priest (or deacon) and the people to be the most important music to be sung during the liturgy.

Now, what most of us would probably think was most important would be the songs sung at the entrance, offertory, and Communion. But, in fact,

these are down at the level of the third degree.

Of course, singing the entire liturgy remains an ideal expression of our liturgical prayer, and so nothing is really unimportant. But the church believes the dialogues to be of primary importance. Why? Because these exchanges between the clergy and the lay faithful signify that it is Christ himself, both head and members, whose work is present in the liturgy. When the head and members show their unity in these dialogues, the work of the whole Christ is made visibly present.

“The Lord be with you. And with your spirit.” Simple words, whose meaning and effect, especially when sung, are simply fundamental. More on the other degrees later.

Michael Podrebarac is the archdiocesan consultant for the liturgy office.

CHURCH AND STATE

Mandate will force institutions to provide coverage they find immoral

A

merican presidents have in rare moments of national crisis laid claim to the use of constitutionally dubious “emergency powers.”

Abraham Lincoln suspended habeas corpus during the Civil War. Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued an executive order authorizing the shameful internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. And while no emergency has been formally declared today, President Obama has nonetheless stretched the Constitution to the breaking point in response to what his administration apparently believes is a national crisis of access to contraception.

The access-to-contraception situation is so dire that the commander in chief — otherwise busy with Iran, Af-

ghanistan, and the global economy — has taken it upon himself to intervene.

On his order, all health care plans will be required to provide contraceptives, sterilizations, and abortion-inducing drugs for free: no co-pays, no deductibles. Countless religious institutions and individuals will be coerced by the federal government into providing their employees with health plans that include services they find deeply immoral.

This policy violates the very first protection of the First Amendment: that there shall be no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion. Yet

the president of the United States — sworn to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution, and on the record promising to protect the conscience rights of believers — has determined that the right to have your boss pay for your consequence-free sex trumps a 200-year tradition of religious freedom codified in the first line of the Bill of Rights.

But why, when people still have to pay the co-pay for their lifesaving cancer treatment, does the federal government decree free contraceptives? Because contraceptives are hard to come by?

Take, for example, the astronomical price of a month’s supply of oral contraceptives: It costs a whopping $9 at Walmart. For those whom this presents an insurmountable financial obstacle, there is always Planned Parenthood. Thanks to hundreds of millions of dollars in government subsidies, the nation’s largest abortion

provider is able to flood the country with free contraceptives from sea to shining sea.

Free contraceptives are also widely available at college health centers.

The New York City Health Department even has a “NYC Condom Finder” app for your smartphone that can help you locate the nearest free condom.

Having just celebrated Easter, Christians should have fresh in their minds the Gospel account of Judas betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Now, 2,000 years later, Americans of faith are being betrayed so that those unable to activate the free contraceptive app on their phone do not have to pay $9 a month — the price of a medium pizza.

The price of treachery, it seems, is not subject to inflation.

Michael Schuttloffel is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 20, 2012

Road show

Catholic radio takes pledge drive from the studio to the chancery

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — You would expect Catholics to give money to their local Catholic radio station during a pledge drive.

But did you know that Catholic radio has its enthusiastic Protestant supporters, too?

“We have Protestants who pledge,” said Jim O’Laughlin, president of the Catholic Radio Network, during its April 16-20 spring pledge drive.

“You know how we know? We ask what diocese they belong to,” he said, “and they go, ‘I don’t know. What’s a diocese?’ And then we ask them what parish they’re from.”

The general rule of thumb for Catholic radio, at least for the Catholic Radio Network, is that 50 percent of its listeners are non-Catholic, 25 percent are inactive Catholics, and 25 percent are practicing Catholics.

It’s no wonder that Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann called Catholic radio “a powerful tool for evangelization.”

For its 2012 spring pledge drive, the seven-station network headquartered in Excelsior Springs, Mo., tried something new. For the first time ever, it conducted a remote broadcast and pledge drive from a Kansas location — the chancery of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

Normal programming was suspended for rotating shifts of volunteer, amateur, live, on-air talent. A temporary studio was set up in a small conference room, and volunteer call-takers were ensconced in the archdiocesan media room. People in the two rooms could see each other via Skype.

Every once in a while, people in the hallways could hear the volunteer broadcasters ring a handbell when a goal or challenge was met.

And every once in a while, radio listeners would hear a few seconds of what every station manager dreads — silence.

“We’ve been having problems today, but I think we’ve got them fixed,” said O’Laughlin on April 16. “We think maybe it was the phone line here, but I’m not sure of it. Something always goes amatter, and it’s always on the first day.”

In order to do a “remote” (a show done at a location away from established broadcast facilities), the signal goes from the microphones in the temporary studio, to what O’Laughlin calls

“the blue box,” which then digitizes and compresses the signal, sends it down a phone line to EWTN in Birmingham, Ala., up to an EWTN satellite orbiting Earth, down to a receiving dish, and then to a radio tower for broadcast — all in one second.

Technical considerations aside, it takes a couple of other things to make a pledge drive work as well.

One is a lot of volunteers. The network needed enough on-air volunteer talent to fill 40 of its 50 hours of oneweek airtime. O’Laughlin recruited more than 50 people — mostly priests and religious — to man the microphones, share their vocation stories, and banter a little. The network also recruited about 90 volunteers, working three-hour shifts, to take phone calls and process pledges.

Two of those who manned the phones for the first time were Janet and Jerry Malone, members of the Church of the Nativity in Leawood.

“My wife got more pledges than I did, because she’s sweeter on the phone,” said Jerry Malone. “I got about $400, and she got $800 or $900.”

Not a bad haul for a couple of rookies. The Malones love Catholic radio and figured now was as good a time as any to step up their support.

“We enjoy listening to Catholic radio

John Harrison (above, left), a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Kansas City, Mo., banters with Michael Shirley (center), a member of the Church of the Nativity in Leawood, and Father Mike Roach, pastor of St. James Parish in Liberty, Mo. More than 50 priests and religious were invited to guest host during Catholic Radio’s live, remote broadcasts.

John Carpenter, right, a member of St. Ann Parish in Plattsburg, Mo., takes a call during the pledge drive. Several who called in gave testimonies about how Catholic radio brought them into the church, helped them return, or strengthened their faith. and we have it on all the time,” said Janet Malone. “And we watch EWTN all the time.”

“There is a plethora of great Catholic evangelists and apologists emerging, and many of them are on Catholic radio, which is affiliated with EWTN,” said Jerry Malone. “You’re going to hear the finest, most orthodox Catholic thinkers of our time by tuning to Catholic radio at 1090 AM.” Over the eight years since the network has been founded, it has done about 125 days’ worth of pledge drives.

O’Laughlin used to set goals, but doesn’t anymore.

“I’ve only done a goal twice, and we didn’t make them,” he said. “And

every time I didn’t have a goal, we exceeded what I thought we’d bring in, so I’d rather leave it up to the Holy Spirit.

Usually on the last day we’ll set a goal for the day.”

The Catholic Radio Network has two stations in Colorado, two in Kansas, and three in Missouri. Listeners can tune in at 106.7 FM in St. Joseph, Mo.; 106.1 in Maryville, Mo.; 1090 AM in Excelsior Springs (Kansas City metro area); and 93.7 FM. For information about program schedules or to listen via the Internet, go to the website at: www. thecatholicradionetwork.com.