04 20 18 Vol. 39 No. 34 by The Leaven

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 39, NO. 34 | APRIL 20, 2018

By Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org

VERLAND PARK — What do bagging groceries, helmets and a passion for safety have in common? The St. Thomas Aquinas High School girls lacrosse team. On March 24, these girls didn’t spend all day “checking” at HyVee in Lenexa. But they did spend it bagging groceries for donations in an effort to fundraise and purchase helmets for all team members, a need that has been growing for three years. The girls lacrosse program started in 2015 with 23 girls and has steadily grown to include one varsity and two junior varsity teams for a total of 61 girls. While in boys lacrosse, helmets are required, Florida is currently the only state in the country that requires girls lacrosse teams to wear helmets. “I work as a safety professional for an insurance company,” said Aquinas head coach Doug Davis. “So I’ve followed various athletic injuries over the years and tried to make sure I was up to date,” he said. “One of the trends I started to notice and read about was concussions — not only in lacrosse but across multiple sports.” The combination of that knowledge with the experience of the team with blows to the head, led Davis, parents and players to decide helmets needed to be part of the uniform. “I decided that, as a safety professional, I couldn’t stand by and not have helmets worn by a team that I am coaching,” he said.

St. Thomas Aquinas junior Morgan Cussigh buckles up her new helmet in an April 16 match with St. James Academy. Although helmets are not mandatory in girls lacrosse, Aquinas head coach Doug Davis felt it was important to have them, and the girls set out to raise funds to buy them.

KEEPING THEIR HEADS IN THE GAME

Aquinas lacrosse team raises funds for helmets After researching and comparing equipment, the team ordered 61 helmets at a cost of $7,000 — a price “well worth our girls’ health,” said parent representative Joan Hillyer.

“The coaches on the team,” said Davis, “have donated what would have been their pay for their time and expenses toward the helmets this year.” But even with this generosity, the need for funding for the helmets persisted. Hillyer, whose daugh-

ter is on the lacrosse team, heard of the fundraising opportunity at HyVee through another parent, and the girls were eager to take up the idea and lead the fundraiser themselves. “We set up sacks at the checkout,” said Hillyer, “and they just worked for donations . . . from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.” To the untrained eye, sacking groceries may look like a simple task — but looks certainly can be deceiving. Lily Abadir, a junior at St. Thomas Aquinas, was surprised by the challenges it posed. “We sacked all of the groceries and probably the hardest part was figuring out how to nicely stack them,” she said. The girls were able to raise around $1000 from donations that Saturday. “They did really well — they were busy!” said Hillyer, adding how the girls received many compliments on their work ethic, enthusiasm and politeness. “As we were [working],” said Abadir, “we talked to the customers, asking them how their day was — and we made sure to wish them a happy Easter.” “We met a man whose kids and grandkids were Aquinas alumni,” she continued. “One of the employees we got to know was from the Ukraine and . . . she told us all about her life [there]. That was really cool!” From working out how to prevent breaking eggs and smashing bread to keeping the bags light enough for elderly customers to carry, Abadir found foresight and good communication skills were necessary to do the job well — useful skills both on the lacrosse field and in life. “There was a lot more communication than we expected,” said Abadir. “That definitely helped >> See “LACROSSE” on page 10

St. Thomas Aquinas junior Greta Bins (#3) goes on the offensive in a recent lacrosse match against St. James Academy on April 16.

PHOTOS BY ROBBIE SCHRAEDER

APRIL 20, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

If you never slow down to listen, how will you hear God’s voice?

his coming Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, is popularly known as Good Shepherd Sunday. The Gospel is always from Chapter 10 of St. John in which Our Lord describes himself as the good shepherd. In describing the relationship of the good shepherd with his flock, Our Lord highlights some of the most important characteristics of our relationship with him. First of all, Jesus tells us that the good shepherd knows his sheep by name (Jn 10: 3). I am told that, actually, the best shepherds not only know the name of their sheep, but they know the name of their sheep’s parents and grandparents. Shepherds know the entire genealogy of their sheep. Jesus makes clear his desire to have a personal relationship with each of us. He does not love us as just a part of 7.5 billion people on planet Earth or the more than one billion Catholics worldwide or the 200,000 Catholics in northeast Kansas. Jesus loves each of us uniquely, knowing us better than we know ourselves. Our Lord desires a deep personal friendship with each of us. Jesus also says that the sheep know the shepherd’s voice (Jn 10: 3, 4 and 16). With close family members and friends, we recognize their voice. If your spouse or child or close friend calls you on the

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN phone, they do not have to introduce themselves. You know their voice. You know the unique way in which they pronounce your name. How do we recognize Our Lord’s voice in our lives? To hear the Lord’s voice speaking to us, we must seek silence. We live in such a noisy world. In this so-called Information Age, we are constantly being bombarded by messages. To be able to hear Our Lord’s voice, we need to unplug and be quiet. It is then that we can begin to hear Our Lord speak to us as we pray over the Scriptures, as we ponder the events and encounters of our day, as we discover the messages Jesus inspires in our heart and mind. If you are attempting to build a relationship with someone who never stops speaking, you will quickly lose interest in the friendship. Authentic friendships involve mutual sharing. Blessed John Newman describes a disciple’s relationship with Jesus as

Archbishop offers baptisms for children of larger families To show his personal support for those couples open to raising larger families, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has offered to celebrate the baptism of the third or greater child of any family (by birth, adoption or blending through valid marriage) interested. Please contact your parish office for more information. Additional information is also available from the archdiocesan office for liturgy and sacramental life at (913) 647-0330 or by email at: liturgy@ archkck.org.

heart speaking to heart. It is important in our daily prayer that we share with Our Lord all that is going on in our lives — the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly. However, our prayer cannot consist of our just handing God a list of the things we want him

to do for us. We need to share from our hearts, but also to learn to listen for God’s voice as he speaks to our heart. Jesus says: “A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (Jn 10: 11). Jesus did precisely this for us on Calvary. Saint Paul in his Letter to the Romans says: “Only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find the courage to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Rom 5: 7-8). Jesus reveals the depth of his love for us in that he did not die for us because of our perfection, but he loved us even in our weakness. Bishops and priests are called to strive to be shepherds after the example of Jesus Christ. We are called to give our lives each day for those entrusted to our pastoral care — to die to ourselves in order to lay down our own wants and desires in service of our parishioners. Blessed Stanley Rother — the Oklahoma priest who was beatified this year as the first U.S.-born martyr — remarked when he was encouraged to leave his parish in Guatemala because his life was in danger: What good is the shepherd who flees when there is danger for his flock? While most priests are not actually called to physically die for their people, we are called to spend our lives — to give our lives away — for the spiritual welfare

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN April 20-22 Apostles of the Interior Life retreat

April 28 Region IX V Encuentro — Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City, Kansas Scout Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas

April 23-24 Jesus Caritas bishops’ retreat

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER

April 24 Confirmation — Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka

April 21 Anointing Mass with Father Fongemie, FSSP

April 25 Catholic Education Foundation board meeting

April 22 Federal camp Mass

April 26 Adoration — Maur Hill-Mount Academy, Atchison

April 27 Confirmation — Holy Trinity, Lenexa

Confirmation — Prince of Peace, Olathe

April 29 St. Sebastian confirmation — Florida

April 27 Confirmation — Holy Trinity, Lenexa

of our parishioners. Finally, Jesus states: “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (Jn 10: 10b). Jesus came so that his disciples might experience life to its fullness, so that their joy might be complete. Our Catholic faith is such a gift. We know not only that there is a God who created us and the entire cosmos, but that this God desires for us to have abundant life in this world and eternal life with him in his kingdom. At each celebration of the Eucharist, Jesus gives his life for us and to us again. Jesus desires to commune with us — to share his life fully with us and to share completely in our

life with all its complications and messiness. Each time we receive Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, with awareness of the one who comes to dwell within us, we have the opportunity to experience a profound encounter with the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings! I encourage you this week as part of your prayer to read prayerfully Chapter 10 of St. John’s Gospel. It is a great summary of the essential message of the entire Gospel. I also ask your prayers for me and all the priests of the Archdiocese that we may truly seek to be shepherds after the model of the good shepherd — Jesus Christ!

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APRIL 20, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

The Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph, Leavenworth, window project consists of nine windows, most depicting images of the Blessed Mother. The windows were designed and installed under the direction of Don Bearden of Creative Stained Glass in Lenexa.

Leavenworth Catholic funds window project in his wife’s honor Katie Peterson Special to The Leaven

EAVENWORTH — Losing a loved one is never easy, whether it’s sudden or is the result of a long illness. Death — like few other things — tests our faith. We can choose to turn away from God or we can choose to hold onto our faith and embrace his love. When Matthew DeMaria lost his wife Judy to Stage IV breast cancer on April 10, 2016, he did the latter, funding a project in her memory at their home parish of 16 years, Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Church in Leavenworth. As a result, the Mary Chapel at IC now has nine brand-new stained-glass windows, most depicting images of the Blessed Mother. “We were married almost 48 years — high school sweethearts. I miss her terribly,” said DeMaria. “She was a very special lady. She was always smiling, always happy. She never asked, ‘Why me?’ and she fought cancer three times, for 15 years, and never complained.” Judy’s friend Theresa Meyer, who is also fighting Stage IV breast cancer, agreed. “She was an inspiration for all of her friends and family in not only how she courageously fought this disease, but in how she truly lived on her terms and never allowed the cancer to dominate her love of life,” Meyer said. “She was an amazingly strong woman.” DeMaria knew right from the start, he said, what he wanted to do in her memory. It was the location that evolved. “[Originally], I wanted to give Father [David McEvoy, OCarm., IC-SJ pastor] the money to do a window at St. Joseph and he suggested this chapel,” DeMaria

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTHEW DEMARIA

Matthew DeMaria is pictured above with his wife Judy, whom he lost to Stage IV breast cancer on April 10, 2016. To honor her, he funded a stained-glass window project in her memory at their parish of Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Church in Leavenworth. said. “Since we’re here for adoration all the time, and Judy used to come with me, I thought it was a great idea.” Father David said he thought it was the better project for DeMaria’s intentions. “They went to IC Church most often, [and] this project would be more in line with the donation he wanted to make,” he said. “I had thought for a long time that it would make a great addition to the church [at IC].” The windows depict Our Lady of Sorrows, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the Jerusalem cross, the Carmelite shield, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Knock. Each of the windows was chosen for a special reason, but DeMaria said he, in particular, wanted Our Lady of Perpetual Help, saying he prays to her every day.

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

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

“O Mother of Perpetual Help, grant that I may ever invoke thy most powerful name, which is the safeguard of the living and the salvation of the dying,” DeMaria quoted from the prayer. “We all need help as we live and as we are returning to God,” he said. “I have said this prayer daily for years, but especially when Judy was so ill.” The windows were designed and installed under the direction of Don Bearden of Creative Stained Glass in Lenexa. All of the stained glass used was imported from Germany and the images were done by professional stained-glass painter Bryan Lewis. Installation began in March 2017 and was completed in October. DeMaria and Father David were both pleased with the results. “Both the artist that was the painter and the artist that was the stained-glass artist did an amazing job,” DeMaria

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Reporter Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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said. “Beautiful detail.” “I am extremely happy with the completion of the project,” said Father David. “The amber-colored glass from Germany works well with the color of the wood throughout the church. Each image of the Blessed Mother is quite beautiful.” “Having the various images of the Blessed Mother in the Mary Chapel,” he continued, “makes that area more devotional in atmosphere. It befits a chapel dedicated to our Blessed Mother.” The windows were dedicated in Judy’s name at a special Mass last Dec. 28. It would have been Matthew and Judy’s 49th wedding anniversary. “The whole family came out [for the dedication],” DeMaria said. DeMaria said he’s received a positive response from parishioners about the windows. “Most of our parishioners really love the windows and feel it has made the Blessed Virgin’s chapel a more special place to come and pray,” he said. “I have received many compliments and thank yous from many of our parishioners for donating these in Judy’s memory.” IC-SJ parishioner Susan Aaron, who regularly attends Wednesday night eucharistic adoration in the Mary Chapel, said the windows have only enhanced her experience. “Being in the Mary Chapel for adoration is an hour I always look forward to,” she said. “This very personal experience has become even more enhanced with the beautiful addition of the stained-glass images of our Blessed Mother. “The windows cause you to take pause, allowing for prayerful reflection and study on what each image portrays. What a wonderful gift to our parish.”

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 $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

APRIL 20, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

First bilingual youth retreat draws high praise By Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Te gustaría go on retreat en Spanglish? Some 75 students from grades 7-12 did at the first-ever Cathedral of St. Peter bilingual youth retreat on March 24 in Kansas City, Kansas. The day was packed, with praise and worship, Mass, eucharistic adoration, confession and engaging speeches from speakers Sister Vicki Lichtenauer, SCL, of Leavenworth and Deacon Frank Moreno of Grand Island, Nebraska. Martha Ramirez, the director of religious education at the cathedral, saw the retreat as an opportunity for the youth to open themselves to Christ and others. “I think it’s beautiful learning together about each other and keeping God in the center,” she said. “Making things bilingual and bicultural helps us to learn, helps us to understand, makes it inclusive and helps build our community up.” Having grown up bilingual and bicultural in the United States with Mexican parents, Ramirez understands from experience the tension that comes with belonging to two cultures that can sometimes oppose each other. She wanted to draw on her experience and love of God to share Christ’s welcoming embrace with others. “I want to build a bridge in communication. And once that bridge is built, [I want] people to actually be able to walk across it,” said Ramirez. “It is important because it’s the reality,” she added. “It’s the reality of our

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

Deacon Frank Moreno of Grand Island, Nebraska, speaks to a packed house at the first-ever Cathedral of St. Peter bilingual youth retreat on March 24. city. It’s the reality of our community.” Deacon Moreno also comes from a bilingual and bicultural background. Born in Texas, Deacon Moreno grew up speaking Spanglish — a mix of Spanish and English — and finds that in presenting in Spanglish, he’s able to better connect with the youth. “For a lot of kids nowadays, that’s the way they speak — that’s the way they’re talking,” he said. “I think it helps having teenage daughters at home!” he added. Val Lobatos, a junior at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, attended the retreat and was also part of the organizational team. “I have worked on retreats, but this was our first retreat like this at the cathedral,” he said.

His fellow retreatants, he said, seemed to love both the talks and the opportunity to go to confession. “I learned that God can provide all the resources we need to draw close to him,” said Lobatos, “but we are the ones who have to be willing to [respond to] that encounter.” The team of 10 parishioners not only ran the retreat, but spent months in preparation by meeting and praying together. “We dedicated ourselves to a daily prayer created for our retreat,” said Ramirez. “We intentionally gave up one hour in the evening of cellphone time [each day] as a sacrifice or ‘palanca’ — Spanish for ‘lever’ — to lift us up to Christ.” Speaking of his own preparation for

the retreat, Deacon Moreno said that he prepares his talks half in English and half in Spanish, then hardly looks at it again. “Most of my preparation is prayer and Eucharist,” he said. “I want everything I do and that I talk about — if I make [the kids] laugh or cry — to show that it’s Jesus that did something,” continued Deacon Moreno. “I didn’t do anything.” Quite noticeable during the retreat was the change in the retreatants throughout the course of the day. “At the beginning, they were very closed-minded,” said Deacon Moreno. “From the beginning to the end, you could see a change.” Ramirez noticed the change as well. “To see them transform their body language and silence from cold and reserved to opening their hearts and allowing the Holy Spirit to move them was amazing,” she said. “That was evident when they were kneeling at the cross, eyes closed, arms opened.” Such a change in the vitality of the youth at the retreat filled Lobatos with hope that Christ will continue his work in all who attended. “I hope the kids that attended the retreat opened their hearts to the Lord,” said Lobatos, “and let the talks and witnesses impact and touch them in a new and profound way.” “We definitely feel God’s hand was in everything from the beginning,” said Ramirez, “and we are overwhelmed by the response. “It couldn’t have been more perfect.” For more information about upcoming youth retreats and events, send an email to Martha Ramirez at: mramirez@cathedralkck.org.

Saint Michael’s offers ‘angelic help’ to worthy causes By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

EAWOOD — Angelic assistance comes in many forms, and the angelic help for the Olathe Pregnancy Clinic came in tens of thousands. Make that $135,950 to be exact. This significant donation for the clinic was raised during the 15th annual Defenders’ Ball held on Feb. 10 at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood. The parish holds this annual fundraising event on the last Saturday before Ash Wednesday. This event fuels the parish’s “Fund-A-Need” charity program, which benefits organizations outside of the parish. This year, more than 500 attended the fundraiser, themed “Once Upon a Vine.” The parish raised $337,000, with the largest gift going to the Olathe Pregnancy Clinic. “As we talked about the Fund-ANeed, it occurred to me that we’d never done [something] for a pro-life cause,” said Chris Arth, parish administrator. “I thought it would be very well received. So I mentioned it to [pastor] Father Brian Schieber and he said, ‘That sounds like a really great idea.’” Arth contacted archdiocesan prolife consultant Alli Donohue, who suggested he talk to Ron Kelsey of the soon-to-be-opened Olathe Pregnancy Clinic. Kelsey, the clinic’s steering committee chairman, told Arth about the clinic’s

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

Funds earned though St. Michael the Archangel’s Defenders’ Ball have gone to various causes over the years, including the construction of St. Athanasius Church in Mawuuki, Uganda. capital campaign. Arth passed the information to the parish Fund-A-Need committee, which approved the gift. The financial gift through St. Michael the Archangel Parish will have a significant impact both now and for years to come. “The simple fact that you had declared Olathe Pregnancy Clinic for your Fund-A-Need charity gave us assurance that we could execute a lease for our future location,” said Kelsey,

in a letter to Arth and Father Schieber. “And now with the amazing results from the Defenders’ Ball, we are planning on opening [the clinic] around August on a full-time basis. “This means that we will be offering services 40 hours per week to provide life-affirming services to women and families at risk of choosing abortion. We plan on becoming a high-clientvolume clinic, as is Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic [in Kansas City, Kansas].

Many lives will be saved, and many lives positively changed because of the support of the St. Michael Church community.” The clinic wasn’t the only entity to benefit. Every year, 25 percent of the annual fundraising event’s net proceeds go to the parish’s “Companions in Faith” partner — Our Lady of Unity Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. This year Our Lady of Unity received $31,000. The parish finance council approved the balance of all other funds raised this year be used for improvements at the parish and school. The estimated cost of the improvements is more than $160,000. Over the years, Fund-A-Need gifts raised during the Defenders’ Ball have assisted a number of worthy causes. In 2014, a gift of $275,000 was used by Catholic Charities to purchase the Hope Distribution and Food Pantry. In 2016, about $15,000 was used to build churches in Uganda. In 2017, the fundraising was “a tale of two kitchens.” Both St. Michael the Archangel School and Our Lady of Unity needed to update their respective kitchens, so funds raised were used to finance both projects. Arth, in addition to thanking all the Defenders’ Ball committee members, gave special thanks to committee co-chairpersons Chris and Maria Proctor, and the evening’s master of ceremonies Christa Dubill, an anchor at KSHB-41 News.

APRIL 20, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

New Hayden president described as ‘selfless leader’ By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

OPEKA — A passion for the Catholic faith. According to Lawrence Martin, chair of the Topeka’s Hayden High School board of trustees, that is the number one qualification the board sought in its new president. In late March, Shelly Buhler was recommended by the board and appointed by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann as the first female president of the capital city’s only Catholic high school. Although she does not begin her official duties until July, Buhler began a period of transition with current president Matthew Schambari, who has served since July 2016. “We’re fortunate to have had so many high-quality candidates to consider,” Martin said. “Shelly rose to the top because of her unique combination of experience, educational background and long history of selfless service.” Buhler earned a bachelor’s degree in community services from Atchison’s Benedictine College in 1987 and has spent 18 years in public office, including six years as mayor of the city of Rossville and two terms as a commissioner for Shawnee County. Additionally, she has volunteered for various community organizations, including the Topeka Community Foundation, Safe Streets Coalition’s Recognition Council and the Rossville Community Foundation. Within her parish of St. Stanislaus in Rossville, Buhler has taught religious education and been involved with the youth group. From 2008 to 2012, she served as chair of the building committee as the parish planned, financed and constructed a new church. Although she has not been involved in secondary education directly, Buhler said she thinks her past experiences will help her, a sentiment with which Martin agreed. “She gets things done,” Martin said. “She’s a selfless leader.” Martin said he expects Buhler will empower those around her to build on Hayden’s strong traditions of faith and academic excellence. As both mayor and county commissioner, Buhler worked with budgets,

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Shelly Buhler talks with a student in the chapel at Hayden High School in Topeka. Buhler was appointed to be the next president of Hayden. Her job officially starts on July 1, but she has been at the school since the beginning of April.

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“I’M GOING TO DO A BIT OF LISTENING AND OBSERVING AND GETTING TO KNOW EVERYONE AT HAYDEN, ESPECIALLY THE STUDENTS AND THE FAMILIES.” facilities, community leaders and longrange planning. Through it all, she tried always to keep foremost in mind the good of her constituencies. “I try not to think of myself as a politician,” Buhler said. “I’m a public servant.” That thinking impressed the board,

Martin said, but it was her passionate Catholic faith that ultimately led the board to extend an offer. “We’re Catholic first, educators second,” Martin said. And one of Buhler’s answers during the interviews, he said, particularly impressed the search committee and the board. When asked who serves as the faith leader of the school, Buhler answered simply: the president. If selected, she said, she would consider herself responsible for modeling the faith for the entire Hayden Catholic High School community, which belongs to the city’s seven parishes. “This [high school] is theirs,” Martin said. Martin said he thinks Buhler will continue to build on the strong tradition that is Hayden and add to the school’s enrollment and endowment as she builds relationships within the community.

“I’m going to do a bit of listening and observing and getting to know everyone at Hayden, especially the students and the families,” she said. In the coming weeks, as Buhler shadows Schambari, she will sit in on a few board meetings She also attended the school’s annual fundraiser on April 7, an event that typically raises at least $200,000. But as she goes forward, Buhler said her number one priority is to instill Catholic values in the students, their families and the community. She wants Hayden students to know “what it means to be Catholic and to live their faith confidently.” And while she knows there will undoubtedly be challenges, Buhler said she expects they can be met. “Through a lot of prayer and hard work, we will accomplish what we set out to do,” she said.

Seven Lenexa Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle

ENEXA — Seven Boy Scouts from Troop 181, sponsored by Holy Trinity Parish here, were awarded the rank of Eagle during a Court of Honor Feb. 25 at St. James Acad-

emy. The seven were: Nathan Meiers, Nick Whiteside, Garrett Howard, Jeffrey Keiter, Eric Keiter, Jack Fritschie and Tate Brungardt. For his Eagle Scout project Meiers created an exhibit about Boy Scouting during World War I. He raised funds, procured original Scouting items from the World War I era and led several Scouts to show the exhibit at the Living History Exhibition at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, in August 2017. Whiteside’s Eagle project was to design and build storage shelves for the theater department of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park. He planned, organized, supervised and assisted in the building of the shelves.

For his project, Howard refurbished the flagstone walkway and a limestone pedestal in the Holy Trinity Church Marian Garden. Garrett led the effort to tear out and replace broken flagstones, rebuild the pedestal on which the statue of Mary stood and power wash the entire area. For his project, Jeffery Keiter led a team that removed a section of barbed wire from Shawnee Mission Park. Eric Keiter organized a food and clothing drive for which he collected more than 1,700 donated items for the Johnson County Christmas Bureau for his Eagle project. Fritschie’s project was the renovation of the Marian Garden, including removing and replacing three tons of edging stones, clearing and re-landscaping/replanting the garden. Brungardt built nine bookshelves for Catholic Charities and stocked them with children’s books that were distributed to the Kansas City metro area, Topeka and Emporia food pantries for his project.

PHOTO BY BILL BINS

Seven Boy Scouts from Troop 181 earned the rank of Eagle recently. They are, from left: Nathan Meiers, Nick Whiteside, Garrett Howard, Jeffrey Keiter, Eric Keiter, Jack Fritschie and Tate Brungardt.

APRIL 20, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus

Saints set the example Pope Francis, in his new apostolic exhortation “Gaudete et Exsultate” (“Rejoice and Be Glad”), wrote that the saints encourage and accompany us in answering our call to holiness. “All the saints of God are there to protect me, to sustain me and to carry me.” Who is your patron saint? ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 What patron saint did you have in mind when your children were baptized or confirmed? • As a family read about their lives. • Model calling on them in prayer for help to be patient or loving. • Invoke their support in times of temptation, fear or danger. — Deacon Tony Zimmerman, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

TEAM OF THE WEEK TRACK

The track teams from St. James Academy, St. Thomas Aquinas and Bishop Miege gathered at Lawrence Free State High School on April 13. Check out Jay Soldner’s photographs of all the action on our Facebook page.

Steve and Kay Swendson, members of St. Ann Parish, Effingham, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 20. The couple was married on April 20, 1968, at St. Ann Church, Hiawatha. Their children are: Stephanie Frakes, Travis Swendson and Ryan Swendson. They also have six grandchildren. Patricia (Watson) and James Nolan, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with a family dinner and celebration. The couple was married on April 19, 1958, at St. Joseph. Their children are: Mike Nolan, Cathy Myers, Joe Nolan, Jim Nolan, Steve Nolan, Dan Nolan, Bob Nolan and Nancy Capps. They also have 21 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Francis and Sheila (Schroller) Taphorn, members of St. Gregory Parish, Marysville, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 28 with an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Marysville, followed by food, music and dancing. The couple was married on April 27, 1968, in Marysville. Their children are: Jennifer Taphorn, Emily Yantz and Deanna Taphorn. They also have two grandchildren. Edward and Linda (Byler) Balzano, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 20. The couple was married on April 20, 1968, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, West Lafayette, Indiana. Their children are: Geoffrey Balzano and Laura Balzano Sampson. They also have four grandchildren. The couple will celebrate with their family in West Lafayette on their anniversary with a blessing at the church and with their extended families in Michigan in August. Beatrice (Sylvia) and Joseph H. Pond, members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Wea, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on April 22 with a Mass at the church. A family celebration will be held in June. The couple was married on April 20, 1953, at St. Joseph Church, Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Their children are: Stephen, Michael, Jeffery, Christopher, Joseph Jr., Cynthia and Susan. They also have 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Announcement The archdiocese has been named as a defendant in a civil lawsuit alleging sexual abuse of a minor by Martin Juarez, a former archdiocesan priest, at St. Matthew Parish, Topeka, in the early ’80s. Juarez served at St. Matthew during that time frame. He left priestly ministry in the archdiocese in 1994 and was laicized in 2005. The archdiocese takes very seriously all allegations of misconduct by any clergy, religious, church employee or volunteer, and encourages anyone who has knowledge of inappropriate conduct to please call the Confidential Report Line at (913) 647-3051, go to: archkck.org/reportabuse to report online, or call law enforcement directly.

Surgeon to discuss medical and historical aspects of the passion

TCHISON — Thomas W. McGovern, a surgeon with Fort Wayne (Indiana) Dermatology Consultants, will bring decades of medical experience and a focus on suffering to his discussion of the Passion of Christ at Benedictine College

here. His talk, “Another Doctor at Calvary: Myths and New Understandings Regarding Jesus’ Passion,” is set for April 23 at 7 p.m. in the McAllister Board Room on the fourth floor of the Ferrell Academic Center. The event is free and open to the public. McGovern is a specialist in Mohs surgery for skin cancer. Outside of his work at the medical practice, he serves on the national board of the Catholic Medical Association, chairs the annual CMA leadership training meeting and gives presentations at numerous events around the world.

Benedictine historian wins Rome Prize

TCHISON — Benedictine College history department chair John F. Romano has been awarded the prestigious Rome Prize for the 201819 school year. The American Academy in Rome presents the awards annually in 11 disciplines. The academy announced the winners of the 2018–19 Rome Prize and Italian Fellows on April 12 in New York, with Romano winning in the medieval studies area. Romano, an associate professor at Benedictine in Atchison, received his doctorate from Harvard Universi- Benedictine Colty and received a license in medieval lege history dechair studies from the Pontifical Institute of partment Medieval Studies in Toronto. He is the John F. Romano has author of “Liturgy and Society in Early been awarded the Rome Prize. Medieval Rome” (Ashgate, 2014). Romano’s proposal for the Rome Prize focuses on liturgical practices in medieval Europe and asks to what extent diverse liturgical expressions were tolerated.

APRIL 20, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

FATHER GEORGE KLASINSKI 1925-2018

Father Klasinski remembered as role model and mentor By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

FATHER KLASINSKI’S ANNIVERSARY submissions appointments and ministry

OPEKA — Father George Walter Klasinski, 93, was known as a great fisher of men — and of fish, too. He loved being a priest, and being a priest meant that he was invited into other people’s lives. He had the “common touch” and loved to visit the homes of parishioners. “When I was a young girl, he was pastor at [St. Aloysius Parish] in Meriden,” said Paulette Hall-Allensworth, of Topeka. “He would come to the house unannounced. . . . He made himself right at home and would have a beer with my dad in our hot kitchen while my mom dressed chickens.” When he sent out Christmas cards, he’d include photos of his “greatest catches.” “One of his passions was fishing,” said first cousin William Klasinski, of Leawood. “He used to go fishing with my parents in Minnesota. He was a very patient fisherman, reflecting his personality.” He was even known to schedule “meetings” so he could sneak out and go fishing. After years of poor health, Father Klasinski died on April 14 at Homestead of Topeka, an assisted living facility. He was born on Sept. 30, 1925, in Leavenworth, the son of Ignatius and Emily (Celetti) Klasinski. His father’s family was German-Polish from the former Prussian province of Posen and his mother was of Italian ancestry. The family belonged to the thenethnic German St. Joseph Parish in Leavenworth. He went to St. Joseph Grade School and then Immaculata High School, graduating in 1943. He went to St. Benedict College in Atchison but, in 1944, transferred to Conception Seminary in Conception, Missouri. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in philosophy. He was ordained a priest on May 25, 1951, at St. Joseph Parish in Leavenworth by Bishop Joseph Marling of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, because Bishop George J. Donnelly had died and Archbishop Edward J. Hunkeler, the newly appointed ordinary, had yet to be installed. He had two uncles who were priests: Msgr. Leo R. Klasinski of the Diocese of

• 1951 — Associate pastor, St. Rose of Lima in Kansas City, Kansas • 1952 — Associate pastor, St. Joseph Parish in Topeka • 1952 — Administrator, St. Aloysius Parish in Meriden • 1955 — Administrator, Sacred Heart Parish in Bonner Springs • 1955 — Pastor, St. Joseph Parish in Waverly and St. Anthony Parish in Homewood • 1958 — Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish in Paxico • 1966 — Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Baileyville • 1974 — Pastor of St. Gregory Parish in Marysville, and the missions of St. Elizabeth Parish in Blue Rapids and St. Monica Parish in Waterville. Pastoral leader of the Nemaha-Marshall Pastoral Region, as well as the archdiocesan tribunal’s Defender of the Bond for the region • 1978 — Chaplain at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka • 1994 — Retired due to health

Wichita and Father George W. Klasinski, O.Carm. His first assignment was June 9, 1951, when he became associate pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. He held a number of pastoral assignments over the years, including his final one as chaplain at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, which he received on Aug. 1, 1978, until ill health compelled his retirement in November 1994. At the hospital, he put the bumper sticker “Holy Roller” on his scooter, remembered Jeremy Bond, of Topeka. His nickname was “Bud,” and his family called him “Father Bud,” said William Klasinski. Father Klasinski and many parishioners maintained friendships even after he went on to other parishes. “He was very outgoing,” said his cousin. “He was very caring and friendly. He took everyone to heart. That’s why so many of his parishioners remembered him.” Father Klasinski is remembered by some of his younger associates as a mentor.

“He was very holy and spiritual,” said Father James Shaughnessy, retired. “He was very easy to work for. He was supportive in my work and he always encouraged me. “He showed me a pattern of life I’d like to live as being a priest and pastor.” While Father Klasinski was a pastor, the church was going through a lot of changes, and these upset people, said Father Shaughnessy. “He had such a calm matter, and that settled a lot of things,” he said. Father Francis Hund, who grew up in Paxico, knew Father Klasinski since he was a small boy. “He would bring the bulletin each week for my dad to print, and he’d stay for supper,” said Father Hund, pastor of the Church of the Nativity Parish in Leawood. “He was the pastor for my first Communion and he showed me by his life what it meant to be a loving parish priest.” “He was a wonderful model for me,” he continued. “We kept in contact all through my life, and he was there for my

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ordination and my parents’ funerals.” Over the years, Father Klasinski served as chaplain for various Knights of Columbus and Daughters of Isabella councils. Additionally, he was an auxiliary chaplain to the U.S. Air National Guard at Forbes Field, Topeka; moderator to the Topeka Region of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women; chaplain to the REACH program for persons with disabilities; and served on the board of the Kanza Mental Health Clinic in Hiawatha. There will be a wake for Father Klasinski from 3 to 7 p.m., with a rosary at 5 p.m., on April 22 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on April 23 at Most Pure Heart. A graveside committal service will be held at 3 p.m. at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Leavenworth. Father Klasinski was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Roman G. Klasinski and Herman A. Klasinski. He is survived by two sisters — Louise Ambrosini of Santa Rosa, California, and Anita Skinner of Novato, California — and by cousins, nephews and nieces.

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Archbishop gets a charge out of area 5th-graders

STORY BY JOE BOLLIG / PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER

LATHE — Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has faced shocking questions before. But the query he faced at Fifth-Grade Vocation Day was truly electric — or electrical. One brave boy asked the archbishop if it was true — as his father had told him — that the archbishop’s crozier is electrified so he can shock children who misbehave at Mass. “It’s not true,” Archbishop Naumann laughed, “but it’s not a bad idea.” Perhaps that was a relief to the 830 students from 22 Wyandotte and Johnson County Catholic schools who attended the event, held on April 10 at Prince of Peace Parish and School in Olathe. A few sixth-grade students attended as well. The Fifth-Grade Vocation Day was sponsored by the archdiocesan vocations office, with assistance from the Johnson County and Wyandotte County Serra Clubs. The day could have been billed: “Everything you wanted to ask a priest, woman religious or archbishop — but were afraid to ask.” And ask they did, with questions ranging from “Do Sisters sleep in their habits?” (No, they have comfy jammies) to “Why can’t you have a dog?” (The pastor doesn’t want dogs in the rectory). But getting answers to those deep, burning questions was only one part of the program. The day began with an introductory talk by Father Scott Wallisch, director of the vocations office, and a short time for eucharistic adoration. Most of the day consisted of listening to vocations talks (followed by Q&As) by nine archdiocesan priests and women religious representing five different orders, plus a novice discerning her vocation. The students prayed rosaries for vocations. After lunch, they listened to a talk by Archbishop Naumann, followed by a Mass celebrated by the archbishop. In his talk, Father Wallisch told the students that a vocation was a calling from God. “Every single person in this room, right now, has a vocation,” he said. “All of you have a vocation, whether it’s to the priesthood, the religious life, to marriage or the single life. . . . God has a plan for you, because he wants your goodness, your joy, your peace, your fulfillment. “It takes a little while to figure out what that could be, so that’s why we have things like Fifth-Grade Vocation Day.” He asked the students to be open, pay attention and ask God to touch

their hearts and let them know what he wants from each of them. “Jesus loves you and has a great plan for you,” said Father Wallisch.

Delayed, but not denied The vocation story of Sister Rebecca Granado, an Augustinian Recollect Missionary Sister from Topeka, could be a lesson in “never say never.” When she was a little girl, she excitedly told her aunt what she wanted to be when she grew up: a Sister. “Oh, no, no, no,” said her aunt. “You don’t want to be a Sister, honey. It’s a sad life. You won’t get to get married, you won’t get to have children.” After that, Sister Rebecca put the idea out of her head and got on with her life. “But through my life, God did keep saying to me, ‘I love you. I want something more for you,’” she said. “I kept feeling that — but never connected it with being a Sister.” “At every step of the way, God put special people into my life, people who called me to be better, to show me something about God,” Sister Rebecca continued. “Each of those people and experiences were very important in helping me choose what I wanted and what God wanted.” The decisive moment came at World Youth Day in Denver in 1993. Her group was at the cathedral in Denver when the director of her group’s pilgrimage called everyone together. He sat them down in the first two pews and announced: “One of you here is being called by God to be a Sister. Please stand up.” Then it happened. “I felt myself stand up,” said Sister Rebecca. “I don’t know if I even thought about it. . . . “Everyone started cheering and clapping, and I got all these hugs from my friends.” But she wasn’t even conscious of still considering it before that moment. “I hadn’t really thought about it,” she said. “It was like an answer that came [to me].” It wasn’t easy to find an order that would take a 54-year-old woman as a novice, but the Augustinians did. Now, 13 years later, she’s delighted to be a Sister. Naturally, the students — all girls — had questions. Q: Do you like being a Sister? A: Yes, she really loves being a Sister, and she loves her habit. At first, it felt like a costume. When she’s in public, people ask her to pray for them or someone else, or they thank her. The habit helps people think about God. Q: Do you have to wear your habit all the time? A: No. When she’s doing messy work, she wears a shirt and jumper, and

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann answers questions at the end of Fifth-Grade Vocation Day April 10 at P

Sister Isabel of the Sisters, Servants of Mary in Kansas City, Kansas, explains the Sisters’ vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. her veil. She has to be careful because habits can’t be bought in stores. Someone has to make them. Q: Do you wear the veil to bed?

A: No, that’s when I take it off. Q: What color is your hair? A: It’s short and gray now. It used to be dark reddish brown.

Luz Diaz, a postulate of the Augustinian Recollect Missionary Sisters at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Topeka, shares her vocation story at one of the breakout sessions.

Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe.

Father Adam Wilczak, pastor of Holy Angels Parish in Garnett and St. John Parish, Greeley, talks about his athletic career at Benedictine College in Atchison.

Father Scott Wallisch, director of the archdiocesan vocations office, began the day with an introductory talk followed by eucharistic adoration.

A regular guy, a special calling Can a regular guy have an extraordinary vocation to the priesthood? Yes, he can — and Father Matthew Nagle is living proof. Father Nagle, associate pastor at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, grew up in the Johnson County suburbs and lived a “regular” life. “I didn’t think about the priesthood until later,” he said. “Sometimes, priests will say, ‘I was serving Mass when I was 10 years old and I knew God was calling me to be a priest.’ It’s great when that happens, but it’s not how it worked in my life.” He played a lot of sports all the way into Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri, and then went to the University of Kansas.

“When I first started thinking about the priesthood was toward the end of my time at KU,” he said. “We had some really good priests at the [St. Lawrence] Catholic Campus Center. I’d go there for Mass and started thinking about it.” Then-archdiocesan vocations director Father Brian Schieber would see him there, ask if he ever thought about being a priest and invite him to various vocations events. “Finally, I said to him, ‘Father Brian, I’m not going to be a priest. You can stop asking me,’” said Father Nagle. Irony alert: Not only is Father Nagle a priest, but he’s an associate pastor at St. Michael the Archangel — where Father Brian Schieber is pastor. “He loves to remind me of that,” said Father Nagle. So, why did he become a priest? Father Nagle became very sick with a brain tumor. “The good thing that came out of that is it forced me to strengthen my

faith and my prayer life,” he said, “and I learned to turn to God in a new way and trust him a lot more. “It made me more open to considering [the priesthood].” He graduated from KU and began a teaching career, but he had a strong sense God was calling him to the seminary to discern a priestly vocation. Guess what? The longer he was there, the more he came to believe that this was what God wanted him to do. He was ordained a priest on May 23, 2015. “I love being a priest,” he said. “I had no idea how much fun it is to be a priest. “It’s harder than I thought it would be, but it’s way better and more fun that I could have imagined.” The students — all boys — had questions. Q: Are priests allowed to have dogs? A: Yes. I can’t, because my pastor is the boss, and he said he doesn’t want a dog. Q: Can priests adopt a kid? A: No. Priests are celibate, and that frees them to serve the church at all hours. If a priest adopted a kid, he’d have to take care of him, and that would limit his availability. Q: Do priests play video games? A: Yes, I play “SimCity BuildIt” and “Football Manager.” Q: Do priests watch TV? A: What’s TV? Yeah, I watched TV yesterday. Q: What position did you play in football? A: In football, I was a defensive end and I played on the offensive line. In basketball, I was a forward.

Q: You don’t look like a defensive end. A: Well, that was 15 years ago. I’ve shrunk since then.

God’s special plan for each of us During the closing Mass, Archbishop Naumann talked about meeting some young people at a parish vocations club. Someone asked him, “What was the most important day of your life?” The archbishop turned the question back to the students and asked them what they thought. Was it his birthday? The day he was ordained a priest? When he became an archbishop? No, none of these, he said. The most important day of his life was his baptism. That’s where the life of every Christian, a sharing of divine life, begins — and their vocation. “What could ever happen to you that could compare to that?” asked Archbishop Naumann in his homily. “This Vocation Day,” he continued, “is a day that has focused on, and invited you to think about, what is it the Lord wants you to do with your life? “I encourage you every day in your prayer, from this day forward, to ask the Lord, ‘Lord, help me to know what you want me to do today, but also help me to know what you want me to do with my life. What are your dreams, your plans for me? And give me the strength and generosity to follow wherever your call leads me to go.”

APRIL 20, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Father Carrol Thorne, CP

On March 24, the St. Thomas Aquinas High School girls lacrosse team spent all day bagging groceries at HyVee in Lenexa for donations in an effort to fundraise and purchase helmets for all team members.

Lacrosse team bags groceries for helmets >> Continued from page 1 us communicate better with each other.” Understanding that playing lacrosse is much more than playing a game, Davis uses his coaching post as an opportunity to teach the girls about themselves. “Part of being a good coach is teaching life lessons,” he said. “We bring Christ into the mix in that we start each practice and game with

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a [player-led] prayer,” and the girls always share their prayer intentions as well. Being part of the lacrosse team, fundraising, and participating in teamwork and prayer has taught Abadir a method for living her faith. “Everything is always in God’s hands,” said Abadir. “Everything happens for a reason — it’s God’s plan.” “If you lose, it’s OK,” she said. “Even with the highs when you’re

winning or if there’s a good play, we can see we’re sisters in Christ [and] God’s cheering you on no matter what.” Hopes for the team are high that they may continue to improve and grow in their faith with a decreased risk for concussion. “Hopefully,” said Hillyer, “[with the purchase of the helmets] we can set a trend that will encourage other teams in the league to get helmets to protect the girls.”

ANSING — Father William C. Thorne, CP, 86, died April 15 at Twin Oaks Health & Rehabilitation here. He was the son of Robert and Augustina Thorne and was born in Union City, New Jersey, on Feb. 11, 1932. He joined the Congregation of the Passion, making final vows July 16, 1956, with the religious professed name of Carrol. After completing his theological studies at St. Michael Monastic Seminary in Union City, he was ordained a priest on April 28, 1960. His first assignment took him to the Philippines for 10 years as a missionary pastor. In 1971, Father Carrol joined the U.S. Army chaplaincy. He served in Vietnam, Okinawa, Germany, Korea and Turkey. He also served as a pastor at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Father Carroll retired from the Army with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1994, after 23 years of service. In 1995, he became Catholic chaplain at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, and served as chaplain at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Leavenworth. Father Carroll ministered at the barracks for 18 years until his health declined. At Father Carrol’s request, any memorial gifts should go to Shelter of Hope, 311 Kiowa St., Leavenworth, KS 66048.

USM concert set for April 24 LEAVENWORTH — The University of Saint Mary Community Band here will present its annual spring concert at 7 p.m. on April 24 in Xavier Theatre on the Leavenworth campus, located at 4100 S. 4th St. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact band director Dr. William Krusemark by email at: krusemarkw@stmary.edu.

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CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after-school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, and cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available, as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Caregivers - We help seniors stay independent. You are passionate about caregiving. Benefits of Home - Senior Care is looking for compassionate caregivers to help us care for our clients! Part or full time, we work to meet your schedule and provide training. (913) 422-1422 or www.benefitsofhome.com. Do you enjoy driving? - The Kansas City Transportation Group is looking for chauffeurs to drive our guests to events, airport, dinner, etc. Business is growing and we are in need of workers with flexible hours, those who are retired, etc. Great pay and benefits. Send resume to: jkalbert@kctg.com or in person at Carey, 1300 Lydia Ave., Kansas City, MO 64106. Career opportunity - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City metro and Topeka areas. 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. This is a full-time position. Please contact John A. Mahon, general agent, for more information or an interview at 1275 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612 or call (785) 408-8806. You can also send an email to: john.mahon@kofc.org. Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, roundtrip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Preschool teaching positions - St. Ann Young Child Center in Prairie Village is looking to fill staff positions for the 2018-19 school year. Seeking a part-time 3-year-olds preschool teaching position for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 a.m. - noon. A degree in education is required. Also seeking a part-time preschool aide for Monday - Friday from 8:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Experience preferred but not necessary. Finally, seeking an extended-day aide for Monday through Friday from 3 - 6 p.m. If you love working with children and are looking for part-time work at our distinguished Young Child Center, call Tati at (913) 3624660. Assistant director - Holy Trinity Early Education Center is accepting applications for the position of assistant director. The applicant must have either an AA or a BA in early childhood education with a minimum of 15 - 18 hours of coursework directly related to child development and education. For more information or to request a job application, send an email to Mary Scanlon at: mscanlon@htlenexa.org. To apply, submit a resume with a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position. Pastoral ministry coordinator – St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood is seeking a highly motivated “people person” to fill the full-time staff position of pastoral ministry coordinator. The key roles of this position include working with parish families to schedule and prepare for the sacraments of baptism and marriage; coordinating ministry to the sick and homebound; and coordinating funerals. For more information and a complete job description, go to: www.stmichaelcp.org and click on “Our Parish/Employment Opportunities.” Manager - Divine Mercy Thrift Stores, Inc., is seeking a full-time paid manager for its new store. The candidate should possess a strong work ethic and a passion for nonprofit Catholic causes. Additionally, the candidate should be able to manage large numbers of volunteers, provide daily operations leadership and successfully reach financial goals. Send a resume to: DanSpencer3@ gmail.com.

Lead and assistant teachers - The Goddard School located at 21820 W. 115th Terr., Olathe, is looking for qualified lead teachers and assistant teachers — both full- and part- time positions are available. In our warm, loving atmosphere, our highly qualified teachers support the healthy development of children from 6 weeks to 6 years. Our teachers write and implement their own lesson plans based on our FLEX program, Goddard Developmental Guidelines and our monthly school theme. Lead teachers also complete other duties such as electronic daily attendance reports, progress reports and parent conferences. The hands-on efforts of the school owner and directors allow our teachers to focus on their children, their lesson plans and teaching to ensure a fun-filled day of learning. Full-time benefits include: competitive pay; paid time off; opportunities for professional development and career growth; and a great working environment. Qualified candidates must meet or exceed Kansas regulations, have strong communication skills and desire to learn and implement the Goddard School programs. Lead teachers should have an early childhood education degree or a CDA or a degree in a related field with an emphasis in early childhood education. Prior experience in a child care setting is preferred. To apply, email your resume to: olathe2ks@goddardschools.com or mail to: The Goddard School, 21820 W. 115th Terr., Olathe, KS 66061, Attention: Mandy Ellis, director. Youth outreach coordinator - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a dynamic individual for urban youth ministry. The Wyandotte County youth outreach coordinator will assist with the creation and implementation of programs, as well as develop training for those serving the evangelization, youth ministry and catechesis efforts in Wyandotte County. The ideal candidate will be committed to Catholic teaching, knowledgeable in theology and catechesis, and possess leadership skills with a track record of innovation and collaboration. This position requires fluent bilingual abilities in English and Spanish; a bachelor’s degree, preferably in youth ministry, theology or related field; master’s degree preferred. Also requires a minimum of five years of program management experience relatable to the position. For a full job description, go to: www.archkck.org/jobs . Interested candidates must submit a cover letter expressing your desire to serve the church in this position; resume; letter of support from your pastor; and a completed application form (available on the web page) to: jobs@archkck.org, or by mail to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Human Resources – Urban Youth Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Submission deadline: May 4. Institutional development director - This is a full-time position reporting to the president. The director is responsible for all aspects of academic fundraising, including strategic planning, financial reporting and cultivating relationships. To see the full job description and to apply, go online to: www.stastars.org/jobs. Pro-Life ministry program coordinator - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a program coordinator for the pro-life office. This position assists the lead pro-life consultant in implementing the office’s initiatives: Project Rachel/Project Joseph providing healing from abortion; and Project Gabriel in supporting those facing unplanned pregnancies. The coordinator contributes to the development and implementation of programs for the various ministries within the pro-life office and ensures these programs and other resources are communicated to archdiocesan priests and people in need of these healing and supportive services. Requires a bachelor’s degree, prefer social work or counseling. The individual must have a firm foundation in the Catholic Church’s teachings on abortion and a commitment to ongoing professional development in the areas of post-abortion and unplanned pregnancy programs. The position requires demonstrated skill in the areas of compassionate leadership, written and verbal communication, and confidentiality. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck. org/jobs. Interested individuals should send a cover letter, resume, application and pastor’s letter of support via email to: jobs@archkck.org; or mail to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Pro Life Program Coordinator Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Submission deadline: May 4. Orizon Aerostructures – **Coming to Olathe** If a career in aviation manufacturing excites you, and you’re willing to work hard and hone your skills, we strongly encourage you to visit the website at: www.orizonaero. com/careers/ and view the current opportunities coming to Olathe. Director of evangelization - St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood is seeking a dynamic, faith-filled individual to fill this newly created position. The director of evangelization will collaborate closely with the pastor and director of religious education to create and execute a comprehensive plan for evangelization. This will include pre-evangelization; outreach and invitation; proclamation of the Gospel; facilitating retreats; and adult formation opportunities with the goal of making intentional disciples. This position will also oversee the parish RCIA program. The preferred candidate will be a prayerful, practicing Catholic; an inspirational teacher with experience in the field; articulate and confident in matters of faith with an obvious passion for evangelization. A master’s degree in religious studies or theology is preferred, but we will accept a candidate with a bachelor’s degree who also has experience in leading faith formation programs. For more information and a complete job description, go to: www. stmichaelcp.org and click on “Our Parish/Employment Opportunities.”

Parish secretary - St. Patrick Church, in Kansas City, Kan., is accepting applications for parish secretary. The position is full time, on-site, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (M-F) and is benefit eligible. Applicants must be a practicing Catholic in good standing. The parish secretary is the first point of contact and should provide a welcoming presence to all. Applicants should be reliable with a strong work ethic. Job duties include: answer phones; assist visitors; schedule meeting space; oversee parish center rentals; maintain an accurate parishioner database; prepare reports and schedules; maintain sacramental records; schedule Mass intention requests; assist with funeral planning; and other duties as assigned by the pastor or supervisor. Applicants should email a cover letter and resume to: FrMullen@archkckcs.org or mail to: St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, KS 66112, attn: Business Office.

HOME IMPROVEMENT 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. 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!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 Decked Out In KC - We fix decks. We repair, power wash and stain wood decks and fences. We power wash and seal concrete drives, walkways, pool decks and more. Call Brian at (913) 952-5965. Member of Holy Trinity Parish. Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dan deeconst@aol.com. NELSON CREATION’S L.L.C. Home makeovers, kitchen, bath. All interior and exterior remodeling and repairs. Family owned, experienced, licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph, Shawnee. Kirk Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net 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) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com. Father-and-son home exteriors and remodeling - Celebrating my 15th year in The Leaven as a small business owner! We do decks, siding, windows, doors, tile work, floors, wood rot, and interior and exterior painting. We can remodel bathrooms, kitchens or basements. We also reface cabinets and redo pesky popcorn ceilings. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230. HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. 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. Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service - Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM. Handyman/Remodeler - Quality service with references. Kitchens, baths, tile, painting, garage doors and openers, decks and wood rot repair. Call Jeff at (913) 915-4738.

Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125. Helping Hand Handy Man - Semi-retired handyman can help with your ‘to do list,’ small and medium projects around your house. Also electrical; ceiling fans, light fixtures, outlet and switches. Most deck and shed repairs, power washing restaining and painting. No yard work. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490.

SERVICES Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002. Doll dresses - First Communion dress sets for 18” or American Girl dolls. Includes dress, veil, shoes, tights and cross necklace. Full line of doll clothes and accessories in south Johnson County. Call Patty at (913) 3459498. Quality piano lessons 15 years’ experience. Successful methods. Motivating and caring teacher. Teaches grades K - 12. musicmom57@hotmail.com How do I get rid of all these machines and tools? - If you have basement or garage full of woodworking equipment that is collecting dust, I can sell them all and put cash in your hands. I have 24+ years’ experience appraising and selling woodworking machinery and tools. Member of St. Agnes Parish. Call (913) 375-5750 or send an email to: mbcobb5@gmail.com. 8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered. Release your weight and restore your power in 8 weeks! Certified coach: kathioppold.8toyouridealweight.com. All interior painting - including faux, glazing, front doors and shutters. Free estimates. Call or text Kerry at (913) 406-6777. Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. Custom countertops - Laminates installed within five days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. Tree Trimming Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Tony (913) 620-6063 Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com. Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002

CAREGIVING Situation wanted - Retired nurse private duty care plus has CNA and CMA. Available 24/7. Has experience in cosmetology and Swedish massage. Has hospice background. Call (913) 938-4765. $25 per hour, Hope for Veterans. Superior personalized care. Call Ilene Jun, (913) 701-6381. No agencies. Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591 Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or 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, Pat or Gary. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

APRIL 20, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR DIVORCED: CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN Church of the Ascension (St. Luke Room) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7 p.m.

What’s next after divorce/annulment? Join us for a formation series on the gift of self, which helps us fulfill the call to love again. Visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/giftof self143 or send an email to: calledtolove143@ gmail.com.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE 503 Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka April 22 at 1 p.m.

The afternoon will begin with a rosary in the rosary garden at 12:30 p.m., weather permitting. Wear the Daughters of Isabella shirts. There will be a social after the meeting. If you know of a member or a member of their family in need of the circle’s prayers, contact Theresa Smith-Lawton at (785) 6401403. If you are interested in or would like more information about the Daughters of Isabella, contact Marilyn Unrein at (785) 2308448 or Cindy Keen at (785) 228-9863.

ANNUNCIATION SPRING DINNER Cigna Center 402 N. Maple, Frankfort April 22 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

The cost of dinner is $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 10 and under. There will be meatballs, cheesy potatoes and other sides. Takeout meals will be available, with delivery in Frankfort. Call the parish office during the morning hours at (785) 292-4462. There will be baked goods, crafts and much more for sale. All proceeds benefit Annunciation Parish.

‘MYTHS AND NEW UNDERSTANDINGS REGARDING JESUS’ PASSION’ Benedictine College (McAllister Board Room, Ferrell Academic Center) 1020 N. 2nd St., Atchison April 23 at 7 p.m.

Dr. Thomas W. McGovern, a surgeon with Fort Wayne (Indiana) Dermatology Consultants, will be giving a talk called “Another Doctor at Calvary: Myths and New Understandings Regarding Jesus’ Passion.” The event is free and open to the public.

RUNNIN’ REVS Hayden High School 401 S.W. Gage, Topeka April 23 at 7 p.m.

The cost for a dinner of roast beef or chicken and noodles with sides and dessert is $8 for adults and $3 for kids ages 10 and under. Dinner will be served until 6:30 p.m. Bingo will begin at 6:45 p.m. in the Knights Hall. There will also be a raffle for a handmade quilt and other prizes.

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Topeka April 28 at 7 p.m.

A reasonable course fee is charged and online registration is required at: www.ccli. org. Call Dana or Eric Runnebaum at (785) 380-0062 for more information, including the class location and the availability of self-paced, online classes. Learn more about this NFP class online at: nfptopeka.blogspot. com.

GIFT OF FINEST W***T St. Michael the Archangel Parish (lower level) 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood April 25 at 7 p.m.

This will be a practical and spiritual conference for those with wheat or gluten intolerance or celiac disease and those who love them. Michael Podrebarac, consultant for liturgy and sacramental life of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, will present the options available to those who have difficulties with wheat and gluten. For more information, contact Janel Butler at (913) 402-3948 or by email at: janel.butler@stmichaelcp.org.

LADIES OF CHARITY SYMPHONY DESIGNERS’ SHOWHOUSE 445 W. 56th St., Kansas City, Missouri April 30 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan KC will host a private showing of the 2018 Symphony Designers’ Showhouse. Tour this stately 103-year-old home, enjoy a boxed lunch and raffle, and shop at the unique KCSA boutique. The cost to attend is $35 per person and helps support the charity beneficiaries: Duchesne Clinic, Seton Center and Villa St. Francis. To register, mail a check, payable to “Ladies of Charity,” before April 15 to Karen Camarata, 5508 W. 129th St., Overland Park KS 66209. For more information, call Shannon Clifford at (913) 681-6431.

‘GAMES PEOPLE PLAY’ Blessed Sacrament Center 2215 Parallel Ave., Kansas City, Kansas May 4 from 7 - 11 p.m.

Priests and seminarians will challenge 8thgrade and high school youth in a competitive game of basketball.

The Father Joyce Finnegan Court 61 Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary is hosting a night of fun and games: bid whist, dominoes and bingo. Tickets are $10. For tickets and more information, call Barbara Bailey at (913) 321-1958.

POTLUCK DINNER Most Pure Heart of Mary (Formation Room) 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka April 26 from 5 - 7 p.m.

POLKA DANCE Knights of Columbus Hall 11221 Johnson Dr., Shawnee May 4 at 7:30 p.m.

The Christian widow and widowers organization will host a potluck dinner. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call (785) 233-7350.

RESPITE CARE PROGRAM Holy Cross School 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park April 28 from 4 - 8 p.m.

Respite care provides the gift of time away from caregiving for families with a loved one five years of age or older with a disability. For questions about the program, call Tom at (913) 647-3054 or send an email to: tracunas@archkck.org; or Audrey Amor at (816) 739-1197 or send an email to: aamor@ sjakeepingfaith.org. To register a child for the program, go to: www.archkck.org/special needs and complete the online form.

SPRING FESTIVAL St. Joseph Parish (school building) 307 Iowa St., Olpe April 29 at 3 p.m.

The Brian McCarty Band with special guest premier accordionist David Austin from Middleton, Wisconsin, will play. Tickets cost $10 and may be purchased at the door. Beer, setups and snacks are provided or BYOB. Call Dan Nicks at (913) 406-8717 for table reservation of six or more.

BLISTERS FOR SISTERS WALK-A-THON St. Thomas More Parish 11822 Holmes, Kansas City, Missouri May 5 at 9 a.m. The day begins with registration, followed by a short walk, Mass and lunch. The day is an opportunity to thank the Sisters for their work in the community. For more information, go online to: www.facebook. com/blistersforsisters or send an email to: blistersforsisters.org.

FAMILY DAY Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg May 6 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

This is a chance to step away and enter into a day of prayer, adventure and outdoor activities in order to reconnect. Families, friends and communities are invited to join us for horseback riding, canoing, ropes activities and prayer. The day will end with Mass. Register online at: www.archkck.org/ranch or call the team at (913) 785-5693.

TEEN INFORMATION NIGHT St. John the Evangelist 1208 School 1208 Kentucky St., Lawrence May 6 at 6:30 p.m.

All female teenagers are invited with a parent or guardian to attend a presentation by Shannon Rasmussen, CCL teacher of natural family planning. This is a class in learning how important it is to understand and appreciate self and body. Call Shannon at (785) 749-1015 to RSVP or for more information.

NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL HEALTH Good Shepherd Church (Conf. Room A) 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee May 7 at 7 p.m.

Doris Hamilton from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will talk about all the programs that are available through NAMI — both for consumers and families of consumers. There will be a Q&A session after her talk.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR A LOVED ONE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room) 9410 Mission Rd., Leawood May 9 at 7 p.m.

The archdiocesan office of special needs and EMBRACE are co-sponsoring a workshop on how to prepare for two generations of financial security. There will be a discussion on a 529 ABLE account vs. a special-needs trust and why both are important. At 6:30 p.m., there will be a wine and cheese social. The presentation will follow at 7 p.m. Child care will be provided. RSVP to Jody 0’Rourke at (913) 647-3059 or send an email to: jorourke@archkck.org.

SWING FOR LIFE SCRAMBLE GOLF TOURNAMENT Painted Hills Golf Course 7101 Parallel Ave., Kansas City, Kansas May 22 at 7 a.m. (shotgun start)

Kansans for Life is hosting this golf tournament. The entry fee is $100 per golfer and $400 per team. If you are unable to attend but would like to participate, consider being a sponsor. For more information, visit the website at: www.SwingForLife.Golf or call (913) 642-5433.

FAMILY SPECIAL-NEEDS SUMMER CAMP Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg June 29 - July 1

A summer camp for families who have a child (or children) with special needs will be held. For information about the camp, go online to: www.archkck.org/specialneeds for details or call Tom Racunas, lead consultant for the special-needs ministry, at (913) 647-3054 or send an email to: tracunas@ archkck.org.

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS’ GRADE SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS St. Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park June and July

There will be a variety of summer camps for students entering grades K - 8 to explore and discover their potential in both sports and other activities. Information about the camps and registration forms are available on the website at: www.stasaints.net/ summer camps. If you have questions, call the athletic office at (913) 319-2416 or send an email to: btriggs@stasaints.net.

>> Continued from page 12 Medication management - DID YOU KNOW taking the wrong medication is the leading reason for falls and nursing home moves? We can help. Our RN will do a biweekly patient health check, fill the pill boxes properly, review your medication list and contact doctors if needed. Get peace of mind! Call Home Meds at (913) 627-9222 and learn about our medication solutions that allow you to continue to live safely at home. Just like family - Let us care for your loved ones in their homes. Two ladies with over 50 years’ combined experience. Looking for night shift coverage, some days. Great price, great references. Both experienced with hospice care. Call Kara at (913) 3431602 or Ophelia at (913) 570-7276.

FOR SALE For sale - Need a sweet little lake retreat? Adorable, well-kept mobile home at Sugar Valley Lakes below the dam on a quiet, wooded, dead-end street near the back entrance. City water and power. Within walking distance of pond; includes storage shed. 102 Red Hawk Land, plat 22, lot 55. $22,000. Email:amrobins42869@yahoo.com. For sale – 2000 Wurlitzer grand piano; $5000; model C-143 ATP. An excellent value on a quality grand. No scratches or marks on this beautiful instrument. It has a player attached, so the piano will play by itself. Call Sharon at (913) 485-6317. For sale - Classic Mercury Cougar, 1968 Dan Gurney Special, VIN number 8F91F578409. The car was donated to the Catholic community, the Franciscans Poor of Jesus Christ in Kansas City, Kansas, and is being sold for charity to support the missionary activities of the group. The asking price is $8000. Call Sister Magdalena at (913) 499-7839 or send an email to: magdalenapjc@gmail.com. For sale - Two internal side-by-side crypts in the Mausoleum at Resurrection Cemetery. Call (913) 631-4348 for pricing. Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) For sale - Double indoor mausoleum at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Retail price $8000; asking $6000. Call Patricia at (913) 6348583.

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

REAL ESTATE Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it? We buy it all at once in as-is condition. Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com.

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APRIL 20, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER April 22 FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 4: 8-12 Ps 118: 1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 29 1 Jn 3: 1-2 Jn 10: 11-18 April 23 George, martyr; Adalbert, bishop, martyr Acts 11: 1-18 Pss 42: 2-3; 43: 3-4 Jn 10: 1-10 April 24 Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest, martyr Acts 11: 19-26 Ps 87: 1-7 Jn 10: 22-30 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 13: 13-25 Ps 89: 2-3, 21-22, 25, 27 Jn 13: 16-20 April 27 Friday Acts 13: 26-33 Ps 2: 6-11 Jn 14: 1-6 April 28 Peter Chanel, priest, martyr; Louis Grignion de Montfort, priest Acts 13: 44-52 Ps 98: 1-4 Jn 14: 7-14

Even with so much bread, I feel like a crumb

oughly 20,000. That’s how many times I’ve received Communion in my life. It boggles the mind. As last Sunday’s Gospel spoke about the Jesus being “made known . . . in the breaking of bread” (Lk 24:35), I had to ask myself if I — after so many Communions — take that gift for granted and not appreciate what a treasure it is. I’m sure that I’m not alone in feeling this way. That’s why it’s such a wonderful thing to celebrate first Communion at this time of year. The eagerness of those second-graders to receive Jesus in the Eucharist gives me pause. The reverence with which they approach the altar humbles me. And the celebration that follows the Mass is a fitting conclusion to the incredible thing that just happened: The risen Jesus literally became part of those children’s bodies for the first time. I often tell the kids in my homily that this food from heaven is absolutely special. I remind them that when we eat a hot dog, for example, the hot dog turns into us in the form of nourishment. But with holy Communion, the opposite happens: When we con-

MARK MY WORDS

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.

sume the body and blood of Jesus, we instead turn into him. Of course, St. Augustine said it much more eloquently: “You will not change Me into you as with bodily food; rather, you will be changed into Me.” That means our lives can never be the same. We literally become tabernacles, giving Jesus a home within us. And just as we’d never tolerate desecrating the tabernacle in church, so we should never disrespect each other, for Communion means we each carry Jesus within us. Sometimes, people avoid the first Commu-

nion Mass because it’s longer than a “regular” Mass. While that’s true, the witness of those young girls and boys — and the challenge they give to us about getting excited whenever we’re privileged to receive Jesus — is more than worth it. But it doesn’t end there. This story told by Jesuit Father Mark Link makes the point well: A religious education teacher asked students in her confirmation class which part of the Mass was the most important. One teenager said, “The dismissal rite is the most important.” “Why do you say that?” asked the teacher. She replied, “The purpose of the Eucharist is to nourish us with the word of the Lord and the body and blood of the Lord, so that we can go forth to bear witness to the Lord and to bring

the kingdom of God into existence. “The Eucharist doesn’t end with the dismissal rite. In a sense, it begins with it. We must go forth and proclaim to the world what the disciples of Emmaus did. We must proclaim that Jesus is risen, that Jesus lives on.” (This story is adapted from Brian Cavanaugh’s “Sower’s Seeds Aplenty: Fourth Planting.”) That teenager is absolutely correct. A good place to start this proclamation of the good news is at another table: the one in our homes. In our overly busy world, it’s tough for families to make the time to eat together. While doing this every night is probably close to impossible, why not start small? Just as the church asks us to gather at least once a week, set a goal for one family meal around the table each week. It should be a priority in everyone’s schedule. Additionally, make that meal time a cellphone-free, TV-free gathering. Rediscover how nice it is to actually be present to the people you’re dining with. Perhaps folks would be more open to a family dinner if we made it something special. How

about putting a tablecloth out if your table is not normally covered? Decorate it with candles and flowers. Use the “good” dishes and the “fancy” silverware. Heck, haul out the cloth napkins as well, and maybe put on some quiet music in the background. Celebrating food and family is not just for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter; make it a weekly tradition. Because we enjoy such an abundance of food in this country, we forget what a blessing it is. Start every meal with prayer, like we do at church. And when it’s over, see all the tasks of cleaning up as an opportunity for Christian service. At least for the rest of this Easter season, let the fruits of the sacramental table spread to our family tables. May we be dismissed from Mass only to find the risen Christ at our home table as we break bread together. Now back to those 20,000 Communions I’ve received. I told my mom I thought I should be holier than I am because of them. Her response was deflating: “Just think what you’d be like if you hadn’t received so many Communions!” I shudder to think!

Jesus owns both his crucifixion and his resurrection

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ears ago, when I was still in high school, the place of our family business suffered a major fire. It caused so much damage, we had to relocate. Against the advice of the firefighters, my father dashed into his office to retrieve some business records. Even though the fire had not yet reached that section of the building, he took a major risk in doing that, because of the danger of smoke inhalation. He was willing to take that risk, since it meant a lot for the business. Sunday’s Gospel reading, John 10: 11-18, calls Jesus “the good shepherd.” It tells us “a good shepherd lays down his

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

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

life for the sheep.” Some have interpreted that to mean that

POPE FRANCIS

Priests must give hope to men and women seeking forgiveness, encouraging them in their struggle away from the slippery slope of sin, Pope Francis said. Being merciful in the confessional helps penitents return to God without fear, even if they repeatedly stumble or slip on a path that “is filled with stones and banana peels,”

the shepherd lays his life on the line — that he is willing to risk his life — for the sake of the sheep. It would be like a business owner who is willing to take some major risks for the sake of the business, much along the lines of what my father did during the fire.

On the other hand, we would ordinarily not expect an employee to go to such lengths. That is why the Gospel reading contrasts the good shepherd with the hired man: “A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.” However, it is not very likely that a business owner would purposefully die for the sake of the business. That would be taking it too far. Yet, that is exactly what the Gospel later

the pope told 550 priests he designated as “missionaries of mercy. In short, mercy restores dignity,” the pope said April 10. “The penitent does not indulge in selfpity for the sin committed, and the priest does not blame him for the evil from which he repented,” the pope added.” Rather, he encourages him to look to the future with new eyes, leading him to ‘springs of water.’” The missionaries of mercy, religious-or-

on suggests. In it, Jesus tells us: “I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own.” By these words, Jesus claims responsibility for his own crucifixion. At the same time, he also claims control over his resurrection, which will reverse the outcome of his death. He lays down his life “in order to take it up again.” Taking up his life again means rising from the dead. Our good shepherd is extremely responsible. He is able to live up to his responsibilities because of the powers that God has endowed him with:. “I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again.”

der and diocesan priests from around the world, were among more than 1,000 who received a special papal mandate to preach and teach about God’s mercy during the 2015-16 Holy Year of Mercy. After listening to “many testimonies of conversion,” Pope Francis said he felt the need to prolong their mission. — CNS

APRIL 20, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

CEF school kids respond with gratitude, prayer

s we approach the end of the school year, our mailbox is overflowing with notes from grateful students and parents who benefited from the generosity of Catholic Education Foundation donors this year. Thanks to more than 1,000 donors, CEF assisted more than 1,600 students through its three scholarship programs this year. Here, in their own words, families in our archdiocese share the impact that CEF donors have had: “My son’s CEF school has been life-changing for us, and I can’t thank

CEF CENTERED

CEF STAFF The Catholic Education Foundation provides financial aid to students in need.

you all enough for helping me with his tuition and allowing him to stay in

his school. As a mother, it’s hard not being able to give my children all they deserve, but today you all made that possible. By donating money toward his tuition, you helped keep a great kid in an even greater school. You’ve shown me what I already know, which is:

‘Through prayer and faith, God makes anything possible for those in need.’ Thank you so very much for your help. Many blessings now and always.” “Having a Catholic education has made me realize the important things in life and how lucky I am. Remember that your generosity is always appreciated and that you always have someone praying for you.” “I’d like to thank you for the scholarship you granted me. Throughout my father’s unemployment, it was the scholarship that allowed me to stay here at my school. I hope that one day I will be able to help students achieve their dreams, just as you put me on

the path to achieve mine.” “Thank you for sending me and my brothers and sisters to our Catholic school. I really appreciate it. I like it because I can talk about God, I have a lot of friends I can trust and I get a good education.” “I love going to a Catholic school because I am able to be physically close to God (the church is right next door) and spiritually close to God because we have church every Wednesday. Going to a Catholic school has formed my life. I know I have grown closer to God. Thank you so much; I will keep you in my prayers!”

Hundreds more notes just like these have arrived at our office in recent weeks, representing students and families benefiting from all three scholarship programs CEF offers: the traditional CEF scholarship program, the Kansas Tax Credit for Low-Income Student Scholarship Program and the CEF Futures Guardian Angel Fund. To all those who helped support the 1,600-plus scholarships this year, we echo the words of another CEF parent: “You may never know how much your gift means. We are very grateful. God Bless You!”

Deacons must resist conservative versus liberal quagmire

s I watch our growing community of deacons in the archdiocese, I’m especially edified when I see them engaged in pastoral ministry, whether it’s working in prisons, tending to the sick or dying, or ministering to young families. Not surprisingly, the church asks us to put an emphasis on the men’s pastoral formation in preparing them for ministry as deacons. And so, throughout their five years of formation, the deacon candidates receive a steady dose of pastoral training and experience. They even take a course specifically on pastoral theology shortly before ordination.

ORDAINED TO SERVE

LEON SUPRENANT Leon Suprenant is the co-director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate. He may be reached at leons@archkck.org.

While I think all would agree that it’s important to be “pastoral,” sometimes we use fancy

words like that without a clear understanding of what they mean. “Pastoral” comes from the Latin noun “pastor,” which means “shepherd.” In short, it refers to the work and concern of the shepherd for his sheep. Jesus referred to himself as “the good shepherd” and to us as his “sheep,” so the

term is founded on the very words of Christ. The term “pastoral” especially applies to bishops and priests, to whom the church has entrusted the “pastoral” care of an entire diocese or parish, respectively. But all the faithful are called to be the eyes, voice, back, hands and feet of Christ in the world. And the term especially applies to deacons who, acting in the person of Christ the Servant, identify the needs of the sheep and then marshal the church’s material and spiritual resources to meet those “pastoral” needs. Christians follow the biblical model of Moses, whose call to serve God’s people entailed his

becoming “an associate in [God’s] compassion” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2575). So, really, pastoral theology approaches Christian doctrine with a view to its application to the church’s activity in the world. The goal of this activity is always the promotion of holiness, but we begin by meeting people where they are and tending to their wounds. Yes, we all need, as Pope Francis would say, to smell like the sheep. This understanding avoids two extreme approaches to “pastoral” care. On the one hand, pastoral care that is not informed by doctrine becomes mere social work, whereas pastoral care that seemingly ignores

human needs often fails to stir the human heart. We’re living in a time marked by relativism and the tendency to pit truth and doctrine (“conservatives”) against love and mercy (“liberals”). Pastoral theology addresses these signs of the times. As Christ’s associates in ministry, deacons cannot be agents of the unity for which Our Lord prayed and offered his life if they allow themselves to align with either of these opposing camps. We stress to our deacons that they must always witness to truth and charity if they are to be authentic, “pastoral” ambassadors of the mercy of Christ.

Electing Republicans is no guarantee of protecting Christian values

“T

he Benedict Option,” written by Rod Dreher in 2017, was the most talked about book in Christian circles in at least 10 years. Many of Dreher’s arguments about the extent to which Christians should “withdraw” from mainstream society continue to provoke sometimes heated debate, and not without reason. One of his claims, however, should strike anyone paying the least bit attention as patently obvious. Surveying the tide of secularism washing over America, Dreher witheringly lampoons the idea that “there’s nothing here that can’t be fixed by continuing to do what Christians have been doing for decades

CHURCH AND STATE

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

— especially voting for Republicans.” Kansas is a case study in this reality. On March 29 of this year, the Kansas House of Representatives voted

down legislation (HB 2481) that would protect faith-based adoption providers like Catholic Charities from the fate that has befallen them in Illinois, Massachusetts, Washington, DC, and elsewhere. In those places, government agencies forced Catholic Charities to close because of their policy of placing children only in homes where they would have

a married mom and dad. Because of this worrying trend, and because the ACLU — when not overly busy suing Catholic hospitals for not performing abortions — has begun casting its litigious gaze upon religious adoption agencies, seven states have passed laws protecting those agencies’ work. Oklahoma seems poised to follow in their footsteps, but Kansas is a different story. Here, 27 House Republicans voted no on the bill. Stunningly, four of the six members of House Republican leadership voted with the ACLU against Catholic Charities. Joining them were four Republican chairmen of major House committees. Fortunately, the Kansas Senate acted first, and 28 out of 40

Visit the website at: www.ProtectAdoptionChoice. org to learn more and contact your state representative and senator. senators voted yes. However, the Senate floor debate was the scene of an ugly remark that you undoubtedly would have heard about before now had it been directed at any other group than Catholics. There, Republican Sen. Barbara Bollier, after laying out a farcical understanding of what the “Catholic religion” believes about the seven deadly sins, took the mic again and called those beliefs “sick.” She closed by saying, “I know bigotry when I see it.” None of this is to exonerate the Democratic Party, whose platform reads as a sort

of anti-catechism for people who believe what the Catholic Church teaches about the human person. But the idea that simply pushing the red button instead of the blue one will elect people committed to protecting religious freedom is becoming more mistaken by the minute. The Kansas House will have another chance to pass HB 2481 before May 4. Tell your representative to vote “yes.” Accept no excuses. Then mark Aug. 7 on your calendar, the date of the primary election. Find out how your representative voted on HB 2481 and choose accordingly.

APRIL 20, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE

Former Olathe parishioner Joe Weber travels the world helping those in need By Olivia Martin Leaven Staff

LATHE — Joe Weber has lived in an average of twoand-a-half countries per month for the past year. And he isn’t backpacking across the world. He’s just doing his job. Weber is the country representative for Pakistan for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and has worked in many of the 122 countries that have a CRS presence, from Zambia to Jamaica to Afghanistan. In the midst of his work and travels, he recently found the opportunity to return to his former parish to speak about his experiences. Once a youth minister at Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, Weber has always had a heart for service. From serving the poor in Guatemala with a group from the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center while attending the University of Kansas, to writing his theology master’s dissertation on St. John Paul’s definition of solidarity with the poor, Weber had a sense that he was called to give his life to them. “It occurred to me: We just have to live close [to each other],” said Weber. “We don’t have to fix people. By living close to people, by being there, you develop a relationship. And then, you’re not dealing with an abstract concept of human suffering. “You’re working with actual people.” In 2004, when a magnitude 9.2 tsunami hit Southeast Asia, Weber was safely thousands of miles away returning to Kansas after spending Christmas in Colorado. “I remember thinking, ‘That is where I should be. I should be in those places.’” Ever since that moment, Weber knew he was being called to serve the poor abroad. And he knew he wanted to be there the next time disaster struck. “In 2010, I was in the Dominican Republic [with CRS] when the earthquake hit Haiti,” said Weber. “So, there I was.” Now, more than eight years later — after years working with kids in innercity Kingston, Jamaica, and helping Syrian refugees secure shelter and rural villages in Afghanistan start schools for their children — Weber loves his job more than ever. “Nine-to-five are basically the best eight hours of my day,” he said. “I really love the people I work with and enjoy getting to know them and working through challenges with them. “And these are the people we’re supposed to be afraid of — Afghans and refugees and kids involved in gangs! But

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE WEBER

Joe Weber stands in the hills of Afghanistan. Weber is the country representative for Pakistan for Catholic Relief Services and has worked in many of the 122 countries that have a CRS presence.

“

“BY LIVING CLOSE TO PEOPLE, BY BEING THERE, YOU DEVELOP A RELATIONSHIP AND THEN YOU’RE NOT DEALING WITH AN ABSTRACT CONCEPT OF HUMAN SUFFERING.” when you get the good luck of meeting them in the right circumstances, they’re better friends and colleagues than you would get anywhere.” Weber’s work has not only impacted the communities he has served abroad. Ngugi Kamau, a parishioner of Prince of Peace Parish since 2006, was one of the crowd of people who listened to Weber’s

presentation there earlier this month. “I was very excited to meet someone from CRS,” said Kamau. “Growing up in coastal Kenya, I had a lot of help from CRS and always wanted to hear how it worked from the real people who work there.” Kamau felt he was able to relate to Weber in many ways and was struck by Weber’s message of service. “Joe made me realize that I need to do more — do more in love,” he said. “It could be anything: praying for those in need, giving to the needy, being there for the depressed. . . . I can be the light of Christ by the way I live my life in my family, my community and in my workplace.” Father Frank Burger, who was pastor at Prince of Peace Parish during Weber’s time as youth minister, noticed the impact Weber has made on the local community as well. “We were happy to have Joe as the leader of our youth ministry,” said Father Burger. “He provided both interesting

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and educational opportunities to our youth. He led the mission trips that provided greater insights to our youth about the need for service as a hallmark of the church.” Following the yellow brick road home to Kansas is more than a chance for Weber to visit family and friends. “Coming back to the U.S. has given me so many opportunities to talk about what I do,” he said. “What people don’t necessarily realize is that in some way, shape or form, they’re already supporting CRS,” he continued, pointing out that the Lenten Rice Bowls are a common way people in parishes contribute to CRS. “Coming back and meeting people that make that possible and [saying] thank you gives me the opportunity to marinate in my own gratitude,” said Weber. “It’s been really good for my faith to be able to put faces to the generosity of the church,” he added. For more information about CRS, visit the website at: www.crs.org.

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Archdiocesan 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration Church of the Nativity/Leawood, KS June 10, 2018 at 2 p.m. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann invites couples celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2018 to a Golden Anniversary Mass in their honor with reception following.

To receive your invitation from Archbishop Naumann, please call the Marriage & Family Life Office at (913) 647-0345.

Helen Skradski

Steve Pierce

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