04-24-09 Vol. 30 No. 34 by The Leaven

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 30, NO. 34 APRIL 24, 2009

A LIVING LEGACY The children taught by the Ursuline Sisters of Paola number 50,000 strong. Inside, a few share just what the Sisters meant to them. Come together

A century of service

The Ursuline Sisters may be leaving the archdiocese, but they’re not closing up shop. Instead, they’re merging with a group of Ursulines in Kentucky. See how both communities are preparing for the merger. Page 3

For more than a century, the Ursuline Sisters have been known primarily as educators. But their service to the archdiocese has been far broader than that. Pages 8-9

Carrying on

Staying put

What will become of the more than 100 Ursuline Associates in the archdiocese? They’ll be carrying on the work of Ursuline founder St. Angela Merici, of course. Page 5

While the majority of the Ursulines will move to Kentucky, a handful of Sisters are staying behind to continue ministries here in the archdiocese. Page 16

Don’t miss your chance to say goodbye There will be two celebrations to honor the Ursuline Sisters of Paola. • May 3: St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park. Mass begins at noon, followed by a reception at Bishop Miege High School until 4 p.m. • May 9: Holy Trinity Parish, Paola. Mass begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a potluck at the school.

2 ARCHBISHOP

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 24, 2009

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

‘Already one of us’

Catholic backdrop makes president’s policies appear palatable

ith many other bishops, priests and faithful Catholics, I was dismayed to learn that the University of Notre Dame had extended an invitation to President Barack Obama to deliver this year’s commencement address, as well as to receive an honorary degree. I do not fault the president for accepting this invitation, but the university for offering it. Notre Dame’s action is inconsistent with its Catholic identity and harmful to the efforts of the church to advocate for the protection of innocent, preborn human life. In June of 2004, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops requested that Catholic institutions “not give awards, honors or platforms” to those “who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles.” Catholic institutions, by honoring those who support legalized abortion, send a message that the church is not all that serious regarding its efforts to defend innocent human life. Notre Dame is regarded by many as the premiere Catholic university in the United States. Notre Dame’s invitation to President Obama reveals that the leadership of the university is either incredibly naïve or just does not care about the impact of its actions on the church’s efforts to protect the lives of innocent, vulnerable unborn children. Father John Jenkins, CSC, the president of Notre Dame, has attempted to posture Notre Dame’s honoring President Obama as a vehicle for engaging the president in dialogue. In re-

ality, Notre Dame’s invitation signals to President Obama that there is no need to dialogue. Why should the president feel a need to dialogue when he is honored by our nation’s most prestigious Catholic university no matter how extreme his policies and actions supporting legalized abortion? Perhaps, if President Obama’s record on legalized abortion was somewhat mixed or he was showing some evidence, since becoming president, of moderating his radical proabortion position, one could understand the university’s mistaken judgment. Yet, this is certainly not the case with President Obama. His brief record as an Illinois state senator and U.S. senator was abysmal on the abortion issue. President Obama is the most strident supporter of legalized abortion ever to reside at the White House. As a state senator, Obama actively worked against legislation that would have banned the killing of disabled newborn children who were born alive after botched abortions. While in the U.S. Senate, he declared his support for partial-birth abortion. As a presidential candidate, he expressed his desire early in his presidency to sign into law the so-called Freedom of Choice Act that would negate every federal and state limitation on abortion, e.g., parental notification and consent statutes, the partial-birth abortion ban, restrictions on tax funding of abortions, etc. On Jan. 22, with more than a hundred thousand pro-life advocates gathered in Washington to commemorate the somber 36th anniversary of the

Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion, President Obama issued a public statement in favor of the Supreme Court’s 1973 ruling that struck down every state law protecting the life of unborn children. A few days later, President Obama issued executive orders releasing hundreds of millions of federal tax dollars to fund abortion groups operating overseas. A few weeks later, the president committed federal financial support for research that destroys human embryos. President Obama’s appointments are even more troubling. His chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, had a 100 percent pro-abortion voting record. Similarly, Hilary Clinton, the president’s choice for Secretary of State, is a strident advocate for abortion. His initial nomination of former Senator Tom Daschle and his subsequent nomination of our own Governor Kathleen Sebelius — both Catholics who have long records of support for legalized abortion — to the key post of secretary for Health Human Services are particularly offensive. Seeking out pro-abortion Catholics to preside over the implementation of this administration’s policy on embryonic stem-cell research and its proposed health care reform was compared by one commentator to finding a renegade rabbi to bless the pork at a banquet. What are even more troubling are the appointments that are being made under the radar screen, the second tier of appointments that do not receive much public scrutiny. President Obama has literally filled the White House, as well as federal departments and agencies, with leaders from the nation’s foremost abortion advocacy groups. The president appointed Dawn Johnsen, the former NARAL (National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League) legal director as assistant attorney general for the Office of Legal Counsel; Ellen Moran, the former director of Emily’s List — a political action committee that only sup-

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ports pro-abortion candidates — as the White House communications director. Melody Barnes, a former board member for Emily’s List, serves as President Obama’s director of domestic policy. This is just a sampling of the pro-abortion extremists that now hold key positions within the administration. Of course, the most potentially damaging appointments President Obama has not yet had the opportunity to make. These will be his appointments of federal judges and, in particular, justices to the Supreme Court, who will be affecting public policy on abortion and the definition of marriage long after Barack Obama completes his term as president. In light of the appointments for his administration and a Senate willing apparently to confirm any appointment by this president, I shudder to think of the future composition of our courts. I pray for President Obama and urge you to pray for the president’s success in leading our nation through the current economic crisis, as well as for his effectiveness in responding to the many foreign threats to our nation. It goes without saying that the Catholic community must be willing to work with the president and this administration for the good of our country. Yet, a Catholic university should not honor this president and provide him with the backdrop of a Catholic institution to make appear palatable his radical agenda in support of legalized abortion. If you are as disappointed and distressed as I am about Notre Dame’s honoring President Obama, I encourage you to write to Father John Jenkins, CSC, at: University of Notre Dame, 300 Main Bldg., Notre Dame IN 46556, expressing your disapproval of the university ignoring the request of the Catholic bishops of the United States that Catholic institutions not honor or give platforms to those who support legalized abortion.

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By JILL RAGAR ESFELD Leaven staff s the Ursuline Sisters of Paola prepare for their new lives with the Ursulines of Mount Saint Joseph in Maple Mount, Kentucky, they take great comfort in all the communities already share — a deep faith in Jesus Christ, an abiding commitment to the philosophy of their founder, a charism of teaching and, most important, a deep and abiding love for popcorn. The Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph look forward to the arrival of the new members to their community. But first and foremost, they look forward to the arrival of their popcorn machine. “The Sisters in Kentucky think popPhoto courtesy of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph corn is one of the basic food groups,” said The Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph wave a welcome to the Paola Ursulines after the merger passes during Community Days on July 17, 2008. Sister Pat Lynch of Paola. “They are just crazy about popcorn and we happen to Community Days, we’ll have games like the Kentucky Sisters, who will then pray Seven months after the visit, the Paola have a big popcorn machine. So, of Scrabble and Yatzee,” added Sister Pat. a blessing over the room. congregation officially requested to course, the machine is going.” Once the Paola Sisters get settled, The true welcome celebration will take merge with Mount Saint Joseph, bringing Conveniently, the Ursuline Sisters place this summer during Community there will be no shortage of things for that convent’s numbers to 180 Sisters, from Belleville, Ill., who merged with Days, an annual event when all the Sisters them to do. about 80 of whom live at the Mount. The Mount Saint Joseph in 2005, are great “We have a craft room for the ones in the community return to the motherrest minister in many areas throughout fans of popcorn, too. who like crafts,” said Sister Michele. “We house. A special task force, led by Sister Kentucky and in New Mexico, Tennessee, “The first thing the have a farm for the ones who like to Minnesota, Missouri, Pat, has been formed to plan the event. Paola Sisters are going make jelly and jam and stuff like that — Community Days will start July 8 with Louisiana and, of to ship is their popcorn Keeping tabs they will be able to putter to their hearts’ a special Mass celebrated by the bishop course, Kansas. popper,” said Sister content. And there’s always room for to acknowledge the new merger. The Sister Helen Michele Morek, conFriends of the Ursulines more card players in the dining room afPaola Sisters will have a procession into Hermreck was the first gregational leader at of Paola can keep tabs on ter prayers.” the church, each accompanied by one Sister from Paola to Mount Saint Joseph, the Sisters after the move One of the major fundraisers for Sister from Mount Saint Joseph. There make the move, arriv“and so we’re going to by visiting the Web site of Mount Saint Joseph’s retired Sisters is an will be a renewal of vows for the Paola ing at the motherhouse put that in the dining the Ursulines of Mount annual picnic where crafts are sold and Sisters as a sign of their acceptance into last January. room. Oh, we are so Saint Joseph at: www. raffled, so extra hands are always needed the new community. “It was really sweet ready!” ursulinesmsj.org. The and creative hands are most appreciated. “After Communion, there will be a litwhen she arrived,” said Sister Pat said that Sisters have also launched “Nobody ever retires as an Ursuline tle ritual involving the blessed water and Dan Heckel, director of as the day of departure a monthly electronic Sister, I’m told,” said Heckel. “I’m sure soil from Paola,” said Sister Pat. “A tree communications for nears, the Paola Sisters newsletter; subscribe at they’re already conspiring to figure out from Paola will be brought up by the two Mount Saint Joseph. are ready, too. the Web site. what jobs they’ll have when they get leaders of the communities, and then we “They picked her up “We’ve had several Dan Heckel, director of here.” will plant the tree using the soil and wa[from the airport] and give-away days where mission advancement and The mood in Paola right now is a comdrove her out here, and ter that we brought.” we just go through our communications for the bination of excitement, nerves and some After Mass, the Sisters will share a everybody was waiting rooms and get rid of Ursuline Sisters of Mount sadness, said Sister Pat. After more than special meal of fried chicken and mashed for her and sang songs what we don’t want, Saint Joseph, said people a century of dedication to this archdiopotatoes — a favorite menu by consenand took pictures. It and that’s been a really are welcome to contact him cese, it will be difficult to part. But the sus. The dining room decoration will rewas very welcoming. good thing,” she said. with any questions about Ursuline Sisters hope their presence will flect the spirit of all three merged com“She seems so hapLikewise, the how the Paola Sisters are continue to be felt here. munities, including sunflowers from py here. She doesn’t Mount Saint Joseph doing at: info@maple “Our community will try to keep a Kansas. The meal will be topped off with see very well, and I group is preparing for mount.org . presence in Kansas as long as possible,” know I’ve seen Sisters ice cream. its new arrivals. said Sister Michele. “We understand how “We always have ice cream on reading letters for her.” “We have all their attached the people of Kansas are to the The rest of the group will be departing Sundays,” said Sister Pat. “And so, even pictures up on our bulletin board and the though it’s not a Sunday, it will be part of Sisters and how attached the Sisters are by car in three shifts on May 15, June 1, Sisters go by and make sure they’ve got to the diocese — after all, their roots are the celebratory dinner.” and June 15. Each car will carry a jar of their names memorized,” said Sister there.” The evening will also include an icePaola water and a jar of Paola soil Michele. Sister Michele promised that as long The Paola community came to visit blessed by chaplain Father Aaron Peters, breaker called “merger mixer,” to help as there is a Sister who wants to minister the Sisters get to know one another. OSB, at a special Mass the morning of the the Mount Saint Joseph motherhouse in The second evening of Community in Kansas, the Ursulines will make that respective departure. 2006 for the Fourth of July weekend, possible. She also wanted to assure the Days will be a singalong hootenanny When the Sisters arrive at Mount and the two groups hit it off immediatefriends of the Paola Ursulines that they Saint Joseph, they will be met by a with favorite songs from the Paola, ly. will be cared for and appreciated. Belleville and Kentucky Sisters, accom“We had a wonderful time,” said Kentucky counterpart, who will formally “You just let people know that we love receive the jars of soil and water. After a panied by the other community favorite Sister Michele. “The Paola Sisters are these Sisters,” she said. “And they are albrief reception, each Paola Sister will go — popcorn. very creative and lots of fun. They love to ready one of us.” “And then at the last evening of to her new room, accompanied by one of play games, so they fit in very well here.”

URSULINE MEMORIES

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have many happy and fond memories of Sister Hildegard and Sister Henrietta. They taught me everything I know about being Catholic and taught me to love it. I remember all the songs we used to sing and talking about the mustard seed and how so much could grow from such a tiny seed. What I remember most of all is being in Mass with Sister Hildegard and, while kneeling, several of my classmates were sitting back on the pews. Sister Hildegard scolded them and said, “Jesus died for you; the least you can do is kneel for him.” I remember her saying that every single Sunday when I go to Mass, and it seems like such a small sacrifice to make.

Sheila Sillitto Roswell, Ga.

hile attending Bishop Miege High School in the ’70s, I remember studying the Old Testament with Sister Johanna, followed by geometry with Sister Jane. Several world cultures were introduced to me by Sister Kathleen Condry, and my love for the sciences was deepened by Sister Martina in biology II. Looking for a certain book meant asking Sister Julianna in the library, and Sister Millie was always there for a trip down to Lakemary to help with a service project. Today I am blessed with enjoying my lunches with Sister Martina before I return to my office as school nurse (at Bishop Miege) and Sister Martina heads up to the classroom to teach AP biology to many lucky students — including my son Justin! We are truly blessed.

t St. John the Baptist School (in Greeley) we learned modern math long before it was modern from the Ursuline Sisters. What a surprise it was to enter public high school and college and realize how their teachings set the stage for future education. Many thanks to them for the lives they have touched.

Maura (Feehan) Peterson

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Become an associate The Ursuline Sisters are committed to a life of serving others, of welcoming the stranger, and of giving glory to God. To learn more about the Ursuline Sisters, visit the Web site at: www.ursulines msj.org. “The doors are always open; all are always welcome,” said Carol O’Keefe, co-director of Ursuline associates in the archdiocese. Those interested in learning more about becoming an associate should send an e-mail to Carol at: Casjokeefe@aol.com.

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he Ursuline Sisters of Paola may be leaving the archdiocese, but the work of their founder will be continued here, by the more than 100 Ursuline Associates they leave behind. “When the initial announcement came, my heart just dropped,” said Carol O’Keefe, who co-directs the Ursuline Associates with Sister Marie William Blyth, associate director of Paola. “I am the first one to share with anyone who wants to listen that the Ursulines are my family,” O’Keefe said. “I’ve been an associate for 10 years now, and they are just like my sisters. I love every one of them dearly.” The Ursuline Associates of Paola were established under the guidance of Sister Marie William in 1980. Their purpose is to study the writings of ursuline founder St. Angela Merici and incorporate what they learn into their daily lives. It’s a way of “going to Angela, who will take us to the feet of Jesus,” explained Marian Bennet, an associate at Mount Saint Joseph and director of Ursuline partnerships there. “It’s an ongoing relationship of prayer and mission,” she continued. “We study the writings and inspiration of the founder and model our lives after the things that she accomplished and strived for in her lifetime — dealing with the poor and the forgotten, dealing with people on all levels of society, encouraging family life, and the nurturing of women and children.” When the Paola associates first learned of the Ursuline merger, they were devastated. But the ready and open support for the local associates from the Mount Saint Joseph community has gone a long way to prepare them for the transition. Early on, Sisters from Mount Saint Joseph, accompanied by Bennet, came to Paola and spoke to the associates. “And it was like breathing new life,”

This stained-glass window at the Ursuline motherhouse in Paola depicts Ursuline founder St. Angela Merici coming to America. Ursuline Associates study her writings and incorporate what they learn into their daily lives. There are more than 100 associates in the archdiocese. said O’Keefe. “It made so many of us aware that we’re not just our little group. We’re part of a much, much bigger picture and a much bigger family.” “When I met with the associates in Paola, I just couldn’t do enough because their enthusiasm and their faith is just so deep and contagious,” said Bennet. To keep their connection with each other and remain active, local associates decided to divide into small faithsharing groups. “We formed the groups by geographical area in the archdiocese,” explained O’Keefe. “The Sisters remaining here for their ministries are always invited to stop in to any of these meetings. Right now, we have three groups formed who are meeting on a regular basis, and we are working on forming more groups.” The purpose of the meetings is to provide associates the chance to continue to come together regularly for prayer, she said, and to study Angela Merici’s teachings. Bennet just returned from her fourth visit to Paola, saying she’s tried to give the associates here more than just a business card and a Web site. She wants them to understand that they now belong to Mount Saint Joseph,

which boasts a group of about 400 associates concentrated in the Kentucky area, but extending as well to Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, California and New Mexico — wherever the Sisters have ministered. “My purpose is to assure them, ‘You are welcomed, you are not forgotten, you are all part of the Ursuline family,’” she said. “I’ve gotten to know Carol as well as Sister Marie William and I think the three of us are confident that this is going to be a good experience for everybody,” she added. Associates here can follow the new lives of the Paola Sisters through the Mount Saint Joseph Web site, as well as a quarterly newsletter and a monthly emagazine called The Pilgrimage, which made its debut this month. Mount Saint Joseph also hosts an Associates Day each year, and many of the archdiocesan associates plan to attend this year’s event, scheduled for June 27. “We’re very excited about that,” said Bennet. “We’re still working on a transition ritual because they are Ursuline Associates coming into the larger family.” Since the associates will no longer have the convent in Paola as a home

base, Father Larry Albertson, pastor of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Wea, has offered them meeting space on a regular basis and the use of the community hall for bigger gatherings, such as days of reflection. “My prayers are answered,” said O’Keefe, when Father Albertson informed her of the generous offer. “That was really weighing heavy on my mind.” Sister Marie William will be one of the first Sisters to head out for Mount Saint Joseph, leaving O’Keefe behind to manage the associates. But with the guidance of St. Angela — and the support of Bennet and the Ursuline Sisters remaining to continue their ministry in this area — O’Keefe feels she’s up to the challenge. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes because my heart and my commitment are definitely there and have never wavered,” she said. “This is like a marriage to me: I’m in it for the long haul. “We will continue to thrive and we’ll continue to spread the spirit of our founder, St. Angela.” “I think the Paola associates are anxious,” said Sister Marie William, “but I think they’re also eager to be part of this and continue with our charism.” O’Keefe agreed. “We’re to the stage now where many of us are excited about this merger. It’s definitely becoming a very positive thing.”

URSULINE MEMORIES M

y beloved aunt was Sister Mercedes, a member of the Ursuline community. As a small child, I remember many a Sunday afternoon the family would drive to Paola to visit her. Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea, had the Ursuline Sisters teaching during my grade and high school days. I really have wonderful memories of the very dedicated Sisters. I am sure that they were strict, but I remember mostly all their kindness. The bumper sticker says, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” Thank you, Sisters, for what you have done for so many. May God continue to bless you.

was a student at Holy Cross School and St. Thomas Aquinas High School, both in Overland Park. Sister Helen Smith was our principal my eighth-grade year and I recall doing morning prayers and then making my way into her office and seeing all the lovely angels there. She even had a story to go with each one. I also remember the following year meeting Sister Kathleen Condry at Aquinas. She always seemed to have such excitement and pep. It was wonderful to hear her inspire us to sell those chocolates and cheer our teams on to victory. Thanks for the memories, Sisters Helen and Kathleen!

Robert J. Vohs

Christy Smigin

he Ursuline Sisters of Paola have shaped Catholic secondary education in northeast Johnson County since it first started in 1945 with the opening of St. Agnes High School. From the beginning, when the vast majority of faculty was Sisters, to today with Sister Martina Rockers, the Ursulines have been the nurturing force in the development of our school. Their dedication and witness have formed and sustained a strong Catholic school culture that has served the families of the surrounding neighborhoods in an exceptional manner for over 60 years. Countless numbers of young people have benefited from the Ursulines’ selfless efforts to provide a quality education while guiding their students to become true disciples of Christ in their daily lives. In addition, the Sisters have prepared the laity to follow in their footsteps and sustain this wonderful work. It has been a true privilege for us lay staff members to witness firsthand as the Ursulines have provided a great model for what it means to be a “Catholic school educator.” The Ursuline Sisters have been a special blessing to our school community. We are all in awe of their many wonderful works through the years. It is, of course, our challenge to continue this amazing legacy. Dr. Joe Passantino President, Bishop Miege High School

fondly remember Sister Kathleen Condry. She was my principal both in grade school and high school. Her love of God was very apparent to me, and I remember school assemblies where she would work to teach us songs out of the church hymnal. There are songs we sing today during Mass that still evoke memories of hearing Sister teaching it to me when I was younger. She always had a smile on her face, which echoed the smiles of the angels that she collected.

Nick Padley Church of the Ascension, Overland Park

6 LOCAL NEWS Louis and L. Edith (Draper) Soetaert, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Gardner, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary April 25 with an open house reception from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Parish center, ANNIVERSARIES 130 E. Warren St., Gardner. The couple was married on April 22, 1944, at Christ the King Parish, Kansas City, Mo. The couple’s children and their spouses are: Alice and Roger Canaan, Wellsville; Charles and Charlene Soetaert, Spring Hill; Linda and Bob Shippy, Gardner; Nancy and Keith Williams, Olathe; Donna and Rick Chrisjohn, Desoto; Allan Soetaert, Gardner; and Paula and Reece Gibson, Gardner. They also have 18 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Carl and Lorene Robbins, parishioners of Sacred Heart Church, Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 2. The couple was married on May 2, 1959, at St. John the Evangelist Church in Kansas City, Kan. The couple will renew their vows at the evening Mass at Sacred Heart Church. They will celebrate with a reception hosted by their children and their spouses: Kevin and Kathy Robbins, Clinton, Mo; Janneane Stark, Kansas City, Kan.; Paula and Bob Odle, Kansas City, Kan.; Francie and Steve Carter, Kansas City, Kan.; Angie Davison, Kansas City, Kan.; and Kyle and Janae Robbins, Kansas City, Kan. They have 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Remember your recently deceased loved one by attending a Memorial Mass Saturday May 2, 2009 9 a.m. Holy Redeemer Chapel, Gate of Heaven Cemetery 126th & Parallel Parkway Kansas City, Kan.

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES 913-371-4040 www.catholiccemeterieskc.org

Wyandotte County Mt. Calvary, Kansas City, Kan. St. John, Kansas City, Kan. Gate of Heaven, Kansas City, Kan.

Johnson County Resurrection, Lenexa, Kan. St. Joseph, Shawnee, Kan. St. John, Lenexa, Kan. Mt. Calvary, Olathe, Kan.

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 24, 2009 David W. and Patricia Ann Carey, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on May 14. The couple was married on May 14, 1949, at Holy Name Church, Kansas City, Mo. Their children are: Gayle Patricia Grape, Mary Christine Vittorino, Regina Ann Hoover, Virginia Lynn Umscheid, and Aloysius Timothy Carey. They also have 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Glen and Pat Harris, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Leavenworth, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 18. The couple was married on April 18, 1959, at Sacred Heart. They celebrated by spending their anniversary weekend with all their children and their families at The Rusty Moose Lodge in Branson, Mo. Their children and their spouses are: Brian Harris, Leavenworth; April and Kenny Williams, Leavenworth; Damian and Cindy Harris, Platte City, Mo.; and Ginger and Mike Loxterman, Roeland Park. They also have 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

For persons recently buried or entombed at one of our Catholic Cemeteries in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties MT CALVARY - KCK Theresa Blancarte Joseph A. Bukaty Sr. Virginia Dean Juan Carlos Dominguez Edward Hopkins Jr. Mary L. Hurtado Lucy King Helen D. Knowles Raymond J. Knowles Chester E. Korona Frank J. Kovich Sr. William F. Lindquist Mary A. Munjak Sister Asuncion Quintero Ospina Helen Papa Joseph “J.R.” Russell Blanche Walker Mary Z. Yadrich Betty L. Yeager Ricardo S. Zamora Betty Zych RESURRECTION Florence E. Abeel Keith Affield Eleanor T. Allison Hanifa Y. Amir Fr. Charles P. Andalikiewicz Lisa A. Ashner Betty Jo Bondank Jose A. Castaneda Patricia K. Decker Barbara Draskovic Ron G. Dye Larry D. Englehart Miguel A. Escamilla Larry Fussell Charles W. Getz Mary Goode Marguerite N. Heffron Janet L. Hinz Julia Rose Horbelt

Andrea M. Husong John J. Kitchin Sriganesh Krishnasamy Roy V. Jackson Clayton W. Jennings Daniel B. Lawless Thomas P. Mahoney Donald R. Mathewson Julie A. Mayne Gordon A. Miller Karl C. Moyer Arturo C. Munoz James P. Murphy Mary A. Musser Leroy R. Nedrow Elizabeth J. Raleigh Kathleen G. Rains Richard J. Rhoades Leo C. Riehle Anthony J. Rinella Mary L. Scheier Lillen G. Steinmetz Frank C. Walsh Lois Winkler Betty L. Yeager Elizabeth A. Zetzman ST JOSEPH Albert C. Henke Teresa L. Lancaster Gabriel Valentino Wilson ST JOHN – LENEXA Jane T. Klein John B. McCormack MT CALVARY OLATHE Jane K. Clark GATE OF HEAVEN Marc D. Conklin Mary A. Paulin Eileen M. Suprenant Joseph E. Wiggans

John and Joan Markowitz, members of St. Joseph Parish, Olpe, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 25. The couple was married on April 25, 1959, at Sacred Heart Church, Emporia. Their children are: Robert Markowitz, Troy, Ohio; Shelly Trear, Wichita; Lori Limchayseng, Novato, Calif.; and Patrick Markowitz, Reston, Va. They also have 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They will celebrate with their family on a trip in June.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY The Leaven only prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the desired publication date. Announcements must be typed. They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Please include the following Information: • The couple’s names; their parish; the date they were married; church and city where they were married; what they are doing to celebrate; date of the celebration; names of children (if desired); number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; photo. Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an e-mail to: Todd@theleaven.com. If you would like your photo returned to you, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Notre Dame organist to perform in Lawrence LAWRENCE — Olivier Latry, titular organist at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, will present an organ recital on April 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bales Organ Recital Hall on the northwest corner of the Lied Center at the University of Kansas here. Tickets are $11 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased by calling (785) 8642787 or online at: lied.ku.edu.

Charities golf set for May 11 KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The 28th annual Golf Classic to benefit the Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas will be held May 11 at the Shawnee Golf and Country Club. Registration and lunch is at 11 a.m.; a shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m. A live auction, awards and dinner follow play. Cost is $500 for individuals and $2,000 for a foursome. For more information, contact Leslie Strube at (913) 433-2035, or send an e-mail to: lstrube@catholiccharitiesks.org.

Aquinas to hold golf classic OVERLAND PARK — The 22nd annual Coach Mirocke Golf Classic, a benefit for St. Thomas Aquinas High School, will be held on June 1 at Milburn Country Club here. For information about entry fees and sponsorship opportunities, contact Michon Quick at (913) 319-2437.

We are grateful to have served this community since 1929 and we are proud to continue the Skradski Family Tradition of compassion and caring. Helen Skradski Funeral Director

We plan for many major events in our lifetime, such as birthdays, anniversaries, baptisms, weddings, graduations and more. Why should your funeral be any different? Let us assist you in planning the funeral that best represents your wishes. It is a great gift that you can give your children. Call 785-354-7706 today to make an appointment

SKRADSKI FUNERAL HOME 340 N. 6th • Kansas City, Kan. 66101 • (913) 371-1404

Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home 800 West Sixth Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603 www.brennanmathenafh.com

A century of service S By JOE BOLLIG Leaven staff

A bold, new vision The Ursuline tradition of strong, visionary women began with the foundress herself — St. Angela Merici, who was born in 1474 in the region of Lombardy, Italy. Saint Angela came of age with the closing of the Renaissance and the begin-

ning of the Protestant Reformation. She strongly believed that educated women would produce strong and faithful families, and thus build a firm foundation for society. This conviction was confirmed when she experienced a vision of St. Ursula, a fourth-century virgin and martyr who educated other women in the Scriptures. Saint Angela decided to found an order under the patronage of St. Ursula that would offer a radically new vision of religious life, very unlike what had come before. First, it would not be founded as a counterpart of a male religious order. Second, it would not be monastic; the Ursulines would live with their own families and go out into the world. Third, the early Ursulines did not wear habits. Saint Angela knew the world was changing rapidly, and she established these fundamentals to help the Sisters adapt to the needs of the times. Thus, the Ursuline charism was established. Soon the number of Ursulines grew and began to spread all over Europe, and then to North America.

A bold act of faith The Paola Ursulines trace their lineage to Ursulines who came from Straubing, Germany, and established a foundation in Louisville, Ky., in 1858. Later, the Louisville Ursulines established a house in St. Louis. As with ethnic Catholic communities elsewhere in the United States, these German-speaking Sisters directed their ministry to German-speaking parishes. In time, the American-born Ursulines sought to break away from the German

▲ At one point, the Paola motherhouse was home to 150 Ursuline Sisters. Above, 11 young women prepare to make their vows.

Photo courtesy of the Ursuline Sisters

Sister Rita Redmond chats with one of the children of Lakemary Center, which was founded by the Ursulines to provide services to children with developmental disabilities. It now serves adults as well.

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he wanted to join the Ursuline Sisters of Paola, a teaching order. But she didn’t want to teach. So Sister Susanne Bauer, OSU, cooked and cleaned in the motherhouse for seven years until another Sister became sick. She reluctantly agreed to fill in for her, but only for three days. And she discovered that she loved to teach. Years later, Sister Susanne was asked to become a principal in Oklahoma. “The last placed I wanted to go was Oklahoma,” she said. And she loved it so much she stayed for 18 years. Now, Sister Susanne is being asked to do something else she doesn’t want to do: Say goodbye to the Ursuline motherhouse in Paola forever. But like those earlier changes in life she didn’t ask for, she’s facing this latest one with faith and an open mind. “It involves a lot,” she said. “To me, it’s going to be a new adventure. I don’t know what lies ahead, but I’ll look forward to it, whatever it is. “But at the same time, I’ll always treasure what I had here at Ursuline of Paola.” Faced with a declining number of Sisters and the burden of upkeep for their grand motherhouse, the Ursuline Sisters of Paola decided to merge with the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph in Maple Mount, Ky. On Oct. 21, 2008 — the feast of St. Angela Merici — it became official. The Sisters still haven’t found a buyer for the buildings and 36.5 acres of land. But whether or not it is sold, almost all of the Ursuline Sisters will leave the former motherhouse, now temporarily a convent, sometime this summer. This act will, in a practical way, end the 114-year history of Ursuline Sisters in Paola.

Three Ursuline Sisters instruct their students in an academy classroom, c. 1940. Photos courtesy of the Ursuline Sisters

language, culture, and ways, so they could minister to the broader Englishspeaking community. In 1893, a group of dissenting Louisville Sisters, without the permission of their superior, accepted an invitation from Archbishop Peter Richard Kenrick to come to St. Louis. While he was visiting St. Louis, Bishop Louis M. Fink of the Diocese of Leavenworth also invited the Sisters to come to Scipio to teach in the parish school. These breakaway Ursulines struggled to establish themselves in St. Louis and Shelbyville, Ky. Kansas was no different. Two Ursuline Sisters came to Scipio in 1894 and discovered, even at that late date, Kansas offered plenty of pioneer hardships. “The country is most beautiful and picturesque, but, oh! It is not St. Louis,” wrote Sister Maurice Albert in an August 1894 letter to the Shelbyville Ursulines. She further wrote: “Do all you can by Bishop (John Joseph) Kain (archbishop

of St. Louis from 1895 to 1903) and do not take a step for here before you have seen this place.” The Ursulines ultimately decided, however, that their future awaited them in Kansas. Scipio was too small, so they investigated different locations in the Diocese of Leavenworth before deciding on Paola.

The dynamic century Sister Maurice Albert and Sister Jerome Schaub arrived in Paola on Dec. 8, 1894. Two prominent non-Catholic Paolans, approving of the Sisters’ plans to open an academy, raised funds for them to buy land. Construction began the next summer. Bishop Fink appointed Sister Jerome to be the superior of the order. The academy opened its doors to the boys and girls of Paola on March 1, 1896. The Ursulines planned on waiting to take in

Photo courtesy of the Ursuline Sisters

The Ursuline spirit was a self-sufficient one. Members like Sister Emerentia, Sister Helen and Sister Hildegarde not only made their own music, but they raised their own vegetables and livestock as well. boarders, but one night, soon after the school opened to day students, a Native American woman came to the Ursulines’ door. She begged the Sisters to take care of her two little sons because she couldn’t. Overnight, the academy became a boarding school as well. The ensuing years brought more growth and struggle. During five of the early years there were no graduating classes. In 1902, Bishop Fink intervened to break a tie for election of a new superior, which led to a split in the community. Fifteen Sisters returned to Louisville or left religious life entirely, and only six Ursulines of Paola re-

mained. However, by 1917, the order had grown to 49 Sisters. Over the years the Ursulines taught in many parish schools of the Diocese of Leavenworth (later the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas). Eventually, the Sisters expanded to schools in Missouri, Oklahoma, California, Illinois, Ohio and California. Eventually, the St. Louis and Shelbyville houses were closed. But the Paola campus continued to grow. A second building was built in 1904. The original motherhouse was added on to in 1905, an auditorium was built in 1916, and a large, new administration building

(now the former motherhouse) was built in 1926. In the early years the Ursulines’ grade school served both boys and girls, but the academy was all-girl. Some were from Paola and others were boarding students. At its peak, the academy had 100 boarders. The academy had an international program that drew students from Latin America, Europe, and Asia. The two-year junior college, established in 1924, was also all female. Enrollment was never high, and the largest junior college graduating class was 21 in 1935. During its history, however, exceptions were made for two men to attend classes. Many of the Sisters taught several grades and often as janitors as well as teachers. As late as the 1980s, they didn’t receive salaries — just meager stipends, most of which went to support the order. Because many of the Sisters came from the small towns and farms of the archdiocese, they were used to hard work and selfsufficiency. They kept livestock and a large garden. During the Great Depression and World War II, they were able to raise rabbits to feed themselves and their students. Saint Angela wanted her Sisters to be flexible and responsive to the needs of people, so when many mothers began to work at nearby war production factories, the Ursulines even offered child care.

Change and evolution The post-World War II era saw, perhaps, the peak years for the Ursuline Sisters of Paola. Nevertheless, the Sisters were forced by declines in enrollment and changing education requirements to close their grade school in 1946, the junior college in 1957, the summer camp in 1967, and the academy in 1971. Sister Mary Charles McGrath, elected superior in 1956, led the Ursulines beyond their traditional classroom ministry, partly in response to the changes introduced by the Second Vatican Council, which lasted from 1962 to 1965. During the ’60s and ’70s, the Ursulines established a community food pantry, a senior citizens center, a foster grandparents program, and the Lakemary Center for children with developmental difficulties. Other Sisters began to serve as hospital chaplains, home health care workers, and in parish ministry. And while they were involved in these, the Ursulines continued to teach in several archdiocesan schools.

Making the life-giving choice The Ursulines were never a large religious order, but they managed nevertheless to produce truly impressive accom-

plishments. Even a willing spirit, however, must bow to demographic realities. Just prior to the Second Vatican Council, the Ursulines of Paola numbered about 150. By 1970, their numbers had declined to about 100 and to 46 by 1995. Finally, by the time of the merger, the order was comprised of 23 Sisters. The median age of the Sisters began to rise, and the youngest and most vital members were pulled away from ministries to undertake administrative duties. In the meantime, over the years, Ursuline landmarks were razed, including the old motherhouse and Brescia Hall in 1985 and the summer camp in 1989. The Ursulines of Paola could have simply tapered off and disappeared, as some orders have chosen to do. Through much discussion, prayer and discernment, the Ursulines chose instead to merge with a Sister congregation: They chose life. This doesn’t mean the end of an Ursuline presence in this area. Sister Kathleen Condry, the local coordinator, and Sister Helen Smith will stay until the property is sold. Eight of the former Paola Ursulines will continue their ministries in this area as Ursulines of Mount St. Joseph: four in the Kansas City area, and one each in Lawrence, Richmond, Emporia and Maryville, Mo. One Sister from Kentucky is interested in moving to Kansas, and it’s possible that others might follow her. And of course, the 110 laypeople who are members of the Ursuline Associates will continue to be active in the archdiocese. One could point to many things as being part of the legacy of the Ursuline Sisters of Paola — all the schools they helped open and operate, the Lakemary Center and various programs in Paola they supported or founded, and the former motherhouse itself. But there are also intangible things. “I’d like to think that our strongest legacy is our contribution to the strength of family life in the archdiocese,” said Sister Kathleen. “All the buildings, institutions, parishes and schools are wonderful things that we helped promote, but our real focus has always been — and will continue to be — to help bring God’s love to all people, especially through strengthening family life. . . . We call it helping people to know, love, and serve God.” “We are very grateful to all the people of the archdiocese,” she continued. “We’ve had a long history of wonderful support for anything we’ve tried to do, not only from parishioners but also the pastors and the bishops we have worked with.” “Our time in the archdiocese,” she concluded simply, “has been very happy.”

URSULINE MEMORIES T

he Ursuline Sisters of Paola have played such a critical role in so many Catholic schools in the archdiocese, it is hard to know where to begin to describe the impact the Sisters have had. Not only were so many Ursuline Sisters fine teachers at every grade level, kindergarten through high school, they also made a significant impact as administrators, including leading the opening of several new schools. To say that the Ursuline Sisters’ legacy is alive in thousands of individuals in our archdiocese sounds trite, but it is so true. Catholic schools in our archdiocese would not be as strong as they are today if it were not for the influence of the Ursuline Sisters of Paola.

Dr. Kathy O’Hara Superintendent of archdiocesan Catholic schools

he first time I became aware of the Ursulines of Paola was when our two oldest of four children were enrolled at Queen of the Holy Rosary. We followed Sister Kathleen Condry, OSU, from there to Holy Spirit, then to Holy Cross when we transferred our daughter to shorten the drive time. (At the time, Holy Spirit did not go up to the grade our older children were in.) And three of the children graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School — so it’s obvious that we believed in Sister Kathleen’s leadership and ability to deliver Christ-centered education. The Ursulines’ mission to serve and build the reign of God was witnessed by so many people. I will never forget the loving care that Sister B gave Father Carl Zawacki when he became debilitated with MS. Between his bravery and her loving care, they inspired so many people.

Mary Bridget Kratofil Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park

was fortunate to be a neighbor of Ursuline as well as a student. As neighbors, my family became very close to Sister Carmelita, who developed a social network once she retired from teaching grade school. Though well into her senior years, Sister would walk through the immediate neighborhood surrounding Ursuline, visiting families of her former students. My dad, who was bedridden in the late 1970s, relished catching up on the local news when she made our house the final stop of her weekly trek. To me, simple deeds like those are what make the Ursulines so special.

hen I was pastor of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park, the Ursuline Sisters of Paola served our school and the parish. They were wonderful. They had a beautiful spirit of faithfilled joy. As teachers and administrators, they served our community well, and everyone loved them. They will always have a special place in my heart.

Mary Pat McQueeney St. John the Evangelist Parish, Lawrence

Father Charles McGlinn Pastor, Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood

ow do I remember the Ursulines? As a child, my mother, brother and I used to ride the train to Paola to see her sisters: Sister Veronica Stoerman and Sister Camelita Stoerman. It was always a pleasure to visit them as they were always smiling and hospitable. My brother John and I used to have fun running up and down the halls and through the tunnel to another building on the campus. An elevator was also available, as well as ramps from one floor to another. On the grounds was a grotto, complete with fish ponds. In the early days, horse-drawn carriages came into the grounds through the ornate gate to deposit a student at the front door. A vegetable garden was always well-tended, as well as flowers in large pots. The school was in a lovely quiet setting. The nuns will be missed by residents of Paola.

Martha A. Bryant

ister Kathleen Condry is personally responsible for allowing my husband to ask me out on a date when she was principal of Queen of the Holy Rosary. My husband went to her and asked her if he could ask me out, but said that he would break up with me before school started again in August. That way, Sister wouldn't have to worry about us dating during school time. Well, we ended up dating (with her permission), and she told him the worst thing for him to do would be to break up with me after we had already started dating. We have now been married for 29 years and have seven children. Sister is the godmother of our sixth child, Michael. If she would have told my husband “no,” many lives would have been changed. We love her and all the Ursulines.

he Ursuline Sisters taught me at Holy Trinity School in Paola from first through eighth grade. As an adult, I have come to realize what a wonderful faith-filled education I received, thanks to them. Although I have taken many classes and tried to continue my faith formation, I still feel like I really learned all the solid basics of our Catholic faith during those eight years. One of my favorite childhood memories of school is playing softball at recess in first and second grade. Sister Felicitas was our pitcher and always put the ball right over the plate so we had a chance of getting a hit. Of course, she was playing in her full long habit and, on windy days, it was a bit of a struggle. I will be forever grateful to all of the Ursuline Sisters for everything they have done for the Paola community. They have helped to form the faith of so many, and it will be with us for many generations to come as we, in turn, share our faith with our families and others.

Maureen Huppe Church of the Nativity Parish, Leawood

Dorothy Auten Barnthouse Church of the Nativity parish, Leawood

12 CLASSIFIEDS ■ EMPLOYMENT Principal - Archbishop O’Hara High School seeks an enthusiastic and visionary candidate to guide our Catholic high school program. Archbishop O’Hara High School has provided quality Catholic education since 1965, with a current enrollment of 431 students, and is located in the Kansas City metro area. The ideal candidate should show a strong ability to communicate well with staff, students and parents; possess marketing and recruitment skills; and have a collaborative leadership style. The qualified candidate must be an active, practicing Catholic in good standing with the church; have a minimum of three years teaching experience; a master’s degree in education, administration or a related field ; and an administrative certificate from the state of Missouri (or the ability to obtain one). Applications may be obtained by calling the diocesan school office at (816) 756-1858, ext. 274, or may be downloaded from the Web site at: www.diocese kcsj.org/schools. Catholic Cemeteries - Is seeking a friendly, energetic, detail-oriented person for a position with our organization. The ideal candidate will have experience with MS Word, Excel and the ability to handle multiple tasks. For information, call Sharon at (913) 371-4040 or send resume, via e-mail, to: svallejo@catholic cemeterieskc.org. Working from home and loving it! - Work with a team of moms to own your own business. Helping moms work from home. No selling, no parties, no inventory, no risk. For information, visit the Web site at: www.MomsForGreen.com. Principal - Thomas More Prep-Marian, a Catholic high school with day and boarding students, is accepting applications for the position of principal for the 2009 - 10 academic year. Applicants must be Catholic. Mail resume to: Thomas More Prep-Marian, attn. Glenn Braun, chairperson, 1701 Hall St., Hays KS 67601. Leasing consultant - Position available for Plaza apartment community. Full- and part-time schedules available, with Saturday hours required. Fax resume and salary requirements to (816) 531-7181 or send, via e-mail, to: rmg@rmgkc.com. P h y s i c a l t h er a pi st - Carondelet Home Care Services is recruiting a full- and/or part-time physical therapist for our Overland Park and Lee’s Summit offices. Requires Mo. and Kan. license, excellent communication skills, and team approach to patient care. Supportive environment and excellent benefits, including mileage. Submit resume to: nlaux@carondelet. com. Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City area. This position is ideal for a determined, high-energy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a betterthan-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For more information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; or call (785) 364-5450.

■ SERVICES

Housecleaning – Charmaine will provide you with excellent service you can depend on. Years of experience in satisfying customers. Serving the greater metro area. Call Charmaine at (913) 972-7900. Engineer – Do you have foundation cracks or water coming into your basement? Are you confused as to what repair is right? Call Mark Schulte – 19 years engineering experience! (913) 851-0606. Accounting/consulting services - Member of St. Joseph, Shawnee. Reasonable rates. Visit the Web site at: www.allaccountskc.com, or call (913) 669-5013. Tutoring, piano and voice lessons - Available for summer, 2009. Instructor customizes lessons to fit the student’s needs and teaches in a fun and meaningful context. For information, call (913) 206-2151 or send an e-mail to: Klmamuric@yahoo.com. Need a “Stimulus Plan” at your house? - Call Sheila at Jazz It Up Interiors to get it started. I have openings for weekly and biweekly housecleanings, as well as evening office cleanings. Also available: interior painting, design consulting, staging and wallpaper removal to stimulate those remaining rooms out of the ’80s! Excellent work, references and rates. (913) 991-4711.

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 24, 2009 All Lawn Services/Mowing/ Fertilizing Most city-sized lots $25-30 Call for a free estimate. Family-owned by local parishioners. Lic/Bond/Ins. References. (913) 620-6063 Spring is here! I do mowing, landscaping, walls, decks, patios, and winter cleanups. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230. Southern Johnson County. Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 422-0610; or send an e-mail to: tkidd@kc.rr.com. Need a speaker for your next meeting or event? G. Hall Harsh, CLTC, can discuss custodial long-term care, Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance. Member of St. Pius X Parish, Mission. Call Hall at (913) 663-1414. Machine quilting by Lyn - I also do T-shirt, photo, and memorial quilts too. Located in Overland Park. Call Lyn at (913) 492-8877. Gol f l ess on s tha t la st! All ages, all skill levels. Individual or group lessons; reasonable rates; certified teaching professional. Member of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park. Call Mike at (816) 522-3847. Virtus trained. To play better golf today. . .call Mike. Preserve your memories by telling your life story ! I can type your memoirs from handwritten or recorded notes. Also provide secretarial services. Call All About Words at (913) 438-5922. Granite, Cambria and Silestone countertops - See our new showroom at 5820 Barton, in the heart of beautiful downtown Shawnee. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058. Caregiver – With over 30 yrs. experience available to care for your loved one(s). Will provide weekday, weekend or live-in care, including light housekeeping and meal preparation. JoCo and WyCo areas preferred. Call Rosane at (785) 312-0031 (mobile). C a re gi v e r n ee d ed – For an elderly woman in Leawood; Sunday nights from 8 p.m. – 8 a.m. Possibly other nights/days. Call Pam at (913) 579-5276. Caregiver - 39-yr-old caregiver with lots of experience; available flexible hours. Great references. Call Kara at (913) 909-6659. Do you need help caring for an elderly family member? Contact Benefits of Home – Senior Care and let our social work expert help you build a plan of care. We provide assistance with homemaker and personal care services, in the comfort of your home. To speak with our social worker, contact Benefits of Home at (913) 422-1591. Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Andrea, Sara or Gary.

■ HOME IMPROVEMENT

Deck Works - Decks; pergolas; ramps; fences; screened porches; licensed and insured; references available; 15+ years of experience. Serving Johnson, Leavenworth, and Wyandotte counties. Call for a free estimate. (913) 432-DECK(3325). Home improvements - Decks and driveways, new and tear-out. Basements finished. Most construction work — start to finish. Reasonable rates; licensed and insured. Call Mike at (913) 592-2333. Damaged sheetrock repaired – WyCo and JoCo areas. Ceilings, painted or textured. 25 yrs. experience; insured and reliable. Call (913) 631-5241. Organizing & handyman services - Basements, garages, attics and shop spaces organized! Your items sorted, boxed & labeled; areas cleaned when finished! Wall repair, interior painting, tile work, handicap bars and ramps. Great references and insured. For pictures of current projects, view my Web site at: www. swalms.com. Call Tillar Swalm at (913) 375-9115. Masonry/carpentry - Brick, block, stone, and tile. Interior and exterior; restoration and new design. Over 10 years experience. Call Ken at (913) 232-9796.

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 24, 2009 House painting - Interior and exterior; wallpaper removal. 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. References. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776. Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and southern KC metro area. Call Pat (913) 963-9896. T im th e H and yma n - Insured; free estimates. Carpentry: new and repair deck, doors, windows, siding, screens. Plumbing: faucet, garbage disposals, toilets. Electrical: switches, outlets, ceiling fans, light fixtures. Light landscape: fill dirt, trimming, planting, garden tilling and mulching. Serving Johnson County. Call Tim at (913) 859-0471. Beat the recession, prices will never be lower! Home additions, kitchens, baths, basements, roofs and fences. Green construction options. Repeat clientele. References available. Licensed and insured. Call Ralph Miller at (913) 927-0267. Masonry work - Quality, new or repair work. Brick, block, and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second generation bricklayer. Call (913) 829-4336. Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing. Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 Cu st om- kit ch en count ert op s - Laminate tops manufactured and installed within 5 days. Competitive prices, dependable work. St. Joseph Parish member. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 9625058. ST A ( Su r e T hi ng A l w ay s ) Ho me Re p ai r Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Call for free estimates. Cell: (913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; e-mail: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation * Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376

■ VACATION

. Lake of the Ozarks rental - Osage Beach, milliondollar view, fully furnished; 2 BR, 2 BA; sleeps six. No smoking, no pets. For rates and online photos, call Steve or Sheryl Roederer at (913) 244-2022. Summer vacation - Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, 1 BA, sleeps six. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec center w/pool, fishing, golf, hiking, rafting, close to nat’l park. $100/night; $600/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 3855589.

■ REAL ESTATE

For sale - Across Quivira from golf course, 12008 Earnshaw, Overland Park, in Stratford Place. 50-plus community; no stairs; 2 BR; 2 full baths; fireplace, maintenance provided. Everything new! For a showing, call Connie at (913) 642-7349. For sale - Beautiful 4 BR, two-story home with twocar garage on a corner lot in St. Paul, Kan. Also selling a 16-acre building site. Will divide into 3-acre tracts. Located on Hwy. 47 in St. Paul, Kan. For information, call Jerry Church, Burchwood Realty, at (620) 724-8627. Lake house for sale – Beautiful and private Lake Kahola, less than two hours from the KC area. Only 10 miles off I-35 at the Emporia exit. This home sleeps 10+ with a 2-car garage, plus a private boat ramp and dock. Located at the water’s edge on a quiet cove with great neighbors. Call Cy at (316) 262-0888.

■ FOR RENT

Living at its best on a budget! - 1 BR apt., with rent based on income; all utilities paid; no voucher needed. Section 8 assistance. Great location, only 5-10 minutes from The Legends in Kansas City, Kan. Edwardsville Court Apartments Highrise, 531 S. 4th St., Edwardsville. Call (913) 441-6007. EHO. Handicap accessible.

KU parents - Condo for rent in Lawrence. 3 BR, 2 BA, beautifully decorated. Short drive to campus and the bus route. Available in August 2009 or could add sublease for summer. Call (913) 814-0574. Housing wanted – 2 BR home or apartment for a school teacher with two children in the Shawnee Mission school district. Rent approximately $600 per month. Call Pam at (913) 579-5276. Apartment for rent – 1 BR, 1 BA. $495 per month, includes utilities. One-year lease. 10911 W. 59th Terr., Shawnee. Near St. Joseph Parish. View at: www. shawnee-rentals.com, or call (913) 649-7596. W e s t S h a w n e e - Very nice, 3 BR, 2-1/2 BA, duplex/townhome. High ceilings with an open twostory floor plan, an unfinished basement, a two-car garage, and a first-floor laundry room. Located on a cul-de-sac. Mowing and snow removal provided. 7111 McCoy. $1195/mo. No pets. (913) 526-5989.

■ CHILD CARE

Nanny- I have many years of experience with kids and I'm looking for a summer position (or longer) as a nanny. I earned my bachelor’s degree last May. WyCo, Roeland Park, or Merriam area. No dogs or cats, I'm allergic. Flexible hours, reasonable rates, and have own transportation. Call Gina at (913) 669-3448. Nanny - Notre Dame de Sion graduate and K-State sophomore looking for summer position as a nanny. Ascension parishioner, flexible hours, have own transportation. Nine years experience with kids up to age 12, and lots of fun! Call Annie Davis at (913) 669-4222 or email her at: ladavis8@ksu.edu. St. Joseph Early Education Center - Is celebrating its 20th year of high quality early childhood education with an open house from 6 - 7:30 p.m. on April 22. Come and see the center for the first time or come and bring back memories from your early childhood. Refreshments will be served. For information, call (913) 631-0004.

■ FOR SALE

For sale – Brand-new (Jazzy) electric scooter. Cost $6000; best offer. (913) 381-5589. For sale below cemetery pricing - Two lots and two vaults at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa. Call Anne Riley at (913) 927-2107. For sale at half price - Two cemetery lots with shared monument rights at Mount Calvary, Kansas City, Kan. Call Anne Riley at (913) 927-2107. For sale - Singer sewing machine, surger, 12 hardbound books, desk, chair, light; used to make square dancing outfits; over 100 rolls of thread, many extras. $450, or best offer. Call (913) 782-1705. Bulk mulch for sale - Prices start at $28/cu. yd. plus a $50 per load delivery fee. For details, visit the Web site at: www.mokanmulch.com or call (913) 6317217. Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross® KC at (913) 393-2042.

■ WANTED TO BUY

*** BUYING *** Coins — Sterling — Watches I buy coins, old watches, sterling silverware, postcards, photographs, military items, political campaign pins, Zippo lighters, fountain pens, toys, slot machines, old signs & tins, quilts, Indian rugs, beadwork, baskets, pottery and 22-gauge rifles. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269. Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

April 25

The Don Lipovac Booster Club will host its annual fuel dance on April 25 at Msgr. Mejak Hall, 513 Ohio Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m.; dancing will follow at 6:30 p.m. Wear your Western attire. The cost is $20 for adults; free for children. The reservation deadline is April 17. For tickets, call JoAnn Lipovac at (913) 299-2792, Richard Schutte at (913) 724-2388, or Mike Waliczek at (913) 3421785. The Women of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, will host their annual spaghetti dinner from 5 - 7:30 p.m. on April 25 in the parish activity center, located at 8101 W. 95th St. Proceeds will be used to offset the cost of food for funeral dinners and coffee and doughnuts after Masses. A donation of $7 for adults, $4 for children, or $25 per family is appreciated. Holy Trinity, Paola, will host its annual benefit auction, “Bella Sera at the HT Ranch,” on April 25 at the Miami County Fairgrounds. Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m., followed by live and silent auctions and dinner. The cost is $20 per person; a table of 8 is $150. To RSVP, call the church office at (913) 557-2067. For information, contact Leon and Laurie Morgan at (913) 294-5767. The Johnson County Unos will gather for 4:30 p.m. Mass on April 25 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission. Dinner will follow at TGI Friday’s, 11851 W. 95th St., Overland Park. Our Lady of Unity School, 34th and Shawnee Dr., Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual Las Vegas night from 6 - 9 p.m. on April 25. Tickets cost $20 per person or $35 per couple, in advance; $25 per person or $40 per couple, at the door. For information, call the school office at (913) 262-7022. The singles group at Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, will host an “Evening in Paradise” singles dance from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. on April 25 in the school cafeteria, located at 9401 Mission Rd. The cost of $15 includes beer, wine, pop, bottled water and hors d’ oeuvres.

“Pure Fashion Show,” a fashion show presenting trendy but tasteful clothing for girls and young women, will be held on April 26 at the Mission Hills Country Club, 5400 Mission Drive (not Road), Mission Hills. The doors open at noon; finger luncheon foods will be served while attendees peruse the silent auction and vendor items. The show begins at 1:30 p.m. The cost of $45 includes lunch. To purchase tickets, visit the Web site at: www.pure fashion.com. For information, send an e-mail to: beckydieterman@aol.com. The Daughters of Isabella, Little Flower Circle No. 503, will host a salad luncheon at noon on April 26 at Rossiter Hall, 204 S.W. 8th, Topeka. All women are asked to bring a salad of your choice. The monthly business meeting will follow at 1 p.m.

The Leavenworth region of ACCW will host its quarterly meeting on April 26 in the community room of the Leintz Funeral Home, 4701 10th Ave., Leavenworth. A potluck luncheon will begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by a rosary and the meeting. For information, call (913) 682-8899. The William T. Fitzsimons Assembly 0280, Knights of Columbus, of Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Kan., will host a Salisbury steak dinner from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on April 26 in Father Davern Hall, 53rd and Leavenworth Rd. The cost is $6 for adults; children eat for free. Proceeds will benefit the memorial chalice and seminarian funds. St. Joseph Parish, 307 Iowa St., Olpe, will host its annual spring festival on April 26 on the school grounds. Dinner will be served and games will be played from 3 6:30 p.m. Bingo will start at 6:45 p.m. in the Knights of Columbus Hall. The cost is $8 for adults: $3 for children ages 6 - 10 years; and $1 for children under six.

A caregivers support group will be offered on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Sandy Silva from the Alliance on Aging will offer information about resources and services to make the caregiving journey less stressful. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.

A free parenting program, entitled, “The Challenge of Parenting Early Teens, ages 11 - 15,” will be offered from 1 2:30 p.m. on April 28 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

The Ladies of Charity of Kansas City will host a private evening tour of the Designer Showhouse from 6 - 8 p.m. on April 29 at The Nelly Don Estate, 5236 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo. The cost of $30 per person includes beverages, appetizers and desserts. For reservations or information, call (913) 491-4475. Proceeds will benefit various not-for-profit groups that serve the underprivileged and uninsured, including the Duchesne Clinic, Seton Center and Villa St. Francis.

Keeler Women’s Center is a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison. Its mission is to empower women in the urban core through education, advocacy, and personal and spiritual development. Professional volunteers are needed to offer programs and services and to provide hospitality and childcare for women attending programs. An information and orientation session for volunteers will be held from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on April 30 at 2220 Central Ave. (Catholic Charities building), Kansas City, Kan. For information, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mount osb.org/kwc.

*** Wanted to Buy *** Antique and vintage costume jewelry Member St. Joseph Parish Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179

■ ENTERTAINMENT

Disc jockey - For your wedding, kolos, nightclubs, corporate parties, teenage celebrations, holiday parties, sock-hops, ethnic, birthdays, holiday parties, hiphop/rap, golden oldies. Member of St. Therese Parish,

M-F 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Summer Months: Sat. 10 a.m to 3 p.m.

May 2

The Serra Clubs of Kansas City will host their annual “Blisters for Sisters” walk-a-thon on May 2 at Visitation Church, 52nd and Main, Kansas City, Mo. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.; the walk begins at 8:30 a.m. Mass will be celebrated after the walk at 10 a.m., followed by lunch at 11 a.m. To preregister, visit the Web site at: www.blistersforsisters.org. The Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (ACCW) will host their quarterly meeting from noon - 2:30 p.m. on May 2 in the front room at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center, 1631 Crescent Rd., Lawrence. All women of the archdiocese are invited to attend. Immaculate Conception Parish, 5th and Kiowa, Leavenworth, will host a Cinco de Mayo fundraising celebration on May 2. Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m., followed by authentic Mexican food prepared by our Hispanic community. There will be a mariachi band, children’s games, raffle items and a Mexican cantina. The cost is $8 for adults; $3 for children. Tickets will be sold after weekend Masses. For information, call the parish office at (913) 682-3953. Mater Dei Parish and School, 10th and Clay, Topeka, will host its annual spring fling and carnival beginning at 11 a.m. on May 2. There will be rides, games, great food, a beer garden and a dance. Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. For information or advance tickets, contact Tim and Monika McCaffrey at (785) 478-4187 or Kevin Schmidt at (785) 408-5736. Sponsorships are still available.

1-3

St. Ann School, 7421 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, will host a plant sale fundraiser from 1 - 4 p.m. on May 1; from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. on May 2; and from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on May 3 in the parish parking lot. Rain or shine! We will have everything you need to make your corner of the world beautiful — from bagged mulch and potting soil to yard bags. Our quality is high and our prices are reasonable.

2-3

Father Mitchel Zimmerman, archdiocesan vocation director, will lead a Venite et Videte vocation retreat for young men in grades 6 - 8 on May 2-3. The retreat includes prayer, talks, sports and recreation. The retreat will be at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. The cost of $25 includes lodging and meals. For information or to register, visit the Web site at: www.kck vocations.com. St. Pius X, Mission, will host its annual spring fling fundraiser on the parish grounds. On May 2, a fried chicken dinner will be served from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the parish hall, followed by a game night. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children, or a family for $30 (children under 3 are free). Supervision and games will be provided for kids. The festivities will continue from noon to 5 p.m. on May 3 with adult and children’s

CALENDAR

games, a cakewalk, face painting, raffle items, food and more.

Mary Health of the Sick Women’s Guild of the Sisters, Servants of Mary will hold a meeting following the 9 a.m. Mass on May 3. The Mass and meeting will be at the convent, located at 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan. Anyone interested in joining the guild is invited to attend. The Singles of Nativity, for all singles 35 and older, welcomes newcomers to its weekly Bible study on Sundays at 9 a.m. in the Nativity conference room, 119th & Mission Rd., Leawood, followed by 10:30 a.m. Mass. This is a great opportunity for fellowship, prayer, and reflection. On May 3, we will begin a new SONday Bible Study format starting with a history of the early church, including Luke and Acts. Randall Stevenson will facilitate the discussion on Scripture and its relevance to current issues affecting our lives. For information, send an e-mail to Tom or Mike at: spiritual @son-ministry.org. The Catholic Education Foundation will host “Treasurefest” from 3 - 7 p.m. on May 3 at the Kansas City Power & Light District in Kansas City, Mo. Join an afternoon of family fun, including performances and art displays by students who represent the talents of all 45 archdiocesan Catholic schools. There will be a special performance by Kansas City’s renowned jazz artist Ron Gutierrez, followed by a Catholic rock band performance by The Thirsting from Vancouver, Wash. Tickets cost $10 each or $25 for a family four-pack. For information or to purchase tickets, visit the Web site at: www.cefgiftofeducation.com.

Holy Spirit Parish, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park, will honor St. Peregrine’s feast day with a 6 p.m. Mass, followed by devotions. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of those who are suffering from cancer and HIV/AIDS.

The Altar Society of Blessed Sacrament Parish, 2215 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan., will host a card party, bingo and luncheon with door prizes and a raffle from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on May 7 in the family center cafeteria. The cost is $5.

Misc. The Singles of Nativity will gather for round-robin-style tennis from 2:30 - 4 p.m. at the Indian Creek Recreational Center, 103rd St. and Marty, Overland Park, on Sundays throughout the spring. Beginners are welcome; there is room for everyone. We may go out for a light dinner afterwards, because the idea is to share friendship. For information, send an e-mail to Nancy Driscoll at: ndriscoll1@kc.rr.com. High school Boy Scouts interested in earning the Pope Pius XII religious emblem this summer should call Terry Malnar at (913) 814-0460 or send an e-mail to: malnar@everestkc.net.

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 24, 2009

Editor REVEREND MARK GOLDASICH, STL frmark@theleaven.com Managing Editor ANITA McSORLEY anita@theleaven.com Senior Reporter JOE BOLLIG joe@theleaven.com Production Manager TODD HABIGER todd@theleaven.com Advertising Representative JENNIFER SIEBES jennifer@theleaven.com Reporter KARA HANSEN kara@theleaven.com Circulation sub@theleaven.com

Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Archbishop Edward O’Meara Award Winner 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003 Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) 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) 7215276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com.

Have you made sure that your computer is protected from the insidious Conflicker worm? Are you wearing the new must-have jeans for spring? Have you heard that scientists are fearful of a “nightmare event,” a massive solar storm that could knock out power worldwide and disrupt vital services? These are just some of the items that bombarded me as I signed on to my computer to write this article. If you thought that you could get online to escape any personal or close-to-home anxieties you might be experiencing, you are mistaken. Thank God for the Easter season! How often our lives mirror those of the disciples that we heard about in last Sunday’s Gospel, hiding behind locked doors because of fear. The risen Jesus appears to them and brings a welcome Easter gift: his peace. And who today couldn’t use more peace in their life? When worry threatens to creep under my door, I call this little story to mind: Once there was a ship that wrecked in a furious storm. The only survivor was a little boy who was swept by the waves onto a rock. He sat there all night long until, late the next morning, he was spotted and rescued. “Did you tremble while you were on

POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/ year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

SCRIPTURE READINGS THIRD WEEK OF EASTER April 26 THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 3: 13-15, 17-19; Ps 4: 2, 4, 7-9; 1 Jn 2: 1-5a; Lk 24: 35-48 April 27 Monday Acts 6: 8-15; Ps 119: 23-24, 26-27, 29-30; Jn 6: 22-29 April 28 Peter Chanel, priest, martyr; Louis Mary de Montfort, priest Acts 7:51 — 8:1a; Ps 31: 3cd-4-6ab, 7b, 8a, 17, 21ab; Jn 6: 30-35 April 29 Catherine of Siena, virgin, doctor of the church Acts 8: 1b-8; Ps 66: 1-3a, 4-7a; Jn 6: 35-40 April 30 Pius V, pope Acts 8: 26-40; Ps 66: 8-9, 16-17, 20; Jn 6: 44-51 May 1 Joseph the Worker Acts 9: 1-20; Ps 117: 1-2; Jn 6: 52-59 May 2 Athanasius, bishop, doctor of the church Acts 9: 31-42; Ps 116: 12-17; Jn 6: 60-69

Catholics waking up to expansion of culture of death

Do you make yourself crazy? id you know that your fingernails can indicate if you’re suffering from a serious disease?

the rock during the night?” a reporter asked the boy. “Yes,” he replied, “I trembled all night . . . but the rock didn’t.” (Adapted from an entry in “Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, & Quotes” by Robert J. Morgan.) Clinging to the rock — Jesus — provides solid comfort in the inevitable storms of life. But that’s just the first step. The next is to cooperate with Jesus’ second gift — the Holy Spirit — given when he breathed on the disciples. This Spirit guides and inspires us not to make life more difficult for ourselves. If we’re honest, we have to admit that much of the stress in our lives is actually self-induced. For example, while I could worry about those four questions that I posed at the beginning of this column, it’s the Spirit of wisdom that allows me to conclude: My fingernails are just fine, thank you very much; using an Apple computer means that most of the really nasty viruses don’t target Macs; I don’t give a hoot about fashion, so “must-have” jeans are not even on my radar; and the chances of that destructive solar storm are low, scientists admit. To help me sustain a more peaceful

Easter season, I recently picked up a little book called, “Why Make Yourself Crazy? 100 Ways to Rid Your Life of Needless Stress” (Fairfield, Conn.: Pick Me Up Books, 2002; $9.95). Written by G. Gaynor McTigue, it’s described as an essential guide for anyone “who needs to slow down, take a breath and start enjoying life to the fullest.” You can breeze through the book in about 20 minutes. It’s packed with common-sense, easy-to-follow suggestions. However, because most of us don’t actually do the things McTigue recommends, we’re making ourselves crazy. But it really doesn’t have to be this way. Some of the book’s suggestions encourage simplifying your space: Throw something out every day; start with a clean work surface; and take ten minutes a day to neaten up. Others deal with our physical health, like getting adequate sleep and eating slowly. We can ease our mental distress by accepting that people think differently than we do; by expecting things to take longer and cost more; and by not carrying the world on our shoulders. The last item in McTigue’s book is a dandy: Take stock. He advises readers to “think of your accomplishments, the obstacles you’ve overcome, the mistakes you’ve corrected, the blessings you’ve been given. . . . So periodically take a mental inventory of everything good in your life . . . and don’t let current troubles cloud your greater achievements. Why make yourself crazy?” Why, indeed?

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

We encounter the living Christ in the breaking of the bread

t one time, Catholics were commonly known as “fish-eaters,” from their practice of eating fish on Fridays.

Because of our recent experience of because our Gospel passage only a few Lent and the growing popularity of verses earlier mentions a previous enparish fish fries, that appellation might counter with the risen Christ in which once again sound appropriate. We find he eats bread with some disciples: ourselves in good company. After all, “The two disciples recounted what had this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Lk 24: taken place on the way, and 35-48, describes Jesus how Jesus was made Christ himself as a fishTHIRD SUNDAY known to them in the eater: “They gave him OF EASTER: breaking of the bread.” (Jesus) a piece of baked Lk 24: 35-48 With this reference to fish, and he took it and ate bread, the allusion is comit before them.” plete. Ostensibly, Jesus’ reaThe phrase “the breaking of the son for eating in front of the disciples bread” also looks forward to other pasreflects his desire to show that he is not sages in the Acts of the Apostles: “They a disembodied ghost: “Touch me and devoted themselves to the teaching of see, because a ghost does not have the apostles and to the communal life, flesh and bones as you can see I have.” to the breaking of the bread and to the At the same time, the choice of fish, prayers” (2:42); “Every day they deas opposed to some other kind of food, voted themselves to meeting together reminds us about another significant in the temple area and to breaking event in which fish plays a crucial role: bread in their homes” (2:46). the miracle of the multiplication of the These passages from the Acts of the loaves and the fish. Because of the imApostles describe the life of the early portance of that event, all four Gospels church in Jerusalem. Then, as now, the include it in their accounts (Mt 14:13Christian community focuses upon the 21; Mk 6:32-44; Lk 9:10-17; Jn 6:1Eucharist, around which its life re15). volves. “The breaking of the bread” is This allusion to the multiplication of the oldest term for what now goes by the loaves and the fish is strengthened

BUILDING THE CULTURE OF LIFE

MARK MY WORDS President MOST REVEREND JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

COMMENTARY

the name of “the Eucharist” or “the Mass.” In the Eucharist, Jesus shares a meal with us, in which he offers us his own body and blood as food and drink. Many aspects of this holy meal refer to the Last Supper. After all, the actions and words of the presiding priest reflect those of Jesus at the Last Supper: “This is my body.” At the same time, whenever we celebrate the Eucharist, those encounters the risen Jesus had with the disciples shortly after his resurrection continue — encounters which usually involved food. In the case of Sunday’s Gospel reading, the food was fish. In the Eucharist we celebrate, the food is the body of Christ, under the form of bread. But always, Christ is present — to reassure us that he is alive, that he is risen from the dead. It is important for us to remember this aspect of the Eucharist, especially during this Easter season, when many parishes hold first Communion. The Mass puts us into contact with Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. In fact, sometimes we refer to it as the holy sacrifice of the Mass. At the same time, we also encounter the risen Christ through the Eucharist. Like the early Christians, we recognize him in the breaking of the bread. Father Mike Stubbs is pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

n my previous column I pointed out that President Obama had undertaken a series of actions that could broadly expand the culture of death.

Since then, a number of additional pro-abortion presidential appointees and nominations have occurred, including Governor Sebelius as secretary of Health and Human Services. Also recently, as reported on April 6 by CNSNews.com, Obama appointed Harry Knox to the government’s faithbased initiative. Knox recently described Pope Benedict XVI and certain Catholic bishops as “discredited leaders” and criticized the Knights of Columbus as being “foot soldiers of a

discredited army of oppression” because of their opposition to same-sex marriage. Additionally, as reported on April 7 by LifeNews, Obama has attempted to name three pro-abortion ambassadors to the Vatican but the Holy See has quietly rejected these. But these actions and the growth in expansion of the pro-abortion political landscape have not escaped notice among Catholics. And it appears that Catholics are rapidly waking up to the inherent dangers in such an expansion of

the culture of death. First, Catholics have overwhelmingly responded to the request of Archbishop Naumann and the USCCB to protest FOCA and similar measures with millions of postcards being sent to the U.S. Congress. And then there is the enormous uproar of protest over Obama being invited to Notre Dame to give the May 17 commencement address and to receive an honorary degree. Such invitation and award fly in the face of a 2004 directive by U.S. bishops that Catholic schools not honor or give a platform to politicians who favor abortion. Encouragingly, much national media attention has been directed to this incident with Notre Dame. Finally, the archdiocese is participating in the Red Envelope Project, through which we are joining millions of others around the country who are sending empty red envelopes to President Obama, each representing the life of a

child who was killed by abortion. The pro-life movement is energized and growing, and the radical pro-abortion nature of Obama’s administration is the spark for this fire. Let’s pray that the Catholics continue waking up to this vicious assault on life. Remember, we have 9-11 every day on the unborn, with more babies killed by abortion daily than the 3,000 who were killed on 9-11. No evil is proportionate to the intrinsic evil of abortion in our nation, nor even begins to approach this magnitude. We should pray to our Blessed Mother that she will intercede to protect the unborn and that she will intercede to help with President Obama’s conversion of heart on abortion. Go to the pro-life office Web site — www.prolifekc.com — and subscribe to St. Joseph E-Briefs to stay informed. Ron Kelsey is the archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office.

CHURCH AND STATE

The power to divide comes not from without, but within

n a cold winter evening in 1838, a young, gangly state representative rose to address the Young Men’s Lyceum in Springfield, Ill. Twenty-eight-year-old Abraham Lincoln boldly declared to those listening that all the world’s armies combined could not hope, even in a thousand years, to conquer America. Looking into his crystal ball, he foretold that if the country were to be imperiled, the danger would not come from beyond our shores: “If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.” Those prophetic words were chillingly fulfilled 23 years later when American

fired upon American at Fort Sumter. National suicide was attempted and averted, but only at the cost of 600,000 battle dead. The four-year bloodletting we call the Civil War brought the country closer to the brink than a Hitler or bin Laden ever could. Lincoln’s Lyceum Address warning could just as well have been spoken about the Catholic Church at a number of points in its history, including perhaps today. Christian persecution has taken many forms over the past 2,000 years — being fed to the lions, crucifixion, and

beheading — but the crueler the torture inflicted upon believers, the stronger the church has emerged. The power to divide Christians, to obliterate Christian unity, and to demoralize the faithful has come, time and again, not from without but within. Thus it should probably come as no surprise that Catholics now form the tip of the spear of what the late Pope John Paul II called the culture of death. The Roman Catholic Church constitutes the vanguard of the pro-life movement, yet the very policies against which it has arrayed all of its resources, spiritual and temporal, are in no small measure being designed and implemented by Catholics. This is no accident. Our new president may be many things, but a fool is not one of them. His vice president, Joe Biden, is Catholic. His top choice for secretary of Health and Human Services, Tom Daschle, is

Catholic. His second choice and current nominee, Kathleen Sebelius, is Catholic. All support legalized abortion, and the HHS secretary will have an important role in decisions over stem-cell research and conscience protection. Next month, when President Obama addresses Notre Dame’s commencement, Catholics should: A. Discern a pattern. B. Ponder what exactly a person has to do to be disqualified from speaking at a Catholic institution, since voting against the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act is insufficient. C. Take comfort in the fact that on Easter, Christians were reminded of how this all ends: We win; good prevails. The answer? D. All of the above. Michael Schuttloffel is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

AS THE CHURCH PRAYS

Our ‘amen’ to ‘The body of Christ’ means so much more than ‘yes’

here was a time when people were so afraid of going to Communion when at Mass that they, well, just didn’t.

Now, maybe it wasn’t really being “afraid” as much as it was having a certain salutary “fear” that one had to be careful not to receive the Eucharist lightly or in vain, lest one commit the sin that St. John Chrysostom feared for himself: receiving Jesus in an unworthy manner, or as he put it, to “betray thee, like Judas, with a kiss.” The situation was once so dire that an ecumenical council decreed that each of us must in fact receive holy Communion at least once each year,

during the Easter season. Believe it or not, that precept still exists today, and we call this required annual Communion our Easter duty. Some people note that it seems like now everybody goes to Communion just about every week, whereas there once was a time when very few of the faithful received Communion at Mass. In contrast, Saturday afternoons saw the great lines of people coming forward to receive the sacrament of penance and reconciliation instead.

I myself am unworthy to judge the situation too closely. But I do pray that anyone who steps forward to receive our Lord in the Eucharist does so with the conviction that, in responding “amen” to “The Body of Christ,” much, much more is being said than, “Sure, I believe it’s Jesus’ body.” To say “amen” means that I understand (as best as any mortal can) that, indeed, this is the body and blood of Christ, presented to me under the appearance of bread and wine. To say “amen” means that I am willing to become, in a real sense, what I am receiving — the body and blood of Christ — as St. Augustine so beautifully reminds us. To say “amen” means that I am in full communion with the holy Catholic Church, with my brothers and sisters in the faith, and with God. St. John Vianney once preached

that it was unfathomable to him that there were people entirely content to receive our Lord in the Eucharist only once a year, and even more egregious than there were those who lived with like estrangement toward sacramental confession (that other sacrament, by the way, that we are ordered to receive at least once each year). Because who would really want to be in full communion with almighty God, with the faithful, and with the church — the Body of Christ — only once each year? Let us indeed make a good Easter duty. But how about each Sunday (which is always a kind of Easter) as well, and with competence, conviction and, of course, with contrition? Michael Podrebarac is the archdiocesan consultant for the liturgy office.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 24, 2009

A work in progress Some Sisters will stay behind to continue their ministry in Kansas By KARA HANSEN Leaven staff hen the Ursuline Sisters of Paola make that final trip to Mount Saint Joseph in Maple Mount, Ky., late this spring, not all of the Paola Sisters will be traveling with them. True to their committed service in the archdiocese over the years, several of the Ursuline Sisters will stay in the archdiocese to continue their ministries here. “I know I have always felt at home here,” said Sister Helen Smith, OSU. “I served most of my teaching and administration career in the archdiocese and always felt welcome in each and every parish.” Sister Helen said the biggest challenge for the Sisters remaining in the archdiocese would be maintaining their ability to support one another and retaining a sense of community. “It will be more of a challenge to support each other since we will be farther apart,” she said. “In a small community like ours, it is easier to support one another spiritually and in friendship.” Sister Helen said contact between the Sisters remaining in the archdiocese and those moving to Kentucky would be frequent — through phone, e-mail, meetings, retreats, and, of course, personal visits. She also said the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph had developed a model for smaller “bonded” communities as a way for Sisters not living in the motherhouse to remain in community and bond together with one another. “Sisters who live in close proximity to another get together regularly to discuss our faith and support one another,” said Sister Helen. “I imagine we might have a Kansas City bonded community or some smaller ones throughout the archdiocese.” The Ursuline Sisters are leaving a great legacy as educators here in the

Photo courtesy of the Ursuline Sisters

This community photo of the Ursuline Sisters of Paola was taken last summer. They are, front row: Sisters Helen Hermreck, Virginia Sturlich, Rita Redmond, Raymond Dieckman, Marie William Blyth, Mildred Katzer, Emerentia Wiesner; second row: Mary Grace Swift, Judith Osthoff, Celine Leeker, Martina Rockers, Kathleen Dueber; third row: Rita Lavigne, Ann Marie Scherman, Marcella Schrant, Kathleen Condry, Jane Falke, Susanne Bauer, Angela Marie Fitzpatrick; back row: Pat Lynch, Dee Long, Beth Akins, and Helen Smith. Although most of the Sisters will go to Kentucky, there are a few who will be continuing their ministries here in the archdiocese.

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It will be more of a challenge to support each other since we will be farther apart. In a small community like ours, it is easier to support one another spiritually and in friendship.

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archdiocese, and several are staying on in their classrooms. Sister Martina Rockers will continue to teach at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, while Sister Delores Long will remain teaching at Our Lady of the Angels School in Kansas City, Mo. Sister Pat Lynch will begin serving as a campus minister in Emporia in July. Likewise, Sister Angela Fitzpatrick will continue her ministry at Hospice Care of Kansas, while Sister Jane Falke will remain with Catholic Charities. Sister Marcella Schrant will stay on in her capacity at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Lawrence and Sister Beth Akins will continue her work at St. Gregory in Maryville, Mo. Sister Mildred Katzer also plans to continue

Sister Helen Smith, OSU

ministering to parishioners in Richmond. Sisters Kathleen Condry and Helen Smith will remain at the convent in Paola until it is sold. “We don’t know where we will be after that or when that will be,” said Sister Kathleen. Sister Helen said it would be a time of transition for the Ursuline Sisters, but they are looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. “It’s sad to say goodbye to so many of the people we have worked with and loved over the years, but it’s also an exciting venture to move and do new things,” said Sister Helen. “We’re happy to continue serving in the archdiocese as well.”

URSULINE MEMORIES I

was very pleased to be with the Ursuline Community for 11 years as pastor of Queen of the Holy Rosary and six years at Holy Trinity in Paola. The people loved the dedication of the Ursuline Sisters. They were always willing to go that extra mile to help an individual student. The charism of their founder, St. Angela Merici, with simplicity of life in mind, was obvious in their spirituality. Their dedication to our archdiocese was very life-giving. I know many families like mine appreciated the many years they gave to Miege. May they continue to be a part of the fabric of our memory as they reestablish themselves in Kentucky.

Father Thomas Kearns

first came to know the Sisters at Queen of the Holy Rosary School. Sister Carmelita was my first teacher and she was a great teacher. Spelling was a passion with her and discipline was her strong suit. The boys and girls tried to “pull things over her” but there was no way — she truly did have eyes in the back of her head. When I think about the Sisters, the thing that is most important to me is how each of them have helped me to build the relationship with God that I have today. Yes, many of them are great teachers of many subjects, but in my mind their teaching of our Catholic faith was the greatest gift they have given me and my family. The Sisters will be missed here in Kansas, but their legacy will live on forever. I pray God will reward each of them the happiness they deserve and a great forever in heaven, which will be much better than Kentucky.

rowing up in Paola attending Holy Trinity Catholic Grade School, I was always around the Sisters. Now that I'm in high school, I don't get to see them as often as I used to, but I always enjoy going to the motherhouse to sing Christmas carols for the Sisters. They have always been good to our parish, like offering their convent for Mass when our church was being remodeled. There’s nothing like walking into the convent and being welcomed by any Sister. I have a close relationship with my cousin who is a Sister there and will be sad to see the Sisters go. But their legacy will live on in the community.

John Caton St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village

Johanna Ryckert Holy Trinity Parish, Paola