04-26-13 Vol. 34 No. 34

theleaven.com | vol. 34, no. 34 | april 26, 2013

Rosie Guetterman, right, and Karen Holland discuss what to do with the fabric at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church in Wea.

Volunteer Johnette Martin waters azaleas before the Easter Vigil at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan.

Art and Environment Committee chair Sarah Devore places poinsettia plants around the crèche at Ascension in Overland Park.

No bed of roses Flower ministry is a labor of love

M

Story and photos by Sheila Myers ichael Rebout took a much-needed rest Easter Monday.

As a flower minister for the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan., he had made it through another Holy Week, the most demanding time of the year because of all the decorating changes.

It all starts with Palm Sunday.

“You have to take everything down from Lent and put up the red,” he said. “Then after Palm Sunday, you take down the red and, for three days, you’re back to purple.”

Then comes the Easter Triduum.

“After putting things away from Holy Thursday, I got things out for Good Friday,” Rebout continued. “After our Good Friday service was over Friday night, we got ready for Easter Vigil.”

Rebout made several more trips Saturday and Sunday to water and trim the plants. He logged more than 25 hours in Holy Week, and that’s not counting the efforts of the other eight volunteers who helped, including his wife Terry.

The flower ministry is no bed of roses.

For Rebout and others who perform this beautiful ministry, it’s a labor of love.

Learning what works Working with flowers is not just a ministry for Michael and Terry Rebout . . . it’s their livelihood. The Rebouts have owned and operated Michael’s Heritage Florist in Kansas City, Kan., for 39 years.

Michael Rebout never tires of flowers. He finds them therapeutic, and even rises early during the summer to tinker in his own flower garden before going to work.

“I love flowers!” he said. “I always have. They are never boring.”

The Rebouts’ passion for and knowledge of flowers benefits their ministry with the Cathedral.

If they run short of lilies or poinsettias, they can tap into their pool of suppliers. And with almost 40 years of floral experience, Michael Rebout knows what works.

“I like hearty flowers — like carnations, mums and daisies — that tolerate the church heat,” he said.

He’s also had success using kalanchoe, a tropical succulent with tiny flowers in light pink, dark pink and white. It, too, holds up under the harsh conditions of the church.

He loves to try new things.

Several years ago, he switched his decorating strategy. Instead of spreading dozens of small plants on the sanctuary floor for the big holidays, he created and installed huge planters, called “gardens.”

“Everybody liked them because they were up off the floor and people weren’t tripping over them,” Rebout said. >> See “Ministers” on page 7

Terry Rebout carries Easter lilies to the Cathedral of St. Peter sanctuary. Terry and her husband Michael put in several long hours during Holy Week and other days leading up to the major feast days of the church.

2 archbishop

theleaven.com | April 26, 2013

Cathedral in bloom

Life will be victorious

T

All of us are called to live the virtue of chastity

he last two weeks, I have devoted this column to examining some of the ramifications of the state recognizing same-sex unions as marriage.

To review, the main points from the previous columns: 1) Much of the support for the recognition of same-sex unions is well-meaning and laudable as it springs from a desire for individuals experiencing same-sex attractions to be happy and to experience love.

2) The “sexual revolution” has misled many into believing that sexual intimacy is necessary for happiness and is essential for love and friendship.

3) It is wrong to ridicule or to show disrespect for those who experience same-sex attractions.

4) Ironically, under the banner of tolerance, some advocacy groups and media outlets engage in namecalling and other bullying tactics in an effort to silence those who question the advisability of state recognition of same-sex relationships as marital unions.

5) The scientific research has been misrepresented in order to mislead the general public into believing that same-sex attractions are genetic and innate.

6) Many young people experience quite normal challenges with forming oppositesex friendships and otherwise struggle with their sexual identity. The societal endorsement of the gay lifestyle leaves these young people vulnerable to being drawn into behaviors that place their physical, emotional and spiritual health at risk.

7) Heterosexuality is not a virtue, nor is the experiencing of same-sex attraction a vice. Chastity is a virtue that every human being is called to practice in accord with our

archbishop Joseph F. Naumann particular state of life.

Last week, I drew upon an article by Dr. Michelle Cretella, who in medical school was led to believe that same-sex attractions were genetically determined. Several years into her medical career, after personally studying carefully the scientific research, she discovered the opposite was true. This week, I want to examine what I consider some other common logical flaws in the reasoning of those who support the recognition by the state of same-sex relationships as marital unions.

One of the most common arguments supporting so-called same-sex marriage and the societal promotion of the gay lifestyle as an equally valid and moral alternative to heterosexuality is that our sexual orientation is an essential part of our identity or nature. From this premise, some make the logical leap that to reject homosexual activity as immoral is to reject the person.

Everyone of us is biologically flawed in some way.

There are no physically perfect human beings. In Catholic theology, we believe this is one of the consequences of original sin, of the rebellion against God by our first parents. Regardless of the cause, there is unanimous acceptance that we all have some biological flaws.

For instance, I am nearsighted because of a congenital condition. Yet, I would not claim that my nearsightedness is an essential component of my identity. Nor would I reject as a violation of my true identity the opportunity to improve my vision by glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Just the opposite, I am grateful that

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science and technology makes it possible for me to enjoy normal vision.

Let us consider an even more universal example. I have what seems to be a natural inclination toward selfishness — to view the world as revolving around me. This appears to be a near universal flaw in the human heart.

The most beautiful children from the most loving of families eventually have to be taught the importance of sharing as opposed to demanding constantly to be provided what may give them momentary pleasure. Yet, I doubt any of us would argue that being selfish is who I am. It is part of my DNA. To reject my selfish behavior is to reject me.

Most of us crave things — e.g., sweet foods or alcoholic beverages — which are not bad in themselves, but can impair seriously our health if consumed to excess. Some of us may even have what appear to be genetic addictions.

For others to encourage us to exercise a prudent discipline in satisfying these appetites is not a form of disrespect for our identity, but expressions of love and concern for our well-being.

With regard to our human sexuality, our bodies are designed for the possibility of physical union with the complementary body of the opposite sex. This physical union of the male and female body was also designed to make possible the conception of a new human life.

Moreover, sexual intimacy between a man and a woman is designed to create a bonding that is unique and is important not only for the adult couple but for any children conceived from their union. Heterosexual physical intimacy outside of marriage is reckless and harmful — not only because it places a child at risk to being born into an unstable environment, but it places adults at risk of the emotional trauma and heartbreak of this natural, powerful bond being broken.

Homosexual activity is

calendar

May 2 Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call

archbishop

Naumann April 26-27 Pope Paul VI Institute seminar — Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City, Kan. April 27 St. Thomas Aquinas High School Walk for Life

April 28 Pastoral visit — Christ the King, Our Lady and St. Rose, and Blessed Sacrament, Kansas City, Kan. April 29 Confirmation — Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka April 30 Administrative Team meeting Confirmation — Curé of Ars, Leawood

Confirmation — St. Catherine, Emporia

properly called disordered because it is incapable of fulfilling either of the purposes for which our sexual organs were designed: 1) the actual physical union with another human body; and 2) the engendering of new human life.

The sterilization (the denial of the life-giving component) of heterosexual activity by the widespread use of contraceptives is one of the reasons that many in our culture are unable to recognize any difference between sexual intimacy between members of the opposite-sex and the same-sex.

In a culture that considers sexual intimacy as merely recreation and a source of pleasure for the adults, then why not equate homosexual and heterosexual activity? In reality, what is engraved upon the heart of the human person

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keleher April 28 Confirmation — St. Agnes, Chicago April 30 Confirmation — Chicago May 2 Confirmation — Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City, Kan. May 3 Bishop Boland 25th episcopal anniversary Mass — Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Kansas City, Mo.

May 1 Camp Tekakwitha video shoot

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Confirmation — St. Ann, Prairie Village May 3 Bishop Boland 25th episcopal anniversary Mass — Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Kansas City, Mo.

Retirement banquet for Abbot Barnabas Senecal

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as reflected in our biology, is sexual intimacy involves so much more than gratifying an animal instinct for pleasure.

Both those with oppositesex and same-sex attractions harm themselves and, in the case of heterosexual couples, possibly place a child at risk, when we act in a way that is contrary to the design God has given to our human sexuality. Those experiencing same-sex and opposite-sex attractions are both called to develop the discipline necessary to live the virtue of chastity — namely, to use the gift of our human sexuality in a manner that respects and is consistent with its twin purposes.

Next week, I will conclude this series of articles by reflecting on what the Bible teaches us about these important moral issues.

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april 26, 2013 | theleaven.com

Spanish-language Mass adds new dimension to ‘a great parish’

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Father Harry Schneider has a ready answer for anyone who asks him about the Cathedral of St. Peter here.

“It’s a great parish — period,” said Father Schneider, who is in his fourth year as rector.

The parish has always drawn from a surrounding neighborhood that is full of life, he said, but it has actually blossomed in a new way in recent months.

After adding a midday Spanishlanguage Mass in September to its regular Sunday schedule, the parish is now seeing the sidewalks filled with people walking to Mass on Sunday.

Before the addition, those seeking to attend a Spanish Mass had to drive out of their neighborhood to find one.

Adding a Spanish-language Mass — and, over time, all of the accompanying Hispanic ministries — just seemed natural to Father Schneider, especially after studying the demographics in the neighborhood and the needs the church might be able to fill.

“In eastern Wyandotte County, the Hispanic presence continues to grow, and it was pretty obvious that there’d be a need for a Spanish Mass in the neighborhood,” he said.

Data showed that within the several blocks around the cathedral, the Hispanic population is 62 percent.

“It was a real need for people in the area,” said Father Schneider.

‘They listened’ Carmen and Gerardo Oregel live less than two blocks from the cathedral, but were registered at All Saints Parish in Kansas City, Kan. Although they cherished their longtime association with that community, the couple wished they could find a service in Spanish at the church so close to home.

“They listened to us,” said Carmen Oregel.

Now, the Oregels help plan Spanishlanguage liturgies at the cathedral.

“Father Harry opened his arms to us,” said Oregel. “Not only the church and the cathedral — he opened his heart to us. He’s helping us.”

Father Schneider, along with the new animator for Hispanic ministry Father Livio Stella, CS, and associate animator Father Jesus Olivares, CS, are all helping.

But it is Father Schneider who works with the training of lectors, eucharistic ministers and the baptism preparation team, and is always available to talk with people or answer questions at the parish.

Sharing faith, language But the parish has decided not to stop there.

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

Leaven photo Susan McSpadden

Data showed that within the several blocks around the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan., the Hispanic population is 62 percent. Adding a Spanish-language Mass was a real need for people in the area, said Father Harry Schneider, rector of the cathedral.

“

“Father Harry opened his arms to us. Not only the church and the cathedral — he opened his heart to us. He’s helping us.”

Carmen Oregel

“Something unique that we’ve done is to start an English as a Second Language program,” said Father Schneider, “because of the desire of many to learn English.”

Every Tuesday evening, Antonette Nicotera team-teaches English to a group of about 20 adults with her husband Ross Warnell and another couple, Eduardo and Judith Oregel.

“English is hard to learn because it’s so different from Spanish,” Nicotera acknowledged. “They’re trying to get their verbs and their adjectives in the right place.”

The students are hard-working, family-oriented, faithful Catholics working to learn a new language, she said.

Often, they understand more English

than they speak. It can be intimidating for an adult to speak in a new language, especially when faced with the fear of making a mistake.

So the instructors add levity — even parties — whenever they can.

“We have a lot of fun,” said Nicotera, who is also a retired schoolteacher and heads up the School of Religion at the cathedral. “That kind of takes away the stress.”

Parish life Carmen Oregel finds it inspiring to see so many families and young people — her own children, included — take part in Hispanic ministry at the cathedral.

Her 25-year-old son, who was always involved in the youth group, has been happy to help where he can, including working with Father Schneider to train servers.

And while the cathedral’s own Spanish choir is under construction, choirs from several other parishes in the archdiocese have been lending their voices to the services.

Cathedral parishioner Virginia De La Torre’s three children attend Resurrection School at the Cathedral, and she alternates between the English and Spanish Masses — depending on whether her son is on duty as an altar server that weekend.

Originally from Texas, De La Torre

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speaks both English and Spanish, and sees a Spanish Mass as a necessity in a city and neighborhood with such a large Hispanic population.

“It is really comforting, because especially when I pray, or even when I’m thinking, I think in Spanish,” she said, even when she’s attending an English service.

She finds the Our Father, which is often sung at Hispanic Masses, especially beautiful in Spanish.

“Sometimes I get emotional when I listen to it,” she said.

She hopes even Anglos will take the opportunity to attend Mass in Spanish at least once and participate in some of the church’s beautiful Hispanic traditions, like the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations.

Father Schneider is self-effacing about his own fluency in Spanish —“When I celebrate, they get a shorter sermon,” he said, laughing.

But he’s excited about the bright future he sees for the entire cathedral community.

And he loves to hear what this means for parishioners.

Like the one woman who lives close to the cathedral. Because she doesn’t have a car, she walked blocks and blocks each week to attend the Spanish Mass at another parish.

Her walk is a lot shorter now.

“She really feels at home,” he said.

“And now this is her church.”

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theleaven.com | april 26, 2013

Progress seen on pro-life, liberty issues at state level

By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

T

OPEKA — The Kansas Catholic Conference saw success with legislation it supported during the 2013 legislative session, particularly with pro-life bills and the issue of religious liberty.

Other issues tracked by the conference this year included immigration, pornography, school choice and the death penalty.

Potentially, some issues could be revisited during the cleanup of the veto session, which begins May 8.

Legislative update

Religious freedom On April 10, Gov. Sam Brownback signed HB 2203, also known as the Kansas Preservation of Religious Freedom Act. The law, which takes effect in July, “provides that the government shall not substantially burden a person’s civil right to exercise religion, even if the burden results from rule of general applicability, unless the government demonstrates . . . a compelling governmental interest . . . and is the least restrictive means of furthering that . . . interest.” “[This legislation] would only apply to the actions of the state and local governments of Kansas,” said Michael Schuttloffel, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference. “We obviously can’t pass something that affects the federal government through the state Legislature. But, nevertheless, this is an important step.”

“The main thrust of the legislation is to protect people from government coercion that would violate their religious freedom,” he continued. “A perfect example of such coercion is the Health and Human Services mandate, where Catholic employers would be required to provide employees with health plans that cover products and services that violate Catholic teaching.”

Pro-life issues There were five major pro-life bills introduced this year, two of which

Leaven photo by Lori Wood Habiger

A school choice bill that would have given vouchers to children from low-income families or with special needs to enable them to attend private schools was voted down in the Kansas House. were combined into one. All four were passed and have been signed into law, are awaiting signature, or are under review.

Kathy Ostrowski, legislative director for Kansans for Life, attributed pro-life success to an end of a political disconnect between the Capitol and the state. “[These] successes reflect the mind of Kansas citizens,” she said. “It’s just that there had been a stumbling block in the Senate for many years. After the elections, both chambers have [prolife] super majorities.”

Pro-life bills get a fair hearing in committees and the public gets opportunities to hear about them, thanks to the pro-life majorities, she added.

Additionally, a pro-life governor who is willing to sign pro-life bills now occupies the executive branch.

The four bills are: • SB 142, the Civil Rights for the Unborn bill, would bar “wrongful birth or wrongful life” lawsuits for the birth of disabled children. The governor signed it on April 10.

• HB 2253/SB 141, the Pro-life Protection Act, prohibits abortions for gender selection, revised the general and late-term abortion statutes, and declares that the life of each human being begins at fertilization. It also deals with informed consent materials given to patents and prohibits tax breaks for abortion providers. The governor signed it on April 19.

• SB 199 requires the University of Kansas Medical Center to establish the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center.

This is to encourage research for medical treatments derived from so-called umbilical cord blood and “adult” stem cells. It was sent to the governor April 12 and is under review.

• HB 2164 deals with prospective jurors and grand juries. While not explicitly a piece of pro-life legislation, it protects citizen-petitioned grand juries from being undermined by local district attorneys. The citizen-petitioned grand jury has been used by pro-life activists to challenge governmental agencies.

The governor signed it on April 16.

Additionally, the Legislature passed SCR 1606, which recognizes the work of pregnancy maintenance centers. It was presented to the Kansas secretary of state on April 4.

Immigration and tuition A bill — HB 2192 — that would have denied in-state college tuition rates to undocumented immigrants at state colleges failed to generate enough support to get out of committee, but could be acted upon next year.

Those who would be affected by the bill are the children of undocumented immigrants, who had been brought to the United States by their parents as children and grew up in this country.

Current state policy allows them to pay in-state tuition.

On March 20, during a hearing before the House Federal and State Affairs Committee, the Catholic bishops of Kansas testified to their opposition to HB 2192.

The bill could move forward in two ways, said Melinda Lewis, public policy consultant for El Centro, Inc., of Kansas City, Kan. The first would be a procedural move to pull the bill from the committee to the floor of the Kansas House, and the second would be to make it an amendment to the budget in either the House or the Senate.

“We continue to hope that Catholics who share our commitment to education for immigrant students will continue to communicate with their legislators about the importance of maintaining the current policy, especially members of the Senate who need to be on guard for an amendment threat during the veto session,” said Lewis.

Even if the bill fails this year, it could be resurrected next year.

“It’s important for people to understand that we have a two-year legislative cycle,” said Lewis. “Legislation doesn’t die until the end of that twoyear cycle. HB 2192 won’t die until the end of around May 2014.”

Lewis found that there was surprising and unexpected support for these youths, and hoped it would grow.

Other legislation The Kansas Catholic Conference spoke out in support of HB 2054, the Community Defense Act. This bill would have regulated sexually-oriented businesses — strip clubs, adult bookstores, and others. It died in the House Federal and State Affairs Committee.

A school choice bill, SB 22, was voted down in the Kansas House 63 to 56.

This bill, supported by the conference, would have given vouchers to children from low-income families or with special needs to enable them to attend private schools.

There have been a number of attempts to repeal capital punishment in Kansas, which was reinstated in 1994.

Two bills were introduced to do so this year, HB 2397 and SB 126. Neither moved out of committee. The conference supported these bills.

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april 26, 2013 | theleaven.com

Conference calls on every Catholic to share the faith

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

Upcoming conference

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — To put it in Facebook parlance, the status of a good steward of the Catholic faith might be aptly described as: “In a relationship.”

And that relationship is with Jesus.

“We know that when our hearts are in love, they expand. They expand in charity toward others,” said Msgr. Gregory R. Mikesch, vice rector of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis.

“A heart that lives in prayer,” he continued, “is a heart that is in a relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Msgr. Mikesch’s address, entitled “The Grateful Heart Has Been Touched

by Love,” was delivered April 19 to several hundred Catholics gathered at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan., for the International Catholic Stewardship Council’s Region IX conference.

The daylong conference brought together clergy, religious and laity from a four-state area, and included prayer, Mass and opportunities to delve into ways to share the gifts they have been given with others.

“True stewardship,” Msgr. Mikesch told the group, is “being open to receiving, letting the Word dwell within us, and then bringing forth the gift.”

He told the crowd about a moment in his childhood when his father ran to rescue him from a river’s rapids after he abandoned his inner tube in the rushing water.

“To this day, I can feel his hand on my shoulder. When I felt his hand, I knew I was safe,” he said.

That and many other moments sealed his relationship with his father, he said, and he hoped others would feel the same thing in their relationship with God. “We have been blessed in so many ways with gifts we have received,” he said. “I hope and pray that you can feel the touch of the Father’s hand upon your hearts.”

The International Catholic Stewardship Council will take place Sept.

22-25 in Dallas. For information or to register, visit the ICSC website at: www.catholicstewardship.org.

“Is there a difference in the way a Catholic builds a deck? Is there a difference in the way that a Catholic golfs?” he asked. “I hope so. I hope that the way we do everything is different. The way that we talk to each other, the way that we communicate with each other.”

Sharing gifts Leaven photo by Jessica Langdon

Tony Brandt, right, shares an evangelization story at the Region IX stewardship conference on April 19 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. Brandt and Chris Stewart, left, both with the lay apostolate Casting Nets, detailed the “Seven Pillars of Evangelization.”

Building relationships Smaller sessions focused on issues related to the new evangelization and stewardship, best practices within parishes, formation, and stewardship within the Hispanic community.

Bishop James D. Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln, Neb., celebrated Mass, which was concelebrated by Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger of the Diocese of Salina and a number of priests who attended the event.

Bishop Conley described a call during the Year of Faith to reach hearts through an evangelical spirit, sharing the message of salvation with a wider audience.

He drew upon Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s first encyclical during his homily.

“He talks about how the holy sacrifice of the Mass was meant to draw us out of ourselves, take us out of ourselves in a

dynamic of self-giving united to Christ’s self-gift to us,” he said.

Touching on the work of both Pope Benedict and Blessed John Paul II, he pointed out that “it’s only in giving that we really discover ourselves.”

The conference also called on the audience to memorize the “Seven Pillars of Evangelization,” presented by Chris Stewart and Tony Brandt of the lay apostolate called Casting Nets.

The pillars range from being prayerful — modeled on actions Jesus himself took in every pivotal moment of his life — to being genuinely hospitable and inspirational.

Being “formational,” explained Brandt, is about introducing Jesus to others and walking with them.

Through simple conversation, he once built relationships with a group of teenagers who were helping him build a deck.

Stewart said when people experience something good, they want to share it, whether it’s a restaurant or a movie. They want others to experience it.

“There is nothing more good, more true, more beautiful than Our Lord,” he said.

This desire to evangelize, agreed Michael Murphy, executive director of the ICSC, is at the heart of all stewardship efforts.

“We are a window that other people look through and see God at work,” he said. “We also believe that stewardship is the Eucharist in action.”

Weekend liturgies offer the greatest example of stewardship, he said. From the priest “who has given his life for the people gathered around the eucharistic table” to the deacons, servers, musicians, lectors and others, they have all gathered to enable every Catholic to have a “meaningful, substantive encounter” with Jesus.

“So the great stewardship question that we have to ask is: ‘If they can do all of that for us, what did we do during the week to bring our gifts to the table?’”

Hundreds consecrated to Jesus through Mary

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill@theleaven.com

T

opeka — For five weeks prior to the solemnity of the Annunciation, it was not uncommon to see copies of Father Michael Gaitley’s book, “33 Days to Morning Glory,” being carried to Mass and adoration chapels everywhere throughout the archdiocese.

The book is a personal retreat that guides readers toward a day of Marian consecration using the teaching of four great Marian saints.

Hundreds of Catholics throughout the archdiocese accepted Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s invitation to read Father Michael’s book and consecrate themselves to Jesus through Mary on the solemnity of the Annunciation.

More than 500 Catholics in Topeka alone completed the retreat, and the Mass of consecration at Most Pure Heart of Mary on April 8 was packed.

In his homily, the archbishop reflected on the lives and teachings of each of the Marian saints in the book.

He talked about St. Louis de Montfort’s theme of baptism, reflecting on the miracle of our own baptism remembered during this Easter season.

“As the Holy Spirit leads us to Jesus through the waters of baptism,” he said,

Leaven photo by Jill Ragar Esfeld

Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka, was one of the archdiocesan churches that combined its celebration of the solemnity of the Annunciation with Marian consecration. Parishioner Alice Joanne Short lit a candle in honor of Mary before the Mass began.

“Mary always leads us to her Son.” He spoke of St. Maximilian Kolbe’s desire to give glory to God with and through Mary, and his longing to draw others to Jesus through Mary.

“He wanted to mobilize the whole world to give God this glory,” he said.

The archbishop reminded the congregation of the call to all lay Catholics

to evangelize.

“We are called to be driven to bring others to Jesus through Mary,” he said.

Archbishop Naumann then reflected on the teachings of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta and her desire to unite with Mary so she could love Jesus.

“We see the fruit of her striving to be in an intimate union with Mary. And,

through Mary, with Jesus,” he said.

He encouraged everyone to imitate Mother Teresa’s practice of a daily examination of conscience.

Finally, the archbishop reflected on the teachings of Blessed John Paul II. He recalled how the pope often pondered the moment on Calvary when Jesus said to the disciple John, “Behold, your mother.”

He said Pope John Paul especially loved the sentence, “From that hour, the disciple took her into his own home.”

The archbishop told the congregation that “when we take Mary into our home, it inevitably brings us to the cross of Jesus.”

He called the pierced heart of Jesus the “fountain of mercy” and said, “Mary wants us to experience the merciful and unconditional love of her Son.” Reflecting on the title of Father Gaitley’s book, the archbishop said the Marian consecration would bring about a new dawn in each person.

“A brand-new morning in one’s spiritual journey, a new vitality and freshness to all our lives as disciples to the Lord,” he said.

“May each of us be able to say with St. Paul,” the archbishop concluded, “that ‘It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.’”

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april 26, 2013 | theleaven.com

Ministers grateful for help of spouses, students and volunteers >> Continued from page 1 The gardens are now a routine part of their Christmas and Easter decorations.

Many hands

s Prayers for life

Leaven photo by Joe McSorley

s

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, assisted by Father Dan Gardner, pastor of All Saints Parish in Kansas City, Kan., leads the rosary in front of an abortion clinic April 20. Earlier, the archbishop celebrated the monthly pro-life Mass at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church and, after Mass, led the procession to the clinic.

CABBAGE ROLLS (GOLAMBKI)

Leaven photo by Joe McSorley

POLSKI pREP IS A FAMILY AFFAIR

At left, Donna Strick and her mother Evelyn, both parishioners of All Saints Parish in Kansas City, Kan., prepare cabbage rolls for the upcoming 29th annual Polski Day celebration. (See recipe at left.) The celebration will be held May 4 at St. Joseph Church, 8th and Vermont, in Kansas City, Kan. The traditional Polski Day Parade begins at noon at 14th and Central, and heads east on Central Avenue to 8th St., going up the wrong way on a one-way street to Vermont and ends at the church. There will be Polish food, music, and entertainment, beginning at noon. A special Polka Mass will be held at 4 p.m. at St. Joseph.

The funds raised benefit All Saints Church.

Ingredients 10 lbs. ground chuck 2 tablespoons black pepper 12 eggs 4 tablespoons salt or to taste 4 cups cooked white rice 1 cup of parsley flakes 2 medium diced onions 6-10 heads of green cabbage 2 large cans tomato juice Preheat oven to 350 degrees and put one large pot of water on to boil. Core all heads of green cabbage and submerge heads in water once it has come to a boil. Reduce to medium heat for a simmer. Allow cabbage to simmer in water for 10-15 minutes or until the cabbage begins to turn to a brighter green color.

Slowly remove each leaf with a meat fork or tongs and place on a cookie sheet to begin cooling.

Add ground chuck, eggs, rice and onions in a large mixing bowl. Mix together throughly. Add the next three seasonings until incorporated fully. Use an ice cream scooper or 1/4 cup to create even-sized cabbage rolls. Place on a tray for later use.

Take meat mixture servings from tray and place each one at the base of a cabbage leaf. Taking both sides and folding them in, roll until you reach the end of the cabbage and place in pan with seam side down, so it will stay intact while baking. Place into a greased roaster or baking pan. Cover with tomato juice and 1 cup of water. Cover pan and bake at 350 degrees for 1-1/2 hours.

Serve when finished. Yields 3-4 dozen.

Recipe courtesy of Cathy Kolenda-Smith

s Vocations day

Father Curtis Carlson, OMF Cap., shares a little about his life as a Capuchin monk at Fifth-Grade Vocation Day at Prince of Peace School in Olathe on April 10. Nearly 1,000 fifth-grade students from area Catholic schools attended the event. The Serra clubs of Kansas City, Kan., and Johnson County helped with the event.

While flowers are a livelihood and a passion for the Rebouts, others come to the flower ministry by chance.

Sarah Devore first volunteered to do the flowers at Ascension Church in Overland Park 13 years ago. She recruited her friend, Becky Reed, to be her cochair eight years ago.

Rosie Guetterman has been in charge of the flower ministry at Queen of the Holy Rosary in Wea since 1996, when former pastor Father Tony Lickteig asked her to get the church ready for Christmas.

“I think he thought I was a person who wouldn’t say no,” said Guetterman.

She wouldn’t have lasted this long without the help of many volunteers, including her husband Paul and the students and families of the parish, especially during Christmas and Easter.

They’ll do just about anything Guetterman asks: climbing a 25-foot ladder to decorate pillars with Christmas garland, or balancing precariously on a side altar to plug in some Christmas lights.

“I love the people on the committee with me,” Guetterman said. “They’re wonderful.”

Devore calls on a core team of about 10 people to keep the decorations going at Ascension.

“It’s hit or miss [with the volunteers],

but it always seems to work out,” she said. “I have a committee and put notices in the bulletin. Sometimes we get students looking for service hours. Men come, but usually it’s the women.”

Ascension volunteers spent four hours the Saturday before Christmas setting up the crèche and placing dozens of poinsettias, azaleas and green ivy plants throughout the church. The volunteers returned to help with the Holy Week decorations.

Keeping it fresh The volunteers help with the physical labor, but the leaders take care of the planning and purchasing.

Devore and Reed meet throughout the year to brainstorm ideas, always mindful of their limited funds.

“It’s a well-oiled machine that operates like clockwork,” said Devore. “We have a budget for the year and we always stay within our budget.”

Funds for the flower ministry come primarily from Christmas and Easter memorial donations. The donations usually raise enough to cover expenses.

But flower ministers are also experts at stretching those dollars.

The Rebouts pass on volume discounts they get for their business. Devore uses her architecture background to improvise new uses for existing items.

Flower ministers also try hard to prolong the life of the plants by keeping them generously watered.

A few years ago, Devore purchased

a 16-gallon mobile watering machine to accomplish this task.

“It’s saved hours and hours of time,” said Devore. “It was well worth the investment.”

Michael Rebout uses a more practical method.

“I have a five-gallon pickle bucket and a big QT cup I carry around,” he said, laughing.

With all the details to tend to, especially during Holy Week, Devore likens flower ministers to a props crew setting up for a never-ending play.

“It’s one thing after another,” Devore said. “Easter is a big thing. Then it’s a gradual transition until Pentecost.”

After Pentecost, everything comes down and the season shifts to Ordinary Time with simple decorations, such as banners and votives. Aside from some minor color changes in the fall, the decorations don’t change much until Advent, when the whole cycle starts again.

With all the repetition in the calendar, flower ministers try to keep the decorations looking fresh to keep parishioners engaged in the liturgy.

“You want the environment to draw people in,” said Guetterman.

Is it worth it?

Flower ministry is a big commitment that puts demands on people’s time when they often have family commitments to tend to. With all the decorating to do at the church, the Guettermans barely had time to put up their own decorations.

Despite the commitment, flower ministers exude a sense of pride.

“It’s a responsibility, but it’s gratifying to see the church so beautiful,” said Guetterman. “This is home. My husband and I are both born and raised in the parish.”

Even though parishioners may not express their gratitude for the beautiful environment, flower ministers know their efforts enhance the worship experience.

“The environment of the church is very, very important because it does create that surrounding in which the liturgy is celebrated,” said Ascension pastor Msgr. Tom Tank. “The people really appreciate it when their church is decorated in a fitting way.”

Knowing what’s “fitting” is key to a good flower minister, who must be able to draw the line between being reverent and being showy.

“I don’t think it’s a question of how much,” Msgr. Tank added. “I think there’s a certain beauty in simplicity, a simple elegance that can enhance the celebration.”

Successful flower ministers understand this distinction. Father Harry Schneider, pastor of the cathedral, has so much confidence in Michael Rebout’s judgment that he gives him free rein over the decorations.

“Sometimes I make suggestions, but he is so talented and has such good taste and a real understanding of liturgy that I trust him completely,” said Father Schneider.

Sacrament for the living, not the dead The anointing of the sick is often misunderstood

t’s a scenario you might see played out in an old movie on a classics channel.

Johnny, the bad boy with the heart of gold, is dying in the street.

“Quick,” someone yells, “call a priest.”

And in short order, good old Father O’What’s-HisName shows up and offers Johnny “extreme unction.” Johnny dies in a state of grace, and all is well.

It’s great drama, but can generate a very confused understanding of an important sacrament.

Before the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), the church referred to one of the seven sacraments as extreme unction.

The “unction” part refers to the oil of the sick. The “extreme” part refers to the practice of anointing someone with that oil, along with certain prayers, when that person was “in extremis” — that is, experiencing physical distress with the likelihood of dying.

People got the idea that extreme unction was a sacrament to be administered only when someone was about to die, so they would wait for someone to be at death’s door before they’d call a priest to administer the sacrament.

The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council set things straight in the Constitution on Sacred Liturgy (“Sacrosanctum Concilium”): “‘Extreme unction,’ which may also and more fittingly be called ‘anointing of the sick,’ is not a sacrament only for those who are at the point of death.

Hence, as soon as any one of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived” (No. 73).

In brief, the Council Fathers taught these were two distinct things that were sometimes associated: • The sacrament of the anointing of the sick is a sacrament of healing for the sick and infirm, but may also be given to the dying.

• The “last rites” are the celebration of viaticum (receiving the Eucharist by someone approaching death), along with the Commendation of the Dying and Prayers for the Dead.

Back to the future The scriptural basis for the sacrament of the anointing of the sick is found in the Letter of James: “Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him

“I would encourage anyone who is sick to receive the anointing and do that as soon as they possibly can.

Don’t stay away from the Eucharist and the anointing, trying to figure out God’s timing.

Father Francis Hund, pastor of Church of the Nativity, Leawood and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven” (5: 14-15).

Father Roger Schmit, OSB, administers the sacrament of the anointing of the sick to people every day as a chaplain at Providence Hospital in Kansas City, Kan., and St. John Hospital in Leavenworth.

“We need to realize that this is a sacrament of the living,” said Father Roger.

“It’s not a sacrament of the dead.”

It’s a prayer for healing, but it’s important to understand three things, he said.

The first is that all healing comes from God, who uses other people — doctors, nurses, therapists and others — to bring about healing.

The second is that this healing doesn’t happen according to our agenda, which

might be complete physical health and healing. It happens according to God’s agenda.

“I’ll give you an example,” said Father Roger. “There was a man in the hospital who was very distraught . . . about the fact that he was diagnosed with cancer, and the man was very afraid. “ “We celebrated the sacrament of the anointing of the sick,” Father Roger continued, “and right after [it was celebrated] he looked at me and said, ‘Oh, Father, I’m not afraid any more.’ That is healing.

He died from the cancer, but he was no longer afraid. It’s healing according to God’s agenda, not yours or mine.”

The third thing to understand is the healing in the sacrament is about the whole person — and that includes healing from sin. An example can be found in the Gospels of Luke and Mark. A sick man was let down through the roof of a house and, before Jesus physically healed the man, he said, “Your sins are forgiven.”

“We have to keep in mind what our understanding of illness is,” said Father Roger. “[Anointing] is a sacrament, it is a mystery, like the other six sacraments are.”

Celebrating the sacrament The sacrament of the anointing of the sick is not intended to be private. Like other sacraments, it is to be celebrated with others.

Father Francis Hund, pastor of the Church of the Nativity in Leawood, remembered first celebrating the sacrament when his father was in the hospital.

“For me, the sacrament of the anointing of the sick is indeed a ‘God moment,’” he said. “It can be moment when someone who has lived many years . . . shares the wisdom of their age as we pray together.”

This sacrament can be for the elderly or young children, for the terminally ill or those who will recover, for those who need physical as well as spiritual healing.

And it can be experienced anywhere.

Although Father Hund first experienced the sacrament in a hospital, it can be celebrated in people’s homes and in churches as well. Many parishes offer the sacrament on a monthly or annual basis. Often, people will schedule an opportunity to celebrate the sacrament before a scheduled surgery.

“I would encourage anyone who is sick to receive the anointing and do that as soon as they possibly can,” said Father Hund. “Don’t stay away from the Eucharist and the anointing, trying to figure out God’s timing.

“Use the gift of time God gave us today to receive the sacrament.”

Celebrate the sacrament thoughtfully Although there are occasions when it is appropriate to call for a priest to rush to a hospital to offer the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, this is not necessary or even advisable.

The sacrament of the anointing of the sick is not strictly a preparation for death, but rather a prayer for healing. People should not wait until the last minute to ask a priest for anointing, one reason being that a priest may not be available.

Q. Does someone have to be dying to

receive this sacrament?

A.

No. The sacrament is for those whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age.

Q.

My mother has already been anointed by the hospital’s Catholic chaplain. Should I call her pastor so she can be anointed again?

A. Your mother doesn’t need to be

anointed again during her hospital stay, but go ahead and let her pastor know she’s in the hospital. He’ll appreciate being informed and will no doubt stop by if he is able.

Q. I’m scheduled for surgery next

month and would like to be anointed.

Should I wait until the day of surgery?

A.

No. Contact your pastor and let him know that you would like to be anointed before going to the hospital. He will let you know when this should be done.

Q.

Can someone receive this sacrament more than once?

A.

A person can be anointed more than once in his or her lifetime, but once or twice a year is adequate, unless the person’s condition worsens significantly.

Q.

Do I have to be in a hospital to receive this sacrament?

A.

No. Many people receive it at home or at their parish. Some parishes have a special Mass or time to anoint the elderly or ill of the parish on a regular basis.

It’s always best to celebrate this sacrament with others.

Q. Do I have to go to confession first?

A. That depends. If you are alienated

from God by mortal sin, then, yes, you should receive the sacrament of reconciliation first. Ask the priest.

Q. Can sick children be anointed?

Q. What kind of healing is the sacraA. Yes, if they have the use of suffi- ment intended to provide?

cient reason to be strengthened by the sacrament.

Q. Should a priest be called to anoint

someone who has already died?

A.

No. This is a sacrament for the living, so you should simply pray for the person who has died. Do call the parish office to notify your pastor of the death of your loved one, however, and for help with funeral arrangements.

A. Some form of healing takes place,

but it isn’t always physical healing. With the sacrament, we pray that a person be healed in body, soul and spirit. Ultimately, all sacraments are for a greater understanding of God’s mysteries and to receive the grace that will bring us to eternal life. This sacrament is not a substitute for the work of doctors and nurses, because God works through medical professionals.

“

“Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.”

(Jas 5: 14-15)

“

I

Story By Joe Bollig

10 local news Harold and Julie (Moran) Harrington, members of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 28 with a celebration of thanksgiving with their children. The couple was married on April 27, 1963, at St. Columbkille Parish in Blaine. Their children and their spouses are: Pamela and Jim Mott, Lenexa; Kimberly and Bruce Rengstorf, Edmond, Okla.; and Karen and Keith Braman, Lawrence. They also have six grandchildren.

Mary Ann (Kremer) and Larry Chandlee, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on April 25.

The couple was married on April 25, 1953, at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca.

Their children and their spouses are: Diane and Dave Daschke; James Chandlee; Linda and Greg Schmack; and Carol and Joe Fangman. They also have 10 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.

Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: Todd@theleaven.com.

theleaven.com | april 26, 2013

Sister Irene McGrath, SCL Leavenworth — Sister Irene McGrath, 87, died on April 8 at the Sisters of Charity motherhouse here. She faithfully served as a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 68 years.

Mildred Eileen McGrath was the fourth of seven children born of Henry J. and Mary O’Donnell McGrath on Feb. 3, 1926, in a farmhouse four miles east of Greenleaf.

Sister Irene wrote that the only thing she remembered hearing about the occasion was that the doctor told her mother she had “given birth to a baby girl with a very round head.”

Mildred started her education in a one-room school called Maplewood. She was taught her prayers by her mother. The family would gather around the table to recite the rosary before bed.

After the sixth grade, the family moved to another farm and the children attended school in Greenleaf, where there were only two grades to a room. The grade and high schools were housed in the same building with 100 students in all — 16 of whom were McGrath first cousins.

After she completed sophomore year, Mildred’s aunt visited from Topeka and invited her to come to Topeka

to attend Central Catholic High School, known today as Hayden. Toward the end of the summer, the decision was made and Mildred changed schools.

She graduated in May 1944 and, on Sept. 1, 1944, joined the Sisters of Charity. She was given the name Sister Irene and professed her vows on March 10, 1946.

For 25 years, Sister Irene was engaged in elementary education, both as a teacher and an administrator. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Saint Mary, and studied at the Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, Mass.

In 1972, Sister Irene began working in religious education and pastoral ministry at St. James Parish in Liberty, Mo., before moving to Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence, where she served as pastoral associate. Later, she was the administrator of the Ageless in the Lord program for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and was the director of the Martha and Mary’s Way program in Lawrence. She retired to the motherhouse in 2004.

Sister Margaret Pfennigs, SCL Leavenworth — Sister Margaret Pfennigs, 94, formerly Sister Mary Teresita, died at the motherhouse here on April 14. She served as a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 75 years.

Margaret Lena Pfennigs was born at the old St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bill-

ings, Mont., on Nov. 11, 1918. She was the second of six children born to Fred and Elsie Mary Waldner Pfennigs.

Margaret had four brothers and one sister. She attended the Kate Fratt Memorial Grade School in Billings. It was there that she met the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. After graduation from high school, Margaret entered the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth on Aug. 29, 1938.

She was given the name Sister Mary Teresita and professed first vows on March 2, 1940. She later returned to the use of her baptismal name.

Sister Margaret attended a course for X-ray technicians in Chicago. In September 1940, she started the nurses training program at Providence Hospital in Kansas City, Kan., and became a registered nurse in 1943. She served 32 years in Sisters of Charity hospitals, mostly as a medical-surgical supervisor, then followed with 10 years as a patient visitor.

Having a great sense of humor, Sister Margaret was a wonderful storyteller. Her hobbies included painting scenic views and still life, and aerobic walking. Before retiring to Ross Hall in 1994, Sister Margaret served as a companion in community in Texas and Colorado.

Catholic Baseball Camp of Kansas City Hosted by Mike Sweeney - June 4-6, 2013

Were you married in 1963?

Archdiocesan 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration REGISTER NOW! For the first time in KC, boys ages 8-15 can experience an authentically Catholic camp with former Major League Baseball players and coaches. Featuring George Brett, Frank White, Jeff Montgomery and many more, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!

This year’s camp will be held at the Mid-America Sports Compelx in Shawnee, KS. Cost is $300.

Full schedule and more info. is available online at www.cyojwa.org/catholicbaseballcamp.html Space is limited, so register online today!

Cathedral of St. Peter June 23, 2013, 2:30 pm Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann invites couples celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2013 to a Golden Anniversary Mass in their honor with Reception following

To receive your invitation from Archbishop Naumann, please call the Family Life Office at 913-647-0345

Nation/World 11

april 26, 2013 | theleaven.com

Pope speaks on dangers of being ‘climbers’

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Following Jesus isn’t complicated, but it may take courage and it always requires recognizing that human beings aren’t God, Pope Francis said in two of his morning Mass homilies.

The pope celebrated Mass April 20 with volunteers who work at a Vatican pediatric clinic for immigrants and for the poor, and April 22 with the staff of the Vatican press office. Both Masses were held in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where the pope lives.

“Sometimes we are tempted to be too much our own bosses and not humble children and servants of the Lord,” the pope said during the April 22 Mass, according to Vatican Radio.

In the day’s Gospel reading (Jn 10:110), Jesus describes himself as the “gate for the sheep” and talks about thieves and robbers who try to climb over or under the fence to get into the sheepfold.

Pope Francis said there is a constant temptation to “find other gates or

CNS photo/Paul Haring

Pope Francis warned against “climbers,” who want to give themselves glory or choose a path to happiness that isn’t Christ. windows for entering into the kingdom of God, but one can enter only through that gate called Jesus.”

Even within the Christian community, he said, there are “climbers,”

who want to give themselves glory or choose a path to happiness that isn’t Christ.

“Some of you may say: ‘Father, you’re a fundamentalist!’ No, simply put, this is what Jesus said,” the pope told the congregation. Jesus is “a beautiful gate, a gate of love, a gate that does not deceive, is not false. He always tells the truth, but with tenderness and love.”

The way to show that you have entered the fold through Christ, he said, is to be living examples of the beatitudes — “be poor, be meek, be just” — and “do what Matthew 25 says” by feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the sick and visiting prisoners.

Pope Francis asked the press office employees to join him in asking God for the grace to remember always to knock at the door that is Christ.

“Sometimes it’s closed — we’re sad, we feel desolation, we have trouble knocking,” he said. “Do not go looking for other doors that seem easier, more comfortable, closer.”

“Jesus never disappoints,” the pope said. “Jesus never deceives.”

W

penalties for gun trafficking, reinstituted an assault weapons ban and imposed restrictions on civilian access to high-capacity ammunition magazines.

Bishop Blaire noted that many of the provisions of the bill enjoyed bipartisan support.

On April 10, the day before debate began, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Sen. Patrick Toomey, R-Pa., announced a compromise deal on the background-checks provision of the bill.

These checks would not have applied to unadvertised gun sales, according to the compromise. Further, gun owners who have passed background checks within the past five years for a concealed-carry permit can use that permit to buy guns in other states. The compromise would have relaxed some restrictions on hunters traveling with

Catholics band together after tragedy in Texas WEST, Texas (CNS) — Father Ed Karasek was driving home from a meeting in Austin when reports of a massive explosion at a fertilizer plant in West came across the radio. The tragedy’s human toll hit home quickly for the pastor of the Church of the Assumption in West. One of the first responders killed in the magnitude 2.1 blast was the son of parish secretary Carolyn Pustejovsky. Joey Pustejovsky was a volunteer firefighter and city secretary for the predominantly Czech-Catholic community located 20 miles north of Waco off Interstate 35. West is in the Diocese of Austin, but borders the Diocese of Fort Worth.

About 200 others were injured in the industrial explosion the night of April 17 that followed a fire at the plant where volatile ammonium nitrate was used to manufacture fertilizer. Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman Sgt. Jason Reyes said April 19 that 14 bodies had been recovered from debris and that 25 buildings remained to be cleared. He did not say whether that was likely to be the final death toll.

world

Failure on gun measure shows ‘failure in moral leadership’

ASHINGTON (CNS) — Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif., said the U.S. Senate’s failure “to support even modest regulations on firearms” is “a failure in moral leadership to promote policies which protect and defend the common good.”

The head of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development expressed “deep disappointment” that the lawmakers failed to pass gun-control legislation.

Bishop Blaire made the comments in an April 18 letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

On April 17, the Senate failed to pass amendments to a firearms measure that would have expanded background checks for gun purchases, increased

Nation

their guns through states that ban them.

It also would have allowed active members of the military to buy firearms in their home states; the practice is illegal when they are stationed outside their state.

The bishop said in his letter that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has been “working with other faith leaders and organizations urging Congress to support legislation that builds a culture of life by promoting policies that reduce gun violence and save people’s lives in homes and communities throughout our nation.”

“Though we are disappointed, we will continue our efforts to work with Congress and other people of good will to advocate for policies that create a safer and more peaceful society,” he added.

Vatican withholds election-year staff bonus VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In an austerity move like those being taken by governments around the world, the Vatican will not pay its employees a bonus marking the March 13 election of Pope Francis but will instead make a donation to charity. “In the past, on the occasion of the start of a pontificate, a bonus was granted to Vatican employees,” Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, told reporters April 19. “In the present case, given the difficult economic situation in general, it seemed neither possible nor opportune to burden the budgets of Vatican offices with a considerable, extraordinary and unexpected expense. Instead, the Holy Father has decided to make a donation to some charitable organizations, drawing on funds available for the charity of the pope, as a sign of concern for the many persons in difficulty,” Father Lombardi said.

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

Submission deadline is April 30.

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

School positions - Dickinson Catholic Schools, Dickinson, ND, invites applications for the positions of president, primary and secondary principals to assume duties July 1.

President qualifications: Candidates must show evidence of a strong commitment to and practice of the Catholic faith and a desire to promote deep Catholic identity within the school based on the teachings of the magisterium. A master’s degree in school administration and supervision, curriculum and instruction, or a similar field is preferred. A minimum of three years experience required. Minimum principal qualifications: Practicing Catholic who believes, professes, and follows the teaching of the magisterium. Master’s degree in education. North Dakota teaching certificate.

Three year provisional is offered by ND. Minimum of three years experience. Salary for all three positions is based on qualifications and experience but will be very competitive.

Applicants are requested to submit a letter of interest, resume, and three references to the president of the board of directors of Dickinson Catholic Schools by sending an email to: toodk7@gmail.com and frwaltz@me.com.

Hairstylist - Hope Hairstyling, 1225 N. 78th St., Kansas City, Kan. Family-friendly and Christian environment. Some clients furnished (back combing a must). A great opportunity for career-minded individual. Booth rental. Send an email with contact information to: hopehairstyling@gmail.com or call (913) 334-1611. Email is preferred.

Graphic designer and media relations director - St. James Academy seeks a candidate to prepare visual presentations by designing art and copy layout. Must be comfortable with multimedia initiatives and navigating the Mac environment and related design software. College degree required, professional experience a plus, including public relations. Catholic candidate preferred. See the complete job description and application details by visiting the website at: http://www.sjakeepingfaith.org/about-us/employment.

Carpet cleaning technician - Love interacting with people and being part of a team? Have a passion to serve others and enjoy the benefits of some physical work? Then join one of the most respected, progressive service companies in Kansas City. Make top industry pay and be appreciated for a job well done. Bock’s Steam Star is accepting applications for two positions. $10 - $40K. Call (913) 438-7767 or visit the website at: www.steamstar.net.

Director of music and liturgy - Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Shawnee, is currently seeking a full-time director of music and liturgy to coordinate and lead the parish’s music ministry, which includes several choirs and plans liturgies for all Masses. Bachelor’s degree in music or liturgy or related field is required, and at least 3-5 years of related work experience is preferred. Ability to play both organ and piano is required, along with the ability to sing and lead song. Applicant must be a practicing Catholic in good standing. Email resume along with cover letter and salary requirements to: julie.krause@shoj.org.

Principal - St. John LaLande Parish seeks a principal committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. St. John LaLande is a parish school serving approximately 300 pre-K to 8th-grade students with a staff of 30. St. John LaLande Parish is located in suburban Kansas City, Mo. Candidate must be a practicing Catholic, have a master’s degree in educational administration, teaching experience and preferably three years administrative experience. Applications may be made to the Catholic schools office on the website at: http://jobs. diocese-kcsj.org/?cid=4&lid=118. All applications must be received by May 3.

Services Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

theleaven.com | APRIL 26, 2013 MEDICATION SETUP & MANAGEMENT - RN support visits for filling weekly pill boxes & managing medication. Affordable and convenient. To learn more, call Home Connect Health Services at (913) 627-9222.

Lawn Mowing Spring Cleanups/Landscaping Local Parishioner Insured/References Free Estimates Call Tony (913) 620-6063 Lawn mowing - Mowing, weedeating, cleanup afterwards, and reasonable pricing. Members of St. Joseph Parish and alumni of St. Thomas Aquinas. Call Bryan at (913) 636-3927.

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

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

Visit our website at: www.KOATINDUSTRIES.com.

Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience.

Call (913) 227-4902.

Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees.

Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional.

Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Quality craftsmanship at a reasonable price! - Wood rot and house painting. Fiber cement siding/James Hardie. Window replace or repair, decks, basements and baths. Interior and exterior painting. Call Mike at (913) 991-3955.

Piano lessons - Give your child the gift of music! Quality piano lessons with a positive, caring and motivating teacher. Excellent piano method, and children excel quickly. 15 years of teaching experience. Call (913) 3383022.

Heating and cooling repair and replacement.

Call Joe with JB Design and Service. Licensed and insured with 20 years experience. Member of Divine Mercy Parish. Call Joe at (913) 915-6887.

Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project!

Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance.

Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad.

Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 All your lawn and landscaping needs.

Commercial/residential mowing. Spring seeding. New planting and shrub trimming. Powerwashing, gutter cleaning, foundation dirt, retaining walls, and sprinkler repair. (816) 509-0224 Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mikehammermoving@aol.com.

T-shirt Quilts! Graduation Quilts! Quilted Memories is now accepting graduation quilt orders. Let’s work together to design a unique memory quilt for your grad!

7913 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park. (913) 649-2704 or (913) 492-8877. Full service long arm quilting shop!

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

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

Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; secondgeneration bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe.

Call (913) 829-4336.

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

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

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

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

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 Swalms Organizing Service - Reducing Clutter - Enjoy an Organized Home! Basement, garage, attic, shop, storage rooms - any room organized! Belongings sorted, boxed and labeled, items hauled or taken for recycling, trash bagged. For before and after photos, visit: www. swalmsorganizing.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115.

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

Perfect Roof - Free estimates; roofing repairs if needed.

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

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

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

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

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376

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

Spent the past 3 years exclusively caring for one client.

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

Have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease? Inquire about our fresh, unique approach to care. ComfortCare Homes, a local, family-owned care option, opened its first home in 2005. We have now grown to four homes located in Overland Park and Leawood. All of our homes are located minutes from highways I-35 or I-435, allowing easy access from anywhere in the Kansas City metropolitan area including Lee’s Summit, Shawnee, Liberty and Olathe. To learn more or take a tour, call Courtney Minter at (913) 609-1891 or visit the website at: www.

ComfortCareKC.com.

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Debbie or Gary.

Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or visit our website at: www.benefitsofhome. com.

vacation Mountain cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA, fully furnished; sleeps four. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $95/ night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the website at: www.tillmancabin.com.

MISCELLANEOUS Home repair help available through Catholic Heart - Are you in the Kansas City, Kan., or Kansas City, Mo., area? Are you in need of some minor home repairs? Or just some general cleanup around home, or do you know of someone in need who may not see this article? Catholic HEART (Helping Everyone Attain Repairs Today) will be in your area, July 15 - 18. Catholic Heart provides the labor and some materials such as paint, tools, and wood.

Requests for assistance must be submitted by June 14.

If you miss the deadline, please send in your request anyway. Visit our website at: https://www.archkck.org/ ministries--offices/ecat-youth/ecat-youth---catholic-heart-work--camp for more information and to fill out the work order forms. For information, call Ernest Boehner at (913) 433-2085, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, or Rick Cheek in the youth office at (913) 284-1725.

TWA Clipped Wings - Will have a “Welcome Home” convention in KC, Oct. 3 - 5. TWA, American, and Ozark cabin attendants are invited to join Clipped Wings and reconnect with old friends. For information, contact Cheryl Molinaro at: molinarozc@hotmail.com or call (239) 498-6777.

for sale Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment.

Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood.

Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.

For sale - 2 side-by-side individual full-body crypts (#30 & #32) in Gate of Heaven Mausoleum, Kansas City, Kan., Queen of Heaven Court, Level “D.” Current selling price at this level would be $12,000, reduced to $7,500. Must sell.

Contact Cathy M. to make an offer at (913) 485-7076.

wanted to buy

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April 26, 2013 | theleaven.com

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

The world-renowned Pope Paul VI Institute is conducting two seminars on women’s reproductive health care. The first on April 26 is designed for clergy and medical professionals. The second seminar on April 27 is designed for the general public.

These seminars will present authentic, objective, and scientific approaches to women’s reproductive health as compared to the dominant approach used as the standard today. Details and online registration can be found at: www.prolifekc.com or contact the archdiocesan pro-life office at (913) 647-0350 or by email at: prolife@ archkck.org. Advance registration through April 24 is $15 and includes lunch.

Our Lady of Unity Church and School will host its inaugural car, truck and cycle show on April 27 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Unity Church, 2646 S. 34th, Kansas City, Kan. Each car, truck and cycle entry is $20. There will be food booths and assorted vendors. There is no cost to attend.

Contact Sherry at (913) 207-0900.

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es will be provided. This is an age 21 and over event. For more information, contact Chuck Pyle at (913) 299-3370 or Fritz Vertz at (913) 515-0621.

The Curé of Ars Singles will host their annual spring fling dance on April 27 from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria at 9401 Mission Road, Leawood. The cost to attend is $15 at the door. For more information, call (913) 631-6873.

A chili-tasting contest, dinner and Texas Hold ’em will be held at St. Pius X Church on April 27. The tasting will begin at 5:45 p.m. and dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $5 for adults and free for children age 6 and under. A $20 buy-in for Texas Hold ’em begins at 7:15 p.m. Beginners are also welcome. Child care and fun activities will be provided. Registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome. For more information or to register, contact Steve Abels at (913) 579-2025.

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

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

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St. Casimir Altar Society, Leavenworth, will host the ACCW quarterly luncheon and meeting of the Leavenworth Region on April 28 at 12:30 p.m. at the educational center, 719 Pennsylvania Ave., Leavenworth. Peggy Chism will give a presentation on her experiences with the ditty bag project for the Job Corps in Manhattan. Bring a covered dish, used cards, used stamps, items for the ditty bags, and pennies for the seminarians in the archdiocese. For more information, send an email to Judy Brose at: brosej2002@ yahoo.com, or call (913) 773-8334.

New respite volunteer training will be on April 27 from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Health Center, 1000 Carondelet Dr., Kansas City, Mo. Respite is a rewarding ministry giving companionship and care to homebound persons, while allowing their caregiver some much needed time away. Men and women are needed to become volunteers. Volunteers serve in their own parish. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Pat Scheibel at (913) 897-6589.

May

St. Patrick Church Green Club will host a Texas Hold ’em tournament on April 27 at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria at 1066 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kan. The cost to attend is a suggested donation of $50 per person. Food, snacks and beverag-

Seton Center’s annual “Swingin’ at the Stack” event will be held at 6:30 p.m. on May 1 at Fiorella’s Private Catering, 13641 Holmes, Martin City, Mo. The theme of the event is Hawaiian. The cost to attend is $80 per

1

person; tables of 10 for $800. For more information, contact Julie at (816) 581-4722 or send an email to: jcogley@setonkc.org.

students and faculty to attend this celebration. For more information, contact the parish office at (913) 888-2770.

“Discipline: What to Do Instead of Spanking” will be offered on Wednesdays, May 1 and May 8, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For more information, call (913) 906-8990.

The Knights of Columbus 4th-Degree Lt. Wm. T. Fitzsimons Assembly 280 will host a taco dinner in St. Mary - St. Anthony Church basement, 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan., on May 4 from 5 - 7 p.m. The cost to attend is a suggested donation of $6 and $1 for additional tacos. Proceeds will benefit many charitable activities.

“Managing Stress So It Doesn’t Manage You” will be presented on May 1 from 2 3 p.m. at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Counseling students from Mid-America Nazarene University will present multiple management techniques to help women manage stress, make better decisions, and enjoy life more. Call (913) 906-8990 to register.

The motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, will host a Taize prayer on May 2 at 7 p.m. in Annunciation Chapel. For more information, call (913) 680-2342 or visit the website at: www.marillaccenter.org.

2

Alumni of St. Thomas Aquinas, Overland Park, will host an openmic and karaoke night on May 3 from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. For more information, visit the website at: www. facebook.com/stasaintsalumni.

3

Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park, will celebrate first Saturday Mass and devotions in honor of Our Blessed Mother on May 4. The rosary will be prayed at 7:05 a.m., followed by Mass at 7:30 a.m. A breakfast prepared by the Knights of Columbus and a presentation will follow. The celebrant and presenter will be Father Anthony Viviano from the Diocese of Jefferson City, Mo. Father Viviano is a graduate of Benedictine University, and his topic will be “My Journey to the Priesthood at Age 49.” All are welcome.

4

A Cinco de Mayo Mexican feast will be held on May 4 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. at St. Brigid Hall, 3095 6th St., Osage City.

Holy Trinity School, Lenexa, will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a special Mass with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at 4 p.m. on May 4, followed by a historic video presentation. After Mass, all are welcome to a barbecue and potluck dinner in the school parking lot. A special invitation goes out to all former Holy Trinity

The Ladies of Charity will host a private showing of this year’s Designer Showhouse on May 6 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. The historic home is at 1032 W. 55th St., Kansas City, Mo. The home is known as the Bent-Ward House, located east of Ward Parkway, and is one of the most prominent houses in the history of Kansas City. Lunch is included. The event benefits nonprofit groups for the underprivileged and uninsured, including Duchesne Clinic, Seton Center and Villa St. Francis. For more information, contact Laura at (913) 766-1119. For reservations, send a $30 check by April 29 to Sandy Mayer, 11640 W. 143rd Terr., Olathe, KS 66062.

6

The regular meeting of the KCK Serra Club will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5th and Minnesota, Kansas City, Kan., at noon on May 8. Jan Lewis, executive director for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, will be the guest speaker.

8

St. Joseph - St. Lawrence, Easton, will host a spring fling on May 11 from 4 - 7 p.m. at the St. Lawrence hall. A Mexican dinner will be served, with bingo to follow. The raffle includes a queen-size hand-quilted quilt.

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Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill St., Kansas City, Kan., will host a social club taco dinner at their hall on May 11 from 2 6 p.m. The cost to attend is $6.50 for adults; $3 for children under the age of 12.

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer in Easton will host a contemplative prayer retreat day from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on May 18. Instruction will be provided on request. Full- or half-day options are available, with a noon meal included. The cost is $25 per participant. The retreat may be extended for an overnight stay. For information or to register, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@shantivanam.com.

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Antiques wanted I buy old pocket & wristwatches; sets of silverware; souvenir spoons; advertising signs; coins; and Native American turquoise jewelry, arrowheads & rugs. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid.

Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. *** Wanted to buy *** Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, prints, sterling, etc.

Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

Want to help someone heal from an abortion?

Call Toll Free 888-246-1504

Pilgrimage to Italy and Medjugorje October 14-30 Paid only by check or money order 30 people - $2,790; 20 people - $3,087 Air only May be on credit card.

Kansas City - Rome and Rome - split

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Topeka- (785) 234-0701 Leavenworth- (913) 682-2700 Kansas City-(816)444-7090 Emporia- (620) 342-8600

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Price includes: accommodations in hotels in Italy. Private home in medjugorje. Full breakfast and dinners. Porterage service where provided. Private motor coach.

Tour managers from Italian Dream Holidays, (Simona and Aldo) and Dragan Zovko in Medjugorje. Five guided city tours in Italy. Headsets and entrance fees.

14 commentary

theleaven.com | april 26, 2013

inside Catholic Charities

mark my words Scripture Readings fifth WEEK OF EASTER April 28 fifth SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 14: 21b-27 Ps 145: 8-13 Rv 21: 1-5a Jn 13: 31-33a, 34-35 April 29 Catherine of Siena, virgin, doctor of the church Acts 14: 5-18 Ps 115: 1-5, 15-16 Jn 14: 21-26 April 30 Pius V, pope Acts 14: 19-28 Ps 145: 10-13ab, 21 Jn 14: 27-31a May 1 Joseph the Worker Acts 15: 1-6 Ps 122: 1-5 Jn 15: 1-8 May 2 Athanasius, bishop, doctor of the church Acts 15: 7-21 Ps 96: 1-3, 10 Jn 15: 9-11 May 3 PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES 1 Cor 15: 1-8 Ps 19: 2-5 Jn 14: 6-14 May 4 Acts 16: 1-10 Ps 100: 2, 3, 5 Jn 15: 18-21

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I

Do you know the end of the story?

’ve never met Charles Ellis of Indianapolis, but I know that we’re kindred spirits.

Until reading about him, I was afraid to confess something that I do, figuring it was so weird that people, upon hearing of it, may want to commit me to some safe mental facility . . . and the sooner, the better. My particular quirk concerns sports.

When I’m out watching Sporting KC, the Royals or the T-Bones at the stadium, I’m quite normal and enjoy the excitement of the on-field action. However, things change when I’m at home and a game is on TV. I turn into a nervous Nellie — pacing the floor, shouting out advice, wincing at every wrong move or boneheaded play. And the more important the game is, the more agitated I get.

Ideally, sports should be something recreational, something that takes your mind off the concerns and worries of life. When watching sports turns into something stressful, then something needs to be done.

So, here’s what my “some-

Father Mark Goldasich Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. thing” is: I never watch a live game on TV anymore.

Instead, I set my DVR to record it. When I know that the game is over, I get online and check what the final score was. If my team won, I watch the game; if not, I erase it without a second thought.

Now, some people may think this is wacky. After all, isn’t the whole point of watching live sports the thrill of entering into the ups and downs of the game?

Well, not for me! I can’t tell you how much I enjoy watching a game when I know how it ends, when I know that my team is going to win. I calmly sit down,

savoring popcorn and Pepsi, and let things unfold. Using my method, I know that, no matter how bad things look at any one point during the game, my team is going to come out on top.

And, I’m happy to report, Charles Ellis feels the same way!

In some sense, perhaps it’s my faith that has colored how I approach sports. For us Christians, we know the “end of the story” — both of Jesus and our own life.

Death will never be the end; we will rise with Christ.

Darkness will not prevail; light will reign. Sadness will always give way to rejoicing.

Suffering will yield to relief.

Those were some of the feelings that helped me through the Boston Marathon bombing and the explosion of the fertilizer plant in Texas, to name just a couple of the more memorable tragedies of the last week or so. While my heart hurts for those who were killed and injured, I also draw great comfort from the response of the people around those horrific events. Watching the footage, I couldn’t help

but be moved by the first responders, who put their lives on the line for the sake of others; by the people, even those who had just completed the marathon, who volunteered to give blood; by the residents who opened their doors to dazed strangers, offering them a hug, a place to rest, or some water; to the medical personnel, who tended to the many wounded; and to all whom I’m sure were there to comfort the families who lost loved ones.

These people, in a sense, remind us to look to “the end of the story.” As we heard in last Sunday’s Gospel, we have a Good Shepherd who never loses any of those he’s been given. Jesus cares for us in life and in death, when we experience blessings and when we muddle through tragedy. And he asks us to be good shepherds, announcers of the “end of the story,” for our troubled world, reminding it — through how we live our lives — that what appears so many times to be the end is, in the eyes of our loving God, just the beginning.

In the beginning

Antioch became early home to Christian movement

E

very summer, missionaries visit the parishes of the archdiocese to tell us about their ministry.

They do this partly to raise money so that this important work might continue. After all, a collection for the archdiocesan missionary cooperative plan accompanies their talk at Mass.

But they also speak about the missions because the work that they have undertaken there is done in the name of the church — that is to say, in our name, because we are the church. In reporting back to us, the missionaries are reporting back to a portion of the church that they represent.

In Sunday’s first reading, Acts 14:21b-27, something similar is happening. When Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch, they report back to the church about the missionary

commentary 15

april 26, 2013 | theleaven.com

Father Mike Stubbs Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. trip they have just finished: “From there they sailed back to Antioch, where they had first been commended to the favor of God for the task they had now completed. On their arrival, they called the congregation together and related all that God had helped them accomplish, and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.”

Paul and Barnabas had received their mandate to travel as missionaries while they

were at Antioch: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off” (Acts 13:2-3).

It was altogether appropriate that Paul and Barnabas should receive their commission as missionaries from the church in Antioch. After all, Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman Empire, after Rome itself and Alexandria in Egypt.

Accordingly, Antioch had become a center for the Christians. In fact, “it was at Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11: 26). According to tradition, Peter first served as a leader for the Christians in Antioch, before moving on to Rome. That tradition claims

THE PRACTICAL CATHOLIC In each issue of MacLife magazine is a page called: $50 iTunes card. There, a writer suggests ways to spend that money on recommended movies, books, music and games.

I’d like to propose a similar, non-iTunes, question: How would you spend $25? Would you ever consider giving it as a loan? And no, I’m not asking for it.

But Kiva is. This is a “nonprofit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. . . . Individuals lend as

that Peter was bishop of Antioch before becoming bishop of Rome.

Many scholars believe that Matthew’s Gospel was written in Antioch. That could partly explain why that Gospel places such importance on Peter, given Peter’s association with Antioch. Paul also mentions Peter’s presence in Antioch, in connection with a disagreement that the two of them had on how to interact with Gentile converts to Christianity: “And when Cephas (Peter) came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he was clearly in the wrong” (Gal 2:11).

Bringing the Gospel to a larger audience sometimes resulted in controversy. In any case, the Christian community in Antioch played a decisive role in spreading the new faith to the Mediterranean world, as testified by Sunday’s first reading.

little as $25 to help create opportunities throughout the world.” The money is a loan, by the way, not a donation, and is handled through a “worldwide network of microfinance institutions.” The repayment rate is listed at 99 percent. There are presently over 923,000 lenders to people in 67 countries.

The Kiva site allows you to pick, through a detailed description, which person you would like to support in his or her endeavor. For information, check the website at: www.kiva.org.

I’m in for $25. Honestly, these folks out can use it far more than me.

— M.G.

Their need is your opportunity to serve

T

he women arrive early, as the sun is cresting the horizon, hoping to beat the summer heat.

They bring with them baskets to hold the harvest and knives and hoes to tend their crops. The still of the morning is broken by the sounds of children laughing and playing between the rows as their mothers bend over the tender shoots, pulling weeds. Their brightly colored garments and elaborate headdresses create a beautiful contrast with the brilliant green of the fields.

Jan lewis Jan Lewis is the executive director of Catholic Charities.

It is a place that feels at peace as the women work with the rhythm of nature to feed their families.

If it wasn’t for the Kansas City skyline off in the distance, you might believe that you were standing in the African veldt or a tropical delta in Asia rather than on a small farm carved from the

ruins of a federal housing project in northeast Kansas City, Kan. The women are refugees, having fled persecution in their homelands (primarily in Burma, Bhutan, Somalia and Sudan), and have been offered the chance of a new life here in the United States under the sponsorship of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Charities.

The farm at Juniper Gardens offers them the opportunity to become entrepreneurs. They are able to bring their agricultural skills to this new land and learn how to adapt their crops to not only feed their own families, but to market and sell to the American consumer.

The women receive support

from Catholic Charities staff and volunteers during a four-year program, with a goal for them to “graduate” from the training farm, acquire their own land and become self-sufficient local producers for Kansas City’s thriving farmers’ markets.

You can support this wonderful ministry and provide your family with fresh, naturally grown vegetables this season by joining our New Roots for Refugees CSA. For less than $20 per week you will receive an endless variety of produce for 18 weeks, beginning in June. Our farmers can also be found each week at local markets on both sides of the state line. Dates, times and locations of the markets

are listed on our website at: www.catholiccharitiesks. org.

This year, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas expects to welcome nearly 200 new refugees to the Kansas City area. They will arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs and hope for the future. Their need is your opportunity to serve, a chance for you to become a friend and mentor.

If your family or parish would like to learn more about joining our mission to “Welcome the Stranger,” please contact Ernie Boehner or Kasie Garlington at (913) 433-2100. Refugees bring seeds of hope; you can nurture that hope into a bountiful harvest.

ordained to serve

We must be bridges —not obstacles —to meeting Christ

L

ast month, I heard a wonderful keynote address by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Houston on “The Deacon as Servant of the New Evangelization.”

While his comments were directed to a roomful of deacons, the principles of evangelization that he identified are applicable to all Catholics: (1) Conviction. The first Christians were immersed in the word of God. They spoke with “bold assurance” — not of their own creation,

Leon Suprenant Leon Suprenant is the pastoral associate for administration in the office of the permanent diaconate. He also blogs at: www.archkck.org/blog. but through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we see from modern-day examples such as Mother Teresa, such conviction is not “arrogance,” but the fruit of lives turned over to Christ.

(2) Engagement. It’s instructive that Luke’s sequel is called the “Acts of the Apostles” and not the “Good

Intentions of the Apostles” or “Pastoral Plan of the Apostles.” Pope Francis is calling the church to stop focusing on internal issues and instead actively engage in the mission of Jesus for the life of the world.

(3) Bridge-building. We must be bridges and not obstacles for meeting Christ.

As channels of Christ’s peace, we must adapt to the needs of those around us. A good New Testament role model is Barnabas, who made it possible for St. Paul to become the great Apostle to the Gentiles. Do I make it possible for others to shine, or is it about “me” or “my ministry”?

(4) Remember the poor.

Cardinal DiNardo recounted the story from the conclave

that as it appeared that Cardinal Bergoglio would be elected, Cardinal Hummes turned to the future pope and whispered, “Always remember the poor.” We hear talk of “transforming the culture” and sometimes it seems very abstract.

What it means in large part is making works of mercy and charity a greater part of who we are as church. It’s not rocket science: Helping people who need material or spiritual help is the basic building block of renewal.

(5) Use words. A “tsunami of secularism” is battering our society. We’re deceiving ourselves if we believe that our society is even neutral when it comes to the Christian faith. Sadly, our culture has largely cut

itself off from God. Even within the church, there are many who go through the motions without a close personal relationship with the Lord.

Do we need to pray and set a good Christian example? Of course. But it can’t end there. Pope Francis understands that we have to talk to people about Jesus.

After all, the church exists to evangelize, to call everyone to salvation in Christ through the forgiveness of sins.

That’s our story. And today all priests, deacons, religious, and laity must take up the Holy Father’s challenge to invite others to a life-changing relationship with Christ in his church.

Word of life

E

For Catholics, evangelization is our primary vocation

vangelization is an uncomfortable word, one that a lot of us have heard and perhaps do not understand.

However, Jesus teaches us that evangelization is the primary mission of the Catholic Church and, as Catholics, we need to learn to become comfortable with evangelizing or perhaps get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Evangelization comes from the Greek word “evangelium,” which means the “good news.” The suffix “-ization” means the act or

matt karr Matt Karr is the lead consultant for the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of adults. process or result of making something. So in other words, evangelization is the act or process of making the good news about Jesus known to others. Evangelization is “goodnewsization”!

Pope Paul VI taught us: “Evangelization is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest

identity. She exists in order to evangelize” (“Evangelii Nuntiandi,” 14). While these words apply to the church universal, they also apply to each of us individually as Catholics. As Catholics, evangelization is our primary vocation.

The need is great! Recent studies have indicated that as many as 1 in 10 Americans is a fallen-away or non-practicing Catholic. If these former Catholics were to constitute one denomination, it would represent the second or third largest denomination in the United States. Seventy-one percent of those who have stopped practicing the Catholic faith said the primary reason they left was because they were not being fed.

Of the Catholics who

remain, as many as half are unsure if God is personal, and a full one-third are certain that God is not personal.

That means that as many as one in three Catholics who are coming to church with at least monthly regularity do not believe that you can have a personal relationship with God! It is into this situation in our country and even within our own parishes that we as Catholics are called to make the good news of Jesus Christ known! The new mission field is our own homes, our extended families, our places of work, and even our own parishes.

In my opinion, one of the greatest needs of evangelization is among our postcollege-aged young adults.

If you look around at your church, you will see very few folks in there mid-20s to early 30s. One of our responsibilities is to reach out to young adults.

St. Paul’s Outreach has been helping us do just that!

SPO has worked to establish an outreach in Kansas City called missionKC. This outreach hosts weekly events for Catholic young adults through Trust One Greater, Theology on Tap, Fan Into Flame retreats, Band of Brothers, small groups, and Catholic formation.

To learn more, contact Sam Schoenfelder by email at: sam@spoweb.org. To support the work of SPO in the archdiocese, contact me by email at: ecat@archkck.org.

16 Local news

theleaven.com | april 26, 2013

Boston strong

Leawood Catholic struck by solidarity throughout events in Boston

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — If one overwhelming theme has struck James P. O’Sullivan since two bombs shook Boston on April 15, the Kansas City-area native finds that it is solidarity.

People came together not only in Boston to help with immediate needs, but many reached out from across the country.

Calls checking on him, said O’Sullivan, poured in all day from Kansas City, Chicago and elsewhere, which he found a very “comforting experience.”

“I was shocked James P. O’Sullivan by what happened [at the marathon],” he said. “No one expected that.”

O’Sullivan is working on his doctorate in ethics at Boston College and has called the city home for four years.

O’Sullivan, nephew of archdiocesan pastor Father Pete O’Sullivan, grew up in Leawood. His mother is assistant principal at St. Thomas More School in Kansas City, Mo.

News sinks in In the aftermath of the bombings that killed three and wounded more than 170, it took a day or two to really process all that had happened, said O’Sullivan.

But the reality of the situation really hit home when school resumed and students started sharing where they’d been when the bombs went off.

“There were immediate calls for blood drives at Boston College, and I know that was the case at a lot of schools and businesses,” said O’Sullivan.

Prayer services, Masses and other events quickly came together.

“I was struck by the sense of solidarity and resilience,” he said.

O’Sullivan attended a prayer service at Boston College and watched the ecumenical, national service on TV on April 18. That service really demonstrated to him the support coming from all over the country.

Even as members of the Boston College community grieved and offered their support in the days that followed the bombing, they looked at the tragedy from another angle.

“Being at a Jesuit university, there’s a big push to say, ‘What is the Catholic view on this?’” said O’Sullivan. “They also wanted to place this in global perspective.”

And from that point of view, they re-

CNS photo/Jessica Rinaldi, Reuters

SWAT teams prepare to surround a house in Watertown, Mass., April 19 as they search for Dzhokar Tsarnaev, the remaining suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings. Police killed one suspect in the April 15 bombing, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, in a shootout and mounted house-to-house searches for Dzhokhar, his brother, with much of the city under virtual lockdown after a bloody night of shooting and explosions in the streets. alized, “This was one among many terrorist attacks that happened that week.”

He pointed out car bombings that killed dozens in Iraq as an example.

“This is an opportunity for us to realize the level of violence in the world and to get a deeper sense of solidarity with the people this is a daily reality for,” he said.

Unprecedented situation Like much of the country, many Boston residents went to bed the night of April 18 knowing that a police officer — later identified as 26-year-old Sean Collier — at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology had been shot and killed.

Overnight, it became clear that his death and a carjacking appeared to be related to the same suspects wanted in the Boston Marathon bombing.

By the time many got up April 19, one suspect — 26-year-old Tamerlan Tsarnaev — had already died in an explosive gun battle with law enforcement, and his 19-year-old brother, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, was loose and believed to be in the area.

O’Sullivan, who lives near the Boston College campus and along the route of the marathon, got a text message early in the morning alerting Boston College students not to go to class

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“This is an opportunity for us to realize the level of violence in the world and to get a deeper sense of solidarity with the people this is a daily reality for.”

James P. O’Sullivan

or outside.

So he stayed inside, occasionally checking the latest developments on the search on TV and his phone.

The sheer number of law enforcement agencies and officers was shocking, he said.

“In that sense, it was kind of like a military state for the day,” he said. The situation literally shut down the city, with law enforcement telling everyone to stay in.

Not everyone agreed that should happen; some took it as an overreaction, he said.

“It was clear by late morning they were very serious,” said O’Sullivan.

“They didn’t want you to go outside.”

Relief, questions and compassion O’Sullivan was relieved that night — as were countless others — when word came that the second suspect had been captured.

Watching the celebrations and elation that followed, he understood that people were glad the situation had ended, but worried about the potential for an eye-for-an-eye type of reaction.

While accountability is important, it’s also important not to turn to revenge but, instead, to rely on the Catholic tradition requiring a certain level of forgiveness, he said.

He sees in Boston now that many people are eager for a sense of normalcy to return.

And many, he knows, plan to attend events to honor and continue to support those affected by the violence.

Through everything, the gestures of kindness made a very real impression.

“I think the biggest thing that I noticed was a real palpable sense of solidarity and just the many different ways the people reached out to one another,” O’Sullivan said. “In the face of this horrific event, there was also a juxtaposed sense of deep humanity and deep compassion that came out.”