04-27-12 Vol. 33 No. 36

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 33, NO. 36 APRIL 27, 2012

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Brad Grabs, director of The Learning Club after-school program at Blessed Sacrament in Kansas City, Kan., works with second-grader Erick Gutierrez. TLC celebrated its 10th anniversary in February.

GETTING PERSONAL

The Learning Club provides one-on-one attention to at-risk kids STORY BY SHEILA MYERS

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PHOTOS BY LORI WOOD HABIGER

Volunteer Anne Marie Laville, a junior at Blue Valley North High School in Overland Park, teaches second-grader Jamia Dirks some dance moves. Anne Marie, who has studied ballet since she was six, volunteers once a week to teach dance at The Learning Club.

he kids in The Learning Club after-school program appear typical.

They are bright, inquisitive, courteous and playful as they participate in a creative exercise one Wednesday afternoon.

But appearances can hide a lot, like the fact that all of the students come from underperforming schools and from families living on the margins in northeast Kansas City, Kan. “Many [of our families] are enduring our current immigration system,” said Father Mark Mertes, who serves as pastor of three parishes in northeast Kansas City, Kan.: Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady & St. Rose, and Christ the King.

“Others are trying to make ends meet on fixed incomes.

“And still others are feeling the effects of budget cuts in the Statehouse.”

Director Brad Grabs, a member of Our Lady & St. Rose Parish, started The Learning Club (TLC) in 2002 to provide these neighborhood kids with tools to succeed in school and in life. The free program meets in the Blessed Sacrament School building.

“Brad has a real passion for those that may be missed by other social safety nets,” said Father Mertes. “His passion and skill is a blessing for all of us.”

TLC celebrated its 10th anniversary in February. Twenty-five students in first

through eighth grade come after school twice a week for personal attention, academic tutoring, values education and enrichment activities.

Fourteen high school students come to a weekly leadership academy. And in 2011, Grabs started a 10-week intervention program for at-risk students at Wyandotte High School and Northwest Middle School.

Grabs understands the issues these children and their families are facing. He has lived in the neighborhood for 14 years, and recently at Shalom House, a Catholic Worker house serving homeless men.

After being mugged by two teens in nearby Mac’s Park, Grabs felt a strong desire to help young people so they wouldn’t resort to that kind of behavior.

“When young people do bad things, it’s because they are facing bad circumstances,” Grabs said.

Seeds planted in Arkansas The seed for TLC was planted in 1993 when Grabs worked with the Vincentian Service Corps in Stamps, Ark. Stamps is a poor, racially segregated community where poet Maya Angelou spent her childhood; it is the setting of her autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”

Grabs worked with African-American children at an after-school program there, See “VOLUNTEERS” on page 6

2 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 27, 2012

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 27, 2012

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

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Mark your calendar for June 29 religious liberty rally

ast week’s Leaven included an article regarding the call by the Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) for the observance of a Fortnight for Freedom from June 21 through July 4.

The bishops want these two weeks to be a time of intensified education within the American Catholic community, and for our nation as a whole, regarding the grave and present threat to our most cherished liberty — religious freedom.

The announcement of the Fortnight for Freedom was part of a statement — “Our First, Most Cherished Liberty” — issued by the USCCB. The statement details a series of recent domestic threats to religious liberty as well as even more grave attacks on religious freedom in other parts of the world.

The most blatant and menacing domestic attack on religious liberty is the mandate issued by President Obama’s Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary, Kathleen Sebelius — our former governor — coercing all employers to pay for contraception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs.

The administration is counting on the apathy of most of the American people on this matter. After the initial outcry over the mandates and the smokescreen of meaningless so-called “accommodations,” the president remains committed to forcing religious institutions and individuals to violate their conscience. Why? To include in preventive health care a lifestyle choice that prevents no disease, but disrupts the healthy fertility of women.

President Obama had told Cardinal Timothy Dolan in November that he did not want to pick a fight with the American Catholic bishops during an election year. Yet, his subsequent actions lead me to believe that this is exactly what he has determined to do.

There was not, and is not, any crisis over the availability and accessibility of contraceptives in the United States.

Why add a controversy over religious liberty to the implementation of the president’s already imperiled health care reform legislation?

It appears the president has chosen to follow the counsel of Planned

Parenthood, which stands to reap huge financial benefits from the HHS mandate. From everything coming out of the administration, I surmise the president believes there is political advantage to be gained, if he can use his exceptional communication skills to frame the issue as his administration advocating for the health needs of women, while simply denying there is any threat to religious liberty.

Archbishop-designate William Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB’s Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, testified before Congress: “This is not a matter of whether contraception may be prohibited by the government.

This is not even a matter of whether contraception may be supported by the government. Instead, it is a matter of whether religious people and institutions may be forced by the government to provide coverage for contraception or sterilization, even if that violates their religious beliefs.”

A particularly troubling aspect of the HHS mandates is the exclusion of religious entities like Catholic Charities or Catholic hospitals or even Catholic universities from being able to qualify for a religious exemption, because they serve a significant number of nonCatholics.

Commenting on this aspect of the HHS mandate, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America stated: “Most troubling is the administration’s underlying rationale for its decision, which appears to be a view that if a religious entity is not insular, but engaged with broader society, it loses its religious character and liberties. Many faiths firmly believe in being open to and engaged with broader society and fellow citizens of other faiths.

The administration’s ruling makes the price of such an outward approach the violation of an organization’s religious principles. This is deeply disappointing.”

Laws coercing individuals or institutions to violate their conscience are unjust laws. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his famous “Letter from the Birmingham Jail,” in 1963 defended his civil disobedience against laws that promoted and protected racial discrimi-

nation and segregation by calling upon Christian tradition: “I would agree with Saint Augustine that ‘An unjust law is no law at all.’ Now what is the difference between the two? How does one determine when a law is just or unjust?

A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law.

To put it in the terms of Saint Thomas Aquinas, an unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law.”

The United States Catholic bishops in “Our First, Most Cherished Liberty” state: “An unjust law cannot be obeyed.

In the face of an unjust law, an accommodation is not to be sought, especially by resorting to equivocal words and deceptive practices. If we face today the prospect of unjust laws, then Catholics in America, in solidarity with our fellow citizens, must have the courage not to obey them. No American desires this. No Catholic welcomes it. But if it should fall upon us, we must discharge it as a duty of citizenship and an obligation of faith.”

As American Catholics, we must do everything possible to prevent a situation where we will be faced with either violating our consciences or refusing to obey an unjust law. The president and members of Congress need to understand the serious problem that has been created by the HHS mandates.

As part of our local observance of the Fortnight for Freedom on the afternoon of Friday, June 29, there will be a Religious Liberty Rally held in Topeka. The rally is being sponsored by our archdiocese, as well as all the other three Kansas dioceses. Details about this event will appear in future editions of The Leaven, as well as in parish bulletins. Mark the afternoon of June 29 on your calendar!

I ask you in your daily prayer to ask the Lord for wisdom and strength for our nation as we strive to protect religious freedom and conscience rights.

Please consider including in your personal prayer at least this portion of the USCCB’s prayer for Religious Liberty: “We ask you, Lord, to bless us in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty.

Give us the strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened; give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of your church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.”

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Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

A whole new ball game Vocations day encourages kids to be open to God’s call

April 28 Installation of Acolytes — Kenrick Seminary, St. Louis

STORY BY JESSICA LANGDON | PHOTOS BY DOUG HESSE

April 29 Scout Mass — Cathedral Maryvale graduation — Savior Pastoral Center April 30 Meeting with Dominican Sisters, St. Dominic’s Priory from England Mass — Holy Spirit, Overland Park Confirmation, Christ the King, Kansas City, Kan. May 1 Ordination of Bishop Weisenburger — Salina May 2 Donnelly College board meeting Catholic Education Foundation Inspiring Women luncheon pre-event May 3 Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call Catholic Education Foundation Inspiring Women luncheon Confirmation — Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park May 5 Wedding — Kansas City May 6 Little Sisters of the Lamb Mass Knights of Columbus Convention Mass — St. Matthew, Topeka May 7 Missionaries of the Poor of Jesus Christ Mass and luncheon Confirmation — St. Francis de Sales, Lansing

Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar

April 27-30 Pilgrimage to Ephesus

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Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann fields questions during a question-and-answer session with fifth-grade students who attended vocation day April 18 at Prince of Peace in Olathe. Archbishop Naumann later celebrated Mass for roughly 900 students. The students spent the day hearing about religious vocation stories from a wide range of speakers.

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LATHE — When Father Mitchel Zimmerman was in fifth grade, he just knew he would grow up to be a shortstop for the Kansas City Royals.

The Royals were then at the top of their game, every bit as good as the New York Yankees, he explained, and he dreamed of World Series wins in a massive stadium.

“There’s only one problem, though,” he said. “It wasn’t God’s plan for my life.”

Father Zimmerman shared his story April 18 with about 900 fifth-graders from Johnson County, Wyandotte County and Paola during the annual vocations day event at Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe.

Now the archdiocesan vocations director, Father Zimmerman asked the kids to ask themselves: “What is the biggest dream that I have in my life?”

Next, he advised them, keep one thing in mind as you work toward those dreams.

“Don’t forget to listen to God.” That’s not to say God always makes his plan easy or obvious.

“It’s not like God’s going to call you and say, ‘Hey Vicki, you want to come work for me?’” explained Sister Vicki Lichtenauer, SCL, to a group of girls.

But God calls you just the same.

“Be open along the way,” she told them, encouraging them to think

St. Agnes fifth-grader Jack Guemmer prays the rosary during one of the sessions at the fifth-grade vocation day. Fifth-graders from 22 schools participated in the event. about the people they’re becoming and what motivates them.

For her, growing up in a Catholic family made an impact, as did a lifelong passion for volunteering.

Working as a therapist after college, she still felt something was miss-

ing. In talking with a friend, she realized she was happiest when she was volunteering and ultimately looked into becoming a Sister.

Each order works differently, she explained, something her young audience was quick to notice.

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com

The girls wanted to know what Sisters do every day and why they dress the way they do.

“Why don’t you wear a habit?” one asked.

See “KIDS” on page 4

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

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4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 27, 2012

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 27, 2012

Lily of the Mohawks

Archdiocesan group prepares pilgrimage for Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha canonization

By Jessica Langdon Leaven staff

Gabi Gutierrez of Holy Trinity School in Lenexa asks Sister Vicki Lichtenauer, SCL, a question during a vocations day session.

Max Wilber, a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, discusses his decision to enter the seminary this coming fall.

Sister Catherine Bussen, of the Sisters, Servants of Mary, answers questions about life as a woman religious.

Kids curious about a ‘typical day’ in religious life Continued from page 3 Sisters in some orders do, explained Sister Vicki. Members of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, though, “wear the clothes of the people of the time,” she said.

Boys also had questions for priests about attire.

One student asked Father Barry Clayton, associate pastor at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa, if he wears the same thing every day.

Father Clayton has other clothes he’ll wear during down time, but said he likes to go out into the community dressed in his black clothing and collar because it reminds people about God. A big question for everyone was what a typical day is like.

For an archbishop?

“Every day is very different,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

After he celebrated a vocations day Mass for the students, for instance, he had an appearance on a Catholic radio program on his agenda, and later a Mass with members of a local religious order.

“On Sunday, I’m usually at one of our parishes,” he added.

The speakers quickly learned that the kids were curious about everything — from how a pope is chosen to how long it takes to become a priest.

Adam Wilczak, a seminarian in his second year of theology at Mundelein Seminary in Illinois, told the kids he’s in the middle of his path, with ordination still a couple of years away.

Seminarians have a lot of work to do, but there’s also time for play. Wilczak, for instance, set a bench-pressing record at 462.5 pounds, an impressive stat to the boys in the classroom.

“We can still do fun stuff in the seminary,” he assured them.

The fifth-graders also heard from two young men who were their age just seven years ago.

A lot has happened between fifth grade and senior year in high school for Max Wilber, a student at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, and Keith Chadwick, who goes to St. James Academy in Lenexa.

Both Chadwick and Wilber announced they would be entering semi-

Father Dan Gardner, pastor of All Saints Parish in Kansas City, Kan., tells students at fifthgrade vocation day about how he liked to play Mass as a child.

Curé of Ars fifth-grader Molly Conway listens closely during one of the vocations day sessions. The day included a variety of speakers, rosary sessions and Mass. naries in the fall to study for the priesthood.

“I’m really proud of these guys, because they’ve thought long and hard about their vocations,” Father Zimmerman told the kids.

He urged the fifth-graders to be open to vocations and to encourage one another to be open, too.

As for Father Zimmerman’s own vocation, he wouldn’t trade it for all the ESPN appearances in the world, or the millions of dollars Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter rakes in.

“I get to do all kinds of things Derek Jeter doesn’t get to do,” explained Father Zimmerman.

“I get to be there when couples get married,” he said. “I get to baptize babies.”

And he gets to talk about his relationship with Jesus.

“I wouldn’t trade any of those to be shortstop for the Kansas City Royals,” he said.

But a few years ago, he did actually get to stand in the exact spot he long

ago dreamed of playing shortstop.

But he wasn’t fielding line drives.

There on the infield of Yankee Stadium, Father Mitchel concelebrated Mass with Pope Benedict XVI during the pontiff’s visit to the United States.

Universal church

of two Americans slated for canonization during this time. The other is Blessed Marianne Cope, who taught and served as a hospital administrator in New York before spending her final decades on the Hawaiian island of Molokai, where she helped people who had leprosy. She died in 1918.

Deacon Nearmyer, whose ancestry includes two different Native American tribes, knows Kateri Tekakwitha to be an important figure to Native Americans. He looks forward to the days leading up to the October canonizations in Rome, because the celebrations often reflect the personalities and culture of those being elevated.

Msgr. Tank has attended canonizaKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The path to tions before, and has found them to be sainthood can take 100 years or even a wonderful privilege with many molonger. ments of sanctity. He looks forward to So Deacon Dana Nearmyer feels this one. blessed that a canonization he has “People from throughout the world long prayed for will take place within will be there,” he said. “It’s that univerhis lifetime — and he will be there for sality of the church that is celebrated it. and expressed.”

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha has ties Witnessing a canonization offers not only to Native Americans and people a unique look at who they are North America, but to thousands in as part of the church. northeastern Kansas who have come to know her through the youth camps in Williamsburg named in her honor.

Kateri Tekakwitha’s canonization Mass is Stories to share set for Oct. 21 in Rome.

“We’re just really Deacon Nearmyer blown away that in our hopes to bring home with lifetime Kateri would him stories of the canbe canonized,” said onization of the saint to Deacon Nearmyer. share with generations of “There’s so many peocampers in the new chaple that have had devopel at Prairie Star recenttion to her for a long, ly dedicated to her. long time.”

With the camp ready A group from the to celebrate its 15th anArchdiocese of Kanniversary this year, the sas City in Kansas will timing is perfect, and make a pilgrimage to this summer’s camp sesRome to attend the sions will include plenty canonization, as well of exhibits and activities as tour many other reto get the word out about ligious sites of the city.

Blessed Kateri’s upcomThe trip will take A stained-glass window of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha adorns the chapel at Prairie ing canonization. place Oct. 18-26.

“It’s deeply personal, Leaders of the pil- Star Ranch in Williamsburg. Tekakwitha, who has ties to Kansas, will be canonized and the thing that I feel in Rome on Oct. 21. grimage will be Deaso gratified by is there’s con Nearmyer and his been about 25,000 kids go to camp wife Debbie — the directors of Camp “I think any time that you can expe- over the history of its life, and so many Kateri Tekakwitha since its inception rience the universality of the church of those kids feel like it’s personal, — and Msgr. Thomas Tank, whose and the universality of that call to holi- too,” Deacon Nearmyer said. dreams for such a camp in Kansas be- ness — and to celebrate that with the “So it’s something that I don’t feel gan to take shape in the early 1970s.

Holy Father and the universal church like I’m alone in sharing,” he continWhen the camp finally came to fru- — that’s a special time and a moment ued. “I got 30 or 40 phone calls the day ition 15 years ago, it received Kateri of grace,” he said. that her canonization was announced, Tekakwitha’s name. Over the years, and Facebook erupted. People who’ve the Nearmyers have shared their demoved all over the country, they’re reMany highlights votion to Blessed Kateri with tens of ally united by their devotion to her. thousands of kids.

Deacon Nearmyer is excited by the opportunity to tour Rome with Msgr.

Extraordinary example Tank, who has studied there and has a Canonization of Blessed good knowledge of the city.

Kateri Tekakwitha Kateri Tekakwitha is an extraordiThe schedule will include: a papal nary example to young people even When: Oct. 18-26 audience; daily Masses; tours of sevtoday, believes Deacon Nearmyer.

Highlights include: visits to the eral basilicas, the Vatican Museum and Born in 1656 in what is modern- the Sistine Chapel; a catacombs tour; Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica; a day New York, Kateri lost her parents papal audience; Masses; canonother optional tours; and free time for and baby brother at an early age to people to explore Rome and other arization Mass of Kateri Tekakwitha smallpox. The illness left her scarred, eas on their own. on Oct. 21; tours of catacombs and but she survived and developed a several basilicas; optional tours in Visiting Rome offers Catholics opgreat devotion to the Eucharist and to portunities to more deeply appreciate Rome and Florence Jesus, even through she suffered for Cost: $3,849 per person (double and connect with their faith, to experiher religious convictions. occupancy); cost includes roundence the tombs of Sts. Peter and Paul, She is a Native American who has trip airfare from Kansas City, and to really “see that cradle of Westbeen a special patroness and model ern civilization that Rome is,” said seven nights at Hotel Mecenate to young people, said Msgr. Tank, Palace, continental breakfasts, Msgr. Tank. who is pastor of Church of the Ascentravel, fees for tours included in “I think if people have wondered sion in Overland Park. Her blessings the itinerary and more. The tour about this and thought about going to have touched not only the camps and Rome sometime, this would be a trerequires a minimum of 36 people.

Prairie Star Ranch where the sessions mendous opportunity — not only beA $500 deposit per person is due take place, but all the young people cause of another American saint, but when reservations are booked; fiwho have participated in camp ses- because of the whole experience that nal payment is due Aug. 1. sions at those sites.

To learn more or to register: awaits them there,” he added.

“It’s wonderful to see her now beVisit the archdiocesan website at: ing canonized and recognized as a www.archkck.org to view the broAmerican saints saint,” said Msgr. Tank. chure and find the booking form.

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha is one

LOCAL NEWS 5 Peggy (Rilinger) and Vern Heinen, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Tonganoxie, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary ANNIVERSARIES on May 5.

The couple was married on May 5, 1962, at St. Patrick Church, Corning. Their children and their spouses are: Cindy Heinen (deceased); Greg and Stacy Heinen, Apex, N.C.; Pamela and Paul Clark, Lawrence; Doug and Leanna Heinen, Basehor; and Linda Reynolds, Olathe.

They also have 14 grandchildren.

Larry and Eileen (Simoneau) Pekarek, members of Mater Dei Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 29. The couple was married on April 28, 1962, at St. Joseph Church, Damar. Their children and their spouses are: Marsha and Mike Furman; Laura and Lee Perron; Mary and Dave Goodwin; and Mike Pekarek. They also have 10 grandchildren.

Genevieve (Furmanski) and Don Holtgraves, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on May 3. The couple was married on May 3, 1952, at St. John Church, Stepleton, Neb. Their children and their spouses are: Ron and Maureen Holtgraves; David Holtgraves (deceased); Barbara Purdon; Ed and Terry Holtgraves; and Caroline and Gary Salstrom.

They also have nine grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, and three step-greatgrandchildren. A family celebration is planned.

Barbecue contest taking entries for team KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Cathedral of St. Peter Knights of Columbus here are seeking teams for a barbecue contest that will be held June 8 and 9 in the church parking lot and parish center.

Teams can get an entry form by emailing: knightsofcolumbus12026@gmail.com or by calling Michael Traffis at (913) 4885756. Deadline to enter is May 1.

Polski Day celebration will be held May 5 KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The 28th annual Polski Day celebration will be held May 5 at St. Joseph-St. Benedict Church here, located at 8th and Vermont.

The traditional Polski Day Parade begins at noon at 18th & Central, heads east on Central Avenue to Vermont, and ends at the church. Enjoy Polish food, music, and entertainment, beginning at noon.

Betty Saracyewski-Kolenda, a St. Joseph alumni, class of 1954, is the grand marshal of the parade and will be accompanied by her 12 grandchildren. A special Polka Mass will be held at 4 p.m. on May 5 at St. Joseph-St. Benedict Church.

6 NEWS BRIEFS

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 27, 2012

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 27, 2012

Volunteers provide personal attention that at-risk kids need Continued from page 1

Volunteer for TLC

also called The Learning Club.

“That really got me to appreciate different people, different circumstances, different ideas,” he said. “I felt alive and like what I was doing was making a difference there.”

The mugging in 2000 left Grabs fearful and angry. To find peace, he turned to his faith. He reflected and prayed, and eventually was moved to provide positive activities for young people in the neighborhood.

Director Brad Grabs needs young adults and adults to help tutor Learning Club students during the school year and at its summer program June 18 – July 19. Various time slots are available. No prior teaching experience is needed. Tutors receive a brief training.

The Learning Club meets at the Blessed Sacrament School building across from Blessed Sacrament Church, 2203 Parallel Ave., Kansas City, Kan., or at Juniper Gardens, 1980 N. 2nd St., Kansas City, Kan. For more information, or to donate, visit the website at: www.learningclubkck.org or call Grabs at (913) 244-5838.

A collaboration of caring people Getting TLC off the ground was easy, with financial aid from the then-Gardner Institute (now the Catholic Education Foundation) and help from many volunteers.

Donors stepped up when funding from the Gardner Institute was discontinued. Today, the club’s $41,000 annual budget is contributed entirely by individual private donors.

“I have a lot of gratitude for all the people that have made The Learning Club a success, and that includes our donors, most of whom are Catholic and give a small amount each year,” Grabs said.

He also credits the many volunteers who tutor the children, run a leadership class or speak about a hobby or career.

“It’s been a collaboration of mostly Catholics coming together and contributing something because they care about inner-city kids,” he said.

Many of the tutors are former teachers, like Pat Rettenmaier of Overland Park.

She’s been involved since the club started.

“The kids keep you coming back,” she said.

Ken Gates, TLC’s assistant director and a parishioner of Holy Cross Church in Overland Park, volunteers because it’s a way to stay connected with the neighborhood where he grew up.

“This is one way I can provide tangible help to someone who needs it,” Gates said.

Personal attention is key Rettenmaier, Gates and others help kids like 12-year-old Antonio Sanchez, an autistic boy being raised by his greatgrandmother. Antonio has participated in TLC for five years.

“We’ve seen progress in academics, but, more importantly, in social skills,” Grabs said. “This is where he feels comfortable.”

Photo by Sheila Myers

Volunteer Phyllis Cason helps Erick Gutierrez with reading homework during the one-on-one tutoring session that is part of The Learning Club.

Making an impact

Leaven photo by Lori Wood Habiger

Third-grader Jailyn Batiste listens closely as Brad Grabs directs a group activity.

Antonio’s progress is a result of the personal attention kids receive at TLC, something Grabs feels these kids lack.

“They’re not getting it at home or at school,” he said.

TLC sessions include a one-hour group activity, a snack and reflection time, followed by an hour of one-on-one tutoring. Grabs also arranges field trips on weekends and invites speakers to talk about their hobbies and careers.

A TLC speaker taught 10-year-old Raquelle Barnett about dog care. She

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dance steps, but they’re most interested in the tutus and tiaras.

“I try to tell them all I can and, hopefully, they’ll be able to wear something like that for their costumes,” Anne Marie said.

At the banquet, each student will receive a framed, personalized certificate displaying what the staff and volunteers feel are that student’s greatest accomplishment for the year — academic achievement, leadership, attitude, or self-discipline. The banquet also recognizes the volunteers.

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also learned ballet from Church of the Nativity volunteer Anne Marie Laville, of Leawood.

Anne Marie, 16, is a junior at Blue Valley North High School in Overland Park.

She’s studied ballet since age six. After hearing about TLC from a fellow Nativity parishioner, Anne Marie decided to teach ballet to budding dancers once a week. Currently, they are rehearsing to perform at TLC’s achievement banquet May 9 in the Blessed Sacrament gym.

The girls are coming along with their

To keep students coming throughout the year, Grabs has developed an incentive system. Students earn points for things like attendance, punctuality and academic work. They redeem the points for prizes.

“The Hot Wheels cars will be gone in a month,” said Colin Barnes, a 12-yearold parishioner of Our Lady & St. Rose, and a five-year TLC student. So will the sports equipment.

Although the point system encourages desired behavior and provides intermittent rewards to the students, the goal of The Learning Club is much bigger than those things.

Grabs’ vision is that TLC will help the students think of the neighborhood in a positive light.

“The impact can be different for different kids,” Grabs said. “It can be, ‘This is where I learned to read,’ or ‘This is where I got the idea to become an architect,’ or “That’s where people listened to me.’

“I want kids to say, ‘Something happened at TLC that made a big impact on my life.’”

LOCAL NEWS 7 Sister Mary Frances Kirkpatrick, SCL

DINNERTIME

Ernie Straub (left), Joanie Muehlberger, and John Muehlberger dish up meals at Shalom House in Kansas City, Kan., on April 10. They, and other volunteer leaders of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ 31st annual Golf Classic, served dinner and visited with the guests of Shalom House, Catholic Charities’ homeless men’s shelter. The volunteers will be supporting it through the upcoming Golf Classic on May 14. Volunteers included: Randy Huber, Church of the Nativity, Leawood; John and Joanie Muehlberger, St. Joseph, Shawnee; John Southard, St. Joseph, Shawnee; Ernie Straub, Sacred Heart, Shawnee; and Ben and Betty Zarda, St. Joseph, Shawnee. The Golf Classic will raise funds to support a number of Catholic Charities’ programs, including renovations at Shalom House, which welcomes 25 men daily. Register to golf or learn more on the website at: www.catholiccharitiesgolfclassic.org.

LEAVENWORTH — Sister Mary Frances Kirkpatrick, 82, a member of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, died March 22 at the motherhouse here.

Mary Frances Kirkpatrick was born on Nov. 19, 1929, in Butte, Mont., to Arthur Charles and Loretta H. Kenneally Kirkpatrick. She entered the religious community of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth on Sister Mary Frances Aug. 18, 1949, and, as Kirkpatrick Sister Charles Loretta, made her profession of vows on Aug. 15, 1951. She later returned to the use of her baptismal name.

For over 50 years, Sister Mary Frances engaged in teaching and counseling in Catholic schools. She served in pastoral ministry at St. Cyril Church of Sugar Creek, Mo., and at Church of the Risen Christ in Kansas City, Mo.; as a pastoral associate at Holy Rosary Parish in Billings, Mont.; and as a pastoral administrator for St. Mary Church, Columbus, Mont., and St. Michael Church, Absarokee, Mont. She was a receptionist at St. James Healthcare in Butte, Mont., before retiring to the motherhouse in 2007.

Sister Mary Frances received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, and a master’s in secondary administration from the University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo.

Faith & Art

T

Labor of love makes old painting new again

Course to bring faith into focus in art

By Jessica Langdon Leaven staff

OPEKA — With a skilled hand, Bob Swain performed what could almost be compared to surgery.

Swain, a member of Mater Dei Parish in Topeka and owner of Beauchamp’s Gallery, even prayed through some of the more delicate procedures.

His task wasn’t an easy one as he set out to make what was old new again — to make something broken whole.

Swain’s patient wasn’t a person, but a 150-year-old painting.

By Jessica Langdon

E This cherub, at the bottom right of the painting, is thought to be the artist himself. now own. The technique Swain learned is the same one large museums would use.

“For four weeks, all we did was soak it in conditioner,” Swain said.

The painting soaked up the linseed and emollients like a sponge.

They then relined the canvas by applying a waxy compound, sort of like candle wax, to the back of the old painting and adhering that canvas to a second canvas added to the back.

“You literally are ironing it together,” he explained. “The wax then goes through the old canvas” and holds the paint on, without which the paint “would just fall off in clumps” at the merest touch.

Entire pieces of the old canvas were still missing, however, so Swain had to rework those parts using the context of the rest of the painting to guide him. He even matched the colors to the ones that would have been used during the Civil War era.

Finally, he reworked the frame, molding and perfecting pieces that had succumbed to age and wear.

Commissioned by a bishop In 1861 — still more than a decade before the archdiocese in its current form was established — Bishop John Baptist Miege commissioned this painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

It was to hang in his cathedral in Leavenworth.

The framed oil-on-canvas painting is believed to be the only surviving work of the artist James O’Neill.

Thanks to the research of Don Jensen, a retired reporter and editor in Kenosha, Wis. — which was O’Neill’s home before a job opportunity brought him to Leavenworth — O’Neill’s story and his painting are seeing new life.

And after a major face-lift under Swain’s direction, the artwork is now ready for its public debut and will make several stops in the archdiocese.

Fittingly, its first was at Bishop Miege High School.

Discovering O’Neill Despite Jensen’s extensive knowledge of local history, he’d never heard of the Irish-born O’Neill before he came across an article while browsing through old microfilm in 2005.

The report was about O’Neill’s death.

The Wisconsin paper in 1863 reported that “native son” O’Neill had been among those killed at the hands of “Confederate irregulars” under William Quantrill in an incident known as the Baxter Springs Massacre.

O’Neill was only 30.

As Jensen delved further into details of O’Neill’s life, he learned that in addition to being a painter, O’Neill was an actor, a Union man and a bit of a comedian and prankster.

He was skilled at set design and worked on massive panoramic pieces that were basically the travelogues of the day.

Jensen described O’Neill as being “embedded” with Union Gen. James Blunt’s men, capturing their activities in pictures, writings and cartoons.

Disappointing news When Jensen read of O’Neill’s painting of the Assumption, he initially believed the piece, like the rest of O’Neill’s art, had disappeared into history, especially when he read that the cathedral where the painting had hung burned more than a century ago.

“End of the line. No more story.

No known surviving painting of Jim O’Neill’s,” Jensen concluded.

But that didn’t turn out to be the end of the story.

For the world to see It’s not easy to move a painting that is nearly 5 feet tall and 3-1/2 feet wide and weighs about 150 pounds.

To get the painting to its first stop at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, Bob Swain borrowed a school bus from Mater Dei Parish in Topeka.

The painting is spending much of April at the school, where students can view a special PowerPoint on the painting in their religion classes, courtesy of Ann Connor, archdiocesan associate superintendent for Catholic schools.

The painting will next make its way

to Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan., where it will be on exhibit for the month of May. Rosaries and Marian devotions are being scheduled during that time.

Sometime in June, the painting will travel to the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan., where it will spend a few weeks.

Then it will conclude its travels this summer when it arrives at its home, Mater Dei-Assumption, in time for the feast of the Assumption.

Bob Swain restored what is believed to be the only surviving work of artist James O’Neill. The painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was commissioned by Bishop John Baptist Miege.

Symbolism in the art

The painting is on a tour of the archdiocese. First stop is Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park.

Students admire the painting between classes.

Glimmer of hope “Then lightning struck twice,” he said.

Again, while merely browsing through old Kenosha articles, he came across a report from Topeka in the mid-1870s. “[It] referred to a portrait of the Virgin Mary that had recently been hung in the local Catholic church [in Topeka], mentioning that it had been painted by poor Jim O’Neill who died in the Baxter Springs Massacre,” Jensen explained. “The light went on.”

The painting, he realized, had somehow made it from Leavenworth to Topeka. It made sense, given that the painting’s subject and the name of the church — Assumption — were the same.

So Jensen gave it one last try and sent a letter to the editor of the Topeka Capital Journal inquiring after the painting.

Good, quality painting By the time the letter ran in February 2011, Swain was actually already familiar with the painting — even though he hadn’t yet heard of O’Neill.

A few years earlier, Swain had gotten a call from someone at Assumption wanting him to look at a painting that was in storage. He found the unsigned painting to be

an original work of art and a good-quality piece, which showed Mary surrounded by cherubic angels.

However, its condition was far from perfect.

“It had holes in it, lots of holes,” said Swain. “The whole surface was peeling off of it. Even good paint was coming loose.”

The painting was then moved into an upstairs storage room in the school to get it into a better environment. There it stayed until Swain had cause to take a fresh look at it.

When people saw Jensen’s letter in 2011 and started asking around, Sister Corita Conlan, SCL, longtime principal at Assumption School in Topeka, remembered the painting hanging in an alcove at the school for years.

And when Swain came across Jensen’s letter, he also knew exactly what it was referring to.

There was only one thing to do: “Let’s see what we can do to save it,” Swain said.

Painstaking process When the framed painting made it to his workshop at Beauchamp’s Gallery, it needed a lot of work.

“The hardest part is just getting it stabilized,” Swain explained.

He started by taking off the frame in order to be better able to focus on the painting itself. It was brittle, worn and damaged in many places. Pieces of the original canvas were missing, and someone had previously made some makeshift efforts to patch up parts of it.

Swain — an artist himself — learned his restoration skills at the hands of the late Paul Beauchamp, from whom Swain and his wife Kim bought the gallery they

Although the painting doesn’t include a signature, it holds something else both Jensen and Swain believe could be just that — a cherub whose face doesn’t quite match those of the others.

Many of the cherubs have their arms lifted in a heavenly direction.

“Their effort or their gaze, they’re focused on Mary,” said Swain. “They’re lifting her up . . . except this little guy.”

This little angel at the bottom of the painting doesn’t look as young or sweet as the others, nor does he gesture upward or have his eyes fixed on Mary. It’s almost as if he’s looking right at the viewer, with a little smirk on his face.

“Jointly we concluded that as his little joke [exactly the sort of practical joke Jim would have loved to play] we think O’Neill painted his own likeness as the face of one of the cherubs,” said Jensen.

Back where it belongs As a Catholic and parishioner at Mater Dei, the parish formed from Assumption and Holy Name churches, Swain enjoyed making this painting ready once again for the world to see.

Jensen is also thrilled at this development in O’Neill’s story.

“It is a delight to me to have tracked down and helped save James R. O’Neill’s only surviving artwork,” he said.

“And I am so pleased to know that it will again hang, appreciated, where it belongs!”

Leaven staff

ver since hearing about a course offered by the Maryvale Institute in Birmingham, England, Charlotte Ostermann has dreamed of studying art from a Catholic perspective.

At the time, however, “Art, Beauty and Inspiration in a Catholic Perspective” was only offered at the campus there.

So Ostermann, a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center in Lawrence and a writer and poet interested in the arts from a faith perspective, was recently thrilled to learn that the course will soon be offered right here in northeast Kansas.

The Maryvale Institute Center will offer “Art, Beauty and Inspiration” in partnership with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The one-year program begins with a residential weekend, which will take place July 12-15 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. David Clayton, the artist in residence at Thomas More College in Merrimack, N.H., and Dr. Caroline Farey, the course director and a faculty member at Maryvale Institute, will be the presenters for the residential weekend.

The course is designed for both practicing artists and anyone interested in art. Participants will compare Eastern and Western Christian traditions and read works of popes, saints and artists.

Ostermann doesn’t have an art history background, so she looks forward to bolstering her own art education — and adding to the education she is providing her children.

Culture is filled with lies — not only about morals, but also about what is true and beautiful, she said.

Just as people turn to the church for moral formation, it’s important for people to be formed when it comes to aesthetics, learning from a Catholic perspective what truly is beautiful, said Ostermann.

“I’m really excited to get the formation that I know I’ve needed,” she said.

“It’s not something we’re just born knowing — what is true in the world of art and beauty.”

The archdiocese has proven to be a leader when it comes to integrating the arts and faith, she said, pointing to the establishment of the Catholic Fine Arts Council.

Lesle Knop, a member of the Cath-

‘Art, Beauty and Inspiration in a Catholic Perspective’ What it is: A one-year, collaborative-learning program (equal to six undergraduate credits) with an introductory residential weekend July 12-15 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. The Maryvale Institute partnered with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas in order to be able to offer the course.

Participants will: explore beauty and depth of art from a Catholic perspective; examine works in provided art packs; read inspirational pieces from popes, saints and artists; and more.

Cost: Varies, depending on which option the participant selects.

For more information and registration materials, send an email to: ecat2@archkck.org.

olic Fine Arts Council, agrees, and is excited about the opportunity the program offers Catholics of the archdiocese.

“Intellectually, the church has the richest, deepest history of the study of art and virtue and beauty available to the Western culture,” said Knop. “I think it’s an opportunity for anyone interested in art history, art production, or church tradition.”

People interested in this program have three options.

The full certificate course costs $995, which includes accommodations and meals for the residential portion, full tuition, course materials and assessment. Students who choose this option will need to buy a few additional books.

The second option costs $650 for audit, plus course materials. This includes the cost for the residential weekend and full tuition.

The third option is audit only, and it costs $550, which covers full tuition and the residential portion.

Exciting things are happening in the Catholic world, Ostermann said, and it’s not necessary to travel hundreds of miles to be part of them. She hopes others will join her in taking part in this opportunity.

“People think the exciting things are happening somewhere else, and one of the most exciting is happening right here,” she said.

Nelson offers religious art tours A previous article in The Leaven on religious art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Mo., drew substantial interest, and the museum has created a specific way to request such a tour.

To sign up online, go to the museum’s website at: www.nelson-atkins. org. From the home page, go first to “Education,” then select “Tours” on the drop-down menu.

Select “Adult groups of 6 or more,”

and then “Religion in Art” on the next screen.

Next, click on the “Sign up Online for an Adult Tour” link, and fill out the information. Be sure to select “Religion in Art” under the “Guided Tours” box, and then, in the special needs/ comments box, specify your request for a Christian art tour. That is also the place to request a specific focus, such as “saints.”

10 NATION

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 27, 2012

Gender equality brings economic empowerment to all VILLANOVA, Pa. (CNS) — Empowering women and girls makes good economic sense. That’s the message Carrie Miller, senior technical adviser for health and HIV with Catholic Relief Services, brought to a roomful of Villanova University students April 18. Miller, who has worked in 10 countries since joining the overseas aid and development agency for the U.S. Catholic community in 2000, told the story of Abushu Gudeta, an Ethiopian man with 16 children — 11 of them daughters — whose Oromo traditions called for each daughter to be promised in marriage at birth, with her future husband’s family paying to raise her. If the girl did not marry at around age 13, the father would have to repay the family for the money they had spent. But if she did marry at that young age, her education would end and she would be expected to become pregnant soon after, perpetuating “a cycle of poverty, risk to her health and inequality,” Miller said. A CRS project in Ethiopia called Empowering Adolescent Girls has helped to break that cycle for some young girls in that country, she said.

The project, from 2006 to 2009, targeted 5,500 rural girls with the goal of giving them greater access to education and economic opportunity.

Baltimore basilica to close on weekdays for earthquake repairs BALTIMORE (CNS) — Even though the Baltimore basilica will soon be closed during weekdays to allow workers to repair extensive damage sustained in last summer’s earthquake, church leaders are determined to maintain a vibrant parish life throughout the months-long project.

Beginning in June, workers will repair numerous cracks in the interior domes of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Parish leaders hope the repairs will be completed by Ash Wednesday in February 2013. Dozens of cracks began appearing in the interior basilica domes after August’s 5.8-magnitude earthquake that also caused significant damage to St. Patrick Church in Baltimore’s Fells Point neighborhood. Church leaders noticed in recent months that the cracks are widening. “Until they actually get up there and examine it, they really can’t tell if it’s architectural in the plaster or if it’s structural and actually goes into the brickwork and masonry,” said Robert Reier, operations manager at the basilica. “The dome itself did shift somewhat, but it shifted and came back — causing the cracks.”

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 27, 2012

Cleveland bishop will reopen 12 parishes

By Dennis Sadowski

CNS photo/William Rieter

Father Bob Begin, pastor of St. Coleman Church in Cleveland, shakes hands with Darlene Hood, secretary and board member of the Friends of St. James organization, during a Mass of thanksgiving at St. Coleman’s March 25. Those in attendance were celebrating a decision from the Vatican’s Congregation for Clergy, which overturned the closures of 13 parishes and said the churches must reopen for worship. welcomed Bishop Lennon’s announcement and expressed hope that the reopening process would move ahead quickly.

“I’m relieved that he has come to the conclusion that it would be in the best interest of the diocese and the parishioners affected not to appeal the decrees,” said Patricia Schulte-Singleton, president of St. Patrick Church parish council when the west side Cleveland parish closed and who formed the Save St. Pat’s Committee.

“We need to work together,” she said.

“I think we can hammer out the details in order to get that full restoration. It might be iffy on both ends, for the parish and the diocese, but I think we can do it.”

Toni Sabo, a member of the closed St. James Parish in Lakewood, said she looked

forward to meeting her new pastor.

“We’re more than pleased,” she said.

“You are told as little children that miracles happen and you say, ‘Oh, really?’ But to us this is a miracle.”

Bishop Lennon said matters of staffing, including the assignment of pastors or parish administrators, the return of sacred objects and minor maintenance must be addressed before each parish reopens.

“We will work with the priests and parishioners as they reestablish their parishes,” he said.

“As is true for all parishes, it will be essential that each of these parishes demonstrate on an ongoing basis an active membership and the financial wherewithal to sustain themselves,” the bishop added.

Bishop reiterates call to end Cuba embargo WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CNS) — The relaxation of some travel restrictions to Cuba last year has already had positive effects, but the U.S. needs to go all the way and lift its economic embargo, according to the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace.

That would be a valuable step, agreed Florida Catholics who follow the situation in that country, though some said Cuba itself has to make more

By Cindy Wooden

Catholic News Service

Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Bishop Richard G. Lennon of Cleveland said he will reopen 12 parishes as directed by the Vatican to promote “peace and unity” in the diocese.

His announcement came a month after the Vatican’s Congregation for Clergy overturned the closings of the parishes in 2009 and 2010 and said the churches must be restored for worship.

Addressing the media April 17, Bishop Lennon said that appealing the congregation’s ruling to the Apostolic Signature, the Vatican’s supreme court, “would prolong the process for a number of years and would create more uncertainty and continue to divide our Catholic community.”

“I now say it’s time for peace and unity in the Diocese of Cleveland,” the bishop said.

The congregation’s rulings — detailing how the process outlined in canon law for closing a parish was not followed in the case of the closings — stem from appeals by parishioners who were assisted by canon lawyers. The decrees reversed the closings undertaken in a diocesan-wide reconfiguration plan that saw 27 parishes closed and another 41 merged to form 18 new parishes.

Early reports said 13 decrees were received, but Bishop Lennon said he had received word on 12 parishes from the Vatican congregation.

Seven of the parishes are located in Cleveland, two in Akron, one in Lorain and one each in the inner-ring suburbs of Bedford and Lakewood. Most of the parishes opened in the early 20th century to serve European immigrants.

Bishop Lennon did not offer a timeline for any of the parishes to reopen.

Two leaders in the appeal effort

Vatican Library launches digitization project

major changes, too. Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, chairman of the committee, said in an April 17 letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that the modified policies “have given but a taste of what truly should happen for the sake of the people of both countries. It is imperative that more must be done to support deepened dialogue and communication between our respective countries.”

Such communication holds promise

of fostering human rights and other positive changes in Cuba, wrote Bishop Pates. He explained that he visited Cuba in March for the visit of Pope Benedict XVI and learned how complicated it is for the church’s social aid organizations to function because of the trade embargo. He noted that the staff of the U.S. Interests Section in Havana told him Catholic charitable organizations are advancing a more free and humane society.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In collaboration with the Bodleian Libraries of the University of Oxford, England, and thanks to a grant of more than $3 million, a million pages of material from the Vatican Library will be digitized over the next five years.

“Digitizing means better conservation of cultural goods, less arduous consultation, guaranteeing a high-quality reproduction before the original can deteriorate and making them immediately accessible online to many more people,” said Msgr. Cesare Pasini, prefect of the Vatican Library.

The project, funded with a grant from the London-based Polonsky Foundation, is expected to digitally reproduce a total of 1.5 million pages of manuscripts and ancient books from the Vatican Library and the Bodleian Libraries.

Msgr. Pasini told L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, that about two-thirds of the total pages would be from the Vatican Library’s holdings. The project will be a huge leap forward in the Vatican Library’s digitalizing process, which began in 2010 and has produced an online catalogue describing its 8,900 incunabula, which are books printed in the 15th century.

The new project will allow the library to digitize and make available online complete copies of 800 of the incunabula, he said, including Johann Gutenberg’s Latin Bible, which was printed between 1454 and 1455 and was the first book printed using movable type.

The Bodleian-Vatican Library digitized

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collections will be in three subject areas: Greek manuscripts, incunabula and Hebrew manuscripts.

According to the Bodleian, the subject areas were chosen because both libraries have strong collections in those areas and because of the collections’ importance to scholars. The project will bring together online “materials that have been dispersed between the two collections over the centuries,” the Bodleian press release said.

Msgr. Pasini said the project will allow the Vatican Library to expand the service it has rendered for almost six centuries by making cultural treasures available to a much wider group of

readers and researchers.

The Vatican Library’s Greek manuscripts include works by Homer, Sophocles, Plato and Hippocrates, manuscripts of the New Testament and of the early church fathers.

The Hebrew manuscripts include the Sifra, a legal commentary on Scripture thought to be the oldest existing Hebrew codex; it was written at the end of the 9th or in the first half of the 10th century. Other Hebrew texts in the Vatican collection are biblical commentaries, works on Jewish mysticism and writings on liturgy, philosophy, medicine and astronomy.

Vatican reaffirms willingness to help solve 1983 kidnapping case VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Almost 30 years after the still-unexplained disappearance of a teenage girl who lived with her family at the Vatican, the Holy See continues to be willing to cooperate with efforts to solve the mystery, the Vatican spokesman said.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi issued a three-page statement April 14 recalling how often Pope John Paul II appealed for the release of Emanuela Orlandi after her presumed kidnapping in 1983 and how top Vatican officials formally answered investigators’ questions then and in subsequent investigations carried out in the late 1980s and mid-1990s.

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Books are seen on shelves in the Duke Humfrey’s Library at the University of Oxford, England, April 15. The Vatican Library and the Bodleian Libraries of the University of Oxford are collaborating to digitize a total of 1.5 million pages of manuscripts and ancient books.

The Vatican, he said, even allowed the Italian intelligence service to monitor calls to the Vatican switchboard and gave it access to the Orlandi family’s Vatican telephone line and to their apartment. The girl’s father was a papal usher.

Italian authorities recently began looking into the possibility that the girl’s disappearance had something to do with a Rome-based organized crime group. Father Lombardi repeated the church’s offer to allow the exhumation and transfer of the body of Enrico De Pedis, boss of the Magliana crime group.

He was shot to death in 1990 and, several years later, it was discovered that

he was buried in Rome’s Basilica of St. Apollinare, which is considered Vatican property.

Whatever connection De Pedis may or may not have had to the Orlandi case, Father Lombardi said the church has no objection to the inspection of the tomb and the reburial elsewhere of the De Pedis’ body “to reestablish the correct serenity corresponding to a sacred environment.”

The Jesuit also said that while the Orlandi case has been reopened several times and keeps garnering media attention, people should show some concern for other Italians who disappear without a trace each year.

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WORLD 11

Vatican announces reforms of US nuns’ group VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Citing “serious doctrinal problems which affect many in consecrated life,” the Vatican announced a major reform of an association of women’s religious congregations in the U.S. to ensure their fidelity to Catholic teaching in areas including abortion, euthanasia, women’s ordination Archbishop and homosexuality.

J. Peter Sartain Archbishop J. Peter Sartain of Seattle will provide “review, guidance and approval, where necessary, of the work” of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the Vatican announced April 18. The archbishop will be assisted by Bishop Leonard P. Blair of Toledo, Ohio, and Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of Springfield, Ill., and draw on the advice of fellow bishops, women religious and other experts.

The LCWR, a Maryland-based umbrella group that claims about 1,500 leaders of U.S. women’s communities as members, represents about 80 percent of the country’s 57,000 women religious.

The announcement from the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith came in an eight-page “doctrinal assessment,” based on an investigation that Bishop Blair began on behalf of the Vatican in April 2008. That investigation led the doctrinal congregation to conclude, in January 2011, that “the current doctrinal and pastoral situation of LCWR is grave and a matter of serious concern, also given the influence the LCWR exercises on religious congregation in other parts of the world.” Among the areas of concern were some of the most controversial issues of medical and sexual ethics in America today.

“While there has been a great deal of work on the part of LCWR promoting issues of social justice in harmony with the church’s social doctrine, it is silent on the right to life from conception to natural death, a question that is part of the lively public debate about abortion and euthanasia in the United States,” the doctrinal congregation said. “Further, issues of crucial importance in the life of the church and society, such as the church’s biblical view of family life and human sexuality, are not part of the LCWR agenda in a way that promotes church teaching.”

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12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment Youth minister/RE director — Sacred Heart Parish, Tonganoxie, is seeking a youth minister/religious ed director, beginning in June. The position includes overseeing the RE program (K-6) and teachers, confirmation prep program, and organizing various youth activities, fundraisers and events. This is a full-time position. For more information, contact Stacy Mulder at (913) 8453889 or, via email, at: stacym.slp@gmail.com.

Physics and/or chemistry teacher - Bishop Ward High School is seeking either one full-time physics/chemistry teacher or part-time physics and chemistry teachers for the 2012 - 13 school year. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application available on the archdiocesan website at: www.arch kckcs.org. Mail resume and letter of interest to: Dr. Judy Warren, Principal, 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City KS 66102 or send, via email, to: jwarren@wardhigh.org.

For information, call (913) 371-1201.

Computer technology teacher - To teach grades 9 - 12 at Notre Dame de Sion High School, Kansas City, Mo. Submit resume and references, via email, to: nkincaid@ndsion.edu. For a complete job description, visit the website at: www.ndsion.edu.

Principal - Our Lady of Guadalupe Elementary School, Kansas City, Mo., a diocesan school serving grades K - 5 with an enrollment of approximately 100 and a staff of seven, is seeking a principal who is committed to Catholic education with excellent leadership, communication and motivational skills. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic, with a master’s degree in educational administration and teaching experience. Three-plus years administrative experience is preferred. Bilingual in Spanish is a plus. To apply, visit the school office website at: http://jobs.diocese-kcsj. org/?cid=4&lid=118. Application deadline is May 10.

Sales counselor - Don’t just get a job, start a rewarding career! Chapel-Hill Butler Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens currently has career opportunities for motivated sales professionals who are serviceminded, energetic and ambitious. Experience in the funeral home or cemetery industry is helpful but not necessary. We provide an excellent structured training program and we offer a full benefits package, flexible hours and advancement opportunities. For additional information or to submit your resume, contact Shelly at: shelly.weatherford@sci-us.com.

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

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

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

Faith formation director - Three rural parishes — Sacred Heart, Sabetha; St. Augustine, Fidelity; and St. James, Wetmore — are accepting applications for a newly created full-time position of director of faith formation. Duties include administering religious education programs, organizing and implementing youth activities, assisting with adult classes, and managing volunteers. The director must be a practicing Catholic who embraces the church’s teachings and has experience working with youth and adults in a parish setting.

Prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in a

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 27, 2012 related field. A complete job description, application, and benefits can be requested by contacting Sacred Heart Parish at (785) 284-0888 or by sending an email to: sacredheartsabetha@sbcglobal.net. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume, and application, by May 15, to: Sacred Heart Parish, DFF Search, 1031 S. 12th St., Sabetha KS 66534.

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

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

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

Director of nursing - Villa St. Francis, Olathe, a skilled nursing facility sponsored by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is seeking an experienced nurse manager to help lead the facility as the director of nursing. This 170-bed facility, currently undergoing renovation, is seeking a dedicated and committed leader, willing to work closely with the facility’s administrator and leadership team by overseeing and directing the nursing staff so that the best possible nursing care is provided. A candidate for this position should be a highly skilled RN, with a bachelor’s or master’s degree preferred; have successful experience in managing nurses and nursing staffs; be very familiar with Kansas state regulations that govern skilled nursing care; and be eager to help guide, integrate and guard Villa St. Francis’ mission, which is rooted in the intrinsic dignity of every person and the passion to provide high quality nursing, rehabilitative and residential services in a friendly, comfortable and faithfilled environment. The position demands a serious applicant who is willing to help guide the organization into a deeper commitment to its mission, champion the pursuit of excellence and enable the building of a dignified, comfortable and enjoyable living and work environment for residents and staff. Salary is negotiable but will reflect Villa’s desire to hire a top-quality individual. Villa St. Francis offers an attractive benefit, compensation package and bonus incentive. Those interested in applying for this position should email resume to: James@Villasf.org; fax to (913) 829-5399; or complete application at: Villa St. Francis, 16600 W. 126th St., Olathe KS 66062. EEOC.

Caregiving Caregiving - Mature woman with many years experience in elderly care is looking for a family or individual who needs help caring for a loved one. Excellent references; affordable rates; flexible hours. I do not work for an agency or company. (913) 904-6856.

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

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

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 27, 2012 Caregiver/companion - I will care for elderly and/ or sick. 15 years experience. Part time – days, evenings, weekends. Excellent references. Call (816) 942-4763.

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

Services Tutoring - Students in grades K - 8. Certified in LD. Substitute teacher in Shawnee Mission and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Call Mary at (913) 6383069 or send an email to her at: albdelor@aol.com.

Tutoring available - For students in grades K - 12.

For information, call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or send an email to her at: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

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

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

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

Call Deborah at (913) 648-7258 Housecleaning - I love what I do and you can love it, too! 20-plus years experience. Excellent references.

Southern JoCo area. Call (913) 548-8702.

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).

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.

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

Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance.

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

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

Lawn mowing Free estimates; references Insured, licensed and bonded Local parishioner Call Tony at (913) 620-6063 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.

Home Improvement

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

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

Interior and exterior painting and wallpaper removal - 30-plus years experience. Quality work; excellent references; reasonable rates. Senior discount.

Member of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Continued from previous page

First Communion dress sets - For 18” or American Girl dolls. Includes dress, veil, shoes, tights and cross necklace. Full line of doll clothes and accessories in south Johnson County. For an appointment, call Patty at (913) 345-9498.

Moving sale - Items for immediate sale: Kimball upright piano in great condition, $500; professional desk and bookcase, $160; almost-new 85-inch wide beige couch, $400. Contact Lynn at (913) 839-2343.

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

Tile work - Ceramic tile installation/repairs; kitchen or bathrooms; custom showers and flooring projects. 20 years exp.; insured. Free estimates. Call Frank Womack, In Line Flooring, at (913) 485-0745, or send an email to: inlineflooringkc@gmail.com.

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.

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.

Wanted to Buy

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.

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

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

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

Real Estate

Antiques wanted Buying older pocket and wrist watches.

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

Buying firearms and accessories - One or entire collection. Honest evaluation; top prices paid.

Call Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart, Shawnee.

Roommate Roommate - I will provide housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, and errand running for a senior adult/couple in exchange for living accommodations.

Nonsmoker; 50-plus. References. Call (913) 713-3865.

Child Care Summer nanny- Benedictine College sophomore and Curé of Ars parishioner looking for a full-time nanny position this summer in the Johnson County area.

Available mid-May through mid-August. Seven years of experience baby-sitting and nannying for children of all ages. Contact Kit at (913) 787-6543 or send an email to her at: kwhite93@gmail.com.

Miscellaneous Donate a vehicle. Make a difference. Donate your vehicle to Catholic Charities to support those in need. Your tax-deductible donation helps children and families served by Catholic Charities and is an environmentally wise way to recycle your vehicle. Cars for KC Kids is a partnership between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Catholic Charities of Kansas City - St. Joseph. Call 1 (866) 430-9499 or visit the website at: www.cars4kckids.com.

Home FSBO - 12230 S. Widmer, near 119th and Pflumm and St. Thomas Aquinas High School. This 4-BR, 4-BA, 3,270-sq.-ft. home has a large kitchen, a walk-out basement and an treed lot. Updated with new carpet, paint, fixtures and more. Call (913) 839-2343.

Gardner Painting - Attention to detail – we actually use scrapers. Interior and exterior. WyCo and JoCo areas. Many references. Free same-day estimates. Call Ted at (913) 227-9230.

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

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

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

Classifieds continued on the next page

28

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

The Johnson County Unos will gather for 4:30 p.m. Mass on April 28 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission.

Dinner will follow at Applebee’s Restaurant, 6800 Johnson Dr., Mission. For information or to sign up, call Ruth Baier at (913) 631-5255.

The Overland Park Host Lions Club will host a pasta dinner and silent auction from 5 - 8 p.m. on April 28 in the Father Quigley Hall at Holy Trinity Parish, 9150 Pflumm, Lenexa. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 3 - 11.

For information or to purchase tickets, call Carole Collyard at (913) 238-0209.

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

The Singles of Nativity will host dinner and bowling from 5 - 9 p.m. on April 28. Meet for dinner at 5 p.m. at Pizza Shoppe, 7908 W. 151st St., Overland Park. Bowling will follow at 7 p.m. at Incred-A-Bowl, 8500 W. 151st St. The cost is around $15 for two hours of bowling and shoe rental. To RSVP, send an email to Ken at: skiop@yahoo.com.

29

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

May

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

Vacation

April

For Sale

1

Want to help someone heal from an abortion?

Call Toll Free 888-246-1504

The Daughters of Isabella, Circle No. 159, will meet at 7 p.m. on May 1 in the parish hall at St. John the Evangelist Church, 2910 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Social gathering will begin at 6:30 p.m. All women of Our Lady Of Unity parishes are invited and encouraged to attend.

3

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

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

The Johnson County Unos will gather for dinner at 4:30 p.m. on May 3 at Mongolian Barbecue, 11836 W. 95th St., Overland Park. To sign up, call Dorothy Douglas at (913) 461-4399.

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

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

5 Enjoy a short stack for a tall cause!

Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, will

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

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

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

The Ursuline Sisters will host a “Kentucky Derby Party in Kansas” dinner and auction in celebration of 100 years of service on May 5 at Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Roeland Park. Appetizers and socializing will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the auction at 7:30 p.m. Wear your derby hat and come visit with the Ursuline Sisters from Kansas and Kentucky. To view a sampling of auction items, visit the website at: www. ursulinesmsj.org/kentucky-derby-party.

The cost is $50 per person; $385 for a table of eight. For information or to register, contact Sister Amelia Stenger at (270) 229-2008 or send an email to her at: amelia.stenger@maplemount.org.

5-6

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

6

Mary Health of the Sick Guild of the Sisters, Servants of Mary will meet on May 6 following the 9 a.m. Mass at the motherhouse, located at 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan. All interested in joining the guild are invited to attend.

The Rockhurst University Visiting

CALENDAR 13

Scholar Series will feature internationally known Ignatian scholar, Father Joseph Tetlow, SJ, who will present “Our Deepest Desire Reveals What God Hopes in Us” at 7:30 p.m. on May 6 at Mabee Theater, located on the Rockhurst University campus, 54th and Troost, Kansas City, Mo. The event is free and open to the public. For information, visit the website at: www.ignatiancenter kc.org.

9

The Serra Club of Kansas City, Kan., will host a lunch and presentation at noon on May 9 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5th and Minnesota Ave. Father Keith Lunsford will be the speaker.

11

The Johnson County Unos will hold their monthly meeting and a catered dinner at 5 p.m. on May 11 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission.

To attend, mail a check for $11 by May 7 to: Faye Barrett, 14800 Conser St., Overland Park, KS 66223. For information, call (913) 402-6780.

Join the Singles of Nativity for happy hour, beginning at 6 p.m. on May 11, at 810 Zone, 4800 W. 119th St., Leawood, located in Town Center Plaza. This is a great opportunity for singles to gather and meet new friends with similar beliefs and interests. Look for the yellow balloon. For information, send an email to Sue at: suez3911@gmail.com.

12

Queen of the Holy RosaryWea, 22705 Metcalf, Bucyrus, will host its annual “Running With The Cows” fundraiser on May 12, featuring a halfmarathon, 5K and a kiddie run. For information or to register, visit the website at: www.runningwiththecows.com.

The Curé of Ars Singles will host their annual spring fling dance from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. on May 12 in the school cafeteria, located at 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The cost of $15 (payable at the door) includes hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine, beer, soda, and bottled water. For information, call (913) 631-6873.

Misc.

A summer leadership camp for girls entering grades 6 - 8 will be held from June 27 - 29 on the campus of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison. The camp is sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters, Atchison, and the Sisters of Charity, Leavenworth. The purpose of the camp is to enhance leadership skills of the participants, enrich their spiritual life, and give them the opportunity to learn more about their faith and how Catholic values and leadership go together. The cost of $145 includes housing, meals and all camp materials. The registration deadline is May 25. For information or to register, visit the website at: www. mountosb.org; send an email to Sister Barbara Smith at: barbara@mountosb. org; or call (913) 426-5275.

The Kansas City Catholic Homeschool Conference will be held on June 15-16 at St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa. The theme is “Our Faith, Our Families.” The preregistration deadline is May 15. For information or to register, visit the website at: http://kccatholichomeschooler.org.

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 27, 2012

Celebrate Our Religious

MARK MY WORDS

Catholic Press Association Award Winner

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

QUOTE WEEK

OF THE

“It is a delight to me to have tracked down and helped save James R. O’Neill’s only surviving artwork. And I am so pleased to know that it will again hang, appreciated, where it belongs!”

Don Jensen, a retired reporter and editor in Kenosha, Wis. See story on pages 8-9

FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER

H

Give them a ‘peace’ of your heart

ow would you handle finding a six-pack of beer in your teen’s closet?

This was the situation faced by a single mom and her 14-year-old daughter, Maria. When her daughter arrived home, the mom pointed to the beer and said, “OK, Maria, what is this?”

“Looks like a six-pack of beer to me, Mom,” her daughter answered.

“Don’t get smart with me, young lady,” snapped the mother. “Now, you tell me about this.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Maria.

“I found this six-pack in your closet!

You’d better start explaining,” the mom continued.

Maria thought fast and said, “Oh, yeah, I was hiding that for a friend.”

“You expect me to believe that?” shouted the exasperated mother.

At that, Maria stomped off to her bedroom and slammed the door, practically rattling the whole house.

Frustrated with the entire situation, the weary mother called Dr. Jane Nelsen, a noted family and child counselor, to ask for advice. Nelsen asked, “Why were you so concerned with finding a six-pack of beer in her closet?”

“Well, I don’t want her to get into trouble,” said the mom.

“I understand that,” said Nelsen, “but why don’t you want her to get into trouble?”

The mother answered, “Because I don’t want her to ruin her life.”

“I understand that,” said Nelsen again, “but why don’t you want her to ruin her life?”

Finally, the mother got the point and said quietly, “Well, because I love my daughter.”

Nelsen then said, “Do you think she got that message?” When the mom said no, Nelsen continued, “What do you think would happen if you started with that message? Suppose you said,

April 29 FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 4: 8-12; Ps 118: 1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 29; 1 Jn 3: 1-2; Jn 10: 11-18 April 30 Pius V, pope Acts 11: 1-18; Pss 42: 2-3; 43: 3-4; Jn 10: 1-10 May 1 Joseph the Worker Acts 11: 19-26; Ps 87: 1-7; Jn 10: 22-30 May 2 Athanasius, bishop, doctor of the church Acts 12:24 — 13:5a; Ps 67: 2-3, 5-6, 8; Jn 12: 44-50 May 3 PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES 1 Cor 15: 1-8; Ps 19: 2-5; Jn 14: 6-14 May 4 Friday Acts 13: 26-33; Ps 2: 6-11; Jn 14: 1-6 May 5 Saturday Acts 13: 44-52; Ps 98: 1-4; Jn 14: 7-14

‘Honey, I love you so much that I got really scared when I found this six-pack in your closet. Because I’m really afraid you could get into trouble, could we talk about it?’”

Being loving and vulnerable rather than “conducting an inquisition,” said Nelsen, can better lead to closeness and trust. In such an atmosphere, the child is more likely to open up, so that together both parent and child can find a solution. (Adapted from “A World of Stories for Preachers and Teachers” by William J. Bausch.)

Jesus, I think, would approve of Nelsen’s philosophy. Some 2000 years ago, in fact, he was already practicing what she is preaching. The Gospel readings from the past couple of Sundays are examples of this.

Because they’re afraid, the apostles are huddled behind locked doors after the death of Jesus. They expected that, if caught, they would undergo the same fate as Jesus. Suddenly, Jesus appears in their midst.

Their response is one of fear and shock. Part of their fear might be in wondering how Jesus would treat them. After all, these were some of his closest friends who abandoned him when he needed them the most.

Would Jesus explode in anger at their betrayal? Berate them for their lack of belief, even though they had listened to him preach and seen his miracles?

Punish them in some terrible way? The apostles were no doubt very aware of their cowardice and weakness and might even have been embarrassed to

see their friend Jesus after how they’d treated him.

But Jesus calms all of their fears by lovingly saying, “Peace be with you.”

I imagine those words were delivered with a big smile. Who could expect such a greeting? No wonder last Sunday’s Gospel said that the disciples were “incredulous for joy.” How relieved they must have felt in knowing that Jesus loved them even in their weakness.

That love and peace extended by Jesus opened their hearts to receive the Spirit and ultimately to proclaim boldly the good news to others.

In a world that is so often a “myway-or-the-highway” place, a powerful witness of our Christian faith can be found in being willing to be vulnerable.

Like that mother in the opening story, it rarely occurs to us to begin difficult conversations, especially with those closest to us, by stating, “Hey, I love you, and that’s why I’m approaching you with this issue.” We find it so easy to shout at one another rather than gently speak with each other.

The risen Jesus gives us the pattern we are to follow. Being people of peace, being loving and vulnerable, shows where true power is: It comes from God, not us. Living this way is costly, though. Notice that even after the resurrection, Jesus still bears the marks of the crucifixion.

Yes, being vulnerable is hard. Being willing to forgive is hard. Being a person of peace is hard. Being willing to take the lower place is hard. Being ready to be wounded in the name of love is hard. Only the powerful gift of the Spirit can make it bearable and possible.

Especially in this Easter season, let’s make our prayer that of St. Francis: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”

It’s what our hearts, our families, and our world, needs now.

IN THE BEGINNING

W

Spirit of early church gives life to it still

hat miracle have you witnessed lately? Have you watched the sun set, gazed upon the face of a newborn infant, heard the birds sing early in the morning?

Miracles are happening all around us. Usually, though, we reserve that term for some dramatic exhibition of God’s power. In the Gospels, Jesus healed lepers, FOURTH SUNDAY OF gave sight EASTER to the blind, Acts 4: 8-12 made the deaf hear. These were all miracles of God’s compassion.

The Acts of the Apostles reports that these miracles continued in the early church. The same Spirit that had raised Jesus from the dead descended upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost.

The Spirit was at work among them: “Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles” (Acts 2:43).

The first miracle in the early church to receive a thorough description involves a man crippled from birth: “Then Peter took him by the right hand

and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles grew strong. He leaped up, stood, and walked around, and went into the temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God” (Acts 3: 7-8).

This miracle becomes the focus of attention in Sunday’s first reading, Acts 4:8-12. News concerning it has reached the authorities and they are greatly disturbed. Consequently, Peter is hauled before them for interrogation. He responds: “If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely, by what means he was saved, then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean

whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed.”

It is significant that the miracle that Peter worked to testify to the power of the risen Christ should involve lifting up a man to enable him to stand on his own two feet. In his own way, the raising up of the cripple echoes the raising up of Jesus from the dead. God could have chosen some other miracle: healing a leper, or giving sight to a blind person.

But this particular miracle makes the point very clearly: The Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is continuing to work in the church. As the second preface for the Easter season puts it: “In his rising the life of all has risen.”

Two thousand years later, we believe that the same Spirit is still continuing to work among us. It is the Spirit which gives life and vitality to the church. It is the Spirit that enables us to be the body of Christ, and not a dead corpse.

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

“Blisters for Sisters” 6th AnnualWalk-a-Thon Saturday, May 5, 2012 Church of the Nativity (119th and Mission Rd.) Registration: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Walk: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Mass: 11:00 a.m.

Lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Were you married in 1962?

Sponsored by: The Serra Clubs of Kansas and Missouri

Archdiocesan 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration

www.blistersforsisters.org facebook.com\blistersforsisters

All Are Welcome: Young, Old, In-Between . . .

Families, Friends, Fellow Parishioners Just complete the Registration Form below and mail it along with your check to: Beth Tilling, 13023 S. Pratt Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 Make Check payable to: Serra Club; Memo: Blisters for Sisters Name____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________City_________________ St.___ Zip______________ Phone _________________________________________________ e-mail______________________________________________

Will you stay for Mass?

Yes

No Will you stay for Lunch?

Yes

No

Registration includes: T-shirt, walk and Mass and Lunch with the Sisters.

Suggested Donations: $10 per person 22 or under; $25 per adult; $50 per family (2 or more) Students, please come even if you can’t make a donation; No Charge for Religious Each participant in the walk (adult or child) needs to be registered. You can make additional copies of this or you can obtain extra copies from our website.

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

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • APRIL 27, 2012

Most Pure Heart of Mary’s new “schola cantorum” under the direction of parish director of music Lucas Tappan sings at Mass.

Sing to the Lord a new song At Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, the little children lead

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

TOPEKA — Starting a children’s “schola cantorum” at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish here was a lot like convincing Dr. Seuss’ Sam-I-Am to expand his culinary repertoire.

“In a sense, it reminds me of the book ‘Green Eggs and Ham,’ by Dr. Seuss,” said Lucas Tappan, parish director of music.

When first presented with the opportunity to sing church music, a lot of kids acted like Sam-I-Am. When they first heard it, they did not want to sing it here or there. They did not want to sing it anywhere.

Ah, but when they started to sing . . .

“They love it,” said Tappan. “Two of their favorite pieces are ‘Panis Angelicus’

by Cesar Frank and an English translation of ‘All the Earth’ by Johann Sebastian Bach. It really is widening their musical experiences.”

“Schola cantorum” is Latin for “school for singers.” In modern parlance, they are sometimes called choir schools, and are common in Europe.

In the United States, however, there used to be only two true Catholic choir schools for children: the all-boys Boston Archdiocesan Choir School and the mixed gender Madeleine Choir Schola in Salt Lake City.

Now, with the founding of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Schola Cantorum, there are three.

“In the fall of 2008 at Most Pure Heart, I started a children’s choir,” said

Tappan. “We realized that if we were going to have future musicians for the parish, we really had to begin training the young people how to be liturgical musicians.”

Each year, the choir grew a little bigger, and that got Tappan dreaming about establishing a children’s choir school.

“Right now, I’m finishing my doctorate in church music at the University of Kansas,” said Tappan. “The paper I’m writing is about choir schools in the history of the Catholic Church. It connects with what I’m doing at Most Pure Heart of Mary, because I was looking for the best way of training young people to be liturgical musicians.”

Having reached critical mass — and with the permission of pastor Father Brian Schieber — Tappan officially launched the choir in fall 2011.

“I’m really excited about having this at the parish,” said Father Schieber. “This is something that’s going to enhance our liturgies. . . . It’s a wonderful way to involve the children in the liturgy.”

“It’s stirred up excitement in the parish,” he continued. “There’s 40 kids in the choir loft singing at Mass. There’s nothing that gives a parent more joy than to know that their child is an integral part of enhancing the worship at the parish and participating in the Mass with excitement.”

In the schola, the children learn sight-reading, undergo ear training, and learn to become cantors in the context of a choir. They sing music ranging from chant to 20th century melodies.

The schola now has 35 children,

ranging from grades three to seven.

They are divided into 21 choristers and 14 probationers. The choristers are usually older children who have more developed skills, and they practice twice a week.

The probationers are usually younger children who are still learning their skills, and practice once a week. The choristers sing for all occasions, but the probationers only sing for the occasional liturgy or performance, and then only simple pieces.

“We have three or four students who are proficient enough on the piano that next fall they will take organ lessons,” he said. “We have a couple of students who’ve cantored at Mass by themselves.

We already have students who, with a simple piece of music, can sing the first notes without me playing a key on the piano.”

What is exciting for Tappan is that not only are the students picking up on the music, they are also becoming theologically enriched.

“For example, [the responsorial psalm] we were working on for Sunday talked about the 12 judgment seats of heaven,” said Tappan.

“And a boy in the back row said, ‘What’s with these 12 seats? What are we talking about here?’ So we went into the Twelve Apostles sitting on the 12 thrones in the Book of Revelation, and heaven being the new Jerusalem.”

The schola sings once a month at a Mass during the school year and at one or two other special performances. The schola sang Lessons and Carols in De-

Upcoming events On April 21, the schola will sing at St. Cecilia’s Cathedral in Omaha.

On May 6 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, immediately before Mass, members of the schola who have become choristers will receive the second part of their choir robe and receive a blessing.

Later that day, the schola will offer its spring concert at 3 p.m. at the church. Tickets are: $10 for adults; $7 for children ages six to 12; and free for ages five and younger.

On May 19, the schola will join an adult choir for the archdiocesan diaconate ordinations at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish.

For more information, go to the schola’s website at: www.mphm/ schola-cantorum. cember and at the annual Red Mass on Feb. 9 at St. Joseph Parish in Topeka.

Father Schieber hopes that as the children advance through the grades, there will be a high school schola. Eventually, the benefit of the schola will be felt far and wide, both throughout the parish and into the future.

“Not only does this enhance the liturgy in our parish, but it will produce cantors and musicians for the church of the future,” said Father Schieber. “These children in the choir school will be welltrained for whatever parish they go to.”