theleaven.com | vol. 35, no. 36 | may 2, 2014
Pope-pourri Pope Francis canonizes Popes John XXIII and John Paul II with Pope Benedict XVI in attendance, in what Italians are calling the ‘Festival of Four Popes’
Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II are made saints
Seminarians feel blessed to witness historic event
By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service
By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com
AT I C A N C I T Y (CNS) — Canonizing two recent popes in the presence of his immediate predecessor, Pope Francis praised the new Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II as men of courage and mercy, who responded to challenges of their time by modernizing the Catholic Church in fidelity to its ancient traditions. “They were priests, bishops and popes of the 20th century,” the pope said April 27 in his homily during Mass in St. Peter’s Square. “They lived through the tragic events of that century, but they were not overwhelmed by them. For them, God was more powerful.” “John XXIII and John Paul cooperated with the Holy Spirit in renewing and updating the church in keeping with her original features, those features which the saints have given her throughout the centuries,” he said. Speaking before a crowd of half a million that included retired Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis praised St. John for his best-known accomplishment, calling the Second Vatican Council, which he said “showed an exquisite openness to the Holy Spirit.” “He let himself be led, and he was for the church
rom where Luke Doyle stood preparing to watch two popes be pronounced saints, even the art and architecture of Rome seemed to celebrate the moment. Heading out early on the morning of April 27, the seminarian in his second year of theology at the Pontifical North American College in Rome joined hundreds of thousands of people on the Via della Conciliazione outside the packed St. Peter’s Square. He couldn’t help but think what the Italian architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini must have envisioned as he designed the colonnade that extends from St. Peter’s Basilica around St. Peter’s Square. “On top of the colonnade are the saints of the church, looking down on the people of God gathered below, encouraging us by their examples and praying for us as we strive to enter their ranks in heaven one day,” said Doyle. “We had gathered below them to celebrate the canonization of two of their number!” Both of those newly canonized saints — St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II — have long been heroes to many, including seminarian Agustin Martinez, also in his second year of theology at the Pontifical North American College.
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>> See “Pope francis” on page 4
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CNS photo/Massimo Sestini, Italian National Police via Catholic Press Photo
A large crowd is seen in and around St. Peter’s Square as Pope Francis celebrates the canonization Mass for Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II at the Vatican April 27.
>> See “seminarians” on page 5
2 archbishop
theleaven.com | may 2, 2014
Life will be victorious
Under assault, man wanted only God’s will to prevail
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week ago, I was in McAllen, Texas, to give a talk at a banquet benefiting the McAllen Pregnancy Center
that provides assistance to families experiencing difficulties with a pregnancy. I am not certain how much my presence helped them, but I was inspired by my brief time in McAllen. Earlier in the week, I had attended a planning luncheon in Kansas City for this fall’s Vitae Society event. The Vitae Society creates pro-life messaging for television, radio, billboards and social media. In recent years, they have placed many billboards in the Kansas City area encouraging mothers experiencing a difficult pregnancy to contact one of our Pregnancy Resource Centers. At the meeting, we were told that a record number (more than 70 abortion clinics) had closed in 2013. One of those closures occurred in McAllen. Texas recently passed a law requiring that physicians performing abortions must have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. This is a common sense requirement for the safety of women. If complications arise during an abortion, it is reasonable to want to make certain that the doctor can provide adequate care. However, this simple requirement forced several abortion clinics to close, including the one in McAllen. When I arrived in McAllen, I was picked up from the airport by the vicar general of the Diocese of Brownsville and a layman by the name of Eric, who was the vice president of the board for the pregnancy center. He also served as a sidewalk counselor. Eric is a successful businessman who has been married for 20 years and is the proud father of three teenage daughters. For Holy Week, their whole family had made a retreat together. He told me some amazing stories of how God had used him and other volunteers to save babies and
Archbishop’s offer to celebrate baptisms for children of larger families
archbishop Joseph F. Naumann rescue mothers and fathers from living with the terrible burden of authorizing the killing of their own child. While visiting the center, I learned that, in the past week, a former staff member of the abortion clinic had come to the pregnancy center for assistance with her own pregnancy. This former abortion clinic employee expressed deep regret and remorse for her involvement in the destruction of the lives of so many babies. Eric told me that several months ago, while sidewalk counseling at the abortion clinic, he encountered a woman who was coming to procure an abortion. He had asked her why she was considering abortion. She told Eric that she already had three children and she could not care for a fourth. Eric asked her the ages of her children. She told him that her oldest, a girl, was eight years old. Eric offered that he and his wife would adopt her oldest daughter. They already had three girls. What was one more? Her daughter would have three new sisters who would love her. He promised to provide for everything that her daughter needed, in terms of medical, educational, and other expenses. He told this mother that she would be welcome to visit her daughter any time and to be involved as she wished in her daughter’s life. Eric suggested to the mother if he adopted her oldest, then she would be able to welcome the new baby, because she would still have only three children. The woman began to tear up. She said that she could never give up her oldest daughter. Eric asked her: What was the difference from allowing her oldest daughter to be adopted and aborting her unborn child?
To show his personal support for those couples open to raising larger families, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has offered to celebrate the baptism of the third or greater child of any family (by birth, adoption, or blending through valid marriage) interested. The first of these baptismal celebrations will take place on May 18 at 2:30 p.m. at Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park. Additional celebrations are scheduled for July 27, Sept. 7, and Nov. 16. For 2015, celebrations are scheduled for Jan. 18, March 15, and May 17. Please contact your parish office for more information. Additional information is also available from the archdiocesan office for liturgy and sacramental life at (913) 647-0330 or online at: liturgy@archkck.org.
They were both her children. At least, her oldest would still live and be able to enjoy life. The mother went with Eric to the pregnancy center to meet with a counselor to determine what assistance she needed to give birth and care for her unborn child. However, Eric’s most powerful story had nothing to do with the pregnancy center. Four years ago, while leaving his mother’s home in Mexico, he was kidnapped. His captors beat and insulted him for several hours. They demanded that he give them money that he did not have or they would murder him. At one point, they held a cocked gun to his head. The leader of the group was shouting to the gunman: “Shoot him! Kill him!” During this entire ordeal, Eric was praying. He was praising God for the many blessings that he and his family enjoyed. He told Jesus: “I want to do your will! If you want me to die this way, I want to do your will.” However, if he were to die, Eric pleaded with God to take care of his wife and daughters. Eric turned over everything to God. He wanted to do God’s will whatever that was. He was amazed at the words coming out of his mouth. He did not feel they were his words, but someone else was speaking through him. He told his captors that he knew they were not bad men. He told them that he was not their enemy. He wanted to help them. He wanted what was good for them. While the gun was cocked and aimed at his head with the leader of his captors shouting at the gunman to
kill him, Eric felt his death was imminent. He continued to pray, blessing and praising God. His would-be assassin lowered his gun. They put Eric back in their car and took him back to his mother’s neighborhood, where they released him. Eric said that he thought he was a good Catholic before this frightening event. However, after this traumatic experience, he definitely changed. God had given him additional time. Eric wanted to use it well and wisely. He now desired to be an even better husband and father. Eric wanted to use whatever time he had left in this world in the way that was most pleasing to God. It was inspiring to hear how Eric had responded to this crisis. He did not become argumentative toward his kidnappers. He absorbed their ridicule and abuse and amazed himself by remaining patient and calm. Most importantly, he prayed and he wanted to do God’s will whatever that might be. Wow! I was amazed by the faith and heroism of this man and his passion to serve God. Hopefully, no one reading The Leaven will ever be faced with such a frightening circumstance. However, I am convinced that Eric responded the way he did because of a lifetime of prayer, a lifetime of desiring God’s will over his own. Hopefully, none of us have to lose almost everything, before we realize what is really important. If we strive to place God’s will above our will every day, we will be much better equipped to respond well to the most difficult circumstances. Think about it!
calendar archbishop
Naumann May 2 Apologetics Academy Mass — Savior Pastoral Center May 3 Apologetics Academy Mass — Savior Pastoral Center Pastoral visit — St. Ann, Prairie Village May 4 Pastoral visit — Annunciation, Frankfort May 5 Pastoral Council vespers, dinner and meeting — Savior Pastoral Center May 6 Retired priests meeting — Savior Pastoral Center Confirmation — Holy Angels, Basehor May 7 Confirmation — Good Shepherd, Shawnee May 8 Introduction of Symbolon RCIA program — Savior Pastoral Center Confirmation — St. John the Evangelist, Lawrence May 9 “Catholic Way” recording May 10 Running with the Cows, Wea Donnelly College graduation Little Sisters of the Lamb postulants receive habit May 11 100th jubilee celebration — St. Joseph, Wathena
archbishop
keleher May 3 Mass — St. Sebastian, Fla. May 4 Mass — St. Sebastian, Fla. May 10 Wedding May 11 Mass — Federal prison
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may 2, 2014 | theleaven.com
Hospice in the Heartland
By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill@theleaven.com
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ORTONVILLE — Several years ago here, St. Joseph parishioner Shawn Gigstad asked her longtime friend and cousin Sister Paula Rose Jauernig if she could pinpoint the most rewarding experience of her vocation as a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth. The answer would not only surprise Gigstad, but would change the direction of her life. “One of the most rewarding,” said Sister Paula Rose, “was the time I spent working in hospice care.” Gigstad had spent the first part of her working life serving children — as a schoolteacher and then as director of her parish religious education program — while she raised her son. “I really felt a calling somewhere else now,” she said. Reflecting on Sister Paula Rose’s words, she decided to try her hand at serving those on the opposite end of the age spectrum, in the last months of their lives. “So, about a year and a half ago,” she said, “I contacted Saint Jude Hospice and said I would like to be a volunteer.”
A rewarding experience Saint Jude Hospice has offices in Topeka and Hiawatha and covers 17 counties in Kansas (see map). Though Catholic, it accepts patients of any faith. Saint Jude provides care wherever the patient calls home — whether that is a private residence, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home. Gigstad said her inspiration to contact Saint Jude Hospice specifically stemmed from a discussion she had with a friend whose father was near death. “She wasn’t a practicing Catholic,” said Gigstad. “But her dad was, and she had no idea on the religious directives of the Catholic Church for end of life.” Saint Jude Hospice adheres to the “Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.” “That’s what really drove me,” said Gigstad. “I thought there must be a lot of people out there that are my age, and their parents are dying. “They have no idea what to do according to their parent’s faith.” It didn’t take long for Gigstad to become an advocate for the rewarding experience of being a hospice volunteer. “My thoughts of hospice have completely turned around,” she said. “I think it’s a huge privilege to be invited into somebody’s last days. “And this has helped me to overcome my own fear of dying.” Like many people who work with the dying, Gigstad has been educated on the process and has come to see it in a positive light. “It’s just so natural and not so scary,” she said. “This life isn’t the best we have — there’s better to come and there’s a peaceful transition.”
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann
Leaven photo by Jill Ragar Esfeld
Hospice patient Bernice Stirton, left, looks forward to visits from Saint Jude Hospice volunteer coordinator Shawn Gigstad and time spent together reading inspirational stories from Guideposts magazine.
About Saint Jude Hospice
Kansas Service Area Map
CEO Tom Moreland based Saint Jude Hospice on the words of Jesus Christ — “Love one another as I have loved you” — when he founded the company and began inspiring people to serve the most vulnerable. Saint Jude Hospice currently serves patients wherever they call home from offices located in Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska. It has a Radical Loving Care philosophy to bring healing to people who have decided to seek comfort over a cure. Saint Jude Hospice always adheres to the “Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services” and is endorsed by eight bishops and archbishops from dioceses across the Midwest.
For more information, call (800) 983-3881, or go to: www.saintjudehospice.org.
Joining the team Lynnea Andersen, assistant vice president of psychosocial care at Saint Jude Hospice, understands how Gigstad feels. A social worker by trade, Andersen has been a part of hospice programs for 16 years. When she took her first job, she thought it would be depressing.
“It is so far from depressing,” she said. “Sure, it is sad when our patients die — we feel for our families. “But the opportunity and the blessing it is to be able to go in and provide much-needed support to a patient and the family is just priceless.” Anderson says that Gigstad has a servant’s heart, and that’s all a good
Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com
Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com
Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com
Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com
Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com
Advertising Coordinator Julie Holthaus julie@theleaven.com
“
I think it’s a huge privilege to be invited into somebody’s last days.” Shawn Gigstad, Hospice volunteer coordinator
hospice volunteer really needs. “It’s a true blessing to be able to be a part of people’s lives when they truly need you,” she said. “And to work with an organization that believes in the value system of the Catholic Church is a blessing.” After seeing the dedication and drive displayed during her first year volunteering, Saint Jude Hospice hired Gigstad as its volunteer coordinator. Gigstad was thrilled to become part of a company that is “on fire for Christ.” “Everyone is so positive,” she said. “Every meeting, every phone call starts with our company values. And those are: outstanding customer service, integrity in our actions, nothing is impossible with God, kindness in our relationships, and excellence in everything. “All that is really reinforced in everything we do.”
An invitation Gigstad is now reaching out to fellow >> See “volunteers” on page 6
Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.
4 LOCAL NEWS
theleaven.com | may 2, 2014
Pope Francis praises Sts. John XXII, John Paul II >> Continued from page 1 a pastor, a servant-leader,” the pope said of St. John. “This was his great service to the church. I like to think of him as the pope of openness to the Spirit.” Pope Francis characterized St. John Paul as the “pope of the family,” a title he said the late pope himself had hoped to be remembered by. Pope Francis said he was sure St. John Paul was guiding the church on its path to two upcoming synods of bishops on the family, to be held at the Vatican this October and in October 2015. The pope invoked the help of the two new papal saints for the synods’ success, and he prayed, “May both of them teach us not to be scandalized by the wounds of Christ and to enter ever more deeply into the mystery of divine mercy, which always hopes and always forgives, because it always loves.” Pope Francis has said the agenda for the family synods will include church teaching and practice on marriage, areas he has said exemplify a particular need for mercy in the church today. The pope repeatedly mentioned mercy in his homily, which he delivered on Divine Mercy Sunday, an observance St. John Paul put on the church’s universal calendar in 2000. The Polish pope died on the vigil of the feast in 2005 and was beatified on Divine Mercy Sunday in 2011. In addition to Pope Benedict, making only his third public appearance since he resigned in February 2013, Pope Francis’ concelebrants included some 150 cardinals and 700 bishops. Pope Benedict did not join the procession of bishops at the start of Mass, but arrived half an hour earlier, wearing white vestments and a bishop’s miter and walking with a cane; he sat in a section of the square designated for cardinals. Pope Francis greeted his predecessor with an embrace at the start of the Mass, drawing applause from the crowd, and approached him again at the end. During the canonization ceremony, which took place at the beginning of the Mass, devotees carried up relics of the new saints in matching silver reliquar-
Canonization opens way for universal celebration of popes’ feast days By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
V CNS photo/Paul Haring
Pope Francis kisses the relic of St. John XXIII presented by Father Ezio Bolis, director of the Pope John XXIII Foundation, during the canonization Mass for Sts. John and John Paul II. ies, which Pope Francis kissed before they were placed on a small table for veneration by the congregation. St. John’s relic was a piece of the late pope’s skin, removed when his body was transferred to its present tomb in the main sanctuary of St. Peter’s Basilica. Floribeth Mora Diaz, a Costa Rican woman whose recovery from a brain aneurysm was recognized by the church as a miracle attributable to the intercession of St. John Paul, brought up a silver reliquary containing some of the saint’s blood, taken from him for medical testing shortly before his death in 2005. The Mass took place under cloudy skies with temperatures in the low 60s, and only a sprinkle of rain fell just before the 10 a.m. start of the liturgy. Huge tapestries bearing portraits of the two saints hung from the facade of the basilica, and the square was decorated with 30,000 roses and other flowers donated by the nation of Ecuador. The square and the broad Via della Conciliazione leading up to it were tightly packed with approximately half a million pilgrims, many of whom had been standing for hours before the start of Mass. Among the many national flags
CNS photo/Paul Haring
Retired Pope Benedict XVI arrives for the canonization Mass of Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican April 27. on display, the majority were from Poland, the native land of St. John Paul. The Vatican estimated that 800,000 attended the ceremony in Rome, with overflow crowds watching on giant-
ATICAN CITY (CNS) — From the moment Pope Francis said, “We declare and define Blesseds John XXIII and John Paul II be saints” and “they are to be venerated as such by the whole church,” their October feast days automatically could be celebrated at Masses around the world. St. John’s feast day is Oct. 11, the anniversary of the day in 1962 that he opened the Second Vatican Council. St. John Paul’s feast day is Oct. 22, the anniversary of the inauguration of his pontificate in 1978. After the two were beatified — Pope John in 2000 and Pope John Paul in 2011 — special Vatican permission was required to publicly celebrate their feast days outside the Diocese of Rome, where they served as bishop and pope, and their home dioceses. Vatican permission also was required to name parishes after them, but with their canonization, that is no longer necessary. A key difference between beatification and canonization is: • At a canonization, the pope issues a formal decree recognizing the candidate’s holiness and permitting public remembrance of the candidate at liturgies throughout the church. • With a beatification, the pope concedes permission for limited public remembrances, usually among members of the candidate’s religious order or in the diocese where the candidate lived and worked.
screen TVs set up at various locations around the city. The Vatican said 93 countries sent official delegations to the Mass, and more than 30 of the delegations were led by a president or prime minister.
Curé Catholic braves canonization crowds By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com
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he chance to witness the canonization of two popes drew hundreds of thousands of the strong in spirit to St. Peter’s
Square. But it was no place for the faint of heart. “It really was an endurance contest, getting into the square,” said Colleen McInerney, a parishioner of Curé of Ars Church in Leawood. From miscommunications about where and when to enter the square to a crushing crowd of pilgrims Colleen McInerney clamoring to get close, the few days leading to the April 27 canonizations of St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II held some frustrations. McInerney saw a few fights nearly break out. People lashed out with colorful phrases in countless languages. And some members of the massive crowd pushed, shoved — and passed out. There were definitely ups and downs, but McInerney, a sophomore studying theology and Spanish at the University of Dallas, wouldn’t trade being there for the world. “Most people don’t get to see any pope in their lives, and I got to see two at the same time,” she said. “Most people don’t get to see a canonization, and I got to see two at the same time.” The university has a campus in Rome, where she has spent this semester studying. Still, with finals looming and a chance of rain in the forecast, she wasn’t entirely convinced she would spend April 26 camping out for a spot at the canonizations until she actually arrived there. McInerney and her friends were ini-
By Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service
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RAKOW, Poland (CNS) — Tens of thousands of Polish Catholics celebrated their country’s newest saint — John Paul II — by converging on the southern city where he served as cardinalarchbishop before becoming pope. About 50,000 people attended an open-air Mass at the Divine Mercy sanctuary on the outskirts of Krakow. St. John Paul had a great devotion to the Divine Mercy, the recognition of God’s mercy as demonstrated in his sending his son to die for the sins of humanity. Other pilgrims attended an outdoor concert outside the nearby St. John Paul II Basilica. Auxiliary Bishop Damian Muskus of Krakow urged people at the open-air Mass to use the sanctity of the moment to effect change. “Let this moment on this exceptional night and day become the decisive moment at which we begin gathering graces for heaven and our own sanctity,” he said at the shrine April 27, the day Pope Francis canonized Sts. John XXIII and
CNS photo/Agencja Gazeta/Marek Podmokly, Reuters
A priest raises the chalice as he celebrates Mass in honor of Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II and in the ski resort Kasprowy Wierch in Poland’s Tatra Mountains April 27. That day at the Vatican, Pope Francis canonized the two former popes. John Paul and at the Vatican. Krakow’s streets and squares were decorated with posters of Pope John Paul and Polish and Vatican flags. How-
ever, festivities were staged nationwide in towns and cities, including the capital, Warsaw, where Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Walz welcomed them as
“a sign of gratitude for an exceptional pontificate.” In Czestochowa, Poland, where thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Jasna Gora national shrine, Pallotine monks organized a giant telecast of the Vatican canonization ceremony for the homeless. And religious leaders celebrated an outdoor Mass in the Tatra Mountains, where St. John Paul hiked as a youth. Paula O’Hare, a Catholic from Belfast, Northern Ireland, traveled to the pope’s birthplace of Wadowice, southwest of Krakow. She said she believed Wadowice was the “next best place after Rome” to participate in the canonization. “This is where John Paul’s spirituality was born, and they’re still doing all the right things here — with daily Masses, confessions and adorations. The world very much needs such examples today,” she told Catholic News Service. In Krakow, a Franciscan seminarian who identified himself as Brother Marek told CNS he hoped the canonization would “end the phase of building statues and expensive churches” and encourage a greater focus on “living witnesses to love and mercy.”
He and Doyle both felt blessed to be in Rome to celebrate their canonizations.
‘Simple heart’ “I grew up listening to stories about Pope John XXIII,” said Martinez, noting that the cardinals who elected him envisioned that he would be a “transitional pope” who would not do very much. “But as Pope Francis mentioned in his homily today, he was a docile pastor who was led by the Holy Spirit,” said Martinez. “He was a simple man, with a simple heart. The Italians call him ‘il Papa buono’ (‘the good pope’) because he was very compassionate and close to the people. He used to visit a children’s hospital called Bambino Gesù every year during Christmas and bring the kids presents. He also visited prisoners at the different jails in town.” The people of Italy have a special devotion to and a great love for St. John XXIII, added Doyle. “John XXIII is the pope who called the Second Vatican Council, which helped the church further develop into how we know her today,” said Doyle. “He has played a great role in the devel-
Celebrating saints on the home front
By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com
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CNS photo/Paul Haring
A banner showing Sts. John Paul II and John XXIII is seen in the crowd in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square during an April 28 Mass of thanksgiving for the two popes’ canonizations. tially disappointed there wouldn’t be tickets to the historic event, but the way it played out gave people from around the world the same chance to be present for the moment. “It was cool to hear everyone’s stories,” said McInerney. One group walked from Krakow in John Paul II’s native Poland to Vienna, and then hitchhiked the rest of the way into Italy. Some Polish Sisters settled next to their group for a while and sang “Lord, When You Came to the Seashore” — a melody that was familiar to the English-speaking students, even if the words weren’t. Studying in Europe this year, McInerney has attended Masses in Hungarian, German, Polish, Italian and Latin — all made possible by the Second Vatican Council, since before that, Mass was said only in Latin. But it really wasn’t until she sat with friends preparing for the canonizations that she understood Pope John XXIII’s role as a catalyst for that in calling for the council. She and a friend even added their voices to those shouting “John the 23rd!”
in response to the crowd around them chanting “JP2! We love you!” Pope John Paul II’s death when McInerney was in fifth grade came at a time when she was really just starting to understand the church — and it sparked an interest that eventually played a role in her decision to major in theology. She sees his influence in everything from the theology of the body to an increased interest in the priesthood. McInerney was charmed by the way Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI greeted one another at this celebration, linking four popes to the historic occasion. “You were acutely aware you were in the presence of two popes the whole time,” she said. And Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist in the Mass really wrapped together the church’s history for McInerney. Although exhausted from a weekend of too little sleep, too much waiting, many conversations and — finally — the precious seats, she was overjoyed to have been part of the experience. “It’ll be something I tell the grandkids someday,” she said.
Seminarians feel connections to new saints >> Continued from page 1
Tens of thousands travel to southern Poland to celebrate St. John Paul
Local News 5
may 2, 2014 | theleaven.com
opment of my faith, not just because of the fact that he called Vatican II, but also because of his personal witness of how he embraced all peoples with a desire to lead them to Jesus.” As a pope, he exemplified what it means to be humble before God. “John XXIII would famously end every day of his papacy in prayer, reminding both God and himself who was really in charge. . . . After he finished bringing the troubles and hardships of the people of the world to God in prayer, [he would finish with], ‘Well, it’s your church, Lord. I’m off to bed!’”
‘Be not afraid’ Pope John Paul II connected with the lives of many younger generations, including both Martinez and Doyle. Doyle described the times during which St. John Paul II lived as some of the darkest, as Nazi and communist regimes came to power and fell in Eastern Europe. Still, he was never without joy, and Doyle saw in him a passion for sports and travel as well as Mary and the faith. “Throughout his papacy, he challenged the world to never be content with mediocrity, to never lose sight of the truths of who we are and how we
have been made to live and to love, and to not be afraid,” said Doyle. “His heroic example of joy and of love inspired me to want to be a priest like him, and his constant admonition — ‘Be not afraid!’ — is what helped me find the courage to open myself to the voice of Jesus and to follow him with my life.” Doyle feels blessed to study for the priesthood in the same classrooms as Pope John Paul II once did, and to be taught by some of his friends and former students. Martinez believes St. John Paul II led people to God through the witness of his life, and he has also greatly influenced Martinez’s own vocation. Growing up in Mexico, he knew the pope had a special affection for Our Lady of Guadalupe. “People in Mexico loved him very much. I remember that every time he left Mexico after his apostolic visits, people went out of their homes with little mirrors and pointed them up to the sky, so that he could see all the little lights from his plane,” said Martinez. “I remember that when he died, people went out of their homes with mirrors in their hands and pointed them up to heaven to say goodbye to him, and that was a moment that I have treasured through my years in [the] seminary.”
OPEKA — The thought of making a trip to Italy flashed through Father Mitchel Zimmerman’s mind when he learned that Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II were going to be canonized. But for the pastor of Christ the King Parish in Topeka — who has always held a deep love for Pope John Paul II — there’s something to be said for celebrating the moment close to home, too. “I thought about going to Rome myself, but thought it was better to share the enthusiasm with the parishioners,” he said. “Most Catholics haven’t seen a canonization before.” And so Christ the King’s youth group — knowing that teens from across the Topeka area were already interested in doing a praise and worship event — extended an open invitation to an event that included music, eucharistic adoration, dodgeball, popcorn and donuts, midnight Mass and a chance to watch the canonization live from Rome in the middle of the night. The event started at 10 p.m. April 26 and continued into the early hours of April 27 so the group could watch the canonizations at 3 a.m. “I thought it was really cool that the whole Catholic community got to connect,” said 15-year-old Mikayla Bryan, a member of Christ the King’s youth group. She enjoyed interacting with people her own age also active in their faith — not always an easy thing to do. “I think the most powerful part of it was the Catholic communities of Topeka coming together so late, late at night,” agreed 17-year-old Thomas Bagley, a member of Christ the King’s youth group. Everyone had a lot of energy, even as the hours passed. He feels a special connection between his family and St. John Paul II. He remembers keeping vigil at age 9 by the TV when the pope was near death and watching his funeral — again, in the middle of the night — from Rome. Miguel Monteclaro, 14, also a member of Christ the King’s youth group, is sure he would have been sleeping if he hadn’t attended the lock-in, but as soon as he learned it was going on, he wanted to go. He particularly enjoyed the time set aside for eucharistic adoration. “I felt that I witnessed something very historic,” he said of the canonization itself. “It was just so powerful,” said 15-year-old Matt Davidson, a member of the youth group at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, who enjoyed watching Pope Francis lead the celebration. Everyone in the Christ the King gym started cheering when the saints were canonized, said 17-year-old Sierra Neiberger, a member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s youth group. To her, the moment was “breathtaking,” and the event made her feel involved not only in her church, but in her community. “It’s kind of a pinch-your-arm thing to watch someone enter into being a saint,” she said.
6 local news
theleaven.com | may 2, 2014
Volunteers sought for ministry that gives back more than you give
cutting for a cause
St. Thomas Aquinas High School freshmen Grace Nielsen, left, and Ellie Thompson have different reactions to having their hair cut for Aquinas’ Wig Out event on April 11. The event saw 150 girls have their hair cut simultaneously for donations to wig banks that serve cancer patients. Doing the cutting are freshman Kathryn Withers, left, and Cristina McNamara.
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Leaven photo by lori wood habiger
Leaven photo by doug hesse
SCOUT MASS
Hundreds of Scouts and American Heritage Girls filled the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan., on April 6 for the annual Scout Awards Mass. Awards were given to participants for accomplishments over the past year.
the pray team
More than 20 seminarians from Conception Seminary in Conception, Mo., prayed a rosary for life in front of Planned Parenthood in Overland Park on April 26. Father Nathan Haverland hosted them the night before at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park to make the 7 a.m. rosary more manageable.
Leaven photo by Joe Mcsorley
Catholics in the archdiocese, inviting them to experience the joy of being a hospice volunteer. Federal law requires that for a hospice to receive Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, at least 5 percent of patient care hours must be provided by volunteers. Ideally, Saint Jude would like to recruit more volunteers than patients, so patients have extra care. “And Saint Jude Hospice we’re realaccepts volunteers of ly targeting all ages. Volunteers our Cathomust be 17 years lic parishioold to visit someone ners,” said at a facility and 18 Andersen, to visit someone’s “because a home. There are oplot of time portunities available we have pato satisfy any intertients who est — visiting; helpwould like ing with office work; someone making lap blankets, to pray the memory bears or rorosary with saries; checking up them.” on patients with a Vo l u n phone call; or helping teers can patients with memgive whatory projects. To learn ever time more, visit the webthey have site at: www.saint ava i l a bl e . judehospice.org and After hours click on the volunteer tab; or contact Shawn of training, Gigstad directly at gig plenty of stads@saintjudehos support is pice.org or by calling provided by (785) 272-1111. Gigstad. “I go out to the facility [or home] with the volunteer and introduce them to the patient,” she said. “We do a care plan,” added Andersen. “That goes over what the patient’s wishes are — what they would like a volunteer to help with.” Volunteers fill out a patient log sheet after each visit, which Gigstad enters into a computer and copies for the patient’s file. The strength of hospice is its team approach. The volunteer is part of a team of professionals providing different aspects of care. Teams stay in contact, with interdisciplinary team meetings every two weeks to discuss patients’ progress. But that’s not something volunteers need to figure into their time. “The volunteers report to me,” said Gigstad. “As the volunteer coordinator, I will report to the team.” If a volunteer doesn’t feel called to work directly with patients, there are many opportunities to help out with office tasks, make phone calls, or pray for families. Volunteering for Saint Jude Hospice is simply a matter of making new friends and being with them when they need you most, said Gigstad. “If you can just provide some normalcy to their day,” she said, “that’s a huge reward to them. And I think, in return, to you.” “It’s a wonderful opportunity to give back,” said Andersen. “You definitely get more out of it than you put in.”
Become a volunteer
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may 2, 2014 | theleaven.com Jerome Jr. and Carol Jean (Etheridge) Lambertz, members of Immaculate Conception Parish, Louisburg, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 25 with a gathering in Freeman, Mo. The couple was married on April 25, 1964, at St. James Church in Oklahoma City. Their children and their spouses are: Jerome III and Traey Lambertz, Harrisonville, Mo.; Jason and Jennifer (Smith) Lambertz, Freeman, Mo.; Jamie Lambertz, Cleveland, Mo.; and Joe Lambertz and Tami Hall of Greenwood, Mo. They also have six grandchildren. Leo and Mary Jane (Rottinghaus) Hammes, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 11 with an 11 a.m. Mass at the church. A family dinner will follow and then a reception from 2 – 3:30 p.m., hosted by their children. The couple was married at St. Mary Church, St. Benedict, on May 9, 1964. Their children and their spouses are: Deb and Doug Rethman; David and Tarese Hammes; Gary and Kristine Hammes; Father Greg Hammes; and Cindy Hammes. They also have 13 grandchildren.
Larry and Carol (Noll) Schuetz, members of St. Benedict Parish, Atchison, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary from 6 to 10 p.m. on May 10 with an open house for family and friends at the Elks Lodge, 609 Kansas Ave., Atchison. The couple requests no gifts. The couple was married on May 9, 1964, at Corpus Christi Church, Mooney Creek. Their children and their spouses are: Tim and Lisa Schuetz, Gardner; Jim and Lana Schuetz, Effingham; Christina and Darin Drimmel, Atchison; and Theresa and Rich Jobbins of Winchester. They also have 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Mary (Ruhlman) and Paul Becker, members of St. Mary Parish, Purcell, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on May 3 with a family dinner. The couple was married on May 5, 1954, at St. Joseph Church, Atchison. Their children and their spouses are: Kenny and Linda Becker, Topeka; Bill and Mary Becker, Denton; Linda and Jerry Henry, Atchison; Carol and Russell Brown, Mesa, Ariz.; Margaret and Tim Blevins, Mayetta; Larry and Sandy Becker, Everest; Teresa and Bill Heimann, Hays; and Jim and Charla Becker, Lancaster. They also have 27 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
David and Juanita (Riddle) Gwartney, members of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 9. The couple was married on May 9, 1964, at St. Lawrence Church, Easton. Their children and their spouses are: Wendi and John Johnston, McLouth; Jodi and Scott Felix, Leavenworth; Gabe and Shelly Gwartney, Kansas City, Mo.; and Davey Gwartney, Basehor. They also have nine grandchildren (one is deceased). There will be a celebration for the couple on May 24 at Falcon Lakes Golf Club in Basehor.
Patricia (Shaughnessy) and Quay Smith, members of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Lawrence, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on May 7. The couple was married on May 7, 1949, at Sts. Peter and Paul, Seneca, by Father Albert J. Haverkamp. Their children and their spouses are: Cindy and Tom Yother, Lawrence; June Smith, Lecompton; Sheryl Smith Foster, Osborne; and Betty and Rick Foos, Lecompton. They also have five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Joyce and Eldon Olberding, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on May 4 at the 11 a.m. Mass. The couple was married on May 15, 1954, at St. Leo Church, Horton. Their children are: Judith Huschka and Janice Langdon. They also have four grandchildren, one step-grandchild, and nine great-grandchildren. Mary and Kenneth Gilsdorf, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on March 31. The couple was married on March 31, 1944, in Kansas City, Mo. Their family will host a celebration on May 18 in their honor. They have six children (one deceased), 16 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
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CEF board gets schooled
Board bus tour of four Topeka schools shows CEF dollars at work
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Story by Joe
OPEKA — The Catholic Education Foundation board’s bus tour of four Catholic schools here on April 4 included a power lunch where some pretty weighty questions were considered. Mater Dei fourth-grader Isabel Munoz’s “lunch buddy” for the day was Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, and her big question was this: If you could have one superpower, what would it be? She even helped him with the right answer. “Multi-power,” said Munoz, “so he could be invisible, and fly and have, like, laser-beam eyes and stuff.” “She taught me that,” said Archbishop Naumann. “She taught me the right answer for the superpowers.” This was the third time since 2011 that the CEF has bundled its board on a bus for a field trip to archdiocesan schools, and the second such journey to Topeka. The CEF, which started out as The Gardner Institute in 1998, was established to provide scholarships and financial assistance to children of families with limited means so they could receive an education at an archdiocesan Catholic school. The 18 board members and two CEF officers visited Most Pure Heart of Mary (a new CEF school), Mater Dei, St. Matthew and Holy Family. Archbishop Naumann joined the tour at Mater Dei. The journey began and ended at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. During their school visits, the board members divided into two groups, which
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Wood Habiger
Mater Dei School principal Andrea Hillebert explains a student art project to board members. Besides the school’s transmission of the Catholic faith, she is proud of the school’s ethos of service.
During the bus tour, Michael Morrisey, CEF executive director, briefed board members about the history and current situation regarding each of the four schools and Catholic education overall in Topeka. He stressed the need for continued CEF support of the schools. ing kids go to Catholic schools,” said Michael Morrisey, CEF executive director. From visible symbols of the faith like statues and crucifixes, to the prayers spoken by the teachers and students, it was clear that “Catholicity” was very strong in each school. “We were with the eighth-graders as they were transitioning between classes, and the teacher was talking to us about Kansas assessments,” said board member Zena Weist, a member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood. “As we were walking out, she started
“This is our effort to get our board members closer to our students and to our schools, and help them better understand the mission that CEF serves, which is helping kids go to Catholic schools.” were then given a tour of the school led by the principal or a teacher. At each school, the board members attended briefings by pastors and the principals, with question-and-answer periods. “I was very impressed [that] the pastors were present at all the schools,” said board member Stephanie Goodenow, a member of Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa. “The pastors and the principals seemed to work really well together and were going the same direction. The parishes support the schools, and the schools support the parishes.” The CEF board had the opportunity midway through the bus journey to attend Mass in the Mater Dei (Holy Name Church) chapel, with Archbishop Naumann celebrating and pastor Father John Pilcher concelebrating. The Mass was followed by lunch, during which each CEF tour member was paired with a Mater Dei student. “This is our effort to get our board members closer to our students and to our schools, and help them better understand the mission that CEF serves, which is help-
At Holy Family School, Sister Rebecca Granado, an Augustinian Recollect Missionary, helps second-grader Dani Romero test bases and acids with litmus paper.
class with a prayer, and we heard, ‘In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,’” she continued. “It took our breath away. . . . You can start your class with prayer in a Catholic school, and you can’t do that in a public school.” Currently, 20 of the 37 archdiocesan primary and middle schools have students who receive CEF assistance. The CEF awarded $1,155,156 in scholarships to 1,345 students during the 2013-2014 school year. Heather Huscher, St. Matthew School principal, told board members, “Our schools simply could not exist without your help.” Several board members commented on the passion and commitment of the schools’ teachers and administrators, and their efforts to make the most of space, equipment and funding. The schools have made serious efforts to utilize technology in instruction while trying to keep costs low. For example, Most Pure Heart of Mary School principal Eric White learned to install interactive whiteboards to save on the significant cost of installation.
Teaching the faith is the primary goal, followed by academic excellence and service. The greatest challenge all Catholic schools face is funding. The four schools rely on a variety of revenue streams: tuition, scholarships, estate gifts, fundraisers and parish subsidies. Parish subsidies are particularly important. For Most Pure Heart of Mary School, 70 percent of its budget is from parish subsidy, which is 64 percent of the parish budget. For St. Matthew School, 43.77 percent of its budget is parish subsidy, which represents 50 percent of the parish budget. Since the cost of a Catholic education is only going to go up, the challenge the schools face is to build new, sustainable funding models. “My eye personally is turning toward the broad question of the funding model for all the schools in the archdiocese,” said board member Ricky Paradise, from Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park. “I think it’s beyond what the CEF does now, but I think it’s our chance and opportunity to lead or contribute to that discussion as the archdiocese works through this tricky issue.” The archbishop, at the last stop at Holy Family School, concluded the day by thanking the board members and CEF office executive director Michael Morrisey and development director Patty Morrisey. “What was clear to me as we were going through those schools — and a number of principals said it — we’d have a lot fewer schools in the archdiocese if we didn’t have CEF,” said Archbishop Naumann. “We would have to be making a lot different choices in terms of the availability of Catholic education,” the archbishop continued. “So . . . CEF really is making a huge difference. “You’re an essential part of what’s happening in those schools.” For more information on CEF, contact Michael Morrisey at (913) 647-0383, or visit the website at: www.cefks.org.
At Mater Dei School, kindergartner Lydia Dennis whispers to Finley Smith during story time in the library. Support for schools takes up a significant percentage of parish income, but parents and other parishioners are willing to make the investment in their children.
Most Pure Heart of Mary teacher Sandy Jackson leads kindergartners in a song as board members look on.
Holy Family School third-graders Mirella Marcelo and Marcos Mejia learn their multiplication tables the fun way — through a bingo-like game. Catholic school educators rely on their ingenuity to make the best of limited resources and funds.
Second-graders at St. Matthew School pray the Stations of the Cross by acting out each Station. Zachary Keyes plays the role of Jesus carrying his cross while Grecia Carlos-Oliveros plays the part of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
10 Washington letter
theleaven.com | may 2, 2014
Opinions on death penalty shift By Patricia Zapor Catholic News Service
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ASHINGTON (CNS) — When Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley was asked at a news conference at the U.S.-Mexico border about how to persuade people to support comprehensive immigration reform, he pointed for an example to the Catholic Church’s decades-long efforts to shift opinions about the death penalty. “There was a time when Catholics were very pro-death penalty,” Cardinal O’Malley said April 1. Then Blessed John Paul II made a strong push to include opposition to capital punishment as a part of a consistent pro-life approach, he said. Activists took on the task of changing minds and hearts. Today, support for the death penalty overall has dramatically declined. So have the number of executions and death sentences. But it has been a lengthy process. The Catechism of the Catholic Church officially issued in 1992 said that although there may be circumstances that allow for such a drastic punishment to protect the public, “if bloodless means are sufficient to defend human lives . . . public authority must limit itself to such means, because they better correspond to the concrete conditions of the common good and are more in conformity to the dignity of the human person.” In modern society, circumstances that justify capital punishment “are very rare, if not practically nonexistent,” the catechism says. Particularly in the 1990s, efforts focused on getting people past the notion that only “an eye for an eye” could constitute justice. Sister Helen Prejean, a Sister of St. Joseph, helped capture the Catholic imagination with her 1993 book about her experiences with death row inmates and the book-based 1995 movie “Dead Man Walking,” for which actress Susan Sarandon won an Academy Award. In addition to Sister Helen, a speaker’s circuit grew. It now includes murder victims’ families, exonerated former inmates, prosecutors, law enforcement officers and others with personal experience of the emotional roller coaster of capital punishment that put them on the side of abolition. As Cardinal O’Malley observed, people began to see that the death penalty is not what they thought it was. Now, Catholics are less likely than most Americans to favor the death penalty. Data released in April from a poll last year for the Pew Research Center bears this out. Among all Catholics, 51 percent say they support capital punishment for those convicted of murder. A dramatically smaller percentage of Hispanic Catholics, 37 percent, support it. Americans overall favor the death
world 11
may 2, 2014 | theleaven.com
Parish installs Marian shrine to bring comfort to those with addictions By Lou Baldwin Catholic News Service
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penalty by 55 percent, down from 78 percent in 1996, according to Pew’s survey. Karen Clifton, executive director of the Catholic Mobilizing Network to End the Death Penalty, said majorities of younger Catholics as well as Hispanics are likely to oppose capital punishment. She said that recent Hispanic immigrants, for example, are from countries without capital punishment. When they come to the United States, some tend to accept it as part of the American way of life. “But when we come at it with the pro-life theology, it makes a big difference” in swinging people’s views against the death penalty, she said. The possibility that some on death row might be innocent also resonates with people, Clifton said, as does data showing how arbitrarily death sentences are imposed. The rate at which prosecutors seek the death penalty and the rate at which executions are completed varies dramatically from one jurisdiction to another, even within one state. The Death Penalty Information Center reports that in 2012, nine counties in five states accounted for 35 percent of the death sentences. Fifteen counties in four states account for 30 percent of the executions in the United States since 1976, although they represent less than 1 percent of the total number of counties in states with the death penalty. Nationwide, the number of executions has steadily declined since a peak of 98 in 1999. There were 39 in 2013 and,
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as of April 17, there had been 17 in 2014, with another 13 scheduled. Several executions set for 2014 have been stayed. Many of those stays revolve around the availability of the lethal drugs used in executions. Clifton said the complications of finding the lethal drugs for executions — both legal and logistical — represent a significant area of effort for opponents of capital punishment. European manufacturers of one of the main drugs used for years in lethal injection have blocked its export for execution. States are experimenting with new drugs, sometimes resulting in poorly managed, painful executions. Meanwhile, organizations of physicians, nurses and anesthesiologists have said their members should not be involved with executions for ethical reasons. Clifton said the Catholic Mobilizing Network is drafting a letter on the subject of lethal injection. Amid this, retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has a new book, in which he proposes adding a few words “such as the death penalty” to the Eighth Amendment. It would read: “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments, such as the death penalty, inflicted.” In his “Six Amendments: How and Why We Should Change the Constitution,” Stevens said that “the question that cannot be avoided is whether the execution of only an ‘insignificant minimum’ of innocent citizens is tolerable in a civilized society.”
He wrote that he now sees the availability of life imprisonment without chance of parole as a viable means of preventing further crimes and deterring others from committing them. “When it comes to state-mandated killings of innocent civilians, there can be no ‘insignificant minimum,’” he said. With a series of rulings in the late 1960s and 1970s, the U.S. Supreme Court sent states back to the legislative drawing board. Death sentences and executions were suspended while states rewrote laws to adapt to rulings on proportionality of sentence to crime, arbitrariness, and on what constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. Currently, 32 states and the federal government have capital punishment on the books; 18 states and the District of Columbia have outlawed it. Eighteen states and the federal system have had no executions in at least five years. Supreme Court rulings in the past 20 years have not tackled the overall constitutionality of capital punishment, but have limited its application to people with mental illness, mental retardation and who committed their crimes as juveniles. New Hampshire was poised to be the final state in New England to outlaw capital punishment before an April 17 tie vote in the Senate meant an end to the effort for this legislative term. The House had voted more than two-to-one to end the death penalty and Gov. Maggie Hassan had said she would sign the bill. The state has just one person on death row and its last execution was in 1939.
ARBY, Pa. (CNS) — Just about every Catholic Church has at least one and often several images of Mary, and that is certainly the case at Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Darby. It is an old church, built in 1930, but one shrine to Mary is new. It was installed just last October and is unique among the Philadelphia Archdiocese’s 235 parishes. A large icon painted especially for the church was executed by celebrated artist Brother Michael (Mickey) O’Neill McGrath, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, who also gave a reflection at the parish. It is titled “Our Lady of Light, Help of the Addicted.” In the icon, Mary is depicted holding a broken cocktail glass, and growing from it are three flowers: a lotus symbolizing enlightenment and beauty; a golden rose symbolizing the rosary, especially the mysteries of light; and a lily, reminding everyone of the hope of Easter and the promise of a new beginning. Mary’s halo is surrounded by 12 stars symbolizing the 12 steps of addiction recovery programs, and in the background there are words from an ancient prayer: “Assist your people who have fallen, yet strive to rise again.” The shrine, which has two chairs in front of it for meditation, was the idea of Father Joseph Corley, who has been pastor for the past 15 years. During that time, he has had to preside at the funerals of too many people who died as a result of addiction. It’s encouraging to him when he sees members of the parish, or people from other parishes, who attend one of the two Alcoholics Anonymous groups that meet at the Darby church, or family members who attend the AlAnon groups in the parish. “I’ve had friends who have moved from addiction to recovery,” he said. The new shrine gives hope. “The grace of God can help and I see people who come before the shrine and pray. Some are in recovery and some are parents.” Some of those who enter recovery programs for addictions do not speak about it outside of their 12-step group. Others might find talking about the issue therapeutic and a way to encourage others to join. Richard Whalen, 37, an active member and lector at Blessed Virgin Mary, is a recovering alcoholic who belongs to the latter group and is quite open about his own struggle. Growing up the son of an alcoholic parent, he swore to himself he would never drink. That changed when he was 21 and he not only drank but before long
Parish gives death-row inmates sense of belonging BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (CNS) — Some of the newest members of Holy Family Parish will never attend Mass at their church. They will never talk with fellow parishioners over coffee and doughnuts after Mass, join the church choir or volunteer for a mission trip. They are inmates on death row at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville. Some have been at Riverbend for decades, with few visitors and limited contact with the outside world. Parishioner and prison minister James Booth said welcoming them to join Holy Family “gives them a sense that their faith is not in isolation, even though they are.” It sends the message that “whatever evil they’ve done, they are forgiven and accepted,” he added. After some of the prisoners requested church membership this winter, Booth approached the parish council and Father Joe McMahon, the pastor, who granted approval. About a dozen Riverbend prisoners — from death row and another side of the prison — are now officially registered as Holy Family parishioners. “For all the men at RMSI this is a huge deal and a remarkable event,” death-row inmate Bill Stevens wrote in an open letter to Holy Family parishioners. For prisoners like Stevens, who have been abandoned by their families and have no outside support network, weekly visits from Catholic volunteers are a welcome break in their routine existence. According to the prisoners, to feel a sense of belonging at a parish is a true blessing.
Court orders relief from HHS mandate for FOCUS
CNS photo/Sarah Webb, CatholicPhilly.com
A visitor prays before a shrine to Our Lady of Light, featuring a painting by Oblate Brother Michael (Mickey) O’Neill McGrath, at Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Darby, Pa. The painting is intended to give comfort to people who suffer from substance abuse, and it’s titled “Our Lady of Light, Help of the Addicted.” drank constantly. It didn’t stop after he married. Although his wife, Lee Anne, often threatened to leave him because of his alcoholism, he is thankful she stuck by him. “She has been so supportive and has helped me along the way,” he said. Through it all, there was his Catholic faith, which included daily rosary and prayers even though he refused to admit he had a problem. “I was drinking and driving, emotionally abusive and in a bad mood every day because I was up all night drinking,” Whalen remembers. “I was in a world where I was the only person, it was all about me.” It was back in 2008 that he finally got up the courage to do something about it. He emailed Father Corley
and told him he had a “little” drinking problem. Father Corley was more than helpful, and convinced him to join an AA group, and he has been a steady member of the Wednesday night group ever since. Were there any relapses? Yes, a very brief one in 2013. But that’s why AA members call themselves “recovering alcoholics,” not “recovered alcoholics.” It is a lifetime commitment to the program. Meanwhile Whalen has the support of his friends and family, along with Father Corley. And of course, there is the Shrine to Our Lady of Light, Help of the Addicted. “I love the shrine, I go there often,” Whalen said.
DENVER (CNS) — The U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado issued an order April 23 granting a preliminary injunction on enforcement of the federal contraceptive mandate against the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. In its lawsuit, filed with the court in December, FOCUS argued that being required to provide coverage it morally opposes violates its freedom of religion under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which allows for religious exceptions to general laws in certain circumstances. The 400-employee organization also cited the Fifth Amendment, which protects “against abuse of government authority” and the Administrative Procedure Act, a federal statute that governs the way the government’s administrative agencies may propose and establish regulations. “Faith-based organizations should be free to operate according to the faith they espouse and live out on a daily basis,” said Michael J. Norton, a lawyer who represented FOCUS in the suit. “If the administration can punish Christian ministries simply because they want to abide by their faith, there is no limit to what other freedoms it can take away,” he said in a statement. “The court was right to block enforcement of this unconstitutional mandate against FOCUS.” Norton is senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, whose lawyers are representing Catholic and other religious organizations who have filed suit against the mandate.
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12 classifieds Employment President - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to recruit an outstanding new president for Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kan. Bishop Ward High School was established in 1908 and is currently a coed Catholic, college preparatory high school serving approximately 360 students looking to be challenged academically and spiritually and have their sights set firmly on attending college. The school has a large alumni base and is currently working to establish a $10 million endowment. The president we seek will lead the overall operation that includes a faculty and staff of approximately 50 and will also serve as the external face of the organization within the community. To recommend a candidate or to apply for the position directly, please contact Dan Heiman at Cornerstone Kansas City at (913) 341-7655 or send an email to: danh@corner stone-kc.com. Learn more online at: www.wardhigh.org. CEO/administrator - Extraordinary opportunity for a highly developed leader. Villa St. Francis, a 170-bed skilled nursing facility in Olathe, Kan., is seeking a notably competent CEO/ administrator to develop and lead a caring team of professionals that will carry out the mission of this great organization. The professional selected will be backed by a strong, supportive board of trustees, eager to facilitate and encourage the initiatives of sound judgment and forward thinking. Villa St. Francis is sponsored by the Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and committed to quality compassionate care in a homelike Christian environment. The organization is seeking an experienced, licensed, top industry professional with demonstrable knowledge, skill and ability to build rapport with staff, residents and families. The selected leader will enjoy a rewarding career opportunity with a progressive organization while receiving a competitive salary and impressive portfolio of benefits designed to help maintain a comfortable lifestyle, including major medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, 403(b) retirement options, life Insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation and holidays, continuing education and license reimbursement. If you are an inspirational leader and skilled in the financial and operational complexities of the long term care business, please email your resume promptly to: adm@ villasf.org and learn more about this exceptional opportunity. (913) 829-5201. Villa St. Francis is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). Director of religious education - Blessed Sacrament Church, Kansas City, Kan., is seeking a director of religious education to coordinate the family catechesis and confirmation programs. A background in religious education and catechist formation is preferred, as well as Spanish language skills. For a job description and an application, contact Lucie Bernal by email at: blessedsacramentkck@ gmail.com or call (913) 321-1958. Pastoral associate - Church of the Annunciation, Kearney, Mo., a growing community in the Northland, is seeking a pastoral associate with designated responsibilities to include adult faith formation, RCIA, pastoral care and social justice ministries. An opportunity to collaborate with pastoral staff and parishioners in promoting Gospel values and mutuality in mission and ministry. Desired qualifications: theological and religious studies, a master’s degree or equivalent preferred but not required; experience in pastoral ministry. Send cover letter and resume by email to: jcwolf@ fairpoint.net or mail to Church of the Annunciation, 701 N. Jefferson St., Kearney, MO 64060, attention of Rev. John Wolf, CPPS. Refugee and Migrant Services education intern - Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ Refugee and Migrant Services is looking for an intern to successfully promote and support the mission of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas by assisting in its Learning Center. This includes offering English classes, cultural orientation and job readiness classes to refugees in the Kansas City area. The center is located at the CCNEK central office in Wyandotte County, Kan. The purpose of the Learning Center is to enable refugees to easily access English language instruction and other classes in the neighborhood they live in to assist them in transitioning to life in the United States and successfully obtaining employment. Equal opportunity employer. This internship will focus primarily on assistance with the ELL area of the Learning Center, with the intern providing support to staff members as well as working directly with refugees 10 - 20 hours per week. One semester or six-month commitment preferred. Duties include: Assist education coordinator with ELL testing, enrollment and attendance record keeping. Assist education coordinator and ELL instructor in making personalized calendars for clients and working with case managers to ensure that clients understand schedules. Throughout transition in between classes, be in hallways and ensure that clients know their next class location and arrive on time. Also ensure that clients do not initiate unscheduled contact or meeting with case manager during these times. Assist education coordinator, ELL instructor and program director in coordinating volunteers for supplementary ESL tutoring. Maintain ELL attendance records for ELL program and individual case files. Call clients that are missing classes. Receive training in how to teach ELL classes and be willing to substitute in event of instructor absences. Qualifications include: Computer skills in Excel and Microsoft Word. Patience working with non-English speakers. Organization, punctuality and effective professional communication. This is an unpaid internship with possible college credits. To apply, visit the website at: www. catholiccharitiesks.org/job.
theleaven.com | MAY 2, 2014 Coordinator of youth ministry - St. Mary and St. Henry Catholic Churches (2,200 families) in Marshalltown, Iowa, are seeking a full-time, bilingual coordinator of youth ministry. Position requires a BA degree in theology/pastoral ministry/related field and certificate in youth ministry. Must be a faithful, practicing Catholic. Job description available online at: www.stmarysmtown.com. Please email resume by May 15 to Patty Cook at: pcook@sthenrychurch.com. Financial representatives - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City metro, Topeka, and Garnett - Greeley area. 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. Please contact John A. Mahon, general agent, for more information or an interview by sending an email to: john.mahon@kofc.org, by phone at (785) 4088806 or at 1275 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612.
Services Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mikehammermoving @aol.com. 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. 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. Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902. Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer.com. We moved! Come check out our new office in Lenexa. Lawn mowing - 20 years of experience mowing lawns. Call (913) 669-2328 for a free estimate. Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Foley’s Lawn Care - (913) 825-4353 Mowing – Weekly programs starting as low as $30. Spring/Fall cleanups; mulch; landscape maintenance. Residential/Commercial Serving Johnson County for 15 years. www.foleyslawncare.com Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896. Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 8294336. PIANO LESSONS “Little Mozart Studio” Motivating, caring, and positive teacher. Openings for summer and fall lessons. Call (913) 912-1957. Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837. 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. Tim the Handyman - Small jobs, faucets, garbage disposals, toilets, ceiling fans, light fixtures, painting, wall ceiling repair, wood rot, siding, decks, doors, windows, and gutter cleaning. Call (913) 526-1844.
Home Improvement Heating and cooling repair and replacement - Call Joe with JB Design and Service. Licensed and insured with 20 years experience. Member of Divine Mercy Parish. Call Joe at (913) 915-6887.
Swalms Organizing Service - Reducing Clutter - Enjoy an Organized Home! Basement, garage, attic, shop, storage rooms - any room organized! Belongings sorted, boxed and labeled, items hauled or taken for recycling, trash bagged. For before and after photos, visit: www. swalmsorganizing.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. Helping Hand Handy Man - Home maintenance chores available by the hour. Special rate for senior and singleparent households. Electrical, painting, wood refinishing, deck repair, yard work, shelving and organizing. Most home problems and needs solved. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490. Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Local handyman and lawn care - Mowing, painting, woodrot, power washing, staining, gutter cleaning, Honey-Do List, carpet, roofing and windows. FREE estimates. Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. Brick mason - Brick, stone, tile and flat work. 19 years of residential/commercial experience. FREE QUOTES - KC metro area. Small and large jobs accepted. Call Jim at (913) 485-4307. www.facebook.com/faganmasonry. 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. House painting Interior and exterior; wall paper removal. Power washing, fences, decks. 30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776. Home improvements - Thank you to all my customers for being patient as I underwent a life-saving liver transplant. If there is new work or warranty work, please don’t hesitate to call. We do windows, siding, doors, decks, exterior painting and wood rot. There is no job too big or too small. Call Joshua Doherty at (913) 709-7230. 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. 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 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.
Caregiving 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. Live-in nurse/companion - Retired nurse will provide and manage the home. Order and give medicine. Schedule doctors’ appointments. Shop for the home and prepare meals. Recent references. Call (913) 579-5276 or (913) 322-4297 to schedule an appointment. Will consider hourly work in Johnson County area. Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com.
Tender loving care - Has your parent or spouse lost a loved one? Do you need extra help? Retired nurse will give caregiving, doctors’ visits, errands, etc. Ask about extra services available. Call (913) 384-2119. Do you worry about your aging parents? - Call to learn how a nurse ambassador can consistently manage your health and wellness, allowing you to live at home safely. A simple and affordable choice. Call Home Connect Health at (913) 627-9222.
REAL ESTATE Wanted to buy - Houses that need an upgrade or are very old that you’re having difficulty selling or are in need of selling quickly. I can pay cash within 20 days. Please call Mark Edmondson at (913) 980-4905. Holy Trinity Parish member. Wonderful home for St. Michael the Archangel family 4+ BR, 4.5 BA. Walls of windows across the entire back side of first floor. Hearth room, huge kitchen, deck, patio with fire pit. Large yard for playset and/or trampoline. Beautifully finished basement. $558,000. Call Rachel McGonagle. Reece and Nichols. (816) 392-1705. Own Your Own Lodge - Approximately 5,860 square feet. Perfect for large families or a business getaway. 240 feet of lake frontage. Seasonal, summer or winter. Three stone fireplaces, 3 master suites with 3 additional bedrooms, 6 baths, 2 wet bars, 3 living areas for family and friends. Fully furnished. 3-well oversized dock. Sunrise Beach, Mo., in the Ozarks. $695,000. Call (913) 208-8074.
VACATION Colorado vacation - Winter Park; 2 BR, 1 BA, furnished. Mountain biking, golf, hiking, and fishing. $125 per night or $700 per week. Call (816) 392-0686. Branson getaway - Walk-in condo on Pointe Royale Golf Course. Sleeps 6. Close to lakes and entertainment. Fully furnished. Pool and hot tub available. No cleaning fee. Nightly and weekly rates. Discounts available. Call (913) 515-3044. Colorado vacation - Granby, Winter Park. 2 BR, kitchen, sleeps 6. Pet OK. www.innatsilvercreek.com. June 28 - July 5; July 5 - July 12. $500 per week. Call (913) 649-7596. Pilgrimage in France - Sept. 8 - 18, 2014. Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Bernadette, healing baths, St. John Vianney, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. Thérèse, beaches of Normandy (70th anniversary), Mont St. Michel, Our Lady of Pontmain, St. Catherine Laboure, St. Vincent de Paul, Paris. Chaplain: Fr. Ernie Davis, St. Therese Little Flower Kansas City. $4,559. Send an email to: frernie3@gmail.com or call (816) 4445406.
for sale For sale - 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. Will mail anywhere if needed. Call Patty at (913) 345-9498. Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557. For sale - Single-depth lawn crypt in Charity Gardens. Surrounded by all the beautiful saints. Includes bronze martyr vault, vase and property. Lot 21, section D4. $5,000. Call (913) 254-0290.
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MAY 2, 2014 | theleaven.com
May The Serra Clubs of Kansas and Missouri are sponsoring the Blisters for Sisters 8th annual walkathon on May 3 at the Church of the Nativity, Leawood. The walk will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 11 a.m. and a grilled lunch at noon. The cost to attend is a $25 donation for individuals and $50 for families to support the religious orders of women serving in the archdiocese and the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph.
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The Ladies of Queen of the Holy Rosary, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, will host a women’s prayer brunch and fashion show on May 3 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. The cost to attend is $10. For more information and tickets, call Connie Crutchfield at (913) 492-5697. There will be a Kentucky Derby party, dinner and auction on May 3 at Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Roeland Park, in the commons area. Visit with the Ursuline Sisters from Kansas and Kentucky, share great food, fun and hospitality. For more information, visit the website at: www.ursulinesmsj.org, and click on “Help the Sisters,” then “Kentucky Derby Dinner in Kansas.” The cost to attend dinner is $50 per person or $385 for a table of 8. All proceeds support the ministries of the Ursuline Sisters. To register, contact Sister Amelia Stenger at (270) 229-2008 or send an email to: amelia. stenger@maplemount.org; or April Ray at (270) 229-2009 or send an email to: april. ray@maplemount.org. St. Mary - St. Anthony Church, 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host Bloomin’ Bingo on May 4 at 2 p.m. in Bishop Forst Hall. The cost to attend is $5, which includes a bingo card, desserts, popcorn and coffee. Beer and soda will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Carol Shomin at (913) 897-4833 or the rectory office at (913) 371-1408. Tickets may be purchased at the door the day of the event.
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Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church, 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka, will host its annual plant, shrub and vegetable plant sale on May 10 from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. There
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will also be seasonal vegetables to purchase. All proceeds will benefit the Topeka Rescue Mission and those less fortunate in the local community. The 10th annual Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers Walk for Life will be held on May 10 at 8:30 a.m. at the Foxhill Medical Building, 4601 W. 109th St., Overland Park. Strollers are welcome; prizes and breakfast will be provided. Please register online at: www.aapcwalk.org. Sanctuary of Hope will present “Honor Thy Mother” breakfast on May 10 from 9 - 11 a.m. at the Reardon Center, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. There will be a performance by the Warriors Come Home Polynesian Dancers. The cost to attend is $25. Prepaid reservations must be made by May 5. Call (913) 321-4673 or send an email to: julie@sanctuaryofhope.org. The Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) will be celebrating 50 years of service in the Greater Kansas City area. Please join us for Mass on May 11 at 2 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Church, 2 E. 75th St. Kansas City, Mo.
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The monthly rosary rally in honor of Our Lady of Fatima will be held on Mother’s Day, May 11, from 3 - 4:15 p.m. at Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park. For information on future dates, visit the website at: www.rosary rallieskc.org. The Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City will host a private showing of this year’s Designers’ Showhouse on May 12 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The historic home is at 1246 W. 59th St., Kansas City, Mo. This event benefits nonprofit groups for the underprivileged and uninsured including Duchesne Clinic, Seton Center and Villa St. Francis. For reservations, send a $30 check by May 5 to Mary Ann Westhoff, 3312 W. 132nd St., Leawood, KS 66209. For more information, visit the website at: www.ladiesofcharitykc.org.
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Two parent information sessions will be held in the library at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, 11411 Pflumm, Overland Park, on May 12 at 9 a.m. and on May 17 at 7 p.m. Meet the president and academic principals and learn about educational opportunities at the high school. To RSVP, send an email to: dpyle@stasaints.net.
Concrete Work
Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish
Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555
wanted to buy Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware. Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.
MISCELLANEOUS Our Lady of Hope. Catholics with an Anglican and Methodist heritage. Formal and friendly. Visitors welcome. Mass Saturdays at 4 p.m., St. Therese Little Flower, 5814 Euclid, Kansas City, Mo. Fulfills Sunday obligation. Father Ernie Davis. Dr. Bruce Prince-Joseph, organist. For more information, send an email to: frernie3@gmail.com or call (816) 729-6776.
Cost to advertise is: $17.50 for five lines or less; $1.50 each additional line; Email: julie@ theleaven.com; Phone: (913) 647-0327
Were you married in 1964?
Archdiocesan 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration Cathedral of St. Peter June 1, 2014, 2:30 pm Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann invites couples celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2014 to a Golden Anniversary Mass in their honor with reception following To receive your invitation from Archbishop Naumann, please call the Marriage & Family Life Office at 913-647-0345
The regular meeting of the KCK Serra Club will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5th and Minnesota, Kansas City, Kan., at noon on May 14. Father Brandon Farrar will present “Catholics at Secular College.”
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Mike Connelly and Pat Moran will be honored at the Immaculata High School Hall of Fame celebration on May 17. The event will begin with Mass at St. Joseph Church, Leavenworth, at 4 p.m., followed by dinner and the Hall of Fame induction at St. Joseph Dining Hall, University of Saint Mary. RSVP by May 1. For more information or to order tickets, visit the website at: www. leavenworthcatholicshools.org or call the development office at (913) 682-7801.
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A class in using the symptothermal method of natural family planning during the postpartum period will be held May 18 at 3 p.m. at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka. Call Dana or Eric Runnebaum at (785) 380-0062 or the Couple to Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558 for more information. Online registration is required by visiting the website at: www.ccli.org.
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Deacon Tom Mulvenon will be the speaker at the KCK Serra Club meeting at noon on May 28. The meeting will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5th and Minnesota, Kansas City, Kan.
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June Father Anthony Lickteig will be feted for 60 years of priestly service on June 1. Father Lickteig will celebrate a special Mass of thanksgiving at 1 p.m. at Holy Spirit Church, Overland Park, followed by a banquet in his honor at 3:30 p.m. The festivities are open to all friends and clergy. Reservations for dinner are required by May 15 and will be limited to adults because of space limitations. Call the church office at (913) 492-7318 or send an email to: rsvp@ hscatholic.org.
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Come see and listen to Dr. Ray Guarendi live at this year’s Kansas City Catholic Homeschool Conference. “Our Faith, Our Families”
is the theme of the conference, which will be held June 6 - 7 at St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa. Visit the website for more information and to register at: www.kccatholichomeschooler.org. Early registration is through May 10.
Summer Do you live in the Kansas City area? Do you need some minor home repair or know someone in need of home repairs? Catholic HEART (Helping Everyone Attain Repairs Today) will be in your area, July 14 - 17. Catholic HEART provides the labor and some material, such as paint, tools, and wood. Requests for assistance must be submitted before June 1. For more information, call Ernie Boehner, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, at (913) 433-2085; Rick Cheek, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, at (913) 284-1725; or Scott See, Catholic HEART Workcamp manager at (913) 208-4610. The objectives of the St. James Academy summer youth camps are to develop skills in future high school students and to provide a general overview of the high school experience. Unless specific skills are listed, participants of all ability are welcome. Register online at: www. sjakeepingfaith.org. Registration closes one week before the camp. The cost to attend is $80. For more information, contact Mr. Huppe at (913) 254-4284. This summer, St. James Academy, Lenexa, will be hosting summer basketball leagues for all girls entering 5th - 8th grades next fall. The league will be run by Rich Weitz, varsity basketball coach at St. James. It will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights, June 3 - 26. The cost to attend is $40. For more information, contact Weitz at (913) 302-8564 or send an email to: rweitz@sjakeepingfaith.org.
Calendar submissions
• Email submissions to: calendar @theleaven.com • Mail to: 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: calendar • Calendar notices are due 10 days before the desired publication date. • Calendar notices may only run two weeks before the event depending on space available.
14 commentary Scripture Readings
theleaven.com | may 2, 2014
May 4 THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 2: 14, 22-33 Ps 16: 1-2, 5, 7-11 1 Pt 1: 17-21 Lk 24: 13-35 May 5 Monday Acts 6: 8-15 Ps 119: 23-24, 26-27, 29-30 Jn 6: 22-29 May 6 Tuesday Acts 7:51 – 8:1a Ps 31: 3cd-4, 6, 7b, 8a, 17, 21ab Jn 6: 30-35 May 7 Wednesday Acts 8: 1b-8 Ps 66: 1-3a, 4-7a Jn 6: 35-40 May 8 Thursday Acts 8: 26-40 Ps 66: 8-9, 16-17, 20 Jn 6: 44-51 May 9 Acts 9: 1-20 Ps 117: 1bc, 2 Jn 6: 52-59 May 10 Damien de Veuster, priest Acts 9: 31-42 Ps 116: 12-17 Jn 6: 60-69
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inside Catholic Charities
mark my words
THird week OF EASTER
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Hear me, hear me, says the Lord
t’s said that the three rules of real estate are: location, location, location. Wanna guess the three rules of the Christian life? According to Father Richard Goodin, OFM, they are: listen, listen, listen. Notice that he didn’t say: yak, yak, yak. He goes on to point out that Christians are called to be disciples and “the disciple is a follower, and for that, listening is essential.” Listen, then, to the following story: In the days of the telegraph, a young man applied for a job as a Morse code operator. Answering a newspaper ad, he entered a large, noisy office. In the background, a telegraph clacked away. A sign instructed job applicants to fill out a form and wait to be summoned into an inner office. The young man sat down with seven other applicants, but soon jumped up and dashed across the room into the inner office. The other applicants stopped chatting to one another and perked up, wondering what was going on.
Father Mark Goldasich Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. A few minutes later, the young man emerged from the inner office escorted by the interviewer, who announced to the other applicants, “Gentlemen, thank you very much for coming, but the job has been filled by this young man.” One of the applicants objected, “Hey, wait a minute! I don’t understand. He was the last one to come in, and the rest of us never even got a chance to be interviewed. That’s not fair!” The employer said, “I’m sorry, but all the time that you’ve been sitting here chatting with one another, the telegraph has been ticking out the following mes-
sage in Morse code: ‘If you understand this message, then come right in. The job is yours.’ None of you heard it or understood it. This young man did. So the job is his.” (Adapted from “1001 Illustrations that Connect,” by Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof, eds.) Take a moment to call to mind how you usually pray. Usually, after a sign of the cross to sign in, we dive right in with a list of our needs, or with saying the rosary or some other devotional prayers. We fill our prayer time talking to God and then make another sign of the cross to sign off before going on with our lives. But prayer is meant to be a conversation with God — a dialogue. Do we ever give God a chance to speak to us by being quiet? By listening? Someone once said that we’re called to listen twice as much as we speak; that’s why God gave us two ears, but just one mouth! That applies to prayer as well. Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with spoken words in prayer. But do we ever spend twice
as long listening to God as we do talking? Because we live in a such a noisy, busy world, making time for silence and quiet is challenging, yet essential — not only for our mental and physical health, but for our spiritual health as well. So, what does the voice of God sound like? Well, it could be a passage in a book; a phrase from the Scriptures; an inspirational homily; a song on the radio or a piece of music; a movie or theater production; a beautiful sunset or sunrise; an arresting piece of art or sculpture; comforting words from a friend; or simply the sound of silence. The next time you come to pray in this season of Easter, start with a sign of the cross and then just sit quietly for a while. Put your finger over your lips if you need to, to remind yourself to give God a chance to talk. Pray simply for the gift of a listening heart, one that hears the constant message of love and new life being telegraphed by our risen Lord.
In the beginning
God vindicates Jesus through the resurrection
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ranslation from one language to another can bring interesting results — at times, humorous. For example, when one has eaten sufficiently, in English one can say, “I am full.” But a literal translation of that sentence in French conveys the meaning, “I am pregnant.” In other words, a translation can alter the sense of what is said. It is important to watch our words. In the original Hebrew, Psalm 16 voices the assurance that God will protect the person praying the psalm from danger in this life. Accordingly, the New American Bible translates verses 9 and 10 as follows: “Therefore, my heart is glad, my soul rejoices, my body also dwells secure; for you will not abandon me to Sheol, nor let your faithful servant see the pit.”
commentary 15
may 2, 2014 | theleaven.com
Father Mike Stubbs Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. At the time of Christ, many Jews no longer could understand Hebrew. To help them study the Bible, the books of the Old Testament were translated into Greek, a language that they could understand. That translation was called the Septuagint. The writers of the New Testament relied upon that translation, as did the other early Christians. It is frequently quoted in the New Testament. In translating Psalm 16,
Pope francis A priest is called to be in the midst of his flock, protecting his people, searching for those who are lost and always serving those in need, Pope Francis told the world’s priests. If a priest wants to overcome those inevitable moments of sadness, exhaustion and boredom — as well as discover his true identity — he must head for the exit sign, going outside himself to be with God and
the Septuagint chose words that suggested future immortality, rather than safety in this present life. In the verses quoted earlier, it reads “my flesh, too, will dwell in hope” rather than, “my body also dwells secure.” Similarly, it reads “nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption,” rather than, “to see the pit.” This slight change in meaning by the Septuagint translation reflected the growing belief in the resurrection. The original psalm proclaimed God’s protection from premature death. The psalm translated into Greek proclaimed life after death. That explains why Peter quotes it in his sermon, which he delivers in Jerusalem and which we hear as the first reading this Sunday, Acts 2:14, 22-33. Peter wishes to demonstrate how Jesus, by rising from the dead, has
his people, he said April 17 during the Chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. He must also be a dutiful servant who listens to people’s need and builds a church whose doors are wide open, offering refuge for sinners, a home for the homeless, comfort for the sick and God’s word and joy for the young, he said. Presiding over the first of two Holy Thursday liturgies, Pope Francis blessed the oils that will be used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, ordination
fulfilled the psalm. Beyond that, Peter also wishes to show that Jesus is the holy one speaking in the psalm. Centuries before his death, Jesus was affirming, through the words of the psalm, that he would rise from the dead. He was predicting his own resurrection. For Peter, then, God vindicates Jesus by raising him from the dead and confirms that he is the Messiah, the chosen one. No one would expect that the Messiah would be put to death as a common criminal. Many who saw Jesus dying on the cross interpreted his death as the final denial of his claims to be the Messiah. In contrast, Peter insists that Jesus is the Messiah, because God raised him from the dead. That is our Easter faith. Jesus’ resurrection proves that he is the Messiah.
and the anointing of the sick. Deacons carried the sacramental oils in large silver urns to the main altar to be blessed by the pope. Joined by more than 1,500 priests, bishops and cardinals, Pope Francis led them in a renewal of their priestly vows and a reflection on what it means to be a priest, in a homily that was lengthier than usual. — CNS
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Tell the untold ‘God thing’ stories in your life
ere at Catholic Charities, most of our best stories go untold. Unfortunately, even when the stories are told, they are generally celebrated for just a few short minutes and then everyone goes on about their day. It’s not due to a lack of stories. It’s not that people don’t care. It’s not that the stories aren’t compelling. I think it generally boils down to time and, perhaps, culture. Those who serve as staff or volunteers are never bored here at Catholic Char-
ken williams Ken Williams is the executive director of Catholic Charities.
ities. There is never enough time in the day to serve all who need help. So, the lack of time can be a contributor. But I think our culture is a part of the problem as well. We’re programmed to get things done. We are driven to quickly hand out that box of groceries, or pro-
vide that rent/utility assistance check, or to complete the financial literacy class training or that home study for prospective adoptive parents. After all, there’s always someone next in line. Consequently, we seldom take the time to share the incredible stories we experience or hear about. Perhaps we even overlook the story altogether. Someone shared this story with me just last week. A young woman shopping at our TurnStyles thrift store was about to pay for her things. She had just reached into her purse to retrieve a TurnStyles voucher that she probably
received at our Emergency Assistance Center right next door, when the man directly behind her said, “Excuse me. I would like to pay for her things.” Needless to say, the woman was surprised and thankful. Now she could save the voucher for another day. After thanking the man, he surprised her again. This time, he handed her $100 in cash. She quickly responded that she was thinking about how she needed to shop for groceries for her and her children but, as usual, she was having to stretch every dollar. Now, she could surprise her children and get what they needed. Makes you feel good,
doesn’t it? A common phrase I hear used these days to describe stories like this is: “It was a God thing.” I suspect it was. It’s amazing to watch God work through people. It’s amazing to watch God’s perfect timing unfold. It’s amazing to see God work in seemingly desperate or hopeless situations. During this year of evangelization, we are all challenged to join Father Andrew Strobl in his efforts to share the story of God’s best work: the story of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I suspect we can all do a better job of telling the untold stories in our lives.
cef centered
CEF sponsors can’t be thanked enough — but we’ll try
I
t is the time of year that brings me both joy and sadness at the same time. The joy is that THANKS to you, in a couple of weeks, 1,345 CEF kids will move on to the next grade level. The sadness is that I don’t get to communicate with you for several months. I know that makes you sad as well. As the school year comes to a close, traditionally you ask for feedback from our CEF families. As always, I am here to please you, my readers. A CEF student writes:
Michael morrisey Michael Morrisey is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation. You can reach him at (913) 647-0383 or send an email to him at: mmorrisey@archkck.org. “THANK you for everything you do. I don’t think my mom could pay for my schooling without you. You guys are amazing! Every step we take we learn more about God and Jesus. I love CEF!” A CEF dad writes: “We
want to THANK you for your generosity. My wife and I live paycheck to paycheck. Both of us have picked up extra jobs in addition to our full-time jobs to make ends meet. I cannot imagine what we would do without the CEF scholarship and I hope you realize we are so grateful. THANK you and God bless!” A CEF mom writes: “This is just a small note of THANKS because words cannot express my gratitude for the CEF help we have been given. The last few years have been a struggle. In 2012, I battled and conquered breast cancer. There are a lot of unpaid bills. The CEF tuition assistance was
a blessing and kept my two daughters in their fabulous CEF school. THANK you so much and bless your heart!” Another CEF mom writes: “Our family truly appreciates your generosity. It is important to us that our son learns that God is present and active in all that he does. The faith-based education that he receives reinforces that. The Catholic education he receives also teaches him that it is important to help other people. As a public school teacher I know our son would not receive [at a public school] the character education he receives at our CEF school. The school is one large extended family
that cares for one another. We would not be a part of this school family without CEF help, THANK you!” A CEF pastor advises: “We would not have a school if it wasn’t for CEF. We can’t THANK you enough for supporting our families!” As I sign off for this fiscal year, I want to personally THANK each and every one of you for making CEF what it is today. That is, an organization that helps kids living in poverty attend Catholic schools. Your caring about our CEF families is unparalleled. Please know that you are appreciated by many, more than you will ever know!
Monthly Holy Rosary Rallies of Greater Kansas City
Join Us for the Monthly Holy Rosary Rallies of Greater Kansas City in Honor of Our Lady of Fatima in reparation for sins to help restore God’s peace to the hearts of mankind May 11, 2014 Church of the Ascension 9510 W 127th St. Overland Park, KS 66213
June 15, 2014 Oratory of Old St. Patrick 806 Cherry St. Kansas City, MO 64106
All Rallies Run from 3 to 4:15 pm and include praying the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries plus Benediction and Opportunity to Enroll in the Brown Scapular Visit our Website for All Future Dates: www.rosaryrallieskc.org
16 LOCAL NEWS
theleaven.com | may 2, 2014
Miege to host faith-based soccer tournament By Libby Hyde Special to The Leaven
O
Leaven photo by Jill Ragar Esfeld
Father Greg Boyle, SJ, founder and executive director of Homeboy Industries and author of the New York Times best-selling book, “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion,” was the featured speaker at the 2014 Inspired M-Pact Community Dinner.
Called to take Jesus seriously By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill@theleaven.com
K
inship is a word Jesuit Father Greg Boyle uses often when talking about his work with urban gang
members. It is the one-word answer he gives to anyone who asks him how to repair a society broken by poverty, violence and a deep chasm between the haves and the have-nots. “Kinship is the goal,” he said at the 10th anniversary celebration of Higher M-Pact, a Kansas City-based organization that mentors high-risk urban youth. “The measure of our compassion lies in our willingness to see ourselves in kinship with them,” he said. And Father Greg should know. He is an acknowledged expert on gang intervention and author of the New York Times best-seller “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion.” It recounted Father Greg’s experience as executive director of Homeboy Industries, an organization he founded 25 years ago when assigned to Dolores Mission Parish in Los Angeles. He soon discovered his parish had the highest concentration of gang activity in the nation. “So then, you either flee or you roll up your sleeves,” he said. Father Greg chose to roll up his sleeves. And with the help of his community, he established an elementary school, a day care program, a community organizing project (Comité Pro Paz en el Barrio) and outlets providing legitimate employment for young people. Today, Homeboy Industries is the largest gang intervention and reentry program in the country and has been a model for programs throughout the world.
Higher M-Pact
Higher M-Pact, an organization founded by Tyrone Flowers, has a similar mission. Flowers was born to a teenage mother who was unable to care for him. He spent most of his childhood in foster homes, juvenile detention centers and mental health facilities. In 1988, he was the starting point guard for Central High School in Kansas City, Mo., when a teammate confronted him after a dispute on the basketball court. The teammate pulled a gun and shot Flowers three times — in the hand, leg, and neck. The final shot left him paralyzed. Despite being in a wheelchair, Flowers went on to earn a law degree from the law school at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and began working for the Jackson County Courts. He founded Higher M-Pact in 1993 during his first year of law school and launched it full time in 2003. The nonprofit organization reaches out to high-risk urban youth through leadership programs, community development projects, job training, guidance and counseling. Flowers’ wife Renee works as the organization’s executive director. “I’ve met Tyrone and Renee and they’re extraordinary people,” Boyle told his audience at the anniversary celebration. “After meeting with their board and talking with supporters,” he continued, “it’s obviously a program that’s quite beneficial for this city.” Proving that point, two young men involved with Higher M-Pact, Anthony Sherrils and Shawndell Moss, gave emotional testimony to the effect it’s had on their lives. Sherrils, the first graduate of the program, is now a student at Missouri University with a 3.9 GPA. “[Higher M-Pact] gave me the guidance and resources I needed to
be successful,” he said. Moss, the father of a young son, said, “I take what I learned from Higher M-Pact, from school, and from the street, and I combine them. “And I’m taking care of my son the way I should.”
All are called In an interview before the event, Father Greg talked about how we all are called to help the less fortunate. “None of us are called to be successful,” he said. “We’re called to be faithful — faithful to a strategy, faithful to an approach. “Faithful to take seriously what Jesus took seriously.” The first step, he said, is to find a program in your community like Higher M-Pact. And if you’re not comfortable alone, approach it with a group. “I’m a firm believer in the from-below, church-based responses where you have communities saying, ‘What are we going to do?’” he said. Father Greg believes this is the best way to follow the example of Pope Francis who wants Catholics to live the Gospel. “You know people can go to church every Sunday and pray the rosary or do all sorts of things that are traditionally connected to the Catholic way of faith,” he said. “But what’s so refreshing about Pope Francis is all his humility. “He’s inviting people to roll up their sleeves — including priests.” Father Greg sees this invitation as a return to what’s important. “People are listening to him and saying, ‘Oh, that’s why I believe. That’s why I want to follow Jesus,’” he said. Which is exactly as it should be, he believes. “Jesus doesn’t want a fan club,” said Father Greg. “He wants followers.”
ne weekend each soccer season, the girls soccer team at Bishop Miege High School competes in a tournament that stands out among the rest. Why? Because at the Bishop Miege Catholic School Classic, Miege competes exclusively with its fellow Catholic schools in the area. “There are a lot of tournaments that are just soccer-based or based on national rankings, but that’s not what we wanted and that’s not what this is about,” said Miege varsity soccer coach Nate Huppe. “[This tournament] is about strengthening our faith — both on the field and off,” he said. The Bishop Miege Catholic School Classic was founded by Huppe and his colleagues five years ago in an effort to bring together different schools of the same faith with a passion for the same sport. Huppe said he hopes the tournament has given his players a way to express their faith through the game of soccer. “It doesn’t matter what school you go to or where you are from, players still have their faith in common,” said Huppe. Though this tournament may appear to be similar to others the team plays in throughout the season, Huppe and the team identified some key differences. “We pray together with each team before all four games, and we eat together at the end of the tournament,” said Huppe. “We wanted to get schools outside of our archdiocese, and that’s what this is all about.” The games start out with players and coaches standing together in the center circle for prayer. After the prayer, the home team always wishes the visiting team “Good game and good luck” and the match is on. “One year, we had just nasty weather with storms and rain, and we had parents and teachers spending time inside and just getting to know each other,” said Huppe. “You don’t really see that at most tournaments, but in this one [the bad weather] just kind brought everyone closer together.” Team captain and Miege senior Shea Myer, who has signed to play at Avila University in Kansas City, Mo., next year, said that she enjoys the tournament because of the community aspect, and she likes the chance to engage in her faith through her sport. “There’s definitely a feeling of community on and off the field in this tournament,” said Myer. Junior Abbie Hair shared the same sentiment, saying that “it’s nice to know that we are all Catholic and that we are all in it together.” The tournament is hosted by Miege annually and will take place the weekend of May 2 and 3. The tournament will feature teams from Miege, Bishop LeBlond in St. Joseph, Mo., and Archbishop O’Hara and St. Pius X high schools in Kansas City, Mo.