WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 33, NO. 37 MAY 4, 2012
QUITE THE RACKET College-bound Aquinas senior leaves his tennis program for Special Olympic athletes in good hands BY JOHN SHULTZ
Leaven photo by John Shultz
Last fall, St. Thomas Aquinas senior Christian Boschert launched a foundation to teach tennis skills to Special Olympic athletes. He is pictured above at a January clinic in Overland Park.
L
ike a lot of teens just days away now from graduation, Christian Boschert has a lot on his mind. How will he balance his schoolwork with extra-curriculars and dorm life at his choice of university — Mizzou? What should he take and what should he leave when he’s packing his stuff? But Christian has a problem that most other seniors won’t face. How can he ensure that his foundation that teaches tennis skills to disabled athletes survives — and even thrives — after his departure? If the last concern is a little out of the ordinary, so is the senior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park. Rather than crashing on the couch for TV, video games, or marathon Facebook sessions, Christian has spent his Sunday evenings of late shepherding a group of about dozen volunteers. Those volunteers, in turn, spend at least an hour each week
Learn more about Tennis Buddies at: http://www.kctennisbuddies.com/
Photo courtesy of KC Tennis Buddies
Hyun, a Special Olympian with KC Tennis Buddies, works with Christian on his game during a January clinic at the Overland Park Racquet Club. coaching tennis fundamentals to a similar number of special athletes at the Overland Park Racquet Club. Inspired by a concept his family first ran across in Omaha, Neb., Christian started up a local chapter
of Tennis Buddies last September. KC Tennis Buddies, said the 18-year-old parishioner of Church of the Nativity in Leawood, “is basically a weekly clinic, every Sunday night. It’s like an extra practice for
all the Special Olympic athletes who want to do tennis beyond the short, six-week season they have through Special Olympics. “We have some athletes who are very serious about tennis.” A tennis foundation is a natural fit for Christian. As Aquinas athletics fans already know, the senior is a key component of the Saints’ Tennis squad, and an avid player since the age of seven. With Christian on the squad, the boys’ team landed the Kansas 5A State Championship in 2011, and were runners-up in 2010. “He’s taken us to a whole different level,” said David Shriver, Christian’s coach at Aquinas and a volunteer instructor with KC Tennis Buddies. “We’re really going to miss him.” It wasn’t just a love of tennis that drove Christian to work on KC See “SAINT” on page 6
2 LOCAL NEWS
THE LEAVEN • MAY 4, 2012
THE LEAVEN • MAY 4, 2012
National treasure
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS
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Make Catholic secondary education a priority in your family
ome months ago, I was on an airplane returning to Kansas City. I was seated next to a man who is a parishioner in the archdiocese. Through one of my Leaven columns, he was aware that I was a baseball fan. He told me that his son was in eighth grade and had decided to attend a public high school because of the baseball coach at the school. His son was quite talented and loved baseball. This man impressed me. He was obviously a very active member of his parish. From our conversation, I could tell that he was a devoted husband and father. He was a successful and principled businessman. He was a good example of what it means to be a Catholic. However, I was saddened that his son would not be attending one of our Catholic high schools. I felt bad that no matter how great the academics or the athletic programs in the school that he would be attending, the most important part of his future formation public schools are not permitted to provide. In December, I visited Bishop Ward High School (BWHS) to celebrate Mass with the students. Afterward I had lunch with some of the students. I asked them why they had chosen to attend BWHS. A sophomore student told me that Father Michael Hermes (the president of BWHS) had visited her elementary school when she was in eighth grade. She told Father Michael that she was determined to go to college, even though no one in her family was a college graduate. Father Michael told her that she should come to Ward, because at Ward they would not only get her into college, but they would also get her to heaven! A few months ago, I met with the presidents of all our Catholic high schools. Dr. Bill Ford, the president of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, told me that the students on their own initiative have organized the praying of a decade of the rosary every day after school in the chapel. The student leaders begin by asking the students
to offer any intentions that they want remembered in their prayer. Dr. Ford said that most days the chapel is overflowing. Two of this year’s Aquinas seniors have been accepted to enter the seminary next fall. Last week, I met with the board at Bishop Miege High School. The board informed me that at each of their meetings one of the Miege faculty makes a presentation on how our Catholic faith is being infused into the particular subject they teach, e.g., math, biology, English, etc. At our Catholic high schools, the Catholic faith is not just taught in theology classes, but our faculties strive to integrate it into every aspect of the curriculum as well as the extracurricular activities. Recently, Mr. Andy Tylicki, the president of St. James Academy (SJA) sent me an email he had received from one of last year’s graduates who currently attends a large state university. In her email, she expressed gratitude for the academic preparation she had received at SJA enabling her to be successful in her college studies. Naturally, she was also thankful for the many friendships that she had made with students and faculty during her years at SJA. However, it was the faith formation and the assistance in developing virtues for which this young woman was most grateful. At college she lives in a sorority house. She noted that many of her sorority sisters choose to make different life choices than she does. She wrote: “I am strong in my convictions and all of these women accept and respect me for who I am. Being in a sorority is a great experience to meet all types of women and learn about other people’s lives, but most importantly, I believe I am in this house to get these women to heaven. Some do not believe in God. Others have a faith life I can only dream of, but I know with the skills St. James Academy has provided me, it is my obligation to get
these women to heaven. I often get asked: Where did I find my faith? Or why am I so passionate about my faith? It is a simple reply: Well, my parents raised me Catholic and then I choose to continue and own my faith by creating a relationship with the Lord. It is not always easy, but I believe God gave me the tools that I needed to succeed from my parents who encouraged my faith life and decided it was important I receive a Catholic education and more importantly decided I needed to attend St. James Academy, where the teachers and staff . . . were open about their faith, which gave me the strength to own my faith for myself.” Wow! What this recent graduate expressed is precisely what I am determined must be offered to every student at our Catholic high schools. I am edified by how our Catholic high school boards, presidents, principals, faculties, and staffs have embraced this vision. Space does not permit, but I could have also included in this article beautiful examples of faith formation at Hayden High School, Immaculata High School and Maur Hill-Mount Academy. Of course, parents are the primary educators of their children. Catholic families where the faith is lived and celebrated are the best and most effective vehicles for passing the faith to the next generation. However, Catholic schools are a Catholic parent’s best friend in assisting them with the passing on of the faith. Later this month, I will communicate to our priests and then to the entire archdiocese a plan for helping to keep our Catholic high schools financially accessible to all families. I urge Catholic parents to make a Catholic secondary education a priority for your family. I know it requires a significant financial sacrifice on your part. However, it is worth it, because all of our Catholic high schools are committed not just to getting your son or daughter into college, but more importantly, into heaven. In fact, we not only want to help your sons or daughters get to heaven themselves, but we want them to be equipped to bring others to heaven with them.
Concrete Work
weekly calendar
May 5 Wedding — Kansas City May 6 Little Sisters of the Lamb Mass Knights of Columbus Convention Mass — St. Matthew, Topeka May 7 Missionaries of the Poor of Jesus Christ Mass and luncheon Confirmation — St. Francis de Sales, Lansing United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, task force conference call on collections May 8 Finance council meeting St. Thomas Aquinas corporate meeting May 9 Fellowship of Catholic University Students Mass and breakfast, University of Kansas and Benedictine College students May 10 Mundelein Seminary board meeting May 11 Benedictine College nurse pinning ceremony Benedictine College baccalaureate Mass May 12 Benedictine College graduation — honorary degree Donnelly College Graduation Bless construction site for Little Monastery of Little Sisters of the Lamb
Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar
May 1-12 Venice pilgrimage cruise
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Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, assisted by, from left, Father Thomas Melchior, Msgr. Vince Krische, Father Tim Haberkorn, Father Carl Dekat and Father Tom Hesse, celebrates a Mass on April 22 marking the 125th anniversary of St. Joseph Church in Topeka. Fathers Melchior, Krische and Haberkorn grew up in the former St. Joseph Parish. In 2006, the parish was consolidated with Sacred Heart Parish. Father Haberkorn began his tenure as pastor for the consolidated parish in 2007.
T
OPEKA — These days, it’s unusual “It is here that we most powerfully encounter for a newly ordained priest to be the risen Jesus alive within us and touch his body assigned as pastor of a parish. And just as really as those who encountered him in it’s even more unusual for a priest to those few weeks that he remained on earth after serve nearly his entire priesthood in His resurrection.” one place. In his conclusion, the archbishop encouraged But that’s exactly what happened to Father those coming forward to receive Communion to Francis Henry, the first pastor of St. Joseph be “aware of the precious gift that is given to us Church in Topeka, which celebrated its 125th an- and how all those over 2,000 years and 125 years niversary on April 22. at St. Joe’s have passed along this precious gift of On Oct. 19, 1886, Francis Henry was ordained our Catholic faith with the gift of the Eucharist.” to the priesthood. Upon ordination, he was named Priests concelebrating with Archbishop Nauassistant pastor of Topeka’s first mann included Father Thomas Story by Catholic Church — Assumption. Melchior, Msgr. Vince Krische Marc and Julie Anderson Only a few months later, due to and Father Tim Haberkorn, all Special to the Leaven an influx of German-speaking imnative sons of the parish, former migrants arriving in Topeka from pastor Father Carl Dekat, and Faboth Germany and Russia, the newly-ordained ther Thomas Hesse. priest was asked in December to organize a naAlso at the Mass, Archbishop Naumann blessed tional parish to serve the immigrants’ needs. a newly restored bronze statue of St. Joseph, On Feb. 13, 1887, he celebrated that parish’s which stands more than seven feet in height. As first Mass, and over the next 46 years — until his part of the 125th festivities, parishioner Steve sudden death in 1932 —Father Henry faithfully Beier, an employee of the restorer, J.F. McGivern served the needs of these German-speaking peo- Company, and and a nephew of one of the priests ple. He was only the first of many to do so. ordained from the parish, coordinated the ef“Anniversaries are wonderful opportunities fort to return the statue back to its place atop the to recall the beautiful memories of how God has church’s center door of the main entrance. blessed us,” Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann said A reception followed the anniversary Mass, as at a special Mass of Thanksgiving. The archbish- well as an open house of the former St. Joseph op later added that anniversaries, in the case of a Grade School. (The school closed in 1970, and St. parish, cause parishioners to stop and reflect on Joseph was merged with Sacred Heart in 2006 to how the faith was planted in that particular com- form Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish.) munity, give thanks to their ancestors for doing Parishioner Jackie Carlson was among those so, and recall with joy the many occasions parish- who toured the school, and found the pictures ioners have joined together in sacramental mo- displayed evoked fond memories. ments. “I’ve been here my whole life,” said Carlson, “Most importantly, what’s been at the heart of adding that her grandparents were among the this community for the past 125 years and remains early parishioners. at the heart of our Christian faith is what we do “This is our home. This is our life.” here at the altar,” said Archbishop Naumann.
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Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann visits with Sacred Heart-St. Joseph parishioner Katlynne Hobart, a senior at Hayden High School, after the Mass April 22 to mark the 125th anniversary of St. Joseph Church. Katlynne is dressed in native German clothing as St. Joseph Church was founded as a national church for German-speaking immigrants in Topeka.
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
THE LEAVEN • MAY 4, 2012
THE LEAVEN • MAY 4, 2012
Organizers now recruiting for pro-life boot camp By Joe Bollig Leaven staff
KANSAS CITY, Kan. —Teenagers can acquire the tools and the training to fight for the pro-life cause during the Teen Pro-life Boot Camp, May 30 to June 2, at the Church of the Ascension and St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park. The archdiocesan pro-life office and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph respect life office are sponsoring the boot camp, which is for youths ages 14 to 18. Sleeping arrangements for the resident camp will be separate male and female barracks, with chaperones. “[The boot camp] is to immerse them into pro-life issues,” said Ron Kelsey, archdiocesan pro-life consultant. The boot camp features a daily mix of instruction, prayer, and worship. Camp attendees will have the opportunity to worship at Masses celebrated by Bishop Robert Finn of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, and by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. Among the topics to be covered are contraception, the theology of the body, Project Rachel and other
CFCA reaches milestone of providing $1 billion in aid KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Since its founding in 1981, Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, one of the largest lay Catholic charities in the country, has distributed more than $1 billion in aid to help support families living in extreme poverty in developing countries. The organization reached the milestone in April of this year. The milestone is significant considering that most of CFCA’s financial support over the years has come from monthly contributions, ranging from $15 to $30, made by individuals or families who have committed to sponsoring more than 650,000 children and elderly people in need through CFCA. The organization does not rely on government funding or corporate grants. More than 94 percent of CFCA’s expenses are used for the support of its programs. Robert Hentzen, CFCA president and co-founder, described the organization’s commitment to excellent stewardship, saying that “a small amount of money from a whole lot of people equals a whole lot of help.” The personalized nature of CFCA sponsorship allows local project staffs to work with sponsored children’s families and the sponsored elderly to tailor benefits to meet their specific needs and aspirations. Over time and through a combination of sponsorship benefits, educational opportunities and livelihood initiatives, families begin to rely less on sponsorship benefits and more on their own abilities and income-generating activities to provide for their needs.
Last year’s pro-life boot camp included prayer in front of an abortion clinic in Kansas City, Kan. pro-life programs, Planned Parenthood and defending the faith. The special events and activities will include prayer outside of abortion facilities, service work at a crisis pregnancy center and hearing the testimony of women who considered abortion. “Families are welcome at the closing dinner, and they’ll have an opportunity to hear from their teens what they’ve learned,” said Kelsey.
The cost to attend the boot camp is $75. Adult chaperones and seminarians may attend the event for free. For information about the boot camp, the full schedule of activities, or to register, contact the archdiocesan pro-life office by calling (913) 647-0350, by email at prolife@ archkck.org, or via the website at www.prolifeKC.com
Sister Frances Watson, OSB ATCHISON — Sister Frances Watson, OSB, 83, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died on April 23, at the monastery. Sister Frances was born Mary Jane Watson, only child of the late Gordon and Frances Hill Watson of Wichita. She entered the Benedictine monOBITUARIES astery of Mount St. Scholastica in 1951 and would have celebrated 60 years of monastic profession this year. She spent her life as an educator,
teaching briefly in Kansas elementary schools and at Lillis High School in Kansas City, Mo., and LeBlond High School in St. Joseph, Mo., before advanced studies. She earned a master’s degree in sociology from Marquette University and a doctorate in cultural anthropology from the University of Kansas, and taught at Mount St. Scholastica College/ Benedictine College for 26 years. Sister Frances had a great interest in other cultures, especially Native American, and a passion for social justice. She participated in Pax Christi and Benedictines for Peace nationally and locally, and belonged to other organizations that advocate non-violence and social concerns.
Sister Delores Wagner, OSB ATCHISON — Sister Delores Wagner, OSB, 73, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died on April 26. Sister Delores was born March 26, 1939, to Lawrence and Juliana Mayr Wagner. After graduation from Mount St. Scholastica Academy in 1957, she worked for several years as secretary for the Lockwood Company in Atchison before entering the Benedictine community in 1965. She graduated from Mount St. Scholastica College in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree
in education and a minor in religious studies. For the next nine years she taught elementary school at Sts. Peter and Paul, Seneca, and Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City, Kan. She was registrar at Benedictine College from 1979 to 1988, and, in 1987, was named Benedictine College administrator/educator of the year. From 1988 until her death she was secretary for the Mount community and also personal secretary to three prioresses. Active in her religious community, she was a member of the formation team and served several terms on the community senate. She was a member of the Kansas Association of Collegiate Registrars and of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars.
Sue (Figgins) and Jim Bauman, members of St. Aloysius Parish, Meriden, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary from 7 to 9 p.m. on May 12 with a party in St. Aloysius Parish Hall. The couple was married on May 19, 1962, at ANNIVERSARIES Holy Name Church, Topeka. Their children and their spouses are: Cindy and John McQuillen, Wamego; Debbie and Steve Braun, Springfield, Mo.; and Steve and Rhonda Bauman, Topeka. They also have five grandchildren. Ray and Roberta (Spiker) Stuke, members of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception and open house from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on May 12 at the church, 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka. The couple was married on May 12, 1962, at St. James Church, Wetmore. Their children and their spouses are: Michelle and Andy Bolin, Overland Park; and Paul and Shannon Stuke, Omaha, Neb. They also have four grandchildren. Jim and Charlene Conrad, members of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on May 5 with a party for family and friends. The couple was married on May 3, 1952, at Sacred Heart Church, Columbia, Mo. They have 10 children, 24 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
ANNIVERSARY POLICY
The Leaven only prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the desired publication date. Announcements must be typed. They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, or for those who have resided in the archdiocese for a significant period of time. Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: Todd@ theleaven.com. If you would like your photo returned to you, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Correction The April 20 article about Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s ad limina visit to Rome failed to report that he celebrated Mass for, and later had dinner with, students from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park. The Leaven regrets the error.
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LOCAL NEWS 5
Modern Knights and Ladies support Holy Land Christians By Joe Bollig Leaven staff
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — As far as anniversaries go, the Siege of Jerusalem 913 years ago this coming June is not top of mind for most archdiocesan Catholics. Not so to John and Joan Muehlberger. The Muehlbergers, members of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, belong to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. The Holy Land is never far from their thoughts. Sir John and Lady Joan are area counselors for the Kansas area, which has 110 members, within the eightstate Northern Lieutenancy. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann is the grand prior of the Northern Lieutenancy, and Archbishop Edwin O’Brien is the order’s Rome-based grand master. One cannot simply join this ancient organization devoted to the protection and advancement of Christianity in the Holy Land. One must first be invited, and then go through an approval process that ends in Rome. CNS photo/Debbie Hill The order was founded in 1099 Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem walks in procession during the Easter Vigil Mass in Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Funds after an allied Christian army led sent from the Kansas members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem are used for scholarships and the upkeep of shrines by Godfrey of Bouillon defeated the Fatimid Muslim forces and took Je- and churches in the Holy Land. rusalem. This military-religious orThe Franciscan Foundation choosder’s mission was to defend Christian oppressed there since the Muslim something more than the basic reholy sites, Christian pilgrims and the conquest of Jerusalem in April 637, quirements of the order,” said Mue- es the recipients of the scholarships, which are worth $3,300 annually per Christian inhabitants of what today and have become an increasingly di- hlberger. minished and beleaguered minority “We went to Father Peter Vasko, student. Currently, the Knights and are Israel and the territories of the in modern times. OFM, the president of the FrancisLadies of the Kansas region support Palestinian Authority. “Christians are now two percent can Foundation for the Holy Land,” two scholarships for Christian stuToday’s Knights and Ladies of the of the population he continued, “and asked him what dents at Bethlehem University. Holy Sepulchre do in the Holy Land,” the best uses would be if we provided Emad Hanania, majoring in businot wear shining For information about the said John Mue[additional] monies. He suggested ness administration, won one scholarmor, ride chargEquestrian Order of the Holy hlberger. “Thirty that if we helped youths get a higher arship and the other went to Celine ing steeds or wield Sepulchre of Jerusalem, visit: years ago they were education, they would find employAl-Hadweh, majoring in accounting. swords in battle. www.holysepulchre.net. 25 percent.” ment and stay in the Holy Land.” Both are natives of Bethlehem. Rather, they supThe order sends The first scholarship, awarded in “Part of the program, which is very port the Latin pafunds to the Latin patriarch of Jeru- 2006, went to Mireille Assi. She was satisfying to us, is that we know who triarch of Jerusalem and Holy Land salem Fouad Twal, who uses them for a resident of the Old Quarter of the the students are,” said Muehlberger. Christians through their prayer and the upkeep of shrines and churches, Old City of Jerusalem — the ancient, “We get [student] background inforfinancial support. building and funding schools (mostly walled city most people picture when mation and grades from the school, The Christians of the Holy Land elementary and high schools), and they think of Jerusalem. Assi gradu- and photos and correspondence from (defined by the order as Israel, the social service and development efated from Hebrew University in 2010 the students. This gives us an opporPalestinian Authority lands and forts. and is now teaching at Terra Sancta tunity to have a hands-on approach to the Kingdom of Jordan) do indeed “Our area [within the lieutenancy] School in Jerusalem while studying what the order is about.” need support, according to John Muehlberger. Christians have been is unique in that we wanted to do for a master’s degree.
6 LOCAL NEWS
THE LEAVEN • MAY 4, 2012
Saint recruited friends, secured funds to ensure program’s future Continued from page 1 Tennis Buddies, though. “I had worked with the Special Olympics before with a soccer program,” he said. “I really enjoyed that experience. “So when we heard about the [tennis] program in Omaha, this just made sense.” Christian gets help not only from his volunteer coaches, but also from his family. While Christian focuses on the logistics of putting together the volunteer force and securing practice time and schedules, Christian’s mom, Tracy Boschert, has handled a lot of the behind-the-scenes effort, including the finances and promotion. Serious assistance has also come by way of Fred Johnson with the Missouri Valley USTA (U.S. Tennis Association), who helped secure a $1,200 grant, and from the OP Racquet Club, which rents out court time to the group at a deep discount. Other assistance has come from Nan Kanter, director of Blue Valley Special Olympics, and her husband, Sid Kanter, and, of course, from the dozen or so volunteers — a group that includes fellow Aquinas students, Rockhurst University students, a student from MidAmerica Nazarene University, and a teacher from the Olathe School District. Most of the players involved, though, point to Christian as the driving force. “For a high school kid, this takes
“He was just an outstanding student. When I heard he was doing this, I was kind of awed by it. It takes a lot of commitment and effort. But I knew Christian wasn’t going to do anything where he wouldn’t do the best that he could.”
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David Shriver, tennis coach at St. Thomas Aquinas, and a volunteer instructor with KC Tennis Buddies
a great deal of maturity and time and effort,” said Sid Kanter. “While most seniors are partying, Christian’s doing this.” Those who know him well are impressed — but hardly surprised — at his efforts. “He’s just an outstanding person,” Shriver said. “I’ve known him since freshman year, and I’ve watched him grow as a person.” Shriver also taught Christian in an honors economics class during the teen’s academic career. “He was just an outstanding student. When I heard he was doing this,
Were you married in 1962?
Archdiocesan 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration Cathedral of St. Peter June 3, 2012 2:00 p.m. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann invites couples celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2012 to a Golden Anniversary Mass in their honor with Reception following To receive your invitation from Archbishop Naumann, please call the Family Life Office at 913-647-0345
I was kind of awed by it. It takes a lot of commitment and effort,” he said. “But I knew Christian wasn’t going to do anything where he wouldn’t do the best that he could.” Christian’s dad, Toby Boschert, echoed Shriver’s sentiments. “We’re incredibly proud that he started doing it and stuck with it, because it could’ve been very hard to keep this going,” he said. “These young adults — it’s so much fun working with them,” added Toby. “The times I’ve been out there helping with Christian, you feel you’ve been exposed to one of God’s biggest blessings.” Next up for KC Tennis Buddies is a trip to Omaha for a tournament in June. But Christian can now leave for his engineering studies in Columbia, Mo. (as well as some tennis at the club level) with the knowledge that his foundation is in good hands. Shriver has agreed to pick up where Christian left off with the volunteers, and thanks to the grant, funding is already in place for the next two years. Shriver also has many contacts, he said, in the local tennis and education communities who have expressed an interest in helping out. “This program is going to be around for a while,” Shriver said. “The athletes and their parents and our volunteers have been very committed to it, and it’s going to be around.”
THE FACE OF POVERTY
Appalachia has long been associated in the minds of most Americans with hardship and poverty. But for more than a decade, students from Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park have discovered on their mission trips to these West Virginia foothills a sense of faith and hospitality that keeps them coming back, year after year.
Photo courtesy of KC Tennis Buddies
Christian spends most of his Sunday afternoons on the court with his KC Tennis Buddies and the volunteers he’s recruited.
POOR IN POSSESSIONS, RICH IN FAITH Bishop Miege students make lasting connections on Appalachian mission trip
D
UNLOW, W. Va. — When Richard Sulzen thought he might volunteer to chaperone the mission trip his Miege freshman had signed up for, he was quickly informed he thought wrong. His daughter Theresa was fine with the idea of him volunteering. But she made one thing perfectly clear — as only teenagers can. “‘Just don’t go on the trip that I go on,” she told him blithely.
So Sulzen made his first mission trip — in 2001 and sans daughter — with a group of students and chaperones from Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park to West Virginia. He enjoyed serving in the impoverished Appalachian Mountain area so much, he went back — again and again. Eventually, Theresa caved. “My daughter did end up going seven times with me to West Virginia,” said Sulzen, including last summer. And the Sulzens are not the only ones making return trips. Senior Mikaela Stockman has gone six
times in four years. It started, she said, as something fun to do with friends freshman year and grew into a tradition. Now, she said, “I’ve been so many times I know them and they know who I am. “We keep in touch — all the families that I’ve worked with — and every time I go back we visit.” Even newcomers feel the connection. “They make you feel at home,” said sophomore Emily Schultz. Continued on the next page
KNOW THE DRILL Nathan
Continued from previous page
Hill, a freshman at Rockhurst High School, affixes sheetrock to the ceiling of a house. Hill joined the Miege group for the Appalachia trip.
Tradition of service The roots of this service project run deep. Forty-six students traveled this spring break to Dunlow, which was struck in early March by a devastating tornado, and many will go back again this summer. Miege students have been doing so for more than decade. And though, over the years, the various groups have accomplished a great deal by way of home construction and repair, and similar projects, the trips are really less about the work accomplished than the relationships formed. “Father Brian Schieber (former chaplain at Miege) got us started going out there,” explained Mary Perrini, director of campus ministry at Miege. Father Schieber’s aunt — Sister Monica Schieber, CPPS — worked in West Virginia at a Catholic church and at the Genoa Christian Center, a food pantry. Miege mission trip groups originally worked there and stayed with her. But when the center closed, Miege decided against cutting its ties to the community. What is so special about partnerships like this one between the Roeland Park high school and this small town in the Appalachian foothills? “I think it’s that you get to start a project and see it finished,” Perrini said. “You get to work with the people you’re directly serving and connect with them.” She believes those connections are key for this, and all, the mission trips hundreds of students take part in each year through Miege — trips the kids pay for themselves. “It’s about relationships,” she said, “relationships with God, relationships with each other, relationships with the people they work with and work for.”
PLAY TIME Junior Cori Meu-
rer spends some down time playing with one of the children living in the house the Miege teens were repairing.
HARD AT WORK
Junior Matt Stanley pries the window casing out of a home in Dunlow, W. Va. Over the years, Miege students have undertaken a great deal of home renovation and repair work in the area.
More than just a job Take, for instance, the woman Mikaela met on a previous trip whose husband had died of black lung disease. “She didn’t have a porch to get into her front door,” recalled Mikaela. “Her mom lived across the street. They were so thankful, they would make us lunch every day — like a big lunch,” she said. But one of her favorite memories is of their first day there. When the weather turned rainy and cold, the woman built a fire and invited the young workers in for hot chocolate. “We went inside and just talked,” said Mikaela. “You can tell that they just want to talk. . . . I feel like having someone else there just helps them.” The students, in turn, find the experience broadening in ways they’d never imagined. “The first thing I thought when I arrived was how can these people live in these conditions here in the United States?” said senior Dani Intfen. Junior Connor de Leon agreed. “I did not realize that some people did not even have real roads,” he said. “They had to drive through creeks.” And freshman Liam Bryson “was amazed by the lack of money in the city. “This community is far poorer than my city.” The teens soon saw how that reality played out in the expectations of the people they met. While she and her friends are busy planning their college careers, said Emily, their counterparts in West Virginia “care more about helping their families, and take on the responsibility of helping
PROBLEM SOLVERS
From left, sophomores Nia Sanford, Emily Schultz, Mary Kate Kancel, and Alex Lutz try to figure out the best way to remove a fallen tree from a house.
JUST RIGHT Junior Katie Werth makes sure a brace is firmly in place before she secures it with a drill. with chores and money.” Opening students’ eyes to the poverty that exists even within their own country is part of the goal of this mission trip, said Perrini. “Here they are — in America — and people don’t have running water. That’s eye-opening for our kids.”
A blend of poverty and beauty The students were as much impressed by what the people of West Virginia did have as what they didn’t, however. “I loved how kind the people were,” said Connor.
“The lady I worked for over the week was the most religious woman I know,” agreed Dani. “Her family has had many tragedies, but she puts her faith in God to provide.” The students were also impressed by how the West Virginians faced the adversity in their lives. “This community had been through a lot even before the tornadoes that hit, with the poor living conditions and low incomes,” said freshman Ethan de Leon. One family, for example, had lost their home and their belongings in a fire. The Miege volunteers did what they could, but the family’s losses were virtually irreplaceable.
WET ROAD From left, sophomores Alex
Lutz, Mary Kate Kancel and Emily Schultz head to a job site down a shallow creek bed which doubles as the only road to the place. Because of the fire, said Ethan, “they had to change how they live.” “But they were still very thankful for what they had.”
Life lessons Ethan said he didn’t truly understand poverty before he went on this trip, andjunior Alec Friesen agreed.
THUMBS UP From left, freshmen Chance Friesen and Eli Jurden give their job on the house they are working on their seal of approval.
“I [started out] thinking poverty is for people who don’t work hard,” said Alec. “But many of these people don’t have a choice.” What students learn about the poor on mission trips like this, believes Perrini, lasts a lifetime. And the work helps create a lifelong
spirit of giving, she said. Finally, mission trips put the students in direct contact with people who are in need but who are very strong in their faith, Perrini said. That lesson was not lost on senior Natalie Hogue, who quickly picked up on the deep faith of the people of Dun-
low. It reminded her, in fact, of her own family’s faith. “I learned [on this trip] that poverty is a small amount of possessions and money,” Dani said. “But these people in West Virginia make do with what they have — and live a rich life of love, faith and family.”
THE LEAVEN • MAY 4, 2012
LOCAL NEWS 11
AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE
Photo by Kristin Dickinson
Musical message From left, first-graders Lucy Harison as Rapunzel, Melanny Sanjuan as the witch, and Thomas Bock as the handsome prince, of Holy Spirit School in Overland Park, take part in the first-grade musical “Character Matters.” The performance raised funds for Kids TLC in Olathe, whose goal is to give hope to kids affected by trauma and abuse.
Death and dignity University of Saint Mary nursing students, clockwise from top left, Christina Ellington, Abby Welker, Chris Lambrecht, and Sara Fromholtz take part in an end-of-life scenario with USM’s patient simulator “Ernestine” with which they learn how to care for a dying patient. Katie Slater, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and University of Saint Mary President Sister Diane Steele, SCL, look on. The archbishop toured the university on April 25 and had lunch with students. Leaven photo by Lori Wood Habiger
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
Photo by Kathleen Wendland
Back row, from left, Levi Horton, Tamara Gavina, Matthew Hernandez, Yasmine Caros, Ariana Rivera, Diego Melgoza, and in front, Isabel Salazar, kindergartners at Holy Name School in Kansas City, Kan., pose with their sculptures celebrating Cinco de Mayo. The sculptures were made of water bottles (collected by families) attached to hula hoops. Students drew on water bottles with markers, then cut designs into them to form a sculpture in the style of American sculptor, Dale Chihuly, who specializes in blown glass. They are now hanging in the entryway of the school.
Meet and greet
Leaven photo by JD Benning
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann greets Maur Hill-Mount Academy junior Brock Hanf following Mass and adoration at the school on March 22.
12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment Vocal music instructor - St. James Academy, Lenexa, is seeking a full-time vocal music instructor for the performing arts department. Looking for an individual who will enhance the mission of the school and who is a highly motivated and enthusiastic vocal music teacher. Applicants must have knowledge of liturgical music. Experience with musicals and piano skills are preferred but not required. Interested applicants should complete the application available at the archdiocesan website at: www.archkckcs.org, and send a letter of interest and resume to Karla Leibham, principal, via email, to: kleibham@sjakeepingfaith. org. St. Ann Young Child Center, Prairie Village - Is seeking to fill the following positions. Interested candidates should call Tati at (913) 362-4660. Child care coordinator for its extended care program – Mon. - Fri. from 2:45 to 6 p.m., must be 21 years of age and have a minimum of 12 college credit hours in early childhood or elementary education. $12/hour. Preschool teacher for three-year-olds — Tues. and Thurs. mornings from 8:30 a.m. - noon, must have a degree in early childhood or elementary education. $13/hour. After-school aide – Mon. - Thurs. from 3 - 5:30 p.m., must love working with children, be selfmotivated and at least 16 years old. $8/hour. Spanish teacher - Wed. from 10:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hourly rate is negotiable. Youth minister/RE director — Sacred Heart Parish, Tonganoxie, is seeking a youth minister/religious ed director, beginning in June. The position includes overseeing the RE program (K-6) and teachers, confirmation prep program, and organizing various youth activities, fundraisers and events. This is a fulltime position. For more information, contact Stacy Mulder at (913) 845-3889 or, via email, at: stacym. slp@gmail.com. Physics and/or chemistry teacher - Bishop Ward High School is seeking either one full-time physics/chemistry teacher or part-time physics and chemistry teachers for the 2012 - 13 school year. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application available on the archdiocesan website at: www.archkckcs.org. Mail resume and letter of interest to: Dr. Judy Warren, Principal, 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City KS 66102 or send, via email, to: jwarren@ wardhigh.org. For information, call (913) 371-1201. Principal - Our Lady of Guadalupe Elementary School, Kansas City, Mo., a diocesan school serving grades K - 5 with an enrollment of approximately 100 and a staff of seven, is seeking a principal who is committed to Catholic education with excellent leadership, communication and motivational skills. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic, with a master’s degree in educational administration and teaching experience. Three-plus years administrative experience is preferred. Bilingual in Spanish is a plus. To apply, visit the school office website at: http://jobs. diocese-kcsj.org/?cid=4&lid=118. Application deadline is May 10. Sales counselor - Don’t just get a job, start a rewarding career! Chapel-Hill Butler Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens currently has career opportunities for motivated sales professionals who are service-minded, energetic and ambitious. Experience in the funeral home or cemetery industry is helpful but not necessary. We provide an excellent structured training program and we offer a full benefits package, flexible hours and advancement opportunities. For additional information or to submit your resume, contact Shelly at: shelly.weatherford@sci-us.com. Spanish-language theology instructor - The Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph is seeking a fulltime Spanish-language instructor for the Bishop Helmsing Institute. The selected individual will research and write curricula and teach catechetical courses in Spanish. Duties include assisting with planning, researching, translating and writing curriculum for themselves and adjunct instructors using materials developed by the institute. The instructor will teach evening courses in Spanish and will assist with administrative and advertising responsibilities. A master’s in theology or equivalent is required, as is fluency in Spanish, both written and spoken. Interested individuals should submit a resume and references to Rhonda Stucinski, human resources director, and Scott McKellar, director of the Bishop Helmsing
THE LEAVEN • MAY 4, 2012 Institute, via email, to: Stucinski@diocesekcsj.org and to: mckellar@diocesekcsj.org. Resume should be in .doc or .txt format. Be sure to include the job title in email subject box. Faith formation director - Three rural parishes — Sacred Heart, Sabetha; St. Augustine, Fidelity; and St. James, Wetmore — are accepting applications for a newly created full-time position of director of faith formation. Duties include administering religious education programs, organizing and implementing youth activities, assisting with adult classes, and managing volunteers. The director must be a practicing Catholic who embraces the church’s teachings and has experience working with youth and adults in a parish setting. Prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in a related field. A complete job description, application, and benefits can be requested by contacting Sacred Heart Parish at (785) 284-0888 or by sending an email to: sacredheartsabetha@sbc global.net. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume, and application, by May 15, to: Sacred Heart Parish, DFF Search, 1031 S. 12th St., Sabetha KS 66534. Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City area. This position is ideal for a determined, high-energy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; call (785) 364-5450; or send an email to him at: john.mahon@kofc.org. Director of nursing - Villa St. Francis, Olathe, a skilled nursing facility sponsored by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is seeking an experienced nurse manager to help lead the facility as the director of nursing. This 170-bed facility, currently undergoing renovation, is seeking a dedicated and committed leader, willing to work closely with the facility’s administrator and leadership team by overseeing and directing the nursing staff so that the best possible nursing care is provided. A candidate for this position should be a highly skilled RN, with a bachelor’s or master’s degree preferred; have successful experience in managing nurses and nursing staffs; be very familiar with Kansas state regulations that govern skilled nursing care; and be eager to help guide, integrate and guard Villa St. Francis’ mission, which is rooted in the intrinsic dignity of every person and the passion to provide high quality nursing, rehabilitative and residential services in a friendly, comfortable and faith-filled environment. The position demands a serious applicant who is willing to help guide the organization into a deeper commitment to its mission, champion the pursuit of excellence and enable the building of a dignified, comfortable and enjoyable living and work environment for residents and staff. Salary is negotiable but will reflect Villa’s desire to hire a top-quality individual. Villa St. Francis offers an attractive benefit, compensation package and bonus incentive. Those interested in applying for this position should email resume to: James@Villasf.org; fax to (913) 829-5399; or complete application at: Villa St. Francis, 16600 W. 126th St., Olathe KS 66062. EEOC.
THE LEAVEN • MAY 4, 2012 Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile). Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, at (913) 909-2002. 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.
Lawn mowing Free estimates; references Insured, licensed and bonded Local parishioner Call Tony at (913) 620-6063
Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com. 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. Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services Receive $100 credit toward a landscape or irrigation service by mentioning this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661
Caregiving 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 and based in Lenexa. Call Benefits of Home-Senior Care at (913) 422-1591 or visit our website at: www.benefitsofhome.com. Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Debbie or Gary. Caregiving - Mature woman with many years experience in elderly care is looking for a family or individual who needs help caring for a loved one. Excellent references; affordable rates; flexible hours. I do not work for an agency or company. (913) 904-6856.
Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837.
CNA home health care professional - Do you need help with your senior loved one? I have been providing service and personal assistance for over 20 years. Reasonable rates; excellent references. Let me help you keep your loved one comfortably in their own home. Call Rosalyn at (816) 830-7455.
Summer tutoring available - For students in grades K - 12. For information, call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or send an email to her at: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.
Caregiver/companion - I will care for elderly and/or sick. 15 years experience. Part time – days, evenings, weekends. Excellent references. Call (816) 942-4763.
Quilted Memories LLC - New store now open in downtown Overland Park! Machine quilting. Custom-designed memory quilts using your T-shirts and/or photos. Personalized items for sororities, weddings, graduates and more. We also offer quilting classes and studio/machine rental. Call (913) 6492704. For samples of our work, visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc.com.
Home Improvement
Services
Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www. bankruptcylawinkansascity.com.
Gardner Painting - Attention to detail – we actually use scrapers. Interior and exterior. WyCo and JoCo areas. Many references. Free same-day estimates. Call Ted at (913) 227-9230. 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) 829-4336.
Get a jump on your home repairs! - I specialize in painting, wood rot, decks, fences, windows, doors, siding, stucco, landscaping, drainage issues, and concrete. Fully insured. Now accepting all major credit cards. Call Josh Doherty (913) 709-7230. 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) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@ hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Clutter getting you down? Organize, fix, assemble, clean! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizing handyman. For a free consultation, call today (913) 271-5055. Insured; references. Visit the website at: www.koatindustries.com. Swalms Organizing Service - Basement, garage, attic, shop — any room organized! Items taken to donation sites, trash is bagged, and areas are clean and neat when job is complete. To view before-andafter pictures, visit the website at: www.swalms.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. Decks by Jake - Power washing and wood preserving/staining. References available. Call Jake at (913) 909-6058. Member of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.
Continued from previous page
Wanted to Buy Good “kid” car - Bishop Miege family with four teenagers (and four summer jobs) needs to buy an inexpensive, reliable car. Doesn’t need to look great, but would prefer one that is mechanically sound. Call (913) 312-1885.
Antiques wanted Buying older pocket and wrist watches. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.
Buying firearms and accessories - One or entire collection. Honest evaluation; top prices paid. Call Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart, Shawnee.
Real Estate Kansas City, Kan., home for sale - 9348 Minnesota Ave., across from St. Patrick Church and School. This 4 BR, 3 BA, home has a large family room and is on a corner lot. For information or a showing, call (913) 706-1733. Open house on Sunday, May 6 from 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Vacation
Interior and exterior painting and wallpaper removal - 30-plus years experience. Quality work; excellent references; reasonable rates. Senior discount. Member of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.
Mountain cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA, fully furnished; sleeps four. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $75/night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the website at: www.tillmancabin.com.
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.
Lake of the Ozarks rental - Osage Beach; million-dollar view; fully furnished; 2 BR, 2 BA; sleeps six. No smoking, no pets. For special rates or pictures, call Steve or Sheryl Roederer at (913) 2442022.
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.
For Sale
Exterior painting, drywall projects, wood rot repair, bathroom and kitchen remodels, and tile work - Quality products. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 206-4524. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376
For sale – Medical equipment and supplies; new and used. Wholesale pricing. Scooters, power chairs, wheelchairs, walkers, bath and shower items, lift chairs, vehicle lifts, ramps, hospital beds and other items. Call Ron Coleman at (913) 299-9176. Max’s rosaries - Custom-made locally for all occasions – first Communion, confirmation, baptism, graduation. Rosary bracelets and beaded earrings too! I also do repairs. Member of the Church of the Ascension, Overland Park. Call (913) 400-3236. Items for sale - Solid, dark green, three-cushion couch; two formal chairs; and a mink stole. Call Sandy at (816) 392-2249. For sale – Double-depth crypt in the Faith Lawn area of Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Call Ken Christian at (816) 918-4075.
Child Care
For sale - Three adjacent burial lots at St. John Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan. Reasonably priced. Call (913) 961-5359.
Summer nanny - University of Kansas freshman who graduated from Notre Dame de Sion High School is seeking a summer nannying job in the Kansas City area. I have three younger sisters and extensive babysitting experience. Call Nikki Koppers at (913) 575-4649 or send an email to her at: nkoppers502@ yahoo.com.
Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.
Summer nanny- Benedictine College sophomore and Curé of Ars parishioner looking for a full-time nanny position this summer in the Johnson County area. Available mid-May through mid-August. Seven years of experience baby-sitting and nannying for children of all ages. Contact Kit at (913) 787-6543 or send an email to her at: kwhite93@gmail.com.
Entertainment DJ Irishman - Colm Delahunt is available for parties, weddings, graduations, and any other function. Playing all your favorite hits from the Village People to U2. Call (913) 548-6765 or visit the website at: www.djirishman.com. Classifieds continued on the next page
To purchase a classified ad
Send an email to: jennifer@theleaven.com, or call (913) 647-0327. The cost is $17.50 for five lines or less; additional lines cost $1.50. All ads will appear on the website at no additional cost.
Want to help someone heal from an abortion?
Call Toll Free 888-246-1504
May 5
Enjoy a short stack for a tall cause! Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, will host a flapjack breakfast at Applebee’s, 11500 W. 63rd St., from 8 - 10 a.m. on May 5. The cost is $5 per person; children 3 and under eat for free. Proceeds will benefit parish delegates who will be traveling to El Salvador. Tickets may be purchased at the door. The Ursuline Sisters will host a “Kentucky Derby Party in Kansas” dinner and auction in celebration of 100 years of service on May 5 at Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Roeland Park. Appetizers and socializing will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the auction at 7:30 p.m. Wear your derby hat and come visit with the Ursuline Sisters from Kansas and Kentucky. To view a sampling of auction items, visit the website at: www. ursulinesmsj.org/kentucky-derby-party. The cost is $50 per person; $385 for a table of eight. For information, contact Sister Amelia Stenger at (270) 2292008 or send an email to her at: amelia. stenger@maplemount.org.
9 The Serra Club of Kansas City, Kan., will host a lunch and presenta-
tion at noon on May 9 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5th and Minnesota Ave. Father Keith Lunsford will be the speaker.
11
The Johnson County Unos will hold their monthly meeting and a catered dinner at 5 p.m. on May 11 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission. To attend, mail a check for $11 by May 7 to: Faye Barrett, 14800 Conser St., Overland Park, KS 66223. For information, call (913) 402-6780. Join the Singles of Nativity for happy hour, beginning at 6 p.m. on May 11, at 810 Zone, 4800 W. 119th St., Leawood, located in Town Center Plaza. This is a great opportunity for singles to gather and meet new friends with similar beliefs and interests. Look for the yellow balloon. For information, send an email to Sue at: suez3911@gmail.com. St. Francis Xavier School, Kansas City, Mo., will host a reunion for all classes from the 1960s on May 11 at Mike’s Tavern, 5424 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Mo. Live music will be provided by old St. Francis Xavier rock and roll kids. For information, send an email to : pat@ oneillevents.com.
12
Queen of the Holy RosaryWea, 22705 Metcalf, Bucyrus, will host its annual “Running With The Cows” fundraiser on May 12, featuring a halfmarathon, 5K and a kiddie run. For information or to register, visit the website at: www.runningwiththecows.com.
5-6
St. Pius X Church, 5500 Woodson Rd., Mission, will host its annual spring fling on May 5 - 6. A chili dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. on May 5, followed by bunko. The cost is: $15 for adults; $9 for children; family maximum is $45. On May 6, there will be a variety of activities for all ages from noon - 5 p.m. under the big tent. Food and beverage concessions will be available.
6
Mary Health of the Sick Guild of the Sisters, Servants of Mary will meet on May 6 following the 9 a.m. Mass at the motherhouse, located at 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan. All interested in joining the guild are invited to attend. The Rockhurst University Visiting Scholar Series will feature internationally known Ignatian scholar, Father Joseph Tetlow, SJ, who will present “Our Deepest Desire Reveals What God Hopes in Us” at 7:30 p.m. on May 6 at Mabee Theater, located on the Rockhurst University campus, 54th and Troost, Kansas City, Mo. The event is free and open to the public. For information, visit the website at: www.ignatiancenter kc.org.
7
The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Back to School,” an educational opportunity program, from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. on May 7. This program will focus on the various vocational, technical and academic programs and training available in the metropolitan area, and how federal student aid and scholarships can help make education a reality. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.
The social club of St. Cyril Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., will host a taco dinner from 2 - 6 p.m. on May 12 in the parish hall. The cost is $6 for adults; $3 for children under age 12. The Curé of Ars Singles will host their annual spring fling dance from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. on May 12 in the school cafeteria, located at 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The cost of $15 (payable at the door) includes hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine, beer, soda, and bottled water. For information, call (913) 631-6873.
14
The Ben and Betty Zarda Family Golf Classic will be held on May 14 at Lake Quivira Country Club. Proceeds will benefit Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. For information or to register, visit the website at: www. catholiccharitiesgolfclassic.org.
16
The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Success in Love and Logic Parenting,” a three-part parenting program for parents of children of all ages presented by Nona Boyd of the Wyandot Center, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on May 16. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.
17
Join the St. Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Community for High Mass in celebration of the feast of the Ascension at 7 p.m. on May 17 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2203 Parallel, Kansas City, Kan. The sacrament of reconciliation will be offered at 6:30 p.m. For
CALENDAR 13
information, contact the Fraternity of St. Peter at (913) 236-0005.
18
The Center for Spirit at Work will host its monthly breakfast event from 7:30 - 9 a.m. on May 18 at TEVA Neurosciences, 901 E. 104th St., Kansas City, Mo. The topic will be “Wise Decision Making Based on Spiritual Principles,” presented by Jan Buerge, owner of World’s Window. For information or to register, call (913) 800-3706 or visit the website at: www.thecenterforspirit atwork.org.
Misc. A summer leadership camp for girls entering grades 6 - 8 will be held from June 27 - 29 on the campus of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison. The camp is sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters, Atchison, and the Sisters of Charity, Leavenworth. The purpose of the camp is to enhance leadership skills of the participants, enrich their spiritual life, and give them the opportunity to learn more about their faith and how Catholic values and leadership go together. The cost of $145 includes housing, meals and all camp materials. The registration deadline is May 25. For information or to register, visit the website at: www. mountosb.org; send an email to Sister Barbara Smith at: barbara@mountosb. org; or call (913) 426-5275. The Kansas City Catholic Homeschool Conference will be held on June 15-16 at St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa. The theme is “Our Faith, Our Families.” The preregistration deadline is May 15. For information or to register, visit the website at: http://kccatholichomeschooler.org. The Bishop O’Hara High School class of 1972 will host a reunion at 6:30 p.m. on June 16 in the private dining room at Fiorella’s Jack Stack Restaurant, 13641 Holmes, Kansas City, Mo. For information or to RSVP, send an email to: oharahs1972@gmail.com. The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration will host two summer monastic experiences: one at their community in Tucson, Ariz.; the other at their home in Clyde, Mo. These opportunities are for women who are discerning a religious calling. Participants will learn about monastic and community life, faith sharing and how to expand their prayer life. For information, visit the website at: http://bit.ly/GTkwHU. The Singles of Nativity will play recreational tennis from 4 - 5:30 p.m. on Sundays at Indian Creek Recreation, 7401 W. 103rd St., Overland Park (weather permitting). Players of all levels are welcome! For information, send an email to Julie at: j-shea13@hotmail.com.
Calendar submissions:
Are due at noon on Wednesday, nine days prior to the requested publication date. Email submissions are preferred, send to: jennifer@theleaven.com.
14 COMMENTARY
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QUOTE WEEK
OF THE
“Christians are now two percent of the population in the Holy Land. Thirty years ago they were 25 percent.” John Muehlberger, Knight of the Holy Sepulchre See story on page 5
THE LEAVEN • MAY 4, 2012
“D
THE LEAVEN • MAY 4, 2012
MARK MY WORDS
BUILDING THE CULTURE OF LIFE
Work to find solutions, not excuses
HHS health care mandate ignores fundamental rights
on’t Worry, Be Happy.” Remember this song that was so popular some years
back? If this song were written today, though, its title would probably be “Worry, Don’t Be Happy.” At least that’s the impression given by the many prophets of gloom and doom that are popping up more and more frequently friendship with Jesus and a holy life. in the media. 2) some sort of prayer book. This That message must be disturbing to book should have traditional Cathothe young women and men graduating lic prayers to keep them fresh in the at this time of year. graduate’s mind and plenty of contemIf I were addressing them, I would porary prayers that speak to the gamut try to give another vision of the world. of experiences that are part and parcel Granted, there are serious of a young person’s life. Father Mark is currently problems out there but as Prayer is the ideal way to on a pilgrimage to IreChristians we approach reflect upon those experiland. This column is a them with courage and ences of life and put them reprint of one that aphope. Using our faith, into perspective. peared in the May 21, intelligence, talents and 3) a subscription to some 1993, issue of The Leaven. dreams, we work to find newspapers and magasolutions, not excuses. In zines, both religious and other words, we’re to be people of acsecular. Truly religious people do not tion. go through life with their heads buried Our world desperately needs a genin the sand. If Christians want to speak eration of “doers.” However, that doing to the world and ultimately change it must be guided by some principles. for the better, we must know what and These principles can be found in some how the world is thinking. books that I would recommend make it 4) copies of “Life’s Little Instrucinto the hands of every graduate: tion Book, Volumes I & II.” These small 1) a readable copy of the Bible. This books by H. Jackson Brown contain book is not a bestseller by accident. It 1,028 practical suggestions on how is the sourcebook of our faith. Knowto live a happy and fulfilling life and, ing its contents well and putting them in doing so, how to make the world a into practice paves the way to a deep better place. Among the many gems
found in these books is the following: “Worry makes a hard pillow. When something’s troubling you, before going to sleep, jot down three things you can do the next day to help solve the problem.” These little books flesh out the simple and practical philosophy of the Christophers: “It is better to light one candle than curse the darkness.” 5) an address book (with stationery and stamps) containing the names of relatives and friends. Nothing is more treasured in life than a letter from a loved one. Unlike phone calls a letter can be enjoyed over and over again by the recipient. Although it takes more effort than a phone call, letter writing sharpens a person’s ability to think and write clearly — skills useful throughout life. Reaching out to those we love by letters continues that good example started by St. Paul in the Scriptures. These books teach graduates a basic lesson: they can be problem solvers and make a real difference in the world. Although the small things proposed here won’t cure all that ails the world, they certainly will make the immediate world a holier place. Seeing the good they can bring into the world by these simple actions may help graduates to sing once again: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” And the world, the beneficiary of their kindness and concern, can sing right along with them.
IN THE BEGINNING
FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER May 6 FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 9: 26-31; Ps 22: 26-27, 28, 30, 31-32; 1 Jn 3: 18-24; Jn 15: 1-8 May 7 Monday Acts 14: 5-18; Ps 115: 1-5, 15-16; Jn 14: 21-26 May 8 Tuesday Acts 14: 19-28; Ps 145: 10-13ab, 21; Jn 14: 27-31a May 9 Wednesday Acts 15: 1-6; Ps 122: 1-5; Jn 15: 1-8 May 10 Damien de Veuster, priest Acts 15: 7-21; Ps 96: 1-3, 10; Jn 15: 9-11 May 11 Friday Acts 15: 22-31; Ps 57: 8-12; Jn 15: 12-17 May 12 Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs; Pancras, martyr Acts 16: 1-10; Ps 100: 2, 3, 5; Jn 15: 18-21
COMMENTARY 15
Paul personifies evangelization of Gentile world
E
very so often, the news will report about someone leading a double life. They may have another family, hold down another job, live in a second home. It is as though they were two persons, occupying the same body. They are living in two separate worlds. Sunday’s first reading, Acts 9:26-31, focuses on the person we call St. Paul. It describes FIFTH SUNDAY OF that period of EASTER his life soon Acts 9: 26-31 after his conversion to the Christian faith. At the same time, the reading does not refer to him as “Paul,” but instead identifies him as “Saul.” Evidently, he used both names. Even though they sound very similar, the two names come from completely different languages and do not mean the same thing at all. “Saul” comes from Hebrew, and also was the name of the first king of Israel. “Paul” comes from Latin, and was a name associated with a prominent Roman family. It was common at that time for a Jew living among Gentiles, as did Paul, to go by both a Jewish name and a Gentile name. In a sense, the two names enabled him to set one foot in the Jewish world, and the other foot in the Gentile world. The Acts of the Apostles traces Paul’s journey of faith. It begins at a point in his life before he came to believe in Jesus Christ, at a time, in fact, when he
was actually even persecuting the early Church. Eventually, the dramatic moment arrives when Paul is converted to Christ. He makes a complete flip-flop in his life. Sunday’s reading examines Paul’s transition as a new Christian. Up until now, the Acts of the Apostles has referred to him only by the name “Saul,” as it does in Sunday’s reading. That will continue for several more chapters. Then, in Acts 13:9, the text will introduce the name “Paul,” and drop the name “Saul.” From then on, in the Acts of the Apostles, he will be known only by his Gentile name, “Paul.” This is appropriate for the man whom eventually we would call “the apostle to the Gentiles.” The name “Paul” would emphasize his association with the Gentile world. That is where he would focus his ministry. And yet, there is something else going on here. Besides tracing Paul’s journey of faith, the Acts of the Apostles also examines how faith in Jesus Christ started among believers who were Jewish, but then eventually attracted more numerous Gentile believers. It
Besides tracing Paul’s journey of faith, the Acts of the Apostles also examines how faith in Jesus Christ started among believers who were Jewish, but then eventually attracted more numerous Gentile believers. looks at how this Jewish sect began to develop into a world religion. In a sense, Paul personifies that development, and the choice of names for him in the Acts of the Apostles reflects that change. Certainly, the Acts of the Apostles only shows us the start, not the full development of the church. It still has a long ways to go. But this fledgling faith has reached the world stage. It has traveled from Jerusalem, an obscure provincial capital, to Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire and most prominent city of the known world. And all this has happened because of Paul. (Or should we say, Saul?) Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.
A
s you know, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius released an insurance mandate on Jan. 20. There are many grievous flaws associated with the HHS mandate, which attacks religious freedom, conscience rights and life. Educating our families and friends on these flaws is crucial in helping to overturn this coercive law and rescue our society from the disastrous consequences that will unfold from this unjust law. In this column I am going to focus primarily on the flaw that stems from ignoring fundamental rights, which then results in the wrong prioritization of rights. But first, it is important to note
that the mandate is flawed from the start because it is launched from our current heath care law. But the mandate covers abortion-inducing drugs, sterilizations and contraceptives, which are not health care. Women’s health is not aided by these so-called services and, in fact, is harmed (not to mention the potential lifedestroying impact on the unborn child). Objective analysis and an Internet search can readily identify these harms. Now let’s move to what I regard as the fundamental flaw of this HHS coercion mandate, which is that the
mandate ignores two of our fundamental civil rights — life and liberty. These rights of life and liberty are not only fundamental, they are also intrinsic to us as human beings. Or in the words of the Declaration of Independence — they are unalienable, endowed by our Creator and self-evident. They are part of the essence of who we are as human beings. Our forefathers realized the critical importance of these fundamental, or foundational, or source, or first rights and that these rights could not be justly taken away by the government. First among the rights associated with our right to liberty is the right to religious freedom and the right of conscience. Our forefathers recognized the importance of religious freedom by putting it as the first freedom identified within the First Amendment contained in the Bill of Rights to our U.S. Constitution. Hopefully, common sense tells us
why fundamental rights command a higher priority when compared to other rights. Yet, the HHS “coercion” mandate (commonly misnamed, in my opinion, as the contraception mandate), puts a perceived right of access to free contraceptives (often deceptively so-labeled) as a higher-priority right when compared to the right to religious freedom and the right to life. Really? Incredible! Only a subjective, arbitrary interpretation could lead to such a flawed prioritization of rights. This grievous flaw will only lead to grievous harms. Our religious freedom is violated and additional lives of the unborn will be ended. Please stay informed and engaged in this battle for the soul of our country. Ron Kelsey is the archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office. You can email him at: prolife@archkck.org or call (913) 647-0350.
FAMILY MATTERS
God’s love is made manifest to others through our marraige
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aiting in an airport to catch a flight is usually boring unless one is headed to a family celebration or an exotic vacation destination. I was having one of those boring waits recently when a celebration of sorts arrived at the gate. The celebration I experienced was a celebration of the joy of married life. An elderly couple, Joseph and Sara, arrived with a grandson, daughter and son-in-law to await the next flight to Kansas City. This couple has been married for 66 years. He was 95 and she was 90 years old. However, they were like newlyweds. He called her his Miss America.
They sat close and held hands and looked with such love at one another that they lit up the whole waiting area. To my delight, they sat behind me on the plane where the talking and teasing continued until landing. My hug for my wife who picked me up at the airport seemed to linger a little longer and was more joyful. I realize looking back that the love that this couple showed to one another brought alive a sense of how much I have been blessed to be married to my wife and what a great vocation we have in marriage.
Has anyone ever told you that your marriage is important to the church and our world? In the introduction to the rite of marriage it is written: “Married Christians, in virtue of the sacrament of matrimony, signify and share in the mystery of that unity and fruitful love which exists between Christ and his church.” In other words, in tender everyday acts of love like this couple showed to one another in the airport, God’s loving presence for all of us is made manifest, although imperfectly, to the world. Their 66 years of marriage and their actions toward one another speak of faithful, permanent and total love — the way God loves us. Such love is lifegiving as evidenced in their children and grandchildren. It is also evidenced by the way it caused me (and I am sure others) to cherish more deeply the love they experience with their spouse or
saw in the lives of their parents. Here is one more reason your marriage is important. As we all have read or heard, many couples now choose to live together for a “trial run” before marriage. Why? The studies all come to the same conclusion: they fear failure; they fear divorce; they are not sure “permanent” love is real. A recent study found young people wondering if a truly happy marriage is possible. For all of us who are married, we need to ask ourselves what others see and experience about marriage when they look at us. If you’re not sure, do something for your marriage today. Deacon Tony Zimmerman is the lead archdiocesan consultant for the office of marriage and family life.
16 LOCAL NEWS
THE LEAVEN • MAY 4, 2012
STEPPING UP Seminarian provides faithful help to archbishop’s mother By Joe Bollig Leaven staff
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — There’s one question that Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, occupied with all kinds of weighty responsibilities, doesn’t have to worry about: How’s mom doing? Louise Naumann is doing just fine, and part of the reason is seminarian and transitional Deacon Oswaldo Sandoval. It’s almost like having another son in the seminary. Deacon Sandoval, who will be ordained a priest on May 26 at St. Peter Cathedral in Kansas City, Kan., has proved to be a handy man to have around for the archbishop’s mother while he attends Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. Currently, Louise Naumann, 89, resides in the St. Joseph Apartments, a senior living facility on land that used to be seminary property, operated by the Archdiocese of St. Louis. About two years ago, she had her wings clipped. “It was two years ago in September that I stopped driving,” said the archbishop’s mother. “And it’s the worst thing I ever did, because I lost my independence. They have a van here I can use to go shopping, but I have difficulty getting up the steps. I don’t feel safe doing that.” Louise Naumann needed a way to get around. But the archbishop couldn’t help because he was more than four hours away, and his brother Fred Naumann couldn’t help due to surgery on his foot. “When it became obvious that she couldn’t drive anymore, I asked if any of the seminarians would be willing to help out and look in on her,” said Archbishop Naumann. Deacon Oswaldo Sandoval’s hand shot up — figuratively, of course. Sandoval was born in El Salvador and moved to Emporia to be with family. “My mother got to know Oswaldo at the funeral of Msgr. [Heliodore] Mejak in 2008,” said Archbishop Naumann. “Oswaldo helped her then, so when I asked for help, he was the first to volunteer. She has great admiration for him.”
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Leaven photo by Joe Bollig
Louise Naumann and Deacon Oswaldo Sandoval take a break from the annual Chrism Mass lunch April 3 at Savior Pastoral Center to pose for a photo. After Louise Naumann stopped driving, Deacon Sandoval stepped up and volunteered to help take her shopping and to her doctor and dentist appointments. Deacon Sandoval, who comes from a large and close farm family, sees his assistance to Louise Naumann as simply another role he plays in his larger family — the church. “I see the archbishop as my spiritual father,” said Deacon Sandoval. “In a way, she is my spiritual grandmother.
And what I did for her, I would do for my [natural] grandmother.” Since his recruitment, Deacon Sandoval has called her every week and taken her to doctor and dentist appointments. And he’s proved to have the kind of shopping skills you just can’t pick up in seminary.
“His mother trained him well,” said Louise Naumann. “He’s really great. He can pick out vegetables for me while I’m shopping in another department. “And when we get home, he carries all the stuff up for me,” she continued. “We have an elevator, but I’m at the end of the hall and it’s a long way. “He’s been so kind and I just can’t say how much I appreciate all that he’s done,” she said. “He’s so cheerful and a delight to be with all the time.” Deacon Sandoval also drives her to and from Kansas City on occasion. They’ve enjoyed many a long and wideranging conversation on these road trips. “We settle all the affairs of the world, the church and the seminary” on these drives, said Louise Naumann with a chuckle. Deacon Sandoval appreciates many things about his spiritual grandmother. But, appropriately enough, he especially admires her spirituality. “She is very devout,” said Deacon Sandoval. “She prays a lot for me and all our seminarians. She prays for the archdiocese and her son.” For his part, Archbishop Naumann is very relieved his mother has someone in addition to his brother (now recovered from surgery) to assist her. “It was a huge comfort for me to know if my mom needed to get to the store or a doctor’s appointment that there was someone to call upon,” he said. “Like all of us, we’re not always comfortable asking for help,” he continued. “We have to have a lot of confidence in people before we ask them for help.” And while she is being helped by Deacon Sandoval and occasionally other seminarians, Louise Naumann can help her son. “I told her, ‘Mom, you can help me evaluate the seminarians,’” suggested Archbishop Naumann. Since Deacon Sandoval is leaving the seminary to be ordained, he will now pass his mantle on to another seminarian. But he will be missed. “He’s just been so wonderful,” said Louise Naumann. “I’m happy for him to be ordained, but I’m going to miss him.”