www.theleaven.com | Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas | Vol. 32, No. 37 may 6, 2011
Pope John Paul II beatified Pope Benedict beatifies Pope John Paul II ‘because of his faith’ By Cindy Wooden
V
Catholic News Service
ATICAN CITY (CNS) — “John Paul II is blessed because of his faith — a strong, generous and apostolic faith,” Pope Benedict XVI said May 1 just minutes after formally beatifying his predecessor. Italian police said that for the Mass more than one million people were gathered in and around the Vatican and in front of large video screens in several parts of the city. Many in the crowd had personal stories about seeing Pope John Paul or even meeting him, and Pope Benedict ended his homily at the Mass sharing his own personal story. “I would like to thank God for the gift of having worked for many years with Blessed Pope John Paul II,” he said. As prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith from 1982 until his election
Turn to “Today’” on page 8
2 archbishop
THE LEAVEN • may 6, 2011
THE LEAVEN • may 6, 2011
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS
I
The cross is the measure of how we are to love
enjoyed very much celebrating the Triduum at the Cathedral of St. Peter. Thanks to all who accepted my invitation and made a pilgrimage to the cathedral for one of the Holy Week or Easter liturgies.
I am glad people in distress see priests as someone they can approach for help. I always give something to the person requesting assistance. However, I often feel conflicted. I wonder, someThe Celebration of the Lord’s Pastimes, if I am enabling individuals with sion on Good Friday was particularly these gifts to purchase items that are well attended. At the conclusion of the not good for them. Still, it seems better liturgy, I stood in the vestibule of the to err on the side of generosity. cathedral and greeted people as they Unfortunately, usually I do not were leaving. After the commemorahave time to get too deeply involved tion of the Lord’s Passion, many people with their stories. I give them some were somber and subdued but, at the money and encourage them to go to same time, very gracious and warm in the nearby Catholic Charities office to their expressions of gratitude for the receive counseling and more compreliturgy. hensive assistance to find solutions to However, one woman approached me the underlying causes of their difficult with much anger in her face. She poked predicament. her finger in my chest and said with great Sure enough, on Good Friday, a emotion: “You screwed up big time!” man approached me while I was at Her comments had nothing to do with the pump. He did not ask for money; the liturgy. More than a year ago, there instead, he wanted a ride to a place had been a controversy at one of our where he had some food stored for his archdiocesan institufamily. He said that it tions about a decision was too heavy for him ‘The Shepherd’s Voice’ to carry. I hesitated. I regarding a member of her family. The was prepared to give programming notes matter was ultimately him money but, sadly, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s appealed to me and I was leery about radio program on KEXS 1090 AM I chose to uphold the giving him a ride to airs at 10 a.m. on Sunday and is decision made at the a place with which I repeated at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday local level. was not familiar. and 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. I was pleased It was Good Friday. that the woman had How could I not try come to the Good Friday liturgy. I am to help this man? I agreed to give him grateful that she has not allowed her a ride. As he directed me to his desired disappointment with me and others in destination, he told me that he had the archdiocese to prevent her from rebeen out of work for quite some time. ceiving the strength and consolation of He told me he was skilled in a number the Eucharist. Still, her angry comment of trades, but he had “a couple” of felodispelled whatever tranquility I had nies on his record that made employderived from the Good Friday liturgy. ers wary of hiring him. He asked me On the way back from the catheto pull into a parking area behind the dral, I decided to stop at a gas station back of what I think was an apartment near my residence to fill up my tank building. He went into what appeared that was hovering near empty. I must to be a rear basement door. confess that I sometimes avoid this gas Several minutes later, he emerged station, because about half the time I with a small bag. It did not appear to will be approached by someone for fibe very heavy. I was becoming more nancial help. Perhaps the sticker shock suspicious, and he seemed agitated. from the high cost of gasoline numbs He asked if I could wait a moment; he my compassion. needed to go back into the building.
Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co.
Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing. Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas. Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com
He was gone several more minutes and this time came out empty-handed. He was even more agitated and now he did ask for financial help. After the liturgy, my nephew David, and his wife Dee Dee, and their four children — Grace, Jacob, Joey and Emily — were coming to my residence for a Good Friday banquet of grilled cheese sandwiches. Sister Susan Pryor, who takes care of the residence and prepares meals for me, was there to welcome them. Still, I was feeling some pressure to get home, and the man’s story seemed more and more suspicious. I was anxious to extract myself from this situation. I reminded the man of his original request. I told him that I would be happy to take him to his home. He again directed me through several back streets. He was bemoaning that, no matter how hard he tried now to do the right thing, he could not catch a break. He asked me to leave him off at a corner that was near his home. I gave him some money and encouraged him not to lose hope or heart. I promised to pray for him. As I drove to my residence, I wondered if I had done enough for this man. Had I screwed up big time again? Jesus gave his life on Calvary for this man. Yet, I was very hesitant to become too involved. Of course, there were a hundred prudent reasons to justify my actions. Yet, when I thought of what Jesus was willing to do so that I could have abundant and eternal life, how could I be satisfied with the little I had done for this man? As beautiful and moving as the Good Friday liturgy was, for me the most powerful meditations came afterwards. Whether or not my decision was right regarding the family member of the woman in the vestibule of the cathedral, she was right: I have “screwed up big time” in a thousand ways. Yet, Jesus gave his life on Calvary for me. From the cross, he interceded with his Father for mercy for me, just as Our Lord had prayed for his executioners. Moreover, the cross becomes the measure for how we are called to love. On Holy Thursday night, I washed the feet of 12 men from various parishes from throughout the archdiocese. The liturgical reenactment of what Our Lord had done for the apostles at the Last Supper challenges us all, but
Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar
May 9 Catholic Charities golf tournament luncheon Confirmation — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood May 12 Mundelein Seminary board meeting May 13 “The Catholic Way” radio taping Baccalaureate Mass — Benedictine College, Atchison May 14 Confirmation — All Saints, Kansas City, Kan. Donnelly College graduation May 15 First Communion of great-nephew — Presentation Parish, Lee’s Summit, Mo. Mother Anselma benefit dinner for Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George, St. Louis
Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar
May 9 Confirmation — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood May 12 Confirmation — Curé of Ars, Leawood May 13 St. James Academy senior Mass bishops and priests especially, to love others as Jesus loved. I thank God for sending his Son to make clear on Calvary that he loves us with all our weaknesses and frailties, even when we screw up big time. I have a long way to go to be a shepherd after the heart of Jesus Christ. Please pray for me that I may become a better disciple of Jesus, a better bishop.
SECOND FRONT PAGE 3
Catholics react to bin Laden’s death
Vatican says death is cause for reflection, not rejoicing
Archbishop Naumann prays for victims of terrorism
By John Thavis
By Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican said the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, a man who sowed division and hatred and who caused “innumerable” deaths, should prompt serious reflection about one’s responsibility before God, not rejoicing. The Vatican statement May 2 came the day after President Barack Obama announced that U.S. forces had killed bin Laden in an attack on his hideout in northwest Pakistan. In several U.S. cities, the news prompted street demonstrations and expressions of jubilation. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, released a brief written statement reacting to the news. “Osama bin Laden, as we all know, bore the most serious responsibility for spreading divisions and hatred among populations, causing the deaths of innumerable people, and manipulating religions to this end,” Father Lombardi said. “In the face of a man’s death, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibilities of each person before God and before men, and hopes and works so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not of hatred,” the spokesman said. The Vatican missionary news agency, Fides, reported that Christian schools and other institutes were closed and churches put on guard in Pakistan’s main cities out of fear of possible repercussions on the Christian minorities there. Pakistani Christians are often identified in extremist literature with the West and the United States. Paul Bhatti, a government adviser for religious minorities in Pakistan, told Fides that “the situation is tense.” “In fact, there are strong fears of reactions — senseless reactions — against the Christian minorities. The government is giving the maximum attention to prevention measures,” he said. Father Mario Rodrigues, director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Pakistan, said after a meeting with government officials May 2: “They put us on alert, requesting the closure of our institutes and making available additional police personnel around the churches. The Christians of Pakistan are innocent victims in this and other situations. Any pretext is used to threaten them or launch an attack.” Rodrigues said some experts predicted that bin Laden’s killing would weaken the Taliban and their ideologies, which could help diminish antiChristian persecution in the long term. But he said radical Islamic groups were flourishing in Pakistan, and other extremist leaders could arise.
Sadly, Osama bin Laden had devoted much of his life to fueling hatred for the United States and its citizens. He claimed responsibility not only for the deaths of thousands of innocent Americans, but also for many innocent men and women in the Arab world. I pray for eternal rest for all Archbishop Naumann victims of the terrorism. I pray also for the comfort and consolation of their families and friends who continue to mourn their deaths. With all Americans, I am grateful to the men and women of our military and intelligence services who risk their lives and labor heroically to protect our nation against those intent on doing us and others harm. Jesus calls his disciples not to hate, but to love our enemies and pray even for our persecutors (Mt. 5: 44). As Christians, we pray for the conversion, not the destruction of our enemies. I pray for God’s mercy on Osama bin Laden. I pray that the occasion of his death does not trigger additional violence, but serves as motivation for all men and women of good will to intensify our efforts to work for peace.
Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas
Catholic News Service
Asian church leaders warn of possible backlash LAHORE, Pakistan (CNS) — A retired archbishop said Pakistani Christians could suffer a backlash after the death of 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden, but it also might return balance to the nation. In India and the Philippines, Catholic leaders also warned of backlash. “We are a soft target as they cannot attack America,” said retired Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha of Lahore. He told the Asian church news agency UCA News that, despite the risk of shortterm retaliation against Christians, bin Laden’s killing could return balance to Pakistan’s society. He said he hoped the killing of the world’s most-wanted terrorist would reduce the militant radicalism that has engulfed Pakistan in recent years. “At last we have hope that things will get better gradually,” he said. “Many looked on bin Laden as a hero of the Islamic revolution, but he was a role model of extremism and a threat to world peace. His death will change the complexion” of the country, the
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)
Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com
Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com
President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann
Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com
Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com
archbishop said. U.S. forces killed bin Laden, the founder of al-Qaida, in Abbottabad in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after a brief firefight. Saudi Arabian-born bin Laden ordered the 9/11 attacks that killed more than 3,000 people in the United States. In India, Father Babu Joseph, spokesman for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, prayed the al-Qaida leader’s death would not lead to retaliatory attacks. “The church never endorses violence or associates with violence,” he added. “Violence perpetrated by religion is never acceptable to any civilized society.” The head of the Bangladeshi bishops’ Christian unity commission expressed concern about bin Laden’s death. “No killing is welcomed. A criminal should be brought to trial and be duly prosecuted,” said Bishop Bejoy D’Cruze of Khulna. “I don’t know if bin Laden or al-Qaida had any connection with Bangladeshi militants or not. But it’s sure they were encouraged and inspired by
Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com
his activities, which will decline, I believe.” In the Philippines, Catholic Church leaders advised the government to prepare for possible retaliation from bin Laden loyalists. “His followers in different places might retaliate because of what happened to him,” said Bishop Deogracias Iniguez of Kalookan. In a separate interview with churchrun Radio Veritas 846, Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez of Marbel echoed Bishop Iniguez’s fears. “The death of bin Laden is good [in the fight against terror]. But it is also bad because his loyalists will retaliate not only against the military and police but against innocent civilians,” Bishop Gutierrez said. In Basilan province, where al-Qaidainspired Abu Sayyaf Islamic militant forces have camps and have frequently attacked Christian communities, Bishop Martin Jumoad of Isabela said the terrorist’s death was a “triumph of good over evil.”
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 6, 2011
THE LEAVEN • May 6, 2011
Deacon assignments announced Father John A. Riley, chancellor, announces the following appointments by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann for deacons ordained for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas on April 10. The assignments are effective May 15.
Pictured are the new archdiocesan deacons, shortly after their ordination: (from left, back row) Guy Berry, Dave Gaumer, George Karnaze, Porfidio Ray Delgado, Chris Seago, Stuart Holland, Keith Geary, Mark Stukel, Jim Lavin, and Dan Ondracek; (middle row) Msgr. Gary Applegate, Tom Mulvenon, Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Todd Brower and Michael Hill; and (front row) Dana Nearmyer, Michael Schreck, Don Poole and John Weist. Deacon Dana Nearmyer to the archdiocesan office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth and Prairie Star Ranch, and to assist as available at Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa.
Deacon Guy Berry to St. LawrenceSt. Joseph Parish, Easton.
Deacon Michael Hill to St. Paul Parish, Olathe.
Deacon Todd Brower to St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village.
Deacon Stuart Holland to Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa.
Deacon Porfidio Ray Delgado to Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Topeka.
Deacon George Karnaze to Immaculate Conception Parish, Louisburg.
Deacon David Gaumer to St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing.
Deacon Jim Lavin to Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park.
Deacon Don Poole to Sacred Heart Parish, Mound City.
Deacon Keith Geary to Our Lady of Unity Parish, Kansas City, Kan.
Deacon Thomas Mulvenon to St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.
Deacon Michael Schreck to Church of the Nativity Parish, Leawood.
Deacon Dan Ondracek to Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka.
Deacon Chris Seago to Mater Dei Parish, Topeka. Deacon Mark Stukel to St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Deacon John Weist to St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. In addition to parish assignments, permanent deacons may receive future appointments to various ministries throughout the archdiocese.
LOCAL NEWS 5
Kansas Legislature tightens regulations on abortion clinics By Joe Bollig Leaven staff
TOPEKA — The last of a trio of longsought pro-life bills has survived an arduous, years-long legislative gauntlet and will soon be signed into law. With this law — and others passed this session — significant changes for Kansas’ three existing abortion clinics are in the offing. The Licensure of Abortion Clinics Act (House substitute for Senate Bill 36) was passed 97 to 26 by the House on March 31, and by the Senate (24 to 15) on April 27. It has been sent to the governor for his signature. Governor Sam Brownback signed the two other landmark bills — the Abortion Reporting Accuracy and Parental Rights Act and the Fetal Pain and Late-Term Abortion Act — on April 12. With the passage of this third bill, abortions at all stages come under improved scrutiny and health standards, said Rep. Lance Kinzer, R- Olathe. “The importance of this bill is that it doesn’t deal merely with abortion at the late-term, but rather abortions at the earliest stage,” said Kinzer. “It is important for pro-life voters in Kansas to recognize that,” he continued. “For all the success we’ve seen in the first two pieces of legislation passed, their impact on the bulk of abortions in Kansas — [those] before 22 weeks [of gestation] — was somewhat limited.” This bill is nearly identical to bills passed by the Legislature in 2003 and 2005, but vetoed by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, said Kathy Ostrowski, legislative director of Kansans for Life. Newer provisions of the bill require that only Kansas-licensed doctors perform surgical abortions and administer abortion medications, prohibit so-called “webcam” pharmaceutical abortions supervised by a doctor over the Internet, and tie annual license renewals to announced and unannounced annual inspections. A clinic licensing bill was necessary, said Ostrowski, because clinics themselves were unable or unwilling to address deficiencies, regulatory bodies were ineffective or passive, and patients themselves were unwilling to turn to authorities due to the nature of abortion procedures. “Abortion clinics in Kansas have a long history of operating outside the bounds of the law,” said Michael Schuttloffel,
Leaven file photo
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and Bishop Robert Finn of the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese pray the rosary in front of an Overland Park abortion clinic last year. Gov. Sam Brownback signed the Licensure of Abortion Clinics Act on April 27. This bill — along with the Abortion Reporting Accuracy and Parental Rights Act and the Fetal Pain and Late-Term Abortion Act signed on April 12 — will affect how abortion clinics in Kansas operate. executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference. “Doctor Tiller’s [Wichita] clinic was notorious for performing late-term abortions on fully viable babies, [which was] illegal under existing Kansas law.” “Doctor Krishna Rajanna’s clinic in Kansas City, Kan., was found to have been a bloody, filthy mess with aborted fetuses kept next to food,” he continued. “But the system was happy to let him continue. It was only after years of political pressure exerted by prolife individuals in and out of the Legislature that Rajanna was finally shut down.” Existing regulation was deficient in many ways, one being reporting abortion deaths. In his testimony against the bill, Dr. Herbert Hodes, an Overland Park abortionist, revealed that there had been five maternal abortion deaths over the past five years — something that hadn’t been made public by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment or the Kansas State Board of
Healing Arts. “The standards that are in place are exceedingly limited,” said Kinzer. “The reality is that the need for this kind of legislation has been apparent to the Legislature for a number of years.” Abortion procedures are not like other medical procedures, so it is completely appropriate for the state to address problems that are associated with this specific practice, he said. “While we do have regulations concerning other kinds of outpatient clinics and hospitals, abortion clinics have been able to largely operate outside of the context of those regulatory schemes,” said Kinzer. “The idea here is to set baseline standards with respect to facilities that are providing large numbers of abortions,” he continued, “and to provide the Kansas Department of Health and Environment with the authority they need to come in and conduct proper inspections and develop regulatory schemes that circumstances warrant.”
The new clinic standards are not unusual or unduly harsh, said Ostrowski. “The standards [in the bill] were taken from the published standards of the National Abortion Federation, so they are not wild burdens imposed by pro-lifers,” she said. “More importantly, arguably more stringent standards were upheld for South Carolina by the Federal Fourth Circuit Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court refused to review the case.” One effect of the bill will be to make abortion practices in Kansas less lucrative, said Schuttloffel. “In concert with the other two bills signed by Governor Brownback, this legislation will make Kansas a very inhospitable environment for the abortion industry,” he said. “Hopefully, they will decide to leave Kansas altogether. Other states can then follow our model. That said, we still have work to do. This is not the last pro-life bill we need to pass in Kansas.”
TOUCH OF HEAVEN Catholic Store 119 SE 18th Topeka, KS (785) 232-2543
Hrs. T-F - 10 a.m. 5:30; Sat. 9 a.m. to noon
The Blaufuss Team
Villa St. Francis
“We want to help you and your family with real estate”
16600 W. 126th Street • Olathe, Kansas 66062 Phone: (913) 829-5201 Fax: (913) 829-5399 Daily Mass in the Chapel at 10 a.m.
Re/max Realty Suburban, Inc. 12701 W. 87th Pkwy. Lenexa, KS 66215
• Medicare and Kansas Medicaid certified • 24 - hour nursing care • Dementia/Alzheimer’s unit • Physical, occupational and speech therapist on staff/ Rapid recovery • Nutritious Home cooked meals • Private and Semi Private rooms • Beauty and Barber Shop • 24 hour snacks Affiliated with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
Contact Jim: 913-226-7442 Contact Julie & Marilyn: 913-647-7118 Office Line: 913-647-7132 We LOVE Referrals!
jimblaufuss@aol.com | www.BlaufussTeam.com
6 LOCAL NEWS
THE LEAVEN • may 6, 2011
THE LEAVEN • May 6, 2011
Planned Parenthood targeted for state cuts By Joe Bollig Leaven staff
TOPEKA — Cheered by legislative success this session, pro-life advocates are seeking to pull the plug on Title X funding for Planned Parenthood in Kansas. There are three Planned Parenthood clinics in Kansas — Overland Park, Wichita and Hays. The clinics in Hays and Wichita receive Title X funding. The federal government carries out its family planning policies through Title X of Public Health Services Act. Title X funds subsidize direct client services and establish family planning centers in communities, according to the Guttmacher Institute. In 2008, Title X-supported clinics provided contraception to 38,900 women in Kansas. The legislative effort to redirect funding from Planned Parenthood to other community-based clinics is in the budget proposal sponsored by Gov. Sam Brownback and the House budget committee, said Kathy Ostrowski, legislative director of Kansans for Life. “It’s important to recognize that this is nothing new,” said Rep. Lance Kinzer, R-Olathe. “For the last two budgets, both the House and the Senate have approved budget language that removes funding for Planned Parenthood.” Gov. Mark Parkinson line-item vetoed Planned Parenthood defunding efforts in state budgets for fiscal year 2010 and 2011. For fiscal year 2011, Kansas received about $2.5 million in federal Title X funding, of which the two Planned Parenthood clinics in Hays and Wichita received $334,756, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The overall number of clinics that received Title X funding during the fiscal year was 56. “The amount of money available for Title X purposes, largely birth control, will be the same,” said Kinzer. “It’s just that the folks getting the money to provide those services will be county health departments and federal safetynet clinics.” Why redirect funding away from Planned Parenthood clinics? In a word: abortion. “It is true that Planned Parenthood is not allowed to use Title X funds for abortion,” said Michael Schuttloffel, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference. “However, money is fungible. These funds support Planned Par-
CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz
Pro-life advocate Patricia Bankeser of St. Joseph Parish in Kings Park, N.Y., holds a placard near the entrance to a Planned Parenthood center in Smithtown, N.Y. enthood, which is the nation’s largest abortion provider. This support helps every aspect of their operations, including their abortion business.” Fungibility, Schuttloffel explained, in this case means that even though certain funds are prohibited from being used for a certain purpose, namely abortion, their availability frees up other monies to be used for exactly that purpose. Although the Hays and Wichita Planned Parenthood clinics do not perform abortions, they provide abortion referrals, according to the clinics’ Web sites. In the face of efforts to defund Planned Parenthood on the state and national levels, the organization has claimed that abortions are only a minor part of its services — only 3 percent. This is highly misleading, according to Schuttloffel. “Planned Parenthood Federation is by far the largest provider and promoter of abortions nationwide, performing about a third of all abortions,” he said.
“It’s important to recognize that this is nothing new. For the last two budgets both the House and the Senate have approved budget language that removes funding for Planned Parenthood.”
”
Rep. Lance Kinzer, R-Olathe
“They performed 332,278 abortions in fiscal year 2008-2009 alone. Abortions also account for over a third of Planned Parenthood’s income.” “Bear in mind that the organization brought in $1.1 billion in total revenue in the last year we have information on,” he continued, “and $363.2 million of that amount came from taxpayers in the form of government grants and contracts. The organization has aborted over five million unborn children since 1970.”
Crunching the numbers National stats for Planned Parenthood services Prenatal clients: Adoptions: Abortions: Contraception:
2008 9,433 2,405 324,008 3,813,875
2009 7,021 977 332,278 4,009,549
(down 2,412) (down 1,428) (up 8,270) (up 195,674)
(Sources: Planned Parenthood Fact Sheets: Planned Parenthood Services, April 2011 and Sept. 2010)
These facts provide ample justification for denying governmental funds to Planned Parenthood, said Ron Kelsey, archdiocesan pro-life consultant. “Anyone who performs abortions should not receive any — any — government tax monies because of the gross moral problems of abortion,” he said. “The more financial resources Planned Parenthood has, the more abortions they will perform.” Planned Parenthood’s defenders have said that efforts to redirect funding will hurt poor women and children. “That’s an absurd argument,” said Kinzer. “The exact same number of dollars for these family planning services will be expended. Every county in the state has a county health department, and all of those county health departments — and, indeed, federal safety-net clinics as well — are designed primarily to serve poor women.” Ostrowski, of Kansans for Life, agreed with Kinzer and added a moral argument. “It is morally wrong to support abortionists,” she said. “It is fiscally unsound. Every penny given to the profit-making ‘non-profit’ Planned Parenthood is taken away from the needy, the disabled, and those struggling [for health care].” It has also been claimed that less funding for Planned Parenthood means more unintended pregnancies, and thus more abortions. “No way,” said Ostrowski. “Abby Johnson, the former Planned Parenthood director in Texas, said practically every woman [getting an abortion in her clinic] had been using birth control.” Kinzer believes this budget item must pass because the majority of Kansans do not want their tax dollars to go to support abortion directly or indirectly. “To many Kansans, the mission of Planned Parenthood as . . . the largest abortion provider in the country is so morally abhorrent that having any taxpayer dollars going to Planned Parenthood is inherently offensive,” said Kinzer. “If we have the ability to provide these services mandated by Title X money, let’s have them provided by entities that all Kansans can believe are appropriate agencies,” he continued. “Given those entities can perform the same services, there’s no reason to send this money to entities many Kansans find extremely morally problematic.”
Archbishop’s Call to Share surpasses goal By Paula Ebert
Special to The Leaven KANSAS CITY, Kan. — It’s always nice to meet expectations. But it’s even nicer to blow the top off of them. As of April 15, the Archbishop’s Call to Share annual appeal was 118 percent over goal. Not that organizers are taking any of the credit for themselves, however. All the credit, said Father Ric Halvorson, chairman of the Clergy Advisory Committee, goes to the thousands of Catholics throughout the archdiocese who gave so generously. “The Archbishop’s Call to Share is a tradition in the diocese,” said Father Halvorson, who is also pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Paola. “We are thankful for the people of the diocese coming together to support the more than 40 ministries funded by the Call to Share.” Some programs, like the archdiocesan office of deaf ministry, are entirely funded by the annual appeal. Pat Richey, the consultant for the office, said this ministry forges a vital link between the deaf community and the Catholic Church. “In the past, the deaf had less access to the church. Through our services, deaf people are able to have their spiritual growth and leadership fostered,” she said. “I’m so grateful to all who give to Call to Share.” The office provides religious education for students, adult religious education, Bible studies, RCIA, and hosts a retreat every fall. In addition, the office can arrange for deaf translation at weddings and funerals. Father Halvorson said that priest involvement with the campaign is a key component in its continuing success. “We want the priests to be involved with every aspect of the campaign,” he said. Father Halvorson also praised the generosity of the people who continue to give, even in this down economy. Lesle Knop, executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development, said exceeding the goal is “very exciting.” She noted there are 60,693 households in the diocese, which translates into about 200,000 Catholics in 110 parishes. This year about one third of those households
DeLeon Furniture
Furniture, upholstering and restoration 1142 Minnesota Ave. Kansas City, Kan. 66102 (913) 342-9446
Leaven photo by Susan McSpadden
Pat Richey (right), the consultant for the archdiocesan office of deaf ministry, interprets Mass for Father Scott Wallisch at a Mass for the deaf. Some programs, like those for the deaf, are entirely funded by the archbishop’s annual appeal. “made a sacrificial gift to Call To Share,” she said. “I am inspired by the generosity of our people. It is a reflection of the leadership of the pastors,” she added. On average, 60 percent of the parishes exceed their goals. If a parish exceeds its goal, then 50 percent of those excess funds raised are rebated back to use for predetermined needs in the parish. “This encourages greater participation. And the joy of participating in helping your parish and your archdiocese is important,” Knop said. Knop also added that the archdiocese focuses on keeping the cost of fundraising low. Accountability is important, as each ministry is reviewed annually by the archdiocese to ensure the funds are being used efficiently and effectively. Because of the poor economy, the decision was made to keep the 2011 goal the same as 2010 — $4.2 million. As of April 15, the total pledged was $4,900,750, or 118 percent of target goal. Knop said the participation rate
was 34 percent, and the average gift was $245. Knop also noted that last year 97 percent of all pledges was fulfilled. “It is very unusual for this to happen,” she noted. “People here are faithful to their gift.” An individual can become a Patron of the Crosier Society and join the archbishop at a special Mass by giving one percent of his or her annual income or $1,000. There are currently 1,400 families in the Crosier Society. Donors can also become a Benefactor by donating $2,000; a Steward for $5,000; a Guarantor for $10,000; and a member of the Archbishop’s Circle for $25,000. “I’m very grateful to all who give. It’s not the money, it is what the money allows us to accomplish,” said Knop. “My money, combined with your money, makes this happen.” “Archbishop Joseph Naumann has emphasized that this is all about being disciples,” she added. “Nothing we have is ours. “It is all a gift from God.”
LOCAL NEWS 7 Sister Andrea Johnston, SCL LEAVENWORTH — Sister Andrea Johnston, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, formerly Sister Mary Andrea, 90, died April 25 at the motherhouse here. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in art from Saint Mary College, Leavenworth, Sister Andrea studied at Catholic University of America, where she received a master’s in math in 1952, and a doctorate in mathematics in 1954. Sister Andrea then began teaching math at Saint Mary College, now the University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth. She was chair of the math and computer science department from 1954-1989, and was named professor emeritus in 1991. She resigned from the university in 1992. Born Rita Elizabeth Johnston on March 13, 1921, in Minneapolis, she was the ninth of 12 children of Charles R. and Susan E. Berres Johnston. She attended elementary schools in Minneapolis before the family moved to Montana. There, she attended country schools and graduated from Nashua High School, Nashua, Mont. She entered the religious community of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth on Sept. 1, 1942, and was given the name Sister Mary Andrea. She made her profession of vows on March 6, 1944. Sister Andrea had several hobbies that she enjoyed over a lifetime, such as swimming, hiking, reading, singing, and listening to classical music. She played the clarinet in bands and the viola in orchestras during the summers.
Aquinas senior is semifinalist in scholars program OVERLAND PARK — Molly Porter, a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School here, has been named a semifinalist in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. She is among just 10 seniors in the state of Kansas and 560 nationwide who were selected from a pool of 3,000. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize and honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. Each year, up to 141 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. Students chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholars receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in June and are given a Presidential Scholars medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House, in commemoration of their achievements.
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
ERA Manning & Associates, Inc. 9870 Quivira Rd. Lenexa, KS 66215 Office: (913) 754-3106 Residence: (913) 492-8649 E-Mail: don@dkmayerteam.com Web Site: www.dkmayerteam.com Don & Kathy Mayer
Your Catholic connection to residential real estate.
Multiple listing service
MLS™
Each ERA® Office is Independently Owned and Operated
800 SW Sixth Avenue | 785.354.7706 | www.brennanmathenafh.com
Pilgrims pay last respects to Blessed John Paul By Carol Glatz
Catholic News Service
CNS file photo
A crowd gathers around Pope John Paul II near the Oaxaca cathedral in February 1979. The newly installed pope visited Mexico and the Dominican Republic on his first papal trip.
For many, Pope John Paul’s humanity made him a more accessible saint By John Thavis
Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — One of the most curious tributes in the run-up to Pope John Paul II’s beatification came from Mexico, where church officials recalled the late pope’s love for mangos. During his first trip to Mexico in 1979, the pope enthused about the Latin American fruit, and his Mexican hosts began preparing dishes that used the mango in every possible way. Afterward, they regularly sent boxes of mangos to the Vatican so there would always be some on the pope’s table. Even when Pope John Paul was very ill toward the end of his life, the late Cardinal Ernesto Corripio Ahumada of Mexico City sent him mangos — and called the deputy secretary of state to make sure the pope had received them. The story, recounted by the Vatican missionary news agency Fides on April 28, may seem marginal, but it offers insight into the ways Pope John Paul connected with people of every place and culture. His spiritual intensity may have made him a saint, but his humanity made him a saint they could relate to. Throughout his 26-year pontificate, Pope John Paul paid attention not only to world leaders but also to the “little people” and what was on their minds. On his journeys outside the Vatican, he would chat with workers, visit the sick and make pilgrimage to even the most humble of local shrines. More than once, he stepped off the official papal motorcade route to drop in on families in Africa and Latin America. He sipped tea in their huts, and once, after visiting a Brazilian shantytown, he took off his papal ring and left it to be sold for the benefit of the local residents. He opened a hostel for the poor inside the Vatican, and personally hosted the homeless for holiday dinners. In Rome, he visited the most out-of-the-way parishes and spent the better part of his Sundays with parishioners. Everywhere he went, Pope John Paul seemed to imbibe the local culture and embrace its expressions. He did this in the simplest of gestures: donning a tribal
headdress in Kenya, swinging a hockey stick in St. Louis or drinking a pepperroot brew from a coconut shell in Fiji. He did it through words, routinely taking language lessons before his travels. In Tanzania in 1990, thanks to a cassette tape he dutifully toted en route, he was able to charm and amaze his listeners in near-perfect Swahili. During public ceremonies, Pope John Paul put people at their ease, often with a sense of humor. When he held hands and danced onstage with young people in Australia in 1986, one of the girls began to cry. The smiling pope hugged her and said simply, “Don’t worry.” Carl Anderson, the supreme knight of the Knights of Columbus, was impressed with the way Pope John Paul patiently greeted the sick and disabled at his public events, chatting with them one by one and blessing them. He was not going through the motions; he was interested in them. “These were small actions that were not necessary and not expected. It was something he was doing that was different, personal and made that person feel very special with the encounter,” Anderson said. The late pope routinely went outside the traditional boundaries of the papacy, in things big and small. He was the first modern pope to visit a synagogue, a fact that’s remembered with affection by the Jews in Rome’s ancient “ghetto” neighborhood. Many of them keep a photo of the Polish pope in their shops. One of his favorite Christmas meetings was with Rome’s garbage collectors and street sweepers, who would welcome him to their Nativity scene near the Vatican. He never gave a speech, and instead joked with them about getting direct orders from God not to skip their annual encounter. Pope John Paul was, of course, serious about evangelizing. But he seemed to recognize that evangelization was easier after building bridges with people in every walk of life. Sometimes he did it by giving a speech. And sometimes he did it by slipping on a rock star’s sunglasses, or savoring a mango.
CNS photo/Massimo Sestini, Italian National Police via Reuters
People pack St. Peter’s Square and the Via della Conciliazione leading up to the square during the beatification of Pope John Paul II May 1 at the Vatican. The late Polish pontiff moved a step closer to sainthood during a joyous ceremony that drew more than one million people.
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — More than 250,000 people visited Blessed John Paul II’s mortal remains on the day of his beatification. At the end of the May 1 beatification Mass, Pope Benedict XVI, cardinals and other dignitaries knelt and prayed at the foot of the closed wooden casket; many kissed and caressed the recently cleaned and polished wood. Once the dignitaries left, a thick velvet rope was put around the casket and the public was allowed to stream up the right side and down the left side of St. Peter’s Basilica. The pilgrim path was marked by waist-high wooden barricades set back several feet from the casket. Ushers kept the crowds moving swiftly, leaving many with little time to linger. Small groups of people were allowed to kneel briefly in prayer far from the barricades. Moving the crowds so quickly meant many pilgrims who were in the square after the beatification only had to wait 30 minutes to get in to see the casket. Sister Milena, a member of the Sisters of St. Elizabeth, said she only waited in line for half an hour right after the beatification Mass. The 24-year-old nun from Wroclaw, Poland, said it felt “very special, very nice” to be able to pray in front of his casket. She said she prayed for a woman who just joined her religious order. A man from Scotland said he got inside the basilica around 1 a.m. and called the moment “grace-filled.” The Vatican said that within 13 hours May 1-2, some 250,000 people passed by the casket to pay their respects before the basilica closed at 3 a.m. Hundreds of people handed ushers notes and flowers that were set behind the casket. The public viewing did not resume again until about 1 p.m. on May 2, after the Mass of thanksgiving in St. Peter’s Square presided over by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state. Not long after the Mass, Anthony Stagno from Chicago said he and his wife hadn’t braved the long lines yet. “Maybe this evening,” he said, adding that “it was better seeing him alive” which they did in 1997 in Bologna, Italy. “He had fantastic charisma.” Several pilgrims waiting right outside St. Peter’s Square said May 2 they did not plan on going into the basilica because the line was too long. “We’ve had enough lines and being pushed,” said two women from the Philippines.
CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters
Above, a nun kisses the casket of Blessed Pope John Paul II inside St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican May 1. Right, despite long lines, more than 250,000 people visited Blessed John Paul’s mortal remains on the day of his beatification. Sister Christina, a member of the Servants of Mary from southern Cameroon, said she felt “real joy” and could sense the late pope’s presence. Being by the casket, it felt “like he had never left us,” she said. The Tuscani family from Turin, Italy, said, “it was a moving experience” to have seen his casket. However, the ushers moved them past so quickly they didn’t have time to pray, “just time to make the sign of the cross, which was more than enough,” Paola Tuscani said. Father Enda Naughton, 78, who works at the Knock Shrine, Ireland’s national Marian shrine, said he had celebrated Mass with the late pope twice in his private chapel when he was alive. He said seeing his casket “was lovely” and that his whole visit had been touched by the blessed. He said when planning the trip last month, all the hotels were full. He prayed to Pope John Paul and asked him that “if he wanted me to come,” the Polish pope would have to “do something” and then 10 minutes later he got an email from one hotel saying there had
been a cancellation. He said he was lucky to get into the basilica because “there was a queue miles long, snaking around. It would have taken hours.” But he was accompanying a woman with a disability and they were given permission to go to the front of the line to see the casket, he said. The casket was set on a raised platform in front of the main altar on the basilica’s main level. It was surrounded by yellow and white roses and flanked by four Swiss Guards. Placed on top of the casket was “one of the most precious Gospels in the Vatican Library’s holdings,” the illuminated Lorsch Gospels from the medieval era, the Vatican said in a written statement. The Vatican said there would be a recitation of the rosary before the basilica would be closed the evening of May 2. In a private ceremony after the closure, the casket was to be moved to a new tomb site in the Chapel of St. Sebastian, not far from the basilica’s entrance.
‘Today his name is added to the host of those whom he proclaimed saints and blesseds during his pontificate’ Continued from page 1 in 2005, Pope Benedict said he worked at the pope’s side “and came to revere him.” “His example of prayer continually impressed and edified me: He remained deeply united to God even amid the many demands of his ministry,” the pope said. “Today his name is added to the host of those whom he proclaimed saints and blesseds during the almost 27 years of his pontificate,” the pope said in his homily. Pope John Paul during his pontificate beatified 1,338 people and canonized 482 — more than all of his predecessors combined. The beatification of Pope John Paul just six years and a month after his death in 2005 was the fastest beatification in some 500 years. Pope Benedict said that even at the mo-
ment of his death people “perceived the fragrance of his sanctity and in any number of ways God’s people showed their veneration for him. For this reason, with all due respect for the church’s canonical norms, I wanted his cause of beatification to move forward with reasonable haste.” After the Mass, Pope Benedict went into St. Peter’s Basilica and knelt in prayer for four minutes before Blessed John Paul’s casket, which was set in front of the main altar. After the pope left, the concelebrating cardinals filed up to the wooden casket, touching it lightly and kissing it. Eventually, the Vatican opened the basilica to the general public and planned to keep it open either until the faithful stopped coming to pay their respects or until preparations had to be made for the official Mass of thanksgiving for the beati-
fication May 2. Thousands of people spent a chilly, damp night camped out near the Vatican in an attempt to find a place in St. Peter’s Square when the gates were scheduled to open at 5:30 a.m. for the 10 a.m. Mass. The crowds were so large that police began letting people in at 2 a.m., according to news reports. Thibaut Cappe, a 23-year-old from Paris, got up at 3 a.m. and managed to find a spot halfway up the boulevard leading to St. Peter’s Square. He said Pope John Paul “is an example of simplicity in the way of being a Catholic. It’s not always easy to be a Catholic in our world. He was doing it in a way that was understandable for everyone.” Valeria Buonpastore, who is from Charlotte, N.C., said Pope John Paul “tran-
scended nationalities. He was universal; that’s what made him so great. He was loved by people of other nations, religions. A lot of my Protestant friends loved him, too.” Also in the square was Sister Marie Clarice, a 30-year-old member of the Little Servants of the Sacred Heart from Madagascar. She said she remembers when Pope John Paul came to Madagascar in 1989; she was only 7 or 8, and the image that has remained is of a person who cared about the weak and powerless. “I remember the way he welcomed the poor. He embraced them, like this,” she said opening her arms in a wide hug. Speaking briefly in Polish in his homily, Pope Benedict said of his predecessor: “By his witness of faith, love and apostolic
courage, accompanied by great human charisma, this exemplary son of Poland helped believers throughout the world not to be afraid to be called Christian, to belong to the church, to speak of the Gospel. “In a word: He helped us not to fear the truth, because truth is the guarantee of liberty.” Pope Benedict read the formula of beatification at the beginning of the liturgy after Cardinal Agostino Vallini, papal vicar for Rome, petitioned the pope by saying, “I humbly ask Your Holiness to inscribe the venerable servant of God John Paul II, pope, among the number of blesseds.” The pope responded by saying that after consulting many bishops and members of the faithful and after having the Congregation for Saints’ Causes study the matter, “the venerable servant of God, John Paul
II, pope, henceforth will be called blessed” and his feast will be Oct. 22, the anniversary of the inauguration of his pontificate in 1978. The crowds burst into sustained applause, many people cried and brass players intoned a fanfare as soon as the pope finished reading the proclamation. Polish Sister Tobiana Sobodka, who ran Pope John Paul’s household, and French Sister Marie Simon-Pierre, whose cure from Parkinson’s disease was accepted as the miracle that paved the way for his beatification, carried a relic to Pope Benedict and then to a stand near the altar. The relic was a clear glass vial of Pope John Paul’s blood held in a reliquary of silver olive branches.
10 local news Sisters earn recognition ATCHISON — The achievements of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica here have been recognized in many areas recently. At a meeting of the Conference of American Benedictine Prioresses, Sister Anne Shepard, prioress of Mount St. Scholastica, was chosen as its representative to the international assembly of Benedictine superiors. The Communio Internationalis Benedictinarum (CIB) is the organization of leaders of all Benedictine women’s monasteries around the world. Representatives meet annually to pray and reflect on contemporary Benedictine life. On April 11, Sister Anne was honored by the Atchison Zonta Club as its “Woman of the Year.” Zonta is a global organization that seeks to improve the legal, political, economic, educational, and health status of women through service and advocacy. In February, the combined Zonta Clubs of metropolitan Kansas City chose a Benedictine, Sister Carol Ann Petersen, director of the Keeler Women’s Center in Kansas City, Kan., as their 2011 “Woman of Achievement.” Sister Carol Ann was selected for “making a difference in the lives of women through her professional life and community service.” Finally, at its commencement ceremony in May, the Chicago Theological Union will present an honorary doctorate to Sister Mary Collins, former prioress, for her contributions to the field of theology. Her research and writings are extensive and, before her election, she was a professor of religion at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
THE LEAVEN • May 6, 2011 Frank and Sharon Scheck, members of Mater Dei Parish in Topeka, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 8. The couple was maranniversaries ried on April 8, 1961, at St. Joseph Church in Topeka. Their children and spouses are: Bret Scheck, Bart and Teresa Scheck, Lori and Gilbert Garcia, Lisa and Randy McAllister, and Frank and Leah Scheck, all of Topeka; and Brock and Jennifer Scheck, of Des Moines, Iowa. They also have 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Tom and Janet Bartelli, members of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 6. The couple was married May 6, 1961, at St. Willibrord Church in Chicago. They plan to celebrate their anniversary in June by traveling with their children and grandchildren to Rhinelander, Wis. Their children and their spouses are: Jill and Tim Franchett, Overland Park; Kathy and Lee Toelkes, Topeka; Cindy Bartelli, San Diego; Lisa and Jim VonDyke, Orlando, Fla.; Lynda and Dave Johnson, Geneva, Ill.; and Tom and Karen Bartelli, Overland Park. They also have 16 grandchildren.
THE LEAVEN • may 6, 2011 Marilyn and Tom Sell, members of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 6. The couple was married on May 6, 1961, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Pittsburg. Their children and their spouses are: Becky and Jeff Mize, Overland Park; Steven Sell, Plano, Texas; and David and Mianne Sell, Leawood. They also have six grandchildren. They will celebrate with a renewal of vows before Mass, a dinner for relatives and a trip to Europe in September. Ann and Lyle Howell, members of Annunciation Parish, Frankfort, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on May 5. The couple was married on May 5, 1951, at Annunciation. Their children and their spouses are: Joseph and Penny Howell, Marysville; and Patrick and Kathy Howell, Overland Park. They also have five grandchildren and one great-grandson.
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.
Camps still have openings The following camps at Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg, still have openings. Registration can be done online at: www.archkck.org. (Go to “Ministries and offices,” then “Formation for Youth,” and then “Prairie Star Ranch.” Registration form is on the right.) Camp Kateri (5th and 6th grade) Session 1: June 2-4, girls only Session 3: June 30-July 2, girls only Session 4: July 6-8, girls only Camp Tekakwitha (7th and 8th grade) Session 1: June 6-11, girls only Session 2: June 20-25, boys only Session 3: July 9-14, girls and boys Session 4: July 16-21, girls and boys Camp Tekakwitha High School June 13-18, girls and boys
Catholic Soccer Camps July 18th to July 22nd Metro Kansas City Featuring Pro Soccer Coaches From Italy Day Camp and Overnight Camp Male and Female – Ages 7 to 17 Combining High Level Soccer Instruction with the Catholic Faith and Italian Culture
Tel: (913) 549-4871 Email: martinez@CapistranoGlobal.com
www.CatholicSoccerCamps.com
Thank you
Virtus training Virtus training will be held at the following locations: • May 7 — 9 a.m., Church of the Ascension, Overland Park • May 7 — 9:30 a.m., Sacred Heart, Emporia • May 15 — 6 p.m., St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood • June 7, 8:30 a.m. — Catholic Charities /Community Services • Aug. 29 — 6 p.m., Good Shepherd, Shawnee It is necessary to preregister online for the session you plan to attend on the Web site at: www.virtusonline.org.
for your generous and inspiring support to the Archbishop’s Call to Share 2011
Archdiocesan 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration Cathedral of St. Peter June 5, 2011, 2:00 pm Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann invites couples celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2011 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
Pledge Total $6,773.00 $29,910.00 $14,637.00 $2,190.00 $6,240.00 $4,747.00 $3,535.00 $14,879.00 $7,325.00 $4,410.00 $7,235.00 $1,305.00 $4,575.00 $7,470.00 $9,035.00 $124,266.00
% of Target 76% 114% 124% 94% 167% 91% 91% 157% 77% 105% 111% 69% 169% 146% 167% 116%
% Part. 32% 29% 50% 40% 50% 76% 39% 52% 40% 36% 51% 55% 57% 43% 61% 43%
138 $23,335.00 703 $399,144.57 660 $287,800.00 633 $281,778.10 700 $204,178.98 280 $47,266.00 1,324 $352,638.00 334 $85,732.87 864 $370,020.12 470 $124,453.50 634 $201,304.00 417 $85,103.50 371 $132,955.00 295 $75,333.00 447 $105,781.42 797 $201,348.15 442 $117,916.75 243 $97,455.00 9,752 $3,193,543.96
46% 220% 176% 167% 112% 92% 171% 78% 153% 108% 154% 82% 118% 67% 79% 123% 98% 170% 133%
16% 34% 33% 32% 27% 49% 37% 23% 32% 35% 47% 28% 25% 25% 28% 36% 29% 37% 32%
73 $16,840.00 32 $8,620.00 144 $41,906.00 247 $67,684.50 195 $35,444.00 200 $34,466.24 891 $204,960.74
198% 143% 210% 99% 47% 123% 99%
46% 54% 44% 23% 16% 48% 28%
Parish Households Target Gifts Sacred Heart, Atchison 185 $8,955.00 60 St. Benedict’s, Atchison 527 $26,154.00 154 St. Joseph, Atchison 220 $11,795.00 100 St. Patrick, Atchison 42 $2,322.00 17 St. Benedict, Bendena 82 $3,742.00 38 St. Ann, Effingham 96 $5,213.00 64 St. Louis, Good Intent 79 $3,884.00 31 St. Ann, Hiawatha 201 $9,473.00 104 St. Leo, Horton 167 $9,473.00 62 Corpus Christi, Mooney Creek 90 $4,217.00 32 St. Joseph, Nortonville 134 $6,538.00 65 St. Mary, Purcell 38 $1,895.00 21 St. Charles, Troy 58 $2,702.00 33 Immaculate Conception, Valley Falls 114 $5,119.00 49 St. Joseph, Wathena 109 $5,399.00 67 ATCHISON REGION TOTALS 2,142 $106,881.00 897 Sacred Heart, Gardner 850 $50,454.00 Church of the Nativity, Leawood 2,039 $181,827.00 Curé of Ars, Leawood 2,059 $163,815.00 St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood 1,959 $168,834.00 Holy Trinity, Lenexa 2,616 $182,196.00 St. Pius X, Mission 579 $51,378.00 Prince of Peace, Olathe 3,619 $205,910.00 St. Paul, Olathe 1,470 $110,355.00 Church of the Ascension, Overland Park 2,687 $242,212.00 Holy Cross, Overland Park 1,383 $115,520.00 Holy Spirit, Overland Park 1,374 $130,505.00 Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park 1,509 $104,030.00 St. Ann, Prairie Village 1,462 $112,266.00 St. Agnes, Roeland Park 1,204 $111,986.00 Good Shepherd, Shawnee 1,677 $134,489.00 St. Joseph, Shawnee 2,244 $163,343.00 Sacred Heart, Shawnee 1,554 $119,805.00 Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea 668 $57,363.00 JOHNSON REGION TOTALS 30,953 $2,406,288.00 Annunciation, Baldwin City Assumption, Edgerton Holy Family, Eudora Corpus Christi, Lawrence St. John the Evangelist, Lawrence Sacred Heart, Tonganoxie LAWRENCE REGION TOTALS
Were you married in 1961?
Local news 11
157 67 334 1,084 1,222 429 3,293
$8,523.00 $6,024.00 $19,973.00 $68,571.00 $75,193.00 $28,133.00 $206,417.00
Holy Angels, Basehor 722 St. Joseph-St. Lawrence, Easton 148 St. Francis de Sales, Lansing 497 Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph, Lvnwrth 967 Sacred Heart - St. Casimir, Leavenworth 568 LEAVENWORTH REGION TOTALS 2,902
$29,193.00 $7,958.00 $19,904.00 $43,787.00 $31,850.00 $132,692.00
241 104 179 292 203 1,019
$53,074.00 $24,297.00 $33,469.00 $50,665.00 $51,063.50 $212,568.50
182% 305% 168% 116% 160% 160%
34% 70% 37% 31% 37% 36%
$4,685.00 $12,494.00 $5,560.00 $3,373.00 $4,248.00 $8,933.00 $2,311.00 $10,120.00 $9,495.00 $2,874.00 $14,368.00 $5,560.00 $9,308.00 $20,490.00 $10,995.00 $2,374.00
64 110 37 40 22 64 30 86 93 28 123 50 102 216 83 12
$7,490.00 $13,290.00 $6,865.00 $5,035.00 $4,317.00 $10,211.29 $6,525.00 $9,245.00 $9,495.00 $2,874.00 $25,853.00 $8,090.00 $17,705.00 $25,357.00 $8,635.00 $2,690.00
160% 106% 123% 149% 102% 114% 282% 91% 100% 100% 180% 146% 190% 124% 79% 113%
43% 58% 40% 69% 30% 42% 81% 48% 59% 62% 29% 56% 64% 34% 55% 32%
St. Michael, Axtell Sacred Heart, Baileyville St. Malachy, Beattie St. Columbkille, Blaine St. Monica-St. Elizabeth, Blue Rapids St. Patrick, Corning St. Augustine, Fidelity Annunciation, Frankfort St. Bede, Kelly St. Joseph, Lillis St. Gregory, Marysville St. Vincent de Paul, Onaga Sacred Heart, Sabetha Sts. Peter & Paul, Seneca St. Mary, St. Benedict Holy Family, Summerfield
2011
150 200 92 58 73 152 37 181 157 45 463 90 160 671 152 37
St. James, Wetmore 75 NEMAHA-MARSHALL REGION TOTALS 2,793
$4,498.00 $131,686.00
53 1,213
$8,987.00 $172,664.29
200% 131%
71% 45%
St. Francis Xavier, Burlington St. Patrick, Emerald Sacred Heart, Emporia St. Catherine, Emporia Holy Angels, Garnett St. John the Baptist, Greeley St. Mary, Hartford Our Lady of Lourdes, La Cygne Immaculate Conception, Louisburg Sacred Heart, Mound City St. Joseph, Olpe St. Philip Neri, Osawatomie Sacred Heart, Ottawa Holy Trinity, Paola St. Therese, Richmond St. Boniface, Scipio St. Joseph, Waverly St. Teresa, Westphalia SOUTHERN REGION TOTALS
173 37 801 205 297 116 49 86 243 58 221 119 343 480 54 101 39 72 3,496
$24,737.00 $2,061.00 $46,008.00 $8,754.00 $12,497.00 $6,703.00 $2,458.00 $5,429.00 $15,514.00 $6,959.00 $10,383.00 $6,596.00 $25,840.00 $30,161.00 $2,751.00 $5,117.00 $1,743.00 $3,785.00 $217,496.00
63 19 276 11 89 47 49 34 114 34 154 74 120 186 31 61 23 38 1,423
$11,917.00 $2,715.00 $49,465.00 $986.00 $8,147.50 $4,193.00 $4,606.00 $16,675.00 $28,740.00 $10,015.00 $13,467.00 $11,120.00 $19,557.00 $57,209.00 $4,030.00 $5,731.00 $3,960.00 $6,015.00 $258,548.50
48% 132% 108% 11% 65% 63% 187% 307% 185% 144% 130% 169% 76% 190% 146% 112% 227% 159% 119%
36% 51% 35% 5% 30% 41% 100% 40% 47% 59% 72% 63% 35% 40% 57% 60% 59% 53% 41%
Holy Family, Alma St. Joseph, Flush St. Dominic, Holton St. Francis of Assisi, Lapeer St. Francis Xavier, Mayetta St. Aloysius, Meriden St. Patrick, Osage City Sacred Heart, Paxico St. Theresa, Perry St. Stanislaus, Rossville St. Patrick, Scranton Immaculate Conception, St. Marys Christ the King, Topeka Mater Dei, Topeka Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Topeka Our Lady of Guadalupe, Topeka Sacred Heart - St. Joseph, Topeka St. Matthew, Topeka St. Bernard, Wamego TOPEKA REGION TOTALS
82 128 293 46 119 232 192 136 125 160 141 346 1,947 1,165 1,552 802 684 547 1,067 364 10,128
$4,601.00 37 $7,040.00 55 $15,352.00 123 $3,065.00 23 $7,041.00 70 $14,439.00 83 $11,893.00 79 $9,209.00 64 $7,656.00 38 $8,560.00 59 $8,103.00 51 $21,650.00 128 $134,370.00 659 $67,659.00 424 $109,257.00 448 $44,303.00 334 $41,721.00 122 $50,008.00 363 $69,669.00 501 $22,125.00 99 $657,721.00 3,760
$8,140.00 $7,848.00 $17,323.50 $2,545.00 $8,528.00 $12,690.10 $9,097.50 $5,200.00 $7,335.00 $10,272.00 $6,890.00 $27,720.00 $102,183.00 $72,698.00 $92,649.20 $57,879.52 $20,736.68 $61,717.00 $78,116.00 $18,027.28 $627,595.78
177% 111% 113% 83% 121% 88% 76% 56% 96% 120% 85% 128% 76% 107% 85% 131% 50% 123% 112% 81% 95%
45% 43% 42% 50% 59% 37% 41% 49% 30% 37% 36% 37% 34% 37% 29% 42% 18% 67% 48% 27% 37%
All Saints, Kansas City Blessed Sacrament, Kansas City Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City Christ the King, Kansas City Holy Family, Kansas City Holy Name, Kansas City Our Lady & St. Rose, Kansas City Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City St. John the Baptist, Kansas City St. Mary-St. Anthony, Kansas City St. Patrick, Kansas City WYANDOTTE REGION TOTALS
554 279 320 544 117 274 93 649 283 185 1,537 4,835
$40,203.00 $21,338.00 $33,354.00 $41,366.00 $11,194.00 $28,186.00 $9,029.00 $36,714.00 $22,533.00 $12,317.00 $66,823.00 $323,057.00
303 109 120 218 53 75 32 343 117 77 326 1,773
$30,800.50 $13,272.00 $26,013.00 $31,248.50 $8,091.00 $19,007.00 $3,035.00 $42,238.50 $13,046.00 $8,527.00 $60,462.00 $255,740.50
77% 62% 78% 76% 72% 67% 34% 115% 58% 69% 90% 79%
60% 44% 38% 43% 47% 28% 41% 53% 41% 42% 22% 38%
38 113 151
$2,815.00 $14,947.00 $17,762.00
17 40 57
$3,115.00 $15,556.00 $18,671.00
111% 104% 105%
45% 35% 38%
Korean Catholic Community, Lenexa** St. Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Community** 5 $20,375.00 St. John-Mary Vianney Latin Mass Community** 1 $2,000.00 Other 82 $19,608.00 ARCHDIOCESAN TOTALS 60,693 $4,200,000 20,867 $5,088,167.27 121%
35%
Didde Catholic Campus Center, Emporia St. Lawrence Campus Center, Lawrence CATHOLIC CAMPUS CENTER TOTALS
* Catholic Campus Centers included as parish communities.
* * Catholic Communities are not included in $4.2 M goal Actuals as of April 25, 2011; highlightedes are over goal.
Highlights
• 70 of 112* parishes exceeded their targets • 5 of 8 regions exceeded their goals • 63 of the 112 parishes achieved 40% or greater rates of participation • For the 3rd year in a row St. Mary in Hartford has achieved 100% participation. The information in this report is subject to change; we regret any errors.
12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment Lead consultant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is soliciting applications for the fulltime position of lead consultant for the family life office. This position will be responsible for overseeing and directing the activities of the family life office. Specific activities include reviewing, revising and overseeing the marriage preparation programs and identifying and incorporating programs for marriage and family enrichment. Additional responsibilities involve overseeing programs for seniors, the Project Genesis initiative, as well as coordination of women’s and men’s groups. This position will also oversee the efforts of the My House initiative and work to incorporate the principles of the theology of the body into various programs throughout the archdiocese. Serving as a resource and assistant to the archbishop, this individual will also be available to assist pastors and parish staff. The position reports to the director of the department of parish ministries and supervises two consultants and one administrative assistant. The lead consultant for family life should be an active Catholic who is supportive of and abides by the doctrines and magisterial teachings of the church and has work experience in family life ministry. Prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate education in related area. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocesan Web site at: www.archkck. org/employment. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume, and application by May 15 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Family Life Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109 or send, via e-mail, to: kthomas@archkck.org. Financial planner - CFP®, CPA, JD, MBA or equivalent, although willing to train for right candidate. Personal financial planning for growing wealth management practice. Must love people, attention to details and deadlines. Send cover letter and resume, via e-mail, to: henke@thinkingbeyond.com. Bookkeeper - Growing Overland Park company is seeking a full- or part-time bookkeeper. Candidate must be well versed with QuickBooks software, have two or more years experience in detail-oriented fullcycle accounting, and be interested in working with a growing company. Responsibilities include: advanced account reconciliation, intermediate collections – commercial, intermediate bank reconciliations, accounts receivable, accounts payable. We offer paid benefits including a 401(k) plan. Salary range is $11.24 - $13.74 per hour. Send resume, via e-mail, to Chris Mnichowski at: Chris.Mnichowski@ctifs.com. Bishop Miege High School - Is seeking applications for mathematics and social studies teachers and head baseball coach for the 2011/2012 school year. Send letter and resume to Mariann Jaksa, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Shawnee Mission KS 66205 or, via email, to: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com. Half-time youth minister – We are seeking an enthusiastic youth minister to plan, enhance and support youth activities for our jr. and sr. high youth ministry programs. The youth minister would also help coordinate our confirmation program for grades 7 - 8. Applicants must truly love working with youth and enjoy practicing and sharing our faith. Computer, organizational and interpersonal skills are required. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Send resume, via e-mail, to Pat Shultz at: pats@ corpuschristilks.org. Sales counselor - Don’t just get a job, start a rewarding career! McGilley Memorial Chapels has been serving Kansas City since 1899 with eight metro area locations. We currently have career opportunities for motivated sales professionals who are serviceminded, energetic and ambitious. Experience in the funeral home or cemetery industry is helpful but not necessary. We provide an excellent structured training program and we offer a full benefits package, flexible hours and advancement opportunities. For additional information or to submit your resume, contact Shelly at: shelly.weatherford@sci-us.com. Sales - The ideal candidate must have excellent lead follow-up and qualification skills and good organization, written, verbal and computer communication skills. The right person will have earned $75,000 in commission sales. Experience in the building, insurance or construction trade is helpful. Call Terry at (913) 980-3559 or send an e-mail to him at: moyer26@earthlink.net. Administrative assistant - Sacred Heart of Jesus School, Shawnee, is seeking a full-time administrative assistant for our front office. Submit resume and cover letter, via e-mail, to: nick.antista@shoj.org.
THE LEAVEN • MAY 6, 2011 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; or call (785) 364-5450.
Services Piano lessons - Private piano teacher is relocating from Nashville, Tenn. Bachelor’s in music with piano pedagogy emphasis. Gifted and talented teaching endorsement. Call Janet Jamison at (931) 2154293 (Tenn. area code) or send an e-mail to: jjpiano studio@hotmail.com. Machine quilting by Lyn - I also do T-shirt, photo, and memorial quilts. Official Hobbs distributor. Located in Overland Park. Call Lyn at (913) 492-8877. Counseling - Topeka Marriage and family, child, teen, personal Shunga Creek Mental Health Call Ken Zweig, LSCSW at (785) 969-5308. Housecleaning - Old-fashioned hand mopping and more. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. I have a few openings. Call Sharon at (816) 3220006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile). Husband and wife cleaning team - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959. Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 422-0610; or send an e-mail to: tkidd@kc.rr.com. Semi-retired arborist - Available for tree and shrub trimming. Call Bob at (913) 231- 6460. Foley’s Lawn Care Mowing, aeration & overseeding Landscape maintenance Spring & Fall cleanups, gutter cleaning Residential & commercial (913) 825-4353 Proudly serving Johnson County for 10+ years www.foleyslawncare.com
THE LEAVEN • MAY 6, 2011 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 Web site at: www.benefitsofhome.com. Experienced CNA - Available to care for your loved one. Experience with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. Excellent references; background check welcome. Full time, during the day preferred. Johnson and Wyandotte County areas. (913) 999-4340.
Home Improvement Clutter getting you down? Organize, fix, assemble, clean . . . we do it all! For a free consultation, call your professional organizing handyman, Kevin Hogan, M Ed, today at (913) 271-5055. Insured; references. Visit the Web site at: www.koatindustries.com. Clutter problems? Embarrassing garage, basement, attic or any room? Let me help you get organized! Items sorted, grouped, boxed and labeled; areas clean when finished. Great references and insured. Twenty years experience! Handyman repairs also available. To view “before” and “after” pictures, visit my Web site at: www.swalms.com. Tillar Swalm (913) 375-9115. 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. Brick masons - Installation and repair of all types of masonry work — brick, stone, and concrete. 17 years of residential and commercial experience. Small and large jobs accepted. KC Metro area. For a free quote, call Jim or John at (913) 485-4307. Carpet direct – We cut out the middle man and bring the showroom to you! The best place to see your flooring is in your own home or office. Save 40 - 80% on carpet and hard surfaces. Residential and commercial. For a free estimate, call Amanda at (913) 742-4003. Master electrician - Licensed in Missouri and Kansas. 35 years experience in residential and commercial electrical needs. Call Rick, L & M Electric, at (913) 362-1501 or (816) 781-1501.
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 e-mail 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.
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.
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.
Pristine Lawn and Landscape Creations Pond installation and maintenance, full-service lawn care, stone wall installation, landscaping and fencing. For a free consultation and estimate for all your landscaping needs, call Logan Brittain at (913) 608-1599 or send an e-mail to him at: pristinepondcreations@ gmail.com.
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.
Lawn mowing and landscaping - Mowing starting at $25. Also offering power washing, dirt work, drainage solutions, tree trimming, mulching and all other landscape work. Call (816) 509-0224. Lawn Care Mowing * spring cleanups * fertilizing Free estimates. Insured, excellent references Call Tony at (913) 620-6063 Medical supplies and equipment - Home from the hospital and needing supplies and equipment? KC Home Medical Supply has what you need. Come see our retail store, or call Ed at (913) 385-2020.
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, Sara or Gary.
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 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. E-mail: smokeycabin@ hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896. Father and son team looking for outside work - Painting, wood rot repair, decks, fences, retaining walls, concrete — you name it, we can do it all for a fair price! We do inside work as well. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.
Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998
Vacation Colorado summer vacation - Winter Park. 2 BR, 1 BA, sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec. center w/pool, fishing, golf, hiking, rafting; close to nat’l park. $100/night; $600/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589. Mountain cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $95/night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the Web site at: www.till mancabin.com. Attention, seniors: April and May special - 4 nights and 5 days; $165 per couple, $330 total. 2 BR, 2 BA condo with all the comforts of home with brandnew furniture, right on the lake with a million dollar view of the main channel. Good Mon. – Fri. Ask about the great Branson-style show. Call your friends and reserve your special week. Steve and Sheryl Roederer, (913) 244-2022.
For Rent Home for rent – 29th and Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. 3 BR, 1-1/2 BA, living, dining and family rooms; kitchen, laundry in semi-finished basement; central air; deck and fenced-in patio. $525/per month. Utilities not included. $525 deposit. No pets. Call (913) 371-7749. Overland Park home - Nice 2 BR with a fenced yard, washer/dryer and more near 75th and Metcalf. $999 per month, plus security deposit. Contact Rod at (913) 485-2972. Room for rent – Furnished bedroom/house to share with owner and mother. Good area in Kansas City, Kan. Prefer older or retired woman. One resident cat. Utilities and wireless Internet provided. Large yard, deck. $500/month. Call Michele at (913) 2877313. Overland Park - Nice, 2 BR, 1-1/2 BA duplex with a one-car garage. Appliances and local pool/ amenities included. For an appointment to view, call (913) 383-1343. For rent – 1 BR, 1 BA apartment in Shawnee near Nieman Rd. and Johnson Dr. $520/month; utilities included. 10911 W. 59th Terr. For a virtual tour, visit the Web site at: www.shawnee-rentals.com. Call (913) 649-7596. Lenexa duplex - 3 BR, 1-1/2 BA, fireplace, hardwood floors, dine-in kitchen and deck. One-year lease. $825 per month. For an appointment, call (913) 768-6447.
Real Estate Overland Park townhome FSBO - Two-story, 3 BR, 2-1/2 BA. Assumable FHA loan. Little or no money down. Call (913) 909-0757. FSBO – 4 BR, 2-1/2 BA, across the street from St. Patrick Parish/School. Large corner lot located at 9348 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to view, call (913) 219-4814. Lakefront home - In Bear Lake community, 15225 161st St. (just west of Bonner Springs off K-32 in Leavenworth County.) 3 BR, 3-1/2 BA, four garage spaces, screened-in porch, wrap-around deck, 4.7acre lot, finished walk-out basement, magnificent views of 57-acre lake and a wildlife preserve. Convenient to Holy Angels, Basehor, and Sacred Heart, Shawnee. $497,500. FSBO by appointment, call (913) 624-4601. Kansas City, Kan. home - 315 N. 17 St. Large three-story brick home. 4+ BRs, 2 BA, two-car garage. Newer HVAC and roof. $155,000. Cathedral of St. Peter Parish. Call John at (913) 302-1621. Small ranch home - 5924 Barton, Shawnee. 3 BR, 1 BA. Two blocks from St. Joseph Church and School. $99,000. For an appointment to view, call (913) 962-5058. Classified ads continued on page 13
Shawnee home - 14010 W. 74th St., in the Wedgewood subdivision. 4 BR, 3-1/2 BA, large kitchen and hearth room, formal living and dining rooms, large master suite with double closets, three-car garage. Located on a cul-de-sac in Good Shepherd Parish. Neighborhood pool. $364,000. Call John at (913) 302-1621. Naples, Florida - Two 2BR, 2BA condominiums. One turn-key furnished. Two blocks to the beach and two blocks to 5th Ave. South – in the heart of old Naples. For information, call Andy at (239) 261-6233.
Misc. Bishop Ward High School senior seeking summer job - Much experience in lawn mowing, trimming and weeding. Will do odd jobs. Call Brently at (913) 449-8268. Donate a vehicle, make a difference. Donate your vehicle to Catholic Charities to support those in need. Your tax-deductible donation of a vehicle helps children and families served by Catholic Charities and is an environmentally wise way to recycle your vehicle. Cars for KC Kids is a partnership between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Catholic Charities of Kansas City - St. Joseph. Call 1 (866) 4309499 or visit the Web site at: www.cars4kckids. com.
For Sale Player piano - Drachman, early 1900s, 100 rolls music, needs tuning, free to a good home. Call (913) 3715704. Must pick up in Kansas City, Kan.
For sale – One cemetery plot in the Charity Garden at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. $1100. Call John at (913) 953-6480. American Girl-type solid wood doll furniture - Heirloom quality, handmade, built to last a lifetime. In-home showroom. Custom orders welcome. Call John Hember at (913) 631-4060. Member of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. www.etsy.com/shop/ bedsandthreads. Rascal Scooter - Candy-red four-wheel handicapped accessibility scooter for sale. Only used twice! Call Joe at (913) 299-6873 or send an e-mail to him at: joetnovak@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.
Childcare Need some help this summer? I will plan fun summer activities for your children: going to the pool, crafts, and outdoor activities. Summer is a perfect time for playing and learning. I have babysat for the past seven years and worked with a variety of ages. I have dependable transportation and have excellent refrences. Call Shannan at (913) 575-4774.
Wanted to buy
May 7
Prince of Peace Parish, 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe, will sponsor a trivia night on May 7 to benefit the St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf - KC. Get family, friends, and neighbors together to create a team of eight adults. Registration begins at 4 p.m.; the first round of trivia will begin at 5 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. For information, call Julie Lowe at (913) 383-3535 or send an e-mail to her at: jlowe@sjid.org. Internationally renowned Catholic musician Michael John Poirier will perform a benefit concert for Padre Pio Academy at 7 p.m. on May 7 in the Knights of Columbus Hall, located at 11221 Johnson Dr., Shawnee. A social hour will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets cost: $20 for adults; $5 for students; $50 maximum for families. To purchase tickets, call the school at (913) 268-3155 or visit the Web site at: www.padrepio academy.org. Join the 27th annual Polski Day celebration on May 7. The parade will begin at noon at 18th and Central, Kansas City, Kan. There will be Polish food, entertainment and festivities from noon 7 p.m. A special Polish Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. at All Saints Church, 229 S. 8th St. All proceeds will benefit the church. For information, visit the Web site at: www.polskiday.com, or call Cathy Kolenda Smith at (913) 721-0081. Sanctuary of Hope, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Honor Thy Mother” from 9 - 11:30 a.m. on May 7 at the Reardon Center, 525 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Prepaid reservations are due by May 1. For information or to RSVP, call (913) 321-4673. The cost is $20 per person. There will be a full breakfast and Mariachi Artesano serenade. Join LifeFront at 9 a.m. on May 7 across from the Planned Parenthood office, 4401 W. 109th St., Overland Park, as Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann leads a rosary on behalf of unborn babies and their mothers. Park in the large lot on the northeast corner of 109th St. Last year there were more cars than parking, so carpool if possible. Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers will host their annual walk for life at 8:30 a.m. on May 7 in the Cook Center at MidAmerica Nazarene University. To register, visit the Web site at: http:// aapcwalk4life2011.org.
Will buy firearms and related accessories One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. ***WANTED*** I buy coins, older watches, silverware, slot machines, old rifles and shotguns, stoneware crocks and jugs, old furniture from basement or attic. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269 Catholic Estate items wanted - Serious collector. Pictures, historic/rare pieces, paintings and statues. Call (913) 871-6444.
To purchase a classified ad:
Send an e-mail to: jennifer@theleaven. com, or call (913) 647-0327. The cost is $16 for five lines or less.
cades of the rosary, followed by Benediction and enrollment in the brown scapular.
9
The 30th annual golf classic to benefit the Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas will be held on May 9, beginning at 11 a.m., at Lake Quivira Country Club.
11 The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan.,
will offer “Blended Families: Parenting the Children of Others,” a two-part parenting program, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on May 11 and 18. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.
12
Donnelly College, 608 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host “Coffee on Campus” on May 12. This is a casual opportunity to learn about the exciting advancements at Donnelly, while enjoying a free cup of coffee. Attendees can also request a tour of Donnelly’s growing campus. If interested, send an email to: advancement@donnelly.edu. The Holy Women series for May will feature Sue Monk Kidd, author of “When the Heart Waits,” from 1 - 3 p.m. on May 12 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.
13
Join the Serrans for a Holy Hour of adoration on the feast of Our Lady of Fatima from 2 - 3 p.m. on May 13 at St. Ann Church, 7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village. A rosary will be prayed, followed by Benediction and special prayers for vocations. Has a Catholic school pastor helped, encouraged, or inspired you while attending a Catholic school? We would love to hear about it! The Catholic Education Foundation will be honoring archdiocesan Catholic school pastors at the annual CEF Gaudeamus dinner on Oct. 8. Send your stories no later than May 13, via e-mail, to Patty Morrisey at: pmorrisey@archkck.org. The Singles of Nativity (SON) will host a happy hour, beginning at 6 p.m. on May 13, at 810 The Zone, 4800 W. 119th St., Leawood. For information or to view other SON activities, visit the Web site at: www.SON-Ministry.org.
14
8
Our Lady and St. Rose Parish will host a Mother’s Day breakfast from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. on May 8 at Blessed Sacrament Family Center, 2203 Parallel, Kansas City, Kan. A freewill offering will be collected. The Church of the Ascension Parish, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, will host the Fatima rosary rally at 3 p.m. on May 8. Join in praying 15 de-
The social club at St. Cyril Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., will host a taco dinner from 2 - 6 p.m. on May 14. The cost is $6 for adults; $3 for children.
15
Mary Health of the Sick Guild of the Sisters, Servants of Mary will meet following the 9 a.m. Mass on May 15 at the convent, located at 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan. Anyone interested in joining the guild is invited to attend.
CALENDAR 13
17
“Golfing for Talking,” the annual golf tournament to benefit the St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf - KC, will be held on May 17 at Falcon Ridge Golf Club, 20200 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa. For information or to register, call Sharon Frankel at (913) 383-3535 or send an e-mail to her at: sfrankel@sjid.org.
21
The St. John the Divine reunion committee will host a taco dinner fundraiser at Monchies, 1350 S. 26th St., Kansas City, Kan., from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on May 21. The cost is $5. For information or to purchase tickets, call Vickie Loya at (913) 596-2078 or Chris Gonzalez at (913) 485-3229.
18
All Kansas women without health insurance are invited to attend the Early Detection Works program, which offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings for qualifying women in Kansas, on May 18 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. No reservations are needed; just drop in between 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. For information, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.
19
The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Career Exploration: What Should I Be?” from 10 - 11:30 a.m. on May 19. This program is designed as a first step in looking at personal strengths and preferences to make satisfying career decisions. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb. org/kwc. The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will present “When a Family Changes: Dealing with Separation and Divorce” from 1:30 - 3 p.m. on May 19. This program is recommended for women who want information to protect themselves and their children legally and financially. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.
Misc. A child and babysitting safety training class will be offered from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. (bring a sack lunch) on May 21 at Mater Dei-Holy Name Church, 1114 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka. Participants must register by May 15. For information or to register, call (816) 918-8159 or (785) 430-7095. The Kansas City Catholic Homeschool Conference will be held on June 17 - 18 at St. James Academy, Lenexa. Many local and national speakers will discuss a variety of topics. There will also be a teen track offered for 13- to 18-year-olds. For information or registration materials, visit the Web site at: www.kccatholichomeschooler.org.
Calendar items must be received nine days before the publication date. E-mail submissions are preferred; send to: jennifer@ theleaven.com. Submissions may be mailed to: 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.
14 COMMENTARY
THE LEAVEN • May 6, 2011
THE LEAVEN • may 6, 2011
Mark my words
Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Quote Week
of the
“Today [Pope John Paul II’s] name is added to the host of those whom he proclaimed saints and blesseds during the almost 27 years of his pontificate.” Pope Benedict XVI see stories on pages 1, 8 &9
“W
building the culture of life
Are you ready for Mother’s Day?
hat? No way!” “This Sunday?” “Are you sure about that?”
Since these are some of the comments I’ve heard over the past couple of days, I’m starting this column with a public service announcement: Drop everything — Mother’s Day is definitely this Sunday, May 8. I know, I know, it seems “early,” but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s still the second Sunday of the month, the time designated to celebrate this special person in our lives. Some folks who haven’t forgotten that it’s Mother’s Day are the retailers. My e-mail in-box has been flooded with all sorts of ideas for gifts for mom. Besides the usual flowers and chocolates, these sellers are offering everything from giant dipped fancy berries to a fairy house planter to shoes with a “versoshock reverse trampoline sole” to a “buttery textured leather two-strap smart phone case that’s caressably soft.” While it’s wise and fitting to get some thing for your mom, don’t let that overshadow what’s most important. The sentiment is captured well in a country song from the late ‘70s, recorded by both C.W. McCall and Red Sovine. It isn’t so much a “song,” as spoken lyrics with music in the background. Entitled “Roses for Mama,” it’s about a man who’s on his way to Florida for a vacation. While on the way, he realizes that it’s his mother’s birthday. He calls and, when she asks if he’s coming by, he says that he’s really pressed for time, but will drop in on her in a couple of weeks.
The man then goes into a florist’s shop to wire his mom a bouquet for her birthday. While there, he encounters a little boy who wants to buy some roses for his mother, but he only has a dime. The boy explains that he hasn’t seen his mom in a year and that he’s living with his grandma. He wants to get five roses for his mom, because that’s how old he is. The man tells the florist to put the boy’s roses on his bill. Excitedly, the boy runs from the store with his bouquet. As the man drives away from the florist’s shop, he passes by an old cemetery and is surprised to see the little boy kneeling at a grave with the five roses in his hand. The man pulls into the cemetery and asks the boy what he’s doing. The boy explains that this is where his mother stays now and that he comes here all the time to talk to her and, on special occasions, to give her flowers. The man immediately turns around, drives back to the florist shop, and asks if his mother’s flowers have been sent yet. When the florist says “no,” the man tells her to cancel the delivery, because he’s decided to take the flowers to his mom in person. It’s a nice little song with a valuable lesson: Often the best present we can give to those we love is to be present in their lives. That’s especially true — and
needed — in our overly busy culture. I’m amazed at how, even when we’re with someone today, we’re not really present. How many times have you seen people interrupt a conversation with a real-live person sitting across from them to take a call or sneak a peek at a text that just came in on their cell phones? Maybe the greatest gift that we can give to one another these days is simply to genuinely be with one another . . . without distractions. I think that moms are a great place to start this practice. On Mother’s Day, if you’re lucky enough to have a mom who is still alive, do all that you can to spend time with her. And if your mom is not alive, pick someone who has been “like a mom” to you and spend time with her. Don’t forget the card and gift, but remember that what is most important to your mom is your unhurried and focused presence. Turn off your cell phone and leave it in the car during your visit. We once lived quite well without these instruments; we can relearn to do without them for a time each day, especially when in the presence of those we love and care about. And don’t let your Mother’s Day attentiveness be a one-time deal. Schedule regular times for meals out or to celebrate special (and even not-so-special) occasions. Be creative in finding “excuses” for these face-toface encounters. Maybe even give your mom a homemade coupon book, good for items like a walk together in the park, a shared ice cream treat, a “deep cleaning” of some room in the house, or tickets to a play or movie. So, why are you still spending time reading this? Put the paper down, grab some roses and go see your mama!
second thoughts on the second reading
third sunday of easter May 8 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 9 Monday Acts 6: 8-15; Ps 119: 23-24, 26-27, 29-30; Jn 6: 22-29 May 10 Damien Joseph de Veuster of Moloka’i, priest Acts 7:51 — 8:1a; Ps 31: 3cd-4, 6-7b, 8a, 17, 21ab; Jn 6: 30-35 May 11 Wednesday Acts 8: 1b-8; Ps 66: 1-3a, 4-7a; Jn 6: 35-40 May 12 Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs; Pancras, martyr Acts 8: 26-40; Ps 66: 8-9, 16-17, 20; Jn 6: 44-51 May 13 Our Lady of Fatima Acts 9: 1-20; Ps 117: 1-2; Jn 6: 52-59 May 14 MATTHIAS, APOSTLE Acts 1: 15-17, 20-26; Ps 113: 1-8; Jn 15: 9-17
H
Early Christians lived a new exodus
ow we should deal with aliens residing in our country remains an important issue in American politics. Should we welcome them as potential fellow citizens? Should we suspect them as possible terrorists? The attitudes in our populace range anywhere in between these viewpoints. Two thousand years ago, Christians were considered aliens in the Roman Empire. They held a Third Sunday lower social staof Easter tus than citizens, 1 Pt 1: 17-21 without the corresponding rights and privileges. We are constantly reminded of that subordinate position in the First Letter of Peter. For example, Sunday’s second reading urges: “Conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning.” The word “sojourning” refers to residence in a foreign country. Elsewhere, the letter addresses its audience twice as “sojourners” (1 Pt 1:1; 2:11). It appears as a consistent theme throughout the letter. Although Christians were evidently not facing outright persecution when the letter was written, they did have to struggle with various hardships. They were ostracized by their neighbors. They did not fit in with the mainstream of society. That is why the letter seeks to
encourage them. It reminds them of the high value that God places on them: “You were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished lamb.” The reference to Christ as a lamb calls to mind the lamb eaten during the Passover supper. That meal commemorates the liberation of the Hebrew people from bondage in Egypt. As aliens in Egypt, the Hebrews had suffered oppression. Since the early Christians were also aliens subjected to many difficulties, they could identify with the Hebrews of old. And just as the Hebrew people had found deliverance through their exodus from Egypt, so Christians found deliverance through Jesus Christ. He had redeemed them by his death. They were experiencing a new exodus. The Hebrew people had journeyed to the promised land of Canaan. Similarly,
commentary 15
Christians were journeying toward the promised land of heaven. The Christians’ sense of being strangers in a pagan world persisted long after the writing of the First Letter of Peter. For example, the Letter to Diognetus, written by an unnamed author late in the second century, pointed out how Christians resembled their fellow citizens in some respects, while they differed in others: “With regard to dress, food and manner of life in general, they follow the customs of whatever city they happen to live in. And yet there is something extraordinary about their lives. They live in their own countries as though they were only passing through. They play their full role as citizens, but labor under all the disabilities of aliens. Any country can be their homeland, but for them their homeland, whatever it may be, is a foreign country. Like others, they marry and have children, but they do not expose them. They share their meals, but not their wives. “They live in the flesh, but they are not governed by the desires of the flesh. They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven.” Father Mike Stubbs is the senior parochial vicar of Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.
R
Demand politicians be pro-life by your vote
ecently we have seen both encouraging and discouraging votes on pro-life issues.
Encouraging: In the state of Kansas, Gov. Brownback signed two pro-life bills regarding unborn child pain awareness and parental consent. Discouraging: At the national level, Congress voted “no” to defunding Planned Parenthood and thereby continues federal funding for the largest provider of abortions in the United States. What can be done to correct this pro-abortion problem with the U.S. Congress? First, let’s analyze this problem while, at the same time, avoiding any possible partisanship by looking only at facts. We see that the House voted strongly to defund Planned Parenthood 241 to 185, but the Senate
vote failed 42 to 58. Analyzing further, we see that only 10 Democrats out of 243 Democrats in Congress voted to defund Planned Parenthood. The vote cast among Democrats shows the well-known pro-choice position of the Democratic Party — but not all Democratic Party members. This pro-abortion position is reinforced by the pro-abortion plank in the Democratic Party platform, a portion of which follows: “The Democratic Party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade
and a woman’s right to choose a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay, and we oppose any and all efforts to weaken or undermine that right.” Such a strong pro-abortion position makes it very difficult for pro-life politicians within the Democratic Party. But, fortunately, there are courageous Democrats who strongly disagree with this pro-abortion position and who vote pro-life. Rep. Dan Lipinski of Chicago is one such example and we should pray that he and others, by their example, will be able to help remove this pro-choice plank. Our society desperately needs all political parties to support and defend the lives of all human beings, born and unborn. Each of us can also help to make this change by voting for only pro-life politicians — regardless of party. Once
society demonstrates with its vote that being pro-choice is unacceptable, politicians will become pro-life, at least politically. This will also then positively influence the judicial system. And these are necessary steps in defending the lives of millions of unborn babies and in building a culture of life. Please become a part of the pro-life momentum and pray and work and vote to build this culture of life. Stay abreast of important pro-life issues by subscribing to the free St. Joseph EBriefs at the Web site: www.prolifeKC. com. We are winning. Mary, mother of life, pray for us. Ron Kelsey is the archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office. You can send an email to him at: prolife@archkck.org, or call (913) 647-0350.
simply stewardship
M
Called each by name, and finally, to God
y mother died and was buried in late March. The periods of sadness come over me suddenly. I am fine. And then, a word, a sound, an image, will remind me of how much I miss her.
My two brothers and three sisters, our spouses and many of our children kept a vigil for several days around her hospital bed before she stopped breathing. Those days were the saddest — and the most beautiful — that we have ever shared as a family. I understand deeply now the poignant loneliness of an orphan. Our mothers know us, understand us, forgive us and are the first persons we
call with happy news. The sobbing, inconsolable heartache we felt when Mom died must have been how Mary Magdalene felt when she wept at the tomb after Jesus died on the cross. But then, according to the Gospel of John, Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew,
“Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. Jesus called her by her name and she recognized immediately who he was. Hearing her name spoken by her beloved Jesus! I can only imagine what that must have been like. The Easter story reminds me that although our mothers love us in their wombs, there is another who loves us first: Our Lord, Jesus Christ, who calls each of us by name. My grandparents gave my mother a combination of their names — after Grandpa, Leo Patrick, and Grandma, Ruth Ann — and presented her for baptism at Sacred Heart in Arkansas City almost a century ago. At her baptism, they were asked, “What name have you given this child?” The priest baptized her with her name, Patricia Ruth, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. According to the Catechism
of the Catholic Church, “God calls each one by name. Everyone’s name is sacred. The name is an icon of the person. It demands respect as a sign of the dignity of the one who bears it.” The name my mother gave me is mine throughout eternity. We are stewards of our good names. My brothers and sisters and I received all that we have from God. We received life thanks to our mother, along with our talents and quirks and each other. She also gave us our names. We are each called by name, beloved and claimed by God. How glorious it must have been for my mother to hear Jesus call her name. How glorious it will be when we are with him in paradise. Lesle Knop is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. You can send an e-mail to her at: lknop@archkck.org.
K E AT I N G Mud Jacking
Serving NE Kansas Since 1976
FOUNDATION REPAIR
Cracked • Bowed • Settled Wall Repair v Wall Bracing v Waterproofing FREE ESTIMATES v Steel Underpinning
MUD JACKING
Raise & Level v Patios v Drives v Garage Floors v Slab Houses
Locally Owned & Operated Kansas City (913) 262-9352
Piers Driven to Load-Bearing Strata or Bedrock
Lawrence Topeka (785) 865-0006 (785) 246-0128
16 local news
THE LEAVEN • may 6, 2011
Students celebrate virtually ‘their’ pope’s beatification By Steve Johnson
Special to The Leaven atchison — He was THE pope to an entire generation of Catholics; they had known no other. So it’s no surprise that there was keen interest on the part of many students of archdiocesan colleges and universities in the beatification of Pope John Paul II. In response, several colleges sponsored various events and earlymorning watch parties during the beatification ceremonies in Rome. At Benedictine College in Atchison, the Vatican flag flew above the campus and yellow and white streamers adorned the light poles. The College Ministry program planned an entire week’s worth of events, aptly named the John Paul II Beatification Celebration. At the same time, the Apostles of the Interior Life were busy on the campus of the University of Kansas in Lawrence. The group hosted a movie on the life of John Paul II and held a live watch party during the Vatican ceremonies for students of the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center. Events at Benedictine included everything from a screening of the movie “Nine Days That Changed the World,” which documented the pope’s role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, to a Sunday Mass with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrating the rite of beatification. “Students were very excited about the watch party,” said Father Brendan Rolling, OSB, director for mission and ministry at Benedictine College. “We had campus mourning when Pope John Paul passed away and we had a ‘pope party’ when Pope Benedict was elected, and now we’re blessed to have this great celebration for Pope John Paul and his beatification.” Ian O’Hagan, a freshman at Benedictine College, was the chief organizer of the watch party. He took
Watch parties like this one at Benedictine College in Atchison allowed students to gather and watch all the drama of Pope John Paul II’s beatification unfold. the name of John Paul for his confirmation name and, for him, the beatification was personal. “I was 13 when he died, two weeks away from receiving confirmation,” he explained. “We heard the funeral bell ring. Upon turning the radio on, we heard that John Paul had died.” “I was trying to pick a good confirmation name,” O’Hagan continued. “Right then and there, I decided I would take the name of John Paul. Two weeks later, I was confirmed with that name. “I had watched the mourners keep vigil in St. Peter’s Square during his last days. I had watched his funeral and the crowning of Benedict XVI. It only made sense to watch the pope I have admired the most take the last steps toward sainthood.” Holly Lancaster, a senior journalism and mass communication major at Benedictine, attended the watch party and was touched by the outpouring of love for “JP II.” “The people around me were going nuts,” she said. “We were so excited! To have a pope . . . that we grew up with be beatified as a blessed is such an amazing gift to our faith.” Maggie Ruppert, a senior doublemajoring in secondary education and theology at Benedictine, was similarly impressed. “This weekend I was amazed at the love for John Paul that is still very much alive in the hearts of our students,” she said. Earlier in the week, the delightful presentation by Nelson Krueger, the “papal pilot,” as he was billed at Benedictine, gave insights into John Paul II’s personality and natural friendliness. While there were plenty of stories, like the pope playing guitar and singing “Silent Night” on the plane,
“This weekend I was amazed at the love for John Paul that is still very much alive in the hearts of our students.”
”
Maggie Ruppert, Benedictine senior
there was one particular incident that clearly touched the students in attendance. Krueger told how a young priest was holding a very hot halogen light to illuminate the aisle inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral during Pope John Paul II’s stop in New York City. Krueger was nearby and noticed the young man, as did hundreds of others in the church. Nobody, however, lifted a hand to help him. Krueger said that when Pope John Paul II finished Mass and was leaving the church, he stopped, walked over to the young priest, and wiped his face with a handkerchief. Krueger said the church was absolutely silent as those gathered to see the pope realized they could have easily done the same for the priest. But it took the pope to show them the way. When Krueger concluded that story in the O’Malley-McAllister Auditorium that day, the silence was similarly deafening; several students wiped tears from their eyes. “How often in everyday life do we see people who need things?” asked McKenna Daniel, who was moved by the story. A 2010 Benedictine graduate who had come back for the beatification celebration, she was glad she had
taken the time to stop by the presentation. “That was the best preaching, and he didn’t say a word,” she said. “Pope John Paul II was the perfect illustration of the famous quote from St. Francis of Assisi, who said ‘Preach always and, if you must, speak.’” On the KU campus, Sister Elena Morcelli said the Apostles of the Interior Life wanted to share the love that John Paul II had for youth with the college students of today. Since they were operating on a large, secular university campus, they could not make the assumption that students knew anything at all about John Paul. So they printed pamphlets for students to use during eucharistic adoration and they showed the Vaticanapproved movie, “Pope John Paul II: Based on the Powerful True Story.” The CBS made-for-TV movie starred Jon Voight and Cary Elwes and tells the story of Karol Wojtyla’s journey from his youth in Poland through his death. “Pope John Paul II had a special relationship with the youth and we wanted those who did not know him to get a feeling of that,” she said. “Plus, these students did not know much about a beatification and we wanted them to have [the] experience of seeing the ceremony. With our experience from our time in Rome, we helped them with the Latin and we helped explain what was happening over the three hours.” Ryan Dennihan, a senior English major at KU, is actively discerning a religious vocation and attended the Apostles of the Interior Life watch party. “The event of John Paul II’s beatification was, for me, a meditation on the contemporaneousness of Christ among us,” he said. “To our generation, John Paul II was perhaps the prime example of the transforming encounter — when the living heart encounters the living Christ — and its impact on the church, in the world, and in reality.” Dennihan grew up with John Paul II as his Pope and has read his theology of the body, along with encyclicals on vocations. He hopes to be able to find a religious vocation after college. “I pray to Blessed John Paul II every day for my vocation,” he said. For the Benedictine students, the event was an affirmation of their faith. “We were proud to be a part of the beatification,” said Benedictine’s Lancaster. “And we were proud to be Catholic.”