theleaven.com | vol. 35, no. 37 | may 9, 2014
Leaven photo by Joe McSorley
John Paul II seventh-grader William Sharpton is impressed by the money raised by his classmates at a May 2 assembly, as Erin Sutherlin (middle) and Sarah Gress look on. The event was the culmination of the school’s weeklong celebration of the canonization of their namesake. John Paul II was canonized in Rome on April 27, along with Pope John XXIII.
School honors its namesake
By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com
O
VERLAND PARK — It’s not often students can say that their school’s namesake became a saint in their lifetime. But when it happens, it warrants something big — like the weeklong celebration that took place at John Paul II School in Overland Park. St. John Paul II was canonized in Rome on April 27 while most of the students were sleeping. So the missions committee that works with the school devised a celebration that not only honored the life of Pope John Paul II, but dovetailed with this year’s faith theme for archdiocesan schools — “Proclaim it: In Spirit, In Word, In Deed.” Kicking off the week on April 28, students in preschool through eighth grade donned T-shirts commemorating the canonization — which caused a bit of a stir wherever they went. (One teacher took her own children into a convenience store, where an employee noticed their shirts and shared
Leaven photo by Joe McSorley
Overland Park Fire Chief Bryan Dehner thanks the students at John Paul II School in Overland Park for their many donations. The money will be used to purchase stuffed teddy bears that stock Fire Department vehicles and are used to comfort young children during emergency calls. He is flanked by Sarah Gress (immediate right) and Bea Lacy. his own story of meeting Pope John Paul II.) Classes throughout the week featured the new saint, while students un-
dertook little acts of kindness at home to raise money to brighten the lives of others, said Susie English, the school’s principal.
“We asked the parents to not just give [the money] to them, but to have them earn it,” she said. Students then brought in their earnings, which went to buy stuffed teddy bears to stock Fire Department vehicles. The firemen use the bears to comfort young children during fires or other emergency calls. When at the final assembly, the collected donations and some teddy bears were handed over to Overland Park Fire Chief Bryan Dehner, he commended the students’ generosity. “Every time we go on a run, a part of your school is in that fire truck because we’ll have a bear in that truck at all times,” Dehner told the students. The assembly concluded with a routine based on the music to Anna Kendrick’s “Cups” song, but with lyrics penned by longtime teacher Marty Owsley. Instead of verses that start with, “When I’m gone, when I’m gone; you’re gonna miss me when I’m gone” the students sang: “John Paul II, John Paul II, they’ve made a saint out of you. All the good things you have done; All the converts you have won; Oh, you’re heaven’s favorite, John Paul II.”
2 archbishop
theleaven.com | may 9, 2014
Life will be victorious
Entrust to Mary your special needs this month of May
W
hen visiting St. Benedict’s Abbey earlier this year, Father Meinrad Miller gave me a copy of the book, “A Warrior in God’s Service: the Memoirs of Peter Henry Lemke (1796-1882).” Father Lemke was instrumental in bringing the first Benedictine monks to the United States and, in particular, bringing the Benedictine monks to Kansas. He planted the seed for what would become St. Benedict’s Abbey. Father Lemke grew up in Germany. He was not reared as a Catholic. In fact, before his conversion to Catholicism in his native Germany, he was a Lutheran minister. By the time Father Lemke had come to Kansas, he had been a Catholic for more that 30 years and a priest for more than 25. Yet, it was in Kansas that his devotion to Mary deepened and took on new meaning. At this time, Father Lemke was more than 60 years old and living in Doniphan. Zealous in attending to the pastoral needs of his people, Father Lemke made a pastoral call to the home of a dying man. Unfortunately, by the time he arrived, the man had already died. After consoling the man’s wife and children and arranging for some of their neighboring parishioners to assist this bereaved family, Father Lemke began his trek back to Doniphan. Along the
archbishop Joseph F. Naumann way, he got caught in a terrible thunderstorm, the likes of which he had never before encountered. Father Lemke described his predicament in these words: “Thus, I found myself standing there, surrounded by darkness, almost being swept away by the fast rising waters, and had no idea as to which direction I should be going. Because out on these prairies, one is very much like a ship on the ocean which has lost its compass. I was really in a dangerous situation. The day had been extremely hot, it was the beginning of September, I had perspired a lot, I had had very little sleep and just a meager amount of food, and I was sure that, in my confused state of mind, I was not going to be able to survive the night. So, I threw myself down on my knees in the grass and begged Mary, the Helper of Christians, to come to my aid. With this, I confess, it came to my mind that up to this point my honoring of Mary had been rather tepid, maybe even cold. Yes, I was still a semi-Protestant. On this occasion, however, I called out to her in fervent prayer, asking that I would
Archbishop’s offer to celebrate baptisms for children of larger families To show his personal support for those couples open to raising larger families, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has offered to celebrate the baptism of the third or greater child of any family (by birth, adoption, or blending through valid marriage) interested. The first of these baptismal celebrations will take place on May 18 at 2:30 p.m. at Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park. Additional celebrations are scheduled for July 27, Sept. 7, and Nov. 16. For 2015, celebrations are scheduled for Jan. 18, March 15, and May 17. Please contact your parish office for more information. Additional information is also available from the archdiocesan office for liturgy and sacramental life at (913) 647-0330 or online at: liturgy@archkck.org.
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not be allowed to come to an end out here so miserably unprepared. Yes, I even asked her to show me a sign that she truly was the Helper of Christians. And show me a sign she did. “When I arose from my prayer and looked out over the tall prairie grass, where there had been nothing but a deep darkness before, there now appeared right in front of me a bright light. I set out at once in the direction of this light and came to a small house, much like those that people built out on the prairies in order to establish their claims. After I had drawn away the curtain or sack that served as the door to the entrance, I observed next to the lantern a young woman busily sewing. The lantern was placed in the only window in the entire structure. She had her back turned away from me. When I called out to her, she jumped up and cried out in fright. From the bed in the corner, there came the voice of a small child: ‘Mommy! Mommy! That is actually Father Henry!’ This child had actually been to Mass in Doniphan with her mother, and I soon ascertained that I was but a few miles from my destination. ‘Now, my dear woman,’ I said, ‘explain to me why that light had been placed into the window.’ Her reply was, ‘I had put my child to bed early, and after she had fallen asleep, I also lay down in bed with her because the frightening weather unsettled me. During the night, the child became restless and began to cry. When I asked her what was wrong, she told me that she had seen a woman clothed in white standing in front of the bed. I myself became disturbed, I got up and lit the lamp and, after I had calmed the child, I sat down and began mending one of my husband’s torn garments.’” In Father Lemke’s mind, there was no doubt that Mary had answered his prayer by appearing to this
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Naumann May 9 “Catholic Way” recording May 10 Running with the Cows, Wea Donnelly College graduation Little Sisters of the Lamb postulants receive habit
May 16 Benedictine baccalaureate Mass and reception May 17 Transitional diaconate ordination of Gerard Alba, Jonathan Dizon, Daniel Morris, Matthew Nagle and Daniel Stover — Curé of Ars, Leawood May 18 Archdiocesan baptisms — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park
May 11 100th jubilee celebration — St. Joseph, Wathena
archbishop
May 12 33rd annual Ben and Betty Zarda Family Catholic Charities Golf Classic — Lake Quivira Country Club
May 10 Wedding
Confirmation — Our Lady of Guadalupe, Topeka
May 14 St. James Academy senior Mass
May 13 Priests Personnel meeting Administrative Team meeting May 14 Donnelly College board of trustees meeting May 15-16 Kansas Catholic Conference —Topeka
young child. The mother placed the lamp in the window just as Father Lemke was raising his eyes from prayer asking for a sign. For Catholics, the month of May is always a special time of increased devotion to Mary. This weekend, as we celebrate and give thanks for our earthly mothers, let us seek in some way to also honor our heavenly mother. From our own human perspective, we know how gratified we are when others show respect and kindness to our earthly mother. Why would we doubt that Our Lord would grant special consideration to those who honor his mother? Perhaps, like Father Lemke before his amazing experience of Mary’s maternal care during a Kansas thunderstorm, your devotion to Mary has been underdeveloped. I encourage you to entrust to
keleher May 11 Mass — Federal prison
May 17 Transitional diaconate ordination of Gerard Alba, Jonathan Dizon, Daniel Morris, Matthew Nagle and Daniel Stover — Curé of Ars, Leawood May 18 Confirmation — St. Joseph, Shawnee
Mary whatever special need you have at this moment in your life. Call out to Mary in prayer and ask her to go with you to Jesus with your request. Honor Mary in a way that we know pleases her by praying a daily rosary during the remaining days of May. If possible, pray the rosary as a family. Who knows? Maybe you will discover a guiding light in the midst of the storms of your life. Mary, the Mother of the Redeemer, pray for us! Mary, the first Disciple of Jesus, pray for us! Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us! Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us! Mary, Mother of Consolation, pray for us! Mary, Mother of Divine Hope, pray for us! Mary, Mother of Divine Providence, pray for us!
New Wichita bishop ordained
Archbishop Naumann ordains Bishop Carl A. Kemme as the 11th bishop of Wichita By Christopher M. Riggs Special to The Leaven
w
ichita — Monsignor Carl A. Kemme was ordained the 11th bishop of the Diocese of Wichita on May 1 in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception here. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was the principal ordaining bishop. In his remarks after his ordination, Bishop Kemme referenced Psalm 23 in saying: “Indeed my cup overflows with gratitude to God for all that he has done for this lowly servant of his. The many blessings that have come my way because of God’s particular generosity to me fill me with deep humility and devotion.” He thanked family, friends, the many dignitaries, and others who filled the cathedral to capacity, saying that he will serve the diocese where he will “live, grow in faith and, God willing, eventually die, having fought the good fight, having completed the race, whenever it will be God’s desire to call me into eternal life.” After commenting on the presence of the apostolic nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, and Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, he thanked Archbishop Naumann for serving as the ordaining prelate. “The first call I received after Archbishop Viganò called to inform me of my appointment was from Archbishop Naumann, who said something that truly touched my heart: He said, ‘Ordaining you this spring will be my highest priority.’ Thank you, archbishop, for your kindness. I look forward to working closely with you and Bishops Brungardt and Weisenburger here in the Province of Kansas.” Bishop Kemme also thanked Msgr. Robert Hemberger for his service in the transition between bishops. “You have performed this noble task twice in our history and that must surely be some kind of record. For that, you deserve a medal of honor,” he said. “I am very grateful for the kindnesses that you have shown to me in helping me over these past two months to know as much as I can about the Diocese of Wichita. I will look forward to calling upon you in the future for your wise counsel and prayerful advice.” In closing, the newly ordained bishop again recalled Psalm 23: “‘You have anointed my head with oil, my cup overflows.’ I hope you will also echo those same words in your life,” he said. “Seen through the eyes of faith, so much of our lives is a blessing, even those realities that do not at first appear so,” he continued. “Gratitude will lead us to humble service and expanding generosity. Service and generosity will deepen faith, and faith will open for us the door to eternal life. I pray
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second front page 3
may 9, 2014 | theleaven.com
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann
Christopher M. Riggs/Catholic Advance
Bishop-elect Carl A. Kemme kneels under the Book of the Gospels during his ordination as the 11th bishop of the Diocese of Wichita in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was the principal ordaining bishop.
“
The many blessings that have come my way because of God’s particular generosity to me fill me with deep humility and devotion.” Bishop Carl A. Kemme
Christopher M. Riggs/Catholic Advance
Bishop Carl A. Kemme waves in thanks to applause after his ordination by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, right. that today and always, we will all say that our cup is overflowing.” Archbishop Naumann talked about the previous bishops of the Diocese of Wichita and how blessed the diocese is. In a message to the Diocese of Springfield, Ill., he said, “Our gain is your loss. We feel badly about that, but not too badly.” Archbishop Naumann said it was auspicious that Bishop Kemme was ordained on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker and recommended he pray to
St. Joseph for his intercession, when needed. “The responsibilities of a bishop can be daunting,” he said, “especially if you operate on the illusion that you can do it on your own. If this sounds overwhelming and intimidating, it’s because it is.” But, Archbishop Naumann added, “Call upon St. Joseph.” Co-ordaining bishops included Archbishop George J. Lucas, of the Archdiocese of Omaha; Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki, of the Diocese of Spring-
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field; and Bishop Emeritus Eugene J. Gerber, retired bishop of the Diocese of Wichita. Others attending the ordination of Bishop Kemme included Archbishop Michael O. Jackels, of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Iowa, and bishop of the Diocese of Wichita from 2005-2013; Bishop James Conley, of the Diocese of Lincoln, Neb.; Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City; Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger, of the Diocese of Salina; Bishop John B. Brungardt, of the Diocese of Dodge City; and Bishop Emeritus Ronald M. Gilmore, retired bishop of Dodge City. Bishop Kemme presided over solemn vespers, the evening prayer of the church, on April 30 in the cathedral.
Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.
4 LOCAL NEWS
theleaven.com | may 9, 2014
Former inmate talks about life on death row By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Curtis McCarty was embarrassed to stand before a crowd and bare his soul. But when he finished sharing his life story at Donnelly College here, he received a standing ovation. McCarty spent 21 years in prison — 19 on death row — for a murder that DNA and other evidence have now shown he didn’t commit. The exonerated McCarty now speaks against the death penalty, which is legal in Kansas. McCarty’s story puts a face on the issue, said Bill Scholl, archdiocesan consultant for the office of social justice, to the crowd gathered April 8 at the college’s Community Event Center. “At the end of the day, the last thing that we should ever want to do is to send an innocent man to his death,” said Mike Fonkert, Kansas City-area coordinator for the Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty. McCarty described his childhood as a good one, during which he excelled in school. But when he was 15, he started using drugs and spiraled into addiction. By 16, he had quit school and turned away from family and community. And it was that life — one he promised he would turn away from every time he found himself handcuffed in the back of a police car — that led him to meet a young woman named Pamela Willis. In Oklahoma City in December 1982, “a man broke into her house, attacked her, and killed her,” he said. People who knew the 18-year-old Willis were stunned. “We couldn’t make sense of it, and it turns out the police couldn’t make sense of it, either,” said McCarty. As one of more than 40 male acquaintances identified, McCarty voluntarily answered questions and submitted blood, saliva and fingerprints — and
Leaven photo by Jessica Langdon
Curtis McCarty spent 19 years on death row before he was exonerated by DNA evidence. McCarty shared his story on April 8 at the Donnelly College Community Event Center in Kansas City, Kan. resumed his life of addiction. Then in 1985, McCarty found himself again facing questions in the murder case, when someone told law enforcement he might know who had done it. After days of questioning, he was charged. At first, he assumed truth would prevail, trusting in the system he had long ago learned about in school. “Unfortunately, everything that could go wrong, did go wrong,” he said.
Life on death row A few days into his trial, McCarty said, he knew he was going to prison. It was then that a forensic analyst testified that biological evidence collected at the scene was consistent with McCarty — a change from her initial findings, says the Innocence Project, which is dedi-
cated to helping prisoners prove innocence through DNA. He was found guilty and, during sentencing, “I was confronted with the evidence of how badly I had damaged my reputation,” he said. Only his parents testified on his behalf, begging that his life be spared. But he was sentenced to death. A few years later, when findings of misconduct by the prosecutor and circumstances related to the forensic analyst resulted in a new trial, said McCarty, he was again convicted, and again sentenced to death. A third sentencing trial later resulted in a third death sentence. Housed with other death row inmates, McCarty discovered that many were poor and poorly educated; others suffered from mental illness. Some had committed “atrocities,” he said. But others had been convicted for being accomplices in a crime in which people had died, even if they themselves had not committed the act. He watched his fellow prisoners grow from basically kids into men who came to understand their actions and the impact they had had. He has had friends be executed. One with whom he shared a “cage” used to stay up talking about personal responsibility and justice and what can be done about the hurt they caused — issues that didn’t readily offer answers. “It was the hardest thing that I did in my entire life when his time came and they came for him and said, ‘Let’s go,’” said McCarty. “I helped him pack up his stuff, and they let him walk down to the sally port with me to say goodbye to him.” He began to resign himself to his own death.
Choosing life But then, finally, came a break. A number of cases handled by the same forensic analyst were revisited for possibly false forensic results.
In McCarty’s situation, hair evidence sought for re-examination on appeal turned up missing, never to be found, reported the Innocence Project. After 21 years, McCarty was released from prison in 2007. By then, adjusting to life outside wasn’t easy. Inspired by the Community of Sant’Egidio, a Catholic group based in Rome, McCarty started to consider in what way he could aid them in their efforts to bring an end to the death penalty. The community encouraged him to look beyond the personal embarrassment he felt at having been incarcerated, and focus instead on the contribution he could make. Sant’Egidio, said McCarty, has taught him this: “Participate in your community, and do so positively, and become a force not in your own lives but in the lives of others, and make a difference.”
Working for abolition The presentation encouraged McCarty’s listeners to make a difference, as well, by letting their state representatives and senators hear their voice. “When we have someone like Curtis come and speak, he puts a power to his message that — having never lived it — I can’t put . . . there,” said Fonkert. “But you can feel it in his voice and you can see it in his eyes, and it makes the experience different for people.” “There’s a strong fight to oppose the death penalty, and leading the fight are the Kansas bishops, because the Catholic Church believes in the dignity of the human person,” Scholl told attendees. A bill in the House and another in the Senate aiming to end the death penalty in Kansas weren’t expected to go anywhere this year. The House bill was never heard, but a January hearing for the Senate bill, which never advanced, showed strong support for its abolition, said Fonkert.
Benedictine names new tower, student center after new saints
A
TCHISON — On April 27, when Pope Francis canonized Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, Benedictine College here also honored both saints. The college had previously announced plans to honor St. John Paul II with a building naming. Now, the college has announced that it will name a new distinctive tower after St. John XXIII. “This really is a celebration of the Second Vatican Council,” said president Stephen D. Minnis. “[Pope] John XXIII opened the council, Pope John Paul II helped guide it as a cardinal and then implemented it as pope.” The tower, currently under construction, will be completed over the summer as part of a building complex that includes a dining hall, the Student Success Center and the Our Lady of Guadalupe Hall, a residence hall for women. It will be a visible feature from many spots on campus. The college’s citation for the naming of St. John XXIII Tower states: “A tower is an architectural feature that symbolizes vision. From within, one can see far into the distance, and the tower itself can be seen from far away — it serves as a guidepost. St. John XXIII was a pope of vision.
Local News 5
may 9, 2014 | theleaven.com
Catholic Radio campaigns for 24-hour, Spanish programming By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — There was plenty of excitement when KEXS AM 1090 began broadcasting on May 19,
2004. It was the only Catholic radio station in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The little station’s transmitter was only 1,000 watts and could only be heard from sunup to sundown. A lot has changed since those “onlys.” Today, KEXS broadcasts with an 8,000-watt signal and is part of the eight-station Catholic Radio Network with KEXZ 1090 in Excelsior Springs, Mo.; KFEL 970 AM for Pueblo/Colorado Springs, Colo.; translator stations KEXS 106.1 FM in Ravenwood, Mo., and Maryville, Mo., and KEXS 106.7 in St. Joseph, Mo.; KPIO 1570 AM in Loveland and Denver; KPIO 93.7 FM in Pleasanton; and KQOH 91.9 FM. And the growth keeps coming. Currently, the CRN is conducting a campaign to raise $1.6 million to buy another station in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. This will enable the CRN to broadcast 24 hours a day on AM and to begin Spanish language programming. There is a strong need to expand hours and reach out to Spanish-speaking listeners, said Jim O’Laughlin, CRN president. “Seventy-one percent of the growth in the Catholic Church since 1960 has been from Hispanics,” said O’Laughlin. “Fifty percent of all Catholics in the United States under the age of 25 are of Hispanic descent. Sixty-six percent of all Hispanics in the United States call themselves Catholic.” It wouldn’t be that difficult to get
Leaven photo by Joe Bollig
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann visits with Joe Ross, a supporter and volunteer host, and Allison Keegan, Catholic Radio Network assistant for development and donor appreciation. Later, syndicated Catholic radio talk show host Teresa Tomeo of Ave Maria Radio dropped in for a chat. The radio show took place in the chancery of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas during Catholic Radio Week, held March 31 to April 4. Spanish language programming once the station sale goes through, said Bill Scholl, member of the CRN development committee. “Most of our programming comes from EWTN radio, so it’s as simple as flipping a switch,” said Scholl. “We just need to mobilize the community to get the broadcasting infrastructure and the FCC license to begin broadcasting.” “This is a golden opportunity to
Local programming
Local programming on KEXS AM 1090 includes Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s “The Shepherd’s Voice” from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Thursdays and 10 to 10:30 a.m. on Sundays; “The Catholic Way” with Mark Oppold from 8 to 8:30 a.m. on Sundays; and “The Catechism of the Catholic Church” with Mike Scherschligt from 9 to 10 a.m. on Sundays.
grow Catholic radio in a big way in the Greater Kansas City area,” concluded Scholl.
Hall comes calling for longtime Immaculata educators n Mike Connelly and Pat Moran will be inducted on May 17
L
Photos courtesy of Benedictine College
In honor of the church’s two new saints, Benedictine College in Atchison has named its student center (above) St. John Paul II Student Center and has begun construction on the new St. John XXIII Tower (right). The tower is part of a building complex that includes a dining hall, the Student Success Center and the Our Lady of Guadalupe Hall. It is expected to be completed this summer. He saw the problems of the modern world and had the courage to offer a response — the Second Vatican Council. He knew that the church must look to the future without fear and he saw
that the modern world needed to look to the church as a guidepost, a beacon of hope toward which the eyes of all peoples of the world are turned.”
For more information on Catholic radio, visit the website at: catholicradio network.com, or call (816) 630-1090.
EAVENWORTH — Neither Mike Connelly nor Pat Moran ever intended long-term stays at Immaculata High School here when they applied for positions as coaches and teachers. However, with 34 and 50 years of service now, respectively, they will be honored at the Leavenworth Regional Catholic Schools Foundation’s 11th annual Immaculata Hall of Fame event on May 17. Connelly, an Immaculata alum and University of Kentucky graduate, coached winning sports teams throughout his tenure at Immaculata. He took teams to first place in state championships in volleyball and golf. Moran said he learned of Immaculata while attending Saint Benedict’s College (now Benedictine College) in Atchison with several Immaculata graduates. When offered his first job as a new graduate at the school, he focused on teaching math and coaching football, girls basketball and track. Moran served as the school’s athletic director from 1985 to 2012, was dean of students and handled the school’s transportation scheduling.
Photo courtesy of Immaculata High School
Mike Connelly, left, and Pat Moran will be inducted into Immaculata High School’s Hall of Fame on May 17. While neither planned to stay at the school long, Connelly has been at the school for 34 years and Moran for 50. Both initially planned to stay at Immaculata for just a few years. Their expectations changed, however, as they both found a teaching and coaching atmosphere that made their work fun, they said. “Former Immaculata principals
Sister Ann Barton, John Coakley, Sister Rita Smith — well, actually, all the wonderful principals — strongly supported the staff members, making Immaculata a nurturing place to coach and teach,” Connelly said. Moran praised the parents of the
students, who give so much of themselves in the teaching process at the school — and the kids themselves. “I especially appreciate the terrific effort all the kids put into their classes, dances, sports, whatever they do,” he said. “And with a small school like Immaculata, no one gets lost. The kids say they cannot escape the school’s high expectations, laughing that they can’t hide in a crowd. They have to be accountable. There are no excuses.” Both were humbled by the Hall of Fame induction and redirected the acclaim toward “the 95 percent of school supporters who, visibly or behind the scenes, work tirelessly to get the job of Catholic education done and make sure our students succeed.” “It makes our jobs a pleasure,” said Moran. Moran still teaches part time, and Connelly continues working in the school system’s development office. Neither has retirement plans yet. Anyone wishing to make a reservation for the Hall of Fame celebration can contact the school development office at (913) 682-7801. The May 17 festivities will include a 4 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph Church followed by a dinner, program, roast and dance at the Saint Joseph Dining Hall on the University of Saint Mary Campus.
6 local news
theleaven.com | may 9, 2014
Lawsuits threaten rights of believers By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It would be hard to find anyone less offensive than 69-year-old florist Barronelle Stutzman. Nevertheless, she feels the American Civil Liberties Union and the state of Washington are out to destroy her. Stutzman had operated her Richmond, Wash., flower shop for decades without any sort of controversy, supplying flowers for all sorts of occasions to generations of customers. But her world was turned upside down in early 2013 when Robert Ingersoll, a customer of nine years, walked into her store and made this request: Would she provide floral arrangements for his wedding to his partner, Curt Freed? Stutzman had known that Ingersoll was same-sex oriented for a long time; it had never been an issue. She had other homosexual customers and some homosexual employees. But this request was different. It would require that she participate in a same-sex wedding — something that would, according to her conscience, go against her Christian faith. Marriage, according to her Southern Baptist faith, was between one man and one woman only. Reluctantly, she told Ingersoll she couldn’t, and why. She gave Inger-
The cost of citizenship Arlene’s Flowers
soll a hug and referrals to three other florists, and he left. She thought that would be the end of it. Ingersoll and his partner, however, expressed their offense on a Facebook posting, and that led to lawsuits filed against Stutzman by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson and the ACLU. Ingersoll and his partner joined the lawsuits, which have been consolidated. Since same-sex marriage is legal in Washington state, Ferguson charged Stutzman with violating the state’s consumer protection act, which prohibits refusal to sell goods and services on the basis of sexual orientation. “[Stutzman faces] a few thousand dollars in fines,” said Dale Schowengerdt, senior attorney with the Alliance Defending Freedom, which is representing Stutzman. “[But] the big penalty, if she loses,” he added, “is she has to pay the other side’s attorney fees — which in this case, after the appeals, could be as much as a million dollars.” But the cost isn’t only in dollars and cents. A loss would also mean a loss in freedom if business owners are compelled to participate in same-sex weddings against their
faith and conscience. For Stutzman, the cost of conscience and her citizenship is being paid at a very high price. She has also received a great deal of ugly hate mail and threats. “She has both state and federal defenses,” said Schowengerdt. “The state constitution protects the right of conscience — it’s that explicit, [saying] the right of conscience is absolute. That’s a right that has been long protected under Washington law.” “We think it trumps the [consumer protection law],” he continued. “A state statute can’t overcome a constitutional right. So that’s one basis. “The other basis is that federal free speech and free exercise [of religion] protect her expression . . . [and they] are protected under the federal Constitution.” By no means is the experience of Stutzman unique or isolated, said Schowengerdt. Similar cases against bakers, photographers, florists, reception facilities and others have been occurring all over the nation. It’s part of a coordinated campaign to force people to be silent on the issue of same-sex marriage, or to capitulate and affirm it as good. Schowengerdt believes the defense has a strong case. Currently, the lawsuits are before the Benton County Superior Court and briefs will be filed during the summer. A hearing has been scheduled for early August.
Monk to sing national anthem at Kansas Speedway on May 10 By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com ATCHISON — Father Meinrad Miller, OSB, has his pit crew assembled and has been taking his turn behind the wheel preparing for his NASCAR debut. But, rest assured, his driving skills won’t be put to the test. Rather, the gifted singer will share his voice — often heard leading the monastic schola during liturgies — when he sings the national anthem for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Father Meinrad Miller race at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., on May 10. It is scheduled to be televised on Fox that day at 6:30 p.m. Father Meinrad, who has been a monk at St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison since 1986, has been featured on CDs and is often invited to sing at events. He serves as a professor of theology at Benedictine College and as novice master for his community. And, of course, when you’re getting ready for something as huge as a NASCAR performance, you have to document the rehearsal — which the community did in a short, lighthearted video that has already had a few thousand views. Brother Placidus Lee, a Benedictine novice, notes in the video that “we novices think he’s taking it a little too seriously.” You can find Father Meinrad’s “preparation” video online at: www.youtube.com/ kansasmonks.
local news 7
may 9, 2014 | theleaven.com Richard and Mary Ann (Kinsey) Haugsness, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 5 with a Mass at the church. The couple was married on May 9, 1964, at Sts. Peter and Paul by Father Basil Finken, OSB. Their children and their spouses are: Clarissa and Larry Davidow, Lenexa; Anna and Brice Feldt, Topeka; Bob and Judy Haugsness, Edgerton, Mo.; Mary and Cary Crabtree, Seneca; Jerry Haugsness, Beatrice, Neb.; and Monica and Troy Coverdale, Evans, Colo. They also have 10 grandchildren. Marilyn (Akright) and Elmer Dinkel, members of Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 2. The couple was married on May 2, 1964, at St. Matthew Church, Topeka. The couple will celebrate in July with a blessing on their marriage and a family dinner. Their children and their spouses are: Lori and Don Hubbartt; Annie and Dylan Brown; and Doug and Stacy Dinkel. They also have eight grandchildren.
Rita and George Bulgaris, members of Divine Mercy Parish, Gardner, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 9. The couple was married on May 9, 1964, at St. Catherine Laboure Church, Wheaton, Md. Their children are: Susan O’Daniel, St. Charles, Mo.; Michele Williams, Lake St. Louis, Mo.; Kristine Smith, Overland Park; John Bulgaris, Kenosha, Wis.; and Jennifer Peters, Olathe. They also have 10 grandchildren. A family celebration in St. Louis is planned for June 14. Gilbert and Dorothy (Falk) Watowa, members of St. Benedict Parish, Atchison, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 16 with a family dinner hosted by their children at the Pepper Mill & Company in Atchison. The couple was married on May 16, 1964, at St. Benedict by Father Walter Vollmer. Their children and their spouses are: Owen E. Watowa, Atchison; and Jeanette and Brian Stromgren, Osage City. They also have one granddaughter.
Latinist for four popes comes to Atchison
ATCHISON — Father Reginald Foster, OCD, the son of a Milwaukee plumber, went to Rome in the 1960s to study Latin. He did so well that when Pope Paul VI’s chief Latinist became ill, he was pulled out of academia and put to work. He became known for two things: a freewheeling irreverence and linguistic brilliance. By the time he eventually returned to the United States, he had worked for four popes and developed a worldwide cult following among Latin educators and aficionados for his teaching methods. Father Reginald will present “Lights and Delights of the Latin Language” from May 19 to 23 at St. Benedict’s Abbey, 1020 N. Second St., Atchison. He will read from the letters of Cicero and of St. Gregory the Great in Latin and follow each reading with discussion. Each day will feature five sessions: 8-9 a.m., 10:3011:30 a.m., 1-2 p.m., 3:30-5 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Father Reginald will be hosted by Father Daniel McCarthy, OSB, a monk of St. Benedict’s Abbey. He is working with Father Reginald to hand on the Latinist’s revolutionary teaching methods. For information, to download a flier about the suggested donation for meals and lodging, or to register, go to the website at: thelatinlanguage.org/atchison2014. Scroll down to the “Registration online here” link, or contact Father Daniel by email at: dmccarthy@kansasmonks.org. Father Reginald will also present “Latin in Lawrence with Reginald,” readings in Latin, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 24, hosted by the University of Kansas Department of Classics, in Room 1023 in Wescoe Hall, 1445 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence. There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. For information, go to the website at: thelatin language.org/slider.lawrence2104, and, to register, contact Emma Scioli, the professor, at: scioli@ku.edu.
Get to know seminarians on May 22 LEAWOOD — After a successful premiere last year, the St. Michael the Archangel vocations committee and the vocations office of the archdiocese are teaming up to put on the second annual “Grill Your Seminarian Trivia Night” from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on May 22 at St. Michael the Archangel Parish here, located at 14251 Nall. At this event, participants will meet archdiocesan seminarians and get to know them in relaxed setting. Attendees answer trivia questions and help win prizes for the seminarians seated at their table. In the meantime, the deacons to be ordained have the privilege of being “roasted” by Father Mitchel Zimmerman, now
pastor of Christ the King Parish in Topeka and archdiocesan co-director of seminarians. There are also games between trivia rounds. Funds raised directly benefit seminarians. The cost to attend is $35 per person. People who wish to attend should recruit a table of eight, but the organizers will help those who are unable to do so. To attend, register online at: eventbrite.com. Search for “Grill your seminarians 2014” to find the website, or contact the archdiocesan vocations office at (913) 647-0303.
Celebrate the ‘Mary’ Month of May With These Marian Classics and New Releases
Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co.
33 Days to Morning Glory by Father Michael Gaitley, MIC
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
This is a beautifully written, simple-yet-profound book in which Father Gaitley gives the reader a practical and understandable process for Consecration to Jesus through Mary. This do-it-yourself retreat helps move readers forward in this act of love for Jesus. Also available in Spanish
A Woman Clothed With The Sun
‘Grill Your Seminarians’ Trivia Night May 22
Setup - 6:30 p.m. | Games - 7-9:30 p.m. St. Michael the Archangel 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood $35 each (bring drinks and snacks)
by John J. Delaney Eight Great Apparitions of Our Lady
This is hands-down the best book on the eight great appearances of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It contains a narrative written by experts on each of these eight apparitions. This book is highly recommended by the staff at Trinity House and by pilgrims!
Meet Your Mother
by Dr. Mark Miravalle, S.T.D. Ever wonder why so many people pay so much attention to Mary, the Mother of Jesus? This easy-to-read pocket sized book explores the truths about Mary, from ancient traditions to the so-called “Hail Mary pass” in football. Whether you know a lot about Mary or a little, you’ll fall in love (again) with this woman who Jesus gave to us with his dying words, “This is your Mother.”
• Play fun trivia games with seminarians • Help seminarians win prizes • Enjoy a humorous “roast” of seminarians being ordained Proceeds directly benefit seminarians
Trinity House
For more information go to:
7287 West 97th Street Overland Park, Kansas
kckvocations.com
Catholic Books and Gifts 913-652-0080
Eighth-grader Emma Keling sorts through piles of donated clothes during St. Michael the Archangel’s “Go Forth to Serve” day on May 2 at the school.
Service with a smile
St. Michael the Archangel kindergartners Naya Narciso, middle, and Alana Gitobu pledge to serve by signing their names to paper hands and pasting them onto a banner in the gymnasium.
Margo McDonald (green blouse), an aide in the resource room, and Deacon John Weist (red shirt), join students on the solidarity walk.
St. Michael students put muscle behind their motto — ‘Go forth to serve’
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Story by Jessica Langdon | Photos by Doug Hesse
EAWOOD — It doesn’t take fancy math for students at St. Michael the Archangel School here to figure out that some things don’t add up — like the fact that one in every five American children lives in poverty. That’s why the school works hard to instill in each student a lifelong passion for serving others in need. “The children are learning, ‘Sure, we’re going to bring in food for the Catholic Charities food pantry’ — but [also] ‘Why are there people hungry in the first place?’” said Michael Cullinan, principal of St. Michael the Archangel. “We can temporarily help their hunger, but what can we do in the long run to stop hunger and to level the playing field?” Service projects throughout the year culminate in a school-wide event, this year held on May 2, called “Go Forth to Serve” day, in honor of the words inscribed on the school building. Dawson Duran, a seventh-grader
and a service ambassador who helped plan and lead the day, sees it as “the grand finale of all we’ve done all year.” An all-school Mass kicked off the day, after which students processed outside for a walk — complete with signs and chants — in solidarity with the poor. Each pledged to serve by signing his or her name on a handprint. And then the real work began. They tied colorful fleece blankets for children, the elderly and hospital patients in Honduras — and wrote to people there. They penned encouraging notes to people who have turned to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas for assistance. They heard the stories of parishioners who serve in many different ways. They sorted clothing donations that will benefit Catholic Charities. And they filled boxes with all the supplies necessary for an all-out birthday bash for a child whose family might not otherwise be able to afford a celebration. They’ve learned it’s hard to provide
Volunteers Monica Lane, left, and Beth Felski help organize the birthday box service project.
The drumline of St. James Academy in Lenexa performs for students at the end of a solidarity walk around the St. Michael campus. Senior Mikayla Hackett, a drum tenor, is pictured here. for a child’s wants when a family struggles to meet its needs.
Giving from the heart Now a seventh-grader and a service ambassador, Kaitlyn Dehais remembers being so excited as a kindergartner to go to the office and pick up her special birthday treat — a bag of Skittles from Cullinan — that she lost her shoe in the hallway. So she and her classmates love shar-
ing the tradition that has become such a cherished part of their own birthdays over the years with others by tucking a package of Skittles into the birthday boxes along with cake mixes, sprinkles and other party supplies. The clothing drive, with donations destined for Catholic Charities’ TurnStyles thrift store, also made the giving personal. This was a “cool clothing drive for kids, teens and tweens,” said Cullinan. “They were asked to get something out of their own closet that they really like to wear and donate it.”
During the commissioning service at the end of the day, Lauren O’Donnell, a seventh-grade service ambassador, told the student body that the kids shopping at TurnStyles want the same kind of clothes the students who donated the items like to wear. A message from Ken Williams, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, really hit home when he spoke with the service ambassadors during one of their meetings this year, said Karen Dehais, one of the parent coordinators of the “Go Forth to Serve” initiative.
“He talked to them about how it feels to go in the closet and know that all your choices are the things someone else doesn’t want to wear anymore,” said Dehais. And so, instead of spending money on bandannas or T-shirts for the whole school for the day, service ambassadors went shopping with parent volunteers for new clothes. A group came back excited to have amassed more than 60 items — getting help from store employees to get the biggest bang for their buck — that will go specifically toward people Catholic Charities works with.
Changing the world This school year focused largely on justice for the working poor, said Kaitlyn, who has started to see the world in different ways, thanks this service initiative. Spending this year as a service ambassador helped Sam Arth, a seventh-grader,
discover ways he can help others — and that he’s called to do so. “Change can happen by one person,” said Sam. “It can change a city, a state, a country — or the whole world.” The seventh-grade service ambassadors got to see a lot of the behindthe-scenes action before and on the school-wide day of service. That was fun for Dawson, especially when he saw the younger kids’ response. “I was expecting nothing but the I-don’t-care face and that they were forced do to this,” he said. “But it was the complete opposite.” In fact, the only complaints he heard were from students who had finished making blankets — and wanted to do more. Christian music had been playing in the room where the blanketmaking was going on. “As the fifth-graders were finishing, they all stood up and they started singing the song together,” said Lauren. “It just made us really happy because they were just all coming together, making
Kindergartner Addison McClune ties knots in blanket fringe as part of her service project. blankets for Honduras and all singing together.” Children might not have a lot of material wealth to share, said Dehais, but each student had something special to give to others, and this initiative highlights that. “When you start in kindergarten, it’s really easy to build empathy — to build that characteristic in children,” said Cullinan. “And though they are blessed with a lot, they’re reminded all the time — and so are their parents — that [to] those who are given a lot, a lot is expected of them.” “I hope that they’ll make the world a better place,” concluded Cullinan. “That’s what we’re trying to do — to be good, responsible Catholic citizens. That when they see a wrong, an injustice, they’ll speak up, they’ll do something about it. “Imagine if everybody did that.”
10 Nation
theleaven.com | may 9, 2014
Archbishop says botched execution highlights brutality of death penalty
CNS photo/Carlo Allegri, Reuters
Michael Stanek hugs his daughter Kennedy as they take a break from helping friends sift though the rubble of their homes in Vilonia, Ark., April 30. Catholic Charities agencies were on the ground assessing damage after a series of storms with deadly tornadoes and massive floods swept through the southern United States April 27-29, killing at least 35 people.
Archbishop pledges to restrict weapons By Nichole Golden Catholic News Service
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TLANTA (CNS) — Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta pledged to restrict the presence of guns in Catholic institutions in response to a new Georgia law that would allow licensed gun owners to carry arms into schools, churches and other locales. Set to take effect July 1, the law was opposed by the Georgia Catholic Conference. Writing in his column in the May 1 issue of the Georgia Bulletin, newspaper of the Atlanta Archdiocese, the archbishop said he regrets the enactment of the new law “more than I can possibly express.” “Before this legislation takes effect in July, I will officially restrict the presence of weapons in our Catholic institutions except for those carried by the people that civic authorities have designated and trained to protect and guard us — and those who are duly authorized law and military officials,” Archbishop Gregory explained. “The last thing we need is more firearms in public places, especially in those places frequented by children and the vulnerable,” Archbishop Gregory wrote. Previously in Georgia, licensed gun holders were not permitted to carry a firearm into a house of worship. The law continues to prohibit weapons in houses of worship “unless the governing body or authority of the
place of worship permits the carrying of weapons or long guns by license holders.” However, the law diminishes the penalty for carrying weapons in a house of worship to a $100 fine with no arrest permitted for a licensed gun holder. A person carrying a weapon without a license can be charged with a misdemeanor. Gov. Nathan Deal signed the Safe Carry Protection Act April 23, saying it strengthened the rights of gun ownership as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Critics have dubbed the legislation the “guns everywhere bill.” Episcopal churches in central and north Georgia also announced a ban to firearms in an April 28 directive from Bishop Robert Wright of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. The only exception to the policy will be for on-duty law enforcement officers. When the bill passed the legislature in late March, Frank Mulcahy, executive director of the Georgia Catholic Conference, said he was confident the bishops and pastors of Georgia would take appropriate action to protect people entering churches. “The version of gun control that passed really offers churches no real protection, other than a fine for those licensed holders who might bring a weapon,” Mulcahy said. Archbishop Gregory, in his column, said, “Churches and other places of worship are intended to be sanctuaries — holy sites where people come to pray and to worship God.
“In this nation of ours, they have seldom been the locations where violence has disrupted the otherwise peaceful atmosphere. Yet even those occasions — rare as they may be — are not sufficient reasons to allow people to bring more weapons into God’s house,” he said. The archbishop said that he did not mean to suggest restricting firearms in “places where they are needed to protect one’s home and property or to defend the public by officials who are entrusted with our protection.” “Yet this new legislation de facto makes firearms more available in places where they may allow violence to escalate,” Archbishop Gregory said. The law is wide ranging and, among numerous provisions, will allow carrying weapons in bars, in any government building not restricted or screened by a security officer and also in school safety zones if permitted by a duly authorized officer. The law provides a judicial licensing process for those judged mentally incompetent or not guilty of certain crimes by reason of insanity; prohibits local governments from regulating gun dealers or gun shows; protects those who claim to have inadvertently entered restricted parts of commercial airports; prohibits law enforcement from requiring production of a carry license when someone is carrying a weapon; and provides that defense of self and others is an absolute defense of any violation of weapon regulation.
OKLAHOMA CITY (CNS) — Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City said the botched execution April 29 of an Oklahoma inmate “highlights the brutality of the death penalty” and should bring the nation to “consider whether we should adopt a Clayton Lockett moratorium on the death penalty or even abolish it altogether.” The planned execution of convicted killer Clayton Lockett in McAlester, Okla., using a new three-drug lethal injection protocol, failed, leaving Lockett showing signs of pain and causing prison officials to halt the procedure. Lockett later died of a heart attack. Republican Gov. Mary Fallin ordered a 14-day stay of execution for Charles Warner, an inmate scheduled to be executed two hours after Lockett. She also ordered the state’s Department of Corrections to conduct a “full review of Oklahoma’s execution procedures to determine what happened and why” during the execution. Archbishop Coakley, in an April 30 statement, said: “How we treat criminals says a lot about us as a society. We certainly need to administer justice with due consideration for the victims of crime, but we must find a way of doing so that does not contribute to the culture of death, which threatens to completely erode our sense of the innate dignity of the human person and of the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death,” he added.
New York martyrs shrine launches funding campaign to remain open AURIESVILLE, N.Y. (CNS) — A popular New York pilgrimage site where Jesuit missionaries were martyred has launched a $1 million fundraising campaign to stay open. The National Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville since the late 19th century has commemorated the site of a 17th-century Mohawk village called Ossernenon. There, Jesuit missionaries Saints Isaac Jogues, Ren, Goupil and John Lalande were martyred in the 1640s and St. Kateri Tekakwitha was born in 1656. But attendance dropped by more than 50 percent during the shrine’s 2013 season. Collections brought in less than $100,000. That was despite a deluge of 20,000 pilgrims the weekend in 2012 that St. Kateri was canonized. The crowds even forced law enforcement agencies to close part of the New York State Thruway while the Mohawk maiden’s sainthood was celebrated. The martyrs’ shrine is not supported by the Albany Diocese, so it relies on its 100 Masses per 24-week season and periodic novenas to support its staff and operate its 400-acre facility. The property includes five chapels, two museums, a candle shrine, a Jesuit cemetery, a visitor’s center and gift shop, outdoor Stations of the Cross and a 10,000-capacity coliseum.
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may 9, 2014 | theleaven.com
Pope to Swiss Guard: Impress visitors with kindness, not flashy uniform
Vatican statistics report church growth remains steady worldwide
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis told members of the Swiss Guard to impress Vatican visitors with their courtesy, kindness and generosity, not just with their flashy, colorful uniform. Guardsmen also should extend their Christian charity to one another: reaching out to a fellow soldier in difficulty, offering encouragement and avoiding any behavior that creates “contempt, marginalization or racism,” he said. The pope held a private audience with the Swiss Guard, including new recruits and their family members, May 5, the day before the guard’s annual swearing-in ceremony. New recruits pledge to “faithfully, loyally and honorably” serve and protect the pontiff and, if necessary, sacrifice their lives for him. The colorful induction ceremony held May 6 every year marks the date in 1527 when 147 Swiss Guards lost their lives defending Pope Clement VII in the Sack of Rome. Only 42 guards survived. Holding the ceremony on the anniversary is meant to remind new guards of the seriousness of their commitment. Today, the 110 Swiss soldiers are responsible for guarding all entrances into Vatican City State as well as keeping watch over the pope and his residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae. They also provide security and ceremonial services during liturgical events and visits of heads of state and other dignitaries to the Vatican. Pope Francis thanked the guards for their commitment to such an “important and demanding task.”
CNS photo/Tony Gentile, Reuters
New recruits of the Vatican’s Swiss Guard march in front of the tower of the Institute for Works of Religion during the swearing-in ceremony at the Vatican May 6. New recruits are sworn in every year on May 6, commemorating the date in 1527 when 147 Swiss soldiers died defending the pope during an attack on Rome. The Eternal City has its archaeological and cultural charms, he said, but Rome “is not only a big museum, rather it’s a crossroads of tourists and pilgrims who come from all over the world” with their own cultures, languages and needs. “You are called to offer peaceful and joyous Christian witness to all those who come to the Vatican,” he said. Recognizing the long hours and often difficult circumstances the soldiers find themselves in, the pope encouraged them to “be strong in your faith and generous in charity toward the people you encounter.” He said their gold, red and blue-
striped uniform is “recognized around the world” and reflects their “dedication, professionalism and security.” However, “behind every uniform is a real person” with his own unique past, present and future, he said. While the distinctive uniform, which was designed 100 years ago, attracts people’s attention, he said it should be the person wearing the uniform, not the clothes that truly make the man. “It’s not the uniform, but the person who puts it on that should impress others with his kindness, a spirit of welcoming and an attitude of charity toward everyone,” he said.
Sex abuse panel to stress accountability
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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — The new papal commission for protecting minors from clerical sex abuse will recommend stricter standards for accountability of abusers and those who fail to protect children, and will fight widespread denial of the problem within the church, said Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston. “In some people’s minds, ‘Oh, this is an American problem, it’s an Irish problem, it’s a German problem,’” the cardinal told reporters May 3. “Well, it’s a human problem, and the church needs to face it everywhere in the world. And so a lot of our recommendations are going to have to be around education, because there is so much ignorance around this topic, so much denial.” The cardinal spoke on the third and final day of the commission’s first meeting at the Vatican. Reading a statement
on behalf of the entire eight-member panel, he said the commission planned to draft statutes for approval by Pope Francis to clarify the body’s “nature, structure, activity and the goals.” “The commission will not deal with individual cases of abuse, but we can make recommendations regarding policies for assuring accountability and best practice,” the statement said. Later, in response to a reporter’s question, the cardinal said such policies were necessary to fill gaps in church law. “Our concern is to make sure that there are clear and effective protocols to deal with situations where superiors of the church have not fulfilled their obligations to protect children,” he said. “There are, theoretically I guess, canons that could apply here, but obviously they have not been sufficient.” “Our concern about accountability is accountability for everyone in the
church, regardless of what their status is,” the cardinal said. Asked about a recent directive from the Italian bishops’ conference stating that bishops have no legal obligation to report accusations of sex abuse to the police or other civil authorities, Cardinal O’Malley said: “Obviously, accountability should not be dependent upon legal obligations in the country when we have a moral obligation.” The commission announced its plans to nominate additional members for appointment by the pope. Cardinal O’Malley said preserving the commission’s independence required a strong presence of lay volunteers, and that sitting members hoped to be joined by more victim-survivors. So far, the only survivor on the commission is Marie Collins, Irish founder of an organization to help sex abuse victims.
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The number of Catholics in the world and the number of priests, permanent deacons and religious men all increased in 2012, while the number of women in religious orders continued to decline, according to Vatican statistics. The number of candidates for the priesthood also showed its first global downturn in recent years. The statistics come from a recently published Statistical Yearbook of the Church, which reported worldwide church figures as of Dec. 31, 2012. By the end of 2012, the worldwide Catholic population had reached 1.228 billion, an increase of 14 million or 1.14 percent, slightly outpacing the global population growth rate, which, as of 2013, was estimated at 1.09 percent. Catholics as a percentage of the global population remained essentially unchanged from the previous year at around 17.5 percent. According to the yearbook, the percentage of Catholics as part of the general population is highest in the Americas where they make up 63.2 percent of the continent’s population. Asia has the lowest proportion, with 3.2 percent. During the 2012 calendar year, there were 16.4 million baptisms of both infants and adults, according to the statistical yearbook. The total number of priests — diocesan and religious order — around the world grew from 413,418 to 414,313, with a modest increase in Africa, a larger rise in Asia, and slight decreases in the Americas, Europe and Oceania. Asia saw a 13.7 percent growth in the number of priests between 2007 and the end of 2012. The number of permanent deacons reported — 42,104 — was an increase of more than 1,100 over the previous year and a 17 percent increase since 2007. The vast majority — more than 97 percent — of the world’s permanent deacons live in the Americas or in Europe. The number of religious Brothers showed 0.4 percent growth worldwide. The number of religious Brothers totaled 55,314 at the end of 2012. Slight growth was seen everywhere except the Americas. The number of women in religious orders continued its downward trend. The total of 702,529 temporarily and permanently professed Sisters and nuns in 2012 was a 1.5 percent decrease from the previous year and a 5.9 percent decrease since 2007. The number of candidates for the priesthood — both diocesan seminarians and members of religious orders — who had reached the level of philosophy and theology studies showed its first downturn since 2003. The number of candidates dropped slightly to 120,051 men at the end of 2012 as compared to 120,616 at the end of 2011. Increases were reported in the traditionally vocations-rich continents of Africa and Asia, although the increases were modest; Africa reported 245 more candidates than in 2011 and Asia reported 179 more men in their final years of study for ordination.
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12 classifieds Employment President - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to recruit an outstanding new president for Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kan. Bishop Ward High School was established in 1908 and is currently a coed Catholic, college preparatory high school serving approximately 360 students looking to be challenged academically and spiritually and have their sights set firmly on attending college. The school has a large alumni base and is currently working to establish a $10 million endowment. The president we seek will lead the overall operation that includes a faculty and staff of approximately 50 and will also serve as the external face of the organization within the community. To recommend a candidate or to apply for the position directly, please contact Dan Heiman at Cornerstone Kansas City at (913) 341-7655 or send an email to: danh@corner stone-kc.com. Learn more online at: www.wardhigh.org. Counselors - Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic is looking for counselors. This position would be working with clients, counseling women and families in an unplanned pregnancy. This position will be saving babies, impacting lives, sharing faith, healing hurts, bringing restoration and more. If this is something you are interested in, please call Donna at (913) 287-8287 or send an email to: dkelsey@wpcnetwork.org. Positions are for immediate hire. Director of religious education - Blessed Sacrament Church, Kansas City, Kan., is seeking a director of religious education to coordinate the family catechesis and confirmation programs. A background in religious education and catechist formation is preferred, as well as Spanish language skills. For a job description and an application, contact Lucie Bernal by email at: blessedsacramentkck@ gmail.com or call (913) 321-1958. Pastoral associate - Church of the Annunciation, Kearney, Mo., a growing community in the Northland, is seeking a pastoral associate with designated responsibilities to include adult faith formation, RCIA, pastoral care and social justice ministries. An opportunity to collaborate with pastoral staff and parishioners in promoting Gospel values and mutuality in mission and ministry. Desired qualifications: theological and religious studies, a master’s degree or equivalent preferred but not required; experience in pastoral ministry. Send cover letter and resume by email to: jcwolf@ fairpoint.net or mail to Church of the Annunciation, 701 N. Jefferson St., Kearney, MO 64060, attention of Rev. John Wolf, CPPS. Coordinator of youth ministry - St. Mary and St. Henry Catholic Churches (2,200 families) in Marshalltown, Iowa, are seeking a full-time, bilingual coordinator of youth ministry. Position requires a BA degree in theology/pastoral ministry/related field and certificate in youth ministry. Must be a faithful, practicing Catholic. Job description available online at: www.stmarysmtown.com. Please email resume by May 15 to Patty Cook at: pcook@sthenrychurch.com. Financial representatives - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City metro, Topeka, and Garnett - Greeley area. Ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. Please contact John A. Mahon, general agent, for more information or an interview by sending an email to: john.mahon@kofc.org, by phone at (785) 4088806 or at 1275 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612.
Services Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mikehammermoving @aol.com. Moss Mowing Affordable lawn mowing in Olathe, southern Overland Park and Leawood. Call Ben Moss, a St. Thomas Aquinas student and Prince of Peace parishioner, for a free quote. Call (913) 709-0866. Rodman Lawn Care - Mowing, leaf removal, mulch and more. Call John Rodman, member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, at (913) 548-3002 or send an email to him at: Rodman.Lawn@yahoo.com. Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902. Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer.com. We moved! Come check out our new office in Lenexa.
theleaven.com | MAY 9, 2014 Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959. CLUTTER GETTING YOU DOWN? Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizer and “HONEY-DO-LIST” specialist. Call today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055. Insured. References. Visit our website at: www.KOATINDUSTRIES.com. Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 801-0901 (mobile). Serving the 913 area code area. Quilted Memories - Your Kansas City Longarm Shop Nolting Longarm Machines, quilting supplies and machine quilting services. We specialize in memorial quilts - Custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, etc., neckties etc. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. Visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc. com. Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Foley’s Lawn Care - (913) 825-4353 Mowing – Weekly programs starting as low as $30. Spring/Fall cleanups; mulch; landscape maintenance. Residential/Commercial Serving Johnson County for 15 years. www.foleyslawncare.com Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896. CALL THE “GO GO GIRLS” - Maybe you aren’t driving as much or at all; we can help. If you need to GO to the doctor, dentist, hairdresser, barber shop, grocery store, etc., let us know. If you don’t want to GO yourself, we can run your errands for you. We will GO to your home, if you need someone to sit with a loved one, while you get away. Just give us a call to discuss your needs at (913) 469-6211 or (816) 806-0564. Johnson County only. Junkyard Dawg garage, yard and debris cleanup. Call Josh for an estimate for cleaning and hauling away at (913) 314-0171 and let’s get ’er done! Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 8294336. Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www. GreenSolutionsKC.com. Tim the Handyman - Small jobs, faucets, garbage disposals, toilets, ceiling fans, light fixtures, painting, wall ceiling repair, wood rot, siding, decks, doors, windows, and gutter cleaning. Call (913) 526-1844.
Home Improvement Heating and cooling repair and replacement - Call Joe with JB Design and Service. Licensed and insured with 20 years experience. Member of Divine Mercy Parish. Call Joe at (913) 915-6887. NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net Swalms Organizing Service - Reducing Clutter - Enjoy an Organized Home! Basement, garage, attic, shop, storage rooms - any room organized! Belongings sorted, boxed and labeled, items hauled or taken for recycling, trash bagged. For before and after photos, visit: www. swalmsorganizing.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.
Local handyman and lawn care - Mowing, painting, woodrot, power washing, staining, gutter cleaning, Honey-Do List, carpet, roofing and windows. FREE estimates. Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson county area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401. House painting Interior and exterior; wall paper removal. Power washing, fences, decks. 30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776. Home improvements - Thank you to all my customers for being patient as I underwent a life-saving liver transplant. If there is new work or warranty work, please don’t hesitate to call. We do windows, siding, doors, decks, exterior painting and wood rot. There is no job too big or too small. Call Joshua Doherty at (913) 709-7230. The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376 Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.
Caregiving Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Debbie or Gary. Have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease? Inquire about our fresh, unique approach to care. At ComfortCare Homes of Kansas City, we provide a calm, stressfree and well-structured home environment for five to eight residents living with Alzheimer’s disease. A ComfortCare home is not “homelike” but rather it is a real home in a real neighborhood — there are no signs in the yard, no restaurant-style dining and no long, impersonal halls lined with patients. To tour and learn more, call Courtney Minter at (913) 609-1891 or visit the website at: www.ComfortCareKC.com. Live-in nurse/companion - Retired nurse will provide and manage the home. Order and give medicine. Schedule doctors’ appointments. Shop for the home and prepare meals. Recent references. Call (913) 579-5276 or (913) 322-4297 to schedule an appointment. Will consider hourly work in Johnson County area. Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com. Tender loving care - Has your parent or spouse lost a loved one? Do you need extra help? Retired nurse will give caregiving, doctors’ visits, errands, etc. Ask about extra services available. Call (913) 384-2119. Do you worry about your aging parents? - Call to learn how a nurse ambassador can consistently manage your health and wellness, allowing you to live at home safely. A simple and affordable choice. Call Home Connect Health at (913) 627-9222.
VOLUNTEERS Catholic Radio (KEXS) - Event coordinators and local reps. Will train. Please join a small staff and growing group of enthusiastic volunteers to help spread the good news. For more information, contact Mark Henke at (913) 742-7209 or by email at: henke@thinkingbeyond.com; or Carolyn O’Laughlin at (816) 616-4000 or by email at: info@thecatholicradionet work.com.
REAL ESTATE Wanted to buy - Houses that need an upgrade or are very old that you’re having difficulty selling or are in need of selling quickly. I can pay cash within 20 days. Please call Mark Edmondson at (913) 980-4905. Holy Trinity Parish member. Wonderful home for St. Michael the Archangel family 4+ BR, 4.5 BA. Walls of windows across the entire back side of first floor. Hearth room, huge kitchen, deck, patio with fire pit. Large yard for playset and/or trampoline. Beautifully finished basement. $558,000. Call Rachel McGonagle. Reece and Nichols. (816) 392-1705. Own Your Own Lodge - Approximately 5,860 square feet. Perfect for large families or a business getaway. 240 feet of lake frontage. Seasonal, summer or winter. Three stone fireplaces, 3 master suites with 3 additional bedrooms, 6 baths, 2 wet bars, 3 living areas for family and friends. Fully furnished. 3-well oversized dock. Sunrise Beach, Mo., in the Ozarks. $695,000. Call (913) 208-8074.
for RENT For rent - 2 BR, 1 BA; 227th and Metcalf. Maintenance provided. One minute walk to Mass. $550 per month. Call Bill at (816) 835-7994.
VACATION Colorado vacation - Winter Park; 2 BR, 1 BA, furnished. Mountain biking, golf, hiking, and fishing. $125 per night or $700 per week. Call (816) 392-0686. Colorado vacation - Granby, Winter Park. 2 BR, kitchen, sleeps 6. Pet OK. www.innatsilvercreek.com. June 28 - July 5; July 5 - July 12. $500 per week. Call (913) 649-7596. Pilgrimage in France - Sept. 8 - 18, 2014. Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Bernadette, healing baths, St. John Vianney, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. Thérèse, beaches of Normandy (70th anniversary), Mont St. Michel, Our Lady of Pontmain, St. Catherine Laboure, St. Vincent de Paul, Paris. Chaplain: Fr. Ernie Davis, St. Therese Little Flower Kansas City. $4,559. Send an email to: frernie3@gmail.com or call (816) 4445406.
for sale For sale - 2010 Yukon Denali 4D, AWD, 6.2 liter engine, one owner, clean carfax report, power sunroof, heated front and back seats, bench second row with third row seating, new tires, navigation system and back-up camera. 81,750 miles. $34,500. Call (913) 219-3124. For sale - Handmade and unique 18” doll clothes, i.e., American Girl, aprons, placemats and table runners. For information, call (785) 331-7398 or send an email to: lv_state@ 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.
wanted to buy Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware. Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.
MISCELLANEOUS Our Lady of Hope. Catholics with an Anglican and Methodist heritage. Formal and friendly. Visitors welcome. Mass Saturdays at 4 p.m., St. Therese Little Flower, 5814 Euclid, Kansas City, Mo. Fulfills Sunday obligation. Father Ernie Davis. Dr. Bruce Prince-Joseph, organist. For more information, send an email to: frernie3@gmail.com or call (816) 729-6776.
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MAY 9, 2014 | theleaven.com
May Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church, 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka, will host its annual plant, shrub and vegetable plant sale on May 10 from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. There will also be seasonal vegetables to purchase. All proceeds will benefit the Topeka Rescue Mission and those less fortunate in the local community.
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The 10th annual Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers Walk for Life will be held on May 10 at 8:30 a.m. at the Foxhill Medical Building, 4601 W. 109th St., Overland Park. Strollers are welcome; prizes and breakfast will be provided. Please register online at: www.aapcwalk.org. Sanctuary of Hope will present “Honor Thy Mother” breakfast on May 10 from 9 - 11 a.m. at the Reardon Center, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. There will be a performance by the Warriors Come Home Polynesian Dancers. The cost to attend is $25. Prepaid reservations must be made by May 5. Call (913) 321-4673 or send an email to: julie@sanctuaryofhope. org. The Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) will be celebrating 50 years of service in the Greater Kansas City area. Please join us for Mass on May 11 at 2 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Church, 2 E. 75th St. Kansas City, Mo.
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The monthly rosary rally in honor of Our Lady of Fatima will be held on Mother’s Day, May 11, from 3 - 4:15 p.m. at Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park. For information on future dates, visit the website at: www.rosary rallieskc.org. The Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City will host a private showing of this year’s Designers’ Showhouse on May 12 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The historic home is at 1246 W. 59th St., Kansas City, Mo. This event benefits nonprofit groups for the underprivileged and uninsured including Duchesne Clinic, Seton Center and Villa St. Francis. For reservations, send a $30 check by May 5 to Mary Ann Westhoff, 3312 W. 132nd St., Leawood, KS 66209. For more information, visit the website at: www.ladiesofcharitykc.org.
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Two parent information sessions will be held in the library at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, 11411 Pflumm, Overland Park, on May 12 at 9 a.m. and on May 19 at 7 p.m. Meet the president and academic principals and learn about educational
opportunities at the high school. To RSVP, send an email to: dpyle@stasaints.net. The regular meeting of the KCK Serra Club will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5th and Minnesota, Kansas City, Kan., at noon on May 14. Father Brandon Farrar will present “Catholics at Secular College.” The St. Agnes music department will host The William Baker Festival Singers of Kansas City in a concert on May 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the church. The group is a 50-voice semiprofessional chorus specializing in sacred a cappella classics and spirituals. All are welcome. There is no cost to attend. The Leavenworth Regional Catholic Schools Foundation is hosting the annual Immaculata High School Hall of Fame celebration on May 17. A Mass honoring Hall of Fame inductees Mike Connelly and Pat Moran, longtime teachers and coaches at Immaculata, will be held at 4 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, Leavenworth. The celebration will move to the University of Saint Mary’s Saint Joseph Dining Hall at 5:30 p.m. for a cocktail reception followed by dinner and a roast of Connelly and Moran. The evening will conclude with dancing until 11 p.m. For more information, visit the website at: www.leavenworthcatholicshools.org or call the development office at (913) 6827801.
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Father Tom Hesse will celebrate the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass on May 17. Mass is at 8 a.m. at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan. Immediately following Mass is a rosary procession to an abortion clinic approximately four blocks away. Benediction concludes services by 9:45 a.m. St. Pius X Parish, Mission, will host “Burgers, Brats, and Bingo” at 5:30 p.m. on May 17. Games will begin around 6:30 p.m. Concessions and drinks are available. There will be 15 regular and five special games. A class in using the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning during the postpartum period will be held May 18 at 3 p.m. at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka. Call Dana or Eric Runnebaum at (785) 380-0062 or the Couple to Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558 for more information. Online registration is required by visiting the website at: www.ccli.org.
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The Mary Health of the Sick Guild of the Sisters, Servants of Mary will hold a meeting following 9 a.m. Mass on May 18. The Mass and meeting will be at the convent, located at 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan. Members and prospective new
members are invited to attend. Church of the Nativity Parish, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, will host “Wig Out” on May 18 from noon - 2 p.m. at the parish hall. Hair donations of eight inches or more will be sent to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program where wigs will be made and given to those who have cancer. Service hours and Girl Scout badges will be awarded for these selfless donations. For more information or to RSVP, send an email to: jilldahir@me.com or call (913) 433-3442. The Daughters of Isabella will host their 1st anniversary celebration at 6:30 p.m. on May 19 at the Divine Mercy Parish center, 122 E. Warren, Gardner. Wine and cheese will be served. All Catholic women over the age of 21 are invited to come to the tasting. Join and find out what the Daughters are all about.
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Deacon Tom Mulvenon will be the speaker at the KCK Serra Club meeting at noon on May 28. The meeting will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5th and Minnesota, Kansas City, Kan.
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June Father Anthony Lickteig will be feted for 60 years of priestly service on June 1. Father Lickteig will celebrate a special Mass of thanksgiving at 1 p.m. at Holy Spirit Church, Overland Park, followed by a banquet in his honor at 3:30 p.m. The festivities are open to all friends and clergy. Reservations for dinner are required by May 15 and will be limited to adults because of space limitations. Call the church office at (913) 492-7318 or send an email to: rsvp@ hscatholic.org.
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Come see and listen to Dr. Ray Guarendi live at this year’s Kan6-7 sas City Catholic Homeschool Conference. “Our Faith, Our Families” is the theme of the conference, which will be held June 6 - 7 at St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa. Visit the website for more information and to register at: www.kccatholichomeschooler.org. Early registration is through May 10.
Summer Do you live in the Kansas City area? Do you need some minor home repair or know someone in need of home repairs? Catholic HEART (Helping Everyone Attain Repairs Today) will be in your area, July
14 - 17. Catholic HEART provides the labor and some material, such as paint, tools, and wood. Requests for assistance must be submitted before June 1. For more information, call Ernie Boehner, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, at (913) 433-2085; Rick Cheek, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, at (913) 284-1725; or Scott See, Catholic HEART Workcamp manager at (913) 208-4610. The objectives of the St. James Academy summer youth camps are to develop skills in future high school students and to provide a general overview of the high school experience. Unless specific skills are listed, participants of all ability are welcome. Register online at: www. sjakeepingfaith.org. The cost to attend is $80. For more information, contact Mr. Huppe at (913) 254-4284. St. James Academy, Lenexa, will be hosting summer basketball leagues for all girls entering 5th - 8th grades and all boys entering 3rd - 9th grades next fall. For more information on the boys’ league, contact Stan Dohm by email at: sdohm@ sjakeepingfaith.org or call (316) 641-5802. For the girls’ league, contact Rich Weitz by email at: rweitz@sjakeepingfaith.org or call (913) 302-8564. The Bishop Miege basketball clinic for girls will be held June 16 - 19. The boys clinic will be held from June 23 - 26. Both clinics are for children going into the 4th - 8th grades. The clinics will run from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Mon. - Thurs. For children going into kindergarten, 1st - 3rd grades, the Little Stags Clinic is from June 9 - 12, from 9 - 10:30 a.m. All clinics are coached by Terry English, head girls basketball coach, and Rick Zych, head boys basketball coach, and their coaching staffs. For more information, call Dolly Foley at (913) 495-9559 or visit the website at: www. bishopmiege.com.
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14 commentary Scripture Readings
theleaven.com | may 9, 2014
May 11 fourth SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 2: 14a, 36-41 Ps 23: 1-6 1 Pt 2: 20b-25 Jn 10: 1-10 May 12 Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs; Pancras, martyr Acts 11: 1-18 Pss 42: 2-3; 43: 3-4 Jn 10: 11-18 May 13 Our Lady of Fatima Acts 11: 19-26 Ps 87: 1b-7 Jn 10: 22-30 May 14 MATTHIAS, APOSTLE Acts 1: 15-17, 20-26 Ps 113: 1-8 Jn 15: 9-17 May 15 Isidore Acts 13: 13-25 Ps 89: 2-3, 21-22, 25, 27 Jn 13: 16-20 May 16 Friday Acts 13: 26-33 Ps 2: 6-11b Jn 14: 1-6 May 17 Saturday Acts 13: 44-52 Ps 98: 1-4 Jn 14: 7-14
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Making Sense of Bioethics
mark my words
fourth week OF EASTER
F
Build your life on these stones
ather Brian Cavanaugh, TOR, is one of my favorite storytellers. The following is about an encounter he once had: Shortly after midterm exams, I asked a student how her tests had gone. She said they were not too tough . . . except for one professor’s. “Her tests are impossible to pass,” she said. “I have to study so much harder for her tests just to keep up my grades.” “But,” I asked, “do you learn more from all that studying for her tests, or from the teachers that are not so difficult?” “Well, I do seem to understand her course better,” she admitted. “But does she have to be so tough?” I then asked her if she had ever sharpened a knife. “Yes, once” she answered, “on a family camping trip.” “Did you use a stone or a towel?” I asked. “What?” she said. “You can’t sharpen a knife on a towel.” “Exactly!” I answered. “A knife can only be sharpened on a hard surface so that it will be sharp enough to fulfill its purpose. Students, too, are sharpened on the hard surfaces of good teachers and parents, so that they will be sharp enough to ‘cut it’ in
Father Mark Goldasich Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. life and fulfill their life purpose.” (Adapted from Father Brian’s “Sower’s Seeds That Nurture Family Values.”) Two of my important “stones” recently died within days of one another — one on April 26; the other on the 30th. Both shepherded me at critical times of my life. Both were demanding, but compassionate. Both were teachers and examples. Two good friends of mine, Dan and Wendy, captured the essence of one of these “stones,” saying: “He was a teacher who always knew his students were capable of far more than they could imagine. He made us believe, and gave us the gift that lasts a lifetime.” These words apply as well to my other stone. Who were these exceptional teachers? One was Don Lipovac; the other, Sister Daniel Kaizar. Don
taught me from the fifth grade through high school how to play the tamburitza (a Balkan stringed instrument), read music, sing and dance. Sister Daniel was my second-grade teacher who prepared me for my first confession and Communion. Don died suddenly and unexpectedly at age 79; Sister Daniel died after a long illness, having been a School Sister of St. Francis of Christ the King for 72 years. Both drilled the basics into me, which, at the time, seemed tedious. But they succeeded in making the faith in one case, and music in the other, second nature to me. Both taught that progress comes only with practice. I had the honor of celebrating Don’s funeral at Holy Family Parish in Kansas City, Kan. The Mass featured both organ and tamburitza music — fitting, as Don played the organ at the parish and, of course, instructed many young tamburitzans. Although we were tearful leaving the cemetery, that was not the end of the story. For the funeral dinner, we gathered at Father Mejak Hall. Soon, the place was filled with the sounds of tamburitza and accordion music. And, when people finished eating, they got up
to dance. What an appropriate tribute to the man described as the “polka king“ of KCK. Unfortunately, I could only be at Sister Daniel’s funeral in spirit. But she was remembered fondly this past Sunday as 32 girls and boys received their first Communion in Tonganoxie. From my first time in May 1963 until now, I’ve received Communion some 18,600 times. But I’ll never forget my first. Sister Daniel instilled in us how important it was to be and look our best, as a sign of respect for Jesus, whom we were going to receive. She encouraged us to be as excited each time we received Communion as at our first time. It’s a lesson I’ve never forgotten. May 5-9 was Teacher Appreciation Week. Over the years, I did thank Don, although inadequately, for the big influence that he played in my life. Sadly, I don’t think I ever did the same with Sister Daniel. Don’t let that happen to you. Take time in the next few days to look up some former teachers and thank them in some way. And, for Pete’s sake, don’t forget this weekend to treat with the utmost gratitude and respect the biggest “stone” in all our lives: Mom!
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In the beginning
Peter echoes Jesus’ invitation into his kingdom
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vast cavernous space, such as a church, will often make any sound echo. Infants at Mass sometimes will discover this phenomenon to their great delight — and to the distress of their parents. In a sense, every time a priest or deacon preaches, it is meant to echo the preaching of the apostles, to continue their message, although adapted to that particular audience. In Sunday’s first reading — Acts 2:14a, 36-41 — we hear the apostle Peter preaching his first homily. It is directed to his fellow Jews, assembled in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. He concludes his homily by urging them to “repent and be baptized.”
commentary 15
may 9, 2014 | theleaven.com
Father Mike Stubbs Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. In urging his audience to repent, Peter is echoing the standard invitation that Jesus made when he preached. It forms part of the kerygma, his basic proclamation: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand! Repent and believe in the Gospel” (Mk 1:15). Jesus called people to repent, so that they could
Pope francis Human smarts are not enough to truly understand God’s word and how he is working in people’s lives, Pope Francis said. Christians need the help of the Holy Spirit to “go beneath the surface of reality and peer into the depths of God’s thinking and his plan of salvation,” he said.
fully embrace and enter into the kingdom of God which he was announcing. While it may be obvious that Peter is echoing Jesus’ message about repentance, it is not so clear that he is echoing his message about the kingdom of God. After all, Peter does not even mention the word. But that is where baptism comes in. Through baptism, we become part of the church. That is why we call it a sacrament of initiation. The Acts of the Apostles account specifies the number of new members brought in by Peter’s preaching: “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day.” There is a connection between the kingdom of God
During his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square April 30, the pope returned to a new series of audience talks on the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. The audience drew tens of thousands of people, including numerous pilgrims who attended the April 27 canonizations of Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II, whose images could be seen on ban-
and the church, although it is an oversimplification to identify God’s kingdom with the church, as some have done in the past, as though they were exactly one and the same thing. Rather, the church is made up of those followers of Jesus who earnestly seek the kingdom of God and who have opened themselves to it. It is through the church that we come into contact with the kingdom of God, which Jesus proclaimed to be near at hand. As part of the church, we are able to experience the kingdom of God. And having experienced the kingdom of God, we also can repeat Jesus’ proclamation of it, in our own time and place. The echo still continues to reverberate.
ners still hanging from the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica. In his catechesis, the pope focused on the gift of understanding, which, he said, is not the same as “human intelligence or intellectual ability.” Rather, he said, it is a gift of the Holy Spirit that comes from sharing in God’s life through faith and baptism. — CNS
Permanent forms of contraception have long-range consequences
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mong married men and women who undergo surgical sterilization
through a vasectomy or a tubal ligation, it has been estimated that anywhere from 10 to 20 percent will come to regret the choice. Sometimes, there may be an immediate awareness of wrongdoing following the surgery, while in other cases, as Patrick Coffin, radio host and author of “Sex au Naturel” notes, sterilized couples may “drift for years before acknowledging that something between them is no longer in sync. “After the initial pregnancy fear subsides, and the vision of 1001 erotic nights turns out be something of a scam, spouse may (subtly) turn against spouse while doing their best to ignore the silent, disturbing ‘presence’ of the choice they made.” Their decision to seek out a permanent form of contraception can also affect their marriage in other important ways. As Dr. John Billings has noted: There is “an effect that is even more tragic than the clinical, and it is that in many
Father tadeusz Pacholczyk Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Mass., and serves as the director of education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. cases the use of contraceptive methods in marriage has been followed by an act of infidelity of one of the members. It would seem that contraception diminishes the mutual respect of husband and wife. Additionally, the abandoning of self-control diminishes the capacity to exercise this self-dominion outside the marriage.” The “abandonment of self-control” that can follow permanent sterilization raises ongoing spiritual and moral challenges for couples who later repent and confess the sin of having undergone a vasectomy or a tubal ligation. A unique and vexing problem arises because sterilized individuals may find themselves, as Coffin observes, “sorely
tempted to delight in the very sex-without-babies mentality that led to the sterilization in the first place.” Repentant couples, out of an abundance of spiritual caution, may thus wonder what they should do, and whether they are obliged to get a surgical reversal of the procedure. The church has never declared this to be a required step — in part because of the risks and burdens associated with surgical interventions, in part because of the high uncertainty of a successful outcome, and in part because of the potentially significant expenses involved. Even though a reversal may not be feasible or obligatory, the repentant couple may nonetheless become aware of the need to order their sexual activity and appetites in the face of their original sterilization decision and its extended consequences. They may recognize a pressing interior need to grow in the virtue of marital chastity and to engage in a lifestyle that authentically embodies their new, albeit delayed, rejection of the contraceptive mentality. In these situations, clergy and spiritual advisers will often encourage couples to pat-
tern their sex life on the same cycle of periodic abstinence that fertile couples follow when using natural family planning (NFP). During times of abstinence, the couples actively exercise self-control, thereby reordering the sensual and sexual appetites. This strengthens spouses in their resolve not to reduce each other to objects for pursuing sexual self-gratification. This is important because various forms of contraception, including permanent sterilization, often involve the phenomenon of the woman feeling as if she is being “used” by her husband. Abstinence, therefore, assists couples in learning to express their mutual love in other ways. St. John Paul II explains this perspective in his famous work “Love and Responsibility”: “Inherent in the essential character of continence as a virtue is the conviction that the love of man and woman loses nothing as a result of temporary abstention from erotic experiences, but, on the contrary, gains: The personal union takes deeper root, grounded as it is above all in the affirmation of the value of the person and not just in sexual attachment.” In one of his weekly general audiences
later as pope, he further notes that “continence itself is a definite and permanent moral attitude; it is a virtue, and therefore, the whole line of conduct guided by it acquires a virtuous character.” Fertile couples who incorporate NFP into their marriages to avoid a conception often end up acquiring a different attitude toward life as they chart and practice periodic abstinence: They can have a change of heart and discern a call to have one or several additional children. A similar spiritual conversion to a culture of life might reasonably be expected to occur among some sterilized couples who resolve to live out an NFP lifestyle, perhaps becoming more open to adopting a child, or more open to other forms of spiritual parenthood in their communities such as Big Brother/ Big Sister programs. By abstaining during fertile times, then, the sterilized couple reintegrates the same positive behaviors that they might have practiced had they not chosen to be sterilized. In this way, the science of NFP offers the repentant sterilized couple a school of opportunity to acquire virtue within their marriage and their conjugal relations.
16 LOCAL NEWS
theleaven.com | may 9, 2014
Road to priesthood passed under golden arches
By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The road to the priesthood for Deacon Anthony Joseph Saiki started out in a devout home packed with siblings. It will wind up with the laying on of hands on May 24. But it led through a place many of us have found ourselves: the drive-thru at McDonald’s. “I started working for McDonald’s when I was 14 years old — pretty young,” said Deacon Saiki. “It was a great opportunity. I loved working with people. You get to see so many kinds of people when you work in fast food. “By 16, I was a full-time employee, and right before I turned 17, I was made an assistant manager at the McDonald’s in DeSoto.” While at McDonald’s, he learned to empathize with his coworkers. “I developed a lot of good connections with my coworkers at McDonald’s and learned about the issues facing their lives,” he said. “Sometimes it was a pro-life issue, sometimes it was immigration or fair wages,” he continued. “I wanted to help them. “I’ve always been intrigued by politics — I’m kind of a political junkie. I thought, ‘Maybe I’m meant to help these people by getting involved in politics and public service.’” All that changed when he was invited to visit Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis in late March 2007. “I was invited and I thought I might as well, because I didn’t have anything else going on,” said Deacon Saiki. “The moment I walked through the doors of the seminary,” he recalled, “something in my heart and soul just dramatically shifted. “I went from thinking I might become a public official to knowing — having a certainty — that I was supposed to be in the seminary [and] that I was to supposed to enter not later, but as soon as possible. “My plans for KU were put aside and I began the application process.” Deacon Saiki was born in Wichita, the oldest of the 10 children of John and Virginia Saiki. Home-schooled through moves from El Dorado, then St. Marys, to Topeka and finally DeSoto, Deacon Saiki finished his high-school level education in 2006. The idea of a priestly vocation had been in his mind for a long time. “I had wanted to go to the seminary and become a priest from when I was first Communion age — second grade — all the way through freshman and sophomore year in high school,” said Deacon Saiki. Two major influences in his life produced this desire — his family and parish priests. “In my family, the faith was always a priority, especially in home schooling,” said Deacon Saiki. “We’d do all our studies, but we’d always, as a family, study the Catechism [of the Catholic Church] together. It wasn’t for a specified amount of time. We’d talk about the faith, questions and answers and watch religious movies.” As an altar boy, Deacon Saiki had
Leaven photo by Todd Habiger
Deacon Anthony Saiki stands in front of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. Deacon Saiki said that the moment he walked through the seminary doors he knew that was where he was supposed to be. the opportunity to get to know several priests, and they made a big impression. “Msgr. Charles Walsh (in El Dorado) was a very dignified and humble man, a wonderful priest,” said Deacon Saiki. “The more I was around him, the more I was intrigued by him and wanted to be like him.” Another great priest was Father Carl Dekat, pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish in St. Marys and at St. Joseph Parish in Topeka. “Seeing him celebrating Mass very reverently and piously just affirmed my desire for the priesthood and to be active in my faith,” he said. But after he finished his high school-level education in 2006, he attended Johnson County Community College. By that time, he was considering going on to study political science or communications at the University of Kansas . . . until his visit to Kenrick-Glennon set him back on the path to the seminary. Deacon Saiki studied at Kenrick-Glennon from 2007 to 2014, and was ordained a deacon on May 18, 2013, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka. He will be ordained to the priesthood on May 24 at Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe. “I want to be a priest who, in everything he does, works for the holiness and salvation of souls,” said Deacon Saiki. “And, in all things, to give glory to God. “If I can go to bed at night thinking I’ve accomplished those things, I will be a very happy priest.”
Personally Speaking
Anthony Joseph Saiki Age: 26 Born: Wichita Raised: El Dorado, St. Marys, Topeka and DeSoto Parents: John and Virginia Saiki Siblings: Angela, John Steven, Michael, Christina, Matthias, Jayme, Dominic, Bernadette, and Maria Home parish: St. Paul in Olathe Favorite TV show: “Downton Abbey” The most inspirational Christians I’ve met: The cloistered Carmelites of El Convento de la Encarnación in Avila, Spain Favorite saint and why: St. John of Avila. I wrote my master’s thesis on his theology of the priesthood and reform. Favorite food: Sushi Favorite childhood toy: My Lego collection Favorite place in the whole world: Avila, Spain Dream vacation: Pretty much anywhere in Spain. I love the Spanish countryside, and Spain has produced so many great saints. I have been to Spain twice — once with Archbishop Naumann and the other seminarians of our archdiocese for World Youth Day in 2011, and last summer for Spanish immersion. I really hope to go back again. Best job I’ve ever had: Aside from what I am doing now, I would have to say McDonald’s. I loved working with people and learned so much about life and culture. I also learned quite a bit of Spanish while I was there — something I will certainly use in my priesthood. Worst job I’ve ever had: Detasseling corn when I was 14 If I were missionary sent to a faraway place, I’d be sure to bring my trusty: Hand sanitizer. Best advice I received: To relate every single experience — good, bad, and otherwise — to Christ. Because of the incarnation, Jesus Christ’s becoming man, he can understand what we are going through in such a profound way and walks with us at each moment. It really can enhance one’s prayer if he or she sees Christ walking right alongside them in whatever life throws at them. My advice for someone seeking his or her vocation: Find silence in your day to talk to God about what he is calling you to do in your life. We live in such a busy society and culture that it can be very difficult to hear God speaking to us. He will reach us, but we can foster the conversation when we find silence.