05-11-12 Vol. 33 No. 38

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 33, NO. 38 MAY 11, 2012

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann is flanked by Deacons Gale Hammerschmidt (left) and Brian Lager as they process into Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger of Salina distributes Communion during his May 1 episcopal ordination and installation Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina.

Sister Rita Thouvenelle, a Eudist Servant of the 11th Hour, which is based in Tijuana, Mexico, is greeted by Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger at a public reception in Salina.

Salina ordains new shepherd STORY BY DOUG WELLER

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ALINA — In front of more than 1,200 people at Sacred Heart Cathedral here, and before countless others watching live on television and the Internet, Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger was ordained the 11th shepherd of the Diocese of Salina May 1.

The overflow cathedral crowd watched a lengthy procession of more than two dozen archbishops and bishops and more than 150 priests, permanent deacons and seminarians as the rite of ordination began.

Afterward, the new bishop expressed his gratitude to the papal nuncio, his fellow bishops and priests, and his family, then spoke to his new flock at large.

“The truth is I owe you, and most especially the people of the Diocese of Salina, more than just the emotion of gratitude,” he said. “I actually owe you a life well-lived, poured out in service as your brother in Christ, your spiritual father, your shepherd, your bishop — a life lived out in such a way that it points to Christ, reflects Christ and calls us all to an ever deeper union with Christ.

“It is a huge task, and I tremble before it,” he continued. “I know my limitations and weaknesses all too well. Were it not for my trust and hope in the divine assistance

PHOTOS BY KAREN BONAR of the Holy Spirit, I would be too shaken to even try.”

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann ordained the new bishop and was joined by co-consecrators from Bishop Weisenburger’s home Archdiocese of Oklahoma City — Archbishop Paul Coakley, the most recent bishop of Salina, and Archbishop Emeritus Eusebius Beltran.

All of the visiting bishops and archbishops laid hands on the new prelate as the congregation sang “Come, Creator Spirit.”

The ceremony, which ran 2-1/2 hours, was televised live on EWTN and CatholicTV and streamed live on the diocesan website, affording far more people the chance to watch than those able to secure a ticket.

Afterward, at a public reception, Bishop Weisenburger greeted a seemingly endless line of well-wishers for about 90 minutes before leaving for a celebratory dinner with fellow bishops, family, diocesan priests and other guests.

Archbishop Carl Maria Vigano, the papal nuncio to the United States, read the apostolic mandate from Pope Benedict XVI appointing the new bishop and offered his remarks on behalf of the Holy Father.

“I bring warm greetings to each of you See “BISHOP” on page 7

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann places the miter on the head of Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger of Salina during his May 1 episcopal ordination and installation Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina. Bishop Weisenburger, 51, succeeds Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, who was appointed to head the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City in 2010.

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CAPITOL RALLY

Join Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and all the bishops of Kansas from 2 to 4 p.m. on June 29 outside the Capitol in Topeka for the Fortnight for Freedom — a religious liberty rally.

SUMMER SCHEDULE

The last weekly issue of The Leaven will be on May 18 as we begin our summer schedule. The Leaven will publish on June 1, 15, 29; July 13, 27; and Aug. 10 and 24. The Leaven will resume its weekly schedule on Sept. 7.

SCIENCE WHIZZES

Students at John Paul II School in Overland Park do their school proud at the Science Olympiad in Wichita.

2 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • MAY 11, 2012

THE LEAVEN • MAY 11, 2012

Knights rally to life

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

T

Gospel measure of ‘fruitful’ is different from worldly success

his past fall, Ed Macauley, a good friend whom I knew from my pro-life ministry, died. In St. Louis, Ed Macauley was a sports legend and celebrity.

dress this oversight. For the occasion, there was a large banquet with some of Ed Macauley’s former teammates He was a hometown boy who had and many of his legions of friends in grown up in North St. Louis. He atattendance. Ed asked me to give an tended St. Louis University (SLU). invocation for the event. Before leading In 1948, Ed led SLU to what was the the prayer, I thanked the NBA officials equivalent today of the Division I present for not honoring Ed back in National College Basketball Champion1951, because I would have only been ship. He became known as “Easy Ed” two years old at the time and I doubted because, despite being 6 feet 9 inches Ed would have invited me to do the tall, his movements on the basketball invocation. court were fluid and graceful. “Easy” Actually, I got to know Ed long after also described Ed’s his playing career personality. He was had ended. Ed and naturally approachSave the date his wife, Jackie, able, friendly and had seven children.

Mark your calendars to attend always humorous.

Their youngest child, the June 29 religious liberty ralProfessionally, Ed Patrick, was born ly at the state Capitol in Topeka. played for the Boston with severe disThe rally begins at 2 p.m. and Celtics. He was a abilities. His physiwill conclude by 4 p.m. key part of some of cal limitations were their great teams such that doctors did in the 1950s. When not expect him to live more than a few I was a boy growing up, the Atlanta months or, at most, a couple of years.

Hawks were the St. Louis Hawks. In Patrick’s disabilities were so severe the late 1950s, the Hawks traded their that he was confined to bed most of his top draft pick, Bill Russell, to the Celtlife. However, because of the tender, ics to acquire hometown favorite, Ed loving care that Patrick received from Macauley. With Ed Macauley, the St. Jackie, Ed and his siblings, he lived sevLouis Hawks won the NBA championeral years longer than predicted by the ship, defeating his former team — the medical experts.

Celtics.

Patrick’s brief life had a huge impact Ed was the Most Valuable Player on Ed and Jackie and their family. For (MVP) in the first National Basketball Ed, it made him more keenly aware Association (NBA) All-Star game, of the sacredness of every human life. played in Boston in 1951. The first NBA Part of Ed’s motivation for becoming All-Star game was a very low-key event involved in pro-life efforts was his by today’s standards. In 1953, when realization that children like Patrick, the site of the All-Star game moved because of prenatal genetic testing, from Boston to New York, the NBA had become likely targets of abortion. decided to begin the custom of naming Ed realized that he was a better an MVP. They also decided to post facto man, a better husband and father, name MVPs for the first two All-Star because of Patrick. He also appreciated games. Ed Macauley had scored the how Patrick had influenced his other most points in the first All-Star game, six children, drawing forth from them so he was the natural choice. a greater capacity for love and compasIn the late ’90s and early 2000s, by sion. I was reminded of Ed’s love and which time the NBA All-Star game had gratitude for Patrick’s life when I read a evolved into a huge sports gala, some recent article by syndicated columnist St. Louis sports writers noted that George Will about his son, Jon, who favorite son Ed Macauley was the MVP has Down syndrome. Just as Patrick for the first game. One year, a local was for the Macauleys, Jon is a real sports radio station interviewed Ed blessing to the Will family, making his about his achievement. Ed downplayed parents and siblings better people. the honor, recalling that he was named Ed Macauley became a permanent MVP two years after the game and deacon, placing his exceptional comhad not even received from the NBA a munication skills at the service of the plaque or trophy for this accomplishGospel. Another one of Ed’s passions ment. The radio station began a cruwas helping priests become more effecsade to pressure the NBA to properly tive homilists. Ed actually coauthored honor Ed Macauley for being the MVP a book, “Homilies Alive,” providing of its first All-Star game. helpful counsel on how to become a In 2002, the NBA decided to adbetter preacher. I think that Ed consid-

Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

May 20 Mass and pastoral visit — Good Shepherd, Shawnee

May 11 Benedictine College nurse pinning ceremony

May 21 St. Jude Hospice meeting

Benedictine College baccalaureate Mass

Videotaping for Camp Tekakwitha

May 12 Benedictine College graduation — honorary degree

Pastoral Council vespers and dinner

Donnelly College graduation May 14 Catholic Charities golf lunch — Lake Quivira Meeting with Rabbi Herbert Mandl, president of Area Rabbi Association Confirmation — Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady & St. Rose, Kansas City, Kan. May 15 Administrative Team meeting May 16 Catholic Business Network — Avila Faith Initiative priests meeting

May 22 Apostles of the Interior Life Spiritual Mentorship Conference, Mass, lunch and speech — Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City, Kan. Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas board meeting Holy Hour, vespers and dinner with Deacon Oswaldo Sandoval May 23 Curia meeting May 24 High school principals meeting

Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar

Confirmation — Good Shepherd, Shawnee

May 1-12 Venice pilgrimage cruise

May 17-18 Kansas Catholic Conference

May 17 Confirmation — Our Lady of Guadalupe, Topeka

May 18 “Catholic Way” recording Evening prayer and Benediction with those to be ordained transitional deacons May 19 Transitional diaconate ordination — Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka, for Quentin Schmidt, Daniel Schmidt and Nathan Haverland ered the improvement of my preaching a special project. Even Ed Macauley did not succeed at everything!

I think of Ed frequently when I am preparing homilies, but he was especially on my mind when I prepared last Sunday’s homily. In the Gospel, Jesus told his disciples that whoever abides in him “will bear much fruit.” As disciples of Jesus, we are called to live lives that are fruitful, not necessarily successful.

What the Gospel means by “fruitful” is very different than what our world means by “success.” Worldly success often means making money and gaining recognition from others. What Jesus means by “fruitfulness” involves neither of these human measures.

Biblical fruitfulness requires, first of all, being connected to God, the source

May 19 Transitional diaconate ordination — Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka

Knights of Columbus hold 111th annual convention in Topeka

By Marc and Julie Anderson Special to The Leaven

TOPEKA — The theme for the 111th annual state convention of the Knights of Columbus was “Let’s Celebrate,” and that they did, adding faith and fraternity into the mix with fun.

More than 600 Knights met from May 4 to 7 for the convention held at the Ramada Inn in downtown Topeka.

The event was hosted by Christ the King Council 8411 and St. Matthew Council 13012.

The Knights had the opportunity to review activities of the past fraternal year, elect state officers for the upcoming year and enjoy fellowship through social activities like a golf tournament and a barbecue.

Over the convention weekend, the Knights attended a Mass celebrated at St. Matthew Church by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, had an opportunity for eucharistic adoration, and heard former Supreme Knight Virgil C. Dechant speak at the convention banquet held Saturday night.

Dechant, a native of Liebenthal, joined the Knights of Columbus in 1949 at Council 2340 in Liebenthal. Two years later, he was elected Grand Knight of the council.

He rose through the organization, eventually serving in the position of supreme master of the fourth degree and assistant supreme secretary in 1966. He became supreme secretary under Supreme Knight John William McDevitt in 1967. In January 1977, upon McDevitt’s retirement, he was elected the twelfth

Leaven photo by Marc Anderson

Past-Supreme Knight Virgil Dechant addresses nearly 600 Knights of Columbus and their guests on May 5 during the banquet held as part of the Knights of Columbus 111th state convention held at Topeka’s Ramada Inn. Dechant served as Supreme Knight from 1977 until his retirement in 2000.

Supreme Knight, a position he held until his retirement in 2000 at the age of 70.

In his keynote address, Dechant spoke on the fourth and final pillar of the fraternity’s four pillars of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. More specifically, he addressed how the Knights should lead the way in protecting the most fundamental of freedoms — that of religious freedom.

Dechant shared how the Founding Fathers did not intend to remove religion from the public square altogether, but to allow religion to serve as a guiding force in the country’s daily life.

“In his farewell address, George Washington insisted that ‘religion and morality are indispensable supports’ to our political prosperity,” Dechant said.

Thomas Jefferson also held this view, proved by his words inscribed on the

May 20 Federal prison Mass

walls of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.: “God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?” “A great deal hinges on how we answer that question,” said Dechant.

In the early 1950s, recounted Dechant, the Knights of Columbus played a major role in urging Congress to adopt the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance.

“Those words were placed in our pledge in part to mark a stark contrast between both our source of rights and the behest of the atheist, totalitarian dictatorships of the 20th century,” he said.

Current threats to religious liberty, he explained, such as the Health and Human Services mandate for Catholic em-

ployers to provide insurance coverage for services contrary to Catholic doctrine, go against the very core of the Founding Fathers’ intentions as to the role religion and government should have in society.

“We value religious liberty — not only because it affects our personal lives, but we value religious liberty because of the good religion brings into the lives of individual believers and into the life of our nation,” he said.

In his concluding remarks, Dechant discussed how the late Blessed John Paul II began his pontificate with the nowfamous words: “Do not be afraid; open wide the doors to Christ.” He told the Knights to not be afraid, but to confront any threats to religious liberty, first and foremost, through prayer.

“May we, like Blessed Pope John Paul, be not afraid on this issue,” he said.

STATEMENT FROM ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN

May 21 Confirmation — Holy Angels, Basehor

of all life. It also means losing our lives in following Our Lord. It means dying to ourselves, so that God can use us to bring his love to others.

According to the world’s standards, Ed Macauley’s life was a success. However, this is not what mattered to Ed. More importantly, Ed’s life was fruitful — as a husband, father, friend, deacon, homilist, pro-life leader and advocate for the vulnerable. In part, Ed’s life was fruitful because his son Patrick’s life was fruitful.

Most of us hope the world will be a better, more loving place because of our lives. The Patrick Macauleys and Jon Wills make our world better because of the impact of their lives upon those around them. They make the world more loving. May all of our lives be so fruitful!

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

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Archbishop appoints auditor to investigate allegations

ne of the responsibilities as Archbishop that I do not cherish having to deal with involves allegations of misconduct made against clergy, employees or volunteers of the archdiocese. Fortunately for this archdiocese, such allegations are very rare.

However, in the past week I have had to remove a long-standing priest from active ministry while the archdiocese conducts an investigation into a recently received allegation of sexual misconduct. This form of administrative leave is standard practice when allegations of misconduct are made against a priest or deacon.

The Safe Environment Coordinator for the archdiocese recently received a report from a 45-year-old Kansas City, Kan., man who alleges that 30 years ago (1982) when he was 15 years old, he was inappropriately touched by a priest of the archdiocese, Father John Wisner.

The man claims that the alleged misconduct took place while on a youth outing .

I have spoken with Father Wisner Shawnee. Father Wisner is also a mediconcerning the allegation and he ac- cal doctor and employed full time as an knowledges the time, location and cir- associate professor. The archdiocese cumstances surrounding the allegation; has no record of any other allegations however, he denies that he of sexual misconduct raised engaged in any sexual misagainst Father Wisner in his conduct. Father Wisner has 40 years of ministry. been cooperating with the inArchdiocesan policies vestigation. I have appointed place the protection of chila special auditor with law dren as the first priority. Furenforcement and investigathermore, the archdiocese tive experience to investigate respects the sincere concerns the allegation and, in accord of individuals who bring forth with archdiocesan polices, loallegations of misconduct, and cal law enforcement has been Father John Wisner is thus committed to conductcontacted and the chairman of ing a thorough investigation. the Independent Review Board has been However, it is important to remember notified. that all accused persons should be preFather Wisner has served as a pa- sumed innocent unless evidence proves rochial vicar (associate pastor) at St. otherwise. I would ask that parishioners Agnes Parish in Roeland Park, Kan., not jump to conclusions about Father since 1985. Father Wisner was ordained Wisner or any other cleric, employee or in 1972 and has served at Sacred Heart volunteer accused of misconduct until and Christ the King parishes in Kansas investigation findings are revealed.

City, Kan., and at St. Joseph Parish in The goal of such investigations is to

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com

discover the truth about what may or may not have happened, so I ask you to pray for the gift of wisdom for those conducting the investigation. Lastly, pray also for the person who brought forth the allegation and for Father Wisner while they endure the scrutiny that comes with such an investigation.

The archdiocese encourages any person who believes they have been sexually abused by any cleric, employee or volunteer of any archdiocesan parish, school or agency, regardless of when such abuse may have occurred, to contact the archdiocesan Safe Environment Coordinator at (913) 647-6324, the Confidential Report Line at (913) 647-3051, or to contact local law enforcement.

Specifically, if anyone has information pertinent to this current investigation, they are encouraged to contact the archdiocesan Safe Environment Coordinator at the above number.

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

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4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • MAY 11, 2012

THE LEAVEN • MAY 11, 2012

LOCAL NEWS 5

Vocations efforts growing, reaping results

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Ask any number of priests and religious, and a fair number will tell you the seeds of their vocation were sown not in their late teens or 20s, but as early as grade school.

Recognizing this reality, members of the Serra Club, pastors, schoolteachers and parishioners are cooperating to form vocations clubs for students in grades six through eight, and to establish parish vocations committees.

The first — and in some ways pilot — club was formed at Holy Cross School in Overland Park. The club, which became active during the 2011-2012 academic year, has 15 members.

The idea for the elementary schoollevel club came out of discussions held with former Holy Cross Parish pastor Father Bob Conroy.

“He asked last year, during the summer after he participated in two of our vocations committee meetings, ‘What can you do for the elementary school kids?’” said Bill McHale, director of the archdiocesan Serra Club’s College Connection Program.

So McHale and others developed a plan for a club, and incoming Holy Cross pastor Father Michael Stubbs approved and implemented it. It’s a parish program, but is supported by the school and the Serra Clubs.

The results have been positive, according to McHale. The club has already held a number of activities, including visits by seminarians and a field trip to St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison. Not only did all 15 club members go, but sufficient interest was generated that 10 student candidates who hope to join the club next year also went.

The entire program, however, is not adult-driven. Adult moderators worked with students to brainstorm appropriate activities. They’ve discussed forming a “31 Club,” for example, which would pray for vocations for a set period of time, and have specifically invited youths to consider a vocation in a “Called by Name” program.

“Last year, we gave [archdiocesan vocations director] Father Mitchel Zimmerman 42 names to track for ‘Called

by Name,’” said McHale. “Three years ago, we gave 24 names. The reason for

Leaven photo by John Heuertz

Hundreds of walkers take part in the sixth annual “Blisters for Sisters” walkathon at Church of the Nativity Parish in Leawood. With the money raised from the event, 19 communities will receive $1,000 each.

‘Blisters for Sisters’ honors women religious Leaven photo by JD Benning

Father James Albers, OSB, prior of St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, leads the vocations club of Holy Cross School in Overland Park on a tour of the abbey. this increase is that we went to elementary schools and asked the teacher, who knew the students, to identify kids who they thought might have a [religious] vocation.”

There are so far only a few other vocations-specific clubs in place in archdiocesan schools. McHale’s effort is directed mainly toward elementary schools, but at least one high school has two clubs, which were formed independently of McHale’s initiative.

Two were established at St. James Academy by Msgr. Ray Burger. They are the Magnificat Society for boys and the Fiat Society for girls, begun three and two years ago respectively. Sister Mary Bridget, FSGM, works with the girls; Msgr. Burger works with the boys.

“The main purpose of the [Magnificat] Society is to get together a group of young people interested in praying for religious vocations — not necessarily saying that they have a religious vocation, but they are interested in praying for vocations,” said Msgr. Burger.

The two societies have about 30 members each and meet once a month during the academic year. They also meet during the summer.

“In conjunction with the Magnificat Society at St. James, I work with the residents at the Santa Marta retirement center, and they also have a Magnificat Society,” said Msgr. Burger. “They pray for vocations and are given a specific name of a person at St. James to pray for, and the members at St. James pray for someone at Santa Marta. It’s a kind of exchange program of prayer.”

Something must be working. Two St. James graduates went into the seminary last year, and two more are on track to join them, said Msgr. Burger.

McHale is also trying to get parish vocations committees started in archdiocesan parishes. He has targeted 33 parishes and two colleges and, of those, seven have formed committees.

Separate, although related to these vocations efforts, is the College Connection Program of the Serra Clubs.

This program, which is nationwide

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and conducted by all American Serra Clubs, helps graduating Catholic high school students locate a Catholic campus ministry or nearby Catholic church when they go off to college.

The program in the archdiocese, said McHale, is growing. And as the number of participating parishes and schools rises, so, too, do the number of students into whose hands one of the prepared information packets is placed. Where there is a campus ministry available, incoming students’ names are also provided to the appropriate people at the campus centers.

“We got 350 names from the University of Kansas for the College Connection,” said McHale, “and gave them to the St. Lawrence Center [there].”

The benefits of the College Connection, according to McHale, can be seen in Catholic students who remain active in their faith, attend Mass more often, become leaders in their parishes after graduation, and are more likely to consider a religious vocation.

By John Heuertz

Special to The Leaven

LEAWOOD — Mother’s Day is not until Sunday. But the spiritual mothers of Catholic men, women and children across the archdiocese were honored last weekend at Church of the Nativity Parish in Leawood.

Serra Club members from both sides of the state line hosted the sixth annual “Blisters for Sisters” walkathon, Mass and luncheon at the parish to raise money and awareness — and to say “thank you” for the vitally important work that Catholic women living consecrated lives do to help build up the kingdom of God in Missouri and Kansas.

Door prizes and raffle prizes went to over 100 nuns, ranging in age from 20 to 85 — along with everyone’s gratitude for the Sisters’ exemplary lives of quiet self-sacrifice in education, health care, and a variety of new and interesting ministries.

“The job of each Serran is to say, ‘Thank you for being a Sister’ every chance we get,” said event chairman Tom Coppinger of Kansas City, Mo. The festivities started around 9 a.m. with a walk from the parish grounds

TOUCH OF HEAVEN

“It’s fun to get together. We appreciate what the Serrans do for us. Plus it’s good to get a walk in.”

”

Sister Mary Pat Johnson, SCL, in residence at St. John the Evangelist Church, Kansas City, Kan. east to State Line Road and back, with nearly everyone dressed in highly visible orange T-shirts pulled over habits, dresses and men’s shirts.

“It’s fun to get together. We appreciate what the Serrans do for us,” said Sister Mary Pat Johnson SCL, currently in residence at St. John the Evangelist Church in Kansas City, Kan. “Plus it’s good to get a walk in.”

“This event is a wonderful idea,” agreed Sister Therese Steiner, SCL. “Even everyone wearing the same outfit signifies we are all one in Christ through baptism.”

Over 300 families attended.

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ish in Kansas City, Mo., who drives the event’s support vehicle each year.

“It’s been a beautiful experience every year,” said Sister Maria Larkin, OSB, a retired modern languages professor at Benedictine College in Atchison, whose work exemplifies the creative spirit the Sisters bring to the never-ending task of ministering to a broken world.

Sister Maria taught French and Spanish to Benedictine students for over 30 years before retirement.

But Benedictines don’t retire, as the saying goes. And before long, she found herself filling another important role in the community by doing something completely new to her — ministering to inmates at the Atchison County Jail because she was fluent in Spanish.

“When the archbishop came, we could tell him that we were tending to his flock at the jail,” she said.

Hers is only one example of the creativity that Catholic religious women have in approaching the world. Sister Therese took a different path.

Her project is called “Heartland Charity Volunteers.” It’s a chance for young people, ideally just after graduating from college, to volunteer a year of their lives at one of several communi-

ty service agencies in the archdiocese.

“They can live together, live simply, and live in service to the community,” Sister Therese said of the project, which is headquartered in the Argentine district of Kansas City, Kan. The first class is slated to start work this August.

In his homily at the Mass, Serra Club chaplain Father Joe Cisetti touched repeatedly on the holy zeal of Catholic Sisters working in the United States, from the time of the Civil War to today.

Abraham Lincoln commented on the efficiency of Catholic Sisters as nurses tending the wounded of both sides, noted Father Cisetti.

“They carried out their work with a holy determination,” said Lincoln.

Today, Father Cisetti said, “You [Sisters] take one or more aspects of the Christian life, things about which we should all be concerned, and highlight them. . . . You have stepped out in deep faith.”

“Blisters for Sisters” started in 2006 with 57 Sisters and $6,000 raised in support of their various ministries.

This year, 19 communities will receive $1,000 each.

“It’s all due to the generosity of Greater Kansas City’s Catholic community,” said Coppinger.

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6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • MAY 11, 2012

THE LEAVEN • MAY 11, 2012

New Eagle Scouts

Correction

Mitchell Morrison, a member of Boy Scout Troop 98 and St. Ann Church in Prairie Village, has earned the rank of Eagle.

Mitchell’s Eagle project was the removal of a dilapidated school identity sign and installation of a Mitchell Morrison new modern brick and cabinet monument sign with landscaping for St. Ann Church and School.

An article on April 27 misidentified the date of the fire that destroyed the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Leavenworth. The fire occurred on Dec. 30, 1961. The Leaven regrets the error.

Ian Kalas, a member of Boy Scout Troop 26 and Mater Dei Parish in Topeka, received the Eagle Scout award during a Court of Honor ceremony on April 28 at Mater Dei School, Topeka.

For his Eagle service project, Kalas Ian Kalas planned, raised funds for, and built five wooden picnic tables for the Girl Scout camp in Dover. He then delivered and placed the tables throughout the camp.

Leaven photo by Joe Bollig

These Boy Scouts were among the 112 youths and eight adults who received religious emblem awards from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann during the annual Scouting Mass April 29 at St. Peter Cathedral in Kansas City, Kan. The youths participate in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the Venturing program. The archbishop urged the young people to consider that God may be calling them to the priesthood or a religious vocation.

Scouts honored with religious emblems

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — There is a reason that “reverent” comes at the end of the Boy Scout Law. That’s because the last point is the foundation for the remaining 11.

The Scouting value of “reverence” was recognized at the annual Scouting Awards Mass on April 29 at St. Peter Cathedral in Kansas City, Kan. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was the main celebrant and homilist.

Father Shawn Tunink, chaplain of the Archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, concelebrated. Also present were Harold Bradley, chairman of the ACCS, and Ken Miller, Scout executive of the Heart of America Council.

In his homily, the archbishop talked about the role and ministry of

Catholic clergy as “good shepherds” for the church and asked the Scouts to consider their own vocational call.

“So today we recognize the importance of the priesthood, and I would encourage you — particularly our young men — to think about the Lord calling you to be a shepherd after his heart for his people,” said Archbishop Naumann. “He might be calling you to the ministry of priesthood.”

The cathedral’s pews were nearly filled with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Venture Scouts, adult Scout leaders, and family members.

This year 112 awards were given to youths, and eight were given to adults. The awards are presented in recognition of the work the youths did to complete church-approved curriculums dealing with the Catholic faith.

Twenty-five Girl Scouts received Marian awards, and one received the Spirit Alive award. Fifty-eight Boy Scouts received the Ad Altare Dei award, and 24 Boy Scouts and Venture Scouts received the Pope Pius XII award. Three Boy Scouts and one Girl Scout received the Vocation Awareness award.

Finally, the St. George Award was conferred upon adult Scout leaders Steve Mahr; Msgr. Thomas Tank, pastor of Ascension Parish in Overland Park; and Gregory Wellnitz. The Bronze Pelican Award was conferred upon adult Scout leaders Nicholas Archuleta, Mary Gillespie, Bernie Madden, Cathy Mahr and Gary Smith.

The next event scheduled by the ACCS is the Holy Smokes Cook-off and Campout Sept. 8 and 9 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan.

Walk for Life set for May 12 OVERLAND PARK — The Advice and Aid Pregnancy Center’s eighth annual Walk for Life will be held May 12, starting at the Foxhill Medical Building here, located at 4601 W. 109th St. The walk is a two-mile family-friendly walk to support life, and will follow a route that takes walkers by the largest abortion clinic in Kansas. Walkers will have the opportunity to say a silent prayer to end abortion.

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by a prayer by Father Rick Storey, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park. The walk will start at 9 a.m. Tours of the Advice and Aid Pregnancy Center will be available after the walk.

Redemptorist marks 100 years with commemorative book KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A commemorative coffee-table book that chronicles the history of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, better known as Redemptorist Church, is now on sale in conjunction with the church’s 100th anniversary. The book has more than 125 historic and contemporary photos. It may be ordered online at: Redemptoristkc.org or purchased at the parish office, located at 3333 Broadway.

Summer festival benefits Sisters, Servants of Mary KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A summer festival to benefit the charitable works of the Sisters, Servants of Mary will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on June 3 on the grounds of the Sisters’ convent here, located at 800 N. 18th St. Homemade tacos and tamales, Italian sausage and barbecue beef sandwiches, hot dogs, ice cream, and Spanish desserts will be served. There will be games for children and booths, including povitica; dolls from Mexico; raffles for items, including a children’s bicycle, personalized rosary, Lladro figurine and other prizes; and a variety of items for sale.

For more information about the festival, call (913) 371-3423.

Bishop challenged to be an effective preacher of the Gospels Continued from page 1 and thank Msgr. Edward Weisenburger for generously answering God’s call,” he said.

Archbishop Vigano, who was named nuncio in October 2011, is responsible for vetting candidates to become bishops and announced Msgr. Weisenburger’s appointment on Feb. 6.

He spoke of Pope Benedict’s call for Americans to be “public witnesses of the church on the moral issues of the day.”

The papal nuncio said the people of the Diocese of Salina, together with their new bishop, “will effectively face these challenges for the good of your diocese and society as a whole.”

In addition to Archbishop Coakley, the only other former living bishops of Salina were also in attendance — Bishop Emeritus George Fitzsimons, the ninth bishop of Salina from 1984 to 2004 and who continues to serve there, and Archbishop Emeritus Daniel Kucera, OSB, of Dubuque, Iowa, who was the eighth bishop of Salina from 1980 to 1984.

In his homily, Archbishop Nau-

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

Divine Mercy Pilgrimage August 31 – September 11, 2012

With Father Ric Halvorson and Catholic Theologian, Dr. Peter Drag

$3725.00 per person (based on double occupancy) Price includes: Roundtrip airfare from Kansas City, accommodations for 10 nights, breakfast and dinner daily, airport transfers in Warsaw and Prague, all tours and related entrance fees, gratuities for all meals, guides and bus drivers, all related taxes.

Call for more information & brochure Trudy Boynton & Marsha Holland (913) 422-4141 www.trinitytravelonline.com trinitytravel@kc.rr.com

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mann recounted the common history of his archdiocese and the Salina Diocese and told a story of the “tiny crosier” he carried as he processed into the cathedral. The heavy, brass crosier stood taller than he.

He said Bishop Robert Finn of Kansas City-St. Joseph found it in a restoration shop in St. Louis and was told it came from a bishop of Kansas.

He had it restored and donated it to Archbishop Naumann, metropolitan of the four dioceses that make up the Kansas province.

“It symbolizes the shepherds who have gone before us,” he said.

Archbishop Naumann told the new Salina bishop that “rest assured, Our Lord will provide you all you need to shepherd your flock.”

But he also stressed that it would not be easy.

“As a bishop, you are not permitted the luxury of remaining silent.

Your words take on added importance, now [that] they are the words of a successor to an apostle,” Archbishop Naumann said.

He challenged Bishop Weisenburger “to be an effective preacher of the Gospels” and that his words “be amplified by a life of virtue and unselfish service.”

LOCAL NEWS 7 Ann (Cameron) and George Piette, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on ANNIVERSARIES May 19 with a evening buffet reception (by invitation only) for friends and family at the Holy Trinity Quigley Center. They will also have a Mass for family and friends at 2:30 p.m. on May 20 in the Holy Trinity stone chapel. The celebration is being hosted by the couple’s children, Lisa and Mark, and son-in-law Don Kopitke. They also have five grandchildren. The couple was married on May 19, 1962, at St. Mary Church, Bristol, R.I.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY

The Leaven only prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the desired publication date. Announcements must be typed. They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, or for those who have resided in the archdiocese for a significant period of time. Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: Todd@theleaven.com. If you would like your photo returned to you, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

SCIENCE CITY

A point about science and funding was made in the movie “The Right Stuff.”

No bucks = no Buck Rogers. That didn’t stop some Catholic school kids from bucking the paradigm on a shoestring budget. By Sheila Myers

M

ad scientists? Not at John Paul II School in Overland Park. The school’s Science Olympiad team is pretty happy.

The team of 15 sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders, led by science teacher Mary Anne Brown, brought home six medals from the Olympiad state tournament April 7 in Wichita.

The results were impressive for a relatively small school on a shoestring budget. At the state level, teams compete in either the small or large school division.

“Our middle school enrollment is 66,” Brown said. “Only two of the 17 small schools had lower enrollments.”

John Paul principal Susie English credits the team’s success to the student’s dedication, parental support and Brown’s teaching ability.

“Mrs. Brown is a phenomenal teacher, and she has always had good luck with the Science Olympiad,” said English.

Parents from all 15 families gave up part of their Easter weekend to attend the tournament at Wichita State University with their children. The families even attended Holy Saturday services together.

The team’s winning formula of camaraderie plus a sincere interest in science resulted in three first-place, one secondand two third-place medals.

“We have no budget,” Brown said. “It’s just me. [The students] do mostly independent work. They come after school on their free time.”

Problem solving is key The Kansas Science Olympiad website says the point of Science Olympiad is to learn some science and have some fun in the process.

Students work in teams of two on events representing different science disciplines: biology, physics, chemistry, earth science and engineering. For the events, students answer questions, perform lab experiments and build a structure or robot.

One would think that watching science experiments is not the stuff of high drama, but Science Olympiad is infused with nail-biting tension, as eighth-graders Shannon Sutherlin and Emily O’Meara discovered.

The trouble started when one of two wells the girls constructed for Amazing Aquifers, an event to increase understanding of groundwater concepts, did not work.

“Then our ink, which we use to show contamination, leaked everywhere in our container,” Shannon said. “It was black food coloring.”

Shannon and Emily kept their cool during the timed event. They washed out their containers and substituted red food

From left, seventh-graders Teresa Castro, Bridget Hannon and Paul Huinh weigh a substance for an experiment in science club.

Overland Park’s John Paul II School science teacher Mary Anne Brown explains an assignment to sixthgraders. Brown is the coach of the school’s Science Olympiad team that brought home six medals from the state tournament on April 7. coloring. Their quick thinking paid off.

They won second place.

That kind of think-on-your-feet problem solving is what makes Science Olympiad such a valuable experience for the students.

“The event enhances critical thinking, higher level thinking, and it excites the kids,” said English. “They compete against other schools. They build things on their own. They understand the whole process and how they get there.”

Making the cut Brown, a science teacher since 1987, initiated Science Olympiad as an extracurricular activity at John Paul II when she started teaching at the school in 2005.

The club meets three times a week during the school year. Students spend their Science Olympiad meetings doing research and performing experiments.

Brown selects the team in December.

Students practice for events at invitational and regional competitions. The best performing teams are invited to state.

This year, 22 students tried out for 15 spots. The club is so popular that students who don’t make the team continue to participate in the club. Such is the case for sixth-grader Emily Matos.

“I go because it’s interesting to see what they do. And maybe next year, I can officially get onto [the team],” she said.

Brown has developed a point system to

determine who makes the team.

“I look for kids who can work independently, responsibly, work with each other and focus on what’s important,” she said.

Independent problem solving is such an important aspect of Science Olympiad that events are cordoned off to keep teachers and parents from interfering.

But sometimes, well-meaning adults get in the way. During a regional competition in February, sixth-graders AJ Brady and Minh Nguyen were setting up their catapult for the Storm the Castle event.

“I was standing there with another dad, and AJ had his back to us,” Brown said. “We were telling him, ‘It’s crooked.

Straighten it out.’ And I could see his back stiffen. He was not going to listen to us.

“And darn if the thing didn’t go straight in [the target]. He knew exactly what he was doing.”

Superintendent Kathy O’Hara said Brown is an example of the creative, dedicated teachers at Catholic schools who inspire students to learn — teachers who are “on fire” with being able to share with students the beauty of God’s universe.

But Brown heaps the praise on her crop of bright, young scientists, many of whom hope to pursue a science-related career.

“They don’t need me,” she said. “This is an awesome group. They all work together. I think they learn better from each other than they would from me.”

Seventh-grader Madison Oler clamps a beaker during a science experiment.

Sixth-graders AJ Brady and Minh Nguyen show off their mousetrap vehicle, which won first place at the Science Olympiad in Wichita.

John Paul II School Science Olympiad medals First place: AJ Brady and Minh Nguyen, 6th grade — Mousetrap Vehicle AJ Brady and Minh Nguyen, 6th grade — Storm the Castle Hannah Patterson and Victoria Gomerdinger, 8th grade — Dynamic Planet Second place: Emily O’Meara and Shannon Sutherlin, 8th grade — Amazing Aquifers Third place: Emily O’Meara and Shannon Sutherlin, 8th grade — Computer This Bridget Hannon and Emily Brady, 7th grade — Keep the Heat Eighth-graders Jackson Gress and Victoria Gomerdinger hold part of a tower they built for competition.

The objective is to build the tallest, lightest, and sturdiest tower possible.

Seventh-graders Madison Oler (left) and Emily Brady heat a culture medium during a science club experiment on microbes.

THE LEAVEN • MAY 11, 2012

VATICAN LETTER 11

Blessed John XXIII’s secretary tells tales of his famous boss

By Francis X. Rocca

Catholic News Service

SOTTO IL MONTE GIOVANNI XXIII, Italy (CNS) — When the freshly named patriarch of Venice, Cardinal Angelo G. Roncalli, chose 37-year-old Father Loris F. Capovilla as his personal secretary in 1953, a skeptical adviser told the cardinal that the priest looked too sickly to bear the strain of his new job.

“Then he’ll die as my secretary,” replied the future pope, now known as Blessed John XXIII. Today, at age 96, now-Archbishop Capovilla has outlived his employer by nearly half a century, but remains an indefatigable custodian of his legacy. Here in Blessed John’s birthplace, about 25 miles northeast of Milan, the archbishop pursues a highly active retirement that includes running a museum dedicated to the small town’s most famous native son.

While keeping up with current events, Archbishop Capovilla draws on his remarkable memory to recount vividly detailed and revealing stories of his years with one of the most consequential figures in modern Catholic history.

The archbishop was privy to some of the pope’s first remarks, only a few days after his election in 1958, about what would become the Second Vatican Council.

Cardinals and bishops had presented the new pontiff with a litany of challenges before the church — “not doctrinal but pastoral problems,” the archbishop notes — in areas that included the liturgy, diplomacy, and the educa-

tion and discipline of priests.

“My desk is piling up with problems, questions, requests, hopes,” Blessed John told his secretary. “What’s really necessary is a council.”

Though the pope mentioned the idea more than once, his secretary refused to comment. Finally, the pope gave his interpretation of the priest’s silence.

“You think I am old,” Blessed John told him. “You think I’ll make a mess out of this enormous task, that I don’t have time. . . . But that’s not how you think with faith. . . . If one can only begin with the preparatory commission, that will be of great merit. If one dies, another will come. It is a great honor even to begin.”

Whatever doubts he may have had at the outset, Archbishop Capovilla came to appreciate the council’s historic importance and to play a part in it behind the scenes.

It was the archbishop, in his own telling, who persuaded a reluctant and tired Blessed John to step to a window and bless the crowd in St. Peter’s Square on the night of Oct. 11, 1962, following the council’s first day. In now-famous remarks, the pope went on to bid the people: “Now go back home and give your little children a kiss — tell them it is from Pope John.”

Blessed John, who had earlier represented the Holy See as a diplomat in both Orthodox and Muslim lands, had a special appreciation of the church’s global character and responsibilities, Archbishop Capovilla says.

The pope greatly admired the United States, especially for its racial and cultural diversity, and explicitly looked

CNS photo/courtesy of Archbishop Loris Capovilla

Pope John XXIII is pictured in this undated photo. This Oct. 11 will mark the 50th anniversary of the first session of the Second Vatican Council, which was called by Pope John XXIII. to the American-sponsored United Nations as a source of inspiration for Vatican II, Archbishop Capovilla says.

The archbishop also recalls that Blessed John received a letter from the Anglo-American poet Thomas Merton, then a Trappist monk in Kentucky, urging the pope to include an ecumenical dimension in the council. In fact, Vatican II would be the first council of the church to include Protestants as guests.

The pope was a master of modern communication in a personal, popular style that broke with papal tradition just in time for the television age.

When a cardinal complained that due to a recent rise in Vatican salaries a mere usher earned as much as he did, Blessed John remarked: “That usher has 10 children; I hope the cardinal doesn’t.”

The pope’s ebullience was evident even in moments ordinarily governed by the strictest protocol. Receiving Queen Elizabeth II of England, with whom he conversed in French, the pope asked her to say her children’s names aloud, “because children’s names acquire a particular sweetness on a mother’s lips.”

The pope gave his secretary a lesson in communication when commenting on a speech by then-Cardinal Giovanni Montini of Milan, who would eventually succeed him as Pope Paul VI. “He’s used to speaking to intellectuals; he doesn’t look at who’s in front of him,” the pope said. “Remember when you speak, if there are children present, as soon as you see the children start to swing their legs, it means they’re tired.

And adults are children, too; they listen for a quarter-hour or 20 minutes, that’s it.”

For all the changes that Blessed John ushered into the church, and notwithstanding arguments that his reign marked a radical break with the past, Archbishop Capovilla says that the pope saw himself as acting in full continuity with Catholicism’s millennial teachings and traditions.

“Precisely because he was a great conservative,” the archbishop says, “he was able to bring the world a message of love, of hope and of faith.

12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment Youth minister/RE director — Sacred Heart Parish, Tonganoxie, is seeking a youth minister/religious ed director, beginning in June. The position includes overseeing the RE program (K-6) and teachers, confirmation prep program, and organizing various youth activities, fundraisers and events. This is a fulltime position. For more information, contact Stacy Mulder at (913) 845-3889 or, via email, at: stacym. slp@gmail.com.

Cristo Rey High School, Kansas City, Mo. - A high school that works, is currently accepting applications for the following full-time core teaching positions: math, science, social studies, English, theology, and Spanish. The following positions are also available: advancement director, public relations/ marketing, and admissions and student recruitment. For information about these positions, visit the website at: http://www.cristoreykc.org/Contact/ Employment_Opportunities.html.

Pastoral associate – St. Therese Parish (North) is an active suburban parish looking for a full-time pastoral associate to coordinate RCIA and high school confirmation classes and to facilitate pastoral care programs. The ideal candidate will have a combination of job experience, energy, compassion, competence and theological background. Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing. Good references needed. Excellent people and organizational skills required. Salary based on qualifications according to diocesan plan. For information, call (816) 741-2800.

Submit application, via email, to: mbirkel@sttherese north.org or mail to: Search Committee, St. Therese Parish, 7207 N.W. Highway 9, Kansas City MO 64152.

Application deadline is May 18.

Vocal music instructor - St. James Academy, Lenexa, is seeking a full-time vocal music instructor for the performing arts department. Looking for an individual who will enhance the mission of the school and who is a highly motivated and enthusiastic vocal music teacher. Applicants must have knowledge of liturgical music. Experience with musicals and piano skills are preferred but not required. Interested applicants should complete the application available at the archdiocesan website at: www.archkckcs.org, and send a letter of interest and resume to Karla Leibham, principal, via email, to: kleibham@sjakeepingfaith. org.

St. Ann Young Child Center, Prairie Village - Is seeking to fill the following positions. Interested candidates should call Tati at (913) 362-4660.

Child care coordinator for its extended care program – Mon. - Fri. from 2:45 to 6 p.m., must be 21 years of age and have a minimum of 12 college credit hours in early childhood or elementary education. $12/hour.

Preschool teacher for three-year-olds - Tues. and Thurs. mornings from 8:30 a.m. - noon, must have a degree in early childhood or elementary education. $13/hour.

After-school aide – Mon. - Thurs. from 3 - 5:30 p.m., must love working with children, be selfmotivated and at least 16 years old. $8/hour.

Spanish teacher - Wednesdays from 10:45 a.m. 1 p.m. Hourly rate is negotiable.

Spanish-language theology instructor - The Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph is seeking a fulltime Spanish-language instructor for the Bishop Helmsing Institute. The selected individual will research and write curricula and teach catechetical courses in Spanish. Duties include assisting with planning, researching, translating and writing curriculum for themselves and adjunct instructors using materials developed by the institute. The instructor will teach evening courses in Spanish and will assist with administrative and advertising responsibilities.

A master’s in theology or equivalent is required, as is fluency in Spanish, both written and spoken. Interested individuals should submit a resume and references to Rhonda Stucinski, human resources director, and Scott McKellar, director of the Bishop Helmsing Institute, via email, to: Stucinski@diocesekcsj.org and to: mckellar@diocesekcsj.org. Resume should be in .doc or .txt format. Be sure to include the job title in email subject box.

Sales counselor - Don’t just get a job, start a rewarding career! Chapel-Hill Butler Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens currently has career opportunities for motivated sales professionals who are service-minded, energetic and ambitious. Experience

THE LEAVEN • MAY 11, 2012

THE LEAVEN • MAY 11, 2012 in the funeral home or cemetery industry is helpful but not necessary. We provide an excellent structured training program and we offer a full benefits package, flexible hours and advancement opportunities.

For additional information or to submit your resume, contact Shelly at: shelly.weatherford@dignity memorial.com.

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

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

Services Summer tutoring available - For students in grades K - 12. For information, call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or send an email to her at: Klmamuric@ yahoo.com.

Quilted Memories LLC - New store now open in downtown Overland Park! Machine quilting.

Custom-designed memory quilts using your T-shirts and/or photos. Personalized items for sororities, weddings, graduates and more. We also offer quilting classes and studio/machine rental. Call (913) 6492704. For samples of our work, visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc.com.

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

Housecleaning - I love what I do and you can love it, too! 20-plus years experience. Excellent references.

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

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

Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile).

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving.

No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mikehammermoving@aol.com.

Lawn mowing Free estimates; references Insured, licensed and bonded Local parishioner Call Tony at (913) 620-6063 Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Rodman Lawn Care - Mowing, leaf removal, mulch and more. Call John Rodman, member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, at (913) 548-3002 or send an email to him at: Rodman.Lawn@yahoo.com.

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

Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance.

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

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

Caregiving Looking for high quality home care? Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care

quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned and based in Lenexa. Call Benefits of Home-Senior Care at (913) 422-1591 or visit our website at: www.benefitsofhome.com.

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

Home Improvement Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

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

Masonry work - Quality new or repair work.

Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336.

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

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured.

(913) 599-7998 Swalms Organizing Service - Basement, garage, attic, shop — any room organized! Items taken to donation sites, trash is bagged, and areas are clean and neat when job is complete. To view before-andafter pictures, visit the website at: www.swalms.com.

Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115.

Decks by Jake - Power washing and wood preserving/staining. References available. Call Jake at (913) 909-6058. Member of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

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

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.

Interior and exterior painting and wallpaper removal - 30-plus years experience. Quality work; excellent references; reasonable rates. Senior discount. Member of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface.

Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean!

Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

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

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!!

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376

Roommate Roommate wanted- Student or young professional female, 21 or older. Clean, nonsmoker to share 3 BR, 2 BA home in Prairie Village. $485/mo. plus half utilities. Send an email to: mmcguire85@gmail.com.

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

Branson, Mo., getaway - Furnished condo that sleeps six on golf course at Lake Taneycomo. Close to Table Rock Lake and entertainment. Indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub and tennis courts. Nightly and weekly rates. Discount available. Call (913) 515-3044.

Real Estate Looking to lease - A home in the Prairie Village, Overland Park, or thereabouts area. Corpus Christi Parish, Lawrence, couple (24-year parishioners) is seeking a 3- or 4-BR home with dining room and a fenced yard. Prefer a home that is a first-time lease, not a long-term rental. Would consider lease-to-buy option. Call (785) 550-8118.

FSBO – 4 BR, 2-1/2 BA home in Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park. Finished basement with additional BR, full bath and rec. room. Two decks for entertaining, in-ground pool, fenced yard, and landscaped yard for privacy. Easy hwy. access. Near schools, shopping and hospital. Low $200s. Call (913) 492-9466.

Child Care Summer nanny - University of Kansas freshman who graduated from Notre Dame de Sion High School is seeking a summer nannying job in the Kansas City area. I have three younger sisters and extensive baby-sitting experience. Call Nikki Koppers at (913) 575-4649 or send an email to her at: nkoppers502@ yahoo.com.

For Sale For sale - Two burial easements in the Queen of Heaven Garden at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa.

Lot 165; section 2; spaces 1 and 2. Great location just off the main drive with high visibility and easy access.

Family has relocated and will no longer need. Asking $2750 or best offer for both; will sell separately for $1500. $200 transfer fee applicable. Call Jerry at (913) 575-0891.

For sale – Double-depth crypt in the Faith Lawn area of Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Call Ken Christian at (816) 918-4075.

For sale - Three adjacent burial lots at St. John Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan. Reasonably priced. Call (913) 961-5359.

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 Antiques wanted Buying older pocket and wrist watches.

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

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.

Entertainment DJ Irishman - Colm Delahunt is available for parties, weddings, graduations, and any other function.

Playing all your favorite hits from the Village People to U2. Call (913) 548-6765 or visit the website at: www.djirishman.com.

May 11

Join the Singles of Nativity for happy hour, beginning at 6 p.m. on May 11, at 810 Zone, 4800 W. 119th St., Leawood, located in Town Center Plaza.

This is a great opportunity for singles to gather and meet new friends with similar beliefs and interests. Look for the yellow balloon. For information, send an email to Sue at: suez3911@gmail.com.

St. Francis Xavier School, Kansas City, Mo., will host a reunion for all classes from the 1960s on May 11 at Mike’s Tavern, 5424 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Mo. Live music will be provided by old St. Francis Xavier rock and roll kids.

For information, send an email to: pat@ oneillevents.com.

12

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

The social club of St. Cyril Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., will host a taco dinner from 2 - 6 p.m. on May 12 in the parish hall. The cost is $6 for adults; $3 for children under age 12.

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

Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers, Inc., will host its annual Walk for Life on May 12. The walk will begin at the Foxhill Medical Building, 4601 W. 109th St., Overland Park. Check-in time is 8:30 a.m. For information or to RSVP, call Brenda at (913) 962-0200; send an email to her at: office@adviceandaid. com; or visit the website at: www.aapcwalk.org.

13 A Fatima rosary rally will be held at 3 p.m. on May 13 at Church of

the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park. Join in praying the rosary, followed by Benediction and enrollment in the brown scapular.

14

The Ben and Betty Zarda Family Golf Classic will be held on May 14 at Lake Quivira Country Club. Proceeds will benefit Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. For information or to register, visit the website at: www. catholiccharitiesgolfclassic.org.

16

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Success in Love and Logic Parenting,” a three-part parenting program for parents of children of all ages presented by Nona Boyd of the Wyandot Center, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on May 16.

For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Common¢ents Home Ownership,” a workshop offered in partnership with

Habitat for Humanity, from 6 - 9 p.m. on May 16. Topics will include budget and money management, credit, large purchases, landscaping basics, home repair, and insurance. A light supper will be served at 5:30 p.m. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb. org/kwc.

17

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., offers a monthly Scripture series, based on the illuminations of the Saint John’s Bible, from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. on May 17 and every third Thursday of the month. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc. Free study guides will be provided for those who preregister. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

Join the St. Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Community for high Mass in celebration of the feast of the Ascension at 7 p.m. on May 17 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2203 Parallel, Kansas City, Kan. The sacrament of reconciliation will be offered at 6:30 p.m. For information, contact the Fraternity of St. Peter at (913) 236-0005.

18 The Center for Spirit at Work will host its monthly breakfast event

from 7:30 - 9 a.m. on May 18 at TEVA Neurosciences, 901 E. 104th St., Kansas City, Mo. The topic will be “Wise Decision Making Based on Spiritual Principles,” presented by Jan Buerge, owner of World’s Window. For information or to register, call (913) 800-3706 or visit the website at: www.thecenterforspirit atwork.org.

A course in the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning will be held at 7 p.m. on May 18 at St. Paul Parish, 900 S. Honeysuckle Dr., Olathe. A reasonable course fee is charged. Online registration is required.

For information or to register, call Christine or David Downey at (913) 837-3182; the Couple to Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558; or visit the website at: www.cclkc.org.

19

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on May 19 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Memories and Memorials.” For information, call (913) 649-2026.

Father Tony Lickteig will celebrate the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass at 8 a.m. on May 19 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., followed by a rosary procession to an abortion clinic four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing; Benediction concludes services at 9:45 a.m.

20

Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, will celebrate the golden jubilee of the ordination of Father Al Rockers following the 11 a.m. Mass on May 20 in the parish hall.

Holy Family Church, 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kan., will host a social concerns committee dinner from noon - 2 p.m. on May 20 in Msgr. Mejak Hall. The cost is $12 for adults; $7 for children. For

tickets, call Wade McCown at (913) 2073404 or Jim Taylor at (913) 523-4131.

Proceeds will benefit Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Kansas City Rescue Mission. Carryouts are available!

21

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer, Easton, will host a contemplative prayer retreat day from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on May 21. Instruction will be provided on request. Full- or half-day attendance options are available, with the noon meal included. The cost is $25 per participant. For information, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@ shantivanam.com.

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Fashion and Flair on a Budget,” a dress for success presentation, presented by Shirley Chenoweth, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on May 21. Learn about color, style, body image, and how to build a core wardrobe. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Couples Talk,” a program for women seeking to improve communication skills, from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. on May 21.

For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.

23

The Serra Club of Kansas City, Kan., will host a lunch and presentation at noon on May 23 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5th and Minnesota.

Jan Lewis, executive director of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, will be the speaker.

The Knights of Columbus, Marian Council No. 3768, will host an appreciation evening for all priests, deacons, and seminarians from Leavenworth, Wyandotte, and Johnson counties at 6 p.m. on May 23 at St. Patrick Church, 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kan. The evening will include vespers, a catered dinner, and fellowship. To RSVP, call (913) 287-9876.

A course in the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning will be held at 6:30 p.m. on May 23 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 1234 Kentucky St., Lawrence. Enter through the north door to access the basement.

A reasonable course fee is charged. Online registration is required. For information or to register, call Shannon or John Rasmussen at (785) 749-1015; the Couple to Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558; or visit the website at: www.cclkc.org.

24

A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on May 24 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Father Anthony Kiplagat will preside. Fellowship will follow in the Father Burak Room. For information, call (913) 649-2026.

26

Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity will host a day of recollection for women from 10 a.m.

- 3 p.m. on May 26 at St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa.

The chapel will be open at 9 a.m. for adoration. For information or to RSVP, call Laurel Sharpe at (816) 289-7344 or send an email to her at: ourladysmontessori@sbcglobal.net.

CALENDAR 13

27

Join the Catholic charismatic renewal for a Pentecost Mass at 1 p.m. on May 27 at St. Peter Church, 815 E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. Fellowship will follow; bring a snack to share.

30-2

Prince of Peace Parish, 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe, will host a parish-wide garage sale from 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. on May 30, from 4 - 7 p.m. on May 31, and from 8 a.m. - noon on June 1 and 2.

June 2

The annual Croatian Day Picnic will be held following the 4 p.m. Mass on June 2 at St. John the Baptist Church, 4th and Barnett, Kansas City, Kan. The picnic will be held on the Strawberry Hill Museum grounds located next to the church. There will be food, beverages, raffles and dancing to the music of Hrvatski Obicaj and the Don Lipovac polka band. Proceeds will benefit the church’s exterior renovation project.

3

St. Vincent de Paul Church, Onaga, will host a parish picnic on June 3 at the Onaga Community Center.

A fried chicken and ham dinner will be served from 4 - 7 p.m. The cost is: $8 for adults; $5 for children ages 5 - 12; children under age five eat free. There will be bingo, raffles and games for all ages.

4

Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers, Inc., will host a volunteer information meeting from 7 - 9 p.m. on June 4 at 11031 W. 75th Terr., Shawnee.

For information on volunteering or to RSVP, contact Mary Newcomer at (913) 962-0200 or send an email to her at: volunteer@adviceandaid.com.

Misc.

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

The Singles of Nativity will play recreational tennis from 4 - 5:30 p.m. on Sundays at Indian Creek Recreation, 7401 W. 103rd St., Overland Park (weather permitting). Players of all levels are welcome! For information, send an email to Julie at: j-shea13@hotmail. com.

The Bishop O’Hara High School class of 1972 will host a reunion at 6:30 p.m. on June 16 in the private dining room at Fiorella’s Jack Stack Restaurant, 13641 Holmes, Kansas City, Mo. For information or to RSVP, send an email to: oharahs1972@gmail.com.

Calendar submissions:

Are due at noon on Wednesday, nine days prior to the requested publication date. Email submissions are preferred, send to: jennifer@theleaven.com.

14 COMMENTARY

Catholic Press Association Award Winner

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

QUOTE WEEK

OF THE

“The job of each Serran is to say ‘Thank you for being a Sister’ every chance we get.”

Tom Coppinger, Blisters for Sisters chairman See story on page 5

THE LEAVEN • MAY 11, 2012

W

THE LEAVEN • MAY 11, 2012

MARK MY WORDS

SIMPLY STEWARDSHIP

When Irish eyes are smilin’

Opposition to HHS mandate is a matter of stewardship

ell, I’m back . . . but just barely. My 10-day visit to the Emerald Isle almost turned into a longer stay.

On May 3, I was in the Dublin Airport making my way through a snaky line, waiting to check my bag and get a boarding pass for the flight back to Kansas City. I was traveling with 17 other people on a pilgrimage to Ireland; most were parishioners of mine from Tonganoxie.

We’d started out in Dublin on April 24 and had made a loop of the central and southern parts of the country, returning to Dublin for our final two days. It had been a great trip to places like Clonmanoise, Galway, Knock, Ballintubber and Kylemore abbeys, the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Blarney Castle, Cashel, Kilkenny and Glendalough. Sure, it rained almost every day and the temperatures never got out of the lower 50s — and it was often windy — but I’d come prepared with coat, umbrella and even a stocking hat, so I was comfortable for the most part.

I’d cleared U.S. Customs, right there in the airport, and headed to one last security stop (the second of the morning). I passed through with no problem.

After about a 40-minute wait, it was time to board the plane. Our passports and boarding passes were checked and then we headed down a ramp to the plane. At a bend in the ramp, though, there were more security officers, and each passenger was directed to one of them. I could answer their questions in my sleep: Did you pack your own bag?

Has it been with you the whole time?

Did anyone give you anything to put in your bag? While everyone else heard, “Thank you. Have a great flight,” after answering those questions, my security

man looked at my passport, looked at my boarding pass, frowned and said, “Please stay here.” Then he left . . . with all my documents.

As members of my group and other passengers happily passed through security, I waited. After about five minutes, the officer returned and said, “Come with me.” I followed him back downstairs to security. There, I had to do the whole drill again of removing shoes, belt, coat, etc. The contents of my pockets were scrutinized, I was “wanded” and frisked. My passport was run through some machine and my name printed by hand on some mysterious list.

Finally, the security guy said, “Thank you,” and led me back to the plane. I said, “You realize this is terribly embarrassing. I’m a Catholic priest, and I’ve got about a dozen parishioners onboard that plane.” The guy burst out laughing and said, “Oh, they’ll be wondering what the pastor’s done, won’t they?” We shook hands as I headed down the ramp and I heard him tell his colleagues, “Guy’s a priest!” A chorus of laughter erupted. It turns out I was the “random security check” person . . . and the last one on the plane.

Things weren’t much better onboard. About an hour into the flight, I tried to turn on the overhead light and accidentally hit the button to summon the stewardess. In seconds, a steward came and asked what I needed. I told

him I’d mistakenly hit the call button when I wanted the light. At that, he said, “Look, then push! Look, then push!” He then pointed out that there was a little person’s image on the inside of the armrest above the call button and a little light image above its button. Again, he said, “So, look, then push!” I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I’d need to be a yoga expert to bend my body in such a way as to be able to even see those tiny images on the armrest.

Another hour or so passed and I was just starting to feel comfortable, when the purser came up and said, “Are you Father Goldasich?” My first thought was that the steward reported my reading light fiasco. My eyes must have bugged out because she laughed and said, “I was going to tell you that security wanted us to watch you because they heard you were studying Arabic!

But I won’t do that!” She then put out her hand and introduced herself. She was originally from Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Kan., a Bishop Ward graduate, Croatian, and a classmate of one of my parishioners on the pilgrimage. He was seated a number of rows ahead of me and had put her up to this visit.

What followed was a very pleasant conversation. We knew a good number of the same people and she had even gone to school with managing editor Anita McSorley’s sister. Our conclusion was: It truly is a small world.

Later, you’ll hear more of my Irish adventures. I’m still processing all that I saw and learned. For now, though, my passport is locked up tight and, though it was a real blessing to travel, there honestly is no place like home.

IN THE BEGINNING SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER May 13 SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 10: 25-26, 34-35, 44-48; Ps 98: 1-4; 1 Jn 4: 7-10; Jn 15: 9-17 May 14 MATTHIAS, APOSTLE Acts 1: 15-17, 20-26; Ps 113: 1-8; Jn 15: 9-17 May 15 Isidore Acts 16: 22-34; Ps 138: 1-3, 7c-8; Jn 16: 5-11 May 16 Wednesday Acts 17:15, 22 — 18:1; Ps 148: 1-2, 11-14; Jn 16: 12-15 May 17 Thursday Acts 18: 1-8; Ps 98: 1-4; Jn 16: 16-20 May 18 John I, pope, martyr Acts 18: 9-18; Ps 47: 2-7; Jn 16: 20-23a May 19 Saturday Acts 18: 23-28; Ps 47: 2-3, 8-10; Jn 16: 23b-28

A

COMMENTARY 15

Peter’s ‘stump speech’ wins over gentiles

candidate running for political office will often deliver basically the same speech time after time.

The candidate may tweak it slightly to address the particular audience, but otherwise repeat the points.

This speech is called a “stump speech,” from the practice, in the early days of the United States, of the candidate standing on top of a sawedoff tree stump SIXTH SUNDAY OF to make the EASTER speech.

Acts 10: 25-26, 34-35, It appears 44-48 as though the apostles in the early church followed a similar practice when evangelizing. They would always present the same basic points about Jesus Christ to the crowd. The sermons of Peter in the Acts of the Apostles offer us the perfect example.

First, Peter will explain how Jesus is the Messiah sent by God. Then, Peter tells how Jesus was unjustly put to death. Next, Peter proclaims that Jesus is risen from the dead, as a sign of God’s favor. Finally, Peter urges the crowd to repent and be baptized.

On April 22, the Third Sunday of Easter, we heard one of those ser-

mons as the first reading of the Mass: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19. That was Peter’s sermon at Solomon’s Portico. The following Sunday, we heard Peter’s reply to the Sanhedrin, which includes the same principal points: Acts 4:8-12.

And on the day of Pentecost, Peter delivers his first sermon — Acts 2:1439 — always adhering to the same pattern.

This Sunday, the first reading — Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48 — sets the scene for yet another stump speech by Peter. He is addressing the household of Cornelius, a prominent gentile.

Since Jews would have ordinarily avoided contact with gentiles, this is a daring move on Peter’s part, a departure from accepted practice. But God approves this outreach to the gentile world: “While Peter was still speaking

these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word.”

Interestingly enough, the Lectionary reading omits most of the things Peter was saying, vv. 36-43. After all, we have heard it before. It is the basic stump speech that Peter has delivered many times before.

Instead, the reading stresses the reaction to the speech. As already mentioned, the Holy Spirit descends upon the audience. But just as important, Peter orders that they be baptized. “‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit even as we have?’ He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Ordinarily, Peter would conclude the stump speech by urging the crowd to be converted and to be baptized.

But, in this particular instance, the Holy Spirit has taken the initiative. It is no longer the decision of the crowd.

God has already decided. It is only for Peter to recognize that decision.

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

I

n spite of my Catholic upbringing, in my young adulthood I was indoctrinated — or, as they say, my “consciousness was raised” — with concepts of “women’s liberation.”

This was when my hair was long, my jeans were bell-bottomed, and my shoes had the word Earth emblazoned upon their soles.

I didn’t yet recognize the inherent contradiction between shopping at the natural foods co-op for granola ingredients and at the pharmacy for chemical contraceptives. I wasn’t smart enough at the time to realize that the “sisterhood” was telling me, “You’re free to “love,” while also telling me,

“You’re free to kill.”

While earning a graduate degree and professional status in the workplace and raising my beautiful family, part of the time as a single mom, I began to question the logic of the culture of death. Only as a mature adult did I fully understand that what I had been taught as a child, in the Baltimore Catechism, was the real truth.

I experienced a conversion. That’s the only way I can describe it. If I am a steward of all that God has given me, am I not also steward of my body? Is

my daily quest one of holiness or selfsatisfaction?

My sisters and brothers in Christ, if a human being is conceived, is that human being our subject, our slave, to be disposed of at our will? Whose responsibility is it to know how life begins and to protect new life? Is the act of love a sacred act between a man and a woman or Internet entertainment? What is adultery? What is marriage? What do we teach our children? What does the church teach and why?

Very simply, truthful answers can be found in the catechism. At the end of life, there would be far fewer regrets if we lived naturally (organically!) in harmony with God. There is no time like the present to allow grace into our hearts.

Recently, I have been embroiled in discussions with people I care deeply about regarding the unconstitutionality

of the HHS mandate issued by the president of the United States of America and the Secretary of Health and Human Services that will force citizens to act in ways that are in opposition to their conscience.

For ethical reasons, in my opinion, it is wrong that any nation, state, or public health department should be involved in the birth control of its citizens.

Citizens should be able to disagree as a matter of conscience. As a steward of my citizenship, it is my right to express my disapproval. In fact, this June 29, I plan to participate in a rally in Topeka to raise my voice along with the voices of many others.

Lesle Knop is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. You can email her at: lknop@ archkck.org.

¿QUÉ PASA? — IN HISPANIC MINISTRY

T

Are we doing all we can to welcome Hispanics?

he Diocese of Trenton, N. J., did a study that presented to former Catholics an unusual question: “Why did you leave the church?”

It was a surprise to hear that many left for the following reasons: They find homilies uninspiring, the parish unwelcoming, the pastor arrogant or the parish staff unwelcoming. I quickly said to myself: “I am glad I am not like that.” However, after thinking about it, I refocused and thought: “Am I really that innocent?”

A few days ago, Lupe, an adult woman preparing for confirmation, came to talk to me about her quest to find a confirmation sponsor. She was a bit down because she had just called her

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baptismal godparents to invite them to be her confirmation sponsors and was immediately rejected by them because they were no longer Catholics and had recently found Jesus and converted to become evangelicals.

She then went on to explain how she had contacted so many other potential sponsors and all were either not practicing the faith or had changed religions. I am happy to report that, after a lengthy conversation, we were able to find her an excellent sponsor who will guide her in the journey of faith.

This conversation made me think about all the Lupes who might be out there in our archdiocese. They are on the verge of deepening their faith commitment, but at the same time in desperate need of feeling the support of a loving faith community that will welcome them into the life of the parish.

I often wonder: Are we doing all we can? If you drive through any Hispanic community, you will soon notice a plethora of evangelical and Pentecostal churches hanging out the welcome sign to those who speak Spanish.

As the community grows, the number of church options continues to multiply almost overnight. And I continue to wonder: What else can we do so that in a few years we are not repeating the Diocese of Trenton study of fallen away Catholics in Kansas City — but this time in Spanish?

Let me propose three strategies: 1) We need to offer true missionary outreach and welcome Hispanics into our parishes (St. Patrick’s in Kansas City, Kan., is a prime example of how to do it right); 2) We need to be comfortable at accepting the Lupes of our world where they are and then commit ourselves to walking with them in their journey of faith; and 3) We need to prepare truly bilingual, bicultural priests and laypeople committed to showing genuine pastoral care to the Spanish speaking.

In conclusion, it is not too late to act. But the time to move forward is now.

Father Pat Murphy, CS, is the archdiocesan animator for the archdiocesan office of Hispanic ministry.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • MAY 11, 2012

Pay it forward

Eighth-graders started saving in kindergarten for school gift

By Jessica Langdon Leaven staff

SHAWNEE — Caroline Geither couldn’t imagine what the pocket change she carried into St. Joseph School here would ever buy.

Still, she dutifully donated her 50 cents as a kindergartner, dollar in first grade, two dollars in second, and so forth. She contributed her final $8 this year as an eighth-grader.

These small contributions — plus the compound interest on the fund — recently paid off in a big way.

After nine years and a few fundraisers along the way, these kids had saved more than $4,600.

That enabled the 67 members of the St. Joseph class of 2012 to give their school a 600-pound bronze statue of St. Joseph to stand outside the main entryway.

On March 19 — the feast day of St. Joseph — the whole school celebrated the blessing of the statue by pastor Father Mike Hawken.

St. Joseph’s current school building, explained principal Sue Carter, just opened in 2003. So from the beginning, it was planned that the very first class — this one of 2012 — would leave something special to the school.

When the kids reached middle school, it was put to a vote: Should the class purchase a crucifix for the commons, a smaller St. Joseph statue for inside the school, or a larger statue for the entryway?

The overwhelming majority decided on the larger statue for outside.

“I was excited to see how it would turn out, because in the slide show they showed us it just looked like a cartoon,” said Caroline. “I love how it came together, and it looks really good.”

Eighth-grader Max McAnany played a big role in enhancing the area

where the statue would stand.

“To me and my parents, it’s always looked really bare during the winter and the fall after the roses and grass die off,” Max explained, describing the spot chosen for the statue.

So he asked if he could help with the pedestal, lighting and landscaping for his Eagle Scout project, and quickly got the green light.

Mason contractor Andy Kelley — a St. Joseph parishioner — advised him on the best materials to use. And parishioner Dusty Brown, an electrical contractor, also pitched in.

Their support made it possible to complete the pedestal and lighting without drawing from the eighthgraders’ fund.

Out of the money the eighthgraders had left, they presented a check for $2,800 to the Guardian Angel Fund, which will use it as tuition assistance in memory of two of their classmates’ loved ones — Anne Batliner, mother of Michelle Batliner, and Sarah Macy, younger sister of Isabelle Macy.

Even though the members of this class will be at several different schools next year, Caroline and Max know they’ll still see this statue and remember their time here.

“It’s like a memory for our class, like a lasting impression that will always be here,” Caroline said.

“And it’s kind of nice,” added Max, “because even after we’re gone, the little kids will be, like, ‘Oh, who did that?’”

Max hopes his class’s gift will inspire younger grades to leave a lasting legacy as well.

“I think it speaks to what kids can do,” Carter concluded. “With direction from their parents, they can accomplish great things.

“And we’re grateful, very grateful.”

Over the years, the class of 2012 of St. Joseph School in Shawnee saved more than $4,600, which it used to purchase a 600-pound bronze statue of St. Joseph for the main entryway of the school.