THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 38, NO. 37 | MAY 12, 2017
Stand tall, talk small, play ball Former Royal coaches the old-fashioned way
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EAWOOD — A lot of boys who start out playing sandlot baseball dream of making it to the big leagues. Mike Macfarlane is one of the few who actually did. But along the way, he said, he learned that there was a lot more to life than the sport he loved. “With baseball, you’re dealing with a game of failure,” he said. “So you learn there are priorities in life, and you understand where to put those priorities.” Since retiring as a major league catcher — with most of his career playing for the Kansas City Royals — Macfarlane and former Royals teammate Kevin Seitzer have been passing along their knowledge to the next generations of athletes. At Mac-N-Seitz Baseball and Softball in south Kansas City, Missouri, they teach the fundamentals of the sport, laced with a hefty dose of life skills. “Kevin and I were roommates on the road, and we talked a long time about what we would do after retiring,” said Macfarlane. “We wanted to make a good impact on kids,” he continued. “Whether they’d become a professional player or go from a good athlete to a good ballplayer, we just wanted to help kids get better.” >> See “LETTING” on page 5
Story and photos by
DOUG WELLER
Former Kansas City Royals catcher Mike Macfarlane teaches a pupil the fundamentals of being a catcher. Macfarlane, who played 11 seasons for the Royals, now passes on his baseball knowledge though a joint venture with former teammate Kevin Seitzer called Mac-N-Seitz Baseball and Softball.
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Mary’s request at Fatima even more relevant today
his Saturday, May 13, marks the 100th anniversary of Our Blessed Mother’s appearance to the shepherd children of Fatima, Portugal. Pope Francis is making at this very moment what has been described as an apostolic pilgrimage. During his visit to Fatima, Pope Francis will canonize Francisco and Jacinta Marto, two of the three visionaries. They will be the youngest non-martyred canonized saints. The apparitions of Mary at Fatima are among the few private revelations that have been officially recognized by the church. Mary appeared to the three shepherd children a total of six times in 1917 from May through October. She asked the children to pray and make sacrifices for the salvation of sinners. She told them that World War I would end very soon. But if people failed to pray and repent from evil, there would be another, even more terrible war. She asked these three children to pray the rosary and to encourage others to do so for peace. At the final apparition on Oct. 13, 1917, some 70,000 people, many of whom had come as skeptics, witnessed what has become popularly known as the “Miracle of the Sun.” Thousands saw the sun dancing in the sky. A natural science professor at a local university described the sun as “whirling.” He said the sun appeared to advance in a threatening manner toward the earth. Lucia’s own mother did not believe the apparitions. She had made Lucia go to confession the day before the final apparition. Mary had told the children that she would provide a sign to verify the authenticity of the apparitions. Lucia’s mother was afraid the mob would kill Lucia
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN if they were disappointed by the absence of a dramatic sign. During the final apparition, Mary identified herself as Our Lady of the Rosary. She repeated her simple message for the world: 1) repent from sin; and 2) pray the rosary for peace in the family and in the world. All of the popes of the 20th century were convinced of the authenticity of the Fatima apparitions. Fifty years ago, Paul VI was the first pope, as pope, to visit Fatima. In 1981, on May 13 in St. Peter’s Square, an assassin attempted to kill Pope John Paul II. Both Pope John Paul and his assassin were convinced that Our Lady of Fatima saved the Holy Father’s life. The message of Fatima is simple and yet profound. Near the end of World War I, Mary requested that families and individuals pray the rosary daily for peace in the world and for peace in the family. Mary prophesied in 1917 the persecution of Christians that would emanate from Russia. At Fatima, Mary also requested that Christians throughout the world pray for the conversion of Russia. With tensions currently between the United States and Russia at an all-time high since the end of the Cold War, Mary’s request remains
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pertinent today. With world peace in our own time being threatened by the terrorist actions of Muslim extremists, it is fascinating that Mary’s apparitions occurred in Fatima, a town named after the daughter of Mohammed. Muslims have great respect for Mary. Our Blessed Mother has a unique capacity to help Christians and Muslims respect each other and work together for peace. With the grave weakening of marriage and the disintegration of family life resulting from the aftermath of the so-called sexual revolution in the late 1960s, the message of Fatima to pray the rosary for peace in the family is more needed today than it was in 1917. This Saturday, at the Cathedral of St. Peter, there will be a noon Holy Hour with eucharistic adoration, the praying of a living rosary, and a catechesis by Michael Scherschligt on the message and meaning of Fatima. The Holy Hour will be followed by a 1 p.m. Mass, which will include a consecration of the Archdiocese to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come. Beginning this Saturday through next October, I encourage parishes to offer additional opportunities for family and personal consecrations to Jesus through Mary. I urge everyone to renew or make a commitment to pray the rosary for peace in
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our world, for peace in our family, and for a renewal of marriage and family life in our culture. In particular, I encourage families to pray the rosary together. Pope St. John Paul in his apostolic letter, “The Rosary of the Virgin Mary,” wrote: “Families seldom manage to come together, and the rare occasions when they do are often taken up with watching television. To return to the recitation of the family rosary means filling daily life with very different images, images of the mystery of salvation: the image of the Redeemer, the image of his Most Blessed Mother. The family that recites the rosary together reproduces something of the atmosphere of the household of Nazareth: its members place Jesus at the center, they share his joys and sorrows, they place their needs and their plans in his hands, they draw from him the hope and the strength to go on” (41). Pope Francis shares St. John Paul’s devotion to the rosary. The Holy Father has a special devotion to Mary under the title, Undoer of Knots. The daily praying of the rosary can help unravel some of the tensions and knotty complications that are part of every family. Thomas Hoopes, a member of the staff of Benedictine College in Atchison, has authored “Fatima: Family Handbook.” It is an excellent practical tool for families to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Fatima. If you are interested in acquiring this resource for your family, Google: Holy Heroes. com/Fatima. The apparitions to the shepherd children at Fatima were among the most important events of the 20th century. In the square of Fatima today, the pilgrim finds a large portion of the
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN May 12 Benedictine College Baccalaureate Mass May 13 Catholic Medical School Hippocratic Oath ceremony — Cathedral 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima Mass and rosary — Cathedral Donnelly College graduation May 15 Catholic Charities Golf Classic luncheon National Convocation pre-meeting
May 19 Holy Hour with those to be ordained — Cathedral May 20 Transitional diaconate ordination of Justin Hamilton and Viet Nguyen — Cathedral Pastoral visit — St. Ann, Effingham; St. Louis, Good Intent; and St. Mary, Purcell May 21 Pastoral visit — Sacred Heart, Shawnee Baptism of third or more child — Cathedral
ARCHBISHOP KELEHER
Pastoral Council — Savior Pastoral Center
May 14 Mass — Federal prison camp
May 16 Priests Personnel meeting
May 16-18 Labor Review Board — Chicago
Administrative Team meeting
May 19 Anniversary Mass — St. James Academy
Ethics Council meeting May 17 Presbyteral Council meeting Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas board meeting — Savior Pastoral Center May 18 Confirmation — Christ the King, Topeka former Berlin Wall, perhaps the most poignant symbol of the Cold War. Also in the square is a large statue of St. John Paul, who perhaps more than any other individual was responsible for the peaceful demise of communism in Eastern Europe. The late Pope John Paul II was so convinced that Mary had protected him that he took
May 20 Transitional diaconate ordination of Justin Hamilton and Viet Nguyen — Cathedral
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG
Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher discusses the traits of a good steward at “A Symposium on Stewardship” April 21 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
FIRST COMES DISCIPLESHIP
May 21 Confirmation — Federal prison May 23-25 Bishops’ retreat — Chicago the bullet used by his assassin and placed it in the crown of the statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Fatima. I encourage every member of the Archdiocese to renew and deepen your devotion for Mary during the remaining months of 2017. Let us together place our world and our families under the protective mantle of Our Lady of Fatima.
Archbishop Emeritus Keleher delivers keynote at stewardship conference By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — In a keynote speech peppered with wit, wisdom and Scripture — and delivered in his own inimitable style — Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher gave the keynote presentation at a symposium held here on a topic near and dear to his heart: stewardship. Archbishop Keleher spoke at “A Symposium on Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response,” on April 21 in the Keleher Center at Savior Pastoral Center. The event celebrated the 25th anniversary of the publication of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ pastoral letter, “Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response.” Approximately 130 people involved in Catholic stewardship from Region IX (Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska) attended the event. The symposium was hosted by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas stewardship and development office and
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
the International Catholic Stewardship Council. Archbishop Keleher was a member of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee on Stewardship that wrote the 1992 pastoral letter on the subject. He began by quoting fellow committee member Bishop John J. McRaith, who said, “Once one chooses to become a disciple of Jesus, stewardship is no longer an option.” He recalled the Gospel story of how Andrew and John heard John the Baptist call Jesus “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,” and then they began to follow Jesus and became his disciples. “What we need to be first is a disciple,” said Archbishop Keleher. “If you really are his disciple, and you know what he wants of you in this life, you’re going to do it. That’s why it comes before stewardship. You’ll be a steward if you really are a disciple.” Building on a comment by Pope Benedict, Archbishop Keleher said that one must pray and have a prayer life to know what God wants you to do with your life and truly be a disciple.
But to be a good steward, one must also appreciate the gift of human life. “As a disciple and a steward, we hold human life precious,” he said. “I am buoyed up to a degree by how, more and more, Americans are becoming aware of how important it is to preserve all human life. I think stewardship has helped me understand that we have to fight for life, so fight. We can’t give in.” Catholics are initiated as stewards by the grace of baptism, he said. When candidates are baptized at the Easter Vigil, they receive those graces of baptism and the Eucharist. “Good stewards will make sure they understand their responsibilities as a minister of the body and blood of their Lord and Savior,” said Archbishop Keleher. During an “ad limina” visit to Pope John Paul II, Archbishop Keleher was impressed by how the late pope (now a saint) would spend a long time in a prayer of thanksgiving for receiving the Eucharist. A good steward, said Archbishop
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Keleher, also appreciates how time is used. Use the time of your life to get closer to Jesus. “I tell kids at confirmation, ‘Kids, there are two roads you can take,’” said Archbishop Keleher. “‘The first road is the “wide road” Jesus talked about. On that road, everything goes and looks very attractive. . . . The problem is at the end of this road is destruction of body and soul.’ “‘The “narrow road” can be a little difficult at times, but Jesus is walking there with you. If you get off the road for a time, he is always calling you back to get back on that road.’” “‘That road,’” he continued, “‘leads to paradise. That road is fulfilling. That road is for stewards and real believers in Jesus Christ.’ “‘That’s the road to take, kids.’” The archbishop said he tells the confirmandi to “pray for fortitude” to follow the narrow road. He then ended his address with: “God loves us so much and gives us everything. God bless you!”
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Bishop Ward prays daily rosary as a school Carolyn Kaberline Special to The Leaven
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It’s a little after 7:45 a.m. at Bishop Ward High School here as sophomore Carlos Florez waits patiently as the morning announcements are read. Soon the intercom is his, and he begins the rosary, leading the school in prayer through the first decade before going to his first class of the day. He will return four more times during the day — before each class and homeroom — to finish the rosary. Florez and some of his classmates have been leading the daily rosary at the school since April 3 and will continue to do so the rest of the year. The practice began with a suggestion from Michele Wilson, the school’s reading skills teacher. “I attended a Lenten mission at Queen of the Holy Rosary led by Michael Scherschligt from School of Faith,” Wilson said. “He told us of the importance of praying the rosary, and I felt I needed to do my part and be an instrument for the Blessed Mother to bring others to her son, Jesus. “I felt I was given an opportunity to bring this to our school,” she continued, “and wanted to be obedient to the Lord. I presented the idea to our principal and she was just as excited as I.” “‘Let’s do this!’” she said. “It was very touching to see how this idea really touched Mrs. Wilson as she was sharing the experience with me,” said Dr. Karen Hopson, principal of Bishop Ward. “Knowing our faith is the reason for the school and that Father Tom [Schrader] and I expect each of our teachers to begin every class in prayer, this idea seemed like a wonderful fit for our school.” Father Tom Schrader, O.Carm., agreed.
From left, Bishop Ward High School juniors Jesus Rosas and Mary Fox lead a decade of the rosary over the intercom at Ward. “The students are responding well,” said Father Tom, president of Bishop Ward. “All of the students and staff have been invested in the scapular. We often say the Hail Mary, so the praying of the rosary is connected closely to a devotion to Our Lady.” “We have been sharing that this is the 100-year anniversary of Fatima and also a great way to honor Mary this last part
of the school year,” added Hopson. With permission granted for the daily rosary, Wilson next needed to find enough rosaries — about 300 — for the students. “I asked Judy Dowd, the leader of our Divine Mercy prayer group at Queen of the Holy Rosary, if she knew of someone who could donate rosaries,” said Wilson. “She asked me how many I would need
and said, ‘I think I have that amount.’ “‘The holy Mother always knows when we are in need of rosaries and she always comes through,’” said Dowd. The rosaries are made by a group of women in the parish. “I told the students these were gifts from the holy Mother for the conversion of sinners,” said Wilson. Then she asked her fellow teachers for recommendations for student leaders who would make good role models, as well. “The students I asked to lead it daily were very receptive to taking on this leadership role for our Holy Mother,” Wilson said. Two students are assigned each day so that even if one is absent, the other one can carry on. In addition to Florez, those currently leading the rosary include juniors Mary Fox, Yaneli Jacinto, Jesus Rosas and Ashley Stitzer; sophomores Olga Mata-Gonzales and Samantha Peters; and freshman Samantha Yantz. Hopson believes the benefits of saying the rosary each day are many. “This is truly each member of our school community living our faith each day,” she said. Will the daily rosary continue next year? “We have gotten input from the faculty for continuing this practice in the fall,” Hopson said. “The administration will take the input that has been provided when making decisions for the upcoming school year.” “I hope we continue to pray the rosary as a school,” said Father Tom. “I love the peace it brings to the community. As a Carmelite priest serving as president, I am supportive of Marian prayer.” “I love that we work in an environment where, as in this case, a teacher is really moved by something connected to her faith, and we were able to honor that and include this with our daily expectations,” concluded Hopson.
Benedictine honored for decades-long efforts on behalf of peace By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Do nuns ever really retire? Not really, admits Sister Barbara McCracken, OSB. “We don’t really use that word in our community,” she said. “It’s work and pray, and we all do some kind of work.” Each Benedictine Sister at Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in Atchison has a task — even if it’s keeping the salt and pepper shakers filled on the refectory tables, or passing out clean laundry. “Most of us do several little things,” she said. Sister Barbara does her share of basic upkeep chores for the community, but she keeps plenty busy with things relating to her passion for peace and social justice. She works in the community’s business office to manage the community’s assets according to socially responsible investing, as well as demanding corporate justice by working with the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility. Sister Barbara ministers to female inmates in the Atchison County Jail and is the director of the local chapter of Benedictines for Peace. “I’ve been involved in peace and justice work since I’ve been in the Kansas
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG
In recognition for her work in the field of peace and justice, Sister Barbara McCracken, OSB, was given the Charles E. Bebb Peace Merit Award by PeaceWorks of Kansas City. City area, since I moved to Kansas City, Kansas, in 1970,” said Sister Barbara. In recognition of what she has done, and continues to do, Sister Barbara was given the Charles E. Bebb Peace Merit
Award by PeaceWorks of Kansas City. The award was given to Sister Barbara during the organization’s annual meeting on March 5. “The Bebb Award is the highest award that PeaceWorks gives,” said Jane Stoever, a former PeaceWorks board member and longtime friend of Sister Barbara. “It’s fitting that Sister Barbara has received it because her life has been one of peace work,” continued Stoever. “The 10 years she was at Shalom Catholic Worker House, she saw her efforts there to help the homeless as a peace mission, as was her work to draw the connection between the worship of military might by our government and cutbacks on resources to meet people’s needs. “Her care for each individual is inspiring!” When she first arrived in the Greater Kansas City area in 1970, Sister Barbara taught a human relations (anti-racism) class and sociology courses at Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas. She became a teacher in another sense in her involvement with the Shalom Catholic Worker House. “I taught nonviolence, and the U.S. bishops’ peace and economic justice pastoral letters,” she said. “I taught those in a lot of parishes in the archdiocese.” During that time, she was active in multiple nonviolence movements and
was a PeaceWorks board member. “I taught the peace and economics justice pastoral letters [to Catholics] at Fort Leavenworth,” said Sister Barbara. She was also involved in a number of rallies and protests. “I just helped out with a whole lot of different projects,” she said. “When they were going to start the registration for the draft again after the Vietnam War, we leafleted post offices in Kansas City, Kansas.” For some time, Sister Barbara published a newsletter, The Olive Branch, aimed at assisting teachers teach their students about peace and nonviolence. And she was the consultant for peace and justice for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas from 1990 to 2003. During that time, she also wrote a peace and justice column for The Leaven. She left her work with the peace and justice office to become the assistant director of Keeler Women’s Center in Kansas City, Kansas, in 2004. She later became associate director and worked there until she moved back to the motherhouse in Atchison in 2014. Where, to paraphrase Jonas Salk, the reward for all of her good work for peace and justice causes has turned out to be — yes, more work to do. Sister Barbara said she was both humbled and honored to receive the award.
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Letting kids be kids is coaching philosophy
>> Continued from page 1
His Catholic faith has been at the center of that philosophy. “Our kids learned that no matter what games we had, we always found time for Mass. That’s a good thing about being Catholic — there’s a time everywhere,” he said, grinning. He and his wife Kathy raised four children; the youngest is now a freshman in college. The couple belongs to St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood. “You turn them loose and hope you did a good job,” he said of their children. “We believe we have [done a good job] with faith-based raising of children. “That’s how I was raised, that’s how our kids were raised, and that’s how they’ll raise theirs.” All four children, naturally, were active in sports, and Macfarlane served as their coach and mentor, just as his father, a football and baseball coach, served as his. “Kids today are pulled in so many other directions,” citing all of the technology that wasn’t around when he was growing up. “You have to get them active. It breaks up that sedentary lifestyle. I’m a big believer in sports because kids need to be active. And time for that is being taken away in school.” He thinks back to his childhood in northern California. “Growing up, my buddies and I would pack a baloney sandwich and head to the local field for the day,” he said. “We didn’t have phones or video games or the distractions with computers and technology. “Or we’d tape a square on the wooden garage door and throw the ball at it all day long, pretending we were Catfish Hunter. We were creative and invented our own games, playing on cruddy fields.” If a kid today has a good chance of making it to the big leagues, then Macfarlane is there to help. But more often than not, it’s helping a young girl or boy just get better. “We’ve had a first-round draft pick, players in the major leagues. But that still doesn’t compare to the young player who struggled, was barely playing in games, who now is in the heart of the order and being one of the better players,” he said. The lessons taught extend to parents as well, he noted. “With every baseball and softball team, it still boils down to how the parents conduct themselves. We emphasize there are no major league scouts at the
LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG WELLER
Mike Macfarlane observes and gives batting tips to a student. Macfarlane is a parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood.
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WE EMPHASIZE THERE ARE NO MAJOR LEAGUE SCOUTS AT THE 12-AND-UNDER GAMES. KIDS NEED TO LEARN HOW TO FAIL IN ORDER TO SUCCEED.“ 12-and-under games,” he said. “Kids need to learn how to fail in order to succeed, and that you have to work at it. “I really drive that work ethic.” While Macfarlane is involved in their business venture year-round, Seitzer is there only in the off-season. As the hitting coach for the Atlanta Braves, Seitzer is gone for about half the year. “Kevin comes in after the season is over and then is here daily. He loves the kids,” said Macfarlane. “Anytime you see a kid smile, it lights you up.
“To get those smiles — that’s the most rewarding thing you can get. It recharges you.” Seitzer, 55, who also lives in Leawood, retired from major league baseball in 1997 after playing first and third base for the Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics and Cleveland Indians. Macfarlane, 53, retired in 1999 after catching for the Royals, Boston Red Sox and the A’s. Their Mac-N-Seitz facility at 135th and Holmes Road has the only indoor, fullsize infield in the metro area, Macfarlane said, so it’s not unusual that college players, and even a few Royals, come there from time to time to practice. “You can really stretch your arm out and field 90-foot ground balls,” he said. Winter is the busiest, as their players train for the spring seasons in school. During the summer, Mac-N-Seitz sponsors its own roster of baseball and softball teams. “We shut down the kids from late summer into fall. They need a rest. You only have one arm,” he said. “From December to June, we do a lot of work.”
But it’s more than the ballplaying fundamentals that has impressed Kate Dotterer, who lives near Paola. She and her husband have two sons who train at Mac-N-Seitz and play on its teams. “He teaches a lot of life lessons and building their confidence,” said Dotterer, whose family belongs to Queen of the Holy Rosary in Wea. “I think it’s truly his calling. The kids respond well to him.” And what better, she added, than to have a former professional player as your coach? “It’s the ultimate for every little boy dreaming of playing baseball,” she said. “Here’s a guy who made it.” Macfarlane said he and Seitzer simply love what they do. “We loved the sport. It had been good to us,” he said. “We wanted to share with kids and reinforce what playing the game is all about to parents — let kids be kids, but provide firm direction and understand the fundamentals. “We wanted to make it that. For any kid — boy or girl — who wants to learn the game, this is the place they should come.”
‘Best-kept secret’ is there when you need it By David Myers Southwest Kansas Catholic
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hey’ve been around for 120 years, and yet they may be the best-kept secret in Kansas. Perhaps it’s because they don’t have officially designated meeting halls. Or because they don’t don ceremonial garb at church functions. Or perhaps they just don’t get the press that their male counterparts in the Knights of Columbus do. Whatever the reason, it’s difficult to visit with members of the Daughters of Isabella for more than a few minutes without wondering why there isn’t a line of women waiting to become members. Some 200 Daughters of Isabella from across Kansas joined for their semiannual state convention from
March 24-26 in Garden City, which also celebrated the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima’s “Miracle of the Sun.” There, they held several business meetings, enjoyed a reception banquet with a presentation by international vice regent Susanne Suchy of Michigan, and celebrated Mass with the Bishop John B. Brungardt, of the Diocese of Dodge City. Pam Nowak, regent from St. Charles Circle 287 in Gorham, joined the group in the 1970s. “There are circles throughout the United States and Canada,” which include some 60,000 members total, she explained just prior to a banquet meal being served, as Al Miller, a local musician, sang softly and played guitar. “There are 26 circles in Kansas. Our motto is ‘Unity – Friendship – Sharing.’ We try to help the community in any
way we can,” she added. “We serve funeral dinners for members who have lost a loved one. We hold lots of fundraisers. We help out the youth.” And they pray for each other. They are, in effect, a mutual support group, bonding as women of Christ, offering spiritual and emotional support through prayer — prayer for members of their “circle” and their families, and prayers for members and their families who are otherwise strangers to them. “It’s something I really believe in,” Nowak said. As everyone finished dining, several speakers took to the podium, including — among others — Chris Law, the mayor of Garden City, and Suchy. Suchy spoke of an impossibly difficult time, four years ago, when her husband died: “I had stacks of cards that came in, yay high [motioning about a foot and a half high] every day.
I heard from sisters who knew me because they had seen me around, and I heard from sisters who only knew who I was on a piece of paper, and shared so many wonderful feelings to help me get through that horrible experience.” When considering all the benefits of being a Daughters of Isabella member, Suchy wonders why they don’t have more new members joining. “I have said on many occasions that we are probably the best-kept secret there is,” Suchy said. “It is really important for us to go out and in every way, shape and form, do our good works, but let them know who we are. “I challenge all of you, as we go about doing what we do [as Daughters of Isabella members] . . . that you let individuals know that you are a Daughter of Isabella.”
MAY 12, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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WORKERS thein VINEYARD
TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus
Top five reasons for a date night with your spouse 1) Strengthens communication, combats misunderstandings; 2) Gets you out of the daily rut; you look forward to it all week; 3) Contributes to your romantic love; remember your dating days? 4) Strengthens your emotional bond against hard times; 5) Having fun together is a de-stressor! You will ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 be a better husband, wife and parent. Start today! This and more are available online at: www.foryourmarriage.org/why-dating-isimportant-for-marriage.
— Deacon Tony Zimmerman, lead consultant for the archdiocesan family life office
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CHURCH OF THE WEEK
St. Malachy, Beattie Address: 1012 Main St., 64406 Phone: (785) 562-3302 Pastor: Father Nathan Haverland Mass time: Sunday, 8:45 a.m. Email: parishoffice@stgregorychurch.org MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.
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GAME OF THE WEEK BASEBALL
Bishop Ward Bishop Ward High School played a May 5 doubleheader against Lansing High School. Ward lost both games 7-4 and 12-7. Leaven photographer Lori Wood Habiger caught the action. Go online to: www.theleaven.org to see her photos.
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Eudora parishioner welcomes newly baptized into the church By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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UDORA — For three decades, Mary Abel has taken embroidery, bows and simple fabric and turned them into a piece of clothing rich in symbolism. That clothing is a white garment used during the sacrament of baptism. It represents both the acceptance of the baptized into the Christian community and the “outward sign of their Christian dignity.” At Holy Family Church in Eudora, the baptized receive a garment that has been handmade by Abel. “It’s not really a challenge at all,” said Abel. “It’s kind of a pleasure.” During the 1980s when Father Patrick Hogan was Holy Family’s pastor, his housekeeper made the baptismal garments. But when he passed away, she gave up that duty. That’s when Abel stepped in. “There was an empty space there, and I thought, ‘Those aren’t very complicated. I can do that!’” “I just started making them,” said Abel simply. As a mother of 12 — nine of whom are still living — the only experience Abel brought to the table was the ability to sew. But she was up for the task. According to Abel, all you really need is a reliable pair of pinking shears and the ability to sew embroidery and make small bows. If you’ve got all that, said Abel, “you’ve got it made.” Abel uses a pattern she took from a garment that belonged to one of her grandsons. Abel makes the garments on an as-needed basis. This past month, she made around five. “Most of [the babies] come with little white gowns or suits, but this is something the priest lays on them and says, ‘I give you this white garment for you to keep unstained,’” said Abel. “So this is the remembrance of that grace,” she added. Playing a part in the baptism in the way she does is special for Abel. “I thought it was so neat that
MAY 12, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Family law professor defends Girl Scout decision
rchbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas is getting pilloried by the expected sources on his decision to transition the diocese away from the Girl Scouts, and toward American Heritage Girls. This reaction is one with the recent inanities of Berkeley’s caving in to threats of violence against unpopular speakers, or DNC Chairman Tom Perez’s hurling anathemas at pro-life Democrats. It’s hysterical and unmeasured. It’s abortion-centric, and blind to basic freedoms enjoyed by every American, including religious Americans. After many years of investigation and dialogue with the Girl Scouts, more than a few Catholic and other Christian entities have decided to leave or find alterna-
GUEST COMMENTARY
HELEN ALVARÉ Helen Alvaré is a professor of law at George Mason University School of Law, where she teaches family law, law and religion, and property law. She also serves as chair of the Catholic Women’s Forum, as a consultor for the Pontifical Council of the Laity, an adviser to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
tive groups to promote girls’ leadership, skills, and virtues. They have decided, in other words, to take the formation
of girls quite seriously, especially where the omnipresent topics of sex and marriage and family are concerned. Because, let’s face it, your daughters and mine will be influenced on these topics by strangers as well as family; the only question is which strangers. Also, face the fact that the scientific literature about women’s happiness, freedom, educational success and family stability is coalescing
around the conclusions that women are much better off if they take sex seriously, understand its natural links with marriage and kids, delay sex at best until marriage, practice a faith and avoid nonmarital parenting, abortion and divorce. In fact, more than a few experts believe that the “paradox of women’s declining happiness” (in an era of so much “freedom”) is linked to the new sex and marriage markets in which women’s actual preferences are dismissed in favor of sexual expression — unlinked to marriage or kids — as the greatest good. Why is it such a problem when religious folks, or anyone, take this science seriously? When they take girls’ formation seriously? The answer, according to so many media outlets and self-described feminists, is that abortion
and contraception rights should rank above women’s actual, measured, experienced, well-being. That’s the case to the point that these groups refuse to accept private, religious groups’ refusal to spend their own money or time on either. (See, for example, exhibits A-Z: the contraception mandate under the Affordable Care Act). The Girl Scouts have some connections with the International Planned Parenthood Federation, through their contributions to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. The Scouts also hold up to girls for admiration various women involved in denying the meaning or value of sex or family life or unborn human beings. This is not to say that they do no good. This is not to say that they don’t provide some fun and valuable leadership and
skills development for girls. This is not to say that some troops don’t avoid these problems better than others. It’s simply to state the facts: Some Girls Scout troops contain elements which can undermine girls, alongside elements which can elevate them. This is a sane, balanced conclusion reached after many years of investigation and dialogue between Catholic leaders and the Girl Scouts. Take a look at the measured language of the U.S. bishops’ and the Kansas City bishop on the subject. Would that reporters and others calling out Naumann were so thorough and nuanced in their own reports. Reprinted with permission of Helen Alvaré and Cruxnow.com
Archdiocese’s Girl Scouts position rightly reflects Catholic values BY ELIZABETH KIRK Special to The Star
A LEAVEN PHOTO BY GARY PRATT
For three decades, Mary Abel has made baptismal garments for the newly baptized at Holy Family Church in Eudora. [the parents] can take this [garment] home and tell their child, ‘This is your garment. This is a symbol of your soul. Keep it clean,’” she said. As a widow with her children all grown, it’s not difficult for Abel to make time for this act of service. “I’m able to do what I want to do, and this is something I want to do,” she said. Abel also volunteers as a sacristan and, at times, a lector, for Holy Family. But creating the baptismal garments is a unique way to give back to the parish she has belonged to since 1951. Abel’s interest in service stems from her time at the former Loretto Academy in
Kansas City, Missouri, where she attended high school as a boarding student. “That was one of the things we were taught,” she said. “It’s important to do your part in the church. “You’re a member of the church, so wherever there’s an opportunity to help and you have the time and the inclination, you should do it.” That lesson continues to drive Abel’s volunteer work. “I’m just glad to be able to help,” she said. “There are lots of things people can do to help in church,” she added, “if they just keep their eyes open.”
PANKEY
Walking pilgrimage set for May 20-21 KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Community of the Lamb here will host a walking pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne on May 20-21. The pilgrimage will begin at the Lumen Christi Monastery, located at 36 S. Boeke, Kansas City, Kansas, at 7 a.m. Mass begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by a bus ride to a drop-off point where the walk to Sacred Heart Church in Mound City will begin. Pilgrims will stay overnight in the parish hall then depart the next morning for a five- to six-hour walk to the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Shrine and celebrate Mass. A bus will depart from the shrine at 7:30 p.m. It’s suggested that pilgrims bring a small bag to carry drinks and snacks, a sack lunch, overnight toiletries, a sleeping bag and a flashlight. To sign up, call (913) 621-1727.
rchbishop Joseph Naumann’s recent decision to transition the archdiocesan scouting relationship from Girl Scouts to American Heritage Girls, a Christian scouting organization, has led to a rather odd hysteria, with some speculating that the church’s real objective in Naumann’s decision is to “thwart women” and keep them “subservient to men.” Despite these exaggerated claims, as an educated professional Catholic woman who also had a great experience with Girl Scouts, I applaud him. My memories of childhood in Kansas City revolve around being a Girl Scout through my parish, and the experience was an extraordinarily positive part of my formation as a young girl. Badge work. Selling cookies (eating
cookies!). Service projects. Summer camp at Camp Timberlake. Taking a trip to Washington, D.C., in eighth grade — a capstone experience of years devoted to “serving God, my country and living by the Girl Scout law.” Our troop’s Scout leader was a mother whose kindness, work ethic, commitment to service and good judgment provided a beautiful example to us young girls of authentic femininity. And now I have a 6-year-old daughter, and I want her to have these same healthy experiences and constructive formation. I want her to have opportunities to work together with other girls, building self-confidence and empathy. I want her to learn how to be respectful of the environment, resourceful and self-reliant. I want her to observe strong, smart, independent adult women who use their talents to serve others. I want to spark her curiosity about
FOUNDATION REPAIR
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AN EXPLICITLY CHRISTIAN SCOUTING GROUP, LIKE AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS, IS SIMPLY A BETTER FIT FOR THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. AHG PROMOTES CHARACTER, INDEPENDENCE, LIFE SKILLS AND VIRTUE WITHOUT THE ADDED BAGGAGE OF AN AGENDA THAT . . . HARMS WOMEN. activities like aviation, emergency preparedness, geology, photography, archery and even the domestic arts. But I was reluctant for my daughter to become a Girl Scout. Why? Because I want her to experience these things within a vision that promotes authentic equality for women and respects their unique gifts and dignity, rather than within
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the framework of a tired strain of feminism — one that unfortunately has been embraced by the Girl Scouts — with a male-centric view of women that links their happiness to contraception and abortion. There are surely great local troops and amazing women in Girl Scout leadership here in Kansas City, yet there are also numerous documented
instances in which Girl Scouts (whether local councils or national and international organizations) have been involved with promoting contraception, abortion, explicit sex education and sexual “rights” for young girls — through speakers and promotion of role models who support these causes and through partnership with groups like Planned Parenthood. Groups like American Heritage Girls have flourished because of women like me, who loved Scouting, but have concerns about this vision and direction of the Girl Scouts. So I am glad that after years of dialogue and careful study, Naumann responded to the concerns of women and mothers throughout the archdiocese and made what is really a rather unremarkable decision to “partner with youth organizations that share our values and vision for youth ministry.” It’s unremarkable
because good leaders do this every day. They collaborate with groups that best complement their organization’s mission and purpose, and they listen carefully to the concerns of their constituents. An explicitly Christian scouting group, like American Heritage Girls, is simply a better fit for the Catholic Church. AHG promotes character, independence, life skills and virtue without the added baggage of an agenda that, in my view and the view of the Catholic Church, harms women. I am grateful that my daughter has the option to participate in Scouting under leadership that reflects the values of our family and of our faith. Elizabeth Kirk is a Kansas City native and mother of an American Heritage Girl Pathfinder. * Reprinted from the Kansas City Star with permission.
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY Four children later, couple advocates for adoption STORY BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER
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VERLAND PARK — “I think it’s very natural for any parent to wonder how they will love another child,” said Elizabeth Kirk. “And then they find that love doesn’t work that way. “It isn’t exclusive. It’s exponential.” When Elizabeth and her husband, Catholic Education Foundation executive director Bill Kirk, moved here recently, they had just adopted their fourth child, Nicholas. Once settled in their new parish, Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, plans were made for Nicholas’ baptism. To encourage Catholic married couples to be generous in their openness to life, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann offers to baptize any child who is at least a couple’s third. The Kirk family took him up on his offer. “We were just so touched and flattered,” said Bill. The event, accompanied by the chanting of the Community of the Lamb, was indicative of all the good they’ve found so far in their new home. “It’s such a faith-filled archdiocese,” said Bill. “I’ve been struck by how expressive the schools are of our Catholic faith.” The family was especially touched by the archbishop’s homily. “Although I didn’t get to catch all of it because the baby was fussy,” said Elizabeth, “he beautifully wove together the role of the family in educating the child.” At one point, when Nicholas wandered away from his parents and tried to climb onto the altar, Archbishop Naumann suggested his behavior might indicate a future vocation to the priesthood. “And then, he made a comment that the family is the first seminary,” recalled Bill. “And we were just so touched by that.” From the time Bill and Elizabeth decided to marry, they knew they wanted a family. “We were open to life,” said Elizabeth. “However children came into our home, we were happy to welcome them.” They adopted their first three children as infants. William is now 9; Benedict is 8; and Alice is 6. They felt their family was complete, but their hearts remained open. “We agreed that if God dropped a baby in our laps,” said Bill, “we would welcome him or her into our life. “This situation was most certainly a baby being dropped into our laps.” Indeed, Nicholas entered the Kirk’s family circle through their involvement in Safe Families for Children, an organization in Florida, where they lived before moving here. The program matches parents in crisis with host families who volunteer to temporarily care for the children. “We were asked to assist a family that was the foster parents for Nicholas,” explained Bill. “We were doing respite care for them over the weekend or when they were on vacation.” When circumstances led to Nicholas
A MOTHER’S DAY REFLECTION
Don’t be afraid of adoption By Elizabeth Kirk Special to The Leaven
St. John Paul II once called adoption an “exchange of gifts,” and this gift of motherhood and sonship at the foot doption is something most of the cross demonstrates beautifully people think is noble and how all those involved in adoption are good. But beneath the knitted together by a sacrificial act of surface, there are many love. doubts about it. Women in Second, we attended the Easter, crisis pregnancies worry: “How can I Vigil Mass at our parish. I noticed give up my child to a stranger?” and that, during the baptismal liturgy for “How can anyone the catechumens, love my child like I our pastor prayed, would?” “Almighty, everOr worse, yet : living God, be “Will an adoptive present by the IN THE FOSTER parent hurt my mysteries of your CARE SYSTEM IN 2015, child?” great love and In turn, people send forth the THERE WERE 111,820 considering whethspirit of adoption er to adopt a child create the new CHILDREN ACROSS THE to wonder: “Will I be peoples brought able to bond with birth for you in NATION WAITING TO BE to a child that is not the font of bapmy own?” or “What tism.” ADOPTED — 2,340 OF kind of issues or This prayer reTHEM IN KANSAS AND problems will this minded me that child inherit, and do we are not saved 2,513 IN MISSOURI.” I want do deal with because of our those issues?” birth but, rather, These are natural fears, and as because of our rebirth in baptism an adoptive mother and advocate when we are made adopted sons and for adoption, I have spent countless daughters of God. What a beautiful hours thinking and praying through image to share with our children as them myself and helping others to we explain to them the way in which work through them. they came to be part of our family, and In this short space, what I can tell how it is not terribly different from you is that adoption, even though it the way in which all of us are part of typically arises in some sort of broGod’s family. kenness, has the potential for great Just as through our spiritual adopbeauty and for healing. It involves tion, we can call God, “Abba, Father,” the most selfless of sacrifices on the human adoption gives a child in need part of those placing their children the love of a mother and a father — for adoption, and it involves a leap of “Mommy” and “Daddy.” trust and faith for those welcoming Sadly, however, the reality is that children into their home. not many people choose adoption — And we know from our Christian either to place a child for adoption faith that such great suffering, offered or to adopt a child. Each year in this in love, always bears abundant fruit. country, less than 18,000 newborn Recently, I had two occasions to infants are placed for adoption while reflect on the tremendous beauty of over 1 million children are aborted. adoption. In the foster care system in 2015, First, throughout Lent, I found there were 111,820 children across the myself reflecting on an image of the nation waiting to be adopted — 2,340 crucified Christ, with Mary and John of them in Kansas and 2,513 in Misat the foot of the cross. souri. In this particular image, Jesus leans Throughout Scripture, God inforward from his cross toward Mary, structs his people to care for orphans. who stands with her arms and hands It seems appropriate to say that chilopen. John stands next to her, with his dren at risk of abortion and children in head bowed reverently. foster care are the modern “orphans” Jesus said to his mother, “Woman, of our time. behold your son.” And then to John, In “Amoris Laetitia,” Pope Fran“Behold your mother.” This is the symcis said, “The choice of adoption and bolic moment that Jesus gave Mary to foster care . . . make people aware all of humanity to be our mother. that children, whether natural, adopBut this deeply moving moment tive or taken in foster care, are perwas also what Pope Benedict XVI sons in their own right who need to be called “an entirely human gesture accepted, loved and cared for, and not on the part of the dying Savior.” One just brought into this world” (180). of Jesus’ final acts was “an adoption It is my hope that, by reflecting on arrangement” in which he placed his the beauty of adoption, more people mother “in the custody of the disciple will consider whether they are called who was especially close to him. And to choose adoption — either as an so a new home is also given to the option in a crisis pregnancy or as a disciple — a mother to care for him, a way to build a family by welcoming a mother for him to look after.” child in need.
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being available for adoption, the Kirks felt he was already part of their family. “This was all around the time that we were considering coming up here,” said Bill. “We feel it was inspired and had God’s hand all over it.” Because adoption has brought so much joy to the Kirk family, they are ardent advocates of promoting the practice, especially to women considering abortion. “Abortion is the end of a story,” added Elizabeth. “Adoption is the beginning of a beautiful family.” With children so close in age, there’s never a dull moment in the Kirk household. “Sometimes we joke about the three older kids feeling like triplets,” said Bill. And now they’ve added a 2-year-old to the mix. “Suddenly, we were jumping back into baby gates and the like,” said Elizabeth.
“He’s so loved by his brothers and his sister; he so quickly became part of our family.” Nicholas’ siblings, who have been through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, understood the significance of his baptism and were thrilled to be part of the sacrament. “One line the archbishop said really stuck with my kids,” recalled Elizabeth. “He talked about how the baptism day was the most important day of Nicholas’ life.” As Nicholas was welcomed into the Catholic faith, his mother reflected on the beauty of adoption as it relates to the mystical body of Christ. “Adoption really emphasizes that all of us are one family,” she said. “We are brothers and sisters. “I don’t want to diminish the importance of biology, but it’s not all there is to say about human love.” Bill and Elizabeth are often congratulat-
Above, Elizabeth Kirk holds her son Nicholas as Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann baptizes him. Nicholas’ father Bill and siblings Alice and Benedict look on. All the Kirk children are adopted. Right, Benedict Kirk entertains his brother Nicholas following Nicholas’ baptism. ed on their choice to adopt. But to them, the rewards are immense. “It’s true they all needed a mother and a father,” said Elizabeth. “And we were able to give them that gift. “But we are the ones who are extraordinarily blessed.” Elizabeth Kirk is a mother of four children who resides in Kansas with her husband. She has a passionate interest in law and culture, especially as it relates to protecting the family.
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MAY 12, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Catholic professionals offered continuing education credits By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — For professionals who need to earn continuing education credits, the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas is offering a reasonably priced program with a couple of added bonuses: There is an opportunity to worship at a Mass with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, and a chance to experience Catholic community and network with peers in their field during the half-day event. The program is geared to professionals in financial planning, law, insurance and accounting. The CFNEK is offering its eighth annual Catholic-centered continuing education program on June 2. Registration and check-in is from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. The Mass will be from
Ann and Don Bennett, members of St. Bernard Parish, Wamego, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on May 11. The couple was married May 11, 1957, at St. Bernard by Father Anthony Blaufuss. Their children are: Omar, Dianne and Robert. They also have nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Alice (Soetaert) and Roger Canaan, members of Divine Mercy Parish, Gardner, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 20. The couple was married on May 20, 1967, at Sacred Heart Parish in Gardner by Father Frank Horvat. Their children are Paul Canaan and Jeanne Schwarz. They also have six grandchildren. They will celebrate the day surrounded by family and friends. Genevieve (Furmanski) and Donald Holtgraves, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 3. The couple was married on May 3, 1952, at St. John Church, Stapleton, Nebraska. Their children are: Ronald Holtgraves, David Holtgraves (deceased), Barbara Purdon, Edward Holtgraves and Caroline Salstrom. They also have nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. They will celebrate at a luncheon with family and friends.
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8 to 8:45 a.m. It will be followed by a continental breakfast and opening remarks by the archbishop and Lesle M. Knop, CFRE, executive director of the CFNEK. Classes will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost of the program is $75. The firm of Lathrop & Gage will sponsor the continental breakfast, and Mariner Wealth Advisors will sponsor the lunch. As usual, the continuing education program will be offered in the Keleher Conference Center at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas. For the third year in a row, the program will also be live-streamed to a second location: Christ the King Parish, 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka. “It’s a unique program for Catholic professionals,” said Bill Hess, chairman of the event’s planning committee and a board member of CFNEK. Hess
is also a trust officer with Commerce Trust Company and a member of Good Shepherd Church in Shawnee. “We have a pretty consistent list of people who come,” Hess continued. “They obviously find it helpful with their professional careers, and it provides an opportunity to bond with other Catholic professionals in the Kansas City [area].” The following credits will be offered: • CLE: Four hours Missouri and Kansas (two hours ethics) • CE credits for CFP: two hours • Kansas insurance: four hours (two hours ethics) • CPE credits for CPA: recommended for four hours. Knop, also secretary of the archdiocesan stewardship and giving division, said the program’s quality was a big draw. “We have repeat participation indicating . . . that the men and women
who choose to participate look forward to it, and receive value from the program,” she said. “The main point is the quality of the presenters,” she continued. “This year, we have an outstanding group of speakers and topics.” The classes this year include: • “Estate Planning for the Off-farm Generation” • “Beyond the Rules: Kansas Ethics and the Pillars of Professionalism” • “Faith and Advising: Can an adviser or client’s moral/spiritual compass be ignored?” • “A Gift’s Journey from Donor’s Death to Charity” The registration deadline is May 31. For information and to register, call the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas at (913) 647-0325, or go online to the website at: www.CFNEK.org/ce.
MAY 12, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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Mexican bishops call for action on missing persons, mass graves By David Agren Catholic News Service
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EXICO CITY (CNS) — The Mexican bishops’ conference has issued a call for action on the cases of the country’s thousands of missing persons, most of whom disappeared during the country’s decades-long drug war and whose bodies are increasingly being unearthed from mass graves. Many of those graves have been discovered by desperate family members acting on their own and without the assistance of the authorities, who are often accused of showing disinterest in finding the disappeared. “For close to 10 years we have heard of graves discovered throughout the country. Media have told us continuously of ‘human cemeteries,’” said the bishops’ statement, issued May 5 and signed by the conference secretary-general, Auxiliary Bishop Alfonso Miranda Guardiola of Monterrey. “Until a few years ago, the cases of disappeared persons were discovered in an isolated way. But now we know that there are disappeared persons in almost all places and at every level,” the statement continued. “We are experiencing a crisis of mistrust and con-
CNS PHOTO/TONY RIVERA, EPA
Specialists in Jojutla, Mexico, unearth remains found in unmarked graves March 21. stant fear.” Mexico has been slow to recognize the crisis of missing people, who number nearly 31,000 over the past 10 years, according to federal figures. The National Human Rights Commission reports the discovery of at least 855 clandestine graves during that time. Some of the cases have caused scandalous headlines, such as 250
skulls found in a mass grave near the port of Veracruz. The Catholic Church also has been slow to act on the issue of people who disappeared, drawing accusations of timidity and a preference for not upsetting public officials — especially in Veracruz, though bishops there deny the charges. “It was a taboo topic,” said Antonio
Esparza, director of the Jesuit-run Juan Gerardi Human Rights Center in the northern city of Torreon. “In the context of the violence, it was a dangerous topic.” Some individual priests and religious have provided pastoral attention since the start, and the operators of migrant shelters have attempted to track the migrants transiting Mexico. Migrants are often preyed upon by crooked public officials and kidnapped by organized crime. The diocesan Fray Juan Larios Human Rights Center in Saltillo, 190 miles from the Texas border, has handled more than 500 cases over the past decade in Coahuila state. Families in the state and other parts of Mexico started their own searches after inaction by the authorities. “Families [previously] didn’t look for graves. They looked for their loved ones alive,” said Esparza. His center, also in Coahuila, has helped families who have scoured the desert and found 4,600 human remains, such as small bone fragments, at a ranch where bodies appeared to have been doused with gasoline and burned in barrels. “Today they think of the possibility that [their loved ones] might be dead, but also continue to believe that they could be alive,” Esparza said.
Irish Columban rescues trafficked minors, wins human rights award By Simone Orendain Catholic News Service
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n Irish Columban priest based in the Philippines has received the A.K. Shalom Award for human rights, adding to his growing collection of international peace and justice awards. Father Shay Cullen, 74, received the award May 6 at Germany’s Catholic University of Eichstatt-Ingolstadt for rescuing minors from exploitation
at the hands of sex traffickers, pedophiles, illegal detention and other forms of abuse. In an email to Catholic News Service, the missionary priest said, “The victims of abuse and human trafficking deserve this award more than me or PREDA. They, by their resilience and strength, have made our work possible.” Father Cullen established the PREDA (People’s Recovery, Empowerment and Development Assistance) Foundation in 1974 in Olongapo City,
Philippines. The foundation runs programs that help the young people who are rescued to gain an education, receive therapy, formation and skills training. Since he took office last June, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered police and private citizens to kill drug pushers and users. According to Human Rights Watch, close to 8,000 people have died in both police anti-drug operations and unexplained circumstances. “We need to speak stronger and
louder,” said Father Cullen. “We must never allow silence to make us part of the crime. . . . We have to be prophetic and state clearly the rights of every human being no matter how poor.” PREDA says Father Cullen has received multiple human rights awards in at least five countries and has been nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize, all for his human rights endeavors. He is scheduled to receive the Dutch 2017 Martin Buber Award in November.
MAY 12, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, and cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available, as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Looking for something new? - Use your administrative skills to help a developmental optometrist change people’s lives. Monday - Thursday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; summer hours vary. No health benefits. A background in Word, Excel, QuickBooks, customer service and medical office experience helpful. Send resume to: Dr. Beth Basin, 13600 Washington, Kansas City, MO 64145 or send by email to: bbazin@visiondevelop.com. Teachers’ aide positions - St. Ann Young Child Center in Prairie Village is interviewing for the 2017-18 school year. Aide positions for preschool and Kids’ Day Out. Hours are from 9 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 9 a.m. - noon on Friday. Great for moms with kids in school! An aide’s position for the afterschool program: Monday through Friday from 3 - 5:30 p.m. We are also looking for substitutes. Competitive pay. Great environment to work. For more information, call Tati at (816) 716-4676. Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, roundtrip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Child care workers - John Paul II Preschool/Child Care, 71st and Metcalf, Overland Park, is seeking fun-loving, energetic individuals, age 18 or over, to work with our school-age children this summer. Responsibilities include: interacting with children during indoor and outdoor play; supervising on field trips; serving snacks; and helping to maintain the classroom space. Great job for a college student! We also have permanent positions available for experienced child care providers working with our younger children. Hourly wage based on education and experience. Contact Donna at: dhogue@arch kckcs.org for more information or to apply. Physical education teacher - Rockhurst High School is accepting applications for an FTE physical education teacher. Participation in athletic co-curricular coaching is an expectation of the position. Interested persons should submit a letter of interest, resume and completed application (application is available online at: www. rockhursths.edu) to Mr. Michael Dierks, athletic director, at: mdierks@rockhursths.edu on or before May 18. Sales professional - We respect your many years of experience; we value and need your wisdom. We only ask if you are “coachable”? If so, Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas has openings for sales trainees in our Johnson, Shawnee and Wyandotte County area cemeteries. An excellent earning of $40K to $50+ in commissions is legitimate income potential for the first year. Training allowance your first 30 days, then draw commission with bonus opportunities. Medical, life, dental, optical, prescription, 401(k) plans, etc., are some of the many perks our employees receive. Excellent opportunities for women and men interested in a sales career and in helping people. Advancement opportunities are available for hard-working and focused individuals. Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends when our client families are available to see us in their homes. Once you learn our formula for success, your schedule is determined by you. Please email your resume and contact information to: dvanthullenar@cathcemks.org or fax to (913) 353-1413.
Full-time openings - Padre Pio Academy in Shawnee, which offers a classical curriculum, has full-time openings for the 2017-18 school year. For more information and details, contact Joanne at (913) 530-6553. Building attendant - Savior Pastoral Center has an immediate opening for a night and weekend part-time building attendant. On-site lodging is provided as the individual is required to live at the center. This position is responsible for hospitality, security and light custodial duties. The ideal candidate will have some customer service experience. Work hours vary and average 15 – 20 hours per week. Mail cover letter, resume and application (available at: www.archkck.org/jobs) by May 9 to: Human Resources, Building Attendant Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109 or send by email to: jobs@archkck.org. A complete job description can be found at: www.archkck.org/jobs.
SERVICES Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, Installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer.com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. WATKINS TEAM Honest, reliable home selling for over 50 years Parishioner of Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park Doug (913) 593-6362 | watkinsd@reecenichols.com Dirk (913) 219-2965 | dirkw@reecenichols.com Reece Nichols Real Estate
HOME IMPROVEMENT Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service – Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM. 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!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 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. Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com
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Book sale - The 23rd annual book and bric-a-brac sale will be held on May 12 and 13 at the Turner Baptist Church, 701 S. 55th St., Kansas City, Kansas. Proceeds go to the Shepherd’s Center of Kansas City, Kansas. For sale - Tandem vault located at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City. Patio II, tier C, crypt 105. Eye level with peaceful view and surroundings. Includes perpetual care. Current market value over $12,000. Selling price is $10,000. Call (913) 208-2703. For sale - Three individuals plots located at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City. Located in section 3, old lot 195, spaces 10, 11 and 12. Current value is $2070 per space. Selling price is $1600 per space or $4500 for all three. Call (913) 208-2703. For sale - Original oil and watercolor paintings; framed lithographs; three framed WWIl fighter planes; signed, framed Spencer Tracy photo; Native American figurines; collectible dolls and gnomes; 1950s ceramics and ceramic cats; designer purses of all sizes; pewter; cast iron pots and pans; old cookbooks; Tom & Jerry bowls and mugs; pro-life angels; Fitbit; Garmin; jewelry. Downsizing, help a veteran. (913) 579-0279.
CAREGIVING Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or 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, Pat or Gary. Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.
Professional window cleaner - Residential only, fully insured. Over 40 years experience. Free estimates. Contact Gene Jackson at (913) 593-1495.
Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dan deeconst@aol.com.
Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, fertilizing Hedge trimming, mulching, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002
Kansas City’s Premier Deck, Fence & Concrete - We repair, power wash and stain wood decks and fences. We power wash and seal concrete drives, walkway, pool decks and more. Call Brian at (913) 952-5965. Member of Holy Trinity Parish.
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: mike@mike hammermoving.com.
Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovations, tile and sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Josh (913) 709-7230.
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.
Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176
HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com
Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware. Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee
Doll dresses - First Communion dress sets for 18” or American Girl dolls. Includes dress, veil, shoes, tights and cross necklace. Full line of doll clothes and accessories in south Johnson County. Call Patty at (913) 345-9498.
NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net
Wanted to buy - Cucina LLC is an entity that buys commercial real estate. Lou Serrone, a member of Good Shepherd, and Tom Disidore, a member of St. Agnes, are members of Cucina LLC. Tom and Lou are licensed brokers in both Kansas and Missouri. If you are a seller of commercial real estate, call Lou at (913) 219-9924.
STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.
Wanted to buy - I buy antiques and collectibles Vintage and Native American jewelry Navajo and Oriental rugs Old postcards and photographs Coca-Cola signs and old silverware Call (913) 593-7507.
Clutter getting you down? - Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin of all trades” your professional organizer and “Honey-do” specialist. Call or email me today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055 or kev@koatindustries. com. Insured. References. Quilted memories - Your Kansas City Longarm shop Nolting Longarm machines, quilting supplies and machine quilting services. We specialize in memorial quilts - custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, neckties, etc. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. Visit the website at: www. quiltedmemoriesllc.com. Tree Trimming Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Tony Collins (913) 620-6063 Senior hairstyling - Roller sets, haircuts and perms. Wednesday - Friday by appointment. One block south of Johnson Dr. in Mission. $5 off any service with first service. Call Bonnie at (816) 769-8511. Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.
Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125. Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.
FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC)
OPEN HOUSE FOR MISS FAY Church of the Nativity 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood May 13 from noon - 2 p.m.
Come celebrate Miss Margaret Fay’s 100th birthday and honor her years of teaching students at Bishop Ward High School.
A DECADE OF THE ROSARY IN SACRED MUSIC Holy Angels Parish 15408 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor May 13 at 6 p.m.
This concert in honor of the 100th anniversary of Our Lady’s apparitions at Fatima will be performed by the Most Pure Heart of Mary Schola Cantorum children’s choir. The suggested donation is a freewill offering.
DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA, LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE 503 204 S.W. 8th Ave., Topeka May 13 at 10 a.m.
• Donor Advised Funds
• Gift Annuities
• Named Scholarship Funds
• Endowments
• Memorial Funds
Remember a gift to the church in your will
(913) 647-0325 CFNEK@archkck.org www.cfnek.org
Keep your personal and professional relationships growing by learning the skills you need for successful conflict resolution.
‘GROWING IN AWARENESS OF THE QUR’AN’ Precious Blood Renewal Center 2130 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri May 17 at 6 p.m.
NATIONAL PILGRIM STATUE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA Cathedral of St. Peter 416 N. 14th St., Kansas City, Kansas May 13 at noon
need bowlers and businesses or individual sponsors for this bowling event. For more information, go online to: www.solereason.net.
marriage. For more information, contact the registration team at (800) 470-2230 or visit the website at: Help OurMarriage.com.
SPRING PILGRIMAGE Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows 197 Hwy. P, Rhineland, Missouri May 21 at 10 a.m.
CAMP KAPAUN Conception Abbey 37174 State Hwy. W, Conception, Missouri June 4 - 14
The pilgrimage begins with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by a rosary procession through the shrine grounds. A traditional German meal will be served. The cost for the meal is $10. Following the meal, the sacrament of reconciliation will be available. Religious articles will be available for sale and will be blessed in the afternoon.
DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA, LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE 503 Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5972 S.W. 25th St., Topeka May 28 at 12:30 p.m.
MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood May 20 at 8 a.m.
Come join in prayer and veneration of the statue blessed by Pope Paul VI and to honor our heavenly Mother on the 100th anniversary of her appearances at Fatima.
There will be a memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones followed by a grief support meeting in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Ten Commandments of Grief.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.
ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park May 14 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.
BOWL FOR SNEAKERS-THON Gage Bowl 4200 S.W. Huntoon, Topeka May 20 from 3:30 - 6 p.m.
May marks the 100th anniversary of the first of our Blessed Mother’s six apparitions to the three young children in Fatima, Portugal in 1917. We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benediction
This is a Catholic boys camp featuring sports, team-building, virtue growth and spiritual formation. For more information, send an email to Victor Rodriquez at: vcrodrc@gmail. com.
Tickets cost $10 each and include two games of bowling and shoes. There will also be a raffle for K-State, KU, Royals and Chiefs items, as well as gift certificates to local restaurants. All proceeds go toward providing new sneakers for area kids in need. We
This will be our mother/daughter banquet and baby shower with covered luncheon. An open meeting will follow. If you know of a member or their family member in distress, sick or in need of prayers, contact Theresa Smith-Lawton at (785) 640-1403. If you are interested in or would like more information about the Daughters of Isabella, call Marilyn Unrein at (785) 230-8448 or Cindy Keen at (785) 228-9863.
GERMANFEST St. Joseph Church 306 N. Broadway, Leavenworth June 3 from 5:30 - 9 p.m.
There will be a German Mass at 4:30 p.m., followed by a traditional German dinner. The cost is $10 for adults; $4 for kids. There will also be a beer garden, wine, a raffle with cash and German prizes, and a German silent auction. Outside music will be provided by Festhaus Musikanten polka band from 6 - 9 p.m. Betty Jo Simon, accordionist, will be in the dining hall. For more information, call the parish office at (913) 628-3953.
RETROUVAILLE Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas June 2 -4
Retrouvaille provides help for marriage problems/difficulties/crises. The program offers hope that it is not too late for a better
GERMANFEST Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish 312 N.E. Freeman, Topeka June 3 from 5 - 11 p.m. June 4 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Come experience German food, children’s inflatables and mini-train, carnival, games, bingo, oral auction, drawings and much more. There will also be booths where you can buy baskets, fancy items, jewelry, Germanfest T-shirts, and souvenirs and snacks. The Chardon Polka Band will be playing. The sixth annual Brat Trot 5K run/walk will take place on June 3 at 8 a.m. To register, go online to: tinyurl.com/BratTrot2017.
KANSAS CITY CATHOLIC HOME SCHOOL CONFERENCE St. Charles Borromeo Parish 900 N.E. Shady Ln. Dr., Kansas City, Missouri June 9 - 10
Registration is now open for the 2017 conference. Visit the website at: kccatholichome schooler.org to see a list of speakers and to register. Early registration lasts through May 31.
‘JUNE MOON EVENING IN THE VINEYARD’ Liquid Art Winery 1745 Wildcat Creek Rd., Manhattan June 11 from 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Make plans to attend the “June Moon Evening in the Vineyard” event to help support St. Isidore Catholic Student Center at K-State. For more information, go to the website at: stisidores.com; send an email to: events@stisidores.com; or call (785) 5397496, ext. 110.
“I am proud to continue the legacy of service my grandfather and father began in 1946.”
Camp Kapaun Catholic boys camp. Sports, team building, virtue growth, spiritual formation, Boys ages 9 - 14. June 4 - 10, Conception Abbey, Missouri Email Victor Rodriquez at: vcrodrc@gmail.com
VACATION Branson getaway - Walk-in condo on Pointe Royale Golf Course. Sleeps six. Close to lakes and entertainments. Fully furnished. Pool and hot tub available. No cleaning fee. Nightly rates. Wi-Fi available. Discounts available. Call (913) 515-3044.
FUNERAL HOME • CREMATORY • MEMORIAL CHAPELS 10901 Johnson Drive Shawnee, Kansas 66203 Telephone 913-631-5566 Fax 913-631-2236 Gregg Amos
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The evening will begin with a soup supper. The talk, presented by Biagio Mazza, will be: “Growing in Awareness of the Qur’an: How Does It Relate to the Bible?” The suggested offering is $20. Register online at: info@pbrenewalcenter. org or by calling (816) 479-0698.
A Mass with prayers for healing, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held. Father Tom Kearns will preside. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.
Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas • Catholic Bequests
‘WORKING WITH GROUP CONFLICT’ Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas May 15 from 2 - 3:30 p.m.
HEALING MASS Curé of Ars (Father Burak Room) 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood May 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Wanted to rent - Retired nurse is looking for move and would like to do work in exchange for rent. Is willing to pay up to $700 per month, or a combination of above. Will consider moving outside the metro area. Needs privacy and quiet. Call (913) 579-5276.
BOYS CAMP
will follow, as well as an opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular. For more information, visit the website at: www. rosaryrallieskc.org.
There will be a Mary’s Holy Hour. Plan to arrive at 9:45 a.m. If anyone knows of a member or family member who is sick or in need of prayers, call Theresa Smith-Lawton at (785) 640-1403. If you are interested in or would like more information about the Daughters of Isabella, call Marilyn Unrein at (785) 2308448 or Cindy Keen at (785) 228-9863.
WANTED TO RENT
WANTED TO BUY
MAY 12, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CALENDAR
www.amosfamily.com
Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co.
Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing. Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas. Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com
MAY 12, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER May 14 FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 6: 1-7 Ps 33: 1-2, 4-5, 18-19 1 Pt 2: 4-9 Jn 14: 1-12 May 15 Isidore Acts 14: 5-18 Ps 115: 1-5, 15-16 Jn 14: 21-26 May 16 Tuesday Acts 14: 19-28 Ps 145: 10-13ab, 21 Jn 14: 27-31a May 17 Wednesday Acts 15: 1-6 Ps 122: 1-5 Jn 15: 1-8 May 18 John I, pope, martyr Acts 15: 7-21 Ps 96: 1-3, 10 Jn 15: 9-11 May 19 Friday Acts 15: 22-31 Ps 57: 8-10, 12 Jn 15: 12-17 May 20 Bernardine of Siena, priest Acts 16: 1-10 Ps 100: 1-3, 5 Jn 15: 18-21
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I hit the mother lode
“O
h, she’s so cute! I just
love her!” It’s a rare Sunday when I don’t hear something like this. And they’re not talking about a cuddly little newborn or fluffy kitten. No, they say this about my mom! Just about every Sunday, some parishioners stop by Vintage Park in Tonganoxie to give my mom a ride to our 10:30 Mass. Afterwards, Mom holds court. What she most likes to do is ask for high fives from the kids, who rarely refuse. Next up on her post-Mass agenda is to sing a Croatian song or two and then instruct everyone within earshot “to keep an eye on Father Mark for me, so that he behaves.” Cute, right? When I’m finally able to pry Mom away from her adoring fans, we head out for lunch where I endure another “Mom love fest,” courtesy of the waiter or waitress who serves us. Since Mom was a waitress and worked for many years for a catering company, she knows how tough it can be at times to deal with “the public.” She goes out of her way to thank the workers from when we’re seated to when we leave. She “complains” with a wide
T
MARK MY WORDS
FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.
smile about how huge the portions are when our orders arrive. And she’ll encourage the servers to “keep smiling and being as nice as you are.” Heck, by the end of the meal, they’re practically ready to carry her out to the car on their shoulders. This type of behavior is not something new. Mom turned 99 — yes, 99 — on April 12, and she’s always been this way. She was deeply influenced by her own mom. I couldn’t help but think of Grandma Modrcin when I read this story by Mrs. Floyd Crook: One day, a young girl came home from school crying because she had been given only a small part in the school play,
while her playmate got the leading role. After drying the girl’s eyes, her mother took off her watch and put it in her daughter’s hand. “What do you see?” asked the mother. “A gold band, a watch face and two hands,” said the girl. Opening the back of the watch, the mother again asked, “Now, what do you see?” The daughter looked closely at the internal watch mechanism and saw many tiny little wheels, springs and other tiny pieces. “This watch would be useless,” explained the mom, “without every part — even the tiny ones you can hardly see.” The young girl remembered her mother’s lesson, which helped her throughout life to see the importance of even small duties we’re asked to perform. (Found in Brian Cavanaugh’s “Sower’s Seeds of Encouragement: Fifth Planting.”)
For my grandma, there were no small — unimportant — people in the world. She was always leery of those who presented themselves as “high tone,” or better than others. Because she was so simple herself — she couldn’t read or write — she had a special place in her heart for people who were often overlooked or taken for granted. Grandma believed it took everyone to make the world run smoothly. It’s a lesson she passed on to my mom, who is never shy about chatting with the checkout clerk or bagger, smiling at fellow diners at restaurants or complimenting the parish choir members. In Mom’s mind, everyone counts. She believes that this attitude — along with being a “junk food junkie” — has gotten her through life. But the main reason for her longevity and demeanor, she insists, is found in her room, where a large crucifix hangs on the wall. “It’s God,” she says. “He’s so good and gives me strength.” I attribute my propensity for laughter, my talkative nature, my comfort with the “un-high-tone” — and my faith — to this special woman I’m privileged to call Mom. With Mother’s Day this weekend, let’s all reflect
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a bit on the influence of our real moms, as well as all of those who are our moms by adoption. One of the best ways we can honor them is by prayer. Here’s one of my favorites: “God, our creator, we pray: “For new mothers, coming to terms with new responsibilities; for expectant mothers, wondering and waiting; for those who are tired, stressed or depressed; for those who struggle to balance the tasks of work and family; for those who are unable to feed their children due to poverty; for those whose children have physical, mental or emotional disabilities; for those who have children they do not want; for those who raise children on their own; for those who have lost a child; for those who care for the children of others; for those whose children have left home; and for those whose desire to be a mother has not been fulfilled. “Bless all moms, that their love may be deep and tender, and that they may lead their children to know and do what is good, living not for themselves alone, but for God and for others. Amen.” Now, go and give your mom a high five!
Jesus still shows us all ‘the way’
he pilgrims’ path to the shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela is often referred to in Spanish as the “Camino,” that is to say, “the way.” Once, several years ago, while walking that pilgrim path, I stopped inside a church and saw a huge banner with the image of Christ on it. At the bottom of it were emblazoned the words: “Yo soy el Camino” — that is to say, “I am the way.” It was a dramatic reminder of the true purpose of the pilgrimage we were engaged in. We also hear those same words in Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jn 14:112. Jesus is speaking to the disciples about his
THE GOSPEL TRUTH
FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.
impending departure. The apostle Thomas asks him, “Master, we
POPE FRANCIS
God’s compassion can change the rigid hearts of those who use his law to condemn others, Pope Francis said. A person with a hardened “pagan heart does not allow the Spirit to enter” and often relies on his or her own strength and intellect rather than understanding God’s will through humility, the pope said May 2 in his homily during Mass at
do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” In response, Jesus tells him: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” It is significant that the early Christians spoke of “the way,” rather than “religion” or “doctrine.” This term appears several times in
the Acts of the Apostles: 18:25; 18:26; 19:9; 19:23; 22:4; 24:14; and 24:22. They spoke in this way because their faith in Jesus Christ inspired them to a particular conduct of life. It was not merely head knowledge but, rather, a comprehensive approach to life. This use of walking as a metaphor for a manner of life is grounded in Old Testament texts. For example, we hear in Psalm 119: 1, 3: “Happy those whose way is blameless, who walk by the teaching of the Lord. . . . They do no wrong; they walk in God’s ways.” In the days before the automobile, when the majority of people traveled on foot, this metaphor would have made more of an impact than
Domus Sanctae Marthae. “They do not know that the Word became flesh, that the Word is a witness to obedience,” the pope said. “They do not know that God’s tenderness is able to take out a heart of stone and put in its place a heart of flesh.” The pope focused his homily on the day’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, which recalled the martyrdom of St. Stephen, who was stoned to death after de-
it does now. In this present age, even pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela rely heavily on air, train and bus travel to arrive at their destination. Nonetheless, this image of “the way” can still resonate with meaning for us. The Lord who traveled on foot to the towns and villages of Galilee, who invited his disciples to follow him as he walked along the Sea of Galilee, who took up the cross to carry it to Calvary, still stands as the best way for us to arrive at eternal life. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” By adhering to Jesus, we will arrive there.
nouncing the scribes and elders “as stiffnecked people” that “always oppose the Holy Spirit.” Unlike the disciples at Emmaus whose hearts were opened after being reproached by Jesus as “foolish,” the elders who stoned Stephen gave into their anger at being corrected. This, the pope said, is the tragedy of those “with closed hearts, hardened hearts.” — CNS
MAY 12, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY
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t. Michael the Archangel School in Leawood recently completed “Kindness Week.” The entire school ended a week of showing kindness to one another by spelling out “Be Kind” on the school’s athletic field. My 10-year-old said she was standing in the letter N as she showed me the picture that was taken by a drone. The students then distributed hand-painted rocks, each with a “reminder to be kind” message after Mass that Sunday. I liked the idea so much, I thought I would share some “acts of kindness” that occurred at Catholic Charities recently.
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Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit INSIDE CATHOLIC CHARITIES
KEN WILLIAMS Ken Williams is the executive director of Catholic Charities.
One of our case managers noticed a young man wiping away tears as he stood near
the bread rack in our Emergency Assistance Center. She cautiously approached him and asked if she could help. He shared that he had just been released from an alcohol rehabilitation center. He said he was raised Catholic and graduated from a Catholic
high school. During his walk to the nearby homeless shelter, he noticed our sign that said “Catholic” Charities. He said he felt something pushing him inside. The two prayed together for a while and thanked God for bringing them together at that specific moment in the day. Our case manager provided him with food and other items from our food pantry and invited him back the next day to hopefully chart a new course for his life. Sometimes it just takes a willingness to get involved to make a big difference. It didn’t take much. In fact, our case manager’s primary job was to just listen
and pray on that day. A simple act of kindness was just what this young man needed. We received a call from an 85-year-old woman who said she wanted to do something to help others. She explained that she had received homemaker assistance from our Catholic Charities In-Home Support program during the past year and now she wanted to do something for someone else. We told her about our Friendly Visitors program where we connect those that are homebound with a friendly visitor. These friendly visits sometimes occur face to face, and sometimes by telephone. It so happened that
we had received a call recently from another elderly woman who was clearly suffering from loneliness. She had no one to talk to. She needed a friend. The two now talk weekly and have forged a great friendship. What a great reminder to us all that — regardless of our current circumstance, our age, our schedule, our physical limitations, or even our mood — we can always show kindness to others. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self control” (Gal 5:22).
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MAY 12, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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“GOD CAN WORK WITH A ‘MAYBE’”
Deacon Guastello followed the call that wouldn’t quit By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — When Deacon Michael J. Guastello went off to the seminary in October 2010, he was certain that his stay would . be short. “I told my mother while I was at the seminary checking it out, ‘This isn’t going to happen,’” he said. “I felt that God wanted me to come look at this. Now that I satisfied my curiosity, my plan was to go back home and resume my life.” During an interview at the seminary, one of the priest faculty members said, “Now, I don’t want you to be nervous.” “Nervous?” thought Guastello. “I don’t even want to necessarily be here. I was waiting for someone to tell me that I shouldn’t be here, so I could tell God, ‘See, I’ve done what you asked me to do. I’ve seen this through, and now I’m going back to my life, thank you very much.’ “’I fought this thing the entire way.” As it turned out, God’s call is pretty hard to resist. Deacon Guastello will be ordained a priest by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on May 27 at St. Peter Cathedral in Kansas City, Kansas. “I couldn’t get [the idea of priesthood] out of my heart and my mind, no matter how hard I tried to push it aside,” said Deacon Guastello. “I kept coming up with all kinds of reasons: I’m older, I won’t fit in, my education isn’t geared toward this kind of study, and I’m selfish — I want to make money.” He had plans — for marriage and a family, a good income, and to have his own company and be his own boss. The irony is that as a priest he’ll never have a wife and family, won’t make a lot of money and he will always have a boss — the archbishop. “In that irony I couldn’t be happier,” he said. “This is what God has called me to do. And at this point in my life, there’s nothing else that I’d rather do. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Deacon Guastello, 44, is the second child and oldest son of Mike and Frances Guastello of Kansas City, Missouri. The family belonged to Holy Cross Parish there, and the entirety of Deacon Guastello’s education was in Catholic institutions, although it wasn’t planned that way. Even as an altar server while growing up, the thought of the priesthood never entered his mind. Nor did his parents encourage him or mention it as a vocational possibility. Following graduation from Rockhurst University in 1997, he worked in pharmaceutical sales for a couple of different companies. He helped launch a couple of new products and was doing very well for himself — at least in terms of professional success and material acquisition. He was, in his own words, just “a nice guy.” His faith life? Not so great. “I had a reconversion in 2007,” he said. “I went back to the sacrament of reconciliation. I recognized my faith walk wasn’t all that great. We sometimes fall into a mindset that, ‘So long as I haven’t killed anybody, I must be doing OK.’”
PERSONALLY SPEAKING
Meet Deacon Michael J. Guastello
LEAVEN PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER
Deacon Michael J. Guastello will be ordained a priest by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on May 27 at St. Peter Cathedral in Kansas City, Kansas.
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“GOD CAN WORK WITH A ‘MAYBE.’ . . . AVAIL YOURSELF OF THE SACRAMENTS AND JUST ASK.” “That’s not really what God calls us to,” he continued. “God calls us to be as holy as we can be, and to discipleship — not just being nice guys and gals.” The priest in the confessional, hearing that he’d been away from the sacrament for more than 10 years, said something stunning. “Welcome back,” the priest said. “While I hadn’t left the faith, mentally I had checked out,” he said. “I was just pursuing [membership in] the millionaire’s club.” Until that time, he had gone to Mass sporadically — not out of love or devotion, but to “get my name checked off in the divine attendance book in the sky.” And a funny happened to him as he began to live the Catholic life again: He began to have thoughts about becoming a priest. He met with his pastor and the archdiocesan vocations director, thinking, “This is crazy.” But he felt compelled
to follow this line of inquiry. And many baby steps followed. Eventually, he was sitting in front of archdiocesan vocations director Father Mitchel Zimmerman with an application to enter the seminary in his hand. “Are you willing to take it?” asked Father Zimmerman. “Yeah, I’ll take it,” Deacon Guastello replied. He told himself he’d take it, but he didn’t have to look at it. It sat on his desk for weeks. And then he thought he’d look at it, but he didn’t have to fill it out. And then he thought he could fill it out, but he didn’t have to turn it in. And next he thought he could turn it in, but he didn’t think they’d accept him. And if they accepted him, he didn’t have to go. At one point, he even got a little peeved at God. “Lord, why did you wait so long to call me to do this?” he prayed. “I have my own dreams, plans and desires. You can’t make me do this. I don’t want to do this, so you’re going to have to make me feel better about this.” “The Lord heard that prayer,” said Deacon Guastello, “and put it into my heart to have peace about it.” He also told the Lord that his salvation was not predicated upon becoming a priest. “It was almost as if I heard back in prayer, ‘You’re right — your salvation isn’t predicated upon you doing this.
Age: 44 Born: Kansas City, Missouri Parents: Mike and Frances Guastello Sibling: Joseph Guastello Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri Parish: Sacred Heart of Jesus, Shawnee Education: • Grade school: Holy Cross in Kansas City, Missouri • High school: St. Pius X High School, Kansas City, Missouri (1990) • Rockhurst University, Kansas City Missouri, bachelor of science in biology (1997) • Benedictine College, Atchison, executive master of business administration (2004) • Seminary: The University of St. Mary of the Lake Mundelein Seminary, Chicago Favorite TV Show: “I Love Lucy” Favorite kind of music: Frank Sinatra My most notable encounter with the famous or infamous: George W. Bush The most inspirational Christian I’ve met: Father Joseph Henchey My favorite class in seminary: Christology Books now reading: “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” by John C. Maxwell; “Introduction to the Devout Life,” by St. Francis de Sales Favorite food: Italian and Mexican Favorite childhood toy: “Star Wars” action figures Favorite leisure activities: Golf, reading and exercise What I’m looking forward to most in my priestly ministry: Celebrating the sacraments
But others’ [salvation] might be,’” said Deacon Guastello. “‘I will be able to use you if you say ‘yes.’ “And that really got to me.” He even grew to understand the answer to his question: “Why so late?” It was because he wasn’t ready until later. He was ordained a transitional deacon on May 22, 2016, at St. Peter Cathedral. He looks forward to his priestly ordination and administering the sacraments. His advice to others seeking direction in their lives is simple: Spend time asking the Lord. In time, he will reveal it to you. “Be open,” said Deacon Guastello. “Pray. How do we become close to Jesus? How do we know what his will for our life is? Spend time with him. Spend time before the Blessed Sacrament and go to daily Mass if you can. Develop a devotion to the Blessed Mother. “God can work with a ‘maybe.’ . . . Avail yourself of the sacraments and just ask.” “Sometimes there’s a misunderstanding that a ‘yes’ to the seminary is a ‘yes’ to the priesthood,” he added. “No, it’s a ‘yes’ to discernment. “Plenty of guys come to the seminary and learn that they’re called to marriage. Good for them. They system worked.”