05-15-09 Vol. 30 No. 37

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 30, NO. 37 MAY 15, 2009

Hayden grad soaring

Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

U.S. Marine Corps pilot Maj. Joseph Bachmann prepares to fly the F-35 Lightning II at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. The flight marked the first time a Marine had flown the supersonic stealth fighter.

By JOYCE A. MITCHELL ORT WORTH, Texas – Marine Corps aviators will fly the newest, hottest fighter plane in 2012, but Hayden High school graduate Maj. J.T. Bachmann flies the future today.

Bachmann is the first Marine test pilot to fly the F-35 Lightning II. The Lightning II is destined to be the next fighter jet for U.S. armed forces. The Pentagon plans to buy 2,400 for the Navy, Air Force and Marine fleets.

Bachmann’s job is to tell the Lockheed-Martin designers what works.

F

Turn to MARINE on page 6

CORPUS CHRISTI COUNTDOWN Only four weeks left until the June 14 Corpus Christi procession from St. Agnes in Roeland Park to Bishop Miege High School.

Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

The F-35 Lightning II lifts off at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. The test pilot, Maj. Joseph Bachmann, graduated from Hayden High School in Topeka.

ST. PAUL’S TRAVELS As zealous a missionary as he had formerly been as a persecutor of Christians, Paul took trouble with him wherever he went.

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LEAVEN SUMMER SCHEDULE The May 22 issue of The Leaven will be the last weekly issue before we switch to our summer schedule. The Leaven will be published on the following summer dates: June 5, June 19, July 3, July 17, July 31, Aug. 14 and Aug. 28.

2 ARCHBISHOP

THE LEAVEN • MAY 15, 2009

THE LEAVEN • MAY 15, 2009

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

Let your hearts be renewed in the power of the Spirit

O

n Pentecost Sunday, the weekend of May 30-31, we will observe our second Evangelization Sunday — a day raising awareness of the mandate that we have all received from Jesus to go and make disciples.

When I was in the seminary, the rector one time described an intensive, six-week summer program that made it practically impossible to get a summer job as “voluntary, but not optional.” In other words, if you wanted to be a seminarian, then you were voluntarily choosing to participate in this program.

Being involved in the work of evangelization is a voluntary, but not optional, component of our Catholic faith.

As with our pastoral priority for conversion, St. Paul is an excellent model for our evangelization efforts. Paul’s response to the Damascus Road experience was to learn as much as he could about Jesus. Even more important to him than learning about Jesus, Paul spent a great deal of time in prayer — continuing his encounter with Jesus.

Paul did not just want to know about Jesus; he desired to know Jesus. Out of his ongoing encounter with the risen Jesus, Paul is driven to spread the truth of God’s love, revealed in Jesus, to as many people as possible.

As we embark in our archdiocese on a renewed and more intentional effort to evangelize — to share with others the good news of our Catholic faith — St. Paul serves as the perfect patron. Like Paul, we, too, have been

commissioned by Jesus — not just to keep the faith, but to spread the faith to others.

Paul refused to let anything impede him from fulfilling this mission to bring the Gospel to others. He refused to let beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks or expulsions from towns deter him from proclaiming the truth of God’s love revealed in his Son, Jesus. In light of Paul’s heroism, how can we allow: 1) fear of social rejection; 2) the apathy of others; or 3) the awareness of our own limitations and ineptness prevent us from sharing Jesus and his Gospel with others?

Each one of us is called to be a missionary — to share the faith with others.

Each one of us shares in the mission of the church to share with others the truth, the beauty and the joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

You might be asking yourself: How can I share my Catholic faith in the particular circumstances of my life? How am I supposed to be about the work of making disciples for Jesus?

First of all, many of you are already doing this task of evangelization, even though you may not be conscious of it.

For instance, the primary goal of Christian marriage is not just to spend your life making your wife or husband happy in this world. The real goal of the Christian husband or wife is to do everything that he or she can to bring their spouse to heaven.

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Christian parents are evangelists.

Catholic parents do not just cooperate with God to be co-creators of new human life in this world. Christian parents, through God’s grace, have the ability to transmit the gift of eternal life to their children. The Christian family has been a tool the Lord has used for 2,000 years in making and forming disciples — in passing the faith not so much across geography, but across generations.

Christian parents are called to be the first teachers of the faith to their children. Certainly, they do this by knowing the faith and talking about the faith to their children. However, they do this even more importantly and powerfully by their example of living the Christian life with fidelity and integrity. Strong and joyful Catholic families not only pass the faith on to the next generation, they also inspire others to seek whatever it is that gives them such a spirit of love, hope and joy.

No matter what the circumstances of your life, no matter if you are married or single, no matter if you are working or retired, no matter what kind of work you do, you are called to be a witness of Jesus Christ by your life. You are called to be living in such a way that you are drawing others to Jesus. Others should see in us a peace, a hope, a joy, a capacity to love that provokes them to ask us: What makes this woman so hopeful?

What makes this man so happy? What gives these Catholics such peace amid the same struggles and problems that I am facing?

Those enduring serious illness or experiencing other physical suffering have a special opportunity to witness to the power of Jesus to give hope and joy even in the face of great adversity. It may be your witness of hope during a time of suffering that the Lord desires to

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use to inspire another person to want to come to know Jesus.

Recently, I read an article on evangelization written by a man who has been in prison for 20 years for a serious crime that he committed. While in prison, he had a profound conversion experience.

He now devotes his energy to trying to share the gift of his Catholic faith with his fellow inmates. There is no circumstance where it is impossible to be witnesses for Jesus and his Gospel.

In your workplace, in your neighborhood, in your social circles, you are called always and everywhere to be a witness of Jesus. To do this, you must manifest with authenticity in every conceivable circumstance the hope, peace and joy of the Gospel. You must also know your Catholic faith and be able to explain it to others. Even more important than knowing how to articulate accurately the doctrines of our Catholic faith is to be able to share with others the difference your Catholic faith makes in your daily living.

Often, I tell those to be confirmed that it is not so important that they can answer any question that I might ask them on the night of their confirmation.

However, what is important is that they are able to answer their peers in a clear and compelling way when they ask them: Why are you Catholic? Or why do you believe in Jesus? Or why do you go to Mass every Sunday?

As we draw near to the great feast of Pentecost, let us ask St. Paul to pray for us that we are able to open our hearts to be renewed in the power of the Holy Spirit so that we can share effectively the gift of our Catholic faith with others.

Let us ask Paul to pray for us that we will imitate his boldness and zeal in our efforts to communicate the hope and joy of the Gospel.

Leaven photo by Elaina Cochran

Jeremy and Loretta Heinen (with son Charlie) said that adoration played a big role in their relationship while they were dating. “It was a place where we really felt drawn to be with the Lord, to really listen to him and seek his blessing in our relationship, too,” Jeremy said.

Adoration helps build relationship Proposal comes in adoration chapel at Curé of Ars Church

By KARA HANSEN Leaven staff GARDNER — When Jeremy Heinen bought an engagement ring five years ago, he thought about where he could propose to his thengirlfriend, Loretta.

Jeremy wanted a proposal site that was both familiar and special to the couple; he wanted it to have meaning and significance.

Most of all, Jeremy wanted a place that set the tone for the couple’s future relationship. There was only one perfect spot: the eucharistic adoration chapel at his parish.

“I honestly couldn’t think of any place more appropriate or any place better to start the rest of our lives,” said Jeremy. “I wanted God to be a part of it from the very beginning, and proposing in the real presence of the Lord seemed very fitting.”

Jeremy and Loretta had begun dating shortly after returning home from World Youth Day in Toronto in 2002, where the couple had been introduced by a mutual friend.

“I think we had both previously dated non-Catholics who were perfectly nice people, but we had each felt something was missing,” said Loretta. “I had decided in college that my Catholic faith was not something I was willing to compromise on, and I think, for each of us, it was the cen-

terpiece of what we wanted in a relationship.”

Jeremy and Loretta lived in different cities while dating, so the two often ended up spending much of their dating time together in the adoration chapel at Curé of Ars Church in Leawood, where Jeremy worked at the time. They came to rely on eucharistic adoration as a source of strength and direction.

“We relied heavily on that time for God to guide us as we went through a great deal of discernment,” said Loretta. “The adoration chapel really became a place that felt like our home.”

Jeremy agreed.

“Adoration played a big role in our relationship,” he said. “It was a place where we really felt drawn to be with the Lord, to really listen to him and seek his blessing in our relationship, too.”

The couple had previously arranged to spend Valentine’s Day together in 2004 and agreed that spending some time in prayer in the adoration chapel at Curé of Ars would be a great way to begin their day together. It was also the opportunity Jeremy was looking for to propose.

Of course, Jeremy, who was the youth minister at Curé at the time, had a few logistics to work out in planning a proposal at the chapel

To locate a eucharistic adoration chapel near you, visit the Web site at: www.thereal presence.org/chap_fr.htm. The site has a comprehensive list of adoration chapels organized by state.

For another unique opportunity to participate in eucharistic adoration, make plans to attend the Corpus Christi eucharistic procession to be held on June 14 at St. Agnes Church in Roeland Park, beginning at 1 p.m. An hour of adoration at the church will be followed by a procession to Bishop Miege High School. The event will conclude with Benediction at the high school.

there. The adoration chapel was open for parishioners perpetually, 24 hours a day.

“I arranged for a teen from youth group to be there and to sort of ‘stand guard’ outside to politely let anyone who wanted to come inside know what was going on,” said Jeremy. “I didn’t want to hold anyone away from their time with the Lord, but I hoped, at least, that proposing wouldn’t take too long.”

Loretta, unaware anything was go-

ing on, knelt in prayer, and the two prayed individually for awhile.

“Then Jeremy turned to me and said he had been thinking for awhile [that] we should do a novena together, and he asked if I wanted to do one to Our Lady of Perpetual Help,” said Loretta.

She agreed, and Jeremy handed her a small tri-fold paper with the novena on it. When Loretta opened it, there was a small slip of paper on which were written the words, “Will you marry me?”

Surprised, Loretta at first thought Jeremy was joking with her — until he got down on one knee.

“He professed his love for me and said he wanted us to spend the rest of our lives together,” said Loretta. “I was amazed. It was perfect.”

After Loretta said “yes”, the couple continued to make adoration a regular part of their spiritual lives together — during their engagement and after they were married later in 2004.

Now with a small toddler at home — Charlie, who is 21 months old — quiet, uninterrupted time in adoration can be a little harder to come by.

“Our time in prayer looks a little different now that we have a child, but I think the focus is still the same,” said Loretta. “We want to put the Lord at the center of our life and make him the foundation of our family.”

4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • MAY 15, 2009

THE LEAVEN • MAY 15, 2009

The last two lines of the article, “Archdiocese gains 20 new acolytes” (The Leaven, May 8, 2009), were inadvertently left off of the story. To read the story in its entirety, go to the Web site at: www.theleaven.com. The Leaven regrets the error.

Holy Spirit student wins award

Aquinas students shear locks to benefit cancer patients Special to The Leaven OVERLAND PARK — Sometimes the sound of charity goes something like this: SNIP! SNAP! SNIP! The sound of true charity could be heard in the snapping of some stylists’ scissors, as 56 girls from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park lost their ponytails to a good cause.

The girls were all participants in Wigs Out 2009, an event organized by Aquinas speech and drama teacher Kim Harrison. The hair will be used to make wigs for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The ponytails were donated to the Wisconsin-based Pantene Beautiful Lengths program, which provides wigs to both women and children undergoing chemotherapy. About six ponytails are needed for each wig.

“It shows what can happen when teachers and young people are able to work together to do something valuable for other people,” said Aquinas president Dr. William Ford.

This was the second year Aquinas has undertaken Wigs Out. The students also raised about $2,000 for the American Cancer Society through a raffle and the sale of T-shirts donated by Center Sports in Lenexa.

“This year our daughter took part in it, too,” said Center Sports co-owner Leta Pyle. “I think it’s great those young girls sacrifice their hair, especially with prom and everything coming up.”

Each girl chose someone close to her to do the cutting at the all-school event.

The donors then went to the Xenon International Academy in Olathe.

“My younger sister Madeline asked me if I could help cut her hair off at the school last year,” said Xenon instructor Mandy Giesler. “So this year, I asked my boss if we could just have a day of donated time.”

Xenon closed its doors for two hours while its cosmetology students styled hair and makeup for the students.

“They cut it off there [at Aquinas] and we fixed them here,” Giesler said. “The radio station was here, the girls were dancing, the whole shebang. It was a good time.”

“The Catholic community and the Aquinas community were so giving,” Harrison said. “Once people understood what we were doing, they were more than willing to help.”

Harrison started the program last year in honor of a nephew who was undergoing cancer treatment at the time.

“He lost all his hair four times, and seeing people stare at him in public made him feel more sick,” she said. “So my thinking was, I could donate my hair for a wig.”

Harrison started promoting the idea to her students, got the administration’s approval, and ended up with more than 10 pounds of hair from 60 girls the first year.

Aquinas boys are ineligible to donate because the school’s dress code doesn’t allow them to grow their hair long enough to meet the minimum eight-inch length required for a chemotherapy wig.

But Ross Conner was ready this year.

“Last year was my senior year, and I had a class with Mrs. Harrison,” he said.

5

Correction

WIGGED OUT

By JOHN HEUERTZ

LOCAL NEWS

Leaven photo by Joe Bollig

Jacob Pfeifer, a member of Boy Scout Troop 55 and St. John the Evangelist Parish in Lawrence, was one of seven Boy Scouts who received the Pope Pius XII Award during the annual Scouting Awards Mass on April 26 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan.

Scouts honored at special Mass Photo courtesy of St. Thomas Aquinas High School

Aquinas senior Ginny Carlson (sitting) poses with her best friend Kathleen Gier before having her hair cut for donation to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program, which provides wigs to both women and children undergoing chemotherapy. Carlson, who underwent successful chemotherapy herself at age 13, spoke to the student body about her experience.

“She saw me recently and asked me to donate, and I said, ‘Sure! Why not?’”

“Someone needs the hair more than I do, and mine will grow back,” said Conner, now a business major at K-State.

“It’s time for a haircut anyway.”

Wigs can be very important to a chemotherapy patient’s emotional wellbeing, said Aquinas senior Ginny Carlson, who went through successful chemotherapy at age 13.

“I think getting her wig helped her feel a lot better,” said Carlson’s best friend and fellow Aquinas senior Kathleen Gier, who helped Carlson through nine months of intensive cancer treatment at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. “A wig is a big thing for an eighthgrade girl,” said Gier. “It’s like, ‘Oooh! I

can look however I want.’”

“The wig was a way of fighting back, of saying, ‘I’m still me,’” Carlson recalled.

“In my mind I was no longer defined by my illness, but by my strength,” she added.

In an address to the student body before the hair cutting, Carlson told her fellow students that the event was “truly a rally of generosity and support.”

“I’m planning it again for next year’s Community Service Day Mass at Aquinas,” said Harrison, “and I’d like to invite anyone in our parishes who would like to grow their hair and donate to join us.”

It’s a donation that sends a low-key, but powerful, message of true charity.

“If we can stand up to cancer,” said Carlson, “then we can defeat it. And defeat it we shall.”

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Scouts and Scout leaders were honored for their duty to God during the annual Scouting Awards Mass on April 26 at the Cathedral of St. Peter here.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was the main celebrant and homilist. Father Shawn Tunink, associate pastor at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka, concelebrated. Father Tunink is also the Archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting chaplain.

Awards were given to 82 Scouts and 12 Scout leaders during the Mass, which also honored the late Herb Cast.

Cast was a longtime Kansas City area Scout leader renowned for helping at the annual Heart of America Council Woodcarver’s Workshop. Cast was a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow, whose Vigil name was “Gischihan Mannachett,” meaning “creative woodcarver” in the Leni Lenape (Delaware) language.

Fifteen Girl Scouts received Marian Medals, and 60 Ad Altare Dei and seven Pope Pius XII awards were earned by Boy Scouts.

Adult leaders received four St. George, one St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and seven Bronze Pelican awards.

The Mass was also the first official function for Harold Bradley, the new chairman of the Archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting.

Bradley, chief investment officer for the Kauffman Foundation, is an adult leader with Troop 396, sponsored by his parish, the Church of the Nativity in Leawood. He was also an assistant leader with Venture Crew 2396, sponsored by Nativity.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann congratulated one of seven Girl Scouts who received the Marian Award during the Scouting Awards Mass.

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OVERLAND PARK — A Holy Spirit Grade School student here has won a major state literature award.

Lauren Hart, a sixth-grader at Holy Spirit, took top honors in this year’s Kansas Letters About Literature reading and writing initiative. Her entry was the first-place winner in Level One competition for children in grades four through six.

To enter the contest, Hart wrote a personal letter to literary author Janet Lee Carey, describing how Carey’s book, “Wenny Has Wings,” personally affected her.

“This book completely touched me in different ways. Like Will, I have a little sister. She is my best friend.

There is no way I could imagine losing my sister. But I know that in some families a child does die,” Hart wrote in her winning letter. “I could barely see the words because of the tears in my eyes. I have read this book five times.

Every time I read it I am touched more than I was the time before.”

Letters About Literature is a reading and writing promotion program of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, presented in partnership with Target stores. Hart’s letter will advance for national competition. She also received a cash award, a $50 Target gift card, and special recognition by the Kansas Center for the Book at her school.

Christopher Gillespie, a member of Boy Scout Troop 123 and Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He was recognized in a ceremony on May 1 at the Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe. For his Eagle project, Gillespie EAGLE SCOUT built two trails at Timber Ridge Adventure Center in Olathe and re-mulched one that had washed out.

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6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • MAY 15, 2009

THE LEAVEN • MAY 15, 2009

Marine, Hayden graduate is flying high Continued from page 1 “Really, really smart people design airplanes,” Bachmann said, “and I tell them if it’s good or bad.”

After graduating from Topeka’s Hayden High School in 1992, Bachmann went on to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, then to flight school for the Marines. Hayden classmates will remember him as Ty; other pilots call him “OD,” short for Overdrive.

His family attended Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, and the Marine major calls his Hayden education “absolutely phenomenal.” Hayden had a sense of caring, and that has stuck with Bachmann. The small, close-knit community –– his graduating class totaled 82 –– very much parallels the camaraderie he found among the Merchant Marines and then in the Marines, he said.

Because his teacher Rick Strecker –– now Hayden president — taught physics and chemistry so well, “when I got to college, I didn’t have to do a single lick of homework,” he confessed.

Bachmann played tight end and linebacker for the Hayden football team under legendary coach Tom Stringer.

Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

After graduating from Topeka’s Hayden High School in 1992, Joseph Bachmann went on to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, then to flight school for the Marines.

“He put a lot of faith in me and gave me the opportunity to excel,” said Bachmann.

Stringer, who coached the Hayden Wildcats for 24 years — 15 as head coach — was “an amazing motivator,” said Bachman.

“He leads by doing and is very animated,” recalled

Bachmann, who visited his mentor during his last trip to Topeka, where his stepfather Matthew Dowd still lives. His mother, Mary Kay Dowd, now deceased, was the encouraging force during his college years, he added.

Home now, at least on the weekends, is Patuxent Naval

Air Station in Maryland, with wife Jill and sons — Drew, 8, and Brady, 6. Being in opposite parts of the country doesn’t seem like much of a sacrifice, he said, after spending months away on two missions to Iraq.

As the only active military test pilot, he provides the

feedback for his brethren in the ranks.

“It’s very humbling and pretty amazing,” Bachmann said of his work.

He is one of just five who are flying the new Lockheed designs.

“The other pilots are all way older,” said the 35-yearold. “The next youngest is 45 or 50. They are all very distinguished, accomplished former military fighter pilots.”

Bachman’s love for aviation came from his dad, Mark Bachmann, who flew Army helicopters in Vietnam. He passed away before his son earned his pilot’s wings, but Bachmann carries a memento from his dad whenever he is flying.

“He gave me a patch the day I was selected to be a Marine pilot,” said Bachmann.

“It goes with me on all flights.”

He has flown two versions of the F-35 — one for standard runways and the other for aircraft carriers — and will take the third model, a hover-landing unit, to the air this summer.

“There’s not a lot of time to think about how dangerous it is,” said Bachmann, who loves his time in the sky.

“Up there is my church,” he said. “It is calming and unbelievably blue.”

LOCAL NEWS

7

Ursuline Sisters celebrate anniversaries of religious life Four Ursuline Sisters are celebrating jubilees this year. They were Ursuline Sisters of Paola before the October 2008 merger of that community with the Ursuline Sisters of Mount St. Joseph in Maple Mount, Ky. Sister Helen Hermreck is celebrating her 70th year as an Ursuline Sister. A native of Scipio, Sister Helen taught music at Ursuline Academy in Paola from 194049, then at St. John School in Bartlesville, Okla., from 1949-57.

She was novice director for the Paola Ursulines from 195763, then taught at Holy Name School in Kansas City, Kan., from 1963-64. She was executive director at the Lakemary Center, Paola, from 1968-69. From 1970-80, she taught special education at three locations in or near Sacramento, Calif., and served in pastoral ministry at St. Patrick Parish in Placerville, Calif., from 1980 until her retirement in 2005. She now lives at the Mount St. Joseph motherhouse in Maple Mount, Ky.

Sister Judith Osthoff is celebrating 60 years of religious life.

A native of Lenora, Sister Judith taught at St. Agnes School, Roeland Park (195157); East Scipio School, Garnett (1957-61, ‘64-71); Holy Name School, Kansas City, Kan. (1961-62); Queen of the Holy Rosary School, Overland Park (1962-63, ‘77-78); Holy Rosary-Wea School, Bucyrus (1963-64); Grainfield CCD teacher, Grainfield (196568), Holy Angels/Longfellow/Greeley schools for Title I reading (1971-73); Camp Ursuline, Paola (1979-82); Holy Trinity School, Paola (1983-84); Sacred Heart, Bonner Springs (1985-86); and Holy Cross School, Overland Park (1986-87). She ministered as a census taker at St. Theresa Parish, Kansas City, Mo. (1973); on night shift at Lakemary Center, Paola (1973-76); a helper at Monica Hall, Paola (1977); a preschool assistant at a day care center, Paola (1978-79); a helper for the homeless at Shalom House, Kansas City, Kan. (1983); and a driver at the Ursuline motherhouse (1984-85). Since her retirement in 1992,

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Sister Judith has actively served in the ministry of prayer. She will be moving to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount St. Joseph motherhouse in Maple Mount, Ky., later this spring.

Sister Celine Leeker is celebrating 60 years of religious life. A native of Olathe, she was an educator for 41 years. She began teaching at St. John School, Greeley (1951-54, 1963-65).

She taught at Sacred Heart School, Bonner Springs, from 1957-61; Queen of the Holy Rosary School, Overland Park, from 1965-75; Holy Trinity School, Paola, from 1979-87, and St. Agnes School, Roeland Park, from 198792. She also taught at St. John School in Bartlesville, Okla. (1954-57, 1961-62). Her final teaching ministry was at Holy Angels School, Garnett, from 1992-96. From 1975-79, Sister Celine was formation director for the Ursuline Sisters of Paola.

Since retiring in 1996, she helped in various ways at the Paola motherhouse, including hospitality. She will be moving to

the Ursuline Sisters of Mount St. Joseph motherhouse in Maple Mount, Ky., later this spring.

Sister Rita Redmond is celebrating her 60th year as an Ursuline Sister. A native of Fort Scott, she taught in St. Patrick’s School in Paola, from 195057, then St. Patrick/Holy Trinity School from 195759. She taught at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park from 1959-68, and at Sacred Heart School in Bonner Springs from 1968-69.

She was coordinator of educational materials at the Lakemary Center from 196995, and was librarian of the East Central Kansas Special Education Materials Center from 1974-2001. She has worked in internal ministry at the Paola motherhouse since 2001. She will be moving to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount St. Joseph motherhouse in Maple Mount, Ky., later this spring.

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GLOBETROTTER Paul chased the western horizon to win souls for Christ

By Joe Bollig nce he was the hunter. Now he was the hunted. Paul began his trip to Damascus as a persecutor of Christians, but three years later, he was a Christian himself.

And not just any Christian, but a major evangelist — that is to say, a major irritant to some Jews of Damascus. That’s why they formed a plot to kill him.

The Christians of Damascus helped him escape from the city. It was an opportune time for him to finally head to Jerusalem to meet Peter and the other apostles.

The question was: Would they want to meet him?

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER The Jerusalem Christians had every reason to fear and distrust Paul. After all, they knew him best as a persecutor of the faith: “When he arrived back in Jerusalem, he tried to join the apostles there; but it turned out that they were all afraid of him. They even refused to believe he was an apostle” (Acts 9: 2526).

But one of the Twelve, Barnabas, took Paul under his wing, introducing him to the other apostles and telling them about Paul’s work.

It didn’t take Paul long to set to work evangelizing — with the same result as in Damascus.

He made people so mad they wanted to kill him.

Local Christians quickly hustled Paul out of town and harm’s way, and took him to the port of Caesarea, where he secured passage to his old hometown of Tarsus. Not much later, Paul established his home base at Antioch, site of a major Christian community, and where followers of “the Way” were first called “Christian.”

GO WEST, YOUNG APOSTLE

Photo courtesy of The Crosiers

Paul begins one of his many journeys to proclaim God’s message. Paul’s travels took him to places that had not previously heard the word of God.

Paul and Barnabas met up in Antioch and were commissioned as missionaries by the church. This was the first of four, possibly five, missionary journeys made by Paul.

One, of course, was an involuntary trip, undertaken courtesy of Rome.

The two missionaries’ first distinct journey was made to south-central Asia Minor (modern Turkey). As in Damascus, Paul preached there to the communities of Jewish Diaspora (Jews who lived outside the Holy Land).

But even before that trip, Paul had discovered that Gentiles — any person not a Jew — responded to the message of Jesus, too.

“He began the Gentile mission immediately as he was called to do, to be the Apostle to the Gentiles,” said Jamie Blossler, assistant professor of theology at Benedictine College in Atchison. “But he gives us no details.

In fact, he seems to sense the larger church might be hesitant about the Gentile mission.”

Indeed, a group of evangelists

Archbishop ends Year of St. Paul with pilgrimage From May 25 to 28, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Father Mitchel Zimmerman, Msgr. Mike Mullen, Father Brian Schieber and 14 seminarians will go on a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of St. Paul and the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Next, they will go to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in LaCrosse, Wisc. This will be a conclusion to the Year of St. Paul and in honor of our Blessed Mother.

from Jerusalem came to Antioch and began teaching that the Gentile converts had to convert to Judaism before they could follow “the Way” — in direct contradiction to what Paul and Barnabas had been teaching about God’s grace versus the Jewish Law. This led to the church’s first council, in Jerusalem, where the apostles and elders backed Paul and Barnabas.

Paul’s missionary journeys mostly took him and his companions through western Asia Minor and eastern Greece, the boundaries of the Aegean Sea basin.

It’s hard to pin down the dates and travels of Paul, because he seems to indicate in his New Testament writings that he visited other places as well as the ones we’re familiar with,

possibly even Spain. But many scholars agree that Paul’s first journey occurred roughly from 46 to 48; the second from 49 to 52; the third from 52 to 57, and the fourth (as a prisoner of Rome) from 58 to 66.

“Some scholars think there was yet another — a fifth journey,” said Blossler. “In Paul’s later letters, he mentions being in places such as Crete. . . . Some speculate that, after going to Rome, he was released and had another journey where he might have made it as far as Spain.”

But it was always westward that Paul was headed, as if he took the great commission — to go to the ends of the earth preaching the Gospel — quite literally, said Blossler. He didn’t want to go where someone else had already preached

or planted a church.

Periodically, however, Paul would return to Antioch and Jerusalem to fulfill religious vows or responsibilities. Despite his teachings on grace, Paul still practiced ritual Judaism and would visit the Temple. Paul would also make a report to Jerusalem about his activities or drop off aid for the needy.

Paul was nothing if not a selfstarter. He trained his own mission team, then trained the local leaders of the churches he started. Paul, being Paul, triggered drama and danger on every journey.

In the Acts of the Apostles and in the epistles, we learn that Paul was sometimes abandoned by his fellow missionaries and believers at local churches, had a falling out with Barnabas, scolded Peter for waffling on policy about Gentile converts, suffered exposure from different kinds of weather, and endured shipwrecks, assassination plots, conspiracies, persecution, snakebite, riots, mobs, trials and near-death stonings.

In his travels over sea and land, he recorded about 10,000 miles on his metaphorical odometer.

All this — and he still managed to earn a living as a tent-maker and

write, or co-write, 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament.

THE WRITE STUFF Paul wrote a lot — but not a Gospel. And he didn’t write about Jesus during his earthly ministry.

Why? Nobody knows, wrote author Ronald D. Witherup in “101 Questions & Answers on Paul.”

Scholars generally accept, however, that Paul wrote the earliest New Testament writings, probably 1 Thessalonians, in 50-51. If Paul actually wrote all the books attributed to him, they were produced between the years 50 and 62, according to Witherup. If not written directly by Paul, they could have been written between the 80s and 100s, in the Pauline tradition, by a leader of a Pauline church.

There are five letters in which Paul indicates that he is the author, such as: “I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand,” (1 Cor 16:21); and “See with what big letters I write to you in my own hand” (Gal 6:11).

Other times, it is clear he is using a

secretary/scribe, or that the letter has even been co-written.

“Timothy and Barnabas co-wrote many of his letters,” said Blossler. “We single out Paul as exceptional, but he would have seen himself as one of a larger team of apostles, even the least of the apostles.”

Why do we have more of Paul’s letters? Possibly because Paul had an academic and theological background, while others of the apostles were barely literate fishermen, said Blossler.

Scholars believe that we don’t have all of Paul’s letters, he continued, but it probably doesn’t matter. They may have been letters of recommendation or in the nature of communications to a specific person. Even if they were found, he said, they wouldn’t be added to the New Testament.

The surviving letters show Paul to be a first-rate theologian, but it would be a mistake to approach them as if they were systematic theological papers, Blossler continued.

“Scholars point out that Paul’s letters are occasional, written in response to specific occasions or situations,” said Blossler. “A lot of Paul’s letters are damage control.”

“He’s a problem solver,” he continued. “Many times we will ask, ‘Why didn’t Paul write more about Mary, or the pope, or Christ’s divinity?’

“Well, those weren’t problems he had to solve. Unless we know the occasion or situation to which he is responding, we may miss the entire point of the letter.”

An example of such confusion is the problems some people have with his letter to the Romans and Galatians, and their treatments of law and faith.

“I think a lot of the Reformation debates arose because those were treated as systematic essays,” said Blossler, “whereas Paul was really responding to the crisis of Judaizing, people trying to supplement Christ with the legal observance of the Torah.”

“Once you read Paul’s letters against that background,” he continued, “you realize he’s not diminishing the value of works. He’s simply trying to stop people from making Torah observance mandatory.”

THE END OF PAUL — NOT! Paul went to Jerusalem for the last time, about the year 57, with donations for the poor, struggling church in the Holy Land. A riot broke out (again!) while Paul was visiting the Temple, and the Romans arrested him for his own safety.

He was held prisoner for two years and might have gotten off if he had not made an appeal based on his Roman citizenship. So off to Rome he went.

Photo courtesy of The Crosiers

Paul wrote a lot. He’s credited with five letters, but scholars believe that there were probably many more.

Paul arrived in the imperial capital about the year 60. There he was placed under house arrest, but was able to write letter and receive visitors.

It is there that the New Testament falls silent. And here is where tradition steps in.

According to early church tradition, which includes letters such as 1 Clement, Paul was martyred during the reign of the Emperor Nero sometime between 60 and 65. The method was decapitation by the sword — the “better” option reserved for Roman citizens. That’s why many statues of St. Paul depict him holding a sword.

In December 2006, archeologists found what they believe to be the tomb of Paul beneath the altar of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls, in Rome. The sarcophagus has a marble tombstone that says in Latin, “Paulo Apostolo Mart.,” or “Apostle Paul, Martyr.”

Is Paul within? That will have to wait for the time when it is opened.

Regardless, Paul’s legacy is much, much bigger than a dusty artifact in an ancient church.

Paul’s legacy lives on, in part because his letters are so frequently read during Masses around the world. So long as there are Christians, Paul will continue to excite passion and wonder as his words point the way to Christ.

Although the Year of St. Paul will end on June 29, the legacy continues.

10 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • MAY 15, 2009

THE LEAVEN • MAY 15, 2009 Bridget Roszel, a member of Girl Scout Troop 689, Service Unit 637, and Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa, has achieved the Gold Award.

For her Gold project, Roszel helped staff and volunteers at a local nursing GOLD AWARD home connect with residents. To do this, she interviewed residents about their hobbies and interests and compiled the information into a book which she passed on to staff and volunteers at the nursing home.

Sister Mary David McFarland, OSB ATCHISON — Sister Mary David McFarland, 94, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died May 7 at the monastery.

A teacher of mathematics and music, Sister Mary David was the last survivor of the founding staff of Lillis High School in Kansas City, Mo., serving there from 1940-44, 1948-53, and 1969-74.

Born in Monroe City, Mo., she was the youngest child of Ray and Anna F. Tinley McFarland. She entered the Mount community in 1935 and made monastic profession in 1936. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Mount St. Scholastica College; a master’s degree in administration and a minor in mathematics from the University of Notre Dame; and was certified in the counseling program at Northwest Missouri State.

Her teaching career was focused on mathematics and music; she was also a principal, bookkeeper, and counselor.

In Missouri, she taught at Cathedral School and LeBlond High School, St. Joseph; St. Stephen, Monroe City (Swinkey); St. Joseph, Salisbury; and St. Gregory, Maryville.

In Kansas, she taught at St. Joseph High School, Shawnee; Baileyville High School; and Sts. Peter and Paul High School, Seneca. She assisted at Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kan., and at Mount St. Scholastica Academy in Atchison before she began internal ministry at the monastery in 1993.

Chairs were rented so students could kneel for Benediction and adoration led by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at St. Thomas Aquinas High School on April 30.

Archbishop visits Aquinas for adoration and Benediction OVERLAND PARK — For the first time in its 22-year history, St. Thomas Aquinas High School here hosted a adoration and Benediction service. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann led the prayer.

The nearly 1,200 students filed into the gym in respectful silence, while Mike Needleman and a small group of musicians provided music.

The Saints’ choir also sang during the service.

Archbishop Naumann spoke to the students of the importance of

using this opportunity to sincerely and humbly talk with the Lord, emphasizing his special presence in the holy Eucharist. The archbishop processed with the monstrance held high while walking slowly through the crowd, making the sign of the cross and ensuring that each person was personally face-to-face with the Eucharist.

The students knelt in silent prayer, then joined in signing songs of worship.

Robert L. McAnany, a member of Boy Scout Troop 494 and St. Paul Parish in Olathe, has received the rank of Eagle Scout.

For his Eagle project, McAnany landscaped the Unborn Children statue in front of the church.

McAnany attendEAGLE SCOUT ed St. Paul from K8th grade and had wanted to do the project since the fourth grade.

NOTICE : Eagle Scout and Gold Award recipients are printed when space is available and not on a timesensitive schedule. To submit a notice, e-mail: todd@theleaven.com.

Donald and Nadine (Teter) Poss, members of St. Therese Parish, Richmond, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary from 2-4 p.m. on May 24, at the Richmond Community Building. All are welcome to attend.

ANNIVERSARIES They request no gifts. A Mass of thanksgiving will be held at 6 p.m. on May 23 at St. Therese Church.

Their children and their spouses are: Jeanne and Ronnie Wolken, Merriam; Donna and Ken Zimmerman, Shawnee; Marcia and Tom Peine, Greeley; Gary and Gwen Poss, Olathe; Larry and Trayce Poss, St. Joseph, Mo.; Mariann and Mike Moore, Shawnee; and Doug Poss, Shawnee. The couple was married on May 30, 1949, at Holy Angels, Garnett, by Father Arthur Trompeter. They also have 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Floyd and Anne Wohlrab, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 9.

Following the 5 p.m. Mass, a reception was held at Curé, hosted by their daughters: Anita Mosher, Evergreen, Colo.; Janet Gose, Prairie Village; and Natalie Atwater, Leawood.

The couple also has six grandchildren.

They were married May 2, 1959, at Christ the King Church, Kansas City, Kan.

LOCAL NEWS 11

Gene and Barbara (Mihelcic) Huerter, members of Cathedral of St. Peter Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 16. The couple was married on May 16, 1959, at St. Joseph Church, Kansas City, Kan. Their children and their spouses are: Michael and Sheryl Huerter; Mark and Lysbeth Huerter; Melanie and Kirk Lundholm; and Matthew Huerter. They also have seven grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY The Leaven only prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the desired publication date. Announcements must be typed. They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Please include the following Information: • The couple’s names; their parish; the date they were married; church and city where they were married; what they are doing to celebrate; date of the celebration; names of children (if desired); number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; photo.

Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an e-mail to: Todd@theleaven.com. If you would like your photo returned to you, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Leawood’s Church of the Nativity parishioner Matt Schloegel gets the race started for the runners in grades three and under.

LEAWOOD — Church of the Nativity Parish School here held its first Fun Run on April 25. The run, organized by a group of parent volunteers, was intended as a fun fitness event for the kids of the parish.

The event attracted 180 runners pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Kids up through second grade ran a half-mile course on the Nativity Parish campus while runners in third grade and above ran a 1.1 mile course.

Jamie Hurt, chairperson of the health and wellness committee at the school, said, “Keeping our kids

active and healthy is a priority, and we wanted to provide the kids with an event that educated them about fitness and gave them an opportunity to participate in something fun. Every runner crossed the finish line to cheers and high-fives.”

Each of the participants received a goody bag, donated by Whole Foods, and feasted on Pizza Hut’s Natural Pizza at the end of the race.

Troy Fitzgerald, owner of Kansas City Running Company, a race management business, donated the digital clock and race numbers that all of the participants wore.

There are a lot of good reasons to make Catholic Community Hospice your choice when selecting a hospice.

• Our low nurse-topatient ratio

• Our pain management expertise

• Our Catholic identity

But sometimes, the best reason has more to do with you than it does with us.

Feel as good as you can, as long as you can.

Catholic Community Hospice.

Ask for us by name.

Catholic Community Hospice Because life matters.

913-621-5090 • 785-357-5107 • www.catholiccommunityhospice.com

12 CLASSIFIEDS ■ EMPLOYMENT Di rec tor of li t urg y a n d wors h i p - St. Charles Borromeo Parish and School, a faith family of 1600+ families, desires a team-building, baptismal call inviter as director of liturgy and worship for overall responsibility of coordinating and implementing the liturgical experiences of our parish and school. Our DLW will invite, train and facilitate/supervise the roles of the various liturgical ministries; extend leadership and direction to all church choirs, cantors and instrumentalists; and assist engaged couples in planning their marriage liturgy, and grieving families for funeral liturgies.

Keyboardists preferred. Salary commensurate to experience and diocesan scale. Resumes to: Father Ken Riley, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 900 N.E. Shady Lane Drive, Kansas City MO 64118.

Bishop Miege High School - Is seeking teacher applications for math for the 2009 - 10 school year. Send letter, resume, transcript, and credentials to: 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Shawnee Mission KS 66205. For an application, call Lorraine at (913) 262-2701, ext. 235.

Sales - Jockey, a 132-yr-old company, is seeking women reps. for its newest comfort, casual and athletic clothing line — Jockey Person to Person. Flexible; full or part time; work at home. Ground-floor opportunity; unlimited income potential. Openings in KC metro, and cities in Kan. and Mo. Call Julie at (913) 681-6313.

St. James Academy - Is seeking applicants for a drama and speech position for the 2009 - 10 school year. Applicants must hold a valid Kansas teaching license. To apply, send an e-mail to Andy Tylicki at: atylicki@sjakeepingfaith.org, or apply via the Web site at: www.sjakeepingfaith.org.

Coaches - Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kan., is seeking a head girls basketball, a head boys soccer, and a head track coach for the 2009 - 10 school year. Mail resume to the attention of Joel Heider, athletic director, at: 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, KS 66102, or send via e-mail to: jheider@wardhigh.org.

Youth minister - Part time, 10 - 15 hrs./wk., for Holy Trinity and Twelve Apostles parishes in Weston and Platte City, Mo. Position involves primarily ministering to the junior high and high school youth of 325 families. Responsibilities include: educating them in the Catholic faith, including confirmation prep, and facilitating social and service activities in a Catholic setting.

Organizational skills essential to coordinate the efforts of numerous volunteers. Applicants may contact Father Charles Rowe at (816) 640-2206 or send resume, via e-mail, to: pastor2holytrinity@kc.rr.com.

Community education specialis t - For Catholic Community Hospice. This position is responsible for developing appropriate hospice referrals through the selection, acquisition, retention and growth of business partnerships with parishes, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and physicians in Kansas and Missouri.

Requirements include: excellent communication, customer service, and presentation skills; and bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or communications preferred, or a combination of education and experience.

Send resume to: hospiceresumes@ccsks. org.

Working from home and loving it! - Work with a team of moms to own your own business. Helping moms work from home. No selling, no parties, no inventory, no risk. For information, visit the Web site at: www.Moms ForGreen.com.

■ SERVICES

Tree service - Pruning ornamental trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Brad Grabs, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 244-5838. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Housecleani ng - For dependable, experienced housecleaning, call Michelle at (913) 262-7079.

Cleaning lady – 27 years of experience. Honest and dependable service. Reasonable rates and excellent references. Greater KC metro area. Call Sandy at (913) 788-7676 (home) or (913) 956-1626 (mobile).

Husband and wife cleaning team - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.

Accounting/consulting services - Member of St. Joseph, Shawnee. Reasonable rates. Visit the Web site at: www.allaccountskc.com, or call (913) 669-5013.

Engineer – Do you have foundation cracks or water coming into your basement? Are you confused as to what repair is right? Call Mark Schulte – 19 years engineering experience! (913) 851-0606.

THE LEAVEN • MAY 15, 2009 All Lawn Services/Mowing/ Fertilizing Most city-sized lots $25-30 Call for a free estimate.

Family-owned by local parishioners.

Lic/Bond/Ins. References. (913) 620-6063 Grass cutting and trimming – Shawnee, Merriam and Lenexa areas. Call (913) 268-5337.

Spring is here! I do mowing, landscaping, walls, decks, patios, and winter cleanups. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230. Southern Johnson County.

THE LEAVEN • MAY 15, 2009 Woodbright - A very affordable alternative to refinishing, refacing or replacing stained cabinets and woodwork. The average kitchen only costs $500. 18 years experience. Call Woodbright at (913) 940-3020.

Eakin Co. remodeling and renovations – From remodeling an existing kitchen, bath, or master suite to creating new living environments, Eakin Co. can do it all! Our past customers can vouch for our attention to detail, our integrity, and the reliable service we provide. Licensed and insured. Call (913) 671-9885 or send an e–mail to: Chris@Eakinco.com.

CNA home health care professional - Provides quality, personal, and attentive care for seniors and the homebound. Over 20 years experience; excellent references and reasonable rates. Let me reduce your stress and help you keep your loved one at home for as long as possible. Call Rosalyn at (816) 830-7455.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and southern KC metro area. Call Pat (913) 963-9896.

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

Ti m t he Ha n dy ma n - Insured; free estimates.

Carpentry: new and repair deck, doors, windows, siding, screens. Plumbing: faucet, garbage disposals, toilets. Electrical: switches, outlets, ceiling fans, light fixtures. Light landscape: fill dirt, trimming, planting, garden tilling and mulching. Serving Johnson County. Call Tim at (913) 859-0471.

Do you need help caring for an elderly family member? Contact Benefits of Home – Senior Care and let our social work expert help you build a plan of care.

We provide assistance with homemaker and personal care services, in the comfort of your home. To speak with our social worker, contact Benefits of Home at (913) 422-1591.

Organizing & handyman services - Basements, garages, attics and shop spaces organized! Your items sorted, boxed & labeled; areas cleaned when finished!

Wall repair, interior painting, tile work, handicap bars and ramps. Great references and insured. For pictures of current projects, view my Web site at: www. swalms.com. Call Tillar Swalm at (913) 375-9115.

S u m m e r t u t or i n g , p i a n o , a n d v o i c e l e s s o n s Available for summer ’09. Instructor is degreed and currently working on an master’s in education at Rockhurst University. Instructor teaches in a fun and meaningful context. For information, call (913) 2062151 or send an e-mail to: Klmamuric@ yahoo.com.

ST A ( Su r e T hi ng A l w ay s ) Ho me Re p ai r Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Call for free estimates.

Cell: (913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; e-mail: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa.

Need a speaker for your next meeting or event?

G. Hall Harsh, CLTC, can discuss custodial long-term care, Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance. Member of St. Pius X Parish, Mission. Call Hall at (913) 663-1414.

Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 422-0610; or send an e-mail to: tkidd@kc.rr.com.

Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837.

Piano tuning - Touch up and full chromatic piano tuning for residential and business clients in the KC metro area. Call Bob at (816) 510-3125.

Granite, Cambria and Silestone countertops - See our new showroom at 5820 Barton, in the heart of beautiful downtown Shawnee. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058.

■ HOME IMPROVEMENT

REMODELING & REPAIRS Quality work at reasonable prices. Baths, kitchens, basements and door replacements. Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park.

Ralph Pruente at (913) 631-1115 Residential remodeling - Deck construction, interior remodeling, basement finishing, painting, etc.

Licensed and insured residential contractor and Prince of Peace parishioner with 13 years of experience and excellent references. Call Nathan at (913) 208-6130.

Beat the recession, prices will never be lower!

Home additions, kitchens, baths, basements, roofs and fences. Green construction options. Repeat clientele.

References available. Licensed and insured. Call Ralph Miller at (913) 927-0267.

Masonry work - Quality, new or repair work. Brick, block, and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second generation bricklayer. Call (913) 829-4336.

Deck Works - Decks; pergolas; ramps; fences; screened porches; licensed and insured; references available; 15+ years of experience. Serving Johnson, Leavenworth, and Wyandotte counties. Call for a free estimate. (913) 432-DECK(3325).

Cu st om- kit ch en count ert op s - Laminate tops manufactured and installed within 5 days. Competitive prices, dependable work. St. Joseph Parish member.

Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 9625058.

Damaged sheetrock repaired – WyCo and JoCo areas. Ceilings, painted or textured. 25 yrs. experience; insured and reliable. Call (913) 631-5241.

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376

■ VACATION

Mountain cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $95/night. Call (913) 642-3027.

For pictures, visit the Web site at: cabin.forcade associates.com.

Lake of the Ozarks rental - Osage Beach, milliondollar view, fully furnished; 2 BR, 2 BA; sleeps six. No smoking, no pets. For rates and online photos, call Steve or Sheryl Roederer at (913) 244-2022.

Summer vacation - Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, 1 BA, sleeps six. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec center w/pool, fishing, golf, hiking, rafting, close to nat’l park. $100/night; $600/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 3855589.

Va cati on condo - Marco Island, Fla. 2 BR, 2 BA. Perfect weather! To view, visit the Web site at: www.marcocondoforrent.com, or call (913) 544-1288.

■ REAL ESTATE

Oak Tree Meadows, Overland P ark - 12709 W. 116th. Just four houses from Stoll Park entry. Walk to St. Thomas Aquinas High and JCCC. This large, 4 BR, 21/2 BA home boasts new carpet in finished, walk-out LL; new roof, windows and siding; new entry and fresh paint. Huge, fenced yard with deck and covered patio.

Priced at $209,950. Call Rosemary, Masters GMAC Real Estate, at (913) 661-9744.

Olathe - Beautiful two-story, 4 BR, 3-1/2 BA home in Estates of Ashton, just down the street from Prince of Peace Parish. Amazing kitchen with 15' long granite countertops, hardwood flrs, and a huge rec. rm. $236K. Call Cathy, Keller Williams Realty, at (913) 488-2245.

Lake house – Beautiful and private Lake Kahola, less than two hours from the KC area. Only 10 miles off I-35 at the Emporia exit. This home sleeps 10+ with a 2car garage, plus a private boat ramp and dock. Located at the water’s edge on a quiet cove. Call Cy at (316) 2620888.

For sale - Beautiful 4 BR, two-story home with twocar garage on a corner lot in St. Paul, Kan. Also selling a 16-acre building site. Will divide into 3-acre tracts.

Located on Hwy. 47 in St. Paul, Kan. For information, call Jerry Church, Burchwood Realty, at (620) 724-8627.

■ FOR RENT

Living at its best on a budget! - 1 BR apt., with rent based on income; all utilities paid; no voucher needed.

Section 8 assistance. Great location, only 5-10 minutes from The Legends in Kansas City, Kan. Edwardsville Court Apartments Highrise, 531 S. 4th St., Edwardsville.

Call (913) 441-6007. EHO. Handicap accessible.

■ CHILD CARE

Child care – Loving grandma wants to care for your infant in her home. Part time preferred, but would consider full time. 28 years experience, excellent references. WyCo area. Member of St. Patrick Parish. Call (913) 299-9765.

Nanny - Notre Dame de Sion graduate and K-State sophomore looking for summer position as a nanny.

Ascension parishioner, flexible hours, have own transportation. Nine years experience with kids up to age 12, and lots of fun! Call Annie Davis at (913) 669-4222 or email her at: ladavis8@ksu.edu.

Nanny - I am a hard-working, 20-year-old college student from Nativity Parish with many years of child care experience. I will care for, entertain and provide transportion for your children, and assist in housekeeping and meal preparation. Reasonable rates; excellent references. Call Laura at (913) 226-2985; e-mail: l.a.meyer@att.net.

■ MISCELLANEOUS

Your personal organic garden - Earth-friendly mowing and garden nanny services. We build raised gardens beds with all organic material; untreated wood, organic soil, and non-genetically engineered seeds. We are turning back time with a reel mower; reduce the emission of fossil fuel. We keep your gardens in tip-top shape while you are working overtime or outof-town. Call Janet at (913) 485-5850 or visit the Web site at: www.glohealthy.com.

■ FOR SALE

For sale – Double crypt in the Queen of the Holy Rosary Patio at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Priced under current value. Call (913) 649-9691.

For sale – One burial plot in the Garden of Charity at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. $1500. Call Anne Riley at (913) 927-2107.

Bulk mu lch for sa le - No load too large or too small. Prices start at $28/cu. yd., plus a $50 per load delivery fee. For details, call (913) 631-7217 or visit the Web site at: www.mokanmulch.com.

Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross® KC at (913) 393-2042.

■ WANTED TO BUY

*** BUYING *** Coins — Sterling — Watches I buy coins, old watches, sterling silverware, postcards, photographs, military items, political campaign pins, Zippo lighters, fountain pens, toys, slot machines, old signs & tins, quilts, Indian rugs, beadwork, baskets, pottery and 22-gauge rifles. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. *** Wanted to Buy *** Antique and vintage costume jewelry Member St. Joseph Parish Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179

■ ROOMMATE WANTED Roommate wanted - 100% nonsmoker to share quiet, spacious duplex located near I-29 and 64th St. in the Northland. Washer, dryer, DSL, and satellite TV. $400/month; utilities paid. Call (816) 741-0999.

TO PURCHASE A CLASSIFIED Send an e-mail to: jennifer@the leaven. com, or call (913) 647-0327.

May 16

Father Tony Lickteig will celebrate the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass at 8 a.m. on May 16 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., followed by a rosary procession to an abortion clinic four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing, with Benediction concluding services at 10 a.m.

The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2332, Shawnee, will host a barbecue dinner at 6 p.m. on May 16 in their hall’s parking lot. Proceeds will benefit area youth who will participate in the annual mission trip to the Appalachian Mountains region. For information, call Richard Sulzen at (913) 268-5936.

17

The Knight of Columbus, Unity Council No. 709, will host an all-you-caneat International breakfast from 8 a.m.

- noon on May 17 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 2910 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The cost is $6 per person; children under five eat free. For information, call (913) 677-2069.

The Knights of Columbus, Marian Council No. 3768 at Christ the King Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will host a pancakesand-more breakfast from 8:30 - 11 a.m. on May 17 in Davern Hall. A freewill offering will be collected. Proceeds will benefit the 4H Club.

18-19

Father Mitchel Zimmerman, archdiocesan vocation director, will lead a Venite et Videte vocation retreat for college-age men on May 18 19. The retreat includes prayer, talks, sports and recreation. The retreat will be at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. The cost of $25 includes lodging and meals. For information or to register, visit the Web site at: www.kckvocations.com.

19

Bishop Ward High School will host its annual alumni and friends golf classic on June 19 at Dub’s Dread Golf Course, 12601 Hollingsworth Road, Kansas City, Kan. The event begins with lunch at noon, followed by a shotgun start at 1 p.m. A social hour and dinner will conclude the day’s events. Tickets cost $125 per person or $500 per foursome. There will also be a 7-hole mini tournament for those who can’t spend the whole day on the course. Sponsorship opportunities are still available starting at $250. Alumni cochairs Kevin Connor ’83 and Tom Mayfield ’81 look forward to seeing you on the links. For information, contact Sarah Dee at (913) 371-6901 or send an e-mail to her at: sdee@wardhigh.org.

will be held at 7:30 p.m. on May 21 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood.

Father Bill Fisher will preside; fellowship follows.

Prince of Peace Parish, 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe, will host a bereavement support group at 7 p.m. on May 21 in the St. Mark meeting room. The guest speaker will be Jean Humphrey, who was the family life director for Johnson County Family Life for 30 years. Light refreshments will follow. For information, call Donna Kaberlein at (913) 829-5320.

21-22

M othe r T er esa P ari sh , 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka, will host speaker Wayne Weible at 7 p.m. on May 21 and 22. Weible has authored seven books on Medjugorje and will speak on the alleged apparitions of the Blessed Virgin there. A freewill offering will be accepted.

21

A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups,

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host “St. Teresa of Avila, Mystic: Listening to the Voice of Your Soul,” presented by Sister Sheila Carroll, OSF, from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on May 30.

For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151.

22-23

Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, will host its annual summerfest on May 22 - 23. An Italian dinner will be served on May 21 from 4:30 -7 p.m. Events include a garden emporium, book sale, carnival games and rides, bingo, concessions, a silent auction, a raffle and a dance. For information, contact Angie Gabel at (785) 221-4688 or send an e-mail to: hairks@aol.com.

23

A singles extravaganza will be held on May 23 at the Doubletree Hotel, College Blvd. and Alt. 69 Hwy., Overland Park. Mingles hour from 6 - 7 p.m.; booths and keynote speaker from 7 - 8 p.m.; dancing from 8 p.m. - midnight to Platinum Express, a 12-piece band with a brass section. Tickets cost $15 if purchased by May 17; $20 at the door. For tickets, mail check to: P.O. Box 14321, Kansas City MO 64152. For information, visit the Web site at: www.zepster.com/ dances.asp, or call (816) 292-2848.

26

Join in celebrating the jubilee anniversaries for Sister Helen Hermreck, Sister Celine Leeker, Sister Judith Osthoff and Sister Rita Redmond at a 2 p.m. Mass on May 26 in the main chapel at the Ursuline Convent, Paola. For information, call (913) 557-2349, ext. 365.

26-28

Divorced? Widowed?

Beginning Experience Weekend gently helps people move through their loss to a new beginning in their lives. The next weekend for the Kansas City area will be June 26 28. For information or for registration material, call John at (913) 219-3465 in Kansas City; Sue at (785) 331-2216 in Lawrence; or visit the Web site at: www.beginning experience.org.

June 1

St. Thomas Aquinas High School will host its 22nd annual Mirocke Golf Classic on June 1 at Milburn Country Club.

Individuals and groups must be registered

by May 22. For information, visit the Web site at: www.stasaints.net/mirockegolf or call (913) 319-2425.

5-6

The Kansas City Catholic Home Educators Conference will be held from June 5 - 6 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, visit the Web site at: www.kccatholichomeschooler.org.

Misc.

The Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City will help you meet Christ in prayer this summer. Through prayer, reflection, and group sharing, modeled on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, our program, entitled “Meeting Christ in Prayer,” will introduce participants to new methods of prayer.

Participants will meet weekly for eight weeks, beginning in mid-June, at either Ascension Parish in Overland Park, or at St. Francis Xavier Parish or Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Mo. The cost is $20 per participant. For information on dates, times, and locations, visit the Web site at: www.ignatiancenterkc.org. The registration deadline is June 3. Scholarship opportunities are available.

High school Boy Scouts interested in earning the Pope Pius XII religious emblem this summer should call Terry Malnar at (913) 814-0460 or send an email to: malnar@everestkc.net.

20

“Professional Etiquette through Life Skills” will be presented by Deb Foster from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on May 20 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb. org/kwc.

30

The Singles of Nativity will host a “Welcome Summer” beach partythemed dance from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. on May 30 in the parish hall, located on the lower level of Nativity Church, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood. Grab your shorts and favorite Hawaiian shirt and join the fun!

The cost is $15 for members; $20 for guests. For information, visit the Web site at: www.son-ministry.org.

27-30

Holy Spirit Parish, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park, will host a parish-wide garage sale from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. on May 27 - 29, and from 8 a.m. - noon on May 30. Proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity, Santa Gertrudis Parish in Honduras, Uplift, and Alexandra’s House for terminally ill infants.

Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Roeland Park, will host youth basketball clinics for students entering 4th - 8th grade this summer. The girls clinic will be held from June 22 - 25.

The boys clinic will be held from June 29 July 2. Both clinics will run from 9 a.m. 3 p.m. and will be held at the school.

Miege will also host the Little Stags Clinic for boys and girls entering grades K - 3 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on June 15 - 18. For information or registration forms, contact Dolly Foley at (913) 495-9559 or visit the Web site at: www.bishopmiege.com.

CALENDAR

13

St. Thomas Aquinas High School, 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park, will offer summer camps for boys and girls in K - 8th grade. Many opportunities to participate in both sports and non-sports activities will be available, including: baseball, basketball, cake decorating, cheerleading/ dance, cross country, football, sewing, soccer, softball, youth speed and agility, and wrestling. For information, call Michelle at (913) 319-2416 or visit the Web Site at: www.aquinascommunity.com/ summercamps.html.

The Lay Dominicans, St. Martin de Porres Group, will meet at 4:30 p.m. every third Sunday of the month in the convent at St. Agnes Parish, 5250 Mission Rd., Roeland Park. For information, call Tom Smith at (816) 232-0374.

Individual and family counseling is available in English and Spanish at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Counseling is offered in partnership with Catholic Charities; the fee is based on a sliding scale and is very affordable. Free child care is provided during some time periods. To schedule an appointment, call (913) 906-8990.

Do you or your loved one need support to break free from pornography, infidelity, or lust? The My House Men’s Group provides prayer and accountability for sexual integrity. Sam Meier, MA, LPC, is available for men’s groups and counseling, call him at (913) 647-0378, or send an e-mail to him at: smeier@archkck.org. The My House Women’s Group provides hope and healing for women who are dealing with their loved one’s struggles. Contact Beth Meier at (913) 647-0379, or send an e-mail to her at: bmeier@archkck.org. Sam and Beth work for the archdiocese, and are thankful for the healing they have experienced in their marriage. Support is confidential and from a Catholic perspective.

The Singles of Nativity will gather for round-robin-style tennis from 2:30 - 4 p.m. at the Indian Creek Recreational Center, 103rd St. and Marty, Overland Park, on Sundays throughout the spring.

Beginners are welcome; there is room for everyone. We may go out for a light dinner afterwards, because the idea is to share friendship. For information, send an email to Nancy Driscoll at: ndriscoll1@ kc.rr.com.

A poetry retreat, facilitated by Sister Mary O’Connor, a Sister of Mercy, will be held from June 18-25 at Marillac Center, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth. This retreat will allow participants to enjoy the images and insights of established and contemporary poets, including the poetry of the psalms. Reading, discussing poetry and poems, and writing will be essential parts of each day. There will be opportunity for Mass, meditation and relaxation in the peaceful setting surrounding Marillac Center. The cost of $360 includes the retreat fee, room and board. If you would prefer to commute, the cost of $200 includes the retreat fee and noon meals for the six days. Scholarships are available based on financial need. For information, call (913) 758-6552; send an e-mail to: retreats@scls.org; or visit the Web site at: www.MarillacCenter.org.

■ Calendar items must be received nine days before the publication date. E-mail submissions are preferred; send to: jennifer@the leaven. com.

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • MAY 15, 2009

THE LEAVEN • MAY 15, 2009

Editor REVEREND MARK GOLDASICH, STL frmark@theleaven.com Managing Editor ANITA McSORLEY anita@theleaven.com Senior Reporter JOE BOLLIG joe@theleaven.com Production Manager TODD HABIGER todd@theleaven.com Advertising Representative JENNIFER SIEBES jennifer@theleaven.com Reporter KARA HANSEN kara@theleaven.com Circulation sub@theleaven.com

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C

gleam in my friends’ eyes.

Certainly, we had all changed.

Although we did spend time reminiscing about our college days, we didn’t stay in the past. We resumed our friendships as if there had only been a momentary pause in them, not the space of three decades. We visited about where life had brought us, our successes and failures, our families and our work, and what our hopes and dreams for the future were. I came away from Iowa City, aware of changes, but grateful for longtime, supportive friends.

By the way, there’s disagreement about what exactly the lyrics are in the chorus of “Changes.” After that stuttering opening come the words: “Turn and face the _____.” Many fill in the blank with “strain”; a few contend the word is “stranger”; and some, citing an interview with Bowie himself, insist that it’s supposed to be “strange.” No matter which word is correct, all are appropriate.

First and foremost, we’ve got to come to grips with the fact that we can’t outrun or avoid change; it’s going to happen. With that in mind then, it’s good to turn and face it, as the song suggests. Initially, what we will see

will be either a stranger or something strange. And that will no doubt be a strain to our comfort level and maybe even trigger some fearfulness. The good news, though, is that all these feelings are fleeting.

Our tendency when facing change is to lament all the good and familiar things that we are leaving behind.

However, change can also be a time to pursue new adventures, meet new people, discover new gifts about ourselves, and take a step closer to the dreams that we hold in our minds and hearts.

As you turn and face the changes in life, do so with a prayer. This portion of one from our own Father Ed Hays, found in his “Prayers for the Domestic Church,” is ideal: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, who gives spice to life with change.

We thank You especially now for the gift of change, that gift of newness that opens doors closed by habit and routine.

We thank You, O End of All Longing, for the capacity for change in our lives, for without change, there can be no real growth and no true life.

We are thankful for Your Son, Your Sacred Word, who spoke to us of new wine for new wine skins and who calls us daily to a new kingdom and to a new covenant.”

Whatever change is for you — strain, stranger, strange — face it in confidence with God’s grace . . . and with good friends.

SCRIPTURE READINGS THE GOSPEL TRUTH SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER May 17 SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 10: 25-26, 34-35, 44-48; Ps 98: 1-4; 1 Jn 4: 7-10; Jn 15: 9-17 May 18 John I, pope, martyr Acts 16: 11-15; Ps 149: 1-6a, 9b; Jn 15:26 — 16:4a May 19 Tuesday Acts 16: 22-34; Ps 138: 1-3, 7c-8; Jn 16: 5-11 May 20 Bernardine of Siena, priest Acts 17:15, 22 — 18:1; Ps 148: 1-2, 11-14; Jn 16: 12-15 May 21 Christopher Magallanes, priest, martyr, and his companions, martyrs Acts 18: 1-8; Ps 98: 1-4; Jn 16: 16-20 May 22 Rita of Cascia, religious Acts 18: 9-18; Ps 47: 2-7; Jn 16: 20-23a May 23 Saturday Acts 18: 23-28; Ps 47: 2-3, 8-10; Jn 16: 23b-28

Masters of the universe should listen to the pope

Change your attitude toward change h-ch-ch-ch-changes . . .

That chorus from David Bowie’s single “Changes,” from January 1972, has been floating pretty regularly in my mind the past month.

That’s not really too surprising since the weeks after Easter are usually a time of transition for many people. It’s the days of first Communions, graduations, weddings, the beginning of summer vacation, retirements, and the soon-to-be-announced new priest assignments.

Bowie’s melody was especially strong the week after Easter when I took a few days off to head up to Iowa City, Iowa, to see a college friend of mine perform in a play there. It had been about 35 years since I’d seen Nancy in person, so I was a little bit nervous. Well, I needn’t have worried.

In fact, another college friend, Mary Jo — now a professor at Central College in Pella, Iowa — also made the trip to Iowa City, turning the time into a minireunion.

One snippet of dinner conversation may explain why Bowie’s song has stuck with me. All was going well, until Nancy said, “Remember, Mary Jo, when we used to call Mark ‘Goldy,’ since he used to have all of that blond, curly hair?”

“Yes,” said Mary Jo, “and he used to be a lot shorter . . . “ “And thinner,” chimed in Nancy.

OK, you get the idea. I had to quickly stop this disastrous trip down memory lane. Now, I would have been really devastated if all of those comments were said without smiles and a teasing

Through loving each other we draw closer to Jesus

W

hat does it take to become someone’s friend? If you are on Facebook or some similar social Web site, it is very easy. That person just signs you up. A few clicks, and you are friends.

serve to confirm his friendship with the disciples. That is why Jesus goes on to say: “I no longer call you slaves. . . . I have called you friends.”

But in real life, we know that friendIf Jesus’ death will prove his friendship demands a lot more. ship with the disciples, In the case of friendship what will they need to do, SIXTH SUNDAY OF with Jesus, what does that in turn, to show their EASTER involve? friendship with Jesus? He Jn 15: 9-17 Sunday’s Gospel readanticipates that question in ing, Jn 15:9-17, deals the discourse by giving the with that topic. The text hails back to answer: “You are my friends if you do the evening before Jesus’ death. Jesus what I command you.” is speaking to the disciples gathered This statement may sound contraaround him, in those long speeches dictory, since we usually associate now usually called the farewell disobeying commands with slavery rather course. Our Gospel reading makes up a than friendship. The proverbial slave small part of that passage. says to his or her master, “Your wish is Jesus informs the disciples: “No one my command.” has greater love than this, to lay down The path out of this dilemma lies in one’s life for one’s friends.” Since Jesus the object of Jesus’ command: “Love is going to lay down his life for the discione another as I love you.” Jesus wants ples the very next day, his death will the disciples to share intimately in his

15

DO UNTO OTHERS

MARK MY WORDS President MOST REVEREND JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

COMMENTARY

life. By loving one another, the disciples will come as close to Jesus as is humanly possible.

That makes sense when we think of what friendship ordinarily involves.

People become friends, at least in part, because they share common interests.

Maybe they both like to go deer hunting or to fish. Maybe they both like to play bridge. Eventually, a friendship may develop based on those shared activities. Compatible personalities may also play a part; the people have to get along with each other. But it takes more than just that. They also participate in a common activity.

If we are to be friends with Jesus, that common activity is love. After all, love lies at the core of Jesus’ ministry, his life and his death. If we truly wish to be close to Jesus, if we wish to be his friends, we have no choice but to similarly make love the focus of our lives.

That is what his commandment means: “Love one another as I love you.”

It is part of his invitation to us to be his friend.

Father Mike Stubbs is pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

T

he economy’s hurting.

Don’t ask me how it happened. (If you can explain derivatives, I’ll treat you to a Coke at the chancery).

However, we all sense that this sudden economic downturn is the function of a systematic moral failure.

A corporate culture of greed and indifference, functioning at the highest levels of economic activity, has ultimately led to this mess. As with all things moral, the church’s doctrine provides a sure guide that could have prevented our troubles.

In particular, our economic woes manifest the need to apply the Catholic social justice principles of solidarity and subsidiarity in order to return to prosperity.

Pope Benedict XVI in a recent address,

entitled “Pursuing the Common Good: How Solidarity and Subsidiarity Can Work Together,” taught that understanding and applying these principles are crucial to addressing the manifold problems that currently beset mankind.

He summarizes these principles when he teaches: “Solidarity refers to the virtue enabling the human family to share fully the treasure of material and spiritual goods, and subsidiarity is the coordination of society's activities in a way that supports the internal life of the local communities.”

While not the worst problem that besets us, the economy is pressing on most of our minds. The principles of solidarity and subsidiarity offer the framework upon which we should restructure our system.

The global economic meltdown has shown the human family’s interconnectivity. Many bubbles have burst. One is the myth that if everyone acts in his own selfish interest, then the “invisible hand” will guide the markets to achieving the greatest possible prosperity.

Solidarity calls us to act in ways that look for the win-win. While recognizing the equality of all, solidarity is best achieved when each participant puts himself at the service of others. Bereft of solidarity, the system encouraged bankers to make risky loans to people they knew could not repay and then bundle the debt into securities deceptively labeled as low risk. Consequently, money stopped flowing because there is a loss of

trust. The market expects solidarity and when that’s gone, it falters till its return.

Conversely, solidarity is maintained by subsidiarity, the principle that enables respect for the local decision-makers.

Banks, pressured to make loans to low-income/high-risk applicants, lost discretion as local lenders. This failure to apply subsidiarity led to the practice of bundling: toxic debt and good debt mixed together and sold to investors.

The lenders making the decisions were detached from the risk.

Applying the principles of solidarity and subsidiarity to how we organize enables the healthy functioning of society’s most basic communities. They are a part of the framework for how humanity will flourish. The times have shown we ignore these teachings at our peril.

Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can e-mail Bill at: socialjustice @archkck.org.

WORD OF LIFE

Programs cannot evangelize the world; only people can

O

ver the course of the last year, Mary has lived with two different guys and slept with many others. She is a beautiful young lady in her midtwenties and she is Catholic.

Of course, she doesn’t go to church too often and isn’t sure she is ready to hear about Jesus: “I don’t think I am ready to follow all the rules.”

As I hear Mary’s story, my heart goes out to her. I want her to know that she is loved, that Jesus wants to be in relationship with her, that there is hope beyond finding the “perfect” guy.

She isn’t looking for a church; rather, she is looking for love. Although she doesn’t know it, love is looking for her.

As my wife and I lie in bed thinking about this young lady, we are certain that the Lord wants to be in relationship with her. Jen and I are unsure what we could invite her to at the parish; nothing quite fits. Mary doesn’t need programs, she needs people. She needs to be invited into relationship, preferably with people who will love her and not judge her,

yet will introduce her to the Lord through their witness.

There are many thousands of Marys living in northeast Kansas who need to know the love and mercy of the Lord.

But Mary needs people who will love her and witness to her. Programs alone cannot reach the Marys in our archdiocese; people can. We need individuals and communities that are enflamed with the love of Jesus who are willing to lay down their lives for people like Mary, welcome them into our communities, and introduce them to person of Jesus.

Only the Holy Spirit forms these types of witnesses and communities, and we need more of the Spirit — a lot more. We need the Spirit in our own lives, in our families, in our parishes and in our communities. We need the Holy Spirit to give us hearts of flesh so we can be sensitive and respond to the Marys in our midst.

At the end of this month, we will be celebrating the second annual archdiocesan Evangelization Sunday on May 31.

Leading up to Evangelization Sunday, we are inviting every parish and family to join together in praying a novena to the Holy Spirit for the nine days leading up to it and coinciding with the solemnity of Pentecost. In this prayer, we are asking the Lord for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit to begin to transform our own lives, our families, and our communities.

I invite you to join the archbishop and me and thousands of others in this novena prayer, asking the Lord for more of his Spirit, so that our hearts may be responsive to the Marys in our midst!

Matt Karr is the consultant for the office of evangelization and catechesis.

He can be reached at: ecat@archkck.org.

FAMILY MATTERS

Families reflect God’s love through simple, sometimes heroic, ways

W

e just returned from a visit to the Chicago area where we attended our granddaughter Micheala’s first holy Communion.

There were moments of profound awe that washed over me as I witnessed her embracing the faith that was bestowed upon her in baptism.

The solemnity of the day pierced my heart as I saw her welcome and delight in the faith journey of her walk with God. Much later, I began to think of the generations that came before her and laid down the foundation of her faith.

We are family. Each of us is linked to many chapters of past generations

whose faith created the stepping stones for the faith of the generations that follow.

From both her mother’s and father’s side came the Catholic faith that hopefully will be a fortress for her emerging faith. The generations preceding her have brought prayer in the home, Sunday and weekday attendance at Mass, most importantly, the love of the Eucharist. From devotions such as novenas and the rosary, faith was further nourished. The treasure of faith is

a gift that has blessed both families.

As families, we are called to holiness because we are first and foremost from the family of God. We are adopted children of God and on a pathway of return to the Father.

As a family, we are joined together to reflect God’s love to the world through the simple, yet sometimes heroic, ways that we live out family life.

Holiness can be defined in different ways for different families, but family prayer is always the glue that brings us closer to God, strengthens our family ties, and directs our choices. As parents and grandparents, we not only mold the faith of our children, but the faith of generations to come. By teaching them to pray, we can lead them to the heart of God. Pope Benedict XVI during a meeting with first communicants and their par-

ents said, “I ask you to help your children to grow in faith. I ask you to accompany them on their journey toward holy Communion.” He continued by urging parents, “Pray together at home too: at meals and before going to bed. Prayer does not only bring us nearer to God, but also nearer to one another.”

The pope further said: “Prayer is a powerful source of peace and joy.

Family life becomes more joyful and expansive whenever God is there and his closeness is experienced in prayer.”

Thus, we gather from the past, we build in the present, and we define the future for our family of faith.

May God richly bless all first communicants.

Jacki Corrigan is the archdiocesan consultant for the office of family life.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • MAY 15, 2009

Praying for the conversion of hearts Annual Mother’s Day rosary in front of abortion clinic attracts 700

By JACK SMITH Catholic Key editor OVERLAND PARK — Joining together “with great love,” 700 area Catholics peacefully prayed the rosary outside Planned Parenthood’s abortion facility here on May 9. The third annual peaceful Mother’s Day rosary attracted twice as many participants as last year.

Twenty decades of the rosary were led in turn by Kansas City-St. Joseph Bishop Robert W. Finn and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

“What we do here is pray in [Jesus’] name as his church and as his people. We do what we do with great love, and we ask the Holy Spirit to intensify and mold and shape that love — to cause us to trust him more and more for the good that we hope to accomplish,” Bishop Finn said in brief remarks before the rosary began.

“Principally, our petition is for the conversion of human hearts — our own and those who have brought a horrible scourge on our society and upon the world in the willful destruction of human life and in disregard for its dignity and value,” he continued.

The annual event is organized by Lifefront, an organization founded two years ago by Kansas City young adult Jennifer Gordon. Lifefront trains women to become sidewalk

Catholic Key photos by Jack Smith

Bishop Robert Finn, Father Gerardo Arano-Ponce of St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park, and Archbishop Joseph Naumann pray the rosary in front of an Overland Park abortion clinic on May 9. counselors at the Overland Park facility and continues a prayer presence there throughout the year.

Currently, Gordon said, Lifefront has trained counselors at the clinic from 6:30 to 10 a.m. every Saturday.

Beginning in Lent, the organization started a prayer presence every Friday, and more and more people have been signing up to be present at other times.

“Our goal is to have people there every day they’re open,” Gordon

said. “We’re making progress toward that, but more people are needed.”

The prayer presence and sidewalk counseling has had a profound effect, Gordon said. Since Lifefront’s efforts began, Gordon knows of about 35 women who decided not to go through with their scheduled abortions and were instead provided with assistance by various Crisis Pregnancy Centers.

“Those are only the ones we

know about,” Gordon said.

It is impossible to know how many women changed their mind without contacting them, she explained.

Following the rosary, Archbishop Naumann headed two doors down to bless a new Advice and Aid Pregnancy Center that opened May 1. The new center will be of real assistance in Lifefront’s efforts, Gordon said.

“Prior to this, there have been no CPCs open in the area on Saturdays,” she said.

Advice and Aid has produced business cards with a map of its location near the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic that Lifefront’s counselors can hand to women entering the clinic.

“Now we can just walk women over there,” Gordon said.

Advice and Aid provides ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, and emotional and physical support to women in crisis pregnancies.

According to its Web site, Advice and Aid’s “support services are designed to address the most common obstacles that our clients are facing with their unplanned pregnancy.”

More people are needed to give prayerful witness throughout the year at Planned Parenthood. For more information, call Gordon at (816) 223-0035 or send an e-mail to: lifefront@gmail.com.

Three “former embryos” — Noah, Luka and Jonathan Hardesty, the children of Lifefront counselor Melissa Hardesty — attend a Mother’s Day Rosary on May 9 in front of Planned Parenthood in Overland Park.