WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 33, NO. 39 MAY 18, 2012
Task force advises against capital campaign Task force recommends private appeal, faith initiative instead
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By Jill Ragar Esfeld Special to The Leaven
amar Hunt Jr. has a philosophy about being blessed with a famous name and good fortune. “It challenges you to say, ‘OK, I’ve got these resources,’” he said. “‘How can I leverage them to do good for God, for the community and for our
church?’” Hunt answered that question in a big way recently when he and his wife Rita donated $3 million to Archbishop Joseph Naumann’s private appeal. “We’ve been fortunate to have success in the business world,” he said. “So we thought we could step up here and really make a commitment.”
The value of faith A member of Church of the Nativity Parish in Leawood, Hunt entered the Catholic Church 20 years ago when his oldest daughter made her first Communion. “I just had to kind of get with the program,” he said. He also found inspiration in a book he read and still keeps handy in his office, “The Catholic
In lieu of an archdiocesan-wide capital campaign, a private appeal to raise funds for debt, tuition assistance, and endowment needs at secondary schools will be launched. Lamar Hunt Jr. and his wife Rita will serve at the honorary chairpersons of the appeal. Catechism,” by Father John Hardon. Hunt and his wife, Rita, are a blended family. Together they have nine children, all of whom have been educated through the Catholic school system. With only a 15-year-old and an 18-year-old left at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, the Hunts are nearing the end of their
journey through high school academics and sports. But they still want to support Catholic education. Through his children, and through his own experience as a student at a private Episcopal school, See “PRIVATE” on page 5
CORPUS CHRISTI
Please mark your calendar for the annual Corpus Christi procession June 10. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 416 W. 12th St., Kansas City, Mo. Procession begins at 1:30 p.m. Check the next Leaven for more details.
CAPITOL RALLY
Join Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and all the bishops of Kansas from 2 to 4 p.m. on June 29 outside the Capitol in Topeka for the Fortnight for Freedom — a rally for religious liberty.
SUMMER SCHEDULE
This is the last weekly issue of The Leaven until we resume weekly production on Sept. 7. During the summer, the Leaven will publish on June 1, 15, 29; July 13, 27; and Aug. 10 and 24.
2 LOCAL NEWS
THE LEAVEN • MAY 18, 2012
THE LEAVEN • MAY 18, 2012
Inspiring Women
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS
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Archbishop announces ‘Love it, Learn it, Live it’ faith initiative
ather Gary Pennings and Father Brian Schieber, the vicars general for the archdiocese, accompanied me for my “ad limina apostolorum” (to the thresholds of the apostles) pilgrimage this past March. In a previous column, I wrote about a key aspect of the visit is to pray at the threshold of the tombs of the great apostles, Peter and initiative will inspire many more people Paul, and to visit with the Successor of to take advantage of retreat programs, Peter. such as Christ Renews His Parish, the I was able to present both Father Light of the World and Cursillo. I hope Pennings and Father Schieber to Pope that the Year of Faith may motivate Benedict XVI. When I presented Father many to begin a weekly hour of euchaPennings to the Holy Father, I told him ristic adoration or attending daily Mass that, among other things, Father Penor the more frequent use of the sacranings was leading the planning in our ment of reconciliation/penance. archdiocese for the celebration for the In a similar way, the faith initiative Year of Faith. Pope Benedict’s eyes lit will encourage participation in the up with mention of the Year of Faith. many adult education and formation Later, during the meeting of the bishops programs that are offered in our parishfrom Kansas and Nebraska with the es. The Year of Faith, pope, the Holy Father I hope, will be the expressed his hope Save the date occasion for many to that the Year of Faith decide to participate would be a moment Mark your calendars to attend in a School of Faith of spiritual renewal the June 29 religious liberty ralclass on the Catefor the church and ly at the state Capitol in Topeka. chism of the Catholic individual Catholics. The rally begins at 2 p.m. and Church, or to join a In his 2011 aposwill conclude by 4 p.m. local Catholic Bible tolic letter announcstudy or to attend ing of the Year of classes on the theology of the body. Faith, the Holy Father expressed why The faith initiative will challenge us he believes this year is so important to live our Catholic faith more boldly and timely for Catholics: “Reflection and completely. A good way to observe on the faith will have to be intensified the Year of Faith, for some couples, to help all believers in Christ to acquire might be to make a Marriage Encounter a more conscious and vigorous adherweekend or participate in some other ence to the Gospel, especially at a time marriage enrichment program. It could of profound change such as humanity is be the moment for some couples to currently experiencing” (“The Door of attend natural family planning training Faith,” No. 8). sessions. Couples might also consider Pope Benedict is keenly aware of applying to become foster parents or some of the challenges facing the helping with marriage preparation prochurch and individual Catholics in the grams. Families might make a yearlong United States. The Holy Father apprecicommitment to pray the rosary together ates the seriousness of the threat in our or to pray over and discuss the Sunday nation to religious liberty and freedom readings. Individuals might decide to of conscience. The pope also appreciates begin to volunteer with Catholic Charihow the life of faith and virtue is being ties or to become involved with your challenged in an unprecedented way parish efforts to provide assistance to by the harmful messages and images by the poor or to visit the sick. The possiwhich we are bombarded through social bilities are limitless. and mass media. More than anything else — more In the archdiocese, for our local than attendance at any program or observance of the Year of Faith, we will participation in any activity — I am hoplaunch, in September, a yearlong faith ing this Year of Faith will lead each of us initiative that we have entitled “Faith: into a deeper and richer friendship with Love it, Learn it, Live it.” My desire is to Jesus Christ. challenge every Catholic in northeast For my own meditation recently, I Kansas to do something significant was reading a portion of a letter that during the year to strengthen our relaMother Teresa wrote to her Sisters, tionship with Jesus and to deepen our the Missionaries of Charity, in 1993. In knowledge of and appreciation for his every convent chapel for the Missionarbride — the church. ies of Charity, you will find the words, “I I hope that the faith initiative will be thirst,” near the image of the crucified a catalyst to invigorate the faith life of Jesus. Mother Teresa saw her ministry our parishes and, more importantly, of to the poorest of the poor and to the sick every parishioner. Our parishes already and dying as a response to Our Lord’s offer many opportunities for strengththirst for souls — his thirst for each perening one’s prayer life and/or one’s son to know the depth of his love. knowledge of the richness of our CathoMother Teresa was keenly aware that lic faith. It is my desire that the faith
Archbishop Naumann’s
seminarians — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kan.
May 17-18 Kansas Catholic Conference
May 26 Priestly ordination of Deacon Oswaldo Sandoval — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kan.
weekly calendar
May 18 “Catholic Way” recording Evening prayer and Benediction with those to be ordained transitional deacons May 19 Transitional diaconate ordination — Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka, for Quentin Schmitz, Daniel Schmitz and Nathan Haverland May 20 Mass and pastoral visit — Good Shepherd, Shawnee May 21 St. Jude Hospice meeting Videotaping for Camp Tekakwitha Pastoral Council vespers and dinner May 22 Apostles of the Interior Life Spiritual Mentorship conference, Mass, lunch and speech — Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City, Kan.
May 27 Mass and rededication of Immaculate Conception Church, Leavenworth Archdiocesan confirmation — St. MarySt. Anthony, Kansas City, Kan. May 28 Mass and dedication of memorial to unborn — Holy Angels Cemetery, Basehor May 29 Presbyteral Council meeting May 31 Pro-Life Boot Camp Mass — Ascension
Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar
May 19 Transitional diaconate ordination — Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka May 20 Federal prison Mass
Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas board meeting
May 21 Confirmation — Holy Angels, Basehor
Holy Hour, vespers and dinner with Deacon Oswaldo Sandoval
May 26 Priestly ordination of Deacon Oswaldo Sandoval — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kan.
May 23 Curia meeting May 24 High school principals meeting
May 27 Confirmation — St. Mary-St. Anthony, Kansas City, Kan.
May 25 Evening prayer and Benediction with Deacon Oswaldo Sandoval and
May 28-30 Bishops’ prayer meeting — Green Bay, Wis.
her Sisters could not bring this love of Jesus to others unless they had a profound experience of it themselves. She wrote the Sisters: “Jesus wants me to tell you again . . . how much love He has for each of you — beyond all you can imagine. I worry some of you still have not really met Jesus — one to one — you and Jesus alone. We may spend time in chapel — but have you seen with the eyes of your soul how He looks at you with love? Do you really know the living Jesus — not from books but from being with Him in your heart? Have you heard the loving words He speaks to you? Ask for the grace, He is longing to give it. Until you can hear Jesus in the silence of your own heart, you will not be able to hear Him saying “I thirst” in the hearts of the poor. Never give up this daily intimate contact with Jesus
as the real living person — not just the idea. How can we last even one day without hearing Jesus say “I love you” — impossible? Our soul needs that as much as the body needs to breathe the air. If not, prayer is dead — meditation only thinking. Jesus wants each of you to hear Him — speaking in the silence of your heart.” More than anything else, I pray this Year of Faith will be a time when every member of the archdiocese will experience in a new and more powerful way the love of Jesus. I ask that you join me in praying daily for Our Lord to bless and anoint the faith initiative. May it be fruitful in the ways that Jesus desires! P.S. You do not have to wait until September. You can start early on striving to deepen your friendship with Jesus and your love for his bride — the church!
SECOND FRONT PAGE 3
Dynamic speakers help make CEF luncheon a big success By Jill Ragar Esfeld Special to The Leaven
OVERLAND PARK — What can motivate more than 700 women to come together in one place? Good food, good friends and inspiration. All three were on the menu at the 2012 Inspiring Women luncheon, benefiting the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF). Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB, of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison, started off the afternoon by singing grace. As guests enjoyed an exceptional lunch, they were given an overview of the CEF mission to assist underresourced Catholic schools through scholarships. Dessert was served accompanied by an outstanding lineup of speakers. “We had a great mix — very diverse group of speakers,” said CEF executive director Michael Morrisey. “And we felt like one complemented the other very nicely. “We’ve had nothing but great feedback.” The afternoon’s first speaker, Mayor Peggy Dunn of Leawood, talked about her life journey, saying she has led what many would call a “charmed life,” but noting that every life has its challenges. “Faith,” she said, “is the vital ingredient in facing tragedies and adversities when they come along.” Dunn praised her Catholic education and told the audience both she and her husband credited it with laying the foundation for their successes. “Appreciation of our Catholic education made us choose that for our children,” she said. While discussing the difficulties of raising children in today’s world, Dunn compared the process to making a layup in basketball. “You often need an assist,” she explained. “I believe Catholic education to be the assist.” Bonnie Kelly and Teresa Walsh, cofounders of Silpada Designs, were next on the program. Kelly started off their presentations by endorsing the mission of CEF: “We really believe that, with education, you have so many more opportunities in life.” She then recounted their journey from being room mothers together at Holy Cross School in Overland Park to owners of Silpada Designs, the world’s largest sterling silver jewelry home party company. Co-owner Walsh joined her friend in describing the start of their business relationship as “just two moms selling jewelry.” “When we started,” she said, “our intent was not to build an international company; we were just having a blast.” The desire to share their joy and success is what inspired the two to create
Photos by Susan McSpadden
Collins Tuohy, adoptive sister of Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher, addresses the Inspiring Women audience. Joining Tuohy are, from left, Bonnie Kelly and Teresa Walsh, cofounders of Silpada Designs; Mayor Peggy Dunn of Leawood; and Sue Mitchell, Oher’s tutor. At right, Kelly and Walsh start off their presentation by endorsing the mission of CEF. Silpada which, in 15 years, went from being a basement business to an international company. The entrepreneurs said their educations gave them the tools they needed to succeed, and they support CEF’s mission to make sure every child has access to a Catholic education. “Life takes a lot of hard work and to have an education is a blessing,” Walsh said. “Through CEF, [children] have this blessing.” That message was reinforced when the event’s final speakers, Collins Tuohy and Sue Mitchell, took the stage. The story of the Tuohy family, as portrayed in the Oscar-nominated movie “The Blind Side,” was well-known to audience members Tuohy, the adoptive sister of Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher, talked about the movie’s accurate depiction of her family as they helped Oher progress from a homeless, troubled youth to an academic and athletic success. “The message was 100 percent accurate,” she said. That message was all about the power of education in changing a life.
Tuohy was joined by Mitchell, better known as “Miss Sue” and portrayed by Kathy Bates in the movie. Mitchell tutored Oher from a .6 GPA to a 2.05 in high school and finally to a 3.75 in college. “There are so many Michaels out there,” she said. “All they need is somebody to care.” “Whatever you have given to CEF, time or money,” added Tuohy, “it is going to a good cause.” Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann wrapped up the event by thanking the speakers for their inspirational stories and their support of strong faith and education. “That’s what CEF creates, the opportunity to help our young people,” he said.
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)
Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com
Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com
Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com
President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann
Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com
Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com
Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com
Catholic Education Foundation Founded in 1997, CEF was established to assist under-resourced Catholic schools in the archdiocese in their efforts to provide a highquality, Catholic education to any child, regardless of his or her family’s economic position. For more information on the Catholic Education Foundation or to find out how you can make a donation, visit the website at: www.cefks. org. Every dollar raised by CEF goes toward scholarships for children to attend Catholic schools.
Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com.Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.
4 LOCAL NEWS
THE LEAVEN • MAY 18, 2012
THE LEAVEN • MAY 18, 2012
Panel discusses a moral approach to immigration reform How to get involved
Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — It is a gray issue that can’t be painted black or white. That was the consensus of the recent El Centro panel discussion on immigration reform in Kansas City, Kan. El Centro, which provides educational, social and economic opportunities for Hispanic families, organized the panel to help people understand the Supreme Court hearing of Arizona vs. the United States. “This is kind of a crucial time in the immigration debate,” said social justice consultant Bill Scholl, who oversees the Justice for Immigrants Task Force in the archdiocese. At the center of the controversy is whether key provisions of the Arizona law are preempted by federal rules. In other words: Can states decide on their own how they’re going to enforce federal immigration laws? The panel consisted of local immigration experts, including immigration attorney Angela Ferguson, El Centro policy consultant Melinda Lewis and ACLU attorney Holly Weatherford. Ferguson, who started out in immigration law during the Reagan administration, said she never imagined we would be having this discussion 25 years later. “The 1986 amnesty missed,” she said. “They legalized four million people, but forgot about the future.” Panelists agreed that the failure of Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform has forced states to look at making their own policies. “Congressional inaction created a vacuum,” said Weatherford. “And states have stepped up to fill that vacuum.” Lewis said the Arizona bill was a bad idea for five reasons: It’s expensive, divisive, dangerous, short-sighted and unjust. “It is incumbent upon us to understand, even if the Supreme Court decides the legislation can go forward,” she said. “It’s up to us to make sure it doesn’t.” Everyone agreed that reform is needed, but many questions stemmed from that resolve: What kind of reform? How should it be enforced? How can we make sure it is morally just?
Leaven photo by Jill Ragar Esfeld
El Centro policy consultant Melinda Lewis explains some key issues of Arizona’s tough immigration law during El Centro’s panel discussion on Immigration Reform. Immigration attorney Angela Ferguson (left) and ACLU attorney Holly Weatherford (middle) also participated in the discussion.
”
“They’re not criminals. They’re people here seeking a better life.” Angela Ferguson, immigration attorney
“Some people say, ‘Well, the way you fix it is through enforcement only,’” said Scholl. “‘Make it really hard to get in here, and make it really bad for people who are able to get in here illegally, so they leave.’” On the other extreme is the idea of granting amnesty to the 11 million immigrants living in the United States today without documentation. But many view that response as a reward for those who have broken the law. “They’re not criminals,” argued Ferguson. “They’re people here seeking a better life.” The U.S. Catholic bishops are advocating for a reform of the current immigration system that includes reasonable enforcement as well as a reasonable road to citizenship. “What they’re doing is saying we’d like to see a comprehensive approach, which includes better enforcement, but
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Saturday, June 2 - Outdoors 4 p.m. Mass, 5 p.m. Food Lines Open, Children’s Inflatables, Cruzline Percussion Ed Grisnik Polka Band Sunday, June 3 9:30 a.m. Mass, 10 a.m. Food Lines Open Carnival, Games, Bingo, WE DJ Productions, Skimpy Dozen Polka Band, 2:30 pm Oral Auction, Drawings
Private appeal will also fund archdiocesan-wide faith initiative Continued from page 1
By Jill Ragar Esfeld
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also some pathways for people to become legal,” explained Scholl. The current system has created a shadow culture, hiding an underground economy rife with human rights abuses. “Employers don’t have to follow OSHA, employers don’t have to pay worker’s comp,” said Scholl. “Employers don’t pay just wages because they know their workers have no legal recourse. “Not to mention human trafficking and smuggling.” There are moral principles that need to guide the discussion and inform the debate on immigration reform, he continued. Primary among those is family unity — creating reform that allows immigrants to keep their families intact. Another important aspect is making sure charitable organizations are not penalized for helping undocumented immigrants. “The Arizona law would make that a crime,” said Scholl. “And it would put an undue burden on charities to ascertain the immigration status of anyone they’re helping.” After the panel presented information on the issue, audience members had a chance to ask questions. Then Jeff Hill, coordinator for AIRR (Advocate for Immigration Rights and
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AIRR (Advocate for Immigration Rights and Reconciliation) is an interfaith organization and a grantee of the USCCB immigrant task force: Justice for Immigrants. The AIRR website is www.a-i-r-r. org. Welcoming Kansas (WK), an offshoot of AIRR, is a coalition of faith and civic leaders in the state of Kansas. • WK works to change the culture in order to make communities more welcoming for everybody. • WK is nonpartisan and does not promote any political party over another. The direct link to the Welcoming Kansas page is: http://www.a-i-r-r. org/welcoming-kansas. There is a contact form at the bottom of that website for people to use to learn how to get involved in WK, or they can call (913) 608-7742.
Reconciliation), gave a short talk about how audience members could become more involved with the immigration reform issue (see sidebar). Mary Lou Jaramillo, president and CEO of El Centro, was pleased with the turnout for the discussion. “I was pleased and impressed,” she said. “The questions that came from the audience were very insightful.” Reflecting on the discussion, Hill said immigration has been a theme throughout the history of our faith, and we can turn to the Bible for answers to the dilemma of reform. “Time and time again,” he said, “we see the importance of caring for the immigrant in our society. “And we know, just as Jesus said: ‘Whenever someone was without a home and you gave him shelter, you were giving shelter to me.’ “That sort of idea is critical to living in a manner that reflects the truth of the Gospel.” Jaramillo agreed. “My faith really tells me we must embrace all of humanity, regardless of where we come from,” she said. “I think we’re put on this earth to love one another and to serve humankind.”
LOCAL NEWS 5
Learn more
Hunt knows a faith-based education is the best kind. “Not to denigrate or cut down public education,” he said, “but an education without a perspective of faith, a real understanding that Jesus Christ is the foundation of our lives, is an incomplete education.” When an archdiocesan task force was formed to study issues identified in a capital campaign feasibility study, many of which involved Catholic education, Hunt was eager to participate. “Archbishop Naumann called me,” Hunt recalled. “And he asked me on the phone would I be willing to do it. “And I said yes.”
If you would like to learn more about Lamar Hunt Jr., visit his website at: www.Lamarhuntjr.com.
Examining the future Hunt had met Archbishop Naumann before, but was pleased to become better acquainted during his time on the task force. The task force — which consisted of 10 individuals, both lay and religious — was given the responsibility of examining current and future needs of the archdiocese and determining the best way to resolve them. “Our charge was to sort of take what was a case that had been made for a capital campaign and look at all the elements,” said Hunt. “There were all sorts of presentations and cases made for the funding needed to grow programs or to make them sustainable,” he continued. Hunt was impressed with his fellow task force members. “A lot of them knew a lot more than I did,” he said. “I was grateful to listen to all the input and expertise in the room, because there were a lot of perspectives.” In the end, the group recommended against a capital campaign and, with help from the presbyteral, advisory, finance and pastoral councils, developed four key recommendations for the archdiocese. Included was the recommendation for a private appeal to raise funds for debt, tuition assistance, and endowment needs at secondary schools. “Debt as part of a capital campaign is a big turn-off for people,” explained Hunt. “It’s not attractive at all. “So we kind of came up with the idea — and it was embraced very early — that the debt had to be treated as something different.”
Faith seeks understanding A portion of the funds from the private appeal will also be used to implement an archdiocesan-wide faith initiative, titled “Faith: Love it, Learn it, Live It.” “I think that’s something the archbishop, being the teacher of the diocese, really wants to do,” said Hunt. “I think he wants the Catechism [of the Catholic Church] to be really well taught and well received by the diocese.” Drawing from his own experience, Hunt explained the importance of the faith initiative. “Faith seeks understanding,” he said. “It’s an absolute gift from God. “Once we embrace it, there are things we want to try to clarify in our minds — how it impacts our work life, our political decisions, our personal moral decisions.” The faith initiative is scheduled for launch in fall of 2012. Hunt encourages
Lamar Hunt Jr. is leading a private appeal to help raise funds for Catholic education. Hunt and his wife Rita have themselves pledged $3 million to the appeal. everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to participate. “Take the time out of your schedules,” he said. “Make a commitment for one year. “It will probably take only one night a week. Spend a little time in prayer and on homework, and you will change your faith life.
“You will open up all kinds of doors you never even knew existed. God will take very little that we give him and he’ll do a whole lot with it.”
Go Chiefs! Hunt and his wife will be honorary
chairpersons of the private appeal. “I think I can lend some credibility to it,” said Hunt. “And help people get a foot in the door to meet with people. “We’ve committed a substantial sum and we’ve made headway already on this. I think the goal is $14 million. We can get there.” For Rita, it’s a chance to get back into action after a trying year. “She was diagnosed with breast cancer last May,” her husband explained. “She finished her chemo treatments in November and finished radiation in January. And so her health is returning to full strength.” Hunt isn’t surprised his wife is ready to take on this challenge. “She’s a people person,” he said. “And she loves the Catholic Church.” The Hunts hope that by answering many archdiocesan needs through this private appeal, they will free up people who would have contributed to a capital campaign to be generous in other ways. “I’d rather have the broader base increase their offertory enhancement, step up and do other things,” said Hunt. But most of all, the Hunts want to help make the faith-based education they value for their own children available to every child who wants it. “I think the Catholic faith grounds a person,” said Hunt. “It gives you a sort of grounding in humility and temperance. “So the Catholic schools are extremely important. And we’re here to offer a life of faith and truth. We don’t want to have closed doors to some kids.” Moreover, on a personal level, Hunt wanted to extend a thank-you to his fellow Catholics for helping put him in the position to be so generous. “I’d like to thank all the people who for all the years have supported the Kansas City Chiefs,” he said. “Our family has benefited financially,” he added, “and our desire is to give back what has been given to us really very freely.”
6 LOCAL NEWS Golf classic to benefit Sisters, Servants of Mary KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The 18th annual golf classic to benefit the Sisters, Servants of Mary is set for June 29 at Dub’s Dread Golf Course here, located at 126th and Hollingsworth Road. Proceeds will go toward renovating the Sisters’ convent. Registration for the golf classic begins at 11 a.m.; lunch is at 11:45 a.m. Amino Brothers Co., Inc., is the lunch sponsor. At 12:20 p.m., the Sisters will participate in the annual putting contest. The four-person scramble and shotgun start will be at 1 p.m. The hole-inone prize is a 2012 Jeep Cherokee with additional par three prizes sponsored by Overland Park Jeep Dodge Chrysler. The day will conclude at 5 p.m. with beverages, appetizers and an awards program. The golf event is open to men and women. The registration fee of $400 for a team of four or $125 per individual golfer includes lunch, green fees, golf cart and refreshments. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. The Men’s Support Group of the Sisters, Servants of Mary hosts the annual event. The Sisters, Servants of Mary provide in-home nursing care for the homebound and seriously ill throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area, free of charge. For more information or a registration form for the golf scramble, visit the website at: www.servingfromtheheart.com, or contact George Gallup at (913) 3425018.
THE LEAVEN • MAY 18, 2012 Mary Elaine (Donegan) and Ed Mayfield, members of the Cathedral of St. Peter Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will celeANNIVERSARIES brate their 60th wedding anniversary on May 24. The couple was married at the cathedral on May 24, 1952. Their children and their spouses are: Barbara and Don Kling; Susan and Marvin Clem; Mike Mayfield; Jane and Dave Janes; John and Joanne Mayfield; Dan and Carolyn Mayfield; Tom and Julie Mayfield; Margaret and Darin Looper; and Ed and Julie Mayfield. They also have 21 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. The couple is celebrating with a Mass on May 20 at the cathedral, followed by a family dinner at their home. Judy and Harold Mueller, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 2. The couple was married on June 2, 1962, at Curé by Father Paul Kelly. Their children and their spouses are: Douglas and Linda Mueller; Denise Kelley; Julie and Zech Thornton; John Mueller; and Suzanne Mueller. They also have six grandchildren.
THE LEAVEN • MAY 18, 2012 Frances (Edgeworth) and Larry McCourt Sr., members of St. Philip Neri Parish, Osawatomie, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 19. The couple was married on May 19, 1962, at Holy Angels Church, Garnett. Their children are: Mary Beth McCourt Strobel, Baldwin City; Larry McCourt Jr., Sherman Oaks, Calif.; and Lori McCourt Adam, Overland Park. They also have nine grandchildren. The couple will celebrate with a family luncheon. Fermina and Jesus R. Hernandez, members of the Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on May 16. The couple was married May 16, 1942, in Louisville, Ky. They will celebrate at their old home — 4222 N. Cypress, Kansas City, Mo. — from 1 to 3 p.m. on May 19 with cake and friends. Their children are: Alfonso Hernandez; Kathleen Hernandez (deceased); Elizabeth Bires; Mario Hernandez; Veronica Hernandez; Becky Mick; Phil Hernandez; and Jessica Dorton. They also have 21 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
Correction Last week’s Leaven had the incorrect number for the archdiocesan Safe Environment Coordinator. The correct number is (913) 647-0324. The number for the Confidential Report Line is (913) 647-3051. The archdiocese encourages any person who believes they have been sexually abused by any cleric, employee or volunteer of any archdiocesan parish, school or agency, regardless of when such abuse may have occurred, to contact the archdiocesan Safe Environment Coordinator.
Volunteer opportunities at Catholic Charities KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas’ Committee of Young Patrons is offering volunteer opportunities May 31 - June 2. Four opportunities are available: May 31: Juniper Gardens – New Roots for Refugees Training Farm, from 9 - 11:30 a.m.; June 1: Emergency Assistance Center, 8:30 a.m.- noon; June 1: First Fridays at Shalom House, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.; and TurnStyles Thrift Store in Overland Park, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. For detailed information or to register, visit the website at: www.catholiccharitiesks.org/ cypvolunteerdays, or call (913) 4332046. Join one or all of the opportunities. CYP supports the mission of Catholic Charities by striving to impact the lives of those in need with volunteer efforts, social outings, professional development, friend-raising and fundraising.
Religious liberty a topic for continuing education By Joe Bollig Leaven staff
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — With a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on President Obama’s health care law expected this June, a presentation here about civil law and religious liberty could not be more topical. Deacon John Weist, who is also an attorney, will present “What happens when civil law meets religious liberty?” at the first session of a halfday continuing education program offered by the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas on June 1 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. The CFNEK continuing education program is primarily for professionals in need of credits who work in the fields of law, financial services, insurance and financial planning. The program offers three hours approved for Kansas and Missouri continuing legal education, two hours for Kansas insurance, two hours for certified financial advisers, and recommended for two hours for Kansas continuing professional education for certified public accountants. Although Deacon Weist’s presentation is offered for continuing education credits, those who wish to audit the sessions for no credit are encouraged to register, said Gary Pratt, planned giving officer with the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. Deacon Weist’s session will include a study of recent cases, including the 2012 U.S. Health and Human Servic-
es “preventive services” mandate. “We’ve seen from the Health and Human Services mandate how these laws can affect the rights and duties of everyone — anyone engaged in the marketplace,” said Deacon Weist. “This reminds us of the need for all people who value religious liberty to become better aware of what our Constitution says and how it has been applied to protect religious liberty.” Specific cases will be referenced, including the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Hosanna-Tabor vs. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Awad vs. Ziriax, concerning whether a state can prohibit the use of religious law in civil court. The second session will be offered in two parts. The first part, “Case Studies at the End of Life: A Geriatrician’s Perspective,” will be offered by Austin Welsh, MD. Additional materials and commentary will be offered by Murray Anderson, general counsel for Olathe Health System, Inc. The second part, “Long-Term Care Partnerships and Planning for the Additional Costs of Aging and Elder Care,” will be offered by William Hammond, an attorney from The Elder Law Firm of Overland Park, and Jonathon Twidwell, from Mutual of Omaha in Overland Park. The third session, “Recent Developments in Estate and Gift Tax Planning,” will be presented by James Betterman, an attorney with Lathrop & Gage in Overland Park.
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Friday, June 1 . Savior Pastoral Center Online Registration: www.CFNEK.org/CE 7:30 – 9:30 am Registration - $60 if registered by Wednesday, May 28. $75 at the door - includes printed materials, continental breakfast and lunch Networking Lunch Only - $15 (Those who don’t need CE) 8:00 – 8:45 am Mass - Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Celebrant 9:30 – 10:20 am SESSION I What Happens when Civil Law Meets Religious Liberty? Deacon John Weist, J.D., Long and Luder, P.A., Overland Park, KS 10:30 – 11:20 am SESSION II – A Case Studies at the End of Life: a Geriatrician’s Perspective Austin Welsh M.D. SESSION II – B Long-Term Care Partnerships and Planning for the Additional Costs of Aging and Elder Care William Hammond, J.D., The Elder Law Firm, Overland Park, KS Jonathan Twidwell, Mutual of Omaha, Overland Park, KS 11:30 – 12:20 pm SESSION III Recent Developments in Estate and Gift Tax Planning James Betterman, J.D., Lathrop & Gage, Overland Park, KS
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Schedule • 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. — Registration • 8:00 to 8:45 a.m. — Mass, celebrant Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann • 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. — Continental breakfast reception • 9:15 to 9:30 a.m. — Opening remarks by Archbishop Naumann and executive director Lesle M. Knop, CFRE • 9:30 to 10:20 a.m. — “What happens when civil law meets religious liberty?” • 10:20 to 10:30 a.m. — Break, exhibits • 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. — “Case Studies at the End of Life: A Geriatrician’s Perspective” and “Long-Term Care Partnerships and Planning for the Additional Costs of Aging and Elder Care” • 11:20 to 11:30 a.m. — Break, exhibits • 11:30 to 12:20 p.m. — “Recent Developments in Estate and Gift Tax Planning” 12:20 to 12:30 p.m. — Closing 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. — Lunch The cost is $60 if registered by May 28; $75 at the door. This cost includes a continental breakfast and lunch. The cost of the networking lunch, for those who do not need continuing education credits, is $15. To register, go to the website at: www.CFNEK. org/CE.
LOCAL NEWS 7 Sister Mary Virginia Sturlich, OSU MAPLE MOUNT, Ky. — Sister Mary Virginia Sturlich, 96, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph, died May 9 here, in her 65th year of religious life. She was a native of Kansas City, Kan. Sister Virginia was born in Kansas City, Kan., after her parents, the late Joseph and Mary Sturlich, Sister Mary immigrated from Virginia Sturlich Austria. Sister Virginia was an Ursuline Sister of Paola before the merger of that community with Mount Saint Joseph in 2008, and ministered to the Paola community for 60 years. She enjoyed writing letters and telling jokes. She served as infirmarian and cared for the ill and the elderly at the Ursuline Academy/motherhouse in Paola from 1953-71, where she was often a second mother to the academy girls. From 197178, she ministered in child care at the Lakemary Center, serving children and adults with developmental disabilities. From 1978 until moving to Maple Mount in 2009, Sister Virginia served in various ways at the convent, including laundry and housekeeping.
My House groups available There are 14 men in the My House men’s groups that have broken free from pornography for over one year. Also, the My House women’s group is available for wives and loved ones who are healing from the effects of their loved one’s struggles. For more information, visit the website at: LoveIsFaithful.com.
THE LEAVEN • MAY 18, 2012
LOCAL NEWS 11
Five inducted into Donnelly College’s hall of fame KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Donnelly College inducted five new members into its Alumni Hall of Fame at its third annual induction ceremony on May 10. The inducted alumni included Father Frank Horvat, ’52; Don Wolf, ’56; Pat Callaghan, ’59; Kevin Keefer, ’72; and Ted Garcia, ’93. The annual event attracted more than 100 individuals to celebrate this year’s inductees. Each inductee present shared his or her reflections about the honor and the impact of Donnelly on his or her life. “The Alumni Hall of Fame event is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Steve LaNasa, Donnelly president. “It’s amazing to hear how much Donnelly impacted their lives and how tremendously they have lived the values and used their Donnelly education to improve the world around them. I’m so fortunate in my role to get to know our alumni, hear these stories, and to witness the same potential in our graduating class of 2012.” Donnelly accepts nominations yearround and encourages those who know a Donnelly alumnus who exemplifies the mission of the college through service to others to nominate them.
Father Frank Horvat attended the seminary after Donnelly and was ordained in 1958. He spent more than 50 years as a priest in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas in 12 parishes, serving the last 19 years before his retirement at St. John the Baptist Church on Strawberry Hill, the same church where he was baptized. Father Horvat has always been a strong champion of Donnelly College and has touched the lives of many generations of Kansas City residents. His niece and goddaughter Barbara Kauffman accepted the award on his behalf, noting how grateful he was for the Presidential Scholarship that allowed him to attend Donnelly. Don Wolf has been designated as a master photographer in recognition of his skill and artistry with a camera. Wolf has also been a tireless supporter of two orphanages in Croatia, his family’s homeland. “I had no idea what I wanted to do after high school, had no goals and was floundering,” Wolf said during his acceptance comments. “I met a guy at my work who mentioned that he was attending Donnelly and he thought I should, too. On the first day of class, I
sat at the very back so no one would notice me. When Sister Liguori called roll, she called me ‘Mr. Wolf’ and I realized I was somebody. It changed my life.” Pat Callaghan spent her life educating others. She taught at St. Patrick and Cathedral schools in Kansas City, Kan., and at Donnelly from 1984 to 1990. She came back 11 years later as an academic adviser until her retirement in 2008. Callaghan has served on Donnelly’s alumni board and volunteers with the Keeler Women’s Center and other local agencies. Callaghan recalled, “I came to Donnelly indecisive and not feeling good about myself. The warm welcome I received from the Benedictine Sisters at Donnelly validated me. Donnelly contains the footprints, fingerprints, and mind-sets of all the former students and teachers who have made Donnelly what it is today. Those still here are the future legacy for Donnelly.” Kevin Keefer is the founder and owner of Huntington Hospitality Financial Corporation, an accounting services company dedicated to the hospitality industry. Keefer and his wife Pat have also given back by supporting their local schools and parishes, as well as a
primary school in Nigeria. “I didn’t know what to do after high school but a high school counselor suggested Donnelly,” Keefer said. “I took some accounting courses and really liked them. I then majored in accounting at KU and discovered a career I was passionate about.” After Donnelly, Ted Garcia went to Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo., completing a bachelor’s degree with a double major in sociology and Spanish. Then he earned his Doctor of Laws degree at the KU School of Law in 1998, quite an accomplishment as the first in his family to graduate high school and college. Today, as the founder of the Garcia Immigration Law Firm, he practices immigration law in Wyandotte County, serving immigrants whose stories he personally relates to. Garcia also served on Donnelly’s board of directors. “I had no idea what I wanted to do,” Garcia said, “but I knew I was destined for something. I had no role models, but a friend who worked at Donnelly suggested I go to college here. I was awarded a Presidential Scholarship and that planted a seed which was nurtured and flourished.”
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Concrete Work
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12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park - Is seeking to hire a part-time theology teacher and an asst. volleyball coach. Interested candidates should send letter of interest and resume, via email, to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com. IT system administrator - For Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park. Candidate should have experience with Windows Server 2008, networking, Linux, PC troubleshooting and repair, and Active Directory. MCITP preferred. Send letter of interest and resume, via email, to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@ bishopmiege.com. Principal - Christ the King School, Kansas City, Mo., seeks a principal that is committed to excellent Catholic education and possesses good leadership, communication and motivational skills. Christ the King is a parish school located in south Kansas City, serving children ages six weeks through eighth grade with a total enrollment of 150 children. Candidate must be a practicing Catholic with a master’s degree in educational administration and teaching experience. Three years of administrative experience is preferred. Experience in early childhood or elementary education is a plus. For information or to apply, visit the school’s office website at: http://jobs.diocese-kcsj.org/?cid=4&lid=118. Application deadline May 25. Elementary/middle school principal - For Notre Dame de Sion School, an independent, Catholic school serving students from Montessori preschool through eighth grade in a coed, diverse, and academically challenging learning environment. Founded in 1912 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion, the school is one of two campuses of Notre Dame de Sion School and is accredited by ISACS and North Central/AdvancED. The school population numbers about 300. The school seeks a dynamic educational leader who is an active member of the Catholic Church, who possesses a master’s degree in educational administration (or related field), and who has experience in school administration. Interested candidates should send resume and references, via email, to: principalsearch@ndsion.edu. St. Ann Young Child Center, Prairie Village - Is seeking to fill the following positions. Interested candidates should call Tati at (913) 362-4660. Child care coordinator for its extended care program – Mon. - Fri. from 2:45 to 6 p.m., must be 21 years of age and have a minimum of 12 college credit hours in early childhood or elementary education. $12/hour. Preschool teacher for three-year-olds - Tues. and Thurs. mornings from 8:30 a.m. - noon, must have a degree in early childhood or elementary education. $13/hour. After-school aide – Mon. - Thurs. from 3 - 5:30 p.m., must love working with children, be selfmotivated and at least 16 years old. $8/hour. Spanish teacher - Wednesdays from 10:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hourly rate is negotiable. Assistant girls field hockey coach - St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Overland Park, is seeking an assistant coach for the fall 2012 season. Practices are after school. For information or to apply, send an email to Eileen Drape at: stafieldhockey@aol.com.
THE LEAVEN • MAY 18, 2012 Quilted Memories LLC - New store now open in downtown Overland Park! Machine quilting. Custom-designed memory quilts using your T-shirts and/ or photos. Personalized items for sororities, weddings, graduates and more. We also offer quilting classes and studio/machine rental. Call (913) 649-2704. For samples of our work, visit the website at: www.quilted memoriesllc.com. Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837. Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile). Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mikehammermoving@aol.com.
Lawn mowing Free estimates; references Insured, licensed and bonded Local parishioner Call Tony at (913) 620-6063
Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com. Rodman Lawn Care - Mowing, leaf removal, mulch and more. Call John Rodman, member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, at (913) 548-3002 or send an email to him at: Rodman.Lawn@yahoo.com. Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services Receive $100 credit toward a landscape or irrigation service by mentioning this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661
Caregiving Retired nurse - With 20-plus years of caregiving experience is seeking to care for an individual and their home on a full-time basis. Live-in position is preferred. I will provide caregiving, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, errands, etc. My goal is to keep your loved one in their home. Reasonable rates and excellent references. Call (913) 579-5276. Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Debbie or Gary.
Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City area. This position is ideal for a determined, high-energy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; call (785) 364-5450; or send an email to him at: john.mahon@kofc.org.
Looking for high quality home care? Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are familyowned and based in Lenexa. Call Benefits of HomeSenior Care at (913) 422-1591 or visit our website at: www.benefitsofhome.com.
Services
Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336.
Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, at (913) 909-2002. Girl Friday Services Sewing, ironing, quilting, cooking, typing and errand running. Let me do the work for you! Call Deborah at (913) 648-7258 Dog- and housesitting - Graduate of Rockhurst High School and Benedictine College, and member of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood. Will also do basic yardwork, moving, errand running, etc. Call Seán Rielley at (913) 563-9333 or email: srielley@sbcglobal.net. Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www. bankruptcylawinkansascity.com.
Home Improvement
Custom cabinets & woodworking - 20 years experience creating quality woodworking, design, and detail for all your custom cabinetry and furniture needs. Competitive rates; references available. Serving the KC Metro area. Call Dennis at (913) 850-3956. 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 Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.
THE LEAVEN • MAY 18, 2012 The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.
Roommate
STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 4915837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail. com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.
Vacation
Get a jump on your home repairs! - I specialize in painting, wood rot, decks, fences, windows, doors, siding, stucco, landscaping, drainage issues, and concrete. Fully insured. Now accepting all major credit cards. Call Josh Doherty (913) 709-7230. Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 Clutter getting you down? Organize, fix, assemble, clean! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizing handyman. For a free consultation, call today at (913) 271-5055. Insured; references. Visit the website at: www.koatindustries.com. Swalms Organizing Service - Basement, garage, attic, shop — any room organized! Items taken to donation sites, trash is bagged, and areas are clean and neat when job is complete. To view before-and-after pictures, visit the website at: www.swalms.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. Decks by Jake - Power washing and wood preserving/staining. References available. Call Jake at (913) 909-6058. Member of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Brick mason - Installation and repair of all types of masonry work — brick, stone, and concrete. 17 years of residential and commercial experience. Small and large jobs accepted. Free quotes in the KC metro area. Call Jim or John at (913) 485-4307. Tile work - Ceramic tile installation/repairs; kitchen or bathrooms; custom showers and flooring projects. 20 years exp.; insured. Free estimates. Call Frank Womack, In Line Flooring, at (913) 485-0745, or send an email to: inlineflooringkc@gmail.com. Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson county area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401. Gardner Painting - Attention to detail — we actually use scrapers. Interior and exterior. WyCo and JoCo areas. Many references. Free same-day estimates. Call Ted at (913) 227-9230. Interior and exterior painting and wallpaper removal - 30-plus years experience. Quality work; excellent references; reasonable rates. Senior discount. Member of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776. Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. Exterior painting, drywall projects, wood rot repair, bathroom and kitchen remodels, and tile work - Quality products. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 206-4524.
Roommate wanted- Student or young professional female, 21 or older. Clean, nonsmoker to share 3 BR, 2 BA home in Prairie Village. $485/mo. plus half utilities. Send an email to: mmcguire85@gmail.com.
Branson condo nightly rental - 2 king BRs, 2 BA; sleeps 6. Sunporch overlooks public golf course. Walkin level (no steps), flat screen TVs, and fully equipped kitchen. Near the Hwy. 76 strip. No smoking; no pets. Members of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park. Call (913) 851-8886. Mountain cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA, fully furnished; sleeps four. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $75/night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the website at: www.tillmancabin.com. Branson, Mo., getaway - Furnished condo that sleeps six on golf course at Lake Taneycomo. Close to Table Rock Lake and entertainment. Indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub and tennis courts. Nightly and weekly rates. Discount available. Call (913) 515-3044.
Child Care Summer nanny - Loyola University, Chicago junior and alumna of St. Teresa Academy and Curé of Ars Grade School is eagerly seeking a full-time summer nanny position in the JoCo area through mid-August. Previous experience as a full-time nanny and ten years of substantial baby-sitting history with children of all ages. Call Kelsey at (913) 439-9955 or send an email to her at: kwendland@luc.edu.
For Sale For sale - Two burial easements in the Queen of Heaven Garden at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Lot 165; section 2; spaces 1 and 2. Great location just off the main drive with high visibility and easy access. Family has relocated and will no longer need. Asking $2750 or best offer for both; will sell separately for $1500. $200 transfer fee applicable. Call Jerry at (913) 575-0891. For sale – Double-depth crypt in the Faith Lawn area of Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Call Ken Christian at (816) 918-4075. Heirloom quality doll furniture - For the American Girl dolls. John Hember (913) 631-4060. Member of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Visit the website at: www. etsy.com/shop/bedsandthreads. Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.
Wanted to Buy
*** Wanted to buy *** Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, prints, sterling, etc. Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee
Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.
Antiques wanted Buying older pocket and wrist watches. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.
Real Estate
Miscellaneous
FSBO – 4 BR, 2-1/2 BA home in Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park. Finished basement with additional BR, full bath and rec. room. Two decks for entertaining, in-ground pool, fenced yard, and landscaped yard for privacy. Easy hwy. access. Near schools, shopping and hospital. Low $200s. Call (913) 492-9466.
Donate a vehicle. Make a difference. Donate your vehicle to Catholic Charities to support those in need. Your tax-deductible donation helps children and families served by Catholic Charities and is an environmentally wise way to recycle your vehicle. Cars for KC Kids is a partnership between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Catholic Charities of Kansas City - St. Joseph. Call 1 (866) 430-9499 or visit the website at: www.cars4kckids.com.
For Rent Room for rent - Furnished bedroom with large closet. Apartment complex has pool. Metcalf and Shawnee Msn. Pkwy. area. Call (913) 579-5276. Room wanted - Friendly, single Catholic woman would like to rent a furnished room from a single Catholic woman with kitchen and laundry privileges in the JoCo area. Clean; nonsmoker; no pets. References available. Call (913) 634-6965.
Entertainment DJ Irishman - Colm Delahunt is available for parties, weddings, graduations, and any other function. Playing all your favorite hits from the Village People to U2. Call (913) 548-6765 or visit the website at: www. djirishman.com.
May 19
A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on May 19 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Memories and Memorials.” For information, call (913) 649-2026. Father Tony Lickteig will celebrate the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass at 8 a.m. on May 19 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., followed by a rosary procession to an abortion clinic four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing; Benediction concludes services at 9:45 a.m.
19 & 20 The St. John’s Boys’ Choir, a choral group sponsored
by the Benedictine monks of St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minn., will sing at the 5 p.m. Mass on May 19 and again at the 9 a.m. Mass on May 20 at St. Peter Parish, 815 E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. The Boys’ Choir will also offer a concert following both Masses.
20
Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, will celebrate the golden jubilee of the ordination of Father Al Rockers following the 11 a.m. Mass on May 20 in the parish hall. The Daughters of Isabella, Little Flower Circle No. 503, will host a mother/ daughter luncheon at noon on May 20 at Rossiter Hall, 204 S.W. 8th, Topeka. An open meeting and shower to benefit Birthright of Topeka will follow. Holy Family Church, 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kan., will host a social concerns committee dinner from noon - 2 p.m. on May 20 in Msgr. Mejak Hall. The cost is $12 for adults; $7 for children. For tickets, call Wade McCown at (913) 207-3404 or Jim Taylor at (913) 523-4131. Proceeds will benefit Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Kansas City Rescue Mission. Carryouts are available!
21 Christ’s Peace House of Prayer, Easton, will host a contempla-
tive prayer retreat day from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on May 21. Instruction will be provided on request. Full- or half-day attendance options are available, with the noon meal included. The cost is $25 per participant. For information, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@ shantivanam.com. The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Fashion and Flair on a Budget,” a dress for success presentation, presented by Shirley Chenoweth, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on May 21. Learn about color, style, body image, and how to build a core wardrobe. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.
The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Couples Talk,” a program for women, from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. on May 21. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.
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The Daughters of Isabella, Our Lady of Fatima Circle, will meet at 1 p.m. on May 23 in Davern Hall at Christ the King Church, 3024 N. 53rd, Kansas City, Kan. All women of the parish are invited to attend. The Serra Club of Kansas City, Kan., will host a lunch and presentation at noon on May 23 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5th and Minnesota. Jan Lewis, executive director of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, will be the speaker. Join the Singles of Nativity for happy hour, beginning at 6 p.m. on May 23, at Johnny’s Tavern, 95th and Antioch, Overland Park. Look for the yellow balloon and our greeters, who will be at the table until 7:30 p.m. For information, send an email to: social@son-ministry. org. The Knights of Columbus, Marian Council No. 3768, will host an appreciation evening for all priests, deacons, and seminarians from Leavenworth, Wyandotte, and Johnson counties at 6 p.m. on May 23 at St. Patrick Church, 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kan. The evening will include vespers, a catered dinner, and fellowship. To RSVP, call (913) 287-9876. A course in the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning will be held at 6:30 p.m. on May 23 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 1234 Kentucky St., Lawrence. Enter through the north door to access the basement. A reasonable course fee is charged. Online registration is required. For information or to register, call Shannon or John Rasmussen at (785) 749-1015; the Couple to Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558; or visit the website at: www.cclkc.org. A Marian Mass for the sanctity of human life will be celebrated at 7 p.m. on May 23 at Sacred Heart Church, 227 S.W. Van Buren, Topeka. Confessions will be heard 6:15 p.m. while the rosary is said and the Marian messages are read. A personal testimony will be given by Mark Torrez. The evening of prayer will conclude with Benediction and a 10minute adoration. Fellowship follows in the parish hall. All are welcome.
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The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer DASH (Dietary Approaches for Stopping Hypertension), a nutrition presentation, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on May 24. Pat Callaghan, master food volunteer with K-State Extension Services, will be the presenter. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc. A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on May 24 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Father Anthony Kiplagat will preside. Fellowship will follow in the Father Burak Room. For information, call (913) 649-2026.
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Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity will host a day of
recollection for women from 10 a.m. 3 p.m. on May 26 at St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa. The chapel will be open at 9 a.m. for adoration. For information or to RSVP, call Laurel Sharpe at (816) 289-7344 or send an email to her at: ourladysmontessori @sbcglobal.net. Join the Singles of Nativity for a card and board game night at 7 p.m. on May 26. Bring your own beverages, an appetizer to share, and your favorite board games. To RSVP and for directions, call Carol at (913) 341- 8693 or send an email to her at: carolburrington @gmail.com.
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Join the Catholic charismatic renewal for a Pentecost Mass at 1 p.m. on May 27 at St. Peter Church, 815 E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. Fellowship will follow; bring a snack to share. 30-2 Prince of Peace Parish, 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe, will host a parish-wide garage sale from 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. on May 30, from 4 - 7 p.m. on May 31, and from 8 a.m. - noon on June 1 and 2. Holy Spirit Church, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park, will host a parishwide garage sale from 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. on May 30 - June 1 and from 8 a.m. - noon on June 2. Proceeds will benefit a variety of charitable organizations.
June 2
The annual Croatian Day Picnic will be held following the 4 p.m. Mass on June 2 at St. John the Baptist Church, 4th and Barnett, Kansas City, Kan. The picnic will be held on the Strawberry Hill Museum grounds located next to the church. There will be food, beverages, raffles and dancing to the music of Hrvatski Obicaj and the Don Lipovac polka band. Proceeds will benefit the church’s exterior renovation project.
2-3
Sacred Heart - St. Joseph Church, Topeka, will host its annual Germanfest from 4 - 11 p.m. on June 2 and from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. on June 3. Festivities will include Mass, authentic German food, a carnival, games, silent and live auctions, a Brat Trot 5K run/walk and more. All activities will take place on the grounds of Sacred Heart Church, 312 N.E. Freeman. For a complete schedule of events, visit the website at: www.SacredHeartStJoseph Catholic.org or call (785) 234-3338.
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St. Vincent de Paul Church, Onaga, will host a parish picnic on June 3 at the Onaga Community Center. A fried chicken and ham dinner will be served from 4 - 7 p.m. The cost is: $8 for adults; $5 for children ages 5 - 12; children under age five eat free. There will be bingo, raffles and games for all ages.
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Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers, Inc., will host a volunteer information meeting from 7 - 9 p.m. on June 4 at 11031 W. 75th Terr., Shawnee. For information on volunteering or to RSVP, contact Mary Newcomer at (913) 962-0200 or send an email to her at: volunteer@adviceandaid.com.
CALENDAR 13
Misc. The Kansas City Catholic Homeschool Conference will be held on June 15-16 at St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa. The theme is “Our Faith, Our Families.” For information or to register, visit the website at: http://kccatholichomeschooler.org. Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Roeland Park, will offer summer basketball clinics. The girls clinic will be held on June 18 - 21; the boys clinic will be from June 25 - 28. Both clinics are for students entering grades 4 - 8 and are from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. There will also be a Little Stags clinic for children entering grades K - 3 from 9 - 10:30 a.m. on June 11 - 14. For information or to register, call Dolly Foley at (913) 495-9559 or visit the website at: www.bishopmiege.com. Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Roeland Park, will offer summer baseball clinics from June 20 - 23. Boys entering grades 4 - 6 will meet from 8:30 - 11 a.m.; boys entering grades 7 -9 will meet from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. The cost is $60. For information or to register, call Coach Kennedy at (913) 262-2700, ext. 524, or visit the website at: www.bishopmiege.com. The Singles of Nativity will play recreational tennis from 4 - 5:30 p.m. on Sundays at Indian Creek Recreation, 7401 W. 103rd St., Overland Park (weather permitting). Players of all levels are welcome! For information, send an email to Julie at: j-shea13@hotmail. com. The Bishop O’Hara High School class of 1972 will host a reunion at 6:30 p.m. on June 16 in the private dining room at Fiorella’s Jack Stack Restaurant, 13641 Holmes, Kansas City, Mo. For information or to RSVP, send an email to: oharahs1972@gmail.com. Serving the widowed, separated and divorced who are suffering loss and may feel left out by their church, 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 22 - 24 at Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call John at (913) 219-3465 in Kansas City; Michelle at (785) 478-3481 in Topeka; Jerry at (785) 843-2079 in Lawrence; or visit the website at: www.beginning experience.org. All former parishioners, classmates and friends of St. Augustine Parish, Kansas City, Mo., are invited to a reunion on July 14 at Cinzetti’s Italian Restaurant, 91st and Metcalf, Overland Park. For information, call Dean Wiseman at (816) 318-1601; Barbara Campbell at (816) 941-3576; or Joyce (Coonce) Thorman at (816) 405-2168. There are 14 men in the My House men’s groups that have broken free from pornography. For more information, visit the website at: LoveIsFaithful. com. Calendar submissions: Are due at noon on Wednesday, nine days prior to the publication date. Email submissions to: jennifer@ theleaven.com.
14 COMMENTARY
THE LEAVEN • MAY 18, 2012
MARK MY WORDS
Catholic Press Association Award Winner
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
SEVENTH WEEK OF EASTER May 20 THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD Acts 1: 1-11; Ps 47: 2-3, 6-9; Eph 1: 17-23; Mk 16: 15-20 May 21 Christopher Magallanes, priest, and companions, martyrs Acts 19: 1-8; Ps 68: 2-5ac, 6-7ab; Jn 16: 29-33 May 22 Rita of Cascia, religious Acts 20: 17-27; Ps 68: 10-11, 20-21; Jn 17: 1-11a May 23 Wednesday Acts 20: 28-38; Ps 68: 29-30, 33-36b; Jn 17: 11b-19 May 24 Thursday Acts 22: 30; 23: 6-11; Ps 16: 1-2a, 5, 7-11; Jn 17: 20-26 May 25 Bede the Venerable, priest, doctor of the church; Gregory VII, pope; Mary Magdalene de’Pazzi, virgin Acts 25: 13b-21; Ps 103: 1-2, 11-12, 19-20b; Jn 21: 15-19 May 26 Philip Neri, priest Acts 28: 16-20, 30-31; Ps 11: 4-5, 7; Jn 21: 20-25
EIGHTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME May 27 PENTECOST Acts 2: 1-11; Ps 104; 1ab, 24ac, 29bc-30, 31, 34; 1 Cor 12: 3b-7, 12-13; Jn 20: 19-23 May 28 Monday 1 Pt 1: 3-9; Ps 111: 1-2, 5-6, 9, 10c; Mk 10: 17-27 May 29 Tuesday 1 Pt 1: 10-16; Ps 98: 1-4; Mk 10: 28-31 May 30 Wednesday 1 Pt 1: 18-25; Ps 147: 12-15, 19-20; Mk 10: 32-45 May 31 THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN Zep 3: 14-18a; (Ps) Is 12: 2-3, 4bcd, 5-6; Lk 1: 39-56 June 1 Justin, martyr 1 Pt 4: 7-13; Ps 96: 10-13; Mk 11: 11-26 June 2 Marcellinus and Peter, martyrs Jude 17, 20b-25; Ps 63: 2-6; Mk 11: 27-33
D
Is your summer on the blink?
on’t let this be a summer of three blinks. Here’s what I mean: You blink once, and suddenly it’s Memorial Day. There’s a sense of anticipation in the air about the summer and its relaxed schedule. You blink again, and somehow it’s the Fourth of July . . . and you realize that half the summer is gone and you haven’t had much relaxation. Then comes that third blink when the kids are heading back to school and Labor Day is knocking on the door . . . and once again a summer has passed without your feeling renewed and rejuvenated. Sound familiar? One of my favorite stories was originally penned by the German author Heinrich Böll. It begins with a wealthy businessman who finally squeezes in time for a vacation to a small tropical island. While on the beach the first day, the guy sees a fisherman with his feet up on the side of his boat, relaxing in the sun. The businessman stops and says, “Hey, you’re not going to catch many fish that way!” The fisherman smiles, points to a bucket of fish at his side, and says, “Already caught enough for the day.” Having a Harvard MBA, the businessman decides to help this poor fisherman. He says, “Look, you should spend more time fishing. Then you’d have more than one bucket of fish. You could sell the extra ones for more money, save the surplus funds, and eventually invest in a bigger boat and more nets. That would allow you to catch even more fish!” “And then what?” asked the fisherman. “Well, then you could reinvest your profits and buy several boats and hire staff. You could become a small business, catch even more fish and eventu-
ally open your own factory. You could control the product, processing and distribution.” “And then what?” asked the fisherman. Impatiently, the businessman said, “Don’t you understand anything? In 15-20 years, you could make millions. Heck, you could become so rich that you’d never have to work again. You could spend the rest of your days sitting on this beach, just relaxing and enjoying the sun!” At that, the fisherman said quietly, “And what, my friend, do you think I’m doing right now?” (Adapted from various versions online.) Now that’s a wise fisherman. Although we obviously need to work, we also need to learn when enough is enough. Summer is an opportunity to step back from our usual schedules and indulge in something that we’re rapidly losing: a sense of how to unwind and rest. These days before Memorial Day are usually when I sit down and daydream a bit about what a perfect summer would look like. With a pad of paper and a pencil, I usually scribble down what I’d like to see and do. This year, though, I’m not doing that. Instead, I just took out last year’s list. Sadly, the only thing I can cross off is the date at the top: 2011. Apparently, I blinked last summer away and never took time for those fun items written down. There always seemed to be more urgent items to deal with.
That’s a heck of a way to go through life. So, determined to change my mindset and behavior, I’ve just ordered a new book that I hope will help. It’s called “Remember to Live! Embracing the Second Half of Life,” by Father Thomas Ryan. I like the title. We all need to remember to live. We’re quite good at making a living, but not so hot at having a life. With that in mind, I’m going to take advantage of the every-other-week schedule at The Leaven this summer. On non-deadline Mondays and Tuesdays, I’m going to whittle away at my activity list. In fact, I’ve already got my hands on tickets to T-Bones and Sporting KC games. (I’m still checking on the best times to watch the Royals.) I’ll also be reading some light novels, like Spencer Quinn’s “To Fetch a Thief” — a great mystery series, narrated by a dog. I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve never visited the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial nor the Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden in Kansas City, Mo. That will be remedied. I’m also going to declare some “no cellphone” times, simply to enjoy some uninterrupted peace and quiet. Oh, and several naps and meals out with friends are sprinkled in as well. It’s no accident that the word “recreation” looks like “re-creation.” As this Easter season has reminded us, we regularly need to be renewed, get our priorities realigned, have our perspective tweaked, and be remade into truly human beings. Why not build your own “perfect summer” list of activities this next week? Then, make time for these important, but rarely urgent items. Because, as we all know, the summer — like life itself — can pass in the blink of an eye.
IN THE BEGINNING
Sunday’s reading bridges Luke’s Gospel and Acts
W
hen a movie gains a large audience, and consequently earns a lot of money, its producers often consider making a sequel, in the hopes that the second movie will prove equally profitable. We can expect to see many such sequels this summer. We have no reason to believe that Luke’s Gospel resulted in a financial success. At the same time, it continues to be spirituTHE ASCENSION OF THE ally profitable. LORD Perhaps that Acts 1: 1-11 is why the evangelist decided to write a sequel: the Acts of the Apostles. Sunday’s first reading — Acts 1:111 — provides a transition between the Gospel and its sequel. It describes the Ascension, which is why it was selected as a reading for the feast that celebrates that event. Since the Gospel focuses upon Jesus’ ministry on earth, while the Acts instead directs its attention to the birth and growth of the early church, the Ascension makes the perfect bridge between the two works. The Acts reading refers back to the Gospel by mentioning the 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and the ascension, during which Jesus speaks to the apostles about the kingdom of
God, just as he had done in the Gospel: “He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” The number 40 alerts us to the fact that this period involves a transition. The number 40 appears several times in the Scriptures, often more in a symbolic sense rather than a literal one. Jesus’ 40 days in the desert marks the transition between his private life in Nazareth and his public ministry. Forty days and nights of rain create the flood that washes the earth clean of sin and enables Noah and his family to start all over again. The Hebrew people wandered for 40 years in the desert. Before those 40 years, they worked as slaves in Egypt. Afterwards, they entered into the promised land of Canaan. Once again, the number 40 indicates a transition.
Besides the 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, Sunday’s reading makes another link to the Gospel of Luke. The two men dressed in white garments who appear at the scene of the Ascension echo the two who similarly appear at the empty tomb on Easter Sunday morning: “While they (the women who had come from Galilee) were puzzling over this, behold, two men in dazzling garments appeared to them” (Lk 24:5). Although the text does not explicitly state it, the two men are presented as angels, since the color white, completely unpractical here on earth, symbolizes heaven. Are the two angels at the Resurrection the same as the two at the Ascension? It is not clear. In any case, they provide a link between the Gospel and its sequel, the Acts of the Apostles. The ascension of Jesus establishes a link between the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Similarly, it establishes a link between heaven and earth. It directs our gaze upward, as we remain here, to continue the work of Jesus in the world. Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.
16 LOCAL NEWS
THE LEAVEN • MAY 18, 2012
Personally Speaking: Deacon Oswaldo Sandoval Age: 34 Favorite musical group/person: Il Divo. They sing in Spanish, English and Italian. My most notable encounter with the famous/infamous: Mother Teresa of Calcutta, while I was in Guatemala The most inspirational Christians I’ve met: Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa Favorite saint and why: It’s hard to say a favorite. I really like St. Joseph and St. Augustine. I like St. Augustine’s writings. I like St. Joseph’s obedience to the will of God, and that he was a man of sacrifice. He was willing to do anything to provide for the Holy Family.
Leaven file photo by Susan McSpadden
Deacon Oswaldo Sandoval was born in a remote part of El Salvador, the son of a farmer. After enduring years of war as a youth, he entered the United State in 1995 as a political refugee. He will be ordained to the priesthood on May 26 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan.
A seed that bloomed in the soil of Kansas By Joe Bollig Leaven staff
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — At heart, he’s a country boy who still loves farm life. “I really do [like the farm],” said Deacon (soon to be Father) Oswaldo Sandoval. “When you plant the seed, and you see the plants grow up, it’s beautiful.” Vocations to the priesthood are like that, too. The seed of Deacon Sandoval’s vocation was not planted in Kansas, however, but in a land far away: El Salvador. Deacon Sandoval was born in 1977, in the small town of San Miguel in the Department of Santa Ana, located in the northwest corner of El Salvador. His father Mario was a farmer, and his mother Dora Cervantes-Evallos was a farmer’s wife. They raised six boys, the youngest of them twins — Edwin and Deacon Sandoval. The family belonged to San Esteban (St. Stephen) Parish. Their lives were deeply grounded in faith. “My family prayed the rosary daily,” said Deacon Sandoval. “I grew up going to church all the time, and it’s still part of the family.” “I tell people,” he continued, “that my parents pray more than I did when I was in the seminary!” A few years after Deacon Sandoval was born, the long-simmering tensions in El Salvador broke out into a 12-year civil war. The military-led government was opposed by a coalition of left-wing guerrillas. It was a long, dirty war. Guerrilla raids and assassinations were answered by government death squad murders. Many people simply “disappeared.” Many fled the country. Never having known a time of peace, civil war was “kind of normal” for Deacon Sandoval when he was a boy. “Every morning, a group of soldiers would come and just drink the milk in the morning,” he said. “We gave them whatever they asked for. Sometimes they’d come in the night, asking for food.” Two of his uncles were killed during
“Every morning, a group of soldiers would come and just drink the milk in the morning. We gave them whatever they asked for. Sometimes they’d come in the night, asking for food.”
”
Deacon Oswaldo Sandoval the civil war, although the family never knew exactly what happened. Anyone could be killed for any reason — or no reason at all. “One time, my father and some of my uncles, two brothers and cousins were coming back from the farm,” said Deacon Sandoval. “A group of soldiers saw we were a big family and a lot of boys,” he continued. “They thought, ‘Oh yes, the enemy is coming.’ So one of the solders tried to throw a grenade, but it exploded in his hand, and he and three other soldiers died. My father and uncles carried the bodies.” Deacon Sandoval had not yet completed high school when the violence and chaos in El Salvador led to his emigration to this country. He entered the United States as a political refugee in 1995, and lived first in California, then Arkansas. He went to Emporia in 2001 to live with relatives, where he earned his Kansas high school diploma. Today, his parents and two brothers live in Emporia and belong to St. Catherine Parish there. Like many men who grew up in devout families, the thought of becoming a priest crossed Deacon Sandoval’s mind when he was a boy. The idea would return when he was a young man. “While I was in Arkansas, I had a strong desire to enter the priesthood,” he said. “I was going to apply to the Diocese of Little Rock. I met with the priests there. But my family moved to Emporia.”
His vocation really took off while he was in Emporia. His pastor, Father Dan Gardner, really impressed him. He also got a lot of help from then-vocations director Father Brian Schieber, and from some Sisters of a religious order in Mexico, the Missioneras Guadalupanas de Cristo Rey, who were helping out in Emporia. “One time, [Father Gardner] was giving a homily about vocations,” said Deacon Sandoval. “I saw in him a man trying his best to serve the Hispanic community. I had this in my heart and I approached him. I wanted to be a priest, but I didn’t know how. He said, ‘No problem. We’ll help you with everything.’” Seminary is a challenge for any man, but it would be harder for Deacon Sandoval than for most. “I didn’t know English at that time — a little bit, but not enough,” he said. “And then, I went to the seminary and I remember saying, ‘God, if you really want me to be a priest, you have to help me, especially learning the language. It’s a challenge, especially studying philosophy in another language.” In the summer of 2003, Deacon Sandoval attended the Intensive English Program at Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kan. He continued on at Conception Seminary College in Missouri from 2003 to 2008, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Deacon Sandoval entered KenrickGlennon Seminary in 2008 and graduated this spring with a master’s degree in theology and a master’s degree in divinity. He was ordained a deacon on May 21, 2011, at St. Peter Cathedral in Kansas City, Kan., and is looking forward to his May 26 ordination to the priesthood and his first assignment. “What I am looking forward to is to serve the people of God,” said Deacon Sandoval. “I want to give the sacraments, especially to the immigrants from Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala. I look forward to working with English-speaking people, too. “So, wherever the archbishop thinks I can be useful, I’ll do my best.”
Favorite devotion and why: The rosary. It helps me contemplate the mysteries. It is a beautiful devotion for me because I have a lot of questions. Mary helps me understand her Son’s love for us, and how to be a good disciple of Jesus Christ, because Mary is the most perfect disciple. I have a lot to learn from her, how to say “yes” to God. Books now reading: Most of them are for school, but I’m also reading the “Confessions” of St. Augustine and “The Judge” by William Clark. Favorite childhood toy: On the farm, I came up with my own toys, like little wooden horses. Favorite place in the whole world: Antigua, Guatemala Dream vacation: I would love to go to Hawaii. Worst job I’ve ever had: Killing chickens for Tyson in Arkansas Best job I’ve ever had: I loved working on the farm as a boy, helping my father. I liked to feed the cows. Hobbies/Things I like to do: I like to read, listen to music, hike, camp and be around my family. If I were sent on a difficult missionary journey, the saint I’d take with me would be: Father Miguel Pro, because he was willing to do anything to bring the Gospel and the sacraments to the people, even risking his own life. Qualities I admire in priests I know: Their sincerity, their love for truth, love for Christ, and love for the church. I love it when priests are very pastoral and are willing to do anything to bring people closer to Christ. I admire them and hope to imitate them in my priesthood. Best advice I received: A lady in hospice I met said, “Love Christ, love life, love the church, and always — always — when you make a mistake, don’t run away. Always do your best to repair it and ask for forgiveness.” My advice for someone discerning his vocation: Do not be afraid to go into the seminary. Pray a lot before the Blessed Sacrament. Ask the Lord to enlighten you and be open to the beautiful call to the priesthood. Don’t be afraid.