THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 38, NO. 38 | MAY 19, 2017
Artist’s sculptures are
‘AN EXPRESSION OF MY FAITH’
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY
Self-taught sculptor and woodcarver Derrell Southern takes a chisel and hammer to a large piece of wood. Southern is a member of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee.
By Carolyn Kaberline Special to The Leaven
B
O N N E R SPRINGS — The next time you visit Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee, take a look at the wooden sculptures in the sanctuary. They were all carved by one man: Derrell Southern, who lives in Bonner Springs. There is the crucifix, of course, and also four angels — a flutist, a violinist, a heralding trumpeter and a lyricist with a harp. Southern, now 87, and a member of Good Shepherd, has been sculpting wood figures for as long as he can remember. Although he has had no formal training in art, he said he came from a “wood family.” Since his dad was a cabinetmaker, he was always around wood. Although he dabbled in other
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY
In addition to his larger carvings, Southern also creates smaller pieces of art, focusing mostly on religious themes. art media, such as acrylic in his early years, he always came back to wood. Now sculpting full time since his retirement from TWA,
where he was first a mechanic and later an engineer, his works can be found in a variety of churches and other venues across the country.
“In 1970, TWA commissioned me to do a piece for Neil Armstrong,” Southern said. Using a large walnut log he found at the Lake of the Ozarks, Southern created an impressionistic piece honoring Armstrong’s walk on the moon. “It was quite an honor to do a piece for him,” said Southern. “It was a simulation of his trip to the moon and showed him taking off for the moon. It’s about four feet tall. He took it to his office in Washington, D.C.” But Southern, who said he has always been deeply rooted in the Catholic Church, wanted to find a way to use his art as an expression of his Catholic faith. He contacted churches in various dioceses about his art. After putting an advertisement with pictures of his work in a California magazine, he was contacted by St. Pius X Church in Baton Rouge, >> See “IN-HOME” on page 7
MAY 19, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
R
My claim to fame: I’m Mrs. Naumann’s son
ecently, I visited a kindergarten class in one of our parochial schools. I shared with these cute 5-year-olds that my best teacher in all my years in school was my kindergarten teacher. In fact, she was so good that I am in frequent contact with her till this day. The students were impressed but their teacher even more so! I imagined the teacher calculating in her mind: “The archbishop is almost 68. His kindergarten teacher must be 100!” After allowing the class to marvel at the fact that I had kept in touch with my kindergarten teacher all these years, I confessed she also happened to be my mother. While Mom was an exceptional teacher, I did not learn everything that I needed to know in kindergarten. Fortunately, in her maternal role she has continued to teach and mentor me until this day. For instance, she frequently tells me that my Leaven columns are too long! My mother taught me the most important principle of economics: “Don’t spend more money than you earn!” She was a financial genius figuring a way to support our family on a Catholic elementary school salary during the 1950s and ’60s! She gave me a love for literature by reading to my brother and me at night some of the great classics like “Tom Sawyer.” Mom expanded our vocabulary and capacity to spell by playing word games. Even today, when I beat her at a game of Scrabble, she reminds me that my victory was made possible because she taught me so well. She gave my brother and me her own enthusiasm for history and geography. Current events — like the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, space exploration, the Second Vatican Council, etc. — were frequently part of our dinner conversation. I can never remember doubting that I was
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN loved. At the same time, my mother instilled in my brother and me a responsibility to develop and use the gifts God had entrusted to us for the good of others. Mom taught us the importance of family bonds and the gift of our extended family. We were encouraged not to take ourselves too seriously and to cultivate a good sense of humor. Despite whatever catastrophic events were happening in the world around us, there was always joy in our home. First and foremost, Mom taught her sons to place God first in our lives. She gave us a love for the Eucharist by her personal witness of sacrificing sleep in order to be able to participate in Mass daily. Mom taught us authentic humility and the wideness of God’s mercy by her example of frequent confession. Although I did not always appreciate it at the time, Mom instilled in us a devotion to Mary by praying the family rosary every night. She taught us the importance of personal integrity and striving to live a virtuous life not only for our own personal happiness, but as the foundation for building healthy and enduring friendships. I was reminded of all this not only by the recent observance of Mother’s Day, but also some of the criticism that I received over my decision to transition our afterschool programs for girls and young women from Girl Scouts
to American Heritage Girls. Some of my critics accused me of being a misogynist and having a fear of strong women. I have been extraordinarily blessed in my priesthood with the opportunity to minister with many brilliant and virtuous women. Currently, half of our archdiocesan cabinet is made up of some very talented and, I daresay, strong women. I am in awe of what St. John Paul II termed the feminine genius. I treasure the beautiful friendships with so many heroic women of faith that my priesthood has afforded me. I understand the strong negative reaction by some to my decision to bring a respectful and gradual end to the partnership that our parishes have enjoyed for many decades with Girl Scouts. So many women had such a positive experience with Girl Scouting. It was an important part of their formation as young women. My concerns have never been about our local Girl Scout troops and their leadership. Those leading our Girl Scout troops in our parishes are great women of virtue and faith. They are women very much like my own mother. My concern was with the national and international leadership of Girl Scouts that have embraced what I believe to be a false feminism. I will not in this space go into all of the concerns that our youth ministry office identified with the Girl Scouts national curriculum, the recommended supplemental materials and the entanglement of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl
Scouts with International Planned Parenthood. Suffice it to say, if after years of dialogue regarding our concerns, Girl Scouts USA still chooses to promote Margaret Sanger, Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, etc., as great role models of strong and heroic women, then in my estimation it was time for us to part company. For example, Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood — the largest abortion provider in the United States — considered marriage a type of slavery, sexual promiscuity as the ultimate freedom, and eugenics as prudent public policy. She not only believed that there were too many children, but, in particular, there were too many poor children. Girl Scouts USA has every right to develop and promulgate the curriculum they choose. At the same time, our church has every right to choose the afterschool youth programs that best complement the virtues and values we strive to cultivate in our youth and that match our understanding of the dignity of the human person. American Heritage Girls not only provides opportunities for developing life and leadership skills, but it is Christ-centered. It reinforces our efforts to give young people the greatest possible gift — friendship with Jesus. In St. Louis, I am still known to my mother’s former students as Mrs. Naumann’s son. This to me is a more precious title than archbishop. Louise Naumann is not only an incredible mother, but she has influenced for the better the lives of hundreds of young people that she taught. I want to give our girls and young women the opportunity to develop the faith life and the virtues that will give them happiness and inner peace, while at the same time equipping them to make a positive impact on our culture and society. Our world needs more Louise Naumanns, not Margaret Sangers.
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN May 19 Holy Hour with those to be ordained — Cathedral May 20 Transitional diaconate ordination of Justin Hamilton and Viet Nguyen — Cathedral Pastoral visit — St. Ann, Effingham; St. Louis, Good Intent; and St. Mary, Purcell May 21 Pastoral visit — Sacred Heart, Shawnee Baptism of third or more child — Cathedral May 22 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Finance Council meeting Mass and dinner with Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George May 23 Envisioning Team meeting Retired priests meeting Vespers and dinner with Apostles of the Interior Life May 24 National Committee for a Human Life Amendment teleconference Priests meeting Confirmation — All Saints, Kansas City, Kansas May 25 CFNEK spring meeting of the members Holy Hour with Daniel Coronado, Michael Guastello and formation team May 26 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops spring Communication Committee video conference call
Holy Hour with those to be ordained, seminarians and families May 27 Priestly ordination of Daniel Coronado and Michael Guastello — Cathedral Spiritual Mentorship program vespers, Mass and dinner — Savior Pastoral Center May 28 Golden jubilee of Msgr. Charles McGlinn — Curé of Ars, Leawood May 30 Young adults listening session for 2018 synod Administrative Team meeting May 31 Confirmation — Blessed Sacrament, Kansas City, Kansas
ARCHBISHOP KELEHER May 19 Anniversary Mass — St. James Academy May 20 Transitional diaconate ordination of Justin Hamilton and Viet Nguyen — Cathedral May 21 Confirmation — Federal prison May 23-25 Bishops’ retreat — Chicago May 27 Priestly ordination of Daniel Coronado and Michael Guastello — Cathedral May 28 Mass — Federal prison camp May 31 Mass — St. Paul’s Outreach
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‘ALL THINGS SEEM POSSIBLE IN MAY’
GRADUATES
What didn’t seem possible, as Leaven photographers soon discovered, was adequately covering perhaps the busiest weekend of the year in the archdiocese. But they did their best.
Donnelly College graduates listen to commencement speakers at their graduation ceremony May 13 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas. LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
ROAD WORK More photos of archdiocesan events can be found on page 16
Jennifer Artman is all smiles as she competes in the annual “Running with the Cows” half-marathon May 13, sponsored by Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Wea. Artman completed the race in 1:44: 12.8, good enough for fourth place in her division. “Running with the Cows” also hosted a 5K run the same day.
LIVING ROSARY
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE
Juspeene Rovert is shown here representing Asia in a living rosary celebrated May 13 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. Each region of the world was featured. It was timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the apparitions at Fatima. School of Faith executive director Mike Scherschligt also gave a talk about Fatima, which was followed by a Mass in which the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas was consecrated to Mary.
Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org
Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org
Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org
Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org
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 $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.
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CALLED IN A MORE PROFOUND WAY Deacon Coronado’s early call led to a later vocation
By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Deacon Daniel Coronado’s parents were a little surprised when he told them he wanted to explore a vocation to the priesthood. Maybe they would have been less surprised if they thought about what he was doing with his cookies. “I remember that [as a child] I admired a lot the priest who celebrated Mass every Sunday,” said Deacon Coronado. “I would connect a radio in my house with a microphone to play ‘preaching’ and ‘saying Mass.’ Sometimes, my aunts and grandma listened to me, and I would use cookies as hosts.” Fast forward to the present. Deacon Coronado (Arguedas), 38, will be ordained a priest by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on May 27 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. Deacon Coronado was born and raised in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, in Central America. He is one of two sons of Jorge Coronado and Ana Cecilia Arguedas. He grew up in a conventional, extended Catholic family. His grandmothers played a big role in his life, including his faith. “When I was a child, my mother worked during the day, so I would spend a lot of time with my grandmothers during the morning and early afternoons,” said Deacon Coronado. “I remember one of my grandmothers reading the Bible every afternoon and speaking with some of her neighbors about faith and about some passages of the Scriptures,” he continued. “I remember that every month the neighbors would pass the statue of the Virgin Mary — the Virgen del Carmen — door to door so that in each house the family would pray the rosary.” His other grandmother would preside over dinner table prayers, waiting for quiet before beginning. “I think that showed me respect for sacred things,” said the deacon. “She would pray the rosary every day, and she would sometimes go to Mass with my family. During Holy Week, she would watch movies about Jesus on TV, and she would cook special cookies for us. “I learned how to pray the rosary in my grandmother’s house because, during May, we would gather the whole family, and some of my cousins and I would lead one mystery of the rosary.” Of course, his own parents played a major role in his religious formation as well. His mother taught him how to pray and told him stories about Jesus and Mary. Occasionally, his father would “motivate” him to get up for Sunday morning Mass with a promise of ice cream. “I remember [my mother] bought me a Bible for kids, and sometimes she sat with me to read . . . passages of the Bible,” said Deacon Coronado. “She also bought me a little image of the Virgin Mary to have in my room. My mother and I would go downtown on errands and we would stop by a church to pray before we’d head home.” As he got older, he was involved
LEAVEN PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER
Deacon Daniel Coronado will be ordained a priest by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on May 27 at St. Peter Cathedral in Kansas City, Kansas.
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“I WOULD CONNECT A RADIO IN MY HOUSE WITH A MICROPHONE TO PLAY ‘PREACHING’ AND ‘SAYING MASS.’ SOMETIMES, MY AUNTS AND GRANDMA LISTENED TO ME, AND I WOULD USE COOKIES AS HOSTS.”
in youth camps. He’d also go on Holy Week missions to communities where no priest was available. He and the other youths would prepare and conduct different activities to evangelize adults, teens and children. They’d stop at homes and visit the sick. “We did that several times. And in doing that, I got to know that — similar to the disciples on the road to Emmaus — God was making my heart burn and was calling me in a more profound way,” said Deacon Coronado. “I felt that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.” It wasn’t until he was in college, studying computer systems, that he came to the decision that he had to discern a calling to the priesthood. “I was very involved in the parish in different groups,” he said. “I took classes in theology at Catholic University [of Costa Rica]. Each time, I was more and more involved in the life of the church. I realized [God] was really calling me to something else.” It was a priest from Costa Rica who
PERSONALLY SPEAKING
Meet Deacon Daniel Coronado (Arguedas) Age: 38 Born: San Jose, Costa Rica Parents: Jorge Coronado and Ana Cecilia Arguedas Sibling: Roberto Coronado Hometown: San Jose, Costa Rica Current parish: All Saints, Kansas City, Kansas Education • Grade school: Buenaventura Corrales • High school: Liceo Laboratorio Emma Gamboa (1997) • InterAmerican University, English as a Second Language • National University of Costa Rica, computer systems • Catholic University of Costa Rica, pastoral theology for laypeople and bachelor of arts in philosophy • University of St. Mary of the Lake Mundelein Seminary, bachelor’s degree in sacred theology and master of divinity Last movie seen: “Hidden Figures” Favorite kinds of music: salsa, merengue, Tropical music, pop music My favorite class in seminary was: sacraments of healing Books now reading: “Mary, the Church at the Source,” by Joseph Ratzinger and Urs Von Balthasar Favorite food: Steak, fish, pizza, gallo pinto, plantains, tres leches, cream brulee Least favorite food: Goat/lamb Dream destination: Rome Favorite leisure activities and hobbies: soccer, going out to eat, movies, going to the mountains, zip lining, going to the beach, travel and flight simulation
helped him decide to go north to the United States and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. “He told me that, in Kansas, the Hispanic community was growing and that there were not many priests who could speak fluent Spanish,” said the deacon. He was ordained a transitional deacon on May 22, 2016, at the Cathedral of St. Peter by Archbishop Naumann. “I want to serve the people of God,” said Deacon Coronado. “I want to bring people closer to God, and to feed them with the bread of life, and to offer them God’s mercy through the sacrament of
reconciliation.” “I want to seal them with the graces from the sacrament of baptism,” he continued, “and to accompany and anoint those who are sick with the sacrament of the anointing. “I want to make God present to people in a sacramental way and to imitate Jesus in laying down my life in the service of others.”
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Long road leads to new home, jobs for refugees By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
O
VERLAND PARK — They escaped violence, discrimination and relentless fear. They fled their homes and all they knew on only the hope of a better life. Now, the refugees at Aspire Cleaning Service, a Catholic Charities social enterprise program, have a doorway to the American dream.
A second chance Aspire was created by Catholic Charities employees Jasmine Baudler, Aspire Cleaning Service manager, and Rachel Pollock, director of refugee and immigration services. “Our biggest mission is providing full time, stable employment at a livable wage for vulnerable or underemployed individuals,” said Baudler. They hoped, said Pollock, “to work within our Catholic network to create jobs that allow families the consistency, pay and respect that they need to get on their feet.” Both women had seen the struggles refugees faced and hoped to give them a better shot at life. “They were placed in really lowwaged, tough environments,” said Baudler. “I really wanted to create a way for them to be employed full time, permanently, in safe work environments, with management that cared about them,” she added. Aspire employees work 40-hour weeks, cleaning a variety of buildings Monday through Friday, and usually overnight. The business currently employs eight people and has 10 ongoing contracts. Employment opportunities for Aspire are now open to those that Catholic Charities serves in its Emergency Assistance Centers. What makes the business unique is the fact that it’s a social enterprise, which means any profit it makes is reinvested into Catholics Charities programming. “Aspire’s primary objective is to provide meaningful employment rather than churn a profit,” said Ken Williams, executive director of Catholic Charities. “We pay Aspire staff above-market wages and offer full benefits, we provide free transportation to the job sites, and we do our best to provide full and consistent work for our employees,” he said.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Employees at Aspire Cleaning Service, a Catholic Charities social enterprise program, clean the office at Catholic Charities’ Overland Park office. All of the service’s current employees are refugees who fled their countries for a better life and have now found hope through the help of Catholic Charities. Catholic Charities also works to connect the employees to career development and continuing education opportunities. Those perks are rare in the cleaning industry, where the turnover rate tends to be high and job satisfaction low. But Catholic Charities is determined to produce the best work environment possible for its employees.
Dream team All of Aspire’s current employees are refugees. “All of them are feeling persecution in some way, depending on what country they are coming from,” said Baudler. That shared history gives the business a family feel. “Our employees are very proud to be a part of the team,” said Pollock, “and we can tell this by the referrals that they give to their family members and friends.” Baudler has a list of people hoping to work for Aspire, Pollock added, and people stop by her office regularly to show their interest in working for the program. For now, Aspire’s employees work in
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teams of three, serving either as a janitor, lead janitor or team lead. Their strong work ethic is perhaps due, in part, to the hardship they experienced in their home countries. Several employees are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where they fled war and discrimination. In the chaos of his flight from the Congo, M, a teacher before coming to the United States, became separated from his wife and children. “I ran away to Kenya,” he said. “I lived in a [refugee] camp for two years by myself [before] I met [up again with] my wife and children in the camp.” Once reunited, M and his family spent five more years in the camp before being accepted into the United States. For G, who has 10 children and another on the way, it took seven years of waiting. “We left the village up to the forest and stayed in the forest with my family for one month,” he said. G’s family was without food and other basic necessities during that time. Fortunately, they made it to Uganda, where they stayed in a refugee camp for seven years before coming to the U.S.
But for the average refugee, said Baudler, it takes 18 years to get here. “We are happy here,” said M. “We sleep, we drink and we eat without running.” Two other cleaners are from Iraq, where one was a cleaning supervisor for the American military hospital and served as an interpreter for the military when they interrogated Iraqi suspects. “He really has added so much value to this company because he’s very meticulous in his cleaning,” said Baudler. “He trains everyone how to clean properly, which I think shows in our quality of service,” she said. Baudler believes Aspire can become a top competitor in the cleaning industry thanks to the determination of these employees, and she has high hopes for even greater success in their individual futures. “I truly hope that they’re self-sufficient — for themselves and their families,” she said. “But also I hope that they see their worth.” “They’re able to do more,” she continued. “I want them to live the American dream that everyone has. “I feel like if they’re given the resources, they’re going to thrive.”
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WORKERS thein VINEYARD
TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus
Summer faith journey Planning a family road trip this summer? Make the faith a part of your journey. Try some of the following to engage your kids. • Audiobooks like “The Chronicles of Narnia” • MassTimes.org to find the closest Mass • Pray one decade of the rosary or Divine Mercy chaplet after each stop • Visit a shrine along the ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 way • Mix in some praise and worship music • Lives of the saints on CD from HolyHeroes.com • Father Mike Schmitz podcasts from Ascension Press
— Brad DuPont, consultant for the archdiocesan marriage and family life office
WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE
CHURCH OF THE WEEK LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATIE PETERSON
Betty and Duane Olberding, Germanfest coordinators, stand by the sign advertising the event on May 12 at St. Joseph Church, 306 N. Broadway, in Leavenworth. The 16th annual St. Joseph Germanfest starts with Mass at 4:30 p.m. on June 3 at St. Joseph Parish, followed by dinner and music.
Germanfest helps build community St. John the Evangelist, Kansas City, Kansas (Our Lady of Unity Parish)
Address: 2910 Strong, 66106 Phone: (913) 677-4621 Pastor: Father Kent O’Connor Mass times: Saturday, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. (en español), 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. (en español) Email: oluparishkck@gmail.com Website: www.olukck.org MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.
WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE
GAME OF THE WEEK
TRACK
Hayden High School Hayden High School in Topeka took part in the Centennial League championships on May 11 at Seaman High School in Topeka. The Leaven’s Jay Soldner was there to capture the action. Check out his photos online at: www.theleaven.org.
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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EAVENWORTH — St. Joseph Church here combines its vibrant parish community with the German culture many of its members share into one unique celebration every summer. The annual event known as Germanfest is not just another parish party. “It’s first of all about community,” said Duane Olberding. “People can come in and celebrate their German heritage and have some fun.” It’s a day, he continued, to forget the pressure of everyday life and get to know fellow parishioners while enjoying the German culture. This year’s event will take place at the church June 3, starting with Mass at 4:30 p.m. and followed by a traditional German dinner with music, a raffle and a silent auction. Germanfest started 16 years ago under the leadership of Sharon Kirby. “It wasn’t necessarily to raise money,” said Betty Olberding. “It was just for fellowship.” When Kirby got busy with the restaurant she owns, she asked the Olberdings to take over as chairpersons, and they happily agreed. For the past six years, the couple has given as much of their time and energy as it takes to make Germanfest a resounding success. How much work does the couple put into preparing for the big day? “We don’t track,” said Betty. Because both Betty and Duane are retired and their children are
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“IT HELPS YOU BECOME PART OF THE COMMUNITY MORE CLOSELY THAN JUST COMING ON A SUNDAY, ATTENDING MASS AND THEN TURNING AROUND AND GOING HOME.” grown, it’s much easier to dedicate the time and resources necessary to make Germanfest a thriving event. Some of their responsibilities include preparing food, setting up for the event and making sure everything runs smoothly — all alongside hundreds of volunteers the couple oversees. The large and small actions of volunteers are what makes the day flow. “People just doing one thing is a huge help,” said Betty. And the couple makes sure to involve parishioners of all ages. Children volunteer to carry around drinks to attendees, and some even dress up in traditional German clothing. “That’s what we need — to keep them enthusiastic about their parish,” said Betty. Because all funds go back to the parish, everyone involved plays an important role in the life of their church community. For the Olberdings, honoring
their German heritage in this way is a joy. “Not everyone knows that much about their family history,” said Betty. “It’s nice to keep your heritage alive,” said Duane. “Those things I think are important to remind us of what we are and where we came from,” he added. Everything from the Mass to the music is inspired by the German culture. “We always have a couple of German hymns,” said Duane. “We decorate the church on the inside and outside a little bit with German colors and flowers and things like that,” he continued. The rest of the celebration includes enjoying German food and music by Festhaus Musikanten. Duane’s favorite part of the day is at the end. “When everybody has eaten and are sitting under the tent, drinking a beer and listening to polka music and you can tell they’re having a good time — to me, that’s the best time,” said Duane. For Betty, it’s seeing the effort of volunteers so willing to give up their time for the parish. “I just love seeing the people come,” she said. “We do want to make everyone feel welcome and thank them for coming.” Although countless hours are dedicated to Germanfest, the couple believes it’s all worth it. “It helps you become part of the community more closely than just coming on a Sunday, attending Mass and then turning around and going home,” said Duane. “Church community means more than that.”
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MAY 19, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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In-home studio permits sculpting while caregiving
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>> Continued from page 1 Louisiana, and was soon commissioned to create a crucifix for its sanctuary. The carving was a great success. “The crucifix has greatly increased the spiritual life of our parish,” said Kathy Anson, office manager of St. Pius X. “It’s an overpowering symbol of our faith.” From that first crucifix, word of Southern’s art spread, and other commissions followed. Life-sized crucifixes and other religious art can now be found in several venues in the Kansas City area, including St. Catherine Church in Grandview, Missouri; Good Shepherd Church in Smithville, Missouri; the Shawnee Indian Mission in Fairway; St. Peter Church in Kansas City, Missouri; Our Lady of the Presentation Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri; and at churches in Meriden and St. Louis. His work can also be found in Bishop Miege, Roeland Park, and St. Thomas Aquinas, Overland Park, high schools. In addition to large figures, Southern has also fashioned chalices, processional crosses, candle holders, plates and bowls. While he used to work with a variety of woods ranging from Osage orange and mahogany to cherry and teak, he now works almost entirely in walnut and white oak. His crucifixes — most of them life-sized — are all commissioned works. Those crucifixes may take the better part of a year to complete. “To create a crucifix, I’ll meet with
“I KNOW I DON’T HAVE A LOT OF TIME LEFT, BUT I’M READY. I WANT TO CONTINUE HELPING PARISHES. WORKING WITH THEM IS QUITE REWARDING.”
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY
Southern is currently working on a life-sized cellist playing his instrument. When it’s finished, he hopes it will be accepted by the Kauffman Center in Kansas City, Missouri. the members of the congregation, the priests and staff, to know exactly what they are looking for,” Southern said. “I’ll find out the type of expression they want on Christ and whether he is to be portrayed as alive or dead.” After at least three meetings, Southern will create a clay model of the proposed crucifix, then return to the parish. After final approval is given, it will take Southern six months or so to complete the work. That work begins with a shipment of special-order wood from a local
lumberyard. The boards he receives measure 12 feet long, 8 inches wide and 1-5/8 inches thick, and contain no more than nine percent moisture. Once the boards are cut to the necessary length with a circular saw, Southern glues them together to obtain the correct thickness before a rubber mallet and carving tools — gouges and chisels — are used to turn the wood into a work of art. His studio is never quiet while he works — music is always playing. As a full-time caregiver for his wife Elaine, Southern’s sculpting time is
more limited these days. “I try to work six to eight hours a day,” he said. “It’s not fatiguing. But I work an hour or so, then get away for a fresh mind. I’m lucky my studio is in my home so I can be with [Elaine] and work below.” Currently, he is working on a lifesized cellist playing his instrument. The cello has only a front and back with the open area in between the two boards full of musical notes. When finished, he is hopeful the piece will be accepted by the Kauffman Center in Kansas City, Missouri. “I know I don’t have a lot of time left, but I’m ready,” he said. “I want to continue helping parishes. Working with them is quite rewarding. “I’m entrenched with everything in the Catholic Church. This is an expression of my faith.”
St. Agnes students take to the streets St. Agnes School’s ‘Rams Reaching Out’ gives students the chance to be Christ’s hands on earth for a day through Catholic Charities ministries said Sarah Hayes. “It makes you think, ‘Wow, here are these people who have gone through so much. But here’s these OELAND PARK — people who are willing to help.’ “You don’t see that a lot.” If a school could This year, the class volunteered for put all the lessons it teaches in the class- New Roots for Refugees at the Juniper room into one day of Gardens Training Farm in Kansas City, action, “Rams Reach- Kansas, where refugees learn the skills ing Out” at St. Agnes to farm, manage and sell produce they School here might be grow themselves. This provides food for their families the perfect model. The day of service that began three as well as the community. Although the rainy weather wasn’t years ago gives every class from preideal, the students maintained a positive school to eighth grade the chance to experience what it’s like to be the hands attitude while they did hands-on work out in the fields. and heart of Jesus Christ to the world. “There’s a lot of hard work [inThey do this through assisting a variety of Catholic Charities programs — volved],” said Smith. “But as long as you have an open mind both at the school and in the community. “You think of people who are suffer- and a great attitude, it’s not that bad,” he ing and you think it’s nothing around added. The eighth-graders agreed that this here,” said eighth-grader Cal Hansen. “Then you go to all these Rams Reach- experience also brought them closer to fellow classmates they ing Out activities and might not necessarily you get to see that interact with outside these people really of school. do need our help and “You get to be with we can do something “WE DON’T JUST DO THIS people who you love that’s close to home,” BECAUSE IT MAKES US to be around and you he added. get to have fun while This year’s eighthFEEL GOOD. WE DO IT you’re doing it,” said grade class looked back at the last few BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT Hansen. “It’s a braid of “Rams Days” grateful JESUS ASKS US TO DO.” Christian attitude, fun for the lessons they’ve and helping others,” learned. said Smith. “It teaches us a lot The eighth-graders about Christ and what he did for us and how we give back,” said have fond memories of helping at Hope Distribution Center and TurnStyles on Nathan Smith. The day has shown eighth-grader Isa- previous Rams Days. But many agreed bella Guadamuz how much she has to be that New Roots was their new favorite. “Now that we know what this feels thankful for. “It helps us even more to want to like [volunteering here], we want to do help people because we want them to be it again because it’s fun,” said Hayes. Moving forward to high school, the happy, too,” she said. One goal of this annual day of service students are determined to carry their is that, by the end of their time at St. outreach with them. “I always feel really happy when I Agnes, students will have participated in come out for Rams Reaching Out Day an array of Catholic Charities programs. This will give them a broader per- because I know I’m doing something spective of the service opportunities out good for other people and not just for there and hopefully inspire them to con- myself,” said Guadamuz. “It ends up showing me more about tinue volunteering in some way in the myself and others,” she said. future. The experience has also allowed these The eighth-graders agreed that participating in Rams Day has given them a eighth-graders to grow in their faith in a way they wouldn’t be able to inside the unique outlook on their community. “It lifts your faith in humanity a little,” classroom.
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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From left, sixth-graders Sofia Ross, Elizabeth Benes, Ray Chaffee-McClure, Morgan Mitchell, Marissa Jon
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After loading the truck with their donations for the Mother/Baby Initiative, first-graders (front row, from left) Addison Schraeder, Audrey Kingston and Duke Smith; (back row) Mia Morris, Eli Janssen, Zoey Duckers, Griffin Geyer, Liza Fitzsimmons, Annie DeCoursey, Kelly Neenan, Kampa Knipp and Natalie Milligan posed for a photo with Jose Morano of Catholic Charities. That growth is largely symbolized in the work they accomplished at New Roots. “We’re eighth-graders and we’re growing. And in a sense, this is a farm
and things are growing,” said Guadamuz. “We’re moving on,” she continued. “It’s based on all this hard work and the foundation that we’ve laid.” Guadamuz and her classmates are
Juniper Gardens Training Farm in Kansas City, Kansas kept the eighth-graders busy on “Rams Reaching Out” Day. From left, Ryan Vann, Alicia Lopez and Citlaly Chararro helped to clean up the farm grounds.
nscher and Lily Sumstine volunteered at Hope Distribution Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Preschooler Henry Johnson gives Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann his donation of more than $100 for Catholic Charities. Henry earned money at a lemonade stand he held in preparation for Rams Reaching Out Day.
Two hundred and fifty lunches were packed by the third-graders for the Summer Food Program. From left, Paul Fessler, Ryan Hutchinson and Jayden Contreras were all smiles as they selected various items for the lunches. grateful for the opportunity to serve in this way with their entire school. “All of us together affect a lot of people,” said Smith.
Called to be ‘Jesus to everybody’ Staff members at St. Agnes and Catholic Charities have been overwhelmed by the effect of Rams Reaching Out Day since its inception. “The beautiful thing is that Catholic Charities has so many ministries that we can really share with the kids,” said Jane Sullivan, principal at St. Agnes. “It’s really a good way for us to partner with them,” she added. Whether students are inside the school measuring coffee for food pantries or out at TurnStyles in Overland Park organizing the store, St. Agnes
students are making an impact on their community. This year’s event took place April 28 and began with Mass with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. Each class dispersed following Mass to start their service projects, which took up most of the day, then came together at the end for closing talks and musical performances by Noelle Garcia and David McHugh. As complex and chaotic as the day can be, it’s parents like Jenny Hughes — who played a major role in the day’s success — that keep everything running. “It was important for us [organizers] to be able to give a lot of different experiences to our kids,” she said. Hughes hopes that introducing St. Agnes families to many of the Catholic Charities programs that exist will motivate them to get involved together in a program they enjoy.
Catholic Charities, in turn, is grateful for the support and for the relationship they’ve been able to foster with St. Agnes families. They hope to build similar ones with other archdiocesan schools. “Part of our goal at Catholic Charities is to serve our brothers and sisters in need,” said Denise Ogilvie, vice president of outreach and grants management. “Our second goal is really to make those connections with our parishes and our schools so that they can serve their brothers and sisters in need,” she continued. It’s important to St. Agnes and Catholic Charities that they educate the kids on the actual impact of their volunteer efforts. So on Rams Day, several Catholic Charities employees were there to talk with each class about how the program they are helping with changes the lives of those in need. The message they hope to get across is simple. “Our call is to be Jesus Christ to everybody,” said Ogilvie. “We don’t just do this because it makes us feel good. We do it because this is what Jesus asks us to do.” According to a national organization that tracks volunteer work, said Ogilvie, each volunteer hour is worth about $23.07 to an agency. “Based on the amount of hours the kids did [on Rams Day],” she said, “they basically donated $13,684 to Catholic Charities.” Both Ogilvie and Hughes hope the students take interest in their work and that some might even see a future in serving others. “We want our kids to see if this is something that you love and that you’re good at, this could be your thing,” said Hughes.
BY THE NUMBERS Preschool: 126 gallon bags of pasta for food pantries Kindergarten: 122 bags of coffee for food pantries 1st Grade: 240 items for mothers and babies 2nd Grade: 290 books for foster grandparents 3rd Grade: 250 lunches made for the Summer Food Program 4th Grade: 692 products and 30 rosaries made for resource bus 5th Grade: 45 personal care kits and 75 granola bars made from scratch for Shalom House in Kansas City, Kansas; 15 hope rocks painted for the Catholic Charities Central Ave. location in Kansas City, Kansas 6th Grade: 509 food items donated to Hope Distribution Center 7th Grade: 50 bags of clothes donated to TurnStyles in Overland Park 8th Grade: 222 household items for refugees Entire school: Donated/decorated more than 150 bags for food pantries; made nearly 100 cards for Catholic Community Hospice employees, patients and volunteers; made 190 bookmarks; and donated 190 books to be given at summer food sites
MAY 19, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
‘We can change the culture’
Archbishop urges Knights of Columbus to be instruments of change
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OPEKA — In both his welcome and keynote address to the 116th Knights of Columbus state convention held here from May 4-7, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann called the Knights “the right arm of the church for what you do for the family, for education, for those with disabilities.” Referring to the reaction to his recent column on yoga and the announcement asking parishes to reorient their parish programs for young women to the American Heritage Girls from the Girl Scouts, he then proceeded to explain why today’s culture needed the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic faith. The 1992 book “The Ethics of Authenticity” by contemporary philosopher Charles Taylor, said the archbishop, looks at the decline in church attendance, the number of millennials who profess atheism or say they are “spiritual, but not religious.” He sees this as a new paganism where “we can fashion our own god. This new god is not the God of revelation but a god or gods we’ve created in our image to reinforce our own desires. “There is a great crisis in our culture and society today,” said the archbishop. “There is a high divorce rate, widespread acceptance of cohabitation, a high percentage of children being raised without a father, a high rate of pornographic addiction and a billion-plus abortions a year. “None of us or our families are immune to these trends.” These trends, Archbishop Naumann said, has led him to take the positions he has. (See “My claim to fame: I’m Mrs. Naumann’s son,” page 2.) “I feel as a bishop my first responsibility is to protect our young people and to keep fidelity with our parents to make sure the programs in which they are engaged are consistent with our Catholic faith,” he said. The archbishop went on to recount a story from Dr. Edward Sri, who used to teach at Benedictine College and who is one of the cofounders of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, whose mission is to share the Gospel. Sri was once asked when the church was “going to get modern and change
St. James principal honored by Benedictine
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By Carolyn Kaberline Special to The Leaven
LEAVEN PHOTO BY CAROLYN KABERLINE
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann delivers the keynote address at the 116th Knights of Columbus state convention in Topeka. its teachings on sexuality, same-sex marriage, cohabitation and such.” Sri asked his questioner, “Do you want to know why the church teaches this and why it always has and always will? Because we love people. We want what’s best for people. We want people to thrive, to be happy in this world.” “This changed the whole nature of the conversation,” said the archbishop. “And this is the way we have to approach those who do not believe as we do on these issues — not as opponents, but as individuals we are trying to bring to understanding.” “They are caught in a confusing culture of society today,” he continued, “and in Rod Dreher’s ‘The Benedict Option’ [Dreher argues that] we have essentially lost the culture and need to build communities where we preserve our faith much like the monasteries of the Middle Ages did.” “[Dreher] may be right,” the archbishop said, “but I’m not there yet. I believe this is the call for the
new evangelization. “This is why we as Catholics have to be very intentional about sharing the gift of our faith and the meaning and purpose it gives to our lives in this world and the eternal happiness and destiny that we look forward to. We have an obligation to share this great gift with others.” “We can change the culture,” said Archbishop Naumann, “but we have to change it one heart, one soul, one person at a time.” After thanking the Knights once again, the archbishop told them: “It’s not enough for us to just keep the faith, to preserve the faith. We have an obligation to go and make disciples.” He added that — like the early Christians — “We are being called to that same kind of heroic witness today.” “The Lord wants all to know his love and all to know the abundant life that he came into this world to give us,” he concluded. “His is the good news we have been given; this is the good news we must share.”
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TCHISON — Benedictine College here honored Shane Rapp with the Young Alumni Award at its annual brunch for seniors on May 12. The award recognizes alumni who are under 35 years old, have distinguished themselves in their community and profession, and who support the values promoted at Benedictine College. Each year, the honoree returns to address the graduating seniors at the senior brunch the day before commencement. “Benedictine in so many ways has been a second home and family to me,” Rapp said. “While the gift of my faith was first given to me by God through my parents, it became my own during my time in Atchison.” “It is where I Shane Rapp learned how to pray, where I learned what true community looks like and where I found God’s plan for my life,” he continued. “Most of my best friendships also came from my time here and continue to support me in my vocations as a husband, father and educator.” Rapp grew up in St. Louis. He played four years of soccer and rugby, and met his wife Megan while at Benedictine. He graduated in 2008 with degrees in English and secondary education. He is not only connected to Benedictine College through his wife and undergraduate degrees, but also returned to Benedictine to earn his master of arts in school leadership. Rapp went on to earn his doctorate in educational leadership from Baker University in Baldwin City. He serves as the principal of St. James Academy in Lenexa. He taught English and theology at St. James for seven years before moving into administration. “To receive this award is really a recognition of all that Benedictine College gave to me through the monks, my professors, my coaches and teammates, my friends and — most especially — the woman who became my wife and mother to my three kids,” he said. He and his family live in Olathe and are members of St. Paul Parish. Rapp told the graduating seniors that “alma mater” was Latin for “nourishing mother” and that Benedictine was like a mother to him. He also talked about his own mother, his mother-in-law, his wife and the Virgin Mary. He told them to listen to their many mothers as they move through the years. “Don’t try to control everything, but trust — trust that God will arrange the details of your life through the gentle hands of the mothers through which he so often works,” he said.
MAY 19, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
WORLD
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Fatima seers become church’s youngest non-martyred saints By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service
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ATIMA, Portugal (CNS) — Standing before the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Pope Francis canonized two shepherd children who saw Mary at Fatima, but more importantly, he said, they heeded the call to pray for sinners and trust in the Lord. “We declare and define Blessed Francisco Marto and Blessed Jacinta Marto as saints,” the pope said May 13 as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims broke out in applause before he finished speaking. The relics of the young shepherd children, encased in two thin golden crosses, were placed in front of the famed statue of Our Lady of Fatima, the “lady dressed in white” as the siblings and their cousin described her. The Marian apparitions began May 13, 1917, when 9-year-old Francisco and 7-year-old Jacinta, along with their 10-year-old cousin Lucia dos Santos, reported seeing the Virgin Mary. The apparitions continued once a month until Oct. 13, 1917, and later were declared worthy of belief by the Catholic Church. After contracting influenza, Francisco died April 4, 1919, at the age of 10, while Jacinta succumbed to her illness Feb. 20, 1920, at the age of 9. The children, beatified by St. John Paul II in 2000, are now the youngest non-martyrs to be declared saints by the Catholic Church. Before his arrival at the shrine, the pope met privately with Portuguese Prime Minster Antonio Costa and then made his way into the sanctuary that houses the tombs of Sts. Francisco and Jacinta and their cousin Lucia, who died in 2005 at the age of 97. The diocesan phase of her sainthood cause concluded in February and now is under study at the Vatican. Pope Francis stood for several minutes in front of the tombs with his eyes closed and head bowed. In his homily at the canonization Mass, the pope reflected on the brief lives of the young sibling saints, who are often remembered more for the apparitions rather than for their holy lives. But it is Mary’s message and example, rather than an apparition, is important, he told the crowd, which Portuguese authorities estimated at about 500,000 people. “The Virgin Mother did not come
CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING
Pope Francis prays in the Little Chapel of the Apparitions at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal, May 12. The pope was making a two-day visit to Fatima to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Marian apparitions and to canonize two of the young seers. here so that we could see her. We will have all eternity for that, provided, of course, that we go to heaven,” the pope said. Instead, he continued, Mary's messages to the young children were a warning to all people about leading “a way of life that is godless and indeed profanes God in his creatures.” “Such a life — frequently proposed and imposed — risks leading to hell. Mary came to remind us that God’s light dwells within us and protects us,” the pope said. The hopeful message of Fatima, he said, is that men and women have a mother and like children clinging to her, “we live in the hope that rests on Jesus.” Pope Francis called on the pilgrims to follow the example of heroic virtue lived by St. Francisco and St. Jacinta, particularly their insistent prayer for sinners and their adoration of “the hidden Jesus” in the tabernacle.
This continual presence of God taught to them by Mary, he said, “was the source of their strength in overcoming opposition and suffering.” By following their example, the pope said, Christians can become “a source of hope for others” and counter “the indifference that chills the heart” and “worsens our myopia.” “We do not want to be a stillborn hope! Life can survive only because of the generosity of other lives,” he said. It is with the light of hope, the pope added, that the church can radiate “the true face of Jesus” and reach out to those in need. “Thus, may we rediscover the young and beautiful face of the church, which shines forth when she is missionary, welcoming, free, faithful, poor in means and rich in love,” he said. Addressing the sick before concluding the Mass, Pope Francis said that Christ understands the “meaning of sorrow and pain” and, through the
church, offers comfort to the afflicted just as it did for Sts. Francisco and Jacinta in their final moments. “That is the church's ministry: the church asks the Lord to comfort the afflicted like yourselves, and he comforts you, even in ways you cannot see. He comforts you in the depths of your hearts and he comforts you with the gift of strength,” the pope said. The “hidden Jesus” the young shepherds adored in the Eucharist is also present “in the wounds of our brothers and sisters” where Christians can adore, seek and recognize Christ. Pope Francis encouraged the sick present at Mass to “live their lives as a gift” and to not think of themselves simply “as the recipients of charitable solidarity” but rather “a spiritual resource, an asset to every Christian community.” “Do not be ashamed of being a precious treasure of the church,” he said.
Vatican finance watchdog intensifies outreach to foreign authorities By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican’s financial watchdog agency has beefed up its investigations with increased outreach to foreign authorities in a continued effort to prevent suspected money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Given the growing number of agreements it has made to share information with other foreign financial intelligence authorities and the “increasing complexity of potential money laundering schemes,” the Vatican Financial Intelligence Authority (AIF) made more than 700 requests to foreign authorities in 2016 — up from about 200
requests in 2015 and just 20 requests in 2014. The requests can be for documents, data and information deemed relevant for preventing or countering criminal activity. “The main driver of the increase of the figures relating to the international cooperation and exchange of information is, on the one hand, the preventive and proactive approach taken by AIF at the international level and, on the other hand, the increase of counterparts, and lastly the sophisticated feature of cases . . . involving several subjects and foreign jurisdictions,” said the agency in its annual report for 2016. Rene Brulhart, president of the Financial Intelligence Authority, and Tommaso Di Ruzza, its director, presented the report at a Vatican news conference May 16.
The 28-page paper noted a drop in the number of reports of suspicious activity AIF received: 207 reports in 2016 compared to 544 reports in 2015. Vatican law requires the reporting of suspected funds or activities to the AIF. The agency said the number of reports was still higher than those received before 2015, which indicates improved and increasingly effective “implementation of reporting requirements” by the entities the agency oversees. The authority monitors financial operations at the Vatican bank, formally known as the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), to ensure they meet international norms against money laundering and the financing of terrorism. A handful of cases were then forwarded on to the office of the promot-
er of justice at the Vatican City State’s tribunal after the agency determined there were reasonable grounds to suspect money laundering or the financing of terrorism. The Financial Intelligence Authority said in its report that it blocked four transactions totaling more than 2.1 million euros (about $2.3 million) and froze one account of more than 1.5 million euros in 2016; however, it did not specify the nature or result of the preventative interventions, which may have been temporary. It was the fifth public report since the agency was established by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010 to monitor Vatican financial operations and ensure they met international norms against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
MAY 19, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Bilingual business operations manager - Due to significant growth, TX Valley/Supermart El Torito is hiring a bilingual business operations manager in Kansas City, Kansas. This role will manage multiple projects, focusing on human resources, vendor management and day-to-day business operations. The ideal candidate must be fluent in English/ Spanish with previous experience in office management or retail operations management. To learn more or apply, email: resumes@omnihrm.com or call OMNI HRM at (913) 341-2119. Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, and cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available, as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Looking for something new? - Use your administrative skills to help a developmental optometrist change people’s lives. Monday - Thursday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; summer hours vary. No health benefits. A background in Word, Excel, QuickBooks, customer service and medical office experience helpful. Send resume to: Dr. Beth Basin, 13600 Washington, Kansas City, MO 64145 or send by email to: bbazin@visiondevelop.com. Helper needed - Help wanted three days per week from 10 a.m. - 2 or 3 p.m. No special skills required. Companionship and help with housework needed. Need own car; background check required. Call Dr. Ed Dolan at (847) 530-0351. Teachers’ aide positions - St. Ann Young Child Center in Prairie Village is interviewing for the 2017-18 school year. Aide positions for preschool and Kids’ Day Out. Hours are from 9 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 9 a.m. noon on Friday. Great for moms with kids in school! An aide’s position for the afterschool program: Monday through Friday from 3 - 5:30 p.m. We are also looking for substitutes. Competitive pay. Great environment to work. For more information, call Tati at (816) 716-4676. Positions available - St. Ann School in Prairie Village is seeking to fill the following positions for the 2017-18 school year: Assistant principal - The assistant principal will focus on achieving comprehensive excellence in three key areas: 1) Curriculum: the candidate will understand the current established curriculum as well as have knowledge of “best practices” to meet high academic expectations while incorporating principles of our Catholic faith; 2) Student life (including discipline): the candidate must have a strong background of working with students K-8 and effectively communicating with parents and teachers; 3) Teaching and learning: the candidate must demonstrate expertise in instructional leadership, with an emphasis on mission-driven, data-informed decision-making, as well as a commitment to supervising and motivating teachers to grow in knowledge and application of research-based instructional best practices. The candidate must be a practicing Catholic and have at least five years of experience in Catholic schools as either a teacher or administrator. Learning center teacher - This position will be responsible for helping to provide specific academic support and interventions for students with identified or suspected learning needs in grades K-4. This position works closely with administrators, other learning center teacher and classroom teachers to help students be successful. Responsibilities: 1) Works individually and/or in small groups to provide academic and organizational support to students. This position will push-in to support students; 2) Monitors student academic progress and collaborates with individual students and teachers to implement academic goals; 3) Meets with students’ families and teachers to discuss assessment, current needs of the student and best support for the individual student; 4) Supports classroom teachers with information and resources for students with specific learning accommodations. Must be a practicing Catholic and have experience working in a grade school as a classroom teacher and/or in a resource classroom environment. Second-grade classroom teacher - We currently have an opening for a second-grade classroom teacher. Application process - Interested candidates for these positions should send a cover letter expressing interest, a resume and three professional references to: mriley@stannpv.org. Indicate in the subject line the position for which you are interested. Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, round- trip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.
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Parish life coordinator – Curé of Ars Parish is seeking a coordinator for its parish ministries. The role of the parish life coordinator is to act as a liaison between the parish community and the parish ministries and to foster the faith life of the parish community. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic with a passion for evangelization, self-motivated, an effective communicator, detail-oriented and possess the ability to coordinate multiple projects. Other facets of the role include managing multiple Google calendars and handling the life cycle of new parishioners. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is required. The parish life coordinator role is a full-time position offering the opportunity for health benefits. All interested and qualified candidates should submit their resume to: bobkolich@cureofars.com or mail to: Curé of Ars Catholic Church, Attn: Bob Kolich, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66206.
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Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer.com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.
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Social Studies teacher - Rockhurst High School is accepting applications for an FTE social studies department. Interested persons are asked to submit a letter interest, a resume/CV, and a completed application (available online at: www.rockhursths.edu) to Mr. Scott Duschen at: sduchen@rockhursths.edu.
WATKINS TEAM Honest, reliable home selling for over 50 years Parishioner of Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park Doug (913) 593-6362 | watkinsd@reecenichols.com Dirk (913) 219-2965 | dirkw@reecenichols.com Reece Nichols Real Estate
Sales professional - We respect your many years of experience; we value and need your wisdom. We only ask if you are “coachable”? If so, Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas has openings for sales trainees in our Johnson, Shawnee and Wyandotte County area cemeteries. An excellent earning of $40K to $50+ in commissions is legitimate income potential for the first year. Training allowance your first 30 days, then draw commission with bonus opportunities. Medical, life, dental, optical, prescription, 401(k) plans, etc., are some of the many perks our employees receive. Excellent opportunities for women and men interested in a sales career and in helping people. Advancement opportunities are available for hard-working and focused individuals. Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends when our client families are available to see us in their homes. Once you learn our formula for success, your schedule is determined by you. Please email your resume and contact information to: dvanthullenar@ cathcemks.org or fax to (913) 353-1413.
Professional window cleaner - Residential only, fully insured. Over 40 years experience. Free estimates. Contact Gene Jackson at (913) 593-1495.
Program coordinator: immigration & refugee ministry This position will be responsible for assisting the director of human rights office with the implementation, coordination and maintenance of the diocesan program for immigration and refugee concerns. This will include activities associated with education, pastoral care, prayer and worship, and public policy advocacy, as well as the execution of basic administrative responsibilities. This role will serve as the primary point of contact for questions and requests for assistance and resources from the members of our diocese. This is a part-time, nonexempt position located at the chancery, based upon a flexible schedule of 15-20 hours per week. To apply go to the website at: careers.hireology. com/thecatholicdioceseofkansascitystjoseph. Full-time openings - Padre Pio Academy in Shawnee, which offers a classical curriculum, has full-time openings for the 2017-18 school year. For more information and details, contact Joanne at (913) 530-6553. Director of Christian formation and evangelization - St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood is seeking a director for our Christian formation and evangelization department. This director will collaborate with the pastor, RE coordinator, youth ministers, and RCIA/adult education coordinator to formulate and execute a comprehensive plan of evangelization. This will include pre-evangelization, outreach, invitation and faith formation with a goal of making intentional disciples. The preferred candidate will be a prayerful, faithful, practicing Catholic; a dynamic teacher with experience in the field; articulate and confident in matters of faith with an obvious passion for evangelization. Also vital to this position are excellent organization, communication and collaboration skills, plus the interpersonal skills and personality necessary to motivate their staff and a team of volunteers. A master’s degree in religious education, religious studies or theology is preferred, but we will accept a candidate with a bachelor’s degree who also has experience in leading faith formation programs. For additional details and a complete job description, please go to www.stmichaelcp.org and click on “About Us/Employment Opportunities.” Catechists needed - Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, part-time Level I and Level II catechists, needed at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood. We are in need of trained, Level I (ages 3 - 6) and Level II (ages 6 - 9) catechists. Atrium hours can be based on your availability, either daytime or evening. If you are interested in beginning training, this is a good time to consider both consolidated summer courses as well as monthly schedules starting in the fall. Contact Diane Jones, coordinator of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, at (913) 402-3941 or send an email to: CGS@stmichaelcp.org for more information. Building attendant - Savior Pastoral Center has an immediate opening for a night and weekend part-time building attendant. On-site lodging is provided as the individual is required to live at the center. This position is responsible for hospitality, security and light custodial duties. The ideal candidate will have some customer service experience. Work hours vary and average 15 – 20 hours per week. Mail cover letter, resume and application (available at: www. archkck.org/jobs) by May 9 to: Human Resources, Building Attendant Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109 or send by email to: jobs@archkck.org. A complete job description can be found at: www.archkck.org/jobs.
SERVICES Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002.
Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, fertilizing Hedge trimming, mulching, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002 Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mike hammermoving.com. Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 Tree Trimming Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Tony Collins (913) 620-6063
HOME IMPROVEMENT Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service – Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built onsite. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW.SWALMS ORGANIZING.COM. The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655. Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol. com. Kansas City’s Premier Deck, Fence & Concrete - We repair, power wash and stain wood decks and fences. We power wash and seal concrete drives, walkway, pool decks and more. Call Brian at (913) 952-5965. Member of Holy Trinity Parish. Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovations, tile and sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Josh (913) 709-7230. HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net
Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125. Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.
FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) For sale - Tandem vault located at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City. Patio II, tier C, crypt 105. Eye level with peaceful view and surroundings. Includes perpetual care. Current market value over $12,000. Selling price is $10,000. Call (913) 208-2703. For sale - Three individuals plots located at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City. Located in section 3, old lot 195, spaces 10, 11 and 12. Current value is $2070 per space. Selling price is $1600 per space or $4500 for all three. Call (913) 208-2703.
CAREGIVING Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary. Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591. Caregiver/housekeeper - Retired nurse, 30 years experience. Can provide care in your home, day and/or night. References. Call (913) 579-5276. Girl Friday services - Ironing, sewing, cooking, typing, pet care, quilting, errand running, caretaking for children or adults. References available. Call Deborah (913) 648-7258 or send an email to: gmaks313@gmail.com.
WANTED TO RENT Wanted to rent - Retired nurse is looking for move and would like to do work in exchange for rent. Is willing to pay up to $700 per month, or a combination of above. Will consider moving outside the metro area. Needs privacy and quiet. Call (913) 579-5276.
WANTED TO BUY 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/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware. Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Wanted to buy - Cucina LLC is an entity that buys commercial real estate. Lou Serrone, a member of Good Shepherd, and Tom Disidore, a member of St. Agnes, are members of Cucina LLC. Tom and Lou are licensed brokers in both Kansas and Missouri. If you are a seller of commercial real estate, call Lou at (913) 219-9924. Wanted to buy - I buy antiques and collectibles Vintage and Native American jewelry Navajo and Oriental rugs Old postcards and photographs Coca-Cola signs and old silverware Call (913) 593-7507.
BOYS CAMP Camp Kapaun Catholic boys camp. Sports, team building, virtue growth, spiritual formation, Boys ages 9 - 14. June 4 - 10, Conception Abbey, Missouri Email Victor Rodriquez at: vcrodrc@gmail.com
MAY 19, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CALENDAR NATIONAL PILGRIM STATUE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA Divine Mercy Parish 555 W. Main St., Gardner May 20 at 5 p.m. May 21 at 8 a.m.
St. Patrick School. Proceeds will go toward the new playground. The cost is $7 for adults; $4 for kids. Meal includes a side of rice or beans, and dessert. (Each extra taco costs $1.) Bingo begins at 6:30 p.m.
Visit the website at: kccatholichomeschooler.org to see a list of speakers and to register. Early registration lasts through May 31.
‘JUNE MOON EVENING IN THE VINEYARD’ Liquid Art Winery 1745 Wildcat Creek Rd., Manhattan June 11 from 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Come join in prayer and veneration of the statue blessed by Pope Paul VI and to honor our heavenly Mother on the 100th anniversary of her appearances at Fatima.
MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood May 20 at 8 a.m.
There will be a memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones followed by a grief support meeting in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Ten Commandments of Grief.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.
BOWL FOR SNEAKERS-THON Gage Bowl 4200 S.W. Huntoon, Topeka May 20 from 3:30 - 6 p.m.
Tickets cost $10 each and include two games of bowling and shoes. There will also be a raffle for K-State, KU, Royals and Chiefs items, as well as gift certificates to local restaurants. All proceeds go toward providing new sneakers for area kids in need. We need bowlers and businesses or individual sponsors for this bowling event. For more information, go online to: www.solereason.net.
SPRING PILGRIMAGE Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows 197 Hwy. P, Rhineland, Missouri May 21 at 10 a.m.
The pilgrimage begins with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by a rosary procession through the shrine grounds. A traditional German meal will be served. The cost for the meal is $10. Following the meal, the sacrament of reconciliation will be available. Religious articles will be available for sale and will be blessed in the afternoon.
TACO BINGO St. Patrick School 1066 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas May 24 from 5 - 9 p.m.
This fundraiser is sponsored by the parents of
RETROUVAILLE Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas June 2 -4 GERMANFEST St. Joseph Church 306 N. Broadway, Leavenworth June 3 from 5:30 - 9 p.m.
There will be a German Mass at 4:30 p.m., followed by a traditional German dinner. The cost is $10 for adults; $4 for kids. There will also be a beer garden, wine, a raffle with cash and German prizes, and a German silent auction. Outside music will be provided by Festhaus Musikanten polka band from 6 - 9 p.m. Betty Jo Simon, accordionist, will be in the dining hall. For more information, call the parish office at (913) 628-3953.
PENTECOST VIGIL CELEBRATION Sanctuary of Hope Retreat Center 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kansas June 3 at 9:30 a.m.
Talks will be given by Father Terry Bruce, Father Anthony Quellette and Father Dennis Wait. The day ends with Mass. There is a registration fee of $15. Lunch and dinner may be ordered ahead of time, at a cost of $8 each. To register, pay for registration and meals, call Ruth at (913) 649-2026.
GROUNDBREAKING AND BLESSING Little Brothers of the Lamb Monastery The corner of Boeke and Homer streets in Kansas City, Kansas June 3 at 4 p.m.
The Little Brothers of the Lamb cordially invite the public to attend the groundbreaking and blessing of their future monastery. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will preside at the ceremony.
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Retrouvaille provides help for marriage problems/difficulties/crises. The program offers hope that it is not too late for a better marriage. For more information, contact the registration team at (800) 470-2230 or visit the website at: HelpOurMarriage.com.
CAMP KAPAUN Conception Abbey 37174 State Hwy. W, Conception, Missouri June 4 - 14
This is a Catholic boys camp featuring sports, team-building, virtue growth and spiritual formation. For more information, send an email to Victor Rodriquez at: vcrodrc@gmail.com.
GERMANFEST Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish 312 N.E. Freeman, Topeka June 3 from 5 - 11 p.m. June 4 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Come experience German food, children’s inflatables and mini-train, carnival, games, bingo, oral auction, drawings and much more. There will also be booths where you can buy baskets, fancy items, jewelry, Germanfest T-shirts, and souvenirs and snacks. The Chardon Polka Band will be playing. The sixth annual Brat Trot 5K run/walk will take place on June 3 at 8 a.m. To register, go online to: tinyurl.com/BratTrot2017.
KANSAS CITY CATHOLIC HOME SCHOOL CONFERENCE St. Charles Borromeo Parish 900 N.E. Shady Ln. Dr., Kansas City, Missouri June 9 - 10
Registration is now open for the 2017 conference.
Make plans to attend the “June Moon Evening in the Vineyard” event to help support St. Isidore Catholic Student Center at K-State. For more information, go to the website at: stisidores.com; send an email to: events@stisidores.com; or call (785) 5397496, ext. 110.
CATHOLIC CHALLENGE SPORTS Thunder Beach at Park Lanes 7701 Renner Rd., Shawnee June 16 - Aug. 11 on Fridays
Join Catholic Challenge Sports for their sand volleyball league. Both intermediate and recreation level leagues are available. For registration or more information, visit the website at: catholicchallengesports.com.
COMPASS’ INAUGURAL DECADES PARTY: ’80S THEMED PROM St. Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park June 24 from 7 p.m. - midnight
Breakout the skinny ties, taffeta dresses and Aqua Net. It’s ’80s prom time. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas Compass support group is hosting this fundraiser for the adoption program. Visit the website at: www.compass80sprom. org for more information and to buy your tickets. There are also sponsorship opportunities. This is a 21-and-over event.
SCRIPTURE GROUP AND BIBLE STUDY Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Wednesdays from 9:30 - 11 a.m.
There will be Bible sharing, reflection, lectio and journaling, led by Heather Neds, pastoral minister.
CALENDAR POLICY
Calendar notices are due eight days before the publication date. Send notices to: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.
MAY 19, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER May 21 SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 8: 5-8, 14-17 Ps 66: 1-7, 16, 20 1 Pt 3: 15-18 Jn 14: 15-21 May 22 Rita of Cascia, religious Acts 16: 11-15 Ps 149: 1-6a, 9b Jn 15:26 – 16:4a May 23 Tuesday Acts 16: 22-34 Ps 138: 1-3, 7c-8 Jn 16: 5-11 May 24 Wednesday Acts 17:15, 22 – 18:1 Ps 148: 1-2, 11-14 Jn 16: 12-15 May 25 Bede the Venerable, priest, doctor of the church; Gregory VII, pope; Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi, virgin Acts 18: 1-8 Ps 98: 1-4 Jn 16: 16-20 May 26 Philip Neri, priest Acts 18: 9-18 Ps 47: 2-7 Jn 16: 20-23 May 27 Augustine of Canterbury, bishop Acts 18: 23-28 Ps 47: 2-3, 8-10 Jn 16: 23b-28
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ast week, I was chatting on the phone with a longtime college friend in Minnesota. As we meandered from topic to topic, Ann stopped me cold with: “You know who I blame for the obesity epidemic in our country? Jesus!” It’s lucky that I wasn’t eating or drinking something at the time because I probably would have choked on it. She went on to explain. “Just think about it for a minute. Of course, we have the Eucharist, which obviously is a meal. But most of the other sacraments also involve food. Usually, after the baptism of a child, the family has folks over for a meal or refreshments. After a wedding or an ordination, there’s a reception. After a confirmation, there’s at least punch and cake. See? Jesus is responsible for our overeating!” We had a good laugh about that, but it did give me (ahem) food for thought. At the parish, we always offer a funeral dinner for the mourners. After our recent Masses
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Here’s a little food for thought MARK MY WORDS
FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.
for first Communion and graduation — yup, there was a reception with cookies, cake and punch. We have coffee, doughnuts and cookies after all the Masses on the first weekend of the month. And the parish has a sign-up sheet in the hallway for our upcoming parish picnic in June. Gee, when we gather as a family of faith for whatever reason, there usually is food involved. And don’t we refer to Jesus as the Lamb of God and the bread of life? And wasn’t an early
Christian symbol for Jesus a fish — ichthus in Greek; its letters shorthand for Jesus Christ, Son of God, savior. And don’t forget all of that wine that Jesus provided at the wedding in Cana. Hey, maybe Jesus is responsible after all. Seriously, Jesus reminds us that food is often more than nourishment for our bodies. It’s an opportunity for people to share their time, their stories and their lives. But food isn’t just shared in our homes or churches. Very often, we head out to eat. And it’s in that venue that even Christians can show their uglier side. Several years ago, a pastor in St. Louis scribbled this nasty note on her Applebee’s receipt after dining
with a party of 10: “I give God 10 percent, why do you get 18?” That incident prompted Pastor Chad Roberts of Preaching Christ Church in Tennessee to put up a website in 2014, entitled “Sundays Are The Worst.” He invited waitresses and waiters to submit their stories of “Christians behaving badly” when dining out after church. The site got some 70,000 hits from February to April that year and each story of “condescending, arrogant or rude behavior” received a personal apology from Roberts’ church. The purpose of the website was simple: “We want to make Christians aware that how they treat people, especially on Sunday, matters.” Here’s one of the stories: “Overall, I believe the worst part about restaurant working on Sunday mornings is the look people give you. The “I-can’t-believe-you’re here-instead-of-church” look. . . . Let’s be honest: I’d rather be in church. But I’m a college student in debt until I’m 57 and I don’t have the luxury to not work. “I go to a Christian
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university and live in the heart of the Bible Belt so it is not uncommon to find a gospel tract instead of a tip inside the check book. . . . Please stop being ignorant. God asks you for 10 percent of your entire income. . . . We are asking for a measly 15-20 percent of your bill. There’s a HUGE difference.” When we talk of evangelization, many people think of formally teaching the truths of our faith in some fashion. At least initially, I’m of the opinion that faith is more caught than taught. How we treat others after church, when so many do dine out, can be a simple but effective way to share our faith through exemplary behavior. This coming Sunday, May 21, is an obscure, but needed, holiday: National Waiter and Waitress Day. Celebrate it by going out to eat (duh!), leaving a generous tip and complimenting your server. Don’t forget: Jesus showed us that it’s better to serve, than to be served. As Christians, let’s act like we truly believe that . . . especially when dining out.
Our words point to God, but do not define him
he current controversy over transsexuals has led our society to reflect upon the connection between a person’s sexuality and his or her physical body. We cannot imagine a person without sexuality. That is because, when we think of a person, we ordinarily think of another human being. On one hand, when it comes to the divine persons of the Holy Trinity, that is not necessarily the case. They are not also human beings, with the exception of Jesus. Because he was born into the human race, Jesus was definitely a male. He had a body, with all the appropriate parts. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit, by definition, has no body. Accordingly, he — or
THE GOSPEL TRUTH
FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.
it — would have no sexuality. At the same time, to refer to the Holy Spirit as “it” might appear to reduce the Holy Spirit to a thing, rather than a person. We are caught in
POPE FRANCIS
Pray for rigid Christians, both those who are honestly zealous about following the law, but lack mercy and those who are hypocritical and hide their sinfulness, Pope Francis said. Pray that those who are too rigid learn to follow the way of Christ and his meekness, the pope said May 5 during his early morn-
a dilemma. Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jn 14:15-21, resolves the dilemma by referring to the Holy Spirit as “him.” At least, that is how the Lectionary reads. However, a more literal translation would read “it.” In the original Greek, the word is clearly neuter, as are the corresponding pronouns. That is because the Greek word for “spirit” is in the neuter gender.
Later on, though, John’s Gospel will use a masculine pronoun to refer to the Holy Spirit: “But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth” (Jn 16:13). This going back and forth between words that express a preference for nonsexuality on the one hand, and then for personhood on the other hand, reflects the limitations of language in dealing with the mystery of God. Neither the English language, nor the Greek language, is capable of adequately formulating it. Human language resorts to metaphors, which fall short of the reality. There remains one more divine person, whom we ordinarily address as God the Father. In doing so, we follow the practice of
ing Mass in the chapel of his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae. With the day’s first reading dedicated to the conversion of Saul — who went from fiercely persecuting Christians to patiently evangelizing all peoples — the pope used St. Paul’s life story as an example of an honest, idealistic person of faith, who had been “convinced” of the rigidity of the law. Pope Francis said Saul’s early
Jesus, who called God his father. The practice of calling God “Father” also reflects the patriarchal society in which Jesus lived and in which the new faith developed. The title of father suggests a strong parent who loves and protects the children, a person who is life-giving. It is a metaphor and, like all metaphors, it has its limitations. The title of Father does not mean that this divine person has a body or is a sexual being. Our words point to God, but do not define God. God, as such, is beyond all our comprehension. At the same time, it is through Jesus Christ that God has drawn near to us, to become tangible and within our reach. In Christ, the Word became flesh.
life reminds him of “many young people in the church today who have fallen into the temptation of rigidity. Some are honest, they are good and we must pray that the Lord help them grow along the path of meekness.” Others, the pope said, use rigidity to cover up their weaknesses, sins and personality disorders and to assert themselves over others. — CNS
MAY 19, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS John and Mary Jane Zych, members of Christ the King Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on May 20 with Mass followed by a family dinner. The couple was married on May 18, 1957, at St. Stephen Church in Kansas City, Missouri, by Father Emmett Summers. Their children are: Nancy Nahajzer, Gary Zych, Rick Zych, Nick Zych, Caroline Mahoney, Chris Zych, Lori Winzer, Jill Conklin and Cathy Wolf. They also have 22 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Bill and Joanne (Bross) Berns, members of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Mayetta, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 27 with a reception for family and friends. The couple was married at St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. They will renew their wedding vows during Mass at St. Francis Xavier on May 28. Their children are hosting a celebration in Lawrence. Their children are: Emily Berns, Elizabeth Romeiser, Nancy Berns, Joseph Berns, Anna Cline and Tammy Berns. They also have 13 grandchildren.
Tom and Karen (Hackbarth) Audley, members of Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 20. The couple was married on May 20, 1967, at the Church of the Gesu at Marquette University, Milwaukee. Their children are: Elizabeth Attias, Mary Dawdy and Ann Erskine. They also have six grandchildren. A family gathering in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, is planned for July.
John Charles and Joan Patricia (Colbert) Muehlberger, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 19 with Mass at 5:30 p.m. at St. James Academy, Lenexa, followed by a reception and dinner. The couple was married on May 20, 1967, at Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park, by Father John Ryan. Their children are: Christopher, Katie, John Jr., Natalie, Duffy, James and Annie. They also have eight grandchildren.
Jack and Barbara Pickert, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 27. The couple was married on May 27, 1967, at Christ the King Church, Kansas City, Kansas, by Father Ron Putthoff. Their children are: Patrick Pickert, Lisa Terrell and Jennifer Myers. They also have 11 grandchildren. A reception will be hosted by their children and grandchildren. Albert and Karen (Bergman) Rottinghaus, m e m bers of St. James Parish, Wetmore, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 27 with a Mass followed by dinner with their family. The couple was married on May 27, 1967, at St. Mary Church, St. Benedict, by Father Leander Scheier, OSB. Their children are: Jan Funk, Donna New, Michael J. Rottinghaus and Charles A. Rottinghaus. They also have 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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MAY 19, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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THE OATH
Catholic medical school students at the University of Kansas Medical Center take the Hippocratic oath during Mass May 13 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. From left are: Scott Cooper, Church of The Resurrection, Wichita; Tyler Darland, St. Agnes, Roeland Park; Kelly Zachariasen, Blessed Sacrament, Wichita; Michelle Baalmann, Sacred Heart, Colwich; Karen Valle, Prince of Peace, Olathe; Sarah Carlson, St. Francis of Assisi, Wichita; and Joseph Brungardt, Church of the Magdalen, Wichita.
FAREWELL
Sister Rose Manjula Allam of the Sisters of St. Anne at Villa St. Francis in Olathe gives Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann a big hug following Mass in the Sisters’ chapel. Sister Rose will be returning soon to India and obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing. LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE
GOING STAG
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Roeland Park’s Bishop Miege High School senior Will Grier smashes a backhand return against Wichita Collegiate’s Lakelin Conrad in the Class 4A state championship match May 13 at Harmon Park in Prairie Village. Grier won the singles state championship in three sets 1-6, 6-2, 6-3. Last year, Grier won a state championship in doubles tennis with partner John Schultz, who has since graduated.
GRANTED
LEAVEN PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER
Archdiocesan pro-life consultant Allison Donohue, left, presents Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic director Mary Glisserman with a grant check on May 10 in Kansas City, Kansas. Donohue handed out four more grant checks during the week to: Advice and Aid Pregnancy Clinic in Overland Park, Lawrence Pregnancy Care Center, Birthright in Leavenworth and Mary’s Choices in Topeka.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER