05 26 17 Vol. 38 No. 39

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 38, NO. 39 | MAY 26, 2017

Father Bruce Ansems

Msgr. Gary Applegate

Father Francis Bakyor

Father Alessandro Borraccia

Father Curtis Carlson

Father Daniel Coronado

New assignments announced

F

ather John A. Riley, chancellor, announces the following appointments made by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, effective July 1, unless otherwise noted:

Father Michael Guastello

PASTORS

Father Francis Bakyor, from parochial administrator to pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Wathena; St. Benedict Parish, Bendena; and St. Charles Parish, Troy.

Father Keith Lunsford, pastor of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village, has been granted a medical leave of absence to attend to ongoing recovery from a concussion suffered earlier in the year. He will continue to reside at St. Ann rectory (effective May 19).

Father Vince Huber

Father Salvador Llamas

Father James Moster, OFM Cap., from priestly ministry outside of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to pastor of St. Theresa Parish, Perry, and St. Aloysius Parish, Meriden (effective July 15).

PAROCHIAL ADMINISTRATORS Father Craig Maxim, from senior associate pastor of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village, to parochial administrator during Father Lunsford’s medical leave of absence (effective May 19).

Father Showraiah Narisetty, MSFS, from advanced studies in Rome to parochial administrator of St. Michael Parish, Axtell, and Holy Family Parish, Summerfield, with residence at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca (effective Aug. 1).

PAROCHIAL VICARS Father Daniel Coronado, from ordination to the priesthood to parochial vicar of Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee.

Father Juan Carlos Franco, MNM, from parochial vicar of All Saints Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, to parochial vicar of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park.

Father Anthony Ouellette, from pastor of All Saints Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, to pastor of Holy Name Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, with residence with the Society of St. Augustine community and continuing as chaplain of Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kansas.

Father Michael Guastello, from ordination to the priesthood to parochial vicar of Church of the Ascension, Overland Park.

Father Reginald Saldanha, from parochial vicar of Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, to pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Baileyville, and St. Mary Parish, St. Benedict, with residence at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca.

OTHER

Father Oswaldo Sandoval, from parochial vicar of Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, to pastor of All Saints Parish, Kansas City, Kansas.

Father Michael Scully, OFM Cap., from parochial administrator to pastor of Holy Family Parish, Eudora.

Father Salvador Llamas, MNM, from priestly ministry outside of the archdiocese to parochial vicar of All Saints Parish, Kansas City, Kansas.

Father Bruce Ansems, from pastor of St. Theresa Parish, Perry, and St. Aloysius Parish, Meriden, to sacramental assistance and residence at St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park, and continuing as a marriage tribunal judge.

Msgr. Gary Applegate, from parochial administrator of Holy Name Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, to continuing as judicial vicar and episcopal master of ceremonies.

Father Alessandro Borraccia, AVI, from parochial vicar of Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, to full-time apostolate and community life with the Apostles of the Interior Life.

Father Curtis Carlson, OFM Cap., from associate chaplain of St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center, University of Kansas, to priestly ministry in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Deacon Justin Hamilton

Father Vince Huber, AVI, from parochial vicar of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, to full-time apostolate and community life with the Apostles of the Interior Life.

Father Anthony Saiki, from parochial vicar of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, and chaplain of Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park, to canon law studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome.

Father Rafi Kuttukaran

Rev. Mr. Justin Hamilton, newly ordained transitional deacon, to diaconal ministry at CurĂŠ of Ars Parish, Leawood, and chaplain of Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park, with anticipated priesthood ordination in November.

Rev. Mr. Viet Nguyen, newly ordained transitional deacon, to diaconal ministry at Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, until returning to seminary formation in the fall.

Father Rafi Kuttukaran, Archdiocese of Imphal, India, formerly serving as Catholic chaplain, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, has accepted a position as Catholic chaplain at the University of Kansas Hospital, Kansas City, Kansas (effective April 3).

Father Keith Lunsford

Father John Riley, to sacramental assistance at St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village, and continuing as chancellor and director of the office of child and youth protection.

Father Craig Maxim

The Leaven is now on its summer schedule and will publish every other week. The next issue will be on June 9.

Father Juan Carlos Franco

Deacon Viet Nguyen

Father Anthony Ouellette

Father John Riley

Father Anthony Saiki

Father Reginald Saldanha

Father Oswaldo Sandoval

Father Michael Scully

MAY 26, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

T

‘Thank you, Father, for being Christ for us!’

his Saturday, May 27, I will ordain two new priests, Father Daniel Coronado and Father Michael Guastello.

This past Saturday, I ordained two transitional deacons, Deacon Justin Hamilton and Deacon Viet Nguyen.

Deacon Justin has completed all of his theological studies. God willing, I will ordain him a priest in November.

In September, Carter Zielinski and Joseph Heschmeyer, who attend the North American College Seminary, will be ordained transitional deacons in Rome.

Next June, God willing, I will ordain Carter, Joe and Viet priests for our archdiocese.

Three is our magic number for priestly ordinations. Ordaining three priests on average each year allows us to grow slightly the size of our current presbyterate. Though we could use 10 additional priests today, I am very grateful not just for the number of priestly ordinations, but the quality of the men who will be serving the people of the archdiocese for many years as priests.

I have accepted five new men for the seminary for next year and our vocation director Father Scott Wallisch believes that at least three others will complete successfully the seminary application process in time for the fall semester. I am very grateful for all those who are praying for and encouraging young men to consider vocations to the priesthood.

This past Sunday, I had the privilege of baptizing four infants.

One of the families, whose baby I baptized, gave me a card thanking me for baptizing their daughter. The following are excerpts from a reflection on the importance of the priesthood that was enclosed in their card.

(The reflection is a from a blog post by Tom Hoopes for the National Catholic Register.)

“Thank you, priests,

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN for sacrificing the fulfillment of making it in the world in order to give us a chance to make it to the next world. You don’t take on jobs — they are appointed to you. You put your own will at the disposal of the church, for us. We are grateful.

“Thank you for bringing our children into the church, and sustaining their souls with the sacraments. And thank you for welcoming them into the church informally as well. We see them look at you like celebrities, and we’re glad the first celebrity they got to meet was a man of God. Thank you for patiently listening to them, for taking such joy in teasing them, and for showing them the true face of Christ: the gentle one who said, ‘Let the children come to me.’

“Thank you, priests, for presiding at our marriages, even while you yourselves live such that you can be ready to serve your people at a moment’s notice. Sometimes married people sigh and think envious thoughts about living alone. But in the end, it’s hard for us to imagine how you do it. Thank you for risking loneliness to serve us and our families.

“Thank you, priests, for putting yourself in the unenviable position of dealing with us at our worst moments — when we’re anxious, upset, depressed, even a little out of our minds, focused on our own

problems to the exclusion of all else.

“When we see the care you have to take in listening to the problems of so many kinds of people, we can’t imagine how you do it.

How do you listen to angry people, whining people, weeping people, nervous people, suspicious people and clueless people? How do you listen to us?

“Thank you, priests, for sitting in empty confessionals on Saturday afternoons. You wait there, not even knowing if we’ll come, like the prodigal son’s father on the road. Thank you for all the times we hear, ‘I absolve you from your sins,’ and feel a great burden lifted from our hearts. This gift of God’s forgiveness brings the greatest joy back into our lives. We can give you nothing in return that even comes close to that.

“And thank you, priests, most of all, for bringing Christ himself into our lives. Where would we be without your astonishing ability to make the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ present on our altars and in our tabernacles? You are there for us every Sunday, every morning, giving us this infinite gift.

Thank you.

“In the end, that’s what is so great about you; not you, in yourself, but who you bring us — Christ.

“People call from the hospital and say, ‘I need a priest.’ They point to a confessional and ask, ‘Is there a priest in there?’ They approach in the airport and ask, ‘Are you a Catholic priest?’

“When people need

a priest, any priest will do, because a priest is nothing but a representative of Christ. Christ is the main actor in the consecration at Mass.

It is Christ who forgives sins. It is in Christ that we are baptized.

“The story of my priestly vocation? wrote Pope John Paul II. It is known above all to God. At its deepest level, every vocation to the priesthood is a great mystery; it is a gift that infinitely transcends the individual. Every priest experiences this clearly throughout the course of his life. Faced with the greatness of the gift, we sense our own inadequacy.

“Your inadequacy is your secret weapon.

“You aren’t acting on your own behalf or through your own powers. You are acting for Christ. And that’s why, despite all the attacks, the priesthood will prevail. We depend too much on you to ever let you go.

“Thank you, Father, for being Christ for us!”

What a beautiful reflection on the beauty and the importance of the priesthood. I am very grateful for the goodness and the generosity of the priests of the archdiocese. Without zealous and dedicated priests a bishop is impotent.

There is very little that a bishop can do apart from the assistance of his priests.

Please pray for Father Daniel Coronado and Father Michael Guastello, as they begin their priestly ministry, that they will be good and caring shepherds for God’s people.

Please pray for all of our priests, young and old, that Our Lord will give them glimpses of the great good he is accomplishing through their priestly ministry.

Please pray that many more young men will hear Our Lord’s call to follow him as a priest and that they will have the courage to embrace the call to be a shepherd after the heart of Jesus Christ!

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN 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

June 4 Archdiocesan 50th wedding anniversary Mass and reception — Nativity, Leawood Archdiocesan adult confirmation Mass — Sacred Heart, Shawnee June 5 National Committee for a Human Life Amendment conference call June 5-8 Priests retreat

Spiritual Mentorship program vespers, Mass and dinner — Savior Pastoral Center

June 8 Catholic Education Foundation board meeting

May 28 Golden jubilee of Msgr.

Charles McGlinn — Curé of Ars, Leawood

June 9 Junior high camp dinner, confessions and Mass — Prairie Star Ranch

May 30 Young adults listening session for 2018 synod Administrative Team meeting May 31 Confirmation — Blessed Sacrament, Kansas City, Kansas June 1 Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call Annual Serra golf outing dinner — St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kansas June 2 Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas Mass and continuing education program — Savior Pastoral Center Permanent diaconate Holy Hour — Prince of Peace, Olathe Pitching for Priests softball game — CommunityAmerica Ballpark

June 11 Pastoral visit — St. Catherine, Emporia June 12-16 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops spring assembly — Indianapolis

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER May 27 Priestly ordination of Daniel Coronado and Michael Guastello — Cathedral May 28 Mass — Federal prison camp May 31 Mass — St. Paul’s Outreach June 3 Permanent diaconate ordination — Prince of Peace, Olathe June 4 Mass — Federal prison camp

June 3 Permanent diaconate ordination — Prince of Peace, Olathe

June 10 Mass — Ballyshannon, Ireland

Groundbreaking for Little Brothers of the Lamb monastery

June 11 Mass — Ballyshannon, Ireland

K E A T I N G Mud Jacking FOUNDATION REPAIR

Cracked • Bowed • Settled Wall Repair v Wall Bracing v Waterproofing v Steel Underpinning Kansas City (913) 262-9352

Lawrence (785) 865-0006

MUD JACKING Raise & Level

v Patios v Drives v Garage Floors v Slab Houses Topeka (785) 246-0128

2

MAY 26, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

3

JOIN A DREAM TEAM Soccer program for children with special needs calling for volunteers

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

O

VERLAND PARK — Often referred to as the soccer capital of America, Kansas City is now doing more than ever to give the gift of the sport to children who might not otherwise have the chance to play.

That opportunity is called TEAMSoccer — a program that works with young athletes who have special needs to develop their To register a player skills. (TEAM or to volunteer for stands for TEAMSoccer, visit Training Enthe website at: www. thusiastic sportingbvsoccer.

Athletes with org, then click on Mentors.)

“TEAMSoccer.”

Under the leadership of Tom Gorczyca, Michael Eagan and Carah Berry, and with the help of volunteer mentors and coaches, TEAMSoccer has touched hundreds of lives in the local community since its inception in 2013.

Kick-start What started out as a hopeful idea, TEAMSoccer quickly blossomed into an incredibly popular program that gives kids the total soccer experience.

“The children — when they come on in the beginning of the season — get a ball, a backpack [and] a jersey,” said Gorczyca.

“They really feel like they’re part of the team,” he said.

Eagan, who belongs to Church of the Ascension, and Gorczyca, a parishioner of Holy Spirit Church, both in Overland Park, share a passion for soccer — a passion that has been funneled into creating opportunities for children of all needs.

Their dedication to TEAMSoccer is largely motivated by their own experiences with loved ones who have special needs.

“There was a personal connection for us to try to do something like this,” said Eagan.

It all began when Gorczyca discovered a program in St. Louis called Special Needs Soccer Association (SPENSA).

From that point on, he was determined to bring something similar to Kansas City.

After teaming up with Eagan, the pair presented a plan to Peter Vermes, Sporting Kansas City’s head coach, who immediately embraced the idea.

Since then, TEAMSoccer has provided a welcoming place for children with all needs to grow into more confident players.

Sessions are held on Saturdays and some Sundays in April and May and again in August and September at the Overland Park Soccer Complex.

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

LEAVEN PHOTOS BY DOUG HESSE

Allen Lee makes his way through a human tunnel at the end of a TEAMSoccer session, where volunteer mentors and coaches teach soccer skills to children with special needs.

Jackson Merckens, a senior at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri, works with 6-year-old Dixon Glaze on his foot skills at a TEAMSoccer session in Overland Park.

Each session lasts about an hour and is open to children ages 5-18. All the equipment is donated, making the program free for all players.

Initially capping sessions at 25 players each, TEAMSoccer now accommodates 55, and the leaders hope that number will continue to grow.

But that expansion can only come with the help of volunteers.

“You don’t have to know soccer,” said Berry.

“But if you’re comfortable with the environment and you’re willing to help, we’ll find a spot you’re comfortable at,” she added.

TEAMSoccer has regular volunteers from local high schools like St. Thomas Aquinas and Rockhurst, as well as colleges like Avila and Rockhurst in Kansas City, Missouri, and Benedictine in Atchison.

But the leaders hope to add to their ranks so they can open up more spots for kids who want to play.

“If we knew that we consistently had volunteers, we could keep growing the program,” said Eagan. >> See “PROGRAM” on page 4

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.

MAY 26, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

4

No rook-ie mistakes for these young chess players

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Cool and unflappable, Trey Sanchez munched on an apple while his equally composed opponent, Diego Salas, fixed a relaxed but steady stare at the board.

Taking turns, their hands would dart forward to move white and black chess pieces across the green and white squares in a moderately quick game.

Conversation was at a minimum.

You’ve never seen down and serious until you’ve watched two third-graders play chess.

Sanchez, from St. Patrick School, and Salas, from Our Lady of Unity School, were among the 34 students from three schools participating in the Wyandotte County Catholic Schools Chess Tournament held on May 10 at Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas.

Resurrection at the Cathedral was the third participating school.

Players were in grades three through eight — each competitor a member of his or her school’s chess club.

The chess tournament has been held on and off for about 14 years, according to Our Lady of Unity physical education teacher and chess coach Judy McGarry, and Resurrection School science teacher Steve Kucharo. There was a gap of two years when the tournament was dormant, but they revived the competition this year.

Unlike other forms of competition, there were no referees at this tournament. That can occasionally lead to “yes, it is/no, it isn’t” disputes when it comes to checkmates.

“They’re supposed to agree,” said McGarry. “We can’t interfere. They have to decide themselves, and that’s the challenge.”

“This game teaches you to think through situations,” continued McGarry, “so you don’t make rash decisions.

Chess is about decision-making.”

“Besides challenging my mind,” said Austin Morrow, a fourth- grader at St. Patrick School, “it gives me a new perspective of the things around me.

“Everyone’s hanging out with someone they don’t really know, they’re

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLING

Trey Sanchez, right, a third-grader at St. Patrick School, Kansas City, Kansas, advances his bishop against opponent Diego Salas, a third-grader at Our Lady of Unity School in Kansas City, Kansas, at the Wyandotte County Catholic Schools Chess Tournament held on May 10 at Bishop Ward High School. having fun, making new friends, they’re just interacting with other people.”

Win or lose, it’s important for the students to encourage each other, said Morrow.

But don’t some people become obsessed with winning?

“Sometimes. But if they’re a nice person, no,” said Sanchez. “They want the other person to win sometimes, too.”

Any chess player of experience and ability uses certain strategies, or “tricks.” Dayanna Nicolas, a thirdgrade student at Our Lady of Unity School, waited until the tournament players eating lunch with her plugged their ears before revealing her tricks.

“You could first move a pawn, and then move a rook, and then your other pawn,” said Nicolas. “As you keep going, you get your knight and two pawns.”

There’s only one way to become a good chess player, according to Nicolas: play, play and play some more.

And learn from your mistakes and defeats.

Delena Butters, a third-grader at Our Lady of Unity, has a trick of her own.

“To make a checkmate, I try to do it in a corner,” she said. “Mostly, people move their pawns at first, two [spaces] in front of them, and then their knights.”

Her favorite chess piece? The rook.

“It’s like the queen, except that it can’t go diagonal,” said Butters. “It can go straight, backwards and sideways.”

Tommy Medina’s favorite chess piece is the knight.

“Cuz you can go further with the knight,” said Medina, a fifth-grader at Our Lady of Unity School. “You can

go over other pieces to get the other enemy [piece].”

One mark of a good player is that they always have a backup plan if their beginning strategy isn’t working out, said Butters.

“A bad player doesn’t know what to do and they get themselves in checkmate,” she said.

For the first time, Our Lady of Unity School took first place in overall points with a total of 58. St. Patrick School took second with 55 points, and Resurrection came in third with 47. The scoring is two points for winning a game, one point for a draw, and zero for a loss.

Winning first place by class were Our Lady of Unity fourth and eighth grades; St. Patrick third and seventh grades; and Resurrection fifth and sixth grades.

Program makes some parents dreams come true, too >> Continued from page 3

The love of the game If you show up to TEAMSoccer, you’ll find players learning new skills, participating in various drills and scrimmaging.

You’ll see their faces light up when they get a high-five from their mentors or score a goal in front of their parents.

The upbeat energy that exudes from the field is undeniable.

It’s unique, said Berry, for the children to have “that pure joy and experience of being involved in something, but not feeling as though they’re different.”

Whether it’s working on foot skills or playing a game, mentors and coaches are there to make sure everyone is able to participate.

Each child’s needs are taken into consideration, and they all have at least one mentor to play alongside during the sessions.

“

“I CAN’T EXPLAIN HOW GREAT IT IS TO SEE THE SMILE ON THEIR FACES WHEN THEY SCORE A GOAL.” “I can’t explain how great it is to see the smile on their faces when they score a goal,” said Eagan.

But it’s not only about participation; it’s also about skills.

One girl improved so much she quit the program — to join a recreational team.

“This was her jump-start,” said Berry. “She got confidence, and now she’s playing with kids from her school.”

When the players age out of the program, they sometimes continue with the program as assistant coaches, said Gorczyca.

“It’s great to see, as they progress, [they] feel like they still want to be part of the program,” he said.

A family affair What makes TEAMSoccer even more rewarding for Berry, Gorczyca and Eagan is the fact that their family members also play key roles in the program.

Gorczyca’s wife Mary and Eagan’s wife Dorothy are both there every weekend to make sure things run smoothly.

Their children and other family members are often there to help with the sessions as well, and Berry brings her son when she can to play with the other kids.

“We all feel a part of it,” said Eagan.

The players’ families are also able to take part in the program by watching the sessions while visiting with others doing the same.

“When the parents come out, all they’re doing is giving their time, and the kids have a chance to have fun for an hour that they’re here,” said Gorczyca.

And at the end of each season, parents get to proudly look on while their son or daughter is presented with a medal.

“You call their name and they walk up and the parents are there with a camera shooting pictures of the kids,” said Eagan.

It was a moment, he said, that some never thought they’d experience.

“A mom posted something on Facebook,” Eagan said, that he found very moving. “‘I’m finally a soccer mom!’ read the post. “‘I never thought this day would come.’”

MAY 26, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

5

Transitional deacons urged to nurture a servant’s heart

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The ordination of two of the archdiocese’s newest deacons was a solemn occasion, but not without its light moments.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann said in his homily that one of the two men being ordained — Quoc-Viet Minh Nguyen — was originally a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

“We’re very grateful always to have Archbishop [Emeritus James Patrick] Keleher with us,” said Archbishop Naumann. “We were glad he was at Mundelein [Seminary] this spring to whisper in Viet’s ear, ‘Come home to Kansas, come home to Kansas.’”

Viet Nguyen, 26, a member of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, and Justin Hamilton, 28, who grew up a member of Christ the King and Sacred HeartSt. Joseph parishes in Topeka, were ordained transitional deacons on May 20 at the Cathedral of St. Peter.

Both Deacon Hamilton and Deacon Nguyen studied at the University of St. Mary of the Lake Mundelein Seminary, in Mundelein, Illinois.

Unlike members of the class of permanent deacons that will be ordained for the archdiocese in early June, these two men are transitional deacons.

Although brief, the transitional diaconate is an important step toward ordination to the priesthood. The diaconate is one of the three ranks of clergy: deacon, priest and bishop.

Whether permanent or transitional, all deacons are authorized to preach, assist the priest at Mass, baptize, preside at funerals and witness marriages.

They also engage in works of charity and mercy.

“The diaconate is not, however, just some interim phase you’re passing through,” said Archbishop Naumann in his homily. “Your ministry — God willing, as priests in a short while — will be lifeless and impotent if you do not always preserve the servant heart of a deacon, where no task is too trivial or menial, making tangible the love of Jesus for his people.”

Archbishop Naumann was the homilist, main celebrant and ordaining minister. In his homily, he acknowledged the parents of the two ordinands, their families and all those who helped the two men as they discerned their way to the diaconate and eventual ordination to the priesthood.

In particular, he recognized the very large representation of the

PHOTO BY LABADIE COMMUNICATIONS

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann stands with newly ordained transitional deacons Justin Hamilton, left, and Viet Nguyen following their ordination on May 20 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas.

Vietnamese-American community.

“We’re also grateful for the presence of Father Lac D. Pham [CPPS], the priest who baptized Viet, and Father Hanh Trong Phan, who has provided pastoral care and priestly ministry for many years to the Vietnamese community in the Kansas City metropolitan area,” said the archbishop. “We pray for the presence of the priests, religious and many lay members of the Vietnamese Catholic community who have played such an important role in Viet’s spiritual formation.”

Deacon Hamilton has been assigned to Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood and will be acting chaplain of Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park until his priestly ordination in November.

Deacon Nguyen will be in ministry at Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe and return to seminary formation this fall. He is scheduled to be ordained a priest in June 2018, the same month his father, Paul Nguyen, will be ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

DEACON JUSTIN HAMILTON

Age: 28 Grew up a member of: Christ the King and Sacred Heart-St. Joseph parishes in Topeka Parents: David and Linda Hamilton Siblings: three sisters, two brothers Education: Home-schooled, graduated from high school 2007 Higher education: Allen County Community College, 2007-2008 Seminary: Graduated with a bachelor of arts in philosophy from Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri, in 2011. Graduated from University of St. Mary of the Lake Mundelein Seminary with a master of divinity degree in 2017.

Priestly ordination: November 2017

DEACON QUOC-VIET MINH NGUYEN

Age: 26 Grew up a member of: Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood Parents: Paul Nguyen and Anna Pham Siblings: two brothers Education: Graduated from Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri, in 2008 Higher education: Graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a bachelor of arts in psychology in 2012 Seminary: This fall will be a fourth-year theology student at the University of St. Mary of the Lake Mundelein Seminary Priestly ordination: June 2018

Online resources let families know they are not alone >> Continued from page 16 Henson theorized that immediately after a tragedy, a person’s state of perceptivity is heightened.

“And you allow yourself to be open to things and you see things differently,” he said. “And then you start to go back to the grind of your daily life and your eyes aren’t open like they were.”

Heyen, likewise, said both she and her daughter relied on their faith to get through the tragedy of losing a friend.

“You always have your faith,” she said, “but you realize how important it is to live it.

“There are things that are bigger

than us and we need God to help us through them.”

Faith in action Like Henson, the Heyens are doing something positive to impact the addiction epidemic.

Heyen is on the steering committee for Shatterproof’s first 5K walk/runs to take place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (See page 16.)

The event will raise funds to help build Shatterproof’s online resource for families dealing with the disease of addiction.

“This is the best way to reach a lot of

people,” said Heyen, “and to bring a lot of people together for awareness and support — knowing they’re not alone.

“The more people you have helping you, understanding what you’re going through, the better off you are.”

If they choose, participants will be able to sign up as a team.

“Garrett’s team already has 100 people,” said Henson. “They’re supporting me and remembering Garrett.”

Heyen’s daughter is part of Garrett’s team. She collected donations on her birthday in lieu of gifts. And though she no longer lives in the area, she’ll return home to run in memory of her friend.

“We’re doing this to support people

who are fighting addictions or families and friends who have lost someone to addiction,” said Heyen. “But we’re also doing it to raise awareness so we can make this issue go away.”

That is Henson’s ultimate goal — to save as many lives as possible by raising awareness about the disease that robbed him of his son, to erase its stigma and to give a nation in crisis the tools it needs to fight an epidemic.

“I don’t believe that things happen for a reason,” he said. “I think God’s greatest gift is that he gave us free will.

“And I think that I have been very blessed to be put in a position to effect change.”

MAY 26, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS TOOLS FOR FAMILIES

Blessed are those who mourn

Growing as Disciples of Jesus

Put your summer to work Summer is the perfect time to grow as a family.

Why not pick: • One virtue. Pick a virtue you will all concentrate on — such as kindness, orderliness or gratitude — and commit to one small action a day that will lead to improvement.

• One skill. Kids can learn to cook a meal, clean a bathroom, knit or even cut ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 the grass. Married parents can go online to learn some great skills to make their relationship more joyful at: www.joyfulmarriageproject.com.

— Libby DuPont, consultant for the archdiocesan marriage and family life office

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

CHURCH OF THE WEEK

St. Francis Xavier, Mayetta Address: 301 E. James Pastor: Father Marianand Mendem Mass time: Sunday, 8 a.m.

Email: parish@jacocatholics.org Website: www.jacocatholics.org MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

GAME OF THE WEEK GOLF

State championship roundup The Leaven’s Jay Soldner traveled to Salina for the Class 5A boys golf state championship where the St. Thomas Aquinas and St. James Academy golf teams both qualified. Check out his photos online at: www.theleaven.org.

6

By Cackie Upchurch Director Little Rock Scripture Study

power is not about using force but about standing in truth and in love. To be meek is to be considerate and caring in one’s dealings with others. To be meek is to acf you browse the interknowledge one’s place as a child net for the word “meek,” of God, filled with dignity but not you will likely find countwith pridefulness. less links to indicate that Meekness is not just a personal meekness is not the same as weakness. The very fact that trait that we see within ourselves this occurs so often in an inter- and bolsters our self-understanding. net search tells us that, in our Meekness helps us to navigate our day and time, the two, unfor- relationships with others. It shows up when we interact tunately, are often with people around us, equated. There is an This is the when we determine underlying assumpfourth column how to treat others and tion that it is weak in a 10-part when we have a clear to be meek. That asseries. understanding of our sumption, however, relationship with God does not come from who both loves us and the Bible.

Meekness is a characteristic of challenges us to put away a false Jesus who encourages those who sense of pride. are burdened to come to him for Most scholars acknowledge rest, saying, “Take my yoke upon that the first beatitude that blessyou and learn from me, for I am es the “poor” or “poor in spirit” is meek and humble of heart” (Mt closely associated with this third 11:29). beatitude about being meek. In His meekness also is noted fact, there is an undeniable likelater in Matthew’s Gospel (21:5) ness between the beatitude in Mt when the evangelist quotes the 5:4: “Blessed are the meek, for they prophet Zechariah as Jesus enters will inherit the land” and Ps 37:11 Jerusalem: “Behold, your king where we read, “The poor will comes to you, meek and riding on inherit the earth” (New American Bible revised edition) or “The an ass.”

Lest we are tempted to think meek shall inherit the land” (New this is only Matthew’s viewpoint, Revised Standard Version).

What is the “land” that the Jesus is also described by Paul as gentle (2 Cor 10:1), using the same meek shall inherit? In its origiroot word in Greek (“praus”) that nal context in Ps 37, the land or is used in the third beatitude: the earth referred to the land “Blessed are the meek.” promised to Abraham and his Followers of Jesus, the meek one, are counseled to be characterized by meekness or gentleness. Believers in Ephesus are Is meekness a trait that is urged to live in a manner worthy admired in our culture? Why of their calling, “with all humility or why not? and gentleness” (Eph 4:2).

Similar encouragement is ofWhat examples can you give fered to the church in Colossae from the Gospels to demonwho are to clothe themselves in strate that Jesus was meek humility and gentleness, among but not weak? other virtues (Col 3:12). In Gal 5:23, meekness is one of the nine What kind of connection aspects of the fruit of the Spirit in do you see between understanding meekness and unthe lives of believers. derstanding power?

So, what is meekness really?

We can peel away what it is In your experience and not fairly easily. It is not being among your friends and mild-mannered, timid and cowerco-workers, who exhibits the ing or fearful; Jesus knew when to kind of meekness that is apthunder with words of justice and plauded in the Bible? stand for himself and his Father against those who questioned him This article was originally or tried to trip him up. He was not published in Arkansas Catholic timid or weak at all.

May 13, 2017. Copyright Diocese of Little Rock.

To be meek is to recognize that

I

4

STUDY QUESTIONS

K

descendants. Often the object of greed and the territory for war with neighboring nations, this land had boundaries.

The land that the meek will inherit in the beatitudes has no boundaries because it references the kingdom of heaven — that kingdom that is among us, though not yet experienced in its fullness.

If we are to count ourselves among the blessed because we are meek, we have to be willing to think differently about power and about kingdoms. We have to be willing to acknowledge that the power God wields in the world through us is not about superiority or might or cleverness.

God’s power is about strength in weakness. God’s kingdom is about simplicity and making room in our hearts for the treasures that really matter.

The meek one is not the weak one. To be biblically meek is not to bow our heads in self-doubt or false modesty but to stand tall and allow God’s claim on our lives to transform us and the world in which we live.

Catholic Cemeteries offers Memorial Day Masses

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas will offer Memorial Day Masses on May 29 across various locations in Johnson, Leavenworth, Shawnee and Wyandotte counties.

The full schedule of Memorial Day Masses includes: • Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 15825 S. 169 Highway, Olathe; 8 a.m.; celebrated by Father Michael Hermes • St. John Cemetery, 89th and Pflumm Rd., Lenexa; Mass at Holy Trinity Church at 8:15 a.m.

• Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 38th and State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas; 9 a.m.; celebrated by Father Mark Mertes • Resurrection Cemetery, 83rd and Quivira Rd., Lenexa; flag-raising by American Legion Post 370 at 8:30 a.m.; Mass at 9 a.m., celebrated by Father Jeremiah Spencer

• Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1011 N. Desoto Rd., Lansing; 9 a.m.; celebrated by Father William McEvoy • St. Joseph Cemetery, 61st Terr. and Quivira Rd., Shawnee; 9 a.m.; celebrated by Father Michael Hawken with Deacon Tom Mulvenon • Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 801 S.W. Westchester Rd., Topeka; 10 a.m.; celebrated by Father Tim Haberkorn • Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 126th and Parallel, Kansas City, Kansas; 10 a.m.; Holy Redeemer Chapel; celebrated by Msgr. Tom Tank. Following Mass, Msgr. Tank will bless the new outdoor crucifix on the north side of the mausoleum.

For more information, call (913) 371-4040 (Kansas City area), (785) 272-0820 (Topeka area), or (913) 727-1698 (Lansing/Leavenworth area); send an email to: information@ cathcemks.org; or visit the website at: www.cathcemks.org.

MAY 26, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS Judy (Mueting) and Francis Rottinghaus, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 4 with a Mass, followed by dinner with family and friends. An open house is planned for 2 to 4 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 211 Knights of Columbus Drive, Seneca. The couple was married on June 3, 1967, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church. Their children are: Steve Rottinghaus and Bryan Rottinghaus. They also have five grandchildren.

Janice (Stamfel) and Frank Fraas, m e m b e rs of Church of the N a t i v i t y, Leawood, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 3 with a Mass, followed by dinner with family and friends. The couple was married on June 3, 1967, at St. Benedict Church, Kansas City, Kansas, by Father Ambrose Keating, OSB. They have a son, Joe Fraas, and two grandchildren. They celebrated with a Disney Cruise last March.

Gary and Alberta (Ronnebaum) Stallb a u m e r, members of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, To p e k a , will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on June 3 with a Mass, followed by dinner with family and friends. The couple was married on June 1, 1957, at St. Patrick Church, Corning. Their children are: Dennis Stallbaumer, Denise Smidt, Deanna Evans and Rhonda Combs.

They also have three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Ralph and Mary (Heinen) Spellmeier, members of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 3. The couple was married on June 3, 1967, at St. Mary Church, Purcell. Their children are: Stacey Wray, Topeka; and Jonathan Spellmeier, Goodland. They also have three grandchildren. A celebration will be held later with family in Hawaii.

7

Kathy (Cavlovic) and Ivan Zeleznak, members of St. John the Baptist Parish, Kansas C i t y , Kansas, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 27 with a blessing during Mass, followed by a reception and dinner. The couple was married on May 27, 1967, at Sveti Ilija Church in Lipnik, Croatia. Their children are: Angela Vlasic, Kristie Djukic and Suzie Ashwell. They also have six grandchildren.

Bill and Fran (Michalski) Raynor, members of CurĂŠ of Ars Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on June 1.

The couple was married on June 1, 1957, at St. Joseph Church, Kansas City, Kansas.

Their children are: Billy, Mary, Kelly and Tim. They also have 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Dan and Kathy Sexton, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 10.

The couple was married on June 10, 1967, at the Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, in St. Louis. Their children are: Terry Sexton, Leawood; Brian Sexton, Atlantic Beach, Florida; and Christopher Sexton, Prairie Village. They also have eight grandchildren.

Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios

Concrete Work

Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

GOING TO BRANSON CHECK OUT www.bransonlocalbusinesses.com Help support Local Businesses In Branson

Bill

visitus@bansonlocalbusinesses.com (816) 419-0957

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

The old altar at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas, is taken apart on May 5 to make way for a new stone altar.

From left, Josh Hinkle, Ian Kelly, Andy Kelly, Michael Rebout and Mike Hinkle carefully load the marble sides of the old cathedral altar onto a truck.

SET IN STONE After more than a year of preparation, the Cathedral of St. Peter has a new all-stone altar

By Steve Buckner Special to The Leaven

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “It was hard finding someone who dealt with stone.”

And with that understatement, rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas, Father Harry Schneider, described the yearlong odyssey that he and his parish undertook to find, order, receive and install a new marble altar and ambo for the soon-to-be 90-year-old French Gothic church.

Actually, as most stories go, the beginning dates back several years. That’s when Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann first asked Father Schneider about replacing the cathedral’s existing altar, which featured a four-piece marble top supported by a wooden frame. Father Schneider pursued the request to a series of dead-ends.

“We had some people come and take a look at it, but the project didn’t go anywhere,” said Father Schneider.

But when the archbishop asked about the altar again last year, Father Schneider knew he had to take action. After a handful of phone calls, Father Schneider found himself talking to a church con-

tractor in Minnesota who mentioned the name of Brendan Hemptil of nearby Stilwell, a man who works with altars and stone.

Father Schneider, along with parish acolyte Michael Rebout, invited Hemptil to the cathedral.

“We explained what we wanted, and we started the process,” said Father Schneider.

The “process” took on an extra dimension when the St. Peter’s community decided that the church should have a new ambo to match the altar.

“We took the designs from the current high altar, baptismal font and everything in the church,” Father Schneider said.

Father Schneider and Rebout took the design to Archbishop Naumann, who liked what he saw and approved it.

In early August 2016, Hemptil worked with J.C. Stone Experts from Houston to order the white, Carrara-like marble from an overseas mine. In January, the church received the pictures of the carved marble and gave permission to polish it, a process that takes about as long as its cutting.

On Wednesday of Holy Week, Father Schneider received word that the four tons of marble had arrived in the United States. The 50-piece set then arrived,

courtesy of J.C. Stone, at the cathedral late on May 7.

St. Peter parishioners then dismantled the old altar. The marble from it was preserved and will be re-used as part of a new cantor stand that parishioner Andy Kelly is building.

The J.C. Stone crew then assembled and installed the altar and ambo on May 8 and 9. Diane Hentges of the parish’s Altar Society fed the workers, who barely had time to look up and eat.

“We did a week’s worth of work in two days,” said Kenny Plouff of J.C. Stone.

As the altar was being assembled on Monday night, Archbishop Naumann arrived to check on its progress. He also brought relics of St. Maria Goretti and Pope St. John XXIII, which were placed in the altar when he consecrated it on May 13.

As custom dictates, the archbishop — along with Father Schneider and the workers — signed the inside of a front piece of the altar. Once completed, the altar weighed in at three tons and the ambo at one ton. A structural engineer had been called in earlier to make sure the sanctuary could bear the weight, which it could.

Funding for the altar and ambo has come from parishioners, “who have been

very generous,” said Father Schneider.

Also, the cathedral’s sister parish, Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Seneca, donated $5,000 to the project.

“I think the parishioners are fairly excited,” Father Schneider said. “There’s been a lot of interest expressed.”

One such parishioner is Mike Hinkle, the cathedral’s do-everything maintenance/ facilities coordinator. Hinkle, whose wife Diane made the covering for the altar, said the new altar and ambo were “wonderful.”

“It’s a beautiful thing to have,” said Hinkle. “It goes with the rest of the church, and it ties the church together.”

Rebout, who has been involved with the project since its early stages, agreed with both Father Schneider and Hinkle.

“It enhances the beauty of the cathedral that we have going for us — with the windows and the other altars. It’s just like a completion,” Rebout said.

The new altar’s design features — what else? — the keys of St. Peter.

“We did all marble because of the high altar of the church. It’s all marble,” Father Schneider said. “All the designs and motifs are the same.

“It just enhances — to a whole new level — the incredible beauty of the cathedral.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Kent Matlock of J.C. Stone builds a ramp to help move the four tons of marble into the cathedral.

Plans on how to assemble the 50 pieces that comprise the new altar at the cathedral sit on the archbishop’s cathedra.

Assembly of the altar took two the cathedral.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

From left, Josh Hinkle, Ian Kelly, Michael Rebout, Andy Kelly and Mike Hinkle guide the wooden frame of the old altar down the steps of the cathedral.

Mike Hinkle mops where the old cathedral altar once stood in preparation for the new altar’s installation.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann incenses the new altar at the cathedral on May 13. The altar features the keys of St. Peter on the front. Relics of St. Maria Goretti and Pope St. John XXIII were placed in the altar.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE HINKLE

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE HINKLE

o days to complete and was ready for a busy weekend at

Archbishop Naumann signs the inside of the new altar, which he consecrated on May 13.

Father Harry Schneider, rector of the cathedral, and a J.C. Stone worker sign the altar, which Father Harry helped design.

MAY 26, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

10

Why Memorial Day means more than parades and picnics

By Doug Weller Special to The Leaven

O

LATHE — Three weeks before the Germans surrendered, bringing World War II in Europe to an end, Don Dors was escorting enemy prisoners away from the front when a German sniper’s bullet pierced his leg.

“A tank commander yelled if there were any enemy troops out there,” recalled Dors, “and we said, ‘No, just these prisoners.’

“And with that I fell down. I thought, ‘What’s wrong?’ I looked down and blood was running out of my leg.

“I yelled for a medic and rolled into a ditch next to the tank. The commander got back in the tank and with his 50-caliber gun raked the hillside.”

When asked about it, 72 years later, the details of the event are still vivid in his mind. But at age 91, Dors rarely thinks of the war and his part in it.

It’s not one of his favorite memories.

This Memorial Day weekend, millions will remember deceased military members, family and friends by decorating graves or watching a parade.

Dors will go to the cemetery to visit his wife’s crypt; Patricia died in January 2016. But he won’t march in a parade or don an old uniform in remembrance of his service.

“The war doesn’t enter my mind much any more. You clear it out of your mind,” Dors said recently from his apartment at Santa Marta, an archdiocesan retirement community in Olathe.

“That was a part of my life I sure didn’t enjoy,” he added. “I was a kid, and I didn’t know anything about war.”

Dors was the 18-year-old only child of a Wisconsin couple who owned and operated a paint and wallpaper store.

War was raging around the globe, but Dors said his teenaged self tried not to think about it.

“I had just graduated from high school — June 1944,” he said. “I was more interested in playing ball with the kids in the neighborhood than worrying about the war. But all of a sudden, that came.

“I was 18 and had to pack up and go to boot camp,” he said.

He spent the remainder of the year training in Georgia, then received a furlough to visit his parents at Christmas.

Meanwhile, the Allied troops had been steadily pushing back German forces since landing in Normandy, France, in June of 1944. But just before Christmas, the Germans launched a huge offensive, pushing the front line to the west, giving the assault its name, the Battle of the Bulge.

Dors and hundreds of his fellow soldiers were shipped out — first to England, and then across the English Channel to France — to replace the hundreds of U.S. soldiers killed or wounded in the fighting.

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co.

Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing.

Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas.

Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

World War II veteran Don Dors fought in the European Theater and earned a Purple Heart. These days he resides at Santa Marta, an archdiocesan retirement community in Olathe.

“

“I’D NEVER HELD A GUN IN MY HAND UNTIL BOOT CAMP. WE WERE DIGGING FOXHOLES. THERE WAS A CONSTANT BARRAGE FROM THE MORTARS. YOU GET TO LOVE MOTHER EARTH AND GET AS CLOSE TO IT AS YOU CAN.”

They rode in World War I-era boxcars to the front, then camped in tents until the Americans captured a bridge at Remagen, Germany. It was one of the few bridges crossing the Rhine River that the Germans had not demolished.

Soon, Dors and his fellow troops crossed the river in small boats, then began marching toward Berlin, the German capital.

“From there, it was strictly push as much as you could. Go. Go. Go. We

were racing to Berlin, and then Eisenhower gave Berlin to the Russians, so we took a more southerly route. We were just pushing the Germans back,” Dors recalled.

Along the way, hundreds of German troops were surrendering. Dors’ platoon had gathered nearly a hundred prisoners when he and another solder were assigned to take them back away from the front.

“I still remember the road we were going up. We made a turn and there was another group of soldiers giving themselves up, with their hands up in the air,” Dors said.

That’s when the sniper felled him.

Within five minutes, he figured, a medic had his wound bandaged and had placed him on a stretcher to be sent to a first-aid station, then to an airfield to be put on a flight to a hospital in France.

“I was in a plaster cast from my toe to around my waist and down the other leg with a brace in between. And I was in that doggone thing two to three months,” he said.

Loaded onto a ship with other wounded soldiers, Dors arrived in New York and heard the news that the Germans had surrendered.

“It was over in May. If I’d lasted a little longer, I could have gone through the whole thing,” Dors said.

He then recuperated in Army hospitals in Topeka and Michigan before being discharged in September.

Dors returned to Wisconsin and joined his parents in their store. It had been a 16-month roller coaster ride.

“Everyone was anxious to go to war because of Pearl Harbor,” he said of the pulse of the country at the time he was drafted. “Patriotism was running high.”

But the reality of war was a different matter.

“I’d never held a gun in my hand until boot camp,” he said. “We were digging foxholes. There was a constant barrage from the mortars. You get to love Mother Earth and get as close to it as you can.”

Dors also knows he was among the fortunate ones.

“That was the worst I took, and I healed fine,” he said, pointing to his leg. “To this day there is just a little scar; it just missed my kneecap.”

And life went on. He met Patricia, they married and began a family, which would eventually include four children.

“In my early 30s, I got an offer from a paint company to run a new store here in Kansas City. It was a good offer, and we’ve been here ever since,” he said.

They settled in Prairie Village, where they became members of St. Ann Parish. Later, after retirement, they moved into Ascension Parish in Overland Park.

“And now this is my parish here, Santa Marta,” he said.

One frame on a wall holds medals from the war — a Purple Heart in the center, for being wounded in action.

The remaining walls of his small apartment are covered with his wife’s paintings. And on a desk with a photo of her is one of his first great-grandchild.

Had he not come back from the war, none of that would exist.

“A lot of people made sacrifices, and a lot never came back,” he said quietly.

“You want a war to end all wars. But you look at what’s going on now — it just gets worse and worse. It’s a sad thing. I’ve always been afraid of something starting with Russia. It’s a different world now.”

Dors said he’ll reminisce with other veterans about his experience, but otherwise, he doesn’t think about it. And even though his medals are framed on a wall, he doesn’t show them off.

“These medals — it was quite some time before I even touched them,” he said. And still today, he worries that paying them much attention sounds like he might be boastful.

“For years, nobody talked about the war,” Dors said. “I see a lot of books in the library, but I don’t need to relive it.”

But every time he reads or hears of a new conflict erupting somewhere in the world, he shakes his head.

“You think, ‘Let’s hope there’s no more of this type of fighting,’” he said, “and then you pick up the morning paper.”

Want to help someone heal from an abortion?

Call Toll Free 888-246-1504

MAY 26, 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-today 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.

Part-time payroll specialist – OMNI Human Resource Management provides a variety of human resources expertise (consulting, search and outsourcing) to client organizations throughout Kansas City. Our firm offers a highly collaborative culture and family-friendly work environment. We’re seeking a payroll specialist (part time) to support our client operations managers and the clients we serve with day-to-day management of all payroll-related functions and processes. The ideal candidate has payroll management experience in a highvolume environment, with a college degree in accounting, business or a related field. Knowledge of Kronos related system a plus. To learn more or apply, email: resumes@ omnihrm.com or call OMNI HRM at (913) 341-2119.

Teachers - The Goddard School Olathe Northwest is looking for dynamic, energetic, professional teachers to add to our faculty. The Goddard School is a premiere preschool where children from 6 weeks to 6 years are encouraged to develop at their own pace in a nurturing environment, lovingly guided by our highly skilled, professional teachers. By using the most current and academically endorsed methods, the F.L.E.X. Learning Program focuses on developing seven Learning Domains: personal and social development, language and literacy, mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, social studies, creative expression and physical development. Our program for exceptional early childhood education ensures children have fun while learning and is aimed at preparing them with skills and aptitudes needed for success in the 21st century. Owners are Ascension parishioners. We are hiring for the following positions: CO-LEAD INFANT TEACHER – FULL TIME; PRESCHOOL TEACHER - FULL TIME; TODDLER TEACHER – FULL TIME; ASSISTANT TEACHER TO MULTIPLE CLASSROOMS. To apply, send an email and resume to: olathe2ks@god dardschools.com.

Board members - Santa Marta, Johnson County’s premier life care community sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is actively seeking board members for the term beginning January 2018. The board meets four times a year and looks for interested members that have a wide range of expertise from business to health care and, most importantly, are interested in serving a great community. If you have an interest in giving your time and talent to the mission of Santa Marta, submit a letter of interest and resume to the following: Heidi Abeln, Santa Marta Life Care Community, 13800 W. 116th St., Olathe, KS 66062, or call (913) 828-4180 or send an email to: www. santamartaretirement.com.

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.

Grant writing - Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph is offering a rewarding career opportunity to individuals interested in full-time grant writing. To learn more about this opportunity and to apply, visit our website at: www.catholiccharities-kcsj.org.

Teachers’ aide positions - St. Ann Young Child Center in Prairie Village is interviewing for aide positions for preschool and Kids’ Day Out for the 2017-18 school year.

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.

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.

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.

Director of Early Education Center - St. Therese North has an opening for a director of the Early Education Center. This highly accredited center cares for about 160 children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 5 years. The ideal candidate will have both educational and administrative experience at this level with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education (master’s preferred) or equivalent experience. Outstanding people and leadership skills are required, as well as excellent organizational ability. Duties include planning, budgeting, serving as a liaison with parents, supervising and evaluating staff and directing the afterschool program. The candidate must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with a pastor’s letter of recommendation. To apply, go to the website at: careers. hireology.com/thecatholicdioceseofkansascitystjoseph.

Director of music - St. Gabriel Parish is seeking a director of music for our music program. The position will be available this summer and requires a knowledge of Catholic liturgy and music, both contemporary and traditional. The director will prepare seasonal music, rehearse two choirs and train cantors. The director will accompany most Masses, be available to accompany funerals, weddings and other special parish events.

The director of music works with the director of youth activities, pastoral associate and pastor collaboratively to ensure a cohesive music and liturgical program. The position assumes a minimum of 25-28 hours per week to accomplish. Salary is based on diocesan scale. For more information and to send a resume, contact Father Joseph Sharbel, pastor, at (816) 453-1183 or send an email to: sharbeljoe@gmail.com.

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.”

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.

Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van.

CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children.

Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading.

Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, roundtrip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

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.

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/thecatholic dioceseofkansascitystjoseph.

Pastoral associate for discipleship - Queen of the Holy Rosary – Wea, located at 227th and Metcalf in Bucyrus, is seeking a full-time faith formation leader to assist the pastor in the Catholic formation of adults, children and teens. This is a key leadership position in the parish and, in addition to other responsibilities, the incumbent will serve as the director of religious education and youth minister. Applicants need to be formally educated in theology or similar discipline and have experience in handing on the faith. The position requires a person who will work professionally with adults, collaborate well with volunteers and demonstrate great rapport with children and teens. Interested individuals should send resume and reference list to Father Gary Pennings, Pastor, Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 22779 Metcalf, Bucyrus, KS 66013 or call (913) 533-2462. Hope to fill the position by July 1.

Account director - Wellington, a full-service event management, incentive, meeting and marketing company, is looking for an account director (AD). The AD is responsible for the overall success and development of Wellington client relationships. Acting as a frontline point of contact, this tenacious person must have the passion to learn and curate the clients’ brand and marketing strategies and then translate them into innovative event strategy. Additionally, strong team and leadership skills are required as the AD is responsible for the oversight, coaching, nurture, training and management of the dedicated account team. The AD should possess organizational skills as he or she will oversee and execute event-planning, team management, marketing oversight and financial management. Applicants may apply online at: www.wellingtonexperience.com/careers.

Lead extended-care teacher - St. Patrick Early Education Center, Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a full-time lead extended-care teacher. The qualified candidate must be an active, practicing Catholic who loves working with preschool-age children. Experience and education is preferred, but will train the right candidate.

Responsibilities include: supervising children; parent communication; cleaning and organization of classroom.

Hours are 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday - Friday. We follow St. Patrick School schedule and are closed holidays, spring break and summer. Pay is hourly. For more information, send an email to: stpatrickeec@archkckcs.org or call (913) 299-3051.

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

Landscape and irrigation design, Installation and maintenance.

Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad.

Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

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@mikehammermoving.com.

12

Summer tutoring - Voice, piano and guitar available.

Instructor teaches in a fun and meaningful context. For more information, call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or send an email to: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

Professional window cleaner - Residential only, fully insured. Over 40 years experience. Free estimates. Contact Gene Jackson at (913) 593-1495.

Clutter getting you down? - Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin of all trades” your professional organizer and “Honey-do” specialist. Call or email me today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055 or kev@koatindustries. com. Insured. References.

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 Senior hairstyling - Roller sets, haircuts and perms.

Wednesday - Friday by appointment. One block south of Johnson Dr. in Mission. $5 off any service with first service. Call Bonnie at (816) 769-8511.

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 Quilted memories - Your Kansas City Longarm shop Nolting Longarm machines, quilting supplies and machine quilting services. We specialize in memorial quilts - custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, neckties, etc. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. Visit the website at: www. quiltedmemoriesllc.com.

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

Tutoring - Highly skilled, retired Algebra 1 teacher tutoring students to help build confidence to successfully reach his/her full potential in Algebra 1. Virtus trained. If interested, send an email to: algebratutor72@gmail.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 on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.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: dan deeconst@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.

>> Classifieds continue on page 13

MAY 26, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR RETROUVAILLE Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas June 2 -4

Retrouvaille provides help for marriage problems/difficulties/crises. The program offers hope that it is not too late for a better marriage. For more information, contact the registration team at (800) 470-2230 or visit the website at: HelpOurMarriage.com.

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 invite the public to attend the groundbreaking and blessing of their future monastery. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will preside at the ceremony.

FATHER KAPAUN MASS St. John Nepomucene Church 275th St. at Remington Rd., Pilsen June 4 at 11 a.m.

This Mass honors Father Kapaun and prays for the success of the beatification and canonization efforts on his behalf. Mass will be followed by lunch and opportunities to tour the Kapaun Museum on site. There will also be a four-day, 60-mile walking pilgrimage from Wichita to Pilsen beginning on June 1. For more information, go to the website at: www.FrKapaun.org.

>> Continued from page 12 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 EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com.

Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

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.

SUMMER FESTIVAL Sisters, Servants of Mary Convent 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas June 4 from noon - 4 p.m.

This festival to benefit the Sisters, Servants of Mary will offer the opportunity to win povitica bread, a variety booth, games for children, cash prizes, raffles, Italian sausage, tacos and tamales, and more. There will also be cookbooks for sale. For more information, call (913) 371-3423.

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. For more information, go online to: Sacred Heart www.sacredheartstjosephcatholic.org. The sixth annual Brat Trot 5K run/walk will take place on June 3 at 8 a.m. To register, go online to: tinyurl.com/BratTrot2017.

KANSAS CITY CATHOLIC HOME SCHOOL CONFERENCE St. Charles Borromeo Parish 900 N.E. Shady Ln. Dr., Kansas City, Missouri June 9 - 10

Registration is now open for the 2017 conference.

Visit the website at: kccatholichomeschooler.org to see a list of speakers and to register. Early registration lasts through May 31.

ICARE MASS Most Pure Heart of Mary 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka June 10 at 6 p.m.

The iCare Mass is an adapted liturgy with accommodations to enable full participation of people with developmental disabilities who may not get the full benefit from a regular parish Mass. For more information, send an email to: icaretopeka@ gmail.com or icarenek.org. Everyone is welcome.

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.

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 - Vintage Sasaki, cut gray rose, crystal. 98 pieces. Also, vintage Noritake, Silvester china, 93 pieces.

Excellent condition. Asking $1200 for both sets. Lawrence area. Leave message at (785) 841-0928.

For sale - Tandem vault located at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City. Patio II, tier C, crypt 105. Eye level with peaceful view and surroundings. Includes perpetual care. Current market value over $12,000. Selling price is $10,000. Call (913) 208-2703.

For sale - Three individuals plots located at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City. Located in section 3, old lot 195, spaces 10, 11 and 12. Current value is $2070 per space. Selling price is $1600 per space or $4500 for all three. Call (913) 208-2703.

For sale - Double lawn crypt at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Garden of Hope section, double lawn crypt, lot 78 C, space 4. Conveyance fee included. $8100. Call Lou at (512) 294-2869.

SHINDIG St. Dominic Parish 416 Ohio Ave., Holton June 10 from 5 to 8 p.m.

CATHOLIC CHALLENGE SPORTS Thunder Beach at Park Lanes 7701 Renner Rd., Shawnee June 16 - Aug. 11 on Fridays

‘JUNE MOON EVENING IN THE VINEYARD’ Liquid Art Winery 1745 Wildcat Creek Rd., Manhattan June 11 from 6:30 - 9 p.m.

BBQ CONTEST Sacred Heart Church 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas June 16 and 17

There will be fried chicken and ham dinners, a bounce house and games. Gary Bell will provide entertainment. The suggested donation is a freewill offering.

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.

PARISH PICNIC St. Malachy Parish 311 Williams St., Beattie June 11 at 5 p.m.

Supper will be served until 7:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 4 10. There will be a choice of beef brisket or pork, barbecue or plain. There will be bingo, games, quilts, a country store and a raffle.

The auction begins at 8 p.m.

PLAY DATE: ‘GIVE THEM A FUTURE’ Douglas County Fairgrounds (community building) 2120 Harper St., Lawrence June 11 from 2 - 4 p.m.

Help raise awareness about foster care and adoption needs in Douglas County and enjoy family fun at the same time. There will be bounce houses, face painting, a fire truck, the Parks and Rec and Lawrence Arts Center, Pet World Petting Zoo, Ms. Sarah of Sunflower Music Therapy, and an all-age challenge

by Laugh Out Loud. Music will be provided

by Chapter 5 Band.

GARAGE SALE Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park June 14 3 - 7 p.m. (pre-sale) June 15 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (opening day) June 16 8 a.m. - noon June 17 8 a.m. - noon ($5 - $10 per bag)

This garage sale helps fund the many ministries at Ascension and those beyond our parish. There will be lots of treasures from clothing to a stuffed zebra!

For sale - Lowrey Pageant spinet organ, model LC/10, in beautiful condition. Asking $1500. Call Barbara at (913) 260-9688.

CAREGIVING Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities.

We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

Girl Friday services - Ironing, sewing, cooking, typing, pet care, quilting, errand running, caretaking for children or adults. References available. Call Deborah (913) 6487258 or send an email to: gmaks313@gmail.com.

WANTED TO BUY 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.

13

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.

The Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus will host a KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society) contest to benefit Our Lady of Unity Parish and the Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic. For more information, visit the website at: www. shkofcbbq.weebly.com or call (913) 8503348.

CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION Blessed Sacrament Church 2203 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas June 18 at 2 p.m.

The annual eucharistic procession for the solemnity of Corpus Christi, co-hosted by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, will begin with a Holy Hour in the church at 1 p.m., during which the sacrament of reconciliation will be offered. The procession will begin at 2 p.m. and Benediction will be offered upon return to the church. For more information, go to the website at: liturgy@archkck.org.

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.

RELIGIOUS ICONS: PRAYER PANELS Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas June 1 and 15, July 6 and 20 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Learn more about icons through the ages, then draw, sketch and hand paint your own icon. All materials will be provided.

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 - 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

VACATION Branson getaway - Walk-in condo on Pointe Royale Golf Course. Sleeps six. Close to lakes and entertainments.

Fully furnished. Pool and hot tub available. No cleaning fee. Nightly rates. Wi-Fi available. Discounts available.

Call (913) 515-3044.

MAY 26, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY SEVENTH WEEK OF EASTER May 28 THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD Acts 1: 1-11 Ps 47: 2-3, 6-9 Eph 1: 17-23 Mt 28: 16-20 May 29 Monday Acts 19: 1-8 Ps 68: 2-7 Jn 16: 29-33 May 30 Tuesday Acts 20: 17-27 Ps 68: 10-11, 20-21 Jn 17: 1-11a May 31 THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Zep 3: 14-18a (Ps) Is 12: 2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 Lk 1: 39-56 June 1 Justin, martyr Acts 22: 30; 23: 6-11 Ps 16: 1-2a, 5, 7-11 Jn 17: 20-26 June 2 Marcellinus and Peter, martyrs Acts 25: 13b-21 Ps 103: 1-2, 11-12, 19-20b Jn 21: 15-19 June 3 Charles Lwanga and companions, martyrs Acts 28: 16-20, 30-31 Ps 11: 4-5, 7 Jn 21: 20-25

F

14

It’s OK to take the summer lying down

or over 10 years now, Jesuit Father Frank Moan has been my hero.

Back on Valentine’s Day 2005, this wise 77-year-old priest wrote an article in America magazine that warmed my heart and legitimized a venerable practice that I picked up during my studies in Rome (and have missed ever since returning to the States): the siesta.

Father Frank’s article was entitled, “In Praise of Horizontal Prayer.”

I’ll let him take it from here: “By horizontal prayer I mean, literally, horizontal: when I’m on my back, in bed. Age has taught me that I do some of my best praying in bed. I still advocate that parents teach their children to kneel at bedside in the evening to say their prayers. But my knees will no longer let me get down there.

And if I do get down, I would have to call out to someone else in the rectory to get me up. God understands. In fact, I think God can’t wait till I get flat on my back in bed.”

Oh, Father Frank, I hear you! The older I get, the more I embrace

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.

horizontal prayer. And now that The Leaven is moving into its everyother-week summer schedule, I anticipate going horizontal much more often. After all, practice makes perfect, right?

We all need the more relaxed pace of summer.

It’s a chance to reset our equilibrium. And it’s absolutely essential to all aspects of our health.

David Slagle of Atlanta emphasizes that point in his story about a phone call he received from a woman from work. Her car had

broken down about two miles from the office and she was stranded.

Here’s what transpired next: I drove over there and found her leaning against her car, looking flustered. I asked what happened.

“Well,” she said, “I was just driving down the road, and the car quit running.

“Could you be out of gas?” I asked.

“No, I just filled it up,” she replied.

That one question pretty well exhausted my automotive diagnostic abilities, but I persisted. “What happened?

Did it make any noise?”

“Oh, yeah,” she said.

“As I was driving down the hill, it went brump, brump, brump, POW!” I asked, “When was the last time you

changed your oil?”

“Oil?” she said, puzzled.

It turned out that she’d owned the car for 18 months and had never changed the oil.

Slagle notes that he gets that same look when asking frazzled friends, “When was the last time you took a Sabbath rest?” (Found in “1001 Illustrations That Connect,” by Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof, editors.)

If we want to avoid the brump, brump, brump, POW! in our physical, spiritual and emotional lives, then we need to take a break from business as usual and let the “oil” of summertime leisure seep into us. In addition to honoring veterans this Memorial Day weekend, make time to plan fun and restful activities to pursue over these next few months. Father Frank might tell you that planning is best done reclining. A chaise lounge or hammock would do nicely . . . as would a nice cold beverage nearby.

To get started and help change gears from the seriousness that so often depresses us, lie back and ooze into

the lightheartedness of summer by pondering these questions: • If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a song about it?

• If money doesn’t grow on trees, why do banks have branches?

• What disease did cured ham actually have?

• How is it that we put a man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

• Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

• Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?

• When cheese gets its picture taken, what does it say?

• Is Disney World the only people trap operated by a mouse?

• Why do the “Alphabet Song” and “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” have the same tune?

Just one last question: Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

This coming summer, get horizontal every chance you get, and may God slather you with the “oil of gladness.”

Ascension account absence empathizes his presence

ONLINE

www.theleaven.org

FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/ theleavenkc

TWITTER

@theleavenkc

INSTAGRAM theleavenkc

T

his Sunday, we celebrate the feast of the ascension of Our Lord.

However, in listening to the Gospel reading, Mt 28:16-20, we might think a more appropriate title for the day would be “the feast of Our Lord’s enduring presence.”

After all, the Gospel reading concludes with the sentence: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” This sentence also concludes the Gospel as a whole.

This emphasis upon Jesus’ presence among us is fitting for a Gospel that accorded him the title “Emmanuel” — “God is with us” — at the very beginning of his life: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and

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.

bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel” (Mt 1:23).

The fact that Matthew’s Gospel omits the

POPE FRANCIS

More penance and prayers are needed to end the wars underway today and so many “absurd” conflicts, Pope Francis said.

Praying for all those affected by war and thanking those involved in humanitarian aid efforts, the pope also marked Mother’s Day May 14 by asking everyone to thank and pray to their mothers on earth or in heaven.

After reciting the “Regina Coeli” prayer

actual event of Jesus’ ascension, and only offers an account of what happened immediately beforehand, matches its omission of the event of Jesus’ resurrection.

Mortal eyes are not worthy to view these mysteries. Perhaps, because the disciples fall prostrate at Jesus’ feet, they are physically not in a position to see what

is going on.

In that respect, Matthew’s Gospel resembles the other three. No canonical Gospel relates the event of Jesus’ resurrection, while all four attest to it happening and describe its aftermath — how the women visit the empty tomb and how the risen Christ appears to the disciples.

The actual event is too sacred for mortal eyes. However, only Matthew’s Gospel omits Jesus’ ascension. Once again, this is not to deny it, but rather to stress his enduring presence among us.

At the same time, this passage of the Gospel does not elaborate on the manner in which Jesus will remain with us.

Earlier in Matthew’s Gospel, however, Jesus

with an estimated 25,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pope said, “Let us remember with gratitude and affection all mothers, including our mothers in heaven, entrusting them to Mary, the mother of Jesus.” The pope also called for greater prolife and pro-maternal support, saying “the future of our community requires from everyone, especially institutions, concrete attention to life and maternity.”

He also greeted those taking part in Ita-

promises: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Mt 18:20).

We hear something very similar in 1 Cor 5:4: “In the name of [the] Lord Jesus: when you have gathered together and I am with you in spirit with the power of the Lord Jesus.”

Our faith reminds us that Jesus Christ is present with us through the sacraments, through the words of Scripture, and through the church as a whole, which is his body on earth.

Even though he has ascended up into heaven, he still remains with us.

As he has promised: “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

ly’s “Empty Stroller” initiative, which called attention to the country’s low birthrate by parking hundreds of empty strollers near the Colosseum May 14. The Family Forum, which organized the initiative, said having a child is one of the main causes of poverty in Italy. The group wants the government to provide more help to families because “the children of today are those who will keep the nation of tomorrow standing.”

— CNS

MAY 26, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COLUMNISTS

15

New deacons make their debut in parishes, in ministries

N

ext month, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will ordain 17 men to the permanent diaconate, almost doubling the number of men serving in this capacity in northeast Kansas.

I have run into many people who are very excited to have more ordained ministers in our midst, but they are confused as to how exactly they will serve our local church.

As is the case with new priests, Archbishop Naumann will appoint the new deacons to ministries throughout the archdiocese. The men are ordained specifically for the archdiocese, and the archbishop, in close collaboration with the

LEON SUPRENANT Leon Suprenant is the co-director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate. He may be reached at leons@archkck.org.

personnel board, will specify in the appointment letter where each

deacon will serve.

The relevant church document says the archbishop’s “principal criteria for the assignment are the pastoral needs of the diocesan church and the personal qualifications of the deacon.” The archbishop also takes into account the deacon’s family and work situation.

All of the new deacons will be assigned to a particular parish. Most, but not all, will be assigned to their home parish. For pastoral reasons and the greater good of the local church, a few may be assigned to neighboring parishes.

On the one hand, deacons are ordained for the archdiocese, not a particular parish, so there’s no requirement that they go back and serve in their home parish. On the other hand, there usually is no reason why they shouldn’t, and certainly the archbishop isn’t going to require a deacon to uproot his family and move to a different part of the archdiocese!

In the parish, the new deacons will be visible

leaders. They have specific roles in the liturgy (e.g., proclaiming the Gospel, leading the prayer of the faithful, etc.) and can officiate at baptisms, weddings and funeral services, as needed.

Even more, the deacon’s ministry of service in the parish can take many shapes, from faith formation and sacramental preparation to evangelization efforts to outreach to the poor, sick and outcast.

At the beginning of their parish assignment, the deacon and pastor will complete a “ministry agreement form” in which they will jointly determine the areas where the deacon can be of most assistance in the parish, given both the needs of

the parish and the deacon’s gifts and availability.

But that’s not all. The new deacons will also receive an “extraparochial” assignment, which is an assignment that takes them beyond the boundaries of the parish.

Several of the deacons from this cohort will be assigned to the archdiocesan marriage and family life office, because strengthening marriage is such an urgent need at this time.

Others will be assigned to prisons, hospitals, Catholic Charities, pro-life ministry and other outreaches to marginalized or underserved populations.

Please pray that God will do great things for the local church through these new deacons!

U.S. bishops hope to equip all Catholics to become missionary disciples

D

id you know you and I are missionary disciples?

Pope Francis teaches that by “virtue of their baptism, all the members of the people of God have become missionary disciples.” Being baptized is actually a job description.

In 2013, Pope Francis wrote an apostolic exhortation entitled “Evangelii Gaudium,” Latin for “The Joy of the Gospel.” It calls us to rediscover our joy in Christ and to bring this joy to others as missionary disciples.

In response, the U.S. bishops are gathering what they’re calling the “Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of

DO UNTO OTHERS

BILL SCHOLL Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@ archkck.org.

the Gospel in America.”

This conference will be unprecedented, with over

3,000 Catholic leaders from most dioceses in the country in attendance.

Its focus is this: to equip the average Catholic to become a missionary disciple.

Please pray for the delegation from our archdiocese that, with God’s grace, we can re-

ceive what the Holy Spirit has to teach us about missionary discipleship, so we can bring it back to northeast Kansas.

What does it mean to be a missionary disciple?

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has given us a simple definition. Our job as Catholics is to “grow as disciples of Jesus and make disciples for Jesus.”

Then, of course, we are not supposed to be just disciples, but missionary disciples. We are all on a mission from God: to find joy in Jesus Christ and share this joy with others.

When I think of the word “disciple,” I think it means we come under someone’s discipline. It’s

a little like the classic 1980s movie, “The Karate Kid.” Like Daniel-san, the young teen who came under the discipline of Mr. Miyagi in training to become a karate master, we come under the discipline of Jesus Christ.

Becoming a mature Christian disciple can be frustrating and counterintuitive.

There’s a lot that may seem reminiscent of Miyagi’s “wax on, and wax off,” but obedience brings joyful mastery, with Jesus so close.

What happens when we fail to show up to our Master’s dojo to spend time with him in prayer and study his life, contained in both the Bible

and church teaching?

Many of us get more excited to share our favorite, bingeable show, GIF or meme than we are to talk about Jesus and how he is working in us and teaching us to be under his obedience.

Despite our training, it’s like we don’t show for the tournament for fear of Cobra Kai. It shouldn’t be so.

Pray for the delegates we are sending to the convocation. Pray rosaries, do novenas and lift us up at Mass. Our archdiocese is in great need of the “joy of the Gospel,” as is our country. It’s time America had another great awakening, and this convocation could be the alarm clock.

Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas • Catholic Bequests

• Donor Advised Funds

• Gift Annuities

• Named Scholarship Funds

• Endowments

• Memorial Funds

Remember a gift to the church in your will

(913) 647-0325 CFNEK@archkck.org www.cfnek.org

PANKEY FOUNDATION REPAIR

FR ESTI EE MAT ES

Fully Insured • All Work Guaranteed • Wall Repair and Replacement • Sump Pumps • Epoxy Injection • Drain Tile • Retaining Walls • Steel Piers

Every Parent’s Battle A Family Guide to Resisting Pornography

By Dan Spencer

BOOK SIGNING June 10th 11am to 1pm

TYLER PANKEY OWNER/OPERATOR

913.262.6222

Trinity House Catholic Books and Gifts 6731 West 119th Street Overland Park, KS 66209

MAY 26, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

RACE AGAINST ADDICTION

Arrowhead 5K raises awareness, fights stigma of opioid abuse

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

P

RAIRIE VILLAGE — Imagine having a child with cancer, diabetes or heart disease and not knowing the protocol to deal with it.

Not having a single resource to help you.

That’s the situation faced by St. Ann, Prairie Village, parishioner Gary Henson when his son Garrett struggled with drug addiction.

He knew Garrett needed a rehabilitation program. But which one?

“I didn’t know where to go,” said Henson. “I didn’t know what to do. I talked to friends of mine that were therapists. But I didn’t have anywhere else to go.

“There are protocols and best practices for every disease in this country except for addiction.”

A national crisis Addiction is recognized by the American Medical Association as a brain disease called substance-use disorder. And the statistics defining it are shocking.

With 52,000 fatalities a year, drug overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States.

Driven by prescription opioid pain relievers, it is a national crisis that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has labeled epidemic.

“Opioid is prescribed by a doctor,” said Henson, who is on the board of Shatterproof, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the crisis. “That makes people think it’s safer, more acceptable.

“What people don’t understand is it’s like having heroin on your shelf.”

The reality faced by those suffering from the substance-use disorder is heartbreaking.

The stigma attached to the disease makes support and quality treatment information almost impossible to find.

Shatterproof’s Rise Up Against Addiction 5K June 11 Arrowhead Stadium

Shatterproof is having five walks/runs across the country, with Kansas City being the first.

Area businesses, health care groups and those in the recovery community are getting behind the event. Consider forming a team of family members, co-workers and friends.

Proceeds will go to support Shatterproof’s advocacy work, treatment work and the online resource center.

Get involved now by visiting the website at: www.shatterproof.org/ rise-against-addiction-5k-runwalk.

Lauren Heyen, whose daughter was a close friend of Garrett’s, witnessed his family’s struggle to find reliable help.

“This truly is an illness,” said Heyen, who also belongs to St. Ann. “It’s not a weakness or failure on anybody’s part.

“It should not be that hard for somebody to find help, especially when the crisis is this big.”

Garrett participated in rehab programs in Colorado and was drugfree for nine months.

But one week after his treatment was completed, he died of an opioid overdose.

He was 20 years old.

A father’s response Garrett’s relapse was true to a deadly pattern that has taken the lives of many before him.

“They have what they call a relapse party,” said Henson. “And it’s typical — but I didn’t understand that it was typical.

“The guys at the rehab didn’t tell me about that. Because of the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) laws, they don’t have a lot of conversation with the parents.

“If I’d known that, I probably would have camped out in Colorado and stayed with him.”

Henson felt not only the pain of losing his child — but also the frustration of knowing he never had enough support and information to adequately help him.

He didn’t want another parent to go through that experience.

Through an advised fund set up by Henson’s company, donations were collected after Garrett’s death.

“It quickly grew to a considerable amount of money,” said Henson.

“And I felt like I had a fiduciary obligation to use the money in the best manner.”

Statistics on opioid abuse Henson took a six-month sabbatical to study the substance-use disorder crisis and that’s when he discovered Shatterproof — a national organization founded by Gary Mendell, who lost his son to addiction in 2011.

Shatterproof was in the process of doing exactly what Henson dreamed of — working to end the stigma attached to addiction and provide evidence-based resources to support prevention, treatment and recovery.

Shatterproof was also advocating for federal and state policy changes such a nationwide prescription drug monitoring program and wider access to Naloxone, a lifesaving overdose-reversal drug.

“So I called [Mendell] and we had a great conversation,” said Henson.

“And I told him I wanted to collapse my foundation into his.”

After a visit to Shatterproof headquarters in New York, Henson joined the board of directors.

A strengthened faith Through the experience of losing his child and finding, in the wake of that grief, a path to help others, Henson said his faith has been strengthened.

“Which is the opposite of what most people would guess,” he said.

“Here’s the reason: There were multiple signs after Garrett passed away that he was OK.” “They were very clear,” continued Henson, “and there was no possible way they could have happened without some divine intervention.” >> See “ONLINE” on page 5

On an average day in the United States: • More than 650,000 opioid prescriptions dispensed • 3,900 people initiate nonmedical use of prescription opioids • 580 people initiate heroin use • 78 people die from an opioidrelated overdose Economic impact of the opioid epidemic each year • $55 billion in health and social costs related to prescription opioid abuse • $20 billion in emergency department and inpatient care for opioid poisonings SOURCE: U.S. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Facts and figures • Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illicit drug heroin as well as the licit prescription pain relievers oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl and others.

• Opioids are chemically related and interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the brain and nervous system to produce pleasurable effects and relieve pain.

• Addiction is a primary, chronic and relapsing brain disease characterized by an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.

• Of the 20.5 million Americans 12 or older that had a substanceuse disorder in 2015, 2 million had a substance-use disorder involving prescription pain relievers and 591,000 had a substance use disorder involving heroin.

SOURCE: THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ADDICTION MEDICINE

16