06-19-09 Vol. 30 No. 40

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 30, NO. 40 JUNE 19, 2009

CORPUS CHRISTI Archbishop leads eucharistic procession

Leaven photo by Susan McSpadden

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann processes with the Blessed Sacrament at the head of the joint diocesan Corpus Christi procession on June 14. In recent years, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph hosted the event. This year, it was the archdiocese’s turn.

R

OELAND PARK — More tion inside the church.

Archbishop Naumann then led than 1,000 faithful gathered at St. Agnes the procession to a station at the Parish here for the third halfway mark of the one-mile route, at which point annual joint Bishop Robert Finn of the diocesan celebration of For more Diocese of Kansas City-St. the solemnity of Corpus photos from the Corpus Joseph carried the monChristi, June 14.

Christi strance containing the This was the third year celebration, Blessed Sacrament the that the Archdiocese of turn to page 16 rest of the way to the Kansas City in Kansas and Bishop Miege High School the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph have joined togeth- stadium.

The faithful prayed rosaries and er for a Corpus Christi procession with eucharistic adoration and sang hymns to the Blessed Mother along the route, which had been Benediction.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann closed off by police. Bishop Finn was t he main celebrant and gave a homily at the stadium, and homilist of t he noon Mass. Benediction followed.

An ice cream social capped off the Devotions followed the liturgy, with an hour of eucharistic adora- day.

Leaven photo by Susan McSpadden

Left, a mother and daughter scatter rose petals in the path of the oncoming procession. Roses, and the fragrance of roses, have often been associated with Marian apparitions.

2 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 19, 2009

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 19, 2009

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

Brother Jeremy Heppler ordained to diaconate for St. Benedict’s Abbey

By DAN MADDEN Special to The Leaven ATCHISON — Calling on the model of St. John Vianney, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas challenged Brother Jeremy Heppler to preach the Gospel with sincerity and authenticity at the young monk’s diaconate ordination May 30 at St. Benedict’s Abbey here.

“Brother Jeremy, you are being ordained a deacon as we draw near to the year that Pope Benedict has dedicated to the priesthood,” the archbishop said. “Pope Benedict chose this year, in part, because it marks the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, the curé of Ars, patron of priests.”

St. John, known as a great preacher who brought his people closer to Jesus and helped them grow in holiness, was not known for his intellect or oratorical skills, the archbishop noted.

“By all accounts, he was weak in both of these areas,” he said. “St. John Vianney was effective . . . because his life corresponded to his words.”

Brother Jeremy, a Wichita native who is currently studying for master’s degree in systematic theology at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pa., entered a one-year transitional

diaconate and will seek ordination to the priesthood next year during the “Year of the Priest,” which began June 19.

“Within his call to the monastic life — the consecrated life — Brother Jeremy has discerned, with the assistance of this community, another call to share in the ordained priesthood of Jesus Christ, first serving the church as a deacon and, God willing, some day as a priest,” Archbishop Naumann said.

“The setting apart by Jesus of the Twelve Apostles to lead and serve the community of disciples was the beginning of the ordained ministry. The Twelve were set apart for a special role of service to the rest of the community. Jesus instructed his apostles after breaking up a dispute among them about who was the most important: ‘Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.’”

A spirit of service must govern the attitude of the ordained minister, the archbishop stressed, a wonderful but challenging goal to which to aspire.

Brother Jeremy discovered religious life early. His aunt, Sister Maria Heppler, is a member of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in Atchison.

As a student at Benedictine College, Brother Jeremy began praying with the monks and “fell in love with the Rule of Benedict.”

“During my senior year, Brother John Peto began the College Oblates program,” he said. “On St. Benedict’s Day, 2001, I made final profession as an oblate of St. Benedict’s Abbey.”

During that year, a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Paul Parish in Olathe challenged him to consider the priesthood.

“That simple act began the process of a more serious consideration of the call to the priesthood and religious life,” said Brother Jeremy.

The next year he accepted a teaching position at Bishop Carroll High School in Wichita. By spring break though, he himself needed a break, so he traveled back to St. Benedict’s Abbey — not for a vocation retreat, but rather for some relaxation.

“To my surprise, this was when God called me to ‘come and see,’” he said. “By the end of the week, I had an application. In the fall of 2002, I came to the monastery. I had the wonderful blessing and support of my family and friends.”

Brother Jeremy worked for two years in the Benedictine College ministry office before

Father Earl Dekat, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Purcell, concelebrates the parish’s 150th anniversary Mass with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on May 30.

Archbishop Naumann lifts the consecrated hosts during the Great Amen at St. Mary’s 150th anniversary Mass. The parish was one of the earliest frontier churches in the archdiocese.

Parishioners Ray (left) and Bob Becker view historical photos and articles from St. Mary’s 150-year history. The very first church built in 1859 was paid for by corn and potatoes.

150th anniversary recalls parish roots

By JOE BOLLIG Leaven staff

Photo by Dan Madden

Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB, looks on as Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann performs the laying on of hands during the diaconate ordination of Brother Jeremy Heppler, OSB. Brother Jeremy will be ordained a Benedictine priest next year. entering the seminary.

“With this ordination to the diaconate, I pray that God will

continue to give me the eagerness to truly seek him and do his work,” he said.

PURCELL — Establishing a church in frontier Kansas required a lot of faith, hope and charity. And potatoes and corn, too.

St. Mary Parish in Purcell, Doniphan County, celebrated its 150th anniversary by recalling its humble pioneer roots and decades of faithful farm families.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was the main celebrant at the May 30 anniversary Mass, with the pastor, Father Earl Dekat, as concelebrant. A catered dinner was held following the Mass. A display of historical photos, documents and other items was available for viewing, and a video was shown of parish buildings.

Although the actual anniversary date was in October 2008, parishioners decided to hold off celebrating the anniversary until this year when the window restoration was completed.

The first priest to minister to the Catholics in what was then called Normanville was the restless and adventurous Father Henry Lemke, OSB, founder of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison.

Father Henry was succeeded by Father Edmund Langenfelder, OSB, who led the parishioners in the construction of a wood frame church in 1859.

Lumber for the little church was paid for with corn and potatoes, transported by ox-drawn wagons, and driven by Mrs. Francis Schletzbaum and other parishioners to the settlement of Doniphan.

For the next several decades, parish life wasn’t too different from that of many small, rural parishes in the archdiocese. Passions ran hot, however, in the 1890s, when the need for a bigger church led to tensions.

One group wanted to build a new church in Purcell; another group wanted to build at the site of the old church and cemetery. Yet another group wanted simply to enlarge the old church.

Ethnic tensions came into play as the factions divided into Irish and German camps. A history from the 1930s said the parish was “bitterly divided.”

Things got so bad that Bishop Louis M. Fink nixed plans to build a rectory and refused to let the parish build anywhere because of the controversy. That decision in turn generated controversy: There was even some talk of defying the bishop and expanding the old church against the bishop’s explicit orders.

A parish vote settled the controversy

Parish Timeline

Leaven photos by Elaina Cochran

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann greets members of St. Mary Church in Purcell following the parish’s 150th anniversary Mass. in 1896. The pastor said each person could voice his or her opinion, but he didn’t want any “boisterous” language in the church.

The pastor further stipulated that each person had a vote, but a person could “buy” additional votes in $25 increments, each $25 equaling onefourth of a vote. According to parish records, this was done “to prevent the objection that one part of the people would pay for the Church, whilst the other would locate it.”

A clear majority voted for a new church in Purcell. A three-acre plot of land with a cottonwood grove was donated to the parish, and the discord became history.

“When the railroad came through, they decided to build the church next to the tracks in Purcell,” said Julie Berger, a member of the parish council.

Today, the old school and rectory are gone. The red brick church and the parish hall (originally a gymnasium) remain. Currently, the parish is comprised of 45 families (or 113 members). It no longer has a resident pastor, but shares Father Dekat with St. Leo Parish in adjoining Brown County.

“We’re one big family,” said Berger.

“We relate to one another as family and take care of each other.”

1857: Father Henry Lemke, OSB, ministered to Catholics in Normanville in Doniphan County, a mile northeast of Purcell.

1859: Mass was celebrated for Catholics on an irregular basis.

The parish was organized with nine families. Ten acres of land were donated, and a wood frame church was built.

1870: The church was enlarged.

1874: A new bell and organ were purchased.

1889: A parish census recorded 56 families. Mass was increased from two to three times a month.

1892: Bishop Louis M Fink withdrew his permission to build a new church when parish factions could not agree on a location.

1896: An all-parish vote was held, and Purcell was chosen — 52 to 25 — as the new church location.

Three acres of land were bought.

The present red brick church was built.

1899: The first rectory was built, and a resident pastor was named.

1903: A tornado damaged the church.

1906: The church was redecorated.

1908: An elementary school, staffed by the Benedictine Sisters, opened with 73 pupils.

1916: A high school opened with nine pupils.

1926: A new parish hall and gymnasium were built.

1934: The high school closed.

1938: The high school reopened.

1940: The high school closed for good.

1960: The elementary school closed.

1991: A tornado damaged the church steeple on Aug. 7. Mass was celebrated in the parish hall until repairs were made. The church was placed on the lists of national and state historic places.

1992: The church was rededicated on March 21.

2007: The church was tuckpointed.

2008: The stained-glass windows restoration project was begun; it was completed in February 2009.

2009: Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrated the 150th anniversary Mass at the parish, with pastor Father Earl Dekat as concelebrant.

4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 19, 2009

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 19, 2009

Feature story, photography, Web site garner awards

By JOE BOLLIG

Far left, first place - Best Feature Writing by Kara Hansen. The judges felt it was “a beautifully crafted story” that showed how a family dealt with the impending death of their newborn child.

Leaven staff KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A community’s response to natural disaster and a family’s response to personal tragedy were among the stories The Leaven staff was honored for at the annual Catholic Media Convention, held May 27 to 29 in Anaheim, Calif.

Kara Hansen brought home the gold with two first-place awards from the Catholic Press Association — one for Best Feature Writing with a piece entitled “Love Me Tender, Love Me True,” a story of how a family dealt with the impending death of a newborn child.

“This was a beautifully crafted story, and it entails risk, because it forces the reader to work and to feel and to grapple with a harrowing decision,” the judges wrote.

Harrowing, indeed, agreed Hansen.

“There was so much emotion and challenge involved in writing [‘Love Me Tender’],” said Hansen, “that it was gratifying to see the article come together and, even more so, to know the kind of response it had from readers.”

Hansen also shared a first-place Best Sports Journalism Sports Feature with freelance photographer Susan McSpadden for “In the Hunt,” a photo essay and story about the Bishop Ward baseball team’s quest for a sixth straight state championship. The judges called it “well-written, crisp and clean.”

This was McSpadden’s first CPA win, and she clearly remembers the day that yielded the prize-winning photos.

“The day I shot the images for the story was an unseasonably cold day in April,” she recalled. “Everyone was freezing!

Players, spectators — and especially me, holding metal cameras and lenses — all shivered our way through the game.

“It feels good to know the suffering I did out in the bitter cold paid off!”

Topeka freelancers Marc and Julie

Left, first place - Father Michael J. McGivney Award for Distinguished Volunteerism in Journalism by Marc and Julie Anderson. The story dealt with the recovery of Nemaha and Marshall counties from a devastating ice storm.

Below, third place - Best Multiple Picture Package. The photo essay and story documenting the convent life of the Sisters, Servants of Mary was by Elaina Cochran and Jill Ragar Esfeld.

Anderson also earned a first-place Father Michael J. McGivney Award for Distinguished Volunteerism in Journalism,

awarded by the Knights of Columbus, for “Let There Be Light,” their story of the recovery of Nemaha and Marshall counties

from a devastating ice storm.

Turn to EDITOR on page 6

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By THERESE HORVAT For more information about Villa St. Francis or its Dementia Care Unit, call (913) 829-5201 or visit the Web site at: www.villasf.org.

Special to The Leaven OLATHE — It’s a fact: Every 70 seconds someone develops Alzheimer’s disease.

The disease affects an estimated five million Americans. Projections are, as baby boomers continue to age, that in 20 years those numbers will increase by more than 50 percent and double again by 2050.

In the face of these startling statistics, Villa St. Francis in Olathe has created a special unit dedicated to providing compassionate, quality care for persons with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The Villa is the only Catholic skilled nursing facility sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

Esther White, a parishioner of Queen of the Holy Rosary in Overland Park, cared for her husband Bob, who had Alzheimer’s, in their home for a number of years. When she had a heart attack, Esther’s doctor talked with her about the toll caring for Bob was taking on her own health. She subsequently placed Bob in the Dementia Care Unit of Villa St. Francis.

Esther said that she knew from the outset through his death, that Bob was in good hands.

“You can’t beat the kindness that Catholic care gives you,” Esther said.

“These people (the staff) just have a calling; they know why they are there.”

On a routine day, residents of the Villa’s Dementia Care Unit gather for a devotional with prayer, Scripture and hymns. Those Catholic residents of the unit who are not given to wandering due to their memory loss can attend daily Mass in the chapel if escorted by staff or volunteers.

Amy Flores, LPN, coordinator of the unit, said that staff incorporates activities throughout the day to keep residents’ minds and bodies engaged. They use “mind joggers” such as nursery rhymes

Photo by Therese Horvat

Judy Turner, CNA, at Villa St. Francis in Olathe, guides Eleanor Bailey (center) with an arts and crafts project, while Jean Hopkins (right) works on her design. residents had told their children. A group of men who share the common experience of past military duty gather for coffee and conversation daily. Esther routinely brought Bob’s dog, Lady, to the Villa to visit him, much to the delight of other residents. Therapy dogs continue to make the rounds.

Flores said that it is helpful to do things with residents that they would normally do everyday, even though staff may need to change how things get accomplished. Residents bake bread, do arts and crafts, fold and sort clothes, and exercise — all with supervision by unruffled and respectful staff who know each resident’s habits and routines.

Jean Hopkins, a resident of the Villa Dementia Care Unit, once worked as a nurse. In some respects, “she is still nursing today,” said Jim Hopkins, her nephew who lives near Wichita. He has

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watched Jean be attentive to other residents — listening to them when they need support and giving them a hand when they can’t reach a cookie.

One day, Jean glances through a book with color photographs and remarks about the beautiful scenes; another day, she is engrossed and works side by side and talks with a resident during a crafts project.

Each day, her eyes sparkle and she radiates a beautiful smile, even though Alzheimer’s has impaired her ability to remember and process thoughts as she once did.

Father Craig Maxim, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee, was instrumental in helping Jean’s family connect with Villa St. Francis. His mother and Jean had been best friends in Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Mo., where both families had lived.

Father Maxim said, “Jean was like a family member.”

Through a referral from the nursing director of the facility where his own mother resides, Father Maxim learned about the Villa’s Dementia Care Unit as an option to provide the type of care Jean needs.

“As people — many of whom have built our parish communities — arrive at the stages of their lives where they need someone to help them,” Father Maxim said, “I’m pleased that the archdiocese has a facility like Villa St. Francis.”

Flores said staff strives to keep communication open with family members and to involve them as much as possible in residents’ lives. Family members help the Villa staff understand what a resident’s normal routine had been: the time of day they awakened, whether they showered or bathed, food preferences and other habits — all key to caring for them. Social services staff provides an important link with families and with other helpful resources. Two psychiatrists and a counselor help support and address the behavioral issues that sometimes occur when dementia affects the brain function.

“With Alzheimer’s, the inner workings of the brain are not connecting like they used to,” Flores explained, “so personalities may change or intensify. Whatever emotions these residents express are true emotions. When they are scared, angry or happy to see you, you know it is real.

“While family members may struggle with their loved ones not being the persons they once were,” Flores added, “we meet the residents at this stage, and this is who they are to us.”

“Once you understand them, each day together is a blessing,” she concluded.

6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 19, 2009

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 19, 2009

Awards call a testament to collaborative effort ment] from an observational perspective — not wanting to intrude on their day as much as possible, so I could really get a feel for a typical day in their life.”

Finally, an honorable mention was won in the category Best Scenic, Still Life or Weather Photo by freelance photographer Don Wolf for “Umbrella Nun.” Father Mark Goldasich, editor, and Anita McSorley, managing editor, said the victories were the result of the collaboration of a lot of people — many of them freelancers.

“The win by Marc and Julie Anderson is a good example,” said Father Goldasich. “Marc and Julie have been covering the Topeka region for us for years. But the events that they cover don’t usually yield stories that fit into competition categories.

“Fortunately, one of the stories they pitched to us was the effects of the Nemaha-Marshall ice storm story — and that’s the one the Knights picked as their first-place winner.”

The Web site, added McSorley, was another example of collaboration.

“The redesign of the site,” she said, “was the work of Kara Hansen’s husband, Darin. But all the multimedia efforts posted to it were the work of the rest of the staff combined.”

“It represented a steep learning curve for us at the beginning of last summer,” she concluded, “so it was nice to see it all pay some dividends.”

Continued from page 4 “While we knew from personal experience and family relationships that the people of the Nemaha-Marshall County region are faith-filled, humble, kind and generous, we were overwhelmed and moved almost to tears by the stories shared with us during the writing of this piece,” said Julie Anderson.

Marc Anderson also paid tribute to the people of the region.

“While my wife and I wrote the story and are being honored for our journalism, we feel the award also belongs to the people of the Nemaha-Marshall County region, and our hearts are full of gratitude toward them.”

The Leaven’s most surprising win might have been its first-place finish in the Best Web Site category, considering the considerable resources dedicated to the sites of some the competition. The judges, however, had high praise for webmaster Darin Hansen and the multimedia work created solely by The Leaven print staff.

“Great use of storytelling,” wrote the judges. “This site is friendly, engaging and informative. . . . Way to think outside of the box.”

A third-place win for Best Multiple Picture Package went to “Joy in the Midst of Silence,” a photo essay and story on the convent life of the Sisters, Servants of Mary of Kansas City, Kan. The piece was the joint work of freelance writer Jill Ragar Esfeld and freelance photographer

Top, first place - Best Sports Journalism Sports Feature by Kara Hansen and Susan McSpadden.

Right, Best Scenic, Still Life or Weather Photo by Don Wolf.

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Sister Mariella Pucka, OSB ATCHISON — Sister Mariella Pucka, OSB, 77, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died at the monastery June 1.

Mariella was OBITUARIES bornSister to Leo and Hilda Geisen Pucka with her twin sister on May 15, 1932. Sister Mariella was a graduate of Mount St. Scholastica Academy and Mount St. Scholastica College.

She entered the Mount community on June 12, 1954, and made monastic profession Dec. 13, 1955. For some 25 years, she taught first-graders in Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa schools.

She also served at Mineiros, Goias, Brazil, in the 1970s, helping in parish work at the Mount’s dependent priory there. Sister Mariella also ministered to the aging at Holy Name Parish in Topeka.

When she returned to Atchison, she was hospitality minister and director of housekeeping.

Survivors include her twin, Mildred H. (Pat) Morley, Atchison.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

LOCAL NEWS

7

Sister Rita Glynn, SC DELHI TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Rita Glynn (formerly Sister Marie) died June 13 at the age of 80 in Mother Margaret Hall at the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati motherhouse in Mount St. Joseph, Ohio. She was born on Aug. 6, 1928, in Topeka, the daughter of Henry and Gertrude (Moylan) Glynn.

Sister Rita earned a bachelor’s in English from Saint Mary College, Leavenworth, in 1950. She taught high school in Topeka, before taking a civil service position at an Air Force base in Colorado Springs, Colo. Sister Rita earned a master’s degree in social work from St. Louis University in St. Louis in 1968.

A Sister of Charity for 52 years, Sister Rita entered the congregation in 1956.

She served in the archdioceses of Cincinnati and Denver in the field of social work.

She began her ministry working in medical records at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, for one year in 1958. In 1959, Sister Rita moved to

Colorado Springs to serve as registrar at Penrose Hospital until 1966, when she took two years to earn her MSW at St. Louis University.

In 1968, Sister returned to Ohio to serve as a medical social worker at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati. In August 1991, she joined the Jordan Center in Cincinnati as assistant to the director. She assumed home care medical social work duties at Carewise in Cincinnati from January 1992 through November 1997, when she joined Spectra Care in Cincinnati for a brief time.

Sister Rita was a past coordinator of the Price Hill Social Worker and Counselor Program, working with area counselors and social workers. She also served on the SC Corporation Board for Sponsored Ministries as a liaison to Seton Family Center (Price Hill) Cincinnati.

On May 8, Sister Rita was honored as a Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation 2009 Woman of Compassion.

Reunion planned LEAWOOD — The now-defunct Catholic social group called Focus (not associated with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students) is planning a reunion at Curé of Ars Parish here on June 27.

Focus was established 20 years ago as a positive outlet for young single professionals from several Johnson County parishes. It encouraged its members to be more Christlike by sharing fellowship and service activities.

“We organized around the three S’s: social, service and spiritual. We really tried to achieve balance in our lives,” said Domenic Rizzi, one of the early members.

Focus disbanded in the 1990s as members got married and started families or entered the priesthood or religious life.

For more information on the reunion, send an e-mail to: focus reunion@yahoo.com.

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10 Tips for Married Couples:

1 Love for the Long Haul

One of the most reliable predictors of a lifelong marriage is the commitment to a lifelong marriage. It is for this reason that long-lasting marriages bury the D word (divorce). This doesn’t mean that we hide our head in the sand and pretend that divorce would never happen to us. It means being proactive and doing the daily work of nurturing the marriage so that divorce does not become the final escape.

The wedding day is only the first day of many “I do’s.” It is the commitment to look for a way through a troublesome problem that makes solutions possible, despite all odds. When boredom or weariness challenge your love, it is commitment that pushes you to renew it by dating each other again, attending a marriage retreat or, if necessary, consulting a counselor.

BY SUSAN VOGT

A

lmost everyone knows that the Catholic Church supports marriage, yet that the divorce rate in the United

2

States hovers

around 50 percent. It’s welcome news, then, that the Church has

not only Catholics, but all — married couples to strengthen their own marriage. Not long ago, the bishops launched the National Pastoral Initiative on Marriage. One thing afoot is the creation of an energetic Web site, ForYourMarriage.org, a treasure trove of helpful resources for

riage tips and short videos of on-the-street couples answering, “What have you done for your marriage today?”

An encouraging pastoral letter on marriage, which explains theological underpinnings and key issues for marriage, is also in the works. Given this emphasis on marriage, has anything changed in the way we marry and love? In this Catholic Update we’ll explore some of the key themes that make a marriage work and last. It’s really nothing new, but we always seem to forget!

Befriend your spouse daily

The Web site Facebook asks you to confirm people who want to be your friend. Spouses need to be best friends!

They need to talk — a lot — and not just about the kids and finances. Try committing to giving your spouse one compliment a day — that’s a way toward ongoing encouragement and love. At first this may seem like a no-brainer until you try to come up with a new, true, concrete compliment each day.

If the idea of offering an intentional daily compliment sounds artificial, try it anyway. As long as it is true and not so general as, “Honey, you’re beautiful!” it seems to work — even if you both know you’re doing it.

Another benefit of the daily compliment is that it keeps you on the watch — looking for the good, the talents, the favors that your spouse does for you. Complaints, of course, are unavoidable, but the eye trained to look for a positive trait will counterbalance the negative.

launched a campaign to help —

all married couples. It includes mar-

Be prepared for big challenges

A high-stakes promise Successful marriage is not so much a matter of finding the right person but being the right person. There are probably quite a few potential partners with whom an individual could be happy. The challenge is knowing when to bend and change yourself versus when to stand up for yourself. It takes a pretty flexible pair of people to make this dance work. Love is essential but not sufficient.

So what is there beyond love that fills in the gaps and makes marriage not only endurable but a joy? Typically, marriages go through three stages: the honeymoon, disillusionment and true love. The honeymoon and true love stages may sound similar on the surface, but the difference is time and testing.

The length of each of these stages varies but the progression is pretty predictable.

There comes a point in most marriages when husbands or wives say to themselves, “How could I have been so blind? I didn’t notice that she was so wrapped up in getting her own way, or that he cared more about his status in the community than my feelings.” This disillusionment phase is the first big test of a marriage. If a couple can see each other, warts and all, and commit to “being the right person,” not trying to change the spouse, the couple moves into a more mature love.

Of course, being the right person doesn’t

mean always being right. It means being flexible enough to love each other through disagreements, hard times and suffering. It often means changing myself in order to become more generous, more patient, more tolerant. It’s only having passed through these trying times that one truly understands the vows taken on the wedding day, “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”

The sacrament of marriage becomes real when our idealistic love for each other is tested, when forgiveness overcomes annoying habits and when it shares in the sacrificial love of Jesus on the cross.

This doesn’t mean that sorrows won’t come and that couples won’t face serious failings like infidelity or addictions. To paraphrase 1 Cor 13: True love is a lifelong journey in which we are often yanked by love to become more “patient and kind, less jealous, boastful or conceited, less rude and seeking our own advantage. We grow in tolerance, trust and willingness to endure whatever comes.” It takes a long time, many mistakes and much forgiveness.

Following are 10 tips for both newly married and not-so-newly married to support your marriage commitment. After all, marriage is a perilous promise — and not for the fainthearted.

3

Disagree without being disagreeable

Communication, however, is about more than just warm, fuzzy compliments. It gets harder when there are decisions to be made — especially decisions that find you on different sides.

Whether it’s whose family to visit for Christmas or a faraway job offer — or anything else — when one partner wins the argument, he or she still lives with the loser.

One unfortunate strategy many couples fall into is listening with an answer running while one thinks up more arguments. That’s not honest listening. An unfortunate companion strategy is merely to keep repeating your previous arguments with more vigor and specificity, what I call “self-summarizing syndrome.” Neither of these solves anything.

To disagree without being disagreeable means sharing feelings and using “I statements.” Use the formula “I feel discouraged when you . . .” or “I would like

it if you would . . .” Remember, “Feelings are neither right nor wrong. They merely are” (as our friends in Marriage Encounter say).

One method for making fair decisions is to ask each other, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how strongly do you feel about getting your way on this decision?”

If one spouse is close to 10 (feels very strongly) and the other is closer to 1 (doesn’t much care), conceding would be the gracious way to go.

If both of you are near the middle (4, 5, 6), consider compromising.

If both of you feel strongly (7, 8, 9, 10), consider agreeing to disagree or create a new solution that is win/win.

(An exception to this process is if the same spouse consistently claims to be at 9 or 10. This is just manipulation or selfishness and needs to be confronted.)

4

Strive for similar values

You can differ on all kinds of minor things, but if your moral compasses are at odds, you surely have significant stress and conflict in your marriage.

Good communication can’t compensate for lack of common values. Couples don’t have to agree on everything, but they must have similar priorities in life.

For example, good communication skills are not enough to bridge the gap of differences about child-rearing. If faith in God and practicing one’s religion is important to one spouse and the other mocks those values, tension will be a constant companion. (This doesn’t mean the couple has to practice the same religion, but they both must respect the other’s choice and support it.) A couple can’t really compromise on whether honesty, fidelity, hard work and having a spiritual life are important.

What if these differences become apparent only after the marriage? If the differences are severe, it can be a real challenge to the couple’s commitment, since it’s hard to respect a person whose life assumptions are profoundly different from your own.

First pay attention to what you do share in common and what originally attracted you to each other. Sometimes one partner has new experiences not shared by the other, and it’s not so much a difference of values as an absence of common experience. If you can’t sort it out, consider marriage counseling to help you clarify which are essential core values and which are preferences that you can change.

Sometimes a trained counselor can help you see things in new ways.

5

Be ready to accept differences

The differences between people are often endearing. You may love the way he takes charge of complicated situations while he may admire the way you deftly defuse tensions between colleagues. He may be good at reading maps while she’s good at asking directions, once lost.

What once was perceived as attractive and a strength, however, can turn into an irritation when overdone. The take-charge personality, perhaps, becomes a stubborn bully. The peacemaker is now seen as a wishy-washy people pleaser. The trick is to recognize that neither of you is right or wrong — just different.

It’s often difficult to let go of thinking that your way is normal and right, but is the extrovert morally superior to the introvert? Is spring better than the fall? Is yellow better than purple? We have our preferences, but that doesn’t mean our spouse’s personality is inferior! The complementarity of your personalities will be a couple strength — once you let go of your way being the right way.

6

Tightwad or spendthrift? Know your financial personality

Are you a tightwad, a spendthrift or somewhere in between? Unless you’re exceedingly wealthy, two spendthrifts will face issues of debt.

If you are at opposite extremes in your spending habits, the stage is set for quarrels. On the other hand, if you have good communication skills and common sense, you can work out compromises and hopefully balance each other out.

Even though two frugal people might seem like the healthiest combination, too much of anything can be problematic. It’s important to leave room for occasional splurges and spontaneity lest you crowd fun out of your ordered life.

Through it all, consider what your genuine needs are as a family. There’s a difference between being responsible and being a workaholic, after all. Many people work for more and more stuff that doesn’t really fill their soul with happiness. Strive for the balance between how much is enough and how much is too much. Seeking common ground in the middle is a valuable marriage skill.

7

Beyond sex to celebrating love

Our culture is saturated with sex, but what most married couples crave is intimacy. Sure, sex is important in marriage. It is the glue that holds us together in joy and soothes our ego when we feel discouraged. But the physical act of sex becomes even more powerful when it unites our emotions, minds and spirits.

In fact, sex can be empty when loveless and painful when forced.

To move beyond sex to “making” love, as we commonly say, requires a 24/7 attitude. A husband cannot be disagreeable throughout the day and expect his wife to instantly feel amorous in the evening. A wife can’t be critical at supper and expect her husband to plan a romantic evening.

It doesn’t require a lot of expense or fancy clothes, but really making love means being loving throughout the day.

Sharing vulnerable feelings and interesting discussions can bond you as deeply as an orgasm and heighten the desire to join your bodies physically also. A habit of attentiveness assures our beloved that our affection is more than momentary.

8

Keeping your relationship— among children

Having a child is one of the greatest joys of marriage. It is also, in one sense, one of the greatest burdens. Children

pull virtues like patience, generosity and responsibility out of us — whether we seek them or not. When your love expands to include another person, it reflects the creative impulse of God, our creator.

As much as raising children requires extravagant energy from you as parents, remember that as Holy Cross Father Theodore Hesburgh said, “The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” Dads and moms: Don’t let the rightful caring you must do for your children trump your primary vocation — to love your spouse.

Sometimes you just have to trust that the kids will be OK and take some time to renew your marriage.

9

Find balance

It’s challenging in marriage today to find the balance among work, family and personal time. Sure, we have laborsaving devices and technology, yet many spouses end up working more hours, spending less time with their children and racing to parties or sports for relaxation. We may have more money, but where’s the fun?

Balance is the answer. Earning an income is necessary, but don’t let your job be your god. Control it even if it means a reduction in pay. Jobs, after all, can be changed; spouses are forever.

Spouse and children need our presence more than our presents. Recreation — both alone and together — refreshes our spirits. Build some of each into your weekly routine, but let your spouse be your conscience as to whether you’re spending too much time on a hobby or sport. That conscience can also be used to make sure there’s a fair balance in household chores. Neither males nor females are inherently better suited to cleaning the toilet. Household jobs should be divided according to skill, interest and time—not gender.

10

Don’t avoid the deeper questions

We humans are drawn, by God, to understand the mystery of life. Why do bad things happen to good people? Is there really life after death? How do we make sense of this world around us?

One can go through life avoiding these questions, but life is meant for seeking their answers. Couples are called together to seek God together. In whatever style fits your marriage, pray together. Marriage is, after all, ultimately a way to follow Christ, the one who laid down his life for us. Couples are called, in marriage, to lay down their lives for each other.

Reprinted with permission from the May 2009 edition of Catholic Update , a publication of St. Anthony Messenger Press (http://www. americancatholic.org.)

Go to Susan Vogt is a freelance speaker and writer on marriage, parenting and spirituality (www.SusanVogt.net). She is author of “Raising Kids Who Will Make a Difference” and “Just Family Nights.”

Susan advised the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Marriage and Family (2000-2002) and is content editor for its For Your Marriage Web site.

12 CLASSIFIEDS ■ EMPLOYMENT Youth minister - St. Gregory Church, Maryville, Mo., is seeking a youth minister. We are a faithfilled, 900+ family community in northwest Missouri with a pre-K through 8th-grade school and parish religious education program. We are seeking an individual that has a commitment and love for young people and would be an enthusiastic leader for our middle and high school youth to assist them in their faith journey. Candidate must possess a love for the church, be a practicing Catholic, communicate effectively with both youth and adults, and be organized. The youth minister would handle planning, implementation and evaluation of the youth ministry program for the St. Gregory community. He/she would foster the involvement of young people in the life of the parish and collaborate with other parish ministries and volunteers. Experience in youth ministry or other youth-based programs is preferred. Salary is commensurate with experience and diocesan scale. To apply, submit a cover letter, resume and three letters of reference to: Father Martin DeMeulenaere, OSB, Pastor, St. Gregory, 333 S. Davis, Maryville, MO 64468.

A t t e n t i o n , Mo m s – Make a difference; work from home. Call (913) 402-9522.

A d m i n i s t r a t i v e a s s i s t a n t - For Lenexa optometrist office. 25 - 30 hrs/wk. Telephone, computer and good organizational skills required. Paid time-off, retirement and health care benefits available. Fax resume to (913) 307-0535.

St. Patrick Early Education Center - Is seeking applicants for preschool teachers for the 2009 - 10 school year. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Michelle Mank, St. Patrick Early Education Center, 1080 N. 94th St., Kansas City, KS 66112, or send via e-mail, to: stpatrickeec@archkckcs.

Financia l representa tive - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City area. This position is ideal for a determined, highenergy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For more information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; or call (785) 364-5450.

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

■ SERVICES

En joy yo u r h o me a n d le t m e d o t h e d irt y work! - Active member of St. Joseph Parish is looking for a couple of clients on Saturdays. I am friendly, motivated, trustworthy, and efficient with competitive prices. Call DeeDee at (913) 909-9508 or send an e-mail to: dgaston1@kc.rr.com.

H ou se cl ean in g in Jo Co an d W yC o areas References available. Member of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Free estimates. Call Marcia at (913) 7077166.

H ou se cl e a n i n g - Top to bottom. Weekly, biweekly, or monthly. References available. Call Michelle at (913) 980-0084.

Would you like your house cleaned the Spic & Spa n way ? Call the Spic & Span Team. We are dependable and reasonable. Call Linda at (913) 4845150 or Norma at (816) 820-4739. Serving the Wyandotte, Johnson and Leavenworth counties.

P ri v a t e - d u t y l i ce ns ed RN - Available for inhome services. Experience with cardiac and pulmonary patients. Member of Holy Cross Church, OP, since 1986. Call Lisa Fernholz at (913) 661-9038.

Resume and references available upon request.

S u mm er t u t or i n g - Available for K-12. Tutor teaches in a fun and meaningful way and has experience in the classroom. Lessons are customized to fit the student’s needs. Sessions offered at a reasonable rate. Call (913) 206-2151 or send an e-mail to: Klmamuric@ yahoo.com.

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 19, 2009 Spring is here! I do mowing, landscaping, walls, decks, patios, and winter cleanups. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230. Southern Johnson County.

Golf les sons that las t! All ages, all skill levels.

Individual or group lessons; reasonable rates; certified teaching professional. Member of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park. Call Mike at (816) 522-3847.

Virtus trained. To play better golf today. . . call Mike.

Tree service - Pruning ornamental trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid.

Safe, insured, professional. Brad Grabs, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 244-5838. www.Green SolutionsKC.com.

Foley’s Lawn Care 2009 Season Weekly mowing & landscape maintenance!

Call now for your FREE estimate!

(913) 825-4353 Serving Johnson County Commercial and residential Piano/flute lessons - Teacher has over 45 yrs. experience. Two locations available, N. Topeka, Cherry Creek area, or in-town. Member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish. Call Margaret at (785) 221-5972 (cell) or (785) 246-3499 (home).

Machine quilting by Lyn - I also do T-shirt, photo, and memorial quilts too. Located in Overland Park. Call Lyn at (913) 492-8877.

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

Do you need help caring for an elderly family member? Contact Benefits of Home – Senior Care and let our social work expert help you build a plan of care. We provide assistance with homemaker and personal care services, in the comfort of your home. To speak with our social worker, contact Benefits of Home at (913) 422-1591.

Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 4220610; or send an e-mail to: tkidd@kc.rr.com.

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

Start a scholarship fund to benefit your Catholic alma mater at the C a t h o l i c F o u n d a t i o n o f North ea st Ka n sa s. To start a named scholarship fund in honor or in memory of a loved one, or to give to an existing scholarship fund or school endowment fund, contact the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas at (913) 647-0365 or visit the Web site at: www.cfnek.org.

■ HOME IMPROVEMENT REMODELING & REPAIRS Quality work at reasonable prices. Baths, kitchens, basements and door replacements.

Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park.

Ralph Pruente at (913) 631-1115

Contractor - Commercial and residential work.

Painting, carpentry and renovating. Free estimates; insured. 20 yrs. experience. Call Rob at (913) 2064524.

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

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

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 19, 2009 Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing.

Licensed and insured.

(913) 599-7998 Elect rician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

JoCo and southern KC metro area. Call Pat (913) 963-9896.

House painting - Interior and exterior; wallpaper removal. 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. References. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Custom-kit chen coun tertops - Laminate tops manufactured and installed within 5 days.

Competitive prices, dependable work. St. Joseph Parish member. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058.

Wood bri ght - A very affordable alternative to refinishing, refacing or replacing stained cabinets and woodwork. The average kitchen only costs $500. 18 years experience. Call Woodbright at (913) 940-3020.

Ti m t he Ha ndy man - Insured; free estimates.

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

L a k e h o u s e – Beautiful and private Lake Kahola, less than two hours from the KC area. Only 10 miles off I-35 at the Emporia exit. This home sleeps 10+ with a 2-car garage, plus a private boat ramp and dock. Located at the water’s edge on a quiet cove. Call Cy at (316) 262-0888.

■ VACATION

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

Mountain cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $95/night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the Web site at: cabin.forcadeassociates.com.

Sum mer v acat ion - Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, 1 BA, sleeps six. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec center w/pool, fishing, golf, hiking, rafting, close to nat’l park. $100/night; $600/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.

■ FOR RENT

House for rent - Recently remodeled home on Long St. in Shawnee, near St. Joseph Parish. 1 entry-level BR, 1 loft BR, kitchen with refrigerator, bsmt. garage with opener, large yard. Very quiet, secure neighborhood. Serious inquiries only. Call (913) 238-2470. Owner is a member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

House in Olathe - 428 Cardinal. 3 BR, 3-1/2 BA, living and dining rooms, vaulted ceilings, fenced yard, large deck, two-car garage, $1095/mo. (913) 768-6447.

Organizing & handyman services - Basements, garages, attics and shop spaces organized! Your items sorted, boxed & labeled; areas cleaned when finished! Wall repair, interior painting, tile work, handicap bars and ramps. Great references and insured. For pictures of current projects, view my Web site at: www.swalms.com. Call Tillar Swalm at (913) 375-9115.

P r a i ri e V i ll a g e - Adorable house located at 4006 Prairie Lane. 3 BR, 1 BA, hrdwds, living rm with fireplace, large family room on back of house. $910/mo. Call (913) 768-6447.

STA ( Su re T hi ng A l w ay s) Ho me Re p ai r Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Call for free estimates. Cell: (913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; e-mail: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa.

Bulk mu lch - $35 per cu. yd. delivered (within our delivery area with a 2-yard minimum order) OR $70 per cu. yd. delivered and spread. Contact Joe Keehn at (913) 631-7217 or (913) 449-9848 or visit the Web site at: www.mokanmulch.com.

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376

■ REAL ESTATE

St rawb erry H il l bu nga l ow - 1 BR, 1 BA. Many closets and cabinets and lots of charm! Large, fenced yard; off-street parking. $40,000. For appt. to view, call (913) 371-0850 or (913) 302-3669.

Ov erl a nd P a rk town h ome - 2 BR, 2 BA in the Oakshire subdivision with a full bsmt. and a two-car garage. This one-owner home has been completely freshened with new paint, upgraded carpet, and new kitchen flooring. The very active HOA provides all maintenance, including: roofs, snow removal, lawn care, trash removal, recycling, streets, driveways and walks. The mgm't company is on-site two hours per week for residents. Call Rosemary Connors, Reece and Nichols, at (913) 669-1229.

R e t i re i n s m a l l t o w n A m e r i c a - Across the street from Catholic church in Garnett. 2 BR, 1 BA bungalow with attached garage, central A/C, and a new roof. $55K. Delton W. Schulte Agency, (785) 448-4402.

F a m i l y h o m e - Two blocks from Holy Spirit Church, Overland Park. View online at: www. fsbo-kc.com. Go to ID# 5723, or call April Newton at (913) 894-2012 or (913) 486-2068 (cell).

L a k e o f t h e O z a r k s h o u s e F S B O - 44-mile marker. 3 BR, 2 BA, hearth/kitchen, 2-well covered dock with lift, deck, patio, easy landscaping. Call (913) 888-7217 or (573) 345-0037.

■ FOR SALE

Mapex drum set - Like-new complete black Mapex drum set with bass, two toms, snare, floor tom, two cymbals and hi-hat, sticks, complete set of Vic Wirth practice pads and beginner’s books. $600 obo. Call Anita at (913) 948-3127.

■ WANTED

Private swim lessons - Seeking an experienced female to give my 7-year-old daughter swim lessons this summer. Prairie Village vicinity. Call (913) 677-7042.

■ WANTED TO BUY

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

W i l l bu y f i r e a r m s an d r e l a te d ac c e s s o r i e s One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473.

Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. *** Wanted to Buy *** Antique and vintage costume jewelry Member St. Joseph Parish Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179

■ ENTERTAINMENT

Di sc jo cke y - For your wedding, kolos, nightclubs, corporate parties, teenage celebrations, holiday parties, sock-hops, ethnic, birthdays, holiday parties, hip-hop/rap, golden oldies. Member of St. Therese Parish, KCMO. Call Zepster’s A to Z Party DJ’s at (816) 741-4777.

June 20

Sanctuary of Hope, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual Run the Good Race on June 20. Events include the 5K challenge course, 5K road course, ‘do-the-double’, 1-mile walk, and a pancake breakfast. For more information or to register, call Trish Miller or Bill Page at (913) 321-4673 or visit the Web site at: www.sanctuaryofhope.org.

The annual Kansas City Metropolitan Christian Singles picnic will be held on June 20 from 4 - 9 p.m. at Quivira Park, 119th and Quivira, Overland Park. Events include volleyball, a barbecue dinner, a children’s play area, and dancing to Zepster the DJ. Bring a $10 donation for food and a side dish to share. To RSVP or for information, call (816) 229-2805 or send an e-mail to: pamonrow10@aol.com.

Father Tom Hesse will be celebrate the monthly archdiocesan pro-life Mass at 8 a.m. on June 20 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., followed by a rosary procession to an abortion clinic four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing, with Benediction concluding services at 10 a.m.

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on June 20 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be “Multiple Losses.” For information, call (913) 649-2026.

21

The Lay Dominicans, St. Martin de Porres Group, will meet at 4 p.m. every third Sunday of the month at the Redemptorist Senior Center, corner of Linwood and Wyandotte, Kansas City, Mo. For information or directions, call Tom Smith at (816) 232-0374 or send an e-mail to: attpsmith@stjoelive.com.

The Knights of Columbus, Marion Council No. 3768 at Christ the King Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will host a pancakesand-more breakfast from 8:30 - 11 a.m. on June 21 in Davern Hall. A freewill offering will be collected; proceeds will benefit the 4H club.

24

Join the Singles of Nativity for happy hour, beginning at 6 p.m. on June 24, at Trolley’s Bar and Grill, 9100 W. 135th St., Overland Park. Look for the yellow balloon and our greeters, who will be at the table until 7:30 p.m. Questions? Send an email to: social@son-ministry.org.

SKIP (Special Kids, Informed Parents), a group for parents of children with any type of disability or special need, will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. on June 24 in the community room at the Seneca Public Library, Seneca.

25

A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on June 25 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood.

Father Don Cleary will preside; fellowship follows. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

“Breakfast on the Go,” a free nutrition presentation, will be offered from 9:30 11 a.m. on June 25 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

If you are a woman without health insurance, come to Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., on June 25 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Kelly Nightengale of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will be available to inform you of the Early Detection Works program, which offers free breast and cervical cancer screening for qualifying uninsured women in Kansas. No reservations are needed. For information, call the Keeler Women’s Center at (913) 906-8990.

26

The 15th annual golf scramble benefitting the Sisters, Servants of Mary will be held on June 26 at Painted Hills Golf Course, 71st and Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast. The format is a four-person scramble with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. The Sisters will have their putting contest at 12:30 p.m., followed by lunch and the awards program. Proceeds will help fund the recently installed heating system at the convent. The cost is $150 per person; $600 per foursome. For information or a registration form, contact George Gallup at (913) 342-5018 or send an e-mail to: ggallup@ kc.rr.com.

The Serra Club of Johnson County will be host its annual appreciation Mass and barbecue dinner on June 23 for the archdiocesan priests, seminarians and deacons at Prince of Peace Church, 16000 W. 143 St., Olathe.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will celebrate Mass at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner catered by Jack Stack in the church hall.

The cost is $25 per person. For reservations, contact Jack or Mary Ann Hense at (913) 381-3525.

Alexandra’s House will host “Fridays for Charity,” an evening of family fun and entertainment, from 5 - 8 p.m. on June 26 at Suburban Lawn and Garden, 135th and Wornall, Kansas City, Mo. Complimentary beverages, wine and cheese will be provided. Leisurely stroll through beautiful garden displays, chat with consultants, and select hearty plants to invigorate your summer garden. A portion of the proceeds from the evening’s purchases will be donated to Alexandra’s House, a safe haven that provides loving refuge for abandoned newborns and abused or neglected infants.

The Catholic Education Foundation will present “The Gift of Catholic Education” breakfast featuring coach Bob Hurley, legendary high school basketball coach from St. Anthony’s High School in Jersey City, N.J. at 7:30 a.m. on June 23 at the College Basketball Experience located in the Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo. Coach Bill Self, 2009 Associated Press Coach of the Year, will be attending the breakfast. Sponsorships are still available, call today. Single tickets are available, but seating is limited. For information, contact Patty Morrisey at (913) 647-0344 or send an e-mail to her at: pmorrisey@ archkck.org.

Savior Pastoral Center, 12606 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan., will offer a lectio divina retreat entitled, “Were Our Hearts Not Burning Within Us While He spoke to Us on the Way and Opened the Scriptures To Us?” based on the Gospel writings of St. Luke from 6 p.m. on June 26 - 3 p.m. on June 27. Father Meinrad Miller, OSB, chaplain of Benedictine College, Atchison, will be the retreat leader. The cost is $75 for both days or $30 for Saturday only. Register now through June 15, by calling (913) 721-1097 or visit the Web site at: www.savior pastoralcenter.org.

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26-27

St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will host a garage sale at the Early Education Center, 11525 Johnson Dr., at 8 a.m. on June 26 and 27. Proceeds will benefit the “Rebuilding Together Shawnee” program to preserve and revitalize low-income homes.

CALENDAR

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Solutions,” a three-part parenting program, from 1 - 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning June 30, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

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The Johnson County Unos will gather for 4:30 p.m. Mass on June 27 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission.

Dinner will follow at The Elephant Bar, 11900 Metcalf, Overland Park.

July

The Knights of Columbus at Christ the King Church, 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, will host a sloppy Joe and bingo night after the 5:30 p.m. Mass on June 27.

Proceeds will go to help send the youth group to NCYC.

Our Lady’s Montessori School, a preschool and day care for children ages 1 6, will host an open house on July 1 at 6 p.m. The school is located at 3020 S. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan. The Sisters of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) will have a presentation on recent renovations and the progress of the new chapel for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. RSVP to Sister Mary Mediatrix at (913) 403-9550.

St. Joseph Church, 300 N. Broadway, Leavenworth, will host its annual Germanfest on June 27, beginning with a 5 p.m. German heritage Mass followed by a traditional German dinner from 6 - 7:30 p.m. There will be music by the Festhaus— Musikanten group and dancing by the Blautaler Schuhplattler Alpine dancing group of Kansas City from 6 - 9 p.m.

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The Knights of Columbus, Unity Council No. 709, will host an all-you-can-eat international breakfast from 8 a.m. noon on June 28 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 2910 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The cost is $6 per person; children under five eat free. For information, call (913) 677-2069.

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The Johnson County Unos will hold their monthly meeting and potluck dinner at 6 p.m. on July 3 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission. Bring meat casseroles, salads, vegetables or desserts — enough to feed 8 — or $5 to pay for your meal.

Misc.

The St. Agnes pro-life committee will host a showing of the documentary film “Thine Eyes,” depicting the 2009 March for Life in Washington, D.C., at 2 p.m. on June 28 in the Bishop Miege auditorium, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Roeland Park. A freewill offering will be collected. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Bishop Miege 2010 March for Life fund.

Notre Dame de Sion, home of the 2008 state champions, will offer all-girl soccer camps this summer. Session I, for 2 -5 grades, will be July 6 - 9, from 8 - 10 a.m.; Session 2, for 6 - 8 grades, will be July 13 16, from 8 - 10 a.m. For information or to register, send an e-mail to Matt Darby at: mdarby@rockhursths.edu or visit the Web site at: www.sionstorm.com.

St. Mary Church, St. Benedict, will host its annual parish picnic on June 28. A chicken and ham supper will be served at 5 p.m. Carryouts will be available. The cost is $6.50 for adults; $3 for children ages 10 and under. There will be games, concessions and an auction at 9 p.m. To view the quilts for auction, visit the Web site at: www.stmstb.org.

Bishop Lillis High School, Kansas City, Mo., is planning a 50th reunion for the class of 1959. For information, contact Baldy Darnay at (816) 640-9978 or send an e-mail to him at: mdarnay@kc.rr.com.

The Ladies Guild at St. Joseph Church, Shawnee, will host a French pastry tea to benefit the “Water for Life” project in Third World countries from 1 - 3 p.m. on June 28 in McDevitt Hall. The cost is $15 per person.

Seating is limited. For information or to RSVP, call Nancy Wrigley at (913) 268-7989.

The Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City invite grandmothers, mothers, children, and grandchildren to an afternoon garden party from 2 - 4 p.m. on June 28 at the home of Debbie Kitchin, 4802 W. 143rd Terr., Leawood. Mady and Me, of Prairie Village Shopping Center, will provide a children’s fashion show.

Proceeds will benefit not-for-profit groups for the underprivileged and uninsured in the metropolitan area. The cost is $20 for adults; $10 for children. For reservations, send a check (payable to Ladies of Charity)

by June 23, to Linda George, 14020 Nicklaus Dr., Overland Park, KS 66223. For information, call (913) 402-9013.

The Daughters of Isabella, Little Flower Circle No. 503, will say a rosary for sick and deceased members at 1 p.m. on June 28 at Rossiter Hall, 204 S.W. 8th, Topeka. A business meeting will follow.

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Nona Boyd of the Wyandot Center will present “Real World Love and Logic

There are ten men in the My House men’s groups that have been free from pornography for over one year! Also, the My House women’s group is available for wives and loved ones who are healing from the effects of their loved one’s struggles.

For more information, visit the Web site at: LoveIsFaithful.com.

De-stress your marriage by attending the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend will be held from July 25 - 27.

This a powerful weekend where married couples can get away and focus only on each other. For information or to register, call (913) 469-8453, or visit the Web site at: www.neksme.org.

Hayden High School, Topeka, will host a 45-year reunion for the class of 1964 on Oct. 10 at the Shawnee Country Club. For information, contact Marilyn (Harkin) Heideman at (785) 286-1300 or via e-mail to: gmheide@cox.net; or Bob and Terry (Brame) Bryan at (785) 246-2363 or via email to: gograni@aol.com.

The Singles of Nativity will gather for round-robin-style tennis beginning at 6 p.m. at the Indian Creek Recreational Center, 103rd St. and Marty, Overland Park, on Sundays throughout the summer.

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

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 19, 2009

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 19, 2009 Jane (Engelken) and Regis Sunneberg, members of St. Matthew Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 6. The couple was married on June 6, 1959, at St. Matthew. Their children and their ANNIVERSARIES spouses are: Chris Sunneberg, Topeka; Kelly and Tom Herl, Waverly, Neb.; Regina and Larry Turner, Overbrook; and Angie and Tim Mercer, Carbondale. They also have 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

MARK MY WORDS President MOST REVEREND JOSEPH F. NAUMANN Editor REVEREND MARK GOLDASICH, STL frmark@theleaven.com Managing Editor ANITA McSORLEY anita@theleaven.com Senior Reporter JOE BOLLIG joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative JENNIFER SIEBES jennifer@theleaven.com

Production Manager TODD HABIGER todd@theleaven.com

Reporter KARA HANSEN kara@theleaven.com

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Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Archbishop Edward O’Meara Award Winner 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003 Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Rosemary (Voeste) and Jerry Fladung, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 18. The couple was married on June 18, 1949, at St. Joseph Church in Olpe. A family reunion will be held in August in Branson, Mo., to celebrate. Their children and their spouses are: Kathy and Dale Wheeler, Portland, Ore.; Phil and Betsy Fladung, Carmel, Ind.; Rick and Lynn Fladung, Houston; Tricia and Mark Raab, Olathe; and Eric Fladung, Olathe. They also have 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

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.

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SCRIPTURE READINGS TWELFTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME June 21 TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Jb 38: 1, 8-11; Ps 107: 23-26, 28-31; 2 Cor 5: 14-17; Mk 4: 35-41 June 22 Paulinus of Nola, bishop; John Fisher, bishop, martyr, and Thomas More, martyr Gn 12: 1-9; Ps 33: 12-13, 18-20, 22; Mt 7: 1-5 June 23 Tuesday Gn 13: 2, 5-18; Ps 15: 2-5; Mt 7: 6, 12-14 June 24 THE NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Is 49: 1-6; Ps 139: 1-3, 13-15; Acts 13: 22-26; Lk 1: 57-66, 80 June 25 Thursday Gn 16: 1-12, 15-16; Ps 106: 1-5; Mt 7: 21-29

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

June 26 Friday Gn 17: 1, 9-10, 15-22; Ps 128: 1-5; Mt 8: 1-4 June 27 Cyril of Alexandria, bishop, doctor of the church Gn 18: 1-15; (Ps) Lk 1: 46-50, 53-55; Mt 8: 5-17 THIRTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME June 28 THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Wis 1: 13-15; 2: 23-24; Ps 30: 2, 4-6, 11-13; 2 Cor 8: 7, 9, 13-15; Mk 5: 21-43 June 29 PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES Acts 12: 1-11; Ps 34: 2-9; 2 Tm 4: 6-8, 17-18; Mt 16: 13-19 June 30 The First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church Gn 19: 15-29; Ps 26: 2-3, 9-12; Mt 8: 23-27 July 1 Blessed Junípero Serra, priest Gn 21: 5, 8-20a; Ps 34: 7-8, 10-13; Mt 8: 28-34 July 2 Thursday Gn 22: 1b-19; Ps 115: 1-6, 8-9; Mt 9: 1-8 July 3 THOMAS, APOSTLE Eph 2: 19-22; Ps 117: 1-2; Jn 20: 24-29 July 4 Elizabeth of Portugal Gn 27: 1-5, 15-29; Ps 135: 1-6; Mt 9: 14-17

Storm at sea: a tale of two miracles

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urricane season has begun. While those storms bring violent winds, they also include a point of calm, the eye of the storm, around which the winds swirl as a tropical cyclone.

perienced similar weather at sea and should have known how to handle it.

Their familiarity with the sea contrasts with Jesus, who most probably had Since a hurricane can extend over worked as a carpenter, following the such a large area, the eye trade of his foster father will typically measure 20 Joseph.

TWELFTH SUNDAY IN to 40 miles in diameter, alThe disciples should have ORDINARY TIME though some have reached been in control. They are the Mk 4: 35-41 200 miles in diameter. experienced seamen; Jesus It sounds contradictory is the landlubber. That is for such a violent storm as how the scene begins. The a hurricane to also include a point of Gospel tells us: “Leaving the crowd, calm. But perhaps that can provide an they took Jesus with them in the boat insight into Sunday’s Gospel reading, just as he was.” The disciples take Jesus Mk 4:35-41. The story takes place durin the boat, because they are sailing it. ing a storm that has broken out while They are in control.

Jesus and the disciples are sailing on But they quickly lose control when the Sea of Galilee. the storm blows up and threatens to While the storm is raging frantically capsize the boat. In their fear, they outside, Jesus is fast asleep in the boat. wake Jesus and appeal to him for help.

His calm attitude contrasts dramatically He rebukes the sea and calms the with that of the disciples; after all, some storm. Then he rebukes the disciples for of them were fishermen, notably Peter, their lack of faith: “Why are you terriJames and John. They would have exfied? Do you not yet have faith?”

Jesus’ success in calming the storm greatly impresses the disciples. They wonder: “Who is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

We might follow the example of the disciples in focusing upon this demonstration of power. It attracts our attention, just as the violent winds of a hurricane would attract more attention than the eye of the storm, the still point of calm.

But let us return to that moment when Jesus is peacefully sleeping, despite the storm raging around him. His complete trust in God, his total faith, allows him to ignore that storm. In light of that faith, the storm might as well not exist. The storm has no power over Jesus. Rather, Jesus is in complete control.

So, which is the greater miracle: Jesus’ calming of the storm or Jesus’ sleeping through it? Or is it possible to separate the two, any more than it is possible to separate the violent winds of a hurricane from the eye of the storm?

Are they not part and parcel of the same thing? Do not both attest to Jesus’ power as Son of God? “Who is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

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

Gladys (Steinlage) and John Rempe, members of St. Patrick Parish, Corning, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 28 with a 10 a.m.

Mass of thanksgiving at the church, followed by a dinner for family and guests. Afterwards, there will be a reception from 1:30-3 p.m. and a dance from 35 p.m. at the Corning Community Center.

The couple was married at St. Patrick Church, Corning, on June 6, 1959. The celebration will be hosted by their children and their spouses: Dan and Marlene Rempe, Corning; Sherri and Ron Alverson, Carol and Keith Flentie, Gary and Stacy Rempe, Lori and Alan Mars, Janelle and Larry Glatczak, all of Centralia; Marla and John Flanagan, Emmett; Karen and Andrew Clemons, Walpole, Mass.; and Michelle Rempe, Kansas City, Kan. They also have 24 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Kenneth and Darlene (Huerter) Glassel, members of Immaculate Conception Parish, Valley Falls, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 27 at the Kendall State Bank hall in Valley Falls.

Friends and relatives are invited to a buffet at 5 p.m., followed by musical entertainment. Hosts will be their children and spouses: Kevin and Laurie Glassel, Rob and Rhonda Kearney, and Rodney and Janell Watson.

A son, Brad, is deceased. They also have 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson. The couple was married on July 7, 1959, at St. James Church, Wetmore. The couple requests no gifts.

David and Marlene (Brien) Case, members of Church of the Nativity, Leawood, marked their 50th wedding anniversary on June 13. The couple was married June 13, 1959, at St. Mary Church, Ballston Spa, N.Y. A celebration will be held in Cutchogue, N.Y., with family and relatives on June 24. The event will be hosted by their children and their spouses: David Jr. and Tammy Case, Philip and Anne Marie Case, and Suzanne and Jay Hurtig. They also have five grandchildren.

Anna Lea and Elmer Tanking, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Tonganoxie, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 13 with a Mass at the church and a dinner and dance at the VFW Post Home.

The couple was married on June 13, 1959, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Seneca.

Their children and their spouses are: Tammy Tanking, Mike and Donna 2 Tanking, and Gery and Debbie, all of Tonganoxie; and Tracy and Donna 1 Tanking, Kearney, Mo. They also have five grandchildren and two stepgrandchildren.

John and Emma Scherman, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 18. The couple was married on June 18, 1949, at St. Paul Church, Olathe. They have four children, 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Russell and Charlene (Moore) Kimberlin, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Tonganoxie, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to Italy in late May. The couple was married on June 20, 1959, at Holy Angels Church, Basehor. They have a son, Mark, and two grandchildren.

Norma and Wilbur Jeanneret, members of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Onaga, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on June 28 with a 10 a.m. Mass at the church, followed by an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Onaga Community Center. The couple was married on June 28, 1939, at St. Michael Church, Wheaton. The celebration will be hosted by their children and their spouses: Sonja Suther, Seneca; Doug and Jan Jeanneret, Seneca; Jan and Bill Hunsaker, Arvada, Colo.; Greg and Cheryl Jeanneret, Kansas City, Mo.; Kent and Linda Jeanneret, New Baden, Ill.; and Mark and Kathy Jeanneret, Topeka. Sons James and Gerald are deceased. They also have 24 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

LOCAL NEWS

Francis “Doc” and Dorothy (Lorenz) Stock, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Leavenworth, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 20. The couple was married on June 20, 1959, at Immaculate Conception Church, St. Joseph, Mo. Their children and their spouses are: Debbie and Mike Heintzelman, San Antonio; Mary Beth and John Rayne, Paola; and Dan and Melissa Stock, Albuquerque, N.M. They also have seven grandchildren.

Karlyn and Tom Walsh, members of Church of the Nativity, Leawood, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 20. The couple was married on June 20, 1959, at St. Petronille Church in Glen Ellyn, Ill. They will have a dinner and dance at the Mission Hills Country Club on June 20. Their children and their spouses are: Kathy and Bob Boyd and Terri and Chris Lyon. They also have five grandchildren.

Jim and Shirley Gampper, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the archdiocesan golden wedding anniversary Mass and celebration on June 7 at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kan. A family celebration was held on June 13, hosted by their children and their spouses: Leslie and Shawn Chalmers, Leawood; and Kim and Jim Gampper, Michelle and Jim Maxwell, and Suzan and John Gampper, all of Overland Park. They also have 10 grandchildren. The couple was married on June 13, 1959, at St. Clare Church, Clarinda, Iowa.

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Gene and Dorothy (Hoehn) Jesberg, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Gardner, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary at the 5 p.m.

Mass on June 27 at the church. The couple was married on June 25, 1949, at Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa. They have one son, Mike (with wife, Dawn) Jesberg, Spring Hill. They also have four grandchildren.

Maurice P. and Vernita (Becker) Schmitz, members of Church of the Ascension Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on June 28. The couple was married on June 28, 1949, at St. Patrick Church, Cedar Falls, Iowa. They will celebrate with relatives at a private gathering hosted by their children and their spouses: Kathy and Jim Vogel; Ken Schmitz; Don Schmitz; Diane Carr; Lauri and Gary Wehling; Gene and Deb Schmitz; Cheryl Schmitz and Steve Roth; and Jackie and Jeff McFarlane. They also have 19 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Carolee “Kip” (Rockers) and John Jewell, members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Lapeer, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 27 with a Mass, followed by a family dinner at the Overbrook American Legion. The couple was married on June 27, 1959, at Sacred Heart Church, Topeka, by Father Albert Wietharn. Their children and their spouses are: Jamie (deceased); Pat and Jan Foster; and Jerry and Kelli Jewell. They also have four grandchildren.

Betty Anne (Maurer) and Anthony J. Lang, members of St Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with a Mass of thanksgiving on June 27 at the church. The couple was married on June 25, 1949.

Their children are: Roxanne, Anthony III, Rebecca, Christopher and Robert. They also have 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mike and Mary (Abramovitz) Heintzelman, members of St. Joseph of the Valley Church, Leavenworth, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 19 with a celebration hosted by their children and their spouses: Mike and Debbie Heintzelman; Jerry and Linda Heintzelman; and Paula and John Johnson. They also have 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson. The couple was married on June 20, 1959, at St. Lawrence Church, Easton.

Joe and Donna Harrity, members of Our Lady of Unity Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 27. The couple was married by Father Frank Krische on June 27, 1959, at St. John the Evangelist Church, Kansas City, Kan. Their children are: Ann, Joel, Kevin, and Beth. They also have 13 grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren. A reception for family and friends will be held on June 28 at St. Patrick Parish center, Kansas City, Kan.

Sylvester “Steve” and Jane Ann Scherer, members of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 13. The couple was married at St. Ann Church in Effingham. They attended the golden wedding anniversary Mass on June 7 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan., and were honored with a celebration on June 14, hosted by their daughter and her husband, Sandra and Mike Brock. They also have two grandchildren.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 19 2009

Leaven photo by Elaina Cochran

Leaven photo by Elaina Cochran

Leaven photo by Elaina Cochran

In a scene reminiscent of Corpus Christi processions of years past, hundreds of people line up behind Archbishop Naumann as he carries the monstrance under a processional canopy.

Sacramentals such as rosaries and crucifixes were carried by many as they took part in this traditional devotion dating back centuries in church history.

In past years, Bishop Robert Finn (left) of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph hosted Archbishop Naumann for this solemnity. This year, the archbishop returned the favor.

CORPUS CHRISTI AT A GLANCE

Leaven photo by Elaina Cochran

Leaven photo by Susan McSpadden

Archbishop Naumann requested that recent communicants wear their first Communion dresses or suits, and that all who were recently confirmed or who were preparing for confirmation attend to give public witness. Here, a young first communicant gives her witness during Benediction at Miege High School’s Dixon Doll Stadium.

The only thing better than going to a Corpus Christi procession is going with a friend. Here, a young participant brings Teddy.

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