06-20-14 Vol. 35 No. 41

theleaven.com | vol. 35, no. 41 | june 20, 2014

Leaven photo by Joe McSorley

Sister Judith Jackson, SCL, visits with hospice patient Frankie Taylor, a client of Catholic Community Hospice, for whom Sister Judith is a chaplain.

‘May I walk you home?’

Catholic Community Hospice accompanies families ‘on a journey’

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

But before their New York adventure even got underway, Garza’s condition suddenly deteriorated.

As Burch and Tiffani boarded a flight home, they ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Nancy Burch only muted the ringer on the phone instead of turning had just arrived in her New York it off, just in case the call came.

City hotel when the phone call And it did. came.

Garza was dying.

“You need to turn Burch’s mother was not only a lifelong around and come back Catholic, but a very devout one. So Burch To learn more home.” took great comfort in knowing that Sisabout Catholic ComBurch, a parishioner of Curé of Ars ter Judith Jackson, SCL, a chaplain with munity Hospice or Parish in Leawood, had moved her mothCatholic Community Hospice, was at the bereavement or grief er, Ninfa Garza, in with her about a year house with her mother in her final hours support services availearlier so she could care for her better af— as she often had been over the past able through Catholic ter Garza’s stroke. several months.

Charities of Northeast Garza was widely known for her work As Sister Judith led other family memKansas, call (913) 621with senior citizens and for her homebers in a rosary around Garza, Burch and 5090. made Mexican food at Ninfa’s Tortillas Tiffani were able to add their voices to and Taqueria in Kansas City, Kan. But the the ancient prayer via cellphone. stroke had left her weak and unable to manage alone.

After Garza died, Tiffani turned to her mother in She had seemed to be in good spirits, however, that the plane and said, “Well, I guess we’re the ones who morning in 2012 as Burch and her daughter Tiffani deare closest to Grandma now.” parted for New York on a trip Tiffani had won. >> See “Catholic” on page 2

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Learn more

Highlights of Catholic Community Hospice Catholic Community Hospice offers a number of specialty programs and services: • Music and massage therapies • “Angel Vigil” — around-the-clock presence during the final two to three days of life • A veterans program, recognizing their unique issues at the end of life • Veteran to Veteran program, pairing patients who are veterans with visitors who have also done military service • Awareness of advance directives • Grief support that continues for the family for 13 months after the patient’s death. (Grief services are also available to families who did not use hospice services.)

2 local news

theleaven.com | june 20, 2014

Catholic hospice feels like ‘extended family’ >> Continued from page 1

On a journey When the travelers finally made it home, said Burch, “I walked in the door — Sister Judith was right there.

“She came back the next day — and the next day — and talked to me.”

Having Catholic Community Hospice as part of the team taking care of her meant the world to Garza.

“Mom just absolutely loved it,” said Burch.

And Sister Judith felt exactly the same.

As one of three chaplains Sister Judith Jackson with Catholic Community Hospice, Sister Judith often views her work as joining people on a journey.

It was while she was doing a clinical rotation for an advanced degree in spirituality that Sister Judith was called to minister to the sick and dying.

But many of her colleagues at Catholic Community Hospice, a service of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, feel likewise called to this unique ministry.

“This is such a beautiful place to be,” many say, said Judy Walker, vice president of program operations and health services with Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

Sister Judith often discovers common bonds — through family ties, parishes, schools, or other connections — that link her own life story with the journey of the families she meets through her hospice work.

These common bonds can offer incredible comfort to people during their time of need.

“It was just like having family help us — extended family,” said Rich Teahan, a member of Church of the Nativity in Leawood.

His wife JoAnn Teahan — mother to their six children, grandmother to 19 and great-grandmother to six — worked as a medical technologist and was active with many organizations, including Catholic Charities.

She and Rich, in fact, were involved with its longtime fundraiser, the Snow Ball.

“The organization as a whole is very special to her,” said Kathy Jantsch, the Teahans’ oldest child. “When we realized that her time had come and she was going to use hospice, there was no doubt in her mind that she wanted to use them.”

JoAnn had battled cancer years before, but had improved. Then the cancer entered the bone and, after about two years of treatment, her condition took a rapid turn.

Several health services converged to help with her care, including Catholic Community Hospice and the Sisters, Servants of Mary.

She was able to spend her final days at home in her own bedroom.

It was as perfect as a bad situation could be, said Rich.

“It became a very comforting process for us because everyone who came through the door was coming from the same place in terms of their spiritual or faith-focused ministry,”

How it works • A physician makes a referral if the patient’s life expectancy is six months or less.

• A nurse, social worker or chaplain meets with the patient and/or family to talk about services through Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. There is no cost to the family for care.

• Once hospice care is deemed appropriate, the patient is admitted into the program.

• Nurses, home health aides, social workers and others make scheduled visits to the patient and family.

Who is eligible for Catholic Community Hospice?

Most patients are Catholic, but it serves all people.

Its geographical coverage includes Douglas, Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami and Wyandotte counties in Kansas, with recent approval for Linn County.

In Missouri, it serves Cass, Clay, Jackson and Platte counties.

said Jantsch.

Sister Judith and many family members were there when JoAnn died in 2012.

“It was very tough,” said Rich. “But having Sister [Judith] there and having her hugging people and helping people — I think she even asked what the kids would have thought if JoAnn was there, what would she say to them — it was very comforting.

“Obviously, that’s her vocation, and she does it very well.”

‘Be able to move among the people’ Catholic Community Hospice’s staff and volunteers tend to a patient’s physical needs, but also to the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and family.

“It really is an all-encompassing service,” said Walker.

Nurses, home health aides, massage and music therapists, social workers and chaplains provide individually tailored care.

Sister Judith strives to give a calming presence.

“You have to be able to move among the people and see where the needs are,” she said.

She visits as often or as little as a patient desires and works to understand who the person is.

Patients are offered opportunities to review their lives.

Sister Judith often recommends reading for patients and families. A favorite for Catholics is Cardinal Joseph L. Bernardin’s “The Gift of Peace.”

There’s also an element of preparing family members to live once their loved one is gone.

“The real focus and goal for hospice is to improve quality of life and to give families and patients hope,” said Walker.

Beyond hope for quality of life and comfort in the days that remain, it is hope in the resurrection and all that is encompassed by the faith.

A wish to stay at home Janet Strohmeyer, who lives in Austin, Texas, can’t imagine the final months of her aunt’s life without Catholic Community Hospice.

The hospice had cared for Strohmeyer’s mother, and so it just seemed natural to bring them in for Mary Helen Trowbridge.

Trowbridge, a longtime parishioner of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kan., wished to die in the only home

she’d ever known. A hospital bed was set up in front of a dining room window — her favorite spot in the house.

Despite the distance, Strohmeyer felt deeply connected to her aunt’s care through visits when she was in town, as well as calls and texts with updates from hospice.

The same village it takes to raise a child, believes Strohmeyer, is needed to care for the elderly at times like this.

That’s the only way family — with a nephew staying at the house and relatives coming on a rotating schedule to help, along with health care providers — could have made this happen.

Trowbridge died during a snowstorm this past February, and Strohmeyer was touched to see Sister Judith at the funeral.

“I believe in the paschal mystery, the suffering, the death and the resurrection,” said Sister Judith. “I really benefit from going to their services.”

But the funeral is far from the last point of contact between the family and Catholic Community Hospice.

Grief support is offered for 13 months following a patient’s death.

“It’s just very gratifying that they will see you through your whole journey,” said Strohmeyer. “It doesn’t end the day the person dies.”

‘May I accompany you?’

Burch feels that her mother would have chosen exactly the care she received through Catholic Community Hospice.

“She would tell me all the time, ‘Thank you for bringing these ladies from Catholic Charities here,’” said Burch.

They both enjoyed visits from the chaplain during which they would receive Communion and pray together.

One image Sister Judith encounters often in reading strikes a chord in her work.

“May I walk you home? May I accompany you on this journey?” she said. “That’s kind of what I say to people.”

“They’re such a comfort and a guidance,” said Strohmeyer. “You don’t deal with these kinds of things every day in your life.”

Likewise, it was comforting to Jantsch to have a guide during an overwhelming time — even just someone to offer a prayer or information about what to expect.

“It’s almost like angels here on earth, and you develop such an appreciation for their ministry,” said Jantsch.

“That they have the ability to do this day in and day out is really something special.”

Corpus Christi

calendar archbishop

Naumann June 21-29 Vacation June 30 Johnson County Serra Club annual barbecue for seminarians — Prince of Peace, Olathe

July 4 Fortnight for Freedom Mass — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood July 5-12 Vacation

archbishop

keleher June 19-30 Pilgrimage to Lourdes

July 1 Reconciliation — Friary in Ballyshannon, Ireland July 5 Mass in Ballyshannon

St. Patrick youth remembered with fundraiser KANSAS CITY, Kan. — St. Patrick Parish class of 2009 will host a “Luau with Love” on June 21 to remember Robert Zevenbergen, 20, who died in a car accident March 20, and to raise funds for a new emergency shelter for Wyandotte County youth placed in police protective custody due to suspected child abuse.

The luau will be held at St. Patrick Parish center, 94th and State Ave., Kansas City, Kan., from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person. The evening will feature a silent auction.

Zevenbergen was an alumnus of St. Patrick Elementary School and St. James Academy in Lenexa. He was a freshman at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, at the time of the accident that claimed his life.

To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Sheri Seeman at (816) 769-3069, or by email at: saseeman@ hotmail.com; Elaine Stroud at (913) 5224308, or by email at: elaine.stroud@att. net; or Allison McLain at (913) 328-4667, or by email at: mclain_a@wmhci.org.

New columbarium blessed at Resurrection Cemetery LENEXA — A new columbarium with towering statuary of the risen Christ and the sorrowful Mother — both overlooking new garden sections at Resurrection Cemetery here — was blessed by Father Peter Jaramillo following a Memorial Day Mass at the cemetery on May 26.

Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas has developed three new garden sections on the gently sloping landscape of the southwest side of Resurrection Cemetery, located at 83rd and Quivira Road.

Fortnight for Freedom Mass KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will conclude the Fortnight for Freedom by celebrating Mass at 9 a.m. on July 4 at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood.

The Fortnight for Freedom is a twoweek period of prayer and action running from June 21 to July 4 to address many current challenges to religious liberty.

second front page 3

june 20, 2014 | theleaven.com

Countries put their unique spin on Corpus Christi

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — In many places around the world, the celebration of the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ is more than a religious celebration.

In countries with large Catholic populations, Corpus Christi is a civic celebration, a parade, a procession, a party and an exercise of piety — all rolled up into one.

In some countries, the feast day is a regional or national holiday, and the festivities can last a week.

In Peru, Corpus Christi is a weeklong celebration that includes not only a grand procession Stories by with the Eucharist through a richly adorned town plaza, but also dance performances and fiestas. Farmers make figures out of their produce on “Peasants’ Day.” In France, Brazil, Poland and other countries in Central Europe, Corpus Christi is also known as the Day of Wreaths.

Clerics and men in some processions wear small wreaths of flowers as armbands, while girls and women wear wreaths on their heads.

Wreaths and bouquets are attached to homes and banners, and arches of greenery span the streets. The monstrance that contains the Blessed Sacrament, too, is wreathed in flowers.

In Brazil, the procession passes over streets that have been elaborately decorated with colored sawdust and sand. In Toledo, Spain, the streets are decorated with awnings, wreaths, lanterns, banners and tapestries.

In the Spanish city of Berga, Corpus Christi is part of a weeklong celebration called La Patum, named for the pounding of drums and crackling fireworks. In fact, so many fireworks are set off that experienced festival-goers prepare by wearing old clothes that can be ruined by stray sparks, a hat to keep sparks out of the hair, and a bandanna across the face.

In several countries, the monstrance is part of an elaborate framework weighing hundreds of pounds. In addition to the bishop and other clergy, representatives of various guilds and other organizations are part of the procession. Altars or stations are set up along the route for adoration and prayers.

Joe Bollig

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Origins of the solemnity

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CNS photo/Michaela Rehle, Reuters

A Corpus Christi procession makes its way along a scenic route in the German village of Wackersberg, south of Munich, June 7. A eucharistic procession is a traditional feature of the celebration of the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ.

Corpus Christi celebrations in the archdiocese

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — For reasons both cultural and historical, the observance of the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ — or Corpus Christi — tends to be both shorter (one-day) and more solemn in the United States than those held in countries with large Catholic populations and ancient roots in the faith.

Many parishes plan their own Corpus Christi processions for the feast day, which falls on June 22 this year. Pastors might lead parishioners around the interior of the church or a short route on the parish grounds.

Others are planned for re-

gional participation, and organizers invite Catholics from the whole area.

At Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, for example, Corpus Christi observances will begin at 3 p.m. with eucharistic adoration, followed by a procession, and ending with Benediction.

For Catholics in Emporia, the procession begins at 3 p.m. at St. Catherine Parish, 205 S. Lawrence, and will proceed to Sacred Heart Parish, 101 Cottonwood. The Celebrant Singers will perform at 4 p.m. in the parish hall, followed by a potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m.

In Topeka, Corpus Christi observances will start out at

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

Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, 3601 S.W. 17th St. Eucharistic adoration will be held from 12:30 to 2 p.m., followed by the procession from the church and through the neighborhood, returning to the church.

In recent years, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph have co-sponsored an inter-diocesan procession in Kansas City, taking turns hosting.

This year, the eighth annual procession will be sponsored by the Diocese of Kansas CitySt. Joseph and will begin at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 901 Cesar E. Chavez Ave-

nue in Kansas City, Mo. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place from 1 to 2 p.m., with opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation during the Holy Hour.

The procession will begin at 2 p.m. and proceed on a half-mile route from the shrine to Sacred Heart/Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 2544 Madison Ave. The event will conclude with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. There will be a reception afterwards.

Due to restricted parking at the shrine, people are encouraged to park at the parish, located at 2544 Madison Ave., and walk to the shrine.

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Coordinator Julie Holthaus julie@theleaven.com

he solemnity of Corpus Christi has its beginnings with St. Juliana of Mont Cornillon, in what is now Belgium. She had, since her youth, a great love for the Eucharist.

She reportedly saw a vision that inspired her to seek a special feast in honor of the Eucharist.

Eventually, St. Juliana persuaded Bishop Robert de Thorete of Liege to establish Corpus Christi as a diocesan feast. After he died, his successor asked Pope Urban IV to extend the feast to the whole church, which he did.

Corpus Christi is an “idea feast” because it doesn’t signify a historical moment in the life of Christ, the Virgin Mary, or one of the saints, but focuses on a particular mystery of the faith — in this case, the Eucharist.

Pope Urban IV turned to St. Thomas Aquinas to compile a liturgical sequence for the feast. Today, however, it’s optional and, because of its demands, is seldom used.

Following the Second Vatican Council, many eucharistic devotions, such as Corpus Christi, became less popular, but in recent years there has been somewhat of a revival of Corpus Christi.

St. John Paul II reestablished the public procession of the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of Rome on the solemnity of Corpus Christi in 1979, after it had been set aside for 100 years.

He used to walk in the procession until 1994, when a broken leg and hip surgery made this impossible.

From that time on, both St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI participated while kneeling in a truck.

In his first year as pontiff, Pope Francis — very familiar with the elaborate and large Corpus Christi celebrations of Latin America — returned to the practice of walking in the procession. The route was a mile, from the Basilica of St. John Lateran to the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/year.

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4 LOCAL NEWS

theleaven.com | june 20, 2014

Priests’ parents among those celebrating 50

By Libby Hyde Special to The Leaven

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Nearly 100 couples lined the pews of St. Peter’s Cathedral here on June 1 for the golden wedding anniversary Mass, a community celebration of those couples in the archdiocese who are marking their 50th anniversaries this year.

As is traditional, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann presided, and other archdiocesan priests blessed the couples and thanked them for their many years of Catholic witness.

But three of the priests had just a little bit more to be grateful for than most: Their parents were among the honored guests.

By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

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Leo and Mary Jane Hammes parents of Father Greg Hammes Celebrating their 50th anniversary, Leo and Mary Jane Hammes could not have been more elated that their son was there to celebrate with them in a unique way.

“The fact that our son could go celebrate was a special honor,” Mary Jane said. “We felt like we were blessed to have the archbishop and our son to give us the blessing.”

Leo and Mary Jane recall their son having a strong affinity for religious life, even when he was very young.

“We attended Mass as much as possible and always prayed together. We always knew that God was with us and we stayed close to him as best we could — in the good times and tough times,” said Mary Jane.

“That was one of the things that drew him to the priesthood,” she added. “He really believes . . . that if you do the will of God, everything will fall into place.”

Even Father Greg’s siblings, said Leo, recognize of the way their brother has embraced God’s will for him.

“We all see God working through him to bring people together,” he said.

According to Mary Jane, Father Greg didn’t decide to go into the seminary until after he had graduated from Kansas University, at which point he told his parents that the Lord kept calling him to the priesthood.

[People] never know for sure if [they] are making the right decisions, but our son said, ‘Lord, guide me. I want to do your will,’” Mary Jane said.

“And I think God has really stuck with him.”

Lawrence and Marla Bowers parents of Father Larry Bowers Though Lawrence and Marla Bowers celebrated their 50th anniversary last year, they were unable to attend the golden anniversary Mass at the time due to health reasons. According to Marla, they were ecstatic to be able to attend this year.

“My son is the one that heard about it,” said Marla. “The Mass was wonderful, just beautiful.”

Lawrence and Marla Bower’s son, Father Larry Bowers, currently serves as associate pastor of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood. “[The anniversary Mass] was very special and emotional, because we always wanted [our son] to do what

Archdiocese, Villa St. Francis win injunction against HHS mandate

Leaven photo by Lori Wood Habiger

Leo and Mary Jane Hammes bring the gifts up to the altar at the golden wedding anniversary Mass on June 1 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan. he wanted to do and we never really pushed him either way,” said Marla. “It was a long journey to get there, and it took a long time.

“But he made it.”

Marla said she always had a feeling that her son may pursue a religious calling.

“When he was in college, for some reason my mother asked him if he had ever thought about it, and I think that was when I knew [the priesthood] was what he was going to do,” said Marla.

“He talked to a few priests and had been to a couple different orders and decided to pursue the priesthood.”

But it isn’t only the faith of her son the priest that she is proud of.

“After my 50 years of marriage, I am most proud that all my children and grandchildren are still active in their faith,” said Marla. “I keep praying for them all the time that they will continue when so many others do not.”

Frieda and Raymond May parents of Father Ray May Raymond and Freida May, members of St. Matthew Church in Topeka, attended the event to celebrate their anniversary and to support their son, Father Ray May, who is just finishing up his assignment as director and chaplain of the Didde Catholic Campus Center in Emporia. Freida was pleasantly surprised to see the large number of couples in attendance at the celebratory Mass. “[The golden wedding anniversary Mass] was just awesome and I loved it,” said Freida. “I am proud when I have been married 50 years because it just doesn’t happen very often.”

One of the most important parts of the celebration for Raymond and Freida was seeing their son, an archdioce-

san priest, on the altar with Archbishop Naumann.

Throughout their marriage, Frieda and Raymond prayed that their son would enter the priesthood.

Freida said the first time she considered her son becoming a priest was when Father Ray Burger, pastor of St. Matthew at the time, asked parishioners to write down the names of those whom they thought might be good priest material.

Freida immediately wrote down her son’s name and said she was later surprised to learn that many other people did, too.

“I always wanted him to become a priest,” said Freida. “We both did.

Now that I’ve got some grandkids, I’m glad that at least one of my sons went into the priesthood.”

Freida said Father Ray used to pretend he was a priest when he was a child, using bread and juice as the body and blood of Jesus Christ. From then on, she had high hopes that he would embrace the calling.

“I really began to hope he would enter the priesthood when he was in college. And when he did, I was glad.

He’s a very good priest,” Frieda said.

For his part, Father Ray was elated to be able to celebrate his parents’ 50th anniversary with them, but he does not see much of a difference between his parents’ vocation and his own.

“They are both vocations of love,” said Father Ray. “I think about the fidelity and being faithful to your vows.

Fidelity is more than just the narrow idea of it that we have.

“Fidelity is about being more faithful to my vows all the time and living my vocation more fully.”

“I never think I chose a different path [from my parents],” he concluded. “I think my vocation is founded in theirs.”

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and Villa St. Francis have won a major legal victory in their fight against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services contraception mandate.

The archdiocese, the Villa and seven other members of the Catholic Benefits Association won an injunction against being forced to comply with the HHS contraception mandate, part of the Affordable Care Act. U.S. District Court Judge David L. Russell of the Oklahoma Western District Court issued the 21-page ruling in the case of Catholic Benefits Association LCA et al. v. Sebelius et al. on June 4.

His decision said that the CBA, comprised of over 400 Catholic employers and 2,000 parishes, was to provide health care benefits in compliance with Catholic faith and morals. Its members include dioceses, Catholic Charities affiliates, colleges and other Catholic entities.

The archdiocesan health insurance plan is exempt from the HHS mandate at this time because it is “grandfathered,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

Villa St. Francis, however, is not part of the archdiocesan plan and thus was subject to the mandate.

“This decision gives [Villa St. Francis] the freedom not to provide abortion services, contraception and sterilization in their employee health plan,” said the archbishop. “So, it was an important victory for the archdiocese and Villa St. Francis.”

It’s an important victory, but not necessarily a permanent one. The federal government could decide to appeal the ruling and take the case up to the next level — the federal appellate court.

“It’s possible that the government, at some point, will give up what has been to this point a relentless determination to make Catholics and others violate their conscience, and make our ministries violate Catholic moral principles,” said Archbishop Naumann.

Even if they don’t, he said, a number of victories on the federal district court level strengthens the position of the CBA and its members. The next step above the appellate level would be the U.S. Supreme Court.

“We’re happy with the decision,” said Archbishop Naumann. “It’s up to them if they’re going to appeal the ruling.”

The government’s case for the contraception mandate is “bizarre,” he said, because, on one hand, it’s saying that contraception coverage is so essential that religious freedom and liberty have to be overridden in order to provide it, but it’s also exempting many other institutions from the mandate. How, then, can this mandate be essential?

“It’s a rather outrageous argument the government is trying to make, and it certainly seems like it’s a vendetta against religious institutions,” said Archbishop Naumann. “It’s more the federal government wanting to force churches to comply with an ideology that thinks contraception, abortion and sterilization is somehow a constitutional right.”

Local News 5

june 20, 2014 | theleaven.com

Prince of Peace family makes big-screen debut n Dan Stalp and his sons are extras in the movie, “A Long Way Off”

By Carolyn Kaberline Special to The Leaven

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ENEXA — Summer moviegoers who think a couple characters on the big screen look an awful lot like some folks they see at Mass on Sunday might just be right.

Prince of Peace, Olathe, parishioners Dan Stalp and his two sons — Dominic and Jackson — are making their silver screen debut as extras in the new faithbased movie, “A Long Way Off.” The film, a modern-day retelling of the biblical story of the prodigal son, explores “A Long Way the relationOff” opened ship of a father June 13 at the and son while AMC Studio 30 demonstratin Olathe. Call ing the mercy (913) 393-3030 and forgiveness for showtimes. of God. Starring Jason Burkey, John Diehl, Robert Davi, and Robert Amaya, the film opened June 13 at the AMC Studio 30 in Olathe. The film also features Kansas City native Edie McClurg, best known for her work in “Frozen” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” The Stalps appear in the prodigal son reunion party scene.

With the movie filming in the Raleigh, N.C., area, the Stalps may not have seemed to be the most likely candidates to be called in as extras. Dan, however, had a personal connection to the production.

Leaven photo by Carolyn Kaberline

Dan Stalp and his sons Jackson (left) and Dominic (right) stand in front of the house used in filming “A Long Way Off,” a recently released Christian-themed movie based on the parable of the prodigal son. The Stalps were extras in the prodigal son reunion party scene.

“I have known the producer Jerry McGlothlin for a couple of years,” said Dan. “He had interviewed me on several radio shows through his company ‘Special Guests.’”

McGlothlin had originally called to ask whether Dan’s book, “The Reunion,” could be used as product placement. But one thing led to another, and Dan was asked if he and his family would be interested in being extras in the film.

“I was initially not interested unless one or more of my kids could be involved,” said Dan. As things turned out, while his daughters were unable to make it to Raleigh on the day of the shoot, his sons were eager to help.

In fact, Dominic, an eighth-grader at Prince of Peace, was excited “to see some stars,” and Jackson, a sophomore at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, believed it could be “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Even though all agreed that waiting in the extras room for several hours before they were actually in the film, then taking an “hour and a half to get five minutes of film,” as Dominic noted, was tedious, all three enjoyed the experience.

For Dominic, the best part of being an extra was “being in the living room with all the main characters and acting in a scene with my brother.”

“We had to ‘mouth’ the words to each other rather than actually speaking,” he said.

“Seeing all the characters — some famous — come together and watching all the behind-the-scenes outtakes” made the experience worthwhile for Jackson.

Both boys also enjoyed the reactions of their teachers and classmates to their movie debuts.

“My friends didn’t believe me at first,” said Dominic. “Once [my teach-

er] Ms. McKimmey confirmed it was true, my classmates thought it was cool.”

Jackson said that many of his classmates didn’t believe him at first either, until he began describing all that they’d seen and done.

Now that filming is done, Dan hopes to see it do well at the box office.

“The movie illustrates life is not about possessions and money,” he said.

“It’s about relationships here on earth and [in] eternity. Also, God gives us rules — not to control us and take the fun out of life, but to protect us so we can live the abundant life in him.”

Dan and his family believe in the film and its message enough to sponsor its Olathe showing.

“I see this as an opportunity to evangelize and contribute to something where God is already working,” he said.

So far, the film has received positive feedback from those who have seen it in other cities.

“They felt the filming was very professional, and the actors made the timeless story seem real in today’s society,” Dan said.

Now that Dan and his sons have seen the results of their movie debuts, all would agree to be in another film if the chance presented itself.

“Yes, it was especially fun since it was filmed in North Carolina, and I got out of school one day,” said Dominic.

Jackson was also ready for another chance.

“It was fun and I learned a lot,” he said. “It’s exciting for my friends to see me on the big screen.”

Dan would also be involved again as long as his family members were there with him.

“I really enjoyed spending 36 hours just with my boys doing this together,” he said. “It was rewarding to watch them stay in the role, and we met some phenomenal people in the ‘extras room.’”

The movie is rated PG.

Archbishop’s sponsored seminarian ordained a priest in El Salvador

By Elizabeth Alex Special to The Leaven

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Seven young men supported through Unbound’s seminarian sponsorship program — including the seminarian sponsored by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann — were recently ordained to the priesthood in El Salvador and the Philippines.

Nelson Edgardo Fajardo Guevara of El Salvador, now Father Nelson, said the support and sponsorship of the archbishop inspired him in his studies.

“It was really great to know [my sponsor] was an archbishop. And the fact that we were praying for each other was also great,” said Father Nelson.

“That motivates me and inspires me to continue to look for the love of the Lord.”

Jemilhelm M. Nunez celebrated his ordination in the Philippines.

“It was my dream to become a priest,” said Father Nunez. “I believe that vocation is a mystery — a sacrifice. It is a gift of God and also it is my gift to him.”

Father Nunez’s sponsor, Elizabeth Noll of Winchester, said she is “thrilled and just so proud of him.” She has

Photo courtesy of Unbound

Nelson Edgardo Fajardo Guevara of El Salvador was recently ordained a priest. Father Nelson was sponsored by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann through Unbound, formerly Christian Foundation for Children and Aging. sponsored through Unbound, formerly known as Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, for 16 years.

“I appreciate the priesthood so much and wanted to help someone become a priest,” Noll said. “I feel blessed

that I was able to have a small part.”

Noll and her husband Robert are members of St. Joseph-St. Lawrence Parish, Easton. She has already asked for another seminarian to sponsor.

Unbound was founded by lay Catho-

lics and now serves people in 21 countries. Most sponsored friends are children and youth who are in school, as well as elderly people.

Unbound also sponsors young men and women studying for Catholic religious vocations. More than 600 seminarians have been sponsored and ordained as priests since 1996, when the organization began supporting religious vocation candidates. Seventyfive women have taken final vows.

Father Nelson and the three colleagues he studied with now serve in parishes in El Salvador.

“From the bottom of my heart, I would say thank you,” said Father Nelson when asked what message he would like passed on to Unbound sponsors.

“I would say, ‘Please continue this great work.’ I continue praying for everyone who is part of [the organization].”

Unbound is the largest nonprofit in Kansas with more than $115 million in annual revenue. More than 93 percent of all the money Unbound spends goes to program support.

For more information, visit the website at: www.unbound.org.

6 local news

theleaven.com | june 20, 2014

Allegations made against archdiocesan priest

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The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has received two credible allegations of inappropriate conduct

by Father George Seuferling. These allegations do not involve minors.

Father Seuferling, who retired in 2001, is now limited in his public exercise of priestly ministry to weddings and funerals for family members. The archdiocese asks anyone who has knowledge of inappropriate conduct by any priest, deacon, employee or volunteer to please contact the confidential report line at (913) 647-3051 or civil authorities.

The archdiocese respects the sincere concerns of all individuals who bring forth allegations of misconduct and is fully committed to conducting thorough investigations of all such allegations and cooperating with law enforcement officials.

Bike blessing

Assisted by Father John Pilcher, pastor of Mater Dei Parish, Archbishop Naumann blesses motorcycles and their riders as part of the second annual Ride for Life and Liberty event held in anticipation of this year’s Fortnight for Freedom, which begins June 21 and runs through July 4. Approximately 50 bikers from around the archdiocese rode to Mater Dei-Assumption Church, located in downtown Topeka.

Leaven photo by marc anderson

Archbishop to celebrate baptisms of large families

Leaven photo by lori Wood habiger

s Golden anniversary

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Dorothy and George Haskin, members of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Onaga, renew their vows at the golden wedding anniversary celebration on June 1 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan. More than 100 couples attended the annual event.

In memory

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blesses a new fire pit at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg on June 6. It was dedicated to Jared Cheek and Matty Molnar, two seminarians for the archdiocese who were killed in a car accident in 2005.

Leaven photo by joe mcsorley

local news 7

june 20, 2014 | theleaven.com

To show his personal support for those couples open to raising larger families, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has offered to celebrate the baptism of the third or greater child of any family (by birth, adoption, or blending through valid marriage) interested. Celebrations are scheduled for July 27, Sept. 7, and Nov. 16. For 2015, celebrations are scheduled for Jan. 18, March 15, and May 17. Please contact your parish office for more information. Additional information is also available from the archdiocesan office for liturgy and sacramental life at (913) 647-0330 or online at: liturgy @archkck.org.

Retreat set for July 12-13 EASTON — Christ’s Peace House of Prayer here will offer a retreat on Our Blessed Mother Mary from July 12-13.

There will be four conferences, daily Mass and daily eucharistic adoration, a daily rosary and time for private prayer, spiritual reading and walking. The cost to attend is $85 per person, or $125 per couple. For more information, send an email to: info@christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

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Dan and Judy (Richardson) Burbach, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Paxico, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 20. The couple was married on June 20, 1964, at St. Joseph Church, Topeka, by Msgr. George Kugelmeier. Their children and their spouses are: Chris and Laura Burbach, Olathe; Zita and Rich Gillispie, Abilene; Nick Burbach, Wichita; and Michael and Julie Burbach, Overland Park.

They also have 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. They celebrated with a family brunch at Union Station, Kansas City, Mo., renewed their vows at the golden wedding anniversary celebration at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan., and took a return trip to their honeymoon destination: Pomme de Terre Lake, Mo. Fran and Alan Reno, members of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 13.

The couple was married on June 13, 1964, at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Their children and their spouses are: Ron and Betsy Reno, Terri and Todd McCrery, and Gail and Doug Dillingham, all of Gunnison, Colo.; Dave Reno, Brian and Kristin Reno, Susie and Robert Mitchell, and Joy and Seth Reece, all of Olathe; and Will Reno (deceased). They also have 23 grandchildren. The couple will celebrate with family in Colorado.

Frances (Palacio) and Lee Lopez Jr., members of Our Lady of Unity Parish, Kansas City, Kan., celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 7. The couple was married at St. Benedict Parish, Kansas City, Kan., by Father Ambrose Keating, OSB. They have seven daughters, 20 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.

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Joann and Joseph “Smokey Joe” Schmitz, members of All Saints Parish, Kansas City Kan., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends. The couple was married on June 27, 1964, at St. Thomas Church, Kansas City, Kan. Their children and their spouses are: Mary Jo and Dan Crabtree, Osawatomie; Phyllis and Eric Engeron, Houma, La.; David and Jennifer Schmitz, Kansas City, Kan.; and Helen and Kent Johnson, Kansas City, Kan. They also have 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Buck and Marie Weafer, members of St. Casimir Parish, Leavenworth, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 19. The couple was married at St. Anthony Church, Woburn, Mass. Their children and their spouses are: Tom and Ann Weafer, Olathe; Bob and Lisa Weafer, Overland Park; Ann and Tom Raney, Lawrence; and Liz and Todd Walling, Shawnee. They also have seven grandchildren. Their children will host a reception for them on July 26 in Lawrence.

Glen and Mary Keegan, members of St. Michael Parish, Axtell, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on July 4. The couple was married on July 4, 1944, at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. Their children and their spouses are: Glen R. and Somjai Keegan, Topeka; Paulette and Ken Haug, Salida, Colo.; and Maureen Hendrix and Sheryl Keegan, both of Topeka. They also have seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Leaven photo by joe mcsorley

Ellen Kopetsky teaches the children of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kan., as part of the Totus Tuus program. Totus Tuus is a summer Catholic youth program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness, and eucharistic worship. The program will be offered at 24 parishes in the archdiocese this summer.

s prayer and action

• Catholic Bequests

• Donor Advised Funds

• Gift Annuities

• Named Scholarship Funds

• Endowments

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Let us help you with your Catholic Legacy

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

Kayla Burditt (foreground), a member of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, and Katie Eddler, a member of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, scrape the paint off a house in Lawrence as part of the Prayer and Action mission program. The program is a low-cost mission experience for youths. Throughout the week, the young people painted, cleaned, did yard work, and performed other tasks for the poor, disabled, and elderly.

Funeral home • crematory • Memorial chapels 10901 Johnson Drive Shawnee, Kansas 66203 Telephone 913-631-5566 Fax 913-631-2236 Gregg Amos

Anniversary policy

• The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th notices.

• Announcements are due eight days before the desired publication date.

• Announcements must be typed.

Include the following Information: • The couple’s names • their parish • the date they were married • church and city where they were married • what they are doing to celebrate • date of the celebration • names of children (if desired) Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: Todd@theleaven.com.

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David and Dolores (Diebolt) Gudenkauf, members of St. Aloysius Parish, Meriden, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 20. The couple was married on June 20, 1964, at St. Benedict Church, Bendena,

by Father Ernest Stallbaumer, OSB. Their children and their spouses are: Denise and Jim Tackett, Indianapolis; Daytha and Greg Rodecap, Sperry, Okla.; Dena and Daryl Alexander, Pleasant Hill, Mo.; and Deirdre and Mike Nunamaker, Huntingburg, Ind. They also have 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

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Mary (Harrity) and John Lynch, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 15 with an anniversary party at the Town Hall in Shawnee.

The couple was married on June 6, 1964, at St. John the Evangelist Church, Kansas City, Kan. Their children and their spouses are: Tom and Erin Lynch, Shawnee; Jim and Michelle Lynch, Bonner Springs; and Jennifer and Chris Elliott, Lenexa. They also have seven grandchildren.

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Going up to Jerusalem

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Life goes on as usual in the Old City of Jerusalem on May 25, despite Pope Francis’ visit to the nearby Western Wall. Jerusalem is divided into Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian quarters.

One of four trumpeters honored with the task of welcoming Pope Francis to the presidential palace practices his part on the streets of Jerusalem before the pope arrived.

This camel, “parked” near the Mount of Olives, reminds guests they’re not in Kansas anymore. The mount is a ridge east of and adjacent to Jerusalem’s Old City. It is named for the olive groves that once covered its slopes.

Members of the Orthodox clergy await Patriarch Bartholomew I in the lobby of his Jerusalem hotel. From his historic base in Istanbul, the 270th Patriarch of Constantinople is said to be the successor of the Apostle Andrew.

Photos by Julie Holthaus

t wasn’t until the ads were designed and the books balanced that Julie Holthaus was allowed to attend the eight-day trip to the Holy Land for which she was handpicked by Israel’s Ministry of Tourism.

But with a passport in one hand and a long lens in another, this Kansas farm girl from St. Marys in St. Benedict did The Leaven proud.

Patriarch Bartholomew I, the leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, blesses a child at his hotel in Jerusalem before departing to meet with Pope Francis on Sunday, May 25. At the historic meeting, the pope and the patriarch prayed for unity for the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built over the tomb in which Christ was buried after his crucifixion.

The gold dome mosque atop the Temple Mount is one of the distinguishing features of the city of Jerusalem. The site has been used for religious purposes for thousands of years — by Jews, Christians and, most recently, Muslims.

Pope Francis and Israel’s President Shimon Peres embrace before the pope takes the podium to speak at the presidential palace in Jerusalem. Prior to the meeting onstage, the pope and the president planted an olive tree together in the palace gardens as a symbol of peace, with the pope commenting, “Blessed is he who enters the house of a wise and good man.” This was followed by a program on stage, which included the performance of a choir comprised of children of various religions. During the program, the pope spoke once again on peace, saying, “Peacemaking demands first and foremost respect for the dignity and freedom of every human person, which Jews, Christians and Muslims alike believe to be created by God and destined to eternal life. This shared conviction enables us resolutely to pursue peaceful solutions to every controversy and conflict. Here I renew my plea that all parties avoid initiatives and actions which contradict their stated determination to reach a true agreement and that they tirelessly work for peace, with decisiveness and tenacity.”

New technology in this old world often strikes a vivid contrast for tourists. Here a young Jewish boy talks on his mobile phone near David’s Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper in Jerusalem.

An Orthodox cleric is pictured here against the backdrop of the altar of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The altar is built over the site of Jesus’ birth.

Pope Francis laid a wreath of flowers in the papal colors of white and yellow at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, alongside Patriarch Bartholomew’s wreath of green. He also rekindled the eternal flame at Remembrance Hall there, and kissed the hands of six Holocaust survivors. The pope spoke at the memorial, concluding his remarks with: “Never again, Lord, never again.”

It was hard to miss the fact that Pope Francis was coming to Jerusalem in the days leading up to his visit. This particular poster greeted him as he made his way up this busy street in Jerusalem to his hotel. The pope opted to forgo the bulletproof popemobile throughout the visit.

Security was incredibly tight at the event at President Peres’ home in Jerusalem. But three separate press credentials bought Leaven staff member Julie Holthaus a great seat to the historic meeting of the Israeli president and Pope Francis. Although jet lag and a cold led to a slow start for the young journalist, by her day in Jerusalem, Julie was beginning to send back some terrific shots.

powerful summer reading

local news 11

june 20, 2014 | theleaven.com

Workshop invites adults to consider youth ministry

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

K

A

Voice Undefeated, gives readers a down-to-earth account of Collin Raye’s personal and professional life. From his childhood in Arkansas and Texas through his days with the Wray Brothers Band in Oregon and Reno to his rise to international stardom, this book is both a journey to the top of the music world and an intimate diary of a soul that has suffered great professional and personal losses.

This is a remarkable, inspirational story told by the man who lived it.

It is a story of faith, of struggle, of suffering, of profound love, and ultimately of triumph in the midst of tragedy.

Comes with DVD.

D

espite the ever-present oppression of the Jim Crow South around him, Tobit Messager had become a prosperous and well-respected man. Then one day forces beyond his control start a cascade of misfortune that leaves him blind and nearly destitute. It is then that an affable travelling musician, who calls himself Ace Redbone, shows up on his doorstep claiming to be a distant relative.

This retelling of the biblical story of Tobit, set in North Carolina during the Depression, brings to life in surprising ways the beloved Old Testament characters, including the important but often overlooked family dog.

A

re you ready to explore and question your own views on faith, hope and forgiveness?

On a typical weekday morning in a pieceful suburb of Akron, Ohio, the town awakens to discover that Rachel Turner and her son, Evan have been brutally murdered during the night. A short while later, Danny Turner is found in his car at the bottom of a ravine, after having taken his own life. Any explanation as to why a loving father and husband would suddenly commit a series of such heinous crimes has gone to the grave with the accused.

Robert Pascuzzi, local author and Ascension parishioner will captivate you beginning to end.

Trinity House Catholic Books and Gifts 7287 West 97th Street Overland Park, Kansas

913-652-0080

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Adults who work with teens carry out an important role in the relationships they form. “(Teenagers) view them as a trusted adult,” said Liz Miller, director of ReachKCK in Kansas City, Kan. They are often “someone they can go to when things are great — and when things get hard.”

It’s a big but beautiful responsibility, she believes, and looks forward to a training session this June geared toward adults already involved in youth ministry — and those who would like to become involved.

Michael Havercamp, Young Life’s national liaison to the Catholic Church and an expert in relational ministry, will speak at a workshop on June 28 at ReachKCK (Blessed Sacrament campus) in Kansas City, Kan. “He’s a really down-to-earth, realistic, dynamic, funny guy who tells it like it is,” said Miller. “I hope he brings an excitement and a vigor that I think is within all of us — it just needs to be drawn out a little bit.”

Today’s youth have much in common with adults, said Havercamp, and one area of common ground is that they don’t like to be told what to do.

“They want a model that inspires them, that shows them a better way,” said Havercamp, who is also the director of evangelization at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Davenport, Iowa.

“They aren’t just looking for answers,” he continued. “They’re looking for authentic witnesses of the irresistible love of Jesus Christ. Pope Francis explains that presenting the Gospel isn’t about ‘imposing new obligations’ but rather to ‘point to a horizon of beauty and inviting others to a delicious banquet’ (“Evangelii Gaudium,” 14).”

That idea fits with the title of the gathering: “Incarnational Ministry Workshop: Meeting Teens on Their Turf.”

“It’s ministry that is based on the incarnation of Christ,” said Miller.

“And what we mean by that,” she continued, “is just in the way that Jesus came to us as a human — in a way that we could recognize, in a way that we could understand — so we are called in our ministry to reach the people we’re

Leaven file photo by Joe McSorley

“Meeting Teens on Their Turf” will be the theme of an upcoming workshop at ReachKCK (Blessed Sacrament campus) in Kansas City, Kan., on June 28.

It is open to youth ministers and those who might be interested in become one. serving right where they are.”

It’s about connecting through talents, strengths and interests, building relationships and then building discipleship through those relationships.

Havercamp pointed to a quote from Pope Francis saying, “We cannot passively and calmly wait in our church buildings.”

It takes connecting with teens through their interests, whether through events they’re involved in or social media, he said.

“When we show up in kids’ lives, over and over, we earn real trust and ‘earn the right to be heard’ about the greatest love story ever told: God’s love for us in Jesus Christ,” he said.

And adults are needed, said Miller.

At ReachKCK alone, a lot is happening, and adults have a key part in that.

The workshop aims to help adults — whether they’re teaching confirmation, working with middle or high school students, volunteers, or just want to learn more about youth ministry — gain confidence in their role

with youth.

As much as the archdiocese wants to support teens, it wants to support the people who work with them as well, said Miller.

Havercamp hopes the workshop will place practical tools in people’s hands to help them enter the lives of teens in Wyandotte County and build relationships of trust — and share Christ’s love.

“Jesus tells us, ‘As the Father sent me, I am sending you,’” said Havercamp. “This workshop will help participants prepare to be sent into the lives of kids in desperate need of friendship, care, consistency and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.”

The workshop, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on June 28, will also give participants a chance to see and learn more about ReachKCK. Coffee will be offered in the morning, and lunch will also be provided.

“We’re offering this free of charge — all we ask for is an RSVP for lunch,” said Miller.

Incarnational Ministry Workshop — Meeting Teens on Their Turf Who: Youth ministers and those who might like to be When: June 28, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Where: ReachKCK (Blessed Sacrament campus), 2215 Parallel Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Free: Morning coffee and lunch To RSVP: Email Liz Miller at: urban youth@archkck.org

She asked anyone interested in attending to send her an email at: urban youth@archkck.org.

“We don’t want there to be any barrier to people getting the training and the confidence that they deserve,” she said.

Funeral rites held in Paxico for slain priest, Father Kenneth Walker

By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

P

AXICO — Family, friends and confreres of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter gathered at Sacred Heart Parish here on June 20 for a Requiem Mass commending to God the soul of Father Kenneth Walker, FSSP. Burial following the Mass was at Mount Calvary Cemetery in St. Marys.

An earlier Requiem Mass was celebrated on June 16 at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Phoenix, where Father Walker was working at the time of his death. The Mass was standing room only, reflecting the grief of the Catholic community in Phoenix.

Nearly 900 individuals donated more than $43,000 at the website Go fundme.com to help the Walker family with travel expenses.

“On behalf of the priests, religious

and the people of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, I would like to extend our sympathy and prayers to the parents and family of Father Kenneth Walker, FSSP, and to the Priestly FraterniFather Kenneth ty of St. Peter at Walker, FSSP the tragic death of Father Walker,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

“We give thanks to Almighty God for his life and priesthood and commend his soul to Jesus, our merciful Savior, whom he served with such passion and dedication,” added the archbishop.

Father Walker, 28, died as a result of injuries he received during the burglary of the rectory of Mater Miseri-

cordiae (Mother of Mercy) Mission in downtown Phoenix. Father Joseph Terra, who also lived at the rectory, was severely beaten but survived the attack.

A suspect with a long criminal history is in custody and faces several charges, including murder.

Father Walker was born on Sept. 13, 1985, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., the son of Thomas Walker and Marypat Luber.

During his high school years, his family began attending Latin Masses. This, in addition to the devotion of his family and his education at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy in Ontario, Canada, led him to seek a vocation to the priesthood.

In 2005, Father Walker entered Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary — the fraternity’s international house of formation for English speakers — in Denton, Neb. He was ordained a deacon on March 19, 2011, and continued his stud-

ies in Wigratzbad, Germany.

He was ordained a priest by Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz on May 19, 2012, in Lincoln, Neb. His first priestly assignment was at Mater Misericordiae Mission, where he assisted for a few months in the summer of 2011, as an assistant priest under Father Terra.

Father Walker is survived by his mother, Marypat Luber Green of Poughkeepsie; father Thomas and stepmother Amy Walker of Delia; and 11 siblings, some of who live in northeast Kansas; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles; and a grandmother, Peggy Ann Smith.

Memorial contributions may be made in Father Walker’s name and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.piperfuneralhome.com.

12 classifieds Employment Assistant to the superintendent of schools - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an experienced administrative professional to fill the position of assistant to superintendent of schools. This position engages in a variety of tasks, including duties that have pre-established standards and guidelines, and is required to be able to complete tasks independently with minimal direction once procedures have been established. In addition, the assistant works collaboratively with the others in the school office staff and chancery and pastoral center employees. The position requires effectively managing inquiries from internal and external entities, either by providing the answers to questions or by making the appropriate referrals. A high level of confidentiality is required of this position. Ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have a minimum of three to five years professional office experience, support of senior management preferred. Must have strong written and oral communication, excellent interpersonal skills, and proficiency in office technology.

High school diploma required, college degree preferred.

A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/employment. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume, and application by June 30 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send by email to: jobs@archkck.org.

School secretary - Degree in English communication, business. School/office experience, communication and computer skills. Send an email with cover letter and resume to: molson@holytrinitypaola.org by June 30.

Director of confirmation - Prince of Peace Church, Olathe, is accepting letters of application for the position of director of confirmation and assist with middle school youth ministries. A bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry or related field is preferred. The ideal applicant will be responsible for the organization and implementation of tasks that enable the smooth running of the religious formation program for confirmation candidates who begin their preparation in junior high. This ministry position designs and implements catechetical programs for youth that meet the guidelines of the archdiocese. This is a full-time position overseeing preparation for approximately 350 students in the school of religion and 135 in the parish school. A letter of application and a resume can be sent by email to: parishsec@princeofpeace.info.

Deadline for application is July 3.

Pastoral associate of adult faith formation and ministries - Prince of Peace Church, Olathe, is accepting letters of application for a pastoral associate of adult faith formation and ministries. The position is a key pastoral leadership and formation role that requires close collaboration with the parish pastor, as well as with other key staff members, volunteers and parishioners.

The incumbent in this position is responsible, along with the parish pastor, priests and deacons, for ensuring that the church’s evangelical and catechetical mission is well served. Qualification for the ideal applicant are: bachelor’s degree in theology, catechesis or similar academic discipline; experience in teaching/leading adult faith formation groups; leadership and supervisory experience in a Catholic parish setting; applicant should possess effective communication and motivational skills and be knowledgeable of current technology and new media to communicate the church’s message. Send a letter of application and a resume by email to: parishsec@ princeofpeace.info. Deadline for application is July 3.

Director of music ministries - Vibrant community, 1300 families, in acoustically excellent liturgical space, accepting applications for full-time director of music to lead well-developed liturgical ministry. Responsibilities include planning liturgies/music, formation/supervision of music ministers, developing/directing adult/youth voice, English handbell choir and enabling active participation of assembly (pipe organ, grand piano, 3 octaves of bells, timpani; “Breaking Bread” hymnal). Pastoral experience, choral directing/people skills and a degree in liturgy or music (or equivalent) required. Must be practicing Catholic. Proficiency in music software, Microsoft Suite and social media required. Salary range commensurate with education and experience. Complete job description available online at: www.cccparish.org/music.

Submit cover letter and resume by email to: frmick@ cccparish.org. Corpus Christi Church and School, 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy., Lawrence, KS 66049. (785) 8436286. www.cccparish.org/music.

Musician - Position open immediately. Seeking full-time musician with strong conducting, organ and piano skills.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are also essential in working with musicians/volunteers at all levels of proficiency. Requirements: Keyboard expertise, sight-reading ability. Knowledge of Catholic liturgy and liturgical music needed with experience planning and coordinating the various liturgies, including funerals and marriages. Responsibilities include conducting and accompanying established adult, children’s and bell choirs and other ensembles for rehearsals; directing and accompanying several weekend Masses and other celebrations including holy days, holidays, and special liturgies throughout the year. Responsible for weekly cantor rehearsal and ongoing recruitment of volunteer musicians.

Salary commensurate with experience. Submit cover letter, resume, and references by email to: mverstraete@ stjohnlalande.com. Blue Springs, Mo.

theleaven.com | JUNE 20, 2014 Liturgy and music director - Visitation Parish, Kansas City, Mo. (www.visitation.org), is now accepting applications for director of liturgy and music to lead a well-developed liturgical ministry. Responsibilities include planning liturgies and music, formation and supervision of liturgical ministers, and enabling active participation of assembly. Pastoral experience, people skills and master’s in liturgy/music (or equivalent) required. Choral directing skills preferred. Must be a practicing Catholic. Salary commensurate with education and experience, benefits included. Send cover letter and resume to Visitation Search Committee, 5141 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64112. For more information, contact Father Pat Rush at (816) 753-7422 or send an email to: frpat@church. visitation.org.

Afternoon teachers - Prince of Peace Early Education Center, Olathe, is looking for afternoon teachers for the 2-years-old and 2 1/2-years-old room, and the school-age room from 2:30 - 6 p.m., Mon. - Fri. Experience preferred for the 2-year-olds; one year of experience in a child care center for the school-age program. Competitive hourly wage. Contact Amanda at (913) 829-2728.

Safe drivers needed - Assisted Transportation Services seeks caring and reliable drivers in the Kansas City metro area to transport K-12 students in our minivans. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Learn more or apply online at: www.assistedtransportation.com or call (913) 262-5190 for more information. EOE. Accountant/bookkeeper - Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, Bucyrus, is accepting applications for a parttime accountant/bookkeeper to work 20 - 25 hours per week. The ideal candidate must have experience with general ledger entries, accounts payable, payroll, bank reconciliations and financial statement preparation.

Experience with QuickBooks is desirable. Interested applicants should submit a resume, references and cover letter to Parish Administrator, Queen of the Holy Rosary Wea, 22779 Metcalf, Bucyrus, KS 66013, or send by email to: psteele@qhrwea.org.

Financial representatives - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City metro, Topeka, and Garnett - Greeley area. Ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. Please contact John A. Mahon, general agent, for more information or an interview by sending an email to: john.mahon@kofc.org, by phone at (785) 408-8806 or at 1275 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612.

Office clerk - Commercial general contractor in Overland Park, is hiring for the position of general office clerk. Parttime position to fit your schedule. Must have strong computer skills and a willingness to learn a variety of tasks.

Send resume by email to: constructionco_ovpark@yahoo. com.

Services Got a virus? PC slow? Error messages? You don’t pay if I can’t fix it. Remote IT support. Send an email to: mattcomputerfix@gmail.com. Member of Sacred Heart Parish.

Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, at (913) 909-2002.

Stained glass door side panels - Custom made to overlay existing windows. Eliminates need for curtains or blinds. Satisfaction guaranteed. Reasonable. 40 years experience. Portfolio for your inspection. Call Ed at (913) 648-0099.

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: mikehammer moving@aol.com.

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

CLUTTER GETTING YOU DOWN? Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizer and “HONEY-DO-LIST” specialist. Call today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055. Insured. References. Visit our website at: www.KOATINDUSTRIES.com.

Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mop- ping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 801-0901 (mobile).

Serving the 913 area code area.

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

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.

We moved! Come check out our new office in Lenexa.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998

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, etc., neckties etc. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. Visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc.com.

Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson county area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401.

Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience.

Call (913) 227-4902.

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

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 Foley’s Lawn Care - (913) 825-4353 Mowing – Weekly programs starting as low as $30.

Spring/Fall cleanups; mulch; landscape maintenance.

Residential/Commercial Serving Johnson County for 15 years. www.foleyslawncare.com Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

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

Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional.

Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Tim the Handyman - Small jobs, faucets, garbage disposals, toilets, ceiling fans, light fixtures, painting, wall ceiling repair, wood rot, siding, decks, doors, windows, and gutter cleaning. Call (913) 526-1844.

Home Improvement Heating and cooling repair and replacement - Call Joe with JB Design and Service. Licensed and insured with 20 years experience. Member of Divine Mercy Parish. Call Joe at (913) 915-6887.

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 you’ll be glad you did.

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 - www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.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 Helping Hand Handy Man - Home maintenance chores available by the hour. Special rate for senior and singleparent households. Electrical, painting, wood refinishing, deck repair, yard work, shelving and organizing. Most home problems and needs solved. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490.

Brick mason - Brick, stone, tile and flat work. 19 years of residential/commercial experience. FREE QUOTES - KC metro area. Small and large jobs accepted. Call Jim at (913) 485-4307. www.facebook.com/faganmasonry.

Swalms Organizing and Downsizing Service - Reducing Clutter - Enjoy an Organized Home! Basement, garage, attic, shop, storage rooms - any room organized!

Belongings sorted, boxed and labeled, items hauled or taken for recycling, trash bagged. For before and after photos, visit: www.swalmsorganizing.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115.

Junkyard Dawg garage, yard and debris cleanup.

Call Josh for an estimate for cleaning and hauling away at (913) 314-0171 and let’s get ’er done!

House painting Interior and exterior; wall paper removal.

Power washing, fences, decks.

30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates.

Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Rodman Lawn Care - Mowing, leaf removal, mulch and more. Call John Rodman, member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, at (913) 548-3002 or send an email to him at: Rodman.Lawn@yahoo.com.

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

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) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

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.

Home improvements - Thank you to all my customers for being patient as I underwent a life-saving liver transplant. If there is new work or warranty work, please don’t hesitate to call. We do windows, siding, doors, decks, exterior painting and wood rot. There is no job too big or too small. Call Joshua Doherty at (913) 709-7230.

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 Local handyman and lawn care - Mowing, painting, wood rot, power washing, staining, gutter cleaning, Honey-Do List, carpet, roofing and windows. FREE estimates. Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

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

Caregiving - Caring, responsible 43-year-old Catholic woman looking to care for your loved one. 15 years experience; excellent references. I treat my clients with care, respect and love, and find working in this field very rewarding. Flexible hours available, and nights and weekends. If interested, please call Kara at (913) 909-6659.

Have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease? Inquire about our fresh, unique approach to care. ComfortCare Homes, a local, family-owned care option, opened its first home in 2005. We have now grown to four homes located in Overland Park and Leawood. All of our homes are located minutes from highways I-35 or I-435, allowing easy access from anywhere in the Kansas City metropolitan area including Lee’s Summit, Shawnee, Liberty and Olathe. To learn more or take a tour, call Courtney Minter at (913) 609-1891 or visit the website at: www.

ComfortCareKC.com.

CALL THE “GO GO GIRLS” - Maybe you aren’t driving as much or at all; we can help. If you need to GO to the doctor, dentist, hairdresser, barber shop, grocery store, etc., let us know. If you don’t want to GO yourself, we can run your errands for you. We will GO to your home, if you need someone to sit with a loved one, while you get away. Just give us a call to discuss your needs at (913) 469-6211 or (816) 806-0564. Johnson County only.

Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com.

Do you worry about your aging parents? - Call to learn how a nurse ambassador can consistently manage your health and wellness, allowing you to live at home safely. A simple and affordable choice. Call Home Connect Health at (913) 627-9222.

RENTAL WANTED Rental wanted - Mother and 21-year-old daughter seeking rental or mother-in-law quarters as soon as possible in Johnson County. Call (913) 980-5472.

Classifieds continue on page 15

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june 20, 2014 | theleaven.com

June St. John the Evangelist Parish, 1234 Kentucky, Lawrence, will 20-21 host its 34th annual Mexican fiesta from 6 - 11:30 p.m. from June 20 - 21. There is no cost to attend.

There will be live entertainment and authentic Mexican food. A moon bounce and carnival games will be available on June 21 only. For more information, call (785) 843-0109 or visit the website at: www.st johnsfiesta.com.

Beginning Experience — serving the widowed, separated and di20-22 vorced who are suffering the loss of a love relationship and may feel left out by their church, uneasy around married friends, unsure of themselves and uncertain about their futures — will host its next weekend June 20 - 22 at the Precious Blood Center, Liberty, Mo. For

more information or to register, send an

email to: register.bekc@gmail.com, or call Kim at (816) 739-4733, or Jerry at (785) 843-2079.

St. Vincent Church will host its summer musical production, “Man of La Mancha,” at H&R Block City Stage Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, Mo., on June 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. and June 22 at 2 p.m. There is no cost to attend for all members of the clergy, nuns and seminarians.

Tickets are $8 in advance; $10 at the door.

For more information and tickets, contact Rebecca Heatworne at (816) 460-2020 or Dominico Nguyen at (816) 519-7700.

Father Tony Lickteig will celebrate the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass on June 21 at 8 a.m. at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan. Immediately following Mass is a rosary procession to an abortion clinic approximately 4 blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing. Benediction concludes services by 9:45 a.m.

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Outpace Poverty, hosted by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, is a family-friendly 5K that raises money to fight poverty. It will be held on June 21 at the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Mo. The event includes refreshments, entertainment, activities and visits from Slugger and KC Wolf. To register, go online to: www.outpacepoverty.org.

A “Luau with Love” will be held from 6 - 10 p.m. on June 21 at St. Patrick Parish Center, 94th and State Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Proceeds will benefit construction of the new PACES Children’s Emergency Shelter for Wyandotte County children in crisis. The cost to attend is $25. To purchase tickets or for more information,

contact: Sheri Seeman at (816) 769-3069, or send an email to: saseeman@hotmail. com; or Elaine Stroud at (913) 522-4308, or send an email to: elaine.stroud@att. net. For more information, visit the website at: www.paceskidsshelter.org.

St. John the Evangelist Altar Society will host a “Sweating to the Oldies” dance from 7 - 11 p.m. on June 21 in the Sacred Heart Church basement, 2636 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kan. The cost to attend is $10. Food will be available for purchase.

For tickets, call Carmen Oroeza at (913) 621-2142.

A Daughters of Isabella meeting will be held at 1 p.m. on June 22 at Rossiter Hall, Assumption Church, Topeka. The business meeting will be followed by a social hour.

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St. Mary Church, St. Benedict, will host its annual church picnic on June 22. A buffet-style chicken and ham supper will be served in an air-conditioned hall beginning at 5 p.m. To-go meals and concessions are available. The auction is at 9 p.m. This is great family fun. Everyone is welcome. Quilts for sale at the auction may be viewed online at: www.stmstb. org.

The Holy Family Church Altar Society annual golf tournament will be held on June 23 at Sunflower Hills Golf Course, 12200 Riverview Rd., Bonner Springs. The shotgun start will be at 1 p.m. The cost to attend is $65 per person, which includes the green fee. Food will be served after the tournament. All proceeds will benefit the Holy Family Church fuel fund. For more information, contact Bernadette Gard at (816) 891-7247, Sandy Cannon at (913) 396-1564, or Cathy Schneider at (913) 371-1561.

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A basic mending workshop, taught by Linda Zeorlin, will be held on four Mondays, June 23 - July 14, from 1:30 - 3 p.m. at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Space is limited. To register, call (913) 906-8990.

The Catholic Business Network will host its June breakfast series from 7 - 8:30 a.m. on June 24 at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 143rd and Nall, Leawood. The speaker will be Peter Mallouk, president and chief investment officer of Creative Planning, a Leawood-based comprehensive wealth management firm. The cost to attend is $10. RSVP is required and can be made online at: www.catholicbusiness network.net.

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All Addictions Group, a support group for women dealing with any kind of addiction

at any stage of recovery, meets on Tuesday evenings from 6 - 7 p.m. at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Call (913) 906-8990 or register online at: www.keelerwomenscenter.org.

A course in the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning begins on June 25 at 6:30 p.m., at St. John the Evangelist Parish offices, 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence. Online registration is required by visiting the website at: www.ccli.org. For more information, call Shannon or John Rasmussen at (785) 749-1015 or the Couple to Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558.

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Scripture study, Bible sharing and reflection, “lectio” and journaling, a regular weekly series facilitated by pastoral minister Heather Neds, is offered at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., on Wednesdays from 9:3011 a.m. This weekly Bible study group is based on the upcoming Scripture readings from the common Lectionary. There will be time for reflection, sharing and journaling. Call (913) 906-8990 to register.

A prayer vigil for the feast of the Sacred Heart will be celebrated at 7 p.m. on June 26 at St. Joseph Parish, 11311 Johnson Drive, Shawnee. The vigil will include a rosary, vespers, act of reparation, the Litany of the Sacred Heart and the chaplet of the Sacred Heart.

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Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus Council 11917 will host the Our 27-28 Lady of Unity campout and barbecue smoke-off “4-Life” from June 27 - 28 at Dolan Field, 34th and Shawnee Dr., Kansas City, Kan. Proceeds benefit Our Lady of Unity School and the Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic. The cost to attend is $25 for the family campout; $75 for the barbecue competition (three categories: chicken, ribs, pork). The Long Boards will play a free concert on June 27. For more details, visit the website at: www.shkofc.com or call John Hager at (816) 214-7608.

An incarnational ministry workshop, “Meeting Teens on Their Turf,” presented by Michael Havercamp, Young Life Catholic Liaison, will be held from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on June 28 at ReachKCK (Blessed Sacrament campus), 2215 Parallel Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The workshop is for adults who work with, minister to, or have an interest in serving teens and for youth leaders, middle school and high school teachers, confirmation teachers, pastors, volunteers, and anyone interested in learning more about youth ministry and/or ReachKCK. To RSVP, send an email to Liz Miller at: urbanyouth@archkck.org.

The Lt. Wm T. Fitzsimons Assembly will be sponsoring an Italian dinner on June 28 from 5 - 7 p.m. at St. Patrick’s parish center, 94th and State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The cost to attend is $9 for adults; and $6 for children under the age of 10.

Proceeds will benefit a chalice purchase.

The Serra Club of Johnson County will sponsor its annual appreciation Mass and dinner for priests and seminarians at Prince of Peace Church, Olathe, on June 30. Mass begins at 6 p.m. with Archbishop Joseph Naumann as the celebrant. A barbecue dinner in the parish hall will follow the Mass. All archdiocesan priests and seminarians are invited. Registration is required. For information, send an email to Larry Sowers at: larry@sowerscpa.com.

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July Christ’s Peace House of Prayer, Easton, will offer a retreat on Our 12-13 Blessed Mother Mary from July 12-13. There will be four conferences, daily Mass and daily eucharistic adoration, a daily rosary and time for private prayer, spiritual reading and walking.

The cost to attend is $85 per person, or $125 per couple. For more information, send an email to: info@christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

It’s the good guys versus the good guys at the inaugural Pitching for Priests fundraiser on July 14 at Community America Ballpark, 1800 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan., hosted by the Catholic Radio Network. Priests and seminarians from the Archdiocese of Kansas City ​in Kansas​ will battle it out on the ball field against those from the Diocese of Kansas City St. Joseph. Tailgating begins at 3 p.m. and the game starts at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds will support the vocations offices.

The cost to attend is $10. Purchase your tickets or sign up for a sponsorship opportunity today. Visit the website at: www. thecatholicradionetwork.com or call (816) 630-1090.

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Calendar submissions

• Email submissions to: calendar @theleaven.com • Mail to: 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: calendar • Calendar notices are due 10 days before the desired publication date.

• Calendar notices may only run two weeks before the event depending on space available.

Stair lifts & More We’ll lift you up!

Scooter/bath/wheelchair/pool Free consults. Leaven discounts!

Member Good Shepherd, Shawnee

Call Ed Toll Free 1-855-543-8632

Guided/directed retreat July 20 - 26, 2014

During this retreat the group will gather daily for a conference. Each participant will meet individually with one of the directors every day. Opportunity to join the monks for Mass and prayer.

Enjoy the Center with its beautiful grounds and artwork.

Directors: Father Richard Reiser (St. James), Father Thomas A. Greisen (Servant Minister for Priests), Renee L. O’Brien (Creighton University, ret.), Sister Ann Marie Petrylka, OSM (St. Leo the Great), and Father Thomas Leitner, OSB. Sunday, 6:00 p.m. to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. Program Fee: $ 90* Rooms per night: Single Occupancy: $ 42.00 plus tax; Double Occupancy: $ 35.00/person plus tax Meals per day: $ 24.75 plus tax.

St. Benedict Center Located 3 miles north of Schuyler at Hwy. 15 P.O. Box 528 • Schuyler, NE 68661-0528 • Phone: 402-352-8819 • Fax: 402-352-8884 Email: Retreats@StBenedictCenter.com • Web Site: www.StBenedictCenter.com

14 commentary Scripture Readings

theleaven.com | june 20, 2014

Twelfth WEEK in ordinary time June 22 THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST Dt 8: 2-3, 14b-16a Ps 147: 12-15, 19-20 1 Cor 10: 16-17 Jn 6: 51-58 June 23 Monday 2 Kgs 17: 5-8, 13-15a, 18 Ps 60: 3-4, 12-13 Mt 7: 1-5 June 24 THE NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST Is 49: 1-6 Ps 139: 1b-3, 13-15 Acts 13: 22-26 Lk 1: 57-66, 80 June 25 Wednesday 2 Kgs 22: 8-13; 23: 1-3 Ps 119: 33-37, 40 Mt 7: 15-20 June 26 Thursday 2 Kgs 24: 8-17 Ps 79: 1b-5, 8-9 Mt 7: 21-29 June 27 THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS Dt 7: 6-11 Ps 103: 1-4, 6-8, 10 1 Jn 4: 7-16 Mt 11: 25-30 June 28 The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Irenaeus, bishop, martyr Lam 2: 2, 10-14, 18-19 Ps 74: 1-7, 20-21 Mt 8: 5-15 thirteenth WEEK in ordinary time 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 Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church Am 2: 6-10, 13-16 Ps 50: 16b-23 Mt 8: 18-22 July 1 Blessed Junípero Serra, priest Am 3: 1-8; 4: 11-12 Ps 5: 4b-8 Mt 8: 23-27 July 2 Wednesday Am 5: 14-15, 21-24 Ps 50: 7-13, 16b-17 Mt 8: 28-34 July 3 THOMAS, APOSTLE Eph 2: 19-22 Ps 117: 1b-2 Jn 20: 24-29 July 4 Friday Am 8: 4-6, 9-12 Ps 119: 2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131 Mt 9: 9-13 July 5 Anthony Mary Zaccaria, priest; Elizabeth of Portugal Am 9: 11-15 Ps 85: 9ab, 10-14 Mt 9: 14-17

continued from page 12

mark my words

L

Is anything still nice in the world?

ast Monday afternoon, I got some great news at The Leaven. And I reacted as any normal person wouldn’t: by grousing!

After asking, “What is wrong with you today?” the staff strongly encouraged me to nail down — immediately — my summer vacation plans, since I obviously need a break.

Reflecting on my grouchiness, I was reminded of a homily that I gave just a couple of weeks ago. One of the things that I’ve always liked about the solemnity of the Ascension is that it reminds me of the need to “rise above” the negative and destructive habits and attitudes in my life and get a different view — a God’s eye view, so to speak — of the situation.

In the Scriptures, a mountain usually represents a place where people encounter God. For example, Moses goes up the mountain to get the Ten Commandments and Jesus is transfigured on a mountaintop. Way too many times in my life, I forget to go to the mountain and instead find myself mired in mud in the valley.

I did, however, have a “mountain experience” that I mentioned in my Ascension homily. I was reading an article by Connie Schultz in the May 25 issue of Parade magazine. She wrote about

Father Mark Goldasich Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. what she would say to graduating seniors and quoted something from Kurt Vonnegut’s book, “A Man Without a Country,” which I had read ages ago but totally forgot about.

Vonnegut writes: “But I had a good uncle, my late Uncle Alex. He was my father’s kid brother, a childless graduate of Harvard who was an honest life-insurance salesman in Indianapolis. He was well-read and wise. And his principal complaint about other human beings was that they so seldom noticed when they were happy.

“So when we were drinking lemonade under an apple tree in the summer, say, and talking lazily about this and that, almost buzzing like honeybees, Uncle Alex would suddenly interrupt the agreeable blather to exclaim, “If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.”

What a great philosophy

of life: Stop to notice happiness and say, “If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.”

When I got home from The Leaven on Monday, I immediately poured myself a big glass of Simply Lemonade, took a big gulp, smacked my lips and said, “If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.”

Then I reflected on my day from an “Uncle Alex” perspective.

Recalling the good news received by The Leaven, instead of grousing, I now said, “If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.”

I thought about having a roof over my head, food in the refrigerator, air conditioning, running water and electricity. I again repeated the refrain, “If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.”

I looked out the front window and noted what I so often take for granted: a lush green lawn, fluttering leaves on the trees, the songs of the birds, the antics of a couple of wild neighborhood rabbits, and the lingering evening light of summer days. And I repeated the refrain.

Seeing my car in the driveway, I thought how fortunate I am to own a car (let alone one that runs), to be able to afford gasoline and to have smooth roads to drive on.

And I said, “If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.”

Realizing that I have my eyesight and hearing, that

I’m able to walk and talk, and that I have a “hearty” appetite made me repeat the refrain again.

I talked to my mom that evening on the phone and thought about how blessed I am to have her living just down the street from me and in wonderful health for being 96 years old, and I whispered, “If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.”

Then I looked at the possessions that make life easier and more pleasant for me: the computer, shelves of books, music playing on the iPod, the Keurig coffee maker, even an electric toothbrush. And I thought of the refrain once more.

I pondered the friends I have, the great people I work with, the parish I’m privileged to serve — one after another, a cascade of undeserved blessings came to mind. All I could do is look to heaven, smile and pray, “If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.”

How about you? If you need a refreshing sight for eyes that may have become sore from crabbiness, impatience or cynicism, try Uncle Alex’s philosophy. It’s scary how well it works.

By the way, after telling my staff that I’d just scheduled my vacation days, I could have sworn someone whispered, “If that isn’t nice . . .”

In the beginning

Symbols, like words, can remind us of God’s gifts

I

n our house, confusion has sometime arisen over whether or not the dishes in the kitchen dishwasher are already clean, or whether they are still waiting to be washed.

It is not always obvious.

To alert one another to their state, we place a refrigerator magnet on the door when the dishwasher is running.

It reminds us that the dishes are clean.

Similarly, a day planner can help us remember appointments and meetings when we enter a notation about them. We need reminders, whether they come to us in the form of words or visual signs.

Sunday’s first reading — Dt 8:2-3, 14b-16a — twice

Father Mike Stubbs Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. invites the people of Israel to recall what God has done for them: “Remember how for forty years now the Lord, your God, has directed all your journeying in the desert. . . . Do not forget the Lord, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.”

Pope francis Pope Francis urged athletes to live life the same way they play sports: Don’t hog the ball, don’t fall back on defense, and make sure to keep it fun. He also called on policymakers and communities to guarantee all kids have access to sports, education and jobs early on in

These reminders come in the form of words. It is the word of God which is life giving, as another verse in our reading tells us: “Not by bread alone does one live, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the Lord.”

This fits in well with the feast we celebrate on Sunday, Corpus Christi. In instituting that sacrament, Jesus commanded the disciples: “Do this in memory of me” (Lk 22:19; 1 Cor 11:25).

Besides bringing us the living presence of the Lord, the Eucharist impresses upon us the memory of his sacrifice on the cross, the great act of love accomplished for us.

It is not enough for us to read about Jesus’ sacrifice in

life, “and I guarantee that there will be no addictions to drugs, alcohol and many other vices.”

The pope made his comments during a gathering in St. Peter’s Square June 7 with tens of thousands of children, young adults, coaches and athletes to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Italian Sports Center, the Catholic Action’s sports association in Italy. The square

the Gospels, although it is important for us to do that.

Reminders come to us, not only in the form of words, but also in tangible signs.

The Eucharist is a tangible sign of Jesus’ love.

The word of God reminds us of all that God has done for us, especially through Jesus Christ. That is the purpose of the first half of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Word.

But we do not stop there.

We continue on with the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

We follow the command of Christ: “Do this in memory of me.” In giving us his own body and blood as food and drink, Jesus once again reminds us of what he has done for us.

had been turned into a “sports village” with makeshift basketball and volleyball courts, mini-soccer fields, and gymnastic equipment.

The pope told participants to make sure sports always stayed fun. “Only if it stays a game does it do the body and spirit good,” he said.

— CNS

local news 15

june 20, 2014 | theleaven.com

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Sister Mary Joan Eble, SCL LEAVENWORTH — Sister Mary Joan Eble, 81, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, died on May 28 at the motherhouse here.

Mary Joan Eble was born on Sept. 30, 1932, in Leavenworth, one of three children of Joseph Carl and Marie Doege Eble. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy and Saint Mary College, both in Leavenworth. She entered the religious community of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth on Aug. 18, 1950, and, as Sister Marie Joseph Eble, made her profession of vows on Aug. 15, 1952. She later returned to the use of her baptismal name.

Sister Helen Bristow, SCL LEAVENWORTH — Sister Helen “Cookie” Bristow, SCL, died June 3 at the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth motherhouse here.

Helen Frances Bristow was born on April 5, 1943, in Wichita, one of seven children of Joseph L. and Helen Zeugin Bristow.

She grew up in Leavenworth where she graduated from Sacred Heart Grade School and Immaculata High School. She entered the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth on Aug. 30, 1961, and, as Sister Joseph Ellen Bristow, made her profession of vows on Aug. 10, 1969.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in religious education from Avila University in Kansas City, Mo., and a master’s in counseling from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. For many years, she taught in elementary and high schools in the Kansas City area and then spent 30 years as a pastoral associate in several Kansas City, Mo., parishes. She has spent the last few years as a patient advocate at Duchesne Clinic in Kansas City, Kan.

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theleaven.com | june 20, 2014

making news

Leaven managing editor honored as outstanding alumna

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — As managing editor of The Leaven, Anita McSorley works tirelessly to inspire others by sharing the faith stories of Catholics across the archdiocese.

Her own story also holds plenty of inspiration, and Benedictine College in Atchison, her alma mater, is telling it in the form of a prestigious award.

McSorley is the Benedictine community’s 2014 Offeramus Medal honoree.

The honor places McSorley, who graduated summa cum laude from Benedictine College in 1979 with bachelor’s degrees in history and phil o s o p h y, among a long line of distinguished alumnae.

T h e a w a r d On June 2, 1939, the was first Eastern Kansas Regpresented ister — the forebearin 1957 to er of The Leaven — an outwas established by standing Bishop Paul Schulte. alumna of Over the course of Mount St. this next year, The ScholastiLeaven will celeca. brate its 75th anSince niversary with arMount St. ticles, photos and Scholasticommentary. Look ca, which for this logo to idenserved tify those stories. female students, merged in 1971 with St. Benedict’s College, which served male students, to form the coed Benedictine College, the medal has been presented annually to a graduate of either Mount St. Scholastica or Benedictine College.

“The Offeramus Medal is given to a person who’s made a Christian contribution to society, who’s loyal to her alma mater, and exhibits the qualities of the mission and values of Benedictine College,” said Stephen D. Minnis, president of Benedictine College.

An awards committee reviews nominations, taking those criteria into consideration, effectively determining that “this person really is living a life we hope our alums lead and hope our students will aspire to be like,” said Minnis. “Anita fits that mold.”

McSorley, who has worked at The Leaven since 1988, built a career in editing that has spanned more than 30 years and has included books, magazines and newspapers.

She served as assistant editor of the “Diplomatic Papers of Daniel Webster” at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H. She worked in public relations for Texaco, Inc., and for the Rockefeller

Photo courtesy of Benedictine College

Stephen D. Minnis, president of Benedictine College and Sister Anne Shepard, prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Atchison, present Leaven managing editor Anita McSorley with the Offeramus Medal on June 14 at the college.

Group in New York.

McSorley has also had work published in a number of Catholic publications and has been actively involved with various committees with the Catholic Press Association.

She currently serves on the Catholic Press Association’s Liaison Committee with Catholic News Service in Washington, D.C., offering an editor’s insights and point of view to the news service.

Father Mark Goldasich, editor of The Leaven, describes working with McSorley for close to 25 years at The Leaven, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, as an honor and a pleasure.

“She is often described as the ‘brains’ of the newspaper and rightly so,” said Father Goldasich. “Her skills in organization, editing and creativity ensure not only that the paper is completed each week, but that it is a superior, award-winning product.”

Benedictine constantly looks for role models for its students, and it often turns to the Offeramus Medal recipients and the Kansas Monk Award honorees.

St. Benedict’s College, which served male students until merging to form Benedictine, began presenting that award to its alumni in 1958.

This year’s honoree is Chuck Raplinger, who graduated from Bene-

“

This is exactly what we’re trying to talk to our students about — to have a Catholic identity in their public life, to take their love of Jesus into the workplace.

[Anita] chose to work for the church and take her talent to The Leaven.”

Stephen D. Minnis, president of Benedictine College

dictine College in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He now works as executive vice president in charge of the Capital Markets Group with Country Club Bank in Kansas City, Mo., and is heavily involved in serving a number of nonprofits.

McSorley and Raplinger were recognized at Benedictine’s alumni reunion banquet in Atchison on June 14.

“Anita, just through her background, could be doing just about anything in communications,” said Minnis. “But she’s chosen now to dedicate herself to the church.”

He believes her example offers a strong guiding light for today’s students.

“This is exactly what we’re trying to talk to our students about — to have a Catholic identity in their public life, to take their love of Jesus into the workplace,” said Minnis. “She chose to work for the church and take her talent to The Leaven.”

And Father Goldasich believes so many Catholics benefit from exactly that.

“Being a voracious reader and self-described news junkie means that she is constantly on the lookout for new ideas to make the paper a tool for helping Catholics to meaningfully live out their faith in the 21st century,” he said. “Her many years of Catholic education — from Christ the King School and Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kan., to Benedictine College in Atchison — have given her a keen and inquiring mind that helps her and, by extension, Leaven readers to continue to delve deeply into the treasures of the faith.”