06-29-12 Vol. 33 No. 42

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 33, NO. 42 JUNE 29, 2012

TRUST ONE GREATER

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann met with more than 100 young adults at the Trust One Greater event June 16 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan. The evening included a question-and-answer session with the archbishop, eucharistic adoration, as well as social time following the event.

Archbishop meets with young adults

Emily Enna, a recent Benedictine College graduate, prays before Archbishop Naumann’s question-and-answer session at the cathedral.

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It’s It was great to get the opportunity to absolutely true. Good gather and to pray.” times can become great The evening began with prayer and a times if God is among the Q-and-A session with the archbishop. It invited. also included a testimony by Joe Yanko, The proof of this could who is battling a brain tumor; music by be found at the Trust One Greater event Jeremy and Molly Aranda; and euchaon June 16, which was led by Archbish- ristic adoration, led by the Little Sisters op Joseph F. Naumann. It was a great of the Lamb. success, according to Matt According to Father HarKarr, lead consultant for the ry Schneider, pastor of the Story by archdiocesan office of evanCathedral of St. Peter, proKATIE HYDE viding a social aspect was gelization and Catholic formation of adults. also very important to the Approximately 125 evening. Following adoraPhotos by young adults attended the tion, the group moved outDOUG HESSE side to white tents set up for event held at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, the occasion, where local Kan. The event was designed to bring vendors provided Mexican food and ice youth ages 18 - 35 together with God cream. Many participants, including and with each other.

Archbishop Naumann, stayed until 11 “For our first time doing something p.m. like this, it went really well,” Karr said.

See “YOUNG” on page 2 “Young people really appreciated it.

Ben and Betty Zarda, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on July 5. They will have ANNIVERSARIES their marriage blessed at St. Joseph, the same parish where they were married in 1952.

The couple will celebrate with brunch at Lake Quivira with their children and their spouses: Dana and Larry Rieke, Shawnee; Marla and Charlie Chandler, Wichita; Lilli Zarda and Chris Beever, Leawood; Bernie and Karen Zarda, Olathe; Nancy and Scott Sayler, Mission Hills; and Karen and Mark Sneed, Lenexa. They also have 23 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Jeanne (Doege) and Fred Mills, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniver sar y on July 21.

The couple was married at Sacred Heart Church in Tonganoxie on July 21, 1962.

Their children and their spouses are: Jon Mills (deceased); and Jan and Tim Carson, Topeka. They also have three grandchildren. They celebrated with a spring trip through France on a river cruise. A small family dinner, hosted by their daughter and her husband, will be held in July.

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 29, 2012

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 29, 2012

Sister Jane Ellen Furey, SCL LEAVENWORTH — Sister Jane Ellen Furey, 84, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, died June 19 with her sister, Sister Roberta, at her side. She faithfully served the people of God as a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 60 years.

Mary Margaret was born on April 5, 1928, in Kansas City, Mo., the second of seven children born to NorOBITUARY ris O. and Mabel F. Seiberling Furey. Growing up, she lived right across from the convent for the Sisters of Charity who staffed St. Louis Grade School, which she attended. After graduating from Bishop Hogan High School, Furey took a job with Luzier Cosmetic Company in Kansas City, doing clerical work in the chemistry department that supported its cosmetics allergy research program.

On Feb. 2, 1952, Mary Margaret entered the religious community of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. In the novitiate, she was given the name Sister Jane Ellen. In August 1953, when she was a senior novice, her sister Roberta entered the community.

Sister Jane Ellen professed her first vows on Feb. 22, 1954, and was missioned to St. James Hospital in Butte, Mont. In 1959, she was assigned to St.

John’s Hospital in Leavenworth, and to St. Anthony Hospital in New Mexico in 1963. In 1965, she was sent to St. Vincent Hospital, now St. Vincent Healthcare, in Billings, Mont., where she served until returning to the motherhouse in 2002.

While at St. Vincent, Sister Jane Ellen wore many hats. She started in the business office, initially working as an admitting clerk, then as business office manager. In 1968, she was named dean of women at the St. Vincent School of Nursing. The girls remembered her as their friend and confidant, and circulated stories about her ability to stay up all night with them, playing pinochle.

Part of being the dean required Sister Jane Ellen to meet the girls’ dates when they arrived in the evenings, and to check the girls out and in. It has been noted that if they happened to come in a little past curfew, she always seemed to have some business in the back of her office that required her to turn her head away just as they were coming in.

After the School of Nursing closed, Sister Jane Ellen was the admitting office manager for many years. In 1991, she began to work in the volunteer department and was the volunteer relations representative.

In 1999, Sister Jane Ellen was voted “Best of the Best” by the employees at St. Vincent Hospital.

Ambrose and Janice (Polfer) Kelly, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 30. The couple was married on June 30, 1962, at Visitation Church, Kansas City, Mo. Their children and their spouses are: Greg and Liz Kelly, Leawood; Kevin and Tammie Kelly, Shawnee; and Kathy and Marq Reeves, Shawnee. They also have five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

They will celebrate by having their marriage blessed at Mass, followed by a dinner at Lakeside Restaurant in Kansas City, Mo., with family and friends.

Barbara (Coz) and Sylvester Stoffel, members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on July 10. The couple was married at St. Michael Church in Mulvane.

Their children are: Sylvia Joyce and Gregg Collins, both of Overland Park. They also have three grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

MASTER’S IN PASTORAL EDUCATION

Photo by Elaina Cochran

On April 29, the first cohort of Maryvale master’s of catechesis students graduated. Pictured above with Msgr. Paul Watson, director of the Maryvale Ecclesiastical Institute, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, are: (from left) Christine Ostroski, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Wichita; Marianne Sylvester, St. Paul Parish, Olathe; Mary Ann Moore, St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee; and Stacy Hettinger, Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa. Each earned a master’s in pastoral education studies.

Jack Newman elected Benedictine College board chair ATCHISON — Jack Newman, former executive vice president at Cerner Corporation and founder of Jack Newman Advisory Services, was elected chairman of the Benedictine College board of directors during its June 8 meeting.

Newman follows Jim O’Brien, who

retired from the board following 18 years of service, eight as chairman. Newman served on the advisory board for the Benedictine College School of Business for four years before joining the college’s board of directors in 2007.

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Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

July 10 Breakfast with Mike Sweeney at the Overland Park Sheraton, sponsored

by Catholic Athletes for Christ July 11 Visit Donnelly College and view Faith and Reason display July 12 Vespers and dinner with priests ordained less than five years

Young adults meet with archbishop Continued from page 1 Young adulthood, said Karr, is a critical time for Catholics to witness the life of the church and to invite them to participate in that life.

“It is hard for young adults to know one another,” Karr said. “Now there is somewhere where they can build relationships with each other in the church.”

Cosponsors of the event included the archdiocesan office of evangelization and Catholic formation of adults and MissionKC, a collaboration between the archdiocese and St. Paul’s Outreach, based in West St. Paul, Minn. MissionKC works to involve and engage youth in the church. The Cathedral of St. Peter also played a role in hosting the event.

“We really wanted to stress that it was a diocesan event, for young people in the archdiocese,” said Father Schneider. “We specifically wanted the cathedral to host the event because it is the mother church of the diocese.”

The event is the first of several similar events that will be held in the upcoming months within the archdiocese.

The next Trust One Greater event is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 9.

“The only way to engage young adults is to get your hands dirty and meet them,” Karr said. “It is important they are recognized as a group. It is important to Jesus and to the church.”

Local youth takes part in National Catholic Youth Choir COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. — Patrick Boarman, a member of St. Joseph-Immaculate Conception Parish, Leavenworth, participated in this year’s National Catholic Youth Choir.

The choir, made up of 35 high school students ages 13-17 from 15 states, toured several Midwestern states from June 1925. The choir is sponsored by Saint John’s University School of Theology-Seminary and meets on the grounds of Saint John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minn., from June 13-27.

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SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

‘Your whole world changes’ Process to become a seminarian turns over every rock

By Katie Hyde

K

Special to The Leaven

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Eighteen-year-old Keith Chadwick, from Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee, has wanted to be a priest since he was six.

So last June, on the very first day he could apply to the seminary, he called archdiocesan vocations director Father Mitchel Zimmerman and asked for an application.

“I think actually the scariest point in the application process was asking Father Mitchel for an application,” Chadwick said. “It was taking that first step.”

“All of a sudden, your whole world changes,” he continued.

“Once you enter the seminary, you represent the church to people.”

Every year, young men from the archdiocese like Chadwick apply to the archdiocese for acceptance to the seminary and complete the extensive application process required of candidates.

According to Father Zimmerman, to be accepted into the seminary is not easy.

“I always say to the young men who come into my office, ‘It’s harder to get into the seminary than it is to get into the Secret Service.”

Father Zimmerman says this is due to the series of interviews, applications, essays and psychological exams applicants undergo in a six-week period to determine whether or not God might be calling them to the seminary.

Out of the many young men from the archdiocese who express some interest in the priesthood on average each year, six to 10 will ultimately make it to the seminary.

According to Father Zimmerman, the interviewers “turn over every rock” in a series of three or more interviews with each candidate. Father Zimmerman, director of seminarians Msgr. Michael Mullen and Sister Elena Morcelli, AVI, all interview the candidate separately on matters of family, life as a priest and spirituality.

“We turn over every rock to really serve the guy, so he doesn’t have to worry about keeping any secrets or pretending to be somebody he’s not,”

The road to the priesthood is a long process that begins with the application to become a seminarian. Out of the many young men from the archdiocese who express some interest in the priesthood, only six to 10 will make it to the seminary. Keith Chadwick (left) made it through the process and will enter Conception Seminary in Conception, Mo., this fall.

Leaven photo by Elaina Cochran

2 LOCAL NEWS

Father Zimmerman said. “Then, he can move forward with great confidence and freedom that he can be himself, and we can tell him with confidence, ‘You’re going to do great.’”

Among those “rocks” overturned are the applicant’s family, friendships, romantic relationships, self-discipline, moral life, spiritual life and relationship with the church.

The interviewers also ask the applicants who else can testify that he is being called to the priesthood.

“It’s an investigation to see if the guy has the potential to be a good priest and if God is

calling him,” Father Zimmerman said. “We also look to see if the priesthood will be enjoyable for him. Yes, it is an investigation, but it’s more to help the guy.”

According to Chadwick, one of the more daunting aspects of the application process was the battery of psychological exams. However, when the psychologist asked him if he is concerned that he will never be able to marry or have children, Chadwick had a quick answer prepared.

“Just the thought that hopefully, God willing, one day I’ll be able with my own two

“I always say to the young men who come into my office, ‘It’s harder to get into the seminary than it is to get into the Secret Service.”

”

Father Mitchel Zimmerman, archdiocesan vocations director hands to call down the Holy Spirit and transform simple bread and wine into the body

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com

and blood of Christ — that makes all of it worth it to me,” Chadwick replied.

“I think a lot of the world looks at the priesthood and says, ‘Look at all you can’t do — you can’t marry, you can’t have children,’” said Chadwick. “But as an 18-year-old boy looking at it, I am thinking, ‘Look at what I get to do.”

After the applicant completes the initial interviews and psychological exams, the committee of interviewers then writes a recommendation to the archbishop on behalf of the applicant, requesting that the archdiocese support and sponsor him in the seminary.

If he is accepted, he then applies to the seminary the archbishop has selected for him.

He also must agree to all archdiocesan policies, submit to a criminal background check, arrange a medical and dental exam, and supply his sacramental records.

After 12 years of waiting, after weeks of interviews and exams, after much mental and spiritual preparation, Chadwick will enter Conception Seminary in Conception, Mo., this fall.

“I’m a normal 18-year-old boy, just called to something else,” said Chadwick.

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.

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4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 29, 2012

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 29, 2012

Mixed Supreme Court ruling leaves mixed feelings

CFCA documentary film premieres June 30

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The U. S. Supreme Court’s mixed opinion on June 25 resulted in mixed feelings.

“The ruling of the Supreme Court regarding the attempt of the state of Arizona to implement federal immigration law leaves me with mixed feelings,” said Father Pat Murphy, CS, animator of the archdiocesan office of Hispanic ministry.

Father Pat said he was hopeful because three of four key provision of the Arizona law, S.B. 1070, were struck down by the high court. One provision, called by some the “show me your papers” part, could possibly lead to racial profiling and create an unwarranted fear of law enforcement among all Hispanics in Arizona.

The high court struck down the three provisions that: • made it a misdemeanor to fail to comply with federal alien-registration requirements • made it a misdemeanor for an unauthorized alien to seek or engage in work in the state • authorized state and local officers to arrest without warrant a person the officer has probable cause to believe . . . has committed any public offence that makes the person removable from the United States.

The fourth provision, which was upheld, required officers conducting a stop, detention or arrest to make efforts, in some circumstances, to verify the person’s immigration status with the federal government.

Father Pat’s mixed feelings were shared by the U.S. Conference of Cath-

The Leaven took second place in the category of Best Front Page for three issues (above) depicting the devastation in Joplin, the anniversary of 9/11 and World Youth Day. In addition, The Leaven took third place for Best Special Issue for its World Youth Day issue.

Leaven wins awards for mission coverage, front page and special issue CNS photo/Gary Cameron, Reuters

olic Bishops. The bishops greeted the court’s decision with “hope and caution,” saying it reflects their call for humane and just immigration laws and concern for laws that could tear families apart.

It is possible that the fourth provision that was upheld could later be found

unconstitutional in a future ruling, according to a U.S. bishops’ press release.

At least six states have passed similar immigration legislation and a number are considering the same.

“At the end of the day, this Supreme Court ruling reminds us of the perennial elephant in the room that no one

wants to deal with — namely, that the immigration system is broken on every single level,” said Father Pat. “Our country desperately needs comprehensive immigration reform.

“I am afraid until that becomes a reality, no one can claim any victory.”

Catholic hospice staff honors veterans in its care

By Jessica Langdon Leaven staff

OLATHE — The Fourth of July gives Americans a day to celebrate their nation’s history and independence.

For Catholic Community Hospice, honoring the people who fought to preserve Americans’ freedom is a yearround mission.

Catholic Community Hospice, a service of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, honors its veterans at the end of their lives, ensuring that each receives a “hero’s welcome.”

Warren H. Berg, who served in Europe during World War II and was a prisoner of war for several months, was among the veterans the program has honored.

Berg died on June 18 at the age of 92.

In late May, he and Genevieve, his wife of 66 years, sat side by side near their home at Santa Marta Retirement Community in Olathe, and Berg was the guest of honor at a small ceremony thanking him for his service to his country.

Although nearly seven decades had passed since he returned from serving in Europe, he still remembered the times he shared with his comrades in the service.

Berg, who held a bachelor’s in education and had completed a year of graduate work toward his goal of becoming a professor, entered the U.S. Army Air Corps as a second lieutenant in 1942.

His tour took him to England. He and the rest of his crew flew 30 bombing missions over Europe — and when the first

for a special issue featuring the 2011 World Youth Day in Spain.

Leaven staff The Leaven received a secondplace award in the tabloid category KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Bishop for Best Front Page for three consecuHerbert Hermes, OSB, possesses a tive issues — Aug. 26, Sept. 9 and passion that took him from the farm Sept. 16, 2011. fields of Kansas to impoverished ar“I’m very pleased with winning eas of Brazil, where today he works second place for best front page,” tirelessly for human rights. said Habiger. “That is always a tough Now his story — and the Leaven category, since we compete with evreporter who shared it — received ery Catholic paper in the nation and recognition and honor from the have done very well. It’s always been Catholic community across the Unitmy goal to make The Leaven the bested States. designed paper in the Catholic press.

The recognition comes in the “Design is just one form of a first-place piece of the puzzle Archbishop O’Meara here at The Leaven.

Award for Leaven Without great writsenior reporter Joe ing, editing and phoBollig, who wrote tography, great de“Prophet of Hope.” sign wouldn’t mean The article, which a thing. We work appeared in the Oct. very hard at all those 21, 2011, edition things and strive to of The Leaven, was make The Leaven the “a superb profile,” best Catholic newswrote one of the paper out there.” judges in the “InterJudges in the views with Missioncompetition also aries” category for commended the diocesan/archdioctime and resources esan newspapers. spent on the topic of Through the youth in the Sept. 16 Archbishop O’Meara special issue entitled Awards, the Pontifi“Kansas Youth.” cal Mission Societies “Great use of in the United States quotes to highlight recognizes excelyouth voices,” reads lence in reporting on the judges’ commenthe worldwide mistary. sion of the Catholic “Seminarian NaChurch. than Haverland Another judge and youth minister described the article Nancy Ruoff deas “an impressively serve most of the told story of a faithcredit for our win ful missionary,” and in the Special Issue it was called “warm category,” McSorley and well-told.” said. “Those two did “I was very glad a great job on coorto see Joe Bollig’s dinating the World piece on Bishop HerYouth Day coverbert Hermes receive age for us. Through national attention,” them, and the other said Anita McSorparticipants, our ley, The Leaven’s managing editor. “I Leaven reporter Joe Bollig took first place in the Archbishop O’Meara Awards in readers got a true think the fact that the category of “Interviews with Missionaries.” Bollig wrote about Bishop Herbert feel for this global event.” this monk of our own Hermes’ work with the church in Brazil.

By Jessica Langdon

Mark Jenkins, left, an opponent of Arizona’s immigration law, and Blake Sutherland, who supports it, discuss their views outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington in late April. The high court, in a mixed opinion with several dissents, rejected much of the law, known as S.B. 1070. However, it affirmed the section requiring state law enforcement officials to check the immigration status of detainees they suspect are in the country illegally.

Leaven photo by Jessica Langdon

Maj. Sean C. McCaffery, left, visits with World War II veteran Warren Berg and wife Genevieve in May. Catholic Community Hospice arranged the ceremony to thank Berg for his service to his country. Berg died in June. Catholic Community Hospice honors its veterans at the end of their lives, providing a “hero’s welcome” and offering a chance for the veterans to share their stories with hospice staff and local veterans. tour was over, he volunteered to go back and do it again.

“We were unbeatable when it came to getting shot,” he said, recalling the holes the plane endured. There were “big ones, little ones, medium ones,” he said.

Each time, the crew “came out unscathed,” Berg said.

That worked every time, he said, until one fateful mission in January of 1945, when their plane was shot down over Bischofsheim, Germany.

The six members of the crew who survived the bailout were taken prisoner, un-

til Gen. George Patton’s Third Army liberated the POW camp on April 29, 1945.

Berg returned home a captain at the end of the war, after five years of service.

He and Genevieve married in 1946 after he returned to the United States, and they have two daughters and four grandchildren.

Berg, a navigator, went on to be hired

by TWA, where he worked for 38 years.

In retirement, he remained active, and especially treasured a visit to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

He and Genevieve were grateful for the Catholic Community Hospice ceremony in May. The ceremonies give veterans a chance to share their stories with hospice staff and even local veterans.

Maj. Sean C. McCaffery — a highly decorated U.S. Army veteran and a graduate of Kansas State University — joined hospice staff for the ceremony honoring Berg.

McCaffery, who is a candidate to receive his master’s in business administration from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, heard about the ceremony and wanted to take part.

“Any time you can honor veterans, I think you should,” he said.

That holds true, he said, for any veteran from any branch of the military during any time period.

Berg asked McCaffery about the uniform and decorations he wore, and McCaffery told him about his time in the service. McCaffery received three Bronze Stars for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan. More recently, he served as a Special Forces detachment commander and Special Forces headquarters support company commander.

He was moved by seeing Berg’s smile and hearing his stories.

McCaffery told Berg how much of an impact his generation’s service has made on the country.

The friends made and the times shared in the service are experiences unlike any other, McCaffery said.

When people thank him for his service, he thinks of others — like Berg — who paved the way.

LOCAL NEWS 5

St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison still works — even in retirement — in very dangerous mission territory in Brazil, is a tremendous inspiration to all of us here at the paper, and hopefully to our readers as well.”

Bollig’s award was presented at the Catholic Media Convention this summer in Indianapolis.

The three-day convention, which ran June 20-22, also featured the Catholic Press Association Awards, during which The Leaven was recognized for production manager Todd Habiger’s front-page design and

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Sometimes, the greatest gifts come from the humblest roots. This is what Christian Foundation for Children and Aging — a Kansas City-based not-for-profit working to facilitate education for children, youth and the elderly in developing countries — hopes people will learn by watching its first documentary film, titled “Rise and Dream.” CFCA will host the Kansas City premiere of the film at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Mo., on June 30 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“Rise and Dream” follows the story of 13 teenagers who, amid the turmoil of the southern Philippines, accept a challenge to learn traditional instruments of their own culture and perform in a once-in-alifetime concert. The film, which was produced by CFCA, had its world premiere at the Thin Line Film Fest in Denton, Texas, in February and received the audience choice award for best documentary.

Tickets to the premiere are free and available online through the website at: riseanddream.com.

St. Benedict’s Abbey hires new director of development ATCHISON — Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB, has appointed Joe Akers as director of development of St. Benedict’s Abbey here. The appointment of Akers, a veteran development professional and businessman, is an effort to expand the abbey’s efforts to nurture friendships and serve its supporters and benefactors.

Akers comes to Atchison from Lincoln, Neb., where he was the founder and president of a business forms distributorship. Before that, Joe Akers he established the office of development and served as director of development at Mount Michael Benedictine High School near Omaha.

“The greatest group of men I have ever known are the Benedictine monks at Mount Michael,” Akers said. “Their influence makes it an honor to join another special group, the monks at St. Benedict’s Abbey.”

“Joe is a fit for our Benedictine community and our development effort,” Abbot Barnabas said. “As a graduate of Mount Michael and as the initiator of that school’s development program, as an active Catholic parish member and a businessman, he knows how to build relationships based on values.”

My House groups forming KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Do you or your loved one need support to break free from pornography, infidelity, or lust? The My House Men’s Group provides prayer and accountability for sexual integrity.

Sam Meier, MA, LPC, is available for men’s groups and counseling; call him at (913) 647-0378; or send an email to him at: smeier@archkck.org. The My House Women’s Group provides hope and healing for women who are dealing with their loved one’s struggles. Contact Beth Meier at (913) 647-0379, or send an email to her at: bmeier@archkck.org.

Retrouvaille weekend set for July 13 - 15 The next Retrouvaille weekend is July 13 - 15. For confidential information or to register, call 1 (800) 470-2230 or visit the website at: www.retrouvaille.org.

6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 29, 2012

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 29, 2012

LOCAL NEWS 7

One bright spot, but Legislature generally disappoints

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

Leaven photo by Susan McSpadden

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann swears in the new officers during the Central States District Knights of Peter Claver Junior Conference, June 17, at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. The Junior Knights and Ladies, who came from eight states, will serve two-year terms.

Catholic Key photo by Kevin Kelly

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann processes through downtown Kansas City, Mo., with the Blessed Sacrament during the fifth annual Corpus Christi procession June 10. The procession is a joint venture of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

Leaven photo by Marc Anderson

Father Bill Bruning, pastor of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Topeka, carries the Blessed Sacrament as the first Topeka Corpus Christi procession nears completion. Father Bruning carried the Eucharist just in front of the former Hayden High School building as the procession wound its way around the Kansas Capitol square. The eucharistic procession is expected to become an annual event for the Topeka region, and drew between 500 and 600 people, despite temperatures in the high 90s.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blesses a memorial to the unborn May 28 at Holy Angels Cemetery in Basehor. The memorial was funded by individuals and parish groups.

TOPEKA — Michael Schuttloffel, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference, can describe the recently concluded legislative session with one word: disappointing.

And he can state the LEGISLATIVE reason with two words: UPDATE Kansas Senate.

It’s the same old story, year after year.

Great bills go sailing through the Kansas House with big majorities, only to be stymied in the Senate, he said.

“As is usually the case on the Senate side — whether it’s a life bill, conscience bill, religious freedom bill — they don’t get a hearing,” said Schuttloffel. “[These bills] don’t get any sort of attention through the regular process on the Senate side,” he continued. “We have to use procedural gimmickry to force a floor vote. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t.”

One such good bill killed by the Senate, said Schuttloffel, was the Pro-Life Protections Act, House Substitute Bill 313 (formerly H.B. 2598). It passed the house 88 to 31. Senate president Steve Morris, R-Hugoton, referred the bill to the Senate Standing Committee on Federal and State Affairs. “[This] major pro-life bill would have prevented any taxpayer subsidization of abortion,” said Schuttloffel. “It

Leaven file photo by Elaina Cochran

A minor success this legislative session was a debate in the House on school choice. The bill got out of committee but was defeated. had a lot of odds and ends we weren’t able to get to last year when we passed our major reform abortion bills.”

The main bright spot of the otherwise disappointing session, which ended May 21, was the passage of the Healthcare Rights of Conscience Act, which was House Substitute for S.B. 62 (formerly H.B. 2523).

This bill, signed on May 15, protects health care workers from job loss and medical entities from lawsuits if they refuse to prescribe abortion-inducing

drugs or devices, provide abortion referrals, or participate in abortion procedures.

“It builds on existing law, which says you can’t be forced by your employer to participate in abortions,” said Schuttloffel. “That’s an older law that needed to be updated in view of advancements in abortion pharmaceutical technology.”

A second, but minor, success was a floor debate in the House on school choice.

“We passed a school choice bill out of committee, got it to the House floor, but it was defeated,” said Schuttloffel.

“It was a very small start, focused on giving a limited number of low-income families the opportunity to attend private schools they otherwise couldn’t afford,” he continued. “It would have empowered parents to have a choice where their kids go to school.”

A final positive development was an informational hearing in the House about a death penalty repeal bill. No vote was taken, however.

But the conference’s top priority this year was the Preservation of Religious Freedom Act, House Substitute for S.B. 142 (formerly H.B. 2260).

This bill would have protected the right of religious individuals and religious institutions to act consistent to the dictates of conscience and to live their faith as full participants in society. This bill passed the House 91 to 33, but couldn’t make it through the Senate.

Even given some positive moves and that one candle in the dark, the Healthcare Right of Conscience Act, the bottom line is the session was a disappointment.

“We’re disappointed. . . . We couldn’t get a Senate vote on the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, and very disappointed our Religious Freedom Act didn’t get to the governor’s desk,” said Schuttloffel.

One Big Family Una Gran Familia

Parish celebrates 25 years of solidarity with Salvadoran community

By Katie Hyde

Special to The Leaven

Celebrating 25 years of solidarity

A

bout 1,800 miles separate Good Shepherd Parish of Shawnee from the small, rural community of El Buen Pastor, nestled in the hills of El Salvador. The two communities differ in language, size, culture and way of life. Most people in El Buen Pastor have never seen snow, while most Good Shepherd parishioners have never tasted a papusa. Most people in El Buen Pastor can’t drive a stick shift, while most Good Shepherd parishioners can’t milk a cow.

Despite these differences, anyone at Good Shepherd will tell you that the people of El Buen Pastor are anything but strangers. They’re brothers and sisters.

This June, the family celebrated 25 years of solidarity, support and love.

A dark beginning It’s a story any eighth-grader at Good Shepherd could tell you.

El Buen Pastor community began in two refugee camps in San Salvador. The people lived in shanties made of sticks and tarps constructed on garbage dumps or in the basements of churches. The people were in constant fear of violence from the military. They had little running water, little electricity, poor health care, little access to education.

In 1985, 18 families moved from the refugee camps to Tres Ceibas, near Apopa.

They were displaced due to the country’s 12-year civil war that killed over 75,000 Salvadorans. Everyone in Tres Ceibas — men, women and children — had lost a loved one to the war, 32 community members in total.

But the people never lost hope.

“They always told me, ‘I may not know peace and freedom, my children may not know peace and freedom, but I know that my grandchildren will experience peace and freedom,’” said Father George Seuferling, former pastor of Good Shepherd.

Father Seuferling traveled many times to El Salvador, including Good Shepherd’s first delegation to the country. He was very influential in beginning the relationship between the two communities.

Out of the darkness of war came new hope, new life and new roots. In 1987,

in the midst of the war, Good Shepherd sent a delegation to the country. On Aug. 23, 1987, the community of Tres Ceibas (now El Buen Pastor) and Good Shepherd joined in a sistering relationship. Over 25 years, the two communities have walked together in solidarity. This June seven parishioners from Good Shepherd traveled to the community to celebrate that bond.

New roots In the past 25 years, many things have changed in El Buen Pastor.

The community now has a home of its own outside of the city of Aguilares, with running water, concrete houses and electricity. The community has tripled in size, with its own governing body and strategic plan. Children in the community go to school; some even attend college.

However, the most substantial change in the community is not visible in new buildings or running water or even a new park where children are constantly playing. The people have true hope and stability again.

Good Shepherd’s financial aid has played an instrumental role in the development of El Buen Pastor. Good Shepherd annually gives $8,000 to the community, in addition to donations from an annual appeal. Over the past 25 years, these funds helped purchase land for the community, construct 17 homes and a community center, provide clean water to every home, irrigate crops, empower women through community gardens and microlending, and support 38 students through scholarships.

While financial support is very important, both communities agree the exchange of culture, love and support is what matters most.

“We are so grateful for everything you do for us,” Osmin Salinas, president of the community’s governing body, said to the seven delegates who traveled to El Buen Pastor this June. “But the most important thing for us is not the money. It is that we have been able over the past 25 years to grow in faith and solidarity with one another.”

Though at times Good Shepherd considered twinning with a different commu-

nity in need, Father Seuferling believed strongly in continuing the relationship with El Buen Pastor. “[The people of El Buen Pastor] constantly said to us that they needed us there,” he said. “The people begged us not to abandon them. I believe consistency is crucial.”

While celebrating the 25th anniversary, everyone expressed hope in continued solidarity, especially Teresa Aley, who has traveled to the country 15 times and heads the El Salvador ministry at Good Shepherd.

“This anniversary celebrates not only the past 25 years,” Aley said. “This anniversary is a celebration of the next 25 years as well.”

Community of compassion The story of El Buen Pastor is one familiar to most parishioners of Good Shepherd. Concern and compassion for the people of El Buen Pastor have grown in Good Shepherd, in addition to financial and spiritual support.

Though roughly 120 Good Shepherd parishioners have visited El Buen Pastor over the past 25 years, more than 10,000 parishioners have heard this story and supported the sistering relationship.

“Not everyone can travel to El Salvador,” Aley said. “We need to let people know how much this means to them and the difference this makes in their lives.”

Good Shepherd students donate art supplies for the El Buen Pastor School.

Fifth-grade Girl Scouts help make headbands for the young girls of the community. Parishioners donate soccer balls and vitamins to the community. Good Shepherd’s annual fundraiser includes a basket of clothes and other fabrics embroidered by women from El Buen Pastor.

And thus, even 25 years after that first delegation, Good Shepherd has kept the relationship alive, creating a community of compassion and awareness.

“Twenty five years is a long time for anything,” Aley said. “We are on our third term with a new pastor and [our relationship] is strong, if not stronger than ever.

It’s the people and our connections that keep this going.”

by Dan Dakotas

Photos clockwise from far left: Good Shepherd parishioner Sarah Hotzel cuts the cake celebrating 25 years of solidarity between Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee and the community of El Buen Pastor in El Salvador.

The community gathers with the seven travelers from the 2012 delegation to El Salvador. The community commissioned local artists to paint the mural behind the group, depicting influential people from both communities, including Father George Seuferling, Father Francis Hund and Father Jim Ludwikoski, pastors of Good Shepherd.

Members of El Buen Pastor lay a hand-cut stencil on the mural commissioned to commemorate the 25th anniversary of solidarity between El Buen Pastor and Good Shepherd.

Use your smartphone to scan this code and see more pictures from the anniversary.

From the Fathers “Over the years, we considered moving [our ministry to a different community.]

After all, El Buen Pastor is doing better, and many communities are worse off.

But then we thought about the ripple effect. We are not just helping a little community; we are affecting the whole region.”

Father George Seuferling, Good Shepherd pastor 1986 - 2001 “I will always treasure the gift of the living faith I experienced during my visit. The youngest to those wise with many years offered hearts of hospitality, hope in their poverty, patience with my language inability, and solidarity as we walked together the roads of El Salvador. Together, we share the loving care of our Good Shepherd.”

Father Francis Hund, Good Shepherd pastor 2001 - 2009

1987 1980: The Salvadoran Civil War begins.

Salvadorans flee their homes due to violence.

1985: Eighteen families living in two refugee camps in San Salvador decide to move to Tres Ceibas near Apopa. They choose the name La Esperanza de Tres Ceibas.

“When our own people were persecuting us, you stood beside us. We will never forget that.”

Osmin Salinas, president of the Directiva, the governing body of El Buen Pastor

1992

1987: The first Good Shepherd delegation travels to El Salvador with the KC SHARE foundation amidst the country’s civil war.

Good Shepherd votes in favor of entering into a sistering relationship with the Tres Ceibas community.

1989: The community relocates near the city of Aguilares and builds 10 cinder block houses with financial aid from Good Shepherd.

1990: The community is renamed “Comunidad El Buen Pastor” (“Good Shepherd Community” in Spanish) as a symbol of solidarity.

1991: An irrigation system is completed in El Buen Pastor to water fields.

1997

1992: The Chapultepec Peace Accords are signed, ending the 12-year civil war.

Marta Cerna is the first El Buen Pastor community member to visit Good Shepherd.

1993: The newly built school in El Buen Pastor is blessed. Good Shepherd youth visit El Buen Pastor for the first time.

1994: Good Shepherd purchases 15 acres of land in Shawnee for a new school and church.

1996: A general fund is established at El Buen Pastor for community needs.

1997: Six youth from El Buen Pastor attend high school. Good Shepherd School opens.

1998: Good Shepherd moves to new facilities in Shawnee.

1999: Seven youth from El Buen Pastor enroll in high school.

2000: Father George Seuferling conducts a healing ceremony at each house for family members lost in the war. The Romero Chapel is dedicated at Good Shepherd.

2001: Father George Seuferling retires.

Father Francis Hund becomes new Good Shepherd pastor and pledges continuing support.

2002

2007 2002: The community remembers the 25th anniversary of Father Rutilio Grande’s martyrdom. Father Francis Hund presents a Bible to each family in El Buen Pastor.

2003: Four new homes are built in El Buen Pastor.

2004: Victor Garcia of El Buen Pastor enters the seminary in Santa Ana. 2005: The community remembers the 25th anniversary of Archbishop Oscar Romero’s assassination and the deaths of the four U.S. churchwomen, victims of wartime violence.

2006: El Buen Pastor community reaches 91 members and 23 households.

2012

2007: Good Shepherd and El Buen Pastor celebrate 20 years of solidarity.

2008: The Mary K. Meyer Community Center is dedicated at El Buen Pastor. A gymnasium and community center are dedicated at Good Shepherd.

2010: Father Jim Ludwikoski becomes new pastor of Good Shepherd and pledges continuing support of El Buen Pastor.

2011: Father Victor Garcia is ordained. The Padre Jorge Seuferling recreational park is dedicated at El Buen Pastor. Three students from El Buen Pastor study at the university.

“This anniversary celebrates not only the past 25 years. This anniversary is a celebration of the next 25 years as well. ”

“El Salvador is an experience in contrasts. War is over, while so many forms of violence remain. Saints and sinners live in a land inflamed by polarized differences. There is official peace, but not actual peace. And yet in our sister community of El Buen Pastor there is such joy, peace, and faith. My experience is that, purged by suffering, this is a community which beams joy . . . because of their faith. We look for love in the midst of plenty; they celebrate love in the midst of little. My visit there was truly inspiring!”

Teresa Aley, Good Shepherd parishioner and 15-time traveler to El Buen Pastor

Father Jim Ludwikoski, Good Shepherd pastor 2010 - present

2012: Good Shepherd and El Buen Pastor celebrate 25 years of solidarity.

10 NATION

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 29, 2012

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 29, 2012

Caring for one’s health has moral, spiritual side

By Daniel Linskey

Catholic News Service

CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec

HEAD OF CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES ADDRESSES CONFERENCE — Carolyn Y. Woo, president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services, addresses attendees at the Catholic Media Conference in Indianapolis June 21.

U.S. church people call for more help for millions of refugees

By Maria Pia Negro Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) — In observance of World Refugee Day June 20, Catholic leaders noted that not much has changed in the plight of more than 15 million refugees in the world today.

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor of Little Rock, Ark., spoke of the need for the global community to “welcome the stranger” and to aid the millions of refugees who are forced to escape violence and other kinds of persecution in their homeland.

Anastasia Brown, director of resettlement services for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services, said that since 800,000 new people became refugees last year, the 75,000 refugees that the United States has committed to receive every year continues to be not enough.

Brown added that recent governmentinstituted security clearances reduced the numbers of refugees coming to the Untited States.

“Last year we received 56,000. We will have potentially only 54,000 this year,” Brown said.

Worldwide, more people being forced to flee to other countries in 2011 than at any time since 2000, according to a June 18 report by the U.N. High

Commissioner for Refugees, which put the total at 15.2 million refugees.

The increase in the number of refugees reflects recent crises in Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria, the report said.

Brown said the security clearance process could be streamlined to reduce the wait of those refugees who have been approved to come but are waiting to complete new clearances.

“All refugees go through at least three security clearances and medical clearances at different times of the process, conducted by different entities,” she said.

Some people who clear all the processes “can never come here because other parts of their clearances have expired,” Brown said.

This affects people identified to be in particular need to be resettled, such as Iraqi refugees in Syria, she said.

Bishop Taylor, who planned to go to Jordan soon to see Syrian refugees who fled civil unrest, urged the U.S. government to continue to help refugees.

In recent years, the U.S. has admitted more refugees than any other country, accepting between 50,000 and 75,000 per year, the USCCB noted. The top three populations of refugees resettling here in recent years have been Bhutanese, Burmese and Iraqi.

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Jesuit Father Peter Clark, a bioethics professor at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, believes Catholics have a moral obligation to care for their health.

“Catholics have a right to health care, and therefore [we] have a corresponding duty to take care of our health,” he said.

At a time when the rate of obesity among Americans is on the rise, he added that “obesity is both a sanctity-of-life issue and a question of justice.”

A recent Gallup study found that Americans are more likely to be at an unhealthy weight than at a normal weight, and that 26 percent of Americans are considered obese.

The trend is affecting not only health care costs, but personal well-being.

Though there is no simple solution, many, like Father Clark, offer a spiritual approach.

Tom Hafer, who is a minister with Volunteers for America, a physical therapist and the author of “Faith and Fitness,” uses ecumenical teachings to incorporate spirituality into a wellness lifestyle.

To him, prayer is as vital as exercise and proper food when losing weight.

“Prayer, or a deeper understanding of our connection to our Creator is necessary,” Hafer told CNS. “Because everything we need for sustaining health and wellness has come from our Creator. The act of exercise itself can be the conduit to a deeper prayer life.”

Exercise can be a meditative experience, according to Hafer. He suggested reading a psalm or praying before going for a run, saying the exercise and prayer will complement each other.

Because life and well-being are God’s gift, “exercise really is an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving,” he said.

Hafer described his job as a lifestyle, not a program, because his work is not necessarily about weight loss, but about “returning to a full life.”

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We are here to serve you and your family.”

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Nun helps one family at a time leave Sri Lankan slums

Initiative educates about humanitarian crises WASHINGTON (CNS) — Earthquakes, oppression, floods and famine are just some of the targets of an initiative to educate undergraduates at Jesuit-run universities about the humanitarian crises such disasters cause. The initiative is the Jesuit Universities Humanitarian Action Network, or JUHAN, formed as a result of discussions among Jesuits.

They wanted to create a curriculum to prepare undergraduates for either a career in humanitarian work or “to fulfill everyday civic responsibilities.” According to Jesuit Father Rick Ryscavage: “We felt that young people’s passion for helping people wasn’t being well-channeled.

They would raise money to buy blankets or something and send them down to a crisis center, but it was an unsophisticated approach.” Father Ryscavage is director of Fairfield University’s Center for Faith and Public Life, where JUHAN held its third biennial conference, bringing together faculty, staff, students and humanitarian workers from Catholic Relief Services, Save the Children and other agencies. The conference is an attempt to organize humanitarian education in Jesuit schools worldwide through an integrated curriculum. “There are some broad classes like nonprofit organization studies of nongovernmental organizations,” Father Ryscavage said. “Then there are others that are much more focused, like a class on sexual violence.

It studies more the dynamics of women being targets in war.”

“The Bible is one of the gifts that God has given to the church,” he said.

Philadelphia priest found guilty of child endangerment PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — With the same expression of serenity that he had shown for 13 weeks, Msgr. William J. Lynn listened to the criminal jury foreman speak the verdict of guilty on one charge of endangering the welfare of a child June 22 in a Philadelphia courtroom. Msgr. Lynn becomes the first high-ranking Catholic clergyman in the United States to be convicted of a crime associated with the handling of priests accused of child sexual abuse, though he himself faced no charge of abuse.

According to guidelines mentioned by Common Pleas Court Judge M. Teresa Sarmina, Msgr. Lynn faces a sentence of six months to seven years for his conviction. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 13.

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By Lise Alves

Catholic News Service

CNS photo/Stringer via Reuters

PEOPLE GATHER AFTER DEADLY BOMBING — People gather near the damaged Shalom Church in the northern Nigerian city of Kaduna June 17. Bombings at three churches, including Zaria’s Cathedral of Christ the King, killed at least 45 people and wounded others, triggering retaliatory attacks by Christian youths.

Church bombings, reprisals claim 45 lives in Nigeria

By Cindy Wooden

Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Bishop George Dodo of Zaria, Nigeria, was in the middle of his homily June 17 “when we heard a loud explosion.” A car bomb had just exploded near the Cathedral of Christ the King, where the bishop was celebrating the second Mass of the day.

“The car bomb created a crater two feet deep; all around there was broken glass, rubble and burning cars,” the bishop told Fides, the news agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. Reuters, the British news agency, reported 10 people were killed at Christ the King.

Bombings also were reported at the Evangelical Church of the Good News in Zaria and at churches in Kaduna.

Vatican Radio said June 18 that the total death toll from the Sunday bombings had reached 45 and some 100 people were reported injured, either by the bombings or by reprisal attacks afterward.

Bishop Dodo told Fides, “I am in contact with the governor and police authorities to see how to ensure the safety of the faithful. The maximum security authorities arrived on the site of the attack to calm tempers,” he added.

The bombing of Christian churches is widely believed to be the work of

Boko Haram, an Islamic terrorist group.

Bishop Dodo said he had not heard of any Christians in Zaria seeking revenge for the killings on their Muslim neighbors, although such attacks had been reported in Kaduna.

“Especially when the news of the attack against the Pentecostal church spread, young people responded with violence, destroying some properties,” he said.

“In the past few weeks several Christian churches in northern Nigeria have been attacked: It is likely that the perpetrators of this violence are following a precise agenda,” the bishop said.

Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso of Kaduna told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview: “Nowhere is safe now: the church, the market and the homes, no one knows where and when they can strike.

“We will continue to appeal to the consciences of the attackers and we hope that they would one day have a change of heart and stop this wanton destruction of lives,” adding that he hoped they would make themselves available for dialogue.

He also expressed concern that the suicide bombers have figured out how to bypass state security measures. He said anxiety and apprehensions are written on the faces of Christians.

RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) — Sister Placida Lihinikaduwa, a Sri Lankan member of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, is an example of how one person can make a difference in the lives of many.

At the U.N. Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development, Sister Placida told of her project to get families out of one of the largest slums in Colombo, Sri Lanka. She spoke to Catholic News Service of her 10-year work of turning slum-dwellers into farmers.

“When I went to work at the slum, I couldn’t understand how they could live this way,” said Sister Placida. “Their response to me was ‘What can we do, Sister?’”

Her unhappiness with the situation only increased. After a while, she gave up trying to improve the dwellers’ lives and started to think of ways to move some of the families out of the area.

Sister Placida said she looked around for land that could be farmed near Colombo and used money from the Tsunami Relief Fund — given to help victims of the 2004 tsunami — to buy 10 lots of land and relocate 10 families. The “New Beginnings” project was born.

In 2006, the first families were relocated.

“It took me almost two years to convince these first 10 families to make the move,” she said. They were afraid to move to a new area.

Once on the farmland, the families were taught to clear the land, help build their houses and seed the area. The land is used by these families to grow fruits and vegetables which they consume, trade with other program families and sell in the city.

Since then, the nun and her helpers have relocated 30 families. The families receive the land’s deed after four years if they have used the land properly and have prospered. Of the 30 families in the program, only three have lost the right to stay and were sent back to Colombo.

Today, approximately 150 families are awaiting a move to a farm.

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WORLD 11

Appealing for peace in Syria, pope fears wider conflict VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The international community must act swiftly and decisively to end the violence in Syria, which “risks becoming a widespread conflict that would have seriously negative consequences for the country and the entire region,” Pope Benedict XVI said. The pope expressed his prayers and hopes for peace in Syria during a meeting June 21 with Catholic Church representatives from throughout the Middle East, including the nuncio to Syria and the president of Caritas Syria, and with leaders of Eastern Catholic churches. The representatives and leaders were at the Vatican for a meeting of the Vatican’s coordinating body for church funding agencies that assist Eastern Catholics and Catholics throughout the Middle East. The violence in Syria began in March 2011 and has led to the deaths of thousands of civilians as soldiers battle forces seeking an end to the rule of President Bashar Assad. Pope Benedict said he wanted to express again his sorrow for the suffering of the Syrian people, particularly innocent children and defenseless citizens. “May our prayer, our commitment and our concrete brotherhood in Christ, like the oil of consolation, help them not lose the light of hope in these dark moments, and may God grant the leaders wisdom of heart so they would halt all bloodshed and violence, which brings only pain and death, and open the possibility for reconciliation, agreement and peace,” he said.

Catholic leaders warn of Christian exodus BEIRUT (CNS) — Catholic leaders warned about the dangers of a continued exodus of Christians from the Middle East during a Christian-Muslim dialogue meeting in a Beirut mosque. “If the East is emptied of Christians, it will pave the way for a destructive conflict between Christians and Muslims,” said Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue. “When Christians and Muslims work together, they are able to create a better future,” Cardinal Tauran said as the three-day meeting opened June 18. He called for Christians and Muslims “to work and live together in peace.”

Dozens of religious representatives participated in the meeting, which discussed “Christians and Muslims Building Justice and Peace Together in a Violent, Changing World.”

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12 CLASSIFIEDS

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 29, 2012

Employment

ry Arano-Ponce at: frjerry@stagneskc.org; send cc to: ziglinskimar@stagneskc.org. Deadline is June 30.

Secretary/receptionist - Our Overland Park office needs a bright and friendly person to work at the reception desk 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Must have exceptional customer service skills and be able to multitask in a busy office environment. Efficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, Publisher, and Excel is required. Attention to detail is a must.

Submit resume, via email, to: pmw12c@gmail.com.

Youth minister - Prince of Peace Church, Olathe, a vibrant parish with over 3400 families, is seeking an enthusiastic youth minister to lead our senior and junior high youth programs. Responsibilities include: coordinating weekly small and large group gatherings; organizing mission and faith formation trips; facilitating various fundraising activities; and developing and maintaining a budget. Applicants must be willing to collaborate effectively with other parish ministries. A passion for Christ and his church is a must. Send cover letter, resume and references to: Leon Kremer, parish administrator, 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe KS 66062, or send, via email, to: leon@ princeofpeace.info.

Paraprofessional - Sacred Heart of Jesus School, Shawnee, is seeking a paraprofessional for the 2012 - 13 school year. Duties include assisting students in grades 4 - 8 with math and reading skills and lunchroom supervision. The job will be 25 hours/ week from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., with some flexibility. Salary is commensurate with experience. Candidates should send a cover letter and resume, via email, to Maureen Engen, principal, at: maureen.engen@shoj. org.

Parish business manager - Full time, for Our Lady of Perpetual Help-Redemptorist Church in Kansas City, Mo. This position acts as the administrator in support of the pastor’s responsibilities to the parish and is the ministerial steward of the physical, financial and personnel resources of the parish. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s in business administration or accounting, or 5 – 10 years business experience; a command of accounting principles and practices; strong interpersonal and organizational skills; knowledge of record-keeping principles and database management systems; and be proficient in Microsoft Office. For a complete job description, visit the website at: www.redemptoristkc.org. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter,

by July 27, via email, to: olphkcjob@gmail.com. Applications delivered to the parish office will not be reviewed.

Part-time receptionist/admin. assistant For established construction management and real estate development firm. Flexible, 30-hour Mon. through Fri. workweek. Excellent opportunity for advancement for the right person. Send resume, via email, to: mk.curtis74@live.com.

Drivers – The Mission Project, a not-for-profit organization, is seeking two part-time van drivers to provide transportation to and from work. Based in Mission; $10/hr, approx. 20 hrs/wk. Excellent driving record and references required. Call George at (913) 642-0585.

Web developer/ IT staff – Self-motivated individual to build and maintain a website for a major Kansas City-based business. This full-time position will involve collaboration with content and marketing departments in developing direction for the B2B website. Submit resume, via email, to: nmosburg@ bjprls.com.

Manager/assistant manager - Sheridan’s Frozen Custard in Shawnee is looking to fill our manager/assistant manager position. The right candidate will be a hard worker with good communication and math skills and a self-starter capable of providing direction to a staff of up to 20 employees. The candidate should be customer- and quality-focused, and will be required to work a flexible schedule, including days, nights and weekends. Salary will be based on level of experience. Send resume, via email, to: Shawnee.manager@sheridansfrozencustard.com or call (913) 626-6019.

Choir accompanist - Part time, for Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa. Accompany the Holy Trinity Chorale at weekly rehearsals from 7 - 9 p.m. on Thursdays; at 9:30 a.m. Mass every 2nd and 4th Sunday; at 4 p.m. Mass every 3rd Saturday; plus special services during the school year. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. For information or to apply, contact Dr. Chloë Stodt, director of music, at (913) 895-0682 or send an email to her at: cstodt@ htlenexa.org. Deadline is July 10.

Music director – St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park, a parish of over 1300 families, is seeking an energetic and qualified individual to serve as its music director. In addition to interacting with cantors and accompanists, this individual will conduct the adult choir and children’s choir and will reestablish a bell choir. A bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent parish experience is required. Candidates interested in this full-time position should send a resume, cover letter, and three references, via email, to Father Jer-

St. Ann Young Child Center, Prairie Village - Is seeking a part-time Spanish teacher on Wednesdays from 10:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hourly rate is negotiable. Interested candidates should call Tati at (913) 362-4660.

Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City area.

This position is ideal for a determined, high-energy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; call (785) 364-5450; or send an email to him at: john. mahon@kofc.org.

Services Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile).

Girl Friday Services Sewing, ironing, quilting, cooking, typing and errand running. Let me do the work for you!

Call Deborah at (913) 648-7258 Tutoring available - For reading or math; students in grades K - 6. Available to continue tutoring after the summer. 13 years of teaching experience.

Call Joan at (913) 634-3366 or send an email to her at: joanieneal@hotmail.com.

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 29, 2012

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.

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Caregiving Retired nurse - With 20-plus years of caregiving experience is seeking to care for an individual and their home on a full-time basis. Live-in position is preferred. I will provide caregiving, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, errands, etc. My goal is to keep your loved one in their home. Reasonable rates and excellent references. Call (913) 579-5276.

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

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 and based in Lenexa. Call Benefits of Home - Senior Care at (913) 422-1591 or visit our website at: www.benefitsofhome.com.

Have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease?

Inquire about our fresh, unique approach to care.

At ComfortCare Homes of Kansas City, we provide a calm, stress-free and well-structured home environment for five to eight residents living with Alzheimer’s disease. A ComfortCare home is not “homelike” but rather it is a real home in a real neighborhood — there are no signs in the yard, no restaurant-style dining and no long, impersonal halls lined with patients. To tour and learn more, call Courtney Minter at (913) 609-1891 or visit the website at: www.

ComfortCareKC.com.

Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor.

Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837.

Home Improvement

Dog- and housesitting - Graduate of Rockhurst High School and Benedictine College, and member of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood. Will also do basic yardwork, moving, errand running, etc. Call Seán Rielley at (913) 563-9333 or email: srielley@sbcglobal.net.

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.

Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd.

For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.bankruptcylawinkansascity.com.

Masonry work - Quality new or repair work.

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

Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, at (913) 9092002.

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving.

No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mikehammermoving@aol.com.

Lawn mowing Free estimates; references Insured, licensed and bonded Local parishioner Call Tony at (913) 620-6063

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.

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 Affordable cabinetry - 20 years experience creating quality woodworking, design, and detail for all your custom cabinetry and furniture needs.

Competitive rates; references available. Serving the KC Metro area. Call Dennis at (913) 850-3956. Visit the website at: www.dennisbilt.com.

Tile work - Ceramic tile installation/repairs; kitchen or bathrooms; custom showers and flooring projects. 20 years exp.; insured. Free estimates. Call Frank Womack, In Line Flooring, at (913) 485-0745, or send an email to: inlineflooringkc@gmail.com.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@ hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

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.

Tim the handyman - Small jobs are my specialty! Faucets, garbage disposals, toilets, light fixtures, ceiling fans, handrails, window screen repair, bush trimming and garden tilling. Free estimates. JoCo area. Call (913) 859-0471.

Perfect Roof - Free estimates; roofing repairs if needed. Hail and wind damage inspections. Insured and reasonable. Call (816) 288-1693.

Decks by Jake - Power washing, wood preserving and staining. References available. Call Jake at (913) 909-6058. Member of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Brick mason - Installation and repair of all types of masonry work — brick, stone, and concrete.

17 years of residential and commercial experience.

Small and large jobs accepted. Free quotes in the KC metro area. Call Jim or John at (913) 485-4307.

Get a jump on your home repairs! - I specialize in painting, wood rot, decks, fences, windows, doors, siding, stucco, landscaping, drainage issues, and concrete. Fully insured. Now accepting all major credit cards. Call Josh Doherty (913) 709-7230.

Swalms Organizing Service - Basement, garage, attic, shop — any room organized! Items taken to donation sites, trash is bagged, and areas are clean and neat when job is complete. To view beforeand-after pictures, visit the website at: www.swalms. com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115.

Clutter getting you down? Organize, fix, assemble, clean! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizing handyman. For a free consultation, call today (913)271-5055. Insured; references. Visit the website at: www.koatindustries.com.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured.

(913) 599-7998 Gardner Painting - Attention to detail — we actually use scrapers. Interior and exterior. WyCo and JoCo areas. Many references. Free same-day estimates. Call Ted at (913) 227-9230.

Interior and exterior painting and wallpaper removal - 30-plus years experience. Quality work; excellent references; reasonable rates. Senior discount. Member of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village.

Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface.

Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

Exterior painting, drywall projects, wood rot repair, bathroom and kitchen remodels, and tile work - Quality products. 20 years experience.

References. Call (913) 206-4524.

Real Estate Strawberry Hill’s finest home is for sale Large all-brick ranch home with a three-car garage, new roof, and a walk-out basement. You will be amazed what $157,800 can purchase. Call Larry or Cindy with Reece and Nichols at (913) 652-5346.

Continued on the next page

Continued from the previous page Home for sale - 6630 Wood Ave., Kansas City, Kan., located near St. Patrick Parish. 3 BR, 1-1/2 BA ranch-style home on a quiet dead-end street. Interior recently updated. Finished bsmt. w/utility room.

Shaded, fenced back yard that is great for family get-togethers. Price reduced. For information, call sales associate at (913) 909-1566 or visit the ReeceNichols Roberts website.

Pristine Roeland Park home - Large corner lot with side entry garages, 4 BR, 2-1/2 updated baths, kitchen w/eating area, two family rooms, formal living and dining rooms, large entertainment deck and beautifully landscaped yard. Walk to St. Agnes Church and School and Bishop Miege High School.

For information, call (913) 362-3429.

Prairie Village home - 4 BR, 2 BA Cape Cod on a lovely, quiet corner lot in the heart of Prairie Village. One block from St. Ann Church and School; walk to Prairie Village shops. Large family/sunroom; new windows; well-maintained. $229,000. Call (913) 677-4936.

Beautiful Lenexa home - Near St. James Academy. Stunning 4 BR, 3-1/2 BA home includes breakfast bar/island in the kitchen with walk-in pantry, daylight basement, see-through fireplace, wood floors, and new carpet. Located in Patrician Village. MLS# 1778828. For pricing, private showing or open house information, contact Lance Collins at (913) 579-5977; send an email to him at: lance@lance collins.com; or visit the website at: www.lancecollins. com.

Merriam home for sale - 10124 W. 59th Terr.

Close to St. Joseph Church and School. 3 BR, 2-1/2 BA. Home is in move-in-ready condition. Mature trees and located on a friendly cul-de-sac. For information, call (913) 735-0074 or visit the website at: www.merriamhome.net.

Prairie Village - Extraordinary brick home with 4 BR and 3-1/2 BA located within walking distance to Curé of Ars Church and School in the Kenilworth subdivision. Open floor plan with a renovated kitchen and a spacious sunroom addition. Hardwood floors throughout. Newly carpeted and painted bedrooms with bathroom updates. Large, secluded, fenced backyard and three-car garage. Priced to sell at $479,500. For information, call (913) 645-2262.

Home for sale - Full two-story with 5 BR, 3 fulland 2 half-baths. In-ground pool, deck, garage, new paint, carpet, and thermal windows. Near Church of the Nativity, Leawood, and Notre Dame de Sion High School. For information, call (816) 824-4639.

Overland Park home FSBO - 5 BR, 4-1/2 BA home within walking distance of public and private schools and public swimming pool. Partially finished basement with mother-in-law’s or teenager’s area. In-ground pool with landscaping and privacy fence. Located on the 102nd block of Flint in Holy Spirit Parish. Mid $200s. Call (913) 541-8729 or (816) 223-1571.

Vacation Hilton Head, S.C. - 2 BR, 2 BA, completely renovated, fully furnished villa in a gated community just steps from the beach. 10 tennis courts, 2 swimming pools, bike paths, clubhouse with rec. room and playground area. Only $795/week. Call (843) 415-5612.

Refer to VRBO #391507. Mention The Leaven for a 10% discount.

Summer vacation - Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, 1 BA, sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec. center w/ pool, fishing, golf, hiking, rafting, close to nat’l park. $100/night; $600/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.

Mountain cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA, fully furnished; sleeps four. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $75/night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the website at: www.tillmancabin.com.

Branson condo nightly rental - 2 king BRs, 2 BA; sleeps 6. Sunporch overlooks public golf course. Walkin level (no steps), flat screen TVs, and fully equipped kitchen. Near the Hwy. 76 strip. No smoking; no pets.

Members of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park. Call (913) 851-8886.

Lake of the Ozarks weekly rental - Beautiful Sunrise Beach lakefront home with large dock and gorgeous views. Fully furnished 5 BR, 6 BA, flat screen TVs, barbecue grill, fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer. No pets or children. Call (913) 208-8074.

Breckenridge, Colo., condo - 2 BR, 2 BA; sleeps eight. Roomy first-floor unit with washer/dryer, WiFi, cable TV and covered parking. Two blocks to downtown; 30 steps to two hot tubs. For pricing and availability, call (816) 3922730.

For Sale For sale - One lot in the Charity Garden section of Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Includes vault with opening/closing. Current value is $5,460; will sell for $4,000. Call (913) 327-1316.

For sale – Double-depth crypt in the Faith Lawn area of Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Call Ken Christian at (816) 918-4075.

For sale - Tandem crypt for two in the St. James Corridor at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan. Tier F; crypt 115. $8,000 for both or make offer.

Call Gene Skorija at (816) 584-0823.

For sale – Electric hospital bed in excellent condition; two wheelchairs; walkers. Items located in Mission.

Call (913) 831-1815.

Heirloom quality doll furniture - For the American Girl dolls. John Hember (913) 631-4060. Member of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Visit the website at: www.etsy.com/shop/bedsandthreads.

For Rent

For sale – Medical equipment and supplies – new and used. Wholesale pricing. Scooters, power chairs, wheelchairs, walkers, bath and shower items, lift chairs, vehicle lifts, ramps, hospital beds and other items. Call Ron Coleman (913) 299-9176.

Houses for rent - Why play the stock market?

Become a passive real estate investor. If you want to discuss the possibility of investing in real estate that produces positive income with a seasoned investor, call (913) 980-3559.

Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.

Room for rent - Furnished room with private bathroom in a Brookside home close to Visitation Parish, Loose Park and within walking distance to UMKC. $575 per month; utilities, kitchen and laundry privileges included; off-street parking. Call (913) 831-0599, evenings.

South Overland Park townhome - Beautiful 3 BR, 3-1/2 BA townhouse in The Retreat at the Wilderness.

1,800 sq. ft.; two-car garage, finished daylight bsmt; pool, clubhouse, gym; washer, dryer, large enclosed patio, fireplace; walking distance to Blue Valley elementary, middle and high schools. $1,700/mo. Call (913) 530-1218.

Overland Park condo - 2 BR, 2 BA condo in excellent condition. Dining room; clubhouse with pool; water bill included; excellent condition. $845 per month. Call (913) 677-3070.

Wanted to Buy

*** Wanted to buy *** Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, prints, sterling, etc.

Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

Will buy firearms and related accessories One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Antiques wanted I buy old pocket & wrist watches; sets of silverware; souvenir spoons; advertising signs; coins; and Native American turquoise jewelry, arrowheads & rugs. Call

Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.

June 30

The Christian Foundation for Children and Aging will host the premiere showing of its inspirational documentary “Rise and Dream” at 7 p.m. on June 30 at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, Mo. The film highlights the extraordinary gifts of 13 teenagers living with the challenges of poverty in a volatile region of the Philippines. There is no cost to attend. For information, visit the website at: www.riseand dream.com.

Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer a one-day retreat, entitled “A Journey to Healing: A Gentle Walk with Grief,” presented by Stella RuizCorporal, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on June 30. A suggested donation of $25 includes lunch. For information or to register, send an email to Julie at: julie@sanctuaryof hope.org or call (913) 321-4673.

July 1

Holy Name Church, 1007 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Kan., will host a retirement open house for Father Jerry Spencer from noon - 4 p.m. on July 1 in the school cafeteria. All are welcome.

3

A support group for women dealing with any type of addiction, at any stage of recovery, will meet from 6 - 7 p.m. on July 3 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 9068990 or visit the website at: www.keeler womenscenter.org.

8

Sacred Heart Church, Baileyville, will host its annual parish picnic on July 8. A roast beef and ham dinner will be served at 5 p.m. in the church basement.

The cost is $7 for adults; $4 for children ages 10 and under. There will be fun and games for all ages and an auction at 9 p.m.

14

The Johnson County Christmas Bureau will host a “Christmas in July” pancake breakfast and open house from 8 - 11 a.m. on July 14 at the Merriam Christian Church, 9401 Johnson Dr., Merriam. The cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children under 10. For information or to purchase tickets in advance, call (913) 341-4342 or send an email to: jccboffice@ gmail.com.

The annual citywide Christian singles picnic will be held from 4 - 9 p.m. on July 14 at Quivira Park, 11901 Quivira Rd., Overland Park. For information or to RSVP, send an email to Pat at: pamonroe 10@aol.com.

All former parishioners, classmates and friends of St. Augustine Parish, Kansas City, Mo., are invited to a reunion on July 14 at Cinzetti’s Italian Restaurant, 91st and Metcalf, Overland Park.

For information, call Dean Wiseman at (816) 318-1601; Barbara Campbell at (816) 941-3576; or Joyce (Coonce) Thorman at (816) 405-2168.

The Altar Society of Holy Family Church, 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kan, will host a barbecue dinner and bingo on July 14 in Mejak Hall. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; dinner will be served from 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. Bingo will begin at 7:30 p.m. The cost of $15 includes a bingo

CALENDAR 13

card, dinner and beverages. For tickets, call Marcia at (816) 454-1378, Margaret at (913) 334-3563, or Sandy at (913) 3961564. Tickets must be purchased in advance; 21 and over only.

15

St. Augustine Church, Fidelity, will host its annual picnic on July 15 in the parish hall. A chicken and ham dinner served family-style will begin at 4:30 p.m.

The cost is: $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 4 - 10; children 3 years and under eat for free. There will also be a cakewalk, bingo, children’s games, raffles and a lunch stand earlier in the day.

17

The Vitae Foundation will host its annual pro-life golf classic at noon on July 17 at the Loch Lloyd Golf Course in Kansas City, Mo. The registration fee is $300 per golfer. For information or to register, call 1 (800) 393-5791 or visit the website at: www.vitaefoundation.org.

21

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will offer a one-day retreat, entitled “Centering Prayer,” presented by Benedictine Sister Marie Ballmann, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on July 21. Centering prayer is a prayer of deep silence that can be an important step in the process of interior transformation. The cost is $50. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the website at: www.mountosb. org/sophia.html.

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer, Easton, will host a contemplative prayer retreat day from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on July 21. Instruction will be provided on request. Full- or half-day attendance options are available, with the noon meal included. The cost is $25 per participant.

The retreat day may also be extended to include an overnight stay. Guests may attend the contemplation periods throughout the day and may schedule individual sessions with staff from 5 - 6:30 a.m. or from 6:30 - 8 p.m. For information, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@ shantivanam.com.

27-28

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host a weekend retreat, entitled “Toasting the Women on Our Family Tree,” presented by Mary Kay Whitacre, from 7 p.m. on July 27 through 3 p.m. on July 28. Gather the women in your family for a weekend of laughter and tears, memories and dreams, time away and time together. The cost is $100. For information or to register, call (913) 3606151 or visit the website at: www.mount osb.org/sophia.html.

Misc.

Notre Dame de Sion High School, 10631 Wornall, Kansas City, Mo., will host all-girl soccer camps in July. The camp for girls entering grades 2 - 5 will be held from 9 - 11 a.m. on July 9-12. The camp for girls entering grades 6 - 8 will be held from 9 - 11 a.m. on July 16-19. For information or to register, visit the website at: www.sionstorm.com or send an email to Matt Darby at: mdarby@rockhursths.edu.

Rediscover your marriage! The Retrouvaille program offers the opportunity to rediscover yourself, your spouse, and a loving relationship. The next Retrouvaille weekend is July 13 - 15. For confidential information or to register, call 1 (800) 470-2230 or visit the website at: www.retrouvaille.org.

14 COMMENTARY

Catholic Press Association Award Winner

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

THIRTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME July 1 THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Wis 1: 13-15; 2: 23-24; Ps 30: 2, 4-6, 11-13; 2 Cor 8: 7, 9, 13-15; Mk 5: 21-43 July 2 Monday Am 2: 6-10, 13-16; Ps 50: 16b-23; Mt 8: 18-22 July 3 THOMAS, APOSTLE Eph 2: 19-22; Ps 117: 1-2; Jn 20: 24-29 July 4 Independence Day Is 57: 15-19; Ps 85: 9ab-10, 11-12, 13-14; Phil 4: 6-9; Jn 14: 23-29 July 5 Anthony Zaccaria, priest; Elizabeth of Portugal Am 7: 10-17; Ps 19: 8-11; Mt 9: 1-8 July 6 Maria Goretti, virgin, martyr Am 8: 4-6, 9-12; Ps 119: 2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131; Mt 9: 9-13 July 7 Saturday Am 9: 11-15; Ps 85: 9, 11-14; Mt 9: 14-17

“H

July 9 Augustine Zhao Rong, priest, and companions, martyrs Hos 2: 16, 17b-18, 21-22; Ps 145: 2-9; Mt 9: 18-26

GUEST COMMENTARY

Wow, it’s July: ‘Festina Lente’

Reality check: The LCWR, CDF and the doctrinal assessment

ey, Father, how do you pronounce Uh-vun-gel . . . “ This question was asked by a nervous Knight of Columbus before Mass on Mother’s Day weekend.

He was scheduled to make an announcement about a special collection the Knights were taking up for moms in crisis pregnancies. The phrase he was trying to pronounce was “Evangelium Vitae,” the 1995 encyclical from the late Pope John Paul II. “Oh, that’s Latin,” I replied, as the poor guy pulled out a pen to write down how to say it correctly. “It’s pronounced, ‘The Gospel of Life.’ Don’t worry about the Latin!”

The relief on the guy’s face made me laugh.

With that in mind, please forgive me for throwing a Latin phrase your way: “Festina Lente.” Those words appeared on the family crest of Titus, an emperor of ancient Rome, and explained the meaning of the symbol inscribed on coins during his reign: a dolphin wound around an anchor.

The anchor “represented delay and unchanging conviction. The dolphin was regarded as the swiftest and most mercurial creature of the sea. Together they symbolized the failure that comes from rushing into something, and the failure that is the result of hesitation or undue caution.” (Found in the revised and expanded edition of “The Sower’s Seeds,” by Brian Cavanaugh, TOR.) But you’re still wondering: What’s up with that Latin phrase? “Festina Lente” means “Hasten Slowly.” In other words, find a balance between waiting too long (anchor) and acting too quickly (dolphin).

Those are good words to ponder as we turn the calendar to July and enter into the second part of 2012. This heat

July 10 Tuesday Hos 8: 4-7, 11-13; Ps 115: 3-10; Mt 9: 32-38 July 11 Benedict, abbot Hos 10: 1-3, 7-8, 12; Ps 105: 2-7; Mt 10: 1-7 July 12 Thursday Hos 11: 1-4, 8c-9; Ps 80: 2-3, 15-16; Mt 10: 7-15 July 13 Henry Hos 14: 2-10; Ps 51: 3-4, 8-9, 12-14, 17; Mt 10: 16-23 July 14 Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin Is 6: 1-8; Ps 93: 1-2, 5; Mt 10: 24-33

wave we’re presently experiencing is an opportunity to find a cool spot where you can sit and ponder for a bit.

What has the year been like so far? Is it all you hoped it would be? Are you pleased with where you are?

An effective way to evaluate things is to pull out your New Year’s resolutions and reread them. (You did make some, right?) You’ve had half a year to put them into practice. Are they still realistic? Should some be abandoned?

Have new issues or dreams come up that need to be included? Remember those words: “Festina Lente.” Keep pressing forward, keep improving, but do it thoughtfully.

At this midpoint of the year, consider the following story: One day, a little boy asked his parents, “How do wars break out? How are they declared?”

The father, who was very learned in economic matters, started talking about wheat, oil, and all the things that divide the world. The mother, though, thought those things were too complicated, so she interrupted, “Here, let me explain it so he can understand.”

As she began to speak, the father got angry, and a loud argument erupted.

This so upset the little boy, that he put his hands over his ears, squeezed his eyes shut and cried, “Please, please stop! Stop, Mom and Dad! Now I know exactly how wars begin.” (Adapted from Anthony Castle’s “A Treasure of

Quips, Quotes & Anecdotes for Preachers and Teachers.”)

More often than not, we look outside ourselves for someone or something to blame when things in our world are a mess. As the story above shows so clearly, often the problem is right at home. Instead of looking to solve — or complaining about — the huge problems of the world, it’s usually much more productive to start the work of improvement right at home.

That’s the purpose of New Year’s resolutions. Sadly, if they are even made at all, they’re quickly forgotten and usually joked about the following New Year’s Eve. Let’s not let that happen again.

A year ago, I wrote about a time management tip that I’d found really useful: Restart your day at 2 p.m.

Simply put, this means to take time in the middle of your day to look at what you’ve accomplished and what you still need to do.

If you’ve done well so far, it’s a great encouragement to keep being productive. However, if you’ve frittered away the first part of the day, it’s an opportunity to get back on track and get something done.

Looking over what 2012 has been like so far, do you need to “restart” your year? One of the most uplifting things about our faith is that it’s never too late to start over, to renew ourselves. In fact, each new day that God gives presents us with that possibility.

If you want to make the world a holier place, you know where to start —in your own heart. So go dig up those New Year’s resolutions (or sit down and make some today) and “Festina Lente”: Hasten through the rest of this year . . . slowly and purposefully.

WORD TO LIVE

T

COMMENTARY 15

MARK MY WORDS

FOURTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME July 8 FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Ez 2: 2-5; Ps 123: 1-4; 2 Cor 12: 7-10; Mk 6: 1-6a

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 29, 2012

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 29, 2012

Trust in God in your darkest hours

hrough a series of bad decisions, Jay found himself sucked into a culture of illegal activity.

He didn’t know he was being watched by law enforcement authorities. One frightening evening, police barged into his home, confiscated evidence and arrested him. He saw his successful, happy life go down the tubes.

Jay was ashamed and remorseful.

He admitted that what he had done was wrong. He never denied that his behavior was immoral and against the law. He knew his choices deeply hurt his family.

After the initial shock wore off, he began to see the black hole in front of him. He faced lengthy jail time in a state with meager resources and little interest in rehabilitating convicted criminals.

As the time to serve his sentence approached, the voice of the onceconfident young professional quavered. He saw no hope ahead: “My career is gone and by the time I get out, all my experience, education, skills will be useless. I’ll have nothing to offer.”

he

“Do not be afraid; just have faith.”

— Mk 5:36

He started to enumerate the reasons for his despair. His wife interrupted with plans for how, while he serves time, she would prepare for his future return.

His neighbor chimed in with other helpful suggestions.

In today’s Gospel passage, shortly after a synagogue official asks Jesus to heal his daughter, the child apparently dies.

When Jesus offers the hope that she is only asleep, people ridicule him. He sends them out explaining, “Just have faith.” The child lives.

The first reading from the Book of Wisdom shows faith in God’s healing can be found in understanding that he has a fundamental desire that the life

created will not die.

“God did not make death,” Wisdom states, “nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living. . . . God formed man to be imperishable.”

Likewise, Jay’s wife and friend had faith in the value of his life and its renewal after jail. They would not allow his lack of faith to dispel theirs. They insisted that he live with hope for a new life ahead.

W

hen you are in a position of leadership or authority, it is a great cross sometimes to know firsthand the actual facts of a situation and then have to listen to all the distortions and misrepresentation of the facts that are made in the public domain.

Having conducted the doctrinal assessment of the entity known as the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), I can only marvel at what is now being said, both within and outside the church, regarding the process and the recent steps taken by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) to remedy significant and longstanding doctrinal problems connected with the activities and programs of the LCWR. The biggest distortion of all is the claim that the CDF and the bishops are attacking or criticizing the life and work of our Catholic Sisters in the United States. One report on the “CBS Evening News” showcased the work of a Mercy Sister who is a medical doctor in order to compare her to the attack that she and Sisters like her are supposedly being subjected to by authoritarian bishops. The report concludes with a statement that the bishops impose the rules of the church but the Sisters carry on the work of the church.

Unless the Sister in question is espousing and/or promoting positions contrary to Catholic teaching — and there was no reason given to think that she is — then the Holy See’s doctrinal concerns are not directed at her or at the thousands of religious Sisters in our country like her to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude for all that they do in witness to the Gospel.

What the CDF is concerned about, as I indicated, is the particular organization known as the LCWR. Its function, responsibilities and statutes were all originally approved by the Holy See, to which it remains accountable. While

it is true that the member communities of the LCWR represent most of the religious Sisters in the United States, that does not mean that criticism of the LCWR is aimed at all the member religious communities, much less all Sisters.

The word “investigation” is often used to describe the work that I carried out on behalf of the CDF. “Investigation” suggests an attempt to uncover things that might not be known. In reality, what the CDF commissioned was a doctrinal “assessment,” an appraisal of materials which are readily available to anyone who cares to read them on the LCWR website and in other LCWR published resources. The assessment was carried out in dialogue with the LCWR leadership, both in writing and face to face, over several months.

The fundamental question posed to the LCWR leadership as part of the assessment was simply this: What are the church’s pastors to make of the fact that the LCWR constantly provides a one-sided platform — without challenge or any opposing view — to speakers who take a negative and critical position vis-a-vis church doctrine and discipline and the church’s teaching office?

Let me cite just a few of the causes for concern.

In her LCWR keynote address in 1997, Sister Sandra Schneiders, IHM, proposed that the decisive issue for women religious is the issue of faith: “It can no longer be taken for granted that the members [of a given congregation] share the same faith.”

Ten years later, in an LCWR keynote speech, Sister Laurie Brink, OP, spoke of “four different general ‘directions’ in which religious congregations seem to be moving.” She said that “not one of the four is better or worse than the others.” One of the directions described is “sojourning,” which she says “involves moving beyond the church, even be-

yond Jesus. A sojourning congregation is no longer ecclesiastical. It has grown beyond the bounds of institutional religion.” This kind of congregation “in most respects is post-Christian.”

She concludes by characterizing as “a choice of integrity, insight and courage” the decision to “step outside the church” already made by one group of women religious.

Father Michael H. Crosby, OFM Cap., a keynote speaker at the joint LCWR-CMSM assembly in 2004, lamented the fact that “we still have to worship a God that the Vatican says ‘wills that women not be ordained.’

That god is literally ‘unbelievable.’ It is a false god; it cannot be worshiped.

And the prophet must speak truth to that power and be willing to accept the consequence of calling for justice, stopping the violence and bringing about the reign of God.” The LCWR’s Systems Thinking Handbook describes a hypothetical case in which Sisters differ over whether the Eucharist should be at the center of a special community celebration. The problem is that some of the Sisters object to “priest-led liturgies.”

The scenario, it seems, is not simply fictitious, for some LCWR speakers also mention the difficulty of finding ways to worship together as a faith community. According to the Systems Thinking Handbook, this difficulty is rooted in differences at the level of belief, but also different mental models — the “Western mind” and the “Organic mental model.” These, rather than church doctrine, are offered as tools for the resolution of the case.

LCWR speakers also explore themes like global spirituality, the new cosmology, earth-justice and eco-feminism in ways that are frequently ambiguous, dubious or even erroneous with respect to Christian faith. And while the LCWR upholds Catholic social teaching in some areas, it is notably silent when it comes to two of the major moral challenges of our time: the right to life of the unborn, and the God-given meaning of marriage between one man and one woman.

Are these examples indicative of the thinking of all religious Sisters in the United States whose communities are members of the LCWR? Certainly not.

Serious questions of faith un-

doubtedly arise among some women religious, as the LCWR maintains.

However, is it the role of a pontifically recognized leadership group to criticize and undermine faith in church teaching by what is said and unsaid, or rather to work to create greater understanding and acceptance of what the church believes and teaches?

Those who do not hold the teachings of the Catholic Church, or Catholics who dissent from those teachings, are quick to attack the CDF and bishops for taking the LCWR to task.

However, a person who holds the reasonable view that a Catholic is someone who subscribes to the teachings of the Catholic Church will recognize that the Catholic bishops have a legitimate cause for doctrinal concern about the activities of the LCWR, as evidenced by a number of its speakers and some of its resource documents.

A key question posed by the doctrinal assessment had to do with moving forward in a positive way. Would the LCWR at least acknowledge the CDF’s doctrinal concerns and be willing to take steps to remedy the situation?

The response thus far is exemplified by the LCWR leadership’s choice of a New Age futurist to address its 2012 assembly, and their decision to give an award this year to Sister Sandra Schneiders, who has expressed the view that the hierarchical structure of the church represents an institutionalized form of patriarchal domination that cannot be reconciled with the Gospel.

This situation is now a source of controversy and misunderstanding, as well as misrepresentation. I am confident, however, that if the serious concerns of the CDF are accurately represented and discussed among all the Sisters of our country, there will indeed be an opening to a new and positive relationship between women religious and the church’s pastors in doctrinal matters, as there already is in so many other areas where mutual respect and cooperation abound.

Most Rev. Leonard P. Blair is the bishop of Toledo, Ohio. Originally published June 8, 2012, at: www.catholic chronicle.org.

Republished with permission.

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16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • JUNE 29, 2012

PROJECT NUNWAY

Pam McGowan was delighted when she saw that her friend Melissa Wasserman had added her own special touch by outlining the waistband of her postulant skirt with a piece of patterned Guatemalan fabric.

Call to religious life leaves young woman seeking help on making her postulant dress

your body,” she said. “There’s a lot of beauty in simplicity.

“You don’t have to wear see-through tops, or show a lot of skin to create a moment or grab someone’s attention.

“Sometimes a really beautiful garment, if it’s done well, will grab more attention.”

While she organized her portfolio in preparation for her job search, Wasserman was happy to help an old friend.

“I know it must be hard to move away,” she said. “And so I just wanted to give a little something to Pam. “If I can take away the stress of having to make a skirt, then I’m very willing to do it. This is a blessing.”

By Jill Ragar Esfeld Special to The Leaven

LENEXA — When Holy Trinity parishioner Pam McGowan decided to answer the call to join the religious life, the last thing she thought she would have to worry about was her wardrobe.

But she soon found out that postulants entering her chosen order, the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará, traditionally make their own postulant skirts.

No pattern is available; girls are just given a basic description of what’s required: a gray floor-length skirt with two front pleats and a pocket.

McGowan didn’t have a clue where to begin. She had just graduated from Benedictine College in Atchison with degrees in elementary and special education, not fashion design.

So she thought a little, prayed a lot, and finally turned to her friends on Facebook by posting an open plea.

“If anyone knows how to make a two pleated skirt with a pocket,” she wrote, “let me know, because I don’t know how.”

Fortunately for McGowan, Melissa Wasserman was a Facebook friend. The two had been classmates at Holy Trinity Grade School in Lenexa and St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park.

Wasserman had just earned a degree in apparel design and merchandising from Iowa State University. She had interned summers in New York and studied fashion design in Italy.

She felt pretty confident about making a two-pleated skirt.

“If you need help, I’ll help you,” she posted back McGowan jumped at the offer, and the two girls reconnected to design a high-fashion postulant skirt.

It truly was a match made in heaven.

Called to serve Both girls had begun to discern their future vocations while students at Aquinas.

McGowan first felt her calling on a retreat during her junior year.

“They always have this point in a retreat where they have people come up who think they’re called to religious life,” she said.

When that point came, McGowan surprised herself as much as her friends.

“I remember standing up without being in control of my body and walking, crying my eyes out,” she said. “I came back and everyone was, like, ‘Really?’

And I was, like, ‘I have no idea.’”

Though McGowan denied the calling for a long time, she began to talk with God about the possibility.

“I had a list of things,” she recalled.

“And I said, ‘God, if you want me to be a Sister, you have to prove to me that I can live without these.’

“And surprisingly, with the experiences I went through from day to day, he checked every single one off the list.”

Called together

Leaven photos by Jill Ragar Esfeld

Melissa Wasserman makes adjustments for a perfect fit while Pam McGowan models a muslin mock-up of her postulant skirt. Once adjusted, Wasserman will use the pattern to make the gray skirt McGowan will wear as a postulant with the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará.

Her biggest concern was making a commitment that would take her away from family and friends. During a twomonth mission trip to India, that issue was put to rest.

“You can’t just fly home and see your family when you’re in India,” McGowan said. “But I had the time of my life there.

“Now I’m OK with being away from my family, that far away. God made me comfortable with that.”

McGowan chose to join the Servants of the Lord because she embraced their mission.

“Everything they did incorporated everything I love: mission work, teaching, and working with children with handicaps or disabilities,” she said.

She visited the Sisters in Washington, D.C., and knew she’d made the right choice.

“When I got there, I felt like I was being welcomed by my extended family,” she said. “There wasn’t a moment where I didn’t feel accepted and loved.

“I knew in that moment that this is where I’m supposed to be.

“This is home.”

Called to create Wasserman also found her calling when she was in high school and happened to take a sewing class.

“I really enjoyed it,” she said, “and I got more interested in it as I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do.”

What she wanted to do was find a career that would incorporate her love for her mother’s homeland, Guatemala.

For years, her family had spent part of each summer helping at the San Lucas Mission there. Wasserman loved the beautiful weaving done by the local women.

“I really wanted to do something that could give back to Guatemala,” she said.

“And so I studied apparel design, hoping I could work with indigenous textiles and weaving.

“Eventually, I’d like to have my own company that promotes fair trade.”

Wasserman also hopes to promote the idea that clothes can grab attention without being immodest.

“I think there are tasteful ways to be edgy without having to compromise

Grateful for Wasserman’s help and hoping to minimize her work, McGowan bought some gray fabric for the project.

“Then Melissa informed me I should probably pick different fabric,” she said.

“It was fabric you would use for a suit in winter,” Wasserman said. “I thought if she was going to wear it in the summer, in a full-length skirt, it was going to be really hot and uncomfortable.”

McGowan had picked up a few other items at the fabric store, with similar success.

“It was funny,” said Wasserman. “She brought me a bag of things, and she’d bought the wrong fabric and the wrong zipper and the wrong — pretty much everything else.

“So I said, ‘I’ll just take it from here.’”

The effort Wasserman put into making the perfect postulant skirt was impressive.

She sketched out a skirt design, took measurements and then created a pattern tailored to McGowan.

Next, she used the pattern to make a mock-skirt from muslin fabric.

She tried the mock-skirt on McGowan, made adjustments for a perfect fit, and then sewed her final product.

The tailor-made result went beyond McGowan’s dreams. And the best part was a little hidden flair that would always remind her of Wasserman.

McGowan was delighted when she saw that her friend had lined the waistband of her postulant skirt with a piece of beautifully patterned Guatemalan fabric.

Wasserman’s emphasis in college was creative design, and she couldn’t help but put her stamp on this creation.

Now, McGowan can’t wait to make this skirt the center of her wardrobe.

“I might be one of the least fashionconscious persons you’ve ever met,” she said. “I’m not even joking.

“I can’t wait till the day when it doesn’t matter what I wear, and I just put on my habit.”

Wasserman feels blessed to be a little part of that future.

“Pam’s journey,” she said, “has been really inspirational.

“And I’m thankful I got to participate in it personally.”