07 02 21 Vol. 43 No. 1

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 43, NO. 1 | JULY 2, 2021

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE CORY

Paul Monahan loads donations to Catholic Charities into the back of a Catholic Charities van during a recent food drive at Hy-Vee on 95th and Antioch in Overland Park.

‘I JUST WANT TO HELP’

Catholic Charities volunteer ‘makes it fun for the team’ “ How to help HE HAS SUCH A CONSCIOUS

O

VERLAND PARK — When shoppers arrive at Hy-Vee on 95th and Antioch here on a typical Saturday afternoon, Paul Monahan greets them with a smile.

Handing them a slip of paper, he adds a simple request: “We’d love if you could help us out. We’re gathering items for Catholic Charities.”

The responses he receives are humbling.

“A lot of times,” said Monahan, “some of the people will say, ‘I really want to give to you guys because you helped me out before I was able to take care of myself.’

“I’ve heard lots of stories about that.”

The Holy Trinity, Lenexa, parishioner has volunteered at Hy-Vee’s food drive for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas for the past six

years. He’s been a store captain for three.

The reason for his dedication is simple.

“I just want to help out because there’s a lot of people out there who need the help,” he said. “It’s just so rewarding.”

‘He makes you want to give’ Monahan began volunteering at the Hy-Vee food drive in 2015 after hearing about it from a friend.

“I was really interested in it because I’ve always wanted to start paying it forward and giving back,” he said.

After retiring last August, it seemed like the perfect time to act on that desire — and the food drive made it easy.

Held one Saturday a month, the Hy-Vee drive is one of many in northeast Kansas that exists to stock

“

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

COMMITMENT TO SERVE EVERY MONTH, TO GIVE UP HIS SATURDAY. IT’S AN ALL-DAY EVENT FOR HIM. DENISE SWICKARD CATHOLIC CHARITIES VOLUNTEER

Catholic Charities’ food pantries for the hungry.

Monahan started as a regular volunteer, and although he didn’t realize it at the time, the store captain was slowly preparing him to take over his leadership role.

Monahan learned the ins and outs of the food drive until the captain relinquished his duties in 2018, and Monahan was asked to take over.

To donate, ask your parish if it has an upcoming food drive, look for Catholic Charities at your local Hy-Vee (scheduled Saturdays in the Kansas City metro only) or contact Catholic Charities by email at: out reach@catholiccharitiesks.org.

Quite simply, said Monahan, he had no reason to say no.

“I wanted to help out,” he said. “It worked out for the best. I really enjoy doing what we do.”

Monahan’s duties include picking up the Catholic Charities van, setting up outside the store, handing out slips to shoppers with a list of most-needed items, packing up the van at the end of the day and delivering the contributions to Catholic Charities. >> See “VOLUNTEERS” on page 10

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LOCAL NEWS

JULY 2, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

U.S. bishops seek integrity from public officials on issue of Communion

I

do not usually write columns during the summer months.

However, since there has been much controversy in both the religious and secular press regarding the June assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I wanted to share with you directly my perspective on the meeting.

First of all, the U.S. bishops did not vote to deny President Biden holy Communion.

After receiving an outline from the USCCB Committee on Doctrine, the bishops did vote to authorize the committee to proceed with drafting a document on the Eucharist.

The principal reason for this document is to provide a theological foundation for a multiyear pastoral initiative devoted to fostering eucharistic revival.

Our hope and desire is to renew within Catholics what St. John Paul termed “eucharistic amazement” — great awe and appreciation for this incredible gift that Jesus has given to the church.

The doctrine committee’s outline included a section addressing what they termed “eucharistic consistency.” The document will attempt to help all Catholics appreciate the meaning and the beauty of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, as well as what is required from us to properly prepare and dispose ourselves to receive the Lord in this Blessed Sacrament.

Included in this section will be an instruction on the additional responsibilities for Catholics who serve in public life.

Receiving Our Lord in the Eucharist requires all of us to strive to live in a manner that is consistent with our dignity of carrying the living Christ within us. Catholics in public life have the opportunity to be witnesses to a large number of people regarding what

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN it means to be Catholic. When their public actions conflict with fundamental Catholic moral teaching, they inevitably confuse and mislead many people both within and outside the church.

Every time that we receive Our Lord in the Eucharist, we are making a profession of faith — not only that Jesus is truly present, but also our belief in the church empowered by the Lord to make himself present in the Blessed Sacrament.

When a nonCatholic baptized Christian seeks admission into the Catholic Church and thus to be one with us at the eucharistic table, they make the following public profession: “I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches and proclaims to be revealed by God.” In essence, each and every time we receive Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, we reaffirm that profession.

Pope Francis, just a few weeks ago, in his Angelus message for the solemnity of Corpus Christi, reminded us that we should always receive holy Communion with great humility. None of us can ever be truly worthy of receiving the great gift of the Eucharist. The Holy Father instructed the faithful that the Eucharist is the “bread of sinners not the reward of saints.”

We echo this reality

in the acclamation before receiving the Eucharist: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

It is erroneous to construe the message of Pope Francis to be a reversal of the clear teaching of the church articulated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Anyone who desires to receive Christ in Eucharistic communion must be in a state of grace. Anyone aware of having sinned mortally must not receive communion without having received absolution in the sacrament of penance” (1415).

The catechism in another place quotes St. Justin on this same matter who taught: “We call this food Eucharist, and no one may take part in it unless he believes what we teach is true, has received baptism for the forgiveness of sins and new birth, and lives in keeping with what Christ taught” (1353).

It is true that none of us can ever be worthy of receiving God in the Eucharist. All of us are sinners in need of God’s mercy. Fortunately for all of us, Our Lord does not demand perfection before approaching him in the Blessed Sacrament.

Yet, this does not mean we can receive holy Communion while we persistently contradict fundamental Catholic moral teaching and violate the most basic of human rights. St. Paul in his First Letter to the Corinthians counsels

that to receive the Eucharist unworthily in this manner brings judgment upon ourselves (11:29).

Abortion is a grave moral evil because it involves the killing of an innocent and vulnerable human life.

Project Rachel is a special ministry of the church to bring healing to those previously involved with abortion but who now deeply regret it.

I have been privileged since 1984 to participate in the Project Rachel ministry, accompanying many faith-filled women and men who were sincerely contrite for their sin, but who also with God’s grace were able to accept Our Lord’s incredible mercy and unconditional love.

The tragic stories of so many post-abortive women include the tremendous pressure to abort their child from the father, family members, friends and the larger society.

Public policies that permit and, in many cases, promote abortion are part of the culture of death that results not only in killing an innocent child but the emotional and spiritual scarring of post-abortive mothers and fathers.

Those in the executive, judicial and legislative branches of our government, who have helped to create and shape public policies that permit and promote abortion, share a level of responsibility for the innocent lives destroyed and the psychological wounds inflicted upon their mothers. Unlike post-abortive women, who made regrettable choices under enormous pressure, policymakers with cold calculation have created a culture of death that champions abortion as a right.

We are at a new moment in the battle to protect innocent children from abortion. Advocates for abortion rarely speak

of “choice” anymore.

They now assert what even the Supreme Court in 1973 never dared to claim, that abortion is preventive health care. Abortion advocates today are no longer content with a public policy that permits abortion.

They trumpet a right to abortion in which medical professionals must participate and taxpayers must fund.

Frankly, it is not credible to proclaim that one is personally opposed to abortion, while doing everything within one’s power to support the abortion industry, while failing to protect both the life of the child and the well-being of the mother.

Catholics in public life magnify the scandal of their actions when they proudly claim to be devout in their faith and assert a right to receive the Eucharist. They confuse and mislead others, especially the young, by encouraging them to think it is possible to be a sincere Catholic while violating the most fundamental of human rights: the right to life.

Appeals that the separation of church and state prevent Catholics in public life from opposing abortion are neither logical nor true. Pope Francis in his January 2020 meeting with the bishops from Region IX (Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa) reminded us that our advocacy for the protection of the unborn is not first and foremost a religious matter, but rather it is the defense of the most fundamental human right.

Pope Francis shared with the Region IX bishops that in his own conversations with supporters of legalized abortion he poses two questions: 1) Is it ever right to solve a problem by killing a child? 2) Is it ever right to solve a problem by hiring someone to kill

a child? The pope has framed abortion properly as a human rights issue that involves the destruction of the most vulnerable and innocent lives.

It remains to be seen what the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will ultimately approve.

During the summer, the bishops will be given opportunities to discuss this matter in regional and provincial meetings. We will all have the chance to review a draft of the document and propose modifications to the doctrine committee.

In November, we will have the opportunity to discuss, debate and amend the document.

Passage of the document will require approval by two-thirds of the bishops.

The media loves to describe this debate as the bishops seeking to deny communion to Catholics in public life who promote and support abortion. In reality, it is the church requesting Catholics in public life to act with integrity. If they choose to act contrary to fundamental moral teachings of our faith, they should have the personal integrity to acknowledge they have separated themselves from the church on a basic issue of human rights and thus not present themselves to receive holy Communion.

I encourage Catholics in public life who support abortion to continue to pray the rosary, to continue to attend Mass, to ponder the word of God, and to spend time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.

Authentic prayer is a conversation with God, where we both speak to God and open our hearts to listen for God’s voice. I invite Catholic politicians in their prayer to ask God the question of Pope Francis: Is it ever right to kill a child to solve a problem? May they be open to God’s answer!

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LOCAL NEWS

JULY 2, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

3

Conference teaches pastors and parish staffs how to make their parish

AMAZING

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

John Dahlstrand, left, consultant with the archdiocesan office of evangelization, and Deacon Dana Nearmyer, archdiocesan director of evangelization, discuss the program at the Amazing Parish conference.

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

O

VERLAND PARK — There’s a simple reason why Father Greg Hammes attended the Amazing Parish conference.

“Because I needed it,” he said.

He’s not alone. Approximately 560 people from 37 dioceses and archdioceses attended the conference, held June 21-23, at the Overland Park Convention Center. The attendees included archbishops, bishops, priests, deacons, male and female religious, and laypeople fulfilling various roles at their parishes.

Groups from eight archdiocesan parishes and one high school attended.

“It sounded ideal for a new pastor in a new parish to invite people,” said Father Hammes, nearing his first anniversary as pastor at Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe. “It really brings a group together. I included some of my key staff, who I think can really help me. I get to know them, and they get to know me. We get a common vision. It sounded ideal for where I’m at for the parish and our leadership.”

Amazing Parish is a Denver-based organization that endeavors to train pastors and laypeople to adopt new methods of leadership and management, and to establish new cultures of prayer, teamwork and discipleship by modeling behavior.

How are parishes made amazing?

“We believe it starts with leadership,” said Kevin Cotter, executive director of Amazing Parish. He is originally a member of Church of the Nativity Parish in Leawood, and his wife Lisa is originally from Ascension Parish in Overland Park.

“If you want a team or a company to be better, you need better leadership,” he said. “Our parishes are different . . . but in many ways are the same. If we want our parishes to be alive and faithful, that culture has to start at the top. We need to see it from our pastor, and from his key staff members, and all through the key volunteers and to parishioners as well.”

The leadership model presented

by Amazing Parish is one where the pastor forms a parish leadership team — not the same as the parish council, which is supposed to act like a board

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Staff members of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe discuss what they’ve just heard at the Amazing Parish conference June 22 at the Overland Park Convention Center. Clockwise from left are: Father Kenn Clem, associate pastor; John Meyers, pastoral associate for administration; Father Greg Hammes, pastor; Jane Shriver, principal of Prince of Peace School; and Larissa Smith, director of adult formation and evangelization.

— that assists the pastor with day-today things so he doesn’t have to do it all alone.

There are three building blocks to the Amazing Parish.

“We believe any great parish will have a culture of prayer, teamwork and discipleship,” said Cotter. “They’re going to have a culture of prayer. God is real and they’re going to act like it.

They’re going to pray like it. They’re going to pray for each other and people in their parish. They’re going to have teamwork. They’ll know they just can’t stay in their silos. It’s actually a team that works together. And if we want disciples in our parish, we as staff members have to act like disciples.”

Modeling behaviors — living these principles — is an important part of being an Amazing Parish.

“It’s one thing to talk about evangelization and discipleship, but then do we ourselves do those things, do we

have those conversations?” said Cotter.

“That’s why behaviors are so important. It’s easy to talk about high concepts but it’s much harder to practice them. We see a big part of our work is getting parishes to a place where they can practice those things and see that model, so they know what it looks like.”

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, who attended the Amazing Parish conference, was very encouraged by the event. Amazing Parish works well with the archdiocesan Enflame evangelization initiative launched in 2019.

“This was one of the ways we encouraged parishes to possibly follow up from Enflame,” said Archbishop Naumann. “With Enflame, we hope to have every pastor surrounded by a group of lay leaders that will help them form that parish community and missionary disciples.”

Father Arul Carasala, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, won-

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 7215276; or email at: sub@theleaven.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

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dered if Amazing Parish will work for smaller parishes like his. He plans to build his parish leadership team and then see how to get his evangelization team on board.

“Here is the struggle our parish is going to have,” said Father Carasala.

“The last part of the program they offered was the parish leadership team and how it functions.”

“That’s where we may have to vary it a little bit to fit our need because most of the stuff they talked about for the parish leadership team is mostly from the staff and maybe one or two volunteers,” he continued. “And my parish leadership team is 100 percent volunteers. We don’t have that big a staff to manage here. So that is where we have to think outside of the box and how we are going to meet.

“But, still, the style and content will be the same — cultivate a culture of prayer, teamwork and discipleship.”

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

Social Media Editor/Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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LOCAL NEWS

JULY 2, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Sister Luisa celebrates 100 years overflowing with joy and service

By Therese Horvat Special to The Leaven

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Known for her joyful disposition and love of celebrations, Sister Luisa Irizarry Jusino, SSM, marked her 100th birthday on July 1 at the convent of the Sisters, Servants of Mary here. The happiness Sister Luisa shared with others during her many years of service was returned to her a hundredfold on her special day.

Isabel Irizarry Jusino was born on July 1, 1921, in San Germán, Puerto Rico.

She was the third of 14 children. From an early age, she helped her mother with the care of the other children. As a young girl, Isabel noticed the Sisters, Servants of Mary who made their nursing rounds through the city. Later, her mother took her to visit the convent.

Isabel joined the Sisters, Servants as a postulant on Dec. 8, 1946, in Puerto Rico and began her novitiate on July 4, 1947, in Medellin, Colombia. She took her mother’s name “Luisa” as her religious name.

In 1949, she made her temporal vows in Medellin and transferred to Kansas City, Kansas, where she professed her perpetual vows on July 5, 1955.

Sister Luisa dedicated herself primarily to the culinary needs of the religious community, particularly in the kitchen where she prepared exquisite and delicious dishes. For 49 years, Sister Luisa served at the Mary Health of the Sick Convalescent and Nursing Hospital in Newbury Park, California. This ministry of the Sisters, Servants cares for elderly and chronically ill adults.

Now here, said Sister Ema Muñoz, SSM, local superior of the Kansas City, Kansas, convent, everyone loves Sister Luisa. In the past, she loved to organize activities, including contests with prizes for the best costumes. Generally, the residents she helped with their costumes were winners — and so was Sister Luisa!

On each Sister’s feast day, Sister Luisa

LEAVEN PHOTO BY THERESE HORVAT

Sister Luisa Irizarry (left), centenarian, talks with Sister Esther Irizarry, her sister who will be 97 in November. The two Sisters, Servants of Mary live at the Kansas City, Kansas, convent. prepared that person’s favorite food. She always ran to meet and greet the Sisters who came to the convalescent hospital.

While Sister Luisa didn’t speak English, everyone understood the language of love she spoke.

As she celebrates her 100th birthday, Sister Luisa is marking 72 years as a Sister, Servant of Mary. She appreciates that she has had the opportunity to bring hope and peace to people she has encountered and served. She enjoys being part of this religious family and sharing in the spirituality of St. Maria Soledad, the community’s foundress.

By nature, Sister Luisa has always been service-oriented, friendly, cheer-

ful, humorous and self-sacrificing. To this day, her determination and strong will are inspiring to the young Sisters.

Wheelchair-bound, Sister Luisa sings as she is transported to the chapel for daily Mass. She continues to enjoy feast day celebrations. The rosary is a devotion that is special to the centenarian, and sometimes she chooses to talk out loud to Jesus.

In addition, Sister Luisa enjoys visits with her sibling, Sister Esther Irizarry, also a Sister, Servant who lives in the Kansas City, Kansas, infirmary. Sister Esther, who will be 97 in November, had ministered as a licensed practical nurse in Mexico and New Orleans. She

and Sister Luisa reunited at the nursing home in Newbury Park. In 2014, Sister Luisa came to the infirmary of the Sisters, Servants in Kansas City, Kansas.

Three years later, Sister Esther followed.

“It’s admirable the way both Sisters adapted to their new community in Kansas City,” said Sister Ema. “It is uncommon for two siblings to live in the same community. They are a joy to all of us and the first to participate in all of our events.”

“We give thanks to God for the gift of Sister Luisa,” concluded Sister Ema, “who has given 100 years of a joyful life of service to others.”

Sacred Heart, Catholic Cemeteries join forces to help Children’s Mercy patients

By Therese Horvat Special to The Leaven

S

HAWNEE — Her niece’s need for service hours sparked an idea in the mind of Haley Klemencic, director of marketing for Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas.

Klemencic knew her employer could provide opportunities for youth to place flags at veterans’ gravestones on holidays and assist with other projects at its nine cemetery locations.

But why stop there?

“Why not go beyond that and help coordinate service activities with other organizations?” she thought. “Why not engage even more people — teenagers and adults — in supporting and performing corporal works of mercy?”

Her vision became a reality on June 23 with a well-attended, lively and productive youth ministry night at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Shawnee. Klemencic partnered with Jen Zans, youth ministry coordinator at the parish, to arrange the event. Zans learned about the possible service project through an email Klemencic sent to the archdiocesan school office.

For the actual service project, however, Klemencic reached out to Children’s Mercy Hospital. Staff there identified the need for “Happy Kits” to give children something to do while waiting for medical appointments.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY THERESE HORVAT

Wrapping up the “Happy Kits” project, clockwise from left foreground, are: Marisa Fuentes, Gavin Napier, Antonio McGill, Carson Schmidtlein and Austin Kohles.

The result of this behind-the-scenes coordination was a jam-packed evening during which Sacred Heart youth assembled 95 individual kits. The plastic bags contained bottles of bubble solution, coloring books, crayons, small books, stickers and age-appropriate playing cards.

Catholic Cemeteries donated items for 80 of the “Happy Kit” bags. With the idea of “paying it forward,” Zans invited the youth and their families to donate items for future assembly of kits by other groups. However, the Sacred Heart youth worked so quickly that

they used many of these items to assemble more kits than originally planned.

The middle school students may have been fueled by the plentiful pizza and cookies that started the evening, compliments of the parish. Or there’s a good chance they were energized by the inspiring words of Dr. Charlie Cartwright, owner and CEO of Company Culture Doctors. Cartwright praised the youth for stepping forward, being accountable and helping others. The motivational speaker said that these good habits will impact their lives in the

future. In his blessing before the pizza dinner, Father Pat Sullivan, pastor, also acknowledged the attendees for taking time from their summer schedules to do good for others.

In addition to assembling the kits, the youth designed and wrote 75 thank you cards to active military. The evening concluded with recitation of the rosary, visiting with friends and participating in team-building activities.

By all accounts, Klemencic considers the youth ministry night a success.

There were 40 to 45 persons on-site.

Sacred Heart youth had fun earning confirmation service hours by helping others. Those who had never heard about Catholic Cemeteries learned about this ministry. And Children’s Mercy Hospital has a new supply of “Happy Kits” for distribution to patients.

Sharon Vallejo, president and CEO of Catholic Cemeteries, observed, “Beyond our mission of burying the dead with dignity and respect, we focus on care and concern for the living.”

Vallejo explained that this care will continue with future service projects planned in collaboration with organizations, including the American Fallen Warrior Memorial Foundation and the Knights of Columbus. For information or to become involved in a service project, contact Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas at (913) 371-4040 or by email at: information@cathcemks.org.

JULY 2, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

5

Indian priests worry about, pray for their families at home

By Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

T

he second wave of COVID19 has hit India like a freight train. India has the second highest population in the world at more than 1.3 billion. It also has the distinction of having the second most COVID-19 cases in the world at more than 30 million.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has benefited from a special relationship with Catholic dioceses of India, some of which have loaned the archdiocese priests who serve now in area parishes. The Leaven reached out to several of these priests and asked that they share the stories they are hearing from home.

Homecoming The cab ride was eerie for Father Jomon Palatty, MSFS, parochial administrator for Annunciation Parish in Baldwin and St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Lapeer.

In late April, as he went through his home state of Kerala — population 34 million — the cities looked like ghost towns. Businesses were shut down and there was nary a person on the street.

COVID-19 had completely shut down these once thriving cities.

“When I was in India, I experienced a complete lockdown,” Father Jomon said.

“Only the hospital cases were allowed out. You cannot go shopping. You Father Jomon cannot visit people.

Palatty, MSFS You cannot travel.

You cannot use your car. You cannot use your motorcycle. You cannot even leave your house.”

When he arrived at his parents’ home, Father Jomon immediately went into isolation in his parents’ house for a few days, even though he was fully vaccinated.

“I didn’t get a chance to immediately hug my parents,” he said. “I was concerned about my family. Because I traveled so far and came in contact with so many people, I had fear and anxiety about bringing sickness to my parents.”

This was far from a typical trip for Father Jomon. The entirety of it was spent inside his parents’ house. Police patrolled the area to make sure people stayed inside their home, he said.

“It was difficult for me to see the lockdown situation because I’m coming from a different world. In America, we have a lot of freedom,” he said. “When we experienced the lockdown here, we were still able to go outside. For me it was difficult not being able to see anybody. It was frustrating for me.”

Father Jomon said that the Indian government has provided the people with some rations during the lockdown since they can’t leave their homes, but he was mostly critical of government’s handling of the crisis — including producing and distributing a vaccine.

“The government is not able to fulfill the needs of the people,” he said. “Ultimately, there is discrimination based on the caste and religion.”

Even now, more than a month after he left, Father Jomon said his parents are still in lockdown and it’s taking its toll.

“They are tired of staying inside the house. They just want to go outside and get some fresh air and they want to see some people,” he said.

When asked what the people of the

CNS PHOTO/DANISH SIDDIQUI, REUTERS

Migrant workers walk along a road to return to their villages during a nationwide lockdown to limit the spreading of COVID-19 in this March 26, 2020, photo from New Delhi, India.

United States could do to help India, Father Jomon’s answer was simple.

“We can pray,” he said. “That’s all I can say. Pray.”

Uncertain future Father Arul Carasala, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, worries about the future of the Catholic Church in India. As the second wave of COVID19 has torn through his country, Father Carasala says that many young priests and nuns have died from the disease, leaving a big gap in the Indian presbyterate — one that could take years to fill.

“We cannot just make a priest tomorrow. It takes 10 years,” said Father Carasala. “When someone dies in their 30s and 40s, they still have 30 years they can donate Father Arul to the church and Carasala that’s all gone. It’s a big loss for the church.”

According to the Vatican, more than 400 priests and nuns have died in India due to COVID-19 — most of those during the second wave of the disease. Father Carasala said he lost a classmate and two priests from his home parish. Talks of a possible third wave of COVID does nothing to ease his fears.

Father Carasala also worries that the large number of priest deaths in India could have an effect on the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas as well.

The archdiocese has benefited from the vast number of vocations in India.

Several Indian priests are currently serving in the archdiocese — mostly in rural areas.

“We have been fortunate to have priests in India come and work here.

Now with so many deaths it will not help the situation,” said Father Carasala.

COVID has kept Father Carasala from returning to India for more than a year.

His last trip home was in January 2020.

He misses his family and feels their pain.

His mother is 82 and hasn’t left her home in more than a year. Same goes for

his 19-year-old nephew.

“It is pretty hard for him to be confined to just the four walls,” Father Carasala said. “He’s making a sacrifice. He has lots of friends. He wants to go out and have fun, but he cannot do that because he might bring something back.”

He also has a niece who is graduating with a master’s degree from a German university in August. He said plans for the family to go to Germany for her graduation have been canceled because of COVID. Locally, Father Carasala and his parish, Sts. Peter and Paul, are collaborating with his home parish in India on a food distribution program.

“Most people who are suffering are the poor people,” he said. “There are people who aren’t getting their daily wages and aren’t getting food. That’s where I felt I need to be involved in helping those people in need.”

So far, the program has been a success as more than 600 families have received a food packet.

Father Carasala said he would like to return to India but every time he tries to, COVID changes things.

“Every time I plan to go, it’s one step forward, two steps back,” he said.

Grave concern Each night, Father Lazar Carasala sits down to watch the news come out of his home country of India. What he sees is devastating: More than 30 million COVID cases; almost 400,000 deaths.

The second wave of COVID has brought the country to its knees.

Even though the first wave of COVID was mild in terms of deaths for a country, Father Carasala, pastor of the parishes of St. Joseph in Nortonville, Immaculate Father Lazar Conception in Valley Carasala Falls and Corpus Christi, Mooney Creek, said that India’s first lockdown in March 2020 still had its consequences.

“Initially, the government announced a lockdown without any preparation,” he said. “Many people couldn’t travel back to their hometowns. They were literally walking on foot. Especially the migrant laborers. They were carrying their luggage over their heads with them. Some of them walked for hundreds of miles.”

These people were on their own and relied on the generosity of strangers along the way to provide food and water so they could complete their journey home, according to Father Carasala.

“The government of India totally failed them by not providing food, shelter or even water,” he said.

By June 2020, with COVID seemingly under control, the Indian government began to ease restrictions and Father Carasala was able to visit in January of this year for his nephew’s wedding. His hometown of Chennai has a population of 10 million people. The wedding was a large affair with 2,000 guests. Being unvaccinated at the time left Father Carasala a little anxious.

“After Mass, I went straight to my room,” he said. “I didn’t go to the reception because the following week I needed to travel back [to the United States]. So, I was a bit scared.”

Father Carasala made it through his visit unscathed, but India wasn’t so lucky.

The second wave of COVID hit the country with a vengeance in mid-March.

A second lockdown has been in effect for several weeks now and the people of India are struggling with the restrictions.

“People who aren’t following the rules, the police are tasing them in the streets,” said Father Carasala.

As for his own family, he has three sisters — two over the age of 70. They aren’t vaccinated. Two of them are active teachers but have been teaching remotely since the lockdown. Father Carasala said his sisters have told him that remote learning under these circumstances “is not that effective.”

He says his sisters are frustrated by the lockdown, but so far, COVID-free.

“They are feeling bad about not going to Mass. They just watch it on television,” he said. “Their children aren’t going anywhere. They don’t go to any functions. They are burnt out.”

6

LOCAL NEWS

JULY 2, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Through your marriage, you are part of Christ’s redemptive work

A

s the pandemic subsides and life in our communities begins to return to normal, wedding celebrations are resuming.

During the coming months, you are likely to be invited to a nuptial. Weddings are happy moments in which our senses feast on the style and colors of the clothes, the flowers, the food, the music and, of course, the nuptial rite: the exchange of the promises.

All of this is wonderful. What many people do not realize is that in a Catholic wedding, there is much more taking place than what our senses perceive. A Catholic wedding is a sacrament — a ritual through which God touches our life and transforms it. A sacrament is also a moment in which the whole church, the communion of saints, worships together and gives glory to God. But to be fully aware of what really happens during a Catholic wedding we need to see this ritual through the eyes of our Catholic faith.

I want to invite you

JOHN BOSIO John Bosio is a former marriage and family therapist, director of religious education and diocesan family life coordinator. He is a member of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers.

to come along with me as I narrate for you what I imagine happens when I attend a Catholic wedding.

The rite begins with a call to prayer by the priest or deacon officiating, who says: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” To me, those words are like a trumpet blast across the cosmos calling all the angels and saints to join us in this joyful event. A multitude of angels gather in the church, with Mary and the saints smiling at

the couple preparing to make their vows.

Among these are also their relatives who are in heaven.

This gathering of spiritual beings is followed by the appearance of the Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — who stand behind the officiant, ready to participate in this solemn moment. I imagine that the son, Jesus Christ, is there with his bride, the church.

During the opening prayer, the presider, acting for Christ, introduces the couple to God and prays: “O God . . . join, we pray, in a bond of inseparable love these your servants who are to be united in the covenant of marriage.” The rite continues with readings from Scripture, and with exhortations on the significance of the spousal commitment.

After that, the officiant asks the couple three important questions: 1) Are you free to marry? 2) Are you prepared to love each other as long as you both shall live? and 3) Are you prepared to accept children from God? Then we come to what everyone has been

COPYRIGHT © BY CLIFF LEITCH, THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE REFERENCE SITE, WWW.CHRISTIANBIBLEREFERENCE.ORG. USED BY PERMISSION

waiting for: the wedding promises. As the bride and the groom face each other preparing to proclaim their commitment, I see the Holy Spirit moving close to them.

The groom first, then the bride recite their vows: (I paraphrase): “I take you to be my spouse. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and honor you all the days of my life.” The U.S. Catholic bishops tell us that during the marriage vows “the Holy Spirit binds the spouses together in a bond of love and fidelity to death” and the couple is transformed.

The bishops explain that transformation in these words: “Their marriage covenant becomes a participation in the unbreakable covenant between Christ the bridegroom and his bride, the church” (“Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan,” p. 33).

Next, I see Christ moving close to the groom and placing a hand on his shoulder, and the church, Christ’s bride, moving by the bride and placing her hand on her shoulder.

Those four — the bride and the groom, Christ

ACROSS 1 Border 4 Account (abbr.)

8 Father of King David 13 U.S. Air Force 15 Father of Ham 16 Screamer’s throat dangler 17 Hotel cleaner 18 Former magistrate of Venice 19 Biblical weeds 20 Fair 22 Yea 24 Moist 25 Genius 26 Spider’s net 28 Adam and __ 30 American state 31 Mixed 35 Will 38 Machine tool 40 Flurry 41 Place for the wicked 42 Title of respect 43 Tel __ 44 Time period 45 Hip 47 Greek island 48 Father of Isaac 50 Particle 52 Foreign Agricultural Service

and his bride — are now like one. The couple’s life has become intertwined with the life of the Trinity as described in a document of the Second Vatican Council: “Authentic married love is caught up into divine love, and is directed and enriched by the redemptive power of Christ’s and the salvific action of the church” (“Gaudium et Spes,” 48).

Prayers are said for the newly married couple, then the bride and groom turn to leave, and everyone claps with joy. Because of the important role that Christ and the church play in the life of a Catholic couple, I imaging the newlyweds walking out of the church accompanied

by Christ and his bride (the whole Christian community). Christ and the church will stay at their side for the rest of their life, to guide them “in good times and in bad,” and support them as they create a new family, a domestic church, a new cell of the mystical body of Christ.

If you were married in the Catholic Church, know that a

53 Bad (prefix) 54 June (abbr.)

57 King and father of Jonathan 60 Chicken 63 Strange and secret doctrines 65 Fable writer 67 Pedestal part 69 Book after Gospels 70 Impressive 71 Father of Cain 72 Civil wrong 73 Artery 74 Ancient civilization 75 Small gulf DOWN 1 Ballroom dance 2 Father of Jacob 3 Indian corn 4 One of the apostles 5 Speak lovingly 6 Sharp 7 KJV pronoun 8 Protrusion 9 Dodger 10 Positive 11 Killed 12 Effortless 14 Food and drug administration (abbr.)

21 Truant

Question for reflection: What do you remember about your wedding?

lot happened at your wedding that you did not see, and cameras did not capture, but it was nonetheless real.

The sacrament of marriage is a physical and spiritual reality. Your marriage relationship is connected to Christ’s redemptive work. In the words of Pope Francis, you have become “living icons of God’s love in the world.”

To help you succeed in your mission, Christ and the church sustain you spiritually with the graces of the sacraments, and according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Christ dwells with [you], gives [you] the strength to take up [your] crosses and to follow him, to rise again after [you] have fallen, to forgive one another, to bear one another’s burdens, to be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ, and to love one another with supernatural, tender and fruitful love” (1642).

23 Adam’s son 27 Ointment 29 Compete 30 Unwell 31 Tiny river 32 Rant 33 Modify 34 Bird Noah sent out 35 Popular stadium 36 Seasoning 37 Like a wing 39 Sky 43 Extremity 45 Expression of surprise 46 Launder 47 Pop 49 Adrift 51 Washington city 54 Father of Reuben and Joseph 55 Extreme 56 Awful 57 Heroic tale 58 Air (prefix) 59 Consumer 61 Swiss-like cheese 62 Zilch 64 Baseball stick 66 School group 68 Part of a week Solution on page 10

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LOCAL NEWS

7

Parish celebrates being back together again

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

L

EAVENWORTH — At long last, it was time to call the community together.

On June 12, Sacred HeartSt. Casimir Parish in Leavenworth held a “Back to Church Picnic” to celebrate the ability to come together as a faith community and to remember those no longer present.

Many parishioners had been attending Mass regularly long before the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas lifted the dispensation from the Mass obligation on June 5-6, but Father Marianand Mendem thought his parish should do something to commemorate, celebrate and encourage people in the “post-pandemic” era.

The archdiocese had encouraged parishes to conduct welcome back activities as society in general began to “return to normal.”

“This welcome back was meant more for those who had not been coming, to make them feel it’s OK, and safer and important to come together,” said Father Mendem. “That was the message we wanted to spread around.”

The event was planned by the parish activities committee with assistance from other parish volunteers. The activities began after 4:30 p.m. Mass with a group photo taken by Sherri Schwinn.

They lit candles in commemoration and read the names of relatives and other loved ones who had died over the past year, including 20 parishioners — one having died from COVID-19 complications, said Sheila Thibault, parish office

PHOTO BY SHERRI SCHWINN

On June 12, the parish activities group of Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish in Leavenworth hosted a “Back to Church Picnic,” an event that encouraged all members to return to church and then join in a parish picnic after Mass. At the event, organizers read a list of names of those that have passed away in the last year and lit candles of remembrance. manager and parish activities committee member.

“Father Mendem lost 10 friends or family members due to COVID in India,” she said.

The participants were served sack lunches prepared by Roger Linder and Wayne Welty, and Scouts BSA Troop 167 sponsored by the parish. Debbie Hupp and Debbie Salvatorelli provided door prizes, and Paul Pawlush played accordion music. There were also water balloon

games for the children.

Earlier on May 22, the parish held a special lasagna meal for all the volunteers who helped keep the parish functioning and safe during the pandemic.

“I call them my faith heroes,” said Father Mendem.

There had been some concern that some people would simply drop out of parish life when all restrictions were lifted.

“Actually, we’ve been seeing maybe

some new faces,” said Father Mendem.

“Some people may still be taking time [coming back]. I’ve seen most of our people coming back and I have seen new faces, because we have a floating population because of the Army people [at Fort Leavenworth].

“Many of our people have been very faithful. People have been coming, and we want to make sure they feel welcome.”

PHOTO BY MYRA RUNNEBAUM

Father Arul Carasala, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, offers a blessing for the safety of those working to build the new parish rectory on March 21. Assisting him are, from left, Danica Wurtz, Derek Wurtz, Sadie Haverkamp and Maryssa Stallbaumer.

From the ground up, Seneca’s new rectory is

A LABOR OF LOVE

By Susan Loyacono Special to The Leaven

S

ENECA — In the small town of Seneca, something big is happening.

Though just over 2,000 people live inside the city limits, the town is part of an areawide Catholic community that has taken on an ambitious, intense and truly exhausting project.

They are rebuilding the parish rectory — using mainly volunteer labor of the Knights of Columbus in Seneca and the surrounding communities.

Before the pandemic, the Knights decided to look further into some of the challenges with maintaining the 130-year-old rectory. The parishioners had previously funded a school and a $4 million renovation of Sts. Peter and Paul Church.

Expecting to make a laundry list of to-dos to get the place in shape, they discovered something unexpected and alarming.

“The rectory was very unsafe,” said Jim Runnebaum, retired insurance man, parishioner and finance chairman of what became the new project to demolish the old building.

“We planned a renovation, but two contractors looked it over and found floor joists rotting, mold, electrical

issues and too many major fixes to make our original plan feasible.”

It would have cost as much to fix it as to rebuild it. That’s when a grand new plan was hatched.

The will to succeed “It’s a very active parish,” said Runnebaum, of Sts. Peter and Paul. “With 200 children in the school, a mission center serving people in town who need things like clothing and furniture, and groups that require meeting spaces, it’s an important building to people in this community.”

The goal became to build something for the future, something larger than what they had. These determined parishioners set out to transform the building into something extraordinary — using some experience, some donations and their own hands.

The group asked pastor Father Arul Carasala to list for them all that a rectory should entail.

“It’s not just a house,” said Father Carasala. “I talked to other priests in the region, and we came up with ideas that will eventually help serve four active and/or retired priests who can live here for years to come.

Meeting space for church groups is important, too.”

The building will have no stairs on the main floor for easy access to residents. There is a two-car attached garage, a small chapel and a separate entrance for official groups to come and go without disturbing the residents. The facade of the building was selected to match the architecture of the church and school.

The plan was approved by the archdiocese; fundraising came next.

A letter went out laying out the plan,

The first wall of the new rectory goes up on April 22. Assisting with lifting the wall are, from left, Jim outlining the three phases required and detailing the costs.

Phase one was moving an existing gas line west of the parish house, then removing the house. The Knights rented a temporary home for Father Carasala. Phase two was to construct the parish house and finish the main floor. Phase three will finish the basement area.

The cost to complete the first two phases is around $600,000. Their expectation was to acquire donated labor and materials to reduce costs.

The Knights donated $25,000, and eventually raised $400,000 before starting work.

Go time There are approximately 400 Knights of Columbus members in Seneca and the surrounding areas.

Among them are people with an array of construction experience — contractors, plumbers, roofers, electricians, HVAC experts, concrete experts and more.

At this point, the only work that will be subcontracted out to a third party is the Sheetrock and drywall.

Steve Stallbaumer, superintendent of the build, is a 40-year veteran of construction. He is volunteering his time.

“I found a plan for the building in a book,” he said. “Then I drew up the plans on CAD (computer aided design software) and that’s how it started.”

Progress — which has been rapid — relies on a pool of about 40-50 volunteers.

“They sign up for shifts based on the construction schedule. They bring a hammer, a tape measure and maybe a ladder — whatever they have,” said Stallbaumer. “Whoever shows up

Sts. Peter and Paul parishioner Don Feldkamp sta comes to work . . . and sometimes that’s at the end of the day after their full-time job. It’s hard work. And sometimes they stay till dark.”

This labor of love may not be possible in other rural communities, he continued, because farmers have

PHOTO BY MYRA RUNNEBAUM

m Runnebaum, Drew Steinlage, Leon Haverkamp, Tom Kramer and Father Carasala.

PHOTO BY MYRA RUNNEBAUM

Parishioner Steve Stallbaumer, project manager (in the red shirt), oversees the pouring of the footings on March 10. A team of 40-50 volunteers have helped with the project.

PHOTO BY MYRA RUNNEBAUM

The new rectory at Sts. Peter and Paul is coming along quite well and about a month ahead of schedule. Phase two of the project should be complete in October. complete, she said.

Not everyone can carry scaffolding, but that doesn’t stop people from remaining engaged and involved. “Even if people can’t do the labor, they can do errands for the crew,” she added.

Building a community

PHOTO BY MYRA RUNNEBAUM

arts the demolition of the old rectory on Feb. 18. obligations throughout the day and would be unable to spend as much time on this kind of project.

“But Seneca happens to have a lot of people with the right skills to lead other volunteers,” he added.

“This is typical of our Knights,”

explained Myra Runnebaum, Jim’s wife. “The COVID shutdown didn’t seem to affect their determination.

There is a crew there every day.”

The Altar Society is standing by to furnish the new building with the help of a local designer when it is

“At this point, we are about a month ahead of schedule,” said Jim Runnebaum proudly. “Today, we are finishing up the screened-in porch. . . .

Next week, it will be rafters and windows . . . then brickwork.” Due to the large scope of work done mostly by volunteer labor, he hopes to complete phase two sometime in October.

“We still need to raise about $150,000 to finish the basement, which will include two more bedrooms, a storm shelter and an elevator to ac-

commodate the needs of residents,” Stallbaumer said.

Fundraising is pretty much word of mouth now.

“But every week,” said Jim Runnebaum, “I receive some money to put towards it.”

Father Carasala — who enjoys watching the construction from a nearby window — said the project has been good for the whole parish.

“Because of COVID-19, the parish wasn’t able to gather the way we were used to,” he said. “But people really have come together, and they will continue to . . . thanks to this great project.”

“There is a lot of pride going into this build,” said Runnebaum. “It takes the whole parish, and other parishes to believe in it. Then a lot of hard work. And in the end, you really don’t even mind your sore muscles.”

10

LOCAL NEWS

Volunteers like Monahan called ‘lifeblood’ of the agency >> Continued from page 1 Although he won’t admit to doing anything special, volunteers like Denise Swickard said Monahan’s leadership makes a difference.

“Paul makes it fun for the team,” said Swickard, who works the afternoon shift. “He motivates us, is so kind and so generous.”

“He has such a conscious commitment to serve every month, to give up his Saturday,” she added. “It’s an all-day event for him.”

Swickard, a parishioner at St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood, said Monahan’s friendly demeanor motivates shoppers to participate in the drive.

“He assures people that [their donation] is going to help somebody,” she said. “He’s so easy to talk to. I think that’s why when he hands out a slip, somebody will come back with a big bag of food.

“He makes you want to give.”

‘Something out there for everybody’

That support isn’t lacking at Hy-Vee in Overland Park.

And when generous shoppers decide to add some items to their shopping list to help the hungry, Swickard can assure them their donations matter.

She volunteered at a Catholic Charities food pantry for five years before shifting gears to the food drives over the past three.

Swickard knows firsthand the impact grocery store and parish food drives have on the hungry — who she said come from a variety of circumstances with a variety of needs.

“You have to think about living situations,” she said. “Do they have a working stove? Do they have a refrigerator? Not everybody who comes walking into the food pantry has a fully functioning kitchen.

“Sometimes people are homeless.

They’ve been on foot for a week.”

Food donations of all kinds can have a life-changing impact on these people, Catholic Charities wouldn’t operate added Swickard. without its army of volunteers, who For Monahan, witnessing the generosbecame more valuable than ever this ity of the community, especially this past past year. year, has been powerful.

“We typically on a monthly basis “We typically get about 200 bags in would have anywhere from 1,700 to the van by the end of the day,” he said.

1,800 volunteers a month that volun- “We’ve had a couple drives recently that teer at Catholic Charities,” said Camille have been over 300.”

Pickhinke, director of He’s also gratified by community engagement. the lessons he’s learned “And then, overnight, along the way. that number went down “Early on,” he said, “I to about 300 [because of would see a person walkCOVID],” she continued, ing into the store, and I • Mixed vegetables “because the majority of would be hesitant to even • Applesauce our volunteers are those ask them to help because • Pears who were of the vulnerthey would look a little de• Kidney beans able age and/or had unspondent.

• Peanut butter derlying health conditions “But you can’t [judge] • Canned meat/tuna themselves.” a book by its cover. The Now, the organization people you think would is up to around 900 regulars. Pickhinke never even want to help, they’ll come stressed the importance of every one of back out with a whole bag of food.” them.

Those moments, he said, are special.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our “It’s amazing when you hand someagency,” she said. “We could not do the one a slip and they say, ‘I’ll be right back work without them. out,’” said Monahan. “Twenty minutes “I think we all became more grateful later, they come out with one plastic bag for the work our volunteers do day in in their hand, and they’ll have a whole and day out.” grocery cart full of food.

Volunteers are particularly pertinent “They’ll say, ‘This is yours,’ and they’ll to Catholic Charities’ eight food pan- walk off with just the one bag of food.” tries in northeast Kansas.

Monahan and Swickard are grateful They also help operate the mobile for the generosity they witness one Satresource bus that visits rural commu- urday a month. They hope more people nities, as well as the Summer Food will feel inspired to get involved.

Program, which is critical to feeding “I think sometimes people hold back children suffering from food insecurity from volunteering because they feel like while they’re out of school. they’re going to get overcommitted,” said Although the need tends to rise in Swickard. the summer while donations decrease, “But I’m not overcommitted,” she Pickhinke is hopeful that won’t be the continued. “And if I wanted to do this in case this year. a less frequent schedule, I could do that.

Since COVID-19 began, Catholic “Don’t be afraid, because there’s Charities has witnessed the generous something out there for everybody. No spirit of northeast Kansans, and it hasn’t matter how much of your time you can let up so far. give, when we all do it together, it makes “We didn’t close our doors,” said a big difference.”

Pickhinke, “and I think that’s why we’ve To learn more about how you can continued to receive an outpouring of help, visit the website at: catholiccharisupport from the community to feed the tiesks.org. need.”

‘We didn’t close our doors’

Current food needs

Correction In the June 18 issue of The Leaven, Father James Shaughnessy was mistakenly referred to as the founding pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence. Father Frank Horvat was the founding pastor of Corpus Christi. The Leaven regrets the error.

Norma

JULY 2, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG (McGuire)

and Fred Ro ge r s , members of St. JosephSacred H e a r t Parish, To p e k a , will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on July 4. The couple was married on July 2, 1961. Their children are: Julie McCovern (deceased) and Jason Rogers. They also have five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mary Bridget (O’Malley) and G r e g Kratofil, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 10. The couple was married on July 10, 1971, by Father Justin Schmidt, SJ, at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Greg Kratofil Jr., Kate Koehnecke, John Kratofil and Ann Warren. They also have 11 grandchildren.

Doris and Dale Hammond, members of Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish, To p e k a , celebrated their 5 0 t h wedding anniversary on July 1. The couple was married on July 1, 1961, at St. Joseph Church, Topeka. A family celebration is planned for this summer. Their children are: Theresa Schmidtlein, Lynette Carson, Michael Hammond and Richard Hammond.

They also have six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Jolene (Provost) and Joe Bailey, members of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 12 with a dinner for family and friends.

The couple was married on July 24, 1971, at St. Joseph Church, St. Joseph. Their children are: Joel Bailey, Jeff Bailey and Justin Bailey. They also have five grandchildren.

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE

Connie (Schultz) and Francis Redeker, m e m bers of St. Joseph Parish, Olpe, celebrated their 50th we d d i n g anniversary on June 26. The couple was married on June 19, 1971, at St. Joseph Church, Olpe. Their children are: Billy, Tony and Kim. They also have four grandchildren.

Marge (Schumacher) and John Gladbach, members of St. Agnes Parish, Ro e l a n d Park, and Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, will celebrate their 65th we d d i n g anniversary on July 7. The couple was married on July 7, 1956, at St. Vincent Church, Kansas City, Missouri, by Marge’s cousin, Father Bill Schumacher. Their children are: Joe Gladbach, Kathleen Norkus, Steve Gladbach (deceased), Tim Gladbach, Ann Graham, John Gladbach, Peggy Louree (deceased), Bill Gladbach and Jerry Gladbach. They also have 23 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Andre and Frances VanMeerhaeghe, members of Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on July 8. The couple was married at Scared Heart Church, Kansas City, Kansas, by Father Thomas Kearns. Their children are: Andre, Philip, Yvonne, Monique and Nicole. The couple planted a tree in lieu of a gathering.

Kenneth and Elaine Olson, members of Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on July 1. The couple was married on July 1, 1961, at St. Matthew Parish, Topeka.

They will celebrate on July 3 at Sacred Heart Church, Topeka.

Their children are: Derron and Kenneth II. They also have two grandchildren.

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LOCAL NEWS

11

Book offers ways to accompany others on their way to discipleship

By Katie Peterson Special to The Leaven

H

ow to live the little way of evangelization.

How to help others grow in prayer, eucharistic devotion, Christian friendship and care for the poor.

How to share the Gospel and your testimony.

How to invite others into the mission.

These and more are some of the ideas discussed in the Fellowship of Catholic University Students’ “Foundations for Discipleship,” published this spring.

“Pope Francis said in “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”) that he dreams of a ‘missionary impulse capable of transforming everything.’

We [at FOCUS] have that same desire to see the world transformed in Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Edward Sri, co-editor.

“In this book, we hope to help ordinary Catholics embrace their call to evangelize and to live as missionary disciples.

Many people desire to evangelize, but they don’t know where to start.

“The practical tools in this resource can help Catholics get started. Right now, many Catholics . . . are using this book to evangelize others,” he said.

“There really isn’t a book like this on the market right now. Many books have great ideas and theories for evangelization, but this book is practical. You can pick this book up, start reading, and then immediately use it to begin

The Fellowship of Catholic University Students’ “Foundations for Discipleship” was published this spring. The book was co-edited by Edward Sri, above, and Curtis Martin, the founder of FOCUS. having conversations about the faith with others.”

Sri, who co-edited the book with Curtis Martin, said the idea for the book has been in the making for 23 years with FOCUS, with the ministry putting together more concrete ideas in the last few years.

“Many people were involved in creating this book. . . . Curtis and I discussed it many times over the years since FOCUS’ founding and wrestled

through the content. Travis Todd and Stephanie Parks, our associate editors, were also a great help in putting it all together,” Sri said. “We also received lots of feedback from our many FOCUS staff to ensure that this resource actually works to help others lead and evangelize their communities.

“This book emerged from our desire to help our missionaries in their work of evangelization. At the same time, we also wanted to share what we have learned in the last 23 years in FOCUS with the rest of the church,” he said.

“We want every Catholic to embrace their call to live as a missionary disciple, and we’ve already seen that this book can help people do that. It has worked for others, and we think it can work for anyone.”

Sri said the book has already been used by priests, lay leaders, Catholic schoolteachers, Catholic parents and individual Catholics throughout the country.

“Many pastors are describing how the resources are helping transform the culture at their parishes into a culture of true missionary discipleship,” Sri said. “If someone wants to read the book by themselves and learn from it, that’s great. But this book is especially designed for those who want to begin sharing their faith and helping others grow.

“It is full of articles designed to stimulate conversations with others about the most important aspects of our faith,” he said. “We imagine it being used by two people sitting to-

gether in a coffee shop and discussing the topics, for example, or by a moms’ group meeting to grow in the faith.”

Sri said the format of the book even offers space for the reader to take notes.

“We gave a lot of thought to how the book looks and feels. It’s inviting,” Sri said. “It’s more of a tool than a book you sit down and read, and we wanted it to look and feel like that.

“We want people to use it with others in everyday situations to share the faith,” he said. “‘Foundations for Discipleship’ is a tool that you can use to form and accompany others on their journey as Christian disciples.”

The book has received several reviews by clergy and lay leaders from archdioceses throughout the country.

“The ideas of discipleship and evangelization are not second nature to the people in the parish, even the ones who are most committed. I’m so thankful that there is finally a very practical resource like this to lead parishioners to a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ and train them in the basic skills of evangelization,” said Father John Jirak, pastor of Church of the Magdalen in Wichita. “Through these easyto-use articles, parishioners are not only growing personally in prayer and holiness, but they are training others to accompany, evangelize and live as missionary disciples themselves.”

For more information, quantity discounts or to purchase the book, go to: focus.org/foundations.

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT Kitchen hospitality - Sophia Spirituality Center, a ministry of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, is seeking to hire an individual who will be in charge of providing refreshments and some meals for guests who come for retreats. We are seeking someone who enjoys cooking and who will provide nutritious and delicious food while also giving exemplary customer service. Grounded in the rich monastic tradition of prayer and hospitality, Sophia Center welcomes men and women of all faiths who are searching for God, for peace and for meaning in their lives through offerings that foster spiritual and personal growth. The ideal candidate will have experience cooking for large groups and individuals with special dietary needs, and be steeped in Benedictine values, responsible, detail-oriented and able to work a very flexible schedule as some weeks are very full, and others very light. Most Friday nights, Saturdays and some Sundays have groups scheduled. This is an hourly position. Experience with the unique environment of Catholic ministry is a plus. If interested, please email sophia@mountosb.org for details on the application process. Position will remain open until the right candidate is found.

Director of facilities - Donnelly College’s security and facilities manager is a hands-on position that is responsible for organizing, directing, performing and supervising the facility maintenance and custodial program and for being an integral part in carrying out the college’s security and emergency management plan. This includes ensuring that the department is maintaining and repairing buildings, equipment, machinery and grounds on a constant basis as well as establishing and maintaining an ongoing preventative maintenance schedule. In addition, this position will hold the responsibility of evening security duties and direction of the overall security plan. Must pass a background check and complete Virtus training. Please email your cover letter and resume to: hr@donnelly.edu with “Director of facilities” in the subject line.

Student accounts specialist - The Donnelly College business office provides services to students and employees. Our processing is cyclical and requires a high level of customer service during peak enrollment periods. The student accounts specialist (SAS) will employ well-developed communication skills to communicate technical financial information and handle a variety of customer situations and disputes using tact, diplomacy and patience. The SAS works closely with various campus departments including admissions, financial aid, student services and registrar to provide quality customer service to students an​d their families. The SAS is responsible for counseling and assisting students and parents in matters related to the student’s account; cashiering; reconciling daily ledger activities; billing for tuition and fees; setting up and monitoring student payment plans; working with students regarding account balances, book vouchers and financial aid; maintaining accurate records of students’ financial accounts, including sending statements and collection efforts. The SAS will also assist with sales and appearance of the Spirit Store. The SAS also serves as the backup for accounts payable. Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly.edu with “Student accounts specialist” in the subject line.

Parish life coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood is seeking a highly motivated “people person” to fill the staff position of parish life coordinator.

The key role of this position is to maximize parishioner involvement in the life of the parish and community. This includes serving as staff contact for multiple ministries, helping parishioners make the most of their time and talents, communicating opportunities for participation and organizing various parish events. This is a part-time, up to 25 hours a week, ministerial position with some evening and weekend hours required. The work schedule is flexible. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. For a copy of the complete job description and contact details, please go online to: stmichaelcp.org/ employment-opportunities.

Administrative assistant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a part-time, 24 hours per week, administrative assistant for Savior Pastoral Center. Candidate must be able to work Mondays, Tuesdays and one additional day during the workweek. This position requires high school diploma and three to five years’ prior administrative experience in professional office environment. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communications skills, both written and verbal, and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs; graphic design and social media experience preferred. Please visit: www.archkck.org/jobs to apply. Application deadline is July 7.

Business manager - St. John Church and School in Lawrence seeks a full-time business manager. The manager will administer the finances of the parish and school, maintain accuracy of all financial operations and serve as HR officer. Applicants need computer and new technologies competencies. Candidates with a degree in business/accounting with one to three years of experience or its equivalency. Bilingual (English and Spanish) is preferred. See full job description and requirements at: www.sjevangelist.com. This position is eligible for an archdiocesan benefits package. The anticipated start date is July 26. Position open until filled. Send cover letter and resume to Fr. John Cousins at: frjohn@sjevangelist. com or mail to 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Assistants - Assistants needed to provide support for developmentally disabled adults in a day program setting. Hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. five days a week. Health, dental and vision premiums paid in full after two months of employment. Join us for meaningful, fulfilling relationships with our community. Larcheks.org.

Administrative coordinator - General qualifications: high school education required, four-year degree preferred; strong working knowledge of mid-level bookkeeping and business accounting principles and procedures and financial reporting; experience with computerized bookkeeping systems (QuickBooks preferred); working knowledge of Excel; creating, maintaining and troubleshooting spreadsheets; working knowledge of Word; creating, maintaining and troubleshooting files; working knowledge of Outlook, using email, calendar, contact lists and group lists; experience and basic knowledge of HR duties and laws; good working knowledge of payroll and benefits processing, experience is helpful; good organizational and time management skills, ability to prioritize and multitask is absolutely required. Major duties include: assist bookkeeper with AP, AR and deposits as needed; creating journal entries in QuickBooks for accounting activity as needed; reconciling of houses’ bank statements with QuickBooks; transfer of funds for houses’ monthly budgets and for reimbursements; maintaining petty cash; send out monthly core member and LGES recycling client invoices each month; process HCBS Medicaid billing and complete corrected claims and claims appeals as needed; follow up on outstanding accounts receivables; calculate and provide to LGES their participation incentive money. HR and payroll: complete background checks and HR part of new hire orientation; complete new background checks on each employee every two years; ensure employees maintain their CPR/first-aid training every two years; set up new hires in ADP Run and ADP Time and Attendance system; create and maintain all personnel files; file all documentation to the personnel files as needed; set up and terminate employee benefits as appropriate; complete COBRA letter upon employee leaving L’Arche employment; put new employees on auto insurance upon hire; enter employee missed punches in ADP Time and Attendance as needed on a regular basis; review time cards for any oddities and follow up with supervisors and/or employee prior to processing payroll; process payroll on time on a biweekly basis; make payroll entries in QuickBooks; act as the liaison between all insurance companies and L’Arche. Additional duties: provide technical assistance to the community leader and other office members; complete purchasing for houses, core members and office; assist with fundraising activities; assist director in coordinating repairs and services for the homes; create and maintain employee and house email accounts. Other duties and projects as assigned by the community leader/director. Hours are M - F from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Benefits include fully paid medical, dental and vision insurance, optional disability, accident, life, cancer, critical illness and hospital insurance. IRA with employer paid match up to 3% and paid time off based on years of service beginning with two weeks accrued the first year. Wage rate is $16 - $18 per hour. Go online to: larcheks.org and click on “Apply.”

Housekeeper - Prairie Star Ranch is seeking new dedicated and diligent staff members for its housekeeping team. This position performs a variety of cleaning tasks in order to provide a clean and hospitable environment.

Staff can expect 10-15 hours of work per week and will be working with a team of housekeeping and non-housekeeping staff. This position requires high school diploma or equivalent. Please visit www.archkck.org/jobs to apply. Position open until filled.

Assistant director - Prince of Peace Early Education Center is seeking a highly qualified, flexible, resourceful self-starter for our assistant director. Our ideal candidate will have previous teaching and administrative or business experience and demonstrate excellent communication skills with staff and parents. Job responsibilities include but are not limited to: assist in supervision and operation of the center; staff schedules; assist with facilitation of staff and program events; ordering and purchasing supplies as needed; assist in classrooms as needed; open and/or close the center; act as director when director is not present; and assist with marketing and tours. All applicants must meet the following requirements in order to be considered for hire: a minimum of six months or more teaching in a licensed child care center with proof of work. Has a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or related field with 12 or more college credit hours in early childhood education.

We offer competitive pay and benefits, including paid vacation and sick time, paid holidays, 401(k) match, and health, vision, dental, life, as well as short- and longterm disability insurance. To apply, go online to: www. popolathe.org/Early-Education-Center and scroll down to “Download Documents” and click on “Employment Application.” Application deadline is July 9.

Director of worship - Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Shawnee is actively seeking a director of worship to create and lead worship experiences that create encounter for our parishioners. The primary role is to create a dynamic and inspiring worship experience, through liturgy and music for our parish community. The director is responsible for a variety of ministerial functions, including liturgical and musical volunteer recruitment, direction, training and support; and direction for arts and environment enhancements. Consideration will be given to applicants that may not be proficient in organ/piano but have the ability to coordinate the music ministry. For a full job description and to apply, go online to: https://shoj.org/ about-us/employment-opportunities/.

Telephone buried cable operators needed - This is a subcontractor position. Outside work in all weather conditions in Nebraska, central and western Kansas.

Must pass background check and drug screen. Half ton or heavier pickup with valid insurance required. Plow equipment provided. Pay is per completed job. Paid training available to right candidate. Current subcontractors also looking for laborers. Call or text (785) 217-4118 for information during business hours.

Office assistant - Don’t want to be just a number?

Come make a difference by joining our small familyowned company that’s been established in the Midwest for the past 40 years. We are looking for a part-time candidate who is friendly, trustworthy, organized, selfmotivated, detail-oriented, customer service-oriented and has excellent communication skills with a positive attitude! Primary job tasks include answering phones, filing, invoicing, vendor relations, product ordering and receiving/shipping. Basic computer skills are a must and QuickBooks a plus! Please send your resume to: Your career101@gmail.com.

Organist and/or choir director - St. John the Baptist Parish is seeking an organist to accompany the adult SATB choir on a 16-rank organ and a director for the established adult choir for weekly rehearsal and Sunday Mass. Knowledge of Catholic liturgy preferred. Send letter of interest, resume and references to Mariann at: sjbcc.choir@gmail.com.

New board members - Do you desire to share the gifts of your time and talent? Santa Marta Senior Living Community, a Catholic not-for-profit sponsored by the archdiocese providing faith-based living for seniors, is seeking new board members. We welcome an array of talents, such as health care clinical/administrative experience or strategic business experience in various disciplines (e.g., finance, operations, facilities, marketing, hospitality, HR, law, etc.). Email your cover letter and resume (including any not-for-profit board experience) to Heidi Abeln at: habeln@santamartaretirement.com by July 31. In addition to your phone number and home address, please state your parish. Email Heidi with questions; she or a board member will reply. Learn more about us at: www. santamartaretirement.com.

Director of Advancement - St. John Church and School in Lawrence seeks a full-time director of advancement.

The director will develop and administer development plans to ensure the long-term viability of the church and school. The director will oversee all advancement activities necessary by building relationships with a broad range of parishioners, parents, alumni, volunteers and community members. Candidates with three to five years of fundraising experience and bilingual (English and Spanish) are preferred. Please see full job description and requirements at: www.sjevangelist.com. This position is eligible for an archdiocesan benefits package. Please send cover letter and resume to Father John Cousins at: frjohn@sjevangelist.com or mail to: 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Hospitality coordinator - Transformed by our liturgy, committed to prayer, formation and a spirituality of service, we live as men and women called to mission as we invite others to know Christ. Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee, Kansas, is searching for a hospitality coordinator to inspire parishioners to engage and participate in mission.

Primary duties include: new parishioner welcome and engagement process; develop and manage weekend welcome ministries; coordinate parish hospitality; social and fundraising events. Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with applicable experience in event management. For a full job description and to apply, go online to: shoj.org/about-us/employment-opportunities/.

Maintenance Worker II (HVAC – Boiler, Chiller Room Operator, Electrical, Plumbing) – Rockhurst High School in KCMO is seeking a daytime maintenance team member to perform a variety of work in the maintenance and repair of building and grounds including boiler/chiller, HVAC, electrical and plumbing. Must have experience with HVAC systems. See the full job description and application instructions at: https://www.rockhursths.edu/about-us/ employment.

Missionary discipleship admin assistant - Transformed by our liturgy, committed to prayer, formation and a spirituality of service, we live as men and women called to mission as we invite others to know Christ. Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee, Kansas, is searching for an administrative assistant to the department of missionary discipleship, which encompasses hospitality, formation and service initiatives. Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing. Primary duties include: managing database and master calendar; generating reports; managing supply inventory; and providing support to adult formation, hospitality and volunteer coordination initiatives. For a full job description and to apply, go online to: shoj.org/about-us/ employment-opportunities/.

STEAM Director of Experiential Learning - Rockhurst High School in KCMO is seeking an enthusiastic, experienced, innovative and mission-focused educator to serve as the STEAM director of experiential learning starting in August of 2021. STEAM at Rockhurst High School is an approach to education that uses curricular and co-curricular experiences as access points for authentic, real-world opportunities in new and emerging fields. The school is committed to providing such opportunities to all of its students, as this is essential in their formation as men for others who are committed to a faith that does justice in the world. See the full job description and application instructions at: https://www.rockhursths.edu/ about-us/employment.

Preschool lead teacher - St. Patrick Parish Early Education Center is seeking a preschool lead teacher for the 2021-22 school year. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic who has prior early childhood teaching experience, and has an AA, BA or BS degree in early education, early childhood, child development or a related field. Hours will be Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., August - May. Pay is based on level of experience.

Interested individuals should send a resume and pay range to Nena Scott at: nscott@stpatrickkck.eduk12.net.

JULY 2, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG Full-time automotive repair technician - Tech lead: Must be able to accurately diagnose and repair cars, SUVs, and light-duty gas and diesel pickups. Independent shop located in Wellsville, Kansas, open since 2005. NO WEEKENDS! Contact Russ at (785) 418-6039 or: russ@midwest-autocenter.com or on Facebook.

Executive director/community leader of L’Arche Heartland - The mission of L’Arche Heartland is: Make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships; foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our members; and engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society. The community leader is responsible for guiding L’Arche Heartland in living authentically the mission and values of L’Arche in its commitment to community among adults with and without intellectual disabilities, finding spirituality in its daily life, while simultaneously maintaining strict compliance with all licensing requirements. This person ensures that the needs of adults with intellectual disabilities are met and that their gifts are promoted both within the L’Arche Heartland community and in the wider environs. The community leader leads the implementation of the community mandate consistent with the identity and mission of L’Arche. This individual leads, manages and administers the daily operations of the community in order to meet the financial, legal and quality standards expected from the governmental authorities. Key responsibilities include: Nurture the spiritual life of the community; assure state compliance as a licensed provider of Home and Community Based Supports for Residential and Day Service on the Kansas I/DD Medicaid waiver (adherence to Kansas Article 63); guarantee the quality of care for 37 adults with intellectual disabilities; build and develop a vibrant community life; raise funds, develop the community and manage its finances; promote the message of L’Arche; manage human resources; work with other L’Arche communities; and work with L’Arche Heartland board of directors. Requirements include: a bachelor’s or higher degree in a field of human services; work experience in the area of human services; certification that the organization’s chief director of services is qualified to supervise the delivery of a program of services to persons; at least one year of experience in a senior management-level position with a licensed provider; at least two years of experience as either a case manager or a services manager; at least five years of experience delivering direct care services to persons; and three letters of reference concerning the organization’s chief director of services. Interested candidates please submit a letter of interest, a current resume and references with contact information to the L’Arche Heartland discernment/search team at: harmony@larcheks. org. Position open until filled.

Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. We typically employ on a parttime basis, but will strive to match up hours desired.

Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

Preschool after-care teacher - St. Patrick Parish Early Education Center is seeking a preschool after-care teacher for the 2021-22 school year. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic who has prior early childhood teaching experience. Hours will be Monday - Friday 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m., August - May. Pay will be based on level of experience. Interested individuals should send a resume and pay range to Nena Scott at: nscott@stpatrickkck.eduk12.net.

After-school care coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel School is hiring a coordinator to oversee our afterschool care program. This position is responsible for a group of grade school children, ages kindergarten - 8th grade, from 3:25 - 6 p.m. Job responsibilities include coordinating snacks, monitoring homework, outdoor play and free choice activities. This is an ideal position for a college student, retired empty nester or someone looking to get back into the workforce. Prior experience working with children preferred. Contact Dr. Lorenzo Rizzi, school principal, at (913) 402-3950 or send resume and cover letter to: Lorenzo.rizzi@stmichaelcp.org.

Asset development program specialist - Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is hiring an asset development program specialist to serve the Leavenworth and Atchison communities. If you have a passion for serving others and a human services background, consider joining our team. Our programs empower individuals to change their financial futures through financial coaching, goal setting and strength-based case management. For more information and to apply, go online to: recruiting. paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/ and scroll down and click on “Financial Empowerment Specialist.”

Preschool program coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel Preschool is seeking a program coordinator that will be responsible for tracking payment transactions using preschool data software (Procare), corresponding with families, assisting with classroom instruction, accurately implementing preschool programs and policies, and abiding by principles of sound Catholic education. The program coordinator must meet state requirements for working as a lead teacher in a preschool classroom. Go online to: stmichaelcp.org/ employment-opportunities for a full job description. Please submit resume and cover letter to Jennie Wente at: jennie. wente@stmichaelcp.org. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

JUNE 18, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG >> Continued from page 12 Communications director - Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park is creating the position of communications director. The successful candidate will work directly with Father Bill Bruning and the parishioner chairs of the communications committee, the evangelization committee and will coordinate the volunteers who will be responsible for our livestreaming and online presence. The job will also require marketing skills in the form of branding and marketing communications. Interested persons are invited to review the job description and send their resume to: qhradmin@qhr-opks.org.

Career positions at Ryan Lawn - Full-time career positions at Ryan Lawn & Tree for people who have a passion for plants, working outdoors and customer service. Put your degree to work in the outdoors. We are faith-based and 100% employee-owned. We offer careers in forestry (both plant healthy and pruning), turf, pest and landscaping. With 350 associates in five branches, we have growth careers for the right people. We expect a lot. We can teach you our industry if you want to learn and are willing to work hard. If you or someone you know is interested, apply online at: RyanLawn.com.

Teachers needed - Teachers are needed to fill positions in our Early Education Center (infant/toddler and preschool). Related experience is preferred, and all candidates must meet state and local requirements. Please submit your resume to: tgavila@stjoeshawneee.org, and call if you have questions at (913) 248-4589, ext. 4589.

Part-time teacher aide - St. Michael the Archangel Preschool is seeking a part-time teacher aide for our four-years-old classroom. This person is responsible for assisting the lead teacher in carrying out daily activities, carrying out the rules and regulations of our licensure and maintaining principles of sound Catholic education.

If you are interested, please contact Jennie Wente, preschool director, at (913) 402-3971 or send resume and cover letter to: jennie.wente@stmichaelcp.org.

Professional services coordinator - L’Arche Heartland is seeking a professional services coordinator. This is a highly responsible position that reports directly to the community leader. Duties include: sharing life with community members; training of new assistants on state regulatory processes and Heartland policies and procedures; oversight of all medical support/attend appointments as needed; liaison with Heartland Home-care; audit all medication deliveries; creates/verifies/edits all MARs; liaison with nurse consultant, scheduling medication trainings and MAR audits; prepares all needed documentation for the BASIS; attends all BASIS meetings; helps write behavioral support plans (BSPs); attends all BSP meetings; completes risk assessments and obtains human rights committee approval and signatures; conducts threemonth and annual reviews for assistants; maintains personnel files for assistants and follows disciplinary process according to policies and procedures; conducts oversight and verification of household accounts and core member accounts at least monthly; maintains all 17 core member contact notes, monthly reviews and maintain archive files at the office; attend weekly and monthly meetings; attends community gatherings of formation and celebration; conducts oversight of house vehicle maintenance.

This position requires a bachelor’s degree and supervisory experience. This is a salaried position which includes a favorable benefits package. L’Arche experience preferred.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

Full-time assistant teachers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of pre-academics and the right environment, we believe we are providing the children the foundation to a successful life. We are looking for full-time assistant teachers for all ages who have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Duties include supervising and ensuring the safely and well-being of the children at all times; following predetermined curriculum and daily schedule; decorating the class and keeping classrooms clean and orderly; creating and filling out daily reports for each child; communicating with parents; meeting children’s basic needs (diapers, bottles, etc.). Must be patient and able to respond to difficult situations calmly; have good interpersonal skills with co-workers, parents and children; and be able to lift 25 pounds on a regular basis. There are opportunities for career advancement. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, option 3.

Executive assistant - The administrative assistant to the president of Donnelly College serves as the primary administrative support by performing a wide variety of complex, responsible and confidential office, technical, clerical and professional administrative duties. The incumbent frequently responds to complex inquiries for information from the public and the college staff and makes appropriate referrals. Qualifications for the administrative assistant position include: a bachelor’s degree, required; two years of experience in administration, required; professional verbal and written communication skills; proficiency with productivity software (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is essential; experience with database applications strongly preferred; high level of customer-service orientation; ability to work within a fast-paced, changing environment; philosophically aligned with the mission and values of the college to engage and support our Catholic identity; and practicing Roman Catholic strongly preferred. Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly.edu with “Executive assistant” in the subject line.

CLASSIFIEDS Part-time servers - Santa Marta is recognized as a premier senior living community in Olathe. You will make a positive difference when you join the Santa Marta team as a server. Responsibilities include: serve meals to residents in a professional and hospitable manner in either independent living or health care neighborhoods; respectful interaction and communication with residents and co-workers as required; work with a team in a professional manner within dining and other departments; use proper food handling and cleaning techniques; setup and clean the dining rooms after each dining session.

Part-time servers are normally scheduled 3 - 5 shifts per week (evenings 4 - 8 p.m. and weekend breakfast, lunch and dinner shifts). $10 - $11 hourly rate, depending on relevant experience. Part-time associates earn paid time off for hours worked. To apply, go online to: santamarta retirement.com, then go to “More,” then scroll down and click on “Careers.” Then scroll down to the bottom of that page and download the application form.

Full-time Latin teacher - St. Michael the Archangel School is seeking a full-time Latin teacher for the 202122 school year. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for evangelization and discipleship and have experience teaching Latin. Please send resume and cover letter to the parish school, attention Dr. Lorenzo Rizzi, 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood, KS 66223 or to: lorenzo.rizzi@ stmichaelcp.org.

Nursing instructor - A full-time nursing faculty position carries the primary responsibility of helping students to master subject material and skills that will contribute to their personal and intellectual development and success in the nursing program. This person works with the director of nursing to schedule coursework/activities that will help students to complete their goal of becoming health care professionals and to support the program.

Must be able to pass a background check and complete Virtus training. Qualifications include: MSN or BSN with MSN in progress; unencumbered Kansas nursing license; committed to diversity and serving a diverse population; ability to communicate well and assist students in gaining practice and knowledge in the clinical situation; adult teaching experience preferred; excellent leadership and communication skills; experience with instructing technology-based courses; alternative teaching strategies preferred; demonstrate a thorough and accurate knowledge of use of electronic communication and audiovisual equipment; philosophically aligned with the mission and values of the college to engage and support our Catholic identity. Please email your cover letter,

resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly.edu with “Nursing instructor” in the subject line.

Administrative professional - The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, Laurie, Missouri, is seeking an administrative professional to manage the shrine’s office administration and programs. This includes four pilgrimages plus our summer Masses. This person is the ambassador for the shrine, spreading the joy of our beautiful surroundings and wonderful celebrations of the Eucharist; greeting and communicating with our pilgrims, supporters and volunteers; and sharing our devotion to Mary as Mother of the Church. The position handles our database of donors and supporters; coordinates all shrine activities; and provides administrative support to our chairman of the board, plus participating in marketing and distribution of our marketing materials. Skills are needed in Word, Excel and Publisher; training is provided for our database entry and management. The person must be a self-starter and work with minimal supervision. Communication skills are a must. Please submit a resume to Don D. Drake at: donddrake@yahoo.com.

Director of marketing/advertisement - Donnelly College is looking for a creative, flexible and organized director of marketing and communications to increase awareness of the Donnelly College brand with a particular focus on advancing enrollment and philanthropy. As a position that is both strategic and tactical, and housed within the advancement division, the director of marketing and communications is a critical driver of developing and implementing strategy to help the college achieve its mission and vision by reaching key target audiences such as prospective students and families, alumni, institutional partners, media investors and the public. The candidate should have the following qualifications: a bachelor’s degree required, preference given to persons with degrees in marketing, communications or journalism or to persons with a related master’s degree; working knowledge of social media platforms required; working knowledge of web design platforms required; preference given to those with bilingual skills and those with experience at an academic institution working with people of diverse backgrounds; committed to diversity and serving a diverse population.

Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly.edu with “Director of Marketing Advertising” in the subject line.

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO Full-time elementary teacher and music teacher – Holy Rosary Wea School in Bucyrus is seeking a full-time elementary teacher and music teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Candidates must hold a current Kansas teaching license. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process at: www.archkckcs.org.

For more information, please contact Nick Antista at: nick@qhrwea.org.

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Digital marketing coordinator - Bishop Miege High School is looking for a part-time (20 - 25 hours/week) qualified digital marketing coordinator to join our faithbased community. You will partner with our faculty, staff and coaches to develop and edit digital content on the website and through social media channels. You will also play a support role in maintenance of records in our donor database. You will work closely with the director of advancement, the communications director, the administrative team, the enrollment management team, coaches and others to inform our communities of ongoing activities, to support marketing campaigns and to promote Bishop Miege High School to families interested in a Catholic high school education. You will be responsible for maintaining content and creating new engaging content for our online presence including, but not limited to, Bishop Miege website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linked-In and Google My Business. You will be responsible for website hygiene, SEO, Google Analytics and potentially Google Adwords. Initially, you will be involved in supporting an update of the existing website. Requirements include: bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing or related field; one to three years’ experience with writing/editing online content; one to three years’ experience with online community building; one to three years of e-commerce experience; proficiency with website and social media analytic; excellent time management skills; excellent attention to detail; excellent interpersonal skills; excellent written and verbal communication skills; and must be a practicing Catholic. To express interest in this position, please send resume and cover letter to Molly Peterson at: mpeterson@bishopmiege.com.

Stone Painting - We are offering FREE ESTIMATES to any and all that are interested in painting this summer. We do interior, exterior house painting, along with decks, fences and much more. At Stone Painting, we ensure professional, quality and cheap services tailored to your needs. Call now at (913) 963-6465.

Registered nurses - Catholic Community Hospice is looking for RNs with a heart for hospice patients. We will train those that qualify and want to learn hospice.

Visit: catholiccharitiesks.org, go to “About Us,” go down to “Careers” and click on “Job Openings” to learn more about our opportunities. Or call (913) 433-2100.

DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time.

Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did.

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com

Workforce-Specialist - Do you want to change lives? Do you want to help break the cycle of poverty? Do you have a social work degree and experience in case management? This could be your opportunity! Come join our team!

For more information and to apply, go online to: https:// catholiccharitiesks.org/, then go to “About Us” and click on “Careers,” then scroll down to “View Job Openings.”

SERVICES Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 209-9234.

Handyman - I wanted to let you all know that we do basement finishes, deck building, bathroom and kitchen remodeling. This includes tile work, cabinet refinishing, and any sheetrock work. We also do all things flooring, siding, windows, doors, covered porches, sheds and much more. I really appreciate all your support. Please call Joshua Doherty at (913) 709-7230.

Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your Tshirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.

Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit http://www. montemacedisability.org.

Financial coach – Living paycheck to paycheck? Little or no savings? If you’re struggling with your finances and feeling overwhelmed but don’t know where to turn, I would love to help guide you out of financial stress and into a life of abundance. Free consultation. Call or text Julie at (913) 617-5409 or email: juliekolichbarron@ gmail.com. Dave Ramsey-certified.

Senior Care Authority - Navigating senior care options can be overwhelming. We’ll help you sort through and understand all your care and living options and point you to vetted resources. Placement assistance is FREE. We do a thorough assessment, do all the research and walk with you as you make these big decisions for you or your loved one. Call (913) 359-8580.

ACT Prep - Founded by a Bishop Miege graduate, Pathway Prep has helped over 250 students during the last four years improve their scores. In-person or virtual sessions available. For more information, visit: pathway prepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com.

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.teresakiddlaw.com.

Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

Garage Door Repair New Garage Doors Platinum Amarr dealer, Elite Home Advisor top rating.

Call Joe, mention The Leaven discount.

A Total Door (913) 236-6440.

Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish. Call (913) 271-0362.

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days.

Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 9625058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com.

FREE LIFE INSURANCE QUOTE IN LESS THAN A MINUTE - For your free, no obligation life insurance or final expense quote from a dozen highly rated carriers, visit: www.mcevoyins.com or call (913) 481-2896. Sean McEvoy, Donnelly College graduate, and Bill McEvoy, Ascension parishioner.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Painting - Diamond Painting, (913) 648-4933, Residential/ Commercial, Exterior/interior, Free Estimate, Affordable, Decks, DiamondPaintKc.com, KCMO/Overland Park Metropolitan area.

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling.

Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Interior wall painting specialist.

Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience.

Call with questions 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) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@ hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Local Handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, masonry (chimney repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list and more!

Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

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) 252-1391

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - Old cars or hot rods. Uncompleted project cars in any condition, with or without titles. Cash buyer. Call (913) 980-3559.

Wanted to buy -Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME! I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners.

My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid.

Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

FOR SALE For sale - Double crypt located at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa. Prime location in Holy Family Mausoleum includes two Trappist caskets. Call (913) 499-6682 for a discounted price.

Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) HOLY ART Religious items and church supplies Made in Italy http://www.holyart.com >> Classifieds continue on page 15

14

COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS FOURTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME July 4 FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Ez 2: 2-5 Ps 123: 1-4 2 Cor 12: 7-10 Mk 6: 1-6a July 5 Anthony Zaccaria, priest; Elizabeth of Portugal Gn 28: 10-22a Ps 91: 1-4, 14-15b Mt 9: 18-26 July 6 Maria Goretti, virgin, martyr Gn 32: 23-33 Ps 17: 1b, 2-3, 6-8b, 15 Mt 9: 32-38 July 7 Wednesday Gn 41: 55-57; 42: 5-7a, 17-24a Ps 33: 2-3, 10-11, 18-19 Mt 10: 1-7 July 8 Thursday Gn 44: 18-21, 23b-29; 45: 1-5 Ps 105: 16-21 Mt 10: 7-15 July 9 Augustine Zhao Rong, priest, and companions, martyrs Gn 46: 1-7, 28-30 Ps 37: 3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40 Mt 10: 16-23 July 10 Saturday Gn 49: 29-32; 50: 15-26a Ps 105: 1-4, 6-7 Mt 10: 24-33 FIFTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME July 11 FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Am 7: 12-15 Ps 85: 9-14 Eph 1: 3-14 Mk 6: 7-13 July 12 Monday Ex 1: 8-14, 22 Ps 124: 1-8 Mt 10:34 – 11:1 July 13 Henry Ex 2: 1-15a Ps 69: 3, 14, 30-31, 33-34 Mt 11: 20-24 July 14 Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin Ex 3: 1-6, 9-12 Ps 103: 1b-4, 6-7 Mt 11: 25-27 July 15 Bonaventure, bishop, doctor of the church Ex 3: 13-20 Ps 105: 1, 5, 8-9, 24-27 Mt 11: 28-30 July 16 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Ex 11:10 – 12:14 Ps 116: 12-13, 15, 16bc, 17-18 Mt 12: 1-8 July 17 Saturday Ex 12: 37-42 Ps 136: 1, 23-24, 10-15 Mt 12: 14-21

Y

ou’ve probably heard the following Scripture passage countless times, but never like this: Jesus, in the region of Caesarea Philippi, asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Jesus said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Peter replied, “You are the eschatological manifestation of a transcendent reality.”

And Jesus said, “What?!?”

So, who is this Jesus anyway?

Last month, I was finally able to attend some live, in-person theater productions — something snuffed out by the pandemic for over a year. It was fitting, I suppose, that two of those shows dealt with Jesus.

The first, called “Jesus,” was at the Sight & Sound Theatre in Branson, Missouri. The

JULY 2, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Jesus calls our faith into question MARK MY WORDS

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.

sets were massive and gave the audience a sensation of being in the places where Jesus walked, seeing the inhabitants in authentic attire. The storm at sea was so realistic that my stomach got queasy as the waves battered the boat.

Oh, did I mention the real camels? They were not only on stage, but moseyed through the audience as well.

I also can’t forget the Roman soldiers mounted on their live horses

clomping down the aisles. And, when Jesus cleared the Temple, live sheep and goats scampered through the theater. There was even an angel with about a six-foot wingspan who floated over the audience on a wire right before the Resurrection.

In this production, Jesus was presented as “the love that rescues.”

He freed people from sin, doubt, disease and death. The show emphasized the divinity of Jesus, his almighty power and wisdom.

The second show was completely different. This was a 50-year anniversary production at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri.

Here, the musicians

were ringed around the back of the stage.

The set consisted only of a towering scaffold and large alphabet blocks that spelled out the name of the show: G-O-D-S-P-E-L-L. This has always been one of my favorite shows with many songs that I know by heart and love.

For those unfamiliar with “Godspell,” the cast is attired in crazy, multicolored, unmatched outfits.

The humanity of Jesus is emphasized in this production, and he’s presented as a dear friend and captivating storyteller.

It’s amusing to see how the cast members act out the various parables that Jesus tells, often with exaggerated props and slapstick antics. The parables and teachings of Jesus are not ridiculed, but rather are “pictured” in an unforgettable way. Most appealing to me is that Jesus here is shown as a person who radiates the joy of faith.

So, which of these shows presents the one, true picture of Jesus?

I’d say the answer is: neither . . . and both! Let me explain: Just as each Gospel gives us a particular vision of Jesus, but not a complete one, so, too, do each of these shows. Although we get a glimpse of who Jesus is, we can never comprehend him fully.

The British writer Evelyn Underhill says it best: “If God were small enough to be understood, he would not be big enough to be worshiped.”

In your travels this summer, look for opportunities to examine who Jesus is to you.

Explore various depictions of Jesus — in art, movies, theater productions or books. No matter how you picture the Lord, however, there is one constant in our faith, beautifully captured in this memorable song from “Godspell”: “Day by day, day by day, Oh dear Lord, three things I pray: to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly, day by day by day by day by day.”

When God speaks through Scripture, he’s still talking to us

W

hen God sends Ezekiel to speak to fellow Israelites (Sunday’s first reading), he alerts him to the fact that they will resist him. The Israelites are “rebels,” God tells the prophet. “Hard of face and obstinate of heart are they to whom I am sending you.” They will not welcome his call to repentance.

My reaction to Scripture readings like this is to try to identify who God might have in mind for these words today. What types of people out there would God be thinking of?

People outside the church? Some people inside the church?

,

KEVIN PERROTTA Perrotta is the editor and an author of the “Six Weeks with the Bible” series, teaches part time at Siena Heights University and leads Holy Land pilgrimages. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The answer I do not easily come to is: me.

After all, am I an obstinate rebel? “Surely

it is not I, Rabbi?” as Judas said to Jesus (Mt 26:25).

I’m generally willing to give myself the benefit of the doubt, to offer reasonable explanations for my failures to love, to cut myself some slack. Doesn’t God do the same for me?

In the Byzantine Catholic liturgy (I’m a Byzantine Catholic), the congregation prays before Communion: “O Lord, I believe and profess that you are

truly Christ, the son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first.” Often the question pops into my mind: Am I really the foremost of sinners?

Some words of Danish theologian Søren Kierkegaard help me here. On Jesus’ teaching that a tree is known by its fruits, Kierkegaard wrote: “The holy words of our text are not spoken to encourage us to get busy judging one another; they are rather spoken warningly . . . to you, my reader, and to me, to encourage each one not to let his love become unfruitful. . . . The divine

authority of the Gospel speaks not to one man about another man, not to you, the reader, about me, or to me about you. No, when the Gospel speaks, it speaks to the single individual.”

On this principle, the Ezekiel reading is addressed to me.

It is as though, at the end of the reading, I might hear the prophet Nathan saying to me what he said to David after he told David a parable that reflected David’s murder and adultery: “You are the man!” (2 Sm 12:7).

In response, the best prayer I can think to pray is what a blind man once said to Jesus: “Master, I want to see” (Mk 10:51).

Pope to grandparents, all elderly people: ‘You are needed’ VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Writing to his peers, Catholics who have reached a venerable age like he has, Pope Francis told older Catholics that God is close to them and still has plans for their lives.

“I was called to become the bishop of Rome when I had reached, so to speak, retirement age, and thought I would not be doing anything new,” said the pope, who is 84 now and was elected when he was 76. “The

Lord is always — always — close to us. He is close to us with new possibilities, new ideas, new consolations, but always close to us. You know that the Lord is eternal; he never, ever goes into retirement,” the pope wrote in his message for the Catholic Church’s first celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.

The message was released at the Vatican June 22 in anticipation of the celebration July 25, the Sunday closest to the feast of Sts.

Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents.

“Think about it: what is our vocation today, at our age? To preserve our roots, to pass on the faith to the young and to care for the little ones,” he wrote. “Never forget this. . . . There is no retirement age from the work of proclaiming the Gospel and handing down traditions to your grandchildren. You just need to set out and undertake something new.”

CALENDAR

JULY 2, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA The Oratory of Old St. Patrick 806 Cherry St., Kansas City, Missouri July 11 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benediction will follow, as well as an opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular.

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

CATHOLIC HEART WORKCAMP Kansas City area July 12 - 15

If you know of anyone needing minor home repairs, painting or yard cleanup, contact the managers by email at: chwc.kc@ gmail.com or call (402) 306-9043. You will need to leave a message if you call. Safety guidelines are in place to meet the current CDC guidelines regarding COVID.

‘TAX-REDUCING STRATEGIES FOR PREAND POST-RETIREES’ WORKSHOP Donnelly College 608 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas Room 229 (in the new addition) July 14 from 11 a.m. - noon

Attend this workshop to consider the answers to the following questions: 1) How can I sell my highly appreciated assets and minimize capital gains taxes? 2) How can I receive significant tax deductions today and possibly for another five years? 3) How can I protect my IRA from double taxation?

4) What are some ideas to maintain my income? Learn answers to these questions and much more from speaker Bill Eckers, a Nativity, Leawood, parishioner and wellknown financial educator, speaker and advisor in Kansas City. Eckers is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, which provides him an in-depth knowledge of the entire philanthropic planing process to help clients articulate and advance their highest aspiration for self, family, church and society. Let us

know you are coming by sending an email to: plannedgivingarchkck.org and visit the website at: archkck.org/summer-seminar.

BEREAVEMENT MEETING Curé of Ars (Father Burak Room) 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood July 17 at 8 a.m.

The bereavement ministry will have a grief support meeting following Mass. The topic will be: “The Serenity Prayer.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

PARISH PICNIC St. Augustine Parish, Fidelity 1948 Acorn Rd., Sabetha July 18 at 4:30 p.m.

There will be a chicken/ham dinner served buffet style, dine in or carry out. The cost is $10 for adults; kids 4 - 10, $5; and kids 3 and under, free. A cakewalk begins at 7 p.m.

Chance stand with a chance to win a homemade quilt and other prizes. There will also be card games, bingo, kids games and a bounce house as well as a beer garden and live band.

‘FRATELLI TUTTI’ DAY OF REFLECTION Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton July 18 from 1 - 5 p.m.

Dedicate an afternoon to learning about global issues from a Christian perspective as we take a look at Pope Francis’ encyclical “Fratelli Tutti,” which addresses the need for greater global cooperation along with a call for human cooperation and solidarity.

TOTUS TUUS FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Prince of Peace Parish 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe July 19 - 23

Come join others and learn about Totus Tuus. Register online at: www.archkck.org/ special-needs.

SIPS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Boulevard Brewery 2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri July 25 from 5 - 8 p.m.

Catch up with friends, enjoy food and drinks and play games. The best part? You will be helping raise need-based scholarships for the students of Resurrection School.

Unable to attend in person? We’ll deliver sips to your door! Register at: rcskck.org.

A SPIRITUALITY OF THE HEART ONLINE OPEN HOUSE Via Zoom July 25 from 7 - 8 p.m.

Have you been longing in your heart for a closer relationship with God or been searching for means to deepen your prayer life? The Daughters of St. Francis de Sales offer a practical means of living a life devoted to God in everyday life with a family of spiritual friends, united in a bond of love and support. Join their upcoming virtual open house to learn more about this saint, his spirituality of the heart and this association. For meeting details, send an email to: haydee@sfdassociation.org or visit the website at: www.sfdassociation.org; look for a link in the “Welcome” box to register.

15 >> Continued from page 13 For sale - Double niche located at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Topeka. The glass-fronted niche is located on the main level, high on the right side of the main aisle heading toward the chapel. Asking $8100.

Contact Alissa at (316) 304-2839.

REAL ESTATE Get Instant Cash Offer on Your Johnson County Home!

Skip the Showings Move on Your Schedule Low Fee Structure Get Started Today! www.FullPriceHomeSale.com OFFER CODE KS01 We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good.

Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000 CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it?

We buy it all at once in as-is condition.

Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com.

SPECIAL-NEEDS MINISTRY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

The special-needs ministry in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas needs volunteers, 14 years of age and older, to help restart BREATHE — a respite care program. This program provides a break from caregiving to families who have a child with a disability. The program is held at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, usually on the third Saturday of each month from 4 - 8 p.m. We are planning to offer our first session on Aug. 21. Volunteers “buddy” with a child with a disability for an evening of recreation and leisure activities. COVID protocols will be followed. To learn more or to register, go online to: www. archkck.org/special-needs or send an email to: tracunas@archkck.org.

CAREGIVING Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.Benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 4221591.

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

Family Owned and Proudly Serving Our Community Since 1929 During this pandemic, we are still able to make arrangements and conduct services to honor your loved one in a meaningful way. Arrangements and Advanced Planning can be completed virtually or in the comfort of your own home. We are here to guide you every step of the way.

913-371-1404 | 340 N. 6th St. Kansas City, KS

| www.skradskifh-kc.com

16

LOCAL NEWS

JULY 2, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE

PHOTO BY KAREN BONAR

Father Jaime Zarse is the pastor of Sacred Heart in Sabetha, St. Augustine Parish in Fidelity and St. James Parish in Wetmore. After high school in Overland Park and his first assignment in Topeka, he said rural Kansas is a significant change. “Unlike those places where nobody knows who you are or cares who you are, up here, everybody knows your name,” Father Zarse said. “Whether it’s the grocery store or wellness center or country club, everybody looks at you and acknowledges you and asks how you are.”

Young priest grows closer to God in rural Kansas “ I FEEL LIKE SOMETIMES THE

S

ABETHA — During his first few years as a priest, Father Jaime Zarse was immersed in ministering to the youth of the archdiocese.

Six years into his priesthood, he’s taking a different approach.

“In my last assignment, I spent 75 percent of my time with our young people. What that experience showed me is if Mom and Dad are checked out and don’t care about their faith, it doesn’t matter how strong your youth programs are,” he said. “I have made it my mission in this assignment to spend 75 percent of my time pursuing my adults. I want to get to know them and share my heart with them, share my story.”

Father Zarse’s story is this: He moved to nine different cities before entering high school. He settled in Overland Park and graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 2005 before embarking on a collegiate soccer career at Marquette University in Milwaukee.

“I was thinking I would become like my dad: Get married, have a good Catholic family,” he said.

But — naturally — God had other plans.

“I lost my college girlfriend and the game of soccer within seven days of

“

By Karen Bonar Special to The Leaven

LORD TAKES EVERYTHING FROM YOU. IT WAS LIKE GOD WAS SAYING, ‘SON, I’VE TRIED TO BE SUBTLE, BUT I LOVE YOU TOO MUCH TO LEAVE YOU WHERE YOU ARE.’ FATHER JAIME ZARSE PASTOR OF OF SACRED HEART IN SABETHA, ST. AUGUSTINE PARISH IN FIDELITY AND ST. JAMES PARISH IN WETMORE

each other,” he said.

This allowed him time to pause and reflect.

“It was the greatest blessing of my life,” Father Zarse said. “I feel like sometimes the Lord takes everything from you. It was like God was saying, ‘Son, I’ve tried to be subtle, but I love you too much to leave you where you are.’

“I couldn’t begin to tell you why he called me to the priesthood. He saved me from myself, from the man I surely would have become, and he did it through love,” he said. “Once you experience the tender,

merciful love of God, you can’t go back to counterfeit love.”

Sometimes, however, seeing God’s wisdom and love in a situation is difficult.

A prime example was when Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann appointed him to be pastor of a triad of parishes near the Kansas-Nebraska border.

In 2018, he was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart in Sabetha, St. Augustine in Fidelity and St. James in Wetmore.

An Overland Park native who also lived in Topeka, a seemingly remote assignment was a significant change.

The landscape of rural Kansas is far different from that of St. Louis, Milwaukee and Houston, where he lived as a child.

“Unlike those places where nobody knows who you are or cares who you are, up here, everybody knows your name,” Father Zarse said. “Whether it’s the grocery store or wellness center or country club, everybody looks at you and acknowledges you and asks how you are.”

But it isn’t the only difference.

“If something happens and you need help, people drop everything to be there,” he said. “I suspect many small towns share a strong work ethic and an integrity.

“In this part of the world, parish members see the need and they fill it.

If they see something that needs to be addressed in the church or hall, they

just take care of it — they don’t even ask you to fix it for them. It’s incredible.”

Living in a more rural environment provides an opportunity to reflect upon the life of Christ.

“I think there’s a reason Jesus was born in Bethlehem and lived in Nazareth, not Jerusalem or Rome,” Father Zarse said. “When I think about Sabetha, I think of it as my Nazareth. I drew closer to Our Lady and to Jesus because there was silence and quiet. I was alone with ‘The Alone.’”

The process of settling into the region took roughly 18 months, he said.

With about 2,500 residents and no stoplight, Sabetha has a significantly different culture than his first assignment in Topeka.

Being immersed in a large parish and high school at his first assignment, however, allowed him to gain a perspective and focus on his current assignment. The three parishes have a dozen Bible studies between them, all aimed at adults.

“I want my little footprint in the history of these parishes to be that I took the time to know the parents,” Father Zarse said. “The focus has always been, ‘If we don’t invest in our kids, we don’t have a future of the church.’

“It’s true. But if you can light fires in the parents and the homes, great things can follow.”