07 03 20 Vol. 42 No. 1

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 42, NO. 1 | JULY 3, 2020

COURT DECISION CALLED ‘TRAGIC’

CNS PHOTO/CARLOS BARRIA, REUTERS

The U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., ruled on June 29 that a Louisiana law requiring that doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals could not stand.

Court’s ruling continues ‘cruel precedent,’ says Archbishop Naumann

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By Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service

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ASHINGTON (CNS) — In a 5-4 decision June 29, the Supreme Court ruled that a Louisiana law requiring that doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals could not stand.

The opinion in June Medical Services v. Russo, written by Justice Stephen Breyer, said the case was “similar to, nearly identical with” a law in Texas that the court four years ago found to be a burden to women seeking abortion. Breyer was joined in the opinion

by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

NEW DEACONS

“EVEN AS WE SEEK TO END THE BRUTALITY OF LEGALIZED ABORTION, WE STILL BELIEVE THAT THE WOMEN WHO SEEK IT SHOULD NOT BE FURTHER HARMED AND ABUSED BY A CALLOUS, PROFIT-DRIVEN INDUSTRY.” — Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann Breyer said the Louisiana law was unconstitutional because it posed a “substantial obstacle” for women seeking abortions while providing “no significant health-related benefits.”

The Texas case, Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, struck down the law with a different bench without

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas just ordained its largest deacon class ever. Page 3

FARM STRESS

Farmers have a high suicide rate largely due to debt.

Find out how to help.

Page 7-9

Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. The court said the requirements imposed on abortion providers — to have hospital admitting privileges — put “a substantial burden” on women who were seeking abortions and the law wasn’t necessary to protect women’s health.

JPK SIGHTING

Archbishop Keleher makes a rare public appearance for a Basheor fresco blessing. Page 16

“The court’s failure to recognize the legitimacy of laws prioritizing women’s health and safety over abortion business interests continues a cruel precedent,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for ProLife Activities.

“Even as we seek to end the brutality of legalized abortion, we still believe that the women who seek it should not be further harmed and abused by a callous, profit-driven industry,” he added.

In the Louisiana case, Chief Justice John Roberts filed an opinion concurring in the judgment of the four justices voting to strike down this law even though four years ago, he joined the >> See “SUPREME” on page 15

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LOCAL NEWS

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AMERICAN MADE

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATIE PETERSON

Father Francis Bakyor, pastor of St. Joseph-St. Lawrence Parish in Easton, stands with the U.S. flag June 10 by the Blessed Virgin Mary statue outside St. Lawrence Church. Father Bakyor officially became an American citizen June 4.

‘Just so happy to belong to this great country’

By Katie Peterson Special to the Leaven

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ASTON — Happiness. That’s the word Father Francis Bakyor, pastor of St. JosephSt. Lawrence Parish here, used to describe the feeling of knowing he’ll be celebrating the Fourth of July as a U.S. citizen.

“It is a time of joy to celebrate with people on the American Independence Day,” said Father Bakyor. “I look forward to that.”

The native of Ghana officially became a U.S. citizen June 4 after months of paperwork, background checks and interviews.

When Father Bakyor first came to the country in 2008, he had just celebrated 25 years of priesthood in his home country.

“My bishop was offering me this opportunity to leave the country and have a bit of experience and come back,” Father Bakyor explained. “So, he arranged for me to go the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.”

From there, he spent several years serving at different parishes around the country and returning to Ghana in between. It was only recently that he started thinking about becoming a U.S. citizen.

“The time of my green card was expiring,” Father Bakyor said. “They told me it was possible [to become a citizen], so I thought, ‘Why not try?’”

With the help of the human resources office of the archdiocese, Father Bakyor was able to gather all the information needed to start the process.

First came fingerprints for a background check.

“With [fingerprints], they are able to go through background checks and see if you have any criminal background,” he explained.

Next came the interview.

“The interview [includes] questions about life in America here,” Father Bakyor said. “Since you want to become a citizen, you kind of need to know something about the country.”

“There is a small booklet of 100

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“IT IS A TIME OF JOY TO CELEBRATE WITH PEOPLE ON THE AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY. I LOOK FORWARD TO THAT.” questions, and they ask you 10 questions. If you make six, you go through,” he continued. “We had a wonderful interview.”

Upon passing the interview, the swearing-in ceremony was scheduled.

“It actually went very fast,” said Father Bakyor. “I just came in, went through it all and I got it.

“I feel so happy, just so happy to belong to this great country,” he added.

He said he’s not taking it for granted, either.

“A lot of people want to be what I am

now but will never have the opportunity,” he said. “People will be here for 20 years, 30 years, struggling to be citizens of this country.”

Father Bakyor’s parishioners at St. Joseph-St. Lawrence said they are happy that he was able to become a U.S. citizen.

“That’s quite an accomplishment to be able to do that,” said parishioner Connie Wistuba.

Parishioner Don Navinsky said he appreciated Father Bakyor’s efforts.

“May God bless him for the years he has spent as a priest of the archdiocese,” Navinsky said. “We are very fortunate to have a priest that is willing to leave his home and serve the people here in the U.S.” Father Bakyor said service was the reason he became a priest in the first place.

“I was inspired by some missionary priests in my diocese, and they just gave me the opportunity to become a priest as a service to the people,” said Father Bakyor. “I’ve enjoyed that for all these [37] years.”

JULY 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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PHOTO BY JENNY FRAZEE

PHOTO BY JENNY FRAZEE

PHOTO BY JENNY FRAZEE

Patrick Hood, foreground, along with his fellow deacon candidates, prepares to present himself to Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann for ordination to the permanent diaconate.

Deacon Mario Gutierrez receives the Book of the Gospels from Archbishop Naumann. Deacon Gutierrez has been assigned to All Saints Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

Deacon John Langer talks with Father Greg Hammes, associate director of the permanent diaconate, following his ordination ceremony.

Largest permanent deacon class ordained June 20

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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ENEXA — Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann said he is hoping that with the ordination of the largest group of permanent deacons in the history of the archdiocese on June 20, there will be a little something in it for him.

A vacation!

“The first seven deacons were ordained so that the apostles could devote themselves to prayer and more to the ministry of the word,” the archbishop said in his homily.

“So,” he continued, “with the ordination of this third cohort of deacons for the archdiocese, I’m hoping I should be able to take a vacation now.”

“Always remember,” he added, “that one of the original purposes of the order of deacon was to make the life of the bishop easier.

“The people God are counting on my prayer life and my homilies improving because of your assistance.”

The ordination Mass was held at Holy Trinity Church in Lenexa to permit as many people as possible to attend. Relaxed rules permitted each of the 20 men to have 10 invitees. There was also a larger group of priests to vest the new deacons.

The first-ever cohort, or group, was ordained for the archdiocese on April 9, 2011; the second, on June 2, 2017. The fourth cohort is scheduled for ordination in 2024.

Members of the third cohort benefited from the experience of the previous two cohorts, said Leon Suprenant, archdiocesan co-director of the office of the permanent diaconate. But they also faced the challenge of completing their formation as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

“In my book, Leon Suprenant is a superstar,” said Deacon Ken Billinger, a member of the Church of the Ascension Parish in Overland Park. “His knowledge and connections in the Catholic world are amazing.

“I’ve been told by people outside of our archdiocese we have one of the finest diaconate formation programs in the country, and a big part of that is credited to Leon, because he has done some amazing things. He’s been very creative throughout the program, and when it came to [the pandemic], he figured out ways to make it work.”

The youngest of the new permanent

PHOTO BY JENNY FRAZEE

The third cohort of deacons for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas was the largest class ever, with 20 men ordained to the permanent diaconate in the June 20 ceremony. A fourth cohort is scheduled for ordination in 2024. deacons is 37, and the oldest is 67. Most are in their 50s. They have widely varying professional and educational backgrounds. Five are converts to the Catholic faith.

One of those converts is Deacon Chris Allen, a member of Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence. He became a Catholic in 2006, thanks to help from a neighbor who had converted to Catholicism.

“She asked me what issue I was struggling with,” said Deacon Allen.

“The last hurtle was the Blessed Virgin Mary. She walked me through that. She was the last step in that process.”

Getting over that hump led him to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, which led him to joining the parish RCIA team, which led to the RCIA leader asking him if he’d ever thought about becoming a deacon.

The educational experience of the men ranged from those who had no college to those who had doctorates.

Deacon Jody Madden has a religious studies degree from Benedictine College in Atchison, was in the Maryvale Institute Program and taught theology at Hayden High School in Topeka for 13

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

years.

“There were a couple of places [in the diaconate program] where I was helped out along the way because I had courses that were very similar to what we did,” said Deacon Madden, director of faith formation at St. Bernard Parish in Wamego.

“But there were other things that more than humbled you when you realized we were covering this or that in formation, and I realized there was a gaping hole in what I grew up with,” he added.

Family support was crucial, said Deacon Jason Imlay, a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe.

“It was my wife Kristee’s encouragement that got me to apply,” said Deacon Imlay. “She was a big advocate for me. . . . A man can’t do this program with kids at home if his wife isn’t going to step up big time and take care of a lot of different things and free [the candidate] up for classes, study, ministry and prayer.”

His three children were supportive, too, but his son was worried that the archbishop might assign Dad to ministry in Alaska.

“Once we took that off the table .

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. . he’s been on board ever since,” said Deacon Imlay.

What advice would he give to men who think they might want to be a permanent deacon?

The same advice he received from Father Gary Pennings, also co-director of the archdiocesan permanent diaconate program, said Deacon Kris Kuckelman, from the Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.

“It was what Father Gary Pennings said a little over five years ago,” said Deacon Kuckelman. “[He said] at that point you’re not discerning to be a deacon, you’re discerning only whether or not to apply to be an aspirant,” he said. “And when you’re an aspirant, you’re discerning whether to continue and apply to be a candidate. And [during] all four years of candidacy, you continue to discern whether it’s God’s will for you to continue in formation.”

It’s about taking one step after another until you hear a clear “no” or “yes.”

For these 20 men, the answer was “yes.”

For a full list of the new permanent deacon’s assignments, see the June 19 issue of The Leaven.

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

JULY 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Bishop Ward students win big in KC Scholars program writing experience helped Martinez.

“Her first draft brought me to tears.

It was as raw and emotional as you can get,” Calcara said. “I handed it to my 13-year-old daughter to read and she cried!”

According to Calcara, Martinez’s moving essay captured the essence of her parents’ sacrifice, as well as the gratitude and respect she feels for them.

Calling her parents “heroes,” Martinez wrote: “Even heroes need help sometimes.”

By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Jamie Conejo was raised to believe that he could achieve anything he set his mind to.

Now, 16-year-old Conejo is one of 17 Bishop Ward High School juniors recently awarded a KC Scholars college scholarship.

This year’s recipients represent a record number of winners for the Kansas City, Kansas, Catholic high school. Conejo, the son of Joe and Jennifer Conejo, has big plans for his future.

“While I’m not the first in my family to attend college, I do plan on being the first person to go all the way through,” Conejo said. “I plan on doing a pre-med track and hopefully making my way to med school where I want to study to be an orthopedic surgeon.”

Making college accessible KC Scholars provides college scholarships for low- and modest-income students across a six-county area of the Kansas City region.

The awards provide financial assistance, college advisory resources and college planning for students who have the greatest need and who may otherwise be unable to complete a postsecondary degree. Eligible students must be high school juniors, have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and meet an income qualifier.

This year, students from 95 public, private, public charter and home-based high schools applied for a scholarship.

Winners receive up to $10,000 annually for up to five years. Scholarships must be used at one of 17 local higher education institutions within the Kansas City region.

Approximately 80% of recipients who complete a postsecondary program stay in the Kansas City region to

Family pride

PHOTO BY JOSH JOHNS, BISHOP WARD HIGH SCHOOL

Bishop Ward High School science teacher Tyler Heying helps Vanessa Otero with a project. Otero is one of 17 Ward juniors recently awarded a KC Scholars college scholarship. live, work and contribute.

By all accounts, Bishop Ward students and staff credit the school’s academic dean Emily Saatcioglu, PhD, with driving submissions and successes.

Saatcioglu discovered the scholarship several years ago. But instead of simply posting a flyer, she engaged the entire staff in providing one-on-one mentoring to each student willing to apply.

“When I came to Bishop Ward, I realized that so many of our students qualified to apply,” Saatcioglu said.

“But I learned that it’s not enough to have the scholarship information. You really have to have someone walk with you along the way.”

Saatcioglu’s model has been a huge success. The first academic school year for the mentoring program, 201819, Bishop Ward recorded six winners.

During the 2019-20 school year, the number of winners nearly tripled to 17.

Mentors make the difference Kathy Calcara, a grant writer for Bishop Ward, served as one of the staff mentors. She was matched with Lisbeth Martinez, who also won a scholarship. Beyond the satisfaction Calcara felt in helping Martinez, she was elated to engage with the students.

“I was really happy to be selected as a mentor because I don’t have a lot of interaction with the students as a grant writer,” Calcara said. “So, this was a great experience for me and makes me better at my job when I get to know the students.

“Lisbeth was a model student during the process. She took it seriously and gave it her best effort.”

Calcara said the essay portion of the scholarship application is typically the most challenging for students. However, she felt her grant

That pride, of course, is felt by the parents of the scholarship winners, as well. Lisa Vasquez’s 17-year-old son Johnny also won a scholarship.

Having grown up in a single-parent household for most of his life, Johnny’s scholarship was designated for use at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Lisa works two jobs to support her family. A few years ago, one of her jobs involved rising at 4 a.m., five days a week, to make and sell burritos and tamales at the railroad.

“When he told me he won, I cried,” Lisa said. “I told him all his hard work finally paid off!”

“I am so thankful to God for this opportunity,” she continued. “[Johnny] has always wanted to go to college and I told him I’d work 20 jobs if I had to!”

It’s not surprising Bishop Ward’s student applicants put their heart and soul into their submissions, Saatcioglu said. While the socioeconomic makeup of the school represents low to modest incomes, Saatcioglu said that doesn’t diminish the talent within that income group and its ability to compete and succeed in college.

“Economic disparity makes a college education even more of a reach,” she said. “It’s almost as if the students want it as much for their families as for themselves, especially after watching their parents struggle for so long.”

Father McEvoy takes leadership position with the Carmelites

By Katie Peterson Special to the Leaven

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EAVENWORTH — Father David McEvoy, OCarm., thought he’d be spending the next year on sabbatical following his 20-year assignment at Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish here.

But that all changed May 26 when he received word that he was elected the next vice prior provincial for the Carmelite Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary.

He was officially installed in the new position by the prior general in Rome on June 25 via a Zoom meeting, and moved to province headquarters in Darien, Illinois, after his pastoral ministry at Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish ended July 1.

“I knew it was a possibility. I just didn’t think it would be a probability,” said Father David. “I was definitely surprised.”

The Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary is one of about 20 Carmelite provinces around the world and is made up of about 150 men — from novice to solemn vows — from the United States, Canada, Peru, Mexico and El Salvador.

Elections for the council are held every three years at the provincial chap-

KATIE PETERSON PHOTO

Father David McEvoy, OCarm., blesses the baptismal water at a Pentecost Mass May 31 at Immaculate Conception Church in Leavenworth. The special afternoon Mass was for the parish’s seven catechumens and candidates who were joining the church. ter (convention) at the end of June. But because COVID-19 restrictions required the meeting to be postponed until 2021, each of the Carmelites in the province voted by mail for the new officers — one provincial, one vice prior provincial and four provincial counselors. The names

on each ballot were based on weighted nominations earlier in the year.

Father David said not only was his election a surprise, but the speed of his election was, too.

“I won it on the first ballot with [more than 51 percent] of the votes,” he said.

In his new role, Father David will answer to the newly elected prior provincial, Father Carl Marklez. Early discussions of the work he will undertake have included vocation work and intern director, two things Father David said he feels prepared for after 24 years of parish ministry, 10 years of vocation and formation work, and five years as a novice director.

“I feel as prepared as you can be for any job. I was never a pastor before I came [to IC-SJ], so I just said, ‘God will direct me,’” he said. “That’s how I felt about this.”

“Transitions are always hard, and I learned that I have to give myself at least a year to be comfortable in the new position,” explained Father David. “Some of the best things I ever did was . . . to move to a new position. But when you’re doing it, it is kind of hard because you’re leaving some place that is familiar and everybody knows you and you’ve proven yourself and now you’re going to a place where nobody knows you.”

A familiar place is an understatement as Father David prepares to leave not just the assignment he’s held the past 20 years, but his hometown and his home parish. >> See “FATHER” on page 6

LOCAL NEWS

JULY 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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READ ALL ABOUT IT

Keep kids building this critical skill, even during the summer

By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven

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VERLAND PARK — The pandemic the country is undergoing today will be the stuff of tomorrow’s history books.

But educators around the country worry that schoolchildren will struggle to read those books if parents do not continue to work with their youngster during these months outside the classroom.

Reading remains one of the most important skills students should practice regularly. Even reading for 20 minutes each day can prepare students for the start of the next school year, said Julie Mester, a resource coordinator at Mater Dei School and reading specialist at Christ the King School, both in Topeka.

“During the early grades (kindergarten through second grade), students are learning the mechanics of reading, or how to read. They are working on the five big ideas of reading — phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension,” Mester said.

“This sets the foundation for student success in the intermediate years and beyond,” she added, “where ideally the students are concentrating on reading to learn, or understanding new material, in the content areas.”

When students return to school in August, they will have been out of the classroom for five months. In a normal school year, students can fall prey to the “summer slide,” or academic regression. The good news is that parents can help children maintain their reading skills.

Tell me a story One of the best and easiest ways to do that is by reading aloud. “The Read-Aloud Handbook” by Jim Trelease has long championed the benefits of reading to children. It improves a child’s information processing skills, vocabulary and comprehension, and models fluency, intonation, expression and attention to punctuation.

Reading aloud also helps children develop good listening habits — important at school and in the workplace.

“Spending time reading together as a family, both silently and aloud, sends a powerful message as to the importance of reading,” Mester said. “Time could also be spent in discussing what each family member was reading — in effect, creating their own ‘book club.’

“Something else to remember is that people of all ages love to be read to.”

Also, never underestimate the power of fathers reading

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MAUREEN JONES

Hannah Jones, a member of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee, listens to an audio book while reading along on her laptop. Experts say audio books are great resources for kids that allow them to engage with text without having to decode words to do so. to their children. According to Fatherhood.gov, children whose fathers read to them read better and have more advanced vocabularies and better communication skills than children whose fathers are less involved.

Stay the course In the early years — birth to 5 years old — nursery rhymes, songs, storytelling and reading aloud all provide opportunities to build early literacy skills, said Julie Bartz, a reading specialist at Prince of Peace School in Olathe.

And the only way to improve any skill is to practice it.

If you can’t read aloud to your children as much as you want, don’t hesitate to turn to technology for help, Bartz said.

“Audio books are an amazing resource for students to access good, quality literature,” Bartz said. “Audio books allow students to engage in text, without having to decode words to do so. This is especially helpful for struggling readers.

“Hearing text read aloud can significantly help all students improve their vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking skills. Audio books can also encourage independence and self-confidence as a reader at any stage of reading.”

Parents may wonder if they’ve done enough to maintain their children’s academic

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MAUREEN JONES

Tim Jones reads to his children — clockwise from top, Hannah, Emma and Hunter. Children whose fathers read to them read better and have more advanced vocabularies and better communication skills than children whose fathers are less involved. skills. But Bartz said don’t be overly concerned. Make learning fun, she said. Even if students do nothing, children will learn more than you expect.

Strategies for success Still, Bartz encourages parents to keep a watchful eye for

changes in a child’s reading proficiency. Bartz said there are five essential components to reading: phonemic awareness (sounds, syllables and words, rhyming and word play), phonics (pairing sounds in words to the written letter(s), vocabulary, reading fluency (speed and accuracy) and comprehension.

Students need to develop each of these to become a fluent, confident reader. Difficulties in reading can be the result of a weakness in any of these areas, she said.

“In younger children,” she noted, “reading difficulties tend to occur due to lack of development of phonological and phonemic awareness in early childhood years.”

As children age,” Bartz continued, “if their phonics are not solid, they spend so much time sounding words out that it affects their understanding of what they have read.

“If parents observe their child often becoming frustrated while reading, it’s best to discuss these concerns with their child’s teacher in order to help the child as soon as possible.”

“A child’s parent is their first — and best — teacher,” concluded Bartz. “We, as teachers, will be awaiting your child’s return to school with open arms and will continue on with their learning journey, wherever they are at.”

JULY 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Father Carl Dekat was a ‘loyal, dedicated priest’

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan — Father Carl Meinrad Dekat was the classic rural pastor, ministering to generations of Catholics in the country places he loved most.

“Father Carl Dekat was an awesome priest — 67 years ordained,” said Msgr. Michael Mullen, retired priest in residence at St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee.

“He was a holy man, a very steady pastor and priest, with a great devotion to our Blessed Mother,” he said.

“I don’t know how many pilgrimages he led. He was very dedicated to the people in the Wamego and Flush area.”

“I knew him very well and liked him,” said Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher. “I used to go out to visit him in the country. He was a fantastic priest, a wonderful priest, well beloved by the people.”

Father Dekat, from Flush, died on June 14 at the age of 92 at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan. Previously, he resided at an assisted living facility in Westmoreland, where he suffered a fall on June 8.

Father Dekat was born in July 5, 1927, in rural Flush. He was one of nine children of Henry A. and Johanna (Nuttman) Dekat.

He and his siblings attended St. Joseph Grade School and High School. When he was a teenager, he spent a summer with his uncle Father Eugene I. Dekat, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. His uncle inspired him to explore a priestly vocation.

Carl graduated from Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri, and then from Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis. Father Dekat was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Edward J. Hunkeler on Feb. 28, 1953, at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas.

His first assignment was from 1953 to 1957 as associate pastor at St. Mary Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

He ministered at a succession of parishes in the years that followed, primarily in rural areas and small towns until he retired in July 2006.

Father Dekat had a busy retirement after he moved to the rectory at St. Joseph Parish in Flush.

He’d celebrate Masses on a rotating basis to help Father Michael Peterson, pastor of St. Bernard Parish, Wamego; St. Joseph Parish, Flush; Holy Family Parish, Alma; and Sacred Heart Parish in Paxico.

“He was very loyal to the church and very dedicated,” said Father Peterson.

“He grew up on a small farm and carried that farm ethic throughout his life,” he added. “He was very devoted to people, very understanding.”

Additionally, Father Dekat would make home visits to shut-ins, visit nursing homes, hear confessions, celebrate funerals and lead rosaries.

“One thing I admired about him was that he was a people pastor,” said Father Bob Hasenkamp, a retired priest in Topeka. “He loved

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Christ’s Peace to host ‘Poustinia’ weekend EASTON — Christ’s Peace House of Prayer here, located at 22131 Meagher Rd., will host a “Poustinia” weekend from 5:30 p.m. on July 17 to 4:30 p.m. on July 19.

The weekend will start with a teaching about what a “Poustinia” is and how to enter into it though the words of Catherine de Hueck Doherty. July 18 will be a “Poustinia” day of prayer and fasting alone. The group will come together on July 19 for Mass and to share the fruit of their experience and what they will take back with them into the world.

Cost is: $170 for a single cabin or courtyard room; $250 for a couple; or $100 for a single guest room.

To register, or for more information, send an email to: info@christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

Healing rosary to be held on July 15

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“HE WAS A HOLY MAN, A VERY STEADY PASTOR AND PRIEST, WITH A GREAT DEVOTION TO OUR BLESSED MOTHER. I DON’T KNOW HOW MANY PILGRIMAGES HE LED. HE WAS VERY DEDICATED TO THE PEOPLE IN THE WAMEGO AND FLUSH AREA.”

to bring Communion to people who were shut in. . . . It was a great source of comfort for those people to have their former pastor bring them Communion.”

Dan Dekat, a nephew, recalled that when he was 11 and his brother Edward was 9, they spent a summer with Father Dekat to “give my mother a break.” He admits the two of them “got in a lot of mischief,” but had a lot of fun.

While a teenager, Dan was at a family reunion in Wamego and asked to borrow his father’s car to “drive around and wave at girls.” His father said, “No,” but Father Dekat tossed him the keys to his Volkswagon Beetle and said, “Here, boys, you can have my car.”

“We ran around for a couple of hours, drained his gas tank, and had a ball,” said Dan. Father Dekat is survived by his sister Dorene Taylor and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas invites everyone to support those who have been wounded by sexual abuse in the church by praying, in solidarity, for their healing and for the protection of all who are vulnerable.

A healing rosary for those intentions will be livestreamed each month at 7:45 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month. The next rosary will be on July 15. Go online to: live stream.com/archkck/healingrosary to view.

Assignments • 1953: Associate pastor of St. Mary Parish in Kansas City, Kansas • 1957: Administrator of St. Joseph Parish in Lillis and St. Patrick Parish in Coal Creek • 1958: Pastor at Lillis and Coal Creek • 1964: Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Wathena • 1968: Pastor of St. Therese Parish in Perry and St. Peter Parish in Big Springs • 1973: Pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Corning • 1974: Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Baileyville • 1979: Pastor of St. Dominic Parish in Holton and St. Francis Xavier Parish in Mayetta • 1985: Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Topeka • 1990: Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in St. Marys, Holy Cross Parish in Emmett and St. Stanislaus in Rossville • 1998: Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Topeka • 2006: Retired to St. Joseph Parish in Flush

and siblings Isabel Gareis, Loretta Straub, Bernard Dekat, Arthur Dekat, Cleo Dekat, Donald Dekat and Gilbert Dekat.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrated the Mass of Christian burial on June 25 at St. Joseph in Flush. Burial was in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions to the Father Carl Dekat Memorial Fund, to benefit the parishes he served, may be sent in care of CampanellaEvans Mortuary in Wamego.

Online condolences may be offered at: campanellafuneral.com.

50th wedding anniversary celebration set for Aug. 23 KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The archdiocesan 50th wedding anniversary celebration has been rescheduled for 2 p.m. on Aug. 23 at Church of the Nativity in Leawood.

If you would like to receive an invitation from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and have not yet submitted your information, call your parish office or contact Mary Anne Kierl at (913) 647-0345 or by email at: flifesec@archkck.org.

Father McEvoy surprised by new position >> Continued from page 4 Father David was born and raised in Leavenworth, attending St. Joseph School and Immaculata High School. He left for about six years to attend college and graduate school but came back when he was 24 and was active in the parish for the next five years before deciding to become a priest.

“I’ll miss the people. The people of the parish have been so good to me,” said Father David. “And my family is here, my own family and my parish family.

“Then there’s just something beautiful about our churches. The churches themselves have a lot of meaning for me.”

But overall, Father David is ready to give back to the Carmelite community.

“I’m very grateful that the Carmelites allowed me to stay here for 20 years — as long as my mother was here — so that was a real blessing . . . and allowed me to serve in my home parish for so long,” Father David said.

“If I can serve the order,” he added, “I’m happy to do that. I hope that I can be of some concrete service to the men of the province.”

FARMERS IN CRISIS

Stress and suicide high among those in the farming industry

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

I

t’s been a problem since the 1980s.

Called “ag stress,” it refers to pressures felt by farmers or those within the agricultural industry.

It can lead to depression, despair and even suicide.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate among farmers is 1.5 times the national rate.

In fact, numerous reports from state and national government entities over the past several years indicate farmers have the highest suicide rates among any profession. Experts say the rate could increase dramatically if steps aren’t taken to address ag stress.

“The problem is real. We cannot ignore that fact,” said Father Arul Carasala, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca.

Father Carasala should know.

Since 2004, he has served as a priest in rural communities like Fidelity, Wetmore, Kelly and Blaine.

Most towns in which he’s served have a population of 300 or fewer.

Throughout his ministry, he’s gotten to know hundreds of families, many of whom own small family farms.

Likewise, Brad Dirks, a physician’s assistant in psychiatry since 1981 and the Kansas State University Research and Extension behavioral health specialist, has treated hundreds of patients — the vast majority of whom have been members of rural farm communities. He said the COVID-19 pandemic is creating additional stress.

Still, if there’s one message he’d like to offer everyone, it’s hope.

“I think we’re really at the beginning of a serious mental health problem that’s going to escalate, but I

LEAVEN PHOTOS BY MARC ANDERSON

Ben Hasenkamp, a member of St. Patrick Parish in Corning, is a fourth-generation farmer who has been in the business for 10 years. Ben’s father Bob, also a farmer, took his own life in 2010. don’t want to make it sound hopeless because the good news is that I’ve never seen so many resources being brought into play, and everyone is recognizing it now.”

At 28, Ben Hasenkamp, a member of St. Patrick Parish in Corning (pop.

163), has farmed for 10 years. In fact, he’s one of the many fourth-generation farmers found in Nemaha County. He’s always trying to learn, so he researches as much as he can about the agricultural industry. Growing up, he heard sto-

ries from other local farmers, including those shared by family members.

In the 1970s, Hasenkamp said, expansion was key.

“At that time, everybody raised hogs,” he noted. “Everybody milked cows. Bankers were pushing farmers to build bigger milk barns, bigger hog facilities and produce more row crop.”

Then, the bottom fell out, especially here in the Midwest.

According to farmprogress.com, the recession caused the price of farmland to drop by 60% in some parts of the Midwest between 1981 and 1985.

Coupled with policies enacted by the Federal Reserve — policies aimed at bringing down high interest rates that had reached upwards of 20% — and record production, the prices >> Continued on the next page

>> Continued from previous page

that farmers could get for their crops dropped dramatically.

By 1984, farm debt had hit $215 billion, double what it had been in 1978.

Unlike the 1980s, today’s interest rates are low, but that may not help farmers’ debt loads.

For example, Hasenkamp has heard stories of land selling for as low as $500 to $800 per acre in the 1980s. Nowadays, an acre costs around $3,000. So, despite low interest rates, farmers often have trouble making loan payments.

“Land prices are jacked up so high, and if your money is tied up in the land and you lose your crop, you’re not able to make your payment. So, you have the risk of losing the farm,” Father Carasala said.

Ben Hasenkamp’s older brother Nick, a member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, was born in 1986 during the farm crisis. In addition to land being expensive, he said other costs make farming costly.

“Land is not cheap. And not only is it not cheap, many times it’s not available,” he said.

“When it is available, you pay a premium. Then, of course, you need the equipment to produce the crops.”

Equipment doesn’t come cheap either.

According to agservicefinder. com, as of March of this year, a new combine costs between $330,000 and $500,000 on average. That’s one piece of equipment.

With 400 acres invested in corn and soybeans, Ben tries to buy used equipment. Sometimes though, farmers are forced to purchase new equipment in order to ensure time isn’t lost on repairs during planting season or harvest.

In farming, timing is everything.

“Farming is almost like gambling,” Father Carasala said.

“They put the crop in, trusting in God there will be perfect weather until the harvest,” he continued. “Sometimes, it depends on the prices. One week, they could be pretty high, and you are gambling to wait and see if the prices will go up a little bit.”

Prices can drop dramatically, sometimes overnight.

“That’s why I use the word gambling. If you’re lucky, you might be able to sell at the right time and at the right price,” Father Carasala said.

Then, there’s the time involved.

Sometimes, Father Carasala said, in order to keep up with the harvest, farmers run machines all night long. Not seeing their families can create a sense of guilt. That’s why he always schedules major parish activities during the slower times of the farming cycle.

Even so, he’s been grateful through the years to see that farmers always find time for Mass.

Growing up, Nick Hasenkamp

Farmers can find help online

I

n December 2019, the Kansas Department of Agriculture launched an online resource to assist those involved in agriculture, particularly farmers. The website — www.kansasagstress. org — serves as a clearinghouse of local, state and national resources dedicated to alleviating stressors involved in farming, including debt relief, counseling, legal assistance and resources to assist farmers feed their families.

“Ag stress affects the whole family. It’s not just the producer,” said Kelsey Olson, assistant secretary of agriculture for the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Initially, between December and February, the website saw 3,000 hits.

For the month of April, though, the website experienced a 65% increase in traffic, mostly due to COVID-19’s effects.

“The uncertainty and how quickly these situations are changing — whether at the distribution centers or at the processing plants — has just added an additional level of stress to producers who are looking to sell their market-ready animals,” she said.

Olson is encouraging people who don’t farm to visit the website — for either help or ways to help.

“We will have a stronger impact,” she said, “if we are able to collaborate across a wide cross-section of agencies, of nonprofits, and of private and public businesses that know that this is a problem and want to help address the needs.

“It doesn’t mean [we farmers are] not strong individuals. Getting help just makes sense.”

witnessed the immense faith of the farmers in his family.

“Farmers have more faith than anybody else on the face of this earth,” he said. “What other job requires you to only work the ground and plant the seed, and then you have nothing left to do until it comes time to harvest?”

Yet the weather in between planting and harvest can wreak havoc.

“It’s too wet; it’s too dry,” Dirks said. “There can be serious flooding. If you live in a place where you do a lot of irrigation and you’re told you can’t because the aquifer is low, then all of a sudden that creates significant stressors.”

Add in the volatility of the markets, impacted by governmental policies. Recently, the pandemic has added uncertainty which, according to Dirks, is going to cause a ripple effect in the next year or so as farmers

How you can help • If you are a priest, deacon or counselor providing care to a farmer, first get to know the farmer. Talk about the farmer’s home, acreage, animals, family life, etc. Try to truly understand the farmer’s unique situation.

• If you are a priest or deacon, consider reviving the tradition of blessing farms and farm equipment.

• You don’t have to be a priest or deacon to help, however. Listen. Sometimes, all it takes is a friend to provide a listening ear.

• Be aware of the signs of mental distress.

• Take a mental health firstaid class. Learn how to stage interventions, if necessary.

confront the economic fallout.

Ben Hasenkamp has witnessed the pandemic’s effects firsthand.

Every weekday, he drives four hours — one way — to a beef processing plant in Nebraska. As of mid-May, that plant’s daily production had been cut in half — from 1,800 head to roughly 800 or 900 due to staffing shortages and shifting markets demands.

• Familiarize yourself with the resources listed online at: www.kansasagstress.org.

• Pray for and with farmers.

Seek the intercession of St. Isidore, their patron saint.

• Follow up with farmers on a regular basis. Make a phone call. Ask them to coffee. Get to know them personally.

• Consider making a financial contribution to a nonprofit such as Farm Aid. • Buy locally. Facebook groups such as Shop Kansas Farms connect consumers to local farmers, ranchers and small meat packers.

• Establish a website for farmers to sell directly to restaurants in your area.

That means cattle farmers are spending more money on feed to keep cows alive until they can sell them — or worse, euthanizing animals.

“I’ve heard from farmers saying they’ve had to dump a whole tank of milk. There’s no place they can take it to.

They’ve had to put down their pigs and cattle,” said Father Carasala.

Meanwhile, the prices farmers

During the celebration for Farmer’s Fea Delia at Christ’s Peace House of Prayer way to support and affirm those who w

receive for cattle are plummeting.

According to modernfarmer. com, as of this past April, prices were down 16%.

“The cost of goods, the cost of resources, the cost of fuel, everything continues to increase on a yearly basis,” Nick Hasenkamp said, “yet you continue to see a decline in the return.

“So, expenses catch up, and you risk losing the family farm, which has been in the family

Prayer for St. Isidore’s Intercession Dear Isidore, You know how normal it is to cultivate the land For you were employed as a farm laborer For the greater part of your life.

Although you received God’s help materially Through angels in the field, All farmers are aided spiritually To see the wonders God has strewn on this earth.

Encourage all farmers in their labors And help them to feed numerous people.

The New St. Joseph’s Prayer Book

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

s Marceil Hasenkamp displays a picture of her late husband Bob. Tragically, he took his own life in 2010, leaving behind his wife of 27 years and seven children — all pictured here in this recent family photo. They are: (back row, from left), Tony Hasenkamp, Josh Hasenkamp, Nick Hasenkamp and Ben Hasenkamp; (front row, from left) Liz Hanzlicek, Marceil, Becca Miller and Maggie Hasenkamp.

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO

east Day, Father Lazar Carasala gives holy Communion to Linda Dohrman of near Easton. Religious services recognizing the importance of farming are a work the land.

for generations. That’s a heavy cross to carry.”

And what happens if a farmer has major medical issues?

Oftentimes, Dirks said, even if the debt doesn’t wipe out the farm, it can add another level of stress.

For the Hasenkamps, declining health played a large role in their father’s mental state near the end. Tragically, Bob Hasenkamp took his own

life in late 2010.

It’s only been in the past five years or so that Nick said he’s gained a deeper appreciation of the mental anguish his father must have felt.

“You have a small farm. You have seven kids, and you’re in a remote, rural community,” he said. “His health was declining, which means the medical bills were increasing. You’ve got kids that were growing, and

grocery bills that were increasing, and they were pouring their hearts into giving us all that we needed.”

“He was put on this earth to farm,” Nick continued, “but he was losing the ability to do the work himself, and relying on others to do the work.

“That’s a really hard thing to do.”

Dirks agreed. He’s seen cases where farmers suffered horrible injuries, but kept right on working.

“They say, ‘Well, no one else can do that. I’m the only one here,’” said Dirks.

“So, if they’re sick, if they’re sad or if they’re stressed, they just put their head down and go,” he added. “That’s just part of the culture. You wouldn’t be a farmer if you weren’t a self-starter, self-motivating, if you just couldn’t get in there

and do it.

“Whether your farm makes or breaks it, it’s up to you.

There’s no one else.”

Asking for help, Ben said, is tough for farmers, mostly because they are intensely independent and proud.

“Farmers . . . we’re just a different breed,” he said. “You don’t really talk about problems with others. We pretty much see each other at the bar or the local co-op, but you don’t really talk much.

“You talk about the weather, but you don’t talk about anything important. So, everything’s just buried.”

Calling pressures faced by farmers today “unprecedented,” Dirks said many will not seek help.

“We have a lot of pressures we’ve never had before, and it’s impacting people to the point where they know they’re not making it economically and they have no options,” he said.

“And so, they turn that in on themselves.”

Additionally, he said that isolation is often associated with depression, and farmers are certainly isolated. They can spend hours by themselves.

Ben spends around 12 hours driving every weekday, rarely making it home before 7 p.m.

Then, it’s time for farm chores.

Most nights, he eats supper around 9 or 10, leaving him little time to spend with his

wife Jordan.

Families, Dirks said, are critical in relieving mental stress.

“When you’re stressed, you don’t do well at relationships,” he said, “and then the relationship which should have been a supportive thing is not one of support now because you tend to be angry and irritable and push people further [away], and further socially isolate.

“It leads to a snowball effect.

We further socially isolate and [don’t] spend time with family and then a lot of us are too proud to say, ‘Hey, I’m struggling here.’ We have a lot of pride, so it’s really hard to go in.”

Farmers, Father Carasala said, even struggle to talk to priests.

When a farmer seeks his help, he listens awhile, trying to assess their needs. If he refers someone to a counselor, he follows up later from time to time.

“We struggled back in the ’80s with having resources for people,” said Dirks. “But I have never seen so many resources [as are available today]. So many organizations understand the need and are doing something about it. . . . It’s amazing.”

“There are resources available,” Dirks added. “The trick is how do we get individuals who need that help to be willing to ask for it?”

JULY 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

FAMILY LIFE

10

The fight against racism starts with what we teach our children

By Deacon Tony Zimmerman Special to The Leaven

H

ow do we talk as a family about the issue of racism which is so in the forefront of our daily news?

I grew up during the Civil Rights movement. I had the occasion to travel throughout the South on one of the trucks used by my family’s business to pick up proTOOLS FOR duce. I saw FAMILIES the signs Growing as that limited Disciples of access to Jesus re s t ro o m s , water fountains and restaurants to “whites only.”

My grandfather, who I would say was my best friend, was guilty of racism and bigotry in word and action. How could this person whom I loved and looked up to exhibit this behavior? It was a confusing time for me.

I saw all of this and inside my heart a small voice said, “This is wrong.”

I was blessed to know clergy and religious who spoke against this injustice, even though it meant criticism by others. Still

Little Rock Nine Civil Rights Memorial on the grounds of the Arkansas State Capitol building in Little Rock, Arkansas, pays tribute to the group of nine African American students enrolled in Little Rock Central High School in 1957, which caused an uproar in the state. today, we face this scourge of hatred and injustice some 55 years later. It has left deep wounds that will not easily go

Thomas and Donna Dieker, members of St. Teresa Parish, Westphalia, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on July 4. The couple was married on July 4, 1960, at St. Teresa. Their children are: Douglas Dieker, Christine Gardner, Jeffrey Dieker, Monica Creitz and Denise Kissinger. They also have 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Ron and Connie (Zeltner) Torkelson, members of St. Mary Parish, Purcell, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 18. The couple was married on July 18, 1970, at St. Leo Church, Horton.

They are planning a family dinner to celebrate. Their children are: Ronda Smith and Travis Torkelson. They also have seven grandchildren.

Connie (Hicks) and Gary Murphy, members of St. Joseph Parish, Olpe, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 27 with family. The couple was married on June 27, 1970, at Sacred Heart Church, Emporia.

Their children are: Colby Murphy, Angela Resch and Audra Steen. They also have six grandchildren.

A family trip to celebrate is planned for a later date.

away. I believe that God has written his law of love on our hearts.

It is the source of the little voice that I heard when witnessing

words and deeds that minimalized others.

So, where do we start as families? It is with the “remote”

Cris and Gordon Wood, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th anniversary on July 4. The couple was married on July 4, 1970, at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in River Forest, Illinois.

They have two daughters: Erin Wood Lassey, Holton; and Meg Wood Duhaime, Bedford, New Hampshire. They also have four grandchildren. A celebration will be held at a future date when all families can be together.

Ray and Donna Graf, longtime members of Immaculate C o n ce p t i o n -St. Joseph Parish, Leavenworth, currently members of St. John Parish, Iola, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 11.

The couple was married on July 11, 1970, at the Memorial Chapel at Fort Leavenworth. The marriage was convalidated at Immaculate Conception Church, Leavenworth, on April 11, 1981, by Father Norbert Lickteig. Their children are: Jason Graf and Lindsey Graf.

Harold and Linda (Schriever) Kramer, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 11. The couple was married at St. Francis Borgia Church, Washington, Missouri. They have three daughters, six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. A trip is planned after a family dinner.

Telesa A. (Dusil) and Stephen J. “Buds” Tinberg, members of Sacred H e a r t of Jesus Parish, Shawnee, celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 26. The couple was married on June 26, 1970, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Bonner Springs. Their children are: Jeffrey Tinberg, Shannyn Tinberg, Brian Tinberg, Lindsay Tinberg, Kathleen Schram and Jason Schram. They also have nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. They celebrated with a family dinner and will celebrate with a Mass and party at a later date.

Karen and Mark Sigg, members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 4.

The couple was married on July 4, 1970, at St. Boniface Church, Tipton. They will celebrate on July 3 with a family dinner. Their children are: Eric Sigg, Stephanie Sigg and Ryan Sigg. They also have seven grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY submissions POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices.

DEADLINE: 10 days before the desired publication date.

INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • The couple’s names • their parish • the date they were married

preparation we should receive in the little “domestic churches” of our homes. It begins with how we treat one another. Talk about little scriptural phrases such as “do unto others” or “love one another as I have loved you.” What are we called to do in our homes or schools? The first step is to put ourselves in the other person’s place. What is it like to be them?

• How do you feel when you see someone excluded from games or fun at school?

• How do you feel when you are left out of fun and games?

• How do you feel when you hear others speak unkindly or make fun of someone else?

• How do you feel when you experience being put down by others in words or deeds?

• What might you do when you see others who experience sadness at these times?

Hopefully, this little examination of behaviors toward others will awaken in our hearts as parents, grandparents, or big sisters and brothers an awareness that the scourge and pain of racism is a learned behavior.

Our Lord Jesus shows us the way to overcome this is with the love that Our Father has placed in our hearts.

Mary Alice (Fernandez) and Javier Porraz Sr., members of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Kansas C i t y , Kansas, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year. The couple was married on April 4, 1970, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Kansas City, Kansas, by Father Raymond Burger. Their children are: Consuelo, Javier Jr., Juan and Victor. They also have 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. They will celebrate with family and friends later this year.

Richard and Mary (Schrey) Moppin will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 4.

They were married at St. Joseph Church, Leavenworth, by Father Valentine, O.Carm. Mary is a member of Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish, Leavenworth.

They have three daughters: Amy Vital, Leavenworth; Jennifer Forsberg, Leavenworth; and Sarah Moppin, Centreville, Virginia. The also have eight grandchildren.

They will celebrate with family and take an Alaskan cruise at a later date.

• church and city where they were married • what they are doing to celebrate • date of the celebration • names of children (no spouses) • number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; WHERE TO SUBMIT: Send notices to: todd.habiger@the leaven.org.

JULY 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Pandemic doesn’t slow school advancement

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — When archdiocesan schools shut down in March in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the School Advancement Program (SAP) opened up to creative ways of staying connected and committed to Catholic education.

“Nothing changes as far as the school needs are concerned,” said Michael Morrisey, executive director of SAP. “We couldn’t be more proud of our schools, our business teams and our boards through all this.

“They’re continuing to move the ball forward.”

SAP is a three-year process involving three phases of development for each participating school.

The first phase involves setting up a business team of volunteers from throughout the archdiocese that understands and can help manage the business side of the school.

Phase two includes development and fundraising, while phase three encompasses enrollment management.

During the pandemic, video conferencing has been the key to continuing productivity, and no one understands that better than Debora Schmitz, a member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Topeka and president of the Mater Dei School business team.

Schmitz is an information technology director with a 35-year career in the industry.

“As an IT person,” she said, “I see how the internet has made this pandemic bearable.

“Mater Dei has embraced technology for years, and I think introducing that technology to the business team members and having them on board has been excellent.”

Various committees send status reports to Schmitz prior to virtual meetings. She then compiles the information into one document for review by the team during their video conference.

Getting everyone online and connected took a few minutes at first, but Schmitz said it is “old school” now.

“They log in easily,” she said. “And we are conducting the meetings very quickly, going through the business.

“I would say from a business-team standpoint, and this is my IT heart speaking, it’s good for us to recognize that we can be together even when we’re not together.”

Kurt Rall, a parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood, is a member of the business team that serves Our Lady of Unity School in Kansas City, Kansas.

He has seen video communication streamline the process of getting things done.

Kansans for Life announces essay winners

K SUBMITTED PHOTO

Business teams of volunteers from throughout the archdiocese have used Zoom meetings and other technology to keep the School Advancement Program on track.

“You don’t have the socializing in the front and at the end,” he said. “It’s very cordial, it’s very businesslike.

“We’re hitting our goals, we’re hitting our objectives.”

The Our Lady of Unity team is so efficient virtually that they are quickly progressing on plans for a fundraiser pig roast next October.

Fundraising is one of the many responsibilities of the business teams and has taken on particular importance with the pandemic’s negative impact on the economy.

“The parishes are struggling from a giving standpoint,” said Morrisey.

“Parish subsidies are important to these schools.”

To that end, Holy Name School in Kansas City, Kansas, is also looking forward to a fundraiser next January.

Zoom and Google Meet have been successful venues for coordinating their work.

“Of course, we miss the personto-person contact,” said business team member Cherie Rourke, a parishioner of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood. “But we can actually have these remote meetings and be able to see facial expressions.

“I think people are learning to work in a different way.”

Boards and business teams have been essential in helping schools tread the waters of the pandemic, and will continue their strong support when schools are back in session.

“

“THE PARISHES ARE STRUGGLING FROM A GIVING STANDPOINT. PARISH SUBSIDIES ARE IMPORTANT TO THESE SCHOOLS.”

Get involved with SAP The School Advancement Program (SAP) gives business leaders an opportunity to help Catholic schools become self-sustaining, especially in parishes where families struggle financially.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can help, contact Michael Morrisey by email at: mmorrisey@archkck.org or call (816) 806-8132.

“They didn’t miss a beat,” said Morrisey. “I think our people have been interacting more with the principals and pastors than before.”

From organizing fundraisers, to assisting with the Payroll Protection Plan, to recruiting new students during the shutdown, team and board members have been there.

“Principals and pastors have had someone to turn to for support,” said Morrisey. “And that’s what the business team and respective boards are supposed to do.”

“I think we’ve learned that things go on,” said Rourke. “Just because we can’t meet together in a face-to-face interaction, we still know the goal is to keep the doors open.

“And it’s all about the kids.”

Schmitz predicts this new way of doing business will continue to pay off in the future.

“Even when we’re meeting face-toface,” she said, “sometimes you really want to squeeze in a meeting somewhere and it’s kind of nice to have that tool in your tool belt where you can say, ‘Lets just get on a Google Meet session.’

“We can meet together, we can see each other, we can share documents and work through things.

“That’s excellent technology.”

11

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Kansans for Life hosted its annual oratory contest to encourage teens to speak up for the value of human life. The 2020 David Gittrich Memorial Oratorical Contest was conducted by Zoom videoconference on May 30 for high school juniors and seniors.

Students from around the state presented original, pro-life speeches that were based on recent KFL legislative efforts to stop unlimited abortion and approve the Value Them Both amendment to the Kansas Constitution. The winner, Jacob Toole, will go on to compete in the National Right to Life Oratory Contest this summer.

A panel of four judges ranked the contestants. The top five winners are: • Jacob Toole, Washington County High School senior – first • Nathan Knapp, Aletheia Academy junior from Seneca – second • Jimmy Mendoza, St. James Academy junior from Lenexa – third • Valerie Rosqueta, St. James Academy junior from Spring Hill – fourth • Baylie Owens, Excel Online Academy senior from Hesston – fifth Several students said they grew in their knowledge and ability to speak on pro-life issues by entering the contest.

“Participating in the contest was surely a new experience for me,” said Rosqueta. “I learned a lot about the movement through my research and writing. Crafting a speech dedicated to pro-life topics definitely increased my confidence to talk about it to others as well.”

Some students have already been actively involved in standing up for women and their babies, such as in the March for Life, 40 Days for Life and Life Chain.

“I have recently felt the need to be actively involved in the pro-life movement,” said Knapp, “and will continue to work in whatever ways God gives me to defend them, whether it be in writing, in voting or in supporting prolife organizations.”

Kansans for Life looks forward to next year’s oratorical contest and is excited to hear a new generation of young people with the passion to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Area public and private schools and home school groups are notified each year. Information about the contest is also available at the KFL. org website each spring. Monetary prizes are awarded, and the winner is given the opportunity to become a pro-life spokesperson by presenting the winning speech at KFL events. For any questions regarding next year’s contest, contact the contest director by email at: JoAn@KFL.org.

JULY 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

USCCB president ‘deeply concerned’ about court’s LGBT ruling

W

A S H I N GTO N (CNS) — The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said he is “deeply concerned” that by ruling federal law protects LGBT workers from discrimination, the U.S. Supreme Court “has effectively redefined the legal meaning of ‘sex’ in our nation’s civil rights law.”

“This is an injustice that will have implications in many areas of life,” Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez said in a statement issued late June 15.

Earlier in the day the high court in a 6-3 vote said LGBT people are protected from job discrimination

by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex,” said Justice Neil Gorsuch writing the opinion in the case argued at the start of the court’s term last October.

“Only the written word is the law, and all persons are entitled to its benefit,” Gorsuch wrote. Dissenting votes were from Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh.

Archbishop Gomez said that “by erasing the beautiful differences and complementary relationship between man and woman, we ignore the glory of God’s creation and harm the human family, the first building block of society.”

“Our sex, whether we are male or female, is part of God’s plan for creation and for our lives,” he continued. “As Pope Francis has taught with such sensitivity, to live in the truth with God’s intended gifts in our lives requires that we receive our bodily and sexual identity with

CNS PHOTO/VICTOR ALEMAN, COURTESY ANGELUS NEWS

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, is seen during a special liturgy in renewing the consecration of the U.S. to the care of our Blessed Mother May 1, from the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. being fired.

At issue in this case is the wording in the Civil Rights Act, which prevents employment discrimina“WE PRAY THAT THE tion based on race, religion, nationCHURCH, WITH THE HELP al origin and sex. The court had to determine if discrimination that OF MARY, THE MOTHER was not allowed based on sex apto sexual orientation as well OF GOD, WILL BE ABLE TO plied as gender identity.

In his statement, Archbishop CONTINUE HER MISSION Gomez said that “protecting our TO BRING JESUS CHRIST TO neighbors from unjust discrimination does not require redefinEVERY MAN AND WOMAN.” ing human nature.” Every human person “is made in the image and likeness of God and, without exgratitude from our Creator. No one ception, must be treated with digcan find true happiness by pursu- nity, compassion and respect,” he ing a path that is contrary to God’s said.

“We pray that the church, with plan.”

The decision handed down was the help of Mary, the Mother of for two consolidated cases about God, will be able to continue her fired gay employees and a sepa- mission to bring Jesus Christ to rate case concerning a fired trans- every man and woman,” he said in gender worker who had sued for his statement. employment discrimination after

“

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Religious schools should not be excluded WASHINGTON (CNS) — In a 5-4 ruling June 30, the Supreme Court said the exclusion of religious schools in Montana’s state scholarship aid program violated the federal Constitution.

In the opinion, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, the court ruled that if a state offers financial assistance to private schools, it has to allow religious schools to also take part.

Roberts said the decision by the Montana Supreme Court to invalidate the school scholarship program because it would provide funding to both religious schools and secular schools “bars religious schools from public benefits solely because of the religious character of the schools.”

Advocates for school choice praised the decision. “The weight that this monumental decision carries is immense, as it’s an extraordinary victory for student achievement, parental control, equality in educational opportunities and First Amendment rights,” said Jeanne Allen, founder and chief executive of the Center for Education Reform.

High court rules against plan to end DACA WASHINGTON (CNS) — In one of the most anticipated cases of the term, the Supreme Court June 18 ruled against efforts by the Trump administration to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA. In a 5-4 decision, the court said the Trump administration’s actions in rescinding the program were “arbitrary and capricious.”

Last November, the court examined three separate appellate court rulings that blocked President Donald Trump’s 2017 executive order to end DACA, a program that started in 2012 by executive order under the Obama administration and which has enabled about 700,000 qualifying young people, described as “Dreamers,” to work, go to college, get health insurance and a driver’s license and not face deportation.

These young adults were brought to the U.S. as children by their parents without legal documentation.

“We welcome the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision noting that the Trump administration did not follow proper administrative procedures required to repeal the DACA program,” said a statement by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

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JULY 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Community live-in assistants - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in day program support services and in residential services. We are seeking assistants who are looking for a unique opportunity in a faith-based organization. We are in immediate need of live-in assistants and potential live-out assistants to work in our day program serving 30 adults. We have a recycling program and community activities. Our core members participate in distributing for Meals on Wheels and Rise Against Hunger. They also attend community events such as the library, movies, bowling and going to parks. We also have a need for live-in and live-out assistants in our five residential homes. If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org.

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

Principal - St. Thomas More Parish seeks a principal committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. The position will begin on July 1, 2020. More information and application can be found at the following link: careers.hireology. com/thecatholicdioceseofkansascitystjoseph, and then scroll down to: St. Thomas More School.

Music teacher - St. Ann School in Prairie Village is seeking a music teacher for the 2020–21 school year. This applicant should be eager to work with pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade students and lead programs such as the Fall Production, Christmas programs and Spring Fling. This candidate will also work closely with our parish liturgy and music director for all-school Masses and prayer services. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process online at: www.arch kckcs.org and email a resume to principal Liz Minks at: lminks@stannpv.org.

Office assistant - Looking for a fulfilling job where you’re a part of a successful, growing, small company? Seeking a dependable, detail-oriented, adaptable, self-motivated and customer-focused individual with excellent communication skills for an office assistant position with an established local company. Individual will perform a wide variety of tasks, including invoicing, customer service, receiving/shipping, vendor relations, product ordering and collections. Computer skills are a must; QuickBooks knowledge is a plus. Please send resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

Teacher - Xavier Catholic School in Leavenworth is seeking full-time elementary and part-time physical education teachers for the 2020-21 school year. Interested candidates, please send an email to: principal.xavier@ leavenworthcatholicschool.org for more information.

Experience Sips for Scholarships virtually - on July 26 from 7 - 8 p.m. 100% of the proceeds go to need-based scholarships for students to attend Resurrection Catholic School (KCK). Tune in to the show at: rcskck.org to see student performances, guest speakers, bid on silent auction items and more! Contribute $100 or more to the Giving Wall before July 18 and receive complimentary Sips delivered to your door. For more information, to purchase a sponsorship or to make a donation, visit: rcskck.org or call (913) 371-8101.

Career opportunity – Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri metro areas, St. Joseph, Mo., and Maryville, Mo. This is ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual, who desires to serve others yet earn a better than average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families, and will provide excellent benefits and training. This is a full-time position. For more information or an interview, please contact John A. Mahon, General Agent, 1275 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612; call (855) 356-4849; or email: mahonagency mail2@kofc.org.

Full-time math teacher - Resurrection School is seeking a full-time math teacher for the 2020-21 school year.

Candidates must hold a current Kansas teaching license and be certified to teach middle school math. Candidates must have experience working in education and value a team-oriented environment. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process at: www.archkckcs.org. For more information please contact Lynda Higgins at: lhiggins@rcskck.org or (913) 371-8101.

Youth ministry lead - St. John Paul II Parish in Olathe is seeking a full-time youth ministry lead. This position will oversee and coordinate all aspects of youth ministry, including confirmation preparation, for middle and high school parishioners and their families. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing with a passion for forming adults and youth to be missionary disciples. A college degree and church or missionary work experience are preferred. A complete job description is available at: www.jp2kc.org and interested parties should send cover letter and resume to: office@ jp2kc.org or mail to: St. John Paul II Parish, 16680 S. Lind Road, Olathe, KS 66062 by July 15.

Board members - Santa Marta – Johnson County’s premier life-care community sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is actively seeking board members for the term beginning January, 2021. The board meets during the business day six times a year, and each board member also serves on a committee that meets six to twelve times a year. We are seeking applicants with an expertise in marketing, business management, law, finance and IT. Individuals that have the time and interest in providing input and seek to assist in fulfilling the mission of Santa Marta are encouraged to apply. Those who wish to be considered for appointment to the Board are encouraged to submit a letter of interest, resume or details of relevant experience and home parish to Heidi Abeln at: habeln@santamartaretirement.com by July 31, 2020. Any questions regarding the application process can also be emailed to this address, and a current Board member will reply. Be sure to include your phone number and mailing address. Additional information about Santa Marta can be viewed at: www.santamartaretirement. com.

Preschool teacher - Resurrection School is seeking a full-time preschool teacher for the 2020-21 school year.

Candidates must have experience working in primary education in a preschool setting and value a team-oriented environment. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process at: www.archkckcs.org.

For more information, please contact Lynda Higgins at: lhiggins@rcskck.org or (913) 371-8101.

Janitorial - Need janitorial services in small office building, evenings, M - F. Experience preferred. Call John at (913) 575-2686.

Equipment operators and laborers needed - Local asphalt pavement maintenance contractor with 60 years of experience is looking for dependable, professional workers. We have a need for equipment operators and laborers. A Class A CDL with a current medical card is a plus. Please call (913) 441-2555. EOE. Spanish and/or Latin teacher - St. Michael the Archangel School is seeking a Spanish and/or Latin teacher. The preferred candidate will be a practicing Catholic. Desired start date is on or about Aug. 11. Pay and hours will be based on skills and experience. Please send resume and cover letter by mail to the parish school principal: Dr. Lorenzo Rizzi, 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood, KS 66223; by email at: lorenzo.rizzi@stmichaelcp.org; or call (913) 402-3965.

Service technician - Would you like to be part of the success of a small, growing, local company? Seeking individuals looking for flexible part-time work maintaining and repairing small equipment for our established family company. Service is completed at customers’ locations and electrical knowledge is a plus. Position involves regional travel with 50% overnight stays; some lightweight lifting and walking; dependable transportation is a must. Positive attitude, dependability, time management and self-motivation skills, as well as being quality- and customer-oriented, are required. We need go-getters willing and ready to work! Please send resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

After-school care supervisor - St. Michael the Archangel School is seeking an after-school care program supervisor. This position is responsible for schoolchildren in kindergarten through 8th grades from 3:25 - 6 p.m.

Job responsibilities include coordinating snacks and monitoring homework, outdoor play and free-play activities. The ideal candidate will be someone who loves and has prior experience working with children. Contact Dr. Lorenzo Rizzi, school principal, at (913) 402-3965 or send resume and cover letter to: lorenzo.rizzi@stmichaelcp. org.

School event facilitator - Holy Name of Jesus School event facilitator is needed. With the assistance of the principal and the Holy Name business team, the facilitator will work with the Holy Name staff and volunteers to envision, plan and execute a Signature Event in January 2021. The event facilitator will assist in developing and cultivating event donors and community relations to allow Holy Name School to fulfill its mission. Send resume to Randy Smith, Principal, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School, 1007 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66103; (913) 722-0132; rsmith@archkckcs.org.

Preschool director - St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, Kansas, is seeking applicants for our preschool director position. Applicants must have 3 - 5 years of teaching and/or director-level experience and a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent.

We are looking for a caring, team-focused leader with a passion for teaching God’s children. The successful candidate will be self-directed, possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and embrace and practice the Catholic faith. Job description, application and benefits information are available at: www.stmichaelcp.org/employment-opportunities.

HOME IMPROVEMENT NELSON CREATIONS Affordable home remodeling: Kitchens, baths, basements and room additions.

All interior and exterior work.

Honest, dependable, experienced and family owned.

Licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

(913) 927-5240 or nelsport@everestkc.net

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

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

Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, power washing, staining, masonry (chimney repair, patio’s) gutter cleaning, water heaters, junk removal, lawn mowing, window cleaning, honey - do list and more!!

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

Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful.

Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125.

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

Popcorn texture removal specialist.

Renew your walls with a fresh coat of quality paint!

Sheetrock and plaster repair Fully insured, serving Kansas for 27 years Call or text Jerry at (913) 206-1144.

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace amped, 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.

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 The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured!

Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

SERVICES Handyman - Furloughed railroader trying to keep the bills paid for my family. I advertised here as Father and Son Home Exteriors and Remodeling for 13 years previously. I can do carpentry, windows, doors, trim, siding and decks. Also paint, sheetrock and tiling. No project too big or too small. Give me a call and ask for Josh at (913) 709-7230.

Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@ kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

Dyslexia Tutor services - Dyslexia specialist offering tutoring services in east Olathe to students of all ages who struggle with spelling and reading. I use the multi-sensory Barton Reading and Spelling System, which has proven to be extremely successful, especially with students who have dyslexia. For a free consultation and screening, call (913) 522-8028 or email: dyslexia tutor101@gmail.com.

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 montemacedisability.org.

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.

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8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered Take back your power and release weight, fatigue and joint pain without hunger or cravings!

Call or text Kathi at (816) 809-7739 Email: imagewellness2@gmail.com Custom countertops - Laminates installed within five days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

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

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.

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

REAL ESTATE 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.

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.

Rental properties - Getting into this kind of investment can be scary. How about if you could have access to a seasoned investor after the sale as a consultant? I am selling some of my investments that are in the KCMO area that you might be interested in. I am not a realtor, but I have owned these properties for a long time. Call (785) 883-2936, leave me your contact information and I will return your call within 24 hours.

FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) For sale - One plot at Chapel Hills Memorial Gardens, Kansas City, Kansas. Plot will hold 2 cremains, one cremain and a casket, or one casket. Asking $1,150. Seller will pay the $150 transfer fee. Call 1 (719) 633-8292.

For sale - Double lawn crypt at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa; Garden of Hope section, double lawn crypt, lot 14A, space 4. Conveyance fee included. $6000. Call Joan at (913) 634-3366.

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

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

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

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

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

Private duty caregivers - Caregivers needed for bedbound client for 8 a.m. - weekends, in the Argentine area off 18th Street Expressway. Tasks include meal prep, bathing, light housekeeping and other tasks as needed.

Call (913) 602-1289.

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) 3412500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

JULY 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY FOURTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME July 5 FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Zec 9: 9-10 Ps 145: 1-2, 8-11, 13-14 Rom 8: 9, 11-13 Mt 11: 25-30 July 6 Maria Goretti, virgin, martyr Hos 2: 16, 17b-18, 21-22 Ps 145: 2-9 Mt 9: 18-26 July 7 Tuesday Hos 8: 4-7, 11-13 Ps 115: 3-7b, 8-10 Mt 9: 32-38 July 8 Wednesday Hos 10: 1-3, 7-8, 12 Ps 105: 2-7 Mt 10: 1-7 July 9 Augustine Zhao Rong, priest, and companions, martyrs Hos 11: 1-4, 8c-9 Ps 80: 2ac, 3b, 15-16 Mt 10: 7-15 July 10 Friday Hos 14: 2-10 Ps 51: 3-4, 8-9, 12-14, 17 Mt 10: 16-23 July 11 Is 6: 1-8 Ps 93: 1-2, 5 Mt 10: 24-33 FIFTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME July 12 Is 55: 10-11 Ps 65: 10-14 Rom 8: 18-23 Mt 13: 1-23 July 13 Is 1: 10-17 Ps 50: 8-9, 16b-17, 21, 23 Mt 10:34 – 11:1 July 14 Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin Is 7: 1-9 Ps 48: 2-8 Mt 11: 20-24 July 15 Bonaventure, bishop, doctor of the church Is 10: 5-7, 13b-16 Ps 94: 5-10, 14-15 Mt 11: 25-27 July 16 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Is 26: 7-9, 12, 16-19 Ps 102: 13-14b, 15-21 Mt 11: 28-30 July 17 Friday Is 38: 1-6, 21-22, 7-8 (Ps) Is 38: 10-12, 16 Mt 12: 1-8 July 18 Camillus de Lellis, priest Mi 2: 1-5 Ps 10: 1-4, 7-8, 14 Mt 12: 14-21

T

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Dear Lord, bless this mess . . . and me

his past Monday, I hit a wall — not physically, but emotionally and spiritually. It was the pandemic wall and I found myself bouncing between sad and mad.

Ever since St. Patrick’s Day, I’ve been faithful to the recommended safety protocols. I’ve stayed home, worn a mask in public and practiced social distancing. I did venture out, however, a couple of weeks ago to the barbershop — this, as a result of parishioners commenting that I was beginning to resemble Albert Einstein (the crazy hair, not the brains!).

And then, Monday, I found myself asking, “Is this really making any difference?” It seemed that everywhere I went, the majority of people were not masked nor were they practicing social distancing. Looking at Facebook further darkened my mood as I saw pictures of people hugging and mugging for the camera.

In the back of my mind were the haunting reports of spikes in COVID-19 cases around the country and in the Kansas City area. Honestly, I wanted to scream.

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.

(And I did. But at the wrong person. Apologies to Leaven managing editor Anita!)

Late that evening, a story I’d read a long time ago came to mind: There was a professor who walked into the classroom and wrote three numbers on the blackboard: 2 4 8. He then turned to the class and asked, “So, what’s the solution?”

Some students said, “Add them up for a total of 14.” The professor shook his head.

Others said, “It’s a

progression, and 16 is the next number.” Again, the professor shook his head.

A group in the back shouted out, “64!” Again, a shake of the head.

“No,” said the professor. “You all hurried into finding a solution, but you failed to ask, ‘What is the problem?’ Unless you ask that key question, you cannot know what the problem is, nor can you possibly find the solution.” (Found in Brian Cavanaugh’s “Fresh Packet of Sower’s Seeds, Third Planting.”)

When I took a step back and asked what the real problem was, I discovered it wasn’t so much “out there” as within me. Once I realized that, my eyes were opened to two “helps” that were right in front of me.

The first was a small icon written about the Gospel story of the storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mt 8:23-27). You remember: A fierce storm erupts and the boat the disciples are in is getting swamped.

All the while, Jesus is asleep in the boat. The frightened disciples wake up Jesus who says, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Immediately, Jesus rebukes the storm and there’s great calm.

Basically, Jesus was saying, “Don’t focus on the storm. Focus on me.”

In other words, if Jesus is in your boat and calm enough to sleep through a storm, don’t worry. Only if Jesus is there screaming hysterically should you be concerned.

I realized that my focus was on the wrong thing: I was seeing only the storm of the pandemic and what I perceived as people not taking it seriously enough. I experienced a calmness when I shifted my focus to Jesus instead.

The second “help” was a book on my kitchen table: “Finding God in the Mess: Meditations for Mindful Living,” by Jim Deeds & Brendan McManus, SJ (Loyola Press, Chicago; 2017; 120

pgs.; $12.95). This volume is a “workbook” on four themes: life, struggle, pain and growth. Each theme is divided into seven or eight meditations.

Every meditation begins with a photo, a one- or two-page reading and then a few reflection questions with some space to write your answers. When I saw that the first meditation was on the Sacred Heart, I felt that God was gently bopping me on the head with a sledgehammer, as I read: “At these times (when I’m sad or mad), we need somewhere we can be enriched and renewed. We, just like the blood within us, need to go to the source (the heart), be filled again, and then re-enter everyday life.”

So, will I be throwing caution to the wind?

Hardly. Instead, I’ll search diligently for God in all this messiness and continue my safety protocols — not only for my health and for the common good — but as an example and encouragement to others.

By the way, if I ever do discover that Jesus appears hysterical, I’ll let you know!

Paul’s message can be confusing, but at heart, it’s simple

O

ne of my sons lives on an unpaved country road. If I visit him on a rainy day, my car gets slathered with mud. When it dries, it’s not a pretty sight. You can hardly tell what color the vehicle is.

Tired of my dustmobile spoiling his view, my neighbor once made a point of telling me the location of the nearest car wash.

I suggest we take Sunday’s reading from St. Paul (Rom 8: 9, 11-13) to a kind of mental car wash.

He has a great message, but it’s filmed over with some confusing terms.

Paul means to speak of our weakness in the face of temptations to hurt and harm each other — our darned inclination to resist God, to sin. Earlier in the letter, Paul analyzed the way our natural drives get twisted into dysfunctional patterns.

SPEAK TO ME, LORD

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 confusing part is that Paul refers to this tendency as “the flesh” and “the deeds of the body.” It sounds like he has something against our physical nature, our bodily well-being, our

normal desires, perhaps specifically, sex.

Is he saying we’re locked in a conflict between body and spirit, between our human nature and spiritual requirements? No. He’s talking about the conflict between our self-serving, other- disregarding tendencies and our natural vocation to live in peace and love with others.

When I drive my SUV out of the car wash, it’s a vibrant blue again. Freed

POPE FRANCIS Among the many challenges the coronavirus pandemic has underscored is the need to safeguard the rights and dignity of refugees, Pope Francis said.

Recalling the observance of World Refugee Day during his Angelus address June 21, the pope said the global crisis that arose out of the COVID-19 pandemic “has highlighted the need to ensure the neces-

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“WHEN PAUL SAYS, ‘WE ARE NOT DEBTORS TO THE FLESH, TO LIVE ACCORDING TO THE FLESH,’ HE IS DECLARING THAT THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT WITHIN US OUTWEIGHS OUR TENDENCY TO PUT SELF AHEAD OF OTHERS.” from the misimpression his language may give, Paul’s message is vibrant indeed.

When Paul says, “You are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you,” he means: “If God’s Spirit lives in you, then you’re no longer going to be inevitably dragged into saying and doing the bad things that you know you’ll regret later.”

When he says, “We are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to

the flesh,” he is declaring that the power of the Spirit within us outweighs our tendency to put self ahead of others.

The Spirit gives us a stronger inclination — an inclination to love. The Spirit empowers us and prompts us to love.

By saying, “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live,” he invites us to believe in the power of God’s Spirit to enable us to change for the better. So let us believe!

sary protection for refugees, too, in order to guarantee their dignity and safety. I invite you to join me in praying for a renewed and effective commitment, on the part of us all, to the effective protection of every human being, especially those who have been forced to flee as a result of situations of grave danger to them or their families.”

The pandemic, he added, also highlighted the relationship between humankind and the environment.

— CNS

JULY 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS Sister Marie Brinkman, SCL

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EAVENWORTH — Sister Marie Brinkman, 94, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, died on June 17 at the motherhouse here. She celebrated her 70th anniversary as a Sister of Charity in 2018.

She entered the religious community soon after high school and served as a teacher in secondary schools, and as a longtime college educator and historian. She was known as a polymath with immense curiosity. She was highly industrious and always seemed to have many projects going on at once. She had a magnetic way of pulling people into her orbit.

She invited students to share in her interests and academic enthusiasms, and then mentored them to discover their own interests.

Marie Leonette was born on May 22, 1926, in Emporia, the oldest of five children of Leo J. and Mae (Herrington) Brinkman.

She had a strong German Catholic heritage, though her mother’s ancestors were from Northern Ireland.

She had unusual dexterity with words and regularly poured over her hometown newspaper as a young child. She attended Sacred Heart Grade School and High School in Emporia, before pursuing an English degree at Saint Mary College, Leavenworth.

After completing her degree, Marie entered the Sisters of Charity on Aug. 19, 1948.

She professed vows as Sister Mary Leonilla on Aug. 15, 1956. In 1958, she received a master’s degree in education at Saint Mary College, and later started Ph.D. studies in English at the University of Wisconsin, which she completed in 1968.

Sister Marie taught in high school for 13 years in Missouri, Kansas and Montana, before transitioning to Saint Mary College (now the University of Saint Mary) as an instructor in 1963. She stayed at the college for the next 38 years, achieving the rank of full professor in 1976.

She soon became the chairman of the English department and was named the McGilley Chair of English and Liberal Arts in 1996.

She taught until her retirement in 2001. In gratitude for her years of service, she was designated professor emerita of English at the college, and then transitioned to the role of Sisters of Charity historian. She spent the next several years researching and writing the Sisters of Charity history, “Emerging Frontiers,” which provided a narrative account of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth from 1955 to 2005. The 510-page book was published in 2008.

In her retirement years, Sister Marie taught evening college courses to prisoners at the Lansing Correctional Facility, and gave attention to social justice pursuits and other writing projects.

Supreme Court upholds Louisiana abortion law putting the interests of for-profit abortion businesses ahead of the dissenting opinion in the Texas health and safety of women.” decision. Last year, he sided with Supporters of the Louisiana the justices who agreed to stop law said it was a necessary regthe Louisiana law from going ulation to guarantee women’s into effect while its challengers health and safety while its critics pursued their appeal. argued that the law placed un“The Louisiana law imposes a necessary burdens on abortion burden on access to abortion just providers and made it more diffias severe as that imposed by the cult for women to get abortions.

Texas law, for More than the same rea70 friendsons,” Roberts of-the-court said, adding: briefs were “ Th e re fo re, “THE COURT’S ACTION IS filed on both Louisiana’s sides of this A TRAGIC DECISION THAT case law cannot with stand under health care CONTINUES ITS PRACTICE professionals, our precedents.”

OF PUTTING THE INTERESTS researchers, He said lawmakers, the legal docOF FOR-PROFIT ABORTION states, and retrine known ligious and adas “stare BUSINESSES AHEAD OF THE vocacy groups decisis” — alike weighing HEALTH AND SAFETY OF which obliin.

Catholic gates courts groups that WOMEN.” to follow the filed briefs in precedent support of the of similar cases — “requires us, state law included: the U.S. Conabsent special circumstances, to ference of Catholic Bishops, the treat like cases alike.”

Thomas More Society and the In his dissent, Justice ClarNational Association of Catholic ence Thomas said the court’s Nurses along with the National decision “perpetuates its illCatholic Bioethics Center. founded abortion jurisprudence Members of Congress filed by enjoining a perfectly legittwo briefs on opposing sides. imate state law and doing so In his June 29 statement, without jurisdiction.”

Archbishop Naumann said: “As He also said the court should we grieve this decision and the revisit its 1973 Roe v. Wade decipregnant women who will be sion that legalized abortion. “Roe harmed by it, we continue to is grievously wrong for many pray and fight for justice for reasons,” he wrote, emphasizing mothers and children.” He also that its “core holding — that the stressed that the court should Constitution protects a woman’s correct the “grave injustice” of right to abort her unborn child its major abortion decisions and — finds no support in the text of recognize the “right to life for the Fourteenth Amendment.” unborn human beings.”

Louisiana state Sen. Katrina The archbishop also urged Jackson, a Democrat, who was “people of faith to pray for the author of the 2014 Unsafe women seeking abortion, often Abortion Protection Act at under enormous pressure, that the center of this case, said the they will find alternatives that court’s action was a “tragic decitruly value them and the lives of sion that continues its practice of their children.”

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Sister Rose Dolores Hoffelmeyer, SCL

EAVENWORTH — Sister Rose Dolores Hoffelmeyer, 91, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, died on June 12 at the motherhouse here. She celebrated her 70th anniversary as a Sister of Charity in 2018.

She entered the religious community soon after high school and served as a longtime educator, administrator, missionary, parish minister and historian. She was known as a lifelong learner, an avid reader and a strong advocate for social justice. She epitomized the scriptural commandment to love God and to love neighbor.

Shirley Therese was born on Dec. 6, 1928, in St. Joseph, Missouri, the youngest of seven children of Frederick A. and Dominica (Kemmerling) Hoffelmeyer.

A strong German Catholic heritage predominated on both sides of her family. She grew up with a religious inclination and an interest in foreign missions.

She attended St. Francis Xavier Grade School, Convent of the Sacred Heart Academy High School, and St. Joseph Junior College — all in St. Joseph — before pursuing an elementary education degree at Saint Mary College, Leavenworth. Shirley entered the SCL community on Aug. 19, 1948. She professed vows as Sister Rose Dolores on Aug. 15, 1956. The following year, she completed her bachelor’s degree, and eventually earned a master’s degree in education in 1963. She continued to pursue postgraduate education.

Sister Rose Dolores taught in grade schools for 12 years in Missouri, Kansas and Montana, and then transitioned to teaching American literature and social studies to high school students for 19 years in the same three states. She served six years in leadership as a Sister of Charity community councilor. She also served on several hospital boards. In 1980, Sister Rose Dolores returned to secondary education.

In 1987, she entered Maryknoll Language School to develop her Spanish-speaking skills and prepare for service in South America, finally fulfilling a childhood dream. An assignment in Peru became the focal point of her life and led to some of her most significant work. For 10 years, she labored alongside the Peruvian people in small remote villages that struggled against poverty and lacked basic necessities. Sister Rose Dolores met these challenges through education, religious instruction, improved health care and spiritual support. In “We Heard the Call,” a 650-page book published in 2005, Sister Rose Dolores chronicled the history of the SCL missions in Latin America.

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JULY 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Archbishop Emeritus Keleher blesses Basehor chapel fresco

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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ASEHOR — Do archbishops get cabin fever?

“Oh yes, we do get cabin fever,” said Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher.

But he counts himself fortunate.

“I haven’t had a very bad case of it,” he said.

“I’ve got my chapel, my house and people who come to see me, so it’s OK.” Archbishop Keleher, like many other people, has been largely restricted to his home at the Santa Marta retirement community in Olathe because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was in the hospital for a short time in February, and when discharged, the pandemic was spreading nationwide.

Archbishop Keleher had to go into lockdown.

On Sunday, June 14, the solemnity of Corpus Christi, he ventured out for the first time since lockdown when pastor Father Richard McDonald invited him to Holy Angels Parish in Basehor for a special occasion.

Father McDonald invited the archbishop not only to join his parish community for the unveiling of a new painting on the facade of the parish adoration chapel, but to preside at a ribbon cutting, bless the artwork and several children who were receiving their first holy Communion. Jacob Lund, 7, one of the first communicants, pulled the rope that unveiled the painting.

The painting is a very near copy of a mural that is on the original small church — the Portiuncula — now inside the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi, Italy.

The Assisi mural was painted by Johann Friedrich Overbeck in 1830, but the modern work was done by married couple David and Suzann Miriello of the New Guild Studios in Braddock, Pennsylvania.

Although Archbishop Keleher was the first person to donate funds to build the chapel, he’d never been there.

“It was the first time I saw it,” said the archbishop. “I had not seen the chapel. I heard about it and saw pictures but hadn’t actually seen it.

It’s in perfect relationship to the church. It’s right next to it and there is a connection to the church. It’s very well laid out, very nice and a great thing.”

These days, says Archbishop Keleher, he lives quietly and prayerfully, but enjoys a few visitors, too.

“I live at Santa Marta and I have what they call a ‘little villa,’” he said.

“I have a lovely little chapel where I’m able to celebrate the holy Mass, which I love to do.

“I go there every day to spend an hour or so, just being here. It’s wonderful to have in the house. I’ve had more leisure time since I was sick and not going out much.”

The archbishop will be 89 years old next month. But he’s still ready to get out there and assist Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann in any way he can.

“I’m better now,” he said, “and I think when I get the OK from the doctors, I’d love to help Archbishop Naumann with his confirmations.

They had to be deferred this spring when we usually have them, so I think he will do them when [the students] go back to school. So, if I’m up to it then, I would like to assist him.

“Sometimes [Archbishop Naumann] has as many as 100 to 120 kids being confirmed — and that’s a lot of people to anoint, plus give the homily, plus celebrate the Mass, plus afterward say ‘hi’ to all those kids and have a picture with them.

“If I could help him, I think he’d really like it, and it makes me feel good I can do something to help him.”

LEAVEN PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER

Above, Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher blesses the new fresco on the facade of the parish adoration chapel at Holy Angels in Basehor on June 14. It was the first time the archbishop had ventured outside his home since the state “stay at home” order went into effect.

Left, Deacon Keith Chadwick points out some of the features of the Holy Angels adoration chapel to Archbishop Keleher. The archbishop was the first person to donate to the chapel, but this was the first time he had seen it.