07-04-08 Vol. 30 No. 1

NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM

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VOL. 30, NO. 1 JULY 4, 2008

FOOD FUEL? or

Families face new pressures as price of gas and food rises ANSAS CITY, Kan. — An increasing number of families now find themselves in a terrible place: between the rock of rising food prices and the hard place of soaring gasoline prices.

These families’ budgets are stretched to the point of breaking, said Tamra Brandes, director of emergency assistance of Catholic Charities offices in Johnson County.

“When I talk about a stretched budget, I mean a budget that just doesn’t have any wiggle room,” said Brandes. “[It’s a budget] where you can just cover all of your expenses as long as nothing goes wrong, but the reality of life is that that’s a rarity.”

K

See “Food” on page 4

Story by

JOE BOLLIG Photo illustration by

TODD HABIGER

MOMS HELPING MOMS Catholic Charities’ Mother-to-Mother pro-

HAMMER TIME The Garnett Knights of Columbus

YEAR OF ST. PAUL Pope Benedict XVI has dedicated this year

gram partners a mother who requires some kind of support with a mentor mother who has the skills to guide and support her. So far, the results have been wonderful.

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took up their hammers and nails and gave back to the community by building a new porch for an elderly couple.

Pages 8-9

to St. Paul, marking the 2,000th anniversary of his birth. The focus on the apostle is only one indicator of the pope’s passion for evangelization.

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LOCAL NEWS

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ANNIVERSARIES Joseph Jean and Beverly Jean Hays, members of Holy Angels Parish in Basehor, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends on July 5 at Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Kan. The couple was married by the groom’s newly ordained brother, Father Edward Hays, on June 28, 1958, at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kan. Their children Pat, Tim, Kathy, Mike, Dan and Tom and their families will gather for a dinner and Mass, which will be celebrated by Father Hays. Also attending will be the couple’s 14 grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Don

and

Carolyn (Rohlfs) Kuckelman, members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a family gathering in San Antonio. The couple was married on July 4, 1958, at St. Ann Church in Effingham. Their children and their spouses are: Kathy and Bruce Woolpert, Topeka; Susan Morrison, Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Tom Kuckelman, San Antonio; Sara and Sam Criswell, Forney, Texas; and Tim and Lauren Kuckelman, Reedley, Calif. They also have 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Carolyn Sue (Carver) and Marvin L e o n a r d Sommer, members of Good S h e p h e r d P a r i s h , Shawnee, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 14 with a blessing at the 5 p.m. Mass, followed by a reception and luncheon on June 15 hosted by their children. The couple was married at St. Peter Church in Jefferson City, Mo. Their children and their spouses are: Diane and Robert Carlson, Steven and Dalonna Sommer, Stan and Brenda Sommer, Douglas and Donna Sommer, Shari Sommer, and Debra and John Hileman. They also have 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY

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

Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the publication date. desired Announcements must be typed. They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

Information to include: Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an e-mail to: Todd@theleaven.com. If you would like your photo returned to you, please include a selfaddressed stamped envelope.

Archdiocesan native ordained a priest OXNARD, Calif. — Brother Michael Stechmann, OAR, was ordained a priest on May 22 here, for service in the Order of Augustinian Recollects.

B r o t h e r Michael attended Sacred Heart in Kansas School Father Stechmann City, Kan., and St. Joseph Elementary and High School in Shawnee. He attended Donnelly College as a postulant following entry into the monastery of St. Augustine in Kansas City, Kan., in 1972. He graduated from the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and completed his master’s in education at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

While at Donnelly, Brother Michael was assigned to the retreat ministry at the monastery. Following his formation year as a novice, he professed religious vows in 1974.

Shortly after, he was assigned to the educational apostolate in schools staffed by the Augustinians, serving as a teacher and principal.

He was ordained a transitional deacon in November 2007.

Father Michael returned to his home parish of St. Joseph, Shawnee, to celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving on June 1.

JULY 4, 2008

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SECOND FRONT PAGE

THE LEAVEN

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MOMS HELPING MOMS

By JILL RAGAR ESFELD Special to The Leaven OLATHE — Six years ago, Sara Lopez, her husband and their young son immigrated to the United States from Mexico.

Employment opportunities brought them to St. Paul Parish here, where the young mother struggled to settle into a new community and a new culture.

The greatest barrier to successful adjustment, she found, was her inability to speak English. Although she was eager to learn, she didn’t know who to ask for help.

“One of my [English language] teachers told me about Mother-to-Mother, and I went just to experiment and hear the people speaking English,” said Lopez.

“Now I have a good friend.”

That friend is Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, parishioner Chris Malmgren. At the same time Lopez Malmgren was looking for help with her English, was looking for a way to give back to her community. And she spoke Spanish.

It took Catholic Charities’ Mother-toMother (MtM) program to get the two young women together, but they have since established a friendship that has lasted to this day.

From mentor to friend MtM is a mentoring program that matches a partner mother, who requires some kind of support, with a mentor mother who has the skills or experience needed to improve the lives of the partner and her children.

The coordinator of the MtM program in Johnson County, Carla Golden, said that when she matches up mothers, she looks at their interests and backgrounds, as well as how the mentor can help her partner.

“I was paired up with Sara to cross that language barrier and help her assimilate to the community and that sort of thing,” said Malmgren. “But anymore, I don’t think I help her that much — it’s just the friendship — but I think that’s important.”

And the friendship goes both ways, Malmgren said. She and her children, Drew and Hayley, have been enriched by their interaction with Lopez and her children — Jorge, and his little sister Leslie.

“My son is going into third grade and hers is going into fourth, so they have a lot of fun together,” said Malmgren.

“Drew will learn Spanish from Jorge, and Jorge is able to learn the correct way of speaking English.”

Golden said this mentor/partner relationship is not unusual, and she pairs moms up hoping they will both be enriched through the relationship.

“I want them to have some things in common,” she said, “but I also want them to learn from each other.”

It takes all kinds As program coordinator, Golden recruits and trains the mentors, who can range in age from young moms to grandmothers. They come from different backgrounds, but share a mutual desire to help other mothers and their children.

“Some of the support moms have been, or still are, single mothers, have been in an abusive relationship, or have dealt with drug and alcohol problems with their children,” she said. “They have

▲ At a play date in the park, partner Mom Sara Lopez (left) talks with her mentor, Chris Malmgren, as her year-old daughter Leslie plays ball with Hayley Malmgren. ▲

James E. Jr. and Barbara (Gellings) Flory, members of Christ the Parish, King Topeka, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 28 with their family. The couple was married on June 28, 1958, at Church of the Assumption in Topeka, with Msgr. Eugene F. Vallely officiating. Their children and their spouses are: James III and Jennifer Flory; Todd and Nancy Flory; and Sheila Flory.

They also have two grandchildren.

Don and Marilyn (Knight) Murray, of members Immaculate Conception P a r i s h , Leavenworth, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 21. The couple was married on June 21, 1958, at Sacred Heart Church, Leavenworth. Their children and their spouses are: Laura and Randall Beeves, Basehor; Pamela and James Grosdidier, Leavenworth; Brad and Laura Murray, Leavenworth; and Bryan and Julie Murray, Lee’s Summit, Mo. They also have 11 grandchildren. The couple marked the occasion with a family vacation.

THE LEAVEN • JULY 4, 2008

As part of an ice-breaker at this month’s Mother-to-Mother meeting, mentor mom Kelly Daugherty gives three adjectives to describe herself to other partner and mentor moms.

a wide range of backgrounds and experience.”

The mentors receive two hours of training at their initiation. At the core of the training is a discussion of the need to set boundaries and the difference between “helping” and “rescuing.”

“The goal of the program is to help partner mothers grow in their selfsufficiency and self-esteem, enhance their decision-making and problemsolving skills, and strengthen their parenting skills,” said Golden.

Many partner mothers are referred to Golden by case workers at Catholic Charities. Other referrals may come from social workers, postpartum support groups, school counselors, teachers, churches, and hospital birthing centers.

Partner mothers go through a screening process before they’re admitted to the program and are matched with a mentor.

“They first fill out an application and are interviewed by me. Then a background check is done,” said Golden. “The mother must be willing to commit to being in the program for one year at least.

In the interview process I learn about the woman’s background and interests, the issues she may be facing, and what her preferences are in terms of a mentor mom. Some like to have an older mentor and others prefer someone closer to them in age.”

Each month, Golden organizes a moms’ meeting where mentors and partners can interact with one another and get to know other moms in the program.

At the monthly meetings, moms enjoy snacks and conversation and exchange magazines and coupons. The meetings include a speaker or a planned program geared toward mothers, and there is al-

ways a play area staffed by volunteers, where moms can leave their children.

Lopez said the monthly meetings are one of her favorite aspects of the program.

“Sometimes they have speakers who talk about things like nutrition, and sometimes they have programs on beauty or different things,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot, and my son loves being there.”

Girlfriends Outside the monthly meetings, it’s up to the mentors and partners to determine how much time they spend together.

Malmgren estimates that she and Lopez spend at least a few hours each month having coffee together or taking their children to a park.

“We always get together for the monthly meetings, and then we try to get together at least once again within that month,” said Malmgren. “Also, there are phone calls; we swap stories about what we’re doing.”

Lopez said the phone calls are important.

“I feel like Chris supports me, and I can call her whenever I have a problem,” she said.

Golden believes, in fact, that one of the greatest gifts mentor mothers give is their willingness to listen.

To support MtM as a volunteer or through a donation, contact the nearest MtM office: Olathe: (913) 782-4077; Lawrence: (785) 8410838; Topeka: (785) 233-6300.

“That, along with being emotionally supportive and encouraging, can make a big difference in the life of a mom who is struggling with all the demands of being a good parent,” she said.

Malmgren has no regrets about her decision to become involve in the MtM program and said she would encourage other mothers to do the same.

“I think it’s a great way to meet somebody who is probably outside your normal circle of friends and can give you a totally different perspective on life,” she said.

Although MtM relationships always start out with a mentor mom helping her partner mom, often they end up as good friends simply helping one another — and that’s what makes it worth all the effort Golden pours into facilitating these relationships.

“This job gives me the opportunity to use my experience and skills to make a positive impact in the lives of women and their children,” she said. “I couldn’t ask for a more rewarding job.”

LOCAL NEWS

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THE LEAVEN

• JULY 4, 2008

JULY 4, 2008

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Food pantries are taking a hit from new families For ways to help, visit Catholic Charities’ Web site at: catholic charitiesks.org. Scroll down to the “Donate Now” or “Volunteer Now” buttons. Catholic Charities can also be contacted by calling (913) 3846608.

Some pantries are seeing small increases, but others are experiencing much higher demand: Total usage of Catholic Charities' four food pantries in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area shows a 13% increase over last year.

April & May 2007 = 1,361 families (representing 4,618 individuals) April & May 2008 = 1,535 families (representing 4,760 individuals)

Olathe Overland Park Leavenworth KCK

April & May 2007 704 families/2,473 individuals 144 families/483 individuals 64 families/162 individuals 449 families/1,500 individuals

service shut off for the summer, but hope to have it restored by winter. As fuel prices continue to soar, however, with projections predicting record highs again this winter, prospects for that are uncertain.

Christine Germann, director of the Village Presbyterian Food Pantry and Clothes Closet in Overland Park, is also seeing more first-time clients.

“To get food here, a person must have a referral from a social service agency,” said Germann, “so we don’t have a lot of working poor. But we’re getting more and more working poor, so we’re changing our policies so we can help them.”

“Another difference we’ve seen is in

April & May 2008 742 families/2,423 individuals 245 families/712 individuals 77 families/166 individuals 471 families/1,459 individuals

5% increase 70% increase 20% increase 5% increase

We often hear, ‘I’ve never been here before,’ and, ‘I don’t know how this works, but we need food.’

Tom Edminster, program manager of family support in the Kansas City, Kan., office of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas our requests for emergency food,” added Germann. “This is someone who needs food today or in a day or two.

Just in the past month, we’ve noticed an increase, and those requests are

from a lot of people who’ve never been to a food pantry before.”

Why is this happening? Germann points to a multitude of problems, but when you add up the increased costs of food and fuel, you’ve got an untenable situation for many working poor and even some middle class.

“We’re seeing people just being stretched so far that they’re asking for help when they’ve never had to do that in their lives before,” she said.

This across-the-board increase in demand for food pantry aid couldn’t have come at a worse time, say social service agency representatives.

Typically, donations to food pantries drop during the summer, because most schools, churches and other organizations hold their food drives in the fall and winter.

Moreover, because school is not in session, the children of squeezed families are not even getting the free and reduced-cost lunches made available to them during the school year.

Instead, the children are at home all day . . . and they’re hungry.

That is why Catholic Charities is encouraging individuals to volunteer at Catholic Charities offices, and for parishes and other organizations to conduct food drives, said Nancy Jenkins, director of communications for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

While some Catholic Charities clients may see their visit to the food pantry as a low point in their lives, it may actually represent the start of their climb back to security and stability.

“The lovely thing about Catholic Charities is that the food pantry is a resource for so many,” said Brandes. “We make it really simple and user-friendly.”

“We try to make the process have a little dignity,” she continued. “And we try hard to sit down with each person . . . to visit with them for a minute and see if there is anything else we can do for them. Perhaps there is a way we can impact their lives by providing some other kind of assistance.”

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HEADING HOME

Continued from page 1 Many things can and do go wrong: Cars need repair, children get sick, companies reduce their workers’ hours to save benefit costs.

But the unexpected expenses that families could more easily absorb in good times are now forcing them to make a terrible choice: food or fuel?

“What we’ll see is a [parent] that may come in and they’ll say, ‘I have $10 in my pocket, and I get paid on Friday. But if I go to the grocery story and spend this $10, what will I do for gasoline to get back and forth to work for the rest of the week?’” said Brandes.

It’s not just a few families that are affected. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas reports a 13 percent overall increase in families and individuals seeking free food in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area this past April and May over the same time last year. Some pantries have seen as low as a 5 percent increase, while others as high as 70 percent.

More significantly, said Brandes, Catholic Charities food pantries are seeing individuals who’ve never visited a food pantry in their lives.

One such person was a single mother, a realtor, who hadn’t sold a house in six months. Another was a woman who just discovered she was pregnant after she lost her job. Still another was a person who had to quit his job because he couldn’t afford the commute.

“We’ve been seeing this increase for the past year,” said Tom Edminster, program manager of family support in the Kansas City, Kan., office of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

And, like Brandes, Edminster is seeing a lot of new faces.

“We often hear, ‘I’ve never been here before,’ and ‘I don’t know how this works, but we need food,’” he said.

In Wyandotte County, most of the people seeking assistance at Catholic Charities food pantries live on disability or other fixed incomes. Many are renters, said Edminster, and now face the prospect of eviction. “[Fuel] has to come out of the food or utility budget,” he said. “We see a lot of people who are facing utilities shut offs. In our community, we have massive BPU shut offs — you’re talking about 2,000 people can be shut off in a two-week period.”

Some have already had their gas

LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN

Saint Mary Spires football will get a home game for the first time in its history, with the opening of its new football/soccer complex LEAVENWORTH — The college sports experience at the University of Saint Mary here is about to get a lot more convenient and more enjoyable for Spires fans and athletes.

The university has announced plans to build a new football/soccer complex at the main campus in Leavenworth. Construction is scheduled to be completed in time for the men’s and women’s soccer alumni exhibition games on Aug. 23.

USM will build the complex north of McGilley Field House on the northwest side of campus, along Hughes Road. The project will utilize an existing incline to incorporate bleachers-style seats for 1,000 fans, two patios, goalposts, a new scoreboard, a climate-controlled press box with seven rooms, and sidewalks from the parking lot to the bleachers section that are wheelchair accessible.

The location

will allow USM to use existing locker rooms in McGilley. The field house, which opened in the summer of 2004, was the last major construction project on campus.

The Spires football team has been playing at neighboring fields since the team was first established in 2000, playing the past two seasons’ home games at Platte City High School. The football team first played at Abeles Field in Leavenworth, moving to Lansing High School in 2004.

“We want to thank all the athletes who’ve ever played football at Saint Mary,” said head football coach Lance Hinson. “They built the reputation for quality athletics that is now allowing us to build this complex.”

USM is inviting all its football alumni to a big tailgate party at 11 a.m., before the first home football game at 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 20. The Spires will square off against Bethel College at the new football/soccer complex.

All soccer alumni are invited back for soccer alumni exhibition games on Aug. 23. The women’s game is at 1 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 3 p.m.

The Spires soccer teams have played home games on campus since their inception in 1990, most recently on the field north of McGilley, minus the new amenities planned for the new complex.

“Our football players and soccer players, not to mention our

The University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth will open its new football/ soccer complex, north of McGilley Field House on the northwest side of campus, in August.

coaches, fans, and our entire Saint Mary community, are very excited this new complex is coming to fruition,” said Rob Miller, athletic director and head baseball coach.

“It’s a thrilling time in Saint Mary athletics history, and we know it will have a major impact on our ability to recruit new athletes.”

The new football/soccer complex announcement coincides with the launch of GoSpires.com, a new Web site devoted exclusively to the eight varsity sports teams at USM. The site features information on all the teams, a video tour of the sports facilities, and audio messages from each of the coaches. Visitors will also be able to watch construction progress of the football/soccer complex on the home page of GoSpires.com. Photos will be updated weekly.

ABOUT THE COMPLEX • bleachers-style seats for 1,000 fans • two patios • new goal posts • a new scoreboard • a climate-controlled press box FIRST FOOTBALL GAME: • Sept. 20, against Bethel College

V i l l a St . Fr a n c i s Skilled Nursing Facility 170 beds

16600 W. 126th Street • Olathe, Kansas 66062 Phone: (913) 829-5201 Fax: (913) 829-5399 Daily Mass in the Chapel at 10 a.m.

• Medicare and Kansas Medicaid certified • 24 - hour nursing care • Dementia/Alzheimer’s unit • Physical, occupational and speech therapist on staff/ Rapid recovery • Nutritious Home cooked meals • Private and Semi Private rooms • Beauty and Barber Shop • 24 hour snacks Affiliated with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

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LOCAL NEWS

‘Earth, Wind and Fire’ takes science outside the classroom KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Eighteen students from Bishop Ward High School here, along with five educational and business leaders, took an expedition across the state of Kansas June 15-20 to explore the environmental sciences through the perspective of faith under the program called “Earth, Wind and Fire III.” The journey began by train travel to Garden City, where community members at St. Dominic Catholic Church hosted meals and arranged for a tour of the Garden City Zoo and of a bison ranch.

The second day featured a guided tour through the Sunflower Electric Holcomb power plant. That afternoon, the group visited the Spearville Wind Farm, giving the students an inside look at two important sources of electricity in Kansas. A discussion on the future of coal and wind as primary sources of electrical energy for Kansas followed.

The expedition then continued across Kansas in a bus led by a mobile science/ equipment trailer and included handson learning opportunities such as fossil hunting on the Smoky Hill River banks, stargazing with the Father Coyne, SJ, school telescope, and wildlife viewing and study at Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands area.

Fort Hays State University hosted a day and evening for students and lead-

ers to learn about the curriculum, research, and opportunities for undergraduate study in the environmental field sciences. The chance to tour Sternberg Museum’s private collection capped off the day.

The theological/spiritual opportunities incorporated into the camp included daily prayer and reflection and a special prayer service at St. Fidelis Church, known as the Cathedral of the Plains, in Victoria.

The final two nights were spent camping at Kanopolis State Park in the Little Bluestem area, providing all members of the Earth, Wind and Fire team a true outdoor experience in Kansas.

From the base camp, the group took a day trip to Hutchinson, and went 650 feet underground into the salt domes — in keeping with the theme of the trip, “Salt of the Earth.”

This is the third year Bishop Ward has hosted the Earth, Wind and Fire program, designed to give students the opportunity to explore their interests in science outside the traditional school classroom.

From left, Bishop Ward juniors Fabian Medrano and Emily Cushing, along with sophomore Heather MacPherson, check out the Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands area during the “Earth, Wind and Fire” environmental science camp.

THE LEAVEN

• JULY 4, 2008

JULY 4, 2008

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THE LEAVEN

LOCAL NEWS

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ARCHBISHOP

JOSEPH F. NAUMANN’S JULY CALENDAR 1-6 9 10 12-13 14

15

16 19 26-27 30

Retreat director for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George — Alton, Ill. Serra golf dinner — St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kan. Interview on Relevant Radio Network Meeting with Providence Hospital leadership Pastoral visit — St. Catherine, Emporia, and Didde Campus Center, Emporia Interview on Sacred Heart Radio Catholic Charities luncheon — Savior Pastoral Center Bless Antoinette Berkel Memorial, dinner and Mass — Prairie Star Ranch Administrative Team meeting Johnson County pastoral planning meeting Catholic Education Foundation meeting — Bishop Ward High School Mass for anniversary of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity — Benedictine College, Atchison Wedding — St. Louis Life, Justice and Family conference — Philadelphia Donnelly board meeting

3rd Annual Hope Benefit A Benefit for Sanctuary of Hope Retreat Center November 8, 2008 www.hopebenefit.org

ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS

JAMES P. KELEHER’S JULY CALENDAR 9 12-13 30-31 31

Catholic Way radio taping Serra golf dinner — St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kan. Mass at Boy Scout camp — Osceola, Mo. Dedication of the Shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe — LaCrosse, Wis. Birthday

Remember your recently deceased loved one by attending a Memorial Mass Saturday July 5, 2008 9 a.m.

Holy Redeemer Chapel, Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 126th Parallel Parkway

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES 913-371-4040 www.catholiccemeterieskc.org

Wyandotte County Mt. Calvary, Kansas City, Kan. St. John, Kansas City, Kan. Gate of Heaven, Kansas City, Kan.

Johnson County Resurrection, Lenexa, Kan. St. Joseph, Shawnee, Kan. St. John, Lenexa, Kan. Mt. Calvary, Olathe, Kan.

For persons recently buried or entombed at one of our Catholic Cemeteries in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties MT CALVARY - KCK Joyce L. Amstutz Kenneth H. Beckwith Francis A. Berry Thelma F. Berry George M. Brunsky MaryAnne Bruson Adrian Chacon Cynthia Carey Jose M. Enriquez Manuel A. Flores Vincent Grosko Chester C. Handzel Gerald R. Helliker Carol A. Hernandez Anna B. Jambrosic Lillie C. Johnson John P. Jones Frances R. Kraly Mary C. Krupich Bernard J. Love Anita M. Macias Margaret M. Melvin Alice R. Mendez Beatrice M. Mills Mary A. Molina Vivina M. Oswald Virginia M. Page Mark A. Palacio Mary A. Prendergast Bernadine F. Pretz Lou A. Rayn Lori A. Reynolds John G. Rozich Sophie Roznowski Luz C. Sanchez Mayme M. Seaman Josefa C. Serrano William W. Sherlak Mildred M. Sullivan Anastasia J. Sutulovich Emily A. Torres Catherine M. Traffis Ian N. Vincent John A. Zagar

Richard J. Desmond Mary M. Ehli Frances P. Foster Patsy J. Gleeson Lupe M. Gonzalez Van Thi Ha Joanna Elizabeth Heimann Michael C. Hemauer Julia E. Hernandez Everett G. Hill Anita M. Ingenthron Gina M. Ingolia Eva L. Jones Donald A. Keller Estella A. EstradaKornell Robert W. Larson Louis F. Lento Kelly L. Lutz Joseph G. Mahr Dolores H. Marter Josephine Mason Elmer L. Naylor Wanda G. Owens Herbert Rome Frank J. Sayers Sr. Brandon B. Shane Frances C. Smith Martha T. Stumpff Martha H. Tarwater Margaret R. Teddy April L. Yusuf

RESURRECTION Ronald R. Adams Marilyn J. Bales Cecilia M. Battle Harold F. Bennett Dorothy J. Buckman Leonard L. Caudron Shirley A. Chance Pauline J. Draskovich

ST. JOHN - KCK Edna E. Lohr

ST JOSEPH Anna Bross Laurence E. Gadwood Russell S. Jones Jake Edward Peterson Ann Rosey John J. Schuetz Christopher L. Sullivant

There are a lot of good reasons to make Catholic Community Hospice your choice when selecting a hospice.

Some are more important than others.

ST. JOHN - LENEXA Gary J. Everhart

GATE OF HEAVEN Dorothy J. Bombardier Galen J. Koch Michael B. Randolph Wayne C. Theroff

913-621-5090 (Kansas City) 785-220-8387 (Topeka) www.catholiccommunityhospice.com

HAMMER TIME Garnett Knights let their tools do the talking for those in need

W

ELDA — It wasn’t ty good substitutes. quite 9 a.m., but the “ They’re just like my sons,” she 10-member Knights said, beaming. “I know most of them. of Columbus crew I’ve seen them grow up. They’re just from Garnett had allike my sons.” ready torn away the old front porch A man of fewer words than his wife, and was setting up the posts for the Ivan was moved by the workers’ gennew. erosity nevertheless.

Seventy-eight-year-old Ivan Hill, “This is a bunch of really good leaning lightly on his cane, seemed to men,” he said softly. “I have a lot of reenjoy the swirl of activity all around spect for the Knights of Columbus.” him. And when his wife Cecilia, 69, The Hills live in Welda, about 7 came out to check on miles south of the Knights’ Garnett. Their front progress, she porch was the first For more information, or couldn’t help but be home-repair project to help Knights Council impressed. for The Twelve No. 1368 and The The Knights of Months of Christmas, Twelve Months of Columbus, Holy an ecumenical comChristmas help others, Angels Council No. munity service procontact Ted Uhler, after 3 1368, were working ject administered by p.m., at (785) 448-5357. together like a wellKnights of the oiled machine — Columbus of Garnett perhaps not so surprising considering and the surrounding area. some of them were professional The Twelve Months of Christmas framers, and six of them were closely was the idea of outgoing Grand Knight related.

Ted Uhler. As he looked around his But even the Knights were surprised community, he saw many rural elderly when, by noon, they were almost who needed help — especially with ready to start laying down the tar pahome repairs. He also recalled his own per and begin shingling. The Hills frustration when he couldn’t help his would have a new porch before 2 p.m. own widowed mother, who lived far — an early Christmas present, of sorts. away, with the upkeep of her house.

Ivan and Cecilia Hill are longtime “We set out to help elderly people members of Holy Angels Parish in who couldn’t afford home repairs,” Garnett. All seven of their children said Uhler, “because they needed to went to the parish school, and Cecilia pay for medications, groceries, utilities — a convert from the Episcopal faith and other expenses while on fixed in— has been a eucharistic minister for comes.”

27 years.

The Knights raised the money But most of their children have through the Autumn Blaze Barbecue moved away now. One son still lives Contest held last October. Part of the nearby, but is struggling with cancer proceeds went to pay for new playand is unable to help. ground equipment at St. Rose “My son-in-law tried to fix [the Philippine Duchesne School in porch],” recalls Cecilia, “but he Garnett. The rest was allocated for The couldn’t.

Twelve Months of Christmas.

“I needed a whole bunch of them — Although originally conceived to and I don’t have that many sons-in- help the elderly, the Knights have since law! Anyway, they’re far away.” broadened the project’s mission to inThe Knights, however, proved pretclude the disabled, single mothers,

spouses of military personnel serving overseas, and disabled military veterans. They have also decided to reach out beyond the borders of Anderson County to include Franklin, Lyon, Allen and Linn counties.

Although the need is great, it has been surprisingly difficult to find people who are willing to participate in the program, said Bryan Schmit, a member of Holy Angels Parish in Garnett and Council No. 1368.

People who have been self-reliant all their lives find it difficult to ask for help, even if they need it, he said.

But when the Knights made inquiries around the community, they discovered that the Hills were unable to afford professional repairs to a deteriorating front porch because they were helping a daughter with a serious medical condition.

Schmit and the other Knights offered their help through The Twelve Months of Christmas, and the Hills accepted.

The Knights, for their part, are thrilled to have discovered this handson way to invest in their community.

The practical, project-by-project format of The Twelve Months, has helped recruit new, younger men into the council and winds up anchoring more than front porch posts.

Shared efforts such as these, said Uhler, build strong fraternal ties.

“I think everyone is more than willing to help out,” said Schmit. “It’s a great project to give back to the community, and it’s what the Knights are all about.”

Although the repair of the Hills’ home was strictly a Knights of Columbus project, that’s only because members of other participating churches were already committed to other building projects. For future projects, The Twelve Months will tap the talents of the Nazarenes, United Methodists, Lutherans, Mennonites and Christian Church congregants.

HELPING HANDS

Surrounding Cecilia and Ivan Hill (center) are Santa’s yearlong elves, otherwise known as members of Knights of Columbus, Holy Angels Council No. 1368.

Left to right are: Paul Phares, Butch Foltz, Bryan Schmit, Larry Foltz, Peter Foltz, Luke Foltz, Robert Miller, Matt Foltz, Aaron Steele, Ted Uhler, and Mark Foltz, holding two-year-old Evie Foltz.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY

JOE BOLLIG

▲ MEN AT WORK

▲

▲ RECIPIENT

Ivan Hill (above) and his wife Cecilia permitted the Knights council to make their home the first Twelve Months of Christmas work site.

Luke Foltz balances on a beam as he uses a nail gun to secure a face board, which is being held by his brother, Matt Foltz. Projects like The Twelve Months of Christmas benefit the community, but also help recruit new members into the Knights of Columbus. Uhler’s efforts to found the Autumn Blaze Barbecue Contest and The Twelve Months of Christmas have attracted younger men, like the two Foltz brothers, and revitalized the council.

THE KINDEST CUT

Butch Foltz (left) cuts an angle for a corner joist of the porch as Paul Phares holds the board.

NATION

10

BRIEFLY

USCCB introduces guide that examines torture as moral issue WASHINGTON (CNS) — The dignity and respect of the human person is the cornerstone of a new study guide on torture as a moral issue published by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The guide, titled “Torture: Torture Is a Moral Issue, a Catholic Study Guide,” looks at church teaching as it relates to the use of torture by government authorities around the world and mixes in biblical passages that evoke Jesus’ call to “love your enemies.” The guide was written by David Gibson, retired editor of Catholic News Service’s Origins documentary service, in cooperation with the Catholic Leadership Council within the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. It was developed for use by discussion groups and classes in Catholic settings as well as individuals, families and others interested in studying the issue. The guide is available for downloading on the Web at: www.usccb.org/sdwp/ TortureIsAMoralIssueCatholicStudy Guide.pdf.

ST. LOUIS (CNS) — Archbishop Raymond L. Burke didn’t hide his sadness during a news conference June 27 in St. Louis following his appointment as prefect of the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature at the Vatican.

Calling the appointment “bittersweet,” the archbishop said, “I am deeply honored and also humbled by the trust which Pope Benedict XVI has placed in me. I have pledged the Holy Father to serve him with all my energies to the best of my abilities. I ask you to please pray for me, as these are obviously challenging responsibilities which I will be taking up.”

Several minutes into the meeting, he paused and his eyes began to tear up. His reaction was met with loud applause from archdiocesan employees who were there.

Archbishop Burke, who turned 60 June 30, is the first U.S. bishop to be named prefect of the Apostolic Signature, which is the Vatican’s highest court.

When the appointment was announced at the Vatican, Archbishop Burke ceased to be archbishop of St. Louis, where he had served for almost four and a half years.

The archdiocesan college of consultors met the afternoon of June 27 and elected Bishop Robert J. Hermann to serve as archdiocesan administrator until the pontiff names a new archbishop of St. Louis. Bishop Hermann, 73, has been an auxiliary bishop of St. Louis since 2002.

As head of the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature, the archbishop will hear appeals of decisions issued by lower church courts. Many of the cases handled by the court are appeals to sentences of the Roman Rota dealing with marriage annulments.

Archbishop Burke said he learned of the appointment 10 days before when he received a call at his residence from Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

“There’s a sadness at the thought of leaving St. Louis, as I’ve become so

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BRIEFLY Vatican presses traditionalists with reconciliation date

CNS photo/Mark Kempf

Archbishop Raymond L. Burke of St. Louis has been appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to head the Vatican's highest court. The announcement was made at the Vatican June 27. As prefect of the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature, he will hear appeals of decisions issued by lower church courts. deeply involved in the life of the church here,” Archbishop Burke said in an interview with the St. Louis Review, archdiocesan newspaper, after the press conference.

A native of Richland Center in the Diocese of La Crosse, Wis., he said that when he arrived as archbishop in 2004 he didn’t “have any association with St. Louis at all. But I quickly came to experience . . . the wonderful Catholic families in this archdiocese.”

“The roots of the Catholic faith are so long here and deep, and they’re nurtured in good homes,” he continued. “Everywhere I go in the archdiocese, I meet the most wonderful faithful.”

Prior to this most recent appointment, Archbishop Burke was named to two Vatican posts in May: the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts and the Congregation for Clergy. The archbishop said he will retain those positions. In 2006, he was appointed as a judge for the Apostolic Signature.

Asked if those appointments were a tip-off of something greater to come, the archbishop said, “It made me a bit

concerned. I was honored by the trust, but I was becoming concerned that it might be an indication of [the Vatican] wanting me more full time.”

Archbishop Burke has a long history of experience in canon law. Among his various degrees, he earned a licentiate in canon law in 1982 and a doctorate in canon law in 1984, both from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

From 1985 to 1994, he was a visiting professor of canon law at the Pontifical Gregorian University. In 1989, Pope John Paul II named him defender of the bond of the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature. He served in that role until his installment as bishop of La Crosse, Wis., in 1995.

He also holds memberships in several canon law societies throughout the world.

Archbishop Burke was to depart for Italy July 1. He will first make a stop in Florence to attend priestly ordinations for the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest. From there, he was to go to Rome to meet with the staff of the Apostolic Signature.

Villa St. Francis

CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec

Deacons assist Pope Benedict XVI with his cope, a large cape worn at liturgical ceremonies, as the pontiff leads a prayer service with U.S. bishops during his April visit to the United States. A recent article in the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano said the ornate liturgical vestments worn by priests symbolize the spiritual transformation of the wearer, not his love of fashion.

It’s not Prada, but Christ, that guides vestment choices VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Wearing ornate liturgical vestments symbolizes the spiritual transformation of the person wearing the clothes, not his love of fashion, the Vatican newspaper said.

“The priest does not choose such ornaments because of an aesthetic vice — he does it to put on the new clothes of Christ,” said an article in the June 26 edition of L’Osservatore Romano.

Liturgical vestments represent “dressing oneself anew in Christ” in which the priest “transcends his identity to become someone else,” to become one with Christ through a process of interior transformation and inner renewal, it said.

“The pope, in short, does not wear Prada, but Christ,” it said.

The article was written by Spanish novelist Juan Manuel de Prada, who is not related to the Milanese Prada fashion company he mentions in the

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critique. It presents a harsh reproach against the way some media have “trivialized” Pope Benedict XVI’s sartorial styles.

It said the pope has received an “unprecedented” media blitz over his decisions to bring back the “camauro,” a red velvet cap trimmed with ermine; a red velvet, ermine-trimmed cape, called a mozzetta; and a widebrimmed red straw hat that Pope John XXIII often wore.

Also, “the hearsay” that the pope’s red leather shoes were Prada-designed footwear is “naturally false,” it said.

The article said seeing Esquire magazine honor the pope’s style sense last August and naming him “accessorizer of the year” caused “a certain amused perplexity” and indicated “a frivolity much characterized by an age that tends to trivialize what it doesn’t understand.”

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Receiving Eucharist kneeling will be norm at papal liturgies VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Receiving the Eucharist on the tongue while kneeling before the pope will become the norm at papal liturgies, said the Vatican’s liturgist. While current norms allow the faithful to receive the Eucharist in the hand while standing, Pope Benedict XVI has indicated a preference for the more traditional practice, said Msgr. Guido Marini, master of papal liturgical ceremonies. Kneeling and receiving Communion on the tongue highlights “the truth of the real presence [of Christ] in the Eucharist, helps the devotion of the faithful and introduces the sense of mystery more easily,” he said in a June 26 interview with the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano. Pastorally speaking, he said “it is urgent to highlight and recover” these aspects of the sacredness and mystery of the Eucharist in modern times. Generally at papal Masses, those receiving Communion from the pope stand and the majority choose to receive on the tongue.

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The pope is a “simple and unpretentious man” as could be seen by the “modest black sweater” peeking out from under his new vestments as he greeted the faithful in St. Peter’s Square moments after his 2005 election, it said.

However, the media frenzy over the pope’s choice of attire paradoxically has uncovered a grain of truth, it said.

He is concerned deeply over how he is dressed but for completely different reasons.

It said Pope Benedict wants to celebrate the liturgy in the most “essential way,” as an “innermost demand, the search for an inner purity.”

Ornate elements and liturgical vestments do not represent frivolous “accessories,” but rather represent this “essential” nature and the “anticipation of the new clothes of the resurrected body of Christ,” it said.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican has pressed the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X to accept five conditions, including respect for the pope and his authority, as part of a reconciliation offer. The conditions were communicated by letter to the head of the society, Bishop Bernard Fellay, by Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, who has conducted an on-again, off-again dialogue with the traditionalists for several years. One of the conditions set forth in Cardinal Castrillon’s letter was that the society respond favorably by the end of June. Vatican sources said the deadline indicated some Vatican impatience with the dialogue that began in 2000 and has yet to yield results.

The Vatican offer was first reported by the Italian newspaper, Il Giornale, and followed a meeting June 4 between Cardinal Castrillon and Bishop Fellay.

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Archbishop sad over leaving St. Louis

While one nun’s house is saved, others assess damage BUFFALO, Iowa (CNS) — The flood of 2008 is doing for Mercy Sister Ludmilla Benda what no other flood has done for 32 years. She’s leaving her home in Buffalo, a small Iowa town along the mighty Mississippi River, and moving to the city. Although her home 11 miles southwest of Davenport was spared by the record floods thanks to the heroic efforts of dozens of volunteer sandbaggers and pump operators, Sister Ludmilla is packing up and leaving three decades of memories behind.

“I’m moving out for good,” Sister Ludmilla said with a tinge of sadness in her voice. Others across Iowa were not as fortunate. Msgr. Francis Henricksen, retired editor of The Catholic Messenger, said flooding that inflicted severe damage on his home in Cedar Bluffs along the Cedar River came as a surprise.

THE LEAVEN

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CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT Outreach representative - Are you ready to make a difference? Stay a while?

Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, a Kansas City-based sponsorship ministry, is seeking an outreach representative to contact Catholic parishes. Position requires good telephone and database skills, along with basic familiarity with Catholic culture. Contact us at (913) 384-7148.

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

Youth minister - For a bicultural, urban parish in Kansas City, Mo. Excellent organizational and people skills required. Must be willing to engage and animate adult volunteers in youth ministry and offer solid faith formation.

This position may require some clerical work.

Send inquiries to Diane Matous, via e-mail, at: matous@diocesekcsj.org.

Thrift store manager - El Centro, a nonprofit agency, is seeking a highly motivated, experienced manager to start up and manage a thrift store. The successful candidate must have a minimum of seven years experience in retail sales and/or consumer management; the ability to solicit donations and attract, manage and retain volunteers; and excellent interpersonal skills. Send letter of interest and resume, via e-mail, to: mljaramillo@ elcentroinc.com. EOE. Distribution center personnel needed - Lenexa-based health-care products distributor has immediate openings for full- and part-time material handlers. Must be detailoriented and enjoy working on your feet.

Starting pay $12/hour; bonus and other benefits offered. Friendly and professional work environment. Contact Greg or Steve at (913) 384-2220.

Part-time accompanist - For St. Matthew Apostle, Kansas City, Mo. This individual is responsible for facilitating the worship life of our community by providing prayerful accompaniment that leads, sustains and nurtures the sung prayer of the congregation. Approximately 7 hrs. per week. Salary commensurate with BA level, skills, education and experience. Responsibilities include three weekend Masses, holy day and sacramental liturgies, and weekly choir rehearsals.

Funerals and weddings will be compensated separately. Experience in liturgical accompaniment necessary. A bachelor’s of art in music with a piano emphasis is preferred.

Concurrent study or equivalent experience will be considered. Contact Jeanne Marie Kohr, director of liturgy and music, at (816) 7630208; fax (816) 765-2617; or send an email to her at: jmkohr@kc.rr.com.

Parish business manager - Visitation Parish, Kansas City, Mo., seeks a qualified individual to oversee or perform all parish financial, human resource, facilities management and administrative responsibilities.

Responsibilities include: financial planning and coordination of budget process; bookkeeping functions, cash flow management and financial reporting; management of payroll and benefit programs; supervision of office assistants, financial staff and maintenance staff; supervision of building cleaning, repair and renovation; and oversight of office technology. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree plus 3 - 5 years experience in management; leadership, organizational and communication skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office; knowledge of Catholic parish organization; and the ability to work with parish leadership teams. Full-time position with flexible hours. To apply or for information, contact Father Patrick Rush at (816) 753-5155, ext. 302, or send an e-mail to: frpat@church. visitation.org.

Program coordinator - St. Joseph Early Education Center, Shawnee, is seeking a full-time coordinator for the before- and afterschool care program. Must have KDHE approval for school-age children or equivalent.

Supervisory experience preferred. Candidate must have excellent organizational skills, love children and be dedicated to families. For information contact Nancy Wacker at (913) 631-0004.

Ascension School, Overland Park Is seeking an after-school care director from 2:30 - 6 p.m. on school days. We are also seeking cafeteria servers from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on school days. If interested, call the school office at (913) 851-2531.

Preschool teachers - The Goddard School, 21820 W. 115th Terr., Olathe, is expanding its awesome teaching staff. Positions are available for qualified lead teachers in our young toddler (12 - 18 mos.) and toddler (24 - 30 mos.) rooms. Assistant teacher and substitute positions are also available.

Candidates should be prepared to plan and facilitate lessons and communicate effectively with children, families, co-workers and administrators. Both full- and part-time positions are available. Lead teachers should have a degree in early childhood education or a related field, or a CDA. Prior experience in a childcare setting is preferred. Please forward your resume via e-mail to: GoddardOlathe2@ everestkc.net. The owners are members of Ascension Parish.

Prince of Peace Early Education Center, Olathe - Is seeking afternoon teachers from 3 - 6 p.m. to work with school-age children. Experience preferred. Must be 18 years or older. Call Amanda Khemraj at (913) 829-2728.

Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kan. - Is seeking full-time math, business and Spanish teachers for the 2008 - 09 school year. Applicants should contact Mr. Dennis Dorr at (913) 371-1201, or send an e-mail to him at: dorr@wardhigh.org.

After-school child-care providers St. Ann Young Child Center, Prairie Village, is interviewing for part-time child-care providers for its after-school program starting in the fall.

Experience is a plus, but will train. Starting at $9 per hour. For information, call Tati at (913) 362-4660.

SERVICES Piano and voice lessons - Available for the fall. For information, call (913) 2062151, or send an e-mail to: mamurick@ rockhurst.edu.

Piano tuning - Touch-up and full chromatic piano tuning for residential and business clients in the KC metro area. Call Bob at (816) 510-3125.

Do you remember the “Footsteps” poem? God will carry us through difficult times if we ask for help. Spirituality-based counseling for depression, anxiety, family and relationship difficulties provided by social worker Lois A. Miller, LSCSW, in the Mission area. Call (913) 980-7336.

Husband and wife cleaning team Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.

Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help.

Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 422-0610; or send an e-mail to: tkidd@kc.rr.com.

Does your car have dimmed, clouded-looking headlight lenses? We will come to your location and recondition your automobile headlight lenses for $57.

Call Zep at (816) 741-0999.

Bookkeeping services - Don’t waste any more time or money. Prism Services Inc. can tailor bookkeeping services to your needs. We’re efficient, dependable and reasonable. Prices start at just $20 per hour.

Mention this ad and receive 10% off your first invoice. Call today. (913) 901-0452.

Mountain Movers Inc. - Big or small, we move it all. Insured movers specializing in antiques. Call Dennis Higgins, owner, at (913) 285-3399.

Caregiving assistant - I provide inhome care and personal assistance, including bathing, cooking, light housekeeping, transportation and running errands. Six yrs. experience, references available. $13 - $15 per hour, depending on the needs. I am available hourly, daily or overnight from Sun. - Fri. Call Patricia at (913) 782-9140.

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities.

We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 3412500 and speak with Andrea, Sara or Gary.

Need help caring for Mom or Dad? We provide in-home support with a variety of personal care and household functions to keep seniors safe and active at home. For as little as $50 per week, we can provide extra support for your loved ones, or help you get a “night off” from your daily caregiving responsibilities. Call Benefits of Home - Senior Care at (913) 422-1591.

Have you ever thought of honoring a loved one by leaving a gift in their name? A scholarship fund or designated fund could bear their name for years to come. To find out how you could pay tribute with a memorial gift, contact the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas at (913) 647-0365. To learn about all that the foundation does to help Catholics in our archdiocese, visit the Web site at: www.cfnek.org.

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

Metro Johnson County only Custom-made overlay stained-glass windows or door-side window panels. Adds privacy, beauty and insulation. Call Ed at (913) 6480099. Reasonable.

Wedding decorations - Relax, I decorate for church, receptions, anniversaries and parties. Includes cleanup. Free consultation.

References. Greater KC area. Call Twila at Elegant Wedding Decor at (913) 724-1408.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT Custom-kitchen countertops Laminate tops manufactured and installed within 5 days. Competitive prices, dependable work. St. Joseph Parish member. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement Finishing Kitchens and baths Electrical and Plumbing Licensed and insured (913) 599-7998 Bulk mulch - $35 to $42 per cubic yard. Free weekend and evening delivery, within 20 miles, with 3 yd. minimum purchase. Call Joe Keehn at (913) 449-9848, or send an e-mail to: joekeehn@gmail.com.

House painting - Interior and exterior; wallpaper removal. 20 years experience.

Reasonable rates. References. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Masonry work - Quality, new or repair work. Brick, block, and chimney/ fireplace repair. Insured; second generation bricklayer.

Call (913) 829-4336.

Contractor - Commercial and residential work — painting and renovating. Free estimates; insured; 20 yrs. experience. Call (913) 206-4524.

THE LEAVEN • JULY 4, 2008 STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Call for free estimates. Cell: (913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa.

Tim the Handyman - Insured; free estimates. Carpentry: new and repair deck, doors, windows, siding, screens. Plumbing: faucet, garbage disposals, toilets. Electrical: switches, outlets, ceiling fans, light fixtures.

Light landscape: fill dirt, trimming, planting, garden tilling and mulching. Serving Johnson County. Call Tim at (913) 859-0471.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and southern KC metro area. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

Lawn and landscape work - College student looking for landscaping and mowing work. Four years’ experience. Will do trees, mulching, deck refurbishment and landscape design and install. Johnson County. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA * COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL * LAWN RENOVATION * MOWING * CLEAN-UP AND HAULING * DIRT GRADING/INSTALLATION * LANDSCAPE DESIGN * FREE ESTIMATES HABLAMOS Y ESCRIBIMOS INGLES!!

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376.

Get great savings now! We have reorganized to meet everyone’s needs. All contacts will be responded to. Mention this ad and receive 10% off any project or repair over $300. Great prices on all of your needs.

Roofing, fencing, siding, additions, kitchens, baths, basements, and all your construction or remodeling needs. Licensed, insured, experienced and quality minded. In-Land Construction Services (913) 393-3052.

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

FOLEY’S LAWN CARE * Mowing * Leaf Cleanups * * Bed Mulching * * Landscape Maintenance * www.foleyslawncare.com Serving Johnson County, Kansas (913) 825-4353

FOR RENT For rent - 1 BR, 1 BA, mobile home near Linwood. Accommodates one person. Quiet setting, looking for a quiet person. References required. $375/month, plus utilities and deposit. For information or to set up an interview, write to: Jones, P.O. Box 22, Linwood, KS 66052.

For rent - 2 BR, 1-1/2 BA, updated 100yr-old farmhouse in Olathe on 1-1/2 acres. No pets, no smoking. Call (913) 402-0240.

REAL ESTATE Lake house for sale - Be on the lake in less than 2 hours! This adorable home at Lake Kahola, Kan. is just 10 miles off I-35 at the Emporia exit. This 2 BR, 1 BA home has been completely remodeled and features a private dock, boathouse and whirlpool tub to relax away the stress! Call Tom Lippert, Ek Real Estate, at (620) 342-3366 or (620) 4819727.

Yates Center - Small house for sale. 1 BR, 1 BA, plus shop and shed on a corner lot. $17K as is, or $20K fixed up. Will also consider a trade. Call GL Bullard at (620) 4682013. (classified ads continued on page 13)

JULY 4, 2008

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THE LEAVEN

(continued from page 12) Shawnee - Beautiful, 4 BR home for sale near Good Shepherd Parish and School.

Lovely two-story home with a screened-in porch and luscious landscaping. A must see!

12714 W. 76th St. in Seven Hills subdivision.

Call Sue Bernica at (913) 620-3144.

Overland Park ranch - Near Holy Cross Church. 3 BR, 2 BA, LR/DR, eat-in kitchen, family rm. w/ fireplace, central air, attic fan, full bsmt., a 2-car garage, and gutter shields. New price; call (913) 839-8693.

Prairie Village Cape Cod - Walk to St. Ann’s Church and school, parks, shops. 4 BR, 2BA. Premium hardwoods. Large Sun/family rm. on the first level. Newer roof, exterior paint, water heater. $214,950. (913) 362-6902 or (816) 678-6607.

Topeka - 3800 sq. ft., 5 BR, custom built home. Den, rec. room, family room with wood-burning fireplace, hardwood floors, and 3-car garage. Ten minutes from capital and hospital. $249K. Call (785) 554-3026.

Sugar Valley Lakes Resort - Mound City, Kan. Only 65 miles from Kansas City.

70 ft. furnished trailer with large covered deck. 12 by 12 wood shed. Beautiful 9-hole golf course, fishing, beach and pool. $25K. Call (913) 768-4663.

13

CLASSIFIEDS Olathe split-level home – 4 BR, 2 ½ BA, eat-in kitchen, LR/DR, family rm. with fireplace, fin. bsmt., energy efficient furnace and central air. Large yard with covered patio.

Prince of Peace Parish. Call (913) 764-0543.

VACATION Bahamas beachfront condo - Enjoy the crystal clear waters, beachfront pool or the beautiful sunrises from our newly remodeled condo that sleeps four. $125/night; $750/week. Local owner will rent to mature adults and families. Visit the Web site at: www.coralbeach1602.com, or send an email to: coralbeach1602@gmail.com.

Lake of the Ozarks rental - Osage Beach, million-dollar view, fully furnished; 2 BR, 2 BA; sleeps six. No smoking, no pets.

For special rates, call Steve or Sheryl Roederer at (913) 244-2022, or take a visual tour at: www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T= 338261.

Summer vacation - Winter Park, Colo.

2 BR, 1 BA, sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec center w/pool, fishing, golf, hiking, rafting, close to nat’l park. $100/night; $600/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 3855589.

Mountain cabin – Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, 1 BA. Mountain view, near all recreation areas. $95/night. Call (913) 642-3027. To

view, visit the Web site at: cabin.forcade associates.com.

CHILDCARE Part-time nanny needed - For 2 days/12-15 hrs weekly, (10 a.m. -5p.m.), some light housework/meal prep, 3 children (ages 14, 12, and 8), Lenexa. Please call (913) 708-0619.

Childcare needed - Our family is seeking day care two afternoons a week from 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. for two boys ages 4 and 6 in our home. Must have excellent driving record and references. Members of Church of the Nativity, Leawood. Call (913) 593-9559.

FOR SALE For sale - Three cemetery plots at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan. Lot 35; section 5; spaces 4, 5, and 6. For information, call David at (815) 436-1968.

For sale - Two cemetery plots in the older part of Mount Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan. Lot 185; section 5; spaces 1 and 2. Valued at $1350; price negotiable. Call (308) 532-0750.

Piano - Beautifully cared-for classic, white, baby grand piano for sale. Knabe; purchased 8 years ago; tuned twice a year.

Complete with piano bench. Also available:

antique music cabinet. Asking $13,000 for piano and $250 for cabinet. If interested, send an e-mail to: Triadou@aol.com, or leave a message at (913) 829-5733.

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WANTED TO BUY ***ANTIQUES WANTED*** Postcards, old photos, military items, trains, coins, watches jewelry, political buttons, signs, old toys and banks, Red Wing crocks, Indian rugs, sterling silverware.

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

CALENDAR Meetings The Johnson County Unos will hold their monthly meeting and potluck dinner at 6 p.m. on July 11 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission. Bring meat casseroles, salads, vegetables or desserts — enough to feed 8 — or $5 to pay for your meal.

The T o p e k a C a t h o l i c S i n g l e s group will host its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on July 15 at Planet Sub, 2130 S.W. Wanamaker Rd. For information, call Lori at (785) 845-2159.

Miscellaneous The Singles of Nativity are sponsoring a Niangua River Oasis float trip in Lebanon, Mo., from Sept. 5 - 7. The estimated cost of $155 includes: two nights lodging in a furnished cabin, meals, bottled water and the float trip. Please plan to bring soda, other beverages and snacks to share. Space is limited. A $50 deposit is required to hold your spot, with the remaining balance due on July 15. Send checks, payable to SON, to: Sue Shelton, 8424 Legler, Lenexa, KS 66219. For information or questions, send an e-mail to Sue at: suesheltonkc@gmail.com; to Kathy at: kathy13621@hotmail.com; or call (913) 645-2046.

Abundant Life Hospice, Hiawatha, is seeking donations of yarn, Poly-Fil, buttons, ribbons and fabric remnants for use in making hand-crafted gifts for hospice patients. We have willing hands, but are short on supplies. Take the time to clean out your sewing room and give the gift of sharing. Contact Nancy at 1(800) 983-3881, or (785) 985-3881; or send an e-mail to her at: nancy@abundant lifehospice.org.

Notre Dame de Sion will host all girls soccer camps this summer. Session I, for girls entering 2 - 5 grade, will be held from 8 - 10 a.m. on July 7 - 10.

Session II, for girls entering 6 - 8 grades, will be held from 8 - 10 a.m. on July 14 17. For information or to register, send an e-mail to Matt Darby at: mdarby@rockhursths.edu, or visit the Web site at: www.sionstorm.com.

Michael Podrebarac, liturgy consultant for the archdiocese, will speak on reconciliation and the other sacraments and on the four major kinds of prayer at 7 p.m. on July 17 in the Nativity Parish hall, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood. The cost of $5 includes dessert. For information or to RSVP, call Karen Turner at (913) 3385679, or send an e-mail to her at: kturner@aaamissouri.com.

Maur Hill-Mount Academy, 1000 Green St., Atchison, will host an auction July 27, beginning at 10 a.m. A sale bill listing all items to be auctioned will be available after July 6 at the school’s Web site at: www.mh-ma.com.

Rosaries ‘n’ More will host a pilgrimage to Conception Abbey, Conception, Mo., on Aug.16. The cost of $42 includes lunch. Seats are limited; for reservations or information, call Pilar at (913) 825-6422.

Education The Keeler Women’s Center, a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters located at 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer the following classes: • “The Challenge of Parenting Early Teens” will be offered from 1 2:30 p.m. on July 8.

• “Dress for Success – Build a Basic Wardrobe That Matches You and Your Budget” will be offered from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. on July 15.

Classes are offered free of charge; however, space is limited and advance registration is required. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990, or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org.

Religious events A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on July 17 at C u r é o f A r s C h u r c h , 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Father Bill Fisher will preside; fellowship follows.

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on July 19 at C u r é o f A r s C h u r c h , 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereave-

ment ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be “Your Grief Is Unique.” For information, call (913) 649-2026.

The T o p e k a C a t h o l i c S i n g l e s group will host a TGIF at 5:30 p.m. on July 18 at Annie’s Place, 4014 S.W. Gage Center Dr. For information, call Don at (785) 228-2999.

Each year the Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City offers the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola to help people explore and deepen their relationships with God. Anyone interested is invited to one of the five “come and see” informational sessions being held from 7 - 8 p.m. on July 10 at Holy Trinity, Lenexa; on July 17 at the Church of the Ascension, Overland Park; on July 17 at the Rockhurst University Community Center, Kansas City, Mo.; on July 31 at St. Thomas More Parish, Kansas City, Mo.; and on August 7 at Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Mo. For information, contact Joseph Cirincione at (816) 523-5115, ext. 212; or send an e-mail to: jcirincione@sfx-kc.org; or call Father James Blumeyer, SJ, at (816) 523-5115, ext. 214, or send an e-mail to: jblumeyer@sfx-kc.org.

St. Mary-St. Anthony Church, 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host “Sunset in Paradise,” a dinner/ d a n c e featuring the Don Lipovac Orchestra on July 19. Dinner will be served from 5 - 7 p.m., with dancing following until 10:30 p.m. Tropical dress is optional. The cost is $25. Tickets may be purchased at Theresa’s Hair Salon, 508 N. 6th St., or by calling the church office at (913) 371-1408.

Retreats Take a vacation from the world and learn what God’s plan for your marriage is by attending the next W o r l d w i d e Marriage Encounter weekend, which will be held from July 25 - 28. For information or to register, call (913) 469-8435 in Kansas City; (785) 843-9274 in Lawrence; (785) 357-5000 in Topeka; or visit the Web site at: www.neksme.org.

A retreat, entitled “Contemplative Living III: Centering Prayer,” will be offered from 10 a.m. on July 26 to 1 p.m. on July 27 at the Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison. The presenter will be Sister Micaela Randolph, OSB. The cost is $100.

For information or reservations, call (913) 360-6173.

Social St. Ann Church, Effingham, will host a parish picnic on July 13. A barbecue pork or fried chicken dinner will be served beginning at 4 p.m., followed by bingo, games, and an auction at 7 p.m.

The cost is $7 for adults; $3 for children 10 and under.

St. Augustine Church, Fidelity, will host a p a r i s h p i c n i c on July 20. A c h i c k e n a n d h a m d i n n e r will be served beginning at 4:30 p.m., followed by bingo, games, a quilt raffle and more.

The cost is $7 for adults; $4 for children.

The Singles of Nativity will host a progressive dinner at 5 p.m. on July 27 at Wil Jenny’s, 6700 W. 135th St., Overland Park. Join us as we switch tables for each course of our meal and meet new people. The cost is $28. To RSVP, mail a check payable to Ken O’Bryan, by July 24, to: 10328 Ash St., Overland Park, KS 66207. Please include your name, email address and phone number. For information, send an e-mail to Ken at: kenobks@aol.com.

St. Benedict’s Circle will host a card party and luncheon from 11:30 a.m. 3 p.m. on July 31 at H o l y C r o s s Church, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park. For information or reservations, call Helen at (913) 381-4295, or Doris at (913) 381-2757. The cost is $11.

Support Groups The Y o u n g A d u l t B e g i n n i n g Experience (YABE) is a peer ministry retreat where young adults are surrounded by peers that understand them and share their own personal stories. YABE invites those 14 years of age or older to the next retreat weekend being held from July 11-13. For information or to register, call Kathy at (316) 777-0970.

14

COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • JULY 4, 2008

MARK MY WORDS President MOST REVEREND JOSEPH F. NAUMANN Editor REVEREND MARK GOLDASICH, STL frmark@theleaven.com Associate Editor ANITA McSORLEY anita@theleaven.com

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Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Archbishop Edward O’Meara Award Winner 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003 Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com.

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SCRIPTURE

READINGS FOURTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME July 6 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 7 Monday Hos 2: 16, 17b-18, 21-22; Ps 145: 2-9; Mt 9: 18-26 July 8 Tuesday Hos 8: 4-7, 11-13; Ps 115: 3-7b, 8-10; Mt 9: 32-38

Make this a letter-perfect year t’s only by God’s good grace that I didn’t spill hot coffee all over myself the other morning.

I had just booted up the computer and opened my e-mail program. The first one I saw had arrived overnight and was from an address that I knew well, but hadn’t seen in my inbox for a very long time. Because I was so excited to get to it, I almost dumped my mug of steaming caffeine all over me — and the keyboard.

The e-mail came from a longtime (and now long ago) friend, whom I’d lost track of after college. A few years ago, through the wonders of e-mail (and the college’s alumni association), we were able to reestablish contact.

Then, as life often does, things got hectic and we lost touch again.

Occasionally, I would send out an email to my friend, but I’d heard nothing back until this past Tuesday morning. The subject line read: “I found an old E-mail from you and wondered if you are still out there???” I can’t describe how delighted I felt to hear from this friend once again.

Isn’t it fascinating how powerful letters from friends and family can be, whether electronic ones or the good old-fashioned handwritten types?

They bring a smile to the face and a warm feeling to the heart. They are a lifeline of caring between the sender and the receiver.

On page 16 of this week’s Leaven,

I

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

you’ll read about Pope Benedict XVI officially opening a jubilee year honoring St. Paul, on the occasion of the 2,000th year (roughly) since his birth. As you know, St. Paul was a prolific letter writer. There are 13 letters in the New Testament attributed to him, although Scripture scholars acknowledge that he FATHER probably didn’t actualMARK write all of them.

GOLDASICH ly The ones that most scholars agree were written by Paul are 1 Thessalonians, Galatians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Philemon, Philippians and Romans.

In fact, Paul’s letters are the oldest part of the New Testament; many of them predate the Gospels. These letters give us an incredible peek into the life and issues of the earliest Christians. More than that, though, his letters give us a glimpse of Paul himself.

On most Sundays, the second reading at Mass comes from a letter of St. Paul. Unfortunately, I get the sense as I celebrate the Mass each weekend that people tend to “space out” during the second reading. Part of the problem may be that Paul’s letters can be very dense at times and the English translations are sometimes not terribly smooth.

An easy way to begin our jubilee year of Paul is to make it a priority to listen carefully each weekend to that second reading. In fact, it’s a good idea to read the passage to yourself before

Mass. That way you’ll have some idea of what’s coming, and it might make the proclamation during Mass more understandable. Also, most Bibles have an introductory article before each of Paul’s letters. Take the time to read that introduction at home sometime, as it will help to put things into context.

Secondly, because imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I’d like to propose a unique way of honoring St. Paul in this special jubilee year: Let’s write letters ourselves.

Although electronic ones do “count,” I’d encourage you to focus particularly on the good old handwritten variety. Yes, it takes longer, costs at least 42 cents, and is probably an inefficient way to communicate nowadays. But because it’s so rare anymore to receive a letter by mail, it will be all the more precious. It will truly stand out and be remembered and treasured.

My goal is to write one letter by hand a month (although I’m hoping to do more than that).

Furthermore, I’m going to push myself to answer personal e-mails in a more timely fashion. (That probably only requires that I not surf the Web as much and devote that time instead to writing back to others.)

Let’s pay tribute to this great letter writer of the New Testament by keeping in touch with those we love and respect. In doing so, may we discover what St. Paul understood so well: Letter writing isn’t just a way to communicate, it’s a wonderful way to pray as well.

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

Each Gospel spreads good news in its own way Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Mt 11: 25-30 hile I was away recently on vacation, some other priests came in to cover the parish for me, to celebrate Mass in my absence.

A few of the altar servers told me that the visiting priests did things completely different.

They were shocked at how the visiting priests’ celebration of the Mass contrasted with my own way of doing things.

However, a thorough examination revealed no breach of liturgical rules, no cause for alarm. There were a few minor differences. For example, I usually have two servers carry candles in the entrance procession. The visiting priest did not. There was also a difference in the length of our homilies. But there was no difference in the fundamentals. It was all one and the same Mass.

We can find a similar situation with regard to the four Gospels. Each one has a personality of its own. To a certain degree, they behave differently.

For example, the synoptic Gospels — Matthew, Mark and Luke — for the

W

most part, focus upon Jesus as redeemer, who saves us by his death on the cross. That is where they put their emphasis.

On the other hand, the Gospel of John focuses upon Jesus as revealer, who gives us eternal life through his teachings. Of course, FATHER all four Gospels deal MIKE in the themes of salSTUBBS vation and redemption. It is a difference of emphasis.

That usual difference in emphasis makes Sunday’s Gospel reading, Mt 11:25-30, stand out all the more. In it, Jesus praises God for revealing the mysteries of heaven to the marginalized of society: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.”

This emphasis upon revelation smacks of John’s Gospel, rather than the Synoptics. Similarly, it would have been no surprise to find in John’s Gospel the language describing the close union between Jesus and God in the verse that follows: “All things have been handed over to me by my Father.

No one knows the Son except the

Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” (These comments about the relationship between the Father and the Son are common in John’s Gospel. Examples can be found in Jn 3:35; 7:29; 10:14-15; 13:3; and 17:2.) It is as though these sentences were transplanted from John’s Gospel to Matthew’s, except it also finds a parallel in Lk 10:21-22.

At the same time, we should note that Jesus’ statement — “All things have been handed over to me by my Father” — anticipates the conclusion of Matthew’s Gospel: “All power on heaven and earth has been given to me” (Mt 28:18).

This exception to the rule in Sunday’s Gospel reading reminds us that, despite the unique character of each Gospel, they all four originally derived from the same source, the oral tradition about Jesus Christ. In the hands of its respective evangelist, each Gospel acquired its own individual character, its own emphasis, its own style.

At the same time, a common foundation underlies them all. That common foundation bespeaks a common goal: to spread the good news about Jesus Christ.

Father Stubbs is the pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing.

VATICAN LETTER

16

THE LEAVEN • JULY 4, 2008

ST. PAUL

Pope turns spotlight on the saint as model for modern Christians

By JOHN THAVIS Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI is known to the world as the successor of St. Peter, the first pope. But for the next 12 months, he’ll be turning the spotlight on St. Paul, the church’s archetypal missionary.

The jubilee year marks the 2,000th anniversary (more or less) of the apostle’s birth, and it fits nicely into what has become an important theme of Pope Benedict’s pontificate: the Christian duty to evangelize.

As the pope told the Roman Curia last December, the idea of all religions getting along harmoniously does not negate the task of leading others to Christ.

“Whoever has recognized a great truth, who has found a great joy, should transmit it. He cannot in fact keep it to himself. Gifts so large are never destined for just one person,” he said.

The pope has pointed to St. Paul as a model of evangelizing energy.

Known as the “Apostle of the Gentiles,” he preached across a vast swath of Mediterranean lands and helped move the early church into the larger world.

Born in Tarsus, in what is today part of modern Turkey, St. Paul grew up in a Jewish family and became a tent-maker by trade. Said to be present at the stoning of St. Stephen, the first martyr, he became a zealous persecutor of Christians throughout the Roman lands of the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor.

On the way to arrest Christians in Syria, as recounted in Scripture, he was blinded temporarily by a vision of Jesus Christ. As he recovered in Damascus, he was “filled with the Spirit” and was baptized.

St. Paul eventually made a series of four major missionary journeys that stretched from Jerusalem to Rome, where he was finally put to death by Roman authorities.

Pope Benedict has held up the life of St. Paul as a lesson to modern Christians, a theme he is certain to expand upon during the jubilee year.

In particular, the pope has cited the apostle’s conversion as relevant to Christians of every age.

Contemporary men and women, the pope has argued, are also open to that kind of life-changing experience,

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A window at St. Peter’s Church in Soest, Germany, depicts the conversion of St. Paul. The jubilee year dedicated to the saint began June 28 and runs through June 29, 2009. which is always based on the personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

The pope has pointed to St. Paul’s martyrdom as exemplary as well, saying that in every era Christianity is only effective and credible if Christians are willing to “pay personally for their faith in Christ.”

“He lived and worked for Christ; he suffered and died for him. How current is his example today,” the pope said of St. Paul.

A quick glance at papal texts reveals that St. Paul is by far the most quoted of Scripture writers in Pope Benedict’s sermons and talks. That trend is about to intensify as the entire church experiences a full-immersion course in his

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life and writings.

Unlike Pope John Paul II, who visited several sites where St. Paul lived and preached, Pope Benedict does not have current plans for a “Pauline pilgrimage.”

But he already walked in the footsteps of the apostle when he visited Turkey in 2006. At Ephesus, where St. Paul is said to have preached, the pope said Mass and recalled the principle that fueled the apostle’s missionary activity: that “all men and women, including the pagans, are called in Christ to share fully in the mystery of salvation.”

The pope shares another major conviction that St. Paul emphasized

frequently when he preached in a new area: that Christians can be good citizens, and that the Gospel is not foreign to any culture or any population on earth.

Sts. Paul and Peter were two very different figures for the early church, and there were tensions between the two — something Pope Benedict has mentioned more than once.

But he also has recalled that, according to Rome tradition, the two saints met in Rome before they were martyred, hugging and blessing each other. As the pope put it, despite all their human differences, they showed the world “a new and authentic way of being brothers.”