07-17-15 Vol. 37 No. 2

THELEAVEN.COM | VOL. 37, NO. 2 | JULY 17, 2015

PHOTO COURTESY OF LOGAN SMITH/SHOOTINGLIFE

Wesley Leach, a spring graduate of Jayhawk Linn High School, worked with longtime friend and photographer Logan Smith to create a senior picture that truly captured the most important things in Leach’s life. Both men are members of Sacred Heart Parish in Mound City.

FOCUS ON FAITH

Photographer, senior team up for a yearbook picture to remember

M

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

OUND CITY — Sacred Heart parishioner Logan Smith has a single criterion for excellence in his work.

“I always tell my customers,” he said, “if I can make your mom cry, I’ve done my job.”

When fellow parishioner Jennifer Leach saw the senior pictures Smith took of her son Wesley, she definitely got teary-eyed.

And then there was that one photograph.

“It took my breath away,” she said. “How could a picture that doesn’t show my son’s face, identify his soul to the core?”

The photograph shows Wesley looking out over a golf course, surrounded by symbols of his favorite sports — with the symbol of his life’s focus dangling down his back.

“Kids always want to show their trophies,” said his mother. “He chose to show his rosary.” >> See “ROSARY” on page 6

PHOTO COURTESY OF LOGAN SMITH/SHOOTINGLIFE

Photographer Logan Smith appears above on his company Facebook page, Shootinglife.

2 LOCAL NEWS

THELEAVEN.COM | JULY 17, 2015

Leaven scores multiple awards at annual convention >> Continued from page 16 brought home a first-place award for best multiple picture package originating with a newspaper (feature package) for the baseball showdown between priests of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and those of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

“Fun package of photos,” read the comments. “Nicely done and displayed. Sure the readers loved it and laughed out loud.”

“This assignment was so much fun!” said Lori Habiger. “Everyone on the field was having a great time; the crowd loved it, the light was beautiful. I try as a photographer to challenge myself to give the reader access to sights they would not have experienced without the view through my lens, and it was a real treat to be able to share with them the fun of this game.”

Photographer Susan McSpadden received an honorable mention in the same category for “Into the Wild Blue Yonder,” capturing St. Thomas Aquinas students’ surprise send-off ahead of theology teacher Leo Brown’s deployment.

“Great spontaneous photos. Good quality,” read the comments.

Todd Habiger also scored an honorable mention for best use of art or graphics (best chart or information

graphic) for a Pope Francis feature.

And while he is a master of design at The Leaven, it was writing the “In the Name of the Father” story that really made a lasting impact on him.

“I am thankful that the archbishop opened up to me about his father and was able to put into words his feelings toward a father he was never able to meet,” said Habiger, who also appreciated the insights of Archbishop Naumann’s mother, Louise.

“I haven’t really written much for The Leaven in the past decade because my job as production manager keeps me plenty busy,” he said. “But in writing this story, I rediscovered my love for writing and have contributed a few stories to The Leaven since then.

“Although I’ve won writing awards before, this is my favorite story I’ve written because it’s a touching story about a father and son’s love.”

And if McSorley, invigorated by the convention, has her way, there’ll be no shortage of stories for him and the rest of the staff to discover.

“I also see [at the convention] the great work other diocesan newspapers are doing and think to myself, ‘We should be doing that,’” she said. “The Leaven staff hates to see me return from those conventions because I always have a long list in hand of goals I’d like to set for the coming year.”

CALENDAR July 26 Spanish Charismatic Conference Mass

ARCHBISHOP

NAUMANN July 19 Dedication of hall and offices — St. Bernard, Wamego Blessing of new Catholic radio station — Wamego

July 27 Keynote — U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ pro-life directors conference Pro-life directors Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas

July 20 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Hayden auction dinner July 23 Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese cabinet meeting

Dinner and presentation of “People of Life” Awards, USCCB’s pro-life directors conference — Savior Pastoral Center ARCHBISHOP

KELEHER

“Humanae Vitae” Mass — Curé of Ars, Leawood

July 19 Mass in County Mayo

July 24 Mass and reconciliation — Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg

July 25 Family Mass

July 31 Archbishop Keleher’s 84th birthday

July 25 St. James Academy 10-year anniversary Mass

Saturday Aug. 1, 2015 9 a.m. (at both locations)

MT. CALVARY KCK Charles R. Agnew Frieda Bader Theresa M. Benkeser Helen B. Bert Theresa J. Blackmer C. Virginia Bowler Constance Bozarth Cecilia T. Burke Lawrence J. Cichacki Margaret Dominguez Myrtle E. Dunkin Theresa S. Fabela Thomas E. Flynn Helen M. Gedminas Anna M. Grigsby Mary Lou Haefele Helen R. Hahn Alfonso D. Hernandez Jamie J. HernandezZubia Reverend Frank M. Horvat Carl J. Horvatin Josephine Lopez Barbara J. Mata Edward J. Mayfield Anthony G. Mercer Paul H. Montes Marion G. Mufich Joseph Nick Lupe Ortiz Nancy E. Ruder Irene A. Schobyn Mary D. Sievers Ignacio R. Silva Emma E. Spora Martha S. Staniec Tomas Torres Anna M. Waddell Michael P. Waliczek William L. Williamson

RESURRECTION Anna M. Ascencio Loretta M. Allebach Vicki A. Barmann Melba L. Beard Emmett M. Becker Kenneth F. Bergeron Anna M. Bittner H. James Bob Francis Robert Bowman Ledie M. Bowman Fizer M. Brawley Walter C. Brinkman Rosemarie Buckman Daryl V. Bush Marilyn A. Casey Terry L. Christenson Jacqueline L. Corrigan Christina M. Crutcher Mary J. DeVaughn Rose Marie DeVeney Catherine B. Dobbs Louise T. Donovan Molly R. Duffy Richard Emery Catherine M. Ferrell Uriel Del Real Flores Mary A. Gladbach Diana L. Hallgrimson Steven A. Haug Braxton G. Haun Donald T. Heiman Elizabeth A. Holmes Barbara L. Howard Rachael C. Hugunin Jayanna Kane Arthur E. Keller, Jr. David C. Kinnaird Mary L. Kirk Kurt C. Kleinsorge Charles E. Lafferty Barbara A. Lafond

Terry L. Larson Clyde Lawson James D. MacDonald Frank L. Mackey, Sr. Louis J. Malinowski, Sr. Matthew Mertz Mary A. Mestdagh Ethel M. Meyer Richard E. Miller Michael D. Moeller Dixie L. Morris Kathleen A. Mosher John E. Moylan Gabriel Marie Muller Marilyn M. Murray Jesse S. Nielsen Aloysius G. Orscheln, Jr Cameron J. Perkins Donald Peters Toan Pham Mark G. Quackenbush Leo T. Rasmussen Willard W. Robinson Kathryn Rues-Boten Harold E. Schleicher Mia Elena. Schreimann Shirley A. Schriner John J. Scaletty Donald J. Shortell GregoryJ. Smagiel Constance E. Speake Paul H. Timler Sean D. Tuttle Gary L. Vann Octavio J. Viveros, Jr Blaise Warhurst Sarah Weber Harold W. Wehrwein Anne F. Wiedeman Herbert Wiesmann Isabelle K. Wile Charles T. Wilkins

Patrick B. White Skylar Rae Zarda ST. JOSEPH Joyce A. Alvano Deloris C. Gadwood Edward P. Hadel Emma L. Halbert Mildred V. Lally Evelyn A. Lanning John L. Taylor

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SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

JULY 17, 2015 | THELEAVEN.COM

Pope calls for social justice in landmark speech

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Francis greets a young girl as he participates in the second World Meeting of Popular Movements in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, July 9. In his speech, the pope called for broad social activism against inequality and environmental degradation, echoing the sentiments of his recent encyclical, “Laudato Si’.”

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia (CNS) — Meeting with an international gathering of grass-roots activists, Pope Francis not only encouraged, but tried to add fuel to their fire for “standing up to an idolatrous [economic] system which excludes, debases and kills.”

Addressing the World Meeting of Popular Movements in Santa Cruz July 9, Pope Francis acknowledged he did not have a “recipe” for a perfect economicsocial-political system, but he said the problems with the current system are obvious and the Gospel contains principles that can help.

The activists — including labor union representatives and people who organize cooperatives for the poor who make a meager living recycling trash or farming small plots or fishing — combat “many forms of exclusion and injustice,” the pope said.

“Yet there is an invisible thread joining every one of those forms of exclusion,” the pope said. They all are the result of a global economic system that “has imposed the mentality of profit at any price, with no concern for social exclusion or the destruction of nature.”

The current global finance system is “intolerable,” he said. “Farmworkers find it intolerable, laborers find it intolerable, communities find it intolerable, peoples find it intolerable. The earth itself — our Sister, Mother Earth, as St. Francis would say — also finds it intolerable.”

At the meeting, sponsored by the Vatican and organized with the help of Bolivian President Evo Morales, Pope Francis shared the sense of urgency shown by participants, who adopted a long statement of commitments promising to mobilize in the defense of the rights of the poor and of the Earth.

“Time, my brothers and sisters, seems to be running out; we are not yet tearing one another apart, but we are tearing

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

apart our common home,” the Earth, he said.

“Perhaps the most important” task facing the world today, the pope said, “is to defend Mother Earth. Our common home is being pillaged, laid waste and harmed with impunity. Cowardice in defending it is a grave sin.”

“Today, the scientific community realizes what the poor have long told us: Harm, perhaps irreversible harm, is being done to the ecosystem,” Pope Francis said. “The earth, entire peoples and individual persons are being brutally punished” by the effects of pollution, exploitation and climate change.

“And behind all this pain, death and destruction, there is the stench of what

“

native peoples of America in the name of God,” the pope said. “Here I wish to be quite clear, as was St. John Paul II: I humbly ask forgiveness, not only for the offenses of the church herself, but also for crimes committed against the native peoples during the so-called conquest of America.”

At the same time, Pope Francis asked the meeting participants to recognize that many Catholics — priests, nuns and laity — willingly gave their lives in service to the continent’s peoples.

Most people, including the poor participating in the Santa Cruz meeting, he said, wonder how they can make a difference in the face of such huge problems and an economic system

Let us say ‘no’ to an economy of exclusion and inequality, where money rules, rather than service. That economy kills.”

Pope Francis

Basil of Caesarea called ‘the dung of the devil’ — an unfettered pursuit of money,” the pope said.

When money becomes a person’s god, he said, greed becomes the chief motivator of what people do, permit or support. In the end, he said, “it ruins society, it condemns and enslaves men and women, it destroys human fraternity, it sets people against one another and, as we clearly see, it even puts at risk our common home.”

In a talk that had harsh words for those who exploit the poor or destroy the environment, Pope Francis also very formally spoke to the indigenous people present about the Catholic Church’s cooperation with the Spanish and Portuguese who settled much of the Americas.

“I say this to you with regret: Many grave sins were committed against the

that seems to shrug off any effort at accountability.

The pope urged participants to look to Mary, “a humble girl from a small town lost on the fringes of a great empire, a homeless mother who turned an animals’ stable into a home for Jesus with just a few swaddling clothes and much tenderness.”

The pope and the Catholic Church do not have a program or “recipe” for solving the problems of injustice and poverty in the world, he said. But it is clear that the economy should be “at the service of peoples. Human beings and nature must not be at the service of money.”

“Let us say ‘no’ to an economy of exclusion and inequality, where money rules, rather than service. That economy kills. That economy excludes. That economy destroys Mother Earth,” he said.

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica.langdon@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Julie Holthaus julie.holthaus@theleaven.org

The change the popular movements are working for and the inspiration for Catholic social justice efforts cannot be an ideology, he said; it must be about people.

A person with a heart, the pope said, is moved not by cold statistics, but by “the pain of a suffering humanity, our own pain, our own flesh.”

Pope Francis said the goal must be the creation of “a truly communitarian economy, one might say an economy of Christian inspiration.” Its hallmarks are respect for human dignity, guaranteeing a right to land, housing and work, but also access to education, health care, culture, communications and recreation.

“It is an economy where human beings, in harmony with nature, structure the entire system of production and distribution in such a way that the abilities and needs of each individual find suitable expression in social life,” he said.

Such an economy is not a dream, he said. The people, the talent and the resources exist.

In working toward a new economy, Pope Francis called the popular movements “social poets,” people who are “creators of work, builders of housing and producers of food, above all for people left behind by the world market.”

One does not need to be rich or powerful to impact the future of humanity, he said. The future “is fundamentally in the hands of peoples and in their ability to organize.”

“Keep up your struggle and, please, take great care of Mother Earth,” the pope told the gathering. “I pray for you and with you.”

At the end of his 55-minute speech, Pope Francis made his customary request that his audience pray for him.

But knowing that many of the meeting participants are not believers, he asked those who cannot pray to “think well of me and send me good vibes.”

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

For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

4 LOCAL NEWS

THELEAVEN.COM | JULY 17, 2015

Bishops react to governor’s order Editor’s note: In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 26 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in all states and U. S. territories, Gov. Sam Brownback issued Executive Order 15-05, “Preservation and Protection of Religious Freedom,” on July 7. The purpose of the order is to protect the religious liberties of Kansas clergy and religious organizations.

We are grateful that Gov. Brownback has acted so swiftly to address some of the threats to religious freedom that have taken on new urgency since the U.S. Supreme Court’s misguided decision in Obergefell v. Hodges.

When five individuals on the Supreme Court redefined the institution of marriage for the entire country, the Kansas marriage amendment approved by 70 percent of the voters in 2005 was struck down. Since, however, no court can change the true nature of marriage, many Kansans continue to recognize that marriage can only be the union of a man and a woman. Those Kansans, and the religious institutions they belong to, should not be punished by the government for believing what almost all

people everywhere believed until just a relatively short time ago.

No priest or minister should be forced by the state to perform a ceremony contrary to that priest’s or minister’s faith tradition. Yet religious freedom means much more than this.

In America, religious freedom has not just meant the right to hold a religious ceremony in a private setting, confined to the four walls of a church. In this country, religious freedom has meant the right to live one’s faith in one’s daily life, at home and at work, in private and in public.

Given the far reaching effects that redefining marriage will have on the law, and the fact that this incredibly consequential change in national social policy was effected by judicial fiat rather than the democratic process, there is tremendous uncertainty as to what the Obergefell decision will mean for everyday people just trying to live their faith as they always have.

Over the last several years, Catholic Charities in Boston, Washington, D.C., and Illinois have been forced to close their adoption ministries because they

will only place children in homes with a mother and father. Just last week, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industry fined the Christian owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa $135,000 for declining to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding ceremony. Now that a constitutional right to same-sex marriage has been created, these kinds of cases, already on the rise, will undoubtedly proliferate.

Kansans who believe that every child deserves a mother and a father should not be punished by the government for that belief. We urge Gov. Brownback and members of the Legislature to make the protection of religious freedom for all Kansans a top priority in the coming months. Generations of Americans have taken freedom of conscience for granted. We, sadly, do not have that luxury anymore.

Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas, Most Rev. John B. Brungardt, Bishop of Dodge City; Most Rev. Edward J. Weisenburger, Bishop of Salina; Most Rev. Carl A. Kemme, Bishop of Wichita

Mass and ‘Date Night’ for NFP families

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The archdiocese is sponsoring two events for Natural Family Planning Awareness Week, celebrated July 19-25.

“It’s to draw attention to the goodness and the spiritual — as well as health — benefits for couples of natural family planning,” said Brad DuPont, consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life.

The first event is a Mass at 7 p.m. on July 23 at Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, celebrating the promulgation of Paul VI’s 1968 encyclical “Humanae Vitae.” Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will be the main celebrant and homilist.

The second event is a natural PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE family planning “Date Night” for Gabe Braddy — accompanied by his wife Veronica and children Belle, Joel and Isaiah — holds his families who practice NFP on July 26 baby James during the “Humanae Vitae” Mass at Holy Spirit Church in Overland Park last year. This at St. Michael the Archangel Parish year’s Mass will be at Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood. in Leawood.

“It’s an opportunity for fellowship Date night is a free event, but cou- women’s cycle,” said Gonzales. with other couples and [for couples] NaProTECHNOLOGY, within the to be enriched in their own marriage ples are asked to RSVP online at: and have some takeaways for strength- www.archkck.org/NFPdatenight or by Creighton Model, utilizes biomarkers ening their own marriage,” said Du- calling Brad and Libby DuPont at (913) to monitor the occurrence of various hormonal events during the menstrual 647-0301.

Pont. cycle. It can be used to identify fertilFor information about NFP AwareThe featured speaker at the date ity problems and works cooperatively ness Week visit the website at: www. night will be Dr. Laurie Heap. with the woman’s procreative and gy“She will be speaking about insights archkck.org/family.

For a series of articles by Brad Du- necologic systems. from neuroscience to help couples “It’s a new reproductive science with some of the harder parts of NFP, Pont about NFP, go to the archdiocso they’ll become an asset for them,” esan blog “No Place Like Home” at: that works naturally with the reproductive cycle,” said Gonzalez. said Libby DuPont, consultant for the https://archkckblog.wordpress.com.

In addition to classes, FertilityCare One of the nice things about natural archdiocesan office of marriage and Center offers educational opportunifamily planning is the variety of methfamily life. ties, including mother-daughter teas. ods available: the Billings method, the “The difficult parts of NFP “It helps moms talk to their daughshouldn’t be something a couple just Creighton Model, the Couple to Coustruggles with,” she continued. “Those ple League method, and the Fertility ters about becoming women,” said Gonzalez. harder parts can be used to a couple’s Awareness method.

The next mother-daughter tea is Brook Gonzalez, executive director benefit. They can become the key to a of FertilityCare Center of Kansas City, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 lifelong, passionate romance.”

The date night will begin with a so- said they use the Creighton Model be- at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, 4313 cial hour at 6 p.m., featuring appetiz- cause they feel it is most effective and S.W. State Rt. 7, Blue Springs, Missouri.

For information, call (816) 858-0198. ers and drinks. Heap’s talk begins at 7 easiest to use.

“We have an extra component, p.m., and the evening concludes at 8 >> See “MYTHS” on page 15 p.m. The door prize is a raffle of a $50 which is NaProTECHNOLOGY, which deals with the medical aspects of the restaurant gift card.

Atchison abbot returns to ministry ATCHISON — St. Benedict’s Abbey here issued the following press release on July 14: St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, announces that Abbot James Albers, OSB, has resumed his leadership of the abbey. Following the completion of an external investigation of an allegation dating to when Abbot James himself was a minor, during which no other allegations have come forth, his priestly faculties and ability to publicly exercise his ministry in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas have been restored. Direct any request for further information to Prior Jeremy Heppler at (913) 360-7830.

St. Benedict’s Abbey asks anyone who has knowledge of inappropriate conduct by any priest, monk, employee or volunteer to call Prior Jeremy at (913) 360-7830, and, in the case of sexual misconduct, to contact civil and law enforcement authorities. The Abbey respects the sincere concerns of any individual who brings forth an allegation of misconduct, and is fully committed to conducting a thorough investigation of any such allegation and cooperating with civil and law enforcement officials.

In response, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann made the following statement: St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison is an autonomous abbey, with its own governance structure apart from the archdiocese. The abbey, in investigating the allegation made against Abbot James Albers, OSB, arranged for an independent investigation. Upon conclusion of that external review, the abbot was reinstated to his leadership role.

Now, having been notified of the findings of the external review, I am pleased to restore the priestly faculties of Abbot James Albers for public ministry in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

As always, I encourage anyone who has knowledge of inappropriate conduct by any priest, deacon or lay employee or volunteer of the church to contact the archdiocesan confidential report line at (913) 647-3051. In the case of sexual misconduct, individuals should immediately contact civil and law enforcement authorities.

LOCAL NEWS 5

JULY 17, 2015 | THELEAVEN.COM

Knights’ charter announces Chin ‘have arrived’

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — For many Catholic immigrant groups, one sign that they’d “finally arrived” was the establishment of their own Knights of Columbus council.

This was true of the Poles, Croatians, Irish, Germans, Slovenians, Hispanics — and now the Chin of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

Each Sunday afternoon, the Chin Catholic Community transforms the basement cafeteria of St. Patrick School into a chapel for Sunday Mass. During Mass on June 14, representatives of the Knights of Columbus Kansas state council presented the Chin with their own charter for the Pope Innocent XIII Council 15865.

The Chin have a special place in their hearts for Pope Innocent XIII. His short reign from 1721 to 1724 is considered unremarkable by historians, but the Chin honor him for sending missionaries to their ancestors.

“We will take this charter and we will place it on the wall so each time we come to Mass, we will have this charter when we pray,” said pastor Msgr. Michael Mullen in his homily.

The Chin members of St. Patrick Parish are refugees from Chin State in northwest Myanmar (also known as Burma).

In recent years, displaced ethnic Chin have been filtering into the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area through the U.N. refugee resettlement program.

Most of the Chin in the metro area are Protestant, but a small number are Catholic. On a Sunday afternoon a little over two years ago, a group of Chin men knocked on Msgr. Mullen’s rectory door to make their presence known.

Since then, they’ve had Mass and social gatherings on a regular basis. Last year, they sent 22 children to the parish school. Having the men become Knights of Columbus seemed the next logical step.

The council was formed in October 2013, but only received its charter this

PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Knights belonging to Pope Innocent XIII Council 15865 gather after Mass on June 14 to look for their names on their newly presented charter. Since it was formed in 2013, the group has grown by one-third. Chin leaders believe the Knights will strengthen their community in faith and identity. year. Since it was formed, the Chin council has grown from 23 to 37 members.

“This signifies their establishment,” said state deputy Patrick Winchester.

“The supreme council awards the charter in recognition of them becoming a council, kind of like a high school diploma.”

Five Knights from St. Patrick Parish’s long-established Council 6781 were present to offer moral support, and five Knights and three of their wives came to represent the state council.

In his homily, Msgr. Mullen explained the good work of the Knights to the Chin worshipers.

“The Knights of Columbus build the kingdom of God in their own hearts, in society, the same [way] we do,” said Msgr.

Mullen, the new council’s chaplain.

“They’re men of prayer,” he continued. “They study. They learn about Jesus, the Bible, the church and our Catholic traditions. And they serve. They serve

families, the handicapped, and vocations to the priesthood, religious life and marriage.

“The Knights of Columbus build the kingdom of God everywhere in our state, and we’re proud to have them here in St. Patrick Parish.”

The Chin hope their new council will provide growth and stability to their community.

“We feel that this is a big support for our Chin Catholic community,” said Grand Knight Robert Sibia, the first one to hold that position in Council 15865.

“We have many things we need to face.

We need to build [our community] and heal the pain we have.”

“We are like sheep among the wolves,” he continued. “We have [other Chin] communities in Kansas City, Kansas, but only one Chin Catholic community among them.”

Simon Tial, the new council’s financial secretary, believes the council will

help the Chin keep the Catholic faith.

“We are from a very poor country,” said Tial. “Over there, our Catholic faith is very strong. But when we arrive here, we cannot communicate in American culture.”

“The Protestant [Chin] have very strong communication, but we Catholics are very poor — we cannot speak much English,” he continued. “That is why our members go to the Protestant faith. We need to group together for our Catholic faith. . . . So, with the Knights of Columbus, we can group together and become stronger.”

The state council is excited about the Chin council’s ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. “[Knights founder] Father McGivney’s dream was to include all eligible Catholic men to be Knights, and that’s why the state council and supreme council are excited about this opportunity here,” said Winchester.

Parish celebrates 25 years of perpetual adoration

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org TOPEKA — At 2 a.m. on a Monday morning, most people are asleep. But not Mary Stewart, a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish here.

For the past 25 years, Stewart, a nurse practitioner at Topeka’s Marian Clinic, has been in the same spot — on her knees praying before the Blessed Sacrament in the parish’s adoration chapel.

Stewart is just one of more than 600 to 700 parishioners who have taken a weekly or monthly turn at a Holy Hour since the parish started perpetual adoration.

On June 7, the solemnity of Corpus Christi, or the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, the parish celebrated its silver anniversary of eucharistic adoration with an outdoor eucharistic procession on the parish grounds, complete with a rosary, adoration and Benediction.

Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish opened the doors to its adoration chapel on July 29, 1990. It’s a time both Stewart and Ellen Brentine, a former coordinator, recall well.

“It (the start of adoration at the parish) was announced at Mass one Sunday,” Stewart said, adding she called the parish to sign up almost immediately.

Brentine recalls cards being handed

out during Mass.

“The whole parish was invited to sign up on one of these little cards,” she said.

“I remember the little cards were passed out during Mass and, if we were interested, all we had to do was list times we were available for an hour.”

For both Brentine and Stewart, the rest is history. Brentine signed up for an hour on Sunday evenings, along with her husband Frank. Like Stewart, the couple still has an hour all these years later, although it’s now an hour earlier than when they first started.

“We really and truly love it,” said Brentine, adding that the hour provided the couple, when they were both working, a chance to find peace and solace as well as time to prepare for the upcoming week.

But most importantly, it gave them the opportunity to give Jesus some of their time.

Brentine and her husband grew to enjoy their hour so much that, in 2001, they volunteered to serve as the overall adoration coordinators, a ministry they did together for seven years. Brentine also served on the stewardship committee and helped host the parish’s Welcome Sunday program.

“We’ve gotten to know so many people in the parish,” said Brentine, adding the ministries she and her husband were

PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Father Greg Hammes, pastor of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka, leads an outdoor eucharistic procession in celebration of the parish’s 25th anniversary of perpetual adoration. involved in really complemented one another well. While welcoming newcomers to the parish, she would often invite people to sign up for an adoration hour.

And she kept her pictorial directory at her fingertips. That way, she could show newcomers pictures of other adorers and help them form relationships with other parishioners as well. Other ways she in-

vited people to adoration is through bulletin announcements, although she also said it’s important to have the backing of the pastor.

Brentine sometimes finds a personal invitation helps those who are a little unsure at first.

“I encourage them to stop by [the Blessed Sacrament chapel] for a few minutes.

If they are afraid, I’ll invite them to come with me to one of my hours,” she said.

“And it’s just amazing how many people will sign up for an hour as a result.”

For Stewart, the early morning time does not allow for many people to join her; however, she said the hour provides her a lot of time to think and pray, but mostly just to allow Jesus to speak to her.

“I’ve always loved adoration,” Stewart said. “It’s just so wonderful to be in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.”

Although it’s sometimes difficult to get up, Stewart said spending that hour in adoration with Jesus for the past 25 years has been a tremendous blessing.

“If you want to deepen your relationship with someone, you must spend time with that person,” Stewart said. “So, if you want to deepen your friendship with the Lord, adoration is a good way to do it.

“There’s no better way you can do it than to see him and speak to him in the Blessed Sacrament.”

6 LOCAL NEWS

THELEAVEN.COM | JULY 17, 2015

Rosary ‘challenge’ turned into cherished devotion “And then I get it, and it’s awesome.”

Wesley remembers the moment when “awesome” happened with his picture — when he heard Smith say, “Oh my gosh, I think this is probably one the best pictures I’ve ever taken.”

Wesley joined Smith to take a look at the shot on the back of the camera.

“And it was pretty spectacular,” he said. “When I looked at it, the first thing that came to mind was that God’s always got my back.”

>> Continued from page 1

Just do it Wesley played football, basketball and golf all four years at Jayhawk Linn High School before graduating this spring.

Next year, he’ll be part of the golf program at Allen County Community College in Iola.

“Some of the things you have to learn to make you a better golfer are life lessons,” he said of his favorite sport. “Patience and just sticking with it are a big part.

“It’s a very frustrating sport, that’s for sure. But it also makes you a better person.”

During high school, Wesley learned the rosary could make him a better person, too, thanks to his uncle, Jeff Dawson, who facilitated the youth group at Sacred Heart, to which Wesley belonged.

“My Uncle Jeff rides his bike a lot,” explained Wesley. “And when he rides his bike, he says the rosary. And he really thought it made a big difference. “ Dawson challenged the students in his youth group to say the rosary for one week.

“Just a week,” he said. “And if you really like it, keep doing it.”

Wesley accepted the challenge and found that he really liked it.

“I started doing it for the group,” he said, “and my whole week was just two or three steps better. It really made an impact.”

Wesley has been devoted to the rosary ever since.

And so when it came time for his senior photos, he wanted somehow to include that devotion.

He knew Smith would understand.

After all, the two had been friends since they were children, and a common thread in their friendship had always been their Catholic faith.

He’s my brother “Since Wesley was born,” said Leach, “Logan has always been the little boy next door. They’ve grown up together from the day Wesley came home from the hospital.

“And they’ve just continued on through the years.”

Wesley has a younger sister Carley,

Celebration

PHOTO COURTESY OF LOGAN SMITH/SHOOTINGLIFE

Wesley Leach poses for a more traditional senior photo. Wesley will attend Allen County Community College in Iola in the fall.

VIEW SMITH’S WORK

Additional photographs by Logan Smith can be viewed on his Facebook page, “Shootinglife.”

but he didn’t have any older siblings.

So Smith, who is three years older, filled that role in his life.

“Being basically my big brother,” said Wesley, “Logan’s had a lot of impact on me, especially my staying involved in church.”

Growing up in a small town without a Catholic school nearby, it wasn’t easy finding Catholic friends. Wesley felt fortunate to have one next door.

“We bonded over our faith,” he said.

“Logan was a Catholic role model to me.”

Perhaps the strength of Smith’s example came from his struggles “You know, God and I have butted heads throughout my life,” he said.

“And sometimes we don’t see eye to eye on things.

“But he’s always the one to come around and be by my side at the end of the day.

“I ask for forgiveness and it’s just an awesome thing — he’s always there no matter what.

“And that’s what I’ve come to realize.”

The friends’ shared faith was a contributing factor on the day of the photo shoot.

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“I think that helped a lot,” Smith said. “I wanted to make sure Wesley’s personality is in there and also his rosary — because I know that means so much to him.”

It’s in the timing At first, the two friends struggled to come up with a way to include the rosary in a photo.

Then Wesley stood looking out over the golf course, and something clicked in Smith’s imagination.

“All of a sudden, it just kind of hit me,” he recalled. “And I said, ‘Let’s just drape it down your back and see how that looks.’”

When the sun was perfect, Smith took photographs from every angle while Wesley held his pose — not an unusual situation for this young photographer who constantly strives for perfection in his art.

“Nowadays, everybody is a photographer,” explained Smith. “But not everybody is an artist.

“Honestly, I can say, for as long as I’ve been doing this, it’s the timing.

“I mean the wind has to be blowing a certain rate, the sun has to be in a certain spot, the person has to be in a certain spot, and you have to take the shot at just the right moment.

“And I will wait in one spot and have the person stand there and I’m, like, ‘Just trust me.’

Wesley’s parents were so taken with the picture they had it enlarged and made it the centerpiece of his graduation party.

“Of course, I had most of the church come,” said Wesley. “And they were, like, ‘Wow, that is really cool.’”

“It really spoke to people about Wes and what he’s about,” said Leach. “He loves all of his athletics, but his faith is kind of the center of his life.

“That’s what keeps him balanced.”

When Smith dropped by his best friend’s graduation party, he experienced a small taste of celebrity.

“There was just this crazy amount of people asking who took the photograph,” he said.

The family also found the photo opened up an opportunity for evangelization.

“Catholics have grown up with rosaries our whole life,” said Leach. “So you automatically knew what it was.

“But it was a little bit of an education for people who maybe don’t attend church regularly or attend a different church.”

Now that the graduation celebration is over, Wesley is looking forward to his next big step — heading off to college, where he’s confident his faith will continue to take center stage in his life.

“You know, fallen-away Catholics are the people who don’t go to church because they’re not involved,” he said.

“They don’t feel like it’s important.

“Staying involved and trying to make an impact is what I believe is the key to it.”

And that’s Leach’s hope for her son.

“You can get jobs that make a lot of money,” she said. “But if you don’t have that faith, your money and your notoriety are not going to get you through the hard times.

“Faith is what keeps you going.”

Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas • Catholic Bequests

• Donor Advised Funds

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Remember a gift to the church in your will

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

Advocates work to make every day a

Donny Smith, left, Community Housing of Wyandotte County executive director, and Susan Carroll, a devoted champion of CHWC’s mission, share coffee and conversation with a new attendee during a weekly CHWC community coffee on June 29 at A Cup on the Hill in Kansas City, Kansas.

Beautiful day in the neighborhood

Tom Bickimer (left), a member of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park, Susan Carroll, a member of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas, and James Owens, a member of St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park, were all honored June 20 with the “Continue the Legacy Award” for their tireless support of Community Housing of Wyandotte County.

K

KCK community.

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — A busiBuilding on the vision of coffee program nessman, an artist, a teacher and a politician walk into a coffee shop. founder Jamina Bone, it’s been open in the forNo, that’s not the beginning of mer Katz building for a few months now. a joke.

The goal is for it to become profitable in the Rather, it’s next quarter or two, with an ultia pretty realismate dream of creating a program STORY AND PHOTOS BY tic description where youth with disadvantages of the mix you can learn to navigate the workforce. might see on a Friday morning The shop operates Monday at A Cup on the Hill Coffee Shop through Friday, featuring gourmet drinks. near Seventh Street and Minnejessica.langdon@theleaven.org On Fridays from 8-10 a.m., sota Avenue in downtown KanCHWC’s community coffee takes sas City, Kansas.

It’s friendly, relaxed and vibrant with no offiplace in the room adjacent to the shop. People cial agenda. And people connect. who want espresso drinks can purchase them; A Cup on the Hill is among the latest partotherwise, regular coffee is free during that time. nerships and programs Community Hous“It’s all about this community — bringing peoing of Wyandotte County has brewing in the ple in,” said Steven Curtis, director of commu-

JESSICA LANGDON

GET INVOLVED

Learn more about Community Housing of Wyandotte County, its programs, how to get involved and how to contribute by visiting its website at: www.chwckck.org.

CHWC also has a Facebook page. Search for Community Housing of Wyandotte County, Inc.

nity building and engagement with CHWC. It’s just one snapshot of the many ways in which CHWC works to improve neighborhoods and the quality of life for residents.

CHWC was initially Catholic Housing of Wyandotte County, which later merged with Neighborhood Housing Services to form Community Housing of Wyandotte County.

Its mission is to “revitalize, stabilize and >> Continued on the next page

>> Continued from previous page reinvest in” neighborhoods in KCK. It has three lines of business: building new houses and rehabbing existing ones to provide affordable homeownership opportunities in the urban core; counseling to help homebuyers succeed; and community building.

“Many times people assume that our role is simply to build houses and walk away, and that couldn’t be further from the reality,” said Susan Carroll, a full-time volunteer for CHWC.

‘Lifelong member of the neighborhoods’ Just as Carroll — a parishioner of Cathedral of St. Peter Parish — rolls out the welcome mat for neighbors on her own front porch, she works tirelessly to deliver that welcoming spirit across the city.

“I like to say that my primary role is being a lifetime member of the neighborhoods that are served by CHWC,” said Carroll, who has called the same block home essentially her entire life.

Like many people, CHWC weathered some difficult years with economic downturns and faced heavy questions about its own future.

When an executive director left, Carroll agreed to step in during the interim, a period that stretched two and a half years. During that time, she never accepted a cent as people came together and the organization rebounded and thrived.

Once Donny Smith, the current executive director, took the reins, she stayed on, continuing to volunteer in community outreach.

Sam and Beth Meier, also parishioners of the cathedral, were actually planning to buy a smaller home in the suburbs in which to raise their family — which now includes two little boys and a baby girl — when Carroll persuaded them to consider a CHWC house.

Before she retired, Carroll had been Sam’s supervisor at the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, where he is the consultant for the My House Initiative.

CHWC counselors meet with prospective homebuyers to help them navigate the process and uncover possible assistance. The couple was soon sold.

“It was nice to find a home in our price range that was larger and brandnew!” said Sam. “It is good to see our neighborhood continuing to improve, and other families starting out in affordable homes that they can be proud of.”

Beth has even joined the board.

Historically, Catholic Housing focused its efforts in neighborhoods around downtown parishes, said Smith, but CHWC has since expanded those circles and there is construction now underway on new houses in the Meadowlark area farther west.

There is also a first-of-its-type home under construction on Strawberry Hill utilizing structurally insulated panels. These should add efficiency, cut costs and reduce the build time from about six months to

CONGRATULATIONS

CHWC was recently recognized as the Kansas City Kansas Chamber of Commerce’s “Nonprofit of the Year.”

Above, Msgr. Thomas Tank speaks during a video interview about the contributions of the “Continue the Legacy Award” honorees at the 2015 Center Circle event on June 20. Msgr. Tank was a key part of the group that founded Catholic Housing of Wyandotte County and said he couldn’t think of a better group to be honored with this award.

Sidney Wilson works on her first pottery wheel project at Epic Clay Studio in Kansas City, Kansas. She came to the studio with Cate Stambaugh. Stambaugh’s cousin Bryan Lloyd, an instructor who teaches kids’ classes at the studio (and is also the art teacher at Curé of Ars School in Leawood), led the session. Lloyd loves to see the diversity among attendees at the sessions. roughly 10 weeks.

CHWC also hopes to eventually build an affordable senior assisted living facility at the former Bethany Hospital site.

‘This encompasses the whole community’ CHWC’s impact far exceeds the number of houses it has built.

“What we do with our communitybuilding . . . reaches everybody in the community,” said Carroll, “whether they live in one of our houses or not.

“This encompasses the whole community.”

Take, for example, Waterway Park.

When Carroll was raising her own four children, she was terrified to walk the four blocks there to play.

But over the past several years, CHWC has invested close to $300,000 in the park, creating what Curtis sees as an alternative to a community center — in open air and with no need to close a building for hours at a time.

Dirt from CHWC homebuilding sites actually filled in areas of the park.

Plants were then added and a walking trail designed. And it is wheelchairaccessible from the parking lot to the bright play equipment.

A walking group meets each Monday and Saturday, and 100-plus people use the park every day.

Carroll takes her grandchildren there, and it’s also a key part of the avid runner’s own fitness routine.

“You see people who are not regular exercisers or who have not been [at all], and they see other people walking around the park, and it’s kind of pleasant, and it’s kind of social,” she said.

She sees exercise as a universal language, and people from all backgrounds enjoy this together.

Art and connections Art can also work that way.

Curtis, an artist himself, tries to incorporate art into all of CHWC’s neighborhoods.

But Art in the Park is designed specifically to bring people out on summer afternoons.

CHWC’s young and active Art Squad has been responsible for,

Steven Curtis, director of community building and engagement with CHWC, checks on the trees and plants growing at the urban farm in Kansas City, Kansas.

Three honored for steadfast support of CHWC

Amber Finley, a member of CHWC’s Art Squad, talks with Lennon Bone during the Friday morning CHWC coffee at A Cup on the Hill. Finley is among a group that has been working on surveys within the community this summer.

among other projects, the colorful murals that brighten alleyways and reduce gang tagging on garages.

In the Strawberry Hill area, people of all ages are trying their hand at pottery at Epic Clay Studio. And next door, an architectural group from the University of Kansas has settled into a space to do business as the Dotte Agency.

Art-inspired events are planned for the nearby Epic Park space this summer as well, where the representatives of KU built an accessible outdoor stage, complete with a set

of steps that plays piano-like sounds when people step on them.

Finally, the KU group has pitched in on a greenhouse on CHWC’s urban farm, another community engagement opportunity.

The farm sits across from M.E. Pearson Elementary School in an area where 40 percent of people live at the poverty line or below, and most kids in the school qualify for free lunch.

“It seemed to me that an urban garden might be a good idea,” said Curtis, and CHWC partnered with the city on a grant for the farm on three formerly vacant lots.

Organizers had over 570 pounds of produce to give away to the neighborhood last year, and ended up, even with less-than-ideal soil conditions the first year, growing close to 700 pounds.

Preschoolers at the school helped

Tom Bickimer. Susan Carroll. James J. Owens.

To Msgr. Thomas Tank, pastor of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park and a key member of the team that founded Catholic Housing of Wyandotte County, the word “passion” defines these three people.

“They are truly dedicated to Community Housing of Wyandotte County and have done so much over the years,” he said.

The three were honored with the 2015 “Continue the Legacy Award,” named for Msgr. Tank at the annual Center Circle Event at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas, on June 20.

Owens, a parishioner of St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park and former chief financial officer of the archdiocese, has brought to the table a “tremendous business background” and financial expertise, said Msgr. Tank, that has helped make this a professional, fiscally responsible organization.

Bickimer, a member of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park, has contributed his expertise in building and construc-

plant the produce this year, and Curtis hopes to build on that community involvement. He loves to get kids involved, he said, because it engages them in their community from an early age.

Next year, he hopes to work with a local restaurant to provide locally grown produce into the early winter.

‘Much more’ than renovators The impact CHWC has had on the community has earned it attention and respect.

tion to CHWC. And a passion for families and for the neighborhood where Carroll has lived her whole life courses through her veins.

They’ve been there for CHWC when times have been good, said Msgr. Tank, and they’ve stood by the organization when circumstances were hard. The same economic downturns and housing concerns that affected many people during the past decade also had an impact on the organization, which rallied to make it through the hardest times.

Carroll, for example, spent more than two years as interim executive director, never accepting a cent for her work, and helped identify Donny Smith as the next leader of CHWC. “It wasn’t always this easy,” said Msgr. Tank. “They rolled up their sleeves, went to work and gave everything that was important and necessary for CHWC to not only survive, but to be so much of a benefit to eastern Kansas City, Kansas.”

He said he couldn’t think of three more deserving honorees.

“CHWC is a wonderful community partner that works wonders as we redevelop parts of our city that have been left untouched for years,” said Mark Holland, mayor/CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas. “They are much more than home renovators — we have also partnered with their organization on community gardens that beautify, educate and feed neighborhoods and eating classes that teach nutritious ways to prepare food harvested from the gardens.

“Their organization goes above and beyond to improve Kansas City, Kansas.”

12 CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT

THELEAVEN.COM | JULY 17, 2015 your resumes by email to: cureparish@cureofars.com or by fax to (913) 649-1337.

Grants manager - Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is hiring a grants manager. The ideal candidate will successfully promote and support the mission of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas as guided by Catholic social teaching, while working to obtain financial resources to meet the organization’s goals and objectives. This role will be responsible for writing grants and grant reports to institutional, governmental and United Way funding opportunities. Provides status reports on grant implementation and performs site visits and/or meetings to verify compliance with guidelines related to grant award agreements. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of grant administration experience and a bachelor’s degree.

For more information, visit the website at: https://catholic charitiesks.applicantpool.com/jobs/35330.html.

Positions - Villa St. Francis, Olathe, needs to fill multiple positions due to recent growth. We are looking for hard-working, enthusiastic individuals to join our flourishing team. We have openings for LPNs, CNAs, a maintenance technician and a social worker. If you are interested, apply in person or send your resume by email to: jesse@ villasf.org.

Religious education director - Immaculate Conception Church, St. Marys, is accepting letters of application for a director of religious education. The position has a key pastoral leadership and formation role that requires collaboration with the pastor, staff members, volunteers and parishioners and to provide Catholic education for the parish needs. The ideal candidate must have a thorough understanding of the Roman Catholic faith and a passion to live out its teachings. Experience in teaching and leading young children, teens and adults combined with leadership and supervisory experience in a Catholic parish setting is preferred. Applicants should be motivated and effective in communication and be knowledgeable of current media and technology. For a detailed job description and salary range, send an email to: groth1776@ yahoo.com. Applicants will be required to submit by email a resume with three references. Deadline for application is July 31.

Driver - The Mission Project, a not-for-profit organization, is seeking a part-time minivan driver to assist in providing transportation to and from employment. Based in Mission, 10-20 hours per week. Excellent driving record and references required. Call George at (913) 642-0585.

Development position - Hayden High School is accepting applications for a development/fundraising position. The duties will include management of the annual auction, concessions, bingo, record keeping and other functions of the PACE organization, along with marketing and communications responsibilities. The applicant should be a practicing Catholic and preferably have experience in development, fundraising and/or management. Please send an email with a letter of interest and resume to Rick Strecker at: streckerr@haydenhigh.org or by mail to 401 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606.

Positions - Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking two additional live-in members. We specifically need a kitchen manager and assistance with in-house IT, an average of 25 hours a week each. Members will commit to the regular prayer life of SOH, including morning and evening prayer, and also to welcome and serve our guests with basic hospitality. Free room, board and utilities are offered in exchange for your labors of love, faith and hospitality. For more information, contact Father Dennis Wait, spiritual director, at (913) 3214673, business hours 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tues. - Fri., or send an email to: frdennis@sanctuaryofhope.org.

Director - The Catholic Diocese of Wichita is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as our full-time director of the office of faith formation. This individual will provide resources, training, policy guidance and oversight for parish catechetical and youth ministry programs for children, youth and young adults — ages preschool through college — in parishes throughout the diocese and serves as a resource for parish adult faith formation activities. It is expected that candidates will have the following qualifications: Practicing Catholic in good standing and an active and faithful steward in one’s parish. Enthusiastic, engaging and energetic promoter of parish catechetical ministry. Experience working effectively with pastors in their unique parish situations. Proper theological and pedagogical training or proven skills. Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree in a related field is preferred. Practical experience in parish catechesis and knowledge of catechetical documents and pedagogical resources. Proven administrative skills, experience in interpersonal relations, conflict resolution, collaborative management style, supervision and budget preparation. Respect for all cultures; bilingual ability would be very helpful. Ability to express ideas clearly in both written and verbal communications.

Ability to travel to train parish ministerial personnel. Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Please submit a cover letter, resume with references and salary requirements by email to: powellp@catholicdioceseofwichita.org. The application deadline is on or before noon Aug. 12.

Parish secretary - Our Lady of Unity Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, has an immediate opening for a part-time parish secretary. Looking for a friendly, welcoming individual who is self-motivated and organized. Microsoft Office skills required. Two years’ office experience preferred. Proficiency in Spanish and English, both written and verbal, is required. Willing to consider hiring more than one individual to cover office needs. Hours must be regular, but will consider adaptation to applicant needs. Please send an email with resume to Father Kent O’Connor at: oluparish kck@gmail.com or mail or hand-deliver to the parish office at 2910 Strong Ave., Kansas City, KS 66106 by July 24.

Virtus coordinator - Curé of Ars is searching for an experienced, current Virtus coordinator for the parish. This position’s hours vary with time of year and will range from 10-40 hours per week. Flexibility is desired. Please send

Safe drivers needed - Assisted Transportation seeks caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students in Overland Park, Olathe and/or Kansas City, Kansas, in our minivans.

CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Learn more or apply online at: www.assistedtransportation.com or call (913) 262-5190 for more information. EOE.

Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time teacher assistants at all locations.

We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children, and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education.

Experience and/or education is a plus but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children.

Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to chris@special beginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

Teacher - Bishop Miege High School is seeking a parttime social studies teacher, psychology endorsement preferred, for the 2015-16 school year. Send an email with letter of interest and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com.

Faith formation assistant - St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish is seeking a full-time faith formation assistant. The qualified candidate will be a highly motivated self-starter with proficiency in Microsoft Office as well as excellent organizational and prioritizing skills. Duties include, but are not limited to: staffing the front-desk, registration for religious education, maintaining accurate class and mailing lists, generating mailings, administrative support in terms of document creation and copying. For a detailed job description, contact information, and instructions on how to submit a resume, go to employment opportunities on the parish website at: www.stmichaelcp. org.

Prekindergarten teachers - St. Patrick Early Education Center is seeking full- or part-time lead teachers for our three-year-olds classrooms. Lead teachers should have an early childhood education degree or a CDA or a degree in a related field with an emphasis in early education. Prior experience in a classroom setting is preferred. Our academic year runs from Aug. – May with summers off. Benefits are included for full-time employees. To apply, forward your resume by email to: stpatrickeec@archkckcs.org, attention Michelle Mank, director, or send to St. Patrick EEC, 1080 N. 94th St., Kansas City, KS 66112.

Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van.

CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children.

Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading.

Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, roundtrip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa KS 66215.

Sales professionals - We respect your many years of experience; we value and need your wisdom. We only ask if you are “coachable”? If so, Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas has openings for sales trainees in our Johnson, Shawnee and Wyandotte County area cemeteries. An excellent earning of $40K to $50K+ in commission is legitimate income potential for the first year. Training allowance your first 30 days, then draw + commission with bonus opportunities. Med, life, dental, optical, prescription, 401(k) plans, etc., are some of the many perks our employees receive. Excellent opportunities for women and men interested in sales career

and in helping people. Advancement opportunities are available for hard-working and focused individuals. Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends when our client families are available to see us in their homes.

Once you learn our formula for success, your schedule is determined by you. Please email your resume and contact information to: dvanthullenar@cathcemks.org or fax to (913) 353-1413.

SERVICES Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

Professional window cleaning - Residential only. Insured and bonded. Over 40 years experience. Free estimates. Contact Gene Jackson at (913) 593-1495.

K-12 tutoring available - Tutor is degreed and has experience in the K-12 curriculum in various subjects and can help in test preps (ACT, SAT, GED, etc.) as well as French, Spanish, piano, guitar, voice and music theory. Sessions are fun and meaningful in context. Sessions are one-onone and family discount available. For more information, please call or text Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or send an email to: klmamuric@yahoo.com.

Complete plumbing and bath Master plumber for your entire home. Painting, tile install, bath remodeling. Onyx Collection Distributor.

Serving Johnson County for 20 years.

Member Ascension Parish; call Mike at (913) 488-4930.

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

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.

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

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

Visit our website at: www.KOATINDUSTRIES.com.

Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time.

References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years.

Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 801-0901 (mobile). Serving the 913 area code area.

Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project!

Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance.

Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad.

Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 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.

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

Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional.

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

Quilted Memories - Your Kansas City Longarm Shop - Nolting Longarm Machines, quilting supplies and machine quilting services. We specialize in memorial quilts - Custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, neckties, etc. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. Visit the website at: www. quiltedmemoriesllc.com.

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

Call (913) 227-4902.

HOME IMPROVEMENT NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson.

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

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.

Helping Hand Handy Man - Home maintenance chores available by the hour. Special rate for senior and singleparent households. Electrical, painting, wood refinishing, deck repair, yard work, shelving and organizing. Most home problems and needs solved. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490.

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.

Brick mason - Brick, stone, tile and flat work. 22 years of residential/commercial experience. FREE QUOTES - KC metro area. Small and large jobs accepted. Call Jim at (913) 485-4307. www.facebook.com/faganmasonry.

Local handyman and lawn care - Water heaters, garbage disposals, toilets, faucets, painting, power washing,doors, storm doors, gutter cleaning, wood rot, mowing, carpet, roofing, etc. Member of Holy Angels Parish. Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel!

Johnson County area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401.

Get the job done right the first time Kansas City’s Premier Services Decks and fences Power washing, staining and preserving Call for a FREE estimate Brian (913) 952-5965, Holy Trinity parishioner Jim (913) 257-1729, Holy Spirit parishioner Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!!

Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391 DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time.

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

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com House painting Interior and exterior; wall paper removal.

Power washing, fences, decks.

30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates.

Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com Swalms Organizing - Downsizing - Clean Out Service.

Reduce clutter - Any space organized. Shelving built on site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp, insured. Call Tillar: (913) 375-9115. WWW.SWALMS ORGANIZING.COM.

>> Classifieds continue on page 13

CALENDAR 13

JULY 17, 2015 | THELEAVEN.COM

July St. Augustine Parish, Fidelity, will host its parish picnic on July 19 at the church, located 7-1/2 miles south of Sabetha. A chicken and ham dinner will be served family-style beginning at 4:30 p.m. The waiting line is in the air-conditioned church; handicap accessible. The cost to attend is: $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 4 - 10; and free for children 3 years old and younger. There will also be a chance stand with a quilt and other donated prizes, games and more.

19

The Daughters of Isabella, St. Faustina Circle, will meet at 6:30 p.m. on July 20 at the Divine Mercy Parish center, 124 E. Warren, Gardner. The 2015 - 2016 officers will be installed.

20

Single women who are curious about religious life are invited to come pray and work with Benedictine Sisters, learn more about the Benedictine heritage and soak up the quiet atmosphere as they pray in the beautiful chapels. A “Monastic Experience” will be held from July 20 - 25 at Mount St. Scholastica, 801 S. 8th St., Atchison. Contact Sister Barbara Smith, OSB, by calling or texting (913) 426-5275, or send an email to: vocation@mountosb.org.

Annunciation Parish, Frankfort, will host its church picnic on July 26 from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Cigna Center, 402 N. Maple, Frankfort. A new menu this year includes a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings.

The cost to attend is $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 10 and under. There will also be a cakewalk, bingo, church poker, raffles and a quilt auction.

26

The Leavenworth Region of ACCW’s quarterly luncheon and meeting will be held July 26 at Kinzer Hall, St. Joseph Church, 306 N. Broadway, Leavenworth. There will be a potluck dinner at 12:30 p.m., followed by a quarterly meeting.

St. Benedict’s Circle at Holy Cross Church, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park, will host a card party luncheon on July 30 from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. The cost to attend is $12. For more information or to RSVP, call LuAnn at (913) 888-5534; Carol at (913) 888-7276; or Helen at (913) 381-4295.

30

The Rockadilly garage sale at Holy Trinity School gym, 13600 W. 92nd St., Lenexa, will be held July 30 from 5 - 9 p.m.; July 31 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; and Aug. 1 from 8 a.m. - noon. This parish garage sale supports youth ministries.

>> Continued from page 12 Lawn/Landscaping - Mowing, mulch, dirt work, sod, tree trimming, landscape rock, gutter cleaning, and power washing. Mention this ad for special pricing. Call (816) 509-0224.

CAREGIVING

August Sacred Heart - St. Casimir Parish will celebrate its annual roast beef dinner at St. Casimir Church, 715 Pennsylvania Ave., Leavenworth, on Aug. 2 from 11:30 a.m. 3 p.m. The cost to attend is $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 12 and under. Carryout meals are available.

2

A silent directed retreat will be held Aug. 4 - 9 at Sophia Spirituality Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison. In the quiet of a monastic setting, come and experience the sacred through personal prayer and daily meetings with a Benedictine Sister who is a trained spiritual director. For more information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the center’s website at: www.sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.

4-9

A conference, entitled “Conversion of the Heart through Mary,” hosted by the Militia Immaculata in the Midwest, will be held Aug. 7 - 8 at Holy Trinity Church, 9150 Pflumm, Lenexa.

For a complete schedule and to register, visit the website at: www.consecrationmidwest.org or call Christine Rossi at (913) 912-2446.

7

St. Stanislaus Church, Rossville, will serve a picnic dinner in Dekat Hall during the Tall Corn Festival on Aug. 8 from 4 - 7 p.m.

There will also be bingo, games, a raffle and a silent auction.

8

Our Lady & St. Rose Church, 2300 N. 8th St., Kansas City, 14-16 Kansas, will host its first homecoming church and school reunion Aug. 14 - 16. All past members of the churches and schools are invited to attend. There will be a social event on Aug. 14, a carnival and evening banquet on Aug. 15, and a Mass and brunch on Aug. 16. To register, visit the website at: www.ourladyandsaintrose.org or call Barbara Bailey at the parish office at (913) 321-1958.

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

Caregiver - 45 year old female. Lots of caregiving experience. Flexible hours. Excellent references. Please call Kara at (913) 909-6659.

Residential care for your loved one in my home - For those who need or want the extra TLC that we would be so willing to provide. If your loved one needs long-term care, 24-hour-care after a surgery, stroke, fall, heart attack, or just a place to stay while you take a muchneeded break or vacation, please give us a call. We offer one-on-one, personal, 24-hour-care, homemade meals, tuck-in service, heat packs for those cool nights, massages, private room with balcony, laundry service, bathing and grooming. We believe in making everyone’s life as full as possible. A lot of time is spent enjoying the simple pleasures, such as socializing, dancing, enjoying the outdoors, crafting and baking. If you are looking for the special place for your loved one to spend the rest of their days in comfort and love, we are here to help.

My home is equipped with an elevator and is handicap accessible. I am certified in dispensing medication, CPR/FA. References are available upon request. Send an email to: thshealth@yahoo.com or call (816) 746-1564 and ask for Patti.

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

FOR RENT For rent - Spacious home near St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Large yard. 4 BR. Great neighborhood. $2,000 per month. Call (913) 271-8051.

FOR SALE Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment.

Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood.

Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.

Cemetery plots - Chapel Hill Memorial Garden, Kansas City, Kansas. 2 plots, vaults included. Reduced price! For more information, call Sondra at (913) 441-1650.

For sale - At Gate of Heaven Cemetery, a double cremation niche with companion urn in the mausoleum. Located in the St. John Corridor, 8 H. Today’s selling price for the double niche and urn is approximately $6,522; offering for $5,000. Call Colleen at (913) 269-6944.

For sale - At Resurrection Cemetery, two easements in mausoleum. Contact A. Kelly at (913) 649-9691.

For sale - Two plots, side by side, at Chapel Hill Garden of Valor. $4,200 or best offer. Retails at $5,390. Please call David Nichols at (816) 686-1131 or send an email to: susannichols811@yahoo.com.

WANTED TO BUY 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 - Lionel trains. Call (913) 485-6700.

Wanted to buy - 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s convertible wanted in running condition. Call (913) 593-7507 Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware.

Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179.

St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

VACATION Great Colorado Getaway! - Completely furnished three- story condo, sleeps 10. 3 BR, Wi-Fi, all cooking facilities, satellite, deck with gorgeous views! Hunting, fishing, hiking, train rides through the mountains and much more! For rates and reservations, visit the website at: www.cucharavacationrentals.com, then Aspen Valley Lookout.

Branson getaway - Walk-in condo on Pointe Royale Golf Course. Sleeps six. Close to lakes and entertainment. Fully furnished. Pool and hot tub available. No cleaning fee. Nightly rates. Wi-Fi available. Discounts available. Call (913) 515-3044.

“Let us show you the many options available when you prearrange your funeral services.”

BUYING A CLASSIFIED Cost to advertise is: $18.50 for five lines or less; $1.50 each additional line; Email: julie@theleaven. com; Phone: (913) 647-0327 CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS • Email submissions to: calendar@theleaven.com • Mail to: 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: calendar • Calendar notices are due 10 days before the desired publication date.

Stair lifts & More We’ll lift you up!

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

Member Good Shepherd, Shawnee

Call Ed Toll Free 1-855-543-8632

Concrete Work

Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

FUNERAL HOME • CREMATORY • MEMORIAL CHAPELS 10901 Johnson Drive Shawnee, Kansas 66203 Telephone 913-631-5566 Fax 913-631-2236 Gregg Amos

www.amosfamily.com

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co.

Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing.

Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas.

Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com

14 COMMENTARY SCRIPTURE READINGS

THELEAVEN.COM | JULY 17, 2015

MARK MY WORDS

SIXTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME July 19 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Jer 23: 1-6 Ps 23: 1-6 Eph 2: 13-18 Mk 6: 30-34 July 20 Apollinaris, bishop, martyr Ex 14: 5-18 (Ps) Ex 15: 1b-6 Mt 12: 38-42 July 21 Lawrence of Brindisi, priest, doctor of the church Ex 14:21 – 15:1 (Ps) Ex 15: 8-10, 12, 17 Mt 12: 46-50 July 22 Mary Magdalene Ex 16: 1-5, 9-15 Ps 78: 18-19, 23-28 Jn 20: 1-2, 11-18 July 23 Bridget, religious Ex 19: 1-2, 9-11, 16-20b (Ps) Dn 3: 52-56 Mt 13: 10-17 July 24 Sharbel Makhluf, priest Ex 20: 1-17 Ps 19: 8-11 Mt 13: 18-23 July 25 JAMES, APOSTLE 2 Cor 4: 7-15 Ps 126: 1b-6 Mt 20: 20-28 July 26 SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 2 Kgs 4: 42-44 Ps 145: 10-11, 15-18 Eph 4: 1-6 Jn 6: 1-15 July 27 Monday Ex 32: 15-24, 30-34 Ps 106: 19-23 Mt 13: 31-35 July 28 Tuesday Ex 33: 7-11; 34: 5b-9, 28 Ps 103: 6-13 Mt 13: 36-43 July 29 Martha Ex 34: 29-35 Ps 99: 5-7, 9 Jn 11: 19-27 July 30 Peter Chrysologus, bishop, doctor of the church Ex 40: 16-21, 34-38 Ps 84: 3-6a, 8a, 11 Mt 13: 47-53 July 31 Ignatius of Loyola, priest Lv 23: 1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37 Ps 81: 3-6, 10-11b Mt 13: 54-58 August 1 Alphonsus Liguori, bishop, doctor of the church Lv 25: 1, 8-17 Ps 67: 2-3, 5, 7-8 Mt 14: 1-12

A

few weeks ago, someone posted a picture of a baptism on Facebook. The first thing that I noticed was the priest: He was a bit chunky, his shape like that of a cookie jar.

Fit? Not one bit!

When I looked closely at the parents, I realized that I knew them. I also recognized the church. And it turns out that the chunky, “cookie jar” priest was — gulp — me! I became aware of two things at that point: 1) I definitely “filled out” the vestment I was wearing; and 2) If I keep going along as I am, I’ll soon have to buy my clothes at Topeka Tent and Awning.

Still denying what my eyes were seeing, I pulled out a scale, blew the dust off of the top of it and climbed on. As the numbers spun by, I was grateful that I didn’t have a talking scale. It would have no doubt said something like, “One at a time please!”

Also on Facebook recently was a picture of a parishioner smiling broadly because he’d just finished his first 5K. I immediately sent him the following note: “Congratula-

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. tions! In another few months, I will have accumulated enough distance for a 5K. I started counting the distance when I was a junior in high school! I’m impressed that you did it all at once!”

These two incidents — the “unguarded” photo of me, and that parishioner doing a 5K — reminded me of this little story: Though skeptical of his teenage son’s newfound determination to build muscles, a father followed his teen to a store’s weight-lifting department, where they admired a set of weights.

“Please, Dad,” pleaded the son, “buy these for me!

I promise I’ll use ‘em every day.”

“I don’t know, Jimmy. It’s really a commitment on your part,” said the father.

“Please, Dad!” “They’re not cheap,” said

the father.

“I’ll really use ‘em, Dad, I promise,” said the teen. “You’ll see!”

Finally won over, the father paid for the weights and headed for the door. After just a few steps, he heard his son whine behind him, “What?

You mean I’ve got to carry them to the car?!?” (Found in “1001 Illustrations That Connect,” by Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof, general editors.)

Uh-oh! I resemble that kid in the story. I really like the idea of exercise; it’s the reality of it that I’m not so thrilled about. But that is starting to change . . . ever so slowly.

I can thank Pope Francis and his new encyclical letter for that. I’ve found it particularly challenging to my status quo. You probably know at least its title: “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home.”

The pope’s words on caring for our planet certainly hit home, but I also began to think about another, much-closer “home”: my body. How well and lovingly do I take care of it? It, too, is a gift from God that I’m called to be a good steward of. Sadly, I’ve had to admit that I’ve taken this body for granted and not really treated it with the respect that it deserves.

I know that many people struggle with their weight

for a variety of reasons, often related to medical conditions, mobility struggles or genetics.

I don’t have those issues. My problem is I’ve just gotten lazy.

With that in mind, I decided to change things. First, I went online to open an account on MyFitnessPal, which allows me to track everything that I eat in the course of a day. Then, I bought a Fitbit Charge, which tracks the number of steps I take each day. Both of those things have opened my eyes and made me aware that I underestimate the number of calories that I consume each day and overestimate the amount of physical activity I get.

With knowledge, though, comes power — the power to change. I’ve become much more aware of what — and how much — I eat. I’ve started to choose more fruits and vegetables and fewer chips. I’m parking father and father from the door when I go to work or to shop, to get in as many extra steps as I can. And while I don’t have any plans (or desire) to do a 5K, I’m determined to work at getting those 10,000 steps most days. (I’m at half that goal right now.)

It’s high time that I refurbish this home, my body, so that it can be fit — and not fat — for the King. Laudato Si’, Praise be!

IN THE BEGINNING

Jeremiah reminds us to seek a unified church

I

n addressing the bishops of the world, Pope Francis has challenged them to be “pastors, not princes.” In his words, we hear a faint echo of Sunday’s first reading, Jer 23:1-6. God addresses the leaders of Israel: “Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture.” (The word “pastor” means “shepherd” in Latin.)

In Jeremiah’s prophecy, God is calling the kings of Israel and Judah to task.

Soon, the Israelites will go into exile in Babylonia. They will be literally scattered, as the prophecy sadly attests.

God is laying the blame for this disaster on the Israelite leaders. Because of their failures, the people are scattered and disunited.

Despite the gloom of this prophecy, it also

POPE FRANCIS

FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. offers a glimmer of hope.

God promises to restore the flock of Israel to their homeland and to their former unity: “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have driven them and bring them back to their meadow; there they shall increase and multiply.”

God also promises to raise up a new king who, unlike

Pope Francis called for inclusiveness, dialogue and mutual respect in civic life in Ecuador and the rest of Latin America.

In a democracy, all social groups — indigenous people, those of African descent, women, civic groups and those in public services — must have a voice, the pope told representatives of civic organizations gathered at the

the former kings, “shall reign and govern wisely.”

As Christians, we see the fulfillment of this promise in Jesus Christ. He is the “righteous shoot to David” foretold by the prophecy.

He is the one who can bring us to true unity, who can bring together that which is scattered.

We proclaim unity as one of the four marks of the church: one, holy, catholic and apostolic. At the same time, it is not only, to a certain degree, a present reality, but also a goal toward which we strive. Pope Francis encourages us all to work toward that goal.

The bishops play an important role in that task.

The pope emphasizes the responsibility of the bishops in unifying the church. Even as a cardinal, he drew atten-

Church of St. Francis in Quito July 7.

The church contributes to the “quest for the common good” through education and social activities that promote “ethical and spiritual values.”

Pope Francis’ call for dialogue came at a time when leaders of Ecuadorean nonprofit groups complain that they are harassed when they criticize the government.

The pope called for justice in the use of natural resources, saying the earth is “an inheritance

tion to this concern: “It is the bishop who cares for everything that maintains the cohesion of the flock” (2001 world Synod of Bishops).

But the bishops are not alone in this task. Priests also cooperate with them to bring people together. A good pastor will work hard to keep the parish united.

And lay people are not left off the hook. We all share in that responsibility.

That is why Pope Francis writes: “I especially ask Christians in communities throughout the world to offer a radiant and attractive witness of fraternal communion. . . . We are all in the same boat and headed to the same port! Let us ask for the grace to rejoice in the gifts of each, which belong to all” (“The Joy of the Gospel,” 98).

from our parents, but also a loan from future generations, to whom we must return it.”

Returning to the theme of the family, which has run through his homilies and speeches here, Pope Francis said the basic values of love, fraternity and mutual respect, which are learned at home, “translate into essential values for society as a whole: giving freely, solidarity and subsidiarity.”

— CNS

LOCAL NEWS 15

JULY 17 , 2015 | THELEAVEN.COM Pat and Bob Hayden, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Ottawa, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary July 18 with a dinner at their home, hosted by their children, with family and friends. The couple was married July 17, 1965, at Sacred Heart in Ottawa by Father Robert Burger. Their children are Brenda Downing, Lithia, Florida; and Steve Hayden, Ottawa. They also have five grandchildren.

Carol (Dreher) and John Kelly, members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Aug. 3.

The couple was married on Aug. 3, 1955, at Holy Name Church, Topeka. Their children are: John Kelly, Andrea Graham, Donne Madel and Steve Kelly. They also have nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Bob and Judy (Poe) Miller, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Paola, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 26 with a Mass, followed by a brunch and reception hosted by their children and grandchildren at Town

Square Event Center in Paola. The couple was married on July 31, 1965, at St. Andrew Church, Tipton, Missouri. Their children are: Mark Miller, Pleasant Hill, Missouri; Maria Heid, Paola; Madawn Traxel, Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and Marna Orme, Wichita. They also have 10 grandchildren.

All 20 family members plan to celebrate the occasion in Seagrove Beach, Florida.

Simon and Kay Korte, members of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 17.

Their children are: Todd Korte (deceased); Matthew Korte, Prairie Village; and Brent Korte, Seattle. They have four grandchildren.

The couple celebrated with a trip to Maui with their children and grandchildren.

Mary Kay and Charlie Johnson, members of Sacred Heart Parish in Mound City, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 3. The couple was married on July 3, 1965, in Fulton. Their children are: DeAnn Dawson, Mound City; and Jennifer Leach, Mound City. They also have six grandchildren.

Myths about NFP abound, but it is a simple option >> Continued from page 4 Myth: NFP is too complicated to be used by most people.

Reality: NFP can be used by anyone.

NFP information is easy to learn. In fact, the methods have been successfully adapted to suit the needs of people and cultures all around the world.

The key to using NFP effectively is for couples to learn together the information about their combined fertility and to change their behavior, applying the guidelines according to whether they wish to achieve or postpone pregnancy. This process is learned in NFP education, where the couple can practice observing and charting the wife’s signs of fertility. This is not hard to learn, but will take effort. NFP couples say that NFP is worth the effort because many benefits will be gained, including stronger communication, mutual responsibility and greater respect for each other.

Myth: NFP is not a reliable method of family planning.

Reality: NFP is indeed reliable.

Since NFP methods are not contraception, their effectiveness works both ways—for achieving and postponing pregnancy. When couples wish to achieve a pregnancy, they can time sexual intercourse to the fertile win-

dow of the menstrual cycle, thereby optimizing the possibility of becoming pregnant. When wishing to avoid pregnancy, studies show that couples who follow their NFP method’s guidelines correctly — and all the time — achieve effectiveness rates of 97-99 percent.

Others, who are unclear about their family planning intention (i.e., spacing or limiting pregnancy) or are less motivated, will not consistently follow the method’s guidelines and have a lower effectiveness rate of 80-90 percent.

Myth: There is no difference between NFP and contraception.

Reality: NFP methods are different from and better than contraception.

There is a big difference between NFP and contraception. NFP, as opposed to contraception, does not deliberately frustrate the procreative potential of sex. So, NFP is morally acceptable, while contraception is actually sinful and never morally right. NFP is unique because it enables its users to work with the body rather than against it. Fertility is viewed as a gift and reality to live, not a problem to be solved.

Ultimately, NFP respects God’s design for married love.

(Source: USCCB/“NFP, Myth and Reality”)

16 LOCAL NEWS

THELEAVEN.COM | JULY 17, 2015

A BUFFALO STAMPEDE

Leaven brings eight awards home from Catholic media convention

By Jessica Langdon jessica.langdon@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Like many of the most touching and compelling stories, Todd Habiger’s “In the Name of the Father” feature didn’t turn out at all as Habiger imagined when he first pitched the idea.

“I wanted to do a nice light feature on Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann being a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan,” said Habiger, production manager at The Leaven. “I figured his father Fred would figure in there somehow, so I was planning to do a small sidebar about Fred Naumann and his minor league playing career.”

But in taking a swing at the article, Habiger found a much deeper story about the bond between a father and son who had never met one another — because Fred Naumann was killed before Archbishop Naumann was born.

In telling the story, Habiger hit a home run — and the Catholic Press Association agreed.

“Such an appealing story!” a judge’s commentary reads for the 2015 CPA awards on Habiger’s second-place win for a sports feature in the Best Sports Journalism category. “Great background, detail and design. Nice lead and headline. Timely. The story makes readers feel they have gotten to know the bishop. Love the sidebars.”

The Leaven received a number of nods in the 2015 CPA awards, which were announced June 26 in Buffalo, New York, at the annual Catholic media convention.

“The awards banquet is sometimes a gratifying, but always a humbling, night,” said Anita McSorley, managing editor of The Leaven, who attended the annual event.

McSorley was particularly impressed this year with the international flavor of the convention.

Held in Buffalo, it drew more representatives from the Canadian Catholic press than usual, and McSorley was intrigued to learn the similarities and differences between the two countries — especially because nearly half the population in Canada is Catholic.

She was also happy to hear The Leaven’s name called several times during the awards banquet.

“I’m always delighted to hear them call out the name of one of our reporters or photographers,” she said.

Leaven intern Libby Hyde, a parishioner of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee, received a first-place Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Award for “When Hearts Embrace,” her reporting on a visit to her parish’s sister parish in El Salvador.

“With word-pictures, Hyde brings the reader on the journey and into this missionary encounter between parishes, one in Kansas and one in El Salvador,” reads the website for the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States. “The author’s own first-person reflection adds to the piece’s winning quality.”

“For me, the most important part of traveling to El Buen Pastor was being physically, spiritually and emotionally present to the community and the experience,” said Hyde. “Though the mutual giving of our relationship is important, it would not be fruitful if

BEST MULTIPLE PICTURE PACKAGE: “Fun package of photos. Nicely done and displayed. Sure the readers loved it and laughed out loud.”

VISIT TO THE MISSIONS: “Hyde brings the reader on the journey and into this missionary encounter between parishes, one in Kansas and one in El Salvador.”

BEST REPORTING ON SPECIAL AGE GROUP: “Great piece! Loved the design, including the box inviting people to listen online. Excellent quotes throughout.”

BEST FEATURE WRITING: “An extremely compelling story about the medical ordeal of one man, but also of the faith of that man. Well written, the story keeps us to the end.”

BEST MULTIPLE PICTURE PACKAGE: “Great spontaneous photos. Good quality.”

parishioners of Good Shepherd did not understand what it means to be Salvadoran.”

Hyde’s reflection shared with read-

BEST SPORTS JOURNALISM: “The story makes readers feel they have gotten to know the bishop.”

BEST HEADLINE: “A snappy but light headline that will draw readers into a story that often goes unread.”

BEST USE OF ART OR GRAPHICS: “Nicely laid out and nice use of photos to enhance visual understanding of the information.”

ers the love she witnessed in the 2014 visit to El Salvador.

“I wanted readers to be able to better understand what it is like to live in

a small community in El Salvador by reading my experience and those of first-time travelers to the country,” she said.

Leaven freelancer Jill Ragar Esfeld received an honorable mention for best feature writing at a diocesan paper with a circulation of 40,001 and greater for “Worth the Pain,” the story of Andy Marso, who lost his fingers and toes to meningitis.

“I’m happy to see Andy Marso’s story recognized,” said Esfeld. “I was drawn in from the moment I met him by his acceptance of the suffering he went through. This is a man who truly united himself with Christ and, through the process, learned the purpose of suffering. He allowed himself to be helped by others and saw love and compassion grow in the community around him.”

A comment accompanying the award called the piece “an extremely compelling story about the medical ordeal of one man, but also of the faith of one man.”

The faith hit home for Esfeld, who continues to be moved by Marso’s story.

“I was most struck by the fact that Andy lost his fingers on both hands during his recovery from meningitis, yet he became a reporter texting current updates from the state Capitol,” said Esfeld. “I asked him how on earth he learned to text so fast with the use of only one thumb. And he replied, ‘If you do anything for eight hours a day, you’ll get good at it.’ I’ve probably repeated that quote a dozen times. Perseverance really is the key to success.”

“Well written, the story keeps us to the end,” the commentary continues.

“And it certainly is a reminder of how faith can strengthen our resolve and move us to a higher understanding of ourselves and our relationship with God.” A story called “Sing A New Song,” written by Leaven reporter Jessica Langdon, received a second-place award for best reporting on a special age group: children and teens younger than 18. It featured students in grades five-to-eight at Holy Family School in Topeka who sing at funerals.

“Great piece!” the commentary reads. “Loved the design, including the box inviting people to listen online.

Excellent quotes throughout. What a great group of kids — their impact was felt in this piece.”

“Jessica has a real knack for identifying school stories that really illustrate the spirit that infuses our Catholic schools,” said McSorley. “Sometimes she’ll propose an idea that to me sounds pretty standard, and bring back a story that touches readers across the archdiocese. This was one of those occasions.”

McSorley’s own headline “Pope-pourri” — for a story on the canonization by Pope Francis of two saints, Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II, with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in attendance — won third place for best headline.

“A snappy but light headline that will draw readers into a story that often goes unread,” reads the commentary.

Photographer Lori Wood Habiger >> See “LEAVEN” on page 2