07 21 17 Vol. 39 No. 2

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 39, NO. 2 | JULY 21, 2017

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Members of the Junior Knights and Junior Daughters of Peter Claver provide the music for the Mass that concluded their national convention, held in Kansas City, Missouri, July 5-9.

‘WE’RE NEVER ALONE’

Young African-American Catholics called to find a friend in Jesus

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Mo. — “You’ve renewed my faith in the future of the church,” Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann told his young audience at the 22nd biennial national convention of the Junior Knights and Junior Daughters of the Knights of Peter Claver July 9. He was celebrating the concluding Mass of the four-day event here.

The Knights of Peter Claver is the largest AfricanAmerican Catholic lay organization in the world, and its junior division identifies and encourages leadership among Catholic youth ages 7 through 18.

The Mass was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, and hundreds of young Catholic Junior Knights — and Daughters dressed all in white — crowded the ballroom. Among the attendees were nine Junior Daughters and two Junior Knights from Our Lady & St. Rose Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

The archbishop opened his homily by commending the young people for being active in the Knights of Peter Claver organization.

Quoting one of the Mass hymns, “What a Friend

We Have in Jesus,” the archbishop said the song expresses one of the most important aspects of our Catholic faith.

“Not only do we believe in a God who has created the entire cosmos,” he said, “but a God who loves us.”

Today’s Gospel, he continued, in which Jesus says, “My yoke is easy and my burden light,” is one of his favorites.

“It has a personal meaning for me [as a bishop],” he said.

That Gospel reminds him that “‘My yoke is easy,’” said the archbishop, “because Jesus carries it with us.

“We’re never alone.”

It was an important message for these young men and women of color who prayed during the petitions for an end to the violence that plagues many of their communities.

The archbishop went on to tell the story of Bishop John Baptiste Miege, the first bishop of the Kansas Territory, who was reluctant to accept the position and take on the responsibility of a bishop.

In a letter to his brother, Bishop Miege wrote: “I can barely take care of my own soul; how can I be responsible for so many others?” >> See “THEY” on page 5

The Knights of Peter Claver The Knights of Peter Claver is the nation’s first and largest predominantly African-American lay Catholic organization.

With headquarters in Louisiana, KPC has councils and courts throughout the country. The Kansas City Councils at Our Lady & St. Rose in Kansas City, Kansas, and St. Monica and St. Louis parishes in Kansas City, Missouri, comprise the Metro District Council.

The society was founded Nov. 7, 1909, by four Josephite priests. The Ladies were first founded in 1922.

Membership in the Junior Division is comprised of Catholic boys, girls and teenagers ages 7-18, who have made their first holy Communion.

Members are committed to their faith, their parish and service to their community.

KPC is named for St. Peter Claver, a 17th century Spanish Jesuit known for his service to, and compassion for, African slaves in Cartagena, now modern day Colombia.

For more information on KPC, visit the website at: www.kofpc.org.

JULY 21, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Formation for divorced, separated

By Steve Buckner Special to The Leaven

O

VERLAND PARK — A ministry for divorced Catholics and those currently going through a divorce, entitled “The Call to Love Again,” will start a new session in early September at Church of the Ascension here.

The six-month course is open to all. “‘The Call to Love’ Again ministry accompanies those who are divorced or experiencing marital separation by offering a formation series based on biblical principles for relationships and helping them develop a deep prayer life,” said Kate McKeag, an Ascension parishioner who helped develop the ministry.

“This formation program helps individuals find joy and hope that a new love awaits those who trust in the love of Jesus,” she said. “Our goal is to prepare the faithful to truly make a gift of oneself in remarriage, which restores the individual, family and church.”

Michael Palitto, an Ascension parishioner who helps facilitate the course, emphasized that the teachings were not his words or those of McKeag.

“A lot of the content is out of the Catechism [of the Catholic Church],” said Palitto. “We teach a lot of Pope Saint John Paul II’s work in love and responsibility, which he talked about in his theology of the body.

“And the more we talk about it, the more passionate we get about Pope Francis’ [apostolic exhortation] . . .

‘The Joy of Love.’”

Many priests serve as guest speakers at the sessions.

“It’s also an evangelization program,” said Palitto. “It’s calling Catholics to be further converted, and it’s a call to our brothers and sisters who have left the church.”

The formation series is divided into six sessions, which will run through February 2018: 1. Created for Love – Fully Alive 2. Giving vs. Using – Loving Kindness 3. True Love – Chastity 4. Separation, Divorce and Annulments – Protection of the Church 5. Finding Adam, Finding Eve – Courtship 6. The Call of Vocation – Marriage Defined Participants will meet the first and third Thursdays of each month. Every

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN July 23 Installation of Father Oswaldo Sandoval — All Saints, Kansas City, Kansas July 29 Mass for 20th anniversary of Camp Tekakwitha — Williamsburg July 30 Installation of Father Regie Saldanha — Sacred Heart in Baileyville and St. Mary, St. Benedict July 31 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Aug. 1 School leaders kick-off Mass — Savior Pastoral Center

LEAVEN PHOTO BY STEVE BUCKNER

Sessions for divorced Catholics start up again at Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, in September. Michael Palitto, left, will help facilitate the course. Kate McKeag, right, helped develop the ministry. first Thursday of the month will focus on the content presented, said McKeag, and the group will also pray together.

The third Thursday of the month is more casual, where participants review the previous session with further discussion, questions and answers.

It’s more of a discussion of how the lesson applies to real life, explained McKeag, of “how [participants] are dealing with some of the content that was presented, and how it is applicable in their lives.”

“It’s about how it is affecting their relationships,” she added, “and how God is showing up in the trials of their divorce.”

Finding where they fit “The Call to Love Again” was first offered from January through June of this year. Beyond its stated objectives, it was based on the “Divorce Survival Guide,” a 12-week course facilitated by a Catholic counselor who has experienced divorce. The course is also offered at Ascension Parish.

“What we were noticing was when people were finishing that session, they were feeling, ‘OK, what’s next?’” Palitto said. “So out of that was what Kate was called to by the Spirit — the ministry that came alongside these people who are suffering from, or transitioning out of, broken marriages.

“So, we started looking for a way to meet and accompany them with whatever the needs were.”

Palitto and McKeag are no strangers to the topic of their ministry. Both are divorced. Palitto has had his marriage annulled. McKeag is in the final stages of the annulment process.

They are also aware of the statistics that show that when Catholics divorce, they tend to leave the church. Perhaps they start dating a Protestant and don’t know where a potential relationship might lead them. Or perhaps they feel judged by the church and maybe don’t feel worthy of the sacraments.

“They no longer know where they fit,” McKeag said. “It’s an interesting dynamic of ‘How can I be an integral part of the church?’ It’s easy for people to stop coming to Mass and being active in parish life. It contributes to more isolation.”

McKeag added that people who were seeking to remarry were wondering how to do it differently than they had the time before.

“We called it ‘The Call to Love Again’ because we’re all made to love,” she said. “We’re all seeking love.

“And . . . the church invites them and welcomes them back. And offers such a rich and beautiful plan for how to live out the call to love that we long for, and want and seek, and are called to give.”

Aug. 2 Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George profession of vows — Alton, Illinois Aug. 1-3 Knights of Columbus supreme convention — St. Louis Aug. 6 Installation of Father Mike Scully — Holy Family, Eudora Aug. 7-12 Seminarian pilgrimage Aug. 13 Religious Sisters appreciation day — St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kansas Aug. 14 Priests small group meeting Aug. 15 Feast of the Assumption

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER July 21 Mass and confessions — Camp Tekakwitha, Williamsburg July 23 Mass — Federal prison camp July 24-29 Napa Institute summer conference Aug. 5 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida Aug. 6 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida

Come see the CD release concert of

Friday Aug. 4, 6:30-9:30

at the John Paul II Parish (Madison Place Elementary, 16651 Warwick St.) Admission is free.

Food by 2 Guys and a Grill | Refreshments by Kona Ice. mnband.co | jp2kc.org

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JULY 21, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

3

Braxton: Justice, love must be ‘written in our hearts’ and actions

“

By Jean Gonzalez Catholic News Service

O

RLANDO, Fla. (CNS) — In 1955 in Mississippi, a white woman lied and told her husband that Emmett Till, a black teen, flirted with her in the grocery story. In retaliation, her husband and another man kidnapped, beat, shot and lynched the youth.

His body was found three days after his murder and returned to his native Chicago. His mother had an open casket for the 14-year-old’s funeral, where tens of thousands visited his body. Among them were an 11-year-old Edward Braxton, his brother, Lawrence, and his uncle, Ellis. They waited two hours in line to view the body.

“I peered into the glass coffin and beheld the terrifying remains of a vicious murder,” said the now 73-year-old bishop of Belleville, Illinois. “He did not look like a human being. Emmett’s mother was sitting in a chair, uncontrollable crying, saying, ‘My baby. My baby.

Why? Why did I send him down South?’

I looked into her red-rimmed eyes not knowing what to say.”

Uncle Ellis repeatedly told his nephews, “I don’t want you ever to forget this night.” And Bishop Braxton never did.

Emmett’s killers were never convicted of murder. And when he visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture, he was transported to that day in 1955.

“For me personally, the most devastating experience in the history gallery was coming face-to-face with the original coffin of dear Emmett Till, which I had not seen in 60 years,” Bishop Braxton said during his keynote address July 8 at the National Black Catholic Congress in Orlando, adding that “dear Emmett Till” was one of 3,446 African-Americans lynched between 1882 and 1968.

“I have never forgotten [my uncle’s] words. I have never forgotten the unrecognizable bloated, totally mutilated face behind the glass in that coffin. . . .

Seeing that coffin again brought it back again,” he said.

That was only one piece of history at the museum that registered great emotions for the bishop, who has written extensively on the racial divide in America from a theological and pastoral perspective.

Among his writings are two pastoral letters, “The Racial Divide in the United States: A Reflection for the World Day of Peace 2015” and “The Catholic Church and the Black Lives Matter Movement: The Racial Divide in the United States Revisited,” issued in 2016.

In his congress address, he described how the National Museum of African American History and Culture museum is in eyeshot of the monument to George Washington and the memorial to Thomas Jefferson, both of whom owned “enslaved free human beings.” Not too far away are the Capitol and the White House, both built in part by “enslaved free human beings,” as he put it.

The history presented at the museum is not pretty but so important, and he urged everyone to visit the museum, especially the lower levels.

“I realized 60 percent of the museum

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

“THE WORD MINORITY GROUP IS A TERM USED TO DIVIDE, NOT TO UNITE. THE GOD WHO IS GOD HAS NO COLOR, HAS NO RACE, HAS DIMENSIONALITY.

CNS PHOTO/JEAN GONZALEZ, FLORIDA CATHOLIC

Bishop Edward K. Braxton of Belleville, Ill., addresses more than 2,000 delegates July 8 during the 12th National Black Catholic Congress in Orlando, Fla. The theme of the congress was drawn from words of the prophet Micah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me: Act justly, love goodness and walk humbly.” is actually underground and it is underground deliberately because the architect wanted to give you the feeling that you were . . . maybe inside a slave ship crowded with very little room to move about,” Bishop Braxton said.

“The images in the museum reminded me of what happened to free human beings as they crossed the Atlantic in the Middle Passage,” he continued. “Human beings chained side by side on top of one another in unspeakable squalor, cramped in darkness. . . . An estimated 2 million people lost their lives during the Middle Passage of this African holocaust.”

In January, he wrote an essay on the museum titled “We, Too, Sing ‘America’: The Catholic Church and the Museum of African American History and Culture.”

Although he recognized the museum as an outstanding achievement, Bishop Braxton in his remarks to the congress lamented the lack of references there are to leading African-American Catholics such as Father Augustus Tolton, the Sisters of the Holy Family, Sister Henriette Delille, Father Pierre Toussaint, Mother Mary Lange, or Sister Thea Bowman at the museum. There are nearly 68 mil-

lion Catholics in the United States, but only 2.9 million are black.

“These absences reminded me that African-American Catholics then and now were already invisible in the larger influential black church,” Bishop Braxton said. “At the same time, African-Americans were and remain all but invisible in the larger influential and largely European-American Catholic Church.”

The bishop told congress attendees they could all do something to know their own history and to be engaged in the community. They must exercise their rights to vote, participate in public life, run for public life, use resources that develop discussion about the racial divide, inspire young people to become involved.

“I give you these imperatives: Listen, learn, think, act and pray,” he said. “African-American Catholics need to get into real conversations with others in the community about this history so we can grow by means of knowledge.”

Before closing, Bishop Braxton brought up a theme that he has “raised for years, to no avail” — that “people

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of color should no longer accept the designation of African-Americans as a minority. We are not a minority; we are Americans.” Referencing the words of the poet Langston Hughes, “We, too, sing ‘America.’”

“The word minority group is a term used to divide, not to unite,” he said.

“The God who is God has no color, has no race, has dimensionality. It is so important that we depict the universality of the mission of God, showing diversity of the city of the kingdom of God.” In his remarks, Bishop Braxton also spoke about the prophet Micah, known as the prophet of social justice, whose warnings and criticism of political corruption and urging of caring for the poor still ring true 2,700 years later. A passage by Micah provided the theme of the congress: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me: Act justly, love goodness and walk humbly.”

The bishop said the prophet would not be satisfied with those words solely emblazoned on T-shirts, banners and bags.

“Micah would demand to see these words written in our hearts, in our daily actions when we leave Orlando and return to our dioceses, neighborhoods, parish communities and families,” Bishop Braxton said.

In talks a day earlier, Bryan Stevenson, a public interest lawyer, and Tricia Bent-Goodley, a professor and director of the doctorate program at Howard University School of Social Work, separately spoke about black communities, and the justice system and black family life.

Stevenson shared his work fighting mass incarceration, racial bias and poverty through the legal system. He founded the Equal Justice Initiative, which works to eliminate excessive sentencing, to exonerate innocent deathrow inmates, and to challenge the abuse of the incarcerated and the mentally ill.

Stevenson praised black Catholics for “raising their voice in support of social justice and all the commands of the Gospels.”

In speaking about “The Black Family: Challenges and Opportunities,” Bent-Goodley described the impact of mental health issues, community violence, and domestic violence on black families. She called on black Catholics to face these issues with both the power of prayer and the help of professionals.

She noted that too often, black families don’t get the care and counseling they need; sometimes because of a lack of access and sometimes because of a reluctance to seek help.

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.

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JULY 21, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

From reader to writer, Olathe parishioner leads the way Class notes make teacher an author

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

T

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

Holly Thomas, a member of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, leads one of the parish’s permanent book clubs. She also developed a study guide to accompany one of the books her book club read. It is now available for others to order.

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

O

LATHE — What’s better than a good read? A good read shared, said some parishioners at St. Paul Parish here.

When he was assigned to the parish three years ago, pastor Father Michael Hermes decided to launch a community read ministry. The simple yet effective idea was that parishioners would form groups according to language — Spanish, English and American Sign Language — and everyone would read and discuss the same book.

The first book for the “community read” was “Rediscover Catholicism,”

by Matthew Kelly.

The original plan was for the groups to meet in the fall and spring on a temporary basis. As soon as the “community read” finished the assigned book, most of the groups disbanded.

Some groups, however, wanted to continue.

Parishioner Holly Thomas leads one of the permanent groups. Her husband Scott, “the quiet partner,” helps with snacks, setting up chairs and passing around the handouts.

“My husband and I went to another

person’s group but, in the spring, he couldn’t lead anymore. And I felt God calling me to lead the next program Father Michael wanted,” said Thomas.

In addition to reading assigned books, the groups also have the flexibility to view videos, conduct Bible studies or read other books of members’ choosing.

This past spring, the “community read” focused on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians.

The group led by Thomas (it has no name) meets at her house on Tuesday mornings from 9:15 to 10:50 a.m. Some of the members first go to Mass at the parish. They usually meet weekly during the fall and spring.

They don’t read the assigned book when the class meets, because people do that on their own. Thomas leads the group of eight in a discussion guided by a series of questions she writes.

“I make sure the Bible is a part of the study,” said Thomas. “I also make sure we study the Catechism [of the Catholic Church] for each topic or book that I’ve chosen.”

Thomas’ group is almost finished with “Divine Mercy” (Threshold Bible Study), by Stephen J. Binz.

“Holly is so knowledgeable and spiritual,” said group member Cindy

Gamber. “We go places I’ve never dreamed of going. She has such insight. She’ll come in with an angle that I wouldn’t even think about.” “[The group] has broadened my understanding of a lot of things,” she continued. “We discuss our different perspectives. We come from different walks of life and backgrounds. It’s fantastic to expand the different approaches and ideas.”

One aspect that makes the group enjoyable — as well as educational — is the fellowship.

“It’s a nice group,” said Barbara Bergman, who as been a part of the group for 18 months. “It’s good to get together. We have a little time before the [Bible or book] study to socialize, and after. It’s just nice getting together with other people and get different outlooks on things.”

Why do people keep coming back?

For group member Mary Heiman and her husband George, it’s because of the learning and friendship.

“We want to further our education in the church and want to keep learning,” said Mary Heiman. “Holly has been really good about coming up with good, thought-provoking questions.

This [group] has been a good education.”

he first book produced by Holly Thomas wasn’t created by intention, but out of necessity.

Usually, her book club and Bible study group would begin a new book study every fall and spring. In early 2016, however, the parish “community read” wouldn’t begin until Lent.

That’s when Thomas decided her group would fill in that January to February gap by reading “The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy,” by Mitch Finley.

“I emailed the author and asked him if the book had a study guide,” said Thomas. “He said ‘no,’ and he was totally fine with me writing questions, like a syllabus, to go with his book.”

Thomas used her group as a “guinea pig,” writing a lesson for each chapter of Finley’s book. In her lesson plans, Thomas wrote questions, reflections, provided scriptural and catechism references, examples, and how one could be a participant in a work of mercy.

Before she knew it, she had written a book.

“I believed wholeheartedly — and with Mitch behind me — that my study guide for his book was worthy to be published,” said Thomas.

After being turned down by four publishers, Finley suggested that Thomas contact the publisher Wipf and Stock, based in Eugene, Oregon.

“Honestly, I forgot I sent it in to them,” said Thomas. “Ten weeks later, I got an email, and Wipf and Stock said they wanted to publish my study guide.”

The book became available in December 2016. She believes it will be an excellent resource for any book club or study group that wishes to use Finley’s book.

“Right now, it’s being published on demand,” said Thomas. “It’s published when the request arrives.”

Thomas’ study guide can be purchased through Wipf and Stock online, from Amazon or through Barnes & Noble, all in multiple formats.

Now with her first book under her belt, Thomas is working on a second book, “The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us.” The book will cover the three theological virtues, the four cardinal virtues and five other virtues that Thomas feels are important for Christians to cultivate.

“The second book, with 12 virtues, will focus on a saint as a living example of their virtue,” she said. “Each chapter will have a couple of questions and a closing prayer.”

“The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us” will be available by the spring of 2018.

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JULY 21, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Archdiocese launches respite care program

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan, — Respite care for children is a gift of time to families who need a little break, said Tom Racunas, lead consultant for the archdiocesan special-needs ministry.

But until recently, it was a gift the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas couldn’t give.

That will change in September when the archdiocese will launch a monthly respite care program for children with special needs from ages 6 to 18.

This spring, the special needs ministry received a $94,000 grant to run a respite care program for children from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.

The recognition that a respite care for children program was needed came out of the work of the archdiocesan special-needs task force that was formed in fall 2015.

The task force conducted surveys, held conversations, and convened a listening session in spring 2016.

“Families overwhelmingly indicated a desire for a Catholic respite care program,” said Karen Kroh, the archdiocese’s associate superintendent for student services.

There are home-based respite care programs offered by private providers, but these are expensive, said Tom Racunas. There are also monthly faith-based programs, but none of them are Catholic.

“Our Catholic families are taking advantage of those respite care programs, but what they said to the task force is that they wanted their children in a Catholic environment,” said Racunas. “[They said,] ‘Why can’t the archdiocese make respite care a priority?’”

Kroh included information about the task force’s findings in a newsletter, which somehow made its way

The archdiocesan special-needs ministry will launch a monthly respite care program for children with special needs from ages 6 to 18. into the hands of Tim Keck, secretary of the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. He contacted Kroh and encouraged her to apply for a state grant to help fund a respite care program.

A group of archdiocesan task force members — including Racunas, Kroh, Cari Hilyer and Mary Ann Moore — put together a proposal and a business plan. In the spring, KDADS approved a three-year, $97,000 grant. Grant monies will pay for personnel and materials. The personnel will include nursing and directors of various programs.

“For year three, we’ll have to develop revenue sources to sustain the program beyond the third year,” said Kroh.

The archdiocesan program, to be based at Holy Cross School in Overland Park, will offer four hours of respite care from 4 to 8 p.m. on one Saturday a month. This, said Racunas, will give families the time to do what they normally would be unable to do.

One couple looking forward to the archdiocesan-sponsored respite care

is Doug and Joanna Rivard, members of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood.

The Rivards have four sons. Max, 15, has cerebral palsy and needs constant care. They’ve been taking Max to respite care at a church of a Protestant denomination and, though they’ve always been welcomed, the Rivards wanted a program that would integrate the Catholic faith.

“We value [respite care] so much because we can have some time with the other three boys and do things that we normally couldn’t do,” said Joanna Rivard. “Max is in a wheelchair, is nonverbal and doesn’t like being outside for long periods of time.”

The program will include many kinds of games and activities, said Racunas. There will be no charge to families to participate in the program.

Families and potential volunteers can sign up online beginning Aug. 1.

Volunteers will go through training.

For information, contact Racunas by calling (913) 647-3054, or by email at: tracunas@archkck.org.

Statement The archdiocese has received allegations from two separate sources concerning boundary violations by one of its priests, Father Scott Kallal, AVI. A preliminary investigation into the allegations by the archdiocese revealed violations of some of the archdiocese’s safe environment guidelines which all clerics, employees and volunteers are asked to observe when interacting with young people. Because one of the allegations involved a minor, the Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) has been notified. The investigation is ongoing. The Independent Review Board has been asked to review the matter and make recommendations.

Father Kallal has been suspended from the exercise of his public priestly ministry pending the outcome of the DCF, the archdiocesan investigations and the recommendation of the Independent Review Board. Father Kallal denies any moral misconduct or malicious intent and has agreed to undergo evaluation and counseling. The archbishop asks for prayers for all involved in this situation and reminds Catholics of the presumption of innocence unless proof indicates otherwise.

The archdiocese takes very seriously any allegations made against employees, clerics or volunteers who serve in the archdiocese. Anyone who has knowledge of inappropriate conduct by any priest, deacon, employee or volunteer is encouraged to contact the confidential report line at (913) 647-3051 to make a report to archdiocesan report investigator Jan Saylor. To report sexual misconduct or criminal behavior, call the above number; go to: www.archkck.org/ reportabuse to report online; or call the DCF or local law enforcement directly.

Art competition seeks Christian works of art

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Catholic Fine Arts Council of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas invites artists to enter a new regional art exhibit entitled “Duc in Altum” (“Put Out into the Deep”). Religious artists are encouraged to submit their artwork for consideration online at: www.catholicfinearts.org/entry. The entry deadline is Aug. 1. Winning artists will receive cash prizes and have their winning work displayed at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

‘They won’t know Jesus unless you introduce them’

>> Continued from page 1

“Every bishop, every pastor, has that same sense sometimes,” said Archbishop Naumann. “But we can do it because we’re not alone.”

But Jesus is not their only ally.

The archbishop told his young congregation how they can rely on the church and its teaching authority as well.

He’s reading a book written by a former atheist, said the archbishop, and the author was in the process of exploring the Christian faith when Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana. (Because many convention attendees were from Louisiana, they

knew well the devastation brought on by Katrina.)

The archbishop recounted the author’s confusion when she heard some Protestants saying Katrina was God’s punishment for New Orleans’ sinful culture — and referenced the Bible as proof.

Other Christians disagreed.

When the author brought the issue to a Catholic chat room, one participant explained that Christians didn’t have the Bible for their first 300 years — and once they had it, most couldn’t read it.

In other words, only the Protestant tradition relies entirely on the Bible.

The Catholic Church also relies on the

example of the early Christian church — the church that sprang directly from the work of Jesus and the apostles — and the Tradition handed down from the apostles.

So the Bible is not the only authority determining our faith, said the archbishop.

“That’s why we need the church and the magisterium,” he said. “Jesus entrusted his authority to Peter and the other apostles.

“We’re so blessed to have our Catholic faith and to be part of a community that Jesus established.”

Archbishop Naumann went on to commend the young people again for

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their involvement in the Knights of Peter Claver, and encouraged them to be evangelists for their faith.

At World Youth Day in Poland, he said, Pope Francis told the youth: “If you’re going to follow Jesus, you can’t be a ‘couch potato Christian’ — you have to have your boots on and follow him.”

“So many of your friends you go to school with don’t know Jesus,” concluded Archbishop Naumann.

“They won’t know Jesus unless you introduce them.

“Let us give thanks for the gift of our faith and for all who have helped you know him.”

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JULY 21, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus

Take your children outside Don’t miss out on taking your children outside, away from iPads, iPhones and video games.

Richard Brown writes in “Managing the Mess of Family Stress”: “Help your child learn to appreciate God’s loving handiwork by constantly pointing out everyday examples like bugs, flowers and sunsets.”

God’s loving handiwork ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 is also found while taking walks, watching clouds move across the sky and saying evening prayers under the stars.

You might recharge your own sense of youthful wonder!

— Deacon Tony Zimmerman, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life

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CHURCH OF THE WEEK

Hunger can awaken us to needs of others needed God because his barns were full (Lk 12: 16-21), when our stomachs are always full, do we cease to concern ourselves about lessed are they who what’s in — or not in — our souls? hunger and thirst for It is those of us who are well fed righteousness, for they who are in most need of fasting as will be satisfied (Mt a spiritual exercise.

Physical hunger, when deliber5:6). ately accepted in order to remind Jesus knows what it means to ourselves of a greater, higher need, hunger. After his baptism by John, can awaken the hunger for righhe undertook a 40-day fast in the teousness. It can also awaken us to the needs of those wilderness, where, whose lives are threatit can be safely said, This is the ened by a lack of food. water would also have fifth column Hunger for righteousbeen quite scarce. in a 10-part ness is a hunger for a There, the devil temptseries. more just distribution ed him to appease his of the world’s goods. hunger miraculously.

This becomes clearer Jesus’ response to the tempter is an excellent open- when we examine the meaning of ing for reflecting on the fourth “righteousness.”

For many of us, righteousness beatitude of the Sermon on the Mount: “It is written: ‘One does is often understood as a synonym for holiness. Righteousness as honot live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from liness would then have very strong religious connotations. A righthe mouth of God’” (Mt 4:4).

The Gospel of John, unlike teous person might be said to live Matthew, Mark or Luke, makes no a “godly” life, avoiding immorality mention of Jesus’ temptation, but and exhibiting commitment to freJohn tells us that not even his dis- quent worship and prayer.

But holiness is not the best synciples could tempt Jesus to eat if it onym for righteousness. Holiness, meant interrupting his mission.

When his disciples find him in its biblical context, means to at the well with the Samaritan be set apart for God in some spewoman, they are certain he must cial way. In both the Old and New be hungry and needs to eat: “[T]he Testaments, the word most comdisciples urged him, ‘Rabbi, eat.’ monly translated into English as “righteous” can also be correctly But he said to them, ‘I have food to eat of which you do not know.’ So translated as “just.”

Those who hunger and thirst the disciples said to one another, ‘Could someone have brought him for righteousness are not so much something to eat?’ Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work’” (Jn 4: 31-34).

What personal experiences Physical hunger is one of the have you had with hunger or thirst? most compelling needs a human or any other creature can ever exWhy might voluntarily forgoperience. When severe hunger afing food (fasting) or other acts flicts an entire region, it is called of self-denial assist one’s spiritual growth? a famine, and famine is such a dreaded reality that the Book of What difference is there beRevelation names it as one of the tween righteousness and hoprincipal powers of death and liness?

Hades (6: 8).

Where in the world today is There is, however, a danger of hunger or famine at crisis having too much to eat. Ameriproportions? How can ordicans, more than any others, face nary citizens and committed the challenge of having their lives Christians help alleviate the shortened by too much food, suffering and also help bring about permanent solutions to rather than too little. But there is hunger? also a spiritual danger.

Like the wealthy man in Jesus’ This article was originally parable who didn’t think he published in Arkansas Catholic

By Cackie Upchurch Director Little Rock Scripture Study

B

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STUDY QUESTIONS

Our Lady & St. Rose, Kansas City, Kansas Address: 2300 N. 8th St. Phone: (913) 321-1958 Pastor: Father Mark Mertes Mass time: Sunday, 11 a.m.

Website: http://ourladyandsaintrose.org MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.

June 17, 2017. Copyright Diocese of Little Rock.

GOING TO BRANSON CHECK OUT www.bransonlocalbusinesses.com Help support Local Businesses In Branson visitus@bransonlocalbusinesses.com

seeking to be known for their holiness as they are yearning for the flourishing of justice. But what about the promise that they will be satisfied?

It is commonly assumed that the promised state of blessedness is the reward of heaven. There can be no question that to enter heaven will be a blessed reward, but the hunger for righteousness Jesus speaks of is a plea for righteousness — justice — to abound in this world. This is also found in the prayer he taught us: “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven” (Mt 6: 10).

This has always been the desire of God’s prophets: “Let justice descend, you heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the clouds drop it down. Let the earth open and salvation bud forth; let righteousness spring up with them!” (Is 45: 8).

A just world! What a bold promise! As with all the beatitudes, however, this is not just a promise, but a directive. Those who hunger and thirst are always searching for food and drink. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness must be always seeking to bring it about.

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

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JULY 21, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Networking is just one way mentors help >> Continued from page 16 Kaster, along with Mary Hockstad, Andrea Kilkenny and Melissa Deufel, were teamed with Trewonna Beauboir, a single mother raising three girls.

“We told Trewonna when we first met her,” said Kaster, “[that] we all have three kids and we all raised them together, and we all relied on each other during that time.

“We realized the power of just having girlfriends.”

As their friendship with Beauboir has grown, so has their bond with one another.

“We have different strengths, different perspectives,” said Kaster. “We rally together.

“It’s been really good for our friendship.”

Starfish Ministry currently mentors nine mothers. And though each family’s needs are unique, support is always available to the mentors.

The ministry sets up meetings on a regular basis with moms and their mentors to set goals and facilitate good communication.

“This is one thing we make clear to the mentors,” said Vogliardo. “We are not abandoning them. We are here always to answer questions.”

The three co-founders have met with area organizations such as Catholic Charities, Community Link and Bishop Sullivan Center to educate themselves on resources so they can

give direction to mentors.

They know that success often comes from knowing how to network. “[For] example,” said Vogliardo, “one of our moms wanted to go back to school. Well, within a day we had talked to someone at Avila and someone at [the University of Central Missouri] to get things set up for her to talk to a counselor.

“The whole networking thing in our world is huge, and something they don’t have.”

Bright futures Though mentors are never expected to financially support their moms beyond taking them to lunch or giving them a birthday gift, reality dictates that many of the Starfish families need financial help.

“We didn’t want our program to be financial,” said Chalmers. “But the reality is it is occasionally, because they need help with cars, help with utility and medical bills.”

The ministry is a 50l(c)(3) organization that takes donations so it can help families in crisis situations.

“If moms have a need,” said Vogliardo, “the mentors come and talk to us and get it approved.

“Nativity and St. Thomas More have been very behind us. They’ve been amazing.”

Moms and mentors also work together making and selling cinnamon

Sister Brendan Fry, OSB

rolls and lotion bars, called Starbars, to supplement funding. (See sidebar on page 16.)

Starfish Ministry would like to help more moms dealing with adversity.

And it would like to give women who know the value of friendship and networking an opportunity to change a life.

The results so far have been remarkable — not just for the moms served by the ministry, but for their children, who are seeing a path out of poverty.

“The kids are where we feel like we can make a difference,” said Becker.

“We have one young man who is a freshman in college now.

“His mom might have the least amount of education of any of our moms — that’s a really big deal.”

Another child is an honor roll student at Cristo Rey High School in Kansas City, Missouri.

“He realized that if he does this,” said Becker, “he can go to college and have a different kind of life.

“So I do feel like the kids notice something is different, and it opens their eyes.”

Like the girl in the legend of the starfish who makes a difference for each starfish she throws back in the sea, these women are changing lives one family at a time.

“I do think in our environment today,” said Chalmers, “we can bridge the gap between cultures if we can show kindness to just one person.”

Aug. 5 Mass at 9 a.m.

MT CALVARY, KCK Rose M. Augustine Mary C. Avila MaryAnn Bartkoski Patricia J. Cashin Dorothy M. Clavin Robert H. Foerschler Mario P. Garcia Sr. Mary Anne Graham Bernadette Gosserand Daniel Harnett Marie C. Harnett Betty J. Hatala Antonietta M. Hernandez Helen M. Holmes James Hrdy Virginia G. Koska Helen L. Krisman Robert Lankford Sr. Mary C. Lawrence Fernando Ordoñez Stella Delores Paduch Loretta M. Peresic Coelesta A. Mika Maryann L. Munjak Constance T. Novak Theresa R. Rathjen Edward Rychlec Patricia L. Sedlock Philip G. Sedlock Joyce L. Shaw Ralph Siegmund Jose L. Silva Sr. Barbara J. Smith Evelyn B. Strick Mary E. Thierry Vincente M. Valdivieso Edward Vardyan

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ATCHISON — Sister Brendan Fry, 99, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died June 17.

Sister Brendan was born in Paxico to Aloysius and Pauline (Hund) Fry on Feb. 27, 1918. After graduating from Mount St. Scholastica Academy, she entered the Mount community in 1940. She made her monastic profession in 1942. She died shortly before she would have celebrated her diamond jubilee of 75 years of monastic profession.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Mount St. Scholastica College and a master’s degree in administration from Creighton University. She taught and was also principal in elementary schools in Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska for 45 years. She also served as subprioress of the Mount community from 1962 to 1967.

School fair set for Aug. 5 KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Wyandotte County Back to School Fair will be held Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the KCKCC Community Technical Education Center here, located at 6565 State Ave. The fair is held for students who live in Wyandotte County that attend either private or public school. Proof of Wyandotte County residency is required. The fair offers free school supplies, immunizations, physical exams, eye exams and haircuts.

Prince of Peace Chapel Resurrection Cemetery 83rd and Quivira Rd. Lenexa, Kan.

RESURRECTION, LENEXA Romeo F. Arribas Kathryn Atkinson Rosemarie Bader Ezekiel J. Bailey Kevin Barg Josephine Biondo Ralph Boehm Dorothy I. Bohr Donald J. Bonne James R. Brackhahn Steve Brown Marchel V. Brulez Joseph A. Bukaty Jr. Richard Cecena Edward Chezek John J. Chmielewski Doris Crank Baby Boy Crum Michael K. Darby William M. Edwards Preston L. Evans Jane B. Frey Patsy Fromholtz Martha D. Fogarty Rose A. Gauthier Gary T. Glenn Rita K. Hayes Alfred Hoedl Jonah Mark Knoll Catherine M. Kuykendall Beverly A. Lubeski William J. Lubeski T. Juanita Madison Molly Mann Martha R. Martens William Matzeder Alexander F. McGuire Patricia A. Melching

Holy Redeemer Chapel Gate of Heaven Cemetery 126th and Parallel Kansas City, Kan.

Joan M. Monley Jerome B. Mook Jr. Madeline M. Moorman Ronald Neumer Margaret Ohmes Leonard D. Pacheco Shirley M. Pasquale Michael J. Perucca Esther D. Porter Thomas J. Porter David Poterbin Robert Poterbin Elizabeth C. Scherrer Stacie Sherman Rose L. Skinner Georgia L. Slack Karen K. Smith Teresita P. Smith Carl W. Specht George J. Stanek Charles Strobel Laurence Taylor-Hinds Barbara Thompson Teresa C. Thummel Beverly Vyhanek Charles E. Ware Gerald Wilhelmi Mary F. Wills ST. JOSEPH, SHAWNEE Agnes E. Carmack JoAnne R. Deegan Diane M. Garrett George R. Miller Nora E. Segerstrom Clara M. Smith ST. JOHN, KCK Mary James

ST. JOHN, LENEXA Clementine E. Casaert Edith L. Gast Ruth Roederer MT CALVARY, OLATHE Helen R. Murphy GATE OF HEAVEN, KCK Mary Beeding Frank Brajkovic Connie L. Moritz Draga Tokic F. Gerry Zawacki MT CALVARY, LANSING Francis R. Haldeman Samuel O. Haldeman Myron Hund Patrick E. Lough Edward J. Ludwig Vivian Moore Betty Lou A. Phillips Ethel P. Sedlock Gerald W. Schneider

A BEACON OF HOPE

Liz Miller is the youth outreach coordinator of ReachKCK, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas that provides a safe place for inner-city high school teens to develop their talents and faith.

Program lights the way for teens in

BY SUSAN FOTOVICH MCCABE

T

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PHOTOS BY JOE MCSORLEY

he setting is typical of teen life — a coffee bar, a music room, an art studio.

Inside the walls of the ReachKCK youth

ministry hub, however, the purpose isn’t to serve bored teens.

The mission is to provide a safe place for inner-city high

school teens to develop their talents and their faith.

Located on the campus of Blessed Sacrament Church in Kansas City, Kansas, ReachKCK is a youth outreach ministry of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

It benefits from the leadership of seven pastors and several associate pastors, and serves 11 parishes. But the local community makes up the heart of the ministry.

However, its daily operation is fueled by the energy, enthusiasm and devotion of ReachKCK youth outreach coordinator Liz Miller.

“There’s so much hope and goodness in Kansas City, Kansas,” Miller said.

“There’s respect for the community and for what’s going on at this campus.”

Miller is the first to say the ministry tries to be “wherever the teens are” in terms of program offerings.

ReachKCK is home to so many inviting events and activities, the teens are drawn to its campus. The youth ministry hosts music workshops, open gyms and open mic nights.

There are evenings dedicated to eucharistic adoration for the teens, ongoing formation nights that teach teens how to minister to each other through leadership and retreat training, and occasional service opportunities.

Additionally, ReachKCK connects teens to opportunities to attend Camp Tekakwitha (the archdiocese’s camp that combines outdoor activities with spiritual instruction), youth conferences, retreats and a confirmation bonfire rally (a first for many inner-city confirmation students).

In the past, ReachKCK has held art classes and game nights, activities that Miller hopes to reintroduce with the help of additional volunteers.

Miller is a familiar face during lunch periods at Wyandotte, F.L. Schlagle and Bishop Ward high schools, and Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas. She is welcomed by administrators who embrace ReachKCK’s mission to serve the youth of the city.

She is a regular presence in many Wyandotte County parishes as well, where she works with adults to create sustainable parish-based ministries for under-resourced parishes. As part of that work, Miller conducts two trainings

“

“THERE’S TRUST, A FEELING OF FAMILY, COMMUNITY AND A SACRED PRESENCE HERE. THEY FEEL SAFE.”

annually for adult youth workers (youth ministers, catechists, parents, etc.) and routinely meets with pastors, directors of religious education and volunteers from Kansas City, Kansas, parishes to help them develop teen-friendly ministries at the local level.

According to Miller, it is all part of a critical piece of the puzzle in building an organic and sustainable youth ministry across Wyandotte County. And one that every single parish in the archdiocese helps make happen, thanks to a special assessment inaugurated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at the program’s inception.

Miller talks with a group of teens at ReachKCK, located at the Blessed Sacrament campus. The teen-friendly space in Kansas City, Kansas, features a music room, coffee bar, gymnasium and art studio.

Volunteer instructor Justin Farrell gives guitar lessons to (from left) Jaquie Villanueva, a member of All Saints Parish, Kansas City, Kansas; Ari Martinez, a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Kansas City, Kansas; Stephanie Rutiaga, a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Kansas City, Kansas; and Angela Palma, a member of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas.

n need There was a time when Miller doubted her abilities to undertake this kind of work. Raised Catholic in St. Louis, Miller watched her father spend many years in youth ministry.

When she graduated from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, with degrees in social work and Spanish and a minor in theology, she never considered it for herself.

“Truthfully, it wasn’t something I wanted to make a career out of, because I knew it would be hard work,” Miller said. “I was familiar with the joys — and especially the trials — of youth ministry.

“But I now believe God wanted me here.”

Deacon Dana Nearmyer, the secretary of the evangelization division of the archdiocese, wanted Miller there, too. He encouraged her to take the job.

Once she did, Miller began by shaping available space at Blessed Sacrament into the teen-friendly space it is today and developing relationships within the community.

Miller gave credit to the Holy Spirit for bringing it all together.

At the same time, she began building trust among the teens served by ReachKCK.

The program hosts a diverse population where English is often a second language, and Miller soon learned that many of her kids’ families live in households whose incomes fall well below the poverty line.

Some teens come from very stable, loving families, while others are struggling with issues of abuse, abandonment or foster care.

Anxiety, depression and anger are common among the kids. Some have been touched by crime, gangs, drugs and violence. ReachKCK has an open door policy, and there are no financial restrictions.

According to Miller, about 30 percent of the teens that participate in ReachKCK activities are not Catholic, which shapes the ReachKCK community, she said.

“The teens here are no different than anywhere else. But their struggles are different,” Miller said. “There is a lot of anger and anxiety at first.”

“Sometimes, I sense the anger and we talk about it,” she explained. “They are initially on their guard. . . . Then the tone shifts.

“There’s trust, a feeling of family, community and a sacred presence here. They feel safe.”

Miller takes her inspiration from Pope Francis’ own words, when he said, “I prefer a church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.”

“I live that. I want us to get our hands dirty, to go out to the streets and help the people who are broken or hurt. I take that literally,” Miller said.

“To know we can offer teens that live in the inner city the best they deserve, the same as any teen in other parts of the archdiocese,” she added, “is amazing.”

Likewise, Miller is cheered on by Archbishop Naumann, who lives near the Blessed Sacrament campus. Committed to the youth in Kansas City, Miller said she routinely receives praise and support from the archbishop.

Noting his belief in the “vibrancy and buoyancy” of the area, Archbishop Naumann’s leadership is critical to raising the necessary funding to support the outreach.

Beyond financial support, Miller said ReachKCK has other needs, including what she calls “people power.”

While Miller has about five regularly dedicated adult volunteers to help carry

out the ReachKCK mission, she is always looking for more. In fact, Miller says the ministry will add new activities to match the talents of its volunteers.

For example, when a guitarist came forward, ReachKCK began offering guitar lessons. The teens even get to keep the guitars. She encourages other parish youth ministries to look for ways to partner with ReachKCK. “When it comes to adults, I’d love to have a conversation with them,” Miller said. “Our teens need the discipleship of adults. There was once a group of teens talking about God as a father and I asked, ‘How many of you have a father? How many of you live with your biological father?’ “’Only one teen raised his hand. We are in a fatherhood crisis.”

Most of all, Miller asks for prayers — not only for the teens of ReachKCK, but for all teens in the archdiocese.

“Teens need to feel welcome,” Miller said. “I want them to walk around feeling valued, cared for and loved, no matter their faith. At some point in their lives, in their darkest hour, I hope they recognize there was a light.

“And that light was someone in the church pointing them to Christ.”

JULY 21, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Drivers - Ready for the summers off? Join our school transportation division and live like a kid again! Our drivers have the opportunity to serve our community and still get those precious summer breaks. Assisted Transportation seeks caring and reliable drivers to transport K - 12 students in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in our minivans.

CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Learn more or apply online at: assistedtransportation.com or call (913) 262-5190 for more information. EOE. Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to ambulatory seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/ light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cell phone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match hours desired. Contact Pat or Murray at (913) 341-2500 to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

Sonographer or registered nurse - Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic in Kansas City, Kansas, is looking for a certified sonographer or registered nurse to do limited sonograms 1 - 2 days per week. The sonographer will be paid per sonogram as a 1099 contract employee. WPC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that offers free pregnancy tests, sonograms, education, counseling and material aid for women and their families facing unplanned pregnancies. WPC is a busy clinic in an urban/residential setting, serving more than 1,700 clients last year. If interested, contact executive director Mary Mason at (913) 287-8287.

Night warehouse order selectors - $14 per hour plus $1 differential for every hour spent in the freezer picking.

There is an opportunity for incentives based on performance and accuracy with earnings up to $21.50 per hour.

Eligibility for increase up to 50¢ at 3 months, 6 months and one year. Must meet production and accuracy goals to be eligible. Work hours: Sunday, 2 p.m. start; Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. start; average 8 - 12 hours per shift. To apply, go online to: bit.ly/2fJMsZT or go to the location at: Vistar of Kansas City, 4825 N.W. 41st St., Ste 100, Riverside, MO 64150. For more information, call Veronica Hernandez at (816) 746-4401, ext. 28313, or send an email to: Veronica.Hernandez@pfgc.com.

Teachers - Little Owly’s Nest for Knowledge is seeking early childhood education teachers. We are looking for experienced, fun-loving teachers willing to work with children in a child care and preschool setting. Submit a resume to Alison Ernzen at: ali@littleowlys.com.

Service technician - Looking for a part-time or full-time candidate to service and clean microscopes. Qualifications include being mechanically inclined, flexible, detail-oriented, dependable, responsible and have a great attitude. Electrical knowledge a plus. This individual must also have dependable transportation as some travel is required. Send resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

Teachers - The Goddard School Olathe Northwest is looking for dynamic, energetic, professional teachers to add to our faculty. The Goddard School is a premiere preschool where children from 6 weeks to 6 years are encouraged to develop at their own pace in a nurturing environment, lovingly guided by our highly skilled, professional teachers. By using the most current and academically endorsed methods, the F.L.E.X. Learning Program focuses on developing seven Learning Domains: personal and social development, language and literacy, mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, social studies, creative expression and physical development. Our program for exceptional early childhood education ensures children have fun while learning and is aimed at preparing them with skills and aptitudes needed for success in the 21st century. Owners are Ascension parishioners. We are hiring for the following positions: CO-LEAD INFANT TEACHER – FULL TIME; PRESCHOOL TEACHER - FULL TIME; TODDLER TEACHER – FULL TIME; ASSISTANT TEACHER TO MULTIPLE CLASSROOMS. To apply, send an email and resume to: olathe2ks@god dardschools.com.

Holy Spirit extended day care position - Do you enjoy spending time with children? Holy Spirit School is seeking an enthusiastic person to be the group leader in our after-school care program. This well-established program runs from 3:00-5:45 p.m. each school day. We are looking for a responsible, organized and creative person. The applicant should have knowledge of child development and be able to implement age-appropriate activities. The ability to communicate clearly with children, colleagues and parents is most important in order to foster positive relationships.

Applicant must attend a Virtus training and be at least 18 years old. If you are interested, contact Eileen Colling at (913) 492-2582 or online at: ecolling@hscatholic.org for more information.

Business manager/accountant - St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a business manager/accountant. This position is responsible for managing parish and school facilities and for all payroll functions, managing deposits, financial reports and budgets.

The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing; have at least five years of accounting experience; and demonstrate effective communication skills, written and verbal. Position requires a bachelor’s degree; CPA preferred. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail a cover letter, resume and application by June 30 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Business Manager/Accountant Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org.

Cook - Curé of Ars Church is seeking a skilled cook. This position is responsible for meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking and serving meals for five priests living in the rectory. This skilled cook would be organized with good communication skills and be knowledgeable about nutrition and meal planning. This is part time, 3 - 6 p.m., Monday - Thursday. Interested applicants should submit a resume to: bobkolich@cureofars.com.

AmeriCorps - Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St.Joseph is offering a rewarding career opportunity to individuals interested in work as a full-time disaster resilience AmeriCorps VISTA member. Must be able to speak Spanish. To learn more about this opportunity and to apply, visit our website at: www.catholiccharities-kcsj.org.

Assistant music director/worship leader - St. John the Evangelist in Lawrence is seeking an assistant music director/worship leader who will be responsible for planning and leading music at the Sunday 5 p.m. liturgy. Music at that service is largely contemporary, but also draws upon more traditional, sacred hymns. The director leads a choir of 5 - 10 singers and a band of 3 - 5 instrumentalists. Piano playing and singing capabilities preferred. Other opportunities for leading worship will also be available throughout the year. See sjevangelist.com/jobs for a full job description. Contact Father Jeff Ernst at (785) 843-0109 or send an email to: frjeff@saint-johns.net.

Ministry assistant - St. Ann (Prairie Village) is seeking an assistant for its ministry office. The position is a 15 - 20 hour per week position and requires a flexible work schedule (select evening and weekends). The ideal candidate will be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive and have database/data entry experience; have the ability to multitask; have good communication and organizational skills; and work well with volunteers. This person must have a love of the youth and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Accountant/controller - The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK) is seeking a full-time accountant/controller. This position is responsible for all financial aspects related to CFNEK. The position requires a minimum of four years accounting experience; CPA preferred.

A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Qualified individuals should send an email to: jobs@archkck.org with cover letter, resume, and application by July 24. May also be mailed to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, CFNEK Accountant/Controller Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

Account director - Wellington, a full-service event management, incentive, meeting and marketing company, is looking for an account director (AD). The AD is responsible for the overall success and development of Wellington client relationships. Acting as a frontline point of contact, this tenacious person must have the passion to learn and curate the clients’ brand and marketing strategies and then translate them into innovative event strategy. Additionally, strong team and leadership skills are required as the AD is responsible for the oversight, coaching, nurture, training and management of the dedicated account team. The AD should possess organizational skills as he or she will oversee and execute event planning, team management, marketing oversight and financial management. Applicants may apply online at: www.wellingtonexperience.com/careers.

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.

Assistant teacher - Our Lady’s Montessori School is seeking an assistant teacher. The position is year-round, M - F and offers competitive pay. Email resume to: Sarah Howard, Program Director at: olmschool@att.net. Check us out at: www.ourladysmontessori.com or on Facebook!

General ledger accountant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a deposit and loan/general ledger accountant. This position reports to the director of accounting and performs professional accounting work, including analysis and reconciliation of general ledger and subsidiary accounts, revenue and expenditure accounts, and the preparation and distribution of monthly reports to departments. This position also maintains deposit and loan system records and prepares monthly statements for account holders; and prepares financial statements, budgets and year-end audit schedules. Ideal candidate is a practicing Catholic in good standing; has at least five years of accounting experience; and demonstrates effective written and verbal communication skills. Position requires a bachelor’s degree; CPA preferred. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck. org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application by June 30 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, GL Accountant Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org.

Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school 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, and 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@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

Full-time openings - Padre Pio Academy in Shawnee, which offers a classical curriculum, has full-time openings for the 2017-18 school year. For more information and details, contact Joanne at (913) 530-6553.

SERVICES 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.

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.

Fall tutoring - Sessions begin in August and are customized to fit student’s needs. Single sessions or packages available. Tutor has 15 years experience in K - 12 subjects, French, Spanish, piano and voice. Call/text Kathleen at (913) 244-3655 or send an email to: Klmamuric@ yahoo.com.

Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002.

Life Simplified - Professional organizing for home and business. We organize tools to toys, closets to attics. Preand post-moving support for upsizing or downsizing. We advise on what to keep, donate, recycle or toss and offer personalized strategies on keeping organized. Supportive and nonjudgmental. Call (913) 725-8151 or send an email to: info@lifesimplified.biz. www.lifesimplified.biz

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Tree Trimming Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Tony Collins (913) 620-6063 Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

HOME IMPROVEMENT EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 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.

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

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

Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

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

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

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com 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 Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

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: dan deeconst@aol.com.

Tutor - Teacher with master’s degree background in special education and gifted education would like to tutor or enrich your child this summer. Patient, Virtus trained.

Overland Park, Leawood area. Call Patty. (402) 618-7569.

Handyman/Remodeler - Quality service with references. Kitchens, baths, tile, painting, garage doors and openers, decks and wood rot repair. Call Jeff at (913) 915-4738.

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

Kansas City’s Premier Deck, Fence & Concrete - We repair, power wash and stain wood decks and fences.

We power wash and seal concrete drives, walkway, pool decks and more. Call Brian at (913) 952-5965. Member of Holy Trinity Parish.

Professional window cleaner - Residential only, fully insured. Over 40 years experience. Free estimates. Contact Gene Jackson at (913) 593-1495.

Clutter getting you down? - Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin of all trades” your professional organizer and “Honey-do” specialist. Call or email me today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055 or kev@koatindustries. com. Insured. References.

Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002 Housecleaning - A range of services provided - from housecleaning to organizing closets, rooms and garages, as well as hoarder projects. 15 years experience. Professional, energetic and dependable. Call Joni at (913) 206-4403.

Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 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.

Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service – Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM. Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful.

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

Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovations, tile and sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Josh (913) 709-7230.

HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com

REAL ESTATE For sale - Reduced price, maintenance-provided home.

Monthly HOA $132. Two BR, 2.5 BA, backs up to Ascension Church, open floor plan, one-level living. Call for appointment at (913) 669-8178.

>> Classifieds continue on page 13

JULY 21, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR RELIC DISPLAY Strawberry Hill Museum 720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas July 21 - Sept. 20 Sat. and Sun., noon - 5 p.m.

Father Tim Haberkorn will have his more than 240 relics of saints and martyrs on display. For more information, go to the website at: www.strawberryhillmuseum.org and click on events and exhibits.

St. Benedict’s Circle. The cost to attend is $12 per person. Men are welcome. For more information or to RSVP, call LuAnn at (913) 888-5534 or Judy (913) 732-2435.

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Topeka July 22 at 7 p.m.

A reasonable course fee is charged and online registration is required at: www.ccli. org. Call Dana or Eric Runnebaum at (785) 380-0062 for more information and for the class location. Learn more about this class online at: www.nfptopeka.blogspot.com.

BLOOD DRIVE St. Joseph Church (Knights of Columbus Hall) 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee July 24 from 1 - 7 p.m.

Schedule an appointment online at: www. savealifenow.org using sponsor code: stjosephcatholic. Walk-in donors are welcome. For more information, call Virginia Wiedel at (913) 268-3874.

ROCKADILLY RUMMAGE SALE Holy Trinity Parish (gym) 13600 W. 92nd St., Lenexa July 27 from 5 - 9 p.m. (pre-sale — $5 entry) July 28 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (free entry) July 29 from 8 a.m. - noon (half price)

This massive garage sale will support our youth by keeping costs down for families and directly provide scholarships to students who might not otherwise go to Holy Trinity School. We need volunteers for prep and set up the sale. We also need donations.

Drop off dates are July 20 - 25. For more information, go online to: htlenexa.org, click on “Events” and scroll down to “Rockadilly Rummage Sale.”

BURGERS, BRATS AND BINGO St. Pius X Parish (Kelly Hall) 5500 Woodson Rd., Mission July 28 at 6 p.m.

Concessions and bar will open when the door opens. Purchase one card for $10 and play 12 games. There will be three special games of bingo for $2. For more information, call Marisa at (913) 244-5732 or send an email to: marisa.r.snook@gmail.com.

2ND ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL TABLE St. Matthew Parish 2700 S.E. Virginia Ave., Topeka July 29 from 6:15 - 10 p.m.

The cost to attend is $10 for five tickets.

Each ticket is good for a sample-size serving of almost 30 food choices — for example: krautstrudels, enchiladas, pulled pork, Black Forest cake and much more. Beer/wine costs two tickets. There will also be music and fun for the whole family.

CARD PARTY LUNCHEON Holy Cross Church 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park July 25 from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The card party/luncheon will be hosted by

Festivities begin with Mass and continue with a home-cooked chicken dinner. There will also be a raffle, children’s activities, a cakewalk, bingo, music and beverages. The cost is $8 for adults; $5 for children ages 10 and under.

The cost to attend is $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 12 and under. Carryouts are available.

TOTUS TUUS FOR THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park July 24 - 27 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Totus Tuus (“Totally Yours”) is an exciting and fun catechetical program, geared toward evangelization through the Gospel.

Registration can be found online at: www. archkck.org/special-needs.

SUMMER FEST 2017 St. Joseph-St. Lawrence Parish 211 W. Riley, Easton Aug. 5 at 4 p.m.

ANNUAL ROAST BEEF DINNER Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish 715 Pennsylvania, Leavenworth Aug. 6 from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

All women are invited to attend and enjoy high tea and a fashion show. The cost is $5. For tickets and reservations, call Connie Crutchfield at (913) 492-5697.

ST. JOHN PAUL II BLOCK PARTY Madison Place Elementary School 16651 Warwick St., Olathe Aug. 4 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Come see the local Catholic music sensation, the Mikey Needleman Band, at its official CD release concert. Food by Two Guys

FOR SALE

For sale - Tandem vault located at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City. Patio II, tier C, crypt 105. Eye level with peaceful view and surroundings. Includes perpetual care. Current market value over $10,000.

Selling price is $8,000. Call (913) 208-2703.

A chicken dinner will be served on the parish grounds. The cost is: $9 for adults; $5 for kids ages 4 - 12; and kids under the age of 4 eat free. There will be various concessions on the grounds. Arrive early, the line is long!

Find out about managing your money. Learn to make conscious decisions about your finances.

>> Continued from page 12

For sale - Double lawn crypt at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Garden of Hope section, double lawn crypt, lot 78 C, space 4. Conveyance fee included. $8100. Call Lou at (512) 294-2869.

FLUSH PICNIC St. Joseph Church 8965 Flush Rd., St. George July 26 at 5 p.m.

‘EVERY CENT COUNTS’ Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas July 27 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.

LADIES HIGH TEA AND VINTAGE FASHION SHOW Queen of the Holy Rosary Church 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park July 22 from noon - 2:30 p.m.

and a Grill, dessert by Kona Ice. Admission is free. For more information, send an email to: office@jp2kc.org, or head to the website at: www.jp2kc.org/spiritweek.

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL BAND WORKSHOP St. James Academy 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa Aug. 16 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

This is a free band workshop for Catholic grade school students in grades six through eight. To register online, go to: arts.sjakeep ingfaith.org; scroll down and click on the icon for “Instrumental,” click on “Band Summer Camps,” then again on “Band Camp.”

For sale - Three individuals plots located at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City. Located in section 3, old lot 195, spaces 10, 11 and 12. Current value is $2070 per space. Selling price is $1280 per space or $3500 for all three. Call (913) 208-2703.

For sale - Two individual plots located in Resurrection Cemetery in the lovely Faith Garden area under a beautiful old tree. Located in section D, lot 67, spaces 3 and 4. Current value is $2530 per space, selling price is $4750 for both. Call (913) 660-0525.

For sale - Two side-by-side lots at Gate of Heaven Cemetery adjacent to children’s lots in St. Gabriel Shrine Section. Current value $1600 each, will sell both for $1600.

Call Dale at (913) 299-4835 for more information.

For sale - Single vault at Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens mausoleum, located 23215 W. 75th, Shawnee. Current value is $7500; selling price is $5500.

Call (816) 977-3634.

Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) For sale - Vintage china, Susan pattern by Mitterteich from Bavaria, Germany, beautiful and elegant with yellow daisies, taupe leaves, scalloped edges with gold outside edges. Like new condition, 12 place settings of 5 pieces, 7 serving pieces, 77 pieces total.

This must be seen to appreciate the beauty of the pattern and workmanship; pictures can be emailed. This would make an unusual and elegant wedding present; sacrifice at $935. Also available 12 crystal wine glasses with gold rims, $120. Phone (913) 897-3059; cell (913) 428-6842, jackwright1940@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 - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/ prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware.

Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393.

St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

LOVE AND LOGIC PARENTING SEMINAR Most Pure Heart of Mary School 1750 S.W. Stone Ave., Topeka Aug. 17 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Wanted to buy - Cucina LLC is an entity that buys commercial real estate. Lou Serrone, a member of Good Shepherd, and Tom Disidore, a member of St. Agnes, are members of Cucina LLC. Tom and Lou are licensed brokers in both Kansas and Missouri. If you are a seller of commercial real estate, call Lou at (913) 219-9924.

CAREGIVING

This will be a parenting seminar with Dr. Charles Fay of Love and Logic. He is a parent, author and consultant to parent groups, schools and mental health professionals. He will present strategies for creating respectful and responsible kids and helping parents remain calm while having fun with their kids. The suggested donation is $30 each or $50 for two people.

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

CROATIAN FESTIVAL St. John the Baptist Parish 708 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas Aug. 19 at 5 p.m.

Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options.

We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

Admission is free and activities begin after 4 p.m. Mass on the parish grounds. Traditional Croatian food and cold beverages will be available for purchase. There will be children’s and family booths. A free dance will begin at 9 p.m. For more information, go to the website at: stjohnthebaptistcatholic church.com; send an email to: ourcroatian parish@gmail.com; or go to “St. John the Baptist Croatian Parish” on Facebook.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, 10 days before the desired publication date.

INCLUDE: time and date of event; street address; description of event.

SEND TO: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org.

Nursing/housekeeping - Experienced nursing/caregiver.

Housekeeping, cooking, whatever needs to be done to stay in your home. Available Monday - Friday, days or nights. 30 years’ experience. Call (913) 579-5276.

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

BUYING AN AD To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email The Leaven at: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org. Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter. Ad deadline is 10 days before the desired publication date.

JULY 21, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY SIXTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME July 23 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Wis 12: 13, 16-19 Ps 86: 5-6, 9-10, 15-16 Rom 8: 26-27 Mt 13: 24-43 July 24 Sharbel Makhluf, priest Ex 14: 5-18 (Ps) Ex 15: 1b-6 Mt 12: 38-42 July 25 JAMES, APOSTLE 2 Cor 4: 7-15 Ps 126: 1b-6 Mt 20: 20-28 July 26 Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ex 16: 1-5, 9-15 Ps 78: 18-19, 23-28 Mt 13: 1-9 July 27 Thursday Ex 19: 1-2, 9-11, 16-20b (Ps) Dn 3: 52-56 Mt 13: 10-17 July 28 Friday Ex 20: 1-17 Ps 19: 8-11 Mt 13: 18-23 July 29 Martha Ex 24: 3-8 Ps 50: 1b-2, 5-6, 14-15 Jn 11: 19-27 SEVENTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME July 30 SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 1 Kgs 3: 5, 7-12 Ps 119: 57, 72, 76-77, 127-130 Rom 8: 28-30 Mt 13: 44-52 July 31 Ignatius of Loyola, priest Ex 32: 15-24, 30-34 Ps 106: 19-23 Mt 13: 31-35 Aug. 1 Alphonsus Liguori, bishop, doctor of the church Ex 33: 7-11; 34: 5b-9, 28 Ps 103: 6-13 Mt 13: 36-43 Aug. 2 Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop; Peter Julian Eymard, priest Ex 34: 29-35 Ps 99: 5-7, 9 Mt 13: 44-46 Aug. 3 Thursday Ex 40: 16-21, 34-38 Ps 84: 3-6, 8-11 Mt 13: 47-53 Aug. 4 John Vianney, priest Lv 23: 1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37 Ps 81: 3-6, 10-11 Mt 13: 54-58 Aug. 5 The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major Lv 25: 1, 8-17 Ps 67: 2-3, 5, 7-8 Mt 14: 1-12

R

Here’s a bright idea to change the world

emember those good old days when you would rarely turn on your TV in the summertime since the only shows on were reruns? Well, I’m going back to that tradition with this column and rerun some things that I’ve shared before.

It’s not because I’m too lazy to think of something new. Rather, given the prevailing climate of the world today, perhaps we need to be reminded of some basic attitudes, especially as Christians, that can enhance our living together. I hope you won’t tune me out, but will keep reading.

It’s hard not to be distressed at the rancor found in our political exchanges and on social media. It’s almost like we’re living out “The Jerry Springer Show.”

And that disrespect seeps out into the real world, resulting in violence, self-centeredness, abuse and callousness.

As Christians, Jesus called us to move from a preoccupation with ourselves toward care about those around us, particularly the marginalized.

In other words, we’re

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n occasion, I have pointed out to the editors of our archdiocesan newspaper the irony in calling it The Leaven.

In the biblical tradition, leaven symbolizes corruption and wickedness. That is because yeast, leaven, causes the dough to rise ever so slightly making it rot or ferment.

If that process were to continue, it would render the dough inedible.

The same holds true for wine. If the process would continue, the wine will turn into vinegar.

Even though leaven may symbolize corruption and wickedness, it still remains a useful agent in the process of baking. That explains its presence in one of the parables that appears in Sunday’s

MARK MY WORDS

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

called to show the world a better way to live, to restore a sense of hope.

A few weeks ago, our second reading at Mass said: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pt 3:15b-16a).

Jesus himself encouraged us to be salt and light, a city set on a mountaintop. But more than simply encourage, Jesus showed us how it’s actually done by the life

he led. In our own day, Pope Francis calls us to — and embodies — this “culture of encounter.”

The following story shows how to best encounter the world: The wind and the sun once had a quarrel about who was stronger.

The wind said, “I’ll show you that I’m stronger. See that old man over there with the big coat on? Bet I can make him take off his coat much quicker than you.”

“We’ll see,” said the sun.

The sun went behind a cloud, but left a little hole to peep through.

The wind blew and blew as hard as he could, causing a terrible storm.

The harder he blew, the tighter the old man wrapped the coat around himself. In the end, the

wind had to become calm and give up.

Then it was the sun’s turn. He came out from behind the cloud and smiled brightly on the old man. After a bit, the old guy began to mop his brow, then he pulled off his coat. And so, the sun beat the wind, showing who was the stronger.

(Adapted from “Gentleness,” found in “Stories and Parables for Preachers and Teachers,” by Paul J. Wharton.)

The warmth of kindness will always be more powerful than the blowhards in our world, who berate and belittle and bully. But living as a light can be challenging. Some of the best practical and encouraging advice is found on something that Mother Teresa posted on a wall in a children’s home run by her Sisters.

It’s called the “Paradoxical Commandments.”

Although often attributed to Mother Teresa, she did not write them; she only posted them. These “commandments” below were actually written by Kent M. Keith: People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Forgive

them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you. Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight. Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough.

Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

By the way, if you have any doubts about the tremendous strength of the sun, just step outside these next few days!

‘Leaven’ parable is full of surprises THE GOSPEL TRUTH

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

Gospel reading, Mt 13:24-43.

The parable is very short, only one sentence. Let us examine it in detail: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast

POPE FRANCIS

Men and women who carry the heavy burden of life’s troubles can find relief in Christ, who does not take away the load, but carries it as well, Pope Francis said.

“He waits for us, he always waits for us —not to resolve our problems magically, but to make us strong in our problems.

that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.”

When yeast causes the dough to rise, the dough expands greatly, often doubling or tripling in size. The three measures of flour in the parable would amount to about sixty pounds, already a huge quantity.

Once made into dough, mixed with yeast and allowed to rise, it would make enough bread to

feed the entire village.

This abundance of bread reflects the abundance of grace in God’s kingdom. God’s love surpasses our imagination. This parable only suggests its grand scale.

Think of the parable sketching out in words what Jesus would put into action in the multiplication of the loaves and the fish.

But there is more to this parable than just that. Notice how the parable begins: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast.” When we remember that yeast symbolizes corruption and wickedness, those words should shock us.

They suggest that the beginnings of God’s kingdom can be found even where we would least expect, in what appears to be corruption and wickedness. God’s power can transform them into a means of

Jesus does not remove the burdens of life, but rather the anguish of heart; he does not take the cross away from us, but carries it with us,” the pope said before praying the Angelus July 9 with people gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

The pope’s reflection centered on the Sunday reading from the Gospel of St. Matthew, in which Jesus invites all those who

bringing about the kingdom of heaven.

A further surprise awaits us in the parable. It tells us that a woman acts as the agent in bringing about God’s kingdom. It is not a man, not a priest.

This undercuts the expectations of the extremely patriarchal society in which Jesus was telling the parable. It turns the world upside down.

But this is not just any woman. She is a peasant, a member of the lowest class. In the cities, people relied on bakeries to provide their bread. Not so out in the country. There, people had to bake their own. And this hot and messy task fell to the women.

The parable brings us one surprise after another. But that is the way it is with God’s kingdom.

“labor and are burdened” to come to him for rest. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light,” Jesus said.

The pope said Christ excludes no one from this invitation and knows “that many things can make the heart weary.”

— CNS

JULY 21, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS Sharon and Gene Schreiner, members of Queen of the Holy Ro s a r y Parish, Overland Park, will c e l e b ra t e their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 1. The couple was married on Aug. 1, 1967, at St. John Nepomucene Church, Beardsley, by Father Paulinus I. Karlin, OFM Cap. Their children are: Mark, Matthew, Patrick and Paul. They also have 10 grandchildren. A family celebration was held at Lake George, Ticonderoga, New York, in July.

John and Christine Braklow, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, will c e l e b ra t e their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 4.

The couple was married on Aug. 4, 1967, at St. John Vianney Parish, Omaha, Nebraska. The Braklows will host an anniversary celebration and dinner that weekend with family, close friends and their three children — Jana L. Braklow, Jamie L. Numrich and Jerry J. Braklow — along with their nine grandchildren.

Roy and Jolene Moriconi, members of Corpus C h r i s ti Parish, Lawrence, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on July 6. The couple was married on July 6, 1957, at Sacred Heart Church, Frontenac. Their children are: Lisa Rowe, Craig Moriconi and Karen Kay Moriconi-Sanford. They also have nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. The couple will celebrate with family in August at Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri.

Dorothy and Maurice McMullen, members of St. Joseph Parish, S h a w n e e, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on July 23 with a Mass and family celebration at Blessed Sacrament Church, Kansas City, Kansas. The couple was married on July 25, 1952. Their children are: David McMullen, Kim Mead, Brandon McMullen, Karyl Elliott and Kendra LeCluyse. They also have 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Jerry and Terry Tuckwin, members of St. John the Evangelist Parish and the Haskell Catholic Campus Center, Lawrence, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 15 with a Mass and luncheon with family and friends.

The couple was married on July 15, 1967, at the Catholic chapel at Forbes Air Force Base, Topeka. A family trip is planned for later in July. Their children are John and Shannon (deceased).

They also have five grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY submissions submissions ANNIVERSARY

Ronald and Linda (Sine) Porter, members of Queen of the Holy Rosa r y Parish, Overland Park, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 29 while on vacation with their family. The couple was married on June 29, 1967, in St. Joseph, Michigan. Their children are: Robert Porter, Scott Porter, Ronda Porter-Altema and Lindsey Podnar.

They also have 15 grandchildren.

Ronald and Barbara (Arb) Ernzen, members of Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish, Leavenworth, will c e l e b ra te their 50th wedding anniversary with family at Big Cedar Lodge in the Ozarks. The couple was married on July 22, 1967, at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, Overland Park, by Father Robert Hasenkamp, OSB. Their children are Jeffery and Gregory. They also have three grandchildren.

POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. They are for parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas DEADLINE: eight days before the desired publication date.

INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • The couple’s names • their parish • the date they were married • church and city where they were married • what they are doing to celebrate • date of the celebration • names of children (no spouses) • number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: • Announcements must be typed.

• Emailed photos need to be 200 dpi.

• Mailed photos can be any size.

• If you would like your photo returned, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

WHERE TO SUBMIT: Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or email: todd. habiger@theleaven.org.

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Sister Mary Judith Osthoff MAPLE MOUNT, Ky. — Sister Mary Judith Osthoff, 90, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph, died July 10 at Mount Saint Joseph in her 68th year of religious life. She was a native of Lenora, and was an Ursuline Sister of Paola prior to the merger of her community.

Sister Judith was a teacher for more than 30 years, then began delivering produce to needy families. She also embroidered for the annual Christmas boutique in Paola.

She taught at St. Agnes School, Roeland Park; East Scipio School, Garnett; Holy Name School, Kansas City, Kansas; Queen of the Holy Rosary School, Overland Park; Holy Rosary School, Bucyrus: Grainfield CCD, Grainfield; Holy Angels, Longfellow and Greeley schools for Title 1 reading; Camp Ursuline, Paola; Holy Trinity School, Paola; Sacred Heart School, Bonner Springs; and Holy Cross School, Overland Park.

She ministered as a census taker at St. Therese Parish, Kansas City, Missouri; on the night shift at Lakemary Center, Paola; as a helper at Monica Hall, Paola; as a preschool assistant at a day care center, Paola; as a helper for the homeless at Shalom House, Kansas City, Kansas; and as a driver at the Ursuline motherhouse.

Since her retirement in 1992, Sister Judith has actively served in prayer ministry. She moved to Maple Mount in 2009.

USM names provost LEAVENWORTH — The University of Saint Mary here named Michelle Metzinger as the university’s new provost and vice president for academic affairs, following the retirement of Bryan Le Beau.

Metzinger brings nearly 20 years of higher-education experience to USM — most recently serving as vice president for academics at Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas • Catholic Bequests

• Donor Advised Funds

• Gift Annuities

• Named Scholarship Funds

• Endowments

• Memorial Funds

Remember a gift to the church in your will

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

JULY 21, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

16

‘YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND’

Where social work, counseling end, Nativity outreach begins

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

L

EAWOOD — Roxanne Price was going through a tough time.

Temporarily off work while she recovered from a hospital stay, medical bills were mounting, and she was feeling overwhelmed.

As Operation Breakthrough founder Sister Berta Sailer, BVM, would say, she was “swimming toward the boat.”

Like many disadvantaged women being helped by the Operation Breakthrough program, Price needed someone to help her as she continued to swim — not a professional counselor or social worker. Just a good friend she could call on for support.

Starfish Ministry, an outreach program based at Church of Nativity in Leawood and St. Thomas More in Kansas City, Missouri, stepped in and gave her three such friends: Laurie Widrig, Jennifer Dorman and Nancy Rowley.

And life has never been the same.

For Price or her three mentors.

“Friendship!” said Price. “No doubt that’s what it is. Caring, loving ladies like these. That’s what I needed to keep going.

“They’re there for me physically, mentally and spiritually.

“They’re always texting me, ‘How you doing? Let’s meet.’”

Though Price has recovered and is back to work, her mentors continue to help her stay healthy and manage her life.

“I still struggle,” she said. “But I can call and see these ladies any time I want. Maybe not all of them at the same time, but at least one of them is there for me.”

When Widrig, who along with Dorman is a parishioner of Nativity, first learned about Starfish Ministry’s mission of providing mentors for disadvantaged moms, she didn’t delay.

“I sent an email out to a group of friends and said, ‘Does anybody want to do this with me?’” she recalled.

Dorman and Rowley replied and the three were matched with Price. What they do for her is simply provide a support system based in friendship.

“They take me out to lunch,” said Price. “They come on my job and sit with me before I clock in — that’s special and I love that.

“I’m very grateful and thankful to God for these ladies in my life. I love Starfish Ministry.”

The starfish story A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up and throw it back in the ocean.

A man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this?

You can’t save all of these starfish.

There are too many. You can’t begin to make a difference.”

She bent down, picked up another starfish, hurled it in the ocean and said, “I made a difference to that one!” (Adapted from “The Star Thrower” by Loren Eiseley.)

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Trewonna Beauboir, left, and mentor Mary Hockstad share a light moment during an evening of food and bunco hosted by Starship Ministry.

But Price is not the only one benefiting from the ministry.

“Roxcee is very spiritual,” said Rowley, a member of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood. “We’ve learned way more from her and her positive attitude than she’s learned from us.”

Star throwers The idea for Starfish Ministry began just over six years ago when Nativity parishioners Leslie Chalmers and Susan Vogliardo were volunteering at Operation Breakthrough, an educational program for underprivileged children and their families in Kansas City, Missouri.

“We wanted to do more,” recalled Vogliardo. “So we met with Sister Berta, and the idea of mentorship came up.

“She told us there was another woman [volunteer] who was saying the same thing earlier that day.”

Grace Becker, a member of St. Thomas More, met with Chalmers and Vogliardo and the three became fast friends.

“We all had the same goal that was driven by the Holy Spirit and faith,” said Chalmers.

All three had raised families of their own and knew one of the most important elements in their success was having close friends they could turn to for support.

They didn’t see the same support system among the moms they encountered at Operation Breakthrough.

“These moms didn’t have friends like we experience friends because other people were their competition,” said Becker. “So if you find a good deal, you’re not going to tell anyone else because that may mean less for you.

“So there’s this competitive nature but never really the support.”

They realized that women born into

generational poverty never learn basic skills that those with a more privileged upbringing take for granted, like time and money management.

“Literally, these moms are living day to day, hour to hour,” said Vogliardo. “A lot are in crisis mode.

“They’re not thinking way ahead — like we plan everything — because they are trying to figure out how they’re going to put food on the table today, not tomorrow.”

The three women met and laid out a plan for a ministry that would provide mentors for these struggling moms — giving them a network of support.

“We chose the name Starfish Ministry because we’re trying to make a difference one family at a time,” said Vogliardo.

Friends and mentors The ministry has grown into a great success. Moms are recommended through programs like Operation Breakthrough.

“We’ll meet them first,” explained Chalmers. “We’ll find out about their children, their home life, what their job situation is.”

If it seems like a good fit, the moms are invited to participate in Starfish Ministry. If they agree, they’re matched with mentors.

Each mom is assigned three to five mentors.

The mentors may be individual volunteers put together by Starfish or friends who choose to mentor together.

It always seems to work out.

“This is no exaggeration,” said Becker. “Every time we get a mom, the mentors always show up and fall in place.

“The Holy Spirit is guiding these people.”

Katherine Kaster can attest to that.

Starfish Ministry is in need of mentors If you’re interested in helping mentor a family, visit the Starfish website at: www.starfishkc.org and click on “Contact.” You can be set up with a group or form a group of your own.

Other ways to help Starfish Ministry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. It is always in need of monetary donations. It also accepts donations of gently used clothing and furniture. Currently, the ministry is asking for volunteers with trucks willing to transport furniture to families in need.

Treat your skin to a Starbar You can go online to buy products from Starfish Inspirations, including the Starbar, an artisan lotion bar made by Starfish moms and their mentors in a workshop setting.

Profits from Starfish Inspirations are deposited in individual Starfish accounts for the moms who use the majority of the funds to defray bills, with a portion deposited into a “dream fund” to help moms achieve long-term goals.

Purchase products online at: www.starfishKC.org.

“I was interested in the program,” she said. “So I pitched it to my friends and we decided to be a team.” >> See “NETWORKING” on page 7