08-02-13 Vol. 35 No. 3

theleaven.com | vol. 35, no. 3 | august 2, 2013

World Youth Day Brazil

Pope gets up close and personal with pilgrims Page 7

Storms can’t dampen spirit of World Youth Day Page 8

In slum, pope denounces ‘culture of selfishness’ Page 8

Millions jam beach for chance to see the pope Page 9

Older pilgrims find their place at World Youth Day Page 10

2 local news

theleaven.com | august 2, 2013

Training the right person for the right time

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Leon Roberts isn’t a doctor, but he speaks from experience when he offers some medical advice.

“If anybody asks, I would suggest not having a heart attack,” he said.

Roberts, archdiocesan consultant for real estate and construction, was talking work with a contractor at St. James Academy in Lenexa in 2009 — until suddenly, he wasn’t.

“It’s like the light switch had been turned off,” said Roberts.

The atrial fibrillation that caused his heart muscles to quiver instead of contract nearly claimed his life.

“They had to perform CPR on me Leaven photo by Jessica Langdon three times and use the AED (autoSarah Tufty, training instructor with the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department, offered the mated external defibrillator) on me chancery office staff the opportunity to learn hands-only CPR July 16 and 17 at Savior Pastoral three times to get me back to some Center in Kansas City, Kan. stable semblance of heart rhythm and breathing,” said Roberts.

He knows he wouldn’t be here to “Hey, hey, are you OK?” talk about it if the people around him If they don’t respond, call 911 imhadn’t had the courage to leap into ac- mediately to get emergency medical tion. personnel on the way fast.

So when the archdiocese offered Next, interlock your hands.

(Hands-only CPR is intended chancery office staff the opportunity “The heel of your hand is going to for use on people age eight and to learn hands-only CPR July 16 and 17 go in the center of the chest, the lower older.) at Savior Pastoral Cenhalf of the breastbone,” 1. If someone has collapsed at ter in Kansas City, Kan., said Tufty. home or in public, check first to Roberts — who has had And then come the see if he or she is OK. Shout, “Hey, prior training in the tracompressions — 100 per More information hey, are you OK?” and shake the ditional form of CPR minute, two inches deep on the HEARTSafe person, checking for breathing — jumped at the opporinto the chest, until the Community Program or gasping. If they don’t respond, tunity. fire department or amin Wyandotte Counhave someone call 911 and send “I went because I bulance arrives. ty is available on the someone to grab the AED if one is know it worked on me Calling 911 instead of Kansas City Kansas available. and I felt an obligation Fire Department webtrying to drive some2. Interlock your hands and to have that knowledge site at: www.wyco one to the hospital saves place the heel of your hand in the so I might be able to kck.org/HeartSafe. precious time because center of the chest.

More informahelp somebody else,” crews can determine 3. Begin chest compressions, tion on HEARTSafe he said. whether this is a heart 100 per minute (like to the beat of Communities can be And with hands“Stayin’ Alive”), two inches deep, attack, give medications found online at: www. only CPR, there’s no until the fire department or ambuand alert the hospital to heartsafe-community. need to breathe into lance arrives. the patient’s arrival, exorg. someone else’s mouth plained Tufty.

HEARTSafe also or keep track of breath Tufty — just as Robhas a Facebook page and compression raHeart disease is the No. 1 killer of erts advised — stresses at: www.facebook. tios, which could cause the importance of keep- Americans every year, she said. com/HEARTSafepage. some bystanders to Each year, 1.2 million Americans ing hearts healthy in the hesitate. have a heart attack, and 600,000 die of first place.

All it requires is fast and continuWhile no one can control factors their cardiac event — half before they ous chest compressions — 100 beats such as age, genetics and prior heart make it to the emergency room, she per minute, like to the beat of the Bee attacks, many other health factors told the group.

Gees’ song “Stayin’ Alive” — until weigh into the equation — smoking In its effort to be designated a medical help arrives. habits, exercise habits, blood pressure, HEARTSafe community, the program The Kansas City Kansas Fire De- cholesterol levels and diabetes. is working to reduce those numbers partment and the University of Kan“Know your body. Know your and increase CPR efforts by bystandsas Hospital launched a joint effort for norm. Know what’s normal for you,” ers.

HEARTSafe Community designation said Tufty.

Another part of the HEARTSafe for the area on Jan. 17.

Some of the textbook signs of a efforts focuses on also increasing the Training people to perform heart attack include chest pain or number of AEDs in the community. In hands-only CPR during this year is tightness, pain in the left arm, jaw her demonstration, Tufty also showed part of it. pain, back or neck pain, sweating, nau- how to use that device if one is availBy mid-July, more than 4,500 peo- sea and vomiting. able, and how to use it in conjunction ple had been trained through the But symptoms can differ or seem with chest compressions. courses, which are not certification vague. Women often complain of faRoberts takes comfort in knowing courses, but, rather, a lesson in simple tigue so intense they feel as if they’re that his colleagues know where the steps that can make a real difference walking through wet cement and can’t AEDs are located within the church when the clock is ticking. offices and that people pay attention take another step, said Tufty.

Sarah Tufty, training instructor Jerilyn Rodgers, chest pain program to how others are doing. with the Kansas City, Kansas Fire De- coordinator for the University of KanHe would make every effort to help partment, emphasized that dead heart sas Hospital, wants people to recogif he came across someone in a cardiac muscle can’t be restored, so quick ac- nize early signs of a problem and get crisis and encouraged everyone to be tion is key to keep blood flowing to the checked out right away — to try to get trained in what to do should the need heart. arise. help before it becomes an emergency.

It starts with checking on the per“As far as I was concerned, God put If walking up a flight of stairs used son who has collapsed. to be no problem and now you can’t the right people with the right knowlDon’t be shy or gentle, said Tufty, catch your breath and don’t know why, edge at the right time to help me,” he adding that you really want to shake that could signal trouble, she said. said. “The more people that know it, the person, see if they’re breathing or “We don’t want people to wait un- they become for others, the right perif there’s “agonal breathing,” which is til they need hands-only CPR,” said son at the right time.” labored breathing or gasping, and yell, Tufty.

How to do hands-only CPR

Learn more

Three times the fun

calendar archbishop

Naumann Aug. 2 Funeral Mass for Bishop George Fitzsimons — Salina Aug. 4 Keynote address at pro-life directors meeting — Boston Aug. 5 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Aug. 7-10 Seminarian pilgrimage — Lacrosse, Wis. Aug. 11 Installation of Father Bill Porter —St. Agnes, Roeland Park Aug. 12-13 Jesus Caritas retreat — Wichita Aug. 14 Shepherd’s Voice recording Aug. 15 Feast of the Assumption Aug. 17 Installation of Father John Pilcher — Mater Dei Parish, Topeka Aug. 18 Installation of Father Greg Hammes — Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka

archbishop

keleher Aug. 3 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida Aug. 4 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida Aug. 10 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida Aug. 11 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida

Catholic Charities finds new president and CEO KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Ken Williams has been named the new president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

Williams will begin on Aug. 12 and will have several months to work alongside current president and CEO Jan Lewis.

Williams brings more than 25 years of executive level experience in finance, business development, marketing, project management, operations, and strategy development. Most recently, Williams was the senior vice president and global treasurer for Black & Veatch where he led investor relations and managed the company’s relations with its global financial partners.

Prior to his role with Black & Veatch, Williams was the chief financial officer of World Vision International, a $3 billion nonprofit organization focused on attacking the root causes of poverty that affect children around the world. Williams also spent 10 years at Fluor Corporation, a $25 billion global engineering, construction and consulting firm, where he held a number of senior executive roles in strategy, finance and corporate development.

Williams holds a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Kansas and an executive MBA from the University of Tennessee. Williams and his wife Diane and their six-year-old daughter Katie reside in Overland Park and are parishioners at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood.

The Leaven will have a more in-depth article about this transition in the future.

second front page 3

August 2, 2013 | theleaven.com

Rural Leavenworth church packs three events into one day

By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

L

E AV E N W O R T H COUNTY — The tenor of life at St. Joseph of the Valley Church here is usually placid, as befitting a small parish surrounded by bucolic countryside and bounded by a large, quaint cemetery.

The parish, however, fairly bubbled with activity on July 21 as Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann joined parishioners to celebrate three big events.

The main event was the 150th anniversary celebration of the founding of St. Joseph Parish, which began as a mission in the homes of pioneering Catholics during the spring The history of the of 1863. No parish is recounted longer a in Frances Pierron’s single enti1975 “History of St. ty, it merged Joseph of the Valwith St. ley.” The parish is L a w r e n c e taking orders for reParish in prints, as well as for Easton in Mary Ann Brown’s 2009 to beupdate, “A Commemorative Jubilee come St. History.” Copies are Jo s e p h - St . $10 each. To order, Lawrence call Brown at (913) Parish.

682-4904, and The secleave name, phone ond event number and number was to inof copies ordered. stall as pasThe books should be tor Father available by the end Mathew of summer.

Francis, who had served as pastoral administrator for the past two years.

And the third event was the dedication of the parish hall and catechetical center named for former pastor Father George Bertels.

Some of the history of the parish was put to music in a sesquicentennial song, which a combined choir sang as a prelude to the Mass. The choir also sang “Man of Faith, Priest of God,” originally written for the 25th anniversary of ordination of Father Bertels.

Father Mathew Francis was formally installed as pastor in a very brief ceremony after the Liturgy of the Word.

“You’ve gotten to know him these past two years as he has served and led this parish, so we invite you now to show your approval of his appointment now as pastor of St. Joseph-St. Lawrence,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, who was the main celebrant and homilist.

The concelebrants were Father Francis and Father Bertels. Deacon Guy Berry assisted.

In his homily, Archbishop Naumann said that the history of the parish was written in the lives of its people as they lived the sacramental life of baptisms, confirmations, reconciliations, mar-

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

Leaven photo by Joe Bollig

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann visits with a young parishioner before the dedication of Father Bertels Hall. The archbishop was joined by the pastor, Father Mathew Francis (to the archbishop’s right), by Father George Bertels (not seen), and by Deacon Guy Berry (right).

Leaven photo by Joe Bollig

Archbishop Naumann was the main celebrant and homilist at the 150th anniversary Mass of St. Joseph of the Valley Church in rural Leavenworth July 21. He was joined at the altar by concelebrants Father Mathew Francis, pastor, and Father George Bertels, who was twice pastor. Flanking the tabernacle are photos of the 1894 church that was destroyed in 1930 by the “twin tornadoes,” and the current church, built to replace the church destroyed by fire in 1932. riages, Eucharists and funerals. It was written, too, by the struggles of the parishioners as they overcame tragedies and disasters. “[The anniversary is] also a moment to remember the zeal and dedication of those who have gone before us,” said the archbishop. “As I had the oppor-

tunity to briefly review the history of this community, the hard work and the unflagging perseverance of those who founded the parish and have sustained it over these past 150 years, it’s truly quite remarkable and inspiring.

“This community has survived tornadoes, fires, depressions, recessions,

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Coordinator Julie Holthaus julie@theleaven.com

wars and many other challenges,” he continued. “We give thanks for those pioneering — as well as the persevering — families who have handed on the precious gift of our Catholic faith now for the past 150 years.” >> See “Family” on page 6

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/year.

Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

4 local news

theleaven.com | august 2, 2013

Reaching out to youth New ministers to help in rural areas and urban core

Planting seeds

New vocation director hopes to ‘create a culture of vocations’ ther Scott is a man of prayer and, in particular, possesses a genuine love for the Eucharist,” said Archbishop Naumann.

“Father Scott also has excellent organizational skills, which are essential in helping men navigate the discernment and admissions process for seminary,” he continued.

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

K

By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Before he embarked on his path to the priesthood, Father Scott Wallisch worked for four years as a structural engineer.

Father Wallisch, who earned degrees in engineering and architecture from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, will still be doing some engineering of sorts in a new role he’s taking on.

Only now, he’s helping to design futures — the futures of people who are deciding whether they are called to a religious vocation.

Father Wallisch took the reins in July as archdiocesan vocation director.

He left his previous position as parochial vicar at St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, but will continue as chaplain at St. James Academy in Lenexa.

Father Wallisch will spend the coming months making connections, becoming a familiar face, and letting people know that if they are thinking about a religious vocation, they can contact him.

“One of the exciting things is that you get to try to plug into many different youth events, high school events, college events, young adult events, in order to — if nothing else — remind people within those various places that they should be thinking about their vocation,” he said.

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It was a good thing that Rick Cheek bought a new set of tires some years ago when he became an archdiocesan youth minister.

“When I went in for the six-month checkup and rotation, the [mechanic] wouldn’t do it,” said Cheek, archdiocesan consultant for evangelization and Catholic formation of youth.

Why? Because Cheek had racked up so many miles his tires were already practically worn out.

This incident sheds light on only one of the challenges of rural youth ministry: distance.

Distance makes it hard for rural and small town parishes to share personnel and resources and to host activities with other parishes. A rural parish might be the only one for 30 or 40 miles, whereas in urban areas there might be several within a half-hour driving distance.

Urban core parishes have other challenges. Several different language and ethnic groups may be clustered within a single parish’s boundaries. Many of those persons might not be affiliated with any church, or at least unfamiliar with the nearby Catholic parish.

One thing shared by rural and urban core parishes is a lack of personnel.

Parish workers and those engaged in ministry are usually volunteers, or if employees, part time.

“We haven’t been able to spread out as far or as deeply in the parishes as the parish workers, the pastoral council or the archbishop have wanted us to,” said Deacon Dana Nearmyer, lead archdiocesan consultant for evangelization and Catholic formation of youth.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann heard from parish workers about the difficulty of engaging urban core kids in the church and the challenges of rural youth ministry.

“They wanted more than drive-thru service,” said Deacon Nearmyer. “They wanted embedded people who were invested in their particular interests and problem sets.”

It was impossible for Deacon Nearmyer and Cheek to cover all those miles and provide the kind of assistance, training and programming that was really required. They needed help.

In 2010, the archdiocese initiated a study to determine the feasibility of a capital campaign to raise funds for pastoral needs. A task force was appointed and further studied the issue in 2011. Although it wound up recommending against a capital campaign, it did suggest an additional assessment to the parishes that would help expand youth ministry services in urban and rural areas. The archbishop accepted the task force’s recommendations in July 2012.

As a result, the archdiocesan office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth was directed to develop a plan for rural and urban core youth ministry, and to hire a rural outreach coordinator and a youth outreach coordinator for Wyandotte County.

This summer, the two youth out-

local news 5

august 2, 2013 | theleaven.com

Angie Bittner

Liz Halfmann

Angie Bittner grew up in the little unincorporated crossroads of Clonmell, a 20-minute drive southwest of Wichita. It consisted of St. John Parish, a co-op, a closed restaurant — and her grandmother’s house.

She received her associate’s degree in physical therapy from Topeka’s Washburn University in 1993 and a degree in nursing in 1996. She and her husband Kevin were married in 1994 and have five daughters.

He is a native of Ottis.

Bittner has a love of sports. She played volleyball while at Washburn and now coaches volleyball at the high school level.

She also has a love of youth ministry and has been highly active in her parish, St. Stanislaus in Rossville.

Bittner has been involved in parish religious education, youth choir, and other activities.

Liz Halfmann has youth ministry in her blood — literally.

Her father was co-founder of the St. Louis-based youth program REAP. She helped him organize and conduct many REAP retreats.

Halfmann grew up in St. Louis and graduated from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., in 2013 with a bachelor’s in social work and minors in Spanish and theology. While there, she was president of the Catholic Student Organization and worked for two years at Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg.

Halfmann is fluent in Spanish. She studied in Seville, Spain, and was a volunteer at World Youth Day Madrid in 2011.

Her office will be at a renovated space at the former Blessed Sacrament School in Kansas City, Kan. She is now a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe.

reach coordinators began their work.

Angie Bittner, who lives with her family between Rossville and Topeka, was named the rural outreach coordinator.

Liz Halfmann, a St. Louis native and recent graduate of Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., was named the youth outreach coordinator for Wyandotte County. Both assumed their responsibilities in July.

Some of the needs of rural and urban youth ministry are already known.

But others, as yet unidentified, will surface as the two outreach coordinators develop relationships with people in the parishes and communities.

Bittner will work with pastors, youth ministers, directors of religious education and volunteers. She will help pastors identify strong parish leaders and facilitate their training.

Some of her activities will involve working directly with youth, but her role will primarily be one of a “team builder,” providing support, coordination and training. Bittner will lead

workshops and plan large events, and, for the most part, work in the Southern, Topeka, Nemaha-Marshall, and Atchison pastoral regions.

“Our hope is that [Angie] will be able to reach out to all the [rural parishes] to help youth ministers and pastors identify not only volunteers in the parish, but to provide in-depth training,” said Cheek. “We also want her to bring in well-known people who’ve been involved in youth ministry.”

Likewise, Halfmann will work with pastors, youth ministers, and other ministries in the urban core, including the archdiocesan office of Hispanic ministry. Her mission has been described as “two-pronged,” the first prong being support of formation of the youth in parishes, and the second prong being support and enrichment of parish sacramental and formation activities.

Hospitality, social outreach and building relationships in the community will be a big part of her duties.

Halfmann will seek to form “strategic alliances with existing groups and ministries.”

To facilitate this outreach, the archdiocese is also renovating the bottom floor of the former Blessed Sacrament School at 22nd and Parallel in Kansas City, Kan. This “ministry hub” will house Halfmann’s office, a gym, and three “enriched” rooms: one for music lessons and performance, another for a dance studio, and a third as an art studio.

“Archbishop Naumann . . . doesn’t want more programs or more infrastructure out there,” said Deacon Nearmyer.

“That’s not his heart at all,” he continued. “His heart is that when a young person comes out of one of our parishes at 18 years old, they should know Jesus Christ. He wants all of our kids to know Jesus and be in a deep relationship with him. It’s about creating disciples and disciple-makers.”

Making connections

Creating ‘a culture of vocations’ When men express interest in becoming priests, he’ll walk with them in their journey, helping them to discern their call, work through the application process, and make the transition into the seminary.

He has also set his sights on “continuing to create a culture of vocations, where you’re encouraging people to pray for vocations, encouraging people to be looking within their families, among their friends, in their parish,” he said.

“It’ll rarely start with me,” he added.

He hopes people will have the courage to plant seeds in people’s minds when they see potential, and hopes his fellow priests will be among his best recruiters.

Father Wallisch knew even as a child, growing up the youngest of seven boys and one girl in St. Louis, that the priesthood was a possibility for him. But he didn’t pursue the idea for many years.

In college, he was inspired by Msgr.

Vince Krische, then-director of the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center.

Monsignor Krische really embodied for him the idea that a priest is married to the church, he said.

“You could just tell he would die for her. He loved her. He talked about her in his homilies all the time,” said Father Wallisch. “He defended her teachings and was really good at explaining her teachings, and he just seemed to really have a love for this spouse who was the church.”

He came to see that a priest gives of himself to his parish or any other assignment in the same way a husband or wife gives daily for a spouse.

Leaven photo by Joe Bollig

Father Scott Wallisch took the reins in July as archdiocesan vocation director. He is also chaplain at St. James Academy in Lenexa. He was previously parochial vicar at St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee.

“The amazing thing of God is that’s actually where you find happiness and fulfillment — in that gift of yourself to something other than your own wants and desires and your own ego,” he said.

Paths to the priesthood After college, while working in Lenexa as an engineer, and a member of Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa, Father Wallisch taught confirmation students at St. Paul Parish in Olathe.

But he wasn’t always receptive when the director of religious education pointed out that she saw a potential calling for him in the priesthood.

Just the same, said Father Wallisch, “she was influential because God spoke through her.”

The young man also did a lot of praying and thinking during his adoration hours at Holy Trinity. In 2005, he began his studies at University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Ill. As someone who loves education at every level, he cherishes opportunities to help people grow in their faith.

And he looks forward to working with young men and showing them they can also be part of that teaching

“

“Father Scott is, first of all, a very zealous and talented priest. He loves Jesus, his church and the priesthood. Father Scott is a man of prayer and, in particular, possesses a genuine love for the Eucharist.”

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann process — “helping other Catholics to know their faith through being preachers and counselors and confessors and teachers on a parish level.”

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann believes Father Wallisch’s background as an engineer will offer an edge in this line of work.

“Father Scott is, first of all, a very zealous and talented priest. He loves Jesus, his church and the priesthood. Fa-

Moreover, Archbishop Naumann sees an “infectious” enthusiasm in Father Wallisch, which be believes will inspire men to consider a vocation to the priesthood.

“Father Scott is gifted with exceptional communication skills and is not afraid to invite men to give their entire life to serving God and the church,” he said.

Father Wallisch doesn’t claim to excel at any one thing, but he brings to the table a long list of interests and experiences that he hopes will help him connect with people from all backgrounds.

His own vocational journey is one example.

“I understood what it was like to have a job — to do the things that the majority of the population does,” he said. “I think that knowing that, I’ll be able to relate to our young men who are out of college but have not yet maybe answered the call.”

College played a huge part in his discernment, so he looks forward to working with college as well as high school students.

He’s an Eagle Scout, and knows that many new priests have Scouting in their backgrounds.

“I also love sports, and love talking about sports and going to sporting events and connecting with people on that level,” said Father Wallisch, who played soccer growing up.

He has run four marathons — three in Chicago and one in Kansas City.

And, in an entirely different arena, he has performed in musicals.

Those are just a few examples of the experiences he hopes will help him “connect to people where they are and [through] the things they love.”

He said his predecessors in the office have brought many gifts to this work and have established a strong tradition.

For now, he’s taking on strictly the duties of vocation director — identifying religious vocations, helping people through the application process, and trying to ensure that the men who think they might have a calling to the priesthood are a good fit for the archdiocese and the seminary.

Msgr. Michael Mullen, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kan., and Father Mitchel Zimmerman remain co-directors of seminarians for the archdiocese, working with men once they have entered the seminary.

Father Zimmerman is Father Wallisch’s predecessor in the vocation office and started serving in July as pastor of Christ the King Parish in Topeka.

Father Wallisch knows his new venture as vocation director will challenge him and asked for prayers.

“I hope that everyone already is praying for vocations,” he said. “But if they aren’t, today would be a great day to start.”

6 local news

theleaven.com | august 2, 2013

Family histories interwoven into parish story >> Continued from page 3 During the offertory procession, gifts were brought forward by individuals representing five generations of the Pierron family.

Before the final blessing, Father Francis thanked parishioners for their work in planning and executing the 150th anniversary celebration. Father Bertels, pastor from 1961 to 1966, and again from 1972 to 1982 — and the second longest-serving pastor in the parish’s history — also offered his thanks and a brief reflection.

“I just can’t help but think, however, that I am more indebted to you than you are to me,” said Father Bertels. “I was young and green when I first came out here, newly ordained. I can’t help but think that it was you that made a priest out of me. Administering the sacraments [to you and sharing your lives] . . . made me the person that I am.”

Following the Mass, Archbishop Naumann, Father Francis and Father Bertels joined parishioners outside the parish hall and catechetical center for a

Parish and family In many —if not all — cases, parish history is family history.

Take, for example, Leo Fink, who pointed to a photo of his great-grandparents in a historical display of parish history.

“Bishop Louis Fink (1874-1904) is my great-great-uncle,” said Fink, from Leavenworth. “He sponsored my great-grandfather, who was his nephew Peter Fink, to the United States. He married Mary Wiesinger Fink.”

Bishop Fink used to visit the parish and his nephew from time to time and would walk back and forth in the yard of the old home place and pray. The house, located near Pleasant Ridge High School, still exists.

Also on display was the wooden tabernacle from the original 1867 church,

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Perhaps Mark J. Zia has tried to do for Catholic theology what Julia Childs did for French cuisine: Make it comprehensible, accessible and enjoyable.

“Theology” can be an off-putting word. It can bring to mind thick, dusty books full of jargony, technical language that can cause the eyes of the average Joe and Jane in the pew to glaze over.

That won’t happen with Zia’s new book, “The Faith Understood: An Introduction to Catholic Theology.”

Zia, drawing upon his years of teaching Theology 101 classes to freshman, has created the book that many Catholics have long been waiting for — a basic overview of Catholic theology in language easily grasped by non-theologians.

Up close and personal

Father Mathew Francis

Leaven photo by Joe Bollig

Alice (Dodd) Schneider, who with her sister Delores (Dodd) Urban grew up down the road from the church, peers into the tabernacle of the first church, built in 1867. blessing and dedication. The hall, built in 1992, replaced an earlier hall built in honor of Father Paul Kelly.

A reception was held in the hall folwhich had been in the basement of Mary Anne Brown’s father. Also on display was an altar bread iron, a relic from the days when parishes had to make their own hosts for Communion.

“My husband Richard is now taking care of [the iron]” said Linda Heim. “His mother gave it to him for safekeeping, and her mother gave it to her.”

Many current parishioners are descendants of the pioneering and longtime parishioners.

“There are many multigeneration families [in the parish],” said Mary Anne (Sachse) Brown, chairman of the parish sesquicentennial committee. “You can find evidence of this in our cemetery.

Many of our founding families are still represented in the parish, and the most prominent is the Heintzelman family.”

Before the Civil War, some Irish, French and German families settled in

lowing the blessing and dedication.

Archbishop Naumann was presented with an embroidered sesquicentennial pillow depicting the church. the valley just west of Leavenworth. For a while, the area was known as Mount Olivet, which is the name of the adjoining parish cemetery.

The settlers used to travel to Leavenworth for Mass but, after a while, a French missionary started celebrating the occasional Mass in settlers’ homes.

The parish was formed in the spring of 1863. In 1867, a small wood frame church was built. A new church was built in 1894, and this was demolished by “the twin tornadoes” of May 1, 1930.

The parishioners pulled together and built a brick church this time — which was destroyed by a fire on Oct. 28, 1932.

Proof of the parishioners’ self-reliance is seen in that both the post-tornado and the presently standing post-fire churches were completed debt free . . . and this at the beginning of the Great Depression.

The newest archdiocesan pastor isn’t exactly a rookie.

Since his arrival in the archdiocese in January 2009, Father Mathew Francis has served as associate pastor at Mater Dei Parish in Topeka, St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Onaga, Curé of Ars in Leawood and St. Joseph-St. Lawrence Parish in Leavenworth County.

And though he was installed as a pastor here in the archdiocese for the first time on July 21, Father Francis has quite a bit of pastoral leadership under his belt. He spent 15 of his 22 years in the priesthood as a pastor and a school principal in India. Father Francis is a native of Vellore City, in Tamil Nadu State, located on the southwest tip of India.

The transition to the United States has been a smooth one, however, and the Indian priest is happy to return to his former role.

“It’s good [to be pastor here],” said Father Francis. “Since I have been here two years as administrator, this has been a good experience.

I know the situation here and how to handle the [needs] of the parish.”

Among the things that Father Francis appreciates about his parishioners is their willingness to cooperate, pitch in, volunteer and take the initiative in regard to parish needs — which is, of course, a 150year parish tradition.

“I am so proud to be part of this celebration,” said Father Francis.

The inspiration for the book came from Pope Benedict XVI. “As you know, Pope Benedict opened the Year of Faith in October 2012 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the convocation of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th anniversary of the promulgation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church,” said Zia. “Pope Benedict asked, during this Year of Faith, that we spend extra time and pay extra attention to learning our faith,” he continued. “Particularly, he called for us to have a greater familiarity with the catechism and the documents of the Second Vatican Council.”

“The Faith Understood” is intended to help Catholics fulfill Pope Benedict’s vision.

This isn’t Zia’s first book. His first, called “What Are They Saying About Biblical Inspiration?” by Paulist Press, is a more specialized book intended primarily for theology majors and graduate students.

“My second book is written for your average Catholic in the pew,” he said.

“My audience for this book is Catholics who don’t have an extensive background in theology and want to better understand the faith they profess at

Crowds in Rio swarm pope, who wanted to be ‘close to the people’

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

Benedictine prof pens theology primer for average Joe

By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

World youth day 2013

“The Faith Understood: An Introduction to Catholic Theology” by Mark J. Zia is available for digital readers and in a print edition from Emmaus Road Publishing on the website at: www.emmausroad.org.

The cost is $12.95. Copies may be purchased directly from the author.

Mass, live out in the sacraments and witness to the world.”

His hoped-for effect? That this book will help Catholics to better understand the faith they profess but often incompletely understand, and to fall in greater love with their Lord as a result.

But he also has a secondary audience: non-Catholics who are open to learning more about the Catholic faith, especially Catholic doctrine.

This book tries to move Catholics beyond simply knowing what they believe.

“It’s not good enough for us to memorize the faith,” he said. “We can all recite the Creed at Mass on Sunday, but the deeper question is: ‘What does it mean?’”

“I think that any effective work of theology,” he continued, “needs to

have a bit of an apologetic value to it to help the reader understand not just what we believe as Catholics, but why we believe it, how it makes sense, and how it is true.”

“The book is heavily focused on the first pillar of the catechism, which is the Creed,” said Zia. Although there are many aspects of Christian life, “the bulk of the faith we profess is found in the first pillar,” he said.

While hardly comprehensive in scope, Zia hopes that this book will whet the appetites of readers and encourage them to delve more deeply into Catholic theology. It has proven to be a good textbook for college students, for deacon candidates and seminarians, and for those in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults programs.

“This book is not, by any means, meant to be exhaustive,” he said.

“There is so much more that could have been added. But I think if I added more, it would detract from the purpose of being accessible to the average Catholic.”

Which is why he is already hard at work on his next book. As Julia Childs would say, “Bon appétit!”

H

undreds of thousands of cheering people welcomed Pope Francis to Brazil July 22 as he made the first international trip of his pontificate to his native region of Latin America.

The papal plane touched down at Rio’s international airport at 3:43 p.m. local time, and the pope emerged 18 minutes later to cheers from a relatively small group, which included a children’s choir.

After exchanging greetings with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and other dignitaries for 15 minutes, the pope entered a compact Brazilian-made Fiat Idea for the ride downtown, accompanied by security vehicles and helicopters overhead.

At some points, the motorcade was separated from ordinary rushhour commuters by nothing more than a median strip. As the pope’s car drew closer to the center, he passed increasingly large groups of people standing, cheering and waving. About 20 minutes into the ride, clusters of people began pressing against the vehicle, reaching out to touch the pope, and had to be pushed away by the security detail.

At one point, the press of crowds brought the vehicle briefly to a

standstill, and the pope emerged to kiss a baby.

Apparently attempting to avoid the crowds, the motorcade turned into a stretch of ordinary traffic.

Shortly thereafter the papal car found itself repeatedly stuck between vehicles and crowds. Security officers could be seen vigorously pushing back bystanders who reached out to touch the pope.

The 13.2-mile ride took 44 minutes.

At the city’s cathedral, the pope boarded an open popemobile.

Joined by Rio’s Archbishop Orani Tempesta, he made a 25-minute circuit of downtown streets. Crowds contained behind police barriers cheered and waved as confetti rained down on the pope, who occasionally stopped to kiss a baby or small child.

Brazilian Fernando Samapio said he brought his three children — Miguel, 6, Gabriel, 8, and Pedro, 10, to see Pope Francis, and he said he also would take them to World Youth Day events at Copacabana beach. The family also is housing pilgrims from Croatia, France and Mexico.

Samapio said Pope Francis “wants to renew the church, and I like him because of his humility and concern for the poor.”

Mercedes Maunier, 18, and Emilia Ruiz, 19, of La Plata, Argentina, said they were headed toward the

cathedral for the 6 p.m. Mass for Argentines.

“I am very proud to be Argentine at this moment, but I think the pope will help youngsters from the entire world,” said Maunier.

Wanda Araujo, 83, called the visit “a blessing for all of us.”

“We were in need of a ‘people pope,’” she said. “Europeans don’t really know what is like living in Latin America.”

Just days before the trip, Pope Francis made the decision to circulate through downtown Rio de Janeiro so, as Archbishop Tempesta said, the pope could be “close to the people.” The decision exemplified the spontaneity that has already become a trademark quality of Pope Francis’ young pontificate.

According to his original itinerary, the pope would have proceeded directly from the airport to a welcome ceremony in the Guanabara Palace, the office of the governor of the state of Rio de Janeiro, about 12 miles away.

Instead, following the popemobile ride, he rode in the Fiat to a military airfield and boarded a helicopter that took him across the city to his meeting with Rousseff and other officials at the governor’s palace of Rio de Janeiro state. It was before 6 p.m., and lights already were shining in the twilight of the Southern Hemisphere’s winter.

Pope says he’d rather trust God than live in a bubble

W

ith a few Vatican police standing at attention in the very back of the Alitalia plane flying him back to Rome, Pope Francis told reporters about his security even before being asked.

“My security staff is very, very good and now they are letting me do a little bit more,” but they must do their jobs, which is to protect him, he said.

Beginning his first news conference as pope with a review of his July 22-28 stay in Brazil for World Youth Day, Pope Francis said it was “beautiful” and “spiritually it did me good.”

“I am tired, but happy,” he said, explaining that the joy of the Brazilian people and the happiness of millions of young people gathered in Rio de Janeiro rubbed off on him. And that was partially because he actually had an opportunity to be up close and personal.

But he also acknowledged that all that close contact made some people nervous.

Driving into Rio de Janeiro July 22, the pope’s car was mobbed by a crowd, yet the pope insisted throughout the trip on riding in a popemobile with open sides and wading into crowds to bless or hug people and kiss babies.

The pope said, “The climate was spontaneous,” just as he’d hoped. “With less security, I could be with the people, embrace them, greet them without armored cars.”

“Security lies in trusting people. It’s true that there’s always the danger that a crazy person will try to do something, but there’s also the Lord,” he said. Sealing off a bishop behind bulletproof glass “is also craziness,” but he said he prefers the craziness of trust.

Pope Francis told reporters it is true that sometimes he feels trapped inside the Vatican; he thinks Rome is a beautiful city and would really like to be able to go for a walk.

Weathering the storm

A million people jam beach to see pope

By Lise Alves Catholic News Service

“I

On stormy seashore, pope invites young people to follow Jesus

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

E

ven at its stormiest, the Sea of Galilee doesn’t have waves like those pounding Copacabana beach, but Pope Francis asked young Catholics to imagine they were with Jesus on the seashore and he was asking them to follow him and share his love with others.

In his first remarks to the young people at the huge World Youth Day celebration on the beach July 25, Pope Francis spoke of belonging to the great family of faith and that included a moment of silent prayer for Sophie Moriniere, a French pilgrim who died July 17 in a car accident in French Guiana.

The celebration also included a “shout out” to retired Pope Benedict XVI, who chose Rio as the site of World Youth Day 2013 and selected its theme: “Go and make disciples of all nations.”

The nations were present on the windswept, rain-drenched beach where hundreds of thousands of young people began gathering just after noon for a program of prayer and song dominated

by Brazilians, but featuring groups from around the globe.

But tens of thousands of young people abandoned the sandy beach for the paved roadway when the pope’s helicopter touched down at Fort Copacabana; the pope spent more than half hour driving from the fort on one end of the famous beach to the stage situated about two and a half miles away.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said an estimated one million people were on the beach for the ceremony with the pope.

The diversity represented at the event was not simply a matter of the national flags the pilgrims were carrying. Pope Francis said he knew the youths also had a variety of reasons for being part of World Youth Day and a variety of levels of previous involvement with the church.

“But today you are all here — or better yet, we are all here together as one in order to share the faith and the joy of an encounter with Christ, of being his disciples,” the pope said in his introductory remarks.

Katherine Tanadi, 21, from the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in Singapore, told Catholic News Service that World Youth Day already “has been a life-changing experience.”

Standing on the beach, she said Rio was her first World Youth Day and “I have met young Catholics from all over the world. It’s incredible.”

Ida Szuzepaniak, 25, from Poznan, Poland, said the experience of being in Rio with hundreds of thousands of her peers in the cold and rain has taught her “that I have to have more patience, I need to pray more.”

She also said she was impressed by the Masses and other gatherings where everyone seemed to know the words to the songs and were willing to sing along.

“In Poland everyone is very quiet,” she said, but the exuberance in Rio “makes the experience more interesting.”

Pope Francis told the teens and young

CNS photo/Paul Haring

Rain and wind hit Copacabana beach as Pope Francis addresses World Youth Day pilgrims at a welcoming ceremony in Rio de Janeiro July 25. During the ceremony, the pope told young people that it is always good to be gathered around Jesus and to keep Jesus at the center of their lives. peers who will give them friendship, enadults that Jesus was asking each person center of your life “you will never be couragement and support. disappointed,” but, he added, “the young gathered on the seashore: “Do you want As winter darkness settled over the must be strong” to resist the temptations to be my disciple? Do you want to be my crowd, Pope Francis told the young peofriend? Do you want to be a witness to my around them.

Pope Francis asked the young people ple to offer the witness of faith and the Gospel?”

The Gospel reading for the evening to think about a meal and what it means service of charity to others, “carrying to to “put on salt,” then he told them, “Put this world a ray of his light.” prayer service was St. Luke’s account of He said it is tough being a bishop — on faith and your life will take on a new the transfiguration of Jesus, including St. and a “sad bishop” is no good to anyone Peter’s line, “Master, it is good that we are flavor.”

— so it is important for him and other “Put on hope and every one of your here” (Lk 9:28-36).

In his homily, the pope echoed those days will be enlightened and your hori- bishops to be confirmed by the enthusiwords, telling the young people that it is zon will no longer be dark,” he told them. astic faith of the young. Pope Francis also “Put on love and your life will be like a said the way the pilgrims have continued always good to be gathered around Jesus house built on rock, your journey will be celebrating despite the weather demonand to keep Jesus at the center of their joyful because you will find many friends strates how “your faith is stronger than lives. the rain and the cold.”

Faith, he said, is a “Copernican revo- to journey with you.”

Micaela Ausili, 14, from Santo Cayeta“Put on Christ,” he said, “you will find lution,” an operation that shifts concerns a friend in whom you can always trust” no Parish in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and priorities so that they revolve around said Pope Francis makes all Argentines — Jesus and not the individual or false idols. and “your life will be full of his love.”

Getting practical about matters, the “even if they are not Catholics” — proud.

“Certainly possessions, money and “His election made the entire country pope told the young people that Christ power can give a momentary thrill, the ilis waiting to wash away their sins in the proud, not just because he is Argentine lusion of being happy,” he said, “but they but because he is humble and simple . . . end up possessing us and making us al- sacrament of penance, to nourish them with his body in the Eucharist and to an example,” Ausili said. ways want to have more, never satisfied.”

Instead, he said, with Christ as the encounter them through their Christian

In Rio slum, pope denounces corruption, ‘culture of selfishness’

V

isiting one of this city’s notorious “favelas,” or slums, Pope Francis denounced corruption and a “culture of selfishness and individualism,” and called for a “culture of solidarity” in pursuit of social justice.

While stressing the need to alleviate material suffering, he also said that “real human development” requires the promotion of moral values, to satisfy a “deeper hunger, the hunger for a happiness that only God can satisfy.”

The pope arrived at the Rio neighborhood of Varginha just before 11 a.m. and began his visit with a short ceremony in the small neighborhood chapel, where he blessed the altar before a congregation of more than 100 people.

Afterward, Pope Francis walked through the city’s streets, apparently indifferent to the rain, stopping often to greet many of those crowding tightly around him. Loud cheers accompanied him as residents reached out for his hand or to take his photo with their cellphones.

At one point, the pope entered a resident’s house, festooned with balloons in the yellow and white colors of the Vatican flag. He spent 15 minutes inside and, according to the Vatican spokesman, he greeted more than 20 people of all ages packed into a small room.

Pope offers drug addicts an embrace and a challenge at Rio hospital

P CNS photo/Paul Haring

Residents hold statues of Our Lady of Aparecida as Pope Francis visits the Varginha slum in Rio de Janeiro July 25, during his weeklong visit to Brazil for World Youth Day. After more than half an hour, the pope stepped onto a stage overlooking the neighborhood soccer field, where more than 20,000 people had gathered from Varginha and surrounding neighborhoods.

In his speech, Pope Francis thanked residents for their hospitality and said they and other Brazilians could “offer

the world a valuable lesson in solidarity, a word that is too often forgotten or silenced, because it is uncomfortable.”

Turning to address a wider audience, the pope urged the world’s wealthy, public officials and “all people of good will who are working for social justice” to “never tire of working for a more just world” and greater equality.

ope Francis addressed a group of recovering drug addicts in a working-class neighborhood of Rio, offering them a message of compassion and hope as well as a call to self-determination.

At the Hospital of St. Francis of Assisi, which he called a “shrine of human suffering,” he told patients they were the “flesh of Christ,” like the leper embraced by the institution’s patron saint in a crucial step toward his conversion. He also said those struggling with drug dependency deserve the “closeness, affection and love” of all society.

Yet the pope also stressed the necessity of personal will in recovering from addiction.

“To embrace someone is not enough,” Pope Francis said July 24.

“We must hold the hand of the one in need, of the one who has fallen into the darkness of dependency, perhaps without even knowing how, and we must say to him or her: ‘You can get up, you can stand up. It is difficult, but

it is possible if you want to.’”

The pope arrived at the hospital a little after 6:20 p.m., and was greeted by patients, family members and hospital staff packed into one of the hospital’s courtyards. The audience was ebullient despite the rain, and Pope Francis spent nearly an hour milling through the crowd, then listening to several speeches, including two by recovering addicts.

The pope’s speech, delivered in Portuguese, also addressed the social, political and economic ramifications of drug abuse. He denounced the “scourge of drug-trafficking that favors violence and sows the seeds of suffering and death,” and called traffickers “dealers of death,” who “follow the logic of money and power at any cost.”

The pope said that the answer to drug addiction was not a “liberalization of drug use, as is currently being proposed in various parts of Latin America,” but solutions to the “problems underlying the use of these drugs.”

saw the pope! I saw the pope!” yelled Hiago Ferreira de Araujo of Feira de Santana, Brazil, as he jumped up and down like a little kid who had just scored a goal.

The 23-year-old student said he had been waiting for at least three hours on a side street near Copacabana beach the afternoon of July 25 because he knew “the pastor of our church would come my way.”

One million people braved the rain to hear Pope Francis that evening on the beach for a World Youth Day welcoming ceremony. Despite problems with transport and loudspeakers, pilgrims stood patiently and cheered at the pope’s words.

“The crowd is so large we knew we wouldn’t be able to see him on stage, so we waited here and heard him through the loudspeaker,” Araujo told Catholic News Service.

He and his 38 friends came by bus. The normal 24-hour trip took 40 hours because the bus broke down on the highway, but the young people were not complaining.

“I expected this to be incredible, but it is so much more than I ever hoped,” he said.

Araujo said that, over the years, the young people had weakened their connection to the church because it seemed so unreachable to them. But this, he said, was changing.

“Pope Francis will bring the church close to us once again. The father comes to bring a renewal of the church. He brings back the essence of Jesus Christ with his humility.”

Liona Castro, 14, and her friends came to Brazil from a Catholic school in Lima,

CNS photo/Ueslei Marcelino, Reuters

A child waves a flag with an image of Pope Francis while waiting for his arrival on Copacabana beach during the World Youth Day welcoming ceremony in Rio de Janeiro July 25.

Peru. Sitting in her wheelchair in the rain, she wore a raincoat with her group’s slogan: “If I can, then you can.”

The group, The Father’s Joy, consisting mostly of young people in wheelchairs, was chosen to perform in one of the many activities during World Youth Day. Those in the group who could walk ventured out with volunteers closer to the stage, but Castro remained safely near the hotel entrance.

With a big smile, she said, “I never thought in my whole life I would be here like this.”

In interviews with dozens of pilgrims from dozens of countries, the recurring word to describe Pope Francis was humility.

Rhoe Price, 20, of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Narre Warren, Australia, said the humility and simplicity the pope shows is inspiring.

“I hope people will view the church as more humble. He reminds me of Pope John Paul II. He is so friendly. I loved it when he switched his hat with one someone in the crowd gave him,” Price said.

Despite the rain, pilgrims were in a festive mood. Nicolas de Thore, 22, of Notre Dame de Grace de Passy Parish in Paris, said he was enjoying the week and had come to Rio hoping to find some direction in life.

“That is why I came to World Youth Day,” he emphasized.

Penitents and pilgrims: Pope meets youth up close

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

P

ope Francis spent the morning and early afternoon of July 26 with about two dozen young people from different countries and diverse backgrounds, in a range of encounters that illustrated his characteristic emphasis on inclusion and reconciliation.

The most dramatic meeting was the half hour he spent in the Rio de Janeiro archbishop’s residence with eight young offenders from four area prisons.

According to the Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the six men and two women sat in a circle with the pope, Rio Archbishop Orani Tempesta, a judge and a lay minister who works with incarcerated youths.

The younger woman was especially emotional and talkative, Father Lombardi said. She sang a song she composed in honor of Pope Francis and read a letter she had written on behalf of her fellow prisoners.

The group presented the pope with a homemade rosary with Styrofoam balls for beads, and a cross inscribed with the slogan, “Candelaria never again,” a reference to a 1993 massacre of eight young people near Rio’s Candelaria church.

The name of each victim was written on one of the rosary’s beads.

Pope Francis prayed with the rosary, Father Lombardi said, repeating the phrases “Candelaria never again” and “no more violence, only love,” and asked the prisoners to pray for him. He made no formal speech.

The pope stayed at the archbishop’s residence for lunch, where he was joined

CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano

Pope Francis hears the confession of a young woman during World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro July 26.

Portable confessionals were set out in several public places for pilgrims attending World Youth Day. Five young people had the opportunity to take part in the sacrament of reconciliation with Pope Francis. by 12 young people — six men and six women — chosen by lot to represent all World Youth Day pilgrims. Two were from Brazil and two each came from the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

Danielle Danowski, 27, of Brighton, Mich., who had been working in Rio since March as an English translator for World Youth Day, said the luncheon was “like talking with your good friends, but then you realize the pope’s right there.”

“Everyone was very nervous at first, we didn’t know what to say,” she said. “Everyone took a turn and was able to say what was on their minds or in their hearts.”

The pope asked the group a series of questions — “Why do you have good health? Why do you have food to eat?”

— that Danowski said brought many to tears.

Despite all the conversation, all those present finished the meal: rice with pumpkin, beef stuffed with provolone cheese, asparagus and passionfruit mousse for dessert.

Pope Francis’ public schedule for the day began when he heard the confessions of five people — three young Brazilian men, and young women from Italy and Venezuela in Rio’s Boa Vista Park.

For many, World Youth Day is ageless

By Lise Alves Catholic News Service

I

CNS photo/Paul Haring

Pope Francis celebrates the World Youth Day closing Mass on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro July 28. During the service, the pope commissioned an estimated three million people in attendance to become missionaries without borders.

Faith, similarities unite local teens with friends from around the world

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Stories that make headlines from around the globe all too often scream of divisions and countries at war.

Yet when people from around the world came together to celebrate World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, all Jackie Meister saw in the massive crowd surrounding her was unity.

“People can live all over the world, but we’re all the same,” said Meister, a member of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.

She will be a senior in the fall at Notre Dame de Sion High School in Kansas City, Mo., and it was through Sion that she embarked on this trip along with five other students and two adult chaperones.

The group spent two weeks in Brazil, first uniting with close to 20 schools from different countries that share the Sion name and bond.

Through just that experience, the girls — including several from parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas — sparked friendships they know will easily cross the miles and span decades.

“A number of the girls are already talking about going back to Brazil to stay with their friends in Rio, too,” said Jennifer Campbell, library media specialist at Sion, who chaperoned the trip.

She responded within 30 seconds when an email went to Sion faculty members asking if they would like to serve as chaperones on this journey to Brazil for the International Sion Youth Meeting.

“Lots of other faculty were interested

and willing to go,” said Campbell, who was selected along with Bill Ray, a teacher at the grade school. “I’m not 100 percent sure why I was lucky enough to be one of the chosen chaperones, but I am grateful that I was.”

The group — which also included Cat Ancona of Church of the Nativity Parish in Leawood; Kirsten Rasmussen and Abby Snyder, both parishioners of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood; Maddy Lewing of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; and Sydney Manning, a member of St. Thomas More Church in Kansas City, Mo. — left for Brazil in mid-July, knowing this would be an adventure of a lifetime.

One thing that struck Campbell right away was “their excited willingness to go along with whatever.”

And they did just that, even when the circumstances called for unplanned changes — like when their housing assignment for World Youth Day didn’t work out and the group returned to the Sion facility where they’d spent the first leg of the trip.

“We knew going out there that we were going to be sleeping on floors and a lot of the trip was open-ended, and the girls never complained,” said Campbell.

She was also thrilled to see new bonds forming among the girls, who had not all known each other well when they set out.

They returned as close friends.

One of the highlights of the trip was traveling to see the famed, large Christ the Redeemer statue.

“Not only is the statue unbelievably amazing, the view of Rio de Janeiro from up there was unbelievable,” said Campbell. “They also have the Our Father on display around the base of the statue in about 10 different languages, which was

Krakow, Poland, to host World Youth Day in 2016

K

rakow, Poland, will be the site of the next World Youth Day, in 2016.

Pope Francis made the announcement shortly after celebrating the final Mass of this year’s World Youth Day before a crowd of more than three million people on Copacabana beach.

Upon hearing the pope’s words, young pilgrims from Poland shouted joyfully, waving red and white Polish flags.

“It is a joy, an honor and a great respon-

sibility for us,” Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow said in a statement, noting that 2016 will mark the 1,050th anniversary of the establishment of Christianity in Poland.

Krakow is the former episcopal see of Blessed John Paul II, who founded the tradition of World Youth Day in 1986.

The 2016 event will be the second World Youth Day to take place in Poland, after the 1991 celebration in Czestochowa.

just a neat added part of the experience.”

They attended a Mass with a bishop from Nigeria and took part in the pilgrimage to Copacabana beach on the last night.

“I’ve never been part of something that big before,” said Meister of the crowd of three million people. “We can all come together and unite. We are all tied together by our faith.”

It really highlighted the “universal” definition of Catholicism.

“There were not very many Americans,” Meister noticed. “I was expecting to see more American flags waving around.”

But they saw flags from many other countries, and it was exciting to meet different groups and to listen to them sing and watch them dance.

Everyone had something to share about the ways they celebrate their faith.

The atmosphere was welcoming to Catholics and non-Catholics alike, said Meister.

The group took pictures and shared their experiences with many young people who were curious about life in America.

They watched the final Mass with Pope Francis on a screen back where they were staying, which worked out well, said Meister, because they weren’t standing on a cold beach and they got to listen to it and read subtitles. She got a lot out of it.

Before Meister left for Rio, she didn’t know how much she would have in common with teenagers from Brazil and other countries, but now she knows that they share so much.

“Everybody there was so welcoming,” she said. “It’s like we’re family because we all have our faith in common.”

n the sea of young people on Copacabana beach were many who said faith is ageless.

Yolanda Chao, 48, of Holy Family Parish in Vancouver, British Columbia, said this was her second World Youth Day, and she will continue to come to these gatherings.

“Faith has no age,” she said, laughing.

She applauded the church’s initiative with young people.

“They are our new disciples,” she said. “They are the new church. This is very important for us and for them. It is the youth that will carry on the word.”

William Wallace, 57, of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Methuen, Mass., said older pilgrims often accompany younger parishioners, but “older pilgrims may also be trying to find their way, their faith.”

He said young people connect to other youths from around the world, and that benefits everyone.

“To see these kids enjoying this interaction and growing their faith provides hope,” he said.

Cynthia Doss, 54, of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, said the warmth she feels from young people is exciting. She traveled to Brazil with her 18-year-old daughter and 20-year-old son.

“The Holy Father is so right when he stresses that we should pay attention to our youth and our elders,” she said. “There is no age limit for youth. You are always as young as you feel, and age does not have an effect on our faith.”

From Sao Tome and Principe off the coast of Africa, Luiza Martins Goncalvez, 48, came with a group of 46 pilgrims, many older than 35.

“We have come to join the youth,” said the woman from Our Lady of Conception Parish. “We want to help them in this journey.”

Many older Argentines said they made the trip to Rio to see a fellow Argentine. They said they did not come for the catechesis or the vigil.

“I have come to this because of Pope Francis. He is Argentine and I am Argentine,” said Miguel Mesiti, 64. As for being surrounded by people at least 20 years younger, he said, “It is all about how old you feel inside. I feel young.”

Polish pilgrims in Rio de Janeiro cheer as Pope Francis announces that World Youth Day 2016 will take place in Krakow, Poland. The pope made the announcement at the conclusion of the closing Mass of World Youth Day on Copacabana beach July 28.

CNS photo /Paul Haring

Local News 11

august 2, 2013 | theleaven.com Pat and Jim Martin, members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 3.

The couple was married at Sacred Heart Church, Topeka, on Aug. 3, 1963. Friends and family are invited to join them for a reception on Aug. 4, from 1-4 p.m. at Christ the King. Their children are: Brian and Janelle. They also have three grandchildren.

Everett and Jane Haney, members of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 3. The couple was married on Aug. 3, 1963, at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina. Their children and their spouses are: Jeff Haney, Kansas City, Mo.; Julee and Leon Schieber, Lenexa; Jason Haney, Overland Park; Tina Haney, Olathe; Jeremy and Laura Haney, Olathe; Joshua and Myrline Haney, Houston; and Justin and Elizabeth Haney, Lawrence. They also have eight grandchildren. They celebrated with a cruise to Alaska and a week in Destin, Fla., with their children and grandchildren.

Larry and Sharon (Strathman) Schmelzle, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 11 with a Mass of thanksgiving at 11 a.m., followed by a dinner reception and open house from 2-4 p.m. at the Windmill Inn. The couple was married on Aug. 22, 1963, at St. Michael Church in Axtell. Their children and their spouses are: Patty and Ken Anderson, Garner, N.C.; Gerald and Denise Schmelzle, Sabetha; Mary Kay and Bret Ulrich, Topeka; Harold and Shelly Schmelzle, Shawnee; Betty and Bryan Peterson, Seneca; Norman and Zena Schmelzle, Seneca; Roger and Shelly Schmelzle, Seneca; Mark and Pam Schmelzle, Valley Center; and Marilyn and Craig Kersten, Camden Point, Mo. They also have 24 grandchildren and two step-granddaughters.

Bill and Joan (Kakos) McHale, members of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 17.

The couple was married on Aug. 17, 1963, at St. Lawrence Church, Lawrence, Ind., by Bill’s uncle Msgr.

John McHale.

Their children and their spouses are: Mic and Amy McHale, Arvada, Colo.; Mary and Evan Morris, Leavenworth; and Kelly and Keith Nolen, Kansas City, Mo. They also have six grandchildren. The extended family celebrated with a vacation to Aruba in June.

Julia

(Poppelreiter) and Emmett Becker, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Aug. 3. The couple was married on Aug. 3, 1953, at St. Cecilia Church, Clearwater, Fla. A Mass and renewal of wedding vows will be held on Aug. 3 at The Atriums in Overland Park. Their children and their spouses are: Margaret and Ralph Foster, Keller, Texas; Joe and Kim Becker, Shawnee; Rita and Frank Eschmann, Topeka; Cindy and Tony Hoffman, Amarillo, Texas; and Doug and Cheri Becker, Duluth, Ga. They also have 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Linda (Kretz) and Larry Worman, members of St. Benedict Parish, Atchison, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 10. The couple was married on Aug. 10, 1963, at St. John Church in Antigo, Wis. Their children and their spouses are: Peter and Kelli Worman, Verona, Wis.; Karen and Tony Kehrees, Blue Springs, Mo.; Beth and Richard Gallagher, New Providence, N.J.; and Theresa Worman, Overland Park. They also have six grandchildren. They will celebrate at their home with family and friends. Masses will be said for their intentions at 8:15 a.m. on Aug. 10 and at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 11 at St. Benedict Church.

Jan (Schager) and Don Wilson, members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 17. The couple was married at St. Mark Church, Iowa Falls, Iowa.

Their children and their spouses are: Mary and Carl Schroer, Leawood; Michael and Amber Wilson, Wichita; and Phil and Annette Wilson, Racine, Wis. They also have seven grandchildren. A family dinner was held at Topeka Country Club in July. The couple also attended the golden wedding anniversary Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan., on June 23.

LaVerne (Koelzer) and Leonard Uphaus, members of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 27. The couple was married on July 27, 1963, at Sacred Heart Church, Baileyville. Their children and their spouses are: David and Donna Uphaus, Fort Worth, Texas; Gina and Tom Bayliss, Olathe; Amy and Ed Forman, Topeka; Shawn Uphaus, Fort Worth, Texas; and Jennifer and Joel Dickey, Meriden. They also have 11 grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and one step-great-granddaughter.

Vernon and Evelyn (Roeckers) Pickert, members of Divine Mercy Parish, Gardner, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Aug. 10 with family. An open house will be held at a later date. The couple was married on Aug. 10, 1953, at St. Theresa Church, Richmond. Their children are: Donna Goss; Angela Lindsey (deceased); Martina McDowell; Daniel Pickert; and Douglas Pickert.

They also have 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Judy (Gilligan) and Ric Carson, members of St. Mary Parish, Hartford, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 10. The couple was married at the church on Aug. 10, 1963.

Their children, LaDena (Carson) Bartee and Joe Carson, are both deceased. They also have a son-in-law Mike Bartee, three grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

The couple will spend their anniversary celebrating with a family gathering and dinner.

Anniversary policy

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

• Announcements are due eight days before the desired publication date.

• Announcements must be typed.

• They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, or for those who have resided in the archdiocese for a significant period of time.

Include the following Information: • 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 (if desired) • number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Photo specifications: • Emailed photos need to be at least 200 dpi.

• Mailed photos can be any size.

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

Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: Todd@theleaven.com.

K E A T I N G Mud Jacking FOUNDATION REPAIR Cracked • Bowed • Settled Wall Repair v Wall Bracing v Waterproofing v Steel Underpinning Kansas City (913) 262-9352

MUD JACKING Raise & Level

v Patios v Drives v Garage Floors v Slab Houses Lawrence (785) 865-0006

Topeka (785) 246-0128

12 classifieds Employment Director of liturgy and music - The parishes of Seven Dolors of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Manhattan and St. Patrick Parish in Ogden seek a full-time director of liturgy and music. Applicant should be well-versed in Catholic liturgy and a variety of musical styles. Responsibilities include the development, implementation, administration, and leadership of the parish’s liturgy (e.g. training/scheduling of liturgical ministers, working with committees, preparing orders of worship, and directing/rehearsing of cantors/ choirs/children’s choirs/instrumentalists, school activities/ Masses). Competitive salary and benefits. Master’s degree in liturgy or MDiv with experience is preferred. Computer skills and sound system knowledge expected; bilingual a plus. Applications accepted until the position is filled.

Please send letter of interest and job description by email to: pastor@sevendolors.com to receive a complete application.

Director - Christ the King Early Education Center, Topeka, is seeking a center director. Must have program director approval through KDHE for over 100 children. Experience as director of a center licensed for over 100 children preferred.

Please email resume to: frmitchel@gmail.com or call (785) 272-2999.

Parish secretary - St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village is accepting applications for the position of parish secretary.

Primary job functions include answering the phone, preparing the weekly bulletin, maintaining the master schedule of parish events, coordinating the scheduling of facility meeting spaces and maintaining all sacramental records. The successful candidate will be proficient in Word, Publisher and Excel, have a pleasant phone manner and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Individuals interested in the position should email their resume with cover letter to: bschafer@stannpv.org.

Facilities supervisor - St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village is seeking applicants for the full-time position of facilities supervisor. The position will be responsible for all aspects of facilities management for the school and church. Applicants should have 3 to 5 years of supervisory experience in a facility management environment and be comfortable coordinating facility-related projects with outside vendors.

This is a hands-on position. Familiarity with computerized security and HVAC control systems is desired. Individuals interested in the position should mail their resume with cover letter to Bill Schafer or email this information to: bschafer@stannpv.org.

Administrative assistant - Due to impending retirement, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, Overland Park, is accepting applications for an administrative assistant for the principals and admissions office for the 2013-2014 school year. The position requires a variety of skills including strong written and oral communication skills and proficiency in current office technology including database management. Applicants should mail a cover letter and resume to: Dr. Bill Ford, President, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, 11411 Pflumm Road, Overland Park, KS 66215 or you may email the materials to: wpford@stasaints.net with the subject line “administrative assistant application.”

Site director - Emporia, Kansas. Provide supervision and oversight of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ Emporia site. Supervise and facilitate day-to-day operation of the program while collaborating and effectively working with all organization departments. Assist with program development. Supervise staff and programs as requested. LMSW required. Minimum of 3 years of experience in nonprofit, social services, emergency assistance environment. Experience in family services preferred. One year experience developing, leading, and managing a high performing team of service professionals preferred. Prior experience in conducting comprehensive interviews with families/individuals from vulnerable populations using the Strengths Based Case Management model to assess needs. Familiarity with community emergency assistance resources. Prior experience using the MAAC Link database.

Prior fiscal management responsibility (i.e., budget reporting, monitoring, and achieving budget goals). Exceptional skills with Microsoft products, especially Excel. Complete application and job specific questions found on the website at: catholiccharitiesks.org/job. No phone calls please.

Carpet cleaning technician - Love interacting with people and being part of a team? Have a passion to serve others and enjoy the benefits of some physical work? Then join one of the most respected, progressive service companies in Kansas City. Make top industry pay and be appreciated for a job well done. Bock’s Steam Star is accepting applications for two positions. $10 - $40K. Call (913) 438-7767 or visit the website at: www.steamstar.net.

Safe drivers - Assisted Transportation seeks caring and reliable drivers in the Kansas City metro area to transport K-12 students in our minivans. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Learn more or apply online at: www. assistedtransportation.com or call (913) 262-5190 for more information. EOE. Administrative assistant - St. Agnes School is seeking an administrative assistant. The ideal candidate is a practicing Catholic with exceptional office management skills which include, but are not limited to, organization, computer proficiency and interpersonal communication.

Interested individuals may email a cover letter and resume to: bachkoramar@stagneskc.org.

theleaven.com | August 2, 2013 School nurse - St. Agnes School is seeking a part-time school nurse. The ideal candidate is a registered nurse with some pediatric experience. Interested individuals may email a cover letter and resume to: bachkoramar@ stagneskc.org.

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

Housecleaning - Let me beautify your home. Offering the fees and scheduling that fit your needs. Call me at (913) 669-2327 or send an email to: cppantoja53@yahoo.com.

Housecleaning - I love what I do and you can love it, too!

20-plus years experience. Excellent references. Southern JoCo area. Call (913) 548-8702.

Massage By Marie Holy Trinity, Lenexa, parishioner Swedish massage, deep tissue massage Professional Licensed Massage Therapist Call Marie at (913) 744-1709 CLUTTER GETTING YOU DOWN? – Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizer and “HONEY-DO-LIST” specialist. Call today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055. Insured. References. Visit our website at: www.KOATINDUSTRIES.com.

MEDICATION SETUP & MANAGEMENT - RN support visits for filling weekly pill boxes & managing medication.

Affordable and convenient. To learn more, call Home Connect Health Services at (913) 627-9222.

ALL AREA CATHOLICS WELCOME Christ the King Parish Federal Credit Union 5417 Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kan. Good Car Loan and Share Loan Rates (913) 287-8448 or (913) 980-2192 Hours: 7 - 9 p.m., Mon., Wed., Fri. 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: mikehammer moving@aol.com.

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.

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

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.bankruptcylawinkansascity.com.

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

Home decorator/designer - Do you need to redecorate but aren’t sure where to start? Or are you in need of a fresh look with a room or an entire house? Call me. I will help. I specialize in color design, furniture replacement and overall beauty of the home. I will help you make any room more functional and comfortable. You’ll have the home you’ve always wanted! No decorating job too small or too large!

Call LeAnn at (913) 991-2062.

Brick mason - Brick, stone, tile and flat work. 19 years of residential/commercial experience. FREE QUOTES - KC metro area. Small and large jobs accepted. Call Jim at (913) 485-4307. www.facebook.com/faganmasonry.

Rodman Lawn Care - Mowing, leaf removal, mulch and more. Call John Rodman, member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, at (913) 548-3002 or send an email to him at: Rodman.Lawn@yahoo.com.

Lawn Mowing Spring Cleanups/Landscaping Local Parishioner Insured/References Free Estimates Call Tony (913) 620-6063 Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902.

Financial advisor to the Catholic community – I’m Bill McMahon with Morgan Stanley, dedicated to helping Catholics accumulate and grow, or derive more income from your wealth. To find out how, please contact me for a complimentary portfolio review.

Bill McMahon | Financial Advisor (913) 402-5267 bill.j.mcmahon@morganstanley.com 11161 Overbrook Road, Leawood, KS 66211 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile).

Quality craftsmanship at a reasonable price! - Wood rot and house painting. Fiber cement siding/James Hardie.

Window replace or repair, decks, basements and baths.

Interior and exterior painting. Call Mike at (913) 991-3955.

T-shirt Quilts! Graduation Quilts! Quilted Memories is now accepting graduation quilt orders. Let’s work together to design a unique memory quilt for your grad! 7913 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park. (913) 649-2704 or (913) 492-8877.

Full service long arm quilting shop!

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 Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.

GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Home Improvement Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel!

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

Swalms Organizing Service - Reducing Clutter - Enjoy an Organized Home! Basement, garage, attic, shop, storage rooms - any room organized! Belongings sorted, boxed and labeled, items hauled or taken for recycling, trash bagged. For before and after photos, visit: www.swalms organizing.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115.

Spring is here! I do decks, fences, siding, windows, doors, roofing, exterior house painting and can cover all your landscaping needs. I bid and do the work, and am fully insured.

Serving the Leaven parishioners for 12 years. Call Joshua Doherty at (913)-709-7230.

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376

Heating and cooling repair and replacement - Call Joe with JB Design and Service. Licensed and insured with 20 years experience. Member of Divine Mercy Parish. Call Joe at (913) 915-6887.

Ceiling, wall crack and water stain repair Ceilings retextured or painted. Interior painting, no mess! Serving Kansas City, Kan., and the Johnson County area for 23 years. Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144.

Wood rot and house painting - 25 years experience painting houses and working with wood rot and window repairs. I honestly believe you cannot find a better job out there. Up to 15-year warranty on your paint job! No job too big or small, and I will be on your job working every day - no subcontracting out work to someone else.

Fully insured and plenty of references. Call me today!

Mike at (913) 991-3955.

House painting - Interior and exterior; wall paper removal. 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

House painting and all home repairs.

20 years experience.

References.

Call (913) 206-4524.

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.

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.

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

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

Need extra help? Unemployed Catholic mother would like to help elderly with running errands, appointments, cleaning, visiting, walking, etc. Rates negotiable. Call Pam at (913) 334-9265.

Caregiving - Mature woman looking for part-time work assisting someone in the morning and/or evening. Available for errands, doctor’s appointments, shopping, etc.

Heath care background. Call (913) 579-5276.

Caregiver - Retired nurse, widow. Could you use an extra pair of hands? After-surgery care or incapacitated in any way. Could do light housekeeping, hair care, out of town, traveling, or a day out, casino. Call (913) 3842119.

Nanny - Looking for a nanny job. Lots of experience; excellent references. Flexible hours. Please call Justina at (913) 314-4542.

Caregiving wanted - Seeking gentle caregiver/CNA for elderly gentleman in home. Atchison area, evening and nights. References required. Must be patient and kind as well as honest and reliable. Call (913) 426-4068.

Need some help? - Maybe I am the answer. I can get you to your doctor’s appointment, hairdresser or shopping. Perhaps you aren’t driving anymore or just prefer a chauffeur. I’ll get you there. I can also run errands for you such as picking up your prescriptions or groceries.

Just give me a call to discuss your needs. Johnson County only. Call (913) 469-6211 or (816) 806-0564.

Two semi-retired exceptional nurses with 57 years combined nursing experience – Offering the best private duty, respite, and companion care. Specialize in Alzheimer’s, diabetic and geriatric care. Licensed, references and background check. Let us keep your loved one in their home. Call (913) 710-5412 or (913) 226-5385.

Have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease? Inquire about our fresh, unique approach to care. ComfortCare Homes, a local, family-owned care option, opened its first home in 2005. We have now grown to four homes located in Overland Park and Leawood. All of our homes are located minutes from highways I-35 or I-435, allowing easy access from anywhere in the Kansas City metropolitan area including Lee’s Summit, Shawnee, Liberty and Olathe. To learn more or take a tour, call Courtney Minter at (913) 609-1891 or visit the website at: www.

ComfortCareKC.com.

Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help.

Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home - Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com.

vacation Bahamas beachfront condo - Enjoy the crystal clear waters, beachfront pool and beautiful sunrises from our newly remodeled condo that sleeps four. $125/night; $750/ week. Local owner will rent to mature adults and families.

To view, visit the website at: www.coralbeach1602.com or send an email to: coralbeach1602@gmail.com.

Branson getaway - Walk-in condo on Pointe Royale Golf Course. Sleeps 6. Close to lakes and entertainment. Furnished, pool and hot tub. No cleaning fee. Nightly and weekly rates. Discounts available. Call (913) 515-3044.

Mountain cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA, fully furnished; sleeps four. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $95/night.

Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the website at: www. tillmancabin.com.

For rent For rent - Overland Park ranch style duplex. 2 BR, 2 BA, two-car garage, and deck. Lawn care, trash service, snow removal included. No pets. Great for seniors! $975/month, plus security deposit. Call (913) 492-7617.

For rent - 1 BR, 1 BA, 8704-4 Noland Rd., Lenexa. 600 square feet. $530/month. Remodeled inside and out. Great location, close to everything. Co-op keeps up the inside and outside. Must meet income limit qualifications. Selling price, $5,000 with buyer moving in before Aug. 31. After Aug. 31, price is $5,530. Market value: $8,837.81. This is considered Section 8 living. Call (913) 888-0414 to make an appointment. Buyer can consult a credit union for a low interest loan. Serious buyers call (407) 852-4028.

Classifieds continue on the next page >>

calendar 13

AUGUST 2, 2013 | theleaven.com << continueD from previous page

for sale For sale - Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Topeka, prime burial space, Henry addition. Relocated and need to sell. Asking $1,200. Call (785) 249-5482.

For sale - Sofa sleeper, queen, excellent: $350. HD projection 57” TV: $50. Computer with keyboard mouse: $50. Oak crib: $40. Playpen: $10. Cradle: $20. Garage sale, Aug. 2 - 3. Lots of Americana (pictures, etc.), home furnishings, toys, misc. 14645 S. Hallet, Olathe (off 146th between Pflumm and Blackbob). (913) 5684543.

Heirloom quality American Girl doll furniture Bedsandthreads.com Avoid shipping charges; pickup in Shawnee Call John Hember at (913) 631-4060.

St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner Max’s rosaries - Custom-made locally for all occasions – first Communion, confirmation, baptism, graduation.

Rosary bracelets and beaded earrings too! I also do repairs. Member of the Church of the Ascension, Overland Park. Call (913) 400-3236.

Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.

Real estate For sale - Move-in ready farmhouse in Winchester with fruit and nut trees. 2 (possible 3) bedrooms, 1 bath on 15.5 acres with 32 x 40 outbuilding. Upgrades within last 3 years include fully remodeled bath (with tile), hardwood floors, roof, windows, hot water on demand tank, and painted inside. Earth wood stove, propane tank (owned, not rented) and rural water, security gate, good school district. Motivated seller. Call (913) 6834488 or (913) 362-3024.

For sale - Cuchara, Colo., condo. Southern frontrange 9000+ feet. 2 BR, 1 BA, 2 decks. $65,000. Great views, hiking, fishing, hunting. Send an email to: cbohaty@ kc.rr.com for photos and details.

For sale by owner - Overland Park home. Updated and cute ranch home! 3 BR, updated bath. Dark woods in living room. Tiled kitchen, newer cabinets, counters and appliances. Newer roof and deck. Living room fireplace, fenced backyard with storage shed. Near Tomahawk Ele School. $127,950. 6522 W. 78th Terrace. Call (913) 302-1128 Leawood home - Close to Sprint campus. Walk to Nativity; split level 5+ BR, 4 full BA, 2 1/2 BA. Lots of space, almost finished walkout basement, screen porch, deck, patio with fireplace; treed; cul-de-sac; sits on beautiful 1/2 acre. Great value at $265,000. No signs. 11912 Canterbury. For sale by owner. Call (913) 620-0163.

Fun in the Flint Hills! – Lakefront home on beautiful, friendly, family-oriented Lake Wabaunsee. Modern 3 BR, 2-1/2 BA, open floor plan home with private dock.

Across the street from community golf course. Only 30 minutes southwest of Topeka. Call (785) 608-9008 or send an email to: bandersoa@gmail.com.

August St. Casimir Church, Leavenworth, will host its annual dinner on Aug. 4 from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. The cost to attend is $9 for adults and $5 for children. Carryouts are available.

4

A 12-week series for women, “Education and Support for Addictions and Domestic Violence,” is held on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.

- noon at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central, Kansas City, Kan. To register, call (913) 906-8990.

6

“All Addictions Group,” a support group for women dealing with any kind of addiction, at any stage of recovery, meets on Tuesday evenings from 6 - 7 p.m. at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Call (913) 906-8990 or register online at: www.keelerwomenscenter. org. Keeler will have no evening programs on Aug. 20.

Our Lady of Fatima Circle, Daughters of Isabella, will host an area-wide picnic for circle members and guests on Aug. 7 at Christ the King Parish, 53rd and Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kan. Registration begins at 6 p.m., followed by the meal at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment will follow. Meat will be furnished; bring a covered dish to share. To make a reservation, call Pat at (913) 334-1399 by Aug. 4.

7

Scripture study, Bible sharing and reflection, lectio and journaling, an eight-week series, will be offered at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., on Wednesdays, Aug. 7 - Sept. 25 from 9:30 - 11 a.m. This weekly Bible study group will be based on the upcoming Scripture readings from the Catholic Lectionary.

To register, call (913) 906-8990.

Spiritual Vessel Village of the Militia of the Immaculata gathers at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, La Cygne, every second Thursday of the month. For more information, call Juanita Chrisman at (913) 484-0919.

8

Saint Thomas Aquinas High School will host its Saints Stampede and Family Fun Day on Aug. 10 from 8 - 11 a.m. at the high school, 114th and Pflumm Rd., Overland Park. The day includes a 5K run/

10

Business for sale - Part-time business for local area.

Nets $47K. Christian-themed magazine. Guaranteed clients. No experience necessary; will train. Work from your location. Retiring. $24,000. Call (828) 667-5371.

wanted to buy Wanted - Lionel trains. Call (913) 485-6700.

Wanted - Old drugstore soda fountain. Apothecary and candy jars, signs, slot machines, Coca-Cola.

Spool, thread, dye. Nut and bolt cabinets. Advertising clocks, small antique display case and store displays.

Hunting and fishing old duck decoys and fishing lures.

Autographed baseballs.

Call (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269. *** Wanted to buy *** Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, prints, sterling, etc.

Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Buying a classified ad Email: julie@theleaven.com Phone: (913) 647-0327

Call Toll Free 888-246-1504

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co. Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing.

Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas.

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

walk, pancake breakfast, games and activities with prizes. For more information, visit the website at: www.stasaints.net/ saintsstampede5K. Mystical Rose Village of the Militia of the Immaculata gathers at Sacred Heart Parish hall, Mound City, every second Saturday of the month. For more information, call Cecelia Clay at (913) 352-6677.

A fundraiser polka party for Resurrection School will be Aug. 10 at Msgr. Mejak Hall, 513 Ohio Ave., Kansas City, Kan., beginning at 7 p.m., featuring the Brian McCarty Band with Don Lipovac. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Sponsored by St. Veronica Lodge No. 115, KSKJ Life. This is a matching funds event.

For reservations, call Julie at (913) 2687640 or Monica at (913) 745-6423.

Immaculate Conception Parish, St. Marys, will host a picnic and reunion on Aug. 11, serving a chicken dinner and all the trimmings from 4 - 7 p.m. The cost to attend is $7.50 for adults; $4 for children ages 12 and under. Games and prizes will start at 5 p.m. and drawings will begin at 8 p.m.

11

A monthly rosary rally will be held on Aug. 11 from 3 - 4 p.m. at Holy Family Parish, 274 Orchard, Kansas City, Kan. All are welcome to attend.

The regular meeting of the KCK Serra Club will be held at noon on Aug. 14 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5th and Minnesota, Kansas City, Kan. Vincent Elmer, director of Christ’s Peace House of Prayer in Easton, will be the speaker.

14

Does your marriage need fine-tuning? Do you and your spouse need help improving your communication skills? Marriage for Keeps, an outreach of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, is returning to St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kan. Marriage for Keeps offers education, support and resources for couples seeking to improve their marriage and strengthen their family. Classes begin Aug. 14 and run seven consecutive Wednesdays from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Registration is required by calling (913) 621-5775, ext. 1105.

Everyone is invited on a spiritual pilgrimage to Conception Abbey via the Cathedral of St. Joseph in St. Joseph, Mo., with a stop at the Benedictine Sisters in Clyde, Mo. We leave from Savior Pastoral Center

at 9 a.m. on Sept. 14 or at the Walmart at Blue Ridge Tower in Missouri at 9:45 a.m. and are scheduled to return at 6 p.m. on Sept. 15. Cost is $135, with meals and overnight stay at the abbey included. Visit the website at: www.eventbrite.com for details and to register; call Susan Draftz at (913) 367-2227; or visit the ACCW website at: http://sites.google.com/site/ accwkck. Registration deadline is Aug. 12.

Prince of Peace bereavement support group will host Brent Doster, coordinator and chaplain with Catholic Community Hospice, on Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. in the faculty lounge of Prince of Peace Parish, 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe. His topic will be poetry and grief. The group will share, discuss and explore how poetry can be useful in the grieving process. For questions, call Donna Kaberlein at (913) 829-5320.

15

St. John the Baptist, 708 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual festival beginning after 4 p.m. Mass on Aug. 17. There will be games, fun and prizes for all ages as well as lots of food and drink, with a traditional sarma dinner in the gym. A free outdoor polka dance, featuring Don Lipovac, will be on the Strawberry Hill Museum grounds from 9 - 11 p.m. For more information, call (913) 371-0627.

17

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be at 8 a.m. on Aug. 17 at Curé of Ars, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Following the Mass, the bereavement ministry will have its monthly support meeting in the Father Burak Room. Liz Luck will speak on “Life After Death.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

A class in using the symptothermal method of natural family planning during the postpartum period will be held on Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. at Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka. Call Dana or Eric Runnebaum at (785) 380-0062 or the Couple to Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558 for more information. Online registration is required on the website at: www.ccli.org.

18

Calendar submissions

• email: calendar@theleaven.com • Mail to: 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: calendar

14 commentary Scripture Readings

theleaven.com | august 2, 2013

Aug. 4 Eighteenth sunday in ordinary time Eccl 1: 2; 2: 21-23 Ps 95: 1-2, 6-9 Col 3: 1-5, 9-11 Lk 12: 13-21 Aug. 5 The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major Nm 11: 4b-15 Ps 81: 12-17 Mt 14: 13-21 Aug. 6 THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD Dn 7: 9-10, 13-14 Ps 97: 1-2, 5-6, 9 2 Pt 1: 16-19 Lk 9: 28b-36 Aug. 7 Sixtus II, pope, and companions, martyrs; Cajetan, priest Nm 13: 1-2, 25 – 14:1, 26-29a, 34-35 Ps 106: 6-7, 13-14, 21-23 Mt 15: 21-28 Aug. 8 Dominic, priest Nm 20: 1-13 Ps 95: 1-2, 6-9 Mt 16: 13-23 Aug. 9 Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, virgin, martyr Dt 4: 32-40 Ps 77: 12-16, 21 Mt 16: 24-28 Aug. 10 LAWRENCE, DEACON, MARTYR 2 Cor 9: 6-10 Ps 112: 1-2, 5-9 Jn 12: 24-26 NINETeenth week of ordinary time Aug. 11 NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Wis 18: 6-9 Ps 33: 1, 12, 18-22 Heb 11: 1-2, 8-19 Lk 12: 32-48 Aug. 12 Jane Frances de Chantal, religious Dt 10: 12-22 Ps 147: 12-15, 19-20 Mt 17: 22-27 Aug. 13 Pontian, pope, and Hippolytus, priest, martyrs Dt 31: 1-8 (Ps) Dt 32: 3-4, 7-9, 12 Mt 18: 1-5, 10, 12-14 Aug. 14 Maximilian Kolbe, priest, martyr Dt 34: 1-12 Ps 66: 1-3, 5, 8, 16-17 Mt 18: 15-20 Aug. 15 the assumption of the virgin mary Rv 11: 19a; 12: 1-6a, 10ab Ps 45: 10bc, 11-12ab, 16 1 Cor 15: 20-27 Lk 1: 39-56 Aug. 16 Stephen of Hungary Jos 24: 1-13 Ps 136: 1-3, 16-18, 21-22, 24 Mt 19: 3-12 Aug. 17 Saturday Jos 24: 14-29 Ps 16: 1-2, 5, 7-8, 11 Mt 19: 13-15

guest commentary

mark my words

Eighteenth week of ordinary time

I

commentary 15

August 2, 2013 | theleaven.com

Mirror, mirror, on the wall

’ve spent the last couple of days checking my house for bugs — not the creepy-crawly kind, but the “listening” kind. I’m convinced that someone — let’s call him Pope Francis — knows exactly what I’m thinking and repeatedly “just happens” to give voice to things that I am (or should be) dealing with.

Here’s the most recent example. I just got back last Friday afternoon from vacation. Once again, I hauled a ton of stuff on the trip, cramming every available space in a suitcase and various bags with essential items. On returning home, I’d not touched most of what I packed . . . as usual. I was extremely comfortable and content with only a fraction of what I’d brought along.

And what was true on vacation — that less is better — can certainly be said about my living quarters. How does a single man acquire so many possessions?

Enter Pope Francis at World Youth Day in Rio. At a slum on July 25, he denounced a “culture of selfishness and individualism.” Evidently, he “somehow” knew about my travel

Father Mark Goldasich Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. items and my duplex. (See why I suspect bugs?) I can just hear him asking me, “When do you think you’ll read all of those books you own? How many shirts do you really need? With all of the office supplies you have, are you thinking of opening a school or business?”

Many have spoken of the humility and simplicity of our still-new pope. I like to think of him as a “living catechism,” who teaches by both word and example. He does what the Scriptures do: Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.

Sadly, I see myself in the man in this little story: One day, as was usually the case, a little orphan girl stood on a street corner, beg-

ging. This child was wearing tattered clothes and her hair was a mess. And, as she hadn’t bathed in a while, she was quite dirty and fragrant.

Now it happened that a wealthy young man passed that corner every day without giving the little girl a second glance. One day, though, when he returned to his expensive home, his happy family and his well-laden table, his thoughts suddenly turned to that orphan girl.

Growing angry with God, the young man said, “Lord, how can you let this happen to that poor kid? Why don’t you do something to help her?”

And then, from the depths of his heart, the man heard the unmistakable voice of God that said, “I did do something! I created you!” (Adapted from a story in “The Sower’s Seeds” by Brian Cavanaugh, TOR.) Yes, God continues to do something about hunger, pain, despair and poverty in our world. He’s created each of us to be his heart, hands and help to others. By his Spirit, God wants to replace individualism with solidarity and selfishness with generosity.

While any time is a great time to share, August seems particularly appropriate. As kids get ready to head back to school, there’s a frenzy of buying that goes on: school supplies, clothing, shoes, etc. And even if we don’t have kids, inevitably we’re lugging new “improved” things into our lives. As those new items flood into our homes, let’s make sure at the same time to let usable “old stuff” trickle out — into the hands of organizations or individuals who need it.

As a visible reminder, place a box or bag in every room of your home. When you come across something outdated or unwanted or not needed, pop it immediately into the donation container.

When full (or simply when you know you’ll be passing a favorite charity), take the box or bag to your car and drop it off.

And the next time you’re bugged about something and catch yourself looking to heaven and asking, “God, when are you going to help with x, y or z?” know that you’ll find the answer staring back at you in the mirror.

In the beginning

True wisdom is not earned, but is a gift from God

D

oes vanity mean taking pride in one’s appearance?

After all, the word can refer to a piece of furniture, a case to hold makeup and other cosmetics, to make a person who is vain look pretty. Then, the word “vanity” would point to a not-very-desirable personal characteristic. But that meaning lies at a very superficial level.

On the other hand, if we dig deeper, we can find a deeper meaning of the word, one more appropriate to Sunday’s first reading, Eccl 1:2, 2:21-23. Here, the word “vanity” appears seven times.

The reading reflects upon the great toil that a person can engage in, only to leave the fruits of that labor to someone else. So, what’s the use? All is vanity. Here, the

Father Mike Stubbs Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. word “vanity” means a lack of meaning to life. It issues a judgment upon the whole of existence. It encapsulates the deep pessimism which pervades the Book of Ecclesiastes.

Nonetheless, Ecclesiastes does not seek to lead us to a dead end, a hopeless despair.

Rather, by confronting us with the harsh realities of life, by a sober contemplation of

Pope francis As Great Britain and Ireland debate right-tolife issues in current health care policies and legislation, Pope Francis encouraged Catholics there to uphold “the inestimable value of all human life. Even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor are masterpieces of God’s creation,

the truth, it wishes to awaken us to wisdom. In that respect, Ecclesiastes resembles those philosophers who taught that the contemplation of death would lead to wisdom. As Elizabeth Kübler-Ross writes: “It’s only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth — and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up — that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.”

And yet, Ecclesiastes calls even this wisdom “vanity”: “Behold, I have become great and stored up wisdom beyond all who were before me in Jerusalem, and my mind has broad experiences of wisdom and knowledge.

Yet when I applied my mind to know wisdom and knowledge, madness and folly, I learned that this also is a

made in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect,” the pope said. His encouragement came in a message made public in the run-up to the annual Day for Life, celebrated by the Catholic Church in England and Wales July 28. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales published the pope’s message July 16. The message said the pope was

chase after wind” (Eccl 1:1617). In that way, Ecclesiastes seeks to keep us from taking pride in anything proceeding from our own human efforts.

Ultimately, true wisdom results, not from our own doing, but comes as a gift from God. That is why we call it one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Only that type of wisdom can escape the gloomy judgment pronounced by the Book of Ecclesiastes.

That is why it concludes with the words: “The last word, when all is heard: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is man’s all; because God will bring to judgment every work, with all its hidden qualities, whether good or bad” (Eccl 12: 13-14).

praying “that the Day for Life will help ensure that human life always receives the protection that is its due.” He underlined that “the glory of God is seen in a living human being” and asked that all Catholics work “to let the light of that glory shine so brightly that everyone may come to recognize the inestimable value of all human life.”

— CNS

S

Society must support both victims of rape

ome call abortion the “third rail” of American public debate, endangering anyone who touches it. Commenting on abortion in cases of rape is a uniquely high-voltage risk.

The act of rape is so abominable, and the trauma of the victim so clearly cries out for our sympathy, that discussing the issue calmly almost seems a disservice.

But some news coverage of this topic, entangled with various political agendas, has been anything but calm. The public debate would benefit from some facts.

The first fact, affirmed by the U.S. bishops’ ethical directives for Catholic health care, is that any woman subjected to sexual assault needs our compassionate and understanding care, including psychological and spiritual as well as medi-

Richard M. Doerflinger

Richard M. Doerflinger is associate director of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

cal support. The church, especially, should be a place of help and healing for a woman in this plight, as for all victims of violence.

Second, any child conceived in rape is, like his or her mother, an innocent victim. That child, too, has a right to life, and destroying the child does not punish the rapist or end the woman’s

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

trauma. There is a remarkable lack of evidence that women who abort their child in these dire circumstances fare better psychologically than women who carry to term. Delivering the child, for parenting or adoption placement, does require courage as well as strong support from family, friends and society. Here, too, the church and its charitable ministries can play an important role.

Last year, a group of women who have conceived from rape released a petition, urging lawmakers who support abortion to stop claiming to speak for them.

The women who underwent abortions said: “For many, the abortion caused physical and emotional trauma equal to or exceeding the trauma of the sexual assault that our abortions were supposed to ‘cure.’”

Third, the question has arisen whether pregnancy and abortion after rape are “rare.” In a 2005 survey by the Guttmacher Institute, Planned Parenthood’s former research arm, one percent of women having abortions cited rape as a reason — and surprisingly, only half of those women said the rape was “the most important reason” for aborting. In 2006, the pro-abortion Center for American Progress complained that since Congress passed the Hyde amendment — limiting federal funds for abortion to cases of rape, incest, and danger to the mother’s life — the number of federally funded abortions had dropped from 300,000 a year to “virtually none.”

A single rape is one too many. But if rape is numerically a small part of the abortion picture, and such abortions are already allowed and

even funded under federal laws, why does it receive so much attention? One answer is that abortion advocates see it as a weak link in the pro-life position. They want Americans to focus on it to the exclusion of other issues — including the other 99 percent of abortions, which these advocates support and most Americans oppose.

But that’s politics, not reality, and it’s a cynical misuse of women who have suffered deeply from acts of sexual violence. Or as the women mentioned earlier say: “Just as we were once used, without our consent, to gratify the sexual desires of others, so we continue to be used, without our consent, to gratify the political goals of others.” Women who have been through this nightmare, as well as their children, deserve better.

16 Local news

theleaven.com | august 2, 2013

Retired Bishop George Fitzsimons of Salina dies n Bishop Fitzsimons led the Salina diocese for 20 years

O

GDEN (CNS) — Retired Bishop George K. Fitzsimons of Salina died July 28 at his home here. He was 84 years old.

He headed the Salina Diocese from 1984 to 2004. In retirement, he lived at the rectory of St. Patrick Parish in Ogden and continued to serve in the diocese until his death.

An evening wake was held Aug. 1 and a funeral Mass was Bishop George K. celebrated the Fitzsimons next morning.

Both were to take place at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina, followed by burial in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Salina.

In an October 2004 news conference to introduce his successor, Bishop Fitzsimons thanked the priests and people of the Salina Diocese “for the privilege of serving with them for over 20 years.” He said the “depth of faith and spirit of collaboration” in the diocese had energized him as a bishop.

His successor was then-Bishop Paul S. Coakley, who in December 2010 was appointed Oklahoma City’s archbishop. The current head of the Salina Diocese is Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger.

Bishop Fitzsimons was appointed to Salina after serving nine years as auxiliary bishop of his native Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo. Over the years as Salina’s bishop, he joined his voice with the other Catholic bishops of Kansas on many issues, such as opposing efforts to reinstate the death penalty (1994); calling on lawmakers to pass welfare reform that targeted “poverty, not poor families” (1998); and issuing a white paper on agriculture (2002) that acknowledged the role of growth, science, technology and economics in agriculture but also urged that farm policy respect the family farm and “that way of life” and promote sustainable agriculture.

“There is more to human and agricultural life than economics: There is an ethical dimension to every economic choice,” Bishop Fitzsimons and the

TOUCH OF HEAVEN

Catholic Store 119 SE 18th Topeka, KS (785) 232-2543 Hrs. T-F - 10 a.m. 5:30; Sat. 9 a.m. to noon

Bishop George K. Fitzsimons breathes into the urn of chrism oil during the chrism Mass on March 29, 2012. The Mass was among the numerous events he took on during the interim between Bishop Paul Coakley’s departure for Oklahoma City in February 2011 and the installation of Bishop Edward Weisenburger in May 2012. At right is Father Frank Coady. other Kansas bishops said.

In a 1989 column in his diocesan newspaper, the Northwestern Kansas Register, he urged Catholics to work at forming their conscience based on prayer, study, consultation, understanding of the church’s teachings, Scriptures “and common sense.”

“Our conscience is a decision to act in particular circumstances in our daily living,” he said. “Such decisions are an act of the intellect in which we determine the rightness and wrongness of a daily act and proceed to live our lives.”

Before entering the seminary, the future bishop was employed in banking from 1948 to 1950, then served as a lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954, during which time he was a pilot. He was a real estate salesman after his service in the Navy and then entered the seminary in 1956.

He was ordained to the priesthood March 18, 1961, by Cardinal John Cody, then bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Mo. After serving as an associate pastor in three Kansas City, Mo., area parishes, he was appointed chancellor of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph on

Want to help someone heal from an abortion?

Call Toll Free 888-246-1504

March 10, 1970. Four years later, he was named to also serve as vicar general of that diocese.

On May 27, 1975, he was appointed an auxiliary bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph and was ordained at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on July 3, 1975. As auxiliary bishop, he also served as pastor of Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Mo. Bishop Fitzsimons was appointed to head the Salina Diocese in March 1984. He was installed May 29, 1984, at Salina’s Sacred Heart Cathedral by Archbishop Ignatius J. Strecker of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Bishop Fitzsimons was episcopal adviser for the National Catholic Committee on Scouting.

He was born Sept. 4, 1928, in Kansas City, Mo., to George and Margaret Mary (Donovan) Fitzsimons. He attended St. Francis Xavier Grade School and Rockhurst High School and College, all in Kansas City, Mo., and Conception Seminary College, Conception, Mo. Survivors include his sister, Margaret Muckenthaler of Oak Ridge, Tenn.; a brother-in-law, Allan Molgaard and wife Mary Ellen of Las Vegas; and several nieces and nephews.

DeLeon Furniture

Furniture, upholstering and restoration 1142 Minnesota Ave. Kansas City, Kan. 66102 (913) 342-9446

Father Fitzsimons in 1965 as a priest for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.