THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 41, NO. 3 | AUGUST 2, 2019
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MATT MCCABE
A volunteer helps organize and distribute food to the needy at Catholic Charities Mobile Food Distribution location on July 20. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas sponsors many efforts, like Mobile Food Distribution, to try to battle food insecurity in the archdiocese.
HUNGER IN THE HEARTLAND
Parishioners come together to get food where it’s needed By Ellie Melero @eleanor_melero
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It was a hot Saturday in July, and the parking lot at Harmon High School here offered no shade or relief from the heat. But volunteers with Catholic Charities still worked hard to make sure people had access to food. Catholic Charities hosted its monthly Mobile Food Distribution July 20, and about 30 volunteers from St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood and Our Lady of Unity in Kansas City, Kansas, came together to help bag and distribute food to some 300 families in the Kansas City area. “We serve a lot of people in the community,” said James Fuquay, a Catholic Charities employee at the Hope Distribution Center in Kansas City, Kansas. “We see a lot of people who just need some help from month to month. They don’t really have enough to buy groceries and pay the electric bill, so that’s what we’re here for.” Twenty percent of Kansans are food insecure — which means they lack reliable access to sufficient and affordable,
nutritious food. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas sponsors many efforts to try to battle this food insecurity, one of which is its monthly Mobile Food Distribution. The distribution takes place the third Saturday of each month at Harmon High School, down the street from the Hope Distribution Center, Catholic Charities’ food warehouse. Harvesters Community Food Network provides the food, and volunteers sort it and load it into the cars of the people who need it. Angela Markley, who sits on the Companions in Faith Committee for Our Lady of Unity and St. Michael parishes, helped coordinate parishioners from the two parishes to volunteer for the Mobile Food Distribution. She said members of both parishes were eager to help with the food distribution because they wanted to give back to their community. “It’s important for us to share with our families the needs in our community,” Markley said. “Some of these families, if they weren’t getting food here today, wouldn’t be able to afford to get food. “I think there’s a lot of people out there who don’t realize how much need >> See “FOOD” on page 2
Join the fight against food insecurity By Ellie Melero @eleanor_melero
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n Kansas, one in five people are food insecure, and they rely on places like food pantries and soup kitchens to provide food for their families. Catholic Charities relies heavily on donations to keep its food pantries stocked. And there is an even greater need for food during the summer months because schools aren’t open to sponsor food drives and children no longer receive lunch at school. If you would like to help fight food insecurity in Kansas, here are some things you can do.
DONATE Donate food to a local food drive at places like Hy-Vee or directly to Catholic Charities. They are always looking for donations of shelf-stable,
healthy foods, like canned vegetables or peanut butter. If you would like to organize a food drive for your parish, Catholic Charities can provide a list of most needed items to help get you started.
VOLUNTEER Catholic Charities is always looking for volunteers for events like the Mobile Food Distribution, and offers volunteer opportunities at its Hope Distribution Center as well. If you are looking for a place more local, many parishes and other organizations sponsor soup kitchens.
SPREAD AWARENESS Let other people know that there is a need for food in the community. Encourage them to donate food and volunteer to help make sure everyone has enough to eat.
AUGUST 2, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
Food line starts 6 hours before distribution >> Continued from page 1 there is in our community, and you can see it here today.” Cars started lining up in the parking lot about 7 a.m. Saturday, about six hours before the food distribution began. Volunteers arrived about 10:30 a.m. to start setting up, and the Harvesters truck arrived at about 11:20 a.m. Harvesters provided pallets full of eggs, milk, potatoes, and fresh fruit and vegetables. Each pallet was labeled with what food it had and how much of that item went into each grocery bag. Volunteers began bagging the food as soon as it was unloaded from the truck. At 1 p.m., volunteers started loading the food into the cars of waiting people. Each car was allowed to take home up to four bags of food, depending on how many people each car was feeding. The people who came to receive food came from all walks of life, and they came asking for help for many different reasons. One man came with his daughter because he doesn’t make enough at his job to put fresh food on the table every
Robert and Kathleen Dorst, members of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a family dinner. The couple was married on Aug. 16, 1969, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Hannibal, Missouri. Their children are Sarah and Rebecca. They also have six grandchildren. Robert “Bob” and Celia (Hernández) Harris, members of All Saints Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a family dinner. The couple was married on Aug. 16, 1969, at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church, Kansas City, Kansas, by Father Andrew Hnat. Their children are: Michael, Randy and Ryan Harris. They also have one grandson. Don and Mary Ann (DeDonder) Davis, members of St. Stanislaus Parish, Rossville, w i l l celebrate their 50th wedd i n g anniversary on Aug. 11 with family and friends at the Silver Lake Community Center. The couple was married on Aug. 9, 1969, at Immaculate Conception Church, St. Marys. Their children are: Jenny Morgan, Shelley Holder and Stacey Clark. They also have 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Aug. 1-2 Seminarian pilgrimage Aug. 4-6 USCCB pro-life diocesan directors meeting — Louisville, Kentucky
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MATT MCCABE
Accessing affordable, nutritious food — like fresh fruit and vegetables — can be a challenge for some people for a variety of reasons. day. One woman came on behalf of her friend who had a heart attack and can’t afford food and her medical bills. Another woman came because, as a single mother, she struggles to feed her children. Each person has their own story, but
they were all grateful to be given an opportunity to take home some fresh food. “It is a tremendous blessing,” said Marla, one of the food recipients. “It’s helpful to have things like fresh fruit, and they give you so much that it really helps. I just appreciate the blessing.”
Sister Mary Owen Leutloff, OSB ATCHISON — Sister Mary Owen Leutloff, 100, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died June 6 at the monastery. Sister Mary Owen was born in St. Anne, Illinois, the only child of Mary and James Leutloff. After graduating from St. Patrick High School in Kankakee, Illinois, she worked as a parish secretary and sacristan in Kankakee and then as a bookkeeper in Hanover. She entered the Benedictine community of Mount St. Scholastica in January 1946. She earned a master’s degree in elementary administration from Northwest Missouri State University and taught at parish schools in Defiance, Iowa; Atkinson, Nebraska; and at Westphalia, Valley Falls, Horton, Topeka, Wamego, Seneca, Marysville and Kansas City, Kansas, for over 40 years. With her love of gardening and science, she worked in the monastery maintenance department after retiring from teaching, and also assisted in the monastery library. Her other interests included reading and various needlecrafts. She was able to enjoy a celebration of her 100th birthday on April 29 of this year.
Sister Mary Joyce Meyers, OSB ATCHISON — Sister Mary Joyce Meyers, 95, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died June 11 at the monastery. Sister Mary Joyce was born in Evanston, Illinois, on June 27, 1923, to Harry and Barbara (Schmidt) Meyers. After graduating from St. Scholastica Academy in Chicago, she entered the Mount community in 1944. She taught math, English and science at high schools in Kansas, Colorado, and Missouri and was principal of St. Joseph High School in Shawnee for 10 years. She held a bachelor’s degree in math from Mount St. Scholastica College and a master’s in educational administration from Creighton University. She received the Soroptimist Outstanding Teacher Award and the Trustees’ Fellowship at University of Missouri-Kansas City. After earning her master’s and doctorate in counseling at UMKC, she worked as a marriage and family counselor at Catholic Social Services in Kansas City, Kansas, until 1978. She was also a psychologist at Family Therapy Institute in Kansas City, Missouri, for 27 years. She held memberships in the American Psychological Association and the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. After her retirement, she volunteered at Keeler Women’s Center in Kansas City, Kansas, and then assisted in the development office at the monastery. Last year, at age 95, she traveled to Philadelphia as one of the 10 outstanding senior Americans honored by LeadingAge, a national organization of nonprofits serving seniors.
Sister Philomene Glotzbach, OSB ATCHISON — Sister Philomene Glotzbach, 92, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died July 18 at the monastery. Sister Philomene was born in Paxico on April 27, 1927. She made her monastic profession in 1946 and taught primary grades for over 50 years in Kansas, Missouri and Colorado. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Mount St. Scholastica College and did graduate studies in German at Montana State University and in Munich. After retiring, she maintained a flower garden and arranged exquisite bouquets for the monastery.
Aug. 7 Theological training graduation for Hispanic leaders — Savior Pastoral Center Aug. 10 LIFE Runners Mass and movie • Mass — Divine Mercy, Gardner • Movie, “Where There is Darkness” — AMC, Olathe Aug. 11 Installation of Father Daniel Coronado — St. Catherine, Emporia Religious Sisters Appreciation Day — St Patrick, Kansas City, Kansas Aug. 12 Nemaha-Marshall regional priests meeting — Sts. Peter and Paul, Seneca Aug. 13 Theology of the body teacher training opening prayer and remarks — Savior Pastoral Center Envisioning Team meeting Aug. 14 Legatus chartering Mass — Our Lady of Good Counsel, Kansas City, Missouri Legatus reception — Mission Hills Country Club Aug. 15 Feast of the Assumption – Holy day Aug. 17 Installation of Father Oswaldo Sandoval — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Aug. 18 Installation of Father Mathew Francis — St. Patrick, Corning Aug. 19 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Aug. 20-21 Jesus Caritas — Salina Aug. 22 Donnelly College convocation — Cathedral CFNEK Holy Land Pilgrimage Mass and dinner — Savior Pastoral Center Aug. 24 Installation of Father Matthew Nagle — St. Mary, Hartford Aug. 25 Ministry of acolyte for the third deacon cohort — Savior Pastoral Center
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AUGUST 2, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
By Ellie Melero @eleanor_melero
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NEW ROOTS TAKE HOLD
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Weeding a garden under a hot Kansas sun in July is not what most people would consider fun. But Mediatrice Niyonkuru is happy to do it. Mediatrice is a farmer, or at least she’s learning how to become one. She is one of 16 people enrolled in Catholic Charities’ New Roots for Refugees program, which is a program designed to help people who came to the United States as refugees learn how to farm in Kansas.
From across the ocean Mediatrice is from Burundi. She fled her homeland with her parents in the ’90s to escape a civil war. She then spent 20 hard years in a refugee camp in Tanzania before coming to the United States in 2015. “The way we were taken care of because we were refugees wasn’t good,” Mediatrice said of her experience in the camp. “Sometimes, we didn’t have food to eat. There wasn’t much help. So if you were sick, you were left on your own.” When Mediatrice came to the United States, she was excited and a little overwhelmed. She didn’t speak English well, and the culture in Kansas is very different than what she was used to. But she was thrilled to have a chance to build a better life for herself and her daughter. Mediatrice said she was amazed at how many job opportunities there are in Kansas, and she took a job packaging soap in Kansas City, where she worked for about four years. During that time, she started to learn more about her new country, and she had her second daughter. Mediatrice said she loves her life in Kansas, but sometimes she misses her home country, especially the people from her village. She also missed some of the food, and she noticed she was not the only person who struggled to find some of the foods she ate in Burundi. “A lot of my friends from Burundi, they needed a lot of the muchichas and the pumpkin leaves, which are vegetables that we ate back home,” Mediatrice said. “I was, like, ‘I want to do that. I want to farm.’” Mediatrice had farmed in Burundi, and she had even farmed in the refugee camp. But farming in Kansas is different than farming in other countries. So Mediatrice went to New Roots.
Farming in Kansas New Roots for Refugees is a four-year program that Catholic Charities sponsors in partnership with Cultivate Kansas City, a local nonprofit working to grow food, farms and community in support of a sustainable and healthy local food system. The program teaches refugees who farmed in their home countries how to
Mediatrice Niyonkuru fled her homeland with her parents in the ’90s to escape a civil war. She is enrolled in Catholic Charities’ New Roots for Refugees, which is a program to help people who came to the United States as refugees learn how to farm in Kansas. Above, she sells the fruits of her labor at a local farmers’ market. Left, she works under the hot Kansas sun tending to her garden.
“When I’m at the market, people will come and buy something,” Mediatrice said. “And then they’ll ask me, ‘How do you cook it?’ “So I’m thinking to myself, ‘Do they come to the market and buy things that they don’t know?’” farm in Kansas. This year, the program is teaching people from the Congo, Burundi, Nepal and different parts of Burma. Each farmer gets a quarter of an acre lot to farm during their four years. In the winter and spring, the farmers take classes to improve their English and to learn more about marketing, budgeting and anything else important to running a small farm. “We really have to teach them about the climate, what grows well here, how to manage the soil, things like that,” said Semra Fetahovic, the program manager from Cultivate Kansas City. “Here, there’s no flood farming. There’s no wet or dry season,” Fetahovic said. “The summer season is different than their summer season. “We don’t have animals on the farm, so we have to teach them about how we source nutrients for the farm. There are different pests here and diseases. There’s just a lot of stuff they have to learn.” The program is designed so that firstyear participants receive heavy support in terms of paying for things like seeds and water and taking their produce to market. By the fourth year, the farmers are expected to be mostly independent. This is Mediatrice’s first year with New Roots, and she said she has enjoyed her experience thus far. President
Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)
Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org
“I like that there are people who are watching over what I’m farming,” said Mediatrice. “There are people following up. They are helping take us to market and selling and things like that.” Mediatrice is starting to learn how different farming in Kansas is from farming in Burundi. One of the biggest differences she has noticed is how farmers here use water. She said in Burundi she had to walk to the river to get water and bring it back to her crops; she is happy she doesn’t have to do that anymore! Another part of farm life in Kansas that is different for her is the farmers’ markets. New Roots helps the farmers sell their produce at normal farmers’ markets around the Kansas City area. They also sell at mini-markets at area churches and through its Community Supported Agriculture program, which allows people to pay a lump sum at the beginning of the summer to receive produce from farmers throughout the season. Mediatrice said she brings a little bit of everything she grows when she goes to market, but she is still learning what produce Americans want to buy. She said she is also learning the American attitude toward food is different from the one she is used to.
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Always learning Mediatrice said she has learned a lot from New Roots, but she is aware there is still a lot more to learn. One of the things she hopes to discover more about is what types of foods people want to buy, and said she would like more feedback from her customers. “I would like for people to tell me what they want us to farm, what they want to see being grown,” said Mediatrice. Meredith Walrafen, the program manager from Catholic Charities, said Mediatrice’s eagerness to learn more and to always solicit more feedback is part of what makes her a great farmer. “I think that she’s really engaged with the learning pieces of the program,” said Walrafen. “She’s kind of always looking for feedback and more information about what she can do differently — what her customers want, how she can improve her skills.” Mediatrice hasn’t been in the program a full year yet, but she’s already making great progress. She has come a long way since her family left Burundi, and she hopes to go even further with the help of New Roots.
Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.
AUGUST 2, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Miege basketball player helps USA team take gold in Chile By Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org
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OELAND PARK — They weren’t even close. That is, the Canadians weren’t. On June 22, the USA Women’s U16 national basketball team defeated Canada at the 2019 Americas tournament in Aysen, Chile, with a final score of 87-37 and undefeated throughout. The team returned to the United States weighed down with gold medals, led by their captain and tournament MVP Payton Verhulst. A junior at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, Verhulst was selected among thousands as one of 12 players to represent the U.S. in the tournament. And while her game is international, there’s still no place like home.
At home at Miege Terry English, a St. Agnes parishioner and head coach of Bishop Miege’s girls basketball team, has coached a lot of young women over the years. Some have gone on to play in college, others professionally. But one thing is certain: He’s never coached anyone like Verhulst. “I think she’s the best I’ve ever coached,” said English. “She’s helpful and a born leader. She has fun with her teammates at practice and she . . . doesn’t act like she’s above them.” Teammate Emajin McCullop, a sophomore at Miege, agreed. “I admire how humble [Verhulst] is,” said McCullop. “You wouldn’t even know that she plays basketball.” McCullop and her teammates have found that rather than being a source of intimidation, Verhulst spreads positivity on and off the court. “[Verhulst] cares so much for each player — no matter how good or bad they are at basketball,” said Sydney Tumberger, a recent graduate of Miege and former teammate. “She made our whole team feel like a family and was always willing to [help] someone when they were doing something wrong.” This candor is something Ashton Verhulst admires most about her sister. “When I was younger, I would get mad at others if they made mistakes and I’d let it define how I played,” said
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBIN VERHULST
Payton Verhulst, a junior at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, leads the USA Women’s U16 national basketball team to the gold medal in Aysen, Chile. Team USA went undefeated and Verhulst was named tournament MVP. Ashton, a senior at Miege. “Payton always forgives [others] for the mistakes they made and encourages them to do better. “Even though I’m the older sister, she’s more of a role model for me. She encourages me to be a better Catholic.”
Gotta have faith For Verhulst, Catholicism is essential to how she plays basketball. “Faith is a big part of it because I get frustrated really easily when I’m playing,” said Verhulst. “[But] God gave me this cross to bear so I . . . [try] to just push through and stay positive.” As a team captain in Chile, Verhulst took the opportunity to awaken her teammates to the reality of Christ present. “I [said to them] that the only reason we all made it [to Chile] was because
God had given us these great abilities and gifts,” she said. “We held hands and prayed before [each] game. . . . It was perfect.” And the road to the U16 Americas tournament was not for those of little faith. Tryouts took place at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs starting May 23 and lasted until mid June. “We tried out for three days in the first round and there were around 150 girls,” said Verhulst. “By the end of the third day, we were down to 40 people. All you do is scrimmage on the last day . . . and then they announce who the final 18 are.” At that point, the players are allowed to go home for five days to rest. “You go back to Colorado, try out for another week just practicing with each other, and at the end of that week they choose 12,” she said.
Athletic Hall of Fame honoree, Sister Madonna Fink, dies at 87 LEAVENWORTH — Sister Madonna Fink, 87, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, died on July 20 at the motherhouse. Sister Madonna devoted her life to a ministry of education as a teacher and librarian. She found special joy interacting with student athletes at the University of Saint Mary. Madonna was born on May 25, 1932, in Sidney, Montana. She was the only child of Nora Mary Cahill and Lawrence Fink. She grew up on a farm where she developed her appreciation for nature. Madonna went to high school at Ursuline Academy in Great Falls, Montana. She enrolled in Saint Mary College, Leavenworth, with plans to major in Latin and become a teacher. Following her sophomore year, she responded to her vocational call and entered the Sisters of Charity community in 1952. She made vows on Aug. 22, 1954, as Sister Mary Laurita, and later returned to her baptismal name.
Sister taught grade school for a few years. Upon completion of her bachelor’s degree in Latin and French at Saint Mary’s, she taught Latin in high schools in Kansas City, Missouri; Topeka; Leavenworth; and Billings, Montana. During summers, Sister Madonna worked to earn a master’s in Latin through Creighton University, Omaha. As enrollment declined in Latin classes, the community sent her to work toward a master’s in library science at Emporia State University. She served one year as a librarian at Butte Central, Butte, Montana. In August 1978, Sister became the reference librarian at Saint Mary College, a position she held until fall 2009 when she began volunteering in the library. Through her years at the college, Sister Madonna assumed an additional role that endeared her to students, their families and the athletic department. She attend-
ed every home sporting event/game that she could and led teams in pre-game prayers. She baked cookies and gave them to student athletes for away games. Sister copied newspaper articles about athletes so they could share them with their families. A self-identified non-athlete, Sister Madonna was among the inaugural inductees into the Saint Mary College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999. A few years later, the University of Saint Mary named its basketball court in her honor. In addition to sports, Sister Madonna loved nature and enjoyed bird watching. She remained ever-grateful for the natural beauty of the Leavenworth campus. In her reflection shared on her induction into the Saint Mary College Athletic Hall of Fame, Sister Madonna Fink expressed gratitude for the holy ground of the Leavenworth campus in all seasons — from ball diamonds to the cem- etery, which she called “one of the holiest places.”
It was those 12 who went, saw and conquered in Chile. They defeated Mexico, Puerto Rico, Chile, Brazil, El Salvador and Canada. And while Verhulst has achieved a lot this summer, it’s only the beginning. “She lets the playing on the floor do all the talking — and it’s starting to talk pretty loud,” said English. “There are only two schools in the United States that haven’t really shown an interest in her yet. “I think she could be an Olympic player someday.” Verhulst said she would love nothing more. But her coach said he has another wish for Verhulst as well. “Faith at Miege is always a center point for the kids,” he said. “Hopefully we will be a small part of helping her be the kind of player she wants to become.”
Father Rossman enters guilty plea Christopher Rossman, who was suspended from ministry Sept. 9, 2016, when an allegation of accessing inappropriate websites was reported to the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, entered a plea in court of guilty on one count of child pornography on July 26, 2019. Since his suspension, Rossman had been restricted from exercising any priestly ministry and had been prohibited from presenting himself as a priest. Rossman’s name has been added to the permanent list of substantiated offenders maintained by the archdiocese, and the process of laicization from the priesthood will begin.
AUGUST 2, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD
After opening remarks and a blessing by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Keeler Women’s Center director Sister Bridget Dickason, OSB, thanked all those who made the move possible.
Volunteer Connie Anderson hands out information and directions to visitors touring the Keeler Women’s Center during the grand opening.
Volunteer Linda Sizemore (front) and Yolanda Badillo look over the Keeler Women’s Center class offerings during the grand opening.
Keeler Women’s Center moves into new space By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org
‘Night of Dreams’
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — What started as one big empty space on the lower level of City View at St. Margaret’s here, has been transformed into an oasis of warmth and welcome. People attending the Keeler Women’s Center grand opening on July 15 were amazed at the beauty of the center’s new home. “We’re kind of in awe now,” said volunteer Chiquita Miller, “because we would see pictures and we would hear conversations, but we never imagined this.” Advisory committee member Pat Callaghan agreed. “Sister would try to explain it to us,” she said. “It actually was a one-room space, and the Sisters worked with the architect, and now it is perfect.” The Keeler Women’s Center, a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters, has its roots at Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, where it first began the work of empowering women in the urban core through education, advocacy, and personal and spiritual development. From Donnelly, the center relocated to the second floor of Catholic Charities on Central Ave., where it served the community for many years But space there was limited and parking at a premium. Now the Keeler Women’s Center finally has a place of its own. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann joined the community for the ribbon cutting at the center’s new location, behind City View apartments, on S. Coy St. “That’s the hardest part about finding us,” said director Sister Bridget Dickason. “We’re located on the backside of the building. “But classes have started, and people are coming.” A bright pink awning is the first sign of welcome. Once inside, the lilac walls, open spaces and large sunny windows create an atmosphere that is, in Sister Bridget’s words, “very Benedictine.” “We’ve had lots of people visit,” she said. “And they were very pleased with the space, the openness, the beauty and the peacefulness it presented. “That’s exactly what we were going for.” Associate directors Sister Suzanne Fitzmaurice and Brenda Mortel were on hand at the grand opening to welcome visitors and give tours of the new facility. “It was wonderful having such a wide variety of people come and see our new space,” said Sister Suzanne. “We had a
“Night of Dreams” is a major fundraiser of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica. It supports The Keeler Women’s Center as well as Sophia Spirituality Center and the care of elderly Sisters. The 23rd annual “Night of Dreams” will be held at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on Nov. 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. For more information or to make a donation, visit the website at: www. mountosb.org; call (913) 360-6215; or send an email to Sister Mary Agnes Patterson at: patterson@mountosb.org.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD
Standing at the entrance of Keeler Women’s Center during the grand opening of its new location are: (from left) director Sister Bridget Dickason, associate directors Sister Suzanne Fitzmaurice and Brenda Mortel, and Rachel Willoughby, a licensed counselor on staff at the center.
Finding Keeler The new location of the Keeler Women’s Center is 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100-B, Kansas City, Kansas. Its entrance is behind City View at St. Margaret’s with parking in an adjacent lot on S. Coy St. A variety of services and classes is available, as well as volunteer opportunities. For more information, go online to: www.keelerwomenscenter.org.
number of people from the [City View] building, some from the neighborhood, our partners and some of our clients and Sisters.” Mortel saw the impressive turnout as
a validation of the organization’s work. “It was overwhelming,” she said, “to see the love of our volunteers and our faith communities who took off work, or drove long distances, just to come
and spend the day with us celebrating our new home.” The new location is still accessible to former clients and volunteers, and is allowing Keeler Women’s Center to open its doors to a new community as well. “I hope that we are able to reach more people,” said Sister Suzanne. “The space is larger so we’re able to offer more programs and services.” Volunteers are already gearing up to include senior residents from City View at St. Margaret’s in classes. “My passion is good eating,” said Callaghan who teaches nutrition through the Kansas Extension Office. “I hope to start classes in September, and we can work with ways that they can cook nutritious meals.” There are also local immigrant communities the center is hoping to help. “We have Saint Margaret’s housing down the street,” said Sister Bridget. “A lot of the refugee population live there. “We met with a woman at the open house and set up a time for her to do child care programs in Swahili.” Keeler Women’s Center has a diverse array of programs available to women throughout the greater metropolitan area. It’s also a place to just come and visit. “I want people to know it’s a place for all to come,” said Sister Suzanne. “Not only to attend the counseling and classes — it’s a place of safety and hospitality. “Everybody is welcome to just come and be. Have a cup of coffee. Come and spend some time with other people outside of your space. It’s a place to get away.” Sister Bridget agreed. “My hope is that we’re a safe place where people can come and feel welcomed and valued, and they can find peace and healing and improve. “Our goal is to help build the kingdom of God here in Kansas City, Kansas.”
AUGUST 2, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
FAMILY LIFE
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Natural family planning brings God’s plan into the discussion
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o you remember your private conversations before your wedding about having children and how many you wanted? I remember Teri dreaming out loud that she wanted to have six, just like her mother, and I, coming from a family of three, was secretly hoping it would not be so. I would say, “Let’s start with one at a time.” The conversation about children and when to have them is one that leads couples to choose a method for managing their couple fertility. Many women today choose to manage their fertility through some form of hormonal contraception — a method that has many side effects and risks. The Catholic Church considers all method of artificial contraception as misguided. Let me explain. In a Catholic wedding, just before reciting the vows, the priest asks the couple: “Are you prepared to accept children lovingly from God and to bring them up according to the law of Christ and his church?” According to the church, spouses are called to serve God with the gift of their fertility. We, as husband and wife, do not create life. God is the creator of life, and fertility is the gift he has given us so that we can collaborate with him in that creation. This fact is often forgotten in today’s society, which encourages us to
JOHN BOSIO John Bosio is a former marriage and family therapist, director of religious education and diocesan family life coordinator. He is a member of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers.
control our fertility at will. The church teaches that sexual intercourse is an intimate expression of love that bonds the spouses. And through it, the couple places their fertility at the service of God. Artificial contraception is misguided because it places our fertility in our control instead of being in the service of God. It disrupts God’s design for human procreation. So, how are Catholics to synchronize the birth of their children with the different needs and stages of their lives? The Catholic Church recognizes the need of spouses to space the birth of their children, and it guides them to do it the natural way, following their fertility cycle as God designed it (“Humanae Vitae,” 16). There are only a few days each month when a couple is fertile. To
conceive, spouses need to have intercourse during times of fertility; to postpone conception, they avoid intercourse during those few days when they are fertile. Doctors and specialists have created reliable methods that successfully help couples track their fertility. These methods do not have side effects and are beneficial to the couple. They are known under the umbrella of natural family planning (NFP). A few years ago, Teri and I had the privilege of visiting with several married couples about the topic of natural family planning. Jenny, married nine years, told us: “When we had difficulty conceiving a second time, we
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turned to natural family planning to help us. We were successful.” Her husband John added: “Using NFP made us more aware of our bodies, our days of fertility each month as a couple. Most of all, it increased our intimacy.” Joe and Theresa, married 19 years, told us that they did not start their marriage practicing natural family planning. But gradually, realizing that birth control was not helping their relationship, decided to learn the Couple to Couple NFP method. Theresa explained: “In practicing this method, we learned to communicate better with each other and discovered that there are ways to be intimate
that don’t always have to involve having sex.” “Practicing NFP showed me that, as a man,” added Joe, “I have self-control. And because of it, I have a better relationship with my wife.” Mark, married three years, shared the following: “I was a convert to Catholicism and I had never heard of natural family planning. I was inspired when I learned that, through NFP, I can show respect for my wife and follow God’s plan for marriage.” Carol, his wife, said: “I feel blessed to know that my husband loves me enough to respect the natural cycle of my body. He realizes that he can express love to me in many different ways, and
Question for reflection: What do you know about natural family planning?
is willing to go through the abstinence period because he understands that our relationship is not just sexual.” To learn more about natural family planning, contact your parish or the archdiocesan marriage and family life office. In the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, call Brad DuPont at (913) 647-0301 or Libby DuPont at (913) 647-0381.
AUGUST 2, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
NATION
Colorado retreat, trail made famous by pope during WYD ‘93 gets makeover
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The Chapel on the Rock, formally named St. Catherine of Siena Chapel, is seen June 19, in Allenspark, Colo., near Estes Park. The chapel is on the grounds of the Camp St. Malo Retreat Center, which was made famous during St. John Paul II’s epic World Youth Day visit to the Denver in 1993.
By Tom Tracy Catholic News Service
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LLENSPARK, Colo. (CNS) — Mountains don’t really change that much in 26 years. So it’s a fair bet that the view of Mount Meeker and its twin, Longs Peak, from the Camp St. Malo Retreat is the same one St. John Paul II saw when he strolled the camp’s grounds in 1993. The retreat center was made famous during the pope’s epic World Youth Day visit to Denver, considered a huge success for the Catholic Church in the U.S. and for the pontiff. Situated on the northern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and just south of the town of Estes Park — the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park — Camp St. Malo is home to a picturesque 1930s-era Chapel on the Rock. Its formal name is St. Catherine of Siena Chapel. When he asked to have a day or two of rest during that historic visit, the pope was escorted to this mountain site by then-Denver Archbishop J. Francis Stafford. The future saint then blessed the chapel, walked the trails and took a siesta in the former conference center facility. In 2011, a fire destroyed the retreat facility. The Denver Archdiocese later bought a church lodge down the road and created the Annunciation Heights facility for families and youth. It opened last year. But the rustic trails and rosary walk that St. John Paul would have experienced have remained closed to the public following devastating floods and landslides in September 2013. Although heavy rains caused an estimated $1.2 billion in damages statewide, they left the popular chapel mostly intact. The Denver Archdiocese is now in the process of restoring the St. John Paul hiking trail and a new memorial pavilion named in his honor, along with a refurbished rosary walk and outdoor stations of the cross. A new Visitor and Heritage Center is already open and features a number of exhibits celebrating the ‘93 papal visit, including a display of St. John Paul’s walking stick, which was reportedly crafted for him by a member of the U.S. Secret Service. On a sunny mid-June day, when an African-born priest and chaplain to the camp was celebrating a weekly Wednesday afternoon Mass, some dozen guests and staff filled in the 100seat facility. Any chapel with so arresting a setting, and situated along the route to so popular a national park, is bound to attract local Catholics, wedding couples looking for a perfect church, as well as a trickle of spontaneous passersby. “We see as few as 20 a day on the snowiest of winter days and as many as 500 a day in the busy summer
CNS PHOTO/TOM TRACY
A statue of Christ and a World War II memorial overlooks the Chapel on the Rock. months of June, July and August,” said Jim Richard. He and his wife are fulltime volunteer greeters and self-described docents at the chapel. Richard was busy welcoming Massgoers along with the just plain curious, as well as the tour bus crowds coming up to the mountains from Denver and stopping for a photo of the chapel. Though Mass is only offered regularly on Wednesdays, the chapel is now open year-round. A motorcycle-riding couple from Wisconsin stopped to look around and Richard recounted for them a story of how, a year ago, the priest in charge blessed the motorcycles for a large
group of bikers as they passed through. “My wife and I are friends with a parish priest in Denver who recommended us to be docents six days a week. We like it, and we love what is going on here,” Richard said, pointing out some of the unique features of the chapel, including a single stained-glass window situated in the rear near the entrance. “It was made in 1936 in Munich, Germany, by the Franz Mayer company and they are still in business,” he said. But the chapel designers didn’t want a darkened interior characteristic of stained glass, so they chose gold-colored glass windows that bathe
CNS PHOTO/TOM TRACY
Visitors attend Mass in the Chapel on the Rock, formally named St. Catherine of Siena Chapel in Allenspark, Colo., near Estes Park.
the interior with shifting hues of diffused sunlight throughout the day. The chapel stones used to create the building were the remnants of 6 feet of rock originally blasted off the top of a large rocky outcrop; Italian-American craftsmen from Denver were among those who offered to help build the chapel. Visitors are invited to climb up to the second-story loft and ring the 1,000-pound church bell, and to hike up the adjacent hill to the statue of Christ, which was installed in 1948 as a memorial following World War II. After the Mass, Richard, his cowboy hat in hand, walked around the wooded property and pointed out some of the challenges of restoring the hiking trails following the damaging floods and mudslides. There were hopes for creating more guest parking spaces, but the land is still slightly unstable and a decision was taken to defer that for now, he pointed out. “We are trying to be good land stewards,” Richard said, pointing to an area of property that was reshaped by the surging flood and debris. “But we want to resurrect the old cabin creek trail, which is what Pope John Paul II hiked on, and we want to rebuild the rosary trail and add a Stations of the Cross.” It isn’t yet clear when those projects will be completed, but there is a possibility that the St. John Paul II Memorial Hiking Trail may be ready for public use by the end of the year, Richard noted.
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Making sack lunches before heading out to work for the day are, from left, Josh Deiter, 14; Kason Gomez, 14; Kyler Sommars, 15; and Colton Sack, 15.
Jack Perry and Grace Deiter, both 15, get to work staining a bench at Riverside Park in St. Marys for Immaculate Conception’s first-ever work camp.
Kristin Ander Immaculate fellowship an
BUILDING A COMMUNITY TO STAY IN Immaculate Conception Work Camp builds leaders in St. Marys
By Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org
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T. MARYS — The harvest was abundant and the laborers were . . . plentiful! That is, at the first-ever Immaculate Conception Work Camp (ICWC). From July 5 to 11, 40 local high school students gathered at Immaculate Conception Parish in St. Marys to perform acts of service from yardwork to meal delivery to painting. Inspired by faith-based summer camps like Catholic HEART Workcamp and Prayer and Action, ICWC presents an opportunity for students to perform acts of service in preparation for the sacrament of confirmation, build useful skills, and deepen their relationships and faith. But unlike Prayer and Action, ICWC is organized and run entirely by 12 high school students. And it plans on staying that way.
A unique setting When the director of religious education of Immaculate Conception looked out over the youth of the parish some two years ago, she knew they were capable of greatness. But Alice Bordelon was also looking for the perfect opportu-
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“THE TEAM PANEL IS INCREDIBLE. [THEY ARE] IN CHARGE OF MEDIA, THE GARAGE, THE KITCHEN, RUNNING [TOOLS AND SUPPLIES] BACK AND FORTH TO WORK SITES — EVERYTHING. THEY’RE THINKING ON THEIR OWN.” nity to help form those students into leaders. She started off with a group of 12 students — the “teen panel” — who wound up designing a prayer and work camp that they piloted this month. It was the teens themselves that set the agenda: Participants attended daily Mass, prayed the rosary and worked at their various sites until early afternoon, then paused for lunch. Afterwards, they enjoyed a three-hour break to go home and relax before returning to the church to listen to visiting speakers from around the archdiocese and say night prayer together. Organizing it all was quite
Peter Bordelon, center, gathers all the tools for the day’s work while Alice Bertels, left, and Rebecca Fiedler, right, discuss the a challenge — but one that the teen panel was definitely up to. “The teen panel is incredible,” said Bordelon. “[They are] in charge of media, the garage, the kitchen, running [tools and supplies] back and forth to work sites — everything. “They’re thinking on their own.” The experience as a teen panel member and music ministry leader has shown Theresa Bordelon that she’s more capable than she thought. “This was my first time kind of singing alone,” said Theresa. “I learned to be more confident in myself and direct with other people.” And it’s clear to her mother that ICWC is just the beginning
for these students. “My hope is they will eventually take over leadership roles within the parish,” said Bordelon. “Someone is going to have to run our finance committee, our parish council . . . and be the DRE. I have a feeling they are going to come from this panel!”
Plentiful harvest One of the first things the teen panel had to do in preparation for the camp was determine who in the community they would serve. So, applications were created and distributed to identify who might need their help.
“The team then reviewed the applications to see how much time and how many people it would take and decide if that was a job they could tackle,” said Dona Ratliff, an ICWC chaperone. “It’s been really exciting to see their leadership skills develop,” she said. For example, one project they decided to undertake was cleaning up Riverside Park, so the city didn’t have to. Another was taking care of Bernard Fiedler’s yard. In recent years, Fiedler has experienced multiple medical hardships and surgeries, making simple outdoor tasks impossible. So, when he saw the ICWC
By Ellie Melero @eleanor_melero
Leading by example
S LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
rson, 15, cleans a playground fence before it is stained. High school students from Conception Parish in St. Marys designed their own work camp focusing on faith, nd service to their community.
T. MARYS — The sacrament of confirmation is all about making the Catholic faith your own. And here in St. Marys, one girl has fully embraced it. Allie Johnson, a junior at St. Marys High School, was a member of the Immaculate Conception Work Camp (ICWC) teen panel. Johnson and her twin sister Jayla were in charge of social media for ICWC. As a member of the teen panel, Johnson was not only responsible for helping plan and run the ICWC, but was also expected to be an example for the confirmation candidates to look up to. A task she did well. “She’s exceptional,” said Alice Bordelon, director of religious education at Immaculate Conception Parish in St. Marys. “She’s always got the positive approach to something. “I honestly have never met a teenager, especially on our teen panel, who struggles to communicate with her. She’s a favorite.” Part of what makes Johnson a great teammate and a good example for younger students is her strong relationship with Jesus, said Bordelon. But that relationship with Jesus did not come easy to Johnson. About nine years ago, her
Allie Johnson parents divorced. When she was in middle school, her home caught on fire and burned down completely. “Our family got split apart,” said Johnson. “At that time, I was not close to God at all, and I was very upset.” She learned to rely on her faith to get her through the hard times. Now, she looks back on that experience and can see the positive side. “It turns out that we got to build our house on top of our other house,” Johnson said. “So, it’s neat, because we’re still living in the same place even though we went through that.” Johnson’s faith is constantly growing stronger, and she tries to bring other people closer to Jesus, too. One of those people is her mother. Johnson’s mother is not
Catholic and only goes to Mass with the rest of the family on Easter and Christmas. Johnson loves it when her mother comes to Mass, but it doesn’t happen often enough. Bordelon said she has seen Johnson become a rock of faith that her family sometimes needs, especially her mother, with the recent passing of her grandfather. “When it came to losing her grandfather, that was sudden and a surprise,” Bordelon said. “The grandpa on her mother’s side was not Catholic, and she realized that she had things to share with her mom. “It matured her.” Johnson said she used her faith to help her mother cope with her grandfather’s passing. “We recently just lost my grandpa, and [my mom] was very upset,” Johnson said. “I sat down and I told her, ‘God has a reason for this.’” Johnson said these experiences and attending ICWC and Prayer and Action have shaped her into the person she is today — one that loves helping others and tries not to take anything for granted. “I’ve learned to live in the moment and just be happy, because you never know when it’s your last day,” Johnson said. “Just be grateful for what you have,” she added.
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schedule with him.
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“THEY ARE AN ASSET TO THE PARISH AND THE COMMUNITY. THEY’RE NOT KIDS; THEY’RE YOUNG ADULTS!” applications in the back of church, he figured: Why not? “I thought about three to five young people were going to come up and work on my yard,” said Fiedler. “But then, about eight showed up!” The participants trimmed
trees, cleared flower beds and ended up covered in mud, which surprised Fiedler. “I had no idea they were going to be this aggressive,” he said. “They are an asset to the parish and the community. They’re not kids; they’re young adults!” For Shane Herrington, a rising freshman, helping Fiedler was worth every fleck of mud. “It was great because he was just so appreciative,” said Shane. “If [Christ] was here, he’d be doing this same work himself. “Doing [this] work brings his presence here.” Immaculate Conception parishioner Jerry Pearl also received help with his yard.
From left, Michelle Martin, Avry Thowe, Abby Pearl, Josh Deiter, Jerry Pearl, Vivian Martin, Allison Aubert, Keller Hurla, Jake Lenherr and Alex Smith pause for a photo after an afternoon of yardwork during the inaugural Immaculate Heart Work Camp in St. Marys. The camp is modeled after Prayer and Action and participants perform acts of service in the community, attend Mass daily and listen to motivational speakers. After a severe fall resulting in a brain injury at 86 years old last summer, Pearl finds himself unable to do any sort of labor. “He was a farmer and rancher and did everything for himself,” said Michelle Martin, Pearl’s daughter. “The hardest part for him was probably not being able to direct everybody.” Martin’s guess was spot on. “I wish I was able to be out there with them,” said Pearl. “They had a pretty good attitude.”
For Ratliff, one of the distinct beauties of the camp is the fact that it is entirely local. “We really saw a calling to get our youth tied into our [community], get to know people here and see where we can give back,” she said. “We have a great community.” Riley Stallbaumer, a rising sophomore, agreed. “I like having the [ICWC] in our community,” she said. “I get to know the people and will [interact] with them for a while,
[whereas] when I go to Prayer and Action, I never see them again. “Now I can see [these people] at church; we see that connection.” The students are not the only ones who have learned from the experience, however. “I’m understanding that if I invite Christ into my life and work, he will do the rest,” said Bordelon. “Learning that trust has been such a gift.”
AUGUST 2, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
NATION
Pro-life groups’ campaign provides items to mothers, babies at border By Elizabeth Bachmann Catholic News Service
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ASHINGTON (CNS) — Shoelaces, rosaries, diapers, shampoo, Chapstick, baby wipes, water. Basic things that affirm one’s humanity. These are the items that the #Bottles2TheBorder campaign fought to provide for immigrant mothers and their babies as they crossed into America. New Wave Feminists and Abby Johnson’s And Then There Were None organization, along with 50 other pro-life groups, sponsored #Bottles2TheBorder. Together, they took more than $133,000 in supplies and $72,000 in funds to respite centers on the Texas-Mexico border. This is the second trip New Wave Feminist has made to the border in the past year. The feminist pro-life group subscribes to a whole life ethic that seeks to preserve dignity at all stages of life, not just in the womb. Last December, they organized a similar initiative, delivering $10,000 to the McAllen, Texas, respite center. “You have people fleeing for their lives. And the desperation, you can see it on their face. They just want to get their families to safety, and, as someone who works in the pro-life realm, I can recognize that desperation,” said Destiny Herndon-De La Rosa, founder of New Wave Feminists, in an interview with Catholic News Service. Herndon-De La Rosa and Johnson, a Planned Parenthood worker turned pro-life advocate and founder of And Then There Were None, led a group of 30 women to the border. Roasting in 110-degree heat, they unloaded over 27,000 pounds of bottled water and other supplies from an 18-wheeler and onto the conveyor belt that would carry them into the Catholic Charities respite center in McAllen. The women distributed the remaining supplies to other respite houses in Texas. These facilities are all respite houses for legal immigrants who have been approved and released from processing. They provide immigrants with a night or two of shelter, food, a hot shower and travel instructions to
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St. Louis publishes list of priests with abuse claims By Julie Asher Catholic News Service
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Volunteers unload supplies including diapers, baby wipes, water, soap, rosary beads, Chapstick and other basic items at an immigrant respite center July 13, 2019, in McAllen, Texas.
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“YOU HAVE PEOPLE FLEEING FOR THEIR LIVES. AND THE DESPERATION, YOU CAN SEE IT ON THEIR FACE. THEY JUST WANT TO GET THEIR FAMILIES TO SAFETY.” wherever they are going. Both Johnson and Herndon-De La Rosa said that they would have donated supplies to immigrants in the country illegally who are at government detention centers if the centers accepted private donations. “I don’t think that any one of us should support lawlessness, and I think that there should be a process for immigrating into the country, but I think that we also need to recognize that there are people here who need our help right now, even at the detention centers,” Johnson told CNS. “Just because someone has done something criminal doesn’t mean that their basic human rights should be ignored.” Apparently, the attitude is catching among pro-lifers. Within two days of
opening up an Amazon gift registry for baby item donations, the registry sold out. Herndon-De La Rosa said they would have had to halt donations because they ran out of space to transfer them, but that day a truck driver offered up his 18-wheeler for the project. They reopened the registry, and within two weeks had collected the whole $205,000. According to Herndon-De La Rosa, 100% of the money went straight to helping immigrant families. “These people are going to be members of our community, and if they are traumatized and feel less than or unwanted it can be difficult for them to assimilate,” Herndon-De La Rosa said. “It is important for volunteers to go and welcome them and show them that we see their dignity and that we want them here.” Both Johnson and Herndon-De La Rosa agreed that in this situation people come before politics. “I get tired of people calling other people illegal. It really strips away their humanity, and can be disheartening at times,” Johnson said. “I think absolutely we have a crisis; our detainment centers are overrun and we don’t have the facilities to properly care for people coming here. We have to figure out a solution and for those who are here. We do have a responsibility to care for their basic needs.”
ASHINGTON (CNS) — As the Archdiocese of St. Louis released a list of names of archdiocesan clergy with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor July 26, Archbishop Robert J. Carlson acknowledged that seeing the names “will be painful” and publishing them “will not change the past.” “Nothing will” change the past “but publishing their names is the right thing to do,” he said in a message to the faithful of the archdiocese, and it fulfills a promise he made last September to do so. “It will be painful for all of us to see the names of clergy accused of behavior we can barely allow ourselves to imagine,” Archbishop Carlson said. “For years, victims have carried the burden of the crimes committed against them. In talking with many of them, I have witnessed the devastating impact on their lives and the lives of their loved ones,” he said, adding that the release of these names “is an important step in the long process of healing. And we are committed to that healing.” The list is available online at www. archstl.org/list, along with the text of the archbishop’s message and a video message. The list itself is divided into four categories: • Clergy of the Archdiocese of St. Louis with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor: 44. • Clergy of the Archdiocese of St. Louis with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor, first allegation made after clergy death: 12 • Clergy from other dioceses who served in the Archdiocese of St. Louis for a period of time and have substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor: 5 • Clergy with substantiated allegations of possession of child pornography: 3. “Please be assured that no priest or deacon of the Archdiocese of St. Louis against whom there has been a substantiated claim of sexual abuse of a minor is currently serving in ministry,” Archbishop Carlson stated.
Judge dismisses Covington Catholic student’s suit against newspaper By Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service
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ASHINGTON (CNS) — A federal judge July 26 dismissed a $250 million lawsuit against The Washington Post by a Kentucky Catholic high school student, ruling the newspaper’s articles and tweets about the student’s actions after the annual March for Life in January were protected by the First Amendment. Nick Sandmann, a student at Covington Catholic High School in Park Hills, Kentucky, sued the newspaper five months ago, claiming its coverage of what transpired at the Lincoln Memorial Jan. 18 — when Sandmann, wearing a
“Make America Great Again” hat smiled just inches away from Nathan Phillips, a Native American leader, as he chanted and beat a drum — was biased. The suit claimed there were “no less than six false and defamatory articles” in the newspaper about the encounter, which had gone viral almost immediately. In his 36-page ruling, U.S. District Judge William Bertelsman examined each of the 33 statements in question and found none of them to be defamatory and the vast majority to be quoting opinion, which is protected free speech. “The statements that Sandmann challenges constitute protected opinions that may not form the basis for a defamation claim,” he wrote.
The student, then a junior, claimed in the lawsuit that a Jan. 19 article of The Washington Post indicated that he “assaulted” or “physically intimidated” Phillips and also had “engaged in racist conduct” and jeers. “This is not supported by the plain language in the article, which states no such thing,” the judge wrote. He also stressed that many of the statements in the articles referred to the group of students, not to Sandmann specifically. By quoting Phillip’s account of what occurred that day, the newspaper may have been inaccurate, Bertelsman said, but to be sued for libel, the Post’s reporting had to be both false and defamatory. The judge also looked at both sides of the Jan. 18 incident and said even if
Sandmann’s intent during the incident that day was to “calm the situation and not impede or block anyone,” he pointed out that “Phillips did not see it that way.” The judge wrote that Phillips told the Post he felt he was being “blocked” and not allowed to “retreat.” His observations may have been erroneous, the judge wrote, but he said they are opinions “protected by the First Amendment. And the Post is not liable for publishing these opinions.” Sandmann’s parents said they would appeal the ruling, The Washington Post reported July 26. In a statement, the student’s father, Ted, said: “I believe fighting for justice for my son and family is of vital national importance. If what was done to Nicholas is not legally actionable, then no one is safe.”
AUGUST 2, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
WORLD
Pope: Prostitution tortures defenseless women
By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service
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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Prostitution is a horrendous crime that reduces vulnerable women to tortured slaves who are at the mercy of their clients, Pope Francis said. All people of goodwill have a duty to help vulnerable women and other victims of human trafficking escape from forced sexual slavery, the pope wrote in a prologue of a new book on the suffering of women forced into prostitution. “Any form of prostitution is a reduction to slavery, a criminal act, a disgusting vice that confuses making love with venting out one’s instincts by torturing a defenseless woman,” he said. “It is a sickness of humanity, a false way of thinking in society.” The new book, titled “Crucified Women,” was released in Italian and written by Father Aldo Buonaiuto, a priest who works for the John XXIII Community, an international association that helps marginalized people. L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, published the book’s prologue July 29 on the eve of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. During the Jubilee Year of Mercy, the pope visited a house run by the John XXIII Community in northeast Rome that helped young women rebuild their lives after being rescued from prostitution. The pope met with “20 women liberated from the slavery of the prostitution racket. Six of them come from Romania, four from Albania, seven from Nigeria and
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Vatican: Bones do not belong to missing woman By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service
CNS PHOTO/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO VIA REUTERS
Pope Francis sits with women rescued from prostitution and their supporters at the Pope John XXIII Community in Rome Aug. 12, 2016. one each from Tunisia, Italy and Ukraine,” the Vatican said Aug. 12, 2016. According to L’Osservatore Romano, Pope Francis had asked the women for forgiveness on behalf of all the men — especially Christians — who had used and abused them. “Today, I ask you all for forgiveness. For all the Christians, for all the Catholics, who have abused you. And I also ask for forgiveness on my part, for not having sufficiently prayed for you and for this slavery,” the pope told the women during his visit. In the book’s prologue, the pope recalled his visit to the community and said that while he spoke with the women, he “breathed in all the pain, the injustice and the effects of oppression.” “After listening to the touching and very human stories of these poor women, some of them carrying a child in their arms, I felt a strong desire, almost the need, to ask them for forgiveness for the real tortures they had to endure because of their
clients, many of whom call themselves Christians,” the pope wrote. Praising the work of the John XXIII Community, Pope Francis said he hoped the book would bring greater awareness to the plight of women forced into prostitution. By listening to the stories of trafficking victims, people can “understand that if such a high demand from clients isn’t stopped, we will not be able to effectively combat the exploitation and humiliation of innocent lives.” No one, especially Christians, can “look the other way or wash their hands of the innocent blood shed upon the streets of the world,” he added. “Corruption is a disease that doesn’t stop on its own,” Pope Francis said. “We need to raise awareness on an individual and a collective level — even as a church — to truly help these unfortunate sisters of ours and prevent the iniquity of the world from falling upon the most fragile and defenseless creatures.”
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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican press office said that the results of a morphological analysis of bones and bone fragments found at an ossuary in a Vatican cemetery concluded that none belonged to Emanuela Orlandi, a young Italian woman who has been missing for more than 30 years. Giovanni Arcudi, the forensic anthropologist who led the scientific investigation of the remains found at the Vatican’s Teutonic Cemetery, “did not find any bone structure dating back to the period after the end of the 1800s,” the Vatican said. The forensic team concluded its study of the bones July 28. However, an expert representing the Orlandi family requested about 70 bone remains be tested in a laboratory, despite objections by Arcudi and his team who believe the bones display signs of being “very old.” Nonetheless, those bone samples were catalogued and held by the Vatican police to be “available to the promoter of justice.” Despite the forensic team’s findings, the Vatican said it is committed to “seeking the truth about Emanuela Orlandi’s disappearance” and denied that their cooperation in the investigation “can in no way mean, as some have stated, an implicit admission of responsibility.” “The search for the truth is in the interest of the Holy See and the Orlandi family,” the Vatican said.
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AUGUST 2, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CLASSIFIEDS
EMPLOYMENT Drivers - Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans. Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas. Competitive wages and flexible schedules. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 262-3100 or apply online at: Assisted Transportation.com. EEO. Caregiver - An Ascension Parish family is looking for a beautiful soul to care for their daughter Julia in their home. Julia has special needs. The hours are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tuesday - Friday. If interested or have questions, call Becca Dopheide at (913) 424-7088. Community assistants - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in day program support services and in residential services. We are seeking assistants who are looking for a unique opportunity in a faith-based organization. We are in immediate need of day service assistants to work in our day program serving 30 adults. We have a recycling program and community activities. Our core members participate in distributing for Meals on Wheels and Rise Against Hunger. They also attend community events such as the library, movies, bowling and going to parks. We also have a need for live-in and live-out assistants in our five residential homes. If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org. Board members - Santa Marta, Johnson County’s premier life care community sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is actively seeking board members for the term beginning January 2020. The board meets during the business day six times a year, and each board member also serves on a committee that meets six to 12 times a year. We are seeking applicants who have experience serving on a not-for-profit board and a concern for our senior citizens. In particular, we are seeking at this time expertise in marketing and information technology and finance but are also open to candidates who have a background in health care, business management, law, etc., to serve a four-year term with the option to extend for a second four-year term. Those who wish to be considered for appointment to the board are encouraged to submit a letter of interest, resume or details of relevant experience and home parish to Heidi Abeln at: habeln@santamartaretirement.com by Aug. 13. Include your phone number and mailing address. If you have any questions, Heidi can be reached at (913) 323-7106. Additional information about Santa Marta can be viewed at: www.santamartaretirement.com. Extended care aide: Nativity Day School in Leawood is seeking an extended care aide. Responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with the supervision and care of students. Will assist with homework, snack and playtime. A perfect job for a high school or college student. Must be at least 16 years of age. The hours are 3:10 - 5:30 p.m., M-F during the upcoming school year. Contact Jami Huderski by email at: jami.huderski@kc nativity.org, or call (913) 338-4330, ext. 1609. Music director - Mother Teresa Parish in Topeka is seeking a part-time music director. Duties and responsibilities include: coordinating repertoire for all liturgies with the pastor; coordinate the purchase, maintenance and distribution of liturgical music resources, music licenses and instruments; recruit, train and supervise choir members and other musicians for all liturgies; direct rehearsals and provide on-going training for cantors, ensembles and individual musicians; prepare music ministry schedules and budget; attend meetings relevant to the position; and other duties as needed. Position qualifications: high degree of proficiency with a principal instrument capable of providing musical leadership during liturgies, preferably keyboard or piano; ability to lead and train musicians in music theory and application; general knowledge of Microsoft Office and general office equipment needed to complete job tasks; active member of the Catholic Church. Submit resume to: Mother Teresa Catholic Church, Attn: Mary, 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka, KS 66618 or send an email to Mary at: office@mtcctopeka.org. Assistant preschool teacher - Nativity Day School in Leawood is seeking an assistant preschool teacher. Responsibilities include engaging children in activities and play that stimulates their development; assist them with activities of daily life; appropriately supervise children while keeping them safe at all times; and work in collaboration with the classroom lead teacher. Competitive salary. The hours are M-Th, 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Qualified candidate will have previous licensed daycare experience. Contact: Jami Huderski by email at: jami.huderski@ kcnativity.org or call ( 913) 338-4330 ext. 1609. Child care program director - John Paul II Preschool/ Child Care is seeking a full-time, year-round child care program coordinator to assist the director with the day-to-day running of the child care portion of the program. A minimum of five years’ experience working in a licensed preschool or child-care facility is required. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours in field-related courses — such as child development, nutrition and parent education — and be comfortable working with children ages 3 - 14. Good communication and organizational skills are a must, and familiarity with Montessori education is a plus. For more information or to submit a resume, contact Donna at: dhogue@archkckcs.org.
Coordinator of religious education - St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee is seeking a coordinator of religious education. The coordinator would organize, lead and further develop the religious education program for our children who attend public schools. This would include recruiting, training and assisting catechists; collaborating with the archdiocesan child catechesis consultant; helping to facilitate sacramental preparation for 2nd- and 8th-grade students; facilitate religious education for children with special needs; and ensure compliance with archdiocesan safe environment policies. The coordinator would work with the principal and school teachers as needed for the catechetical training of students. The position would help to develop Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for the parish, plan and direct the annual vacation Bible school, and collaborate with the pastor and RCIA director for children of people in RCIA and older children who need to receive sacraments. The candidate must be a prayerful, practicing Catholic; have interpersonal, administrative and organizational skills; and be wellversed in Catholic teaching and have some background in Catholic catechesis. The position is 20 hours a week. For additional information and a complete job description, please contact Father Scott Wallisch at: frscott@ stjoeshawnee.org or (913) 631-5983. Assistant beginning preschool teacher - Nativity Day School in Leawood is seeking an assistant beginning preschool teacher. Responsibilities include: engaging children in activities and play that stimulate their development; assist them with activities of daily life; appropriately supervise children while keeping them safe at all times; and work in collaboration with the classroom lead teacher. Competitive salary. The hours are M-F from 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Qualified candidates will have previous licensed day care experience. Contact Jami Huderski by email at: jami.huderski@kcnativity.org, or call (913) 3384330 ext. 1609. School cafeteria manager - Holy Spirit School is seeking a cafeteria manager for the 2019-20 school year. This person will oversee the operation of the school food service program and must be knowledgeable of all state and federal regulations and all requirements related to school lunch programs. Duties include but are not limited to: planning menus; ordering food and supplies; filing reports with KSDE/Wellness programs; supervising employees and volunteers; and serving as the head cook and supervisor of all kitchen operations. Competitive salary and benefits. Interested applicants should send a letter of application and resume to the attention of Michele Watson at: mwatson@ hscatholic.org or to Holy Spirit Catholic School, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park, KS 66219. Aftercare lead teacher - St. Patrick Early Education Center in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking an aftercare lead teacher. Responsibilities include: planning lessons; preparing a classroom; assessing student performance; and infusing spiritual activities into lessons. The teacher will supervise up to 12 students Monday - Friday from 3 - 6 p.m., August - May. The lead teacher will also need to attend other school functions and events as necessary. The applicant must be a practicing Catholic; have prior early childhood teaching experience; be able to meet KDHE state requirements; and have prior experience working with young children in a child care setting. Interested individuals should send a resume to: Jobs@ stpatrickkck.eduk12.net. For a complete job description, contact Patty Dickinson at: pdickinson@stpatrickkkck. eduk12.net. The application deadline is July 12. Communications director - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCLs) are currently seeking a communications director. This position is responsible for maintaining and coordinating a comprehensive communications program to support the mission, philosophy and positive image of the SCLs and facilitate the flow of information within the organization and to its various publics. The successful candidate will possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or similar field and at least five years’ experience in a lead communications role. This position requires proficiency working in a Windows environment, desktop publishing and website content management. Awareness of the unique role of a religious community, coupled with some knowledge of the SCL mission, and understanding of the culture of Catholicism are preferred. If you possess the desired qualifications and would like to work for a truly wonderful and outstanding religious community, please email a cover letter with salary requirements and your resume to: recruiting@scls.org. Preschool teachers - St. Joseph Early Education Center is currently looking for candidates for an opening for a full-time teacher who can support on multiple levels at our center. We are also looking for candidates for infant through preschool rooms in hopes of expanding our ability to care for the children on our waiting lists. Salary is at or above the norm, and the benefits are excellent. Contact us if you are interested; you may call our school secretary, Ms. Patricia, at (913) 248-4588; our general number at (913) 631-0004; or send an email to: pfraley@ stjoeshawnee.org. Enthusiastic group leader - Holy Spirit School is seeking an enthusiastic applicant, 18 years of age or older who enjoys working with children, for a position in our after-school care program. This group leader must be available M - F, 2:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. It’s the perfect opportunity for a college student, adult who likes working with children or anyone interested in the field of education. If interested, please contact Eileen Colling at: ecolling@hscatholic.org or (913) 492-2582, ext 129.
Food service position - A food service position is available at St. Joseph, Shawnee. The hours are Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Training is provided. Must be able to manage multiple tasks and maintain a friendly presence with the schoolchildren. If interested or would like more information, send an email to Kathy Ketter-Hirt at: kahirt@stjoeshawnee.org. Preschool/child care staff - John Paul II Preschool/ Child Care is seeking staff for our school-age program with regular hours from 3 - 6 p.m. Additional hours are available when school is closed. Year-round employment is possible, if desired. Applicants must be 18 years of age. Experience working with children is preferred. Virtus training is required. Great job for a college student! Contact Donna at: dhogue@archkckcs.org for more information or to apply. Lawn mowing - Interviewing now for part-time people who want a side job and are willing to work for it and/ or parents who are looking for an opportunity to work with their children and teach them some grit and independence. Duties include: mowing with Wright Stander mowers, using power trimmers, minor landscape work, using a power backpack blower, general yard cleanup periodically and pulling a trailer. Flexible hours; five-day workweek, no weekends; prior experience helpful, not necessary. The following skills are needed: the ability to follow instructions, willingness to work hard and learn, a vehicle with a trailer hitch to pull equipment trailer, great attitude, coach-able, and time management and organizational skills. Opportunity to work until late November 2019; competitive pay depending on experience and ability to work independently. A background check will be completed. Call Ken today to schedule an interview at (913) 645-7174. Custodian - St. Patrick School in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a part-time day custodian. The hours are 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. when school is in session. To apply, go to: www.archkck.org. For additional information, send an email to: tconrad@stpatrickkck.eduk12.net. Receptionist - St. Patrick School in Kansas City, Kansas, has an opening for a part-time receptionist at the early childhood center from 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. when school is in session. To apply, go to: www.archkck.org. For additional information, send an email to: tconrad@stpatrick kck.eduk12.net. Business and office manager - Christ the King Parish in Topeka is seeking a qualified individual for a business and office manager position. This position assists the pastor in caring for the material and financial affairs of the parish. The applicant must have excellent leadership, team-building and management skills; and knowledge of software such as automated accounting system, MS Word and Excel. Must have minimum five years’ administrative management experience in a business financial environment. Degree in business, finance or accounting preferred. Interested applicants may contact Father Matthew Schiffelbein at (785) 273-0710 or send an email to: frmatthew@ ctktopeka.org, with inquiries or to submit resumes. Sonographer - Wyandotte and Olathe Pregnancy Clinics are seeking part-time sonographers. This is a paid position. If interested, call Leah at (913) 232-2993. Director of youth ministry Prince of Peace in Olathe is seeking an exceptional and experienced leader to be director of youth ministry. This is a full-time, leadership and administrative position that will be responsible for the implementation of a weekly youth program for junior and senior high, with an emphasis on preparing middle school students for the sacrament of confirmation. Seeking a Catholic experienced in youth ministry who will encourage and train catechists and youth team leaders. Full job description and application details may be found at: www.popolathe.org. Applications must be submitted by Sept. 1.
HOME IMPROVEMENT Concrete construction - Tear out and replace amped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com. Water-damaged basement walls? - Remove and replace insulation, dry out, mold treatment and painting. Fully insured, serving Johnson County for 25 years. Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144 or email: jbuck@kc.surewest.net. 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. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176
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Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, power washing, staining, masonry (chimney repair, patio’s) gutter cleaning, water heaters, junk removal, lawn mowing, window cleaning, honey - do list and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913)927-4118. DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Popcorn ceiling removal - Renew your ceiling and walls with a fresh coat of paint. Replace drywall or plaster repaired with no mess!! 25 years experience. Call anytime. Jerry (913) 206-1144. 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. STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125. NELSON CREATION’S L.L.C. Home makeovers, kitchen, bath. All interior and exterior remodeling and repairs. Family owned, experienced, licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph, Shawnee. Kirk Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net
SERVICES 8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered. Release your weight and restore your power in 8 weeks! http://8toyouridealweight.com/coach/kathi/ Tree Trimming Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Tony (913) 620-6063 Custom countertops - Laminates installed within five days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@ kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. House cleaning - Old fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc., with references from customers. Years of experience. Call Sharon at (660) 619-7347. Still local. Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com. Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704. Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002 HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com >> Classifieds continue on page 15
AUGUST 2, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CALENDAR ROAST BEEF DINNER St. Casimir Parish 719 Pennsylvania, Leavenworth Aug. 4 at 11:30 a.m.
A dinner of roast beef and sides will be served. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for kids 12 and under. Takeout meals are available.
PARISH AND REUNION PICNIC Immaculate Conception Parish Centennial Building 201 W. Palmer St., St. Marys Aug. 2 at 4 p.m.
Mass will be held at 4 p.m. followed by a chicken dinner with all the trimmings. The cost will be $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. There will also be games and prizes beginning at 5 p.m.
WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE Keeler Women’s Center 759 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Aug. 7 from 10 - 11 a.m.
Kansas City Shizoku Karate-Do will help interested women learn ways to defend themselves and others. All programs are free. Donations are welcome. Call (913) 906-8990 or register online at: www.keelerwomenscenter. org.
more information, visit the website at: www. rosaryrallieskc.org.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST Divine Mercy Parish (Christian Formation Center) 555 W. Main St., Gardner Aug. 11 from 8 - 10 a.m.
The cost for a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs, biscuits and gravy is $6 for adults; $3 for kids 6 - 12; and free for kids 5 and under.
CIRCLE OF UNDERSTANDING Precious Blood Renewal Center 2120 S. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri Aug. 15 at 6 p.m.
Join this group where people from all faiths, races, cultures and ways of life will have an opportunity to share a simple soup dinner and stories with one another. There will be trained facilitators to help share stories and understand one another. For more information or to register, visit the website at: www. pbrenewalcenter.org or call (816) 415-3745.
‘WHERE THREE PATHS MEET’ Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Aug. 16 - 18
Discover, explore and enjoy the Celtic, Benedictine and Franciscan traditions through reflection on the places where they intersect and where they depart from one another. The cost of $250 includes a private room and meals; the commuter cost is $175 ($50 nonrefundable deposit). Register by Aug. 6. Register online at: sophia@mountosb.org or call (913) 360-6173. The retreat will begin on Friday at 7 p.m. and end on Sunday at 1 p.m.
PARISH PICNIC St. Stanislaus Parish (Dekat Hall) 703 S. Main, Rossville Aug. 10 at 3 p.m.
Bingo and a silent auction will be available from 3 - 6:30 p.m. For the cost of $10 for adults and $4 for kids, a dinner of pork loin, sides and dessert will be served. Mass will be celebrated at 7 p.m. For more information, call (785) 584-6612 or send an email to: stsparish1899@gmail.com.
MASS AND FILM SCREENING Divine Mercy Parish 555 W. Main St., Gardner Aug. 10 at 4:30 p.m.
MARIAN TEACHINGS PRAYER RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Aug. 16 - 17
The retreat begins Aug. 16 at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m. on Aug. 17. There will be prayer and study on four Marian teachings of the church: the Immaculate Conception; the virgin birth; the Mother of God; and the Assumption. There will be talks, daily eucharistic adoration, Mass at the local parish, and time for private prayer and reflection. The cost is $125 per night for couples, and $40 or $85 per night for individuals. To register, send an email to: info@christspeace. com or call (913) 773-8255.
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will celebrate Mass in conjunction with the LIFE A-Cross America Relay Finish Line event. Following Mass, there will be a screening of “Where There is Darkness,” the true crime documentary of Father Rene Robert who devoted his life to those in need. For movie tickets and information about the finish line events, go online to: liferunners.org/across.
ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR BLESSED MOTHER AND OUR LADY OF FATIMA Holy Family Parish 274 Orchard St., Kansas City, Kansas Aug. 11 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.
We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benediction will follow, as well as an opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular. For
provide music and there will be food booths. Visit the Strawberry Hill Boutique for T-shirts and aprons as well as strawberry-themed jewelery and magnets. There will also be a free dance with music by Kolograd. For more information, send an email to: ourcroatian parish@gmail.com.
BENEFIT LUNCH AND AUCTION Corning Community Building 6621 5th St., Corning Aug. 18 at 11 a.m.
A benefit lunch and auction will be held for Jim Rethman to help with the family’s medical and travel expenses as Jim recovers from a stroke. Jim is a member of St. Patrick Parish in Corning. Follow the Jim Rethman Benefit Lunch and Auction event page on Facebook for more information and updates.
IMMACULÉE ILIBAGIZA Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka Aug. 23 from 5 - 9 p.m. Aug. 24 from 9 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
Immaculée Ilibagiza is a Rwandan genocide survivor who speaks to groups about her faith saving her while hiding from killers outside her home. The cost for tickets is $57. To register, go online to: www.immaculee.com and type “Retreat in Topeka, Kansas” in the search box.
MATTHEW KELLY’S ‘PASSION AND PURPOSE’ EVENT Holy Spirit Parish 1800 S.W. 150 Hwy., Lee’s Summit, Missouri Aug. 23 at 7 p.m.
Dynamic Catholic will present Matthew Kelly’s “Passion and Purpose” event. Tickets can be purchased at: DynamicCatholic.com/ KansasCity or by calling (859) 980-7900.
INTEGRATED HUMANITIES PROGRAM MEMORIAL DEDICATION St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center 1631 Crescent Rd., Lawrence Aug. 31 and Sept. 1
On Aug. 31, there will be a barbecue at Clinton Dam Outlet Park — 1316 E. 902 Rd., West Shelter — at 4 p.m. The cost will be $12 for adults and $4 for kids 6 - 12. On Sept. 1, there will be a Mass at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at 11 a.m. followed by a champagne reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres in the St. Lawrence social hall. Register online at: fundihpmemorial.org and click on “Memorial Dedication Event.”
CATHOLIC WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Holy Trinity Parish (Father Quigley Center) 13615 W. 92nd St., Lenexa Thursday mornings, beginning Sept. 5, from 9:30 - 11 a.m.
CROATIAN FESTIVAL St. John the Baptist Parish 708 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas Aug. 17 at 5 p.m.
Admission is free and activities begin after 4 p.m. Mass on the parish grounds. Traditional Croatian goods and cold beverages will be available for purchase. There will be children and family booths. Hrvastski Obicaj will
This Bible study will cover the books of Joshua, Judges and Ruth. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is offered for kids ages 3 - 12 and kids under the age of 3 are welcome to stay with Mom in a “moms’ study group.” New this year for 7th- and 8th-graders, we are offering a junior Bible study. To register, go online to: www.htlenexa.org and click on “Catholic Women’s Bible Study.” Registration is due by Aug. 26. Mail to Kathryn Burditt at 11414 Acuff Ln., Lenexa KS 66210. For more information, call Laura Haeusser at (913) 341-9057 or Kathryn Burditt at (913) 451-3680 or send her an email at: tkburditt @hotmail.com.
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‘COPING WITH LIFE ALONE’ PEER-TO-PEER GRIEF SUPPORT St. Therese Parish, North (lower level, Birkel Room) 7207 N.W. Hwy. 9, Kansas City, Missouri Sept. 7 - Oct. 19 from 2 - 4 p.m., Saturdays
“Coping with Life Alone” is a Beginning Experience grief support program that meets each week for seven weeks. The program helps those who have lost a love relationship (due to death, divorce or separation) move through the experience of grief and loss into a future with renewed hope.
HOLY ANGELS BAZAAR St. Rose School 530 E. 4th St., Garnett Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
A dinner of chicken and noodles, turkey, roast beef and sides will be served along with homemade bread and pies. The cost will be: $9 for adults; $5 for kids 10 and under; and $12 for takeout. There will also be crafts for sale, a drawing and raffles.
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Keeler Women’s Center 759 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kansas 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Caring for a loved one is very difficult, and support helps. Join others in similar situations. There is no charge to attend. Donations are welcome. For more information go online to: www.keelerwomenscenter.org.
DIVORCED: CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN Church of the Ascension (St. Luke Room) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park 2nd and 4th Sundays from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
What’s next after divorce/annulment? Join us for a formation series on the gift of self, which helps us fulfill the call to love again. Various topics will be discussed. Visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/giftofself143 or send an email to: called tolove143@gmail.com.
THURSDAY EVENING PRAYER Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
Enliven your faith and grow in your relationship with the Lord as you pray with the upcoming Sunday’s Gospel. Come early and discover the beauty and tranquility of our grounds. For more information, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@christs peace.com.
CALENDAR submissions CALENDAR submissions DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, 10 days before the desired publication date. INCLUDE: time and date of event; street address; description of event. SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.
AUGUST 2, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY EIGHTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Aug. 4 EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Eccl 1: 2; 2: 21-23 Ps 90: 3-6, 12-14, 17 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: 6-7b, 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: 3-4b, 7-9, 12 Mt 18: 1-5, 10, 12-14 Aug. 14 Maximilian Kolbe, priest, martyr Dt 34: 1-12 Ps 66: 1-3a, 5, 8, 16-17 Mt 18: 15-20 Aug. 15 THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED 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: 1-2a, 5, 7-8, 11 Mt 19: 13-15
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t got so that I looked forward to it each Sunday. A cute little girl would walk down the aisle when her mother came to Communion. As I’d hand her mother the host, I would feel a tug on my vestments. I’d look down to find two huge eyes staring up at me. Then would come a shy smile, a wiggling of the fingers in a wave and an enthusiastic (and loud), “Hi, God!” You just gotta love kids! We adults take the world much too seriously. Kids are here to remind us there’s more to life than work and worry. I think that’s why Jesus said, “I assure you, unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of God.” When children are around, we adults usually think only in terms of the good example we need to set for them, the advice we can give them, the things we can
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Learn from the little ones MARK MY WORDS
FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.
do for them. Jesus, typically, turns our thinking upside down and has us instead reflect on what we can learn from children. Over the past few weeks, I’ve done an unofficial study of children. Here are some of the things I think we can learn from them. • Play. Yes, call it what you want — foolishness, relaxation or
just good old-fashioned fun — but we adults need to relearn this. When was the last time you played a game, rode on a teeter-totter, used a swing or slid down a sliding board? These simple things that gave us pleasure as kids can still have that same effect on us today. • Enjoyment of simple pleasures. How many times have you seen a kid at Christmas be more excited with the box or the wrapping paper than with the gift inside? Watch a baby sometime to get a sense of how fascinating every-
Editor’s note: Father Mark Goldasich is on retreat this week. In his absence, The Leaven is reprinting this oldie but goodie. thing in the world can be. There is a beauty and mystery in a salt shaker, a French fry, hair, pens and glasses. We often take this world for granted; kids remind us that it’s all a gift that needs to be unwrapped and explored. • Being yourself. Much to the embarrassment of their parents, kids never hesitate to say whatever is on their minds, to create and talk to imaginary friends and to get lost in their imagination and dreams. Kids have a confidence about them that is refreshing. They have an attitude of “what you see is what you get — take it or leave it!” They are not concerned about projecting the
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right image or wearing masks. They have the courage to just be themselves and to like themselves. We adults have a long way to go in that area. • Kids love love. They understand that giving and receiving love is really what makes the world go round. They are not shy when it comes to hugs and kisses and smiles. When was the last time we did the same? Remember the joke about the kid who was totally absorbed in drawing a picture? This drove his poor mother crazy. Finally, she couldn’t stand it any longer. She asked her son what he was drawing. “God,” he replied. “But, honey,” his mother said, “nobody knows what God looks like.” The son, with a beaming smile, replied, “Well, they will when I’m finished!” Let’s learn a thing or two about God, faith and life from the little philosophers around us.
Ecclesiastes teaches lesson of humility
ometimes, monks of the Middle Ages were pictured with a skull lying on the desk in their cell. This practice meant to keep the prospect of death always in mind. It follows the advice of the Greek philosopher Socrates, who encouraged the practice of contemplating one’s own death as a means to attain wisdom. One of the formulas for distributing ashes on Ash Wednesday reflects the same idea: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you will return.” Similarly, the Book of Ecclesiastes aims at wisdom through its discussion of vanity. The word “vanity” appears seven times in Sunday’s first reading, Eccl 1:2; 2:21-23. It appears a total of 26 times in the entire book. Here, vanity does not mean “excessive pride in one’s appearance,
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ULTIMATELY, THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES REMINDS US THAT WE ARE NOT IN CONTROL, DESPITE ALL OUR EFFORTS, BUT THAT, RATHER, GOD IS IN CONTROL. GOD’S WAYS ARE FAR BEYOND OUR UNDERSTANDING.
IN THE BEGINNING
FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.
qualities, abilities or achievements.” Rather, it means futility, emptiness, pointlessness. It is the situation that results when we do something “in vain.” Our reading points out that even though a person may work hard all his life, all that will
eventually end in death: “Here is one who has labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill, and yet to another who has not labored over it, he must leave property.” To place one’s hopes in one’s own efforts is pointless. It is vanity. Recognizing that truth can lead to true wisdom. It is easy to accuse the Book of Ecclesiastes of a cynical pessimism. If all is vanity, why bother with life? Ultimately, though, the Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that we are not in control, despite
POPE FRANCIS Praying that Catholics would understand and act on “the inseparable bond” between love of God and love of neighbor, Pope Francis again appealed for a solution to the crisis in Venezuela. “We pray that the Lord will inspire and enlighten the parties in conflict so that, as soon as possible, they arrive at an agreement that puts an end to the suffering of the people for the good of the country and the entire region,” the pope said July 14 after reciting the Angelus prayer.
all our efforts; rather, God is in control. God’s ways are far beyond our understanding. What is the point of life? Why do the innocent suffer? Why do some people succeed in life, while others experience failure? Why do evil people too often escape punishment? The Book of Ecclesiastes asks these questions, without providing any clear answers. The Book of Ecclesiastes belongs to a category of the Old Testament called wisdom literature. Some of the books in
that category, such as the Book of Proverbs, offer a practical wisdom, tips on how to live a happy life. In contrast, the Book of Ecclesiastes probes deep philosophical issues, just as the Book of Job would delve into those same issues in its own dramatic fashion. In not providing easy answers to difficult questions, Ecclesiastes teaches us humility. It maintains that humility is the truest form of wisdom. All else is vanity.
In early June, the U.N. Refugee Agency reported that the number of Venezuelans who had fled the violence, extreme poverty and lack of medicines in their country had reached four million since 2015. In his main Angelus talk, commenting on the Sunday Gospel reading of the story of the good Samaritan, Pope Francis said it teaches that “compassion is the benchmark” of Christianity. Jesus’ story about the Samaritan stopping to help a man who had been robbed and beaten after a priest and Levite just walked by, “makes us understand that we, without our criteria, are not the ones who decide who is our neighbor and who isn’t,” the pope said. — CNS
AUGUST 2, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CLASSIFIEDS >> Continued from page 12
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Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.
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AUGUST 2, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY STUBBS
PHOTO BY KOVALENKOV PETR | DREAMSTIME.COM
Pilgrims’ Way is the historical route taken by pilgrims from Winchester in Hampshire, England, to the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury in Kent.
Father Mike Stubbs, Augustinian Father Peter Jaramillo, Tony Stubbs and wife Darlene started their seven-day walking pilgrimage from Southwark Cathedral in London.
Pilgrimage to Canterbury: The Kansas City Tale fascinating and relevant to his own history. “One reason for me, personally, that I was connected to this [pilgrimage] was because the church in England at the time of the Reformation was a church underground,” he said. “I’m intrigued by that because my family is Mexican.” During the Mexican Revolution in the 1920s, a severe persecution of the church occurred in Mexico, killing many and causing others to flee. “My grandfather came from Guanajuato, Mexico, to the United States [during that time] with the hope of religious freedom,” said Father Peter, “and to establish his own life and family. “I’m intrigued and encouraged by a church that survives under persecution and the blessings that have come from those times — and to be part of those blessings.”
By Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The way was not clearly marked. But after getting lost in the English countryside, walking about 100 miles and meeting unexpected people along the way, Father Mike Stubbs, Augustinian Father Peter Jaramillo, Tony Stubbs and his wife Darlene arrived at Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, England. It was June 25 and they had just completed the ancient Pilgrims’ Way in seven days, leading from Southwark Cathedral in London to St. Thomas Becket’s tomb in Canterbury. Though their experiences were different, the pilgrims were united in their reason for making the journey.
Ancient Father Stubbs, pastor of Holy Cross Church in Overland Park, his brother Tony and Father Peter’s fundamental reason was simple but profound: love of pilgrimage. “We were interested because of our experience with the Camino,” said Tony. The three men previously had walked the famous Camino pilgrimage to the tomb of St. James the Apostle at Santiago de Compostela, Spain. And they wanted to relive the beauty of that experience in a new way. So when Father Stubbs ran across Pilgrims’ Way, it caught his attention. He learned that around the year 1173, pilgrims began journeying to Canterbury after the martyrdom and canonization of St. Thomas Becket, an English bishop. He was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral and, for centuries, people traveled to venerate his tomb and pray for miracles. In fact, pilgrimage to his tomb was so popular during the Middle Ages that it is central to one of the most famous and enduring pieces of English literature: Geoffery Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales.” Which, Father Stubbs assured The Leaven, he reread before embarking on Pilgrims’ Way. Pilgrims’ Way has not retained its popularity into modern times, however. And that’s because of the English Reformation.
Worthwhile
PHOTO BY GERALD MOTHES | DREAMSTIME.COM
The Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, England, was the final destination for four archdiocesan pilgrims who walked about 100 miles along the Pilgrims Way — the pilgrimage made famous by Geoffrey Chaucer’s story — for seven days. Their adventure led from Southwark Cathedral in London to St. Thomas Becket’s tomb in Canterbury.
Enduring In the 16th century, Catholicism became illegal under the reign of King Henry VIII in favor of Anglicanism. Because of this, many Catholic
monasteries and churches were destroyed. Those that survived became Anglican — including Canterbury Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral and others along Pilgrims’ Way. Father Peter finds the Reformation
Despite a tumultuous history, the Anglican and Catholic Church co-exist peacefully today. “For me, [there was] an ecumenical sense of understanding of the Anglican faith and appreciation of their history [on this pilgrimage],” said Father Peter. “At the same time . . . you sense that there’s something missing. And it’s the fact that the Eucharist isn’t present. “You sense the absence of the true presence of Christ.” For Tony, the English countryside itself was surprising. “It reminded me a lot of around here — the Kansas City area,” said Tony. “There were rolling hills and a lot of forests.” Now that the group has returned to the rolling hills and forests of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, the experience of the pilgrimage endures as a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. “It was very rewarding,” said Father Stubbs. Father Peter agreed. “It gave me a better understanding of some of the English saints,” he said. “Walking to Canterbury was a blessing,” he added.