THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 40, NO. 4 | AUGUST 17, 2018
FEEDING MINDS AND BELLIES
PHOTO BY KIRBY COBB
For the past three years, the staff and children at the St. Marys library have participated in the Summer Food Service Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and designed to give children access to free, nutritious meals when school is not in session. Above, Mercy McCann enjoys a juice box as part of the program at the library.
Catholic Charities partners with rural libraries to keep young people fed, physically and mentally By Emily Wildhaber Special to The Leaven
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T. MARYS — The librarians of the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library here have their summer food program down to a science. “I know my people that want oranges,” said Colette Goldade, processing clerk of the St. Marys library branch. “You get to know who wants chocolate milk,” she added, “who wants white milk, who wants the fruit and who doesn’t want the fruit.” As if to demonstrate her point, a small girl in a blue dress walks up and quietly asks for an orange. Before she has finished speaking, Goldade’s plastic-gloved hands have deftly quartered the fruit and handed it to the child, who rejoins the 30 or so kids eating lunch in the
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IF WE COULD PROVIDE THEM FOOD AND THEN ALSO GET THEM INTO THE LIBRARY AND GET THEM READING — A PACKAGE DEAL WAS WHAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR.” next room. For the past three years, the staff and children at the St. Marys library have participated in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and designed to give children access to free, nutritious meals when school is not in session.
Sponsored by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, St. Marys’ library serves lunch three days a week throughout June and July. Though the meal is geared toward low-income families, there are no income requirements to participate and all are welcome to attend. The summer food program is held in conjunction with the library’s Summer Reading Program. In addition to the daily meal, the librarians read to the children, lead crafts and bring in speakers. Melanie Smith, branch librarian, said the two programs complement each other. “We get new kids who are like, ‘Oh, you bring food here?’” she said. That’s because some kids that already come for the library’s programming are surprised to learn of the free lunches. Meanwhile, others who come originally for the lunches are then being turned onto the programming.
The Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library partners with Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas to provide meals at seven of its library locations. Catholic Charities furnishes the libraries with food and supplies necessary to run the site. The library staff, in turn, serves the meals in their respective communities with the help of local volunteers from Immaculate Conception Church, the St. Marys Knights of Columbus and others interested in lending a hand. It was the lack of resources in these small rural communities that first inspired the library system to participate in the program. “Originally, the other organizations [in the area] weren’t really doing summer food or any kind of food options really, and so there was kind of a gap,” explained Judith Cremer, library director. >> See “RURAL” on page 7
AUGUST 17, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
Study of encyclical spurs concrete action Katie Peterson Special to the Leaven
Aug. 18 Installation of Father John Cordes — Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City, Kansas
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EAVENWORTH — When Linda Johnson of First Presbyterian Church in Leavenworth started meeting monthly with five other women here in May 2017 to study Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, she had a head start on the homework. Her father is a farmer. “He believed very much that we were stewards of the earth and [that] God called him to leave the earth in better condition than he found it,” she said. “That was always at his core.” So Johnson has come by her interest in the environment honestly — and through the encyclical, “Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home.” “Though my faith journey has been key for me,” she said, “my environmentalism and my belief that the earth is God tangibly with us has also been a big driving force.” Martha Allen, a Sacred Heart-St. Casimir parishioner and member of the ecumenical study group, said it’s about thinking of the long term. “[Pope Francis] advises us to think globally. . . . How will what we do affect not only future generations, but future generations worldwide?” she said. “He’s saying that what we’re doing with the earth right now is not sustainable,” she continued. “We can’t keep doing it. There’s a finite amount of resources in the earth and to wear blinders to that is a dangerous step to take.”
Cry of the poor Pope Francis also wrote that how we care for the earth is intertwined with our Christian duty to take care of the poor, Allen said. “He comments that today’s methods of production and consuming things have turned the earth upside down,” Allen said. “Very rich nations consume an inordinate amount of the earth’s resources, which ultimately causes harm to the poor around the world. “Examples that he gave were mining for gold and mining for other elements and minerals and disastrously depleting the resources and then leaving. “So, we’ve left [the poor] now with no employment and a ravaged land.”
One and the same “As disciples of Christ, we are called
Archbishop Naumann
Aug. 19 Installation of Father Jonathan Dizon — St. Dominic, Holton Aug. 20 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Aug. 21 Envisioning Team meeting Aug. 22 Ordination of Bishop-designate Gerald Vincke, Diocese of Salina PHOTO BY KATIE PETERSON
Clockwise from left, Linda Martin, Margaret Del Debbio, Martha Allen, Elsa Robinson, Linda Johnson and Sister Vickie Perkins, director of Interfaith Community of Hope, discuss the next steps in opening two pop-up grocery stores in northeast Leavenworth July 20. The decision to open grocery stores arose from the group’s study of Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home” in May 2017. to hear both the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth and to know that they are one and the same,” said a third participant, Margaret Del Debbio. “I thought that was a pivotal truth.” Elsa Robinson, also of Sacred Heart-St. Casimir, agreed, and said that she found the encyclical echoed the pope’s message as it was represented in the movie “Pope Francis: A Man of His Word.” “[Pope Francis] said one of the things we’re doing now is living in closed, gated communities,” Robinson said. “He says when you do that,” she continued, “you close yourself off from the people that need you the most and then you’re not even aware of what’s needed out there.”
How can we serve? This left the study group with a powerful question: What is needed out there? “We are called to action,” said Del Debbio. “We are called to be a creative, healing power as Jesus was a creative healing power.” Therefore, the women knew that studying the encyclical was not enough. “Just like Jesus, you step into the conflict that’s there. You do not shy away from it,” said Del Debbio. Discussions led them to the idea of
opening a grocery store in northeast Leavenworth, which Allen described as “a food desert.” “The environment of northeast Leavenworth,” she said, “is comparable to infertile soil in an agricultural area that does not produce good crops. “[It] offers few nourishing food options for its residents. We want to change that landscape to include more healthy food sources.” “Food is a basic right,” she continued. “You cannot expect wonderful things to happen on the face of the earth if people are starving.” After several months of attempts and failures, in partnership with the local Interfaith Community of Hope and Nourish KC, the group is in the planning stages of opening two pop-up grocery stores in northeast Leavenworth. Both will consist of refrigeration and hardware placed in an established building that can be closed off when not in use. While there are many things that still need to happen to bring their plans to fruition, with the support they’ve already been given, the study group is hopeful. “The city of Leavenworth has been marvelous,” Allen said. “It’s amazing the support that everybody has given and everybody’s rooting for us.” For for more information about the project, call Allen at (913) 775-8008.
“We constantly hear how grateful children are that their parents had things taken care of. Have you done this for your children?”
Aug. 25 Installation of Father Daniel Schmitz — St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kansas Aug. 26 Installation of Father Daniel Stover — Holy Angels, Garnett Aug. 27 Finance Council meeting — Chancery Aug. 28 Johnson County regional priests meeting Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas board meeting Aug. 29 Donnelly College board meeting
Archbishop Keleher Aug. 26 Mass — Federal prison camp
Baptisms for children of larger families To show his personal support for those couples open to raising larger families, Archbishop Naumann has offered to celebrate the baptism of the third or greater child of any family interested. Please contact your parish office for more information. Additional information is also available from the archdiocesan office for liturgy and sacramental life at (913) 647-0330 or by email at: liturgy@ archkck.org.
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AUGUST 17, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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PATRONS PROVIDE POWERFUL WITNESS
PHOTO BY ERIN HUNNINGHAKE
Father Jay Kythe, OSB, blesses a statue at Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison that depicts St. Maur rescuing a young St. Placidus from drowning. The statue was donated by Rich and Cindy Dickason. The couple has donated multiple pieces of religious art to Atchison area institutions.
Atchison family honors saint, remembers son through statue
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By Erin Hunninghake Special to The Leaven
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TCHISON — When it comes to Rich and Cindy Dickason, having hearts of stone is actually a good thing. Drive onto the campus of Benedictine College, Maur Hill-Mount Academy or St. Benedict School in Atchison and you will see rock hard evidence of this couple’s generosity. The Dickasons have been significant financial supporters in the Atchison community for more than 45 years and credit their parents for showing them the importance of giving back. “I think you learn the importance of giving something away if you’re fortunate enough to have it,” Rich said. “It just makes you feel even better,” said Cindy. “It’s healing.” In recent years, the Dickasons’ generosity has become tangible in the form of religious symbols. The first of these came as a result of a request by Father Gerard Senecal, OSB, then pastor of St. Benedict’s Parish. The Dickasons donated a statue of St. Benedict for the school, which they did in honor of their whole family. And Benedictine College boasts two
“WE LOVE WHAT’S HAPPENING AT MAUR HILL MOUNT ACADEMY AND LOVE THE IMPACT THIS NEW FRONT ENTRANCE IS MAKING.” St. Michael the Archangel icons, as well as one of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, thanks to the Dickasons. So, when it came time for Benedictine College to add a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to its new memorial park, the college knew right where to turn. This big project was more of a financial undertaking than past donations, giving the Dickasons pause to reflect on their decision. However, it soon became quite apparent that this was a venture they wanted to be a part of. The most recent of their contributions can be found standing tall in the middle of a cross-shaped fountain in the center of Maur Hill-Mount Academy’s newly renovated front entrance quad. President
Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)
Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org
The statue depicts one of the school’s patron saints, St. Maur, rescuing a young St. Placidus from drowning. Maur Hill - Mount Academy president Phil Baniewicz approached the Dickasons with the idea of commissioning the piece for the school’s exterior front entrance. The Dickasons said it didn’t take Baniewicz long to convince them that it was an important addition. But what most people will not realize is that the statue bears a resemblance to someone particularly important to the Dickasons — their late son, Dr. Richard R. Dickason Jr., a 1987 alum of Maur Hill Prep School. “Rich Jr. loved the school,” said Rich. “He loved everything about it.” His parents’ gift is now a memorial to that love. “We love what’s happening at Maur Hill - Mount Academy and love the impact this new front entrance is making,” said Rich. The idea was that of the statue’s sculptor, Aleda Haug, who is a family friend and knew Rich Jr. personally. Haug’s decision to use Rich Jr.’s likeness for the statue grew out of several considerations. First, Haug sought to honor his parents’ generous contribution
Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org
Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
Reporter Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org
Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org
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to the project. But Rich Jr.’s profession as a pediatric reconstructive surgeon — with his life mission being to help kids — was another factor. The third, and perhaps most poignant, was how it served as a special reminder to the students of Maur HillMount Academy. “Older students, look out for the underclassmen and carry them down the right path. Underclassmen, cling to the upperclassmen and look to them to guide you to safety,” Haug said at the statue’s unveiling. “It’s about helping a friend, but it’s also about saving a life, which is what Rich Jr. did,” Rich said. “We just want the students to be embraced and to understand that you can all make it here [at MH-MA] and be productive,” Cindy said. “You don’t have to give a lot to get something back and it’s always positive. “ Though they have given in many different ways over the years, gifts of statues have now become the Dickasons’ calling card. “The statues are permanent,” Rich said. “There’s always new people coming in [to the schools], so the statues will never get old. “I like the idea of that permanence.”
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 17, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
New director has passion for vocations work By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Father Dan Morris has to put it on his business cards. But his new title “Vocation Director” leaves out an important
nuance. Neither he, nor anyone else, can rightfully claim that title. “We are, in a sense, facilitators of the One who is [vocations director] — the Holy Spirit,” said Father Morris, who succeeded Father Scott Wallisch in July. “It’s really God who is the ultimate vocation director,” he added. “We try to help facilitate all of those vocations the best we can.” Father Morris, who was ordained in 2015, formerly served as associate pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee and chaplain at St. James Academy in Lenexa. Although he didn’t seek out his current role, he feels it’s a good fit. “As I look back on my time in the seminary, an internship I did at the Church of the Ascension [in Overland Park] and my time at Sacred Heart Parish in our vocations ministry, I can see the rhyme and reason behind the choice,” he said. “I’ve always had a heart and passion for vocations work.” As part of his seminary pastoral internship, his “large” project was to design and teach a vocations curriculum to a seventh-grade class. “It’s kind of cool, as one of those [former] seventh-graders will enter his first year as a seminarian at KenrickGlennon in St. Louis this fall,” said Father Morris. While at Sacred Heart, he helped organize a three-bus vocations pilgrimage in October 2017. Almost a third of which were high school youth. “[The trip] was to expose families and young people to the reality that is seminary life and the lives of religious Sisters,” said Father Morris. Father Morris, like his predecessors, will live at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, and have an office at the chancery in Kansas City, Kansas. It’s a great setup, he believes. “It’s a blessing that the vocation director gets to be in residence here at the University of Kansas,” he said. “Geographically, it’s located between two of the most populous parts of the archdiocese — Topeka and the Kansas City area.” Moreover, it is from college campuses that vocations often surface. “Many young people are discerning at this time in their lives,” he noted. Another plus is that the chaplaindirector of the St. Lawrence Center, Father Mitchel Zimmerman, is a former vocation director. The University of Kansas has been a good seedbed for vocations. Indeed, Father Morris is a 1998 graduate of KU. “My whole ordination class — all four of us — were from KU,” he said. Father Morris will celebrate Masses at the center, make himself available for spiritual direction and work with the Samuel Group for Young Discerners. So far, the transition has been a smooth one. Father Morris has worked with Father Wallisch to establish relationships with discerners and others. He has also formulated a vision for the vocations office. “My big vision is to continue building on what my predecessors have already successfully started: to keep building a culture of vocations in our archdiocese,” he said.
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ReachKCK director seeks to connect youths with ‘heart of Jesus’ By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG
Father Dan Morris is the new vocations director for the archdiocese. Like his predecessors, he will live at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center in Lawrence. “I want to give all people — but especially young people — permission to say ‘yes’ to their vocation,” he added. Father Morris believes that everyone knows, deep down in their hearts, what God is calling them to. Often, however, because of the culture, peer pressure or lack of support from family and friends, people don’t always feel like they have permission or the courage to say “yes” to that vocation. “Also, many people don’t find themselves free enough, on the level of virtue, to say ‘yes’ to any vocation,” he said. “I don’t just mean the priesthood and consecrated religious life. “I mean even for young couples in marriage preparation, to really have the permission to say ‘yes’ to sacramental marriage and to follow their desire to actually live out that authentic kind of love that Christ invites us to. “I think that’s the first level of building a culture of vocations, and it’s already begun.” The good news? We already have all the vocations we need. The challenge? A lot of us just aren’t aware of it yet. What is required, he said, is a team effort. “Everyone needs to see themselves as a vocation director,” he continued. “Ask yourself: ‘What particular office of vocations has God entrusted to me — as a parent, a teacher, a coach, a youth minister, a chaplain, a pastor, a friend?’ How do we help one another recognize our gifts and talents — our vocations — and encourage those around us to say ‘yes’?” Discernment doesn’t take place in the abstract, concluded Father Morris. If you’re a young person and not seriously open to all vocations, you’re going to have a hard time finding, let alone being
Things to know about finding your vocation 1. Know that you DO have a vocation.
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A life of prayer is essential. Prayer is how you grow in your relationship with Jesus. Talk to him every day, as you would to a best friend, about what’s going on in your life. Take time to be open to his response.
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Seek. Be open to finding your vocation. Don’t let fear hold you back from participating in a vocations event, or visiting a seminary or convent. Don’t be afraid to ask about the priesthood, consecrated religious life or marriage. For more information, go online to: kckvocations.com; send an email to Father Morris at: vocation@archkck. org; or call (913) 647-0356.
able to say ‘yes,’ to the one God is calling you. Young people must seek — and they must pray. “If a person is in conversation with the One who is calling on a regular basis, that person cannot help but come to know, trust and ultimately desire to say ‘yes’ to the call. “God will never call any of us to a vocation that will not fulfill us. Nor will he take us down a path that isn’t in line with the passions, desires and gifts that he has already given us. God will always take and multiply those gifts — 30, 60, and a hundredfold — for his glory.”
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Taking the reins of a successful ministry from its founder might be considered one of those “tough acts to follow.” But not for Tricia Hutchison, who became the new Wyandotte County youth outreach coordinator on July 9. Hutchison succeeds Liz Miller, who five years ago built and launched ReachKCK youth ministry in the heart of Kansas City, Kansas. Miller is leaving to complete a master’s program in social work. It’s been a smooth transition, said Hutchinson, because for three weeks Miller was on hand to train and orient her, introducing her to both ReachKCK operations and the people involved in the program. It has given Hutchison an even greater appreciation of Miller’s accomplishments. “I’m humbled that I have the opportunity to step into this,” said Hutchison. “Liz Miller has done a tremendous job. She has built a thriving, beautiful program that kids and adults feel a part of. “I feel confident that God will give us the grace to continue the good work that has been done.” Hutchison is a native of Leawood and grew up in Church of the Nativity Parish, where she attended grade school. She graduated from Notre Dame de Sion High School for Girls in Kansas City, Missouri, and went on to Benedictine College, Atchison. At Benedictine, she played soccer and earned a bachelor of arts degree in secondary education and theology, with a minor in psychology in 2008. Hutchinson taught theology and psychology for five years at St. James Academy in Lenexa, and then spent three years exploring religious life with the Servants of the Lord in Washington, D.C. Returning to Kansas, she became director of faith formation at Hayden High School in Topeka. “I also spent eight years at Camp Tekakwitha while I taught at St. James,” she said. “One summer, I even ran the kitchen. I was on the leadership team, mentoring the staff and doing programming and curriculum development.” While at Hayden, she began to volunteer with Project Uplift, a homeless ministry in Kansas City, Missouri. ReachKCK is a ministry that serves primarily urban youth, and it’s supported by many adult volunteers, pastors and youth ministers. “ReachKCK is an initiative by the archdiocese to help create authentic community and to build a life of faith for the people of Wyandotte County,” she said. “There are 11 parishes in Kansas City, Kansas,” she added, “and >> See “NEW ” on page 7
AUGUST 17, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Village Fires help disciples burn brighter By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ENEXA — The disciples were gathered for prayer in an upper room and the Holy Spirit was present. But it wasn’t 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem. It was at 7 p.m. on July 10 in the Southeast Room on the second floor of the Quigley Center at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa. More than 200 followers of Christ — most, but not all, Catholic — gathered for a time of enthusiastic charismaticstyle prayer and praise called Village Fire. Village Fire was conducted by the Citywide Prayer Movement of Kansas City, an ecumenical Christian endeavor, in conjunction with the evangelization office of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Holy Trinity Parish hosted the event. For 90 minutes, Village Fire participants listened to exhortations, heard Holy Trinity member Amanda Connealy’s faith testimony about her young daughter Olivia’s debilitating health crisis, sang praise music, formed small groups to do intercessory prayer for the “hurts of the cities” and participated in eucharistic adoration. The four identified “hurts of the cities,” determined by Citywide Prayer leaders after meetings with various civic leaders, are: fatherlessness, child illiteracy, sex trafficking and racial healing. The title of the event, Village Fire, is symbolic. The “village” refers to all the cities of the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area; the “fire” is Christ the light. Citywide Prayer Movement, explained Deacon Dana Nearmyer, is an ecumenical group that divides the city into 13 regions. “Christian leaders gather monthly and pray for the geography they serve,” he said. “The idea is to keep ‘the lower lights burning,’ to keep that [passion for prayer] going.”
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG
Father Pat Sullivan, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee, joins hands in prayer at a Village Fire gathering. More than 200 people — most, but not all, Catholic — gathered for a time of enthusiastic charismatic-style prayer and praise on July 10 at Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa. Although Citywide Prayer has been around for approximately 25 years, Deacon Nearmyer has been involved with it for just five. “They’ve asked me to create a Catholic Village Fire,” said Deacon Nearmyer. “The upcoming convocation catalyzed in my mind that it was time to bring together our leaders who have been through a lot of ‘missionary disciple’ training to get together and create a groundswell, where we could stoke up a Village Fire in our hearts.” Village Fires are open to anyone, although he reached out specifically to apostolate leaders like those involved in FOCUS, SPO, Camp Tekakwitha,
Totus Tuus, TEC, Kairos, CHIRP, Cursillo and other “spirit-filled” ministries for this first one. According to Deacon Nearmyer, Village Fires won’t only pray for specific needs and for individuals, but also to prepare people to participate in Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s call for Catholics to become “missionary disciples” and for a release of the Holy Spirit for a new evangelization in the archdiocese. “We’re praying for the release of the Holy Spirit,” said Deacon Nearmyer. “The archbishop has asked us to pray the Novena to the Holy Spirit. He’s asked a new order in our zeal for evan-
gelization, to be in sync with the Holy Father, and this is one phase of that, for each of us to be a vessel for that. “And then, the other piece is, usually these mission programs ask us to go somewhere to do something different than what we’ve done before. “With Village Fire, what we’re really going to concentrate on is ministering right where we’re planted. . . . Just do what you do, but do it with the mind of Christ.” The Holy Trinity event was the first of four scheduled Village Fire prayer events. The remaining three are slated for Sept. 25, Nov. 27 and Feb. 26. Times and places will be announced later.
Calling all Ravens! Monks to host Brews for Benedictines
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By Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org
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VERLAND PARK — It’s a Tuesday night. And a monk walks into a bar. Actually, it’s not just one monk, but several. They sit down, order some drinks, pray together, swap jokes and shoot the breeze with a table of 20-somethings. “Cheers” meets the monastery? No, this scene is straight out of the upcoming Brews with Benedictines event. The outreach is the brainchild of J.D. Benning, the director of communications for St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison. He noticed that, after graduation, the connection between the monks and new graduates from Benedictine College underwent a change. “We noticed that at some of the events the monks host, there weren’t a lot of young people,” he said. He wanted to find a way to help the monks and their friends stay connected — and a place to foster that encounter. When the idea for Brews with Benedictines came to him, he knew
he had tapped (no pun intended) into something special — and Brother Leven Harton, OSB, recognized it as well. The typical 25- or 26-year-old Catholic tends to not attend traditional events such as parish missions, said Brother Leven. “But,” he countered, “if you invited them to get a beer and have the opportunity to do a little prayer, a little formation, and do it over a drink, that’s much more approachable.” The event is open to adults of all ages and was created with the special intention of fostering a relationship with millennials, particularly those who presently have or have had a relationship with St. Benedict’s Abbey through
“THE MORE [YOUNG PEOPLE] CAN ENTER INTO CONVERSATIONS AND FRIENDSHIPS WITH ONE ANOTHER, THE BETTER. AND THEY CRAVE THAT. their education at Benedictine College. “Brews” will take place Aug. 30 at the Brew Lab, located at 7925 Marty St. in Overland Park. Tickets are $10 and cover hors d’oeuvres, two beers, an opportunity for spiritual counsel and a talk given by one of the monks. At a past Brews with Benedictines event, Father Jay Kythe, OSB, gave a talk on “acedia,” which is a sort of weariness with life that causes a lack of desire to be productive. In his work and experience with
young adults, Father Jay has found that an attachment to technology and social media can be a breeding ground for acedia and mental distraction. And while social media can help people connect, it cannot substitute for in-person interaction and friendship. “The more [young people] can enter into conversations and friendships with one another, the better,” said Father Jay. “And they crave that. “Events like these help them to pursue the real thing.” It is not just BC grads who are encouraged to participate, however. Or even Catholics. In fact, part of the idea is to reach out to those who did not attend Benedictine College or might never have even met a monk. “And if you have to get up early the next day for work,” promised Brother Leven, “it’s the perfect event — because we’re monks and we go to bed early! “We’ll be leaving by like nine o’clock!”
AUGUST 17, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus
Families as missionaries Does being a missionary mean going to a foreign land? We can be missionaries right in our neighborhood. Bishop Robert Barron suggests we “bring one person back to Mass” ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 with us in the coming year. Who in your neighborhood might you invite to Mass next Sunday or to a marriage or family event in your parish? • Invite them to Mass and breakfast after Mass. • Invite a married couple to join you in attending a marriage enrichment. • Tell them the difference it has made in your life. • As St. John Paul II said: “Be not afraid!” — Deacon Tony Zimmerman, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life
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Spanish Marriage Encounter makes its return By Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It’s more difficult than ever these days for married couples to find time to inventory the health of their
marriage. And it’s especially difficult when marriage resources offered in a couple’s native language are in short supply. But the weekend of Aug. 3-5 made archdiocesan history. For the first time in over 20 years, a Spanish-speaking marriage retreat was held in Kansas City, Kansas, through Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WME). “The WME helps couples to take a step back and review their marriages, communication . . . their faith and spirituality,” said Father Michael Hermes, pastor of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, and a longtime supporter of the movement.
Asking the question Deacon Tony Zimmerman, now lead consultant of the archdiocesan family life office, first attended a Worldwide Marriage Encounter event (in English) with his wife in 1981 — and his marriage
Two Sisters of Charity mark golden jubilees
EAVENWORTH — Sister Joy care and a clinic for the underserved. Duff and Sister Margaret Sister Joy next took Clinical pasQuirk are celebrating their toral education courses and transigolden anniversaries as Sistioned to being a hospital chaplain, ters of Charity of Leavenministering for 15 years at St. James worth this year. Healthcare in Butte, Montana. Joined by family and She retired to the Sisters of friends, they received Charity motherhouse in 2017. special recognition Sister Margaret is from during a Mass and reKansas City, Missouri. She ception on July 29 at graduated from the nursthe motherhouse. ing program of Saint Mary Originally from a College, Leavenworth, and suburb of Los Angeles, worked two years at ProviSister Joy became a regdence Hospital in Kansas City, istered nurse following Kansas, before entering the graduation from high Sisters of Charity community. Sister Joy Duff school. Her first job was She later completed her bachat Saint John’s Hospital elor’s degree in nursing, also in Santa Monica, Caliat Saint Mary’s. fornia, then operated by As a Sister and a nurse, the Sisters of Charity. Sister Margaret served in She worked for sevTopeka; Helena; Grand Junceral years and entered tion, Colorado; Butte; Leavthe Sisters of Charity enworth; and Kansas City, community in 1968. Her Kansas. She worked in hosfirst assignment as a pitals, home care, at a clinic Sister was at St. John’s for the underserved and at Hospital in Helena, Monthe Sisters of Charity mothtana. She subsequently Sister Margaret Quirk erhouse. Sister Margaret reserved as a nurse in tired to the motherhouse in hospitals, home health care, skilled 2016.
Upcoming Worldwide Marriage Encounters: • English: Sept. 14-16; Nov. 9-11. Register at: www.wwme4youandme.org. • Spanish: Feb. 8-10, 2019. Contact Michelle Cabrera at (913) 764-0323.
is still reaping the benefits. “WME changed our marriage,” he said. “And since the archdiocese started the Joyful Marriage Project in 2017,” continued Deacon Zimmerman, “our Hispanic community has been growing. “So we started asking what we could offer.” Members of St. Paul Parish in Olathe were asking the same question.
Changing marriages In September 2017, Michelle Cabrera and her husband, both St. Paul parishioners, traveled to Wichita with three other couples from Johnson and Wyandotte counties to attend their first Spanish-language WME. “A lot of people would have thought
that I had a perfect marriage because I work at a parish office,” said Cabrera. “But we were lacking in communication. “[That weekend] helped us realize why we fell in love in the first place.” “It helped my husband and me take the marriage seriously,” she added. “This is a sacrament — it’s something we have to fight for.” Since then, Cabrera said that even her kids have noticed the change. And she knew she had to help bring a Spanish-language WME to Kansas City. “We don’t have many opportunities for Spanish-language marriage counseling or retreats,” said Cabrera. “[And] with the divorce rate so high, this helps marriages work through problems before that stage is even reached.” Fifteen couples attended the WME at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas, as participants. And other couples that had attended WME in English lent a hand with registration and prayed for the couples embarking on the weekend for the first time. “It was beautiful seeing the two communities being together,” said Cabrera. “I hope we can talk about our experiences together and have stronger marriages,” she added.
USM athlete named Scholar Athlete of the Year
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EAVENWORTH — Tony Weber of the University of Saint Mary men’s track and field team here was honored with the prestigious distinction of Scholar Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Alongside just three other male student-athletes from across the country, Weber earned the honor for his perfect performance in the classroom and topnotch abilities on the track. Weber, an accounting major, graduated this May with a 4.00 GPA. The Leavenworth native took the NAIA marathon title this year with a time of 2 hours, 35 minutes, 4.47 seconds — nearly three minutes ahead of teammate Christian Graham.
“Tony is a phenomenal athlete and student,” said head coach Alstin Benton. “He always came to practice ready to improve, and he epitomizes what it means to be a teammate. “Tony is the kind of talent every coach wants more of — extremely bright, dedicated to the sport and determined to get better.” Including the four Scholar Athletes of the Year, a total of 89 men earned the coaches association’s All-Academic honors during the 2017-18 track and field seasons. Five fellow Spires, alongside Weber, were also honored: Johnathan Bowen, Wakefield; Christian Graham, Great Bend; Luke Skinner, Montezuma; Nick Thomas, Arlington, Texas; and Eric Vazquez, Great Bend.
Sisters of Charity name new social justice coordinator
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EAVENWORTH — John Shively has Topeka. While at Washburn, he traveled joined staff of the Sisters of Charinternationally to study political processes ity of Leavenworth as the in the United Kingdom, South new coordinator of the Korea and Japan. He also served office of justice, peace an extended internship with the and integrity of creation. Kansas Legislature. Shively recently completed his As part of his responsibilimaster’s degree in international ties, Shively will interface with affairs at Marquette University, social justice coordinators of Milwaukee. His graduate studies other member congregations focused on globalization and inof the Charity Federation. He equality, Catholic social teaching will also serve as the Sisters and human rights. of Charity community’s liaison John Shively Originally from Coffeyville, to the federation’s nongovernShively earned his bachelor’s degree in pomental organization at the United Nations. litical science from Washburn University,
AUGUST 17, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Rural locations, harder to serve, have greatest need >> Continued from page 1 “Our goal was to fill that gap,” she said. “If we could provide them food and then also get them into the library and get them reading — a package deal was what we were looking for.” Kansas consistently ranks in the bottom five of states for children’s participation in SFSP, serving only eight summer lunches for every 100 free and reduced lunches served during the school year. This is due in part to Kansas’ large percentage of rural communities — the scattering of Kansas kids across farms and other remote areas makes it difficult to access large numbers of children at once. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas was well aware of these challenges when it first launched its summer food program four years ago. Camille Pickhinke, parish and community outreach coordinator for Catholic Charities, said that much of its 21county service area is made up of rural communities that can be described as food and resource deserts — locations where there are no grocery stores, community resources or public transportation. “We felt we could be part of the solution,” Pickhinke explained. What began modestly in 2015 with just eight sites serving a total of 3,000 meals has since expanded to more than 30 sites, ranging from libraries, parks and swimming pools to community centers and schools. In 2017, Catholic Charities served more than 15,000 meals to adults and children, a number the agency expects to match this year. In addition to the increase in children served, Pickhinke notes that Catholic Charities has also been able to expand the services offered at each site: providing fresh produce as well as adult meals. “After noticing that adult caregivers who were bringing their children to the sites were also in need, we partnered with several of our parishes who generously provided well-balanced sack lunches for adults,” says Pickhinke,
PHOTO BY KIRBY COBB
Amelia Smith enjoys a nice meal at the public library in St Marys. In 2017, Catholic Charities served more than 15,000 meals to adults and children as part of its summer food program. who first joined the program in 2016. Catholic Charities has also rolled out a limited “weekend bag” component at select sites: While SFSP requires that meals served must be eaten on-site, weekend bags can be taken home to help tide a child over until the next meal service. These bags are also thanks to donations from parishes. Despite the program’s growth, the challenges of operating a large number of rural sites persist. With sites as much as three hours from Catholic Charities’ warehouse and main office, it can be difficult to support a site when problems arise.
Transportation of food and supplies to these communities is costly, and sites generally serve far fewer kids than their urban counterparts. Still, Pickhinke said, the effort involved is well worth it if it means reaching families in areas not typically supported by social service programs. “These communities have the right to be served just as much as our urban communities,” said Pickhinke. “The need is still there — there just isn’t anyone to serve them. That’s where we step in.” Denise Rainey, who has been bringing her three children to the St. Marys
summer food program for the last three years, said the program is an enjoyable experience for them all. “It’s a good way to meet new people, for the children to meet their friends,” she said. And she really appreciates that Catholic Charities has continued to operate the program. “I think it’s an asset to the community,” she added. Wildhaber is an AmeriCorps VISTA member working at Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, assisting with the Summer Food Service Program.
New director hopes to increase parish involvement >> Continued from page 4 ReachKCK is designed to help those parishes thrive, to build the life of the parish by means of creating opportunities for young people to gather and to have meaningful relationships with each other and God.” A lot of the work is done at the ReachKCK Center, located in the former Blessed Sacrament School at 2215 Parallel. But Hutchison also wants to work on strengthening ties and involvement with area parishes. She wants ReachKCK to provide the means, opportunities and resources for youths to “plug into” their parishes. “One of the greatest challenges we face is to always bring it back to build the parish life,” she said. “We want young people to find a home in their parish.” Hutchison would like to do more adult training for ministry, offer more family ministry, form small faith-sharing groups for youths, and start a mother’s group. “One of my dreams would be a family formation night once a week,” she said. Another involves planning even brief trips out of Kansas City, Kansas — both for cultural and outdoor adventures.
Leaving with a heart full of hope Five years ago, Liz Miller became the first Wyandotte County youth outreach coordinator — known more informally as the director of ReachKCK, the urban youth outreach ministry. Miller is leaving the position to complete a master’s program in social work, but she’s pleased to hand off the ministry to Tricia Hutchison. “Because of the relationships that I’ve formed and value deeply, it’s very hard to leave,” said Miller. “And yet, I think of it like this: I’m leaving a position, not relationships. I’m excited to see where things go in the future,” she added. “Letting go of something you’ve been so intricately tied to for so long is hard, but I leave with great hope for Tricia and the whole ministry.” ReachKCK has not been “The Liz Miller Show,” she said, but has been made possible by all the people who’ve Liz Miller helped. Miller is especially grateful for the support she’s received from Deacon Dana Nearmyer and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. Her final words of wisdom to Hutchison are these: “Love these kids. Lead people to Jesus, and he’ll do the rest.” LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG
Tricia Hutchison became the new Wyandotte County youth outreach coordinator on July 9. “I want to give the kids the opportunity to experience beauty and culture,” Hutchison said. “I’d love to take the kids on a kayaking or camping trip
where they can get out of the city and experience nature. God speaks loudly in nature. “Ultimately, I want to build relationships with young people where they know their own dignity, learn their own
goodness, know that they are loved and accepted for who they are and who God has made them to be.” “And I’d love to help connect young people with the heart of Jesus,” she added.
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n late July, 13 adventurers headed to the Sangre de Cristo Range in Colorado in an attempt to summit Challenger Point, 14,080 feet above sea level. The sponsored climbers were raising funds for King David’s Rock, a Christian-based organization that advocates against pornography, and most of the men were Catholics of the archdiocese. Along the way, the men fought bears, braved sleet and hail, battled exhaustion — and shared their faith. In the end, all summited, and Leaven freelance photographer Jay Soldner was there to capture all the action.
Russ Engel, a member of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, points out something along the trail to Kent Carlson a
Dan Baldwin and his nephew Matthew Baldwin gather water from a stream near the camp site. The stream water is filtered as it is pumped into a water bladder for drinking and cooking.
Father and son, Jim Baldwin (left) and Matthew Baldwin, members of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, embrace reaching Challenger Point, the summit of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range and subrange of the Rocky Mountains in rado. Challenger Point is 14,080 feet above sea level.
A black bear made a nuisance of himself to the hikers rattling tents at night and destroying a few tents in the search for food while the hikers were away from camp. Neither man nor bear was injured during the trip.
A curious bighorn sheep made its way to the hikers’ campsite one morning. Unafraid of the human guests, the sheep strolled to within 10 feet of the campsite.
A busy bee gets pollen from a flower. The trail through the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range offered a wealth of wildlife for the hikers to enjoy.
An American pika checks o trail. Only found in the Rocky are herbivores. They are sma hares.
Tony Collins, a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, leads the group in prayer and reflection on the edge of Willow Lake, an alpine lake located in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness in Rio Grande National Forest.
as the two try to reach the summit.
e after Colo-
A mountain stream flows across Willow Lake Trail. Hikers had to cross the makeshift wood bridge to cross the picturesque falls.
Pat Moore, a member of Holy Family Parish in Eudora, makes a call through spotty cell phone service while basking in the beauty of Willow Lake.
Scott Emerson, a member of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park, makes his way up the steep incline toward the summit. Emmerson is an experienced climber, having summited every mountain in Colorado above 14,000 feet.
out the action on the hiking y Mountains, American pikas aller relatives of rabbits and
The yellow-bellied marmot is native to mountainous regions of southwestern Canada and western United States. They hibernate during the winter in burrows up to 20 feet below the surface.
A herd of mule deer greeted the hikers as they made their way along the Willow Lake Trail. The deer are named for their ears, which are large like those of the mule.
A golden-mantled ground squirrel goes about its business. This species is distinguished from similar ground squirrels by a black-bordered white stripe down each side of the back.
AUGUST 17, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
NATION
Pennsylvania grand jury says church was interested in hiding abuse By Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service
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ASHINGTON (CNS) — A Pennsylvania grand jury report issued Aug. 14 paints a picture of a Catholic Church in six of the state’s dioceses that for decades handled claims of sex abuse of minors under its care by hiding the allegations and its victims. More than 300 priests were linked to abuse claims and over 1,000 victims were identified, said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro in a news conference following the report’s release. “The main thing was not to help children but to avoid ‘scandal,’” says a biting sentence about the behavior of church leaders and officials in the report, detailing a months-long investigation of clergy sex abuse claims in the dioceses of Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Allentown, Scranton, Greensburg and Erie. The report covers a period of 70 years, looking at the past and including information from the early 2000s, a time when news of the clerical sex abuse scandal erupted in the U.S. Before its release, some urged that the report be read keeping in mind that a lot has changed in the church since then, and also that not all of the report’s claims are substantiated. In the Diocese of Pittsburgh, for example, a few priests named in the report are still working there, Pittsburgh Bishop David A. Zubik told local reporters in an Aug. 10 news conference, because, he said, church officials could not substantiate claims of abuse made against them. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newspaper reported that Bishop Zubik said: “There is no priest or deacon in an assignment today against whom there was a substantiated allegation of child sexual abuse.” He said he would explain the process to parishioners following the report’s release. But there are many painful claims. In the news conference, Shapiro spoke of a “systematic cover-up” by church officials who took information
CNS PHOTO/COURTESY OF THE DIOCESES
A photo panel shows, clockwise from top right, Pennsylvania Bishops Ronald W. Gainer of Harrisburg, David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh, Joseph C. Bambera of Scranton, Lawrence T. Persico of Erie, Edward C. Malesic of Greensburg and Alfred A. Schlert of Allentown. The Pennsylvania attorney general released a grand jury report Aug. 14 on a months-long investigation into abuse claims spanning a 70-year period in the six dioceses. to the Vatican, who also did nothing to help victims, Shapiro said. He also spoke of priests who “weaponized faith” and had the victims go to confession for the sins, even as they were being victimized. “I read the grand jury report on child sexual abuse with great sadness, for once again we read that innocent children were the victims of horrific acts committed against them,” said Harrisburg Bishop Ronald. W. Gainer shortly after the document’s release. “I am saddened because I know that behind every story is a child precious in God’s sight; a child who has been wounded by the sins of those who should have known better.” The grand jury said it found in its investigation that those who claimed sexual abuse of their children by Catholic clergy or other church workers were “brushed aside,” and officials became more concerned with protecting the abusers because they wanted to protect the image of
the church, the report says. Some of those named in the report had their names redacted, or blacked out, after challenging the inclusion of their identities in it without having the legal opportunity to defend themselves. They are scheduled to have a hearing with the court in September. Some of the dioceses involved said they would release the names of those facing “credible allegations” in the report when the document was made public and some of them did so, following the news conference. Not all who are accused of sexual abuse or of covering it up in the report are priests. Some on the lists are deacons, some are seminarians, teachers or other church workers, and some are no longer alive. Some are accused of being in possession of child pornography, others of inappropriate touching, kissing, soliciting a child for sex, but most are listed as “sexually abusing a child.”
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‘Mountaintop Mass’ celebrated to honor Father McGivney
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ATERBURY, Conn. (CNS) — More than 1,000 people gathered in the rain on top of Holy Land USA as Archbishop Leonard P. Blair of Hartford celebrated Mass to honor Father Michael McGivney, a candidate for sainthood, founder of the Knights of Columbus and a native of Waterbury. The faithful came from across the state for the “Mountaintop Mass” on Pine Hill at the former religious theme park, known for its 60-foot illuminated cross, which can be seen for miles from the highway. The hilltop offers a view of the places where Father McGivney was born, baptized and educated, and was buried for 92 years until his remains were moved to the Church of St. Mary in New Haven, where he began the Knights of Columbus. In the early afternoon, people began gathering on the hilltop, many of them shuttled to the top in golf carts on the repaved roads. They sat under tents and umbrellas in the area of the large cross that looks out over the city. They prayed the rosary and listened to praise and worship music. Although rain fell throughout the day, it didn’t dampen their spirits. Archbishop Blair concelebrated the Mass with 13 priests and three deacons on a covered stage that had a large banner proclaiming, “Welcome to Holy Land USA,” while above them, swallows swooped through the air in joyful flight. Looking out at hundreds of people on the hillside, huddled under colorful umbrellas, he said, “My brothers and sisters, what a powerful thing it is for us to be gathered on this holy mountain in Waterbury, just as Christ taught the people on the mountain in today’s Gospel.” He urged them to bring the message of the Holy Land USA Mass to others and evangelize Catholics who no longer practice their faith or who walk away from it because of “the many hard sayings of Jesus that the church proclaims in fidelity to the Gospel.”
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AUGUST 17, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
VATICAN
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Pope revises catechism to say death penalty is ‘inadmissible’ By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Building on the development of Catholic Church teaching against capital punishment, Pope Francis has ordered a revision of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to assert “the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person” and to commit the church to working toward its abolition worldwide. The catechism’s paragraph on capital punishment, 2267, already had been updated by St. John Paul II in 1997 to strengthen its skepticism about the need to use the death penalty in the modern world and, particularly, to affirm the importance of protecting all human life. Announcing the change Aug. 2, Cardinal Luis Ladaria, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, said, “The new text, following in the footsteps of the teaching of John Paul II in ‘Evangelium Vitae,’ affirms that ending the life of a criminal as punishment for a crime is inadmissible because it attacks the dignity of the person, a dignity that is not lost even after having committed the most serious crimes.” “Evangelium Vitae” (“The Gospel of Life”) was St. John Paul’s 1995 encyclical on the dignity and sacredness of all human life. The encyclical led to an updating of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which he originally promulgated in 1992 and which recognized “the right and duty of legitimate public authority to punish malefactors by means of penalties commensurate with the gravity of the crime, not excluding, in cases of extreme gravity, the death penalty.” At the same time, the original version of the catechism still urged the use of “bloodless means” when possible to punish criminals and protect citizens. The catechism now will read: “Recourse to the death penalty on the part of legitimate authority, following a fair trial, was long considered an appropriate response to the gravity of certain crimes and an acceptable, albeit extreme, means of safeguarding the common good. “Today, however, there is an increasing awareness that the dignity of the person is not lost even after the commission of very serious crimes. In addition, a new understanding has emerged
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Father Chris Ponnet, chaplain at the St. Camillus Center for Spiritual Care in Los Angeles, speaks during a rally protesting the death penalty in Anaheim, California, Feb. 25, 2017. Pope Francis has ordered a revision to the catechism to state that the death penalty is inadmissible and he committed the church to its abolition. of the significance of penal sanctions imposed by the state. Lastly, more effective systems of detention have been developed, which ensure the due protection of citizens but, at the same time, do not definitively deprive the guilty of the possibility of redemption,” the new section continues. Pope Francis’ change to the text concludes: “Consequently, the church teaches, in the light of the Gospel, that ‘the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person,’ and she works with determination for its abolition worldwide.” In his statement, Cardinal Ladaria noted how St. John Paul, retired Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis had all spoken out against capital punishment and appealed for clemency for deathrow inmates on numerous occasions. The development of church doctrine away from seeing the death penalty as a possibly legitimate punishment for
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the most serious crimes, the cardinal said, “centers principally on the clearer awareness of the church for the respect due to every human life. Along this line, John Paul II affirmed: ‘Not even a murderer loses his personal dignity, and God himself pledges to guarantee this.’” Pope Francis specifically requested the change to the catechism in October during a speech at the Vatican commemorating the 25th anniversary of the text’s promulgation. The death penalty, no matter how it is carried out, he had said, “is, in itself, contrary to the Gospel, because a decision is voluntarily made to suppress a human life, which is always sacred in the eyes of the Creator and of whom, in the last analysis, only God can be the true judge and guarantor.” Cardinal Ladaria also noted that the popes were not the only Catholics to become increasingly aware of how the modern use of the death penalty conflicted with church teaching on the dig-
nity of human life; the same position, he said, has been “expressed ever more widely in the teaching of pastors and in the sensibility of the people of God.” In particular, he said, Catholic opposition to the death penalty is based on an “understanding that the dignity of a person is not lost even after committing the most serious crimes,” a deeper understanding that criminal penalties should aim at the rehabilitation of the criminal and a recognition that governments have the ability to detain criminals effectively, thereby protecting their citizens. The cardinal’s note also cited a letter Pope Francis wrote in 2015 to the International Commission Against the Death Penalty. In the letter, the pope called capital punishment “cruel, inhumane and degrading” and said it “does not bring justice to the victims, but only foments revenge.”
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AUGUST 17, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CLASSIFIEDS
EMPLOYMENT Board members - Santa Marta, Johnson County’s premier life care community, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is seeking board members for the term beginning January 2019. The board meets during the business day four times per year. Each board member also serves on a committee that meets at least four times per year. We are seeking applicants who have a concern for senior citizens, and who have a background in health care, business management, law, finance, etc., to serve a four-year term to be effective in Jan. 1, 2019, with the option to extend for a second fouryear term. Those who wish to be considered for appointment to the board are encouraged to submit a letter of interest, including a resume or details of relevant experience, to Heidi Abeln, Santa Marta Life Care Community, 13800 W. 116th, Olathe, KS 66062. If you have questions, contact Heidi at: habeln@santamartaretirement.com or call (913) 323-7106 by Aug. 31. Include your phone number and mailing address as well as your email address in your letter. Additional information about Santa Marta can be viewed online at: www.santamartaretirement. com. Drivers - Ready for the summers off? Join our school transportation division and live like a kid again! Our drivers have the opportunity to serve our community and still get those precious summer breaks. Assisted Transportation seeks caring and reliable drivers to transport K - 12 students in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in our minivans. CDL not required. $12 per hour. Retirees encouraged to apply. Learn more or apply online at: assistedtransportation.com or call (913) 262-5190 for more information. EOE. Real estate agent - Reliable and trustworthy. Works with both buyers and sellers in Johnson County and surrounding areas. Honest, hardworking and trustworthy. Licensed agent. References available. Call Cody Ketzner at (913) 544-6982. Member of Good Shepherd Parish. Program coordinator: Immigration and refugee ministry - This position will be responsible for assisting the director of the human rights office with the implementation, coordination and maintenance of the diocesan program for immigration and refugee concerns. This will include activities associated with education; pastoral care; prayer and worship; and public policy advocacy, as well as the execution of basic administrative responsibilities. This role will serve as the primary point of contact for questions and requests for assistance and resources from the members of our diocese. This is a part-time, nonexempt position located at the chancery and based upon a flexible schedule of 15 - 20 hours per week. To apply go to the website at: careers.hireology.com/ thecatholicdioceseofkansascitystjoseph and click on “Jobs for the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph,” then scroll down to “Program Coordinator for Immigration and Refugee Ministry.”
Do you enjoy driving? - The Kansas City Transportation Group is looking for chauffeurs to drive our guests to events, airport, dinner, etc. Business is growing and we are in need of workers with flexible hours, those who are retired, etc. Great pay and benefits. Send resume to: jkalbert@kctg.com or in person at Carey, 1300 Lydia Ave., Kansas City, MO 64106. Preschool teaching positions - St. Ann Young Child Center in Prairie Village is looking to fill staff positions for the 2018-19 school year. Seeking a part-time 3-year-olds preschool teaching position for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 a.m. - noon. A degree in education is required. Also seeking a part-time preschool aide for Monday - Friday from 8:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Experience preferred but not necessary. Finally, seeking an extended-day aide for Monday through Friday from 3 - 6 p.m. If you love working with children and are looking for part-time work at our distinguished Young Child Center, call Tati at (913) 362-4660. Assistant organist/chorale accompanist - Holy Trinity Parish, 9150 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, is seeking a part-time, salaried organist to accompany the Holy Trinity Chorale. Responsibilities include: full service-playing; weekly rehearsals; three Masses per month; and special services from mid-August to mid-June. Salary commensurate with qualifications, plus demonstrated proficiencies in playing and common practices in organ registration and technique. Additional pay for playing two to five more Masses per month with a cantor. Go to the website at: www.htlenexa.org/holytrinity-music for a full job description. Contact Dr. Cholë Stodt, director of music, at: cstodt@htlenexa.org. Evening facility supervisor - St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, has an immediate opening for a fulltime facility assistant for the evening shift. Hours vary occasionally, but will generally be M – F, 1 – 9:30 p.m. Responsibilities include: monitoring building use; setups for meetings; janitorial duties; routine maintenance projects; and securing all buildings at the end of the evening. This position is eligible for the archdiocesan benefits package, and compensation will be commensurate with experience. Go to the parish website at: www.stmichael cp.org/employment-opportunities for complete details. Retired nurse or CNA - Needed to care for elderly, homebound lady on fixed income who uses wheelchair. Light housework and personal care. Call Rose at (913) 481-7694.
Sales position – Do you have sales experience? Are you well networked in the local community? J.S. Paluch Company, national publisher of church bulletins, has full- and part-time positions available. Excellent earning potential; medical benefits; 401(k); life and AD&D insurance available; excellent commission; compensation program. Interested? Call Kay Leane at (800) 621-5197, ext. 2823, or email resume to: Recruiting@jspaluch.com. Bus driver needed - The Goddard School, Olathe (northwest), is accepting applications for a part-time before/ after school care BUS DRIVER. Applicant must be professional, mature, responsible and punctual. Applicant must have a clean driving record and enjoy working with young children. Driver will be responsible for transporting school-age children to/from our facility each morning and afternoon to several local elementary schools. May consider a different driver for a.m. and p.m., if necessary. Great position for a retired “grandma/grandpa.” Minimum qualifications and requirements: Must be at least 21 years old; have a valid Kansas driver’s license without indication of a criminal record; a clear background check; no driving-related convictions or citations in the last three years; be familiar with the area; be organized, punctual and a self-starter; have good communication skills; meet state licensing requirements for health history; participate in reporting and implementation of the child abuse and neglect policy; participate in any professional development activities (i.e., CPR, first-aid training); previous teaching and/or driving experience preferred; CDL not required - 14 passenger bus. Associate director of planned giving - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an associate director of planned giving for the office of stewardship and development. This position is responsible for advancing the mission of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas through professional stewardship and relationship-building activities, as well as developing, organizing and implementing a spiritually based archdiocesan planned giving program. Duties include developing operational and program goals, communication for all planned giving initiatives and managing planned giving programs within the office of stewardship and development. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have a minimum of five years in planned giving, marketing or related field. Requires bachelor’s degree in finance, communications or marketing; master’s degree preferred in business, law or accounting. Position requires a strong knowledge of Catholic Church organization and procedures; principles and practices of planned giving; building and maintaining relationships with staff, parishes and potential donors; and strict confidentiality. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should send cover letter, resume, application and pastor’s letter of support. Send via email to: jobs@archkck.org; or mail to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Associate Director of Planned Giving Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Application deadline is Aug. 15. Cafeteria worker - Nativity Parish in Leawood has an opening for a part-time cafeteria worker, approximately 15 - 20 hours per week for the 2018-19 school year. Prior experience working in a school cafeteria is preferred, but not required. Compensation is based on experience. Applicants must have dependable transportation, be Virtus trained and pass a background check. Interested applicants should contact Patti Post, cafeteria director, at: patti.post@kcnativity.org with resume and work history.
Counselor - Keeler Women’s Center is seeking a fulltime clinical mental health counselor. Duties include supporting the mission of Keeler Women’s Center (empowering women in the urban core); supervising master-level interns; facilitating support groups and/or classes; scheduling approximately 20 clients per week; maintaining records; coordinating other volunteer counselors; and other duties as needed. Qualified candidates must have an LCPC license; experience working with women and men of all ages and life experiences; prefer bilingual (Spanish); strong interpersonal skills; being hospitable to a diverse population; self-starter; able to multi task, problem solve, detail oriented, compassionate and empathetic; guided by principles of Catholic social teaching and the ACA code of ethics; and pass a background check. To apply, send a letter of interest and resume to Sister Bridget Dickason at: KWC@mountosb. org. Custodian - Bishop Miege High School is has an immediate opening for a full-time evening-shift custodian, M - F from 3:30 p.m. - midnight, with occasional days and weekends. The custodian will maintain cleanliness of the school building and grounds and ensure a safe and pleasant learning environment for students, staff and the public. Duties include, but are not limited to, general housekeeping and sanitation duties; event setup; and light maintenance. The candidate must be able to navigate stairs; stand for extended periods; lift 50 pounds regularly; have good communication skills; be able to relate positively and cooperatively with staff, students and the community. Send resume to Mariann Jaksa, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Shawnee Mission, KS 66205; or email: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com.
Parish secretary - Must be bilingual and able to read, write and translate in English and Spanish. Hours are flexible. Call Our Lady of Unity Catholic Church at (913) 677-4621 or email resume to: oluparishbulletin@gmail. com.
Coordinator of volunteers and outreach ministries - Holy Trinity, Lenexa, seeks to fill a part-time support position responsible for initiating a new parish volunteer outreach and recruitment effort, volunteer coordination and providing ongoing liaison support for other church ministries. This new role has primary responsibility for developing systems to increase volunteer engagement and will provide pastoral support for hospitality efforts, serve as point-of-contact for individuals/families in crisis and lead our child safety program. Are you a self-starter interested in launching new initiatives that grow into more (we hope a full-time position)? Would you get excited to research, develop and implement new ways to increase broad-based participation and move the uninvolved to more engaged participation in the life of our parish? It will be essential that you maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job, are comfortable in a leadership role and like to work with an extensive volunteer network. You will be successful because of your understanding of our Christian call to service and your personal desire to help others make this a part of their life. If this sounds like you, let’s talk! Send your resume and note of interest to: snill@htlenexa.org. Writing coach - Need help writing your college entrance essay or other written assignments? Hire a writing coach to take your essays to the next level and set yourself up for success! A writing coach is like a personal trainer for writing. With over 10 years of teaching writing to high school students, a proven track record of success and a master’s in education, Dan Schaeffer will help bolster and boost student performance and success. Contact Dan Schaeffer at (816) 213-9642 or by email at: dtschaeffer@gmail.com. Office assistant - Knights of Columbus insurance agent is hiring a part-time office assistant in Olathe. Duties include assisting in obtaining medical records; Making phone calls; manage calendar; schedule appointments; accurately file documents with attention to detail; Must be comfortable on the phone and sound professional. Flexible scheduling, 10 - 15 hours per week. Call (913) 732-1216. Enjoy working with children? - Curé of Ars Catholic School would like you to join our after-school care program. The hours are 3 - 6 p.m. and can be flexible based on your schedule. Contact after-school care director Rhiannon Mendez at: Rhiannon.Mendez@cureofars.com for more information.
Office assistant - Knights of Columbus insurance agent is hiring a part-time office assistant in Olathe. Duties include: assisting in obtaining medical records; make phone calls; manage calendar; schedule appointments; accurately file documents with attention to detail; must be comfortable on the phone and sound professional. Flexible scheduling, 10 - 15 hours per week. Call (913) 732-1216.
HOME IMPROVEMENT Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service - Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM. Decked Out In KC - We fix decks. We repair, power wash and stain wood decks and fences. We power wash and seal concrete drives, walkways, pool decks and more. Call Brian at (913) 952-5965. Member of Holy Trinity Parish. Father-and-son home exteriors and remodeling - Celebrating my 15th year in The Leaven as a small business owner! We do decks, siding, windows, doors, tile work, floors, wood rot, and interior and exterior painting. We can remodel bathrooms, kitchens or basements. We also reface cabinets and redo pesky popcorn ceilings. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 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. Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dan deeconst@aol.com. 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
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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. 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. 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. Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com 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.
SERVICES Water damage restoration - Framing, insulation, painting, Sheetrock, mold treatment and lead-safe certified. Insurance claims welcome. Serving Wyandotte and Johnson counties for 25 years. Call Jerry at (913) 2061144. 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. 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. Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 Senior hairstyling - Haircuts, perms, roller sets. Savvy Salon, 5910 W. 59th Terrace Mission, KS, one block south of Johnson Dr. $5 off any service on 1st visit. Bonnie (816) 769-8511. Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit: montemace disability.com. Ceilings - Renew your old textured, yellowed ceilings! Interior painting. No mess. Call Jerry at (913) 201-1144. 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. Clutter getting you down? - Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin of all trades” your professional organizer and “Honey-do” specialist. Call or email me today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055 or KOATorganizing@ gmail.com. Insured. References. Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002 Professional window cleaner - Residential only. Fully insured. Over 40 years experience. Free estimates. Contact Gene Jackson at (913) 593-1495. >> Classifieds continue on page 15
AUGUST 17, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CALENDAR OPEN HOUSE Resurrection Cemetery W. 83rd St. & Quivira Rd., Lenexa Sundays from 1 - 4 p.m.
famous Christ the King sloppy joes. There will also be games, bingo, cake and ice cream, and much more.
PARISH PICNIC Sts. Peter & Paul Parish 411 Pioneer, Seneca Sept. 2 at 4:30 p.m.
Learn more about your archdiocesan Catholic cemeteries. For more information, call (913) 344-7527.
A roast beef and ham dinner will be served. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for kids. Takeout meals will be available. Bingo, concessions, games, a beer garden, a live auction and teen dance will follow. The auction will begin at 8:30 p.m.
MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars Parish 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Aug. 18 at 8 a.m.
There will be a memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones followed by a grief support meeting in the Father Burak Room. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.
CROATIAN FESTIVAL St. John the Baptist Parish 708 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas Aug. 18 at 5 p.m.
Admission is free and activities begin after 4 p.m. Mass on the parish grounds. Traditional Croatian food and cold beverages will be available for purchase. There will be children’s and family booths. A free dance will begin at 9 p.m. For more information, go to the website at: stjohnthebaptistcatholic church.com; send an email to: ourcroatian parish@gmail.com; or go to “St. John the Baptist Croatian Parish” on Facebook.
SUNDAY DINNER AT OUR HOUSE Church of the Ascension (parish hall) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Aug. 19 from 6 - 8 p.m.
A dinner of barbecue chicken, ribs, pulled pork, sausage and sides will be served. The cost will be: $10.50 for adults; $5.50 for kids 5 - 11; and free for kids 4 and under. Dinner will be hosted by the Ascension Knights of Columbus Council 10932.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish (hall) 106 Exchange St., Emporia Aug. 19 from 5 - 7 p.m.
The Rosary Altar Society is sponsoring the ice cream social. Enjoy homemade ice cream and homemade desserts for a freewill offering.
INTERNATIONAL PILGRIM VIRGIN STATUE OF FATIMA Holy Trinity Parish 9150 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa Aug. 21 at 8:15 a.m.
Mass will begin the day. Rosaries will be led throughout the day by different parish groups. There will also be Holy Hours and Benediction. The statue custodian will speak on the critical message of Fatima concerning obtaining peace and putting an end to abortion and the moral corruption afflicting the country. The statue visit is hosted by the Legion of Mary.
INTERNATIONAL PILGRIM VIRGIN STATUE OF FATIMA Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park Aug. 22 at 8:15 a.m.
The statue will arrive for Mass at 8:15 a.m. and remain until Benediction at 7:30 p.m. Adoration will continue throughout the day. Visit with Our Lady and receive graces and blessings.
BIRTHDAY POTLUCK Most Pure Heart of Mary (Formation Room) 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka Aug. 23 from 5 - 7 p.m.
The Christian widow and widowers organization will host the birthday potluck dinner. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call (785) 233-7350.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL Christ the King Parish 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kansas Aug. 25 from 5 - 9 p.m.
Take a step back in time and enjoy the
the experience of grief and loss into a future with renewed hope. For more information and to register, call Donna at (816) 305-3760.
PICNIC AND BAZAAR St. Columbkille Parish 13311 Hwy. 16, Blaine Aug. 25 at 5 p.m.
A roast beef and ham loaf dinner will be served. The cost is: $9 for adults; $5 for kids 5 - 12; and kids 4 and under eat free. There will also be cash bingo, a silent auction, quilt raffle, cakewalk, bounce house and other games.
‘THE LABYRINTH: WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT’ Precious Blood Renewal Center 2130 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Learn how contemplative prayer can be enhanced by walking the labyrinth. The suggested donation is $20 and includes lunch. Register by Aug. 22 by calling (816) 415-3745; sending an email to: info@pbrenewalcenter. org; or mail to: Precious Blood Renewal Center, 2130 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, MO 64068.
DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE 503 Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Aug. 26 at 1 p.m.
The afternoon will begin with a rosary at 12:30 p.m. followed by the business meeting. If anyone knows of a member or their family member in distress, sick or in need of the circle’s prayers, contact Theresa Smith-Lawton at (785) 640-1403. If you are interested in or would like more information about the Daughter of Isabella, contact Marilyn Unrein at (785) 230-8448 or Cindy Keen at (785) 228-9863.
‘SEXUALITY, GENDER AND THE CHURCH’ Church of the Nativity 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Aug. 28 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Andrew Comisky, founder of Desert Stream Ministries, will be speaking on the issues of sexuality, gender and the church as well as the confusing choices that some loved ones have made to live outside the church’s view of love and marriage. All are invited and there is no cost to attend.
‘BREAKING THROUGH TO SOMETHING NEW’ Sacred Heart Parish 1100 West St., Tonganoxie Aug. 29 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
There will be a free concert by the Mikey Needleman Band and Syx Pac for high school students. There will also be free food and fun!
‘PAINTING IN THE DARK’ Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Aug. 30 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Attend this art therapy approach to Alzheimer’s prevention by Teresa Moreno. This presentation will be bilingual.
COPING WITH LIFE ALONE St. Patrick Parish (lower level) 1357 N.E. 42nd Terr., Kansas City, Missouri Sept. 9 - Oct. 21 from 2 - 4 p.m. (Sundays)
“Coping with Life Alone” is a peer-to-peer grief support group 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
TAIZE PRAYER Annunciation Chapel 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Sept. 6 at 7 p.m.
Taize prayer is a meditative, candlelit service that includes chants sung repeatedly, silence, and prayers of praise and intercession. These prayer services emerged from an ecumenical community of monks in Taize, France. For more information, visit the website at: www.marillaccenter.org or call (913) 680-2342.
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BISHOP WARD WYCO REGIONAL CYCLONE/AUCTION GATHERING Breit’s Stein & Deli 412 N. 5th St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 13 from 6 - 8 p.m.
Meet the new Ward president Jay Dunlap and new principal Michelle Olson. Purchase BYGO auction tickets.
BREATHE RESPITE CARE PROGRAM Holy Cross School 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park Sept. 15 from 4 - 8 p.m.
BREATHE respite care provides the gift of time away from care giving for families who have a loved one age 5 years or older with a disability. Volunteers are needed. Prayerfully consider offering your time. Contact Tom Racunas at (913) 647-3054 or send an email to: tracunas@archkck.org, or Audrey Amore at (816) 739-1197 or by email at: aamore@sja keepingfaith.org if you have any questions. To register a loved one for the program, or to volunteer, go the website at: www.archkck. org/specialneeds and complete the online form.
CATHOLIC WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Holy Trinity Parish (Father Quigley Center) 13615 W. 92nd St., Lenexa Thursday mornings beginning Sept. 6 from 9:30 - 11 a.m.
This Bible study will cover the books of John, Ephesians and the prophets. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is offered for kids ages 3 - 12 and kids under the age of 3 are welcome in the nursery or can stay with Mom in a “moms’ study group.” To register, go online to: www.htlenexa.org and click on “Catholic Women’s Bible Study.” Registration is due by Aug. 31. Mail to Kathryn Burditt. For more information, call Laura Haeusser at (913) 3419057 or Kathryn Burditt at (913) 451-3680 or send her an email at: tkburditt@hotmail.com.
CLAY AND FIRE RETREAT Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. — Sept. 9 at 2 p.m.
This retreat, led by Sister Alberta Hermann, OSB, will allow participants to listen to God speaking to them through the elements of creation. No artistic ability or experience in working with clay are needed. For more information or to register, call (913) 360-6173 or go to the website at: www.sophiaspirituality center.org.
HOLY SMOKIN’ JAMBOREE Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka Sept. 7 - 9
Festivities begin with a smoke-off competition on Friday afternoon. Saturday will include a 5K run, car show, kids games, a silent auction, craft sale, knocker ball, a raffle, prizes and much more. Sunday features a traditional roast beef dinner and live auction. Visit the website at: mtcctopeka. org for more information.
BAZAAR Holy Angels Parish 530 E. 4th Ave., Garnett Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Chicken and noodles, turkey or roast beef and sides will be served. The cost is: $9 for adults; $5 for kids 10 and under; and $10 for takeout. There will also be drawings, raffles, crafts and baked goods.
STRAWBERRY HILL MUSEUM AUCTION St. John the Baptist Parish (auditorium) 420 Barnett Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 13 from 6 - 9 p.m.
Tickets are available online only at: www. strawberryhillmuseum.org for a cost of $35 each. This is a live and silent auction. There will be entertainment, beverages and Jack Stack Barbecue. For more information about the auction and about sponsorships, go online to: www.strawberryhillmuseum.org.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BREAKFAST Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish 106 Exchange St., Emporia Sept. 16 from 8 - 11 a.m.
The Knights of Columbus Leo Council 727 will be making and serving breakfast. The cost is a freewill offering.
FALL FESTIVAL Cathedral of St. Peter (parish hall) 416 N. 14th St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 15 from 5 - 9 p.m.
Dinner will be served. There will also be raffles, bingo, a silent auction, mouse races and food items for sale. There will be food booths and fun games for the whole family. The band Fairfax Four will also be there. For more information, call Megan Wheeler at (913) 244-2052 or send her an email at: meggsnbacon@gmail.com.
SLOVENEFEST 2018 Holy Family Parish (Msgr. Mejak Hall) 513 Ohio Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 22 from 4 - 10 p.m.
This celebration of Slovenian culture will begin with Mass at 4 p.m. Following Mass, there will be a traditional dinner. There will also be Slovenian music and many traditional Slovenian foods, games, Lasko Pivo and a cultural booth. For more information, call the church office at (913) 371-1561 or go online to: www.holyfamilychurchkck.com.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL St. Patrick Parish 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 22 at 5 p.m.
There will be a Mexican dinner, a Burmese Chin dinner, burgers, hot dogs, bingo, a raffle, children’s games, music and other activities.
TRIVIA NIGHT Mater Dei School (Rossiter Hall) 204 S.W. 8th St., Topeka Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.
The cost to attend is $100 for an eight-person table. There will be prizes, a raffle, popcorn and more. Tables are filling up fast. Reserve your table now by calling the Mater Dei office at (785) 232-7744. Details will follow upon reservation. Proceeds will benefit the school.
AUGUST 17, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY TWENTIETH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Aug. 19 TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Prv 9: 1-6 Ps 34: 2-7 Eph 5: 15-20 Jn 6: 51-58 Aug. 20 Bernard, abbot, doctor of the church Ez 24: 15-24 (Ps) Dt 32: 18-21 Mt 19: 16-22 Aug. 21 Pius X, pope Ez 28: 1-10 (Ps) Dt 32: 26-28, 30, 35-36 Mt 19: 23-30 Aug. 22 The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ez 34: 1-11 Ps 23: 1-6 Mt 20: 1-16 Aug. 23 Rose of Lima, virgin Ez 36: 23-28 Ps 51: 12-15, 18-19 Mt 22: 1-14 Aug. 24 BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLE Rv 21: 9b-14 Ps 145: 10-13ab, 17-18 Jn 1: 45-51 Aug. 25 Louis; Joseph Calasanz, priest Ez 43: 1-7b Ps 85: 9-14 Mt 23: 1-12
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Aug. 26 TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Jos 24: 1-2a, 15-17, 18b Ps 34: 2-3, 16-21 Eph 5: 21-32 Jn 6: 60-69 Aug. 27 Monica 2 Thes 1: 1-5, 11-12 Ps 96: 1-5 Mt 23: 13-22 Aug. 28 Augustine, bishop, doctor of the church 2 Thes 2: 1-3a, 14-17 Ps 96: 10-13 Mt 23: 23-26 Aug. 29 The Passion of John the Baptist 2 Thes 3: 6-10, 16-18 Ps 128: 1-2, 4-5 Mk 6: 17-29 Aug. 30 Thursday 1 Cor 1: 1-9 Ps 145: 2-7 Mt 24: 42-51 Aug. 31 Friday 1 Cor 1: 17-25 Ps 33: 1-2, 4-5, 10-11 Mt 25: 1-13 Sept. 1 Saturday 1 Cor 1: 26-31 Ps 33: 12-13, 18-21 Mt 25: 14-30
Are you yearnin’ for some learnin’?
t wouldn’t be a Sunday afternoon if I didn’t hear my mom say, “You got any moan-y?” It’s asked as we’re heading to lunch after Mass. My pat response is: “No. Let’s just do what we do every Sunday: Dine and dash!” (That would actually be something to see, considering Mom is in a wheelchair and the wait staff could beat me to the door blindfolded and hopping on one leg.) This past Sunday, I carried things a little further. After eating — and paying — we drove to Lawrence. I told Mom I wasn’t paying the toll and, when we got to the toll plaza, I drove right through. As we exited in Lawrence, I said, “Watch me plow right through that wooden arm blocking our way!” Mom’s eyes got big and then, like magic, up went the barrier as we approached. Only then did I point out and explain to Mom what the K-TAG stuck to my front windshield was. You’re never too old to learn something. The K-TAG is a perfect example. I’d heard about them years ago but didn’t know where to get one,
TWENTY-FIRST WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
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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.
didn’t want to pay for it and wouldn’t use it much anyway. About a year ago, a friend noticed me stopping for a ticket at the toll booth and wondered why I didn’t have a K-TAG since it was incredibly easy to get, free and even included a slight discount on tolls. Needless to say, this was news to me and I soon became a K-TAG devotee. I bring this up because a new school year is underway. For us adults, we may be tempted to see learning as something only for
kids. This story by Ken Langley of Zion, Illinois, deserves pondering: My 10-year-old son was “helping” me paint. I brushed; he rolled. When he disappeared to get a Coke, I rerolled where he’d painted. I didn’t mind this. But I did mind his repeated efforts to reach higher than he should: standing on tiptoe, his arm straight up, wobbly, trying to control the roller heavy with paint. “Let Daddy get the high stuff, “ I said. “I’m afraid you’ll drop the roller or lose your balance and fall in the paint.” I had to leave the room briefly and returned to find Justin once again precariously stretched with a shaky roller in his fingertips. “Justin,” I barked, “Stop
stretching! I’ll get that.” “OK, Daddy,” he answered. “I won’t do it again.” In the silence that followed, I wondered how many times over the years I have given my children the message: “Stop stretching.” How often have I said, “You can’t do this; it’s too hard. Let me do it. Don’t be unrealistic. Don’t reach so high.” Too often, I’m afraid. Now that I think about it, I kind of hope they weren’t listening. (Found in “1001 Illustrations That Connect,” edited by Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof.) Have you reached a point in your life where you’ve stopped learning new things, where you’ve stopped stretching? This new school year is a reminder, no matter our age, to continue to grow in knowledge and grace. It’s yet another invitation to develop the wonderful mind that God has given us by exploring this vast world we live in. So, grab a pen and write out some first semester goals, which might include: • Join a Bible study group or make plans to attend a class or retreat.
The calendar page of The Leaven is filled with announcements of these opportunities. • Learn to pray in a different manner. There are plenty of great books on this subject, but one of my favorites is Mary DeTurris Poust’s “Everyday Divine: A Catholic Guide to Active Spirituality.” (You can get it on Kindle or used.) • Go out and get a library card. You’ll be surprised at what’s available there in addition to printed books. E-books, movies and music can all expand your horizons. And, best of all, it’s free . . . as long as you return your items on time. Being a lifelong learner can be a powerful example to those still formally in school. As novelist John Irving once said, “With every book, you go back to school. You become a student. You become an investigative reporter. You spend a little time learning what it’s like to live in someone else’s shoes.” And you prove to those young’uns that it’s not such a stretch to teach an old dog some new tricks.
Our spirits — like our bodies — yearn to be fed
here are you on the food chain? The prey gets eaten by a predator, which in turn gets eaten by the next one up on the food chain. Eventually, everyone gets eaten, except presumably the one at the top of the food chain. Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jn 6:51-58, outlines another kind of chain: the chain of life. It is very different, even though it also involves food. In this chain, the order of events moves downward and ends with us on the bottom. And it all starts with God. God is the source of life, because God is living. As the Gospel points out: “the living
THE GOSPEL TRUTH
FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.
Father sent me.” Next, the Gospel tells us that Jesus is living because of God: “I have life because
of the Father.” In turn, that enables Jesus to be “the living bread that came down from heaven.” Finally, this living bread gives life to the one who eats it: “Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” The Eucharist links us to this chain of life. That is why it is so important. It leads us to God’s own life.
POPE FRANCIS Idolatry is a human inclination that spares neither believers nor atheists and deprives people of life and love in exchange for slavery to unfulfilled dreams, Pope Francis said. Although wealth, fame, beauty and power differ from the idols of ancient times, they all require “a human sacrifice,” the pope said Aug. 1 during his weekly general audience.
In considering this chain of life, we should remember that God is the one who takes the initiative. God reaches out to us through Jesus Christ to bring us life. It is up to us to respond to that offer, to accept that gift. It is ours for the taking. But it all begins with God. It is possible to place obstacles that prevent this transmission of life to us. If we do not direct our hearts toward God, if we take God for granted, we can interfere with the flow of grace. Eating the Eucharist is not magic. It requires our prayerful attention for it to be fruitful and productive for us. Above all, it requires our faith. As Jesus said in the Gospel reading on Aug. 5: “Whoever comes
to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” We should also note that this life that God offers us involves far more than the indefinite extension of our biological life. We sometimes think of eternal life and the resurrection from the dead in those terms. But this Gospel passage makes it clear that the life that God offers us means a sharing in God’s own life, the life that the Father and the Son enjoy. Our physical selves yearn for biological life. On the other hand, our spirits yearn for something more — the very life of God. And that is what the Bread of Life gives us.
“For a career, children are sacrificed [by] neglecting them or simply not having them,” he said. “Beauty demands human sacrifice. How many hours are spent in front of the mirror? Idols demand blood.” After a month’s summer break and as temperatures in the Eternal City reached nearly 95 degrees, the pope resumed his audiences inside the air-conditioned Paul VI audience hall. Returning to his series of audience talks about the Ten Commandments, Pope Francis focused specifically on the command “You shall not have other gods beside me.” — CNS
AUGUST 17, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) For sale - Two plots at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Old Rugged Cross section, spaces 320 C4 and D1. Valued at $4169 each; $8400 total. Asking $6500 for both. Call Donna at (913) 302-4643. Leave a message. For sale - Double-glass front niche at Resurrection Cemetery, Holy Family section, tier C, niche 3. Paid $8625. Make an offer. Call (913) 558-0723. For sale - Two lots at Resurrection Cemetery, Queen of Heaven, section B, spaces 1 and 2. Value is $8900 plus two interment fees. Make an offer. Call (480) 830-6440. For sale - Two plots at Resurrection Cemetery, Ascension Garden. $2000 each. Call Dick at (913) 384-5833. For sale - Four burial plots at Mount Calvary Cemetery, lot 354, section 3, spaces 5, 6, 7 and 8 (prime location right on the road). $8740 or make an offer. Call Kelly at (913) 709-9133.
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Senior retired nurse - Will do private care for business owner and/or family. Swedish massage and cosmetology training. Mission, Overland Park, Olathe, Leawood and Shawnee. Call (913) 701-6381. Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591. Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.
REAL ESTATE I NEED HOUSES! - We are members of Holy Trinity Parish and we pay cash for any real estate without any realtor commissions or fees. We buy houses in any condition, including bad foundations. If you would like an easy, no-hassle sale at a fair price, please call me. We have 15 years of experience. Mark Edmondson, (913) 980-4905.
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FOR RENT For rent - Executive two-story home in The Wilderness (Overland Park). $2800/month. Four BD, 3.5 BA, three-car garage, 3 fireplaces. Deck, fenced-in yard. Amenities include pool, play area, stocked fishing pond and trails. No pets. Available Oct. 1. Contact: blueheavenusa@gmail.com for details.
WANTED TO BUY Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.
BUYING AN AD To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email The Leaven at: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org. Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter. Ad deadline is 10 days before the desired publication date.
Bob and Jackie (O’Neill) Evans, members of Holy Angels Parish, B a s e h o r, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 17. The couple was married on Aug. 17, 1968, in Wyoming, Illinois. Their children are: Patricia Hilderbrand, Kansas City, Missouri; and Colleen Morgan, Kansas City, Kansas. They also have four grandchildren. Goldie and Bernard Schaefer, members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary with family on Labor Day weekend. The couple was married on Aug. 21, 1948, at St. Louis Parish, Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Dennis Schaefer, Mark Schaefer, Karen Camarata and Kathy Lubetich. They also have seven grandchildren. Betty (Duggan) and Donald Frick, members of Mater Dei Parish, To p e k a , celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Aug. 16. The couple was married at Holy Redeemer Church, Tampa. Their children are: John Frick, Robert Frick and Bryan Frick. They also have eight grandchildren. Dennis and Pat (Reed) Green, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 17 with a gathering of family and friends. The couple was married on Aug. 17, 1968, at St. Francis Xavier Church, Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are Jeff Green and Jason Green. They also have eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
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Pam (Bahner) and Dean Ferrell, members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 3. The couple was married on Aug. 3, 1968, at Most Pure Heart. They celebrated with an Alaskan cruise in July with family and will celebrate their anniversary weekend with a Mass at Most Pure Heart, followed by a family dinner. Their children are Kimberly Nguyen and Patrick Ferrell. They also have five grandchildren. Karen and John Severin, members of St. Ann Parish, Hiawatha, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 17. The couple was married on Aug. 17, 1968, at St. Benedict Church, Bendena. Their children are: Jennifer Hankins, Mulvane; Michele Schuessler, Overland Park; Jeff Severin, Lawrence; and Brian Severin, Emporia. They also have nine grandchildren. The family recently celebrated with a vacation to New Mexico. Teresa (Franchett) and James Brown, members of Christ the King Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Aug. 17. The couple was married on Aug. 17, 1953, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Kansas City, Kansas, by Father Kenneth Spurlock. Their children are: David E. Brown, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Karen Reek, Mound City; Christina Joyce, Oak Grove, Missouri; and Paul Brown, Kansas City, Missouri. They also have 19 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
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AUGUST 17, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
FIRST YEAR U
Preparing mentally, academically and spiritually for that first year of college By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Send-offs can be tough, especially when a child is headed to college for the first time. Fortunately, there are things parents and students can do ease the transition and lay the foundation for success. Grace Mulcahy, director of counseling services for Benedictine College in Atchison, said that a student’s freshman year of college presents both opportunities and challenges. Students must navigate and divide their time between their academic, social, spiritual and emotional well-being. “It’s a new level of autonomy and independence,” said Mulcahy. “There’s a period of grieving, meeting new people and getting used to a new academic system. It can cause stress and discomfort.” That stress and discomfort may seem to last an eternity to the student, but it is often temporary, Mulcahy said. Benedictine College and the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth both offer a number of tips and services to make it easier on both students and parents. • Homesickness may be the first hurdle, whether your student admits it or not. Mulcahy suggests students not be in a rush to decide that this college is not for them. She recommends students evaluate their feelings after one semester and then see if they can complete a full year. After all, it takes time to get to know other students. • Roommates can be a source of stress. But they also can become lifelong friends. Universities make early attempts to match students by common interests, including grouping students by major, if requested. Parents and students should look into the college’s procedures for changing roommates before an issue arises. • Taking responsibility for daily tasks is critical for freshmen, according to Danielle Dion, dean of Keleher Learning Commons and student affairs at University of Saint Mary. If you missed the opportunity to teach your child how to do laundry at home, encourage him or her to start with the
most basic task at school — checking email daily. “Email is usually the preferred method of communication in the college setting, so it’s essential for students to get in the habit of checking their email to stay connected,” said Dion. “It provides you with all the information you need for your academics and social opportunities.” • Opportunities to be a part of campus life are endless, whether it’s for social or other reasons. A club represents many interests, whether it’s tied to religion, politics, hobbies, sports, activism, leadership and more. Encourage your child to get involved, which might lead to new friendships as well. • Staying physically active is important for a student’s overall health. Most colleges and universities have recreation centers that offer everything from swimming to basketball. Look for open swim and gym schedules that allow students to drop in when the mood strikes. • Academics, of course, are students’ and parents’ chief concerns. Dion encourages students to stay in touch with counselors to make sure they are properly enrolled for each semester and have secured financial aid, if necessary. Likewise, it’s important for students and counselors to closely track the hours they’ve accumulated and those required for graduation. Too often, students change
majors and don’t realize that some existing hours don’t apply to the new major. These are essentially useless and extend a student’s requirements and costs to graduate. • Don’t forget to send your student care packages. They may not admit it, but they enjoy them. Consider sending gift cards to local restaurants, inspirational notes, snacks and other things they may welcome. • Many colleges and universities have a medical clinic on campus or within the town itself. Make sure your child knows where it is and has filled prescription medicine. Some medicine, such as allergy shots, can be sent directly from a doctor’s office to the campus clinic. • If you discover your child is struggling emotionally, don’t hesitate to talk to the school’s counselors. Because your child is over the age of 18, their records are private. However, counselors can offer general guidance for addressing certain topics. • Your child’s spiritual well-being is just as important. Catholic universities, such as University of Saint Mary and Benedictine College, offer numerous ways for students to practice their faith. Similarly, Catholic campus organizations at area public universities — such as the University of Kansas, Emporia University and Washburn University — offer social and spiritual opportunities to meet fellow Catholics and “feed your spiritual life,” Mulcahy said.
Make the effort to get involved, advises KU student University of Kansas junior Ellie Augustine made a conscious effort to sustain her faith when she was a college freshman by making a priority of eucharistic adoration. Augustine attends the Holy Hour at KU’s St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center from 8:30 to 10 a.m., and grabs coffee for her time of reflection. “Like any good relationship,” she said, “we all need quality time with the person we love. “Also, I try to make it to daily Mass. The Eucharist is my anchor for getting through the rough waters of the school year. “Plus, it is at a very convenient time for college students — 5:15 p.m. — and it is only a 30-minute Mass, which makes it a perfect transition from school mode into dinner mode afterward.” Augustine recommends incoming Catholic Jayhawks to attend some of the socials and persevere if the first time’s not the charm. “It may take a few tries to really feel like you belong at St. Lawrence. But once you start coming, you find your niche, and you end up meeting your best friends,” she said. “But it doesn’t always happen right away,” she added. “So give St. Lawrence a chance. And if you already have, give us a second chance.”
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