08 27 21 Vol. 43 No. 5

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 43, NO. 5 | AUGUST 27, 2021

LET’S GET IT STARTED Like many other schools in the archdiocese, Xavier Elementary School in Leavenworth kicked off the school year on Aug. 19. Teachers and students started the school year with a half day.

WELCOME BACK

Above, Xavier School principal Janelle Hartegan gives fourth grader Ella Brown a hug and welcomes her and her sisters back to school. “I told her, ‘Welcome back! I am so glad to see your smiling face,’” Hartegan said.

BACK TO WORK

Left, first grade teacher Julie Winters helps Blake Robinson with his “All About Me Backpack” worksheet.

OLD HABITS

Below, sixth grader Malachi Williams works on using and memorizing the combination to his locker.

PICTURE TIME

Bottom left, Xavier enrollment/ marketing coordinator Lisa Forge takes a picture of kindergartner Carter Vanderhoff.

Forge took a photo of each child as they arrived at school.

PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER

FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM XAVIER’S FIRST DAY, SEE PAGE 16

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LOCAL NEWS

AUGUST 27, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

New consultant has a ‘passion’ for special-needs ministry

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — You could say that Josh Ruoff became the archdiocesan lead consultant for special needs through three H’s: heritage, heart and the Holy Spirit.

Ruoff, 26, a member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Topeka, succeeded Tom Racunas as lead consultant of the archdiocesan office on Aug. 2. Racunas led the ministry since 2016.

In terms of heritage, Ruoff comes from a family deeply involved in ministry.

His father, Deacon Tim Ruoff, was ordained a permanent deacon in 2017.

Before that, he was involved with the parish Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) ministry for many years.

His mother Nancy is the youth minister at Mother Teresa Parish and has been involved in youth ministry for 30 years.

“My mother has been a youth minister for all my life,” said Ruoff. “I grew up around it. I’ve been on so many youth group events and trips, even when I was in utero.

“I’ve been lucky enough to go all over the world for youth events. I’ve been to Poland and Spain for World Youth Day, and to Jamaica for Catholic Heart Workcamp. We built houses and latrines. I’ve been all over the country for the National Catholic Youth Conferences and Steubenville Conferences.”

“And I’ve been involved in a lot of local things,” he added. “Teens Encounter Christ and events at Prairie Star Ranch. I called [the camp] my second home because I’d go there two or three times a year, but I never got involved in

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Josh Ruoff, 26, a member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Topeka, succeeded Tom Racunas as lead consultant for the archdiocesan special-needs ministry on Aug. 2 Camp Tekakwitha.”

His sister Kate Andrzejewski is a part-time youth minister at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka.

In terms of heart, Ruoff has always had a heart for those with disabilities.

He himself was born with a physical disability called spina bifida. This is a birth defect where the spinal column doesn’t close all the way, exposing nerves in the spine. This exposure leads to permanent damage and paralysis.

Consequently, Ruoff uses a wheelchair.

Ruoff graduated from Seaman High School in Topeka in 2013. He graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in social work in 2018 from Washburn University, Topeka. He then completed a master’s degree in social work in 2019, also from Washburn. He is a licensed social

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worker in the state of Kansas.

After receiving his master’s degree, he worked at Midland Care Connection, a hospice and home health facility in Topeka. He also worked in PACE: Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. He specialized in mental health case management.

And this is where that third H — the Holy Spirit — comes in.

Ruoff was also a volunteer parish advocate at Mother Teresa Parish for the archdiocesan special-needs ministry, a program established by Tom Racunas.

Parish advocates serve as the “eyes and ears” of the archdiocesan special-needs ministry.

“When [Tom Racunas] announced in March he was retiring and the position was opening, the Holy Spirit nudged me

that I should apply for it,” said Ruoff.

“I’ve always had a passion for disability and mental health [ministry], so this was a perfect opportunity for me.”

Racunas praised Ruoff for his passion and commitment.

“He’s very passionate about the ministry and about trying to ensure that all parishes are inclusive of people with disabilities,” he said. “He’s passionate about the church’s need to extend outreach and support to people with mental illnesses and their families.”

“My four nonnegotiables for a new person coming in,” continued Racunas, “were [they needed] to continue to support the current parish advocates and find others for parishes that don’t have them; to continue the BREATHE respite program; to continue the outreach to people with mental illness; . . . and continue to work with Pam Riordan in the office of children’s catechesis . . . to ensure that children and adults with disabilities who haven’t received the sacraments will receive the sacraments.”

Ruoff has, indeed, expressed support for all four of these things. He said he’d like to continue to expand resources for mental health and encourage parishes to establish support groups. He also wants to involve more persons with disabilities in parish liturgical ministries.

“I would say, don’t be afraid to reach out for help,” said Ruoff. “There is still a stigma that asking for help is a sign of weakness, but we can’t do this life alone.

“This ministry is here to help all, and that means all. We’re not going to turn anyone away. We will help to the best of our abilities, and if we can’t help them, we’ll find someone, somewhere, who can help them.”

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LOCAL NEWS

AUGUST 27, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Topeka parish celebrates 75 years of faith and family

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Under the direction of Dr. Lucas Tappan, the Most Pure Heart of Mary Schola Cantorum, accompanied by both Tappan and Margaret Werth, served as the choir for the parish’s 75th anniversary celebration.

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

T

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Lillian Faught and her son, Bob Faught, greet pastor Father Nathan Haverland after the 11:30 a.m. Mass at Topeka’s Most Pure Heart of Mary Church on Aug. 15. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrated the Mass in honor of the parish’s 75th anniversary. At 97, Faught is the oldest founding member of the parish.

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“

OPEKA — She walked in right on cue.

That’s how Father Nathan Haverland, pastor of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka, described Lillian Faught’s entrance.

At 97, Faught is the parish’s oldest founding member. She was recognized at a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on Aug. 15, the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to mark the parish’s 75th anniversary.

After Communion, Father Haverland expressed his gratitude to the archbishop for his attendance and to parishioners for their longtime support.

“It’s taken 75 years, and that’s a long time. Seventy-five years is twice my age, and I’m getting old,” Father Haverland joked. “So, our parish has been around for quite a while.”

Father Haverland referenced the many happy memories the parish has created in the community over the decades.

Then, he turned his attention to Faught.

“We are blessed to have the last founding member here among us, walking in on cue at the moment,” he said.

Faught, who had left her reserved pew for just a minute or two, walked rather quickly back into the church and took her seat at that exact moment, resulting in an unplanned grand entrance.

“She’s been with us from the very beginning,” Father Haverland continued after applause rang out, “and there have been many others who have been with us for 70 years, 60 years, 50 years.

“So, we have such a great legacy here in our community and [are] happy that Lillian is here to be a part of [our celebration] with us.”

The weekend’s activities also included a rosary procession, luncheon and outdoor games and activities.

Concelebrating the Mass with Father Haverland were Father Joseph Sellas, associate pastor of Most Pure Heart, and Father Phil Winkelbauer, retired priest in residence.

Additionally, Father Anthony Saiki, rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas, served as master of ceremonies — a homecoming of

“SO, WE HAVE SUCH A GREAT LEGACY HERE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND [ARE] HAPPY THAT LILLIAN IS HERE TO BE A PART OF [OUR CELEBRATION] WITH US.” FATHER NATHAN HAVERLAND PASTOR OF MOST PURE HEART OF MARY PARISH, TOPEKA

sorts, because his first assignment after his May 2014 ordination was at the parish.

Deacon Dan Ondracek assisted at the Mass.

After Mass, Faught’s eldest son, Bob,

said he’d not seen his mother move that quickly in a long time and added that he found it somewhat hilarious how the situation played out.

During the luncheon, Faught reminisced about the parish’s beginnings.

“When we first came here, we went to Holy Name. I didn’t know where to go to church,” she said, adding that she was unaware of Most Pure Heart of Mary, which had been established in 1946 with 136 families.

“I think they announced over at Holy Name that Most Pure Heart was going to build a church,” she added.

The new church was being built closer to the family’s home, so they switched parishes and are considered among the founding families because they belonged to the parish prior to the church’s construction.

One of the couple’s regular Sunday afternoon activities was visiting the homes of parishioners located within the parish boundaries, speaking to them about plans for the new church President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) 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) 7215276; or email at: sub@theleaven.org. 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.

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

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

and soliciting donations.

“Because we didn’t have all the computer stuff [back then],” Faught said, “they gave us the names of parishioners, and we had to walk to their homes. Each of us took so many names.”

Bob said watching his parents go door-to-door to solicit contributions made quite an impression, as did the first Mass celebrated in the new church in 1961 on Easter Sunday, when he was just 12 years old.

He remembers thinking about “all of the work my parents and all the other volunteers did to collect money to get the church started.”

“To me, as a young kid, that was amazing,” he said. It really set an example for the children.

“My mother, my father and all the other volunteers didn’t realize they were evangelists in their own way,” he continued. “They were doing it to get this church built, but it was more than building a church.

“It was forming a parish family, too.”

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

Social Media Editor/Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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LOCAL NEWS

AUGUST 27, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Rule of St. Benedict guides oblates from all walks of life

By Therese Horvat Special to The Leaven

A

s oblates of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, Terry Diehl and Dennie Oades have felt under the influence of God’s grace in special ways over the past several months. Taking to heart the teachings of Jesus, the Rule and spirituality of St. Benedict, and the words of Pope Francis, they have volunteered twice to serve migrants and asylum seekers at the U.S./ Mexico border.

Outreach to the world Oblates are Christian women and men from varied walks of life. Generally, they are laypeople who seek to live in harmony with the spirit of St. Benedict in contemporary times. Sister Therese Elias, OSB, is one of four oblate directors in the Kansas City area for the Atchison Benedictine Sisters. She describes the oblate community as very ecumenical.

For example, Diehl and Oades have each served as pastors in two different Protestant denominations. Diehl belongs to Hickman Mills Community Christian Church in Kansas City, Missouri, where she pastored for 39 years. She lives in Stilwell. Oades lives in Kansas City, Missouri, and attends the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood.

She has been a pastor, a medical social worker and a medical psychologist.

“Oblates are our outreach to the world,” explained Sister Therese. “They are in the world more than we are and have more opportunities to practice Benedictine values. They make a promise — not a vow — to live the Rule of St. Benedict.”

That Rule and the saint’s spirituality espouse characteristic values and virtues including hospitality, meeting Christ in each guest, humility, self-knowledge, and respect for others, especially for those who are poor and who are pilgrims. The Rule is central to monthly small group meetings of oblates. They strive to live the Rule in their prayer and work.

Called to ‘welcome the stranger’ Three years ago when the Benedictine Sisters received the call to serve at the border, leadership extended the opportunity to the oblates. To date, eight Sisters and 12 oblates have volunteered.

In January 2020, Diehl and Oades traveled to McAllen, Texas; more recently, they served in San Diego. Both times, they volunteered through Catholic Charities organizations.

In McAllen, they spent mornings making sandwiches and packing snacks and supplies with other volunteers and staff. They transported these items to Brownsville, Texas, then across the border for distribution to migrants detained in the “tent city” in Matamoros, Mexico.

Time permitting, Diehl and Oades walked through the camp and engaged with the people, largely from Central America. Calling it a tent city was a stretch. Oades says the migrants used whatever they could — cardboard, aluminum foil, tarps — to shape a shelter.

Diehl credits their creativity. They used a washing tub to cook in; soaked their clothes in the river and dried them on trees or fences. They requested discarded milk containers to water flowers they were growing.

COURTESY PHOTO

Terry Diehl, left, an oblate of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, poses with a group of kids in Matamoros, Mexico. The children live in a tent city in Matamoros that is home to many migrants and asylum seekers at the U.S./Mexico border.

For information about Benedictine oblates There are approximately 250 oblates and oblate candidates associated with the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison. To learn more: • Visit the website at: https://www. mountosb.org/oblates/.

• Write to the Oblate director: 801 S. 8th St., Atchison, KS 66002-2724.

To make a donation

COURTESY PHOTO

Dennie Oades, a Benedictine oblate — as well as a Protestant minister — passes out diapers and wipes during a trip to Matamoros, Mexico, which was organized by Catholic Charities.

“They tried to create beauty in situations we can’t imagine,” Diehl noted.

This summer in San Diego — again working with Catholic Charities staff — the two volunteers performed various tasks at the shelter that welcomed migrants who had crossed the border with few belongings. Diehl and Oades assembled snack bags and helped families access hygiene products and clothing. They guided asylum-seekers to their temporary rooms where they stay for only 24 to 48 hours before leaving to unite with family members or sponsors across the United States.

With 100 persons arriving daily and limited space, rapid turnaround is critical. Three times daily, buses leave the shelter for the airport.

Diehl and Oades spent the majority of their time accompanying families to and through the airport to acquire boarding passes, go through security, locate departure gates and navigate resources in the terminal. Most of these asylum seekers came through Mexico from Brazil, Venezuela, Central America and Romania. Many were going to jobs lined up by their families in the United States, who also paid their travel expenses. Diehl emphasizes that the

asylum-seekers are not freeloaders; they are men, women and entire families seeking new lives.

Living on hope The volunteers experienced people who were kind and sharing, who were making the best of what they had and who lived on hope. In Matamoros, a migrant sitting under a tarp with children offered Diehl an orange. When another family received a tent for shelter, a young member was eager to show the volunteers their new “home.”

In San Diego, Oades escorted a migrant who didn’t have a phone chip; the man Diehl was accompanying purchased a chip for this individual. When an elderly man fell on an airport escalator, an asylumseeker immediately came to his aid.

Diehl and Oades likewise acknowledged the dedicated Catholic Charities staff and other volunteers.

“We had a very small part in a very big process,” said Oades. “We were supporters of the process Catholic Charities has in place to be a face, hands and feet to assist the asylum-seekers.”

“Oades and Diehl are remarkable

• Financial contribution: Make check payable to “Catholic Charities, Diocese of San Diego” with “Migrant Shelter San Diego” on the memo line. Mail to: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of San Diego, 4575 Mission Gorge Place, San Diego, CA 92120.

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women, but what they’re doing is simple, really. They’re following the Gospel and the way of Benedict,” said Sister Therese.

“In this, they’re not unique among our oblates, whom I see responding to the call to meet Christ in the ‘other’ wherever they are. This is an invitation that ought never be far from the mind of any Benedictine.”

Or of any Christian.

Oades suggests three ways to be active in welcoming the stranger: First, become better educated about immigration, migrants and asylum-seekers, and the challenges they encounter; next, seize opportunities to serve; finally, advocate with policy makers for systemic changes affecting immigration.

While it may seem strange advice coming from a Protestant pastor, Diehl also encourages people of all denominations to become familiar with “Fratelli tutti,” Pope Francis’ encyclical. She has experienced and believes, “When we welcome the stranger, the stranger has a blessing for us.”

AUGUST 27, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Masses bring teachers a sense of unity as they begin the year

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Teachers from Xavier School in Leavenworth pray during an all-teacher Mass held Aug. 12 at St. Patrick Church in Kansas City, Kansas. From left are: kindergarten teacher Wendie Dunwiddie, school counselor Melinda Hickey and second grade teacher Hannah Scholz. This was one of four Masses held for teachers in the archdiocese.

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Archdiocesan Catholic school teachers greeted the beginning of the 202122 school year with four all-teacher Masses celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

“We wanted these commissioning Masses for the purpose of having unity among our teachers in the archdiocese, but also as a blessing and sending forth as they begin the school year,” said Vince Cascone, superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

The archdiocesan school system has approximately 1,200 faculty members, teaching approximately 13,000 students in 36 elementary schools and six high schools.

Due to COVID precautions and the distances involved, the school office decided to have four Masses at different times and locations over two days.

Two Masses were held on Aug. 11 at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood. The morning Mass was for Johnson County elementary school teachers, while the afternoon Mass was for high school teachers from Atchison, Johnson County, Wyandotte County and Topeka.

Two Masses were held on Aug. 12.

The morning Mass at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka was for elementary school teachers from Emporia, Garnett, Lawrence, Ottawa and Topeka. The afternoon Mass at St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, was for elementary school teachers from Atchison, Leavenworth, Marysville, Seneca and Wyandotte County.

Short talks were given after the Masses by Libby Knox, director of development, and Vince Anch, executive director, both of the Catholic Education Foundation; and Sebastian D’Amico, director of faculty formation, from the Holy Family School of Faith.

In his homily, Archbishop Naumann spoke about the saints who played significant roles in pioneering Catholic

“ OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS FULFILL THEIR IDENTITY AND MISSION

BY MAKING DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST — YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WHO DON’T JUST KNOW ABOUT JESUS, BUT COME TO KNOW JESUS AS A REAL PERSON. ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

schools in the United States, and the mission of Catholic education.

“What we do in Catholic schools is meant to be different from what our young people could receive in public education,” said the archbishop. “Obviously, it’s different for the fact that we can pray with our students and that we

can teach our Catholic faith.

“But our Catholic schools will never be what they’re called to be if it’s just about religion class. Our Catholic schools fulfill their identity and mission by making disciples of Jesus Christ — young men and women who don’t just know about Jesus but come

Retreat offers women a day of rest

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

T

OPEKA — Rest can be hard to come by, but Sept.

25 will be a day set aside for just that for women of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

A daylong women’s retreat at Mother Teresa Church in Topeka, led by “Bible Study Evangelista” Sonja Corbitt, a Catholic Scripture teacher, is designed to provide peace and fellowship to those who attend.

“The purpose of the ladies retreat is to assure women that their suffering is not arbitrary,” said Corbitt, “and show them how to work with the Holy Spirit, rather than against him, in what he intends by allowing it.”

All women who are interested are invited to gather at 8:30 a.m. to pray the rosary. The retreat will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m.

There is no cost to attend, but a freewill offering will be accepted.

Mary Zachariasen, coordinator for the retreat, said it is important women

Sonja Corbitt, a Catholic Scripture teacher, will lead a retreat for women on Sept. 25 at Mother Teresa Church in Topeka. take the time to step away from the chaos of life to deepen their faith.

“In order to live, love and walk in truth, we have to know what the truth is,” she said. “Sonja has a way of getting to the heart of the matter.”

Corbitt aims to provide a peaceful space where women can rest their

thoughts, emotions, body and soul.

She plans to introduce tools that will help those in attendance unearth that same rest in any situation they face.

Learning those skills in a faithbased environment is an essential part of growing spiritually, said Corbitt.

“We need community,” she said.

“We receive as much strength and consolation from one another at an event like this as we do directly from the Holy Spirit.”

Zachariasen has high hopes for the retreat and believes Corbitt is the perfect person to inspire women of the archdiocese.

“Sonja’s love for the word of God is very contagious,” she said. “It’s our prayer that women all over the archdiocese will connect — or reconnect — with Jesus in a more personal way.”

Registration for the retreat is required. Visit the website at: mtcctopeka.org.

To learn more about Corbitt, visit her website at: biblestudyevangelista. com.

to know Jesus as a real person.”

If making disciples for Jesus is at the heart of the mission of Catholic education, that mission is made possible by Catholic educators.

“The most important ingredient for that to happen is not in any textbook, is not in any video, but the living witness of you as teachers,” said the archbishop. “That they see in you individuals who know Jesus Christ and are in love with him and place him at the center of your lives.”

As a gift to help them through the school year, each teacher was given a copy of “The Great Adventure Catholic Bible.” The Bibles were donated by the archdiocesan office of evangelization, the Holy Family School of Faith, Chris and Millie Carney, and Mid-America Bank.

Angel Fund seeks donations to assist grieving families

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — To assist parents who are grieving the loss of an unborn child or the death of an infant, Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas is accepting financial contributions to a special fund to help offset burial expenses for families.

The Angel Fund will cover burial space, interment and placement of a metal vase at the gravesite in cemeteries managed by Catholic Cemeteries that have special sections for infants and children. Families will be responsible for financial arrangements with the funeral home, including the casket and marker/monument.

Donations to the Angel Fund of Catholic Cemeteries, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, are tax deductible. Checks can be made payable to: Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas (Angel Fund noted on the memo line) and mailed to: P.O. Box 19203, Lenexa, KS 66285.

For more information, send an email to: information@cathcemks.org or call (913) 371-4040.

6

LOCAL NEWS

Don and Marge Schepker, members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 14. The couple was married on Aug. 14, 1971, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, St. Louis. They celebrated early with a family vacation in the mountains of North Carolina. Their children are: Vicki Flynn, Arlington, Virginia; DJ Schepker, Columbia, South Carolina; and Beth Petty, Brooklyn, New York.

They also have six grandchildren.

Frank and Kay Collins, members of St. Pius X Parish, Mission, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 2.

The couple was married at St. John Evangelist Church, Kansas City, Kansas, by Father Frank Krische. They are looking forward to celebrating in Branson with their children, Scott and Denise, and their six grandchildren.

Joseph

and

Dorothy Ginzel, members of St. Patrick Parish, Osage City, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 1 with a Mass and family dinner.

The couple was married on Sept. 2, 1961, in Detroit. Their children are: Joseph Ginzel, John Ginzel and Christopher Ginzel (deceased). They also have 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Robert E. and Anna Lee (Hackney) Michalski, members of St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish, Kansas C i t y , Kansas, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Sept. 1. The couple was married on Sept. 1, 1956, at Holy Family Church, Kansas City, Kansas. The couple are celebrating safely with family via FaceTime and enjoying a fine meal.

Their children are: Mark, Mary and Joe. They also have two grandchildren.

Rich

and

Jackie (Kralemann) Hagenhoff, members of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Sept. 8. The couple was married on Sept. 8, 1956, at Corpus Christi Church, Jennings, Missouri. They celebrated with a family gathering in July. Their children are: Deborah West, Bettendorf, Iowa; Sandra Martin, St. Charles, Missouri; Karen Engler, Springfield, Missouri; and Diane Hagel, Hugo, Minnesota. They also have nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Sharon (Wilkins) and Carl Bechtel, members of Sacred Heart Church, Emporia, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 21.

The couple was married by Father Clement, OFM, at St. Joseph Church, Olpe. A celebration will be held at a later date.

AUGUST 27, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Patricia “Patti” (Kellogg) and Michael Lebens, members of St. JosephSacred H e a r t Parish, To p e k a , will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 27. The couple was married on Aug. 27, 1971, at St. James Church, Falls Church, Virginia. Their children are: Michael Lebens, Gretchen Mercer, Anna Longstaff and John Lebens. They also have 16 grandchildren. They celebrated with a family trip in May to Colorado.

Shirley (Casaert) and Joseph Lichtenauer, members of St. Joseph Parish, Waverly, will celebrate their 50th we d d i n g a n n ive r sary on Sept.

4.

A celebration with family and friends is planned. The couple was married at Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa, on Sept.

4, 1971. Their children are: Donald Lichtenauer, Julie Anschutz, Steven Lichtenauer and Mark Lichtenauer.

They also have three grandchildren.

Ronald C. “Rocky” and Ruby A. (Welter) Z e l l e r, members of St. Bernard Parish, Wamego, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary Aug. 13. The couple was married on Sept. 4, 1951.

Their children are: Vicky Zeller, Overbrook; James Zeller, Tyler, Texas; Bruce Zeller, Salado, Texas; Cindy Cervantez, Topeka; and Stacia Zeller, Keller, Texas.

They also have nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

David and Mary Rose “Rosie” Barton, members of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 28. The couple was married at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Kansas City, Missouri, by Father Anthony Palos.

A family trip is planned for a later date.

Their children are: Scott, Nick and Eric.

They also have three grandchildren.

Scott and Margaret Keith, members of St. Michael the Archa n g e l Parish, Leawood, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 14. The couple was married in 1971 at Immaculate Conception Church, Louisburg. They celebrated with their children: Christopher, David and Ashley. They also have six grandchildren.

ACROSS 1 University (abbr.)

5 Car rental agency 9 Popular condiment 14 Underdone 15 A Roman emperor 16 Statement of beliefs 17 Little Mermaid’s love 18 Capital of the Ukraine 19 Last letter of Greek alphabet 20 Ancient Greek citizen 22 Roman Empire sovereign 24 Hearing part 25 Regretted 26 Capital of Bangladesh 28 Corporate top dog 29 Dirt 32 Gander 33 Used to kill Goliath 35 Brew 36 Proprietor 37 Label 38 Elicit 40 Downwind 41 Bundle of yarn 43 At no time 44 Arid 45 A name of God

Robert C. and Mary Kathryn (Staed) Brungardt, members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Aug. 21. The couple was married on Aug. 21, 1951, at Visitation Church, Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Krista Ludwikoski, Kelly Stein and Kim Tilley. They also have seven grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY submissions

The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. They are for parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas Email: todd.habiger@ theleaven.org.

46 Fisherman disciple 47 Posttraumatic stress disorder 49 Adam’s wife 50 Biblical disease 53 Weedy fern 57 Shining 58 Computer picture button 60 Cab 61 Elk-like animal 62 Taboo 63 Dash 64 Organic compound 65 Instrument to guide oxen 66 Interbreeding population within a species DOWN 1 Greek god of war 2 Fish 3 Opera solo 4 Wane 5 Turkish capital 6 Blood carrier 7 Wrath 8 Ruling 9 Extent 10 Weaponed 11 Stare

12 Utah lily 13 Jewish calendar month 21 Grabbers 23 Tiny particle 26 Widow’s property 27 A land flowing with milk and __ 28 Demand 29 Shade of pink 30 Stomache sore 31 Elk’s cousin 32 Yellow metal 33 Bracing 34 Swiss city 39 Discovered 42 How Judas betrayed Jesus 46 French liqueur 47 Writing style 48 __ of Babel 50 Maimed 51 Id’s counterparts 52 Scheme 53 __ fide 54 Vegetable 55 Test 56 After eight 59 Bird call Solution on page 11

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KAREN BONAR

Matt Tedman with two of his children — Michael, 6, and McKenzie, 8 — check on the family’s herd of sheep. This year, the family began raising sheep for meat. Michelle and Matt Tedman are the fifth generation of the Tedman family to farm the land.

LIVING OFF THE LAND

Local families find farm life challenging and satisfying

By Karen Bonar Special to The Leaven

F

or five generations — since 1913 — the Tedman family has lived one mile south of the Nebraska border and farmed the land.

The current stewards are Matt and Michelle Tedman, who moved to the seven-acre parcel in 2019.

“Grandpa was born in the original house,” Matt said.

Matt and Michelle now live in the house where his mother grew up, although it was completely renovated before the couple moved into the house with their four children: McKenzie, 8; Michael, 6; Mary, 3; and Matthias, 2.

“We had a lot of hope for our kids and saw the potential of the farm,” Michelle said. “We hoped they would have investment and chores and a future — carrying on a legacy.”

Their first venture, fruit trees, began in 2015 before they purchased the property.

“We wanted to know the best way to care for fruit trees, then we learned about pollination practices,” Michelle said.

“Everybody always sees honeybees and flowers, but nobody sees the relationship between plants, soil, bacteria and fungi,” Matt said. “It was the light bulb going off — starting to see how everything is so tied

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Karen Pendleton picks flowers that she will sell at the Lawrence Farmers Market. Karen and her husband John have spent four decades weathering the ups and downs of agriculture in rural Douglas County. together in farming.”

The decision to move to rural Brown County was a gradual one.

Shortly after they wed in 2010, they moved to Iowa for a few years, where Matt worked for John Deere.

Once their oldest, McKenzie, was born, they realized being closer to family was important. The Tedmans moved back to Sabetha in 2014. One day, Matt’s grandfather, who was in his 70s, pulled him aside.

“He said he was thinking about moving to town and said, ‘We want you and Michelle to take over the place,’” Matt said >> Continued on the next page

>> Continued from previous page As discussions about returning to the family farm progressed, the couple began dabbling. They purchased their first beehive in 2016.

“I’ve always had an interest in livestock, but [at the time] we didn’t own any land, didn’t know what we were doing and didn’t want chores every single morning,” Matt said. “Bees were a good fit at that time of life.”

Learning about bees led them to join the Northeast Kansas Bee Association (NEKBA). They also christened their efforts: T-House Farms. As they expanded their knowledge about bees, a natural progression occurred.

“It wasn’t a discussion one night at the dinner table,” Michelle said. “It happened one thing at a time. We were beekeepers and joined the association and club. When Matt said, ‘I would really like to move out to our grandparents’ farm,’ that’s when the real farming discussions happened.”

“We have some good friends at the church who got us into sheep,” Matt said of fellow parishioners at Sacred Heart Parish in Sabetha. “Laura Fortmeyer has a strong background in agriculture. She saw the interest I had in beekeeping and spark I had for agriculture.

“She mentioned a soil conservation class in Holton, and that’s where the wheels started turning.”

He began researching options.

“We’re starting small,” Matt said. “I guess we’re tinkering with a system that is scalable.”

The family’s farm includes fruit trees and Christmas trees (which will be ready for harvest in 2026). It also has expanded to include a diversity of livestock.

With only seven acres of land, the couple’s goal is to create a sustainable operation. As their operation grows, Matt continues to work as an engineer in Sabetha, while Michelle is on the farm with the kids.

About 20 chickens — primarily for egg production — reside on the farm.

The coop is mobile, allowing the chickens to feed and fertilize multiple areas of the farm.

The herd of sheep is the family’s first venture into meat production, with the hope to add poultry to the mix in the future.

“I never thought about diversity in agricultural systems,” Matt said. “Everyone here specializes in corn or beans. We’re trying to do a lot of smaller enterprises.”

Annie Bowers works on making a bouquet of flowers from the many choices grown at Pendleton Farms. After starting off with produce, Pendleton Farms flowers.

**** LEAVEN PHOTO BY KAREN BONAR

Bees gather pollen from a patch of daisies in the Tedmans’ garden. “I’ve always had an interest in livestock, but we didn’t own any land and didn’t know what we were doing and didn’t want chores every single morning,” Matt Tedman said. “Bees were a good fit at that time of life.”

“

About 100 miles south of the Tedman farm, Karen and John Pendleton have spent more than four decades weathering the ups and downs of agriculture in rural Douglas County.

“We planted our first half-acre of asparagus in 1980,” Karen said. “People would buy $10 worth of asparagus and pay with $20 and ask, ‘What else do you have to buy?’”

This prompted the couple to slowly expand their produce production. In 1985, they purchased a greenhouse from someone in Eudora who used it to grow hydroponic tomatoes.

“Often people think of roots dangling in water, but we use peat moss and amendments,” Karen said. “With hydroponic, you don’t want to grow with Mother Earth dirt in the greenhouse. There are too many other diseases that can come in. The tomatoes are in a bucket and fertilized through the watering system.”

“ WE’RE ALSO HELPING A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE AREA WHO ARE GETTING INTO GROWING PRODUCE. OUR PLACE IS TO HELP OTHER YOUNG FARMERS GET STARTED AND TO HELP THEM. KAREN PENDLETON MEMBER OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST PARISH, LAWRENCE

Because customers saw a greenhouse, they assumed the family grew plants for landscaping.

“We realized we were making more money on the bedding plants than the produce, so we put up several more

greenhouses and started bedding plants,” Karen said.

The Pendletons continued to branch out, expanding into cut flowers.

“In 2008 when the economy tanked, nobody bought flowers anymore. They

The Tedman family is pictured at the entrance of zie, 8; Michelle; Matt; Michael, 6; and Mary, 3. just stopped,” she said.

The lesson the Pendletons took away from the experience was to keep

“

“

WE HAD A LOT OF HOPE FOR OUR KIDS AND SAW THE POTENTIAL OF THE FARM. WE HOPED THEY WOULD HAVE INVESTMENT AND CHORES AND A FUTURE — CARRYING ON A LEGACY. MICHELLE TEDMAN MEMBER OF SACRED HEART PARISH, SABETHA

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

s expanded into bedding plants and then into cut

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KAREN BONAR

Eight-year-old McKenzie Tedman assists with gathering eggs on the family’s small farm north of Morrill on June 18. The Tedmans have about 20 chickens and the coop is mobile, allowing the chickens to feed and fertilize multiple areas of the farm.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Steve Gutierrez, left, and John Pendleton pick okra from the fields. Karen Pendleton said the Kansas weather makes growing food difficult. “We went 20 below in February, and the next week it was 70 degrees. It’s hard for plants,” she said.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KAREN BONAR

their garden: (from left) are Matthias, 2; McKentheir production diversified; they now grow equal parts cut flowers, bedding plants and produce.

“In a down economy, produce will always sell,” Karen said.

While a side-of-the-road vegetable stand was opened in a 1,000-bushel grain bin decades ago, the small market expanded into a barn in 1987.

About eight years ago, the family, who are parishioners of St. John the Evangelist Church in Lawrence, began a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in order to further diversify. Customers pay a subscription

fee — either a lump sum, or monthly in January, February and March. Then, from May through September, a bag of produce is delivered weekly to the customer.

“We started the CSA through two different preschools,” Karen said. “We started with a preschool because we figured we could go to a preschool, deliver the food and we knew customers would go there, because they wouldn’t forget to pick up their kids.”

This year, the family delivers to 12 drop-off locations in Lawrence.

“As long as a business or location has at least eight members, we deliver to them,” she said.

The farm also participates in farmers markets in Lawrence on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

“Local food is so big right now,” Karen said. “Growing the food is not that difficult. What makes it difficult is the weather. In Kansas, it’s the swings of temperatures that are tough. We went 20 below in February, and the next week it was 70 degrees. It’s hard for plants.

“You can get a hailstorm, floods, a drought. You have to do a lot to mitigate the weather with a variety of what you plant.”

One avenue to circumvent Mother Nature is via a high tunnel greenhouse, also called a hoop house.

“It’s a greenhouse, but doesn’t have heat, and it extends your season,” Karen said. “We plant our lettuce in high tunnels because a hailstorm in April or May isn’t unheard of. With the high tunnels, we can produce a month earlier in there than if we planted outside. It also protects the produce from a lot of deer or other animals.”

Farming is a difficult profession and, in the case of the Pendletons, has ranged in size. The family has farmed as many as 1,100 acres and as few as 40.

“We’ve been fairly large farmers, and now we’re fairly small farmers,” she said. “I see people try to pit the two types of farming against each other.

We’ve been both and there’s nothing wrong with either one. There are pluses and minuses on both sides.

“As a small farm, we cannot feed the world. Being a small farmer, I don’t have the financial risk a larger farm does. I also don’t have the same income potential of a large farm.”

One of the most significant differences is machinery.

“We work much harder physically on a small farm because we’re using small hand implements and smaller tillers,” Karen said. “We’re not using big tractors and big equipment. On the large farm, farmers have to raise more and have to get big machinery.”

But — big or small — the landscape is still the same.

“Out in the field, when you have nature all around you — the birds and insects — I don’t know how to explain it,” she said. “You really feel close to God out in the fields because of all the creation that is out there.”

To follow the Tedman farm on Facebook, go to: T-House Farms. For more information on the Pendleton farm, visit the website at: pendletons.com.

10

NATION

AUGUST 27, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Archbishop speaks out on rights of conscience, pro-life amendments

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Both Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York have, in a recent statement, denounced the federal government’s refusal to uphold the conscience rights of a nurse forced to participate in an elective abortion.

On July 30, the U.S. Department of Justice voluntarily dismissed a case against the University of Vermont Medical Center, brought by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. HHS found that the UVMC deliberately deceived and coerced a nurse into assisting in an abortion.

“The U.S. Department of Justice is acting in dereliction of its duty to enforce the plain meaning of federal law,” said the joint USCCB statement.

“It is hard to imagine a more horrific civil rights violation than being forced to take an innocent human life. HHS found that the University of Vermont Medical Center forced a nurse, against her known religious beliefs, to do just that.

“This is not only deeply wrong,” the statement continued, “but a violation of federal law. We call on the [Biden] administration to stand up for the basic dignity of our nation’s health care workers by reopening this case, and on Congress to pass the Conscience Protection Act so that doctors and nurses can defend their own rights in court.”

Archbishop Naumann is chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Cardinal Dolan is chairman of the USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty.

Additionally, the two condemned legislation passed in late July by the U.S. House of Representatives as some of the most extreme pro-abortion laws ever proposed by Congress.

Last month, the U.S. House voted to pass H.R. 4502, a group of appropriations bills that excluded 14 pro-life amendments, including the three key, long-standing, bipartisan-supported Hyde, Weldon and Helms amendments.

The Hyde Amendment must be reauthorized every year, as it has been since 1976.

Without the pro-life amendments, at least three things will happen: One,

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann leads a rosary outside of Planned Parenthood in Overland Park in this 2017 photo. The archbishop, who is chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities, recently spoke out against the federal government’s refusal to uphold the conscience rights of a nurse forced to participate in an elective abortion. He also addressed the U.S. bishops’ opposition to legislation that excluded 14 pro-life amendments that would, if included, prevent the use of taxpayer money to pay for abortions. taxpayers will be forced to pay for abortions; two, health care providers and professionals will be forced to refer for and perform abortions in violation of their conscience rights; and finally, employers and insurers will be forced to pay for and provide coverage for abortions.

Archbishop Naumann and Cardinal Dolan said the House vote was “completely out of step with the will of the American people who overwhelmingly oppose taxpayer-funded abortion.”

“The Hyde Amendment has saved at least 2.4 million lives since its enactment,” the statement said. “Without it, millions of poor women in desperate circumstances will make the irrevocable decision to take the government up on its offer to end the life of their child.”

The statement also highlighted a key problem with the legislation — the violation of conscience rights.

“The injustice in H.R. 4502 extends to removing conscience protections and exemptions for health care providers who believe abortion is wrong, or whose faith drives them to serve and heal lives, instead of taking them,” said Cardinal Dolan and Archbishop Naumann.

Local pro-life leaders agreed.

The American people do not want

Sign the petition Tell Congress that you want prolife amendments — including the Hyde Amendment — attached to the current appropriations bills. Go online to: NoTaxpayerAbortion.com.

to pay for abortions or violate conscience rights, said Deb Niesen, lead consultant for the archdiocesan prolife office.

“First, the House voted in a way [that is] out of step with the will and desire of the American people, because Americans overwhelmingly oppose taxpayer-funded abortion,” said Niesen. “That includes members of both parties.”

“The second major injustice is that it removes the conscience protections and exemptions for health care providers,” she said. “It’s abominable that [these providers are] being put into this position because of the House.

“And finally, all women deserve resources to care for their babies and to be able to welcome them into a loving and stable environment. Government monies would be better spent supporting women facing challenging pregnancies or struggling new

“We constantly hear how grateful children are that their parents had things taken care of.

Have you done this for your children?”

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mothers to provide the assistance they need, rather than paying for ending the life of their children.”

Despite the House vote, all is not lost, said Chuck Weber, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate, where it’s unlikely there will be enough votes to pass the legislation.

Once the Senate modifies the legislation, it must return to the House. That is why Catholics must tell both their representatives and senators that all appropriations legislation must include the pro-life amendments.

“We should tell our Kansas senators to hold strong and don’t vote for the bill without these amendments, but also reach out to [those who voted against the amendments in the House], like Representative Sharice Davids, who will get another bite of the apple.

The pressure might be enough from her constituents for her to say OK . . .

I’ll accept Hyde, although I don’t like it, I’ll vote for it.”

Catholics also need to sign the petition sponsored by the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, asking legislators to preserve the Hyde Amendment. To sign it, go online to: NoTaxpayerAbortion.com.

Catholics also need to work on the state level.

“Even if we are able to secure the Hyde and other pro-life amendments on the federal level, unlimited and unregulated abortion — including taxpayer-funded abortion — will be the law of the land until we pass the ‘Value Them Both’ amendment to the Kansas Constitution next year,” said Weber.

“Value Them Both” was introduced to reverse the overreaching April 2019 Kansas Supreme Court ruling in Hodes & Nauser v. Schmidt, in which the court discovered a “right to abortion” in the 1859 Kansas Constitution. With that ruling, all the pro-life legislation was swept away — and Kansas became the most abortion-friendly state in the union in a legal sense.

“There will be a stateside vote on Aug. 2, 2022, for the ‘Value Them Both’ amendment to the Kansas Constitution,” said Weber. “If it passes, our very reasonable laws and regulations will once again be enforceable, which they are not now under this ruling.”

Additional reporting provided by Julie Asher, Catholic News Service.

AUGUST 27, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

11 Here’s where to donate to help agencies respond to the Haiti earthquake

N CNS SCREENSHOT/COURTESY AD COUNCIL

Pope Francis is pictured in a video for an ad campaign promoting COVID-19 vaccines throughout the Americas.

Vaccination is an act of love, pope says in ad campaign

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — When each individual makes a small act of charity, like getting the COVID19 vaccine, every gesture added together can transform the world, Pope Francis said in a global ad campaign.

“Being vaccinated with vaccines authorized by the competent authorities is an act of love. And contributing to ensure the majority of people are vaccinated is an act of love — love for oneself, love for one’s family and friends, love for all people,” he said in a public service announcement released Aug. 18 in Rome.

The video message was part of a global effort by the U.S.-based nonpartisan, nonprofit Ad Council and the COVID Collaborative’s “It’s Up To You” campaign to increase people’s confidence in COVID-19 vaccines by reminding them that the vaccines are safe, effective and save people’s lives. The Vatican’s Dicastery for Integral Human Development also cooperated with the educational initiative.

The three-minute video in Spanish with English, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles features Pope Francis and six cardinals and archbishops from North

and South America. Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, is among them.

The “It’s Up To You” campaign has been inviting “trusted messengers” to deliver “fact-based and life-saving information to populations hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccines, helping them to make informed decisions for themselves and their families,” it said in a joint news release with the Ad Council.

Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council, said, “The role of trusted messengers to educate and inspire their networks is undeniable.”

“We are extremely grateful to [Pope Francis] and the cardinals and archbishops for lending their voices and platforms to help people across the globe feel more confident in the vaccines,” particularly to the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, she said in the news release.

It said 72% of the adult population and 67% of Hispanic adults have currently been vaccinated against COVID19 with at least one dose in the United States.

But COVID-19 cases are on the rise worldwide, especially in North, Central and South America. Some nations are still showing very low rates of individuals who are fully vaccinated, such as Honduras with only 5.5% of the adult population and El Salvador with 30%.

While access to vaccines is a challenge, “confidence in the vaccines also presents a hurdle,” the news release said.

In his message, the pope said, “Thanks to God and to the work of many, we now have vaccines to protect us from COVID-19. They grant us the hope of ending the pandemic, but only if they are available to all and if we work together.”

Getting inoculated “is an act of love” for oneself, family, friends and all people, he said.

“Love is also social and political” as these individual “small gestures of personal charity” add up, “overflowing” into something universal that is “capable of transforming and improving societies,” he said.

“Vaccination is a simple but profound way of promoting the common good and caring for each other, especially the most vulnerable,” the pope said.

“I pray to God that everyone may contribute their own small grain of sand, their own small gesture of love; no matter how small, love is always great.

Contribute with these small gestures for a better future. God bless you, and thank you,” he said.

The campaign encouraged people to go to GetVaccineAnswers.org and DeTiDepende.org for more information and answers to questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

umerous organizations, including Catholic agencies, are accepting donations to assist with their emergency response to the Haiti earthquake.

• Catholic Relief Services: online: crs.org; by phone: 877435-7277 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Eastern; by mail: P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, Maryland, 212970303.

• Catholic Medical Mission Board: cmmb.org/campaign/ hearts-broken-for-haiti- august2021.

• CAFOD, the Catholic aid agency for England and Wales: cafod.org.uk/News/ Emergencies-news/Haitiearthquake.

• Caritas Internationalis: www.caritas.org/donate-now/ haiti-earthquake-2021.

• AVSI, the Italian humanitarian relief and development organization: https://donorbox.org/ haiti-earthquake-emergency • Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami: www. ccadm.org.

• Cross Catholic Outreach: www.crosscatholic.org.

• Food for the Poor: www. foodforthepoor.org.

• Development and Peace/ Caritas Canada: https://bit. ly/3klgjXB.

Crossword solution

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT School cafeteria workers - Holy Spirit School, Overland Park, is seeking school cafeteria workers willing to learn all duties in assigned areas, including production, preparation, storage of food/supplies, accountability, and safety/ sanitation. Workers may perform sales transactions and must interact with students in a friendly, service-oriented manner. Compliance with sanitation and safety requirements is essential and basic math skills required. Shifts will be Monday - Friday during the lunch hour when school is in session. Previous kitchen/cafeteria experience preferred but not required. If interested, please contact Larry at: lgroce@hscatholic.org to schedule an interview.

Cafeteria assistants - Nativity Parish School is seeking two part-time cafeteria assistants for the 2021-22 school year. The assistants will be responsible for operating a computer using a meal tracking system by scanning and entering lunch cards at mealtime among other duties. The positions will be two or three days a week, approximately 12 - 15 hours per week. They will also fill in for other cafeteria staff when needed. Please email your resume, interest and availability to Julie Bloomingdale, cafeteria director, at: julie.bloomingdale@kcnativity.org.

WE LOVE OUR TEACHERS - COME SEE WHY YOU WANT TO WORK HERE! - The Goddard School Olathe Northwest is looking for dynamic, energetic, professional teachers to add to our faculty. The Goddard School is a premiere preschool for children from 6 weeks to 6 years where children are encouraged to develop at their own pace in nurturing environments, lovingly guided by our highly skilled, professional teachers. Full- and part-time positions available. No experience? We will train the right person. Ask about our $600 hiring bonus. Janice Kennedy, owner. Email: olathe2ks@ goddardschools.com or call (913) 768-4499.

Coaches - Bishop Miege High School is seeking coaches for the 2021-22 school year in the following sports: assistant baseball; assistant boys wrestling; and assistant girls wrestling. Contact Joe Schramp, athletic director, at: jschramp@bishopmiege.com or (913) 222-5802.

Skilled remodeler - Kansas City Remodel is seeking a skilled remodeler. We need a great 40 hour per week, W2 employee, with their own tools, that can join our family on a permanent basis. Competitive pay and benefits. Email resume to: workorders@kansascityremodel.com.

Organist and/or choir director - St. John the Baptist Parish is seeking an organist to accompany the adult SATB choir on a 16-rank organ and a director for the established adult choir for weekly rehearsal and Sunday Mass. Knowledge of Catholic liturgy preferred. Send letter of interest, resume and references to Mariann at: sjbcc.choir@gmail.com.

Part-time employment opportunity - Happy Hearts Working, Inc., a local day service program for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, is seeking a part-time supervisor for Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Competitive hourly rate of pay and enriching work environment! For details regarding this position, please contact Carol Farnsworth, executive director, at (913) 706-2356 or at: happyheartsworking@gmail.com.

Opportunity of a lifetime - Youth ministry director position open in the Salina Diocese. Contact Kim Hoelting, HR director, at (785) 342-0819 or email Kim at: Kim. hoelting@ salinadiocese.org for the job description and more information.

Nurse intake coordinator - The position of Allied Health intake coordinator is responsible for building relationships with area schools, health facilities and the community at large to recruit prospective students who are interested in the health field. The successful candidate will help students understand career paths within the health care industry, particularly those related to CNA, LPN and RN licenses and guide students along academic paths in these areas. This position works closely with the director of nursing in candidate selection for both the nursing and CNA programs.

Qualified candidates should have an associate degree with health care-related experience required, bachelor’s degree preferred; maintain confidentiality of health care paperwork and sensitive information provided by students who apply for a seat in the Allied Health programs; understand nursing profession and Allied Health curriculum and experience advising students; be aware of the impact of cultural patterns on student retention and student learning; have the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, students, staff; proficient in Microsoft Office products; be detail-oriented; and be philosophically aligned with the mission and values of the college to engage and support our Catholic identity. Practicing Roman Catholic preferred.

Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly.edu with “Nurse intake coordinator” in the subject line.

Experienced educator - Holy Spirit School is seeking an experienced educator, licensed in the state of Kansas, for the 2021-22 school year. An endorsement of reading specialist of SPED is preferred. Please contact Michele Watson at (913) 492-2582, ext. 113, or at: mwatson@hscatholic.org.

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply.

Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO Part-time and full-time food-service workers - St. Teresa’s Academy and Taher Food Service is looking for part-time and full-time workers. Positions available include: chef; manager; lead cook; prep work; server; point-of-sale/cashier; and dishwasher/utility. Come and join our family and let’s have some FUN. Contact Mary at: m.sandgren@taher.com.

Pre-K teacher position - Holy Cross Early Education is seeking a lead pre-K teacher for a Monday - Friday morning class and a Monday, Wednesday, Friday afternoon class. Applicants must be well-organized, loving and energetic. Preschool or child care experience is highly recommended for this position. If you are interested, please contact Stefanie Brides at (913) 381-7151 or send a resume to: sbridges@holycrosscatholicschool.com.

Join the Robeks Juice team! - We are in need of three - four team members for the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift, three four days during the week. This is a fun place to work and NO WEEKENDS. Applicants should possess: an outgoing personality; be a team player; have computer proficiency; excel in a fast-paced environment; be a self-starter; have reliable transportation and an abundance of positive vibes!

If interested, contact Cole at: Robeksop@gmail.com.

Catholic Cemeteries seeks multitalented administrative assistant - Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas invites qualified candidates to apply for a full-time administrative assistant position, working Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at our Overland Park office. The position will support the director of sales and marketing.

We are seeking an individual who works well with people, has outstanding computer skills, and has the ability to organize and manage multiple projects. The ideal candidate will be Catholic and bilingual (English and Spanish). We offer competitive wages. To apply, contact Catholic Cemeteries at (913) 371-4040 or at: balonzo@cathcemks.org.

Head softball coach - St. James Academy in Lenexa is looking for a head softball coach for the 2022 spring season. St. James Academy exists to pass on the Catholic faith to the next generation, and our ideal candidate should be a witness to our Catholic faith and be able to guide our student athletes within our school’s mission. Ideal candidates will have coaching experience and focused leadership for all levels of competition and for assistant coaches. To apply for this position, please email your resume, cover letter and references to Jared Herzet, our director of athletics and activities, at: jherzet@sjakeepingfaith.org.

Parish social concerns minister - The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri, is seeking a parish social concerns minister. This person will assist guests who are homeless or impoverished with short-term material assistance. This assistance includes but is not limited to: clothing, food, hygiene, prescriptions, identification and referrals to other agencies. The position is part time based upon 20 - 24 hours per week. The parish social concerns minister must be on campus a minimum of every Tuesday-Friday mornings from 8 - 11 a.m. Other hours are flexible. Please visit “Job Openings” at: www.kcsjcatholic. org for a complete job description and to apply.

Help wanted - Seeking dependable person for yard maintenance through late fall. Call Nancy at (913) 208-8074.

Advancement officer - Donnelly College is looking for a driven advancement officer to join the college’s advancement team. This exciting opportunity requires an individual who is attentive to details, works well with a diverse array of constituencies, enjoys meeting people, works well individually and as part of a team. Responsibilities include: serve as integral member of the advancement team with the primary goal of securing major gifts to support Donnelly’s mission and vision through new and existing donor prospects; manage the cultivation cycle leading to the successful solicitation and securing of major gifts for annual fund, capital projects, endowment, event sponsorships and planned gifts; manage (and help grow) a portfolio of major gift prospects (up to 125 in portfolio); develop and coordinate major gift prospect strategies with donor database analyst, annual fund coordinator, vice president of advancement and, when appropriate, the president of the college; schedule and hold individual meetings with prospects and donors to qualify interest and capacity; create individualized prospect engagement and stewardship plans for all constituents in your portfolio; recruit membership into the Jerome Society by securing annual gifts of $1,000 and above. Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly. edu with “Advancement officer” in the subject line.

Parish life coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, is seeking a motivated, faith-filled “people person” for the staff parish life coordinator position. The role of this position is to maximize parishioner involvement in the life of the parish and community. This includes serving as staff contact for multiple ministries, helping parishioners make the most of their time and talents, communicating opportunities for participation and organizing various parish events. Full-time or part-time option available with limited evening and weekend hours. Full-time positions include benefits. Complete job description and contact details available at: stmichaelcp.org/ employment-opportunities. Please send resume and cover letter to: denise.greene@stmichaelcp.org.

Mary’s Catholic Montessori Training Center - Mary’s Catholic Montessori Training Center (MCMTC) is currently accepting applicants for our fall cohort, starting in September. Located in Eudora, MCMTC trains and certifies Catholic Montessori guides to transform the world. In this program, the Montessori method and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd are united as an organic whole, preparing Catholic Montessori guides to deliver full Montessori formation to children and their families. Check out mcmtc. org for more details or send an email to: info@mcmtc.org.

Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

Executive director/community leader of L’Arche Heartland - The mission of L’Arche Heartland is: Make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships; foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our members; and engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society. The community leader is responsible for guiding L’Arche Heartland in living authentically the mission and values of L’Arche in its commitment to community among adults with and without intellectual disabilities, finding spirituality in its daily life, while simultaneously maintaining strict compliance with all licensing requirements. This person ensures that the needs of adults with intellectual disabilities are met and that their gifts are promoted both within the L’Arche Heartland community and in the wider environs. The community leader leads the implementation of the community mandate consistent with the identity and mission of L’Arche. This individual leads, manages and administers the daily operations of the community in order to meet the financial, legal and quality standards expected from the governmental authorities. Key responsibilities include: Nurture the spiritual life of the community; assure state compliance as a licensed provider of Home and Community Based Supports for Residential and Day Service on the Kansas I/DD Medicaid waiver (adherence to Kansas Article 63); guarantee the quality of care for 37 adults with intellectual disabilities; build and develop a vibrant community life; raise funds, develop the community and manage its finances; promote the message of L’Arche; manage human resources; work with other L’Arche communities; and work with L’Arche Heartland board of directors. Requirements include: a bachelor’s or higher degree in a field of human services; work experience in the area of human services; certification that the organization’s chief director of services is qualified to supervise the delivery of a program of services to persons; at least one year of experience in a senior management-level position with a licensed provider; at least two years of experience as either a case manager or a services manager; at least five years of experience delivering direct care services to persons; and three letters of reference concerning the organization’s chief director of services. Interested candidates please submit a letter of interest, a current resume and references with contact information to the L’Arche Heartland discernment/search team at: harmony@ larcheks.org. Position open until filled.

Executive assistant - data support specialist Catholic Education Foundation - The Catholic Education Foundation is seeking an executive assistant-data support specialist to provide administrative and clerical support to the executive director and leadership team and manage the donor database system. Duties include assisting with board and committee meeting logistics; coordinating mail mergers and thank you letters; database entry; running donor reports; assisting with scholarship application process; answering incoming calls; and serving as liaison to schools. The ideal candidates will possess exceptional communication and customer service skills; be proficient in Raiser’s Edge or other donor database systems; have strong organizational and problem solving skills; and expertise with MS Office programs. Candidates must have a minimum of a high school diploma, college degree preferred; at least three years working in administrative role; experience working with executive level staff; and be a practicing Catholic in good standing. Experience working in nonprofit offices is preferred. To apply send cover letter and resume to: cefsupport@archkck.org.

Administrative specialist - bookkeeper - The Catholic Education Foundation is seeking an administrative specialist - bookkeeper. This position provides bookkeeping support and assists with administrative duties as needed to the Catholic Education Foundation. Duties include: processing and coding donations and invoices; making deposits; reconciling accounts; entering transactions in database system; running financial and donor reports; monitoring bank accounts and cash flow; maintaining back-up and support documents; serving as liaison to the archdiocesan accounting department; and providing support for donor database projects and scholarship processing. Ideal candidates will have a college degree or equivalent experience; at least three - five years in bookkeeping or accounting, preferably in nonprofit; excellent written and verbal skills; exceptional customer service skills; proficient in Excel and other MS Office programs; ability to create and manage dashboard and spreadsheet reports; strong problem-solving skills; detail-oriented; and must be a Catholic in good standing. To apply, send cover letter and resume to: vanch@archkck.org.

Hiring part-time bus drivers - Look at the incredible opportunities! Sign-on bonus! $1500 (non-CDL drivers); $3000 for CDL drivers. 1) Starting pay is $17.50 - $18 per hour for 0 - 2 years’ experience; $18.25 - $23.19 per hour for 3 - 20 years’ experience. 2) Paid training and development (bring your children to training and save on day care fees.) 3) Bring your children to ride along on your routes with our Ride-Along Program. 4) 401(k) with company match. 5) Must be 21 years or older and driving for at least three years. 6) Must have excellent driving and criminal record. We pay the same rate for our trips as we do for driving school routes! Apply online at: www.careers.nellc.com or in person at: Durham Blue Valley, 7321 W. 135th St., Overland Park. (913) 681-2492.

Digital marketing coordinator - Bishop Miege High School is looking for a part-time (20 - 25 hours/week) qualified digital marketing coordinator to join our faithbased community. You will partner with our faculty, staff and coaches to develop and edit digital content on the website and through social media channels. You will also play a support role in maintenance of records in our donor database. Requirements include: bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing or related field; one to three years’ experience with writing/editing online content; one to three years’ experience with online community building; ability to analyze website and social media reports; excellent time management skills; excellent attention to detail; excellent interpersonal skills; excellent written and verbal communication; the ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic. To express interest in this position, send a resume and cover letter to Molly Peterson at: mpeterson@bishopmiege.com.

AUGUST 27, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG Nursing faculty - A full-time nursing faculty position carries the primary responsibility of helping students to master subject material and skills that will contribute to their personal and intellectual development and success in the nursing program. This person works with the director of nursing to schedule coursework/activities that will help students to complete their goal of becoming health care professionals and to support the program. Must be able to pass a background check and complete Virtus training. Qualifications include: MSN or BSN with MSN in progress; unencumbered Kansas nursing license; committed to diversity and serving a diverse population; ability to communicate well and assist students in gaining practice and knowledge in the clinical situation; adult teaching experience preferred; excellent leadership and communication skills; experience with instructing technology-based courses; alternative teaching strategies preferred; demonstrate a thorough and accurate knowledge of use of electronic communication and audiovisual equipment; philosophically aligned with the mission and values of the college to engage and support our Catholic identity. Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly.edu with “Nursing instructor” in the subject line.

Director of development and stewardship - St. John Church and School in Lawrence seeks a full-time director of development and stewardship. The director will develop and administer development plans to ensure the longterm viability of the church and school. The director will oversee all advancement activities necessary by building relationships with a broad range of parishioners, parents, alumni, volunteers and community members. Candidates with three to five years of fundraising experience and bilingual (English and Spanish) are preferred. Please see full job description and requirements at: www.sjevangelist. com. This position is eligible for an archdiocesan benefits package. Please send cover letter and resume to Father John Cousins at: frjohn@sjevangelist.com or mail to: 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Career positions at Ryan Lawn - Full-time career positions at Ryan Lawn & Tree for people who have a passion for plants, working outdoors and customer service. Put your degree to work in the outdoors. We are faith-based and 100% employee-owned. We offer careers in forestry (both plant healthy and pruning), turf, pest and landscaping. With 350 associates in five branches, we have growth careers for the right people. We expect a lot. We can teach you our industry if you want to learn and are willing to work hard. If you or someone you know is interested, apply online at: RyanLawn.com.

Full-time assistant teachers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of preacademics and the right environment, we believe we are providing the children the foundation to a successful life.

We are looking for full-time assistant teachers for all ages who have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education.

Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Duties include supervising and ensuring the safely and well-being of the children at all times; following predetermined curriculum and daily schedule; decorating the class and keeping classrooms clean and orderly; creating and filling out daily reports for each child; communicating with parents; meeting children’s basic needs (diapers, bottles, etc.). Must be patient and able to respond to difficult situations calmly; have good interpersonal skills with co-workers, parents and children; and be able to lift 25 pounds on a regular basis. There are opportunities for career advancement. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, option 3.

Assistants - Assistants needed to provide support for developmentally disabled adults in a day program setting.

Hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. five days a week. Health, dental and vision premiums paid in full after two months of employment. Join us for meaningful, fulfilling relationships with our community. Larcheks.org.

Instructional assistant - St. Ann School in Prairie Village is seeking an instructional assistant. The ideal candidate would be available 20 - 29 hours per week and will be supporting both students and teachers. Interested candidates, please contact St. Ann principal Liz Minks at: lminks@stannpv.org.

Part-time teacher aide - St. Michael the Archangel Preschool is seeking a part-time teacher aide for our four-years-old classroom. This person is responsible for assisting the lead teacher in carrying out daily activities, carrying out the rules and regulations of our licensure and maintaining principles of sound Catholic education. If you are interested, please contact Jennie Wente, preschool director, at (913) 402-3971 or send resume and cover letter to: jennie.wente@stmichaelcp.org.

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy -Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME! I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners.

My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. $$ PAYING CASH $$ - Looking for special Christmas gifts for my family such as: antique furniture; crocks; tin and cast iron toys; old tools; glassware; American coins; jewelry; most anything old! Call Patricia at (913) 515-2950.

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. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

CLASSIFIEDS

AUGUST 27, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG >> Continued from page 12

MISCELLANEOUS Veterans Treatment Court - Veterans Treatment Court of Wyandotte County is seeking veterans to mentor other veterans challenged by court-related issues. Email: wycovtcmentor@gmail.com.

HOME IMPROVEMENT 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 Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling.

Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.

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.

Local Handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, masonry (chimney repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Interior wall painting specialist.

Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience.

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391

SERVICES Garage Door Repair New Garage Doors Platinum Amarr dealer, Elite Home Advisor top rating.

Call Joe, mention The Leaven discount.

A Total Door (913) 236-6440.

Handyman - I wanted to let you all know that we do basement finishes, deck building, bathroom and kitchen remodeling. This includes tile work, cabinet refinishing, and any sheetrock work. We also do all things flooring, siding, windows, doors, covered porches, sheds and much more. I really appreciate all your support. Please call Joshua Doherty at (913) 709-7230.

Senior Care Authority - Navigating senior care options can be overwhelming. We’ll help you sort through and understand all your care and living options and point you to vetted resources. Placement assistance is FREE. We do a thorough assessment, do all the research and walk with you as you make these big decisions for you or your loved one. Call (913) 359-8580.

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Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days.

Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 9625058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

Tutoring - Fall tutoring for K - adult. Sessions are fun and meaningful. For more information, please call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or email: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your Tshirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.

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

Next level Design & Remodelling and More llc.

10 to 40% off Exterior, Interior painting Hard surface flooring, remolding Call (913) 709-8401. Free estimates.

FOR SALE

Family member with dementia or need help at home?

- We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. 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) 3412500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

REAL ESTATE Get Instant Cash Offer on Your Johnson County Home!

Skip the Showings Move on Your Schedule Low Fee Structure Get Started Today! www.FullPriceHomeSale.com OFFER CODE KS01

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 http://www. montemacedisability.org.

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)

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.teresakiddlaw.com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

For sale - One plot at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, ground only. Ground Charity, lot D, section 103, spaces 1 and 2. Current value $5200, asking $4700, including conveyance fee. Call Mike at (913) 291-9134.

We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000

For sale - Two plots at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas; Henry Garden, lot 265 A, spaces E and W. Asking $2000 for the two plots and perpetual care. This price is almost $400 below actual current price. Call Pam at (417) 230-8688.

CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com

ACT Prep - Founded by a Bishop Miege graduate, Pathway Prep has helped over 250 students during the last four years improve their scores. In-person or virtual sessions available.

For more information, visit: pathwayprepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com.

Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish. Call (913) 271-0362.

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.

For sale - Registered Labrador retriever puppies, black and yellow. Excellent pedigrees. Call (913) 593-6016.

CAREGIVING Caring Christian companion - I’m a retired licensed practical nurse (LPN) with 20-plus years of nursing experience caring for youth to elderly facing medical challenges. I will work for you in-home, assisted living or nursing home. I am qualified to transport to and from physicians or therapy and personal trips. References from past employers are available. I am someone who is caring, honest and dependable. Call Barbara at (913) 645-3779.

Wanting to sell but cannot afford the updates on your home to maximize your profit? - Do not give away the equity you worked hard for! We are a one-ofa-kind real estate team with a contracting business we offer our sellers. Please reach out to Natalie McCarter for more information. (913) 909-1893.

Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it?

We buy it all at once in as-is condition.

Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com.

Tired of being a landlord?

I’ll buy it.

Call Mark Edmondson (913) 980-4905 Local parishioner.

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COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS TWENTY-SECOND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Aug. 29 TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Dt 4: 1-2, 6-8 Ps 15: 2-5 Jas 1: 17-18, 21b-22, 27 Mk 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Aug. 30 Monday 1 Thes 4: 13-18 Ps 96: 1, 3-5, 11-13 Lk 4: 16-30 Aug. 31 Tuesday 1 Thes 5: 1-6, 9-11 Ps 27: 1, 4, 13-14 Lk 4: 31-37 Sept. 1 Wednesday Col 1: 1-8 Ps 52: 10-11 Lk 4: 38-44 Sept. 2 Thursday Col 1: 9-14 Ps 98: 2-6 Lk 5: 1-11 Sept. 3 Gregory the Great, pope, doctor of the church Col 1: 15-20 Ps 100: 1b-5 Lk 5: 33-39

S

TWENTY-THIRD WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Sept. 5 TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 35: 4-7a Ps 146: 7-10 Jas 2: 1-5 Mk 7: 31-37 Sept. 6 Monday Col 1:24 – 2:3 Ps 62: 6-7, 9 Lk 6: 6-11 Sept. 7 Tuesday Col 2: 6-15 Ps 145: 1b-2, 8-11 Lk 6: 12-19 Sept. 8 THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Mi 5: 1-4a Ps 13: 6abc Mt 1: 1-16, 18-23 Sept. 9 Peter Claver, priest Col 3: 12-17 Ps 150: 1b-6 Lk 6: 27-38 Sept. 10 Friday 1 Tm 1: 1-2, 12-14 Ps 16: 1b-2a, 5, 7-8, 11 Lk 6: 39-42 Sept. 11 Saturday 1 Tm 1: 15-17 Ps 113: 1b-7 Lk 6: 43-49

Isn’t it time you learned your lesson?

omeone once said, “It’s remarkable how much you have to know before you realize how little you know.”

Only truly wise and humble people appreciate the truth of those words. Occasionally, readers will notice the “stl” after my name in the masthead and ask, “What do those letters mean?”

After almost 24 years of Catholic education, I’m tempted to say that “stl” means “slow to learn.”

Honestly, though, the letters signify that I have a Licentiate in Sacred Theology, which simply means a degree in advanced theological study — in my case, moral theology.

As kids begin to settle into a new school year, my mind gets nostalgic as I recall my school days and the many wonderful teachers and classmates I had. But this time of year also starts an itch in me to

Sept. 4 Saturday Col 1: 21-23 Ps 54: 3-4, 6, 8 Lk 6: 1-5

T

AUGUST 27, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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.

continue to learn.

I take this story as an inspiration: Isidore Robey, a famous physicist, came to the United States as a small child and grew up on New York’s Lower East Side. In an interview, he once was asked how a poor immigrant boy was able to become one of the world’s leading physicists.

He answered, “I couldn’t help it. It was because of my

mother. She had a deep appreciation for the search for truth. And every single day when I came home from school, she would ask me, ‘Did you ask any good questions today?’” (Story found in Brian Cavanaugh’s “Sower’s Seeds of Encouragement: Fifth Planting.”)

If you truly want to learn, ask questions.

They’re the keys to opening your mind and expanding your knowledge. Questions lead you to experience something new . . . and no one is too old to learn!

With my scattered mind, I appreciate some structure in

learning. I’ve found the perfect solution in a book written by Erica Root. I started it this week to be in solidarity with students everywhere. Unlike the school year, though, my study will take me an entire calendar year to complete.

It’s not that the book is so thick or that I’m a slow reader.

Well, you’ll understand better if I just tell you the name of the book.

It’s called “A Year of Weeks: 52 Awesome Weeks of Trying New Things” (New York: Running Press, 2021; $17.99).

The lavishly illustrated volume is more of a workbook, as readers are encouraged to write right there on the pages. This first week, I’m coloring in what the weather and temperature look like each day; mentioning the best part of the day; noting my mood and something I’m grateful for; and adding any additional little notes.

One week, I’ll be

picking a different flower each day to learn about and draw.

Another week, I’ll collect inspirational quotes. Yet another week, I’ll sketch a different design on seven coffee mugs.

You don’t need a fun book like this, however, to learn new things.

Why not explore a new feature of your cellphone or computer program, do ordinary things in a new way, try a different way to pray or attend a Bible study at your parish? If stymied for inspiration, browse your parish library or the public library for ideas.

Incidentally, when talking above about the “stl” behind my name, I used the word “masthead.” Don’t know what that is?

Well, as the nuns used to say to me, take some time to look up that word . . . and, voila, you’re already learning something new!

Even ‘statutes and decrees’ can guide us in God’s ways

he first reading on Sunday is kind of a vanilla text. It’s your basic Bible message in a not particularly memorable form.

Without vivid imagery or clever phrases, Moses tells the Israelites to keep to the way of life that God has given them.

His message — “obey God” — is important, of course, but it plods along with generic references to “statutes and decrees,” “commandments,” “statutes,” more “statutes and decrees” and finally “this whole law.”

It’s tempting to mentally click on the X, close this selection out and hope that the next reading will be

,

KEVIN PERROTTA Perrotta is the editor and an author of the “Six Weeks with the Bible” series, teaches part time at Siena Heights University and leads Holy Land pilgrimages. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

more compelling.

But wait! As a lover of vanilla, let me suggest that Moses’ bland words can have

an impact on us, if we work with them. How? Take the advice seriously. Moses is giving the Israelites reasons for keeping God’s law. His reasons are worth considering, and they accumulate.

Living God’s way will bring life and security, he says. Other people (well, at least some) will admire you for following such wise laws.

God will be close to you. The laws are just.

“Look,” Moses says, “I’m reasoning with

you. This is not an appeal to authority but an appeal to what you know in your heart is right and good.”

Do I really believe that obeying God’s instructions can make a tremendous, positive difference in my life?

Fill in the blanks.

Obviously, Moses can’t tell us where each of us is deviating from God’s instructions for living. Here, Moses doesn’t even mention particular aspects of God’s law; he just speaks in terms of “statutes,” “decrees,” “commandments.”

But Sunday’s psalm response and second reading offer areas for consideration, such as hurtful speech (texting, tweeting, posting) and neglecting

the needs of people around us.

What aspect of my behavior is the Holy Spirit bringing to mind?

Feel the urgency.

Moses is preaching to the Israelites camped on the east side of the Jordan, at the end of a difficult, 40-year journey through a wilderness. Within days, they will cross the river and enter the land God has promised them for so long.

How crucial it is that they listen to Moses now, if their life in the land is to be peaceful and productive, rather than strife-torn, ending in destruction.

How much may be at stake in whether I respond to God’s word in my conscience?

Pope encourages people to rediscover importance of Sunday liturgy VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis encouraged new courses of action for parishes to help people understand the importance of Sunday Mass and parish ministries, a top Vatican official wrote in a message. The message was sent on behalf of the pope Aug. 23 to the 71st National Liturgical Week, by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.

In the written message, the cardinal said the pandemic and its restrictions, which had prevented the faithful from gathering like before, underlined the importance of the liturgy in Christian life. But, what happened during the pandemic and the difficulty in resuming liturgical activities, he wrote, “confirmed what was already observed at Sunday assemblies on

the Italian peninsula, an alarming indication of the advanced stage of an epochal change.” It had been noticed, even long before the pandemic, there has been a shift in how people perceive “time” and “space,” which has had repercussions on the meaning of Sunday for most people and how most people experience community and the family, he said.

CALENDAR

AUGUST 27, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

AN EVENING OF HEALING AND HOPE St. Ann Parish 7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village Aug. 31 at 7 p.m.

Kelly and Bob Specht, founders of Carl’s Cause, will hold an evening of healing and hope for teens and older adults. The Spechts will tell their story, and a breakout session will be offered. Professional counselors will offer resources and give concrete ways to foster mental wellness. For more information, visit the website at: www.archkck.org/ family/care-support/catholic-counselors/

LABOR DAY PICNIC Sts. Peter and Paul Parish (hall) 411 Pioneer St., Seneca Sept. 5 at 4:30 p.m.

St. Ann Altar Society is sponsoring its annual Labor Day picnic of a roast beef and ham dinner. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for children. Takeout dinners are available on the west side of the parish hall. Games, a concession stand and a beer garden open at 5 p.m. An auction begins at 8:30 p.m. There will be a teen dance at 8:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Admission is $4.

LADIES OF CHARITY PROSPECTIVE NEW MEMBER WINE AND CHEESE EVENT Teal Lotus Boutique 7924 Santa Fe, Overland Park Sept. 9 from 5 - 7 p.m.

Learn more about the Ladies of Charity and their impact on serving the poor in the Kansas City metropolitan area. There will also be information about the spiritual and social activities of this organization. RSVP to Carol Herbert by email at: carolherbert22@yahoo.com or Paula Neuer at: paulaneuer@gmail.com.

SISTERS, SERVANTS OF MARY 26TH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC Painted Hills Golf Course 7101 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 10

Help the Sisters raise money to assist in their mission to care for the sick. Registration fees, other sponsorship opportunities and more information are online at: www. sisterservantsgolfouting.com. For questions, call Judy Walberg at (913) 961-5677 or email questions to: SSMgolfouting@ gmail.com. Credit cards are accepted the day of the event. Registration is from 10:45 a.m. to noon; lunch is at 11:15 a.m. Sisters’ putting contest is at noon, and the shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m.

CHILI COOK-OFF AND TASTING St. Leo Parish (center) 1340 1st Ave. E., Horton Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

There will be a variety of chili, side salads and a dessert bar. Chili judging will be at 1 p.m. There will also be activities and games.

TOPEKA IRISH FEST - HALFWAY TO ST. PATRICK’S DAY 8th St. and Jackson, Topeka Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Mater Dei Parish is hosting this event in downtown Topeka. The day starts with a 2.5 K fun run at 10 a.m. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., there will be Irish food (including Patty’s Pockets), a beer garden, whiskey tasting, adult and children’s games, live bands and Irish dancing.

The Topeka St. Patrick’s Day Parade will start at noon. All are invited to attend. For more information and to register for the 2.5 K, visit the website at: www.TopekaIrishFest.com.

C.O.R.E. GOLF EVENT Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate 14225 Dearborn St., Overland Park Sept. 20 at 10:30 a.m.

Come together with Catholics from across state lines to show support for the clergy of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in

Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph. The event is sponsored by C.O.R.E. and the Serra Club of Metro KC. Enjoy a round of golf, barbecue, drinks and prizes.

Go online to: www.CelebrateOurReligious. org to register and see a schedule of events.

LIFE AND HOPE BANQUET Overland Park Convention Center 6000 College Blvd., Overland Park Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.

Come celebrate the Wyandotte and Olathe Pregnancy Clinics. Abby Johnson will be the featured speaker. Register online at: www.LifeAndHopeBanquet.com. The registration fee is $100 per person, with $50 of the fee being tax deductible.

‘LIVING IN THE PRESENT MOMENT’ Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meager Rd., Easton Sept. 17 - 19

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This is a one-day retreat with Sonja Corbitt, the “Bible Study Evangelista.” The retreat will begin with a rosary. There will be talks and time for fellowship. Beverages, light snacks and lunch will be provided.

There is no cost, but a freewill offering will be accepted. In order to assure that we have enough food, registration is required online at: www.mtcctopeka.org.

SPECIAL-NEEDS MINISTRY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

The special-needs ministry in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas needs volunteers, 14 years of age and older, to help restart BREATHE — a respite care program.

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION? Call or text 913-621-2199 Compassionate, Confidential, Free

This program provides a break from caregiving to families who have a child with a disability. The program is held at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, usually on the third Saturday of each month from 4 - 8 p.m. We are planning to offer our first session in the fall. Volunteers “buddy” with a child with a disability for an evening of recreation and leisure activities. COVID protocols will be followed. To learn more or to register, go online to: www.archkck.org/ special-needs or send an email to: jruoff@ archkck.org.

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

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

SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.

The retreat will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Sept.

17 and end at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 19. Develop the tools needed to find peace and contentment in your life by learning to live in the present moment and studying Jean Pierre de Caussade’s spiritual teaching of selfabandonment to divine providence. There will be conferences, workshops, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. The suggested donation is: $170/single or $250/couples for the cabins and courtyard rooms; $100 for the single guest rooms (meals included). To attend, sign up online at: christspeace.com; send an email to: info@christspeace.com; or call (913) 773-8255.

WELCOME BACK CELEBRATION AND ICE CREAM SOCIAL St. Patrick Parish 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 18 at 5 p.m.

Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. Following Mass, the parish will celebrate returning to “normal” with food, music, activities and fun for the whole family.

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Holy Trinity Parish (Father Quigley Center) Thursday mornings beginning Sept. 23 from 9:30 - 11 a.m.

We will be studying the Gospel of Mark.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program is offered for infants through 12 years of age while we gather for our Bible study. Infants are also welcome to stay with moms in their discussion group. Teens ages 13 - 15 are invited to our junior Bible study. Registration is due by Aug. 26. For more information, contact Ellen Jones at (913) 957-88009, Theresa Gordzica at (785) 843-0283 or Jenny Kropf at (913) 219 8528, or head to our new website at: www.womensbiblestudykc.com.

Come meet new friends and discover what blessings God’s word has in store for you this year.

VITAE FOUNDATION PRO-LIFE EVENT Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center 6100 College Blvd., Overland Park Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m.

Vitae Foundation’s pro-life event will feature speaker Mitch Holthus, the voice of the Kansas City Chiefs, who announced the last two Super Bowls. There will be dinner and a program at 7 p.m. The cost is $100 ($70 is tax deductible). The registration deadline is Sept. 17. For questions, contact Eddie Mulholland at (573) 634-4316. To register online, go to: vitaefoundation.org, click on “Events,” then on “Kansas City Pro-Life Event” and scroll down to the registration form.

WOMEN’S RETREAT WITH SONJA CORBITT Mother Teresa Parish 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Have You Ever Considered Becoming a Deacon?

T

he archdiocesan office of the permanent diaconate is hosting a series of information nights for those interested in learning more about the diaconate. All information nights begin at 7 p.m.

Dates and locations:

Sept. 1

Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas (Spanish language interpreter available)

Sept. 13

Christ the King Parish, 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka (ASL interpreter available)

Sept. 23

Holy Cross Parish, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park (Spanish language interpreter available)

Sept. 28

Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish, 711 N. 5th St., Leavenworth

Oct. 12

Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas *Attendance at an information night is required for those who intend to apply to the diaconate program this year. Spouses are strongly encouraged to attend.

For information, contact Leon Suprenant, co-director of the office of the permanent diaconate, by email at: leons@archkck.org; call (913) 647-0358; or visit the website at: archkck.org/diaconate.

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LOCAL NEWS

AUGUST 27, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

SPECIAL DELIVERY

Above, Traci Baker, Xavier’s administrative assistant, accepts a delivery of flowers from Sgt. 1st Class Chad Hickey destined for his wife Melinda, Xavier’s school counselor.

FLYING HIGH

Above right, kindergartner Cassidy Dalton is all smiles during recess on the first day as she takes her swing higher and higher.

LET US PRAY

Right, Xavier teachers pray together before the school day begins. From left are: Kelly Hanson, third grade; Melinda Hickey, counselor; Janet Meyer, fourth grade; Elaine Averna, Achievement Center teacher; Mike Cyr, board of trustees chairman; Janelle Hartegan, principal; Therese Melero, seventh grade homeroom and English language arts teacher; and Vera Daniels, middle school math teacher.

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SALES Advertising Account Manager Sell ad space for Church bulletins.

Salary, expenses, commission PLUS benefits.

Reply: Recruiting@jspaluch.com www.jspaluch.com

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION? Call or text 913-621-2199