08 28 20 Vol. 42 No. 5

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 42, NO. 5 | AUGUST 28, 2020

INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF THE LEAVEN

BARN BURNER

Our Lady of Unity School will host its inaugural fundraising “Hog and Grog” scholarship event on Oct. 3. Find out what makes this event unique.

Page 3

ENFLAMED

Catholic schools pick up the torch of the Enflame movement with a daylong virtual event. Page 5

SCHOOLS KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR

With the new school year starting, Catholic schools have made unprecedented changes in how they have prepared. Page 7

BENEDICTINE RAVENS COME TO NEST

August 15 marked the move-in day for most Benedictine College freshman. Leaven photographer Jay Soldner was there to capture all the action.

Pages 8-9

THE GATES ARE OPEN

Prairie Star Ranch started its Open Gate series to offer people a safe place to relax — and at no cost.

See the details on page 16.

LIGHT IN A TIME OF DARKNESS

O

PHOTOS BY DOUG HESSE

VERLAND PARK — This has been a dark year. But on Aug. 22, hundreds of Catholics gathered here to bring on the light — of faith, of hope and prayer.

On the feast of the Queenship of Mary, Catholics from all over the archdiocese gathered with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann for a candlelight procession and rosary. The event was sponsored by the Holy Family School of Faith Institute.

Archbishop Naumann led a consecration — of those present, the state of Kansas and the nation — to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mike Scherschligt, executive director of the School of Faith, led the rosary.

The event marked the School of Faith’s official launch of the Movement of the Holy Family. This was one of four processions that took place the same evening in Ohio, Georgia and North Carolina.

To join the movement, go to the website at: schooloffaith.com, and press the button “Join the Movement” on the home page.

AUGUST 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE CORY

The Northeast Kansas Rural Youth Council met Aug. 6-7 at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg for its annual retreat and to plan for the upcoming year.

Prayer was first order of business at young rural leaders’ retreat

By Katie Peterson Special to the Leaven

W

ILLIAMSBURG — Prayer, planning and preparation were the key foci of the retreat that signaled the beginning of the year for the Northeast Kansas Rural Youth Council Aug. 6-7 at Prairie Star Ranch here.

Upon filling out applications last spring, 17 teenagers were chosen to serve on the council in the coming year. Sixteen of them, along with Angie Bittner, the rural youth ministry outreach coordinator, went on the retreat.

Prayer was the first order of business.

“We really try to do some interior formation because we realize that if we don’t know God really well and talk with him every day, then it’s hard to share him with others. So we concentrate on that a lot,” said Bittner. “And we intentionally prayed for the rural parishes that we’ll touch.”

Even though COVID-19 will constrain their traditional events, she said, outreach will still be a big part of the year, so potential events were discussed, too.

“We’re really going to shift our year and see how we can really connect with parishes better,” Bittner said. “They don’t necessarily have to plan out all the events, but they do co-host them and share ideas because sometimes ideas that adults come up with aren’t necessarily what speaks to the kids, and we value their input and their ideas.”

Finally, the group completed Virtus

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE CORY

Angie Bittner, rural youth ministry outreach coordinator, records a video from the Northeast Kansas Rural Youth Council to be used on social media. training, and Deacon Jody Madden, the faith formation director for St. Bernard Church in Wamego, trained them as extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist and lectors.

“Now, we’re all compliant and ready to help whenever we’re needed,” Bittner said.

Three-year member, 16-year-old Ellen Glynn of Sacred Heart Church in Sabetha, said the retreat is a highlight of the year for her.

“This year, I learned how to connect better with people who are struggling with their faith lives right now, which is understandable given our current situation,” Glynn said. “I’m really

looking forward to problem solving and figuring out different, more handsoff ways to engage parishes and youth with outreach and events.”

First-time council member, 16-yearold Faith Henry of St. Mary Church in St. Benedict, said she loved every minute of the retreat.

“I really enjoyed getting to know [everybody] and their beautiful personalities. There are multiple members that I feel I could build lifelong friendships with,” Henry said. “With Christ as the center of the new relationships — and that all of us are from small towns with the same goals in life — make it very easy to bond.

“My goal for this year is sharing happiness,” she added. “I love being kind and joyful, and I feel like sharing happiness is what NEKRYC is called to do.”

First-time Northeast Kansas Rural Youth Council member, 17-year-old Noah Broxterman of St. Stanislaus Church in Rossville, said he felt a lot was accomplished during the retreat.

“We got closer as a group and had some really good conversation as a whole,” Broxterman said. “I learned a lot from the retreat, such as different ways we can help and pray for the other parishes during this time of quarantine.”

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the group better,” he continued, “and getting closer to God as a group as we help others and each other.”

Bittner said helping other youth find faith connections within their own age group is her biggest hope for the year.

“Most of these kids are public school kids and so it’s hard to find kids that are striving for the same things in faith,” Bittner said.

“We want to reach out to other youth of the diocese,” she added, “and let them know that they are not alone, even if they feel like they are the only kid in their class that wants to love the Lord.

“There are other kids that want to do that also, and they can walk together.”

For more information about the Northeast Kansas Rural Youth Council, go online to: www.archkck.org/ rural-outreach.

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE 8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090 Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.

AUGUST 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Organizers of Our Lady of Unity School’s inaugural fundraiser, “Hog and Grog” — from left, Kurt Rall, development/fundraising committee chair; Jane Rall, committee member; Jerry Wonderlich, business team member; and Our Lady of Unity principal Cally Dahlstrom — gather at the event venue, “The Barn.” The evening will provide scholarship assistance to OLU students, most of whom qualify for help.

KCK SCHOOL TO HOST BARN BURNER

By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven

Event details

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “Hog and Grog” is unstoppable.

The inaugural fundraising event for Our Lady of Unity School here is charging ahead, despite pandemic hurdles.

The Oct. 3 event will provide much-needed scholarship assistance for kindergarten to 8th-grade students who were economically challenged even before COVID-19.

Today, that student need has increased in the face of staggering unemployment.

“If it wasn’t for the ‘Hog and Grog’ event, many of our students wouldn’t be able to choose Catholic education,” said OLU principal Cally Dahlstrom.

“Before the pandemic, 88 percent of our families qualified for the free and reduced lunch rate. I expect that number will go higher this school year.”

Serving a need Nearly 100% of OLU families qualify for scholarship assistance. Approximately 40% of students are English as a Second Language learners. The event, which will begin with a Mass at 4:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Unity Church and move to a nearby barn (at 2951 S. 34th, Merriam), has already generated notable support.

Hog and Grog for Scholarships Oct. 3 • 4:30 p.m. Mass, Our Lady of Unity Church, 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas • 6 p.m. Cocktails at “The Barn” • 7 p.m. Dinner at “The Barn” For more information, go online to: www.OLUCS.org.

According to Michael and Patty Morrisey, the event has already raised more than $95,000 in pledges toward its $100,000 goal, and is expected to exceed it. The Morriseys, who are members of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, oversee the School Advancement Program (SAP), an initiative of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas designed to address the longrange strategic planning needs within its Catholic schools.

Our Lady of Unity is part of SAP’s multiphase approach to financially strengthen schools in underserved communities within the archdiocese.

“Hog and Grog” will be the school’s annual, signature fundraiser.

Kurt Rall, a parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood, is a member of the business team that serves Our Lady and is working on the fundraising event. After having toured the school last fall, Rall was inspired to

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

help its students continue their Catholic education.

“I was deeply impacted last September when I attended a tour of Our Lady of Unity and had an opportunity to eat lunch with their students,” Rall said.

“Being on site at Our Lady of Unity provided me the opportunity to understand the need and desires of the families and students. We can help!”

The OLU story Part of the mission behind “Hog and Grog” is to introduce the archdiocesan community to Our Lady’s character and culture, said Patty Morrisey.

“Beyond the scholarships, this event is designed to tell the story of OLU and the people involved,” she continued.

“We want people to understand the need within the schools in our archdiocese.”

Dahlstrom echoed that sentiment.

She recalled one family struggling financially, even before the pandemic.

They told Dahlstrom unemployment was forcing them to pull their children from the school.

The mother told Dahlstrom she was thankful for the education her children had received at OLU and was heartbroken to have to leave. But school administrators worked hard to find financial assistance so the family could continue at the school.

“I hear over and over that we feel

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Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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like family to our families,” Dahlstrom said. “And we often support entire families through our food programs and our Friday fruit and produce boxes that our Knights of Columbus have provided during the pandemic.”

Join the party Despite social distancing restrictions that limit event attendance, the Morriseys are confident they will get the sponsorships they need to raise funds for students. Individuals and businesses interested in sponsorships should go to the website at: www.

OLUCS.org to sign up.

For example, a $2,000 sponsorship will provide scholarships for two Our Lady of Unity students. A $25,000 sponsorship will help 25 students.

According to Michael Morrisey, there is no other event like “Hog and Grog” in the archdiocese. The night will feature a pig roast, beer, a live band and performances from OLU student dancers to showcase the school’s “student flavor,” he said.

“If you’re into fellowship, fun and helping during a pandemic, ‘Hog and Grog’ is the place for you!” he added.

The casual theme of the event is a good fit to the culture and family focus of OLU, added Dahlstrom.

“It will feel homey and mission oriented — just like us at OLU,” she said.

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AUGUST 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

STAND BY ME

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Weekly sessions provide support for adoptive and foster care families

By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven

A

TCHISON — With no end to COVID-19 restrictions in sight, adoptive and foster families are turning to technology to access the support they sometimes need.

Starting Sept. 14, the Sophia Center in Atchison will offer weekly Zoom meetings through the end of December to provide families with support, prayer, education and fellowship. The Sophia Center is a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison.

“Many of the things foster and adoptive parents deal with are Archdiocese of similar to Kansas City in the issues Kansas office of all parents pro-life: www. face.

Of archkcks.com/ course, there foster. are topics unique to The Sophia Center: adoption www.mountosb. and fosterorg ing,” said Sophia Center’s Mary Kay Whitacre, who will facilitate the sessions. “But, I’m sure the pandemic will color these early Zoom conversations for awhile.”

The Zoom sessions for foster and adoptive families are designed for the convenience of busy families, Whitacre said. The sessions will be short — held on Monday evenings from 8:30-9 p.m.

— a time late enough that younger children will already be in bed.

A one-time registration is required for participants. From there, one or both parents may attend as many or as few sessions as they like. While the sessions are free to participants, the Sophia Center welcomes a one-time $20 donation.

For more information

A focus on fostering Fostering, in particular, has been on the hearts, minds and agenda of the archdiocese in recent months. With schools in virtual mode and closed for the summer, Debra Niesen worries that many cases of neglect within biological families have gone unnoticed.

Niesen is the lead consultant for the archdiocese’s pro-life ministry. Often, she said, teachers and after-school caregivers are the first to notice neglect or abuse.

Currently, there are nearly 7,500 children in foster care in Kansas — 2,000 more than five years ago. And only 880 foster care homes are serving that need. Recently, the archdiocese held a virtual foster care fair to create awareness about the need, explore ways to help current foster families and lead couples through the conversation of whether foster care might be right for them.

“One important distinction between foster care and adoption is that the goal in fostering is to eventually reunite the child with his or her biological parent,” Niesen said. “Sometimes, it turns into an adoption. But we want to be straightforward about it.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GRABS FAMILY

The Grabs family gathers for a photo: (from left, front row) Chris, Luis, Jonathan, Brad, Frances, Dawn, Richard and Zaiden; (from left, back row) John and Manny.

From neglect to nurture

By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven

N

eglect is the most common reason a child is removed from his or her home.

That’s something Kansas City, Kansas, residents and Good Shepherd, Shawnee, parishioners Brad and Dawn Grabs can relate to. The two often share their story of being a foster family.

Brad and Dawn live across the street from The Learning Club, the after-school tutoring and enrichment program for kids in the urban core that Brad founded.

One day, three brothers who were former Learning Club students appeared on their doorstep to ask for help.

Their mother was living in Mexico.

Their father was not caring for them properly. They needed a place to stay.

“I love kids, so it was an easy yes,” Brad said.

The boys were placed in foster care.

They joined Brad and Dawn’s three biological children in a small house with a lot of different dynamics.

“We may not be typical foster parents.

I’m a planner,” Brad said. “I like predictability, and there are a lot of unknowns in fostering. That made me kind of nervous.

I realized I never really would have been ready, but when they showed up at our door, of course we said yes.”

“When the boys first came,” he contin-

Typically, foster parents take children for visits with their biological families, if the court approves. However, with the pandemic, those in-person meetings have moved to Zoom sessions.

“The pandemic just adds a different layer of concern to the responsibilities of foster care,” Whitacre said.

“

“I BELIEVE THE SUCCESS OF THE BOYS IS A TESTAMENT TO THE FAITH AND PRAYERS OF THEIR MOTHER, WHO WAS VERY ACTIVE AT BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH AND CANNOT GET A VISA TO RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES.” ued, “it was like a honeymoon. They were very happy. Then, like any relationship, it got more challenging. But we eventually developed a slow, deepening relationship that has been an incredible blessing.

“In hindsight, I realize how much we’ve grown as a family. And now these boys are a part of our family, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

There have been many ups and downs, but today the boys are doing well. All three are now studying at Kansas State University. Dawn credits their faith for helping them weather the challenges.

“I believe the success of the boys

is a testament to the faith and prayers of their mother, who was very active at Blessed Sacrament Church and cannot get a visa to return to the United States,” Dawn said.

Last November, the Grabs added two additional foster children — ages 8 and 11 — to their family. The pandemic has compounded the trauma of fostered children by canceling school, church, family visits and therapies.

“We are grateful for the support of friends and our church community,” Dawn said. “People have brought us meals, sent letters to the kids, taken them on outings and provided encouragement for us as foster parents.”

“Our neighbors, Father Nick Blaha and seminarian Will Carey at Blessed Sacrament,” she added, “have also been great mentors for the boys this summer as the kids helped work in their garden and take care of Father Nick’s chickens and bees.

It takes a community to raise these kids.”

Dawn said she and Brad plan to attend some of the upcoming Zoom sessions for adoptive and foster families.

“I’m excited that the archdiocese is taking steps to support foster kids and families,” Dawn said. “The Sophia Center support group will be a great resource as Mary Kay brings her extensive experience as a spiritual director.

“Foster parenting pushes you to the limits and we need help processing this through a spiritual lens.”

Sophia Center weekly Zoom for adoptive and foster parents Dates: Sept. 14, 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Dec. 7, 14, 21 Suggested one-time donation of $20. Registration is required. Register online or call (913) 360-6173.

Online registration at: www.mountosb.org; in the search bar there, type in: adoptive foster parents

AUGUST 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Teachers at Holy Spirit School in Overland Park were among groups of educators around the archdiocese who listened in to superintendent of Catholic schools Vince Cascone and others during the the “Enflame Our Schools” event.

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From left, superintendent of Catholic schools Vince Cascone, associate superintendent Karen Kroh and Deacon Dana Nearmyer from the office of evangelization, take part in the “Enflame Our Schools” event that was used to help educators refocus on their greater mission.

Schools pick up the torch of Enflame movement

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — As school leaders prepare for one of the most unprecedented academic years in their careers, faculty in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas took a day to pause their preparations and refocus on the greater mission.

“It was the moment we all needed,” said Karen Farrell, principal at St. Gregory the Great School in Marysville.

“You can get so bogged down in the safety measures and what it’s going to take to open our classrooms,” she said.

“The rest of the stuff gets put on the back burner.

“To bring faith first and center, it was really refreshing for us.”

The daylong event, titled “Enflame Our Schools,” took place Aug. 12, roughly 10 months after the “Enflame Our Hearts: Be Disciples, Make Disciples” convocation brought together leaders from every parish in the archdiocese.

Although it was initially meant to take place in person, “Enflame Our Schools” was moved to a virtual setting due to the pandemic.

Faculty gathered at their own schools and watched live video presentations from superintendent of Catholic schools Vince Cascone, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Deacon Dana Nearmyer and Emily Lopez from the office of evangelization, and Sebastian D’Amico from Holy Family School of Faith.

Principals and teachers interacted with their peers from other schools in small “virtual campfires.” They also worked with their own colleagues in person and spent time in prayer and reflection.

The goal, said Lopez, was to give school leaders the chance “to step away from the uncertainty and anxiety of preparing for so many aspects of the upcoming school year [and] to truly experience fellowship and support in their ministry as Catholic school leaders.”

Lopez hopes the event helped “inspire the hearts of our school leaders with God’s love, encourage their personal faith journey and equip them with resources [and] tools for their great mission of discipleship,” she said.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Rhonda LaGalle, kindergarten teacher at Sacred Heart School in Ottawa, takes part in the daylong “Enflame Our Schools” event on Aug. 12. Although it was initially meant to take place in person, the event was moved to a virtual setting due to the pandemic.

“

“TEACHERS AND ALL THE FACULTY AND STAFF NEED TO KNOW THAT THEY ARE VALUED. AND I THINK BOTH OF THEM MADE THAT MESSAGE CLEAR TO THE TEACHERS, WHO NEED A BOOST RIGHT NOW.” According to two other Catholic school principals, the event couldn’t have come at a better time.

Lisa Blaes, principal at Sacred Heart School in Ottawa, said that preparing

for this school year has caused particular stress for her teachers.

“They have been overwhelmed by just the thought of what this [year] is going to look like,” she said, “and how we’re going to pull this off and keep the kids safe.

“When they got put out into their small groups, it was so nice for them to be with other teachers [from around the archdiocese].

“We just have one teacher at every grade level here. That was something I know made them feel [connected] right now.”

Cathy Fithian, principal of Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kansas, was particularly touched by Archbishop Naumann’s and D’Amico’s words.

“Teachers and all the faculty and staff need to know that they are valued,” she said. “And I think both of them made that message clear to the

teachers, who need a boost right now to get started with another unknown next couple months.”

Fithian said the day gave her and her fellow staff members an opportunity to remember why they work in education.

“We do this because we love what we do,” she said. “To be able to hopefully impact the lives of these children — to make their lives not only better here, but in the kingdom of God — is our sole purpose.”

Cascone was gratified by the positive feedback he’s received from school leaders following the event.

“I think it’s important — especially during a time like this with so much chaos in the world and the unknown, uncharted territory of COVID — for the teachers to revisit the profound work that they’re doing,” he said.

AUGUST 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Msgr. Bergman remembered as a priest ‘that cared so much’

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Assignments

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Anyone who knew Msgr.

Robert N. Bergman understood this: His life was his priesthood, and his priesthood was about the salvation of souls.

“I told him he was truly the ‘Curé of Ars’ for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas,” said Father Richard McDonald, pastor of Holy Angels Parish in Basehor.

“He cared so much to reconcile people to God, and he was always available for the sacrament of confession,” he added. “And he especially loved all of his parishioners as only a good and loving shepherd could, after the love of Christ.”

Father Ric Halvorson once asked him when he was going to retire. Msgr. Bergman said there is no retirement for priests. “We’re priests for life,” he told him.

“I don’t think I ever saw him without his [black] clerics on, even on retreats and convocations,” said Father Halvorson, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park. “I don’t know if he owned anything other than clerics.”

“He was a priest,” said his brother Kenneth Bergman. “It was not a job to him or something he did; it was what he was. There was no such thing as punching out at 5 o’clock and having the rest of the day to himself.”

Msgr. Bergman, 75, died in hospice care on Aug. 11 at the rectory of Immaculate Conception Parish in Louisburg, where he was pastor. He was a priest for a little more than 48 years.

He was born on March 5, 1946, in Kansas City, Kansas, one of three sons of Arnold and Julia (Gable) Bergman. They were members of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

“Growing up across from the church, we wound up serving a lot of Masses for boys who didn’t show up,” said Kenneth Bergman. “The Catholic faith was very important to our parents. There was no such thing as missing Mass or confession.”

• 1971: Associate pastor, St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park • 1974: Queen of the Holy Rosary in Overland Park • 1977: Pastor of St. John Vianney in Eskridge and chaplain at the Washburn Catholic Campus Center, Topeka • 1979: Chaplain at Washburn • 1981-1983: Canon law studies in Rome • 1983: Rector of Savior of the World Seminary and director of the Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas; vice officialis of the archdiocesan tribunal office • 1987: Chaplain of St. Joseph Home in Kansas City, Kansas • 1988: Pastor of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe • 1991: Curial official in the Congregation for the Clergy in Rome • 1996: Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee; named monsignor • 2005: Rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas • 2009: Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Louisburg

Msgr. Bergman went to Blessed Sacrament Grade School, graduated from Bishop Ward High School in 1964 and went on to St. Thomas Seminary in Denver. Next, he went to the Pontifical North American College in Rome and studied at the Pontifical Gregorian University there. (He later would earn a degree in canon law in Rome.) He was ordained a priest by Archbishop James Hickey on Dec. 17, 1971, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

He returned to the archdiocese and his first assignment was as associate pastor at St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park.

Msgr. Bergman returned to Rome in 1991 and worked five years for the Congregation for

the Clergy. He was named a monsignor on Sept. 30, 1996.

Msgr. Robert J. Sarno of the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York, and Msgr. Bergman became friends as seminarians at North American College. They renewed their friendship when Msgr. Sarno worked at the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and Msgr. Berman returned to Rome.

Msgr. Bergman, said his friend, had a deep sense of humility of himself, of his roots and of his life. “[He] was never caught up with himself, and yet you could sense . . . a great intelligence he had — that he was a real thinker and a man who

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could reason and think his way through issues and yet would remain balanced and humble,” said Msgr. Sarno. “I would say the virtue that defined Msgr.

Bergman was humility.

“He was able to see through problems and find solutions to different types of problems and help [people] accept difficult realities. He was a very balanced and fair-minded person.”

Msgr. Berman was deeply loved by his current and former parishioners, said Deacon George Karnaze, of Louisburg. People would drive long distances to Louisburg for Mass, confessions, spiritual direction and counseling. He had a special love for

prison ministry, referring to prisoners whom he’d personally known in their youth as “my kids.”

“He kept track of those guys and sent them rosaries and Bibles,” said Deacon Karnaze.

Msgr. Bergman is survived by his brother Kenneth, nephews, a niece and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Raymond.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Aug. 18 at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. Burial was in the family plot at St. Patrick Church in Kansas City, Kansas.

Memorials may be made in Msgr. Bergman’s name to the Immaculate Conception Parish building fund.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Porter Funeral Homes and Crematory in Lenexa.

AUGUST 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

7

THE NEW ABNORMAL

Catholic schools hope for the best — but prepare for the worst

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Tim Conrad, principal of St. Patrick School in Kansas City, Kansas, places “Six Feet Apart/Social Distancing” stickers on the floor in the main hallway, while second-grade teacher Dawn Pyle- Pacheco decorates the hallway bulletin board.

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — She’s been a teacher for 42 years.

But Vicki Gorman feels like it’s a whole new ballgame as she heads into the 2020-21 school year amid the COVID19 pandemic.

“It’s kind of like ‘The Twilight Zone,’” she said. “You don’t know what’s going to happen next.”

Gorman is a kindergarten teacher at St. Patrick School in Kansas City, Kansas.

Over the summer, a team of teachers, led by principal Tim Conrad, worked to create a plan for safe in-person learning.

Although the situation regarding COVID-19 seems to be ever-changing, St. Patrick students are scheduled to start school in person on Sept. 8, and Conrad believes the school community is more than ready.

Common procedures for in-person learning Like schools across the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, daily protocols at St. Patrick will look much different than during a normal school year.

“We’ve got a detailed plan for entering the building and exiting the building, [operations within] the classroom and overall general sanitizing procedures,” said Conrad.

The school is closely following guidelines recommended by the Kansas Department of Health, Kansas Department of Education, Wyandotte County Health Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“You put all those together, and those are the guiding lights for us,” said Conrad.

When students arrive at the school, they will have their temperatures checked before they’re allowed to enter the building. If they have a fever, they will be sent home and the school will work with the local health department to figure out its next steps.

Inside the classroom, kindergarten through fourth grade classes are split in half to ensure plenty of space for social distancing.

“Students will be required to sanitize their hands right when they walk in a classroom,” said Conrad. “Then, they will have assigned seats that are six feet apart. They’ll be wearing masks during the school day in the building.”

Students and teachers will take frequent outdoor breaks, where they can take their masks off and put them in their pockets while still maintaining a safe distance from one another.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

The Prayer of St. Francis hangs in the center of the kindergarten classroom at St. Patrick School in Kansas City, Kansas, as kindergarten teacher Cheryl Stimach, left, and second-grade teacher Dawn Pyle-Pacheco put the finishing touches on the classroom and hallways.

When students are away from their classrooms, the rooms will be sprayed using a sanitizing mister, which the parish church has also been using throughout the summer to keep parishioners safe.

Because of space limitations, St. Patrick fifth through eighth grade students will go to school in person every other day and learn from home on the days they aren’t in the classroom.

Every student has a Chromebook, and the middle school students will use Google Classroom and Zoom while learning from home.

The younger grades will also utilize Google Classroom, and teachers will plan lessons two weeks in advance, so they are prepared if they have to switch to remote learning on short notice.

When students leave for the day, their dismissal will be staggered by grade and they will leave out different doors to ensure distancing.

“To begin the first week of school, we feel like this goes well above and beyond the minimum requirements,” said Conrad. “That’s where we want to be as a school and as a parish, so we feel really good about it.

“We’re prepared to pivot and change it if we have to,” he added. “We’re just trying to make preparations [based on]

what we know and what might come down the pike.”

The road ahead Archdiocesan superintendent of schools Vince Cascone and the archdiocesan task force he formed are confident in the protocols schools have in place for in-person learning.

“Our principals have been working throughout the summer on things like measuring classrooms and making sure that they know how many students would be able to be in a classroom socially distancing in a safe way,” said Cascone.

“We have schools in 12 different counties,” he added. “We’re talking to those principals individually and making sure that they have been in contact with their local health department and county officials.”

The task force has focused in particular on three areas for reopening schools: health and safety; academics; and enrollment and finance.

“Archbishop [Joseph F.] Naumann has made it very clear his focus is on how we can support families,” said Cascone.

“That’s one of the reasons why we’re really trying to make sure we’re having

in-person learning.

“Of course, we want to keep [students] safe from COVID. But there are other health issues and mental health issues that come up when the students aren’t in school.”

Cascone hopes Catholic schools will continue to be a welcoming, faith-filled space for students of the archdiocese. “[Schools are] great places where we love [our school parents’] children, we care about their children, we protect their children and keep them safe,” he said. “It’s much more than just a school — it really is a community.”

Cascone is grateful for the work school staff members have put into this summer to get ready for the year.

“They have really done an outstanding job preparing for the school year,” he said.

For teachers like Gorman, the efforts over the past few months are worth it when she thinks about seeing students in person again.

“We’re finding all kinds of new ways to do stuff [safely],” she said. “We’ve got a great group of teachers who are all willing to pitch in and help each other.

“We’re just doing what we’ve got to do.”

RAVENS COME TO ROOST

Benedictine College, Atchison, welcomes incoming freshmen on Aug. 15 as the college kicks off the new year

s WARM WELCOME

Benedictine College president Stephen D. Minnis, and Father Ryan Richardson, LC, associate chaplain at Benedictine, greet families as they drive onto campus on move-in day.

u ON THE MOVE

Hannah Naumann, a sophomore from St. Louis and a Raven Orientation Camp Leader, helps incoming freshmen move their bags into their dorm rooms.

t SAFE AND SANITIZED

Gabby Lara from Lodi, California, hits a fellow Raven Orientation Camp Leader with a shot of hand sanitizer. The leaders, who helped incoming freshmen unload their cars and carry their belongings to their dorm rooms, sanitized between every load.

t PROCESSING IN

Priests and servers process down to the opening Mass with students and their families near the end of a long move-in day.

s FILL ’ER UP

Hunter Moffet of Lenexa checks the level of saliva in his COVID spit-test.

All students were tested for the virus as they arrived on campus and received their results within 24 to 48 hours.

s DORM DECORATING

Freshman Haley Meyer arranges a collage of photos above her bed as she personalizes her room at Scholastica Dorm.

LEAVEN PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER

AUGUST 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

10

Baptized by fire: Newbie teachers start careers in year of pandemic

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Hoping for the best but prepared for the worst.

That’s how Catholic . school teachers and staff are starting out the school year here in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

First-year teachers, of course, face a double helping of unknowns as the school year begins.

They will be trying to balance the new responsibilities of forming the young minds of their students along with implementing and enforcing meticulous new ways of keeping them healthy.

‘Plan for change, not perfection’ Grace Sammoury, an English Language Arts teacher at St. Benedict School in Atchison, graduated from Benedictine College in December 2019. She hadn’t planned on teaching until she heard about the job opportunity at St. Benedict.

Now, Sammoury looks forward to teaching eighth-grade English and religion, as well as preparing her students for confirmation.

St. Benedict began its school year on Aug. 19 and its teachers are working hard to implement all social distancing protocols.

“The quote we’ve been living by is: ‘Plan for change, not perfection,’” said Sammoury.

Like many schools, St. Benedict is prepared for a hybrid plan of in-person and remote learning, as well as complete remote learning, depending on how the situation with COVID-19 develops.

Although this has called for increased preparedness and tedious protocols, Sammoury has been able to lean on the St. Benedict community for help.

“We don’t know what the rest of the year is going to look like,” she said. “We don’t even know what the first week of school is going to look like.

“The only thing we can do is do our best to prepare our classrooms and prepare our hearts to bring these students in and see them with Christ-like eyes.

Beyond that, everything is out of our control.”

‘A crash course in flexibility’ Daniel Fortino, a fellow Benedictine graduate, is starting off his professional career as a seventh-grade mathematics teacher at Curé of Ars School in Leawood.

He received a taste of the versatility the pandemic has demanded while student teaching at St. James Academy in Lenexa earlier this spring before schools were shut down.

“The whole thing was a crash course in flexibility,” said Fortino.

Curé will open its doors to students on Sept. 9 after a summer of building a new wing for the middle school.

Like most teachers, Fortino has had to create lesson plans with social distancing measures in mind.

“Especially in math class, collaborative learning activities where [students] have to work together aren’t always compatible with the necessity to remain a certain distance apart,” said Fortino.

“I’ve had to spend a good amount of

PHOTO COURTESY OF DOUG SPENCER

Doug Spencer, a 20-year military veteran, went back to school at Emporia State University to pursue a teaching career. His first job is at Hayden High School in Topeka, where he will also help coach baseball, football and wrestling.

Grace Sammoury, a first-year English Language Arts teacher at St. Benedict School in Atchison, organizes a board in her classroom. St. Benedict began its school year on Aug. 19. time over the summer thinking about how I’m going to structure certain classes or certain activities such that students are still able to collaborate with one another,” he added.

Fortino looks forward to helping students who are on the cusp of change deal also with the ramifications of the pandemic.

“Middle school’s known for being a time of great change in a lot of young people’s lives,” he said. “I’m also going through a major life transition — finishing college [and] entering my career.

“This is something that my students and I get to share this year. We’re both experiencing major life changes amid a global pandemic.”

‘Going with the flow’ After 20 years of military service and two deployments in Iraq, Doug Spencer went back to school at Emporia State University to pursue a teaching career.

He accepted a position teaching art at Hayden High School in Topeka, where he will also help coach baseball, football

Daniel Fortino is starting off his teaching career as a mathematics teacher at Curé of Ars School in Leawood. He received a taste of the flexibility the pandemic demanded while student teaching at St. James Academy, Lenexa.

“

“I’M JUST GOING WITH THE FLOW AND PREPARING THINGS FOR DIFFERENT OPTIONS, WHETHER IT BE A HYBRID SCHEDULE OR A FULL ONLINE SCHEDULE, AS WELL AS THE TRADITIONAL [IN-PERSON] CLASS SCHEDULE.” and wrestling.

Spencer was able to teach during his time in the military and is eager to continue doing so at Hayden, despite the uncertainty surrounding the school year.

“I’m just going with the flow and preparing things for different options, whether it be a hybrid schedule or a full online schedule, as well as the traditional [in-person] class schedule,” he said.

Hayden had two half days of school

Aug. 25 and 26 before its first full day Aug. 27. During the first week, students learned about the variations of in-person, hybrid and remote learning that might come into play throughout the school year.

As an art teacher, Spencer faces additional questions like how the students will utilize art supplies safely, how sanitation measures will work and what remote learning might look like for his classes.

Although he isn’t Catholic, Spencer is Christian and grateful for the values and foundation of faith that abounds at Hayden.

“The community has been super warm and very welcoming,” he said. “Students need more of that type of energy and moral support in their lives, especially in these times of uncertainty.”

Looking ahead, all three of these new teachers are excited to play a positive role in their students’ lives during an extraordinary time.

“This pandemic,” said Fortino, “will constitute my generation’s ‘Where were you when . . .?’ question.

“Hopefully, I’ll be able to proudly say that I was teaching, and I was giving what I could so that kids might know a little more than they did yesterday,”

AUGUST 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS Francis and Anita Wichman, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Sept. 9.

The couple was married on Sept. 9, 1950, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Seneca. Their children are: Jan Hoefler, Mike Wichman and Bev Reynolds. They also have six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. They will celebrate at a later date.

Moyer and Susan (Eisenbarth) Bunting, m e m bers of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 12. The couple was married on Sept. 12, 1970, by Father Richard Etzel at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Onaga. The couple has two daughters: Amanda Bunting and Erin Spohn. They also have two granddaughters and one step-granddaughter.

Lowell and Carol (Demers) Tawney, members of Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 3. The couple was married on Sept. 3, 1960, at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas. Their children are: Lori TawneyFike, Lisa Gagne, Lynn Hoyt, Christine Byard and Jeff Tawney. They also have 19 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Rose (Meier) and Robert E. Baker, members of St. Aloysius Parish, Meriden, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 3.

The couple was married on Sept. 3, 1960, at St. Joseph Church in Topeka.

Their children are: Regina, Robert Jr., Renee and Randy. They also have 11 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. A family celebration will be held later this year.

David

and

Donna (Osterhaus) Nordhus, members of St. Mary Parish, St. Benedict, celebrated their 50th anniversary on Aug. 16 with a family dinner. The couple was married on Aug. 14, 1970, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Seneca. Their children are: Kevin Nordhus, Charity Henry, Troy Nordhus and Sarah Falk. They also have 10 grandchildren.

Elden and Florence (Wiesner) Lyon, members of Sacred H e a r t Parish, Ottawa, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Sept. 6 with family. The couple was married Sept. 2, 1950, at St. Therese Church, Richmond. Their children are: Robert Lyon, Marge Lyon Humphrey, Rick Lyon (deceased), Steve Lyon and Larry Lyon.

They also have 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Susan and Dan Carson, members of St. Matthew Parish, To p e k a , will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with an outdoor open house from 2 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 30 at their residence. The couple was married on Aug. 27, 1960, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Hays. They have six children, 23 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

Gerry and Linda (Reynolds) Golubski, members of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas C i t y , Kansas, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 29. The couple was married on Aug. 29, 1970, at Christ the King Church in Kansas City, Kansas. Their children are: Paula Church, Gower, Missouri; Ann Shinliver, Wellington; Sara Riedesel, Lenexa; and Kate Doherty, De Soto. They also have nine grandchildren.

Cathy and Jack Ferris, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept.

13 with a family picnic at Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village. The couple was married on Sept.

10, 1960, at St. Joseph Church in Downers Grove, Illinois. Their children are: Julie Mack, Suzy Williams, Collen Ferris and Kevin Ferris.

They also have five grandchildren.

Marilyn and Joe Suellentrop, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 25.

The couple was married at St. Joseph Church in Wichita. Their children are: Craig Suellentrop, Christopher Suellentrop, Lisa Kelley and Mary Ellen DeBoest. They also have 10 grandchildren. They are celebrating with a family trip to North Carolina.

Mary (Cookie) and Kenny Rausch, members of St. Patrick Parish, Emerald, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 29. The couple was married on Aug. 29, 1970, at St. Patrick. Their children are: Joe Rausch, Tom Rausch and Kristi Uhlschmidt.

They also have eight grandchildren.

James

and

Arminda Feldkamp, members of St. Bernard Parish, Wamego, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 22.

The couple was married on Aug. 22, 1970, at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, with a triple wedding dance at Club 36 in Marysville. Their children are: Jennifer Clausing and Tiffany Engelken. They also have five grandchildren. They will have a celebration with family and friends and then travel to some of Missouri’s state parks.

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

Have you done this for your children?”

FUNERAL HOME • CREMATORY • MEMORIAL CHAPELS 10901 Johnson Drive Shawnee, Kansas 66203 Telephone 913-631-5566 Fax 913-631-2236 Gregg Amos

www.amosfamily.com

11

Cathy and Jerry Sanderson, members of St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Aug 27. The couple was married at St. Peter Church in Marshall, Missouri.

Their children are: Deanna Grelinger, Loretta Klamm, Lynn Weist and Colette Winklhofer. A small gathering at the Winklhofer home in Prairie Village is planned for Aug. 29 after the 4:30 p.m. Mass at St. Agnes.

They have 11 grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

Lawrence J. and Patricia (Burns) Picker t, members of Holy C r o s s Parish, O ve r l a n d Park, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 5. The couple was married at St. Andrew Church in Independence on Labor Day 1960. Their children are: Bill Pickert, Wichita; Jerry Pickert, Roseville, California; John Pickert, Leawood; and Tom Pickert, Overland Park.

They also have 12 grandchildren. They will celebrate at a later date.

Kevin and Debby Cuthbertson, members of Immaculate Conception Parish, L o u i s burg, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 4. The couple was married on Sept. 4, 1970, at Immaculate Conception Church by Father Francis Hubbard. Their children are: Stacie Nash, Amanda Lancaster and Sarah Hudson.

They also have six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A family celebration is planned.

ANNIVERSARY submissions POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices.

DEADLINE: 10 days before the desired publication date.

WHERE TO SUBMIT: Email notices to: todd.habiger@ theleaven.org.

Sisters, Servants Golf Classic set for Sept. 19

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Sisters, Servants of Mary will host their 25th annual Golf Classic on Sept. 19 at Painted Hills Golf Course here, located at 7101 Parallel Pkwy.

Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch. Registration fee is $175 per golfer; or a family plan for $150 per golfer. Other sponsorship opportunities and more information are available online at: www.sisterservantsgolf outing.com.

Call Judy Walberg at (913) 961-5677 for credit card payments or questions.

Since arriving in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1917, the Sisters, Servants of Mary have gone to the homes of the sick and cared for them there at no charge.

Please Join Us for

The September Greater Kansas City Holy Rosary Rally At

St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood On

Sunday Sept. 13 from 3 p.m. to 4:15 pm

J

oin Us as We Pray to our Blessed Mother and Our Lady of Fatima for Peace and a Return to God in our World, Our Country and for Our Church.

W

e Pray the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary along with Benediction and the Opportunity for Attendees to Enroll in the Confraternity of the Brown Scapular.

Sponsored by the Greater KC Holy Rosary Rallies.

Further information and driving instructions can be found at our website: www.rosaryrallieskc.org.

Please do not contact the parish office.

AUGUST 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Community live-in assistants - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in day program support services and in residential services. We are seeking assistants who are looking for a unique opportunity in a faith-based organization. We are in immediate need of live-in assistants and potential live-out assistants to work in our day program serving 30 adults. We have a recycling program and community activities. Our core members participate in distributing for Meals on Wheels and Rise Against Hunger. They also attend community events such as the library, movies, bowling and going to parks. We also have a need for live-in and live-out assistants in our five residential homes. If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org.

Caregiver needed - Room and board plus pay in exchange for elder care. Some flexibility in schedule. Call for details. Call Michelle at (913) 333-9117.

Office assistant - Looking for a job where you can make a difference and you’re not just a nameless face? Come join our family-owned small company that’s been established locally in the medical instruments field for almost 40 years. We are looking for a full-time candidate who is detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated, dependable, customer service-oriented, friendly and has excellent communication skills. Job tasks include invoicing, vendor relations, product ordering and receiving/shipping.

Computer skills are a must and QuickBooks a plus!

Please send your resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

Board members - Santa Marta – Johnson County’s premier life-care community sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is actively seeking board members for the term beginning January, 2021. The board meets during the business day six times a year, and each board member also serves on a committee that meets six to twelve times a year. We are seeking applicants with an expertise in marketing, business management, law, finance and IT. Individuals that have the time and interest in providing input and seek to assist in fulfilling the mission of Santa Marta are encouraged to apply. Those who wish to be considered for appointment to the Board are encouraged to submit a letter of interest, resume or details of relevant experience and home parish to Heidi Abeln at: habeln@santamartaretirement.com by Sept.

13, 2020. Any questions regarding the application process can also be emailed to this address, and a current Board member will reply. Be sure to include your phone number and mailing address. Additional information about Santa Marta can be viewed at: www.santamarta retirement.com.

After-school care supervisor - St. Michael the Archangel School is seeking an after-school care program supervisor. This position is responsible for schoolchildren in kindergarten through 8th grades from 3:25 - 6 p.m.

Job responsibilities include coordinating snacks and monitoring homework, outdoor play and free-play activities. The ideal candidate will be someone who loves and has prior experience working with children. Contact Dr. Lorenzo Rizzi, school principal, at (913) 402-3965 or send resume and cover letter to: lorenzo.rizzi@stmichaelcp. org.

Caregivers needed - Daughters & Company, a nonmedical, companion care provider is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to ambulatory seniors in their home at this time. We provide light housekeeping, light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. Caregivers need to have reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired per week. Please contact Laurie or Gary at (913) 341-2500, or send resume to: ghamilton@daughtersonline.com if you would like to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

Assistant beginning preschool teacher - Nativity Day School is seeking an assistant preschool teacher. Responsibilities include engaging children in activities and play that stimulates their development; assist them with activities of daily life; appropriately supervise children while keeping them safe at all times; and work in collaboration with the classroom lead teacher. Competitive salary. The hours are M - F from 7:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Qualified candidates will have previous licensed day care experience.

Contact Katie King at: Katie.King@kcnativity.org.

Lead preschool teacher - Nativity Day School is seeking a lead preschool teacher. Responsibilities include engaging children in activities and play that stimulates their development; assist them with activities of daily life; and appropriately supervise children while keeping them safe at all times. Implements the approved lesson plans and daily classroom schedules. Competitive salary. The hours are M - F from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The qualified candidate will have previous licensed day care experience as well as coursework in early childhood education. Contact Katie King at: Katie.King@kcnativity.org.

Instructional assistant - St. Ann School in Prairie Village is seeking an instructional assistant for the primary grades. 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 assistant principal Jessica Loveland at: jloveland@ stannpv.org.

We need your help! - Caring and reliable drivers needed to transport K - 12 students to and from school in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in company minivans. We offer competitive wages, flexible schedules and the ability to make a difference in your community by helping those in need. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply.

Call (913) 262-5190 or visit: AssistedTransportation.com to learn more and apply online. EEO. Part-time stylists - Are you addicted to the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress”? Are you self-motivated, love fashion and enjoy helping people look their best? If so, we want to talk to you! Sincerely Susan, a unique destination shop that specializes in dresses for mothers of the bride/groom and galas is looking for part-time stylists.

Our boutique is a warehouse environment where clients come in by appointment only. You must have a sense of style and a great personality to be able to interact with our “Moms.” Hours are flexible. Must be willing to work a minimum of one evening per week and weekends. Must be able to stand and walk on concrete for long periods of time and reach overhead to pull gowns. Previous retail experience preferred, but not necessary. Hourly rate is based on experience. If interested, call (913) 730-8840.

Associate campus minister - St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park is seeking an associate campus minister for the 2020-21 school year. The position involves formation of students and faculty/staff.

Working with the campus minister, chaplain and two part-time assistants, the associate campus minister would acquire progressive responsibilities, ultimately becoming a second campus minister who serves nearly 900 students and 80 faculty/staff. Duties include: retreat planning; holy Mass coordination; school-wide prayer preparation; service hour program coordination; counseling with students; and other tasks. We seek a Christ-centered, nonjudgmental person whose strength is building and sustaining relationships while intentionally enriching the charism of St. Thomas Aquinas High School. This is a full-time position with benefits. An immediate start is preferred. Please send a curriculum vitae or resume, names and contact information for three references, proof of Virtus certification, and cover letter (limited to approximately 300 words) that describes your call to serve in this ministry to Sarah Cretor at: scretor@stasaints.net.

Home schooling - Former teacher can home school your child/children, full or part time, for parents who have to work. For more information, call Beth at (913) 645-8778.

Part-time administrative assistant for in-house counsel - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of administrative assistant for our in-house legal counsel.

Part-time flexible schedule working 20 – 25 hours per week with the possibility of increased hours in the future. The office is located in the northern Overland Park area. Qualified applicants must have experience with office and document management; correspondence; must be proficient using the Microsoft Suite of office products (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint), internet and the ability to learn other software and online systems as required; must be a practicing Catholic in good standing; and an active and faithful steward in their parish. Previous experience working in a legal office is preferred but not required. The successful candidate must also have a valid driver’s license and the ability to pick up and deliver documents to various courthouses, chancery offices or other law offices. For a complete job description and to download the job application, go online to: archkck. org/jobs. Completed application and resume/cover letter can be emailed to: jobs@archkck.org. Position open until filled.

Extended care aide - Nativity Day School is seeking an extended care aide. Responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with the supervision and care of students. Will assist with homework, snack and playtime.

A perfect job for a high school or college student, must be at least 16 years of age. Hours are 3:10 - 5:30 p.m., M - F throughout the upcoming school year. Contact Katie King at: Katie.King@kcnativity.org.

Staff for preschool - John Paul II Preschool/Child Care is seeking staff for our after-school program with regular hours from 3 - 6 p.m., Monday - Friday. Additional hours are available when school is closed. Year-round employment is possible, if desired. Applicants must be 18 years of age. Experience working in a licensed child care setting is preferred. Contact Donna at: dhogue@archkckcs. org for more information or to apply.

Preschool teachers - Full-time and part-time positions are available at St. Patrick Early Education Center, located at 1080 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas. Related experience is preferred and a degree is a plus. Applicant will need to meet KDHE state requirements and be a practicing Catholic. Please contact Patty Dickinson for an application at: pdickinson@stpatrickkck.org or (913) 299-3370, ext. 107. Deadline is Aug. 18.

Assistant pre-K teacher - Nativity Day School is seeking an assistant pre-K teacher. Responsibilities include engaging children in activities and play that stimulates their development; assist them with activities of daily life; appropriately supervise children while keeping them safe at all times; and work in collaboration with the classroom lead teacher. Competitive salary. The hours are M - F, 7:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. The qualified candidate will have previous licensed day care experience. Contact Katie King at: Katie.King@kcnativity.org.

Accounting - cash receipts specialist - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has a full-time, benefits eligible position open for accounting - cash receipts.

This position creates invoices; records receipts and payments in Accounts Receivable software; remotely deposits checks at appropriate bank(s); balances AR to general ledger; reconciles gifts received through fundraising database to bank account; and issues monthly statements. Additional duties include reviewing annual parish and school reports; resolving questions with parish and school staffs; and providing support to Accounts Payable. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration is preferred; two years’ prior experience required. The incumbent should have the ability to complete tasks in a timely, efficient and accurate manner, with an excellent attention to detail. The incumbent should also have effective communication skills and a proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word. A complete job description can be found at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Qualified individuals should submit a cover letter, resume and application (available on the website) to: jobs@archkck.org, title “Cash Receipts Specialist.” Deadline is Aug. 31.

Service technician - Are you a retiree who takes pride in your work? We are looking for someone who is handy with small equipment, and electrical knowledge is a plus. Our small family-owned company needs technicians with a positive attitude; time management skills; is dependable; self-motivated and trustworthy; with a good customer rapport. Some regional travel is required, so dependable transportation is a must. Please send your resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

Teacher aide - St. Michael the Archangel Preschool is seeking a teacher’s aide. Responsibilities include assisting the teacher in carrying out the daily activities in the preschool classroom and incorporating the state regulations and principles of sound Catholic education.

This would be a Tuesday/Thursday position. Go online to: stmichaelcp.org/employment-opportunities for a full job description. Please mail or email cover letter and resume to Jennie Wente at: jennie.wente@stmichaelcp.org. For questions, contact Jennie Wente at (913) 402-3971.

CAREGIVING Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities.

We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

SERVICES Handyman - Furloughed railroader trying to keep the bills paid for my family. I advertised here as Father and Son Home Exteriors and Remodeling for 13 years previously. I can do carpentry, windows, doors, trim, siding and decks. Also paint, sheetrock and tiling. No project too big or too small. Give me a call and ask for Josh at (913) 709-7230.

Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com.

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.

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

8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered Take back your power and release weight, fatigue and joint pain without hunger or cravings!

Call or text Kathi at (816) 809-7739 Email: imagewellness2@gmail.com Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

13

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

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.

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

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

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.

Popcorn texture removed and apply knockdown texture.

Renew your walls with a fresh coat of quality paint!

Cracks repaired.

Fully insured, serving Kansas for 27 years Call or text Jerry at (913) 206-1144.

Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, power washing, staining, masonry (chimney repair, patio’s) gutter cleaning, water heaters, junk removal, lawn mowing, window cleaning, honey - do list and more!!

Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

NELSON CREATIONS Affordable home remodeling: Kitchens, baths, basements and room additions.

All interior and exterior work.

Honest, dependable, experienced and family owned.

Licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

(913) 927-5240 or nelsport@everestkc.net Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125.

Painting - Diamond Painting, (913) 648-4933, Residential/Commercial, Exterior/interior, Free Estimate, Affordable, Decks, DiamondPaintKc.com, Kcmo/Overland Park Metropolitan area.

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid.

Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - Old cars or hot rods. Uncompleted project cars in any condition, with or without titles. Cash buyer. Call (913) 980-3559.

FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) Handicapped accessible van - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan with in-floor ramp and driver’s transfer seat. Taken care of very well. Please call owner at (785) 448-8899. >> Classifieds continue on page 15

AUGUST 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY TWENTY-SECOND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Aug. 30 TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Jer 20: 7-9 Ps 63: 2-6, 8-9 Rom 12: 1-2 Mt 16: 21-27 Aug. 31 Monday 1 Cor 2: 1-5 Ps 119: 97-102 Lk 4: 16-30 Sept. 1 Tuesday 1 Cor 2: 10b-16 Ps 145: 8-14 Lk 4: 31-37 Sept. 2 Wednesday 1 Cor 3: 1-9 Ps 33: 12-15, 20-21 Lk 4: 38-44 Sept. 3 Gregory the Great, pope, doctor of the church 1 Cor 3: 18-23 Ps 24: 1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 Lk 5: 1-11 Sept. 4 Friday 1 Cor 4: 1-5 Ps 37: 3-6, 27-28, 39-40 Lk 5: 33-39 Sept. 5 Saturday 1 Cor 4: 6b-15 Ps 145: 17-21 Lk 6: 1-5 TWENTY-THIRD WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Sept. 6 TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Ez 33: 7-9 Ps 95: 1-2, 6-9 Rom 13: 8-10 Mt 18: 15-20 Sept. 7 Monday 1 Cor 5: 1-8 Ps 5: 5-6, 7, 12 Lk 6: 6-11 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 1 Cor 7: 25-31 Ps 45: 11-12, 14-17 Lk 6: 20-26 Sept. 10 Thursday 1 Cor 8: 1b-7, 11-13 Ps 139: 1b-3, 13-14b, 23-24 Lk 6: 27-38 Sept. 11 1 Cor 9: 16-19, 22b-27 Ps 84: 3-6, 8, 12 Lk 6: 39-42 Sept. 12 The Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1 Cor 10: 14-22 Ps 116: 12-13, 17-18 Lk 6: 43-49

Get your skin in the game

O

ne is the loneliest number.

So sang Three Dog Night back in 1969 when it made this Harry Nilsson song a hit.

Honestly, though, there’s another number that’s giving “one” a run for its money: That’s 2020.

According to mental health experts, a continuing effect of this pandemic is an outbreak of loneliness. Many common things that we took for granted — congregating in large numbers for Mass, attending weddings and funerals, meals out with family and friends, going to concerts or the theater, shopping, parish festivals and a host of other activities — have either been severely curtailed or canceled.

It’s pushed many people to feel like the following little boy: One night, the parents of a 3-year-old were hosting a party at their home. The timing of the gathering coincided with the child’s bedtime. After putting the boy to bed, the mom returned to the guests.

A little while later, she noticed her son, out of bed and peeking through the upstairs

I

14

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.

banister with tears in his eyes.

The mother carried him back to his room. As she tucked him in, the boy said, “Mommy, I’m scared!” She brushed back his hair and said, “I’ll leave the light on, so you won’t be in the dark.” With that, she left.

A few minutes later, the youngster was again peeking through the banister. “I’m still scared, Mommy!” said the boy as his mom picked him up.

She sat on the bed and said, “You don’t need to be afraid. Re-

member, sweetheart, what I told you about God? He’s always right here with you.”

“I know that, Mommy!” the boy replied, “but right now, I want someone with skin on!”

If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that we’re a social people. We literally need one another to survive — physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Our practice of social distancing has made us acutely aware of how much we miss “someone with skin on.”

My heart goes out particularly to those who live alone. Or to those who may be part of a family, but still feel alone. Or to people who long to spend time with others but, for the sake of safety, forego that very human desire.

In short, there are a lot of hurting people out there.

Organizations such as our own Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas do tremendous work in connecting people in creative ways in these uncertain times.

But there’s an incredibly simple thing that we all can do — the lonely and the not-so-lonely, the young and not-so-young — and it’s shown in this story: Several years ago, a famous singer was contracted to sing at a Parisian opera house.

Ticket sales were booming. In fact, the night of the concert found the venue jam-packed.

There was a palpable feeling of anticipation and excitement as the house manager strode onto the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, “thank you for your enthusiastic support. I’m terribly sorry to report that, due to an illness, the man you’ve all come to see is unable to perform tonight. However, we’ve found a suitable replacement.”

The crowd groaned in disappointment and didn’t even hear the stand-in’s name. The atmosphere shifted from excitement to frustration.

The stand-in gave the performance of his life, putting in everything that he had. When he’d finished, there was absolute silence. No one stirred; no one applauded. Suddenly, from the balcony, a little girl stood up and shouted, “Daddy, I think you are wonderful!” That was all it took for the crowd to burst into thunderous applause. (Story found in Meir Liraz’s “Top 100 Motivational Stories.”

Who wouldn’t want to hear: “I think you are wonderful”? Those five simple words can have a dramatic effect on lifting the spirits of the lonely or the underappreciated.

Between now and Labor Day, challenge yourself to share those five words generously by snail mail, email, phone, FaceTime, Zoom, poster or even a yard sign. It’s a simple way to “flesh out” the love and concern in our hearts.

After all, we are the followers of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.

For who better than the Father to realize how desperately we would all need “someone with skin on.”

Jeremiah resents the price of prophesy

n the first line of the first reading for this Sunday (Jer 20:7-9), Jeremiah the prophet levels an accusation at God: “You duped me, O Lord, and I let myself be duped.”

The Hebrew could also be translated, “You tricked me!” or even, “You seduced me!”

That’s not the kind of thing you expect from a prophet.

If you look at Jeremiah’s situation, you can understand why he’s angry. God commissioned him to speak a message to his people: Because you’ve abandoned social justice and turned to false gods, God is going to let military disaster befall you.

Just about everyone hates this message and hates Jeremiah for

SPEAK TO ME, LORD

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.

delivering it. In addition, Jeremiah tells them: You’d better surrender to the approaching

enemy. For this, he’s hated even more. And he not only suffers the pain of rejection; he himself is horrified at the destruction and death that are coming.

Yet Jeremiah’s accusation isn’t quite right.

God didn’t lure him into prophesying with promises of acceptance.

When God called him to prophesy, he warned

POPE FRANCIS Men and women religious need to live out their mission serving people by having their gaze fixed on God, not on worldly things, Pope Francis said.

Keeping Jesus as one’s “first and only love” helps consecrated men and women be able, “as is our duty, to truly and mercifully love everyone we meet on our journey because we will have learned from him what love is and how to love,” the pope said in a written

him there’d be opposition: “They will fight against you” (Jer 1:19).

Jeremiah goes on to complain that God has trapped him in his vocation. When the prophet tries to repress God’s message and keep his mouth shut, it becomes like a fire burning him up inside, and he has to let it out.

After this point (not in today’s reading), Jeremiah’s prayer takes a couple of dizzying turns.

He sings a hymn celebrating the victory God is going to give him over his enemies. (Where did that come from?) Then he pivots into despair, with a curse on the day of his birth. He ends: “Why did I come forth from the womb, to see sorrow and pain, to end my days in shame?” (Jer

20:18).

What are we to make of this disturbed and disjointed prayer?

Perhaps we should take it not as a model for imitation but as a demonstration. This is not necessarily what prayer should be, but it is what prayer sometimes is.

When we’re upset, we turn to God and pour out a jumble of raw feelings and unexamined thoughts. We say a bunch of things that don’t hang together.

And God is there. God listens. As the psalmist recognizes in the prayer that forms a response to Jeremiah’s prayer: “My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me” (Ps 63:9).

letter.

The letter was sent to men and women religious in Brazil who were celebrating the Week of Consecrated Life Aug. 16-22. Vatican News published excerpts from the letter Aug. 17.

In order to give oneself to others and serve them with joy, the pope wrote, it is necessary to “keep one’s gaze fixed on Jesus,” otherwise one risks seeing things with “worldly” eyes.

The best antidote, he wrote, is to make prayer a priority because “whoever keeps their gaze fixed on Jesus learns to live for serving” others.

— CNS

AUGUST 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR VENERATION OF THE RELICS OF PADRE PIO Divine Mercy Parish, 555 W. Main St., Gardner Sept. 1 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The veneration will be closed from 3-4 p.m. for a private veneration for priests. There will be a Mass at 6 p.m. All are welcome. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, guests are required to wear masks upon entering the church, disinfect hands with hand sanitizer and respect social distancing during the veneration.

COPING WITH LIFE ALONE Beginning Experience via Zoom Saturdays, Sept. 1 to Oct. 31 from 1 to 3 p.m.

“Coping with Life Alone” is a Beginning Experience grief support program that meets each week for eight weeks. The program helps those who have lost a love relationship — due to death, divorce or separation — move through the experience of grief and loss into a future with renewed hope. Contact Donna at (816) 305-3760 for more information. Registration is required by Sept. 1.

LIFE & HOPE BANQUET — A BENEFIT FOR WYANDOTTE & OLATHE PREGNANCY CLINICS Online Sept. 3 at 7 p.m.

This benefit for the Wyandotte and Olathe Pregnancy Clinics will be a virtual event. Watch and donate from the comfort of your own home. Register or be a home host and gather friends and family to join your team. Sign up online at: www.wyandottepregnancyclinic.org.

For more information, call (913) 287-8287.

HARMONIZING BODY, MIND, SOUL AND SPIRIT (VIA ZOOM) Sept. 10 from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Through this interactive session, you will learn the wisdom of the body’s energy systems, and gain insight into the ways that practicing a daily energy routine will support you in health, vitality and wellbeing. Experience a new way in which you may steward your gift of life by harmonizing your body, mind, soul and spirit. Register by Sept. 7. The cost is a freewill offering.

ST. BENEDICT — WORK AND HOLINESS RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meager Rd., Easton From 5:30 p.m. Sept. 11 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 13

Learn and put into practice “Ora et Labora” as taught in the rule of St. Benedict.

There will be conferences about the rule and life of St. Benedict, time given to work on various projects, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for prayer and reflection. Cabins and courtyard rooms are $170; single rooms are $250; couple or single guest rooms are $100 (meals Included). To attend, send an email to: info@christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

A LONGING IN MY HEART: A STAY-AT-HOME DIRECTED RETREAT Retreat done online by Zoom Sept. 11 - 13 Connect with spiritual directors through a guided retreat from your home via Zoom.

All those making the retreat will meet for daily group sessions and individual meetings with our trained, experienced retreat directors. Sign up by sending an email to: info@pb renewalcenter.org or call (816) 558-6314.

GARAGE SALE Holy Angels Parish Father Quinlan parking lot 15438 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor Sept. 11 from noon - 5 p.m.

Sept. 12 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sept. 13 from 8 a.m. - noon All proceeds go to support sponsored seminarians. All items will be accepted for donation. The sale is sponsored by the fourthdegree Knights of Columbus.

KANSAS CITY MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR VICTIMS OF ABORTION Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery 126th St. & Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Solemn prayer services will be held nationwide to honor the memory of more than 60 million unborn victims of abortion. This national event is sponsored by Citizens for a

Pro-Life Society, Priests for Life and the ProLife Action League. For information, call Tina Jinkens at (785) 615-8373 or send an email to: tmjinkens@gmail.com.

QUEEN OF THE HOLY ROSARY WEA AUCTION GOES VIRTUAL Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea 22705 Metcalf, Bucyrus Sept. 12 at 5 p.m.

A $50 general admission ticket gets you in the door, dinner from one of three food trucks, drinks, dessert and entertainment.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle, live and silent auctions, and all bidding is virtual.

Staying home? A $10 virtual ticket gets you access to online bidding. Items include a new fishing boat, golf cart, seven-night vacation and more! Doors open at 5 p.m. The live auction starts at 7:30 p.m. You need not be present to win. Proceeds benefit Queen of the Holy Rosary-Wea Parish and School. For tickets, sponsorships, donations and additional information, go online to: bidpal.net/weadrivein.

>> Continued from page 13

FOR SALE For sale - Inside tandem space for two traditional entombments. Tier F, Mount calvary Mausoleum, Holy Trinity in Topeka, last ones available. Call (785) 215-9540 or (785) 580-3928.

For sale - A single and a double niche in the mausoleum at Gate of Heaven. Single niche valued at $3900, asking $2950; double niche valued at $6700, asking $4950. Call Dave at (913) 634-9834.

REAL ESTATE Rental properties - Getting into this kind of investment can be scary. How about if you could have access to a seasoned investor after the sale as a consultant? I am selling some of my investments that are in the KCMO area that you might be interested in. I am not a realtor, but I have owned these properties for a long time. Call (785) 883-2936, leave me your contact information and I will return your call within 24 hours.

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.

CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC & PRAYER Sophia Center via Facebook Sept. 16 at 2 p.m.

During these challenging and stressful times, Sophia Center wants to offer some time to pause and pray. You can join in live or later via the Sophia Center’s Facebook page.

Sister Janelle Maes, OSB, will play the organ to accompany your time of prayer.

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.

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

POST-ABORTION RETREAT Sept. 18 - 20

Have you been thinking about attending a post-abortion retreat? It’s never too late to seek healing, whether the loss has been recent or 40-plus years. Project Rachel is offering two more retreats in 2020. Our Sept. 18 - 20 retreat will be held in Missouri (call for the exact location). All our services are strictly confidential. If you are interested, contact us at: projectrachelkc@ archkck.org or call/text (913) 621-2199

FALL HOLIDAY CRAFT AND BAKE SALE 501 S. Willow Dr., Olathe Sept. 18 - 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Enjoy seasonal handmade crafts and homemade baked cookies, breads, etc. All profits go to the Olathe Pregnancy Clinic.

Announcement Joseph A. Butler & Son Funeral Home has re-opened as

CATHERINE THORNTON REALTOR Member of Holy Spirit/Holy Name parishes

7455 Mission Rd Prairie Village, KS 66208 catherine@reecenichols.com cell: 913.221.2419 office: 913.262.7755 CatherineThornton.ReeceNichols.com

is affiliated with Warren-McElwain Mortuary, Lawrence, KS “Locally Owned and Operated Since 1904”

1844 Minnesota Ave. Kansas City, Kansas 913-371-7000 “Dignified and Affordable Without Compromise”

15

Jim Larkin

Sam Garcia

AUGUST 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

16

Camp facility opens wide the gates for family getaways

By Carolyn Kaberline Special to The Leaven

W

ILLIAMSBURG — Need a break from the peculiar new grind of COVID world? Prairie Star Ranch’s Open Gate Series here may be just the thing for you.

“As a church, we are always called on to be a place of safe harbor and hope, especially now,” said Greg Wellnitz, director of Prairie Star Ranch. “The Open Gate series is one part of the answer to opening and renewing our hearts and communities, of restoring relationships that are Christ-centered and gracefilled.”

Many people have had to cancel vacations and family get-togethers, with both financial and virus concerns impacting these activities, he said.

“The spark for the Open Gate series began with our retreat coordinator, Tori Gambino, as our team looked for avenues to respond to the needs in our archdiocese that we all were seeing and experiencing,” said Wellnitz. “We were looking for ways that families and households could be strengthened in this unique time of our world.”

Opening up the gates of Prairie Star Ranch, the archdiocesan retreat center set on nearly 300 acres of rolling hills an hour south of Kansas City, seemed just the answer.

While the Open Gate series began on Aug. 22, sessions are still being offered on Aug. 29 and Sept. 5, 19 and 26.

There is no cost to attend any of the series, said Wellnitz, nor is there a need to register.

“Simply bring your loved ones and enjoy,” he said. “We wanted to give individual families and households a fun and safe option to get out together, pray together and adventure together.

Our team is receiving daily calls and texts from households throughout northeast Kansas eager to take part in these Open Gate days.”

With the current COVID-19 situation, Wellnitz, said numerous steps have been taken to make this a fun and safe time to get together.

“The safety of all of our guests has been our first priority in our planning of the Open Gate Series,” he said, “and I am very proud of the systems that we have put into place to that end.

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

Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas.

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRAIRIE STAR RANCH

Brock Welch, a member of St. Mary Parish in Derby, enjoys the fishing at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg. The ranch started its Open Gate series this year, offering specific days people could come and enjoy some of the activities the camp has to offer.

“

“SIMPLY BRING YOUR LOVED ONES AND ENJOY. WE WANTED TO GIVE INDIVIDUAL FAMILIES AND HOUSEHOLDS A FUN AND SAFE OPTION TO GET OUT TOGETHER, PRAY TOGETHER, AND ADVENTURE TOGETHER. “For example, as guests arrive, they will be welcomed, prayed with and have the opportunity to register for the day’s activity, all without ever leaving their vehicle. From there, families and households will be asked to stake out their Base Camp, which will

be a place solely their own for the day, where they are welcome to set up chairs, tables, grills, etc.”

“While face masks and social distancing are not required when around one’s own household,” Wellnitz continued, “we are requiring both face masks and social distancing measures to be followed when within six feet of other households or when indoors utilizing our St. Kateri Chapel.

“We are limiting use of any indoor spaces to only that of our St. Kateri Chapel, which will be available to guests for devotional use; restrooms will also be located there. This space will be disinfected every hour throughout the day and is equipped with hand sanitizing stations in the entrance.”

Guests for the Open Gate series will need to bring face masks and hand sanitizer, sunscreen and bug spray, water bottles, picnic lunch and snacks (or a grill), blankets, lawn chairs, coolers

and fishing equipment. Frisbees, kites and other recreational equipment are also welcome.

“All households attending will also need to complete a waiver that is available on the Open Series webpage,” Wellnitz said. “While this can be done upon arrival, most families have found it helpful to have it completed beforehand so as to make arrival even simpler.”

In addition to a wide range of fun activities offered for a small fee, including canoeing and horseback riding, there will be opportunities for spiritual renewal as well. Some of these activities include the creekside rosary walk, and the Stations of the Cross trail, as well as visits to St. Kateri Chapel.

More information on the Open Series and/or Prairie Star Ranch can be found on the website at: www.arch kck.org/psr or by calling (785) 7465693.