09 01 17 Vol. 39 No. 5

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 39, NO. 5 | SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

“THIS EVENT IS UNPRECEDENTED & ALL IMPACTS ARE UNKNOWN & BEYOND ANYTHING EXPERIENCED.”

— The National Weather Service on Twitter at 10:44 a.m. Aug. 27

CNS PHOTO/JONATHAN BACHMAN, REUTERS

Residents wade through floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey Aug. 28 in Beaumont Place, Texas.

‘CATASTROPHIC’

Texas parishioners shocked by devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey

By James Ramos Catholic News Service

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OUSTON (CNS) — With floodwater as high as 20 feet from swelling bayous and waterways, thousands of homes in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston flooded as Tropical Storm Harvey continued to batter southeast Texas Aug. 28.

Bishops from dioceses along the mid-Texas Gulf Coast, including Victoria and Galveston-Houston, granted dis-

pensations from regular Mass Sunday obligations Aug. 27.

The storm, which made landfall a day earlier as a Category 4 hurricane, was downgraded to a tropical storm and claimed at least four lives. The record-breaking rainfall, as much as 28 inches over 24 hours in four counties in the archdiocese, was “unprecedented” and “catastrophic,” according to the National Hurricane Center. The region typically sees about 49 inches of rain in a year.

In southeast Houston, Father David Bergeron, a member of the Companions of the Cross order, spent Saturday

night in his truck on a highway because of rising floodwater. The next morning, he kayaked the flooded streets to try to find wine to celebrate Sunday Mass for nearby stranded neighbors.

Sitting atop his red kayak, Father Bergeron told a local TV reporter on a live broadcast that he was trying to return home to celebrate Mass. He had visited Galveston for a kayak trip the previous day.

“I tried to go back home for Mass and . . . I didn’t make it,” Father Bergeron said. >> See “EVACUEES” on page 10

How to help Parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas will be taking up a second collection for victims of Hurricane Harvey during Masses the weekends of Sept. 2-3, Sept. 9-10, or at their earliest convenience.

The funds will be forwarded to the appropriate relief agencies. Please mark contributions for “Hurricane Relief.”

Or, contribute directly to Catholic Charities USA at: catholiccharitiesusa.org; (800) 919-9338; or text CCUSADISASTER to 71777 to donate to the relief effort.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Kansas House calls porn a public health hazard

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The March 30 vote to approve an anti-pornography resolution in the Kansas House wasn’t even close: 123 “yeas” to one “nay.”

The one “nay” was by Rep. John Carmichael, D-Wichita.

House Resolution No. 6016 — which is not a law and thus contains no provisions for enforcement — affirms that “pornography is a public health hazard that leads to a broad spectrum of individual and public health impacts and societal harms.”

Kansas joins four other states that have passed resolutions calling pornography a public health crisis — Arkansas, South Dakota, Virginia and Utah. More states are considering similar resolutions.

Although it was introduced and sponsored by legislators, the resolution was lobbied for by Phillip Cosby, state director for the American Family Association of Kansas and Missouri.

No resolution was forthcoming from the Kansas Senate this year.

“I did approach the Kansas Senate, but the majority leader and Senate president were reluctant to do anything but taxes, education and revenue,” said Cosby. “I did extract a promise from them to introduce this resolution the next session this coming January.”

Despite the lopsided vote, achieving passage required hearings.

“This resolution was considered substantive and controversial, and therefore it had to go through committee hearings,” said Cosby. “Most resolutions do not.”

Cosby was more than happy to have

Our Lady’s annual gospel choir concert set for Sept. 24 KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The gospel choir of Our Lady & St. Rose here will present its 11th annual gospel choir concert at 3 p.m. on Sept. 24. This year’s theme is: “Saved

by Grace through Faith.”

For more information, call Barbara Bailey at (913) 321-1958 at the church office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.

hearings — which saw testimony to the harms of pornography presented by law enforcement representatives, doctors and even other legislators.

The resolution recapitulated key assertions about the harms of pornography made during the hearings, said Cosby.

These harms include: the increased availability of pornography due to technology; the increase in problematic sexual activity and risky behavior at younger ages due to earlier exposure to pornography; the detrimental effects of pornography on brain development; the normalization of violence and abuse of women through pornography; an increase of child abuse and child pornography; and more.

To back up these claims, the resolution makes references to a 2016 Barna Group study and a 2012 study in The Protection Project Journal of Human Rights and Civil Society.

The resolution was distributed to courts, law enforcement entities and governmental agencies.

Laws against obscenity and pornography, sexting and internet filtering for schools and libraries already exist.

Why, then, have a resolution regarding pornography?

Part of the reason is because antipornography laws are ignored and there is widespread indifference, said Cosby.

Another reason is the burgeoning use of pornography, thanks to technology, among younger and younger children.

“It was only a dozen years ago that a hand-held apple was edible,” said Cosby. “It’s not just pornography outlets in brick and mortar stores [any more].

There are porn shops in kids’ pockets that are readily accessible.

“The cyber world has changed everything, and we have to raise awareness.”

Sam Meier, archdiocesan consultant for the My House Initiative, applauded the resolution. People need to be aware of both the moral and public health hazards of pornography.

The My House Initiative is aimed at helping Catholics in northeast Kansas protect their children from pornography, develop a deeper understanding of the beauty and sacredness of God’s gift of human sexuality, and experience freedom from the effects of pornography.

“The whole concept of the public health nature of the resolution is key,” he said. “It treats pornography like a drug or tobacco. The research shows the negative effects [of pornography] on children, families and individuals.”

Admittedly, the resolution has no “teeth,” said Meier, but it still serves an important purpose in educating individuals and families. Indeed, one of the key parts of the resolution is recognition of “the need for additional education, prevention, research and policy change at the community and societal levels.”

“Certainly, as the Catholic Church in northeast Kansas, we’ve developed systematic ways of addressing these issues,” said Meier. “Beyond churches, we need school systems, social workers, community leaders and more grassroots movements to participate in these efforts.”

For more information about the negative effects of pornography and what to do about it, go online to: • The My House Initiative at: www. archkck.org/myhouse • The National Center on Sexual Exploitation at: www.endsexualexploitation. org • Fight the New Drug at: www.fight thenewdrug.org.

Area youth receives Eagle Award ATCHISON — David Draftz, a member of St. Benedict Parish here, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Draftz is a member of Troop 53 in Atchison, sponsored by St. Benedict.

Eagle is the highest and most coveted award in all Scouting, and it is the last

major step in the advancement program for a Boy Scout.

Draftz’s Eagle project was the repair/refurbishment of the 14 outdoor Stations of the Cross at St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison. These Stations were originally installed over a decade ago by Draftz’s older brother and the monks of the abbey.

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ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Sept. 3 Installation of Father James Moster — St. Theresa, Perry Sept. 5 Nemaha-Marshall regional priests meeting — Seneca Administrative Team meeting Sept. 6 Donnelly College board meeting Sept. 7 Wyandotte County Pregnancy Clinic banquet — Overland Park Convention Center Sept. 10 Installation of Father Francis Bakyor — St. Charles, Troy 75th anniversary Mass — Sacred Heart Shrine, Mound City Sept. 11-13 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting — Washington, D.C. Sept. 14 Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call Donnelly College convocation Mass Sept. 15-17 Knights of the Holy Sepulcher annual meeting — St. Louis Sept. 17 CORE priests and seminarians appreciation day — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER Sept. 3 Mass — Federal prison camp Sept. 10 Mass — Federal prison camp Sept. 12-14 Labor Review Board — Chicago Sept. 17 Mass — Federal prison camp

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SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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CAMPUS CENTERS OFFER COLLEGE STUDENTS A

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Didde prepares for students’ arrival

By Bob Hart Special to The Leaven

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MPORIA — The freshman year of college brings with it new freedoms, a new independence and new temptations.

Absent from the daily watchful eye of parents and family, young students on campus quickly discover there’s no one else to make sure they get up in the morning, get to class on time and make good choices.

Suddenly, it all falls squarely on each student’s own two shoulders.

And even at a midsized school like Emporia State University, with a fall enrollment of just under 6,000 students in 2016, there’s the risk, at times, of feeling like just another face in the crowd.

Where can a new student go to find a sense of purpose and direction?

“I discerned my vocation in the context of doing this type of work,” said Father Nick Blaha, chaplain and director, on a recent afternoon in his office at ESU’s Didde Catholic Campus Center. “This is such a crucial stage of life — things can really turn on a dime.

“Students who come to us are not typically in crisis, but they may be searching for direction, asking the normal questions like, ‘Who am I?’ and ‘Why am I here?’

“I think it’s part of my job to be a credible friend, to make the introduction to Christ and the church, and then sometimes to get out of the way.”

The role of credible friend begins on move-in day for the freshmen

a Friday, wear name tags that also include a message that reads: “Ask me about the Didde Catholic Campus Center.”

Many students do, and they’re promptly invited to an afternoon volleyball game that same day. It’s just the beginning, when it comes to making them feel welcome.

By Sunday of that same weekend, new students are included in a backto-school barbecue on the grounds of the center, which is directly across Merchant Street on the west side of the campus. Before long, they’re introduced to the many opportunities the center offers them — not only to attend Mass and receive the sacrament of confession, but to take part in social events, Bible study and social LEAVEN PHOTO BY BOB HART justice activities.

Bobbi Jo Rockers, a junior from Greeley, and “Those first two weeks, we’re out president of the Didde Center’s student counthere, highly visible,” Father Blaha cil, works as a Hornet Helper on move-in day at said. “We’re at the fairs and at the Emporia State. block parties. We’re making contacts and inviting people to be part of our dorms, when Father Blaha and Didde community.” volunteers take part in a venera“There’s a place for everyone here,” ble ESU tradition: greeting students said Bobbi Jo Rockers, a junior eleand their parents as “Hornet Helpmentary education major from Greeers” (Corky the Hornet being ESU’s ley and president of the Didde Cenmascot) and literally doing the heavy ter’s student council. lifting.

“We don’t push anything down It’s a point of pride at ESU that people’s throats,” she said. “We accept these freshmen and their parents anyone and everyone, and we’ll meet rarely carry so much as a box. Volyou where you’re at.” unteers — including faculty, staff and The center is even a clean, safe older students — take care of that. place to study and do laundry.

In fact, they have each student’s beWith all it has to offer in mind, longings transferred from vehicle to Father Blaha has even given the Didde room in a matter of less than 10 minCatholic Campus Center a nickname. utes, on average.

“I sometimes call it a frontier outThe Didde volunteers at Freshpost of divine life,” he said. man Move-In, which takes place on

Freshman looks for faith, fellowship on campus

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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MPORIA — As incoming freshmen head off to college, they’re tasked with balancing classes, making friends and settling into a brandnew environment.

In the midst of it all, fostering the faith can get lost in the shuffle.

But for students like Anna Moylan, a freshman at Emporia State University, maintaining a strong faith life is a little easier thanks to the Didde Catholic Campus Center.

“It was important for me to choose a college that had a Catholic campus center,” said Moylan, who hails from St. Marys, a town with a population of just over 2,600.

“I think having a Catholic center will have a huge impact on my college >> See “FROSH” on page 15

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

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Emporia State freshman Anna Moylan from Immaculate Conception Parish in St. Marys, packs her car as she prepares to leave for Emporia State University. Moylan looked for a college with a strong Catholic presence, and found it at ESU, with its Diddle Catholic Campus Center.

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

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

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

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

Q.

A quick Q&A with Father Blaha

How big is your staff, and how many students will you serve this year?

A.

Along with myself, we have two full-time and two part-time staff members, plus four student staff members. Our goal for registration this year is 200, although 150 may be more realistic. With students’ friends who also come through the doors, the circle of influence is probably around 250 to 300. We’re very ambitious. We want the center to be big.

Q.

Why is the first year of college such an important one for a young Catholic?

A.

Growing up as a Christian, a Catholic, you’re often a ‘passive consumer,’ and that can be less than satisfying. Now, here’s a chance to make your faith a genuine part of your life — to make the choice to include it in your life in a meaningful way.

Q.

Can that be a pretty profound experience for a lot of students?

A.

Absolutely. They’re at a stage where they’re leaving behind that ‘school of fish’ mentality that sometimes goes with being in high school. It’s a freedom from the slavery of others’ opinions. It’s about asking ‘What’s actually important?’

Q.

Do you have any advice for parents who worry their young adult students may choose not to connect with the church at this stage of their lives?

A.

Yes. Believe it yourself, and live it.

Don’t let go completely. Lead by example and pray them back in, rather than threatening them back in.

About the Didde Catholic Campus Center The Emporia Newman Club was established in 1912 for Catholic students going to secular colleges in the community. Originally, Sacred Heart Church and School were used for Newman Club meetings and Mass. In the 1950s and ’60s, the college experienced an increased enrollment that made it necessary to add a Mass just for college-age Catholics. In October 1963, the archdiocese purchased a house on Merchant Street for a Newman Center and the first fulltime director was appointed in 1970.

In 1987, Carl and Teresa Didde commissioned the design project for the creation of the current center. Didde Catholic Campus Center was dedicated on April 1, 1990.

DIDDE CATHOLIC CAMPUS CENTER diddecenter.org 1415 Merchant St. Emporia, KS 66801 (620) 343-6765

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

For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Sister Maria Luz Hernandez

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Father Benjamin Tremmel, OSB, celebrates a Mass of thanksgiving on July 29 for the sesquicentennial of St. Ann Parish, Effingham. Concelebrating with him were Father Meinrad Miller, OSB (left), and Abbot Ralph Koehler, OSB.

‘We rejoice for the 150 years of our history’

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

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FFINGHAM – The life of a parish is built on individual and group milestones: a first Mass, a first holy Communion, the laying of a cornerstone and anniversaries.

St. Ann Parish in Effingham celebrated a great milestone on July 29 that was also meaningful for its pastor Father Benjamin Tremmel, OSB. On that date, Father Benjamin celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving for the 150th anniversary of the parish’s founding. It was also the first time that Father Benjamin, a member of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison, celebrated a major anniversary at a parish.

Having never served as a pastor prior to coming to Effingham in 2002, he said it was an absolute joy to celebrate such an important event with the parishioners.

After the Mass, a dinner for approximately 300 was held in the adjoining parish hall. Among those participating were four members who not only got to celebrate the parish’s sesquicentennial, but also marked personal milestones.

“I enjoy the people,” said Father Benjamin. Although he never planned on becoming a pastor, he said, he has found life among the parish of St. Ann as well as those of his other two parishes — St. Louis in Good Intent and St. Mary in Purcell — to be gratifying.

“The parish is a family, and that’s

one of the most meaningful things to me,” he said.

In his homily, Father Benjamin reflected on the parish’s familial history.

“We are all here this evening because that Holy Spirit worked among the monks at St. Benedict’s Abbey and the early settlers in Effingham. Thus, we have gathered to celebrate this Mass of thanksgiving for that Spirit who has continued to work in this community, pulls us together and fills us with joy.

“We celebrate, and we rejoice, for the 150 years of our history.”

Near the end, Father Benjamin recalled the parishioners through the years — from the earliest settlers to the parish’s current members — and said they have all, in some way, contributed to the community of St. Ann. “For it is the faith, hope and prayers of members of our community that have brought us to this current experience of celebrating with great joy and thankfulness our 150 years,” he said.

After the homily, parishioner Don Falk read a litany of thanksgiving written by Father Benjamin, which included prayers of gratitude for the earliest settlers and founding pastors to those who taught at the former grade school to those who volunteer their time now.

Most importantly, the litany included prayers of thanksgiving for all those who have ever been, are now or will be, a member of the parish family.

Among Father Benjamin’s parish

family is Joe Wessel.

Wessel, who moved to Effingham in 1939 when he was 8, has been a member of the parish for 78 years.

Wessel, along with his wife Mary, were on hand for the festivities along with some of their five children.

It was a double celebration, though, for Wessel, as not only did he get to commemorate the parish’s sesquicentennial, but the day also marked his 86th birthday.

Father Benjamin’s parish family also includes Russ and Carol Eckert, lifelong parishioners who were celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary that same day.

Married on July 29, 1961, the Eckerts, both 75 years old, met as high school sophomores. Two years after graduating from high school, they married in the parish’s first church (later destroyed by fire) and have enjoyed parish life ever since.

Carol Eckert, originally a Methodist who converted to Catholicism, said it’s been a blessing to have such a wonderful parish family in which to raise their five boys and in which they have observed so many wonderful occasions.

Every year, all five of the Eckerts’ boys, along with their families, return to the parish for Christmas — something that simply in the sharing brings a bright smile to couple’s faces.

“Ours has been a fabulous life,” Russ Eckert said.

Carol Eckert concurred.

“It always has been,” she added.

OPEKA — Sister Maria Luz Hernandez, 92, died at her home here with her community on July 24.

Sister Maria was born on Dec. 18, 1924, in Topeka, the daughter of Eufemio and Trinidad Hernandez. She attended Our Lady of Guadalupe School, Topeka.

She entered the Augustinian Recollect order in Cali, Colombia, in 1958. She was well-known for her work among the poor and exploited. On her return from Colombia, she worked in Newark, New Jersey, and Amarillo, Texas.

She also worked fearlessly in the Watts neighborhood with the Los Angeles Police Department among the gangs.

In 1999, she returned to Topeka to minister to the Hispanic community. She helped countless people attain U.S. citizenship, and ministered to the sick and dying.

She was known as a mentor, teacher, friend and counselor. She was a talented cook and seamstress — indeed, was versed in all forms of needlecraft.

She founded the Augustinian Recollect Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation, a public association of the faithful.

Despite her active ministry, Sister Maria deeply loved her family and was always able to keep them as a priority in her life.

She is survived by the members of her community, Sister Juanita Banuelos and Sister Rebecca Granado; and her brothers Vincente Hernandez of Topeka, Ascension Hernandez of Shawnee, and Arcadio Hernandez of Lowell, Indiana.

Memorial service to remember aborted children

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — In observance of the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children, Gate of Heaven Cemetery here, located at 126th and Parallel Pkwy., will be the site of an ecumenical prayer service on Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to noon. The prayer service will occur at the cemetery’s Infant Martyrs — Victims of Abortion Memorial.

Father Matthew Habiger, OSB, former president of Human Life International, will be among area pro-life leaders offering reflections. Local sponsors include the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Planned Parenthood Exposed and 40 Days for Life Kansas City.

The national team coordinating this event at over 130 locations in the United States selected Gate of Heaven Cemetery as a site. Citizens for a Pro-Life Society, Priests for Life and the Pro-Life Action League are co-sponsors of the 5th annual National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children, calling on pro-life Americans to honor the grave sites of aborted infants.

For more information about the prayer service, call Tina Jinkens at (785) 6158373.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Summer production helps young actors find their voices

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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VERLAND PARK — Holy Spirit School students here got a taste of the performance life this summer as they participated in a production of “Annie.”

Fourteen kids from kindergartners through sixth grade spent two weeks of their break practicing for the big show, which they performed July 21 in front of friends and family.

“This is my favorite part of the summer,” said fifth-grader Sydney Conrad. “During the school year, I’m so excited for this.”

The play was directed and choreographed by Amy Gassel, Katie Seib and Margaret Tumberger — all sophomores at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park — and Angelina Williams, a sophomore at St. James Academy, Lenexa.

The young women have been friends since they attended grade school at Holy Spirit, and Tumberger and Seib are also cousins.

The idea to put on a summer play came from Tumberger’s mom Anna, as a way for the cousins to do something fun together.

“We were 3 or 4 when it started,” said Tumberger. “We used to do these in the backyard.”

Now that Tumberger is in high school, she and her friends carry on the tradition — but now as the play’s directors.

The high schoolers prepare months in advance by finding a script, choreographing the dances and casting each child that participates in a role.

“We know [the kids who participate], so we can fit them in the best part without auditions,” said Tumberger.

Because of its longstanding tradition, many Holy Spirit students know about the summer plays and ask to participate.

Daily practices in the two weeks leading up to the final performance are held at Tumberger’s; the performance is held at Holy Spirit in front of family and friends.

Although it gets hectic with the kids learning lines, dances and songs in a short time, the directors help everyone stay focused.

“They’re always patient with us,” said fourth-grader Addison Smith, who played Miss Hannigan. “And if we don’t get something, they always help us learn.”

The chance to perform is a unique experience for all the kids.

“I love singing and acting,” said Conrad, who played Annie during the first half of the play.

For Conrad, the ability to act alongside her peers is something she looks forward to every summer.

Another perk is working with the high schoolers, who inspire the kids to

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

Margaret Tumberger, a sophomore at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, does kindergartner Felicity Williams’ makeup before the performance of “Annie.” Tumberger and her friends direct Holy Spirit students, carrying on a tradition that they look forward to each year.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

Sydney Conrad, a fifth-grader at Holy Spirit in Overland Park and playing the title role, sings to second-grader Ali Smith, playing one of the orphans, during a summer production of “Annie” July 21. do their best and try new things.

“They’re just really nice,” said sixth-grader Kaylee Bohm, who played Duffy, one of the orphans.

“And it makes me want to be nice,” she added.

Tumberger enjoys helping the kids discover talents they might not realize they have, and watching them grow over the course of the production.

“I hope they can learn to be leaders and to help others,” she said.

The directors strive to make the

practices a faith-filled and uplifting environment.

“We pray every day before practice to start off on a good note,” said Gassel.

“We always try to teach Christ-like virtues,” she continued, “like being respectful and patient and not being mean to other kids if they forget their line or their costume.”

“If they’re nervous about something or they feel like they can’t do it,” said Seib, “we can center them back in that Catholic way of thinking and say, ‘You

can do this; you’re strong enough.”

Smith is grateful for the lessons she’s learned, like the importance of dedication.

“When you need to practice something, you should always [keep trying] because you can know that it will lead to good things,” she said.

Their hard work was on display in this summer’s final performance.

“My favorite day of the week is definitely play day because you get to see everything come together,” said Williams.

“It’s really amazing,” she added, “because you watch them through the week and you see them sometimes struggle with some of the things because they don’t always get everything the first day.

“So it’s really cool to see how much they’ve grown throughout the weeks.”

Seib agreed.

“I’m just so proud of them,” she said, “seeing how proud they are of themselves. And all of their family and friends come and see them.

“It’s just a great experience.”

For the young women, it’s worth sacrificing two weeks of their summer to give the kids a meaningful experience they will cherish.

“We really enjoy giving the kids something fun to do for two weeks in the summer,” said Gassel.

“It’s something a lot of them wouldn’t do if we didn’t have this,” she added.

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SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus

Modeling good listening Listening takes time and effort! No need to fix something; just listen! When your child needs to talk: • Stop; sit down together so you can see “eye to eye.”

• What does their posture and facial expression communicate: fear, uneasiness, nervousness or joy?

• Encourage them to say more with words like: “That must make you sad or unhappy,” or, “What does this make you feel like doing?”

ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 • Thanking them for telling you and a hug helps build trust for later talks.

• These steps say: “You are important to me!”

— Deacon Tony Zimmerman, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

CHURCH OF THE WEEK

Good Shepherd, Shawnee Address: 12800 W. 75th St., 66216 Phone: (913) 631-7116 Pastor: Father James Ludwikoski Mass times: Saturday, 5 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m. (en español) and 5 p.m.

Email: info@gsshawnee.org Website: http://gsshawnee.org MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

GAME OF THE WEEK GIRLS TENNIS Featuring: • St. James • Hayden • Aquinas • Miege

The girls tennis teams from St. Thomas Aquinas, Bishop Miege, St. James Academy and Hayden High School kicked off the tennis season Aug. 22 with a doubles-only invitational. Leaven photographer Doug Hesse caught the action. To see his photos, go to: www.theleaven.org.

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Benedictine Sisters celebrate 50 years

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TCHISON — Four Benedictine Sisters celebrated the 50th anniversary of their monastic profession at Mount St. Scholastica here. Sisters Anne Shepard, Rita Killackey, Sharon Hamsa and Rose Marie Stallbaumer renewed their commitment at a Mass on July 30 at the monastery, in the presence of their community, families and friends.

Sister Anne, who was raised in the Washington, D.C., area, came to Atchison to attend Mount St. Scholastica College and entered the monastery while a student there, as did her classmate Sister Rita. Sister Anne later earned advanced degrees in education, with peace education as the emphasis in her doctoral program. She has been a teacher and principal, was superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph in Missouri, and, just before her jubilee, completed 12 years as prioress of her monastery.

Sister Rita, a Chicago native, became a teacher and then worked in religious education in parishes.

After earning a degree in canon law, she worked as a canon lawyer for the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese until her recent retirement.

She now lives in Atchison and does spiritual direction and other ministries there.

Sister Sharon came from Omaha, Nebraska, where she was taught by Benedictine Sisters in grade school, to enter the monastery. She became a teacher of mathematics and also earned a master’s degree in liturgy. Living in Kansas City, Missouri, she taught in the Metropolitan Community College system in Kansas City, Missouri, for more than 20 years and now works at Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas.

From left, Benedictine Sisters Anne Shepard, Sharon Hamsa, Rose Marie Stallbaumer and Rita Killackey celebrated the 50th anniversary of their monastic profession on July 30.

Sister Rose Marie Stallbaumer was also a product of Benedictine education at her elementary and high schools in Seneca. With a master’s degree in educational administration, she spent the first 20 years of her religious life as a teacher and principal. In 1988, she returned to Atchison to work first as the monastery’s business manager and now as treasurer.

At their celebration, prioress

Sister Esther Fangman praised their faithfulness saying, “Their loved ones may have come thinking they were celebrating the accomplishments of these women, but it is really about 50 years of showing up each day to seek God in each other in our community, in the way we do our ministries as Benedictines and in our prayer life together.”

Music workshop offers fellowship formation

By Michael Podrebarac Special to The Leaven

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Area liturgical musicians will witness two historic events this Sept. 9 — one in which two dioceses come together, and the other in which they organize by themselves but with an eye to each other.

After a 10-year hiatus, Skills and Spirituality for Musicians, once an annual staple for musical and liturgical formation in the region, will celebrate its return.

The workshop, co-sponsored by the office of divine worship for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and the office for liturgy and sacramental life of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is designed as a day of “prayer, workshops, music making and building relationships,” according to the event’s website.

The workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. with prayer and music, and concludes with a music festival from 1-2:30 p.m. In between will be keynote speakers, music ministry workshops and the opportunity for networking and idea-sharing. A Spanish-language

track is included.

All who participate in the musical life of the church — including priests and deacons, parish music directors, choir directors, organists and other instrumentalists, and cantors and choir members — will enjoy a wide variety of workshops on building musical and ministerial skills.

Registration is available online at: https://kcliturgy.wixsite.com/ sands2017. The cost for the workshop is $20 and includes lunch.

Parishes bringing five or more participants will receive a $5 discount per person. Scholarships are available, and information for the entire event may be found on the website.

The annual formation event is also coordinated by the recently resurrected Kansas City-St. Joseph chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, and the brand-new and first-ever Kansas City in Kansas chapter.

The National Association of Pastoral Musicians is the premier membership organization for musicians serving in Roman Catholic parishes in the United States.

For many years, pastoral musicians living in the greater KC metro area participated in a single

chapter sponsored by the Kansas City diocese, and benefited from various social and formational opportunities, including the original Skills and Spirituality for Musicians event.

However, NPM has recently indicated its desire to promote individual diocesan chapters, even for those dioceses who share common metropolitan demographics. The bishop of the diocese must also be willing to sponsor the chapter within his diocese. Both Bishop James V. Johnston and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann have given their consent and encouraged support for their respective NPM chapters.

Benefits of participating in a local chapter are obvious: shared goals and initiatives, shared resources and support, and shared friendship and faith.

Information on becoming involved with both diocesan chapters of NPM will be available at Skills and Spirituality. Both chapters maintain pages on Facebook as well, and both diocesan worship offices will be happy to forward inquiries about NPM to their respective chapters.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Heavy cloud cover threatened to ruin the Aug. 21 solar eclipse viewing experience — at least in northeast Kansas. While some got a break in the clouds and were able to see the eclipse, others were left in the dark, so to speak.

COSMIC WONDER

Sister Martina Rockers, OSU, makes sure her protective eye wear is secure as sh enough for students and faculty to get a good look at the eclipse.

Eclipse leaves many in awe, others disappointed

I

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

t was supposed to be one of the biggest spectacles of our time.

The Aug. 21 solar eclipse, one that spanned the entire United States for the first time in 99 years, left some amazed — and others deeply disappointed.

“It was so cloudy that I was barely able to see the early stages of the eclipse,” said Rosie McShane, a senior at Benedictine College in Atchison.

“We were a little bummed about that and the rain, but we still stuck around,” she added.

Benedictine College was in the path of totality and had high hopes for the historical event, drawing in countless visitors from across the country.

Father Christopher J. Corbally, SJ, and Father Paul Gabor, SJ, came all the way from the Vatican to speak at the college and watch the eclipse.

“There are very many instances throughout history where eclipses served a very important purpose,” said Father Paul, vice director for the Vatican Observatory Research Group.

He spoke on the history of eclipses, how they work and their significance.

“If you haven’t experienced it yet, you’ll find it quite strange and moving, even with some cloud coverage,” he said.

Across town, at the Sophia Spirituality Center, a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, a unique retreat called “The Cosmos Within” was underway.

There, Dr. Aileen A. O’Donoghue, an awardwinning astronomer and associate professor of physics at St. Lawrence University in New York, spoke of exploding stars, atoms and quantum leaps.

“We are made of stardust,” said O’Donoghue.

“We are matter and spirit integrated. The deeper your reverence for everything around you, the deeper your reverence for the spiritual.”

As part of the retreat, an evening was spent a few miles outside of Atchison, studying the clear night sky through a telescope. On that night, retreatants were able to see Saturn, Io and Europa.

When the big moment for the eclipse arrived in Atchison, however, the cloud cover was only relieved by pouring rain.

But for others in the archdiocese, clear skies and sunshine made for the perfect viewing opportunity.

No matter what the weather was like, viewers’ eyes were open to the wonder and awe of God’s creation.

And many who waited for hours in poor weather found that small glimpses of the eclipse were enough.

“The two minutes of totality was incredible,” said McShane.

The event reminded McShane of something Pope Francis talked about at a papal audience she attended in February.

“He said the Christian hope is learning to live in waiting,” she said.

For McShane, practicing patience during the eclipse brought the pope’s words to life.

“The two minutes and 19 seconds of totality were well worth the wait,” she said.

LEAVEN PHOTO

Harper Davison, left, and Ava Ayala, kindergartners at Corpus Christi School in La comforted by their teacher Jan Dicker. The two girls were upset that the solar blocked by cloudy skies.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY BETH BLANKENSHIP

Dr. Aileen O’Donoghue, a former observer at the Vatican Observatory, spoke of the wonders of space during a retreat, called “The Cosmos Within,” on Aug. 18-21 at the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica’s Sophia Spirituality Center in Atchison.

PHOTO BY TERESA STOCKTON

he looks at the solar eclipse outside of Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park. The clouds dispersed long

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Father Paul Gabor, SJ, vice director for the Vatican Observatory Research Group, spoke at Benedictine College on the day of the eclipse about the history of eclipses and their significance.

Students of St. Benedict School in Atchison gather around the Benedictine College Raven mascot on Aug. 21 as they wait for the eclipse. Benedictine had a wealth of activities at the college leading up to the big event.

O BY JAY SOLDNER

awrence are eclipse was

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

From left, Bishop Miege seniors Kaiya Hilderbrand, Yvette Palacio, Michaela Farrell, Marian Haik, Grace Delger, Maeve Lenox, Madalyn Manning, Mira Pawlewicz and Caterina Stiles take to the ground to get a good look at the eclipse.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

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Evacuees still in shock from extent of damage >> Continued from page 1 Thirty miles north of Houston, 29-year-old Eric Robinson spent the morning of Aug. 27 walking three miles in floodwater to morning Mass at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church in The Woodlands, even though a dispensation had been given.

“I made it in time for the 9:30 a.m.

Mass,” he said. “It’s normally a crowded Mass, but there were about 100 people.”

In his homily, Father Pat Garrett, pastor, encouraged people to pray for flood victims and first responders. After Mass, Robinson trekked back to his apartment, wading through waist-deep water.

The situation was not the first time the parish has seen floodwater come close to church grounds. In April 2016, the church’s center served as a Red Cross shelter. Activated again as Harvey pounded the state, at least 22 people took shelter at the church by the evening of Aug. 27, parish staff said.

Sacred Heart Church in Rosenberg, 35 miles southwest of Houston, also served as a Red Cross shelter.

Elsewhere, Danielle Noonan walked through her Sienna Plantation neighborhood southwest of Houston Aug. 27, observing the damage caused by a tornado that ripped through area the previous evening. “I feel like I’m still in shock,” she said.

No sooner than her husband Chris told her to get into the closet where her two sons already were hiding, the tornado touched down a quarter-mile away, damaging at least 50 houses, shredding roofs and windows, snapping hallowed oak trees “like toothpicks” and flipping fences.

The next day, the community tried to recover quickly, but strong rains hampered efforts. Not until a trip to the grocery store for more supplies did Noonan see how shaken by the tornado her two children were.

One of them “was really scared,” she said. “It was hard for him to see his

CNS PHOTO/ADREES LATIF, REUTERS

A woman holds her dog as she arrives to high ground after evacuating from her home because of floods caused by Tropical Storm Harvey Aug. 28 in Houston. friends’ homes just destroyed. He didn’t want to leave the safety of his home.”

Noonan saw it as a good teaching moment about how to live a life of true prayer and love in the community. In an effort to rally the local churches in prayer, Noonan joined her parish, St. Angela Merici in nearby Missouri City, in hosting the chaplet of Divine Mercy and praise and worship session on Facebook.

Noonan and her family evacuated to central Texas Aug. 28 under orders of local officials because of rising waters in the Brazos River.

Meanwhile, a social media post about storm damage caused Ashley Ben-David’s jaw to drop.

Scrolling through Twitter, the Hous-

ton St. Francis de Sales Catholic School fourth-grade teacher saw images of hurricane-ravaged Rockport. The seaside city 30 miles northwest of Corpus Christi was among the first to see major damage from the storm. A photo showed a storied home in the BenDavid family decimated by Harvey; the two-story structure painted in friendly yellow and white was cut in half by winds that topped 130 miles per hour.

At first she denied what she saw in disbelief. “The stairs aren’t in the right spot,” she thought. However, after sending the picture to her two siblings, they confirmed the worst: It was the family home, only Harvey had moved the stairs and trees.

“We’ve had that house in our family for so long,” said Ben-David in the safety of her Sugar Land, Texas, residence. The home belonged to her grandparents in the 1960s, and for the next half-century, played host to “countless summers, vacations, Christmases and Easters,” for the family.

“It’s . . . heartbreaking because there’s so many memories,” she said. “It was our go-to place to be by the sea.”

The Texas Catholic Conference said the bishops of the state’s 15 dioceses are coordinating relief efforts. The conference requested “people join in prayer for the coastal and inland areas being affected, and consider donating money to local dioceses and Catholic Charities.”

Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas • Catholic Bequests

• Donor Advised Funds

• Gift Annuities

• Named Scholarship Funds

• Endowments

• Memorial Funds

Remember a gift to the church in your will

(913) 647-0325 CFNEK@archkck.org www.cfnek.org

SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

VATICAN

11

Vatican II liturgical reform ‘irreversible,’ pope says

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Catholic Church must continue to work to understand the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council and why they were made, rather than rethinking them, Pope Francis said.

“After this magisterium, after this long journey, we can affirm with certainty and magisterial authority that the liturgical reform is irreversible,” Pope Francis told participants in Italy’s National Liturgical Week.

The pope’s speech to the 800 participants Aug. 24 was the longest and most systematic talk he has given as pope on the theme of the liturgy since Vatican II. Instead of reconsidering the council’s reforms, he said, priests and liturgists should work on “rediscovering the decisions made” in reforming the liturgy, “internalizing its inspirational principles and observing the discipline that governs it.”

The National Liturgical Week is sponsored by the Liturgical Action Center, which organizes liturgical training as well as national, regional and diocesan conventions to “disseminate and promote liturgical pastoral guidelines proposed by the Italian bishops’ conference,” according to its website.

After congratulating the organization on its 70th anniversary, Pope Francis said the church has lived through “substantial and not superficial” events throughout its history, including the Second Vatican Council and the subsequent liturgical reform.

Citing the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, “Sacrosanctum Concilium,” the pope said the reform responded to “real needs and the concrete hope for a renewal,” which would offer a living liturgy where the faithful were no longer

“strangers or silent spectators.”

For this reason, he added, the church must continue to rediscover the reasons for the reform and “overcome unfounded and superficial readings, partial revelations, and practices that disfigure it.”

Reflecting on the week’s theme — “A living liturgy for a living church” — Pope Francis said the liturgy is “alive” through the living presence of Jesus. Liturgical signs, including the altar, direct the gaze of the priest and the faithful to “Christ, the living stone, who was discarded by men but has become the cornerstone of the spiritual edifice in which we worship.”

“The liturgy is life for the entire people of the church,” he said. “By its nature, the liturgy is ‘popular’ and not clerical, because it is — as the etymology teaches us — an action for the people, but also of the people.”

The liturgy, he continued, unites church members through prayer, and it “gathers in prayer all those who seek to listen to the Gospel without discarding anyone; it summons the great and small, rich and poor, children and elderly people, healthy and sick, just ones and sinners.”

“In the image of the ‘immense multitude’ celebrating the liturgy in the sanctuary of heaven,” Pope Francis said, “the liturgical assembly overcomes through Christ every boundary of age, race, language and nation.”

The liturgy is “not an idea to understand,” but rather a “source of life and light for our journey of faith,” he said.

Therefore, the rites and prayers become “a school of Christian life” for the faithful “by what they are and not by the explanations we give them.”

“This is still the commitment I ask of you today: to help ordained ministers as well as other ministers — cantors, artists, musicians — cooperate so that the liturgy may be the source and culmination of the vitality of the church,” the pope said.

CNS PHOTO/GIORGIO ONORATI, EPA

Pope Francis speaks during an audience with participants in Italy’s National Liturgical Week in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Aug. 24.

Vatican official discusses terrorist threat

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican obviously is concerned about terrorist threats, “especially for the senseless hatred” it represents, and will continue to remain vigilant, said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.

Speaking to reporters Aug. 26, Cardinal Parolin said he had seen the most recent video attributed to Islamic State in which the pope and Vatican are threatened, and “one cannot help but be concerned.” However, he said, he did not believe the video prompted extra security measures beyond those that have been in place for some time.

For the Year of Mercy 2015-2016, the main boulevard leading to St. Peter’s Square was closed to traffic; it never reopened. But while pilgrims approaching St. Peter’s Square for Pope Francis’ weekly general audience on Wednesdays and his Angelus address on Sundays had already been subjected to security checks, Italian police seemed to take more time doing the checks after the terrorist attack in Barcelona Aug. 17.

Cardinal Parolin spoke to journalists

in Rimini, Italy, where he was addressing a large summer meeting sponsored by the lay movement, Communion and Liberation.

L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, published a long section of the cardinal’s speech, looking specifically at the phenomenon of anti-migrant sentiment.

Cardinal Parolin expressed surprise at how much of the current debate in many countries “is focused on defending ourselves from migrants.”

The public discussions and arguments show a “sharp division between those who recognize God in the poor and needy and those who do not recognize him,” the cardinal said.

Government leaders certainly have an obligation to find alternatives to “massive and uncontrolled migration, (and) to establish programs that avoid disorder and the infiltration of the violent,” he said. In addition, they should be looking for ways to promote development in migrant-sending countries so that people can survive and thrive in their homelands. “But this will take decades to bear fruit.”

The anti-immigrant sentiment, he said, “often is generated by fear” and accompanies a general sense of disorien-

tation and confusion about the changes caused by globalization, especially in economic matters.

People have to realize that “it’s been a long time since any modern nation-state fully and exclusively controlled its national economy,” he said. In the absence of complete control over one’s national economy, “it is not surprising that there is a general tendency, especially in authoritarian countries, but also by many ‘populist’ leaders and movements — of the right and left — to declare one’s national sovereignty in terms of cultural supremacy, racial identity and ethnic nationalism and to find in these a reason to repress internal dissent.”

The economy is now global, he said, and there is no single nation that can fix the problems of the economy alone.

“Various aspects of globalization need to be governed,” which must be done through international diplomacy and a joint commitment to promoting the common good.

“On this point, where more profound values like justice and peace are at stake, realities like the United States and the European Union have a decisive role and responsibility,” he said. “But too often their absence is felt.”

SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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Executive director – The Johnson and Wyandotte Counties Catholic Youth Organization of Kansas is seeking a faith-filled proven leader and administrator to become executive director for the Johnson and Wyandotte counties pastoral region of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Responsibilities include providing strategic and energetic leadership for all grade school and high school athletic program offerings. In addition, the new director must be skilled in financial management, strategic planning and development. The executive director will also be expected to be a registered and active member of his or her Catholic parish. Complete job description, application and benefits information are available at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should send cover letter, resume and application by Sept. 18 to: JWACYO Executive Board, c/o Human Resources Department, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Email documents may be sent to: jobs@archkck.org.

Customer sales - Watts Up, a lighting distributor serving the Midwest region for over 30 years, is looking for a full-time customer sales professional to join our fun and highly motivated team of employees. Job duties involve assisting with lighting/electrical consultation for customers across the KC metro area. Applicants must be self-motivated problem solvers. Must have basic math, strong verbal and people skills. Previous lighting/electrical experience required. Duties: provide consultative sales advice to customers primarily over the phone. Additional responsibilities include making on-site lighting consultation for commercial accounts. Medical benefits.

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Director of liturgy and music – St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village is seeking a director of liturgy and music. The director will serve the parish as principal musician, organist, choir director and assist in liturgy planning. The candidate for this position must be active in the Roman Catholic faith. The director will be asked to prepare seasonal music; rehearse with the choir; train cantors; rehearse with students in the parish school; and accompany at school Masses. The director will work collaboratively with the pastor to ensure a cohesive music and liturgy program. This is a full-time position and salary is based on level of education and work experience. Regular weekend and evening work hours required. Along with the regular parish liturgical schedule, musicians may be required to provide music for additional services during Holy Week, sacramental celebrations, weddings and funerals. For more information and to send a resume, contact Bill Schafer, business manager, at (913) 660-1128 or send an email to: bschafer@stannpv.org.

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Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002

Cafeteria worker - Nativity Parish School, located in Leawood, has an immediate opening for a part-time cafeteria worker, approximately 15-20 hours. Prior experience working in a school cafeteria is preferred, but not required. Compensation is based on experience. Applicants must have dependable transportation, be Virtus trained and pass a background check. Interested applicants should contact Patti Post, cafeteria director, at patti.post@kcnativity.org with resume and work history.

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

Housecleaning - Cleaning, organizing and heavy cleaning by the job. Call Peggy at (913) 432-4243 to schedule and for pricing.

Professional window cleaner - Residential only, fully insured. Over 40 years experience. Free estimates. Contact Gene Jackson at (913) 593-1495.

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.

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

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The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com.

Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Helping Hand Handy Man - Semi-retired handyman can help with your ‘to do list.’ Small and medium projects around your house. Also electrical; ceiling fans, light fixtures, outlet and switches. Most deck and shed repairs, power washing restaining and painting. No yard work. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490.

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 NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson.

(913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dan deeconst@aol.com.

Kansas City’s Premier Deck, Fence & Concrete - We repair, power wash and stain wood decks and fences.

We power wash and seal concrete drives, walkway, pool decks and more. Call Brian at (913) 952-5965. Member of Holy Trinity Parish.

Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service – Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM. 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.

HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovations, tile and sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Josh (913) 709-7230.

FOR SALE For sale - Tandem vault located at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City. Patio II, tier C, crypt 105. Eye level with peaceful view and surroundings. Includes perpetual care. Current market value over $10,000. Selling price is $8,000. Call (913) 208-2703.

For sale - Double lawn crypt at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Garden of Hope section, double lawn crypt, lot 78 C, space 4. Conveyance fee included. $8100. Call Lou at (512) 294-2869.

For sale - Single vault at Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens mausoleum, located 23215 W. 75th, Shawnee.

Current value is $7500; selling price is $5500. Call (816) 977-3634.

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)

>> Classifieds continue on page 15

SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR PARISH PICNIC Sts. Peter and Paul Parish 411 Pioneer, Seneca Sept. 3 at 4:30 p.m.

education for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. If interested in religious education or to volunteer, visit the website at: icarenek.org.

A roast beef and ham dinner will be served.

The cost is $10 for adults: $5 for kids. Takeout meals will be available. Bingo, concessions, games, a beer garden, a live auction and a teen dance will follow. The auction begins at 8:30 p.m.

K OF C 4TH-DEGREE GARAGE SALE 4805 Augusta Dr., Basehor Sept. 8 - 9 from 8:30 - 3 p.m.

DIVORCED/SEPARATED MINISTRY Church of the Ascension (conference room) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Sept. 6 at 7 p.m.

PARISH FESTIVAL Church of the Holy Cross 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park Sept. 9 at 4 p.m.

This is a 12-week course using the program “Catholic Divorce Survival Guide.” The cost is $30. Scholarships are available upon request.

Register online at: kcascension.org; click on “Find Support” and then scroll down to “Divorced or Separated Ministry.”

THE CALL TO LOVE AGAIN Church of the Ascension (St. Luke’s Room) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Sept. 7 at 7 p.m.

This is a support ministry for divorced and separated Catholics who desire to be integral members of their Catholic community and to develop their prayer life. Join us on the first and third Thursdays of the month.

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Holy Trinity Parish (Father Quigley Center) 13615 W. 92nd St., Lenexa Thursday mornings beginning Sept. 7 from 9:30 - 11 a.m.

“The Bible Timeline: Salvation History” by Jeff Cavins is being offered for women of all ages. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is offered for kids ages 3 - 12 and kids under the age of 3 are welcome in the nursery or can stay with Mom in a “moms’ study group.”

To register, go online to: www.htlenexa.org and click on “Catholic Women’s Bible Study.”

Registration is due by Sept. 1. Mail to Kathryn Burditt. For more information, call Laura Haeusser at (913) 341-9057 or Kathryn Burditt at (913) 451-3680 or send her an email at: tkburditt@hotmail.com.

HOLY SMOKIN’ JAMBOREE Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka Sept. 8 - 10

Festivities begin with a smoke-off competition on Friday afternoon. Saturday morning will include a 5K run, car show, kids games, a silent auction, craft sale, knocker ball, a raffle, prizes and much more. Sunday features a traditional roast beef dinner and live auction. Visit the website at: mtcctopeka. org for more information.

UNITY FEST 2017 Our Lady of Unity Parish (Sacred Heart Field) 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Join us for a day of fun and family entertainment. There will be carnival games and inflatables for the kids. Entertainment will be a variety of musical and dance groups, mariachi music, a silent auction in the church basement and a mini soccer tournament. There will be a variety of ethnic foods served. For more information, call Augustine Oropeza at (913) 236-6271.

AUCTION Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish 22779 Metcalf Rd., Bucyrus Sept. 9 from 5 - 10 p.m.

This will be the 20th annual auction held by Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea.

ICARE MASS Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park Sept. 9 at 6 p.m.

iCare offers an adapted Mass and religious

Proceeds support seminarians and priests; sponsored by Holy Angels Parish, Basehor.

Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m., followed by an outdoor festival. Mexican food will be served by Rudy’s Tenampa, along with grilled meats and desserts. There will be live entertainment featuring Amanda Hughey. There will be a raffle, bingo, inflatables, putt-putt, games and balloon sculpting. There will also be a vocation corner.

‘A VISION OF GLORY’ Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Sept. 9 - 10

The retreat will consist of eucharistic adoration each day, Mass on Saturday, time for prayer and recollection, and meals together. The cost is $125 per couple and $85 per individual. For more information, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@christs peace.com.

HOLY ANGELS BAZAAR St. Rose School 530 E. 4th St., Garnett Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

A dinner of roast beef, chicken and noodle, or turkey will be served. The cost is: $9 for adults; $10 for carryout; and $5 for kids age 10 and younger. There will also be drawings, raffles, crafts, baked goods and a quilt raffle.

75TH ANNIVERSARY Sacred Heart Church 727 Main St., Mound City Sept. 10 at 4 p.m.

There will be a Mass to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Sacred Heart Church and the presentation of the annual St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Award. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will be the celebrant. A catered dinner will follow.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BINGO St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish (Bishop Forst Hall) 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 10 at 2 p.m.

A $5 admission ticket, which can be purchased at the door, will get you a bingo card, desserts, popcorn and coffee. Beer and pop will be available for purchase. For more information, call Carol Shomin at (913) 8974833 or the parish office at (913) 371-1408.

FALL PILGRIMAGE Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows 197 Hwy. P, Rhineland, Missouri Sept. 10 at 10 a.m.

The pilgrimage begins with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by a rosary procession through the shrine grounds. A traditional German meal will be served. The cost for the meal is $10. Following the meal, the sacrament of reconciliation will be available. Religious articles will be available for sale and will be blessed in the afternoon.

FIRST RESPONDERS MASS Bishop Ward High School (auditorium) 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 12 at 9:20 a.m.

This Mass will be dedicated to those who serve and sacrifice in protecting the community in the line of duty each day. A reception will follow. Call Greg Duggins at (913) 371-6901 or send an email to: gduggins@ wardhigh.org to RSVP.

‘AVOIDING MASS CONFUSION’ St. Ann Parish (hall) 7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village Sept. 13 at 7 p.m.

This is a one-night adult education program on the nature of Catholic worship. Participants will learn how, when and why Catholics do what we do at Mass. Participants will receive handouts and resources for continued learning and personal prayer. The suggested donation is a freewill offering.

DIVORCE SURVIVAL Holy Cross Parish (basement, Room 1) 9311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

This is a ten-week class using the healing tool “Catholic Divorce Survival Guide.” The cost of $25 includes a personal survival guide and all the materials for the fall session. The group will be led by experienced facilitators. To enroll or for more information, call Julie Knoche at (913) 710-7083 or Anne Anderson at (913) 208-9675.

‘CREATING FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR A LOVED ONE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS’ Church of the Nativity (St. Joseph Room) 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Sept. 14 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Financial advisers Christy Anderson and Kacy Steitz (mother of a special-needs child) will share their knowledge regarding: establishing a specialneeds trust and the Achieving Better Life Experiences Act of 2013. For more information, call Tom Racunas, lead consultant of the archdiocesan special-needs ministry, at (913) 647-3054 or send an email to: tracunas@archkck.org.

MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars Parish 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Sept. 16 at 8 a.m.

There will be a memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones, followed by a grief support meeting in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “The Serenity Prayer.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

FALL FESTIVAL Cathedral of St. Peter 416 N. 14th St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 16 from 5 - 9 p.m.

The cathedral community will be celebrating the 90th anniversary of its church building and the recent installation of its new marble altar, ambo and cantor stand at its annual fall festival Sept. 16. The festival will begin with Mass at 4 p.m. with Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher as celebrant. A taco dinner will be served. There will be raffles, bingo, a silent auction, mouse races and games for the kids. Music will be provided by Randy Balliett and his band Fairfax Four. For more information, call Amy Maloy at (913) 291-5659.

FALL FESTIVAL HOMECOMING St. Agnes Parish 5250 Mission Rd., Roeland Park Sept. 16 at 5:50 p.m.

The evening begins with Mass at 4:30 p.m., at which the Bishop Miege High School choir will sing. Food tents will have smoked pork, Cupini’s pasta dishes, burgers and other great food.

You may bring a cooler and chair if you wish.

There will be bingo, cornhole and kids games.

A wrist band covers it all at $10 per person or $40 per family of 4 persons or more.

COPING WITH LIFE ALONE St. Patrick Parish 1357 N.E. 42nd Terr., Kansas City, Missouri Sept. 17 from 2-4 p.m.

This is a grief support program that meets each week for seven weeks. The program helps those who have lost a love relationship due to death, divorce or separation move through the experience of grief and loss into a future with renewed hope. To register or for more information, call Donna at (816) 305-3760.

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A STREETCAR FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Hardwick Law Offices 2405 Grand Ave., Ste. 800, Kansas City, Missouri Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join in a scavenger hunt, sponsored by the Kansas City Alumni Council of the University of Saint Mary, to identify architecture and restaurant sites along the free Kansas City streetcar line. There will be appetizers, refreshments and prizes for the top three scavenger hunters. For more information and to RSVP, call Penny Lonergan at (913) 651-5265 or send an email to: plonergan@ kc.rr.com, or to: www.stmary.edu/KCCouncil

by Sept. 10. The suggested minimum donation is $30.

‘PRAYER AND STUDY WITH LAUDATO SI’’ Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 24 at 1 p.m.

Join the Mount sisters in a labor of love as they care for the monastery grounds in environmentally friendly ways. There will also be time for reflection and study of “Laudato Si,” the encyclical by Pope Francis that calls all of us to care for our common home. For more information or to register, call (913) 360-6173 or go to the website at: www. sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.

SLOVENEFEST 2017 Holy Family Parish (Msgr. Mejak Hall) 513 Ohio Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 23 from 4 - 10 p.m.

One hundred years of celebrating Slovenian culture will begin with Mass at 4 p.m. Following Mass, there will be a traditional Slovenian dinner. There will be Slovenian music and many other traditional Slovenian foods, games, Lasko pivo and a cultural booth. For more information, call the church office at (913) 371-1561.

PRAIRIE STAR UNDER THE STARS Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.

High school youth groups and all families are invited to Prairie Star Ranch for a spiritual campout experience. Encounter Christ through a variety of activities, including gaga ball, canoeing, archery and the climbing tower. Finish the day by stargazing and camping overnight in the outdoors. For more information, visit the website at: www.arch kck.org/ranch or call (785) 746-5693.

ANNUNCIATION CHURCH PICNIC Cigna Center 402 N. Maple, Frankfort Sept. 24 from 4 -7 p.m.

There will be a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for ages 10 and under. Takeout meals will also be available. Call the parish office (M - F, morning hours) at (785) 292-4462 to order delivery meals. There will also be a cakewalk, bingo, church poker, a quilt raffle, a silent auction, an inflatable slide and train rides.

PARISH BAZAAR St. John the Baptist Parish 427 S. Prairie, Greeley Sept. 24 at 10:30 a.m.

A dinner of turkey and dressing, chicken and noodles, ham, sauerkraut, sides and homemade pies will be served. The cost is $10 per meal. Takeout is available. There will also be a country store, bake sale, bingo and a quilt raffle.

STONE’S FOLLY ART FESTIVAL 1800 S.W. Stone Ave., Topeka Sept. 29 from 6 - 10 p.m.

Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

This event is a fundraiser for Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka. There will be displays of many types of art, a beer garden, gift shops, children’s activities, a cash raffle and live entertainment.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY TWENTY-SECOND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Sept. 3 TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME Jer 20: 7-9 Ps 63: 2-6, 8-9 Rom 12: 1-2 Mt 16: 21-27 Sept. 4 Monday 1 Thes 4: 13-18 Ps 96: 1, 3-5, 11-13 Lk 4: 16-30 Sept. 5 Tuesday 1 Thes 5: 1-6, 9-11 Ps 27: 1, 4, 13-14 Lk 4: 31-37 Sept. 6 Wednesday Col 1: 1-8 Ps 52: 10-11 Lk 4: 38-44 Sept. 7 Thursday Col 1: 9-14 Ps 98: 2-6 Lk 5: 1-11 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 Col 1: 21-23 Ps 54: 3-4, 6, 8 Lk 6: 1-5 TWENTY-THIRD WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Sept. 10 TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME Ez 33: 7-9 Ps 95: 1-2, 6-9 Rom 13: 8-10 Mt 18: 15-20 Sept. 11 Monday Col 1:24 – 2:3 Ps 62: 6-7, 9 Lk 6: 6-11 Sept. 12 The Most Holy Name of Mary Col 2: 6-15 Ps 145: 1-2, 8-11 Lk 6: 12-19 Sept. 13 John Chrysostom, bishop, doctor Col 3: 1-11 Ps 145: 2-3, 10-13 Lk 6: 20-26 Sept. 14 THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS Nm 21: 4b-9 Ps 78: 1b-2, 34-38 Phil 2: 6-11 Jn 3: 13-17 Sept. 15 Our Lady of Sorrows 1 Tm 1: 1-2, 12-14 Ps 16: 1-2, 5, 7-8, 11 Jn 19: 25-27 Sept. 16 Cornelius, pope, and Cyprian, bishop, martyrs 1 Tm 1: 15-17 Ps 113: 1-7 Lk 6: 43-49

“T

Use Labor Day to work things out

he parish office will be closed on Mon., Sept. 4, in observance of Labor Day.” When I proofread this in my parish’s bulletin, I deleted it and promptly told my staff that the office would absolutely remain open because it’s called LABOR Day, after all. Why should they get a holiday from work?

Nah, just kidding. As a kid, however, I was pretty confused by the whole idea of a Labor Day holiday.

The origins of Labor Day are contested, at least as to its originator.

Some attribute it to Peter J. McGuire, a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor. Others contend that Matthew Maguire, the secretary of the Central Labor Union, should be given the credit. This was back in 1882 when working conditions in this country were horrific.

Many labored 12 hours a day, seven days a week, and still barely made a living. It was a time when children, as young as 5 and 6, were working in mills, factories and mines. Add to all of this the fact that workplaces were generally unsafe

O

14

f all the apostles, Peter stands out most strongly in terms of his personality.

He clearly comes across as stubborn and impulsive in the Gospels.

That is who he is. Those personality traits can either hold him back or make him go forward, depending on what direction they are headed in.

In Sunday’s Gospel reading, Mt 16:21-27, Peter explodes at Jesus’ prediction of his passion and death: “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.”

In response, Jesus points out the negative nature of Peter’s outburst: “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me.”

The Greek word

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.

and unregulated. Labor unions formed at this time to combat these abuses and give a voice to workers.

The first Monday in September was chosen for the holiday since it fell halfway between Independence Day and Thanksgiving. When it became a federal holiday in 1894, Congress said that it wanted to ensure that “the nobility of labor be maintained. . . . So long as the laboring man can feel that he holds an honorable as well as useful place in the body politic, so long will he be a loyal and faithful citizen.”

While this is nice to know, it still didn’t explain the connection between labor and leisure. It took this story to do that: Two men had to clear a field of trees. The contract called for them to be paid per tree.

Bill wanted the day to be profitable, so he grunted and sweated, swinging his ax relentlessly. Ed, on the other hand, seemed to be working about half as fast. He even sat down on a regular basis. Bill kept chopping away until every muscle and tendon in his body was screaming.

At the end of the day, Bill was terribly sore, but Ed was smiling and telling jokes. What’s more, Ed had cut down more trees.

Bill said, “I noticed you sitting while I worked without a break. How did you outwork me?”

“Did you notice I was

sharpening my ax while I was sitting?” said Ed, smiling. (Found in “1001 Illustrations That Connect,” edited by Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof.)

Aha! Resting can be both restorative and productive. Taking a break gives the mind a chance to reflect and see things from a different perspective.

My primary feeling on Labor Day is gratitude — not only to have several “jobs” (pastor, editor and son), but that God has given me the health to do them. I’m also thankful that I’m doing work that I love and is meaningful.

Labor Day invites me to think of people who are unemployed and the worries they carry about being able to support their families. I remember the underemployed, people who may work two or three part-time jobs and still can’t make ends meet. I call to mind those who are physically or mentally prevented from working and what they wouldn’t give to have an occupation to pursue.

Labor Day also prods me to look around and notice people who labor on the holiday: police, firefighters, medical professionals, restaurant

workers and paper carriers. It makes me incredibly grateful, as well, for people who do all of the jobs that I depend upon, but take for granted: farmers, street department workers, electricians, plumbers, garbage collectors, janitors, inventors and artists.

We can make all our labor holy if we bring God into it. And after all, isn’t our main “job” that of making Christ visible in the world?

With that in mind, let’s begin each workday with prayer. This one, found on belief.net, says it beautifully: “My heavenly Father, as I enter this workplace, I bring your presence with me. . . . I thank you for the gifts you have blessed me with.

I commit to using them responsibly in your honor.

Give me a fresh supply of strength to do my job.

Anoint my projects, ideas and energy so that even my smallest accomplishment may bring you glory. Lord, when I am confused, guide me.

When I am burned out, infuse me with the light of the Holy Spirit. May the work that I do and the way I do it bring faith, joy and a smile to all that I come into contact with today.”

Will we be part of the solution?

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

translated as “obstacle” can also mean “stumbling block.” It is the same word that gives us the English word

POPE FRANCIS

Pope Francis sent a hand-signed message to the Italian synod of the Methodist and Waldensian churches, saying that it is more important than ever for Christians to witness together that God is stronger than the violence and evil taking place in the world.

“Christian witness cannot give into the

“scandal.” In using the word “stumbling block,” Jesus is making a veiled reference to an earlier statement he made to Peter.

Previously, as we heard in last week’s Gospel reading, Mt 16:1320, Jesus called Peter the foundation stone of his church: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.”

At the heart of it all,

a foundation stone and a stumbling block are the same thing. They are both rock. They differ only in the position they are placed in and in the use to which they are put.

Peter can either be a stumbling block or a foundation stone. His personal weakness is the flip side of his strength.

It all depends on his decision.

Will he get in Jesus’ way, or will he support Jesus? Can he convert his innate stubbornness into loyalty toward Jesus?

Twice in the Gospel reading, Jesus talks about someone getting behind him. In his reprimand to Peter, he says, “Get behind me, Satan!”

Then, later, Jesus says to the disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after

logic of the world,” the pope wrote to the synod’s 180 delegates — half pastors and half laypeople — meeting Aug. 20-25. “Together let’s help each other choose and live according to the logic of Christ! It is important to walk together toward full unity with the gaze of hope,” the pope said. “Recognizing that God’s presence is stronger than evil is so important, especially today in a world marked by violence, divisions and indiffer-

me must deny himself.”

The same Greek phrase appears in both, which is translated the first time as “behind me” and then the second time as “after me.”

In other words, Jesus’ reprimand to Peter anticipates his invitation to the disciples for them to follow him. In both cases, they are to get behind Jesus.

Jesus issues the same challenge to us as he did to Peter and to the disciples. Will we support Jesus, or get in his way?

Will we be part of the problem, or part of the solution? It is all up to us. And that decision will make all the difference in the world: “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

ence, where the selfishness of self-affirmation without regard for others obscures the simple beauty of welcoming, sharing and loving.

If all Christians keep their gaze firmly on Jesus, he said, they will grow closer to Jesus and to one another, building relationships that “are not only formal and correct, but fraternal and lively.”

— CNS

SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS >> Continued from page 12 For sale - Three individuals plots located at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City. Located in section 3, old lot 195, spaces 10, 11 and 12. Current value is $2070 per space. Selling price is $1280 per space or $3500 for all three. Call (913) 208-2703.

For sale - Two side-by-side lots, with opening and closing, at Resurrection Cemetery. Section D, lot 108, spaces 3 and 4. Value, $10,000+; selling price, $8500. Call (913) 219-0119.

REAL ESTATE For sale - Reduced price, maintenance-provided home. New price $359,900. Monthly HOA $132. Two BR, 2.5 BA, backs up to Ascension Church, open floor plan, one-level living. Call for appointment at (913) 669-8178.

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.

Mike and Dorothy (Schweiger) McClain, members of St. Philip Neri Parish, Osawatomie, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 16 with family and friends at a reception at the Community Center in Rantoul.

The couple was married on Sept.

16, 1967, by Father John Quigley at Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa. Their children are: Alan, Brandan and Clinton. They also have eight grandchildren. They plan to take a cruise with friends on the Danube River in October.

Carolyn

WANTED TO BUY Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/ prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware.

Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393.

St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

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and Lyle Beckman, members of Holy S p i r i t Parish, O ve r l a n d Park, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family in July at Suncadia Resort in Washington. The couple was married on Sept. 9, 1967, at Holy Family Church, Lindsay, Nebraska. Their children are: Michelle Keena and Jennie Hoheisel.

They also have four grandchildren.

Tim and Jan (Owens) Turner, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 4 with a reception and dinner with family and friends at the Father Quigley Center at Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa.

The couple was married at St. Agnes Church, Roeland Park, on Aug. 26, 1967, by Msgr.

Vince Krische. Their children are Andrew Turner, Jill Kurtz, Erin Gilmore and Megan Hanson. They also have 10 grandchildren.

Dan and Rosemarie (Morrissey) Breitenstein, members of Holy S p i r i t Parish, O ve r l a n d Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 9. The couple was married on Sept. 9, 1967, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Kansas City, Kansas, by Father Harold Wickey. Their children are: Molly Lock, Leawood; Meghan Brown, Leawood; and John Breitenstein (deceased). They also have five grandchildren.

Jerry and Linda (Kirk) Glasgow, members of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, To p e k a , celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 26 with a dinner with family and friends. The couple was married on Aug. 19, 1967, at Church of the Assumption, Topeka. Their sons are: Jeff and Justin. They also have five grandchildren.

Carol (Jones) and Claire Kuckelman, members of St. Paul Parish, Olathe, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with family. The couple was married on Sept.

2, 1957, at Holy Name Church, Topeka, by Father John Croughwell. Their children are: John, Kris, Dean and Karl. They also have 18 grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

Frosh looks forward to Didde opportunities >> Continued from page 3 experience,” she continued. “I think it will really help me meet new people that go to ESU, and it will help me continue to learn more about my faith.”

Under the leadership of chaplain and director Father Nick Blaha, Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) missionaries and student outreach ministers, the center is a place for students to make lasting friendships and join in on faith-based activities.

It’s the perfect complement for Emporia State — a secular school with a smalltown feel.

“I chose to attend Emporia State because the first time I visited it I immediately fell in love with the hometown atmosphere that it has, and everyone that I

have met are very friendly,” said Moylan.

“The school has a lot of opportunities for me to get involved on campus and in the community, which is one thing I am very excited about,” she added.

Like many incoming college freshmen, Moylan has her older sister Maria, a junior at Emporia State, to look to for guidance.

Maria is involved at the Didde Center and will be running a Bible study this year.

“I am very excited to join that,” said Moylan.

Moylan is also looking forward to attending the FOCUS SEEK conferences, as well as a DCCC retreat at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg.

Moylan admits she attends Mass at Immaculate Conception — her home parish — but isn’t as involved as she

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hopes to be in Emporia.

“That’s why I am excited to attend the Didde Catholic Campus Center,” she said, “because I feel like there will be more opportunities for me to get involved.”

Catholic centers like DCCC offer convenient Mass and confession times with college schedules in mind.

They also bring young people together through retreats, intramural sports and small group Bible studies.

Moylan, like many of her peers, is grateful to have a place like DCCC to call home.

“By participating in the events at Didde, I hope to become better in my faith and closer to God,” said Moylan.

“I think it will be a great opportunity to meet new people and hopefully make some lifelong friendships,” she said.

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SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

16

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

Four-year-old Jose Armendariz (far right) is finding no comfort in the crayon offered him by preschool director Angela Rockers or the concern of his new classmates Isaac Felix (near left) and Xavier Osorio. Our Lady of Unity Early Education Center in Kansas City, Kansas, opened its doors for the first time on Aug. 23 to new 3- and 4-year-olds classes.

KCK parish transforms old convent into new preschool

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — What was once an old convent occupied by Benedictine Sisters now sports bright-colored walls and rings with the laughter of preschool-aged children.

The old convent is now a brand new early education center, where Our Lady of Unity School in Kansas City, Kansas, will hold preschool and kindergarten classes.

The program’s first 3- and 4-yearold students received a warm welcome Aug. 23 at the school founded by principal Nancy Butters and director of early education Angela Rockers.

“We wanted to give our parishioners and the Catholic families in this community an opportunity to put their kids in a preschool that’s faith-based,” said Butters.

“We will be able to provide [them] the academic curriculum but, more importantly, that foundation for them to be able to join in prayer services and Mass,” she added.

The building, known as St. Scholastica Hall, now has a kindergarten room in the lower level with a preschool room in the upper level.

Rockers, previously a fifth-grade teacher at the school, will be the sole preschool teacher and will have help from a para who is bilingual and will bounce between the kindergarten classroom and the preschool.

The idea for the early education center originated with Butters who, from the time she started at Our Lady of Unity four years ago, wanted to make several updates to the school.

“We are the only Catholic Wyandotte County school that didn’t have a preschool,” she said.

The fundraising efforts of staff members like Janet Schlake, development

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Our Lady of Unity School principal Nancy Butters (left) and director of early education Angela Rockers sit in the former Benedictine Sisters convent that houses Our Lady of Unity’s new early education center. director at Our Lady of Unity, were instrumental in making the dream a reality, said Butters.

Schlake raised over $100,000 that went toward the building’s remodel.

The donations, matched with the construction work of Butters’ husband Bob, transformed the old convent into a beautiful building ideal for young students.

“I think classroom environment is one of the most important things in education,” said Rockers.

“If a child can feel comfortable, at home, excited and relaxed all at the same time, then they have an optimal learning experience,” she said.

According to Butters, Rockers is the perfect person to make the first year a positive one.

“She is a very organized and meticulous kind of person,” said Butters, “and starting up a new program is a big job.”

Rockers has already demonstrated her dedication by working alongside Butters all summer to prepare for the students’ arrival.

The pair had their work cut out for them, thanks to the generosity of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, Our Lady of Unity’s sister parish in the Companions in Faith program.

St. Michael parishioners were asked to donate items to the new preschool, and they quickly responded with a plethora of supplies.

Several parishioners even plan on volunteering at the preschool throughout the school year.

Their generosity has shown Butters and Rockers what a unique relationship the two parishes share.

“Starting a new program like this is very expensive,” said Butters. “We certainly appreciate the donations and the

resources they have provided.”

“Having the networking and the relationship is what the Companions in Faith is all about,” she added.

Butters, Rockers and their families meticulously sifted through the supplies as they set up the classroom with their students in mind.

“In being selective, we’re telling the students that they’re important and they’re special, and we want their place to be special,” said Butters.

“We want them to know that they deserve it and we are willing to provide it for them,” she said.

Butters and Rockers have already received encouraging feedback from parishioners about the preschool.

“Knowing that a youthful program [is here] brought a very excited vibe into the church,” said Rockers. “So hopefully, that will trickle out into the community.”

But Rockers is most focused on providing a strong foundation of faith for these young students.

“For me as a teacher, [the best part] is being able to provide opportunities for them to grow spiritually, and educating not just their mind but the whole person,” she said.

Butters has high hopes for the longterm impact the school will have.

“When you go into education, you hope to change the world,” said Butters.

Opening the preschool reminds her of the story about a boy standing on the beach, throwing starfish back into the ocean.

“A man comes and says, ‘Why are you doing that? There’s no way you can save all these starfish,’” said Butters.

“But the boy says, ‘I saved that one, and I saved that one.’”

“We all go into this thinking, hoping and praying that we’ll be able to make a difference,” said Butters. “I suppose it’s yet to be seen the difference we may make.

“But that’s the goal.”