09-09-11 Vol. 33 No. 5

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 33, NO. 5 SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

Remembering

9/11

Attorney still feels the pain of his brother’s death Story by Joe Bollig | Photo by Lori Wood Habiger

Jason Salinardi’s brother Richie was killed when the second plane hit the south tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11. Jason wears Richie’s watch as a reminder of the brother he lost.

R

ichie Salinardi Jr. could have pushed his way onto a crowded elevator, but he didn’t. In an act of graciousness, he yielded to others.

After the attack on World Trade Center 1, people in World Trade Center 2 (the south tower) began to evacuate. The 32-year-old married Salinardi was Aramark Corporation’s general manager of food services on the observation deck. He generally worked between the 102nd and 104th floors of the 110-story building.

Salinardi, his co-workers and others made it to a sky lobby on the 78th floor in the process of evacuating. One witness remembers him saying he’d catch the next one. When last seen, he was chatting and joking with a co-worker.

Before the elevator would return, however, United Airlines Flight 175 hit the south tower between the 78th and 84th

floors at 9:03 a.m.

Most of those who worked above the impact zone survived because they’d evacuated before the jet struck. In fact, only a handful escaped from above the zone after the jet struck. Although it would not be certain for a time, Salinardi was not among them.

Battalion Chief Orio Plamer and members of Ladder Company 15 made it to the 78th floor sky lobby at 9:52 a.m., where they discovered numerous civilians, many wounded.

Before the firefighters could rescue them, World Trade Center 2 (south tower) collapsed at 9:59 a.m.

Meanwhile that day, Jason Salinardi, Richie’s little brother, had just begun his second semester at the University of Missouri School of Law in Columbia, Mo. Jason Salinardi had just finished a

Turn to WATCH on page 8

Also inside • A military pilot recounts flying a rescue team to New Jersey the day after the attacks.

Page 7 • Couple recalls how quickly “a gorgeous day turned dark.” Page 7 • A young businessman watched the drama unfold from his Manhattan office. Page 8 • People reflect on how 9/11 changed the world we live in. Pages 8-9

2 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

D

Chance encounter underlines importance of the priesthood

uring August, I had the opportunity to visit the Apostles of the Interior Life in Italy, the Community of the Lamb in France, and participate in World Youth Day in Spain.

In the coming months, I hope to share through this column some of the inspiration and insights gained from this three-week pilgrimage. an airline ticket home. By the time the On Aug. 2, I flew from Kansas City to commandant for the academy had Philadelphia to catch a flight to Venice, returned, there was no time for him Italy. In Philadelphia, I had a more than to look into the matter without delaythree-hour layover. The gate area for ing the flight back to Liberia which my my flight was very congested and noisy. airport acquaintance was unwilling to After surveying the vicinity, I noticed a do — afraid this would only further nearby area that was practically vacant. provoke the embassy staff as well as his I hoped to pray a good portion of my superior officers back home. breviary and to begin reading one of the As you might imagine, the man was books that I brought with me. extremely upset. He was returning to As I got my carry-on luggage situated his country in disgrace. His military and sat down, I noticed a man seated superiors were angry with him for being about 20 feet from me who seemed to dismissed from the program. He told be staring at me. I attempted at first me that Americans were greatly renot to make eye contact. However, as spected in Liberia. He doubted anyone I opened my breviary and glanced up, would believe his version of the events. the man was still staring right at me. I The best he could closed my prayer book hope for was a demoand asked the man: ‘The Shepherd’s Voice’ tion, which was unac“Is there something I ceptable to him. It can do for you?” programming notes would take him years Immediately, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s to regain his current the man got up and radio program on KEXS 1090 AM rank. He could not sat next to me. He airs at 10 a.m. on Sunday and is understand how this began by apologizing repeated at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday had all happened to if anything he was and 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. him so quickly. about to say seemed It was impossible inappropriate. He for me to know the actual facts of what then asked: “In America, is it possible to had happened. Something evidently commit sexual harassment by just makmotivated the female officer to lodge a ing a phone call?” I had been preparing complaint. Sadly, it is quite possible that myself for some of the usual questions he was the victim of racism. that priests are asked, but this was not The man was not requesting anyon my list. I told him that it depended thing from me. He was not asking for upon what was said in the phone confinancial assistance or for me to try to versation. intervene on his behalf. He evidently He proceeded to tell me that he was just wanted to talk about what had a native of Liberia and served in his happened and was hoping that I could nation’s military. He had been sent to help him make some sense of the whole participate in a course being offered at matter. the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. A few The man was not a Catholic. He had evenings before, he had called a female been raised a Methodist, but was not officer, who was participating in the actively practicing his faith. He admired same program. She did not answer, so the Catholic bishop in Liberia, because he left a voice mail saying that he had he had the courage to stand up to the been thinking about her and wished her dictator who had done so much harm to a good night. his nation during its recent civil war.

A few days later, he was summoned I encouraged the man to do his best to a hearing before a military tribunal. to defend his good name upon his He was informed that he had been return to Liberia. Perhaps, the comaccused of sexual harassment. He was manding officer of the academy could provided with no legal representation. be asked to conduct a further invesThe commanding officer for the acadetigation of the incident as well as the my was away. The officer presiding over process by which it was adjudicated. the hearing, for reasons this man did Sadly, the man kept becoming more and not understand, had manifested some more agitated as he recalled the events hostility toward him since he arrived at that had brought him to this premature the academy. He said that he had never return to his homeland. I did not sense experienced racial prejudice before, but that our conversation was helping him suspected that this man did not like him very much. because he was black.

I was wearing the pectoral cross that The hearing resulted in his dismissal Cardinal Christoph Schönborn had from the academy. His embassy had given to me when he visited the Little been contacted and provided him with

Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar Sept. 2-3 Wedding, St. Louis Sept. 3 Anniversary of episcopal ordination Sept. 4 40th anniversary reunion — Cardinal Glennon College

Sept. 11 Mass and Installation of Father Michael Stubbs — Holy Cross, Overland Park Sept. 12 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Pro Life Committee meeting, Washington DC Sept. 14 Donnelly College Board meeting

Sept. 6 Administrative Team meeting

Donnelly scholarship dinner

The Catholic Way taping

Sept. 15 Convocation of Parish Ministries, opening prayer and talk

Hayden High School auction dinner Sept. 7 School of Faith board meeting Confirmation, St. Bernard, Wamego, and St. Joseph, Flush, at Wamego Sept. 8 Installation of Archbishop Charles Chaput, Philadelphia

Meeting with Vocation Advisory Committee Confirmation — Holy Family, Eudora Sept. 16-19 Knights of the Holy Sepulcher Northern Lieutenancy annual meeting — Sioux Falls, S.D.

Sept. 9 Mundelein Seminary board meeting

Archbishop Keleher’s

Opening Mass, Mundelein Seminary

Sept. 3-4 Masses — Curé of Ars

Sept. 10 Retreat, Apostles of the Interior Life Women’s Retreat Archdiocesan CYO Mass Inaugural dinner for new leadership of St. James Academy Sisters of the Lamb in Kansas City, Kan. Etched on the front of the cross is a depiction of the Lamb with a pole topped by a cross and a pennant. I showed the man the cross and asked him: “Do you know who the Lamb is?” He replied by asking: “Jesus?” I said to him: “Yes! Jesus was a victim of our sin. He was the lamb who was sacrificed for us so that we could have abundant and eternal life.” The man nodded.

I turned the cross over and showed him the words etched in Latin — “Vulneratus diligere nunquam desinam” — which translate into English: “Wounded, I will never cease to love.”

This is the beautiful motto for the Community of the Lamb. Even though he could not control whether or not others would believe him, he knew the truth of the matter and, in this, he could find peace. While he had every reason to be angry, I counseled him if he allowed this anger to dominate him, then he would continue to be victimized by those who had treated him unjustly.

I referred him to the story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis whose brothers had treated him so unjustly by selling

weekly calendar

Sept. 6-8 Teach class — Mundelein Seminary Sept. 9 Anniversary of installation as archbishop of Kansas City, Kan. him into slavery. Yet, God eventually turned their injustice into a good for Joseph and his family. I assured him that God could do the same for him, if he drew close to Jesus, the lamb, who gave his life for us.

I was not certain how this man would receive my counsel, but he seemed truly grateful and much less agitated. I prayed for him and blessed him. I gave him my email if I could help him in the future.

I was deeply moved by this encounter and continue to pray for this man. Our conversation was a dramatic reminder to me of the importance of the priesthood. This man believed he had been gravely injured by a white American.

Here I was a white American, but, because I was a priest, he felt safe to approach me.

This experience also made me grateful again for my association with the Community of the Lamb. “Wounded, I will never cease to love” is a beautiful and powerful summary of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, a follower of the lamb. Striving to live this motto in the challenges of everyday life is truly the heart of the Christian life.

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SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

NEW MATH: Subtraction leads to all positives

Xavier School consolidates all grade levels onto one campus in Leavenworth

By Jessica Langdon Leaven staff

LEAVENWORTH — Multiply Nine times five, then divide by four. Now, multiply that answer by two.

And there you have the basic math problem Van and Cathy Nine of Lansing had to work out every day last school year.

Yes, the Nine family had to figure out how to get their five kids to four different school campuses every morning.

And home again in the afternoon.

The couple’s two older children — Van, a senior, and Emily, a sophomore — go to Immaculata High School in Leavenworth.

And then you have Elena, Hannah and the youngest — Elizabeth, who goes by Lizzie. While all three sisters are students at Xavier, their ages worked out so each girl’s classroom was at a different campus.

“We did the preschool campus, and we did the middle school campus, and the intermediate school campus,” said Cathy Nine.

And the Nines certainly weren’t the only ones with multiple stops to make.

Cathy suspects quite a few parents of larger families know the feeling of running a few minutes later than they normally would because of the travel time between schools.

“It was a challenge,” she said.

That’s how it worked in Leavenworth for decades, however, since several parish schools merged into one. While Xavier was one school in name, its grades were split among the school buildings the parishes didn’t want to leave sitting empty.

Not only did it entail more work for some of the families, it meant tripling up on utility bills, equipment, supplies, and, in some cases, personnel.

With the start of this new school year, though, those days are gone.

Xavier, at last, has all of its kindergartners through eighth-graders under one roof.

“I was really excited to hear everybody was going to be in the same place,” said Nine.

The community gathered Aug. 20 for a dedication of the new Xavier site. It’s the former Muncie School building in southern Leavenworth, and its 16 acres boast plenty of possibilities.

Although a single campus had been under consideration for years, when the Muncie building came up for sale, community members knew they would still have their work cut out for them. It took a capital campaign and every supporter they could muster — including parents, teachers, staff, and volunteers — working tirelessly to make it happen.

But happen it did, and the new Xavier building opened its doors to students on Aug. 24.

One of the first things you see walking into the building is the brand-new

Leaven photos by Doug Hesse

Father Phil Winklebauer, pastor of Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish in Leavenworth, blesses the new Xavier Elementary School during a ceremony on Aug. 20.

Sister Jeanne Marie Zeugin, 96, chats with Xavier second-grader Adrianna Lowe, 7, in the gym of the new Xavier School. Sister Jeanne Marie attended Leavenworth schools in her childhood.

chapel. It’s just one piece designed to give the building a distinctly Catholic identity.

“It’s just beautiful,” said Barbara Ferrara, president of Leavenworth regional Catholic schools.

But it was what she saw inside the chapel on the first day of school that stopped her in her tracks.

A dad was kneeling in the chapel, praying.

“That’s what it’s all about,” said Ferrara. “To see a father there, kneeling and praying. . . . It really brought tears to my eyes to see that.”

The chapel seats about 50, and parents are welcome to come in and use it for prayer and adoration. Father David McEvoy, O.Carm, pastor of Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Church in Leavenworth, has volunteered to celebrate class Masses there on a regular basis.

Ferrara imagines the students will use the chapel for everything from learning church etiquette to preparing for sacraments.

From the chapel to the cross to the artwork, the new school witnesses to the Catholic faith, believes Nine.

“I think that’s a very critical part of

the whole experience,” she said. “That’s why we send our children to Catholic school, so they can experience being Catholic, and experience having that relationship with God.” Ferrara loved watching older brothers and sisters walk in on the first day of school holding younger siblings’ hands.

Sixth-grader Hannah and eighthgrader Elena each held one of kindergartner Lizzie’s hands.

“They go in with her every day,” said Nine, and that makes Lizzie excited to go to school.

The older grade levels will now have chances to mentor the littler ones. Father Phil Winkelbauer, pastor of Sacred Heart-St. Casimir in Leavenworth, is thrilled about that.

Those opportunities were rare before, when the only time all the grades were together were for the four allschool Masses.

Father Winkelbauer noticed that element missing when he came to the city eight years ago.

“When I was growing up, the older kids helped the younger kids because we were all in one building,” he said.

Some of that was lost with the grade

levels split like they were, because the “top dogs” in one of the buildings were just in second-grade themselves.

“All sorts of learning happens between the older ones and the younger ones,” said Father Winkelbauer.

Thinking of the learning that will take place within these walls during the years to come, he went out and bought votive candles and small dishes for salt for each classroom. They are to be visible reminders, he said, to teachers and students alike that they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

That, in fact, was the message of the Gospel, which was read at the dedication prayer for the new school on Aug. 20.

Several events that day celebrated a new era for Xavier.

Father John Riley, archdiocesan chancellor, celebrated a Mass for volunteers at the school’s chapel.

A back-to-school Mass was held at Sacred Heart Church, Leavenworth.

A picnic and open house followed the Masses, and then families gathered for prayer and a blessing of the school.

During the ceremony, Father Winkelbauer, Father David and Father William McEvoy, pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing and chaplain of Saint Mary College in Leavenworth, blessed the building.

“What we learn here will teach us to follow the light, which is Jesus, and to be the salt of the earth,” said Father Winkelbauer.

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Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com

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.

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THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

DECREE OF ALTERATION

S

Community of the Lamb breaks ground

for Assumption Parish, Edgerton, and Sacred Heart Parish, Gardner

ince it was founded in 1857, the Catholic faithful of Assumption Church in Edgerton, and since it was founded in 1875, the Catholic faithful of Sacred Heart in Gardner have been served at their respective churches and facilities.

In recent decades, however, due to shifting demographics, fewer priests and the increased ease of travel for most families, a number of parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas that had previously thrived, were closed or merged so that the limited available resources might be better utilized in serving all of the faithful of northeast Kansas and continue the commission given by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples and serve others in his name.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has for many years conducted regional pastoral planning processes for the various parts of the 21 counties that comprise the Archdiocese in order to use the limited resources of the church wisely and effectively and to help build vibrant sacramental, spiritual, devotional and communal life in our parishes. Sometimes the planning process suggests altering parishes or reducing them in number.

On Aug. 12, 2010, a task force convened with members from five parishes: St. Patrick (Scranton), St. Francis of Assisi (Lapeer), St. Patrick (Osage City), Annunciation (Baldwin City), and Assumption (Edgerton), the purpose of which was to examine the vitality of each parish and establish goals and objectives for the future of each parish. Task force members of Edgerton and Baldwin City also met independently from the full task force to address issues unique to their two parishes under the leadership of a single pastor.

Recent trends for Assumption pointed to a declining parish census and declining parish

involvement outside of Sunday Mass.

Also, the Assumption Church and rectory are in need of significant improvements and repairs. Residents of Edgerton more naturally travel to the city of Gardner, three miles to the northeast, than to Baldwin City, 10 miles west. Edgerton youth attend school in the Gardner school district. Gardner is also closer to Edgerton for shopping, entertainment and recreation.

Sacred Heart Parish (Gardner) built a new church 4.9 miles from Assumption Church at the western edge of Gardner with a seating capacity of 950 and a master plan for further expansion. Sacred Heart offers a full range of programs and ministries, as a large parish with considerable resources. Eventually, an early childhood program and school may become feasible and would not only be desirable to young families, but also an important component in furthering the mission of the church.

After several task force meetings, pastoral council meetings, and three open parish meetings, the pastoral council of Assumption Parish recommended on March 16, 2011, to pastor Father Brandon Farrar that Assumption Parish merge with Sacred Heart Parish. Father Farrar studied this proposal with Father Joseph Cramer, pastor of Sacred Heart, who, after meeting with Sacred Heart Parish leadership, agreed this was a wise use of resources to be recommended to Archbishop Naumann for consideration.

After having heard the Presbyteral Council on this matter at its May 25, 2011, meeting at the chancery offices, according to Canon 515.2 of the Code of Canon Law, and after much prayer and personal reflection, consultation with diocesan administrative leadership, and input from local pastors, I hereby take the following action: Assumption Parish (Edgerton) and Sacred

Heart Parish (Gardner) are consolidated into one parish under the new name of Divine Mercy Parish, effective September 1, 2011.

The geographic boundaries of Divine Mercy Parish shall be as follows: North Boundary: Starting at the intersection of the Douglas/Johnson County Line at W. 143rd St., then east along W. 143rd to Moonlight Rd., then proceeding south on Moonlight Rd. to W. 151st St., then east along a line consistent with W. 151st to Clare Rd., then south on Clare Rd. to W. 167th St., then east on W. 167th St. to U.S. 169 Hwy. East Boundary: U.S. 169 Hwy. starting at W. 167th St. in southwest Johnson County, south to the intersection of U.S. 169 Hwy. and W. 247th St. in Miami County South Boundary: Starting at the intersection of U.S. 169 Hwy and W. 247th St. in Miami County, then west along a line consistent with W. 247th St. to a north-south line consistent with Waverly Rd. (Hillsdale Lake), then south along that line to W. 255th St. and west along W. 255th St. to a north-south line consistent with the Douglas/Johnson County Line Rd.

respective parishes shall be retained at the Sacred Heart Church site of Divine Mercy Parish where they will be faithfully and carefully preserved.

All assets and liabilities of Assumption Parish and of Sacred Heart Parish shall be transferred to Divine Mercy Parish, whether movable or immovable. The intentions of donors shall be observed in accord with canon law.

I invite the support of Father Farrar and Father Cramer in assisting the parishioners of Assumption Church and Sacred Heart Church as they integrate into Divine Mercy Parish and appeal to the parishioners to work enthusiastically with their pastor to build a vibrant and prayerful parish where the Gospel is proclaimed and lived joyfully and fruitfully. With the help of Almighty God, the aid of the prayers of the Immaculate Blessed Virgin Mary, patroness of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, and the hope of the message of Divine Mercy, may the truth and love of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, be made evermore present in the lives and hearts of the faithful, our families, parishes and communities.

Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann Archbishop

West Boundary: Starting at W. 255th St. in Miami County, at a point where it intersects a north-south line consistent with the Douglas/Johnson County Line, then north from W. 255th St. along the Douglas/Johnson County Line to W. 143rd St.

Given at the chancery offices in Kansas City, Kansas on the 31st day of August 2011.

All registers containing records of baptisms, confirmations, marriages and burials hitherto preserved and maintained at the

Rev. John A. Riley, Chancellor

DECREE OF ALTERATION

O

for Annunciation Parish, Baldwin City; Sacred Heart Parish, Ottawa; and Holy Trinity Parish, Paola

n Sept. 1, 2011, Assumption Parish (Edgerton) and Sacred Heart Parish (Gardner) were altered by decree resulting in their merger into a new parish under the name of Divine Mercy Parish with newly defined territorial boundaries.

In consultations leading up to the merger of these two parishes, and to better facilitate the alteration, recommendations were also received to alter the territorial boundaries of nearby parishes.

After having heard the Presbyteral Council on this matter at its May 25, 2011, meeting at the chancery offices, according to Canon 515.2 of the Code of Canon Law, and after much prayer and personal reflection, consultation with diocesan administrative leadership, and input from local pastors, I hereby take the following action:

then west along N. 900 Rd. to a north-south line consistent with E. 1300 Rd. (½ mile east of 59 Hwy.).

For Sacred Heart Parish (Ottawa) I add to the eastern boundary the following territory: eight square miles, outlined as follows:

West Boundary (unchanged): Starting from the intersection of Douglas County N. 900 Rd. and a north-south line consistent with E. 1300 Rd. (½ mile east of 59 Hwy.), south to an east-west line consistent with Shawnee Rd. in Franklin County.

Bordered on the north by W. 255th St.; on the west by the Franklin/Miami County Line; on the south by W. 287th St. and on the east by Pressonville Rd. in Miami County

South Boundary: Starting at the intersection of a northsouth line consistent with E. 1300 Rd. (½ mile east of 59 Hwy.) and Shawnee Rd. in Franklin County, east along Shawnee Rd. to Ohio Rd., then south 2 miles to Reno Rd. then east on Reno Rd. to a north-south line consistent with the Douglas/Johnson County Line Rd.

For Holy Trinity Parish (Paola) I add to the western boundary the following territory: eight square miles, outlined as follows:

For Annunciation Parish (Baldwin City) I establish the following boundaries:

East Boundary: Starting at the intersection of W. 143rd St. in southwest Johnson County and the Douglas/Johnson County Line Rd. (E. 2400 Rd.), then south along County Line Rd. and continuing in a north-south line to Reno Rd. in Franklin County.

North Boundary: Starting at the intersection of W. 143rd St. in southwest Johnson County and the Douglas/Johnson County Line Rd. (E. 2400 Rd.),

Bordered on the north by W. 255th St. in Miami County; on the east by Bethel Church Rd.; on the south by W. 287th St. and on the west by Pressonville Rd.

I invite the support of the local pastors in welcoming and assisting new parishioners and appeal to parishioners to work enthusiastically with their pastors to build vibrant and prayerful parishes where the Gospel is

LOCAL NEWS 5

proclaimed and lived joyfully and fruitfully.

With the help of Almighty God and the aid of the prayers of the Immaculate Blessed Virgin Mary, patroness of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, may the truth and love of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, be made evermore present in the lives and hearts of the faithful, our families, our parishes and our communities.

Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann Archbishop Given at the chancery offices in Kansas City, Kansas on this 1st day of September 2011.

New monastery will reflect order’s simple lifestyle

By John Heuertz

Special to The Leaven

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — “If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor.”

With these words, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann opened a groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 27 for a new monastery for the Community of the Lamb, a group of Dominican religious founded in France in 1963.

“Lumen Christi” — the “Light of Christ” — located at 36 S. Boeke St. in Kansas City, Kan., will be the community’s first monastery in North America.

Six Sisters and three Brothers make up the current Community of the Lamb in the archdiocese. The new complex will have individual rooms, or “cells,” for four Sisters, up to three people interested in joining the community, and three Brothers or guests.

“We told the archbishop we’d keep one open for him all the time, and I think he might come and use it,” said Mike Book of Shawnee, one of the community’s lay supporters.

Dominicans, like Franciscans, traditionally take a very minimalist approach to material comforts. This cornerstone of the Dominican mindset is reflected in the new monastery’s design.

“It will be like what the Sisters have put in their residence now: all simple woodwork,” said Book. “The new monastery buildings will have low ceilings and be very simple and modest.”

Nearly 800 years ago, St. Dominic specified that his new followers live in buildings that were very low to the ground, with low attics and low ceilings. Dominic wanted very well-trained and utterly orthodox preachers — but also ones that the poorest members of society could relate to.

A chapel in the center of the new complex will have low walls and a low ceiling, and be enclosed with four wings of cells. At about 80 square feet per cell in which to live, pray, read and sleep, the new monastery’s planning also reflects the fourfold Dominican charism of prayer, study, community and preaching.

Building permits and code considerations have slowed progress thus far. But at Saturday’s groundbreaking, Mayor Joe Reardon promised the full cooperation of city officials in helping the community get the kind of buildings it wants, while still complying with city regulations.

The Sisters now live in the former St. Benedict Church rectory, built around

Leaven photos by Elaina Cochran

s Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blesses the ground where the new monastery for the Community of the Lamb, a group of Dominican religious, will be built. Assisting the archbishop is Little Brother Clement, an acolyte in the order.

Behind them are Little Sisters Bénédicte (far left), Aude (partiality obscured), Lucie, Alma, and Msgr. Gary Applegate, master of ceremonies.

Little Brothers Christophe (left) and Clement perform a skit for those who attended the groundbreaking. The skit was based on the Scripture passage about building a house on rock (Mt 7: 24-27).

s

4 LOCAL NEWS

1930. The Brothers rent a house on the next block. Plans call for the rectory to be razed and its foundation reused for a new building with meeting rooms, a kitchen and a refectory.

“When I first met the Little Sisters, one of them took me outside and asked me if I could see the monastery,” said the archbishop.

“I thought, ‘We’re looking at a vacant lot. What have I gotten myself into?” he

continued. “But I can see it today.”

Original cost estimates were about $1.2 million for the project, most of which the Sisters raised in 18 months.

But contractors are now bidding in the $2 million range.

The community decided to go ahead with the groundbreaking anyway, Book said, “and have confidence that God is going to provide.”

“Usually, we’d have all the permis-

TOUCH OF HEAVEN

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sions and the plan for the money in place first,” said Archbishop Naumann.

“But I’m confident we can raise the rest with God’s grace, and I assure the mayor we mean no disrespect.”

“Everything is a little unorthodox about the Little Sisters,” he explained.

“Not in teaching or way or life, but in the total way they follow Christ.”

The mayor was equally enthusiastic.

“I am so appreciative that the Little Sisters have chosen Kansas City, Kansas, as their place to spread God’s word,” Mayor Reardon said.

“Thank you, Sisters,” he added, “for letting us be part of it.”

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Major Tom Kroh flew one of the first planes to take to the air after 9/11, taking a rescue team to New Jersey. Kroh recalls the eerie feeling of flying empty skies.

Pilot was one of the few in the air Sept. 12 W

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or the U.S. military, Sept. 11, 2001, began at DEFCON 5 — defense readiness condition five, the lowest. Just a normal, easygoing day, perfect for military training.

But before the day was over, they’d be at DEFCON 4 — one step before war readiness.

Major Tom Kroh, a C-130 pilot, was teaching a class of aircrew members in combat operations at the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, outside St. Joseph, Mo. “We were on a break when someone said, ‘Hey, turn on the TV. Someone flew into the twin towers,’” said Kroh, a member of St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park.

Initially, they thought it was an accident. After all, a B-25 Mitchell bomber lost in the fog crashed into the north side of the Empire State Building in 1945.

Class resumed, but soon after someone came in and told them a second plane had crashed into a second building.

Obviously, this was no accident.

Members of the class — aircrew members from across the nation — began calling their commanders. The center shut down operations.

“We sent every aircrew home to be in crew rest, ready to fly, and put some crews on two-hour alerts for anything that would have to be moved,” said Kroh.

“For most of us, the initial reaction was frustration,” said Kroh. “We didn’t know what happened. We didn’t know who did it. We couldn’t strike back.

We couldn’t have stopped it to begin with, and we knew nothing.”

It was hurry up and wait — for information, for orders, for action. Later at home that night, the phone rang. Kroh, who also flies as part of the 139th Airlift Wing, got his orders.

The next morning, Sept. 12, Kroh flew a civilian rescue team comprised of 20 people and four dogs from Whiteman Air Force Base, near Warrensburg, Mo., to McGuire Air Force Base in central New Jersey. The civilians were headed to the World Trade Center.

And the flight was like nothing he’d ever seen before.

“The sky was pretty much empty,” said Kroh. “There were some military control aircraft, but that was it.

We basically flew on a war footing

with defensive systems and military identification on, similar to flying combat.”

They flew over one of the busiest airports in the nation, O’Hare International in Chicago, and there was no one on the radio except them and the air traffic controller. It was eerie.

“Usually the crew jokes around, but this time everyone was dead silent for three-and-a-half hours there and back,” said Kroh.

“I remember the dogs well,” he continued. “Due to where they were going, we let the dogs walk around.

Usually we cage them up.”

New York City was too far away to see the smoke, but he didn’t have to see it to know what was waiting for the civilians and the dogs.

The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 changed Kroh’s life. He would be deployed twice to war zones — once to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. Many of the missions he flew during deployments were to transport injured Iraqis and Afghans, humanitarian acts that he hopes will serve as a witness to the United States’ humanitarian intent.

The first anniversary of 9/11 was very raw, but, in more recent years.

Kroh says he has faced that time with prayer and introspection.

“I really don’t do anything special [for the anniversary], but I take the time to pray and reflect,” he said. “I look to God and my faith to guide me through and to give me solace: ‘God, help me to do my best, and thy will be done.’”

uesday, Sept. 11, 2001, was a morning for the Dunlea family to sleep in late — Ray and Molly, as well as their kids: three-yearold Michela and Kay, a few months old.

The Dunleas lived in familyfriendly Stuyvesant Town, a neighborhood located between 14th and 23rd Streets beside the East River in Manhattan.

Molly, a nurse, had worked late the previous day and was tired.

So was Ray, who owned a couple of taverns.

Both were blissfully unaware of the horror story unfolding only three miles away, until Molly’s brother in Kansas called to tell them that two aircraft had crashed into the World Trade Center.

Upon hearing the news, the couple hurried to the roof and looked south. Sure enough, they saw billows of black smoke and heard the wails of sirens echoing through the buildings.

Molly didn’t need to be told what to do. She pulled on her scrubs and left immediately to take her post in the emergency room at Beth Israel Medical Center, a two-minute walk from their apartment at East 20th and First Avenue. Ray stayed behind with the girls.

“It was a gorgeous day, beautiful,” recalled Molly. “I didn’t know what I was walking into.”

When she got to Beth Israel, it was already in full emergency mode.

“I just walked in and said, ‘Where do I go?’” said Molly.

“Outside were lines of doctors — every head of every department — to greet ambulances.

They’d look in and tag patients.

There was a washing station that every patient went through.

The ER was chaotic, but very organized.”

People came in with burns, respiratory problems and broken bones. The hospital took whoever came. The patients, like the ambulances that brought them, were covered in dust and debris.

News came in bits and snatches from police, fire and ambulance personnel.

“We treated . . . and nobody knew what was going on,” she said. “Nobody knew why it

Turn to “THE INJURED” on page 8

Society changed

“That day has pretty much changed society as a whole. . . . It literally changed everything — getting on an airplane, what police departments have to prepare for, the way they have to prepare, the way in which catastrophic events are responded to. . . . It prompted the government to release some money to put some extra funding into equipment and training for different police departments.”

— Overland Park Police Department Public Information Officer Matthew Bregel

A tragedy made us aware . . .

“It just made me realize how vulnerable we — the United States — are to terrorism, how precious life is. Before all this, we saw terrorism around the world and never thought it could happen to us . . . and it did.

We’re much more aware of it now.”

— Capt. Tim Mahoney, Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department, member of St. Patrick Parish

Attacks lead young man back home

T

here are always plenty of unusual things to see in New York City, but even there a high-rise fire is a rare sight.

Andrew O’Hara was in a routine business meeting of his firm, Lizard Ltd., near the top of 30 Rockefeller Center when, suddenly, someone glanced out of the south-facing conference room window and said, “Oh, my gosh, look at the World Trade Center!”

From 30 Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan it was easy to see the World Trade Center at the southern tip of the island — and the thick, black smoke pouring from the center of the one of the two WTC towers.

With the meeting adjourned, O’Hara decided to buy a camera to document the unusual — even historic — event.

“I was standing in the lobby waiting for the elevator,” he recalled.

“I heard a woman, standing by the window, start to scream. I looked over and saw the second explosion.”

He looked out the window

toward the towers and saw black smoke rising and thousands of glittering metal and glass shards falling. It was the second plane hitting the south tower, World Trade Center 2.

He returned to his desk to find his boss telling everyone to leave immediately. A coworker in the lobby stopped him and asked about “the accident.”

“I didn’t know anything about al-Qaida or Osama bin Laden, but even then I said, ‘I don’t think anyone thinks this is an accident,” said O’Hara, now a member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park.

As he exited the building, he could see the “TODAY” show being broadcast from outside, with all monitors focused on the World Trade Center. During his short walk home, he saw both shock and fear in people’s faces.

“I lived near a bridge, on Second Avenue near the [Queensboro] Bridge, from Manhattan to Queens,” said O’Hara. “The entire seven-lane street was filled with people walking up the street — no cars. That was very strange.”

Within a short time, all the tunnels, subways, bridges and ferries were closed. At one point, in an attempt to get some sense of what was going on, O’Hara strapped on

Story by Joe Bollig Photo by Elaina Cochran

his roller blades and skated as far downtown as he could get. There he encountered a line two miles long of people trying to get to New Jersey, and an even longer line of emergency vehicles waiting to be deployed downtown.

“There were rumors, and people evacuated on their own, because they didn’t know what to believe,” said O’Hara. “They didn’t want to take the risk of sticking around.”

Mercifully, he didn’t know anyone who died in the attacks — or even anyone who lost a loved one.

But he eventually moved back to home to Kansas, partly to be closer to his family.

“I think, subconsciously, I decided that it was not worth living a life without family around,” he said.

“I needed time to enjoy and be with them.”

He’ll never forget those days in New York, but with each passing year, the anniversary of 9/11 becomes less difficult.

“I would say, in the long term, I have an improved appreciation for my life, and the feeling of truly being blessed,” said O’Hara. “Every [anniversary] I get very emotional.

“I view it now as a time to set aside and to pray and be thankful for all that I have, that God has given me.”

By Jessica Langdon Leaven staff

Trust in God’s plan

“Our freshmen were in third grade when this happened. . . . Our students have grown up with war, brought on by this tragedy in New York City and Washington, D.C., brought on by 9/11. And for our students, it’s constantly before them.

They know people who have joined the military out of high school or out of college, or their brothers or sisters have done this. . . . A lot of them probably don’t remember a lot pre-9/11. For our students, it’s a way of life as opposed to a change. . . . I’m hoping that if good comes out of 9/11, it’s a stronger faith life. . . . What I see in our young people is a real trust in God’s plan.”

— Stephen Minnis, president of Benedictine College.

Atchison

A time to remember

Communities large and small are marking the 9/11 anniversary nationwide.

Seneca is one of many communities planning a service.

A prayer service will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Veterans Memorial Wall in Seneca.

Father Arul Carasala, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, will be among the speakers, and he will address the topic of American citizenship, which he just obtained this past May. The prayer service is open to everyone, but attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs because seating is limited.

More at Mass

“I did notice one thing in the past 10 years,” said Father Ron Livojevich.

“More people attend daily Mass than before 9/11.”

Father Livojevich, now retired, was at Church of the Nativity in Leawood then. He isn’t sure what the correlation might be. But in his special ministry work at parishes across the archdiocese now, he has seen more cars in parking lots and more people filling the pews, even for very early Masses.

“The daily Masses I’ve celebrated are way up,” he said.

Father Livojevich also served 22 years as a Navy chaplain.

He has seen other changes in the world since 9/11.

“People are more conscious of their faith, and they’re practicing it, but they’re not practicing it in a demonstrative way,” he said.

Locally, the generosity of the Catholic community speaks for itself.

“People have become more sensitive to the earthly needs of each other,” he said. “Charity never goes unrewarded.”

The injured kept coming . . . and coming Continued from page 7 happened. Nobody knew who did it. It just unveiled throughout the day. You’d be working and you’d hear that Washington, D.C., had been hit. Firemen were there, and didn’t know where other firemen were.”

For a while, the injured kept coming and coming. But as the day waned, the numbers decreased until, by evening, the stream stopped. An ambulance crew from Beth Israel, Molly learned, had died in the collapse of the towers.

At home, Ray remained glued to the TV all morning, but he took the girls outside at noon to see what was happening.

“We didn’t stay too long,” he said. “People were walking by covered with ash and soot. It was pretty disturbing to see.”

By that time, all transportation off Manhattan Island was shut down. Telephone communications had ceased. The Dunleas couldn’t have evacuated if they’d wanted to.

And they reflected on a terrible thought.

Just 24 hours earlier, they dropped off Ray’s nephew and some friends at the World Trade Center, so they could go to the very top.

Ray’s and Molly’s memories of the days

The nation changed soon after the 9/11 terrorist attacks

CNS photo/Shannon Stapleton, Reuters

A man covered with ash walks on a street following the collapse of the World Trade Center towers in New York in this Sept. 11, 2001, file photo. Ray Dunlea said that watching people walk by his home covered in soot and ash was one of the most disturbing things he had ever seen. that followed are a mosaic: fighter jets overhead; Army vehicles in the streets; the smell of burned plastic, especially when the wind shifted north; familiar faces gone from among the tavern and playground regulars.

“You get to know people from the play-

grounds,” said Molly. “That was your big social time.

“That day some parents didn’t come home.”

9/11 united the people of New York in a way they had never been before. There was love, compassion and respect, and the Dunleas wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else.

In the days following the attacks, unease became a permanent feature of life. One day a Con Edison power transformer exploded nearby just as F-16 fighters flew low overhead, and people panicked, thinking the city was again under attack.

Finally, the Dunleas decided to uproot the family and head far away from their memories of the Sept. 11 attack and their subconscious fears of another.

They chose Molly’s hometown, Kansas City, where they now belong to Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood.

9/11 shook the faith of many, but not that of the Dunleas.

“Did what happened change our faith?” said Ray. “No, I don’t think it ever changed our faith in God. [9/11] was an act of man.

“If anything, it made our belief stronger.”

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — September 11, 2001. A late-summer Tuesday that began with blue skies is burned into the nation’s history as a dark, tragic day that changed us in many ways.

Brock Miller had just finished a trip as captain of a Boeing 717 for Midwest Airlines.

Now a member of Holy Family Parish in Eudora, he was living in Omaha, Neb., then. When he went to Mass that Tuesday morning, news had not yet broken of the attacks.

It was a beautiful day, and Miller was listening to the radio in his truck on the way home.

Naturally, the news he heard caught his attention — a plane had slammed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center.

As news of more crashes came in, it was clear something horrible was happening.

As the nation began to grieve for the people who died in the attacks, security measures the country had never known went into effect.

Within hours of the first attack, for example, the entire air system was shut down.

In the days that followed, it was only slowly that people returned to activities — including travel — that just a few days earlier had seemed so normal.

“I flew the very first flight into Washington National for Midwest Airlines,” said Miller.

A lot of behind-the-scenes security measures were in place. It would be an understatement to say everyone, from controllers to passengers, was on “pins and needles.”

“We noticed the various fighters over

the Eastern seaboard,” Miller recalled.

About a month later, Miller flew into New York City, where the attacks had changed the horizon. Before, you could see the shining World Trade Center towers from 100 miles outside the city.

Miller remembers the smoke from the still-burning Ground Zero.

He can still see the handwritten words of a little girl among the tens of thousands of notes posted at a makeshift memorial.

She asked, “Dear Daddy, Why did you have to die?”

Life changed for many families on 9/11, and for our nation as a whole.

Air travel is different. The way you might handle a potential threat is different.

The United States went to war. Families of military members faced new realities. Some of their loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Children who were born in 2001 are now 10 years old, noted Overland Park Police Department Public Information Officer Matthew Bregel. For his own generation, which came of age after World War II and Vietnam, the reality of the 9/11 attacks hit home and changed perspectives.

Those are just some of the differences people across the archdiocese have seen during the past decade.

As we mark the 10-year anniversary, this is a time to remember and pray, said Father Peter Jaramillo, a Kansas Army National Guard chaplain and pastor of Holy Family and St. Mary-St. Anthony parishes in Kansas City, Kan. “We have to constantly pray for peace,” said Father Peter. He urged everyone to pray for the people who have served their country and for a continued respect for life.

“Pray for God’s mercy upon the world,” he said.

Life unseen

A lot of life happened back at home in Topeka while Greg Torrez was deployed overseas with the Army National Guard in the years of war that followed 9/11.

His deployments were the first experience his wife, Molly Torrez, had with this type of military life.

Molly, secretary at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka, and Greg have three boys — Jacob, Josh and Justin.

“The first year he was gone was my son’s senior year, and he played football,” said Molly. Josh was a senior at Hayden High School that year. “[Greg] missed his whole senior season.”

They also felt the community rally around them — like the time the family’s van broke down.

“The Hayden parents, the football parents, collected money to help us get it fixed,” said Molly.

Greg was gone on his second deployment when his grandson was born.

He was able to make the baby’s baptism during a two-week leave, but it would be about another year before he would come home again.

Now home, there are plenty of adjustments to make.

This family also learned to notice the things many of us take for granted.

“He says people don’t appreciate what they really do have sometimes,” said Molly.

Watch is a visible reminder to ‘tell your stories . . . leave a legacy’ Continued from page 1 class and was walking to his car when a law school friend, walking the other way, asked him if he’d heard what happened in New York City.

“She said, ‘Planes have crashed into the World Trade Center.”

“My first thought was, ‘[It’s] a small plane, no big deal,’” said Salinardi, now a member of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood.

But then she told him it was a large plane — and it was probably a terrorist attack.

“Obviously there was a look on my face she read, because she said, ‘What’s wrong?’”

said Salinardi. “I said my brother works in the World Trade Center, and her face went blank.”

Salinardi hurried home and called his parents in St. Louis, then another older brother, who was in San Francisco at the time.

“We made a lot of calls,” recalled Salinardi. Since his folks were natives of Hoboken, N.J., they “still have a lot of family in Hoboken and the surrounding area.”

It was hard to reach anyone on the East Coast because of interruptions to the telephone service. Two concerned friends showed up and drove him to St. Louis, and

from there, he and his parents drove 16 hours straight to Hoboken to find out what happened to Richie.

“Sixteen hours — there was a lot of silence, under the circumstances,” said Salinardi.

Hoboken, with more than 50,000 people on only two square miles, sits directly west across the Hudson River from Manhattan.

The Salinardi family arrived the morning of Sept. 12.

“You could see the smoke and the dust,” he said. “That’s all you could see of Lower Manhattan.”

Salinardi was pessimistic about Richie’s

odds for survival. Resourceful man that he was, Salinardi believed that had Richie survived, he would have found a way to contact them.

Upon their arrival in Hoboken, they stayed in a cousin’s apartment, from which they spent the next few weeks calling, checking Internet sites and visiting hospitals.

“There’s a hospital a couple of blocks from the [World Trade Center] site,” said Salinardi. “I talked to a couple of police officers [there] and explained the situation. They drove me down to the restricted area, to the closest hospital. Everything was covered with inches of debris and ash.”

Eventually, after Salinardi and his family

had exhausted every avenue open to them, everyone went home. A memorial service was held for Richie in November that year in St. Louis. Later, some of Richie’s remains were identified through DNA. Salinardi became an attorney, got married, and is now raising two girls. He wears Richie’s watch daily, which he inexplicably didn’t wear on 9/11. He hopes the watch, and its story, will be passed down through the generations.

“One of my favorite quotes is from Richard Stone: ‘After you’re gone, all that’s left is your story,’” said Salinardi.

“If I share the story behind it, the watch

becomes so much more valuable in a nonmonetary sense,” he said. “To a certain extent, [9/11] shapes how I try to live my life and my practice [as an attorney.]”

“I try to convey how important it is to tell your stories, how you truly leave a legacy,” Salinardi continued. “My brother did that, unbeknownst, just through a watch. If people are proactive, they can do it to a larger degree and even more far-reaching.”

Salinardi returned to Ground Zero on the fifth anniversary to be among the siblings who read the names of their deceased brothers and sisters.

“This year we’re going back,” he said.

Coming together

“It’s . . . brought out a challenge for spiritual renewal and respect for life.

It’s brought a whole new understanding of respect for life. The whole awareness of religion has been heightened, as well, with a new understanding of non-Christian religion. . . . We live in one big world. We have to come to live with each other in a better way, a greater way, a holier way. . . . As Catholics and as Christians, we have to go deeper into our relationship with Jesus Christ.”

— Father Peter Jaramillo, Kansas Army National Guard chaplain and pastor of Holy Family and St. Mary-St. Anthony parishes in Kansas City, Kan.

Gratitude, increased interest

“We have seen an enormous amount of gratitude bestowed upon us by the public as far as people actually just showing up with gifts such as cookies, cakes, treat-type of things at the stations. And also is the fact that we have also seen probably a jump in the number of people who are interested in the trade that we do. There’s actually people knocking down the doors to become EMTs, paramedics and firefighters now more than ever, and I would attribute that to 9/11.”

— Jeff Johnson, community education division chief, Johnson County Med-Act

Never the same

“The 9/11 terrorist event in our country created profound changes. The most obvious one is the increased security, from the establishment of Homeland Security to our (appropriate) annoyance at the airports. The event catapulted and escalated the military into greater war involvement, with the demand of “troops on the ground” in a number of Middle Eastern countries. The pace and the life of soldiers and their families will never be the same.

Most of all, I think it broke our American sense of security. We, as a people, realized how vulnerable we are, how small the world is, and how important a worldwide effort to eliminate terrorism and the causes of terrorism is.”

— Father James Ludwikoski, pastor of Good Shepherd, Shawnee, who served as a U.S. Air Force reserve and active duty chaplain

One nation

“One thing I can think of is it’s made us more American. . . . It brought us closer as a nation to begin with.”

— Phyllis Broxterman, parish secretary, Sacred Heart, Baileyville

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THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 9, 2011 Ed and Nadine (Radtka) McGurren, members of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 9. The couple was married on Sept. 9, 1961, at St. Joseph Cathedral in St. Joseph, Mo. The couple took their family on a vacation ANNIVERSARIES to Alaska in August to celebrate. Their family also hosted a dinner party in their honor. Their children and their spouses are: Steve and Pam McGurren, Leawood; and Mark and Julie McGurren, Prairie Village. They also have three grandchildren.

Guadalupe “Lupe” and Cecelia J. (Solano) Torres, members of St. Catherine Parish in Emporia, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on June 22. The couple was married on June 22, 1946, at St. Catherine. They have 10 children (one of whom is deceased), 39 grandchildren, and 60 great-grandchildren.

Fred and Janet (Baker) Schmitz, members of St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept.

8 by renewing their vows at the church.

The couple was married on Sept. 8, 1951, at Visitation Church in Kansas City, Mo. They will host an open house at their home later in September.

Their children and their spouses are: Cynthia and Dan Nordin; Mark and Donna Schmitz; Robert and Carol Schmitz; Neal and Debbie Schmitz; Alice and Tom Unger; and Ted Schmitz. They also have five grandchildren.

Steve and Dolores (Rosner) Holland, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 17 with a 1 p.m. Mass celebrated by Father Don Cullen at Holy Rosary Church - Wea. A lunch and a reception will follow at Wea Hall. The couple was married on Sept. 15, 1951, at Holy Rosary. Their children are: Rick, Ed, Karen, Frances, John, Kathleen, Sondra and Steve III. They also have 22 grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild.

Fran and Bill Truelove, members of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Burlington, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 18 with a Mass and special blessing from Father Marianand Mendem and a reception afterward in the parish hall. The couple was married at the church on Sept. 16, 1961. Cards may be sent to: 714 S. 16th St., Burlington KS 66839.

Valerian and Aurea (Deters) Schmitz, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 11 with a Mass of thanksgiving at the church at 11 a.m., followed by dinner and a reception at Valentino’s. The couple was married on Sept. 9, 1961, at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. Their children and their spouses are: Rodney Schmitz; Kristina and Brian Haverkamp; Shawn and Tammy Schmitz; and Kelli and Tyran Hartter. They also have eight grandchildren.

Fall 2011 Confirmations Archbishop Naumann Sept. 7

7 p.m.

St. Bernard, Wamego, and St. Joseph, Flush

Sept. 13

7 p.m.

Sacred Heart, Paxico, and Holy Family, Alma

Sept. 15

7 p.m.

Holy Family, Eudora

Sept. 21

7 p.m.

St. Michael, Axtell, and Holy Family, Summerfield

Oct. 3 7 p.m.

Sacred Heart, Sabetha; St. Augustine, Fidelity; and St. James, Wetmore

Oct. 5

7 p.m.

St. Gregory, Marysville, and St. Malachy, Beattie

Oct. 19

7 p.m.

Corpus Christi, Lawrence

Oct. 25 7 p.m.

St. Vincent de Paul, Onaga; St. Patrick, Corning; and St. Bede, Kelly

Nov. 1

7 p.m.

Immaculate Conception – Holy Cross, St. Marys

Nov. 7

7 p.m.

St. Stanislaus, Rossville, and Sacred Heart, Delia

Nov. 30

7 p.m.

Sacred Heart, Tonganoxie

Dec. 7

7 p.m.

Immaculate Conception, Louisburg

Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB Oct. 12 7 p.m.

Annunciation, Frankfort; St.Monica-St.Elizabeth, Blue Rapids; and St. Columbkille, Blaine

Oct. 23

2 p.m.

Sts. Peter and Paul, Seneca

Oct. 25

7 p.m.

Annunciation, Baldwin, and Assumption, Edgerton

Oct. 30

8:30 a.m. Sacred Heart, Baileyville

Oct. 30

10:30 a.m. St. Mary, St. Benedict

Nov. 15

7 p.m.

St. Dominic, Holton

Bioethics seminar set for Sept. 24 at Savior

Angel Fund benefit set for Sept. 16 KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Catholic Community Hospice provides nursing as well as spiritual and emotional care for people who have lifelimiting illnesses.

The Angel Fund provides the little things that express human dignity for these patients on their final journey.

Catholic Community Hospice, a service of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, is hosting a wine-tasting fundraiser to benefit

LOCAL NEWS 11

the Angel Fund. All are invited.

An Evening of Wine & Cheese will take place on Sept. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wines

by Jennifer in historic downtown Parkville, Mo. The casual evening will offer wine-tasting and beer, while supporting the Angel Fund.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the website at: www.catholic communityhospice.org.

The St. Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Community Annual Pro-Life Dinner Tuesday, October 4th at 6:30 p.m.

Shawnee Civic Center, 13817 Johnson Drive, Shawnee KS 66216

Featured Guest Speaker Father John Zuhlsdorf, a widely-acclaimed columnist who pens the column “What Does The Prayer Really Say?”

Tickets are $30 each (table of 8 is $240), and may be obtained by sending your check (made out to ‘SPD Dinner’) to Father John Fongemie at: 5412 Bluejacket, Shawnee KS 66203.

The profits from this year’s dinner will go to Alexandra’s House and LifeFront, benefiting the ProLife cause here in Kansas City.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL JOHN WATKINS AT: (785) 331-8232 or e-mail at: watkinsjv@gmail.com

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The National Catholic Bioethics Center will present “Catholic Health Care Ethics: A Tradition of Compassion and Care for the Human Person” on Sept. 23 and Sept. 24 at Savior Pastoral Center here.

The two-day seminar is an educational opportunity for health care professionals, chaplains, clergy, teachers and interested laypersons. Case studies will be presented and analyzed to help participants translate moral theory into clinical practice.

The presenters will be: John M. Haas,

NCBC president; Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, director of education; and Marie T. Hilliard, R.N., director of bioethics and public policy.

Continuing education credits are available for participating. Full registration is $325; $260 for NCBC members; $180 for full-time students; and $175 for one-day registration. Register online by going to the website at: www.ncbcenter.org/ annual_seminars, or call (215) 877-2660.

12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment Preschool teachers - The Goddard School, 21820 W. 115th Terr., Olathe, is seeking qualified fulland part-time preschool teachers. In our warm, loving atmosphere caring teachers support the healthy development of children ages six weeks to six years.

Full-time benefits include: competitive pay, benefits, opportunities for professional development and career growth, and a great working environment.

Qualified candidates must meet or exceed Kansas regulations, have strong communication skills, a professional appearance and a desire to learn and implement the Goddard School programs. Lead teachers should have an early childhood education degree or a CDA or a degree in a related field with an emphasis in early childhood education. Prior experience in a child care setting is preferred. Owners are members of the Church of the Ascension, Overland Park. Send resume, via email, to: Olathe2ks@goddardschools.com.

Part-time director of music/choir - For Christ the King Parish, Kansas City, Kan., A bachelor’s degree in music, experience in church music and liturgy, and the ability to work in a diverse faith-filled environment are necessary. For a job description or application, call the parish office at (913) 287-8823 or send an email to: connieheffern@yahoo.com.

Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City area.

This position is ideal for a determined, high-energy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; or call (785) 364-5450.

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 9, 2011 Machine quilting by Lyn - I also do T-shirt, photo, and memorial quilts. Official Hobbs distributor.

Located in Overland Park. Call Lyn at (913) 492-8877.

Counseling - Topeka Marriage and family, child, teen, personal Shunga Creek Mental Health Call Ken Zweig, LSCSW at (785) 969-5308.

Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 422-0610; or send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com.

Caregiving Caregiver – In need of a caregiver/companion for your loved one? We provide excellent care at a reasonable rate. Days, evenings, and weekends. References available. Greater metro area. Call Sharon at (816) 645-5359 or Cynthia at (913) 314-2089.

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Debbie or Gary.

Looking for high quality home care? Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are familyowned and based in Lenexa. Call Benefits of HomeSenior Care at (913) 422-1591 or visit our Website at: www.benefitsofhome.com.

Services

Home Improvement

Tutoring - For students in grades K - 12. For information, call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or send an email to her at: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

Brack Home Repair - Call Dan when you need it done! Carpentry, drywall, plumbing, electrical, painting, tile, wood rot and much more. No project too big or small. For free estimate, call (913) 219-5388 or visit the website at: brackhomerepair.com. Insured; senior discount available. Philippians 4:13.

Beginning piano lessons - $15. Teacher information: attended Holy Trinity School, Lenexa; 11 years experience in piano. Contact Makela Hayford at (913) 888-3462.

Rodman Lawn Care - Lawn mowing, leaf removal, hedge trimming, power washing, snow removal.

Call (913) 548-3002 for a free estimate. Member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park.

Foley’s Lawn Care Mowing, landscaping installation & maintenance Serving Johnson County for over 10 years.

For a free estimate, call (913) 825-4353 or send an email to: john@foleyslawncare.com.

Mention this ad to receive a 10% discount on labor for landscape installation.

Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Landscaping All projects – small to large Local parishioner Free estimates. Insured; excellent references.

Call Tony at (913) 620-6063 Husband and wife cleaning team - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.

Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile).

Speed up your computer for only $25! - Clean up files, erase unwanted programs, and optimize processor usage. $25 per hour; one hour minimum. Most computers only take one hour. Call Gibson at (913) 244-7123.

Computer repair and upgrades/virus, spyware & malware removal - Microsoft certified, 11+ yrs. experience. Member of Sacred Heart Parish. Call Matt at (816) 876-6619 or send an email to him at: mattcomputerfix@gmail.com.

Stained-glass door side panels - Custom-made to overlay existing window. Serving a 20-mile radius of KC. Reasonable. Member of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood. Call Ed at (913) 648-0099.

Wood treatment and refinishing - We strip, refinish and treat woodwork. Restoration of pews, altars, stairways, cabinets, desks, paneling and more.

Work in churches, homes and businesses. Insured and guaranteed. Family owned. Call (816) 241-1900.

Exterior painting, drywall projects, wood rot repair, bathroom and kitchen remodels, - Quality products. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 206-4524.

Interior and exterior painting and wallpaper removal - 30-plus years experience. Quality work; excellent references; reasonable rates. Senior discount. Member of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Heating and air conditioning services - For Johnson, Wyandotte and northern Miami counties.

20 years experience. Seasonal tune-ups, full system replacements and everything in between. Call Jon at (913) 850-3376.

Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson county area. Call for a free quote.

(913) 709-8401.

Garage door and opener sales and service 24-hour, 7 day-a-week service on all types of doors.

Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured.

(913) 599-7998

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 9, 2011 Brick masons - Installation and repair of all types of masonry work — brick, stone, and concrete. 17 years of residential and commercial experience. Small and large jobs accepted. KC Metro area. For a free quote, call Jim or John at (913) 485-4307.

For rent - 1 BR, 1 BA apartment in Shawnee near Nieman and Johnson Dr. $500/month; utilities included. 10911 W. 59th Terr. For a virtual tour, visit the website at: www.shawnee-rentals.com. (913) 6497596.

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

For Sale

Clutter getting you down? Organize, fix, assemble, clean . . . we do it all! For a free consultation, call your professional organizing handyman, Kevin Hogan, M.Ed., today at (913) 271-5055. Insured; references.

Visit the website at: www.koatindustries.com.

Swalms Organizing Service - Basement, attic, garage, office, shop – any room organized. Items sorted, grouped, boxed and labeled; areas clean when finished. 20 years experience. $30/hour. Spring special: first two hours FREE with any organizing job lasting one day or longer. To view pictures of current jobs, visit the website at: www.swalms.com. Tillar Swalm (913) 375-9115. Insured!

Master electrician - Licensed in Missouri and Kansas. 35 years experience in residential and commercial electrical needs. Call Rick, L & M Electric, at (913) 3621501 or (816) 781-1501.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

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! Leadcertified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

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) 4915837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail. com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Father and son team - We do roofing, windows, doors, siding, brick masonry, all types of wood rot, fences and decks, retaining walls, landscaping and concrete. You name it, we can do it — no job to big or small. Reasonable prices; fully insured. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

Roofing insurance specialist - Free estimates, roofing repairs if needed. Hail/wind damage inspections. Insured and reasonable. Call Rob (913) 2064524.

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

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376

Real Estate Need a maintenance-free townhome with ample space? - 3 BR, 2 BA, 40-foot living room, dining area, and dine-in kitchen. Plus additional bedroom, bath and rec room on lower level. Two-car garage. Wonderful neighborhood in Holy Spirit Parish; near Oak Park Mall; easy highway access; two swimming pools; tennis courts; clubhouse. Call agent Rosemary Connors, Reece and Nichols, for details at (913) 669-1229.

For Rent Room to rent - To female college student. Home away from home. Fully furnished; use of kitchen and laundry; street parking. West end of Lawrence. Large BR with walk-in closet, $425; small BR with walk-in closet, $375. Call Barbara at (785) 766-3754.

For sale – Medical equipment and supplies; new and used. Wholesale pricing. Scooters, power chairs, wheelchairs, walkers, bath and shower items, lift chairs, vehicle lifts, ramps, hospital beds and other items. Call Ron Coleman (913) 299-9176.

For sale - Two burial plots at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan. Current values is $1400 each.

Willing to negotiate. Call Loretta at (913) 334-0613.

American Girl-type solid wood doll furniture - Heirloom quality furniture, complete with bedding.

In-home showroom. Call John Hember at (913) 6314060. Member of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Visit the website at: www.etsy.com/shop/bedsandthreads.

Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.

Wanted to buy Want to buy Antique or vintage jewelry Single pieces or entire estate Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. ***WANTED*** I buy coins, older watches, silverware, slot machines, old rifles and shotguns, stoneware crocks and jugs, old furniture from basement or attic.

Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269

Vacation Branson condo nightly rental - 2 king BRs, 2 BA; sleeps 6. Sun porch overlooks public golf course. Walkin level (no steps), flat screen TVs, DVD player, filtered water and fully equipped kitchen. Two blks. from the Hwy. 76 strip. Easy to get to shows, Walmart, groceries, dining. No smoking; no pets. Parishioners of Holy Cross, Overland Park. Call (913) 851-8886.

Lake of the Ozarks rental - Osage Beach; million-dollar view; fully furnished; 2 BR, 2 BA; sleeps six. No smoking, no pets. For special rates or pictures, call Steve or Sheryl Roederer at (913) 244-2022.

Misc.

Housesitting - Grandmother wanting to be closer to grandchildren this winter is seeking a housesitting arrangement in the KC metro area. Personal references available. Call Lori at (712) 288-5744.

El Centro Academy for Children - Located at 1330 S. 30th St., Kansas City, Kan., is now enrolling children ages 2-1/2 through 5 years. Licensed and nationally accredited. Full day; dual language – English and Spanish. For information or to schedule a visit, call (913) 677-0100 or visit the website at: www.el centroinc.com.

To purchase a classified ad: Send an email to: jennifer@theleaven.com, or call (913) 647-0327. The cost is $17.50 per column inch, five lines or less. Each additional line is $1.50. Maximum ad size is 25 lines. Classified ads will also be posted online at The Leaven’s Website: www.theleaven.com, at no additional charge.

Sept.

10 Our Lady of Unity Parish will host Unity Fest from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. on

Sept. 10 at Sacred Heart Field, 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kan. There will be Mexican and American food, live music and dancing, bingo, carnival games and more. For information, call (913) 6774621 or (913) 236-6271.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Society of Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, will host a taco dinner from 1 - 6 p.m. on Sept. 10 in the Father Carl Zawacki Hall. The cost is $6 for adults; $3 for children.

11

A Fatima rosary rally will be held at 3 p.m. on Sept. 11 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 416 W. 12th St., Kansas City, Mo. Join in praying 15 decades of the rosary, followed by Benediction and enrollment in the brown scapular.

Boy Scout Troop 295 of Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, will host a pancake breakfast and bake sale following all morning Masses on Sept. 11. The cost is $6 per person; $20 per family.

Join the Singles of Nativity at 9 a.m. on Sept. 11, and every Sunday, for Scripture study at Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood. Learn and discuss what Christ teaches in the Gospels. For information, send an email to Randall Stevenson at: gaelwynn@yahoo. com.

13 Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers, Inc., will host a volunteer in-

formation meeting from 7 - 9 p.m. on Sept. 13 at 11031 W. 75th Terr., Shawnee.

For information or to RSVP, contact Mary Newcomer at (913) 962-0200 or send an email to: volunteer@adviceandaid.com.

14

Widows In Grief Support (WIGS) is a sisterhood that provides support, comfort and friendship. The next meeting is at 7 p.m. on Sept. 14 at Good Shepherd Church, 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee. WIGS meets every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. For information or to register, call Penny Volmer at (913) 563-5304 or Mary McComb at (913) 829-6106 or send an email to Penny at: pvolmer@goodshepherd shawnee.org.

Donnelly College, 608 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual scholarship dinner at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 14 at the Jack Reardon Convention Center, Kansas City, Kan. Join us this year to honor Henry Bloch for his steadfast support of Donnelly students through the Henry W. Bloch Scholars program. Proceeds will create an endowed scholarship in Marion Bloch’s name and support Donnelly’s annual fund. To learn more or RSVP, visit the website at: www.donnelly.edu/dinner.

Father Mike Stubbs will offer a presentation on his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela at 7 p.m. on Sept. 14 at Holy Cross, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park. Father Stubbs will recount his 450-mile walk across northern Spain to the Cathedral of St. James.

The annual Irish Classic golf tournament will be held on Sept. 14 at Hill-

crest Country Club, 8200 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, Mo. The registration fee of $85 includes green fees, golf cart, beverages, a boxed lunch, and appetizers at the awards presentation following the tournament. There will be a 1 p.m. shotgun start. All proceeds benefit The Irish Center of Kansas City and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. For information, contact Andy Sprehe at (913) 481-8194 or send an email to: nancy@irishcenter kc.org.

15

A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 15 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Father Anthony Ouellette, archdiocesan liaison for the charismatic renewal, will preside. Fellowship will follow in the Father Burak Room. For information, call (913) 649-2026.

Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave, Kansas City, Kan., will offer a monthly Scripture series from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 15, and every third Thursday of the month. The topic is “Praise of Wisdom (Sir 24: 19-29).” Study guides will be provided for those that preregister. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

Catholics interested in school choice can attend an education summit called “Why Not Kansas?” The sponsors are the Kansas Policy Institute and the Foundation for Educational Choice. The event will be held from 8 to 5 p.m. on Sept. 15 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, 8787 Reeder Rd., Overland Park. RSVP by contacting James Franko at edsummit@ kansas policy.org.

16

St. Joseph Parish, 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, will host a fall festival on Sept. 16. A fried chicken dinner will be served from 5 - 7 p.m. in McDevitt Hall.

There will also be bingo, laser tag, face painting, inflatables, children’s games, mouse races, a family dance party, and raffles. For information, call Mike or Tandy Reichmeier at (913) 492-3356.

17

The Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women will offer a fall pilgrimage that includes a tour of St. Benedict’s Abbey and Mount St. Scholastica Monastery, Mass, and lunch at the Riverhouse Restaurant in Atchison on Sept.

17. The cost is $20. For information or to RSVP, call Susan Draftz at (913) 367-2227 or visit the website at: http://accwfall pilgrimage.eventbrite.com.

Father Tony Lickteig will celebrate the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass at 8 a.m. on Sept. 17 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., followed by a rosary procession to an abortion clinic four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing; Benediction concludes services at 9:45 a.m.

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on Sept.

17 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in the Father Burak Room.

The topic will be: “Being A Survivor.” For information, call (913) 649-2026.

Sacred Heart Church, 1031 12th St., Sabetha, will host its annual parish picnic on Sept. 17. Serving begins at 4:30 p.m. for the chicken and ham dinner with all the trimmings. The cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 10 and under. There will also be bingo, a cakewalk,

a country store, children’s games and a raffle at 7:30 p.m.

The women of Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, will host a ladies day retreat from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 17 in the church hall. The seven parts of the Lord’s Prayer will be presented. Checkin will begin at 8:45 a.m. A continental breakfast, retreat folder and lunch will be provided. For information or to register, call Patty Miller at (913) 384-4644.

The Cathedral of St. Peter, 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host its fall festival from 5 - 9 p.m. on Sept. 17.

There will be a taco dinner, a silent auction, raffles, music, games for children and more.

St. Matthew Church, 2700 S.E. Virginia Ave, Topeka, will host its annual parish dinner and auction on Sept. 17.

Social hour will begin at 6:15 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and the live auction at 8 p.m. The cost of $40 per person includes hors d’oeuvres, drinks and dinner. For information or to RSVP

by Sept. 11, call the parish office at (785) 232-5012 or send an email to: parishoffice@saintmatthews.org.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians, Padraig Pearse Division No. 1, will host a membership drive on Sept. 17 in the John J. Sullivan Hall at Redemptorist Church, 3333 Linwood, Kansas City, Mo. A social hour will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a short video presentation. All men 16 years or older, who are practicing Catholics of Irish heritage or born in Ireland. For information, contact Michael Murphy at (816) 797-3565 or send an email to him at: hibernianmike77@ aol.com.

18

St. Therese Church, Richmond, will host its annual parish dinner from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Sept. 18. The cost is $8 for adults; $5 for children ages 4 - 10 years.

Carryouts will be available. There will also be a country store and raffles.

Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 W. 93rd. St., Overland Park, will host its annual parish festival on Sept. 18. Mass will be celebrated at noon followed by the festival from 1 - 5 p.m. Mexican food, barbecued beef, Italian sausages, hot dogs and other ethnic foods will be served.

There will be bingo, live entertainment, inflatables, children’s games and more.

19 A six-week grief support group will meet from 6 - 7:30 p.m. on

Mondays beginning Sept. 19 at Good Shepherd Church, 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee. All who are suffering the loss of a loved one are invited. For information or to register, call Penny Volmer at (913) 563-5304 or send an email to: pvolmer@ goodshepherdshawnee.org.

20

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., in conjunction with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, St. Luke’s Healthcare, and Argentine Family Health will offer free mammograms on Sept. 20. Kansas women between the ages of 40 – 64 with no health insurance who meet income guidelines are welcome to apply. To prequalify and/or to schedule an appointment, call (913) 205-0030.

22

“Plate or Pyramid? America’s New Dietary Guidelines,” a nutrition presentation offered in conjunction with K-State Extension Services, will be held from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on Sept. 22 at

CALENDAR 13

the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb. org/kwc.

Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave, Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Optimizing Your Health,” a six-week program for men and women, from 1:30 - 4 p.m. on Thursdays beginning Sept.

22. 30 – 4:00 p.m. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

23

Church of the Nativity, 3700 W. 119th St., Leawood, will host a presentation at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 23 by Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, a Catholic named as one of CNN’s top 10 heroes.

MacFarlane-Barrow will speak on how his aid relief work from Argyll, Scotland, to Medjugorje during the Bosnian conflict of 1992 led to the global campaign known as Mary’s Meals. For information, call Liz Kelly at (913) 491-8675 or send a email to her at: ekelly411@gmail.com.

23-25

Does it too often seem that the two of you are going in different directions? A Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend may be just the thing to get your relationship realigned. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend will be held from Sept. 23 - 25 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call Ralph and Jan Lewis at (913) 400-7173 or visit the website at: www.neksme.org.

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will offer a retreat, entitled “Losses Of Our Lives,” from 7 p.m. on Sept. 23 through 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 25. Dr. Nancy Copeland-Payton, a spiritual director, hospital chaplain, physician and author, will be the presenter. For information, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/sophia.html.

24

Holy Family Church, 274 Orchard St., Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual Slovenefest on Sept. 24, beginning with Mass at 4 p.m. followed by an authentic Slovenian dinner, dancing, live music, games for all ages and a silent auction. For information, call Wade McCown at (913) 207-3404, the church office at (913) 371-1561, or visit the website at: holyfamilychurchkck.com.

The women of St. Stanislaus Parish, Rossville, will host “Journey of Faith” on Sept. 24. Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m., followed by brunch, a prayer service, Scripture meditation and a keynote speaker. For information or to register, call Colette at (785) 584-6612 or Deidre at (785) 582-5851.

The singles group at Curé of Ars Parish, 9301 Mission Rd., Leawood, will host a Harvest Moon dance from 7:30 -11:45 p.m. on Sept. 24 in the school cafeteria. Carl the DJ will be back! The cost of $15, payable at the door, includes hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine, beer, soda, and bottled water. For information, call (913) 631-6873.

Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, will host its annual Spirit of Nativity festival, following the 4 p.m. Mass on Sept. 24. The festival includes dinner, music, inflatables, bingo, PTO class basket raffles, face painting, a photo booth and more. Wristbands cost: $10 for adults; $5 for children; or $35 per family. For information or to purchase wristbands, contact the parish office at (913) 491-5017.

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

MARK MY WORDS

Catholic Press Association Award Winner

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

QUOTE WEEK

OF THE

“The sky was pretty much empty. There were some military control aircraft, but that was it. We basically flew on a war footing with defensive systems and military identification on, similar to flying combat.”

Major Tom Kroh, St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park See story on page 7

E

CEF CENTERED

‘Steal’ yourself for some challenging words

ver confess to stealing? According to Mahatma Gandhi, we should . . . a lot more often.

Here’s what he had to say over 60 years ago: “I suggest that we are thieves in a way. If I take anything that I do not need for my own immediate use, and keep it, I thieve it from somebody else. . . . In India, we have got three millions of people having to be satisfied with one meal a day, and that meal consisting of unleavened bread (chapatti) containing no fat in it, and a pinch of salt. You and I have no right to anything that we really have until these three millions are clothed and fed better. You and I, who ought to know better, must adjust our wants, and even undergo voluntary starvation in order that they may be nursed, fed and clothed.”

Those are sobering words, even truer today than when they were first uttered. Although Gandhi speaks of India, the problem of food insecurity or hunger knows no national bounds.

Worldwide, there are some 800 million hungry people. Back in 2005, 35 million of those — 12 million of whom were children — were found right here in the United States. And, if those numbers are too difficult to wrap your mind around, consider this: Every 3.6 seconds someone dies of hunger.

Although school has been in session for a couple of weeks, I still think of Labor Day as the official time for “back to school.” And, so long as we’re drawing breath on this earth, we’re all students with things to learn, especially in the

school of life.

Perhaps Gandhi’s words, especially that last sentence, can be our lesson for this last third of 2011. As Christians, we “ought to know better” and recognize the face of Christ in all who suffer.

With that in mind, let’s pretend that we’ve just started a new school year and are sitting in a class about how to practice our Christian faith. Over the next few weeks, consider this your homework: 1. Read the passage from the Gospel of Matthew about the Last Judgment (Mt 25: 31-46). As of right now, are you standing among the goats or the sheep?

Be honest; no cheating or hedging.

2. Examine your last week of meals: How many times did you pray before you ate? Did you remember to pray after eating? Do you remember to pray even when just snacking or “grazing”?

3. How much food did you throw away over the last few days because it was outdated, spoiled, freezer-burned, etc.? When eating out, do you waste food or overeat?

4. Do you have any idea of what food might be lurking in the backs of your shelves and cabinets? How and why did it get pushed to the back? Do you know what’s presently in your refrigerator or freezer? Do you have a system for keeping track of food and using it in a timely

fashion?

5. When was the last time that you practiced “voluntary starvation” so that others could eat? Do you set aside some money throughout the year for the hungry or only for the Rice Bowl at Lent?

How often do you pick up an extra can or box of food or some nonperishable item when you’re out shopping to donate to a food pantry?

6. The next time you’re out grocery shopping, instead of complaining about the rising prices, take a moment to marvel at the abundance and variety of items available to you.

7. When inclement weather arrives, be sure to offer to pick up groceries for elderly neighbors or those who may be afraid to venture out on the roads.

8. Research religious organizations that feed the hungry and care for the poor: Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, etc. Resolve to get involved in their work in some fashion.

9. For extra credit: When was the last time you cleaned out your closets, attic, basement and garage? How many perfectly good, useable items did you find? What did you do — toss them, rebox them, put them in a storage shed, or donate them to charity?

Sadly, Gandhi once said, “If Christians would really live according to the teachings of Christ, as found in the Bible, all of India would be Christian today.” Our challenge is always to make our faith in Jesus something much more than words.

Who knows? If we learn our lesson with something as simple as food, maybe it will be enough for us to one day steal into heaven.

TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Sept. 11 TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Sir 27:30 — 28:9; Ps 103: 1-4, 9-12; Rom 14: 7-9; Mt 18: 21-35 Sept. 12 The Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1 Tm 2: 1-8; Ps 28: 2, 7-9; Lk 7: 1-10 Sept. 13 John Chrysostom, bishop, doctor of the church 1 Tm 3: 1-13; Ps 101: 1-3, 5-6; Lk 7: 11-17 Sept. 14 THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS Nm 21: 4b-9; Ps 78: 1-2, 34-38; Phil 2: 6-11; Jn 3: 13-17 Sept. 15 Our Lady of Sorrows 1 Tm 4: 12-16; Ps 111: 7-10; Jn 19: 25-27 Sept. 16 Cornelius, pope, martyr, and Cyprian, bishop, martyr 1 Tm 6: 2c-12; Ps 49: 6-10, 17-20; Lk 8: 1-3 Sept. 17 Robert Bellarmine, bishop, doctor of the church 1 Tm 6: 13-16; Ps 100: 1-5; Lk 8: 4-15

SECOND THOUGHTS ON THE SECOND READING

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For Paul, the lordship of Jesus is the bottom line

hose who died 10 years ago in the twin towers of the World Trade Center, or at the Pentagon, or on United Airlines Flight 93 did not anticipate that that day would be their last. Their fate came as a surprise.

In many cases, spouses and parents who survived would have gladly traded places with them. But that TWENTY-FOURTH was not for them SUNDAY IN to decide.

ORDINARY TIME “If we live, we Rom 14: 7-9 live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord.” These words from Sunday’s second reading, Rom 14: 7-9, conclude a section of the letter in which St. Paul is attempting to minimize differences among Christians. Some of those differences might sound trivial to us today: whether or not someone

observes certain minor feast days or whether or not someone eats any kind of food or only vegetables instead.

St. Paul downplays the importance of these differences: “The one who eats must not despise the one who abstains, and the one who abstains must not pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on someone else’s servant?”

While these differences may appear trivial, whether a person stays alive or dies matters much more. Certainly, that makes a difference. But even there, St. Paul assures us that the lordship of Jesus Christ overshadows that concern: “Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” For St. Paul, the lordship of Jesus Christ is the bottom line. That is why he adds, “For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the

COMMENTARY 15

living.”

Notice that St. Paul writes, “Christ died and came to life.” Normally, we would think of a person as first living, and then dying. But St. Paul reverses the accustomed order to draw attention to Christ’s resurrection, through which he came to life. For St. Paul, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ serves as the foundation of his lordship.

It is because of Christ’s saving death and glorious resurrection that we acknowledge him as Lord. That is the paschal mystery, which lies at the heart of our Christian faith. Every time that we celebrate the Eucharist, we proclaim that mystery immediately after the consecration of the bread and the wine: “Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.”

In a few months, when we begin to use the new translation of the Mass, the wording may change, but the basic point will remain the same: Our faith is based upon Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection to new life.

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

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Join CEF in honoring our Catholic school pastors

hen I spoke to you last, the school year was ending and you had summer vacation on your mind.

How did it go? My hopes are that you were able to spend quality time with your loved ones.

To refresh your memory, we interacted last by playing a “did you know” game with our “Catholic School Pastors” as the subject. I also want to remind you that I won that game! We agreed our Catholic school pastors do many things.

I want to tell you a true story about a Catholic family — three boys, two girls, a mom and a dad. It was a happy family of seven. As I understand it,

their biggest challenge was surviving the 1966 Topeka tornado. I grew up knowing the oldest son very well.

The oldest son was into sports. It appeared, from the outside, that he did not have a care in the world. He and his brothers were good athletes, and the family spent many nights at the ballpark or in gyms.

They were a happy lot until one very hot summer afternoon in June when family members were notified that their mother died of a heart at-

tack while at work. The mom was 44!

The ages of the kids ranged from 7-17.

Their world came to a screeching halt.

The oldest son did not do very well dealing with this news. It was a very sad day. As everything in life, one day ends and another one starts. School started for this family less than eight weeks after the funeral.

From the first day of that school year through the end of his senior year, Father Tom was there trying to help the oldest son. I heard him inquire more than once about how the rest of the family was doing.

After a good game or a semi-good grade card, I would hear him tell the oldest son that he knew his mom would be proud of him. There was not a week that went by without some type of support from Father Tom. I am told that he even brought food by the house

for the family. The oldest son would never say it at the time, but I know he appreciated Father Tom’s concern for his well-being.

I suggest to you that there are many stories like this one. Our Catholic school pastors do so much! I encourage you to join us on Oct. 8 when we will honor our Catholic school pastors at this year’s Gaudeamus Catholic education celebration, where more stories will be told.

Oh, by the way, that oldest son was me!

For more information on this year’s Gaudeamus, go to the website at: www. cefks.org, or call (913) 647-0344.

Michael Morrisey is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation. You can reach him at (913) 647-0383, or send an email to him at: mmorrisey@ archkck.org.

VOCATION CORNER

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World Youth Days are a BIG deal

went to my first World Youth Day in 1993 in Denver after my freshman year at KU. The event hosted by Pope John Paul II changed my impression of the universal church dramatically and made a mark inside of me that will last forever.

Bringing all the youth of the church and the world together in one place was the idea of our late Holy Father. It has proven to be a real fruit of the Holy Spirit since for the last 20 years, millions upon millions of Catholic young people have experienced a World Youth Day in places like Sydney, Australia; Paris, Rome, Toronto, Manila, Philippines; Cologne. Germany and elsewhere.

Pope Benedict XVI has now hosted three World Youth Days, including the recent event in Madrid, Spain, which I was blessed to attend with our archbishop, seminarians and other pilgrims from the archdiocese. Pope Benedict is drawing well, as between 1.5 and 2 million pilgrims attended the final Mass.

Without a doubt, the World Youth Days are here to stay, part of the beautiful living tradition of the church, and I invite all young adults of the arch-

diocese who haven’t been to a World Youth Day to plan on going to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in July 2013.

Our recent pilgrimage to Madrid was tough. It was a real pilgrimage with plenty to offer up. We were hot, tired, uncomfortable and crowded the entire time. Even though Madrid was extraordinarily beautiful with a rich Catholic tradition of which Americans can be envious, the conditions made it hard to pray. Even getting to Mass or finding the time and energy to adore the Lord were tough tasks, and planning was next to impossible.

We had a tough time at the final vigil and Mass fighting for our spot, battling the extreme weather and praying and receiving Communion amid all the chaos of the humongous throng of people.

Still, there is nothing comparable to making it to that final Mass and being touched deeply by the magnitude and impossibility of pulling off something like a World Youth Day. Jesus promised his disciples that they would do greater things than he himself did, which seems absurd until you experience a World Youth Day. It is just too big and too real to ignore.

I returned grateful that once again our seminarians and young people had the chance to experience in this way the truth that there is nothing bigger or more powerful than Jesus and his church, and nothing more important for us than to find our vocation and mission within his.

Father Mitchel Zimmerman is the archdiocesan vocations director.

DO UNTO OTHERS

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When Jesus comes a-callin’

sometimes wonder whatever happened to that rich young man we hear about in the Gospel of Matthew (19: 16-22).

He’s the one who asks our Lord: “What good must I do to gain eternal life?” First, our Lord tells him to follow the commandments . . . and the young man boasts about his compliance.

Then Jesus makes a surprising offer: “Go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” We never find out what happens — only that: “He went away sad, for he had many possessions.”

What an incredible missed opportunity. Every calling of the Holy Spirit is

like Jesus coming to town: There is an urgency to listen carefully and be ready to say “yes,” because you don’t know when or if he’ll be back again.

This urgency to say “yes” is particularly important when it comes to vocations. If I had not been searching out God’s calling in my life during my 20s, I would not have allowed God to bless me with my wife and six children.

While my opportunity for salvation would not have been closed off, my personal opportunity to serve God in

that way would have been limited. We are all created to serve God in specific ways and when we decline these callings, some good that God intended goes undone.

Soon in our archdiocese, God will be calling a number of men to search out a vocation to serve as permanent deacons. This October the office of the permanent diaconate will be hosting several information nights for men interested in learning about the diaconate program. This is a door that does not open very frequently, due to the amount of training and formation required of permanent deacons. We last saw this door open six years ago.

The ministry of the deacon is to give witness to the world as Christ the servant. Consequently, the deacon leads the people in the practice of charity and justice. Certainly in times such as these,

when the rift between the culture and the Gospel is ever growing, the church needs leaders ordained to proclaim the social doctrine of the church through acts of charity and thoughtful engagement with the world.

If you know a man between the ages of 30 and 62 who is a devout Catholic and has a heart for serving the poor, encourage him by saying, “I think you’d make a good deacon.”

If you yourself are such a man and you feel a tugging from the Holy Spirit to come and see, go to the website at: www.archkck.org/deacons to find out more.

Be ever ready to say “yes” to Christ, and you will never go away sad.

Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@archkck.org.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

NORTHERN EXPOSURE

B

Photos by Fernando Ugarte

raving the extreme heat and the threat of thunderstorms, hundreds of youth from the northwest part of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas turned

Dustin Deters (left) and Lucas Sudbeck, members of St. Mary Parish in St. Benedict, follows a speaker’s request for all believers in Jesus to stand up, hold hands and recite words of witness at the annual Kelly Youth Rally.

out for the annual Kelly Youth Rally. The rally featured guest speakers, presentations, music and Mass.

Participants listen as main speaker Bobby Petrocelli talks about how 10 seconds can change your life forever. Petrocelli turned tragedy into triumph after his wife was killed by a drunk driver who crashed through their bedroom wall.

From left, Shannon Harkins, Cody Rottinghaus, and Devin Henry, all members of St. Bede Parish in Kelly, hop on the back of a truck that will take them from the church to the field where the youth rally is held.

From left, front row: Kiersten Talbot, Courtney Heinen, and Ashley Buessing, all members of St. Michael Parish in Axtell, and Erin Schmitz (back row, left), of Sacred Heart in Baileyville, take in all the action on the stage.

Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB, and Father Pat Sullivan, pastor of Annunciation Parish in Frankfort, St. Monica-St. Elizabeth Parish in Blue Rapids and St. Columbkille Parish in Blaine, concelebrate Mass for the youth at the end of a long day of activities.