09 10 21 Vol. 43 No. 6

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 43, NO. 6 | SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

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IN THOSE DAYS, WE WERE NOT TEACHERS AND STUDENTS. WE WERE SIMPLY AMERICANS AND CATHOLICS WITH OUR HEARTS BROKEN, LINKED TOGETHER BY OUR HUMANITY AND OUR SORROW. ANGELA HERMAN THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT CHAIR AT HAYDEN HIGH SCHOOL IN TOPEKA

20 YEARS AFTER 9/11

CNS PHOTO/BETH KAISER, REUTERS

A U.S. flag is posted in the rubble of the World Trade Center Sept. 13, 2001, in New York, two days after the terrorist attacks. September 11 this year marks the 20th anniversary of the attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people in New York City, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon.

Educators recall the day that changed America forever

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It was a normal Tuesday morning for Mike Connelly, then-principal of the former Immaculata High School in Leavenworth.

School was just starting when someone told him to turn on the TV, that a plane had just crashed into one of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York.

“At first, I thought it was an accident,” said Connelly. “I thought it was a terrible,

terrible tragedy, but I didn’t think that it was a terrorist attack at that instant.”

Connelly went inside his office and turned on his own TV. “Shortly after that, the second plane crashed into the other tower,” he said.

“At that time,” he continued, “we knew that it was a terrorist attack on the Americans.”

It’s been 20 years since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

But teachers and principals across the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas can easily call to mind the fear, sorrow and uncertainty surrounding that day.

Jarring silence

It was Cathy Fithian’s first year as principal of Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kansas, in the fall of 2001.

As a native New Yorker, Fithian was stunned by the events of Sept. 11, especially since she knew some of the first responders personally.

“Fortunately, none of them passed away in the tragedy,” she said, “but it was nerve-wracking nonetheless.”

Fithian was faced with the difficult decision of what to tell her students.

Ultimately, she decided to inform only the middle-schoolers of what was happening.

“Throughout the day, we monitored the news reports,” she said, “but foremost, we prayed. We said prayers in our classrooms throughout the school for peace in our world.”

One moment of the day is particularly ingrained in her mind.

“A vivid memory of mine was standing out on the playground and coming to the realization that the skies were eerily quiet,” she said. >> See “MEMORIES” on page 16

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ARCHBISHOP

SEPTEMBER 10, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Rights of conscience must be respected, but vulnerable must be protected

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ear brothers and sisters in Christ, I write, first of all, to express my love and concern for all of you as the COVID-19 virus continues to create challenges and complications for all of us. I pray, in particular, for families who lost loved ones from COVID. I pray for the safety of every member of the archdiocese. May the Holy Spirit keep us physically, emotionally and spiritually strong.

I also pray for wisdom and strength for government officials and spiritual leaders who must make difficult decisions for the health and safety of their communities.

One of the current challenges posed by the pandemic is the imposition of COVID-19 vaccination mandates by large numbers of employers, institutions and some governmental authorities.

While the church has made it clear that it can be permissible to receive vaccines that have a remote connection to cell lines developed unethically from victims of abortion, she has not been as clear about the morality of mandates that require people to take these vaccines.

The Catholic Church has stated at many levels, from the pope as well as statements from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, that it can be an act of love to undergo COVID-19 vaccination in view of protecting oneself as well as others, especially the vulnerable. Evidence is mounting that these vaccines frequently lead to less severe cases of COVID-19, even if they do not always prevent infection and transmission.1 Even though I contracted and recovered from COVID-19, I chose in April to become vaccinated, in part, to encourage others to receive the vaccine. The sound moral analysis by the church supporting the permissibility of

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN receiving the vaccines as well as the public health crisis evidenced by the many COVID deaths, the mental, emotional and economic stress suffered by so many and the ensuing social isolation harming especially our young people motivated me to be vaccinated.

The natural law requires all of us to carefully discern right from wrong in conscience as well as to pursue the common good. A society that fails to respect the rights of conscience lacks a key element of the common good. The foundational international human rights instrument, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, asserts: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.”2 I urge all to exercise charity toward others regarding COVID-19 vaccination mandates.

Solid facts are helpful. Name-calling and shaming are not. To punish people who have a sincere difference of opinion is not Christian.

Unfortunately, our society is badly divided and wounded. We have a duty to be compassionate and empathetic toward others. We must never lose sight of the marvelous God-given dignity of every human person. The church must be a source of love and respect for both those who are in moral distress about COVID-19 vaccine mandates and those

frustrated by resistance to these vaccines.

A good analogy to our current situation is conscientious objection by draftees in wartime. If a war is not intrinsically unjust, the church requires Catholics to discern in conscience whether combat service is right or not. Both judgments, conscientious objection or active military roles, can be acceptable to the church. Public pressure to override conscientious objection increases during popular wars and recedes during unpopular wars.

The most charitable and just posture is to seek to accommodate the consciences of all persons. If they are not intentionally punitive, noncombatant roles or civil service are good ways to respect the rights of conscientious objectors just as COVID-19 testing is a possible alternative for those exempted from mandates.

The church has reaffirmed in her authoritative teaching documents, including the Catechism of the Catholic Church, that persons have a serious obligation to form their consciences well and to obey a well-formed conscience under the pain of sin.3 The Second Vatican Council affirms that the moral conscience is God speaking to us: “For man has in his heart a law written

by God; to obey it is the very dignity of man; according to it he will be judged. Conscience is the most secret core and sanctuary of a man. There, he is alone with God, whose voice echoes in his depths.”4 It is important

that we reflect on the gravity of the violation involved in coercing a person to do something that he or she believes to be wrong. The Second Vatican Council, in its declaration, “Dignitatis Humanae,” asserted that both religious and civil authorities have a duty to respect the consciences of persons as a civil right: “In all his activity, a man is bound to follow his conscience in order that he may come to God, the end and purpose of life. It follows that he is not to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his conscience.”5 Currently, all available COVID-19 vaccines have used abortionderived cell lines to a greater or lesser extent.6 We are blessed that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) in December of 2020 provided authoritative guidance regarding COVID-19 vaccines.7 The CDF strongly rejected any “moral endorsement of the use of cell lines proceeding from aborted fetuses” and urged pharmaceutical companies and government health agencies to produce, approve and distribute “vaccines that do not create problems of conscience for either health care providers or the people to be vaccinated.”8 Most importantly, the CDF stated: “At the same time, practical reason makes evident that vaccination is not, as a rule, a moral obligation and that, therefore, it must be voluntary.”9 It is indeed a fundamental pillar of medical ethics that there should be free and informed consent and no coercion when deciding on a medical intervention.

Pandemics and epidemic diseases may create a situation where public health and safety can justify enforced quarantines and other safety measures. The unique difficulties of today, however, include approval of only a few vaccines, all of which

have some ethical problems. Also, their use of new techniques, accelerated development and clinical trials, and only recent widespread use mean that many questions cannot be answered as to the longterm safety and efficacy of these vaccines.10 I do not claim specialized knowledge of the vaccines. I encourage you to rely on the best information available from authoritative sources in the fields of medicine and public health. I wholeheartedly agree with the CDF, however, that those who decline for reasons of conscience must do their utmost to use other means to protect the health of others, especially those who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.

The church upholds the permissibility of receiving the vaccines, because vaccination is by itself not evil. In fact, it is normally a virtuous act, attempting to protect the health of others as well as your own health. The intrinsic evil of an abortion committed almost 50 years ago or the grave injustice almost a half of a century ago of a researcher taking cells from an aborted child without donor consent are not aided or encouraged by the individual receiving the vaccination.

However, the grim reality that we live in a society that asserts the killing of an unborn child as a right and allows for the harvesting of cells and organs of aborted children for economic profit creates a context in which an individual could reasonably choose not to give even the appearance of indirect encouragement or support to the “culture of death.”

The choice to give such prophetic witness also requires the individual to take precautions not to spread the virus, just as those receiving the vaccines are obligated to advocate to pharma-

ceutical companies and government officials to provide vaccines that are not morally tainted.

I agree with the bishops of Wisconsin, Colorado, South Dakota and many other individual dioceses who urge employers to respect their employees’ consciences and make necessary accommodations, substituting other reasonable safety measures for mandated vaccination. In pastoral care, priests are called to help Catholics to form their consciences well and obey their conscientious judgments.

However, priests need not feel compelled to sign exemption letters.

Lay Catholics can and should insist on their conscience rights and religious liberties based on the authoritative teachings of the church found in the catechism, papal and ecumenical council documents, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and other sources. Bishops, priests and the entire church should support the right and duty of Catholics to obey their consciences.

With so many others, I pray for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. I also pray that in combating this epidemic, we do not create an additional victim, the rights of conscience. Come Holy Spirit, enlighten our minds and hearts, giving us wisdom and courage as we strive to protect our loved ones and communities while also laboring for the common good!

1 Centers for Disease Control (CDC), COVID-19 Vaccine Breakthrough Case Investigation and Reporting 2 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18.

3 Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), n. 1776–1802.

4 Vatican Council II, Pastoral Constitution of the Catholic Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et Spes, December 7, 1965, n. 16 5 Vatican Council II, Declaration on Religious Freedom, Dignitatis Humanae, December 7, 1965, n. 3.

6 U.S. Bishop Chairmen for Doctrine and for Pro-Life Address the Use of the Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 Vaccine, March 2, 2021.

7 Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), “Note on the Morality of Using Some Anti-COVID-19 Vaccines,” December 17, 2020.

8 Ibid., n. 4.

9 Ibid., n. 5.

10 CDC, COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot. Recent discussion about possible fading vaccine effectiveness and the need for booster shots is a case in point.

LOCAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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Unafraid to get his hands dirty, The Leaven finds Father Matt Nagle

ON THE GROUND IN EMPORIA

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KENNY RODRIGUEZ

Father Matt Nagle, left, chaplain and director of the Didde Catholic Campus Center in Emporia, and Larry DeDonder, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, Emporia, stand outside the center after working on its landscaping. DeDonder — who has years of experience in the landscaping business — has led the effort to improve Didde’s landscaping.

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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MPORIA — A year and a half ago, lawn mowing was the only landscaping experience Father Matt Nagle had under his belt.

But that didn’t stop him from getting his hands dirty when the Didde Catholic Campus Center at Emporia State University was overdue for an outdoor renovation.

“The first major project we had, there were four of us, and Father Matt was one of the first four,” said Larry DeDonder, landscaping project organizer.

“He grabbed a shovel and really went to work,” he said. “He’s learned how to do some physical labor on this project, which really impressed us.”

Father Nagle, chaplain and director of the center and pastor of St. Mary Parish in Hartford, arrived at the campus center in July 2019.

“And about eight or nine months after that, I had a few people mention that the landscaping looked a little rough,” he said, “and that it might be good to look at doing something [about it].”

At first, Father Nagle assumed he and a few others could take care of the problems.

“But the more I had people who knew about landscaping look at it, the more they said, ‘This is a much bigger project than somebody who has no experience should do,’” said Father Nagle.

After receiving a quote from a landscaping company, Father Nagle realized it wouldn’t be financially feasible to outsource the project.

But in the spring of 2020 during a leadership council meeting, DeDonder, a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia, volunteered to lead and organize the endeavor himself.

DeDonder retired six years ago after 30 years of working in the landscaping industry, and he was eager to offer his help.

“We’re very grateful to Larry,” said Father Nagle. “He’s the one who’s organized, planned [and] obtained supplies.”

DeDonder also manages the nine local volunteers who have helped with the project over the past 18 months.

The first task they checked off their

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KENNY RODRIGUEZ

Larry DeDonder (standing) talks with Wade Malone (purple shirt) and Shawn Gerleman as they work on a new landscaping project at the Didde Center.

All are members of Sacred Heart Parish, Emporia. list was taking out several trees and old bushes, trimming shrubs, and cleaning up gravel and weeds.

A major undertaking followed: a three-course retaining wall on the upper- and lower-level parking lots, which were extremely steep.

“We got into looking at a retaining wall that would reduce the slope,” said DeDonder. “And then, we raised the topography on both of the slopes so that we can now put weed barrier and some crushed rock on the lower level and some Colorado cobble on the upper level.”

The group also improved the area around the center’s emergency exits.

The work has been challenging, said DeDonder, but the generosity of the volunteers and an individual who offered his tractor and loader for the more strenuous parts of the job have made things easier.

DeDonder, who has a degree in animal science through Kansas State University in Manhattan, has enjoyed putting his landscaping experience to use post-retirement.

“Now that I’ve had this experience,” he said, “I’m willing to share it with Didde and see if I can help them out.

“It’s very important to me that this place looks landscaped and presentable for the public and for the university.”

Father Nagle agreed.

“We want the center to be a nice place where students feel like it’s their home away from home,” he said. “The landscaping certainly is part of that.”

And what the young priest lacks in experience he makes up for through his tireless commitment to the project.

“Often, what I’ll do is I’ll just be able to work [outside] a few hours in the morning,” said Father Nagle, “because then I’ll have to get into the office and take care of things there.

“But I’ve really come to enjoy being able to work outside for at least a few hours.”

The work has even become a sort of exercise for him.

“I really like the physical part of labor,” he said. “I was joking with some President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 7215276; or email at: sub@theleaven.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

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

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

guys the other day that digging is the best workout I’ve ever had.

“Maybe I should just dig a trench to work out instead of going to the gym.”

For DeDonder, working alongside Father Nagle has been special.

“It’s so enlightening and encouraging to have Father Matt come out and help us,” he said. “It really shows his interest and his dedication to helping us get it done and to finish it.”

Father Nagle reciprocated the appreciation for DeDonder and the entire group of volunteers.

“I’m very appreciative to the guys who have really been tremendously generous with their time and talents on this project,” he said.

The men hope to wrap up the finishing touches on their work in the next few weeks and look forward to seeing the final product.

“I really feel good about what the end product is going to look like,” said DeDonder. “I feel like we’ve made a major improvement here around the Didde Center.”

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

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LOCAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 10, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Lifelong advocate of priests, seminarians added to endowment

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Other priests call Msgr.

Michael Mullen “amazing” for what he’s done to promote vocations to the

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER

Msgr. Mike Mullen performs the ritual of the laying on of hands on Carter Zielinski during his 2018 ordination to the priesthood. Msgr. Mullen, who serves as co-director of seminarians, was recognized as “an amazing promoter of vocations” by the addition of his name to an endowment honoring the late Msgr. Thomas Culhane.

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priesthood.

In recognition of this, his name is being added to an endowment honoring the late Msgr. Thomas Culhane.

The endowment will be known as the Monsignor Tom Culhane/Monsignor Mike Mullen Endowment.

“Msgr. Mullen is an amazing promoter of vocations,” said Father Scott Wallisch, former archdiocesan director of Msgr. Thomas vocations and now Culhane pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee.

And he should know. He and Msgr.

Mullen still serve as co-directors of seminarians for the archdiocese and now Msgr. Mullen is his senior associate at St. Joseph as well.

“Whenever there is any vocations event throughout the archdiocese, [Msgr. Mullen] tries his best to be there,” said Father Wallisch. “He mentions vocations in his homilies and prays for vocations regularly. He is an active member of our vocations ministry at St. Joseph Parish.”

Until a couple of years ago, in fact, Msgr. Mullen even traveled with Father Wallisch on his visits to archdiocesan seminarians around the country.

The endowment that will now bear Msgr. Mullen’s name was established in 2007, on the death of Msgr. Culhane.

It was intended to honor his life and legacy, as he was well-known for nurturing vocations and supporting seminarians.

MSGR. MULLEN, LIKE MSGR. CULHANE, IS A DISTINGUISHED PRIEST WHO TAUGHT AND SUPPORTED SEMINARIANS. IT WAS NATURAL TO HONOR THEM TOGETHER. JOHN CATON CO-FOUNDER OF THE MONSIGNOR TOM CULHANE/MONSIGNOR MIKE MULLEN ENDOWMENT

It now seems proper to honor Msgr. Mullen as well, said John Caton, co-founder of the endowment with the

late Bernie Madden.

“Msgr. Mullen, like Msgr. Culhane, is a distinguished priest who taught and supported seminarians,” said Caton.

“It was natural to honor them together, because both men are worthy of honor and love for all they’ve done.”

To celebrate the lives and ministries of the two men, there will be a Mass at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. on Sept. 16 at St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee. There is no cost to attend the dinner, which is sponsored by the endowment trustees and the Knights of Columbus.

Msgr. Culhane was ordained a priest in 1947. He was appointed archdiocesan vocations director in 1952. In addition to serving as pastor at several parishes, he served as rector of Savior of the World Seminary in Kansas City, Kansas, from 1965 to 1973.

Realizing that many seminarians did not have resources to cover all their

expenses, each Christmas or birthday, Msgr. Culhane would send a small gift of cash to them — something that was both practical and a morale booster.

Msgr. Mullen was ordained in 1962.

He served for 22 years at Savior of the World Seminary as principal, rector and teacher. When the seminary closed in 1987, the archdiocesan minor seminary program was moved to Maur HillMount Academy in Atchison, where he served as seminarian chaplain.

Msgr. Mullen then served as pastor of St. Patrick Parish from 1995 until 2018, when he was assigned to St. Joseph and remained co-director of seminarians.

“Whereas some of us priests would be taking it easy in retirement, Msgr.

Mullen continues to work hard and be a good example of the priesthood,” said Father Wallisch.

“People at the parish adore him because of his joy, and humor, and kindness,” he added. “That alone is a great recruitment tool for the priesthood.

When young men see a happy, healthy priest, the priesthood is more attractive as a possible vocation. He’s a good reminder to me of the joy of the priesthood when I’m tempted to be Father Crabby-pants.”

Since 2007, donors to the endowment have grown the principal to $98,924. About 5% of the endowment is used each year to provide cash gifts to seminarians at Christmas. Last year, each seminarian received more than $3,000.

To attend the Sept. 16 event, RSVP by email to Rick Evard, chairman of the endowment, at: evardr@bsk.com, or call him at (913) 481-4809. The endowment is managed by the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas.

To contribute to the endowment, contact the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas by calling (913) 6473062, or by email at: cfnek@archkck. org.

Garden dedicated in memory of Father Tom Dolezal

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

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ENEXA — On the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a prayer garden was dedicated in memory of Father Tom Dolezal, the pastor of Holy Trinity Parish here from July 2001 to June 2011.

The meditation garden sits outside the east entrance to the parish eucharistic adoration chapel and features a large crucifix overlooking a fountain surrounded by the Stations of the Cross.

Father Dolezal’s brother Bill Dolezal came from Iowa to unveil the dedication plaque.

“It’s humbling,” he said. “It’s a nice remembrance of Tom for his love of the parish here.

“The most appropriate thing is his devotion to Mary and this being dedicated on her feast day. He died on the first of January, which is Mary’s feast day, too.”

Father Dolezal was instrumental in building the eucharistic adoration chapel. His favorite depiction of Mary, Madonna of the Streets, stands in sculpture inside beside the monstrance.

Holy Trinity pastor Father Mike Koller spoke at the event and, with the help of associate pastor Father Travis Mecum, blessed the Stations of the

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Father Mike Koller, left, pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, assisted by associate pastor Father Travis Mecum, blesses a prayer garden dedicated in memory of Father Tom Dolezal, a former pastor of Holy Trinity.

Cross and crucifix.

“This project that we’re blessing this evening has been a long time coming,” he said. “It’s been our desire to beautify this area since it is so close to our adoration chapel.”

Father Koller specifically thanked former Holy Trinity School student

Evan Melchior, who took on the responsibility of installing the Stations as his Boy Scout Eagle project.

He also acknowledged the Holy Trinity Threaders for donating funds to enable the purchase of the crucifix.

And he thanked parishioner Bob McLoughlin for patching and restoring

a statue of Jesus that stands beside the garden.

Doug Liekem, the parish groundskeeper, constructed the garden with the help and landscaping expertise of parishioners Tom and Regina Wittman.

“Doug personally installed the fountain, the crucifix and the memorial plaque and continues to nurture this holy space nearly every day,” said Father Koller.

For Liekem, it has been a longtime goal to beautify the area outside the eucharistic adoration chapel and make it a serene and prayerful space.

“I want people to think Holy Trinity is a special place,” he said. “I don’t want it to look like a country-club Catholic, but it should be nice and it should draw people in.”

“When they walk in to talk to Jesus, it should be nice for them when they walk out — they should feel like praying here, too,” Liekem added.

Many parishioners gathered to celebrate the dedication and remember their former pastor.

“For those of you who knew Father Tom Dolezal,” said Father Koller, “you knew him to be a man of great faith and prayer.

“And I’m sure he’s looking down on us with a smile and is pleased this garden has finally come to fruition.”

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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New playground equipment welcomes Corpus Christi kids back

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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AWRENCE — An updated playground with stimulating new equipment awaited students of Corpus Christi School here when they returned this August.

According to principal Kirsten Wondra, the new offerings have given students an extra reason for excitement this school year.

“Recess is always an exciting part of any student’s school day experience,” said Wondra.

“However,” she continued, “for our students to be able to come back this school year to a new playground with safe, updated and exciting equipment to play on and play with — their joy has been palpable.”

Corpus Christi’s playground was in need of various updates, including new climbing structures and thought-provoking equipment.

These aspects were made possible thanks to the school’s Donum Fidei Auction gifts from past donors.

“The donors were excited to support a fun outdoor space that would encourage healthy activity for our students,” said Wondra.

The playground’s soft surface also needed repairs, including a complete resurfacing and replacement in the new equipment area.

The funds for this part of the project were provided by a donor’s gift, as well as a grant the school received through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Waste Tire Grant program.

“Our grant application was one of many projects reviewed by the governor’s Solid Waste Grants advisory committee for [fiscal year] 2021,” said Wondra.

The school applied for the grant in

COURTESY PHOTO

From left, Campbell White, Tripp Underwood, John Deiter and Zachary Wilmes, all fourth graders at Corpus Christi School in Lawrence, play on the school’s new playground equipment, which was funded by donors of the school and a grant through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Waste Tire Grant Program.

January of 2021 and received the award in March.

Construction was completed this summer, and Corpus Christi kicked off the school year with grade-level Popsicle parties on the playground in early August.

Now back at school, students are busy breaking in a large climbing

structure, low balance toys, a sonic spinner, a retro rocker and a playground band that includes a ladybug drum and cymbal tree, among other instruments.

Wondra is grateful her students will have the opportunity for this type of play for years to come.

“The Corpus Christi community

has wrapped their arms around our students and given them a gift that inspires play and encourages physical activity from now well into the future,” she said.

To learn more about the Waste Tire Grant Program and upcoming grants, visit the website at: kdheks.gov/waste/ forms_grants.html.

Apologist teaches Catholics ways to discuss, defend their faith

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

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MPORIA — Tradition holds that almost every one of the Twelve Apostles was martyred, and in the first few centuries after Christ, being a Christian often meant imprisonment and martyrdom.

Yet, many went to their death refusing to recant their belief in Christ or his resurrection.

“How do you explain that? How do you account for the fact that in those early years, countless men and women were willing to die rather than say Jesus didn’t rise from the dead?”

That was just one of the questions Patrick Madrid, a Catholic author, speaker and host of “The Patrick Madrid Show” heard weekdays on Relevant Radio, posed to the 250 who gathered on Aug. 28 at the Lyon County Fairgrounds in Emporia for a one-day conference entitled: “A Day with Patrick Madrid — Why Be Catholic?”

The event was sponsored by St. Joseph Parish in nearby Olpe and consisted of three main talks, each with a specific theme, as well as a Q&A forum.

Throughout the afternoon, conference participants also had the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

Michelle Barnhart, a parishioner at St. Joseph Parish, was among those in attendance and was pleased with the turnout.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Patrick Madrid, a Catholic author and radio personality, spoke to 250 people on Aug. 28 at the Lyon County Fairgrounds in Emporia for a conference entitled: “A Day with Patrick Madrid — Why Be Catholic?”

“It touches my heart that so many people within my community are passionate enough about their Catholic faith or seeking answers and are still interested in coming to an event like this because we take time for so many other things,” she said. “At a time when media and society reject what we believe, it’s really nice to be among believers.”

Throughout the day, Madrid shared stories from his 35-year career as a Catholic apologist — that is, someone who explains, teaches and defends the Catholic faith. His talks centered on historical

and scriptural documentation that supports Christ’s existence and resurrection.

He also discussed the Bible as a Catholic book and presented historical evidence in support of the Catholic Church’s claim that it is the one true church founded by Jesus Christ.

As someone who has spent his life “trying to help people see the Catholic faith more clearly, trying to clear up misconceptions,” Madrid said his goal was that “by the end of the day, hopefully you’ll not only have more information but also maybe a little bit more technique

because technique is really important.

You can tell someone the truth, but how you tell them makes all the difference.”

In the end, Rod Symmonds, a member of St. Catherine Parish in Emporia, said he thought Madrid’s common sense and conversational approach, coupled with kindness and charity, were easily imitated in the context of one’s daily life.

“He does a marvelous job making it conversational,” said Symmonds. “You can see yourself actually being able to engage in a conversation without presenting it in terms of an intellectual argument.”

That approach, Symmonds said, is one he hopes will facilitate better conversations with his family, friends and others he encounters. He said he was struck by a particular comment about understanding the misconceptions and misperceptions others might have about the Catholic faith.

“I thought about his comment that you first have to know how to be able to respond oftentimes to a person’s arguments or concerns before you can touch them in a caring and relational manner. I thought that was a really important part,” Symmonds said.

Barnhart agreed and said she found the whole day “reaffirming of her Catholic faith.”

“I’m grateful there are people like Patrick who have been called to this ministry, and I admire people like that so much,” she said. “I draw courage from what he has shared.”

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LOCAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 10, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

God’s map for marriage can guide couples through tough terrain

H

ave you ever asked yourself in a moment of anger or frustration: “What am I doing here?

Why am I married to this person?”

I would venture to say that most married persons have. In such moments, we feel lost in our marriage. We may have arrived at a difficult passage in our relationship, or we may be using the wrong map for our journey together.

When I was in high school and living in Italy, I resided in a valley surrounded by tall mountains. One of my hobbies was to draw maps. When I went for walks, I would try to draw the layout of the valley but found it difficult to get a sense of proportion in measuring distances.

One day when I was on the top of one of the peaks near us, I glanced down at the valley and I realized immediately

JOHN BOSIO John Bosio is a former marriage and family therapist, director of religious education and diocesan family life coordinator. He is a member of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers.

how much easier it now was to understand the landscape, the positions of the roads, the winding turns of the river and the location of the towns. Observing from a higher vantage point made it easier for me to understand the terrain.

Nothing had changed, except my point of view.

A map represents a certain territory and shows us the way to our destination. In life and in marriage, we all need a map to guide us and to keep us traveling in the right direction. To be successful on our journey, we need a map drawn from a high vantage point and not one that was drawn from close to the ground.

Maps drawn from a street-level point of view are shortsighted.

They lack a sense of perspective; they misrepresent the reality of the territory. In marriage, these maps tell the traveler: “Marriage is what you like it to be.

Or marriage is not necessary — all you need is love.” These maps only point out what is immediate; they lack perspective — the long view of life.

Social scientists tell us that today many couples marry thinking that their goal is to enjoy their feelings for each other, the attraction and

the romance. They call this trend the “soulmate” model of marriage.

This model represents a short-sighted map of marriage that we see portrayed every day in movies, TV shows or hear sung on the radio.

The fact is that the romance and feelings that bring spouses together are true and good, but they are not all that we need for the marriage journey, because they do not last. If the emotions and attraction are all that holds a couple together, when the feelings wane, the spouses are lost.

The persons who follow the romantic model of marriage are using a map that distorts what marriage is. Hopefully, they find a more accurate map to follow.

As I learned in my youth, to see the lay of the land more accurately we need to rise up over the terrain, over the opinions of the crowds on the streets.

We need to see life from

ACROSS 1 Basics 5 Sacrificial animals 10 Spy 14 Toe holder 15 Birds “thumb” 16 Elliptical 17 Opera solo 18 City destroyed by fire 19 Helix 20 Update 22 Biblical Ethiopian 24 Body of water 25 Prepared 26 Takes by force 30 Idol 32 Subatomic particle 33 Opposite of pride 37 Take the rind off 38 Gone by 39 Husband of Ruth 41 Extends 44 Smooth tightly twisted thread 45 Comedian Griffith 46 Decrease 47 Dwarf 50 Central Intelligence Agency 51 Gives hints

a higher perspective: God’s perspective. He is the creator of marriage; his map is the one that leads to true happiness.

So, what is God’s map for marriage? We learn about this map in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. God created man and woman out of love and calls them to love each other in the same way that he loves us (1604).

But loving is not easy because of the presence of evil in our life. Evil can threaten the union of husband and wife with discord, power struggles, infidelity, jealousy and other disruptions. The church reminds us that to heal these wounds spouses need God’s grace (CCC, 1698).

Christian marriage, being a sacrament, brings couples the spiritual help they need and gives them a clear direction, with a purpose: to be the image of God’s love in their community. Christ

53 Runner 58 Subdue 59 Large Asian nation 61 City in Yemen 62 Male deer 63 Grieve 64 Game of chance 65 Papa 66 Black 67 Tails DOWN 1 Far away 2 Make a hole 3 Skullcap 4 Sky light 5 Scottish girls 6 Hawaiian ‘hello’ 7 Dirt 8 Alliance 9 Japanese warrior 10 Coffee 11 Elliptical 12 Not the clergy 13 Women’s magazine 21 Sports channel 23 Vend 26 Ref

Question for reflection: Are you using the right map for your marriage journey?

is present in their life; he guides them through the church; and he gives them his graces through the sacraments.

If you were married in the Catholic Church, know that you have the right map at your disposal. Make use of it. The church’s guidance is like the GPS in your car. Through the church’s wisdom, tested by centuries, it facilitates our reading of the marriage map given to us by God. And, as we journey, Christ is with us to help us in good times and in bad. St John Paul II said: “Jesus does not stand by and leave you alone to face the challenge. He is always with you to transform your weakness into strength.”

Are you using the right map?

27 Ooze 28 Consumer 29 Rolled chocolate candy brand 30 Horse drawn carriage 31 OT prophet 33 Give 34 Wading bird 35 Flip 36 Harvard’s rival 40 Type of Buddhism 42 Thy word is a __ unto my feet 43 Once (2 wds. ) 44 Sister of Rachel 46 Group prayer 47 Non __ (not welcome) 48 Wanderer 49 Last letter of Greek alphabet 50 Marker 51 Posttraumatic stress disorder 52 Stuck up person 54 Erie, for example 55 Adam and Eve’s garden 56 Lean 57 Son of Seth 60 Dynamic __ Solution on page 10

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LOCAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG (Staed) and Robert C. Brungardt, members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 21. The couple was married on Aug. 21, 1971, at Visitation Church, Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Krista Ludwikoski, Kelly Stein and Kim Tilley.

They also have seven grandchildren.

and Gerald Magliano, members of Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to Clearwater Beach and Siesta Key, Florida. The couple was married on May 22, 1971, at St. Michael Chapel, Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas. Their children are: Anthony, Lisa and Michael.

The also have two grandchildren.

Sue (Heptig) and Lee Clark, members of St. Joseph Parish, Flush, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept.

17. The couple was married on Sept. 17, 1971, at St. Joseph Church by Father J.E. Biehler. Their children are: Michelle Davidson, Wamego; Tony Clark, New Hill, North Carolina; and Paul Clark, Olathe.

They also have eight grandchildren.

Cyndy and Jerry Novacek, members of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 21. The couple was married on Aug. 21, 1971, at St. Mary Cathedral Church, Lincoln, Nebraska,

by Msgr. John A. Flynn. The immediate family celebrated together at a private dinner for the couple. Their children are: Jay Novacek, Joe Novacek, Jon Novacek and Liz Conaghan. They also have 13 grandchildren.

Steve and Chris Christianson, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 4. The couple was married on Sept. 4, 1971, at St. Adalbert Church, South Milwaukee. Their children are: Rochelle Graham, Amy Gryzmala and Erin Martin. They also have nine grandchildren. They celebrated with their family this summer at Table Rock Lake.

Kenneth and Carol (Cindrich) Miller, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 4. The couple was married on Sept. 4, 1971, at Christ the King Church, Kansas City, Kansas, by Father Paul Miller. Their children are: Kerry Casper, Shawnee; Eric Miller, Shawnee; and Shaun Miller, Lenexa. They also have seven grandchildren.

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ANNIVERSARY submissions

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

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

7 Churches asked to ring bells Sept. 17 Constitution Week is Sept.

17-23. To promote awareness of the U.S. Constitution, the Marais des Cygnes Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution asks churches and organizations to ring their bells on Sept. 17 at 3 p.m.

SearchKC event set for Sept. 30-Oct. 2 Volunteers ages 18 years and older are needed for a SearchKC event for missing and exploited youth that will be held Sept. 30-Oct. 2.

Volunteers will explore areas of the Kansas City metro in small groups during a four-hour search.

They will distribute missing person poster booklets to local businesses, gather information and leads on the whereabouts of missing persons, and report to the command center.

Signing up as four-person teams is encouraged. To sign up, go online to: veronicasvoice.org/searchkc. For information, contact director Maureen Reintjes, SearchKC, by email at: searchkc@veronicasvoice.org.

One of the first stops on the archdiocesan seminarians’ pilgrimage was to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, on Aug. 5. The tour guide (in yellow) led the group though the academy. From left are: Deacon Sudeep Kodigandla (partially obscured), Will Sutherand, Kevin Weinand, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and George Rhodes.

Seminarians check out the Bells of St. Joseph’s Valley at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg, Maryland. There are three bells: the Academy Bell, which summoned students to classes; the “Dinky” Bell, which announced the arrival of the Emmitsburg train until 1940; and the Seminary Bell, which called new members of the Daughters of Charity to prayer and study.

Seminarian Brian Jacobson prays at the Philadelphia where St. John Neumann, the ed Mass. The National Shrine of St. John which also houses a small museum that the saint.

Seminarians walk in the footstep Story by JOE BOLLIG Photos by FATHER DAN MORRIS

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — They knew their names.

Now, they know their stories.

The annual pilgrimage of the seminarians of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann took 21 young men studying for the priesthood to the very birthplace of the Catholic Church in the United States.

Prior to this trip, explained archdiocesan vocations director Father Dan Morris, the seminarians “only knew the American-born saints, or those saints canonized in America, by name or a stained-glass window in church.”

“Learning about their stories and encountering them,” he said, “the majority of guys came away with [the feeling that] ‘I now have a relationship with these saints, and I’m going to allow that relationship to foster my vocation going forward.’”

The Aug. 4-11 pilgrimage took the group to shrines, churches and historic locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York.

The theme of the pilgrimage was: “The Early Church in America.”

Among the places they visited were the shrines and/or tombs of: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland; St. John Neumann in Philadelphia; St. Katherine Drexel, also in Philadelphia; Blessed Father Michael McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut; and the North American Martyrs in Auriesville, New York.

They also went to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore — the country’s first cathedral.

In addition to the seminarians, Archbishop Naumann, Father Morris, co-director of vocations Father Scott Wallisch and vocations office administrative assistant Kelly Kmiecik also made the trip.

It seemed like the “fingerprints of God” were all over this pilgrimage, which was filled with providential moments and encounters with the American saints and all sorts of people, said Father Morris. Everywhere they went, they were met with hospitality and friendship — which he attributed to Kmiecik’s work fostering relationships while planning the pilgrimage.

Two encounters with laypeople stand out, said Father Morris.

One was with their own bus driver, a retired U.S. Marine, who spent a great deal of time with them.

“By the end of the trip, he shared meals with us . . . and heard us pray, growing in

Seminarian Timothy Skoch leads the Stations of the Cross at The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, on Aug. 9. friendship day by day,” said Father Morris.

“He took two or three opportunities to speak directly to the seminarians his love for them . . . and what a blessing it was to him to meet our young men studying for the priesthood, learn more about the faith and growth in hope for the future.

He’s planning to come and celebrate the ordinations of those to the diaconate and priesthood next May.” When they were at the shrine of St. John Neumann in Philadelphia, a woman visiting at the same time thanked the seminarians for responding to God’s call to them. Then, she instructed the cashier at the gift shop to put the seminarians’ purchases on her tab.

Archbishop Naumann seeks to accomplish three things with these annual

pilgrimages with his seminarians: first, he tries to get to know the seminarians better, and vice versa; second, he hopes it builds a sense of fraternity among the seminarians, who attend either St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver, or KenrickGlennon Seminary in St. Louis; finally, he hopes it helps the seminarians further discern their vocations and bring back and share what they learned.

Aaron Waldeck, a fifth-year seminarian at Kenrick-Glennon, was enthusiastic about the fraternity he felt.

“It’s always great to spend time with the new guys,” said Waldeck, who was on his fifth seminarian pilgrimage. “They bring a lot of enthusiasm for entering [the] seminary and going through the process. We also get to know them. We’ll

live in proximity every year, and they remind me of my first year [as a seminarian] as well.”

One of his most inspirational moments was serving Mass for Archbishop Naumann at the tomb of St. John Neumann.

The saint’s body, now a relic, lies beneath the altar and can be seen through a window.

“It was very apparent, the connection between the communion of saints and the sacrifice of the Mass, having our archbishop celebrate Mass at the tomb of a canonized saint,” said Waldeck. “It was a very powerful witness.”

Will Sutherland, a fifth-year seminarian at Kenrick-Glennon, appreciated the quality time he was able to spend with Archbishop Naumann.

altar of St. Peter the Apostle Church in e fourth bishop of Philadelphia, celebratNeumann is located in the lower church, t displays exhibits relating to the life of

Kelly Kmiecik, administrative assistant to the archdiocesan vocations office, prays at the tomb of St. Katharine Drexel in the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. The cathedral is the largest Catholic church in Pennsylvania.

In 2017, the shrine of St. Katharine Drexel was relocated to the cathedral after its former home, St. Elizabeth Convent, was closed.

Seminarian Daniel Schmidt walks though the peaceful grounds of the National Shrine of the North American Martyrs in Auriesville, New York, on Aug. 10. The shrine is dedicated to the three Jesuit missionaries who were martyred at the Mohawk Indian village of Ossernenon in 1642 and 1646.

ps of the saints of North America

Deacon Andrew Gaffney blesses participants at the end of a Holy Hour at St. Mary Church in New Haven, Connecticut, where Blessed Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, was pastor. Father McGivney started the Knights in the basement of this church.

“I was able to have some small talk with [the archbishop] here and there, and shared some meals with him,” said Sutherland, who has also been on five pilgrimages. “We each had some one-onone time with him and some intentional conversations while on the bus.”

One place Sutherland found particularly inspiring was the site of St. Kateri Tekakwitha’s baptism. It’s a simple place, marked by a stone structure at a spring, on the side of a hill in the woods.

This was the tenth pilgrimage for Deacon Andrew Gaffney, who is in his ninth and final year of formation at St. John Vianney Seminary. (Deacon Gaffney participated as a college seminarian as well.) He was particularly moved by one saint.

A family asks for and receives a blessing from Archbishop Naumann at the National Shrine of the North American Martyrs.

“I’d say the one that sticks out to me the most was St. John Neumann,” said Deacon Gaffney. “He died of exhaustion . . . because he saw the needs of his people and he did the best he could to meet them. He wasn’t one to sit around his rectory all day. . . . He knew there were people in need who could

use his help.”

Similarly, he was also moved by the shrine to Blessed Father Michael McGivney. Like St. John Neumann, he also responded to the needs of the men of his parish by founding the Knights of Columbus.

Deacon Gaffney and Deacon Sudeep Kodigandla assisted Archbishop Naumann with daily Mass and leading Holy Hours and eucharistic adoration.

“I was able to lead [eucharistic] adoration on our first day in Baltimore, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” said Deacon Gaffney. “For me, it was an amazing, powerful experience. It’s the first cathedral in the United States, where the Baltimore Catechism was written, the councils of the church in the United States were held there, and so many bishops were ordained there.”

He was inspired by the fact that the monstrance he held was used for eucharistic adoration by generations of cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons — and possibly even saints.

The hope is that the pilgrimages will have a long-lasting effect on the seminarians as they journey toward possible ordination.

“The archbishop hoped this pilgrimage fostered a moment of encounter,” said Father Morris. “And being inspired, they [now] bring back what they learned and exercise that knowledge and share what they learned with the people of God throughout their priesthood.”

10

NATION

SEPTEMBER 10, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Indiana firefighters say ground zero work linked faith, service

By Sean Gallagher Catholic News Service

I

NDIANAPOLIS (CNS) — Sept. 11, 2001, started as an ordinary day for Charles Glesing, a firefighter in Indianapolis.

He was off duty and had dropped off his children at school when he heard news on his car radio about the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York.

Returning home, Glesing watched coverage of the attacks on TV and knew that he might be called into action as a member of Indiana Task Force 1, an elite unit of people from various fields of work specially trained in urban search and rescue.

“Later, the phone rang and I was told that we were activating the task force and we’d be heading to New York. I got my stuff and gear ready to go,” said Glesing, a member of Christ the King Parish in Indianapolis.

Traveling on a bus overnight to New York, Glesing and 64 other task force members approached Manhattan at dawn on Sept. 12, a plume of smoke still rising from the site of the World Trade Center.

“It started to hit you more — the realism and severity,” Glesing said. “We knew we were in for a big job here.”

Two other Catholic members of the task force at that time recently spoke with The Criterion, archdiocesan newspaper of Indianapolis, about their experience at ground zero. Of the three, one is still a member of the Indianapolis Fire Department and two have retired.

For each of them, their faith is interwoven with their work as first responders, which they experience as a kind of vocation. Seeing their service as firefighters through the eyes of faith helped them cope with the challenges of working in New York after 9/11 and leads them to find meaning in the tragedies of that day 20 years ago.

Tim Baughman was on duty as a firefighter in Indianapolis on Sept. 11, 2001.

A member of the task force, he learned later that day that he was going to New York and met his wife as she was picking up their children from school.

“She just looked at me and said, ‘I’ve got this. Go,’” recalled Baughman, a member of Holy Spirit Parish in Indianapolis.

In recent years, Baughman has learned from his children of their fears for him 20 years ago that they kept to themselves that day.

“I probably wouldn’t have gone if I had known how they felt at the time,” he said. “Sometimes, I reflect back on that and you think it’s kind of selfish. These little kids were afraid and their dad just said, ‘Hey, I’m going.’”

But Baughman’s family is used to this.

His job in the 2001 task force was to oversee efforts to keep his fellow members safe in their work. To aid him in that work, he went up about 100 feet above ground zero on a fire truck ladder to get a perspective on the scene.

“It gave a feeling of how immense it was,” he said.

There were thousands of people from across the country working at the site, hoping to rescue survivors but increasingly resigned to the fact that the mission would be more of recovering the remains of those who had died.

“We didn’t rescue anyone,” said Baughman. “We went to the biggest [search and rescue] incident that has ever happened to date in this country.

But we didn’t rescue anyone. That was tough. It was tough.”

When the task force returned to

CNS PHOTO/SEAN GALLAGHER, THE CRITERION

Charles Glesing, left, Tim Baughman and Dave Cook pose for a photo at the Indiana 9/11 Memorial in Indianapolis Aug. 25. All three were members of Indiana Task Force 1, an elite urban search and rescue team deployed to ground zero in New York City less than a day after terrorist attacks destroyed the twin towers of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. The steel beam they are touching is from the rubble of ground zero.

Indiana after about 10 days of work at ground zero, they received a hero’s welcome — something that didn’t sit well with Baughman, who was embarrassed by it.

“We didn’t save any lives, but we were being celebrated,” he said.

Saving the lives of people in danger is at the heart of the mission of a firefighter. That mission takes on greater urgency when it’s the lives of other firefighters that are threatened.

On Sept. 11, 2001, 343 members of the Fire Department of New York died after rushing to the World Trade Center when so many other were fleeing.

When the remains of a firefighter were found at ground zero, Baughman said work would stop.

“They’d call the firefighters to line up and bring the remains out on a stretcher.

There was an immediate reverence that would take place. That happened several times while we were there.”

As this kept happening, it led Dave Cook, a member of Indiana Task Force 1, to reflect on the meaning of sacrifice in his life and work.

“You begin to think, ‘What if this was me?’” said Cook, a member of St. Pius X Parish in Indianapolis now serving as a battalion chief with the Indianapolis Fire Department.

“You think about their families and the children,” he said. “Their dad went to work and that was the last time they saw him. It begins to affect you that way, because then I thought about my own family.

“To this day, every time that [my family and I] see each other or say goodbye, we’re all hugging each other.”

Many of those who did search

Crossword solution

and rescue work at ground zero have developed illnesses related to exposure to various toxins in the atmosphere around the site. Some have died, including four members of Indiana Task Force 1 who served at ground zero.

Glesing suffers from reactive airway disease, which he said is called the “World Trade Center cough.”

He and others with ongoing physi-

cal effects from service at ground zero have their related medical care paid for through federal programs.

Despite the ongoing challenges of serving at ground zero, Glesing doesn’t regret working there.

“I’d go again in a heartbeat,” he said.

“If the bell goes off, you get on the truck and go. That’s the nature of whatever’s inside of you to be a helpful person to your community. You’re just willing to do something a little more dangerous.”

These men also see their Catholic faith and their work as deeply intermingled.

Before becoming a firefighter, Glesing considered a vocation to the priesthood.

“I always knew, even when I was contemplating a [priestly] vocation, that a career or a vocation of service to others was one of the best and highest ways that you can live your life,” Glesing said.

“You’re there to help others, whether it’s as a firefighter, police officer, priest, nun, doctor — whatever. If you’re there because you want to help others, that is the ultimate calling there is.”

For Cook, this calling to service includes caring for the firefighters under his command.

“I have to watch out for their wellbeing when we’re doing fires or technical rescues, being cautious as their protector, watching their back and making decisions that will allow them to go back to their families,” he said.

When Baughman returned to ground zero in 2018, he said the visit “reinforced what our calling is all about.”

CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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

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

HOLY SMOKIN’ JAMBOREE Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka Sept. 11 and 12

Enjoy an outdoor family event with food, drinks, bingo, cakewalk, car show, crafts, raffles and live music. There will also be kids games, inflatables and activities. Register for the 5K run/walk, car show and Poke Run online at: mtcctopeka. org. There’s fun for the whole family!

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA St. Michael the Archangel Parish 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood Sept. 12 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benediction will follow, as well as an opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular. For more information, visit the website at: www.rosaryrallieskc.org.

OMELET BREAKFAST St. Pius X Parish 5500 Woodson Ave., Mission Sept. 12 from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

The Knights of Columbus of St. Pius X are hosting a three-egg omelet breakfast with the fixing of your choice, served with a biscuit, sausage link and fresh fruit.

Freewill donations will go to scholarships at John Paul ll School and the Knights ultrasound program. All are invited.

GIFT PLANNING AND CREATING A LEGACY St. Philip Neri Parish (hall) 500 Parker Ave., Osawatomie Sept. 15 at noon

A presentation will be given by Terri Lynn, director of planned giving from the office of stewardship and development. In this presentation, you will learn practical ways to provide for your family, protect your assets, the spirituality of making your wishes known, and the why and how to share your legacy with family and friends. RSVP to the pastor, Father Clayton, at: bclayton@archkck.org.

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

The retreat will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 17 and end at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 19.

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

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

Mater Dei Parish is hosting this event in downtown Topeka. The day starts with a 2.5 K fun run at 10 a.m. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., there will be Irish food (including

Patty’s Pockets), a beer garden, whiskey tasting, adult and children’s games, live bands and Irish dancing. The Topeka St. Patrick’s Day Parade will start at noon. All are invited to attend. For more information and to register for the 2.5 K, visit the website at: www.TopekaIrishFest.com.

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR ABORTED CHILDREN Gate of Heaven Cemetery 126th and Parallel, Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 18 at 11 a.m.

Join together to remember the victims of abortion during the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children. For more information, call (785) 615-8373.

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

that we have enough food, registration is required online at: www.mtcctopeka.org.

ROME SWEET HOME 2021 Christ the King Parish 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Sept. 25 from 4:30 - 11 p.m.

There will be a 5K run, an outdoor Mass, LaRocca’s Italian dinner, food trucks, live music, kids activities, a Signature Fireworks display, a raffle, $10,000 sweepstakes, an online auction and more! For full details, visit the website at: ctktopeka.org/rome-sweet-home-2021.

SLOVENEFEST Holy Family Parish 274 Orchard St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 25 at 4 p.m.

Festivities will begin with Mass, followed by a Slovenian sausage dinner. There will be a silent auction, mega money raffle, chil-

11 dren and adult games, cultural booths and souvenirs. Music and dancing will feature The Brian McCarty Band and Hrvaski Obicaj.

All proceeds benefit Holy Family Parish. For more information, visit the website at: holy familychurchkck.org; find us on Facebook; or contact the parish office at (913) 3711561. Social distancing practices will be in place to ensure the safety of our guests.

ANNUAL BAZAAR St. John the Baptist Parish (hall) 427 S. Prairie, Greeley Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

There will be dine-in and takeout with masks optional, serving turkey and dressing, ham, potatoes and gravy, chicken and homemade noodles, and green beans. There will also be apple salad, sauerkraut, homemade pies and bread. The cost will be $12 for adults; $6 for kids under 8. Takeout is $12.

The venue is handicapped-accessible.

Come together with Catholics from across state lines to show support for the clergy of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph. The event is sponsored

by C.O.R.E. and the Serra Club of Metro KC. Enjoy a round of golf, barbecue, drinks and prizes. Go online to: www.Celebrate OurReligious.org to register and see a schedule of events.

FAMILY DAY AT PRAIRIE STAR RANCH Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Prairie Star Ranch is offering a chance to step away and enter into a day of prayer, adventure, outdoor activities and a time to reconnect. Families, friends and communities are invited to join us for a choice of horseback riding, canoeing, ropes activities and time for prayer. The experience will culminate with the celebration of Mass. All ages are welcome to this come-and-go-as-youplease event. Register online now or contact the team at Prairie Star Ranch at: www.arch kck.org/ranch; call (785) 746-5693 or send an email to: psrministry@archkck.org.

FALL AND HOLIDAY CRAFT AND BAKE SALE 501 S. Willow Dr., Olathe Sept. 23 - 25 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sept. 30 - Oct. 1 & 2 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Come find seasonal handmade crafts and homemade treats to enjoy while supporting a great cause. All proceeds go to the Olathe Pregnancy Clinic.

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

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

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

This is a one-day retreat with Sonja Corbitt, the “Bible Study Evangelista.”

The retreat will begin with a rosary. There will be talks and time for fellowship. Beverages, light snacks and lunch will be provided. There is no cost, but a freewill offering will be accepted. In order to assure

Family Owned and Proudly Serving Our Community Since 1929 During this pandemic, we are still able to make arrangements and conduct services to honor your loved one in a meaningful way. Arrangements and Advanced Planning can be completed virtually or in the comfort of your own home. We are here to guide you every step of the way.

913-371-1404 | 340 N. 6th St. Kansas City, KS

| www.skradskifh-kc.com

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT Bellwether Tax & Accounting – We have been providing service to the KC area for over 20 years and carry an A+ rating with the BBB. We specialize in individual and small business tax preparation. Our focus is servicing our clients’ total needs, which is why we provide multiple services: tax planning, Medicare & Social Security education, core financial security analysis for both individuals and businesses, business development strategies, employee incentive programs and more. Our fees are reasonable and our service is superior. Call (913) 440-4187 or email: info@bellwethertax.com.

Maintenance supervisor - Facility and grounds: Prince of Peace in Olathe is seeking an individual for maintenance supervisor. This person is responsible for routine campus maintenance, including minor building repair, general maintenance, grounds maintenance, landscape maintenance and support building operation activities.

If interested, send resume to John Meyers at: jmeyers@ popolathe.org or call (913) 747-7706.

Part-time delivery driver needed - Kansas City Bathroom Remodeling, located in Lenexa, has a need for a part-time delivery driver to pick up and deliver materials in the Johnson County, Kansas, area. A company vehicle will be provided. A clean driving record, with a valid license is a MUST! On occasion, you will need to lift up to 50 pounds. This position will be two - three days per week, approximately 10 - 20 hours per week. We are a premier bathroom and basement remodeling company in KC. We offer competitive pay and a fun, stable, team environment! Hurry . . . this job won’t last! Contact Lisa at (913) 701-2500!

Part-time custodial position - Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, is seeking an individual that is available weekends, along with some weekday afternoons and evenings. The custodian is responsible for day-to-day cleaning activities, as well as event setup and tear down associated with the parish and school. If interested, please contact John Meyers at: jmeyers@popolathe.org or call (913) 747-7706.

Director of religious education - St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a director of religious education to coordinate the school of religion programs, including first Communion and confirmation preparation. A background in religious education and catechist formation is preferred. Spanish language skills are a plus.

For a job description and an application, contact Abby Drath at the St. Patrick Parish office at (913) 299-3370 or by email at: adrath@stpatrickkck.org.

Receptionist/administrative assistant – St. John the Baptist in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a part-time receptionist. This position will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This position is responsible for receiving all calls and visitors, sorting mail, compiling the weekly bulletin and other clerical duties as assigned. Ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing. High school diploma required and at least three years of secretarial or administrative experience. Must be able to provide hospitality and efficient response to all calls and visitors. To apply, please visit: www.stjohnthebaptistcatholicchurch.com. Application deadline is Sept. 15.

Head of operations - St. John Paul II Parish, Olathe, is seeking an experienced, motivated and faithful person with a pioneering spirit to collaborate with the pastor and the parish at large to fulfill the mission of forming and developing the newest parish in the archdiocese.

The head of operations is responsible for the care and management of the temporal affairs of the parish. As a member of the parish staff, this position will supervise, coordinate and perform the administrative functions of finance and accounting; management of facility and property; management of human resources, office services and management. Full time, salaried and exempt position with benefits. Please send resume and cover letter to: frfarrar@jp2kc.org.

Catering coordinator - We are adding an energetic, knowledgeable catering coordinator to our team! You should be knowledgeable about current eating trends and have a passion for quality service. You will be responsible for client and community relationships. As our dedicated A Player, you are highly motivated, community service-minded and detail-oriented with strong analytical skills. Must project professional manner and appearance at all times; have strong and effective communication skills with guests, team members and the public; be detail-oriented, creative and innovative; must possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills and the ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure; must have basic math skills and computer proficiency as well as excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills. Employment is contingent upon passing a required background check. Join our family and let’s have some FUN. Contact Mary at: m.sandgren@taher.com.

Office assistant - Looking for a change? We have the job for you! And not just any job, but one where you’ll make a difference! Come join our family-owned small company located in the Kansas City area for the past 40 years. We are looking for someone who is organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, customer-friendly and has a willingness to go that extra mile. Job tasks are mainly invoicing, filing, answering phones, scheduling, receiving/shipping (small packages), vendor relations and customer service. We need a trustworthy and dependable employee who’s ready to work and has a great attitude! Send your resume to: YourCareer101@gmail.com.

Skilled remodeler - Kansas City Remodel is seeking a skilled remodeler. We need a great 40-hour per week, W-2 employee, with their own tools, that can join our family on a permanent basis. Competitive pay and benefits. Email resume to: workorders@kansascityremodel.com.

Bookkeeper- St. John the Baptist and Holy Family parishes in Kansas City, Kansas, are seeking a part-time bookkeeper. This position is responsible for managing the finances of the parish, such as payroll, accounts payable, financial reporting for finance council and other bookkeeping needs. This position will have flexible hours. Bachelor’s degree in accounting or closely related field required; minimum three to five years’ previous accounting/bookkeeping experience required; proficiency in QuickBooks, Excel and Word; knowledge of or experience in nonprofit accounting preferred. To apply, please visit: www.stjohnthebaptistcatholicchurch.com.

Application deadline is Sept. 15.

Fifth grade teacher - St. Ann is seeking a 5th grade homeroom teacher for the 2021-22 school year. This teacher will be responsible for teaching 5th grade religion and 5th/6th grade social studies classes. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website, at: www.archkck.org/jobs, and email principal Liz Minks at: lminks@stannpv.org.

Receptionist – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a part-time receptionist for the chancery offices. This position will be two to three days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This position is responsible for operating the main switchboard, receiving all calls and visitors to the chancery, sorting mail and other clerical duties as assigned. Ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing. High school diploma. Must be able to provide hospitality and efficient response to all calls and visitors to the chancery offices. To apply, please visit: www. archkck.org/jobs. Application deadline is Sept. 15.

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

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

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

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

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

Nurse intake coordinator - The position of Allied Health intake coordinator is responsible for building relationships with area schools, health facilities and the community at large to recruit prospective students who are interested in the health field. The successful candidate will help students understand career paths within the health care industry, particularly those related to CNA, LPN and RN licenses and guide students along academic paths in these areas. This position works closely with the director of nursing in candidate selection for both the nursing and CNA programs. Qualified candidates should have an associate degree with health care-related experience required, bachelor’s degree preferred; maintain confidentiality of health care paperwork and sensitive information provided by students who apply for a seat in the Allied Health programs; understand nursing profession and Allied Health curriculum and experience advising students; be aware of the impact of cultural patterns on student retention and student learning; have the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, students, staff; proficient in Microsoft Office products; be detail-oriented; and be philosophically aligned with the mission and values of the college to engage and support our Catholic identity. Practicing Roman Catholic preferred. Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly.edu with “Nurse intake coordinator” in the subject line.

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

SEPTEMBER 10, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO

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

Pre-K teacher position - Holy Cross Early Education is seeking a lead pre-K teacher for a Monday - Friday morning class, from 7:30 - 11:30 a.m. Applicants must be well-organized, loving and energetic. Preschool or child care experience is highly recommended for this position.

If you are interested, please contact Stefanie Brides at (913) 381-7151 or send a resume to: sbridges@holycross catholicschool.com.

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

Catholic Cemeteries seeks multitalented administrative assistant - Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas invites qualified candidates to apply for a fulltime administrative assistant position, working Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at our Overland Park office. The position will support the director of sales and marketing. We are seeking an individual who works well with people, has outstanding computer skills, and has the ability to organize and manage multiple projects. The ideal candidate will be Catholic and bilingual (English and Spanish). We offer competitive wages. To apply, contact Catholic Cemeteries at (913) 371-4040 or at: balonzo@cathcemks.org.

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

Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. We typically employ on a parttime basis, but will strive to match up hours desired.

Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

Executive director/community leader of L’Arche Heartland - The mission of L’Arche Heartland is: Make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships; foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our members; and engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society. The community leader is responsible for guiding L’Arche Heartland in living authentically the mission and values of L’Arche in its commitment to community among adults with and without intellectual disabilities, finding spirituality in its daily life, while simultaneously maintaining strict compliance with all licensing requirements. This person ensures that the needs of adults with intellectual disabilities are met and that their gifts are promoted both within the L’Arche Heartland community and in the wider environs. The community leader leads the implementation of the community mandate consistent with the identity and mission of L’Arche. This individual leads, manages and administers the daily operations of the community in order to meet the financial, legal and quality standards expected from the governmental authorities. Key responsibilities include: Nurture the spiritual life of the community; assure state compliance as a licensed provider of Home and Community Based Supports for Residential and Day Service on the Kansas I/DD Medicaid waiver (adherence to Kansas Article 63); guarantee the quality of care for 37 adults with intellectual disabilities; build and develop a vibrant community life; raise funds, develop the community and manage its finances; promote the message of L’Arche; manage human resources; work with other L’Arche communities; and work with L’Arche Heartland board of directors.

Requirements include: a bachelor’s or higher degree in a field of human services; work experience in the area of human services; certification that the organization’s chief director of services is qualified to supervise the delivery of a program of services to persons; at least one year of experience in a senior management-level position with a licensed provider; at least two years of experience as either a case manager or a services manager; at least five years of experience delivering direct care services to persons; and three letters of reference concerning the organization’s chief director of services.

Interested candidates please submit a letter of interest, a current resume and references with contact information to the L’Arche Heartland discernment/search team at: harmony@larcheks.org. Position open until filled.

Nursing faculty - A full-time nursing faculty position carries the primary responsibility of helping students to master subject material and skills that will contribute to their personal and intellectual development and success in the nursing program. This person works with the director of nursing to schedule coursework/activities that will help students to complete their goal of becoming health care professionals and to support the program.

Must be able to pass a background check and complete Virtus training. Qualifications include: MSN or BSN with MSN in progress; unencumbered Kansas nursing license; committed to diversity and serving a diverse population; ability to communicate well and assist students in gaining practice and knowledge in the clinical situation; adult teaching experience preferred; excellent leadership and communication skills; experience with instructing technology-based courses; alternative teaching strategies preferred; demonstrate a thorough and accurate knowledge of use of electronic communication and audiovisual equipment; philosophically aligned with the mission and values of the college to engage and support our Catholic identity. Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly.edu with “Nursing instructor” in the subject line.

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

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

Full-time assistant teachers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of pre-academics and the right environment, we believe we are providing the children the foundation to a successful life. We are looking for full-time assistant teachers for all ages who have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Duties include supervising and ensuring the safely and well-being of the children at all times; following predetermined curriculum and daily schedule; decorating the class and keeping classrooms clean and orderly; creating and filling out daily reports for each child; communicating with parents; meeting children’s basic needs (diapers, bottles, etc.). Must be patient and able to respond to difficult situations calmly; have good interpersonal skills with co-workers, parents and children; and be able to lift 25 pounds on a regular basis. There are opportunities for career advancement. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, option 3.

Assistants - Assistants needed to provide support for developmentally disabled adults in a day program setting. Hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. five days a week. Health, dental and vision premiums paid in full after two months of employment. Join us for meaningful, fulfilling relationships with our community. Larcheks.org.

Part-time teacher aide - St. Michael the Archangel Preschool is seeking a part-time teacher aide for our four-years-old classroom. This person is responsible for assisting the lead teacher in carrying out daily activities, carrying out the rules and regulations of our licensure and maintaining principles of sound Catholic education.

If you are interested, please contact Jennie Wente, preschool director, at (913) 402-3971 or send resume and cover letter to: jennie.wente@stmichaelcp.org. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

CLASSIFIEDS

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG >> Continued from page 12 Instructional assistant - St. Ann School in Prairie Village is seeking an instructional assistant. The ideal candidate would be available 20 - 29 hours per week and will be supporting both students and teachers. Interested candidates, please contact St. Ann principal Liz Minks at: lminks@stannpv.org.

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

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

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

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time.

Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did.

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835.

Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Interior wall painting specialist.

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

Call with questions

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

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391

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

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

Call Joe, mention The Leaven discount.

A Total Door (913) 236-6440.

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

Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit http://www. montemacedisability.org.

Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlaw.com.

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

ACT Prep - Founded by a Bishop Miege graduate, Pathway Prep has helped over 250 students during the last four years improve their scores. In-person or virtual sessions available. For more information, visit: pathwayprepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 9918217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com.

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

Next level Design & Remodelling and More llc.

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

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.

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

FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) HOLY ART Religious items and church supplies Made in Italy http://www.holyart.com For sale - One plot at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, ground only. Ground Charity, lot D, section 103, spaces 1 and 2. Current value $5200, asking $4700, including conveyance fee. Call Mike at (913) 291-9134.

For sale - Two plots at St. Joseph Cemetery, St. Joseph Garden, lot 32, section D, spaces 1 and 2. Asking $2700 plus transfer fee. Call (913) 638-3290.

For sale - Double plots at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Section 4, lot 189, spaces 3 and 4.

Valued at $2000 each, asking $1750 each. Call Pat at (913) 909-5680.

CAREGIVING Family member with dementia or need help at home?

- We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.Benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

Homecare - CMA, 15 years’ experience, background check available, references available from past employers. Call (913) 999-4340.

Caring companion - I am a certified nursing assistant with 10 plus years experience with stroke, Alzheimer’s, and dementia patients. I assist with personal care services and offer nonemergency medical transportation.

Call (913) 558-9061.

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

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

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

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

Skip the Showings Move on Your Schedule Low Fee Structure Get Started Today! www.FullPriceHomeSale.com OFFER CODE KS01 Wanting to sell but cannot afford the updates on your home to maximize your profit? - Do not give away the equity you worked hard for! We are a one-ofa-kind real estate team with a contracting business we offer our sellers. Please reach out to Natalie McCarter for more information. (913) 909-1893.

CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000 Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it?

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

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

Tired of being a landlord?

I’ll buy it.

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

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COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Sept. 12 TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 50: 4c-9a Ps 116: 1-6, 8-9 Jas 2: 14-18 Mk 8: 27-35 Sept. 13 John Chrysostom, bishop, doctor of the church 1 Tm 2: 1-8 Ps 28: 2, 7-9 Lk 7: 1-10 Sept. 14 THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS Nm 21: 4b-9 Ps 78: 1b-2, 34-38 Phil 2: 6-11 Jn 3: 13-17 Sept. 15 Our Lady of Sorrows 1 Tm 3: 14-16 Ps 111: 1-6 Jn 19: 25-27 Sept. 16 Cornelius, pope, and Cyprian, bishop, martyrs 1 Tm 4: 12-16 Ps 111: 7-10 Lk 7: 36-50 Sept. 17 Robert Bellarmine, bishop, doctor of the church 1 Tm 6: 2c-12 Ps 49: 6-10, 17-20 Lk 8: 1-3

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very year, as the anniversary of 9/11 dawns, I pull out the following short meditation — both as a reminder and a challenge: “On this day (Sept.

10) . . . 20 years ago, 246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights, 2606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning, 343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift, 60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol, and eight paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift.

None of them saw past 10 a.m. on Sept.

11, 2001.

In one single moment, life may never be the same.

As you live, enjoy the breaths you take today. And tonight, before you go to sleep in preparation for your life tomorrow,

Sept. 18 Saturday 1 Tm 6: 13-16 Ps 100: 1b-5 Lk 8: 4-15

I Robert Bellarmine 1542-1621 One of five sons in a prominent Tuscan family and the nephew of a pope, Robert was well-educated even before he became a Jesuit. After his ordination at Louvain, he taught there for seven years, specializing in “controversial theology.” He returned to Rome in 1576, taught at the Gregorianum and wrote a three-volume work defending Catholicism against heresies of the day. He also advised several popes, served as Jesuit provincial and cardinal-archbishop of Capua, mediated the Galileo controversy, and in old age, turned his author’s pen to devotional writing.

In 1931, Pope Pius XI proclaimed this patron of catechists a doctor of the church.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Are we better or ‘badder’ after 9/11?

MARK MY WORDS

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.

kiss the ones you love, snuggle a little tighter and never take one second of your life for granted” (Author Unknown).

It’s hard to believe that it’s been two decades since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Those of us alive at the time will never forget where we were when hearing of the events in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington that morning. Glued to

TVs, we watched as horror after horror unfolded.

Permanently seared into my mind is the picture of Franciscan friar Father Mychal Judge, the first recorded casualty of that fateful day, being carried out on a chair by five first responders.

That photo reminds me of the selflessness of so many who rushed in to assist others on 9/11 as well as the compassion shown for those who lost their lives or were injured.

September 11 highlighted the worst and the best that humanity is capable of. Some of the wonderful spirit of people is captured in

the play “Come From Away” that I wrote about here on Feb. 20, 2020. This musical tells the story of 38 planes containing 7000 passengers that were forced to land in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, on Sept. 11. The hospitality of the townspeople there helps soothe the uncertainty and anxiety of the stranded travelers.

As I recall, our nation was united in a shared grief, TV stations suspended normal programming (and the incessant commercials) and people — coming to grips with being out of control in these events — turned once again to God for strength, direction and consolation.

This 20th anniversary of 9/11 seems an appropriate time to take a step back and reflect.

Pope Francis gives us a framework for meditation in his 2020 book, “Let Us Dream.”

He notes that a crisis shakes things up and

challenges our priorities and lifestyles.

He writes: “The basic rule of a crisis is that you don’t come out of it the same. If you get through it, you come out better or worse, but never the same. . . . In the trials of life, you reveal your own heart: how solid it is, how merciful, how big or small.”

So, what’s your verdict? In the 20 years since 9/11, are we better or “badder”?

How solid are our hearts? How merciful?

How big or small?

Those Newfoundlanders in “Come From Away” teach us how to rediscover compassionate and big hearts — lessons many seem to have forgotten or abandoned since 9/11. A film version of this musical is being released on Sept. 10 on Apple TV+, which I think offers a free seven-day trial. Check it out!

And remember: Never take one second of your life for granted.

We, like the Hebrews, can find God’s invitations unwelcome

n Sunday’s first reading, a prophet speaks about his experience. It has been hard. The people to whom he has delivered God’s message have beat him up.

Who was this prophet? Apparently, he was one of the Jews living in exile in Babylon in the sixth century B.C. Sunday’s reading and three other short sections of the Book of Isaiah are by or about him. They are sometimes called Songs of the Servant.

Ultimately, this “servant” was a prefiguration of Jesus Christ. But in his own time and place, he had a message from God for his fellow exiles which, it seems, they did not like.

What did he tell

,

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

them? We have no way to know for sure, but here is a reasonable surmise.

The Jews were in

Babylon (in presentday Iraq) because they had rebelled against the Babylonian empire and so the Babylonians had destroyed their homeland and capital city, Jerusalem. By the time of our unnamed prophet, they had been in Babylon for more than a generation.

How were they doing? Indications are that they were getting along OK. They had small farms, businesses, government positions.

How was their relationship with God? Certainly, some kept faith in him. Perhaps others were disillusioned: “God didn’t save us from our enemies. Why should we bother with him anymore?”

If the message of the servant was like that of the surrounding prophecies in the Book of Isaiah, he announced that God was now going to bring the exiles back to Jerusalem.

And so for this, they beat him up?

Well, think about it. Would you want to leave your home, your business, your job, and trek to a distant place you have never seen?

For what? For the difficulties and conflicts

that you would predictably encounter there?

Why? For a God you felt had let you down?

It is easy to imagine some exiles’ response to this unnamed prophet: “Hey, buddy, keep your unhelpful suggestions to yourself!”

Do we find God’s invitations unwelcome?

Sometimes, they are disruptive. They take us out of our comfort zone. They call us into learning, work and service that will involve labor and loss and expose us to the risk of failure. Why would we do that?

Only if we trust the God who is inviting us and believe that his plans for us far surpass those we might construct for ourselves.

Make the brave choice to lead a simpler, eco-friendly life, pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — People should change the way they eat, travel and use natural resources, energy and products so they minimize their harm to the earth, Pope Francis said.

“Let us pray that we all will make courageous choices, the choices necessary for a simple and environmentally sustainable lifestyle, taking inspiration from our

young people who are resolutely committed to this,” the pope said.

In a video message released by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network Sept. 1, the pope offered his prayer intention for the month of September, which he dedicated to “an environmentally sustainable lifestyle.”

Sept. 1 also marked the World Day of Prayer for the Care of

Creation, which also kicks off the celebration of the Season of Creation, which runs to Oct. 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology.

The theme this year is: “A home for all? Renewing the Oikos of God,” Pope Francis said during his general audience at the Vatican Sept. 1.

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The church turns to you for its next generation of deacons

n Acts 6, a pastoral concern arose concerning care for the Greekspeaking widows.

Verses 2-3 tell us what happened next: “The Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table.

Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task.’”

The church sees the origin of the diaconate in the institution of the “seven.” The same biblical passage also provides some guidance for calling deacons today.

The key word here is “select.” The apostles were asking the church community to

O

ORDAINED TO SERVE

LEON SUPRENANT Leon Suprenant is the co-director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate. He may be reached at leons@archkck.org.

nominate men for this new task or ministry.

They didn’t just ask for volunteers. As Our Lord said, “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you” (Jn 15:16).

There is no “right”

to the diaconate or to any vocation, because vocations are received as a gift. This gift is mediated through the church under the leadership of the successors of the apostles, who call forth and confirm vocations.

But whom were the disciples to select?

The first clue is given immediately: “from among you.” This is a frequently repeated

pattern. Jesus chose the Twelve from among his disciples. Similarly, when it came time for the apostles to replace Judas, Peter wanted an individual who “accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us” (Acts 1:21).

And now the apostles are doing something similar, choosing the seven from among those already known to be disciples. The clear upshot is that they want people who are witnesses to the apostolic faith and who have had some seasoning — what we might call “formation” — evidenced by their participation in the life of the church community.

The church today is calling for deacons “from among you.” The “you” are the baptized.

All vocations in the church flow from our shared baptism, which impels all of us to holiness and mission.

This has always been true, but perhaps has come into sharper focus since the Second Vatican Council.

So when the church turns to “you” for the next generation of deacons, it is looking for men who have a mature, fruit-bearing faith. In other words, we want men who are vibrantly living their baptism. After all, the alb must go on before the stole.

Finally, how was the church to select these men “from among you”? The apostles did not instruct the church to take just anybody, but rather “reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom”

(Acts 6:3).

It makes complete sense that in today’s church we would limit our search to men who are Spirit-filled and wise.

As for reputation, deacons possess no “power” by virtue of their ordination to absolve, anoint or celebrate Mass.

Therefore, no one will perceive a need to interact with a deacon who obviously lacks personal and/or spiritual depth. A man who would be a deacon must become a bridge and not an obstacle for others in their meeting with Christ.

Those who are interested in more information on the diaconate are encouraged to visit the website at: www.archkck. org/diaconate.

Catholic school students succeeding despite pandemic

ur Catholic schools in the archdiocese are in full swing with the new school year.

There won’t be as much excitement or as many challenges as a year ago, of course, as a result of the pandemic.

Our schools opened as usual last year, and stayed open for the whole school year.

Meanwhile, most public schools were closed through most of the school year, only offering virtual or hybrid learning until the middle of the spring semester.

Plenty of data has come out about the damages that virtual learning caused this past school year in the education of our youth. The Kansas City Star recently cited

CEF CENTERED

VINCENT ANCH Vince Anch is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation.

research addressing this issue from the global management group McKinsey & Co. McKinsey’s research found that, on average, children that were educated virtually for most of the last year finished five months

behind in math and four months behind in reading compared to students who had in-person learning.

McKinsey also reported that “students who move on to the next grade unprepared are missing key building blocks of knowledge that are necessary for success. Left unchecked, unfinished learning could have severe consequences

for students’ opportunities and prospects.”

Similar results were published by NWEA, which is an organization that sponsors national test assessments across the globe.

NWEA reported that student achievement in testing dropped by 8 to 12 percentage points in math and 3 to 6 points in reading scores. They stressed that Black, Latino and students who attended schools with high poverty rates suffered the most.

It was a much better story for students attending Catholic schools in the archdiocese. For instance, Catholic Education Foundation-funded grade schools offered in-person learning all year long.

Our students did not fall backwards

by several months in their learning. In fact, they jumped forward and did not miss a beat. CEF-funded high school students achieved a 100% graduation rate. Our students truly benefited from a full year of in-person learning that will have lifelong benefits.

Our teachers, administrators and school staff were courageous in their efforts to provide high quality in-person education all year long and are continuing their efforts this year.

I remind people that our schools opened and stayed open even before any vaccines were available. That took courage and commitment. Our teachers were beacons of light to our youth during a

“We are a locally owned family funeral home. We are not restricted by out of town corporate policies.

Our commitment is to the families we serve.”

dark time. Their courage and dedication to the education and faith formation of our youth did not waiver.

Our Catholic schools did have one advantage over their public school peers.

They invoked the Holy Spirit daily to guide them in teaching and inspiring our children.

Because of their faith, our children are not only better prepared for life but also better prepared for heaven. This is the real differentiating factor that Catholic schools have. Faith was the best medicine of all last year and will be this school year.

Thank goodness our schools know this and now so do thousands of children in our Catholic schools.

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STUDENTS GREW UP FASTER THAN THEY SHOULD. TEACHERS WERE EVEN MORE ATTENTIVE TO THE ANXIETY OF THEIR STUDENTS, AND PARENTS HUGGED THEIR KIDS A LITTLE HARDER THAT NIGHT. CATHY FITHIAN PRINCIPAL, CHRIST THE KING SCHOOL, KANSAS CITY, KANSAS

Memories of 9/11 still fresh after 20 years >> Continued from page 1 “It seemed that the entire neighborhood, community [and] world was quiet,” she added.

Fithian also recalled the days after the attacks, when “it seemed that people were in shock in the day-to-day routines of going from place to place, including the grocery store, where kindness was the rule rather than Cathy Fithian the exception.”

That day also impacted life for school communities, she said.

“Students grew up faster than they should,” said Fithian. “Teachers were even more attentive to the anxiety of their students, and parents hugged their kids a little harder that night.

“9/11 reminded us, too, that in any event — awesome or tragic — God is present in our lives, and we need turn to him with our needs.”

School security Mike Sullivan was in the main office at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park with teacher Leo Brown, who turned on the TV to news of the attacks.

“Our first thought was, ‘Is this a national attack on everybody?’” said Sullivan.

Sullivan has been at Aquinas for 33 years as principal of student services.

His first concern on Sept. 11 was securing the building and ensuring his students were safe.

Mike Sullivan He worried about his own family, too. His son was a senior at Aquinas and in government class at the time.

“He said their room was very [somber],” said Sullivan.

Sullivan said that back then, Aquinas was part of a program that gave every classroom a television set, and that watching the morning news was a normal routine throughout the school.

What they saw that day, though, was not — and it had a deep impact on Sullivan’s life.

“I’m a patriotic person,” he said. “I guess I never thought the United States would be vulnerable like that.”

Sullivan said that Sept. 11 and the 1999 Columbine High School shooting were two key events that shaped school safety moving forward.

“They changed a lot of protocol and [the concept of] running a building, security and safety,” he said.

The day also left its mark on Sullivan’s career as a principal.

“It’s a memory you’ll never forget,” he said, “but it’s one you want to forget.

“It’s a moment in our history that

CNS PHOTO/SARA K. SCHWITTEK, REUTERS

The second tower of the World Trade Center bursts into flames after being hit by a hijacked airplane in New York in this Sept. 11, 2001, file photo. changed our society in general and school safety.”

Constant prayers Angela Herman had taught theology and worked as the campus minister at Hayden High School in Topeka for a couple of years when 2001 rolled around.

Her day began with a planning period, and she was working in her office when the theology department chair at the time discovered a plane had struck the World Trade Center after talking on the phone with his wife.

“I asked him if it was an accident, Angela Herman and he said he didn’t know,” said Herman. “Instinctively, we both took off running toward my classroom to turn on the television.”

Like Aquinas, Hayden had a television in every classroom.

“The rest of the day was spent with theology classes all crammed together in one classroom, watching coverage and going to the chapel to pray a rosary every hour,” said Herman.

“We didn’t have great cable,” she added, “so we built an antenna using some paper clips to improve the clarity.

We were glued to the news.”

Herman remembers leading a rosary that day and forgetting the words to the Hail Mary.

“How many Hail Marys have I said in a lifetime,” she said, “and I forget the words? It was just that kind of a day.”

It was also a day that changed Herman’s view of her role as a teacher. She was used to having answers for her students, but that day, she didn’t.

“The only answer I had was, ‘I don’t know, but let’s pray about it,’” she said.

It also shifted the dynamic in the classroom in the days and weeks that followed.

“In those days, we were not teachers and students,” said Herman. “We were simply Americans and Catholics with our hearts broken, linked together by our humanity and our sorrow.”

Herman was gratified by what she witnessed during that time.

“After 9/11, we saw an explosion of patriotism and service,” she said. “Love of neighbor was no longer something we just talked about, and our churches were filled with people praying for our country.

“It was a beautiful thing to see.”

Close to home Connelly is now the director of student financial support and family assistance for Xavier School in Leavenworth.

Being near Fort Leavenworth on Sept. 11 and having students of military families in his charge made the attacks personal and caused an additional layer of fear.

“We did make sure that our building was locked down and secure for our

students,” said Connelly. “That was one of the first things that we did.”

Once Connelly heard a plane crashed into the Pentagon and another crashed in Pennsylvania, the situation became more and more concerning, especially for those at Fort Leavenworth, who were in a state of lockdown.

“Being a military fort, you weren’t sure what was next at that time,” he said.

“You didn’t know the magnitude of the Mike Connelly attack.”

Within a day of the attacks, the Immaculata community discovered that Ron and Pat Sloan, alumni of the high school, lost their son Paul in the towers.

“To find out their son perished, to feel the pain they must’ve been going through, was unbelievable,” said Connelly. “You could only imagine what happened.”

Xavier honors Paul during an annual Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony at the school.

Connelly said that even though the students now weren’t alive to experience Sept. 11, there are many lessons it can teach them.

“Everything was put aside [back then],” he said. “We were all for our country and defending our country.

“If anything, I felt it united us as a nation.”