THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 39, NO. 6 | SEPTEMBER 15, 2017
IT’S TIME TO MAKE THE DREAM A REALITY Legislators encouraged to provide legal status to DACA recipients
By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Maria’s life is suspended between hope and uncertainty as she considers her future. Will she be able to stay in the only homeland she has ever known? Or will she be deported? Maria (not her real name) was brought to the United States as a fiveyear-old by her parents. She’s an undocumented immigrant. Now with a child and a career, the 30-year-old had been living the American Dream in Kansas City, Kansas — with limited security as a DACA participant. DACA — the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — was established by executive order by President Barack Obama in 2012. It shielded undocumented persons who had been brought to the United States as children from deportation. Program participants could, with a $500 renewable permit, apply for a Social Security number, work legally in the United States, go to school and travel. Since 2012, about 740,000 people have participated in DACA. Of those, about 12,500 are in Kansas. Often these undocumented persons are referred to as “dreamers,” derived from the acronym for the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, which was introduced in Congress several times but did not become law. The situation changed on Sept. 5 when, under pressure from threatened lawsuits from 10 states, President Donald Trump rescinded DACA and gave the U.S. Congress six months to find a legislative fix or . . . It’s the “or” that is causing so much uncertainty. What happens if Congress doesn’t pass a law helping tens of thousands like Maria? No one can say with certainty. Maria, a full-time social worker and children and family therapist, was hesitant about signing up for DACA in the
first place. “I applied when it first came out, but I was very hesitant to do so,” said Maria. “A lot of people failed to understand what’s in its name. ‘Deferred action’ means, literally, ‘to set aside to review for a later time.’ “That scared me. I didn’t want to enter this program and then, later on, the decision, as now, being revoked or taken away.” “The reason for me applying [for >> See “IT” on page 4
CNS PHOTO/SAM LUCERO | THE COMPASS
Maria, a “dreamer” interviewed anonymously for this story, was younger than this first communicant, Susana Fernandez, when she was first brought to the United States by her parents to live. Maria now has a child of her own about Susana’s age, from whom she could be separated if DACA recipients are deported. To find out what you can do to help, read on.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
ARCHBISHOP
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Servant leadership requires sacrifice — regardless the enemy
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ne of the highlights of the end of summer for me is the annual pilgrimage I make with our seminarians. Every day of the pilgrimage, we have a Holy Hour of eucharistic adoration, celebrate Mass and pray the Liturgy of the Hours together. For the majority of the time of this year’s pilgrimage, we were based at a retreat center in Colorado Springs. One day, we began early with eucharistic adoration and a Holy Hour. Afterwards, our morning was spent volunteering at the Catholic Charities Center in downtown Colorado Springs. We had the opportunity to work alongside the staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities. I was with a group where we were sorting school supplies, clothing and food to be distributed to various outreach centers. Some of our seminarians helped prepare and serve lunch for the food kitchen that provides hot lunches for some of the many homeless on the streets of Colorado Springs. We all had the chance to share a meal, converse and offer encouragement and prayers to the homeless. After lunch, we went to the nearby Sacred Heart Cathedral, where we had another time of eucharistic adoration followed by Mass. Our seminarians were sent two by two to encounter people on the street. We prayed before they went on mission that Our Lord would lead them to those whom Jesus wanted to use them to bring a word
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN of hope and encouragement. We asked our men to share with those they met that they were seminarians discerning a vocation to the Catholic priesthood and a little bit of their own story of what motivated them to want serve God as priests. The seminarians invited those they encountered to come and pray with us at the cathedral, as well as to offer to pray for any special intentions they had. God willing, our seminarians in a few years will be priests helping our parish communities to implement the new evangelization. It will be their responsibility to help form their future parishioners to become what Pope Francis terms “missionary disciples.” As future priests, they will also be called to lead their people in bringing Jesus to what Pope Francis identifies as the peripheries. Not only to serve the hungry, the homeless, the poor and the stranger, but also to encounter in them the living Jesus.
The first stop on our pilgrimage was the town of Pilsen, the birthplace and hometown of Father Emil Kapaun, who was a priest of the Diocese of Wichita. Father Kapaun spent a good portion of his priesthood as a military chaplain, serving both in World War II and the Korean War. The Diocese of Wichita has presented the case of Father Kapaun to the Vatican congregation charged with examining the causes for those proposed to be designated (canonized) as saints. We spent about three hours in Pilsen learning about Father Kapaun’s life, priesthood and heroism. We also learned about some of the amazing miracles attributed to his intercession. It is powerful to hear from former soldiers the testimonies of the bravery of Father Kapaun on the battlefield in his efforts to minister to the wounded and dying. Even more impressive were the accounts of his leadership in the prisoner of war camp where Father Kapaun died. Father Kapaun taught by example how even as captives in the harshest of conditions one still had the ability to be free — free to live the Gospel, to
love and serve each other. One of the highlights during our time in Colorado Springs was to visit the Air Force Academy. It was heartening to learn how much the Air Force values chaplains and, in particular, Catholic priest chaplains. It was also good for our seminarians to be made aware of the sacrifices and rigors of the training that are a part of the preparation for those aspiring to become leaders in the military. It was also interesting to see the parallels between the seminary and the academy’s formation programs. Both place a high priority on the development of virtue. The Air Force even refers to their formation program as one that teaches the cadets to become servant leaders. It was also edifying to learn that spirituality is considered one of the pillars of formation for the Air Force cadets. Our visit to Pilsen and the Air Force Academy provided an opportunity to emphasize to our seminarians that they are preparing to be leaders in a spiritual battle for the souls of those they will someday serve as priests. It demands from them a willingness to make heroic sacrifices for the welfare of their people and to become truly servant leaders of those entrusted to their care. I am always encouraged after spending several days with our seminarians. I am grateful that we begin this year with 30 men in seminary formation, although we need even more! I am edified, however, more by the quality of our seminarians than the number.
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN
Sept. 21 Catholic Education Foundation Gaudeamus honorees and School of Excellence breakfast
Sept. 15-17 Knights of the Holy Sepulcher annual meeting — St. Louis
CEF board meeting
Sept. 17 CORE priests and seminarians appreciation day — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood Sept. 19 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording
Sept. 22 Mass — St. Francis Hospital, Topeka Blue Mass — Assumption, Topeka Sept. 23 Beatification Mass of Father Stanley Francis Rother — Oklahoma City
Quarterly retired priests meeting Administrative Team meeting
ARCHBISHOP KELEHER
Ethics Council meeting Sept. 20 Presbyteral Council meeting St. Lawrence Campus Center board meeting
Please pray for our seminarians as they continue their formation. Pray that the seminary program will help them to know God’s will for their lives and help to develop within them the courage to follow Our Lord wherever he is calling them to go. In our increasingly secularized culture that entices many young people particularly to believe that happiness is to be found in the relentless pursuit of pleasure and comfort, the church needs heroic priests who will inspire their people to seek friendship with God above everything else. We need priests who
Sept. 17 Mass — Federal prison camp Sept. 21 Confirmation — Immaculate Conception, Louisburg
are fully convinced that authentic and enduring happiness can only be found in serving God by the service of others, especially the poor and the vulnerable. I tell our seminarians that to become a priest is to put a target on your back for the devil. The Evil One knows that the most effective way to steal the sheep is to strike the shepherd. Please also pray for your priests that we may remain steadfast in our commitment to decide daily to lay down our lives for the spiritual welfare of the people we are privileged to serve.
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NATION
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CNS PHOTO/CHRIS WATTIE, REUTERS
Residents look at a collapsed house Sept. 12 after Hurricane Irma passed the area in Vilano Beach, Florida. The hurricane weakened as it hit Florida, but still caused plenty of damage.
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Bishops pray for ‘safety, care’ of all hit hard by two massive hurricanes
ASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. bishops’ Executive Committee Sept. 12 prayed for “the safety and care of human life” after two catastrophic hurricanes and urged Catholics around the country to offer their prayers as well as financial support and volunteer help as they can. “The massive scale of the dual disasters and the effect it has on communities, families and individuals cannot be fully comprehended or adequately addressed in the immediate aftermath of the storms,” the statement said, noting that “lives and livelihoods” were “still at risk in Texas, Florida, the Virgin Islands and throughout the Caribbean.” Beginning Sept. 6, Hurricane Irma left hardly any place in its path untouched. The strength and size of the massive storm, with 120-plus-mph winds stretching 70 miles from its core, leveled entire islands in the eastern Caribbean, brought unprecedented flooding on Cuba’s north coast, devastated the Florida Keys, snapped construction cranes in downtown Miami and targeted cities along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Irma dwindled to a tropical storm as it neared the Florida-Georgia line early Sept. 11 and was forecast to die out over southern states later in the week. Officials in Florida and across the Caribbean, meanwhile, started to dig out and evaluate the full scope of the disaster Irma left behind. The death toll stood at more than 30 in the Caribbean and
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
How to help Contribute to Catholic Charities USA at: catholiccharitiesusa. org; (800) 919-9338; or text CCUSADISASTER to 71777 to donate to the relief effort.
CNS PHOTO/HANDOUT, REUTERS
St. Martin Island is seen after Hurricane Irma Sept. 6. It was estimated that one third of all buildings on the island were destroyed. at 12 in the United States, as of Sept. 12. More than a week earlier, Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc on Houston and southern Texas Aug. 25-30. In a four-day period, many areas received more than 40 inches of rain. Flooding inundated hundreds of thousands of homes, displaced more than 30,000 people, and prompted more than 17,000 rescues. The death toll from that storm stood at 70. “At this time of initial recovery, we mourn the loss of life, homes and other property, and the harm to the natural environment, and we pray for all those
affected and in need of assistance” in the wake of the two massive hurricanes, said the Executive Committee, which includes the officers of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “We also pray for the safety of, and in thanksgiving for, the first responders who are risking their lives at this very moment in care for their neighbors, especially those who are elderly, sick, homeless, or otherwise already in need of special assistance,” the statement said. The Executive Committee’s statement followed by three days a
Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org
Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org
Reporter, Social Media Editor Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org
Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org
statement from the president of the USCCB, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, whose diocese was hit by flooding from Hurricane Harvey. He called for prayers for the victims of Harvey and for those affected by Irma. “At a time like this, when our endurance is tested, we implore God to direct us to yet unknown reserves of strength and human compassion for those suffering so deeply. May our manifestations of love and solidarity be lasting signs in the midst of this crisis,” he said Sept. 9. The Executive Committee said it shared “Pope Francis’ trust that the Catholic faithful here in the United States will respond to the needs presented by these disasters with a ‘vast outpouring of solidarity and mutual aid in the best traditions of the nation.’” “We encourage the faithful to respond generously with prayers, financial support, and for those who have the opportunity, the volunteering of time and talents in support of those in need,” it said.
Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.
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LOCAL NEWS
Donald and Patsy (Bass) Sterbenz, members of Sacred H ea r t-St. Joseph Parish, To p e k a , ce l e b ra ted their 65th wedding anniversary on Sept. 6. The couple was married on Sept 6, 1952, at Holy Name Church, Topeka. Their children are: Debbie Schmidtlein, David Sterbenz, Brenda Cook, Donna Marney and Dan Sterbenz. They also have 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
‘It is time for Congress to act now’ >> Continued from page 1 DACA] was because there was nothing else to do,” concluded Maria. “I had no other hope. I couldn’t move forward with my degree if I didn’t have some sort of legality.” When he first got the news that DACA had been rescinded, Greg Bole felt concern and helplessness. Bole, an immigration attorney with Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, said his agency has helped approximately 500 dreamers over the past five years. “Now, their situations are in peril, and their lives in the United States have been put into a confused state,” said Bole. “If Congress doesn’t pass anything by the [six-month] deadline, those who received work authorization — and therefore driver’s licenses and legal status in the United States — would lose that when their card expires,” he said. “They will revert to being undocumented. “Any undocumented person in the United States is at risk of deportation.” Father Michael Hermes, pastor of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, has worked with dreamers for many years in schools and parishes. “We always told these young people to stay hopeful, graduate from high school and college, go to Sunday Mass and receive the sacraments, get ready to do something special with your lives, and plan to give back to our community and our country,” he said. The rescinding of DACA has produced “great sadness and fear,” said Father Hermes. He’s advised the dreamers he knows to keep going forward with their education and work as Congress takes up the issue. “The dreamers have done nothing wrong,” he said. “Most were brought into this country while under the age of 7. This was not their decision.” “The dreamers I know want to accomplish something special in their
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lives by getting educated or serving our country in the military,” he continued. “These young people are above average in every way. These are people we want in our parishes and in our communities.” One thing that the dreamers can count on is the Catholic Church’s support. “We as church will support them as we support any people in need,” said Father Oswaldo Sandoval, pastor of All Saints Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. “They are our people. They come to our churches. They belong to many of our groups and are in many leadership positions,” he said. “They have many talents. They are the present and the future of our nation — the young people.” What the country needs is comprehensive immigration reform, said Msgr. Stuart Swetland, president of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas. “The Catholic bishops of the United States, based on Catholic teaching and the clear statements of sacred Scripture, have been calling for comprehensive immigration reform . . . for 40 years,” he said. “This issue is not new,” he continued. “We’ve needed to address our unjust immigration laws and very cumbersome and non-user-friendly immigration system for two biblical generations. “That’s the big picture. We need comprehensive immigration reform that takes into consideration basic moral principles . . . the Catholic catechism in paragraph 2241 lays out that basic teaching.” That reform, Father Sandoval hopes, would create a path to citizenship for the dreamers. “We need to be people of the law,” he said. “We need to keep in mind that laws are made for the good of us all, of all human beings, the common good. “In the Scriptures you will find everywhere that God calls us to be there for the people, for immigrants.
They are not our enemies. They are people — good people.” What needs to be done is for Congress to pass some version of the DREAM Act, said Bill Scholl, archdiocesan consultant for social justice. This will only happen, he said, if Catholics hold Congress accountable. “Ultimately, Congress is responsible to the American people, and I think they’ve gotten the message that people are frustrated with our broken immigration system,” said Scholl. “While we might not agree completely on how to fix it,” he continued, “DACA has shown that we want to find at least some common ground to solve the problem for these young people. “It goes against American values to deport people who were raised here and — for all intents and purposes — are American and many times don’t speak the native language of the country from which they originated.” Every Catholic should be praying for Congress to enact a just and compassionate public policy for the dreamers, said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. “In addition to praying, we should be contacting our senators and representatives in the U.S. Congress, urging them to support legislation that will grant legal status and protections to the dreamers,” he said. “I encourage members of Congress to provide, through legislation, legal status — and hopefully a pathway to citizenship — for those who were protected by DACA,” said the archbishop “President Trump has created a six-month window for the Congress to pass legislation that resolves this issue in a much more stable and permanent way [than through executive orders],” he added. “The president has signaled that he would sign a legislative solution. “It is time for Congress to act now.”
Marilyn and Samuel (“Dave”) Carlson, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with a Mass at 11 a.m. on Sept. 17 by Father Arul Carasala. The couple was married on Sept. 21, 1957, at Sts. Peter and Paul by Father Edwin Schmitz. Their children are: Dan Carlson, Ken Carlson, Rick Carlson, Mark Carlson, Keith Carlson, Elaine Schmitz (deceased), Nancy Gudenkauf, Joyce Borg, Linda Peterson, Diane Hilbert and Lisa Young. They also have 31 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. Alice (Heinen) and Donald Wietharn, members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 17 with family. The couple was married on Sept. 17, 1957, at St. Bede Church, Kelly. Their children are: Michael Wietharn, Douglas Wietharn, Jacqueline Siess, Tamera Steinlage, Timothy Wietharn and Chris Wietharn. They also have 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Statement from the archdiocese
he Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas received information this week regarding alleged financial irregularities at Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner. The archdiocese has not yet been able to confirm whether money is missing, or, if so, how much. But the initial investigation clearly shows that proper internal controls were not observed. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has placed the pastor of the parish, Father Joseph Cramer, on administrative leave until a thorough investigation can be completed.
The archdiocese has also notified the Johnson County district attorney’s office so that it might assess the information for purposes of its own investigation. Father Cramer maintains he is innocent of any wrongdoing and the archbishop wishes to remind everyone that all parties should be presumed innocent until proven otherwise. The news of the investigation and Father Cramer’s administrative leave was announced at the Masses at Divine Mercy Parish this weekend. Father John Riley, chancellor of the archdiocese, has been appointed admin-
istrator of Divine Mercy Parish. The appointment is effective immediately. Archbishop Naumann invites the prayers of all the faithful of the archdiocese for all involved. “I never forget that it is a privilege,” said Archbishop Naumann, “to be entrusted with the hard-earned money of our parishioners. I take the management of their financial gifts very seriously.” “As we pursue this matter to completion,” Archbishop Naumann continued, “I ask for your prayers and patience, and, in turn, promise a transparent and timely report.”
Rosie (Holub) and John Waner, members of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Burlington, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 10 with a Mass at St. Francis Xavier followed by a family dinner. The couple was married on Sept. 10, 1957, at St. Mark Church, Marion. Their children are: Becky Kroush, Raymore, Missouri; and Ken Waner and Kristie Cowan, both of Olathe. They also have seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
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LOCAL NEWS
Archdiocese brings Totus Tuus to children with special needs By Susan McCabe Special to The Leaven
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — If you’re a parent of a child with special needs, you yearn for the day the Catholic faith will touch your child in a meaningful way. Several parents got to satisfy that emotion this summer with Totus Tuus. Totus Tuus is the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas’ summer Catholic youth program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness and eucharistic worship. In July, the archdiocese hosted a four-day Totus Tuus camp designed especially for people with special needs. Cathy Siler, a parishioner of Old St. Patrick Oratory in Kansas City, Missouri, took her 10-year-old son Levi to Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park where the camp was held. Levi has a cognitive, fine motor and speech delay. It has impacted his ability to receive sacraments on time, as well as his understanding of the Catholic faith. “Most people see Levi and recognize that he has a disability. He doesn’t speak clearly, but he understands much more than they realize,” Siler said. “Most of the time, I feel alone,” she added. “But I’m not alone when he’s with other children with special needs.” “Most people don’t know how to relate to our children.” Levi quickly acclimated himself to the four-day curriculum, which is based on different areas of Catholic education each summer. He even carried the cross for the processional and recessional at Mass each day. This year, Totus Tuus for children with special needs focused on the rosary and what’s in the church environment — from the pews and holy water font, to the Stations of the Cross, tabernacle, crucifix and candles. Tom Racunas is the lead consultant for the archdiocese’s specialneeds ministry. He personally witnessed what he calls that “lightbulb moment” when Levi demonstrated he understood the lessons of the week. “I was in the classroom and we were studying the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We asked Levi to point to Mary and Elizabeth and he got them both,” said Racunas. They were also working on making the sign of the cross,” he
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Team member Rebecca Haeusser helps Sarah Goddard with an art project at a four-day Totus Tuus camp designed especially for people with special needs.
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“NO ONE SHOULD BE EXCLUDED. THIRTY YEARS AGO, WE DIDN’T KNOW THE TEACHING TECHNIQUES OR HAVE THE TOOLS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE CATECHESIS. TODAY, WE DO.” said. “They are getting it. Love and inclusion are important.” A lack of inclusiveness in other settings is what prompted Siler to enroll Levi in Totus Tuus. But there was a time when the church struggled to make people with special needs feel included. “It’s been unintended exclusion,” explained Racunas. “Pastors and parishes know these folks and their families. But they haven’t always had knowledge or skill to make things happen for them. That minimized their ability to understand their faith.” But those days are over. “All means all,” said Racunas. “No one should be excluded. Thirty years ago, we didn’t know the teaching techniques or have the tools necessary to provide effective catechesis. “Today, we do. Now, it is a matter of getting the techniques and the tools into the hands of catechists.” Eleven-year-old Sarah Goddard at-
tended Totus Tuus for children with special needs, too. Sarah has Down syndrome . . . and a fiercely spiritual side, her mother Maureen said. Sarah has received the sacraments of first Communion and reconciliation at her parish, Holy Cross in Overland Park. There, she attends religious education, which is based on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. A class teacher and aide help bring her lessons to life with visual aids, videos, arts and crafts, and more, much the way Totus Tuus did this summer. “It’s nice for Sarah to learn more details about our faith. She likes to pray,” Goddard said. “I like that this is a group that recognizes that people with special needs have faith. She has a special gift on earth. It’s important for typically developing people to see that people with special needs can give back as much as they receive.” Totus Tuus for individuals with special needs serves a wide age group, from ages 6 to 61. Topics and teaching methods adapt to the age and learning style of each group. Racunas’ own brother struggled with significant learning disabilities, so he understands the sense of hope Totus Tuus gives parents. “It’s all about relationships, and that’s what we’re building with the special-needs ministry,” he said. “That’s how we’re bringing Jesus into the life of each and every one of our children.” Racunas is currently working with an advisory council to prioritize possible initiatives that will further the inclusion of people with disabilities in all parishes in the archdiocese.
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Mary Jane (Crow) and John Artzer, members of St. Matthew Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 3 with family and friends. The couple was married on Aug. 31, 1957, at Sacred Heart Church, Topeka. Their children are: David Artzer, Kathleen Artzer, Karen Koch and Linda Golder. They also have 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Linda (Cappetta) and Bill Thomson, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 13 with family at a luncheon in Chicago. The couple was married on Sept. 16, 1967, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Chicago. They have one daughter, Melissa. Bill and Betty (Rogers) Schrandt, members of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 16 with a dinner and dance at Bohemian Hall in Glasco. The couple was married on Sept. 16, 1967, at St. Isadore Church, Manhattan. Their children are: Shawna, Jody and Suzanne. They also have nine grandchildren.
ANNIVERSARY submissions submissions ANNIVERSARY POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. They are for parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas DEADLINE: eight days before the desired publication date. INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • The couple’s names • their parish • the date they were married • church and city where they were married • what they are doing to celebrate • date of the celebration • names of children (no spouses) • number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; WHERE TO SUBMIT: Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or email: todd. habiger@theleaven.org.
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LOCAL NEWS TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus
Capture the family moments
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t touches my heart to see our grown children carrying on our family fall traditions: trips to the local apple orchard or pumpkin farms. In our busy world, why not just get these things from the local grocer? Our children carry on the traditions ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 because they remember the joy and fun of those family moments. Be sure to schedule time to enjoy these family-building moments. How about a family walk to collect the fall leaves of various colors followed by hot cocoa and a prayer of thanks to God for the day! — Deacon Tony Zimmerman, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life
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TCHISON — Sister Noreen (Georgette) Hurter, 89, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica, died Aug. 29 at the monastery here. Sister Noreen was born in Cranford, New Jersey, on Nov. 22, 1927, to Henri and Ruth (Saunderson) Hurter. After graduating from Mount St. Scholastica College in 1950, Sister Noreen entered
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EAVENWORTH — Sister Jo Anne Sistrunk, 65, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, died on Sept. 2 at Select Specialty Hospital, Kansas City, Kansas. Sister Jo Anne was an artist, photographer, person of strong convictions, friend for life to many, and a caring individual, especially for her religious community, her family, children, the elderly and individuals with special needs. Jo Anne Sistrunk was born June 24, 1952, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to
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Sister Noreen Hurter, OSB the monastery, making her monastic profession in 1952. She enjoyed her years of teaching on elementary, secondary and college levels in Kansas and Missouri. She was a librarian at Mount St. Scholastica College and the first librarian of Benedictine College. She served for a year as academic dean at Benedictine College until being elected prioress in 1975.
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As prioress, she encouraged an ecumenical and international outreach, including concern for refugees, peace work, medical services and rural ministry. Leaving office in 1988, she spent six months at the Sisters’ mission in Mineiros, Brazil. Later ministries included Mount development director, development and program director of the Mount Community Center, and principal of St. James School in St. Joseph, Missouri. In her retirement, she was monastery librarian.
Sister Jo Anne Sistrunk, SCL Joe and Harriett (Kyles) Sistrunk. She grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and graduated from Blessed Sacrament Grade School and Lillis High School. She received a bachelor’s degree in art from the University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth. She entered the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth on Aug. 29, 1976, and, as Sister Jo Anne, professed vows on Aug. 15, 1979. She was a teacher before joining the religious community. As a Sister of Charity, she continued teaching primary grades in Kansas City, Missouri. She also
did parish outreach to the elderly and gradually transitioned to the role of pastoral associate in Kansas City, Missouri, parishes. From 1995 through 2004, Sister Jo Anne was a certified professional, assisting persons with special needs. She returned to the motherhouse in 2009. In her ministry as a volunteer, she applied her artistic and photographic talents to produce presentations to commemorate the lives of other Sisters. Sister Jo Anne gifted family and friends with her works of art, signed “Black Rose,” her artistic name. She mentored and championed artists in her family as well.
DESTINATION:
e u l b d wil r e d n o y Annual seminarian pilgrimage wings it
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STORY BY JOE BOLLIG / PHOTOS BY MELANIE SAVNER
urely, the scariest thing seminarian Cruz Gallegos did in Colorado was riding out Class IV rapids on a raft through Royal Gorge, right? Wrong. He did something even scarier: evangeli-
zation. It has become an annual tradition for archdiocesan seminarians to close out their summer assignments and join Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on a pilgrimage before returning to the seminary. These are not vacations. In fact, the pilgrimages can be exhausting, but there are opportunities for bonding, spiritual experiences, service and even fun. This year, 30 archdiocesan seminarians, co-directors of seminarians Father Scott Wallisch and Msgr. Michael Mullen, vocations office secretary Melanie Savner and Archbishop Naumann rode a bus Aug. 7 to 11 on a zigzag route across Kansas and the Front Range of Colorado. Those five, glorious days were filled with activities — whitewater rafting being only one. But for Gallegos, who attends KenrickGlennon Seminary in St. Louis, risking life and limb on the turbulent Arkansas River was not as scary as an exercise in street evangelization near the Cathedral of St. Mary in Colorado Springs. “It’s funny,” said Gallegos. “All of us seminarians study every day, study the word of God, and how God interacts with us through the Scriptures. “Yet, when it came time for us to follow the example of the disciples and go out to preach the word and just talk to people, that was probably one of the scariest things I’ve ever done.” And he wasn’t the only one who was a bit uncomfortable with this new experience. Nevertheless, they all survived and were better men for it, even if they occasionally met with hostility. Their first stop on the pilgrimage was in the tiny, unincorporated community of Pilsen in the Diocese of Wichita. There they visited St. John Nepomucene Parish, founded by Czech immigrants. In addition to being a charming country church, it is the former home of the martyr Father Emil Kapaun, “servant of God.” Father Kapaun, a U.S. Army chaplain who died during the Korean War and is being considered for sainthood, was an inspiration to seminarian Carter Zielinski, who is studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. “Any time I can visit the stomping grounds of a [potential saint, it] puts flesh on their stories,” said Zielinski. “This [visit] put flesh on his humble beginnings and his heroic priesthood, and it was very encouraging as I discern my own vocation. It helped me believe I am called to be a saint and to be holy, and to
The group prayed the Stations of the Cross while climbing
PHOTO COURTESY OF VIET NGUYEN
Major Michael Bram, a rabbi at the Air Fore Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, shows the seminarians the Torah scroll kept in the synagogue. He explained the process by which a scroll is made and the requirements for writing it properly. give of myself.” Brian Jacobson, who is co-sponsored by the archdiocese and the Archdiocese for the Military Services, saw Father Kapaun as a “great example of great service to one’s country and faith.” “It really gave me perspective of something I could go through as a chaplain,” said Jacobson, a reservist in the U. S. Air Force. “We don’t know where we’ll be in the next few years.” Next, they went to St. Fidelis Parish in Victoria — the “Cathedral of the Plains” — in the Diocese of Salina. And after an overnight stay in Hays, they went to Golden, Colorado, and the Mother Cabrini Shrine. From there, they went to St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver (formerly St. Thomas Seminary), much to the delight of Msgr. Michael Mullen, who was a student there in the 1960s. They even found his class picture. “Msgr. Mullen had an absolute blast,” said Melanie Savner. “I didn’t know if we’d be able to get him back on the bus to leave.” In Colorado Springs, the seminarians went to Catholic Charities to assist at its soup kitchen, weed the lawn, and sort food and clothing donations. Archbishop Naumann pitched in and — as he did all through the pilgrimage — did whatever the seminarians did (minus the whitewater rafting). The seminarians were very encouraged that some of the people they met during street evangelization accepted their invitation to go back to the cathedral for a Holy Hour and Mass. But street evangelization was “old hat” to one seminarian. “I was a FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) missionary for three years,” said Geoffrey Calvert, who attends St. John Vianney Seminary. “I used to do it for FOCUS, so it was very familiar to me.
“Doing it in pairs obviously helped. I think some of the guys were apprehensive, but the majority found it to be a positive experience. The consistent thing was that people just wanted to be listened to.” While in Colorado Springs, they also toured the U.S. Air Force Academy, where protocol dictated that Archbishop Naumann be treated like a two-star general. On the way back home, Archbishop Naumann spent some eight hours talking to each seminarian about the pilgrimage, their summer, their studies — anything. In fact, bonding with the other seminarians and with the archbishop was one of the best parts of the journey. “It’s always cool to hang out with the archbishop,” said Calvert. “You can tell he really enjoys being around us. “He’s got a really good sense of humor . . . and we saw his playful nature. He really wants to know us not only as seminarians he’s in charge of, but guys who will be his brother priests.” Father Scott Wallisch, archdiocesan vocations director, said this pilgrimage was a great experience in all aspects. “It’s great to see the seminarians get to know each other better,” he said. “Community is one of the most important aspects of their formation, developing friendships with the men they’ll be serving with for the rest of their lives. It’s good to see those relationships grow on the pilgrimage.” “The archbishop felt it was one of the best pilgrimages we have done,” added Father Wallisch. Which was music to the ears of one person, in particular. “I’m very grateful,” concluded Father Wallisch, “to Melanie for all her hard work in putting the pilgrimage in place.”
Cruz Gallegos and Nicholas Ashmore help to sort and ch various jobs, including serving the 600 people who come
Seminarian Colm Larkin gives a tour of the chapel in the house where about 25 men live their first year at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver. Larkin lived there last year.
g the steep hill to the Mother Cabrini Shrine.
Anthony Mersmann prays at the altar of the Basilica of St. Fidelis in Victoria.
Thomas Maddock pauses at the shrine’s “Heart of Stones” that Mother Cabrini made with fellow Sisters in 1912 when she was there. The heart is protected by a Plexiglas cover.
heck food donations in the basement of Catholic Charities in Colorado Springs. Seminarians spent the morning doing e each day for a hot meal. From left, Carter Zielinski, Sebastian Scholl and George Rhodes check out the view at the top of the Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden, Colorado. There are 373 steps to the top.
Monsignor Mullen holds his class photo from 55 years ago when he attended St. Thomas Seminary in Denver. The school is now called St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.
Archbishop Naumann celebrates Mass in the Catholic chapel on the lower level of the Air Force Academy grounds. According to protocol, the archbishop was treated as a two-star general at the academy.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Drivers - Ready for the summers off? Join our school transportation division and live like a kid again! Our drivers have the opportunity to serve our community and still get those precious summer breaks. Assisted Transportation seeks caring and reliable drivers to transport K - 12 students in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in our minivans. CDL not required. $12 per hour. Retirees encouraged to apply. Learn more or apply online at: assistedtransportation.com or call (913) 262-5190 for more information. EOE. Administrative assistant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a part-time, 20 hours per week, administrative assistant for the office of justice, life and advocacy. This position provides administrative support for three consultants. The position requires a high school diploma; prior administrative experience preferred. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communications skills, both written and verbal; and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs; graphic design and social media experience preferred. A complete job description and application are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Qualified individuals should send an email to: jobs@archkck.org, including cover letter, resume and application by Sept. 25. They may also be mailed to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, JFL – Admin. Assistant, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Customer service - Watts Up, a lighting distributor serving the Midwest region for over 30 years, is looking for a full-time customer service professional to join our fun and highly motivated team of employees. Job duties involve assisting with lighting/electrical consultation for customers visiting our retail shop and helping maintain the warehouse. Applicants must be self-motivated problem solvers. Requires ability to be physically active all day including lifting up to 50 lbs. Must have basic math, strong verbal and people skills. Previous lighting/electrical experience required. Duties: provide consultative lighting advice to customers, primarily at front counter; assist in managing warehouse; and pulling orders for delivery. Medical benefits. 401k with match. Immense pride in brightening homes and offices across the city. Retirees welcome to apply. To apply, send resume to: jen.smith@wattsuplighting.com. Board members - Villa St. Francis, a skilled nursing community sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is actively seeking board members. We are looking for candidates with strong financial and/or health care backgrounds. If you are interested in giving your time and talent to Villa’s mission, submit a letter of interest and resume to: rwhittington@villasf.org. Teachers - The Goddard School Olathe Northwest is looking for dynamic, energetic, professional teachers to add to our faculty. The Goddard School is a premiere preschool where children from 6 weeks to 6 years are encouraged to develop at their own pace in a nurturing environment, lovingly guided by our highly skilled, professional teachers. By using the most current and academically endorsed methods, the F.L.E.X. Learning Program focuses on developing seven Learning Domains: personal and social development, language and literacy, mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, social studies, creative expression and physical development. Our program for exceptional early childhood education ensures children have fun while learning and is aimed at preparing them with skills and aptitudes needed for success in the 21st century. Owners are Ascension parishioners. We are hiring for the following positions: CO-LEAD INFANT TEACHER – FULL TIME; PRESCHOOL TEACHER - FULL TIME; TODDLER TEACHER – FULL TIME; ASSISTANT TEACHER TO MULTIPLE CLASSROOMS. To apply, send an email and resume to: olathe2ks@god dardschools.com. Cafeteria worker - Nativity Parish School, located in Leawood, has an immediate opening for a part-time cafeteria worker, approximately 15-20 hours. Prior experience working in a school cafeteria is preferred, but not required. Compensation is based on experience. Applicants must have dependable transportation, be Virtus trained and pass a background check. Interested applicants should contact Patti Post, cafeteria director, at patti.post@kcnativity.org with resume and work history. Parish secretary – Holy Spirit Parish is seeking a parttime secretary in the parish office. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, coordinating the homebound ministry; maintaining the parishioner database; updating sacramental records; providing clerical support to the pastor and other staff; answering phones; and greeting visitors. Applicants must have excellent organizational, communication and Microsoft Office Suite skills. Experience with databases is a plus. The position is 25 hours per week. A full job description is available at: www.hs catholic.org/documents/2017/6/SEC.pdf. Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to: lweber@ hscatholic.org. Executive director – The Johnson and Wyandotte Counties Catholic Youth Organization of Kansas is seeking a faithfilled proven leader and administrator to become executive director for the Johnson and Wyandotte counties pastoral region of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Responsibilities include providing strategic and energetic leadership for all grade school and high school athletic program offerings. In addition, the new director must be skilled in financial management, strategic planning and development. The executive director will also be expected to be a registered and active member of his or her Catholic parish. Complete job description, application and benefits information are available at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should send cover letter, resume and application by Sept. 18 to: JWACYO Executive Board, c/o Human Resources Department, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Email documents may be sent to: jobs@archkck.org.
Career opportunities - Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph is offering rewarding career opportunities to individuals interested in full-time positions as a disaster resilience AmeriCorps VISTA member or AmeriCorps Veteran Peer Navigator member in our Kansas City office. In our St. Joseph office, we are offering a part-time employment specialist position. To learn more about these opportunities and to apply, please visit our website at: www.catholiccharities-kcsj.org. Customer sales - Watts Up, a lighting distributor serving the Midwest region for over 30 years, is looking for a full-time customer sales professional to join our fun and highly motivated team of employees. Job duties involve assisting with lighting/electrical consultation for customers across the KC metro area. Applicants must be self-motivated problem solvers. Must have basic math, strong verbal and people skills. Previous lighting/electrical experience required. Duties: provide consultative sales advice to customers primarily over the phone. Additional responsibilities include making on-site lighting consultation for commercial accounts. Medical benefits. 401k with match. Immense pride in brightening homes and offices across the city. Retirees welcome to apply. To apply, send resume to: jen.smith@wattsuplighting.com. Director of liturgy and music – St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village is seeking a director of liturgy and music. The director will serve the parish as principal musician, organist, choir director and assist in liturgy planning. The candidate for this position must be active in the Roman Catholic faith. The director will be asked to prepare seasonal music; rehearse with the choir; train cantors; rehearse with students in the parish school; and accompany at school Masses. The director will work collaboratively with the pastor to ensure a cohesive music and liturgy program. This is a full-time position and salary is based on level of education and work experience. Regular weekend and evening work hours required. Along with the regular parish liturgical schedule, musicians may be required to provide music for additional services during Holy Week, sacramental celebrations, weddings and funerals. For more information and to send a resume, contact Bill Schafer, business manager, at (913) 660-1128 or send an email to: bschafer@stannpv.org. Diocesan director of matrimony, family life and natural family planning - The Catholic diocese of Dodge City is seeking a director of the matrimony, family life and natural family planning office (MFLNFP). The director will guide the mission of the office through collaboration with pastors and parishes and ensure that the programs operate in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church and the mission outlined by the diocese. The MFLNFP office is responsible for programs for the diocese in these areas and is responsible for organizing and directing efforts to involve volunteers in programs and services within the diocese, including 48 parishes in 28 counties. Initial efforts will be focused on the cathedral parish and regional workshops/meetings/listening sessions. The director oversees internal and external communications and outreach for the diocese with the use of print, web and other media forms. Prefer bachelor’s degree in related area, proficient verbal and written communication skills, bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. To request additional information on position specifications and requirements and/or to apply, email cover letter and resume to: tlampe@dcdiocese.org or mail to Catholic Diocese of Dodge City, Attn: Human Resources, 910 Central, Dodge City, KS 67801. (620) 227-1534. Pastoral minister - Santa Marta is a senior living community located in Olathe. It is a Catholic-sponsored community enabling senior adults to live full and active lives within a secure, hospitable and faith-filled environment in accordance with Catholic traditions and values. Santa Marta is seeking a caring and engaged person for the position of pastoral minister to assist in caring for the spiritual life of the residents in conformity with the teachings of the Catholic Church by interacting with the residents and their families. As part of a team, the pastoral minister will work with the chaplain, nursing and administrative staff to enhance the care and spiritual life of residents. The pastoral minister will assist the residents with end-of-life issues, their approach to death and their appreciation of life. The pastoral minister will be a full-time hourly associate. Medical, dental, vision and life insurance packages are available to full-time associates in addition to earning paid time off. Job offer is dependent upon a drug test and background checks. Santa Marta is an EOE employer. Qualifications: spiritual training in Catholic traditions, values and principles of life and end-of-life concerns. Additional training and/or experience in a health care and/or senior living environment is preferred. Applications are available online at: santamartaretirement.org or in person from the concierge at Santa Marta. Include a work history and telephone contact number. Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, 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. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, and cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available, as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Full-time openings - Padre Pio Academy in Shawnee, which offers a classical curriculum, has an opening for an administrative assistant for the 2017-18 school year. For information and details, contact Courtney at (913) 530-6553.
Sales professional - We respect your many years of experience; we value and need your wisdom. We only ask if you are “coachable”? If so, Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas has openings for sales trainees in our Johnson, Shawnee and Wyandotte counties area cemeteries. An excellent earning of $40K to $50K+ in commissions is legitimate income potential for the first year. Training allowance your first 30 days, then draw commission with bonus opportunities. Medical, life, dental, optical, prescription, 401(k) plans, etc., are some of the many perks our employees receive. Excellent opportunities for women and men interested in a sales career and in helping people. Advancement opportunities are available for hard-working and focused individuals. Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends when our client families are available to see us in their homes. Once you learn our formula for success, your schedule is determined by you. Please email your resume and contact information to: dvanthullenar@cathcemks.org or fax to (913) 353-1413. Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, round- trip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Preschool positions - John Paul II Preschool/Child Care, 71st and Metcalf, Overland Park, is seeking lead preschool extended-care staff members for the upcoming school year. Full- and part-time positions are available. We are looking for self-motivated, responsible, organized and creative individuals. Duties include supervising children, planning activities, communicating with parents, as well as cleaning and organizing the classroom environment. Previous child care experience and training is preferred. A part-time assistant teacher is also needed for the afternoon class of our Montessori preschool program. Montessori experience or training is preferred. All applicants must be Virtus trained. Contact Donna at: dhogue@archkckcs.org for more information or to apply.
SERVICES Tree Trimming Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Tony Collins (913) 620-6063 Tutoring - Voice, piano and guitar available. Instructor teaches in a fun and meaningful context. For more information, call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or send an email to: Klmamuric@yahoo.com. Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, Installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Clutter getting you down? - Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin of all trades” your professional organizer and “Honey-do” specialist. Call or email me today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055 or kev@koatindustries.com. Insured. References. Life Simplified - Professional organizing for home and business. We organize tools to toys, closets to attics. Preand-post-moving support for upsizing or downsizing. We advise on what to keep, donate, recycle or toss and offer personalized strategies on keeping organized. Supportive and nonjudgmental. Call (913) 724-8151 or send an email to: info@lifesimplified.biz. www.lifesimplifed.biz. Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer.com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. Tutoring - Child development doctorate. Remedial to gifted, elementary to college ACT prep. Served Johnson County schools 25 years. Virtus certified. Call “Dr. Gerry” at (913) 387-4044. Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002 Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.
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Professional window cleaner - Residential only, fully insured. Over 40 years experience. Free estimates. Contact Gene Jackson at (913) 593-1495. Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 Quilted memories - Your Kansas City Longarm shop Nolting Longarm machines, quilting supplies and machine quilting services. We specialize in memorial quilts - custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, neckties, etc. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. Visit the website at: www. quiltedmemoriesllc.com. 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@mikehammer moving.com.
HOME IMPROVEMENT Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336. The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com NELSON CREATION’S L.L.C. Home makeovers, kitchen, bath. All interior and exterior remodeling and repairs. Family owned, experienced, licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph, Shawnee. Kirk Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everest.net Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com. Kansas City’s Premier Deck, Fence & Concrete - We repair, power wash and stain wood decks and fences. We power wash and seal concrete drives, walkway, pool decks and more. Call Brian at (913) 952-5965. Member of Holy Trinity Parish. Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service – Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built onsite. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW.SWALMS ORGANIZING.COM. Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125. HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovations, tile and sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Josh (913) 709-7230.
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SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CALENDAR MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars Parish 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Sept. 16 at 8 a.m.
There will be a memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones, followed by a grief support meeting in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “The Serenity Prayer.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.
FALL FESTIVAL Cathedral of St. Peter 416 N. 14th St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 16 from 5 - 9 p.m.
The cathedral community will be celebrating the 90th anniversary of its church building and the recent installation of its new marble altar, ambo and cantor stand at its annual fall festival Sept. 16. The festival will begin with Mass at 4 p.m. with Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher as celebrant. A taco dinner will be served. There will be raffles, bingo, a silent auction, mouse races and games for the kids. Music will be provided by Randy Balliett and his band Fairfax Four. For more information, call Amy Maloy at (913) 291-5659.
FALL FESTIVAL HOMECOMING St. Agnes Parish 5250 Mission Rd., Roeland Park Sept. 16 at 5:50 p.m.
SILVER ROSE PRAYER SERVICE Holy Angels Parish 15408 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.
The Holy Angels Knights of Columbus are hosting a Silver Rose prayer service offering a chance to focus on the rosary and inspire a culture of life.
‘CREATING FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR A LOVED ONE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS’ Holy Trinity Parish (social room) 9150 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa Sept. 20 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Financial advisers Christy Anderson and Kacy Steitz (mother of a child with special needs) will share their knowledge regarding: establishing a special-needs trust and the Achieving Better Life Experiences Act of 2013. For more information, call Tom Racunas, lead consultant of the archdiocesan special-needs ministry, at (913) 647-3054 or send an email to: tracunas@archkck.org.
‘PRAYER AND STUDY WITH LAUDATO SI’’ Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 24 at 1 p.m.
The evening begins with Mass at 4:30 p.m., at which the Bishop Miege High School choir will sing. Food tents will have smoked pork, Cupini’s pasta dishes, burgers and other great food. You may bring a cooler and chair if you wish. There will be bingo, cornhole and kids games. A wrist band covers it all at $10 per person or $40 per family of 4 persons or more.
Join the Mount sisters in a labor of love as they care for the monastery grounds in environmentally friendly ways. There will also be time for reflection and study of “Laudato Si,” the encyclical by Pope Francis that calls all of us to care for our common home. For more information or to register, call (913) 360-6173 or go to the website at: www. sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.
‘THAT MAN IS YOU’ Holy Angels Parish (Father Quinlan Hall) 15438 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor Sept. 16 at 6 a.m.
SLOVENEFEST 2017 Holy Family Parish (Msgr. Mejak Hall) 513 Ohio Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 23 from 4 - 10 p.m.
This will be a weekly event for men that includes breakfast, served for a freewill donation, and a presentation to be followed by small group discussion. Men are invited to go deeper into their faith and prayer lives. For more information, call Tom Johnson at (913) 449-4333 or Dane Childs at (785) 224-0148.
COPING WITH LIFE ALONE St. Patrick Parish 1357 N.E. 42nd Terr., Kansas City, Missouri Sept. 17 from 2-4 p.m.
This is a grief support program that meets each week for seven weeks. The program helps those who have lost a love relationship due to death, divorce or separation move through the experience of grief and loss into a future with renewed hope. To register or for more information, call Donna at (816) 305-3760.
DINNER AND BAZAAR St. Joseph Parish 306 Broadway, Leavenworth Sept. 17 from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The cost for tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for kids. Advance tickets cost $9 for adults; $4 for kids, ages 4 - 11. There will also be a cash raffle, a quilt raffle, a youth art fair and a book fair. Barbecue sack suppers will be available for a $6 donation.
A STREETCAR FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Hardwick Law Offices 2405 Grand Ave., Ste. 800, Kansas City, Missouri Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join in a scavenger hunt, sponsored by the Kansas City Alumni Council of the University of Saint Mary, to identify architecture and restaurant sites along the free Kansas City streetcar line. There will be appetizers, refreshments and prizes for the top three scavenger hunters. For more information and to RSVP, call Penny Lonergan at (913) 651-5265 or send an email to: plonergan@ kc.rr.com, or to: www.stmary.edu/KCCouncil. The suggested minimum donation is $30.
One hundred years of celebrating Slovenian culture will begin with Mass at 4 p.m. Following Mass, there will be a traditional Slovenian dinner. There will be Slovenian music and many other traditional Slovenian foods, games, Lasko pivo and a cultural booth. For more information, call the church office at (913) 371-1561.
PRAIRIE STAR UNDER THE STARS Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.
High school youth groups and all families are invited to Prairie Star Ranch for a spiritual campout experience. Encounter Christ through a variety of activities, including gaga ball, canoeing, archery and the climbing tower. Finish the day by stargazing and camping overnight in the outdoors. For more information, visit the website at: www.arch kck.org/ranch or call (785) 746-5693.
2017 MONK RUN 5K AND 1-MILE WALK St. Benedict’s Abbey 1020 N. Second St., Atchison Sept. 23 - Check-in at 9 a.m.; run begins at 10 a.m.
There is an entry fee of $25. A gathering will be held with the monks immediately following the run for awards and fellowship. For more information and to register, go to the website at: kansasmonk.org/ monkrun. For group registration, call (913) 360-7908.
ANNUNCIATION CHURCH PICNIC Cigna Center 402 N. Maple, Frankfort Sept. 24 from 4 -7 p.m.
There will be a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for ages 10 and under. Takeout meals will also be available. Call the parish office (M - F, morning hours) at (785) 292-4462 to order delivery meals. There will also be a cakewalk, bingo, church poker, a quilt raffle, a silent auction, an inflatable slide and train rides.
PRAIRIE STAR FAMILY DAY Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Prairie Star is offering everyone the chance to step away and enter into a day of prayer, adventure, outdoor activities and time to reconnect. Explore our lakes and 300 acres of woods and prairie lands. Make a day of joyful memories centered upon Christ. Register online at: www.archkck.org/ranch or call (785) 746-5693.
GOSPEL CHOIR CONCERT Our Lady & St. Rose Parish 2300 N. 8th St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 24 at 3 p.m.
The theme of this year’s concert is: “Saved by Grace through Faith.” Join in this celebration of many churches filled with spirited and grace-filled music. For more information, call Barbara at (913) 321-1958.
PARISH BAZAAR St. John the Baptist Parish 427 S. Prairie, Greeley Sept. 24 at 10:30 a.m.
A dinner of turkey and dressing, chicken and noodles, ham, sauerkraut, sides and homemade pies will be served. Cost is $10 per meal. Takeout is available. There will also be a country store, bake sale, bingo and a quilt raffle.
DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA, LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE 503 Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Sept. 24 at 12:30 p.m.
There will be a rosary followed by a business meeting at which there will be nominations and election of officers. A social will take place afterward. If you know of a member or one of their family members in need of the circle’s prayers, call Theresa Smith-Lawton at (785) 640-1403. If you are interested in or would like more information about the Daughters of Isabella, call Marilyn Unrein at (785) 230-8448 or Cindy Keen at (785) 228-9863.
SACRED WHEELS CAR SHOW AND MEXICAN DINNER St. Joseph Parish 8th and Spring Garden, Atchison Sept. 24 - 10:30 registration; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. dinner
There will be a car show, dinner, awards, music, raffles, a country store, a kid zone and much more. For more information and to preregister, go to the website at: stbenedict atchison.org.
SYMPTO-THERMAL POSTPARTUM NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING CLASS St. John the Evangelist School (Rm. 208) 1208 Kentucky St., Lawrence Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m.
This class is specific to the postpartum period. For more information about this class, call Shannon or John Rasmussen at (785) 749-1015. Preregistration is required online at: www.ccli.org.
POTLUCK DINNER Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish (Formation Room) 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka Sept. 28 from 5 - 7 p.m.
The Christian widows and widowers organization will host a potluck dinner. A speaker from Atria will discuss “Senior Living Education.” There is no cost to attend. For more information, all (785) 233-7350.
CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS
DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, 10 days before the desired publication date. INCLUDE: time and date of event; street address; description of event. SEND TO: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org.
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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) For sale - Acorn brand, like-new stair lift. For more information, call (913) 526-2468. For sale - Laser engraver/cutter - package with accessories. Full spectrum H-series 20” x 12” business or hobby. Engrave photos, awards, plaques, wood, plastic or metal. Like new. Paid $3600, asking $1800. Olathe. Call (913) 327-9812. For sale - 1800s English furniture: chest, hutch, corner cabinet, armoire; Lenox china, Waterford; signed Sports Illustrated issues. Call Doug at (913) 593-6362. For sale - Tandem vault located at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City. Patio II, tier C, crypt 105. Eye level with peaceful view and surroundings. Includes perpetual care. Current market value over $10,000. Selling price is $8,000. Call (913) 208-2703. For sale - Single vault at Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens mausoleum, located 23215 W. 75th, Shawnee. Current value is $7500; selling price is $5500. Call (816) 977-3634. For sale - Three individuals plots located at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City. Located in section 3, old lot 195, spaces 10, 11 and 12. Current value is $2070 per space. Selling price is $1280 per space or $3500 for all three. Call (913) 208-2703. For sale - Two side-by-side lots, with opening and closing, at Resurrection Cemetery. Section D, lot 108, spaces 3 and 4. Value, $10,000+; selling price, $8500. Call (913) 219-0119.
REAL ESTATE 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: For sale - Reduced price, maintenance-provided home. New price $359,900. Monthly HOA $132. Two BR, 2.5 BA, backs up to Ascension Church, open floor plan, one-level living. Call for appointment at (913) 669-8178.
WANTED TO BUY Wanted - Looking for steal on reliable car for college student/Leaven photographer. Low-mileage, older model (’06, ’07) Toyota or Honda 4-door; one-owner pref. Older Tacoma considered. Call (913) 948-3127. Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/ prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee
CAREGIVING 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. Medication support - Need help filling weekly pill boxes? Need daily medication reminders? We can provide these services in your home with daily or weekly visits. Call to learn about our exciting new medication solutions that allow you to continue living safely at home. Call Home Connect Health at (913) 627- 9222. “Lynn at Heart” - 24 years’ experience in all types of private care. Excellent references. 24/7, shift or respite care. In-home, assisted living, nursing home, companionship, light housekeeping, meal prep, transportation, ADLs, care management, hospice. Greater KC area. Ask for Stephanie. (816) 299-6465. Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.
VACATION Branson getaway - Walk-in condo on Pointe Royale Golf Course. Sleeps six. Close to lakes and entertainments. Fully furnished. Pool and hot tub available. No cleaning fee. Nightly rates. Wi-Fi available. Discounts available. Call (913) 515-3044.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Sept. 17 TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Sir 27:30 – 28:7 Ps 103: 1-4, 9-12 Rom 14: 7-9 Mt 18: 21-35 Sept. 18 Monday 1 Tm 2: 1-8 Ps 28: 2, 7-9 Lk 7: 1-10 Sept. 19 Januarius, bishop, martyr 1 Tm 3: 1-13 Ps 101: 1-3, 5-6 Lk 7: 11-17 Sept. 20 Andrew Kim Tae-gon, priest, Paul Chong Ha-sang and companions, martyrs 1 Tm 3: 14-16 Ps 111: 1-6 Lk 7: 31-35 Sept. 21 MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST Eph 4: 1-7, 11-13 Ps 19: 2-5 Mt 9: 9-13 Sept. 22 Friday 1 Tm 6: 2c-12 Ps 49: 6-10, 17-20 Lk 8: 1-3 Sept. 23 Pius of Pietrelcina, priest 1 Tm 6: 13-16 Ps 100: 1-5 Lk 8: 4-15
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ow did your celebration of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation go? If you’re wondering what I’m talking about, I’m not surprised. I did nothing about the day because I even forgot when it’s to be observed. By the way, its date is Sept. 1 and Pope Francis promulgated this annual celebration back on Aug. 6, 2015. This special day of prayer, according to the pope, “will offer individual believers and communities a fitting opportunity to reaffirm their personal vocation to be stewards of creation, to thank God for the wonderful handiwork which he has entrusted to our care, and to implore his help for the protection of creation as well as his pardon for the sins committed against the world in which we live.” And pray we should. Mother Nature has unleashed a real beating these past few weeks. The country has been pummeled by two massive hurricanes. Montana has had to endure a grueling fire season, battling wildfires exacerbated by the extreme drought there. Our neighbors to the south in Mexico were shaken by a magnitude-8.1 earthquake. And
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Better be nice to Mother Nature 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.
some 40 million people have been affected by severe flooding in Southeast Asia. Paraphrasing the 1970s Chiffon Margarine commercial, these events prove that “it’s not nice to fool with Mother Nature.” But there is a gentler side to nature as well. Many people in our area were mesmerized by that total solar eclipse. But a person doesn’t have to wait years and years to experience something as breathtaking. Labor Day weekend brings a flurry of traffic each year through Tonganoxie as folks wind their way to Grinter’s Sunflower Farm in Lawrence. After many years of
promising myself a trip there, I finally made the exhausting six-mile journey. Knowing that crowds are big on the weekends, I went on a Tuesday afternoon, thinking I’d have the place to myself. Wrong! There were at least 50 cars there — one even from Virginia — as well as a number of motorcycles. People were fanned out all through the 40 acres of dazzling sunflowers. It was heartwarming to see people on walkers — and motorized wheelchairs, as well — making their way in the fields. There was no shortage of smiles all around — accompanied by the sounds of scampering, laughing kids. And everywhere you looked, there were . . . cameras. Heck, I even broke down and took about a dozen (or so) selfies with the big yellow flowers. It was truly a marvel to behold. If you, like me, let the
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation slip by, don’t worry. Every day is an opportunity to take stock of our stewardship of this world and how we can hand it off in better shape to those who come after us. Maybe the list below can inspire us all to be nicer to Mother Nature because . . . you know. • Avoid using disposable plates, cups and cutlery. • Walk or bike to places instead of drive. • Don’t litter. • Turn off the water when brushing your teeth (and save about 1800 gallons of clean water a year). • Recycle cans, bottles, paper and plastic. • Use the stairs instead of the elevator. (It’s good for your body, too!) • Don’t print things from the computer that you don’t really need. • Borrow equipment from others to avoid buying something that you rarely use. • Drive with your car windows down from time to time. • Use old magazines for arts and crafts projects. • Buy in bulk to save on packaging. So, why should we treat nature well? Because Pope Francis knows it has a ripple effect. This story captures that
sentiment: Once a wise old botany teacher gave her young and eager students an assignment to go out by the side of some lonely road and find a small, unnoticed flower. She asked them to study the flower for a long time. “Get a magnifying glass and study the delicate veins in the leaves, and notice the nuances and shades of color. Turn the leaf slowly and observe its symmetry. And remember: This flower might have gone unnoticed and unappreciated if you had not found and admired it.” When the class returned after the assignment, the teacher observed: “People are just like that unnoticed flower. Each one is different, carefully crafted, uniquely endowed. But you have to spend time with a person to realize this. So many people go unnoticed and unappreciated because no one has ever taken time with them to admire their uniqueness.” (Found in Brian Cavanaugh’s “The Sower’s Seeds.”) Sadly, by the time you get this issue of The Leaven, those sunflowers at Grinter’s will have passed their prime. But, take heart. There’s always next year!
God’s mercy far surpasses our human expectations
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U
ntil the mid19th century, those unable to pay their debts often ended up in debtors’ prison. They would stay until they either paid off their debts by working there, or by friends or relatives stepping forward to pay the debt. For example, at the age of 12, Charles Dickens went to work in a factory, because his father was being held in debtors’ prison. Later on, when Dickens became a famous novelist, debtors’ prisons figured in several of his books: “Little Dorrit,” “David Copperfield” and “The Pickwick Papers.” Even though debtors’ prisons as such no longer exist in our day and age, sometimes people are put in jail for contempt
THE GOSPEL TRUTH
FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.
of court for not paying fines, back taxes or child support. This practice looks suspiciously like
POPE FRANCIS
Today’s narcissistic culture leads to sad souls who worry more about keeping up appearances than caring for others, Pope Francis said. Speaking to young people of the Shalom community, Pope Francis warned them of the sadness caused by narcissism, when “you live worried about putting makeup on
the modern equivalent of debtors’ prison. In Sunday’s Gospel reading, Mt 18:21-35, Jesus tells the parable of a compassionate master who forgives the debt of a servant owing a huge amount of money. Faced with the prospect of debtors’ prison, the servant has pleaded with the master for additional time to pay the
debt: “Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.” It is significant that the servant does not ask for cancellation of the debt, but only for additional time to pay it back. But he gets more than what he asked for. The master forgives the entire debt: “Moved with compassion, the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan.” Jesus tells the parable in answer to Peter’s question: “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive?” The compassion that the master shows the servant reflects the compassion that God has for us. At the same time, the parable calls us to show that same compassion toward those who offend us. We are to forgive
your soul, about looking better than you are, about contemplating whether you’re more beautiful than others. It is the sickness of the mirror,” the pope said. “Young people, break this mirror! Don’t look at the mirror because the mirror deceives,” he said. “Look outside, look at others, escape from this world, from this culture we are living in that is consumeristic and narcissistic.”
them, as God has forgiven us. That need to forgive echoes the words of the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” In the parable, the compassion of the master surpasses the request of the servant. He receives full cancellation of the debt, and not merely additional time to repay it. Similarly, God’s mercy far surpasses our expectations. God earnestly desires to forgive us, more than we wish to be forgiven. That is why our need to forgive others is similarly unlimited. In the metaphorical language of Jesus, we are to forgive, “not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” But who’s counting?
The pope met Sept. 5 with an estimated 4,000 young men and women from the Shalom community. Founded in 1982, the group is comprised of married couples, celibate individuals and priests living out their faith through communities based on contemplation, unity and evangelization. — CNS
SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY
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Serving can be the start of a lifelong call to the altar
ntil I could drive myself to Mass, I attended with my parents every weekend. They were big fans of the earliest Mass offered at the parish. However, it seemed like all the other parents were not big fans of getting up that early. As a consequence, I found myself filling in as a server nearly every Sunday. I did not mind, though. I enjoyed being around the altar and helping the priests. I also regularly served weddings and funerals, and I felt very honored to be asked to serve the liturgies of the Triduum. The priests mentored
VOCATIONS CORNER
FATHER SCOTT WALLISCH Father Scott Wallisch is the archdiocesan vocations director. You can email him at: frscott@archkck.org.
us servers (at least those of us that showed up), and they helped me grow in my reverence
for the Mass. Like any young discerner, many factors went into my vocational decision, but serving definitely helped attract me to the priesthood. My experience is not unique. Serving is one of the most common factors in the discernment
of new priests. Over 80 percent of our archdiocesan seminarians served Mass regularly at some point in their lives. This is not surprising. Serving has always been seen as a way to foster priestly vocations. But serving is not as popular as it once was. For many reasons, young boys are not as likely to serve as in the past. So, I am impressed and grateful to those parishes that have strong server programs. I know that priests, deacons and lay volunteers work hard to make sure servers are welltrained. These servers are formed to appreciate the wonder and beauty of the Mass. I am also grateful for the more specialized
server programs. One program, the Knights of St. Tarcisius, will soon be featured in The Leaven. Andrew Lynch and Deacon Steve Nguyen have developed a server formation program for area high school men that complements, but does not replace, parish server formation. The young men are trained as masters of ceremonies for Masses, but they are also formed in virtue, honor and faith. Meeting regularly, they are slowly taken through four stages of “knighthood.” They also experience true Catholic fraternity. They deepen their reverence for the Eucharist, their recognition that something sacred is
taking place on the altar, their appreciation for the priesthood and their desire to serve. The program is not specifically vocational, but the leaders have found that the participants, without prompting, will often talk about discerning the priesthood. This program could be a great boon for priestly vocations in our archdiocese. I am hopeful that priests and lay server trainers will consider plugging young men into the Knights. I believe that this program, and others like it, will help servers discover a possible call to lifelong service at the altar.
Leverage your giving dollars; invest in CEF kids
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s we sat in a quiet classroom in her school, 13-year-old Maddie twisted the bright band on her wrist. “A couple of years ago, my dad had cancer,” she said softly, recounting the day her dad had given her the bracelet. “It symbolizes his love for me,” she added. “I never take it off.” Maddie went on to describe the difficult times her family had experienced: the long stretch of frequent hospitalizations for her dad, the uncertainty about his health and what would happen next. As the medical bills mounted, Maddie’s parents grew concerned that they wouldn’t be
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CEF CENTERED
CEF STAFF The Catholic Education Foundation provides financial aid to students in need.
able to continue tuition payments for their two daughters attending archdiocesan Catholic schools.
Then the school principal called, telling them that she had arranged for Catholic Education Foundation scholarships for Maddie and her sister. “I really enjoy my Catholic education and it really makes a huge impact on my life,” Maddie told us. “Having Jesus there and knowing that he really loves me . . .
really helps a lot.” Last year, 1,524 students like Maddie received scholarships through CEF — a record number in CEF’s 20year existence. This includes students in 24 archdiocesan schools who received assistance through either CEF’s traditional scholarship program or the tax credit scholarship program that launched in Kansas in 2014. Thanks to the generosity of nearly 1,000 individuals, companies and organizations, these students received more than $2.1 million in scholarship assistance last year. The impact of these scholarships is dramatic for both the families who receive them and the schools where they
enroll. More than 98 percent of students attending CEF schools graduate from high school, as compared to 70 percent of their peers attending the nearest neighborhood school. And CEF graduates are three times as likely to attend college as compared to those peers (98 percent of CEF students compared to 33 percent of their peers at the neighborhood school). CEF support also helps keep many of our archdiocesan schools open. Without the enrollment of students receiving CEF scholarships, several archdiocesan schools would not have the resources they need to continue to serve their communities. As Catholic schools
across the country are closing (more than 1,500 in the past 10 years, according to the National Catholic Educational Association), the availability of scholarship support for families in need is essential to maintaining the vibrancy of our local Catholic schools. Despite the record number of CEF scholarships provided last year, another 454 kids are awaiting our help right now to enroll in an archdiocesan school. Help us be a symbol of God’s love for students like Maddie. Learn more about supporting our annual event, Gaudeamus, or our 2017-18 scholarship drive by visiting our website at: www.cefks. org.
The fight for life will take each and every one of us
his summer, I had the pleasure of traveling to the second annual Pro-Life Women’s Conference in Orlando, Florida. There, I was able to meet women from all over the world — whose skin color was different than mine, whose religion was different than mine and even whose politics were different from mine. Yet, we had one thing in common: We all saw the urgency to end abortion and to stand up
LIFE IS CALLING
ALLISON DONOHUE Allison Donohue is the archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office.
for the most innocent among us. We as women understood the great tragedy of seeing innocent unborn children killed
before having a chance to live. It was something that unified us. I was most struck by the panel of AfricanAmerican women who spoke to the heart of the black culture. These women were mothers, doctors and lawyers. Their cry was urgent: We must stop killing our own people. They brought forth the striking statistic that minority women constitute about 13 percent of the female population, yet they underwent nearly 36 percent of the abortions
in the United States. They referred to this issue of abortion in their community as the “black genocide.” The point could not be made more poignantly: We can no longer sit on the sidelines in our communities, wherever they may be. We must set aside our differences and be united in a voice for the unborn. Our world is constantly pulling us into division. Yet, it is this very important issue that can bring us together. It is a reminder that
the face of the pro-life movement is not of one gender, one ethnicity, one political party or one religion. It’s an issue that everyone needs to be a part of. It is a reminder that what’s at stake is human lives. And for this we have no time to waste on what divides us, but only for what brings us together. We must unite to end abortion. It will take each and every one of us.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
Kelly Youth Rally celebrates 20 years of faith and tradition By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org
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ELLY — Ask any Catholic teenager in the Nemaha-Marshall Region what their favorite annual church event is, and chances are they will say the Kelly Youth Rally. Fifteen-year-old high school sophomore Noah Quigley has attended the rally at least five times. Quigley was among 475 youth representing 14 different parishes at the 20th rally held Aug. 19. It’s an event he looks forward to every year. “I get to hear other people’s perspectives on how they solidified and/or found their Catholic faith,” Quigley said. “It makes me proud to be a Catholic.” The rally’s climax each year is its closing Mass, which this year drew some 900 and was celebrated by Father Daniel Schmitz, pastor of Annunciation Parish in Frankfort, St. Columbkille in Blaine and St. Elizabeth/St. Monica Parish in Blue Rapids. This year’s rally also featured keynote speaker Paul J. Kim. A graduate of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Kim is an international speaker, beatboxer and comedian. In two separate sessions, he described his own faith journey — from being bored at Mass to literally sobbing after praying the “first honest prayer” in his life at a Franciscan University conference in Arizona. Quigley found Kim’s talks both challenging and inspiring. “Paul J. Kim described what it was like to take the long hard road to Jesus in paradise. That story was the most inspirational Catholic story I’ve ever heard,” Quiqley said. Like Quigley, Rachel Koch, a high school senior and a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Onaga, said she was inspired by Kim, especially as he discussed how just one person can have a powerful impact. “A message that I will take away
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON
Paul J. Kim, an international speaker, beatboxer and comedian, was the keynote speaker at the Kelly Youth Rally. The rally, celebrating its 20th year, drew 475 youth from 14 parishes.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON
Youth took a hayrack ride from St. Bede Church in Kelly to the site of the rally (below). from the rally,” Koch said, “is how important it is that we pray daily and how our attitude toward people can really affect their lives. A story he shared with us was when a student in high school almost committed suicide, but a single act of kindness from someone completely changed his mind.” “To me, this is absolutely mind blowing by just how much impact
we have on other people’s lives,” she continued. “The story he shared truly changed my perspective on life and makes me want to be the best version I can be.” That same talk, said 16-year-old Courtney Huerter, touched her heart, too. “I would love to be the kid
who helps someone out when they are in trouble, and it helped me see that everyone has feelings,” she said. “So, smiling or saying hello to that one stranger you see somewhere in public could cheer them up and help them be happy.” Huerter represents the second generation of her family to attend the rally. Her aunt, Sheila Talley, was among the 150 students who attended the first rally held in 1998. Although Talley’s own children are not old enough yet, she took them to the closing Mass this year and recalled that first rally beginning with a hayrack ride from the church to the site. In eighth grade at the time, Talley then belonged to St. Mary Parish in St. Benedict. “I vividly remember Matty Molnar (now deceased) heading up the music on our trailer,” Talley said. “I remember it being an event that we looked forward to every year,” she added. “Of course, there have been a lot of changes and upgrades to the event over the past 20 years, but the general theme and the overall sense of pride in your faith remains the same.” That pride perhaps explains why Leah Hermesch now organizes the event and works with scores of volunteers and donors to make it successful. “Every year, I am thrilled to hear from parents of the youth that attended. There are many important messages that can be heard throughout the day and, if they open their heart, they hear that one thing that God has been trying to tell them,” Hermesch said. For Koch, the rally’s importance cannot be overstated. “Young people need inspiration, and meeting new people is a great way,” she said. “It is amazing to be able to experience this and to have this opportunity in a small town.” “I always look forward to seeing and hearing the new speakers,” concluded Koch, “because they always have a strong message to help you carry through life.”
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