09-20-13 Vol. 35 No. 7 by The Leaven

theleaven.com | vol. 35, no. 7 | september 20, 2013

The Light of Christ in Kansas Community of the Lamb dedicates Lumen Christi

Little Sister Hallel, left, and Little Sister Manuela take turns reciting the Universal Prayer at the dedication Mass of the Little Monastery Lumen Christi. In his homily, Archbishop Naumann praised God for the beautiful day and expressed his gratitude to the Little Sisters for establishing a presence in the archdiocese.

While in eucharistic adoration, ANSAS CITY, Kan. — On the solemni- contemplating Jesus on the cross, she ty of the Exaltation questioned the triumph of evil in the of the Holy Cross, world, and in her heart recalled these Lumen Christi, the words of St Paul: In his own flesh, Christ destroyed monastery of the Little Sisters of the the enmity; in his own person, he Community of the Lamb here, was killed hatred! (cf. Eph 2: 14-19) Little Sister Marie would later say, inaugurated with an outdoor Mass and a blessing by Archbishop Joseph “I understand now, the Community of the Lamb was born in F. Naumann. that moment.” No day could have Story and photos by Archbishop Naubeen more appropriate. mann told the audience The weather was that at that same time, beautiful and, as the 33 years ago, he was a archbishop told hunnew priest in St. Louis with barely dreds of guests who filled the street four months of experience. in front of the Little Monastery, the He said he wouldn’t have believed date itself commemorated the beginthat one day “I would be a bishop in ning of the Little Sisters’ journey. Kansas blessing a monastery for an “God in his providence chose the order that was just thought of by a perfect day,” he said. Indeed, on this same feast day in French nun.” 1975, Little Sister Marie, the order’s Little Sister Marie was at the foundress, was a young Dominican >> See “archbishop” on page 7 Sister in France.

Jill Ragar Esfeld

After the blessing of the altar for the chapel of the Little Monastery, Little Sister Hallel places a bouquet of fresh flowers at its base.

2 local news

theleaven.com | september 20, 2013

Life will be victorious

Patron’s statue given place of honor in new monastery

n Saturday, Sept. 14 — the solemnity of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross — I dedicated the Lumen Christi (“Light of Christ”) Monastery in Kansas City, Kan.

It is amazing that only a little over five years since the arrival of the Little Sisters of the Lamb, a Little Monastery has been built in the heart of Kansas City, Kan. I am grateful for the warm welcome the people of the archdiocese have extended to the Little Sisters of the Lamb. Their radical simplicity, their complete reliance on God’s providence, the beauty and care with which they celebrate the liturgy, and their infectious joy have endeared the Little Sisters to the people of the archdiocese. When the Little Sisters arrived, the archdiocese gave them the site of the former St. Benedict Church, which had been demolished. The only building remaining from the former parish campus was the rectory. On the positive side, the former rectory was spacious. On the other hand, it was in need of major repairs. It was what some might call a “fixer-upper.” Upon their arrival, the Little Sisters went to the local parish of All Saints to introduce themselves to their neighbors and fellow parishioners. Immediately, a group of dedicated volunteers sprang into action to help the Sisters clean, paint, and renovate the old rectory to make it a suitable convent for the Little Sisters. Through articles in The Leaven as well as their visits to parishes, many others befriended the Little Sisters. Though the Little Sisters and their new Kansas friends

calendar archbishop

Naumann archbishop Joseph F. Naumann

Sept. 20-23 Knights of the Holy Sepulcher meeting — Des Moines, Iowa

did a remarkable job renovating the former rectory, the building was just not well suited long term for the contemplative dimension of the charism of the Little Sisters. Little Sister Marie, the foundress of the community, understood for the Little Sisters to persevere in living their call to mendicancy — trusting completely in divine providence and beggars proclaiming the good news of Jesus — they needed to have a very strong personal and communal prayer life. The cloister of the Little Monastery will provide the Little Sisters with a space that is conducive to prayer, reflection and study. The cloister will be a place for the Little Sisters to allow the Lord to regenerate the fire of his love in their hearts so that when they go out on mission they will be able to bring the light of Christ to everyone they encounter. The solemnity of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a very special feast for the Community of the Lamb. In 1975, during her prayer for the vigil of this feast, Jesus spoke to Little Sister Marie’s heart, making clear to her that the cross and only the cross was the path to conquering evil and to making peace possible in our own hearts and in the world. From the cross, Jesus did not curse or condemn those who inflicted this terrible injustice. Jesus actually interceded for his executioners, praying: Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. Our Lord promised the repentant thief: This day you will be with me in paradise. From the cross, Jesus

Sept. 23-26 Convocation of priests at Conception, Mo. Sept. 26 Administrative Team meeting

entrusted Mary to the care of the Apostle John, while entrusting John and, through him, all the disciples to the maternal care of Mary. From the cross, Jesus was not absorbed with his own suffering, but attempting to care for those around him. The wounded Jesus, the crucified Lamb of God, never ceased to love. This was the inspiration for what became the motto for the Community of the Lamb: “Wounded, I will never cease to love.” The Little Monastery has been placed under the patronage of St. Agnes, one of the early virgin martyrs of the church, whose name is a derivative of the Latin word for lamb. St. Agnes is typically portrayed in art as holding a lamb in her arms. During one of Little Sister Marie’s visits to the United States, one of the friends of the community, who works for the United Nations, gave her a tour of the U.N. headquarters in New York. At the United Nations, there is a statue of St. Agnes. The Community of the Lamb strives to draw upon the beautiful liturgical and spiritual traditions of both the East and the West. The artwork adorning their chapels are icons — beautiful painted depictions of Our Lord, the saints, and the events of salvation history that are an expression of the prayer of the artist. Usually,

To You I Lift up My Heart Oct. 18-20, 2013

This retreat is on prayer. Learn from the Psalms and from the way Jesus prayed. Meditate on confidence in prayer and on how to endure dry times in your prayer life. Set time aside for God and let him find access to your heart anew. Listen to the Spirit praying within you. Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological, and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and directs retreats regularly. He serves as Prior of our monastery in Schuyler. Friday, 7:30 p.m. to Sunday after Lunch Program Fee: $ 60; Rooms per night: Single Occupancy: $ 42.00 plus tax; Double Occupancy: $ 34.00/person plus tax; Meals per day: $ 24.25 plus tax.

This small statue of St. Agnes, which sits in the Little Monastery of the Little Sisters of the Lamb in Kansas City, Kan., is modeled after the statue of St. Agnes found face down in the cathedral of Nagasaki in the aftermath of the nuclear explosion in 1945. the Little Sisters do not have statues. However, in the chapel of the Little Monastery here in Kansas, there is a small alcove that contains a statue of St. Agnes. It was created by a South American friend of the community, whose name is Inez — Spanish for Agnes. It is modeled upon the U.N. statue. The following is a meditation composed by Little Sister Marie, found on the back of a prayer card with the image of the statue of St. Agnes: “The statue of St. Agnes exposed today in the U.N. was found face down on the ground in the Catholic Cathedral of Nagasaki, which was entirely destroyed in the aftermath of the nuclear explosion of Aug. 9, 1945. “In the midst of the ruins, she embraced the Lamb, set as a seal upon her heart, as a seal upon her arm. “The Lamb victorious over all evil, even over nuclear fire itself, intact in the arms of Agnes. “Christians, may we traverse the world, holding the Lamb close to our hearts. Then, no darkness, no hellfire, can defeat the divine

Sept. 27 Donnelly Scholarship dinner Sept. 28 Apostles of the Interior Life women’s retreat Installation of Father Benjamin Tremmel, OSB — St. Mary, Purcell Sept. 29 Footsteps of St. Paul pilgrimage begins

archbishop

keleher Sept. 16-20 Teaching class — Mundelein Seminary Sept. 24-25 Labor Review Board — Chicago Sept. 23-27 Teaching class — Mundelein Seminary

tenderness that created us, consoles us and recreates us and that darkness cannot overcome.” With war and violence scarring so many parts of the world today, particularly in Syria, and the possibility of the civil war there escalating into a world conflict, may we pray fervently for peace to Jesus, the Lamb of God, who from the cross revealed the only path to enduring peace — wounded, never ceasing to love.

second front page 3

september 20, 2013 | theleaven.com

clear connection Installation rite connects parish to the universal church

“

By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

“A pastor of a parish is, in a sense, a delegate of the local bishop, and so the installation rite makes visible the connection between bishop and pastor.”

AMEGO — The assignment of a new pastor to a parish is no small thing, yet the rite of installation at St. Bernard Parish here on Sept. 8 was a relatively simple affair. After the readings and before his homily, Archbishop Naumann stood with Father Michael Peterson — who arrived only two months earlier — and installed him as pastor. Stating his confidence in Father Peterson’s zeal and abilities, the archbishop invited all present to show their approval to the appointment of Father Peterson as pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Wamego, St. Joseph Parish in Flush, Sacred Heart Parish in Paxico, and Holy Family Parish in Alma. There was loud and sustained applause. “So I’ll take that as approval,” the archbishop said, with a smile. Although he’d been at St. Joseph Church earlier that week for confirmations (and was going to Sacred Heart the following week), Archbishop Naumann thought it important that he return for the installation of Father Peterson. “This may be the first time at St. Bernard’s or any of the parishes that [we’ve] formally had a pastor installed at a Sunday Eucharist,” he said. “It really wasn’t the custom in the archdiocese. But I’ve chosen to take advantage of that liturgical option . . . for a couple of reasons.” First, it shows the essential connection between the priesthood and the Eucharist. No priests — no Eucharist. Second, the installation of a pastor gives the archbishop an opportunity to preach in parishes about the importance of the priesthood in the life of the church, and the need for parishes to generate and nurture vocations to the priesthood. “We need more priests,” said the archbishop. “We need more seminarians. And so . . . we all have a responsibility and a role in promoting vocations to the priesthood, particularly in families . . . that our families hold up the vocation to the priesthood as

Michael Podrebarac, archdiocesan consultant for liturgy

Leaven photo by Joe Bollig

Father Michael Peterson’s installation as pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Wamego by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on Sept. 8 was a simple affair, but it creates a connection between the priest and the local bishop. an important consideration to every young man.” Archbishop Naumann was the main celebrant for the Mass. Father Peterson and Father Carl Dekat, senior associate, concelebrated. The installation of a pastor is important for the way it symbolizes the relationship between archbishop and pastor, and archdiocese and par-

St. Benedict Center Located 3 miles north of Schuyler at Hwy. 15 P.O. Box 528 • Schuyler, NE 68661-0528 • Phone: 402-352-8819 • Fax: 402-352-8884 Email: Retreats@StBenedictCenter.com • Web Site: www.StBenedictCenter.com

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

ish, said Michael Podrebarac, archdiocesan consultant for liturgy. “The installation of a pastor signifies the relationship between an individual parish and the local bishop,” said Podrebarac. “A pastor of a parish is, in a sense, a delegate of the local bishop, and so the installation rite makes visible the connection be-

tween bishop and pastor.” The official rite of installation, found in the Book of Blessings, is part of the Roman Ritual. The formal rite includes the presentation to the parish by the bishop, the profession of faith led by the pastor, his promise of obedience to the norms of faith, and his acceptance by the parish community, said

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Coordinator Julie Holthaus julie@theleaven.com

Podrebarac. It usually takes place during a Sunday Mass. “Because there are so many new pastors each year, and given the size of the archdiocese, it is common for a pastor to begin his work in a parish before being ritually installed,” said Podrebarac. “The actual letter of appointment by a bishop to a priest indicating his assignment as pastor constitutes the legal document binding a pastor to a parish,” he continued. “The rite of installation solemnizes that appointment within the celebration of the liturgy.” Although many Catholics may look at their parish as the “local church,” in truth the “local church” is the diocese. This is because Catholics do not operate on a congregational model, but on a universal model, with dioceses being the “local church.” “We cannot underscore enough the fact that we belong first to the church universal, organized by dioceses and then individual parishes,” said Podrebarac. “The chief pastor of the universal church is the Holy Father in Rome. The chief pastor of a diocesan church is its bishop, and parishes belong to the diocese as full and equal members. “So, in a sense, Archbishop Naumann shepherds the people of God in northeast Kansas and is assisted by the pastors of our parishes, as well as by the associate pastors and deacons serving within the archdiocese.”

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 $18/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

4 local news

theleaven.com | september 20, 2013

Director of evangelization committed to sharing the faith By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Father Andrew Strobl loves getting into a good board game and tracking the victories of his fantasy football and baseball teams. But his passion for games didn’t earn him a poker face — especially when it comes to sharing his faith. His immediate interest was easy to read on his face this summer when he heard the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas needed someone to lead its office of evangelization. Father Strobl — who has been associate pastor at Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe since he was ordained in 2009 — wasn’t looking for a new assignment when he walked into a meeting at the parish. But then Father Gary Pennings, archdiocesan vicar general and parish administrator at Prince of Peace, mentioned that Matt Karr was leaving his post as archdiocesan lead consultant for evangelization and Catholic formation of adults. “I don’t know what it was on my face,” said Father Strobl upon hearing the news. But the parish’s marriage and family counselor picked up on it and asked if the evangelization role interested him. He instantly said yes. “There’s just something about evangelization that is so important because it’s the church’s mission — it’s who we are,” said Father Strobl. And now he is settling into his new office at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan., as the director of evangelization. He’ll be busy, to say the least. Although still serving as associate pastor of Prince of Peace — the largest parish in the archdiocese — he’s given up his post as a chaplain at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park (and already he knows he will miss the all-school Masses and attending so many games).

Engaging and challenging People don’t have to look further than Pope Francis’ example to see that “part of evangelization is projecting to people a real care for them,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. Personality characteristics draw

leaven photo by Jessica Langdon

people in, and Archbishop Naumann sees many such gifts in Father Strobl. “Many people have told me both at the parish and at [St. Thomas] Aquinas High School what an excellent preacher he is and how people find his homilies very engaging and informative — and also very inspiring and challenging to them,” said Archbishop Naumann. Father Strobl, who graduated from Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park in 2000, honed his debate skills in school. He studied communication at Washburn University in Topeka before heading to Mundelein Seminary in Illinois. “He has the skills to make a compelling argument, if you will, on what we believe as Catholics and to open people’s hearts to the truth through his own abilities to present the faith in a way that’s understandable and attractive to people,” continued Archbishop Naumann. He’s also confident Father Strobl has the new media skills that are a vital piece of the new evangelization. Father Strobl stresses that the new evangelization, a key focus of his work, doesn’t present a new message. Rather, it presents the good news of Jesus Christ particularly to people who

have already heard it, but who “aren’t intentional disciples yet.” It involves presenting the message through new methods — including new media — and also with a new enthusiasm, explained Father Strobl.

Reaching out “Pope Francis is just incredible at being outgoing,” said Father Strobl. “He made it clear at World Youth Day that the VIPs at the table of the Lord are those that are furthest from him right now, and we should rejoice just as heaven does when one lost sheep is found — and it’s our privilege to share the joy that we have.” Archbishop Naumann sees in Father Strobl a disciple who loves his faith and being a priest — which Father Strobl does — from baptizing babies to confessions and funerals. His own relationship with Jesus is at the center of his ministry. “That’s what is most essential for anybody doing evangelization work — that they can invite people to come to know this faith that they love, this person that they love,” said Archbishop Naumann.

Families and parish families, believes Father Strobl, are instrumental in shaping faith. In his new position, he hopes to provide resources to support those efforts and will work directly with clergy and lay staff at parishes. He will also work closely, he said, with Karr in his new position with St. Paul’s Outreach, which focuses on campus ministry as well as young adult outreach. Finally, Father Strobl will collaborate with other individuals, offices and organizations on everything from faith formation to digital media resources. “I think we can never be content with the church as it currently exists,” said Archbishop Naumann. “We always have to have this yearning for outreach to bring others to know the gifts that we experience from our friendship with Jesus and our participation in the life of the church.” Father Strobl is there — but is grateful that this mission is not his alone. “Evangelization isn’t the responsibility of one office or of just priests or religious,” he said. “It’s the responsibility of every person who wants to follow Jesus Christ.”

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Pope urges dialogue with nonbelievers By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

Father Andrew Strobl, new archdiocesan director of evangelization, reviews ideas for a Mass with Kimy Garvey and John Prost, missionaries with St. Paul’s Outreach, at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan.

FOUNDATION REPAIR

nation/world 5

September 20, 2013 | theleaven.com

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Writing in one of Italy’s major secular newspapers, Pope Francis called for a “sincere and rigorous dialogue” between the church and nonbelievers as an “intimate and indispensable expression” of Christian love. The pope’s words appeared in a 2,600-word letter published in the Sept. 11 edition of the Rome daily La Repubblica, in reply to recent articles by Eugenio Scalfari, a co-founder and former editor-in-chief of the newspaper. An “open and unprejudiced dialogue” between Christians and those of no religious faith is “rightful and precious” today for at least two reasons, Pope Francis wrote. Such a dialogue could “open doors for a serious and fertile encounter” between secular culture and Christian culture, which have lost the ability to communicate due largely to modern views of faith as the “darkness of superstition opposed to the light of reason.” In fact, the pope wrote, the impulse toward communication springs out of the very nature of Christian faith. “Since it is born of love,” he wrote, quoting his own encyclical “Lumen

CNS photo/Paul Haring

Pope Francis, writing in the Rome daily La Repubblica, urged an “open and unprejudiced dialogue” between Christians and those of no religious faith. Fidei,” “faith is not intransigent, but grows in respectful coexistence with others. . . . Far from making us inflexible, the security of faith sets us on a journey; it enables witness and dialogue with all.” This loving quality of faith offers a path of dialogue with skeptics, despite

modern ideas of truth as “relative and subjective.” “I would not speak, not even for a believer, of ‘absolute’ truth, in the sense of absolute as disconnected, lacking any relationship,” the pope wrote. “Truth, according to Christian faith, is the love of God for us in Jesus Christ. Therefore truth is a relationship.” “This does not mean that truth is variable and subjective — on the contrary,” he wrote. “But it means that truth is given to us always and only as a path and a life. . . . In other words, truth being after all one and the same as love, requires humility and openness in order to be sought, welcomed and expressed.” Asked whether the church condemns those who lack and do not seek religious faith, the pope replied that the “mercy of God is unlimited if directed to someone with a sincere and contrite heart.” “The question for someone who does not believe in God lies in obeying one’s own conscience,” he wrote. “Sin exists, even for one who does not have faith, when one goes against conscience. To listen to and obey it means, in fact, to choose between what one perceives as good or as bad. And on this choice is staked the good or evil of our action.”

‘It’s a girl!’ Dangerous words in India, China

ASHINGTON (CNS) — In the United States, hearing the words “it’s a girl,” is a cause for enormous joy and celebration for most, said Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J. “Today, the three most dangerous words in China and India are: It’s a girl,” Smith told a congressional hearing Sept. 10. Smith, the father of two boys and two girls, addressed the issues of sex-selective abortion, lopsided gender ratios, and malnutrition among young females in India during a hearing of the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Heath, Global Human Rights and International Organizations. Smith, subcommittee chairman, said tens of millions of women are missing in India as a result of sex-selective abortion and female infanticide. Smith said in parts of India, 126 boys are born for every 100 girls. “Women have been systematically exterminated through sex-selection abortion,” Smith said. “It’s a deliberate

and premeditated assault on women.” Smith said India also has 37 million more men than women, according to the 2011 census. He said malnutrition of young girls is also common. Smith said girls below the age of 5 have a mortality rate that is 75 percent higher than boys of the same age. “This in turn leads to a shortage of marriageable women, which then leads to trafficking in persons, bride-selling and prostitution,” he said. Smith said more than 160 million females, a figure higher than the current population of U.S. females, are missing from Asia’s population because of sex-selective abortions. Matthew J. Connelly, professor of international and global history at Columbia University, said by the 1960s, India had long been a testing ground for population control. Connelly told the hearing that General Electric promoted the use of ultrasound machines in India and China. But Sabu George, an independent researcher from the Indian state of

Kerala, said sex selection has become genocide in the Indian context. He said the act of determining sex through an ultrasound is illegal in India. George said the misuse of technology and lack of respect for Indian law led to high rates of abortion of female fetuses. He said that rate has increased in the past 30 years, and that doctors often are not prosecuted for administering illegal ultrasounds. Jill McElya, vice president of the Indianapolis-based Invisible Girl Project, said she and her husband were first exposed to infanticide in 2009 when they lived in a rural village in South India. She said in one village her husband visited, boys outnumbered girls 8-1. McElya said the gender imbalance between men and women in India has resulted in problems such as trafficking, child marriage and violence toward women and girls. She told the hearing that sex trafficking is a large consequence of India’s gender imbalance.

Pope: Calling folks is no big deal, media reports just tip of iceberg VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Picking up the telephone and calling people out of the blue is no big deal for Pope Francis, according to a Vatican official. Msgr. Dario Vigano, director of the Vatican Television Center, said the pope told him that the many calls the journalists have brought to light are just the tip of the iceberg: “Good thing they don’t know about all the ones I have made!” the pope reportedly said. In an interview Sept. 13 with Famiglia Cristiana, an Italian Catholic magazine, Msgr. Vigano said that during a recent meeting with the pope, he asked the pontiff about the media frenzy over reports of papal cold calls. The monsignor said the pope looked at him amazed and said, “Tell the journalists that my calls are not news.” According to Msgr. Vigano, the pope said, “That’s the way I am; I’ve always done this, even in Buenos Aires,” where he served first as auxiliary bishop beginning in 1992 and archbishop from 1998 until his election as pope this past March. He said the pope explained how any time he got “a card or a letter from a priest having difficulties, from a family or a prisoner, I would respond.” The pope said, “For me, it’s much easier to call, to ask about the problem and suggest a solution, if there is one. Some people I call, others I write to instead,” according to Msgr. Vigano. He told the magazine he has gotten several calls himself from the pope and not all of them were work-related. “Once he called me at the office to wish me happy birthday.” The head of the Vatican’s television production center said the constant stream of papal calls signals a kind of telephonic pastoral care. Being able to hear someone’s voice allows the caller to understand the feelings of the person on the other line and get “in tune with” the person’s problems and needs, he said. Getting a call from the pope sends a strong signal that God cares, he said. If the pope “takes it upon himself to call me, it means I am special to him and, above all, in God’s heart,” he said. A number of people have come forward telling news outlets they have received calls from Pope Francis. Among those reported include a divorced pregnant woman who said the pope offered to baptize her baby after she wrote saying her boyfriend insisted she have an abortion. There were also reports that the pope responded to a rape survivor’s letter. The Vatican has declined to confirm or deny the reports but confirmed the pope does make frequent calls.

6 local news Phyllis and John Martin, members of Immaculate Conception Parish, Louisburg, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 5 with a party hosted by their children. Their children are: Tammy, Pamela, Carmela, Johnny and Michele. The couple was married on Sept. 29, 1963, at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church in Wea. Leroy and Dorothy (Erpelding) Linck, members of St. Leo Parish, Horton, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 26. The couple was married on Sept. 26, 1953, at St. Joseph Church, Atchison. Their children and their spouses are: Cathy and Steve Spare, Hiawatha; Keith and Flavia Linck, Hiawatha; Karen Rabe, Topeka; and Ken and Emily Linck, Flagstaff, Ariz. They also have 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The couple will celebrate with a family gathering and dinner. Cards can be sent to: P.O. Box 86, Horton, KS 66439.

Anniversary policy

theleaven.com | september 20, 2013

Archbishop invites Little Brothers to archdiocese as well

Joe and Kathy (Zeljeznjak) Cavlovic, members of St. John the Baptist Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a Mass and family dinner on Sept. 28 The couple was married on Sept. 28, 1963, at Our Lady Queen of Croatia Church in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Their children are Michael and Ann. They also have two grandchildren. Marilyn (Lackey) and John Koch, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Baileyville, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 6 at the Windmill Inn in Seneca. The couple was married on Oct. 5, 1963, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Seneca. Their children and their spouses are: Keith and Jill Koch, Topeka; and Amy and Jeff Holthaus, Topeka. They also have six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

• The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th notices. Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: Todd@theleaven.com.

local news 7

september 20, 2013 | theleaven.com

>> Continued from page 1

GOSPEL MUSIC CONCERT

The gospel choir of Our Lady & St. Rose Church, 2300 N. 8th St., Kansas City, Kan., will present its annual fall music concert Sept. 29 at 3 p.m. This year’s theme is “Be Watchful, Stand Firm in the Faith, Be Strong!” (1 Cor 16:13)

Lecture to feature Judy Valente, author of ‘Atchison Blue’ atchison — The annual Fellin Lecture at Benedictine College here will feature award-winning PBS religion journalist and celebrated poet Judith Valente. This year’s lecture recognizes the 150th anniversary of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery and is part of the Mary L. Fellin Lecture Series presented by the Benedictine Sisters of the Mount. Valente wrote the recently released book, “Atchison Blue,” as part of the sesquicentennial celebration. She will offer insights from the book during her lecture, set for Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. in O’Malley-

McAllister Auditorium. Valente arrived at Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in 2008 to lead a workshop on poetry and the soul. Valente soon found herself taking lessons from the Benedictine Sisters in the healing nature of silence, the habits of mindful living, and the freeing realization that failure is just as much a part of the spiritual journey as success. By spending time with women often thought to be living in the past, Valente encountered a portal to the future.

event, along with Little Brother François-Dominique, prior of the Little Brothers of the Lamb. Several other members of the two religious communities came over from Europe to join in the celebrations. In his homily, the archbishop thanked the Little Sisters and their guests, saying, “Each of you has played a part in the miracle of this monastery.” He also thanked Father Anthony Ouellette who initially introduced him to the Little Sisters. Father Ouellette befriended the community while a seminarian in Rome. The archbishop said he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to bring the Little Sisters to Kansas because “we need their example.” “Each person here has a story of how God brought you to encounter the Little Sisters,” he said. “And your life has never been the same.” The archbishop then delighted the audience by announcing that Little Brother François-Dominique had accepted his invitation to establish a presence for the Little Brothers of the Lamb in the archdiocese. During the celebration of the Mass, the archbishop blessed the bells, altar, tabernacle, the statue of St. Agnes, patroness of the Sisters, and the monastery itself. The monastery is an unadorned structure with a low profile in keeping with the order’s commitment to simplicity.

A chapel is at the center of the design of the Little Monastery. Walkways connect the chapel to cells for the Little Sisters, visiting priests or Brothers, and young women who want to experience community life. The Sisters devote substantial time each day to both community and individual prayer. They are especially devoted to Our Lord in the Eucharist. The community is mendicant, living only from donations and trust in providence. The two principal charisms of the Little Sisters are contemplative prayer and evangelical poverty. The name of the monastery means “light of Christ” and reflects the order’s mission to bring the light of Christ to all who dwell in darkness. During the Mass, the archbishop asked that the monastery be a place

where the Holy Spirit rekindles his fire in the hearts of the Little Sisters so they can “carry the light of their Bridegroom into our hearts and homes.” He called the Little Sisters “handmaidens of the Lord who, while wounded, never cease to love.” The Mass and blessings were followed by an open house, at which guests were invited to tour the Little Monastery. Afterwards, the doors of the cloister were closed, and it became a permanent place of retreat and silence for the Sisters.

For more info

If you would like more information on the Little Sisters of the Community of the Lamb, go to: http:// www.communityofthelambusa.org.

Only the chapel, at the center of the monastery design, and the community part of the monastery are open to the public. The liturgies of the community are also always open to everyone.

The boys at St. Charles Primary School in Kyakadali proudly display their homemade soccer ball to their guests from the United States. The ball is made from banana leaves.

Surprised by Joy

E Story by Jill Ragar Esfeld

MPORIA — When a small group of Sacred Heart parishioners here made a visit to their sister parish, Our Lady of Fatima, in Mubende, Uganda, they knew they were venturing into a poor area where life was hard. But knowing and seeing are two different things. “That first day, I was just dumbfounded by the poverty” said Deb Williams, echoing the sentiments of her six fellow travelers: Father Rich Warsnak, Joan and Ron Kloppenberg, Theresa Lein, Paula Roper and Joan Geitz. “We were looking at all the little shacks along the road,” said Joan Kloppenberg. “And we kept wondering when we were going to run out of the slum area. “And we never did.” The group may have been surprised by the poverty they encountered in Mubende. But they were equally surprised by the way the Our Lady of Fatima parishioners helped them see past that poverty and into the joy of a shared faith.

A humbling experience The visitors were so fascinated with what they encountered that first day in Mubende that they fell way behind schedule. They still had one final stop to make — at a primary school — when they realized afternoon was slipping into

to walk home,” said Kloppenberg. “We were so humbled.” “Humble” is a term used often by Sacred Heart parishioners describing this first pilgrimage to their sister congregation. “It was humbling,” agreed Williams. “I came away with so much from the people there — I gained more from the experience than they did.” The trip was especially gratifying to Williams. She and her husband were co-chairs of the stewardship committee 10 years ago when the idea of adopting a sister parish was put on the agenda. Former pastor Father Darren Henson had suggested Our Lady of Fatima — the home parish of Father Emmanuel Tamale, a good friend he had made while at Mundelein Seminary in Chicago. “And that’s how we got partnered up,” said Williams. Though Sacred Heart parishioners had never before been to visit their sister parish, they had developed a personal connection through Father Tamale, who has taken time off from his job as chancellor in his diocese in Uganda to spend the past eight Christmas holidays in Emporia. “He spends about a month here with us,” said Sacred Heart Pastor Father Warsnak. Father Tamale helps with Masses and visits with students at Sacred Heart School. “He tells our kids what it’s like to be a kid in Uganda,” said Lein, principal of the school and a parishioner of St. Matthew Parish in Topeka. After learning that Our Lady of Fatima students made soccer balls from banana leaves, Sacred Heart students started an annual fundraiser to send soccer balls to Uganda. Likewise, Sacred Heart Parish has raised money to help with building projects and school supplies in its sister parish. “Oh, it was so heartwarming to see the fruits of all that labor!” said Williams. “They told us that they considered the roof of their church a miracle,” added Kloppenberg. “We provided the money for that.”

A pilgrimage

St. Joseph Senkulu Primary School is packed with students. This one classroom had more than 150 children in it. evening. Their guide called the school’s principal with instructions to send the students on home, because their visitors couldn’t make it in time. But the children had planned a program and were determined to present it. “They will not leave,” the principal said.

“So at six that evening,” recalled Kloppenberg, “we pulled into this school. “The children were still there, and they swamped the car.” The group was treated to a program and presented with gifts. But the festivities had to be cut short so the children could get home before dark. “Some of those kids had three miles

Planning for the journey began two years ago with a resolve among the group that this first trip would be a pilgrimage, not a mission. “We didn’t want to come in and show them how to improve their world,” explained Kloppenberg. “We wanted to build a relationship.” “Certainly there are things we can do to help,” said Father Warsnak. “But also we are just as strong in believing there are many ways that the people of Our Lady of Fatima Parish can help us.” The group toured two vocational technical schools, two high schools, and seven primary schools. They saw every kind of condition — from 50 students sitting on benches on dirt floors to schools with floors and tables and chairs. But none of the schools they visited had adequate teaching materials, and many had none at all. “It was very humbling,” said Kloppenberg. “I saw students preparing for restaurant careers using charcoal and wood and having very few utensils. “I saw students in fashion; the majority were using treadle machines.” They visited a primary school where Sacred Heart has funded a water tank and roof, and is now helping build a latrine. “Currently, their latrine is a stack

Father Rich Warsnak blesses Father Patrick Guweddeko at the latter’s ordination to the priesthood in Mityana, Uganda. I’m not going to Mass.’ “And these people were up early walking two and three miles to get there.” Through daily Mass in Uganda, the group was able to experience the universality of the Catholic Church. “The church is the church wherever you are,” said Lein. “Sometimes the Mass wasn’t in English, but you know what’s going on, you know the parts.” “Even in the music,” agreed Williams. “You may not know the words, but you felt the joy.”

Counting the blessings

Theresa Lein, Sacred Heart School principal, stands with some children for a group picture after Mass. of rocks with bushes around it,” said Kloppenberg. The visitors were impressed with the ability of teachers to be effective without proper supplies. And they were moved by the difficulties the students faced — most had been touched by the AIDS epidemic. Many were infected with HIV. Kloppenberg said almost every family the group visited was raising AIDS orphans. “But they won’t tell you which children are not their own,” she noted.

Finding joy and faith The desperate circumstances their sister parish faced were often overwhelming, yet the joy and generosity of its people always shone through. “Despite their poverty and their living conditions,” said Williams, “they were such gracious and happy people. “We went into their homes and felt like we were family when we left.” The Sacred Heart group was often presented with typical thank-you gifts of bananas, sugar cane and live chickens. It was hard to accept food from people struggling to feed themselves. But Father Tamale counseled the pilgrims that their Ugandan hosts would be hurt if their gifts were refused.

Looking for a sister parish? Interested in building a sisterparish relationship? If your parish is interested in building a relationship with a sister parish, Sacred Heart parishioners recommend reading “Bridges of Faith: Building a Relationship with a Sister Parish: A Personal Journal” by Dennis P. O’Connor. Sacred Heart used O’Connor’s journal as a guide for establishing their partnership with Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Uganda.

“And Father Rich worked us through that,” said Williams. “He told us, ‘They need to give, and we need to learn how to receive with a grateful heart.’ “And to have them give to us out of their poverty — it was very touching, very moving.” The group was also touched by the strong faith exhibited by their sister parish. “We were driving through Mubende to an out-parish (for Sunday Mass),” said Kloppenberg. “And here were all these people walking toward that parish. “And I just thought how many people here say, ‘I have a lot to do Sunday;

At the end of each day, the group gathered to discuss the blessings and graces they saw during the day — the time they encountered God or felt his presence in some way. “It’s a way to remind us of our purpose, which is always to encounter Jesus Christ,” said Father Warsnak. All the travelers treasured this time together and were amazed at the many ways they encountered Jesus. “And those weren’t always good experiences,” said Father Warsnak. “They were rough ones sometimes. “But that’s, of course, our faith — that God reaches through the struggle, the difficulty, the pain, and touches us even there.” The travelers all agreed this practice of taking time out of their day for reflection is one of the best gifts they will bring home with them from Uganda. “I think it’s important to do,” said Lein. “We all get so busy. . . . We run through our days and don’t think about when we’ve seen God present in our lives.” “It’s a great practice every day,” agreed Father Warsnak. In the end, it was hard to leave their sister parish. But this was always meant to be the first of many visits. “We said that from the beginning,” said Father Warsnak. “Of course, not knowing how it was going to go, that was sort of a statement of faith.” “But now we want to go back again,” he added. “I can’t imagine not returning.” “We’ll remember to keep them in our prayers,” concluded Lein. “And continue the fundraising for soccer balls.”

12 classifieds Employment Nurses - Seeking CMAs/CNAs for the state of Kansas to join our team! ComfortCare Homes of Kansas City has unique, eight resident or less, actual home settings that provide care for the elderly living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Must have a good attitude and be willing to work as a team. For more information, visit the website at: www.comfortcarekc.com. Online is an application that must be filled out. Email the completed application to: info@comfortcarekc.com, stating your interest in a position and contact information, or mail to 3848 W. 75th St., Prairie Village, KS 66208, or fax to (913) 273-1520. Financial representatives - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City metro, Lawrence, Topeka and the Seneca - Sabetha area. Ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. Please contact John A. Mahon, general agent, for more information or an interview by sending an email to: john.mahon@kofc.org, by phone at (785) 408-8806 or at 1275 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612. Housecleaning - Seeking a reliable individual to do housekeeping in our southwest Topeka home. We would like to establish a regular schedule with consistent and thorough results. Call (785) 806-1829 to arrange an interview. Safe drivers - Assisted Transportation seeks caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students in minivans in the Johnson County area. Drivers will start their day at our facility located at I-635 and Metropolitan, Kansas City, Kan. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. You can apply in person at 1521 S. 45th St. Kansas City, Kan., or by visiting the website at: www.assistedtransportation. com. EOE.

Services Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336. Computer repair - Slow computer, computer virus, general PC repair. Located in Shawnee. Mitch Compton - Lifetime member of St. Joseph Parish mgmproducts@kc.rr.com. - (913) 268-4812 Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902. Sandy’s Cleaning Service - House cleaning. 30 years experience. Excellent references if needed. House or apartments. Call (913) 788-7676 or (913) 956-1626. Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, at (913) 909-2002. Financial advisor to the Catholic community – I’m Bill McMahon with Morgan Stanley, dedicated to helping Catholics accumulate and grow, or derive more income from your wealth. To find out how, please contact me for a complimentary portfolio review. Bill McMahon | Financial Advisor (913) 402-5267 bill.j.mcmahon@morganstanley.com 11161 Overbrook Road, Leawood, KS 66211 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. 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: mikehammer moving@aol.com. Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837. Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www. GreenSolutionsKC.com. Housecleaning - Looking for a dependable housekeeper. Consistent and thorough every time. I also make a great guest. Years of experience and references. Serving your area. Call (816) 214-0156 (mobile).

theleaven.com | September 20, 2013 Tim the Handyman - Small jobs, faucets, garbage disposals, toilets, ceiling fans, light fixtures, painting, wall ceiling repair, wood rot, siding, decks, doors, windows, and gutter cleaning. Call (913) 526-1844. House painting - Good Shepherd parish member. 25 years experience. Up to 15 year warranty. Caulking and priming, better then any other job in town. Call (913) 991-3955. ALL AREA CATHOLICS WELCOME Christ the King Parish Federal Credit Union 5417 Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kan. Good Car Loan and Share Loan Rates (913) 287-8448 or (913) 980-2192 Hours: 7 - 9 p.m., Mon., Wed., Fri. Quality craftsmanship at a reasonable price! - Wood rot and house painting. Fiber cement siding/James Hardie. Window replace or repair, decks, basements and baths. Interior and exterior painting. Call Mike at (913) 991-3955.

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.

Caregiving - CNA home health care specialist provides quality home comfort and care for the elderly. Available anytime. References. Affordable/seasoned/non-smoker. Call (816) 521-1336.

House painting Interior and exterior; wall paper removal. Power washing, fences, decks. 30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Mountain cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA, fully furnished; sleeps four. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $95/night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the website at: www. tillmancabin.com.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Bahamas beachfront condo - Enjoy the crystal clear waters, beachfront pool and beautiful sunrises from our newly remodeled condo that sleeps four. $125/night; $750/ week. Local owner will rent to mature adults and families. To view, visit the website at: www.coralbeach1602.com or send an email to: coralbeach1602@gmail.com.

vacation

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. We moved! Come check out our new office in Lenexa.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376

For sale - Exclusive rights for two burial easements at Resurrection Cemetery, 83rd and Quivira Rd. These easements are located in the mausoleum, corridor Queen of Holy Rosary, tier C, crypts 107. Today’s selling price at this level would be $12,000. We are offering this space for $9,000 (or best offer). Contact Ambrose Kelly at (913) 649-9691.

Brick mason - Brick, stone, tile and flat work. 19 years of residential/commercial experience. FREE QUOTES - KC metro area. Small and large jobs accepted. Call Jim at (913) 485-4307. www.facebook.com/faganmasonry.

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

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

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

Swalms Organizing Service - Reducing Clutter - Enjoy an Organized Home! Basement, garage, attic, shop, storage rooms - any room organized! Belongings sorted, boxed and labeled, items hauled or taken for recycling, trash bagged. For before and after photos, visit: www.swalms organizing.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115.

For sale - Four adjoining spaces in Resurrection Gardens Mausoleum, 83rd and Quivira, Crypt 7, Corridor St. John, Tier A. Includes opening, closing and lettering. Current value $18,000 for all; cannot be divided. Selling for $15,000. Call (913) 383-3495.

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

Rodman Lawn Care - Mowing, leaf removal, mulch and more. Call John Rodman, member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, at (913) 548-3002 or send an email to him at: Rodman.Lawn@yahoo.com. Lawn Mowing Spring Cleanups/Landscaping Local Parishioner Insured/References Free Estimates Call Tony (913) 620-6063 MEDICATION SETUP & MANAGEMENT - RN support visits for filling weekly pill boxes & managing medication. Affordable and convenient. To learn more, call Home Connect Health Services at (913) 627-9222.

Home Improvement Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 Ceiling, wall crack and water stain repair Ceilings retextured or painted. Interior painting, no mess! Serving Kansas City, Kan., and the Johnson County area for 23 years. Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. Is your home ready for FALL and cooler temps? There is still plenty of time to get those leaky windows fixed or replaced. Wood rot is something we fix in every season. Schedule for winter months and save some money. 25 years experience and fully insured. You won’t find better work out there. I personally take pride in every job, no matter the size. Making your home look its best is my passion. Basements, baths, kitchens, decks, siding, windows, interior and exterior paint and doors. I am a James Hardie fiber cement siding expert. Call Mike at (913) 991-3955. Exterior painting, drywall projects, wood rot repair, bathroom and kitchen remodels, and tile work Quality products. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 206-4524. Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson county area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401.

Perfect Roof - Free estimates; roofing repairs if needed. Hail and wind damage inspections. Insured and reasonable. Call (816) 288-1693.

Heating and cooling repair and replacement - Call Joe with JB Design and Service. Licensed and insured with 20 years experience. Member of Divine Mercy Parish. Call Joe at (913) 915-6887.

Caregiving Caregiving - Retiree looking for part-time work. Household duties, errands, pets, doctor appointments, nursing care, light housekeeping, housesitting. Possibly available overnight. Call (913) 322-4297. Overland Park area. Experienced caregiver - Wanted for elderly woman in Olathe area. 24-hour care with minimal personal and home management tasks. References required. Call (800) 819-1960 and leave a message. No agencies please. Pam’s Home Care - Providing assistance with personal care, companionship, light housekeeping, doctor appointments, and meal preparation. Call Pam McallisterWing at (913) 624-4409 or send an email to: pamwing @sbcglobal.net. Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home - Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com. Position wanted - Caregiver/companion. Qualifications: Refresher, 70 hours certified nursing assistant. 2012 practical nursing 1,240 hours. Previous CMA license. 160 hours Swedish massage. 480 hours cosmetology school for manicures, pedicures, haircut and color. Palliative care available. Will travel. Call (913) 384-2119. Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Debbie or Gary.

for sale

For rent For rent - Beautifully renovated 2 BR, 1 BA located in Overland Park. Very spacious with shaded walkout patio and includes laundry hookup, attached garage, neighborhood workout room, outdoor pool, lawn care, and snow and ice removal. For rent - Spacious 2 BR, 1 BA located in Paola. Tastefully remodeled with laundry hookup; no pets. $600 per month. Call Catherine at (913) 972-8852.

Real estate For sale - Move-in ready; 3 BR, 2 BA, new paint, new carpet, finished downstairs, fireplace, deck, double garage, fenced yard, schools; Louisburg. Call Donna Lee at (913) 837-5155. For sale - Upper Peninsula vacation home on nearly 10 acres. Farm setting with several outbuildings. 4 BR, 2.5 BA, first floor is wheelchair accessible. 4 season porch, Anderson windows, wood stove, and much more. Offers a true taste of the great North. $159,000. Call (913) 682-1566.

wanted to buy Wanted - Old drugstore soda fountain. Apothecary and candy jars, signs, slot machines, Coca-Cola. Spool, thread, dye. Nut and bolt cabinets. Advertising clocks, small antique display case and store displays. Hunting and fishing old duck decoys and fishing lures. Autographed baseballs. Call (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269. *** Wanted to buy *** Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, prints, sterling, etc. Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

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SEPTEMBER 20, 2013 | theleaven.com

September St. Joseph Parish, 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, will celebrate its annual fall festival on Sept. 20. A fried chicken dinner will be served from 5 - 7 p.m. in the church basement. There will also be bingo, a silent auction, games and raffles. For more information, call Mike and Tandy Reichmeier at (913) 492-3356.

A course in the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning begins at 7 p.m. on Sept. 20 at St. Paul Parish, 900 S. Honeysuckle Dr., Olathe. Online registration is required by visiting the website at: www.ccli.org. For more information, call Kate or Gavin Essenberg at (912) 7135707 or the Couple to Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558. Holy Name Knights of Columbus will host a spaghetti dinner on Sept. 20 from 5 - 8 p.m. at Holy Name School, 1007 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Kan. The cost to attend is: $6 for adults; $3 for children ages 6 - 14; and free for children ages 5 and under. St. Francis de Sales Church, 900 Ida St., Lansing, will host a 5K race at 8 a.m. on Sept. 21. Proceeds will benefit the Built on Rock campaign.

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on Sept. 21 at Curé of Ars, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Following the Mass, the bereavement ministry will hold its monthly support meeting in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be on the stress of grief. For more information, call (913) 649-2026. The 10th annual Spirit of Nativity fall festival will be held Sept. 21 at Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood. The festival kicks off with Mass at 4 p.m. There will be food, music and fun for all ages. Wristbands can be purchased in the parish office on the day of the event. The cost to attend is $15 for adults ages 13 and over; $9 for children ages 4 - 12. The immediate family price is $45. Proceeds will benefit Sisters, Servants of Mary and

Christmas in October. For more information, contact Tom Garbach at (913) 3384367. The Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual fall festival on Sept. 21 from 5 - 9 p.m. A taco dinner will be served in the parish hall. There will also be raffles, a silent auction, food items, bingo, fun games for the kids, and great booths including homemade povitica. For more information, call David or Diane at (913) 342-8878. Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, will host an “Inspirational Family Day” on Sept. 22 from 1:15 - 4 p.m. Bring your family to hear the amazing story of nationally known speaker John O’Leary. There is no cost to attend, and no reservations are required. For more information, visit the website at: www.rising above.com.

St. John Parish, Greeley, will host its annual bazaar on Sept. 22. Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Our Lady of Fatima Circle, Daughters of Isabella, will host its annual baby shower to benefit the Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic at 1 p.m. on Sept. 25 at Christ the King Parish, 53rd and Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kan. New or gently used baby and toddler clothes, care items and monetary donations will be accepted. A business meeting will follow the shower.

From Sept. 25 - Nov. 3, you’re invited to join other Christians across the United States for 40 Days for Life - 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. You’re also invited to stand and peacefully pray during a 40-day vigil outside Planned Parenthood, 4401 W. 109th St., Overland Park, or the Women’s Health Center, 4840 College Blvd., Overland Park. For more information, visit the website at: www.40daysforlife.com/overlandpark. A class in using the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning during the pre-menopause period will be held on Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist School, 1208 Ken-

tucky St., Room 208, Lawrence. For more information, call Shannon or John Rasmussen at (785) 749-1015 or the Couple to Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558. Online registration is required by visiting the website at: www.ccli.org. The Christian Widow and Widowers Organization will host a potluck dinner in the Formation Room at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, 17th and Stone, Topeka, at 5 p.m. on Sept. 26. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call (785) 2720055.

Benedictine Sister Thomasita Homan will conduct a retreat at the Sophia Spirituality Center, Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, on Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The retreat is entitled “Going to God with Words.” Spend a day discovering new ways to journal or write. Writing methods will be based on Scripture and life experiences. The cost to attend is $50. For more information or to register, call (913) 3606151 or visit Sophia Center’s website at: www.sophiaspiritualitycenter.org. The Auxiliary of St. Joseph Medical Center is sponsoring an art 26-27 expo on Sept. 26 from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sept. 27 from 7 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Shop for a variety of items at 1000 Carondelet Dr., Kansas City, Mo. Proceeds help support SJMC projects. Bishop Ward High School will host its 35th annual auction on Sept. 28. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction and a social reception featuring appetizers from some of Kansas City’s most beloved restaurants. The live auction will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Holy Family Church, 274 Orchard St., Kansas City, Kan., will host its fifth annual Slovenefest, beginning after 4 p.m. Mass on Sept. 28. Festivities will follow on the school grounds, 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kan., from 5 - 10 p.m. There will be an authentic Slovenian dinner, silent auction, games, and music and dancing, featuring The Don Lipovac Orchestra with Brian McCarty and Hrvatski Obicaj. All proceeds will benefit Holy Family Church. For more infor-

mation, contact the church office at (913) 371-1561 or send an email to: holyfamilychurchkck.com. Painters, sculptors, poets, and musicians are invited to spend 28-29 a weekend in a spiritual retreat with Catholic spiritual director Vincent Elmer at Christ’s Peace House of Prayer, Easton. A limited number of rooms are available, both private ($60) and semiprivate ($85 double occupancy). The cost of the room includes the retreat, meals and a one-hour spiritual conference with the director. To register, send an email to: directorcp@hotmail.com or call (913) 773-8255. St. Pius X Parish, Mission, will host a seminar entitled “Exploring the Charisms of the Holy Spirit” on Sunday afternoons, beginning Sept. 29 from 2 - 4 p.m. This is an outreach of the archdiocesan charismatic renewal for the upcoming Year of Evangelization. The seminar will be held in the Glowacki Room of the former school at 5500 Woodson, Mission. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call Jim at (913) 236-4534.

You are invited to a golden jubilee celebration for Sister Kathleen Dueber, OSU, on Sept. 29 at St. Agnes Church, 5250 Mission Rd., Roeland Park. Mass will be held at noon, followed by a reception from 1 - 2:30 p.m. Sister Kathleen currently serves on the leadership team of the Mount St. Joseph Ursulines in Maple Mount, Ky. However, she is returning to her home parish of St. Agnes to celebrate her 50th anniversary as an Ursuline Sister. She graduated from St. Agnes Grade School and Bishop Miege High School, and served as teacher and principal in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas for many years. She is looking forward to visiting with former students and friends. All are welcome. The gospel choir of Our Lady & St. Rose Church, 2300 N. 8th St., Kansas City, Kan., will present its annual fall music concert at 3 p.m. on Sept. 29. For more information, contact Barbara Bailey at the church office at (913) 321-1958.

14 commentary Scripture Readings

theleaven.com | september 20, 2013

Sept. 22 Twenty-fifth sunday in ordinary time Am 8: 4-7 Ps 113: 1-2, 4-8 1 Tm 2: 1-8 Lk 16: 1-13 Sept. 23 Pius of Pietrelcina, priest Ezr 1: 1-6 Ps 126: 1-6 Lk 8: 16-18 Sept. 24 Tuesday Ezr 6: 7-8, 12b, 14 - 20 Ps 122: 1-5 Lk 8: 19-21 Sept. 25 Wednesday Ezr 9: 5-9 (Ps) Tb 13: 2-4, 7-8 Lk 9: 1-6 Sept. 26 Cosmas and Damian, martyrs Hg 1: 1-8 Ps 149: 1-6a, 9b Lk 9: 7-9 Sept. 27 Vincent de Paul, priest Hg 2: 1-9 Ps 43: 1-4 Lk 9: 18-22 Sept. 28 Wenceslaus, martyr; Lawrence Ruiz and companions, martyrs Zec 2: 5-9, 14-15a (Ps) Jer 31: 10-13 Lk 9: 43b-45

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Seeking Christ’s Heart

mark my words

twenty-fifth week of ordinary time

This is a sweet nutcracker

ow do you deal with the NUTs in your life? If we’re honest, we all have some, right? Don’t you find them annoying and obnoxious? It seems like the more you want to get away from them, the more persistent they are. They even follow you when you move. Yes, the NUTs in your life will eventually drive you nuts! Well, I’m not about to let that happen to me! As summer transitions into autumn this Sunday, it’s time to get back into a more productive frame of mind. That’s why my goal this fall is to eliminate some NUTs from my life! Whoa! Rereading those above paragraphs, you might get the wrong idea. The NUTs I’m talking about are Nagging Unfinished Tasks. These are the things that pop into your mind just as you’re drifting off to sleep and cause your stomach to churn. They’re not necessarily the most important things to accomplish, but they do eat away at you. In fact, many of them are just little, seemingly insignificant things that we never quite get around to doing, yet they

Father Mark Goldasich Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. rob us of peace of mind. Consider this “little known” story from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Grumpy, Sleepy and Dopey were on their lunch break at the diamond mine. Grumpy picked up his lunchbox and said, “I really hate peanut butter and liverwurst sandwiches. If I have to eat one more peanut butter and liverwurst sandwich, I’m going to run screaming into the woods.” Sleepy said, “I know what you mean. Every day I open my lunchbox and it’s the same old thing: salami and ketchup. I’m so tired of salami and ketchup sandwiches. If I have one again today, I’m going smash my lunchbox with a shovel.” Dopey said, “Yup, a broc-

coli and mustard sandwich every day. If that’s what’s in my lunch today, I’ll go jump into the river.” At noon, all three gingerly opened their lunchboxes and discovered the same thing they ate every day. Grumpy flipped out and ran screaming into the woods, Sleepy pummeled his lunchbox with the shovel, and Dopey jumped into the river. That evening, the other four dwarfs told Snow White what had happened at lunchtime. She sighed and said, “Well, Grumpy and Sleepy always whine about the lunches I make for them. But I don’t understand what got into Dopey. After all, he makes his own lunch!” (Adapted from “Jokelopedia” by Eva Blank, Alison Benjamin, et al.) Aren’t there times when we’re like Dopey? We keep doing the same thing — not changing anything — and then wonder why nothing changes. Well, it doesn’t do any good to just think about, worry over or cuss and discuss those NUTs in our lives. We’ve got to actually do something about them. The other day, for instance, as I got a fork out

of the utensil drawer in my kitchen, I got upset for the hundredth time at how the knob was so loose. In fact, that was true for three other drawers as well. Taking (finally) the advice of Bill O’Hanlon, author of “Do One Thing Different,” I immediately got out a screwdriver and tightened the knobs on all those drawers. Time expended: 43 seconds . . . and the task was no longer nagging or unfinished. Another NUT of mine was wanting to do more spiritual reading. One night before retiring, I put a book right next to the Keurig coffee maker. Now, as it’s doing its brewing, I automatically pick up that book and get in a few minutes of reading and inspiration. It’s a great start to the day. So what’s something that you’d like to work on this autumn? Anything from getting to Mass on time to praying a bit more to volunteering time to a good cause can usually be tamed by just doing one small thing differently. So, don’t wait any longer: Pick one tough NUT in your life and get crackin’.

In the beginning

commentary 15

september 20, 2013 | theleaven.com

Prophet’s words echo in our own time

arious teachers will stress different points of morality according to the times in which they live and the experiences they themselves have undergone personally. For example, someone living during a period of sexual licentiousness might emphasize sexual morality. Someone living in an era of atheism might emphasize the importance of remaining faithful to God by carrying out the religious obligations of worship and prayer. Different teachers will emphasize different points of morality as they see the need for them. The prophet Amos is famous for criticizing sins against economic justice. Sunday’s first reading, Am 8:47, reflects this concern of his. By imagining the thoughts of those planning to sin against

Father Mike Stubbs Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. the poor, he compiles a list of their misdeeds. Their greed causes them to begrudge the Sabbath rest which cuts into their sales: “When will the new moon be over, that we may sell our grain, and the sabbath, that we may display the wheat?” Similarly, their greed leads them into blatant dishonesty and cheating: “We will diminish the ephah, add to the shekel, and fix our scales for

Pope francis Pope Francis gave pilgrims attending his weekly public audience Sept. 11 what he called a “homework assignment” to find out the date they were baptized and celebrate it every year. “How many of you remember the date of your baptism?” the pope

cheating.” Their greed also causes them to ignore the plight of their fellow human beings and to minimize their worth: “We will buy the lowly for silver, and the poor for a pair of sandals.” By this, they fall into the ultimate economic sin of slavery, which views human beings as property to be bought and sold. Evidently, Amos witnessed these sins being committed. That is why he weighs in against them. He lived during a period of relative prosperity, in the eighth century before Christ, in the northern kingdom of Israel. There were many who prospered, but often it was at the expense of those who carried little clout in society. For example, widows and orphans had no one to defend them from unscrupulous predators. Those dealing with physical handicaps had

asked the crowd in St. Peter’s Square, and then acknowledged a relatively small show of hands. “Our baptismal date is the date of our birth in the church,” he said. “When you go home today, look hard for the date of your baptism, so you can celebrate it and thank the Lord for this gift.” The pope’s remarks came during a talk on the subject of

great difficulty in making it in the world. Often, they were reduced to begging. All these tended to suffer economically. The economic sins that the prophet Amos criticized unfortunately continue on in our own day. Greed led to dishonesty in the stock market, which caused investors to lose millions in their savings. Even slavery continues in our day, only now we call it human trafficking. The prophetic words of Amos still ring true. That is why the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us: “‘The Church’s love for the poor . . . is a part of her constant tradition.’ This love is inspired by the Gospel of the Beatitudes, of the poverty of Jesus, and of his concern for the poor. Love for the poor is even one of the motives for the duty of working so as to ‘be able to give to those in need’” (no. 2444).

the church as mother, for which he mostly used the informal Italian term “mamma.” “One doesn’t belong to the church as to a company, a party or any other organization,” he said. “The link is vital, like that one has with one’s own mom, because the church is really the mother of Christians.” — CNS

Scouting, to work as youth ministry, has to honor its roots

oy and Girl Scouts have recently celebrated their 100year anniversaries,

but in recent years, the relationship with our parishes have been strained. I get a lot of inquiries looking for position statements and advice on Scouting issues in what is seen by many as a shift in mission. Here is a summary of the situation. After several meetings and letters from the archdiocese, Girl Scouts USA recently extensively rewrote parts of their core curriculum, called Journeys, because of the outrage at the graphic, age-inappropriate, and profoundly pro-choice references that dotted the series. But the most prob-

posed to the positions of the Catholic Church. Cookie royalties and “Thinking Day” revenues are believed to be often used to fund these causes. National Girl Scout leaders tell me that they want to partner with Catholic parishes, but they want us to understand that they are a secular organization that serves a diverse group of people. We have sought direction from the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; it said that important questions to Girl Scouts remain unanswered and an ongoing examination is underway. Our local Girl Scout leaders are wonderful, holy leaders who want to give our girls great social and enriching experiences, but Girl Scouts’ national curriculum writers and those defending the WAGGGS affiliation are

Deacon Dana Nearmyer Deacon Dana Nearmyer is the lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth. lematic situation with Girl Scouts is their affiliation with WAGGGS, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. WAGGGS receives millions of dollars from Girl Scouts USA, and they lobby on the international stage, especially to the United Nations, for abortion rights and other positions diametrically op-

making that more and more difficult for our local leaders. Over the last couple of years, many Girl Scout leaders, parents and pastors have been attracted to the American Heritage Girls. American Heritage Girls is a Christian Scouting organization that offers social time, badges, camping, and Catholic awards. Several troops exist and many are forming in our archdiocese. American Heritage Girls encourages our Catholic parishes to establish parish troops and to teach our faith. Little Flowers is not a Scouting organization, but, rather, a Catholic mom-anddaughter group. Boy Scouts has long been a traditional partner with our parishes, but was recently called to task as they reviewed their policy

on homosexuality. The new policy says sexual education and activity are not a part of Scouting. Scouts with samesex attraction are allowed in Scouting, but must be chaste. Openly homosexual leaders are not permitted as leaders. The Federation of North-American Explorers and St. George Scouts are emerging Catholic boy organizations that do not yet have established troops in our diocese. Parish Scouting is youth ministry and an extension of our parishes. We do not want to run Boy or Girl Scouts out of our parishes, but we do want them to honor their traditional roots. Be informed about your child’s formation. Check out the website at: archkck.org, under the youth ministry parent page, for Scouting options and support information.

as the church prays

Liturgist takes the long view of the liturgy document of Vatican II

“T

he church, therefore, earnestly desires that Christ’s faithful, when

present at this mystery of faith, should not be there as strangers or silent spectators. On the contrary, through a good understanding of the rites and prayers, they should take part in the sacred action, conscious of what they are doing, with devotion and full collaboration. They should be instructed by God’s word, and be nourished at the table of the Lord’s Body. They should give thanks to God. Offering the immaculate

Michael Podrebarac Michael Podrebarac is the archdiocesan consultant for the liturgy office victim, not only through the hands of the priest, but also with him, they should learn also to offer themselves. Through Christ, the Mediator, they should be drawn day by day into ever more perfect union with God and with each other, so that finally God may be all in all” (Constitution on the Sacred

Liturgy, 48). This November marks the 50th anniversary of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, the first document issued by the Second Vatican Council. The above paragraph offers a blueprint of the hopes of the bishops at the council regarding the faithful and their participation in the eucharistic celebration. Fifty years later, we cannot help but ask: How well are we doing? There is little doubt that the faithful have come to take a renewed ownership of the Mass this past halfcentury. Through words, gestures and postures, the outward participation of the people of God is evident on most Sundays. So, check.

The table of the word of God and the table of sacrifice and Communion both contribute to that one single act of worship that we call the liturgy. Again, check. More than ever, at least since the Roman liturgy was celebrated in Greek, we know that the very word Eucharist means “to give thanks.” Check. The collaboration between priest and congregation is pretty much a given these days. We know that the anointed hands of the priest work to serve the needs of the people of God at worship. In turn, we acknowledge that the sacrifice that is offered belongs to both priest and people. Check, check, check.

MASS OF INNOCENTS Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann invites you to join him in a Mass of Remembrance for all who have experienced the loss of a child thru miscarriage or other before-birth losses, through stillbirth, or in early childhood death.

Sunday, October 20, 2013, 10 a.m. Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy Kansas City, Kansas 66109 For additional information, please call Archdiocesan Marriage & Family Life Office—913-721-1570

But what about the part about us offering ourselves? Do we truly comprehend this? Do we see the Mass as something we offer, or merely something that always must engage our senses and entertain our hearts lest it have failed? Further, do we experience the Mass as drawing us into union with God ever more perfectly, little by little, Sunday after Sunday? As drawing us closer toward one another? So, how are we doing, 50 years later? What can we do to further fulfill the council’s blueprint? After all, it’s only been 50 years — where do we go from here?

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16 Local news

theleaven.com | september 20, 2013

2013 Kelly Youth Rally

Full house

Youth from the Nemaha-Marshall Region pack St. Bede Church in Kelly before a hayride to the site of the Kelly Youth Rally. The annual youth rally is in its 16th year.

Photos by Julie Holthaus

For more

To see a video from the Kelly Youth Rally, go to: www.theleaven.com.

s Energized

Nearly 500 youth from the Nemaha-Marshall Region participated in this year’s youth rally, held near Kelly. Here, the crowd is energized by speaker Father Rob Spaulding’s musical entertainment. Father Spaulding was the rally’s main speaker, and stressed to youth how one small decision can be life changing, and about the power of forgiveness.

s Night Mass s pen pals

From left, Angela Holthaus, Brent Heideman, Will Engelken, and Max Holthaus sign one another’s youth rally shirts before the start of the event. The verse on the back of the shirts featured the theme for the day, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Mt 6:14).

Third from left, Father Scott Wallisch and Father Pat Sullivan, assist celebrant Father John Reynolds at an outdoor Mass to conclude the youth rally. Over 800 young people, volunteers, and parishioners were in attendance. “It has been incredibly humbling to see the parents, grandparents, neighbors, friends, local businesses, and all the area Knights of Columbus organizations be so generous with their support of the rally,” said Leah Hermesch, one of the event’s new coordinators. “This awesome event is only possible each and every year because of the very special people of our communities. These people continually give what God has blessed them with.”