09-23-11 Vol. 33 No. 8

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 33, NO. 8 SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

A little brother at last

‘Pagan baby’ inspires couple to build a school in Uganda

By Jill Ragar Esfeld Special to The Leaven

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — In 1953, Nancy Berrigan (nee Kovich) was an only child, who longed for a little brother or sister.

As a second-grader at St. John the Baptist School in Kansas City, Kan., she was thrilled when the Sisters who taught there said she could “adopt” a baby for five dollars.

The adoption was actually a sponsorship arranged through the Pontifical Association of the Holy Childhood. A $5 donation allowed students to help support an infant — or “pagan baby” — in a Catholic mission area.

“So I saved up my little nickels and dimes and, when I turned it in, I thought Sister was actually going to give me a baby,” she said.

Instead, Berrigan received an “adoption certificate” in acknowledgement of her donation.

“I was devastated,” she recalled. “Mom said I cried and cried.”

To this day, Berrigan remembers her feeling of betrayal — and her family remembers how long she whined about her missing baby.

“She said she was going to give me a baby, and she gave me a piece of paper!” was all Berrigan could say.

Finding Brother John Berrigan went on to Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kan., and then Creighton Nursing School in Omaha, Neb., where she met her husband Paul.

The couple eventually settled in St. Fabian Parish in Farmington Hills, Mich., where

Rich Sambol, Bishop Ward High School class of ’64, leads some young Ugandans in a dance.

Paul and Nancy Berrigan break ground on a new science and learning center at John Paul School in Uganda. The couple was instrumental in building the school (below) and have recruited some Bishop Ward classmates to help support the school financially. they raised two daughters.

On Mission Sunday in 2005, when Msgr. John Kauta from Uganda, East Africa, visited St. Fabian Church to speak about the needs of the poor in his country, the opening lines of his homily hit a nerve.

“How many of you know about pagan babies?” he asked.

Berrigan said she almost fell out of her pew.

“Well, boy, my hand shot right up there because I knew all about pagan babies,” Berrigan said with a laugh.

As luck would have it, Berrigan’s parents were there as well. On hearing the celebrant’s opening words, her

father just smiled and shook his head as if to say, “Oh, boy.”

But no one expected what happened next.

Msgr. Kauta opened his

Turn to “WARD” on page 4

2 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

I

Following God’s plan gives our work purpose and meaning

hope that you enjoyed last week’s edition of The Leaven reporting on World Youth Day and chronicling some of the experiences of our local Kansas pilgrims.

It astounds me that the secular press chooses to largely ignore an event of such enormous proportions. This underscores why it is important to read The Leaven and other Catholic publications, as well as to listen to Catholic radio and to watch EWTN. There is so much good happening in the church every day that you will never read, hear or see in the secular media.

Instead, you will be exposed to a steady drumbeat of anything and everything negative about the Catholic Church. If there is nothing new to report, they find a way to rehash old stories.

As the archbishop, I have the opportunity to witness much of the good, particularly with our young people, that goes unnoticed. I enjoy the opportunity each summer to celebrate Mass at Prairie Star Ranch for our camps. I am impressed by the dedication of our staff members who spend the summer trying to help our campers grow closer to Jesus and to love his church.

A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to celebrate Mass for CYO athletes, coaches and parents. The Mass is part of an effort of the CYO leadership to make certain that our sports programs are not just about producing great athletes, but that they are teaching young people the development of virtues and a deepening of their faith through the experience of team sports.

I had the opportunity to attend the convocation at Benedictine College marking the beginning of the new academic year. Benedictine has record enrollment. The centerpiece of the renewal of Benedictine College has been an intentional effort to strengthen

the Catholic faith life and culture of the campus. The convocation speaker, Robert George, a professor at Princeton University, commented that it took him only about 20 minutes being on the campus in Atchison to realize there is something very beautiful and special happening at Benedictine.

We begin this year with 30 young men in the seminary for the archdiocese. Twenty-two of our seminarians were in Madrid, Spain, for World Youth Day. My time with them, during the pilgrimage, reconfirmed for me the depth of their faith and the high caliber of these young men who are discerning a call to the priesthood.

One of the themes that I stressed this summer in meeting with the boards for all of our Catholic high schools in the archdiocese is the essential difference in how we prepare young people for their future in comparison with public schools and the secular world. In the secular arena, the constant question that is posed to young people is: What do you want to do with your life? Young people are taught to think of careers that are based on their interest, job opportunities and the amount of money to be made.

For the Christian, the real question is not: What do you want to do with your life? Nor are the important questions: How can you make the most money?

Gain the most fame? What will be the easiest way to get by in the world?

The real question, the only question, for the Christian young man or woman is: What is God calling me to do? The goal of our Catholic schools cannot be simply to prepare our young people for successful careers in the world. Our schools are oriented to helping young people discover God’s plan for them,

the special and unique mission that he has for each of them. The goal of the Christian life is not doing what I want with my life, but to allow ourselves to get caught up in God’s dream for us. His dreams are so much greater and more beautiful than what we would devise for ourselves.

Our young people may wind up doing something very similar to their secular counterparts. Many will be married and become parents. Some will be doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, scientists, artists, athletes, mechanics, construction workers, carpenters, pilots, etc.

Yet, their reason for doing what they are doing and their motivation to do it well will be very different. If we see our life as a response to God’s call, then we will find purpose and meaning in what we are doing. Our work will not be just a job, but a means for glorifying God. Our motivation to do our best will be beyond any financial or material incentives.

The Apostles of the Interior Life, the Sisters who serve at St. Lawrence Center at the University of Kansas, conduct a program each year called The Samuel Group. It is for juniors or seniors in college (not just from KU) and other young adults who want to learn how to discern their vocation. Once a month, they meet on a Sunday afternoon for prayer, reflection and discussion on some of the tools and skills that can help a person understand God’s plan for them. Last year, more than 90 young adults participated At the end of The Samuel Group each year, the participants write me a letter detailing the highlights of their experience. One young woman wrote the following: “This year, I have had in the back of my mind a quote from St. Catherine of Siena: ‘If you are what you should be, you will set the world on fire.’ Through my discernment, I will eventually find what I should be and all I can do is hope that I will have the opportunity to set the world on fire.”

From my experience of World Youth

Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

Sept. 23 National Catholic Bioethics seminar — welcome Feasibility Task Force meeting Mass at National Catholic Bioethics seminar Sept. 24 Red Mass — Oklahoma City Sept. 25 Blessing of new sonogram machine — LifeCenter in Ottawa Sept. 26 CEF School of Excellence lunch and visit Sept. 26-29 Convocation of Priests — Conception Sept. 30 Mass and dinner with the Apostles of the Interior Life Oct. 1 10:30 Mass honoring Blessed John Paul II — Good Shepherd, Shawnee Evening prayer for Catholic media

Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar

Sept. 26-29 Teach class at Mundelein Seminary Day and my association with the youth of the archdiocese, I am excited about the future for the church and our world. I see an increasing number of young people open to discovering God’s call and allowing the Lord to use them to set the world on fire with his love.

St. Stanislaus breaks ground

By Marc and Julie Anderson

R

Special to The Leaven

OSSVILLE — Standing room only — that’s what a pastor likes to see.

Unless it happens week after week, requiring families to split up as they scramble for the few remaining seats scattered throughout the church.

But the cramped conditions was just one of the reasons that St. Stanislaus Parish in Rossville wants to build a new church. Until recently, the idea seemed to be just that — an idea. Now, it’s becoming a reality.

On Aug. 28, nearly 200 of St. Stanislaus’ 400-plus parishioners joined Archbishop Joseph Naumann and pastor Father Bruce Ansems to break ground on a new Roman-style basilica church to be constructed later this year. Others involved in the groundbreaking ceremony included members of the building committee, the project’s architect, the general contractor and other parish representatives.

For Shelly Buhler, chair of the building committee, the day surpassed her expectations. She was extremely excited about the new church and thrilled the groundbreaking day had arrived.

“Everybody is ready to get started,” said Buhler, adding that the need for a new church structure was identified as part of the St. Marys Region pastoral planning completed several years ago.

On weekends, Masses are jampacked, Buhler said, and occasions such as first Communions and weddings cannot be held in the current church, due to its size. Additionally, the current church was in desperate need of repair. Buhler said the early parishioners did what they could to provide

“EVERYBODY IS READY TO GET STARTED.” Shelly Buhler, chair of the building committee a church for future generations, but the torch has been passed.

“We’ve come together as a parish community and we’re determined to get it done,” said Buhler.

“It’s our responsibility and our opportunity to offer something to future generations,” she added.

Plans for a new church really only began to take shape two years ago.

In November 2009, Don Damon, a retired truck driver in Great Bend in southwest Kansas, walked into a Dillion’s store and purchased a lottery ticket for $1. It gave him an amazing return on his investment — it was the winning ticket for a $96 million jackpot.

At the time, their nephew Kevin Bittner served as a member of St. Stanislaus’ building committee.

When the Damons asked how they could help the parish, Bittner explained how the parish was trying to figure out ways to raise the necessary funds for a new church.

It didn’t take long for Damon and his wife, Kathleen, to respond with a gift to St. Stanislaus of $100,000.

A few weeks later, Bittner

was catching up over lunch with his aunt and uncle, and the couple asked about the plans for the new church.

Bittner shared the parish was in the midst of brainstorming other creative fundraising efforts.

Within 30 minutes of him returning to work, the Damons’ attorney called Bittner and expressed their wish to give the parish another financial gift — this time for the amount of one million dollars. At the time, parishioners, including both Buhler and Bittner, said they were moved to tears by the Damons’ generosity.

There was still money to be raised, of course. But it was the Damons’ gift, said parishioners, that inspired them to look beyond themselves for creative ways to raise funds. Finally, they came up with the amount necessary for the archdiocese to approve the building project.

Three years passed from the date of the formation of the planning committee to the date of the groundbreaking. Now parishioners like Buhler can hardly wait for the construction to be complete.

“I’m just so excited for our parish community,” Buhler said.

The new church will be approximately 12,000 square feet and hold 488 people. Not only will parishioners be able to celebrate important sacramental moments in their own church, but the new structure will also be more accessible to the elderly and physically challenged.

In his remarks, the archbishop praised the parish community for its successful efforts in getting the project to the groundbreaking stage. During the blessing, he prayed for the successful completion of the project, as well as for the safety of all those involved in the actual construction. Additionally, he prayed for the parish com-

munity to be inspired in their faith by the project.

He recounted how he had just toured some amazing Catholic cathedrals in Madrid, Spain, as part of his trip to celebrate World Youth Day. “Some of them took 300 years to build. Father Bruce is on a much tighter time frame,” the archbishop joked, adding later that Catholics build beautiful churches for one main reason — to humbly express their love of God. Project manager Pat Tolin, of Ferrell Construction, and architect David Heit, of the Schwerdt Design Group, said they, too, are being inspired by the project.

“It’s one of the more fulfilling projects I’ve been involved with,” said Tolin. “The building itself is inspiring and the local community involvement is exciting.”

For Father Ansems, the project is exciting for several reasons.

First, it’s the first church he’s ever been involved in building, although he’s quick to credit previous pastors Fathers John Riley and Ben Gomes for getting the parish to this point.

He’s also been gratified by the community response. When asked what he would like the rest of the archdiocese to know about St. Stanislaus Parish and the people of Rossville, Father Ansems had this to say.

Although the building of a new church in a rural area such as Rossville is not the norm, he said, “some rural towns are very much alive — and the faith is alive.”

Not only is St. Stanislaus Parish building a new church — it’s building one twice the size of the former church.

Finally, Father Ansems concluded, the people of the parish are just amazing.

“They’re a very easy community to care about,” he said.

Shelly Buhler, chair of the St. Stanislaus building committee, throws dirt during the groundbreaking ceremony as Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann looks on. To Buhler’s left are David Heit, architect at the Schwerdt Design Group, and Pat Tolin, project manager at Ferrell Construction.

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

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President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

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4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Ward alumni help support Ugandan school arms wide, looked out over the congregation as if directly at Berrigan, and said, “Mama, I’m home!”

His words confused her, but she felt an immediate connection nevertheless.

Shocked and deeply moved, she turned to her father and said, “Dad, that’s my brother! I’ve been looking for him all these years. I finally found my pagan baby brother!”

“He said he actually was a product of the pagan baby campaign,” she said.

As a child, Msgr. Kauta was helped by the Pontifical Association of the Holy Childhood. Eventually, he converted to Catholicism, and later decided to become a priest.

“So he really touched me just by that — he had my attention,” Berrigan said.

“He went on to tell us all about the needs of the people [in his country],” she added. “He was really dynamic, and so Paul and I both were touched by him.”

The couple was so moved by his presentation that, after Mass, they stopped to introduce themselves to the priest and asked to meet with him.

Little did they know that meeting would eventually lead them to Uganda, East Africa, where they would build a Catholic school in remote Chelekura — a place that, up until that moment, Berrigan didn’t even know existed.

Building a school At their meeting, Msgr. Kauta told the Berrigans of the great need for schools in Uganda and how inexpensively one could be built.

“Can you really build a school for this amount of money?” Berrigan’s husband asked.

It would be a very basic school with mud walls, Msgr. Kauta answered. But then he quoted the couple a different figure — the amount required to build a “really wonderful” school.

Both felt a strong calling to help.

“So we built a really wonderful school,” said Berrigan. “And it’s just growing.

We’ve come a long way since 2005 when we first met him.”

Indeed, the Berrigans raised funds to build a school, dormitory and science center in Chelekura, which has no electricity or running water, but hundreds of children eager to learn.

They named the school John Paul Secondary School after their fathers — John Kovich and Paul Berrigan Sr. — to honor how hard their parents worked to put them through Catholic schools.

“Our first trip [to Chelekura] was in 2007, when we went for the dedication of the school,” said Berrigan.

Today Berrigan is convinced she was led by the Holy Spirit to meet Msgr. Kauta.

She believes he really is her pagan baby brother.

“Yes, I think he is,” she said. “Because now he is my brother, that’s what I call him — Brother John.”

Two years after the school was com-

Bishops ask Catholics to act now to protect religious liberty

By Joe Bollig

Continued from page 1

Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Could Catholics and Catholic institutions be forced to support birth control, sterilizations and chemical abortions?

It could happen, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. It is urging Catholics to speak out now, while their input can still make a difference.

The bishops are concerned that religious liberty and the rights of individual conscience could be denied by implementation of a part of the 2010 federal health care reform law (the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act).

With this law, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has drawn up regulations concerning preventive care for women.

Under these HHS rules, all private health care plans would be required to cover contraception and sterilization as preventive care for women. All contraceptive methods — including those that cause an early abortion by chemical means — would be paid for.

Individuals and groups with religious or moral objections to such “preventive services” would be forced to purchase and provide this coverage if they receive or provide health care coverage.

“This is a significant departure from what has been done in the past,” said Ron Kelsey, archdiocesan pro-life consultant.

“It, for the first time, covers abortifacient drugs, including ‘ella,’ which is falsely promoted as a contraceptive. In reality, it’s a chemical cousin of the RU-486 abortion drug.”

“What [the regulations] say is that all those so-called services are to be pro-

Students wait for class to begin at John Paul Secondary School. With the help of the Berrigans and the Bishop Ward’s class of ’64, the school is a top-notch facility in Chelekura, Uganda.

Nancy receives a warm welcome from the children at John Paul School during a recent visit. pleted, when funds were needed to expand the school’s facilities, Berrigan was blessed again to receive the help of some old friends.

Recruiting the class of ’64 Vicki Wewers has been a close friend to Berrigan since the two graduated from Ward and went off to nursing school together.

They’ve stayed in touch through phone conversations and traditional Christmas letters.

The Berrigans are avid travelers and often recount trips in their Christmas correspondence. But the year they wrote that they’d “built a school in East Africa,” Wewers was more than a little surprised.

“I was, like, ‘What? That’s just crazy; I’m going to have to talk to her about that,’” she said.

Wewers did talk to Berrigan in 2009, when Bishop Ward’s class of ’64 had its 45th reunion.

Several alumni had gathered for breakfast when Wewers asked Berrigan about the school.

“Cathy [Stone] and I both were rolling on the floor when she told the funny story about the pagan baby,” recalled Wewers.

It didn’t take long for Bishop Ward alumni to decide they wanted to help the Berrigans continue their mission.

Wewers, with the help of former classmates Bob Wewers, Stone and Rich Sambol, drafted a letter to fellow alumni saying, “We have some extraordinary people in our class who have done the most won-

LOCAL NEWS 5

CNS/Nancy Wiechec

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is concerned that implementation of a part of the 2010 federal health care reform law could force religious institutions to offer birth control as part of their health care plans. vided in private health care plans with no cost to the individuals,” he continued. “[It would not require] co-pays or deductibles — nothing. It’s 100 percent covered in all private health care plans.”

A religious exemption is provided for, but it’s so narrow that it covers almost no one, according to the bishops.

The HHS religious exemption only covers a religious employer that has the “inculcation of religious values” as its purpose, primarily employs and serves persons who share its religious tenets, and is a church organization under two narrow provisions of the tax code.

Many Catholic organizations would not be protected by this narrow exemption, including universities and colleges, hospitals, and charitable institutions that serve the public.

This mandate would, in effect, force individual Catholics who are part of such an insurance plan to pay for morally objectionable health care services.

“Since insurance companies would be forced to provide those services,” said Kelsey, “the cost [of coverage] is spread among all [individuals] who are insured, and so we are thereby paying for other people’s contraceptives, emergency contraceptives, sterilizations and abortifacient drugs.”

As an alternative to this, individuals could have riders on standard insurance plans that they could purchase if they so wished to have coverage for the aforementioned, he said.

“Another problematic thing that is not mentioned is that, even if there is a stronger religious exemption [for organizations], it will not apply for businesses,” said Kelsey. “In Kansas, we’ve just passed legislation that would do exactly the opposite [of these HHS regulations].”

Kelsey is concerned that this is a slippery slope toward backdoor funding of abortion.

“We’ve already seen, with this regulation, that chemical abortions have been introduced as mandatory coverage,” said Kelsey. “Therefore, if you are a drug manufacturer, you would be tempted to classify any new abortion drug as a socalled ‘emergency contraception,’ so it would be covered under health insurance plans.”

It’s not too late to oppose this mandate, said Kelsey. The HHS is required to

Act now Catholics are urged to oppose the U.S. Department of Heath and Human Services mandate before Sept. 30 by going to the website at: www.usccb.org/conscience. Here is a sample message you can use: “Pregnancy is not a disease, and drugs and surgery to prevent it are not basic health care that the government should require all Americans to purchase. Please remove sterilization and prescription contraceptives from the list of ‘preventive services’ the federal government is mandating in private health plans. It is especially important to exclude any drug that may cause an early abortion, and to fully respect religious freedom as other federal laws do. The narrow religious exemption in HHS’s new rule protects almost no one. I urge you to allow all organizations and individuals to offer, sponsor and obtain health coverage that does not violate their moral and religious convictions.” have a public comment period on these regulations ending on Sept. 30.

Due to the short time left, Catholics are urged to send an email of opposition to HHS by visiting the website in the sidebar above. Persons who do this will also be able to contact representatives in the U.S. Congress and urge support for the Respect of Rights of Conscience Act, H.R. 1179 and S. 1467.

Archdiocesan convocation offers the big — and bigger — picture derful thing in Africa.”

The response was immediate and generous. The Berrigans received enough donations from their classmates to help fund a school library.

“They put all the money they got from Ward toward the library,” said Wewers.

“They’re going to put a dedication plaque up there thanking the Bishop Ward class of ’64.”

Sambol, whose history with Berrigan goes all the way back to kindergarten, went beyond donating: He accompanied the Berrigans on a trip to Chelekura.

“The kids were something else,” he said. “They’re poor — there’s no question about that — but they really have an eagerness to learn, and they’re so friendly.

“They want to slap hands and they smile at you and some of them stare at you — but those eyes, those big brown eyes, kind of go right through to your soul.”

Celebrating friends and faith The Berrigans came back to Kansas City recently for a special celebration.

Members of Bishop Ward’s class of ’64

If you’d like to learn more about the school Paul and Nancy Berrigan built in Uganda, or make a donation, visit their website: http://www.john paulschool.com. were all turning 65, so they threw themselves a birthday party.

The occasion gave Berrigan a chance to personally thank her classmates for their contributions and to reflect on growing up Catholic in Kansas City, Kan. “Sometimes, when you’re in school, you don’t realize the impact that things you are instilled with will have on you later in life,” she said. “But believe me; I know now what it means to have faith.”

When things get tough, Berrigan says she turns to the Holy Spirit.

“All I have to do is say, ‘You’ve got to guide me, you’ve got to lead me,’” she said. “And you know what? If you can trust and not be afraid, it works.

“And I love the fact that Bishop Ward is still instilling those same beliefs in its students today.”

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Occasionally, it helps to get a view of the big picture.

A view of the even bigger picture helps, too.

Widening the vision of parish leaders and those involved in parish ministries was the purpose of the first biennial archdiocesan convocation of parish ministries, “Holy Lives, Holy Service,” on Sept. 15 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. About 370 people attended the daylong event, which featured opening remarks by vicar general Father Gary Pennings; an address by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann; a keynote address by Mark Berchem, founder and executive director of NET Ministries; Mass; and two afternoon breakout sessions.

In his remarks, Father Pennings said the archdiocese wanted to do something more for those who minister in parishes.

“It has been our tradition every couple of years to do an orientation for those who recently [began working in ministry] in the archdiocese in parishes or institutions,” he said.

“Perhaps 25 people would come for the day, [but we asked ourselves] how much better it would be if people could experience a larger sense of the church,” he said. “We all need to remember that we are a part of this larger group of ministers — spiritual warriors, in a sense — who do the day-in, day-out work of the church, some in dramatic ways and some in behind-the-scenes ways.”

In his address, Archbishop Naumann said it was a great grace and blessing for archdiocesan workers and volunteers to gather for prayer and fellowship, just like the pilgrims did at the recently concluded World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain.

“I think we tend naturally — and I think rightly — to be very focused on where we are called to serve the Lord in his vineyard, and to give our energy and attention,” the archbishop said.

“But it’s important periodically to lift our gaze and realize we are part of much bigger mosaic, a much bigger plan,” he continued “And we are united in what we do with our brothers and sisters in Christ in the archdiocese and throughout the world.”

The archbishop expressed his gratitude to parish leaders and ministers for helping him fulfill his pastoral responsibilities — not only in preaching the Gospel to more than 200,000 Catholics in northeastern Kansas, but also in evangelizing more than one million non-Catholic or unchurched within the archdiocese.

There is very little he can do without the help of the pastors, said Archbishop Naumann, but there is very little the pastors can do without the assistance and collaboration of parish staff members, volunteers and parishioners.

“One of the great blessings and fruits of the Second Vatican Council was the call and raising up of legions of lay ministers — both those compensated and those who volunteer — to assist priests and now deacons in the pastoral

Leaven photo by Joe Bollig

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann addresses the attendees of the first biennial archdiocesan convocation of parish ministries, “Holy Lives, Holy Service,” on Sept. 15 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. care of God’s people,” said Archbishop Naumann.

“Our parishes could not realize their mission,” he added, “without many laymen and laywomen assisting our pastors . . . for the administration, formation and sanctification of their people.”

Every person in every responsibility — whether directly in ministry or indirectly in support or maintenance of programs and properties — are representatives of Christ and his church to people

who come to us, said the archbishop.

“Every responsibility is important,” said the archbishop.

In his keynote address, “Discipleship and Evangelization in Daily Life,” Berchem noted that Jesus’ command to go forth to all the world and proclaim the good news remains the same, but Christians face serious and challenging signs of the times. These include declining church attendance, loss of moral grounding, growth of Internet porn, loss of community, and loss of respect for life.

“It’s not duty like carrying out the garbage or doing the dishes,” said Berchem. “It’s a happy duty. What could be more exciting than to be part of someone coming into a loving relationship with Jesus Christ and living their life as a disciple of Christ in the Catholic Church?”

Between presentations and workshops, attendees had opportunities to network, enjoy fellowship, visit newly renovated archdiocesan offices and portions of Savior Pastoral Center. Father Pennings said the day was very successful, and attendees responded favorably to the event.

“I was pleasantly surprised by the turnout . . . and much of the feedback has been positive,” said Father Pennings. “One priest commented that ‘we [priests] have regular opportunities to gather with the archbishop and reflect on our common mission. This day was an opportunity for the laity who are engaged in some form of pastoral ministry for the church to do the same.’”

6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

SECOND to NUN

Archbishop to dedicate new monuments

Religious women working in both the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph gathered Aug. 28 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan., for the nuns appreciation banquet hosted by Serra Clubs on both sides of the state line.

Photos by Jim Wendling

LOL

Sister Julia Kubista (left), of the Sisters in Jesus the Lord, and Sister Alicia Restrepo, of the Sisters, Servants of Mary, share a laugh at the banquet at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan.

BINGO

Sister Fidel Marie Sauceda, a Sister of St. Joseph of Wichita, indicates that she’s got a bingo at the nuns appreciation banquet on Aug. 28.

SISTERHOOD

Sister of Charity Peg Donovan (left) shares a quiet moment with postulant Erica Goedken (center) and Sister Maria Stella Whittier, both of the Sisters in Jesus the Lord.

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Call Toll Free 888-246-1504

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will celebrate Mass and dedicate two new monuments on Oct. 3 at noon at Gate of Heaven Cemetery here at 126th and Parallel Pkwy. The observance is open to Archbishop area Catholics and Naumann guests.

Mass will be indoors in the chapel of Holy Redeemer Mausoleum at the cemetery. Following Mass, the archbishop and the congregation will process to the outdoor memorial to victims of abortion and to the Guardian Angel Shrine in the burial section of the cemetery for infants and children.

The memorial to victims of abortion is a collaborative project with the William T. Fitzsimons Assembly of the Knights of Columbus. Individuals, families, parishes and organizations can express their support of the culture of life on memorial bricks by making a contribution.

The Guardian Angel Shrine is the newest monument at Gate of Heaven. The shrine is fabricated from fiber bronze.

For more information about Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas, call (913) 371-4040 (Kansas City area) or (785) 272-0820 (Topeka area); send an email to: information@cathcemks. org; or visit the website at: www.cath cemks.org.

Hugh and JoAnn McNamara, members of Church of the Nativity in Leawood, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept.

16. The couple was married on Sept. 16, 1961, at Christ the King Church in Kansas City, Mo. They celebrated by attending Mass and having their marriage blessed, followed by dinner with their children and grandchildren.

George and JoAnn Sittenauer, members of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept.

30. The couple was married on Sept. 30, 1961, at St. Benedict Church in Bendena.

Their children and their spouses are: Curt and Jill Sittenauer, Bob and Susan Sittenauer, and Brett Sittenauer, all of Topeka. They also have five grandchildren.

Elizabeth (Otting) and Eugene Swallow, members of St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 2. Their children and their spouses are: Kelli and Pat Saucerman and Terri Yunghans. They also have four grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

Richard and Shirley (DeHart) Gooden, members of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept.

23. The couple was married on Sept. 23, 1961, at Westside Christian Church in Topeka. The couple’s children and their families will host a reception on Oct. 1 at the Goodyear Shelter House from 7 to 11 p.m. Their children and their spouses are: Eric and Cameron Gooden, Topeka; Troy and Jill Gooden, Topeka; and Steve and Denise Koch, Centralia. They also have 11 grandchildren.

Evelyn (Wilson) and Jerome Seck, members of Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept.

22. The couple was married on Sept.

22, 1951, in Topeka.

Their children and their spouses are: Rhonda and Terrell Pritts, Little Rock, Ark.; Mark (deceased) and Marsha Seck, North Platte, Neb.; and Loretta and Jim Baxa, Manassas, Va. They also have five grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY: The Leaven only prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the desired publication date.

LOCAL NEWS 7 Appointments Father John A. Riley, chancellor, reports the following assignments made

by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann: Father Brandon Farrar is appointed pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Lapeer, effective Sept. 15. Father Farrar remains pastor of Annunciation Parish, Baldwin.

Father Joseph Cramer is appointed pastor of Divine Mercy Parish, Gardner, effective Sept. 1. Divine Mercy Parish was erected from the merger of Sacred Heart Parish, Gardner, where Father Cramer was pastor, and Assumption Parish, Edgerton, where Father Farrar was pastor.

Father John Shannon, FSSP, is appointed parochial vicar of the St. JohnMary Vianney Latin Mass Community, Maple Hill, effective Aug. 30.

Scout earns Eagle rank MISSION — Adam Moon, a member of Boy Scout Troop 189 and St. Pius X Parish here, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

For his Eagle project, Moon painted, refinished and added three murals in the Adam Moon School of Religion hallway at St. Pius X Church.

Donnelly College: one of a kind Catholic school in inner core puts dreams within reach

By Jessica Langdon Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Donnelly College’s chapel might be small in size, but the faith it witnesses is big.

Students — Catholic and non-Catholic alike — attend the regular Masses in the seventh-floor chapel.

Masses are part of what makes Donnelly a Catholic experience.

Donnelly College is in the business of making dreams of a higher education come true for students, including many who might not otherwise have this opportunity. One of its own dreams is to one day expand its chapel to serve students for generations to come.

Donnelly is proud of the successes of its alumni, dedicated to the students who are there today, and excited about the opportunities the future holds.

Many Donnelly students are the first in their families to earn college degrees.

Some are traditional students; others are returning to the classroom for the first time in years. Each one is important to this college in the heart of Kansas City, Kan. Students come from near — within a few miles in Wyandotte County — and from increasingly far away.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas sponsors Donnelly College, and the school is on the archdiocese’s radar when it comes to planning for the future.

‘A great testament to the church’ Donnelly is close to the heart of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. After attending the annual scholarship dinner Sept.

14, he said he wished everyone had a chance to hear the students’ own words about what Donnelly means to them.

“It’s a great testament to the church here in the archdiocese,” he told a group of several hundred gathered the following day for an archdiocesan convocation.

Donnelly is unique not only in this community, but nationwide, as an institution that focuses on those who don’t necessarily have the resources to afford a higher education.

That’s one reason the archbishop feels so strongly about the college — and why he has appointed a blue-ribbon task force to study Donnelly’s needs, among others, in light of a potential archdiocesan capital campaign. The process included a feasibility study and has gathered input from across the archdiocese.

Planning for the future The Steier Group, a development firm based in Omaha, Neb., conducted a capital campaign feasibility study in the summer and fall of 2010, looking at a number of needs across the archdiocese. While the study showed some support for a possible capital campaign, the archdiocese decided to take the year that followed to further study the issues identified by the results.

That blue-ribbon task force has been delving into several key issues, including assistance for Donnelly — in the form of $2 million for capital improvements and $2 million for a student scholarship endowment.

The group’s members have also stud-

Five things Donnelly wants you to know:

Donnelly by the numbers Donnelly College serves more than 1,100 students each year. Of those:

77

percent are the first in their family to attend college

33

percent are Catholic

78

92

percent are from families who make less than $33,000 per year

percent receive financial aid

94

percent go on to pursue a four-year degree

Donnelly brings a new beginning for first-year students

By Jessica Langdon Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Judith Bautista is planning on a career in medicine someday and, at Donnelly College, she found the perfect prescription for success.

Donnelly “doesn’t tell you ‘no’” said Bautista, of Kearney, Mo. In fact, it is in the business of saying “yes” — to make a college education both accessible and affordable to as many students as possible.

Bautista is part of something special here — Donnelly’s largest-yet class of firstyear students.

One thing that really drew the recent high school graduate to Donnelly was “that it’s a Catholic college.”

When she joined other new students on Aug. 13 for orientation, she especially looked forward to the afternoon event — service projects across Kansas City, Kan. From making blankets for a children’s hospital to helping elementary teachers prepare their classrooms for the start of school, Donnelly’s newest students put their mark on the community from day one.

It was the first-ever “DC Day of Service.”

Bautista came in with enough college credits to be a sophomore. She was active in National Honor Society and student council in high school, and she was excited about getting involved at Donnelly.

“They try to help you as much as possible, and they’re very friendly,” she said.

First-year student Tyler White also picked up on the friendly atmosphere.

“It’s easy to talk to people,” he said.

“People will randomly just say, ‘Hi, how are you?’ and start a conversation.”

He likes the price and the pace. He sees

Jaime Fuentes, academic computer coordinator at Donnelly College, walks new student Aubree Egan through the steps to logon to the college’s computers.

Sister Marie Kathleen Daugherty, SCL, faculty member at Donnelly College, serves as lector at a Mass held at the Donnelly chapel on the seventh floor of the college’s main building. Father John Melnick, SSA, director of spirituality and mission, is the celebrant.

ied the needs of youth in urban and rural areas, secondary education, and the church in areas that are struggling, as well as other issues. (For more information on this process, visit the website at: www.archkck.org/toughquestions.)

Members of this task force share information with the archdiocesan Presbyteral Council and the Case Review Advisory Council. The task force will meet several times between now and the end of the year for discussions and will make its final recommendations to Archbishop Naumann in January.

Donnelly’s extensive strategic plan for its future includes an expanded chapel, a library addition, addressing deferred maintenance, and growing scholarship endowments to keep opening doors to students seeking higher education.

“The staff and faculty is committed to the students.

They’re also people — people who care about their students, for them to achieve their goals and dreams in life and make them happen.”

Cristal Perez, student senator

Did you know . . .

Elsa Jeronimo makes a blanket for a local children’s hospital at El Centro, Inc., as part of Donnelly College’s first-ever “DC Day of Service.”

Donnelly as the kind of place to focus on gaining knowledge.

The students here come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences and love the diversity they see on this campus.

And the staff genuinely cares. As the new students toured the campus, they started to figure that out fast.

Despite the fact it was Saturday and school hadn’t yet started, classrooms and offices were wide open.

Jaime Fuentes, academic computer coordinator, walked new students through their first logins on Donnelly computers

• Donnelly reports it is the most affordable private college in Kansas.

• The U.S. Department of Education noted Donnelly College in two lists on the affordability of education. It is 51st on the lowest net price list and 62nd on the list of lowest published tuitions.

According to a news release from the college, this makes Donnelly “the most affordable private, four-year college within the five-state region of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa and Colorado.” and helped them print their first-semester schedules.

“I like how helpful everybody is,” said new student Aubree Egan, of Kansas City, Mo. “I’m very excited.”

A scholarship helped her decide on Donnelly.

Sean Cepeda of Lenexa liked what he had seen of the school so far. He’s studying information technology.

The service projects showed him just how much the school cares and wants to give back to the community.

“It’s a small school with a lot of heart,” he said.

A brief history lesson Creating tomorrow’s leaders Students are quick to tell you the difference Donnelly makes in their lives.

“It’s a great place for traditional students,” said student Sylvester Ayalla, “as well as others like myself that have finished school before, years ago, and are looking to learn some other stuff — maybe pursue some different academic adventures.”

Ayalla, president of the student senate and a student ambassador, is working toward a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership.

“The staff and faculty is committed to the students,” said student ambassador and student senator Cristal Perez, who is also seeking a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. “They’re also people — people who care about their students, for them to achieve their goals and dreams in life and make them happen.”

Ayalla loves Donnelly and sees signs every day that it is getting even better. He sees the school’s leadership working to make Donnelly a destination.

The archdiocese has placed an emphasis on seeing Donnelly College succeed and has supported Donnelly, he said. Its support has made it possible for a lot to happen there.

“We’re serving people who would not necessarily go unserved, but maybe [be] underserved,” said Ayalla.

He encourages people to get involved.

That makes you want to get up in the mornings, he said. If chemistry class is on the schedule for today, you go to class knowing you have something to do when it’s finished.

And Perez loves seeing so much happening right in Kansas City, Kan. “A lot of students always want to move out to different cities,” she said. “And for me, staying here in Wyandotte County was a way to give back to the community, to be able to contribute.”

At Donnelly, students, faculty and the community can collaborate and see the results.

“Because the youth of today become the leaders of tomorrow,” said Perez.

• In 1949, Bishop George Donnelly and Sister Jerome Keeler, a Benedictine Sister of Atchison, saw the need to make Christian education available in the urban core, where many Catholic immigrants had settled. Bishop Donnelly provided the building next to his home at 12th and Sandusky for classes, and the Benedictine Sisters provided the faculty.

• Leaders decided to stay with the original mission of serving the urban community and created an endowment campaign, which helped Donnelly offer scholarship assistance.

• In 1982, Donnelly moved to 18th and Tauromee, the former site of Providence Hospital. That’s where the school still stands.

• Today, Donnelly continues to grow, drawing from the Kansas City, Kan., area, as well as other parts of Kansas, Missouri, and many other locations, serving students who might not otherwise have an opportunity to attend college.

Bishop George Donnelly

“Donnelly changed my life in so many ways. They challenged me, but they also motivated me and gave me confidence in my own skills. My experience at Donnelly taught me to be a leader and take hold of my future — it is kind of like, instead of giving me bread, they taught me to fish. I earned my associate’s degree from Donnelly, went on to earn my bachelor’s degree, and now I have my master’s and am in a career that I love.”

Donnelly alumna Maria Martinez, ´06

(From www.donnelly.edu)

Donnelly’s programs and degrees • Associate in Arts • Associate in Applied Science • Associate in Science • Bachelor of Arts, major in organizational leadership • Bachelor of Applied Science, major in organizational leadership • Certificate programs include allied health, home health aide, practical nurse, medication aide, nurse aide, pharmacy technician I and II, business and information technology • English as a Second Language (Learn more about Donnelly College’s programs on its website at: www.donnelly.edu.)

“I was the first in my family to go to college. I started at KU, but couldn’t afford to continue. I decided to attend Donnelly and found a second family there. I’m happy to say that my two younger sisters are now attending college, and my younger brother went back to earn his GED. I’m proud that I had a hand in that.”

Donnelly alumna Tabitha Carter, ´10, and current student at UMKC

1

Why do students choose Donnelly?

Students come to Donnelly from throughout the region because it offers a quality, Catholic education, low tuition (just under $6,000 for the 2011-12 academic year), diverse campus and convenient location.

2

Who are DC’s students?

DC serves 1,100 students per year.

Although two-thirds of the enrollment comes from Wyandotte County, currently more than 15 percent of students come from Johnson County, 19 percent from Jackson County, and a growing number from outside the Kansas City region.

3

What do people need to know about Donnelly?

We’ve offered a bachelor’s degree for nearly six years. The college also has two residence halls; a campus at Lansing Correctional Facility; first-rate technology, including campus-wide Wi-Fi and student cloud-computing; and growing student life opportunities from student senate to a competitive soccer club. The college has had the same mission for more than 60 years and boasts a history of success in retaining, transferring and graduating students at rates higher than national averages.

4

What makes Donnelly different?

Donnelly is one of only 10 diocesan colleges in the nation, and one of only five colleges in the country with a similar mission. DC is committed to its mission of access and focus on student success through the belief in the potential of each student. The college also holds several national designations from the Department of Education for its diversity and affordability.

5

What does the future look like?

From new academic programs to increased enrollment, campus improvements, and alumni activities, Donnelly is growing. It has also expanded its student recruitment efforts and is pursuing new educational partnerships throughout the entire archdiocese.

12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment North Central Service - Is hiring backhoe, bulldozer and directional bore machine operators for fiber optic projects in the Salina and south Kansas City, Kan. areas. CDL preferred; not an OTR position. For information or to apply, call (785) 257-3076.

St. Joseph Early Education Center, Shawnee - Will host a job fair from 9 a.m. - noon on Oct. 1. Positions available are: teachers for infants, toddlers and 2-1/2-year-olds; extended day program coordinator; and a nurse, LPN or RN. Interested candidates should call Ms. Camilla at (913) 631-0004 to arrange an appointment in advance.

Preschool teachers - The Goddard School, 21820 W. 115th Terr., Olathe, is seeking qualified full- and parttime preschool teachers. In our warm, loving atmosphere caring teachers support the healthy development of children ages six weeks to six years. Full-time benefits include: competitive pay, benefits, opportunities for professional development and career growth, and a great working environment. Qualified candidates must meet or exceed Kansas regulations, have strong communication skills, a professional appearance and a desire to learn and implement the Goddard School programs. Lead teachers should have an early childhood education degree or a CDA or a degree in a related field with an emphasis in early childhood education. Prior experience in a child care setting is preferred. Owners are members of the Church of the Ascension, Overland Park. Send resume, via email, to: Olathe2ks@goddard schools.com.

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

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

Services Tutoring grades pre-K - 9 - Licensed teacher available to tutor in math, reading, study skills and more. Reasonable price includes materials, educational incentives, and consultation with classroom teacher if preferred. For information, call Cabrina Magee at (913) 219-0203.

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

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

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

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

Cleaning - For experienced and dependable home or office cleaning, call Michelle at (913) 9085640.

Rodman Lawn Care - Lawn mowing, leaf removal, hedge trimming, power washing, snow removal. Call (913) 548-3002 for a free estimate. Member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park.

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 23, 2011 Machine quilting by Lyn - I also do T-shirt, photo, and memorial quilts. Official Hobbs distributor.

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

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.

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

Master electrician - Licensed in Missouri and Kansas. 35 years experience in residential and commercial electrical needs. Call Rick, L & M Electric, at (913) 362-1501 or (816) 781-1501.

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

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.

Semi-retired arborist - Available for tree and shrub trimming. Call Bob at (913) 231- 6460.

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.

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

Call Tony at (913) 620-6063 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Home Improvement Tile work - Ceramic tile installation/repair for your kitchen and bathrooms. I also do custom showers and flooring projects. 20 years experience; insured. For a free estimate, call Frank Womack, In Line Flooring, at (913) 485-07454, or send an email to him at: inlineflooringkc@gmail.com.

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

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.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

K E A T I N G Mud Jacking FOUNDATION REPAIR

Cracked • Bowed • Settled Wall Repair v Wall Bracing v Waterproofing v Steel Underpinning Kansas City (913) 262-9352

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Lawrence (785) 865-0006

MUD JACKING Raise & Level

v Patios v Drives v Garage Floors v Slab Houses Topeka (785) 246-0128

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

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

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

(913) 599-7998 Brick masons - Installation and repair of all types of masonry work — brick, stone, and concrete.

17 years of residential and commercial experience.

Small and large jobs accepted. KC Metro area. For a free quote, call Jim or John at (913) 485-4307.

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.

Swalms Organizing Service - Basement, garage, attic, shop — any room organized! Items taken to donation sites, trash is bagged, and areas are clean and neat when job is complete. To view before-andafter pictures, visit the website at: www.swalms.com.

Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115.

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

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.

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

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376

Real Estate Need a maintenance-free townhome with ample space? - 3 BR, 2 BA, 40-foot living room, dining area, and dine-in kitchen. Plus additional bedroom, bath and rec room on lower level. Two-car garage.

Wonderful neighborhood in Holy Spirit Parish; near Oak Park Mall; easy highway access; two swimming pools; tennis courts; clubhouse. Call agent Rosemary Connors, Reece and Nichols, for details at (913) 669-1229.

For Rent Office space available - Great location in the Ranchmart area of Prairie Village. Ideal for start-ups, professional and small businesses. Flexible terms.

Call Marek at (913) 461-4491.

Vacation Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 2 BA, fully furnished first-floor condo near the clubhouse and pool/hot tub. Close to downtown shopping, golf, hiking and biking, and on bus line to Winter Park/Mary Jane base ski area. Rental income opportunity also available. Call (816) 809-7739 or (913) 897-0220.

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

For Sale For Sale - Single burial plot in the Queen of Heaven Garden at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa.

Lot 120; section A; space 4. Price of $3000 includes plot, liner, opening and closing. Call Mary Ann Tatman at (417) 365-0760.

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

Wanted to buy Cash for your antiques - Coins, watches, silverware, old rifles and shotguns, pocket knives, old military items, Zippo lighters, duck decoys, antique toys, old signs, old pine or primitive furniture. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269. *** Want to buy *** Antique or vintage jewelry Single pieces or entire estate Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Will buy firearms and related accessories One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Misc.

El Centro Academy for Children - Located at 1330 S. 30th St., Kansas City, Kan., is now enrolling children ages 2-1/2 through 5 years. Licensed and nationally accredited. Full day; dual language – English and Spanish.

For information or to schedule a visit, call (913) 6770100 or visit the website at: www.elcentroinc.com.

Sept.

24

Blessed Sacrament Church, 2203 Parallel Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will host a fiesta Mexicana on Sept. 24. A bilingual Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m., followed by food, live music, games and more.

Holy Family Church, 274 Orchard St., Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual Slovenefest on Sept. 24, beginning with Mass at 4 p.m. followed by an authentic Slovenian dinner, dancing, live music, games for all ages and a silent auction.

For information, call Wade McCown at (913) 207-3404, the church office at (913) 371-1561, or visit the website at: holyfamilychurchkck.com.

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

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

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

24-25

Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg, will offer “Prairie Star Under the Stars,” an outdoor camping experience for youth groups, from 10 a.m. on Sept. 24 through 10 a.m. on Sept. 25. The cost is $5 in advance; $7 at the gate. For information or to register, call Gregory Wellnitz at (785) 746-5693 or send an email to him at: psroffice@ gmail.com.

25

The Daughters of Isabella, Little Flower Circle No. 503, will host a covered-dish luncheon at noon on Sept.

25 at Rossiter Hall, 204 S.W. 8th, Topeka.

A business meeting will follow at 1 p.m.

St. John the Baptist Church, Greeley, will host its annual parish bazaar on Sept.

25. A turkey, chicken and noodles, or ham dinner with all the trimmings will be served at 11 a.m. The cost is $9 for adults; $9.50 for carryouts. There will also be bingo, raffles, and a country store. The facility is handicap accessible.

Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg, will offer a family day from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sept. 25. Celebrate Mass with your family, bring a picnic lunch and enjoy outdoor activities including canoeing, rock climbing and horseback riding. The cost is $5 in advance; $7 at the gate. For information or to register, call Gregory Wellnitz at (785) 746-5693 or send an email to him at: psroffice@gmail.com.

28 The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will

offer “Clean and Clutter-free Living,” presented by Chiquita Miller of K-State Extension, from 1 - 2:30 p.m. on Sept.

28. Register by Sept. 21 to receive free cleaning supplies. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

Corpus Christi Church, 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy., Lawrence, will host a sixsession program, entitled “7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free,” from 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings, beginning Sept. 28. For information or to register, call Linette Farmer at (785) 8421223 or send an email to her at: blfarmer @sunflower.com.

29

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Plan Now for a Pretty Spring Garden,” a gardening program presented

by Donna and Steve Walker, from 10 - 11 a.m. on Sept. 29. Register by Sept. 23 to receive free flower bulbs. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb. org/kwc.

Oct. 1

The Leavenworth Regional Catholic Schools Foundation will host a 5K run/walk at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 1 at the new Xavier School, 541 Muncie Rd., Leavenworth. The cost is $20 for participants age 14 and older; $40 per family.

Children under 14 years must be accompanied by a parent. For information and a registration form, visit the website at: www.foundation.leavenworthcatholic schools.org.

2

St. Boniface Church, Scipio, will hold its annual fall bazaar from 11 a.m. 2 p.m. on Oct. 2. A roast beef and chicken and noodle dinner with all the trimmings will be served. The cost is: $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 5 - 10; children ages four and under eat for free. Carryouts will be available for $10.

St. Francis Xavier Parish, 301 E. James, Mayetta, will host its annual bazaar on Oct. 2. A roast pork or turkey dinner will be served from 3:30 - 6 p.m. The cost is $7 for adults; $3.50 for children ages 3 - 12. There will also be a silent auction, raffles, games, bingo, and a cakewalk.

Divine Mercy Church, 155 W. Main, Gardner, will host an Oktoberfest on Oct. 2 from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the parish center, 122 W. Warren St. Dinner will feature American and German foods.

The cost is: $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 4 - 12; children ages four and under eat for free. There will also be a silent auction, a craft show, a cakewalk, raffles, bingo and children’s games. For information, call the parish office at (913) 8567781.

St. Theresa Church, Perry, will host its annual fall bazaar on Oct. 2. A turkey or ham dinner with all the trimmings will be served from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children.

Carryouts will be available. There will also be a silent auction, raffles, bingo, a cakewalk, games, baked goods, and other items for sale.

Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish, 1401 2nd Ave., Leavenworth, will host its annual fall fest from noon - 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 2. There will be a turkey and ham dinner, entertainment, an auction, a classic car show, white elephant sale, a country store and games for all ages.

2&9

The archdiocesan vocation office will host Project Andrew, an opportunity for young men ages 15 - 20 to learn about vocations, from 4 - 7 p.m. on Oct. 2 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, 1800 S.W. Stone, Topeka, and on Oct. 9 at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 5200 W. 143rd St., Leawood.

Young men will meet and pray with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and enjoy dinner with archdiocesan priests. Parents are also invited to a special session.

Registration is required. To RSVP, call the vocation office at (913) 647-0303; send an email to: vocation@archkck.org; or visit the website at: kckvocations.com.

3

The St. Lawrence Institute for Faith and Culture and the Notre Dame Club of Topeka will cosponsor “Did the Founding Fathers Intend to Separate Church from State,” a presentation by Vincent Phillip Muñoz, the Tocqueville Associate Professor of Religion and Public Life at the University of Notre Dame.

It will be held at 7 p.m. on Oct. 3 in Alderson Auditorium at the University of Kansas Union, Lawrence. The lecture is free and open to the public. For information, call (785) 843-0357, ext. 211, or send an email to: klombardi@st-lawrence.org.

4

St. Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Community will host its annual pro-life dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the Civic Center, 13817 Johnson Dr., Shawnee. Proceeds will benefit Alexandra’s House and LifeFront. Tickets cost $30 per person. To purchase tickets, send a check, payable to SPD Dinner, to: Father John Fongemie, 5412 Bluejacket, Shawnee KS 66203.

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Give Yourself Credit,” a four-part financial program for women, from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning Oct. 4.

For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.

6

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host “Lectio Divina,” facilitated by Benedictine Sister Cecilia Olson, from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 6. Come learn how to practice the ancient art of prayerful reading. The cost is $50. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/sophia.html.

8

The Catholic Education Foundation will host its annual Gaudeamus dinner on Oct. 8 at the Overland Park Convention Center, located at 6000 College Blvd. This year’s dinner will honor archdiocesan Catholic school pastors.

Quality, faith-based education is beyond the reach of many, but is within your reach. All proceeds will fund scholarships for children in need. For information or to RSVP, call (913) 647-0344 or visit the website at: www.cefks.org.

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host “Mystic of the World: Catherine of Siena” from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 8, presented by Benedictine Sisters Sheila Carroll and Gabrielle Kocour. Explore the life of this amazing woman through presentations, discus-

CALENDAR 13

sions and quiet time. The cost is $50.

For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the website at: www. mountosb.org/sophia.html.

9

Sacred Heart Church, 1100 West St., Tonganoxie, will host its annual turkey dinner and bazaar on Oct. 9. Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Carryouts will be available. The cost is: $9 for adults; $5 for children ages 3 - 12; children 2 and under eat free. There will be a country store, bingo, raffles, children’s games and a themed-basket silent auction.

St. Mary Church, Purcell, will host a pancake luncheon from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Oct. 9. Freewill donations will be collected.

13

Donnelly College, 608 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host “Coffee on Campus,” a casual opportunity to learn about all the exciting advancements at Donnelly while enjoying a free cup of coffee, on Oct. 13. Attendees can also request a tour of Donnelly’s growing campus. For information or to RSVP, send a email to: advancement@donnelly.edu.

The University of Saint Mary will host its annual theology lecture, entitled “Hope in Challenging Times: Where Shall We Turn?,” presented by Father Don Goergen at 7 p.m. on Oct. 13 in Xavier Theatre on the university’s Leavenworth campus, 4100 S. 4th St. The lecture is free and open to the public. However, seating is limited, so early arrival is recommended.

13-16

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host a Benedictine immersion experience, presented

by Benedictine Sisters Judith Sutera and Marcia Ziska, from 7 p.m. on Oct. 13 through 2 p.m. on Oct. 16. This retreat is for those interested in deepening their spiritual life or just curious about monastic life. The cost is $200; advance registration is required. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/sophia. html.

Marillac Center, located on the campus of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, will host a poetry workshop from 7 p.m. on Oct. 13 through 5 p.m. on Oct. 16. The retreat, facilitated by Sister Mary O’Connor, a Sister of Mercy from Ireland, will explore seasons in the life of faith.

The cost is $75 for the retreat only; $180 for the retreat plus room and board.

Scholarships are available for those in need. Registration is requested by Oct. 3. For information or to RSVP, call (913) 758-6552 or visit the website at: www. marillaccenter.org.

14-16

Rediscover your marriage! The Retrouvaille program offers the opportunity to rediscover yourself, your spouse, and a loving relationship.

The next Retrouvaille weekend is Oct. 14 - 16. For confidential information or to register, call 1 (800) 470-2230 or visit the website at: www.retrouvaille.org.

Calendar submissions are due at noon on Wednesday, nine days prior to the requested publication date.

Email submissions to: jennifer@the leaven.com or mail to: 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

MARK MY WORDS

Catholic Press Association Award Winner

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

QUOTE WEEK

OF THE

“It astounds me that the secular press chooses to largely ignore an event of such enormous proportions. This underscores why it is important to read The Leaven and other Catholic publications, as well as to listen to Catholic radio and to watch EWTN. There is so much good happening in the church every day that you will never read, hear or see in the secular media.”

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann See story on page 2 TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME

“H

Sept. 27 Vincent de Paul, priest Zec 8: 20-23; Ps 87: 1-7; Lk 9: 51-56 Sept. 28 Wenceslaus, martyr; Lawrence Ruiz, martyr, and his companions, martyrs Neh 2: 1-8; Ps 137: 1-6; Lk 9: 57-62 Sept. 29 MICHAEL, GABRIEL, AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS Dn 7: 9-10, 13-14; Ps 138: 1-5; Jn 1: 47-51 Sept. 30 Jerome, priest, doctor of the church Bar 1: 15-22; Ps 79: 1-5, 8-9; Lk 10: 13-16 Oct. 1 Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin, doctor of the church Bar 4: 5-12, 27-29; Ps 69: 33-37; Lk 10: 17-24

behind this program was sound. First and foremost, it made me aware as a kid that there was a big world out there and that everyone in that world didn’t enjoy the same blessings and security that I did.

Second, that picture of the Child Jesus on the front of the “adoption certificate” was a fantastic lesson in Christian charity: Care for the physical needs of hurting people first; you can preach to them later in words. I also like it that the three kids on the card look happy and nourished.

Finally, the Holy Childhood Association didn’t just raise our awareness, but gave kids a practical way to do something about the poverty in the world. In donating those pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters, we were not only learning a lesson of sacrifice (we could have bought candy for ourselves, for example), but we were being taught that our faith was to be more than a matter of words. Getting this lesson of donating early on made it a habit and a way of life for me.

While I don’t know exactly how this program was conducted in the missions, I suspect that not only were kids physically cared for, but they were given the faith and something equally necessary: hope.

I’ve always liked a story told by Halford Luccock, a teacher at Yale Divinity School in the early 20th century. At a dinner party, a guest was commenting on the fate of Flagstaff, Maine, a small town that was going to be flooded as part of a dam project. When the residents learned this, they stopped all repairs and improvements to their homes and property.

The result was, of course, the town fell

into ruin.

Understandably, the people in Flagstaff figured that since all was going to be underwater in six months, why keep up anything? That dinner guest then said, “Where there is no faith in the future, there is no power in the present.”

Through the Holy Childhood Association, pagan babies were given hope — hope that the future would be better for them and their eventual families. And when you have hope, you have a desire to learn and a motivation to work hard.

If you’ve not already done so, read our front-page story. It shows how much good can be accomplished by ordinary people who are “driven” by an extraordinary force, the grace of God within them. When you’re tempted to despair at the huge problems in the world and feel powerless to do anything about them, let Berrigan and her former Ward classmates show you one way to make the world a better place.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you how pagan babies got me into trouble. Apparently, as a kid, I was always “flush” with cash for the pagan baby collection, especially on Mondays. One of the nuns called my folks to see if I was “lifting” funds from my mom’s purse or my dad’s wallet without their knowledge. My mom laughed and said the Monday money came from my uncles or other family members who would often visit on Sundays and slip me some spare change.

So, if you remember “pagan babies” — or even if you don’t — the needs of the poor in the world are still there . . . probably even more so. There are many organizations through which people can provide monthly financial support for poor kids all over the world. Listen to your heart this week and see if you’re being called to be an adoptive parent to them.

In providing for people in such a practical way, we can’t help but bring them hope. And that’s something you can’t put a price on.

SECOND THOUGHTS ON THE SECOND READING

Sept. 25 TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Ez 18: 25-28; Ps 25: 4-9; Phil 2: 1-11; Mt 21: 28-32 Sept. 26 Cosmas, martyr, and Damian, martyr Zec 8: 1-8; Ps 102: 2, 16-23; Lk 9: 46-50

BUILDING THE CULTURE OF LIFE

You can’t put a price on hope

ey, is it still OK to say ‘pagan babies’”?

This question was posed

by Anita McSorley, the managing editor at The Leaven. You can guess my answer already if you’ve read our front-page story this week.

While I’m sure we’d never refer to children in mission territories today as “pagan babies,” it was common to do so at least a half century ago when I was in Catholic grade school. In fact, pagan babies got me into trouble and triggered the first phone call from the nuns to my parents. But more on that later.

Hanging on my parish office bulletin board is a colorful little card, dated April 23, 1963. On its front is an image of the Child Jesus (who is white), sitting down with a bowl of what looks like rice or soup in his lap. He has a spoon in his right hand but is not feeding himself. Instead, he’s offering the food to three small children: one Asian, one Hispanic, and one African.

Inside the card are the following words: “This Certificate is awarded to Mark Goldasich In Testimony of an Offering made to the Pontifical Association of the Holy Childhood for the Adoption of a PAGAN BABY who will receive the Name of Mary Ann in Holy Baptism.” It’s signed by both the national director of the Holy Childhood Association and the diocesan director (who was Father Louis Hauber).

I honestly can’t tell you how many pagan babies I “bought” over the years. As Nancy Berrigan recalls in our front-page story, the cost was $5, a pretty nice piece of change for a kid in those days. Unlike Berrigan, though, I never expected to receive an actual baby for my $5. I think I was just thrilled to get to name the kid.

I have many of those certificates of adoption and, believe me, Mary Ann was probably one of the tamest names I gave those poor kids in the missions.

Although the term “pagan babies” might be insensitive today, the idea

S

St. Paul calls us to unity — and humility

ometimes, when I look at the pile of unopened mail, papers to fill out, and work to do that has accumulated on my desk, I hardly know where to begin.

At my new parish, where I was recently installed as pastor, I have a much larger desk. But that doesn’t solve the problem.

It only allows for an even bigger stack of papers to accumulate there.

I sometimes experience a similar reaction to the writings of St. Paul in the New Testament. St. Paul’s barrage of words can pose a challenge to any reader. It can take a great deal TWENTY-SIXTH of work to wade SUNDAY IN through them ORDINARY TIME and arrive at any Phil 2: 1-11 sense.

That looks especially to be the case in the beginning of Sunday’s second reading, Phil 2:1-11: “If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.”

Clearly, St. Paul is exhorting us to unity. But, beyond that, what do those

first few phrases at the beginning of our reading mean?

They provide the basis for his exhortation. “If there is any encouragement in Christ” means “if you find any encouragement in Christ.” “Any solace in love” means “if you find any comfort in love.”

“Any participation in the Spirit” means “if you have any participation in the Spirit.”

To make sense out of these phrases, it is necessary to supply the missing subject and verb. And in this case, we are the missing ingredient.

Besides exhorting us toward unity, St. Paul is also urging his readers to be humble: “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves.”

Once again, St. Paul provides a basis for his exhortation. But this time, it

COMMENTARY 15

comes after the exhortation, rather than before. St. Paul turns to Jesus Christ as the example of perfect humility: “Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus.”

The words that follow explore the nature of Christ’s humility, from his incarnation to his death on the cross.

They constitute the most familiar part of this letter and have earned the title “the Philippians hymn,” owing to their poetic quality.

Many scholars speculate that St. Paul is actually quoting a hymn — not of his own composition, but one that was sung in the liturgy of the early Christian communities.

Certainly, this Philippians hymn is very inspiring, even if we do not hear it sung. We will hear it once again on Palm Sunday, when we remember how Jesus Christ “humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross.”

That is the humility that St. Paul — and God — calls us to imitate.

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

I

t is truly beautiful to see society unite and exhaust all measures to find a child who has disappeared.

AMBER Alert for unborn children

We have even developed the AMBER Alert program to activate an urgent bulletin in the most serious childabduction cases. Society is motivated to protect the lives of our children because of the love that we have for them.

Unfortunately, we make a distinction between our born children and our unborn children. An honest assessment will cause us to admit that our society, as a whole, does not love our unborn children. We choose to be blind toward the unborn and try to avoid even acknowledging their existence.

Hence, we do not consistently respect

their inherent dignity, nor treat them with respect, nor even protect their lives.

This missing love allows us to rationalize the following evil acts: killing our children by chemical and surgical abortion; manufacturing them via in vitro fertilization (IVF) or cloning; conducting research on them via embryonic stem-cell research; manipulating them via prenatal genetic screening to eliminate those who are considered undesirable with suspected genetic abnormalities or considered to have undesirable qualities, including gender;

and dooming the children (embryos) of IVF that we deem to be less desirable to either permanent frozen tombs or to become subjects of medical research.

How do we correct such grievous abuses? First, we must begin by loving all unborn children. We must acknowledge that they are our fellow human beings and deserve our love. We must sacrifice ourselves for their benefit rather than sacrifice them for our benefit. We also need to use language that is based upon scientific fact and is both truthful and enlightening instead of misleading, intentionally confusing and deceptive. We must adopt the same love for unborn children that we give to our born children.

To determine how we are to act toward the unborn at any stage of development we need only to look to the church, the voice of Christ, for guidance and truth. The church has consistently taught about the inestima-

ble value of every human being, born and unborn. Jesus dramatically taught the value of the unborn child, even at the earliest stage of development, by becoming one himself.

One could even say that the first recorded act of Jesus was while he was an unborn child when he caused John the Baptist to leap for joy, when John was an unborn child in the womb of his mother Elizabeth.

Thus, if we but look to Jesus, rather than ourselves, we will love and respect and protect all of our unborn children. Then we will build systems and laws in our society that effectively create an AMBER Alert for the unborn.

Ron Kelsey is the archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office. You can email Ron at prolife@archkck.org or by phone at (913) 647-0350.

FAMILY MATTERS

L

Find time for faith in family’s busy schedule

abor Day has come and gone, signaling the end to our summertime and, with it, the vacations and times of relaxation and family fun.

Now we dive headlong into the daily grind of school days, children’s activities, sporting events and meetings, whether at church or school. Even grandparents find their time stretched as they try to attend a game or event of one of the grandchildren.

The new season of television shows with all the cliffhangers to be resolved and the new shows we are told we cannot miss are there to take up what little family time we have left with one

another after a day of work, activities and homework.

As we try to fit all these things into our already busy lives, something else inevitably gets squeezed out. One of those things is daily family prayer. So how can we be sure to protect our family spirituality from being overwhelmed by all the demands we face each day?

One answer is time dedicated each day to a family recitation of the rosary.

In eight days, we will enter the month of October, which is dedicated to the

holy rosary. October 7 is the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary.

In the fifteen or so minutes we take as a family to pray to Our Lady for her help and intercession for the needs of our families, we will be blessed with two gifts.

The first gift is time to turn off and turn away from all the distractions of the day and spend time as a family, our “domestic church,” so that we might pray together for all our needs.

Through the 31 days of October, we begin to instill in ourselves and our children the discipline of reserving a certain time each day for prayer.

This time of prayer is also a time of homework of a different sort for our children as we travel through the events of our salvation story through the four sets of mysteries which are prayed with the rosary.

The other gift that this devotion offers us is that age-old promise: The family that prays together, stays together. My mother- and father-inlaw have faithfully prayed the rosary together each evening through 62 years of marriage. All of their children continue strong in their faith.

Does this mean that a family who prays the rosary together each day will never face struggles? We know that struggles are part of life. But it keeps us close to our Mother Mary, who always stands ready to intercede with Jesus for the graces and support we need in our daily lives. Queen of the most holy rosary, pray for us.

Deacon Tony Zimmerman is the archdiocesan consultant for the office of marriage and family life.

DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU

“R

emember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

“Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. AMEN!”

Mary’s got your back

What an amazing prayer St. Bernard wrote for the church many years ago.

A prayer that we, as World Youth Day pilgrims, prayed many times during the course of WYD, asking our Mother for graces and favors during some trials and tribulations on our pilgrimage this summer.

After Mass in Toledo, Spain, I shared with Archbishop Naumann that the cathedral was closed since it was a holy

day and we would not be able to take the tour.

“Well, Rick, why don’t you say the ‘Memorare’ nine times and just maybe, when we meet back, it will be open” was his answer.

I have to be honest — I said more than nine; it was more like 18, but, sure enough, Mary answered my prayer. From that moment on, throughout WYD, Mary had our back throughout the pilgrimage.

I really like what Father Bill Bruning said in a homily at Fatima, Portugal, our last stop on our pilgrimage. You can’t just be a Jesus priest without loving Mary as much. You can’t be Catholic without giving Mary the honor she deserves. Mary was our go-to person, and I’ve grown more in love with her,

thanks to words of our shepherd.

One of my fondest memories comes from a homily given by New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who talked about the word JOY: Jesus, Others and Yourself! If you put those in that order and add the intercession of Our Mother Mary, you can’t go wrong. I was so proud of our young people during the pilgrimage. One of my favorite quotes when things are not going well is to just “offer it up.” I don’t remember saying that once.

Mary, mother most holy, pray for us.

Rick Cheek is the associate consultant for the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Gaudeamus to honor Catholic school pastors

By Jill Ragar Esfeld Special to The Leaven

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — “Catholic schools would not be what they are today without the involvement and commitment of their pastors,” believes Catholic Education Foundation executive director Michael Morrisey. “The pastor leads that charge and leads that passion for Catholic education.”

That’s why this year’s Gaudeamus event, the ninth annual Catholic Education Foundation dinner, will honor Catholic school pastors past and present with the “Angels Among Us” award.

Pastors are also, continued Morrisey, the driving force behind support for CEF. By providing scholarships for needy families at CEF-sponsored schools in northeast Kansas, the foundation ensures Catholic education is available to students, regardless of any financial difficulties their families may be facing.

“We couldn’t be doing today what we are doing without the support of our Catholic school pastors,” said Morrisey. “Their commitment to CEF and Catholic education is a blessing from above.”

Heather Huscher, principal of St. Matthew, a CEF-sponsored school in Topeka, knows how important that commitment is.

“CEF is critical,” she said. “We have a number of students who wouldn’t be able to attend our school without [CEF].”

When a family is facing a financial crisis, Huscher is gratified to be able to tell the parents that, with help from CEF, they can keep their child in Catholic school.

“Whatever their circumstances may be,” she said, “I can at least take that worry off of their shoulders.”

Huscher is also pleased that Father Jerry Volz, pastor of St. Matthew, will be honored at Gaudeamus.

“We work together very well,” she said. “He doesn’t micromanage me and I appreciate that, but he is very supportive when an issue arises that I need his help with.

“And he does a great job of gearing the homily toward the kids at school Masses and making it applicable to their lives.”

Gaudeamus: Let us rejoice!

Leaven photo by Lori Wood Habiger

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann chats with students at Our Lady of Unity School in Kansas City, Kan. Our Lady of Unity was last year’s Catholic Education Foundation School of Excellence. This year’s CEF School of Excellence will be revealed at the annual Gaudeamus dinner on Oct. 8 at the Overland Park Convention Center.

Susie England, principal of John Paul II School in Overland Park is also pleased with the decision to honor Catholic school pastors.

Because John Paul II is a consolidation school, she is fortunate to have the support of two pastors.

“I have Father Ken Kelly from St. Pius and Father Don Cullen from Queen of the Holy Rosary,” she said.

“They both support the school 100 percent.”

Father Cullen teaches eighth-graders a class he calls “Life 101.” And Father Kelly is known to play his ukulele for students.

The two pastors are behind everything the school does, especially when it comes time for students to receive their sacraments.

“They spend lots of time preparing them for the sacraments in their respective parishes,” said England.

Though not a CEF-sponsored school, John Paul II is an important part of the CEF community.

“We try to get a [Gaudeamus] table every year,” said England. “And our student council tries to do at least one fundraiser each year where the monies go to support our CEF schools.”

And that’s not unusual, said Morrisey.

“There are 44 schools in the archdiocese,” he said. “Last year 39 of the

44 supported CEF somehow.”

Morrisey believes Archbishop Joseph Naumann’s strong commitment to Catholic education permeates the archdiocese through his pastors to their parishioners.

“The archbishop is certainly the ringleader on all of this,” he said. “He believes that any kid that wants to have a Catholic education should have that opportunity, regardless of their socioeconomic conditions.”

As always, Catholic school students will be an important part of this year’s Gaudeamus.

The St. Thomas Aquinas choir will be performing. And, by popular demand, the Mater Dei drum line is returning to lead guests to and from the ballroom.

Throughout the evening, guests will have opportunities to show their support for CEF. “We’ve got our sponsor-a-child opportunity happening again this year,” said Morrisey.

“And we’ve got the same donor family from last year to help us out with a challenge match of $175,000,” he added. “So that will make the evening exciting and somewhat electric.”

The traditional social hour after dinner will be unique this year simply because many of the pastors will stay to mingle with guests.

The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) will honor Catholic school pastors at the organization’s ninth annual Gaudeamus dinner on Oct. 8 at the Overland Park Convention Center.

“The reason we’re honoring them is, if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have many of the Catholic schools in the archdiocese that we have today,” said Michael Morrisey, CEF executive director. “Their contributions in the classrooms and away from the classrooms — we can’t measure it because it is so great.”

The Catholic Education Foundation provides scholarships for needy families in northeast Kansas, so they may attend Catholic schools sponsored by the foundation.

Tickets for the Gaudeamus dinner are still available. Contact Patty Morrisey, via email, at: pmorrisey@archkck.org, or call (913) 647-0344.

To learn more about CEF or this year’s Gaudeamus dinner, visit the website at: www.cefks.org.

“So whoever wants to hang for an hour or so afterwards will have the opportunity to interact with a lot of pastors,” said Morrisey.

Last year the dinner boasted a crowd of 1,053. The goal this year is 1,100, with organizers predicting more.

After all, who could resist the opportunity to support Catholic education while honoring Catholic school pastors?

“I’m very glad that Michael and his crew have recognized how critical the priest role is in making CEF work in schools,” said England.

“Our pastors work very hard, and they are very instrumental in keeping our Catholic schools vibrant,” agreed Huscher. “And they should be honored.

“We appreciate all they do for our school,” she continued. “And God bless them!”

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