09 23 22 Vol. 44 No. 7

SAFE HARBOR

Leaven readers help Polish priest house and feed Ukrainian refugees

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

OLATHE

— Helena Ander son first heard Father Jan Golembiewski’s story some six months ago.

It was so remarkable that she made sure to visit the Polish priest at his parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Otwock, Poland, during her annual visit to her native country this summer.

Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, the priest opened his rectory to refugees, and he continues to house 12 women and children.

Anderson heard his story and shared it with her pastor Father Mi chael Hermes of St. Paul Parish in Olathe.

Father Hermes quickly asked pa rishioners for help — and ultimately extended the invitation to more Cath olics in an article that appeared in The Leaven on April 8.

The response was overwhelming.

Father Golembiewski received $35,040 in donations, which has helped him cover the additional costs of having the refugees stay with him.

His message now is one of grati tude.

“I am immensely grateful for every help you have given, every

good word, every penny you have given,” he said. “The most important thing I ask for is your prayer.

“Do not forget us.”

A warm welcome

Upon their arrival at Immacu late Heart of Mary, Anderson, her mother and daughters were greet ed by parish volunteers, several of whom have been hosting refugees in their own homes.

“Everybody was super-nice and super-friendly,” she said. “Those [ref ugees] are in really good hands.”

Father Golembiewski gave a tour of the church, where they prayed to gether before sharing a meal.

“It was an appreciation dinner not only for me because I came,” said Anderson, “but also for all the vol unteers that helped with everything going on there.”

Anderson met a few refugees, watched children playing outside

CNS

PRESIDENTIAL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sings the national anthem during a flag-raising ceremony in Izium on Sept. 14 after Ukrainian forces liberated the town. Zelenskyy greeted soldiers and thanked them for their efforts in retaking the area.

COURTESY PHOTO

Helena Anderson, front right, and her daughters stand amid a group of parish volunteers and Father Jan Golembiewski at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Otwock, Poland. Anderson visited the church this summer.

Two saints, in particular, can help us renew our love for the Eucharist

The date of the publication of this week’s Leaven coin cides in the church’s liturgical calendar with the feast of St. Pius of Pietrelcina, more pop ularly known as Padre Pio.

People came from all over the world to go to confession to Padre Pio and to participate in a Mass celebrated by this humble Fran ciscan friar. Padre Pio frequently entered into deep contemplation of the mystery of the crucified Jesus during the celebration of Mass. The Masses that he cel ebrated could last more than two hours.

The patroness for our archdiocese is Mary under her title of the Immaculate Con ception. Our secondary patron is St. John Mary Vianney, who is also the patron for priests.

John Vianney came of age during the French Revolution. As a young boy, he attended with his family clandestine Masses celebrated in the middle of the night in barns. If government authorities discovered the celebration of these secret Masses, both the priest and the congregation would be executed.

In the early part of the 19th century, when the recently ordained priest — John Vian ney — arrived at his pastoral assignment, St. Sixtus Church in the small, humble town of Ars, most of the 230 residents came to Mass to evaluate their new pastor, but very few received holy Commu nion. The next Sunday, very few showed up for Mass.

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

The future saint made his first priority helping his parishio ners recover an appre ciation of the proper observance of Sunday, the Lord’s Day. He did not wait for parish ioners to show up for Mass but sought them out working in their fields or carousing in the taverns, engaging them in conversation and challenging them to make Sunday the most important day of the week by making partici pation in Mass the heart of their Sunday.

Many of his parishio ners did not appreciate his efforts to get them to reconsider how they spent Sunday. Some of his critics authored a petition asking the bishop to replace Father Vianney because of his poor preaching and his persistent and demanding pastoral style. One of his sup porters brought Father Vianney a copy of the petition. He read it care fully and then signed it. Fortunately, the bishop wisely did not replace Father Vianney.

Eventually, Father Vianney’s persistence had its desired effect. Gradually, most of the

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

town’s people began coming to Sunday Mass.

Next, John Vianney began to catechize his parishioners about the importance and meaning of the Mass. He taught his parishio ners that the Mass is a true sacrifice, making present to believing hearts the most import ant event in human history, as well as the greatest act of heroic love — Jesus giving his life on Calvary for us, for sinners.

At Mass, we are invited to place on the altar not just bread and wine, but our own im perfect efforts to follow Jesus along the pathway of heroic love. Hus bands and wives offer their efforts to sacrifice their own wants and desires for the good of their spouse, as well as for the good of their children.

Whatever our state of life or vocation, active participation in the sacrifice of the Mass involves uniting our humble and imperfect acts of sacrificial love with the most perfect act of love in all of human history: Our Lord’s gift of himself on Calvary.

Father Vianney, also known as the Curé of Ars, then fostered in his parishioners an

A statue of St. Pio of Pi

etrelcina is displayed in the garden at Jesus the Good Shepherd Church in Dunkirk, Maryland. The Ital ian Franciscan Capuchin, known as Padre Pio, was a dedicated confessor.

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR

Sept. 24

Rosary — Kansas City Pregnancy Clinic

Sept. 25

World Day for Refugees and Migrants Mass — St. Patrick Church, Kansas City, Kansas

40 Days for Life Rally — Planned Parenthood, Overland Park

Oct. 1

Consecrated Life Day Mass and lunch — Savior

Oct. 2

Respect Life Mass — Curé of Ars, Leawood

Project Andrew — Holy Trinity, Lenexa

of the eucharistic Lord.

The Curé of Ars, constantly striving to foster within the hearts of his people profound eucharistic devotion, reminded his flock that Jesus was available to them any time of the day or night.

St. Sixtus Church in Ars filled with people on Sunday morning but also for the 7 a.m. daily Mass.

CNS PHOTO/CROSIERS

St. John Vianney is widely known to Catholics as the Curé of Ars who won over the hearts of his villag ers in France by visiting with them, teaching them about God and reconciling people to the Lord in the confessional.

understanding and awareness of the real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

One Sunday, Father Vianney’s entire hom ily consisted in repeat ing the sentence with tears streaming down his face and pointing toward the tabernacle: “He [Jesus] is there!” He urged his parishioners to come to church any time of the day or night to pray in the presence

Finally, Father Vianney encouraged his parishioners to receive holy Commu nion as frequently as possible — not just every Sunday, but daily as well. St. John Vian ney was famous for spending more than 12 hours each day in the confessional, making this sacrament of mercy available to his people.

By the end of his pas toral ministry in Ars, the French railway had added additional trains coming to Ars to accom modate the thousands of pilgrims descending on this tiny town to receive the sacrament of God’s mercy from this extraordinary confessor. Not only was

As we embark on the implementation in northeast Kansas of the three-year nation al pastoral initiative aimed at renewing in our hearts amazement at the heroic sacrifice of Calvary made present to us at each and every Mass, as well as deep ening true love for the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, let us petition these two great saints — Padre Pio and St. John Vianney — to intercede for us.

Pray for me and all priests that we might follow the examples of Padre Pio and the Curé of Ars in our own personal love for the Eucharist and celebrate Mass with true devo tion.

Padre Pio and St. John Mary Vianney, pray for us.

CNS PHOTO/BOB ROLLER

Benedictine College and Catholic Healthcare International sign agreement for new independent medical school

By Steve Johnson Special to The Leaven

DENVER

— Representatives of Benedictine College in Atchison and Catholic Healthcare International (CHI) based in Wildwood, Missouri, signed a Collaborative Af filiation Agreement between the two entities Sept. 8 during the annual meet ing of the Catholic Medical Association here. Signatories were Benedictine College president Stephen D. Minnis and CHI founder and president Jere D. Palazzolo. The agreement begins the process of establishing a new med ical school on Benedictine College’s campus, the proposed St. Padre Pio Institute for the Relief of Suffering, School of Osteopathic Medicine.

“It is important for this proposed independent medical school to be locat ed on an authentically Catholic college campus, and Benedictine College is pleased to be a part of this agreement,” Minnis said. “I believe this will be one of the most faithful Catholic medical schools in the world.”

The proposed medical school will be an independent institution that will be

IT IS VITAL TO TRAIN FUTURE DOCTORS AT A PLACE LIKE BENEDICTINE COLLEGE THAT UNDERSTANDS THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF FAITH AND MORALITY IN THE SCIENCES.

STEPHEN D. MINNIS BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PRESIDENT

located on the campus of Benedictine. It is a separately licensed, governed, fi nanced and accredited entity that is not part of Benedictine College. It is not yet accredited or approved by any entity to solicit students, make offers of admis sion or begin instruction, nor should anything in this article be construed as such.

“The genocide of 65 million chil dren could not have been accomplished without the ready, willing and able cooperation of physicians,” said Dr. George Mychaskiw, a board-certified

pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist and chief academic officer at CHI who has been instrumental in the development of four colleges of medicine.

“This medical school will stand for the life and dignity of every human being, regardless of age or disability, and will train generations of physi cians who will take back the culture of death and revolutionize Catholic health care. We are charged by the Lord Jesus Christ to set the world afire, and how we wish it were already kindled!”

Benedictine College’s new strategic plan, Transforming Culture in Ameri ca — developed by faculty, board mem bers and invited experts — says “STEM education is a particular emphasis of Benedictine College” and instructs the college to advance the mission through science and health care by forming students comprehensively in bioethics and fostering external relationships.

“It is vital to train future doctors at a place like Benedictine College that un derstands the essential role of faith and morality in the sciences,” said Minnis.

“The campus culture of community, faith and scholarship that we have worked so hard to create will be the perfect home for the proposed Padre

Pio medical school at Benedictine Col lege.”

Discussions have also included local city officials, as the medical school is expected to make a significant positive impact on Atchison. The college made the decision to sign the statement on Sept. 8 because it is the feast of the Na tivity of Mary.

“It is only right that we put this project in the hands of Our Lady, who has always taken such good care of the college,” said Minnis. “The college ded icated Mary’s Grotto on Sept. 8, 2009; was consecrated to Mary on Sept. 8, 2013; and launched our Transforming Culture in America strategic vision on Sept. 8, 2021. She has always blessed our trust in her.”

Founded in 1858, Benedictine Col lege is a Catholic, Benedictine, resi dential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison. The school is proud to have been named one of America’s Best Col leges by U.S. News & World Report and has as its stated mission the goal of ed ucating men and women within a com munity of faith and scholarship.

PHOTO BY ANGELICA NELSON/BENEDICTINE COLLEGE

From left, Benedictine College president Stephen D. Minnis and Catholic Healthcare International founder and president Jere D. Palazzolo signed a Collaborative Affiliation Agreement on Sept. 8, beginning the process of establishing an independent medical school on the Benedictine campus. Looking on is CHI board member Father Timothy Nelson, MD.

Former educator leans on experience to market schools

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

KANSAS

CITY, Kan. — Edu cators in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas can expect more opportunities for connection this school year thanks to a new hire in the archdi ocesan school office.

“We’re at an exciting place, I think, when it comes to Catholic education right now,” said Felicia Holcomb, who joined the office on July 1. “The last three years with COVID really gave us some momentum in terms of enroll ment.”

Holcomb hopes to keep that momen tum going in her role as consultant for marketing and enrollment.

“Ultimately, Felicia’s responsibility is to work with school leaders to bring more students and families into our schools,” said archdiocesan superin tendent Vince Cascone.

“This will allow us to help bring more children into a relationship with our Lord,” he added, “and ultimately, to eternal life with him.”

Cascone said Holcomb’s background and professional experience make her the perfect fit for the job.

She attended Xavier School in Leav enworth, and went on to become a teacher after graduating from Avila University with a degree in elementary education.

After three years of teaching middle school English, she transitioned to a director of marketing, enrollment and development position at Resurrection School in Kansas City, Kansas.

Holcomb believes the variety of experience she has will be a valuable asset to her work — both in increas ing enrollment and acting as a support system for Catholic educators.

“Being able to approach it from the educator perspective, as well as having been in the enrollment, management and marketing positions, I think allows me to connect with school leaders a little bit more,” she said, “and hopefully understand their perspective.”

Cascone said the school office pre viously had a similar position but that

revamping it has come at an opportune time.

Interest in Catholic education grew during the fall of 2020, when most arch diocesan Catholic schools opened their doors for full-time in-person learning.

“This brought a great deal of atten tion to our schools,” said Cascone, “and many people began looking at enroll ing their children who may not have otherwise done so.

“In addition, many parents who send their children to public schools have been unhappy or uncomfortable with those schools. This leads to a unique opportunity for us to welcome in new families and evangelize.”

Holcomb has big plans for her posi tion.

“Sometimes I think in our Catholic schools, you feel a little bit like you’re on an island,” she said. “You’re operat ing on your own.

School facts

• Total enrollment in archdioce san schools last year was 13,703, an increase of 4.6% from the previous school year.

• Catholic elementary schools in Johnson County were up 297 stu dents compared to the previous year.

• Catholic elementary schools in Wyandotte County were up 146 stu dents compared to the previous year.

“I want to create this culture and op portunities for people to come together and say, ‘I tried this, and it did not work for us.’ Let’s not recreate the wheel — let’s help each other out.”

Holcomb has already launched a monthly e-newsletter for schoolteach ers and staff to keep them updated on happenings around the archdiocese, as

well as provide various resources.

She also created a marketing enroll ment group that meets once a month via Zoom. The group is open to all Catholic school personnel in the archdiocese.

Topics include “Engaging Families During the Enrollment/Recruitment Process,” “Enrollment Marketing to Connect with Rural Communities,” “Fi nancial Accessibility” and more.

To top it off, Holcomb is also manag ing social media for the school office.

“I don’t have all the answers and I don’t pretend to,” she said. “What I want to be able to do is to share what I’ve learned and also learn from other people as well.

“And if they have questions, [I want] to be able to help go out and find solu tions and answers for them to help them in what they do.”

To reach out to Holcomb, send an email to: fholcomb@archkckcs.org.

Lawyers, judges, politicians and more invited to annual Red Mass

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

LEAWOOD

— Kansas City Chiefs fans aren’t the only ones who will be celebrating a “Red Friday” this fall.

Members of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Kansas City will host their annual Red Mass at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 7 at Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission Rd., in Leawood.

The name comes possibly from the color of the vestments worn by the cel ebrant, or the red robes worn by judges in medieval Europe. Red is also symbolic of the Holy Spirit, who is asked to bless those in law and government in the ad ministration of justice and good gover nance.

The Mass is co-sponsored by the guild and the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas. The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas CitySt. Joseph alternate hosting the annual Mass.

The Mass is being celebrated for mem bers of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of

Kansas City, which draws members from throughout the Greater Kansas City area. The Mass is open to judges, lawyers, law school deans and professors, students and current political office holders.

The main celebrant will be Archbish op Joseph F. Naumann, and the concele brants will be Bishop James Vann John ston Jr. of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and Father Joseph Arsenault, SSA. Father Arsenault will be the hom ilist.

The Red Mass can be dated back at least as far as Paris in 1245 AD. The Red Mass marked the beginning of the court term.

In addition to the Mass, the guild will bestow its annual St. Thomas More Award, given in honor of the guild member who best exemplifies the char acter of St. Thomas More, former chan cellor of England who was executed in 1535 by King Henry VIII for refusing to deny the Catholic faith.

There will be a reception after the Mass with beverages and hors d’oeuvres.

Attendees are asked to RSVP by going to: cfnek.org/events/red-mass.

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will be the main celebrant at the annual Red Mass on Oct. 7 at Curé of Ars Church, Leawood. He will be joined by Bishop James Vann Johnston Jr. of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and Father Joseph Arsenault, SSA. Father Arsenault will be the homilist.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Felicia Holcomb has joined the archdiocesan schools office as consultant for marketing and enrollment. Archdiocesan superintendent Vince Cascone said her job “is to work with school leaders to bring more students and families into our schools.”

Rectory will stay open, says pastor, as long as needed

and saw the rooms where they stay.

She was impressed by how frugal Father Golembiewski has been with the donations he received from northeast Kansas.

“He’s doing a great job with manag ing the money,” she said. “He’s trying to save as much as possible because he doesn’t know how long this war will take.

“You can see that he’s a priest but also a businessman.”

Witnessing firsthand the ripple ef fects her support for the priest caused was humbling for Anderson.

“Of course, it felt good,” she said. “And it felt good that he shares the money with the families in the parish that host other refugees.”

A glimmer of hope

Much has happened in Ukraine over the past seven months, and the Ukrainian army reclaiming occupied territory as of late has offered a glim mer of optimism for the country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zel enskyy visited the eastern city of Izium on Sept. 14, just days after Ukraine took back the city from Russian forces.

The visit marked a critical triumph — one that has provided a turning point in the war and given hope to Ukrainian citizens.

But for now, Poland continues to provide a necessary refuge for dis placed Ukrainians who’ve fled the Rus sian invaders.

According to the Operational Data Portal of the U.N. High Commission er for Refugees (UNHCR), the current number of Ukrainian refugees record ed in Poland is more than 1.3 million.

As of this summer, said Father Go lembiewski, Poland was still receiving around 25,000 people daily.

Some of the families Father Golem biewski has welcomed have moved on to more permanent residencies. But six adults and six children have remained.

“As of today, none of them are plan ning to return home as long as the war continues,” said Father Golembiewski. “They want to continue living with us.”

Some parish families and a group of Benedictine Sisters have also wel comed mothers with children and have been able to use part of the donations the parish received from northeast Kansas.

“As long as there is a need, the door of the rectory will remain open,” said Father Golembiewski. “The future brings uncertainty, but I believe that the war will end and our wards will safely return to their homes.

“For today, my residents have not become independent enough to find a home for rent, but they also do not return to their homes.

“[As long as] the war continues, I

AS LONG AS THERE IS A NEED, THE DOOR OF THE RECTORY WILL REMAIN OPEN.

FATHER JAN GOLEMBIEWSKI PASTOR OF IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY PARISH, OTWOCK, POLAND

can’t imagine denying them a roof over their heads.”

Fresh memories

“Until a few months ago, most of us could not imagine that war would break out in Europe,” said Father Go lembiewski. “In such a civilized world, experienced [in] and still remembering the atrocities of the Second World War, no one will dare to attack another coun try.”

The experience is raw for the priest, whose father, a teenager at the time, survived the German siege of Warsaw in 1939.

“Throughout World War II, my father and grandparents welcomed ref ugees from Warsaw at home,” he said.

“We lived about 30 kilometers from Warsaw, so often both Jews and Poles were hosted at home for one or two nights and moved on.”

Years after the war ended, Father Golembiewski recalls his mother run

ning out of the house when a low plane would fly overhead, expecting a bomb ing.

“From my childhood, I remember a house full of memories of the war,” he said.

Anderson has also been affected by war on a personal level.

Her grandparents survived the brutal massacre of Poles by the Ukrainian In surgent Army throughout Volhynia — a region in Nazi-occupied Poland that is now part of Ukraine.

“They would go and burn villages,” said Anderson. “They were torturing people. It was horrible.”

Around 100,000 Poles were estimat ed to have been killed by the group of Ukrainian nationalists led by Stepan Bandera.

Anderson’s grandparents were ul timately forced to leave their home behind.

“It was a huge trauma [for my grand ma] because she was 15 and she used to work in a hospital,” said Anderson. “And she saw all those people being tor tured and women being raped.”

Anderson said the way Polish people have opened their homes to Ukrainians shows that people can move past a trau matic history and demonstrate mercy.

“We’re different people,” she said. “What happened in the past is in the past. Yes, that was the history [and] yes, we need to know about it. But we’re not living it.

“We don’t hate people for what some of their ancestors did.”

Finding God

Father Golembiewski anticipates difficult months ahead as the cost of living continues to rise in Poland.

“Since July, government subsidies for people who have given shelter to refugees have ended,” he said, “so I will have to cover the cost of living myself with a small participation of working ladies from Ukraine.

“The costs of energy, gas and fuel are rising at an alarming rate, and inflation has not gone below 15 percent for sev eral months now, so the cost of living is getting higher.”

As a result, the economic situation of his own parishioners is also wors ening, and he won’t be surprised if he loses their financial support.

Despite the hardships he has faced, Father Golembiewski has been in spired by the “empathy and compas sion” people have shown throughout the war.

“In such extreme situations as war,” he said, “we were able to open not only our hearts, but also our homes to com plete strangers and treat them like family.

“We have found God in another human being. It’s a very uplifting expe rience in such a selfish and materialis tic world today.”

To learn more about the Polish rectory and how you can help, send an email to: giving@spcatholic.org.

KANSAS

CITY, Kan. — The benefits of a Donnelly Col lege education were rec ognized by this year’s U.S. News and World Report “Best Colleges” rankings.

The college in Kansas City, Kansas, ranked first in the Most Ethnically Di verse College in the Midwest category for the sixth consecutive year. Don

nelly is the region’s only federally des ignated Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution.

Donnelly ranked seventh in the cate gory of Least Debt upon Graduation for Colleges in the Midwest. With an annual tuition of under $9,000, Donnelly offers an accessible education to all.

The average household income for Donnelly students is just under

$36,000, and more than 70% of students are the first in their family to attend college. The school also offers needand merit-based scholarships.

Finally, Donnelly ranked 28th in the Re gional Overall in the Midwest category.

Donnelly president Msgr. Stuart Swetland was thrilled with the rankings.

“These rankings are an external confirmation that Donnelly College is

fulfilling our mission by providing pri vate, affordable, faith-based education focused on the personal dreams, needs and unique abilities of each student,” he said, “especially those who might not otherwise be served.

“We are both proud of our wonder ful students and humbled by this recog nition of our service to them and to the community.”

CNS PHOTO/IRYNA RYBAKOVA, PRESS SERVICE OF THE UKRAINIAN ARMED FORCES HANDOUT VIA REUTERS

A destroyed church is seen near the town of Izium, Ukraine, on Sept. 14 during the Russian invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the recently retaken city that day, joining soldiers as the Ukrainian flag was raised in front of the burned-out city hall building.

Aborted children lifted up at Day of Remembrance service

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

CITY, Kan. — Joseph. Angela Rose. Kenny. Anas tasia.

Those were four unborn children whose names were read aloud at this year’s Nation al Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children. The service was held Sept. 10 in the Holy Redeemer Chapel at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas.

Led by Father Nick Blaha, pastor of the Christ the King and Blessed Sacrament parishes in Kansas City, Kansas, this year’s National Day of Re membrance for Aborted Children was sponsored nationally by Citizens for a Pro-life Society, Priests for Life and the Pro-life Action League and locally by Planned Parenthood Exposed, Kansas City Coalition for Life/40 Days for Life and the archdiocese. The service was one more of more than 200 held across the United States.

Normally held on the second Satur day in September, the first National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children

was held in September 2013 on the 25th anniversary of the solemn burial of the remains of 1,500 abortion victims

in Milwaukee. More than 100 such ser vices were held across the country, and the observance has become an annual

event to offer “hope and healing to women who have had abortions and people who have been hurt by abortion such as fathers and grandparents who were never allowed to grieve the death of a child hurt by abortion.”

In his remarks, Father Blaha said abortion has introduced deep and pain ful wounds within society, creating “a wake of private grief and loss” and creating “ripple effects that extend far beyond just the conversation between a woman and her doctor.” He prayed that the healing waters of baptism would flow forth for all affected by abortion.

As part of the service, Deacon Drew Bradfield of the Cathedral Church of the King of the Central Province of the Charismatic Episcopal Church in Olathe tearfully shared his personal testimony of supporting, encourag ing and paying for the abortion of his unborn child when at age 17, he and his girlfriend learned she was pregnant.

After the service, participants pro cessed from the chapel to the site of the memorial to the unborn, placing flow ers at the site. The service ended with Father Blaha blessing the memorial.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Father Nick Blaha, pastor of the Christ the King and Blessed Sacrament parishes in Kansas City, Kansas, led this year’s National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Following the indoor service, participants processed outside where Father Blaha blessed the memorial to the unborn.

Tom and Becky Blaufuss, members of Holy Angels Parish, Garnett, will celebrate their 50th wed ding anniver sary on Sept. 30. The couple was married on Sept. 30, 1972, at Holy Angels Church. They will celebrate with family. Their children are: Mi chael Blaufuss, Michelle King, Melinda Partida and Melanie Moyer. They also have 14 grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

Steve and Kay Luft, members of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, celebrat ed their 50th wed ding an niversary with family in August with an RV trip to Oklahoma. The couple was married on Aug. 12, 1972, at St. Mary Church in Hamilton, Illinois. They have a planned reunion with family and close friends in September and a cruise of Ireland next spring. Their children are: Steph anie Novacek and Sean Luft. They also have six grandchildren.

Alfred and Beverly Tayrien, mem bers of St. Joseph-Im maculate Conception Parish, Leav enworth, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Sept. 7. The couple was married on Sept. 7, 1957, at St. Joseph Church, Leavenworth. They celebrat ed with a small gathering of family and friends. Their children are: Alfred Tay rien, Douglas Tayrien, Tyler Tayrien and Paige Comer. They also have eight grand children and six great-grandchildren.

Robert and Therese Schrick, mem bers of St. Matthew Parish, Topeka, celebrat ed their 65th wed ding an niversary

on Aug. 27. The couple was married on Aug. 27, 1957, at St. Joseph Church, Nor tonville. On Sept. 4, there was a mar riage blessing during Mass followed by a celebration with family and friends. Their children are: Mike Schrick, Dan Schrick, C.J. Schrick, Rob Schrick and Mary Alice (Schrick) Scheer. They also have 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Sarah (Blevins) and Mike Schoeberl, members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka, celebrat ed their 50th wed ding an

niversary on Sept. 16. The couple was married on Sept. 16, 1972, at Lackland Air Force Base, Chapel #3, in San An tonio, where they were both serving in the Air Force. Their children are: Kathryn Thompson and Jon Schoeberl. They also have two grandchildren. Father Matthew Schiffelbein offered a special blessing, and they celebrated with family.

Joseph and Trini Arroyo, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shaw nee, celebrated their 60th wed ding anniversa ry on Sept. 22. The couple was married on Sept. 22, 1962, at St. Thomas Church in Kansas City, Kansas. Their children are: Joseph Jr. and Christo pher (deceased). They also have two grandsons.

Jane and Jim Strathman, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, will cel ebrate their 50th wedding anniver

sary on Oct. 1 with a Mass of thanksgiv ing. The couple was married on Sept. 16, 1972, at Sacred Heart Church, Bai leyville. Their children are: Eric Strath man, Brent Strathman, Tricia Korthan ke, Janelle Wenzl, Jeremy Strathman, Sarah Lindberg and Patrick Strathman. They also have 12 grandchildren.

Bob and Juanita (Quiroga) Stiles, members of St. Pius X Parish, Mission, cele brated their 65th wedding anni versary on Sept. 21. The couple was married on Sept. 21, 1957, at St. John the Divine Church in Kansas City, Kansas. They received a marriage blessing on Sept. 18. They will celebrate with family on Sept. 24. Their children are: Dorothy, Bob, Andrew, Diane, Jim, William (deceased) and Carolyn. They also have 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Georgette (Dolinar) and Vincent Pemberton, members of St. John the Baptist Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, will celebrate their 65th wed ding anniversa ry with a Mass on Oct. 2. The couple was mar ried on Oct. 5, 1957, at St. John the Baptist by Father John Yadrich. They have two children: Patrice Dorian and Michael Pember ton. They also have four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Patricia (Bunck) and William Gates, members of St. Benedict Parish, Atchi son, will cele brate their 60th wedding anni versary on Sept. 29. The couple was married on Sept. 29, 1962, at St. Joseph Church, Everest, by Father Dennis Pickert. They have a daughter, Sarah Mata, and three grand daughters.

Karen and Robert Janes, members of St. Paul Parish, Olathe, celebrat ed their 50th wed ding an niversary on Sept.

15. The couple was married on Sept. 15, 1972, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Kansas City, Kansas. They will celebrate with a trip later this year. Their chil dren are: Laura Janes and Emily Janes. They also have one grandchild.

Suzan and Philip Kaminski, mem bers of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 9. The couple was mar ried on Sept. 9, 1972, in Kansas City, Kansas.

SMOKIN’ GOOD TIME

It’s

that time of the year when each parish enjoys its own version of a fall festival. At Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Topeka, they call it the Holy Smokin’ Jamboree. This two-day event, held this year on Sept. 9-10, includes something for everyone. Leaven freelance photographer Jay Soldner brought back this savory selection of images to serve up to our readers. To see more, check out The Leaven’s website at: theleaven.org or our Facebook page at: facebook.com/theleavenkc.

STRING THEORY

RAIN COAT

Four-year-old Chevelle Grooms seeks shelter from the cool temperatures and the rain under the blanket of her stepmother, Carly Hill. Both are Mother Teresa parishioners.

IT’S GOOD TO BE KING

Father Thomas Aduri, pastor of Mother Teresa Parish in Topeka, has fun with silly string right before the start of the Holy Smokin’ Jamboree’s 5k run.

Lorain Schumaker, better know as the “Pancake King,” gets the Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast start on Sept. 10.

BINGO BLAST Donna Brandenburg of Topeka carefully checks over her bingo cards. Bingo was a hot ticket for young alike.

SHE’S OFF

Left, Amy Andrzejewski kicks off the kids fun run by jumping the gun at the start — not that anyone cared. The fun run preceded the 5k run at the Jamboree. Amy is the daughter of Kolbe and Kate Andrzejewski, parishioners of Mother Teresa.

CLASSIC CARS

Below, Joe Villalobos, a parishioner of Mother Teresa, chats with Father Aduri about his ’65 Ford Thunderbird. The car show was one of the many events of the Holy Smokin’ Jamboree.

CHECKING THE MERCHANDISE

Left, Amy and Brad Cheney, members of Mother Teresa, check out the quilts slated to be auctioned off in the Jam boree’s silent auction.

young and old players

Kidnapped nun ‘filled with gratitude’ following her safe release

By Peter Finney Jr. Catholic News Service

NEW

ORLEANS (CNS) —

During nearly five months of captivity in Burkina Faso, Marianite Sister Suellen Tennyson won dered aloud where God was hiding in the midst of her isolation and loneli ness.

Then, in an instant, she looked down at her feet, where one of her toenails had been battered and bloodied during a harrowing post-kidnapping motor cycle ride deep into the forests of West Africa, after which she was turned over to a rival Muslim group.

Her new captor saw her gouged toe and, inexplicably, began washing her feet.

“I’m sitting there, and this Muslim man is washing my feet. And I said, ‘God, is something going on here?’ It was like God was using him in some kind of way. I was just taken aback,” Sister Suellen said in a Sept. 13 inter view with the Clarion Herald, newspa per of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Sister Suellen, 83, was abducted by a group of armed men the night of April 4-5 from the medical mission residence in Yalgo she had shared since 2013 with two other Marianite sisters and lay em ployees.

Through Sister Suellen’s ordeal, the Marianites of Holy Cross, of which she is the former international leader, heard nothing about her whereabouts. She was freed peacefully in late August in neighboring Niger into the custody of the FBI and U.S. Embassy and Air Force personnel.

No ransom was paid, Sister Suellen said, another one of the inscrutable mysteries of her harrowing experi ence.

Speaking from a safe haven in New Orleans where she returned quietly Aug. 31, Sister Suellen expressed grat itude that her life was spared and for the invisible actions of the uncounted people who prayed and worked for her release.

“That’s what I want to say, ‘Thank you to all these people,’” Sister Suellen said. “I am truly humbled by all of this. And the only way I can say thank you is ‘thank you.’”

The Muslim kidnappers who first grabbed Sister Suellen from her bed blindfolded and gagged her to keep her from yelling out to the other house res idents. Her shoes, glasses and medica tion were left behind.

“I thought maybe they were going to leave me sitting on the porch, but all of a sudden they wrapped me up and took me,” Sister Suellen said.

“Whoa, this was not what I thought was going to happen. But from the be ginning, I was asking God to please use this for good. I don’t understand why it’s happening; I don’t understand why they took me. And a lot of good has

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE

PRAYER SUSTAINED ME. I WENT THROUGH MY MASS EVERY DAY. I DID EACH PART OF THE MASS AND RECEIVED SPIRI TUAL COMMUNION. . . . THAT WAS THE THING THAT KEPT ME GOING BECAUSE I HAD NOTH ING.

MARIANITE SISTER SUELLEN TENNYSON

happened — all these people praying.”

She was placed on the back of a mo torcycle and told to hang on. Her cap tors rode through the night and for most of the early morning until she was handed over to a second group, which treated her reasonably well and did not physically harm her.

At one point, she was given a few pieces of paper and a red pen, which she used to mark her days in captivity on a handmade calendar. Throughout her ordeal, she had no idea where she was.

Before the rainy season came in June, she slept outside under a hand-crafted, tentlike structure with branches and leaves for the roof and a cloth that could be moved to keep the sun out of her eyes. Without books to read, she

recited prayers she has known since childhood and Bible verses.

“Prayer sustained me,” she said. “I went through my Mass every day. I did each part of the Mass and received spir itual Communion. . . . That was the thing that kept me going because I had noth ing.”

Yalgo is in northern Burkina Faso near Mali. Reliefweb reported in April that in the past two years, Burkina Faso’s northern and eastern regions had seen a “sharp deterioration in the security situation . . . due to the pres ence of non-state armed groups.”

Sister Suellen said she contracted malaria and lost 20 pounds during her captivity. Her diet consisted of “spa ghetti, rice, sardines; spaghetti, rice, sardines, but no Italian sauce or good Creole sauce. No red beans and rice.”

“I have no desire for sardines any more,” she said.

During her loneliest moments, Sister Suellen prayed for “peaceful pa tience,” because she saw no end in sight.

“I had many conversations with God,” she said. “I would say, ‘OK, God, what’s your word to me today at this moment?’ Sometimes it was a Scrip ture passage or a story from Scripture. But, after a while, it was just messages to me. And the one that stayed with me the longest was ‘peaceful patience. You need to be peacefully patient.’”

Eventually, her captor found a sofa for her so that she did not have to sleep on the floor.

In August, without warning, she

was moved again on another motor cycle ride. By the end she was so tired she begged for a rest because she was barely able to hang on.

Finally, at a rest stop, she saw three men dressed in African garb along with another man dressed in a nice shirt and pants.

“I was thinking, ‘Oh Jesus, is this an other group I’m going to have to start up all over again with?’” she said. “But the good news is they had a truck and not a motorcycle. One of the men came to me and said, you can take that jacket off. And he turned to me and he said, ‘You’re free!’ I said, ‘What? I’m free? Who are you?’”

They were now in neighboring Niger. The men took her to a house.

“We stopped to get something to eat, and the man said, ‘You need to take a shower. Let the woman of the house help you,’” Sister Suellen said. “Oh, I felt like I was in heaven. And then it dawned on me. That was the first woman I had seen in five months.”

Back in New Orleans, Sister Suel len underwent medical checkups. She is regaining her strength and using a walker to guard against falls, but she is getting stronger.

“I sang ‘Amazing Grace’ I can’t tell you how many times,” she said. “And I would just add the verse and put how many days I had been in captivity. But I still have just one day to praise the Lord — today.”

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST

CNS PHOTO/PETER FINNEY JR., CLARION HERALD Marianite Sister Suellen Tennyson, who is now safe in the United States after being held captive in Burkina Faso for nearly five months, is pictured Sept. 13, during an interview with the Clarion Herald, New Orleans’ archdiocesan newspaper. During her loneliest moments in captivity, Sister Suellen said, she prayed for “peaceful patience.”

Fall & holiday craft & bake sale

501 S. Willow Dr., Olathe

Sept. 22, 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Oct. 12, 14 & 15 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The proceeds from the sales will be do nated to the Olathe Pregnancy Clinic. Cash and checks only will be accepted.

fabulous finds on 99 garage sale

St. Columbkille Parish (hall)

13311 Hwy. 16, Blaine

Sept. 23 from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sept. 24 from 7 - 11 a.m.

Huge parish sale. We have everything. Freewill donation will go to our church restoration fund. Food will be sold by item throughout the sale. There will be sausage gravy, biscuits, cinnamon rolls, pulled pork sandwiches, chili dogs, salad and pie. We are located at the junction of Highways 99 and 16.

SlovenEfest

Holy Family Parish

513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kansas

Sept. 24 at 4 p.m.

Mass will be at 4 p.m. and the celebra tion will be from 5 - 10 p.m. We will be cel ebrating over 100 years of Slovenian heri tage. There will be a traditional Slovenian dinner, music, and family and children’s ac tivities. There will also be a cultural booth, souvenirs and a mega-raffle. Music will be provided by The Brian McCarty Band and Hrvatski Obicaj. For more information, go online to: www.holyfamilychurchkck.org.

Daughters of isabella

Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall)

5972 S.W. 25th St.

Sept. 25 at 12:40 p.m.

A rosary will be followed by a business meeting and social time. If anyone knows of a member or family member of the Daughters of Isabella in need of the cir cle’s prayers, call Diane Ortiz at (785) 5544256 or chancellor Gen Orozco at (785) 213-0374.

Annual Bazaar

St. John the Baptist Parish 427 S. Prairie, Greeley

Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Meals will be dine-in and takeout. The cost for adults is $14 and for kids under the age of 6, $6. Turkey and dressing, chicken and homemade noodles, ham and mashed potatoes and gravy, and sides will be served. Handicap accessible.

Pancake breakfast

St. Patrick Parish

1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 25 from 8 - 11 a.m.

All are welcome. The cost is a freewill offering. There will be great food and great fellowship. It is sponsored by the Bicenten nial Knights of Columbus Council 6781.

Blood drive

Donnelly College

608 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas

Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The blood drive at Donnelly will be hosted by the American Red Cross. Anyone can donate, but must sign up first. To sign up, go online to: www.redcrossblood.org and search for Donnelly to schedule a time to donate.

Catholic women’s bible study

Holy Trinity Parish

(Father Quigley Center)

13615 W. 92nd St., Lenexa

Sept. 29 - April 20, 2023

From 9:30 - 11 a.m.

Join us for this Catholic Women’s Bible Study. We will be explore Philip pians and James. To register, go the website at: Womensbiblestudykc.com. For more information, contact Theresa

Gordzica at (785) 843-0283 or Jenny Kropf at (913) 219-8528 or send an email to: womensbiblestudykc@gmail.com.

Lap babies and teens are welcome to come. Call Jenny Kropf at the number above to see if there is more room in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd pro gram for kids ages 1 - 12.

Golf outing

Heritage Park Golf Course 16455 S. Lackman Rd., Olathe Sept. 30 at 9 a.m.

Holy Spirit Knights invite you to join our golf outing. There will be a fourperson scramble, shotgun start. Knights and non-Knights are welcome and you are encouraged to bring your own foursome.

Green fees, cart and two beverage tick ets — along with prizes for long drive, long putt and closest to the pin — are includ ed in your low price of $55 per golfer. Call Greg Davis at (913) 800-0581 to register or Everett Fritz at (913) 967-9209 to discuss hole sponsorship opportunities for your business.

ANnual ice cream social

Holy Name of Jesus Parish 1001 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas

Oct. 1 from 5 - 11 p.m.

Come join the “Together Again on the Boulevard” celebration. There will be a taco dinner, bingo and a live band, as well as ice cream.

St. Joseph High School Reunion Class of 1972

The Silo Modern Farmhouse 17501 W. 87th St., Lenexa Oct. 1 from 7 p.m. - midnight

For more info, visit the website at: www. facebook.com/groups/640138040356584.

Questions? Send an mail to Annette (Mi rocke) Evans at: evansa1@bellsouth.net or call Tim Rafferty at (913) 645-3896. The cost is $40 per person. RSVP by Sept. 15.

respect life sunday mass and ice cream social

Curé of Ars Parish 9501 Mission Rd., Leawood

Oct. 2 at 10:30 a.m. Mass 8 a.m. - noon breakfast buffet 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Join us for a simple celebration of life! Archbishop Naumann will be celebrating Mass for Respect Life Sunday. All are invited to a breakfast buffet with the Curé Knights of Columbus and to an ice cream social. We would love to have area youth groups and Re spect Life clubs attend. For more information, go online to: www.cureofars.com/respect-life.

FALL BAZAAR

St. Theresa Parish (hall) 209 3rd St., Perry

Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Turkey and ham dinners, plus homemade pie, will be available. Carryout meals will be available until 2:30 p.m. The cost is $12 for adults and $7 for kids ages 10 and under. Outdoor activities include games for kids, a silent auction and buy-it-now tent, bingo, an old-fashioned cakewalk, baked goods and more. Fun for all ages!

pancake luncheon

St. Mary Parish

446 Hwy. 137, Purcell

Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join us for pancakes, whole hog sau sage, scrambled eggs, homemade pie and tea or coffee. The cost is a freewill offer

Harvest meal

St. Mary Parish

9208 Main St., St. Benedict

Oct. 2 from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

There will be smoked pulled pork, cheesy potatoes, baked beans and cookies. There will be dine-in or carryout. The cost is a

freewill donation. All are welcome!

‘Healing the divorced Heart’ divorce support group

St. Michael the Archangel (Gabriel Room)

14251 Nall Ave., Leawood

Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.

We who have experienced divorce un derstand, as perhaps few others can. We too were sad, lonely, scared and angry, but we have found that with God, time and the support of others, healing is possible. For more information, go online to: www.st michaelcp.org/divorce-support.

red mass

Curé of Ars Parish 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kan sas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Jo seph, will host the annual Red Mass. A re ception will follow. RSVP online at: cfnek. org/events/red-mass. The event is free.

St. Teresa of Calcutta friendship tea

Holy Cross Parish 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park Oct. 8 at 10:30 a.m.

Our guest speaker is Sherry Kuehl, author of the “Snarky in the Suburbs” book series and newsletters. The title of her talk is: “How female friends shape us and save us.” Tickets are $15 each. To make a reservation and to purchase tickets, contact Donna Heit by email at: donnam heit@gmail.com or call (913) 402-6843, or contact Maxine Rodriguez by email at: maxine@rmckc.com or call (913) 915-6238.

CHICKEN DINNER AND BINGO

St. Patrick Parish 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.

Dinner will include chicken, mashed po tatoes, gravy, green beans, salad, roll, des sert and drink. The cost for adults is $10 and kids meals cost $5. If you have more than two kids, take advantage of the family meal (two adults and more than two kids) for $30. Bingo is $10 for 10 games. Ques tions? Call Fritz Vertz at (913) 515-0621. The event is sponsored by the Green Club.

Turkey Dinner and bazaar

Sacred Heart Parish

1100 West St., Tonganoxie Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The cost for dinner is: $12 for adults; $7 for kids ages 6 - 12; and free for kids ages 5 and under. There will be a turkey dinner, a country store, bingo and children’s games.

There will also be a raffle with prizes total ing over $2100.

parish bazaar

St. Aloysius Parish 615 E. Wyandotte St., Meriden Oct. 9 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. A tradition al ham and turkey dinner for dine-in or car ryout will begin at 11:30 a.m. The cost is: $12 for adults; $6 for kids ages 5 - 12; and kids ages 4 and under are free. There will also be bingo, a silent auction, a country store, ice cream, a beer garden, drawings and much more! For more information, contact St. Aloy sius Parish office at (785) 484-3312.

soup supper & auction

St. Bede Parish (hall) 7344 Drought St., Kelly Oct. 9 at 4 p.m.

Chili, chicken noodle soup, vegetable beef soup, ham sandwiches, hot dogs, pie and cake will be available. The cost is a freewill donation. There will also be an auction of handmade quilts and many other items.

Cathedral of St. Peter 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

Casey Connealy, an estate planning at torney and member of Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa, will speak on the differences between wills and trusts and how to maxi mize your financial resources for your heirs and charities. There will be resources, re freshments and door prizes. RSVP to Terri Lynn, office of stewardship and develop ment, by email at: tlynn@archkck.org or call (913) 647-0367.

‘shroud encounter: explore the mystery, encounter the message’

Curé of Ars Parish

9501 Mission Rd., Leawood

Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

Could the Shroud of Turin be a docu ment of the crucifixion? Does it provide clues to what happened during the Res urrection? Russ Breault’s highly acclaimed presentation explores the science, histo ry and mystery in a fast-paced, dramatic visual experience. Join us as he peels back each layer of mystery.

Retrouvaille

Savior Pastoral Center

12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 14 - 16

Is your marriage struggling or do you know a marriage that is struggling? Re trouvaille is a program that helps cou ples restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship. This is a practical program to improve communication and help couples connect. Sign up online at: www.helpourmarriage.org or call 1 (800) 470-2230.

pro-life event

Sheraton Hotel at the Convention Center 6100 College Blvd., Overland Park Oct. 21 from 7 - 9 p.m.

Kirk Cameron, known as Mike Seaver from the television show “Growing Pains,” will be the speaker. His newest film feature is about the value of life in the womb and the beauty of adoption. His film “Lifemark” is set to hit theaters in September. He and his wife Chelsea have been married for 31 years and have six children. All proceeds benefit the Vitae Foundation. Dinner and the program cost $100 per person ($70 is tax deductible). To register, go online to: vitaefoundation.org or call (573) 634-4316.

Craft show and bake sale

Holy Family Parish

820 Birch St., Eudora

Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Looking for unique, one-of-a-kind craft items? Find that special item as well as de licious treats. Proceeds from the sale will go to support the parish’s peace, justice and human development programs. Craft ers interested in more information or rent ing a booth space should contact Linda by calling (913) 645-5386 or Melanie by email at: 19dobbins83@gmail.com.

EMPLOYMENT

Administrative assistant - Bishop Miege is seeking an administrative assistant for the campus ministry office to assist the campus minister in coordinating and facilitating the mission of the program. This is a full-time position that works August through May when classes are in session. Send letter of interest and resume to: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com.

Director of major and planned gifts - Come be a part of the mission of Catholic Charities as a di rector of major and planned gifts. Drive major, monthly and planned gift strategies. Prospect, cul tivate and engage major supporters of the agency, drive initiatives to engage volunteers and support ers in all fundraising events and in all 21 coun ties served by the agency. To apply, go online to: catholiccharitiesks.org/careers, scroll down to “Job Openings” and then scroll down to: “Director of ma jor and planned gifts.”

Positions available - Prince of Peace Early Educa tion Center is seeking a highly qualified, flexible, resourceful self-starter for our assistant director. Our ideal candidate has previous teaching/admin istrative experience and demonstrates excellent communication skills with staff and parents. All applicants must meet the following requirements in order to be considered for hire: a minimum of six months or more teaching in a licensed child care center with proof of work; has a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education. We offer competitive pay; benefits including paid vacation and sick time; paid holidays; 401(k) match; health, vision, dental, life, as well as short- and long-term disability in surance. For more information or to apply, email: jwessel@poplathe.org.

Music director - Queen of the Holy Rosary Catho lic Church, Overland Park, a parish of close to 1200 families, is seeking a music director and organist. The director is responsible for a range of ministries including volunteer recruitment and support; musical direction of the choir; handbell choir; and accompa nist responsibilities. The director will collaborate and coordinate with families on music for weddings and funerals. The director must be flexible and demon strate good collaborative skills with staff and mu sic volunteers. Hours are negotiable. Contact Paul Coquillette for more information or to apply. Email: qhradmin@qhr-opks.org or call (913) 432-4616.

Children’s ministry coordinator with CGA certi fication Seeking organized and caring individual with administrative skills who enjoys working with both adults and children. If hired, applicant would be responsible for both 1) recruiting, organizing and managing adult and teen volunteers/staff on Sunday mornings and during special church events (e.g. book study, workshops, classes) to expand our hospitality network; and 2) teaching Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (levels 1 or higher) weekly on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Full time, 32 - 35 hours per week. Must be flexible and able to create a positive environment for children and staff in the spaces available. Eager to work as a team with parish and school staff. Im portant to have good communication skills with both staff team members and parents. Applicant sees co ordinating children’s support as their ministry and as a way to make the church a more welcoming place for young families. Interested applicants, please contact Suzy Meinzenbach, coordinator of religious education, at (913) 338-4367 and/or send resume and cover letter to: Suzy Meinzenbach, Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, KS 66209.

Maintenance technician - Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood is looking for a full-time maintenance tech nician with a strong work ethic. We prefer a candidate with general knowledge in electrical, plumbing, main tenance and groundskeeping. This position also in cludes setting up for events. A maintenance technician is a thorough professional with attention to detail. The ideal candidate will be able to work autonomously and responsibly. The candidate needs to be able to lift 50 pounds and work on a ladder or lift. All employees are required to be Virtus trained and background checked. This position may include some weekend and evenings as needed. Competitive pay, including benefits, vaca tion/sick time and 401(k) match. Interested candidates should send a resume to the facilities director at: matt. rocca@cureofars.com.

Part-time - Family and sacramental ministry - Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa is seeking an individual pas sionate about families and the Catholic faith. This per son will assist the director of family and sacramental ministry in sacramental preparation/catechesis and coordination of ongoing faith formation for families with children. If you have a heart for the sacraments, empowering parents and supporting families, this part-time position may be for you. Hours are flexible and may include some evenings/weekends. For more details or to submit a resume, contact: kwillis@ht lenexa.org or call (913) 895-0607.

Part-time bookkeeper - Christ the King Church in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a part-time book keeper for the parish and school. Full-time option available for those with facilities management ex perience. Compensation negotiable. Contact Father Nick Blaha, pastor, for a full job description and ap plication at: nblaha@archkck.org or (913) 336-1550 (call or text).

Minster of infant/nursery care - Seeking organized and caring individual with administrative skills who enjoys working with people and children between the ages of 3 months and 4 years. Responsible for organizing and managing nursery teen and adult staff on Sunday. Flexible and able to create a posi tive environment for children and staff in the spaces available. Eager to work as a team with parish and school staff. Important to have good communication skills with both staff team members and parents. Applicant must be trained in Virtus and pass a back ground check before being hired. Part time: 4 hours per week, Sunday mornings 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Required: high school diploma or equivalent; able to lift at least 30 pounds; Virtus trained. Interested applicants, contact Suzy Meinzenbach, coordinator of religious education, at (913) 338-4367 and/or send resume and cover letter to: Suzy Meinzenbach, Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, KS 66209.

Part-time receptionist - St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, is seeking a part-time reception ist to work two to three days per week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The position is flexible to arrange specific workdays with another receptionist. Duties include: routing incoming calls; welcoming guests; scheduling Mass intentions; data entry; database upkeep; and other office duties. The preferred candidate will be a practicing Catholic; compassionate; possess excel lent communication skills; proficient with Microsoft Office; and comfortable learning new computer skills. This position represents St. Michael the Archangel to parishioners and guests. The receptionist reports to the parish administrator. Pay is based on skills and experience. Additional details at: stmichaelcp.org/ employment. Send resume and cover letter to Denise Greene at: denise.greene@stmichaelcp.org.

Part-time center coordinator - Regina Caeli Acad emy Home-school Hybrid is hiring a part-time center coordinator. The center coordinator is the local administrator who oversees the day-to-day quality of the classroom instruction, promotes ad missions, provides ongoing coaching of the local staff and provides Christian leadership for the local families in Overland Park. Regina Caeli is a private, independent, classical home-school academy op erating in the Catholic tradition. Preschool - 12th grade students attend classical academic and ex tracurricular classes two days a week, and homeschool the remaining days following lesson plans provided by Regina Caeli. Apply online at: https:// rcahybrid.isolvedhire.com/jobs/.

Director of religious education - Blessed Sacra ment and Christ the King parishes in Kansas City, Kansas, are seeking applicants for a full-time di rector of sacramental formation (also divisible into part-time positions for two applicants). Bilingual candidates preferred. The role is responsible for the Catholic faith formation of families through regular catechesis. The goal of this catechesis is to form catechists and parish leaders to share their faith and knowledge in a way that offers people an en counter with the risen Lord Jesus. Compensation negotiable. Experience with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is helpful. Contact Father Nick Blaha, pas tor, for a job description and application at: nblaha@ archkck.org or (913) 336-1550 (call or text).

Early childhood position - Wonderful opportunity for adults interested in working with young children! Catholic preschool seeks caring individuals to work with children in our three-year-olds classes. Posi tion is part time. Great working conditions and im mediate benefits. Call Ms. Theresa, director, at (913) 248-4589, or email: tgavila@stjoeshawnee.org.

Senior director of human resources - Catholic Char ities of Northeast Kansas (CCNEK) is seeking to hire a senior director of human resources to join its execu tive team and lead the agency’s people and culture initiatives! The ideal candidate will have the man agerial courage, strategic initiative and leadership experience to successfully promote and support the mission of CCNEK as guided by Catholic social teach ings and in alignment with the agency strategic plan. This position reports to the chief operating officer and is required to be a practicing member of the Catholic Church. For more information about this incredible opportunity, please contact Dan Heiman, president/ owner of Cornerstone Executive Search, at (913) 3417655 or at: danh@cornerstone-kc.com.

Teacher - Teacher needed to fill a position in St. Jo seph, Shawnee, Early Education Center with the threeand-a-half year olds. Related experience is preferred, and candidate must meet state and local require ments. Submit resume to: tgavila@stjoeshawnee.org. Questions? Call (913) 248-4589, ext. 4589.

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retir ees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 5214955 for more information.

EEO

Bilingual counselor needed - The Keeler Women’s Center, located at 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100-B, in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a Spanish-speaking counselor. Please contact Sister Bridget Dickason, OSB, at (913) 689-9375 or email: kwc@mountosb.org.

Youth minister - This position oversees diocesan support for youth ministry in parishes and schools in KCMO. The director also provides supervision of the summer camps and other youth ministry events such as conferences, trips and retreats. This posi tion is full time and eligible for benefits and paid time off. Visit: www.kcsjcatholic.org for more infor mation and to apply.

Early childhood educators – With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learn ing Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. Our classrooms are full, and we are looking to add to our amazing team. We are looking for both full-time and part-time teachers for all ages of children. If you have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education, we would love to meet you. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, ext. 102.

Caregiver needed - Looking for daytime and night time care for elderly male in his south Kansas City, Mis souri, home. Previous experience required. Willing to consider live-in care. If interested, please phone Janell at (816) 582-4738 for additional information.

Director of major and planned gifts - Come be a part of the mission of Catholic Charities as a direc tor of major and planned gifts. Drive major, monthly and planned gift strategies. Prospect, cultivate and engage major supporters of the agency. Drive ini tiatives to engage volunteers and supporters in all fundraising events and in all 21 counties served by the agency. Apply at: www.catholiccharitiesks.org.

Part-time aide - St. Michael the Archangel pre school in Leawood is seeking a part-time aide for our 4’s classroom for the 2022-23 school year. This position is Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Teacher aides assist the lead teacher in conducting daily activities, carrying out licensure rules and regulations, and maintaining principles of sound Catholic education. See full job description at: stmichaelcp.org/employment. Send cover letter and resume to the preschool director at: jennie.wente@stmichaelcp.org.

Preschool teacher - Holy Spirit Catholic School in Overland Park is seeking a part-time preschool teacher for our 4-year-olds. The lead teacher is re sponsible for developing, planning and executing all activities/learning experiences for the children in the classroom. Requirements: must attend Virtus training; college degree required, elementary ed ucation or special education emphasis preferred. Contact Tessa Piscitello at (913) 492-2582 or email: tpiscitello@hscatholic.org for more information.

Extended day care position - Holy Spirit Catholic School in Overland Park is seeking an enthusiastic person to be the group leader in our after-school care program. This well-established program runs from 3 to 5:45 p.m. each school day. We are looking for a faith-filled, responsible, organized and creative per son. Applicants should have knowledge of child de velopment and be able to implement age-appropri ate activities. The ability to communicate clearly with children, colleagues and parents is most important in order to foster positive relationships. Applicants must attend Virtus training, ongoing child care training and be at least 18 years old. Contact Tessa Piscitello at (913) 492-2582 or email: tpiscitello@hscatholic.org for more information.

Stylists needed - Are you addicted to the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress”? Are you self-motivated, love fashion and enjoy helping people look their best? If so, we want to talk to you! Sincerely Susan, a unique des tination shop boutique is a warehouse environment where clients come in by appointment only. You must have a sense of style and a great personality to be able to interact with our “moms.” Hours are flexible. Must be willing to work a minimum of one evening per week and weekends. Must be able to stand and walk on con crete for long periods of time and reach overhead to pull gowns. Previous retail experience preferred, but not necessary. Hourly rate is based on experience. If interested, call (913) 730-8840.

Custodian - The Church of Nativity Catholic Parish School has an immediate opening for a full-time hour ly custodian. Qualified applicants should have prior custodial experience, specifically in a school environ ment, and must be able to work 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. shift with some holiday work expected. Applicants must have compatible work history, references, depend able transportation and be willing to participate in a background check. Compensation of $17 to $19 per hour will depend on experience, negotiable with the right qualifications. The Church of Nativity is located just west of 119th and State Line in Leawood. Nativi ty offers a comprehensive benefit program including medical, dental, vision, vacation and 401(k). Interested applicants should email resumes and work history to: jobapplication@kcnativity.org. Resumes welcome by fax or mail. No phone calls please. Fax: (913) 491-5065; mail to: Church of the Nativity, Attn: Custodial Position, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, KS 66209.

Adjunct faculty job openings - Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas, a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Adjunct faculty job openings include: bi ology; clinical nursing, math; information systems co ordinator. Find job descriptions and details at: www. donnelly.edu/careers.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: Chief vice-president of business affairs/chief financial officer; curriculum coordinator; career advising liaison; admission counselor, advancement officer. Find job de scriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Workforce specialist - Looking for a driven person to promote and support the mission of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas as guided by Catholic social teach ings by providing wraparound case management, ca reer coaching and financial education to individuals and families in need through stabilization employment and St. Rita programs. This position will be a collab orative member of the Workforce team whose pur pose is to strengthen individuals and families through a holistic approach to education and employment. The major components of this role include providing comprehensive employment and financial coaching, intensive case management and facilitating one of our Workforce’s services, including job readiness and soft skills classes. Please apply for the Workforce specialist position at: catholiccharitiesks.org/careers/.

Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assis tance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeep ing/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation ser vices for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandato ry. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

DSPs needed - Direct care professionals needed in Overland Park in an intentional living community for adults with intellectual disabilities. Training provided. Live-in or live-out options. Weekends, evenings and overnight shifts available now. $13 - $15 per hour. Email: heartland@larcheks.org.

Open positions - Maur Hill-Mount Academy seeks candidates for the following open positions: Activity bus drivers — as needed (must have or be willing to obtain a CDL); substitute teachers — as needed (must have a KSDE substitute teaching license or be willing to obtain one); and part-time regular para educator (working directly with students and student success plans). Administrative assistant — Maur Hill-Mount Academy is seeking qualified applicants for an opera tions administrative assistant, reporting directly to the school principal. The successful candidate will work daily from 7:10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Primary responsibilities include: a demonstrated ability to manage front office communications with multiple stakeholder groups; pri oritize work and workflows; maintain databases; and manage written communication and internal reporting. Desired skills include: excellent communication skills and managing multiple priorities. Compensation is competitive, based upon qualifications and experience. Dorm hall supervisor(s) – second- and third-shift Maur Hill-Mount Academy seeks qualified applicants for dorm hall supervisor. Under general supervision, in coordina tion with the residential life director and other residence hall staff, the dorm hall supervisor guides and supports the development of life skills; works with students to increase strong and positive academic strategies; en sures a safe, healthy and rewarding experience for all Maur Hill-Mount Academy boarding students. This posi tion maintains flexible hours, and works 4-8 hour shifts, typically from 3 p.m. to midnight and/or from 11:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. (or parts thereof). Shifts available Monday through Sunday, and sometimes has day opportunities on the weekends, depending upon student activities. Staff members provide direct and ongoing supervision, support and instruction to all assigned students, while assisting in the coordination of day-to-day operations of the dorm. Please send an email expressing your interest to Debbie Schneider, director of human resources, at: dschneider@mh-ma.com. Positions will remain open until filled.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Interior painting - Wall repair and painting. Serving Johnson County for 30 years. Insured. Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA

*Commercial & residential

*Lawn renovation *Mowing *Cleanup and hauling

*Dirt grading/installation

*Landscape design* Free estimates

Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!!

Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Re taining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Ful ly insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.

Handyman - Home repair; skilled labor; remodeling; handyman work done in a timely manner. Referenc es available on request. Call Jeff Mauk at (913) 9154738.

Popcorn ceiling texture removal

Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Gearing up for spring! We now offer financing on all your home improvement projects with approved cred it. Here is a list of the construction services I offer: floor ing; tile; interior/exterior painting, as well as deck and fence staining; ceiling scraping/retexturing; bathroom, kitchen and basement remodeling; siding; decks and covered porches. We also do cabinet refinishing! Look me up on Facebook at “Father & Son Home Exteriors & Remodeling.” I work on all jobs, no subcontractors. Thank you to all my clients! (913) 709-7230.

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

CAREGIVING

Private duty nursing/companion care - Are you searching for in-home care for you or your loved one? Our agency consists of experienced nurses, CNAs and caregivers who provide affordable, high quality in-home care. We take pride in providing compassionate and individualized care for every client. We strive to restore dignity and independence to you or your loved one’s life, while providing support to family members. We can assist with medication management, meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship and more. Please contact Amanda for questions at (913) 499-9719.

Hope and Healing Home Care - Hope and Healing Home Care is serving the Topeka community and nearby surrounding areas. A variety of services offered, rang ing from housekeeping and errands to skilled nursing services such as medication management and wound care. Call Most Pure Heart of Mary parishioner Shelly at (785) 207-2490 or visit: hopeandhealinghomecare. clientsecure.me for more details. It’s a privilege to serve. I’m blessed and grateful to have the privilege to serve you.

Companion work - Retired nurse looking for com panion work. Will do light housekeeping, cooking and laundry. Schedule open. Call (913) 602-1289.

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

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, compan ionship, care management, and transportation for se niors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers need ing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

SERVICES

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

Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002.

Catholic counseling - For individuals, couples, fam ilies, adolescents and young adults. Sam Meier, MA, LPC. Call (913) 952-2267 or book an appointment at: StillwatersKC.com, in-person or Telehealth.

ACT Prep Founded by a Bishop Miege graduate, Pathway Prep has helped over 250 students during the last four years improve their scores. In-person or virtual sessions available. For more information, visit: pathwayprepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com.

Quality painting - Interior, exterior, drywall and wood rot repair. Quality workmanship. Insured. Call (913) 938-7597 or (913) 206-4524; email: robaprinc@aol. com; or visit the website at: aprkansascity.com.

Garage Door Repair

New Garage Doors

A Total Door - KC family owned since ‘83. www.ATotalDoor.com or (913) 236-6440

A Total Door (913) 236-6440. (913)205-0926 cell

Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keep sake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memora bilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.

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

Painting - Diamond Painting, (913) 648-4933, Res idential/Commercial, Exterior/interior, Free Estimate, Affordable, Decks, DiamondPaintKc.com, Kcmo/ Overland Park Metropolitan area.

Free estimates - We are offering free estimates to all those thinking about painting this year. At Stone Painting, we put the customer first. We provide inte rior, exterior house painting along with deck staining, fence painting, etc. Stone Painting ensures a profes sional, clean and fair-priced job. Call today for your free estimate. (913) 963-6465.

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.

Quality remodeling - Renovates kitchens and bath rooms; tile work; countertops; drywall; custom cabi netry. Quality work. Call or text (913) 206-4524 or (913) 938-7597; email: robaprinc@aol.com or visit the website at: aprkansascity.com.

Pressure washing: Driveways, sidewalks, patios, decks, fences and garage floors

Call John for a free estimate. Serving Johnson County KS (913) 827-8616 St. Joseph parishioner & St. James Academy graduate

REAL ESTATE

We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commis sions and can close on the date of your choice. Sell ing your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000.

WE WANT TO BUY YOUR HOUSE - There are so many new companies in town advertising to buy houses. But we’re the only ones that have been here and we’re local Holy Trinity parishioners. I will give you a fair price on any conditions you are up against. Call Mark Edmondson. (913) 980-4905.

FOR SALE

Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishio ners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC).

For sale - Double lawn crypt at Resurrection Ceme tery in Lenexa, Garden of Hope section, double lawn crypt, lot 78 C, space 4. Conveyance fee included. $7500. Call Lou at (512) 656-1801.

For sale - Two plots at Resurrection Cemetery, Char ity Garden, plot 113, section A, spaces three and four. Valued at $2950 each; will sell for $2500 each. Call Ron at (913) 909-6415.

For sale - Original East Sorrowful Mother Colum barium. Double spaces N. 30, A and B, Resurrection Cemetery in Overland Park. Valued at $6600, asking $6100. Call (913) 754-6684.

WANTED TO BUY

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 Sa cred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shaw nee.

Wanted to buy - I buy silver and gold coins. Long time member of Curé of Ars Parish. Call Doug at (913) 998-2140.

Wanted to buy - Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME! I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.

READINGS

TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME

Sept. 25

TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Am 6: 1a, 4-7

Ps 146: 7-10

1 Tm 6: 11-16

Lk 16: 19-31

Sept. 26

Cosmas and Damian, martyrs

Jb 1: 6-22

Ps 17: 1bcd, 2-3 6-7

Lk 9: 46-50

Sept. 27

Vincent de Paul, priest

Jb 3: 1-3, 11-17, 20-23

Ps 88: 2-8

Lk 9: 51-56

Sept. 28

Wenceslaus, martyr; Lawrence Ruiz and companions, martyrs

Jb 9: 1-12, 14-16

Ps 88: 10b-15

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

Jb 38: 1, 12-21; 40: 3-5

Ps 139: 1-3, 7-10, 13-14b

Lk 10: 13-16

Oct. 1

Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin, doctor of the church

Jb 42: 1-3, 5-6, 12-17

Ps 119: 66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130

Lk 10: 17-24

It’s said that good fences make good neighbors. I’d sug gest that good bridg es make better ones. While fences promote isolation, bridges foster community.

The explosion of the internet and social me dia has collapsed the dis tances between people. The effect has been both positive and negative. For some, it’s highlight ed how similar peoples’ hopes and dreams are. For others, our human diversity has spawned fear and violence.

One of the titles for the pope is “pontifex maximus,” two Latin words that can be translated as “supreme bridge-builder.” That is a perfect description for Pope Francis, who never tires of rallying Catholics to engage in a “culture of encounter.”

I like to think of The Leaven as one of the ways to build bridges — not only among the parishes and ministries in the archdiocese, but nationally and interna tionally as well. Some

Will you bridge the gap?

MARK MY WORDS

has gone up 25% since February, donations have decreased almost 20%.

COSMAS AND DAMIAN

Legendary martyrs Cosmas and Damian are among the “moneyless” saints of the Eastern church, venerated for re fusing to take money for their services. According to legend, the twin broth ers were born in Arabia, studied medicine in Syria and practiced their heal ing art in Cilicia. They reportedly were tortured and beheaded during the persecution of Diocletian.

A fifth-century bishop called them “illustrious athletes and generous martyrs.” Miraculous healings were attributed to them.

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH

Father Mark is the pastor of Sa cred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.

times in the building of bridges, we become aware of the needs that our neighbors have and how we can help meet them.

Our front-page story this week is one of those instances. Back on April 8, The Leaven made readers aware of a parish priest in Poland who was housing, at his own expense, refugees from Ukraine. Some parishioners from St.

Paul Parish in Olathe wanted to help and in vited others to pitch in as well. Catholics in the archdiocese responded with over $35,000. We wouldn’t have known about this need had not these parishioners brought it to our atten tion. And, just like that, an international bridge has been built.

Much closer to home, there’s an urgent need from Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas for food to stock their pantries and Resource Bus. We’ll have a more extensive story in an upcoming Leaven, but our neighbors are hun gry right now. While demand for assistance

A quick and easy way to assist is by visiting a website familiar to most people: Amazon! You can send food directly from Amazon to the Catholic Charities ware house by going online to: https://shorturl.at/ bEFQY. It’s amazingly slick. Just add items to your cart and click — bridge-building with no sweat involved.

Here’s a great story that I love about helping neighbors:

A well-timed bite by a 4-year-old girl with a good sense of smell saved her family from gas poisoning.

A peculiar odor awakened the child at three o’clock one morn ing and she hurried to her father’s room to tell him.

When a vigorous shake failed to disturb his peaceful slumber, she bit him on the arm. That did the trick.

The police discovered that the strange smell

was caused by carbon monoxide fumes from the family car which had been left running in the adjoining garage.

The parents and all three children were in good condition after being administered a dose of oxygen. (Story found in Anthony P. Castle’s “Quotes & Anec dotes: An Anthology for Preachers & Teachers.)

In order to be a good neighbor, there are times when others put the “bite” on us, to stir us from the deadly slumber of greedi ness, materialism and self-absorption. We need to experience the life-giving oxygen of generosity, compassion and community.

Look for ways this week that you can reach out to a neighbor, to build some bridges of help, hospitality and hope.

It isn’t always convenient, but it must be done, as this Jewish proverb attests: Love thy neighbor . . . even when he plays the trom bone!

Are we the ‘complacent’ of whom the prophet Amos speaks?

InSunday’s first reading, the prophet Amos speaks about people who have sophisticated tastes in creature comforts. Fine furniture, fine dining, fine entertainment — these people have done well economically and know how to enjoy themselves.

Amos is not pleased. He delivers a threaten ing message: “Woe!” Watch out! A reversal of fortune is coming their way, he warns.

So sour! Does Amos think heaven is set against all earthly plea sures? That God doesn’t want anyone to ever serve veal or uncork a bottle of select wine? Does he expect everyone to be a monk or nun? Is

KEVIN PERROTTA

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

there some envy at work here? Because Amos works as a seasonal

agricultural laborer (see Am 7:14), does he think no one should live in a big house and put on nice parties?

It is not essentially the partying of the party crowd that Amos objects to. The problems are that these people got wealthy by taking advantage of others (much of the rest of the Book of Amos details their injustices) and that their neighbors’ desperate needs don’t bother them.

The suffering of people around them who don’t have enough to eat doesn’t take the edge off the partygoers’ appreciation of tender steaks and rare vintages. They “are not made ill by the collapse of Joseph” — that is, Israelite society — because, mentally, they keep their distance from it. They ignore the sights, sounds and smells of the destitute.

A deeper problem is that, even though they ignore other people’s needs, they think they are in a solid relation ship with God. Amos calls them “the compla cent in Zion.” God has made them his chosen people (Am 3:1-2) and they love to participate in his liturgies (Am

4:4-5). Why should they care about other people or worry about what tomorrow may bring?

Granted, not all of us in church this Sunday are wealthy, by a long shot. But I suspect that many of us can feel Amos’ finger pointing in our direction.

The challenge is to hear Amos’ message not as a word of condemna tion designed to make us feel guilty about enjoying the pleasures of life but as a summons to open our hearts.

Is there one person we know who is in some kind of pain? Can we feel a little compassion? What action could we take to help meet their need?

Pope urges scientists to work for peace, protect the planet

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Cath olic Church “embraces and encour ages a passion for scientific research as an expression of love for the truth and for knowledge about the world,”

Pope Francis told members of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

Scientific inquiry, research and discoveries should lead to awe in the presence of God, who creat ed the world and human intelli

gence, but it also should lead to a greater commitment to peace and human development, the pope told the scientists Sept. 10.

The 80 academicians, who include dozens of Nobel Prize winners, come from the fields of astronomy, chem istry, mathematics, physics, biology, medicine, botany, zoology, genetics and physiology, and other special ties. Members are chosen based on their scientific achievements, not their religious beliefs, and study

issues of concern to the Vatican.

“As far as I am aware, no other religious institution has such an academy,” the pope told members, but “many religious leaders have ex pressed an interest in establishing one.”

Established in 1603, the academy demonstrates the church’s commit ment to truth and to learning about “life in all its symphonic splendor,” the pope said.

A new school year means new opportunities for all

We have reached a new school year. It has been a while since you have heard an update from the special-needs ministry.

This past June, we celebrated a record 20 families at our specialneeds family camp at Prairie Star Ranch. In July, we were blessed with four wonderful young adult mission aries at Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe teaching over a doz en individuals with disabilities more about their faith during Totus Tuus.

After all of that, there is still much more work to be done in our minis try! I am still in need of volunteer assistance to

LEARNING TO LOVE LIKE HIM

JOSHUA RUOFF

Joshua Ruoff is the lead con sultant for the archdiocesan special-needs ministry. He can be reached by email at: jruoff@ archkck.org.

restart our BREATHE respite care program. If you are open to assist ing, please reach out to our office.

After my last article

in April, I had the opportunity to assist Benedictine College with its annual field day, providing individ uals with all abilities an opportunity of physical activity and commu nity. It was a joy to see so many individuals having a joyful time, es pecially after many of them had been isolated during the pandemic.

But what had such a profound impact on me was interacting with the faculty and students.

I have been to many universities in my life and have even visited Benedictine before. Usually when you are on a college campus, people are in their own technology and social media world and are oblivious to the world around them.

Everyone at Bene dictine, though, acknowledged me and said hello. It seems so simple but I found it so beautiful. It made me appreciate just how rich of a community there is at Benedictine College.

Another wonderful part of Benedictine

College that I want to share with you is the St. Joseph of Cupertino Program.

In 2020, Mike and Terri Kern struggled to find a postsecondary educational commu nity for their daugh ter Halley, who was diagnosed with some disabilities at a young age. They took it upon themselves to create an opportunity for her.

By making a sub stantial donation, the SJC Program was formed with the vision of helping those with disabilities to be able to experience higher education in a socially caring and spiritually grounded community!

Halley was the first student accepted into the program.

The following year, Quinn McCullough joined Halley. This fall, Benedictine welcomed four new students into the program. The SJC is 100% donor-funded. If you feel called to donate, submit your gift online at: Benedictine.edu/ givenow and designate it to the St. Joseph of Cupertino Program.

Many students with disabilities seem to fall through the cracks, and the St. Joseph of Cupertino Program is a wonderful plan that continues to advocate that there is room for all at Benedictine. For more information, please contact Terri Kern at (816) 805-8781 or by email at: Theresa. kern@sbcglobal.net.

Do you love and pray for a child who died before birth?

My children

Peter and Gianna, born in 2006 and 2008, did not live long enough to teach me the kinds of things I’ve learned from my two living children: the details of the Marvel Universe, all my state capitals, the characters of Dis ney’s “Descendants,” even the basics of American Sign Lan guage. But their short lives have taught me so much.

The saints are real. Two of my children are in heaven, which makes an abstract concept like “the communion of saints” very concrete. My

daughter Gianna was born during my time in graduate school, and one of my classmates became very fond of her.

After her death, this woman and her family began to ask for “Baby Gianna’s” intercession every night at dinner. A few years later, this classmate recounted to me a profound experi ence she had that led to the founding of a very fruitful aposto late in the church — on

Gianna’s birthday. My little saints are hard at work!

Salvation isn’t earned. From a world ly perspective, my children accomplished nothing in their short lives. They simply received love from their family and were recipients of the reck less grace of God.

As an adult, of course I need to act on my love for God and others, but my little saints remind me that I make the biggest impact on the world simply by allowing myself to be loved, and by opening myself up to God’s grace.

It’s OK to let time pass. My oldest son

just started his senior year of high school, so I’ve been bracing my self for all the feelings that will come with him leaving the nest. But my perspective changed recently as we celebrated Peter’s 16th birthday.

I reflected on how wonderful it will be to have all of eternity to get to know my other son and daughter, to swap stories and hang out. In fact, on the day that we are all reunit ed, the time we have spent apart will feel like a long line at the grocery store or a red light that took too long to change. I’m free to embrace whatever life sends me because I

know the best is yet to come!

If you love a child who died before or shortly after birth (or if you would just like to support others who do), please join us Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. at Holy Spirit Parish in Over land Park for the Mass of Innocents.

Archbishop Jo seph F. Naumann will preside at this annual Mass and will pray with the names of the children and families represented for the month of November. No RSVP is required.

If you have questions, contact Brad DuPont by email at: bdupont@ archkck.org or call (913) 647-0301.

Parents are called to teach through the witness of their lives

“Adream

is a wish your heart makes.”

I’m reminded of this line from Disney’s “Cin derella” as we accompa ny our son through the adventures of his senior year of high school.

These upcoming months hold a number of experiences guar anteed to offer a roller coaster of emotions.

However, the dream ing and wishing is most evident in the simulta neous activity of college planning. As we sort through the endless postcards and constant emails, I’m challenged to prayerfully guide him through this partic ular stage of life.

EMILY LOPEZ

More often, I find myself reminding him of the grace that we’ve been given in our pa rental vocation.

As a young adult

on the precipice of independence, it can be difficult to appreciate the wisdom of your parents’ guidance. Pru dence and right judg ment can feel like a long hard rain on the parade of fun opportunities.

At the core of this guidance is a desire to encourage the best

version of our child as uniquely created by God.

Parenting teenag ers and young adult children is a constant reminder that they can not always know or un derstand why we make certain decisions — but can absolutely trust that every decision is made with unconditional love. And when that unconditional love is tested, I’m challenged to consider my own relationship of trust in God my Father.

The problem with speaking about the beautiful gifts of love and trust is that we also have to recognize the truth of these words in our own life.

How often have I questioned God’s guid ance in my life? When doors have shut, do I rant about missed op portunities or do I trust that God is leading me to something greater? When have I behaved like an unhappy teenag er toward the wisdom of the church in my life?

On too many oc casions, I have been caught up in the fun parade of life. I’ve been worried about the wish es of my heart instead of trusting the everlasting hope of my soul.

This hope and love we most desire has a name — Jesus. In a world full of glossy mailings and fun parades, Christ alone

offers the fulfillment of our heart. This joy is what we most long for in our own lives and in the lives of those we love.

We’re called to a bigger dream, beyond the wishes of our heart, that is discovered in a deep relationship with Christ. Every day, we are called into trustful surrender.

As we work to guide our children in this discipline, I’m being called to teach through the witness of my life.

With his grace, may each of us strive to live beyond dreams and wishes, as bold witness es of hope and joy in Christ.

LIBBY DUPONT

Libby DuPont is a consultant for the archdiocesan office of mar riage and family life.

Emily

BREAKING BARRIERS

By Matt McCabe Special to The Leaven

WILLIAMSBURG

— Prairie Star Ranch

here has long been the background for a transcendent week away for youth and families in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

But it faced challenges in reaching everyone, until recently.

This summer, Deacon Dana Nearmy er and his wife Debbie, their staff and Hispanic ministry leaders within the archdiocese put on a first-ever Hispan ic family camp.

For Debbie, it was about time.

“I’ve been overcome just by how humbling it is to get to walk by our brothers and sisters with whom we share the same faith, even though we don’t share the same language,” she said.

The language barrier initially pro voked some anxiety. But they learned many of their teen staff members and families are bilingual.

“We’re supposed to be the church,” Deacon Nearmyer said. He felt strong ly that offering a Hispanic family camp aligned with an overall goal from Pope Francis to step beyond someone’s own comfort zone.

“We’re supposed to be the people that can unify everything,” he added.

The Aguayo family knows both ends of the camp experience. They have at tended regular family camp before and their teen daughter is on staff at the camp.

“I think it’s amazing that they’ve opened it up to Spanish-speaking fam ilies,” said Elizabeth Aguayo, who is a parishioner at Sacred Heart of Jesus, Shawnee.

Some of the families at the camp came from parishes with a high con centration of Hispanic and Spanishspeaking families; others didn’t.

But the week together acknowledged the communities they do share: Hispan ic heritage and fervent Catholicism.

“For my community, it has been a new experience,” said Julieta Cordero of Good Shepherd Church in Shawnee. “But above all, I am very grateful to

all the people who made this possible. Many of us are in our 40s, and we are experiencing it for the first time.”

The experience on the campgrounds looked every bit the same as it does for the traditional family camp.

“We are very grateful that Hispanic families have been taken into account, to be able to do something for us,” said Ignacio Galvez from Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. “Because really what we are seeing right now is something very beautiful.”

The beauty of the week wasn’t lost on the Nearmyers. They felt a special vibrancy and passion for the Eucharist during their days with the Hispanic families.

It was so special, they said. It is a lesson for the rest of the church.

“They want to see integration,” Deacon Nearmyer said. “They want to see authentic community, they want to see authentic action.”

“I thank God because of this family camp for Spanish-speakers,” said Deida Galvez, also of Blessed Sacrament. “It is something very nice to be able to live together, to have new adventures, to do new extreme things that one has never done before.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MATT MCCABE

From front to back, Paola Pradillo, Isis García and Hannah Pradillo, all members of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, enjoy a canoe ride at the inaugural Hispanic family camp at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MATT MCCABE Jesus Gonsalez Cruz, a member of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park, tries his luck on the archery range.