09 30 16 Vol. 38 No. 8

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 38, NO. 8 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

A DIAMOND FROM THE ROUGH Eagle Scout project revitalizes old baseball field at Our Lady of Unity School

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Our Lady of Unity fifth-grader Tommy Medina unleashes a pitch to Enrique Ramirez, as his class plays a quick baseball game following lunch. Catching is Gabriel Delatorre, while, from left, Selena Valle, Alejandro Zuniga and Diego Luna all wait their turn at bat.

By Elizabeth Hyde Special to The Leaven

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Kevin Costner wasn’t on hand for its dedication on Aug. 18, but it was a “Field of Dreams” nonetheless for the kids of Our Lady of Unity School.

For 10 years, it looked like the field might eventually be reclaimed by the rocky soil and overgrown weeds around it. But the old ball diamond at the Kansas City, Kansas, grade school was given new life thanks to a young Boy Scout and his friends and family.

The individual responsible for the miraculous transformation was Tommy Mitchell, a parishioner at St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood, who decid-

ed to renovate the baseball field as his Eagle Scout project this past spring and summer.

When Tommy was first casting about for an Eagle Scout project last year, he was at a loss until he approached St. Michael’s parish administrator Chris Arth, who suggested considering a project at Our Lady.

St. Michael’s and Our Lady of Unity are Companions in Faith, or sister parishes, within the archdiocese. Arth, also a board member of Companions in Faith, approached Janet Shlake, director of development at Our Lady, to brainstorm what help Our Lady most needed.

With an old baseball field covered in rocks and weeds that flooded every time it rained, the decision wasn’t difficult.

It wasn’t until after his proposal was accepted, however, that Tommy fully

PEACE PRAYERS

Panel participants discuss violence and race relations.

Page 3

>> See “SISTER” on page 5

Tommy Mitchell, a parishioner at St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood, renovated the baseball field at Our Lady of Unity School as his Eagle Scout project. His crew included: (back row, from left) Gary Willnauer, Mark Mitchell and Dan Mitchell; (front row, from left) Danny Mitchell, Brendan Mitchell, Tommy Mitchell and Cole Lanning.

COUNTRY BOY

Join The Leaven for a typical day in the life of Father Daniel Schmitz.

Pages 8-9

NEW MINISTER

Meet Katie Locus, the new deaf ministry consultant for the archdiocese.

Page 16

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Our commitment to mercy must outlive the jubilee year

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here are less than two months remaining of the special jubilee Year of Mercy.

Father Ed Oen, the pastor of St. Mary Parish in St. Benedict, has reported that busloads of pilgrims have come from both Kansas and Nebraska to walk through the Holy Door and pray in what has been designated as one of the eight architectural wonders of Kansas.

Similarly, Father Harry Schneider has marveled at the many pilgrims who have visited the Cathedral of St. Peter to pass prayerfully through its designated Holy Door.

Several pastors have noted an increase in confessions at their parishes during this jubilee year. Many penitents are returning to the sacraments after being absent for many years.

While making pastoral visits or installing new pastors, I have noticed boxes containing the personal commitments made last Advent by parishioners to practice one or more of the corporal or spiritual works of mercy during this jubilee Year of Mercy.

I have also been edified by the seriousness with which pastors and parish councils have considered my invitation to make a parish commitment or a

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN recommitment to live in a very concrete way one or more of the corporal or spiritual works of mercy.

I am especially gratified by the parishes that chose to enter into a twinning relationship with another parish.

It is my earnest desire that as individuals and as an archdiocese we conclude well the jubilee Year of Mercy.

Therefore, I am inviting every member of the archdiocese to join me in making “a do-it-yourself retreat” by pondering the daily meditations in Father Michael Gaitley’s book, “33 Days to Merciful Love.”

Father Gaitley’s book provides 33 days of meditations that draw heavily upon the writings of St. Thérèse of Lisieux as well as St. Faustina. The jubilee year officially ends on

Nov. 20 with the celebration of the solemnity of Christ the King.

I invite everyone to begin this retreat on the feast of St. Luke, Oct. 18. The Gospel of Luke is sometimes referred to as the Gospel of Mercy, particularly because of its 15th chapter. Several parishes have ordered large quantities of “33 Days to Merciful Love,” and will be making them available to their parishioners for significantly discounted prices.

If your parish does not have any available copies of “33 Days to Merciful Love,” you can also acquire one for $9.95 from the archdiocese by contacting Tim Chik via email at: savior@archkck.org or by phone at (913) 721-1097. If you cannot afford the discounted price of $9.95, please contact Dianna by email at: abnoffice@archkck. org and the archdiocese will provide you with a free copy.

The retreat concludes on the solemnity of

Christ the King with each participant praying a prayer of consecration to Divine Mercy. Father Gaitley actually provides two forms for the prayer of consecration.

Some parishes may invite people to make the prayer of consecration during Mass and may provide prayer cards with the text for one of the consecration formulas.

Another option is for families to enthrone the image of Divine Mercy at an appropriate place in your home and to make the prayer of consecration as a family.

Father Gaitley has an appendix in the book explaining the meaning of the enthronement and with instructions on how to do an enthronement in your home.

I cannot think of a better way to conclude the jubilee Year of Mercy than making this do-ityourself retreat in preparation for consecrating yourself to Divine Mercy.

I hope you will join me in this prayerful conclusion to this jubilee year.

Finally, our archdiocesan visioning team at a recent meeting to review our implementation for the 10-year vision expressed the hope that the solemnity of Christ the King would not end our efforts to live in an intentional way the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Our attitude should not be: “Been there! Done that!”

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Sept. 30 Catholic Radio fall radiothon Oct. 2 Mass and lunch — Christ’s Peace House of Prayer, Easton Mass of Innocence — Curé of Ars, Leawood Oct. 3 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Catholic school annual board formation meeting, Mass — Savior Pastoral Center Oct. 4 Catholic Education Foundation breakfast with School of Excellence honorees Lawrence regional priests meeting — St. Lawrence Center Confirmation — Sacred Heart, Ottawa Oct. 5 Curia meeting — Savior Pastoral Center

While the jubilee Year of Mercy may have come to its official conclusion, our commitment to be a people of mercy, a church of mercy, must remain.

It is the personal experience of God’s mercy that is at the heart of Christian discipleship.

The sacrament of reconciliation affords an

Concrete Work

Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

Oct. 6 Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call Oct. 6-7 Jesus Caritas bishops retreat — Wichita Oct. 7 Kansas Catholic Conference province meeting Oct. 8 Donnelly College Shine event Oct. 9 Installation of Father Andrew Strobl for the new Johnson County parish — Madison Place Elementary School

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER Oct. 2 Federal Camp Mass Oct. 8 Auction — St. James Academy, Lenexa Oct. 9 Federal Camp Mass Scout Mass — St. Ann, Prairie Village

opportunity on a regular basis to encounter in a profound way Our Lord’s merciful love and to be transformed by it.

As Pope Francis’ motto reminds us: Having been ourselves chosen with mercy, it is our privilege and responsibility to communicate [God’s] mercy to the world.

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Raquel Barnett shared the story of her teenage friend killed in a drive-by shooting during the Peace in Our Community prayer breakfast held Sept. 10 at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

PRAYING — AND PLANNING —FOR PEACE ‘We should be able to sit on our front porch without having to worry about being shot’

By Bill Scholl Special to The Leaven

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “We are just kids and we should be able to sit on our front porch without having to worry about being shot.”

Suddenly, the mixed-race room of the parish hall at Blessed Sacrament in Kansas City, Kansas, got very quiet as 15-year-old Raquel Barnett shared her reflection at the Peace in Our Community prayer breakfast convened by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas on Sept. 10.

Barnett, an African-American, was part of a panel of speakers that had come together to “share, listen and lift up in prayer the racial hurts and hostilities that hinder the harmony and peace that God wants for our community,” according to the archdiocesan offices for black Catholics and social justice, sponsors of the event.

Barnett lamented the recent murder of a teenage friend who had been killed in a drive-by shooting, despite having no affiliation with gang activity. The speaker who followed, Brad Grabbs — a white volunteer who runs an afterschool tutoring program named The

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

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann gives the closing reflection, sharing a story from his time ministering in St. Louis to African-American communities.

Learning Club in the predominantly poor northeast part of Kansas City, Kansas — put Barnett’s pain into perspective.

“I’m a good guy, but my family will tell you [that] when I’m stressed, I am not my best self,” he said. “For these

kids and their parents living in a lowincome community, it is very stressful.”

The prayer breakfast was in response to the U.S. bishops’ call for a national Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities, which itself was catalyzed, in part, by the civil unrest and

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

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

tragedies of the last few months. The local chapter of the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver (whose feast day was the day before) hosted the racial healing event.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, also a member of the speakers panel, gave the closing reflection by sharing a story from his time ministering in St. Louis to African-American communities.

“We often used the acronym TAMBO,” he said, “as a reminder of Our Lord’s prayer from John 17: That All May Be One.” This unity, continued the archbishop, was God’s vision for the community, and the church was called to model unity through its worship and outreach.

In addition to reflection talks, the 96 attendees engaged in small group discussions and group prayer in which each was invited to write down pains and prayers on red sticky notes and attach them to a 10-foot cross in the front of the hall. The cross was covered in every place a hand could reach.

One prayer in particular captured the tenor of the day: “Dear God, I pray that you may use me as an instrument of your peace so that the scourges of racism and violence may one day be no more.”

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Catholic Education Foundation names new director

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — After 10 years of building the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) into a first-class nonprofit scholarship program benefiting schools in underserved areas, executive director Michael Morrisey and his wife Patty, director of development, decided it’s time to turn over the reins.

“We’re very pleased that CEF is in a really good place,” said Michael Morrisey. “And it’s time for us to get the next person that’s going to take it to the next level.”

It’s no surprise the CEF executive committee felt a tremendous weight of responsibility in trying to replace the Morrisey team.

“Where do you go to find someone with their dynamism, leadership ability and the credibility they have with our donor base?” asked Terry Sexton, CEF executive committee vice chair.

Executive Committee chair Joan Wells soon found out how really difficult that would be.

“I led the interview process for 10 months,” she said. “We had 171 formal applicants for the position and 52 interviews.”

Many candidates were outstanding.

But none seemed a perfect fit.

And then something happened. A devout Catholic and passionate education advocate named Mary Metz died.

And through the work of the Holy Spirit, she became the catalyst for bringing the perfect candidate forward.

Providence steps in Sexton, who was a close friend to the Metz family, was talking with Mary’s children before her funeral and mentioned CEF’s search for an executive director.

“And they said, ‘We know just the guy for you,’” recalled Sexton. “‘He’s in Kansas City this weekend.’ “‘And you’re going to meet him at the funeral.’”

Indeed, Kirk, vice president for legal affairs and general counsel at Ave Maria University in southwest Florida, just happened to be visiting relatives in Kansas City when Metz died.

Kirk and his wife Elizabeth, who is from the area, also knew the Metz family and decided to attend Mary’s funeral.

“I met him,” said Sexton. “And I was really impressed with him — not just with his credentials, but with his poise and confidence, and his background of a strong commitment to Catholic education.

“So I got Michael Morrisey on the phone.”

Kirk and his wife were open to a change.

“Over the past year,” said Kirk, “my wife and I had been talking about new opportunities and what we could do to

Bill Kirk and his wife Elizabeth are pictured with their three children: (from left) William, 8; Alice, 6; and Benedict, 7. Bill Kirk has been named the new executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation. better serve the church.

“This looked like something appealing.”

Two formal interviews took place that weekend and negotiations continued over the next two months, including interviews with the executive committee and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

Then an offer was made.

“And Bill unknowingly accepted the offer on what would have been Mary Metz’s birthday,” said Sexton. “I don’t believe for one minute that’s a coincidence.”

“God’s providence,” reflected Kirk.

“In a special way, he’s brought my wife and our family back to Kansas City.

“We’re absolutely thrilled about it.”

The Kirks share a passion for the pro-life cause and feel blessed to have been able to adopt three children over the years: William, 8; Benedict, 7; and Alice, 6.

They’re currently in the process of adopting a fourth child, Nicholas.

Transition to a bright future “I am delighted that Bill Kirk has accepted the invitation to lead the Catholic Education Foundation,” said Archbishop Naumann. “CEF has enjoyed

remarkable success and growth under the leadership of Michael Morrisey.

“Bill Kirk brings a passion for Catholic education as well as a unique set of leadership and communication skills that will serve the foundation well.”

Kirk’s five-year stint at Ave Maria University followed more than 20 years in senior administration at the University of Notre Dame and several years in the private sector.

He earned degrees in both accounting and law from Notre Dame and has an impressive resume working in both fields.

“Bill has been very successful in all of his previous responsibilities,” said the archbishop. “It is a tribute to the success of CEF that we have been able to attract someone of Bill Kirk’s caliber to lead the foundation into the future.”

Wells agreed.

“We had this magical combination we were looking for, which was a track record of leadership and a long-term commitment to Catholic education,” she said. “The bonus is to find someone like Bill who also had a track record of development and really has an incredibly inspirational faith life and walks the walk.

“To find that all in one person — wow — it was worth the 10 months. He was worth the wait. I’m glad we were patient.”

Kirk will be introduced to CEF patrons at this year’s Gaudeamus celebration on Oct. 29.

“There will be a process we’ll work through from a transition standpoint,” said Morrisey. “Patty and I have agreed with the executive committee that we’ll be advisers for a period of time.

“CEF is our baby, and we want to make sure it’s done the right way.”

Archbishop Naumann is in no doubt the transition will lead to a bright future for CEF. “I am confident that [Kirk] has the ability not just to sustain the status quo, but to help CEF grow its capacity to help make a Catholic education accessible to more children and families,” he said.

Kirk, who is a product of Catholic education and has been involved in Catholic education his entire life, is thrilled with that prospect.

“I honestly believe Catholic education is so important in the formation of our children,” he said. “They need what the secular schools have to offer, but a Catholic education prepares them for this world and then, more importantly, gets them ready for the next.

“The opportunity to be able to do that for kids who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it — it’s kind of dream come true.”

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

5

‘Sister’ parishioner’s hard work, generosity revitalizes baseball field >> Continued from page 1 understood what he’d gotten himself into.

“I think he really didn’t realize the extent of the project until after he got it approved from the Eagle Scout committee,” said Dan Mitchell, Tommy’s father.

“Tommy was overwhelmed when he heard all he would have to do. He spent six to nine months just figuring out how to get the raw materials worked out.”

A simple cosmetic fix might just have consisted of dragging the field and spraying for weeds. Only after consultation with a sports contractor did Tommy decide on a more comprehensive reconstruction.

After months of careful planning, Tommy determined that the field’s full repair would require almost $2,000 in materials and equipment, including their transportation to and from the field.

“Dan Hays of Kaw Valley Sand and Gravel, Inc., was extremely helpful in the process,” said Tommy. “I had never once met him, but he donated $1,000 worth of aggregate for the field. He was one of the most helpful people in my project.”

The balance of the money for the transportation of materials was made up by generous donors from the St. Michael community.

“It was pretty cool that everyone was so willing to donate,” said Tommy. “The donations just started coming in after I started asking people for assistance. . . .

It showed there is a lot of generosity in the community.”

Armed with the help of generous volunteers and donors, Tommy was ready to get started.

“Getting people out there to work on it in the heat of summer was one of the bigger challenges of the project,” Tommy said. “Everyone has summer jobs, so it was tough getting people out there when they weren’t working.

“We ended up doing a lot of the work after 5 p.m. when it was cooler, and on the weekends.”

Tommy and volunteers replaced the infield with new aggregate, made new benches for the dugouts and restored the fencing on the backstop, putting in a

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Our Lady of Unity fifth-grader Olivia Sanchez waits for the relay throw from the outfield as Enrique Duarte rounds second and heads for third. Thanks to the hard work of Tommy Mitchell and his crew, the kids at Our Lady of Unity have a nice baseball field to play on.

“

“IT WAS PRETTY COOL THAT EVERYONE WAS SO WILLING TO DONATE,” SAID TOMMY. “THE DONATIONS JUST STARTED COMING IN AFTER I STARTED ASKING PEOPLE FOR ASSISTANCE. . . . IT SHOWED THERE IS A LOT OF GENEROSITY IN THE COMMUNITY.” Tommy Mitchell total of 143 hours of manual labor. They also provided all the tools necessary for upkeep of the field, such as building an attachment for the school’s lawn mower

for dragging the field every one to two weeks.

All of Tommy’s hard work has not gone unappreciated by the staff at Our

Lady.

“We’re very thankful to Tommy and his dad, and all the volunteers,” said Shlake. “They’ve made a big impact on our school. We are so grateful for what they’ve done. This is just simply amazing for our kids.”

Father Kent O’Connor, pastor at Our Lady, has enjoyed watching the kids take advantage of the newly enhanced field.

“I’m really happy with it,” he said.

“It’s a great improvement. And especially with the Royals kind of sparking new interest in baseball again, I think the timing is perfect.

“It seems to be a great thing for our parish and for the community.”

Jubilee year concludes with ‘Mercy and Mary’ retreat

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Although the jubilee Year of Mercy ends Nov. 20 on the solemnity of Christ the King, the mercy mission of Catholics isn’t “done and over” by a long shot.

The close of the jubilee Year of Mercy is not an ending, but a beginning, according to Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann Archbishop Naumann is inviting all Catholics in the archdiocese to pray along with him using Father Michael Gaitley’s book, “33 Days to Merciful Love.”

Father Michael is director of evangelization of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception. He lives and works at Eden Hill in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, site of the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy. “‘33 Days to Divine Mercy’ . . . is a self-administered 33-day retreat where [Father Michael] gives meditations for our prayer each of those days, with the idea that, at the end, one would make a consecration to Divine Mercy,” said Archbishop Naumann.

People can make the retreat individu-

Mercy retreat with Father Michael Gaitley Father Michael Gaitley, MIC, will lead a “Mercy and Mary” weekend retreat Oct. 28-30 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas.

The retreat includes five talks

by Father Michael, lodging and all meals, daily Mass and chaplet of Divine Mercy, eucharistic adoration and Benediction, opportunities for confession and a book signing with Father Michael.

Costs are $219 for a dorm-style quad room, $339 for a single room, and $179 for the commuter option.

For information call (413) 9448500. To register online, go to: Events.MarianMissionaries.org.

ally or in small groups.

“This is a wonderful way for Catholics throughout the archdiocese,” he continued, “to bring to conclusion this jubilee Year of Mercy — but not to end the ex-

perience in their own lives of God’s merciful love — and also to be instruments bringing that merciful love to the whole world.”

The intention is that participants will begin the 33-day retreat on Oct. 18 and end with a consecration to Divine Mercy on the solemnity of Christ the King.

“Father Michael has a gift of developing short meditations for daily prayer and to do them in a sequence that builds on one another,” said Archbishop Naumann.

“He uses the insights of some of the great saints like St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Faustina and St. Pope John Paul II in developing these meditations,” he added, “so I think it will be a personally enriching experience for each person who does it. But also it will empower us to continue to be better instruments of [God’s] mercy in the world.”

Some parishes have bulk ordered copies, so check your parish bulletin to see if you can pick up a copy there. Otherwise, persons who want individual copies can purchase them for $9.99 by contacting Tim Chik at Savior Pastoral Center at (913) 647-0370 or by email at: tchik@archkck.org.

Archbishop Naumann’s prayer intentions Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has identified the following prayer intentions for the month of October: • Pray for our nation. Pray that we may choose wisely those that we will empower to govern and lead our country.

• Pray for a renewed respect for human life within our culture and nation.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

6

WORKERS thein VINEYARD

TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus

What have you done for your marriage lately?

H

ow would you answer this question? Would you be at a loss for words? Being busy, we forget to do things done so easily during courtship.

Show your beloved you haven’t forgotten romance!

This practice strengthens the love present in the ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 home.

• Take in the monthly School of Love date night.

• Attend the “Every Day in Love” workshops in October.

• Experience a Marriage Encounter weekend.

• Experience the “Living in Love” retreat.

• Go to: www.archkck.org/mfl2015 for details.

— By Deacon Tony Zimmerman

Kevin Caldwell is the quintessential, all-around “five-tool player” kind of volunteer at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park.

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

CHURCH OF THE WEEK

‘Gratitude’ the attitude of volunteer

Blessed Sacrament, Kansas City, Kansas

In the famous parable, some came early and some came late. But the wages for all were everlasting life. Are you toiling in the Lord’s vineyard yet?

Join us here every week to meet one of the folks The Leaven has discovered hard at work building the kingdom — sometimes in the most unusual ways.

Address: 2203 Parallel, 66104 Phone: (913) 321-1958 Pastor: Father Mark Mertes Mass Times: Saturday, 6 p.m. (en español); Sunday, 8 a.m.; 9:30 a.m. (en español) Website: https:// blessedsacramentkck. org

O

VERLAND PARK — When pressed to describe his service to Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish here in just two or three words, Kevin Caldwell couldn’t do it.

Caldwell’s volunteerism is more appropriately listed than described.

He’s a sacristan, men’s group table leader, on-call rosary leader before Mass, cantor, lector, replenisher of candles, Mass server, cleanup guy and dishwasher after funeral dinners, novena leader and acolyte, and is part of the lead group with Christ Renews His Parish.

And he makes sure the church doors are open on time

MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Maur Hill-Mount Academy football

Head coach: Jermaine Monroe Record: 2-2 Next game: Sept. 30, 7 p.m., at Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri

ONLINE

• VIDEO REPORT: Learn more about the Maur HillMount Academy football team with Todd Habiger’s Team of the Week report.

• PHOTOS: Check out Jay Soldner’s photo gallery from the recent Maur Hill vs. Jackson Heights varsity matchup.

All this and more can be found online at: www.theleaven.org.

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at the start of the day, and the doors are locked and lights out at the end of the day.

Caldwell is the quintessential, all-around “five-tool player” kind of volunteer at the parish.

It wasn’t always this way.

“I was not one of the early birds,” he said. “I’ve been a lector since 1978, when I was 24 or 25 years old and slowly worked my way into some of the ministries. I was on the school council when my daughter was younger. But I didn’t get super involved with the church. I was more family oriented. I wasn’t a part of groups.”

The opportunity to do more service at the parish presented itself nine years ago when he retired at age 55. He had the time, the desire and the ability to do more.

“Our daughter was out of school and on her own when I retired, and my wife was still working,” he said. “I was at a point financially where our daughter was raised and she didn’t have any student debt, and we were on easy street,

for the most part. I took retirement in preparation for a life of volunteering.”

Despite all that he does, Caldwell doesn’t consider himself remarkable in any way.

Rather, he has deep admiration for the “unsung,” less visible parish volunteers who do so much.

“There are other people up here who cut the bushes, keep the grounds looking really nice and plant the flowers, and others who take care of the altar linens, vacuum the church and do all sorts of volunteer stuff, and you don’t even know that they’re there,” he said.

So why does he do it? That’s easily said in just one word: gratitude.

“Of all the blessings that I have gotten in my lifetime, I need to give back,” he said.

“This is my thank you to God, my tiny bit of worship that I can do. That’s what I get out of it.”

Story by Joe Bollig Photo by Doug Hesse

University of Saint Mary named a ‘Best Midwestern College’

EAVENWORTH — The University of Saint Mary here is one of the best colleges in the Midwest according to The Princeton Review — a distinction USM has now earned for 12 consecutive years.

Inclusion on one of The Princeton Review’s regional “best of” lists honors schools for their commitment to academic excellence. USM was one of only 156 colleges to make the Midwestern region, which includes 12 states: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

In the Kansas City area, USM is part of a short roll of only about a

half-dozen “Best Midwestern College” winners.

“We chose the University of Saint Mary and the other outstanding institutions on this list primarily for their excellent academics,” said Robert Franek, The Princeton Review’s senior vice president-publisher.

The Princeton Review editors made their selections based on data the company collected from its survey of administrators at several hundred colleges in each region, as well as its staff visits to schools over the years, and the perspectives of college counselors and advisers whose opinions the company solicits.

The Princeton Review survey

asks students to rate their colleges on several issues, from the accessibility of professors to the quality of science lab facilities, and answer questions about themselves, fellow students and campus life.

Dr. Bryan LeBeau, provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of Saint Mary, noted that “we are gratified to be continually recognized by The Princeton Review as a ‘Best Midwestern College.’ We are especially proud of the recognition because it is based on a survey of our students on a wide variety of factors.

“Clearly, students are pleased with the University of Saint Mary, and that is what matters.”

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS Virginia and Ambrose Lopez, members of Sacred H e a r t Parish, Emporia, recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. The couple was married on Sept.

28, 1946, at St. Catherine Church, Emporia. Their children are: Michael, Mary Jane, Barbara, Nancy, William and William II. They also have 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren (and one on the way), and one great-great-granddaughter.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY

• The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th notices.

Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Nativity House KC would like to invite you to join them on a “Mission from God.” Bluesmobile not included.

Nativity House KC — a residential program for homeless pregnant women age 21 and older — is hosting a fundraiser from 6-10 p.m. on Oct. 24 at the Boulevard Brewing Company, 2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri.

Attendees are invited (but not required) to dress up as their favorite character from “The Blues Brothers” movie.

Tickets are $50 and include a meal.

There will be an open bar. Tickets may be purchased online at: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/mission-from-godtickets-27492509837.

Appointment Father John Riley, chancellor, announces the following appointment made by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann: Father Jomon Palatty, MSFS, from parochial vicar at Church of the Nativity, Leawood, to parochial administrator of Annunciation Parish, Baldwin, and St. Francis of Assisi Church, Lapeer, effective Oct. 4.

Nativity House ‘Mission from God’ fundraiser set for Oct. 24

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Nativity House KC, located within the boundaries of Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, was founded as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2014.

It’s a residential program that not only offers a refuge to pregnant women who choose the “life option,” but also helps them get jobs and further their education. Health insurance, medical care and dental care are provided for them. The women are taught life skills, such as financial literacy, as well.

Sadly, the demand for help is greater than Nativity House KC’s capacity, and funds are urgently need to sustain the program and expand. For more on Nativity House KC’s ministry, or to donate directly, go online to: www. nativityhousekc.org.

Retreat explores justice for all creation

EAVENWORTH — Two Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth with a passion for preserving and sustaining the Earth and creation will facilitate a retreat titled “Realigning Our Lifestyles in Harmony with God’s Creation” Oct. 8-9 at the Marillac Center here.

Sister Rejane Cytacki and Sister Eileen Haynes will lead the retreat, which will invite participants to deepen their understanding of the disconnect between lifestyles today and justice for all of God’s creation.

The retreat will begin at 10 a.m. on Oct. 8 and conclude at noon on Oct. 9. There will be time for individual reflection and small and large group conversations.

Donation for the retreat is $65 and includes lunch, dinner and breakfast. Scholarships are available. Overnight accommodations at Marillac Center are $55 per person. Registration is requested by Oct. 1. For more information, send an email to: retreats@scls.org; call (913) 758-6552; or visit the website at: www.marillaccenter. org.

7

THREE TIMES THE LOVE Pastor brings youthful energy to parishes across rural Kansas

STORIES BY MOIRA CULLINGS PHOTOS BY LIBBY HYDE

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RANKFORT — In the early years of the church in Kansas, Catholic priests had to traverse the territory by horseback, traveling a regular route — or circuit — from one settlement to an-

other to another.

These “traveling clergy” came to be known as “circuit riders.”

Today, Father Daniel Schmitz is what you might call a modern-day circuit rider, responsible for three rural parishes miles apart from each other: Annunciation Parish in Frankfort, St. MonicaSt. Elizabeth Parish in Blue Rapids and St. Columbkille Parish in Blaine.

And though he’s traded the horse for his trusty Chevy Malibu (2009 model, 108,000 miles on the odometer), Father Schmitz has a similar goal: to bring the joy of the Catholic faith to people who aren’t typically easy to reach.

A smooth transition Father Schmitz was ordained in 2013 and spent the first two years of his priesthood as associate pastor of St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood and chaplain of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park.

Making the jump from a large parish inside a heavily populated area to a town with one restaurant and a population of around 700 people wasn’t easy.

“The most frequent image for me was downshifting about three gears,” said Father Schmitz.

“Because you go from 2,400 families and a high school to 300 families total,” he said, “and parishes that people are heavily involved [in].

“I don’t want to say they run themselves, but they take care of so much because it’s been set up for 120 years.”

Despite the difference in size, Father Schmitz’s first priesthood assignment prepared him well for his three-parish gig.

The distance between the three parishes is similar in length to his old route from St. Michael’s to Aquinas, as Frankfort is about 14 miles from both Blaine and Blue Rapids.

“I probably do the same amount of traveling on the weekends,” he said.

“From where I came from, it’s not much of an adjustment, the driving part of it.”

And life as a small town pastor, Father Schmitz has discovered, moves at a slower pace, making the responsibility of managing three parishes a feasible challenge.

The warm welcome he received from people all over Frankfort, Blue Rapids and Blaine was also a huge help.

“Half the town is not Catholic, and yet, within a few weeks,” he said, “the local paper did an article on me.”

“And just from other people talking, most everybody knew who I was and started coming up to introduce themselves to me.

“Whether it’s the local grocery store owner or the restaurant guy coming up and just saying, ‘Hey, welcome to town,’ I appreciated that a lot.”

A day in the life Father Schmitz’s schedule is designed to give an equal amount of care and attention to all three parishes.

“I live [in Frankfort] and the office is here, and this parish is twice as big as the other two,” he said.

“It was easy to host things here and expect people to drive, which works.

But it’s been better, as I’ve adjusted, to put on things at the other two parishes as well,” he added.

Now that he has a better grip on the needs of each parish, Father Schmitz works diligently to attend to each one.

The people of Frankfort and the surrounding towns are grateful for the hard work he puts into each day.

“The first time I met him, I thought, ‘He’s young. He won’t like old people,’” said Ann Barrett, a parishioner of Annunciation Parish.

“But he does, he likes everyone. . . . and I think everyone really enjoys him,” she added.

Barrett looks forward to Wednesday mornings because that’s when Father Schmitz says Mass at the Frankfort Community Care Home, which she visits almost every week.

“I think it’s wonderful he takes the time,” she said. “Even when he was on vacation, he came down and said Mass.

He knows all these people.”

Another part of Father Schmitz’s routine is visiting the homebound each Friday to chat and keep them company.

“I really enjoying hearing their stories,” he said. “They’re amazing people.”

The connection he’s able to make with the families in his parishes is much deeper than what he experienced at a larger parish.

“You get to know the backstories easier and be part of the family when struggles of all stripes come up,” he said, “versus at a huge parish where somebody’s in a crisis and you’ve never met them before.”

When Father Schmitz isn’t visiting people or in meetings, he’s in his office attending to emails, phone calls and various projects.

“A fair amount of my free time is also [figuring out] how we can engage the fallen-away Catholics and the non-Catholics in town,” he said.

He especially enjoys his afternoons, which are filled with exercise, Holy Hours and the occasional nap.

Father Schmitz’s weekends are busier, with two Masses on Saturdays and two Masses on Sundays, starting at Annunciation, followed by St. Columbkille, St.

Father Daniel Schmitz pauses to greet a resident at the Frankfort Community Care Home before he Wednesday morning. The residents look forward to the energetic spirit Father Schmitz brings with him spends time in his office catching up on his three-parish workload.

Monica-St. Elizabeth and finally back at Annunciation.

‘Getting to know you’ Every parish has a personality, and Father Schmitz has gotten to know all three.

“St. Monica-St. Elizabeth has lots of babies,” he said. “It’s 60-65 families and a big chunk are elderly or widowed, but there are over 20 kids under seven years old in these families.”

“There’s a nice core for a small parish of young families,” he continued.

St. Columbkille also has a nice base of younger families, but not as many as exist in St. Monica-St. Elizabeth because there’s really no town there, he said.

“Annunciation is certainly the most active [parish], having more than twice as many people and a bit longer history,” he said.

Annunciation has 170 families, compared to 70 at St. Columbkille and 65 at St. Monica-St. Elizabeth.

“St. Columbkille is very tight-knit,” said Father Schmitz. “A lot of the family members have stayed there, so a big chunk of parishioners are all related.”

“From what I’ve seen there,” he said, “they more or less get along with each other, which is nice for families.”

Despite their minor differences, the

three parishes have much in common.

“There’s certainly a deep love for the faith at all three parishes,” he said.

Father Schmitz grew up in a small town not far from Frankfort, so he is more than familiar with the needs of rural parishes.

And now that he’s busy with three of his own, having family nearby is a huge bonus, especially when he can take time to fish with his grandpa or help his uncle on the farm.

“Growing up on the farm, I hated having to do farm work,” he said. “Now that I get to do farm work, it’s a lot of fun.”

Big-city convert Father Schmitz’s transition to country living was pretty simple, thanks to his own childhood experience.

But for someone like Jason Roberts, a first-year seminarian at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis who grew up in the suburbs, embracing rural life wasn’t easy.

“I’ve never been in a town this small, and there are things that I certainly miss about the city,” he said. “There’s nowhere to eat. There’s nowhere to shop.

It’s been a hard adjustment because with city life, I can sort of go wherever I want for entertainment.”

Roberts spent this past summer in

Father Schmitz puts his love of basketball and home improvement projects to use as he and seminarian Jason Roberts work to fix Annunciation’s basketball goal.

Work hard, play hard

Priest makes time for favorite childhood pastimes

F

e says Mass, something he makes time for each m every week (top). Bottom right, Father Schmitz

Frankfort and got a good taste of what life as a small town pastor would be like.

“All of the parishioners are really kind,” he said. “They’re very friendly and they’re invested in me as a seminarian. That’s a great privilege.”

Roberts also learned what it takes to run three rural parishes, courtesy of Father Schmitz’s guidance and example. “[Father Schmitz] has helped to form me in the pastoral side of parish ministry and he’s shown me a lot of valuable lessons,” said Roberts.

“He’s allowed me to be part of everything in the parish,” he continued, “from serving Masses to the care home to parishioners’ homes for dinner to adoration and parish council meetings.

“If it happens here, I have the opportunity to participate. That gives me a lot of well-rounded experience.”

Generally, the archdiocese doesn’t send seminarians out to rural parishes so early on, but Roberts is grateful for the experience, he said.

“It’s helped me, number one, to appreciate the diversity of our diocese,” he said. “But I know it’s also made me more excited to be in [the] seminary and to be able to serve people here.”

“I am definitely more willing to come out here just because of the experience I’ve had this summer and the kindness of the people and the desire they have to learn their faith,” he said.

Still learning For Roberts, all it took was some firsthand experience to change his perception of life as a pastor of rural parishes.

Father Schmitz played a hand in that, but the young pastor continues to learn his own lessons as well.

“Out here, I’ve realized how a priest’s life is all about showing the mercy of God,” said Father Schmitz. “And I get to be a part of all these good works of God that are being done here.

“That’s what I love being part of.”

RANKFORT — Growing up memories is winning the state chamin the country in a tight-knit pionship during his years at Jackson family made a deep impact Heights High School in Holton. on Father Daniel Schmitz’s “Maybe even more so than that vocation — and his avocais the day in [the] seminary [when] tions as well.

I realized I could get beat and lose a He has, for example, an intense game and that was OK,” he said. passion for basketball.

“It took me a long time to get to “I started playing as soon as I that point, but that was a very good could walk,” he said. day on the court,” he continued.

“A basketball is one of the first Home improvement projects Christmas presents are another part of we would get as Father Schmitz’s upboys growing up," bringing that have he added. "My dad’s remained close to a huge basketball him during his first In this edition of One+, fan.” few years as a priest.

Father Daniel Schmitz As the second “We grew up shares his love for two oldest of four boys, with a project every of his favorite things: Father Schmitz was summer when my basketball and home imconstantly teaming dad was off from provement. up with his younger teaching,” he said. brothers in an effort “And all his brothers to beat the oldest. would come down “He’s five years and help work on it. older than me, so, when I was little, it “Now, all my brothers and my wasn’t a contest. But eventually, with brother-in-law will do the same.” two-on-one we could beat him.

Not to mention that life as pastor “And now we’re all grown men — of three rural parishes has given and it’s a free-for-all.”

Father Schmitz multiple opportuniFather Schmitz is pastor of Anties to put his handyman skills to use. nunciation Parish in Frankfort, St. “I’m not sure if it’s the fewer Monica-St. Elizabeth Parish in Blue resources as much as the age of Rapids and St. Columbkille Parish in structures. But things need to get reBlaine. placed,” he said.

Although busy running all three “I found out especially between parishes, Father Schmitz’s competthree parishes and 15 buildings, itiveness as a child has carried over something always needed to be into adulthood, and he still grabs worked on and still does,” he added. every chance he has at a real game.

Right now, Father Schmitz is The Runnin’ Revs games, which eager to play a part in a few major pit priests and seminarians against projects going on within the parisheighth-grade and high school teams, es, one of which is a total revamp of have been a great way for Father St. Columbkille.

Schmitz to hone his skills and liber“It is really exciting to be a part ate his competitive side. of it,” he said. “I’ve never redone a “The most recent one at Hayden church before.” was actually a competitive game.

But small household projects, The refs were more or less actually though not as complex, are satisfycalling a fair game instead of letting ing in their own way, especially when us win pretty easily,” he said. it comes to fixing something in his After a few missed calls from own house. the referees, Father Schmitz forgot “I can take as much time on them where he was and screamed, “Ref, as I want," he said. "Redo them if I you gotta call that!” need to.

“Then I realized I needed to sit "It’s a cheap way to pass the down for a bit and cool off,” he said. time.”

One of Father Schmitz’s fondest

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

10

Benedictine archabbot was at golf legend’s bedside when he died

By Mark Pattison Catholic News Service

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ASHINGTON (CNS) — Benedictine Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki of St. Vincent’s Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, was with Arnold Palmer when the golfing great died Sept. 25 in Pittsburgh.

It wasn’t the first time Archabbot Nowicki had visited Palmer that day.

Palmer, 87, was in a hospital awaiting a heart operation scheduled for Sept.

26. “I went to say a prayer and give him a blessing. About an hour after I’d departed, I got a call” that Palmer’s health was failing rapidly, the archabbot told Catholic News Service in a Sept. 26 telephone interview.

Even though Palmer was a lifelong Presbyterian, he’d had a relationship with St. Vincent’s spanning more than 50 years, when Archabbot Nowicki himself was in the high school at the archabbey.

Palmer did not let denominational differences deter him. “Arnie sort of appealed to everyone. There were no barriers, race, color, creed — those were things that never entered into” his mind, Archabbot Nowicki said. “He was welcoming to everybody and treated everyone with tremendous warmth and respect.” Palmer came with his wife on occasion to the archabbey’s 7:30 a.m.

Sunday Mass.

“I remember him coming here on one occasion after winning several of the golf tournaments early in his career.

He was hitting golf balls for the students. By then he had a fairly good reputation,” Archabbot Nowicki recalled.

“He would give a little demonstration.

I remember when he was doing it they put a little trash pail out in the middle, about 150 yards out, and he was hitting balls out and he got about five in the tanker,” he chuckled.

“The first time he invited me over, I told him I didn’t know how to play, so I sent my prior, Father Albert. But this was after he retired professionally. But he still played golf, every day at Latrobe Country Club.” When the archabbot saw Palmer again, he said Palmer told him, “The next time you send someone, send someone who is as good as your prior. This guy cost me 20 bucks.”

“Arnie, as you know, was competitive and enjoyed playing with good golfers,” Archabbot Nowicki said.

“Fred Rogers (of ‘Mister Rogers’

CNS PHOTO/HANS DERYK, REUTERS

Former champion Arnold Palmer of the U.S hits from a sand trap during the 2008 annual Masters Par 3 golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. Palmer, known as “the King” for his transformative legacy in golf, died Sept. 25 at a Pittsburgh hospital at age 87.

Neighborhood’ fame) and Arnie Palmer went to the same school together. I think they were one year apart. They were very good friends during his lifetime,” the archabbot told CNS. “Arnie’s father taught Mr. Rogers how to play golf. . . . [Rogers] “said that his father taught Arnie better than he taught him.”

In retirement, Palmer lived five months of the year in his native Latrobe. Not only did he and his first wife, Winnie, who died in 1999, lend their name and their presence to various archabbey events, Winnie Palmer was “very helpful at keeping Wal-Mart out of our backyard,” Archabbot Nowicki said. Arnold Palmer also served on the St. Vincent’s College board of directors.

In 1996 the college gave Palmer an honorary degree.

Archabbot Nowicki took up Palmer’s invitation to join him when the golfing legend received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2012. Jack Nicklaus was there and he paid tribute to Arnie at the service,” the archabbot recalled. “I

“

“ARNIE SORT OF APPEALED TO EVERYONE. THERE WERE NO BARRIERS, RACE, COLOR, CREED — THOSE WERE THINGS THAT NEVER ENTERED INTO” HIS MIND. Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki of St. Vincent’s Archabbey in Latrobe

know Jack had always been a wonderful friend of Arnie’s, and the two enjoyed each other’s company.”

The archabbot remembered visiting Palmer at his Bay Hill Golf Club near Orlando, Florida. “He had given one of our commencement addresses. He

talked about the importance of decorum. He said, ‘That means when you enter a room that you take your hat off.’” At the club, a man “came into the dining room and had his hat on. Arnie said very gently to him, ‘Will you please take off your hat?’ He had that respect for people.”

Palmer learned golf from his father, who was the greenskeeper at the Latrobe Country Club. He attended what was then Wake Forest College on a golf scholarship. He left school and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, serving for three years. In 1954, he won the U.S. Amateur golf tournament; a year later he won the Canadian Open, and his golf career was launched.

Palmer won 95 professional championships, including 62 on the PGA Tour, and seven major tournaments. He earned $1.6 million in prize money, and another $50 million in golf-related business off the course. He also was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004.

‘Moved by Mercy’ is theme of Respect Life Month

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ASHINGTON (CNS) — Each year, October is designated as Respect Life Month by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and this year’s theme is “Moved by Mercy.”

It draws on a quote from Pope Francis: “We are called to show mercy because mercy has been shown to us.”

The first Sunday of October, which is Oct. 9 this year, is Respect Life Sunday, and kicks off what is a yearlong pro-life program for the U.S. Catholic Church.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities has prepared a packet for the 20162017 program containing materials and resources that can be downloaded in English and Spanish at www.usccb. org/respectlife.

“Like the good Samaritan, may we always treat each person with merciful

love and respect that affirms the gift of his or her life,” says the introduction to the packet of materials, which include brochures, fliers and posters. A social media toolkit also is available at the same website; the social media campaign is using the hashtag #MovedByMercy.

The yearlong observance aims “to help Catholics understand, value and become engaged with supporting the dignity of the human person, and therefore the gift of every person’s life.”

Launched in 1972, the Respect Life Program was created to celebrate the value and dignity of human life in Catholic dioceses across the United States.

Each year, as a part of the program, Respect Life Month is observed with liturgies and marked by special events that take place during the month of October and continue through the following September.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

11

Pope highlights sanctity of life in Year of Mercy visits

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis donned a green hospital gown over his white cassock and entered the neonatal unit of a Rome hospital, peering in the incubators, making the sign of the cross and encouraging worried parents.

The trip to the babies’ ward of Rome’s San Giovanni Hospital and then to a hospice Sept. 16 were part of a series of Mercy Friday activities Pope Francis has been doing once a month during the Year of Mercy.

By visiting the ailing newborns and the dying on the same day, the Vatican said, Pope Francis “wanted to give a strong sign of the importance of life from its first moment to its natural end.”

“Welcoming life and guaranteeing its dignity at every moment of its development is a teaching Pope Francis has underlined many times,” the statement said. With the September visits he wanted to put “a concrete and tangible seal” on his teaching that living a life of mercy means giving special attention to those in the most precarious situations.

During the Mercy Friday visits, Pope Francis has spent time with migrants, the aged, at a recovery community for former drug addicts and at a shelter for women rescued from human trafficking and prostitution.

Pope Francis stopped by the emergency room of San Giovanni Hospital before going to the neonatal unit, where 12 little patients were being treated. Five of the newborns, including a pair of twins, were in intensive care and were intubated, the Vatican said. The pope also went to the maternity ward and nursery upstairs, greeting new parents and holding their bundles of joy.

CNS PHOTO/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO, HANDOUT

Pope Francis holds a baby as he visits the neonatal unit at San Giovanni Hospital in Rome Sept. 16. The visit was part of the pope’s series of Friday works of mercy during the Holy Year.

At the neonatal unit, the Vatican said, the pope was “welcomed by the surprised personnel” and, like everyone else, put on a gown and followed all the hygiene procedures.

Leaving the hospital, he drove across

town to the Villa Speranza hospice, which hosts 30 terminally ill patients.

The hospice is connected to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

Pope Francis went into each of the rooms and greeted each patient, the

Vatican said. “There was great surprise on the part of all — patients and relatives — who experienced moments of intense emotion with tears and smiles of joy.”

Jesuits explain their process for electing new superior general

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

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OME (CNS) — The Jesuits have a unique process for electing a superior general for their order, a process that “if you have not seen it, you would think it is impossible,” said Spanish Jesuit Father Orlando Torres, rector of an international Jesuit house of studies in Rome.

“I’ve never seen an election like this anywhere in the world,” Father Torres told reporters in Rome Sept. 27 as 215 Jesuits from around the world were preparing to begin a general congregation and elect a successor to 80-yearold Spanish Father Adolfo Nicolas.

Going into the meeting, which begins Oct. 2, there are no candidates, Father Torres said. After discussing the state of the Society of Jesus — where it is growing and shrinking, its strengths and weaknesses — the delegates begin four days of “murmuratio,” a series of one-on-one conversations designed to elicit information about Jesuits who may have the qualities needed to lead the world’s largest religious order of men.

If, for example, a delegate believes the situation of the Society of Jesus in Europe should be a priority for the next superior, he said, a delegate would ask another, “Do you know someone

CNS PHOTO/ROBERT DUNCAN

Jesuit Father Orlando Torres, rector of the International Gesu College in Rome, gestures during a Sept.

27 news conference in Rome to discuss the general congregation meeting, which will open Oct. 2.

Father Patrick Mulemi, communications director at the Jesuit headquarters, is pictured at right. who could do this work and respond to the needs of the society today?” If the person says he knows someone, the delegate would ask, “What are his qualities? Tell me, what are his limitations?”

However, Father Torres said, a delegate cannot suggest another vote for a specific candidate or ask who another delegate plans to vote for. Also, the conversations may not take place in groups “to avoid anything that can appear to be a campaign for a candi-

date or a pressure group,” he said.

And, “obviously, it is prohibited to promote yourself,” Father Torres said.

In fact, in preparing for the election, the congregation delegates elect members of an “anti-ambition” commission to deal with any allegations that someone is campaigning for the office of superior general.

The rules of the Jesuits call for an atmosphere of prayer and penance during the four days of conversations.

Little by little, Father Torres said,

“already by the third day you are thinking of two or three” candidates who would make a good superior general.

After the fourth day of “murmuratio,” the delegates celebrate Mass together, invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit, listen to an admonition by a fellow Jesuit, spend 45 minutes in silence and then begin voting.

To be elected, a candidate must receive at least half plus one of the votes, Father Torres said.

The process works, he said, pointing to the past two elections: Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach was elected on the first ballot in 1983 and Father Nicolas was elected on the second ballot in 2008.

Although the general congregation sets its own calendar, the actual election is expected sometime after Oct. 7, said Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the former Vatican spokesman and a delegate to the general congregation.

“Once elected, we call the pope to inform him,” Father Torres said. Years ago a delegate would walk down the street to the Vatican to inform the pope, but “now we use a cellphone.”

Theoretically, any Jesuit priest who has made final vows may be elected, Father Torres said. He does not have to be among the general congregation delegates.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, round- trip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

Career opportunity - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City metro, Atchison and Topeka area. Ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better than average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. This is a full-time position. Please contact John A. Mahon, general agent, for more information or an interview at 1275 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612 or call (785) 408-8806. You can also send an email to: john.mahon@kofc.org.

Infant and toddler teachers - Knowledge and experience preferred in the care of infants and toddlers.

Daytime hours and no weekends. Must complete background checks and qualification requirements. St. Joseph Early Education Center, Shawnee. Please contact Theresa at (913) 248-4589.

Service technician – A small biomedical company is seeking a service technician to service microscopes in a fourstate area which includes cleaning, repairing, adjusting, testing and troubleshooting. A qualified candidate must be mechanically inclined; electrical knowledge a plus. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, customer service-oriented, detail-oriented, flexible, dependable, mature, personable and have an interest in the science field.

They must also have dependable transportation. Up to 50% travel. Email resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

Internal support staff – A small biomedical company is seeking sales support for director of sales, and inside support for service technicians, to provide excellent customer service answering phone calls and emails. Knowledge of Microsoft Windows, filing, shipping and receiving. We are looking for an individual who has a good attitude and is organized, personable, communicates well and able to multi-task. Email resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

Drivers - Needed for aftermarket auto company. Great opportunity for retired persons. Two to three days a week, Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. CDL not required. Must have an excellent driving record. For interviews, apply in person at: 3030 S. 24th St., Suite B, Kansas City, Kansas.

Director of music - Immaculate Conception Parish in Springfield, Missouri, is seeking a full-time director of sacred music. Responsibilities include: planning, preparing and executing music for Sunday and weekday school liturgies; training and instructing our choirs and cantors. Must be a strong organist with a proven choral background. Must be a practicing Catholic; a degree in music or liturgical music is preferred. A complete job description with instructions for application can be found on the parish website at: http://ic-parish.org (click on the director of sacred music icon) or call the parish office at (417) 887-0600.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd catechists - St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood is seeking certified Level I (3-6) Catechesis of the Good Shepherd catechists immediately.

The department is seeking Level II (6-9) catechists as part of its program expansion. These are paid part-time positions.

Qualified applicants should send an email to Diane Jones at: CGS@stmichaelcp.org or call (913) 402-3941.

Three teaching positions - Prince of Peace Early Education Center in Olathe is looking for three afternoon teachers. One position is from 3:30 - 6 p.m. M - F in a two-year-olds room and is perfect for high school students who are 16 years or older. The other positions are from 2 – 6 p.m. with 3-yearolds and school age. You must love children to apply. We have a friendly work environment. Previous child care experience preferred, but not necessary. This is a perfect opportunity for early childhood/elementary education majors.

Contact Amanda at (913) 829-2728.

Drivers - Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans. Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas.

Competitive wages and flexible schedules. CDL not required.

Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 262-3100 or apply online at: AssistedTransportation.com. EEO Special operations technician - Divine Mercy Radio, located in Hays, Kansas, seeks a full-time special operations technician to perform a variety of duties associated with running a radio station. Candidate with knowledge of computer hardware and server security will be a plus. Must embrace the mission of Catholic radio. For a complete job description go to: dvmercy.com. To apply, send resume, including references and a cover letter, to: Divine Mercy Radio, 108 E. 12th St., Ste. #1, Hays, KS 67601. Divine Mercy Radio, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer.

Client Experience Coordinator - Wellington, a full-service event management and marketing company, is looking for a Client Experience Coordinator to assist with the production of extraordinary events for clients of all sizes. The CEC frequently acts as the face of the company, being the first person to greet guests and direct client, partner and vendor phone calls. They are a personable, structured and disciplined individual who is able to handle high-pressure situations. Because they juggle numerous projects and tasks at any one time, the CEC must have the ability to multitask and complete a variety of tasks quickly — without sacrificing accuracy and attention to detail. Applicants may apply online at: http://www.wellingtonexperience.com/careers/.

Teachers and assistant teacher - The Goddard School in Olathe is seeking a preschool teacher, a pre-kindergarten teacher and a toddler teacher — all full-time positions — as well as an assistant teacher for multiple classrooms.

Lead and assistant teachers work together. Daily responsibilities are: developing lesson plans; meeting the individual needs of the children; communicating with parents; participation in staff and training meetings; designing appropriate room arrangement to support the goals and development level of the children in the classroom; interacting with the children to support play, exploration and learning; presenting expectations that are appropriate to the child’s age and developmental level; plan and implement activities that develop self-esteem and social skills; communicate appropriately and professionally with parents and fellow staff; building teamwork; use assessment tools; and commit to continuing education. To apply, email a resume and cover letter to: olathe2ks@goddardschools.com.

Parish accountant – St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood is seeking a part-time accountant. Responsibilities include financial reporting, payroll (including 401(k) and benefits), electronic payment processing, budgeting, expense allocation and assistance with the annual stewardship drive.

A qualified candidate will possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills, advanced Excel and database skills, three years of recent, hands-on experience with payroll and benefit software systems, and at least an associates degree in business or accounting. See complete job description and contact information under Employment Opportunities at: www.stmichaelcp.org.

Groundskeeper - Catholic Cemeteries is seeking an individual for a full-time groundskeeping position, hours Monday through Saturday. This position requires heavy lifting. Must be physically fit; experience operating construction equipment would be a plus. Must be a fast learner and flexible on hours. Interested individuals should contact Matt Wirtz at (913) 371-4040.

Development director - Didde Catholic Campus Center at Emporia State University, Emporia, is looking for a development director who will be responsible for leading and managing the fund development program; raising funds for the center and programs; managing funds for the center and programs; and managing all committees involved in fund development activities. For more information on the Didde Center, this position and how to apply, visit the website at: www.petreusdevelopment.com/jobs.

Coordinator of youth ministry - St. James Catholic Church in Liberty, Missouri, is searching for a new coordinator of youth ministry. The position is full time, based upon 40 hours per week. The parish offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental and vision plans, STD/ LTD fully paid by the employer, retirement plans including a 403(b) plan, and a defined benefit pension plan. Paid time off includes generous vacation and sick leaves, plus paid holidays. The coordinator of youth ministry must be committed to, focused on, and fulfill the spiritual and personal development of every youth by assisting them to embrace God’s love so they can live out their faith in prayer, service, evangelization, discernment and love. The position will lead 6th- to 12thgrade youth into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. To apply, go to the website at: https://careers.hireology.com/ thecatholicdioceseofkansascitystjoseph/78432/description.

Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, and cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education.

Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available, as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

Drivers needed - Medi Coach Transportation is looking for caring and reliable drivers for nonemergency transportation.

CDL is not required. Contact Jeff at (913) 825-1921.

SERVICES Fall tutoring - Available for K - 12 and home-schooler in music and academics. For more information, call/text Kathleen at (913) 206-1837 or email: klmamuric@yahoo.com.

Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

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Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

Thank you for another great year - Through your support my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovations, tile and sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Josh (913) 709-7230.

Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project!

Landscape and irrigation design, Installation and maintenance.

Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad.

Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days.

Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., (913) 962-5058.

Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

EVERFIT fitness community - We provide a variety of classes designed to make fitness fun while challenging you to a higher level of performance. Classes include boxing, cycling, HIIT, weights, PiYo, TRX, our signature EverFit Tri and more. EverFitKC.com. Save 10% with this ad or promo code: LEAVEN. Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting.

Hedge trimming, mulch, leaf removal.

Fully insured and free estimates.

John Rodman (913) 548-3002

HOME IMPROVEMENT EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391 NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson.

(913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336.

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

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

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Local handyman and lawn care – Water heaters, garbage disposals, toilets, faucets, painting, power washing, doors, storm doors, gutter cleaning, wood rot, mowing, carpet, roofing, etc. Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655 Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. - We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow.

Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125.

Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service – Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built onsite. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW.SWALMS ORGANIZING.COM. KIRK AND YEYO PAINTING Whole house painting Wood rot repair, affordable Only premium paint used Licensed and insured (913) 927-5240, nelsport@everestkc.net Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson County area. Call for a free quote at (913) 709-8401.

House Painting Interior and exterior; wallpaper removal.

Power washing, fences, decks.

30 years’ experience. References. Reasonable rates.

Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling.

Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.

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

Kansas City’s Premier Deck, Fence & Concrete - We repair, power wash and stain wood decks and fences. We power wash and seal concrete drives, walkways, pool decks and more. Call Brian at (913) 952-5965. Member of Holy Trinity Parish.

CAREGIVING Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com.

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

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

“Lynn at Heart” - 24 years’ experience in all types of private care. Excellent references. 24/7, shift or respite care. In-home, assisted living, nursing home, companionship, light housekeeping, meal prep, transportation, ADLs, care management, hospice. Greater KC area. Call (913) 707-0024. Ask for Mark.

Personalized care - Experienced, specializing in dementia, medication setup and activities of daily living.

Excellent references. Contact Andrea at (913) 548-1930.

Companion care - Retired nurse will do what needs to be done. $15/hour. References available. Call (913) 5795276.

Caregiving - For your loved one. Cheerful, experienced, empathetic. Excellent local references. Call Vivian at (913) 292-4829.

CNA, Home Health Care Professional - Provides TLC in the comfort of the client’s residence. Budget friendly.

Available 24 hours, or part time. Excellent references. 25 years of Seasoned Experience. Nonsmoker. Call (816) 806-8104.

FOR SALE Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment.

Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood.

Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.

For sale - At Mount Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, Kansas. Tandem crypt in mausoleum. Today’s selling price is $7,035; offering this space for $5,000. Call Marcie at (913) 712-8124.

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 Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - I’m Mark Edmondson, a local parishioner at Holy Trinity, and I buy and sell houses in any condition. If you have a house “situation,” call me. I might have a solution for you. (913) 980-4905.

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware.

Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179.

St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

Want to help someone heal from an abortion?

Call Toll Free 888-246-1504

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR FALL BAZAAR St. Boniface - Scipio 32292 N.E. Norton Rd., Garnett Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

There will be a roast beef or chickenand-noodle dinner. The cost is: $9 for adults; $5 for kids 10 and under; and $10 for carryout. There will also be bingo, face painting, raffles, a country store and crafts. For more information, call Mary Carol at (785) 2486917.

WARD ALUMNI GATHERING Johnny’s Tavern 13131 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Shawnee Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.

Join area Bishop Ward High School alumni at the fall Cyclone gathering in the back of Johnny’s Tavern for food, fellowship and fun.

For more information or to RSVP, send an email to Greg Duggins at: gduggins@ward high.org or call him at (913) 371-6901.

BEER & BACON Holy Cross Church (gym) 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park Oct. 8 at 7 p.m.

There will be blues and jazz, bacon hors d’oeuvres, home brews and craft beers. All proceeds will go to the Holy Cross professional development fund. For more information, send an email to Jennifer Jones at: jmjones050@gmail.com

FALL BAZAAR Holy Family Church 600 Main St., Summerfield Oct. 2 from 4:30 - 8 p.m.

Turkey, dressing and trimmings will be served for dinner. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 12 and under. There will be a country store and chance book drawings.

FALL FEST Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish 1405 2nd Ave., Leavenworth Oct. 2 from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

PROJECT ANDREW Queen of the Holy Rosary 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park Oct. 9 from 2 - 5 p.m.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann invites single men ages 16 and over to Project Andrew, an afternoon of prayer, presentations and a delicious dinner. Parents may attend and enjoy a special session with parents of seminarians. There is no cost, but register by going to the website at: www.kck vocations.com or send an email to: vocation@ archkck.org. Indicate whether you are attending the Oct. 9 at Queen or the Oct. 30 session at Most Pure Heart, Topeka, from 4-7 p.m.

A turkey or ham dinner will be served. There will be entertainment, a silent auction, a country store and games for all ages. There will also be two different raffles: one for a high efficiency Trane heating and cooling system and a cash raffle. For more information, call (913) 772-2424.

FALL BAZAAR St. Theresa Church 209 3rd St., Perry Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

A turkey and ham dinner, plus homemade pie, will be served. The cost is $9 for adults; $4 for kids 10 and under. Carryout meals are available. There will be games for kids, a silent auction, bingo, a cakewalk, baked goods and a country store.

PANCAKE LUNCHEON St. Mary Church 446 Hwy. 137, Purcell Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

We will be serving pancakes, whole hog sausage, scrambled eggs, homemade pie and tea or coffee. A freewill offering will be accepted.

Father Tom Hesse, along with other area and regional priests, will lead the rosary rally. It will start at the church and continue around the grounds of the state Capitol, concluding with Eucharistic Benediction at the church.

In case of inclement weather, the rosary will be prayed in the church.

This Mass will be in honor of all of our guests and donors. After Mass, there will be time to visit with the archbishop and others, as well as enjoy a picnic lunch. Tours of the facility will be available. Call (913) 773-7038 to let us know you are coming.

TAIZE PRAYER Annunciation Chapel 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.

Persons of all Christian traditions are invited to participate in Taize prayer. Taize prayer is a meditative, candlelit service that includes simple chants sung repeatedly, silence and prayers of praise and intercession. These prayer services emerged from an ecumenical community of monks in Taize, France. For more information, visit the website at: www. marillaccenter.org or call (913) 680-2342.

A turkey and ham dinner with all the trimmings will be served. The cost is: $9 for adults; $4 for kids ages 5 - 12; free for kids ages 4 and under; and $9 for carryout meals.

There will also be a country store, games, money drawings, a beer garden, bingo, raffles, a silent auction and an ice cream stand.

For more information, call the parish office at (785) 484-3312.

COPING WITH GRIEF AND LOSS? Good Shepherd Parish 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee Oct. 13 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Mark Fenton, a licensed grief counselor, will facilitate grief education groups every Thursday evening in October. The Oct. 13 session will be: “Picking up the pieces, a path for surviving suicide.” For more information, call Alison Beloin at (913) 563-5304.

TURKEY DINNER AND BAZAAR Sacred Heart Parish 1100 West St., Tonganoxie Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Carryout available until 2:30 p.m. The cost for dinner is: $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 6 - 12; free for kids ages 5 and under. There will be a country store, bingo, theme baskets and children’s games. There will also be a raffle with cash prizes totaling over $2700.

ANNUAL HOPE BENEFIT DINNER, DANCE AND AUCTION Abdallah Shrine Temple 5300 Metcalf Ave., Mission Oct. 15 from 5 - 10 p.m.

Join us for Sanctuary of Hope’s 11th annual Hope Benefit dinner, dance and auction. This benefit helps us provide an affordable, innercity prayer and retreat center in Kansas City, Kansas. The cost is $50 per ticket/person for full buffet, drinks, dancing and auction. For more information and to purchase tickets, call Julie at (913) 321-4673 or send an email to: Julie@sanctuaryofhope.org.

HARVEST MOON SINGLES DANCE Curé of Ars (school cafeteria) 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood Oct. 15 from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m.

The cost to attend is $20 at the door and includes a meal of meat hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine, beer and soda. Drive behind the school to park. For more information, call (913) 631-6873.

PUBLIC SQUARE ROSARY RALLY Curé of Ars Church 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood Oct. 15 at noon

The rosary rally, sponsored by America Needs Fatima, will be held outdoors in the Marian Garden. This public rosary rally will be one of over 15,000 rallies taking place all across the United States. Bring a lawn chair.

INFANT GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT Church of the Nativity 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Oct. 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3 from 7 - 9 p.m.

An infant grief and loss support program is being held for couples, individuals or others who are living with the loss of an infant due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or early infant death. For more information or to register, call Mary Helen Dennihan at (913) 484-8116 or send an email to her at: dennihan6@kc.rr.com.

ROSARY RALLY FOR OUR NATION Mater Dei Parish-Assumption Church 8th & Jackson, Topeka Oct. 9 at 2 p.m.

MASS OF THANKSGIVING Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Oct. 2 at 11 a.m.

FALL BAZAAR AND DINNER St. Aloysius Church 615 E. Wyandotte St., Meriden Oct. 9 from 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

13

OKTOBERFEST St. Mary-St. Anthony (Bishop Forst Hall) 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 15 at 4 p.m.

A traditional dinner will be served. The cost of dinner is $10 with a ticket; $12 at the door. Tickets are available at Theresa’s Hair Salon, 508 N. 6th, Kansas City, Kansas, or at the parish office. For more information, call Carol Shomin at (913) 897-4833 or send an email to: cshomin@everestkc.net.

BOW TIES FOR BABIES Grand Street Cafe 4740 Grand Ave., Kansas City, Missouri Oct. 14 at 6 p.m.

There will be a reception, silent and live auctions and dinner. The cost to attend is $150 per person. Proceeds benefit Alexandra’s House, which serves families learning during pregnancy that their baby will not survive or will die shortly after birth. For more information, visit the website at: www.bowties forbabies.com.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE Sanctuary of Hope 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 14-16

This ministry serves the widowed, separated and divorced who are suffering the loss of a love relationship and may feel left out by the church, uneasy around married friends, unsure of themselves and uncertain about their futures. This weekend helps grieving persons focus on their experience and deal with the natural grief process. It offers an opportunity to turn the pain of loss into an experience of positive growth. For more information, visit the website at: www.beginningexperiencekc. org or send an email to: register.bekc@gmail. com.

LILLIS HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF ’66 50-YEAR REUNION RC’s Restaurant and Lounge 330 E. 135th St., Kansas City, Missouri Oct. 15 at 5 p.m.

Lillis High School Class of 1966, come join us to celebrate our 50th reunion! Order food and drinks off of the menu. There will be a pre-party on Oct. 14 at Windy City Pub (12924 State Line Rd., Leawood). For more information, call Deborah at (816) 916-2922.

‘REDISCOVERING JOY’: A DAY RETREAT FOR WOMEN Annunciation Church 213 E. 5th St., Frankfort Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Enjoy a day of fellowship with other women of faith. There will be music, discussion groups and meditation. The “Soul Provider” gift shop will have religious items for sale.

Lunch will be provided; a freewill offering will be accepted. The deadline for registration is Oct. 7. Register online at: www.annunciation frankfort.org or call (785) 292-4283.

ROSARY RALLY Queen of the Holy Rosary Church 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park Oct. 15 at 9 a.m.

We will honor Our Lady of Fatima with a rosary procession outside and pray with others throughout the world for peace, the reparation of sins and for the conversion of sinners. Benediction will follow.

CALENDAR POLICY

Calendar notices are due eight days before the publication date. Because of space considerations, notices may only run two weeks before the event. Send notices to: beth.blankenship@ theleaven.org.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY TWENTY-SEVENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Oct. 2 TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Hb 1: 2-3; 2: 2-4 Ps 95: 1-2, 6-9 2 Tm 1: 6-8, 13-14 Lk 17: 5-10 Oct. 3 Monday Gal 1: 6-12 Ps 111: 1b-2, 7-9, 10c Lk 10: 25-37 Oct. 4 Francis of Assisi Gal 1: 13-24 Ps 139: 1b-3, 13-15 Lk 10: 38-42 Oct. 5 Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, priest Gal 2: 1-2, 7-14 Ps 117: 1bc, 2 Lk 11: 1-4 Oct. 6 Bruno, priest; Blessed Marie Rose Durocher, virgin Gal 3: 1-5 (Ps) Lk 1: 69-75 Lk 11: 5-13 Oct. 7 Our Lady of the Rosary Gal 3: 7-14 Ps 111: 1b-6 Lk 11: 15-26 Oct. 8 Saturday Gal 3: 22-29 Ps 105: 2-7 Lk 11: 27-28

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“F

There’s a wealth of knowledge here

or the love of money is the root of all

evils.”

How many times have you heard this passage from the First Letter of Paul to Timothy (6:10) misquoted? Usually, folks tend to leave out “the love of” and that omission alters the meaning of the sentence quite a bit.

But money itself can be a problem, right?

The other day, a cousin sent me this email about money: “It can buy you a house, but not a home.

It can buy you a bed, but not sleep.

It can buy you a clock, but not time.

It can buy you a book, but not knowledge.

It can buy you a position, but not respect.

It can buy you medicine, but not health.

It can buy you blood, but not life.

Indeed, money causes pain and suffering. I tell you all this because I am your friend and, as your friend, I want to relieve your pain and suffering.

So, send me all of your money — tens and twenties, please, in unmarked bills — and I will be glad to suffer for you!”

I

14

MARK MY WORDS

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

What? Does everything here have to have some inspirational message? OK, check out this quote then: “Money can’t buy you happiness . . . but it will let you be miserable in some really nice places!”

All kidding aside, the Sunday readings the past few weeks have really highlighted the potential dangers of wealth. It can become our god, possess us, lead to greed, make us complacent, and harden our hearts to the cries of the poor. There’s no “gospel of prosperity” being preached here, and yet we still glorify

“excess” and belittle “simplicity” in our world.

What’s it like to be really poor? A few weeks ago, I read an excellent reflection in the Sept. 4 preaching resource of Celebration Publications.

Deacon Ross Beaudoin wrote about a “mission immersion” that he took part in in Tijuana. Since members of his group wanted to truly encounter and live with the poor, they were issued three challenges: 1) eat what was offered and not seek their own food; 2) beg for food outside of a grocery store for those who were hungry; and 3) set aside things that use energy (like hair dryers, smartphones and laptops) “that the poor probably didn’t own and [for which they] couldn’t afford the utility bill.”

Deacon Beaudoin concluded: “In this

experience, we were challenged to internalize and activate the message of what it means to live in solidarity with people of God who do without much of what we consider ordinary, or even necessary.”

Wow! I’ve become quite uncomfortable lately looking around my house. Where did all my “stuff” come from? I fear that I’m proving Mary MacVean, a writer for the Los Angeles Times, absolutely correct when she wrote in March 2014 that the average American home contains about 300,000 items. (And no, I didn’t add an extra “0” in there.) If you’re skeptical about that, start an inventory of your possessions — count individual pens, coins, paper clips, utensils, books, tools, magazines, clothes, cosmetics, toys, etc. Don’t forget to add in “treasures” found in the garage, attic and any storage units you rent. You’ll probably be stunned long before you finish.

In the Gospel parable a couple of weeks ago, Jesus spoke of “dishonest wealth.” Those words stood out for me. I found myself saying, “Well, thank goodness, all of my wealth is honest!”

But is it really?

All wealth is dishonest because it promises what it can never deliver: lasting happiness and contentment. But it’s also dishonest in the sense that the price that I paid for many of my possessions probably didn’t adequately compensate the person who manufactured it, particularly if it came from a Third World country. In other words, although I got it cheap, did I really cheat the person who made it out of a living wage?

Jesus advised us to “make friends for yourself with dishonest wealth.” That is, we’re called to use our resources as tools to build relationships, especially with the needy.

Now that autumn is here, it’s time to learn a lesson from the trees. Let’s shed the possessions that we no longer like, use or need and “make friends” by getting that stuff into the hands of people who will appreciate them.

Last Sunday, the Gospel gave us a stark choice: Stand with the rich man or with Lazarus while you’re here on this earth. I don’t know about you, but I’m putting my money on Lazarus.

Faith can accomplish the seemingly impossible

f you could choose a superpower, what would you choose?

X-ray vision? The ability to fly? Telepathy?

Invisibility? Superphysical strength?

In Sunday’s Gospel reading, Lk 17:5-10, Jesus tells the apostles: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

Now, that’s a superpower! We do not need to take Jesus’ words literally to understand that he is emphasizing the extreme power of faith. Just a little bit will go a long way.

Notice the reference to a mustard seed.

It reminds us of the parable which compares the kingdom of God to a

POPE FRANCIS

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

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

mustard seed (Lk 13:1819). In both cases, Jesus is drawing attention to the small size of the

Violence in the name of God does not represent the true nature of religion and must be condemned by all faiths, Pope Francis said. “We never tire of repeating that the name of God cannot be used to justify violence. Peace alone, and not war, is holy!” the pope said Sept. 20 at the closing ceremony of an interreligious peace gathering in Assisi.

mustard seed.

How is it possible that an inanimate object like a mulberry tree might obey anyone, whether that person had any faith or not? It is just as unlikely that a tree be planted in the ocean, instead of solid ground.

It’s impossible.

But Jesus is telling the apostles, and us, that faith can enable us

to accomplish the apparently impossible. Faith enables us to go beyond our narrow vision, to see the possibilities that only God sees.

One hundred years ago, it did not seem possible for any human being to walk on the moon. Fifty years ago, it did not seem possible that the Iron Curtain erected by the Soviet Union would ever fall.

But these seemingly impossible events have happened.

With faith, we can do the impossible. We place our faith in modern science. We place our faith in our own human willpower. But imagine what can happen if we place our faith in Almighty God. In the Gospel reading, Jesus tells the apostles

Following a prayer service with Christian leaders, including Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, the pope joined religious leaders from around the world to appeal for peace and unity. The religious leaders also heard the experience of a victim of war from the Syrian city of Aleppo and prayed for those who had died in conflicts around the world.

that their faith can make even inanimate objects obey them, like the mulberry tree planting itself in the sea. Then he goes on to discuss their role as God’s servants: “When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’”

The concept of obedience links these two sections of the Gospel.

On one hand, faith can make even inanimate objects obey the apostles. On the other hand, as God’s servants, the apostles are obliged to obey whatever God commands, without any expectations on their part.

We obey God, and then all things will obey us. Even mulberry trees.

In his speech, the pope called on believers of every faith “to confront the great sickness of our time: indifference. It is a virus that paralyzes, rendering us lethargic and insensitive, a disease that eats away at the very heart of religious fervor, giving rise to a new and deeply sad paganism: the paganism of indifference,” he said.

— CNS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMNETARY

15

School year opens with new faces, time-honored mission

D

ear friends of Catholic schools, As we left the music classroom, I heard the second-graders ask their teacher, “Is it time for our prayer? We have to pray!”

At a meeting of new Catholic school leaders, approximately seven of whom came to us from public schools, I listened as they shared what drew them to our schools. To a person, each one described feeling called to serve in a setting in which they could share their faith and be a part of fostering the faith lives of their students.

They came to our schools, not because

FROM THE SUPER

KATHY O’HARA Kathy O’Hara is the superintendent of archdiocesan schools.

they were dissatisfied elsewhere, but because they felt called to be a part of something greater.

An email arrived that

contained the enrollment figures for each of the three Catholic high schools in Johnson County. These figures reflect a five percent increase, due primarily to students enrolling who have not attended Catholic schools in the past.

A principal relayed

that parents arrived for a meeting with school staff bearing a basket of small tokens of appreciation for the effort the staff was making to ensure their child with special needs is successful.

Another principal forwarded an email received from a teacher who expressed her appreciation for the joyful spirit in the school, as evidenced by not only the all-school Mass but also the daily interactions in the hallways and classrooms.

An entire class of very diverse sixth-graders beamed from ear to ear as they explained all the things they love about their school.

Several dads who

were volunteering at their school commented, “God bless our teachers! We are in awe of what they do every day for our kids.”

Middle-school students intently listened and spoke in a language other than English, taught by a native speaker of that language. The principal shared that the class was one of 36 electives offered in the elementary school.

A new-to-us high school leader conveyed his pleasant surprise that a student walked up to him with a smile, extended his hand, introduced himself and said, “Welcome to our school!

Thanks for being here.”

What I have de-

scribed above are just a few of the “good news” stories in our Catholic schools as we begin the 2016-2017 school year.

We began this year, and will do so for years to come, with this simple foundational belief: “Each child is a masterpiece of God, created with precision for a specific purpose.” All of our efforts are focused on helping our students and their parents discern what each child’s God-given purpose is in this life on earth.

Please pray for all those in our Catholic school communities that we fulfill this responsibility with fidelity and joy. ¡Vaya con Dios!

Our labors have only just begun in this vale of tears

“W

e’re winning.”

If you’re involved in pro-life ministry, it is very likely that you have heard this said recently. Such thinking is understandable, especially to anyone who remembers the dark days of 25 years ago when abortions peaked at around 1.6 million per year (600,000 more than 2015) and the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed Roe v. Wade in the abominable Casey decision.

Since that time, the pro-life position has become more culturally mainstream. A national ban on partial-birth abortions was passed by Congress and upheld by the Supreme Court. More

CHURCH AND STATE

MICHAEL SCHUTTLOFFEL Michael Schuttloffel is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

pro-life laws have been passed at the state level in the last five years than

in the previous 15, Kansas being a prime example.

There is reason to see in all of this and much else trend lines that favor an eventual repeal of Roe. However, short of the eschaton, victory over the culture of death is not some sort of historical inevitability. And the near-term picture

may not be nearly so rosy as we would like to believe.

Start with the fact that there are still over one million abortions per year in this country. The rivers of innocent blood being spilled every single day make for a strange type of “winning.”

Moreover, advocates for the abortion industry are promoting an astonishingly aggressive agenda, apparently in the belief that pro-lifers have failed to capture the nation’s hearts and minds. This year for the first time, the Democratic Party’s platform explicitly calls for repeal of the Hyde Amendment, which prevents taxpayer Medicaid dollars from funding most abortions.

Gone is the rhetoric of “safe, legal and rare.”

Instead, a social media campaign is encouraging women to “shout their abortion,” and politicians who danced around the issue 20 years ago now make no attempt to disguise their pro-abortion extremism. This summer, in an act of pure political partisanship masquerading as a judicial opinion, the Supreme Court struck down a common sense pro-life law from Texas 5-3.

At the nation’s founding, slavery’s supporters mostly defended it as a necessary evil, and its opponents believed that it was on the path to extinction. Roughly 40 years after the ratification of the Constitution,

however, attitudes changed. High profile Southerners in public life began defending slavery as a positive good, and it became clear that slavery was not just going to run its course and die. Forty-three years after Roe, something similar may be happening.

Let us not be deluded into thinking that as our culture and our politics descend into the abyss, the family is destroyed and unlimited sexual freedom becomes the top priority of the body politic, that respect for the unborn will somehow, inexorably defy these trends and win out.

Our labors in this vale of tears have only just begun.

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

16

‘GOD WAS CALLING’

New deaf ministry consultant feels position chose her

“

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Church ministry was not “Plan A” for Katie Locus, the new archdiocesan consultant for deaf min-

istry.

“This job is not something I’ve wanted to do all my life since I was a kid,” said Locus.

But when she saw the job posting, it gave her pause. And For more informawhen it was tion on deaf ministry offered to in the archdiocese her? or to reach Locus, “I really send an email to: felt that God deafministry@arch was calling kck.org, or call, by me to it,” videophone, (913) she said, 324-5378. “and how do you say no to God?” “I’m so grateful that I followed it,” added Locus, who succeeds Pat Richey in the ministry, “because since I began this job, I’ve felt such a peace and a joy, and that lets me know I’m doing the right thing.”

Locus, who was born deaf, was raised in Austin, Texas. She is the second of four children in her family.

Her parents, both doctors, didn’t discover she was deaf until she was eight months old.

Her parents investigated different ways to communicate, so when Locus went to the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin at age 4, all the members of her family began to learn American Sign Language at the school, too. Locus, the only deaf person in her family, also taught her younger siblings how to sign.

“Unfortunately, my situation is rather rare,” said Locus. “Ninety-six or 97 percent of deaf children are born to hearing parents, and maybe five percent of those families learn to sign with their child.”

She was also fortunate that her home parish was across the street from the Texas School for the Deaf, and her catechist was a deaf deacon.

She grew up without a priest who could sign, but received the sacraments with the aid of an interpreter.

“We are strong Catholics,” said Locus. “My parents were very involved. And they taught us from the beginning about God, and who he is, and [that] we need to serve him.”

After Locus left the Texas School for the Deaf, she went to Westlake High School, where she was the

“I WANT [DEAF CATHOLICS] TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE, AND I’D LOVE TO HAVE SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES ONCE A MONTH SO THE DEAF COMMUNITY CAN GET INVOLVED IN SERVING AND GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.” Katie Locus, new archdiocesan consultant for deaf ministry

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Katie Locus is the new archdiocesan consultant for deaf ministry. Locus, who is deaf herself, wants to improve the involvement of the deaf in archdiocesan events. only deaf person, and then on to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, a college of the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York. There, she earned a bachelor’s degree in professional and technical communication in 2009, and a master’s in deaf education in 2011.

Locus next began her “dream job,” a career in education as a middle school and high school English teacher at the Kansas School for the Deaf in Olathe.

“My third year [of teaching] I noticed that I was missing something in my job,” she said. “I loved teaching — English is my passion, and I love to teach — but I couldn’t talk about

God with my students, and it was really frustrating. I couldn’t teach them about what was really important in life — about morals, about values, about serving God that leads to true happiness.”

Locus began spiritual direction and became more deeply involved in her parish. She also went on a mission trip to the Bahamas.

“I felt so close to God during that time,” said Locus. “It was such an incredible experience. And from that, I realized I really wanted a job where I could fully serve God — more than what I was doing as teacher — but I just wasn’t sure how to do that.”

When she returned, Locus went on a retreat.

“I felt so called by God, and [told myself] no matter what God calls me to do, I will say yes,” said Locus. “I’m just going to be fully open to where God wants me at this point in my life.”

The same day that Locus was turned down for doctoral studies, a friend told her that the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas was looking for a new consultant for deaf ministry.

Everyone she knew told her to apply. It seemed to be a sign from God, so she did. She interviewed and was offered the job.

In the months and years ahead, Locus wants to improve the involvement of the deaf in archdiocesan events. She also wants to improve awareness by hearing people on how to interact with the deaf.

“I want [deaf Catholics] to know about what service opportunities are available, and I’d love to have service opportunities once a month so the deaf community can get involved in serving and giving back to the community,” said Locus.

Locus would also like to host monthly gatherings for young adults so they can explore their faith and their spirituality — and much more.

“I want to meet people who have deaf kids and make sure the kids are receiving sacramental preparation, and the families and kids are involved in their faith and community,” she said.